Altered Expression of Nicotinic Receptors in Perinatal Life Related to Prenatal Exposure to Toxics—An Overview of the Research Carried Out on This Topic at the “Lino Rossi” Research Center of the Milan University

The article aims to underline the impact of nicotine and pesticides on neuronal α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expression in brainstem regions receiving cholinergic projections, given their fundamental role during the neuronal development. The in-depth histopathological/immunohistochemical examination of the autonomic nervous system performed at the “Lino Rossi” Research Center of the Milan University on a wide group of sudden unexpected fetal and infant deaths, highlighted the frequent hypodevelopment of brainstem structures checking the vital functions associated to altered expression of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and smoke absorption in pregnancy. A dysregulation of the catecholamine system was also observed in the cerebellar cortex of the same cases. However, in a not negligible percentage of sudden deaths with altered expression of α7-nicotinic receptors, the mothers never smoked but lived in rural areas. Specific analytical procedures showed the presence of agricultural pesticides in cerebral cortex samples of these victims. Therefore, it is possible to believe that the exposition to pesticides during pregnancy can produce the same harmful effects as nicotine on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Moreover, alterations of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors receptor expression were also detected in the lungs of many sudden perinatal death victims, allowing to consider even these findings as possible consequence of maternal exposure to toxic factors.

Optimizing the cancer research landscape for the benefit of patients and society: A strategic perspective of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and its partnerships with university medical centers

This issue of Cancer Biology & Medicine, a premium Chinese international scientific journal in this field, focuses on cooperation between Chinese and German cancer research, particularly between the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital and the German Cancer Research Center(DKFZ) with its networking partners. This editorial provides a brief overview on DKFZ’s research strategy with a focus on how a national integrated cancer research and care ecosystem is evolving that benefits patients and society.

Introduction of International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO

On December 15,2008,the International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO (hereinafter referred as IRCK)was formally established in Guilin,China.It is also the first category Ⅱ center concerning geosciences.Since its foundation,it has organized 11 international symposia, attracted over 200 foreign scientists from more than 40 countries for academic exchange,and signed 16 international cooperation agreements with 14 countries.It has played an active role for international exchange,set firm foundation for cooperative projects.

Yundi Behavior and Health Research Center Joins Hands with Five Neighboring Countries to Carry out Online Training on COVID-19 Community Prevention and Control

The Belt and Road Initiative has brought rich and diverse possibilities to global cooperation,recommending that countries strengthen multilateral cooperation,help each other,and jointly face and resolve various risks.

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital leads the establishment of the first National Engineering Research Center in the field of minimally invasive medicine in China

With the rapid development of science and technology,the minimally invasive surgery(MIS)has become a reality.MIS is associated with less pain,a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications.The higher-quality minimally invasive instruments allow the surgeons to perform the surgical interventions efficiently without sacrificing patient safety.Therefore,the academic research,technology development,achievement transformation as well as clinical application of minimally invasive devices is extremely important。

Research on the hazards of gas leakage and explosion in a full-scale residential building

The gas explosion in residential building has always been a highly concerned problem.Explosions in homogeneous mixtures have been extensively studied.However,mixtures are often inhomogeneous in the practical scenarios due to the differences in the densities of methane and air.In order to investigate the effects of gas explosions in inhomogeneous mixtures,experimental studies involving gas leakage and explosion are conducted in a full-scale residential building to reproduce the process of gas explosion.By fitting the dimensionless buoyancy as a function of dimensionless height and dimensionless time,a distribution model of gas in large-scale spaces is established,and the mechanism of inhomogeneous distribution of methane is also be revealed.Furthermore,the stratified reconstruction method(SRM)is introduced for efficiently setting up inhomogeneous concentration fields in FLACS.The simulation results highlight that for the internal overpressure,the distribution of methane has no effect on the first overpressure peak(ΔP1),while it significantly influences the subsequent overpressure peak(ΔP2),and the maximum difference between the overpressure of homogeneous and inhomogeneous distribution is174.3%.Moreover,the initial concentration distribution also has a certain impact on the external overpressure.

