Potential causal association between leisure sedentary behaviors and osteoporosis: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Previous observational studies have observed a correlation between sedentary behavior and osteoporosis. However, conclusions from these studies have been contradictory. To explore the potential causal relationship between sedentary behavior and osteoporosis, we conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis. A two-sample Mendelian randomization was adopted to explore the causal relationship of leisure sedentary behavior with osteoporosis. We employed 5 methods to estimate the causal associations between leisure sedentary behavior and osteoporosis. Univariable Mendelian randomization results provided evidence for the causal relationship of the time spent on computer-use with the bone mineral density estimated by heel quantitative ultrasound (eBMD) (inverse variance weighted [IVW]: ß (95% confidence interval [CI]) - 0.150 (-0.270 to -0.031), P = .013; weighted median: ß (95%CI) - 0.195 (-0.336 to -0.055), P = .006). Similar associations were observed in the driving forearm bone mineral density (FABMD) (IVW: ß (95%CI) - 0.933 (-1.860 to -0.007), P = .048) and driving lumbar spine bone mineral density (IVW: ß (95%CI) - 0.649 (-1.175 to -0.124), P = .015). However, we did not find a significant causal relationship between the time spent on watching TV and bone mineral density. Research showed that there was a causal relationship between the time spent on computer use and driving time and eBMD, FABMD, and lumbar spine bone mineral density.

Shared and Specific Changes of Cortico-Striatal Functional Connectivity in Stable Mild Cognitive Impairment and Progressive Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease, has two distinct subtypes: stable MCI (sMCI) and progressive MCI (pMCI). Early identification of the two subtypes has important clinical significance. Objective: We aimed to compare the cortico-striatal functional connectivity (FC) differences between the two subtypes of MCI and enhance the accuracy of differential diagnosis between sMCI and pMCI. Methods: We collected resting-state fMRI data from 31 pMCI patients, 41 sMCI patients, and 81 healthy controls. We chose six pairs of seed regions, including the ventral striatum inferior, ventral striatum superior, dorsal-caudal putamen, dorsal-rostral putamen, dorsal caudate, and ventral-rostral putamen and analyzed the differences in cortico-striatal FC among the three groups, additionally, the relationship between the altered FC within the MCI subtypes and cognitive function was examined. Results: Compared to sMCI, the pMCI patients exhibited decreased FC between the left dorsal-rostral putamen and right middle temporal gyrus, the right dorsal caudate and right inferior temporal gyrus, and the left dorsal-rostral putamen and left superior frontal gyrus. Additionally, the altered FC between the right inferior temporal gyrus and right putamen was significantly associated with episodic memory and executive function. Conclusions: Our study revealed common and distinct cortico-striatal FC changes in sMCIs and pMCI across different seeds; these changes were associated with cognitive function. These findings can help us understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MCI and distinguish pMCI and sMCI in the early stage potentially.

Directed Functional Connectivity Changes of Triple Networks for Stable and Progressive Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment includes two distinct subtypes, namely progressive mild cognitive impairment and stable mild cognitive impairment. While alterations in extensive functional connectivity have been observed in both subtypes, limited attention has been given to directed functional connectivity. A triple network, composed of the central executive network, default mode network, and salience network, is considered to be the core cognitive network. We evaluated the alterations in directed functional connectivity within and between the triple network in progressive and stable mild cognitive impairment groups and investigated its role in predicting disease conversion. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze directed functional connectivity within the triple networks. A correlation analysis was performed to investigate potential associations between altered directed functional connectivity within the triple networks and the neurocognitive performance of the participants. Our study revealed significant differences in directed functional connectivity within and between the triple network in the progressive and stable mild cognitive impairment groups. Altered directed functional connectivity within the triple network was involved in episodic memory and executive function. Thus, the directed functional connectivity of the triple network may be used as an imaging marker of mild cognitive impairment.

