Wolbachia symbionts control sex in a parasitoid wasp using a horizontally acquired gene.

Host reproduction can be manipulated by bacterial symbionts in various ways. Parthenogenesis induction is the most effective type of reproduction manipulation by symbionts for their transmission. Insect sex is determined by regulation of doublesex (dsx) splicing through transformer2 (tra2) and transformer (tra) interaction. Although parthenogenesis induction by symbionts has been studied since the 1970s, its underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. Here we identify a Wolbachia parthenogenesis-induction feminization factor gene (piff) that targets sex-determining genes and causes female-producing parthenogenesis in the haplodiploid parasitoid Encarsia formosa. We found that Wolbachia elimination repressed expression of female-specific dsx and enhanced expression of male-specific dsx, which led to the production of wasp haploid male offspring. Furthermore, we found that E. formosa tra is truncated and non-functional, and Wolbachia has a functional tra homolog, termed piff, with an insect origin. Wolbachia PIFF can colocalize and interact with wasp TRA2. Moreover, Wolbachia piff has coordinated expression with tra2 and dsx of E. formosa. Our results demonstrate the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has acquired an insect gene to manipulate the host sex determination cascade and induce parthenogenesis in wasps. This study reveals insect-to-bacteria horizontal gene transfer drives the evolution of animal sex determination systems, elucidating a striking mechanism of insect-microbe symbiosis.

Effect of Halomonas titanicae on fluctuating water-line corrosion of EH40 steel.

The fluctuating water-line corrosion of EH40 steel in sterile and biotic media was investigated with a wire beam electrode. When the coupons were partially immersed in the sterile medium, the position of the low water-line acted as the cathodic zone and the area below the low water-line constantly served as the main anodic zone. The thin electrolyte layers with uneven thickness promoted the galvanic current of the region below the low water-line. Different from the sterile environment, the metabolism of Halomonas titanica with oxygen as the final electron acceptor reduced the dissolved oxygen concentration, which resulted in the position of the low water-line acting as the anodic zone.

Evaluation the relationship between myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular torsion measured by cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with preserved ejection fraction.

The relationship between left ventricular (LV) torsion and myocardial fibrosis (MF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with preserved ejection fraction was still not well understood. New developments in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) enable a much fuller assessment of cardiac characteristics. This study sought to assess the impact of HCM on myocardial function as assessed by LV torsion and its relationship with MF. HCM (n = 79) and healthy controls (n = 40) underwent CMR. According to whether there was late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), patients were divided into LGE+ group and LGE- group. LV torsion and torsion rate were measured by CMR feature-tracking (CMR-FT). MF was quantitatively evaluated through LGE imaging. LGE was present in 44 patients (56%). Compared with healthy controls, torsion increased in the LGE- group (P < 0.001). Compared with LGE+ group, torsion was higher in the LGE- group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in torsion between LGE+ group and healthy controls. Correlation analysis showed that torsion was correlated with LGE% (r = - 0.443) and LGE mass (r = - 0.435) respectively. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, LV torsion was the only feature that was independently associated with the presence of LGE (OR 0.130; 95% CI 0.040 to 0.420, P = 0.01). The best torsion value associated with MF was 1.91 (sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 77.3%, AUC = 0.733). In HCM patients with preserved ejection fraction, CMR-FT derived LV torsion analysis holds promise for myocardial fibrosis detection.

The impact of alloying element Cu on corrosion and biofilms of 316L stainless steel exposed to seawater.

Copper-containing stainless steel (SS) has been reported to mitigate biofilms in industrial and clinical environments. However, the impact of copper released from copper-containing SS in natural seawater on biofilms and corrosion is still unclear. In this study, three kinds of 316L SS were immersed in natural seawater for 6 months, and the pitting depth decreased in the order: 316L-Cu SS (annealed) > 316L SS > 316L-Cu SS (aged). The biofilm thickness and number of sessile cells on the surface of 316L-Cu SS (annealed) and 316L SS were similar but notably greater than those of 316L-Cu SS (aged). Furthermore, the results of the community analysis indicated that the addition of copper in 316L-Cu SS (aged) reduced the diversity and richness of the microbial community, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of genera constituting the biofilms. Copper ions exhibit a broad-spectrum bactericidal effect, effectively reducing the abundance of dominant populations and microbial genera in the biofilms, thereby mitigating pitting corrosion induced by microorganisms. In addition, the PCoA scatter plot showed that time also played an important role in the regulation of microbial community structure.

