CD33 Ameliorates Surgery-Induced Spatial Learning and Memory Impairments Through TREM2.

Neuroinflammation is implicated in the onset of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), with CD33 and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) playing crucial roles in immune response modulation and neuroinflammatory processes. A total of 96 aged male C57/BL6 mice (9-12 months) were randomly assigned to one of four groups, each receiving an siRNA injection into the lateral ventricle. Subsequently, the mice underwent partial hepatectomy under general anesthesia. To assess cognitive function, the Morris water maze tests were conducted both pre- and post-surgery. Following behavioral assessments, hippocampal tissues were swiftly harvested. The regulation of CD33 and TREM2 expression was achieved through siRNA in the BV2 microglia cell line. Expression levels of CD33 and TREM2 were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analyses. This study explored the impact of CD33 and TREM2 on POCD in aged mice and revealed that surgery and anesthesia increased CD33 expression, leading to spatial learning and memory impairments. Inhibiting CD33 expression via siRNA administration ameliorated cognitive deficits and mitigated the neuroinflammatory response triggered by surgery. Additionally, CD33 inhibition reversed the surgery-induced decrease in synaptic-related proteins, highlighting its role in preserving synaptic integrity. Moreover, our experiments suggest that CD33 may influence neuroinflammation and cognitive function through mechanisms involving TREM2. This is evidenced by the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines following CD33 knockdown in microglia and the reversal of these effects when both CD33 and TREM2 are concurrently knocked down. These findings imply that CD33 might promote neuroinflammation by inhibiting TREM2. This study highlights the potential of targeting CD33 as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating POCD. It provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction following surgical procedures.

Microbial and transcriptional response of Acropora valida and Turbinaria peltata to Vibrio coralliilyticus challenge: insights into corals disease resistance.

BACKGROUND: Coral diseases are significant drivers of global coral reef degradation, with pathogens dominated by Vibrio coralliilyticus playing a prominent role in the development of coral diseases. Coral phenotype, symbiotic microbial communities, and host transcriptional regulation have been well-established as factors involved in determining coral disease resistance, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. METHODS: This study employs high-throughput sequencing to analyse the symbiotic microbial and transcriptional response of the hosts in order to evaluate the disease resistance of Acropora valida and Turbinaria peltata exposed to Vibrio coralliilyticus. RESULTS: A. valida exhibited pronounced bleaching and tissue loss within 7 h of pathogen infection, whereas T. peltata showed no signs of disease throughout the experiment. Microbial diversity analyses revealed that T. peltata had a more flexible microbial community and a higher relative abundance of potential beneficial bacteria compared to A. valida. Although Vibrio inoculation resulted in a more significant decrease in the Symbiodiniaceae density of A. valida compared to that of T. peltata, it did not lead to recombination of the coral host and Symbiodiniaceae in either coral species. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the interspecific differences in the transcriptional regulation of hosts after Vibrio inoculation. Differentially expressed genes in A. valida were mainly enriched in the pathways associated with energy supply and immune response, such as G protein-coupled receptor signaling, toll-like receptor signaling, regulation of TOR signaling, while these genes in T. peltata were mainly involved in the pathway related to immune homeostasis and ion transport, such as JAK-STAT signaling pathway and regulation of ion transport. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic challenges elicit different microbial and transcriptional shifts across coral species. This study offers novel insights into molecular mechanisms of coral resistance to disease.

The mitochondrial genome of Bottapotamon fukienense (Brachiura: Potamidae) is fragmented into two chromosomes.

BACKGROUND: China is the hotspot of global freshwater crab diversity, but their wild populations are facing severe pressures associated with anthropogenic factors, necessitating the need to map their taxonomic and genetic diversity and design conservation policies. RESULTS: Herein, we sequenced the mitochondrial genome of a Chinese freshwater crab species Bottapotamon fukienense, and found that it is fragmented into two chromosomes. We confirmed that fragmentation was not limited to a single specimen or population. Chromosome 1 comprised 15,111 base pairs (bp) and there were 26 genes and one pseudogene (pseudo-nad1) encoded on it. Chromosome 2 comprised 8,173 bp and there were 12 genes and two pseudogenes (pseudo-trnL2 and pseudo-rrnL) encoded on it. Combined, they comprise the largest mitogenome (23,284 bp) among the Potamidae. Bottapotamon was the only genus in the Potamidae dataset exhibiting rearrangements of protein-coding genes. Bottapotamon fukienense exhibited average rates of sequence evolution in the dataset and did not differ in selection pressures from the remaining Potamidae. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first experimentally confirmed fragmentation of a mitogenome in crustaceans. While the mitogenome of B. fukienense exhibited multiple signs of elevated mitogenomic architecture evolution rates, including the exceptionally large size, duplicated genes, pseudogenisation, rearrangements of protein-coding genes, and fragmentation, there is no evidence that this is matched by elevated sequence evolutionary rates or changes in selection pressures.

