Spiritual needs of women with breast cancer: A structural equation model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a structural equation model (SEM) to explore the factors influencing the spiritual needs of breast cancer patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the breast surgery department of a tertiary hospital in China from September 2020 to December 2020; convenience sampling and questionnaires were used to facilitate sampling and data collection. A total of 220 female breast cancer patients were included in the study. The data were analysed using multiple linear regression and structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Compared with patients with other diseases, patients with breast cancer have greater spiritual needs (76.16 ± 13.19). Multivariate analysis revealed that religious beliefs, education level, social support, and resilience are important factors affecting the mental health of women with cancer (p < 0.05). The structural equation model fit well (RMSEA = 0.056, χ2p = 0.002). Social support directly affected spiritual needs (ß = 0.607, p < 0.001) and indirectly affected spiritual needs through resilience (ß = 0.353, p < 0.001). Resilience directly affected spiritual needs (ß = 0.386, p < 0.05). Education level indirectly affected spiritual needs through social support (ß = 0.307, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides a theoretical basis for intervention measures to improve the spiritual needs of female breast cancer patients. Paying more attention to social support and resilience may help solve the problem of meeting the high spiritual needs of breast cancer patients. Further research is needed to develop interventions.

Relationships Between Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment, Self-Care Ability, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: It is not clear how chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and self-care ability affect the quality of life of women with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, self-care ability, and quality of life in breast cancer patients, and test whether self-care ability plays a mediating role in the association between cognitive impairment and quality of life. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study, conducted in China in 2022. Self-reported scales were used to assess cognitive function, self-care ability, and quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, spearman correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the SPSS Process program was used to explore the mediating effect of self-care ability. RESULTS: A total of 218 participants were investigated, and approximately 79.3% of patients experienced mild chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, the mean quality of life score was 59.96 ± 14.15, and the mean self-care ability score was 107.4 ± 24.09. Significant correlations among cognitive impairment, self-care ability, and quality of life were observed (P < .05). Additionally, self-care ability played a partial mediating role between cognitive impairment and quality of life (P < .05), accounting for 24.3% and 22.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and self-care ability are factors affecting the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Self-care ability mediates the relationship between cognitive impairment and quality of life. Enhancing patients' self-care ability can improve the quality of life of patients with cognitive impairment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In the future, oncology nurses should not only pay attention to the severity of cognitive impairment, but also assess the level of patients' self-care ability, provide relevant medical and healthcare guidance, train self-management behavior and strengthen self-care ability by integrating multidisciplinary forces to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients effectively.

MRI Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction in People Living With the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Correlation With Markers of Disease Activity.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy, people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at an increased risk for cardiac disease. PURPOSE: To explore the presence and extent of diastolic atrial and left ventricular dysfunction in PLWH using cardiac MRI in correlation with clinical markers of disease activity. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: A total of 163 participants comprising 101 HIV-infected individuals (age: 52 years [42-62 years]; 92% male) and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (age: 51 years [30-72 years]; 85% male). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T, cardiac MRI including balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) for the short-axis, two-, three-, and four-chamber views were performed. ASSESSMENT: Assessment of cardiac function and strain analysis were accomplished by CVI42 software. Blood samples for CD4+ T cells and cardiac risk factors were also collected before MRI. STATISTICAL TESTS: Independent t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multivariate linear analyses (significance level: P < 0.05). RESULTS: PLWH had a significantly larger left atrial volume maximum index (LAVImax: 32.6 ± 8.7 vs. 28.7 ± 8.1 mL/m2), minimum (LAVImin: 14.8 ± 5.5 vs. 11.5 ± 5.4 mL/m2,), and prior to atrial contraction (LAVIpre-a: 23.4 ± 6.7 vs. 19.7 ± 7.2 mL/m2) as compared to healthy volunteers. The LA reservoir (LAtEF: 55.0 ± 10.2 vs. 61.4 ± 10.4; Sls: 29.0 ± 8.1 vs. 33.8 ± 11.8), conduit (LApEF: 28.4 ± 8.2 vs. 32.3 ± 11.3, P = 0.01; Sle: 16.3 ± 6.5 vs. 18.9 ± 8.2), and booster pump function (LAaEF: 37.4 ± 12.4 vs. 42.7 ± 13.1, P = 0.01, Sla: 12.7 ± 5.1 vs. 14.9 ± 5.7) were all significant impaired in PLWH. Global circumferential left ventricular diastolic strain rate (LVGCS-d) was significantly lower in the HIV patients. Multivariate analysis results showed that Nadir CD4+ T cells had a significant adverse association with LVGCS-d (ß = 0.51). CONCLUSION: LA structure abnormalities and LV diastolic dysfunction were manifested in PLWH, with Nadir CD4+ T cell counts potentially serving as a risk factor for early cardiac diastolic dysfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

