Comparison between intramedullary nail and conventional plate for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the intramedullary nail and conventional plate for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures from clinical comparative trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of English databases was carried out in the Springer, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases until September 2023. Studies on calcaneal fractures treated by an intramedullary nail or a plate were considered for inclusion. Endpoints included duration of operation, length of hospital stay, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, postoperative functional score, radiological parameters, and complications. The mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) as the combined variables, as well as the 95% confidence intervals, (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Five retrospective controlled studies covering 473 feet at the one-year follow-up met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that there were significant differences in the duration of operation (MD: -10.81; 95% CI: -16.32, -5.31; p=0.0001), length of hospital stay (MD: -3.65; 95% CI: -4.35, -2.95; p<0.00001). No significant differences were found regarding postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (MD: 0.36; 95% CI: -3.89, 4.61; p=0.87), VAS (MD: 1.95; 95% CI: -0.30, 4.21; p=0.09), or postoperative Böhler angle (MD: 0.94; 95% CI: -0.04, 1.92; p=0.06) between the two groups. The incidence of total complications (RD: -0.31; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.17; p<0.0001) and wound-healing complications (RD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.03; p=0.02) were lower in the intramedullary nail group. There were no significant differences in the incidences of revision surgery, implant removal, superficial wound infection, deep infection, and nonunion. CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional plates, the intramedullary nail showed a shorter duration of operation, reduced length of hospital stay, and fewer postoperative total complications and wound-healing complications in treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Dual Role of a Novel heteroleptic Cu(I) Complex in Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction.

A novel mononuclear Cu(I) complex was synthesized via coordination with a benzoquinoxalin-2'-one-1,2,3-triazole chelating diimine and the bis[(2-diphenylphosphino)phenyl] ether (DPEPhos), to target a new and efficient photosensitizer for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The Cu(I) complex absorbs in the blue-green region of the visible spectrum, with a broad band having a maximum at 475 nm (ε = 4500 M-1cm-1), which is assigned to the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition from the Cu(I) to the benzoquinoxalin-2'-one moiety of the diimine. Surprisingly, photo-driven experiments for the CO2 reduction showed that this complex can undergo a photoinduced electron transfer with a sacrificial electron donor and accumulate electrons on the diimine backbone. Photo-driven experiments in a CO2 atmosphere revealed that this complex can not only act as a photosensitizer, when combined with an Fe(III)-porphyrin, but can also selectively produce CO from CO2. Thus, owing to its charge-accumulation properties, the non-innocent benzoquinoxalin-2-one based ligand enabled the development of the first copper(I)-based photocatalyst for CO2 reduction.

Antennal Transcriptome Evaluation and Analysis for Odorant-Binding Proteins, Chemosensory Proteins, and Suitable Reference Genes in the Leaf Beetle Pest Diorhabda rybakowi Weise (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Diorhabda rybakowi Weise is one of the dominant pests feeding on Nitraria spp., a pioneer plant used for windbreaking and sand fixation purposes, and poses a threat to local livestock and ecosystems. To clarify the key olfactory genes of D. rybakowi and provide a theoretical basis for attractant and repellent development, the optimal reference genes under two different conditions (tissue and sex) were identified, and the bioinformatics and characterization of the tissue expression profiles of two categories of soluble olfactory proteins (OBPs and CSPs) were investigated. The results showed that the best reference genes were RPL13a and RPS18 for comparison among tissues, and RPL19 and RPS18 for comparison between sexes. Strong expressions of DrybOBP3, DrybOBP6, DrybOBP7, DrybOBP10, DrybOBP11, DrybCSP2, and DrybCSP5 were found in antennae, the most important olfactory organ for D. rybakowi. These findings not only provide a basis for further in-depth research on the olfactory molecular mechanisms of host-specialized pests but also provide a theoretical basis for the future development of new chemical attractants or repellents using volatiles to control D. rybakowi.

