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Background This study utilized artificial intelligence (AI)–based machine learning algorithms, alongside the shapley additive explanations (SHAP) framework, to identify lower-limb muscle force patterns associated with recurrent patellofemoral pain (PFP) in the anterior and posterior patellar (APP), medial border of the patella (MBP), and lateral border of the patella (LBP) regions. The goal was to inform region-specific strength training strategies. Methods A total of 299 patients with prior PFP underwent baseline biomechanical assessments, during which lower-limb and trunk muscle forces were estimated using OpenSim modeling. Participants were then prospectively followed for six months and categorized into pain-free, APP, MBP, or LBP groups according to PFP recurrence and pain location. Machine learning models were subsequently applied in conjunction with the SHAP framework to identify region-specific associations between muscle force patterns and PFP incidence. Results APP recurrence was linked to gracilis force < 0.055 N/kg, adductor longus force > 0.110 N/kg, tibialis anterior force < 0.678 N/kg, tensor fasciae latae force > 0.144 N/kg, and internal oblique force < 0.699 N/kg. MBP recurrence was associated with rectus femoris force > 0.800 N/kg, gracilis force > 0.054 N/kg, gluteus maximus force > 0.379 N/kg, adductor longus force > 0.711 N/kg, and semitendinosus force < 0.037 N/kg. LBP recurrence corresponded to rectus femoris force < 0.530 N/kg, adductor longus force > 0.194 N/kg, tensor fasciae latae force < 0.082 N/kg, gracilis force > 0.040 N/kg, and gluteus maximus force < 0.151 N/kg. Conclusions Machine learning analyses revealed region-specific muscle force patterns predictive of PFP recurrence, offering a biomechanical foundation for targeted strength interventions in APP, MBP, and LBP cases.

Purpose To investigate the relationship between the biomechanical characteristics of lower extremity and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading during single-leg landing in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) who have different ankle sprain frequencies within a year. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods The incidence of ankle sprains among 74 male participants was meticulously documented over a one-year period. The participants had an average age of 21.78 years, a height of 176.37 cm, and a weight of 72.61 kg. Subsequently, a one-year monitoring period was implemented to assess the incidence of ankle sprains among the participants. The participants were classified into five groups according to their documented frequency of ankle sprains. The categories were as follows: The 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 or more ankle sprain groups. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data were collected while participants performed a single-leg landing task. Lower extremity muscle force and ACL loading were modeled using OpenSim software. Results CAI patients with more than four ankle sprains had higher peak ACL loading during single-leg landing than those with only two or three ankle sprains ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, CAI patients with more than four ankle sprains exhibited a limited range of ankle dorsiflexion and biceps femoris muscle force, which was significantly correlated with ACL loading ( P  < 0.05). CAI patients with more than 5 ankle sprains had greater ankle inversion angle, inversion angular velocity, vertical ground reaction force (GRF), rectus femoris muscle strength, and lower gastrocnemius, soleus muscle force during single-leg landing, and these biomechanical indices were significantly correlated with ACL strain ( P  < 0.05). Conclusion Based on these findings, it appears that experiencing four ankle sprains within a year might be a threshold for the development of knee compensation in CAI patients. This compensation could result in a significant increase in ACL loading. The study also found that CAI patients with more than four ankle sprains commonly exhibited altered motor characteristics such as limited ankle dorsiflexion angle, increased ankle inversion angle, excessive vertical GRF, and insufficient gastrocnemius and soleus muscle force during the landing phase. These characteristics might be responsible for the observed increase in ACL loading. In the future, clinical practice and scientific research may benefit from targeted interventions to prevent ACL injuries in CAI patients with different sprain histories, in accordance with the findings of this study. Key points Findings Patients with CAI who have experienced more than four ankle sprains within a year exhibited severe knee compensation and increased ACL load during single-leg landing. Limited ankle dorsiflexion, increased ankle inversion angle, excessive vertical GRF, and insufficient gastrocnemius and soleus muscle strength might increase ACL load in patients with CAI who have experienced more than four ankle sprains within a year. Implications Individuals with a history of more than four ankle sprains should undergo a thorough examination of knee health and receive regular monitoring to prevent the development of ACL injuries. Patients with more than four ankle sprains within a year should focus on increasing ankle dorsiflexion, performing rehabilitation of the ankle evertor, plantar flexor, and hamstring, and consider adjusting the energy absorption patterns of the lower extremity joints to more effectively cushion GRF. Caution This study only explored participants who had experienced 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more ankle sprains, and future studies could further subdivide the “6 or more” category so that the results of the study can be more targeted.