The application of B1 inhomogeneity-corrected variable flip angle T1 mapping for assessing liver fibrosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the B1 inhomogeneity-corrected variable flip angle (VFA) method using native T1 values in the staging of liver fibrosis. METHODS: Eighty-three patients who presented for liver biopsy due to varying degrees of liver damage, underwent MR examinations and had T1-mapping images of the liver acquired using the B1 inhomogeneity-corrected VFA VIBE method. Among them, 65 patients underwent Fibroscan, and their results were used to evaluate the elasticity of liver tissue. Additionally, T1-mapping images were collected from 19 normal control patients. Independent sample t-tests were used to analyze the correlation between T1 mapping and Fibroscan. The diagnostic efficacy of T1 mapping in patients with different stages of liver fibrosis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The consistency between different observer groups was intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) =0.802. T1 mapping demonstrated significant differences between mid-stage liver fibrosis (S = 2) and late-stage liver fibrosis (S = 3), as well as moderate inflammation (G = 2) and severe inflammation (G = 3), P < 0.05. The Area Under Curve(AUC) values of T1 mapping for early liver fibrosis (S ≥ 1), significant liver fibrosis (S ≥ 2), advanced liver fibrosis (S ≥ 3), and end-stage liver fibrosis (S = 4) were 0.760, 0.709, 0.790, and 0.768, respectively. T1 mapping combined with Fibroscan had an AUC value of 0.860. CONCLUSIONS: The B1 inhomogeneity-corrected VFA T1 mapping may be useful for the staging of liver fibrosis. It has a superior diagnostic efficiency for diagnosing advanced fibrosis (≥S3), while native T1 values combined with Fibroscan have potential value for the staging of liver fibrosis.

Assessing the current situation and the influencing factors affecting perceived stigma among older patients after leukemia diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Psychological problems are becoming increasingly prominent among older patients with leukemia, with patients potentially facing stigmatization after diagnosis. However, there is limited research on the stigma experienced by these patients and the factors that may contribute to it. AIM: To investigate the stigma faced by older patients after being diagnosed with leukemia and to analyze the potential influencing factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical data obtained from questionnaire surveys, interviews, and the medical records of older patients with leukemia admitted to the Hengyang Medical School from June 2020 to June 2023. The data obtained included participants' basic demographic information, medical history, leukemia type, family history of leukemia, average monthly family income, pension, and tendency to conceal illness. The Chinese versions of the Social Impact Scale (SIS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess indicators related to stigma, social support, and mental health status. We used Pearson's correlation coefficient to analyze the strength and direction of the relationship between the scores of each scale, and regression analysis to explore the factors related to the stigma of older patients with leukemia after diagnosis. RESULTS: Data from 120 patients with leukemia aged 65-80 years were analyzed. The total score on the SIS and PSSS was 43.60 ± 4.07 and 37.06 ± 2.87, respectively. The SAS score was 58.35 ± 8.32 and the SDS score was 60.58 ± 5.97. The stigma experienced by older leukemia patients was negatively correlated with social support (r = -0.691, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with anxiety and depression (r = 0.506, 0.382, P < 0.05). Age, education level, smoking status, average monthly family income, pension, and tendency to conceal illness were significantly associated with the participants' level of stigma (P < 0.05). Age, smoking status, social support, anxiety, and depression were predictive factors of stigmatization among older leukemia patients after diagnosis (all P < 0.05), with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.644 and an adjusted R2 of 0.607. CONCLUSION: Older patients commonly experience stigmatization after being diagnosed with leukemia. Factors such as age, smoking status, social support, and psychological well-being may influence older patients' reported experience of stigma.

Ion-sensitive field effect transistor biosensors for biomarker detection: current progress and challenges.

The ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) has emerged as a crucial sensor device, owing to its numerous benefits such as label-free operation, miniaturization, high sensitivity, and rapid response time. Currently, ISFET technology excels in detecting ions, nucleic acids, proteins, and cellular components, with widespread applications in early disease screening, condition monitoring, and drug analysis. Recent advancements in sensing techniques, coupled with breakthroughs in nanomaterials and microelectronics, have significantly improved sensor performance. These developments are steering ISFETs toward a promising future characterized by enhanced sensitivity, seamless integration, and multifaceted detection capabilities. This review explores the structure and operational principles of ISFETs, highlighting recent research in ISFET biosensors for biomarker detection. It also examines the limitations of these sensors, proposes potential solutions, and anticipates their future trajectory. This review aims to provide a valuable reference for advancing ISFETs in the field of biomarker measurement.

Crystal structural effects on up/down-conversion luminescence properties of GdInO3:Tm,Yb perovskite phosphors for effective dual-mode anti-counterfeit applications.

Developing advanced luminescent materials that are recognizable under specified conditions provides better opportunity for reliable optical anti-counterfeiting techniques. In this work, to the best of our knowledge, novel GdInO3:Tm,Yb perovskite phosphors with ultrafine sizes and rounded morphologies were successfully synthesized by a facile chemical precipitation route. Two-type perovskites with orthorhombic and hexagonal structures could be obtained by calcining the precursor at 850 and 1100 °C, respectively. Under 980 nm excitation, the two phosphors exhibited cyan-bluish emission at ∼460-565 nm, red emission at 645-680 nm, and near-infrared emission at 770-825 nm arising from 1G4 + 1D2→3H5,6, 3F2,3→3H6, and 3H4→3H6 transitions of Tm3+, respectively, where the hexagonal perovskite phosphor had relatively strong and sharp red emission as well as red-shifted cyan-bluish emission via successive cross relaxations. The Yb3+ sensitizer enhanced the upconversion luminescence via effective Yb3+→Tm3+ energy transfer and the optimal Yb3+ concentrations were 10 at.% for orthorhombic perovskite and 5 at.% for hexagonal one. The upconversion mechanism mainly ascribed to two-photon processes while three-photon was also present. Upon excitation at 254 nm, their down-conversion spectra exhibited broad multibands in the wavelength range of 400-500 nm deriving from combined effects of the defect-induced emission of GdInO3 and the 1D2→3F4 + 4G4→3H6 emissions of Tm3+. The energy transfer from GdInO3 defect level to Tm3+ excitation state was observed for the first time. The unclonable security codes prepared by screen printing from those dual-mode emitting perovskite phosphors were almost invisible under natural light, which had promising potential for anti-counterfeiting application.

A Full-Scale Analysis of Absorption Edges in Dye-Doped Nonlinear Optical Polymers.

A full-scale analysis of the absorption edges by modified Tauc-Lorentz models is essential in determining the optical bandgap and Urbach energy of semiconductors, transparent conductors, ionic compounds, and dielectric materials. This technique has not yet been applied to analyzing organic nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. This problem is tackled by preparing high-quality films of guest-host NLO polymers with a wide thickness range from sub-micron to 200 microns, allowing accurate measurement of full-spectral absorption coefficients of NLO materials over four orders of magnitude by the UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. The Tauc model and a new Monolog-Lorentz model are used to study the optical absorption edge of guest-host NLO polymers containing various push-pull chromophores and the dependence of optical bandgap and Urbach edge on the structure and composition of materials is analyzed. The results reveal the critical transition of the Urbach exponential tail to a low energy tail that overlaps with vibrational overtones of materials at the telecom wavelengths. Determining the fundamental absorption region of organic NLO films in this study provides quantitative insight into the research to harness the resonance-enhanced nonlinear coefficients of materials by operating at the wavelengths near the band edge with the control of optical loss.

De novo transcriptome analysis of Protohermes xanthodes Navás (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) reveling the effects of sublethal chlorpyrifos on the expression of cholinergic neuronal genes.

