Theoretical Study on the Structures and Electronic Properties of Tungsten Fluorides at High Pressures.

Transition metal fluorides are a series of strong oxidizing agents. Tungsten (W) fluorides, particularly WF6, have shown broad applications such as luminescence and fluorinating agent. However, other stoichiometries of W fluorides have rarely been studied. It is well-known that pressure can induce structural phase transition, stabilize new compounds, and produce novel properties. In this work, the high-pressure phases of W-F were searched systematically at the pressure range of 0-200 GPa through first-principles swarm-intelligence structural search calculations. A new stoichiometry of WF4 has been predicted to be stable under high pressures. On the other hand, two new high-pressure phases of WF6 with the symmetries of P 2 1 ${{P2}_{1}}$ /m and P ${P}$ -1 were found with decahedral structural units. The electronic properties of the W-F compounds were then investigated. The predicted stable WF6 high-pressure phases maintain semiconducting features, since the W atom provides all its valence electrons to fluorine. We evaluated the oxidizing ability of WF6 by calculating its electron affinity potential. The high pressure P 2 1 ${{P2}_{1}}$ /m WF6 molecular phase shows higher oxidation capacity than the ambient phase. The built pressure-composition phase diagram and the theoretical results of W-F system provide some useful information for experimental synthesis.

Physician-Modified Endografts for the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Pathologies Involving the Aortic Arch.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) for the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed on consecutive patients with thoracic aortic pathologies treated by PMEGs between February 2018 and May 2022. Data on baseline characteristics, operative procedure, and follow-up information were collected. The endpoints included technical success, complications, mortality, overall survival, re-intervention, and target vessel instability. RESULTS: This study comprised 173 patients (mean age=58±13, range=28-83, 148 men) with thoracic aortic pathologies, including 44 thoracic aortic aneurysms, 113 aortic dissections (9 type A, 4 residual type A, 75 type B, 32 non-A non-B), 3 aortic intramural hematomas, and 13 penetrating aortic ulcers. Thirty-five of the patients had PMEGs with 3 fenestrations, 32 had 2 fenestrations, and 106 had 1 single fenestration. Technical success was 98% (170/173), and the 30-day mortality was 2% (3/173). Perioperative complications included stroke (n=3, 2%), retrograde type A dissection (RTAD; n=3, 2%) and renal injury (n=3, 2%). Seven deaths (4%) were noted during a median follow-up of 11 (range=1-52) months. Eleven cases of re-intervention were stent-related. There were 5 type Ia endoleaks (3%), 2 type III endoleaks (1%) from the innominate artery (IA), and 3 type Ic endoleaks (2%) from the left subclavian arteries. One case of IA stent-graft (SG) stenosis was noted because of mural thrombus. Estimate rates of overall survival, freedom from secondary intervention, and freedom from target vessel instability at 2 years were 93.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=88.7%-98.1%), 80.7% (95% CI=73.3%-88.1%), and 89.0% (95% CI=80.4%-97.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Physician-modified endografts showed promising immediate therapeutic results in the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. Our study demonstrates that the technique is feasible and produces acceptable results. Long-term outcomes are required for further refinement of this technical approach to confirm technical success and durability over time as a valuable option for endovascular aortic arch repair in specialized centers. CLINICAL IMPACT: Our short- and mid-term outcomes of physician-modified endografts in 173 patients showed promising results compared to other branched/fenestrated techniques and backed up the endovascular repair of the aortic arch. Meanwhile, the technical expertise pointed out in our manuscript, including preloaded guidewire, diameter-reducing wire and inner mini-cuffs, provided reference and technical guidance for our peers. Most importantly, it demonstrated that the PMEG, as a device whose components were all commercially available, might be a better option for emergency surgery and for centers who had no access to custom-made devices.

Achieving high quantum capacitance graphdiyne through doping and adsorption.

