Exploring the relationship between rearing system and carcass traits of Danzhou chicken: a microbial perspective.

This study investigated the effects of free-range (FR) and cage-rearing (CR) systems on intestinal health, carcass traits, and microbial diversity in the Danzhou chicken breed. Two groups of 125 hens in each group, aged 42 wk, were reared under FR and CR systems. At 50 wk, 50 hens from each group were randomly selected for carcass analysis and 10 hens for intestinal morphology and microbiota profiling. Results indicated a significant increase in villus height (VH) in the duodenum (P < 0.05), jejunum (P < 0.01), and ileum (P < 0.001) of the CR group. Additionally, the ratio of VH to crypt depth (VR) significantly (P < 0.001) increased in the jejunum, while crypt depth (CD) decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the same section in the CR group. Carcass traits, including dress weight (DW), eviscerated with giblet weight (EGW), eviscerated weight (EW), and leg muscle weight (LW) significantly improved (P < 0.05) in the CR group. Microbial diversity showed significant ß-diversity differences, with Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Oxalobacteraceae as dominant biomarkers in the CR group. Conversely, Actinomycetaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Eubacterium, Actinomyces, Scardovia, and Lachnospiraceae were dominant in the FG group. Correlation analysis showed duodenum Lactobacillus was positively correlated with VH (P < 0.05), EW (P < 0.05), and LW (P < 0.001). Jejunum Lactobacillus was positively correlated considerably with VH (P < 0.01), VR (P < 0.05), DW (P < 0.05), EGW (P < 0.01), and LW (P < 0.001). Ileum Lactobacillus was positively correlated with EGW (P < 0.01), EW (P < 0.05), and LW (P < 0.01). Aeriscardovia in duodenum was positively (P < 0.01) associated with EGW. Enterococcus in the duodenum was positively (P < 0.05) associated with EGW and in Jejunum positively correlated with VH (P < 0.05) and VR (P < 0.01). The study concludes that cage rearing improves intestinal health, carcass traits, and microbial diversity in Danzhou chickens, with Lactobacillus and Enterococcus playing key roles.

Ligustilide Inhibits the PI3K/AKT Signalling Pathway and Suppresses Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion.

BACKGROUND: Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine, has gained widespread recognition for its antitumor properties. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether ligustilide (LIG), which is extracted from this plant, can effectively inhibit tumors. OBJECTIVE: We delved into the impact of LIG on cholangiocarcinoma cells, aiming to unravel the mechanisms underlying its effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cholangiocarcinoma cells (HuccT1 and RBE) were exposed to varying concentrations of LIG (2, 5, 10, 15, 20 µg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h. After identifying differentially expressed genes, stable transcription strains were utilized to explore LIG's antitumor mechanism. The inhibitory effects of LIG (5 µg/mL, 48 h) were assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell migration, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, experiments in NOG mice (Ac, Ac+LIG; five per group) evaluated LIG's antiproliferative efficacy (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, 18-day period). RESULTS: LIG significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration with IC50 5.08 and 5.77 µg/mL in HuccT1 and RBE cell lines at 48h, increased the expression of E-cadherin while decreased N-cadherin and the protein of PI3K/AKT pathway. Silenced NDRG1 (N-Myc downstream- regulated gene 1) attenuated these effects. In vivo, the AC+LIG group (LIG, 5 mg/kg, qd, 18 d) exhibited smaller tumor volumes compared to the Ac group. The expression of Ki-67 was significantly downregulated in the AC+LIG group. CONCLUSION: For the first time, our study has revealed that LIG holds therapeutic potential for treating cholangiocarcinoma. These findings hold promise for advancing innovative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. LIG may serve as a useful patent for treating CCA.

Conserved moonlighting protein pyruvate dehydrogenase induces robust protection against Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Developing an effective Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) vaccine has been a challenging endeavor, as demonstrated by numerous failed clinical trials over the years. In this study, we formulated a vaccine containing a highly conserved moonlighting protein, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2 subunit (PDHC), and showed that it induced strong protective immunity against epidemiologically relevant staphylococcal strains in various murine disease models. While antibody responses contributed to bacterial control, they were not essential for protective immunity in the bloodstream infection model. Conversely, vaccine-induced systemic immunity relied on γδ T cells. It has been suggested that prior S. aureus exposure may contribute to the reduction of vaccine efficacy. However, PDHC-induced protective immunity still facilitated bacterial clearance in mice previously exposed to S. aureus. Collectively, our findings indicate that PDHC is a promising serotype-independent vaccine candidate effective against both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates.

