Percutaneous Endoscope-assisted Visualized Implantation of Puncture Cylindrical Electrodes for Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation is an established technique wherein diverse electrode types are strategically implanted within the spinal epidural space for neuromodulation. Traditional percutaneous puncture cylindrical electrodes (PEs) are predominantly implanted by interventionalists utilizing a percutaneous technique under the monitor of radiation, which is a nonvisualized procedure. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to assess the feasibility of percutaneous endoscope-assisted visualized implantation approach for PEs, delineating its specific merits and demerits compared to the traditional method. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory study with Institutional Review Board Number B2023-056SETTING: Clinical Anatomy Research Center, Fudan University. METHODS: Eight freshly procured adult cadavers (4 women and 4 men) were operated on in this study. They were divided into either Group A or Group B, each encompassing 4 cadavers. Group A was subjected to endoscope-assisted PEs implantation, whereas Group B followed the conventional PEs implantation route.In both groups the operative time of introducer needles placement (OTNP), total operative time (TOT), fluoroscopy time of introducer needles placement (FTNP), and total fluoroscopy time (TFT) were documented and analyzed. Furthermore, the precise positioning of the PEs and any ensuing complications were systematically examined. RESULTS: Both Group A and Group B successfully executed all predetermined surgical steps. A total of 16 PEs were implanted (dual electrodes in each cadaver): 8 using the percutaneous endoscope-assisted visualized approach (Group A) and 8 via the traditional methodology (Group B). Group A's mean ± SD durations for OTNP, TOT, FTNP, and TFT were 10.25 ± 1.03 minutes, 31.63 ± 5.87 minutes, 4.58 ± 1.35 seconds, and 43.73 ± 14.46 seconds, respectively. In contrast, Group B exhibited mean ± SD times of 11.55 ± 2.81 minutes, 44.75 ± 7.85 minutes, 23.53 ± 4.16 seconds, and 66.30 ± 6.35 seconds for the same metrics. No discernible statistical difference in OTNP and TOT emerged between the groups. However, Group A demonstrated reduced durations for both FTNP and TFT compared to Group B. The optimal position of the PEs was verified via fluoroscopy, with no recorded instances of dura rupture. These outcomes suggest that this endoscope-assisted technique neither increases surgical time nor compromises efficacy. Instead, it leads to a marked reduction in fluoroscopic duration relative to the traditional methodology. LIMITATIONS: Anatomical study on a human cadaver, the quantity of cadavers, and the procedure's steep learning curve. CONCLUSION: With the assistance of percutaneous spinal endoscopy, introducer needles can be punctured through the ligamentum flavum at the anticipated interlaminar window locus under direct visualization, improving the convenience of the puncture and reducing fluoroscopic exposure. It is a viable alternative for surgeons from diverse training backgrounds to implant PEs, particularly benefiting those well-versed in endoscopic spine surgery techniques.

Design and modeling of order of addition experiment with component effects.

An order of addition experiment is an experiment to study how the order of addition of components affect the results, with the objective of predicting and determining the optimal order of addition of components. Order of addition experiment are also commonly used in the drug combination therapy, where experimenting with all drugs combinations is unaffordable. To solve this problem, we constructed a new design table, two-level component factorial design table (TLCF), which combine the component orthogonal array design table and the two-level partial factorial design table by matrix product. TLCF can explore the order and dosage effect of components on the results and can greatly reduce the number of experiments. We also prove that the relative D-efficiency of the TLCF can reach 100% and solve an explicit expression for the D-efficiency of the full design. In the simulation experiment, we compare the D-efficiency of the TLCF with the random design table to prove the superiority of TLCF. Finally, we give a treatment plan for the combination of three drugs for glioblastoma based on the TLCF, which provides a new perspective for the precision treatment of patients.

Physics-Informed Online Learning for Temperature Prediction in Metal AM.

