Moderate Increase Research Articles

TiZrHfNb refractory high-entropy alloys with twinning-induced plasticity

The twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) effect has been widely utilized in austenite steels, β-Ti alloys, and recently developed face-centered-cubic (FCC) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) to simultaneously enhance the tensile strength and ductility. In this study, for the first time, the TWIP effect through hierarchical {332<113> mechanical twinning has been successfully engineered into the TiZrHfNb refractory HEAs by decreasing temperature and tailoring the content of Nb to destabilize the BCC phase. At cryogenic temperature, the comprehensive hierarchical {332}<113> mechanical twins are activated in TiZrHfNb0.5 alloy from micro- to nanoscale and progressively segment the BCC grains into nano-scale islands during deformation, ensuring sustainable strain hardening capability and eventually achieving a substantial 35% uniform tensile elongation. In addition, at 77 K, the tensile strength and uniform elongation of TiZrHfNbx alloys can further be adjusted by a moderate increase of Nb. The results above shed new light on the development of high-performance refractory HEAs with a high and adjustable strength and ductility combination down to the cryogenic temperature.

Effective volume of rebreathed air during breathing with facepieces increases with protection class and decreases with ambient airflow.

Wearing facepieces is discussed in the context of increasing the volume of rebreathed air. We hypothesized that rebreathed air volume increases with increasing filtering facepiece (FFP) class and that persons breathing via facepieces compensate for the additional dead-space. We have determined the effective amount of rebreathed air for a surgical masks and FFP2 and FFP3 respirators in a physical model and determined tidal volumes, breathing frequency, blood oxygen saturation, and transcutaneously measured blood carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2) in lung-healthy subjects breathing without and with facepieces at rest and during exercising on a recumbent ergometer. Rebreathed air volume increased with the facepieces' protection class and with increasing inspiration volume by 45 ± 2 ml to 247 ± 1 ml. Ambient airflow reduced rebreathed air volume by 17% up to 100% (all p < 0.001). When wearing facepieces, subjects increased tidal volume (p < 0.001) but not breathing frequency. Oxygen saturation was not influenced by facepieces. With FFP3 respirators PCO2 increased by up to 3.2 mmHg (p < 0.001) at rest but only up to 1.4 mmHg (p < 0.001) when exercising. Discomfort of breathing increased with increasing protection class of the facepiece but was consistently perceived as tolerable. We conclude that the amount of rebreathed air increases with increasing protection class of facepieces. Healthy adults were capable to compensate the facepieces' dead-space by adapting tidal volume at rest and during physical activity; thereby they tolerated moderate increases in PCO2. Ambient airflow may considerably reduce the amount of facepiece related rebreathed air.

Interlimb kinetic asymmetries during the tuck jump assessment are more exposed following kinetic stabilization

ObjectiveTo analyse interlimb kinetics and asymmetries during the tuck jump assessment (TJA), before and after kinetic stabilization, to identify injury risk in healthy female athletes. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingLaboratory. ParticipantsTwenty-five healthy females (age 21.0 ± 1.83 yrs; height 1.68 ± 0.06 m; body mass 69.4 ± 10.7 kg). Main outcome measuresKinetics were measured during 10-s trials of the TJA and absolute asymmetries compared, before and after kinetic stabilization using paired sample t-tests. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) compared vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) data for each limb during the jumping cycles before and after stabilization. ResultsSmall to moderate increases in interlimb asymmetries were observed after stabilization for VGRF, relative vertical leg stiffness, average loading rate, total and propulsive impulse, peak braking and propulsive force (p < 0.05). SPM revealed significant interlimb differences between 77-98% and 83–99% of ground contact for the jumping cycles pre- and post-stabilization respectively. ConclusionsLarger asymmetries were evident after kinetic stabilization, with increased VGRF in the non-dominant limb. We speculate that participants sacrificed interlimb landing symmetry to achieve kinetic stability, which may reflect a primal landing strategy that forgoes movement quality. Assessing lower limb biomechanics using the TJA should involve examining kinetic stability and interlimb kinetic asymmetries.

