Clarifying the relationship between insecure attachment and problematic social media use across platforms: a network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence suggesting that insecure attachment is a significant risk factor for Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), there remains a lack of comprehensive studies exploring this relationship, and a unified understanding of its role has yet to be established. METHODS: We employed network analysis to construct an integrated model for examining the complex interrelations between negative emotions, trait and state attachment, motives, and PSMU across three platforms (i.e., WeChat, Sina Weibo, and TikTok), as well as for identifying potential mediating variables between attachment and PSMU. Data were collected from 685 young adults via online self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: We found that negative emotions are positively correlated with insecure trait and state attachment but have a negligible direct relationship with PSMU. The conformity motive and state attachment security emerged as important central nodes when measured by strength, closeness, and betweenness. Moreover, attachment states and motives were found to be clustered. Such strong interrelationships were also evident between insecure attachment and PSMU, while trait attachment anxiety and avoidance were observed to be related to PSMU across various platforms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings promote a deeper understanding of the relationship between insecure attachment and PSMU from a cross-platform perspective and offer novel insights into the mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence, which may guide the development of effective interventions for healthier social media engagement.

Epidemiological study of overall survivability of individuals diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer in Michigan between the years 1996 and 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Lung and bronchus cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Compared with the national average, Michigan has an increased mortality rate and low early screening and treatment rates. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological trends and assess overall survival (OS) of patients diagnosed with lung cancer in Michigan from 1996 to 2017. METHODS: Data was acquired from the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program (MCSP). Log-rank test was used to test OS among the time periods, univariate and multivariate cox regression models were employed to determine factors that significantly affected OS. We hypothesized that the introduction of more inclusive lung cancer screening guidelines in 2013 would improve OS for patients diagnosed after its implementation and that individual characteristics and tumor characteristics would both affect OS. RESULTS: Notably, 153 742 individuals met inclusion criteria: 54.22% male and 45.78% female. Mean age at diagnosis was 69 years. No significant difference in OS was found among the three time periods (p = 0.99). Univariate analyses identified four individual characteristics associated with reduced OS: age at diagnosis, male sex, American Indian race, and living in rural or urban area. Reduced OS was associated with primary sites tumors at main bronchus, lung base, or within overlapping lobes, and SEER stage 7. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights several factors that influence OS. Consideration of these factors may be helpful as a community outreach tool to help increase early detection and reduce overall mortality.

Effects of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles on breast cancer xenografts in nude mice.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of low-frequency ultrasound (US) combined with microbubbles (MBs) on breast cancer xenografts and explain its underlying mechanisms. A total of 20 xenografted nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: a group treated with US plus MBs (the US + MBs group), a group treated with US alone (the US group), a group treated with MBs alone (the MBs group), and a control group. In different groups, mice were treated with different US and injection regimens on an alternate day, three times in total. Histological changes, apoptosis of cells, microvascular changes, and the apoptosis index (AI) and microvascular density (MVD) of the breast cancer xenograft were analyzed after the mice were sacrificed. Results indicated that the tumor volume in the US + MBs group was smaller than that in the other three groups (p < 0.001 for all). The rate of tumor growth inhibition in the US + MBs group was significantly higher than that in the US and MBs groups (p < 0.001 for both). There were no significant differences in histological changes among the four groups. However, the AI was higher in the US + MBs group than that in the other three groups while the MVD was lower (p < 0.001 for all). All in all, low-frequency US combined with MBs can effectively slow down the growth of breast cancer in nude mice. In summary, low-frequency US combined with MBs has a significant effect on breast cancer treatment. Cavitation, thermal effects, and mechanical effects all play a vital role in the inhibition of tumor growth.

Strong, tough and environment-tolerant organohydrogels for flaw-insensitive strain sensing.