Lei's formula attenuates osteoarthritis mediated by suppression of chondrocyte senescence via the mTOR axis: in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Lei's formula (LSF), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, is recognized for its remarkable clinical effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis (OA). Despite its therapeutic potential, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying LSF's action in OA have remained enigmatic. Existing research has shed light on the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in promoting chondrocyte senescence, a central factor in OA-related cartilage degeneration. Consequently, targeting mTOR to mitigate chondrocyte senescence presents a promising avenue for OA treatment. The primary objective of this study is to establish LSF's chondroprotective potential and confirm its anti-osteoarthritic efficacy through mTOR inhibition. In vivo assessments using an OA mouse model reveal substantial articular cartilage degeneration. However, LSF serves as an effective guardian of articular cartilage, evidenced by reduced subchondral osteosclerosis, increased cartilage thickness, improved surface smoothness, decreased OARSI scores, elevated expression of cartilage anabolic markers (Col2 and Aggrecan), reduced expression of catabolic markers (Adamts5 and MMP13), increased expression of the chondrocyte hypertrophy marker (Col10), and decreased expression of chondrocyte senescence markers (P16 and P21). In vitro findings demonstrate that LSF shields chondrocytes from H2O2-induced apoptosis, inhibits senescence, enhances chondrocyte differentiation, promotes the synthesis of type II collagen and proteoglycans, and reduces cartilage degradation. Mechanistically, LSF suppresses chondrocyte senescence through the mTOR axis, orchestrating the equilibrium between chondrocyte anabolism and catabolism, ultimately leading to reduced apoptosis and decelerated OA cartilage degradation. LSF holds significant promise as a therapeutic approach for OA treatment, offering new insights into potential treatments for this prevalent age-related condition.

Hydrolysis of Solid Buffer Enables High-Performance Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery.

Aqueous zinc (Zn) ion batteries (AZIBs) have not yet fulfilled their talent of high safety and low cost since the anode/electrolyte interface (AEI) has long been impeded by hydrogen evolution, surface corrosion, dendritic growth, and by-product accumulation. Here, the hydrolysis of solid buffers is elaborately proposed to comprehensively and enduringly handle these issues. Take 2D layered black phosphorus (BP) as a hydrolytic subject. It is reported that the phosphoric acid generated by hydrolysis in an aqueous electrolyte produces a zinc phosphate (ZPO) rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which largely inhibits the dendrite growth, surface corrosion, and hydrogen evolution. Meanwhile, the hydrolytic phosphoric acid stabilizes the pH value near AEI, avoiding the accumulation of alkaline by-products. Notably, compared with the disposable ZPO engineerings of anodic SEI pre-construction and electrolyte additive, the hydrolysis strategy of BP can realize a dramatically prolonged protective effect. As a result, these multiple merits endow BP modified separator to achieve improved stripping/plating stability toward Zn anode with more than ten times lifespan enhancement in Zn||Zn symmetrical cell. More encouragingly, when coupled with a V2 O5 ·nH2 O cathode with ultra-high loadings (34.1 and 28.7 mg cm-2 ), the cumulative capacities are remarkably promoted for both coin and pouch cells.

Causal relationship between breakfast skipping and bone mineral density: a two-sample Mendelian randomized study.

Objective: To explore the causal association between breakfast skipping and bone mineral density (BMD) through two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis. Methods: A two-sample MR approach was adopted to explore the causal relationship of breakfast skipping with BMDs (across three skeletal sites and five age groups). Publicly available genome-wide association study summary data were used for MR analysis. We used five methods to estimate the causal associations between breakfast skipping and BMDs: inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. IVW was used for the main analysis and the remaining four methods were used as supplementary analyses. The heterogeneity of the MR results was determined using IVW and MR-Egger methods. The pleiotropy of the MR results was determined using MR-Egger intercept. Furthermore, a leave-one-out test was performed to determine whether the MR results were affected by a single nucleotide polymorphism. Results: With the IVW method, we did not find any causal relationship between breakfast skipping and forearm, femoral neck, and lumbar spine BMD. Subsequently, when we included BMD data stratified by five different age groups in the analysis, the results showed that there was no apparent causal effect between breakfast skipping and age-stratified BMD. This finding was supported by all four supplementary methods (P > 0.05 for all methods). No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in any of the analyses (P > 0.05). The leave-one-out tests conducted in the analyses did not identify any single nucleotide polymorphism that could have influenced the MR results, indicating the reliability of our findings. Conclusion: No causal effect was found between breakfast skipping and BMD (across three skeletal sites and five age groups).

