Valorization and protection of anthocyanins from strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) by acidified natural deep eutectic solvent based on intermolecular interaction

This study introduces an innovative approach for the valorization and protection of anthocyanins from 'Benihoppe' strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) based on acidified natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). Choline chloride-citric acid (ChCl-CA, 1:1) was selected and acidified to enhance the valorization and protection of anthocyanins through hydrogen bond. The optimal conditions (ultrasonic power of 318 W, extraction temperature of 61 °C, liquid-to-solid ratio of 33 mL/g, ultrasonic time of 19 min), yielded the highest anthocyanins of 1428.34 μg CGE/g DW. UPLC-Triple-TOF/MS identified six anthocyanins in acidified ChCl-CA extract. Stability tests indicated that acidified ChCl-CA significantly increased storage stability of anthocyanins in high temperature and light treatments. Molecular dynamics results showed that acidified ChCl-CA system possessed a larger diffusion coefficient (0.05 m2/s), hydrogen bond number (145) and hydrogen bond lifetime (4.38 ps) with a reduced intermolecular interaction energy (-1329.74 kcal/mol), thereby efficiently valorizing and protecting anthocyanins from strawberries.

Bergaptol inhibits glioma cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour and lacks therapeutic options with significant effects. The aberrant activation of STAT3 is a critical factor in glioma progression via activating multiple signalling pathways that promote glioma. Among them, the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 could be upregulated by p-STAT3, which is an important reason for the continuous proliferation of glioma. We previously reported that bergaptol, a natural furanocoumarin widely found in citrus products, exerts antineuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting the overactivation of STAT3. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether bergaptol could promote glioma apoptosis by inhibiting the STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway. This study found that bergaptol inhibited the proliferation and migration of GBM cell lines (U87 and A172) and promoted apoptosis in vitro. We also found that bergaptol significantly inhibited the STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway in GBM cells. U87 cells were implanted intracranially into nude mice to establish a glioma model, and glioma-bearing mice were treated with bergaptol (40 mg/kg). Bergaptol treatment significantly inhibited glioma growth and prolonged the glioma-bearing mice's survival time. In addition, bergaptol administration also significantly inhibited the STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway of tumour tissue in vivo. Overall, we found that bergaptol could effectively play an antiglioma role by inhibiting STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway, suggesting the potential efficacy of bergaptol in treating glioma.

Maillard reaction intermediates in Chinese Baijiu and their effects on Maillard reaction related flavor compounds during aging

This study investigated the Maillard reaction in Baijiu and the effects of extended aging in the presence of Maillard reaction intermediates (MRIs) on aromatic compounds, particularly focusing on heterocyclic changes. MRIs with different aroma types in Baijiu aged 1-18 years and force-aged for 6 weeks were determined. Results revealed that MRIs in soy sauce aroma-type Baijiu were significantly more abundant than those in other types of Baijiu. Changes in MRIs were observed and compared in aging and forced-aging Baijiu. Additionally, the distribution and variation of heterocycles in Baijiu were examined, which revealed an increase in N-heterocycle levels but a decrease in S- and O-heterocycle levels to a certain extent. The results of this study demonstrate that the Maillard reaction during the aging of Baijiu influences heterocycle concentrations, thereby improving flavor of aged Baijiu. Research into heterocycles and the Maillard reaction may help elucidate the aromatic evolution of Baijiu with aging and provide guidance for Baijiu storage.

TIGIT Blockade Reshapes the Tumor Microenvironment Based on the Single-cell RNA-Sequencing Analysis

SUMMARY

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is a pivotal approach in treating malignant tumors. TIGIT has emerged as a focal point of interest among the diverse targets for tumor immunotherapy. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the immune microenvironment alterations following TIGIT blockade treatment. To bridge this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell sequencing on mice both before and after the administration of anti-TIGIT therapy. Our analysis revealed that TIGIT was predominantly expressed on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The blockade of TIGIT exhibited inhibitory effects on Treg cells by downregulating the expression of Foxp3 and reducing the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. In addition, TIGIT blockade facilitated the activation of NK cells, leading to an increase in cell numbers, and promoted cDC1 maturation through the secretion of XCL1 and Flt3L. This activation, in turn, stimulated the TCR signaling of CD8 + T cells, thereby enhancing their antitumor effect. Consequently, anti-TIGIT therapy demonstrated substantial potential for cancer immunotherapy. Our research provided novel insights into future therapeutic strategies targeting TIGIT for patients with cancer.

[Preoperative prediction of HER-2 expression status in breast cancer based on MRI radiomics model]

Objective: This study aims to explore the predictive value of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and early-delayed phases enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) radiomics prediction model in determining human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, involving 187 patients with confirmed breast cancer by postsurgical pathology at Zhenjiang First People's Hospital during January 2021 and May 2023. Immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to determine the HER-2 status of these patients, with 48 cases classified as HER-2 positive and 139 cases as HER-2 negative. The training set was used to construct the prediction models and the validation set was used to verify the prediction models. Layers of T2WI, ADC, and early-delayed phase DCE-MRI images were used to delineate the volumeof interest and 960 radiomic features were extracted from each case using Pyradiomic. After screening and dimensionality reduction by intraclass correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation analysis, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator, the radiomics labels were established. Logistic regression analysis was used to construct the T2WI radiomics model, ADC radiomics model, DCE-2 radiomics model, DCE-6 radiomics model, and the joint sequence radiomics model to predict the HER-2 expression status of breast cancer, respectively. Based on the clinical, pathological, and MRI image characteristics of patients, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis wasused to construct a clinicopathological MRI feature model. The radscore of every patient and the clinicopathological MRI features which were statistically significant after screening were used to construct a nomogram model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of each model and the decision curve analysis wasused to evaluate the clinical usefulness. Results: The T2WI, ADC, DCE-2, DCE-6, and joint sequence radiomics models, the clinicopathological MRI feature model, and the nomogram model were successfully constructed to predict the expression status of HER-2 in breast cancer. ROC analysis showed that in the training set and validation set, the areas under the curve (AUC) of the T2WI radiomics model were 0.797 and 0.760, of the ADC radiomics model were 0.776 and 0.634, of the DCE-2 radiomics model were 0.804 and 0.759, of the DCE-6 radiomics model were 0.869 and 0.798, of the combined sequence radiomics model were 0.908 and 0.847, of the clinicopathological MRI feature model were 0.703 and 0.693, and of the nomogram model were 0.938 and 0.859, respectively. In the training set, the combined sequence radiomics model outperformed the clinicopathological features model (P＜0.001). In the training and validation sets, the nomogram outperformed the clinicopathological features model (P＜0.05). In addition, the diagnostic performance of the nomogram was better than that of the four single-modality radiomics models in the training cohort (P＜0.05) and was better than that of DCE-2 and ADC models in the validation cohort (P＜0.05). Decision curve analysis indicated that the value of individualized prediction models was higher than clinical and pathological prediction models in clinical practice. The calibration curve showed that the multimodal radiomics model had a high consistency with the actual results in predicting HER-2 expression. Conclusions: T2WI, ADC and early-delayed phase DCE-MRI imaging histology models for HER-2 expression status in breast cancer are expected to provide a non-invasive virtual pathological basis for decision-making on preoperative neoadjuvant regimens in breast cancer.

