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Numerical study of the separation characteristics of gas mixtures with large mass difference in a strong rotating flow field

The prevalence and correlation of cancer-related fatigue and locomotive syndrome in geriatric cancer patients

Objective To explore the relationship between cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and locomotive syndrome (LS) among Chinese older adults with cancer. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey. Staged random sampling method was employed to enroll 500 geriatric cancer patients from the Oncology Center of Jiangnan University Hospital in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. Data were collected using General Information Questionnaire, Cancer Fatigue Scale and the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. χ2 test, Logistic regression analysis and Spearman analysis were utilized to analyze the data. Results A total of 466 geriatric cancer patients were enrolled in this survey. The occurrence of CRF was 43.8%, and the occurrence of LS was 30.9%. LS were risk factors for the occurrence of CRF in geriatric cancer patients. Advanced old age, fear of falling, comorbid with chronic diseases and CRF were risk factors for LS. CRF was positively associated with LS (r = 0.446, P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings indicate a potential link between CRF and LS. By addressing LS from various aspects, including controlling the number of complications due to advanced old age and other factors, as well as spreading proper fall-related knowledge and controlling the awareness of fear of falling, healthcare professionals can indirectly alleviate CRF symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for these patients.

Investigating ferroptosis-related genes NFE2L2 in neutrophils for ankylosing spondylitis: therapeutic potential of cassia twigs

Risk management in POCT blood glucose monitoring: FMEA approach aligned with ISO 15189:2022

Objective Point-of-care testing (POCT) blood glucose meters provide rapid and convenient monitoring for clinical care and chronic disease management. However, their accuracy is often compromised by risks associated with personnel, equipment, and procedural inconsistencies. This study systematically assesses these risks using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method and proposes control measures aligned with ISO 15189:2022 standards. Methods This study evaluated the risks associated with POCT blood glucose meters in clinical laboratory settings, encompassing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. A multidisciplinary team employed FMEA to identify potential failure modes and their impacts. A risk matrix classified risks based on probability and severity, with “unacceptable” risks prompting targeted control measures. A follow-up assessment conducted three months later evaluated the effectiveness of these measures through feedback collection and quality control data analysis, ensuring effective risk mitigation in POCT practices. Results The risk assessment identified distinct issues at each hospital: Peking University Shenzhen Hospital faced significant risks related to inadequate performance verification prior to hospital entry, insufficient personnel training, and data management problems, while Wuhan Third Hospital primarily encountered challenges with inadequate training and insufficient calibration and inadequate quality control. Control measures implemented at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital included stringent validation protocols, comprehensive training systems, and automated data management. At Wuhan Third Hospital, the focus was on enhancing training oversight and establishing rigorous quality control measures and calibration Schedule. These interventions effectively reduced unacceptable risks and improved the safety and reliability of the monitoring process. Conclusion Integrating FMEA with ISO 15189:2022 provides a structured approach for identifying and mitigating risks in the use of POCT blood glucose meters. Implementing tailored measures significantly enhances POCT accuracy and reliability, offering clinical institutions effective strategies to improve quality and ensure better patient outcomes.

Comprehensive immunophenotyping reveals distinct tumor microenvironment alterations in anti-PD-1 sensitive and resistant syngeneic mouse model

Comparative effectiveness of different surgical timings on neurological outcomes for cranioplasty: Protocol for a prospective non-randomized controlled trial

Background Cranioplasty (CP), a surgical procedure that restores cranial integrity and potentially enhances neurological outcomes, is commonly performed following decompressive craniectomy for various reasons. However, there is considerable controversy and variation regarding the optimal timing for cranioplasty, particularly concerning its impact on neurological functional outcomes. This paper outlines the protocol for a multicenter, non-randomized controlled trial designed to investigate whether the timing of cranioplasty influences neurological outcomes. Methods/Design This study will be conducted from June 2025 to June 2026 across multiple clinical centers in China, targeting the enrollment of at least 500 adults aged 18-65 years with skull defects larger than 25 cm². Participants will be divided based on the timing of their cranioplasty relative to decompressive craniectomy into two groups: early (within 3 months post-decompression) and late (after 3 months). The primary outcome, assessed through the Barthel Index, will measure functional recovery 6 months post-surgery, with secondary outcomes including mortality, quality of life, cognitive performance and complication rates. Discussion This non-randomized clinical trial focuses on the neurological outcomes associated with different timings of cranioplasty. It is anticipated that the findings will contribute valuable insights and support more informed clinical decisions regarding the timing of cranioplasty. By comparing early and late cranioplasty, the trial aims to clarify how timing affects recovery and overall neurological improvement post-surgery. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2400094619

Pixel level deep reinforcement learning for accurate and robust medical image segmentation

Correction: Adapting physics-informed neural networks to improve ODE optimization in mosquito population dynamics

Transcriptome combined with single-cell sequencing explored prognostic markers associated with T cell exhaustion characteristics in head and neck squamous carcinoma

A registration strategy to characterize DTI-observed changes in skeletal muscle architecture due to passive shortening

