Browse Articles

Gender differences in the impact of fatigue on lower limb landing biomechanics and their association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background This meta-analysis examines the impact of neuromuscular fatigue on gender differences in lower limb landing biomechanics and its correlation with ACL injury risk. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to March 2024. Results Fourteen studies were included, averaging a quality score of 6.79; nine were high quality. Key findings: males showed a significant increase in knee flexion angle at initial contact (effect size -1.23), but females did not (-0.25). Both genders had significant changes in hip external rotation (males: 1.35, females: 1.20). Ankle peak dorsiflexion angle increased (-1.69) with no gender differences. Peak Knee extension moment increased in males (0.76) and females (0.48) with an overall effect size of 0.64, but no change in peak abduction moment. Peak Hip extension moment was significant in males (0.58) and overall (0.51), with no changes in internal rotation or adduction moments. Peak vertical ground reaction force showed no significant changes for either gender. Conclusions Fatigue alters knee biomechanics in males, raising ACL injury risk, and both genders show increased hip and ankle loads post-fatigue. These results suggest the need for gender-specific fatigue management strategies to mitigate ACL injury risk and call for further research into prevention mechanisms.

Preliminary exploration of finite element biomechanical preoperative planning for complex tibial plateau fractures

Scattering-based structural reconstruction by dimensional elevation

This study outlines a conceptually new approach for reconstructing the neutron scattering length density profile, Δρ(r), directly from small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) intensity profiles, I(Q). The method is built upon a universal operator A, fundamental to scattering processes, which relates I(Q) to Δρ(r) through the covariance matrix X ≡ Δρ(r)Δρ(r)†. In contrast to conventional SANS data analysis techniques, this approach eliminates the need to predefine a model of Δρ(r) in the regression process. This capability inherently addresses challenges often encountered in existing spectral inversion analysis, such as convergence to local minima due to incomplete analytical models, insufficient orthogonal basis vectors, or non-orthogonality among basis functions in model-free approaches. By extending spectral regression analysis from the vector space of I(Q) to the higher-dimensional space of AXA†, the PhaseLift framework imposes convexity on the regression process. This ensures the stable and computationally efficient reconstruction of the universal minimum Δρ(r) from I(Q). Numerical benchmarks and experimental validations confirm the reliability of this approach in tackling neutron scattering inverse problems. The method establishes a robust and flexible framework for advancing neutron scattering data analysis, with the potential to significantly enhance both the precision and efficiency of experiments across various scientific domains. It provides a solid foundation for further research into the interpretation and application of scattering data.

Light- and Heat-Responsive Frustrated Lewis Pair Enables On-Demand Fixation of Ethylene

Evaluation approach of prefabricated components based on multi-layer complex network model combined with improved topsis method

Prefabricated buildings face greater and different prefabricated components throughout their entire lifecycle, leading to a significant increase in management difficulty. This article proposes an evaluation method based on a multi-layer complex network model combined with an improved topsis. Firstly, by combining relevant regulations, literature, and engineering experience, the factors affecting the connection of components in prefabricated building are identified and the relationships between these factors are clarified to construct a multi-layered complex network model. Secondly, complex network theory is applied to calculate and analyze the importance evaluation indicators of the model nodes. Finally, the nodes are evaluated using the entropy weight optimization topsis method, and key nodes are selected based on the comprehensive importance evaluation value, and simulation verification is carried out by attacking the nodes. A specific model is constructed and analyzed using a building in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province as an example. The study shows that:(1) By analyzing key importance evaluation metrics such as node degree, betweenness centrality, and closeness centrality, the critical nodes identified for the project are “G2,” “G1,” “S24,” and “Q1”; (2) According to the comprehensive evaluation results using the improved topsis method, quality issues are the core cause of connection problems in prefabricated components, with the construction phase being the peak period for such issues; (3) The critical nodes play a significant role in maintaining the coordination and robustness of multi-layer complex networks, and the failure of these critical nodes undermines the network’s cohesion and synergy. This study provides new insights and methods for the evaluation and management of prefabricated construction.

