CENPK orchestrates ovarian cancer progression via GOLPH3-Mediated activation of mTOR signaling.

Ovarian cancer stands as a formidable clinical challenge, with limited therapeutic options. This investigation delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms governing ovarian cancer progression and uncovers Centromere Protein K (CENPK) as a central figure in disease pathogenesis. Elevated CENPK levels within ovarian cancer tissues conspicuously align with adverse clinical outcomes, positioning CENPK as a promising prognostic biomarker. Deeper exploration reveals a direct transcriptional connection between CENPK and the E2F1 transcription factor and clearly establishes E2F1's role as the master regulator of CENPK expression in ovarian cancer. Our inquiry revealing a suppression of tumor-promoting signaling pathways, most notably the mTOR pathway, upon CENPK silencing. Intriguingly, CENPK renders ovarian cancer cells more responsive to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, introducing a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. In summation, our study unravels the multifaceted role of CENPK in ovarian cancer progression. It emerges as a prognostic indicator, a pivotal mediator of cell proliferation and tumorigenicity, and a regulator of the mTOR pathway, shedding light on potential therapeutic avenues for this formidable disease.

Association between body mass index and delirium incidence in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC-IV Database.

OBJECTIVES: Delirium is a form of brain dysfunction with high incidence and is associated with many negative outcomes in the intensive care unit. However, few studies have been large enough to reliably examine the associations between body mass index (BMI) and delirium, especially in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between BMI and delirium incidence in critically ill patients. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Data were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV V2.0 Database consisting of critically ill participants between 2008 and 2019 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 20 193 patients with BMI and delirium records were enrolled in this study and were divided into six groups. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Delirium incidence. RESULTS: Generalised linear models and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to estimate the associations between BMI and delirium incidence. A total of 30.81% of the patients (6222 of 20 193) developed delirium in the total cohort. Compared with those in the healthy weight group, the patients in the different groups (underweight, overweight, obesity grade 1, obesity grade 2, obesity grade 3) had different relative risks (RRs): RR=1.10, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.19, p=0.011; RR=0.93, 95% CI=0.88 to 0.97, p=0.003; RR=0.88, 95% CI=0.83 to 0.94, p<0.001; RR=0.94, 95% CI=0.86 to 1.03, p=0.193; RR=1.14, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.25, p=0.010, respectively. For patients with or without adjustment variables, there was an obvious U-shaped relationship between BMI as a continuous variable and delirium incidence. CONCLUSION: BMI was associated with the incidence of delirium. Our results suggested that a BMI higher or lower than obesity grade 1 rather than the healthy weight in critically ill patients increases the risk of delirium incidence.

PagARGOS promotes low-lignin wood formation in poplar.

Wood formation, which occurs mainly through secondary xylem development, is important not only for supplying raw material for the 'ligno-chemical' industry but also for driving the storage of carbon. However, the complex mechanisms underlying the promotion of xylem formation remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that overexpression of Auxin-Regulated Gene involved in Organ Size (ARGOS) in hybrid poplar 84 K (Populus alba × Populus tremula var. glandulosa) enlarged organ size. In particular, PagARGOS promoted secondary growth of stems with increased xylem formation. To gain further insight into how PagARGOS regulates xylem development, we further carried out yeast two-hybrid screening and identified that the auxin transporter WALLS ARE THIN1 (WAT1) interacts with PagARGOS. Overexpression of PagARGOS up-regulated WAT1, activating a downstream auxin response promoting cambial cell division and xylem differentiation for wood formation. Moreover, overexpressing PagARGOS caused not only higher wood yield but also lower lignin content compared with wild-type controls. PagARGOS is therefore a potential candidate gene for engineering fast-growing and low-lignin trees with improved biomass production.

USP2 Promotes the Proliferation and Inflammation of Fibroblast-Like Synovial Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis Through Deubiquitination of TRAF2.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent inflammatory disorder affecting about 1% of the global population. The ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) is known to have a substantial influence on the regulation of several cellular processes. Both in vivo (using rats with collagen-induced arthritis, CIA) and in vitro (using human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, HFLS-RA) models of RA were used to examine the role of USP2 in RA. The proliferation of HFLS-RA cells was assessed using the cell counting kit 8 test and EdU staining. The technique used for the assessment of gene expression was quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression was quantified using Western blot (WB) analysis, while the quantities of inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinases were assessed using an ELISA test. The co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination tests investigated the relationships between proteins and the underlying molecular pathways. The results of this study demonstrate an upregulation of USP2 expression in both vivo and vitro models of RA. In addition, our findings indicate that the overexpression of USP2 notably exacerbates both proliferation and inflammation. The consistent downregulation of USP2 resulted in a reduction in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and a suppression of cellular proliferation. Furthermore, it was shown that USP2 interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and facilitates the removal of ubiquitination chains from TRAF2, enhancing its stability. Our findings propose that USP2 functions as a favorable modulator of proliferation and inflammatory reactions in HFLS-RA, thereby indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of RA.

