Effect of acupuncture timing on functional impairment at 6 months post-onset in patients with first-ever stroke: a prospective cohort study. / é’ˆåˆºæ—¶æœºå¯¹é¦–æ¬¡ä¸­é£Žæ‚£è€ å‘ç— åŽ6ä¸ªæœˆåŠŸèƒ½éšœç¢çš„å½±å“ï¼šå‰çž»æ€§é˜Ÿåˆ—ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of acupuncture intervention in the acute phase on functional impairment at 6 months post-onset in patients with first-ever stroke, and provide evidence for selecting optimal acupuncture timing in the real-world setting. METHODS: A total of 601 patients with first-ever stroke were divided into an acute intervention group (onset within 14 days, 256 cases) and a non-acute intervention group (onset between 15 and 90 days, 345 cases) based on whether they received acupuncture treatment in the acute phase. The assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months post-onset, including modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, total number of acupuncture sessions, total number of combined therapies (moxibustion, cupping, tuina and rehabilitation treatment), recurrence, death events and disability. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between acupuncture timing and the risk of disability at 6 months post-onset. The mRS transition method was employed to assess the effect of acupuncture timing on functional improvement at 6 months post-onset. RESULTS: Without adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the non-acute intervention group, the patients in the acute intervention group had reduced risk of disability at 6 months post-onset (OR=0.434, 95%CI: 0.309-0.609, P=0.000). After adjusting for variables i.e. severity of illness, number of acupuncture sessions, and number of cupping sessions, compared with the non-acute intervention group, the patients in the acute intervention group had reduced risk of disability at 6 months post-onset (OR=0.588, 95%CI: 0.388-0.890, P=0.012). After adjusting for all confounding factors, including severity of illness, number of acupuncture sessions, number of cupping sessions, gender, smoking and drinking history, comorbidities, and diagnosis, compared with the non-acute intervention group, the patients in the acute intervention group continued to have a reduced risk of disability at 6 months post-onset (OR=0.629, 95%CI: 0.408-0.971, P=0.036). Both groups showed an overall shift towards lower mRS scores at 6 months post-onset compared to baseline, with a more significant shift towards lower scores in the acute intervention group than the non-acute intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: In the real-world setting, acupuncture intervention in the acute phase in patients with first-ever stroke, compared to acupuncture intervention after the acute phase, reduces the risk of disability at 6 months post-onset and improves functional status.

Intrinsically Multistable Soft Actuator Driven by Mixed-Mode Snap-Through Instabilities.

Actuators utilizing snap-through instabilities are widely investigated for high-performance fast actuators and shape reconfigurable structures owing to their rapid response and limited reliance on continuous energy input. However, prevailing approaches typically involve a combination of multiple bistable actuator units and achieving multistability within a single actuator unit still remains an open challenge. Here, a soft actuator is presented that uses shape memory alloy (SMA) and mixed-mode elastic instabilities to achieve intrinsically multistable shape reconfiguration. The multistable actuator unit consists of six stable states, including two pure bending states and four bend-twist states. The actuator is composed of a pre-stretched elastic membrane placed between two elastomeric frames embedded with SMA coils. By controlling the sequence and duration of SMA activation, the actuator is capable of rapid transition between all six stable states within hundreds of milliseconds. Principles of energy minimization are used to identify actuation sequences for various types of stable state transitions. Bending and twisting angles corresponding to various prestretch ratios are recorded based on parameterizations of the actuator's geometry. To demonstrate its application in practical conditions, the multistable actuator is used to perform visual inspection in a confined space, light source tracking during photovoltaic energy harvesting, and agile crawling.