Cascade Reaction in Organic Hole Transport Layer Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

The doped organic hole transport layer (HTL) is crucial for achieving high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the traditional doping strategy undergoes a time-consuming and environment-dependent oxidation process, which hinders the technology upgrades and commercialization of PSCs. Here, we reported a new strategy by introducing a cascade reaction in traditional doped Spiro-OMeTAD, which can simultaneously achieve rapid oxidation and overcome the erosion of perovskite by 4-tert-butylpyridine (tBP) in organic HTL. The ideal dopant iodobenzene diacetate was utilized as the initiator that can react with Spiro to generate Spiro⋅+ radicals quickly and efficiently without the participation of ambient air, with the byproduct of iodobenzene (DB). Then, the DB can coordinate with tBP through a halogen bond to form a tBP-DB complex, minimizing the sustained erosion from tBP to perovskite. Based on the above cascade reaction, the resulting Spiro-based PSCs have a champion PCE of 25.76 % (certificated of 25.38 %). This new oxidation process of HTL is less environment-dependent and produces PSCs with higher reproducibility. Moreover, the PTAA-based PSCs obtain a PCE of 23.76 %, demonstrating the excellent applicability of this doping strategy on organic HTL.

Three undescribed dihydrostilbene glycosides from leaves of Camellia oleifera Abel. And their anti-inflammatory activity

Three previously unidentified dihydrostilbene glycosides, named oleiferaside A (1), oleiferaside B (2), and oleiferaside C (3), were discovered through a phytochemical exploration on Camellia oleifera Abel. leaves. Additionally, nine known secondary metabolites (4-12) were also identified. The undescribed secondary metabolites 1-3 were elucidated as 3,5-dimethoxydihydrostilbene 4'-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d- glucopyranoside, 3,5-dimethoxydihydrostilbene 4'-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d- glucopyranoside and 3,5-dimethoxydihydrostilbene 4'-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d- glucopyranoside, respectively. HR-MS and NMR spectroscopy were utilized for determining the structures of the isolates. The natural products were assessed for their anti-inflammatory effect using RAW264.7 macrophage stimulated by LPS. The findings demonstrated that compounds 1-4 exhibited inhibitory activities on NO and PGE2 production without causing cytotoxicity. These observations suggest that these compounds may have potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Differences in Ocular Adverse Events Associated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: a real-world pharmacovigilance study

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. While PDE5 inhibitors have shown remarkable efficacy in their intended therapeutic areas, there have been concerns regarding their potential ocular adverse events. Our study aims to characterize the ocular safety profiles of PDE5 inhibitors and explore the differences in ocular adverse events among PDE5 inhibitors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed reports on ocular adverse events associated with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2023. Disproportionality analysis was conducted to evaluate reporting risk profiles.

RESULTS

Among 61,211 reports qualifying for analysis, 5,127 involved sildenafil, 832 vardenafil, and 3,733 tadalafil. All PDE5 inhibitors showed increased reporting odds ratios (ROR) for ocular adverse events, with vardenafil highest (ROR 4.47) followed by sildenafil and tadalafil. Key ocular adverse events included cyanopsia, optic ischemic neuropathy, visual field defects, unilateral blindness and blindness. Sildenafil showed the highest disproportionality for cyanopsia (ROR 1148.11) while vardenafil and tadalafil showed the highest disproportionality for optic ischemic neuropathy. Time-to-onset analysis also revealed significant differences, with sildenafil having a later median time-to-onset compared to vardenafil and tadalafil.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive pharmacovigilance study reveals distinct patterns of ocular adverse events associated with sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the safety profiles of PDE5 inhibitors and may guide healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making.

Association Between Added Sugar Intake and Urinary Incontinence in Females: A Cross-sectional Population-based Study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread issue in women that severely impacts quality of life. The addition of sugar is associated with multiple adverse effects on health. This study examined the potential association between added sugar intake and UI.

METHODS

Adult females from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database (2005-2018) were included in this study. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Weighted logistic regression, stratified logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and sensitivity analyses were utilized to determine whether added sugar was associated with UI after multivariate adjustment.

RESULTS

A total of 14,927 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results revealed a heightened prevalence of SUI, UUI, and MUI in the fourth quartile of added sugar energy percentage (OR = 1.304, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.105-1.539; OR = 1.464, 95% CI = 1.248-1.717; OR = 1.657, 95% CI = 1.329-2.065 respectively). The effect was more pronounced in young women and the subgroup analyses did not reveal any noteworthy interaction effects. According to the sensitivity analyses, the results for SUI and the MUI were consistent with those of the primary analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The excessive intake of added sugar among women may increase their risk of SUI and MUI. Our study highlights the negative effects of added sugar on female genitourinary health and highlights the need for universal access to healthy diets.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predicting the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

With the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors used widely in clinic, it becomes very necessary to anticipate whether patients would benefit from it. We aimed to develop a nomogram to evaluate the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in NPC patients.

METHODS

Totally 160 NPC patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were measured before the first PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors treatment and after 8-12 weeks of immunotherapy by radiological examinations to estimate the effect. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was used to screen hematological markers and establish a predictive model. The nomogram was internally validated by bootstrap resampling and externally validated. Performance of the model was evaluated using concordance index, calibration curve, decision curve analysis and receiver operation characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Patients involved were randomly split into training cohort ang validation cohort. Based on Lasso logistic regression, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and ALT to AST ratio (LSR) were selected to establish a predictive model. The C-index of training cohort and validating cohort was 0.745 and 0.760. The calibration curves and decision curves showed the precise predictive ability of this nomogram. The benefit of the model showed in decision curve was better than TNM stage. The area under the curve (AUC) value of training cohort and validation cohort was 0.745 and 0.878, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The predictive model helped evaluating efficacy with high accuracy in NPC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Transmembrane protein modulates seizure in epilepsy: evidence from temporal lobe epilepsy patients and mouse models

Transmembrane protein (TMEM230) is located in secretory/recycling vesicles, including synaptic vesicles in neurons. However, the functional relationship between TMEM230 and epilepsy is still a mystery. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of TMEM230 in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and two different mice models of chronic epilepsy, and to determine the probable roles of TMEM230 in epilepsy. Our results showed that TMEM230 expression was increased in the temporal neocortex of epileptic patients and the hippocampus and cortex of epileptic mice compared with that in the control tissues. Moreover, TMEM230 was mainly expressed in the neurons in both humans and mice epileptic brain. TMEM230 co-localized with glutamate vesicular transporter 1 (VGLUT-1), but not with vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (VGAT). Mechanistically, coimmunoprecipitation confirmed that TMEM230 interacted with VGLUT-1, but not with VGAT in the hippocampus of epileptic mice. Lentivirus mediated overexpression of TMEM230 increased mice susceptibility to epilepsy and behavioural phenotypes of epileptic seizures during the kainite (KA)-induced chronic phase of epileptic seizures and the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling process, whereas lentivirus-mediated TMEM230 downregulation had the opposite effect. These results shed light on the functions of TMEM230 in neurons, suggesting that TMEM230 may play a critical role in the regulation of epileptic activity via influencing excitatory neurotransmission.

Alkaloids in Uncaria rhynchophylla improves AD pathology by restraining CD4+ T cell-mediated neuroinflammation via inhibition of glycolysis in APP/PS1 mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq.ex Havil. was a classical medicinal plant exhibiting the properties of extinguishing wind, arresting convulsions, clearing heat and pacifying the liver. Clinically, it could be utilized for the treatment of central nervous system-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. U. rhynchophylla (UR) and its major ingredient alkaloid compounds (URA) have been proved to exert significant neuroprotective effects. However, the potential mechanism aren't fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study systematically examined the therapeutic effects of URA on AD pathology in APP-PS1 mice, and revealed the potential mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cognitive ability was evaluated by morris water maze test in APP-PS1 mice. The H&E staining was used to observe the tissue pathological changes. The ELISA kits were used to detect the level of inflammatory factors. The flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentage of CD4+ effector T cells (Teffs) in spleen. The immunofluorescent staining was performed to count the Teffs and microglia in brain. The protein expression was analyzed by western blot. In vitro, the lymphocyte proliferation induced by ConA was performed by CCK-8 kits. The IFN-γ, IL-17, and TNF-α production were detected by ELISA kits. The effects of URA on glycolysis and the involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was analyzed by Lactic Acid assay kit and western blot in ConA-induced naive T cell.

