Associations of urinary metal concentrations with anemia: A cross-sectional study of Chinese community-dwelling elderly.

BACKGROUND: Anemia seriously affects the health and quality of life of the older adult population and may be influenced by various types of environmental metal exposure. Current studies on metals and anemia are mainly limited to single metals, and the association between polymetals and their mixtures and anemia remains unclear. METHODS: We determined 11 urinary metal concentrations and hemoglobin levels in 3781 participants. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to estimate the association of individual metals with anemia. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-computation (Q-g) regression to assess the overall association between metal mixtures and anemia and identify the major contributing elements. Stratified analyses were used to explore the association of different metals with anemia in different populations. RESULTS: In a single-metal model, nine urinary metals significantly associated with anemia. RCS analysis further showed that the association of arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) with anemia was linear, while cobalt, molybdenum, thallium, and zinc were non-linear. The BKMR model revealed a significant positive association between the concentration of metal mixtures and anemia. Combined Q-g regression analysis suggested that metals such as Cu, As, and tellurium (Te) were positively associated with anemia, with Te as the most significant contributor. Stratified analyses showed that the association of different metals with anemia varied among people of different sexes, obesity levels, lifestyle habits, and blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple metals are associated with anemia in the older adult population. A significant positive association was observed between metal mixture concentrations and anemia, with Te being the most important factor. The association between urinary metal concentrations and anemia is more sensitive in the non-hypertensive populations.

The DDD score outperforms the RENAL score in predicting high-grade renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between Fuhrman grade of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the DDD score. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 527 nonmetastatic RCC patients. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics were reviewed. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the independent risk factors for high-grade RCC (HGRCC). RESULTS: Sex, BMI (Body Mass Index), RNS, and DDD score were significantly correlated with HGRCC. Based on these independent risk factors, we constructed two predictive models integrating the RNS and DDD scores with sex and BMI to predict tumor grade. The calibration curves of the predictive model showed good agreement between the observations and predictions. The concordance indexes (C-indexes) of the predictive models were 0.768 (95% CI, 0.713-0.824), and 0.809 (95% CI, 0.759-0.859). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to compare the predictive power of the nomograms, and the prediction model including the DDD score had better prognostic ability (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that RNS, DDD score, BMI, and sex were independent predictors of HGRCC. We developed effective nomograms integrating the above risk factors to predict HGRCC. Of note, the nomogram including the DDD score achieves better prediction ability for HGRCC.

High Rate and Low-Temperature Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Lithiophilic 3D Cu-CuSn Porous Framework.

Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as the "Holy Grail" of anodes for high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries by virtue of its ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and the lowest redox potential. However, the Li dendrite impedes the practical application of Li metal anodes. Herein, lithiophilic three-dimensional Cu-CuSn porous framework (3D Cu-CuSn) was fabricated by a vapor phase dealloying strategy via the difference in saturated vapor pressure between different metals and the Kirkendall effect. CuSn alloy sites were converted into LiSn alloy sites through the molten Li infusion method, and composite Li metal anodes (3D Cu-LiSn-Li) are achieved. Alloyed tin, as the bridge between the porous copper substrate and metallic Li, plays a critical role in optimizing Li nucleation and enhancing the fast lithium migration kinetics. This work demonstrates that lithiophilic binary copper alloys are an effective way to achieve room-temperature high rate performance and satisfied low-temperature cycling stability for Li metal batteries.

Relationship Between Stress Modulated Metallicity and Plasmon in Graphene Nanoribbons.

Nanoscale quantum plasmon is an important technology that restricts the application of optics, electricity, and graphene photoelectric devices. Establishing a structure-effect relationship between the structure of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) under stress regulation and the properties of plasmons is a key scientific issue for promoting the application of plasmons in micro-nano photoelectric devices. In this study, zigzag graphene nanoribbon (Z-GNR) and armchair graphene nanoribbon (A-GNR) models of specific widths were constructed, and density functional theory (DFT) was used to study their lattice structure, energy band, absorption spectrum, and plasmon effects under different stresses. The results showed that the Z-GNR band gap decreased with increasing stress, and the A-GNR band gap changed periodically with increasing stress. The plasmon effects of the A-GNRs and Z-GNRs appeared in the visible region, whereas the absorption spectrum showed a redshift trend, indicating the range of the plasmon spectrum also underwent significant changes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of graphene nanoribbons in the field of optoelectronics under strain-engineering conditions.