In recent years, a new two-dimensional carbon material, graphdiyne (GDY), has attracted extensive attention in the field of energy storage, due to its unique topological and electronic structures, high charge mobility, and excellent electron transport properties. However, the disappearance of the density of states near the Fermi level leads to a low quantum capacitance (CQ) of pristine GDY, which limits its application in supercapacitors. Here, we propose doping and metal atom adsorption to be efficient ways to increase the CQ of GDY. Based on first-principles density functional theory, the effects of doping B, N, P, and S atoms and adsorbing Au, Ag, Cu, Ti, and Al atoms on the CQ of GDY are systematically investigated. The results show that the CQ of GDY can be significantly improved by introducing doping/adsorption, which could be a potential cathode material and anode material for supercapacitors. Our work provides an effective way for GDY to be applied as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

Two-type classification system for femoral trochlear dysplasia in recurrent patellar instability based on three-dimensional morphology.

PURPOSE: Radiographic and two-dimensional (2D) CT/MRI analysis of femoral trochlear dysplasia play a significant role in surgical decision-making for recurrent patellar instability. However, the three-dimensional morphology of dysplastic trochlea is rarely studied due to the limitations of conventional imaging modalities. This study aimed to (1) develop a 3D morphological classification for trochlear dysplasia based on the concavity of the trochlear groove and (2) analyze the interrater reliability of the classification system. METHODS: The 3D trochleae of 132 knees with trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar instability were reconstructed using CT scan data and classified using the innovative classification criteria between January 2016 and June 2020. A concave trochlear sulcus with sloped medial and lateral trochlear facets was classified as Type I trochlea. The trochlear groove with no concavity is classified as Type II. Furthermore, in Type II, the trochlea with the elevated trochlear floor at the proximal part was identified as IIa and the trochlea with the hypoplastic trochlear facets as IIb. The intra- and inter-rater reliability was examined using kappa (κ) statistics. RESULTS: The 3D classification system showed substantial intra-rater agreement and moderate interrater agreement (0.581 ~ 0.772). The intra- and interrater agreement of Dejour's four-grade classification was fair-to-moderate (0.332 ~ 0.633). Eighty-one trochleae with concave trochlear sulcus were classified as Type I, and fifty-one without concavity as Type II. Twenty-five non-concave trochleae were classified as type IIa due to the elevated trochlear floor and 26 trochleae into IIb with the hypoplasia of trochlear facets. CONCLUSION: This study developed a 3D classification system to classify trochlear dysplasia according to trochlear concavity and morphology of the trochlear facets. On CT/MRI scans or 3D reconstructions, the interpretation of features of dysplastic trochleae may vary, especially for the flat and convex trochleae. The novel system provides morphological evidence for when to consider trochleoplasty according to the different types of trochlear sulcus.

Preparation and Property Characterization of Sm2EuSbO7/ZnBiSbO5 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Photodegradation of Parathion Methyl under Visible Light Irradiation.

An unprecedented photocatalyst, Sm2EuSbO7, was successfully fabricated in this paper, through a high-temperature solid-state calcination method, which represented its first ever synthesis. Additionally, using the solvothermal method, the Sm2EuSbO7/ZnBiSbO5 heterojunction photocatalyst (SZHP) was fabricated, marking its debut in this study. XRD analysis confirmed that both Sm2EuSbO7 and ZnBiSbO5 exhibited pyrochlore-type crystal structures with a cubic lattice, belonging to the Fd3m space group. The crystal cell parameter was determined to be 10.5682 Å or 10.2943 Å for Sm2EuSbO7 or ZnBiSbO5, respectively. The band gap width measured for Sm2EuSbO7 or ZnBiSbO5 was 2.73 eV or 2.61 eV, respectively. Under visible light irradiation for 150 min (VLTI-150 min), SZHP exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity, achieving 100% removal of parathion methyl (PM) concentration and 99.45% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) concentration. The kinetic constant (k) for PM degradation and visible light illumination treatment was determined to be 0.0206 min-1, with a similar constant k of 0.0202 min-1 observed for TOC degradation. Remarkably, SZHP exhibited superior PM removal rates compared with Sm2EuSbO7, ZnBiSbO5, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, accompanied by removal rates 1.09 times, 1.20 times, or 2.38 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, the study investigated the oxidizing capability of free radicals through the use of trapping agents. The results showed that hydroxyl radicals had the strongest oxidative capability, followed by superoxide anions and holes. These findings provide a solid scientific foundation for future research and development of efficient heterojunction compound catalysts.

