Lead seasonality: Affect children's blood lead levels and implication for lead exposure prevention.

Lead seasonality attributed to the patterns of Pb variation in the natural environment should be considered in the Pb risk analysis and related to the seasonality evident in humans. In this study, we integrate the Xi'an soil and dust lead seasonality data (554 surface soil samples and 554 road dust samples in three seasons) to evaluate the seasonal lead burden on children and propose the implications for children's lead exposure prevention strategies considering the lead seasonality and the influences from urban land use and children's living environment. The results showed that most seasonal variation patterns of soil and dust Pb are observed in winter (cold season), which coincided with the observation of higher children's blood lead levels in winter, although the strong correlation coefficients between children's blood lead levels (BLLs) and soil/dust Pb are observed in summer.

Unraveling the spatial distribution and influencing factors of 'Bengke' traditional houses in Luhuo County, Western Sichuan.

The article examines the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of traditional Tibetan "Bengke" residential architecture in Luhuo County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The study utilizes spatial statistical methods, including Average Nearest Neighbor Analysis, Getis-Ord Gi*, and Kernel Density Estimation, to identify significant clustering patterns of Bengke architecture. Spatial autocorrelation was tested using Moran's Index, with results indicating no significant spatial autocorrelation, suggesting that the distribution mechanisms are complex and influenced by multiple factors.

Using machine learning to predict soil lead relative bioavailability.

Although the relative bioavailability (RBA) can be applied to assess the effects of Pb on human health, there is no definition and no specific data of Pb-RBA to different soil sources and endpoints in vivo. In this study, we estimated the Pb-RBA from different soil sources and endpoints based on machine learning. The Pb-BAc and Pb-RBA in soils were found to be mostly in the range of 20-80 %, which is different from the USEPA Pb-RBA of 60 % in soils.

Aneuploid Circulating Endothelial Cells with Prognostic Value in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Background: Aneuploid circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are an indicator in breast cancer (BC). Significant changes of aneuploid CECs occurred during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). This study aimed to explore the predictive and prognostic values of aneuploid CECs in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients with different NCT responses.

Reconfigurable Multilevel Storage and Neuromorphic Computing Based on Multilayer Phase-Change Memory.

In the era of big data, the amount of global data is increasing exponentially, and the storage and processing of massive data put forward higher requirements for memory. To deal with this challenge, high-density memory and neuromorphic computing have been widely investigated. Here, a gradient-doped multilayer phase-change memory with two-level states, four-level states, and linear conductance evolution using different pulse operations is proposed.

Significant Power Consumption Reduction and Speed Boosting in Phase Change Memory with Nanocurrent Channels.

The excessive power consumption is challenging for phase change memory (PCM) on its way to becoming universal memory in complex hierarchies of memory systems. Here, from the perspective of device structure, by adding a nanocurrent-channel (NCC) layer between the electrode layer and phase change layer, a RESET power consumption reduction by more than 95% and 10 times faster SET speed were realized simultaneously. Through the first principle calculations, Au and SiO were screened as the metal and insulating matrix material of NCC layer, respectively.

Lower Gluteal Liposuction Combined With Upper Gluteal and Infragluteal Region Fat Grafting: A Novel Concept to Improve Gluteal Ptosis.

Background: Gluteal ptosis results in a severe disturbance of gluteal aesthetics. Currently, satisfactory procedures for improving gluteal ptosis are lacking.

Objectives: To improve gluteal ptosis, the authors propose a novel concept of combined liposuction of the lower gluteal region and fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions, and verify its efficacy and safety.

Characteristics and health risk assessment of indoor and outdoor PM in a rural village, in Northeast of China: impact of coal and biomass burning.

Fine particulate matter (PM) has health effects that may depend on its sources and chemical composition. In this study, characteristics of PM chemical composition and health risk assessment from Songyuan, China, were investigated during day and night in indoor and outdoor from February 4 to 19, 2021. Relative high concentrations of PM were obtained in indoor environment than outdoor, with 503.

Detection of Hindwing Landmarks Using Transfer Learning and High-Resolution Networks.

Hindwing venation is one of the most important morphological features for the functional and evolutionary analysis of beetles, as it is one of the key features used for the analysis of beetle flight performance and the design of beetle-like flapping wing micro aerial vehicles. However, manual landmark annotation for hindwing morphological analysis is a time-consuming process hindering the development of wing morphology research. In this paper, we present a novel approach for the detection of landmarks on the hindwings of leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) using a limited number of samples.

Heterogeneous circulating tumor cells correlate with responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). The predictive value of heterogeneous circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in NCT response has not been determined. All patients were staged as LABC, and blood samples were collected at the time of biopsy, and after the first and eighth NCT courses.

Accelerated Multi-step Sulfur Redox Reactions in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Enabled by Dual Defects in Metal-Organic Framework-based Catalysts.

The sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) are recognized as the main obstacles to the practical applications of the lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Accelerated conversion by catalysis can mitigate these issues, leading to enhanced Li-S performance. However, a catalyst with single active site cannot simultaneously accelerate multiple LiPSs conversion.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis for management of acute sternal fracture pain.

Background: Establishing adequate analgesia for rib and sternal fractures remains a challenge due to the prolonged nature of the associated pain. Historically, cryoneurolysis has demonstrated beneficial in treating chronic pain, and the recent development of hand-held devices has allowed its functionality to expand into the management of acute pain.