Complex interplay of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), fractures, and osteoporosis: a mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Tourette Syndrome (TS), have been extensively studied for their multifaceted impacts on social and emotional well-being. Recently, there has been growing interest in their potential relationship with fracture risks in adulthood. This study aims to explore the associations between these disorders and fracture rates, in order to facilitate better prevention and treatment. METHODS: Employing a novel approach, this study utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the complex interplay between ADHD, ASD, TS, and fractures. The MR framework, leveraging extensive genomic datasets, facilitated a systematic examination of potential causal relationships and genetic predispositions. RESULTS: The findings unveil intriguing bidirectional causal links between ADHD, ASD, and specific types of fractures. Notably, ADHD is identified as a risk factor for fractures, with pronounced associations in various anatomical regions, including the skull, trunk, and lower limbs. Conversely, individuals with specific fractures, notably those affecting the femur and lumbar spine, exhibit an increased genetic predisposition to ADHD and ASD. In this research, no correlation was found between TS and fractures, or osteoporosis.These results provide a genetic perspective on the complex relationships between NDDs and fractures, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, intervention, and a holistic approach to healthcare. CONCLUSION: This research sheds new light on the intricate connections between NDDs and fractures, offering valuable insights into potential risk factors and causal links. The bidirectional causal relationships between ADHD, ASD, and specific fractures highlight the need for comprehensive clinical approaches that consider both NDDs and physical well-being.

Neurodevelopmental disorders as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorder: evidence from Mendelian randomization studies.

Objective: This study aims to clarify the incidence rate of temporomandibular joint disease in patients with mental disorders. Methods: Data extracted from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and FinnGen databases employed the Mendelian Randomization (MR) method to assess the associations of three neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs)-Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Tourette's Disorder (TD)-as exposure factors with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). The analysis used a two-sample MR design, employing the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method to evaluate the relationships between these disorders and Temporomandibular Disorder. Sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity assessments were conducted. Potential confounding factors like low birth weight, childhood obesity, and body mass index were controlled for. Results: The study found that ADHD significantly increased the risks for TMD (OR = 1.2342, 95%CI (1.1448-1.3307), p < 0.00001), TMD (including avohilmo) (OR = 1.1244, 95%CI (1.0643-1.1880), p = 0.00003), TMD-related pain (OR = 1.1590, 95%CI (1.0964-1.2252), p < 0.00001), and TMD-related muscular pain associated with fibromyalgia (OR = 1.1815, 95%CI (1.1133-1.2538), p < 0.00001), while other disorders did not show significant causal relationships. Conclusion: This study reveals the elevated risk of various TMD aspects due to ADHD. Furthermore, we discuss the link between low vitamin D levels ADHD and TMD. Future research should address these limitations and delve further into the complex interactions between ADHD, ASD, TD, and TMD.

Unveiling the muscle-brain axis: A bidirectional mendelian randomization study investigating the causal relationship between sarcopenia-related traits and brain aging.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggest an association between sarcopenia-related traits and brain aging, but whether this association reflects a causal relationship remains unclear. This study aims to employ Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to investigate the causal impact of sarcopenia-related traits on brain aging. METHODS: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data associated with sarcopenia-related traits. The data were derived from a large-scale cohort, encompassing measures such as grip strength, lean body mass, and walking pace. Measurements of brain aging were obtained from neuroimaging genetics, utilizing meta-analysis (ENIGMA) to combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 33,992 participants. The primary methodology employed in this analysis was the inverse-variance-weighted method (IVW). Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted, to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. RESULT: Appendicular lean mass(ALM) is negatively correlated with Pallidum aging; Whole body fat-free mass shows a negative correlation with Amygdala aging; Leg fat-free mass (left) and Leg fat-free mass (right) are negatively correlated with Pallidum aging; Usual walking pace is positively correlated with Nucleus Accumbens aging. Cerebellum WM aging is negatively correlated with Leg fat-free mass (left) and Leg fat-free mass (right); Hippocampus aging is negatively correlated with Hand grip strength (left) and Hand grip strength (right). Ventricles aging is positively correlated with Usual walking pace; Nucleus Accumbens aging is positively correlated with Leg fat-free mass (left) and Leg fat-free mass (right); Putamen aging is positively correlated with ALM. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that reduced muscle mass speeds up brain aging. Walking too fast raises the risk of brain aging, while maintaining or increasing appendicular lean mass, overall muscle mass, and muscle mass in both legs lowers the risk of brain aging.

Room-temperature sub-100 nm Néel-type skyrmions in non-stoichiometric van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3-xGaTe2 with ultrafast laser writability.