Short-Term Outcomes of In Situ Fenestration in Total Endovascular Aortic Arch Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term outcomes of in situ fenestration and discuss its feasibility and safety for the treatment of aortic dissection or aneurysm involving aortic arch. METHODS: A retrospective single-center review was conducted on patients who were treated with ISF technique to revascularize supra-arch branches from Jun 2017 to Oct 2019. Computed tomographic angiography was performed to assess the patency of bridging stents, endoleaks and prognosis prior to discharge, after 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and yearly thereafter. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed and then discussed in this paper. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were diagnosed with arch pathologies, 5 type A aortic dissections, 12 type B aortic dissections and 4 thoracic aortic aneurysms. There were 19 men and 2 women (mean age 60.7 ± 15.3). 8 cases were treated with three-fenestration stent grafts, 1 case with two-fenestration stent graft, and 12 cases with single-fenestration stent grafts. Overall technical success rate was 95.2%. Mean operation time was 227.4 ± 143.8 minutes. Complications were intraoperative hemorrhage (>1000 ml, 2), stroke (2), hydropericardium (1) and endoleaks (2 type Ⅲ, 1 type Ⅰ). There was no aorta-related mortality or late endoleaks during the mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 6.2 months. All the bridging stents remained patent and there was no migration according to follow-up Computed tomographic angiography. CONCLUSIONS: With low complication and mortality rate, ISF is an effective and feasible method for the total endovascular aortic arch repair. Long-term follow-up study is needed to evaluate its durability.

Changes in cartilage and subchondral bone in a growing rabbit experimental model of developmental trochlear dysplasia of the knee.

Purpose: Trochlear dysplasia is one of the most frequent lower extremities deformities. Aim of this research was to investigate the changes in cartilage and subchondral bone of trochlea after patellar dislocation in growing rabbits. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six knees from 48 one-month-old rabbits were divided into two groups (experimental, control). Lateral patellar dislocation was established in the experimental group and distal femurs were collected at 4, 8, 12 and 24-week time points, respectively. General examination and histological observations were conducted to research the anatomical structure of the trochlear cartilage and subchondral bone. Structural parameters of trochlear subchondral bone were measured by MicroCT. Subsequently, the expression of TRPV4, collagen II and MMP-13 in cartilage were detected by western blot and RT-PCR analysis, respectively.Results: Subchondral bone loss was found in experimental group from 4 weeks after patellar dislocation, accompanied by increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts in subchondral bone. The trochlear dysplasia model was well established from 8 weeks after patellar dislocation. In addition, degeneration of cartilage was found from 8 weeks, accompanied by decreased expression of mechanically sensitive TRPV4 and collagen II, and increased expression of MMP-13.Conclusions: This study proved that trochlear dysplasia can be caused by patellar dislocation in growing rabbits, accompanied by significant subchondral bone loss. What is more, this study also shows that degenerative cartilage changes occur in the patellar dislocation model and become aggravated with time, accompanied by decreased TRPV4 and collagen II, but increased MMP-13.

Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Long-term recovery of patients undergone cervical spine surgery is of paramount importance to improve their quality of life. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of foot massage on relieving pain and anxiety of patients with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: Enrolled patients undergone ACDF and diagnosed with anxiety disorder at least six months before surgery were treated with 10-min foot massage on a daily basis for four weeks using sweet almond oil. Patients were assessed by neck pain visual analog pain scale (NP-VAS), neck disability index (NDI) and self-rating anxiety scale. RESULTS: More significant relief in NP-VAS was observed in patients who received foot massage treatment. No significant difference in NDI reduction was seen in patients with or without the treatment. Intervention group demonstrated less anxiety during follow-up (p = 0.021) compared to the control group and more reduction compared to baseline (p = 0.046). In terms of quality of life, while both groups demonstrated improvement in pain relief (p = 0.015 for the intervention group and p = 0.037 for the control group), only the intervention group showed improved mental function (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: This study found that foot massage was effective in alleviating pain and anxiety, while improving quality of life in patients undergone ACDF, indicating that this intervention should be considered in the clinical management of these patients.

