Artemisia annua L. polysaccharide improves the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of broilers challenged with Escherichia coli.

With the high intensification of poultry breeding, a series of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria threaten the health of poultry and human. Among them, poultry diseases induced by Escherichia coli cause significant economic loss every year. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemisia annua L. polysaccharide (AAP) on the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of broilers with Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge. A total of 256 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: control group (fed basal diet), AAP group (fed basal diet supplemented with AAP), E. coli group (fed basal diet and orally administered E. coli), AAP + E. coli group (fed basal diet supplemented with AAP and orally administered E. coli). Dietary AAP supplementation elevated the BW, ADG and ADFI in non-challenged broilers. AAP also increased the apparent metabolic rate of EE and Ca in E. coli-challenged broilers. Moreover, AAP not only enhanced the serum IgA content but also decreased the serum and jejunum content of IL-6, as well as the jejunum level of IL-1ß in non-challenged broilers. AAP also down-regulates the mRNA level of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) by inhibiting the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in intestinal NF-κB signaling pathway of E. coli-challenged broilers. Meanwhile, AAP up-regulates the activity and mRNA level CAT by down-regulating the mRNA level of Keap1 in intestinal Nrf2 signaling pathway of E. coli-challenged broilers, and decreased serum MDA concentration. AAP significantly elevated the mRNA level of CAT, SOD and Nrf2 in jejunal of non-challenged broilers. Interestingly, AAP can improve intestinal physical barrier by down-regulating serum ET content, increasing the jejunal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) and ZO-1 mRNA level in broilers challenged by E. coli. AAP also elevated the VH/CD and the mRNA level of Occludin, ZO-1, Mucin-2 in non-challenged broilers. Importantly, AAP reshaped the balance of jejunum microbiota in E. coli-challenged broilers by altering α diversity and community composition. In summary, AAP ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broilers challenged with E. coli, probably by regulating the intestinal permeability and mucosa morphology, immune function, antioxidant ability, and microbiota.

Inverse association of the systemic immune-inflammation index with serum anti-ageing protein Klotho levels in individuals with osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the serum soluble-Klotho concentration (pg/ml) in osteoarthritis (OA) patients is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the SII and serum soluble-Klotho levels in OA patients. METHODS: All study data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (n = 1852 OA patients; age range = 40-79 years). The SII and serum Klotho measurement data are from the NHANES mobile examination centre. The SII values were divided into quartiles (Q1-4: 0.02-3.36, 3.36-4.78, 4.79-6.70, and 6.70-41.75). A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to evaluate the association between the SII and serum Klotho levels in OA patients; interaction tests were conducted to test the stability of the statistical results. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression revealed a negative linear relationship between the SII and serum Klotho concentration in OA patients (ß = -6.05; 95% CI: -9.72, -2.39). Compared to Q1, Q4 was associated with lower serum Klotho concentrations (ß = -59.93; 95% CI: -96.57, -23.28). Compared with that of Q1, the ß value of Q2-Q4 showed a downwards trend as the SII increased (Ptrend <0.001). The stratified analysis results indicated that the SII had a greater sensitivity in predicting serum Klotho concentrations in OA patients aged 60-79 years (Pinteraction = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant negative linear correlation between the SII and serum Klotho concentration in OA patients. The SII can serve as a predictive indicator of serum Klotho concentrations in OA patients. Klotho may be a potential anti-inflammatory drug for OA treatment.

Clinical effect of digitalized designed and 3D-printed repositioning splints in the treatment of anterior displacement of temporomandibular joint disc.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment effectiveness of digitized and 3D-printed repositioning splints with that of conventional repositioning splints in the treatment of anterior displacement of the temporomandibular joint disc. METHODS: This retrospective study included 96 patients with disc displacement of the anterior temporomandibular joint. They were treated with either digitally designed and 3D-printed repositioning splints or traditional splints and followed up for at least six months. Changes in signs and symptoms such as pain and mouth opening before and after treatment were recorded to evaluate treatment outcomes. RESULTS: During the first month of treatment, both the digitally designed and 3D-printed repositioning splint groups (Group B) and the traditional repositioning splint group (Group A) showed significant increases in mouth opening, with increases of 4.93 ± 3.06 mm and 4.07 ± 4.69 mm, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Both groups had a significant reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, with Group B showing a greater reduction of 1.946 ± 1.113 compared to 1.488 ± 0.978 in Group A (P < 0.05). By the sixth month, Group B's mouth opening further improved to 38.65 ± 3.22 mm (P < 0.05), while Group A's mouth opening did not significantly improve. Regarding pain, Group A's VAS score decreased by 0.463 ± 0.778 after one month, and Group B's score decreased by 0.455 ± 0.715; both groups showed significant reductions, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional repositioning splints, digitally designed and 3D-printed repositioning splints are more effective at reducing patient pain and improving mouth opening. 3D-printed repositioning splints are an effective treatment method for temporomandibular joint disc displacement and have significant potential for widespread clinical application.

