Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Undergoing Thalidomide Therapy for Transfusion-Dependent ß-Thalassaemia: A Single-Center Experience.

Objective: We evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of thalidomide in the treatment of transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia (TDT). Methods: Fifty patients with TDT were treated with thalidomide and followed-up for 5 years. Thalidomide at a 50 mg dose was administered once a day after dinner. The dose was increased to 150 mg/d after 3 d if well tolerated. After 1 year of treatment, the hemoglobin (Hb) level was stabilized at its maximum, and thalidomide was gradually reduced and maintained at the minimum dose. The hematological response, transfusion dependence, and haemolytic indicators were assessed. Results: At 9 month of follow-up, 38 (76%) patients achieved an excellent response, 1 (2%) a good response, 4(8%) a minor response, and 7(14%) did not show a response. The overall response rate was 86%. At 9 months, the Hb level increased from 79.0 ± 13.2 g/L at baseline to 99.0 ± 13.7g/L (P<0.001). Patients who achieved excellent response continued to show an increase in Hb levels during follow-up. At 48 months, the mean Hb level was 98.99 ± 10.3g/L; 21 patients (84.0%) became transfusion independent. Thalidomide was reduced and maintained to 25 mg/d in three of these patients. Moreover, five patients completed 60 months of follow-up, and with a mean Hb level of 99.8 ± 6.7g/L. During follow-up, grade 1-2 adverse drug reactions were noted; however, no grade 3 or higher adverse event was reported. However, no decrease in hemolytic indicators was observed. Conclusion: Thalidomide was well tolerated in the long term, while it significantly improved Hb levels and reduced the transfusion burden.

Individual-centralized seeding strategy for influence maximization in information-limited networks.

Peer effects can directly or indirectly rely on interaction networks to drive people to follow ideas or behaviours triggered by a few individuals, and such effects can be largely improved by targeting the so-called influential individuals. In this article, we study the current most promising seeding strategy used in field experiments, the one-hop strategy, where the underlying interaction networks are generally too impractical or prohibitively expensive to be obtained, and propose an individual-centralized seeding approach to target influential seeds in information-limited networks. The presented strategy works by reasonable follow-up questions to respondents, such as Who do you think has more connections/friends?, and constructs the seeding set by those nodes with the most nominations. In this manner, the proposed method could acquire more information about the studied interaction network from the inference of respondents without surveying additional individuals. We evaluate our strategy on networks from various experimental datasets. Results show that the obtained seeds are much more influential compared to the one-hop strategy and other methods. We also show how the proposed approach could be implemented in field studies and potentially provide better interventions in real scenarios.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound protects from inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy through inciting extracellular vesicles.

AIMS: CD4+ T cells are activated during inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (iDCM) development to induce immunogenic responses that damage the myocardium. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a novel physiotherapy for cardiovascular diseases, has recently been shown to modulate inflammatory responses. However, its efficacy in iDCM remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether LIPUS could improve the severity of iDCM by orchestrating immune responses and explored its therapeutic mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: In iDCM mice, LIPUS treatment reduced cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. Additionally, CD4+ T cell inflammatory responses were suppressed. LIPUS increased Treg cells while decreasing Th17 cells. LIPUS mechanically stimulates endothelial cells, resulting in increased secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are taken up by CD4+ T cells and alter their differentiation and metabolic patterns. Moreover, EVs selectively loaded with microRNA (miR)-99a are responsible for the therapeutic effects of LIPUS. The hnRNPA2B1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and binding to caveolin-1 and miR-99a confirmed the upstream mechanism of miR-99a transport. This complex is loaded into EVs and taken up by CD4+ T cells, which further suppress mTOR and TRIB2 expression to modulate cellular differentiation. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that LIPUS uses an EV-dependent molecular mechanism to protect against iDCM progression. Therefore, LIPUS is a promising new treatment option for iDCM.

Efficient isomerization of glucose into fructose by MgO-doped lignin-derived ordered mesoporous carbon.

