Clinical review and literature analysis of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma in alcoholic cirrhosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (HEA) has a low incidence and both clinical manifestations and imaging lack specificity. Thus, it is easy to misdiagnose HEA as other tumors of the liver, especially in the presence of liver diseases such as hepatitis cirrhosis. This article reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with HEA and alcoholic cirrhosis, and analyzed the literature, in order to improve the understanding of this disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old male patient with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted due to the discovery of a space-occupying lesion in the liver. Based on the patient's history, laboratory examinations, and imaging examinations, a malignant liver tumor was considered and laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. Postoperative pathology showed HEA. During outpatient follow-up, the patient showed no sign of recurrence. CONCLUSION: HEA is difficult to make a definite diagnosis before surgery. HEA has the potential for malignant degeneration. If conditions permit, surgical treatment is recommended.

Burdock miR8175 in diet improves insulin resistance induced by obesity in mice through food absorption.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by obesity is rapidly increasing. Although there are many synthetic drugs for treating T2DM, they have various side effects. Here, we report that miR8175, a plant miRNA from burdock root, has effective antidiabetic activity. After administration of burdock decoction or synthetic miR8175 by gavage, both burdock decoction and miR8175 can significantly improve the impaired glucose metabolism of diabetic mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Our results demonstrate that burdock decoction and miR8175 enhance the insulin sensitivity of the hepatic insulin signaling pathway by targeting Ptprf and Ptp1b, which may be the reason for the improvement in metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis for the main active component and molecular mechanism of burdock to improve insulin resistance. And the study also suggests that plant miRNA may be an indispensable nutrient for maintaining human health.

Preparation and Anti-Icing Properties of Zirconia Superhydrophobic Coating.

Zirconia (ZrO2) is a ceramic material with high-temperature resistance and good insulating properties. Herein, for the first time, the surface of ZrO2 was modified with docosanoic acid (DCA) to improve its self-cleaning and hydrophobic properties. This surface modification transformed the surface of ZrO2 from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. A two-step spraying method was used to prepare the superhydrophobic surface of ZrO2 by sequentially applying a primer and a topcoat. The primer was a solution configured using an epoxy resin as the adhesive and polyamide as the curing agent, while the topcoat was a modified ZrO2 solution. The superhydrophobic surface of ZrO2 exhibited a contact angle of 154° and a sliding angle of 4°. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and other analytical techniques were used to characterize the prepared zirconia particles and their surfaces. Moreover, results from surface self-cleaning and droplet freezing tests showed that DCA-modified ZrO2 can be well combined, and its coatings show good self-cleaning and anti-icing properties on TA2 bases.

Development of TSHR-CAR NK-92 cells for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the predominant type of thyroid cancer, with some patients experiencing relapse, distant metastases, or refractoriness, revealing limited treatment options. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified Natural Killer (NK) cells are revolutionary therapeutic agents effective against various resistant cancers. Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) expression in DTC provides a unique tumor-specific target for CAR therapy. Here, we developed an innovative strategy for treating DTC using modified NK-92 cells armed with a TSHR-targeted CAR. The modified cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity against TSHR-positive DTC cell lines and exhibited elevated degranulation and cytokine release. After undergoing irradiation, the cells effectively halted their proliferative capacity while maintaining potent targeted killing ability. Transfer of these irradiation-treated cells into NSG mice with DTC tumors resulted in profound tumor suppression. NK-92 cells modified with TSHR-CAR offer a promising, off-the-shelf option for advancing DTC immunotherapy.

Inhibition of kinetic random-distribution in DNA Seesaw gates and biosensors for complete leakage prevention.

DNA nanomaterials have a wide application prospect in biomedical field, among which DNA computers and biosensors based on Seesaw-based DNA circuit is considered to have the most development potential. However, the serious leakage of Seesaw-based DNA circuit prevented its further development and application. Moreover, the existing methods to suppress leakage can't achieve the ideal effect. Interestingly, we found a new source of leakage in Seesaw-based DNA circuit, which we think is the main reason why the previous methods to suppress leakage are not satisfactory. Therefore, based on this discovery, we use DNA triplex to design a new method to suppress the leakage of Seesaw-based DNA circuit. Its ingenious design makes it possible to perfectly suppress the leakage of all sources in Seesaw-based DNA circuit and ensure the normal output of the circuit. Based on this technology, we have constructed basic Seesaw module, AND gate, OR gate, secondary complex circuits and DNA detector. Experimental results show that we can increase the working range of the secondary Seesaw-based DNA circuit by five folds and keep its normal output signal above 90%, and we can improve the LOD of the Seesaw-based DNA detector to 1/11 of the traditional one(1.8pM). More importantly, we successfully developed a detector with adjustable detection range, which can theoretically achieve accurate detection in any concentration range. We believe the established triplex blocking strategy will greatly facilitate the most powerful Seesaw based DNA computers and biosensors, and further promote its application in biological systems.

