Search Results (9,992)

As a globally renowned alpine gorge region and seismically active zone, the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is highly prone to landslide dam formation. Considering unstable landslide dams often pose catastrophic risks to downstream areas, current research on landslide dams along QTP primarily focuses on the breach mechanisms of unstable dams, while studies on the formation mechanisms of stable landslide dams—which can provide multiple benefits to downstream regions—remain limited. This paper selected the Conaxue Co landslide dam on the eastern margin of the QTP as one case example. Field investigation, sampling, numerical simulation, and comprehensive analysis were carried out to disclose its formation mechanisms. Field investigation shows that the Conaxue Co landslide dam was formed by a high-speed long-runout landslide blocking the river, with its structure exhibiting a typical inverse grading pattern characterized by coarse-grained rock overlying fine-grained layers. The inverse grading structure plays a critical role in the stability of the Conaxue Co landslide dam. On one hand, the coarse, hard rock boulders in the upper dam mitigate fluvial erosion of the lower fine-grained sediments. On the other hand, the fine-grained layer in the lower dam acts as a relatively impermeable aquitard, preventing seepage of dammed lake water. Additionally, the step-pool system formed in the spillway of the Conaxue Co landslide dam contributes to the protection of the dam structure by dissipating 68% of the river’s energy (energy dissipation rate η = 0.68). Understanding the formation mechanisms of the Conaxue Co landslide dam can provide critical insights into managing future landslide dams that may form in the QTP, both in emergency response and long-term strategies. Full article

Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) is an integral player in osteogenesis and is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant RUNX2 expression is a key factor in osteosarcoma oncogenesis. Patients with advanced stages of osteosarcoma overexpressing RUNX2 are more likely to have high tumour grades, metastasis, and lower overall or progression-free survival rates. Thus, RUNX2 is considered a potential candidate for targeted therapy of osteosarcoma. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a key transcription factor involved in the regulation of cellular reprogramming in response to hypoxia. Overexpression of HIF-1α decreases overall survival, disease-free survival, and chemotherapy response and promotes tumour stage and metastasis. Hence, our review focused on highlighting the intricate network between RUNX2 and HIF-1α, which support each other or may work synergistically to develop resistance to therapy and osteosarcoma progression. An in-depth understanding of these two important tumour progression markers is required. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of RUNX2 and HIF-1α in the alteration of the tumour microenvironment, which further promotes angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy in osteosarcoma. Full article

The increasing demand for critical raw materials such as copper and cobalt highlights the need for efficient beneficiation of low-grade ores. This study investigates a copper–cobalt sulfide ore (0.99% Cu, 0.028% Co) using froth flotation to produce high-grade concentrates. Various types of surfactants are applied in different ways, each serving an essential function such as acting as collectors, frothers, froth stabilizers, depressants, activators, pH modifiers, and more. A series of flotation tests employing different collectors (SIPX, PBX, AERO, DF 507B) and process conditions was conducted to optimize recovery and selectivity. Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) was consistently used as the foaming agent, and 700 g/L was used as the slurry density at 25 °C. Dosages of 30 and 100 g/t¹ were used in all tests. Notably, adjusting the pH to ~4 using HCl significantly improved cobalt concentrate separation. The optimized flotation conditions yielded concentrates with over 15% Cu and metal recoveries exceeding 80%. Mineralogical characterization confirmed the selective enrichment of target metals in the concentrate. The results demonstrate the potential of this beneficiation approach to contribute to the European Union’s supply of critical raw materials. Full article