Realizing room-temperature magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets offers unparalleled prospects for future spintronic applications. However, due to the intrinsic spin fluctuations that suppress atomic long-range magnetic order and the inherent inversion crystal symmetry that excludes the presence of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, achieving room-temperature skyrmions in 2D magnets remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we target room-temperature 2D magnet Fe3GaTe2 and unveil that the introduction of iron-deficient into this compound enables spatial inversion symmetry breaking, thus inducing a significant Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction that brings about room-temperature Néel-type skyrmions with unprecedentedly small size. To further enhance the practical applications of this finding, we employ a homemade in-situ optical Lorentz transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate ultrafast writing of skyrmions in Fe3-xGaTe2 using a single femtosecond laser pulse. Our results manifest the Fe3-xGaTe2 as a promising building block for realizing skyrmion-based magneto-optical functionalities.

Development and validation of a novel necroptosis-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response in Ewing sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common malignant bone tumor in children and has a poor prognosis due to early metastasis and easy recurrence. Necroptosis is a newly discovered cell death method, and its critical role in tumor immunity and therapy has attracted widespread attention. Thus, the emergence of necroptosis may provide bright prospects for the treatment of ES and deserves our further study. Here, based on the random forest algorithm, we identified 6 key necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and used them to construct an NRG signature with excellent predictive performance. Subsequent analysis showed that NRGs were closely associated with ES tumor immunity, and the signature was also good at predicting immunotherapy and chemotherapy response. Next, a comprehensive analysis of key genes showed that RIPK1, JAK1, and CHMP7 were potential therapeutic targets. The Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) results showed that CHMP7 is associated with ES cell growth, and the Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCALite) results revealed that the JAK1 mutation frequency was the highest. The expression of 3 genes was all negatively correlated with methylation and positively with copy number variation (CNV). Finally, an accurate nomogram was constructed with this signature and clinical traits. In short, this study constructed an accurate prognostic signature and identified 3 novel therapeutic targets against ES.

Exploration of the Shared Hub Genes and Biological Mechanism in Osteoporosis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus based on Machine Learning.

A substantial amount of evidence suggests a close relationship between osteoporosis (OP) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted this study with the aim of screening for hub genes common to both diseases and conducting a preliminary exploration of common regulatory mechanisms. In the present study, we first screened genes significantly associated with OP and T2DM by the univariate logistic regression algorithm. And then, based on cross-analysis and random forest algorithm, we obtained three hub genes (ACAA2, GATAD2A, and VPS35) and validated the critical roles and predictive performance of the three genes in both diseases by differential expression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and genome wide association study (GWAS) analysis. Finally, based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and the construction of the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, we conducted a preliminary exploration of the co-regulatory mechanisms of three hub genes in two diseases. In conclusion, this study provides promising biomarkers for predicting and treating both diseases and offers novel directions for exploring the common regulatory mechanisms of both diseases.

Harnessing hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis: A bibliometric analysis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease which usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used to treat OA and related researches on the efficacy and safety of HA in the treatment of OA have been published. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the subject characteristics of harnessing HA for the treatment of OA and to analyse the relevant trends and hotspots by using a bibliometric approach. Methods: The articles published from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2021 were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and the relevant information of HA for the treatment of OA was extracted after screening. Then, a total of 2438 publications were analysed by using Microsoft Excel, CiteSpace 5.8.R3, VOSviewer 1.6.18 and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology (http://bibliometric.com/). Results: A total of 2438 articles were finally included for analysis. The number of publications increased year by year. A total of 83 coutries and 3319 institutions published 2438 manuscripts in the field of use HA for the treatment of OA. The most productive country was United States with total 689 publications and League of European Research Universities Leru (Belgium) was the leading institution with total 126 publicatios. In terms of authors, the most prominent author was KrausVB, who published 28 papers with the highest H-index (19). In addition, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage had the highest number of publications (152 articles) and the highest number of citations (6450 citations). The co-cited references analysis indicated that the article published by McAlindon in 2014 had the most highest number of citations (91co-citations). What's more, most research hotspots focused on the efficacy and safety of HA, and regenerative medicine researches such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted more and more attentions of researchers. Conclusion: This study visually analyzed the historical evolution and future trends of HA for the treatment of OA, and discussed the research priorities. At present, there are still different views on the efficacy of HA for the treatment of OA. Gradually, research hotspots of this field have focused on the regenerative medicine.