Central hyperthyroidism due to an ectopic TSH-secreting pituitary tumor: a case report and literature review.

Ectopic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-secreting tumors are extremely rare, with only 15 reported cases in the literature. Herein, we described a 60-year-old female patient with thyrotoxicosis and elevated or unsuppressed levels of TSH. Family history and laboratory and genetic tests did not support a diagnosis of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH). Given the unsuppressed TSH, TSH-secreting tumor was suspected, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland was performed. Surprisingly, the MRI scans revealed a nodule in the nasopharynx rather than a pituitary tumor in the sella region. Further evaluation using Gallium-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT) demonstrated increased DOTATATE uptake in the nasopharyngeal nodule. Additionally, an octreotide suppression test (OST) revealed an obvious reduction in TSH levels, further supporting the suspicion of the nasopharyngeal mass as the cause of inappropriate TSH secretion. To prepare for surgery, the patient received preoperative administration of octreotide, resulting in the normalization of TSH and thyroid hormone levels. The patient subsequently underwent successful surgical removal of the nasopharyngeal mass. Following the procedure, the patient experienced complete resolution of hyperthyroidism symptoms, with TSH declined and thyroid hormone levels returned to normal. Histochemistry analysis of the tumor revealed positive staining for TSH, growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), and somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2). We discussed differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism due to inappropriate TSH secretion, with a particular emphasis on the importance of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in combination with OST for identifying ectopic pituitary tumors.

A population-based, province-wide, record-linkage interrupted time series analysis of impact of the universal seasonal influenza vaccination policy on seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among 5-64-year-olds in the province of Manitoba, Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Universal seasonal influenza vaccination policy (USIVP) was introduced in Manitoba, Canada in 2010. Its impact on seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake remains underexplored. METHODS: We used population-wide data from Manitoba to assess the impact of the USIVP on SIV uptake. The study covered twenty influenza seasons (2000/01-2019/20). We summarized SIV uptake for influenza seasons before and after the USIVP. Utilizing a single-group interrupted time series analysis and appropriately accounting for autocorrelation, we estimated absolute change and annual trend in SIV uptake percentages among 5-17-, 18-44-, and 45-64-year-olds across strata of certain population socioeconomic and health-related characteristics following the USIVP. RESULTS: Average SIV uptake percentage in all age groups was significantly higher after compared with before the USIVP. Following the USIVP, there was no significant absolute change in SIV uptake percentage among 18-44- and 45-64-year-olds overall; however, a significant decrease was observed among 18-44-year-old males in the higher income quintiles, across healthcare utilization, and in some regions of residence. A significant increase was observed among 5-17-year-olds in the lowest income quintiles, in Northern Manitoba, and among those with less healthcare utilization, and no chronic disease. Overall, there was mostly no significant annual trend in SIV uptake percentage among 18-44-year-olds, and while a significant upward and downward trend was observed among 5-17-year-olds and 45-64-year-olds, respectively, a significant downward trend was observed across all strata of population characteristics within all age groups in Northern Manitoba. CONCLUSIONS: The USIVP in Manitoba was followed by an absolute increase in SIV uptake percentage only in some socioeconomically disadvantaged subpopulations among 5-17-year-olds. While there was mostly an upward annual trend in SIV uptake percentage among 5-17-year-olds, a downward trend was observed among 45-64-year-olds and across all age groups and subpopulations in socioeconomically disadvantaged Northern Manitoba. These findings are novel for Manitoba and require investigation and public health attention.

Carneusones A-F, Benzophenone Derivatives from Sponge-Derived Fungus Aspergillus carneus GXIMD00543.

