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The polyurea elastomer (PUA) powder modifier was prepared by the method of spraying–initial crushing–fine grinding, and then, the PUA-modified asphalt was produced. The typical functional structure of PUA was identified and characterized. The apparent viscosity of PUA-modified asphalt was tested at different temperatures. The impact of particle size and content of PUA on creep and recovery properties of asphalt at high temperature was investigated through the multiple stress creep recovery test. The mesothermal fatigue behavior of PUA-modified asphalt was evaluated by means of time sweep and linear amplitude sweep. Results indicated that the high elastic properties of PUA materials might depend on the spherical structure inside PUA material. The diameter of functional structure was around 20 µm and presented as 3D ball structure. The increase in PUA particle size would lead to the increase in cracks and folds in the bonding surface PUA modifier could improve by about 50% of the apparent viscosity significantly. Furthermore, PUA modifier could promote the high-temperature rutting resistance and middle-temperature fatigue property of asphalt. The improving effect on R could reach almost 28% and the 0.075 mm could be the best application size of PUA.

The aerodynamic characteristics of the vertical tail of an aircraft are directly related to the size and weight of the vertical tail. Increasing the lift force of the vertical tail using flow control can further reduce the size of the vertical tail,which is of practical significance for reducing the weight of the structure. The computational fluid dynamics(CFD)method is used to perform the numerical simulation for the active flow control of vertical tail using the co-flow jet technique. The influence law of jet momentum coefficient on continuous co-flow jet and the influence law of jet momentum coefficient and the paramaters of jet momentum coefficient,blockage ratio,injection hole number on discrete co-flow jet are studied. The results show that for the continuous co-flow jet,with the increase of jet momentum coefficient,the effectiveness of lift enhancement,drag reduction and separation suppression becomes more significant. For the discrete co-flow jet,the effectiveness of lift enhancement gradually decreases with the increase of the blockage ratio,and the power consumption also decreases at the same time. With the increase of the discrete hole number,the lift enhancement effect first increases and then decreases,and the comprehensive aerodynamic efficiency considering energy consumption is improved.

Objective: The purposes of this study were to explore the pharmacokinetics of perampanel (PER) in children with epilepsy, identify factors that contribute to pharmacokinetic variations among subjects, evaluate the connection between PER exposure and clinical outcome, and establish an evidence‐based approach for tailoring individualized antiepileptic treatment in this specific population. Methods: In this prospective study, PER plasma concentrations and genetic information on metabolic enzymes were obtained from 194 patients younger than 18 years. The disposition kinetics of PER in pediatric patients following oral dosing were characterized using nonlinear mixed effect models. The effective range for the plasma concentration of PER was determined by assessing the efficacy and safety of PER treatment and analyzing the relationship between drug exposure and clinical response. Monte Carlo simulations were then performed to evaluate and optimize the current dosing regimens. Results: The pharmacokinetic profile of PER was adequately described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination. Body weight, total bilirubin level, and concomitant oxcarbazepine were found to have significant influences on PER pharmacokinetics. Model estimates of apparent clearance and volume of distribution were.016 ±.009 L/h/kg and 1.47 ±.78 L/kg, respectively. The effective range predicted from plasma concentration data in responders was 215–862 μg/L. Dosing scenarios stratified according to essential covariates were proposed through simulation analysis. Significance: In this study, we captured the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of PER in pediatric epilepsy patients through analysis of real‐world data and adopted a pharmacometric approach to support an individualized dosing strategy for PER in this specific population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), an important representative fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been frequently detected in water sources, thus threatening aquatic organisms and human health. In this work, a porous three‐component covalent organic polymer (SLEL‐6) was synthesized through multi‐component (MC) reaction systems for adsorptive removal of CIP from aqueous solution, followed by an encapsulation process to achieve SLEL‐6/sodium alginate (SA) beads with boosted adsorption ability, reusability and recyclability. By virtue of the hierarchical porous natures, functional groups as well as π‐rich skeletons, SLEL‐6 and SLEL‐6/SA beads could deal with CIP contamination effectively. Moreover, the adsorption isotherms of CIP by SLEL‐6 and SLEL‐6/SA beads follow the Langmuir model showing high theoretical maximum adsorption capacities of 57.47 and 163.93 mg g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the plausible mechanisms are proposed according to experimental studies of influencing factors, coupled with characterizations before and after adsorption. This work therefore highlighting the immense potential of COP‐based SA composite beads as new‐type globular adsorbents for eliminating fluoroquinolones from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the depression status of maternal women and its association with occupational factors. Methods From April to July 2018, using the convenient sampling method, a total of 1 073 maternal women were investigated by the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Results Among 1 073 pregnant women, 233 had depression, with a prevalence of 21.7%, while the incidence of mild, moderate, and severe depression was 17.9%, 3.