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To detect frozen coal residue in railcars during winter transportation in mid-to-high latitude regions, this paper proposes a method using a spin-type multi-line LiDAR system. The LiDAR is positioned above the railcar, with its rotation axis aligned to the train’s direction, capturing point cloud data as the train moves. The data processing involves three steps: first, extracting point cloud data within the railcar’s range based on the LiDAR-railcar positioning; then correcting for contour tilt and motion distortion and stitching the data using a motion displacement fusion algorithm. Statistical filtering and voxel grid methods are applied to filter, simplify, and smooth the stitched data. Finally, a 360-degree ray and alpha-blending algorithm extracts contour slices used to estimate frozen coal volume. Experiments were conducted to optimize voxel grid size and slice spacing parameters. With optimal configuration, the proposed technique achieves over 93.5% accuracy, addressing the inaccuracy of manual estimation and supporting frozen coal removal planning.

Objective Our study aimed to analyze the relationship between distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and first metatarsal (M1) pronation by measuring the DMAA and first metatarsal rotation angle (MRA) of patients with unilateral hallux valgus (HV) and discussed its significance in the surgery for HV treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective self-controlled study including patients with unilateral HV from January 2015 to December 2018 in our hospital. The affected and contralateral normal feet were divided into HV and normal groups. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), DMAA, the first and second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), first metatarsal rotation angle (MRA), Hardy score in weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs of the foot, and Yildirim score in tangential radiographs of the sesamoid were measured in the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the difference in all radiographic parameters between the two groups and the correlation between DMAA, Hardy score, and Yildirim score. Result A total of 20 unilateral HV patients, including 1 man and 19 women (average age 53.35 ± 13.90, range 25–73), were enrolled in this study. The average HVA, DMAA, IMA, Hardy score, and Yildirim score in the HV group ( n  = 20) were 40.04 ± 8.96°, 29.40 ± 9.73°, 13.34 ± 2.73°, 5.5 ± 0.97, and 2.35 ± 0.65, respectively. The average HVA, DMAA, IMA, Hardy score, and Yildirim score in the normal group ( n  = 20) were 16.06 ± 2.70°, 16.13 ± 7.77°, 10.02 ± 2.14°, 3.4 ± 1.02, and 0.85 ± 0.73, respectively. There was a significant difference in DMAA between the two groups ( P  < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between MRA and DMAA ( r  = 0.617, P  = 0.004). However, no significant correlations were found between MRA and the Hardy score ( r  = 0.028, P  = 0.908) or Yildirim score ( r  = 0.285, P  = 0.223). Conclusion M1 rotation is significantly correlated with DMAA in HV deformity, underscoring the importance of assessing rotational alignment in preoperative planning. Intraoperative correction of rotational deformity may be essential in cases of an inadequately corrected DMAA.

Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs), three-dimensional benzene bioisosteres characterized by high sp 3 -carbon content, hold great promise for diverse applications in medicinal chemistry. Although significant advances have been made in the synthesis of racemic BCHs, highly enantioselective approaches remain comparatively rare. Here we report a mild, secondary amine–catalyzed asymmetric [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, which overcomes key limitations of existing metal-catalyzed and photochemical methods. The protocol operates under ambient air and tolerates a wide range of BCB and aldehyde substrates bearing diverse functional groups, affording BCH scaffolds in yields of up to 84% under Supramolecular Iminium Catalysis with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) and high diastereoselectivity (>20:1 dr). The mild conditions and operational simplicity underscore the potential of this transformation for stereoselective manufacturing of BCHs at scale. Mechanistic experiments and DFT studies support an acid-promoted dual activation of both substrates, followed by an enamine–iminium tandem catalytic process that delivers the enantioenriched products. Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs), three-dimensional benzene bioisosteres characterized by high sp3-carbon content, hold great promise for diverse applications in medicinal chemistry. Here, authors report a secondary amine–catalyzed asymmetric [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.

Background Antibiotics, a common strategy used for neonatal infection, show consistent effect on the gut microbiota of neonates. Supplementation with probiotics has become increasingly popular in mitigating the loss of the gut microbiota. However, no clear consensus recommending the use of probiotics in the infection of neonates currently exists. This study examined the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota of infectious neonates when used concurrently with or during the recovery period following antibiotic therapy. Methods Fifty-five full-term neonates diagnosed with neonatal infections were divided into the following groups: NI (no intervention, antibiotic therapy only), PCA (probiotics used concurrently with antibiotics), and PAA (probiotics used after antibiotics). The NI group received antibiotic treatment (piperacillin–tazobactam) for 1 week and the PCA group received antibiotic treatment together with probiotics ( Bifidobacterium longum , Lactobacillus acidophilus , and Enterococcus faecalis ) for 1 week. The PAA group received antibiotic treatment for 1 week followed by probiotics for 1 week. Fecal samples were collected at four time nodes: newborn, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 42 days after birth. The composition of the gut microbiota was determined by the high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons. Results Antibiotic exposure was found to dramatically alter gut microbiota, with a significant decrease of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus . The use of probiotics did not restore the overall diversity of the gut microbiota. However, using probiotics simultaneously with the antibiotics was found to be beneficial for the gut microbiota as compared to delaying the use of probiotics to follow treatment with antibiotics, particularly in promoting the abundance of Bifidobacterium. Conclusions These results suggest that the early use of probiotics may have a potential ability to remodel the gut microbiota during recovery from antibiotic treatment. However, further study is required to fully understand the long-term effects including the clinical benefits.