In metal additive manufacturing (AM), precise temperature field prediction is crucial for process monitoring, automation, control, and optimization. Traditional methods, primarily offline and data-driven, struggle with adapting to real-time changes and new process scenarios, which limits their applicability for effective AM process control. To address these challenges, this paper introduces the first physics-informed (PI) online learning framework specifically designed for temperature prediction in metal AM. Utilizing a physics-informed neural network (PINN), this framework integrates a neural network architecture with physics-informed inputs and loss functions. Pretrained on a known process to establish a baseline, the PINN transitions to an online learning phase, dynamically updating its weights in response to new, unseen data. This adaptation allows the model to continuously refine its predictions in real-time. By integrating physics-informed components, the PINN leverages prior knowledge about the manufacturing processes, enabling rapid adjustments to process parameters, geometries, deposition patterns, and materials. Empirical results confirm the robust performance of this PI online learning framework in accurately predicting temperature fields for unseen processes across various conditions. It notably surpasses traditional data-driven models, especially in critical areas like the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) and melt pool. The PINN's use of physical laws and prior knowledge not only provides a significant advantage over conventional models but also ensures more accurate predictions under diverse conditions. Furthermore, our analysis of key hyperparameters-the learning rate and batch size of the online learning phase-highlights their roles in optimizing the learning process and enhancing the framework's overall effectiveness. This approach demonstrates significant potential to improve the online control and optimization of metal AM processes.

Batch-to-Batch Variation in Laser-Inscribed Graphene (LIG) Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensing.

Laser-inscribed graphene (LIG) is an emerging material for micro-electronic applications and is being used to develop supercapacitors, soft actuators, triboelectric generators, and sensors. The fabrication technique is simple, yet the batch-to-batch variation of LIG quality is not well documented in the literature. In this study, we conduct experiments to characterize batch-to-batch variation in the manufacturing of LIG electrodes for applications in electrochemical sensing. Numerous batches of 36 LIG electrodes were synthesized using a CO2 laser system on polyimide film. The LIG material was characterized using goniometry, stereomicroscopy, open circuit potentiometry, and cyclic voltammetry. Hydrophobicity and electrochemical screening (cyclic voltammetry) indicate that LIG electrode batch-to-batch variation is less than 5% when using a commercial reference and counter electrode. Metallization of LIG led to a significant increase in peak current and specific capacitance (area between anodic/cathodic curve). However, batch-to-batch variation increased to approximately 30%. Two different platinum electrodeposition techniques were studied, including galvanostatic and frequency-modulated electrodeposition. The study shows that formation of metallized LIG electrodes with high specific capacitance and peak current may come at the expense of high batch variability. This design tradeoff has not been discussed in the literature and is an important consideration if scaling sensor designs for mass use is desired. This study provides important insight into the variation of LIG material properties for scalable development of LIG sensors. Additional studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanism(s) of this variability so that strategies to improve the repeatability may be developed for improving quality control. The dataset from this study is available via an open access repository.

Simultaneously Improving Energy Storage and Oxygen Evolution Reaction by Causing Regional Defects in MOF-on-MOF Derived Hollow Se-Doped CoP-Fe2P Heterojunctions.

Doping heteroatoms into metal phosphides to modify their electronic structure is an effective method, but the incomplete exposure of active sites is its inherent drawback. In this experiment, both Se doping and P vacancies are simultaneously introduced into CoP-Fe2P (named CoFe-P-Se) to enhance the internal reactivity. Benefiting from the unique hollow porous structure derived from the MOF-on-MOF template, as well as the enhanced intrinsic activity achieved by P defects and Se doping, CoFe-P-Se exhibits a high specific capacitance of 8.41 F cm-2 at a current density of 2 mA cm-2 when used as a supercapacitor electrode. When assembled into a hybrid supercapacitor with activated carbon, the energy density reaches 0.488 mWh cm-2 at a power density of 1.534 mW cm-2, and the capacity retention after 5000 charge-discharge cycles is as high as 90.65%. As an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode, the CoFe-P-Se electrode shows a low overpotential of only 230 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and 278 mV at 100 mA cm-2. Additionally, it exhibits excellent stability for over 50 h at a current density of 100 mA cm-2. The designed element doping and vacancy engineering in this work will provide an insight for constructing high-performance electrodes.

