Dynamic evolution of volatile compounds during cold storage of sturgeon fillets analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry and chemometric methods.

This study investigated the changes in quality and volatile flavoring compounds in sturgeon fillets during refrigeration. Potential flavor compounds were identified using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and gas chromatography- ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The results showed that TVB-N content, TBARS values, total colony counts, and K-value increased with prolonged refrigeration, reaching spoilage thresholds after approximately eight days. A total of 33 volatile compounds (including monomers and dimers) were detected in sturgeon fillets during different refrigeration periods, including aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, acids, esters, ethers, and other compounds. OPLS-DA further revealed flavor differences in sturgeon fillets across different refrigeration stages, identifying 18 distinct volatile compounds. Correlation analysis showed that trans-2-Pentenal, 2-methylpropanal, and glutaraldehyde were associated with pleasant odor to the frozen sturgeon fillets in the early stage, while hexane nitrile and thiazole were the main substances that caused unpleasant odors.

Near-Infrared Room-Temperature Phosphorescence from Monocyclic Luminophores.

Compact luminophores with long emission wavelengths have aroused considerable theoretical and practical interest. Organics with room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are also desirable for their longer lifetimes and larger Stokes shifts than fluorescence. Utilizing the low electronic transition energy intrinsic to thiocarbonyl compounds, electron-withdrawing groups were attached to the 4H-pyran-4-thione core to further lower the excited state energies. The resulting mini-phosphors were doped into suitable polymer matrices. These purely organic, amorphous materials emitted near-infrared (NIR) RTP. Having a molar mass of only 162 g·mol-1, one of the phosphors emitted RTP that peaked at 750 nm, with a very large Stokes shift of 15485 cm-1 (403 nm). Thanks to the good processability of the polymer film, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with NIR emission were easily fabricated by coating doped polymer on ultraviolet LEDs. This work provides an intriguing strategy to achieve NIR RTP using compact luminophores.

Application of a single-cell-RNA-based biological-inspired graph neural network in diagnosis of primary liver tumors.

Single-cell technology depicts integrated tumor profiles including both tumor cells and tumor microenvironments, which theoretically enables more robust diagnosis than traditional diagnostic standards based on only pathology. However, the inherent challenges of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, such as high dimensionality, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), sparse and non-Euclidean nature, pose significant obstacles for traditional diagnostic approaches. The diagnostic value of single-cell technology has been largely unexplored despite the potential advantages. Here, we present a graph neural network-based framework tailored for molecular diagnosis of primary liver tumors using scRNA-seq data. Our approach capitalizes on the biological plausibility inherent in the intercellular communication networks within tumor samples. By integrating pathway activation features within cell clusters and modeling unidirectional inter-cellular communication, we achieve robust discrimination between malignant tumors (including hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, iCCA) and benign tumors (focal nodular hyperplasia, FNH) by scRNA data of all tissue cells and immunocytes only. The efficacy to distinguish iCCA from HCC was further validated on public datasets. Through extending the application of high-throughput scRNA-seq data into diagnosis approaches focusing on integrated tumor microenvironment profiles rather than a few tumor markers, this framework also sheds light on minimal-invasive diagnostic methods based on migrating/circulating immunocytes.

Juvenile hormone signaling is indispensable for late embryogenesis in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile hormone (JH) is an insect-exclusive hormone involved in regulating diverse aspects of insect physiology, and the evolution of its diverse function is widely interesting. Studying embryogenesis in basal wingless insects is important to understand the functional evolution of JH; however, experimental studies in this regard are scarce. In this study, we conducted CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) of genes involved in JH biosynthesis and signaling cascades in the ametabolous firebrat, Thermobia domestica. Additionally, we investigated whether the primitive action of JH is conserved in the hemimetabolous cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. RESULTS: We observed that KO of JHAMT, CYP15A1, Met, and Kr-h1 resulted in embryonic lethality in T. domestica. Deprivation of JH or JH signaling arrested the progression of extraembryonic fluid resorption after dorsal closure and hatching, which is consistent with the gene expression pattern showing high Kr-h1 expression in the late embryos of T. domestica. The embryos deficient in JH signaling displayed wrinkled and weak legs. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that JH signaling promotes embryonic leg maturation through inducing energy supply and muscle activity, as validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, JH signaling exhibited similar embryonic effects in G. bimaculatus. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the indispensable role of JH signaling in facilitating the maturation of terminal tissues during late embryogenesis, as demonstrated by the regulation of leg development, in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects. These findings further indicate that the embryonic functions of JH evolved earlier than its anti-metamorphic functions during postembryonic development.

