Anisotropic power-law viscoelasticity of living cells is dominated by cytoskeletal network structure.

During physiological and pathological processes, cells experience significant morphological alterations with the re-arrangement of cytoskeletal filaments, resulting in anisotropic viscoelasticity. Here, a structure-based cell model is proposed to study the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behaviors of living cells. We investigate how cell shape affects its creep responses in longitudinal and perpendicular directions. It is shown that cells exhibit power-law rheological behavior in both longitudinal and perpendicular directions under step stress, with a more solid-like behavior along the longitudinal direction. We reveal that the cell volume and cytoskeletal filament orientation, which have been neglected in most existing models, play a critical role in regulating cellular anisotropic viscoelasticity. The stiffness of the cell in both directions increases linearly with increasing its aspect ratio, due to the decrease of cell volume. Moreover, the increase in the cell's aspect ratio produces the aggregation of cytoskeletal filaments along the longitudinal direction, resulting in higher stiffness in this direction. It is also shown that the increase in cell's aspect ratio corresponds to a process of cellular ordering, which can be quantitatively characterized by the orientational entropy of cytoskeletal filaments. In addition, we present a simple yet robust method to establish the relationship between cell's aspect ratio and cell volume, thus providing a theoretical framework to capture the anisotropic viscoelastic behavior of cells. This study suggests that the structure-based cell models may be further developed to investigate cellular rheological responses to external mechanical stimuli and may be extended to the tissue scale. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The viscoelastic behaviors of cells hold significant importance in comprehending the roles of mechanical forces in embryo development, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. Here, a structure-based cell model is proposed to study the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behaviors of living cells. Our study highlights the crucial role of previously neglected factors, such as cell volume and cytoskeletal filament orientation, in regulating cellular anisotropic viscoelasticity. We further propose an orientational entropy of cytoskeletal filaments to quantitatively characterize the ordering process of cells with increasing aspect ratios. Moreover, we derived the analytical interrelationships between cell aspect ratio, cell stiffness, cell volume, and cytoskeletal fiber orientation. This study provides a theoretical framework to describe the anisotropic viscoelastic mechanical behavior of cells.

Effects of appropriate low-temperature treatment on the yield and quality of pigmented potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers.

Temperature is one of the important environmental factors affecting plant growth, yield and quality. Moreover, appropriately low temperature is also beneficial for tuber coloration. The red potato variety Jianchuanhong, whose tuber color is susceptible to temperature, and the purple potato variety Huaxinyangyu, whose tuber color is stable, were used as experimental materials and subjected to 20 °C (control check), 15 °C and 10 °C treatments during the whole growth period. The effects of temperature treatment on the phenotype, the expression levels of structural genes related to anthocyanins and the correlations of each indicator were analyzed. The results showed that treatment at 10 °C significantly inhibited the potato plant height, and the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters in the leaves were reduced, and the enzyme activities of SOD and POD were significantly increased, all indicating that the leaves were damaged. Treatment at 10 °C also affected the tuberization of Huaxinyangyu and reduced the tuberization and coloring of Jianchuanhong, while treatment at 15 °C significantly increased the stem diameter, root-to-shoot ratio, yield and content of secondary metabolites, especially anthocyanins. Similarly, the expression of structural genes were enhanced in two pigmented potatoes under low-temperature treatment conditions. In short, proper low temperature can not only increase yield but also enhance secondary metabolites production. Previous studies have not focused on the effects of appropriate low-temperature treatment during the whole growth period of potato on the changes in metabolites during tuber growth and development, these results can provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the selection of pigmented potatoes with better nutritional quality planting environment and the formulation of cultivation measures.

Screening and functional analysis of StMYB transcription factors in pigmented potato under low-temperature treatment.