Microvascular structural changes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma pathology according to intrapapillary capillary loop types under magnifying endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) characteristics, visualized using magnifying endoscopy, are commonly assessed for preoperative evaluation of the infiltration depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Japan Esophageal Society (JES) classification is the most widely used classification. Microvascular structural changes are evaluated by magnifying endoscopy for the presence or absence of each morphological factor: tortuosity, dilatation, irregular caliber, and different shapes. However, the pathological characteristics of IPCLs have not been thoroughly investigated, especially the microvascular structures corresponding to the deepest parts of the lesions' infiltration. AIM: To investigate differences in pathological microvascular structures of ESCC, which correspond to the deepest parts of the lesions' infiltration. METHODS: Patients with ESCC and precancerous lesions diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled between January 2019 and April 2023. Patients first underwent magnified endoscopic examination, followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment. Pathological images were scanned using a three-dimensional slice scanner, and the pathological structural differences in different types, according to the JES classification, were analyzed using nonparametric tests and t-tests. RESULTS: The 35 lesions were divided into four groups according to the JES classification: A, B1, B2, and B3. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences (a P < 0.05) in the short and long calibers, area, location, and density between types A and B. Notably, there were no significant differences in these parameters between types B1 and B2 and between types B2 and B3 (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in the short calibers, long calibers, and area of IPCL were observed between types B1 and B3 (a P < 0.05); no significant differences were found in the density or location (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pathological structures of IPCLs in the deepest infiltrating regions differ among various IPCL types classified by the JES classification under magnifying endoscopy, especially between the types A and B.

Soil Erosion Thickness and Seasonal Variations Together Drive Soil Nitrogen Dynamics at the Early Stage of Vegetation Restoration in the Dry-Hot Valley.

By changing the physicochemical and biological properties of soil, erosion profoundly affects soil nitrogen levels, but knowledge about the erosion impact on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics is still rather incomplete. We compared soil N contents at the early stage of vegetation self-restoration in response to soil erosion thickness (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 cm), by conducting a simulated erosion experiment on sloping arable land in the dry-hot valley of Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The results showed total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) contents reduced with increasing soil erosion thickness and decreased significantly at the soil erosion thickness of 10, 40 and 10 cm in the rainy season and 30, 10 and 10 cm in the dry season compared with 0 cm. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that soil erosion thickness and seasonal variation were the important drivers of mineral nitrogen (NH4+-N and NO3--N) content. Soil erosion thickness indirectly affected mineral nitrogen through negative on TN, carbon content and Diazotrophs (nifH genes). Dry-wet season change had an effect on mineral nitrogen mediated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nifH genes. We also found AMF had a promotion to nifH genes in eroded soil, which can be expected to benefit nitrogen fixing. Our findings highlight the importance of considering soil erosion thickness and sampling time for nitrogen dynamics, in particular, the investigation of nitrogen limitation, in the early stage of vegetation self-restoration.

Advancements in NMN biotherapy and research updates in the field of digestive system diseases.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a crucial intermediate in NAD + synthesis, can rapidly transform into NAD + within the body after ingestion. NMN plays a pivotal role in several important biological processes, including energy metabolism, cellular aging, circadian rhythm regulation, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, immunity, and inflammation. NMN has emerged as a key focus of research in the fields of biomedicine, health care, and food science. Recent years have witnessed extensive preclinical studies on NMN, offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of age- and aging-related diseases. Given the sustained global research interest in NMN and the substantial market expectations for the future, here, we comprehensively review the milestones in research on NMN biotherapy over the past 10 years. Additionally, we highlight the current research on NMN in the field of digestive system diseases, identifying existing problems and challenges in the field of NMN research. The overarching aim of this review is to provide references and insights for the further exploration of NMN within the spectrum of digestive system diseases.

Structural characterization and screening of chemical markers of alkaloids in Aconiti lateralis radix Praeparata and its processed products by UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS and GNPS combining multivariate statistical methods based on the clinic.

