A deep learning approach for deriving wheat phenology from near-surface RGB image series using spatiotemporal fusion.

Accurate monitoring of wheat phenological stages is essential for effective crop management and informed agricultural decision-making. Traditional methods often rely on labour-intensive field surveys, which are prone to subjective bias and limited temporal resolution. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential of near-surface cameras combined with an advanced deep-learning approach to derive wheat phenological stages from high-quality, real-time RGB image series. Three deep learning models based on three different spatiotemporal feature fusion methods, namely sequential fusion, synchronous fusion, and parallel fusion, were constructed and evaluated for deriving wheat phenological stages with these near-surface RGB image series. Moreover, the impact of different image resolutions, capture perspectives, and model training strategies on the performance of deep learning models was also investigated. The results indicate that the model using the sequential fusion method is optimal, with an overall accuracy (OA) of 0.935, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.069, F1-score (F1) of 0.936, and kappa coefficients (Kappa) of 0.924 in wheat phenological stages. Besides, the enhanced image resolution of 512 × 512 pixels and a suitable image capture perspective, specifically a sensor viewing angle of 40° to 60° vertically, introduce more effective features for phenological stage detection, thereby enhancing the model's accuracy. Furthermore, concerning the model training, applying a two-step fine-tuning strategy will also enhance the model's robustness to random variations in perspective. This research introduces an innovative approach for real-time phenological stage detection and provides a solid foundation for precision agriculture. By accurately deriving critical phenological stages, the methodology developed in this study supports the optimization of crop management practices, which may result in improved resource efficiency and sustainability across diverse agricultural settings. The implications of this work extend beyond wheat, offering a scalable solution that can be adapted to monitor other crops, thereby contributing to more efficient and sustainable agricultural systems.

An integrative strategy used by the aphid Uroleucon formosanum to counter host sesquiterpene lactone defense: Insights from combined genomic and transcriptomic analysis.

Insect herbivores adapt and develop strategies to counteract plant chemical defenses. The aphid Uroleucon formosanum is a serious sap-sucking pest that infests lettuces containing toxic sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). Herein, we employed a combination of genome sequencing and RNA-seq transcriptome profiling to understand the mechanisms underlying phytotoxin tolerance in U. formosanum. We generated the first chromosome-level genome assembly for U. formosanum, with a total size of 453.26 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 33.22 Mb. Comparative genomic analyses revealed an enrichment of signals for positive selection and gene family expansion in immune-related pathways. Specifically, the expanded set of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes showed upregulation after treatment with lactucin, suggesting that they may play a role in the immune response against STLs. The expression of takeout-like genes and cuticle-associated genes was also significantly increased in the lactucin-treated samples. Additionally, 53 cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, 30 carboxylesterase, 19 glutathione S-transferase, 32 uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase and 63 ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were identified in the U. formosanum genome. CYP4C1, CYP6A13 and 7 ABC genes were strongly upregulated in response to lactucin treatment, indicating the involvement of detoxifying enzymes in the tolerance of U. formosanum to STLs. Our findings suggest that the cuticle barrier, immune response and enzyme-mediated metabolic detoxification jointly enhance the tolerance of U. formosanum to phytotoxins and promote its adaptation to host plants. This study presents a valuable genomic resource and provides insights into insect adaptation to plant chemical challenges and future technological developments for pest management.

Sex differences in the metabolic activation of and platelet response to vicagrel in mice: Androgen as a key player.

As a biological variable, sex influences the metabolism of and/or response to certain drugs. Vicagrel is being developed as an investigational new drug in China; however, it is unknown whether sex could affect its metabolic activation and platelet responsiveness. This study aimed to determine whether such differences could exist, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Orchiectomized (ORX) or ovariectomized (OVX) mouse models were used to investigate the effects of androgen or estrogen on the metabolic activation of and platelet response to vicagrel. Plasma vicagrel active metabolite H4 concentrations, platelet inhibition of vicagrel, and protein levels of intestinal hydrolases Aadac and Ces2 were measured, respectively. Further, p38-MAPK signaling pathway was enriched, whose role was determined using SB202190. Results showed that female mice exhibited significantly elevated systemic exposure of H4 and enhanced platelet responses to vicagrel than males, and protein expression levels of Aadac and Ces2 differed by sex. OVX mice exhibited less changes than sham mice. ORX mice exhibited increases in protein levels of intestinal hydrolases, systemic exposure of H4, and platelet inhibition of vicagrel, but dihydrotestosterone (DHT) reversed these changes in ORX mice and suppressed these changes in OVX mice. Phosphorylated p38 levels were reduced in female or ORX mice but increased in ORX mice by DHT. SB202190 reversed DHT-induced changes observed in ORX mice. We concluded that sex differences exist in metabolic activation of and platelet response to vicagrel in mice through elevation of p38 phosphorylation by androgen, suggesting sex-based vicagrel dosage adjustments for patient care.

