Stigma receptors control intraspecies and interspecies barriers in Brassicaceae.

Flowering plants have evolved numerous intraspecific and interspecific prezygotic reproductive barriers to prevent production of unfavourable offspring1. Within a species, self-incompatibility (SI) is a widely utilized mechanism that rejects self-pollen2,3 to avoid inbreeding depression. Interspecific barriers restrain breeding between species and often follow the SI × self-compatible (SC) rule, that is, interspecific pollen is unilaterally incompatible (UI) on SI pistils but unilaterally compatible (UC) on SC pistils1,4-6. The molecular mechanisms underlying SI, UI, SC and UC and their interconnections in the Brassicaceae remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that the SI pollen determinant S-locus cysteine-rich protein/S-locus protein 11 (SCR/SP11)2,3 or a signal from UI pollen binds to the SI female determinant S-locus receptor kinase (SRK)2,3, recruits FERONIA (FER)7-9 and activates FER-mediated reactive oxygen species production in SI stigmas10,11 to reject incompatible pollen. For compatible responses, diverged pollen coat protein B-class12-14 from SC and UC pollen differentially trigger nitric oxide, nitrosate FER to suppress reactive oxygen species in SC stigmas to facilitate pollen growth in an intraspecies-preferential manner, maintaining species integrity. Our results show that SRK and FER integrate mechanisms underlying intraspecific and interspecific barriers and offer paths to achieve distant breeding in Brassicaceae crops.

Visceral and ectopic fat are more predictively associated with primary liver cancer than overall obesity from genetic sights: A Mendelian randomization study.

Several observational studies have reported an association between obesity and primary liver cancer (PLC), while the causality behind this association and the comparison of the risk effects of different obesity indicators on PLC remain unclear. In this study, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the associations of genetically determined liver fat, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and body mass index (BMI) with the risk of PLC. The summary statistics of exposures were obtained from two genome-wide association studies (GWASs) based on the UK Biobank (UKB) imaging cohort and the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. GWAS summary statistics for PLC were obtained from FinnGen consortium R7 release data, including 304 PLC cases and 218 488 controls. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary analysis, and a series of sensitivity analyses were performed to further verify the robustness of these findings. IVW analysis highlighted a significant association of genetically determined liver fat (OR per SD increase: 7.14; 95% CI: 5.10-9.99; P = 2.35E-30) and VAT (OR per SD increase: 5.70; 95% CI: 1.32-24.72; P = .020) with PLC but not of BMI with PLC. The findings were further confirmed by a series of MR methods. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy between these associations existed. Our study suggested that genetically determined liver fat and VAT rather than BMI were associated with an increased risk of PLC, which suggested that visceral fat distribution is more predictive of the clinical risk of PLC than common in vitro measures.

SNRPB2 promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression by controlling alternative splicing of MDM4 pre-mRNA.

Alternative splicing generates cancer-specific transcripts and is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer. However, the critical oncogenic spliceosome-related proteins involved in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain elusive. Here, we explored the expression pattern of spliceosome-related proteins in TNBC, non-TNBC, and normal breast tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer (TCGA-BRCA) cohort, revealing higher expression of nearly half of spliceosome-related proteins in TNBC than their counterparts. Among these TNBC-specific spliceosome-related proteins, the expression of SNRPB2 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with TNBC. In TNBC cells, the knockdown of SNRPB2 strongly suppressed cell proliferation and invasion and induced cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, transcriptome data showed that SNRPB2 knockdown inactivated E2F1 signaling, which regulated the cell cycle. We further validated the downregulation of several cell cycle genes in SNRPB2 knockdown cells. Moreover, the analysis showed that SNRPB2 knockdown triggered the alteration of many alternative splicing events, most of which were skipping of exon. In TNBC cells, it was found that SNRPB2 knockdown led to the skipping of exon 6 in MDM4 pre-mRNA, generating MDM4-S transcript and downregulating MDM4 protein expression. More importantly, downregulation of MDM4 decreased retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) protein expression, which is a target of MDM4 and a regulator of E2F1 signaling. In summary, the current study revealed an SNRPB2/MDM4/Rb axis in promoting the progression of TNBC, providing novel insights and novel targets for combating TNBC.