Perspectives of high-risk pregnant women on home care program in high-risk pregnancies: A multicenter, qualitative study

Objective:To explore the perspectives of high-risk pregnant women regarding the home care program for high-risk pregnancies.Methods:This qualitative study was conducted in a university hospital and 5 comprehensive health centers in Ahvaz,Iran,from February 2023 to July 2023.The sampling method used was purposive sampling considering the maximum possible diversity,which continued until data saturation.11 in-depth and semistructured interviews were conducted with high-risk pregnant women.Data were simultaneously analysed using Graneheim and Lundman content analysis by MAXQDA version 20 software.Results:Data analysis extracted 3 themes,12 categories,and 26 subcategories.The themes and categories were“high-risk pregnancy and related issues(pursuing treatment and paying attention to the high-risk situation by pregnant women,psychological aspect of high-risk pregnancy on pregnant women and caregivers,emotional and physical aspects of high-risk pregnancy,the consequences of high-risk pregnancy on the people around them and empowerment of high-risk pregnant women)”,“support dimension(family and community support for high-risk pregnant women)”,and“framework of program(acculturalization,means and equipment,security,manpower and the necessary arrangements for the home care)”.Conclusions:High-risk pregnancy affects various aspects of the lives of high-risk pregnant women and their families.Creating the necessary conditions for providing care at home plays a vital role in supporting high-risk pregnant women and removing related obstacles to receiving prenatal care in person.It will be especially beneficial for high-risk pregnant women in low-income areas.

Modeling Thermophysical Properties of Hybrid Nanofluids:Foundational Research for Future Photovoltaic Thermal Applications

The primary objective of this study is to develop an innovative theoretical model to accurately predict the thermophysicalproperties of hybrid nanofluids designed to enhance cooling in solar panel applications.This researchlays the groundwork for our future studies,which will focus on photovoltaic thermal applications.These nanofluidsconsist of water and nanoparticles of alumina(Al_(2)O_(3)),titanium dioxide(TiO_(2)),and copper(Cu),exploringvolumetric concentrations ranging from 0%to 4%for each type of nanoparticle,and up to 10%for total mixtures.The developed model accounts for complex interactions between the nanoparticles and the base fluid,as well assynergistic effects resulting from the coexistence of different nanoparticles.Detailed simulations have shownexceptional agreement with experimental results,reinforcing the credibility of our approach in accurately capturingthe thermophysical behavior of these hybrid nanofluids.Based on these results,our study proposes significantadvancements in the design and optimization of nanofluids for cooling applications in solar panels.These developmentsare crucial for improving the efficiency of solar installations by mitigating overheating effects,providinga solid foundation for practical applications in this rapidly evolving field.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese military personnel:A cross-sectional,multicenter-based study

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is a prevalent disease encountered in military internal medicine and recognized as the main cause of dyspepsia,gastritis,and peptic ulcer,which are common diseases in military personnel.Current guidelines in China state all patients with evidence of active infection with H.pylori are offered treatment.However,the prevalence of H.pylori infection and its regional distribution in the military population remain unclear,which hinders effective prevention and treatment strategies.Understanding the prevalence of H.pylori infection in the military population will aid in the development of customized strategies to better manage this infectious disease.AIM To investigate the prevalence of H.pylori infection in the Chinese military population in different geographic areas.METHODS This multicenter,retrospective study included 22421 individuals from five tertiary hospitals located in north,east,southwest,and northwest cities of China.H.pylori infection was identified using the urea breath test,which had been performed between January 2020 and December 2021.RESULTS Of the 22421 military service members,7416(33.1%)were urea breath test-positive.The highest prevalence of H.pylori was in the 30-39 years age group for military personnel,with an infection rate of 34.9%.The majority of infected subjects were younger than 40-years-old,accounting for 70.4%of the infected population.The individuals serviced in Lanzhou and Chengdu showed a higher infection prevalence than those in Beijing,Nanjing,and Guangzhou,with prevalence rates of 44.3%,37.9%,29.0%,31.1%,and 32.3%,respectively.CONCLUSION H.pylori infection remains a common infectious disease among military personnel in China and has a relatively high prevalence rate in northwest China.

Research hotspot and trend of plant water use in karst: Based on a bibliometric analysis from 1984 to 2022

Research on the ecohydrological processes of terrestrial plants is a frontier field comprising ecology,hydrology and global change research,yielding the key theoretical foundations of ecohydrology.In karst areas,due to its unique geological background,the karst landscape is strongly developed,with high bedrock exposure,high permeability,fragmented soils,shallow soils,and high spatial heterogeneity,resulting in very limited water storage for plant uptake and growth in rock fissures and shallow soils.Therefore,water conditions are an important ecological factor influencing plant growth.To comprehensively understand the current progress and development trends in plant water use research focusing on karst areas,this paper uses the VOSviewer software to analyze the literature on plant water use in karst areas between 1984 and 2022.The results showed that:(1)Research on plant water use in karst areas has developed rapidly worldwide,and the number of relevant studies in the literature have increased year by year,which together means that it is attracting more and more attention.(2)The investigation of plant water sources,geological background of karst areas,seasonal arid tropical climates,the relationship betweenδ13C values and plant water use efficiency,karst plant water use in karst savannas and subtropical areas,and ecosystems under climate change yields the knowledge base in this field.(3)Most studies in this area focus on the division of water sources of plants in karst areas,the methods of studying the water use sources of plants,and the water use strategies and efficiency of plants.(4)Future research will focus on how plant water use in karst areas is influenced by Earth’s critical zones,climate change,and ecohydrological separation.These studies will provide a key scientific basis for guiding ecological restoration and promoting sustainable development in karst areas.