The association between FLAIR vascular hyperintensities and outcomes in patients with border zone infarcts treated with medical therapy may vary with the infarct subtype.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vessel hyperintensities (FVHs) reflect the haemodynamic state and may aid in predicting the prognosis of border zone (BZ) infarct patients. This study was to explore the relationship between FVHs and functional outcomes for different BZ infarct subtypes following medical therapy administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were retrospectively enrolled and classified into internal BZ (IBZ) infarct, cortical BZ (CBZ) infarct and mixed-type infarct patients. FVHs were quantified using the FVH-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) system, and the scores were used to divide the patients into low-FVH (0-3) and high-FVH (4-7) groups. The FVH location and the cerebrovascular stenotic degree were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for poor outcomes (modified Rankin scale score ≥3). RESULTS: A total of 207 BZ infarct patients (IBZ, n = 130; CBZ, n = 52; mixed-type, n = 25) were included. The FVH score was positively correlated with cerebrovascular stenosis (r = 0.332, P < 0.001) in all patients. A high FVH score was associated with poor outcomes in all (OR 2.568, 95% CI (1.147 to 5.753), P = 0.022) and in CBZ infarct patients (OR 9.258, 95% CI 1.113 to 77.035), P = 0.040). FVH-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch was not significantly associated with outcomes in the entire patient group or in any subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: A high FVH score is associated with poor long-term outcomes in patients with CBZ infarcts but not in those with IBZ or mixed-type infarcts.

NIR-II Anti-Stokes Luminescence Nanocrystals with 1710 nm Excitation for in vivo Bioimaging.

Anti-Stokes luminescence (ASL) based on lanthanide nanocrystals holds immense promise for in vivo optical imaging and bio-detection, which benefits from filtered autofluorescence. However, the current longest emission and excitation wavelengths of lanthanide ASL system were shorter than 1200 nm and 1532 nm, respectively, which limited tissue penetration depth and caused low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of in vivo imaging due to tissue scattering and water absorption. In this work, we extended the excitation wavelength to 1710 nm with the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) emission up to 1650 nm through a novel ASL nanocrystal LiYF4:10%Tm@LiYF4:70%Er@LiYF4. Compared with 1532 nm excited ASL nanoprobes, the 1710 nm excited nanocrystals could improve in vivo imaging SNR by 12.72 folds. Based on this excellent imaging performance of the proposed ASL nanoprobes, three-channel in vivo dynamic multiplexed imaging was achieved, which quantitatively revealed metabolic rates of intestinal dynamics and liver enrichment under anesthetized and awake states. This innovative ASL nanoprobes and dynamic multiplexed imaging technology would be conducive to optimizing dosing regimen and treatment plans across various physiological conditions.

Disproportionality analysis of the safety profile of rufinamide in the real world: an evaluation of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database.

BACKGROUND: Rufinamide (RUF) is an antiepileptic drug recently introduced for managing seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), but its adverse reactions are not well understood. This study aims to evaluate RUF's safety profile using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). METHODS: Disproportionality analysis was conducted to assess RUF-associated adverse drug events (ADEs), using reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma-Poisson shrinker (MGPS). RESULTS: We collected 338 ADE reports related to RUF. Nervous system disorders were the most frequently reported signals, and several new ADEs were detected, including atonic seizures, sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, seizure clusters, multi-drug resistance, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Nearly half of the ADEs in pediatric patients were psychological or neurological. Disproportionality analysis within 4 weeks of treatment showed high RORs for QT shortening, sudden death, and atonic seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed prospective signals of new ADEs linked to RUF as well as revealed that both prescribers and patients were more conscious of the risks involved in its clinical use.