Multiple algorithms highlight key brain genes driven by multiple anesthetics.

Anesthesia serves as a pivotal tool in modern medicine, creating a transient state of sensory deprivation to ensure a pain-free surgical or medical intervention. While proficient in alleviating pain, anesthesia significantly modulates brain dynamics, metabolic processes, and neural signaling, thereby impairing typical cognitive functions. Furthermore, anesthesia can induce notable impacts such as memory impairment, decreased cognitive function, and diminished intelligence, emphasizing the imperative need to explore the concealed repercussions of anesthesia on individuals. In this investigation, we aggregated gene expression profiles (GSE64617, GSE141242, GSE161322, GSE175894, and GSE178995) from public repositories following second-generation sequencing analysis of various anesthetics. Through scrutinizing post-anesthesia brain tissue gene expression utilizing Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA), and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), this research aims to pinpoint pivotal genes, pathways, and regulatory networks linked to anesthesia. This undertaking not only enhances comprehension of the physiological changes brought about by anesthesia but also lays the groundwork for future investigations, cultivating new insights and innovative perspectives in medical practice.

Integrated analysis of tertiary lymphoid structures and immune infiltration in ccRCC microenvironment revealed their clinical significances: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) serve as organized lymphoid aggregates that influence immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. This study aims to investigate the characteristics and clinical significance of TLSs and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS: TLSs and TILs were analyzed comprehensively in 754 ccRCC patients from 6 academic centers and 532 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Integrated analysis was performed based on single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets from 21 ccRCC patients to investigate TLS heterogeneity in ccRCC. Immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence were applied. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to reveal the prognostic significance. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the existence of TLSs and TILs heterogeneities in the ccRCC microenvironment. TLSs were identified in 16% of the tumor tissues in 113 patients. High density (>0.6/mm2) and maturation of TLSs predicted good overall survival (OS) (p<0.01) in ccRCC patients. However, high infiltration (>151) of scattered TILs was an independent risk factor of poor ccRCC prognosis (HR=14.818, p<0.001). The presence of TLSs was correlated with improved progression-free survival (p=0.002) and responsiveness to therapy (p<0.001). Interestingly, the combination of age and TLSs abundance had an impact on OS (p<0.001). Higher senescence scores were detected in individuals with immature TLSs (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the contradictory features of intratumoral TLSs and TILs in the ccRCC microenvironment and their impact on clinical prognosis, suggesting that abundant and mature intratumoral TLSs were associated with decreased risks of postoperative ccRCC relapse and death as well as favorable therapeutic response. Distinct spatial distributions of immune infiltration could reflect effective antitumor or protumor immunity in ccRCC.

