Clinical features and outcomes of retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman disease resected as sarcomas: insights from a high-volume sarcoma center.

Background: Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that can occur anywhere along the lymphatic pathway. Retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is an extremely rare manifestation. This study aims to explore the clinical features and surgical treatment of retroperitoneal UCD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent retroperitoneal tumor surgery and were diagnosed with CD based on postoperative pathology before December 31, 2022. Data from these patients were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 15 patients were included in the final analysis. All patients underwent radical resection under general anesthesia. Two out of 15 patients (13.3%) experienced serious complications but recovered well. There were no perioperative deaths. The median follow-up time was 78.5 months (range: 18-107.5 months), and no deaths or recurrences occurred during this period. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for retroperitoneal UCD is safe. Patients with retroperitoneal UCD can achieve long-time survival through complete resection.

Long-term Clinical Outcomes after Cerebral Revascularization in Moyamoya disease with extra-cranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cerebral revascularization for Moyamoya disease (MMD) with extra-cranial internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 37 patients diagnosed with MMD with extra-cranial ICAO who underwent cerebral revascularization surgery. We conducted propensity score matching for MMD patients without extra-cranial ICAO from database of 932 MMD patients. Outcome data, recurrent strokes and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were collected during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 37 MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO were included in the study. The average follow-up time of MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO included in the study was 74 months. During the follow-up period, there were 15 hemispheres recurred stroke events. All hemispheres underwent surgery, and the follow-up mRS score was significantly reduced (P <0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant statistical difference in stroke events between the indirect bypass (IB), direct bypass (DB), and combined bypass (CB) groups (P = 0.131). After propensity matching, 48 hemispheres of MMD patients without extra-cranial ICAO were identified from a review of 932 MMD patients. There was no significant statistical difference in stroke events between the MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO group and the MMD group (P = 0.271). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral revascularization can prevent recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke events for MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO. There was no difference on long-term clinical outcomes after CB, DB, and IB surgery. The cerebral revascularization has similar effect on the MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO and MMD patients without.

TREM2, a critical activator of pyroptosis, mediates the anti­tumor effects of piceatannol in uveal melanoma cells via caspase 3/GSDME pathwayTREM2, a critical activator of pyroptosis, mediates the anti­tumor effects of piceatannol in uveal melanoma cells via caspase 3/GSDME pathway.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent type of primary intraocular malignancy and is prone to metastasize, particularly to the liver. However, due to the poor understanding of the pathogenesis of UM, effective therapeutic approaches are lacking. As a phenolic compound extracted from grapes, piceatannol (PIC) exhibits anti­cancer properties. To the best of our knowledge, however, the effects of PIC on UM have not been well investigated. Therefore, in the present study, considering the impact of pyroptosis on modulating cell viability, the mechanism underlying the effects of PIC on UM cell proliferation was explored. The inhibitory effect of PIC on proliferation of UM cells was detected by cell counting kit­8 assay. Wound healing was used to investigate the effects of PIC on the migration of UM cells. Activity detecting assays were performed to test the apoptosis and oxidant level in UM cells. Western blotting and RT­qPCR were used to detect the inflammatory and pyroptotic levels of UM cell after PIC treatment. PIC­treated UM cells were screened by high­throughput sequencing to detect the differential expression of RNA and differential genes. Si­TREM2 transfection was used to verify the important role of TREM2 in the effects of PIC. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expressions of TREM2 and GSDMR of tumor in nude mice after PIC administration. PIC effectively inhibited proliferation ability of C918 and Mum­2b UM cell lines via enhancing apoptosis, as evidenced by enhanced activities of caspase 3 and caspase 9. In addition, treatment of UM cells with PIC attenuated cell migration in a dose­dependent manner. PIC increased reactive oxygen species levels and suppressed the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione­S­transferase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. PIC inhibited inflammatory responses in C918 cells. PIC treatment upregulated IL­1ß, IL­18 and Nod­like receptor protein 3 and downregulated gasdermin D (GSDMD). RNA sequencing results revealed the activation of an unconventional pyroptosis­associated signaling pathway, namely caspase 3/GSDME signaling, following PIC treatment, which was mediated by triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) upregulation. As an agonist of TREM2, COG1410­mediated TREM2 upregulation inhibited proliferation of C918 cells, displaying similar effects to PIC. Furthermore, PIC inhibited tumor growth via regulating the TREM2/caspase 3/GSDME pathway in a mouse model. Collectively, the present study revealed a novel mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of PIC on UM, providing a potential treatment approach for UM in clinic.