Antithermal Quenching Upconversion Luminescence via Suppressed Multiphonon Relaxation in Positive/Negative Thermal Expansion Core/Shell NaYF4:Yb/Ho@ScF3 Nanoparticles.

Thermal quenching (TQ) has been naturally entangling with luminescence since its discovery, and lattice vibration, which is characterized as multiphonon relaxation (MPR), plays a critical role. Considering that MPR may be suppressed under exterior pressure, we have designed a core/shell upconversion luminescence (UCL) system of α-NaYF4:Yb/Ln@ScF3 (Ln = Ho, Er, and Tm) with positive/negative thermal expansion behavior so that positive thermal expansion of the core will be restrained by negative thermal expansion of the shell when heated. This imposed pressure on the crystal lattice of the core suppresses MPR, reduces the amount of energy depleted by TQ, and eventually saves more energy for luminescing, so that anti-TQ or even thermally enhanced UCL is obtained.

In vitro differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into temporomandibular joint disc like cells.

Temporomandibular joint discs (TMJ discs) are unable to repair themselves in disease states, while induced stem cell differentiation is a common method to repair tissue defects. Nowadays, kinds of stem cells are attempted for tissue regeneration of TMJ disc, but these methods have several downsides, which limit their wide application. The proliferation and differentiation ability of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) provides a new research direction for TMJ disc tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of induced differentiation of hiPSC into TMJ disc cells in vitro and the differentiation efficiency of different methods to clarify the possibility and conditions of hiPSC application in TMJ disc tissue engineering. We collected sheep TMJ disc cells cultures for adding in hiPSC culture environment and treated hiPSC by both direct induction and Transwell co-culture for 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. The secretion of extracellular matrix in TMJ disc cells was detected by Sirius Red and Safranin O staining. Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅱ were qualitatively detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of extracellular matrix genes (type I collagen (COL1A1), type II collagen(COL2), glycosaminoglycan (GAG)), chondrogenic differentiation gene SOX9 and pluripotency gene OCT4 were detected by RT-qPCR. Our results showed that hiPSC had the ability to differentiate to TMJ disc cells by direct induction in TMJ disc cell culture medium and by Transwell co-culture method. The highest degree of differentiation was observed after 14 days of direct induction, while Transwell co-culture showed significant differentiation at different times and with different major directions. Meanwhile, Transwell co-culture not only differentiates hiPSC but also promotes the growth and proliferation of TMJ disc cells. Our study is valuable to investigate the possibility of differentiation of hiPSC toward TMJ disc cells and to determine the time of differentiation. It provides new ideas for the selection of seed cells for TMJ disc tissue engineering.

Corrosion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa toward a Cu-Zn-Ni alloy inhibited by the simulative tidal region.

The corrosion of marine engineering equipment not only threatens human security and ecological environment but also increases energy consumption, restricting the sustainable development of marine economies and industries. The tidal region is a complex and challenging environment that can cause severe corrosion of facilities and affect microbial activities. However, the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of tidal region is insufficient. To address this issue, the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on a Cu-Zn-Ni alloy in the simulative tidal region was investigated by chemical and molecular biological analysis in this study. The results demonstrated that P. aeruginosa formed thicker biofilms on the Cu-Zn-Ni alloy samples under the full exposure, accelerating corrosion compared to sterile controls. Interestingly, the corrosion of P. aeruginosa toward the Cu-Zn-Ni alloy was inhibited in the simulative tidal region. This inhibition behavior was relevant to the reduction in the quantity of sessile cells and cell activities. The expression down-regulation of genes encoding phenazines induced the decrease in electron transfer mediators and weakened the MIC of P. aeruginosa on alloy samples in the simulative tidal region. The research sheds light on the characteristics of P. aeruginosa and corrosion products on the Cu-Zn-Ni alloy, as well as their interaction mechanisms underlying corrosion in the simulative tidal region. The study will facilitate the evaluation and control of MIC in the tidal region, contributing to the development of sustainable strategies for preserving the integrity and safety of marine facilities.