The conversion of glucose into fructose can transform cellulose into high-value chemicals. This study introduces an innovative synthesis method for creating an MgO-based ordered mesoporous carbon (MgO@OMC) catalyst, aimed at the efficient isomerization of glucose into fructose. Throughout the synthesis process, lignin serves as the exclusive carbon precursor, while Mg2+ functions as both a crosslinking agent and a metallic active center. This enables a one-step synthesis of MgO@OMC via a solvent-induced evaporation self-assembly (EISA) method. The synthesized MgO@OMCs exhibit an impeccable 2D hexagonal ordered mesoporous structure, in addition to a substantial specific surface area (378.2 m2/g) and small MgO nanoparticles (1.52 nm). Furthermore, this catalyst was shown active, selective, and reusable in the isomerization of glucose to fructose. It yields 41 % fructose with a selectivity of up to 89.3 % at a significant glucose loading of 7 wt% in aqueous solution over MgO0.5@OMC-600. This performance closely rivals the current maximum glucose isomerization yield achieved with solid base catalysts. Additionally, the catalyst retains a fructose selectivity above 60 % even after 4 cycles, a feature attributable to its extended ordered mesoporous structure and the spatial confinement effect of the OMCs, bestowing it with high catalytic efficiency.

Atrial fibrillation ablation compared to pacemaker therapy in patients with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome (TBS) is a subtype of sick sinus syndrome characterized by prolonged sinus pause (≥3 s) following termination of tachyarrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation (AF). There is controversy regarding whether the long-term prognosis of AF ablation is superior to pacemaker implantation. This study aimed to compare the effects of AF ablation and pacemaker therapy in patients with TBS. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, EmBase, Web of Science, and Chinese BioMedical, up until December 1, 2023. We included studies that reported the effects of AF ablation vs pacemaker therapy in patients with TBS. From this search, we identified 5 studies comprising 843 participants with TBS who underwent catheter AF ablation or pacemaker therapy. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis revealed that AF ablation and pacemaker therapy had similar effects on cardiovascular death (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-2.65), procedural complications (OR = 1.53 and 95% CI: 0.67-3.48), and cardiovascular rehospitalization (OR = 0.57 and 95% CI: 0.26-1.22). However, AF ablation provided greater benefits than pacemaker therapy in terms of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.37 and 95% CI: 0.17-0.82), thromboembolism (OR = 0.25 and 95% CI: 0.12-0.49), stroke (OR = 0.28 and 95% CI: 0.13-0.57), heart failure (OR = 0.27 and 95% CI: 0.13-0.56), freedom from AF (OR = 23.32 and 95% CI: 7.46-72.92), and prevention of progression to persistent AF (OR = 0.12 and 95% CI: 0.06-0.24). Furthermore, AF ablation resulted in a reduced need for antiarrhythmic agents (OR = 0.21 and 95% CI: 0.08-0.59). CONCLUSION: AF ablation can effectively reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, thromboembolism, stroke, heart failure, and progression to persistent AF in patients with TBS. Additionally, it may eliminate the need for further pacemaker therapy in most cases after ablation. Therefore, AF ablation is considered superior to pacemaker therapy in the management of patients with TBS.

Acceptance and willingness to pay for DTaP-HBV-IPV-Hib hexavalent vaccine among parents: A cross-sectional survey in China.

