Therapeutic efficacy of a novel self-assembled immunostimulatory siRNA combining apoptosis promotion with RIG-I activation in gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Current cancer therapies often fall short in addressing the complexities of malignancies, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. RNA interference technology, which specifically suppresses gene expression, offers a promising new approach in the fight against tumors. Recent studies have identified a novel immunostimulatory small-interfering RNA (siRNA) with a unique sequence (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) capable of activating the RIG-I/IRF3 signaling pathway. This activation induces the release of type I and III interferons, leading to an effective antiviral immune response. However, this class of immunostimulatory siRNA has not yet been explored in cancer therapy. METHODS: IsiBCL-2, an innovative immunostimulatory siRNA designed to suppress the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), contains a distinctive motif (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG). Glioblastoma cells were subjected to 100 nM isiBCL-2 treatment in vitro for 48 h. Morphological changes, cell viability (CCK-8 assay), proliferation (colony formation assay), migration/invasion (scratch test and Transwell assay), apoptosis rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess RIG-I and MHC-I molecule levels, and ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of cytokines (IFN-ß and CXCL10). In vivo heterogeneous tumor models were established, and the anti-tumor effect of isiBCL-2 was confirmed through intratumoral injection. RESULTS: IsiBCL-2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell growth and induced apoptosis. BCL-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by 67.52%. IsiBCL-2 treatment resulted in an apoptotic rate of approximately 51.96%, accompanied by a 71.76% reduction in MMP and a 41.87% increase in ROS accumulation. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated increased levels of RIG-I, MAVS, and MHC-I following isiBCL-2 treatment. ELISA tests indicated a significant increase in IFN-ß and CXCL10 levels. In vivo studies using nude mice confirmed that isiBCL-2 effectively impeded the growth and progression of glioblastoma tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduces an innovative method to induce innate signaling by incorporating an immunostimulatory sequence (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) into siRNA, resulting in the formation of RNA dimers through Hoogsteen base-pairing. This activation triggers the RIG-I signaling pathway in tumor cells, causing further damage and inducing a potent immune response. This inventive design and application of immunostimulatory siRNA offer a novel perspective on tumor immunotherapy, holding significant implications for the field.

Investigation on Gold Dissolution Performance and Mechanism in Imidazolium Cyanate Ionic Liquids.

To explore green gold leaching reagents, a series of imidazolium cyanate ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cyanate ([C2MIM][OCN]), 1-propyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cyanate ([C3MIM][OCN]) and 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolcyanate ([C4MIM][OCN]) were synthesized and characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. In this research, the imidazolium cyanates were utilized as a solute, which not only decreased the usage of ILs but also increased their gold dissolution capability. The gold dissolution performances of three imidazolium cyanates were characterized by dynamic leaching test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show that the all three imidazolium cyanates had a gold dissolution ability, and the shorter the carbon chain on the imidazole ring in imidazolium cyanate, the faster the gold dissolution rate. The gold dissolution performance of [C2MIM][OCN] was the best, and the weight loss of gold leaf was 2.9 mg/cm2 at 40 °C after 120 h dissolution in [C2MIM][OCN] mixed with 10 wt. % water. Besides this, the gold dissolution rate increased with the increase in the concentration of imidazolium cyanates as well as the reaction temperature. The gold dissolution performances of imidazolium cyanates in different solvents including water, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF) were also investigated, and the weaker the polarity of the solvent, the more conducive it was to the gold dissolution reaction. The mechanism of gold dissolution by imidazolium cyanates was investigated through NMR spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS). It was inferred that during the process of gold dissolution, Au was oxidized to Au+ and the imidazolium cations were deprotonated to form N-heterocyclic carbenes, which coordinated with gold to form gold complexes and achieve gold dissolution.

