Associations between pan-immune-inflammation value and abdominal aortic calcification: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) pathogenesis is intricately linked with inflammation. The pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) emerges as a potential biomarker, offering reflection into systemic inflammatory states and assisting in the prognosis of diverse diseases. This research aimed to explore the association between PIV and AAC. Methods: Employing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this cross-sectional analysis harnessed weighted multivariable regression models to ascertain the relationship between PIV and AAC. Trend tests probed the evolving relationship among PIV quartiles and AAC. The study also incorporated subgroup analysis and interaction tests to determine associations within specific subpopulations. Additionally, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariable logistic regression were used for characteristics selection to construct prediction model. Nomograms were used for visualization. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and decision curve analysis were applied for evaluate the predictive performance. Results: From the cohort of 3,047 participants, a distinct positive correlation was observed between PIV and AAC. Subsequent to full adjustments, a 100-unit increment in PIV linked to an elevation of 0.055 points in the AAC score (ß=0.055, 95% CI: 0.014-0.095). Categorizing PIV into quartiles revealed an ascending trend: as PIV quartiles increased, AAC scores surged (ß values in Quartile 2, Quartile 3, and Quartile 4: 0.122, 0.437, and 0.658 respectively; P for trend <0.001). Concurrently, a marked rise in SAAC prevalence was noted (OR values for Quartile 2, Quartile 3, and Quartile 4: 1.635, 1.842, and 2.572 respectively; P for trend <0.01). Individuals aged 60 or above and those with a history of diabetes exhibited a heightened association. After characteristic selection, models for predicting AAC and SAAC were constructed respectively. The AUC of AAC model was 0.74 (95%CI=0.71-0.77) and the AUC of SAAC model was 0.84 (95%CI=0.80-0.87). According to the results of calibration plots and DCA, two models showed high accuracy and clinical benefit. Conclusion: The research findings illuminate the potential correlation between elevated PIV and AAC presence. Our models indicate the potential utility of PIV combined with other simple predictors in the assessment and management of individuals with AAC.

Cucurbitacin B attenuates osteoarthritis development by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis through activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complicated joint disorder characterized by inflammation that causes joint destruction. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid compound derived from plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role and mechanisms of CuB in a mouse model of OA. This study identified the key targets and potential pathways of CuB through network pharmacology analysis. In vivo and in vitro studies confirmed the potential mechanisms of CuB in OA. Through network pharmacology, 54 potential targets for CuB in treating OA were identified. The therapeutic potential of CuB is associated with the nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and pyroptosis. Molecular docking results indicate a strong binding affinity of CuB to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and p65. In vitro experiments demonstrate that CuB effectively inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory factors induced by interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), including cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-1ß, and IL-18. CuB inhibits the degradation of type II collagen and aggrecan in the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5. CuB protects cells by activating the Nrf2/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway and inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. Moreover, in vivo experiments show that CuB can slow down cartilage degradation in an OA mouse model. CuB effectively prevents the progression of OA by inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and ECM degradation. This action is further mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, CuB is a potential therapeutic agent for OA.

Glutamatergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus participate in the regulation of visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice.

Background: Visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer seriously affects patients' quality of life, and there is no effective treatment, because the mechanism of its neural circuit is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the main neural circuit mechanism regulating visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice. Methods: The mouse model of pancreatic cancer visceral pain was established on C57BL/6N mice by pancreatic injection of mPAKPC-luc cells. Abdominal mechanical hyperalgesia and hunch score were performed to assess visceral pain; the pseudorabies virus (PRV) was used to identify the brain regions innervating the pancreas; the c-fos co-labeling method was used to ascertain the types of activated neurons; in vitro electrophysiological patch-clamp technique was used to record the electrophysiological activity of specific neurons; the calcium imaging technique was used to determine the calcium activity of specific neurons; specific neuron destruction and chemogenetics methods were used to explore whether specific neurons were involved in visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer. Results: The PRV injected into the pancreas was detected in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the majority of c-fos were co-labeled with glutamatergic neurons in the PVN. In vitro electrophysiological results showed that the firing frequency of glutamatergic neurons in the PVN was increased. The calcium imaging results showed that the calcium activity of glutamatergic neurons in the PVN was enhanced. Both specific destruction of glutamatergic neurons and chemogenetics inhibition of glutamatergic neurons in the PVN alleviated visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer. Conclusions: Glutamatergic neurons in the PVN participate in the regulation of visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice, providing new insights for the discovery of effective targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer visceral pain.

