Natural variation in GhKASI_A05 modulates cottonseed oil content in Gossypium hirsutum L.

Cotton is of great economic value because of its fiber that is used in natural textile commodities and its seeds that contain an edible oil with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and biodiesel applications. Here, we reported that GhKASI_A05 was associated with the cottonseed oil content (SOC) in a natural population via candidate gene association analysis. An 11-bp Indel located in the GhKASI_A05 promoter was found to contribute to SOC and differential expression in upland cotton inbred accessions. Interaction analysis showed that GhWRI1, an AP2/EREBP family transcription factor, that reportedly functions in plant seed oil and fatty acids (FAs) accumulation, directly bound to AW-box cis-elements in two haplotypes of the GhKASI_A05 promoter and activated the expression of GhKASI_A05 at different levels. The seed-specific overexpression of GhKASI_A05 resulted in increased seed size, weight, and protein content, and C16:0 and C18:1 contents but reduced SOC. Our results provide new insights into the biological function of GhKASI in SOC and effective strategies for cotton breeding in the future.

[Analysis of the therapeutic effect of trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach for high acetabular posterior wall fracture].

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of f trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach for high acetabular posterior wall fracture. METHODS: Between January 2020 and December 2022, 20 patients with high acetabular posterior wall fractures were retrospectively analyzed, including 12 males and 8 females, aged 18 to 75 years old. They were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods. Ten patients were treated with greater trochanteric osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach as the observation group, including 5 males and 5 females, aged from 18 to 75 years old. Ten patients were treated with Kocher-Langenbeck approach alone as the control group, including 7 males and 3 females, aged from 18 to 71 years old. Matta reduction criteria were used to evaluate the reduction quality of the two groups, and Harris score was used to compare the hip function of the two groups at the latest follow-up. The operation time, blood loss and postoperative complications of the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 10 to 24 months. According to the Matta fracture reduction quality evaluation criteria, the observation group achieved anatomical reduction in 6 cases, satisfactory reduction in 3 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction in 1 case, while the control group only achieved anatomical reduction in 3 cases, satisfactory reduction in 3 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction in 4 cases. At the final follow-up, the Harris hip score ranged from 71.4 to 96.6 in the observation group and 65.3 to 94.5 in the control group. According to the results of Harris score. The hip joint function of the observation group was excellent in 6 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case. The hip joint function of the control group was excellent in 2 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases. In the observation group, the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 700 ml, and the operation duration ranged from 120 to 180 min;in the control group, the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 650 ml, and the operation duration ranged from 100 to 180 min. Complications in the observation group included 1 case of traumatic arthritis and 1 case of heterotopic ossification, while complications in the control group included 3 cases of traumatic arthritis, 3 cases of heterotopic ossification and 1 case of hip abduction weakness. CONCLUSION: Trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach significantly improved anatomical fracture reduction rates, enhanced excellent and good hip joint function outcomes, and reduced surgical complication incidence compared to the Kocher-Langenbeck approach alone. Clinical application of this combined approach is promising, although larger studies are needed for further validation.

[Anti-myocardial ischemic injury effects and mechanisms of cryptotanshinone in regulating macrophage polarisation through Dectin-1 signalling pathway].

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism by which cryptotanshinone(CTS) may exert its anti-myo-cardial ischemic effect through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the dendritic cell-associated C-type lectin 1(Dectin-1) signaling pathway. Male C57BL/6 mice, aged six weeks, were utilized to establish myocardial ischemia models and were subsequently divided into five groups: sham, model, CTS low-dose(21 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), CTS high-dose(84 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and dapagliflozin(0.14 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). The cardiac function, serum enzyme levels, Dectin-1 expression, macrophage polarization, and neutrophil infiltration in the myocardial infarction area were assessed in each group. An in vitro model of M1-type macrophages was constructed using lipopolysaccharide/interfe-ron-γ(LPS/IFN-γ) stimulated RAW264.7 cells to investigate the impact of CTS on macrophage polarization and to examine alterations in key proteins within the Dectin-1 signaling pathway. In the CTS group, compared to the model group mice, there was a significant improvement in the cardiac function and myocardial injury, along with a notable increase in the ratio of M2/M1-type macrophages in the myocardial infarcted area and a decrease in neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, Dectin-1 exhibited low expression. The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that CTS can decrease the expression of M1-type marker genes and increase the expression of M2-type marker genes. Besides, it can decrease the levels of Dectin-1 and the phosphorylation of its associated proteins, including spleen tyrosine kinase(Syk), protein kinase B(Akt), nuclear factor-kappaB p65(NF-κB p65), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases(ERK1/2). Additionally, CTS was found to enhance the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-6(STAT6). The above results suggest that CTS exerts its anti-myocardial ischemic injury effect by regulating macrophage polarization through the Dectin-1 signaling pathway.