PD-1 inhibitors combined with paclitaxel and cisplatin in first-line treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The combinations of PD-1 inhibitors with paclitaxel/cisplatinum (PD-1 + TP) and fluoropyrimidine/cisplatinum (PD-1 + FP) both have been shown to improve overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with previously untreated, advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there is no consensus on which chemotherapy regimen combined with PD-1 has better efficacy. To deal with this important issue in the first-line treatment of patients with ESCC, a network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed. METHODS: Data were collected from eligible studies searched in Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for the OS, and PFS, odds ratio (OR) for the objective response rate (ORR) and ≥ 3 grade treatment-related adverse events (≥ 3TRAEs) were estimated to evaluate the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors combined with TP or FP. RESULTS: Five RCTs and one retrospective study involving 3685 patients and evaluating four treatments were included in this NMA. Compared to other treatments, PD-1 + TP was better. For the PFS, the HRs for PD-1 + TP compared to PD-1 + FP, TP and FP were 0.59 (0.44, 0.80), 0.56 (0.51, 0.61) and 0.45 (0.37, 0.56) respectively. For the OS, PD-1 + TP was also a better treatment compared to other treatments. The HRs were 0.74 (0.56, 0.96), 0.64 (0.57, 0.71), 0.53 (0.43, 0.67) respectively. For the ORR, there was no significant difference between PD-1 + TP and PD-1 + FP, and the ORs were 1.2 (0.69, 2.11). Compare with TP and FP, PD-1 + TP had an obvious advantage, ORs were 2.5 (2.04, 3.04) and 2.95 (1.91, 4.63). For ≥ 3TRAEs, PD-1 + TP compared to other treatments, ORs were 1.34 (0.74, 2.46) and 1.13 (0.92, 1.38) and 2.23 (1.35, 3.69). CONCLUSION: PD-1 + TP significantly improved both PFS and OS compared to PD-1 + FP. Taking into account both efficacy and safety, PD-1 + TP may be a superior first-line treatment option for ESCC.

Identification and validation of basic fibroblast growth factor as a prognostic biomarker for the response of lung adenocarcinoma patients to bevacizumab treatment.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulates angiogenesis, influencing the proliferation, migration, and survival of tumour cells, which have pivotal roles in tumour progression. This study investigated the prognostic significance of bFGF expression in lung adenocarcinoma treated with bevacizumab. The expression levels of bFGF were assessed in bevacizumab-treated patients with lung adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemistry. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to evaluate prognostic potential. bFGF expression was also investigated in another independent cohort of patients with lung adenocarcinoma treated with routinechemotherapy. We also compared the PSM value of bFGF expression levels independently and in combination with epidermal growth factor receptor and vascularendothelial growth factor expression levels. A high bFGF expression level was found to be an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival in patients receiving bevacizumab-based chemotherapy. Similar results were not observed in patients who underwent routinechemotherapy. In conclusion, the bFGF expression level may be a clinically feasible prognostic marker and bFGF is a potential therapeutic target for patients with lung adenocarcinoma receiving routinechemotherapy.

Macrophage-hitchhiked arsenic/AB bionic preparations for liver cancer.

Macrophage-hitchhiked arsenic/AB bionic preparations were developed to improve the therapeutic effect on liver cancer by means of the tumor-targeting ability of macrophages in vivo. In vitro and in vivo cellular uptake assays demonstrated that arsenic/AB, with negatively charged particles of around 100-200 nm size, could hitchhike to macrophages. Dissolution experiments of arsenic/AB showed that arsenic/AB could delay the release of arsenic and ensure the safety of macrophages during its transport. Histological examination confirmed the safety of the preparations for major organs. In vivo distribution experiment showed that the arsenic/AB bionic preparations could rapidly accumulate in tumors, and in vivo treatment experiment showed a significant tumor inhibition of arsenic/AB. The therapeutic mechanism of liver cancer might be that the arsenic/AB bionic preparations could inhibit tumor growth by reducing inflammatory response and inhibiting CSF1 secretion to block CSF1R activation to induce more differentiation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) towards the anti-tumor M1 phenotype. Therefore, we concluded that the arsenic/AB bionic preparations could improve the distribution of arsenic in vivo by hitchhiking on macrophages as well as make it have tumor targeting and deep penetration abilities, thus increasing the therapeutic effect of arsenic on liver cancer with reduced side effects.

