Cadmium Isotope Fractionation during Adsorption onto Edge Sites and Vacancies in Phyllomanganate.

Cadmium (Cd) geochemical behavior is strongly influenced by its adsorption onto natural phyllomanganates, which contain both layer edge sites and vacancies; however, Cd isotope fractionation mechanisms at these sites have not yet been addressed. In the present work, Cd isotope fractionation during adsorption onto hexagonal (containing both types of sites) and triclinic birnessite (almost only edge sites) was investigated using a combination of batch adsorption experiments, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, surface complexation modeling, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Light Cd isotopes are preferentially enriched on solid surfaces, and the isotope fractionation induced by Cd2+ adsorption on edge sites (Δ114/110Cdedge-solution = -1.54 ± 0.11‰) is smaller than that on vacancies (Δ114/110Cdvacancy-solution = -0.71 ± 0.21‰), independent of surface coverage or pH. Both Cd K-edge EXAFS and DFT results indicate the formation of double corner-sharing complexes on layer edge sites and mainly triple cornering-sharing complexes on vacancies. The distortion of both complexes results in the negative isotope fractionation onto the solids, and the slightly longer first Cd-O distances and a smaller number of nearest Mn atoms around Cd at edge sites probably account for the larger fractionation magnitude compared to that of vacancies. These results provide deep insights into Cd isotope fractionation mechanisms during interactions with phyllomanganates.

Purinergic receptors mediate endothelial dysfunction and participate in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular disease and involves damage to vascular endothelial cells (ECs) that results in endothelial dysfunction (ED). The vascular endothelium is the key to maintaining blood vessel health and homeostasis. ED is a complex pathological process involving inflammation, shear stress, vascular tone, adhesion of leukocytes to ECs, and platelet aggregation. The activation of P2X4, P2X7, and P2Y2 receptors regulates vascular tone in response to shear stress, while activation of the A2A, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y6, and P2Y12 receptors promotes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Finally, P2X1, P2Y1, and P2Y12 receptor activation regulates platelet activity. These purinergic receptors mediate ED and participate in atherosclerosis. In short, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1, and P2Y12 receptors are potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

Lanthanum carbonate hydroxide/magnetite nanoparticles functionalized porous biochar for phosphate adsorption and recovery: Advanced capacity and mechanisms study.

As the increase of global industrial activities, phosphate from industrial wastes such as sewage sludge has become one of the limiting factors for water eutrophication. Herein, lanthanum carbonate hydroxide (La(CO3)OH)/magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles functionalized porous biochar (La/Fe-NBC) with high phosphate adsorption properties is synthesized through molten salt pyrolysis-coprecipitation-hydrothermal multi-step regulation, and further reveal the related processes and mechanisms. La(CO3)OH functions as active sites for phosphate adsorption, Fe3O4 imparts magnetic properties to the composite substance, also porous biochar (NBC) acts as the carrier to prevent the agglomeration of La(CO3)OH and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The adsorption process of La/Fe-NBC for phosphate fits to the Pseudo-Second Order and Langmuir model, with the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity up to 99.46 mg P/g. And La/Fe-NBC possesses excellent magnetic field (14.50 emu/g), stability, and selectivity, which enables for efficient multiple recovery and reuse. Mechanistic studies have shown that ligand exchange (inner-sphere complexation) between phosphate and carbonate/hydroxyl groups of La(CO3)OH, and electrostatic attraction play the dominant roles during adsorption process, although susceptible to the solution pH. While co-precipitation is not influenced of pH conditions but with limited contribution to phosphate adsorption. This study may facilitate to optimize the synthesis design of phosphate multi-functional composites for low-carbon and sustainable treatment of industrial phosphate-containing wastes.

Serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio as a screening tool for sarcopenia and prognostic indicator for patients with esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sarcopenia is associated with poor clinical outcomes of patients who underwent esophagectomy. The current diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia are complex and laborious. We aimed to employ the simple and economic indicator sarcopenia index (SI = creatinine/cystatin C ×100) to screen for sarcopenia and to evaluate its prognostic value in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). METHODS: Older participants in the National health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) database (1999-2002) were divided into three groups according to tertiles of the SI value to explore the feasibility of SI in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was utilized to show the non-linear relationship between all-cause mortality and SI. Patients with EC admitted to Jinling Hospital were enrolled to validate the efficacy and prognostic value of SI. Cut-off values of SI were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Multivariable logistic analyses and Cox analyses were used to identify the independent factors of postoperative complications and long-term survival, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 989 participants were identified from the NHANES database. SI showed the diagnostic value of sarcopenia (tertile 1 vs. tertile 3: odds ratio [OR]=3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-8.87, p=0.004; tertile 2 vs. tertile 3: OR=1.79, 95% CI: 0.75-4.28, p=0.191) adjusted for race, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Individuals with SI ≤ 68 had a poorer overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR]=2.14, 95% CI: 1.71-2.68, p<0.001), and the RCS plot showed that the all-cause mortality risk gradually decreased with the increase in SI. Then, 203 patients with EC were enrolled, of which 76 patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. There was a linear correlation between SI and skeletal muscle index and prealbumin, indicating that SI was reliable for diagnosing sarcopenia. Patients in the high sarcopenia risk group (Male: SI < 62; Female: SI < 55) showed a higher incidence of complications (OR=3.50, 95% CI: 1.85-6.61, p<0.001) and poorer long-term survival (HR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.02-6.77, p=0.046). CONCLUSION: SI could be used to identify sarcopenia in patients with EC, and it is a useful prognostic factor of postoperative complications and long-term survival.

Sewage sludge ash-incorporated stabilisation/solidification for recycling and remediation of marine sediments.

Finding suitable disposal sites for dredged marine sediments and incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) is a challenge. Stabilisation/solidification (S/S) has become an increasingly popular remediation technology. This study sheds light on the possible beneficial use of ISSA together with traditional binders to stabilise/solidify marine sediments. The performance of the binders on S/S of sediment 1 (clean) and sediment 2 (contaminated) was also compared. The results showed that the use of ISSA as part of the binder was effective in promoting the strength of the sediment with a high initial moisture content due to ISSA porous and high water absorption characteristics. The sediments treated with 10% cement and 20% ISSA attained the highest strength. Also, cement hydration as well as pozzolanic reactions between ISSA and Ca(OH)2 made contributions to the strength development. This was supported by the microstructural analysis, in particular the porosity results. In terms of environmental impacts, two leaching tests (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure) found that all the S/S treated sediment by 10% lime and 20% ISSA resulted in the lowest leachate concentrations under the on-site reuse scenario or under simulative acidic rainfall conditions. Therefore, recycling waste ISSA with lime can be used as an appealing binder to replace cement to stabilise/solidify dredged marine sediments for producing fill materials.

Novel recycling of incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) and waste bentonite as ceramsite for Pb-containing wastewater treatment: Performance and mechanism.

With rapid economic growth and urbanisation, the reuse and recycling of solid wastes has become a high priority for the sustainable development of modern cities. In this study, two typical solid wastes, incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) and waste bentonite, were co-valorised to produce granular adsorbents through a simple and energy-saving pelletisation/sintering process. A mixture of ISSA and bentonite at a weight ratio of 3:1 was pelletised and sintered at 700 °C. The resultant ceramsite, with good mechanical strength, could effectively remove Pb(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption kinetics can be described by the pseudo-first-order (PFO) model. The results indicated that the Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption process was dominated by electrostatic attraction, precipitation, and complexation. The isothermal data exhibited a good correlation with the Freundlich model, indicating that the adsorption process was non-ideal and spontaneous. The maximum adsorption capacity was approximately 21.6 ± 0.35 mg/g at 318 K. After 5 cycles of regeneration, the adsorbent maintained good adsorption performance. Moreover, the removal rate was not greatly affected by ionic strength. These findings demonstrate that the granular adsorbent prepared with ISSA and waste bentonite can be recognised as a promising adsorbent for Pb-containing wastewater treatment.

Recycling of incinerated sewage sludge ash as an adsorbent for heavy metals removal from aqueous solutions.

