Continuous Polarizability-Based Separation of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Graphite Using a Dielectrophoretic Particle Separator.

The recovery of valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has experienced increasing demand in recent years. Current recycling technologies are typically energy-intensive and are often plagued by high operation costs, low processing efficiency, and environmental pollution concerns. In this study, an efficient and environmentally friendly dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based approach is proposed to separate the main components of "black mass" mixtures from LIBs, specifically lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and graphite, based on their polarizability differences.

Innovative Integration of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Telesurgery and Quantum Cryptography Communication in Urology: Clinical Application and Initial Experience.

Background: The emergence of telesurgery has received global interest, with secure network transmission identified as a crucial determinant of its success. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and viability of employing quantum cryptography communication in remote partial nephrectomy.

Methods: The surgeon operated on the patient from a distance of over 260 km using remote control of a surgical robot.

The role of gene polymorphisms in lung adenocarcinoma susceptibility and lipid profile.

Background: APOE gene polym orphisms have been linked to Alzheimer's disease and coronary heart diseases. However, their relationship with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains uncertain.

Methods: This study analyzed a cohort of 600 individuals comprising 200 LUAD patients in the lung cancer group and 400 healthy individuals as controls.

Management of Bleeding Complications after Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Hemorrhage is the most common and dangerous complication after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). Therefore, this study introduces the management experience of bleeding complications in our center.

Methods: This retrospective study included 77 patients with severe bleeding after PCNL.

Multifunctional, UV Radiation Shielding and High Bacteriostatic Efficiency 3D Wearable Sensor Triggered by ZIF-67.

3D multifunctional wearable piezoresistive sensors have aroused extensive attention in the fields of motion detection, human-computer interaction, electronic skin, etc. However, current research mainly focuses on improving the foundational performance of piezoresistive sensors, while many advanced demands are often ignored. Herein, a 3D piezoresistive sensor based on rGO@C-ZIF-67@PU is fabricated via high temperature carbonization and a solvothermal reduction method.

The additive effect of the stress hyperglycemia ratio on type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort study.

Background: The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) has recently gained attention as a marker for acute hyperglycemia, which has been linked to adverse clinical outcomes. However, its independent role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains understudied. This cohort study aimed to assess the association between SHR and the incidence of T2D.

Effect of air temperature in indoor transition spaces on the thermal response of occupant during summer.

During the hot summer months, the significant temperature disparity between outdoor and indoor air-conditioned spaces can lead to thermal discomfort and pose a potential health risk. Transition areas such as corridors and elevator lobbies, serving as intermediary zones connecting indoors and outdoors, have been found effective in mitigating this thermal discomfort. In this study, three different temperatures (25 °C-case 1, 27 °C-case 2, and 29 °C-case 3) were employed to investigate the dynamic physiological regulation and thermal perception response of individuals when transitioning from an outdoor environment into an indoor neutral room through a transition space.

NPC1 controls TGFBR1 stability in a cholesterol transport-independent manner and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Niemann-Pick disease type C protein 1 (NPC1), classically associated with cholesterol transport and viral entry, has an emerging role in cancer biology. Here, we demonstrate that knockout of Npc1 in hepatocytes attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression in both DEN (diethylnitrosamine)-CCl induced and MYC-driven HCC mouse models. Mechanistically, NPC1 significantly promotes HCC progression by modulating the TGF-β pathway, independent of its traditional role in cholesterol transport.

GABAFG isolated fom ginseng ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating gut microbiota and autophagy-lysosome pathway.

Introduction: Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is a systemic metabolic disease caused by insulin resistance and malfunctioning pancreatic β-cells. Although ginseng (the roots of Panax ginseng C.

Enhanced Anti-Interference Photoelectrochemical DNA Bioassay: Grafting a Peptide-Conjugated Hairpin DNA Probe on a COF-Based Photocathode.

Precise and sensitive analysis of specific DNA in actual human bodily fluids is crucial for the early diagnosis of major diseases and for a deeper understanding of DNA functions. Herein, by grafting a peptide-conjugated hairpin DNA probe to a covalent organic framework (COF)-based photocathode, a robust anti-interference photoelectrochemical (PEC) DNA bioassay was explored, which could specifically resist potential interference from nonspecific proteins and reducing species. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA was used as the target DNA (tDNA) for the PEC DNA bioassay.

Agent-based simulation of trust networks and opportunistic behaviours of hydraulic infrastructure project participants.

Opportunistic behaviour has become a research hotspot in hydraulic infrastructure project management owing to its serious damage to the cooperation efficiency of all participants in a project. The trust networks formed by each participant can restrain opportunistic behaviour, but due to the dynamic evolution of the networks, its research should adopt a dynamic paradigm. The structure and evolution of trust networks can be simulated using computer simulations and modelling.

The urban carbon unlocking effect of digital infrastructure construction: A spatial difference-in-difference analysis from "Broadband China" pilot policy.

As the foundation and cornerstone of the digital economy, digital infrastructure construction is an indispensable engine for realizing China's energy-saving and emission-reduction, innovation-driven and low-carbon transformation and development. Investigating the carbon unlocking effect of digital infrastructure construction might hasten the achievement of the dual-carbon goal and the "win-win" scenario of environmental protection and economic growth. However, there is still a gap between whether and how digital infrastructure construction can break the carbon lock-in (CLI).

