Dynamic memristor for physical reservoir computing.

Reservoir computing (RC) has attracted considerable attention for its efficient handling of temporal signals and lower training costs. As a nonlinear dynamic system, RC can map low-dimensional inputs into high-dimensional spaces and implement classification using a simple linear readout layer. The memristor exhibits complex dynamic characteristics due to its internal physical processes, which renders them an ideal choice for the implementation of physical reservoir computing (PRC) systems. This review focuses on PRC systems based on memristors, explaining the resistive switching mechanism at the device level and emphasizing the tunability of their dynamic behavior. The development of memristor-based reservoir computing systems is highlighted, along with discussions on the challenges faced by this field and potential future research directions.

Effects of Etanercept on Experimental Osteoarthritis in Rats: Role of Histone Deacetylases.

OBJECTIVE: Mounting evidence suggests that histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors reduce cartilage destruction in animal models of osteoarthritis (OA). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-blocking treatment for OA may provide effective joint protection by slowing joint damage. To investigate the effects of intraperitoneal administration of etanercept (a TNF-α inhibitor) on OA development in rats and changes in the nociceptive behavior of rats and expression of HDACs, RUNX2, and MMP13 in cartilage. METHODS: Induction of OA in Wistar rats was accomplished through anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). One or five milligrams (mg) of etanercept was administered intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive weeks after ACLT to the ACLT + etanercept (1 and 5 mg/kg) groups. Nociceptive behavior and changes in knee joint width were analyzed. Cartilage was evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: ACLT + etanercept significantly improved mechanical allodynia and weight-bearing distribution compared to ACLT alone. In OA rats treated with etanercept, cartilage degeneration and synovitis were significantly less pronounced than those in ACLT rats. OA-affected cartilage also showed reduced expression of HDAC 6, 7, RUNX-2, and MMP-13 in response to etanercept but increased expression of HDAC4. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that etanercept therapy (1) attenuated the development of OA and synovitis in rats, (2) reduced nociception, and (3) regulated chondrocyte metabolism, possibly by inhibiting cell HDAC6 and HDAC7, RUNX2, and MMP13 and increasing HDAC4 expression. Based on new evidence, etanercept may have therapeutic potential in OA.

Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in erectile dysfunction (ED): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition in aging men. Meanwhile, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an emerging treatment alternative, has demonstrated potential in mitigating symptoms associated with ED. Our research aimed to explore the safety and effectiveness of employing PRP as a treatment strategy for ED. Methods: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols, our research involved a thorough search across multiple databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. To assess the methodological rigor of the studies selected, we applied the modified Jadad scale and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) scale as evaluation tools. Subsequent to these evaluations, data analysis was conducted. Results: Our analysis included seven non-randomized studies and three randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies showed that the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) scores improved significantly after 1, 3, and 6 months of PRP treatment, with increases of 4.05 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.42, 5.68; P<0.001], 3.73 (95% CI: 2.93, 4.53; P<0.001), and 3.92 (95% CI: 3.00, 4.85; P<0.001) respectively, compared to the baseline scores. Additionally, compared to the placebo group, the PRP group showed significantly higher IIEF-EF scores. PRP treatment also had a beneficial impact on minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and peak systolic velocity (PSV). However, no significant differences were found between the PRP and placebo groups in terms of erectile hardness score (EHS) [mean difference (MD) =0.63; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.99; P<0.001] or visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (MD =0.24; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.54; P=0.11). Conclusions: Our study results demonstrated significant efficacy and safety of PRP in treating ED. Due to the fact that most of the literature we included was single-arm studies, it was imperative for future research to provide higher-quality evidence for validation.