Usability Evaluation of a Knowledge Graph-Based Dementia Care Intelligent Recommender System: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge graph-based recommender systems offer the possibility of meeting the personalized needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. However, the usability of such a recommender system remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of a knowledge graph-based dementia care intelligent recommender system (DCIRS). METHODS: We used a convergent mixed methods design to conduct the usability evaluation, including the collection of quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were recruited through social media advertisements. After 2 weeks of DCIRS use, feedback was collected with the Computer System Usability Questionnaire and semistructured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to describe sociodemographic characteristics and questionnaire scores. Qualitative data were analyzed systematically using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 56 caregivers were recruited. Quantitative data suggested that the DCIRS was easy for caregivers to use, and the mean questionnaire score was 2.14. Qualitative data showed that caregivers generally believed that the content of the DCIRS was professional, easy to understand, and instructive, and could meet users' personalized needs; they were willing to continue to use it. However, the DCIRS also had some shortcomings. Functions that enable interactions between professionals and caregivers and that provide caregiver support and resource recommendations might be added to improve the system's usability. CONCLUSIONS: The recommender system provides a solution to meet the personalized needs of people with dementia and their caregivers and has the potential to substantially improve health outcomes. The next step will be to optimize and update the recommender system based on caregivers' suggestions and evaluate the effect of the application.

Analysis of myosin genes in HNSCC and identify MYL1 as a specific poor prognostic biomarker, promotes tumor metastasis and correlates with tumor immune infiltration in HNSCC.

Head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors which ranks the sixth incidence in the world. Although treatments for HNSCC have improved significantly in recent years, its recurrence rate and mortality rate remain high. Myosin genes have been studied in a variety of tumors, however its role in HNSCC has not been elucidated. GSE58911 and GSE30784 gene expression profile analysis were performed to detect significantly dys-regulated myosin genes in HNSCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC database was used to verify the dys-regulated myosin genes and study the relationship between these genes and prognosis in HNSCC. The results showed that MYL1, MYL2, MYL3, MYH2, and MYH7 were down-regulated, while MYH10 was up-regulated in patients with HNSCC. Interestingly, MYL1, MYL2, MYH1, MYH2, and MYH7 were shown to be unfavorable prognostic markers in HNSCC. It is also worth noting that MYL1 was a specific unfavorable prognostic biomarker in HNSCC. MYL1, MYL2, MYL3, MYH2, MYH7, and MYH10 promoted CD4 + T cells activation in HNSCC. MYL1 was proved to be down-regulated in HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues at protein levels. MYL1 overexpression had no effect on proliferation, but significantly promoted migration of Fadu cells. MYL1 increased EGF and EGFR protein expression levels. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between MYL1 expression and Tcm CD8 cells, Tcm CD4 + cells, NK cells, Mast cells, NKT cells, Tfh cells and Treg cells in HNSCC. Overall, MYL1 facilitates tumor metastasis and correlates with tumor immune infiltration in HNSCC and these effects may be associated with the EGF/EGFR pathway.

Comparative effectiveness of hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and platelet-rich fibrin in treating temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for treating temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and summarize their mechanisms of action. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until November 13, 2021, were identified using electronic and manual searches. Each study was evaluated for the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The studies found via searches were categorized by follow-up time (1, 3, or 6 months). Evidence quality was graded according to the GRADE system. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs were included that involved 421 patients with TMD. The network meta-analysis showed that all treatment groups improved compared to the placebo groups in terms of pain and maximal mouth opening (MMO). For pain evaluated via the visual analog scale, PRF exhibited better analgesic effects than PRP or HA after 1 and 3 months. PRP appeared to be more effective than PRF was after 6 months but there were no statistically significant differences between the two. For MMO, the effect of PRP was superior to those of PRF and HA after 1 month. However, after 3 and 6 months, PRF provided more encouraging results in improving MMO. CONCLUSION: PRP and PRF exhibited similar short-term efficacy in treating TMD, while PRF was more advantageous in terms of long-term efficacy. Therefore, PRF was recommended for treating TMD.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals tumor immune microenvironment in human hypopharygeal squamous cell carcinoma and lymphatic metastasis.