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Chronic ankle instability is a common sports injury that often presents with increased plantarflexion and restricted dorsiflexion. The cumulative effect of peripheral injuries may induce neuroplasticity in the central nervous system. However, the relationship between dorsiflexion or plantarflexion and the central nervous system in patients with chronic ankle instability remains unknown. Methods: December 2020 and May 2022, we treated 400 patients who had chronic ankle instability. Ten percent (40 patients; mean ± standard deviation age 29 ± 7 years; 17 male patients) were randomly selected to participate in this study.The control group underwent MRI with good image quality. Ankle function and disease severity were assessed using three clinical scales: the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, Karlsson-Peterson Ankle Function Score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score. A uniplanar and nonweightbearing ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion paradigm (a recognized model or pattern) was performed using a short-block design during the functional MRI scan.The cerebral excitability patterns between patients with chronic ankle instability and controls were analyzed using t-tests.Spearman analysis was performed to explore the correlation between activation regions and the three clinical assessment scales. Results: Patients with chronic ankle instability showed a large effect size compared with controls (Cohen d > 0.8). During plantarflexion, the number of activated voxels in the supplementary motor area had a modest, positive correlation with the Karlsson-Peterson Ankle Function Score (r = 0.52; p = 0.01), and the number of activated voxels in the primary motor cortex (M1) and primary sensory cortex (S1) had a weak, positive correlation with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score in patients with chronic ankle instability (M1: r = 0.45; p = 0.02, S1: r = 0.49; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Compared with volunteers with normal ankle function, patients with chronic ankle instability had increased cortical activation during plantarflexion and decreased cortical activation during dorsiflexion. We analyzed the central neural mechanisms of chronic ankle instability in patients with sports injuries and provided a theoretical basis for the development of new central and peripheral interventions in the future.

An imbalance of macrophage polarization exerts influence over inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. To investigate how macrophage polarization influences IBD, we engineered a composite system consisting of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) hydrogel combined with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). The therapeutic potential of this construct was assessed by examining its regulatory effects on macrophage polarization both in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis mouse model and in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Clone formation assay was executed to identify the influence of MSC-SIS-conditioned medium on the proliferation of RAW264.7. CD206 and CD86 were measured by flow cytometric. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to evaluate cytokine gene expression. Experimental colitis was induced in mice using TNBS. Disease severity was assessed by calculating the clinical disease activity index (CDAI). Colonic tissues were subjected to histological and morphometric analyses, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data indicated that the BM-MSCs and SIS hydrogel composite significantly promoted Raw264.7 proliferation. Compared with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSCs group, treatment with the combined MSCs and SIS hydrogel construct demonstrated a more pronounced inhibitory effect on M1 phenotype the autophagy of LPS-induced RAW264.7 in vitro; what is more, BM-MSCs and SIS hydrogel greatly inhibited cytokine mRNA levels in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells compared with treatment with MSCs solely. In addition, the results implied that the mice in TNBS + MSC + SIS group had alleviated colitis compared with the TNBS + MSCs group, and the interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the serum also decreased. In conclusion, these results indicate a better wound healing effect of SIS hydrogel on BM-MSCs through promoting cell regeneration and inhibiting macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype in a TNBS-induced experimental mouse model.

Backgrounds There has long been a consensus that shortening of the first metatarsal during hallux valgus reconstruction could lead to postoperative transfer metatarsalgia. However, appropriate shortening is sometimes beneficial for correcting severe deformities or relieving stiff joints. This study is to investigate, from the biomechanical perspective, whether and how much shortening of the first metatarsal could be allowed. Methods A finite element model of the human foot simulating the push-off phase of the gait was established. Progressive shortening of the first metatarsal from 2 to 8 mm at an increment of 2 mm were sequentially applied to the model, and the corresponding changes in forefoot loading pattern during push-off phase, especially the loading ratio at the central rays, was calculated. The effect of depressing the first metatarsal head was also investigated. Results With increasing shortening level of the first metatarsal, the plantar pressure of the first ray decreased, while that of the lateral rays continued to rise. When the shortening reaches 6 mm, the load ratio of the central rays exceeds a critical threshold of 55%, which was considered risky; but it could still be manipulated to normal if the distal end of the first metatarsal displaced to the plantar side by 3 mm. Conclusions During the first metatarsal osteotomy, a maximum of 6 mm shortening length is considered to be within the safe range. Whenever a higher level of shortening is necessary, pushing down the distal metatarsal segment could be a compensatory procedure to maintain normal plantar force distributions.