Identification of male schizophrenia patients using brain morphology based on machine learning algorithms.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disease, and its prevalence is higher. However, diagnosis of early-stage schizophrenia is still considered a challenging task. AIM: To employ brain morphological features and machine learning method to differentiate male individuals with schizophrenia from healthy controls. METHODS: The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and t tests were applied to select important features from structural magnetic resonance images as input features for classification. Four commonly used machine learning algorithms, the general linear model, random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors, and support vector machine algorithms, were used to develop the classification models. The performance of the classification models was evaluated according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 8 important features with significant differences between groups were considered as input features for the establishment of classification models based on the four machine learning algorithms. Compared to other machine learning algorithms, RF yielded better performance in the discrimination of male schizophrenic individuals from healthy controls, with an AUC of 0.886. CONCLUSION: Our research suggests that brain morphological features can be used to improve the early diagnosis of schizophrenia in male patients.

Assessing Functional Recovery of Eupneic Diaphragm Activity Following Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Following cSCI, activation of the DIAm can be impacted depending on the extent of the injury. The present manuscript describes a unilateral C2 hemisection (C2SH) model of cSCI that disrupts eupneic ipsilateral diaphragm (iDIAm) electromyographic (EMG) activity during breathing in rats. To evaluate recovery of DIAm motor control, the extent of deficit due to C2SH must first be clearly established. By verifying a complete initial loss of iDIAm EMG during breathing, subsequent recovery can be classified as either absent or present, and the extent of recovery can be estimated using the EMG amplitude. Additionally, by measuring the continued absence of iDIAm EMG activity during breathing after the acute spinal shock period following C2SH, the success of the initial C2SH may be validated. Measuring contralateral diaphragm (cDIAm) EMG activity can provide information about the compensatory effects of C2SH, which also reflects neuroplasticity. Moreover, DIAm EMG recordings from awake animals can provide vital physiological information about the motor control of the DIAm after C2SH. This article describes a method for a rigorous, reproducible, and reliable C2SH model of cSCI in rats, which is an excellent platform for studying respiratory neuroplasticity, compensatory cDIAm activity, and therapeutic strategies and pharmaceuticals.

Constituents from Dendrobium aphyllum: Bibenzyls, furfurals, phenanthrenes, and phenylpropanoids and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials.

Chemical investigation on the aqueous extract of Dendrobium aphyllum led to the isolation of thirty-one constituents with structures identified by analysis of the extensive spectroscopic data (1D/2D NMR, MS, UV, and ECD), including previously undescribed two bibenzyls, one furfural, and one phenolic acid, namely trigonopol D (1), trigonopol C (2), dendrofunan A (10), and 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3,6-dioxohexyl acetate (30), respectively, as well as twenty-seven known ones. Among them, there were one new natural product (11), seven compounds (6-7, 9, 12, 20, 28, 31) described from the genus Dendrobium for the first time, and fifteen compounds (8, 13-17, 19, 21-27, 29) isolated from D. aphyllum for the first time. Further, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of fifteen compounds (4-5, 8, 11-12, 14-19, 22, 24, 26, and 29) with significant scavenging capacities against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, and virtual docking activities inhibiting COX-2 and 5-LOX, respectively. Our study may draw the attention of medicinal plant taxonomists and supply potential quality markers for discrimination of D. aphyllum from other species in Dendrobium genus.

Genetic and clinical characteristics of acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia with MEF2D fusions and report of two novel MEF2D rearrangements.

The MEF2D rearrangement is a recurrent chromosomal abnormality detected in approximately 2.4-5.3% of patients with acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Currently, MEF2D-rearranged B-ALL is not classified as an independent subtype in the WHO classification. Consequently, the clinical significance of MEF2D rearrangement in B-ALL remains largely unexplored. In this study, we retrospectively screened 260 B-ALL patients with RNA sequencing data collected between November 2018 and December 2022. Among these, 10 patients were identified with MEF2D rearrangements (4 with MEF2D::HNRNPUL1, 3 with MEF2D::BCL9, 1 with MEF2D::ARID1B, 1 with MEF2D::DAZAP1 and 1 with MEF2D::HNRNPM). Notably, HNRNPM and ARID1B are reported as MEF2D fusion partners for the first time. The patient with the MEF2D::HNRNPM fusion was resistant to chemotherapy and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and relapsed early after allogenic stem cell transplantation. The patient with MEF2D::ARID1B experienced early extramedullary relapse after diagnosis. All 10 patients achieved complete remission after induction chemotherapy. However, 9/10 (90%) of whom experienced relapse. Three of the 9 patients relapsed with aberrant expression of myeloid antigens. The median overall survival of these patients was only 11 months. This small cohort showed a high incidence of early relapse and short survival in patients with MEF2D rearrangements.