Background: Hip fractures represent a major clinical challenge, particularly in elderly and frail patients, where postoperative pain control must balance effective analgesia with motor preservation to facilitate early mobilization. Various regional anesthesia techniques are used in this setting, including the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block, fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), femoral nerve block (FNB), and quadratus lumborum block (QLB), yet optimal strategies remain debated. Objectives: To systematically review the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of major regional anesthesia techniques for pain management in hip fractures, including considerations of fracture type, surgical approach, and functional outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the virtual library of the Hospital Central de la Defensa “Gómez Ulla” up to March 2025. Inclusion criteria were RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating regional anesthesia for hip surgery in adults. Risk of bias in RCTs was assessed using RoB 2.0, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included, comprising RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. PENG block demonstrated superior motor preservation and reduced opioid consumption compared to FICB and FNB, particularly in intracapsular fractures and anterior surgical approaches. FICB and combination strategies (PENG+LFCN or sciatic block) may provide broader analgesic coverage in extracapsular fractures or posterior approaches. The overall risk of bias across RCTs was predominantly low, and certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to high for key outcomes. No significant safety concerns were identified across techniques, although reporting of adverse events was inconsistent. Conclusions: PENG block appears to offer a favorable balance of analgesia and motor preservation in hip fracture surgery, particularly for intracapsular fractures. For extracapsular fractures or posterior approaches, combination strategies may enhance analgesic coverage. Selection of block technique should be tailored to fracture type, surgical approach, and patient-specific functional goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aberrant expression of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) has been linked to cancer development and progression. Methods: To better comprehend the role of HMGB1 expression in cancer, a tissue microarray containing 14,966 samples from 134 different tumor entities and 608 samples of 76 different normal tissue types was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Strong HMGB1 staining occurred in almost all normal cell types and in most cancers. Of 11,808 evaluable cancers, only 7.8% showed complete absence of HMGB1 staining (HMGB1 deficiency) while 9.9% showed 1+, 25.0% showed 2+, and 57.2% showed 3+ HMGB1 positivity. Absence of HMGB1 staining mostly occurred in pheochromocytoma (90.0%), seminoma (72.4%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (28.6%), adrenal cortical carcinoma (25.0%), and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (25.0%). Low HMGB1 staining was linked to poor histologic grade (p < 0.0001), advanced pT stage (p < 0.0001), high UICC stage (p < 0.0001), and distant metastasis (p = 0.0413) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, invasive tumor growth in urothelial carcinoma (pTa vs. pT2–4, p < 0.0001), mismatch repair deficiency (p = 0.0167) in colorectal cancers, and advanced pT stage in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (p = 0.0038). Strong HMGB1 staining was linked to nodal metastases in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (p = 0.0213) and colorectal adenocarcinomas (p = 0.0137), as well as to poor histological grade in squamous cell carcinomas (p = 0.0010). Conclusions: HMGB1 deficiency and reduced HMGB1 expression occur in a broad range of different tumor entities. Low rather than strong HMGB1 staining is often linked to an aggressive tumor phenotype. Whether HMGB1 deficiency renders cells susceptible to specific drugs remains to be determined. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy are both well-established treatment strategies for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (EAC) and the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ). However, recent knowledge controversially discusses whether neoadjuvant radiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy represents superior therapeutic options to prolong survival or cause less toxicity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients with locally advanced EAC or AEGJ treated at our tertiary cancer center between January 2015 and March 2023. Patients received either perioperative FLOT chemotherapy (n = 36) or neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy following the CROSS protocol (n = 40), followed by surgical resection and standardized follow-up. We compared survival outcomes, toxicity profiles, treatment compliance, and surgical results between the two groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between FLOT and CROSS treatments in five-year loco-regional controls (LRC: 61.5% vs. 68.6%; p = 0.81), progression-free survival (PFS: 33.9% vs. 42.8%; p = 0.82), overall survival (OS: 60.2% vs. 63.4%; p = 0.91), or distant controls (DC: 42.1% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.39). High-grade hematologic toxicities did not significantly differ between groups (p > 0.05). Treatment compliance was lower in the FLOT group, with 50% (18/36) not completing all the planned chemotherapy cycles, compared to 17.5% (7/40) in the CROSS group. All the patients in the CROSS group received the full radiotherapy dose. Surgical outcomes and post-surgical tumor status were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Although perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT has recently become a standard of care for locally advanced EAC and AEGJ, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy per the CROSS protocol remains a well-tolerated alternative. In appropriately selected patients, both approaches yield comparable oncological outcomes. Full article

