Pirarubicin combined with TLR3 or TLR4 agonists enhances anti-tumor efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is prone to relapse due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast cancer. Targeting the cross-talk between macrophages and cancer cells provides a more efficient strategy for anti-tumor therapy. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important players involved in macrophage activation, and TLR agonists are known to play roles in cancer therapy. However, the combination strategy of TLR agonists with chemotherapy drugs is still not well characterized. METHODS: RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of TLRs. The communication between breast cancer cells and macrophages were determined by co-culture in vitro. Tumor cells proliferation and migration were investigated by MTT assay and scratch wound assay. The effects of drug combinations and toxic side effects were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Hematoxylin & Eosin staining. RESULTS: Expression of TLR3 and TLR4 were lower in breast tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Patients with higher TLR3 or TLR4 expression levels had a better prognosis than those with lower expression levels. TLR3/4 expression was significantly inhibited when breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and E0771 were conditioned-cultured with macrophages in vitro and was also inhibited by pirarubicin (THP). However, the combination of TLR agonists and THP could reverse this response and inhibit the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Additionally, this combination significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight in the murine model, increased the expression of TLR3/4 in mouse breast tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide new ideas for the combination strategy of THP with TLR agonists which improves prognosis of breast cancer.

Perfect Is Perfect: Nickel Prussian Blue Analogue as A High-Efficiency Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Peroxide Production.

Prussian blue analogues (PBA) are a large family of functional materials with diverse applications such as in electrochemical fields. However, their use in the emerging two-electron oxygen reduction reaction for clean production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is lagging. Herein, a general solvent exchange induced reconstruction strategy is demonstrated, through which an abnormal NiNi-PBA superstructure is synthesized as a high-performance electrocatalyst for H2O2 generation. The resultant NiNi-PBA superstructure has a stoichiometric composition with saturated lattice water, and a leaf-like morphology composed of interconnected small-size nanosheets with identical orientation and predominate {210} side surface exposure. Our studies show that the Ni-N centers on {210} facets are the active sites, and the saturated lattice H2O favors a six-coordinated environment that results in high selectivity. The "perfect" structure including stoichiometric composition and ideal facet exposure leads to a high selectivity of ~100% and H2O2 yield of 5.7 mol g-1 h-1, superior to the reported MOF-based electrocatalysts and most other electrocatalysts.

Nanoporous Heterojunction Photocatalysts with Engineered Interfacial Sites for Efficient Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation.

Photocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (PNRR) offers a promising strategy for sustainable production of ammonia (NH3). However, the reported photocatalysts suffer from low efficiency with great room to improve regarding the charge carrier utilization and active site engineering. Herein, a porous and chemically bonded heterojunction photocatalyst is developed for efficient PNRR to NH3 production via hybridization of two semiconducting metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MIL-125-NH2 (MIL=Material Institute Lavoisier) and Co-HHTP (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytripehenylene). Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the formation of Ti-O-Co chemical bonds at the interface, which not only serve as atomic pathway for S-scheme charge transfer, but also provide electron-deficient Co centers for improving N2 chemisorption/activation capability and restricting competitive hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the nanoporous structure allows the transportation of reactants to the interfacial active sites at heterojunction, enabling the efficient utilization of charge carriers. Consequently, the rationally designed MOF-based heterojunction exhibits remarkable PNRR performance with an NH3 production rate of 2.1 mmol g-1 h-1, an apparent quantum yield (AQY) value of 16.2% at 365 nm and a solar-to-chemical conversion (SCC) efficiency of 0.28%, superior to most reported PNRR photocatalysts. Our work provides new insights into the design principles of high-performance photocatalysts.