Carexduanensis (Carexsect.Rhomboidales), a new species of Cyperaceae from limestone areas of Guangxi, China.

Carexduanensis Z.C.Lu, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin, a new species in limestone areas of Guangxi, China, was discovered and described. The morphology showed that C.duanensis is similar to C.calcicola, but differs in having culms central, leaf blades 3-5.5 mm wide, bracts longer than spikes, utricles 4-5 mm long, shorter, and nutlets abruptly contracted into an erect beak at apex. SEM microphotographs of utricles and nutlets are provided for the new and related species, C.calcicola.

Carexlinanensis (sect. Mitratae), a new species of Cyperaceae from Zhejiang, East China.

Carexlinanensis X.D.Qiu & X.F.Jin, a new species in sect. Mitratae of the sedge family (Cyperaceae) from north-western Zhejiang is described and illustrated. We performed a statistical comparison of the new species with other closely-related species from the same section. Carexlinanensis is similar to Carexsachalinensis F.Schmidt, but differs in having leaf blades 1-2 mm wide (vs. 2.5-3.5 mm wide), utricles longer than pistillate glumes, with beak margin smooth (vs. barbate) and peduncles of lateral spikes enclosed in bract sheaths (vs. exserted from bract sheaths).

Declined flesh quality resulting from niacin deficiency is associated with elevated glycolysis and impaired mitochondrial homeostasis in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Energy metabolism exerts profound impacts on flesh quality. Niacin can be transformed into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is indispensable to energy metabolism. To investigate whether niacin deficiency could affect energy metabolism and flesh quality, six diets with graded levels of 0.49, 9.30, 21.30, 33.30, 45.30 and 57.30 mg/kg niacin were fed to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for 63 days. The results showed that niacin deficiency declined flesh quality by changing amino acid and fatty acid profiles, decreasing shear force, increasing cooking loss and accelerating pH decline. The accelerated pH decline might be associated with enhanced glycolysis as evident by increased hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and mitochondrial dysfunction as evident by destroyed mitochondrial morphology, impaired respiratory chain complex I and antioxidant ability. Based on PWG and cooking loss, the niacin requirements for sub-adult grass carp were 31.95 mg/kg and 29.66 mg/kg diet, respectively.

[Clinical Characteristics of CD4-CD56+ Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical manifestations, pathological features, immunophenotype, as well as diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with CD4-CD56+ blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), in order to further understand the rare disease. METHODS: The clinical data, laboratory examinations and treatment regimens of two patients with CD4-CD56+ BPDCN in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The two patients were both elderly males with tumor involved in skin, bone marrow, lymph nodes, etc. Immunohistochemical results of skin lesions showed that both CD56 and CD123 were positive, while CD4, CD34, TdT, CD3, CD20, MPO and EBER were negative. Flow cytometry of bone marrow demonstrated that CD56, CD123, and CD304 were all positive, while specific immune markers of myeloid and lymphoid were negative. Two patients were initially very sensitive to acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphomatoid chemotherapy regimens, but prone to rapid relapse. The overall survival of both patients was 36 months and 4 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: CD4-CD56+ BPDCN is very rare and easily misdiagnosed as other hematological tumors with poor prognosis. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphomatoid therapy should be used first to improve the poor prognosis.

Orange carbon dots based smart sensing platforms for rapid, visual, quantitative identification of sodium copper chlorophyllin.

A highly affordable, sensitive and portable detection platform for the quantitative identification of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) in food and environment is a crucial need. Even though many carbon dots (CDs) based sensors have been developed, few reports on using CDs as optical probes for SCC detection have been published so far. In this paper, orange luminescent CDs (OLCDs) were prepared via solvothermal method, which have high fluorescence quantum yield (27.20 %) and excellent photostability. OLCDs can detect SCC via inner filter effect (IFE), with fast response, high selectivity, outstanding sensitivity and superior anti-interference ability. Benefiting from the remarkable properties of OLCDs, a portable sensing platform was triumphantly constructed, which facilitated the in situ, real-time quantitative determination of SCC in diverse actual samples, by catching the fluorescence change of OLCDs-based paper sensors via smartphone RGB colorimetric analysis. This first CDs-based smart sensing system displays great potential for quantification of SCC in various fields.