Performance Assessment of GPT 4.0 on the Japanese Medical Licensing Examination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and parsing ability of GPT 4.0 for Japanese medical practitioner qualification examinations in a multidimensional way to investigate its response accuracy and comprehensiveness to medical knowledge. METHODS: We evaluated the performance of the GPT 4.0 on Japanese Medical Licensing Examination (JMLE) questions (2021-2023). Questions are categorized by difficulty and type, with distinctions between general and clinical parts, as well as between single-choice (MCQ1) and multiple-choice (MCQ2) questions. Difficulty levels were determined on the basis of correct rates provided by the JMLE Preparatory School. The accuracy and quality of the GPT 4.0 responses were analyzed via an improved Global Qualily Scale (GQS) scores, considering both the chosen options and the accompanying analysis. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square tests were used to examine performance across exam years, question difficulty, type, and choice. GPT 4.0 ability was evaluated via the GQS, with comparisons made via the Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The correct response rate and parsing ability of the GPT4.0 to the JMLE questions reached the qualification level (80.4%). In terms of the accuracy of the GPT4.0 response to the JMLE, we found significant differences in accuracy across both difficulty levels and option types. According to the GQS scores for the GPT 4.0 responses to all the JMLE questions, the performance of the questionnaire varied according to year and choice type. CONCLUSION: GTP4.0 performs well in providing basic support in medical education and medical research, but it also needs to input a large amount of medical-related data to train its model and improve the accuracy of its medical knowledge output. Further integration of ChatGPT with the medical field could open new opportunities for medicine.

Enhancing Orthopedic Knowledge Assessments: The Performance of Specialized Generative Language Model Optimization.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of knowledge base-optimized and unoptimized large language models (LLMs) in the field of orthopedics to explore optimization strategies for the application of LLMs in specific fields. METHODS: This research constructed a specialized knowledge base using clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and authoritative orthopedic publications. A total of 30 orthopedic-related questions covering aspects such as anatomical knowledge, disease diagnosis, fracture classification, treatment options, and surgical techniques were input into both the knowledge base-optimized and unoptimized versions of the GPT-4, ChatGLM, and Spark LLM, with their generated responses recorded. The overall quality, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of these responses were evaluated by 3 experienced orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: Compared with their unoptimized LLMs, the optimized version of GPT-4 showed improvements of 15.3% in overall quality, 12.5% in accuracy, and 12.8% in comprehensiveness; ChatGLM showed improvements of 24.8%, 16.1%, and 19.6%, respectively; and Spark LLM showed improvements of 6.5%, 14.5%, and 24.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The optimization of knowledge bases significantly enhances the quality, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of the responses provided by the 3 models in the orthopedic field. Therefore, knowledge base optimization is an effective method for improving the performance of LLMs in specific fields.

Brain-computer Interaction in the Smart Era.

The brain-computer interface (BCI) system serves as a critical link between external output devices and the human brain. A monitored object's mental state, sensory cognition, and even higher cognition are reflected in its electroencephalography (EEG) signal. Nevertheless, unprocessed EEG signals are frequently contaminated with a variety of artifacts, rendering the analysis and elimination of impurities from the collected EEG data exceedingly challenging, not to mention the manual adjustment thereof. Over the last few decades, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has contributed to the development of BCI technology. Algorithms derived from AI and machine learning have significantly enhanced the ability to analyze and process EEG electrical signals, thereby expanding the range of potential interactions between the human brain and computers. As a result, the present BCI technology with the help of AI can assist physicians in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of their patients' physical and psychological status, thereby contributing to improvements in their health and quality of life.

18F-FDG PET/CT metrics-based stratification of large B-cell lymphoma receiving CAR-T cell therapy: immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment as a negative prognostic indicator in patients with high tumor burden.

