Development and validation of a prognostic model incorporating tumor thrombus grading for nonmetastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus: A multicohort study

There is significant variability with respect to the prognosis of nonmetastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients with venous tumor thrombus (VTT). By applying multiregion whole-exome sequencing on normal-tumor-thrombus-metastasis quadruples from 33 ccRCC patients, we showed that metastases were mainly seeded by VTT (81.8%) rather than primary tumors (PTs). A total of 706 nonmetastatic ccRCC patients with VTT from three independent cohorts were included in this study. C-index analysis revealed that pathological grading of VTT outperformed other indicators in risk assessment (OS: 0.663 versus 0.501-0.610, 0.667 versus 0.544-0.651, and 0.719 versus 0.511-0.700 for Training, China-Validation, and Poland-Validation cohorts, respectively). We constructed a risk predicting model, TT-GPS score, based on four independent variables: VTT height, VTT grading, perinephric fat invasion, and sarcomatoid differentiation in PT. The TT-GPS score displayed better discriminatory ability (OS, c-index: 0.706-0.840, AUC: 0.788-0.874; DFS, c-index: 0.691-0.717, AUC: 0.771-0.789) than previously reported models in risk assessment. In conclusion, we identified for the first-time pathological grading of VTT as an unheeded prognostic factor. By incorporating VTT grading, the TT-GPS score is a promising prognostic tool in predicting the survival of nonmetastatic ccRCC patients with VTT.

[Characterization of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 and 8 in rat superior cervical ganglion and their changes following chronic intermittent hypoxia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors 7 and 8 (mGluR7/8) in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and their changes in response to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

METHODS

We detected the expressions of mGluR7 and mGluR8 in the SCG of 8-week-old male SD rats using immunohistochemistry and characterized their distribution with immunofluorescence staining. The expression of mGluR7 and mGluR8 in the cytoplasm and nucleus was detected using Western blotting. A 6-week CIH rat model was established by exposure to intermittent hypoxia (6% oxygen for 30 s followed by normoxia for 4 min) for 8 h daily, and the changes in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were measured. The effect of CIH on expression levels of mGluR7 and mGluR8 in the SCG was analyzed using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Positive expressions of mGluR7 and mGluR8 were detected in rat SCG. mGluR7 was distributed in the neurons and small fluorescent (SIF) cells with positive staining in both the cytoplasm and nuclei, but not expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs), nerve fibers or blood vessels; mGluR8 was localized in the cytoplasm of neurons and SIF cells, but not expressed in SGCs, nerve fibers, or blood vessels. Western blotting of the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of rat SCG further confirmed that mGluR7 was expressed in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, while mGluR8 exists only in the cytoplasm. Exposure to CIH significantly increased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure of the rats (all P < 0.001) and augmented the protein expressions of mGluR7 and mGluR8 in the SCG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

mGluR7 and mGluR8 are present in rat SCG but with different localization patterns. CIH increases blood pressure of rats and enhanced protein expressions of mGluR7 and mGluR8 in rat SCG.

Evaluation of lncRNA Expression Pattern and Potential Role in Heart Failure Pathology

During the last few decades, the morbidity and mortality of heart failure (HF) have remained on an upward trend. Despite the advances in therapeutic and diagnostic measures, there are still many aspects requiring further research. This study is aimed at finding potential long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that could aid with the diagnosis and treatment of HF. We performed RNA sequencing on the peripheral blood of healthy controls as well as HF patients. The expression of lncRNAs was validated by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to investigate the possible mechanism of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. The diagnostic value of lncRNAs was analysed by ROC analysis. Finally, a total of 207 mRNAs and 422 lncRNAs were identified. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that biological pathways such as immune response, regulation of cell membrane, and transcriptional regulatory process were associated with the pathological progress of HF. The lncRNA-mRNA coexpression network was conducted, and several mRNAs were identified as key potential pathological targets, while lncRNA CHST11, MIR29B2CHG, CR381653.1, and FP236383.2 presented a potential diagnostic value for HF. These findings provide novel insights for the underlying mechanisms and possible therapeutic targets for HF.