Schistosoma japonicum cystatin alleviates paraquat poisoning caused acute lung injury in mice through activating regulatory macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide that poisons human by accident or intentional ingestion. PQ poisoning causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) resulting in acute lung injury (ALI) with an extremely high mortality rate. Blood trematode Schistosoma japonicum-produced cystatin (Sj-Cys) is a strong immunomodulatory protein that has been experimentally used to treat inflammation related diseases. In this study, Sj-Cys recombinant protein (rSj-Cys) was used to treat PQ-induced lung injury and the immunological mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect was investigated. METHODS: PQ-induced acute lung injury mouse model was established by intraperitoneally injection of 20 mg/kg of paraquat. The poisoned mice were treated with rSj-Cys and the survival rate was observed up to 7 days compared with the group without treatment. The pathological changes of PQ-induced lung injury were observed by examining the histochemical sections of affected lung tissue and the wet to dry ratio of lung as a parameter for inflammation and edema. The levels of the inflammation related cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß were measured in sera and in affected lung tissue using ELISA and their mRNA levels in lung tissue using RT-PCR. The macrophages expressing iNOS were determined as M1 and those expressing Arg-1 as M2 macrophages. The effect of rSj-Cys on the transformation of inflammatory M1 to regulatory M2 macrophages was measured in affected lung tissue in vivo (EKISA and RT-PCR) and in MH-S cell line in vitro (flow cytometry). The expression levels of TLR2 and MyD88 in affected lung tissue were also measured to determine their role in the therapy of rSj-Cys on PQ-induced lung injury. RESULT: We identified that treatment with rSj-Cys significantly improved the survival rate of mice with PQ-induced lung injury from 30 % (untreated) to 80 %, reduced the pathological damage of poisoning lung tissue, associated with significantly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 from 1490 to 590 pg/ml, TNF-α from 260 to 150 pg/ml) and increased regulatory cytokines (IL-10 from360 to 550 pg/ml, and TGF-ß from 220 to 410 pg/ml) in both sera (proteins) and affected lung tissue (proteins and mRNAs). The polarization of macrophages from M1to M2 type was found to be involved in the therapeutic effect of rSj-Cys on the PQ-induced acute lung injury, possibly through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of rSj-Cys on PQ poisoning caused acute lung injury by inducing M2 macrophage polarization through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signaling pathway. The finding in this study provides an alternative approach for the treatment of PQ poisoning and other inflammatory diseases.

Single-cell transcriptomics across 2,534 microbial species reveals functional heterogeneity in the rumen microbiome.

Deciphering the activity of individual microbes within complex communities and environments remains a challenge. Here we describe the development of microbiome single-cell transcriptomics using droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing and pangenome-based computational analysis to characterize the functional heterogeneity of the rumen microbiome. We generated a microbial genome database (the Bovine Gastro Microbial Genome Map) as a functional reference map for the construction of a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the rumen microbiome. The atlas includes 174,531 microbial cells and 2,534 species, of which 172 are core active species grouped into 12 functional clusters. We detected single-cell-level functional roles, including a key role for Basfia succiniciproducens in the carbohydrate metabolic niche of the rumen microbiome. Furthermore, we explored functional heterogeneity and reveal metabolic niche trajectories driven by biofilm formation pathway genes within B. succiniciproducens. Our results provide a resource for studying the rumen microbiome and illustrate the diverse functions of individual microbial cells that drive their ecological niche stability or adaptation within the ecosystem.

Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Serum of Elderly Patients Who Experienced Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders Following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a group of prevalent neurological complications that often occur in elderly individuals following major or emergency surgical procedures. The etiologies are not fully understood. This study endeavored to investigate novel targets and prediction methods for the occurrence of PND. METHODS: A total of 229 elderly patients diagnosed with prostatic hyperplasia who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) combined with spinal cord and epidural analgesia were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, the PND group and non-PND group, based on the Z-score method. According to the principle of maintaining consistency between preoperative and intraoperative conditions, three patients from each group were randomly chosen for serum sample collection. isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomics technology was employed to analyze and identify the proteins that exhibited differential expression in the serum samples from the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the proteins that exhibited differential expression. RESULTS: Among the 1101 serum proteins analyzed in the PND and non-PND groups, eight differentially expressed proteins were identified in PND patients. Of these, six proteins showed up-regulation, while two proteins showed down-regulation. Further bioinformatics analysis of the proteins that exhibited differential expression revealed their predominant involvement in cellular biological processes, cellular component formation, as well as endocytosis and phagocytosis Additionally, these proteins were found to possess the RING domain of E3 ubiquitin ligase. CONCLUSION: The iTRAQ proteomics technique was employed to analyze the variation in protein expression in serum samples from patients with PND and those without PND. This study successfully identified eight proteins that exhibited differential expression levels between the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that proteins exhibiting differential expression are primarily implicated in the biological processes associated with microtubules. Investigating the microtubule formation process as it relates to neuroplasticity and synaptic formation may offer valuable insights for enhancing our comprehension and potential prevention of PND. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered (ChiCTR2000028836). Date (20190306).