A Novel Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Prognosis Prediction in Ewing Sarcoma.

Ferroptosis, as a form of programmed cell death independent of apoptosis, has been demonstrated that plays a major role in tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. A comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) may lead to a novel choice for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma (ES). Here, 148 differentially expressed FRGs (DEFRGs) were identified between normal and ES tissue. And the GO and KEGG analyses of DEFRGs indicated that these genes were enriched in cancer and immune-related signaling pathways. Then, the GSE17679 cohort was randomly divided into train and test cohorts. Based on the train cohort, AURKA, RGS4, and RIPK1 were identified as key genes through the univariate Cox regression analysis, the random survival forest algorithm, and the multivariate Cox regression analysis and utilized to establish a prognostic FRG signature. The validation results demonstrated that the gene signature has not only excellent prediction performance and generalization ability but is also good at predicting the response of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Subsequent analysis indicated that all 3 key genes play key roles in tumor immunity and prognosis of ES. Of these, AURKA was highly associated with EWSR1, which was verified by a single-cell dataset (GSE130019). Therefore, the 3 genes may be potential therapeutic targets for ES. At the end of this study, we also constructed an accurate nomogram that helps clinicians to assess the survival time of ES patients. In conclusion, our study constructed an excellent gene signature, which is helpful in improving the prognosis of ES patients.

Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity Modulation and Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture for Posterior Circulation Infarction Vertigo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Vertigo is a cardinal symptom of posterior circulation infarction (POCI). Acupuncture is demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on posterior circulation infarction vertigo (PCIV). However, the mechanism of acupuncture therapy is not clarified. This study aims to assess the cerebral blood flow velocity modulation and clinical efficacy of acupuncture for PCIV patients. Methods: We conducted this systematic review for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture on PCIV. The study duration was from September 2020 to September 2021. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and VIP. The publication date was set from inception to August 31, 2020. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two researchers independently screened literature and extracted data including basic study information, intervention details, outcome details, and adverse events. Outcome measures included the blood flow velocities of vertebrobasilar arteries and the Clinical Effective Rate of posterior circulation infarction vertigo. Pooled data were presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and relative risks (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager software version 5.3.0. Results: A total of 20 eligible RCTs (1541 participants) were included in this review, which compared acupuncture therapy (1 RCT) or acupuncture combined with pharmaceutical therapy (19 RCTs) to pharmaceutical therapy in patients with posterior circulation infarction vertigo. 7 studies assessed the blood flow velocities of the basilar artery examined by Transcranial Doppler (TCD), 8 studies assessed the bilateral vertebral arteries, and 13 studies evaluated the Clinical Effective Rate of posterior circulation infarction vertigo. Meta-analysis results showed that blood flow velocities of the basilar artery (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.40-0.76; P < 0.05), left vertebral artery (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.22-0.73; P < 0.05), and right vertebral artery (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.19-0.69; P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the acupuncture group compared with the control group. Clinical Effective Rate (RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.15-1.29; P = 0.792) was significantly better in the acupuncture group compared with the control group. Conclusions: This study shows that acupuncture therapy is useful in improving the blood flow velocity of vertebrobasilar arteries and Clinical Effective Rate in patients with posterior circulation infarction vertigo. However, double-blind, sham-controlled trials with large sample sizes are required to support our conclusions.

Improving the curing and flame retardancy of epoxy resin composites by multifunctional Si-containing cyclophosphazene derivatives.

Novel star-like molecules containing P, N and Si with dual functions of flame retardance and curing promotion (abridged as HCCP-KH540) were successfully synthesized through the nucleophilic substitution reaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (KH540). HCCP-KH540 was incorporated with the matrix of epoxy resin (EP) to form a flame retardant composite abridged as E-HK. The activation energy of the curing reaction of the E-HK composite was reduced but the curing reaction rate was accelerated by HCCP-KH540. The E-HK composite with 30 phr content of HCCP-KH540 exhibited excellent flame retardancy with limiting oxygen index of 29.6% and V-1 rating in the vertical burning test as well as excellent thermal stability with a char yield of 23.77% at 700 °C, compared with only 8.64% for pure EP.