Toxicity profiles associated with EGFR-TKIs combined with angiogenesis inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: an epidemiological surveillance analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing studies are evaluating the efficacy and toxicity profiles of combining epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) with antiangiogenic agents in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the complete toxicity profiles remain elusive. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study conducted an extensive pharmacovigilance analysis utilizing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. The analysis focused on identifying and characterizing adverse events (AEs) associated with the concurrent use of EGFR-TKIs and antiangiogenic inhibitors in patients with NSCLC. RESULTS: The study identified significant occurrences of AEs linked to the combination therapy, particularly impacting general disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue conditions, and vascular disorders. Frequently reported AEs included rash, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, and anemia. Notably, the combination of EGFR-TKIs with antiangiogenic inhibitors resulted in an increased incidence of AEs across multiple organ systems compared to EGFR-TKIs alone, with some adverse effects, such as anemia, arrhythmia, and ulcerative keratitis, persisting beyond one year in a subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of EGFR-TKIs and antiangiogenic inhibitors in NSCLC treatment presents a distinct and substantial AE profile, often with delayed onset. This finding underscores the necessity for rigorous and ongoing monitoring protocols to mitigate potential long-term adverse effects.

Tenofovir versus entecavir on long-term prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with concurrent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there remains ongoing controversy about the selection of postoperative antiviral drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with concurrent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HPMH) who underwent hepatectomy. METHOD: A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis were implemented to ensure equal baseline characteristics. The Kaplan‒Meier survival curves were employed for prognosis comparison between the two groups. RESULTS: This study included 225 HPMH who all received post-hepatectomy antiviral therapy; with 107 in the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) group and 118 in the entecavir (ETV) group. In the entire cohort, according to the multivariate analysis, patients in the TDF group showed better recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.55-0.95; p = 0.030) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30-0.97; p = 0.021) than those in the ETV group. After executing a PSM analysis, Kaplan‒Meier survival curve analysis disclosed significant differences for both RFS and OS between the two groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study suggests a more significant association of TDF in improving RFS and OS than ETV in HPMH who underwent hepatectomy through multivariate and PSM analysis. These findings indicate that the choice of antiviral drugs in HPHM holds crucial significance in guiding patient long-term prognosis.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of diphenyl ether substituted quinazolin-4-amine derivatives as potent EGFRL858R/T790M/C797S inhibitors.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated target for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the treatment for EGFR-C797S mutation induced by third-generation EGFR inhibitors remains a concern. Therefore, the development of the fourth-generation EGFR inhibitors to overcome the EGFR-C797S mutation has great potential for clinical treatment. In this article, we designed and synthesized a series of diphenyl ether substituted quinazolin-4-amine derivatives that simultaneously occupy the ATP binding pocket and the allosteric site of EGFR. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 9d displayed excellent kinase activity against EGFRL858R/T790M/C797S with an IC50 value of 0.005 µM, and exhibited anti-proliferation activity in BaF3-EGFRL858R/T790M/C797S cells with the IC50 value of 0.865 µM. Furthermore, 9d could suppress phosphorylation of EGFR and induce cell apoptosis and cycle arrest at G2 phase in a dose-dependent manner in BaF3-EGFRL858R/T790M/C797S cells. More importantly, 9d displayed significant antitumor effects in BaF3-EGFRL858R/T790M/C797S xenograft mouse model (30 mg/kg, TGI = 71.14 %). All the results indicated compound 9d might be a novel fourth-generation EGFR inhibitor for further development in overcoming the EGFR-C797S resistance mutation.

Diatomic Catalysts for Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Batteries: Mechanistic Insights and Design Strategies.