This study aimed to establish a risk prediction nomogram model for anterolateral, mediolateral, and posterolateral ankle pain in runners with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and analyse the potential risk factors for pain at different ankle sites. Thirty recreational runners with CAI who reported ankle pain in the anterolateral, mediolateral, or posterolateral regions were recruited for this study. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data during running were collected using motion capture system, 3-D force platform, and surface electromyography system. These data were used to generate a dynamic nomogram. The results showed that anterolateral ankle pain in runners with CAI may be caused by insufficient gastrocnemius muscle strength (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.97), excessive ground reaction force (GRF, OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.25–6.22), and an increased percentage of ankle energy absorption (OR 9.11, 95% CI 1.50–77.79). Mediolateral ankle pain might be contributed by greater ankle inversion angle (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.00) and GRF (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.17–4.31). Moreover, posterolateral ankle pain was predicted by increased ankle adduction angle (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.12), increased GRF (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.07–4.80), and decreased dynamic stability (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.68). To prevent ankle pain, runners with CAI should be encouraged to focus on improving the neuroreceptor sensitivity of the gastrocnemius muscles, and retraining their energy absorption patterns.

Many arid lands across the globe are experiencing more frequent and extreme droughts due to warmer temperatures resulting from climate change, less predictable precipitation patterns, and decreased soil moisture. Approximately 60–90% of household water is used for urban landscape irrigation in the western United States, necessitating the establishment of landscapes using drought-tolerant plants that conserve water. Shepherdia ×utahensis (hybrid buffaloberry) is a drought-tolerant plant with dense leaf trichomes (epidermal appendages) that may limit excessive water loss by transpiration. However, little is known about how S. ×utahensis regulates leaf heat balance when transpirational cooling is limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of substrate water availability on plant growth and development and trichome density of S. ×utahensis . Ninety-six clonally propagated plants were grown using an automated irrigation system, and their substrate volumetric water contents were controlled at 0.05–0.40 m 3 ·m −3 for 2 months. Results showed that water stress impaired plant growth and increased the proportion of visibly wilted leaves. Shepherdia ×utahensis acclimates to drought by reducing cell dehydration and canopy overheating, which may be accomplished through decreased stomatal conductance, smaller leaf development, leaf curling, increased leaf thickness, and greater root-to-shoot ratio. Leaf trichome density increased when stem water potential decreased, resulting in greater leaf reflectance of visible light. Cell and leaf expansion were restricted under water stress, and negative correlations were exhibited between epidermal cell size and trichome density. According to our results, plasticity in leaves and roots aids plants in tolerating abiotic stresses associated with drought. Acclimation of S. ×utahensis to water stress was associated with increased trichome density due to plasticity in cell size. Dense trichomes on leaves reflected more lights which appeared to facilitate leaf temperature regulation.