A Novel Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease Model for Bama Pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD) model in Bama pigs through endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy. METHODS: A total of eight 8-month-old Bama pigs were randomly assigned to either the control or surgery group. Prior to intervention, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) manometry and laryngopharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring were conducted to establish baseline physiological parameters for each pig. Subsequently, the surgery group underwent endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy, while the control group did not. Two weeks postintervention, these procedures were repeated to evaluate changes in UES contractility and the occurrence of reflux events. At week eight postsurgery, mucosal tissues from both groups were harvested for histological analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess inflammation, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examined alterations in intercellular spaces and desmosomes. RESULTS: The mean UES pressures in the control and surgery groups were 59 ± 9 mmHg and 68 ± 12 mmHg, respectively. In the surgery group, there was a significant decrease in UES pressure 2weeks after the operation compared to preoperative values (P = 0.005), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (P = 0.488). Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was successfully induced in the surgery group as evidenced by reflux events with pH <5.0, which were not detected in the control group. HE staining revealed marked inflammatory cell infiltration and submucosal gland expansion in throat tissues of the surgery group Bama pigs. TEM further showed enlarged intercellular spaces and reduced desmosome numbers in the laryngopharyngeal epithelium compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Given analogous throat epithelial structures to humans, Bama pigs are an appropriate species for an LPRD animal model. Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy effectively induces LPR and observable pathological changes in Bama pigs, providing a valuable platform for further research into LPRD pathophysiology.

Progress of NIR-II fluorescence imaging technology applied to disease diagnosis and treatment.

Near-infrared two-region (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) fluorescence imaging has received widespread attention because of its high in vivo penetration depth, high imaging resolution, fast imaging speed and high efficiency, dynamic imaging, and high clinical translatability. This paper reviews the application of NIR-II imaging technology in disease diagnosis and treatment. The paper highlights the latest research progress of commonly used NIR-II imaging materials and the latest progress of multifunctional diagnostic platforms based on NIR-II imaging technology, and discusses the challenges and directions for the development and utilization of novel NIR-II imaging probes.

Estimation of aboveground biomass of senescence grassland in China's arid region using multi-source data.

Aboveground Biomass (AGB) in the grassland senescence period is a key indicator for assessing grassland fire risk and autumnal pasture carrying capacity. Despite the advancement of remote sensing in rapid monitoring of AGB on a regional scale, accurately monitoring AGB during the senescence period in vast arid areas remains a major challenge. Using remote sensing, environmental data, and 356 samples of grassland senescence period AGB data, this study utilizes the Gram-Schmidt Pan Sharpening (GS) method, multivariate selection methods, and machine learning algorithms (RF, SVM, and BP_ANN) to construct a model for AGB during senescence grassland, and applies the optimal model to analyze spatio-temporal pattern changes in AGB from 2000 to 2021 in arid regions. The results indicate that the GS method effectively enhances the correlation between measured AGB and vegetation indices, reducing model error to some extent; The accuracy of grassland AGB inversion models based on a single vegetation index is low (0.03 ≤ |R| ≤ 0.63), while the RF model constructed with multiple variables selected by the Boruta algorithm is the optimal model for estimating AGB in arid regions during the senescence period (R2 = 0.71, RMSE = 519.74 kg/ha); In the span of 22 years, the annual average AGB in the senescence period of arid regions was 1413.85 kg/ha, with regions of higher AGB primarily located in the northeast and southwest of the study area. The area experiencing an increase in AGB during the senescence period (79.97 %) was significantly larger than that with decreased AGB (20.03 %).