There has been a growing interest in developing catalysts to enable the reversible iodine conversion reaction for high-performance aqueous zinc-iodine batteries (AZIBs). While diatomic catalysts (DACs) have demonstrated superior performance in various catalytic reactions due to their ability to facilitate synergistic charge interactions, their application in AZIBs remains unexplored. Herein, we present, for the first time, a DAC comprising Mn-Zn dual atoms anchored on a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (MnZn-NC) for iodine loading, resulting in a high-performance AZIB with a capacity of 224 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 and remarkable cycling stability over 320,000 cycles. The electron hopping along the Mn-N-Zn bridge is stimulated via a spin exchange mechanism. This process broadens the Mn 3dxy band width and enhances the metallic character of the catalyst, thus facilitating charge transfer between the catalysts and reaction intermediates. Additionally, the increased electron occupancy within the d-orbital of Zn elevates Zn's d-band center, thereby enhancing chemical interactions between MnZn-NC and I-based species. Furthermore, our mechanism demonstrates potential applicability to other Metal-Zn-NC DACs with spin-polarized atoms. Our work elucidates a clear mechanistic understanding of diatomic catalysts and provides new insights into catalyst design for AZIBs.

Alterations in the Glymphatic System and Association with Brain Structure and Cognitive Function in Moyamoya Disease.

The glymphatic system is crucial for clearing metabolic waste from the brain, maintaining neural health and cognitive function. This study explores the glymphatic system's role in Moyamoya disease (MMD), characterized by progressive cerebral artery stenosis and brain structural lesions. We assessed 33 MMD patients and 21 healthy controls using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) and global cortical gray matter-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) coupling indices (gBOLD-CSF), which are indirect measurements of the glymphatic system. Cerebral perfusion in patients was evaluated via computed tomography perfusion imaging. We also measured the peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden, and cognitive function. MMD patients exhibited lower ALPS and gBOLD-CSF coupling indices compared to controls (P < 0.01), indicating disrupted glymphatic function. Significant cognitive impairment was also observed in MMD patients (P < 0.01). ALPS indices varied with cerebral perfusion stages, being higher in earlier ischemic stages (P < 0.05). Analysis of brain structure showed increased CSF volume, PSMD index, and higher WMH burden in MMD patients (P < 0.01). The ALPS index positively correlated with white matter volume and cognitive scores, and negatively correlated with CSF volume, PSMD, and WMH burden (P < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed the number of periventricular WMH significantly mediated the relationship between glymphatic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. In summary, MMD patients exhibit significant glymphatic system impairments, associated with brain structural changes and cognitive deficits.

Enhancing the correlation between azimuth and Doppler frequency for speed estimation of nearby tangential targets.

With the development of intelligent transportation systems, traffic supervision radar with wide coverage plays a crucial role in traffic management and vehicle-road coordination. The correlation between Doppler frequency and azimuth has been widely validated in wide coverage traffic supervision radar for high-precision velocity measurement. However, angular glint and noise of the nearby targets lead to a decrease in correlation between the azimuth and Doppler frequency, which negatively impacts the accuracy of velocity estimation. Currently, adopting separate filtering strategies for target azimuth and Doppler frequency has limited performance in enhancing correlation. This paper presents a joint observation model for azimuth and Doppler frequency to achieve the extraction of interrelated components from subspaces, which improves the accuracy of velocity measurement. The effectiveness of this approach is validated using data obtained from X-band and Ku-band sensors.

Family cleaning behaviors and air treatment equipment significantly affect associations of indoor damp indicators with childhood pneumonia among preschoolers.

In this study, based on a cross-sectional study among 9597 preschoolers in Shandong of China, we quantitatively evaluated influences of lifestyle behaviors and air treatment equipment on indoor damp exposures and thus on risks of childhood pneumonia. In the two-level multivariate logistic regression analyses, childhood pneumonia was significantly associated with parent-reported damp clothing/bedding and visible mold spots or damp stains. These associations were weaker among preschoolers from families who frequently opened the child's bedroom windows, frequently cleaned the child's bedroom, and frequently exposed beddings to sunshine (references: not frequently), as well as among preschoolers without usage of air humidifier and air conditioner and with usage of air purifier. Our results indicate that frequently keeping household ventilation and cleanness, and exposing beddings to sunshine, as well using air purifier could decrease the effects of household damp-related exposures on childhood pneumonia, but using air humidifier and air conditioner could increase the effects.

Blocking the PD-1 signal transduction by occupying the phosphorylated ITSM recognition site of SHP-2.

Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis with small-molecular inhibitors is a promising approach for immunotherapy. Here, we identify a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, Pygenic Acid A (PA), as a PD-1 signaling inhibitor. PA exerts anti-tumor activity in hPD-1 knock-in C57BL/6 mice and enhances effector functions of T cells to promote immune responses by disrupting the PD-1 signaling transduction. Furthermore, we identify SHP-2 as the direct molecular target of PA for inhibiting the PD-1 signaling transduction. Subsequently, mechanistic studies suggest that PA binds to a new druggable site in the phosphorylated PD-1 ITSM recognition site of SHP-2, inhibiting the recruitment of SHP-2 by PD-1. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PA has a potential application in cancer immunotherapy and occupying the phosphorylated ITSM recognition site of SHP-2 may serve as an alternative strategy to develop PD-1 signaling inhibitors. In addition, our success in target recognition provides a paradigm of target identification and confirmation for natural products.

Epidemic spreading on mixing group with face-to-face interaction.

The mixing groups gathered in the enclosed space form a complex contact network due to face-to-face interaction, which affects the status and role of different groups in social communication. The intricacies of epidemic spreading in mixing groups are intrinsically complicated. Multiple interactions and transmission add to the difficulties of understanding and forecasting the spread of infectious diseases in mixing groups. Despite the critical relevance of face-to-face interactions in real-world situations, there is a significant lack of comprehensive study addressing the unique issues of mixed groups, particularly those with complex face-to-face interactions. We introduce a novel model employing an agent-based approach to elucidate the nuances of face-to-face interactions within mixing groups. In this paper, we apply a susceptible-infected-susceptible process to mixing groups and integrate a temporal network within a specified time window to distinguish between individual movement patterns and epidemic spreading dynamics. Our findings highlight the significant impact of both the relative size of mixing groups and the groups' mixing patterns on the trajectory of disease spread within the mixing groups. When group sizes differ significantly, high inter-group contact preference limits disease spread. However, if the minority reduces their intra-group preferences while the majority maintains high inter-group contact, disease spread increases. In balanced group sizes, high intra-group contact preferences can limit transmission, but asymmetrically reducing any group's intra-group preference can lead to increased spread.

Study of the role of leukocyte telomere length-related lncRNA NBR2 in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Syndrome (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly people. As the disease progresses, patients gradually lose the ability to take care of themselves, which brings a heavy burden to the family. There is a link between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and cognitive ability. To search for possible pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic agents, we demonstrated a causal link between LTL and AD using Mendelian randomization analysis (MR). The expression of the target gene NBR2 and the downstream mRNA GJA1 and GJA1-related genes, pathway enrichment, and association with immune cells were further explored. Using the gene cluster-drug target interaction network, we obtained potential therapeutic drugs. Our study provides evidence for a causal link between AD and LTL, suggesting medicines that may treat and alleviate AD symptoms.

Synthetic vectors for activating the driving axis of ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a promising strategy for cancer therapy, with numerous inhibitors of its braking axes under investigation as potential drugs. However, few studies have explored the potential of activating the driving axes to induce ferroptosis. Herein, phosphatidylcholine peroxide decorating liposomes (LIPPCPO) are synthesized to induce ferroptosis by targeting divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). LIPPCPO is found to boost lysosomal Fe2+ efflux by inducing cysteinylation of lysosomal DMT1, resulting in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) suppression, glutathione depletion and ferroptosis in breast cancer cells and xenografts. Importantly, LIPPCPO induced ferroptotic cell death is independent of acquired resistance to radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted agents in 11 cancer cell lines. Furthermore, a strong synergistic ferroptosis effect is observed between LIPPCPO and an FDA-approved drug, artesunate, as well as X rays. The formula of LIPPCPO encapsulating artesunate significantly inhibits tumor growth and metastasis and improves the survival rate of breast cancer-bearing female mice. These findings provide a distinct strategy for inducing ferroptosis and highlight the potential of LIPPCPO as a vector to synergize the therapeutic effects of conventional ferroptosis inducers.

Using PRECIS-2 in Chinese herbal medicine randomized controlled trials for irritable bowel syndrome: A methodological exploration based on literature.