Effect of inflammatory response on joint function after hip fracture in elderly patients: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Excellent hip joint function facilitates limb recovery and improves the quality of survival. This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors affecting postoperative joint functional activity and outcomes in elderly hip fractures patients and to provide evidence for patient rehabilitation and clinical management. AIM: To explore the relationship between inflammatory factors and hip function and the interaction between inflammation and health after hip fracture in elderly patients. METHODS: The elderly patients who had hip fracture surgery at our hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022 were chosen for this retrospective clinical investigation. Patients with excellent and fair postoperative hip function had their clinical information and characteristics gathered and compared. Age, gender, fracture site, surgical technique, laboratory indices, and other variables that could have an impact on postoperative joint function were all included in a univariate study. To further identify independent risk factors affecting postoperative joint function in hip fractures, risk factors that showed statistical significance in the univariate analysis were then included in a multiple logistic regression analysis. In addition to this, we also compared other outcome variables such as visual analogue scale and length of hospital stay between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 119 elderly patients with hip fractures were included in this study, of whom 37 were male and 82 were female. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis after excluding the interaction of various factors showed that there was a statistically significant difference in interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and complement C1q (C1q) between the fair and excellent joint function groups (P < 0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6 > 20 pg/mL [(Odds ratio (OR) 3.070, 95%CI: 1.243-7.579], IL-8 > 21.4 pg/ mL (OR 3.827, 95%CI: 1.498-9.773), CRP > 10 mg/L (OR 2.142, 95%CI: 1.020-4.498) and C1q > 233 mg/L (OR 2.339, 95%CI: 1.094-5.004) were independent risk factors for poor joint function after hip fracture surgery (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After hip fractures in older patients, inflammatory variables are risk factors for fair joint function; therefore, early intervention to address these markers is essential to enhance joint function and avoid consequences.

Pollution characteristics and prospective risk of microplastics in the Zhengzhou section of Yellow River, China.

The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the freshwater has attracted widespread attention. The Zhengzhou section of the Yellow River was the most prosperous region in ancient China, and the rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices contributed to MPs pollution in aquatic systems recently, whereas the contamination status of MPs in the area is still not available. In this study, a total of fourteen sampling cross-sections were selected in the region to collect water samples systematically for the analysis of MPs pollution characteristics and potential risks. Results showed that abundance of MPs in the water were ranged from 2.33 to 15.50 n/L, with an average value of 6.40 ± 3.40 n/L, which was higher than it in other inland rivers from China. Moreover, the MPs of 0.5-2 mm were the dominant sizes in Yellow River of Zhengzhou region, and most of them were black fibres. The top three polymers were Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (PA) and Polypropylene (PP). High diversity indices of MPs observed at S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 for size, colour, polymer and shape indicated diverse and complex sources of MPs in those cross-sections. The MPs in water from Zhengzhou area of Yellow River probably degraded from textiles, fishing net, plastic bags, mulching film, packaging bags, and tire wear. The chemical risk assessment revealed a level III risk for study area, while S8 and S11 in which PVA or PAN with higher hazard score detected were categorised as class V risk. Coincidentally, probabilistic risk assessment showed a considerable ecological risk of MPs from Yellow River in Zhengzhou City, with possibility of 99.48 and 98.01 % adverse effect for food dilution and translocation-mediated mechanism, respectively. The results are expected to assistance for development of policies and ultimately combating MPs pollution.

Multistatic Integrated Sensing and Communication System Based on Macro-Micro Cooperation.

A novel multistatic integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system based on macro-micro cooperation for the sixth-generation (6G) mobile network is proposed. Instead of using macrosites at both the transmitter and receiver sides, microsites are considered as receivers in cooperative sensing. This system is important since microsites can be deployed more flexibly to reduce their distances to the sensing objects, providing better coverage for sensing service. In this work, we first analyze the deployment problem of microsites, which can be deployed along the radius and azimuth angle to cover macrosite cells. The coverage area of each microsite is derived in terms of its position in the cell. Then, we describe an efficient estimating approach for obtaining the position and velocity of sensing objects in the macrosite cell. By choosing multiple microsites around the targeted sensing area, joint data processing with an efficient optimization method is also provided. Simulation results show that the multistatic ISAC system employing macro-micro cooperation can improve the position and velocity estimation accuracy of objects compared to systems employing macrosite cooperation alone, demonstrating the effectiveness and potential for implementing the proposed system in the 6G mobile network.

Stomatohabitans albus gen. nov., sp. nov., an oral living facultative anaerobic actinobacteria isolated form Steller sea lion, and proposal of Stomatohabitantaceae fam. nov. and Stomatohabitantales ord. nov.

