Ephrin B2 (EFNB2) potentially protects against intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis.

Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis is a significant indication of accelerated intervertebral disc degeneration; however, the precise mechanism is unelucidated as of yet. Ephrin B2 (EFNB2), the only gene down-regulated in the three degraded intervertebral disc tissue microarray groups (GSE70362, GSE147383 and GSE56081), was screened for examination in this study. Subsequently, EFNB2 was verified to be down-regulated in degraded NP tissue samples. Interleukin-1 (IL-1ß) treatment of NP cells to simulate the IDD environment indicated that IL-1ß treatment decreased EFNB2 expression. In degenerative NP cells stimulated by IL-1ß, EFNB2 knockdown significantly increased the rate of apoptosis as well as the apoptosis-related molecules cleaved-caspase-3 and the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio. EFNB2 was found to promote AKT, PI3K, and mTOR phosphorylation; the PI3K/AKT signaling role was investigated using the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. EFNB2 overexpression significantly increased PI3K/AKT pathway activity in IL-1ß-stimulated NP cells than the normal control. Moreover, EFNB2 partially alleviated NP cell apoptosis induced by IL-1ß, reduced the cleaved-cas3 level, and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio after the addition of the inhibitor LY294002. Additionally, EFNB2 overexpression inhibited the ERK1/2 phosphorylation; the effects of EFNB2 overexpression on ERK1/2 phosphorylation, degenerative NP cell viability, and cell apoptosis were partially reversed by ERK signaling activator Ceramide C6. EFNB2 comprehensively inhibited the apoptosis of NP cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibiting the ERK signaling, obviating the exacerbation of IDD. EFNB2 could be a potential target to protect against degenerative disc changes.

Thermal controlled multi-functional metasurface for freely switching of absorption, reflection, and transmission.

Metasurfaces have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their substantial electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation capabilities. However, most previously documented metasurfaces have been limited to controlling just a single EM wave mode, encompassing transmission, reflection, or absorption. Such limitations have impeded the broader applications of metasurfaces. To address this issue, this study introduces a multi-functional metasurface (MFM) in the utilization of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), vanadium dioxide (VO2), and graphene. This novel design enables real-time control over the transmission, absorption, and reflection of EM waves as necessitated through thermal control, allowing for seamless transitions from complete transmission to complete reflection. Furthermore, this configuration achieves extensive broadband perfect absorption, spanning up to 1.83 THz. The optical response mechanism of this MFM across distinct operational modes is meticulously analyzed through electric field distribution. Remarkably, this proposed MFM exhibits polarization insensitivity and maintains good optical performance even under conditions of wide-angle incidence. With the ability to switch to different operating modes according to the needs of different environments, the proposed MFM has the potential to be used in a wide range of scenarios, including radar stealth, wireless communications, and military search.

Effect of folic acid supplementation on the change of plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine level in Chinese hypertensive patients: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

The relationship between folic acid and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is controversial. This study aims to explore the effect of different doses of folic acid supplementation on SAH levels in hypertensive patients and the modification of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism. A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted. Hypertensive patients aged 45-75 years without a history of stroke and cardiovascular disease were selected, who were randomly assigned to one of 8 dose groups. This trial has been registered with Trial Number: ChiCTR1800016135. In the total population, folic acid supplementation of 0.4-2.0 mg/day had no effect on SAH level (ß = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.86-1.79, p = 0.491), while folic acid supplementation of 2.4 mg/day significantly increased SAH level (ß = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.22-3.64, p = 0.027). Stratified analysis found that MTHFR C677T genotype CC supplemented with 2.4 mg/day folic acid had no effect on SAH level (ß = 0.30, 95% CI: -2.74-3.34, p = 0.847), while CT and TT genotype supplemented with 2.4 mg/day folic acid showed a significant increase in SAH level (CT: ß = 2.98, 95% CI: 0.34-5.62, p = 0.027; TT: ß = 3.00, 95% CI: -0.51-6.51, p = 0.095; CT combined with TT: ß = 2.99, 95% CI: 0.90-5.09, p = 0.005). In conclusion, supplementation of 2.4 mg/day folic acid can lead to increased SAH levels, especially in MTHFR C677T genotype CT and TT.