Reference values of gait parameters in healthy Chinese university students: A cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Gait is influenced by race, age, and diseases type. Reference values for gait are closely related to numerous health outcomes. To gain a comprehensive understanding of gait patterns, particularly in relation to race-related pathologies and disorders, it is crucial to establish reference values for gait in daily life considering sex and age. Therefore, our objective was to present sex and age-based reference values for gait in daily life, providing a valuable foundation for further research and clinical applications. AIM: To establish reference values for lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics during gait in asymptomatic adult women and men. METHODS: Spatiotemporal, kinematics and kinetics parameters were measured in 171 healthy adults (70 males and 101 females) using the computer-aided soft tissue foot model. Full curve statistical parametric mapping was performed using independent and paired-samples t-tests. RESULTS: Compared with females, males required more time (cycle time, double-limb support time, stance time, swing time, and stride time), and the differences were statistically significant. In addition, the step and stride lengths of males were longer. Compared to males, female cadence was faster, and statures-per-second and stride-per-minute were higher. There were no statistical differences in speed and stride width between the two groups. After adjusting for height, it was observed that women walked significantly faster than men, and they also had a higher cadence. However, in terms of step length, stride length, and stride width, both genders exhibited similarities. CONCLUSION: We established reference values for gait speed and spatiotemporal gait parameters in Chinese university students. This contributes to a valuable database for gait assessment and evaluation of preventive or rehabilitative programs.

Analysis of proteome-wide degradation dynamics in ALS SOD1 iPSC-derived patient neurons reveals disrupted VCP homeostasis.

Mutations in SOD1 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through gain-of-function effects, yet the mechanisms by which misfolded mutant SOD1 (mutSOD1) protein impairs human motor neurons (MNs) remain unclear. Here, we use induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived MNs coupled to metabolic stable isotope labeling and mass spectrometry to investigate proteome-wide degradation dynamics. We find several proteins, including the ALS-causal valosin-containing protein (VCP), which predominantly acts in proteasome degradation and autophagy, that degrade slower in mutSOD1 relative to isogenic control MNs. The interactome of VCP is altered in mutSOD1 MNs in vitro, while VCP selectively accumulates in the affected motor cortex of ALS-SOD1 patients. Overexpression of VCP rescues mutSOD1 toxicity in MNs in vitro and in a C. elegans model in vivo, in part due to its ability to modulate the degradation of insoluble mutSOD1. Our results demonstrate that VCP contributes to mutSOD1-dependent degeneration, link two distinct ALS-causal genes, and highlight selective protein degradation impairment in ALS pathophysiology.

Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation for treatment of acute ankle fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) allows for the assessment of joint congruity following anatomic reduction, identification of occult intra-articular lesions, and treatment of traumatic intra-articular pathologies. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide evidence on whether ARIF is an alternative treatment protocol for ankle fractures. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched independently by two investigators from the inception dates to October 9, 2022, for comparative studies. The risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for Randomized Controlled Trials and the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) were used for assessing the methodological quality. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, post-operative complications, arthroscopic findings, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and operation time. Cochrane Review Manager Software 5.4 was used to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 trials involving 755 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that ARIF for ankle fractures was superior regarding functional outcomes and VAS scores when compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). No significant difference was noted in the post-operative complication rate and the operation time between the ARIF and ORIF groups. A high incidence of chondral or osteochondral lesions (OCLs), ligamentous injuries, and loose bodies with ankle fractures was found by ankle arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: ARIF for ankle fractures might be beneficial to offer superior functional outcomes and VAS score than ORIF. Orthopedic surgeons should take a high incidence of OCLs and ligamentous injuries into consideration for the treatment of acute ankle fractures. We believe that with the increase in surgical experience, the occurrence of post-operative complications and the extension of operation time will no longer be a potential concern for surgeons.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Hysteretic Behavior of Friction Energy Dissipation Composite Chord under Quasi-Static Tests.