Conductive organohydrogels are promising for strain sensing, while their weak mechanical properties, poor crack propagation resistance and unstable sensing signals during long-term use have seriously limited their applications as high-performance strain sensors. Here, we propose a facile method, i.e., solvent exchange assisted hot-pressing, to prepare strong yet tough, transparent and anti-fatigue ionically conductive organohydrogels (ICOHs). The densified polymeric network and improved crystallinity endow ICOHs with excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength, toughness, fracture energy and fatigue threshold of ICOHs can reach 36.12 ± 4.15 MPa, 54.57 ± 2.89 MJ m-3, 43.44 ± 8.54 kJ m-2 and 1212.86 ± 57.20 J m-2, respectively, with a satisfactory fracture strain of 266 ± 33%. In addition, ICOH strain sensors with freezing and drying resistance exhibit excellent cycling stability (10 000 cycles). More importantly, the fatigue resistance allows the notched strain sensor to work normally with no crack propagation and output stable and reliable sensing signals. Overall, the unique flaw-insensitive strain sensing makes ICOHs promising in the field of wearable and durable electronics.

A series of DNA targeted Cu (II) complexes containing 1,8-naphthalimide ligands: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer activity.

Copper(II) complexes are very promising candidates for platinum-based anticancer agents. Herein, three Cu (II) complexes (1-3) containing 1,8-naphthalimide ligands were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, elemental analysis, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction (complex 3). In addition, a control compound (complex 4) without 1,8-naphthalimide ligand was synthesized and characterized. The in vitro anticancer activity of the synthesized complexes against five cancer cell lines and one normal cell line was evaluated by MTS assay. The results displayed the antitumor activity of complexes 1-3 was controlled by the aliphatic chain length of ligands, their cytotoxicity was in the order 3 > 2 > 1, giving the IC50 values ranging from 2.874 ± 0.155 µM to 31.47 ± 0.29 µM against five cancer cell lines. Complex 4 showed less activity in comparison with complex 1-3. Notably, complexes 1-3 displayed much higher selectivity (SI = 2.65 to 10.16) compared to complex 4 (SI = 1.0), indicated that the introduction of 1,8-naphthalimide group not only increased the activity of this series of compounds but also enhanced their specific selectivity to cancer cells. Compound 3 induced apoptosis in cancer cells and blocked the S-phase and G2/M of cancer cells. The interaction with DNA of complexes 3 and 4 was studied by UV/Vis spectroscopic titrations, competitive DNA-binding experiment, viscometry and CD spectra. The results showed that complex 3 interacted with DNA in an intercalating mode, but the interaction mode of compound 4 with DNA was electrostatic interaction.

Tenofovir versus entecavir on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis.

Background: Hepatitis B, often leading to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), poses a major global health challenge. While Tenofovir (TDF) and Entecavir (ETV) are potent treatments, their comparative effectiveness in improving recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in HBV-related HCC is not well-established. Methods: We conducted an individual patient data meta-analysis using survival data from randomized trials and high-quality propensity score-matched studies to compare the impact of Tenofovir (TDF) and Entecavir (ETV) on RFS and OS in HBV-related HCC patients. Data from six databases and gray literature up to 30 August 2023, were analyzed, utilizing Kaplan-Meier curves, stratified Cox models, and shared frailty models for survival rate assessment and to address between-study heterogeneity. The study employed restricted mean survival time analysis to evaluate differences in RFS and OS between TDF-treated and ETV-treated patients. Additionally, landmark analyses compared early (<2 years) and late (≥2 years) tumor recurrence in these cohorts. Results: This study incorporated seven research articles, covering 4,602 patients with HBV-related HCC (2,082 on TDF and 2,520 on ETV). Within the overall cohort, TDF recipients demonstrated significantly higher RFS (p = 0.042) and OS (p < 0.001) than those on ETV. The stratified Cox model revealed significantly improved OS for the TDF group compared to the ETV group (hazard ratio, 0.756; 95% confidence interval, 0.639-0.896; p = 0.001), a result corroborated by the shared frailty model. Over a follow-up period of 1-8 years, no significant difference was noted in the mean time to death between the TDF and ETV groups. The rates of early recurrence did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.735). However, TDF treatment was significantly associated with a reduced risk of late recurrence compared to ETV (p < 0.001). In the HCC resection subgroup, the disparities in OS, early, and late recurrence rates between the two treatments paralleled those seen in the overall cohort. Conclusion: Compared to ETV, TDF may enhance OS and reduce late tumor recurrence risk in HBV-related HCC patients receiving curative treatment. However, there was no statistically significant distinction in the timing of tumor recurrence and mortality between patients administered TDF and those prescribed ETV. Systematic Review Registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Marine thermal fluctuation induced gluconeogenesis by the transcriptional regulation of CgCREBL2 in Pacific oysters.