Application of an Auditory-Based Feedback Distortion to Modify Gait Symmetry in Healthy Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Augmenting auditory feedback through an error-augmentation paradigm could facilitate the perception and correction of gait asymmetry in stroke survivors, but how such a paradigm should be tailored to individual asymmetry profiles remains unclear. Before implementing the paradigm in rehabilitation, we need to investigate the instantaneous effects of distorted footstep sound feedback on gait symmetry in healthy young adults. METHODS: Participants (n = 12) walked on a self-paced treadmill while listening to their footstep sounds, which were distorted unilaterally according to five conditions presented randomly: small delay; small advance; large delay; large advance; or unmodified (control). The primary outcomes were swing time ratio (SWR) and step length ratio (SLR). Secondary outcomes included walking speed, bilateral swing time, step length, and maximum toe height, as well as hip, knee, and ankle angle excursions. RESULTS: SWR (p < 0.001) but not SLR (p ≥ 0.05) was increased in all distorted feedback conditions compared to the control condition. Increased swing time on the perturbed side ipsilateral to feedback distortion was observed in the advanced conditions (p < 0.001), while swing time increased bilaterally in the delayed conditions (p < 0.001) but to a larger extent on the unperturbed side contralateral to feedback distortion. Increases in swing time were accompanied by larger maximum toe height as well as larger hip and knee joint excursions (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). No differences in any outcomes were observed between small and large feedback distortion magnitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Distorted footstep sound feedback successfully elicits adaptation in temporal gait symmetry (SWR), with distinct modulation patterns for advanced vs. delayed footstep sounds. Spatial symmetry (SLR) remains unaltered, likely because auditory feedback primarily conveys temporal information. This research lays the groundwork to implement personalized augmented auditory feedback in neurorehabilitation.

The role of gastric electrical stimulation in postsurgical gastroparesis: a retrospective analysis from 2 centers.

BACKGROUND: Postsurgical gastroparesis, resulting from surgical interventions on the stomach or vagal nerve injury, poses significant clinical challenges with patients presenting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although gastric electrical stimulation (GES) offers potential relief, its efficacy in refractory postsurgical gastroparesis requires further examination. This study evaluated the clinical response to GES in patients with refractory postsurgical gastroparesis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted across 2 study sites, involving 185 patients with drug-refractory postsurgical gastroparesis who underwent both temporary and permanent GES placements. Patients were categorized based on their surgical history: bariatric surgery, Nissen fundoplication, and others. The impact of GES was evaluated using Food and Drug Administration-compliant patient-reported outcomes scores and other relevant clinical metrics at baseline, after temporary GES placement, and 6 months after permanent GES placement. All 3 groups were also analyzed by the symptom improved group vs the unimproved group at baseline and 6 months after GES placement. RESULTS: After GES implantation, all patient groups significantly improved upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The bariatric surgery group and Nissen fundoplication group specifically identified anorexia as the most severe symptom after GES after temporary GES placement among 3 groups (2.5 [0.4-3.5] and 1.5 [0.0-2.5], respectively). Nissen fundoplication patients had the highest score of anorexia among the 3 groups 6 months after GES (3.0 [2.0-3.5], P = .018). Despite these improvements, GES did not enhance gastric emptying test results. Symptomatic improvements were notably significant in patients who initially reported higher symptom severity than those who did not. CONCLUSION: GES shows promise in alleviating symptoms of refractory postsurgical gastroparesis, particularly in those with severe initial symptoms. However, its impact on gastric emptying remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to establish GES as a standard treatment for postsurgical gastroparesis.

