Age structure and body size of two Tibetan toad (Bufo tibetanus) populations from different elevations in China.

Understanding how age and body size vary across elevations can provide insights into the evolution of life-history traits in animals. In the present study, we compared the demographic (using skeletochronology) and morphological traits of the Tibetan toad (Bufo tibetanus) between two populations from different elevational habitats (2650 vs. 3930 m). We found that (1) the mean age and body size of females were significantly greater than those of males in both populations; (2) both sexes of toads from the higher elevation tended to be significantly older in age and larger in body size; (3) there was a significant positive relationship between age and body size within each sex of the toad at both elevations; and (4) growth rates varied between the two populations, with the higher rate observed in the lower-elevation population. Our results suggested that factors other than age, such as elevation-associated temperature, influence the observed differences in body size between the two populations. Future research at a broader range of elevations should focus on these factors and evaluate their influence on animal growth patterns.

Multifunctional bilayer nanofibrous membrane enhances periodontal regeneration via mesenchymal stem cell recruitment and macrophage polarization.

The continuous stimulation of periodontitis leads to a decrease in the number of stem cells within the lesion area and significantly impairing their regenerative capacity. Therefore, it is crucial to promote stem cell homing and regulate the local immune microenvironment to suppress inflammation for the regeneration of periodontitis-related tissue defects. Here, we fabricated a novel multifunctional bilayer nanofibrous membrane using electrospinning technology. The dense poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers served as the barrier layer to resist epithelial invasion, while the polyvinyl alcohol/chitooligosaccharides (PVA/COS) composite nanofiber membrane loaded with calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB-Ca) acted as the functional layer. Material characterization tests revealed that the bilayer nanofibrous membrane presented desirable mechanical strength, stability, and excellent cytocompatibility. In vitro, PCL@PVA/COS/HMB-Ca (P@PCH) can not only directly promote rBMSCs migration and differentiation, but also induce macrophage toward pro-healing (M2) phenotype-polarization with increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-healing cytokines, thus providing a favorable osteoimmune environment for stem cells recruitment and osteogenic differentiation. In vivo, the P@PCH membrane effectively recruited host MSCs to the defect area, alleviated inflammatory infiltration, and accelerated bone defects repair. Collectively, our data indicated that the P@PCH nanocomposite membrane might be a promising biomaterial candidate for guided tissue regeneration in periodontal applications.

Redistribution of defective mitochondria-mediated dihydroorotate dehydrogenase imparts 5-fluorouracil resistance in colorectal cancer.

Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the primary chemotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC), its efficacy is limited by drug resistance. Ferroptosis activation is a promising treatment for 5-FU-resistant cancer cells; however, potential therapeutic targets remain elusive. This study investigated ferroptosis vulnerability and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) activity using stable, 5-FU-resistant CRC cell lines and xenograft models. Ferroptosis was characterized by measuring malondialdehyde levels, assessing lipid metabolism and peroxidation, and using mitochondrial imaging and assays. DHODH function is investigated through gene knockdown experiments, tumor behavior assays, mitochondrial import reactions, intramitochondrial localization, enzymatic activity analyses, and metabolomics assessments. Intracellular lipid accumulation and mitochondrial DHODH deficiency led to lipid peroxidation overload, weakening the defense system of 5-FU-resistant CRC cells against ferroptosis. DHODH, primarily located within the inner mitochondrial membrane, played a crucial role in driving intracellular pyrimidine biosynthesis and was redistributed to the cytosol in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells. Cytosolic DHODH, like its mitochondrial counterpart, exhibited dihydroorotate catalytic activity and participated in pyrimidine biosynthesis. This amplified intracellular pyrimidine pools, thereby impeding the efficacy of 5-FU treatment through molecular competition. These findings contribute to the understanding of 5-FU resistance mechanisms and suggest that ferroptosis and DHODH are promising therapeutic targets for patients with CRC exhibiting resistance to 5-FU.

Ankylosing spondylitis prediction using fuzzy K-nearest neighbor classifier assisted by modified JAYA optimizer.