Improving the Heat Resistance and Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resin Composites by Novel Multifunctional Cyclophosphazene Derivatives.

A novel multiple-ring molecule containing P and N, called HCCP-SA, was successfully prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of salicylamide (SA) and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). Particularly, HCCP-SA possessed the dual functions of heat resistance and flame retardancy. The molecular structure of HCCP-SA was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. HCCP-SA was bonded into the molecular chain of epoxy resin by the ring-opening curing reaction of epoxy resin, aiming to form a heat-resistant and flame-retardant composite (E-HS-x). In particular, the best-prepared E-HS-x composite with a 20 phr content of HCCP-SA (E-HS-20) presented excellent thermal stability, with an initial decomposition temperature of 267.94 °C and a max weight loss speed of only 0.95 mg·min-1. Moreover, E-HS-20 exhibited remarkable flame retardancy with a limiting oxygen index value of 27.1% and a V-2 rating in the UL94 flame retardancy test. The best-prepared E-HS-20 composite would be a suitable and potential candidate for heat-resistant and flame-retardant polymer materials.

Effectiveness and safety of manual acupuncture therapy in patients with post-stroke depression: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Acupuncture is widely used on the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, including hemiplegia, constipation, emotional disorders and so on. Although the effectiveness of manual acupuncture therapy on post-stroke depression (PSD) has been confirmed by multiple randomised controlled trials, there were few meta-analyses focused on the connection between different techniques, durations or other detailed operations of manual acupuncture and their effectiveness of improving the depression severity and quality of life for patients with PSD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic search will be performed on English databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase), Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP and Chinese biomedical databases) and Japanese databases (Japan Science and Technology Agency and CiNii). The retrieval time limit will be from the establishment of the database to November 2020. Two researchers will independently screen the literature works, extract data and evaluate the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis will be conducted by using STATA V.14.0 and Review Manager V.5.3. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results of this meta-analysis will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations. The data used in this meta-analysis will not contain individual patient data; therefore, ethical approval is not required. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020222825.

Excessive mechanical strain accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration by disrupting intrinsic circadian rhythm.

Night shift workers with disordered rhythmic mechanical loading are more prone to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Our results showed that circadian rhythm (CR) was dampened in degenerated and aged NP cells. Long-term environmental CR disruption promoted IDD in rats. Excessive mechanical strain disrupted the CR and inhibited the expression of core clock proteins. The inhibitory effect of mechanical loading on the expression of extracellular matrix genes could be reversed by BMAL1 overexpression in NP cells. The Rho/ROCK pathway was demonstrated to mediate the effect of mechanical stimulation on CR. Prolonged mechanical loading for 12 months affected intrinsic CR genes and induced IDD in a model of upright posture in a normal environment. Unexpectedly, mechanical loading further accelerated the IDD in an Light-Dark (LD) cycle-disrupted environment. These results indicated that intrinsic CR disruption might be a mechanism involved in overloading-induced IDD and a potential drug target for night shift workers.

The Effect of Daily Teriparatide versus One-Time Annually Zoledronic Acid Administration After Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Osteoporotic Patients.

