Search Results (3,652)

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors may face long-term health consequences, yet the relationship between CRC and osteoporosis remains underexplored, particularly in Asia. We conducted a nationwide, retrospective longitudinal cohort study with matched controls using the Korean National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort (2005–2019) to assess whether CRC increases osteoporosis risk or not. Methods: We identified 8733 CRC patients and 34,932 matched controls (1:4 ratio) based on age, sex, income, residence, and index date, excluding individuals with pre-existing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was defined via ICD-10 codes (M80–M82) plus confirmatory bone imaging claims. Propensity score overlap weighting was applied, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models, with subgroup analyses based on demographic and clinical factors. Results: With up to 16 years of follow-up, osteoporosis incidence rates were 13.80 and 14.30 per 1000 person-years in CRC and control groups, respectively. Adjusted Cox models revealed no significant association between CRC and osteoporosis (HR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.87–1.04). Subgroup analysis showed a slightly lower risk among CRC survivors aged ≥65 years (adjusted HR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.75–0.95), though no associations were observed by sex, income, region, or comorbidities. Conclusions: These findings suggest CRC may not be an independent risk factor for osteoporosis in the Korean population. The unexpected age-specific variation warrants cautious interpretation, possibly reflecting competing mortality risks or detection biases. Full article

Background: Non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heterogeneous myocardial disease associated with variable progression and an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) allows the comprehensive evaluation of myocardial structure, function, and fibrosis. This prospective study aimed to assess the prognostic value of CMR-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular (LV) torsion in patients with DCM. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 150 patients with newly diagnosed non-ischemic DCM and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent standardized CMR protocols including cine imaging, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and feature-tracking analysis for myocardial deformation. LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF), GLS, and LV torsion were quantified. The primary endpoint was the first occurrence of MACE, defined as cardiac death, sustained ventricular arrhythmia, or heart failure hospitalization. The median follow-up was 33 months. Results: Compared to controls, DCM patients had significantly impaired LV function and myocardial mechanics: lower LVEF (35.1% vs. 65.2%, p < 0.001), reduced GLS (−9.2% vs. −19.7%, p < 0.001), and diminished LV torsion (1.04 vs. 1.95 °/cm, p < 0.001). GLS ≤ −8.6% was independently associated with increased MACE risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.61; p < 0.01). Similarly, reduced LV torsion predicted adverse events (adjusted HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03–1.81; p < 0.01). The presence of LGE (42% of patients) further stratified risk (HR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.48–12.52; p < 0.001). Conclusions: CMR-derived GLS and LV torsion are strong, independent predictors of adverse outcomes in DCM. Their integration into routine imaging protocols enhances risk stratification beyond conventional metrics such as LVEF and LGE. These findings support the use of myocardial deformation analysis in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with DCM. Full article

Coal is a vital part of China’s energy system, and accurately predicting mine water inflow is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of coal mining. To enhance prediction accuracy, this study introduces a hybrid model—CEEMDAN-OVMD-Transformer—that combines Adaptive Noise Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMDAN), Optimal Variational Mode Decomposition (OVMD), and the Transformer architecture. This combined model is used to forecast water inflow at the Heidaigou Coal Mine. The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves excellent predictive accuracy, with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.507, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.614, a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 0.010, and a Coefficient of Determination (R²) of 0.948. Compared to the standalone Transformer model, the CEEMDAN-OVMD-Transformer model reduces the MAE by 34.50% and increases the R² by approximately 3.04%, indicating a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy. The findings demonstrate that the CEEMDAN-OVMD-Transformer hybrid model can effectively reduce the complexity of high-frequency components in mine water inflow time series, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of predictions. This research presents a new and effective approach for mine water inflow forecasting and offers valuable technical guidance for water hazard prevention and control in similar coal mining environments. Full article

Helicopters often operate at altitudes where cloud activity is prevalent, making them susceptible to icing hazards. Accurate and rapid prediction of ice accretion on rotors is crucial for expanding helicopter flight capabilities and enhancing flight safety. In this paper, we first introduce an improved 3-D ice accretion simulation method that accurately models runback water characteristics by considering factors such as control volume size, runback water speed, and direction. This method precisely calculates the ice accretion mass and runback water distribution. Building upon this foundation, we then present a rapid ice accretion prediction model, designed to overcome the time-consuming nature of traditional CFD frameworks. In the experimental section, our simulation methodology is applied to a hovering UH-1H rotor. A comparative analysis with experimental results reveals that the maximum absolute ice thickness error remains below 3 mm, demonstrating satisfactory computational accuracy of the proposed approach. Moreover, we demonstrate the model’s rapid prediction capabilities (achieving within a computational time of 2.66 s and a maximum ice thickness error of 7.2 mm) and implement multi-parameter predictions. Full article