Herbal medicines for SOD1G93A mice of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: preclinical evidence and possible immunologic mechanism.

Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The mechanisms underlying ALS remain unclear, with immunological factors potentially playing a significant role. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), a systematic review of preclinical studies was conducted, searching seven databases including PubMed, covering literature from the inception of the databases to April 10, 2024. Methodological quality of the included literature was assessed using CAMARADES, while the risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using SYRCLE's ROB tool. Review Manager 5.4.1 statistical software was used for meta-analysis of the outcomes. The scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodological Guidelines and reporting of this review followed the PRISMA-extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA -ScR) checklist to explore the immunological mechanisms of Herbal Medicine (HM) in treating ALS. This systematic review and meta-analysis involved 18 studies with a total of 443 animals. The studies scored between 4 to 8 for methodological quality and 3 to 7 for risk of bias, both summing up to 10.A remarkable effects of HM in ALS mice, including onset time(Standardized Mean Difference(SMD): 1.75, 95% Confidence Interval(CI) (1.14 ~ 2.36), Z = 5.60, P < 0.01), survival time(SMD = 1.42, 95% CI (0.79 ~ 2.04), Z = 4.44, P < 0.01), stride length(SMD=1.90, 95% CI (1.21 to 2.59), Z = 5.39, P < 0.01) and duration time (Mean Difference(MD)=6.79, 95% CI [-0.28, 13.87], Z=1.88, P =0.06), showing HM's certain efficiency in treating ALS mice. The scoping review ultimately included 35 articles for review. HMs may treat ALS through mechanisms such as combating oxidative stress, excitatory amino acid toxicity, and calcium cytotoxicity, understanding and exploring the mechanisms will bring hope to patients. Individual herbs and their formulations within HM address ALS through a variety of immune pathways, including safeguarding the blood-brain barrier, countering neuroinflammation, impeding complement system activation, mitigating natural killer cell toxicity, and regulating T cell-mediated immune pathways. The preclinical evidence supports the utilization of HM as a conventional treatment for ALS mice. Growing evidence indicates that HM may potentially delay neurological degeneration in ALS by activating diverse signaling pathways, especially immune pathways.

Expression and clinical significance of SYNE3 in non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of Spectrin Repeat Containing Nuclear Envelope Family Member 3 (SYNE3) and Cluster of Differentiation 34 (CD34) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It also aimed to explore the relationship between SYNE3 and NSCLC angiogenesis and clinicopathologic features to identify new biomarkers for NSCLC. METHODS: Forty-five NSCLC stage IA-IVB tissue specimens from patients diagnosed at Bazhong Central Hospital were collected from January to September 2022, along with 45 para-cancerous normal lung tissues as controls. None of the NSCLC patients had received anti-tumor therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or traditional Chinese medicine. All specimens were stained for SYNE3 and CD34 using the Streptavidin-Peroxidase (SP) method. The expression levels of SYNE3 and CD34 in NSCLC tissues and para-cancerous tissues were detected, and a correlation analysis between SYNE3 and clinicopathological features was performed. The number of CD34-labeled microvessels was counted using the Microvessel density (MVD) method. The relationship between SYNE3 and NSCLC angiogenesis was examined through the correlation between CD34-MVD and NSCLC clinicopathologic features. RESULTS: The expression of SYNE3 in NSCLC was significantly lower than that in para-cancerous normal lung tissues, while the expression of CD34 in NSCLC was significantly higher than in para-cancerous normal lung tissues (P=0.037). SYNE3 expression in NSCLC was negatively correlated with tumor diameter and was lower in male patients with a smoking history compared to female patients without a smoking history. CD34 expression was positively correlated with Tumor, Node, Metastasis staging and lymph node metastasis. There was a significant correlation between the expression of SYNE3 and CD34 in NSCLC (r=0.450, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: SYNE3 was lowly expressed and negatively correlated with tumor size in NSCLC, whereas CD34 was highly expressed and positively correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. The significant correlation between the expressions of SYNE3 and CD34 suggests that SYNE3 may play a key role in NSCLC angiogenesis and progression.