Diagnostic significance of studying the crystallogenic properties of biological fluids in a child with a deficiency of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase

Relevance: Crystalloscopy - a method for diagnosing biological fluids (BF) allows you to evaluate the physical properties of BF crystals after dehydration, as well as indirectly determine the state of the BF proteome. Crystallography helps to identify pathological processes (inflammation, oncogenesis, trauma) in the body and further monitor the effectiveness of treatment. A defect in the HAD enzyme leads to a sharp decrease in ketogenesis, the accumulation of long-chain fatty acids, an increase in the formation of dicarboxylic acids that negatively affect the tissues of the brain, heart and liver, and inhibition of a number of enzymes (in particular, gluconeogenesis enzymes). Objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of the results of crystalloscopic examination of biological fluids in normal and metabolic pathology. Materials. Materials and methods: Crystalloscopic examination of saliva of 20 people and urine of 7 examined children without a verified diagnosis associated with metabolic pathology and a child with an established pathology of enzyme systems with liver damage. For a detailed analysis of the results of the study, the case history of child B., 10 months old, hospitalized at the Institute of Pediatrics of the University Clinic of the Volga Research Medical University in 2022, was considered. Discussion: The crystallogenic activity of the biological fluids of a patient with congenital liver enzymopathy is significantly transformed. In dried micropreparations of urine, a moderate increase in the crystal-forming ability of the biomedium was recorded, as indicated by an increase in the level of crystallization and structural index. A sharp increase in the degree of destruction of crystalline structures in the facies testified to the pathological nature of the changes. Also, pronounced shifts in the crystallogenic properties were revealed in the crystallograms of the patient’s blood serum according to the activation of dehydration structurization of the blood serum, as indicated by an increase in crystallization and structure index. Similar to urine samples, a sharp increase in the degree of facies destruction was recorded in this biological fluid compared to samples from healthy children. Conclusions: The method of crystalloscopic examination of biological fluids has the potential in the diagnosis of congenital and acquired persistent metabolic disorders due to the information content and simplicity and cost-effective study within the framework of medical examination.

Structure and thermal conductivity of high-pressure-treated silica glass. A molecular dynamics study

High-pressure treatment of oxide glasses can lead to significant alteration of various material properties such as increased density, ductility, and elastic moduli. In this study, a model of melt-quenched bulk silica glass was subject to high-pressure treatments (up to 16 GPa) using molecular dynamics simulations. The thermal conductivity of such prepared glass structures was determined using the equilibrium Green–Kubo method. We observed that, up to the pressure treatments of ∼6 GPa, the structure exhibits moderate density increase and a much steeper increase between 6 and 16 GPa, with associated density increase of fivefold silicon atoms. We also observed a noticeable increase (up to 20%) of the thermal conductivity in samples subjected to high-pressure treatments. The observed increases are somewhat, but not significantly, larger than those predicted by the minimum thermal conductivity model, accounting for density and elastic moduli increase.

Effect of hemp fibers and crystalline admixtures on the properties and self-healing efficiency of lime and clay-based mortars

This study investigates the impact of hemp fibers on two fiber-reinforced compositions, clay-based and lime-pozzolan mortar. Three compositions were prepared for each mortar, reference samples without fiber incorporation, samples with untreated hemp fibers, and samples with hydrothermally treated hemp fibers with crystallines. Crystalline admixtures (CAs) were incorporated into the hydrothermal pretreatment of fibers to promote the self-healing properties of the mortar when needed. Physico-mechanical and thermal properties took place to address the overall effect of hemp on the mortars. Adding hemp fibers enhanced the mechanical strength and reduced the mortars' shrinkage. The hydrothermally treated fibers have better cohesion with mortars, preserving the best results. To evaluate self-healing efficiency, pre-damaged cubic samples from each composition were subjected to tap water immersion for lime-pozzolan mortars and a controlled humid chamber for clay mortars after a curing period. The healing rate was assessed by measuring crack closure, compressive strength recovery, and the dynamic modulus of elasticity recovery. The results indicated significant strength recovery in lime-pozzolan mortars with hemp fibers. Clay-based mortars showed moderate strength increases and limited self-healing.