The management of large quantities of incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) is problematic. Environmental and economic benefits can be achieved by using ISSA as an adsorbent for heavy metals removal due to its exceptionally porous structure and active components. In this study, the feasibility of using ISSA to treat heavy metals (Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) contaminated waters from both single- and binary-metal systems were investigated. The results showed that the pH of the solution played a pivotal role in the adsorption of heavy metals by ISSA and the optimal pH for the adsorption of these metals was around 6.00. The adsorption process of Cu(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) in a single-metal system was similar and fast. The equilibrium data followed the Freundlich isotherm model and the corresponding adsorption capacity was 0.13, 0.11 and 0.06 mmol/g, respectively. However, the presence of other competitive metal ions had adverse effects on both the adsorption rate and the adsorption capacity for the target metal ions. The affinity of ISSA towards the metals followed the order of Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Zn(II). The difference in pH value and Ca or Na concentration of the solution after adsorption revealed that cation exchange played a fundamental role in the adsorption of the target metals, while electrostatic attraction and precipitation were insignificant. Over all, the application of ISSA as an adsorbent would be a promising option to both relieve the waste disposal pressure and mitigate the complex heavy metals pollution.

Coupling model of aerobic waste degradation considering temperature, initial moisture content and air injection volume.

A quantitative description of aerobic waste degradation is important in evaluating landfill waste stability and economic management. This research aimed to develop a coupling model to predict the degree of aerobic waste degradation. On the basis of the first-order kinetic equation and the law of conservation of mass, we first developed the coupling model of aerobic waste degradation that considered temperature, initial moisture content and air injection volume to simulate and predict the chemical oxygen demand in the leachate. Three different laboratory experiments on aerobic waste degradation were simulated to test the model applicability. Parameter sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the reliability of parameters. The coupling model can simulate aerobic waste degradation, and the obtained simulation agreed with the corresponding results of the experiment. Comparison of the experiment and simulation demonstrated that the coupling model is a new approach to predict aerobic waste degradation and can be considered as the basis for selecting the economic air injection volume and appropriate management in the future.

Environmental performance of unfired bricks produced from co-disposal of mine tailings and municipal solid waste incineration fly ash based on comprehensive leaching tests.

The potential leaching of heavy metals is a crucial concern for construction materials produced from solidification/stabilization (S/S) treatment of wastes. This study comprehensively evaluated the leaching characteristics of heavy metals from the unfired bricks produced from co-disposal of Pb-Zn mine tailings and municipal solid waste incineration fly ash using batch, sequential, and semi-dynamic leaching tests. The results show that S/S treatment drastically reduced the leachability of heavy metals from the unfired bricks through lowering their distribution in the acid-soluble fraction. The effective diffusion coefficients of heavy metals within unfired bricks were all below 1.55 × 10-13 cm2/s, which is indicative of low mobility in the environment. The release of heavy metals from the unfired bricks was primarily governed by diffusion and dissolution. Slaking treatment of fly ash significantly reduced the leaching of heavy metals from the unfired bricks due to their improved structural integrity and compactness, which minimizes the surface area in the solid matrix accessible by the leaching medium. The leachability indices of heavy metals within the unfired bricks ranged from 13.12 to 18.10, suggesting that they are suitable for "controlled utilization" in specific scenarios. Compared to untreated mine tailings, converting them into unfired bricks could reduce the releases of heavy metals by several to hundreds of folds. These findings demonstrate that S/S can be an effective and sustainable strategy for co-disposal of mining tailings and incineration fly ash to produce construction materials with sound long-term environmental performance.

Mechanism and effectiveness of enzymatically induced phosphate precipitation (EIPP) in stabilizing coexisting lead, zinc, and cadmium in tailings.

Lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) tailings ponds carry the risk of multiple heavy metals (HMs) contamination and pile destabilization. This poses requirements for in-situ applicable, low-distribution, and effective stabilization/solidification (S/S) methods. For this, the novel enzymatically induced phosphate precipitation (EIPP) method was implemented in this study. Its mechanism and performance on stabilization of composite Pb, Zn, and cadmium (Cd) in tailings were explored and evaluated under typical erosion conditions for the first time. Results show that the EIPP stabilized HMs by chemically transforming the unstable carbonate-bound HMs to stable phosphate precipitates and by physically encapsulating tailings particles with newberyite precipitates. The stabilization effect on the three HMs was ranked as Pb > Zn > Cd. Comparing magnesium resources for the EIPP reactants, the EIPP utilizing Mg(CH3COO)2 was more effective at decontamination than MgCl2 because its special pre-activation and re-precipitation function enhanced the chemical transformation function of EIPP. The EIPP stabilization was confirmed to reduce simulated acid rain-leachable and bio-extractive HMs by about 90% and 60%, respectively. Under the prolonged acid attack, treated HMs were ultimately leached through the dissolution mechanism. Zn exhibited significant instability in highly acidic conditions (pH = 2.5-3.5), where its cumulative leaching toxicity after long-term dissolution warrants attention. Overall, EIPP presents a novel and effective strategy for on-site mitigation of composite HMs pollution.

A bibliometric analysis of autism spectrum disorder signaling pathways research in the past decade.

Background: This study employs bibliometric methods to comprehensively understand the fundamental structure of research about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Signaling Pathways by examining key indicators such as nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords. Methodology: We utilized the WoScc database to retrieve literature relevant to ASD Signaling Pathways published between 2013 and 2023. Through visual analysis and tools like CiteSpace and VosViewer, we explored nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords, thereby constructing relevant networks. Results: 26 The study encompasses 1,396 articles, revealing a consistent increase in publications. The United States, China, and Germany are leading nations in this literature. Regarding research institutions, the University of California system and Eric Klann have garnered significant attention due to their substantial contributions to the field of ASD Signaling Pathways. Most relevant research is published in the journal "Molecular Autism." Research interests are concentrated across various themes, including "elevating neuronal ß-catenin levels," "Tunisian children," "Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice," "de novo mutations," "autistic children," "local translation," "propionic acid-induced mouse models," "neurosystems," "glucose metabolism," and "neuronal migration." Future research may emphasize exploring aspects such as gut microbiota, genes, stress, maternal immune activation, memory, and neurodevelopmental disorders of ASD. Conclusion: This study, through bibliometric analysis of key indicators such as nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on ASD Signaling Pathways. These investigations predominantly focus on molecular mechanisms, animal model studies, population-based research, and the structure and function of neurosystems. Future research directions are also clearly proposed. First, in-depth research on the genes and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with ASD will continue to reveal the genetic basis and provide support for precise treatments. At the same time, attention to the gut microbiota will help explore its association with ASD, which may provide clues for new treatments. In addition, the relationship between stress and ASD will become the focus of research to understand better the emotional and behavioral characteristics of ASD patients in stressful situations. Maternal immune activation will also be further studied to explore how environmental factors influence the risk and development of ASD. Finally, a deeper understanding of the cognitive functions of patients with ASD, especially memory and learning, will help develop individualized treatment strategies to improve patients' quality of life. These directions will work together and are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Signaling Pathways research in ASD and provide new ideas and opportunities for future intervention and treatment.

MgO-based supersulfated cement with different industrial by-product gypsum: Experiments and molecular dynamics simulation.

Super sulfate cement (SSC) emerges as a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement, boasting minimal carbon emissions and exceptional performance. As the quest for eco-friendly alternatives intensifies, there's a growing focus on exploring alkaline and sulfate activators conducive to SSC's environmental goals. This study delves into the viability of utilizing MgO as an alkaline activator in producing MgO-based supersulfated cement, while also investigating the impact of various industrial by-product gypsums on its performance. Findings reveal that employing MgO as an alkaline activator yields favorable hydration properties and mechanical strength in SSC. The optimized formulation comprises 15 % industrial by-product gypsum, 83 % granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and 2 % MgO. Incorporating building gypsum and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum demonstrates superior unconfined compressive strength (UCS) growth compared to citric gypsum and phosphogypsum. Notably, gel-pores below 20 nm dominate the matrix, with variations in their distribution linked to the gypsum type used. The pH level and crystal structure of the industrial by-product gypsum emerge as pivotal factors dictating the hydration process. The interaction energy between hydrated building gypsum crystal planes and water molecules proves lower, contributing to the root cause of its high sulfate activating capability. Compared to traditional SSC, MgO-based supersulfated cement requires less alkaline activator content and accommodates more industrial by-product gypsums, thus reducing costs, CO2 emissions, and promoting the efficient utilization of these solid wastes.