Singular dielectric nanolaser with atomic-scale field localization.

Compressing the optical field to the atomic scale opens up possibilities for directly observing individual molecules, offering innovative imaging and research tools for both physical and life sciences. However, the diffraction limit imposes a fundamental constraint on how much the optical field can be compressed, based on the achievable photon momentum1,2. In contrast to dielectric structures, plasmonics offer superior field confinement by coupling the light field with the oscillations of free electrons in metals3-6. Nevertheless, plasmonics suffer from inherent ohmic loss, leading to heat generation, increased power consumption and limitations on the coherence time of plasmonic devices7,8. Here we propose and demonstrate singular dielectric nanolasers showing a mode volume that breaks the optical diffraction limit. Derived from Maxwell's equations, we discover that the electric-field singularity sustained in a dielectric bowtie nanoantenna originates from divergence of momentum. The singular dielectric nanolaser is constructed by integrating a dielectric bowtie nanoantenna into the centre of a twisted lattice nanocavity. The synergistic integration surpasses the diffraction limit, enabling the singular dielectric nanolaser to achieve an ultrasmall mode volume of about 0.0005 λ3 (λ, free-space wavelength), along with an exceptionally small feature size at the 1-nanometre scale. To fabricate the required dielectric bowtie nanoantenna with a single-nanometre gap, we develop a two-step process involving etching and atomic deposition. Our research showcases the ability to achieve atomic-scale field localization in laser devices, paving the way for ultra-precise measurements, super-resolution imaging, ultra-efficient computing and communication, and the exploration of light-matter interactions within the realm of extreme optical field localization.

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery in patients with lymph node-positive bladder cancer or locally advanced (pT3, pT4a) bladder cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) on survival outcomes in patients with lymph node-positive bladder cancer or locally advanced (pT3, pT4a) bladder cancer after surgery. We also seek to identify which patients with pN+ bladder cancer are most likely to benefit from AC after radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: We searched databases including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify relevant literature published in English up to February 2024. We used Stata to compare various parameters. The study has been registered in PROSPERO. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were analyzed, including 1 randomized controlled trial, 6 prospective studies, and 14 retrospective studies, encompassing 12,888 patients. The meta-analysis showed that for patients with lymph node-positive bladder cancer, the adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) group had higher overall survival (OS) (I2=58.2%, HR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.83; P=0.019) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (I2=66.6%, HR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.57-0.89; P=0.006) compared to the radical cystectomy (RC) group. For patients with pT3 and pT4a bladder cancer, the AC group had higher overall survival (OS) (I2=57.3%, HR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.67-0.89; P=0.022) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (I2=47.2%, HR 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64-0.88; P=0.0048) compared to the RC group. At the same time, according to the different chemotherapy regimens, we divided the cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen and carboplatin based chemotherapy or other regimens into two subgroups for analysis, and found that the OS (I2=41.4%, HR 0.64; 95%CI: 0.51~0.80; P=0.000) was better than carboplatin and other chemotherapy regimens (I2=64.1%, HR 0.77; 95%CI: 069~0.86; P=0.000); Lymph node density (LND) was found to be an independent predictor of overall survival (HR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.31-1.95; P=0.0000). CONCLUSION: This study found that postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) improves overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with pT3, pT4a, It was also confirmed that cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen was more beneficial for patients with bladder cancer; and lymph node-positive bladder cancer. Additionally, our analysis revealed that patients with lymph node-positive bladder cancer benefit more from postoperative AC. It was further demonstrated that cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens are more beneficial than other regimens for patients with locally advanced bladder cancer.