MHW-GAN: Multidiscriminator Hierarchical Wavelet Generative Adversarial Network for Multimodal Image Fusion

Image fusion technology aims to obtain a comprehensive image containing a specific target or detailed information by fusing data of different modalities. However, many deep learning-based algorithms consider edge texture information through loss functions instead of specifically constructing network modules. The influence of the middle layer features is ignored, which leads to the loss of detailed information between layers. In this article, we propose a multidiscriminator hierarchical wavelet generative adversarial network (MHW-GAN) for multimodal image fusion. First, we construct a hierarchical wavelet fusion (HWF) module as the generator of MHW-GAN to fuse feature information at different levels and scales, which avoids information loss in the middle layers of different modalities. Second, we design an edge perception module (EPM) to integrate edge information from different modalities to avoid the loss of edge information. Third, we leverage the adversarial learning relationship between the generator and three discriminators for constraining the generation of fusion images. The generator aims to generate a fusion image to fool the three discriminators, while the three discriminators aim to distinguish the fusion image and edge fusion image from two source images and the joint edge image, respectively. The final fusion image contains both intensity information and structure information via adversarial learning. Experiments on public and self-collected four types of multimodal image datasets show that the proposed algorithm is superior to the previous algorithms in terms of both subjective and objective evaluation.

A Two-stage Diagnostic Framework for Post-ablation Treatment Response Assessment in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) video plays an important role in post-ablation treatment response assessment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the assessment of treatment response using CEUS video is challenging due to issues such as high inter-frame data repeatability, small ablation area and poor imaging quality of CEUS video. To address these issues, we propose a two-stage diagnostic framework for post-ablation treatment response assessment in patients with HCC using CEUS video. The first stage is a location stage, which is used to locate the ablation area. At this stage, we propose a Yolov5-SFT to improve the location results of the ablation area and a similarity comparison module (SCM) to reduce data repeatability. The second stage is an assessment stage, which is used for the evaluation of postoperative efficacy. At this stage, we design an EfficientNet-SK to improve assessment accuracy. The Experimental results on the self-collected data show that the proposed framework outperforms other selected algorithms, and can effectively assist doctors in the assessment of post-ablation treatment response.

ATXN3 promotes prostate cancer progression by stabilizing YAP

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common neoplasm and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway is highly conserved in mammals and plays an important role in carcinogenesis. YAP is one of major key effectors of the Hippo pathway. However, the mechanism supporting abnormal YAP expression in PC remains to be characterized.

METHODS

Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of ATXN3 and YAP, while the YAP target genes were measured by real-time PCR. CCK8 assay was used to detect cell viability; transwell invasion assay was used to measure the invasion ability of PC. The xeno-graft tumor model was used for in vivo study. Protein stability assay was used to detect YAP protein degradation. Immuno-precipitation assay was used to detect the interaction domain between YAP and ATXN3. The ubiquitin-based Immuno-precipitation assays were used to detect the specific ubiquitination manner happened on YAP.

RESULTS

In the present study, we identified ATXN3, a DUB enzyme in the ubiquitin-specific proteases family, as a bona fide deubiquitylase of YAP in PC. ATXN3 was shown to interact with, deubiquitylate, and stabilize YAP in a deubiquitylation activity-dependent manner. Depletion of ATXN3 decreased the YAP protein level and the expression of YAP/TEAD target genes in PC, including CTGF, ANKRD1 and CYR61. Further mechanistic study revealed that the Josephin domain of ATXN3 interacted with the WW domain of YAP. ATXN3 stabilized YAP protein via inhibiting K48-specific poly-ubiquitination process on YAP protein. In addition, ATXN3 depletion significantly decreased PC cell proliferation, invasion and stem-like properties. The effects induced by ATXN3 depletion could be rescued by further YAP overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, our findings establish a previously undocumented catalytic role for ATXN3 as a deubiquitinating enzyme of YAP and provides a possible target for the therapy of PC. Video Abstract.