To improve the seismic performance of a staggered truss steel framing system, the basic force unit in the truss system is replaced by a friction energy dissipation truss. The difference between a friction energy dissipation truss and an ordinary truss is that the upper chord is a friction energy dissipation composite chord. In this paper, we investigate the effects of the number of bolts and the friction surface on the energy dissipation capacity of the chord by a quasi-static test on six composite chord specimens at a scale of 1:2. The results show that the hysteresis curves of friction energy dissipation composite chords are ideal rectangles, and the energy dissipation capacity is excellent. The more bolts there are in the specimen, the slower the energy dissipation capacity of the chord decreases. Among the different friction surface specimens, the energy dissipation capacity of the aluminum friction plate specimen decays the fastest, while the energy dissipation capacity of the shot-blasted treated specimen decays substantially after the first cycle. Friction plates can improve the stability of the hysteresis properties. Based on the test results, this paper proposes a calculation method for the ultimate bearing capacity of the composite chord, which provides a basis for the design of a friction energy dissipation truss. In addition, we studied the effects of different bolt clamping forces and slotted bolt hole lengths on the energy dissipation capacity of composite chords by establishing a finite element analysis. It was shown that as the clamping force of the bolt increases, the energy dissipation capacity of the specimen becomes stronger but the stability decreases. The energy dissipation capacity of the chord is close to a linear relationship with the slotted bolt hole lengths; thus, increasing the slotted bolt hole lengths within the allowable range of inter-story drifts can enhance the energy dissipation capacity of the chord. Finally, we propose the design method of the angle steel by analyzing the force of the chord.

Shaping Sulfur Precursors to Low Dimensional (0D, 1D and 2D) Sulfur Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization, Mechanism, Functionalization, and Applications.

Low-dimensional sulfur nanomaterials featuring with 0D sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), sulfur nanodots (SNDs) and sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), 1D sulfur nanorods (SNRs), and 2D sulfur nanosheets (SNSs) have emerged as an environmentally friendly, biocompatible class of metal-free nanomaterials, sparking extensive interest in a wide range application. In this review, various synthetic methods, precise characterization, creative formation mechanism, delicate functionalization, and versatile applications of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials over the last decades are systematically summarized. Initially, it is striven to summarize the progress of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials from versatile precursors by using different synthetic approaches and various characterization. Then, a multi-faceted proposed formation mechanism with emphasis on how these different precursors produce corresponding SNPs, SNDs, SQDs, SNRs, and SNSs is highlighted. Besides, it is essential to fine-tune the surface functional groups of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials to form new complex nanomaterials. Finally, these sulfur nanomaterials are being investigated in bio-sensing, bio-imaging, lithium-sulfur batteries, antibacterial activities, plant growth along with future perspective and challenges in emerging fields. The purpose of this review is to tailor low dimensional nanomaterials through accurately selecting precursors or synthetic approach and provide a foundation for the formation of versatile sulfur nanostructure.

Study on the Lower Limits of Physical Parameters for Heavy Oil Reservoirs during the In Situ Combustion Process.

As an effective enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method in the late stage of the steam injection process, in situ combustion (ISC) has been verified by more and more researchers owing to its high recovery efficiency and low operation cost. However, the ISC process is prone to bringing about an unfavorable result with a low sweep efficiency and even an extinction process due to the complexity and uncertainty in oil and water distribution as well as the heterogeneity of the actual reservoir. In this work, combustion tube experiments combined with numerical simulations by CMG-STARS were conducted to study the influence of a reservoir's physical parameters on the stability of ISC. It was found that the sustainability of the combustion process is sensitive to permeability and oil saturation, the lower limits of which are determined as 0.2 µm2 and 0.2, respectively. Then, a formula was preliminarily proposed as 0.25 ≤ So/K ≤ 0.8, which could be used as a reference of screening criteria in designing the ISC process.

Bright side of the MAOA-uVNTR on trait and situational forgiveness.