On the numerical corroboration of an obstacle problem for linearly elastic flexural shells.

In this article, we study the numerical corroboration of a variational model governed by a fourth-order elliptic operator that describes the deformation of a linearly elastic flexural shell subjected not to cross a prescribed flat obstacle. The problem under consideration is modelled by means of a set of variational inequalities posed over a non-empty, closed and convex subset of a suitable Sobolev space and is known to admit a unique solution. Qualitative and quantitative numerical experiments corroborating the validity of the model and its asymptotic similarity with Koiter's model are also presented.This article is part of the theme issue 'Non-smooth variational problems with applications in mechanics'.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive nursing measures for pressure injuries in patients in the neurology intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients in neurology intensive care units (ICU) are prone to pressure injuries (PU) due to factors such as severe illness, long-term bed rest, and physiological dysfunction. PU not only causes pain and complications to patients, but also increases medical burden, prolongs hospitalization time, and affects the recovery process. AIM: To evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of pressure injury prevention nursing measures in neurology ICU patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, and 60 patients who were admitted to the ICU of the Department of Neurology were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the order of admission, with 30 people in each group. The observation group implemented pressure injury prevention and nursing measures, while the control group adopted routine care. RESULTS: Comparison between observation and control groups following pressure injury prevention nursing intervention revealed significantly lower incidence rates in the observation group compared to the control group at 48 h (8.3% vs 26.7%), 7 d (16.7% vs 43.3%), and 14 d (20.0% vs 50.0%). This suggests a substantial reduction in pressure injury incidence in the observation group, with the gap widening over time. Additionally, patients in the observation group exhibited quicker recovery, with a shorter average time to get out of bed (48 h vs 72 h) and a shorter average length of stay (12 d vs 15 d) compared to the control group. Furthermore, post-intervention, patients in the observation group reported significantly improved quality of life scores, including higher scores in body satisfaction, feeling and function, and comfort (both psychological and physiological), indicating enhanced overall well-being and comfort following the implementation of pressure injury prevention nursing measures. CONCLUSION: Implementing pressure injury preventive care measures for neurology ICU patients will have better results.

Conditioned culture medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes phenotypic transformation of microglia by regulating mitochondrial autophagy.

Objective: To study the mechanism by which conditioned medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-CM) facilitates the transition of pro-inflammatory polarized microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Methods: BV2 cells, a mouse microglia cell line, were transformed into a pro-inflammatory phenotype using lipopolysaccharide. The expression of phenotypic genes in BV2 cells was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in BV2 cells co-cultured with BMSCs-CM. The expressions of mitophagy-associated proteins were determined using western blot. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels in BV2 cells were measured using JC-1 staining and an ATP assay kit, respectively. Additionally, we examined the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of C8-D1A cells, a mouse astrocyte cell line, co-cultured with BV2 cells. Results: After co- culture with BMSCs -CM, the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase significantly decreased in pro-inflammatory BV2 cells, whereas the expression of CD206 and arginase-1 significantly increased. Moreover, TNF-α and interleukin-6 levels significantly decreased, whereas transforming growth factor-ß and interleukin-10 levels significantly increased. Furthermore, co-culture with BMSCs-CM increased mitophagy-associated protein expression, ATP levels, mitochondrial and lysosomal co-localization in these cells and decreased reactive oxygen species levels. Importantly, BMSCs-CM reversed the decrease in the proliferation and migration of C8-D1A cells co-cultured with pro-inflammatory BV2 cells and inhibited the apoptosis of C8-D1A cells. Conclusion: BMSCs-CM may promote the transition of polarized microglia from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype by regulating mitophagy and influences the functional state of astrocytes.

