High-Fidelity Bioelectrodes with Bidirectional Ion-Electron Transduction Capability by Integrating Multiple Charge-Transfer Processes.

Bioelectronics is an exciting field that bridges the gap between physiological activities and external electronic devices, striving for high resolution, high conformability, scalability, and ease of integration. One crucial component in bioelectronics is bioelectrodes, designed to convert neural activity into electronic signals or vice versa. Previously reported bioelectrodes have struggled to meet several essential requirements simultaneously: high-fidelity signal transduction, high charge injection capability, strain resistance, and multifunctionality. This work introduces a novel strategy for fabricating superior bioelectrodes by merging multiple charge-transfer processes. The resulting bioelectrodes offer accurate ion-to-electron transduction for capturing electrophysiological signals, dependable charge injection capability for neuromodulation, consistent electrode potential for artifact rejection and biomolecule sensing, and high transparency for seamless integration with optoelectronics. Furthermore, the bioelectrode can be designed to be strain-insensitive by isolating signal transduction from electron transportation. The innovative concept presented in this work holds great promise for extending to other electrode materials and paves the way for the advancement of multimodal bioelectronics.

Childhood adversities and memory function in later life: the mediating role of activity participation.

BACKGROUND: Childhood adversities may lead to decreased activity participation in later life, impacting memory health in ageing adults. Childhood adversities related to deprivation and threat, as conceptualized by the Dimensional Model of Adversity, can exhibit distinct impacts on cognitive and emotional outcomes in children and younger adults. This study examined the potential influence of childhood deprivation and threat on memory function in later life and the mediating role of activity participation in these relationships. METHODS: This study used data from the first wave of Panel Study of Active Ageing and Society (PAAS), a representative survey of Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above (N = 1,005). Key variables included late-life memory function measured by delayed recall test, deprivation- and threat-related childhood adversities, and the frequency of participation in informal and formal types of activities. Mediation tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: Childhood deprivation was associated with a lower late-life memory function, whereas threat was not. The negative effects of childhood deprivation and its subdomain, economic hardship, on memory function were mediated by activity participation. Total participation scores presented the strongest mediating effect (17.3-20.6%), with formal activities playing a more substantial mediating role than informal activities in mitigating the effect of childhood deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings expand the applicability of the Dimensional Model of Adversity to ageing populations, highlighting the influence of deprivation on life-long cognitive development. Furthermore, this study revealed an indirect mechanism by which childhood deprivation affects memory health in old age through diverse activity participation.

An in-depth study of integrating cascaded photocatalytic H2O2 generation and activation with solar-driven interfacial evaporation for in-situ organic contaminant remediation.

Integrating cascaded photocatalytic H2O2 generation and subsequent activation of H2O2 (into ·OH radicals) with solar-driven interfacial evaporation techniques offers an effective and sustainable approach for in-situ treating water contaminated with organic substances. Unlike traditional water-dispersed catalysts, the interfacial evaporation approach presents unique challenges in photocatalytic reactions. We explored these dynamics using an AgI/PPy/MF interfacial photothermal set, achieving H2O2 production efficiency (approximately 1.53 mM/g/h) - three times higher than submerged counterparts. This efficiency is attributed to exceptional solar light absorption (about 95 %), a significant surface photothermal effect (raising temperatures by approximately 36 °C), and enhanced oxygen availability (38 times more than in water), all characteristic of the interfacial system. The in-situ activation of H2O2 into ·OH notably improves the degradation of organic pollutants, achieving up to 99 % removal efficiency. This comprehensive analysis highlights the potential of combining photocatalytic H2O2 processes with interfacial evaporation for efficiently purifying organically polluted water.

Finding key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) co-expressed in hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma based on multiple bioinformatics techniques.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis (LC) and HCC. Therefore, the discovery of common markers for hepatitis B or LC and HCC is crucial for the prevention of HCC. METHODS: Expressed genes for to chronic active hepaititis B (CAH-B), LC and HCC were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases, and co-expressed genes were screened using Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest (RF) and support vector machine - recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). The prognostic value of genes was assessed using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves. Columnar line plots, calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of individual genes were used for evaluation. Validation was performed using GEO datasets. The association of these key genes with HCC clinical features was explored using the UALCAN database ( https://ualcan.path.uab.edu/index.html ). RESULTS: Based on WGCNA analysis and TCGA database, the co-expressed genes (565) were screened. Moreover, the five algorithms of MCODE (ClusteringCoefficient, MCC, Degree, MNC, and DMNC) was used to select one of the most important and most closely linked clusters (the top 50 genes ranked). Using, LASSO regression model, RF model and SVM-RFE model, four key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) were identified for subsequent research analysis. These 4 genes were highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis and clinical features in HCC patients. CONCLUSION: These four key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) may be common biomarkers for CAH-B and HCC or LC and HCC, promising to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of CAH-B/LC/HCC progression.