DTaP-HBV-IPV-Hib hexavalent vaccine has been used in high-income countries for many years to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, and invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease. Currently, no hexavalent vaccines have been approved for use in China. Evidence of parental acceptance and interest in hexavalent vaccines can help policy makers and manufacturers make decisions about entering the vaccine market and the immunization program in China. We measured parental acceptance and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a hexavalent vaccine to provide such evidence. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of children's caregivers in 16 vaccination clinics in seven cities in China and obtained information on socio-demographics, knowledge of disease, confidence in vaccines, previous vaccination experience, and acceptance of and WTP for hexavalent vaccine. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors influencing acceptance, and multivariate tobit regression was used to identify factors impacting WTP. Between April 28 and June 30, 2023, a total of 581 parents of children aged 0-6 years participated in the survey; 435 (74.87%, 95% CI:71.3%-78.4%) parents indicated acceptance of hexavalent vaccine. Residence location, parents' education level, experience paying for vaccination, and disease knowledge scores were key factors affecting parents' choices for vaccination. Mean (SD) and median (IQR) willingness to pay for full 4-dose course vaccination were 2266.66 (1177.1) CNY and 2400 (1600-2800) CNY. Children's age (p < .001), parents' education level (p = .024), and perceived price barriers (p < .001) were significantly associated with WTP. Parents have high acceptance and willingness to pay for hexavalent vaccine. The less money parents have to pay out of pocket, the more willing they can be to accept the vaccine. Therefore, acceptance may increase even further if the vaccine is covered by medical insurance, provided free of charge by the government, or if its price is reduced. Our results provide reference for optimizing and adjusting immunization strategies in China.

The Effectiveness of Exercise-based Rehabilitation in People with Hand Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation programs compared with non-exercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched five databases on 23/07/2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs that included an exercise component, with non-exercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand OA. DATA SYNTHESIS: Standardized mean differences (SMD) were pooled using a random effects model. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fourteen trials were included in the meta-analysis (n = 1341 participants). In the immediate-term (<24 weeks) there was low-certainty evidence of an effect of exercise-based rehabilitation on improving pain (13 trials; SMD -0.65, 95%CI: -1.06, -0.25), function (11 trials; SMD -0.35, 95%CI: -0.54, -0.15), and grip strength (14 trials; SMD 0.21, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.38). There was moderate-certainty evidence of an effect on reducing stiffness (7 trials; SMD -0.33, 95%CI: -0.51, -0.16). There was low-certainty evidence of no effect on improving pinch strength and quality of life. For the long-term ⩾24 weeks), there was low-certainty evidence that exercise-based rehabilitation had no additional effect on improving pain, function, and stiffness. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based rehabilitation improved pain, function, stiffness, and grip strength in people with hand OA in the immediate-term; the benefits were not maintained in the long-term.

Nitrogen-doped biomass-derived carbon dots for fluorescence determination of sunset yellow.

Sunset Yellow (SY) is a widely used food coloring in the food industry. However, exceeding the allowable limit of this dye poses a significant threat to human health. To address this issue, we developed Lycium ruthenicum-derived nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with a stable blue fluorescence through hydrothermal treatment for SY determination. The quantum yield (QY) of these N-CDs was found to be up to 10.63%. Physical characterization of N-CDs was performed using various spectroscopic techniques to confirm their excellent photostability and non-toxic properties. Furthermore, the presence of SY had a substantial quenching effect on the fluorescence intensity (F0/F) of the N-CDs. Leveraging this observation, we developed a fluorescent sensor for the determination of SY in the concentration range of 0.05 to 35.0 µM, with a limit of detection (LOD, 3σ/K) of 17 nM. The excellent fluorescent sensor also showed satisfactory results in the practical drink samples. Moreover, the stability and cytotoxicity of N-CDs as a fluorescent probe were studied. Finally, the N-CDs were applied to cell imaging using A549 cells.

Exploration of the Mechanisms Underlying Yu's Enema Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis by Blocking the RhoA/ROCK Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology, High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis, and Experimental Verification.