Metasurface inverse designed by deep learning for quasi-entire terahertz wave absorption.

Ultra-broadband and efficient terahertz (THz) absorption is of paramount importance for the development of high-performance detectors. These detectors find applications in next-generation wireless communications, military radar systems, security detection, medical imaging, and various other domains. In this study, we present an ultra-wideband THz wave metasurface absorber (UTWMA) featuring a composite surface microstructure and a multilayer absorbing material (graphene). This UTWMA demonstrates remarkable capabilities by achieving highly efficient absorption levels, reaching 96.33%, within the 0.5-10 THz frequency range. To enhance the efficiency and precision of the design process, we have incorporated artificial neural networks, which enable rapid and accurate parameter selection. Moreover, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the absorption mechanism exhibited by the UTWMA at different frequencies. This analysis combines insights from the electric field distribution and effective medium theory. The findings presented in this paper are expected to catalyze further research in the domain of broadband THz technology, particularly in the context of metasurfaces and related fields. Additionally, this work paves the way for the development of compact, supercontinuous THz photovoltaic or photothermal electrical devices.

Study of the Effect Epidermal Growth Factor Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Diabetic Rat Ulcer Skin and Regeneration.

This study's objective is to analyze the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) nanoparticles on the healing of diabetic skin wounds and also, simultaneously, to investigate the mechanism of EGF nanoparticles to promote healing. In this manuscript, EGF nanoparticles were prepared, and also the drug loading rate of EGF nanoparticles was measured. In the meantime, a diabetic skin wound model was prepared with the use of rats. Then, the rats were split into four groups: EGF nanogroup, EGF group, empty particle group, and control group. Additionally, the results indicate that this study was successful in preparing EGF nanoparticles with a stable performance, and the drug was released for 24 hours. The wound healing in the EGF nanoparticle group was quicker than that in the EGF group. Furthermore, the area of EGF receptor-positive cells in the wound surface of the EGF nanogroup was higher than that of the EGF group, with the results demonstrating that EGF nanoparticles upregulated the expression of EGF receptors in wound surface cells, promoted wound surface healing, and had better efficacy than EGF.

Negative tunnel magnetoresistance and spin transport in ferromagnetic graphene junctions.

We study the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) and spin transport in ferromagnetic graphene junctions composed of ferromagnetic graphene (FG) and normal graphene (NG) layers. It is found that the TMR in the FG/NG/FG junction oscillates from positive to negative values with respect to the chemical potential adjusted by the gate voltage in the barrier region when the Fermi level is low enough. Particularly, the conventionally defined TMR in the FG/FG/FG junction oscillates periodically from a positive to negative value with increasing the barrier height at any Fermi level. The spin polarization of the current through the FG/FG/FG junction also has an oscillating behavior with increasing barrier height, whose oscillating amplitude can be modulated by the exchange splitting in the ferromagnetic graphene.

Quasiparticle Properties under Interactions in Weyl and Nodal Line Semimetals.

The quasiparticle spectra of interacting Weyl and nodal-line semimetals on a cubic lattice are studied using the cluster perturbation theory. By tracking the spectral functions under interaction, we find that the Weyl points will move to and meet at a specific point in one Weyl semimetal model, while in the other Weyl semimetal model they are immobile. In the nodal-line semimetals, we find that the nodal line shrinks to a point and then disappears under interaction in one-nodal-line system. When we add another nodal line to this system, we find that the two nodal lines both shrink to specific points, but the disappearing processes of the two nodal lines are not synchronized. We argue that the nontrivial evolution of Weyl points and nodal lines under interaction is due to the presence of symmetry breaking order, e.g., a ferromagnetic moment, in the framework of mean field theory, whereas the stability of Weyl points under interaction is protected by symmetry. Among all these models, the spectral gap is finally opened when the interaction is strong enough.

Exotic electronic properties in Thue-Morse graphene superlattices.