The anti-angiogenic and anti-vasculogenic mimicry effects of GN25 in endothelial and glioma cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Scientists have been exploring anti-angiogenic strategies to inhibit angiogenesis and prevent tumor growth. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) poses a challenge, complicating anti-angiogenesis therapy. A novel drug, GN25 (3-[{1,4-dihydro-5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-dioxo-2-naphthalenyl}thio]-propanoic acid), can inhibit tumor formation. This study aims to investigate the microenvironmental effects and molecular mechanisms of GN25 in anti-angiogenesis and anti-VM. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to evaluate the cell viability of different concentrations of GN25 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and Uppsala 87 malignant glioma (U87MG) cells. Functional assays were used to investigate the effects of GN25 on angiogenesis-related processes, whereas gelatin zymography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and Western blotting were utilized to assess the influence on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and related signaling pathways. KEY RESULTS: GN25 suppressed migration, wound healing, and tube formation in HUVECs and disrupted angiogenesis in a rat aorta ring and zebrafish embryo model. GN25 dose-dependently reduced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT and inhibited MMP-2/VEGF secretion in HUVECs. In U87MG cells, GN25 inhibited migration, wound healing, and VM, accompanied by a decrease in MMP-2 and VEGF secretion. The results indicate that GN25 effectively inhibits angiogenesis and VM formation in HUVECs and U87MG cells without affecting preexisting vascular structures. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This study elaborated GN25's potential as an anti-angiogenic agent by elucidating its inhibitory effects on classical angiogenesis. VM provides valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies against tumor progression and angiogenesis-related diseases. These results indicate the potential of GN25 as a promising candidate for angiogenesis-related diseases.

[Characterization and identification of chemical components from Euodiae Fructus based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

A sensitive and efficient ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) approach was established. Based on the self-developed information library, the chemical components from Euodiae Fructus were systematically characterized and identified. The chromatographic separation conditions(e. g., stationary phase,mobile phase, column temperature, and elution gradient) and MS detection conditions(nozzle voltage, capillary voltage, fragmentor,and collision energy) were optimized. Ultimately, an HSS T3 column(2. 1 mm×100 mm, 1. 8 µm) maintained at 35 ℃ was used,and 0. 1% formic acid water-acetonitrile at the flow rate of 0. 4 m L·min~(-1) was used as the mobile phase. Electrospray ionization was adopted to collect the positive and negative ion mass spectrometry data in Auto MS/MS mode. According to the reference compound comparison, fragment ion information interpretation, literature, and retrieval in the self-developed information library, 92 compounds were characterized or derived from the decoction of Euodiae Fructus, including 33 alkaloids, 23 flavonoids, 12 terpenoids, 12phenylpropanoids, and 12 others. Among them, 17 compounds were identified by comparison with the reference compounds, and 11compounds were unreported from Euodiae Fructus. This study realizes the rapid characterization and identification of multi-class chemical components in the decoction of Euodiae Fructus and provides a reference for the studies regarding its effective substances and quality control.

Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin Attenuates Sorafenib-Induced Myocardial Inflammation and Toxicity.

Environmental antineoplastics such as sorafenib may pose a risk to humans through water recycling, and the increased risk of cardiotoxicity is a clinical issue in sorafenib users. Thus, developing strategies to prevent sorafenib cardiotoxicity is an urgent work. Empagliflozin, as a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for type 2 diabetes control, has been approved for heart failure therapy. Still, its cardioprotective effect in the experimental model of sorafenib cardiotoxicity has not yet been reported. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunoblot, and immunohistochemical analyses were applied to study the effect of sorafenib exposure on cardiac SGLT2 expression. The impact of empagliflozin on cell viability was investigated in the sorafenib-treated cardiomyocytes using Alamar blue assay. Immunoblot analysis was employed to delineate the effect of sorafenib and empagliflozin on ferroptosis/proinflammatory signaling in cardiomyocytes. Ferroptosis/DNA damage/fibrosis/inflammation of myocardial tissues was studied in mice with a 28-day sorafenib ± empagliflozin treatment using histological analyses. Sorafenib exposure significantly promoted SGLT2 upregulation in cardiomyocytes and mouse hearts. Empagliflozin treatment significantly attenuated the sorafenib-induced cytotoxicity/DNA damage/fibrosis in cardiomyocytes and mouse hearts. Moreover, GPX4/xCT-dependent ferroptosis as an inducer for releasing high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was also blocked by empagliflozin administration in the sorafenib-treated cardiomyocytes and myocardial tissues. Furthermore, empagliflozin treatment significantly inhibited the sorafenib-promoted NFκB/HMGB1 axis in cardiomyocytes and myocardial tissues, and sorafenib-stimulated proinflammatory signaling (TNF-α/IL-1ß/IL-6) was repressed by empagliflozin administration. Finally, empagliflozin treatment significantly attenuated the sorafenib-promoted macrophage recruitments in mouse hearts. In conclusion, empagliflozin may act as a cardioprotective agent for humans under sorafenib exposure by modulating ferroptosis/DNA damage/fibrosis/inflammation. However, further clinical evidence is required to support this preclinical finding.