Prognostic value of the Naples prognostic score in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The Naples Prognostic Score (NPS), integrating inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of various malignancies, but there is no report on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of NPS in patients with ICC. METHODS: Patients with ICC after hepatectomy were collected, and divided into three groups. The prognosis factors were determined by Cox regression analysis. Predictive efficacy was evaluated by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were included (Group 1: 33 (19.0%) patients; Group 2: 83 (47.7%) patients; and Group 3: 58 (33.3%) patients). The baseline characteristics showed the higher the NPS, the higher the proportion of patients with cirrhosis and Child-Pugh B, and more advanced tumors. The Kaplan-Meier curves reflect higher NPS were associated with poor survival. Multivariable analysis showed NPS was an independent risk factor of overall survival (NPS group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.671, 95% CI: 1.022-3.027, p = 0.009; NPS group 3 vs. 1: HR = 2.208, 95% CI: 1.259-4.780, p = 0.007) and recurrence-free survival (NPS group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.506, 95% CI: 1.184-3.498, p = 0.010; NPS group 3 vs. 1: HR = 2.141, 95% CI: 2.519-4.087, P = 0.001). The time ROC indicated NPS was superior to other models in predicting prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: NPS is a simple and effective tool for predicting the long-term survival of patients with ICC after hepatectomy. Patients with high NPS require close follow-up, and improving NPS may prolong the survival time.

Comparison of percutaneous microwave/radiofrequency ablation liver partition and portal vein embolization versus transarterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization for planned hepatectomy with insufficient future liver remnant.

BACKGROUND: In China, both percutaneous microwave/radiofrequency ablation liver partition plus portal vein embolization (PALPP) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus portal vein embolization (PVE) have been utilized in planned hepatectomy. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on the effectiveness of these two techniques for cases with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). METHODS: Patients were categorized into either the PALPP group or the TACE + PVE group. Clinical data, including FLR growth rate, complications, secondary resection rate, and overall survival rate, were compared and analyzed for both groups retrospectively. RESULTS: Between December 2014 and October 2021, a total of 29 patients underwent TACE + PVE (n = 12) and PALPP (n = 17). In the TACE + PVE group, 7 patients successfully underwent two-stage hepatectomy, while in the PALPP group, 13 patients underwent the procedure (two-stage resection rate: 58.3% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.42). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications of one-stage procedures (11.8% vs. 8.3%, P > 0.05) and second-stage resection complication (0% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.05) between the TACE + PVE and PALPP groups. However, the PALPP group demonstrated a shorter time to FLR volume growth for second-stage resection (18.5 days vs. 66 days, P = 0.001) and KGR (58.5 ml/week vs. 7.7 ml/week, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TACE + PVE, PALPP results in a more significant increase in FLR volume and a higher rate of two-stage resection without increasing postoperative complications.

Vonoprazan and amoxicillin dual therapy for 14 days as the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A non-inferiority, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We previously optimized the duration and dose of vonoprazan and amoxicillin dual therapy in China. The efficacy of vonoprazan with b.i.d. amoxicillin in comparison with vonoprazan-containing quadruple therapy as the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection has not been adequately evaluated. METHODS: In a non-inferiority, randomized clinical trial, H. pylori infected and treatment-naïve patients were randomly assigned to receive 14 days of either vonoprazan dual (vonoprazan 20 mg and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily) or quadruple therapy (vonoprazan 20 mg + amoxicillin 1 g + furazolidone 100 mg + bismuth potassium citrate 600 mg twice daily). H. pylori status was confirmed using 13C-urea breath tests or fecal antigen test. The primary outcome was the H. pylori eradication rate following vonoprazan dual and quadruple therapy at 4-12 weeks. We also compared drug compliance to either regimen and documented their side effect. RESULTS: A total of 190 subjects were randomized. The eradication rate of vonoprazan dual and quadruple therapy were 87.4% and 92.6% (p = 0.23) by intention-to-treat analysis, respectively, and 96.5% and 97.7% (p = 0.63) by per-protocol analysis, respectively. The efficacy of vonoprazan dual therapy was non-inferior to vonoprazan-containing quadruple therapy in per-protocol analysis (p < 0.001; difference: -1.2%; 90% confidence interval: -5.4% to 3.0%). CONCLUSION: Vonoprazan with b.i.d. amoxicillin for 14 days provided similar satisfactory efficacy with vonoprazan-containing quadruple therapy as a first-line H. pylori treatment in China.