Big data in support of the Sustainable Development Goals:a celebration of the establishment of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals(CBAS)

In the last century the impacts of human activity on natural processes that sustain the Earth’s biosphere,atmosphere,hydrosphere and lithosphere and that provide the bed-rock of human life support systems,have grown to the extent that they pose a credible existential threat to humanity.Today,the biggest challenge for science,technology and innovation(STI)is to contribute to the pursuit of global sustainability as exemplified in the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)that were adopted by the United Nations(UN)in 2015.

Big data in support of the sustainable development goals(continued):a celebration of the establishment of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals(CBAS)

The rapid development of analytics and concepts in big data enables us to diversify our efforts and enhance opportunities to implement the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).Big data improves the extent to which scientific evidence and innova-tive technological solutions can be adopted to meet these goals.However,the tools and methods of big data are still somewhat of a novelty in this respect.

National Research Center for Translational Medicine· Shanghai——National Key Scientific Infrastructure for Translational Medicine

In July 2013, the National Development and Reform Com- mission formally approved the ＂National Research Center for Translational Medicine-Shanghai＂ （hereinafter ＂the Center＂）, a piece of the national key scientific infrastruc- ture. As a national-level institution, the Center will be co-administered by the Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Municipal Government.

限制热量摄入6个月对超重者寿命指标、代谢调节及氧化应激的影响——随机对照试验AuthorAffiliations：PenningtonBiomedicalResearchCenter．LouisianaStateUniversity．BatonRouge；andGarvan．InstituteforMedicalResearch．Dadinghurst，AustraIia（DrHeilbronn）．

背景：长期限制热量摄入可延长啮齿类动物的寿命。但是，尚未有研究观测长期限制人体热量是否会影响其寿命及氧化应激指标，降低代谢率。 目的：在超重但不肥胖（体重指数为25—30）的人群中研究限制热量6个月伴／不伴运动对其产生的影响。 设计、地点及参试者：于2002年3月至2004年8月在位于路易斯安娜州首府巴顿鲁治的研究中心对48名不好动的健康人进行随机对照研究。 干预：参试者在6个月内随机分为4个组：对照组（饮食可维持体重）；限制热量组（限制基线所需能量的25％）；限制热量＋运动组（限制12．5％的热量＋运动增加12．5％的能耗）；极低热量饮食组（每日摄入890keal，直至体重减少15％，随后采用维持体重的饮食）。 主要观测指标：机体组成；硫酸脱氢表雄酮（dehydroepiandrostemne sulfate，DHEAS）、葡萄糖及胰岛素水平；蛋白羰基化合物；DNA损伤；24小时能耗；核心体温。 结果：6个月时各组体重变化的均值（标准误）为：对照组-1．0％（1．1％）；限制热量组-10．4％（0．9％）；限制热量＋运动组-10．0％（0．8％）；极低热量饮食组-13．9％（0．7％）。6个月时，各干预组空腹血糖水平较基线明显降低（P均〈0．01），而DHEAS和葡萄糖水平没有改变。限制热量组及限制热量＋运动组核心体温有所下降（P均〈0．05）。对机体组成进行校正后发现，对照组24小时静息能耗无变化，但限制热量组（-135kcal／d[42kcal／d]）、限制热量＋运动组（-117kcal／d[52kcal／d]）和极低热量饮食组（-125kcal／d[35kcal／d]）24小时静息能耗有所下降（P均〈0．008）。上述“代谢调节”（超出预计值的-6％）与对照组相比存在显著差异（P〈0．05）。6个月时，各组蛋白羰基化合物的浓度较基线时无变化，而各干预组DNA损伤有所减少（P〈0．005）。 结论：我们的研究结果显示，长期限制热量可降低人类寿命的2种指标（即空腹胰岛素水平和体温）。此外，我们的研究结果还支持下述理论，即限制热量能降低代谢率，且超过缩小代谢面积产生的相应效应。我们尚需开展远期研究来评价限制热量能否延缓人类衰老过程。

Research on the Coordinated Development of Rural Revitalization and Human-centered Urbanization Based on Urban-rural Integration

Although there are certain differences in the center of gravity between rural revitalization and human-centered urbanization,their connotations and goals require that both must be promoted in concert.Therefore,based on a deep understanding of the connotation of rural revitalization and human-centered urbanization,it is necessary to clarify the goals of the two through the two-way flow of elements between urban and rural areas,the urban-rural linkage of industries,to achieve coordinated promotion of rural revitalization and human-centered urbanization in China.