Use of Physician-Modified Fenestrated Stent-Graft With Wire Loop Technique for Complex Aortic Arch Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: To present a novel means of overcoming a deviation when treating an aortic arch aneurysm with a physician-modified fenestrated stent-graft. METHODS: A 78-year-old man showed a rapidly expanding aortic arch aneurysm, and the limited landing zone required the use of a fenestrated/branched arch endograft. Physician-modified fenestrated stent-grafts are considered suitable for patients in an acute setting. The device became malrotated in a clockwise direction during deployment; therefore, cannulation of the first inner branch using a through-and-through wire technique was needed. The final angiogram showed a good result. CONCLUSION: Thoracic endovascular repair of an aortic arch aneurysm using a through-and-through technique can be considered for high-risk patients in an acute setting.

Early patellofemoral articular cartilage degeneration in a rat model of patellar instability is associated with activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Patellar instability (PI) often increases the possibility of lateral patellar dislocation and early osteoarthritis. The molecular mechanism of early articular cartilage degeneration during patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) still requires further investigation. However, it is known that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in articular cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the NF-κB signaling pathway and patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration. METHODS: We established a rat model of PI-induced PFOA. Female 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 120) were randomly divided into two groups: the PI (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). The distal femurs of the PI and control group were isolated and compared 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The morphological structure of the trochlear cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated by micro-computed tomography and histology. The expression of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, collagen X, and TNF-ɑ were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In the PI group, subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration were found 4 weeks after surgery. Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB and TNF-ɑ were significantly increased 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery in the PI group. In addition, the markers of cartilage degeneration MMP-13 and collagen X were more highly expressed in the PI group compared with the control group at different time points after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that early patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration can be caused by PI in growing rats, accompanied by significant subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration. In addition, the degeneration of articular cartilage may be associated with the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and can deteriorate with time as a result of PI.

Comparison of Physician-Modified Fenestrated/Branched Stent-Grafts and Hybrid Visceral Debranching Plus Stent-Graft Placement for Complex Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Purpose: To evaluate the immediate postoperative and midterm outcomes of complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) treatment with fenestrated/branched physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs) or open debranching of the visceral aorta with bypass graft revascularization plus endovascular aneurysm exclusion (hybrid repair). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 88 patients (mean age 70.0±10.6 years; 73 men) with complex TAAAs who underwent treatment with PMEGs (60, 68%) or a hybrid technique (28, 32%) between 2016 and 2019. The mean aneurysm diameter was 64.5±11.7 mm, and 37 patients (42%) were symptomatic. The Zenith TX2 and Ankura were the main stent-grafts used in the PMEG group. The hybrid technique involved visceral debranching with extra-anatomical bypass graft revascularization and subsequent stent-graft deployment (1- or 2-stage procedure). Results: In the PMEG group, 35 patients received modified stent-grafts with 4 fenestrations, 8 patients had 4 branches per device, and 17 patients had combinations (50 fenestrations and 18 branches) that successfully revascularized 228 of the 240 targets (95%). In the 28 hybrid cases, all 110 target vessels were successfully revascularized with bypass grafts. The overall 30-day mortality was 3.4% (2 PMEG and 1 hybrid), and the early rate of target vessel stenosis/occlusion was 3.3% (5 in PMEG group and 6 in the hybrid repair group). The 30-day morbidity was mainly attributed to pulmonary complications (15%), lower limb ischemia (8%), or spinal cord ischemia with paraplegia (6%). Eleven patients (13%) had deteriorated renal function with a >30% decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. The mean follow-up was 22.3±4.9 months, and mortality was 4.5% (3.3% in the PMEG group vs 7.1% in the hybrid repair group). Conclusion: PMEGs and hybrid techniques seem to be feasible treatment options for aortic aneurysms necessitating visceral vessel revascularization. PMEGs may have a lower morbidity than the hybrid technique, which nonetheless remains an important option available for complex aortic aneurysms.