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has greatly improved the prognosis of relapsed and refractory patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Early identification and intervention of patients who may respond poorly to CAR-T cell therapy will help to improve the efficacy. Ninety patients from a Chinese cohort who received CAR-T cell therapy and underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scans at the screening stage (median time to infusion 53.5 days, range 27-176 days), 1 month and 3 months after CAR-T cell infusion were analyzed, with RNA-sequencing conducted on 47 patients at the screening stage. Patients with maximum diameter of the largest lesion (Dmax) < 6 cm (N = 60) at screening stage showed significantly higher 3-month complete response rate (85.0% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001), progression-free survival (HR 0.17; 95% CI 0.08-0.35, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.08-0.40, P < 0.001) than those with Dmax ≥ 6 cm (N = 30). Besides, at the screening stage, Dmax combined with extranodal involvement was more efficient in distinguishing patient outcomes. The best cut-off values for total metabolic tumor volume (tMTV) and total lesion glycolysis (tTLG) at the screening stage were 50cm3 and 500 g, respectively. A prediction model combining maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) at 1 month after CAR-T cell therapy (M1) and tTLG clearance rate was established to predict early progression for partial response/stable disease patients evaluated at M1 after CAR-T cell therapy and validated in Lyon cohort. Relevant association of the distance separating the two farthest lesions, standardized by body surface area to the severity of neurotoxicity (AUC = 0.74; P = 0.034; 95% CI, 0.578-0.899) after CAR-T cell therapy was found in patients received axicabtagene ciloleucel. In patients with Dmax ≥ 6 cm, RNA-sequencing analysis conducted at the screening stage showed enrichment of immunosuppressive-related biological processes, as well as increased M2 macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and intermediate exhausted T cells. Collectively, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment may serve as a negative prognostic indicator in patients with high tumor burden who respond poorly to CAR-T cell therapy.

Identification and validation of a novel five-gene signature in high-risk MYCN-not-amplified neuroblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: High-risk neuroblastoma patients often have poor outcomes despite multi-treatment options. The risk stratification of high-risk MYCN-not-amplified (HR-MYCN-NA) patients remains difficult. This study aims to identify a gene set signature that can help further stratify HR-MYCN-NA patients for a potential personalized therapeutic strategy. METHODS: Three microarrays and one single-cell RNA sequence dataset were acquired and analyzed. Firstly, the prognostic-related genes (PRGs) in HR-MYCN-NA tumor cells were identified using TARGET-NB and GSE137804 datasets. Then, the prognostic model was established by LASSO-Cox regression, and verified in external cohort (GSE49710, GSE45547). Moreover, a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the ROC (AUC) was used to assess survival prediction. A nomogram was established to predict the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) of HR-MYCN-NA patients. RESULTS: In the training set, a five-PRGs signature, which include GAL, GFRA3, MARCKS, PSMD13, and ZNHIT3 genes, was identified and successfully stratified HR-MYCN-NA patients into ultra-high risk (UHR) and high-risk (HR) subtypes (HR = 4.29, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis confirmed its predictive power (AUC = 0.74-0.82), suggesting a good predictive efficacy. Consistently, high-risk scores also predicted worse OS (HR = 2, P = 0.033) in the external validation dataset (AUC = 0.67-0.71). Moreover, the overall C-index of the nomogram was 0.75 (P < 0.001), which indicated good agreement between the observed and predicted survival rates. Further integrating the five PRGs signature with clinical factors, these 5 gene signature (HR = 4.45, P < 0.001) and tumor grade (HR = 4.15, P = 0.02) were found to be independent prognostic factors for HR-MYCN-NA patients. CONCLUSION: The novel five PRGs signature could well predict the survival of HR-MYCN-NA patients, which may provide constructive information for these subsets.

Paenibacillus exopolysaccharide alleviates Malassezia-induced skin damage: Enhancing skin barrier function, regulating immune responses, and modulating microbiota.