Intrathecal Fumagillin Alleviates Chronic Neuropathy-Induced Nociceptive Sensitization and Modulates Spinal Astrocyte-Neuronal Glycolytic and Angiogenic Proteins.

Nociceptive sensitization is accompanied by the upregulation of glycolysis in the central nervous system in neuropathic pain. Growing evidence has demonstrated glycolysis and angiogenesis to be related to the inflammatory processes. This study investigated whether fumagillin inhibits neuropathic pain by regulating glycolysis and angiogenesis. Fumagillin was administered through an intrathecal catheter implanted in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Nociceptive, behavioral, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of the inhibition of spinal glycolysis-related enzymes and angiogenic factors on CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Fumagillin reduced CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia from postoperative days (POD) 7 to 14. The expression of angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2 (ANG2), increased in the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) following CCI. The glycolysis-related enzymes, pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) significantly increased in the ipsilateral lumbar SCDH following CCI on POD 7 and 14 compared to those in the control rats. Double immunofluorescence staining indicated that VEGF and PKM2 were predominantly expressed in the astrocytes, whereas ANG2 and LDHA were predominantly expressed in the neurons. Intrathecal infusion of fumagillin significantly reduced the expression of angiogenic factors and glycolytic enzymes upregulated by CCI. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a crucial transcription factor that regulates angiogenesis and glycolysis, was also upregulated after CCI and inhibited by fumagillin. We concluded that intrathecal fumagillin may reduce the expression of ANG2 and LDHA in neurons and VEGF and PKM2 in the astrocytes of the SCDH, further attenuating spinal angiogenesis in neuropathy-induced nociceptive sensitization. Hence, fumagillin may play a role in the inhibition of peripheral neuropathy-induced neuropathic pain by modulating glycolysis and angiogenesis.

Comparative analysis of perioperative outcomes in obese patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus open radical prostatectomy (ORP): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the perioperative outcomes associated with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RARP) versus open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in the obese population diagnosed with prostate cancer. We performed a comprehensive search in key databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, encompassing studies of all languages, with a final search date of April 2024. We also omitted articles that consisted of conference abstracts and content that was not pertinent to our study. The aggregated outcomes were evaluated utilizing the metrics of weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs). A sensitivity analysis was also integrated into our assessment. The meta-analysis was facilitated by employing Stata/MP version 18 software. Additionally, the study was duly registered with PROSPERO under the identifier: CRD 42024540216. This meta-analysis, which included five trials, shows that compared to ORP, RARP is associated with a reduced estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD -445.77, 95%CI -866.08, -25.45; p = 0.038), a decreased transfusion rate (OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.13, 0.21; p < 0.001), and a diminished overall complication rate (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.58, 0.86; p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in operative time (OT) (WMD 1.88, 95%CI -46.53, 50.28; p = 0.939) or length of stay (LOS) (WMD -0.41, 95%CI -1.07, 0.25; p = 0.221). Among patients with obesity and prostate cancer, RARP demonstrates advantages over ORP by reducing estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, and the incidence of complications. Notably, there were no significant differences in operative duration and hospital stay between the two surgical approaches. These findings suggest that RARP could be a preferable surgical option for obese individuals with prostate cancer.