The C2 isthmus screw provided sufficient biomechanical stability in the setting of atlantoaxial dislocation-a finite element study.

BACKGROUND: The emerging of the C2 isthmus screw fixation technique is gaining popularity in the setting of atlantoaxial dislocation or other conditions requiring fixation of C2. However, the biomechanical stability of this fixation is poorly understood. PURPOSE: To compare and elucidate the biomechanical stability of C2 pedicle screw (C2PS), C2 isthmus screw (C2IS) and C2 short isthmus screw (C2SIS) fixation techniques in atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). METHOD: A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) from occiput to C3 was established and validated from a healthy male volunteer. Three FEMs, C1 pedicle screw (PS)-C2PS, C1PS-C2IS, C1PS-C2SIS were also constructed. The range of motion (ROM) and the maximum von Mises stress under flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation loading were analyzed and compared. The pullout strength of the three fixations for C2 was also evaluated. RESULT: C1PS-C2IS model showed the greatest decrease in ROM with flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. C1PS-C2PS model showed the least ROM reduction under all loading conditions than both C2IS and C2SIS. The C1PS-C2PS model had the largest von Mises stress on the screw under all directions followed by C1PS-C2SIS, and lastly the C1PS-C2IS. Under axial rotation and lateral bending loading, the three models showed the maximum and minimum von Mises stress on the screw respectively. The stress of the three models was mainly located in the connection of the screw and rod. Overall, the maximum screw pullout strength for C2PS, C2IS and C2SIS were 729.41N, 816.62N, 640.54N respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with atlantoaxial dislocations, the C2IS fixation provided comparable stability, with no significant stress concentration. Furthermore, the C2IS had sufficient pullout strength when compared with C2PS and C2SIS. C2 isthmus screw fixation may be a biomechanically favourable option in cases with AAD. However, future clinical trials are necessary for the evaluation of the clinical outcomes of this technique.

Muscle ultrasound to identify prednisone-induced muscle damage in adults with nephrotic syndrome.

Steroid myopathy is a non-inflammatory toxic myopathy that primarily affects the proximal muscles of the lower limbs. Due to its non-specific symptoms, it is often overshadowed by patients' underlying conditions. Prolonged or high-dosage use of glucocorticoids leads to a gradual decline in muscle mass. There are no tools available to identify the course of steroid myopathy before the patient displays substantial clinical symptoms. In this study, we investigated individuals with nephrotic syndrome receiving prednisone who underwent muscle ultrasound to obtain cross-sectional and longitudinal pictures of three major proximal muscles in the lower limbs: the vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius muscles. Our findings revealed that grip strength was impaired in the prednisolone group, creatine kinase levels were reduced within the normal range; echo intensity of the vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius muscles was enhanced, the pennation angle was reduced, and the tibialis anterior muscle exhibited increased echo intensity and decreased thickness. The total dose of prednisone and the total duration of treatment impacted the degree of muscle damage. Our findings indicate that muscle ultrasound effectively monitors muscle structure changes in steroid myopathy. Combining clinical symptoms, serum creatine kinase levels, and grip strength improves the accuracy of muscle injury evaluation.