MOF-on-MOF Heterostructured Electrocatalysts for Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3 -RR) is an important route for sustainable NH3 synthesis and environmental remediation. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one family of promising NO3 -RR electrocatalysts, however, there is plenty of room to improve in their performance, calling for new design principles. Herein, a MOF-on-MOF heterostructured electrocatalyst with interfacial dual active sites and build-in electric field is fabricated for efficient NO3 -RR to NH3 production. By growing Co-HHTP (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) nanorods on Ni-BDC (BDC=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) nanosheets, experimental and theoretical investigations demonstrate the formation of Ni-O-Co bonds at the interface of MOF-on-MOF heterostructure, leading to dual active sites tailed for NO3 -RR. The Ni sites facilitate the adsorption and activation of NO3 -, while the Co sites boost the H2O decomposition to supply active hydrogen (Hads) for N-containing intermediates hydrogenation on adjacent Ni sites, cooperatively reducing the energy barriers of NO3 -RR process. Together with the accelerated electron transfer enabled by built-in electric field, remarkable NO3 -RR performance is achieved with an NH3 yield rate of 11.46 mg h-1 cm-2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 98.4 %, outperforming most reported MOF-based electrocatalysts. This work provides new insights into the design of high-performance NO3 -RR electrocatalysts.

TFAP2A is involved in neuropathic pain by regulating Grin1 expression in glial cells of the dorsal root ganglion.

Neuropathic pain is a highly prevalent and refractory condition, yet its mechanism remains poorly understood. While NR1, the essential subunit of NMDA receptors, has long been recognized for its pivotal role in nociceptive transmission, its involvement in presynaptic stimulation is incompletely elucidated. Transcription factors can regulate the expression of both pro-nociceptive and analgesic factors. Our study shows that transcription factor TFAP2A was up-regulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, satellite glial cells (SGCs), and Schwann cells following spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Intrathecal injection of siRNA targeting Tfap2a immediately or 7 days after SNL effectively alleviated SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity and reduced Tfap2a expression levels. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that TFAP2A may regulate the expression of the Grin1 gene, which encodes NR1. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed TFAP2A's positive regulation of Grin1 expression. Notably, both Tfap2a and Grin1 were expressed in the primary SGCs and upregulated by lipopolysaccharides. The expression of Grin1 was also down-regulated in the DRG following Tfap2a knockdown. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of siRNA targeting Grin1 immediately or 7 days post-SNL effectively alleviated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, intrathecal Tfap2a siRNA alleviated SNL-induced neuronal hypersensitivity, and incubation of primary SGCs with Tfap2a siRNA decreased NMDA-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our study reveals the role of TFAP2A-Grin1 in regulating neuropathic pain in peripheral glia, offering a new strategy for the development of novel analgesics.

Total extracts from Abelmoschus manihot (L.) alleviate radiation-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via regulating redox imbalances mediated by the NOX4/xCT/GPX4 axis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is one of the most serious complications in patients receiving chest radiotherapy, partially offsetting its benefits. At present, there is a lack of effective treatments for RIHD. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of cell death that results from iron-dependent lipid peroxide accumulation. It was recently shown that irradiation generates severe ferroptosis, providing new insights for the treatment of RIHD. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) possesses excellent pharmacological properties and is widely used in treating various ischemic heart and brain diseases; however, its efficacy and mechanism in treating RIHD are unknown. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of total extracts from A. manihot (L.) (TEA) in treating RIHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice and H9C2 cells were exposed to irradiation to induce RIHD in vivo and in vitro, respectively. In vivo, we evaluated the protective effects of TEA (150 and 300 mg/kg) on RIHD. Body and heart weight changes of mice were calculated in each group, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH/NADP+) ratios, western blot, heart histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate TEA effectiveness. We identified the potential mechanism of radiation-induced cardiomyocyte injury in H9C2 cells treated with small interfering RNA. We determined the effective dose of TEA (0.6 mg/mL) using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Intracellular Fe2+ and lipid peroxidation levels were detected by Phen Green™ SK diacetate probe, BODIPY 581/591 C11 staining, and MDA, GSH, and NADPH kits, and the level of target protein was evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blot. RESULTS: Radiation inhibited system Xc-cystine (xCT)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and activity in cardiomyocytes in a time and dose-dependent manner. After silencing xCT/GPX4, MDA significantly increased and GSH/GSSH and NADPH/NADP+ ratios were reduced. xCT/GPX4 inhibition drove ferroptosis in radiation-induced H9C2 injury. Oxidative stress in H9C2 was significantly enhanced by irradiation, which also significantly increased NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression and inhibited nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of xCT/GPX4 drove ferroptosis in radiation-induced H9C2 injury, which was aggravated by inactivation of Nrf2 and alleviated by inhibition of NOX4. Compared with the ionizing radiation-only group, TEA improved body weight loss, MDA levels, and histological changes induced by irradiation in mice hearts, and increased the ratio of GSH/GSSH and NADPH/NADP+in vivo; it also reduced lipid peroxidation and intracellular Fe2+ accumulation, restored MDA levels, and elevated the ratios of GSH/GSSH and NADPH/NADP+ in irradiation-injured H9C2 cells. TEA up-regulated Nrf2, xCT, and GPX4 expression and inhibited NOX4 expression in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Ferroptosis induced by redox imbalance mediated through the NOX4/xCT/GPX4 axis is a potential mechanism behind radiation-induced cardiomyocyte injury, and can be prevented by TEA.