Prioritizing Organic Pollutants for Shale Gas Exploitation: Life Cycle Environmental Risk Assessments in China and the US.

Environmental impacts associated with shale gas exploitation have been historically underestimated due to neglecting to account for the production or the release of end-of-pipe organic pollutants. Here, we assessed the environmental impacts of shale gas production in China and the United States using life cycle assessment. Through data mining, we compiled literature information on organic pollutants in flowback and produced water (FPW), followed by assessments using USEtox to evaluate end-of-pipe risks. Results were incorporated to reveal the life cycle risks associated with shale gas exploitation in both countries. China exhibited higher environmental impacts than the US during the production phase. Substantially different types of organic compounds were observed in the FPW between two countries. Human carcinogenic and ecological toxicity attributed to organics in FPW was 3 orders of magnitude higher than that during the production phase in the US. Conversely, in China, end-of-pipe organics accounted for approximately 52%, 1%, and 47% of the overall human carcinogenic, noncarcinogenic, and ecological impacts, respectively. This may be partially limited by the quantitative data available. While uncertainties exist associated with data availability, our study highlights the significance of integrating impacts from shale gas production to end-of-pipe pollution for comprehensive environmental risk assessments.

Deep Learning Bridged Bioactivity, Structure, and GC-HRMS-Readable Evidence to Decipher Nontarget Toxicants in Sediments.

Identifying causative toxicants in mixtures is critical, but this task is challenging when mixtures contain multiple chemical classes. Effect-based methods are used to complement chemical analyses to identify toxicants, yet conventional bioassays typically rely on an apical and/or single endpoint, providing limited diagnostic potential to guide chemical prioritization. We proposed an event-driven taxonomy framework for mixture risk assessment that relied on high-throughput screening bioassays and toxicant identification integrated by deep learning. In this work, the framework was evaluated using chemical mixtures in sediments eliciting aryl-hydrocarbon receptor activation and oxidative stress response. Mixture prediction using target analysis explained <10% of observed sediment bioactivity. To identify additional contaminants, two deep learning models were developed to predict fingerprints of a pool of bioactive substances (event driver fingerprint, EDFP) and convert these candidates to MS-readable information (event driver ion, EDION) for nontarget analysis. Two libraries with 121 and 118 fingerprints were established, and 247 bioactive compounds were identified at confidence level 2 or 3 in sediment extract using GC-qToF-MS. Among them, 12 toxicants were analytically confirmed using reference standards. Collectively, we present a "bioactivity-signature-toxicant" strategy to deconvolute mixtures and to connect patchy data sets and guide nontarget analysis for diverse chemicals that elicit the same bioactivity.

Analysis of asthma incidence and mortality rates among children aged 0-14 in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children. Understanding incidence and mortality trends is crucial for prevention and intervention strategies. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study were used to analyze asthma incidence and mortality trends among children aged 0-14 in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019. The 30-year trends were calculated using the Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC). RESULTS: Globally, pediatric asthma cases increased from 18,857,697 in 1990 to 20,191,786 in 2019. Incidence rates for children <5, 5-9, and 10-14 years are 1509.36, 980.25, and 586.95 per 100,000, respectively. Over 30 years, pediatric asthma mortality rates significantly decreased from 1.59 to 0.51 per 100,000, with minimal gender differences. High-income North America, Tropical Latin America, and the Caribbean show the highest incidence rates at 3203.2, 2493.83, and 2314.8 per 100,000. The USA, Puerto Rico, and Haiti have the highest national rates at 3357.17, 2695.30, and 2605.38 per 100,000. Regions with higher Sociodemographic Index levels tend to have higher incidence rates. Pediatric asthma prevalence varies by region and age group. CONCLUSION: Our study of asthma incidence and mortality rates among children aged 0-14 across 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 reveals significant global disparities. These findings underscore the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on asthma prevalence and outcomes.