BACKGROUND: The traditional Chinese medicine formula, Yu's Enema Formula (YEF), has demonstrated potential in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to unveil the anti-UC mechanisms of YEF. METHODS: Utilizing public databases, we obtained YEF and UC-related targets. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted via clusterProfiler and Reactome. The STRING database facilitated the construction of the PPI network, and hub targets were selected using cytoHubba. We used R software for differential expression and correlation analyses, and molecular docking was performed with PyMOL and AutoDock. HPLC analysis identified the compounds in YEF. For in vivo validation, a UC rat model was employed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: 495 YEF-UC overlapping targets were identified. GO and KEGG analyses indicated enrichment in exogenous stimuli response, peptide response, positive MAPK cascade regulation, interleukin- related signaling, and the TLR4 cascade. Hub targets included CTNNB1, JUN, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, TP53, and RELA, which were often interconnected. Molecular docking revealed quercetin's strong binding affinity with CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, and TP53, consistent with HPLC analysis. In vivo experiments suggested that YEF has the potential to alleviate UC symptoms and protect the intestinal mucosal barrier by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway. CONCLUSION: YEF may safeguard the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC by targeting CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, and TP53, while blocking the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Leukemia inhibitory factor protects against experimental periodontitis through immuno-modulations of both macrophages and periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: To explore the role of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in periodontitis via in vivo and in vitro experiments. METHODS: The second upper molar of LIF knockout mice and their wild-type littermates were ligated for 8 days. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. The expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were examined in mouse bone marrow derived macrophages and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. RESULTS: LIF deficiency promoted alveolar bone loss, inflammatory cells infiltration, osteoclasts formation and collagen fiber degradation in ligature-induced mouse, along with higher expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL6), IL-1ß (IL1B), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), and RANKL/OPG ratio. Additionally, LIF deletion led to higher expression levels of these proinflammatory cytokines in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages from both femur and alveolar bone and HPDLFs when treated with LPS. Administration of recombined LIF attenuated TNFA, IL1B, and RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDLFs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that LIF deficiency promotes the progress of periodontitis via modulating immuno-inflammatory responses of macrophages and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and the application of LIF may be an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis to resolute inflammation.

B1 Power Modification for Amide Proton Transfer Imaging in Parotid Glands: A Strategy for Image Quality Accommodation and Evaluation of Tumor Detection Feasibility.

BACKGROUND: In the application of APTw protocols for evaluating tumors and parotid glands, inhomogeneity and hyperintensity artifacts have remained an obstacle. This study aimed to improve APTw imaging quality and evaluate the feasibility of difference B1 values to detect parotid tumors. METHODS: A total of 31 patients received three APTw sequences to acquire 32 lesions and 30 parotid glands (one patient had lesions on both sides). Patients received T2WI and 3D turbo-spin-echo (TSE) APTw imaging on a 3.0 T scanner for three sequences (B1 = 2 µT, 1 µT, and 0.7 µT in APTw 1, 2, and 3, respectively). APTw image quality was evaluated using four-point Likert scales in terms of integrity and hyperintensity artifacts. Image quality was compared between the three sequences. An evaluable group and a trustable group were obtained for APTmean value comparison. RESULTS: Tumors in both APT2 and APT3 had fewer hyperintensity artifacts than in APT1. With B1 values decreasing, tumors had less integrity in APTw imaging. APTmean values of tumors were higher than parotid glands in traditional APT1 sequence though not significant, while the APTmean subtraction value was significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a lower B1 value could remove hyperintensity but could also compromise its integrity. Combing different APTw sequences might increase the feasibility of tumor detection.

Home-based vs center-based exercise on patient-reported and performance-based outcomes for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: Home-based exercise (HBE) represents an alternative to increase the accessibility of rehabilitation programs and relieve the burden on the health care system for people with knee osteoarthritis. Objectives: To summarize for the first time the effectiveness of HBE as compared to center-based exercise (CBE), both with and without HBE, on patient-reported and performance-based outcomes in people with KOA. Methods: Searches were conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus until March 10, 2023, without date or language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials investigating HBE versus CBE or HBE combined with CBE for people with KOA were eligible. The primary outcomes were patient-reported: pain, physical disability, and quality of life. The secondary outcomes were performance-based: walking ability, lower limb muscle strength, and balance function. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and quality of evidence according to the GRADE. Results: Eleven trials involving 956 participants were included. There was no difference in short-term pain (SMD, 0.22 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.47], p = 0.09; I2 = 0%), physical disability (SMD, 0.17 [95% CI, -0.19 to 0.54], p = 0.35; I2 = 0%), walking ability (SMD, -0.21 [95% CI, -0.64 to 0.22], p = 0.33; I2 = 35%) and lower limb muscle strength (SMD, -0.24 [95% CI, -0.88 to 0.41], p = 0.47; I2 = 69%) between HBE and CBE. HBE combined with CBE has better benefits compared with HBE alone in short-term pain (SMD, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.60 to 1.17], p < 0.001; I2 = 11%) and physical disability (SMD, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.00 to 0.50], p = 0.05; I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Based on limited evidence, HBE is as effective as CBE on short-term pain, physical disability, walking ability, and lower limb muscle strength in people with knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, combining HBE with CBE may enhance the overall efficacy of the intervention. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023416548.

