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Bolt loosening can significantly impact the accuracy, stability, and safety of equipment. The detection of bolt loosening in a timely manner is crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, performance, and service life of equipment, structures, and systems. Various methods exist for detecting bolt loosening, such as strain gauges and ultrasonic waves. However, these technologies have some limitations that impede their widespread application. In this paper, for the high-pressure pipe manifolds that may experience leakage accidents due to the loosening of bolts, an early bolt loosening detection method based on digital image correlation is proposed. Initially, a model is established through tensile tests to relate the average strain on the side of the bolt head to the axial force. Subsequently, an industrial camera captures images of bolts with random speckles under operational conditions. Using digital image correlation technology, the average strain in a specific region on the side of the bolt head is calculated. By integrating the average strain into the established relationship model between the average strain and axial force, the axial force of the bolt under operational conditions can be predicted, enabling the early assessment of bolt loosening. The findings show that the average strain on the side of the bolt head increases proportionally with the axial force, indicating a strong linear relationship. This method enables accurate prediction of the bolt’s axial force, offering a new approach for identifying the early loosening of bolts in high-pressure manifolds and monitoring structural health.

To achieve cancer screening in any appointed position in 3D regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as esophagus, stomach and colon, a highly integrated dual hemisphere capsule robot (DHCR) with a novel three-layer nested structure is proposed. Based on tracking effect, in which the robotic axis is likely to be approximately coincident with the orientation of the space universal rotating magnetic field (SURMF) using the gyroscope dynamic balance, the dual hemisphere structure realizes the observation at a fixed-point in the passive mode and the rolling locomotion in the active mode by the dynamic posture control of the SURMF manipulation. The image acquisition module, wireless transmission module and driving actuator are tuned in a spherical structure, making the DHCR more compact and less invasive. To verify the maneuverability of the innovative DHCR both for observation at a fixed-point and navigation in curved intestine by aid of image, experiments are conducted in the simulated GI tract environment. The results show that the DHCR achieves effective conversion between posture adjustment and rolling locomotion, which lays a foundation for all-over inspection and medical operation inside 3D regions of the GI tract of human body.

Astaxanthin (AST), a natural keto-carotenoid classified as a xanthophyll, is well known for its antioxidant properties. AST can ameliorate the pathological characteristics of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. This study was aimed at exploring whether AST exerts a protective effect on DN via activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2– (Nrf2–) antioxidative response element (ARE) signaling. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with AST for 12 weeks. We found that AST treatment ameliorated renal morphological injury. Reduced fibronectin and collagen IV protein expression were found in the kidneys of diabetic rats. Furthermore, AST promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased its downstream protein heme oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase 1 expression. AST also increased the activity of SOD and decreased malondialdehyde generation in the serum of diabetic rats. These results suggest that the renoprotective effect of AST on DN partly depends on Nrf2–ARE signaling. The antioxidative stress effect of AST is responsible for the activation of Nrf2–ARE signaling in DN.

•We develop a deep learning-based image registration method for 3D ASL image series.•It achieves superior registration accuracy and faster speed compared to SPM.•Its improved performance can be generalized to several ASL datasets. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) have demonstrated good accuracy and speed in spatially registering high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) images. However, some functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images, e.g., those acquired from arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion fMRI, are of intrinsically low SNR and therefore the quality of registering ASL images using CNN is not clear. In this work, we aimed to explore the feasibility of a CNN-based affine registration network (ARN) for registration of low-SNR three-dimensional ASL perfusion image time series and compare its performance with that from the state-of-the-art statistical parametric mapping (SPM) algorithm. The six affine parameters were learned from the ARN using both simulated motion and real acquisitions from ASL perfusion fMRI data and the registered images were generated by applying the transformation derived from the affine parameters. The speed and registration accuracy were compared between ARN and SPM. Several independent datasets, including meditation study (10 subjects × 2), bipolar disorder study (26 controls, 19 bipolar disorder subjects), and aging study (27 young subjects, 33 older subjects), were used to validate the generality of the trained ARN model. The ARN method achieves superior image affine registration accuracy (total translation/total rotation errors of ARN vs. SPM: 1.17 mm/1.23° vs. 6.09 mm/12.90° for simulated images and reduced MSE/L1/DSSIM/Total errors of 18.07% / 19.02% / 0.04% / 29.59% for real ASL test images) and 4.4 times (ARN vs. SPM: 0.50 s vs. 2.21 s) faster speed compared to SPM. The trained ARN can be generalized to align ASL perfusion image time series acquired with different scanners, and from different image resolutions, and from healthy or diseased populations. The results demonstrated that our ARN markedly outperforms the iteration-based SPM both for simulated motion and real acquisitions in terms of registration accuracy, speed, and generalization. [Display omitted]