Stigma and its associations with self-confidence and sexual relations in 4 types of premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Although men with premature ejaculation (PE) always show more negative emotions, including embarrassment, guilt and worry, this may be related to the stigma of PE. To investigated stigma and its associations with self-confidence and sexual relations in 4 PE syndromes, a survey was conducted in our hospital from December 2018 to December 2019 among 350 men with self-reported PE and 252 men without self-reported PE. The stigma, self-confidence and sexual relations were assessed by the Social Impact Scale (SIS) and Self-Esteem and Relationship questionnaire (SEAR), respectively. Ejaculation control, sexual life satisfaction and distress caused by PE were evaluated by the Index of PE. RESULTS: Men with self-reported PE had higher internalized shame and social isolation scores and lower SEAR scores than control subjects. The highest score of internalized shame and social isolation and the lowest score of SEAR appeared in men with lifelong PE (LPE). After age adjustment, the positive relationships were stronger between distress about PE and internalized shame. Whereas, the stronger negative associations were found between social isolation and sexual satisfaction. The strongest association was observed between social isolation and sexual relationship. Therefore, the stigma associated with PE adversely affects the self-confidence, self-esteem, and sexual relationships of men with PE. CONCLUSION: Men with PE, especially LPE, have a high level of stigma and disharmonious sexual relations, and often lack self-confidence and self-esteem, which have a certain negative impact on their physical and mental health and life. These will be the key issues to be considered when we formulate a personalized treatment plan for PE.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Bien que les hommes atteints d'éjaculation précoce (EP) montrent plus d'émotions négatives toujours, notamment de l'embarras, de la culpabilité et de l'inquiétude, cela peut être lié à la stigmatisation de l'EP. Afin d'étudier la stigmatisation et ses associations avec la confiance en soi et les relations sexuelles dans 4 syndromes d'EP, une enquête a été menée dans notre hôpital de décembre 2018 à décembre 2019 auprès de 350 hommes atteints d'EP autodéclarée et de 252 hommes sans EP autodéclarée. La stigmatisation, la confiance en soi et les relations sexuelles ont été évaluées respectivement à l'aide de l'échelle d'impact social (SIS) et du questionnaire sur l'estime de soi et les relations (SEAR). Le contrôle de l'éjaculation, la satisfaction de la vie sexuelle et la détresse causée par l'EP ont été évalués par l'indice d'EP. RéSULTATS: Les hommes ayant une EP autodéclarée avaient des scores de honte intériorisée et d'isolement social plus élevés, et des scores SEAR inférieurs, à ceux des sujets témoins. Le score le plus élevé de honte intériorisée et d'isolement social, et le score le plus bas de SEAR, sont apparus chez les hommes atteints d'EP à vie (EPL). Après ajustement sur l'âge, les relations positives étaient plus fortes entre la détresse due à l'EP et la honte intériorisée. Les associations négatives les plus fortes ont été trouvées entre l'isolement social et la satisfaction sexuelle. Par conséquent, la stigmatisation associée à l'EP affecte négativement la confiance en soi, l'estime de soi et les relations sexuelles des hommes atteints d'EP. CONCLUSION: Les hommes atteints d'EP, en particulier ceux atteints d'EPL, ont un niveau élevé de stigmatisation et de relations sexuelles disharmonieuses, et ils manquent souvent de confiance en soi et d'estime de soi; ce qui a un impact négatif certain sur leur santé physique et mentale, et sur leur vie. Ce seront les questions clés à prendre en compte lorsque nous formulerons un plan de traitement personnalisé pour l'EP.