Two novel actinobacteria, designated as SYSU M7M538T and SYSU M7M531, were isolated from oral of Eumetopias jubatus in Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China. The cells of these microorganisms stained Gram-positive and were rod shaped. These strains were facultative anaerobic, and catalase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 37 °C and pH 7.0 over 7 days of cultivation. Both strains possessed diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphocholine as the major polar lipids. The main menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids were C16:0, C17:1w8c, C17:0, C18:1w9c and C18:0. Analyses of genome sequences revealed that the genome size of SYSU M7M538T was 2.1 Mbp with G + C content of 52.5 %, while the genome size of SYSU M7M531 was 2.3 Mbp with G + C content of 52.7 %. The ANI and 16S rRNA gene analysis results showed that the pairwise similarities between the two strains and other recognized Nitriliruptoria species were less than 64.9 % and 89.0 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains SYSU M7M538T and SYSU M7M531 formed a well-separated phylogenetic branch distinct from other orders of Nitriliruptoria. Based on the data presented here, these two strains are considered to represent a novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Stomatohabitans albus gen. nov., sp. nov., with the type strain SYSU M7M538T (=KCTC 59113T = GDMCC 1.4286T), are proposed. We also propose that these organisms represent a novel family named Stomatohabitantaceae fam. nov. of a novel order Stomatohabitantales ord. nov.

Superconductivity-Electron Count Relationship in Heusler Phases-the Case of LiPd2Si.

We report superconductivity in the full Heusler compound LiPd2Si (space group Fm3̅m, No. 225) at a critical temperature of Tc = 1.3 K and a normalized heat capacity jump at Tc, ΔC/γTc = 1.1. The low-temperature isothermal magnetization curves imply type-I superconductivity, as previously observed in LiPd2Ge. We show, based on density functional theory calculations and using the molecular orbital theory approach, that while LiPd2Si and LiPd2Ge share the Pd cubic cage motif that is found in most of the reported Heusler superconductors, they show distinctive features in the electronic structure. This is due to the fact that Li occupies the site which, in other compounds, is filled with an early transition metal or a rare-earth metal. Thus, while a simple valence electron count-property relationship is useful in predicting and tuning Heusler materials, inclusion of the symmetry of interacting frontier orbitals is also necessary for the best understanding.

[Occurrence Characteristic and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Sishui River (Xingyang Section)].

Urban rivers are the main receptors and transporters of microplastic pollution. Understanding the occurrence and environmental risk of microplastics in urban rivers can provide theoretical basis for further control of microplastic pollution. The Sishui River, a tributary of the Yellow River, was selected as the research object. A total of nine water samples were collected from sewage outlets of the Sishui River (Xingyang section). The microplastics in the collected samples were characterized by their sizes, shapes, and colors using a microscope. It was found that microplastics were mostly in the form of transparent fibers and fragments in the water body of sewage outlets, of which the size below 500 µm was relatively high. In addition, PET and PE polymers were identified as the main types using a laser infrared imager. The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the PET and PE, indicating that they were similar in origin. The results of the environmental risk assessment showed that the type of microplastics was the main factor affecting the assessment results, whereas the risk values of six sewage samples containing PVC were high. However, the value of pollution load index revealed a low risk level of pollutants in the study area.

Diamond surface functionalization via visible light-driven C-H activation for nanoscale quantum sensing.

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are a promising platform for nanoscale NMR sensing. Despite significant progress toward using NV centers to detect and localize nuclear spins down to the single spin level, NV-based spectroscopy of individual, intact, arbitrary target molecules remains elusive. Such sensing requires that target molecules are immobilized within nanometers of NV centers with long spin coherence. The inert nature of diamond typically requires harsh functionalization techniques such as thermal annealing or plasma processing, limiting the scope of functional groups that can be attached to the surface. Solution-phase chemical methods can be readily generalized to install diverse functional groups, but they have not been widely explored for single-crystal diamond surfaces. Moreover, realizing shallow NV centers with long spin coherence times requires highly ordered single-crystal surfaces, and solution-phase functionalization has not yet been shown with such demanding conditions. In this work, we report a versatile strategy to directly functionalize C-H bonds on single-crystal diamond surfaces under ambient conditions using visible light, forming C-F, C-Cl, C-S, and C-N bonds at the surface. This method is compatible with NV centers within 10 nm of the surface with spin coherence times comparable to the state of the art. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we use shallow ensembles of NV centers to detect nuclear spins from surface-bound functional groups. Our approach to surface functionalization opens the door to deploying NV centers as a tool for chemical sensing and single-molecule spectroscopy.

Crystallographic Disorder and Strong Magnetic Anisotropy in Dy3Pt2Sb4.48.