Marine thermal fluctuation profoundly influences energy metabolism, physiology, and survival of marine life. In the present study, short-term and long-term high-temperature stresses were found to affect gluconeogenesis by inhibiting PEPCK activity in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), which is a globally distributed species that encounters significant marine thermal fluctuations in intertidal zones worldwide. CgCREBL2, a key molecule in the regulation of gluconeogenesis, plays a critical role in the transcriptional regulation of PEPCK in gluconeogenesis against high-temperature stress. CgCREBL2 was able to increase the transcription of CgPEPCK by either binding the promoter of CgPEPCK gene or activating CgPGC-1α and CgHNF-4α after short-term (6 h) high-temperature stress, while only by binding CgPEPCK after long-term (60 h) high-temperature stress. These findings will further our understanding of the effect of marine thermal fluctuation on energy metabolism on marine organisms.

Kongensin A targeting PI3K attenuates inflammation-induced osteoarthritis by modulating macrophage polarization and alleviating inflammatory signaling.

The inflammatory microenvironment, polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, and consequent matrix degradation and senescence of chondrocytes are primary contributors to the degeneration of knee joint cartilage, further exacerbating the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Kongensin A (KA) is a recently identified natural plant extract exhibiting anti-necrotic apoptosis and anti-inflammatory properties, but the potential efficacy in alleviating OA remains uncertain. The current research lucubrated the effect of KA on the inflammatory microenvironment and macrophage polarization, as well as its regulatory function in extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and chondrocyte senescence. Our findings demonstrated that KA can suppress inflammatory signaling, maintain homeostasis between ECM anabolism and catabolism, and suppress chondrocytes senescence. Further investigation elucidated that the mechanism involves the suppression of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis in chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, KA impeded M1 polarization of macrophages via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis. Subsequently, we treated chondrocytes with macrophages-derived conditioned medium (CM) and revealed that KA can promote ECM anabolism and alleviate chondrocytes senescence by reprogramming macrophage polarization. Consistent with in vitro experiments, in vivo administration of KA demonstrated alleviated cartilage degeneration and delayed progression of OA. Collectively, through obstructing the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis, KA can reprogram macrophage polarization, promote matrix metabolism equilibrium, and alleviate chondrocytes senescence, thereby attenuating the pathology of OA. In conclusion, KA may emerge as a promising therapy for OA.

Effect Analysis of the HFMEA Model Applied in Sputum Specimen Management Among Patients with Tuberculosis.

Objective: Accurate diagnosis is very important to block the transmission of tuberculosis. The quality of sputum culture affects the diagnostic accuracy. The quality of sputum samples is not optimistic. Therefore, this study investigated whether health care failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) can improve specimen quality and detection efficiency in sputum specimen management in tuberculosis departments. Methods: This study is a non-randomized controlled trial study. A convenience sampling method was used to select 110 patients who visited the Department of Tuberculosis of the Second Hospital of Nanjing from September to November 2022 and December 2022 to February 2023 as the control group and the experimental group. Control groups followed standard operating procedures for sputum specimen collection. In the experimental group, HFMEA model was used to control the quality on this basis. After 3 months of intervention, the qualified rate and positive detection rate of sputum samples were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 634 sputum specimens were included in the experimental group and 647 in the control group. Compared with the control group, the qualification rate of sputum specimens was higher in the experimental group (84.54% vs 79.13%); the positive detection rates of the X-Pert assay (27.88% vs 16.19%), sputum culture (20.29% vs 12.68%), and sputum smear (22.29% vs 15.81%) were all higher in the experimental group (all P < 0.05). Patients in the experimental group had higher knowledge mastery and nurse sputum sample management scores (P < 0.05). However, patient satisfaction with sputum specimen management in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (7.72 ± 0.74 vs 8.38 ± 0.85, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The application of the HFMEA model in sputum specimen management can effectively improve specimen quality and positive detection rates.