Background: Human hypopharygeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) is a common head and neck cancer with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. The occurrence and development of tumor is the result of mutual influence and co-evolution between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) refers to the immune microenvironment surrounding tumor cells. Studying TIME in HSCC could provide new targets and therapeutic strategies for HSCC. Methods: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and analysis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, paracancerous, and lymphoid tissues from five HSCC patients. Subdivide of B cells, T cells, macrophages cells, and monocytes and their distribution in three kinds of tissues as well as marker genes were analyzed. Different genes of IGHG1 plasma cells and SPP1+ macrophages between HSCC tissues, adjacent normal tissues and lymphatic tissues were analyzed. Additionally, we studied proliferating lymphocytes, T cells exhaustion, and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in three kinds of tissues. Results: Transcriptome profiles of 132,869 single cells were obtained and grouped into seven cell clusters, including epithelial cells, lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytics system (MPs), fibroblasts, endothelial cells (ECs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and mast cells. Tumor metastasis occurred in three lymphoid tissues. Four distinct populations were identified from lymphocytes, including B cells, plasma cells, T cells and proliferating lymphocytes. We found IGHA1 and IGHG1 specific plasma cells significantly overexpressed in HSCC tissues compared with normal hypopharygeal tissues and lymphatic tissues. Five distinct populations from MPs were identified, including macrophages, monocytes, mature dendritic cells (DCs), Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) and Type 2 conventional dendritic cells (cDC2). SPP1+ macrophages were significantly overexpressed in HSCC tissues and lymphatic tissues compared with normal hypopharygeal tissues, which are thought to be M2-type macrophages. Exhaustion of CD8+ Teff cells occurred in HSCC tissues. At last, we verified that IgA and IgG1 protein expression levels were significantly up-regulated in HSCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Conclusion: Overall, this study revealed TIME in HSCC and lymphatic metastasis, and provided potential therapeutic targets for HSCC.

Preliminary study based on methylation and transcriptome gene sequencing of lncRNAs and immune infiltration in hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: Hypopharyngeal squamous cell cancer (HSCC) is one of the most malignant tumors of the head and neck. It is not easy to detect in the early stage due to its hidden location; thus, lymph node metastasis is highly likely at diagnosis, leading to a poor prognosis. It is believed that epigenetic modification is related to cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the role of m6A-related lncRNA in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HSCC remains unclear. Methods: The whole transcriptome and methylation sequencing of 5 pairs of HSCC tissues and adjacent tissues were performed to identify the methylation and transcriptome profiles of lncRNAs. The biological significance of lncRNAs differentially expressing the m6A peak was analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. By constructing an m6A lncRNA-microRNA network, the mechanism of m6A lncRNAs in HSCC was analyzed. The relative expression levels of selected lncRNAs were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate the relative proportion of immune cell infiltration in HSCC and paracancerous tissues. Results: Based on an in-depth analysis of the sequencing results, 14413 differentially expressed lncRNAs were revealed, including 7329 up-regulated and 7084 down-regulated lncRNAs. Additionally, 4542 up-methylated and 2253 down-methylated lncRNAs were detected. We demonstrated methylation patterns and gene expression profiles of lncRNAs of HSCC transcriptome. In the intersection analysis of lncRNAs and methylated lncRNAs, 51 lncRNAs with up-regulated transcriptome and methylation and 40 lncRNAs with down-regulated transcriptome and methylation were screened, and significantly differentiated lncRNAs were further studied. In the immune cell infiltration analysis, B cell memory was significantly elevated in cancer tissue, while γδT cell amount was significantly decreased. Conclusion: m6A modification of lncRNAs might be involved in HSCC pathogenesis. Infiltration of immune cells in HSCC might provide a new direction for its treatment. This study provides new insights for exploring the possible HSCC pathogenesis and searching for new potential therapeutic targets.

Preparation and Properties of Shape Memory PEG/IEM Resin and Its Composite Designed for Ureter Stent.

In this paper, isocyanoethyl methacrylate (IEM) is used to functionalize the two ends of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diol with acrylic acid groups through an urethanization reaction. The synthesized PEG/IEM resin is then photo-cured with a 405 nm ultraviolet lamp. Ttrans of the PEG/IEM resin can be regulated by the different molecular weights of PEG and the use of plasticizer Triacetin to reach 44 °C, which is closer to the human body temperature. Cytotoxicity assay and DMA shape memory cycling testing show that the PEG/IEM resin has excellent biocompatibility and shape memory properties. The flower structure is prepared and its shape recovery process is demonstrated. The performance of 10wt% nano Fe3 O4 /PEG4000/IEM resin and its composite spring stent structure satisfy the requirement of the stent properties in vivo, and can quickly recover to the original shape under magnetically driven. This work provides a material option for developing new biological application devices such as ureter stents.