Background: The pragmatism levels of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) mean how similar the interventions delivered in the trial setting match those in the setting where the results will be applied. We aimed to investigate the association between the consistency of pragmatism among the characteristics of RCT design and its effect size of results in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: Eight English and Chinese language databases were searched for RCTs on CHM for IBS. Six reviewers independently assessed the pragmatism of trials using the pragmatic-explanatory continuum indicator summary 2 (PRECIS-2) tool. The consistency of pragmatism levels among the characteristics of RCT design was calculated using the coefficient of variation. Linear regression models were adopted to explore influence factors of the pragmatism of RCTs. Results: 78 RCTs were included. The level of consistency in the pragmatism for RCT's design was significantly correlated with the effect size of the results (binary outcome, r = -0.413; P = 0.005; continuous outcome, r = -0.779, P < 0.001). PRECIS-2 score was higher in trials with individualized interventions than fixed interventions (3.29 [0.32] vs 2.90 [0.32]; Cohen's d relative effect size, 0.52; P < 0.001) and in standard or usual-treatment-controlled trials than placebo-controlled (3.05 [0.37] vs 2.83 [0.28]; Cohen's d relative effect size, 0.32; P = 0.048). Conclusion: The consistency of pragmatism level across the 9 domains of the PRECIS-2 tool in CHM IBS RCTs was positively correlated with the effect size of the results.

Phylogenetic synthesis of morphological and molecular data reveals insights on the classification of diogenid hermit crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura).

The family Diogenidae Ortmann, 1892 is a diverse and abundance group of hermit crabs, but their systematics and phylogenetic relationships are highly complex and unresolved. Herein, we gathered nucleotide sequence data from two mitochondrial (16S rRNA and COI) and two nuclear (NaK and PEPCK) genes for a total of 2,308 bp in length across 38 species from six extant diogenid genera. Molecular data were combined with 41 morphological characters to estimate the largest phylogeny of diogenid hermit crabs to date with the aim of testing the proposed taxonomic scheme of Diogenidae and addressing intergeneric relationships within this family. Despite conflicts between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA trees, the combined-data tree reflects the contributions of each dataset, and improves tree resolution and support for internal nodes. Contrary to traditional classification, our total evidence revealed a paraphyletic Diogenidae based on internally nested representatives of Coenobitidae Dana, 1851. Within Diogenidae, the studied diogenid hermit crabs were split between two clades with high support, which contradicts recent morphological classification scheme for Diogenidae sensu lato based on fossil records. The genus Diogenes Dana, 1851 was found nested inside Paguristes Dana, 1851, which formed a clade being separated from the remainder, pointing towards paraphyly in Paguristes. In another clade, Dardanus Paulson, 1875 occupied a basal position relative to the other diogenids, while Calcinus Dana, 1851 and Clibanarius Dana, 1852 showed sister relationships and formed a cluster with Ciliopagurus Forest, 1995. Among the morphological characters examined, carapace shield and telson were identified as phylogenetically significant for grouping diogenid genera, while phylogenetic insignificance of gill number was evidenced by its mosaic pattern in diogenid phylogeny. The present study sheds light on the controversial generic phylogeny of Diogenidae and highlights the necessity for thorough taxonomic revisions of this family as well as some genera (e.g., Paguristes) to reconcile current classifications with phylogenetic relationships.

Detection of 6-PPD and 6-PPDQ in airborne particulates and assessment of their toxicity in lung cells.

The extensive use of synthetic antioxidants, notably N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6-PPD), in rubber-related products, particularly in tire manufacturing, has induced concerns regarding their environmental impact and potential health hazards. Despite the identification of 6-PPD and its derivative, 6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ), in various water samples and their lethal effects on certain aquatic species (e.g., coho salmon, rainbow trout and brook trout), the levels of airborne 6-PPD/6-PPDQ and their respiratory toxicity remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the respiratory toxicity potential of 6-PPD and its derivatives, with a specific focus on detecting these compounds in airborne particulates and assessing their toxic effects on lung cells. Characterization of four airborne fine particulate (FP) samples revealed spherical morphologies with diameters ranging from 17.7 to 225.7 nm, displaying slight agglomeration and negative surface charge. methanol/acetonitrile extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis confirmed the presence of both 6-PPD and 6-PPDQ on the surfaces of FPs, with significant variations (0.26-1.05 µg g-1) in loading capacity observed among the samples. Subsequent exposure of lung cells (THP-1, BEAS-2B, and A549) to 6-PPD and 6-PPDQ revealed dose-dependent declines in mitochondrial metabolic activity induced by 6-PPD, along with severe membrane damage, ATP depletion, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Conversely, 6-PPDQ exhibited negligible toxicity in all tested parameters. These findings underscore the potential health risks associated with airborne 6-PPD exposure and emphasize the importance of further research into the respiratory toxicity of 6-PPD derivatives.