A three-dimensional renal tumor anatomy and intrarenal relationship nephrometry (ADDD) for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy : 3D-CT based nephrometry for RAPN.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a 3D scoring system of tumor anatomy and intrarenal relationship for assessing surgical complexity and outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with a renal tumor who had a 3D model and underwent RAPN between Mar 2019 and Mar 2022. The ADDD nephrometry consisted of the contact surface area between tumor and parenchyma (A), the depth of tumor invasion into the renal parenchyma (D1), the distance from tumor to the main intrarenal artery (D2), and to the collecting system (D3). The primary outcomes included perioperative complication rate and trifecta outcome (WIT ≤ 25 min, negative surgical margins, and no major complications). RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 301 patients. The mean tumor size was 2.93 ± 1.44 cm. There were 104 (34.6%) patients, 119 (39.5%) patients, and 78 (25.9%) patients in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. Each point increase in the ADDD score increased the risk of complications [hazard ratio (HR) 1.501]. A lower grade indicated a lower risk of failed trifecta (HR low group 15.103, intermediate group 9.258) and renal function damage (HR low risk 8.320, intermediate risk 3.165) compared to the high-risk group. The AUC of ADDD score and grade were 0.738 and 0.645 for predicting major complications, 0.766 and 0.714 for predicting trifecta outcome, and 0.746 and 0.730 for predicting postoperative renal function reservation. CONCLUSION: The 3D-ADDD scoring system shows the tumor anatomy and its intraparenchymal relationships and has better efficacy in predicting surgical outcomes of RAPN.

Femoral offset restoration affects the early outcome of revision in patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures of Vancouver B2 - a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Femoral offset (FO) restoration plays an important role in improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients undergoing hip replacement. However, it is not given enough attention in revisions among patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFFs); instead, more attention is given to reduction, fixation of fractures and stabilizing prostheses. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of FO restoration on the function of the hip joint in revisions of patients with PPFF of Vancouver B2. Moreover, we studied whether there is a difference in FO restoration between modular and nonmodular stems. METHODS: A retrospective review of 20 patients with PPFF of Vancouver B2 revised with a tapered fluted modular titanium stem and 22 patients with PPFF of Vancouver B2 revised with a tapered fluted nonmodular titanium stem from 2016 to 2021 was conducted. Based on the difference between the FO of the affected side and that of the healthy side, 26 patients were allocated into Group A (difference ≤ 4 mm), and 16 patients were allocated into Group B (difference > 4 mm). The postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS), range of motion of the hip joint, length of both lower limbs and dislocation were compared between Group A and Group B. The proportions of patients with FO restoration (difference ≤ 4 mm) and stem subsidence were compared between the modular and nonmodular groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 34.3 ± 17.3 months, and all cases achieved fracture healing at the last visit. Patients in Group A had a higher HHS, larger range of abduction, fewer dislocations and less limb length discrepancy (LLD). Patients in the modular group had a higher proportion of FO restoration and less subsidence. CONCLUSION: FO restoration improves postoperative hip joint function and reduces dislocation and LLD in revisions of patients with PPFF of Vancouver B2. Compared with nonmodular prostheses, modular prostheses tend to be easier for FO restoration under complex circumstances.

Association between urinary metal concentrations and abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate in Chinese community-dwelling elderly: Exploring the mediating effect of triglycerides.