Association between Respiratory Function and Motor Function in Different Stages of Parkinson's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) could present in the early stage and worsen in the late stages. These changes could be a factor affecting the ability of daily living and quality of life of patients with PD. The primary objective of this study was to assess the respiratory function and its association with motor function in patients with different stages of PD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Huashan Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. The study included 65 patients diagnosed with PD (the Hoehn and Yahr scale between 1 and 4) and 20 healthy individuals of similar age, gender, weight, and height. The ventilatory function was assessed using the spirometry. Motor function was evaluated using subscale III of the United Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS-III). After confirming the normality of data distribution, we performed one-way ANOVA with a Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy individuals, there was no statistical significance in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) in the H&Y 1 group and H&Y 2 group (p > 0.05) but reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the H&Y 2 group (p = 0.002). Reduced FVC, FEV1, and PEF was seen in the H&Y 3 group (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.0001, respectively). Reduced FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF25-75% was seen in the H&Y 4 group (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, and p = 0.025, respectively). The correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant negative correlation between FVC and UPDRS-III scores (r = -0.248, p = 0.046), disease duration (r = -0.276, p = 0.026), H&Y scale (r = -0.415, p = 0.001). FEV1 was negatively correlated with UPDRS-III scores (r = -0.277, p = 0.025), disease duration (r = -0.291, p = 0.019), H&Y scale (r = -0.434, p = 0.0001). FEF25-75% was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = -0.247, p = 0.047), H&Y scale (r = -0.278, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that respiratory impairment is present in moderate and advanced PD patients, and directly related to the severity of the disease. It is important to conduct respiratory function test in the clinical practice.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes skeletal muscle regeneration via modulating the inflammatory immune microenvironment.

Background: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS, a form of mechanical stimulation) can promote skeletal muscle functional repair, but a lack of mechanistic understanding of its relationship and tissue regeneration limits progress in this field. We investigated the hypothesis that specific energy levels of LIPUS mediates skeletal muscle regeneration by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Methods: To address these gaps, LIPUS irritation was applied in vivo for 5 min at two different intensities (30mW/cm2 and 60mW/cm2) in next 7 consecutive days, and the treatment begun at 24h after air drop-induced contusion injury. In vitro experiments, LIPUS irritation was applied at three different intensities (30mW/cm2, 45mW/cm2, and 60mW/cm2) for 2 times 24h after introduction of LPS in RAW264.7. Then, we comprehensively assessed the functional and histological parameters of skeletal muscle injury in mice and the phenotype shifting in macrophages through molecular biological methods and immunofluorescence analysis both in vivo and in vitro. Results: We reported that LIPUS therapy at intensity of 60mW/cm2 exhibited the most significant differences in functional recovery of contusion-injured muscle in mice. The comprehensive functional tests and histological analysis in vivo indirectly and directly proved the effectiveness of LIPUS for muscle recovery. Through biological methods and immunofluorescence analysis both in vivo and in vitro, we found that this improvement was attributable in part to the clearance of M1 macrophages populations and the increase in M2 subtypes with the change of macrophage-mediated factors. Depletion of macrophages in vivo eliminated the therapeutic effects of LIPUS, indicating that improvement in muscle function was the result of M2-shifted macrophage polarization. Moreover, the M2-inducing effects of LIPUS were proved partially through the WNT pathway by upregulating FZD5 expression and enhancing ß-catenin nuclear translocation in macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition and augment of WNT pathway in vitro further verified our results. Conclusion: LIPUS at intensity of 60mW/cm2 could significantly promoted skeletal muscle regeneration through shifting macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2. The ability of LIPUS to direct macrophage polarization may be a beneficial target in the clinical treatment of many injuries and inflammatory diseases.

Double design of host and guest synergistically reinforces the Na-ion storage of sulfur cathodes.

Development of room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries is significantly hampered by the shuttle effect of soluble intermediates and intrinsically sluggish conversion kinetics. In this work, a double design host and guest strategy (i.e., implantation of a polar V2O3 adsorbent into a carbon substrate and selenium doping of a sulfur guest) is proposed to synergistically reinforce the electrochemical properties of sulfur electrodes in sodium ion storage. The V2O3 adsorbent efficiently immobilizes sulfur species via strong polar-polar interactions, while the selenium dopant improves the electronic conductivity of sulfur cathodes and accelerates the redox conversion of sulfur cathodes. The synergistic effect between the V2O3 adsorbent and selenium dopant is shown to inhibit the shuttle effect and improve the redox kinetics, thus realizing greatly enhanced Na-ion storage properties of sulfur cathodes. The as-designed sulfur cathode delivers a superior rate capability of 663 mA h g-1 at 2.0 A g-1 and demonstrates excellent cyclability of 405 mA h g-1 over 700 cycles at 1.0 A g-1.