Synergistic effect of additional anlotinib and immunotherapy as second-line or later-line treatment in pancreatic cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is in urgent need of a second-line or later-line treatment strategy. We aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of additional anlotinib, specifically anlotinib in combination with immunotherapy, in patients with PDAC who have failed first-line therapy. Methods: Patients with pathological diagnosis of PDAC were additionally treated with anlotinib, and some patients were treated with anti-PD-1 agents at the same time, which could be retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy and safety of additional anlotinib were evaluated. Results: A total of 23 patients were included. In patients treated with additional anlotinib, the overall median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.8 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 6.3 months, regardless of anti-PD-1 agents. Among patients receiving additional anlotinib in combination with anti-PD-1 agents, median PFS and OS were 1.8 and 6.5 months, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) were observed in 16 patients (69.6%). In patients treated with additional anlotinib, the majority of AEs were grade 1-3. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with baseline red blood cell distribution width (RDW) <14% treated with additional anlotinib plus anti-PD-1 agents had significantly longer OS than patients with baseline RDW ≥14% (p = 0.025). Patients with additional anlotinib plus anti-PD-1 agents as second-line therapy had a longer OS than those treated as later-line therapy (p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that baseline RDW was the only independent risk factor for OS (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The combination of anlotinib and immunotherapy represents an effective add-on therapy with tolerable AEs as second- or later-line therapy in patients with PDAC, particularly in patients with baseline RDW <14%.

Whole-genome sequencing establishes persistence of biofilm-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa detected from microbiological surveillance of gastrointestinal endoscopes.

BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of P. aeruginosa in microbiological surveillance (MS) cultures from gastrointestinal endoscopes was detected between March 2020 to March 2023 in Tan Tock Seng Hospital Singapore. The aim of this report is to describe the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in this investigation. METHODS: WGS was performed for all P. aeruginosa isolates with pairwise comparison of isolates to assess for genomic linkage. Comprehensive review of reprocessing practices and environmental sampling was performed. FINDINGS: Twenty-two P. aeruginosa isolates were detected from endoscopic MS cultures. Fifteen (68%) isolates were available for WGS. Eighteen pairwise comparisons of isolates were made, of which 10 were found to be genomically linked. One endoscope had P. aeruginosa repeatedly cultured from subsequent MS that were genomically linked and persistent despite repeat endoscopic reprocessing, establishing the persistence of biofilm that could not be eradicated with routine reprocessing. All P. aeruginosa isolates cultured from other different endoscopes were genetically distinct. Investigation into reprocessing practices revealed the use of air/water valves connected to endoscopes during clinical use. Inspection of these valves revealed the presences of cracks and tears. All other environmental samples were negative. CONCLUSIONS: The WGS findings helped to deprioritize common source contamination and supported the hypothesis of biofilm buildup within endoscopes leading to repeatedly positive MS cultures that were genomically linked. This was possibly related to incomplete reprocessing of the damaged air/water valves, resulting in biofilm build up. All faulty valves were changed and subsequently cleaned separately with ultrasonic cleaning followed by sterilization which resolved this incident.

Tissue Classification After Bone-Anchored Hearing Implant Surgery: A Machine Learning Approach to Monitoring Skin Response.

HYPOTHESIS: Here, we aim to 1) expand the available evidence for the use of machine learning techniques for soft tissue classification after BCD surgery and 2) discuss the implications of such approaches toward the development of classification applications to aid in tissue monitoring. BACKGROUND: The application of machine learning techniques in the soft tissue literature has become a large field of study. One of the most commonly reported outcomes after percutaneous bone-conduction device (BCD) surgery is soft tissue health. Unfortunately, the classification of tissue around the abutment as healthy versus not healthy is a subjective process, even though such decisions can have implications for treatment (i.e., topical steroid versus surgical revision) and resources (e.g., clinician time). METHODS: We built and tested a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for the classification of tissues that were rated as "green" (i.e., healthy), "yellow" (i.e., unhealthy minor), and "red" (i.e., unhealthy severe). METHODS: Representative image samples were gathered from a regional bone-conduction amplification site (N = 398; 181 samples of green; 144 samples of yellow; 73 samples of red). The image samples were cropped, zoomed, and normalized. Feature extraction was then implemented and used as the input to train an advanced CNN model. RESULTS: Accuracy of image classification for the healthy ("green") versus not healthy ("yellow" and "red") model was approximately 87%. Accuracy of image classification for the unhealthy ("yellow") versus unhealthy ("red") model was approximately 94%. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring tissue health is an ongoing challenge for BCD users and their clinicians not trained in soft tissue management (e.g., audiologists). If machine learning can aid in the classification of tissue health, this would have significant implications for stakeholders. Here we discuss how machine learning can be applied to tissue classification as a potential technological aid in the coming years.