BACKGROUND: Environmental metal exposure is associated with elevated triglycerides (TG) and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between metal exposure and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remains uncertain, and the mediating effect of TG between the two is unclear. METHODS: This study measured the concentrations of 14 metals in urine samples from 3752 elderly people in the community. The most relevant metals were screened by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The relationship between combined exposure to multiple metals and abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analysis. Generalized linear regression models and the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method were used to assess the mediating effects of TG. RESULTS: In the single-metal model, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), and thallium (Tl) showed significant negative correlations with the prevalence of abnormal eGFR (all P < 0.05). In the multi-metals model, Ca, Se, and Tl continued to show significant negative correlations, while vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) showed significant positive correlations with abnormal eGFR (all P < 0.05). The BKMR model showed a negative joint effect of the mixture of Ca, V, Zn, Se, and Tl on the prevalence of abnormal eGFR. The generalized linear regression model showed a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of Ca (ß = 0.07), Zn (ß = 0.07), Se (ß = 0.09), and TG levels (all P < 0.05). In the mediation analysis, TG masked a 4.30% and 5.21% correlation between Ca and Se and the prevalence of eGFR abnormalities, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary concentration of multiple metals is significantly associated with eGFR abnormalities, and Ca, and Se may be among the potential protective factors. TG masked some of the protective effects of Ca and Se.

Irbesartan eases lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury In Vitro and In Vivo.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is classified as a devastating pulmonary disorder contributing to significant incidence and fatality rate. Irbesartan (IRB) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has been proposed to protect against oleic acid-induced ALI. To this end, the current study is concentrated on ascertaining the role of IRB in ALI and figuring out the probable action mechanism. First, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) appraised the viability of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) exposed to ascending concentrations of IRB. HPMVEC injury model and a mouse model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were pretreated by IRB. In vitro, cell viability was estimated by CCK-8 assay, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was tested by LDH assay kit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting estimated the expression levels of inflammatory factors. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran was used to assess HPMVEC permeability. Western blotting examined the expression of adherent and tight junction proteins. In vivo, hematoxylin and eosin staining evaluated lung tissue damage and lung wet/dry (W/D) weight was measured. ELISA analyzed the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and Western blotting examined the expression of inflammatory factors. The total cell, neutrophil, and macrophage numbers in BALF were determined using a cell counter. Lung capillary permeability was assayed by Evans blue albumin and total protein concentration in BALF was measured using bicinchoninic acid method. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting examined the expression of adherent and tight junction proteins in lung tissues. It was observed that IRB dose-dependently enhanced the viability while reduced LDH release, inflammatory response as well as permeability in LPS-challenged HPMVECs in vitro. In addition, LPS-stimulated lung tissue damage, pulmonary edema, inflammatory response as well as lung capillary permeability in vivo were all reversed following IRB treatment. Collectively, IRB treatment might elicit protective behaviors against LPS-triggered ALI.

Research on a Variable Pressure Driving Method for Soft Robots Based on the Electromagnetic Effect.

This study proposes a novel variable air pressure supply structure based on the electromagnetic effect. This structure can be implemented in various soft robots driven by air pressure, including pneumatic artificial muscles, pneumatic soft grippers, and other soft robots. The structure's main body comprises a hollow circular tube, a magnetic piston arranged in the tube, and an electromagnetic solenoid nested outside the tube. The electromagnetic solenoid is designed with special winding and power supply access modes, generating either an attractive force or a repulsive force on the magnetic piston. This solenoid conforms with the magnetic piston expectation in the tube by changing the polarity direction. The interior of the whole structure is a closed space. The gas is conveyed to the soft robot by the gas guide hoses at the two ends of the structure, and the expansion energy of the compressed gas is fully utilized. Then, the gas supply pressure is controlled to drive the robot. The mathematical model of the structure is established based on the analysis of the electromagnetic force and gas pressure on the piston. The simulation results show that the structure's inherent vibration characteristics under various parameters align with expectations. The real-time automatic optimization of the controller parameters is realized by optimizing the incremental proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller based on a neural network. The simulation results show that the structure can meet the application requirements. The experimental results show that the proposed gas supply structure can provide a continuous pressure supply curve with any frequency in a specific amplitude range and has an excellent tracking effect on the sinusoidal-like pressure curve.

Comparative study of the properties of lutein nanoliposomes coated with chitosan/(-)-epigallocatechin- 3-gallate (EGCG) complexes.