Social determinants of tuberculosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Size-controlled fabrication of silicon nanopore arrays by silver-assisted chemical etching

Silicon nanopore arrays are widely used in applications such as solution exchange, biomolecule detection, chemical analysis, and plant pathogen detection due to their high stability, long service life, and excellent compatibility with semiconductor and microfluidic technologies. However, existing fabrication methods such as wet etching, ion track etching, and electron beam lithography-assisted reactive ion etching face limitations, including poor size uniformity, uneven pore distribution, and high production costs. To address these challenges, this study proposes an improved metal-assisted chemical etching method for fabricating silicon nanopore arrays. This method combines silver nanoparticle-assisted etching with an anodic aluminum oxide template, promoting the orderly arrangement of silver nanoparticles on the silicon surface. By altering key factors such as nanoparticle size, etching time, temperature, and etchant oxidant concentration, the etching process was significantly optimized, with higher temperatures and oxidant concentrations accelerating nanopore formation. In addition, it is proposed that the anodic reaction likely involves the direct dissolution of silicon in its divalent state, with the gas generated during the etching process being a product of this reaction. Xenon lamp irradiation was used to fine-tune the etching kinetics, further optimizing the morphology of the silicon nanopores. The proposed technique is low-cost, highly adaptable, and reproducible, and has been successfully applied to design and optimize silicon nanopore arrays for various advanced applications. Compared to traditional industrial methods, this fabrication approach is more suitable for large-scale production, offering higher efficiency and better geometric control, making it ideal for applications in catalysis, sensing, and nanoelectronics.

Making Cells as a “Nirvana Phoenix”: Precise Coupling of Precursors Prior to ROS Bursts for Intracellular Synthesis of Quantum Dots

Retraction: COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment rate prediction for developing countries of Asia: A hybrid approach

Influence of boundary conditions and blood rheology on indices of wall shear stress from IVUS-based patient-specific stented coronary artery simulations

An iterative and automatic collective variable optimization scheme via unsupervised feature selection with CUR matrix decomposition

Phase transitions frequently involve surmounting significant energy barriers, necessitating the construction of collective variables (CVs) to facilitate enhanced sampling of high-energy structures in molecular dynamics simulations. However, optimizing CVs remains a formidable challenge, particularly when limited prior knowledge about the transition process is available. This study presents an unsupervised approach for optimizing the CVs by iteratively applying the principal component analysis algorithm on the representative feature variables generated with the CUR method (an efficient feature space contraction algorithm that can be employed to seek the representative feature variables). The approach is validated using a hypothetical three-phase model of ultra-high-pressure hydrogen derived at the density functional theory level of theory to characterize transition pathways. CVs are constructed using feature variables extracted from simulated x-ray diffraction intensity spectra. Our fully unsupervised approach demonstrated self-correction capabilities in discovering probable phase-transition pathways. By relying solely on unbiased molecular dynamics simulations of metastable structures to construct the initial dataset, the free energy profile can be properly reproduced for the phase transitions among them, which suggests the potential for developing a highly autonomous approach to exploring complex systems with elusive physical mechanisms.

Intermediate States Enable Keratin-like α-To-β Transformations in Strain-Responsive Synthetic Polypeptides

Exploration of combined factors related to quality of life after knee replacement surgery

In this study, we aimed to identify combined factors associated with lower postoperative quality of life (QOL) in knee replacement (KR) patients, utilising data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database. The data of 44 individuals from the OAI who underwent KR surgery was included in this study. Preoperative baseline data, including demographic information, comorbidities, depressive symptoms, knee-joint symptoms, and health-related QOL, were analysed using association rule analysis to identify single and combined factors linked to low postoperative QOL that were assessed with Short Form-12. Preoperative factors such as comorbidities, high Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)-pain scores, poor physical function, and older age were strongly associated with lower postoperative physical component scores (PCS) at 2 years. When combined, these factors showed even stronger associations with lower PCS. No significant associations were found with PCS and mental component scores (MCS) at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Our findings emphasize the importance of evaluating combined preoperative factors, including comorbidities, pain levels, physical function, and age, as they may be associated with lower postoperative QOL in patients who underwent KR. Considering combined factors, rather than assessing single factors in isolation, may provide a more appropriate understanding of postoperative outcomes.