Changes in the gut microbiota of patients with sarcopenia based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Sarcopenia, an age-related disease, has become a major public health concern, threatening muscle health and daily functioning in older adults around the world. Changes in the gut microbiota can affect skeletal muscle metabolism, but the exact association is unclear. The richness of gut microbiota refers to the number of different species in a sample, while diversity not only considers the number of species but also the evenness of their abundances. Alpha diversity is a comprehensive metric that measures both the number of different species (richness) and the evenness of their abundances, thereby providing a thorough understanding of the species composition and structure of a community. Methods: This meta-analysis explored the differences in intestinal microbiota diversity and richness between populations with sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia based on 16 s rRNA gene sequencing and identified new targets for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for cross-sectional studies on the differences in gut microbiota between sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia published from 1995 to September 2023 scale and funnel plot analysis assessed the risk of bias, and performed a meta-analysis with State v.15. 1. Results: A total of 17 randomized controlled studies were included, involving 4,307 participants aged 43 to 87 years. The alpha diversity of intestinal flora in the sarcopenia group was significantly reduced compared to the non-sarcopenia group: At the richness level, the proportion of Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria decreased, although there was no significant change in other phyla. At the genus level, the abundance of f-Ruminococcaceae; g-Faecalibacterium, g-Prevotella, Lachnoclostridium, and other genera decreased, whereas the abundance of g-Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Shigella increased. Discussion: This study showed that the richness of the gut microbiota decreased with age in patients with sarcopenia. Furthermore, the relative abundance of different microbiota changed related to age, comorbidity, participation in protein metabolism, and other factors. This study provides new ideas for targeting the gut microbiota for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=475887, CRD475887.

Sodium sulphate ameliorates hypercholesterolemia via the upregulation of Cyp7a1 in hepatocytes and alleviates hepatic insulin resistance via the downregulation of Trib3 in mice with high cholesterol diets.

Amelioration of hypercholesterolemia is essential for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Sodium sulphate is the effective component of mirabilite, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 7 weeks and were treated with sodium sulphate in the last three of those weeks. Sodium sulphate significantly reduced the total cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in the serum of mice fed the HCD. In addition, cytochrome P450 7a1 and 39a1 were significantly upregulated in the livers of mice treated with sodium sulphate. Furthermore, tribbles pseudokinase 3 expression was significantly increased in the livers of mice fed the HCD, but was significantly reduced by sodium sulphate treatment. In terms of the insulin signaling pathway, the ratio of phosphorylated AKT to total AKT in the livers of mice fed the HCD was significantly lower compared with that of control mice fed a normal diet, but was significantly increased by sodium sulphate treatment. Sodium sulphate treatment also reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)15 in the ileum and inhibited the FGF15/FGF receptor 4-Klotho ß/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun signaling pathway in the livers of mice fed the HCD. In addition, sodium sulphate changed the composition of the gut microbiota of mice fed the HCD. In conclusion, sodium sulphate may mitigate hypercholesterolemia and hepatic insulin resistance in mice fed an HCD.

Association of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Polymorphisms With Serological Lipid and Inflammatory Markers.

Background  The study aims to assess the association of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms with serological lipid and inflammatory markers to determine their potential role in predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).  Methodology  A total of 915 individuals underwent testing for lipid and inflammatory biomarkers at Vibrant America Clinical Laboratory. Clinical data, blood lipid and inflammatory profiles, and APOE genotyping were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).  Results Compared to the E3/E3 genotype, individuals with E2/E3 genotypes showed higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A (APOA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). E2/E4 genotype carriers had higher levels of HDL, triglycerides, Lp(a), and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (BNPNT). E3/E4 genotypes were associated with elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL, Lp(a), hs-CRP, small-density low-density lipoprotein (SDLDL), oxidized LDL (OXLDL), MPO, LDL-CAL, PLAC, and APOB. The E4/E4 group displayed higher concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL, APOB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, SDLDL, OXLDL, MPO, LDLCAL, and PLAC compared to E3/E3 carriers. These findings highlight the potential atherogenic effect of the ε4 allele and the protective effect of the ε2 allele based on lipid and inflammatory marker profiles.  Conclusions This study provides strong evidence linking APOE gene polymorphism to abnormal serum lipid and inflammatory profiles. Individuals carrying the ε4 alleles exhibited dysregulated lipid metabolism and abnormal inflammatory markers, increasing their risk of CVD and AD. Early detection and prompt diagnosis are crucial for implementing therapeutic, dietary, and lifestyle interventions to mitigate risks and prevent or delay lipid and inflammation-related disorders.

Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis of Skeletal Muscle of Jiangquan Black Pig at Different Developmental Stages.

Skeletal muscle grows in response to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and its growth and development influence the quality of pork. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating the growth and development of skeletal muscle is of great significance to both animal husbandry and farm management. The Jiangquan black pig is an excellent pig breed based on the original Yimeng black pig, importing the genes of the Duroc pig for meat traits, and cultivated through years of scientific selection and breeding. In this study, full-length transcriptome sequencing was performed on three growth stages of Jiangquan black pigs, aiming to study the developmental changes in Jiangquan black pigs at different developmental stages at the molecular level and to screen the key genes affecting the growth of skeletal muscle in Jiangquan black pigs. We performed an enrichment analysis of genes showing differential expression and constructed a protein-protein interaction network with the aim of identifying core genes involved in the development of Jiangquan black pigs. Notably, genes such as TNNI2, TMOD4, PLDIM3, MYOZ1, and MYH1 may be potential regulators of muscle development in Jiangquan black pigs. Our results contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle development in this pig breed, which will facilitate molecular breeding efforts and the development of pig breeds to meet the needs of the livestock industry.

Cellular interactions and evolutionary origins of endosymbiotic relationships with ciliates.

As unicellular predators, ciliates engage in close associations with diverse microbes, laying the foundation for the establishment of endosymbiosis. Originally heterotrophic, ciliates demonstrate the ability to acquire phototrophy by phagocytizing unicellular algae or by sequestering algal plastids. This adaptation enables them to gain photosynthate and develop resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions. The integration of acquired phototrophy with intrinsic phagotrophy results in a trophic mode known as mixotrophy. Additionally, ciliates can harbor thousands of bacteria in various intracellular regions, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, exhibiting species specificity. Under prolonged and specific selective pressure within hosts, bacterial endosymbionts evolve unique lifestyles and undergo particular reductions in metabolic activities. Investigating the research advancements in various endosymbiotic cases within ciliates will contribute to elucidate patterns in cellular interaction and unravel the evolutionary origins of complex traits.

Prognostic value of miR-223 for pregnancy outcomes in patients with in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyse the expression of microRNA-223 (miR-223) in embryo culture medium and its correlation with pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Two hundred and two patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) were divided into clinical pregnancy group (n = 101) and non-pregnant group (n = 101). The baseline data, clinical indicators, and the expression level of miR-223 in the embryo medium were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between each index and the pregnancy outcome. Receiver operator characteristic curve was carried out to evaluate the differential ability of miR-223 in pregnancy status. Bioinformatics methods were used to identify the target genes of miR-223 and elucidate their functions. RESULTS: Compared with pregnancy group, the non-pregnancy group exhibited a reduction in miR-223 expression (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that miR-223 reduction was an independent factor for pregnancy failure (p < 0.05). The ROC curve demonstrated the discriminative capability of miR-223 in distinguishing pregnancy and non-pregnancy. In addition, bioinformatics analysis indicated that the target genes of miR-223 were predominantly located in the endocytic vesicle membrane and were primarily enriched in adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathways. CONCLUSION: In this study, levels of miR-223 in the embryo culture medium predicted pregnancy outcomes in subjects undergoing IVF/ICSI. Low expression of miR-223 was a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in subjects.

In this study, 202 patients who underwent IVF/ICSI were retrospectively analysed and categorised into pregnant and non-pregnant groups based on their pregnancy status. The examination of embryo culture medium samples from both groups revealed that the non-pregnant group exhibited lower miR-223 expression compared to the pregnant group. Subsequent ROC analysis demonstrated the clinical relevance of miR-223 in effectively distinguishing between pregnant and non-pregnant states. Multi-factor analysis further established that the diminished expression of miR-223 independently influenced the likelihood of successful pregnancy.