Case: We present a polytrauma patient with sternal and multiple rib fractures that underwent ultrasound-guided intercostal cryoneurolysis at bedside, resulting in significant analgesia lasting several weeks and improving mobilization.

Efficacy and Safety of Perioral Mound Region Liposuction-A Novel Concept to Improve Perioral Mound Fullness.

Background: Fullness of the perioral mound is considered a dissatisfying aspect of premature aging and has become a common complaint of patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

Objectives: The authors propose a novel concept of improving perioral mound fullness by liposuction and verify its safety and efficacy through cadaver and clinical studies.

Methods: A cadaver study was conducted to discover the soft tissue structure of the perioral mound region and identify a vital use for liposuction.

miR-1275 targets MDK/AKT signaling to inhibit breast cancer chemoresistance by lessening the properties of cancer stem cells.

Chemoresistance is a major obstacle in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Identification of miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers may help overcome chemoresistance of breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to evaluate the expression level of miR-1275 in plasma samples and its biological functions in the chemoresistance of BC.

Perfluoroalkyl Substance Serum Concentrations and Cholesterol Absorption-Inhibiting Medication Ezetimibe.

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made compounds with a widespread presence in human blood and other organs. PFAS have been associated with multiple health effects, including higher serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Objective: Potential population differences in serum PFAS attributable to ezetimibe, a medication that inhibits cholesterol absorption, are of interest for several reasons.

Adaptive optimal trajectory tracking control of AUVs based on reinforcement learning.

In this paper, an adaptive model-free optimal reinforcement learning (RL) neural network (NN) control scheme based on filter error is proposed for the trajectory tracking control problem of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with input saturation. Generally, the optimal control is realized by solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. However, due to its inherent nonlinearity and complexity, the HJB equation of AUV dynamics is challenging to solve.

Forecasting of Daily Outpatient Visits Based on Genetic Programming.

Background: The forecasting of daily outpatient visits has significant practical implications in outpatient clinic operation management, not only contributing to guiding long-term resource planning and scheduling but also making tactical resolutions for short-term adjustments on special days such as holidays. We here in propose an effective genetic programming (GP)-based forecasting model to predict daily outpatient visits (OV) in a primary hospital.

Methods: In the GP-based model, the holiday-based distance outlier mining algorithm was used to determine the holiday effect.

The Multi-Step Chain Extension for Waterborne Polyurethane Binder of -Aramid Fabrics.

The comprehensive balance of the mechanical, interfacial, and environmental requirements of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) has proved challenging, but crucial in the specific application as the binder for high-performance polymer fiber composites. In this work, a multi-step chain extension (MCE) method was demonstrated using three kinds of small extenders and one kind of macro-chain extender (CE) for different chain extension steps. One dihydroxyl blocked small molecular urea (1,3-dimethylolurea, DMU) was applied as one of the CEs and, through the hybrid macrodiol/diamine systems of polyether, polyester, and polysiloxane, the WPU was developed by the step-by-step optimization on each chain extending reaction via the characterization on the H-bonding association, microphase separation, and mechanical properties.

Source and composition analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons in the refinery circulating water.

Oil leakage from water coolers in refinery circulating water occurs from time to time, which affects the long-term and stable operation of refinery units. So far, workers in the refineries still adopt manual check methods, opening water coolers one by one and checking the water's smell and color to find out the spilled water coolers. In this study, a more rapid method of source appointment of oil spill in the circulating water by combining chemical fingerprinting with model recognition was developed.

Trace elements in outdoor and indoor PM in urban schools in Xi'an, Western China: characteristics, sources identification and health risk assessment.

The PM-bounded elements were measured in outdoor and indoor from two urban middle schools in Xi'an. The PM mass was from 42.4 to 283.

Deciphering the focuses and trends in skin regeneration research through bibliometric analyses.

Increasing attention to skin regeneration has rapidly broadened research on the topic. However, no bibliometric analysis of the field's research trends has yet been conducted. In response to this research gap, this study analyzed the publication patterns and progress of skin regeneration research worldwide using a bibliometric analysis of 1,471 papers comprising 1,227 (83.

Assessment of the inhalation exposure and incremental lifetime cancer risk of PM bounded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by different toxic equivalent factors and occupancy probability, in the case of Xi'an.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread toxic pollutants in the atmosphere and have attracted much attention for decades. In this study, we compared the health risks of PAHs based on different toxic equivalent factors (TEFs) in a heavily polluted area during heating and non-heating periods. We also pay attention to occupancy probability (OP) in different polluted areas.

Circumferential Liposuction of the Thigh with Concomitant Fat Transplantation to the Infragluteal Region: A Promising Option for Preventing Postliposuction Gluteal Ptosis.

Background: Gluteal ptosis is a common complication of circumferential liposuction of the thigh. The authors propose a novel concept of combining circumferential liposuction of the thigh with concomitant fat transplantation to the infragluteal/posterior thigh junction region to prevent postliposuction gluteal ptosis.

Methods: Patients underwent circumferential liposuction of the thigh with or without concomitant fat transplantation from 2015 to 2020 and were retrospectively reviewed.

6-Glycosylaminoquinoline-assisted LDI MS for detection and imaging of small molecules with enhanced detection selectivity and sensitivity.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool in the analysis and imaging of small molecules. However, MALDI MS analysis is easily subjected to poor signal reproducibility and selectivity, especially for complex samples. In this study, a matrix glycosylation strategy was proposed to synthesize glycosylated matrices with excellent performances by enhancing the interaction of the matrix with small molecules.