The effectiveness of E-health interventions promoting physical activity in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify whether E-health interventions effectively improve physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to October 21, 2023. Randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of E-health interventions on PA among cancer survivors were included. Random-effect models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: In total, 15 trials with 2,291 cancer survivors were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that E-health interventions improved moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among cancer survivors (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.08, 0.43, N = 8, p < 0.001, I2 = 37%), as well as moderate physical activity (MPA) (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05, 0.38, N = 9, p < 0.001, I2 = 28%) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI 0.15, 0.54, N = 6, p < 0.001, I2 = 11%). CONCLUSION: E-health interventions are effective at promoting PA among cancer survivors. As current research primarily focuses on immediate post-intervention measurements with limited follow-up data, further investigation is required to explore the long-term effects of E-health interventions on PA.

Pathological features of gastric­type endocervical adenocarcinoma: A report of two cases.

Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GEA) is an uncommon form of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma with an unfavorable prognosis. The tumor consists of glands exhibiting a morphological resemblance to gastric cells and occasionally manifests features akin to pancreaticobiliary mucinous adenocarcinoma. GEA differs from the typical cervical cancer, particularly in its lack of association with the human papillomavirus. Immunophenotypic analysis suggests intestinal differentiation. The present study reports two cases of GEA occurring in postmenopausal individuals who were diagnosed in Lishui Central Hospital (Lishui, China) between January 2015 and January 2023. Microscopic examination revealed cysts lined with mucinous cells within the tumors. Immunohistochemical assays confirmed the positivity of the tumors for cytokeratin 7, mucin (MUC)5AC, and mutant tumor protein p53, while the results were negative for tumor suppressor p16, and in one case for paired box protein 8, consistent with characteristics of mucinous adenocarcinoma originating from the gastrointestinal tract. Programmed death-ligand 1 expression was also negative. The proto-oncogene K-ras was identified using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. Both cases were negative for mutations in codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, codon 61 of exon 3 and codon 146 of exon 4, but were positive for wild-type K-ras. Clinical follow-up revealed a potential association between histopathological features and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. The infrequency of this tumor type may contribute to diagnostic challenges.

Constructing Stable Zinc-Metal Anodes by Synergizing Hydrophobic Host with Zincophilic Interface for Aqueous Zinc Ions Batteries.

Aqueous zinc (Zn) ions battery is promising for future large-scale applications of energy storage due to the abundant reserves, high capacity of metallic Zn. However, dendritic growth, severe side reactions have limited the development of Zn-metal anodes. A single skeleton structure or interface protection is difficult to simultaneously mitigate these issues. Here, a novel composite design based on the synergistic interaction between the hydrophobic host, the zincophilic interface is reported. On the one hand, the 3D substrate reduces the local current density, inhibits dendritic growth. On the other hand, the protective interface homogenizes the nucleation due to the formation of the ZnAu3 alloy layer. More importantly, the collaborative construction of the hydrophobicity, zincophilicity for the electrode alleviates the aggravated hydrogen evolution reaction (only 2.5 mmol h-1 ), simultaneously enables a low nucleation overpotential (31.7 mV) during cycling. Consequently, a high Coulombic efficiency of ≈98.25% after 300 cycles is harvested for the composite electrode. The pouch cells assembled by this anode, LiMn2 O4 cathode maintain 82 mAh g-1 capacity retention after 140 cycles. This research shows an innovative Zn-based structural design for aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Activation of Intestinal HIF2α Ameliorates Iron-Refractory Anemia.

In clinics, hepcidin levels are elevated in various anemia-related conditions, particularly in iron-refractory anemia and in high inflammatory states that suppress iron absorption, which remains an urgent unmet medical need. To identify effective treatment options for various types of iron-refractory anemia, the potential effect of hypoxia and pharmacologically-mimetic drug FG-4592 (Roxadustat) are evaluated, a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitor, on mouse models of iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia (IRIDA), anemia of inflammation and 5-fluorouracil-induced chemotherapy-related anemia. The potent protective effects of both hypoxia and FG-4592 on IRIDA as well as other 2 tested mouse cohorts are found. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that hypoxia or FG-4592 could stabilize duodenal Hif2α, leading to the activation of Fpn transcription regardless of hepcidin levels, which in turn results in increased intestinal iron absorption and the amelioration of hepcidin-activated anemias. Moreover, duodenal Hif2α overexpression fully rescues phenotypes of Tmprss6 knockout mice, and Hif2α knockout in the gut significantly delays the recovery from 5-fluorouracil-induced anemia, which can not be rescued by FG-4592 treatment. Taken together, the findings of this study provide compelling evidence that targeting intestinal hypoxia-related pathways can serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating a broad spectrum of anemia, especially iron refractory anemia.