As a typical steel-concrete composite structure, Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular (CFST) structures utilize the synergistic mechanical advantages of steel and concrete, showing good performance in bearing capacity, ductility and fire resistance, and becoming important in modern buildings. However, CFST structures may suffer hazards like fire, which causes performance degradation affecting subsequent seismic behavior. To study seismic performance of fire-damaged CFST column-steel beam joints, low-cycle repeated loading experiments were carried out on 3 specimens: 2 exposed to different fire temperatures and 1 ambient temperature control. Tests examined hysteretic behavior, ductility, energy dissipation, bearing capacity and stiffness degradation under post-fire axial compression ratios. Results show fire-damaged specimens had similar ductile failure modes to the control. Despite high temperatures, they maintained relatively full hysteretic curves and strong energy dissipation, but with reduced bearing capacity, increased deformation, nonlinear ductility growth, and more significant degradation at higher temperatures. Full article

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a long-distance migratory pest, which invaded the African continent in 2016, causing enormous losses to agricultural crops, especially maize. Synthetic insecticides are primarily used for managing S. frugiperda, but they leave residues on human food and animal feed and also cause environmental hazards. We evaluated the crude ethanolic extract of Piper guineense fruits for contact toxicity on S. frugiperda larvae and determined the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the extract. Additionally, we conducted an electrophysiological (EAG) experiment to determine the responses of adult S. frugiperda males and females to P. guineense and determined whether the extract influenced mating, oviposition, and repellence to the adult female. We found that P. guineense extract caused significantly higher mortality to S. frugiperda larvae than an ethanol control. Electrophysiologically, we observed significantly higher responses to the extract than the control, with some variations in response between the sexes. A wind tunnel experiment revealed that females moved more towards the control than towards the extract. Taken together, our results confirm that P. guineense extract is effective against S. frugiperda larvae and adults. Future research should explore the responses of S. frugiperda to P. guineense extract on a field scale. Full article

Power engineering construction serves as the cornerstone of modern social development. Against the backdrop of new power system development, this study employs field investigations, case analysis, and expert discussions to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current status, existing problems, and characteristics of safety risk control in China’s power engineering construction during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Through systematic analysis of 59 accident cases, 66 distinct causes are identified across 14 categories. Chi-squared testing quantitatively determines the top three risk factors: hollowing out of construction units’ own workforce (χ² = 10.22), deficiencies in risk classification and hierarchical implementation (χ² = 9.0), and inadequate hazard identification (χ² = 6.25). Through brainstorming and expert discussions, 11 critical risks in China’s power engineering construction have been identified, and a set of countermeasures has been formulated. These include nine enterprise-level initiatives such as deepening engineering procurement construction management, improving training systems, optimizing bidding methods, and implementing management principles, along with four regulatory measures targeting the National Energy Administration of China and its regulatory agencies. This study innovates by combining quantitative chi-squared analysis with expert-derived countermeasures, offering a model for transitioning economies. While the sample size imposes limitations on generalizability, this research can significantly improve the intrinsic safety management level of power construction enterprises in China and provides valuable reference experience for similar transitioning countries developing energy infrastructure. Full article

Food safety management has evolved with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system serving as a global benchmark. However, conventional HACCP does not explicitly address environmental sustainability, leading to challenges such as excessive water use, chemical discharge, and energy inefficiency. Green HACCP extends traditional HACCP by integrating Environmental Respect Practices (ERPs) to fill this critical gap between food safety and sustainability. This study is presented as a conceptual paper based on a structured literature review combined with illustrative industry applications. It analyzes the principles, implementation challenges, and economic viability of Green HACCP, contrasting it with conventional systems. Evidence from recent reports and industry examples shows measurable benefits: water consumption reductions of 20–25%, energy savings of 10–15%, and improved compliance readiness through digital monitoring technologies. It explores how digital technologies—IoT for real-time monitoring, AI for predictive optimization, and blockchain for traceability—enhance efficiency and sustainability. By aligning HACCP with sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper provides academic contributions including a clarified conceptual framework, quantified advantages, and policy recommendations to support the integration of Green HACCP into global food safety systems. Industry applications from dairy, seafood, and bakery sectors illustrate practical benefits, including waste reduction and improved compliance. This study concludes with policy recommendations to integrate Green HACCP into global food safety frameworks, supporting broader sustainability goals. Overall, Green HACCP demonstrates a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible model for future food production. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their ability to adsorb hazardous chemicals, such as estrogens, and be ingested by marine organisms. This study focuses on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a polymer widely used in Kuwait, to assess its role as a carrier of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically estrogens. Biological effects were evaluated using biomarkers such as cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and vitellogenin (Vtg) gene expression. Virgin LDPE MPs were exposed to influent and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for four weeks to facilitate estrogen absorption. The MPs were then incorporated into fish feed pellets for dietary exposure experiments. Fish were divided into three treatment groups—exposed to either virgin MPs, WWTP-influent MPs, or WWTP-effluent MPs—and monitored over four weeks. The results showed that WWTP-exposed MPs carried detectable levels of estrogen, leading to physiological effects on yellowfin bream. Fish in the control group, which received MP-enriched diets without estrogen, experienced significant weight loss due to nutrient deprivation. In contrast, weight patterns in the treatment groups were influenced by estrogen exposure. The condition factor (CF) decreased across groups during the experiment but remained within acceptable health ranges. A significant reduction in the hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed in the effluent-exposed group, likely due to lower estrogen levels reducing physiological stress. The findings confirm that LDPE MPs can act as carriers for estrogens, impairing fish growth and metabolism while disrupting biological processes such as cytochrome oxidase function. These results highlight the potential risks of MPs in marine ecosystems and underscore the need for further research to understand their long-term effects. Full article