: Mechanisms underlying the compromised bone formation in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), which causes bone fragility and frequent fractures, remain poorly understood. Recent advances in organ-specific vascular endothelial cells (ECs) identify type H blood vessel injury in the bone, which actively direct osteogenesis, as a possible player. : T1DM was induced in mice by streptozotocin (STZ) injection in two severity degrees. Bony endothelium, the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis, and bone mass quality were evaluated. Insulin, antioxidants, and NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitors were administered to diabetic animals to investigate possible mechanisms and design therapeutic strategies. : T1DM in mice led to the holistic abnormality of the vascular system in the bone, especially type H vessels, resulting in the uncoupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis and inhibition of bone formation. The severity of osteopathy was positively related to glycemic levels. These pathological changes were attenuated by early-started, but not late-started, insulin therapy. ECs in diabetic bones showed significantly higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NOX 1 and 2. Impairments of bone vessels and bone mass were effectively ameliorated by treatment with anti-oxidants or NOX2 inhibitors, but not by a NOX1/4 inhibitor. GSK2795039 (GSK), a NOX2 inhibitor, significantly supplemented the insulin effect on the diabetic bone. : Diabetic osteopathy could be a chronic microvascular complication of T1DM. The impairment of type H vessels by NOX2-mediated endothelial oxidative stress might be an important contributor that can serve as a therapeutic target for T1DM-induced osteopathy.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes and toxicities of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) . CCRT alone in patients with non-operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Between 2008 and 2022, 271 ESCC patients who received definitive CCRT based on intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)/volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were enrolled. Through a propensity score-matched (PSM) method, 71 patients receiving IC and CCRT were matched 1:1 to patients who received CCRT alone. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to analyze survival and prognosis. The IC + CCRT group had no improvement in 5-year overall survival (OS) rate, recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate, and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate (all p > 0.05) compared with the CCRT group. The 5-year OS rate (65.6% 17.6% 29.3%, p < 0.001), RFS rate (65.6% 17.6% 26.9%, p < 0.001), and DMFS rate (62.5% 10.3% 27.2%, p < 0.001) of the IC good responders were significantly higher than that of the IC poor responders and CCRT group. Multivariate analysis revealed that total radiotherapy time (≥ 49 days) and stage III/IV were independent predictive factors of OS, RFS, and DMFS. No significant differences were observed in the rates of grade 3-4 toxicities between both groups. Our results showed the addition of IC to CCRT was not superior to CCRT in unselected ESCC patients, while IC responders could benefit from this regime without an increase in toxicities.

Photoelectric memristors have shown great potential for future machine visions, via integrating sensing, memory, and computing (namely “all‐in‐one”) functions in a single device. However, their hard‐to‐tune photoresponse behavior necessitates extra function modules for signal encoding and modality conversion, impeding such integration. Here, we report an all‐in‐one memristor with Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite, where the Br vacancy doping‐endowed tunable energy band enables tunable photoresponsivity (TPR) behavior. As a result, the memristor showed a large tunable ratio of 35.9 dB, while its photoresponsivity presented a maximum of 2.7 × 103 mA W−1 and a long‐term memory behavior with over 104 s, making it suitable for realizing all‐in‐one processing tasks. By mapping the algorithm parameters onto the photoresponsivity, we successfully performed both recognition and processing tasks based on the TPR memristor array. Remarkably, compared with conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor counterparts, our demonstrations provided comparable performance but had ~133‐fold and ~299‐fold reductions in energy consumption, respectively. Our work could facilitate the development of all‐in‐one smart devices for next‐generation machine visions. Background: Photoelectric memristors are integral for next‐gen machine vision systems, aiming for an “all‐in‐one” device with sensing, memory, and computing capabilities. However, their photoresponse behavior has been challenging to control. Research: We developed a Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite‐based memristor with tunable photoresponsivity through Br vacancy doping, addressing the integration challenge. Findings: The memristor achieved a 35.9 dB tunable ratio, a maximum photoresponsivity of 2.7 × 103 mA W−1, and a memory retention over 104 s, enabling all‐in‐one processing. Impact: By mapping algorithm parameters to the tunable photoresponsivity, recognition and processing tasks were successfully executed. The device demonstrated comparable performance to CMOS technology but with ~133‐fold to ~299‐fold lower energy consumption, propelling the development of energy‐efficient, all‐in‐one smart devices for advanced machine vision.