Optimal assessment of the glomerular filtration rate in older chinese patients using the equations of the Berlin Initiative Study.

AIM: To evaluate the performances of the various estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS), and the Full Age Spectrum (FAS) in older Chinese. METHODS: This study enrolled Chinese adults aged ≥ 65 years who underwent GFR measurements (via 99Tcm-DTPA renal dynamic imaging) in our hospital from 2011 to 2022. Using the measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) as the reference, we derived the bias, precision, accuracy, and consistency of each equation. RESULTS: We enrolled 519 participants, comprising 155 with mGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 364 with mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In the total patients, the BIS equation based on creatinine and cystatin C (BIScr-cys) exhibited the lowest bias [median (95% confidence interval): 1.61 (0.77-2.18)], highest precision [interquartile range 11.82 (10.32-13.70)], highest accuracy (P30: 81.12%), and best consistency (95% limit of agreement: 101.5 mL/min/1.73 m2). In the mGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, the BIScr-cys and FAS equation based on creatinine and cystatin C (FAScr-cys) performed better than the other equations; in the mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, all equations exhibited relatively large deviations from the mGFR. Of all eight equations, the BIScr-cys performed the best. CONCLUSIONS: Although no equation was fully accurate in the mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, the BIScr-cys (of the eight equations) assessed the eGFRs of the entire population best. A new equation is urgently required for older Chinese and even East Asians, especially those with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency.

Preparation and properties of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotube superhydrophobic composites modified by bio-fatty acids.

In this paper, a preparation method of superhydrophobic composites of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified by stearic acid (SA) is proposed. Hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HMWCNTs) were obtained by oxidizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes with potassium dichromate to give them hydroxyl groups on the surface. Subsequently, the carboxyl group in the SA molecule was esterified with the hydroxyl group on the HMWCNTs. SA molecules were grafted onto the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. SA modified oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SMWCNT) superhydrophobic composites were obtained. The results show that the water contact angle (WCA) of superhydrophobic composites can reach up to 174°. At the same time, the modified nanocomposites have good anti-icing and corrosion resistance. After low temperature delayed freezing test, the freezing extension time of the nanocomposite film is 30 times that of the smooth surface. Under strong acid and alkali conditions, the superhydrophobic nanocomposites still maintain good superhydrophobicity. The nanocomposites may have potential applications in the preparation of large-scale superhydrophobic coatings.

Influence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease on the prognosis of patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has clinical relevance in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We investigated the association between MAFLD and prognosis in patients with ACLF. METHODS: We included patients with ACLF with available clinical data who visited our hospital for nearly 9 years. We compared the prognosis of patients in the different subgroups of ACLF and predicted the incidence of adverse outcomes. Moreover, a new model based on MAFLD was established. RESULTS: Among 339 participants, 75 had MAFLD. The prognosis of patients with ACLF was significantly correlated with MAFLD. Patients with ACLF with concomitant MAFLD tended to have a lower cumulative survival rate (p = 0.026) and a higher incidence of hepatorenal syndrome (9.33% versus 3.40%, p = 0.033) than those without MAFLD. We developed an TIM2 model and the area under the ROC curve of the new model for 30-day and 60-day mortality (0.759 and 0.748) was higher than other predictive methods. CONCLUSION: The presence of MAFLD in patients with HBV-related ACLF was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Moreover, The TIM2 model is a high-performance prognostic score for HBV-related ACLF.

Levels of neuronal pentraxin 2 in plasma is associated with cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.

RATIONALE: The precise diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment remains a major challenge in the field of schizophrenia (SCZ) research. Synaptic dysfunction and loss are thought to be closely related to the occurrence and development of SCZ and may be involved in cognitive dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether neuronal pentraxins (NPTXs) plays a role in the etiology of SCZ and provide evidence of its possible therapeutic value a new target for drug development. METHODS: We recruited 275 participants, of whom 148 were SCZ from psychiatric hospital and 127 healthy control (HC) subjects from communities. Plasma concentrations of NPTXs were measured in HC and SCZ at baseline and after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. The MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery was used to evaluate cognitive function. Furthermore, the brain is parcellated into 246 subregions using the Brainnetome atlas, and we extracted regional white matter volumes from magnetic resonance images of the SCZ groups. RESULTS: Plasma NPTX2 levels were significantly lower in SCZ compared with HC subjects, but were significantly raised in SCZ after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment compared to baseline. In addition, baseline plasma NPTX2 levels were positively correlated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that NPTX2 may reveal novel aspects of disease etiology and act as a promising target for new drug development.