RESULTS

URA treatment improved AD pathology effectively as demonstrated by enhanced cognitive ability, decreased Aβ deposit and Tau phosphorylation, as well as reduced neuron apoptosis. Also, the neuroinflammation was significantly alleviated as evidenced by decreased IFN-γ, IL-17 and increased IL-10, TGF-β. Notably, URA treatment down-regulated the percentage of Teffs (Th1 and Th17) in spleen, and reduced the infiltration of Teffs and microglia in brain. Meanwhile, the Treg cell was up-regulated both in spleen and brain. In vitro, URA was capable of attenuating the spleen lymphocyte proliferation and release of inflammatory factors provoked by ConA. Interestingly, glycolysis was inhibited by URA treatment as evidenced by the decrease in Lactic Acid production and expression of HK2 and GLUT1 via regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in ConA-induced naive T cell.

CONCLUSION

This study proved that URA could improve AD pathology which was possibly attributable to the restraints of CD4+ T cell mediated neuroinflammation via inhibiting glycolysis.

Establishing chronic models of age-related macular degeneration via long-term iron ion overload

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by the degenerative senescence in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, which is accompanied by the accumulation of iron ions in the aging retina. However, current models of acute oxidative stress are still insufficient to simulate the gradual progression of AMD. To address this, we established chronic injury models by exposing the aRPE-19 cells, 661W cells, and mouse retina to iron ion overload over time. Investigations at the levels of cell biology and molecular biology were performed. It was demonstrated that long-term treatment of excessive iron ions induced senescence-like morphological changes, decreased cell proliferation, and impaired mitochondrial function, contributing to apoptosis. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the downstream molecules were confirmed both in the aRPE-19 and 661W cells. Furthermore, iron ion overload resulted in dry AMD-like lesions and decreased visual function in the mouse retina. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to overloading iron ions plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy and provide a potential model for future studies on AMD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To explore the possibility of constructing reliable research carriers on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), iron ion overload was applied to establish models in vitro and in vivo. Subsequent investigations into cellular physiology and molecular biology confirmed the presence of senescence in these models. Through this study, we hope to provide a better option of feasible methods for future researches into AMD.

Diffusion-tensor-imaging 1-year-old and 2-year-old infant brain atlases with comprehensive gray and white matter labels

Human infancy is marked by fastest postnatal brain structural changes. It also coincides with the onset of many neurodevelopmental disorders. Atlas-based automated structure labeling has been widely used for analyzing various neuroimaging data. However, the relatively large and nonlinear neuroanatomical differences between infant and adult brains can lead to significant offsets of the labeled structures in infant brains when adult brain atlas is used. Age-specific 1- and 2-year-old brain atlases covering all major gray and white matter (GM and WM) structures with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and structural MRI are critical for precision medicine for infant population yet have not been established. In this study, high-quality DTI and structural MRI data were obtained from 50 healthy children to build up three-dimensional age-specific 1- and 2-year-old brain templates and atlases. Age-specific templates include a single-subject template as well as two population-averaged templates from linear and nonlinear transformation, respectively. Each age-specific atlas consists of 124 comprehensively labeled major GM and WM structures, including 52 cerebral cortical, 10 deep GM, 40 WM, and 22 brainstem and cerebellar structures. When combined with appropriate registration methods, the established atlases can be used for highly accurate automatic labeling of any given infant brain MRI. We demonstrated that one can automatically and effectively delineate deep WM microstructural development from 3 to 38 months by using these age-specific atlases. These established 1- and 2-year-old infant brain DTI atlases can advance our understanding of typical brain development and serve as clinical anatomical references for brain disorders during infancy.

Corrigendum to "3D-printed tri-element-doped hydroxyapatite/ polycaprolactone composite scaffolds with antibacterial potential for osteosarcoma therapy and bone regeneration" [Bioact. Mater. 31 (January 2024) 18-37]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.07.004.].

Mitochondrial dysfunction in lipid processing and gastrointestinal disorders

Mitochondrial dysfunctions predominantly cause encephalomyopathies with muscle atrophy and neurodegeneration. However, their impact on other tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, requires further investigation. In a recent report in Nature, Moschandrea et al. used mice deficient in the mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase DARS2 to investigate the role of enterocytic mitochondria in dietary lipid processing and transport. Their work sheds light on the development of gastrointestinal disorders as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Bioactivities and Action Mechanisms of Ellipticine Derivatives Reported Prior to 2023

Currently, natural products are one of the priceless options for finding novel chemical pharmaceutical entities. Ellipticine is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Ochrosia elliptica Labill. Ellipticine and its derivatives are characterized by multiple biological activities. The purpose of this review was to provide a critical and systematic assessment of ellipticine and its derivatives as bioactive molecules over the last 60 years. Publications focused mainly on the total synthesis of alkaloids of this type without any evaluation of bioactivity have been excluded. We have reviewed papers dealing with the synthesis, bioactivity evaluation and mechanism of action of ellipticine and its derivatives. It was found that ellipticine and its derivatives showed cytotoxicity, antimicrobial ability, and anti-inflammatory activity, among which cytotoxicity toward cancer cell lines was the most investigated aspect. The inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II was the most relevant mechanism for cytotoxicity. The PI3K/AKT pathway, p53 pathway, and MAPK pathway were also closely related to the antiproliferative ability of these compounds. In addition, the structure-activity relationship was deduced, and future prospects were outlined. We are confident that these findings will lay a scientific foundation for ellipticine-based drug development, especially for anticancer agents.

[Comparison of the efficacy of different surgical strategies in the treatment of patients with initially resectable gastric cancer liver metastases]

Objective: To examine the impact of varied surgical treatment strategies on the prognosis of patients with initial resectable gastric cancer liver metastases (IR-GCLM). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Employing a retrospective cohort design, the study selected clinicopathological data from the national multi-center retrospective cohort study database, focusing on 282 patients with IR-GCLM who underwent surgical intervention between January 2010 and December 2019. There were 231 males and 51 males, aging (M(IQR)) 61 (14) years (range: 27 to 80 years). These patients were stratified into radical and palliative treatment groups based on treatment decisions. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and distinctions in survival rates were assessed using the Log-rank test. The Cox risk regression model evaluated HR for various factors, controlling for confounders through multivariate analysis to comprehensively evaluate the influence of surgery on the prognosis of IR-GCLM patients. A restricted cubic spline Cox proportional hazard model assessed and delineated intricate associations between measured variables and prognosis. At the same time, the X-tile served as an auxiliary tool to identify critical thresholds in the survival analysis for IR-GCLM patients. Subgroup analysis was then conducted to identify potential beneficiary populations in different surgical treatments. Results: (1) The radical group comprised 118 patients, all undergoing R0 resection or local physical therapy of primary and metastatic lesions. The palliative group comprised 164 patients, with 52 cases undergoing palliative resections for gastric primary tumors and liver metastases, 56 cases undergoing radical resections for gastric primary tumors only, 45 cases undergoing palliative resections for gastric primary tumors, and 11 cases receiving palliative treatments for liver metastases. A statistically significant distinction was observed between the groups regarding the site and the number of liver metastases (both P<0.05). (2) The median overall survival (OS) of the 282 patients was 22.7 months (95%CI: 17.8 to 27.6 months), with 1-year and 3-year OS rates were 65.4% and 35.6%, respectively. The 1-year OS rates for patients in the radical surgical group and palliative surgical group were 68.3% and 63.1%, while the corresponding 3-year OS rates were 42.2% and 29.9%, respectively. A comparison of OS between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference (P=0.254). Further analysis indicated that patients undergoing palliative gastric cancer resection alone had a significantly worse prognosis compared to other surgical options (HR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.21 to 3.24, P=0.006). (3) The size of the primary gastric tumor significantly influenced the patients' prognosis (HR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.45 to 2.79, P<0.01), with HR showing a progressively increasing trend as tumor size increased. (4) Subgroup analysis indicates that radical treatment may be more effective compared to palliative treatment in the following specific cases: well/moderately differentiated tumors (HR=2.84, 95%CI 1.49 to 5.41, P=0.001), and patients with liver metastases located in the left lobe of the liver (HR=2.06, 95%CI 1.19 to 3.57, P=0.010). Conclusions: In patients with IR-GCLM, radical surgery did not produce a significant improvement in the overall prognosis compared to palliative surgery. However, within specific patient subgroups (well/moderately differentiated tumors, and patients with liver metastases located in the left lobe of the liver), radical treatment can significantly improve prognosis compared to palliative approaches.

