Polymer Nanoparticles Enable Self-Adaptive Soft Interface for Vitrimer Elastomer Nanocomposites.

Reconciliation of the elasticity, reinforcement, and recyclability in elastomer nanocomposites (ENCs) remains challenging, primarily due to the energy losses of the friction at polymer-nanoparticle interfaces and the permanent covalent cross-linking. Here, a self-adaptive soft interface strategy is introduced, using modulus-tuned polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) as reinforcement agents and interfacial chemical cross-linking sites within a vitrimer elastomer matrix. Such a framework promotes synergistic deformation of the PNPs with the matrix chains during mechanical deformation to minimize energy dissipation.

Flexible Tactile Sensing Systems: Challenges in Theoretical Research Transferring to Practical Applications.

Since the first design of tactile sensors was proposed by Harmon in 1982, tactile sensors have evolved through four key phases: industrial applications (1980s, basic pressure detection), miniaturization via MEMS (1990s), flexible electronics (2010s, stretchable materials), and intelligent systems (2020s-present, AI-driven multimodal sensing). With the innovation of material, processing techniques, and multimodal fusion of stimuli, the application of tactile sensors has been continuously expanding to a diversity of areas, including but not limited to medical care, aerospace, sports and intelligent robots. Currently, researchers are dedicated to develop tactile sensors with emerging mechanisms and structures, pursuing high-sensitivity, high-resolution, and multimodal characteristics and further constructing tactile systems which imitate and approach the performance of human organs.

Determining the individual relationship between the step width and peak knee adduction moment during stepping in medial knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Step-width modification can reduce peak knee adduction moment during gait in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, but determining optimal subject-specific step-width without testing multiple discrete positions remains a clinical challenge.

Method: We investigated step-width's relationship with peak knee adduction moment in 14 individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis and 14 healthy controls using a robotic stepping system with motorized footplates moving between narrow, neutral, and wide step-widths. We analyzed peak knee adduction moment-step width relationship slopes and compared peak three-dimensional knee moments between all stepping conditions using repeated-measure ANOVA analysis.

Catalyst-Free and Green Crosslinking of Epoxy-Functionalized EPDM With Dicarboxylic Acids: Insights into Curing Mechanism, Recyclability and Thermal Stability.

The conventional curing methods pose a significant environmental threat due to the use of toxic vulcanizing agents, the release of irritating volatile organic compounds, and the difficulties in recycling end-of-life rubber products. This work demonstrates a catalyst-free, facile, and eco-friendly crosslinking strategy based on the reaction between epoxy-functionalized ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EEPDM) and dicarboxylic acids. The EEPDM was synthesized via a reusable reaction-controlled phase-transfer catalyst.

Transfer Learning for Polymer Mechanics: A Fusion Approach to Bridge Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Experiments in SSBR.

The stress-strain curve is a key indicator of the mechanical behavior of polymeric materials and plays a vital role in optimizing the performance of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations enable the investigation of microscale deformation mechanisms, yet their use of unrealistically high strain rates leads to stress values that diverge significantly from experimental results. To address this discrepancy, we proposed a weighted fusion framework that integrates transfer learning with a hybrid long short-term memory-multilayer perceptron (LSTM-MLP) model and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm.

A Novel Depression Risk Prediction Model Using NHANES Data With Mendelian Randomization Validation.

Background: Despite depression's significant public health impact, efficient and accessible screening tools utilizing routine clinical indicators remain limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a practical depression risk prediction model based on commonly available biochemical markers, facilitating widespread early screening and timely intervention in general clinical settings.

Methods: We formulated a model for depression, scrutinizing an assortment of biochemical indicators and their bidirectional interrelationships with depression, employing data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and leveraging the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, a method that utilizes genetic variants as instrumental proxies to ascertain causal nexus between risk determinants and diseases.

Quantitative Assessment of Knee Pain and Proprioception in Tibial Rotation in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) exhibit reduced tibial rotations, possibly as a compensatory adaptation to mitigate mechanical stimuli on surrounding tissues. Hence, the passive threshold angle at which knee pain is sensed may reflect that surrounding tissues have received mechanical stimuli sufficient to exceed the nociceptive threshold. This study aimed to measure knee pain and proprioception during tibial rotation quantitatively.

Experimental evolution of plant rhizobacteria reveals emerging adaptive mutations.