Fanlian Huazhuo Formula alleviates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by modulating autophagy and lipid synthesis signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Fanlian Huazhuo Formula (FLHZF) has the functions of invigorating spleen and resolving phlegm, clearing heat and purging turbidity. It has been identified to have therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical application. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently diagnosed in patients with T2DM. However, the therapeutic potential of FLHZF on NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms need further investigation. AIM: To elucidate the effects of FLHZF on NAFLD and explore the underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: HepG2 cells were treated with free fatty acid for 24 hours to induce lipid accumulation cell model. Subsequently, experiments were conducted with the different concentrations of freeze-dried powder of FLHZF for 24 hours. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8-week to establish a mouse model of NAFLD, and then treated with the different concentrations of FLHZF for 10 weeks. RESULTS: FLHZF had therapeutic potential against lipid accumulation and abnormal changes in biochemical indicators in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments verified that FLHZF alleviated abnormal lipid metabolism might by reducing oxidative stress, regulating the AMPKα/SREBP-1C signaling pathway, activating autophagy, and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION: FLHZF alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism in NAFLD models by regulating reactive oxygen species, autophagy, apoptosis, and lipid synthesis signaling pathways, indicating its potential for clinical application in NAFLD.

ScLNet: A cornea with scleral lens OCT layers segmentation dataset and new multi-task model.

Objective: To develop deep learning methods with high accuracy for segmenting irregular corneas and detecting the tear fluid reservoir (TFR) boundary under the scleral lens. Additionally, this study aims to provide a publicly available cornea with scleral lens OCT dataset, including manually labeled layer masks for training and validation of segmentation algorithms. This study introduces ScLNet, a dataset comprising cornea with Scleral Lens (ScL) optical coherence tomography (OCT) images with layer annotations, and a multi-task network designed to achieve rapid, accurate, automated segmentation of scleral lens with regular and irregular corneas. Methods: We created a dataset comprising 31,360 OCT images with scleral lens annotations. The network architecture includes an encoder with multi-scale input and a context coding layer, along with two decoders for specific tasks. The primary task focuses on predicting ScL, TFR, and cornea regions, while the auxiliary task, aimed at predicting the boundaries of ScL, TFR, and cornea, enhances feature extraction for the main task. Segmentation results were compared with state-of-the-art methods and evaluated using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), intersection over union (IoU), Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), Precision, and Hausdorff distance (HD). Results: ScLNet achieves 98.22 % DSC, 96.50 % IoU, 98.13 % MCC, 98.35 % Precision, and 3.6840 HD (in pixels) in segmenting ScL; 97.78 % DSC, 95.66 % IoU, 97.71 % MCC, 97.70 % Precision, and 3.7838 HD (in pixels) in segmenting TFR; and 99.22 % DSC, 98.45 % IoU, 99.15 % MCC, 99.14 % Precision, and 3.5355 HD (in pixels) in segmenting cornea. The layer interfaces recognized by ScLNet closely align with expert annotations, as evidenced by high IoU scores. Boundary metrics further confirm its effectiveness. Conclusion: We constructed a dataset of corneal OCT images with ScL wearing, which includes regular and irregular cornea patients. The proposed ScLNet achieves high accuracy in extracting ScL, TFR, and corneal layer masks and boundaries from OCT images of the dataset.

Effects of cadmium on the intestinal health of the snail Bradybaena ravida Benson.

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and bioaccumulative metal that can be enriched in the tissues and organs of living organisms through the digestive tract. However, more research is needed to determine whether food-sourced Cd affects the homeostasis of host gut microflora. In this study, the snail Bradybaena ravida (Benson) was used as a model organism fed with mulberry leaves spiked with different concentrations of Cd (0, 0.052, 0.71, and 1.94 mg kg-1). By combining 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with biochemical characterization, it was found that there were increases in the overall microbial diversity and abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Aeromonas, and Rickettsia in the gut of B. ravida after exposure to Cd. However, the abundances of potential Cd-resistant microbes in the host's gut, including Sphingobacterium, Lactococcus, and Chryseobacterium, decreased with increasing Cd concentrations in the mulberry leaves. In addition, there was a significant reduction in activities of energy, nutrient metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes for gut microbiota of snails treated with high concentrations of Cd compared to those with low ones. These findings highlight the interaction of snail gut microbiota with Cd exposure, indicating the potential role of terrestrial animal gut microbiota in environmental monitoring through rapid recognition and response to environmental pollution.