MYB transcription factors play an extremely important regulatory role in plant responses to stress and anthocyanin synthesis. Cloning of potato StMYB-related genes can provide a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of pigmented potatoes. In this study, two MYB transcription factors, StMYB113 and StMYB308, possibly related to anthocyanin synthesis, were screened under low-temperature conditions based on the low-temperature-responsive potato StMYB genes family analysis obtained by transcriptome sequencing. By analyzed the protein properties and promoters of StMYB113 and StMYB308 and their relative expression levels at different low-temperature treatment periods, it is speculated that StMYB113 and StMYB308 can be expressed in response to low temperature and can promote anthocyanin synthesis. The overexpression vectors of StMYB113 and StMYB308 were constructed for transient transformation tobacco. Color changes were observed, and the expression levels of the structural genes of tobacco anthocyanin synthesis were determined. The results showed that StMYB113 lacking the complete MYB domain could not promote the accumulation of tobacco anthocyanins, while StMYB308 could significantly promote the accumulation involved in tobacco anthocyanins. This study provides a theoretical reference for further study of the mechanism of StMYB113 and StMYB308 transcription factors in potato anthocyanin synthesis.

Complex interplay of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), fractures, and osteoporosis: a mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Tourette Syndrome (TS), have been extensively studied for their multifaceted impacts on social and emotional well-being. Recently, there has been growing interest in their potential relationship with fracture risks in adulthood. This study aims to explore the associations between these disorders and fracture rates, in order to facilitate better prevention and treatment. METHODS: Employing a novel approach, this study utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the complex interplay between ADHD, ASD, TS, and fractures. The MR framework, leveraging extensive genomic datasets, facilitated a systematic examination of potential causal relationships and genetic predispositions. RESULTS: The findings unveil intriguing bidirectional causal links between ADHD, ASD, and specific types of fractures. Notably, ADHD is identified as a risk factor for fractures, with pronounced associations in various anatomical regions, including the skull, trunk, and lower limbs. Conversely, individuals with specific fractures, notably those affecting the femur and lumbar spine, exhibit an increased genetic predisposition to ADHD and ASD. In this research, no correlation was found between TS and fractures, or osteoporosis.These results provide a genetic perspective on the complex relationships between NDDs and fractures, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, intervention, and a holistic approach to healthcare. CONCLUSION: This research sheds new light on the intricate connections between NDDs and fractures, offering valuable insights into potential risk factors and causal links. The bidirectional causal relationships between ADHD, ASD, and specific fractures highlight the need for comprehensive clinical approaches that consider both NDDs and physical well-being.

Intestinal malrotation complicated with gastric cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital defect of embryonic development caused by various teratogenic factors. In this condition, the intestinal tube, along with the superior mesenteric artery serving as the axis for the counterclockwise movement, is incomplete or abnormally rotated due to incomplete attachment of the mesentery and abnormal intestinal tube position. Such a case is usually asymptomatic and thus difficult to detect. Therefore, similar variant malformations are only found during an operation required for other abdominal diseases. CASE SUMMARY: An elderly male patient was admitted to the hospital due to gastric cancer. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast revealed that the ascending and descending colon were parallel on the right side of the abdominal cavity, while the sigmoid colon extended into the right iliac fossa, allowing the diagnosis of congenital midgut malrotation. Following thorough preoperative preparation, the patient underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy to treat his gastric cancer. Intraoperatively, an exploration of the abdominal cavity uncovered the absence of the transverse colon. The distal colon at the hepatic flexure, along with the ascending colon, extended into the right iliac fossa, where it continued as the sigmoid colon. As planned, the laparoscopic radical gastrectomy was performed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital 7 d after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic intestinal malrotation is best detected by CT, requiring no treatment but possibly interfering with the treatment of other diseases.