‘Coy’ alder-leaf mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus montanus ) is a new cultivar developed from a species native to the western United States with potential for use in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and water-efficient landscaping. However, efficient propagation methods are not well developed for it. In this study, cutting propagation of ‘Coy’ alder-leaf mountain mahogany was investigated over 3 years to evaluate the effects of wounding method, rooting hormone, type of cuttings collected, and time for cutting collection on rooting. In May, Jul, and Sep 2020, 2021, and 2022, nondormant hardwood subterminal cuttings and/or semihardwood terminal cuttings were collected for wounding studies. Before the treatment with 3000 mg·L −1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in powder, cuttings were wounded either by scraping one side (scrape) or by perpendicular cuts around the base (cut), and cuttings without additional wounding were used as the control. Similarly, subterminal and terminal cuttings of ‘Coy’ alder-leaf mountain mahogany were collected during the same time and were used for hormone treatments. Cuttings were treated with 1000 or 3000 mg·L −1 IBA in powder or 1000/500 or 3000/1500 mg·L −1 IBA/NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) in solution. Wounding by cut or scrape increased the rooting percentage. In addition, most cuttings wounded by the scrape method had better rooting than those wounded with cuts. On the basis of hierarchical cluster analyses, cuttings treated with 3000 mg·L −1 IBA in powder had greater rooting than those treated with other hormones. Therefore, our research showed that successful rooting of subterminal or terminal stem cuttings of ‘Coy’ alder-leaf mountain mahogany can be achieved through wounding using scrape method and by treatment with 3000 mg·L −1 IBA in powder.

Commercial optical chlorophyll meters estimate relative chlorophyll content using the ratio of transmitted red light and near-infrared (NIR) light emitted from a red light-emitting diode (LED) and an NIR LED. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) sensors have red and NIR light detectors and may be used to estimate chlorophyll content by detecting the transmitted red and NIR light through leaves. In this study, leaf chlorophyll content of ‘Torrey’ buffaloberry ( Shepherdia × utahensis ) plants treated with 0 m m [zero nitrogen (N)], 2 m m (medium N), or 4 m m (ample N) ammonium nitrate for 3 weeks were evaluated using two commercial chlorophyll meters and NDVI sensors. The absolute chlorophyll content was determined using chlorophyll extraction. Our results showed that plants receiving ample N and medium N had decreased transmitted red light (i.e., greater absorption in red light). Measurements of optical chlorophyll meters, NDVI sensors, and chlorophyll extraction similarly showed that plants receiving medium N and ample N had greater leaf chlorophyll content than those receiving zero N. Relative leaf chlorophyll content estimated using NDVI sensors correlated positively with those from the chlorophyll meters ( P < 0.0001; r 2 range, 0.56–0.82). Therefore, our results indicate that NDVI measurements are sensitive to leaf chlorophyll content. These NDVI sensors, or specialized sensors developed using similar principles, can be used to estimate the relative chlorophyll content of nursery crops and help growers adjust fertilization to improve plant growth and nutrient status.

The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive comparison of the effects of hip and knee strengthening training in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of these two types of strengthening training on patients' lower limb biomechanics, knee pain and function. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the two training modalities and provide evidence-based recommendations for the rehabilitation of patients with PFP. A total of 12 studies were identified through a search of the Web of Science, EBSCO, and PubMed databases. The selected studies comprised nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one comparative controlled trial (CCTs) and two cohort studies (CSs), with a total of 1,066 patients. The quality of the included studies was evaluated via the PEDro scale, and a meta-analysis was conducted via Stata18 software. The results show that both types of strengthening training positively impact pain reduction and improved knee function in PFP patients. Moderate evidence from meta-analyses indicated that hip strengthening training (SMD = −1.740, 95%; CI −2.212 to −1.267, P  < 0.001) was more effective than knee strengthening training (SMD = −1.302, 95%; CI −1.75 to −0.86, P  < 0.001) in reducing pain (VAS). Similarly, Strong evidence suggests that hip strengthening training (SMD = 1.205, 95%; CI 0.968 to 1.443, P  < 0.001) was significantly more effective than knee strengthening training (SMD = 1.023, 95%; CI 0.722 to 1.325, P  < 0.001) in improving knee function (AKPS). Additionally, moderate evidence suggests that hip strengthening training significantly increased hip abductor strength (SMD = 0.848, 95%; CI 0.508–1.187, P  < 0.001) and external rotator strength (SMD = 0.780, 95%; CI 0.416–1.145, P  < 0.001), while strong evidence suggests that knee strengthening training did not significantly enhance knee extensor strength (SMD = 0.212, 95%; CI −0.014 to 0.439, P  = 0.066). Therefore, clinicians should use hip strengthening as one of the primary training interventions when treating patients with PFP.