The stress-and-coping theory of forgiveness posits that forgiveness and aggression are alternative ways of coping with stress of interpersonal offences. Inspired by the link between aggression and MAOA-uVNTR (a genetic variant involving in catabolism of monoamines), we investigated the relationship between this variant and forgiveness with two studies. Study 1 examined the relationship between the MAOA-uVNTR and trait forgiveness in students, and study 2 examined the effect of this variant on third-party forgiveness in response to situational offences in male inmates. The results showed that the MAOA-H (a high activity allele) was associated with higher trait forgiveness in male students and greater third-party forgiveness to accidentally committed harm and attempted but failed harm in male inmates than the MAOA-L. These findings highlight the bright side of MAOA-uVNTR on trait and situational forgiveness.

SYF2 suppression mitigates neurodegeneration in models of diverse forms of ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by many diverse genetic etiologies. Although therapeutics that specifically target causal mutations may rescue individual types of ALS, such approaches cannot treat most patients since they have unknown genetic etiology. Thus, there is a critical need for therapeutic strategies that rescue multiple forms of ALS. Here, we combine phenotypic chemical screening on a diverse cohort of ALS patient-derived neurons with bioinformatic analysis of large chemical and genetic perturbational datasets to identify broadly effective genetic targets for ALS. We show that suppressing the gene-encoding, spliceosome-associated factor SYF2 alleviates TDP-43 aggregation and mislocalization, improves TDP-43 activity, and rescues C9ORF72 and causes sporadic ALS neuron survival. Moreover, Syf2 suppression ameliorates neurodegeneration, neuromuscular junction loss, and motor dysfunction in TDP-43 mice. Thus, suppression of spliceosome-associated factors such as SYF2 may be a broadly effective therapeutic approach for ALS.

Can Locked Fibula Nail Replace Plate Fixation for Treatment of Acute Ankle Fracture? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The standard surgical treatment for unstable ankle fractures involves open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates. However, ORIF has been associated with several complications, such as soft tissue irritation, wound infection, and nerve injury. Previous studies have shown that closed reduction and internal fixation with locked intramedullary nails (LIMNs) yields satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of ankle fractures and is associated with low complication rates. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials is imperative to provide evidence on whether or not LIMN fixation is comparable to or superior than traditional ORIF. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. A total of 4 randomized controlled trials involving 359 participants who suffered ankle fractures were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that the LIMN fixation group was statistically significant in terms of functional outcomes at the 3-month follow-up and wound-related complications. There was no statistical advantage for patients in the LIMN fixation group in terms of nonwound-related complications, total complications, or mid-term follow-up functional outcomes. There was no statistical difference between the LIMN and ORIF groups regarding operation time and quality of reduction. We believe LIMN fixation is a viable option for the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in both young and elderly individuals.

Application of protective weight-bearing in osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