Postoperative blood glucose increase is associated with futile recanalization in patients with successful thrombectomy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Timely recognition of futile recanalization might enable a prompt response and an improved outcome in post-thrombectomy patients. This study aims to evaluate whether postoperative blood glucose increase (BGI) could act as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients receiving a successful thrombectomy. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy between February 2019 and June 2022. BGI was defined as a higher level of blood glucose at the first postoperative morning than at admission. Futile recanalization was defined as patients with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 90 days after onset. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of BGI with futile recanalization. RESULTS: A total of 276 patients were enrolled, amongst which 120 patients (43.5%) had BGI. Futile recanalization was more prevalent among patients with BGI compared to those without (70.0 vs. 49.4%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, BGI was associated with a higher likelihood of futile recanalization (adjusted OR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.50-5.86, P = 0.002). This association was consistently observed regardless of diabetes history, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, or reperfusion status. CONCLUSION: Our findings support BGI serving as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy.

Postoperative fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio acting as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with successful thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Timely recognition of futile recanalization might enable a prompter response and thus improve outcomes in patients receiving successful thrombectomy. This study aims to evaluate whether postoperative fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) could act as an indicator of futile recanalization. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy between May 2019 and June 2022. FAR was defined as postoperative blood levels of fibrinogen divided by those of albumin, and dichotomized into high and low levels based on the Youden index. Futile recanalization was defined as patients achieving a successful recanalization with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of FAR with futile recanalization. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were enrolled, amongst which 87 patients (34.1%) had high postoperative FAR. Futile recanalization was more prevalent among patients with high FAR compared to those with low FAR (74.7% vs. 53.0%, p = .001). After adjusting for potential confounders, high postoperative FAR was found to independently correspond with the occurrence of futile recanalization (adjusted OR 2.40, 95%CI 1.18-4.87, p = .015). This association was consistently observed regardless of prior antithrombotic therapy, treatment of intravenous thrombolysis, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, and reperfusion status. CONCLUSION: Our findings support high postoperative FAR serving as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy.

Application of cementoplasty in patients with symptomatic benign osteopathy disease.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for some symptomatic, benign osteopathy lesions is yet to be identified. PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficiency of cementoplasty in managing symptomatic, benign osteopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2006 and January 2020, we retrospectively enrolled 31 patients (10 men, 21 women; mean age = 46.5 ± 16.6 years; age range = 20-85 years), accounting for 34 treatment sites, who underwent percutaneous osteoplasty (14 treatment sites) and percutaneous vertebroplasty (20 treatment sites) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or DSA combined with computed tomography (CT). All the participants experienced different degrees of clinical symptoms with benign osteopathy lesions. The technical success of the procedure and occurrence of complications were recorded. Follow-up examinations were conducted to assess the treatment outcome using the MacNab criteria. RESULTS: All the participants had a diagnosis of benign osteopathy lesions before or after the cementoplasty. Surgery was successfully completed in all patients. Cement distributions were diffuse and homogeneous, with the complication of cement leakage occurring in 17.6% (6 of 34) of the lesions. The leakage occurred in the intervertebral disc (n = 1), the intra-articular space (n = 1), and the surrounding soft tissue (n = 4). Analysis of the treatment outcome using the MacNab criteria revealed that all patients showed improvement in their clinical symptoms to some extent and in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: Cementoplasty is an effective treatment for symptomatic, benign osteopathy, with the advantage of favorable clinical outcomes, and low complication rate.

Size-induced motion mode transitions in collective cell invasion toward free spaces.

Collective cell migration plays a vital role in various physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development and tumor metastasis. Recent experiments have shown that different from isolated cells, the moving cell groups exhibit rich emerging motion modes in response to external geometrical constraints. By considering the interactions between neighboring cells and internal biomechanical processes of each cell (i.e., cell sociality and cell individuality), we develop an active vertex model to investigate the emerging modes of collective cell migration in microchannels. Single-cell polarization is propelled by continuous protrusion of its leading edge and retraction of the rear. We here introduce the contribution of continuous protrusions and retractions of lamellipodia, named the protrusion alignment mechanism, to the cell individuality. Using the present model, it is found that altering the width of channels can trigger the motion mode transitions of cell groups. When cells move in narrow channels, the protrusion alignment mechanism brings neighboring groups of coordinated cells into conflicts and in turn induces the caterpillar-like motion mode. As the channel width increases, local swirls spanning the channel in width first appear as long as the channel width is smaller than the intrinsic correlation length of cell groups. Then, only local swirls with a maximum diameter of the intrinsic correlation length are formed, when the channel is sufficiently wider. These rich dynamical modes of collective cells originate from the competition between cell individuality and sociality. In addition, the velocity of the cell sheet invading free spaces varies with the channel size-induced transitions of migration modes. Our predictions are in broad agreement with many experiments and may shed light on the spatiotemporal dynamics of active matter.