The increasing depletion of high-grade nickel sulfide deposits and the growing demand for nickel have intensified global interest in oxidized nickel ores (ONOs), particularly those located in Kazakhstan. This study presents a comprehensive review of the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of ONOs from the Shevchenkovskoye cobalt–nickel ore deposit and other Kazakhstan deposits, highlighting the challenges they pose for conventional beneficiation and metallurgical processing. Current industrial practices are analyzed, including pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and pyro-hydrometallurgical methods, with an emphasis on their efficiency, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Special attention is given to the potential of hydro-catalytic leaching as a flexible, energy-efficient alternative for treating low-grade ONOs under atmospheric conditions. The results underscore the necessity of developing cost-effective and sustainable technologies tailored to the unique composition of Kazakhstani ONOs, particularly those rich in iron and magnesium. This work provides a strategic framework for future research and the industrial application of advanced leaching techniques to unlock the full potential of Kazakhstan’s nickel resources. Full article

Background: Identifying high-grade strictures (HGS) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) relies upon subjective assessments of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Quantitative MRCP (MRCP+) provides objective evaluation of MRCP examinations, which may help make these assessments more consistent and improve patient management and selection for intervention. We evaluated the impact of MRCP+ on clinicians’ confidence in diagnosing HGS in patients with PSC. Methods: Three expert abdominal radiologists independently assessed 28 patients with PSC. Radiological reads of MRCPs were performed twice, in a random order, three weeks apart, then a third time with MRCP+. HGS presence was recorded on semi-quantitative confidence scales. The cases where readers definitively agreed on presence/absence of HGS were used to assess inter- and intra-reader agreement and confidence. Results: When using MRCP alone, high intra-reader agreement was observed in identifying HGS within both intra- and extrahepatic ducts (64.3% and 70.8%, respectively), while inter-reader agreement was significantly lower for intrahepatic ducts (42.9%) than extrahepatic ducts (66.1%) (p < 0.01). Using MRCP+ in the third read significantly improved inter-reader agreement for intrahepatic HGS detection to 67.9% versus baseline reads (p = 0.02) and was comparable with extrahepatic ducts. Reader confidence tended to increase when supplemented with MRCP+, and inter-reader variability decreased. MRCP+ metrics had good performance in identifying HGS in both extra-hepatic (AUC:0.85) and intra-hepatic ducts (AUC:0.75). Conclusions: MRCP evaluation supported by quantitative metrics tended to increase individual reader confidence and reduce inter-reader variability for detecting HGS. Our results indicate that MRCP+ might help standardize MRCP assessment and subsequent management for patients with PSC. Full article