The insect cholinergic neuron system is the target for various pesticides, including organophosphate, carbamate and neonicotinoid pesticides. In this study, we conducted a de novo transcriptome analysis on the aquatic insect Protohermes xanthodes and identified for the first time presenting sixteen genes encoding cholinergic neuronal proteins (PxanChaT, PxanVAChT, PxanmAChR, PxannAChRs, and PxanAChEs), which are candidates for acetylcholine synthesis, transport, reception and degradation in cholinergic synapse. FPKM analysis revealed that these genes are primarily expressed in head and nerve cord of P. xanthodes larvae, and some of them are also abundant in hindgut, malpighian tubules and tracheae. After exposed to different concentrations of sublethal chlorpyrifos (CPF), expression of these cholinergic neuronal genes are generally increased and then decreased with the increase of CPF concentration, except PxannAChRα9 which is increased in both 4.2 and 8.4 µg/L CPF groups. Short-term (96 h) CPF exposure resulted in significant up-regulation of PxanAChE1 expression in P. xanthodes larvae exposed to 0.42 and 4.2 µg/L CPF concentrations, while PxanAChE2 was up-regulated only in 0.42 µg/L CPF group. After long-term (14 d) CPF exposure, PxanAChE1 expression was down-regulated in 0.168 and 0.42 µg/L CPF groups. PxanAChE2 expression was dramatically decreased in all CPF groups. Moreover, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly decreased across all long-term CPF exposure groups. These results suggested that sublethal exposure to CPF can disrupt the expression of cholinergic neuronal genes in P. xanthodes larvae, and implied that long-term sublethal CPF exposure may cause toxic effects on P. xanthodes larvae by inhibiting AChE activity. Furthermore, identification of cholinergic neuronal genes in P. xanthodes provided candidate molecular markers for study the toxic effects of environmental pollutants on the neuron system of an aquatic predatory insect with ecological importance.

Exploring Favorable Supramolecular Interactions of Multifluorinated Aromatics in Dendronized Push-Pull Chromophores for Electro-Optics.

Multifluorinated aromatics serve as supramolecular synthons in the research of organic electro-optic (EO) materials by exploiting π-π stacking interaction between the aromatic hydrocarbon and multifluorinated aromatic groups for performance improvement. However, non-classical hydrogen bonding remains largely unexplored in fluorinated EO dendrimers. In this study, three Fréchet-type generation 1 benzyl ether co-dendrons were synthesized by replacing one benzyl group with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzyl (p-HF4Bz), pentafluorobenzyl (C6F5Bz), and 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzyl (o-HF4Bz) groups, to afford the benzoic acid derivatives D1, D2, and D3, which were further bonded to the donor and π-bridge moieties to afford three co-dendronized push-pull phenyltetraene chromophores EOD1, EOD2, and EOD3, respectively. The weak C-H⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, F) interactions in the crystal structure of D1 cumulatively add to the benzoic acid dimers to form an extended hydrogen-bonded network, while D2 is crystallized into a centric one-dimensional chain with strong intermolecular interactions. The poled films of EOD1 with PMMA exhibited the largest and most stable EO activity with optical homogeneity among the series. The results identify the effectiveness of weak but favorable hydrogen bonds enabled by the enhanced carbon acidity of p-HF4Bz synthon in D1, over the interactions in D2 and D3, for the rational design of supramolecular EO dendrimers.

Pyroptotic macrophages induce disruption of glutamate metabolism in periodontal ligament stem cells contributing to their compromised osteogenic potential.

Macrophage pyroptosis is of key importance to host defence against pathogen infections and may participate in the progression and recovery of periodontitis. However, the role of pyroptotic macrophages in regulating periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), the main cell source for periodontium renewal, remains unclear. First, we found that macrophage pyroptosis were enriched in gingiva tissues from periodontitis patients compared with those of healthy people through immunofluorescence. Then the effects of pyroptotic macrophages on the PDLSC osteogenic differentiation were investigated in a conditioned medium (CM)-based coculture system in vitro. CM derived from pyroptotic macrophages inhibited the osteogenic differentiation-related gene and protein levels, ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation of PDLSCs. The osteogenic inhibition of CM was alleviated when pyroptosis was inhibited by VX765. Further, untargeted metabolomics showed that glutamate limitation may be the underlying mechanism. However, exogenous glutamate supplementation aggravated the CM-inhibited osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Moreover, CM increased extracellular glutamate and decreased intracellular glutamate levels of PDLSCs, and enhanced the gene and protein expression levels of system xc - (a cystine/glutamate antiporter). After adding cystine to CM-based incubation, the compromised osteogenic potency of PDLSCs was rescued. Our data suggest that macrophage pyroptosis is related to the inflammatory lesions of periodontitis. Either pharmacological inhibition of macrophage pyroptosis or nutritional supplements to PDLSCs, can rescue the compromised osteogenic potency caused by pyroptotic macrophages.