Controllable Fabrication of Highly Uniform Sub-10 nm Nanoparticles from Spontaneous Confined Nanoemulsification.

Sub-10 nm nanoparticles are known to exhibit extraordinary size-dependent properties for wide applications. Many approaches have been developed for synthesizing sub-10 nm inorganic nanoparticles, but the fabrication of sub-10 nm polymeric nanoparticles is still challenging. Here, a scalable, spontaneous confined nanoemulsification strategy that produces uniform sub-10 nm nanodroplets for template synthesis of sub-10 nm polymeric nanoparticles is proposed. This strategy introduces a high-concentration interfacial reaction to create overpopulated surfactants that are insoluble at the droplet surface. These overpopulated surfactants act as barriers, resulting in highly accumulated surfactants inside the droplet via a confined reaction. These surfactants exhibit significantly changed packing geometry, solubility, and interfacial activity to enhance the molecular-level impact on interfacial instability for creating sub-10 nm nanoemulsions via self-burst nanoemulsification. Using the nanodroplets as templates, the fabrication of uniform sub-10 nm polymeric nanoparticles, as small as 3.5 nm, made from biocompatible polymers and capable of efficient drug encapsulation is demonstrated. This work opens up brand-new opportunities to easily create sub-10 nm nanoemulsions and advanced ultrasmall functional nanoparticles.

Coupling-Condensation Strategy for the Convergent Synthesis of an Imidazole-Fused 2-Aminoquinoline NLRP3 Agonist.

The development of a convergent route to the NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 3) agonist BMS-986299 is reported. The synthesis relies on a key Miyaura borylation and a tandem Suzuki-Miyaura coupling between an iodoimidazole and an o-aminochloroarene, followed by acid-mediated cyclization to afford the aminoquinoline core. The subsequent Boc cleavage and regioselective acylation afford the target compound. Two routes to the iodoimidazole intermediate are presented, along with the synthesis of the o-aminochloroarene via Negishi coupling. The convergent six-step route leads to an 80% reduction in process mass intensity compared to the linear enabling synthesis.

Piezo1 in vascular remodeling of atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension: A potential therapeutic target.

Vascular remodeling (VR) is a structural and functional change of blood vessels to adapt to the changes of internal and external environment. It is one of the common pathological features of many vascular proliferative diseases. The process of VR is mainly manifested in the changes of vascular wall structure and function, including intimal hyperplasia, thickening or thinning of media, fibrosis of adventitia, etc. These changes are also the pathological basis of aging and various cardiovascular diseases. Mechanical force is the basis of cardiovascular biomechanics, and the newly discovered mechanical sensitive ion channel Piezo1 is widely distributed in the whole cardiovascular system. Studies have confirmed that Piezo1, a mechanically sensitive ion channel, plays an important role in cardiovascular remodeling diseases. This article reviews the molecular mechanism of Piezo1 in atherosclerosis, hypertension and pulmonary hypertension, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the further study of vascular remodeling.

Radiomics feature as a preoperative predictive of lymphovascular invasion in early-stage endometrial cancer: A multicenter study.