CYP1B1-AS1 Delays the Malignant Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Binding with NOP58.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent type of gastrointestinal cancer, and its poor prognosis is mainly attributed to the occurrence of invasion and metastasis. CYP1B1-AS1, as non-coding RNA, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the mechanism by which CYP1B1-AS1 acts in CRC is not yet understood. AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate how CYP1B1-AS1 contributes to the development of CRC, and provide a base for CRC diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of CYP1B1-AS1 in CRC and adjacent tissues. CCK-8, Edu, scratch healing, and transwell experiments were used to detect the changes of proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of CRC cells after overexpression or knockdown of CYP1B1-AS1 respectively. The RNA binding protein NOP58 combined with CYP1B1-AS1 was verified by RIP and RNA Pull-down experiments. Functional recovery experiments validated the interaction between CYP1B1-AS1 and NOP58 in CRC cells. The changes of EMT-related proteins were detected by Western blot, and the half-life of transcription factor SNAIL mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR after overexpression or knockdown of NOP58. RESULTS: CYP1B1-AS1 was found to be significantly downregulated in CRC compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo confirmed that upregulation of CYP1B1-AS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. In addition, CYP1B1-AS1 can directly bind to NOP58 and negatively regulate NOP58. The effect of overexpression CYP1B1-AS1 was reversed by NOP58 overexpression. NOP58 regulates the EMT process of CRC cells by affecting the stability of EMT-related transcription factor SNAIL mRNA, and then affects the progress of CRC. CONCLUSION: This research proves that CYP1B1-AS1 can inhibit the occurrence of EMT in CRC by binding with NOP58, thus delaying the progress of CRC. This finding indicates that CYP1B1-AS1 may be a novel biomarker to improve the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Spatial profiles of the bacterial microbiota throughout the gastrointestinal tract of dairy goats.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is stationed by a dynamic and complex microbial community with functions in digestion, metabolism, immunomodulation, and reproduction. However, there is relatively little research on the composition and function of microorganisms in different GIT segments in dairy goats. Herein, 80 chyme samples were taken from ten GIT sites of eight Xinong Saanen dairy goats and then analyzed and identified the microbial composition via 16S rRNA V1-V9 amplicon sequencing. A total of 6669 different operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were clustered, and 187 OTUs were shared by ten GIT segments. We observed 264 species belonging to 23 different phyla scattered across ten GITs, with Firmicutes (52.42%) and Bacteroidetes (22.88%) predominating. The results revealed obvious location differences in the composition, diversity, and function of the GIT microbiota. In LEfSe analysis, unidentified_Lachnospiraceae and unidentified_Succinniclassicum were significantly enriched in the four chambers of stomach, with functions in carbohydrate fermentation to compose short-chain fatty acids. Aeriscardovia, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Romboutsia were significantly higher in the foregut, playing an important role in synthesizing enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins and immunomodulation. Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Alistipes were significantly abundant in the hindgut to degrade polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, etc. From rumen to rectum, α-diversity decreased first and then increased, while ß-diversity showed the opposite trend. Metabolism was the major function of the GIT microbiome predicted by PICRUSt2, but with variation in target substrates along the regions. In summary, GIT segments play a decisive role in the composition and functions of microorganisms. KEY POINTS: • The jejunum and ileum were harsh for microorganisms to colonize due to the presence of bile acids, enzymes, faster chyme circulation, etc., exhibiting the lowest α-diversity and the highest ß-diversity. • Variability in microbial profiles between the three foregut segments was greater than four chambers of stomach and hindgut, with a higher abundance of Firmicutes dominating than others. • Dairy goats dominated a higher abundance of Kiritimatiellaeota than cows, which was reported to be associated with fatty acid synthesis.

Effect of Structure and Wearing Modes on the Protective Performance of Industrial Safety Helmet.

