Population genomics reveals that a missense mutation in EDNRB2 contributes to white plumage color in pigeons.

Plumage color is an important economic trait for breed feature identification and consumer's requirements in pigeons. The domestic pigeon has multiple types of plumage color, thereby providing a unique opportunity to identify the genetic basis of plumage coloration. White feather color is common for meat and medicinal use. To investigate the genetic variation associated with white plumage color in pigeons, we use genome resequencing and population genomics to identify the genomic regions with strong selective signature between pigeons with brown and white plumage color. Meanwhile, we obtained some candidate genes with melanin or melanosome biosynthesis in selected regions. Finally, we identified a missense mutation p.E256K in the EDNRB2 completely associated with white plumage color. These findings provide a basis for genetic variation in pigeons with plumage color phenotype.

Android mobile-platform-based image reconstruction for photoacoustic tomography.

Significance: In photoacoustic tomography (PAT), numerous reconstruction algorithms have been utilized to recover initial pressure rise distribution from the acquired pressure waves. In practice, most of these reconstructions are carried out on a desktop/workstation and the mobile-based reconstructions are far-flung. In recent years, mobile phones are becoming so ubiquitous, and most of them encompass a higher computing ability. Hence, realizing PAT image reconstruction on a mobile platform is intrinsic, and it will enhance the adaptability of PAT systems with point-of-care applications. Aim: To implement PAT image reconstruction in Android-based mobile platforms. Approach: For implementing PAT image reconstruction in Android-based mobile platforms, we proposed an Android-based application using Python to perform beamforming process in Android phones. Results: The performance of the developed application was analyzed on different mobile platforms using both simulated and experimental datasets. The results demonstrate that the developed algorithm can accomplish the image reconstruction of in vivo small animal brain dataset in 2.4 s. Furthermore, the developed application reconstructs PAT images with comparable speed and no loss of image quality compared to that on a laptop. Employing a two-fold downsampling procedure could serve as a viable solution for reducing the time needed for beamforming while preserving image quality with minimal degradation. Conclusions: We proposed an Android-based application that achieves image reconstruction on cheap, small, and universally available phones instead of relatively bulky expensive desktop computers/laptops/workstations. A beamforming speed of 2.4 s is achieved without hampering the quality of the reconstructed image.

Ultrasound-guided needle tracking with deep learning: A novel approach with photoacoustic ground truth.

Accurate needle guidance is crucial for safe and effective clinical diagnosis and treatment procedures. Conventional ultrasound (US)-guided needle insertion often encounters challenges in consistency and precisely visualizing the needle, necessitating the development of reliable methods to track the needle. As a powerful tool in image processing, deep learning has shown promise for enhancing needle visibility in US images, although its dependence on manual annotation or simulated data as ground truth can lead to potential bias or difficulties in generalizing to real US images. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has demonstrated its capability for high-contrast needle visualization. In this study, we explore the potential of PA imaging as a reliable ground truth for deep learning network training without the need for expert annotation. Our network (UIU-Net), trained on ex vivo tissue image datasets, has shown remarkable precision in localizing needles within US images. The evaluation of needle segmentation performance extends across previously unseen ex vivo data and in vivo human data (collected from an open-source data repository). Specifically, for human data, the Modified Hausdorff Distance (MHD) value stands at approximately 3.73, and the targeting error value is around 2.03, indicating the strong similarity and small needle orientation deviation between the predicted needle and actual needle location. A key advantage of our method is its applicability beyond US images captured from specific imaging systems, extending to images from other US imaging systems.

Looking deep inside tissue with photoacoustic molecular probes: a review.

Significance: Deep tissue noninvasive high-resolution imaging with light is challenging due to the high degree of light absorption and scattering in biological tissue. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) can overcome some of the challenges of pure optical or ultrasound imaging to provide high-resolution deep tissue imaging. However, label-free PAI signals from light absorbing chromophores within the tissue are nonspecific. The use of exogeneous contrast agents (probes) not only enhances the imaging contrast (and imaging depth) but also increases the specificity of PAI by binding only to targeted molecules and often providing signals distinct from the background. Aim: We aim to review the current development and future progression of photoacoustic molecular probes/contrast agents. Approach: First, PAI and the need for using contrast agents are briefly introduced. Then, the recent development of contrast agents in terms of materials used to construct them is discussed. Then, various probes are discussed based on targeting mechanisms, in vivo molecular imaging applications, multimodal uses, and use in theranostic applications. Results: Material combinations are being used to develop highly specific contrast agents. In addition to passive accumulation, probes utilizing activation mechanisms show promise for greater controllability. Several probes also enable concurrent multimodal use with fluorescence, ultrasound, Raman, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. Finally, targeted probes are also shown to aid localized and molecularly specific photo-induced therapy. Conclusions: The development of contrast agents provides a promising prospect for increased contrast, higher imaging depth, and molecularly specific information. Of note are agents that allow for controlled activation, explore other optical windows, and enable multimodal use to overcome some of the shortcomings of label-free PAI.