Autonomic and Enteric Profiling May Help Predict Response to Diverse Obesity Therapies.

PURPOSE: Changes in autonomic (ANS) and enteric nervous systems (ENS) may be involved in pathogenesis of obesity. We hypothesized that baseline autonomic and enteric parameters may predict outcomes of diverse obesity therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied ANS and ENS physiology in 37 patients (8 male, 29 female, age 45 years, weight 129.7 kg) at 4 centers in patients undergoing medical (9: low-calorie diet) versus invasive (22: 16 sleeve, 6 bypass) and semi-invasive (6: 2 band, 2 high energy stimulation, 2 aspiration) weight loss therapies. Weight loss was reported as percent weight loss from baseline to latest values at 1 year and in some up to 5 years; classified as < or > /= 20% for each group. ANS testing included sympathetic adrenergic function by measuring reflex vasoconstriction and postural adjustment ratio. ENS was measured non-invasively using cutaneous low-resolution electrogastrogram. RESULTS: Percent weight loss was greater with the invasive (28.5%) than semi-invasive (9.1%) or non-invasive low-calorie diet (4.4%) (p < .001). Percent weight loss at 1 year (and up to 5 years) corresponded to the adrenergic measure of postural adjustment ratio (r = .42, p = .012), total pulse amplitude at rest (r = .56, p < .001), and electrogastrogram standing-to-rest difference (r = .33, p = .056). CONCLUSION: Baseline autonomic and enteric function measures correspond to percentage with loss in this pilot study using diverse weight loss methods. Autonomic and enteric profiling has potential clinical use for evaluation and treatment of obesity but needed larger controlled trials.

A dominant negative mutation of GhMYB25-like alters cotton fiber initiation, reducing lint and fuzz.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers, vital natural textile materials, are single-cell trichomes that differentiate from the ovule epidermis. These fibers are categorized as lint (longer fibers useful for spinning) or fuzz (shorter, less useful fibers). Currently, developing cotton varieties with high lint yield but without fuzz remains challenging due to our limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying fiber initiation. This study presents the identification and characterization of a naturally occurring dominant negative mutation GhMYB25-like_AthapT, which results in a reduced lint and fuzzless phenotype. The GhMYB25-like_AthapT protein exerts its dominant negative effect by suppressing the activity of GhMYB25-like during lint and fuzz initiation. Intriguingly, the negative effect of GhMYB25-like_AthapT could be alleviated by high expression levels of GhMYB25-like. We also uncovered the role of GhMYB25-like in regulating the expression of key genes such as GhPDF2 (PROTODERMAL FACTOR 2), CYCD3; 1 (CYCLIN D3; 1), and PLD (Phospholipase D), establishing its significance as a pivotal transcription factor in fiber initiation. We identified other genes within this regulatory network, expanding our understanding of the determinants of fiber cell fate. These findings offer valuable insights for cotton breeding and contribute to our fundamental understanding of fiber development.

Depressive symptoms and daily living dependence in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the mediating role of positive and negative perceived stress.

BACKGROUND: Higher stress is associated with higher levels of depression and instrumental-activities-of-daily-living (IADL) dependence, and depression is strongly associated with specific IADL disabilities. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of perceived stress on the association between depression and IADL dependence among older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: We examined baseline data collected from a longitudinal study that recruited 110 patients with DM aged ≥ 65 years from the endocrinology outpatient clinic of a district hospital. The instruments used for our measurement processes comprised a demographic data sheet and Chinese versions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-S), and the Lawton IADL Scale. We assessed the mediating effects of positive perceived stress (PPS) and negative perceived stress (NPS) after controlling for five covariates by using a regression-based model run through the SPSS macro PROCESS. RESULTS: We observed negative correlations between GDS-S scores and PPS and between PPS and IADL dependence; we noted positive correlations between GDS-S scores and NPS and between NPS and IADL dependence (all P < 0.01). The indirect effect is coefficient = 0.12, [95% confidence interval = (0.0, 0.33)], suggesting that PPS achieves a mediating effect between depressive symptoms and IADL dependence. However, the NPS does not achieve a mediating effect in the relationship between depressive symptoms and IADL dependence (coefficient = 0.06, 95% CI = - 0.03, 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Personal PPS mediates the association between depression and IADL dependence in older adults with DM. This finding suggests that providing patients with psychological education to promote their PPS may help prevent their functional decline.

Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage for Late-Stage Functionalization.

Late-stage functionalization (LSF) introduces functional group or structural modification at the final stage of the synthesis of natural products, drugs, and complex compounds. It is anticipated that late-stage functionalization would improve drug discovery's effectiveness and efficiency and hasten the creation of various chemical libraries. Consequently, late-stage functionalization of natural products is a productive technique to produce natural product derivatives, which significantly impacts chemical biology and drug development. Carbon-carbon bonds make up the fundamental framework of organic molecules. Compared with the carbon-carbon bond construction, the carbon-carbon bond activation can directly enable molecular editing (deletion, insertion, or modification of atoms or groups of atoms) and provide a more efficient and accurate synthetic strategy. However, the efficient and selective activation of unstrained carbon-carbon bonds is still one of the most challenging projects in organic synthesis. This review encompasses the strategies employed in recent years for carbon-carbon bond cleavage by explicitly focusing on their applicability in late-stage functionalization. This review expands the current discourse on carbon-carbon bond cleavage in late-stage functionalization reactions by providing a comprehensive overview of the selective cleavage of various types of carbon-carbon bonds. This includes C-C(sp), C-C(sp2), and C-C(sp3) single bonds; carbon-carbon double bonds; and carbon-carbon triple bonds, with a focus on catalysis by transition metals or organocatalysts. Additionally, specific topics, such as ring-opening processes involving carbon-carbon bond cleavage in three-, four-, five-, and six-membered rings, are discussed, and exemplar applications of these techniques are showcased in the context of complex bioactive molecules or drug discovery. This review aims to shed light on recent advancements in the field and propose potential avenues for future research in the realm of late-stage carbon-carbon bond functionalization.

Gastroparesis and Gastroparesis Syndromes as Neuromuscular Disorders.

Gastroparesis syndromes (GpS) are a spectrum of disorders presenting with characteristic symptoms increasingly recognized as being gastrointestinal (GI) neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). This review focuses on GpS as a manifestation of neurologic disorders of GI NMD. GpS can be associated with systemic abnormalities, including inflammatory, metabolic, and serologic disorders, as well as autoimmune antibodies via nerve and muscle targets in the GI tract, which can be treated with immunotherapy, such as intravenous immunoglobulin. GpS are associated with autonomic (ANS) and enteric (ENS) dysfunction. Disorders of ANS may interact with the ENS and are the subject of continued investigation. ENS disorders have been recognized for a century but have only recently begun to be fully quantified. Anatomic structural changes in the GI tract are increasingly recognized in GpS. Detailed descriptions of anatomic changes in GpS, and their correlation with physiologic findings, have opened a new era of investigation. The management of GpS, when viewed as GI NMD, has shifted the paradigms of both diagnosis and treatment. This article concludes with current approaches to GpS directed at underlying neuromuscular pathology.

Gossypium mustelinum genome and an introgression population enrich interspecific genetics and breeding in cotton.

KEY MESSAGE: Genomic and genetic resources of G. mustelinum were effective for identifying genes for qualitative and quantitative traits. Gossypium mustelinum represents the earliest diverging evolutionary lineage of polyploid Gossypium, representing a rich gene pool for numerous desirable traits lost in cotton cultivars. Accurate information of the genomic features and the genetic architecture of objective traits are essential for the discovery and utilization of G. mustelinum genes. Here, we presented a chromosome-level genome assembly of G. mustelinum and developed an introgression population of the G. mustelinum in the background of G. hirsutum that contained 264 lines. We precisely delimited the boundaries of the 1,662 introgression segments with the help of G. mustelinum genome assembly, and 87% of crossover regions (COs) were less than 5 Kb. Genes for fuzzless and green fuzz were discovered, and a total of 14 stable QTLs were identified with 12 novel QTLs across four independent environments. A new fiber length QTL, qUHML/SFC-A11, was confined to a 177-Kb region, and GmOPB4 and GmGUAT11 were considered as the putative candidate genes as potential negative regulator for fiber length. We presented a genomic and genetic resource of G. mustelinum, which we demonstrated that it was efficient for identifying genes for qualitative and quantitative traits. Our study built a valuable foundation for cotton genetics and breeding.