Enhancing carrier transfer properties of Na-rich anti-perovskites, Na4OM2 with tetrahedral anion groups: an evaluation through first-principles computational analysis.

The practical application of Na-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) is limited by their low level of conduction. To evaluate the impact of tetrahedral anion groups on carrier migration, we designed a set of anti-perovskite SSEs theoretically based on the previously reported Na4OBr2, including Na4O(BH4)2, Na4O(BF4)2, and Na4O(AlH4)2. It is essential to note that the excessive radius of anionic groups inevitably leads to lattice distortion, resulting in asymmetric migration paths and a limited improvement in carrier migration rate. Na4O(AlH4)2 provides a clear example of where Na+ migrates in two distinct environments. In addition, due to different spatial charge distributions, the interaction strength between anionic groups and Na+ is different. Strong interactions can cause carriers to appear on a swing, leading to a decrease in conductivity. The low conductivity of Na4O(BF4)2 is a typical example. This study demonstrates that Na4O(BH4)2 exhibits remarkable mechanical and dynamic stability and shows ionic conductivity of 1.09 × 10-4 S cm-1, two orders of magnitude higher than that of Na4OBr2. This is attributed to the expansion of the carrier migration channels by the anion groups, the moderate interaction between carriers and anionic groups, and the "paddle-wheel" effect generated by the anion groups, indicating that the "paddle-wheel" effect is still effective in low-dimensional anti-perovskite structures, in which atoms are arranged asymmetrically.

Pseudotargeted lipidomics analysis of scoparone on glycerophospholipid metabolism in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mice by LC-MRM-MS.

As the inflammatory subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with disorders of glycerophospholipid metabolism. Scoparone is the major bioactive component in Artemisia capillaris which has been widely used to treat NASH in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms of scoparone against NASH are not yet fully understood, which hinders the development of effective therapeutic agents for NASH. Given the crucial role of glycerophospholipid metabolism in NASH progression, this study aimed to characterize the differential expression of glycerophospholipids that is responsible for scoparone's pharmacological effects and assess its efficacy against NASH. Liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (LC-MRM-MS) was performed to get the concentrations of glycerophospholipids, clarify mechanisms of disease, and highlight insights into drug discovery. Additionally, pathologic findings also presented consistent changes in high-fat diet-induced NASH model, and after scoparone treatment, both the levels of glycerophospholipids and histopathology were similar to normal levels, indicating a beneficial effect during the observation time. Altogether, these results refined the insights on the mechanisms of scoparone against NASH and suggested a route to relieve NASH with glycerophospholipid metabolism. In addition, the current work demonstrated that a pseudotargeted lipidomic platform provided a novel insight into the potential mechanism of scoparone action.

Isolation of four new monoterpenes from Ailanthus altissima (mill.) Swingle and their enzyme inhibitory effects.

A phytochemical study of the ethanol extract from Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle leaves resulted in the isolation of four new monoterpenoids (1-3, 5). The structures were elucidated using HRESIMS data, NMR spectroscopic data, quantum chemical calculations for NMR and ECD, and custom DP4+ probability analysis. Additionally, the absolute configuration of sugar was determined by acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1-4 are cyclogeraniane monocyclic monoterpenes, while compound 5 contains an acyclic mycrane monoterpenes skeleton. Anti-tyrosinase, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and anti-butyrylcholinesterase activities were tested. Compound 1 showed notable anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, and compound 3 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on anti-tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, the potential binding sites of compounds 1 and 3 were predicted by molecular docking.

Metastatic adult Wilms' tumor managed by chemotherapy, immunotherapy and target therapy: a case report.

Wilms' tumor is a rare type of tumor in adult. Herein, we reported a case of 37-year-old female with adult Wilms' tumor (AWT) admitted in our institution. After a multidisciplinary team discussion, she underwent receiving immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and VEGF-targeted therapy. The tumor got smaller obviously after eight cycles of treatment. Our present case suggested that immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis combined with chemotherapy is promising new approach for treating AWT. Moreover, we review the literatures reporting AWT with the purpose to improve the understanding of AWT treatment.

A 37-year-old woman discovered a huge renal mass with multiple lymph node metastases. After ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of tumor tissue in the right kidney, she was found to be a rare adult Wilms' tumor. After a multidisciplinary team discussion, she underwent systemic therapy. Then, we gave her two cycles of treatment, as the tumor got smaller. Then, we continued to give her six cycles of treatment. Now, she is in good condition.