Six benzophenone derivatives, carneusones A-F (1-6), along with seven known compounds (7-13) were isolated from a strain of sponge-derived marine fungus Aspergillus carneus GXIMD00543. Their chemical structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 5, 6, and 8 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity on NO secretion using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells with EC50 values of 34.6 ± 0.9, 20.2 ± 1.8, and 26.8 ± 1.7 µM, while 11 showed potent effect with an EC50 value of 2.9 ± 0.1 µM.

A Snapshot Multi-Spectral Demosaicing Method for Multi-Spectral Filter Array Images Based on Channel Attention Network.

Multi-spectral imaging technologies have made great progress in the past few decades. The development of snapshot cameras equipped with a specific multi-spectral filter array (MSFA) allow dynamic scenes to be captured on a miniaturized platform across multiple spectral bands, opening up extensive applications in quantitative and visualized analysis. However, a snapshot camera based on MSFA captures a single band per pixel; thus, the other spectral band components of pixels are all missed. The raw images, which are captured by snapshot multi-spectral imaging systems, require a reconstruction procedure called demosaicing to estimate a fully defined multi-spectral image (MSI). With increasing spectral bands, the challenge of demosaicing becomes more difficult. Furthermore, the existing demosaicing methods will produce adverse artifacts and aliasing because of the adverse effects of spatial interpolation and the inadequacy of the number of layers in the network structure. In this paper, a novel multi-spectral demosaicing method based on a deep convolution neural network (CNN) is proposed for the reconstruction of full-resolution multi-spectral images from raw MSFA-based spectral mosaic images. The CNN is integrated with the channel attention mechanism to protect important channel features. We verify the merits of the proposed method using 5 × 5 raw mosaic images on synthetic as well as real-world data. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the existing demosaicing methods in terms of spatial details and spectral fidelity.

Characteristics and determinants of seasonal influenza vaccination in Manitoba, Canada: A population-wide record-linkage study.

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake (receipt of vaccine) in Manitoba, Canada is consistently low notwithstanding vaccine availability and free-of-charge vaccination. Despite, there is a lack of published evidence on the determinants of uptake of the vaccine. We sought to assess the association between SIV uptake and certain population and primary care physician (PCP) characteristics in Manitoba. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study utilizing Manitoba administrative health databases. We summarized SIV uptake from 2000/01-2019/20 influenza seasons across subpopulations defined by socioeconomic, health-related and PCP characteristics. Utilizing multivariable generalized estimating equation logistic regression models, we assessed the association between SIV uptake and the socioeconomic, health-related and PCP characteristics, stratified by age group (<5-, 5-17-, 18-44-, 45-64-, ≥65-year-olds) and sex. Results are adjusted odds ratios with associated 95 % confidence intervals. Results: SIV uptake percentage increased over time with 4.4 %, 13.1 %, 17.5 % and 21.7 % of < 5-year-olds, 2 %, 4.9 %, 9.7 % and 13.1 % of 5-17-year-olds, 5.4 %, 8.8 %, 10.7 % and 13.5 % of 18-44-year-olds, 16.8 %, 21.3 %, 23.6 % and 24.6 % of 45-64-year-olds receiving the SIV in 2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014 and 2015-2019, respectively. There was a decline among ≥ 65-year-olds from 58.5 % to 53.5 %. We observed a similar pattern across subpopulations. There were significantly increased odds of SIV uptake among females within the age groups ≥ 18 years, in higher income quintiles, mostly with increased contact with a PCP/hospitalization within age groups ≥ 18 years, among those who had older or female PCPs (the opposite observation among ≥ 65-year-olds) and whose PCP administered at least one SIV in prior influenza season. These observations were largely consistent irrespective of sex. Conclusion: SIV uptake in Manitoba appears to increase with age, and many socioeconomic, health-related and PCP characteristics appear to be associated with it. These findings may inform targeted vaccination programs to optimize influenza vaccination in Manitoba and similar Canadian jurisdictions.

Recurrent MECR R258W causes adult-onset optic atrophy: A case report.

MECR-related neurologic disorder, also known as mitochondrial enoyl CoA reductase protein-associated neurodegeneration (MEPAN) or dystonia with optic atrophy and basal ganglia abnormalities in childhood (MIM: #617282), is an autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by a progressive childhood-onset movement disorder and optic atrophy. Here we report a 19-year-old male, presented with progressive visual failure, nystagmus, and right orbital pain, with no history of movement or eye disorder in his childhood. His visual decline started at age 18 years, whereas nystagmus emerged seven months later. Analysis of whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed a homozygous recurrent variant (NM_016011.5:c.772C > T, p.Arg258Trp) in MECR. These findings suggest phenotypic heterogeneity in MECR-related neurologic disorder, thus, more relevant case screening, will help to delineate the genotype-phenotype correlation of the MECR gene.