FireSonic: Design and Implementation of an Ultrasound Sensing-Based Fire Type Identification System.

Accurate and prompt determination of fire types is essential for effective firefighting and reducing damage. However, traditional methods such as smoke detection, visual analysis, and wireless signals are not able to identify fire types. This paper introduces FireSonic, an acoustic sensing system that leverages commercial speakers and microphones to actively probe the fire using acoustic signals, effectively identifying fire types. By incorporating beamforming technology, FireSonic first enhances signal clarity and reliability, thus mitigating signal attenuation and distortion. To establish a reliable correlation between fire type and sound propagation, FireSonic quantifies the heat release rate (HRR) of flames by analyzing the relationship between fire-heated areas and sound wave propagation delays. Furthermore, the system extracts spatiotemporal features related to fire from channel measurements. The experimental results demonstrate that FireSonic attains an average fire type classification accuracy of 95.5% and a detection latency of less than 400 ms, satisfying the requirements for real-time monitoring. This system significantly enhances the formulation of targeted firefighting strategies, boosting fire response effectiveness and public safety.

Nanoarchitectonics of S-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalysts: A Nanohouse Design Improves Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Performance.

Photocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) is a promising route for environment remediation and sustainable ammonia synthesis. To design efficient photocatalysts, the recently emerged nanoarchitectonics approach holds great promise. Here, we report a nanohouse-like S-scheme heterjunction photocatalyst with high photocatalytic NitRR performance. The nano-house has a floor of plate-like metal organic framework-based photocatalyst (NH2-MIL-125), on which another photocatalyst Co(OH)2 nanosheet is grown while ZIF-8 hollow cages are also constructed as the surrounding wall/roof. Experimental and simulation results indicate that the positively charged, highly porous and hydrophobic ZIF-8 wall can modulate the environment in the nanohouse by (i) NO3 - enrichment/NH4 + discharge and (ii) suppression of the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. In combination with the enhanced electron-hole separation and strong redox capability in the NH2-MIL-125@Co(OH)2 S-scheme heterjunction confined in the nano-house, the designed photocatalyst delivers an ammonia yield of 2454.9 µmol g-1 h-1 and an apparent quantum yield of 8.02 % at 400 nm in pure water. Our work provides new insights into the design principles of advanced photocatalytic NitRR photocatalyst.

Enabling Logistics Automation in Nanofactory: Cobalt Phosphide Embedded Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) in neutral condition offers a promising strategy for green ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment, the rational design of electrocatalysts is the cornerstone. Inspired by modern factory design where both machines and logistics matter for manufacturing, it is reported that cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoparticles embedded in zinc-based zeolite imidazole frameworks (Zn-ZIF) function as a nanofactory with high performance. By selective phosphorization of ZnCo bimetallic zeolite imidazole framework (ZnCo-ZIF), the generated CoP nanoparticles act as "machines" (active sites) for molecular manufacturing (NO3 - to NH4 + conversion). The purposely retained framework (Zn-ZIFs) with positive charge promotes logistics automation, i.e., the automatic delivery of NO3 - reactants and timely discharge of NH4 + products in-and-out the nanofactory due to electrostatic interaction. Moreover, the interaction between Zn-ZIF and CoP modulates the Co sites into electron insufficient state with upshifted d-band center, facilitating the reduction/hydrogenation of NO3 - to ammonia and restricting the competitive hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the assembled CoP/Zn-ZIF nanofactory exhibits superior NitRR performances with a high Faraday efficiency of ≈97% and a high ammonia yield of 0.89 mmol cm-1 h-1 in neutral condition, among the best of reported electrocatalysts. The work provides new insights into the design principles of efficient NitRR electrocatalysts.

Functional types of long trichoid sensilla responding to sex pheromone components in Plutella xylostella.