Background: The presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) has been demonstrated to be significantly associated with poor outcome in endometrial cancer (EC). No effective clinical tools could be used for the prediction of LVSI preoperatively in early-stage EC. A radiomics nomogram based on MRI was established to predict LVSI in patients with early-stage EC. Methods: This retrospective study included 339 consecutive patients with early-stage EC with or without LVSI from five centers. According to the ratio of 2:1, 226 and 113 patients were randomly assigned to a training group and a test group, respectively. Radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), contrast-enhanced (CE), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. The radiomics signatures were constructed by using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm in the training group. The radiomics nomogram was developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis by incorporating radiomics signatures and clinical risk factors. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the radiomics signatures, clinical risk factors, and radiomics nomogram were also calculated. Results: The individualized prediction nomogram was constructed by incorporating the radiomics signatures with the clinical risk factors (age and cancer antigen 125). The radiomics nomogram exhibited a good performance in discriminating between negative and positive LVSI patients with AUC of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95) in the training group and of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.94) in the test group. The decision curve analysis indicated that clinicians could be benefit from the using of radiomics nomogram to predict the presence of LVSI preoperatively. Conclusion: The radiomics nomogram could individually predict LVSI in early-stage EC patients. The nomogram could be conveniently used to facilitate the treatment decision for clinicians.

Efficacy and Safety of the Safe Triangular Working Zone Approach in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Spinal Metastasis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31-76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29-81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

Radiomics Nomogram in Assisting Lymphadenectomy Decisions by Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer.

Background: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important risk factor affecting treatment strategy and prognosis for endometrial cancer (EC) patients. A radiomics nomogram was established in assisting lymphadenectomy decisions preoperatively by predicting LNM status in early-stage EC patients. Methods: A total of 707 retrospective clinical early-stage EC patients were enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort and a test cohort. Radiomics features were extracted from MR imaging. Three models were built, including a guideline-recommended clinical model (grade 1-2 endometrioid tumors by dilatation and curettage and less than 50% myometrial invasion on MRI without cervical infiltration), a radiomics model (selected radiomics features), and a radiomics nomogram model (combing the selected radiomics features, myometrial invasion on MRI, and cancer antigen 125). The predictive performance of the three models was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC). The clinical decision curves, net reclassification index (NRI), and total integrated discrimination index (IDI) based on the total included patients to assess the clinical benefit of the clinical model and the radiomics nomogram were calculated. Results: The predictive ability of the clinical model, the radiomics model, and the radiomics nomogram between LNM and non-LNM were 0.66 [95% CI: 0.55-0.77], 0.82 [95% CI: 0.74-0.90], and 0.85 [95% CI: 0.77-0.93] in the training cohort, and 0.67 [95% CI: 0.56-0.78], 0.81 [95% CI: 0.72-0.90], and 0.83 [95% CI: 0.74-0.92] in the test cohort, respectively. The decision curve analysis, NRI (1.06 [95% CI: 0.81-1.32]), and IDI (0.05 [95% CI: 0.03-0.07]) demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the radiomics nomogram. Conclusions: The predictive radiomics nomogram could be conveniently used for individualized prediction of LNM and assisting lymphadenectomy decisions in early-stage EC patients.

An MRI radiomics nomogram improves the accuracy in identifying eligible candidates for fertility-preserving treatment in endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

It is difficult to identify eligible candidates for fertility-preserving treatment (FPT) among endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) and atypical hyperplasia (AH) patients. Therefore, new approaches for improving the accuracy of candidate selection are warranted. From December 2014 to January 2020, 236 EAC/AH patients (age <50 and premenopausal) were retrospectively reviewed and randomly divided into the primary group (n=158) and validation group 1 (n=78). From February 2020 to December 2021, 51 EAC/AH patients were prospectively enrolled and formed the validation group 2. From the primary group, 385 features were extracted using pyradiomics from multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (including T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and contrast enhancement sequences) and 13 radiomics features were selected using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. A clinical model based on clinical information (myometrial invasion on MRI and tumor grade in curettage) and a radiomics nomogram by integrating clinical information with the radiomics features was developed to identify eligible candidates of FPT. For identifying eligible candidates of FPT, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.73) in the primary group, and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.45-0.78) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.53-0.86) in validation groups 1 and 2, respectively, for the clinical model; were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.93) in the primary group, and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71-0.93) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-1.0) in validation groups 1 and 2, respectively, for the radiomics nomogram. With the help of radiomics nomogram, the treatment decision determined from the clinical model was revised in 45 EAC/AH patients. The net reclassification index (NRI) was 0.80 and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) was 0.17, indicating that the nomogram could improve the accuracy in identifying eligible EAC/AH candidates for FPT.