Predictive model for postpartum hemorrhage requiring hysterectomy in a minority ethnic region.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, and hysterectomy is an important intervention for managing intractable PPH. Accurately predicting the need for hysterectomy and taking proactive emergency measures is crucial for reducing mortality rates. AIM: To develop a risk prediction model for PPH requiring hysterectomy in the ethnic minority regions of Qiandongnan, China, to help guide clinical decision-making. METHODS: The study included 23490 patients, with 1050 having experienced PPH and 74 who underwent hysterectomies. The independent risk factors closely associated with the necessity for hysterectomy were analyzed to construct a risk prediction model, and its predictive efficacy was subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: The proportion of hysterectomies among the included patients was 0.32% (74/23490), representing 7.05% (74/1050) of PPH cases. The number of deliveries, history of cesarean section, placenta previa, uterine atony, and placenta accreta were identified in this population as independent risk factors for requiring a hysterectomy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the prediction model showed an area under the curve of 0.953 (95% confidence interval: 0.928-0.978) with a sensitivity of 90.50% and a specificity of 90.70%. CONCLUSION: The model demonstrates excellent predictive power and is effective in guiding clinical decisions regarding PPH in the ethnic minority regions of Qiandongnan, China.

[Effect of umbilical moxibustion on intestinal flora in patients with subthreshold depression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of umbilical moxibustion for subthreshold depression (SD) and its effect on intestinal flora, and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: Thirty-six SD patients were recruited as the SD group (1 case dropped out, 2 cases excluded), and 36 healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control group (1 case excluded). The SD group was treated with umbilical moxibustion, once a week, a total of 8 times were required. The healthy control group did not receive any intervention. Hamilton depression scale 17-item (HAMD-17) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D) scores were observed in the SD group before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Fecal samples were collected in the SD group before and after treatment and in the healthy control group when enrolled, the intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing technology. RESULTS: The HAMD-17 and CES-D scores after treatment in the SD group were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the total effective rate was 90.9% (30/33). Compared with the healthy control group, Sobs index, Shannon index and Ace index were reduced in the SD group before treatment (P<0.05), Simpson index was increased (P<0.05), the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was increased (P<0.01), the relative abundance of Eubacterium_hallii_group, Ruminococcus, Christensenellaceae_R-7_ group, Paraprevotella was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the relative abundance of Escherichia- Shigella after treatment in the SD group was decreased (P<0.01), the relative abundance of Ruminococcus, Christensenaceae_R-7_group, Paraprevotella was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Paraprevotella were negatively correlated with the CES-D score (P<0.01, P<0.05). Escherichia-Shigella was positively correlated with the HAMD-17 score (P<0.05). Christensenellaceae_R-7_group was negatively correlated with the HAMD-17 score (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with subthreshold depression have dysbiosis of intestinal flora, and umbilical moxibustion may exert therapeutic effect by regulating the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, increasing beneficial bacteria, and reducing harmful bacteria.

Response Properties of Electrorheological Composite Hydrophilic Elastomers Based on Different Morphologies of Magnesium-Doped Strontium Titanate.

As smart materials, electrorheological elastomers (EREs) formed by pre-treating active electrorheological particles are attracting more and more attention. In this work, four Mg-doped strontium titanate (Mg-STO) particles with spherical, dendritic, flake-like, and pinecone-like morphologies were obtained via hydrothermal and low-temperature co-precipitation. XRD, SEM, Raman, and FT-IR were used to characterize these products. The results showed that Mg-STOs are about 1.5-2.0 µm in size, and their phase structures are dominated by cubic crystals. These Mg-STOs were dispersed in a hydrogel composite elastic medium. Then, Mg-STO/glycerol/gelatin electrorheological composite hydrophilic elastomers were obtained with or without an electric field. The electric field response properties of Mg-doped strontium titanate composite elastomers were investigated. We concluded that dendritic Mg-STO composite elastomers are high-performance EREs, and the maximum value of their energy storage was 8.70 MPa. The significant electrorheological performance of these products is helpful for their applications in vibration control, force transducers, smart structures, dampers, and other fields.