The colonization capability of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) in the rhizosphere is essential for their beneficial effects on plant growth, yet the evolutionary processes and adaptive potential of PGPRs in this environment remain underexplored. Here, we established an experimental evolution system for the wheat rhizosphere using 2P24 (former name: 2P24) as a model, simulating its natural evolution and tracking its genomic alterations to uncover adaptive mutations. Whole-genome sequencing and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed the accumulation of mutations in the flagella-associated gene during evolution, reaching 49% frequency in the final communities.

Developing Hybrid Machine Learning Frameworks for Polymer Property Prediction Based on Composition and Sequence Features.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in advancing polymer science and engineering. Considering the critical role of the glass transition temperature () in determining the physical properties of polymers, this study systematically investigates the influence of their composition and sequence structure on using machine learning (ML) models. To clarify the complex relationship between polymer composition and , the k-nearest neighbor mega-trend diffusion (kNNMTD) method was employed for data augmentation, and various ML models were constructed for prediction.

Personalized game-based digital intervention for relieving depression and anxiety symptoms: a pilot RCT.

This study assessed the preliminary effectiveness of a game-based digital therapeutics (DTx) intervention for depression and anxiety using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to examine the role of reinforcement learning (RL) personalization. This RCT included 223 individuals with depressive symptoms, aged 18-50, divided into three groups: an RL Algorithm group (personalized treatment), an active control group (fixed treatment), and a no-intervention control group. The intervention combined cognitive bias modification and cognitive behavioral therapy, with outcomes measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7.

The impact of inflammatory markers on clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients following mechanical thrombectomy: A multicentre study.

Background: Inflammation contributes to brain injury in acute ischemic stroke, but its role among patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between functional prognosis and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and derived ratios in patients undergoing MT.

Methods: This is a multicentre retrospective analysis of 970 consecutive patients treated with MT.

Sex-based differences in inflammatory predictors of outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: an inverse probability weighting analysis.

Background: Inflammatory biomarkers, key predictors of ischemic stroke prognosis, may exhibit sex-specific predictive patterns.

Objectives: This study investigates sex-based differences in inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of 90-day clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Design: Multicenter retrospective study.

Loss of Joint Individuation and Abnormal Synergy Post Stroke in Upper Limb Movements.

BackgroundStroke often leads to long-term impairments in upper extremity motor function, including muscle weakness, spasticity, and abnormal joint synergies, which hinder independent joint control and daily activities.ObjectiveThis study examined multi-joint motor impairments and characterized abnormal synergy patterns post-stroke using a robotic exoskeleton.MethodsThe exoskeleton independently controlled shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints while measuring responses across all joints during horizontal plane movements.

Antiplatelet Use Prior to Anticoagulant Initiation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation-Related Ischemic Stroke: An ELAN Trial Analysis.

Background And Purpose: Antiplatelets are often used before direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) initiation after an acute ischemic stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the evidence is weak. Here, we explored the risks and benefits of this approach.

Methods: A post-hoc analysis of ELAN (Early versus Late Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Post-ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) trial data (NCT03148457) was conducted to compare the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding (extracranial or intracranial hemorrhage [ICH]), and vascular death within 30 days (as a composite and as individual outcomes) in participants treated with and without antiplatelets before DOAC initiation after an AF-associated ischemic stroke.

Preparation of High-Performance Biobased Itaconate Elastomer Nanocomposites by Constructing Dual-Cross-Linked Networks.

As a high biobased synthetic rubber, an itaconate elastomer is critical for advancing sustainable tire manufacturing, thereby offering a viable solution to mitigate reliance on petrochemical feedstocks and curtail carbon emissions within the rubber industry. In this study, performance comparisons between two industrially available biobased itaconate elastomers (BIE) and commercial solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) indicated that BIE/silica exhibited higher dry sliding/rolling friction coefficients. It is attributed to the superior frictional damping efficiency of side ester groups in BIE compared to styrene and vinyl moieties in SSBR.

EgoFall: Real-Time Privacy-Preserving Fall Risk Assessment With a Single On-Body Tracking Camera.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, with research indicating that they often fall due to certain individual biomechanical factors. Therefore, real-time individual fall risk assessment is essential for designing more effective fall prevention programs and developing advanced home-based training solutions. However, existing methods for fall risk assessment either raise privacy concerns due to sensors installed in the environment or require multiple wearable devices, limiting their practicality for home-based applications and long-term monitoring.