Halogen-Bond-Assisted NHC-Catalyzed (Dynamic) Kinetic Resolution for the Atroposelective Synthesis of Heterobiaryls.

We report a novel halogen-bond-assisted NHC-catalyzed (dynamic) kinetic resolution strategy for the synthesis of axially chiral heterobiaryls. A class of axially chiral quinolines are prepared efficiently in excellent enantioselectivities (≤98% ee) employing 3-5 mol % NHC catalyst. Mechanistic studies reveal the indispensability of 5-bromo-2-iodobenzaldehyde in this reaction, in which a pivotal halogen bonding interaction plays a crucial role in the process.

Efficacy of tissue-bone homeostasis manipulation on the gait and knee function for the patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) was characterized by pain and limited joint function, which seriously affected the quality of life of patients. The vast majority of KOA was closely related to degeneration of the patellofemoral joint and abnormal patellar movement trajectory. Tissue-bone homeostasis manipulation (TBHM) could correct abnormal patellar movement trajectory on the basis of loosening soft tissue. However, there was little strong evidence to verify its efficacy on the patients with KOA. The study objective was to explore the efficacy of the TBHM on gait and knee function in the patients with KOA. METHODS: Sixty KOA patients were randomly assigned to either the joint mobilization (n = 30) or TBHM (n = 30) group. The joint mobilization group received joint mobilization, while the TBHM group received TBHM. For two groups, the patients participated in 30 min rehabilitation sessions thrice per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was biomechanical gait outcomes during walking, including step length, step velocity, double support, knee range of motion (ROM), and knee adduction moment (KAM). The secondary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC) and 36-Item short- form health survey (SF-36), which reflected improvements in knee function and quality of life, respectively. At baseline and 12 weeks, evaluations were conducted and compared between groups. RESULTS: After a 12-week intervention, significant group differences were observed in KAM (p = 0.018), WOMAC-Pain (p = 0.043) and WOMAC-Stiffness (p = 0.026). A noteworthy finding was the presence of a significant interaction effect between group and time specifically observed in step velocity during gait (p = 0.046), WOMAC-Function (p = 0.013) and SF-36 (p = 0.027). Further analysis revealed a significant difference in step velocity (p = 0.034), WOMAC-Function (p = 0.025) and SF-36 (p = 0.042) during post-assessment between the two groups. Moreover, a significant time effect was observed across all outcomes of the two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The TBHM intervention has better improved the gait, knee function, and quality of life in the patients with KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ITMCTR, ITMCTR2200005507. Registered 06/01/2022, http://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/zh-CN/Home/ProjectView?pid=09cdadad-0aef-41ee-81bd-a8dceb63f7f5 .

Phylogenomic analyses of the pantropical Platycerium Desv. (Platycerioideae) reveal their complex evolution and historical biogeography.

Platycerium is a genus of pantropical epiphytic ferns consisting of ca. 18 species and are highly sought after by horticultural enthusiasts. Although the monophyly of this genus has been well supported in previous molecular studies, as an intercontinentally disjunct genus, the origin and distribution pattern of Platycerium were elusive and controversial. This is mainly due to limited taxon sampling, a plastid representing only a single coalescent history, the lack of fossil evidence, and so on. Here, by utilizing genome-skimming sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and flow cytometry, we integrated chloroplast genomes, data of single-copy nuclear genes, ploidy levels, morphology, and geographic distribution to understand the species phylogeny and the evolutionary and biogeographic history of Platycerium. Our major results include: (1) based on both plastid and nuclear datasets, Platycerium is consistently resolved into three fully supported clades: the Afro-American (AA) clade, the Javan-Australian (JA) clade, and the Malayan-Asian (MA) clade. The AA clade and MA clade are further divided into three and two subclades, respectively; (2) a large amount of gene tree conflict, as well as cytonuclear discordance, was found and can be explained by hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting, and most of the hybridization hypotheses represented ancient hybridization events; (3) through molecular dating, the crown age of Platycerium is determined to be at approximately 32.79 Ma based on the plastid dataset or 29.08 Ma based on the nuclear dataset in the Middle Oligocene; (4) ancestral area reconstruction analysis from different datasets showed that Platycerium most likely originated from Indochina; (5) current distribution patterns are resultant from long-distance dispersals, ancient orogeny, and an ancient climate event; and (6) species diversification was driven by polyploidization, dispersal, and hybridization. This study presented here will help understand the evolution of tropical plant flora and provide a reference for the cultivation and breeding of staghorn ferns.