Potential climatic and land-use changes may favor an increase in the population densities and range expansion of oak processionary moth (OPM) in Central and Western Europe in the future. This could lead to more significant threats to human and animal health, caused by the urticating setae released by OPM larvae, and more severe oak defoliation by the larvae. To cope with the public health issue, a basis for OPM hazard assessment and management was created by quantifying the setae formation potential of OPM. While a single larva forms ca. 857,000 setae during its lifespan, a single infested oak tree may be contaminated with up to 10–24 billion (10⁹) setae during an OPM outbreak. Moreover, the possible setae contamination threat to humans through airborne setae dispersal was studied in worst-case exposure simulations in the field. The highest airborne setae concentration was straight downwind, but turbulences up to 150° from the air flow were observed. The findings of this study will improve biohazard quantification as a basis for decision-making on preventive or mechanical control measures and enable an effective protection of human health. This study provides applicable information to derive warnings and recommendations for the public, as well as land managers and authorities. Full article

Background: Liver resection remains the gold standard treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases, while stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) offers an alternative for patients with unresectable metastases. However, the precise indications for SBRT, optimal radiation doses, and treatment regimens have yet to be definitively established. Methods: A total of 91 patients with 152 lesions underwent SBRT, receiving a total dose ranging from 40 to 60 Gy delivered in 4–5 fractions per lesion, with a median dose of 50 Gy. Results: The three-year local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) rates were 62.6% and 45.1%, respectively. No cases of Grade ≥ 3 toxicity were observed. Factors negatively affecting LC included metastasis diameter ≥ 2.7 cm and number of metastases ≥ 3, with hazard ratios (HR) of 2.73 and 2.24, respectively. A biologically effective dose (BED) of ≥137.7 Gy was associated with a significant improvement in local control (LC) (HR 0.25), a finding that was also confirmed by the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. Significant predictors for poorer OS included RAS gene mutations, metastasis diameter ≥ 2.6 cm, and synchronous metastases, with HRs of 2.27, 2.03, and 2.11, respectively. Landmark analysis demonstrated that local recurrence within 12 months after SBRT significantly reduced OS (HR 2.68). Conclusions: SBRT is a safe and effective method for achieving local control of CRC liver oligometastases. Further research is warranted to optimize treatment protocols and refine patient selection criteria. Full article