Predicting Drug Treatment Outcomes in Childrens with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Related Epilepsy: A Clinical Radiomics Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Highly predictive markers of drug treatment outcomes of tuberous sclerosis complex-related epilepsy are a key unmet clinical need. The objective of this study was to identify meaningful clinical and radiomic predictors of outcomes of epilepsy drug treatment in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 105 children with tuberous sclerosis complex-related epilepsy were enrolled in this retrospective study. The pretreatment baseline predictors that were used to predict drug treatment outcomes included patient demographic and clinical information, gene data, electroencephalogram data, and radiomic features that were extracted from pretreatment MR imaging scans. The Spearman correlation coefficient and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were calculated to select the most relevant features for the drug treatment outcome to build a comprehensive model with radiomic and clinical features for clinical application.

RESULTS

Four MR imaging-based radiomic features and 5 key clinical features were selected to predict the drug treatment outcome. Good discriminative performances were achieved in testing cohorts (area under the curve = 0.85, accuracy = 80.0%, sensitivity = 0.75, and specificity = 0.83) for the epilepsy drug treatment outcome. The model of radiomic and clinical features resulted in favorable calibration curves in all cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that the radiomic and clinical features model may predict the epilepsy drug treatment outcome. Age of onset, infantile spasms, antiseizure medication numbers, epileptiform discharge in left parieto-occipital area of electroencephalography, and gene mutation type are the key clinical factors to predict the epilepsy drug treatment outcome. The texture and first-order statistic features are the most valuable radiomic features for predicting drug treatment outcomes.

BCAT1 controls embryonic neural stem cells proliferation and differentiation in the upper layer neurons

The regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation during brain development is a precisely controlled process, with the production of different neuronal subtypes governed by strict timelines. Glutamate is predominantly used as a neurotransmitter by the subtypes of neurons in the various layers of the cerebral cortex. The expression pattern of BCAT1, a gene involved in glutamate metabolism, in the different layers of neurons has yet to be fully understood. Using single-cell data, we have identified seven different states of NSCs and found that state 4 is closely associated with the development of projection neurons. By inferring the developmental trajectory of different neuronal subtypes from NSC subsets of this state, we discovered that BCAT1 is involved in the regulation of NSC proliferation and differentiation and is specifically highly expressed in layer II/III and IV neurons. Suppression of BCAT1 through shRNA resulted in a reduction in NSC proliferation and an abnormal development of layer II/III and IV neurons. These findings provide new insights into the role of BCAT1 in the regulation of NSC behavior and neuronal development.

[Research on the formulation and revision of standard limits for antimony,boron and vanadium in the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2022)" in China]

China is rich in antimony, boron, and vanadium mineral resources, which have been detected in environmental water bodies and drinking water. During the revision process of the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2006)", research and evaluation are focused on three indicators: antimony, boron and vanadium. Vanadium is added and the limit value of boron is adjusted. This study reviews and discusses the technical contents related to the revision of the antimony, boron and vanadium, including the environmental presence levels, exposure status, health effects, and the revision of the standard limits of these three indicators. Suggestions are also made for the implementation of this standard.

A method for parallel microscale protein labeling and precise control over the average degree of labeling (aDoL)

A widely used approach for protein conjugation is through the lysine residues reacting with NHS- or other active esters. However, it is a challenge to precisely control the degree of labeling (DoL) due to the instability of active ester and variability of reaction efficiencies. Here, we provide a protocol for better control of aDoL using existing Copper-free Click Chemistry reagents. It is a two-step reaction with one purification in between. Briefly, proteins of interest were first activated with azide-NHS. After removing unreacted azide-NHS, the protein-N₃ is then reacted with a limited amount of complementary click tag. Our studies have shown the click tag will fully react with the protein-N₃ after 24 h' incubation, and therefore does not require additional purification steps. As such, the aDoL is equal to the input molar ratio of the click tag and the protein. Furthermore, this approach offers a much simpler and more economical way to perform parallel microscale labeling. Once a protein is pre-activated with N₃-NHS, any fluorophore or molecule with the complementary click tag can be attached to the protein by mixing the two ingredients. Quantities of the protein used in the click reaction can be at any desired amount. In one example, we labeled an antibody in parallel with 9 different fluorophores using a total of 0.5 mg of antibody. In another example, we labeled Ab with targeted aDoL value from 2 to 8. In a stability comparison study, we have found the conjugated fluorophore using the suggested click protocol stayed attached to the protein longer than with standard NHS-fluorophore labeling.