BACKGROUND: Numerous positive effects have been attributed to lutein, a lipophilic nutrient, including resisting ultraviolet radiation and protecting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells against blue light damage. It also has preventive effects against cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, its use could be limited by its poor stability and low bioaccessibility in the human digestive system. An encapsulation delivery system was therefore developed to resolve these limitations. In this study, chitosan-modified lutein nanoliposomes (CS-LNLs), chitosan-EGCG covalently modified lutein nanoliposomes (C-CS-EGCG-LNLs), and chitosan-EGCG noncovalently modified lutein nanoliposomes (non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs) were designed. The average particle size, ζ-potential, and retention of lutein during storage were measured to indicate the physicochemical stability of the modified lutein nanoliposomes. The bioaccessibility of modified lutein nanoliposomes was also investigated to demonstrate the availability of lutein in the human digestive system. RESULTS: First, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified that covalent bonds between chitosan and EGCG were formed. Subsequently, ζ-potential results revealed that C-CS-EGCG-LNLs had a relatively stable structure in comparison with lutein nanoliposomes (LNLs). The retention rate of lutein in CS-LNLs, C-CS-EGCG-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs was improved, especially in C-CS-EGCG-LNLs (at around 70% of lutein in initial system). An in vitro digestion experiment illustrated that CS-LNLs, C-CS-EGCG-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs presented relatively higher bioaccessibility, especially in C-CS-EGCG-LNLs (at around 33% of luein in initial system), which increased 2.5 and 1.65 times in comparison with free lutein and LNLs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results showed that C-CS-EGCG-LNLs presented greater physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility than LNLs, CS-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Parent-Performed Infant Massage for Improving Parental Mental State Within 18 Months Postpartum: A Systematic Review.

The aim of the current review was to assess whether parent-performed infant massage (PPIM) could effectively improve the mental state of parents during the postpartum period. Several international electronic databases were thoroughly searched for relevant articles. Included studies observed the influence of PPIM on the mental state of parents of healthy full-term infants within 18 months postpartum or medically stable preterm infants during hospitalization after birth. Nine studies were included, which observed one or more aspects of parental mental state, including depression, anxiety, parental stress, or general mood state. Characteristics of participants, massage protocols, and outcome measures were heterogenous; hence, results regarding the influence of PPIM on parental mental state were inconsistent. Upon further investigation, 10-minute, home-based PPIM for at least 4 weeks is advisable for maternal depression within 5 months postpartum. Moreover, PPIM in a neonatal intensive care unit is advisable for improving the general mood of mothers of preterm infants. Additional methodologically rigorous studies are needed to provide stronger evidence. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(4), 52-59.].

The positive feedback loop of NHE1-ERK phosphorylation mediated by BRAFV600E mutation contributes to tumorigenesis and development of glioblastoma.

The v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) activating mutation V600E (BRAFV600E) is involved in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Na/H exchanger 1 (NHE1), a main pH regulator affecting cell microenvironment, is hyper-expressed in GBM. However, the relationship between BRAFV600E signal pathway and NHE1 in GMB cells remains unclear. This study found that NHE1 was a downstream target of BRAFV600E and an upstream factor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, there was a positive feedback loop between NHE1-ERK phosphorylation under regulation of BRAFV600E mutation contributing to the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells. Moreover, the proliferation and invasion abilities of BRAFV600E-mutant and BRAF wild type GBM cells were all suppressed by the NHE1 inhibitor, BRAFV600E inhibitor and combination of them. The inhibitory effect of combination of the two inhibitors was better than each single drug both in vitro and in vivo. Combination of BRAFV600E and NHE1 inhibitors could be considered as a new therapeutic regimen for GBM, especially for GBM with BRAFV600E.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using the KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 System: A Prospective, Single-Center, Single-Arm Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 (KD-SR-01) system for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-center, single-arm clinical study was conducted from May 2021 to August 2021. Sixteen RARP procedures with the KD-SR-01 system were performed by 1 surgeon. The perioperative and followup data were prospectively recorded. Early oncologic outcomes were assessed according to surgical margin status and continence was defined as no more than 1 pad daily or urine leakage of ≤20 gm by the 24-hour pad weight test. Ergonomics were assessed with the NASA-TLX (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index). RESULTS: All cases were completed successfully without conversion to traditional RARP, laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. The median docking time, console time and urethrovesical anastomosis time were 5.9 (range, 2.5-11.5), 87 (range, 70-120) and 14.4 minutes (range, 12.0-25.7), respectively. The median estimated blood loss was 50 ml (range, 10-200). None of patients required intraoperative transfusion. The median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4-10). Overall, a positive surgical margin occurred in 4 (25%) patients. No biochemical recurrence occurred within 1 month after surgery. The continence rate was 87.5% (14/16) at 1 month after catheter removal. No severe intraoperative or postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3) occurred. The surgeon reported a high comfort level with a NASA-TLX global score of 22.7±3.2. CONCLUSIONS: The KD-SR-01 system is feasible, safe and effective for management of localized prostate cancer.