Relation of environmental factors with activity limitations and participation restrictions in older adults with diabetes mellitus over time: an international classification of functioning framework perspective.

BACKGROUND: Activity limitations and participation restrictions were observed in patients with diabetes, which may impact their quality of life. Environmental factors such as seasonal effects, resources and perceived stress may play important role in activity limitations and participation restrictions. In this study, a variant of International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model was used to clarify the associations of function/structure factors, personal factors and environmental factors with activity limitations and participation restrictions. METHODS: This was a longitudinal design with 1 year follow-up. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale- short form, Perceived Stress Scale, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living assessments were measured at 3-month intervals for long-term follow-up in 110 patients with diabetes aged ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: Hierarchical linear regression models revealed that age (p = 0.001), perceived health status, MMSE scores (p < 0.01), and positive perceived stress (p < 0.001) were predictors of activity limitations (adjusted R2 = 53%). GDS-S (p < 0.05) and positive perceived stress (p < 0.01) were predictors of participation restrictions (adjusted R2 = 30%). Generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that seasonal effects, age, perceived health status, MMSE predicted the changes of slopes in activity limitations. Seasonal effects and GDS-S were predictors of the changes of slopes for participation restrictions (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ICF can be used to identify the risk factors for activity limitations and participation restrictions in older adults with diabetes. Practitioners should provide individualized interventions with consideration of these risk factors.

Gastroparesis syndromes: emerging drug targets and potential therapeutic opportunities.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroparesis (Gp) and related disorders such as chronic unexplained nausea and vomiting and functional dyspepsia, known as gastropareis syndromes (GpS), have large unmet needs. Mainstays of GpS treatments are diet and drugs. AREAS COVERED: The purpose of this review is to explore potential new medications and other therapies for gastroparesis. Before discussing possible new drugs, the currently used drugs are discussed. These include dopamine receptor antagonists, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists and antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists and other anti-emetics. The article also considers future drugs that may be used for Gp, based on currently known pathophysiology. EXPERT OPINION: Gaps in knowledge about the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and related syndromes are critical to developing therapeutic agents that will be successful. Recent major developments in the gastroparesis arena are related to microscopic anatomy, cellular function, and pathophysiology. The major challenges moving forward will be to develop the genetic and biochemical correlates of these major developments in gastroparesis research.

Two-dimensional semiconducting Cu(I)/Sb(III) bimetallic hybrid iodides with a double perovskite structure and photocurrent response.

Stable lead-free hybrid halide double perovskites have sparked widespread interest as a new kind of photoelectric material. Herein, for the first time, we successfully incorporated copper(I) and antimony(III) into two two-dimensional (2D) hybrid bimetallic double perovskite iodides, namely (NH3C6H11)4CuSbI8·H2O (CuSbI-1) and (NH3C6H10NH3)2CuSbI8·0.5H2O (CuSbI-2), using cyclohexylamine and 1,4-cyclohexanediamine as organic components. The band gaps for CuSbI-1 and CuSbI-2 were determined to be 2.22(2) eV and 2.21(2) eV, respectively. Furthermore, these two layered perovskites were readily dissolved in an organic solvent (1 mL DMF can dissolve 1 g sample for each compound) and could form smooth, pinhole-free, and uniform thin films through a facile spin-coating method. Photocurrent experiments with xenon lamp irradiation revealed the obvious photoelectric responses for both 2D double perovskites. The ratio of the photocurrent to the dark current (Ilight/Idark) for CuSbI-1 and CuSbI-2 is about 23 and 10, respectively, further suggesting their potential to be applied as light harvesters or light detectors. More importantly, these 2D double perovskite iodides show high moisture and thermal stabilities, indicating their potential for optoelectronic applications.

Instantaneous effect of real-time avatar visual feedback on interlimb coordination during walking post-stroke.