Characteristics of iron (hydr)oxides and Cr(VI) retention mechanisms in soils from tropical and subtropical areas of China.

Though both iron (hydr)oxides and soil organic matter (SOM) significantly influence heavy metal behaviors in soils, studies on the characteristics of natural minerals and the synergic effects of the two on Cr(VI) transformation are limited. This study investigated Cr(VI) retention mechanisms in four soils from tropical and subtropical regions of China based on a comprehensive characterization of Fe (hydr)oxides. These soils exhibited varying quantities of hematite, ferrihydrite and goethite, with distinct Al substitution levels and varied exposed crystallographic facets. Adsorption experiments revealed a positive correlation between Fe (hydr)oxide content and Cr(VI) fixation amount on colloid, which was influenced by the mineral types, Al substitution levels and facet exposures. Further, Cr(VI) was sequestered on soil by adsorption and reduction. In soils enriched with crystalline Fe (hydr)oxides, Cr(VI) reduction was primarily governed by SOM, while in soils enriched with poorly crystalline Fe (hydr)oxides, mineral-associated Fe(II) also contributed to Cr(VI) reduction. Aging experiments demonstrated that SOM and mineral-associated Fe(II) expedited Cr (VI) passivation and diminished the Cr leaching. These results improve our understanding of natural Fe (hydr)oxide structures and their impact on Cr(VI) behavior in soils, and shed light on complex soil-contaminant interactions and remediation of Cr(VI) polluted soils.

Effectiveness of musculoskeletal manipulations in patients with neck pain: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is a common problem that severely affects physical and mental health. While musculoskeletal manipulations are recommended as the first-line treatment for adults with neck pain, the comparative effectiveness of different musculoskeletal manipulations remains unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will compare the effectiveness of different types of musculoskeletal manipulations, with the overarching aim of guiding clinical practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers will search four English electronic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed) and three Chinese electronic databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang) for relevant RCTs published from 1 January 2013 to 30 April 2023. The Clinical Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) will be searched for completed but unpublished RCTs. English and Chinese will be used to search English databases and Chinese databases, respectively. RCTs of musculoskeletal manipulations for adults (aged ≥18 years) with neck pain will be considered eligible for inclusion. A pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis will be performed, and pooled risk ratios, standardised mean differences and 95% CIs will be determined. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required as this study is a literature review. The results of this review will be published in peer-reviewed journals or disseminated at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023420775.

Unraveling the impact of Spartina alterniflora invasion on greenhouse gas production and emissions in coastal saltmarshes: New insights from dissolved organic matter characteristics and surface-porewater interactions.

Saltmarshes along the Chinese coast are threatened by the invasion of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora). This study was carried out in the Andong Shoal, Hangzhou Bay, China, with the aim of comprehending the intricate impacts of S. alterniflora invasion on greenhouse gases (GHG) production and emissions. To address this issue, we thoroughly examined the chemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the rate of surface water-porewater interaction. Porewater and surface water samples were collected from farm land, S. alterniflora invaded areas, and Scirpus mariqueter (S. mariqueter) dominated areas. The findings indicated that the invasion of S. alterniflora impeded the interaction between surface water and porewater, resulting in reduced porewater exchange rates within its affected region (0.015-0.440 cm d-1), in contrast to areas dominated by S. mariqueter (9.635-18.232 cm d-1). The invasion also increased dissolved organic carbon concentration in porewater and created a stable and closed soil environment that resulted in DOM with smaller molecule sizes and higher humification levels. The presence of high tryptophan-like fluorescent DOM caused an increase in the production of methane and carbon dioxide in S. alterniflora invaded area. However, both limited surface-porewater exchange and significant differences in GHG concentrations between porewater and surface water suggested that the aerenchyma tissues of S. alterniflora may play an important role in transporting GHG from soil to the atmosphere.