Self-Massage Acute Effects on Pressure Pain Threshold, Muscular Electrical Activity, and Muscle Force Production: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Furlan, MR, Machado, E, Petter, GdN, Barbosa, IM, Geremia, JM, and Glänzel, MH. Self-massage acute effects on pressure pain threshold, muscular electrical activity, and muscle force production: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 620-635, 2024-Self-massage (SM) is often used in physiotherapy and sports training programs. However, the SM acute effects on pressure pain threshold (PPT), muscle electrical activity (MEA), and muscle force production remain unclear. A meta-analytical review was performed to verify the SM acute effects on neuromuscular responses in healthy adults or athletes. The review (CRD42021254656) was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. A synthesis of the included studies was performed, and both the risk of bias and the evidence certainty level were assessed through the PEDro scale and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, respectively. Nineteen studies were included, 5 evaluated the PPT, 7 the thigh muscles' MEA, and 15 the lower-limb strength. The SM application induces moderate increases in quadriceps' PPT (5 studies; standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.487; 95% CI 0.251-0.723; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). We found no SM effects on the hamstrings and plantar flexors' MEA. Also, we observed small increases in knee extensors' concentric torque (2 studies; SMD: 0.288; 95% CI 0.088-0.489; p = 0.005; I2 = 0%), without effects in isometric muscle strength, eccentric torque, and rate of force development. Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation analysis showed high and low certainty levels for the SM effects on quadriceps' PPT and muscle strength, respectively. Self-massage pressure-volume application seems to be a determining factor in inducing changes in these parameters, and it may vary among the treated muscles, where a higher pressure-volume application is required for increasing knee flexors and plantar flexors' PPT and strength. Thus, new studies with better methodological quality should be performed to strengthen this evidence.

Impact of Hydroxyurea on Clinical and Biological Parameters of Sickle Cell Anemia in Children in Abidjan.

Background: The lives of individuals affected by sickle cell disease are marked by painful crises sometimes accompanied by complications. Curative treatments such as bone marrow transplantation or gene therapy exist, but are not currently performed in Côte d'Ivoire. Treatment with hydroxyurea remains an effective alternative. The aim of our study is to contribute to improving the management of children with sickle cell disease.&#x0D; Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study from November 2017 to April 2019 at the at the Yopougon University Hospital. Children aged 5 to 15 years experiencing at least 3 vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) per year were included in the study after obtaining informed and written consent from their parents. Each patient received a daily dose of 15mg/kg of hydroxyurea.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the children was 9 years. More than 75% of patients were homozygous SSFA2 major sickle cell individuals. After 6 months on hydroxyurea, our study observed rates of 84.4%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively, for the absence of vaso-occlusive crises, hospitalization, and transfusion. Biologically, from M0 to M12 the mean hemoglobin level increased significantly, from 7.24 to 8.55 g/dL; white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts decreased; Fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) increased significantly from 10.3% to 19.7%. Biochemical parameters within normal ranges, except for a moderate treatment-related increase in transaminases.&#x0D; Conclusion: The induction of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) production through hydroxyurea intake is the primary mechanism by which hydroxyurea modifies the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease

CHEK2 Founder Variants and Thyroid Cancer Risk.