Role of durotomy on function outcome, tissue sparing, inflammation, and tissue stiffness after spinal cord injury in rats.

Currently, there is a lack of effective treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI), a debilitating medical condition associated with enduring paralysis and irreversible neuronal damage. Extradural decompression of osseous as well as soft tissue components has historically been the principal objective of surgical procedures. Nevertheless, this particular surgical procedure fails to tackle the intradural compressive alterations that contribute to secondary SCI. Here, we propose an early intrathecal decompression strategy and evaluate its role on function outcome, tissue sparing, inflammation, and tissue stiffness after SCI. Durotomy surgery significantly promoted recovery of hindlimb locomotor function in an open-field test. Radiological analysis suggested that lesion size and tissue edema were significantly reduced in animals that received durotomy. Relative to the group with laminectomy alone, the animals treated with a durotomy had decreased cavitation, scar formation, and inflammatory responses at 4 weeks after SCI. An examination of the mechanical properties revealed that durotomy facilitated an expeditious restoration of the injured tissue's elastic rigidity. In general, early decompressive durotomy could serve as a significant strategy to mitigate the impairments caused by secondary injury and establish a more conducive microenvironment for prospective cellular or biomaterial transplantation.

A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring of leucine aminopeptidase activity and metastatic tumor progression.

This article discusses the importance of early tumor detection, particularly in liver cancer, and the role of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) as a potential marker for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis assessment. The article highlights the limitations of current tumor markers and the need for new markers and multi-marker approaches to improve accuracy. The authors introduce a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe, NTAP, designed for LAP detection. They describe the synthesis of the probe and evaluate its spectral properties, including the LOD was 0.0038 U/mL, and QY was 0.32 %. The kinetic properties of NTAP, such as the relationship between LAP concentration (0-0.08 U/mL), reaction time (3 min), and fluorescence excitation spectra (475 nm) and emission spectra (715 nm) are investigated. The article also discusses the stability and selectivity of the probe and its ability to detect LAP in complex samples. Cellular imaging experiments demonstrate the NATP specificity and selectivity in detecting LAP activity and its inhibition. Animal models of liver and lung metastasis are used to evaluate the probe's imaging capabilities, showing its ability to accurately locate and detect metastatic lesions. The article concludes by emphasizing the potential applications of the NTAP probe in early tumor diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and the study of tumor metastasis mechanisms.

Bounded rationality in healthcare: unraveling the psychological factors behind patient satisfaction in China.

Introduction: Patient satisfaction is a crucial metric to gauge the quality of medical services, but the psychological factors influencing patient satisfaction remain insufficiently explored. Methods: This study examines these psychological factors by applying the theory of bounded rationality to 1,442 inpatients in Hangzhou, China, whose data were collected using a questionnaire. One-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression were used to analyze patient satisfaction and its associated factors. Additionally, the path analysis of the structural equation model revealed the mechanisms behind the key psychological factors that influenced patient satisfaction. Results: Medical risk perception, the social cognition of the medical environment, and social desirability bias had significant positive impacts on patient satisfaction. By contrast, negative emotions had a significant negative impact on patient satisfaction. Notably, patients' negative emotions had both a suppressive effect and a positive moderating effect on the relationship between medical risk perception and patient satisfaction. Similarly, social desirability bias had a suppressive effect on the correlation between the social cognition of the medical environment and patient satisfaction, albeit with a negative moderating effect. Discussion: These results suggest that when evaluating and improving patient satisfaction, accounting only for the factors that directly influence medical service quality is insufficient, as the indirect and moderating effects of patients' negative emotions and the social cognition of the medical environment must also be considered. Medical service providers should thus address patients' negative emotions, establish good doctor-patient relationships, optimize service environments, provide managers with medical risk education and training on negative emotions, and prioritize patient-centered care. Additionally, the government and relevant health departments should optimize medical policies, enhance fairness and accessibility, and create a positive social cognitive environment through public education and awareness campaigns.