Analysis of physical and mechanical behaviors and microscopic mineral characteristics of thermally damaged granite.

Temperature's influence on the physical and mechanical properties of rocks is a crucial concern for the rational design of deep rock engineering structures and the assurance of their long-term stability. To systematically comprehend the impact of the evolution of mineral composition and micro characteristics on the physical and mechanical behavior of thermally damaged granite, we observed the microscopic structural defects inside the rocks with a polarizing microscope and revealed the thermal damage mechanism of granite from a microscopic perspective by combining ultrasound detection and XRD phase characteristic analysis. The results show that the physical properties of the specimens changed significantly at three characteristic temperature points: 400 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C. Under high temperature conditions, the diffraction intensity of all minerals in granite, except for quartz, generally decreased, and stable minerals decomposed. Albite and potash feldspar decomposed to form anorthoclase, thereby reducing the structural stability of the rock material. In addition, the peak width of various minerals decreased to varying degrees with increasing temperature. The increase in mineral volume further damaged the internal structure of the rock material while promoting the transformation from grain boundary to intergranular cracks and from intragranular cracks to transgranular cracks, ultimately forming a interconnected crack network. Thermal damage significantly reduced the longitudinal wave velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, and elastic modulus of the specimens, while the stress-strain curve relationship indicated that the specimens underwent two opposite processes of transformation from brittleness to ductility and then from ductility to brittleness. The thermal damage threshold of granite in this study was 600 °C.

Eliminating Hole Extraction Barrier in 1D/3D Perovskite Heterojunction for Efficient and Stable Carbon-Based CsPbI3 Solar Cells with a Record Efficiency.

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have the advantages of low-cost and high-stability, but their photovoltaic performance is limited by severe defect-induced recombination and low hole extraction efficiency. One-dimensional (1D) perovskite has been proven to effectively passivate the defects on the perovskite surface, therefore reducing non-radiative recombination loss. However, the unsuitable energy level of most 1D perovskite renders an undesired downward band bending for three-dimensional (3D) perovskite, resulting in a high hole extraction barrier and reduced hole extraction efficiency. Therefore, rational design and selection of 1D perovskites as the modifiers are essential in balancing defect passivation and hole extraction. In this work, based on simulation calculations, thiocholine iodide (TchI) is selected to prepare 1D perovskite with high work function, and then constructs TchPbI3/CsPbI3 1D/3D perovskite heterojunction. Experimental results show that this strategy eliminates the hole extraction barrier at perovskite/carbon interface, which improves the hole extraction efficiency of corresponding devices. Meanwhile, the strong interaction between the thiol group and Pb suppresses defect-induced recombination effectively and improves the stability of CsPbI3. The assembled C-PSCs exhibit a champion efficiency of 19.08% and a certified efficiency of 18.7%. To the best of our knowledge, this is a new efficiency record for inorganic C-PSCs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The roles of IRF8 in nonspecific orbital inflammation: an integrated analysis by bioinformatics and machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific Orbital Inflammation (NSOI) represents a persistent and idiopathic proliferative inflammatory disorder, characterized by polymorphous lymphoid infiltration within the orbit. The transcription factor Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8), integral to the IRF protein family, was initially identified as a pivotal element for the commitment and differentiation of myeloid cell lineage. Serving as a central regulator of innate immune receptor signaling, IRF8 orchestrates a myriad of functions in hematopoietic cell development. However, the intricate mechanisms underlying IRF8 production remain to be elucidated, and its potential role as a biomarker for NSOI is yet to be resolved. METHODS: IRF8 was extracted from the intersection analysis of common DEGs of GSE58331 and GSE105149 from the GEO and immune- related gene lists in the ImmPort database using The Lasso regression and SVM-RFE analysis. We performed GSEA and GSVA with gene sets coexpressed with IRF8, and observed that gene sets positively related to IRF8 were enriched in immune-related pathways. To further explore the correlation between IRF8 and immune-related biological process, the CIBERSORT algorithm and ESTIMATE method were employed to evaluate TME characteristics of each sample and confirmed that high IRF8 expression might give rise to high immune cell infiltration. Finally, the GSE58331 was utilized to confirm the levels of expression of IRF8. RESULTS: Among the 314 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), some DEGs were found to be significantly different. With LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, we obtained 15 hub genes. For biological function analysis in IRF8, leukocyte mediated immunity, leukocyte cell-cell adhesion, negative regulation of immune system process were emphasized. B cells naive, Macrophages M0, Macrophages M1, T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells CD4 naive, and T cells gamma delta were shown to be positively associated with IRF8. While, Mast cells resting, Monocytes, NK cells activated, Plasma cells, T cells CD8, and T cells regulatory (Tregs) were shown to be negatively linked with IRF8. The diagnostic ability of the IRF8 in differentiating NSOI exhibited a good value. CONCLUSIONS: This study discovered IRF8 that are linked to NSOI. IRF8 shed light on potential new biomarkers for NSOI and tracking its progression.