Skeletal muscle architecture is a key determinant of muscle function. Architectural properties such as fascicle length, pennation angle, and curvature can be characterized using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), but acquiring these data during a contraction is not currently feasible. However, an image registration-based strategy may be able to convert muscle architectural properties observed at rest to their contracted state. As an initial step toward this long-term objective, the aim of this study was to determine if an image registration strategy could be used to convert the whole-muscle average architectural properties observed in the extended joint position to those of a flexed position, following passive rotation. DTI and high-resolution fat/water scans were acquired in the lower leg of seven healthy participants on a 3T MR system in + 20° and −10° ankle positions. The diffusion and anatomical images from the two positions were used to propagate DTI fiber-tracts from seed points along a mesh representation of the aponeurosis of fiber insertion. The −10° and + 20° anatomical images were registered and the displacement fields were used to transform the mesh and fiber-tracts from the + 20° to the −10° position. Student’s paired t -tests were used to compare the mean architectural parameters between the original and transformed fiber-tracts. The whole-muscle average fiber-tract length, pennation angle, curvature, and physiological cross-sectional areas estimates did not differ significantly. DTI fiber-tracts in plantarflexion can be transformed to dorsiflexion position without significantly affecting the average architectural characteristics of the fiber-tracts. In the future, a similar approach could be used to evaluate muscle architecture in a contracted state.

Study on the bonding behavior of concrete-filled aluminum alloy tube

Identification and validation of the common pathogenesis and hub biomarkers in Papillary thyroid carcinoma complicated by rheumatoid arthritis

Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma coexisting with rheumatoid arthritis is frequently observed in clinical patients, yet its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. This investigation sought to further explore the molecular underpinnings of these two diseases. Methods Gene expression profiles for thyroid papillary carcinoma and rheumatoid arthritis patients were obtained from the Comprehensive Gene Expression Database (GEO). Following the discovery of shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two conditions, three separate analyses were conducted. These included functional annotation, the establishment of a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network and module, and the identification of hub genes via coexpression analysis. The final step involved the validation of target genes via clinical specimens. Results This study analyzed datasets from four GEO databases and identified 64 common DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are predominantly associated with pathways related to immunity and signal transduction. Protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed complex interactions among these differentially expressed genes and highlighted several genes that may play pivotal roles in shared pathological mechanisms, namely, CCR5, CD4, IL6, CXCL13, FOXM1, CXCL9, and CXCL10. Conclusion Our study highlights the shared pathogenesis between papillary thyroid cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Shared pathways and crucial genes could offer novel perspectives for subsequent investigations into the mechanisms of these diseases.

A quantitative analysis method based on network evolution for risk factors of safety production in chemical enterprises

Numerical simulation analysis of pile-soil interaction under earthquake action

Pile foundation is a commonly recognized form of foundation, and earthquakes are a common seismic damage phenomenon. Accidents resulting from reduction in pile bearing capacity due to earthquakes pose a great threat to people’s lives and safety. This article investigates the interaction between soil and piles under earthquake action. Utilizing the MIDAS GTS NX finite element software, the vertical bearing characteristics of piles under earthquake action are studied. Obtained acceleration of piles, pile settlement, pile axial force, pile top horizontal displacement, soil pore water pressure, and pore pressure ratio under different earthquake magnitudes. The research results indicate that as the depth increases, the acceleration at the pile top is significantly greater than that at the pile bottom, with an average increase of 20% in acceleration at three different earthquake magnitudes; Both the beginning of the pore pressure ratio growth and the ultimate reaching of its stable pore pressure ratio coincide with a rise in earthquake magnitude. Additionally, the axial force of the pile body also increases with the magnitude of the earthquake, and the maximum axial force of the pile body can increase by 40% at the same time. Simultaneously, the magnitude of the earthquake influences both the displacement of the pile body and the settling of the pile top. This article can provide reference for pile foundation design and engineering construction in liquefaction sites.

Identification of potential drug targets for pelvic organ prolapse using a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization approach

Tuberculosis screening, isoniazid preventive therapy coverage and factors associated with active TB diagnosis among people living with HIV at public health facilities of central Ethiopia

Introduction TB is the most frequent opportunistic infection and cause of death among People living with HIV/AIDS. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals are routinely screened for tuberculosis as a means of monitoring efforts to mitigate the consequences of the disease on HIV-positive patients. TB status assessment identifies HIV-positive clients who show no evidence of active TB by symptom screening and would benefit from treatment with isoniazid for prevention of TB disease among HIV positives. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in public health facilities of West Shewa Zone from January to February 2019. Of the 28 Public health facilities providing HIV/AIDS care and support (HCT and ART services) 13 of them were selected by simple random sampling techniques. Finally, 815 study participants were recruited by systematics sampling techniques & proportional sample size allocation was applied depending on the HIV patient load in each health facility. After reviewing relevant literature, a structured questionnaire adapted from standardized WHO guidelines, prepared for monitoring & evaluation of TB/HIV activities was used to collect data via interviewer. Results Of the total, 769 (94.4%) PLHIV were screened for tuberculosis, among which 212 (27.6%) were found to be positive for active tuberculosis. Among 557 (72.4%) individuals eligible for IPT, only 300 (53.9%) were provided IPT; 257 (46.1%) eligible PLHIV were not provided IPT. Resident (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.6), those who didn’t attend school (AOR 4.0), primary school (grade 1-8) (AOR 3.2), and secondary school (grade 9-12) (AOR 4.2) were significantly associated with the likelihood of tuberculosis infection. Conclusion The present study findings demonstrated that tuberculosis screening for PLHIV at West Shewa Zone public health facilities was improved in comparison with reports from many African countries and other parts of Ethiopia. The IPT implementation rate fell short of both national and WHO guidelines, notwithstanding this improvement. In the study area, diagnostic methods for tuberculosis and existing preventive measures should be improved overall.