Metabolic Regulation-Mediated Reversion of the Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment for Potentiating Cooperative Metabolic Therapy and Immunotherapy.

Tumor cells exhibit heightened glucose (Glu) consumption and increased lactic acid (LA) production, resulting in the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates malignant proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we meticulously engineer an antitumor nanoplatform, denoted as ZLGCR, by incorporating glucose oxidase, LA oxidase, and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 that is camouflaged with a red blood cell membrane. Significantly, ZLGCR-mediated consumption of Glu and LA not only amplifies the effectiveness of metabolic therapy but also reverses the immunosuppressive TME, thereby enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of CpG-mediated antitumor immunotherapy. It is particularly important that the synergistic effect of metabolic therapy and immunotherapy is further augmented when combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Consequently, this engineered antitumor nanoplatform will achieve a cooperative tumor-suppressive outcome through the modulation of metabolism and immune responses within the TME.

[Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Algal Blooms and Its Driving Factors in Chaohu Lake Based on Multi-source Datasets].

Eutrophication and harmful algae blooms are one of the common ecological and environmental problems faced by freshwater lakes all over the world. As a typical inland freshwater lake, Chaohu Lake exhibits a high level of eutrophication and algae blooms year-round and shows a spatiotemporal difference in different regions of the lake. In order to understand the basic regularity of the development and outbreak of algal blooms in Chaohu Lake, the data from the comprehensive water observation platform and remote sensing were integrated to obtain the spatiotemporal distribution of algal blooms from 2015 to 2020. Then, an evaluation model based on Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) was constructed to quantitatively assess the importance and interactions of various environmental factors on algal blooms at different stages. The results indicated that:① The occurrence of algal blooms in Chaohu Lake exhibited significant seasonal variations, with the cyanobacteria beginning to recover in spring and bring about a light degree of algal blooms in the western and coastal areas of Chaohu Lake. The density of cyanobacteria reached its maximum in summer and autumn, accompanied by moderate and severe degrees of algal bloom outbreaks. ② During the non-outbreak period, the variation in the cyanobacteria density was greatly affected by physical and chemical factors, which explained 80.3% of the variance in the change in cyanobacteria density. The high concentrations of dissolved oxygen content in the water column and the weak alkalinity (7.2-7.6) and appropriate water temperature (about 3℃) provided a favorable environmental condition for the breeding and growth of cyanobacteria. In addition, the onset of algal blooms was closely related to the air temperature steadily passing through the threshold. According to the statistics, the date of first outbreak of algal blooms in Chaohu Lake was 11 days or so after the air temperature steadily remained above 7℃. ③ During the outbreak period, the occurrence of algal blooms was influenced by the combination of cyanobacterial biomass and meteorological conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and sunshine duration. The cumulative contribution ratio of the four factors was as high as 95%, and each factor had an optimal interval conductive to the outbreak of algal blooms. Furthermore, the results of multi-factor interaction analysis indicated a larger probability of the outbreak of algal blooms in Chaohu Lake under the combined effect of high cyanobacteria density, suitable temperature, and the breeze. This study analyzed and revealed the spatiotemporal characteristics and the dominant influencing factors of algal blooms in Chaohu Lake at different stages, which could provide the scientific basis for the prediction, early warning, and disposal of algal blooms under the context of climate change.

TIM3 activates the ERK1/2 pathway to promote invasion and migration of thyroid tumors.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to study the possible action mechanism of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) on the migratory and invasive abilities of thyroid carcinoma (TC) cells. METHODS: GSE104005 and GSE138198 datasets were downloaded from the GEO database for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed on the common DEGs in GSE104005 and GSE138198 datasets. Subsequently, in order to understand the effect of a common DEG (TIM3) on TC cells, we performed in vitro experiments using FRO cells. The migratory and invasive abilities of FRO cells were detected by wound scratch assay and Transwell assay. Proteins expression levels of the phosphorylated (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were determined via Western blotting after ERK1/2 inhibition in TIM3-NC group and TIM3-mimic group. RESULTS: 316 common DEGs were identified in GSE104005 and GSE138198 datasets. These DEGs were involved in the biological process of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade. TIM3 was significantly up-regulated in TC. In vitro cell experiments showed that TIM3 could promote migration and invasion of TC cells. Moreover, TIM3 may affect the migration, invasive abilities of TC cells by activating the ERK1/2 pathway. CONCLUSION: The above results indicate that TIM3 may affect the migratory and invasive of TC cells by activating the ERK1/2 pathway.