AmTPS6 promotes trehalose biosynthesis to enhance the Cd tolerance in mangrove Avicennia marina.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses a significant ecological risk to mangrove ecosystems. Trehalose has excellent potential to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metals. Unfortunately, the mechanisms related to trehalose-mediated heavy metal tolerance in plants remain elusive. In the present study, we firstly found that Cd induced the accumulation of trehalose and the differential expression of trehalose biosynthesis genes in the roots of mangrove plant Avicennia marina. Then, we found that the application of exogenous trehalose could alleviate the negative effects of Cd on A. marina by phenotypic observation. In addition, photosynthetic parameters and cellular ultrastructure analyses demonstrated that exogenous trehalose could improve the photosynthesis and stabilize the chloroplast and nuclear structure of the leaves of A. marina. Besides, exogenous trehalose could inhibit the Cd2+ influx from the root to reduce the Cd2+ content in A. marina. Subsequently, substrate sensitivity assay combined with ion uptake analysis using yeast cells showed that several trehalose biosynthesis genes may have a regulatory function for Cd2+ transport. Finally, we further identified a positive regulatory factor, AmTPS6, which enhances the Cd tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. Taken together, these findings provide new understanding to the mechanism of Cd tolerance in mangrove A. marina at trehalose aspect and a theoretical basis for the conservation of mangroves in coastal wetlands.

Exosomal MiR-653-3p Alleviates Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage via the TRIM21/p62/Nrf2/CYLD Axis.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is the main risk factor for preterm infants' brain injury. Exosomes originating from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have a protective effect against hypoxic-ischemic conditions. However, it remains to be elucidated whether exosome carrying miR-653-3p released by BMSC exerts specific functions in HIBD. Based on the analyses of high-throughput miRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR data, the low expression of miR-653-3p was identified in HIBD rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced BMSCs and HMC3 cells. In vitro functional experiments indicated that exosomal miR-653-3p derived from BMSC alleviated OGD-induced HMC3 cell damage. Mechanistically, miR-653-3p targeted TRIM21, regulating p62 ubiquitination to modulate the activity of Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, Nrf2 transcriptionally activated CYLD to inhibit the NF-κB pathway in HIBD. Rescue experiments verified that miR-653-3p could mitigate OGD-induced HMC3 cellular injury through CYLD. Finally, in vivo animal experiments validated the alleviation of HIBD in model rats treated with BMSC-derived miR-653-3p. Our study demonstrated that exosomal miR-653-3p from BMSC alleviates HIBD by inactivating the NF-κB pathway through the TRIM21/p62/Nrf2/CYLD axis.

Deciphering the evolution and biogeography of ant-ferns Lecanopteris s.s.

Southeast Asia is a biodiversity hotspot characterized by a complex paleogeography, and its Polypodiopsida flora is particularly diverse. While hybridization is recognized as common in ferns, further research is needed to investigate the relationship between hybridization events and fern diversity. Lecanopteris s.s., an ant-associated fern, has been subject to debate regarding species delimitations primarily due to limited DNA markers and species sampling. Our study integrates 22 newly generated plastomes, 22 transcriptomes, and flow cytometry of all native species along with two cultivated hybrids. Our objective is to elucidate the reticulate evolutionary history within Lecanopteris s.s. through the integration of phylobiogeographic reconstruction, gene flow inference, and genome size estimation. Key findings of our study include: (1) An enlarged plastome size (178-187 Kb) in Lecanopteris s.s., attributed to extreme expansion of the Inverted Repeat (IR) regions; (2) The traditional 'pumila' and 'crustacea' groups are paraphyletic; (3) Significant cytonuclear discordance attributed to gene flow; (4) Natural hybridization and introgression in the 'pumila' and 'darnaedii' groups; (5) L. luzonensis is the maternal parent of L. 'Yellow Tip', with L. pumila suggested as a possible paternal parent; (6) L. 'Tatsuta' is a hybrid between L. luzonensis and L. crustacea; (7) Lecanopteris s.s. first diverged during the Neogene and then during the middle Miocene climatic optimum in the Indochina and Sundaic regions. In conclusion, the biogeographic history and speciation of Lecanopteris have been profoundly shaped by past climate changes and geodynamics of Southeast Asia. Dispersals, hybridization and introgression between species act as pivotal factors in the evolutionary trajectory of Lecanopteris s.s.. This research provides a robust framework for further exploration and understanding of the complex dynamics driving the diversification and distribution patterns within Polypodiaceae subfamily Microsoroideae.