The percentage of controlled chronic rhinosinusitis after treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic disease with a high recurrence rate, and the aim of treating CRS is to maintain disease control. Recently, a series of CRS control instruments have been developed to assess the control levels. We pooled existing studies to evaluate the percentage of controlled CRS after treatment in patients with CRS. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify studies assessing CRS control. Both comprehensive assessments and self-report of CRS control were included. RESULTS: 9 studies with 1931 patients after treatment and 295 patients before treatment were included. CRS control assessments of the 2012 European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2012), EPOS 2020, and Sinus Control Test (SCT) were comprehensive assessments utilized in the clinic practice. The self-report assessment included patient-reported global level of CRS control. These existing disease control instruments categorized patients into three (uncontrolled, partly controlled, and controlled) or five (not at all, a little, somewhat, very, and completely) control categories. Only 8% (95% CI 0.05-0.11) of patients with CRS stayed well controlled before treatment assessed by comprehensive assessments. About 35% (95% CI 0.22-0.49) of patients achieved well controlled after treatment when assessed by the comprehensive measures. Meanwhile, 40% (95% CI 0.28-0.52) of patients reported well controlled after treatment when using self-report. CONCLUSION: About 35-40% of patients with CRS showed well controlled after treatment, which stressed the importance of identifying these undertreated patients with CRS.

Highly Stable Aqueous/Organic Hybrid Zinc-Ion Batteries Based on a Synergistic Cathode/Anode Interface Engineering.

Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are developing rapidly due to their advantages of safety, moderate energy density, and abundant Zn-metal reserves. However, the dendritic growth and side reactions at the Zn-based anode and the dissolution of metallic elements at transition metal-based cathodes destabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface, which ultimately reduces the electrochemical performance of ZIBs. Herein, an aqueous/organic hybrid electrolyte that endows synergistic cathode/anode interfacial layers is proposed. On the anode, the ZnF2/Zn3(PO4)2-rich film induces the Zn nucleation, enabling a dendrite-free and corrosion-free electrode morphology. On the cathode, in contrast to Zn deposition anomalously on the cathode surface due to underpotential deposition during cycling in the unmodified electrolyte, the obtained interfacial film using the hybrid electrolyte inhibits the dissolution of metallic elements and avoids Zn deposition on the transition metal-based cathode. As a result, a pouch cell with a metallic Zn anode and a LiMn2O4 cathode (depth of discharge: 40%) based on the modified electrolyte maintains a capacity of 92 mAh g-1 after 235 cycles with a stable and clean cathode/anode interface. This research presents insight into the construction of a stable cathode/anode interface for long-cycling ZIBs.

Broad-spectrum antiviral strategy: Host-targeting antivirals against emerging and re-emerging viruses.

Viral infections are amongst the most prevalent diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Targeting viral proteins or host factors represents two primary strategies for the development of antiviral drugs. In contrast to virus-targeting antivirals (VTAs), host-targeting antivirals (HTAs) offer advantages in terms of overcoming drug resistance and effectively combating a wide range of viruses, including newly emerging ones. Therefore, targeting host factors emerges as an extremely promising strategy with the potential to address critical challenges faced by VTAs. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the discovery and development of HTAs, leading to the approval of maraviroc, a chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) antagonist used for the treatment of HIV-1 infected individuals, with several other potential treatments in various stages of development for different viral infections. This review systematically summarizes advancements made in medicinal chemistry regarding various host targets and classifies them into four distinct catagories based on their involvement in the viral life cycle: virus attachment and entry, biosynthesis, nuclear import and export, and viral release.

The complete genome sequence of Kineothrix sp. MB12-C1, isolated from the feces of black soldier fly larvae.

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Kineothrix sp. MB12-C1 (= BCRC 81406), isolated from the feces of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae. The genome of strain MB12-C1 was chosen for further species classification and comparative genomic analysis.