Analysis of drought and heat stress response genes in rice using co-expression network and differentially expressed gene analyses

Studies on Oryza sativa (rice) are crucial for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring global sustenance security, especially considering the increasing drought and heat stress caused by extreme climate change. Currently, the genes and mechanisms underlying drought and heat resistance in rice are not fully understood, and the scope for enhancing the development of new strains remains considerable. To accurately identify the key genes related to drought and heat stress responses in rice, multiple datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were integrated in this study. A co-expression network was constructed using a Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) algorithm. We further distinguished the core network and intersected it with differentially expressed genes and multiple expression datasets for screening. Differences in gene expression levels were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). OsDjC53, MBF1C, BAG6, HSP23.2, and HSP21.9 were found to be associated with the heat stress response, and it is also possible that UGT83A1 and OsCPn60a1, although not directly related, are affected by drought stress. This study offers significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses in rice, which could promote the development of stress-tolerant rice breeds.

Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical thrombectomy in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). However, the efficacy and safety of IVT before EVT in AIS-LVO patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. Thus, this study aims to assess the benefit of IVT plus EVT and direct EVT alone in AIS-LVO patients with AF.

METHOD

Relevant studies that evaluated the outcomes of IVT plus EVT versus direct EVT alone in AIS-LVO patients with AF were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to August 10, 2023. The outcomes included successful reperfusion (score of 2b to 3 for thrombolysis in cerebral infarction), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale score ≤ 2) at 3 months, and 3-month mortality.

RESULT

Eight eligible observational studies involving 6998 (3827 in the IVT plus EVT group and 3171 in the direct EVT group) patients with AIS-LVO complicated by AF were included. Compared with direct EVT, IVT plus EVT resulted in better 3-month clinical outcomes (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.54) and lower 3-month mortality (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-0.88). However, the incidence of sICH (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.91-1.75) and the rate of successful reperfusion (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.83-1.17) were not significantly different between treatment modalities.

CONCLUSION

IVT plus EVT leads to better functional outcomes and lower mortality in AIS-LVO patients with AF. Withholding IVT plus EVT from patients with AF alone may not be justified.

Comparatively analysing the postoperative optical performance of different intraocular lenses: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative performance, including best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) and optical metrics (from the OQAS and iTrace devices), was compared among 4 different intraocular lenses (IOLs).

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 104 eyes from 104 subjects who underwent cataract surgery combined with implantation of 4 different IOLs: monofocal (Mon) IOLs, segmental refractive (SegRef) IOLs, diffractive (Dif) IOLs and extended depth of focus (EDoF) IOLs. Postoperative BCDVA and optical metrics were collected at the 6th month. The OQAS optical metrics included the objective scattering index (OSI), Strehl ratio (SR), modulation transfer function (MTF) cut-off frequency, and predicted visual acuity (PVA); the iTrace optical metrics included blur/double vision, glare/halo, starburst, mixed focus, night myopia, and night hyperopia.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in BCDVA among the 4 groups (P = 0.059; power = 70.3%). Differences were observed in all OQAS optical metrics among the groups (all P < 0.001). Overall, Mon IOLs and EDoF IOLs exhibited better performance than Dif IOLs and SegRef IOLs. Starburst was the only iTrace optical metric that differed among the groups (P < 0.001): SegRef IOLs caused more starbursts than Mon IOLs (P = 0.001), Dif IOLs (P = 0.006) and EDoF IOLs (P < 0.001). Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships among the iTrace optical metrics, OQAS optical metrics and BCDVA: starburst was negatively correlated with BCDVA, PVA at contrasts of 100% and 20%, OSI, and MTF cut-off frequency (all P ≤ 0.001); mixed focus was positively correlated with BCDVA, PVA at contrasts of 100% and 20%, OSI, and MTF cut-off frequency (all P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative BCDVA and optical metrics varied among the different IOLs, which should be taken into account in the selection and management of IOLs for cataract patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was approved by the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Ethical Review Board (No. 50 2022).

Implication of geriatric nutritional risk index on treatment response and long-term prognosis in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy

PURPOSE

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple tool for assessing the nutritional status of the aging population. This study aims to explore the clinical implication of GNRI on treatment response and long-term clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

METHODS

Patients who underwent CRT implantation or upgrade at our hospital were retrospectively included. The association of GNRI and its tertiles with the echocardiographic response, all-cause mortality or heart transplantation, and the first hospitalization due to HF were investigated.

RESULTS

Totally, 647 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 60 [Interquartile Range (IQR): 52-67] years and mean score of GNRI at 107.9 ± 23.7. Super-response rates increased significantly among the GNRI T1, T2, and T3 groups (25.1%, 29.8% vs. 41.1%, P = 0.002). Patients with higher GNRI were more likely to have better LVEF improvement after multiple adjustments (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, P = 0.010). Higher GNRI was independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality or heart implantation (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.96, P < 0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98, P < 0.001). The inclusion of GNRI enhanced the predictability of all-cause mortality based on traditional model, including sex, New York Heart Association functional class, left bundle branch block, QRS reduction, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level (C statistics improved from 0.785 to 0.813, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Higher GNRI was associated with better treatment response and long-term prognosis in HF patients with CRT. Evaluation of nutritional status among CRT population is necessary for individualized choice of potential responders.

Microwave ablation combined with PD-L1 blockade synergistically promotes Cxcl9-mediated antitumor immunity

Although microwave ablation (MWA) is an important curative therapy in colorectal cancer liver metastasis, recurrence still occurs clinically. Our previous studies have shown that the expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is upregulated following MWA, suggesting that MWA combined with anti-PD-L1 treatment can serve as a promising clinical therapeutic strategy against cancer. Using MWA-treated preclinical mice models, MWA combined with αPD-L1 treatment decreased tumor growth and prolonged overall survival (OS). Furthermore, through flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we determined that the MWA plus αPD-L1 therapy significantly suppressed CD8+ T cell exhaustion and enhanced their effector function. A significant increase in γ-interferon (IFN-γ) stimulated transcription factors, specifically Irf8, was observed. This enhancement facilitated the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM1s and TAM2s) through the nuclear factor-κB/JAK-STAT1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the combination therapy stimulated the production of CXC motif chemokine ligand (CXCL9) by TAM1s and tumor cells, potentially increasing the chemotaxis of CD8 T cells and Th1 cells. Knocking out Cxcl9 in MC38 tumor cells or using CXCL9 blockade enhanced tumor growth of untreated tumors and shortened OS. Taken together, our study showed that blocking the IFN-γ-Cxcl9-CD8+ T axis promoted tumor progression and discovered a potential involvement of IRF8-regulated TAMs in preventing T cell exhaustion. Collectively, we identified that the combination of MWA with anti-PD-L1 treatment holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to rejuvenate the immune response against tumors. This merits further exploration in clinical studies.