Embryo injected with Ochratoxin A induced jejunum injury in ducklings by activating the TLR4 signaling pathway: Involvement of intestinal microbiota.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common mycotoxin that causes intestinal injury in humans and various animal species. OTA may lead to intestinal injury in offspring due to the maternal effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of embryo injected with OTA induced jejunum injury in ducklings. The results showed that OTA disrupted the jejunum tight junctions in hatching ducklings, and promoted the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. And this inflammatory response was caused by the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway. Moreover, embryo injected with OTA could cause damage to the intestinal barrier in 21-day-old ducks, characterized by shortened villi, crypt hyperplasia, disrupted intestinal tight junctions, increased level of LPS in the jejunum, activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, OTA induced oxidative stress in the jejunum. And dysbiosis of gut microbiota was mainly characterized by an increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Megamonas, Fournierella, and decreased the relative abundance of Alistipes and Weissella. Interestingly, embryo injected with OTA did not induce these changes in the jejunum of antibiotics-treated 21-day-old ducks. In conclusion, embryo injected with OTA induced jejunum injury in ducklings by activating the TLR4 signaling pathway, which involvement of intestinal microbiota.

[Evaluation of augmented reality technology in the recognizing of oral and maxillofacial anatomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of Augmented reality technology in the recognizing of oral and maxillofacial anatomy. METHODS: This study was conducted on the undergraduate students in Peking University School of Stomatology who were learning oral and maxillofacial anatomy. The image data were selected according to the experiment content, and the important blood vessels and bone tissue structures, such as upper and lower jaws, neck arteries and veins were reconstructed in 3D(3-dimensional) by digital software to generate experiment models, and the reconstructed models were encrypted and stored in the cloud. The QR (quick response) code corresponding to the 3D model was scanned by a networked mobile device to obtain augmented reality images to assist experimenters in teaching and subjects in recognizing. Augmented reality technology was applied in both the theoretical explanation and cadaveric dissection respectively. Subjects' feedback was collected in the form of a post-class questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of augmented reality technology-assisted recognizing. RESULTS: In the study, 83 undergraduate students were included as subjects in this study. Augmented reality technology could be successfully applied in the recognizing of oral and maxillofacial anatomy. All the subjects could scan the QR code through a connected mobile device to get the 3D anatomy model from the cloud, and zoom in/out/rotate the model on the mobile. Augmented reality technology could provide personalized 3D model, based on learners' needs and abilities. The results of likert scale showed that augmented reality technology was highly recognized by the students (9.19 points), and got high scores in terms of forming a three-dimensional sense and stimulating the enthusiasm for learning (9.01 and 8.85 points respectively). CONCLUSION: Augmented reality technology can realize the three-dimensional visualization of important structures of oral and maxillofacial anatomy and stimulate students' enthusiasm for learning. Besides, it can assist students in building three-dimensional space imagination of the anatomy of oral and maxillofacial area. The application of augmented reality technology achieves favorable effect in the recognizing of oral and maxillofacial anatomy.

Sequential Inhibition of PARP and BET as a Rational Therapeutic Strategy for Glioblastoma.