Integrin αVß3 antagonist-c(RGDyk) peptide attenuates the progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament by inhibiting osteogenesis and angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), an emerging heterotopic ossification disease, causes spinal cord compression, resulting in motor and sensory dysfunction. The etiology of OPLL remains unclear but may involve integrin αVß3 regulating the process of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In this study, we focused on the role of integrin αVß3 in OPLL and explored the underlying mechanism by which the c(RGDyk) peptide acts as a potent and selective integrin αVß3 inhibitor to inhibit osteogenesis and angiogenesis in OPLL. METHODS: OPLL or control ligament samples were collected in surgery. For OPLL samples, RNA-sequencing results revealed activation of the integrin family, particularly integrin αVß3. Integrin αVß3 expression was detected by qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the targeted inhibition of integrin αVß3 by the c(RGDyk) peptide on ligaments fibroblasts (LFs) derived from patients with OPLL and endothelial cells (ECs). The effect of c(RGDyk) peptide on the ossification of pathogenic LFs was detected using qPCR, Western blotting. Alkaline phosphatase staining or alizarin red staining were used to test the osteogenic capability. The effect of the c(RGDyk) peptide on angiogenesis was determined by EC migration and tube formation assays. The effects of the c(RGDyk) peptide on heterotopic bone formation were evaluated by micro-CT, histological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence analysis in vivo. RESULTS: The results indicated that after being treated with c(RGDyk), the osteogenic differentiation of LFs was significantly decreased. Moreover, the c(RGDyk) peptide inhibited the migration of ECs and thus prevented the nutritional support required for osteogenesis. Furthermore, the c(RGDyk) peptide inhibited ectopic bone formation in mice. Mechanistic analysis revealed that c(RGDyk) peptide could inhibit osteogenesis and angiogenesis in OPLL by targeting integrin αVß3 and regulating the FAK/ERK pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the integrin αVß3 appears to be an emerging therapeutic target for OPLL, and the c(RGDyk) peptide has dual inhibitory effects that may be valuable for the new therapeutic strategy of OPLL.

Tetracycline degradation by dual-frequency ultrasound combined with peroxymonosulfate.

Tetracycline has received a great deal of interest for the harmful effects of substance abuse on ecosystems and humanity. The effects of different processes on the degradation of tetracycline were compared, with dual-frequency ultrasound (DFUS) in combination with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) being the most effective for the tetracycline degradation. Free radical scavenging experiments showed that O2∙-,SO4∙- and •OH were the main reactive radicals in the degradation of tetracycline. According to the major intermediates of tetracycline degradation identified, three possible degradation pathways were proposed, which are of significance for translational studies of tetracycline degradation. Notably, these intermediates were found to be significantly less toxicity. The number of active bubbles in the degradation vessel was calculated using a semi-empirical formula, and a higher value of 1.44 × 108 L-1s-1 of bubbles was obtained when using dual-frequency ultrasound at 20 kHz (210 W/L) and 80 kHz (85.4 W/L). Therefore, compared to 20 kHz, although the yield of strong oxidizing substances from individual active bubbles decreased slightly, a significant increment of the number of active bubbles still resulted in a higher synergistic effect, and the combination of DFUS and PMS should be effective in promoting the generation of reactive free radicals and mass transfer processes within the degradation vessel, which provides a method for efficient removal of tetracycline from wastewater.

Improving high throughput manufacture of laser-inscribed graphene electrodes via hierarchical clustering.

Laser-inscribed graphene (LIG), initially developed for graphene supercapacitors, has found widespread use in sensor research and development, particularly as a platform for low-cost electrochemical sensing. However, batch-to-batch variation in LIG fabrication introduces uncertainty that cannot be adequately tracked during manufacturing process, limiting scalability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for robust quality control (QC) methodologies to identify and select similar and functional LIG electrodes for sensor fabrication. For the first time, we have developed a statistical workflow and an open-source hierarchical clustering tool for QC analysis in LIG electrode fabrication. The QC process was challenged with multi-operator cyclic voltammetry (CV) data for bare and metalized LIG. As a proof of concept, we employed the developed QC process for laboratory-scale manufacturing of LIG-based biosensors. The study demonstrates that our QC process can rapidly identify similar LIG electrodes from large batches (n ≥ 36) of electrodes, leading to a reduction in biosensor measurement variation by approximately 13% compared to the control group without QC. The statistical workflow and open-source code presented here provide a versatile toolkit for clustering analysis, opening a pathway toward scalable manufacturing of LIG electrodes in sensing. In addition, we establish a data repository for further study of LIG variation.

Diurnal emission variation of ozone precursors: Impacts on ozone formation during Sep. 2019.