PROTACs as Therapeutic Modalities for Drug Discovery in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) presents significant challenges in clinical management due to its resistance to conventional androgen receptor (AR)-targeting therapies. The advent of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has revolutionized cancer therapy by enabling the targeted degradation of key molecular players implicated in CRPC progression. In this review we discuss the developments of PROTACs for CRPC treatment, focusing on AR and other CRPC-associated regulators. We provide an overview of the strategic trends in AR PROTAC development from the aspect of targeting site selection and preclinical antitumor evaluation, as well as updates on AR degraders in clinical applications. Additionally, we briefly address the current status of selective AR degrader development. Furthermore, we review new developments in PROTACs as potential CRPC treatment paradigms, highlighting those targeting chromatin modulators BRD4, EZH2, and SWI/SNF; transcription regulator SMAD3; and kinases CDK9 and PIM1. Given the molecular targets shared between CRPC and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), we also discuss the potential of PROTACs in addressing NEPC.

Association of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and bone mineral density in Chinese adults with normal thyroid function.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the association of serum TSH with BMD in Chinese adults with normal thyroid function. METHODS: These participants were divided into tertiles based on serum TSH levels. Linear regression model and multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of continuous BMD and categorical BMD with serum TSH, respectively. RESULTS: In women younger than 60 years, BMD decreased with the increase of TSH at normal level, while in women older than 60 years, BMD increased with the increase of TSH at normal level; besides, the BMD of women younger than 60 years old was significantly higher than that of women over 60 years old (156.05 ± 39.34 mg/cm3 vs. 86.95 ± 29.51 mg/cm3, P < 0.001). Linear regression results showed negative associations of BMD and normal TSH level in women with age younger than 60 years (ß=-4.34, P < 0.001), but this inverse trend was observed in women over 60 years old (ß = 2.04, P = 0.041). Both in men younger than 60 years and over 60 years old, BMD decreased with the increase of TSH at normal levels; besides, the BMD of men younger than 60 years was significantly higher than those over 60 years old (143.08 ± 32.76 mg/cm3 vs. 108.13 ± 31.99 mg/cm3, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated an opposite trend in BMD at normal TSH levels in younger and elder females, that is, in females younger than 60 years, BMD decreased with the increase of TSH, which indicated that TSH might play a different role in younger and elder females. However, this trend was not significant in males.

The effects of cGAS-STING inhibition in liver disease, kidney disease, and cellular senescence.

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is one of the fundamental mechanisms of the body's defense, which responds to the abnormal presence of double-stranded DNA in the cytoplasm to establish an effective natural immune response. In addition to detecting microbial infections, the cGAS pathway may be triggered by any cytoplasmic DNA, which is absent from the normal cytoplasm, and only conditions such as senescence and mitochondrial stress can lead to its leakage and cause sterile inflammation. A growing body of research has shown that the cGAS-STING pathway is strongly associated with sterile inflammation. In this study, we reviewed the regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of the cGAS-STING pathway through its involvement in aseptic inflammation in liver disease, kidney disease, and cellular senescence.

Tumor microenvironment RNA test to predict immunotherapy outcomes in advanced gastric cancer: The TIMES001 trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials support the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) plus chemotherapy in a subset of patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC). To identify the determinants of response, we developed a TMEscore model to assess tumor microenvironment (TME), which was previously proven to be a biomarker for ICBs. METHODS: A reference database of TMEscore assays was established using PCR assay kits containing 30 TME genes. This multi-center prospective clinical trial (NCT#04850716) included patients with mGC who were administered ICB combined with chemotherapy as a first-line regimen. Eighty-six tumor samples extracted from five medical centers before treatment were used to estimate the TMEscore, PD-L1 (CPS), and mismatch repair deficiency. FINDINGS: The objective response rate (ORR) and median PFS of the cohort were 31.4% and six months. Enhanced ORR was observed in TMEscore-high mGC patients (ORR = 59%). The survival analysis demonstrated that high TMEscore was significantly associated with a more favorable PFS and OS. Moreover, TMEscore was found to be a predictive biomarker that surpassed MSI and CPS (AUC = 0.873, 0.511, and 0.524, respectively). By integrating the TMEscore and clinical variables, the fused model further enhances the predictive efficiency and translational application in a clinical setting. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective clinical study indicates that the TMEscore assay is a robust biomarker for screening patients with mGC who may derive survival benefits from ICB plus chemotherapy. FUNDING: Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2023A1515011214), Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (202206080011), and Guangzhou Science and Technology Project (2023A03J0722 and 2023A04J2357).