Nimotuzumab and bevacizumab combined with temozolomide and radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: a retrospective single-arm study.

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults, continues to result in poor survival rates despite standard treatment. Advancements in understanding GBM's molecular complexity have increased interest in targeted therapeutic approaches. This retrospective, single-center, single-arm study combined nimotuzumab and bevacizumab with radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM.

Amorphous/Crystalline ZrO with Oxygen Vacancies Anchored Nano-Ru Enhance Reverse Hydrogen Spillover in Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution.

Hydrogen spillover-based binary (HSBB) system has attracted significant attention in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Accelerating hydrogen spillover in the HSBB system is crucial for the HER activity. Herein, a highly efficient HSBB system is developed by anchoring nano-Ru on oxygen vacancy (Vo) rich amorphous/crystal ZrO.

Longitudinal ozone exposure and SARS-CoV-2 infection in late pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Atmospheric ozone is a common air pollutant with known impacts on maternal and fetal health. However, the relationship between gestational ozone exposure and susceptibility to respirovirus infection remains unclear. This study aims to assess the association between longitudinal ozone exposure during pregnancy and COVID-19 risk in late gestation.

Pathogenic mechanisms and potential applications of extracellular vesicles from periodontal pathogens in periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic destruction of the periodontal supporting tissues and is closely associated with the dysbiosis of the plaque biofilm. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are released from bacteria, which range in size from 20 to 400 nm.

Epidemiology of pulmonary embolism in China, 2021: a nationwide hospital-based study.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) as a preventable and potentially fatal noncommunicable disease was believed to have a lower incidence in Asian populations compared to Western populations. However, the incidence and mortality rates of PE in China and the impact of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention system constructions on PE still lack nationwide evidence.

Methods: For this nationwide hospital-based observational study, we used data from the National Hospital Quality Monitoring System (HQMS) and public database in China.

Attenuated afferent inhibition correlated with impaired gait performance in Parkinson's disease patients with freezing of gait.

Background: The neural mechanisms underlying freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not been completely comprehended. Sensory-motor integration dysfunction was proposed as one of the contributing factors. Here, we investigated short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-latency afferent inhibition (LAI), and analyzed their association with gait performance in FOG PD patients, to further validate the role of sensorimotor integration in the occurrence of FOG in PD.

Integration analysis of microRNAs as potential biomarkers in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma: the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of miR-183-3p.

Introduction: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) poses a significant therapeutic challenge, primarily due to delayed diagnosis and the limited efficacy of existing treatments.

Methods: To understand the pathogenesis and identify diagnostic biomarkers for LUAD in the early stage, we investigated differential miRNA expression in 33 stage I LUAD patients between tumor and matched paracancerous tissues by Illumina Sequencing. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using TargetScan and miRDB databases and further analyzed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.

An MRI-based radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction of Ki-67 index in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a two-center study.

Background: The expression level of Ki-67 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) affects the prognosis and treatment options of patients. Our study developed and validated an MRI-based radiomics nomogram for preoperative evaluation of Ki-67 expression levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: In all, 133 patients with pathologically-confirmed (post-operatively) NPC who underwent MRI examination in one of two medical centers.

Predictive Value of Epicardial Adipose Tissue for Hemorrhagic Transformation and Functional Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Intravenous Thrombolysis Therapy.

Purpose: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a severe complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing intravenous thrombolysis therapy (IVT). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to the development of AIS and the disruption of the blood-brain barrier. This study aims to investigate the relationship between EAT and the risk of HT, as well as functional outcomes, in AIS patients treated with IVT.

Tumor burden with AFP improves survival prediction for TACE-treated patients with HCC: An international observational study.

Background & Aims: Current prognostic models for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are not extensively validated and widely accepted. We aimed to develop and validate a continuous model incorporating tumor burden and biology for individual survival prediction and risk stratification.

Methods: Overall, 4,377 treatment-naive candidates for whom TACE was recommended, from 39 centers in five countries, were enrolled and divided into training, internal validation, and two external validation datasets.

Melanin-concentrating hormone attenuates the hedonic feeding induced by orexin-A in the ventral tegmental area of high-fat diet male mice.

Objective: The ventral tegmental area (VTA), a pivotal hub in the brain's reward circuitry, receives inputs from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). However, it remains unclear whether melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and orexin-A (OX-A) neurons in the LHA exert individual or cooperative influence on palatable food consumption in the VTA. This study aims to investigate the modulatory role of MCH and OX-A in hedonic feeding within the VTA of high-fat diet (HFD) mice.

Severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia combined with cold agglutinin disease and pulmonary embolism in childhood: A case report and review of the literature.

This was a case report and literature review, aimed to strengthen the understanding and therapy of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia combined with cold agglutinin disease and pulmonary embolism in children. A 7-year-old boy was taken to the hospital with fever for 7 days, cough for 5 days, and recurrent cyanosis at the extremities of one day duration. Pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, and pleural effusion.