Numerous studies have established a strong association between Malassezia and various skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis. Finding appropriate methods or medications to alleviate Malassezia-induced skin damage is of notable public interest. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the exopolysaccharide EPS1, produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa, on Malassezia restricta-induced skin damage. In vitro assays indicated that EPS1 reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in TNF-α-induced HaCaT cells. In a murine model, EPS1 was found to mitigate clinical symptoms, reduce epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration, improve skin barrier function, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine levels associated with type 17 inflammation, enhance Tregs in the spleen, upregulate the transcription of Treg-related genes in skin lesions, and modulate the skin microbiota. This study is the first to report the alleviating effect of Paenibacillus exopolysaccharide on Malassezia-induced skin inflammation and its impact on the skin microbiota. These findings support the potential of Paenibacillus exopolysaccharides as consumer products and therapeutic agents for managing Malassezia-induced skin damage by improving skin barrier function, modulating immune responses, and influencing skin microbiota.

SOX9 promotes hypoxic pulmonary hypertension through stabilization of DPP4 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR), primarily due to the excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). This study aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of SOX9 in hypoxic PH in rats. The findings revealed that SOX9 was upregulated in the pulmonary arteries and PASMCs of hypoxia-exposed rats. SOX9 knockdown inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration of PASMCs, reduced PVR, and subsequently alleviated hypoxia-induced PH in rats, suggesting that SOX9 plays a critical role in PH. Further investigation demonstrated that SOX9 interacted with DPP4, preventing its ubiquitin degradation in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs. DPP4 knockdown inhibited hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation and migration, and administration of the DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced PVR and alleviated hypoxia-induced PH in rats, indicating that SOX9 contributes to PH by stabilizing DPP4. The results also showed that hypoxia induced YAP1 expression and dephosphorylation, leading to YAP1 nuclear localization. YAP1 knockdown promoted the degradation of HIF-1α in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs and inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Additionally, HIF-1α, as a transcription factor, promoted SOX9 expression by binding to the SOX9 promoter in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs. In conclusion, hypoxia promotes the proliferation and migration of PASMCs through the regulation of the YAP1/HIF-1α/SOX9/DPP4 signaling pathway, leading to PH in rats. These findings suggest that SOX9 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for PH.

A Combination of Astragaloside IV and Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway.

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), occurring after blood supply restoration, contributes significantly to stroke-related deaths. This study explored the combined impact and mechanisms of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), and their combination in mitigating IRI. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized to the Sham, MCAO, MCAO+AS-IV, MCAO+HSYA, and MCAO+AS-IV+HSYA groups. Neurological deficits and cerebral infarction were examined after restoring the blood supply to the brain. Pathomorphological changes in the cerebral cortex were observed via HE staining. IL-1ß and IL-18 were quantified using ELISA. The expression of NF-κB and GSDMD in the ischemic cerebrum was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1ß, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the ischemic cerebrum were evaluated using Western blot. The MCAO+AS-IV, MCAO+HSYA, and MCAO+AS-IV+HSYA groups exhibited notably better neurological function and cerebral infarction compared with the MCAO group. The combined treatment demonstrated superior brain tissue injury alleviation. Reductions in NF-κB, GSDMD positive cells, and NLRP3/ASC/IL-1ß/Caspase-1/GSDMD protein expression in the ischemic brain were significantly more pronounced with the combined therapy, indicating a synergistic effect in countering cerebral IRI via the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway inhibition of cell pyroptosis-induced injury.

Vitrification cryo-foil method for shoot tip cryopreservation and virus eradication in apple.

Establishment of a new method for improved shoot tip cryopreservation is crucial to facilitate the long-term preservation of plant germplasm as well as the use of cryotherapy for pathogen eradication. The present study reported a vitrification (V) cryo-foil method for shoot tip cryopreservation and virus eradication in apple. Shoot tip regrowth levels after cryopreservation were comparable among V cryo-foil (53 %), V cryo-plate (46 %) and conventional droplet vitrification (Dr-vi, 48 %). The V cryo-foil is more efficient to perform than Dr-vi as more shoot tips can be cryopreserved by one person. In the histological study applying an image-overlaying strategy, shoot tips cryopreserved by V cryo-foil showed a higher survival chance in the youngest leaf primordia than in the apical dome. When V cryo-foil was tested for virus eradication, fifty-five percent (55 %) of cryo-derived shoots were free of the apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), while none and less than 10 % were free of the apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) and the apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), respectively. Thus, these two viruses were efficiently preserved by V cryo-foil cryopreservation. Noticeably, although the shoot regrowth level was reduced to 27 %, a higher frequency (81 %) of ASPV eradication was achieved when a reduced duration of cryoprotectant exposure was applied in V cryo-foil, supporting the use of insufficient cryoprotection for improved virus eradication.