Cell chirality regulates coherent angular motion on small circular substrates.

Collective cell migration occurs in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, such as wound healing and tumor metastasis. Experiments showed that many types of cells confined in circular islands can perform coherent angular rotation, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we propose a biomechanical model, including the membrane, microtubules, and nucleus, to study the spatiotemporal evolutions of small cell clusters in confined space. We show that cells can spontaneously transfer from "radial pattern" to "chiral pattern" due to fluctuations. For a pair of cells with identical chiral orientation, the cluster rotates in the opposite direction of the chiral orientation, and the fluctuations can reverse the cluster's rotational direction. Interestingly, during the persistent rotation, each cell rotates around its own centroid while it is revolving around the island center and shows a constant side to the island center, as tidal locking in astronomy. Furthermore, for a few more cells, coherent angular rotation also appears, and the emergence of a central cell can accelerate the cluster rotation. These findings shed light on collective cell migration in life processes and help to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of active matter.

Output Containment Control of Heterogeneous Linear Multiagent Systems With Unbounded Distributed Transmission Delays.

In this article, the output containment control problem of heterogeneous linear multiagent systems (MASs) with unbounded distributed transmission delays is considered. A key technical lemma is first established to show that the distributed observers under unbounded distributed transmission delays can be utilized to estimate the convex combination of the states of multiple leaders. Then, a novel distributed output feedback control law is proposed based on those distributed observers. It is shown that under our proposed control law, the output of each follower converges to the convex hull spanned by the outputs of the leaders. In addition, our results include relevant results on output containment control of MASs with bounded distributed or constant transmission delays as special cases. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control law is demonstrated by a simulation example.

MRI-Based Radiomics Nomogram for Selecting Ovarian Preservation Treatment in Patients With Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian preservation treatment (OPT) was recommended in young women with early-stage endometrial cancer [superficial myometrial invasion (MI) and grades (G) 1/2-endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEC)]. A radiomics nomogram was developed to assist radiologists in assessing the depth of MI and in selecting eligible patients for OPT. METHODS: From February 2014 to May 2021, 209 G 1/2-EEC patients younger than 45 years (mean 39 ± 4.3 years) were included. Of them, 104 retrospective patients were enrolled in the primary group, and 105 prospective patients were enrolled in the validation group. The radiomics features were extracted based on multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was applied to reduce the dimensionality of the data and select the radiomics features that correlated with the depth of MI in G 1/2-EEC patients. A radiomics nomogram for evaluating the depth of MI was developed by combing the selected radiomics features with the cancer antigen 125 and tumor size. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the radiomics nomogram and of radiologists without and with the aid of the radiomics nomogram. The net reclassification index (NRI) and total integrated discrimination index (IDI) based on the total included patients to assess the clinical benefit of radiologists with the radiomics nomogram were calculated. RESULTS: In the primary group, for evaluating the depth of MI, the AUCs were 0.96 for the radiomics nomogram; 0.80 and 0.86 for radiologists 1 and 2 without the aid of the nomogram, respectively; and 0.98 and 0.98 for radiologists 1 and 2 with the aid of the nomogram, respectively. In the validation group, the AUCs were 0.88 for the radiomics nomogram; 0.82 and 0.83 for radiologists 1 and 2 without the aid of the nomogram, respectively; and 0.94 and 0.94 for radiologists 1 and 2 with the aid of the nomogram, respectively. The yielded NRI and IDI values were 0.29 and 0.43 for radiologist 1 and 0.23 and 0.37 for radiologist 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The radiomics nomogram outperformed radiologists and could help radiologists in assessing the depth of MI and selecting eligible OPTs in G 1/2-EEC patients.