Specific labeling of newly synthesized lipopolysaccharide via metabolic incorporation of azido-galactose.

Gram-negative bacteria possess an asymmetric outer membrane (OM) primarily composed of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the outer leaflet and phospholipids on the inner leaflet. The outer membrane functions as an effective permeability barrier to compounds such as antibiotics. Studying LPS biosynthesis is therefore helpful to explore novel strategies for new antibiotic development. Metabolic glycan labeling of the bacterial surface has emerged as a powerful method to investigate LPS biosynthesis. However, the previously reported methods of labeling LPS are based on radioactivity or difficult-to-produce analogs of bacterial sugars. In this study, we report on the incorporation of azido galactose into the LPS of the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi via metabolic labeling. As a common sugar analog, azido galactose successfully labeled both O-antigen and core of Salmonella LPS, but not E. coli LPS. This labeling of Salmonella LPS, as shown by SDS-PAGE analysis and fluorescence microscopy, differs from the previously reported labeling of either O-antigen or core of LPS. Our findings are useful for studying LPS biogenesis pathways in Gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella. In addition, our approach is helpful for screening for agents that target LPS biosynthesis as it allows for the detection of newly synthesized LPS that appears in the OM. Furthermore, this approach may also aid in isolating chemically modified LPS for vaccine development or immunotherapy.

Research progress of procyanidins in repairing cartilage injury after anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common sports-related injury, and cartilage injury always emerges as a serious complication following ACL tear, significantly impacting the physical and psychological well-being of affected individuals. Over the years, efforts have been directed toward finding strategies to repair cartilage injury after ACL tear. In recent times, procyanidins, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have emerged as potential key players in addressing this concern. This article focuses on summarizing the research progress of procyanidins in repairing cartilage injury after ACL tear. It covers the roles, mechanisms, and clinical significance of procyanidins in repairing cartilage injury following ACL tear and explores the future prospects of procyanidins in this domain. This review provides novel insights and hope for the repair of cartilage injury following ACL tear.

Tongxinluo Activates PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Endothelial Mesenchymal Transition and Attenuate Myocardial Fibrosis after Ischemia-Reperfusion in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of Tongxinluo (TXL) in attenuating myocardial fibrosis after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) in mice. METHODS: A MIRI mouse model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 45 min. According to a random number table, 66 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=11 per group): the sham group, the model group, the LY-294002 group, the TXL group, the TXL+LY-294002 group and the benazepril (BNPL) group. The day after modeling, TXL and BNPL were administered by gavage. Intraperitoneal injection of LY-294002 was performed twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac function in mice. Masson staining was used to evaluate the degree of myocardial fibrosis in mice. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) after MIRI was performed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31), α-smoth muscle actin (α-SMA), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and phospho protein kinase B (p-AKT) were assessed using Western blot. RESULTS: TXL improved cardiac function in MIRI mice, reduced the degree of myocardial fibrosis, increased the expression of CD31 and inhibited the expression of α-SMA, thus inhibited the occurrence of EndMT (P<0.05 or P<0.01). TXL significantly increased the protein expressions of PI3K and p-AKT (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no significant difference between TXL and BNPL group (P>0.05). In addition, the use of the PI3K/AKT pathway-specific inhibitor LY-294002 to block this pathway and combination with TXL intervention, eliminated the protective effect of TXL, further supporting the protective effect of TXL. CONCLUSION: TXL activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to inhibit EndMT and attenuated myocardial fibrosis after MIRI in mice.