The effect of depression status on osteoarthritis: A powerful two-step Mendelian randomization study.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. OBJECTIVE: There is no conclusive epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between OA, depression, and whole-body fat mass. In this study, we conducted a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis to determine the causal relationships between them. DESIGN: The published summary-level data are from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Our study included 357,957 samples and 10,828,862 SNPs. Finally, the outcome GWAS data for OA came from a GWAS on the genetic architecture of OA using UK Biobank data. This study included 50,508 samples and 15,845,511 SNPs. We used five different modes of analysis, including inverse variance weighted meta-analysis (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode, to explore causal relationships. RESULTS: We found a positive correlation between depression and body fat mass, with depression leading to body fat mass an increase in (IVW result: p = 3.39E-07, OR (95 % CI) =2.16 (1.61, 2.90)). We also found a positive correlation between body fat mass and OA, with body fat mass increasing the risk of OA (IVW result: p = 1.65E-33, OR (95 % CI) = 1.98 (1.77, 2.21). Body fat mass played an important role as a mediator in the causal relationship between depression and OA, with approximately 14 % of the risk of OA caused by depression being mediated by body fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: Our study offers reliable evidence that depression has a detrimental impact on the risk of OA. Future research can support these associations from improving depressed effect, including social, biological, and behavioral factors, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis. And we identified high-risk variation of alleles which associated with OA and depression can be used to predict disease and provide a basis for clinical intervention and treatment of OA.

Altered individual-level morphological similarity network in children with growth hormone deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidences indicate regional grey matter (GM) morphology alterations in pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD); however, large-scale morphological brain networks (MBNs) undergo these patients remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the topological organization of individual-level MBNs in pediatric GHD. METHODS: Sixty-one GHD and 42 typically developing controls (TDs) were enrolled. Inter-regional morphological similarity of GM was taken to construct individual-level MBNs. Between-group differences of topological parameters and network-based statistics analysis were compared. Finally, association relationship between network properties and clinical variables was analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to TDs, GHD indicated a disturbance in the normal small-world organization, reflected by increased Lp, γ, λ, σ and decreased Cp, Eglob (all PFDR < 0.017). Regarding nodal properties, GHD exhibited increased nodal profiles at cerebellum 4-5, central executive network-related left inferior frontal gyrus, limbic regions-related right posterior cingulate gyrus, left hippocampus, and bilateral pallidum, thalamus (all PFDR < 0.05). Meanwhile, GHD exhibited decreased nodal profiles at sensorimotor network -related bilateral paracentral lobule, default-mode network-related left superior frontal gyrus, visual network -related right lingual gyrus, auditory network-related right superior temporal gyrus and bilateral amygdala, right cerebellum 3, bilateral cerebellum 10, vermis 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 (all PFDR < 0.05). Furthermore, serum markers and behavior scores in GHD group were correlated with altered nodal profiles (P ≤ 0.046, uncorrected). CONCLUSION: GHD undergo an extensive reorganization in large-scale individual-level MBNs, probably due to abnormal cortico-striatal-thalamo-cerebellum loops, cortico-limbic-cerebellum, dorsal visual-sensorimotor-striatal, and auditory-cerebellum circuitry. This study highlights the crucial role of abnormal morphological connectivity underlying GHD, which might result in their relatively slower development in motor, cognitive, and linguistic functional within behavior problem performance.