Small-sample stacking model for qualitative analysis of aluminum alloys based on femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Material characterization using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) often relies on extensive data for effective analysis. However, data acquisition can be challenging, and the high dimensionality of raw spectral data combined with a large-scale sample dataset can strain computational resources. In this study, we propose a small sample size stacking model based on femtosecond LIBS to achieve accurate qualitative analysis of aluminum alloys. The proposed three-layer stacking algorithm performs data reconstruction and feature extraction to enhance the analysis. In the first layer, random forest spectral feature selection and specific spectral line spreading are employed to reconstruct the data. The second layer utilizes three heterogeneous classifiers to extract features from the reconstructed spectra in different feature spaces, generating second-level reconstructed data. Finally, the third layer utilizes the reconstructed dataset for qualitative prediction. Results indicate that the Stacking algorithm outperforms traditional methods such as k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF), including those combined with principal component analysis (PCA). The Stacking algorithm achieves an impressive 100% recognition rate in classification, with Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores reaching 1.0. Moreover, as the number of samples decreases, the gap between the recognition accuracy of the Stacking algorithm and traditional approaches widens. For instance, using only 15 spectra for training, the Stacking algorithm achieves a recognition accuracy of 96.47%, significantly surpassing the improved RF's accuracy of 71.76%. Notably, the model demonstrates strong robustness compared to traditional modeling approaches, and the qualitative prediction error remains consistently below 5%. These findings underscore the model's enhanced generalization ability and higher prediction accuracy in small sample machine learning. This research contributes significantly to improving the applicability of the LIBS technique for fast detection and analysis of small samples. It provides valuable insights into the development of effective methodologies for material characterization, paving the way for advancements in the field.

Deep learning based coherent diffraction imaging of dynamic scattering media.

The ptychographic iterative engine (PIE) is a lensless coherent diffraction imaging algorithm known for its simplicity, easy to use, scalability, and fast convergence. However, practical applications often encounter interference in imaging results caused by non-static scattering media, such as dense fog, seawater target detection and medical biology diagnosis. To address this challenge, we propose a novel approach using computational deep learning for dynamic scattering medium image reconstruction, enabling lens-free coherent diffraction imaging through dynamic scattering media. Through extensive analysis, we evaluate the effectiveness of the neural network for PIE image recovery under varying scattering medium concentration conditions. We also test scattering images obtained by hybrid training with different concentrations of scattering medium to assess the generalisation ability of the neural network. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method achieve PIE lens-free imaging under non-static scattering media interference. This coherent diffraction imaging method, based on transmission through dynamic scattering media, opens up new possibilities for practical applications of PIE and fosters its development in complex environments. Its significance extends to fields like atmospheric pollution, seawater target detection and medical biology diagnosis, providing valuable references for research in these domains.

ATF4-mediated circTDRD3 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating the miR-891b/ITGA2 axis and AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a cancer of the gastrointestinal tract that is highly malignant and has poor prognosis. Circular RNAs are a class of nonclassical RNA molecules that have been determined to be involved in GC malignancy in various ways. However, the underlying function and mechanism of circTDRD3 in gastric cancer remain largely unknown. METHODS: We analyzed circTDRD3 expression in databases and verified the findings in GC cell lines and tissue specimens. A series of functional gene overexpression and knockdown assays in vivo and in vitro were carried out to investigate the role of circTDRD3 in proliferation and metastasis. Here, we revealed the role of the miR-891b/ITGA2 axis by analyzing bioinformatics datasets. Furthermore, we performed dual-luciferase, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pull-down, and functional rescue experiments to examine the relationships between circTDRD3 and its interacting molecules. Western blot confirmed the positive regulatory role of circTDRD3 in the AKT signaling pathway. A promoting effect of ATF4 on circTDRD3 was determined through chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: CircTDRD3 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues compared with adjacent benign tissue, and its expression level was positively correlated with tumor volume and lymph node metastasis. CircTDRD3 promoted GC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circTDRD3 exerted a tumor-promoting effect by regulating the miR-891b/ITGA2 axis and AKT signaling pathway in a positive feedback manner mediated by the transcription factor ATF4. CONCLUSIONS: ATF4-mediated circTDRD3 overexpression modulates the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells through the miR-891b/ITGA2 axis in a positive feedback manner.

TFCP2, a binding protein of ATF3, promotes the progression of glioma by activating the synthesis of serine.

Glioma is one of the most common malignancies. De novo serine synthesis promotes glioma progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, clarifying the regulatory mechanism of serine synthesis is of great significance for glioma therapy. In this study, we found that the expression of TFCP2 was upregulated in glioma and that TFCP2 promoted glioma cell growth and sphere formation. Knockdown of TFCP2 expression inhibited glioma cell growth, sphere formation and tumorigenicity in nude mice. In terms of its molecular mechanism, TFCP2 was found to interact with ATF3 to cooperatively regulate the de novo synthesis of serine. Knockdown of TFCP2 expression significantly inhibited the binding of ATF3 to the promoter of PHGDH (a rate-limiting enzyme in the serine synthesis process). In conclusion, our studies proved that TFCP2 jointly regulates the de novo synthesis of serine through interaction with ATF3, thus promoting glioma progression. This study suggests that TFCP2 is a potential target for glioma therapy.