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of depression was reduced in those with a graduate degree or higher compared with those with junior high school education and below (OR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.45). The maternal women in marital conditions (such as unmarried, cohabitation, widows, and divorced) had a higher risk of depression compared to women in married conditions (OR = 9.04, 95%CI: 1.62 - 50.53); while the maternal women working longer than 40 hours per week during pregnancy (versus less than 30 hours per week), sitting or walking for a long time (versus standing for a long time), and being exposed to occupational hazards (versus non-exposed) had a higher risk of depression, the OR were 2.52 (95%CI: 1.30-4.91), 3.28 (95%CI: 1.34-8.02), 2.00 (95%CI: 1.28-3.11), and 2.67 (1.78 -3.99), respectively. Additionally, compared to those who did not adjust their job position or workload after pregnancy, maternal women who adjusted their jobs or reduced their work intensity after pregnancy had a reduced risk of depression of 0.50 (95%CI: 0.32 -0.77). Conclusions Adverse occupational factors can have an impact on maternal depression. It is advisable to avoid prolonged standing and exposure to occupational hazards, rationally arrange work hours, adjust work positions and reduce work intensity. Health education should be conducted to reduce the incidence of maternal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein transport is an interesting and intrinsic life feature that is highly relevant to physiology and disease in living beings. Herein, inspired by nature, based on the supramolecular host‐guest interaction, we have introduced the classical azobenzene light switches and L‐phenylalanine derived pillar[6]arene (L‐Phe‐P6) into the artificial nanochannel to construct light‐responsive nanochannels that could regulate protein transport effectively under the control of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light. The light‐controlled distribution of L‐Phe‐P6 in the channel led to the difference in surface charges in the nanochannel, which eventually brought the difference in protein transport. This research may not only provide a convenient theoretical model for biological research, but also a flexible light‐responsive protein transport model, which will play a crucial role in light‐controlled release of protein drugs and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three-dimensional modelling and simulation of a high-power six-cylinder hydrogen-blended methanol engine with direct hydrogen injection and methanol port injection were conducted using the simulation software CONVERGE. The control variable method was used to study the effects of hydrogen nozzle diameters of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm on the in-cylinder airflow movement, hydrogen distribution, combustion, and emission characteristics of the hydrogen-blended methanol engine. The results showed that, with an increase in the hydrogen nozzle diameter, the injection duration was shortened, the distribution of hydrogen in the cylinder tended to be uniform, and the speed of flame propagation in the cylinder decreased. When the nozzle diameter was small, noticeable hydrogen accumulation occurred near the spark plug at the time of ignition, which accelerated flame propagation. Compared with increasing the diameter of the hydrogen nozzle, reducing the diameter of the nozzle caused the peak cylinder pressure and peak heat release rate to increase significantly; the ignition delay period was shortened; the mean indicated pressure and indicated thermal efficiency increased; and the emissions of CO, HC, and unburned methanol decreased, but the NO x emissions increased. Compared with pure methanol engines, hydrogen blending can optimise the combustion of methanol engines to a certain extent, improve power performance, and reduce the emissions of unburned methanol and formaldehyde. Therefore, a hydrogen nozzle diameter of 2 mm is considered the best solution for a hydrogen-blended methanol engine. • Hydrogen direct injection and methanol port injection. • Hydrogen-blended methanol engine has better combustion characteristics. • The hydrogen distribution under different hydrogen nozzle diameters was compared. • The engine with a hydrogen nozzle diameter of 2 mm has the best overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to illustrate whether inflammatory biomarkers play a mediating role., Design: A cross-sectional study., Setting: This study analysed cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018., Participants: A total of 27 808 participants aged 20-80 years old were enrolled in the final