A Radiomics-Based Nomogram Using Ultrasound Carotid Plaque Evaluation For Predicting Cerebro-Cardiovascular Events In Asymptomatic Patients.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess whether a radiomics-based nomogram correlates with a higher risk of future cerebro-cardiovascular events in patients with asymptomatic carotid plaques. Additionally, it investigates the nomogram's contribution to the revised Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (rFSRP) for predicting cerebro-cardiovascular risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Predictive models aimed at identifying an increased risk of future cerebro-cardiovascular events were developed and internally validated at one center, then externally validated at two other centers. Survival curves, constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method, were compared through the log-rank test. RESULTS: This study included a total of 2009 patients (3946 images). The final nomogram was generated using multivariate Cox regression variables, including dyslipidemia, lumen diameter, plaque echogenicity, and ultrasonography (US)-based radiomics risk. The Harrell's concordance index (C-index) for predicting events-free survival (EFS) was 0.708 in the training cohort, 0.574 in the external validation cohort 1, 0.632 in the internal validation cohort, and 0.639 in the external validation cohort 2. The final nomogram showed a significant increase in C-index compared to the clinical, conventional US, and US-based radiomics models (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the final nomogram-assisted method significantly improved the sensitivity and accuracy of radiologists' visual qualitative score of plaque (both P < 0.001). Among 1058 patients with corresponding 1588 plaque US images classified as low-risk by the rFSRP, 75 (7.1%) patients with corresponding 93 (5.9%) carotid plaque images were appropriately reclassified to the high-risk category by the final nomogram. CONCLUSION: The radiomics-based nomogram demonstrated accurate prediction of cerebro-cardiovascular events in patients with asymptomatic carotid plaques. It also improved the sensitivity and accuracy of radiologists' visual qualitative score of carotid plaque and enhanced the risk stratification ability of rFSRP. SUMMARY: The radiomics-based nomogram allowed accurate prediction of cerebro-cardiovascular events, especially ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques. KEY RESULTS: The radiomics-based nomogram allowed accurate prediction of cerebro-cardiovascular events, especially ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The radiomics-based nomogram improved the sensitivity and accuracy of radiologists' visual qualitative score of carotid plaque. The radiomics-based nomogram improved the discrimination of high-risk populations from low-risk populations in asymptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques and the risk stratification capability of the rFSRP.

Selective catalytic oxidation of DMF over Cu-Ce/H-MOR by modulating the surface active sites.

Selective catalytic oxidation of the hazardous DMF exhaust gas presents a significant challenge in balancing oxidation activity and products selectivity (CO, NOx, N2, etc.). It is found that Cu/H-MOR demonstrates superior performance for DMF oxidation compared to CuO on other supports (γ-Al2O3, HY, ZSM-5) in terms of product selectivity and stability. The geometric and electronic structures of CuO active sites in Cu/H-MOR have been regulated by CeO2 promoter, leading to an increase in the ratio of active CuO (highly dispersed CuO and Cu+ specie). As a result, the oxidation activity and stability of the Cu/H-MOR catalyst were enhanced for DMF selective catalytic oxidation. However, excessive CuO or CeO2 content led to decreased N2 selectivity due to over-high oxidation activity. It is also revealed that Ce3+ species, active CuO species, and surface acid sites play a critical role in internal selective catalytic reduction reaction during DMF oxidation. The 10Cu-Ce/H-MOR (1/4) catalyst exhibited both high oxidation activity and internal selective catalytic reduction activity due to its abundance of active CuO specie as well as Ce3+ species and surface acid sites. Consequently, the 10Cu-Ce/H-MOR (1/4) catalyst demonstrated the widest temperature window for DMF oxidation with high N2 selectivity. These findings emphasize the importance of surface active sites modification for DMF selective catalytic oxidation.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of perineal hydrodissection in perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