Lianhua Qingke Preserves Mucociliary Clearance in Rat with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Maintaining Ciliated Cells Proportion and Protecting Structural Integrity and Beat Function of Cilia.

Purpose: Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of symptoms in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as cough, increased sputum volume, and sputum purulence. COPD and AECOPD are characterized by damage to cilia and increased mucus secretion. Mucociliary clearance (MCC) functions as part of the primary innate system of the lung to remove harmful particles and pathogens together with airway mucus and is therefore crucial for patients with COPD. Methods: AECOPD was induced by cigarette smoke exposure (80 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation (200 µg, on days 1, 14, and 84). Rats administered Lianhua Qingke (LHQK) (0.367, 0.732, and 1.465 g/kg/d) or Eucalyptol, Limonene, and Pinene Enteric Soft Capsules (ELP, 0.3 g/kg/d) intragastrically. Pulmonary pathology, Muc5ac+ goblet cell and ß-tubulin IV+ ciliated cells, and mRNA levels of forkhead box J1 (Foxj1) and multiciliate differentiation and DNA synthesis associated cell cycle protein (MCIDAS) were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Ciliary morphology and ultrastructure were examined through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was recorded using a high-speed camera. Results: Compared to the model group, LHQK treatment groups showed a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration, significantly reduced goblet cell and increased ciliated cell proportion. LHQK significantly upregulated mRNA levels of MCIDAS and Foxj1, indicating promoted ciliated cell differentiation. LHQK protected ciliary structure and maintained ciliary function via increasing the ciliary length and density, reducing ciliary ultrastructure damage, and ameliorating random ciliary oscillations, consequently enhancing CBF. Conclusion: LHQK enhances the MCC capability of ciliated cells in rat with AECOPD by preserving the structural integrity and beating function of cilia, indicating its therapeutic potential on promoting sputum expulsion in patients with AECOPD.

Uncovering the rheological properties basis for freeze drying treatment-induced improvement in the solubility of myofibrillar proteins.

Myofibrillar proteins (MPs) are an important nutritional supplement and have great significance in sports training and rehabilitation therapy. Currently, MPs preservation is still disputed since they are vulnerable to degradation, polymerization, and denaturation. Freeze-drying is an emerging technology for protein preservation, its effects on the functionality of MPs from different sources have not yet been thoroughly studied. This study aims to evaluate the performance differences of freeze-drying in maintaining the functional characteristics of MPs from fish and mammalian sources, providing valuable insights for the processing and preservation of MPs, and providing nutritional support for nursing and rehabilitation. The results showed that freeze-drying was an efficient method for protein preservation, and the effects of freeze-drying on both fish and mammalian sources MPs were significant (p < 0.05) consistent. Specifically, whether before and after freeze-drying, the solubility of fish MPs (FMPs) was significant (p < 0.05) lower than that of mammalian MPs, while the foaming and emulsifying properties were significant (p < 0.05) higher than those of beef and sheep MPs (BMPs and SMPs, respectively). Furthermore, the most efficient protein concentration for freeze-drying was 10 mg/mL, and with this concentration, the gel strengths of BMPs and SMPs showed an insignificant difference (p > 0.05) after freeze-drying.

CNN-based multi-modal radiomics analysis of pseudo-CT utilization in MRI-only brain stereotactic radiotherapy: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Pseudo-computed tomography (pCT) quality is a crucial issue in magnetic resonance image (MRI)-only brain stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), so this study systematically evaluated it from the multi-modal radiomics perspective. METHODS: 34 cases (< 30 cm³) were retrospectively included (2021.9-2022.10). For each case, both CT and MRI scans were performed at simulation, and pCT was generated by a convolutional neural network (CNN) from planning MRI. Conformal arc or volumetric modulated arc technique was used to optimize the dose distribution. The SRT dose was compared between pCT and planning CT with dose volume histogram (DVH) metrics and gamma index. Wilcoxon test and Spearman analysis were used to identify key factors associated with dose deviations. Additionally, original image features were extracted for radiomic analysis. Tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) were employed for efficacy evaluation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between pCT and planning CT except for radiomics. The mean value of Hounsfield unit of the planning CT was slightly higher than that of pCT. The Gadolinium-based agents in planning MRI could increase DVH metrics deviation slightly. The median local gamma passing rates (1%/1 mm) between planning CTs and pCTs (non-contrast) was 92.6% (range 63.5-99.6%). Also, differences were observed in more than 85% of original radiomic features. The mean absolute deviation in TCP was 0.03%, and the NTCP difference was below 0.02%, except for the normal brain, which had a 0.16% difference. In addition, the number of SRT fractions and lesions, and lesion morphology could influence dose deviation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first multi-modal radiomics analysis of CNN-based pCT from planning MRI for SRT of small brain lesions, covering dosiomics and radiomics. The findings suggest the potential of pCT in SRT plan design and efficacy prediction, but caution needs to be taken for radiomic analysis.