Multilevel Information Encryption Based on Thermochromic Perovskite Microcapsules via Orthogonal Photic and Thermal Stimuli Responses

Increasing modal variations of stimulus-responsive materials ensure the high capacity and confidentiality of information storage and encryption systems that are crucial to information security. Herein, thermochromic perovskite microcapsules (TPMs) with dual-variable and quadruple-modal reversible properties are designed and prepared on the original oil-in-fluorine (O/F) emulsion system. The TPMs respond to the orthogonal variations of external UV and thermal stimuli in four reversible switchable modes and exhibit excellent thermal, air, and water stability due to the protection of perovskites by the core-shell structure. Benefiting from the high-density information storage TPMs, multiple information encryptions and decryptions are demonstrated. Moreover, a set of devices are assembled for a multilevel information encryption system. By taking advantage of TPMs as a "private key" for decryption, the signal can be identified as the corresponding binary ASCII code and converted to the real message. The results demonstrate a breakthrough in high-density information storage materials as well as a multilevel information encryption system based on switchable quadruple-modal TPMs.

Is 3T MR nerve-bone fusion imaging a viable alternative to MRI-CBCT to identify the relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve and mandibular third molar

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the feasibility of MRI nerve-bone fusion imaging in assessing the relationship between inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) / mandibular canal (MC) and mandibular third molar (MTM) compared with MRI-CBCT fusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MRI nerve-bone fusion and MRI-CBCT fusion imaging were performed in 20 subjects with 37 MTMs. The Hausdorff distance (HD) value and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated. The relationship between IAN/MC and MTM roots, inflammatory, and fusion patterns were compared between these two fused images. The reliability was assessed using a weighted κ statistic.

RESULTS

The mean HD and DSC ranged from 0.62 ~ 1.35 and 0.83 ~ 0.88 for MRI nerve-bone fusion, 0.98 ~ 1.50 and 0.76 ~ 0.83 for MRI-CBCT fusion. MR nerve-bone fusion had considerable reproducibility compared to MRI-CBCT fusion in relation classification (MR nerve-bone fusion κ = 0.694, MRI-CBCT fusion κ = 0.644), direct contact (MR nerve-bone fusion κ = 0.729, MRI-CBCT fusion κ = 0.720), and moderate to good agreement for inflammation detection (MR nerve-bone fusion κ = 0.603, MRI-CBCT fusion κ = 0.532, average). The MR nerve-bone fusion imaging showed a lower ratio of larger pattern compared to MR-CBCT fusion (16.2% VS 27.3% in the molar region, and 2.7% VS 5.4% in the retromolar region). And the average time spent on MR nerve-bone fusion and MRI-CBCT fusion was 1 min and 3 min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MR nerve-bone fusion and MRI-CBCT fusion exhibited good consistency in evaluating the spatial relationship between IAN/MC and MTM, fusion effect, and inflammation detection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MR nerve-bone fusion imaging can be a preoperative one-stop radiation-free examination for patients at high risk for MTM surgery.

Effects of different exercise interventions on chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment in patients with breast cancer: a study protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent type of cancer affecting women globally, and chemotherapy plays a pivotal role in its treatment by diminishing tumour recurrence and enhancing the survival rates of patients. However, chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) often occurs in patients undergoing treatment. Although multiple clinical trials have indicated that exercise therapy can improve CRCI in patients with breast cancer, there are variations in the types of exercise interventions and their effectiveness. We aim to perform a pioneering network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess and prioritise the effectiveness of various exercise interventions in enhancing cognitive function in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Wanfang and Sinomed databases, from their inception to May 2023. The main outcome is the cognitive function changes in patients with breast cancer, including subjective and objective results. We will specifically include randomised controlled trials reported in English and Chinese languages, whose primary outcome consists of an assessment of the cognitive function of patients with breast cancer using standardised and validated assessment tools, encompassing both subjective and objective outcomes. The quality of all the trials included will be evaluated based on 'Version 2 of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RoB2)'. We will conduct a Bayesian NMA to thoroughly evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different exercise interventions. We will use cumulative ranking probability plots to estimate the ranking of the best interventions for various exercises. Network plots and funnel plots will be employed to display the study sizes and participants of each exercise intervention, as well as potential publication biases.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study findings will be shared via peer-reviewed journals to ensure the highest quality and credibility of the research. As the reporting will not include any private patient data, there are no ethical considerations associated with this protocol.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023406597.

Construction of self-assembled nano cellulose crystals/chitosan nanobubbles composite hydrogel with improved gallic acid release property

Hydrogels are of great significance in the field of bioactive delivery. This study designed the self-assembly of gallic acid-loaded nano cellulose crystals/chitosan (NC/CS) hydrogels via Nano bubbles (NBs). NC/CS NBs 4:2 hydrogels improved the mechanical properties compared to those without NBs. The hardness of NC/CS (4:2) NBs hydrogels was greatly enhanced by 1.15 ± 0.05. The water-holding and swelling behavior can be tuned at different ratios. NC/CS NBs (4:2) showed the electrostatic interaction analyzed by FTIR, XRD, and XPS. SEM results displayed smoother and smaller pores along dense networks promoted by NBs. The antioxidant activity of hydrogels was increased by adding NBs (P < 0.05). In vitro and vivo release activity of gallic acid was higher in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) at 4:2, depicting the controlled release mechanism. Thus, current work revealed that NBs and low concentrations of NC can be self-assembled with chitosan chains, producing a highly compact hydrogel structure.

Physical Regimes and Mechanisms of Picosecond Laser Fragmentation of Gold Nanoparticles in Water from X-ray Probing and Atomistic Simulations

Laser fragmentation in liquids has emerged as a promising green chemistry technique for changing the size, shape, structure, and phase composition of colloidal nanoparticles, thus tuning their properties to the needs of practical applications. The advancement of this technique requires a solid understanding of the mechanisms of laser-nanoparticle interactions that lead to the fragmentation. While theoretical studies have made impressive practical and mechanistic predictions, their experimental validation is required. Hence, using the picosecond laser fragmentation of Au nanoparticles in water as a model system, the transient melting and fragmentation processes are investigated with a combination of time-resolved X-ray probing and atomistic simulations. The direct comparison of the diffraction profiles predicted in the simulations and measured in experiments has revealed a sequence of several nonequilibrium processes triggered by the laser irradiation. At low laser fluences, in the regime of nanoparticle melting and resolidification, the results provide evidence of a transient superheating of crystalline nanoparticles above the melting temperature. At fluences about three times the melting threshold, the fragmentation starts with evaporation of Au atoms and their condensation into small satellite nanoparticles. As fluence increases above five times the melting threshold, a transition to a rapid (explosive) phase decomposition of superheated nanoparticles into small liquid droplets and vapor phase atoms is observed. The transition to the phase explosion fragmentation regime is signified by prominent changes in the small-angle X-ray scattering profiles measured in experiments and calculated in simulations. The good match between the experimental and computational diffraction profiles gives credence to the physical picture of the cascade of thermal fragmentation regimes revealed in the simulations and demonstrates the high promise of the joint tightly integrated computational and experimental efforts.

Genetically predicted biomarkers of iron homeostasis and risk of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Both iron overload and iron deficiency have been associated with cardiovascular diseases in observational studies. Previous Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies discovered a protective effect of higher iron status on coronary atrial disease, while a neutral effect on all-cause heart failure. Using two-sample MR, we evaluated how genetically predicted systemic iron status affects the risk of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and different phenotypes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two-sample MR analyses were performed to estimate the causal effect of four biomarkers of systemic iron status on diagnosed cardiomyopathy and its subtypes in 242,607 participants from the FinnGen research project. The level of transferrin saturation was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiomyopathy (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.38) when using nine separately selected genetic instruments. An increase in genetically determined serum iron (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation [SD], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.38) and ferritin (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.18) were associated with an increased risk of cardiomyopathy. Total iron binding capacity, a marker of reduced iron status, was inversely linked with cardiomyopathy (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65-0.98). The risk effect of iron status was more evident in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and related heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses support the causal effect of increased systemic iron status on a higher risk of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. A screening test for cardiomyopathy should be considered in patients with evidence of iron overload. Future study is needed for exploring the mechanism of these causal variants on cardiomyopathy.