Current trends and hotspots of depressive disorders with colorectal cancer: A bibliometric and visual study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Few bibliometric analyses have systematically summarized the research focus and recent progress in this field. AIM: To determine the research status and hotspots by bibliometric analysis of relevant publications on the relationship between CRC and depression. METHODS: Articles on depression in CRC patients were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to visualize bibliometric networks. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2022, Supportive Care in Cancer, the United States, Tilburg University, and Mols were the most productive and influential journal, country, institution, and author name. Co-occurrence cluster analysis of keywords placed quality of life, anxiety, and psychological stress in the center of the visual network diagram. Further clustering was performed for the clusters with studies of the relevant mechanism of action, which showed that: (1) Cytokines have a role essential for the occurrence and development of depressive disorders in CRC; (2) MicroRNAs have a role essential for the development of depressive disorders in CRC; (3) Some anticancer drugs have pro-depressant activity; and (4) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have both antitumor and antidepressant activity. CONCLUSION: Life quality and psychological nursing of the cancer population were key topics. The roles of cytokines and microRNAs, the pro-depression activity of anticancer drugs and their antitumor properties deserve in-depth study.

Jellyfish Stings: A Review of Skin Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Management.

With the surge in the human coastal population and the increasing frequency of human activities along the coast, cases of marine envenomation, particularly jellyfish envenomation, have notably risen. Jellyfish stings can induce a spectrum of symptoms that vary in severity, encompassing skin injuries, acute systemic venom effects, delayed indirect sequelae, and even fatality, causing significant distress to patients. Among these manifestations, the occurrence of skin lesions following jellyfish stings is prevalent and substantial. These lesions are characterized by evident blister formation, development of bullae, subcutaneous hemorrhage, erythema, papules, wheal, ecchymosis, and ulceration or skin necrosis. Local cutaneous manifestations may persist for several weeks or even months after the initial sting. Despite aggressive treatment, many skin injuries still result in significant pigmentation or scarring after recovery. To address this issue effectively, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive evidence-based medical research, elucidate various components within jellyfish venom, and elucidate its pathogenic mechanism to develop targeted treatment programs. This article aims to review the skin symptoms, pathophysiology, and management of jellyfish stings. Such considerations can provide comprehensive guidance to medical professionals and the public and minimize the harm caused by jellyfish stings.

Acupuncture, an effective treatment for post-stroke neurologic dysfunction.

Stroke episodes represent a significant subset of cerebrovascular diseases globally, often resulting in diverse neurological impairments such as hemiparesis, spasticity, dysphagia, sensory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, depression, aphasia, and other sequelae. These dysfunctions markedly diminish patients' quality of life and impose substantial burdens on their families and society. Consequently, the restoration of neurological function post-stroke remains a primary objective of clinical treatment. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for stroke treatment due to its distinct advantages in managing cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. Numerous clinical studies have substantiated the efficacy of acupuncture in ameliorating neurological dysfunctions following stroke. This review systematically examines the improvements in post-stroke neurological dysfunction attributable to acupuncture treatment and elucidates potential mechanisms of action proposed in recent years. Additionally, this article aims to present novel therapeutic concepts and strategies for the clinical management of post-stroke neurological dysfunction.

PV and SST neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex regulate social disorders in adulthood induced by sensory abnormalities in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood sensory abnormalities experience has a crucial influence on the structure and function of the adult brain. The underlying mechanism of neurological function induced by childhood sensory abnormalities experience is still unclear. Our study was to investigate whether the GABAergic neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regulate social disorders caused by childhood sensory abnormalities experience. METHODS: We used two mouse models, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection mice and bilateral whisker trimming (BWT) mice in childhood. We applied immunofluorescence, chemogenetic and optogenetic to study the mechanism of parvalbumin (PV) neurons and somatostatin (SST) neurons in ACC in regulating social disorders induced by sensory abnormalities in childhood. RESULTS: Inflammatory pain in childhood leads to social preference disorders, while BWT in childhood leads to social novelty disorders in adult mice. Inflammatory pain and BWT in childhood caused an increase in the number of PV and SST neurons, respectively, in adult mice ACC. Inhibiting PV neurons in ACC improved social preference disorders in adult mice that experienced inflammatory pain during childhood. Inhibiting SST neurons in ACC improved social novelty disorders in adult mice that experienced BWT in childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that PV and SST neurons of the ACC may play a critical role in regulating social disorders induced by sensory abnormalities in childhood.