Research status and hotspots of tight junctions and colorectal cancer: A bibliometric and visualization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Over the past two decades, numerous researchers have provided important evidence regarding the role of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the occurrence and progression of CRC. The causal relationship between the presence of specific TJ proteins and the development of CRC has also been confirmed. Despite the large number of publications in this field, a bibliometric study to review the current state of research and highlight the research trends and hotspots in this field has not yet been performed. AIM: To analyze research on TJs and CRC, summarize the field's history and current status, and predict future research directions. METHODS: We searched the Science Citation Index Expanded database for all literature on CRC and TJs from 2001-2023. We used bibliometrics to analyze the data of these papers, such as the authors, countries, institutions, and references. Co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analyses were the main methods of analysis. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to visualize the results. RESULTS: A total of 205 studies were ultimately identified. The number of publications on this topic has steadily increased since 2007. China and the United States have made the largest contributions to this field. Anticancer Research was the most prolific journal, publishing 8 articles, while the journal Oncogene had the highest average citation rate (68.33). Professor Dhawan P was the most prolific and cited author in this field. Co-occurrence analysis of keywords revealed that "tight junction protein expression", "colorectal cancer", "intestinal microbiota", and "inflammatory bowel disease" had the highest frequency of occurrence, revealing the research hotspots and trends in this field. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis evaluated the scope and trends of TJ proteins in CRC, providing valuable research perspectives and future directions for studying the connection between the two. It is recommended to focus on emerging research hotspots, such as the correlations among intestinal microbiota, inflammatory bowel disease, TJ protein expression, and CRC.

Diversity of Trichoderma species associated with the black rot disease of Gastrodia elata, including four new species.

Introduction: Trichoderma species establish symbiotic relationships with plants through both parasitic and mutualistic mechanisms. While some Trichoderma species act as plant pathogenic fungi, others utilize various strategies to protect and enhance plant growth. Methods: Phylogenetic positions of new species of Trichoderma were determined through multi-gene analysis relying on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal DNA, the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) gene, and the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) gene. Additionally, pathogenicity experiments were conducted, and the aggressiveness of each isolate was evaluated based on the area of the cross-section of the infected site. Results: In this study, 13 Trichoderma species, including 9 known species and 4 new species, namely, T. delicatum, T. robustum, T. perfasciculatum, and T. subulatum were isolated from the diseased tubers of Gastrodia elata in Yunnan, China. Among the known species, T. hamatum had the highest frequency. T. delicatum belonged to the Koningii clade. T. robustum and T. perfasciculatum were assigned to the Virens clade. T. subulatum emerged as a new member of the Spirale clade. Pathogenicity experiments were conducted on the new species T. robustum, T. delicatum, and T. perfasciculatum, as well as the known species T. hamatum, T. atroviride, and T. harzianum. The infective abilities of different Trichoderma species on G. elata varied, indicating that Trichoderma was a pathogenic fungus causing black rot disease in G. elata. Discussion: This study provided the morphological characteristics of new species and discussed the morphological differences with phylogenetically proximate species, laying the foundation for research aimed at preventing and managing diseases that affect G. elata.

Internet use and physical activity among family caregivers of older adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

This study examined the influence of Internet use on light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among family caregivers of older adults, utilizing data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 3,194). The Tobit model and Propensity Score Matching were first used to test the focal associations. Subsequently, mediation analyses and heterogeneity analysis were conducted to explore the pathways and urban-rural disparities. The results indicated that Internet use was negatively associated with MVPA and was not correlated with LPA. The Internet use - MVPA relationship was mediated by participation in economic activities, while participation in social activities acted as a suppressor. Further, the focal association was only found in rural family caregivers. The findings suggest that effective health promotion interventions are needed to mitigate the negative influence of Internet use on the MVPA of family caregivers of older adults, especially for those in the rural.