Highly efficient removal of aqueous phosphate via iron-manganese fabricated biochar: Performance and mechanism.

Biochar (BC) has emerged as a potential solution to phosphate removal from wastewater primarily resulting from global overuse of fertilizers. Further modification by embedment of iron (Fe)-manganese (Mn) oxides on BC can enhance phosphate removal; however, the modification method serves as a vital factor underlying distinctive removal performances and mechanisms, which have yet been systematically examined. Herein, two Fe-Mn modified BC, Fe/MnBC (comprised of Fe3O4 and MnO2) and Fe-MnBC (comprised of MnFe2O4), were comprehensively investigated for gaining insights into the unsolved perspectives. The results indicated that Fe-MnBC exhibited a markedly greater maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of 135.88 mg g-1 than that of Fe/MnBC with 17.93 mg g-1. The comparative results based on microstructure and spectroscopic analyses suggested that different Fe and Mn oxides were successfully loaded, which played a distinctive role in phosphate removal. Further characterizations unveiled that the key mechanisms for phosphate removal by Fe/MnBC are inner-sphere complexation and precipitation, while electrostatic interaction and outer-sphere complexation are the dominant mechanisms underlying the notable performance of Fe-MnBC. The delicately designed Fe-MnBC with special structure and property also enabled a superior regeneration capacity, which presented a promisingly high phosphate removal efficacy of over 81.34% after five cycles. These results enhance comprehension regarding the impact of biochar modification techniques on phosphate removal, offering positive indications for the remediation of excessive phosphate and other pollutant-containing water through feasible design and green chemicals.

A clinical morphologic study of the C2 pedicle and isthmus.

PURPOSE: This anatomic, radiographic study investigated locational differences in the C2 pedicle and isthmus [pediculoisthmic component (PIC)] and characterized its narrowest section for clinical application in posterior C2 screw fixation. METHODS: Structures surrounding the transverse foramina of 30 dry C2s and 10 C3s were compared morphologically. Spinal CT scans of 32 Chinese adults were subjected to volume rendering and multiplanar reconstruction to identify the narrowest C2 PIC, and correlative parameters were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: Inferior C2 and C3 structures were morphologically similar. In superior view, the C2 superior facets lay on the transverse foramen and the upper portion between superior and inferior facets was flat (average mediolateral angle, 11.1° ± 2.4°). In inferior view, the posteroinferomedial portion of the C2 transverse foramen displayed a partially tubular structure (average mediolateral angle of projection, 42.6° ± 4.9°). Average height and width were 11.6 and 6.9 mm. The inner medullary cavity was elliptical and the middle site of endosteal diameter was 3.3 ± 1.9 mm. Medial internal cortical bone was significantly thicker than lateral bone (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The PIC is located between superior and inferior C2 facets. The superior flat area is the isthmus and the inferomedial area connecting the inferior facet and vertebral body is the pedicle. The pedicle is partially tubular and projects posteromedially to the transverse foramen. The narrowest PIC section is the narrowest point of the C2 pedicle. Considering its thin lateral cortical bone, medial and superior pedicle screw placement and preoperative CT reconstruction are recommended.

Solidification and stabilization of Pb-Zn mine tailing with municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag for unfired brick fabrication.

The mismanaged and abandoned mine tailings are an important source of heavy metal pollution in the mining regions, and there is a significant need to develop technically, environmentally, and economically feasible and sustainable solutions to manage them. This study explored the solidification and stabilization of the tailing from an abandoned Pb-Zn mine using municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) blended with ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) for fabricating unfired bricks, and systematically characterized the products' mechanical and environmental performance. Various hydration products, such as ettringite, portlandite, and hydrotalcite, were formed in the unfired bricks in the solidification and stabilization process, which enhance the physical strength of unfired bricks and help immobilize the heavy metals. Slaking treatment of MSWIFA significantly increased the mechanical strength, reduced the water absorption, and improved the durability of unfired bricks, with the product prepared from MSWIFA with 7-day slaking exhibiting the highest unconfined compressive strength (12.3 MPa) after 56 days of curing. The concentrations of As (0.35-1.49 µg/L), Cd (0.35-0.70 µg/L), Cr (1.38-9.40 µg/L), Cu (2.28-5.87 µg/L), Ni (0.16-2.24 µg/L), Pb (0.16-59.80 µg/L), and Zn (1.60-10.80 µg/L) in the leachates of unfired bricks were below the relevant regulatory limits for surface water and groundwater. Converting the mine tailing (with MSWIFA and GGBFS) to different types of unfired bricks could yield economic payback in the range of 283.7-306.5 Yuan per ton. Replacing cement with MSWIFA blended with GGBFS in the solidification and stabilization treatment could save about 0.15 ton of cement per ton of mine tailing disposed, which avoids significant energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. These findings demonstrate that utilization of mine tailings and industrial wastes to fabricate unfired bricks is a promising way of reusing such wastes and controlling the associated pollution, which also brings significant economic benefit and improves environmental sustainability.