Sex pheromones, which consist of multiple components in specific ratios promote intraspecific sexual communications of insects. Plutella xylostella (L.) is a worldwide pest of cruciferous vegetables, the mating behavior of which is highly dependent on its olfactory system. Long trichoid sensilla on male antennae are the main olfactory sensilla that can sense sex pheromones. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 3 sex pheromone components from sex pheromone gland secretions of P. xylostella female adults were identified as Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac, and Z11-16:OH in a ratio of 9.4 : 100 : 17 using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection. Electrophysiological responses of 581 and 385 long trichoid sensilla of male adults and female adults, respectively, to the 3 components were measured by single sensillum recording. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the long trichoid sensilla were of 6 different types. In the male antennae, 52.32%, 5.51%, and 1.89% of the sensilla responded to Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac, and Z11-16:OH, which are named as A type, B type, and C type sensilla, respectively; 2.93% named as D type sensilla responded to both Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:Ac, and 0.34% named as E type sensilla were sensitive to both Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:OH. In the female antennae, only 7.53% of long trichoid sensilla responded to the sex pheromone components, A type sensilla were 3.64%, B type and C type sensilla were both 0.52%, D type sensilla were 1.30%, and 1.56% of the sensilla responded to all 3 components, which were named as F type sensilla. The responding long trichoid sensilla were located from the base to the terminal of the male antennae and from the base to the middle of the female antennae. The pheromone mixture (Z11-16:Ald : Z11-16:Ac : Z11-16:OH = 9.4 : 100 : 17) had a weakly repellent effect on female adults of P. xylostella. Our results lay the foundation for further studies on sex pheromone communications in P. xylostella.

Highly efficient nitrogen fixation over S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with enhanced active hydrogen supply.

Photocatalytic N2 fixation is a promising strategy for ammonia (NH3) synthesis; however, it suffers from relatively low ammonia yield due to the difficulty in the design of photocatalysts with both high charge transfer efficiency and desirable N2 adsorption/activation capability. Herein, an S-scheme CoSx/ZnS heterojunction with dual active sites is designed as an efficient N2 fixation photocatalyst. The CoSx/ZnS heterojunction exhibits a unique pocket-like nanostructure with small ZnS nanocrystals adhered on a single-hole CoSx hollow dodecahedron. Within the heterojunction, the electronic interaction between ZnS and CoSx creates electron-deficient Zn sites with enhanced N2 chemisorption and electron-sufficient Co sites with active hydrogen supply for N2 hydrogenation, cooperatively reducing the energy barrier for N2 activation. In combination with the promoted photogenerated electron-hole separation of the S-scheme heterojunction and facilitated mass transfer by the pocket-like nanostructure, an excellent N2 fixation performance with a high NH3 yield of 1175.37 µmol g-1 h-1 is achieved. This study provides new insights into the design of heterojunction photocatalysts for N2 fixation.

Identification and functional characterization of chemosensory genes in olfactory and taste organs of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura is one of the most destructive polyphagous crop pests. Olfaction and taste play a crucial role in its host plant selection and sexual communication, but the expression profile of chemosensory genes remains unclear. In this study, we identified 185 chemosensory genes from 7 organs in S. litura by transcriptome sequencing, of which 72 genes were published for the first time, including 27 odorant receptors (ORs), 26 gustatory receptors (GRs), 1 ionotropic receptor (IR), 16 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), and 2 chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that ORs, IRs, OBPs, and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) were mainly expressed in antennae and sequence-conserved among Noctuidae species. The most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sexes were ORs and OBPs, and no DEGs were found in GRs. GR transcripts were enriched in proboscis, and the expression of sugar receptors was the highest. Carbon dioxide receptors, sugar receptor-SliuGR6, and bitter GRs-SlituGR43 and SlituGR66 had higher sequence identities between Noctuidae species. CSPs were broadly expressed in various organs, and SlituCSP13 was a DEG in adult antennae. The functional analysis in the Drosophila OR67d expression system found that SlituOR50, a receptor highly expressed in female antennae, is selectively tuned to farnesyl acetate. The results provide a solid foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms by which chemosensory genes operate to elicit behavioral responses in polyphagous insects.

Association Between Peripheral Retinal Defocus and Myopia by Multispectral Refraction Topography in Chinese Children.