The evolution of robotics:research and application progress of dental implant robotic systems

The use of robots to augment human capabilities and assist in work has long been an aspiration.Robotics has been developing since the 1960s when the first industrial robot was introduced.As technology has advanced,robotic-assisted surgery has shown numerous advantages,including more precision,efficiency,minimal invasiveness,and safety than is possible with conventional techniques,which are research hotspots and cutting-edge trends.This article reviewed the history of medical robot development and seminal research papers about current research progress.Taking the autonomous dental implant robotic system as an example,the advantages and prospects of medical robotic systems would be discussed which would provide a reference for future research.

Research advances of magnesium and magnesium alloys globally in 2023

Magnesium materials have attracted the attention of many researchers,and the related research is expanding.This article summarizes the advance in the research and development of magnesium materials globally in 2023 from bibliometric and scientific perspectives.More than 4680 articles on Mg and its alloys were published and indexed in the Web of Science(WoS)Core Collection database last year.The bibliometric analyses show that the traditional structural Mg alloys,functional Mg materials,and corrosion and protection of Mg alloys are still the main research focus.Therefore,this review paper mainly focuses on the research progress of Mg cast alloys,Mg wrought alloys,bio-magnesium alloys,Mg-based energy storage materials,corrosion and protection of Mg alloys in 2023.In addition,future research directions are proposed based on the challenges and obstacles identified throughout this review.

Development of target fabrication for laser-driveninertial confinement fusion at research center oflaser fusion

As the basic conditions for laser inertial confinement fusion(ICF) research, the targets are required to be well specified and elaborately fabricated. Because of the characteristics of the targets, the research and fabrication process is a systematically tough task, which needs fundamental and deep insights into film deposition, mechanical machining,precise measurement and assembly, etc. As a result, knowledge of material science, physics, mechanical as well as electronics is a necessity for target researchers. In this paper, we give introductions to the state of art on target fabrication for ICF research at Research Center of Laser Fusion(RCLF) in China.

Recent progress in the research on magnesium and magnesium alloy foils:A short review

Magnesium and magnesium alloy foils have great potential for application in battery anodes,electromagnetic shielding,optics and acoustics,and biology because of their excellent specific damping,internal dissipation coefficients,magnetic and electrical conductivities,as well as high theoretical specific capacity.However,magnesium alloys exhibit poor deformation ability due to their hexagonal close-packed crystal structure.Preparing magnesium and magnesium alloy foils with thicknesses of less than 0.1 mm is difficult because of surface oxidation and grain growth at high temperatures or severe anisotropy after cold rolling that leads to cracks.Numerous methods have been applied to prepare magnesium alloy foils.They include warm rolling,cold rolling,accumulative roll bonding,electric plastic rolling,and on-line heating rolling.Defects of magnesium and magnesium alloy foils during preparation,such as edge cracks and breakage,are important factors for consideration.Herein,the current status of the research on magnesium and magnesium alloy foils is summarized from the aspects of foil preparation,defect control,performance characterization,and application prospects.The advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and defect(edge cracks and breakage)mechanisms in the preparation of foils are identified.

Epidemiology of sports injuries referring to Kashan University of Medical Sciences Trauma Research Center from 2005 to 2011

Objective： Among the injury types, sports ones constitute a considerable proportion of patients who refer to the medical centers. This research was conducted to examine the frequency of sports- related injuries referring to Kashan University of Medical Sciences Trauma Research Center from 2005 to 2011. Methods： This was a retrospective research in which existing data from the data bank of Kashan University of Medical Sciences Trauma Research Center were employed. The data were extracted from the main source by SPSS version 16.0. Variables such as age, education, occupation and gender were analyzed. Results： The highest proportion of injuries was observed in students （59.4%） followed by workers （11.8%）. Upper and lower extremities were most commonly injured. The most frequent injury was strain （35.4%）, followed by sprain （27.7%）. Conclusion： The results of this research showed that the majority of the sports trauma occurrs in students; therefore, they need more attention in regard to sports injuries. Preventive measures such as informing the coaches and teachers as well as increasing the students＇ awareness about the injury risk can decrease the incidences of sports injuries.