[Study on molecular target of Taohong Siwu Decoction in delaying growth of fibroblasts based on network pharmacology].

As a prescription for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, Taohong Siwu Decoction(THSWD) has certain effects in delaying the progression of renal fibrosis. However, as a traditional Chinese medicine compound containing many monomer components, it has been a research hotspot in the field of exploring the research methods and targets for the complex pathological process. The method of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis has certain clinical effect in retarding the process of IgA nephropathy(IgAN) fibrosis, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, the network pharmacology method was used to investigate the active ingredients, targets and molecular mechanisms of THSWD in the intervention of IgAN fibrosis. On this basis, in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the effect of THSWD on the expression of ERK factor in BALB/c 3 T3 cells. The active ingredients and targets in THSWD were collected through the TCMSP. Sixty-one active ingredients and 240 targets including luteolin and quercetin were screened, and 185 targets were obtained by intersecting with CTD database to search IgAN related targets. Cytoscape software and STRING database were used to construct "THSWD-active ingredients-targets" network and protein-protein interaction network, and 69 core targets were screened. In DAVID's GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of the core targets and cell experiments, the results showed that ERK was an important factor for THSWD to interfere with IgAN fibrosis, and THSWD intervention could significantly decrease cell activity, ERK1/2 mRNA expression, and p-ERK1/2 protein expression. This study preliminarily revealed that THSWD may delay the growth of fibroblasts by affecting ERK factor and its phosphorylation level.

Initial experience of anti-PD1 therapy with nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of anti-PD1 therapy with nivolumab for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: From Jan 2016 to Jan 2017, eleven cases of HCC (average age of 51.8-year), 4 at stage B and 7 at stage C, according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, were treated with nivolumab. There were 4 patients with lung metastasis, 1 with portal vein tumor thrombus, 1 with abdominal metastasis and 1 with bone metastasis. The protocol was nivolumab, 3 mg/kg, on day 1, q3w. All patients were treated for more than 4 cycles. During anti-PD1 treatment period, 6 patients also received sorafenib and 1 patient received cytokine-induced killer cell therapy. Objective response and clinical adverse events were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Patients underwent a total of 80 cycles of nivolumab therapy, ranging between 4 and 18 cycles per patient. Nivolumab was associated with a disease control rate of 81.8%, with an objective response of 63.6% (Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors). No adverse effects related to nivolumab were noted. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows that nivolumab could achieve acceptable outcome in HCC patients and may serve as an optional treatment, especially for patients who failed to gain a benefit from routine treatments.

Large heel soft tissue defects managed successfully with reverse medial crural fasciocutaneous flap: a 7-year single-center experience with 21 consecutive cases.

The medial crural fasciocutaneous flap is a reliable cutaneous flap that can be used for soft tissue reconstruction in the extremities. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the application and clinical significance of this surgical technique in the reconstruction of heel soft tissue defects. Twenty-one cases of heel soft tissue defect between March 2005 and March 2012 were included in this study. Wound sizes varied from 5.0 × 5.5 to 7.5 × 10.0 cm. All cases were managed with a reverse medial crural fasciocutaneous flap. Patient demographics and case information were analyzed and are reported. The sizes of the reverse medial crural fasciocutaneous flap varied from 6.5 × 10.0 to 9.0 × 15.0 cm; the average size was 7.7 × 13.8 cm. Out of the 21 consecutive cases, 20 flaps survived intact and one flap underwent partial necrosis. Follow-up observations were conducted for 6-36 months. The cosmetic results were satisfactory, without apparent bulkiness; the weight-bearing outcomes were satisfactory. The donor site can be closed primarily or by skin graft. Reverse medial crural fasciocutaneous flap transfer is appropriate for the reconstruction of heel soft tissue defects. The method is safe and can cover large heel defects.

An efficient and recyclable ionic liquid-supported proline catalyzed knoevenagel condensation.

The Knoevenagel condensation reaction of aldehydes with malononitrile was described in this study, which was catalyzed by an efficient and recyclable ionic liquid-supported proline. The method represented an attractive alternative to the classical synthesis strategies and exhibited the advantage of performing homogeneous chemistry on a large scale additionally avoided large excesses of reagents. The products were obtained in good yields and reasonable purities without the need for further chromatographic purification. Moreover, the catalyst could be reused for at least four times.