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) are widely applied in veterinary practice and animal husbandry and frequently persist in organic waste liquids (OWLs), creating substantial environmental and health risks when untreated. A high-capacity mesoporous silica aerogel (SA-60) was produced via a cost-effective sol–gel route from water glass, followed by ambient pressure drying at 60 °C for 6 h. SA-60 exhibited pronounced selectivity, providing a maximum adsorption capacity of 630.18 mg·g⁻¹ for enrofloxacin (ENR) in acetonitrile. Adsorption efficiency was weakly dependent on pH. Mechanistic analysis indicated combined physical and chemical interactions, with intra-particle diffusion governing the overall rate. Thermodynamic evaluation showed a spontaneous and endothermic process for ENR adsorption. Organic solvent type and water content were major determinants of adsorption efficiency. Durable performance was observed, with capacity retention above 80% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. The mesoporous architecture (surface area 249.21 m²·g⁻¹; average pore diameter 10.81 nm) supported the high uptake. These results identify SA-60 as a sustainable adsorbent for removing hazardous FQs from OWLs, offering a simple, energy-efficient approach for the source-level control of antibiotic pollution and improved environmental management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), encompassing tumors of the bile ducts, gallbladder, or ampulla of Vater, are notoriously hard to manage, especially when surgery is off the table and standard chemotherapy provides only modest benefits. While emerging treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise, mixed clinical trial results and varied study endpoints have left their true impact unclear. This concise review consolidates current evidence on combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy to clarify whether these regimens can significantly improve outcomes and steer more effective treatment strategies for BTCs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective comparative studies published from January 2010 to December 2024. Fixed-effect meta-analyses (inverse-variance method) were used as the primary approach, with random-effects models (REML) performed as sensitivity analyses to confirm robustness were performed to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses and Egger’s tests assessed result stability and publication bias. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in OSF. Results: Two RCTs (n = 1754; chemoimmunotherapy n = 874, chemotherapy n = 880) were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Compared to chemotherapy alone, chemoimmunotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death by 20% (OS, HR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.72–0.89; I² = 0%) and the risk of disease progression or death by 19% (PFS, HR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.73–0.90; I² = 33.5%). Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses confirmed result stability. Egger’s tests showed no significant publication bias (OS p = 0.30; PFS p = 0.40). Two additional studies (IMbrave 151 and Monge 2022) lacking comparative survival data were qualitatively assessed. Conclusions: Chemoimmunotherapy significantly improves OS and PFS compared with chemotherapy alone in advanced BTC, with consistent findings across included trials. These results support the incorporation of chemoimmunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic strategy. Future research should prioritize biomarker-driven patient selection, evaluation of long-term clinical outcomes, and integration of targeted therapies with chemoimmunotherapy. Full article

The health risks of PM_2.5-bound metals highlight the need for burden assessment, metal prioritization, and key factor analysis to support effective air quality management, yet relevant studies remain limited. Shandong Province is one of the most polluted regions in northern China, providing an ideal setting for this investigation. We monitored 17 PM_2.5-bound metals for three years across Shandong, China and performed disease burden assessment based on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Furthermore, key influencing factors contributing to high-hazard metals were identified through explainable machine learning. The results showed that PM_2.5-bound metal concentrations were generally higher in inland areas than in coastal regions, with Ni concentrations elevated in coastal areas. K, Ca, Zn, and Mn exhibited the highest three-year average concentrations among the metals, while Cr averaged 6.12 ng/m³, significantly exceeding the recommended annual limit of 0.025 ng/m³ set by Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standards. Jinan carried the greatest burden at 4.67 DALYs per 1000 people, followed by Zibo (3.78), Weifang (2.98), and Rizhao (2.80). CKD, interstitial pneumonia, and chronic respiratory diseases account for the highest DALYs from PM_2.5-bound metals in Shandong Province. Industrial emissions are the largest contributors to the disease burden (>34%), with Cr, Cd, and Pb as the primary contributing metals requiring priority control. Fractional vegetation cover was identified as the key factor contributing to the reduction in their concentrations. These results underscore that prioritizing the regulation of industrial combustion, particularly concerning Cr, Cd, and Pb, and enhancing fractional vegetation cover could reduce disease burden and provide public health benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: The combination of denosumab treatment with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs) in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) may raise safety concerns for clinicians, particularly regarding infections. In this study, we investigated whether the risk of infection increases in patients who receive bDMARDs or tsDMARDs for IRD and are simultaneously treated with denosumab for osteoporosis (OP). Methods: As a control group, we evaluated patients receiving bDMARDs or tsDMARDs concomitantly with zoledronic acid (ZA), which is not clearly associated with infections. A total of 88 patients—including 30 patients receiving bDMARDs or tsDMARDs with ZA and 58 patients receiving bDMARDs or tsDMARDs with denosumab—met the criteria and were included in this study. The groups were compared in terms of the ratio/risk of serious infections requiring hospitalisation and infections requiring outpatient treatment after applying the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to the control for confounding factors. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to compare the risks of infection, taking confounding factors into account. Results: The mean age of patients in the ZA group was 59.07 years (±SD: 13.65), while that of patients in the denosumab group was 69.93 years (±SD: 11.72). Comorbidities occurred more frequently in the denosumab group (n = 44, 75.86%) than in the ZA group (n = 14, 46.66%). The median duration of medication use in the denosumab group was 24 months (minimum: 6 months; maximum: 72 months). The median duration of medication use in the ZA group was 24 months (minimum: 12 months; maximum: 60 months). When comparing the groups regarding the risk of infection, denosumab was not associated with an increased risk of either a serious infection requiring hospitalisation (Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.37; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.14–0.94) or an infection requiring outpatient treatment (HR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12–0.71). Conclusions: In conclusion, the combination of denosumab treatment with bDMARD or tsDMARD treatments is safe for short-term use. Full article