Refractive surprise of irregular astigmatism following cataract surgery in two patients with neglected subclinical corneal ectasia: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Corneal ectatic diseases are a group of corneal disorder characterized by the steepening and thinning of the cornea. Older people are not a high-risk population for corneal ectatic diseases; due to the lack of typical preoperative topographic manifestations, there is a high possibility that corneal ectasia is undetected. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients with subclinical corneal ectasia and senile cataracts presented with irregular astigmatism after steep-axis incision during cataract surgery. The two cases presented in this case report are rare because both patients experienced tremendous changes in astigmatism after cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: This case report may shed some light on astigmatism-correcting steep-axis incisions in cataract surgeries.

Coexistence of MRCS syndrome, extremely long axis and exfoliation syndrome: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of MRCS (microcornea, retinal dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome and extremely long axis is rare since microcornea frequently accompanies with diminution of entire anterior segment and occasionally the whole globe. In the case presented here, combination of these two elements were identified, together with XFS (exfoliation syndrome). CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old Han Chinese woman presented for consultation due to impaired vision which accompanied throughout her entire life span and worsened during the last 2 years. Combination of MRCS syndrome and extremely long axial length was evidently diagnosed in both eyes, with XFS confirmed in her right eye, but mutation screening failed to identify disease-causing sequence variants in some specific genes reported previously, including BEST1 and ARL2. However, likely pathogenic mutations in FBN2 gene were identified. Bilateral cataract phacoemulsification without intraocular lens implantation was performed using scleral tunnel incision and under general anesthesia. At 3-month follow-up, ocular recovery of the patient was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The case presented here exhibited rare coexistence of MRCS syndrome, extremely long axis and XFS. The complexity of her ocular abnormalities brought challenges to surgical management, in which multidisciplinary collaboration is often required. Furthermore, the genetic analysis in this case yielded a possible novel candidate gene for MRCS syndrome and provided evidence in support of genetic heterogeneity in this phenotype.

Baicalin and baicalein attenuate hyperuricemic nephropathy via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway.

AIM: Inflammation and apoptosis are main pathological processes that lead to the development of hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). This study aims to explore whether baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BAI) can relieve the damage through PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signal pathway and provide more reliable and precise evidence for the treatment of HN. METHODS: HN mice were induced by yeast extract with potassium oxonate (PO), and HK-2 cells were induced by monosodium urate (MSU). Molecular docking, western blot, q-PCR, and other methods were used to explore the changes of various indicators in HN mice and HK-2 cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking results showed that BA and BAI had good binding ability with PI3K, AKT, p65 and IκBα. BA and BAI significantly ameliorated the levels of renal function, decreased the p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-p65 expression, down-regulated the BAX/BCL2 and CASP3, and blunted the mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-18 in both renal tissue of HN mice and HK-2 cells induced by MSU. BA and BAI also decreased the oxidative stress level of MSU-induced HK-2 cells. CONCLUSION: BA and BAI were confirmed to attenuate HN through alleviating renal inflammatory and apoptosis in cells and tissues by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. BA and BAI were expected to be developed as new anti-HN drugs.

Long-Term Efficacy of Orthokeratology to Control Myopia Progression.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of orthokeratology in controlling the rate of myopia progression in children and investigate the factors associated with axial length (AL) growth rate with an average of 48 months of orthokeratology lens wear. METHODS: As a retrospective study, 84 subjects underwent relatively complete ophthalmologic examinations. After initial lens wear, AL was measured on average every 12 months. The linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was used to compare the differences in AL growth rates at each time interval. The contribution of the independent variables to AL change was assessed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In the LMM, there was a significant difference in the AL growth rate ( P <0.001) at each follow-up. The growth rate of AL was associated with initial AL, spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERs) and diameter of lens ( P =0.045, 0.003 and 0.037, respectively). When the baseline age was included as a factor, the influence of initial AL and SER became insignificant in the analysis, whereas age and diameter of lens were significantly correlated with the growth rate of AL ( P< 0.001 and P< 0.001, respectively). There were significant differences in growth rates among different age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study demonstrated that the factors associated with lower growth rate in AL were older age and longer diameter of lens.