To show the specific behavior of Dirac fermions in a quasi-periodic structure, we investigate the electronic properties in a deterministic Thue-Morse graphene superlattice. Our main findings include the following. (i) Unlike conventional Schrödinger electrons, quasi-periodic features such as the striking self-similarity and trifurcation in the transmission spectrum can be manifested only at oblique incidence. (ii) In the vicinity of the usual Dirac point, extra Dirac points emerge; their locations are dependent merely on the second generation of the Thue-Morse structure and the number is double that in the periodic graphene superlattice. (iii) A classification is given about the wavefunctions in the Thue-Morse structure which are transformed from the critical states into extended ones at the Dirac points. (iv) The electrons can transmit perfectly at the extra Dirac points, and such a collimation supplies a convenient way to experimentally detect the numbers and the locations of the extra Dirac points. These exotic electronic properties in the aperiodic graphene superlattices may facilitate some applications in graphene-based electronics.

[Effect of rotation stimulation on the anesthetic sensitivity of sevoflurane in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of simulated navigation stimulation on the anesthetic sensitivity of sevoflurane in rats, so as to provide basis for rational using sevoflurane during navigation. METHODS: SD rats were stimulated by Crampton model and the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) was regarded as criterion of motion sickness. (1) 60 rats were randomly divided into control (n = 15) and rotation group (n = 45). The changes of behavior and autonomic activity, sevoflurane concentration achieved sleep and anesthesia states, and the revitalization time were observed in two group rats. (2) 32 rats were randomly divided into control (I), rotation (II), anesthesia (III) and rotation plus anesthesia (IV) group (n = 8). The acetylcholine (Ach), norepinephrine (NE), r-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu) of brain cortex, thalamus and hippocampus were determined respectively in the four group rats. RESULTS: In control group, the sevoflurane concentration achieved sleep and anesthesia states were 1.74% +/- 0.05% and 3.54% +/- 0.05% respectively, but, those concentrations were 1.51% +/- 0.06% and 3.14% +/- 0.08% in rotation group. There were lower significantly in rotation group than those in control group (P < 0.01). It was a major characteristic that all of the neurotransmitters were reduced significantly in II group, this was even more in brain cortex and thalamus (P < 0.01). In II group, Ach was upward in brain cortex, NE and GABA were reduced in hippocampus obviously. The change tendency of neurotransmitters in IV group was more close to II group, that was, the effect of rotation stimulation was more obvious. CONCLUSION: The anesthetic sensitivity of sevoflurane could be obvious increased in rats simulated navigation stimulation.

[Effects of different anesthesia and analgesia on erythrocyte immune function of patients with ovarian benign tumor treated by laparoscopic therapeutic].

AIM: To investigate the effects of different anesthesia and analgesia on erythrocyte immune function of patients with ovarian benign tumor treated by laparoscopic therapeutic. METHODS: 120 patients with ovarian benign tumor treated by laparoscopic therapeutic were randomly divided into two groups with 60 cases each.In group A, patients received general anesthesia eombined with thoracic epidural anesthesia during surgery, patients in group B received general anesthesia. The cervical venous blood samples were obtained at the following time points: before induction of anesthesia(T0), 30 min after anesthesia (T1), 1 h during operation (T2), 24 h after operation (T3), 48 h after operation (T4) and 72 h after operation (T5).RRCR, RRICR and RTRR were measured at different time points. RESULTS: RRCR, RRICR and RTRR in two groups decreased significantly from T1(P<0.05). RRCR in two groups was on the low-water mark at T4 and RRICR, RTRR was on the low-water mark at T3.There were no significantly different of RRCR, RRICR and RTRR in two groups at T0. There were significantly different of RRCR, RRICR and RTRR in two groups from T1 to T4(P<0.05), the increase in group A was less than that in group B(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Anesthesia may harm on erythroeyte immune function of patients with ovarian benign tumor treated by laparoscopic therapeutic. The effect of general anesthesia combined with thoraeic epidural anesthesia on erythrocyte immune function was less.