We report the crystal growth and characterization of a rare-earth-containing material, Dy3.00(1)Pt2Sb4.48(2). This compound possesses a similar structure to the previously reported Y3Pt4Ge6, but it lacks two layers of Pt atoms. Crystallographic disorder was found in Dy3.00(1)Pt2Sb4.48(2). Additionally, the Dy-Dy framework was found to have both square net and triangular lattices. Dy3.00(1)Pt2Sb4.48(2)8 was determined to be antiferromagnetically ordered around ∼15 K while a competing antiferromagnetic sublattice also exists at lower temperature. Strong magnetic anisotropy was observed, and several metamagnetic transitions were seen in the hysteresis loops. Furthermore, the Curie-Weiss fitting revealed an unusually small effective moment of Dy, which is far below the expected value of Dy3+ (10.65 µB). This material might provide a new platform to study the relationship between crystallographic disorder and magnetism.

Selective α-oxidation of amides via visible-light-driven iron catalysis.

Hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) as one of the highly reactive species can react unselectively with a wide range of chemicals. The ˙OH radicals are typically generated under harsh conditions. Herein, we report hydroxyl radical-induced selective N-α C(sp3)-H bond oxidation of amides under greener and mild conditions via an Fe(NO3)3·9H2O catalyst inner sphere pathway upon irradiation with a 30 W blue LED light strip (λ = 455 nm) using NaBrO3 as the oxidant. This protocol exhibited high chemoselectivity and excellent functional group tolerance. A preliminary mechanism investigation demonstrated that the iron catalyst afforded hydroxyl radicals via the visible-light-induced homolysis (VLIH) of iron complexes followed by a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process to realize this transformation.

The LRR receptor-like kinase ALR1 is a plant aluminum ion sensor.

Plant survival requires an ability to adapt to differing concentrations of nutrient and toxic soil ions, yet ion sensors and associated signaling pathways are mostly unknown. Aluminum (Al) ions are highly phytotoxic, and cause severe crop yield loss and forest decline on acidic soils which represent ∼30% of land areas worldwide. Here we found an Arabidopsis mutant hypersensitive to Al. The gene encoding a leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase, was named Al Resistance1 (ALR1). Al ions binding to ALR1 cytoplasmic domain recruits BAK1 co-receptor kinase and promotes ALR1-dependent phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase RbohD, thereby enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. ROS in turn oxidatively modify the RAE1 F-box protein to inhibit RAE1-dependent proteolysis of the central regulator STOP1, thus activating organic acid anion secretion to detoxify Al. These findings establish ALR1 as an Al ion receptor that confers resistance through an integrated Al-triggered signaling pathway, providing novel insights into ion-sensing mechanisms in living organisms, and enabling future molecular breeding of acid-soil-tolerant crops and trees, with huge potential for enhancing both global food security and forest restoration.

J Coupling Constants of <1 Hz Enable 13C Hyperpolarization of Pyruvate via Reversible Exchange of Parahydrogen.

Observing pyruvate metabolism in vivo has become a focal point of molecular magnetic resonance imaging. Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) has recently emerged as a versatile hyperpolarization technique. Tuning of the spin order transfer (SOT) in SABRE is challenging as the small 1H-13C J couplings, in the 13C-pyruvate case, result in SOT being not readily discernible. We demonstrate an experimental method using frequency-selective excitation of parahydrogen-derived polarization SOT sequence (SEPP-SPINEPT); its application led to up to 5700-fold 13C signal gain. In this way, we estimated the lifetime of two Ir-pyruvate SABRE complexes alongside the individual probing of eight small 1H-13C J couplings that connect the hydride protons in these complexes to 1- and 2-13C pyruvate spins, affording values between 0 and 2.69 Hz. Using electronic structure calculations, we define the low-energy structure of the corresponding complexes. Hence, this study demonstrates a novel approach to analyzing the spin topology of short-lived organometallic complexes.

Unlocking the potential of N-acetylcysteine: Improving hepatopancreas inflammation, antioxidant capacity and health in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) via the MAPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signalling pathway.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) positively contributes to enhancing animal health, regulating inflammation and reducing stress by participating in the synthesis of cysteine, glutathione, and taurine in the body. The present study aims to investigate the effects of dietary different levels of NAC on the morphology, function and physiological state of hepatopancreas in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). 450 common carps were randomly divided into 5 groups: N1 (basal diet), N2 (1.5 g/kg NAC diet), N3 (3.0 g/kg NAC diet), N4 (4.5 g/kg NAC diet) and N5 (6.0 g/kg NAC diet), and fed for 8 weeks. The results indicated that dietary 3.0-6.0 g/kg NAC reduced hepatopancreas lipid vacuoles and nuclear translocation, and inhibited apoptosis in common carp. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatopancreas alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase progressively increased with rising dietary NAC levels. Dietary NAC enhanced the non-specific immune function of common carp, and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, dietary 3.0-6.0 g/kg NAC significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of common carp, which was associated with enhanced glutathione metabolism, clearance of ROS and the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway. In summary, NAC has the potential to alleviate inflammation, mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit apoptosis via the MAPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving hepatopancreas function and health of common carp. The current findings provide a theoretical basis for promoting the application of NAC in aquaculture and ecological cultivation of aquatic animals.