Social network analysis of a decade-long collaborative innovation network between hospitals and the biomedical industry in China.

Collaborative innovation between hospitals and biomedical enterprises is crucial for ensuring breakthroughs in their development. This study explores the structural characteristics and examines the main roles of associated key actors of collaborative innovation between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China. Using the jointly owned patent data within the country's healthcare industry, a decade-long collaborative innovation network between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China was established and analyzed through social network analysis. The results revealed that the overall levels of collaborative innovation network density, collaborative frequency, and network connectivity were significantly low, especially in less-developed regions. In terms of actors with higher degree centrality, hospitals accounted for the majority, whereas a biomedical enterprise in Shenzhen had the highest degree centrality. Organizations in underdeveloped and northwest regions and small players were more likely to implement collaborative innovation. In conclusion, a collaborative innovation network between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China demonstrated high dispersion and poor development levels. Stimulating organizations' initiatives for collaborative innovation may enhance quality and quantity of such innovation. Policy support and economic investments, strategic collaborative help, and resource and partnership optimization, especially for small players and in less-developed and northwest regions, should be encouraged to enhance collaborative innovation between hospitals and the biomedical industry in China and other similar countries or regions.

Coping trajectory of social isolation in individuals with maintenance haemodialysis: A descriptive qualitative study.

Background: : The number of individuals undergoing maintenance haemodialysis has continued to increase in recent years. This treatment method can lead to social isolation, which has a significant impact on an individual's health. Unfortunately, research on this issue is insufficient, and no effective interventions have been developed. Moreover, existing research lacks attention to and understanding of patient aspirations-a critical area that warrants further exploration. Objectives: : We aimed to reveal the natural coping trajectory of individuals undergoing maintenance haemodialysis in the context of social isolation to provide a useful reference for further research and the development of effective interventions. Design: : This was a descriptive qualitative study. Setting s: This study was conducted at a haemodialysis centre in a provincial capital city of northern China. Participants: Using maximum variant and purposive sampling, we recruited 15 patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Methods: : The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analysed using deductive content analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: (a) prerequisites for coping with social isolation; (b) maintaining the bond between coping and social isolation; and (c) the results of coping with social isolation. These themes revealed the natural trajectory of individuals undergoing maintenance haemodialysis in dealing with social isolation. Conclusion: : We interpreted the findings to mean that it was necessary to establish a three-way linkage among family, hospitals, and society to develop multicomponent and multilevel intervention measures. Tweetable abstract: : A study of the response of individuals undergoing maintenance haemodialysis to social isolation revealed their coping trajectory and conveyed their aspirations.

Staging liver fibrosis with various diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging models.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been developed to stage liver fibrosis. However, its diagnostic performance is inconsistent among studies. Therefore, it is worth studying the diagnostic value of various diffusion models for liver fibrosis in one cohort. AIM: To evaluate the clinical potential of six diffusion-weighted models in liver fibrosis staging and compare their diagnostic performances. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 59 patients suspected of liver disease and scheduled for liver biopsy and 17 healthy participants. All participants underwent multi-b value DWI. The main DWI-derived parameters included Mono-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from mono-exponential DWI, intravoxel incoherent motion model-derived true diffusion coefficient (IVIM-D), diffusion kurtosis imaging-derived apparent diffusivity (DKI-MD), stretched exponential model-derived distributed diffusion coefficient (SEM-DDC), fractional order calculus (FROC) model-derived diffusion coefficient (FROC-D) and FROC model-derived microstructural quantity (FROC-µ), and continuous-time random-walk (CTRW) model-derived anomalous diffusion coefficient (CTRW-D) and CTRW model-derived temporal diffusion heterogeneity index (CTRW-α). The correlations between DWI-derived parameters and fibrosis stages and the parameters' diagnostic efficacy in detecting significant fibrosis (SF) were assessed and compared. RESULTS: CTRW-D (r = -0.356), CTRW-α (r = -0.297), DKI-MD (r = -0.297), FROC-D (r = -0.350), FROC-µ (r = -0.321), IVIM-D (r = -0.251), Mono-ADC (r = -0.362), and SEM-DDC (r = -0.263) were significantly correlated with fibrosis stages. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of the combined index of the six models for distinguishing SF (0.697-0.747) were higher than each of the parameters alone (0.524-0.719). The DWI models' ability to detect SF was similar. The combined index of CTRW model parameters had the highest AUC (0.747). CONCLUSION: The DWI models were similarly valuable in distinguishing SF in patients with liver disease. The combined index of CTRW parameters had the highest AUC.