Bimetallic clusterzymes-loaded dendritic mesoporous silica particle regulate arthritis microenvironment via ROS scavenging and YAP1 stabilization.

Clusterzymes are synthetic enzymes exhibiting substantial catalytic activity and selectivity, which are uniquely driven by single-atom constructs. A dramatic increase in antioxidant capacity, 158 times more than natural trolox, is noted when single-atom copper is incorporated into gold-based clusterzymes to form Au24Cu1. Considering the inflammatory and mildly acidic microenvironment characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA), pH-dependent dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) coupled with PEG have been employed as a delivery system for the spatial-temporal release of clusterzymes within active articular regions, thereby enhancing the duration of effectiveness. Nonetheless, achieving high therapeutic efficacy remains a significant challenge. Herein, we describe the construction of a Clusterzymes-DMSNs-PEG complex (CDP) which remarkably diminishes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stabilizes the chondroprotective protein YAP by inhibiting the Hippo pathway. In the rabbit ACLT (anterior cruciate ligament transection) model, the CDP complex demonstrated inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity, preservation of type II collagen and aggregation protein secretion, thus prolonging the clusterzymes' protective influence on joint cartilage structure. Our research underscores the efficacy of the CDP complex in ROS-scavenging, enabled by the release of clusterzymes in response to an inflammatory and slightly acidic environment, leading to the obstruction of the Hippo pathway and downstream NF-κB signaling pathway. This study illuminates the design, composition, and use of DMSNs and clusterzymes in biomedicine, thus charting a promising course for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in alleviating OA.

Malignant pheochromocytoma invading the ureteral wall muscle layer: A case report.

Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor for which surgical resection is the main treatment.Malignant pheochromocytoma is very rare. Here,we present a case of adrenal pheochromocytoma invading the ureteral wall muscle layer, which resulted in left adrenal and left nephrectomy.

A Widespread Radical-Mediated Glycolysis Pathway.

Glycyl radical enzymes (GREs) catalyze mechanistically diverse radical-mediated reactions, playing important roles in the metabolism of anaerobic bacteria. The model bacterium Escherichia coli MG1655 contains two GREs of unknown function, YbiW and PflD, which are widespread among human intestinal bacteria. Here, we report that YbiW and PflD catalyze ring-opening C-O cleavage of 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-phosphate (AG6P) and 1,5-anhydromannitol-6-phosphate (AM6P), respectively. The product of both enzymes, 1-deoxy-fructose-6-phosphate (DF6P), is then cleaved by the aldolases FsaA or FsaB to form glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) and hydroxyacetone (HA), which are then reduced by the NADH-dependent dehydrogenase GldA to form 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO). Crystal structures of YbiW and PflD in complex with their substrates provided insights into the mechanism of radical-mediated C-O cleavage. This "anhydroglycolysis" pathway enables anaerobic growth of E. coli on 1,5-anhydroglucitol (AG) and 1,5-anhydromannitol (AM), and we probe the feasibility of harnessing this pathway for the production of 1,2-PDO, a highly demanded chiral chemical feedstock, from inexpensive starch. Discovery of the anhydroglycolysis pathway expands the known catalytic repertoire of GREs, clarifies the hitherto unknown physiological functions of the well-studied enzymes FsaA, FsaB, and GldA, and demonstrates how enzyme discovery efforts can cast light on prevalent yet overlooked metabolites in the microbiome.