Nucleoside-diphosphate kinase of uropathogenic Escherichia coli inhibits caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis facilitating urinary tract infection.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common causative agent of urinary tract infection (UTI). UPEC invades bladder epithelial cells (BECs) via fusiform vesicles, escapes into the cytosol, and establishes biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs). Nucleoside-diphosphate kinase (NDK) is secreted by pathogenic bacteria to enhance virulence. However, whether NDK is involved in UPEC pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we find that the lack of ndk impairs the colonization of UPEC CFT073 in mouse bladders and kidneys owing to the impaired ability of UPEC to form IBCs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NDK inhibits caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis by consuming extracellular ATP, preventing superficial BEC exfoliation, and promoting IBC formation. UPEC utilizes the reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensor OxyR to indirectly activate the regulator integration host factor, which then directly activates ndk expression in response to intracellular ROS. Here, we reveal a signaling transduction pathway that UPEC employs to inhibit superficial BEC exfoliation, thus facilitating acute UTI.

Unconventional human CD61 pairing with CD103 promotes TCR signaling and antigen-specific T cell cytotoxicity.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, leading to increased interest in utilizing immunotherapy strategies for better cancer treatments. In the past decade, CD103+ T cells have been associated with better clinical prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the specific immune mechanisms contributing toward CD103-mediated protective immunity remain unclear. Here, we show an unexpected and transient CD61 expression, which is paired with CD103 at the synaptic microclusters of T cells. CD61 colocalization with the T cell antigen receptor further modulates downstream T cell antigen receptor signaling, improving antitumor cytotoxicity and promoting physiological control of tumor growth. Clinically, the presence of CD61+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes is associated with improved clinical outcomes, mediated through enhanced effector functions and phenotype with limited evidence of cellular exhaustion. In conclusion, this study identified an unconventional and transient CD61 expression and pairing with CD103 on human immune cells, which potentiates a new target for immune-based cellular therapies.

Harnessing developmental dynamics of spinal cord extracellular matrix improves regenerative potential of spinal cord organoids.

Neonatal spinal cord tissues exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities as compared to adult spinal cord tissues after injury, but the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in this process has remained elusive. Here, we found that early developmental spinal cord had higher levels of ECM proteins associated with neural development and axon growth, but fewer inhibitory proteoglycans, compared to those of adult spinal cord. Decellularized spinal cord ECM from neonatal (DNSCM) and adult (DASCM) rabbits preserved these differences. DNSCM promoted proliferation, migration, and neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and facilitated axonal outgrowth and regeneration of spinal cord organoids more effectively than DASCM. Pleiotrophin (PTN) and Tenascin (TNC) in DNSCM were identified as contributors to these abilities. Furthermore, DNSCM demonstrated superior performance as a delivery vehicle for NPCs and organoids in spinal cord injury (SCI) models. This suggests that ECM cues from early development stages might significantly contribute to the prominent regeneration ability in spinal cord.

Clinical effect of roxadustat vs. erythropoietin in non-dialysis CKD with diabetes: a single center propensity score matching analysis.

PURPOSE: Renal anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. Currently, recombinant human erythropoietin and roxadustat are the main treatments. In China, diabetic kidney disease is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease. However, high-quality evidence on the efficacy of roxadustat in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus is scarce. This study aimed to assess the clinical effect of roxadustat in such patients. METHODS: Patients with non-dialysis-dependent anemia and diabetes mellitus who received roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin for ≥ 4 weeks were enrolled. We compared baseline characteristics, including age, gender, hypertension, and hemoglobin level, and then employed a 1:3 ratio propensity score matching. The primary efficacy outcomes were changes in hemoglobin levels. After propensity score matching, 212 patients were analyzed, including the roxadustat (n = 53) and recombinant human erythropoietin (n = 159) groups. Baseline characteristics were comparable, including hemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and glycated hemoglobin A1c (p > 0.05). RESULTS: After 4, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment, the median hemoglobin levels in the roxadustat group were 97.5 g/L, 104 g/L, and 106.5 g/L, respectively, significantly surpassing the corresponding levels in the recombinant human erythropoietin group at 91 g/L, 94.5 g/L, and 94.5 g/L (p = 0.002, p = 0.025, p = 0.006, respectively). Additionally, subgroup analysis demonstrated better treatment efficacy of roxadustat patients with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and low albumin levels. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients with anemia and diabetes not on dialysis, roxadustat efficiently and rapidly improved and maintained hemoglobin levels unaffected by elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and low albumin levels.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Alkene Amination: C(sp2)-H/N-H Radical-Radical Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling.