Ponicidin inhibited gallbladder cancer proliferation and metastasis by decreasing MAGEB2 expression through FOXO4

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most aggressively malignant tumor in the bile duct system. The prognosis for patients with GBC is extremely poor. Ponicidin is a diterpenoid compound extracted and purified from the traditional Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens, and showed promising anti-cancer effects in a variety of tumors. However, Ponicidin has not been investigated in GBC.

METHODS

CCK-8, colony formation assay and EdU-488 DNA synthesis assay were performed to investigate the effect of Ponicidin on GBC cells proliferation. Cell invasion and migration assays and wound-healing assay were used to explore the effect of Ponicidin on invasion and migration ability of GBC cells. mRNA-seq was adopted to explore the underlying mechanisms. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to detect the protein level. CHIP assay and dual-luciferase assay were used to validate binding motif. Nude mouse model of GBC was used to assess the anti-tumor effect and safety of Ponicidin.

RESULTS

Ponicidin inhibited the proliferation and cell invasion and migration of GBC cells in vitro. Moreover, Ponicidin exerted anti-tumor effects by down-regulating the expression of MAGEB2. Mechanically, Ponicidin upregulated the FOXO4 expression and promoted it to accumulate in nucleus to inhibit the transcript of MAGEB2. Furthermore, Ponicidin suppressed tumor growth in the nude mouse model of GBC with excellent safety.

CONCLUSION

Ponicidin may be a promising agent for the treatment of GBC effectively and safely.

Investigating the role of Zibai ointment on apoptosis-related factors Bcl-2 and Bax in wound healing after anal fistula surgery

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the impact of Zibai ointment on wound healing by analyzing the expression levels of two key apoptosis-related factors-B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), in patients following surgery for anal fistula.

METHODS

We included 90 patients with anal fistulas who were treated in the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with Zibai ointment (n = 45) or petroleum jelly (n = 45). The levels of apoptosis-related factors Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while cell apoptosis was assessed using Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTS

The results of ELISA showed that on Day 21 after the surgery, the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in the Zibai ointment group were significantly different compared to the petroleum jelly group, with values of (60.11 ± 1.31) ng/mL and (7.05 ± 0.01) versus (83.79 ± 1.74) ng/mL and (6.00 ± 0.05) ng/mL, respectively (p < .05). Furthermore, light microscopy revealed a large number of apoptotic cells within the field of vision 14 days postsurgery in the Zibai ointment group, and the healing time in the Zibai ointment group was significantly different from that in the petroleum jelly group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

We found that Zibai ointment effectively promoted wound healing in patients following anal fistula surgery, possibly by regulating Bcl-2 and Bax apoptosis-related factors.

Celastrol-encapsulated microspheres prepared by microfluidic electrospray for alleviating inflammatory pain

Inflammatory pain is induced by trauma, infection, chemical stimulation, etc. It causes severe physical and psychological agony to patients. Celastrol has powerful anti-inflammatory property and has achieved good results in various inflammation-related diseases. However, the low water solubility and multi-system toxicity limit its clinical application. Herein, we proposed alginate microspheres with core-shell structure which encapsulated celastrol by microfluidic electrospray to effectively overcome the shortcomings and improve the therapeutic effect. The microspheres had uniform size and good biocompatibility, and could release the loaded drugs in the gut. The behavioral tests showed that the celastrol-loaded microspheres effectively alleviated inflammatory pain, and the hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining), immunofluorescence and detection of inflammatory cytokines showed the anti-inflammatory effect. These results indicated that the microspheres could reduce dose and toxicity without affecting efficacy, and facilitate the application of celastrol in different clinical situations.

Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Microbiota and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by various autoantibodies and multi-organ. Microbiota dysbiosis in the gut, skin, oral, and other surfaces has a significant impact on SLE development. This article summarizes relevant research and provides new microbiome-related strategies for exploring the mechanisms and treating patients with SLE.