Effect of COVID-19 on autism spectrum disorders: A bibliometric analysis based on original articles.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this bibliometric inquiry was to scrutinize domains that delve into the repercussions of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on individuals afflicted with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), worldwide scholarly findings of interrelated research, and forthcoming trajectories. METHODS: To conduct a literature analysis, use the web of science core collection database, search for ASD and COVID-19-related literature published Utilize CiteSpace and VosViewer to visually analyze documents and create networks of authors, organizations. The CiteSpace and VosViewer to visually analyze documents and create networks of authors, organizations, countries, and keywords. RESULTS: This study collected 771 papers and shows an increasing trend in publications. The United States had the most relevant literature (281), followed by the United Kingdom (115) and Italy (76). The United States had the most relevant literature (281), followed by the United Kingdom (115) and Italy (76). The University of London had the most papers (53, 6.87%), and Happe_Francesca was the most productive researcher (6). J AUTISM DEV DISORD was the main journal for research on the impact of COVID-19 on ASD, with 22 related articles. Keyword co-occurrence analysis has revealed that "parenting stress," "enhancing adherence," "acute stress disorder," "COVID-19 Italian lockdown," "neurodevelopmental disorder," and "occupational therapy" have garnered significant attention recently. Notably, the burst keywords suggest that "interventions," "qualitative research," "Disabilities Monitoring Network," "neurodevelopmental disabilities," "perceived stress," and "barriers" are potential areas of investigation for future research. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis delineates the fundamental structure for assessing the impact of COVID-19 on ASD by scrutinizing crucial indicators such as Our analysis reveals that COVID-19 impact on autism has garnered the interest of an Future research could explore the stress, anxiety, and strategies for individuals with ASD and their The use of telemedicine can be studied in depth, as a new idea for ASD diagnosis and intervention training, it is worthwhile. The use of telemedicine can be studied in depth, as a new idea for ASD diagnosis and intervention training, it is worth exploring, such as Disabilities Monitoring Network, etc.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends on Tuina Manipulation for Neck Pain Treatment Over the Past 10 Years.

Tuina is an effective treatment for neck pain (NP). However, there has been no bibliometric analysis of the global application and emerging trends of tuina performed for NP. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an overview of the current state and future trends in the field. Articles about tuina for NP, published from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023, were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace (6.1.R6) and VOSviewer (1.6.18) software were used to analyze annual trends in literature posts, countries, institutions, authors, cited references, and knowledge graphs of keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and burst using standard bibliometric indicators. The final analysis comprised 505 valid documents. The results demonstrate that the number of articles in the field of tuina therapy for NP has gradually increased over the years, showing the most active countries, institutions, journals, and authors. There were 323 keywords in the field, 322 research authors, and 292 research institutions, with the USA having the most publications (n = 140). The most published institution is Vrije University Amsterdam, and the most published journal is the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Peter R Blanpied is the most influential and most-cited author. Interventions (dry needling, massage therapy, and muscle energy techniques), common treatment sites for NP (upper trapezius), and complications (cervicogenic headache) are the top three frontiers mentioned in the field of tuina research for NP. The bibliometric study showed the current status and trends in clinical research on treating patients with NP using tuina, which may help researchers identify topics of interest and scope for future research in this field.