Direct alkene C-H/N-H cross dehydrogenative coupling is an infrequent, highly challenging transformation. Herein, a photoredox radical-radical cross-coupling reaction between ketene dithioacetal as a persistent alkene radical cation and azole nitrogen center radical (NCR) was developed. This direct alkene amination proceeded through a synergistic photoredox and cobalt catalysis, with only H2 evolution. The reaction showed excellent tolerance and highly regio- and stereospecific manner, expanding the scope of C(sp2)-N construction methods and radical cross-coupling modes.

CsiR-mediated signal transduction pathway in response to low iron conditions promotes Escherichia coli K1 invasion and penetration of the blood-brain barrier.

Escherichia coli K1 is the leading cause of neonatal Gram-negative bacterial meningitis, but the pathogenesis of E. coli K1 meningitis remains unclear. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration is a crucial step in E. coli meningitis development. Here, we uncovered the crucial role of CsiR, a GntR family regulator, in E. coli K1 virulence. During infection, csiR expression was induced due to the derepression by Fur in the blood and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). CsiR positively regulated ilvB expression, which is associated with branched chain amino acid synthesis. Furthermore, we revealed that IlvB activated the FAK/PI3 K pathway of HBMECs to induce actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, thereby promoting the bacterial invasion and penetration of the BBB. Overall, this study reveals a CsiR-mediated virulence regulation pathway in E. coli K1, which may provide a useful target for the prevention or therapy of E. coli meningitis.

Comparison of photodynamic therapy with two different parameters combined with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been performed to determine the optimal parameters of photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization. This study aimed to compare the effect of photodynamic therapy with two different sets of parameters combined with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization. METHODS: Patients with stable corneal neovascularization (CNV) unresponsive to conventional treatment (topical steroid) were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, receiving PDT with two different sets of parameters (group 1 receiving fluence of 50 J/cm2 at 15 min after intravenous injection of verteporfin with, group 2 receiving fluence of 150 J/cm2 at 60 min after intravenous injection of verteporfin with). Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab was performed immediately after PDT. All patients were followed for 6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure were evaluated, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy as well as digital photography were performed. Average diameter and cumulative length of corneal neovascular were measured to evaluate the corneal neovascularization. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (20 eyes) were included in this study. At the last visit, the vision was improved in 12 eyes (60 %), steady in 4 eyes (20 %) and worsen in 4 eyes (20 %). The intraocular pressure (IOP) of all patients remained in normal range. A significant decrease in corneal neovascularization was showed in all the eyes after treatment. At 6 months after the combined treatment, the average diameter and cumulative length of vessels significantly decreased to 0.041 ± 0.023 mm (P < 0.05) and 18.78 ± 17.73 mm (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with the pretreatment data (0.062 ± 0.015 mm, 31.48 ± 18.21 mm). The reduction was more remarkable in group 2 compared to group 1.In group 1, the average diameter was 0.062 ± 0.013mm before and 0.056 ± 0.017mm after, the cumulative length of vessels was 38.66 ± 22.55mm before and 31.21 ± 17.30 after. In group 2, the date were 0.061 ± 0.016mm before and 0.029 ± 0.020mm after, 25.60 ± 8.95 mm before and 8.61 ± 8.26 mm. The reported complications included epithelial defect in four eyes, small white filaments in two eyes and corneal epithelial erosion in two eyes. CONCLUSION: The PDT combined with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab was effective for the chronic corneal neovascularization. A more promising treatment outcome was observed when PDT was performed at 60 min after intravenous injection of verteporfin with fluence of 150 J/cm2. No serious complications or systemic events were observed throughout the follow-up period.

Neuroinflammation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus precipitates visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice.