[Effects and Mechanisms of Polystyrene Microplastics on Extracellular Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Wastewater].

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are typical co-existing emerging pollutants in wastewater treatment plants. MPs have been shown to alter the distribution pattern of ARGs in sludge, but their effects on free extracellular ARGs (feARGs) in wastewater remain unclear. In this study, we used fluorescence quantitative PCR to investigate the dynamics of feARGs (including tetC, tetO, sul1, and sul2) in wastewater and their transition mechanisms after 60 d of exposure to typical MPs (polystyrene, PS). The results showed that the absolute abundance of tetracycline feARGs decreased by 28.4 %-76.0 % and 35.2 %-96.2 %, respectively, under nm-level and mm-level PS exposure and changed by -55.4 %-122.4 % under µm-level PS exposure. The abundance of sul1 showed a trend of nm-level > µm-level > mm-level upon PS exposure, and the changes in sul1 abundance was greater with ρ(PS)=50 mg·L-1 exposure. The relative abundance of sul2 was reduced by 25.4 %-42.6 % and 46.1 %-90.3 % after µm-level and mm-level PS exposure, respectively, and increased by 1.9-3.9 times after nm-level PS exposure, and the sul2 showed a higher reduction at ρ (PS)=50 mg·L-1 exposure than that at ρ (PS)=0.5 mg·L-1. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of feARGs during PS exposure was positively correlated with cell membrane permeability and typical mobile genetic elements (intI1) abundance and negatively correlated with reactive oxygen species level. Our findings elucidated the effects and corresponding mechanisms of PS on the growth and mobility of feARGs in wastewater, providing a scientific basis for the control of the combined MPs and ARGs pollution in wastewater.

Inhibition of OGG1 ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis via preventing M2 macrophage polarization and activating PINK1-mediated mitophagy.

BACKGROUND: 8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1), a well-known DNA repair enzyme, has been demonstrated to promote lung fibrosis, while the specific regulatory mechanism of OGG1 during pulmonary fibrosis remains unclarified. METHODS: A bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model was established, and TH5487 (the small molecule OGG1 inhibitor) and Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1) were used for administration. Histopathological injury of the lung tissues was assessed. The profibrotic factors and oxidative stress-related factors were examined using the commercial kits. Western blot was used to examine protein expression and immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to assess macrophages polarization and autophagy. The conditional medium from M2 macrophages was harvested and added to HFL-1 cells for culture to simulate the immune microenvironment around fibroblasts during pulmonary fibrosis. Subsequently, the loss- and gain-of function experiments were conducted to further confirm the molecular mechanism of OGG1/PINK1. RESULTS: In BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, OGG1 was upregulated while PINK1/Parkin was downregulated. Macrophages were activated and polarized to M2 phenotype. TH5487 administration effectively mitigated pulmonary fibrosis, M2 macrophage polarization, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction while promoted PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in lung tissues of BLM-induced mice, which was partly hindered by Mdivi-1. PINK1 overexpression restricted M2 macrophages-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy inactivation in lung fibroblast cells, and OGG1 knockdown could promote PINK1/Parkin expression and alleviate M2 macrophages-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in HFL-1 cells. CONCLUSION: OGG1 inhibition protects against pulmonary fibrosis, which is partly via activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and retarding M2 macrophage polarization, providing a therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Entry pathways determined the effects of MPs on sludge anaerobic digestion system: The views of methane production and antibiotic resistance genes fates.