Background: Germline pathogenic variants in CHEK2 are associated with a moderate increase in the lifetime risk for breast cancer. Increased risk for other cancers, including non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC), has also been suggested. To date, data implicating CHEK2 variants in NMTC predisposition primarily derive from studies within Poland, driven by a splice site variant (c.444 + 1G>A) that is uncommon in other populations. In contrast, the predominant CHEK2 variants in non-Polish populations are c.1100del and c.470T>C/p.I157T, representing 61.1% and 63.8%, respectively, of all CHEK2 pathogenic variants in two large U.S.-based commercial laboratory datasets. To further delineate the impact of common CHEK2 variants on thyroid cancer, we aimed to investigate the association of three CHEK2 founder variants (c.444 + 1G>A, c.1100del, and c.470T>C/p.Ile157Thr) on NMTC susceptibility in three groups of unselected NMTC patients. Methods: The presence of three CHEK2 founder variants was assessed within three groups: (1) 1544 NMTC patients (and 1593 controls) from previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses, (2) 789 NMTC patients with germline exome sequencing (Oncology Research Information Exchange Network [ORIEN] Avatar), and (3) 499 NMTC patients with germline sequence data available in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A case-control study design was utilized with odds ratios (ORs) calculated by comparison of all three groups with the Ohio State University GWAS control group. Results: The predominant Polish variant (c.444 + 1G>A) was present in only one case. The proportion of patients with c.1100del was 0.92% in the GWAS group, 1.65% in the ORIEN Avatar group, and 0.80% in the TCGA group. The ORs (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for NMTC associated with c.1100del were 1.71 (0.73-4.29), 2.64 (0.95-7.63), and 2.5 (0.63-8.46), respectively. The proportion of patients with c.470T>C/p.I157T was 0.91% in the GWAS group, 0.76% in the ORIEN Avatar group, and 0.80% in the TCGA group, respectively. The ORs (with CIs) for NMTC associated with c.470T>C/p.I157T were 1.75 (0.74-4.39), 1.52 (0.42-4.96), and 2.31 (0.58-7.90), respectively. Conclusions: Our analyses of unselected patients with NMTC suggest that CHEK2 variants c.1100del and c.470T>C/p.I157T have only a modest impact on thyroid cancer risk. These results provide important information for providers regarding the relatively low magnitude of thyroid cancer risk associated with these CHEK2 variants.

Increased light intensity enhances photosynthesis and biochemical components of red macroalga of commercial importance, Kappaphycus alvarezii, in response to ocean acidification

The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has increased drastically over the past several decades, resulting in the pH of the ocean decreasing by 0.44 ± 0.005 units, known as ocean acidification (OA). The Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae), is a commercially and ecologically important red macroalga with significant CO2 absorption potential from seawater. The K. alvarezii also experienced light variations from self-shading and varied cultivation depths. Thus, the aim of present study was to investigate the effects of two pCO2 levels (450 and 1200 ppmv) and three light intensities (50, 100, and 150 μmol photons·m−2·s−1) on photosynthesis and the biochemical components in K. alvarezii. The results of the present study showed that a light intensity of 50 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 was optimal for K. alvarezii photosynthesis with 0.663 ± 0.030 of Fv/Fm and 0.672 ± 0.025 of Fv’/Fm’. Phycoerythrin contents at two pCO2 levels decreased significantly with an increase in light intensity by 57.14–87.76%, while phycocyanin contents only decreased from 0.0069 ± 0.001 mg g−1 FW to 0.0047 ± 0.001 mg g−1 FW with an increase in light intensity at 1200 ppmv of pCO2. Moreover, moderate increases in light intensity and pCO2 had certain positive effects on the physiological performance of K. alvarezii, specifically in terms of increasing soluble carbohydrate production. Although OA and high light levels promoted total organic carbon accumulation (21.730 ± 0.205% DW) in K. alvarezii, they had a negative impact on total nitrogen accumulation (0.600 ± 0.017% DW).

Exploring recent trends (2014–21) in preferencing and accepting Queensland medical internships in rural hospitals

BackgroundMedical internship is a key transition point in medical training from student to independent (junior) doctor. The national Regional Training Hubs (RTH) policy began across Australia in late 2017, which aims to build medical training pathways for junior doctors within a rural region and guide students, interns and trainees towards these. This study aims to explore preferencing and acceptance trends for rural medical internship positions in Queensland. Moreover, it focuses on internship preference and acceptance outcomes prior to and following the establishment of RTHs, and their association with key covariates such as rural training immersions offered by medical schools.MethodsData from all applicants to Queensland Health intern positions between 2014–2021 were available, notably their preference order and location of accepted internship position, classified as rural or metropolitan. Matched data from Queensland’s medical schools were added for rural training time and other key demographics. Analyses explored the statistical associations between these factors and preferencing or accepting rural internships, comparing pre-RTH and post-RTH cohorts.ResultsDomestic Queensland-trained graduates first preferencing rural intern positions increased significantly (pre-RTH 21.1% vs post-RTH 24.0%, p = 0.017), reinforced by a non-significant increase in rural acceptances (27.3% vs 29.7%, p = 0.070). Rural interns were more likely to have previously spent ≥ 11-weeks training in rural locations within medical school, be rurally based in the year applying for internship, or enrolled in the rural generalist pathway.ConclusionsThe introduction of the RTH was associated with a moderate increase of graduates both preferencing and accepting a rural internship, though a richer understanding of the dominant reasons for and against this remain less clear. An expansion of graduates who undertook longer periods of undergraduate rural training in the same period did not diminish the proportion choosing a rural internship, suggesting there remains an appetite for these opportunities. Overall, domestic graduates are identified as a reliable source of intern recruitment and retention to rural hospitals across Queensland, with entry to the rural generalist pathway and extended rural placement experiences enhancing uptake of rural practice.