PARP inhibitors (PARPi) hold substantial promise in treating glioblastoma (GBM). However, the adverse effects have restricted their broad application. Through unbiased transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing, it is discovered that the BET inhibitor (BETi) Birabresib profoundly alters the processes of DNA replication and cell cycle progression in GBM cells, beyond the previously reported impact of BET inhibition on homologous recombination repair. Through in vitro experiments using established GBM cell lines and patient-derived primary GBM cells, as well as in vivo orthotopic transplantation tumor experiments in zebrafish and nude mice, it is demonstrated that the concurrent administration of PARPi and BETi can synergistically inhibit GBM. Intriguingly, it is observed that DNA damage lingers after discontinuation of PARPi monotherapy, implying that sequential administration of PARPi followed by BETi can maintain antitumor efficacy while reducing toxicity. In GBM cells with elevated baseline replication stress, the sequential regimen exhibits comparable efficacy to concurrent treatment, protecting normal glial cells with lower baseline replication stress from DNA toxicity and subsequent death. This study provides compelling preclinical evidence supporting the development of innovative drug administration strategies focusing on PARPi for GBM therapy.

Differential lncRNA profiles of blood plasma-derived exosomes from systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) dysregulation is key in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the role of exosomal lncRNAs in SLE has not been well studied. We elucidated the profiles of plasma exosomal lncRNAs expression in patients with SLE and predictd their potential clinical significance in SLE. METHODS: In the screening stage, six newly diagnosed and untreated patients with SLE and six healthy controls were examined by high-throughput sequencing technology, and differential exosomal lncRNA profiles were constructed. In the validation phase, two differentially selected exosomal lncRNAs from 20 patients each with active and stable SLE and 20 healthy controls were verified with RT-qPCR. The correlation between the selected exosomal lncRNAs and SLE clinical indicators was examined. The diagnostic value of the selected exosomal lncRNAs in SLE was analyzed by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Exosomes were successfully extracted from the patients and controls. Sequencing-phase sequencing demonstrated 528 upregulated lncRNAs and 7491 downregulated lncRNAs. In the validation stage, exosomal LINC00667 and DANCR were significantly upregulated in the patients, and positively correlated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K). Exosomal DANCR expression between the active and stable SLE patients was different. The area under the curve(AUC) of exosomal LINC00667 and DANCR for SLE diagnosis was 0.815 and 0.759, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomal LINC00667 and DANCR were upregulated in SLE, and might be new biomarkers thereof. Exosomal DANCR was associated with SLE activity.

Elucidating the multifaceted roles of GPR146 in non-specific orbital inflammation: a concerted analytical approach through the prisms of bioinformatics and machine learning.

Background: Non-specific Orbital Inflammation (NSOI) is a chronic idiopathic condition marked by extensive polymorphic lymphoid infiltration in the orbital area. The integration of metabolic and immune pathways suggests potential therapeutic roles for C-peptide and G protein-coupled receptor 146 (GPR146) in diabetes and its sequelae. However, the specific mechanisms through which GPR146 modulates immune responses remain poorly understood. Furthermore, the utility of GPR146 as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for NSOI has not been conclusively demonstrated. Methods: We adopted a comprehensive analytical strategy, merging differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE58331 and GSE105149 with immune-related genes from the ImmPort database. Our methodology combined LASSO regression and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) for feature selection, followed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) to explore gene sets co-expressed with GPR146, identifying a significant enrichment in immune-related pathways. The tumor microenvironment's immune composition was quantified using the CIBERSORT algorithm and the ESTIMATE method, which confirmed a positive correlation between GPR146 expression and immune cell infiltration. Validation of GPR146 expression was performed using the GSE58331 dataset. Results: Analysis identified 113 DEGs associated with GPR146, with a significant subset showing distinct expression patterns. Using LASSO and SVM-RFE, we pinpointed 15 key hub genes. Functionally, these genes and GPR146 were predominantly linked to receptor ligand activity, immune receptor activity, and cytokine-mediated signaling. Specific immune cells, such as memory B cells, M2 macrophages, resting mast cells, monocytes, activated NK cells, plasma cells, and CD8+ T cells, were positively associated with GPR146 expression. In contrast, M0 macrophages, naive B cells, M1 macrophages, activated mast cells, activated memory CD4+ T cells, naive CD4+ T cells, and gamma delta T cells showed inverse correlations. Notably, our findings underscore the potential diagnostic relevance of GPR146 in distinguishing NSOI. Conclusion: Our study elucidates the immunological signatures associated with GPR146 in the context of NSOI, highlighting its prognostic and diagnostic potential. These insights pave the way for GPR146 to be a novel biomarker for monitoring the progression of NSOI, providing a foundation for future therapeutic strategies targeting immune-metabolic pathways.