This study aims to explore the effects of helmet structure designs and wearing modes on the protective performance of safety helmets under the impact of falling objects. Four helmet types (no helmet, V-shaped, dome-shaped, and motorcycle helmets) and five wearing modes (left and right tilt by 5 deg, backward tilt by 15 deg, 0 deg without chin strap, 0 deg with chin strap) were included in this study. The axial impact of a concrete block under various impact velocities was simulated. The results indicate that the energy absorption and shock mitigation effects of the foam cushion are superior to those of the suspension system in traditional industrial safety helmets. The structure of the top of V-shaped helmets is designed to withstand greater impact. Regarding the wearing mode, the helmet strap's deflection angle increases stress in the brain tissue and skull, heightens intracranial pressure, and causes pressure diffusion toward the forehead.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7-51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7-43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

3D Reverse-Time Migration Imaging for Multiple Cross-Hole Research and Multiple Sensor Settings of Cross-Hole Seismic Exploration.

The two-dimensional (2D) cross-hole seismic computed tomography (CT) imaging acquisition method has the potential to characterize the target zone optimally compared to surface seismic surveys. It has wide applications in oil and gas exploration, engineering geology, etc. Limited to 2D hole velocity profiling, this method cannot acquire three-dimensional (3D) information on lateral geological structures outside the profile. Additionally, the sensor data received by cross-hole seismic exploration constitute responses from geological bodies in 3D space and are potentially affected by objects outside the well profiles, distorting the imaging results and geological interpretation. This paper proposes a 3D cross-hole acoustic wave reverse-time migration imaging method to capture 3D cross-hole geological structures using sensor settings in multi-cross-hole seismic research. Based on the analysis of resulting 3D cross-hole images under varying sensor settings, optimizing the observation system can aid in the cost-efficient obtainment of the 3D underground structure distribution. To verify this method's effectiveness on 3D cross-hole structure imaging, numerical simulations were conducted on four typical geological models regarding layers, local high-velocity zones, large dip angles, and faults. The results verify the model's superiority in providing more reliable and accurate 3D geological information for cross-hole seismic exploration, presenting a theoretical basis for processing and interpreting cross-hole data.

Enantioselective formal total synthesis of dihydrospirotryprostatin B.

Spirotryprostatins are representative members of medicinally interesting bioactive molecules of the spirooxindole natural products. In this communication, we present a novel enantioselective total synthesis of the spirooxindole alkaloid dihydrospirotryprostatin B. The synthesis takes advantage of copper-catalyzed tandem reaction of o-iodoanilide chiral sulfinamide derivatives with alkynone to rapidly construct the key quaternary carbon stereocenter of the natural product dihydrospirotryprostatin B.

Multicenter propensity score-matched analysis to compare perioperative morbidity after laparoscopic or robotic complex hepatectomy for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are vital factors affecting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for complex hepatectomy. The present study aimed to compare perioperative complications between laparoscopic and robotic complex hepatectomy (LCH vs. RCH). METHODS: Patients with solitary HCC after complex hepatectomy were collected from a multicenter database. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was adopted to control confounding bias. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors. RESULTS: 436 patients were included. After PSM, 43 patients were included in both the LCH and RCH groups. The results showed that compared to LCH, RCH had lower rates of blood loss and transfusion, and lower postoperative 30-day and major morbidity, and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the RCH group (P = 0.026). Multivariable analysis showed RCH is an independent protective factor for reducing the 30-day morbidity, major morbidity and PHLF. CONCLUSION: RCH has advantages over LCH in the minimally invasive treatment of complex HCC, as it can reduce the incidence of postoperative morbidity. Therefore, RCH should be considered for patients with HCC who require complex hepatectomy.

[Intervention mechanism of ginsenoside Rb_1 on liver steatosis in db/db obese mice based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway].