RATIONAL: Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (AC) is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of use. However, the current research on the material basis of AC and its processed products is still not comprehensive, especially the changes in lipo-diterpenoid alkaloids (LDAs) that can be hydrolyzed into diester-diterpenoid alkaloids in AC before and after processing. This study aimed to provide material basis guidance for the clinical use of AC and its processed products by comprehensively analyzing the changes in substances between AC and its processed products. METHODS: An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS) approach was optimized to chemical profiling. The MS data were processed using molecular networking combined with the in-house library database to fast characterize the compounds. Multivariate statistical methods were adopted to determine the dissimilarities of components in AC and its processed products. RESULTS: A total of 310 compounds were tentatively identified from AC, including 109 potential new alkaloids, of which 98 were potential novel LPAs. A metabolomics approach was applied to find the characteristic marker components. As a result, 52 potential chemical markers were selected to distinguish the AC samples of different extraction methods and 42 potential chemical markers for differentiating between AC and its processed products were selected. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS and Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking coupled with multivariate analysis strategies was a powerful tool to rapidly identify and screen the chemical markers of alkaloids between the AC samples and its processed products. These results also indicate that the toxicity of water extracts of AC and its processed products were decreased. This research not only guides the clinical safe use of AC and its processed products, but also extends the application of the molecular networking strategy in traditional herbal medicine.

Research progress of ectopic thyroid cancer in thyroglossal duct cyst: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Thyroglossal duct carcinoma, a rare clinical condition characterized by ectopic thyroid adenocarcinoma within thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs), typically confirmed through intraoperative rapid pathology, this condition generally has a favorable prognosis. Nevertheless, comprehensive treatment guidelines across all disease stages are lacking, the purpose of this study is to report 1 case of the disease and propose the treatment plan for each stage of the disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A patient presented with thyroid swelling, classified as C-TIRADS 4A following a physical examination. Preoperative thyroid puncture identified papillary thyroid carcinoma, and genetic testing revealed a BRAF gene exon 15-point mutation. Ancillary tests showed a slightly decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level (0.172) with no other significant abnormalities. DIAGNOSES: Preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed right-side thyroid cancer. Intraoperative exploration uncovered a TGDC and intraoperative rapid pathology confirmed thyroglossal duct carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: A Sistrunk operation and ipsilateral thyroidectomy were performed. OUTCOMES: Postoperative recovery was satisfactory. LESSONS: Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is a rare disease affecting the neck. Due to limited clinical cases and the favorable prognosis associated with this condition, there is currently no established set of diagnostic and treatment guidelines. According to tumor size, lymph node metastasis, thyroid status and other factors, the corresponding treatment methods were established for each stage of thyroglossal duct cancer, which laid the foundation for the subsequent treatment development of this disease.

Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis after traumatic brain injury.

Background: Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) plays a vital role in the inflammatory response during cerebral ischaemia. However, the potential role and regulatory mechanism of eCIRP in traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain unclear. Here, we explored the effect of eCIRP on the development of TBI using a neural-specific CIRP knockout (KO) mouse model to determine the contribution of eCIRP to TBI-induced neuronal injury and to discover novel therapeutic targets for TBI. Methods: TBI animal models were generated in mice using the fluid percussion injury method. Microglia or neuron lines were subjected to different drug interventions. Histological and functional changes were observed by immunofluorescence and neurobehavioural testing. Apoptosis was examined by a TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay in vivo or by an annexin-V assay in vitro. Ultrastructural alterations in the cells were examined via electron microscopy. Tissue acetylation alterations were identified by non-labelled quantitative acetylation via proteomics. Protein or mRNA expression in cells and tissues was determined by western blot analysis or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the serum and supernatants were measured via enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: There were closely positive correlations between eCIRP and inflammatory mediators, and between eCIRP and TBI markers in human and mouse serum. Neural-specific eCIRP KO decreased hemispheric volume loss and neuronal apoptosis and alleviated glial cell activation and neurological function damage after TBI. In contrast, eCIRP treatment resulted in endoplasmic reticulum disruption and ER stress (ERS)-related death of neurons and enhanced inflammatory mediators by glial cells. Mechanistically, we noted that eCIRP-induced neural apoptosis was associated with the activation of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-C/EBP homologous protein signalling pathway, and that eCIRP-induced microglial inflammation was associated with histone H3 acetylation and the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Conclusions: These results suggest that TBI obviously enhances the secretion of eCIRP, thereby resulting in neural damage and inflammation in TBI. eCIRP may be a biomarker of TBI that can mediate the apoptosis of neuronal cells through the ERS apoptotic pathway and regulate the inflammatory response of microglia via histone modification.