PURPOSE: The research aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of teriparatide (TPTD) and zoledronic acid (ZOL) therapy on bone formation and spinal fusion in patients with osteoporosis (OP) who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). METHODS: On the basis of different anti-OP treatment options, the TPTD group was treated daily with TPTD (20 µg. ih. qd) for at least 6 months, while the ZOL group was treated with a single dose of ZOL (5 mg. ivgtt. st) postoperatively. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), bone mineral density (BMD), and concentration of bone turnover markers before, 6, and 12 months after surgery were evaluated. X-ray and three-dimensional computed tomography scans were performed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to assess interbody fusion. RESULTS: The number of patients in the TPTD and ZOL groups was 29 and 38 patients, respectively. The VAS and ODI scores in both groups were significantly reduced at 6 and 12 months after TLIF. Compared with that of baseline, the lumbar spine BMD of TPTD patients increased significantly from 0.716±0.137 g/cm2 to 0.745±0.124 g/cm2 and 0.795±0.123 g/cm2 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and was significantly higher than that of the ZOL group at 12 months (0.720±0.128 g/cm2). The bone formation marker, P1NP, in the TPTD group increased significantly (145.48±66.64 ng/mL and 119.55±88.27 ng/mL) compared with baseline (44.67±25.15 ng/mL) and in the ZOL group (28.82±19.76 ng/mL and 29.94±20.67 ng/mL) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The fusion rates in the TPTD and ZOL groups were 57% and 45% at 6 months, without statistical significance. However, TPTD had a more statistically significant positive influence on fusion rate than ZOL at 12 months (86% vs 70%). CONCLUSION: TPTD was more efficient than ZOL in bone formation and spinal fusion in OP patients who underwent TLIF.

Porous Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Functionalized Activated Nanocarbon Composites with Improved Biocompatibility.

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials have been prevalent joint replacement materials for more than 45 years because of their excellent biocompatibility and wear resistance. In this study, functionalized activated nanocarbon (FANC) was prepared by grafting maleic anhydride polyethylene onto acid-treated activated nanocarbon. A novel porous UHMWPE composite was prepared by incorporating the appropriate amount of FANC and pore-forming agents during the hot-pressing process for medical UHMWPE powder. The experimental results showed that the best prepared porous UHMWPE/FANC exhibited appropriate tensile strength, porosity, and excellent hydrophilicity, with a contact angle of 65.9°. In vitro experiments showed that the porous UHMWPE/FANC had excellent biocompatibility, which is due to its porous structure and hydrophilicity caused by FANC. This study demonstrates the potential viability for our porous UHMWPE/FANC to be used as cartilage replacement material for biomedical applications.

Magnetic anisotropy and critical behavior of the quaternary van der Waals ferromagnetic material Cr0.96Ge0.17Si0.82Te3.

Recently, two-dimensional ferromagnetism in the family of chromium compounds CrXTe3(X= Si, Ge) has attracted a broad research interest. Despite the structural similarity in CrTe6octahedra, the size effect of inserted Ge or Si dimer contributes to significant differences in magnetism. Here, we report a new family of quaternary van der Waals ferromagnetic material CrGeδSi1-δTe3(δ< 0.2) synthesized by flux method. Ge substitution in Si site results in the lattice expansion, further increasing the Curie temperature and reducing the magnetic anisotropy. The critical behavior of Cr0.96Ge0.17Si0.82Te3has been studied by specific heat as well as magnetization measurements. And the extracted critical exponents are self-consistent and well-obeying the scaling laws, which are closer to the 2D Ising model with interaction decaying asJ(r) ≈r-3.44.

A new recursive least squares-based learning algorithm for spiking neurons.

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are regarded as effective models for processing spatio-temporal information. However, their inherent complexity of temporal coding makes it an arduous task to put forward an effective supervised learning algorithm, which still puzzles researchers in this area. In this paper, we propose a Recursive Least Squares-Based Learning Rule (RLSBLR) for SNN to generate the desired spatio-temporal spike train. During the learning process of our method, the weight update is driven by the cost function defined by the difference between the membrane potential and the firing threshold. The amount of weight modification depends not only on the impact of the current error function, but also on the previous error functions which are evaluated by current weights. In order to improve the learning performance, we integrate a modified synaptic delay learning to the proposed RLSBLR. We conduct experiments in different settings, such as spiking lengths, number of inputs, firing rates, noises and learning parameters, to thoroughly investigate the performance of this learning algorithm. The proposed RLSBLR is compared with competitive algorithms of Perceptron-Based Spiking Neuron Learning Rule (PBSNLR) and Remote Supervised Method (ReSuMe). Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed RLSBLR can achieve higher learning accuracy, higher efficiency and better robustness against different types of noise. In addition, we apply the proposed RLSBLR to open source database TIDIGITS, and the results show that our algorithm has a good practical application performance.