Dynamics of organic matter in algal blooms on the Greenland ice sheet

Abstract Surface melting supports the development of pigmented algal blooms on the Greenland Ice Sheet, decreasing albedo and further accelerating melting. The interplay between carbon-fixing algae and carbon-respiring heterotrophic microorganisms ultimately controls the amount and composition of organic matter (OM) and thus the ice and snow color. Yet, the dynamics of microbially-derived OM on the Greenland Ice Sheet remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we incubated in situ algae-dominated snow and ice samples under light and dark conditions and characterized the changes in dissolved and particulate OM (DOM and POM) with the help of ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. We show that glacier ice-algae habitats are dominated by highly unsaturated and aromatic compounds resistant to bio- and photo-degradation. In contrary, snow-algae habitats are enriched in bioavailable and more photosensitive unsaturated aliphatics and sulfur- and phosphorus-containing compounds. In both habitats, light exposure increased water-soluble DOM compounds derived from POM, which accounted for ~ 50–70% of the initial DOM composition. Of the initial DOM, 35–50% were heterotrophically degraded in the dark, while light alone photodegraded 6–16%. The significant accumulation of light-absorbing aromatics from POM and DOM at the end of the ice-algae experiments, underscore the greater impact of glacier ice-algae habitats on altering glacier color and accelerating melting.

Analysis of the fecal microbiome and metabolome in dairy cows with different body condition scores

Holstein Friesian is the most popular breed of dairy cows worldwide due to its exceptional milk production capabilities. In dairy cow management, the body condition score (BCS) is a useful tool, serving as a reliable indicator of a cow’s nutritional status and overall health. It is determined via a subjective visual and tactile assessment of fat cover and muscle mass. A low BCS is associated with decreased milk production and fertility. While genetic and nutritional factors have previously been associated with BCS, their effects are often moderate. In this study, we compared the fecal microbiome and the untargeted fecal metabolome of normal (BCS ≥  3, n =  16) and thin (BCS <  3, n =  16) Holstein Friesian dairy cows. The 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic analysis revealed that thin cows had significantly higher levels of Clostridiaceae, Erysipelotrichales, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Turicibacter, while normal cows had higher levels of Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, UCG-010, Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Paludibacteraceae, Alistipes, and Bacteroides. The fecal metabolomic analysis showed that key signaling pathways, including the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, were enriched in thin cows. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between differential microbial taxa and metabolites. Notably, Clostridiaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae species are linked to inflammation, infectious diseases, and conditions such as ruminal acidosis. Additionally, the mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK pathways are known to be activated by both nutrient deficiencies and inflammation. We propose that, in addition to genetic and nutritional factors, gut microbiome dysbiosis may contribute to subclinical health conditions, such as chronic inflammation and acidosis, which indirectly affect the cow’s BCS. These findings are guiding our ongoing research on the underlying health conditions in thin cows to better understand the role that the gut microbiome plays in the regulation of the body condition.

Enhancing SLAM algorithm with Top-K optimization and semantic descriptors

Morbillivirus and coronavirus survey in stranded cetaceans, Brazil

Since 2010, Guiana dolphin morbillivirus (GDMV; family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus, species Morbillivirus ceti, syn. Cetacean morbillivirus) is recognized as the cause of death of multiple cetacean species along the Brazilian coast, including an unusual mortality event in Rio de Janeiro state. Coronaviruses of the genus Gammacoronavirus (family Coronaviridae) have been previously detected in cetaceans in the northern hemisphere. After the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and with the potential to affect several mammal species, there is an increased concern about the risk of infection in aquatic mammals. The goal of this study was to molecularly screen the presence of morbillivirus and coronavirus infections in cetaceans stranded in several regions of the Brazilian coast in order to determine their occurrence rates, pathogenicity, and range of potentially susceptible cetacean species. We molecularly tested tissue samples of 118 cetaceans, belonging to 20 species, found stranded in Brazil, between 2015 and 2022. Overall, 2.5% (3/118) of the analyzed cetaceans were positive for GDMV infection: a Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), an Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), and a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). None of the animals were positive for coronavirus. Our findings indicate that the morbillivirus sequence type identified in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) of Australia and our GDMV sequences from Brazil belong to the same strain. The systematic monitoring of cetacean morbilliviruses is recommended to properly estimate the occurrence rate, pathogenicity and evolution of these viruses, which may help anticipate novel epizooties and reduce their impact on endangered cetacean populations.