With the issue of ozone (O3) pollution having increasingly gained visibility and prominence in China, the Chinese government explored various policies to mitigate O3 pollution. In some provinces and cities, diurnal regulations of O3 precursor were implemented, such as shifting O3 precursor emission processes to nighttime and offering preferential refueling at night. However, the effectiveness of these policies remains unverified, and their impact on the O3 generation process requires further elucidation. In this study, we utilized a regional climate and air quality model (WRF-Chem, v4.5) to test three scenarios aimed at exploring the impact of diurnal industry emission variation of O3 precursors on O3 formation. Significant O3 variations were observed mainly in urban areas. Shifting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to nighttime have slight decreased daytime O3 levels while moving nitrogen oxides (NOx) to nighttime elevates O3 levels. Simultaneously moving both to nighttime showed combined effects. Process analysis indicates that the diurnal variation in O3 was mainly attributed to chemical process and vertical mixing in urban areas, while advection becomes more important in non-urban areas, contributing to the changes in O3 and O3 precursors levels through regional transportation. Further photochemical analysis reveals that the O3 photochemical production in urban areas was affected by reduced daytime O3 precursors emissions. Specifically, decreasing VOCs lowered the daytime O3 production by reducing the ROx radicals (ROx = HO + HO˙2 + RO˙2), whereas decreasing NOx promoted the daytime O3 production by weakening ROx radical loss. Our results demonstrate that diurnal regulation of O3 precursors will disrupt the ROx radical and O3 formation in local areas, resulting in a change in O3 concentration and atmospheric oxidation capacity, which should be considered in formulating new relevant policies.

Comprehensiveness cuproptosis related genes study for prognosis and medication sensitiveness across cancers, and validation in prostate cancer.

Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) are important for tumor development. However, the functions of CRGs across cancers remain obscure. We performed a pan-cancer investigation to reveal the roles of CRGs across cancers. In an analysis of 26 cancers, 12 CRGs were differentially expressed, and those CRGs were found to have prognostic value across different cancer types. The expression of CRGs exhibited varied among tumors of 6 immune subtypes and were significantly correlated with the 16 sensitivities of drugs. The expression of CRGs were highly correlated with immunological subtype and tumor microenvironment (TME) of prostate cancer. We also established CRGs-related prognostic signatures that closely correlated with prognosis and drug sensitivity of prostate cancer patients. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed that several CRGs were enriched in the cancer cells. Finally, an in vitro experiment showed that elesclomol, a cuproptosis inducer, targets ferredoxin 1 and suppress cell viability in prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, we carried out a comprehensive investigation for determining CRGs in differential expression, prognosis, immunological subtype, TME, and cancer treatment sensitivity across 26 malignancies; and validated the results in prostate cancer. Our research improves pan-cancer knowledge of CRGs and identifies more effective immunotherapy strategies.

MRI-based vertebral bone quality score in cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a comparison with cervical spondylotic myelopathy using propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density plays a key role in the assessment of operative instrumentation complications and clinical outcomes. The MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score has been introduced as a novel marker of bone quality. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between VBQ score and patients associated with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). PURPOSE: The aims of the study were (1) to reveal bone mineral density between cervical OPLL and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) group by VBQ score, (2) to compare the VBQ score of cervical OPLL between male and female group, (3) to explore the relationship between segmental VBQ scores associated with OPLL. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutive series of 425 patients at a single academic institution. OUTCOME MEASURES: MRI based measurements of C2-C7 VBQ scores. METHODS: Preoperative noncontrast T1-weighted MRIs of the cervical spine was used to measure the VBQ score. The VBQ score was defined as the mean value of the signal intensity of the vertebrae divided by that of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space at the cisterna magna. Patients with cervical OPLL and CSM were matched based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, medication history, diet habit, smoking, alcohol consumption via propensity score matching (PSM). Normality of each VBQ score was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used to compare matched cohorts. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the VBQ scores between segments. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with the development of cervical OPLL. RESULTS: A total of 425 patients were assessed. For final analysis, 135 paired patients were compared between the cervical OPLL and CSM groups, and 22 paired patients were compared between male and female group associated with cervical OPLL. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, BMI, comorbidity, medication history, diet habit, smoking, alcohol between the matched cohorts. OPLL group was associated with lower VBQ score compared with CSM group at C3, while there were no differences in VBQ score for the other levels between the two groups. There were no differences between male and female group associated with OPLL in C2-C7 VBQ scores. VBQ scores of cervical OPLL are variable between segments, with significantly lower scores at C6, C7 compared with C1-C5. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI was correlated with the development of OPLL (regression coefficient, 0.162; 95% confidence interval, 0.010-0.037). Additional risk factors included hypertension, calcium supple history and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that cervical OPLL is associated with lower VBQ score at C3, with no differences for the other levels when compared with CSM derived from measurements on MRI. No differences were found between male and female group associated with OPLL in C2-C7 VBQ scores. Cervical OPLL were found to have smaller VBQ score at C6, C7 compared with C1-C5. Our findings provide new insight for bone density assessment in cervical OPLL patient.