The causal relationship between obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation: a study based on mediated Mendelian randomization.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that is associated with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Obesity and OSA may increase the risk of AF by affecting cardiovascular health. Methods: The study used the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, combined with two-sample and multivariable analyses, to assess the relationships between obesity, OSA, and AF. The study utilized GWAS data and applied various statistical methods for the analysis. Results: The study found that obesity increased the risk of OSA, which in turn significantly increased the risk of AF. Through mediating MR analysis, it was found that OSA played a certain role in the causal relationship between obesity and AF, with about 6.4% of the risk of AF being mediated by OSA. Conclusion: This study highlights the relationships among obesity, OSA, and AF, providing useful guidance for future clinical researches.

The Influence of Precipitated Particles on the Grain Size in Cold-Rolled Al-Mn Alloy Foils upon Annealing at 100-550 °C.

The Al-Mn alloy heat exchanger fin production process includes a brazing treatment at s high temperature of 600 °C, in which coarse grains are preferred for their high resistance to deformation at elevated temperatures by decreasing the grain boundary sliding. In this study, Al-1.57Mn-1.57Zn-0.58Si-0.17Fe alloy foils cold rolled by 81.7% (1.1 mm in thickness) and 96.5% (0.21 mm in thickness) were annealed at 100-550 °C for 1 h to investigate their recrystallization behavior, grain sizes, and precipitates by increasing the annealing temperature, using micro-hardness measurement, electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The micro-hardness results showed that the recrystallization finishing temperatures for the two samples were almost the same, 323 ± 2 °C. The EBSD results showed that when the annealing temperature decreased from 550 to 400 °C, the recrystallized grain sizes of the two samples were nearly identical-both increased slightly. Further decreasing the annealing temperature from 400 to 330 °C caused the grain sizes to increase more, with the thinner foil sample having a more significant increase. The SEM and TEM observations showed that the micron-sized primary-phase remained unchanged during the annealing process. The nano-sized secondary phase precipitates formed during the hot-rolling process experienced a coarsening and dissolving process upon annealing. The particle size of the secondary phase increased from 32 nm to 44 nm and the area fraction decreased from 4.2% to 3.8%. The nucleation analysis confirmed that the large primary-phase could act as a nucleation site through particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) mode. The relatively dense secondary phase precipitates with small sizes at lower temperatures could provide higher Zener drag to the grain boundaries, leading to fewer nuclei and thereafter coarser grains. The coarsening of the recrystallized grains in the foils could be implemented through thickness reduction and/or precipitation processes to form densely distributed nano-sized precipitates.

Assessing energy saving potential of wavelength-dependent passive daytime radiative cooler implemented with EnergyPlus by a roof model.

The Passive Daytime Radiative Cooler (PDRC) exhibits potential in enhancing building energy conservation due to its high emissivity in wavelength between 8 µm and 13 µm. However, current building energy simulation programs, e.g., EnergyPlus, generally adopt a constant emissivity. To implement the wavelength-dependent PDRC model into EnergyPlus, a roof model was introduced to couple it with EnergyPlus to assess the energy saving potential of PDRC more reasonably. To assess the PDRC roofs, the impact of buildings constructed in different eras, building heights, and climatic conditions in China on building energy saving was investigated. The results showed that more energy was saved in regions with high cooling demands e.g., Shanghai and Guangzhou. Applying PDRC on roofs of buildings constructed pre 2001 in severe cold regions increased building energy consumptions. Furthermore, buildings with well insulated roofs coated by PDRC were not equally beneficial for reducing cooling demands in summer compared to buildings with non-insulated roofs, but heating demands in winter could be reduced. With an increase in building height, the energy saving potential of PDRC roofs was reduced. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis was imperative considering the local climates as well as the building itself when PDRC is to be applied.

Preliminary investigation on the analysis of the whole components of Pogejiuxin decoction and its formulation pattern based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

RATIONAL: Pogejiuxin decoction (PGJXD) is one of the most important formulas for the treatment of heart failure. However, there is a great lack of research on the material basis of this formula, especially research on its compatibility laws, which restricts its clinical use. Studying the complete ingredients and compatibility rules of PGJXD has great significance for guiding clinical medication. METHODS: The entire formula, the major single herbs, the drug pairs and the disassembled formula were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOFMS/MS), matching the chemical composition database and global natural product social molecular networking to explain the chemical composition as well as the combination pattern of PGJXD. RESULTS: A total of 1048 chemical constituents were fully analyzed from the major single herbs, the drug pairs and the disassembled formula and 188 chemical constituents, including 13 potential novel compounds, were firstly identified from the whole formula. We found that the chemical compositions were reduced after the single herbs were matched to the other herbs, especially the significant reduction of highly toxic diester alkaloids after compatibility, indicating that the medicines of PGJXD were interdependent and controlled by each other. CONCLUSION: This study innovatively researches and compares the compositional differences between the entire formula of PGJXD, the single, paired and separated formulas, greatly extending our understanding of the chemical substance basis of these compounds, and preliminarily explores the compatibility laws of PGJXD, providing some theoretical guidance for clinical medication.