Root endophyte-mediated alteration in plant H2O2 homeostasis regulates symbiosis outcome and reshapes the rhizosphere microbiota.

Endophytic symbioses between plants and fungi are a dominant feature of many terrestrial ecosystems, yet little is known about the signaling that defines these symbiotic associations. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is recognized as a key signal mediating the plant adaptive response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the role of H2O2 in plant-fungal symbiosis remains elusive. Using a combination of physiological analysis, plant and fungal deletion mutants, and comparative transcriptomics, we reported that various environmental conditions differentially affect the interaction between Arabidopsis and the root endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris, and link this process to alterations in H2O2 levels and H2O2 fluxes across root tips. We found that enhanced H2O2 efflux leading to a moderate increase in H2O2 levels at the plant-fungal interface is required for maintaining plant-fungal symbiosis. Disturbance of plant H2O2 homeostasis compromises the symbiotic ability of plant roots. Moreover, the fungus-regulated H2O2 dynamics modulate the rhizosphere microbiome by selectively enriching for the phylum Cyanobacteria, with strong antioxidant defenses. Our results demonstrated that the regulation of H2O2 dynamics at the plant-fungal interface affects the symbiotic outcome in response to external conditions and highlight the importance of the root endophyte in reshaping the rhizosphere microbiota.

A psychoeducational intervention to improve sexual functioning in male rectal and anal cancer patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial study.

Male rectal and anal cancer patients demonstrate high rates of sexual dysfunction. This pilot randomized controlled trial tested a psychoeducational intervention designed to improve psychosexual adjustment. Rectal or anal cancer patients were randomized to a Sexual Health Intervention for Men (intervention) or to a referral and information control (control). The intervention included control activities plus 4 sexual health intervention sessions every 4-6 weeks and 3 brief telephone calls timed between these sessions. Assessments were completed pre-intervention (baseline) and 3 months (follow-up 1) and 8 months (follow-up 2) post-intervention. Differences were assessed with statistical significance and Cohen's d effect sizes (d = 0.2, small effect; d = 0.5, moderate effect; d = 0.8, large effect). Ninety subjects enrolled. Forty-three participants completed at least 1 follow-up assessment (intervention, n = 14; control n = 29). At follow-up 1, men in intervention, compared to control, improved on all domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) and demonstrated large effects (d = 0.8 to d = 1.5). Similarly, at follow-up 2, changes in all domains of the IIEF except the orgasm domain were either statistically significant or marginally statistically significant (p = 0.01 to p = 0.08) and demonstrated moderate to large treatment effects for intervention versus control (d = 0.5 to d = 0.8). Men in the intervention, compared to control, demonstrated decreased sexual bother at follow-up 1 (p = 0.009, d = 1.1), while Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) total scores and the SEAR sexual relationship subscale demonstrated moderate increases for intervention versus control (d = 0.4 to d = 0.6). This study provides initial evidence for combining a psychoeducational intervention with medical interventions to address sexual dysfunction following rectal and anal cancer. Trials register number: NCT00712751 (date of registration: 7/10/2008).