Identification of a de novo CACNA1B variant and a start-loss ADRA2B variant in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) represents the most prevalent form of paroxysmal dyskinesia, characterized by recurrent and transient attacks of involuntary movements triggered by a sudden voluntary action. In this study, whole-exome sequencing was conducted on a cohort of Chinese patients to identify causal mutations. In one young female case, a de novo CACNA1B variant (NM_000718.3:exon3:c.479C > T:p.S160F) was identified as the causative lesion. This finding may broaden the phenotypic spectrum of CACNA1B mutations and provide a prospective cause of primary PKD. Additionally, a novel start-loss variant (NM_000682.7:c.3G > A) within ADRA2B further denied its association with benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy, and a KCNQ2 E515D variant that was reported as a genetic susceptibility factor for seizures had no damaging effect in this family. In sum, this study established a correlation between CACNA1B and primary PKD, and found valid evidence that further negates the pathogenic role of ADRA2B in benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy.

Chitinase 3-like 1 expression associated with lymphatic metastasis and prognosis in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Objectives

Lymphatic metastasis, an early stage of the metastasis process, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). However, the role of inflammation in triggering lymphatic metastasis remains unclear.

Methods

We employed an RNA-sequencing cohort (n = 50) from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital (SYMH) to identify the most highly upregulated inflammatory gene associated with lymphatic metastasis. Using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses, we validated the association of the identified molecule with clinical features and prognosis in an independent UCB cohort (n = 244) from SYMH. We also analysed TCGA-BLCA cohort (n = 408) to identify its potential biological pathways and immune landscape.

Results

In our study, chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) emerged as a significantly overexpressed proinflammatory mediator in UCB tissues with lymphatic metastasis compared to those without lymphatic metastasis (81.1% vs. 47.8%, P < 0.001). Within UCB tissues, CHI3L1 was expressed in both stromal cells (52.8%) and tumor cells (7.3%). Moreover, CHI3L1+ stromal cells, but not tumor cells, exhibited independent prognostic significance for both overall survival (P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.006). CHI3L1+ stromal cells were positively associated with D2-40+ lymphatic vessel density (P < 0.001) and the immunosuppressive PD-L1/PD-1/CD8 axis in UCB tissues (all P < 0.05). A bioinformatics analysis also identified a positive association between CHI3L1 expression and lymphangiogenesis or immunosuppression pathways.

Conclusion

Our study established a clear association between stromal CHI3L1 expression and lymphatic metastasis, suggesting that stromal CHI3L1 expression is a potential prognostic marker for bladder cancer patients.

The Preparation and Performance of Epoxy/Acetylene Carbon Black Wave-Absorbing Foam

The epoxy foam material filled with an absorbing agent effectively absorbs electromagnetic waves. In this study, epoxy resin was used as the matrix, and acetylene carbon black was used as the magnetic absorbing agent to prepare an absorbing foam material (epoxy/CB). The microstructure of acetylene carbon black (CB) and its distribution in epoxy resin, as well as the effects of pre-polymerization time and CB content on the foam structure, were systematically characterized. Additionally, two dispersion methods, the hot-melt in situ stirring dispersion method and the three-roll milling dispersion method, were studied for their effects on the foaming process and absorbing properties of epoxy/CB. The results showed that with the prolongation of pre-polymerization time, the pore size decreased from 1.02 mm to 0.4 mm, leading to a more uniform pore distribution. Compared to the hot-melt in situ stirring dispersion method, the three-roll milling dispersion method effectively improved the dispersion of CB in epoxy resin, reducing the aggregate size from 300-400 nm to 70-80 nm. The pore diameter also decreased from 0.453 mm to 0.311 mm, improving the uniformity of particle size distribution. However, the absorbing material prepared with the three-roll milling dispersion method exhibited unsatisfactory absorption performance, with values close to 0 dB at mid-low frequencies and around -1 dB at high frequencies. In contrast, the absorbing material prepared with the hot-melt in situ stirring dispersion method showed better absorption performance at high frequencies, reaching around -9 dB.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses provide insights into regulation mechanisms during bulbous stem development in the Chinese medicinal herb plant, Stephania kwangsiensis

BACKGROUND

Stephania kwangsiensis Lo (Menispermaceae) is a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, and its bulbous stems are used medicinally. The storage stem of S. kwangsiensis originated from the hypocotyls. To date, there are no reports on the growth and development of S. kwangsiensis storage stems.

RESULTS

The bulbous stem of S. kwangsiensis, the starch diameter was larger at the stable expanding stage (S3T) than at the unexpanded stage (S1T) or the rapidly expanding stage (S2T) at the three different time points. We used ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and Illumina sequencing to identify key genes involved in bulbous stem development. A large number of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Based on the differential expression profiles of the metabolites, alkaloids, lipids, and phenolic acids were the top three differentially expressed classes. Compared with S2T, significant changes in plant signal transduction and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis pathways occurred at both the transcriptional and metabolic levels in S1T. In S2T compared with S3T, several metabolites involved in tyrosine metabolism were decreased. Temporal analysis of S1T to S3T indicated the downregulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, including lignin biosynthesis. The annotation of key pathways showed an up-down trend for genes and metabolites involved in isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, whereas phenylpropanoid biosynthesis was not completely consistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Downregulation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway may be the result of carbon flow into alkaloid synthesis and storage of lipids and starch during the development of S. kwangsiensis bulbous stems. A decrease in the number of metabolites involved in tyrosine metabolism may also lead to a decrease in the upstream substrates of phenylpropane biosynthesis. Downregulation of lignin synthesis during phenylpropanoid biosynthesis may loosen restrictions on bulbous stem expansion. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome profiles of S. kwangsiensis bulbous stems. These data provide guidance for the cultivation, breeding, and harvesting of S. kwangsiensis.

Spatiotemporal cerebral blood flow dynamics underlies emergence of the limbic-sensorimotor-association cortical gradient in human infancy

Infant cerebral blood flow (CBF) delivers nutrients and oxygen to fulfill brain energy consumption requirements for the fastest period of postnatal brain development across lifespan. However, organizing principle of whole-brain CBF dynamics during infancy remains obscure. Leveraging a unique cohort of 100+ infants with high-resolution arterial spin labeled MRI, we found the emergence of the cortical hierarchy revealed by highest-resolution infant CBF maps available to date. Infant CBF across cortical regions increased in a biphasic pattern with initial rapid and sequentially slower rate, with break-point ages increasing along the limbic-sensorimotor-association cortical gradient. Increases in CBF in sensorimotor cortices were associated with enhanced language and motor skills, and frontoparietal association cortices for cognitive skills. The study discovered emergence of the hierarchical limbic-sensorimotor-association cortical gradient in infancy, and offers standardized reference of infant brain CBF and insight into the physiological basis of cortical specialization and real-world infant developmental functioning.

Research on Anchorage Performance of the Foundation Ring for Wind Turbines

The foundation ring (FR) is a steel component embedded within the concrete of a wind turbine foundation, playing a pivotal role in connecting the wind turbine tower to the foundation structure. In this paper, the FR-foundation connection is equivalent to the exposed foundation and the shallow foundation by analyzing the anchorage characteristics of the foundation ring. Based on the ABAQUS concrete damaged plasticity model, full-scale modeling of the wind turbine foundation is carried out. The influence of embedment depth, ring radius and base flange width of the foundation ring on moment capacity is simulated. Based on the observed stress distributions under ultimate loads, analytical expressions were proposed to estimate the variation law of anchorage load-bearing capacity in the ultimate load state. Compared with the numerical simulation, the average errors under different influencing factors are 8.2%, 9.6% and 10.8%, respectively. The results indicate that the base flange provided the majority of the moment capacity, though the contribution of the sidewall increased to 25-50% that of the base flange in later stages.