RECENT FINDINGS

SLE patients have disruptions in multiple microbiomes, with the gut microbiota (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and their metabolites being the most thoroughly researched. This dysbiosis can promote SLE progression through mechanisms such as the leaky gut, molecular mimicry, and epigenetic regulation. Notwithstanding study constraints on the relationship between microbiota and SLE, specific interventions targeting the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, dietary management, and fecal microbiota transplantation, have emerged as promising SLE therapeutics.

Exposure to copper nanoparticles or copper sulfate dysregulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadalaxis, gonadal histology, and metabolites in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

This study evaluated the effects of chronic exposure to copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and waterborne copper (CuSO₄) on the reproductive system of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Juvenile yellow catfish were exposed to 100 and 200 μg Cu/L Cu-NPs and 100 μg Cu/L CuSO₄ for 42 days. The results showed clear reproductive defects in both female and male yellow catfish in the 200 μg Cu/L Cu-NPs and 100 μg Cu/L CuSO₄ groups. Exposure to Cu-NPs or CuSO₄ inhibited folliculogenesis and vitellogenesis in the ovaries, and spermatogenesis in the testes, accompanied by elevation of the apoptotic signal. Ultrastructural observations also revealed damaged organelles of gonadal cells in both testes and ovaries. Most of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis genes examined and serum sex steroid hormones tended to be downregulated after Cu exposure. Metabolomic analysis suggested that gonadal estradiol level is sensitive to Cu-NPs or CuSO₄. The heat map of gonadal metabolomics suggested a similar effect of 200 μg Cu/L Cu-NPs and 100 μg Cu/L CuSO4 in both the ovaries and testes. Additionally, metabolomics data showed that the reproductive toxicity due to Cu-NPs and CuSO₄ may occur via different metabolic pathways. Cu-NPs tend to dysregulate the metabolic pathways of sphingolipid and linoleic acid metabolism in the ovary and the biosynthesis of amino acids and pantothenate and CoA in the testis. Overall, these findings revealed the toxicological effects of Cu-NPs and CuSO₄ on the HPG axis and gonadal metabolism in yellow catfish.

A neglected contributor of thermal hydrolysis to sludge anaerobic digestion: Fulvic acids release and their influences

Fulvic acids (FAs) belong to inert organic matters in sewage sludge and their influences are often overlooked during convectional anaerobic digestion (AD). Currently, thermal hydrolysis (TH) has been widely applied on sludge pretreatment before AD processes, which makes FAs undergo drastic evolutions and aggressive to sludge AD. Results in the present study indicated that FAs concentration in the liquid was elevated by over incredible 150 folds during sludge TH, from 3.4 mg/L in raw sludge to 590.0 mg/L in hydrolyzed sludge at 180 °C. Moreover, during sludge TH, the chemical structures of FAs, including aromatic condensation degree, elemental composition and functional group, also underwent significant changes, which enhanced FAs electron transfer capability, reduced their biodegradability and promoted their roles on sludge AD. Furthermore, fortunately, the evolutions of FAs were favorable to sludge AD in general. Methane production could be promoted by about 20% under FAs concentration of 0.6 g/L, and the FAs extracted from hydrolyzed sludge presented higher promotion performances than that of the raw FAs, in which 180 °C FAs were particularly conspicuous. Furthermore, FAs evolutions would present differential influences on each phase of sludge AD, promotional to acidogenesis and methanogenesis but inhibitory to hydrolysis. Pearson correlation analysis indicated FAs influences on sludge AD, particularly the hydrolysis phase, were not only related to their concentration, but also chemical structure. The findings of this study demonstrated that FAs influences should not be negligible anymore during sludge AD with TH pretreatment. Meanwhile, since FAs promotion on sludge AD was closely related to their concentration and chemical structure, it would be significant to take FAs evolutions as auxiliary indexes for the regulations of sludge TH.