Corneal subbasal nerve analysis in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome: a novel objective grading method and clinical correlations.

PURPOSE: To investigate corneal sub-basal nerve morphology changes in primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) dry eye (SSDE) patients and determine the association with disease severity at microstructural level. METHODS: Twenty-eight eyes of 17 SSDE and 82 eyes of 47 age- and sex-matched non-SS dry eye (NSSDE) patients were included. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), Schirmer's test (ST), tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT), meibomian gland (MG) morphology, and ocular staining score (OSS) were assessed. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed to observe corneal sub-basal nerve morphology (length, reflectivity, width, and tortuosity). Associations between clinical features and nerve parameters were analysed. RESULTS: SSDE patients more frequently had increased nerve reflectivity (151.12 ± 17.07 vs. 139.37 ± 14.31 grey value), width (4.45 ± 0.87 vs. 3.92 ± 0.81 µm), tortuosity (132.90 ± 8.04 vs. 129.50 ± 7.33 degree), and higher reflectivity, width, and total nerve grades than NSSDE individuals (all P < 0.05). Significant associations were found between nerve reflectivity/width and anti-SSA [OR = 1.139 (1.013-1.281)/1.802 (1.013-4.465)]/labial gland biopsy [OR = 1.046 (1.002-1.161)/1.616 (1.020-3.243)]. Higher nerve width was associated with increased OSDI [ß = 0.284 (0.187-0.455)], MG score [ß = 0.185 (0.109-0.300)] and OSS [ß = 0.163 (0.020-0.345)], but decreased NIBUT [ß = - 0.247 (- 0.548 ~ - 0.154)]. Higher nerve total grade was associated with increased OSDI [ß = 0.418 (0.157-0.793)] and OSS [ß = 0.287 (0.027-0.547)], but decreased ST [ß = - 0.410 (-0.857 ~ - 0.138)]. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal nerve morphology changes associated with clinical features in SS patients. These changes may facilitate severity evaluation and management of the disease.

The effect of implantable collamer Lens V4c on ocular biometric measurements and intraocular lens power calculation based on Pentacam-AXL and IOLMaster 500.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the possible effect of implantable collamer lens (ICL) V4c on ocular biometric measurements by a new biometer Pentacam-AXL and partial coherence interferometry (PCI)-based IOLMaster 500 and intraocular lens power calculation using fourth-generation formula. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent ICL (EVO-V4c, STAAR Surgical Co. Nidau, Switzerland) implantation surgery from September 2020 to November 2021. The Pentacam-AXL and IOLMaster 500 biometers were used to measure axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K), white to white (WTW), and central corneal thickness (CCT) values before and at least 2 months after ICL V4c implantation. The IOL power was calculated using the Barrett Universal II formula. RESULTS: The study included 45 eyes in 28 patients. There was a significant increase in ALs (average 0.03 ± 0.07 mm, p = 0.01) and a significant decrease of ACDs (average 0.19 ± 0.17 mm, p < 0.001) based on Pentacam-AXL. Similar changes in ALs and ACDs were also found in IOLMaster 500. In addition, the difference in WTWs in the two devices and that of CCTs in Pentacam-AXL were statistically significant. However, the preoperative and postoperative K1 and K2 were separately comparable using either device. The IOL power calculated by the Barrett Universal II formula did not change significantly either by the software built in Pentacam-AXL or by manually putting the parameters of the IOLMaster 500 into the formula manually (p = 0.058, p = 0.675, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular parameters including ALs, ACDs, WTWs, and CCTs using a new Pentacam-AXL and standard PCI-based IOLMaster 500 changed significantly before and after the ICL V4c implantation, while IOL power prediction using the Barrett Universal II formula was little affected.

Comparisons of the energy efficiency and intraocular safety of two torsional phacoemulsification tips.