Analysis of the causes of primary revision after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has great advantages in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, but its revision rate is higher than that of total knee arthroplasty. AIM: To summarize and analyse the causes of revision after UKA. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series study in which the reasons for the first revision after UKA are summarized. We analysed the clinical symptoms, medical histories, laboratory test results, imaging examination results and treatment processes of the patients who underwent revision and summarized the reasons for primary revision after UKA. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients, including 3 males and 10 females, underwent revision surgery after UKA. The average age of the included patients was 67.62 years. The prosthesis was used for 3 d to 72 months. The main reasons for revision after UKA were improper suturing of the surgical opening (1 patient), osteophytes (2 patients), intra-articular loose bodies (2 patients), tibial prosthesis loosening (2 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (1 patient), gasket dislocation (3 patients), anterior cruciate ligament injury (1 patient), and medial collateral ligament injury with residual bone cement (1 patient). CONCLUSION: The causes of primary revision after UKA were gasket dislocation, osteophytes, intra-articular loose bodies and tibial prosthesis loosening. Avoidance of these factors may greatly reduce the rate of revision after UKA, improve patient satisfaction and reduce medical burden.

Aflatoxin B1 inhibited the development of primary myoblasts of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by degrading extracellular matrix.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been recognized as a major contaminant in food and animal feed and which is a common mycotoxin with high toxicity. Previous research has found that AFB1 inhibited zebrafish muscle development. However, the potential mechanism of AFB1 on fish muscle development is unknown, so it is necessary to conduct further investigation. In the present research, the primary myoblast of grass carp was used as a model, we treated myoblasts with AFB1 for 24 h. Our results found that 5 µM AFB1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration (P < 0.05), and 10 µM AFB1 promoted lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (P < 0.05). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in 15, 5 and 10 µM AFB1 (P < 0.05), respectively. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities were decreased in 10, 10 and 15 µM AFB1 (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, 15 µM AFB1 induced oxidative damage by Nrf2 pathway, also induced apoptosis in primary myoblast of grass carp. Meanwhile, 15 µM AFB1 decreased MyoD gene and protein expression (P < 0.05). Importantly, 15 µM AFB1 decreased the protein expression of collagen Ⅰ and fibronectin (P < 0.05), and increased the protein levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) (P < 0.05). As a result, our findings suggested that AFB1 damaged the cell morphology, induced oxidative damage and apoptosis, degraded ECM components, in turn inhibiting myoblast development by activating the p38MAPK/urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)/extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathway.

Description of three new species of Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) on bitterling fishes (Acheilognathinae) from China.

Three new species of Gyrodactylus are described from three species of bitterling in Donghu Lake, China: Gyrodactylus ocellorhodei n. sp. from Rhodeus ocellatus; G. sinenorhodei n. sp. from Rhodeus sinensis; and G. acheilorhodei n. sp. from Acheilognathus macropterus. All the three new species showed similar opisthaptor morphology, especially the marginal hooks: all had a slender and perpendicular sickle shaft, and flat sickle base with distinct heel and inner arch which was different from the G. rhodei-group species parasitic on bitterling. Multivariate analyses based on hamulus and marginal hooks suggested that these three new species cannot be completely distinguished, despite some morphology divergence observed in certain less reliable morphometric features, such as hamulus root length, ventral bar total length and process shape. These three new species shared an identical 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequence, while the variation in the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS1-ITS2) sequence among them (8.4-11.2%, K2P) far exceeded the 1% ITS sequence difference that had been suggested as a threshold for species delimitation of Gyrodactylus. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1-ITS2 showed that all these sequenced Gyrodactylus spp. parasitic on the subfamily Acheilognathinae host formed a monophyletic group. However, a clear differentiation (18.9-20.9%, K2P of ITS1-ITS2) could be found between the subgroup from China (G. ocellorhodei n. sp., G. sinenorhodei n. sp. and G. acheilorhodei n. sp.) and that from Europe (G. rhodei).