Objective: To investigate the association between the peripheral refractive errors of the fundus in different regions and moderate and high myopia. Methods: In this case-control study, 320 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years were recruited. Peripheral refractive errors were measured using multispectral retinal refractive topography (MRT). Spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder errors were classified into low, moderate, and high categories based on the magnitude range. Logistic regression was performed to test the factors associated with myopia. Results: There were 152 participants with low myopia and 168 participants with moderate and high myopia included in the current study. Participants with moderate and high myopia were most likely to be older, with larger axial length (AL), lower SE, less time to watch electronic devices on the weekend, a higher difference between central refractive error and paracentral refractive error from the superior side of the retina (RDV-S), but a smaller difference between the central refractive error and paracentral refractive error from the inferior side of the retina (RDV-I) than those with low myopia (all P <0.05). After logistic analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 4.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.16-7.97, P <0.001), AL (OR = 6.88, 95% CI = 4.33-10.93, P <0.001), and RDV-I (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.86, P = 0.010) were independent factors for moderate and high myopia. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the retina peripheral refraction of the eyes (RDV-I) was associated with moderate and high myopia, and RDV-S was only associated with high myopia.

Redefining left bundle branch block from high-density electroanatomical mapping.

BACKGROUND: The existing ECG criteria for diagnosing left bundle branch block (LBBB) are insufficient to distinguish between true and false blocks accurately. METHODS: We hypothesized that the notch width of the QRS complex in the lateral leads (I, avL, V5, V6) on the LBBB-like ECG could further confirm the diagnosis of true complete left bundle branch block (t-LBBB). We conducted high-density, three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping in the cardiac chambers of 37 patients scheduled to undergo CRT. These patients' preoperative electrocardiograms met the ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines for the diagnosis of complete LBBB. If the left bundle branch potential could be mapped from the base of the heart to the apex on the left ventricular septum, it was defined as a false complete left bundle branch block (f-LBBB). Otherwise, it was categorized as a t-LBBB. We conducted a comparative analysis between the two groups, considering the clinical characteristics, real-time correspondence between the spread of ventricular electrical excitation and the QRS wave, QRS notch width of the lateral leads (I, avL, V5, V6), and the notch width/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (Nw/LVd) ratio. We performed the ROC correlation analysis of Nw/LVd and t-LBBB to determine the sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic authenticity. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included in the t-LBBB group, while 12 patients were assigned to the f-LBBB group. Within the t-LBBB group, the first peak of the QRS notch correlated with the depolarization of the right ventricle and septum, the trough corresponded to the depolarization of the left ventricle across the left ventricle, and the second peak aligned with the depolarization of the left ventricular free wall. In contrast, within the f-LBBB group, the first peak coincided with the depolarization of the right ventricle and a majority of the left ventricle, the second peak occurred due to the depolarization of the latest, locally-activated myocardium in the left ventricle, and the trough was a result of delayed activation of the left ventricle that did not align with the usual peak timing. The QRS notch width (45.2 ± 12.3 ms vs. 52.5 ± 9.2 ms, P < 0.05) and the Nw/LVd ratio (0.65 ± 0.19 ms/mm vs. 0.81 ± 0.17 ms/mm, P < 0.05) were compared between the two groups. After conducting the ROC correlation analysis, a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 91.7% for diagnosing t-LBBB using Nw/LVd were obtained. CONCLUSION: By utilizing the current diagnostic criteria for LBBB, an increased Nw/LVd value can enhance the effectiveness of diagnosing LBBB.

Endothelialization of PTFE-covered stents for aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas created in canine carotid arteries.

To investigate the endothelialization of covered and bare stents deployed in the canine carotid arteries and subclavian arteries for treating experimental aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas, twenty aneurysms were created in 10 dogs, and 20 fistulas in another 10 dogs. The Willis balloon-expandable covered stent and a self-expandable covered stent were used to treat these lesions, and a self-expandable bare stent was deployed in the subclavian artery for comparison. Followed up for up to 12 months, the gross observation, pathological staining, and scanning electronic microscopic data were analyzed. Two weeks after creation of animal model, thirty self-expandable covered stents and ten balloon-expandable covered stents were deployed. Fifteen bare stents were deployed within the left subclavian arteries. Twenty days after stenting, the aneurysm significantly shrank. At 6 months, the thrombi within the aneurysm cavity were organized. Three to 12 months later, most covered and bare stents were covered by a thin transparent or white layer of endothelial intima. Layers of intima or pseudomembrane were formed on the stent 20-40 days after stent deployment. Over three months, the pseudomembrane became organized, thinner, and merged into the vascular wall. Under scanning electronic microscopy, the surface of covered and bare stents had only deposition of collagen fibers and rare endothelial cells 20-40 days after stenting. From three to ten months, the endothelial cells on the internal surface of stent became mature, with spindle, stripe-like or quasi round morphology along the blood flow direction. Over time, the endothelial cells became mature. In conclusion, three months after deployment in canines' arteries, the self-expandable bare and covered stents have mostly been covered by endothelial cells which become maturer over time, whereas the balloon-expandable covered stents do not have complete coverage of endothelial cells at three months, especially for protruding stent struts and areas. Over time, the endothelialization will become mature.