Safety of a gastropexy device in infants and young children in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement

Abstract In our practice, there is a growing need to perform gastrostomy tube placement in infants and young children with feeding difficulties. To avoid possible complications arising from pull-through method (pull-through PEG) we began to perform a one-step endoscopic gastrostomy with a gastropexy device (push GT). This study aimed to evaluate the safety of this technique in infants and young children. In our study, 60 pull-through PEG and push GT procedures were retrospectively analysed in patients between 2.83 and 8.6 kg. We analysed the adverse events in both groups. Age, sex, weight, diagnosis, early (occurring ≤ 7 days after the procedure) and late (occurring > 7 days after the procedure) complications were compared in the two groups. Median follow-up duration was 12 months. Early minor complications occurred only in the push GT group, but this was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding early major complications. Late minor complications were significantly more common in the push GT group. There were no late major complications in the push GT group, which is statistically significant. In infants and young children, push GT with a gastropexy device is a safe method to perform gastrostomy even in patients unsuitable for pull-through PEG placement.

DNA relaxation dynamics in crowded environments: Influence of PEG molecular weight and viscosity

The coil–globule transition is a key phenomenon in polymer physics, where polymer chains shift between collapsed and extended states. This study investigates the relaxation dynamics of T4 DNA transitioning from an electrohydrodynamically compressed globule to a relaxed coil state in polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions of varying molecular weights. Using an AC electric field to induce globule formation, we analyzed DNA expansion upon field cessation. Higher molecular weight PEG, particularly PEG 20000, markedly prolonged relaxation times and exhibited broader distributions compared to PEG 4000 and PEG 6000. In PEG 20000, exceeding the overlap concentration stabilized multi-core structures and delayed DNA relaxation. These dynamics diverged from simple exponential relaxation due to persistent entanglements and compressed regions. The findings highlight the significance of crowding effects and viscosity in influencing polymer dynamics, providing insights relevant to biological systems and synthetic applications, such as drug delivery and gene therapy.

Photochemically Enabled Total Syntheses of Stemoamide Alkaloids

Did he or didn’t he? Mixed evidence for the continued influence of retracted misinformation on person impressions

Retracted misinformation often continues to influence event-related reasoning, but there is mixed evidence that it influences person impressions. A recent study found no evidence for the continued influence of retracted misinformation on person impressions across four experiments. However, the study used a dynamic impression-rating measure that may have obscured any continued influence effects. Here we report three experiments that tested for the continued influence of retracted misinformation on person impressions using a non-dynamic impression-formation task that is comparable to tasks used in event-related misinformation research. Participants formed an impression of a fictitious person based on a series of behaviour statements. A negative behaviour statement (e.g., “John kicked his pet dog hard in the head when it didn’t come when called”) was subsequently retracted or not retracted. Evidence for the continued influence of the retracted behaviour statement was found in one experiment; in the other two experiments the retracted misinformation was fully discounted. The mixed findings indicate that, unlike retracted event-related misinformation, retracted person-related misinformation does not consistently show a continued influence effect. Future research should investigate potential moderating factors, such as the attributes of the misinformation and the presence of social-category information about the protagonist, to reveal the mechanisms underlying the continued influence effect in person impressions.

Radiogenomic analysis of clinical and ultrasonic characteristics in correlation to immune-related genes in breast cancer

Femtosecond laser-induced diffusion and desorption of CO adsorbed on a weak electron–phonon coupling surface: Cu(110)

In this work, we perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of CO molecules chemisorbed on Cu(110) under femtosecond laser irradiation. We use the two temperature model and a previously developed potential energy surface based on density functional theory total energies (obtained using the nonlocal vdW-DF2 functional) and parameterized using artificial neural networks. We find that laser irradiation induces diffusion parallel to [1̄10] much more efficiently than parallel to [001] due to a significantly smaller energy barrier in the former case (i.e., 0.12 vs 0.49 eV). We also observe photoinduced desorption (an endothermic process characterized by ΔE = 0.6 eV) with a probability that exhibits a power law dependence with laser fluence. At the lowest fluence studied (F = 30 J m−2), for which experimental data are available, the theoretical photoinduced diffusion probabilities both parallel and perpendicular to [1̄10] agree with the measured values, whereas our calculations predict desorption probabilities smaller than those obtained in experiments. Our MD simulations show that (i) the energy exchange with the hot electron bath is the main responsible for photoinduced processes and (ii) phonons tend to reduce the kinetic energy of the adsorbate, as keeping fixed the position of the Cu atoms during the simulations (thereby quenching CO–phonon energy exchange) significantly increases CO diffusion and desorption probabilities. Thus, our study advances the understanding of ultrafast surface dynamics on metal surfaces with weak electron–phonon coupling, and we hope that it will motivate further experimental investigations.

Encoding and Expressing the Handedness of a Möbius π System in a Totemic Architecture