UBE2T mediates SORBS3 ubiquitination to enhance IL-6/STAT3 signaling and promote lung adenocarcinoma progression.

UBE2T is an oncogene in varying tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SORBS3 is an important signaling regulatory protein that plays a crucial role in many cancers. This study aimed to investigate whether UBE2T promoted LUAD development by mediating the ubiquitination of SORBS3 and further explore its mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to examine the expression of SORBS3 in LUAD tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry were employed to analyze the cellular functions of SORBS3. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination analysis were employed to observe the correlation between UBE2T and SORBS3. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified the role of UBE2T in mediating SORBS3 ubiquitination to enhance interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signaling and promote LUAD development. We observed significant downregulation of SORBS3 in LUAD tissues and cells. Furthermore, SORBS3 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, while facilitating apoptosis in vitro. UBE2T enhanced IL-6/STAT3 signaling by mediating ubiquitination and degradation of SORBS3, thereby promoting LUAD progression. Additionally, this mechanism was further validated in the xenograft animal model in vivo. This study confirmed that UBE2T-mediated SORBS3 ubiquitination enhanced IL-6/STAT3 signaling and promoted LUAD progression, providing a novel therapeutic target for LUAD.

Neurotoxic ß-amyloid oligomers cause mitochondrial dysfunction-the trigger for PANoptosis in neurons.

As the global population ages, the incidence of elderly patients with dementia, represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD), will continue to increase. Previous studies have suggested that ß-amyloid protein (Aß) deposition is a key factor leading to AD. However, the clinical efficacy of treating AD with anti-Aß protein antibodies is not satisfactory, suggesting that Aß amyloidosis may be a pathological change rather than a key factor leading to AD. Identification of the causes of AD and development of corresponding prevention and treatment strategies is an important goal of current research. Following the discovery of soluble oligomeric forms of Aß (AßO) in 1998, scientists began to focus on the neurotoxicity of AßOs. As an endogenous neurotoxin, the active growth of AßOs can lead to neuronal death, which is believed to occur before plaque formation, suggesting that AßOs are the key factors leading to AD. PANoptosis, a newly proposed concept of cell death that includes known modes of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, is a form of cell death regulated by the PANoptosome complex. Neuronal survival depends on proper mitochondrial function. Under conditions of AßO interference, mitochondrial dysfunction occurs, releasing lethal contents as potential upstream effectors of the PANoptosome. Considering the critical role of neurons in cognitive function and the development of AD as well as the regulatory role of mitochondrial function in neuronal survival, investigation of the potential mechanisms leading to neuronal PANoptosis is crucial. This review describes the disruption of neuronal mitochondrial function by AßOs and elucidates how AßOs may activate neuronal PANoptosis by causing mitochondrial dysfunction during the development of AD, providing guidance for the development of targeted neuronal treatment strategies.

Endotype-driven Co-module mechanisms of danhong injection in the Co-treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: A modular-based drug and disease integrated analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide and interact closely with each other. Danhong Injection (DHI) is a widely used preparation for the co-treatment of brain and heart diseases (CTBH). However, the underlying molecular endotype mechanisms of DHI in the CTBH remain unclear. AIM OF THIS STUDY: To elucidate the underlying endotype mechanisms of DHI in the CTBH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we proposed a modular-based disease and drug-integrated analysis (MDDIA) strategy for elucidating the systematic CTBH mechanisms of DHI using high-throughput transcriptome-wide sequencing datasets of DHI in the treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and cerebral infarction (CI). First, we identified drug-targeted modules of DHI and disease modules of SAP and CI based on the gene co-expression networks of DHI therapy and the protein-protein interaction networks of diseases. Moreover, module proximity-based topological analyses were applied to screen CTBH co-module pairs and driver genes of DHI. At the same time, the representative driver genes were validated via in vitro experiments on hypoxia/reoxygenation-related cardiomyocytes and neuronal cell lines of H9C2 and HT22. RESULTS: Seven drug-targeted modules of DHI and three disease modules of SAP and CI were identified by co-expression networks. Five modes of modular relationships between the drug and disease modules were distinguished by module proximity-based topological analyses. Moreover, 13 targeted module pairs and 17 driver genes associated with DHI in the CTBH were also screened. Finally, the representative driver genes AKT1, EDN1, and RHO were validated by in vitro experiments. CONCLUSIONS: This study, based on clinical sequencing data and modular topological analyses, integrated diseases and drug targets. The CTBH mechanism of DHI may involve the altered expression of certain driver genes (SRC, STAT3, EDN1, CYP1A1, RHO, RELA) through various enriched pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway.

Untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/MS reveals the lipid-lowering mechanism of taurine in hyperlipidemia mice.

Introduction: Taurine has a prominent lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemia. However, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of taurine on endogenous metabolites in hyperlipidemia has not been documented. This study aimed to explore the impact of taurine on multiple metabolites associated with hyperlipidemia. Methods: The hyperlipidemic mouse model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Taurine was administered via oral gavage at doses of 700 mg/kg/day for 14 weeks. Evaluation of body weight, serum lipid levels, and histopathology of the liver and adipose tissue was performed to confirm the lipid-lowering effect of taurine. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based metabonomics analyses of serum, urine, feces, and liver, coupled with multivariate data analysis, were conducted to assess changes in the endogenous metabolites. Results and discussion: Biochemical and histological examinations demonstrated that taurine administration prevented weight gain and dyslipidemia, and alleviated lipid deposition in the liver and adipose tissue in hyperlipidemic mice. A total of 76 differential metabolites were identified by UPLC-MS-based metabolomics approach, mainly involving BAs, GPs, SMs, DGs, TGs, PUFAs and amino acids. Taurine was found to partially prevent HFDinduced abnormalities in the aforementioned metabolites. Using KEGG database and MetaboAnalyst software, it was determined that taurine effectively alleviates metabolic abnormalities caused by HFD, including fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, diacylglycerol metabolism, amino acid metabolism, bile acid and taurine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Moreover, DGs, GPs and SMs, and taurine itself may serve as active metabolites in facilitating various anti-hyperlipidemia signal pathways associated with taurine. This study provides new evidence for taurine to prevent hyperlipidemia.

Correlation Between TRAb and Early Onset Hypothyroidism After 131I Treatment for Graves' Disease.

The aim of the study was to explore the clinical features related to early hypothyroidism and the relationship between the changes of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) and early hypothyroidism in the course of 131I treatment for Graves' disease. This study was a retrospective observation, including 226 patients who received the first 131I treatment. The general information and laboratory tests were collected before and after 131I treatment, and the laboratory data affecting the difference in disease outcome were analyzed. According to the changes of antibodies in the third month, whether the changes of antibodies were involved in the occurrence of early-onset hypothyroidism was analyzed. Early onset hypothyroidism occurred in 165 of 226 patients, and the results showed that the incidence of early hypothyroidism was higher in patients with low baseline TRAb level (p=0.03) and increased TRAb after treatment (p=0.007). Both baseline TRAb levels (p<0.001) and the 24-hour iodine uptake rate (p=0.004) are significant factors influencing the changes in TRAb. The likelihood of a rise in TRAb was higher when the baseline TRAb was less than 18.55 U/l and the 24-hour iodine uptake level exceeded 63.61%. Low baseline and elevated post-treatment levels of TRAb were significantly associated with early-onset hypothyroidism after 131I treatment. Monitoring this index during RAI treatment is helpful in identifying early-onset hypothyroidism and mastering the clinical outcome and prognosis of Graves' disease.

Intermolecular Forces Regulating the Phase-Transition Temperatures in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials.

Organic-inorganic hybrid phase-transition materials have attracted widespread attention in energy storage and sensor applications due to their structural adaptability and facile synthesis. However, increasing the phase-transition temperature (Tc) effectively remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we employed a strategy to regulate intermolecular interactions (different types of hydrogen bonds and other weak interactions), utilizing bismuth chloride as an inorganic framework and azetidine, 3,3-difluoro azetidine, and 3-carboxyl azetidine as organic components to synthesize three compounds with different Tc values: [C3H8N]2BiCl5 (1, 234 K), [C3H6NF2]3BiCl6 (2, 256 K), and [C4H8O2N]3BiCl6 (3, 350 K). 1 is a one-dimensional chain structure and 2 and 3 are zero-dimensional structures. Analysis of the crystal structure and the Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprints further suggests that the intermolecular forces are efficiently modulated. These findings emphasize the efficacy of our strategy in enhancing Tc and may facilitate further research in this area.