ABSTRACT Pinus tabuliformis plantations on the Loess Plateau face challenges such as poor quality and high mortality rates due to high initial value density and improper thinning practices. To prevent further deterioration of these forests, it is essential to identify suitable forest management methods as soon as possible. Within Pinus tabuliformis plantations under different management methods (structure‐based forest management [SBFM], close‐to‐nature forest management [CNFM], and unmanaged), after 5 years of investigation, we analyzed the changes in forest structural complexity and growth partitioning using size inequality (Gini), size–growth relationship (SGR), and growth dominance coefficient (GDC). A linear mixed‐effects model was applied to evaluate the impact of these practices on forest stands. We also compared the trends of the average annual breast height area increment (BAI) and projected the net‐zero timeline after thinning. The results showed that: (1) thinning management temporarily reduced the Gini due to the removal of a certain number of trees. However, the Gini rebounded significantly, and the forest structure became increasingly complex again, and the rebound of SBFM stands was greater than that of CNFM; (2) in the unmanaged stands, larger trees contribute more to stand growth. In the managed stands, the changes in GDC and SGR reflected an increasing contribution of smaller trees to overall growth; and (3) thinning management increased BAI, and this effect became more pronounced over time. Notably, carbon neutrality was projected to be achieved 7.8 years in CNFM stands, which was earlier than the 8.7 years in SBFM stands. These research results will provide a theoretical basis for managing and determining the trees to be harvested for high‐density, low‐quality Pinus tabuliformis plantations of the Loess Plateau. Carbon neutrality was projected to be achieved 7.8 years in stands under close‐to‐nature forest management (CNFM), which was earlier than the 8.7 years in stands under structure‐based forest management (SBFM). CNFM's low‐disturbance characteristics are more sustainable in regions prioritizing ecological restoration, while SBFM could serve as a complementary strategy in extreme scenarios such as severe soil degradation or pest outbreaks.

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, and its treatment has increasingly shifted towards precision medicine, with immunotherapy emerging as a key therapeutic strategy. Deubiquitination, an essential epigenetic modification, is regulated by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) and plays a critical role in immune function and tumor progression. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), a prominent subgroup of DUBs, are involved in regulating immune cell functions, antigen processing, and T cell development in the context of breast cancer. Certain USPs also modulate the differentiation of immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), within the breast cancer immune microenvironment. Furthermore, several USPs influence the expression of PD-L1, thus affecting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The overexpression of USPs may promote immune evasion, contributing to the development of treatment resistance. This review elucidates the role of USPs in modulating the immune microenvironment and immune responses in breast cancer. Additionally, it discusses effective strategies for combining USP inhibitors with other therapeutic agents to enhance treatment outcomes. Therefore, targeting USPs presents the potential to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and overcome drug resistance, offering a more effective treatment strategy for breast cancer patients.

Background It has reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exerted regulatory functions by targeting specific genes through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 has been identified as a tumor-enhancer in several tumor types. Nonetheless, its molecular mechanism in HCC remains to be masked. Aim of the study This study was aimed at exploring whether and how OIP5-AS1 exert functions in HCC. Methods qRT-PCR and western blot were employed for detecting gene expression. CCK-8, colony formation and EdU assays were implemented to evaluate the proliferative ability of HCC cells. Caspase-3 activity and flow cytometry analyses were implemented to determine cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. RNA pull down, ChIP, RIP and luciferase reporter assays explored the interplays between molecules. Results YY1 was upregulated in HCC cells, and silenced YY1 restrained HCC cell proliferation in vitro and hampered tumor growth in vivo. Later, we discovered that miR-300 could regulate WNT pathway via targeting YY1. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 was identified as the sponge of miR-300 and promoted cell growth in HCC. Importantly, YY1 transcriptionally activate OIP5-AS1 in turn. Rescue experiments indicated that miR-300 inhibition or YY1 overexpression abrogated the inhibitive effect of OIP5-AS1 silencing on the malignant growth of HCC cells. Conclusions OIP5-AS1/miR-300/YY1 feedback loop facilitates cell growth in HCC by activating WNT pathway.