Toward Low-Carbon Rice Production in China: Historical Changes, Driving Factors, and Mitigation Potential.

Under the "Double Carbon" target, the development of low-carbon agriculture requires a holistic comprehension of spatially and temporally explicit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with agricultural products. However, the lack of systematic evaluation at a fine scale presents considerable challenges in guiding localized strategies for mitigating GHG emissions from crop production. Here, we analyzed the county-level carbon footprint (CF) of China's rice production from 2007 to 2018 by coupling life cycle assessment and the DNDC model. Results revealed a significant annual increase of 74.3 kg CO2-eq ha-1 in the average farm-based CF (FCF), while it remained stable for the product-based CF (PCF). The CF exhibited considerable variations among counties, ranging from 2324 to 20,768 kg CO2-eq ha-1 for FCF and from 0.36 to 3.81 kg CO2-eq kg-1 for PCF in 2018. The spatiotemporal heterogeneities of FCF were predominantly influenced by field CH4 emissions, followed by diesel consumption and soil organic carbon sequestration. Scenario analysis elucidates that the national total GHG emissions from rice production could be significantly reduced through optimized irrigation (48.5%) and straw-based biogas production (18.0%). Moreover, integrating additional strategies (e.g., advanced crop management, optimized fertilization, and biodiesel application) could amplify the overall emission reduction to 76.7% while concurrently boosting the rice yield by 11.8%. Our county-level research provides valuable insights for the formulation of targeted GHG mitigation policies in rice production, thereby advancing the pursuit of carbon-neutral agricultural practices.

Impact of coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus on the urinary microbiota of kidney stone patients.

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) commonly complicates kidney stone disease (KSD). Our objective is to investigate the variations in the urinary microbiota between individuals with KSD alone and those with KSD plus T2DM. This exploration could have implications for disease diagnosis and treatment strategies. Methods: During lithotripsy, a ureterscope was employed, and 1 mL of urine was collected from the renal pelvis after bladder disinfection. Sequencing targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region was performed using the 16S rRNA and Illumina Novaseq platform. Results: The Shannon index showed a significant decrease in the KSD plus T2DM group compared to the KSD-only group (false discovery rate = 0.041). Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) demonstrated a distinct bacterial community in the KSD plus T2DM group compared to the KSD-only group (false discovery rate = 0.027). The abundance of Sphingomonas, Corynebacterium, and Lactobacillus was significantly higher in the KSD plus T2DM group than in the KSD-only group (false discovery rate < 0.05). Furthermore, Enhydrobacter, Chryseobacterium, and Allobaculum were positively correlated with fasting blood glucose and HbA1c values (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The urinary microbiota in the renal pelvis exhibits differences between patients with KSD plus T2DM and those with KSD alone. Further studies employing animal models are necessary to validate these distinctions, potentially paving the way for therapeutic developments based on the urinary microbiota.