Effects of ankle Kinesio taping on knee and ankle joint biomechanics during unanticipated jumps in collegiate athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Most biomechanical research on the application of Kinesio taping (KT) to the ankle joint focused on testing anticipated movements. However, ankle sprains frequently occur in real life in unanticipated situations, where individuals are unprepared and face sudden external stimuli. This situation is completely different from the anticipated situation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ankle KT application on the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the knee and ankle joints during unanticipated jump tasks in collegiate athletes. METHODS: Eighteen healthy collegiate athletes experienced three taping conditions in a randomized order: no taping (NT), placebo taping (PT), and KT, and performed unanticipated jump tasks. A 9-camera infrared high-speed motion capture system was employed to collect knee and ankle kinematic data, and a 3-dimensional force plate was utilized to collect knee and ankle kinetic data during the tasks. RESULTS: During the right jumps, KT significantly increased peak knee flexion angle (P = 0.031) compared to NT and significantly decreased peak vertical ground reaction force (P < 0.001, P = 0.001) compared to NT and PT. During the left jumps, KT significantly reduced peak ankle inversion angle (P = 0.022, P < 0.001) and peak ankle inversion moment (P = 0.002, P = 0.001) compared to NT and PT. CONCLUSION: During unanticipated jump maneuvers, KT reduced peak ankle inversion angle, peak vertical ground reaction force, and peak ankle inversion moment and increased peak knee flexion angle in collegiate athletes.

Biomimetic design and integrated biofabrication of an in-vitro three-dimensional multi-scale multilayer cortical model.

The lack of accurate and reliable in vitro brain models hinders the development of brain science and research on brain diseases. Owing to the complex structure of the brain tissue and its highly nonlinear characteristics, the construction of brain-like in vitro tissue models remains one of the most challenging research fields in the construction of living tissues. This study proposes a multi-scale design of a brain-like model with a biomimetic cortical structure, which includes the macroscopic structural features of six layers of different cellular components, as well as micrometer-scale continuous fiber structures running through all layers vertically. To achieve integrated biomanufacturing of such a complex multi-scale brain-like model, a multi-material composite printing/culturing integrated bioprinting platform was developed in-house by integrating cell-laden hydrogel ink direct writing printing and electrohydrodynamic fiber 3D printing technologies. Through integrated bioprinting, multi-scale models with different cellular components and fiber structural parameters were prepared to study the effects of macroscopic and microscopic structural features on the directionality of neural cells, as well as the interaction between glial cells and neurons within the tissue model in a three-dimensional manner. The results revealed that the manufactured in vitro biomimetic cortical model achieved morphological connections between the layers of neurons, reflecting the structure and cellular morphology of the natural cortex. Micrometer-scale (10 µm) cross-layer fibers effectively guided and controlled the extension length and direction of the neurites of surrounding neural cells but had no significant effect on the migration of neurons. In contrast, glial cells significantly promoted the migration of surrounding PC12 cells towards the glial layer but did not contribute to the extension of neurites. This study provides a basis for the design and manufacture of accurate brain-like models for the functionalization of neuronal tissues.

A data-driven Bayesian network of management and organizational factors for human reliability analysis in the process industry.

According to historical statistical data, management and organizational factors (MOFs) contribute more to process accidents than technique factors. Under the umbrella of socio-tech system theory, human reliability analysis (HRA) has become a critical part of systemic probability risk analysis. In many HRA techniques, MOFs are among the performance shaping factors (PSFs). However, the interactions and causality of MOFs to human errors are still difficult to quantify and lack validation. To fill these gaps, a framework is proposed, considering data source selection, CBN construction algorithm comparison, and results validation. The case study employed the open access eMARS database as a data source. The optimized hybrid structure learning algorithm and Bayesian criteria parameter learning algorithm are employed to build a Causal Bayesian Network (CBN) of (MOFs) that lead to human error. The proposed kernel CBN is validated through prediction accuracy and sensitivity analysis. For theoretical contribution, the validated kernel BN could generally serve as the heart part of more specific CBNs as a basis for future works. For practical applications, an application shows the model's ability to quantify the contribution of MOFs to system reliability. The results show that human-machine interacting system reliability is most sensitive to organizational factors such as adequate training and procedures.