Fish weight reduction in response to intra‐ and interspecies competition under climate change

AbstractAs described by the temperature–size rule paradigm, fish living in warmer temperatures grow faster but have a smaller mature body size. However, the changes in the body size of fish communities in the western North Pacific, which is one of the most active fishing grounds, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in the body size of fish assemblages in the western North Pacific and whether fish sizes were potentially driven by the temperature–size rule, bottom‐up effects and intra‐ and interspecies competition at a community scale. We evaluated the fish weight data of 6 stocks of 4 species from 1978 to 2018 and 17 stocks of 13 species from 1995/1997 to 2018. Weight reduction in the fish assemblage was observed in the 1980s and was associated with the biomass peak of the Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus), indicating the effect of intra‐ and interspecies competition. Another weight reduction was observed in the 2010s, which was associated with a moderate increase in the biomass of the Japanese sardine and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus). Our analyses indicate that stronger stratifications in the surface layers during the 2010s potentially reduced the nutrient supply from the subsurface to the surface layers. This limitation in food availability forced intra‐ and interspecies competition under a moderate increase in fish biomass. Our findings underscore the critical significance of integrating the impacts of species competition and climate change on fish sizes to improve fishery management at a community level.

Mechanical Properties of Thermally Annealed Cu/Ni and Cu/Al Multilayer Thin Films: Solid Solution vs. Intermetallic Strengthening

In this study, Cu/Ni and Cu/Al multilayers, with individual layer thickness varying from 25 nm to 200 nm, and co-sputtered Cu-Ni and Cu-Al single layer films were deposited at room temperature via magnetron sputtering and further annealed from 100 °C to 300 °C. The mechanical and microstructural properties of the as-deposited and annealed samples were characterized by nanoindentation, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Both multilayer systems exhibit an increase in hardness with increasing annealing temperature. However, the Cu/Ni system shows a gradual and moderate hardness increase (up to 30%) from room temperature to 300 °C, while the Cu/Al system displays a sharp hardness surge (~150%) between 125 °C and 200 °C. The co-sputtered Cu-Ni and Cu-Al samples consistently demonstrate higher hardness than their multilayered counterparts, albeit with distinctly different temperature dependence—the hardness of Cu-Ni increases with annealing temperature while Cu-Al maintains a constant high hardness throughout the entire temperature range. The distinct thermal strengthening mechanisms observed in the two metallic multilayer systems can be ascribed to the formation of solid solutions in Cu/Ni and the precipitation of intermetallic phases in Cu/Al. This study highlights the unique advantage of intermetallic strengthening in metallic multilayer systems.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CCFM1222 Ameliorated the Intestinal Barrier and Regulated Gut Microbiota in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei has been regarded as a probiotic bacterium because of its role in anti-inflammatory properties and maintenance of intestinal barrier permeability. Here, we explored the anticolitic effects and mechanism of L. paracasei CCFM1222. The results showed that L. paracasei CCFM1222 supplementation could suppress the disease activity index (DAI) and colon length shortening in colitis mice, accompanied by a moderate increase in colonic tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1). L. paracasei CCFM1222 intervention significantly suppressed the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and significantly elevated the activities of antioxidant enzymes (including SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) in the colon by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in colitis mice. In addition, L. paracasei CCFM1222 significantly shifted the gut microbiota, including elevating the abundance of Catabacter, Ruminiclostridium 9, Alistipes, and Faecalibaculum, as well as reducing the abundance of Mucispirillum, Escherichia-Shigella, and Salmonella, which was associated with the improvement of colonic barrier damage. Overall, these results suggest that L. paracasei CCFM1222 is a good candidate for probiotic of improving colonic barrier damage and associated diseases.

Designing Community Services for People With Borderline Personality Disorder to Reduce Hospitalizations.

Previous evaluations of interventions for borderline personality disorder have focused on psychotherapies. This study (N=42 patients), conducted in Liverpool, United Kingdom, reviewed the effect on out-of-area treatments (OATs) and hospital admissions of establishing a local case management team and a combined day treatment and crisis service for patients who are too dysregulated to access typical office-based psychotherapy. Data from 12, 24, and 36 months postintervention were compared with baseline data. All patients in OATs were repatriated to the local community. No new patients were sent to OATs. Admissions decreased (at 12 months, 49%; 24 months, 64%; 36 months, 74%), achieving savings in hospitalization costs. Moderate increases in the use and costs of some other services were observed.