Background: Peritoneal metastases (PM) represent a common and challenging manifestation of several gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancies. Bidirectional treatment—combining Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) with systemic chemotherapy—has emerged as a strategy to enhance locoregional control while maintaining systemic coverage. Objective: This systematic review aimed to analyze the study design, characteristics, and timing of the treatments administered—including the type of systemic chemotherapy, intraperitoneal agents used in PIPAC, and interval between administrations—as well as the clinical outcomes, safety profile, and overall methodological quality of the available literature on bidirectional treatment for peritoneal metastases. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to April 2025. Studies were included if they reported clinical outcomes of patients undergoing bidirectional treatment. Data extraction focused on survival, response assessment (PRGS, PCI), adverse events, systemic and intraperitoneal regimens, treatment interval, and study methodology. Results: A total of 22 studies involving 1015 patients (742 treated with bidirectional therapy) were included. Median overall survival ranged from 2.8 to 19.6 months, with the most favorable outcomes observed in gastric and colorectal cancer cohorts. PRGS improvement after multiple PIPAC cycles was reported in >80% of evaluable cases. High-grade adverse events (CTCAE ≥ 3) occurred in up to 17% of patients in most studies, with only one study reporting treatment-related mortality. However, methodological quality was generally moderate, with considerable heterogeneity in treatment protocols, response criteria, systemic regimens, and toxicity attribution. Conclusions: Bidirectional therapy with PIPAC and systemic chemotherapy appears to be a feasible and potentially effective strategy for selected patients with peritoneal metastases. Despite encouraging outcomes, definitive conclusions are limited by the retrospective nature and heterogeneity of available studies. Prospective standardized trials are needed to confirm efficacy, clarify patient selection, and optimize treatment protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: The quality of surgical margins has been shown to be a prognostic factor in many sarcoma entities, yet its role in osteosarcoma remains controversial. While previous studies have shown that the outcome was not related to the margin width in bone, the impact of the extraosseous margin width (margin at the soft tissue invasion)—which needs to be close sometimes due to neurovascular structures—needs to be assessed. This study aims to evaluate the influence of soft tissue surgical margins on local recurrence and overall survival in patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study including 75 patients treated for high-grade osteosarcoma. All patients underwent standardized neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by complete surgical resection. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the histological margin width of the extraosseous parts: group 1 (<1 mm), group 2 (1–5 mm), and group 3 (≥5 mm). Primary endpoints were local recurrence and overall survival (OS), analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and Cox regression. Results: Local recurrence occurred in seven patients (9%). Although the overall comparison between the three groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.074), a subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher recurrence rate in patients with margins < 1 mm compared to those with wider margins (p = 0.024). No significant differences in overall survival (OS) were observed between the groups (p = 0.896). Tumor location, metastatic status, and UICC stage were significant predictors for both endpoints in univariate analysis. However, none of these association were confirmed in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Very close surgical margins (<1 mm) may increase the risk of local recurrence in high-grade osteosarcoma; however, they do not appear to affect overall survival. Full article

Microplastics are an increasing concern due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic environments worldwide. The lack of a harmonised protocol for their reliable quantification remains a major challenge in current scientific efforts. This study presents a comparative evaluation of three protocols for the detection and quantification of microplastics in aqueous samples. The protocols were assessed based on quantification efficiency, risk of particle degradation, staining performance, operational complexity, and cost per sample. Protocol A combined Rhodamine B and ethanol staining with NaCl-based density separation, demonstrating strong isolation performance while maintaining minimal chemical hazards and moderate cost (2.45€ per sample) that could be further reduced to 0.45€ per sample by substituting reagent-grade NaCl with table salt. Protocol B offered moderate isolation capacity and presented the highest risk of particle fragmentation, likely due to the use of acetone and high-temperature digestion. Protocol C, based on the combined use of Nile Red and ZnCl₂, also presented a risk of particle fragmentation, resulting in the highest MP count for small and hydrophobic particles. In addition, its high cost (15.23€ per sample) limits its suitability for routine application. Full article

With the in-depth application of digital transformation in the oil industry, data-driven methods provide a new technical path for drilling engineering safety evaluation. In this paper, a data-driven drilling safety level evaluation system is proposed. By integrating the three-dimensional visualization technology of wellbore trajectory and the prediction model of friction torque, a dynamic and intelligent drilling risk evaluation framework is constructed. The Python platform is used to integrate geomechanical parameters, real-time drilling data, and historical working condition records, and the machine learning algorithm is used to train the friction torque prediction model to improve prediction accuracy. Based on the K-means clustering evaluation method, a three-tier drilling safety classification standard is established: Grade I (low risk) for friction (0–100 kN) and torque (0–10 kN·m), Grade II (medium risk) for friction (100–200 kN) and torque (10–20 kN·m), and Grade III (high risk) for friction (>200 kN) and torque (>20 kN·m). This enables intelligent quantitative evaluation of drilling difficulty. The system not only dynamically optimizes bottom-hole assembly (BHA) and drilling parameters but also continuously refines the evaluation model’s accuracy through a data backtracking mechanism. This provides a reliable theoretical foundation and technical support for risk early warning, parameter optimization, and intelligent decision-making in drilling engineering. Full article