The impact of low-mode symmetry on inertial fusion energy output in the burning plasma state

Indirect Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have achieved a burning plasma state with neutron yields exceeding 170 kJ, roughly 3 times the prior record and a necessary stage for igniting plasmas. The results are achieved despite multiple sources of degradations that lead to high variability in performance. Results shown here, for the first time, include an empirical correction factor for mode-2 asymmetry in the burning plasma regime in addition to previously determined corrections for radiative mix and mode-1. Analysis shows that including these three corrections alone accounts for the measured fusion performance variability in the two highest performing experimental campaigns on the NIF to within error. Here we quantify the performance sensitivity to mode-2 symmetry in the burning plasma regime and apply the results, in the form of an empirical correction to a 1D performance model. Furthermore, we find the sensitivity to mode-2 determined through a series of integrated 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations to be consistent with the experimentally determined sensitivity only when including alpha-heating.

Injury Mortality of Children and Adolescents Aged 0-19 Years - China, 2010-2021

Introduction

To examine the recent trends in child injury mortality in China.

Methods

Injury mortality data of 2010-2021 for children and adolescents aged 0-19 years were from the China Health Statistics Yearbook. Injury mortality disparities across urban vs. rural locations, gender, and age groups were scrutinized. Annual percent change (APC), average annual percent change (AAPC), and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estiamted usimg Joinpoint regression models.

Results

The age-standardized injury mortality significantly dropped from 21.87 to 9.41 per 100,000 population among children and youth aged 0-19 years during 2010-2021, with an AAPC of -6.7% (95% CI: -8.2%, -5.2%). The urban-rural disparity and gender gap in injury mortality reduced gradually. In 2021, drowning and road traffic crashes were the top two causes of child injury deaths, explaing 31.1% and 27.9% of total injury deaths, respectively. Suffocation accounted for 62.3% of injury deaths among infants younger than a year. Alarmingly, the suicide mortality rate rose from 2.16 to 3.42 per 100,000 population between 2010 and 2021 among teenagers aged 15-19 years. Subgroup analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusions

During 2010-2021, the injury mortality decreased significantly among Chinese children and adolescents, and the responding urban-rural disparities narrowed.

Transcriptional patterns of human retinal pigment epithelial cells under protracted high glucose

BACKGROUND

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for retinal homeostasis. Comprehensively exploring the transcriptional patterns of diabetic human RPE promotes the understanding of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 4125 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out from the human primary RPE cells subjected to prolonged high glucose (HG). The subsequent bioinformatics analysis is divided into 3 steps. In Step 1, 21 genes were revealed by intersecting the enriched genes from the KEGG, WIKI, and Reactome databases. In Step 2, WGCNA was applied and intersected with the DEGs. Further intersection based on the enrichments with the GO biological processes, GO cellular components, and GO molecular functions databases screened out 12 candidate genes. In Step 3, 13 genes were found to be simultaneously up-regulated in the DEGs and a GEO dataset involving human diabetic retinal tissues. VEGFA and ERN1 were the 2 starred genes finally screened out by overlapping the 3 Steps.

CONCLUSION

In this study, multiple genes were identified as crucial in the pathological process of RPE under protracted HG, providing potential candidates for future researches on DR. The current study highlights the importance of RPE in DR pathogenesis.

Data-Driven Controlled Synthesis of Oriented Quasi-Spherical CsPbBr3 Perovskite Materials

Controlled synthesis of lead-halide perovskite crystals is challenging yet attractive because of the pivotal role played by the crystal structure and growth conditions in regulating their properties. This study introduces data-driven strategies for the controlled synthesis of oriented quasi-spherical CsPbBr3, alongside an investigation into the synthesis mechanism. High-throughput rapid characterization of absorption spectra and color under ultraviolet illumination was conducted using 23 possible ligands for the synthesis of CsPbBr3 crystals. The links between the absorption spectra slope (difference in the absorbance at 400 nm and 450 nm divided by a wavelength interval of 50 nm) and crystal size were determined through statistical analysis of more than 100 related publications. Big data analysis and machine learning were employed to investigate a total of 688 absorption spectra and 652 color values, revealing correlations between synthesis parameters and properties. Ex situ characterization confirmed successful synthesis of oriented quasi-spherical CsPbBr3 perovskites using polyvinylpyrrolidone and Acacia. Density functional theory calculations highlighted strong adsorption of Acacia on the (110) facet of CsPbBr3. Optical properties of the oriented quasi-spherical perovskites prepared with these data-driven strategies were significantly improved. This study demonstrates that data-driven controlled synthesis facilitates morphology-controlled perovskites with excellent optical properties.

Northeast Pacific warm blobs sustained via extratropical atmospheric teleconnections

Large-scale marine heatwaves in the Northeast Pacific (NEP), identified here and previously as 'warm blobs', have devastating impacts on regional ecosystems. An anomalous atmospheric ridge over the NEP is known to be crucial for maintaining these warm blobs, also causing abnormally cold temperatures over North America during the cold season. Previous studies linked this ridge to teleconnections from tropical sea surface temperature anomalies. However, it was unclear whether teleconnections from the extratropics could also contribute to the ridge. Here we show that planetary wave trains, triggered by increased rainfall and latent heat release over the Mediterranean Sea accompanied by decreased rainfall over the North Atlantic, can transport wave energy to the NEP, guided by the westerly jet, and induce a quasi-barotropic ridge there. Our findings provide insights into extratropical teleconnections sustaining the NEP ridge, offering a source of potential predictability for the warm blobs and temperature fluctuations over North America.

Minimizing Voltage Losses via Synergistically Reducing Hetero-Interface Energy Offset for High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells

The open circuit voltage (VOC) losses at multiple interfaces within perovskite solar cells (PSCs) limit the improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, a tailored strategy is proposed to reduce the energy offset at both hetero-interfaces within PSCs to decrease the VOC losses. For the interface of perovskite and electron transport layer where exists a mass of defects, it uses the pyromellitic acid to serve as a molecular bridge, which reduces non-radiative recombination and energy level offset. For the interface of perovskite and hole transport layer, which includes a passivator of PEAI, the detrimental effect (negative shift of work function) of PEAI passivation and optimizing the interface energy level alignment are neutralized by incorporating (2-(4-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)-1-cyanovinyl)phosphonic acid. Owing to synergistically reduced hetero-interface energy offset, the PSCs achieve a PCE of 25.13%, and the VOC is increased from 1.134 to 1.174 V. In addition, the resulting PSCs possess enhanced stability, the unencapsulated PSCs can maintain ≈96% and ≈97% of their initial PCE after 2000 h of aging under ambient conditions and 210 h under operation conditions.

Ultrafast photoinduced C-H bond formation from two small inorganic molecules

The formation of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds via the reaction of small inorganic molecules is of great significance for understanding the fundamental transition from inorganic to organic matter, and thus the origin of life. Yet, the detailed mechanism of the C-H bond formation, particularly the time scale and molecular-level control of the dynamics, remain elusive. Here, we investigate the light-induced bimolecular reaction starting from a van der Waals molecular dimer composed of two small inorganic molecules, H2 and CO. Employing reaction microscopy driven by a tailored two-color light field, we identify the pathways leading to C-H photobonding thereby producing HCO+ ions, and achieve coherent control over the reaction dynamics. Using a femtosecond pump-probe scheme, we capture the ultrafast formation time, i.e., 198 ± 16 femtoseconds. The real-time visualization and coherent control of the dynamics contribute to a deeper understanding of the most fundamental bimolecular reactions responsible for C-H bond formation, thus contributing to elucidate the emergence of organic components in the universe.