3D Temperature-Controlled Interchangeable Pattern for Size-Selective Nanoparticle Capture.

Patterned surfaces with distinct regularity and structured arrangements have attracted great interest due to their extensive promising applications. Although colloidal patterning has conventionally been used to create such surfaces, herein, we introduce a novel 3D patterned poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) surface, synthesized by using a combination of colloidal templating and surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization. In order to investigate the temperature-driven 3D morphological variations at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of ∼32 °C, multifaceted characterization techniques were employed. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the morphological transformations at 20 and 40 °C, while water contact angle measurements, upon heating, revealed distinct trends, offering insights into the correlation between surface wettability and topography adaptations. Moreover, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and electrochemical measurements were employed to detect the topographical adjustments of the unique hollow capsule structure within the LCST. Tests using different sizes of PSNPs shed light on the size-selective capture-release potential of the patterned PNIPAM, accentuating its biomimetic open-close behavior. Notably, our approach negates the necessity for expensive proteins, harnessing temperature adjustments to facilitate the noninvasive and efficient reversible capture and release of nanostructures. This advancement hopes to pave the way for future innovative cellular analysis platforms.

Analysis of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of fetal meconium peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to improve diagnostic and therapeutic standards by examining the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of fetal meconium peritonitis (FMP), as well as the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for FMP. METHODS: The clinical data of 41 infants and pregnant women diagnosed with meconium peritonitis (MP) and treated at the Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2013 to January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical data, imaging data, complications, treatment strategies, pregnancy outcomes, neonatal prognoses, and follow-up outcomes were all analyzed. RESULTS: The MP prenatal diagnosis rate was 56.1% (23/41), the neonatal surgery rate was 53.7% (22/41), and the survival rate was 85.4% (35/41). Intraperitoneal calcification (23 pregnant women, 56.1%), intestinal dilatation (13 pregnant women, 31.7%), peritoneal effusion (22 pregnant women, 53.7%), intraperitoneal pseudocyst (7 pregnant women, 17.1%), and polyhydramnios were diagnosed via prenatal ultrasound (18 pregnant women, 43.9%). Twenty-two pregnant women were assigned to the surgical treatment (operation) group, while 18 were assigned to the conservative treatment group. In the operation group, there were 9 cases of ileal atresia (40.9%), 7 cases of jejunal atresia (31.8%), 2 cases of atresia at the jejunum-ileum junction (9.1%), 2 cases of ileal perforation (9.1%), 1 case of ileal necrosis (4.5%), and 1 case of adhesive obstruction (4.5%). There was no statistically significant difference (p > .05) in the occurrence of various prenatal ultrasound findings by etiology. CONCLUSION: Multiple prenatal ultrasound markers have been identified for MP. To improve the efficacy of newborn treatment for FMP and reduce neonatal mortality, dynamic monitoring of ultrasound image alterations and strengthened integrated perinatal management are necessary.

To Draw a Detailed Map for Maxillofacial Fast-Flow Vascular Diseases With the Combination of Color Doppler Ultrasound and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography.

Vascular diseases, such as vascular malformations and hemangiomas, are often classified into "fast-flow" and "slow-flow" based on their internal blood velocity. Fast-flow vascular diseases of maxillofacial regions are a kind of complicated and dangerous pathological changes originating from or containing arteries, their treatment is often complex and different from disease to disease, and large amounts of intraoperative blood loss and poor operation field may cause side injury or other problems without a detailed map of the lesion. The authors use the combination of color Doppler ultrasound and three-dimensional computed tomography angiography to diagnose and classify 36 cases of maxillofacial fast-flow vascular diseases, from January 2018 to December 2022 presented in the authors' department. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography can display the location, type, and blood supply of lesions, whereas color Doppler ultrasound has unique advantages in identifying some special lesions (such as the colorful images of orificium fistulaes and the "Yin-yang sign" of pseudoaneurysms), then projecting and marking them on the body surface, which greatly facilitate the surgical procedure. This cost-effective and noninvasive combination shows significant clinical application value.