Background: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the efficacy and prognostic value of protective weight-bearing for ONFH. Methods: The authors searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases, up to February 25, 2022. RCTs and observational studies on conservative treatment, including the use of crutches, for skeletally mature patients with ONFH and written in English were included. Outcomes were the total hip arthroplasty (THA) rate, collapse rate, Hip Harris score (HHS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score. Cochrane Review Manager Software 5.4 and Stata 15.1 were used to perform the statistical analyses. Results: A total of 14 studies involving 813 patients (1,025 hips) were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the THA rate, collapse rate, HHS and VAS scores in the protective weight-bearing group were not significantly different from those in the surgical group. In the protective weight-bearing group, the results showed that the THA rate was 40%, 8% in ARCO stage II, 37% in ARCO stage III, and the collapse rate was 46%. The mean HHS and VAS score was 80.86 and 1.00, respectively. The HHS score at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up was 79.93, 83.94, 85.94, and 96.09 points, respectively, whereas the VAS score at the 6- and 12-month follow-up was 2.20 and 1.29, respectively. Conclusion: Protective weight bearing could achieve satisfactory results in terms of THA rate, collapse rate, HHS and VAS scores. Protective weight-bearing allows most precollapse patients to preserve the hip but also allows postcollapse patients to delay THA or hip-preserving surgery. The effects and prognosis of protective weight-bearing in the short or mid-term are noninferior to surgical hip preservation and are a viable alternative option for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Comparison arthroscopic reconstruction and percutaneous reconstruction of ankle lateral ligament for chronic ankle lateral instability: A protocol for a meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains occur very frequently in daily life, but people who do not pay attention to them and do not receive proper diagnosis and treatment are very prone to develop chronic ankle lateral instability (CALI) at a later stage. For CALI where conservative treatment has failed, reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle can achieve satisfactory results, but there are various and controversial ways of ligament reconstruction. While percutaneous reconstruction of ankle lateral ligament (PLCLR) needs to be performed repeatedly under fluoroscopy, total arthroscopic reconstruction of ankle lateral ligament (ALCLR) is increasingly recognized by experts and scholars for its minimally invasive and precise characteristics, and has achieved good clinical results. Therefore, it is imperative that a meta-analysis be performed to provide evidence as to whether there is a difference between ALCLR and PLCLR in the treatment of CALI. METHODS: We will search articles in 7 electronic databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Chinese databases SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the publications, with no time restrictions, will be searched without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to September 2022.We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for Randomized Controlled Trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: This systematic review will evaluate the functional outcomes and radiographic results of ALCLR in the treatment of CALI. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for judging whether ALCLR is superior to PLCLR for treatment of CALI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022362045.

Nonvolatile n-Type Doping and Metallic State in Multilayer-MoS2 Induced by Hydrogenation Using Ionic-Liquid Gating.

Manipulation of the carrier density of layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is of fundamental significance for a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic applications. Herein, we applied the ionic-liquid-gating (ILG) method to inject the smallest ions, H+, into layered MoS2 to manipulate its carrier concentration. The measurements demonstrate that the injection of H+ realizes a nonvolatile n-type doping and metallic state in multilayer-MoS2 with a concentration of injection electron of ∼1.08 × 1013 cm-2 but has no effect on monolayer-MoS2, which clearly reveals that the H+ is injected into the interlayer of MoS2, not in the crystal lattice. The H+-injected multilayer-MoS2 was then used as the contact electrodes of a monolayer-MoS2 field effect transistor to improve the contact quality, and its performance has been enhanced. Our work deepens the understanding of the ILG technology and extends its application in TMDs.

Comparison of flexible fixation and screw fixation for isolated Lisfranc ligament injuries: A protocol for a meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of isolated Lisfranc ligament (ILL) injuries has been increasing recently with the increase in low-energy trauma resulting from sports injuries. For ILL injuries, the optimal method of fixation still remains controversial. The traditional fixation method is achieved by trans-articular screws, but recently, dorsal bridge plates and suture button (SB) fixation have become alternatives. Some biomechanical studies have showed that SB fixation can provide adequate strength compared to trans-articular screws. Therefore, a meta-analysis is imperative to provide evidence on whether flexible fixation is comparable to screw fixation for treatment of ILL injuries. METHODS: We will conduct a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science databases and for comparative studies. We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for Randomized Controlled Trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software (Cochrane Collaboration, London, England). RESULTS: This systematic review will evaluate the functional outcomes and radiographic results of flexible fixation for treatment of ILL injuries. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for judging whether flexible fixation is superior to screw fixation for treatment of ILL injuries.

The interplay between parental care and OPRM1 in reward responsiveness.

The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) explains a variety of reward-motivated behaviors as the result of the activation of biologically-based systems. Inspired by the influences of parental bonding and opioid peptide on reward system, we investigated the contributions of parental bonding and mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) towards motivation systems (i.e., the BAS, BIS-anxiety, and FFFS-fear). Results indicated that (1) parental care was negatively related to FFFS-fear, but parental overprotection was positively related to both FFFS-fear and BIS-anxiety; (2) parental care significantly interacted with OPRM1 rs1799971 in reward responsiveness with diathesis-stress model. Poor parental care reduced reward responsiveness among individuals with the G allele, but not those with the AA genotype. These findings from this study demonstrate a new gene-environment interactive mechanism of the RST.