Increased Hippocampal Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression and Reduced Anxiety-Like Behavior Following Tuina in a Rat Model With Allergic Airway Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the influence mechanism of Tuina on anxiety-like behavior in immature rats with allergic airway inflammation (AAI). METHODS: A total of 27 Sprague-Dawley male rats (aged ∼5 weeks) were divided randomly into control, AAI, and AAI with Tuina groups (9 rats per group). The anxiety-like behavior was assessed by an open field test and elevated plus-maze test. Allergic airway inflammation was assessed based on the pathological score of the lung, plasma ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E, interleukin 4, interleukin 5, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) messenger RNA and protein expression in the hippocampus and lung were detected by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Meanwhile, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) messenger RNA in the hypothalamus, the plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone were also determined respectively by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) function. RESULTS: The AAI group had obvious anxiety-like behavior and hyperactive HPA axis, along with decreased GR expression in the hippocampus and lung. Following Tuina, AAI and the anxiety-like behavior were efficiently reduced, and the hyperactivity of HPA axis was efficiently inhibited, along with enhanced GR expression in the hippocampus and lung. CONCLUSION: Glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus and lung was enhanced, and anxiety-like behavior was reduced following Tuina in rats with AAI.

[Effects of Porphyra yezoensis extract on hepatic inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in type 1 diabetic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Porphyra yezoensis extract on liver inflammation and oxidative stress in type 1 diabetics mice. METHODS: A total of ninety-one C57 BL/6 J male mice were adaptively fed for two weeks, and twelve C57 BL/6 J male mice were randomly reserved to be included in the blank control group. The rest of the mice were fasted overnight for twelve hours(except water), and they were given 170.00 mg/kg streptozotocin by intraperitoneal injection. Fasting blood glucose in type 1 diabetics mice were greater than or equal to 16.7 mmol/L after seven days, and polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria and weight loss appeared, which were judged to be the successful model of type 1 diabetes. Forty-eight successfully modeled mice were divided into the model control group, the low dose of Porphyra yezoensis extract group, the medium dose of Porphyra yezoensis extract and high dose of Porphyra yezoensis extract group according to the fasting blood glucose and body weight. The mice in the blank control group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose intervention groups were separately given the corresponding dose of Porphyra yezoensis extract by intragastric administration for six weeks. The body weight of type 1 diabetic mice, changes in body length, fasting blood glucose, insulin, liver inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators and pathological sections of liver and pancreas after the intervention of Porphyra yezoensis extract were observed. The glucose oxidase method was used to determine the fasting blood glucose level of type 1 diabetic mice. The serum insulin content, liver inflammatory factor levels and oxidative stress indicators were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used to observe histopathology of liver and pancreas paraffin sections. RESULTS: The weight of the model control group was significantly lower than that of the blank control group(P<0.05), and the fasting blood glucose value was significantly higher than that of the blank control group(P<0.05). There was no statistical difference. In terms of inflammatory factors, compared with the model control group, low-dose Porphyra yezoensis extract can increase serum insulin levels and reduce liver tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels(P<0.05) in T1DM mice, and medium-dose Porphyra yezoensis extract can reduce liver TNF-α level(P<0.05), high-dose Porphyra yezoensis extract can reduce the level of interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß)(P<0.05). The histopathological conditions of pancreas in different intervention groups were improved compared with the model control group, and the number of ß cells increased compared with the model group. In terms of oxidative stress, compared with the model control group, low-dose Porphyra yezoensis extract can significantly reduce the levels of liver alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05), and high-dose Porphyra yezoensis extract can significantly increase the levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and catalase(CAT)(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The protective effect of Porphyra yezoensis extract on liver oxidative damage in T1DM mice may be achieved by regulating the activity of CAT and GSH-Px and reducing the content of MDA. In addition, Porphyra yezoensis extract can reduce liver TNF-α and IL-1ß levels to improve liver inflammation.