Sludge is one of the primary reservoirs of microplastics (MPs), and the effects of MPs on subsequent sludge treatment raised attention. Given the entry pathways, MPs would exhibit different properties, but the entry pathway-dependent effect of MPs on sludge treatment performance and the fates of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), another high-risk emerging contaminant, were seldom documented. Herein, MPs with two predominant entry pathways, including wastewater-derived (WW-derived) and anaerobic digestion-introduced (AD-introduced), were used to investigate the effects on AD performance and ARGs abundances. The results indicated that WW-derived MPs, namely the MPs accumulated in sludge during the wastewater treatment process, exhibited significant inhibition on methane production by 22.8%-71.6%, while the AD-introduced MPs, being introduced in the sludge AD process, slightly increased the methane yield by 4.7%-17.1%. Meanwhile, MPs were responsible for promoting transmission of target ARGs, and polyethylene terephthalate MPs (PET-MPs) showed a greater promotion effect (0.0154-0.0936) than polyamide MPs (PA-MPs) (0.0013-0.0724). Compared to size, entry pathways and types played more vital roles on MPs influences. Investigation on mechanisms based on microbial community structure revealed characteristics (aging degree and types) of MPs determined the differences of AD performance and ARGs fates. WW-derived MPs with longer aging period and higher aging degree would release toxics and decrease the activities of microorganisms, resulting in the negative impact on AD performance. However, AD-introduced MPs with short aging period exhibited marginal impacts on AD performance. Furthermore, the co-occurrent network analysis suggested that the variations of potential host bacteria induced by MPs with different types and aging degree attributed to the dissemination of ARGs. Distinctively from most previous studies, the MPs with different sizes did not show remarkable effects on AD performance and ARGs fates. Our findings benefited the understanding of realistic environmental behavior and effect of MPs with different sources.

2D Materials Kill Bacteria from Within.

Early work demonstrated that some two-dimensional (2D) materials could kill bacteria by using their sharp edges to physically rupture the bacteria envelope, which presents distinct advantages over traditional antibiotics, as bacteria are not able to evolve resistance to the former. This mechano-bactericidal mode of action, however, suffers from low antibacterial efficiency, fundamentally because of random orientation of 2D materials outside the bacteria, where the desirable "edge-to-envelope" contacts occur with low probability. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept approach to significantly enhance the potency of the mechano-bactericidal activity of 2D materials. This approach is in marked contrast with previous work, as the 2D materials are designed to be in situ generated inside the bacteria from a molecularly engineered monomer in a self-assembled manner, profoundly promoting the probability of the "edge-to-envelope" contacts. The rationale in this study sheds light on a mechanically new nanostructure-enabled antibacterial strategy to combat antibiotic resistance.

A multifunctional Ag NPs/guar gum hydrogel as versatile platform for catalysts, antibacterial agents, and construction of oil-water separation interfaces.

The frequently encountered wastewater contaminations, including soluble aromatic compound and dye pollutants, pathogenic bacteria, and insoluble oils, have resulted in significant environmental and human health issues. It poses a challenge to utilize identical materials for the treatment of complex wastewater. Herein, in this research, multifunctional Ag NPs/guar gum hybrid hydrogels were fabricated using a facile in situ reduction and self-crosslinking method for efficient remediation of complex wastewater. The Ag NPs/guar gum hybrid hydrogel showed remarkable remodeling, adhesive, and self-healing characteristics, which was favorable for its versatile applications. The combination of Ag NPs with the guar gum skeleton endowed the hybrid hydrogel with exceptional catalytic activity for reducing aromatic compounds and dye pollutants, as well as remarkable antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the Ag NPs/guar gum hybrid hydrogel could be employed to coat a variety of substrates, including cotton fabrics and stainless steel meshes. The hydrogel coated cotton fabrics and meshes presented superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity, excellent antifouling capacity, and outstanding recyclability, which could be successfully applied for efficient separation of oil-water mixtures. The findings of this work provide a feasible and cost-effective approach for the remediation of intricate wastewater.

Short- and long-term effects of different forage types supplemented in preweaning dairy calves on performance and milk production into first lactation.