Reporting quality and risk of bias of randomized controlled trials of Chinese herbal medicine for multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic disabling disease affecting young adults. A definitive curative treatment is currently unavailable. Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on MS. Because of the uncertain quality of these RCTs, the recommendations for routine use of CHM for MS remain inconclusive. The comprehensive evaluation of the quality of RCTs of CHM for MS is urgent. Methods: Nine databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Sinomed, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Database, were searched from inception to September 2023. RCTs comparing CHM with placebo or pharmacological interventions for MS were considered eligible. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and its extension for CHM formulas (CONSORT-CHM Formulas) checklists were used to evaluate the reporting quality of RCTs. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The selection criteria of high-frequency herbs for MS were those with cumulative frequency over 50% among the top-ranked herbs. Results: A total of 25 RCTs were included. In the included RCTs, 33% of the CONSORT items and 21% of the CONSORT-CHM Formulas items were reported. Eligibility title, sample size calculation, allocation concealment, randomized implementation, and blinded description in CONSORT core items were reported by less than 5% of trials. For the CONSORT-CHM Formulas, the source and authentication method of each CHM ingredient was particularly poorly reported. Most studies classified the risk of bias as "unclear" due to insufficient information. The top five most frequently used herbs were, in order, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, Radix Rehmanniae Recens, Herba Epimedii, Scorpio, and Poria. No serious adverse effect had been reported. Conclusions: The low reporting of CONSORT items and the unclear risk of bias indicate the inadequate quality of RCTs in terms of reporting completeness and result validity. The CONSORT-CHM Formulas appropriately consider the unique characteristics of CHM, including principles, formulas, and Chinese medicinal substances. To improve the quality of RCTs on CHM for MS, researchers should adhere more closely to CONSORT-CHM Formulas guidelines and ensure comprehensive disclosure of all study design elements.

Vital Characteristics Cellular Neural Network (VCeNN) for Melanoma Lesion Segmentation: A Biologically Inspired Deep Learning Approach.

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly lethal form of cancer. Developing a medical image segmentation model capable of accurately delineating melanoma lesions with high robustness and generalization presents a formidable challenge. This study draws inspiration from cellular functional characteristics and natural selection, proposing a novel medical segmentation model named the vital characteristics cellular neural network. This model incorporates vital characteristics observed in multicellular organisms, including memory, adaptation, apoptosis, and division. Memory module enables the network to rapidly adapt to input data during the early stages of training, accelerating model convergence. Adaptation module allows neurons to select the appropriate activation function based on varying environmental conditions. Apoptosis module reduces the risk of overfitting by pruning neurons with low activation values. Division module enhances the network's learning capacity by duplicating neurons with high activation values. Experimental evaluations demonstrate the efficacy of this model in enhancing the performance of neural networks for medical image segmentation. The proposed method achieves outstanding results across numerous publicly available datasets, indicating its potential to contribute significantly to the field of medical image analysis and facilitating accurate and efficient segmentation of medical imagery. The proposed method achieves outstanding results across numerous publicly available datasets, with an F1 score of 0.901, Intersection over Union of 0.841, and Dice coefficient of 0.913, indicating its potential to contribute significantly to the field of medical image analysis and facilitating accurate and efficient segmentation of medical imagery.

[Leigh syndrome caused by the mitochondrial m.8993T>G mutation with hypocitrullinemia: a report of four cases and literature review]. / m.8993T>Gç›¸å ³Leighç»¼åˆå¾åˆå¹¶ä½Žç“œæ°¨é ¸è¡€ç—‡æ‚£å„¿4ä¾‹å¹¶æ–‡çŒ®å¤ä¹ .

OBJECTIVES: To explore early diagnostic biological markers for Leigh syndrome caused by the m.8993T>G mutation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of four children diagnosed with m.8993T>G mutation-related mitochondrial disease at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2014 to January 2024. Additionally, a literature review was conducted. RESULTS: All four children had plasma amino acid and acylcarnitine analyses that revealed decreased citrulline levels, and one child was initially identified through neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening. According to the literature review, there were 26 children with mitochondrial disease and hypocitrullinemia caused by the m.8993T>G mutation (including the four children in this study). Among these, 12 children exhibited clinical phenotypes of Leigh syndrome or Leigh-like syndrome, while 18 children were identified with hypocitrullinemia and/or elevated levels of 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5-OH) during neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening. CONCLUSIONS: Hypocitrullinemia may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of m.8993T>G mutation-associated Leigh syndrome, detectable as early as during neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.