[Impact of sperm function on the fertilization rate of IVF].

Objective: To analyze sperm function-related risk factors and their value in predicting the fertilization rate (FR) of in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: This retrospective study included 668 cases of IVF performed in the Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from July 2018 to April 2021, which were divided into a low-FR group (FR ≤ 65%, n = 107) and a high-FR group (FR > 65%, n = 561). We compared the sperm volume, sperm concentration, percentages of progressively motile sperm (PMS) and morphologically normal sperm (MNS), acrosome reaction rate, acrosin activity and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) between the two groups, analyzed the correlation between sperm parameters and FR by Spearman's correlation analysis, and the value of sperm function-related risk factors in predicting the FR of IVF using binary logistic regression analysis and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the infertility type of the female patients (P < 0.05) but not in the sperm volume, sperm concentration, PMS, MNS, and acrosome reaction rate (P > 0.05). The DFI was significantly lower in the high-FR than in the low-FR group (ï¼»14.31 ± 4.46ï¼½% vs ï¼»15.35 ± 5.68ï¼½%, P = 0.034) and the acrosin activity remarkably higher in the former than in the latter group (ï¼»102.11 ± 47.18ï¼½ vs ï¼»91.98 ± 42.61ï¼½ µIU/106, P = 0.039). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the FR was correlated negatively with DFI (r = 0.090, P = 0.020) and positively with acrosin activity (r = 0.079, P = 0.042). Primary infertility and DFI were found to be unfavorable factors while acrosin activity a favorable factor for the FR of IVF. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of DFI and acrosin activity were 0.571 and 0.562, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DFI and acrosin activity are risk factors and have a predictive value for the fertilization rate of IVF.

Characterization of tumor-associated macrophages in prostate cancer transgenic mouse models.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in prostate cancer. Commonly used orthotopic models do not accurately reflect the complete TME of a human patient or the natural initiation and progression of a tumor. Therefore, genetically engineered mouse models are essential for studying the TME as well as advancing TAM-targeted therapies. Two common transgenic (TG) models of prostate cancer are Hi-Myc and transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP), but the TME and TAM characteristics of these models have not been well characterized. METHODS: To advance the Hi-Myc and TRAMP models as tools for TAM studies, macrophage infiltration and characteristics were assessed using histopathologic, flow cytometric, and expression analyses in these models at various timepoints during tumor development and progression. RESULTS: In both Hi-Myc and TRAMP models, macrophages adopt a more pro-tumor phenotype in higher histological grade tumors and in older prostate tissue. However, the Hi-Myc and TRAMP prostates differ in their macrophage density, with Hi-Myc tumors exhibiting increased macrophage density and TRAMP tumors exhibiting decreased macrophage density compared to age-matched wild type mice. CONCLUSIONS: The macrophage density and the adenocarcinoma cancer subtype of Hi-Myc appear to better mirror patient tumors, suggesting that the Hi-Myc model is the more appropriate in vivo TG model for studying TAMs and TME-targeted therapies.