This study aims to compare the perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of perineal hydrodissection (HD) with standard treatment (ST) in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. We performed an exhaustive search in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, seeking English-language studies relevant to our research question, with a cutoff date of April 2024. The pooled results were assessed using the weighted mean differences (WMDs), standardized mean differences (SMDs), and odds ratios (ORs) metrics. We also performed a sensitivity analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted utilizing Stata/MP version 18 software. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD 42024536400). We included a total of five studies (three RCTs and two retrospective studies). According to the data from the Meta-analysis, the HD group showed positive effects in promoting urinary continence (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.36, 5.12; p = 0.004 < 0.05) and erectile function (SMD 0.92, 95%CI 0.56, 1.27; p < 0.05) within 3 months after surgery. However, no notable disparities were observed in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, bilateral nerve-sparing rate, or the rate of positive surgical margin. Perineal hydrodissection can be safely applied in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), offering a distinct advantage in functional outcomes compared to those who undergo standard robot-assisted prostatectomy alone.

Spontaneous brain activity in patients with central retinal artery occlusion: a resting-state functional MRI study using machine learning.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a serious eye condition that poses a risk to vision, resulting from the blockage of the central retinal artery. Because of the anatomical connection between the ocular artery, which derives from the internal carotid artery, and the anterior middle cerebral artery, hemodynamic alterations and sudden vision loss associated with CRAO may impact brain functionality. This study aimed to examine alterations in spontaneous neural activity among patients with CRAO by resting-state functional MRI. In addition, we selected the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) values as classification features for distinguishing CRAO from healthy controls (HCs) using a support vector machine classifier. A total of 18 patients diagnosed with CRAO and 18 HCs participated in the study. Resting-state brain function images and structural images were acquired from both groups. Aberrant changes in spontaneous brain functional activity among CRAO patients were investigated utilizing ALFF and fALFF analysis methods. Group differences in ALFF/fALFF values were assessed through a two-sample t -test. Subsequently, a machine learning classifier was developed to evaluate the clinical diagnostic potential of ALFF and fALFF values. In comparison to HCs, individuals with CRAO exhibited significantly higher ALFF values in the left cerebellum_6, vermis_7, left superior frontal gyrus, and left inferior frontal gyrus, triangular part. Conversely, the CRAO group displayed notably lower ALFF values in the left precuneus and left median cingulum gyri. Furthermore, higher fALFF values were observed in the left inferior frontal gyrus, triangular part, whereas lower fALFF values were noted in the right cerebellum_Crus2, left precuneus, right angular gyrus, left angular gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus, right superior parietal gyrus, and left precuneus. Utilizing the ALFF/fALFF values, the receiver operating characteristic curves (area under the curve) yielded 0.99 and 0.94 through machine learning analysis techniques. CRAO patients exhibit atypical neural activity in the brain, characterized by ALFF and fALFF values predominantly localized in the frontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions, which are closely linked to visual cognition and motor control impairments. Furthermore, ALFF and fALFF could serve as potential neuroimaging markers beyond the orbit among CRAO.

Padina Minor Extract Confers Resistance against Candida Albicans Infection: Evaluation in a Zebrafish Model.

Padina minor is a seaweed rich in polysaccharides often used in food, feed, fertilizers, and antibacterial drugs. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of feeding zebrafish with Padina minor extract on preventing and treating C. albicans infections. This study evaluated the growth, survival, and disease resistance effects of P. minor extract on zebrafish. The fish were divided into four groups: three groups treated with 1%, 5%, or 10% P. minor extract and one untreated group (c, control). Subsequently, we analyzed how the extract affected the immune function of zebrafish infected with C. albicans. Based on the lethal concentration (LC50) calculated in the first stage, 1% was used as the effective therapeutic concentration. The results showed that the growth rate of the 1% feed group was the best, and no significant difference in survival rates between the four groups was observed. Feeding with 1% P. minor extract downregulated the expression of key inflammatory genes like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-10, effectively preventing and treating C. albicans infections in zebrafish. This study is a preliminary evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of P. minor extracts against C. albicans.