macJNet: weakly-supervised multimodal image deformable registration using joint learning framework and multi-sampling cascaded MIND.

Deformable multimodal image registration plays a key role in medical image analysis. It remains a challenge to find accurate dense correspondences between multimodal images due to the significant intensity distortion and the large deformation. macJNet is proposed to align the multimodal medical images, which is a weakly-supervised multimodal image deformable registration method using a joint learning framework and multi-sampling cascaded modality independent neighborhood descriptor (macMIND). The joint learning framework consists of a multimodal image registration network and two segmentation networks. The proposed macMIND is a modality-independent image structure descriptor to provide dense correspondence for registration, which incorporates multi-orientation and multi-scale sampling patterns to build self-similarity context. It greatly enhances the representation ability of cross-modal features in the registration network. The semi-supervised segmentation networks generate anatomical labels to provide semantics correspondence for registration, and the registration network helps to improve the performance of multimodal image segmentation by providing the consistency of anatomical labels. 3D CT-MR liver image dataset with 118 samples is built for evaluation, and comprehensive experiments have been conducted to demonstrate that macJNet achieves superior performance over state-of-the-art multi-modality medical image registration methods.

Genome-Scale Analysis of the Grapevine KCS Genes Reveals Its Potential Role in Male Sterility.

Very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis in plants, is primarily rate-limited by the enzyme 3-ketoacyl CoA synthase (KCS), which also controls the rate and carbon chain length of VLCFA synthesis. Disruption of VLCFA during pollen development, may affect the pollen wall formation and ultimately lead to male sterility. Our study identified 24 grapevine KCS (VvKCS) genes and provided new names based on their relative chromosome distribution. Based on sequence alignment and phylogenetic investigation, these genes were grouped into seven subgroups, members of the same subgroup having similar motif structures. Synteny analysis of VvKCS genes, showed that the segmental duplication events played an important role in expanding this gene family. Expression profiles obtained from the transcriptome data showed different expression patterns of VvKCS genes in different tissues. Comparison of transcriptome and RT-qPCR data of the male sterile grape 'Y-14' and its fertile parent 'Shine Muscat', revealed that 10 VvKCS genes were significantly differentially expressed at the meiosis stage, which is a critical period of pollen wall formation. Further, joint analysis by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), revealed that five of these VvKCS (VvKCS6/15/19/20/24) genes were involved in the fatty acid elongation pathway, which may ultimately affect the structural integrity of the pollen wall in 'Y-14'. This systematic analysis provided a foundation for further functional characterization of VvKCS genes, with the aim of grapevine precision breeding improvement.

Arthroscopic and open approaches for autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis repair of the knee have similar results: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cartilage defects are debilitating injuries that can reduce quality of life in patients. However, the poor regenerative properties of cartilage mean that cartilage repair remains challenging, and many methods have arisen to address that. Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC®) is a popular technique to manage cartilage defects. Recent advances have allowed AMIC® to be done arthroscopically, instead of a mini-open arthrotomy approach. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate whether the arthroscopic approach to AMIC® provides better clinical outcomes than does the mini-open approach, in hopes of delineating a gold standard in cartilage repair. METHODS: With reference to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic search of the following databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) was performed on 26th October 2022 using a combination of the following search terms: "autologous matrix induced", "chondrogenesis", and "knee". A total of 390 studies were identified, of which, 24 studies were included in our final analysis. RESULTS: The arthroscopic approach achieves lower Visual Analogue Scale for pain scores. The International Knee documentation Committee) score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were comparable between arthroscopic and open approaches. The open approach achieves a higher Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score. Incidence of reported postoperative complications of revision surgery and knee stiffness was higher for the open approach than for the arthroscopic approach, whereas deep vein thrombosis was higher in the arthroscopic approach. CONCLUSION: The AMIC® repair outcomes indicate that the arthroscopic approach does not hold a distinct advantage over the open approach. The choice of approach should consider surgeon expertise, location of lesion, and patient-specific factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level III.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Triplax ainonia Lewis, 1877 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae).

The beetle Triplax ainonia Lewis, 1877 is a serious pest of cultivated the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus in China. The complete mitochondrial genome of this species was reported for the first time in this study. The mitogenome was 17,555 bp in length and had a base composition of 39.4% A, 36.1% T, 8.7% G and 15.3% C, which indicated that the base composition was AT-biased. Similar to other species of Coleoptera, the mitogenome of T. ainonia contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA unit genes, and a large noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomes suggested that the family Erotylidae was a monophyletic group.

Photo-controllable heterostructured crystals of metal-organic frameworks via reversible photocycloaddition.