Background: Given the pivotal role of neuroinflammation in chronic pain and that the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is a crucial brain region involved in visceral pain regulation, we sought to investigate whether the targeted modulation of microglia and astrocytes in the PVN could ameliorate pancreatic cancer-induced visceral pain (PCVP) in mice. Methods: Using a mouse model of PCVP, achieved by tumor cell injection at the head of the pancreas, we measure the number of glial cells, and at the same time we employed minocycline to inhibit microglia and chemogenetic methods to suppress astrocytes in order to investigate the respective roles of microglia and astrocytes within the PVN in PCVP. Results: Mice exhibited visceral pain at 12, 15 and 18 days post-tumor cell injection. We observed a significant increase in the population of both microglia and astrocytes. Inhibition of microglial activity through minocycline microinjection into the PVN resulted in alleviation of visceral pain within 30 and 60 min. Similarly, chemogenetic inhibition of astrocyte function at 14 and 21 days post-injection also led to relief from visceral pain. Conclusions: This study found that PVN microglia and astrocytes were involved in regulating PCVP. Our results suggest that targeting glia may be a potential approach for alleviating visceral pain in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus precipitates visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice.

Background: For patients with pancreatic cancer, visceral pain is a debilitating symptom that significantly compromises their quality of life. Unfortunately, the lack of effective treatment options can be attributed to our limited understanding of the neural circuitry underlying this phenomenon. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in murine models. Methods: A mouse model of pancreatic cancer visceral pain was established in C57BL/6N mice through the intrapancreatic injection of mPAKPC-luc cells. Abdominal mechanical hyperalgesia and hunch score were employed to evaluate visceral pain, whereas the in vitro electrophysiological patch-clamp technique was utilized to record the electrophysiological activity of GABAergic neurons. Specific neuron ablation and chemogenetics methods were employed to investigate the involvement of GABAergic neurons in pancreatic cancer-induced visceral pain. Results: In vitro electrophysiological results showed that the firing frequency of GABAergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) was decreased. Specific destruction of GABAergic neurons in the PVN exacerbated visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer. Chemogenetics activation of GABAergic neurons in the PVN alleviated visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer. Conclusions: GABAergic neurons located in PVN play a crucial role in precipitating visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice, thereby offering novel insights for identifying effective targets to treat pancreatic cancer-related visceral pain.

Corynoline Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis and Attenuates ROS Activities by Regulating NF-κB/MAPKs and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways.

Declining estrogen production in postmenopausal females causes osteoporosis in which the resorption of bone exceeds the increase in bone formation. Although clinical drugs are currently available for the treatment of osteoporosis, sustained medication use is accompanied by serious side effects. Corydalis bungeana Herba, a famous traditional Chinese herb listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, constitutes various traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions, which date back to thousands of years. One of the primary active components of C. bungeana Turcz. is Corynoline (Cor), a plant isoquinoline alkaloid derived from the Corydalis species, which possesses bone metabolism disease therapeutic potential. The study aimed at exploring the effects as well as mechanisms of Cor on osteoclast formation and bone resorption. TRAcP staining, F-actin belt formation, and pit formation were employed for assessing the osteoclast function. Western blot, qPCR, network pharmacology, and docking analyses were used for analyzing the expression of osteoclast-associated genes and related signaling pathways. The study focused on investigating how Cor affected OVX-induced trabecular bone loss by using a mouse model. Cor could weaken osteoclast formation and function by affecting the biological receptor activators of NF-κB and its ligand at various concentrations. Mechanistically, Cor inhibited the NF-κB activation, and the MAPKs pathway stimulated by RANKL. Besides, Cor enhanced the protein stability of the Nrf2, which effectively abolished the RANKL-stimulated ROS generation. According to an OVX mouse model, Cor functions in restoring bone mass, improving microarchitecture, and reducing the ROS levels in the distal femurs, which corroborated with its in vitro antiosteoclastogenic effect. The present study indicates that Cor may restrain osteoclast formation and bone loss by modulating NF-κB/MAPKs and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Cor was shown to be a potential drug candidate that can be utilized for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Development of a hypoxia-activated red-emission fluorescent probe for in vivo tumor microenvironment imaging and anti-tumor therapy.

