A Simple Surface Treatment for Improving the Adhesive Bonding Properties and Durability of an AlMg Alloy.

The structural adhesive bonding of aluminum is widely used in the aircraft and automotive industries. The surface preparation of aluminum prior to adhesive bonding plays a significant role in improving the bonding strength. Surface cleanliness, surface roughness, and surface chemistry can be controlled, primarily, by proper surface treatment methods.

Value of clinical tests in diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This study compared 4 clinical tests with reference to magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic visualization to comprehensively evaluate their diagnostic value for anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Methods: We systematically searched 10 electronic databases from January 1, 2010, to May 1, 2021. Two reviewers collected data in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines.

Electrochemical Behavior and Interfacial Delamination of a Polymer-Coated Galvanized Steel System in Acid Media.

The degradation behavior of polymer coatings is essential for their protective performance under various corrosive environments. Herein, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is employed to study the corrosion behavior and interfacial delamination of a polymer-coated metal system exposed to 0.1, 0.

Association of Newly Found Asymptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Chinese Community Population.

In the general population, there is a strong inverse relationship between the number of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and the total incidence of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. However, the prevalence of ideal CVH is extremely low and there are few studies on its association with newly found asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (AICAS). Therefore, we performed this prospective study to assess the relationship between the newly found AICAS and ideal CVH metrics in the Chinese community population.

No association between postmenopausal time and the prevalence of newly discovered asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: The APAC study.

Introduction: Asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (AICAS) is a common cause of stroke. Elderly women were more likely than men to develop AICAS, although it indicated that a lifelong exposure to estrogen could lower the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVDs).

Objective: The present study aims to ascertain whether postmenopausal time is a risk factor of AICAS.

Association between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and risks of congenital heart defects in offspring: meta-analysis of epidemiological observational studies.

Background: To explore the association between maternal alcohol consumption and/or binge drinking and congenital heart defects (CHDs), we conducted a meta-analysis for more sufficient evidence on this issue.

Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from their inceptions to December 2014 for case-control and cohort studies that assessed the association between maternal alcohol consumption and CHD risk. Study-specific relative risk estimates were calculated using random-effect or fixed-effect models.

Neuroprotective effect of nicorandil through inhibition of apoptosis by the PI3K/Akt1 pathway in a mouse model of deep hypothermic low flow.

Objective: Nicorandil exerts a protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the brain and kidney through anti-apoptotic mechanisms. However, the mechanism by which nicorandil protects against I/R injury induced by deep hypothermic low flow (DHLF) remains unclear.

Methods: We used a cerebral I/R model induced by DHLF to determine the neuroprotective effects and possible mechanisms of nicorandil.

Maternal socioeconomic status and the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring: a meta-analysis of 33 studies.

Background: We conducted this meta-analysis to address the open question of a possible association between maternal socioeconomic status and congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from their inception to January 1, 2014 for case-control and cohort studies that assessed the association between maternal socioeconomic status and the risk of CHDs. Study-specific relative risk estimates were polled according to random-effect or fixed-effect models.

Maternal parity and the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring: a dose-response meta-analysis of epidemiological observational studies.

Background: Epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results regarding maternal parity and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs). However, a meta-analysis of the association between maternal parity and CHDs in offspring has not been conducted.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for articles catalogued between their inception and March 8, 2014; we identified relevant published studies that assessed the association between maternal parity and CHD risk.

Sildenefil increases connexin 40 in smooth muscle cells through activation of BMP pathways in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a cardiovascular disorder associated with enhanced proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The sildenafil can regulate the Connexin (Cx) 43 in the PASMCs and thus inhibit the PASMCs proliferation and the remodeling of pulmonary arterial. However, how sildenafil exert regulation in the Cx40 in the PASMCs in PAH remains unclear.

Microstructure formation and fracturing characteristics of grey cast iron repaired using laser.

The repairing technology based on laser rapid fusion is becoming an important tool for fixing grey cast iron equipment efficiently. A laser repairing protocol was developed using Fe-based alloy powders as material. The microstructure and fracturing feature of the repaired zone (RZ) were analyzed.

Association between methionine synthase reductase A66G polymorphism and the risk of congenital heart defects: evidence from eight case-control studies.

Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) plays a major role in hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor related to the occurrence of congenital heart defects (CHDs). However, the associations between MTRR polymorphism and CHDs have been inconclusive. Thus, a metaanalysis of eight case-control studies was conducted to investigate 3,592 cases and 3,638 control subjects for MTRR A66G polymorphism to identify the association.

[Incidence and prognosis of intra-and extracranial large-artery stenosis in the rural community of Beijing].

Objective: To assess the prevalence rates of intra- and extracranial large-artery stenosis in the rural community population and its related risk to the development of stroke.

Methods: The study subjects included 1337 residents in the rural community of Beijing. Transcranial Doppler was carried our to examine the relation between intra- and extracranial large-artery stenosis and subsequent cerebrovascular events, with a mean follow-up period of 16.