Enhanced industrial text classification via hyper variational graph-guided global context integration.

Background: Joint local context that is primarily processed by pre-trained models has emerged as a prevailing technique for text classification. Nevertheless, there are relatively few classification applications on small sample of industrial text datasets. Methods: In this study, an approach of employing global enhanced context representation of the pre-trained model to classify industrial domain text is proposed. To achieve the application of the proposed technique, we extract primary text representations and local context information as embeddings by leveraging the BERT pre-trained model. Moreover, we create a text information entropy matrix through statistical computation, which fuses features to construct the matrix. Subsequently, we adopt BERT embedding and hyper variational graph to guide the updating of the existing text information entropy matrix. This process is subjected to iteration three times. It produces a hypergraph primary text representation that includes global context information. Additionally, we feed the primary BERT text feature representation into capsule networks for purification and expansion as well. Finally, the above two representations are fused to obtain the final text representation and apply it to text classification through feature fusion module. Results: The effectiveness of this method is validated through experiments on multiple datasets. Specifically, on the CHIP-CTC dataset, it achieves an accuracy of 86.82% and an F1 score of 82.87%. On the CLUEEmotion2020 dataset, the proposed model obtains an accuracy of 61.22% and an F1 score of 51.56%. On the N15News dataset, the accuracy and F1 score are 72.21% and 69.06% respectively. Furthermore, when applied to an industrial patent dataset, the model produced promising results with an accuracy of 91.84% and F1 score of 79.71%. All four datasets are significantly improved by using the proposed model compared to the baselines. The evaluation result of the four dataset indicates that our proposed model effectively solves the classification problem.

Analysis of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Percutaneous Balloon Double Compression for the Treatment of Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: A more secure and efficacious therapy than has been developed so far is imperative for patients suffering from recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Despite numerous reports on the use of enhanced percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) techniques, such as altering compression duration and balloon pressure, none have yielded satisfactory outcomes. With these issues in mind, we have employed the PBC double-compression technique for the first time. This technique involves initially inflating a balloon to expand the adhesive tissue in Meckel's lumen, followed by emptying of the contrast medium and subsequent slight catheter adjustment for further compression. The total duration of compression remains unchanged and may even be shortened. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of the PBC double-compression technique in patients with recurrent TN and to analyze the technique's efficacy, subsequent duration of patients' facial numbness, and other complications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: A single-center study. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 125 patients with postoperative recurrent TN who underwent double compression of the PBC and 65 patients who underwent single compression of the PBC between August 2017 and April 2022. The Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity (BNI-P) score was utilized to quantify the severity of pain, while the Barrow Neurological Institute Facial Numbness (BNI-N) score was employed to separately evaluate the extent of postoperative pain relief and facial numbness. RESULTS: The BNI-P and BNI-N scores before and after PBC treatment are presented herein. At T0, there was no significant difference in the BNI-P scores between the single-compression group and the double-compression group; however, at T1-T4, the BNI-P scores of the double-compression group were lower than those of the single-compression group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BNI-P scores between the 2 groups at T5. At T1-T4, the BNI-N score of the double-compression group was significantly lower than that of the single-compression group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in BNI-N score between the double and single compression groups at T5. In the single-compression group, one patient (1.5%) experienced insignificant pain relief on postoperative day one, while 2 patients (3.1%) suffered from pain recurrence during the 1-4-year follow-up period. Similarly, in the double-compression group, one patient (0.8%) had inadequate pain relief on postoperative day one, and 3 patients (2.4%) experienced pain recurrence during the same follow-up period. The remaining patients did not require further surgical intervention but continued to rely on regular oral analgesia. In the single-compression group, masticatory muscle weakness was observed in 50 cases (76.9%), while in the double-compression group, it was observed in 92 cases (73.6%). Perioral herpes affected 4 patients (7.1%) and 6 patients (4.8%) in the single- and double-compression groups, respectively. Facial hematoma occurred in 7 cases (10.8%) and 13 cases (10.4%) of the single- and double-compression groups, respectively; each group included one patient suffered who from diplopia. Notably, none of the patients in this study reported any instances of corneal anesthesia, anesthesia pain, aseptic meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, carotid-cavernous fistula, or mortality. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-center retrospective study with a small sample size and relatively short follow-up time. Therefore, further evaluation of the long-term efficacy of PBC for postoperative recurrent TN is needed from multiple centers with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: The double PBC method boasts a high cure rate, a low recurrence rate, and minimal complications, rendering the option appropriate for patients with recurrent TN and thus deserving of clinical promotion.