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based heterostructures are attractive because they can provide versatile platforms for various applications but are limited by complex liquid epitaxial growth methods. Here, we employ photolithography to fabricate and control MOF-based heterostructured crystals via [4 + 4] photocycloaddition. A layered dysprosium-dianthracene framework, [Dy(NO3)3(depma2)1.5]·(depma2)0.5 (2) [depma2 = pre-photodimerized 9-diethylphosphonomethylanthracene (depma)] underwent a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transition at 140 °C to form [Dy(NO3)3(depma)(depma2)]·(depma2)0.5 (3). The dissociated anthracene moieties are face-to-face π-π interacted allowing a reversible photocycloaddition between 2 and 3. This structural transformation causes a luminescence switch between blue and yellow-green and thus can be used to fabricate erasable 2 + 3 heterostructured crystals for rewritable photonic barcodes. The internal strain at the heterostructure interface leads to photobending and straightening of the crystal, a photomechanical response that is fast, reversible and durable, even operating at 140 °C, making it promising for photoactuation. This work may inspire the development of intelligent MOF-based heterostructures for photonic applications.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic versus open omental patch repair of perforated peptic ulcer.

BACKGROUND: The mainstay of surgical management of perforated peptic ulcer is omental patch repair. Advances in minimally invasive techniques have shown feasibility of laparoscopic omental patch repair (LOPR). Laparoscopic omental patch repair is limited by learning curve (LC), but there is a lack of reporting of LC in LOPR. This study aims to compare outcomes following LOPR versus open omental patch repair (OOPR) with reporting of LC. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception till January 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs comparing LOPR and OOPR in perforated peptic ulcer. Exclusion criteria were primary repair without use of omental patch repair. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, postoperative leak, and LC analysis. RESULTS: There were a total of 29 studies including 5,311 patients (LOPR, n = 1,687; OOPR, n = 3,624), with 4 RCTs with 238 patients (LOPR, n = 118; OOPR, n = 120). Majority of ulcers were located in the duodenum (57.0%) followed by stomach (30.7%). Mean ulcer size ranged from 5 to 16.2 mm in LOPR and 4.7 to 15.8 mm in OOPR. Laparoscopic omental patch repair was associated with lower 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.92; p = 0.02), overall morbidity (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.18-0.53; p < 0.0001), surgical site infection (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.18-0.42; p < 0.00001), and length of stay (mean difference, -2.84 days; 95% CI, -3.63 to -2.06; p < 0.00001). Postoperative leakage (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.43-2.61; p = 0.90) was comparable between LOPR and OOPR. Only three studies analyzed the proportion of consultants to trainees; LOPR was performed mainly by consultants (range, 82.4-91.4%), while OOPR was mainly performed by trainees (range, 52.8-96.8%). One study showed that consultants who performed open conversion had shorter operating time compared with chief residents (85 vs. 186.6 minutes, p < 0.003). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic omental patch repair has lower mortality, overall morbidity, length of stay, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative pain compared with OOPR. More prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate LC in LOPR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level IV.

Natural products modulate NLRP3 in ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a clinically common, progressive, devastating, chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that is recurrent and difficult to treat. Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a protein complex composed of multiple proteins whose formation activates cysteine aspartate protease-1 (caspase-1) to induce the maturation and secretion of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18, promoting the development of inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 is associated with UC susceptibility, and that it maintains a stable intestinal environment by responding to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. The mainstay of treatment for UC is to control inflammation and relieve symptoms. Despite a certain curative effect, there are problems such as easy recurrence after drug withdrawal and many side effects associated with long-term medication. NLRP3 serves as a core link in the inflammatory response. If the relationship between NLRP3 and gut microbes and inflammation-associated factors can be analyzed concerning its related inflammatory signaling pathways, its expression status as well as specific mechanism in the course of IBD can be elucidated and further considered for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBD, it is expected that the development of lead compounds targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome can be developed for the treatment of IBD. Research into the prevention and treatment of UC, which has become a hotbed of research in recent years, has shown that natural products are rich in therapeutic means, and multi-targets, with fewer adverse effects. Natural products have shown promise in treating UC in numerous basic and clinical trials over the past few years. This paper describes the regulatory role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in UC and the mechanism of recent natural products targeting NLRP3 against UC, which provides a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease.

Description of a new species of the subgenus Tachycines (Tachycines) (Rhaphidophoridae: Aemodogryllinae: Aemodogryllini) from Guizhou, China.

In this study, we identify and describe a new species of the subgenus Tachycines (Tachycines), namely Tachycines (Tachycines) nigrocorporis sp. nov., which was collected from Guizhou Province, China, bringing the species number of this subgenus to twenty-two. The morphological differentiation between this new species and other species of Tachycines (Tachycines) is discussed. The morphological photographs of the new species are provided.

VvSUN may act in the auxin pathway to regulate fruit shape in grape.