Hypoxia, a significant feature of the tumor microenvironment, is closely associated with tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. In the field of tumor microenvironment analysis, accurately imaging and quantifying hypoxia - a critical factor associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy - remains a significant challenge. Herein, a hypoxia-activated red-emission fluorescent probe, ODP, for in vivo imaging of hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment is presented. Among various imaging methods, optical imaging is particularly convenient due to its rapid response and high sensitivity. The ODP probe specifically targets nitroreductase (AzoR), an enzyme highly expressed in hypoxic cells, playing a vital role by catalyzing the cleavage of azo bonds. The optical properties of ODP exhibited excellent performance in terms of fluorescence enhancement, fluorescence lifetime (0.81 ns), and detection limit (0.86 µM) in response to SDT. Cell imaging experiments showed that ODP could effectively detect and image intracellular hypoxia and the imaging capability of ODP was studied under various conditions including cell migration, antioxidant treatment, and different incubation times. Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments, including cellular imaging and mouse tumor models, this work demonstrates the efficacy of ODP in accurately detecting and imaging hypoxia. Moreover, ODP's potential in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells offers a promising avenue for integrating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment. This innovative approach not only contributes to the understanding and assessment of tumor hypoxia but also opens new possibilities for targeted cancer therapy.

Expectation maximisation pseudo labels.

In this paper, we study pseudo-labelling. Pseudo-labelling employs raw inferences on unlabelled data as pseudo-labels for self-training. We elucidate the empirical successes of pseudo-labelling by establishing a link between this technique and the Expectation Maximisation algorithm. Through this, we realise that the original pseudo-labelling serves as an empirical estimation of its more comprehensive underlying formulation. Following this insight, we present a full generalisation of pseudo-labels under Bayes' theorem, termed Bayesian Pseudo Labels. Subsequently, we introduce a variational approach to generate these Bayesian Pseudo Labels, involving the learning of a threshold to automatically select high-quality pseudo labels. In the remainder of the paper, we showcase the applications of pseudo-labelling and its generalised form, Bayesian Pseudo-Labelling, in the semi-supervised segmentation of medical images. Specifically, we focus on: (1) 3D binary segmentation of lung vessels from CT volumes; (2) 2D multi-class segmentation of brain tumours from MRI volumes; (3) 3D binary segmentation of whole brain tumours from MRI volumes; and (4) 3D binary segmentation of prostate from MRI volumes. We further demonstrate that pseudo-labels can enhance the robustness of the learned representations. The code is released in the following GitHub repository: https://github.com/moucheng2017/EMSSL.

Prolonged Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Without Revascularization: China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Study.

At least 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is 1 of the standards of care following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, study on prolonged DAPT for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without revascularization is limited. We studied 1,744 patients with AMI without revascularization from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014. These patients were on DAPT and did not experience AMI, stroke, or bleeding events at the 12-month follow-up. We divided them into 2 groups: 12-month DAPT group (DAPT for at least 12 months but <18 months) and 18-month DAPT group (DAPT for at least 18 months). The primary outcome was 24-month all-cause death. Overall, 1,221 patients (70.0%) took DAPT for ≥12 months but <18 months, whereas 523 patients (30.0%) took DAPT for ≥18 months. The proportion of patients at high ischemic risk and the proportion of patients at high bleeding risk were similar in the 2 groups. At 24 months, the all-cause mortality rate of the 18-month DAPT group was significantly lower than that for the 12-month DAPT group (3.7% vs 5.9%, p = 0.0471). The adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause death also showed statistical significance (0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.35 to 0.99, p = 0.0444). In conclusion, DAPT for at least 18 months appears to be associated with lower 24-month mortality for non-revascularization AMI patients without events within 12 months after onset.

Sm, Nd doped BiFeO3epitaxial film for photodetector with extremely large on-off current ratio.

BiFeO3is one of the star materials in the field of ferroelectric photovoltaic for its relatively narrow bandgap (2.2-2.7 eV) and better visible light absorption. However, a high temperature over 600 °C is indispensable in the usual BiFeO3growth process, which may lead to impure phase, interdiffusion of components near the interface, oxygen vacancy and ferrous iron ions, which will result in large leakage current and greatly aggravate the ferroelectricity and photoelectric response. Here we prepared Sm, Nd doped epitaxial BiFeO3film via a rapid microwave assisted hydrothermal process at low temperature. The Bi0.9Sm0.5Nd0.5FeO3film exhibits narrow bandgap (1.35 eV) and photo response to red light, the on-off current ratio reaches over 105. The decrease in band gap and +2/+3 variable element doping are responsible for the excellent photo response. The excellent photo response performances are much better than any previously reported BiFeO3films, which has great potential for applications in photodetection, ferroelectric photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.