Spliceosome component PHD finger 5A is essential for early B lymphopoiesis.

The spliceosome, a multi-megadalton ribonucleoprotein complex, is essential for pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus and ensuring genomic stability. Its precise and dynamic assembly is pivotal for its function. Spliceosome malfunctions can lead to developmental abnormalities and potentially contribute to tumorigenesis. The specific role of the spliceosome in B cell development is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the spliceosomal U2 snRNP component PHD finger protein 5A (Phf5a) is vital for early B cell development. Loss of Phf5a results in pronounced defects in B cell development, causing an arrest at the transition from pre-pro-B to early pro-B cell stage in the bone marrow of mutant mice. Phf5a-deficient B cells exhibit impaired immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain expression due to defective V-to-DJ gene rearrangement. Mechanistically, our findings suggest that Phf5a facilitates IgH gene rearrangement by regulating the activity of recombination-activating gene endonuclease and influencing chromatin interactions at the Igh locus.

Elucidating the Electronic Nature of Rh-based Paddlewheel Catalysts from 103 Rh NMR Chemical Shifts: Insights from Quantum Mechanical Calculations.

The tremendous importance of dirhodium paddlewheel complexes for asymmetric catalysis is largely the result of an empirical optimization of the chiral ligand sphere about the bimetallic core. It was only recently that a H(C)Rh triple resonance 103 Rh NMR experiment provided the long-awaited opportunity to examine - with previously inconceivable accuracy - how variation of the ligands impacts on the electronic structure of such catalysts. The recorded effects are dramatic: formal replacement of only one out of eight O-atoms surrounding the metal centers in a dirhodium tetracarboxylate by an N-atom results in a shielding of the corresponding Rh-site of no less than 1000 ppm. The current paper provides the theoretical framework that allows this and related experimental observations made with a set of 19 representative rhodium complexes to be interpreted. In line with symmetry considerations, it is shown that the shielding tensor responds only to the donor ability of the equatorial ligands along the perpendicular principal axis. Axial ligands, in contrast, have no direct effect on shielding but may come into play via the electronic c i s ${cis}$ -effect that they exert onto the neighboring equatorial sites. On top of these fundamental interactions, charge redistribution within the core as well as the electronic t r a n s ${trans}$ -effect of ligands of different donor strengths is reflected in the recorded 103 Rh NMR shifts.

Anti-noise UWFBG-array enhanced DAS system using double-pulse-based time-domain adaptive delay interference: publisher's note.

This publisher's note contains a correction to Opt. Lett.48, 1814 (2023)10.1364/OL.486149.

Comparison of different internal fixation implants in the treatment of talar neck fractures: A finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the biomechanics of cannulated screws (CS) with or without a lateral locking plate (LLP) in talar neck fractures through a finite element analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The computed tomography image of the talus from a healthy volunteer (adult male) was used to reconstruct a three-dimensional talar model. The method for fixing talar neck fractures with CS and an LLP was planned using computer-aided design software. Afterward, the three-dimensional models of comminuted talar neck fractures were used to simulate fixation with anteroposterior parallel dual CS, single CS+LLP, and dual CS+LLP. Finally, finite element analysis was carried out to compare the outcomes of dual CS+LLP to those of single CS+LLP and to those of using dual CS alone. The displacement and von Mises stress values of the three groups with different internal fixation were analyzed. RESULTS: For a simple talar neck fracture, the lowest amount of displacement was obtained with CS+LLP (0.407 mm), while dual CS (0.459 mm) showed the highest amount of total displacement; the lowest amount of peak stresses was obtained with CS+LLP (5.38 MPa), while dual CS (8.749 MPa) showed the highest amount of total peak stresses. For a comminuted talar neck fracture, the lowest amount of displacement was obtained with CS+LLP (0.398 mm), while dual CS (0.408 mm) showed the highest amount of total displacement; the lowest amount of peak stresses was obtained with CS+LLP (129.9 MPa), while dual CS (205.9 MPa) showed the highest amount of peak stresses. CONCLUSION: Compared to the other two groups, the dual CS+LLP group had better biomechanics properties in the displacement and stress peak of the talus and implant. Thus, the use of dual CS+LLP fixation is recommended for the surgical treatment of comminuted talar neck fractures.