Three-dimensional modelling and hemodynamic simulation of the closure of multiple entry tears in type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Stanford type B aortic dissection (TB-AD) is a life-threatening vascular condition with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Currently, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is widely performed to treat TB-AD, and some studies have analyzed the influence of stents on hemodynamics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. However, the accuracy of TB-AD simulation models are not satisfactory, they are often constructed as a regular ideal model. Furthermore, it is unclear which tear should be closed for the best treatment when there are multi entry tears. PURPOSE: The aims of this paper were to provide an assessment method for the selection of the surgical closure location for type B aortic dissection. Five 3D models of multiple entry tears in type B aortic dissection were produced using real patient computed tomography (CT) images to perform hemodynamic analyses of flow velocity streamlines, wall pressure, and wall shear stress. METHODS: A Boolean operation was adopted to establish 3D models with multiple entry tears in type B aortic dissection based on patient-specific CT images. The Mimics and Ansys plug-in The Integrated Computer Engineering and Manufacturing code for Computational Fluid Dynamics (ICEM CFD) software were applied to mesh the 3D models. The flow velocity streamlines, wall pressures, and wall shear stresses were then analyzed in the finite element analysis software Fluent. Five 3D models were produced to compare the hemodynamic characteristics of different entry tear numbers, as well as the changes of different closure positions before and after closure. RESULTS: The false lumen of the model with two entry tears had a higher wall pressure than that of model with multiple entry tears, which may tend to squeeze the true lumen and expand the false lumen. The load distribution of the vessel in the model with multiple entry tears had a more balanced flow velocity, and its wall pressure and shear stress were lower than that of model with two entry tears. For aortic dissection with two entry tears, the closure of the proximal entry tear was recommended, which helped to isolate and thrombose the false lumen, thereby improving the blood supply function of the true lumen. Because the postoperative vascular flow velocity and mechanical load performance of the vascular wall were still higher than those of normal blood vessels, the postoperative blood vessels remained pathological, and TEVAR did not restore the blood vessels to their original healthy state. CONCLUSIONS: Type B aortic dissection with two entry tears tend to squeeze the true lumen and expand the false lumen, resulting in a new entry tear and deterioration into multiple entry type B aortic dissection. The model of the vessel with multiple entry tears had a more balanced distribution in flow velocity and a smaller wall pressure and shear stress than that of the vessel with two entry tears. The closure of the proximal entry tear was considered an ideal solution for type B aortic dissection with two entry tears.

Identification of a Novel Long Non-Coding RNA G8110 That Modulates Porcine Adipogenic Differentiation and Inflammatory Responses.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied, and their crucial roles in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and gene expression have been revealed. However, the exact regulatory or other mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence the functioning of mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) remain largely unknown. In this paper, we report the identification of a new lncRNA, named G8110, from the MAT of Bama pigs. The coordinated expression levels of lncRNA G8110 and NFE2L1 were significantly decreased in the MAT of obese Bama pigs compared with those in the MAT of lean pigs. Using a bone mesenchymal stem cell adipogenic differentiation model, we found that lncRNA G8110 played a role in adipocyte differentiation by positively regulating NFE2L1. We also found that lncRNA G8110 inhibited the formation of intracellular lipid synthesis, promoted lipid metabolism, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings regarding lipid synthesis may further promote the role of lncRNAs in driving adipose tissue remodeling and maintaining metabolic health.

Regional Disparities in the Uptake of Differentiated Influenza Vaccines in the United States.