[Clinical analysis of combined immunotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma]

Objective: To observe the present situation, efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Methods: The data of 39 patients with MPM in two centers from 2016 to 2021 were collected and the efficacy and safety were evaluated. According to the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), these patients, whose median clinical follow-up amounting to 18.97 months, were divided into immunotherapy group (19 cases) and control group (20 cases). Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for the survival analysis. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) in the immunotherapy group is 21.05% and 79.0% respectively, compared with 10.0% and 55.0% in the control group; and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The median overall survival (OS) in the immunotherapy group was significantly longer than that in the control group (14.53 months vs 7.07 months, P=0.015), but there was no significant difference in the median progression free survival (PFS) between two groups (4.80 months vs 2.03 months, P=0.062). Single factor survival analysis showed that the nature of pleural effusion, pathological subtype and the efficacy of immunotherapy were related to both PFS and OS of the patients with MPM (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in immunotherapy group was 89.5% (17 out of 19 cases), and the most common adverse event was hematological toxicity (9 cases), followed by nausea and vomiting (7 cases), fatigue (6 cases) and skin damage (6 cases). Five patients had immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) related adverse reactions with grade 1-2. Conclusions: Patients with MPM have begun to receive immunotherapy in more than 2-line mainly combined chemotherapy in the real world, and the median treatment line is 2-line. Either combined with chemotherapy or anti-angiogenesis therapy, ICI inhibitors have significant efficacy, controllable adverse events and good clinical value.

Altered flexor carpi radialis motor axon excitability properties after cerebrovascular stroke

Background

Spinal motoneurons may become hyperexcitable after a stroke. Knowledge about motoneuron hyperexcitability remains clinically important as it may contribute to a number of phenomena including spasticity, flexion synergies, and abnormal limb postures. Hyperexcitability seems to occur more often in muscles that flex the wrist and fingers (forearm flexors) compared to other upper limb muscles. The cause of hyperexcitability remains uncertain but may involve plastic changes in motoneurons and their axons.

Aim

To characterize intrinsic membrane properties of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) motor axons after stroke using nerve excitability testing.

Methods

Nerve excitability testing using threshold tracking techniques was applied to characterize FCR motor axon properties in persons who suffered a first-time unilateral cortical/subcortical stroke 23 to 308  days earlier. The median nerve was stimulated at the elbow bilaterally in 16 male stroke subjects (51.4 ± 2.9 y) with compound muscle action potentials recorded from the FCR. Nineteen age-matched males (52.7 ± 2.4 y) were also tested to serve as controls.

Results

Axon parameters after stroke were consistent with bilateral hyperpolarization of the resting potential. Nonparetic and paretic side axons were modeled by a 2.6-fold increase in pump currents (IPumpNI) together with an increase (38%-33%) in internodal leak conductance (GLkI) and a decrease (23%-29%) in internodal H conductance (Ih) relative to control axons. A decrease (14%) in Na⁺ channel inactivation rate (Aah) was also needed to fit the paretic axon recovery cycle. "Fanning out" of threshold electrotonus and the resting I/V slope (stroke limbs combined) correlated with blood potassium [K⁺] (R = -0.61 to 0.62, p< 0.01) and disability (R = -0.58 to 0.55, p < 0.05), but not with spasticity, grip strength, or maximal FCR activity.

Conclusion

In contrast to our expectations, FCR axons were not hyperexcitable after stroke. Rather, FCR axons were found to be hyperpolarized bilaterally post stroke, and this was associated with disability and [K⁺]. Reduced FCR axon excitability may represent a kind of bilateral trans-synaptic homeostatic mechanism that acts to minimize motoneuron hyperexcitability.

A novel partitivirus orchestrates conidiation, stress response, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolism of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium majus

Mycoviruses are widely present in all major groups of fungi but those in entomopathogenic Metarhizium spp. remain understudied. In this investigation, a novel double-stranded (ds) RNA virus is isolated from Metarhizium majus and named Metarhizium majus partitivirus 1 (MmPV1). The complete genome sequence of MmPV1 comprises two monocistronic dsRNA segments (dsRNA 1 and dsRNA 2), which encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a capsid protein (CP), respectively. MmPV1 is classified as a new member of the genus Gammapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae based on phylogenetic analysis. As compared to an MmPV1-free strain, two isogenic MmPV1-infected single-spore isolates were compromised in terms of conidiation, and tolerance to heat shock and UV-B irradiation, while these phenotypes were accompanied by transcriptional suppression of multiple genes involved in conidiation, heat shock response and DNA damage repair. MmPV1 attenuated fungal virulence since infection resulted in reduced conidiation, hydrophobicity, adhesion, and cuticular penetration. Additionally, secondary metabolites were significantly altered by MmPV1 infection, including reduced production of triterpenoids, and metarhizins A and B, and increased production of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. However, expression of individual MmPV1 proteins in M. majus had no impact on the host phenotype, suggesting insubstantive links between defective phenotypes and a single viral protein. These findings indicate that MmPV1 infection decreases M. majus fitness to its environment and its insect-pathogenic lifestyle and environment through the orchestration of the host conidiation, stress tolerance, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolism.