Scalpel can achieve better clinical outcomes compared with electric cautery in primary total knee arthroplasty: a comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Whether using the scalpel can provide better and faster recovery after the primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still controversial. The aim of this research was to compare the clinical outcomes of using the scalpel and the electric cautery in primary TKA. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2017, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in 313 patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA by using the scalpel (group S). During this period, we selected 313 patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA by using the electric cautery (group E) for comparison. The tourniquet time, operative time, blood loss, wound complications, visual analog score for pain, range of motion, Knee Society Score were assessed between the two groups. The Forgotten Joint Score was used to analyze the ability to forget the joint. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in tourniquet time, operative time, blood loss between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the group S, the visual analog score for pain, range of motion, Knee Society Score were found better results at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Besides, during the follow-up period, the Forgotten Joint Score was significantly higher compared with group E (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this research, the patients who underwent TKA by using the scalpel could achieve better clinical outcomes. In addition, if forgotten artificial joint after TKA was the final goal, the patients who underwent TKA by using the scalpel would acquire better quality of life.

Femoral derotation osteotomy for recurrent patellar dislocation.

PURPOSE: Excessive femoral internal torsion is an important risk factor for patellar dislocation. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effect of derotational osteotomy of the femur on the tibial tubercle trochlear groove (TTTG) distance or patellar tilt angle (PTA) and to report our clinical outcomes of recurrent patellar dislocation after femoral derotation osteotomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 16 patients (17 knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation treated by femoral derotation osteotomy in our department from January 2016 to February 2019 was carried out. The procedure was performed with supracondylar femoral derotation. A few procedures were combined with soft tissue procedures. Knee function was evaluated by using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS) score and patient satisfaction. Additionally, CT was used to assess the influence of femoral derotational osteotomy on TTTG distance and PTA. RESULTS: The average femoral antetorsion angle before surgery was 33° (SD ± 5°), and the intraoperative correction angle was 23° (SD ± 4°). A total of 17 femoral derotation osteotomies in 16 patients with patellar instability [11 females, 5 males, aged 20.8 (range 15-41) years] were included in the study. No dislocation occurred within 26.5 months after follow-up (range 12-49 months). The IKDC score, Kujala score, Lysholm score and VAS score significantly improved. The preoperative TTTG distance was 15.63 mm (SD ± 2.07 mm), and it was 14.69 mm (SD ± 1.78 mm) at the follow-up. The PTA decreased from 26.35° (SD ± 6.86°) to 11.65° (SD ± 2.85°). The powers of TTTG and PTA measurements are 0.78 and 1.00, respectively and all of these differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Derotational osteotomy of the femur for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation can achieve good clinical results, including improved TTTG distance and PTA and improved knee function.

The application of genomic selection in pig cross breeding.

Genomic selection is a form of marker-assisted selection in which genetic markers covering the entire genome are used so that all quantitative trait loci are in linkage disequilibrium with at least one marker. Genomic selection improves the efficiency and accuracy of breeding and it is widely used in purebred breeding across many animal species. However, some studies indicate that the accuracy of genome selection in cross breeding needs to be improved,especially in cross population. As one of the most extensive breeding methods employed in the swine industry, cross breeding has significant, potential research and economic value to further improve its performance by combining with genomic selection. In this review, we summarize the application of genomic selection in pigs, and elucidate the genomic selection deficiencies in breeding hybrid pigs. This review will also provide valuable insights for the future application and improvement of genomic selection in pig cross breeding.

The dysplastic trochlear sulcus due to the insufficient patellar stress in growing rats.