The efficacy of clinicopathological and imaging features in differentiating benign from malignant parotid micro- and minitumors: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinicopathological and imaging features of micro- and minitumors of the parotid gland and provide a reference for preoperative prediction of benign vs malignant status. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with parotid gland tumors treated surgically were selected. Relevant clinicopathological and imaging data were collected for patients with maximum tumor diameters ≤20 mm on preoperative computed tomography (CT). The lesions were divided into 2 groups, microtumors and minitumors, based on maximum tumor diameter. CT imaging features of benign and malignant tumors were compared through binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Microtumors and minitumors were categorized by maximum diameters <10 mm (n = 74) and 10-20 mm (n = 611), respectively. Benign and malignant minitumors exhibited significant differences in boundary, tumor density, margin morphology, spiculation margin, and CT values in the plain and arterial phase (P ≤ .027), resembling those found in typical malignant parotid gland tumors. However, no significant differences were observed between benign and malignant microtumors. Logistic regression analysis identified boundary, margin morphology, and spiculation margin as independent predictors of malignancy. The prediction model excelled in identifying benign lesions but was less successful in identifying malignancies. CONCLUSION: Parotid gland minitumors had imaging features similar to typical larger malignant tumors. Active exclusion of the malignant risk and early surgical treatment is recommended for these tumors.

Molecular mechanisms of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels&Gilg against lung squamous cell carcinoma: From computational biology and experimental validation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tetrastigma hemsleyanum （T. hemsleyanum）, valued in traditional medicine for its potential to boost immunity and combat tumors, contains uncharacterized active compounds and mechanisms. This represents a significant gap in our understanding of its ethnopharmacological relevance. AIM OF THE STUDY: To involve the mechanism of anti-lung cancer effect of T. hemsleyanum by means of experiment and bioinformatics analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anticancer mechanism of T. hemsleyanum against lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) in zebrafish was investigated. The LUSC model was established by injecting NCI-H2170 cells in the zebrafish and evaluating its anti-tumor efficacy. Next, component targets and key genes were obtained by molecular complex detection (MCODE) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Component analysis of T. hemsleyanum was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Molecular docking was used to simulate the binding activities of key potential active components to core targets were simulated using. Prognostic and pan-cancer analyses were then performed to validate the signaling pathways involved in the prognostic genes using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Subsequently, Molecular dynamics simulations were then performed for key active components and core targets. Finally, cellular experiments were used to verify the expression of glutamate metabotropic receptor 3 (GRM3) and glutamate metabotropic receptor 7 (GRM7) in the anticancer effect exerted of T. hemsleyanum. RESULTS: We experimentally confirmed the inhibitory effect of T. hemsleyanum on LUSC by transplantation of NCI-H2170 cells into zebrafish. There are 20 main compounds in T. hemsleyanum, such as procyanidin B1, catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol, etc. A total of 186 component targets of T. hemsleyanum and sixteen hub genes were screened by PPI network and MCODE analyses. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results showed that Gingerglycolipid B and Rutin had higher affinity with GRM3 and GRM7, respectively. Prognostic analysis, Pan-cancer analysis and verification experiment also confirmed that GRM3 and GRM7 were targets for T. hemsleyanum to exert anti-tumor effects and to participate in immune and mutation processes. In vitro experiments suggested that the inhibitory effect of T. hemsleyanum on cancer cells was correlated with GRM3 and GRM7. CONCLUSION: In vivo, in vitro and in silico results confirmed the potential anticancer effects against LUSC of T. hemsleyanum, which further consolidated the claim of its traditional uses.

Revealing the Hypoglycemic Effect of Red Yeast Rice: Perspectives from the Inhibition of α-Glucosidase and the Anti-Glycation Capability by Ankaflavin and Monascin.