Based on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB) signaling pathway, this study observed the regulatory effect of ginsenoside Rb_1(Rb_1) on liver lipid metabolism in db/db obese mice and explored its potential mechanism. Thirty 6-week-old male db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a metformin group, and Rb_1 groups with low, medium, and high doses, with six mice in each group. Additionally, six age-matched male db/m mice were assigned to the normal group. The intervention lasted for five weeks. Body weight, fasting blood glucose, and food intake were mea-sured weekly. At the end of the experiment, serum lipid levels and liver function were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining were performed to observe pathological changes in liver tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65. RESULTS:: showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant increases in body weight, liver weight, liver index, epididymal fat mass, epididymal fat index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver function parameters, and fasting blood glucose levels. Liver lipid accumulation significantly increased, along with elevated mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the liver. After Rb_1 treatment, the above-mentioned parameters in the intervention groups showed significant reversals. In conclusion, Rb_1 can improve obesity and obesity-related hepatic steatosis in mice while regulating abnormal lipid and glucose meta-bolism. Mechanistically, Rb_1 may improve liver steatosis in db/db obese mice by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Semi-Supervised Deep Learning-Based Multi-component Spectral Calibration Modeling for UV-vis and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy without Information Loss.

Spectral analysis is an important method for characterizing and identifying chemical species. However, quantitative spectral analysis of multiple chemical properties in the real world has always been a challenging problem due to the strong correlation, massive noise, and serious information overlapping of the spectral features. Here, we present a new semi-supervised spectral calibration method based on information lossless decoupling of spectral features named NICEM. To realize the separation and extraction of key latent features, the method uses the flow-based model non-linear independent component estimation (NICE) to learn the sample distribution. The spectral data information is transformed into independent latent variables obeying Gaussian distribution by the reversible structure of deep network without information loss, so as to find the essential properties and realize the feature nonlinear decomposition. Moreover, the association between the input latent feature variables and attributes is evaluated by the maximum mutual information coefficient to eliminate the adverse effects of irrelevant information in the latent variable space and mine key information. Since the latent variables are independent in each dimension, the NICEM method is easier to establish an accurate semi-supervised multi-component calibration model even for high overlapping and complex spectral data. The applicability of the proposed spectral modeling method is demonstrated by using three ultraviolet-visible and near-infrared spectral data sets with 15 physical and chemical properties including diesel fuels, corn, and multi-metal ions solution. Results show that the proposed NICEM method has the highest determination coefficient (R2) and significantly improves extrapolation compared with the seven state-of-the-art methods. The proposed method is intuitive because it obviates complex feature engineering and prior knowledge and is a promising spectral calibration tool for quantitative analysis in other spectroscopy applications.

Efficacy of adjuvant TACE on the prognosis of patients with HCC after hepatectomy: a multicenter propensity score matching from China.

BACKGROUND: The survival benefit of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the survival efficacy of adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy for HCC. METHODS: 1491 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between January 2018 and September 2021 at four medical centers in China were retrospectively analyzed, including 782 patients who received adjuvant TACE and 709 patients who did not receive adjuvant TACE. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) was performed to minimize selection bias, which balanced the clinical characteristics of the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 1254 patients were enrolled after PSM, including 627 patients who received adjuvant TACE and 627 patients who did not receive adjuvant TACE. Patients who received adjuvant TACE had higher disease-free survival (DFS, 1- ,2-, and 3-year: 78%-68%-62% vs. 69%-57%-50%, p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, 1- ,2-, and 3-year: 96%-88%-80% vs. 90%-77%-66%, p < 0.001) than those who did not receive adjuvant TACE (Median DFS was 39 months). Among the different levels of risk factors affecting prognosis [AFP, Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, Maximum tumor diameter, Number of tumors, Child-Pugh classification, Liver cirrhosis, Vascular invasion (imaging), Microvascular invasion, Satellite nodules, Differentiation, Chinese liver cancer stage II-IIIa], the majority of patients who received adjuvant TACE had higher DFS or OS than those who did not receive adjuvant TACE. More patients who received adjuvant TACE accepted subsequent antitumor therapy such as liver transplantation, re-hepatectomy and local ablation after tumor recurrence, while more patients who did not receive adjuvant TACE accepted subsequent antitumor therapy with TACE after tumor recurrence (All p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant TACE may be a potential way to monitor early tumor recurrence and improve postoperative survival in patients with HCC.