Significant racial/ethnic inequities in the uptake of differentiated influenza vaccines (DIVs) have been previously reported, though less is known about regional disparities. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study (2014/15-2017/18 influenza seasons) among privately insured adults aged 65 + years in the US. The exposure was the beneficiary's area of residence (US Census Bureau division) and the outcome was the type of influenza vaccine: differentiated (high-dose [HDV], adjuvanted, recombinant, and cell-based) versus conventional standard-dose egg-based. Multilevel logistic regression modeling, guided by a causal diagram, was used to assess the influence of socio-demographics, medical, healthcare utilization, community, and vaccinator characteristics in confounding or mediating regional disparities. Among those vaccinated in physician offices, beneficiaries in the East North Central region were twice as likely to receive a DIV vs those in the South Atlantic, whereas those in the East and West South Central were least likely. Disparities became more pronounced in models adjusted for individual and community characteristics, suggesting that crude uptake estimates understate the true magnitude of disparities. A vaccinator's previous HDV use was most influential in explaining regional differences. Similar but less pronounced patterns emerged for vaccinations in pharmacies/facilities. Regional disparities remained even in fully adjusted models, pointing to currently poorly understood factors that may include quality of healthcare, client health literacy and engagement, and other political and cultural factors.

The effect of tennis batting sound on anxiety: a randomized controlled trial and basic acoustic analysis.

Purpose: To investigate the potential role of the unique sound of tennis in alleviating anxiety. Previous research has consistently shown that exercise can mitigate anxiety, primarily attributed to the impact of increased physical activity on hormonal and neurostructural changes. However, in daily life we find that one of the reasons people are drawn to tennis is its distinctive sound. In this study, we specifically examined the influence of this sound on anxiety. Methods and results: In a randomized controlled experiment involving 96 participants reporting chronic anxiety (n1 = n2 = 48), we found that the control group exhibited an average reduction of 0.00156 in anxiety scores 4 weeks before and after the study. On the other hand, the experimental group, exposed to tennis stroke sound stimuli, showed an average reduction of 0.02896 in anxiety scores after 4 weeks, with some individuals even experiencing a decrease from anxiety to mild anxiety. Furthermore, the analysis of sound data revealed that the sound of tennis exhibited a pleasing timbre, with the primary sound frequencies ranging from 100 to 2,800 Hz. The rhythm of the sound had an average interval of approximately 1.758″ (± 0.41), corresponding to speed of approximately 93.6 km/h. The sound exhibited a steady rhythm, orderly variations in pitch, and a soothing timbre. Conclusion: This study confirms that the sound of tennis alone contributes to anxiety relief, attributed to its suitable loudness, steady rhythm, and orderly variations in pitch, all of which align with human auditory characteristics. This indicates that a considerable portion of the anxiety-alleviating effects of tennis attributed to its comforting sound.

Fusarium Wilt Invasion Results in a Strong Impact on Strawberry Microbiomes.

Plant-endophytic microbes affect plant growth, development, nutrition, and resistance to pathogens. However, how endophytic microbial communities change in different strawberry plant compartments after Fusarium pathogen infection has remained elusive. In this study, 16S and internal transcribed spacer rRNA amplicon sequencing were used to systematically investigate changes in the bacterial and fungal diversity and composition in the endophytic compartments (roots, stems, and leaves) of healthy strawberries and strawberries with Fusarium wilt, respectively. The analysis of the diversity, structure, and composition of the bacterial and fungal communities revealed a strong effect of pathogen invasion on the endophytic communities. The bacterial and fungal community diversity was lower in the Fusarium-infected endophytic compartments than in the healthy samples. The relative abundance of certain bacterial and fungal genera also changed after Fusarium wilt infection. The relative abundance of the beneficial bacterial genera Bacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Methylophilus, Sphingobium, Lactobacillus, and Streptomyces, as well as fungal genera Acremonium, Penicillium, Talaromyces, and Trichoderma, were higher in the healthy samples than in the Fusarium wilt samples. The relative abundance of Fusarium in the infected samples was significantly higher than that in the healthy samples, consistent with the field observations and culture isolation results for strawberry wilt. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the isolation, identification, and control of strawberry wilt disease.

Morphinan and isoquinoline alkaloids from the tuberous roots of Stephania cepharantha.

A new morphinan alkaloid (6S, 9S, 13 R, 14S)-6-O-acetyl-7,8-Didehydro-4-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxymorphinan-6-ol (1), and a new naturally occurring cularine alkaloid (S)-2, 3, 12, 12a-tetrahydro-5, 6, 9, 10-tetramethoxy-1-methyl-1H-[1]benzoxepino[2, 3, 4-ij]isoquinoline(5), along with four known alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Stephania cepharantha. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analyses. Cytotoxic activities of the compounds against three human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7 and SW480) were also evaluated.