Red yeast rice dietary supplements have been proven to ameliorate hyperglycemia, but the mechanism was unclear. In this work, ankaflavin (AK) and monascin (MS), as typical pigments derived from red yeast rice, were found to exert noteworthy inhibitory ability against α-glucosidase, with an IC50 of 126.5 ± 2.5 and 302.6 ± 2.5 µM, respectively, compared with acarbose (IC50 = 341.3 ± 13.6 µM). They also exhibited mixed-type inhibition of α-glucosidase in vitro and caused fluorescence quenching through the static-quenching process. Molecular-docking studies indicated that AK and MS bind to amino acid residues outside the catalytic center, which induces structural changes in the enzyme, thus influencing its catalytic activity. The anti-glycation ability of Monascus-fermented products was evaluated, and they exhibited a high inhibition rate of 87.1% in fluorescent advanced glycation end-product formation at a concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1, while aminoguanidine showed a rate of 75.7% at the same concentration. These results will be significant in broadening the application scope of Monascus pigments, especially AK and MS, in treating type 2 diabetes.

Normal Values for Atrial Deformation Measured by Feature-Tracking Cardiac MRI: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: A consensus on normal atrial deformation measurements by feature-tracking cardiac MRI remained absent. PURPOSE: Provide reference ranges for atrial strain parameters in normal subjects, evaluating the influence of field strength and analysis software on the measurements. STUDY TYPE: Meta-analysis. POPULATION: 2708 subjects from 42 studies undergoing cardiac MRI. ASSESSMENT: A systematic search was conducted from database (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE) inception through August 2023. The random-effects model was used to pool the means of biatrial strain parameters. Heterogeneity and clinical variable effects were assessed. Strain measurements among different field strengths and analysis software were compared. STATISTICAL TESTS: The inverse-variance method, Cochrane Q statistic, and I2 value, meta-regression analysis, and ANOVA were used; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The pooled means of left atrial (LA) total strain (εs), passive strain (εe), and active strain (εa) were 37.46%, 22.73%, and 16.24%, respectively, and the pooled means of LA total strain rate (SRs), passive strain rate (SRe), and active strain rate (SRa) were 1.66, -1.95, and -1.83, indicating significant heterogeneity. The pooled means of right atrial (RA) εs, εe, and εa were 44.87%, 26.05%, and 18.83%. RA SRs, SRe, and SRa were 1.66, -1.95, and -1.83, respectively. The meta-regression identified age as significantly associated with LA εs, εe and SRe, field strength was associated with LA SRa (all P < 0.05). ANOVA revealed differences in LA εa and SRa among different analysis software and in LA εs and all LA strain rates (all P < 0.05) among field strengths. No significant differences were identified in RA strain across analysis software (RA strain: P = 0.145-0.749; RA strain rates: P = 0.073-0.744) and field strengths (RA strain: P = 0.641-0.794; RA strain rates: P = 0.204-0.458). DATA CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the pooled reference values of biatrial strain. Age, analysis software, and field strength were attributed to differences in LA strain, whereas RA strain showed consistency across different field strengths and analysis software. Limited study subjects may account for the absence of influence on RA strain. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

From tissue lesions to neurotoxicity: The devastating effects of small-sized nanoplastics on red drum Sciaenops ocellatus.

Nanoplastic pollution typically exhibits more biotoxicity to marine organisms than microplastic pollution. Limited research exists on the toxic effects of small-sized nanoplastics on marine fish, especially regarding their post-exposure resilience. In this study, red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were exposed to small-sized polystyrene nanoplastics (30 nm, PS-NPs) for 7 days for the exposure experiments, followed by 14 days of recovery experiments. Histologically, hepatic lipid droplets and branchial epithelial liftings were the primary lesions induced by PS-NPs during both exposure and recovery periods. The inhibition of total superoxide dismutase activity and the accumulation of malondialdehyde content throughout the exposure and recovery periods. Transcriptional and metabolic regulation revealed that PS-NPs induced lipid metabolism disorders and DNA damage during the initial 1-2 days of exposure periods, followed by immune responses and neurotoxicity in the later stages (4-7 days). During the early recovery stages (2-7 days), lipid metabolism and cell cycle were activated, while in the later recovery stage (14 days), the emphasis shifted to lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. Persistent histological lesions, changes in antioxidant capacity, and fluctuations in gene and metabolite expression were observed even after 14 days of recovery periods, highlighting the severe biotoxicity of small-sized PS-NPs to marine fish. In summary, small-sized PS-NPs have severe biotoxicity, causing tissue lesions, oxidative damage, lipid metabolism disorders, DNA damage, immune responses, and neurotoxicity in red drum. This study offers valuable insights into the toxic effects and resilience of small-sized nanoplastics on marine fish.