A global bibliometric and visualized analysis of gait analysis and artificial intelligence research from 1992 to 2022.

Gait is an important basic function of human beings and an integral part of life. Many mental and physical abnormalities can cause noticeable differences in a person's gait. Abnormal gait can lead to serious consequences such as falls, limited mobility and reduced life satisfaction. Gait analysis, which includes joint kinematics, kinetics, and dynamic Electromyography (EMG) data, is now recognized as a clinically useful tool that can provide both quantifiable and qualitative information on performance to aid in treatment planning and evaluate its outcome. With the assistance of new artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the traditional medical environment has undergone great changes. AI has the potential to reshape medicine, making gait analysis more accurate, efficient and accessible. In this study, we analyzed basic information about gait analysis and AI articles that met inclusion criteria in the WoS Core Collection database from 1992-2022, and the VosViewer software was used for web visualization and keyword analysis. Through bibliometric and visual analysis, this article systematically introduces the research status of gait analysis and AI. We introduce the application of artificial intelligence in clinical gait analysis, which affects the identification and management of gait abnormalities found in various diseases. Machine learning (ML) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are the most often utilized AI methods in gait analysis. By comparing the predictive capability of different AI algorithms in published studies, we evaluate their potential for gait analysis in different situations. Furthermore, the current challenges and future directions of gait analysis and AI research are discussed, which will also provide valuable reference information for investors in this field.

Discovery of Insect Attractants Based on the Functional Analyses of Female-Biased Odorant Receptors and Their Orthologs in Two Closely Related Species.

Olfaction plays an instrumental role in host plant selection by phytophagous insects. Helicoverpa assulta and Helicoverpa armigera are two closely related moth species with different host plant ranges. In this study, we first comparatively analyzed the function of 11 female-biased odorant receptors (ORs) and their orthologs in the two species by the Drosophila T1 neuron expression system and then examined the electroantennography responses of the two species to the most effective OR ligands. Behavioral assays using a Y-tube olfactometer indicate that guaiene, the primary ligand of HassOR21-2 and HarmOR21-2, only attracts the females, while benzyl acetone, the main ligand of HassOR35 and HarmOR35, attracts both sexes of the two species. Oviposition preference experiments further confirm that guaiene and benzyl acetone are potent oviposition attractants for the mated females of both species. These findings deepen our understanding of the olfactory coding mechanisms of host plant selection in herbivorous insects and provide valuable attractants for managing pest populations.

Animating fossilized invertebrates by motion reconstruction.

Taking the motion reconstruction of the Cretaceous hell ants as an example, this study shows how to achieve motion reconstruction in fossil invertebrates and discusses potential challenges and opportunities.

Epitaxial growth of metal-organic framework nanosheets into single-crystalline orthogonal arrays.

Construction of two-dimensional nanosheets into three-dimensional regular structures facilitates the mass transfer and exploits the maximum potential of two-dimensional building blocks in applications such as catalysis. Here, we report the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks with an orthogonal nanosheet array. The assembly involves the epitaxial growth of single crystalline metal-organic framework nanosheets with a naturally non-preferred facet exposure as the shell on a cubic metal-organic framework as the core. The nanosheets, despite of two typical shapes and crystallographic orientations, also form a single crystalline orthogonally arrayed framework. The density and size of nanosheets in the core-shell-structured composite metal-organic frameworks can be well adjusted. Moreover, metal-organic frameworks with a single composition and hollow orthogonal nanosheet array morphology can be obtained. Benefiting from the unusual facet exposure and macroporous structure, the designed structure exhibits improved electrocatalytic oxygen evolution activity compared to conventional nanosheets.