We investigated the short- and long-term effects of different forage types supplemented in preweaning dairy calves on growth performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, bacterial community, and milk production during first lactation. Sixty healthy 1-mo-old female Holstein calves were blocked by birth date and body weight and randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (n = 20): normal milk and pelleted starter feeding (CON), supplemented with chopped oat hay [75.0 g/d/calf (dry matter (DM) basis); OAH], or alfalfa hay [75.0 g/d/calf (DM basis); ALF]. The forage supplementation started when calves were 30 d old (D1 of the experimental period) and ended when they were 73 d old (D44 of the experimental period when calves were weaned. Milk and feed intakes and fecal consistency scores were recorded daily. Growth performance, rumen fluid, and blood samples were collected bi-weekly. After weaning, all the calves were integrated with the same barn and diets. After calving, the milk production was recorded daily. During the experimental period, the OAH group had greater solid feed and total DM intakes and greater rumen pH than the CON group (P ≤ 0.04), but had lower forage intake and crude protein digestibility than the ALF group (P ≤ 0.04). The ALF group had higher rumen pH and blood ß-hydroxybutyrate concentration (P ≤ 0.04), lower fecal score (P = 0.02), and greater ether extract digestibility (P = 0.02) than the CON group. The ALF and OAH groups had lower concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.01). Still, the ALF group had a greater proportion of acetate and a relative abundance of cellulose degradation-related bacteria (Lachnoclostridium_1 and Oribacterium) and a lower relative abundance of inflammation-related bacteria (Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-009) in the rumen compared with CON. Interestingly, the average milk production from 6 to 200 d in milk (DIM) was greater in the ALF group (P < 0.01) even though no significant effects were found on the rumen fermentation parameters and blood metabolites at 200 DIM. Generally, alfalfa hay supplementation in preweaning dairy calves had positive effects in the short- and long-term in terms of rumen development, health status, and future milk production.

Integrated Actuation and Sensing: Toward Intelligent Soft Robots.

Soft robotics has received substantial attention due to its remarkable deformability, making it well-suited for a wide range of applications in complex environments, such as medicine, rescue operations, and exploration. Within this domain, the interaction of actuation and sensing is of utmost importance for controlling the movements and functions of soft robots. Nonetheless, current research predominantly focuses on isolated actuation and sensing capabilities, often neglecting the critical integration of these 2 domains to achieve intelligent functionality. In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of fundamental actuation strategies and multimodal actuation while also delving into advancements in proprioceptive and haptic sensing and their fusion. We emphasize the importance of integrating actuation and sensing in soft robotics, presenting 3 integration methodologies, namely, sensor surface integration, sensor internal integration, and closed-loop system integration based on sensor feedback. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges in the field and suggest compelling directions for future research. Through this comprehensive synthesis, we aim to stimulate further curiosity among researchers and contribute to the development of genuinely intelligent soft robots.

The role of SRPK1-mediated phosphorylation of SR proteins in the chromatin configuration transition of mouse germinal vesicle oocytes.

Meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes involves nucleus and organelle structural changes, notably chromatin configuration transitioning from non-surrounding nucleolus (NSN) to surrounding nucleolus (SN) in germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Our study found that nuclear speckles, a subnuclear structure mainly composed of serine-arginine (SR) proteins, changed from a diffuse spotted distribution in mouse NSN oocytes to an aggregation pattern in SN oocytes. We further discovered that SRPK1, an enzyme phosphorylating SR proteins, co-localized with NS at SN stage and NSN oocytes failed to convert into SN oocytes after inhibiting the activity of SRPK1. Furthermore, the typical structure of chromatin ring around the nucleolus in SN oocytes collapsed after inhibitor treatment. To explore the underlying mechanism, phosphorylated SR proteins were confirmed to be associated with chromatin by salt extraction experiment, and in situ DNase I assay showed that the accessibility of chromatin enhanced in SN oocytes with SRPK1 inhibited, accompanied by decreased repressive modification on histone and abnormal recurrence of transcriptional signal. In conclusion, our results indicated that SRPK1-regulated phosphorylation on SR proteins was involved in the NSN to SN transition and played an important role in maintaining the condensation nucleus of SN oocytes via interacting with chromatin.

Engineering Ultrathin CuxS Layer on Planar Sb2S3 Photocathode to Enhance Photoelectrochemical Transformation.