BACKGROUND: Gait asymmetry, which is common after stroke, is typically characterized using spatiotemporal parameters of gait that do not consider the aspect of movement coordination. In this manuscript, we examined whether an avatar-based feedback provided as a single-session intervention to improve gait symmetry also improved inter-limb coordination among people with stroke and we examined the relationship between changes in coordination and step length symmetry. METHODS: Twelve stroke participants walked on a self-paced treadmill with and without a self-avatar that replicated their locomotor movements in real time. Continuous relative phase and angular coefficient of correspondence calculated using bilateral sagittal hip movements were used to quantify temporal and spatial interlimb coordination, respectively. Spatial gait symmetry, previously shown to improve with the avatar feedback, was quantified using step length ratio between both limbs, with the largest value as numerator. FINDINGS: Participants who improved their spatial symmetry during avatar exposure also improved their temporal coordination, while spatial coordination remained unchanged. Overall, improvements in spatial symmetry correlated positively with improvements in temporal coordination. The non-paretic hip and paretic ankle angle excursion in the sagittal plane also significantly increased during avatar exposure. INTERPRETATION: Improvements in gait symmetry may be explained by changes in interlimb coordination. Current data and existing literature further suggest that such improvements are largely driven by adaptations in non-paretic leg movements, notably at the hip. By providing real-time information on walking movements not affordable in other ways, avatar-based feedback shows great potential to improve gait symmetry and interlimb coordination post-stroke.

Fine-mapping and candidate gene analysis of qFL-c10-1 controlling fiber length in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

KEY MESSAGE: A fiber length QTL, qFL-c10-1, was fine-mapped to a 96.5-kb region containing one gene that has not been characterized in plants. Fiber length is an important component of cotton fiber quality, which is associated with other quality properties such as fiber strength, fiber maturity, and fineness. In our previous studies, a stable QTL qFL-c10-1 controlling fiber length had been identified on chromosome A10 in an upland cotton recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross between Jimian5 and DH962. To fine-map qFL-c10-1, an F2 population with 1081 individual plants from a cross between a recombinant line DJ61 and Jimian5 was established. Using linkage analysis and progeny recombination experiment, qFL-c10-1 was mapped into a 96.5-kb genomic region that just contained one proper transcript Ghir_A10G022020 (described as GhFL10), an undescribed gene in plants. One 214-bp deletion was identified in the promoter region of DJ61 compared with Jimian5. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and comparative analysis of parental sequences suggested that GhFL10 was the most promising candidate gene for qFL-c10-1. According to RNA-seq, yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), we speculate that GhFL10 interacts with NF-YA transcription factors to negatively regulate fiber elongation.

Safety and efficacy of over-the-scope clips versus standard therapy for high-risk nonvariceal upper GI bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is a common condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic hemostasis remains the mainstay of therapy and is mainly aimed at effective hemostasis and prevention of rebleeding. Lesions with high-risk stigmata can have rebleeding rates of as high as 26.3%. Rebleeding is associated with increased mortality and reduced success rates of endoscopic retreatment. The over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) is a device with widespread endoscopic indications including hemostasis for nonvariceal UGIB (NVUGIB). The current study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing OTSCs versus standard therapy (STD) for NVUGIB. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched through April 2022 for studies comparing OTSCs and STD for NVUGIBs. Primary outcomes were clinical success rates, rebleeding rates, and procedure times, and secondary outcomes were mortality rates and length of hospitalization. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled odds ratios to compare outcomes between the OTSC and STD groups. RESULTS: Ten studies, including 4 randomized controlled trials, with 914 patients were included in the final analysis. Of patients with NVUGIB, 431 were treated with OTSCs and 483 with STD. Patients treated with OTSCs had an overall lower risk of 7-day (risk ratio [RR], .41; 95% confidence interval [CI], .24-.68; I2 = 0%) and 30-day rebleeding (RR, .46; 95% CI, .31-.65; I2 = 0%). Clinical success rates were higher with OTSCs compared with STD (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06-1.75). Mean procedure time was shorter in the OTSC group by 6.62 minutes (95% CI, 2.58-10.67) versus the STD group (I2 = 84%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of mortality between the OTSC and STD groups (RR, .55; 95% CI, .24-1.24; I2 = 0%). Length of hospitalization was comparable between both groups, with a pooled mean difference for OTSCs versus STD of .87 days (95% CI, -1.62 to 3.36 days; I2 = 71%). CONCLUSIONS: Although our study was limited to high-risk NVUGIB, our analysis showed that hemostasis with OTSCs is associated with a lower 7-day and 30-day rebleeding rates, higher clinical success rates, and shorter procedure time with similar mortality rates and length of hospital stay as compared with STD.