The existence of fault zones in high-intensity earthquake areas has a serious impact on engineering structures, and the longitudinal response of tunnels crossing faults needs further in-depth research. To analyze the tangential contact effect between the surrounding rock and the tunnel lining, and the axial deformation characteristics of the tunnel structure, tangential foundation springs were introduced and a theoretical model for the longitudinal response of the tunnel under fault dislocation was established. Firstly, the tunnel was simplified as a finite-length beam. The normal and tangential springs were taken to represent the interaction between the soil and the lining. The fault’s free-field displacement was applied at the end of the normal foundation spring to simulate fault dislocation, and the differential equation for the longitudinal response of the tunnel structure was obtained. The analytical solution of the structural response was obtained using the Green’s function method. Then, the three-dimensional finite difference method was used to verify the effectiveness of the analytical model in this paper. The results show that the tangential contact effect between the surrounding rock and the lining has a significant impact on the longitudinal response of the tunnel structure. Ignoring this effect leads to an error of up to 35.33% in the peak value of the structural bending moment. Finally, the influences of the width of the fault zone, the soil stiffness of the fault zone, and the stiffness of the tunnel lining on the longitudinal response of the tunnel were explored. As the fault width increases, the internal force of the tunnel structure decreases. Increasing the lining concrete grade leads to an increase in the internal force of the structure. The increase in the elastic modulus of the surrounding rock in the fault area reduces the bending moment and shear force of the structure and increases the axial force. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the anti-dislocation design of tunnels crossing faults. Full article

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is a heterogeneous disease. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of bulk solid tissue is of limited use in these populations due to heterogeneity. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) allows for the identification of diverse genetic compositions of heterogeneous cell populations. New computational methodologies are now available that use scRNAseq results to estimate cell type proportions in bulk RNAseq data. We performed bulk RNA-seq gene expression analysis on 112 HGSC specimens and 12 benign fallopian tube (FT) controls. We identified several publicly available scRNAseq datasets for use as annotation and reference datasets. Deconvolution was performed with MUlti-Subject SIngle Cell Deconvolution (MuSiC) to estimate cell type proportions in the bulk RNA-seq data. Datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). HGSC repositories were also evaluated. Clinical variables and percentages of cell types were compared for differences in clinical outcomes and treatment results. Pathway enrichment analysis was also performed. Different annotations for referenced scRNA-seq datasets used for deconvolution of bulk RNA-seq data revealed different cellular proportions that were significantly associated with clinical outcomes; for example, higher proportions of macrophages were associated with a better response to primary chemotherapy. Our deconvolution study of bulk RNAseq HGSC samples identified cell populations within the tumor that may be associated with some of the observed clinical outcomes. Full article

Tianshanhong (TSH), black tea products originating from the Ningde Tianshan Mountain, has gained significant recognition in the market. However, the chemical characteristics contributing to the flavor of TSH have not yet been reported. To systematically investigate the non-volatile and volatile compounds in TSH, four grades of TSH were evaluated using national standard sensory methods, revealing that overall quality improved with higher grades. Based on the detection of ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), the content of ester-type catechins was relatively high and decreased with lower grades. A total of 19 amino acids (AAs) were clustered, among them, three amino acids, L-Theanine (L-Thea), Arg, and GABA, showed highly significant correlations with the refreshing taste of TSH. Notably, the content of Arg had the highest correlation with TSH grade, with a coefficient of 0.976 (p < 0.01). According to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, a total of 861 kinds of volatile compounds were detected, with 282 identified and aroma-active compounds across grades selected using the PLS model. Methyl salicylate and geraniol were particularly notable, showing strong correlations with TSH grades at 0.975 and 0.987 (p < 0.01), respectively. Our findings show that non-volatile and volatile compounds can rationally grade TSH and help understand its flavor quality. Full article