Sb2S3 has been extensively used as light absorber for photoelectrochemical cell. However, its p-type nature may result in the formation of Schottky junction with substrates, thus hindering the collection of photogenerated holes. Herein, an ultrathin CuxS layer is successfully engineered as the bottom junction for Sb2S3 for the first time. Capitalizing on its impressive electrical properties and superior optical properties, the CuxS layer exhibits a high work function of 4.90 eV, which causes the upward band bending of p-type Sb2S3, forming a hole-transparent structure with ohmic contact. The transparency of the ultrathin CuxS layer enables back-illumination of the Sb2S3/CuxS platform, facilitating the integration of intricate catalyst layers for photoelectrochemical transformation. When modified with Pt nanoparticles, the photocurrent density reaches -5.38 mA cm-2 at 0 V vs. RHE, marking a fourfold increase compared to the photocathode without CuxS layer. When introducing a molecular hybrid TC-CoPc@carbon black, a remarkable average photocurrent density of -0.44 mA cm-2 at the overpotential of 0 V is obtained for CO2 reduction reaction, while the photocurrent density is less than -0.03 mA cm-2 without CuxS.

Carbon Emission Optimization of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Using Machine Learning Methods.

Due to its exceptional qualities, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has recently become one of the hottest research areas, although the material's significant carbon emissions go against the current development trend. In order to lower the carbon emissions of UHPC, this study suggests a machine learning-based strategy for optimizing the mix proportion of UHPC. To accomplish this, an artificial neural network (ANN) is initially applied to develop a prediction model for the compressive strength and slump flow of UHPC. Then, a genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to reduce the carbon emissions of UHPC while taking into account the strength, slump flow, component content, component proportion, and absolute volume of UHPC as constraint conditions. The outcome is then supported by the results of the experiments. In comparison to the experimental results, the research findings show that the ANN model has excellent prediction accuracy with an error of less than 10%. The carbon emissions of UHPC are decreased to 688 kg/m3 after GA optimization, and the effect of optimization is substantial. The machine learning (ML) model can provide theoretical support for the optimization of various aspects of UHPC.

Knockdown of PGBD5 inhibits the malignant progression of glioma through upregulation of the PPAR pathway.

Glioma is the most common type of primary intracranial malignant tumor, and because of its high invasiveness and recurrence, its prognosis remains poor. The present study investigated the biological function of piggyBac transportable element derived 5 (PGBD5) in glioma. Glioma and para-cancerous tissues were obtained from five patients. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of PGBD5. Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell migration, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. In addition, a nude mouse tumor transplantation model was established to study the downstream pathways of PGBD5 and the molecular mechanism was analyzed using transcriptome sequencing. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PGBD5 were increased in glioma tissues and cells. Notably, knockdown of PGBD5 in vitro could inhibit the migration and invasion of glioma cells. In addition, the knockdown of PGBD5 expression promoted apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, thus inhibiting cell proliferation. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that knockdown of PGBD5 expression could inhibit Ki67 expression and slow tumor growth. Changes in PGBD5 expression were also shown to be closely related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. In conclusion, interference with PGBD5 could inhibit the malignant progression of glioma through the PPAR pathway, suggesting that PGBD5 may be a potential molecular target of glioma.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG3 interacts with microRNA-502-3p to mediate ITGA6 expression in liver hepatocellular carcinoma.

SNHG3, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been linked to poor outcomes in patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). In this study, we found that SNHG3 was overexpressed in LIHC and associated with poor outcomes in patients with LIHC. Functional assays, including colony formation, spheroid formation, and in vivo assays showed that SNHG3 promoted stemness of cancer stem cells (CSC) and tumor growth in vivo by interacting with microRNA-502-3p (miR-502-3p). miR-502-3p inhibitor repressed the tumor-suppressing effects of SNHG3 depletion. Finally, by RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter assay, m6A methylation level detection, and m6A-IP-qPCR assays, we found that miR-502-3p targeted YTHDF3 to regulate the translation of integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6) and targeted HBXIP to inhibit the m6A modification of ITGA6 through methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Our study revealed that SNHG3 controls the YTHDF3/ITGA6 and HBXIP/METTL3/ITGA6 pathways by repressing miR-502-3p expression to sustain the self-renewal properties of CSC in LIHC.

A Study on the Reliability Evaluation of a 3D Packaging Storage Module under Temperature Cycling Ultimate Stress Conditions.

Based on the theory of reliability enhancement testing technology, this study used a variety of testing combinations and finite element simulations to analyze the stress-strain properties of 3D packaging storage modules and then evaluated its operating and destruction limits during temperature cycling tests (-65 °C~+150 °C) for the purpose of identifying the weak points and failure mechanisms affecting its reliability. As a result of temperature cycling ultimate stress, 3D packaging storage devices can suffer from thermal fatigue failure in the case of abrupt temperature changes. The cracks caused by the accumulation of plastic and creep strains can be considered the main factors. Crack formation is accelerated by the CTE difference between the epoxy resin and solder joints. Moreover, the finite element simulation results were essentially the same as the testing results, with a deviation occurring within 10%.