Host-tumor immune interactions play critical roles in the natural history of tumors, including oncogenesis, progress and metastasis. On the one hand, neoantigens have the potential to drive a tumor-specific immune response. In tumors, immunogenic cell death (ICD) triggered by various inducers can initiate a strong host anti-immune response. On the other hand, the tolerogenic tumor immune microenvironment suppresses host immune responses that eradicate tumor cells and impair the effect of tumor therapy. Therefore, a deeper understanding and more effective manipulation of the intricate host-tumor immune interaction involving the host, tumor cells and the corresponding tumor immune microenvironment are required. Despite the encouraging breakthroughs resulting from tumor immunotherapy, no single strategy has elicited sufficient or sustained antitumor immune responses in most patients with specific malignancies due to limited activation of specific antitumor immune responses and inadequate remodeling of the tolerogenic tumor immune microenvironment. However, nanotechnology provides a unique paradigm to simultaneously tackle all these challenges, including effective “targeted” delivery of tumor antigens, sustained ICD mediation, and “cold” tumor microenvironment remodeling. In this review, we focus on several key concepts in host-tumor immune interactions and discuss the corresponding therapeutic strategy based on the application of nanoparticles.

PurposeEarly death (ED) is the main cause of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment failure, and the ED rate is higher for elderly patients than that for young ones. To date, no studies have been found focusing on ED in elderly patients with APL.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 409 consecutive patients with APL (139 patients ≥ 50 years old, 270 patients < 50 years old). All patients received arsenic trioxide alone as induction therapy. The baseline clinical characteristics and ED occurrence and predictors between elderly and young patients with APL were compared and analyzed.ResultsThe clinical features of elderly patients at admission were not significantly different from those of young ones. The ED rate of elderly patients was significantly greater than that of young patients (23.74% vs 11.85%, P = 0.0018). Hemorrhage is the main cause of ED in elderly patients, followed by infection and differentiation syndrome. From the 15th to 30th days of treatment, elderly patients had a higher mortality rate than that of young patients (7.83% vs 2.06%, P = 0.009). Male, white blood cell (WBC) count > 10 × 109/L, fibrinogen < 1.0 g/L and low albumin levels were independent risk factors for ED in elderly patients, while ED was only correlated with WBC count, fibrinogen and creatinine levels in young patients.ConclusionThe results of this study may help design more rational treatment plans for elderly patients with APL based on early mortality risk to reduce the ED rate.

In order to realize the intervention operation in the unstructured and ample environments such as stomach and colon, a dual-spin spherical capsule robot (DSCR) driven by pure magnetic torque generated by the universal rotating magnetic field (URMF) is proposed. The coupled magnetic torque, the viscoelastic friction torque, and the gravity torque were analyzed. Furthermore, the posture dynamic model describing the electric-magnetic-mechanical-liquid coupling dynamic behavior of the DSCR in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was established. This model is a second-order periodic variable coefficient dynamics equation, which should be regarded as an extension of the Lagrange case for the dual-spin body system under the fixed-point motion, since the external torques were applied. Based on the Floquet–Lyapunov theory, the stability domain of the DSCR for the asymptotically stable motion and periodic motion were obtained by investigating the influence of the angular velocity of the URMF, the magnetic induction intensity, and the centroid deviation. Research results show that the DSCR can realize three kinds of motion, which are asymptotically stable motion, periodic motion, and chaotic motion, according to the distribution of the system characteristic multipliers. Moreover, the posture stability of the DSCR can be improved by increasing the angular velocity of the URMF and reducing the magnetic induction intensity.