[Variation Characteristics of PM2.5 Pollution and Transport in Typical Transport Channel Cities in Winter].

Taking Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou, four cities in southwest Hebei Province along the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei typical transport route, as examples, we analyzed the variation characteristics of 3a meteorological conditions and PM2.5 concentration in winter from 2019 to 2021 and used potential source contribution analysis (PSCF) and concentration weight analysis (CWT) to identify the transport characteristics of PM2.5 in the four cities during the study period. Based on the meteorological air quality model (WRF-CMAQ) transmission matrix method and transport flux method, the contribution of PM2.5 transport between Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou and the surrounding areas was quantitatively assessed; the vertical distribution characteristics of PM2.5 net transport flux were revealed; and the two main transport routes of PM2.5 pollution were further identified. The results showed that during the study period, the PM2.5 concentration decreased by 45.85%, 49.45%, 42.40%, and 31.65%, respectively. The potential source contribution of Handan and Xingtai was mainly distributed in south-central Shanxi (Linfen, Changzhi, and Jinzhong), northern Henan (Xinxiang, Kaifeng, and Zhengzhou), and a small part of Inner Mongolia (PSCF > 0.9). The potential contribution areas of Hengshui and Cangzhou were mainly concentrated in southern Hebei (Handan and Shijiazhuang), central Shanxi (Taiyuan and Yangquan), and some Shandong regions (PSCF > 0.7), and the CWT results were similar to those of PSCF. During the study period, the local contribution (51.11%-62.99%) was slightly higher than the regional contribution (37.01%-48.89%) during winter in the four cities. Affected by horizontal turbulence and vertical diffusion, the impact of regional transmission in 2020 was slightly higher than that in other years (0.50%-9.52%). In 2021, the influence of regional transmission was slightly lower than that of other years (-2.15%--9.52%) due to low PM2.5 concentration and meteorological factors. For Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou, the total inflow (outflow) flux intensity of the four cities during winter and the surrounding areas was in 2020 > 2021 > 2019. For the total net flux, the total inflow (outflow) flux intensity of the four cities in winter was 0.094, -0.070, and 0.087 kt·d-1 (Xingtai:0.212, 0.395, and 0.544 kt·d-1; Hengshui:-0.040, -0.228, and 0.185 kt·d-1; Cangzhou:0.062, 0.126, and 0.128 kt·d-1). During the study, Handan, Xingtai, and Cangzhou were mostly used as transport receptors, whereas Hengshui was mostly used as a transport source. In the range of 0-1 260 m, the net transport flux intensity of PM2.5 increased basically with the increase in height, and the maximum net flux of the various cities in different periods was different. The maximum net flux of Handan, Xingtai, and Hengshui was 252-1 261 m, 817 m, and 252-817 m, respectively. The maximum net flux in Cangzhou was 252-359 m. By analyzing the transmission characteristics of the four cities, it was found that there were two main transport directions of PM2.5, that is, the northwest-southeast direction (Shanxi → Handan → Henan and Shandong; Shijiazhuang → Xingtai → Handan and Shandong; Baoding → Cangzhou → Shandong) and the southwest-northeast direction (Shanxi → Xingtai → Hengshui → Cangzhou → Bohai Bay).