Epigenetic regulation of FOXI2 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression.

In recent decades, substantial advancements in epigenetics have unveiled a profound understanding of its mechanisms in tumorigenesis and have offered promising strategies for epigenetic therapy in cancer patients. In our study, through bioinformatics analysis, we discovered a significant downregulation and hypermethylation of FOXI2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), while the expression in chromophobe cell carcinoma (chRCC) exhibited the opposite trend. Moreover, we established a strong correlation between FOXI2 expression levels and the prognosis of ccRCC. Gene enrichment analysis and cell function experiments unequivocally demonstrate that FOXI2 possesses the capability to induce cell cycle arrest and inhibit cell proliferation. Our research findings demonstrate that the expression of FOXI2 in ccRCC is under the regulation of promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, in vitro experiments have conclusively shown that the overexpression of FOXI2 induces cell cycle arrest and inhibits cell proliferation.

Serum levels of IL-9 and IL-11 serve as predictors for the occurrence of early neurologic deterioration in patients with cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Early neurological deterioration (END) is a common complication of cerebral infarction and a significant contributor to poor prognosis. Our study aimed to investigate the predictive value of interleukin-9 (IL-9) and interleukin-11 (IL-11) in relation to the occurrence of END in patients with cerebral infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 patients with cerebral infarction and 64 healthy controls were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the development of END following admission: the END group (n = 44) and the non-END group (n = 58). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum levels of IL-9, IL-11, and BDNF. RESULTS: Serum IL-9 was higher and IL-11 lower in the END group than those in the non-END group (P < 0.01). IL-9 correlated positively with NIHSS score (r = 0.627) and infarction volume (r = 0.686), while IL-11 correlated negatively (r = -0.613, -0.679, respectively). Logistic regression identified age, NIHSS score, and IL-9 as risk factors (P < 0.01), and IL-11 as protective (P < 0.01). Combined IL-9 and IL-11 had an ROC curve area of 0.849. BDNF correlated negatively with IL-9 (r = -0.703) and positively with IL-11 (r = 0.711). CONCLUSION: Serum IL-9 and IL-11 levels can predict the occurrence of END in patient with cerebral infarction and are correlated with serum BDNF levels.

Clinical relevance of distolingual roots and periodontal status in mandibular first molars: a cross-sectional study employing CBCT analysis. / ä¸‹é¢Œç¬¬ä¸€ç£¨ç‰™è¿œèˆŒæ ¹çš„å­˜åœ¨ä¸Žç‰™å‘¨çŠ¶æ€çš„ä¸´åºŠç›¸å ³æ€§åˆ†æžï¼šä¸€é¡¹é‡‡ç”¨é”¥å½¢å°„æŸç”µè„‘æ–­å±‚æ‰«æåˆ†æžçš„æ¨ªæ–­é¢ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: Distolingual root of the permanent mandibular first molar (PMFM-DLR) has been frequently reported, which may complicate the treatment of periodontitis. This study aimed to assess the morphological features of PMFM-DLR and investigate the correlation between the morphological features of PMFM-DLR and periodontal status in patients with Eastern Chinese ethnic background. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 836 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images with 1497 mandibular first molars were analyzed to observe the prevalence of PMFM-DLR at the patients and tooth levels in Eastern China. Among them, complete periodontal charts were available for 69 Chinese patients with 103 teeth. Correlation and regression analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between the morphological features of DLR, bone loss, and periodontal clinical parameters, including clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and furcation involvement (FI). RESULTS: The patient-level prevalence and tooth-level prevalence of DLR in mandibular first molars were 29.4% and 26.3%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that bone loss at the lingual site and CAL were negatively affected by the angle of separation between distolingual and mesial roots in the transverse section, while they were significantly influenced by age and the angle of separation between distobuccal and mesial roots in the coronal section. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PMFM-DLR in Eastern China was relatively high in our cohort. The morphological features of DLR were correlated with the periodontal status of mandibular first molars. This study provides critical information on the morphological features of DLR for improved diagnosis and treatment options of mandibular molars with DLR.