Unveiling alkali metal poisoning of CrMn catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3: An experimental and theoretical study

Alkali metal poisoning has been an intricate and unsolved issue confining the catalytic activity of NH₃-SCR catalysts up to now. Herein, the effect of NaCl and KCl on catalytic activity of CrMn catalyst for NH₃-SCR of NO_x was systematically investigated to clarify the alkali metal poisoning by combined experiments and theoretical calculations. It unveiled that NaCl/KCl could deactivate CrMn catalyst due to the decrease in specific surface area, electron transfer (Cr⁵⁺+Mn³⁺↔Cr³⁺+Mn⁴⁺), redox ability and oxygen vacancy and NH₃/NO adsorption. In addition, NaCl cut off E-R mechanism reactions by inactivating surface Brønsted/Lewis acid sites. DFT calculations revealed that (1) Na and K could weaken MnO bond, (2) competitive adsorption between Cl and NH₃ was a main reason weakening Lewis acid, (3) Cl adsorption was also a major cause diminishing Brønsted acid and oxygen vacancy, (4) Both Na and K seriously impeded NO adsorption/activation, (5) NaCl/KCl increased the reaction heat of H₂O desorption (rate-determining step) in E-R mechanism reactions and KCl elevated its energy barrier in L-H mechanism reactions. Thus, this study provides the deep understanding of alkali metal poisoning and a well strategy to synthesize NH₃-SCR catalysts with outstanding alkali metal resistance.

Characterization of lacustrine harmful algal blooms using multiple biomarkers: Historical processes, driving synergy, and ecological shifts

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) producing toxic metabolites are increasingly threatening environmental and human health worldwide. Unfortunately, long-term process and mechanism triggering HABs remain largely unclear due to the scarcity of temporal monitoring. Retrospective analysis of sedimentary biomarkers using up-to-date chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques provide a potential means to reconstruct the past occurrence of HABs. By combining aliphatic hydrocarbons, photosynthetic pigments, and cyanotoxins, we quantified herein century-long changes in abundance, composition, and variability of phototrophs, particularly toxigenic algal blooms, in China's third largest freshwater Lake Taihu. Our multi-proxy limnological reconstruction revealed an abrupt ecological shift in the 1980s characterized by elevated primary production, Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial blooms, and exponential microcystin production, in response to nutrient enrichment, climate change, and trophic cascades. The empirical results from ordination analysis and generalized additive models support climate warming and eutrophication synergy through nutrient recycling and their feedback through buoyant cyanobacterial proliferation, which sustain bloom-forming potential and further promote the occurrence of increasingly-toxic cyanotoxins (e.g., microcystin-LR) in Lake Taihu. Moreover, temporal variability of the lake ecosystem quantified using variance and rate of change metrics rose continuously after state change, indicating increased ecological vulnerability and declined resilience following blooms and warming. With the persistent legacy effects of lake eutrophication, nutrient reduction efforts mitigating toxic HABs probably be overwhelmed by climate change effects, emphasizing the need for more aggressive and integrated environmental strategies.

Effect of long-term hypoxia on the reproductive systems of female and male yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