Application of quality control circle in the management of early ambulation after cesarean section: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: The quality control circle (QCC) model has achieved good results in clinical applications in many hospitals in China and has gained popularity. This study aims to explore the application of QCC activities on early ambulation after cesarean section. METHODS: A QCC management group was established following standardized methods and techniques. The theme of the group was identified as "to enhance the implementation rate of the patient early ambulation after the cesarean section" through a matrix graph. The early ambulation rates after surgery of patients who received cesarean section were compared before and after QCC managements. RESULTS: Our data suggested that the early ambulation rates after cesarean section increased from 37.5% to 81.25% after applying QCC management. The biggest factor influencing the ambulation activities 24 ±â€…4 hours after the surgery was patients and family members do not cooperate. In addition, outstanding improvements in terms of nurses' sense of responsibility and self-confidence, communication and teamwork capacity in the problem-solving process were observed after the establishment of QCC. CONCLUSION: The application of QCC management had not only increase the early ambulation rates after cesarean section but also improved the quality of nursery care in general.

Endoscopic lithotripsy combined with drug lithotripsy vs. drug lithotripsy for the treatment of phytobezoars: analysis of 165 cases.

AIM: To analyze efficacy of endoscopic lithotripsy combined with drug lithotripsy as compared with drug lithotripsy for the treatment of phytobezoars. METHODS: We collected and evaluated case records of 165 patients with phytobezoars from 2014 to 2023. And we analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics, imaging features, endoscopic features, complications of phytobezoars, and compared efficacy between endoscopic lithotripsy combined with drug lithotripsy (Group A) and drug lithotripsy (sodium bicarbonate combined with proton pump inhibitor) (Group B). RESULTS: The median age of patients with phytobezoars was 67.84 ± 4.286 years old. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom and peptic ulcers (67.5%) were the most common complication. Bezoar-induced ulcers were more frequent in the gastric angle. The success rate of phytobezoars vanishing in Group A and Group B were similar (92.3% vs. 85.1% within 48 h, 98.7% vs. 97.7% within a week), while the average hospitalization period, average hospitalization cost, second endoscopy rate, and average endoscopic operation time were significantly lower in patients in Group B than in Group A. CONCLUSION: Drug lithotripsy is the preferred effective and safe treatment option for phytobezoars. We advise that an endoscopy should be completed after 48 h for drug lithotripsy.

Phylogenomics and biogeographical diversification of Collabieae (Orchidaceae) and its implication in the reconstruction of the dynamic history of Asian evergreen broadleaved forests.

The tribe Collabieae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) comprises approximately 500 species. Generic delimitation within Collabieae are confusing and phylogenetic interrelationships within the Collabieae have not been well resolved. Plastid genomes and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were used to estimate the phylogenetic relationships, ancestral ranges, and diversification rates of Collabieae. The results showed that Collabieae was subdivided into nine clades with high support. We proposed to combine Ancistrochilus and Pachystoma into Spathoglottis, merge Collabium and Chrysoglossum into Diglyphosa, and separate Pilophyllum and Hancockia as distinctive genera. The diversification of the nine clades of Collabieae might be associated with the uplift of the Himalayas during the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene. The enhanced East Asian summer monsoon in the Late Miocene may have promoted the rapid diversification of Collabieae at a sustained high diversification rate. The increased size of terrestrial pseudobulbs may be one of the drivers of Collabieae diversification. Our results suggest that the establishment and development of evergreen broadleaved forests facilitated the diversification of Collabieae.

Cytokine Expression and Biomechanical Characteristics after Posterior Scleral Reinforcement Using Demineralized Bone Matrix and Allogeneic Sclera.