BACKGROUND: Developmental factors were assumed to be the key factors that influenced the morphology of femoral trochlea. This study investigated the effects of insufficient patellar stress after birth on the morphological development of the femoral trochlea. Effects of insufficient patellar stress on femoral trochlea were investigated using surgical induced patellectomy and patellar dislocation in growing rat model. METHODS: In this study, two experimental groups and one sham group (SG) were established. Thirty-six Wistar rats (female, 28 days of age) were randomly assigned to three groups. The patellectomy group (PG), rats underwent the patellectomy in this group. The dislocation group (DG), rats underwent the surgery-induced patellar dislocation. Histological staining (Safranin-O and fast green), Micro-computed tomographic (Micro-CT) analysis in two experimental endpoints (3, 12 weeks postoperatively) were selected to evaluate morphological changes of the femoral trochlea. RESULTS: Articular cartilage on the trochlear sulcus was remodeled at 3 weeks after the surgery, and degenerated at 12 weeks through the histological staining. The femoral trochlear angle (FTA) did not show a significant difference at 3 week between the experimental groups and the sham group (PG vs SG P = 0.38, DG vs SG p = 0.05), but the FTA was significantly increased in experimental groups at 12 weeks(PG vs SG P = 0.001, DG vs SG p = 0.005). The Bone volume density (BV/TV), Trabecular number (Tb.N) under the trochlea groove were significantly reduced at 3 weeks postoperatively in the experimental groups (PG vs SG p = 0.001, DG vs SG p = 0.002). No significant difference was found in BV/TV and Tb. N among the three groups at 12 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Surgical induced patellectomy and patellar dislocation leads to the dysplastic trochlear sulcus in growing rats. Besides the bone morphology of trochlear sulcus, the articular cartilage and subchondral trabecula under the trochlear sulcus were remodeled early stage after the surgery.

Platelet indices and erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Elevated platelet levels have been postulated to be associated with cardiovascular diseases, conditions closely linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). The current systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the platelet indices, which including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in subjects with ED compared to controls in an attempt to clarify the possible role of platelet indices in the pathogenesis of ED. We initially screened the candidate studies observing the possible association between platelet indices and ED following literature search of database Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE and therefore included the studies based on the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent investigators extracted the related information on article data and outcome measures from the qualified studies, and a meta-analysis was therefore performed using Stata 12.0 software. Subgroup analyses were conducted by the different ED aetiology obtained from the eligible studies. The standard mean difference (SMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were applied to estimate the outcome measures. A total of 14 articles were qualified in our meta-analysis with a total of 1595 cases and 987 controls included. Pooled estimate was in favour of increased MPV levels in subjects with ED with a SMD of 0.651 fl, 95% CI 0.567-0.735, p = 0.000. Subgroup analysis showed that vasculogenic ED had a higher MPV levels than controls as well (SMD [95% CI] = 1.026 [0.823-1.228], p = 0.000). However, pooled analysis based on PLT and PDW levels has produced inconsistent results and not strong evidence on platelet level and ED correlation. In conclusion, vasculogenic ED patients had a higher MPV level in our study. However, the results need further interpretation with caution and more high-quality studies are warranted.

Biomechanical Research of Three Parallel Cannulated Compression Screws in Oblique Triangle Configuration for Fixation of Femoral Neck Unstable Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment with internal fixation, specifically percutaneous fixation with three cannulated compression screws (CCSs), is the preferred choice for young and middle-aged patients. The mechanical advantage of the optimal spatial configuration with three screws provides maximum dispersion and cortical support. We suspect that the spatial proportion of the oblique triangle configuration (OTC) in the cross-section of the femoral neck isthmus (FNI) may significantly improve shear and fatigue resistance of the fixed structure, thereby stabilizing the internal fixation system in femoral neck fracture (FNF). This study aims to explore the mechanical features of OTC and provide a mechanical basis for its clinical application. METHODS: Twenty Sawbone femurs were prepared as Pauwels type III FNF models and divided equally into two fixation groups: OTC and inverted equilateral triangle configuration (IETC). Three 7.3 mm diameter cannulated compression screws (CCSs) were used for fixation. The specimens of FNF after screw internal fixation were subjected to static loading and cyclic loading tests, respectively, with five specimens for each test. Axial stiffness, 5 mm failure load, ultimate load, shear displacement, and frontal rotational angle of two fragments were evaluated. In the cyclic loading test, the load sizes were 700 N, 1400 N, and 2100 N, respectively, and the fracture end displacement was recorded. Results were presented as means ± SD. Data with normal distributions were compared by the Student's t test. RESULTS: In the static loading test, the axial stiffness, ultimate load, shear displacement, and frontal rotational angle of two fragments were (738.64 vs. 620.74) N/mm, (2957.61 vs. 2643.06) N, (4.67 vs. 5.39) mm, and (4.01 vs. 5.52)° (p < 0.05), respectively. Comparison between the femoral head displacement after 10,000 cycles of 700N cyclic loading and total displacement after 20,000 cycles of 700-1400N cyclic loading showed the OTC group was less than the IETC group (p < 0.05). A comparison of femoral head displacement after 10,000 cycles of 1400N and 2100N cycles and total displacement after 30,000 cycles of 700-2100N cycles showed the OTC group was less than another group, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: When three CCSs are inserted in parallel to fix FNF, the OTC of three screws has obvious biomechanical advantages, especially in shear resistance and early postoperative weight-bearing, which provides a mechanical basis for clinical selection of ideal spatial configuration for unstable FNF.