This study investigated the effects of different levels of hypoxia on the reproductive system of yellow catfish. Yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were exposed to three dissolved oxygen concentration levels: normoxia (6.5 ± 0.2 mg/L), moderate hypoxia (MH, 3.8 ± 0.3 mg/L) and severe hypoxia (SH, 1.9 ± 0.2 mg/L) for 30 days. The gonadosomatic index of males, not females, significantly decreased in the SH group. In the SH group, for the females, the ratio of vitellogenic follicles significantly decreased, whereas the number of atretic follicles significantly increased. In male fish, a significantly reduced number of spermatozoa was observed in both the MH and SH groups. Elevated apoptosis levels in the testes and ovaries were observed only in the SH group. Serum 17β-estradiol and vitellogenin levels in females and testosterone levels in males significantly decreased in the SH group. The concentration of 11-ketotestosterone in males significantly decreased in both the MH and SH groups. In female fish, dysregulated expression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, steroidogenesis genes, and hepatic genes related to vitellogenesis were observed only in the SH group. However, in male fish, moderate hypoxia altered the expression of HPG genes, including gnrh1, lhcgr, and amh. Moreover, the MH group significantly altered the expression of steroidogenesis genes like star, 17β-hsd, and cyp17a1. The results of this study suggest that severe hypoxia can cause reproductive defects in female and male yellow catfish. Moreover, the reproductive system of male yellow catfish is more sensitive to moderate hypoxia than that of female catfish. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the response of the teleost reproductive system to long-term hypoxia.

Risk factors for avascular necrosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a multi-center cohort study of Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR) Registry XXII

BACKGROUND

Avascular necrosis is a common organ damage in SLE patients, which can influence patients' life quality. Conflicting results exist in risk factors of AVN in SLE patients. The aim of this study was to illustrate risk factors predicting the occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), a multi-center cohort of Chinese SLE patients.

METHODS

SLE patients in CSTAR without existing AVN at registration were included. At least two follow-ups and an observation period of no less than 2 years for AVN event were required. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for AVN in SLE patients. Coefficient B was transformed to risk score for the development of a risk stratification model.

RESULTS

One hundred six (2.59%) of 4091 SLE patients were diagnosed AVN during follow-ups of no less than 2 years. Multi-variate Cox regression analysis suggested that SLE onset age ≤ 30 (HR 1.616, p 0.023), arthritis (HR 1.642, p 0.018), existing organ damage (SDI ≥ 1) at registration (HR 2.610, p < 0.001), positive anti-RNP (HR 1.709, p 0.006), and high glucocorticoid maximum daily dose at registration (HR 1.747, p 0.02) were independent risk factors. A risk stratification system was developed according to the risk factors, and patients were divided into high risk (3-6) and low risk (0-2). The AUC of 0.692 indicated moderate discrimination. The calibration curve in internal validation was drawn.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SLE onset age ≤ 30, arthritis, existing organ damage (SDI ≥ 1) at registration, positive anti-RNP, and high glucocorticoid maximum daily dose at registration are at high risk for AVN and require attention.

[Current status of the method of collecting aqueous humor by anterior chamber paracentesis]

Anterior chamber paracentesis (ACP) is a commonly used ophthalmic technique with broad clinical applications. It plays an important role in the diagnosis of intraocular infections, vitreoretinal lymphoma, and other diseases. However, the current ACP methods used in clinical practice have some issues and potential risks. There is no unified standard for the procedural steps, environment, and perioperative management. Therefore, this article provides a systematic review of various methods and devices for ACP and briefly summarizes the current clinical ACP environment, perioperative management, and safety considerations. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the current status and future prospects of ACP, with the goal of optimizing the safety and efficacy of this technique.

A mini-review of the role of vesicular glutamate transporters in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease implicated in multiple interacting neurotransmitter pathways. Glutamate is the central excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays critical influence in the control of neuronal activity. Impaired Glutamate homeostasis has been shown to be closely associated with PD. Glutamate is synthesized in the cytoplasm and stored in synaptic vesicles by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Following its exocytotic release, Glutamate activates Glutamate receptors (GluRs) and mediates excitatory neurotransmission. While Glutamate is quickly removed by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) to maintain its relatively low extracellular concentration and prevent excitotoxicity. The involvement of GluRs and EAATs in the pathophysiology of PD has been widely studied, but little is known about the role of VGLUTs in the PD. In this review, we highlight the role of VGLUTs in neurotransmitter and synaptic communication, as well as the massive alterations in Glutamate transmission and VGLUTs levels in PD. Among them, adaptive changes in the expression level and function of VGLUTs may exert a crucial role in excitatory damage in PD, and VGLUTs are considered as novel potential therapeutic targets for PD.