Mitochondrial complex I activity in microglia sustains neuroinflammation

Sustained smouldering, or low-grade activation, of myeloid cells is a common hallmark of several chronic neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis1. Distinct metabolic and mitochondrial features guide the activation and the diverse functional states of myeloid cells2. However, how these metabolic features act to perpetuate inflammation of the central nervous system is unclear. Here, using a multiomics approach, we identify a molecular signature that sustains the activation of microglia through mitochondrial complex I activity driving reverse electron transport and the production of reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, blocking complex I in pro-inflammatory microglia protects the central nervous system against neurotoxic damage and improves functional outcomes in an animal disease model in vivo. Complex I activity in microglia is a potential therapeutic target to foster neuroprotection in chronic inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system3.

Oriented Molecular Bridge Constructs Homogeneous Buried Interface for Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 25.3

Buried interface optimization matters the efficiency improvement of planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and the molecular bridge is reported to be an effective approach. Herein, a molecular bridge is constructed at buried interface using 4-chloro-3-sulfamoylbenzoic acid (CSBA), and its preferred arrangement is systematically investigated. It is elucidated that the CSBA molecular is prone to be orientationally absorbed on TiO2 surface through COOH-Ti, and then connect with perovskite through S═O-Pb, resulting in a feasible oriented molecular bridge. Contributing to the passivated interfacial defects, optimized interfacial energy level, and released perovskite tensile stress, resulting from the oriented CSBA molecular bridge, the PSCs with an active area of 0.08 cm2 achieve a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.32%, the highest among the TiO2-based planar PSCs. Encouragingly, the PSCs with an active area of 1 cm2 achieve a champion PCE of 24.20%, significantly promoting the efficiency progress of large-area PSCs. In addition, the PSCs with oriented CSBA molecular bridge possess enhanced stability, the unencapsulated PSCs can maintain ≈91% and ≈85% of their initial PCE after 3000 h aging under ambient condition and 1200 h aging under exposure to UV irradiation.

Bioactivity and mechanism of action of sanguinarine and its derivatives in the past 10 years

Sanguinarine is a quaternary ammonium benzophenanthine alkaloid found in traditional herbs such as Chelidonium, Corydalis, Sanguinarum, and Borovula. It has been proven to possess broad-spectrum biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiosteoporosis, neuroprotective, and antipathogenic microorganism activities. In this paper, recent progress on the biological activity and mechanism of action of sanguinarine and its derivatives over the past ten years is reviewed. The results showed that the biological activities of hematarginine and its derivatives are related mainly to the JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, TGF-β, MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. The limitations of using sanguinarine in clinical application are also discussed, and the research prospects of this subject are outlined. In general, sanguinarine, a natural medicine, has many pharmacological effects, but its toxicity and safety in clinical application still need to be further studied. This review provides useful information for the development of sanguinarine-based bioactive agents.

Accumulation of neutral lipids in dystrophic neurites surrounding amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the formation β-amyloid (Aβ) deposited neuritic plaques. Recent evidence suggests that abnormal lipid metabolism and accumulation could serve as biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Tubular endoplasmic reticulum protein, reticulon 3 (RTN3), plays a crucial role in the development of neuritic plaque and lipid metabolism in AD brains. In present study, we sought to investigate a potential association between neutral lipid accumulation and AD pathology. BODIPY 500/510 dye was used to label neutral lipid surrounding Aβ plaques in APPNL-G-F mouse and AD postmortem brains samples. Immunofluorescent images were captured using confocal microscope and co-localization between lipid metabolism proteins and neutral lipids were evaluated. Lipid accumulation in Aβ plaque surrounding dystrophic neurites (DNs) was observed in the cortical region of AD mouse models and human AD brain samples. The neutral lipid staining was not co-localized with IBA1-labeled microglia or GFAP-labeled astrocytes, but it was co-labeled with VAMP2 and neurofilament. We further showed that neutral lipids were accumulated in RTN3 immunoreactive DNs. Both the neutral lipids accumulation and RIDNs formation showed age-dependent patterns in surrounding amyloid plaques. Mechanistic studies revealed that RTN3 likely contributes to the enrichment of neutral lipids near plaques by interacting with heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) and diminishing its function in chaperone-mediated lipophagy. Our study provides immunohistochemical evidence of neutral lipids being enriched in DNs near amyloid plaques. Our findings shed light on RTN3-mediaed lipid accumulation in AD neuropathology and provide fresh insights into the role of RTN3 in neurodegenerative diseases.

An Evolving Landscape: Return of Breast Sensation After Mastectomy Varies by Anatomic Region and Reconstructive Method

PURPOSE

Loss of breast sensation after mastectomy has been well documented. Postoperative reinnervation of the breast is influenced by factors including reconstructive technique, patient comorbidities, and adjuvant treatment. However, little attention has been paid to the differences in sensation across regions of the breast and the impact of reconstructive method on these regional differences over time.

METHODS

Patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate autologous or alloplastic reconstruction were prospectively followed. Neurosensory testing was performed in 9 breast regions using a pressure-specified sensory device. Patients were stratified by reconstructive technique, and regional sensation was compared at different preoperative and postoperative time points using Student t tests.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-two patients were included; 106 underwent autologous reconstruction via neurotized deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, and 86 underwent 2-stage alloplastic reconstruction. Preoperative sensation thresholds did not differ between reconstructive cohorts in any region and averaged 18.1 g/mm2. In the first year after mastectomy, decreased sensation was most pronounced in the inner breast regions and at the nipple areolar complex (NAC) in both reconstructive cohorts. At 4 years postoperatively, sensation increased the most at the NAC in the alloplastic cohort (34.0 g/mm2 decrease) and at the outer lateral region in the autologous cohort (30.4 g/mm2 threshold decrease). The autologous cohort experienced improved sensation compared with the alloplastic cohort in 5 of 9 regions at 1 year postoperatively, and in 7 of 9 regions at 4 years postoperatively; notably, only sensation at the outer superior and outer medial regions did not differ significantly between cohorts at 4 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients undergoing breast reconstruction experience increased breast sensation over time, the return of sensation is influenced by type of reconstruction and anatomic region. Regions closer to and at the NAC experience the greatest loss of sensation after mastectomy, although the NAC itself undergoes the most sensation recovery of any breast region in those with alloplastic reconstruction.Autologous reconstruction via a neurotized deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap results in increased return of sensation compared with alloplastic reconstruction, particularly in the inferior and lateral quadrants of the breast.

Structure and Electron Engineering for Nitrate Electrocatalysis to Ammonia: Identification and Modification of Active Sites in Spinel Oxides

Cobalt spinel oxides, which consist of tetrahedral site (AO4) and octahedral site (BO6), are a potential group of transition metal oxides (TMO) for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reactions to ammonia (NRA). Identifying the true active site in spinel oxides is crucial to designing advanced catalysts. This work reveals that the CoO6 site is the dominant site for NRA through the site substitution strategy. The suitable electronic configuration of Co at the octahedral site leads to a stronger interaction between the Co d-orbital and the O p-orbital in O-containing intermediates, resulting in a high-efficiency nitrate-to-ammonia reduction. Furthermore, the substitution of metallic elements at the AO4 site can affect the charge density at the BO6 site via the structure of A-O-B. Thereafter, Ni and Cu are introduced to replace the tetrahedral site in spinel oxides and optimize the electronic structure of CoO6. As a result, NiCo2O4 exhibits the best activity for NRA with an outstanding yield of NH3 (15.49 mg cm-2 h-1) and FE (99.89%). This study introduces a novel paradigm for identifying the active site and proposes an approach for constructing high-efficiency electrocatalysts for NRA.