analysis., Outcome Measures: PA and SB were self-reported by participants using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Inflammatory biomarkers including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were examined in subjects' peripheral blood samples. Estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 was defined as CKD. Multivariable logistic regression and medication model were performed to examine the associations of PA, SB and inflammatory biomarkers with CKD., Results: PA was associated with CKD, with a 20% lower OR of CKD compared with inactive (p=0.002) and a 2% lower OR per 30 min moderate-to-vigorous PA increase (p=0.027). SB was also associated with CKD, with a significant 39% higher OR for high SB (p<0.001), and a 3% higher OR per 30 min SB increase (p<0.001). NLR and SII both significantly mediated the association of PA and SB with CKD. NLR explained 1.87% (medication effect: -0.0003, direct effect: -0.0162) and 2.73% (medication effect: 0.0005, direct effect: 0.0192) association of PA and SB with CKD (p<0.001), respectively. While SII explained 1.77% (medication effect: -0.0003, direct effect: -0.0162) and 1.22% (medication effect: 0.0002, direct effect: 0.0199) association of PA and SB with CKD (p<0.001), respectively. The results did not show any statistical association between PLR and CKD in this sample., Conclusion: This finding revealed increasing PA and shortening SB may be effective strategies in CKD prevention and early management through the regulation of systemic inflammation. NLR and SII may not only be prognostic indicators of CKD, but also novel potential markers in predicting CKD occurrence., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Levetiracetam (LEV), an antiepileptic drug, has been effective in adult migraine prevention but lacks extensive research in children. This study evaluates LEV's efficacy and safety for pediatric migraine prophylaxis., Methods: We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs in major databases through 8 January 2024, focusing on four efficacy endpoints and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Data synthesis involved pooled relative risks or odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes, using fixed- or random-effects models as appropriate., Results: Eight studies with 190 participants showed that after taking LEV, the mean headache frequency decreased 5.19 per month (MD: -5.19, 95% CI: -7.11 to -3.27, p < 0.00001) and improved headache-free rates to 28% (95% CI: 0.17-0.41). More than 83% experienced a >50% reduction in monthly headache frequency. The migraine disability score decreased by 33.51 points (MD: -33.51, 95% CI: -38.46 to -28.55, p < 0.00001). ADR incidence did not significantly differ between LEV and control groups (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.39 to 2.85, p = 0.91), with an overall ADR rate of 18% (95% CI: 0.13-0.24). The most common ADR was irritability (12%), leading to treatment discontinuation in 13% of cases (95% CI: 0.05-0.30)., Conclusion: LEV has shown good efficacy in preventing pediatric migraines. However, its safety requires further confirmation through more extensive and well-designed RCTs., Systematic Review Registration: Identifier PROSPERO CRD42024497643., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Peng, Liu, Li, Liu, Zhou, Chen and Liu.)

Objective: This study aimed to explore the key alternative splicing events in costimulatory molecule-related genes in colon cancer and to determine their correlation with prognosis., Methods: Gene expression RNA-sequencing data, clinical data, and SpliceSeq data of colon cancer were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially expressed alternative splicing events in genes were identified, Followed by correlation analysis of genes corresponding to differentially expressed alternative splicing events with costimulatory molecule-related genes. Survival analysis was conducted using differentially expressed alternative splicing events in these genes and a prognostic model was constructed. Functional enrichment, proteinprotein interaction network, and splicing factor analyses were performed., Results: In total, 6504 differentially expressed alternative splicing events in 3949 genes were identified between tumor and normal tissues. Correlation analysis revealed 3499 differentially expressed alternative splicing events in 2168 costimulatory molecule-related genes. Moreover, 328 differentially expressed alternative splicing events in 288 costimulatory molecule-related genes were associated with overall survival. The prognostic models constructed using these showed considerable power in predicting survival. The ubiquitin A-52 residue ribosomal protein fusion product 1 and ribosomal protein S9 were the hub nodes in the protein-protein interaction network. Furthermore, one splicing factor, splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich, was significantly associated with patient prognosis. Four splicing factor-alternative splicing pairs were obtained from four alternative splicing events in three genes: TBC1 domain family member 8 B, complement factor H, and mitochondrial fission 1., Conclusion: The identified differentially expressed alternative splicing events of costimulatory molecule-related genes may be used to predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy responses in colon cancer., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)