Background: Myopia is associated with scleral weakness and thinness, leading to visual impairment. Currently, posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) remains the primary treatment for this condition. However, clinical practice commonly faces challenges such as insufficient donor availability and inadequate strength of allogeneic sclera materials. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the cytokine expression and biomechanical characteristics of two types of scleral reinforcement materials (demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and allogeneic sclera) to identify the optimal material for PSR. Methods: Seventy-two two-week-old New Zealand rabbits were utilized in this study. Each rabbit eye was assigned to either an experimental group or an untreated group (no surgical intervention), which were further divided into DBM, allogenic sclera, and control groups (surgery without implantation). Samples were analyzed during different postoperative periods including the inflammatory response period at week 2, angiogenesis period at week 4, collagen formation period at week 12, and connective tissue proliferation period at week 24. Refractive power and axial length of the experimental eyes were measured at 2, 4, 12,and 24 weeks postoperatively while implanted slices with attached sclera from the DBM and Sclera group experimental eyes were collected. The same area of sclera was obtained from the sham group for immunohistochemical analysis and western blot detection to analyze levels of bFGF (Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor), CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth Factor), TGF-ß (Transforming Growth Factor ß),and Collagen I along with respective elasticity modulus and ultimate strength of the implant slice taken. Results: There were no significant differences (P > .05) in axial length and refractive power between the DBM and allogenic groups before 24 weeks, while a significant difference (P < .05) was observed compared to the control group. The levels of bFGF, CTGF, and TGF-ß in the DBM and sclera groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). After 24 weeks, histological analyses revealed a strong connection between the implants and sclera with collagen formation. The elasticity modulus and ultimate strength of both DBM and scleral groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, the DBM group exhibited a higher elastic modulus and ultimate strength compared to the scleral group (P < .05). The synthesis of collagen can be effectively promoted by bFGF, CTGF, and TGF-ß, leading to increased elastic modulus and ultimate strength which helps prevent posterior scleral expansion, thereby controlling further axial growth delay complications occurrence. Conclusion: The cytokine expression profile along with biomechanical characteristics make DBM an ideal material for posterior scleral reinforcement due to its low antigenicity, excellent biocompatibility without obvious postoperative rejection reaction as well as its ability to closely associate with autologous sclera making it widely available from various sources.

Study on the Effect of "3D-rGO" Buffer Layer on the Microstructure and Properties of SiO2f/SiO2 and TC4 Brazed Joint.

Brazing a SiO2f/SiO2 composite with metals is often faced with two problems: poor wettability with the brazing alloy and high residual stress in the joint. To overcome these problems, we report a combined method of selective etching and depositing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the surface of a SiO2f/SiO2 composite (3D-rGO-SiO2f/SiO2) to assist brazing with TC4. After the combined treatment, a "3D-rGO" buffer layer formed on the surface layer of the SiO2f/SiO2, and the contact angle was reduced from 130° to 38°, which meant the wettability of active brazing alloy on the surface of SiO2f/SiO2 was obviously improved. In addition, the "3D-rGO" buffer layer contributed to fully integrating the brazing alloy and SiO2f/SiO2; then, the infiltration of the brazing alloy into the surface layer of the SiO2f/SiO2 was enhanced and formed the reduced graphene oxide with a pinning structure in the three dimensional ("3D-pinning-rGO") structure. Moreover, the joining area of the brazing alloy and SiO2f/SiO2 was expanded and the mismatch degree between the SiO2f/SiO2 and TC4 was reduced, which was achieved by the "3D-pinning-rGO" structure. Furthermore, the concentration of the residual stress in the SiO2f/SiO2-TC4 joints transferred from the SiO2f/SiO2 to the braided quartz fibers, and the residual stress reduced from 142 MPa to 85 MPa. Furthermore, the 3D-pinning-rGO layer facilitated the transfer of heat between the substrates during the brazing process. Finally, the shear strength of the SiO2f/SiO2-TC4 joints increased from 12.5 MPa to 43.7 MPa by the selective etching and depositing rGO method.

Efficacy and safety of oral and vaginal administration of misoprostol for induction of labor in high-risk obese pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of misoprostol administered orally and vaginally in obese pregnant women at term with either gestational hypertension or diabetes. METHODS: A total of 264 pregnant women were enrolled and categorized into two groups based on their primary condition: hypertension (134 cases) or diabetes mellitus (130 cases) and were further divided into subgroups for misoprostol administration: orally (Oral group) or vaginally (Vaginal group). The primary outcomes measured were changes in the Bishop score following treatment, induction of labor (IOL) success rates, requirement for oxytocin augmentation, duration of labor, mode of delivery, and cesarean section rates. RESULTS: Significant enhancements in Bishop scores, decreased cesarean section rates and increased success rates of IOL were noted in both administration groups. The incidence of vaginal delivery within 24 h was significantly higher in the Vaginal group compared to the Oral group. Adverse effects, including nausea, uterine overcontraction, hyperfrequency of uterine contraction and uterine hyperstimulation without fetal heart rate deceleration, were significantly more prevalent in the Vaginal group than in the Oral group. CONCLUSION: Misoprostol administration, both orally and vaginally, proves effective for labor induction in obese pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes. However, the oral route presents a lower risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, suggesting its preference for safer labor induction in this demographic.