Friction stir processing is an important method for acquiring ultrafine-grained materials. In this paper, 3 mm ZK60 magnesium alloy sheet was carried for friction stir processing. The best processing parameters with a small grain size and maximum mechanical properties were obtained by comparing different rotation speeds and processing speeds. Fine recrystallized grains and high-angle grain boundaries were observed in stirring zone under different processing parameters. With increasing rotation speed, the grain size and high-angle grain boundary ratio increase; while with increasing processing speed, the grain size decrease, and the ratio of high-angle grain boundaries increase. When rotation speed and processing speed are 1400 r·min −1 and 100 mm·min −1 , the processing plate have the largest ultimate tensile strength are 267.52 Mpa, that reached 84.62% of the base metals, and the yield strength, elongation and grain size are 166.97 Mpa, 15.32% and 1.12 ± 1.64 μ m, respectively. The processing plate has more excellent damping performance than rolled.

Background Saffron crocus ( Crocus sativus ) is a valuable spice with medicinal uses in gynaecopathia and nervous system diseases. Identify flowering regulatory genes plays a vital role in increasing flower numbers, thereby resulting in high saffron yield. Results Two full length transcriptome gene sets of flowering and non-flowering saffron crocus were established separately using the single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing method. A total of sixteen SMRT cells generated 22.85 GB data and 75,351 full-length saffron crocus unigenes on the PacBio RS II panel and further obtained 79,028 SSRs, 72,603 lncRNAs and 25,400 alternative splicing (AS) events. Using an Illumina RNA-seq platform, an additional fifteen corms with different flower numbers were sequenced. Many differential expression unigenes (DEGs) were screened separately between flowering and matched non-flowering top buds with cold treatment (1677), flowering top buds of 20 g corms and non-flowering top buds of 6 g corms (1086), and flowering and matched non-flowering lateral buds (267). A total of 62 putative flower-related genes that played important roles in vernalization (VRNs), gibberellins (G3OX, G2OX), photoperiod (PHYB, TEM1, PIF4), autonomous (FCA) and age (SPLs) pathways were identified and a schematic representation of the flowering gene regulatory network in saffron crocus was reported for the first time. After validation by real-time qPCR in 30 samples, two novel genes, PB.20221.2 ( p  = 0.004, r  = 0.52) and PB.38952.1 ( p  = 0.023, r  = 0.41), showed significantly higher expression levels in flowering plants. Tissue distribution showed specifically high expression in flower organs and time course expression analysis suggested that the transcripts increasingly accumulated during the flower development period. Conclusions Full-length transcriptomes of flowering and non-flowering saffron crocus were obtained using a combined NGS short-read and SMRT long-read sequencing approach. This report is the first to describe the flowering gene regulatory network of saffron crocus and establishes a reference full-length transcriptome for future studies on saffron crocus and other Iridaceae plants.

The aluminium alloy front subframe of an automobile was developed through multi-operating condition topology optimization and multi-objective optimization methods. By considering the influences of loads on the strength, static stiffness, and modal of the aluminium alloy front subframe under typical operating conditions, the performance parameters of the aluminium alloy front subframe after topology optimization were obtained. After topology optimization was performed, the parametric model of the aluminium alloy front subframe was established. Based on the Isight optimization platform, sample points were generated with the optimal Latin hypercube test method, and the response surface approximate model was constructed. The minimum mass and maximum first-order frequency were taken as the objectives, the stress under typical working conditions did not exceed the set target value, and the maximum displacement of the installation point was taken as the constraint condition. The multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to optimize the aluminium alloy front subframe. The error of the free modal and finite element free modal analysis of the aluminium alloy front subframe samples was less than 15%. The optimized aluminium alloy front subframe was 2.4 kg lighter than the original subframe under the premise of satisfying various performance indices, and the lightweight rate was up to 12%.