BACKGROUND: During cataract phacoemulsification surgery, an Intrepid® balanced (IB) tip can achieve a larger amplitude, which may lead to higher energy efficiency than a Kelman (K) tip when paired with a torsional phaco platform. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared their energy efficiency and damage to the cornea under a new energy setting. METHODS: The medical records of 104 eyes of 79 patients were reviewed, with 47 eyes belonging to the IB group and 57 eyes belonging to the K group. All surgeries were performed on an Alcon Centurion® platform with gravity infiltration. Surgical parameters, visual outcome, central corneal thickness (CCT) changes, and endothelial cell density (ECD) loss rate were recorded and calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences in postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), total ultrasound time, estimated fluid aspirated, CCT changes, or ECD loss rate were observed between the two groups. We divided the included eyes into soft nucleus and hard nucleus subgroups and found lower cumulative dissipated energy (CDE, 8.15 ± 8.02 vs 14.82 ± 14.16, P = 0.023), cumulative torsional energy (CTE, 8.06 ± 7.87 vs 14.13 ± 13.02, P = 0.027), and cumulative longitudinal energy (CLE, 0.09 ± 0.17 vs 0.69 ± 1.37, P = 0.017) in the IB group than in the K group, implying less energy used and higher energy efficiency of the IB tip. CONCLUSION: Lower CLE in the IB group indicates fewer phaco tip obstructions and a significantly higher capability to conquer hard nuclei with IB tips with statistical significance. With an ultra-perfusion cannula, the balanced tip does not cause more corneal damage.

The facilitating effect of blue light on the antifungal agent susceptibilities of passaged conidia from the ocular-derived Fusarium solani species complex.

The eye is a light-receiving organ and has anatomical advantages to accept phototherapy. Fungi colonizing on the eyes, which cause ocular mycoses, are affected by daily blue light and could easily accept additional light irritation. Ocular mycoses are recalcitrant and blindness-causing eye diseases, and antifungal agent treatments are insufficient. Our team previously found that blue light could inhibit Fusarium solani hyphal growth but promote conidiation. Here, we investigated the antifungal susceptibilities and biological characteristics of the passaged conidia. Twelve Fusarium solani strains (11 ocular-derived strains and 1 standard laboratory strain) were inoculated under blue light (0.5 mW/cm2) and darkness conditions, respectively, to obtain the passaged conidia of blue light group (n = 12) and darkness group (n = 12). Two groups were tested to determine the growth abilities and in vitro antifungal susceptibilities to five antifungal drugs (voriconazole (VRC), amphotericin B (AMB), terbinafine (TRB), caspofungin (CAS), and 5-flucytosine (5FC)), which were examined by microscopy for morphological observation and spectrophotometry for turbidity analysis. The results showed that blue light group passaged conidia were more sensitive to antifungal drugs (AMB, VRC, TRB, and CAS) compared to darkness group. The MIC50 of VRC significantly decreased after blue light treatment (P < 0.05). The fungal inhibition rate significantly increased for VRC, AMB, and TRB in the low concentration range (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Blue light did not affect germination or hyphal extension of passaged conidia. These results suggested that blue light could facilitate fungal inhibition effect of AMB, VRC, TRB, and CAS and may improve the therapeutic efficiency in VRC and AMB clinical applications. Blue light phototherapy may provide a new adjuvant approach for the treatment of ocular mycosis.

Clinical significance of mismatch negativity in predicting the awakening of comatose patients after severe brain injury.

We assessed the clinical significance of mismatch negativity (MMN) in predicting the awakening of comatose patients with severe brain injury. The clinical data of patients with severe brain injury, admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2018 to March 2020, who underwent auditory MMN examinations within 28 days after coma onset, were reviewed. Correlations between clinical factors and prognosis [Glasgow Outcome Scale (GCS) for 3 mo] were analyzed. Fifty-three patients were included; 37 (69.8%) had favorable outcomes. A univariate analysis revealed the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and absolute MMN amplitudes at electrodes Fz and Cz were significantly correlated with prognosis. Only GCS scores and MMN amplitude at Fz were independent predictors in multivariate logistic regression analysis (area under the curve 0.744 vs. 0.753, respectively); both combined, improved accuracy to 84.6%. MMN amplitudes at Fz were dichotomized at a value of 1.08 µV with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.1% and 68.7%, respectively, for predicting comatose patients' awakening. In conclusion, MMN amplitude at Fz is a reliable prognostic indicator for comatose patients with severe brain injury; the prediction value improved when combined with GCS. Thus, an event-related potential component with a clear site and cutoff value may support prognostication in severe brain injury.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mismatch negativity (MMN) can assess the prognosis of comatose patients after severe brain injury, especially for MMN amplitude. In addition, MMN analysis at electrode Fz best predicts recovery of consciousness in patients with severe brain injury. Importantly, a quantitative approach (cutoff value of 1.08 µV) may improve the use of MMN for prognostication.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis on molecular targets: Mechanisms of baicalin and baicalein against hyperuricemic nephropathy.

Oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney are the main causes for hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). Baicalin and baicalein, two flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and they are interconvertible in the body. In this study, both baicalin and baicalein were administered by intragastric administration (i.g.) or intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) at the dose of 50 mg kg-1, once a day for 15 consecutive days to HN mice, a model established by i.g. of yeast extract combined with i.p. of potassium oxonate. In HN mice, baicalin and baicalein reduced serum uric acid (SUA) levels and protected kidneys by anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Mechanistically, the effect of baicalin and baicalein on reducing SUA levels might due to their inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the mechanisms of baicalin and baicalein against HN were analyzed with network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The network pharmacology indicated that the protective effects of baicalin and baicalein against HN were mainly related to their down-regulating effects on TLRs, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated high binding affinity of baicalin/baicalein to targets such as AKT1 and MAPK1. In summary, baicalin and baicalein are promising drug candidates for the treatment of HN by inhibiting XO activity, reducing inflammation and cell apoptosis through down-regulating TLRs/NLRP3/NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathways.

Anisotropic Ice Adhesion of Micro-Nano-Structured Metal Surface by a Femtosecond Laser.

The icephobic materials induced using micro-nano-structured surfaces have aroused great attention for promising applications. Previously, the characterization of ice adhesion of icephobic materials by shear force is usually performed without direction discrimination along the surface whatever the surface is anisotropic or not. In this work, we studied the direction-dependent ice adhesion strength on groove-shaped micro-nano-structured aluminum alloy surfaces formed using a femtosecond laser. It is found that the ice adhesion strength on the surfaces exhibits anisotropy, which corresponds to a smaller ice adhesion strength in the direction parallel to the groove than that orthogonal to the groove. Furthermore, it is found that the ice adhesion strength decreases with the increase in groove width in the orthogonal direction, while it does not change much in the parallel direction. The anisotropic ice adhesion strength is attributed to the change of wettability and morphology in the two directions. The findings in this work suggest that anisotropic ice adhesion should be fully considered when designing an icephobic micro-nano-structured metal structure, which is of great significance to the characterization and application of icephobic materials.

Isolated-check visual evoked potential: a more sensitive tool to detect traumatic optic neuropathy after orbital fracture.

PURPOSE: To establish a more sensitive diagnostic tool for traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), we explored the diagnostic efficacy of isolated-check visual evoked potential (ic-VEP) for TON in orbital fracture and compared ic-VEP with pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (P-VEP) testing. METHODS: This was a prospective single-center study. A total of 137 eyes from 131 patients diagnosed between December 2016 and October 2019 with orbital fractures were included in the study. Injury history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, computed tomography (CT), P-VEP, and ic-VEP data were collected. Parameters of ic-VEP (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) and P-VEP (peak latency and amplitude of P100) were compared and diagnostic accuracy was analyzed. RESULTS: TON was associated with worse BCVA than non-TON (median 0.52 versus 0.10 logMAR, P < 0.001). SNRs were negatively associated with the P100 peak latency while positively associated with the P100 amplitude. The sensitivity of ic-VEP for TON (79.6%) was higher than that of P-VEP (61.2%, P = 0.049), although this difference was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. Using ic-VEP and P-VEP together could increase sensitivity (87.8%). Maximum areas under curve were obtained using the SNR criteria of 1.3, 1.47, and 1.54 at 8%, 16%, and 32% depth of modulation, respectively. CONCLUSION: ic-VEP was more sensitive than P-VEP in diagnosing TON, and a combination of the two examination tests was recommended. The use of ic-VEP as the new diagnostic standard technique for TON should be considered.

Kikuchi disease as a possible cause of ischaemic stroke: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Kikuchi disease (KFD) is a rare and self-limiting benign disease which usually occurs in young women. The difference between our case and the previous case is that the initial symptom of this case is transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS: A 46-year-old female patient presented at the clinic with a 2-week history of paroxysmal left limb weakness and fever. Imaging examinations showed the multiple lymph nodes in neck enlarged bilaterally. Finally, we arranged a lymph node biopsy for the patient. RESULTS: The resulted of lymph node biopsy showed the disorder of lymph node structures, widespread histiocytic infiltration and cell nucleus fragments, suggesting KFD. CONCLUSION: TIA as a complication of KFD has never been reported in the previous literature, which provided a new direction for diagnosis of TIA and suggested that KFD may be a rare cause of ischemic stroke.