Meta-analysis: Risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Studies exploring the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatic cancer have reported inconsistent results. To provide a comprehensive overview of the risk of pancreatic cancer development in patients with IBD. We searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus and ProQuest from inception to 31 October 2023. We included population-based cohort studies examining the risk of incident pancreatic cancer in adult patients with IBD compared to the non-IBD population. We also retrieved Mendelian randomisation (MR) studies investigating the relationship of IBD with pancreatic cancer risk. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and provided pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 13 studies. Among 11 cohort studies, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by 79% in patients with IBD (RR = 1.79 [95% CI: 1.16-2.75]; I2 = 95.7%). Patients either with Crohn's disease (RR = 1.42 [95% CI: 1.24-1.63]) or ulcerative colitis (RR = 1.50 [95% CI: 1.17-1.92]) had increased risk (p for interaction = 0.72). The annual incidence of pancreatic cancer potentially attributable to IBD increased by 55 cases (95% CI: 17-103) per million. Two MR studies demonstrated that genetic liability to IBD was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Our results suggest a moderate increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with IBD, which may be further heightened by genetic predisposition to IBD. The increased risk of pancreatic cancer is probably similar in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Influencing factors on effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

To summarize the influencing factors on the effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), so as to provide reference for clinical treatment. The related research literature of RTSA at home and abroad was extensively consulted, and the factors that may affect the effectiveness were summarized from the aspects of surgical technique, muscle condition, general condition of patients, psychological expectation, and lifestyle. For surgical techniques, different surgical approaches have their own advantages. The glenoid notch, poor bone ingrowth, increased bone resorption, and infection would lead to the loosening of glenoid prosthesis. In addition, the neck shaft angle and inclination angle of humeral prosthesis affect the occurrence of glenoid notch and the range of motion of joint internal/external rotation after operation, respectively. For muscle condition, the quality of teres minor and deltoid muscle has an important influence on joint stability after operation. Moderate increase of deltoid muscle tension can improve joint mobility after operation, and suture repair of subscapular tendon during operation can relieve joint pain and improve function, range of motion, and strength. For the general condition of patients, gender, age, and body mass index are all related to postoperative joint function and complications, and different occupations and postoperative exercise levels affect the recovery. The patients with severe degenerative diseases, poor preoperative function, and long disease duration have lower expectations and higher satisfaction with the effectiveness, and bad lifestyle has a negative impact on the effectiveness. The effectiveness of RTSA is related to surgical technique, muscle condition, general condition of patients, psychological expectation, and lifestyle. In order to avoid the loosening of glenoid prosthesis, the operator should choose humeral prosthesis with small neck shaft angle and large glenoid ball and put them down and inclined inferiorly during operation, and choose appropriate approach to eliminate space with drainage to reduce the risk of infection. After operation, patients should avoid activities that generate high anterior and posterior shear forces. In addition, the humeral prosthesis with a inclination angle of 10°-20° can achieve the best balance between the range of internal rotation and external rotation after operation. Proper deltoid tension can maintain joint stability and good range of motion. Suture of subscapular tendon is recommended.

Waste cotton stalks enhancing the impact and crystallization performances of polylactic acid/polypropylene composite with PP-g-mah compatibilizer

Although polymers based on polylactic acid (PLA) are considered by researchers as prime candidates for replacing traditional plastics, they are confronted with challenges including high production costs, limited thermal stability, and inferior impact resistance. In this study, novel composites with exceptional impact resistance, robust thermal stability, and satisfactory crystalline properties were fabricated by using PLA and polypropylene (PP) as raw materials, PP-g-MAH was employed as a compatibilizer to enhance the compatibility between the individual components. by adjusting the quantity of discarded cotton stalk fibers (CSF). The optimal mass ratio of CSF was determined to be 20%, resulting in a composite that exhibited a moderate increase of 56.31% in impact strength and a remarkable improvement of 23.05% in Vicat softening temperature. While the crystallinity was enhanced and the crystallization temperature (Tc) value decreased, the storage modulus also increased. Furthermore, the observed increase in storage modulus within the temperature range of 80 °C–100 °C was attributed to the influence of polymer cold crystallization. The hydrophobicity of the composite was enhanced. Significantly, this strategy can be extended to the application of other plant fibers, improving the crystalline properties of semi-crystalline polymers such as PLA and exemplifying the true ‘valorization of waste' through the secondary utilization of discarded CSF.