Structure and optical limiting effects of heterometallic Ag6@Ti12 and Ag8@Ti12 oxo clusters regulated by alkynyl ligands.

Heterometallic Ag6@Ti12 and Ag8@Ti12 oxo clusters were prepared through a strategy of protecting polynuclear silver cores by a hollow Ti-O module. The introduction of alkyne ligands has shown significant influence on their structures and optical limiting effects.

Circ_0068481 Affects the Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells' Progression by miR-361-3p/KLF5 Axis.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this work, we defined the precise part of circ_0068481 in PASMC proliferation and migration induced by hypoxia. We hypothesized that circ_0068481 enhanced hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration through the microRNA (miR)-361-3p/Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) pathway. METHODS: Human PASMCs (hPASMCs) were exposed to hypoxic (3% O2) conditions. Circ_0068481, miR-361-3p, and KLF5 levels were gauged by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration were detected by XTT, EdU incorporation, transwell, and wound-healing assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to confirm the direct relationship between miR-361-3p and circ_0068481 or KLF5. RESULTS: Circ_0068481 expression was increased in the serum of PAH patients and hypoxia-induced hPASMCs. Downregulation of circ_0068481 attenuated hypoxia-induced promotion in hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration. Circ_0068481 directly targeted miR-361-3p, and miR-361-3p downregulation reversed the inhibitory effects of circ_0068481 silencing on hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration. KLF5 was a direct miR-361-3p target, and miR-361-3p upregulation mitigated hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting KLF5 expression. Moreover, circ_0068481-induced KLF5 expression by binding to miR-361-3p in hypoxic hPASMCs. CONCLUSIONS: Circ_0068481 knockdown ameliorated hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration at least in part through the miR-361-3p/KLF5 axis.

Value of transvaginal ultrasound combined with 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To compare the value of transvaginal ultrasound, 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning alone and in combination for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, so as to provide insights into early screening of ectopic pregnancy. Methods This study enrolled a total of 130 patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy admitted to Dachuan People’s Hospital in Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, China between February 2019 and December 2022. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination and 3.0T MRI scanning. The consistency of transvaginal ultrasound and 3.0T MRI with clinical diagnostic results was evaluated with surgical pathology or clinical follow-up results as the golden standards. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and 3.0T MRI, alone and in combination, were compared for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Results Of the 130 patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy, 108 cases were confirmed with ectopic pregnancy by surgical pathology, and 22 cases were confirmed without ectopic pregnancy by clinical follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound were 85.19% (92/108), 54.55% (12/22), and 80.00% (104/130), respectively, with 0.358 consistency with clinical diagnostic results. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3.0T MRI were 92.59% (100/108), 81.81% (18/22), and 90.77% (118/130), respectively, with 0.694 consistency with clinical diagnostic results. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound combined with 3.0T MRI were 98.15% (106/108), 72.73% (16/22), and 93.85% (122/130), respectively, with 0.764 consistency with clinical diagnostic results. In addition, the sensitivity and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound combined with 3.0T MRI were significantly higher than transvaginal ultrasound alone for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (χ2 = 11.88 and 10.96, both P < 0.01). Conclusion Transvaginal ultrasound combined with 3.0T MRI may provide more diagnostic information for ectopic pregnancy, and is highly consistent with the clinical diagnostic results. In addition, transvaginal ultrasound combined with 3.0T MRI improves the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for ectopic pregnancy than transvaginal ultrasound alone.

Amelioration of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by fermented Lycium barbarum polysaccharides through modulation of intestinal microecology / 中国药科大学学报

@#Abstract: To explore the mechanism of the intestinal microecology regulation by polysaccharide prebiotics, ELISA, histopathologic analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were applied to investigate the effects of fermented polysaccharides on changes in the intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model and their relationship with the level of intestinal inflammation and barrier protein expression. It was found that fermented Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (FLBP) significantly reduced intestinal inflammation level, improved colonic tissue structure, up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-1 and ZO-1, and significantly increased the content of intestinal SCFAs in mice. Gut bacteria analyses showed that FLBP enriched intestinal Dubosiella and Akkermansia in mice and decreased the abundance of Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, and Escherichia-Shigella. Results showed that remodeled Dubosiella activated by FLBP played a dominant role in ameliorating colitis by significantly increasing SCFAs content, improving intestinal barrier and reducing intestinal inflammation. The study aimed to provide a safer and better option for the amelioration of colitis and to provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods with FLBP.