Efficient click-based interactive segmentation for medical image with improved Plain-ViT.

The primary objective of interactive medical image segmentation systems is to achieve more precise segmentation outcomes with reduced human intervention. This endeavor holds significant clinical importance for both pre-diagnostic pathological assessments and prognostic recovery. Among the various interaction methods available, click-based interactions stand out as an intuitive and straightforward approach compared to alternatives such as graffiti, bounding boxes, and extreme points. To improve the model's ability to interpret click-based interactions, we propose a comprehensive interactive segmentation framework that leverages an iterative weighted loss function based on user clicks. To enhance the segmentation capabilities of the Plain-ViT backbone, we introduce a Residual Multi-Headed Self-Attention encoder with hierarchical inputs and residual connections, offering multiple perspectives on the data. This innovative architecture leads to a remarkable improvement in segmentation model performance. In this research paper, we assess the robustness of our proposed framework using a self-compiled T2-MRI image dataset of the prostate and three publicly available datasets containing images of other organs. Our experimental results convincingly demonstrate that our segmentation model surpasses existing state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, the incorporation of an iterative loss function training strategy significantly accelerates the model's convergence rate during interactions. In the prostate dataset, we achieved an impressive Intersection over Union (IoU) score of 88.11% and Number of Clicks(NoC) at 80% are 7.03 clicks.

Drought decreases cotton fiber strength by altering sucrose flow route.

The potential mechanisms by which drought restricts cotton fiber cell wall synthesis and fiber strength are still not fully understood. Herein, drought experiments were conducted using two cultivars of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Dexiamian 1 (drought-tolerant) and Yuzaomian 9110 (drought-sensitive). Results showed that drought notably reduced sucrose efflux from cottonseed coats to fibers by down-regulating the expression of GhSWEET10 and GhSWEET15 in outer cottonseed coats, leading to enhanced sucrose accumulation in cottonseed coats but decreased sucrose accumulation in fibers. Within cotton fibers, drought restricted the hydrolysis of sucrose to uridine-5'-diphosphoglucose by suppressing sucrose synthase activity, and drought favored the conversion of uridine-5'-diphosphoglucose to ß-1,3-glucan rather than cellulose by up-regulating GhCALS5. Hence, cellulose content was reduced, which was the main reason for the decreased fiber strength under drought. Moreover, drought promoted lignin synthesis by up-regulating the expression of Gh4CL4, GhPAL9, GhCCR5, GhCAD11, and GhCOMT6, which partly offset the negative influence of reduced cellulose content on fiber strength. Compared with Yuzaomian 9110, the drought-tolerance of Dexiamian 1 was evidenced by the following under drought conditions: (i) greater sucrose flow from seedcoat to fiber, (ii) less ß-1,3-glucan accumulation, and (iii) more lignin biosynthesis. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanism of reduced cotton fiber strength induced by drought.

Predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index combined with serum chloride levels for the prognosis of patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and serum chloride level are related to adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, little is known about the relationship between the PNI and serum chloride level in predicting the poor prognosis of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed 1221 consecutive patients with ADHF admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2017 to October 2021. After excluding patients with in hospital death, missing follow-up data, missing chloride data, missing lymphocyte (LYM) count data, or missing serum albumin data, 805 patients were included. PNI was calculated using the formula: serum albumin (ALB) (g/L) + 5 × LYM count (10^9/L). Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the quartiles of the PNI, and the highest PNI quartile (PNI Q4: PNI ≥ 47.3) was set as the reference group. The patients in the lowest PNI quartile (PNI Q1: PNI < 40.8) had the lowest cumulative survival rate, and mortality risk decreased progressively through the quartiles (log-rank χ2 142.283, P < 0.0001). Patients with ADHF were divided into 8 groups by quartiles of PNI and median levels of serum chloride. After adjustment, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in ADHF patients in Group 1 was 8.7 times higher than that in the reference Group 8. Furthermore, the addition of serum chloride level and PNI quartile to the Cox model increased the area under the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve by 0.05, and the area under the ROC curve of the new model was higher than that of the original model with traditional risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Both the lowest PNI quartiles and low chloride level indicate a higher risk of all-cause death in patients with ADHF.