AXL kinase-mediated astrocytic phagocytosis modulates outcomes of traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Complex changes in the brain microenvironment following traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause neurological impairments for which there are few efficacious therapeutic interventions. The reactivity of astrocytes is one of the keys to microenvironmental changes, such as neuroinflammation, but its role and the molecular mechanisms that underpin it remain unclear. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact (CCI) to develop a TBI model. The specific ligand of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL), recombinant mouse growth arrest-specific 6 (rmGas6) was intracerebroventricularly administered, and selective AXL antagonist R428 was intraperitoneally applied at 30 min post-modeling separately. Post-TBI assessments included neurobehavioral assessments, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), siRNA transfection, and flow cytometry were performed for mechanism assessments in primary cultured astrocytes. RESULTS: AXL is upregulated mainly in astrocytes after TBI and promotes astrocytes switching to a phenotype that exhibits the capability of ingesting degenerated neurons or debris. As a result, this astrocytic transformation promotes the limitation of neuroinflammation and recovery of neurological dysfunction. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL in astrocytes significantly decreased astrocytic phagocytosis both in vivo and in primary astrocyte cultures, in contrast to the effect of treatment with the rmGas6. AXL activates the signal transducer and activator of the transcription 1 (STAT1) pathway thereby further upregulating ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1). Moreover, the supernatant from GAS6-depleted BV2 cells induced limited enhancement of astrocytic phagocytosis in vitro. CONCLUSION: Our work establishes the role of AXL in the transformation of astrocytes to a phagocytic phenotype via the AXL/STAT1/ABCA1 pathway which contributes to the separation of healthy brain tissue from injury-induced cell debris, further ameliorating neuroinflammation and neurological impairments after TBI. Collectively, our findings provide a potential therapeutic target for TBI.

Laser ablation of pristine Fe foil for constructing a layer-by-layer SiO2/Fe2O3/Fe integrated anode for high cycling-stability lithium-ion batteries.

In this paper, an integrated SiO2/Fe2O3/Fe anode is fabricated by straightforward laser ablation of the surface of Fe foil in air. The oxidized surface is subsequently coated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and transformed into a SiO2 layer through a calcination process in an argon atmosphere. The surface oxidation is traced by on-line optical emission spectroscopy (OES) diagnosis. With high electron temperature (∼5200 K) in the laser irradiation zone, the nanostructured Fe2O3 layer is formed on the Fe foil, resulting in the pristine Fe2O3/Fe anode. This greatly simplified procedure with respect to the conventional route allows direct connection between the Fe2O3 layer and the Fe substrate (current collector) without any binder or conductive agent. In addition, the SiO2 coating layer greatly improves the cycling stability due to the compensatory contribution to capacity during the cycling process and its compatible elasticity to accommodate the volume expansion of Fe2O3, which is verified by first-principles theoretical calculations. The integrated SiO2/Fe2O3/Fe anode delivers a stable capacity of 651.7 mA h g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 after 100 cycles. This strategy offers a low-cost route for the rapid fabrication of integrated electrodes, broadening their applications in high cycling-stability LIBs.

Cardiac Nestin+ Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhance Healing of Ischemic Heart through Periostin-Mediated M2 Macrophage Polarization.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show potential for treating cardiovascular diseases, but their therapeutic efficacy exhibits significant heterogeneity depending on the tissue of origin. This study sought to identify an optimal source of MSCs for cardiovascular disease therapy. We demonstrated that Nestin was a suitable marker for cardiac MSCs (Nes+cMSCs), which were identified by their self-renewal ability, tri-lineage differentiation potential, and expression of MSC markers. Furthermore, compared with bone marrow-derived MSCs (Nes+bmMSCs) or saline-treated myocardial infarction (MI) controls, intramyocardial injection of Nes+cMSCs significantly improved cardiac function and decreased infarct size after acute MI (AMI) through paracrine actions, rather than transdifferentiation into cardiac cells in infarcted heart. We further revealed that Nes+cMSC treatment notably reduced pan-macrophage infiltration while inducing macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype in ischemic myocardium. Interestingly, Periostin, which was highly expressed in Nes+cMSCs, could promote the polarization of M2-subtype macrophages, and knockdown or neutralization of Periostin remarkably reduced the therapeutic effects of Nes+cMSCs by decreasing M2 macrophages at lesion sites. Thus, the present work systemically shows that Nes+cMSCs have greater efficacy than do Nes+bmMSCs for cardiac healing after AMI, and that this occurs at least partly through Periostin-mediated M2 macrophage polarization.