Fruit shape is an essential agronomic feature in many crops. We identified and functionally characterized an auxin pathway-related gene, VvSUN. VvSUN, which belongs to the SUN/IQ67-DOMAIN (IQD) family, localizes to the plasma membrane and chloroplast and may be involved in controlling fruit shape through auxin. It is highly expressed in the ovary, and the expression level 1 week before the anthesis stage is positively correlated with the fruit shape index. Functional analyses illustrated that VvSUN gene overexpression in tomato and tobacco plants changed fruit/pod shape. The VvSUN promoter directly bound to VvARF6 in yeast and activated ß-glucuronidase (GUS) activity by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatments in grapevine leaves, indicating that VvSUN functions are in coordination with auxin. Further analysis of 35S::VvSUN transgenic tomato ovaries showed that the fruit shape changes caused by VvSUN were predominantly caused by variations in cell number in longitudinal directions by regulating endogenous auxin levels via polar transport and/or auxin signal transduction process variations. Moreover, enrichment of the 35S::VvSUN transgenic tomato differentially expressed genes was found in a variety of biological processes, including primary metabolic process, transmembrane transport, calcium ion binding, cytoskeletal protein binding, tubulin binding, and microtubule-based movement. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we confirmed that this plant hormone signal transduction may play a crucial role in controlling fruit shape. As a consequence, it is possible that VvSUN acts as a hub gene, altering cellular auxin levels and the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, which plays a role in cell division patterns, leading to anisotropic growth of the ovary and, ultimately, an elongated fruit shape.

From helices to superhelices: hierarchical assembly of homochiral van der Waals 1D coordination polymers.

Chiral transcription from the molecular level to the macroscopic level by self-organization has been a topic of considerable interest for mimicking biological systems. Homochiral coordination polymers (CPs) are intriguing systems that can be applied in the construction of artificial helical architectures, but they have scarcely been explored to date. Herein, we propose a new strategy for the generation of superhelices of 1D CPs by introducing flexible cyclohexyl groups on the side chains to simultaneously induce interchain van der Waals interactions and chain misalignment due to conformer interconversion. Superhelices of S- or R-Tb(cyampH)3·3H2O (S-1H, R-1H) [cyampH2 = S- or R-(1-cyclohexylethyl)aminomethylphosphonic acid] were obtained successfully, the formation of which was found to follow a new type of "chain-twist-growth" mechanism that had not been described previously. The design strategy used in this work may open a new and general route to the hierarchical assembly and synthesis of helical CP materials.

Differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by single-shot echo-planar imaging diffusion-weighted imaging.

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic ability of single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to differentiate between malignant and benign pancreatic lesions. METHODS: A computerized search was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to August 2014. Nine studies (10 sets of data) with a total of 304 malignant pancreatic lesions and 188 benign pancreatic lesions were included. The characteristics of each study included the study name, year of publication, magnetic resonance modalities used, patient population, strength of field, pulse time, repetition time, echo time (TE), maximum b factor, mean age, mean body weight, fat suppression, number of benign and malignant lesions, and true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative results. All analyses were performed using Meta-DiSc and Stata 11.0. RESULTS: The pooled sensitivity and specificity of single-shot EPI DWI were 0.83 (95%CI: 0.79-0.87) and 0.77 (95%CI: 0.70-0.83), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 5.09 (95%CI: 2.19-11.84) and 0.23 (95%CI: 0.15-0.36), respectively. The P value for the χ(2) heterogeneity for all pooled estimates was < 0.05. From the fitted summary receiver operating characteristic curve, the area under the curve and Q* index were 0.89 and 0.82, respectively. Publication bias was not present (t = 0.58, P = 0.58). Meta-regression analysis indicated that fat suppression, mean age, TE, and maximum b factor were not sources of heterogeneity (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Single-shot EPI DWI is useful to differentiate between malignant and benign pancreatic lesions. Lesion size ≥ 2 cm is the limit for the diagnosis of early lesions.

[Cometabolic transformation of high concentrations of 4-chlorophenol in an immobilized cell hollow fiber membrane bioreactor].

Pseudomonas putida grown suspendedly can cometabolize 4-chlorophenol (4-CP)in the presence of phenol (growth substrate). However, cometabolization process cannot be maintained due to the high toxicity of phenol and 4-CP to cells when the initial concentrations of phenol and 4-CP were 120 mg/L and 600 mg/L, respectively. Cells can degrade phenol and 4-CP at high concentrations after immobilization in hollow fiber membrane bioreactors. Even when the initial concentrations of phenol and 4-CP were 200 mg/L and 1000 mg/L, the substrates were completely biotransformed with in 34 hours. Different from free suspension cells, immobilized cells were protected by the hollow fiber membranes due to mass transfer limitation in the membranes. The cells can grow and degraded high concentration substrates.