Graph theoretical analysis and independent component analysis of diabetic optic neuropathy: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the resting-state functional connectivity and topologic characteristics of brain networks in patients with diabetic optic neuropathy (DON). METHODS: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on 23 patients and 41 healthy control (HC) subjects. We used independent component analysis and graph theoretical analysis to determine the topologic characteristics of the brain and as well as functional network connectivity (FNC) and topologic properties of brain networks. RESULTS: Compared with HCs, patients with DON showed altered global characteristics. At the nodal level, the DON group had fewer nodal degrees in the thalamus and insula, and a greater number in the right rolandic operculum, right postcentral gyrus, and right superior temporal gyrus. In the internetwork comparison, DON patients showed significantly increased FNC between the left frontoparietal network (FPN-L) and ventral attention network (VAN). Additionally, in the intranetwork comparison, connectivity between the left medial superior frontal gyrus (MSFG) of the default network (DMN) and left putamen of auditory network was decreased in the DON group. CONCLUSION: DON patients altered node properties and connectivity in the DMN, auditory network, FPN-L, and VAN. These results provide evidence of the involvement of specific brain networks in the pathophysiology of DON.

Triplane technique for breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery: A case series report.

RATIONALE: Implant-based breast reconstruction is an important method for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Currently, the most commonly used technique is the biplane technique. However, the high rate of postoperative complications, the inability of pockets to accommodate larger implants, and the expensive costs of biological mesh make the development of new surgical methods urgent. The triplane technique for breast reconstruction is an ideal candidate method. PATIENT CONCERNS: The main local symptoms were breast lump, abnormal breast skin, nipple discharge, and abnormal nipple or areola in 24 patients. DIAGNOSES: The study included 24 female patients who underwent breast reconstruction using the triplane technique after radical breast cancer surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The surgical procedure involved measuring the dimensions of the breast, designing the incision, and creating a pocket for the implant using the triplane technique, which includes the pectoralis major muscle, the pectoralis major fascia continuing to the rectus abdominis fascia, and the latissimus dorsa muscle fascia continuing to the rectus abdominis fascia. Postoperative follow-up included regular assessments of pain and evaluation of breast appearance. OUTCOMES: No cases of postoperative infection were observed in all patients. During the 1-year follow-up period after surgery, 5 patients (20.8%) who needed radiotherapy after mastectomy for cancer showed slight darkening of skin flap pigment after using the triplane technique implant. No cases of exposure or infection of the expanders were reported, and 1 patient underwent expander replacement with a permanent prosthesis. All patients expressed satisfaction with the reconstructed breast shape. The 10 patients (41.7%) experiencing postoperative swelling and pain. However, the pain gradually subsided during the postoperative recovery period. No cases of local recurrence or distant metastasis of breast cancer were observed during the 1-year-follow-up period. LESSONS: The triplane technique for breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery provides good implant coverage, reduces the risk of complications, and is cost-effective.

Harnessing Mechanical Stress with Viscoelastic Biomaterials for Periodontal Ligament Regeneration.

The viscoelasticity of mechanically sensitive tissues such as periodontal ligaments (PDLs) is key in maintaining mechanical homeostasis. Unfortunately, PDLs easily lose viscoelasticity (e.g., stress relaxation) during periodontitis or dental trauma, which disrupt cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and accelerates tissue damage. Here, Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA) hydrogels with PDL-matched stress relaxation rates and high elastic moduli are developed. The hydrogel viscoelasticity is modulated without chemical cross-linking by controlling precursor concentrations. Under cytomechanical loading, F127DA hydrogels with fast relaxation rates significantly improved the fibrogenic differentiation potential of PDL stem cells (PDLSCs), while cells cultured on F127DA hydrogels with various stress relaxation rates exhibited similar fibrogenic differentiation potentials with limited cell spreading and traction forces under static conditions. Mechanically, faster-relaxing F127DA hydrogels leveraged cytomechanical loading to activate PDLSC mechanotransduction by upregulating integrin-focal adhesion kinase pathway and thus cytoskeletal rearrangement, reinforcing cell-ECM interactions. In vivo experiments confirm that faster-relaxing F127DA hydrogels significantly promoted PDL repair and reduced abnormal healing (e.g., root resorption and ankyloses) in delayed replantation of avulsed teeth. This study firstly investigated how matrix nonlinear viscoelasticity influences the fibrogenesis of PDLSCs under mechanical stimuli, and it reveals the underlying mechanobiology, which suggests novel strategies for PDL regeneration.