In situ reconstruction of an infected infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula with self-made pericardium graft.

Infectious aortic disease is a challenging life-threatening disease in cardiovascular surgery. A 70-year-old man patient presented with an infected infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm and right iliac artery- left iliac vein fistula (arteriovenous fistula). He underwent total infected tissues excision, debridement, in situ reconstructions of the aorta using a self-made pericardium graft with omental coverage and arteriovenous fistula patch repair to prevent leakage. One-year follow-up revealed the absence of clinically relevant infection with patency of the graft and the absence of biochemical inflammatory markers.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Risk Factors for Decreased Improvement after Patellofemoral Arthroplasty.

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is acknowledged as the method for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA). Few previous studies have assessed the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and risk factors of less improvement of PROs in patients undergoing PFA. A retrospective analysis was performed, including all patients who had undergone PFA. Pre- and postoperative PROs included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Kujala score. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to assess influencing factors of less improvement of PROs including the demographic factors (gender, age, body mass index, smoking, opioid usage, and duration of symptoms [DOSs]), surgical factors (concomitant surgery), and imaging factors (trochlear dysplasia [TD], patellar height, the degree of PFOA). A total of 46 PFAs were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 37 ± 7 months. The mean age at surgery was 61.1 ± 7.7 years. Patients showed significant improvement in all PROs (p < 0.001). Patients with TD preoperatively have greater improvement in OKS and Kujala score postoperatively (19.2 ± 5.0 vs. 23.1 ± 3.6, p = 0.038). Longer DOSs (≥1 year) had a greater mean improvement in OKS and Kujala score (p = 0.011 and p = 0.000). According to the measurement of patella height, patients with patella alta (Caton-Deschamps index [CDI] ≥1.3) showed less improvement in both OKS and Kujala score (p = 0.000 and p = 0.002). PFA is a safe and efficient surgery with good PROs. Patella alta with a CDI ≥1.3 and duration of preoperative symptoms ≤ 1 year were risk factors for decreased OKS and Kujala score improvement, while the preoperative presence of TD was significantly predictive factors for increased OKS improvement.

Theoretical Studies on the Quantum Capacitance of Two-Dimensional Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors.

In recent years, supercapacitors have been widely used in the fields of energy, transportation, and industry. Among them, electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) have attracted attention because of their dramatically high power density. With the rapid development of computational methods, theoretical studies on the physical and chemical properties of electrode materials have provided important support for the preparation of EDLCs with higher performance. Besides the widely studied double-layer capacitance (CD), quantum capacitance (CQ), which has long been ignored, is another important factor to improve the total capacitance (CT) of an electrode. In this paper, we survey the recent theoretical progress on the CQ of two-dimensional (2D) electrode materials in EDLCs and classify the electrode materials mainly into graphene-like 2D main group elements and compounds, transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). In addition, we summarize the influence of different modification routes (including doping, metal-adsorption, vacancy, and surface functionalization) on the CQ characteristics in the voltage range of ±0.6 V. Finally, we discuss the current difficulties in the theoretical study of supercapacitor electrode materials and provide our outlook on the future development of EDLCs in the field of energy storage.