Real-world management, resource use, patient-reported outcomes and adherence in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants for first stroke attributed to non-valvular atrial fibrillation in secondary care: A UK mixed-methods observational study.

This real-world study investigated the patient-related factors, characteristics, and outcomes of adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) receiving a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for secondary stroke prevention. This was a multi-centre, mixed-methods, non-interventional study conducted in 8 UK secondary care National Health Service centres. The study included adult patients who presented with first ischaemic stroke associated with NVAF without previous anticoagulants.

Experimental Investigation on the Fracture Behavior of PET-Modified Engineered High-Ductility Concrete: Effects of PET Powder and Precursor Composition.

The utilization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) powder as aggregate in the development of environmentally friendly high-ductility composites (P-EHDC) offers a promising pathway for advancing sustainable and high-performance concrete materials. Despite its potential, the fracture behavior of P-EHDC-particularly under the influence of alkali-activated precursors-remains insufficiently explored. In this study, the fracture performance of P-EHDC was evaluated by varying the precursor composition ratios (GGBS:FA = 4:6, 3:7, and 2:8) and PET powder replacement ratios (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% by volume).

Age-Specific Differences in Inflammatory Biomarkers and Their Impact on Futile Recanalization After Mechanical Thrombectomy: An Inverse Probability Weighting Analysis.

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard treatment for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, a substantial proportion of patients experience poor functional outcomes despite successful reperfusion, namely futile recanalization (FR). This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers, measured on admission and at 24 h, in identifying the risk of FR and to assess age-specific differences influencing this outcome.

Design and Synthesis of Biobased, Biodegradable Polyester for Chewing Gum.

Conventional chewing gum (CG) consisting of sweeteners and unbiodegradable chewing gum base (CGB) has caused severe pollution to the environment. To address this issue, this work designs and synthesizes a partially crosslinked biobased and biodegradable polyester elastomer to replace the high molecular weight rubber in traditional CG for elasticity, along with a biobased biodegradable polyester resin with a glass transition temperature (T) of ≈38 °C to provide plasticity for CG. Subsequently, biobased biodegradable CG is prepared.

Impact of socioeconomic deprivation on mechanical thrombectomy outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke: findings from a London-based multicentre study.

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) improves outcomes in patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, socioeconomic status (SES) can influence recovery and prognosis. This study investigated the effect of SES, assessed via the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), on MT outcomes in a multicentre London cohort.

Thermal Oxidative Aging Behaviors and Degradation Kinetics of Biobased Poly(dibutyl itaconate--butadiene) Elastomer.

This study investigates the aging behavior of poly(dibutyl itaconate--butadiene) (PDBIB), a sustainable elastomer, under thermo-oxidative, thermo-shearing, and combined conditions. The well-established commercial rubbers of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and -1,4-polybutadiene (BR) were compared. Results indicate that the sensitivity of PDBIB to thermo-oxidative aging and thermo-shearing aging is intermediate between that of SBR and BR.

Li-migration influencing factors and non-destructive life extension of quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes.

Polymer-based quasi-solid-state electrolytes (QSSE) are believed to be the most feasible candidates for solid-state batteries, but they are hindered by relatively lower ionic conductivity and narrower electrochemical window. Here, we synthesize a series of ether-free acrylates containing Li-ligands for high-voltage-stable QSSEs. Our findings demonstrate that the polymer-involved solvation structure is critical in determining the ionic conductivity, and low-temperature crystallization of the polymer can be used for non-destructive life extension of batteries.

Coexistent Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer: An Analysis of Incidence Trends, Financial Burdens and Influencing Factors.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC) are both major global health threats. However, coexistent pulmonary TB and LC (TBLC) is a unique condition for which incidence trends and risk factors have not been fully defined.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with TBLC and LC alone between 2010 and 2022 at Beijing Chest Hospital, the standard authority for the diagnosis and treatment of TB and LC in China.

C-reactive protein elevation and subsequent atrial fibrillation detection after ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy: An inverse probability weighting analysis.

Background And Aims: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be known before the stroke (or prevalent AF) or be newly detected after the stroke (post-stroke AF). Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of post-stroke AF, making inflammatory markers valuable for early detection of post-stroke AF.