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be complex, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of medical history, clinical symptoms, and radiological evidence. This multidimensional approach can exacerbate the clinical burden and increase the likelihood of diagnostic inaccuracies, which may result in delayed or overlooked cases. Consequently, supplementary diagnostic techniques for AS have become a focal point in clinical research. This study introduces an enhanced optimization algorithm, SCJAYA, which incorporates salp swarm foraging behavior with cooperative predation strategies into the JAYA algorithm framework, noted for its robust optimization capabilities that emulate the evolutionary dynamics of biological organisms. The integration of salp swarm behavior is aimed at accelerating the convergence speed and enhancing the quality of solutions of the classical JAYA algorithm while the cooperative predation strategy is incorporated to mitigate the risk of convergence on local optima. SCJAYA has been evaluated across 30 benchmark functions from the CEC2014 suite against 9 conventional meta-heuristic algorithms as well as 9 state-of-the-art meta-heuristic counterparts. The comparative analyses indicate that SCJAYA surpasses these algorithms in terms of convergence speed and solution precision. Furthermore, we proposed the bSCJAYA-FKNN classifier: an advanced model applying the binary version of SCJAYA for feature selection, with the aim of improving the accuracy in diagnosing and prognosticating AS. The efficacy of the bSCJAYA-FKNN model was substantiated through validation on 11 UCI public datasets in addition to an AS-specific dataset. The model exhibited superior performance metrics-achieving an accuracy rate, specificity, Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), F-measure, and computational time of 99.23 %, 99.52 %, 0.9906, 99.41 %, and 7.2800 s, respectively. These results not only underscore its profound capability in classification but also its substantial promise for the efficient diagnosis and prognosis of AS.

Sotorasib as first-line therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS gene mutations combined with brain metastases: a case report.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a high incidence of lung cancer, with a 30% incidence of KRAS mutations and a low 5-year survival rate. Until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sotorasib in May 2021, no therapies targeted mutated KRAS in cancer. Sotorasib, a new KRAS inhibitor, is currently recognized as the newest clinically targeted agent with apparent clinical efficacy in NSCLC patients with KRAS G12C mutations. FDA approval is required for patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC undergoing at least one chemotherapy regimen. Case Description: In our study, we report a patient with advanced NSCLC combined with brain metastases, clinical stage IV (c.T3N0M1b), KRAS G12C (+) detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, direct use of sotorasib, an inhibitor of KRAS G12C, as first-line therapy. The patient was treated with 4 months of oral therapy, had significant partial remission (PR), and remained in stable disease (SD) for nearly 9 months of follow-up, with no other side effects. Further extension of the follow-up period is needed to assess the impact of sotorasib as first-line therapy on patient survival. A series of clinical trials in phase 3 is ongoing, covering the first-line usage widespread. Conclusions: Based on the literature review, this is the first domestic report in China where sotorasib was used directly as first-line treatment in patients with advanced combined brain metastasis from NSCLC. It needs a longer follow-up to evaluate the efficacy of sotorasib further as a first-line.

Control and surveillance of redox potential for 233Pa dissolution in 2LiF-BeF2 molten salt.

233Pa, the precursor nuclide of 233U in the thorium-uranium conversion is prone to reductive deposition in 2LiF-BeF2 (66 : 34 mol%, FLiBe) molten salt. We explored the adjustment and control of the redox potential of the FLiBe melt to avoid the 233Pa reduction deposition. The experimental data indicated that the deposited 233Pa can be completely dissolved and reentered into the molten salt with the addition of oxidant NiF2, and the distribution and behaviour of uranium, thorium, neptunium, and most fission products did not have any significant change in the NiF2-oxidised FLiBe molten salt, showing the feasibility of this manner to make 233Pa exist stably in the melt. The effects of NiF2-addition on the behaviour of the fission products 95Nb and 131I in the FLiBe molten salt were also investigated. It was found that 131I could be used as a redox indicator to monitor the redox potential of the oxidation-enhanced FLiBe molten salt. All the information drawn from this study could provide significant support for the control and surveillance of the redox potential of the FLiBe molten salt in the upcoming thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR).

Optimizing fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for enhanced antifungal activity and compatibility studies.

Fungal infections are of major concern all over the globe, and fluconazole is the most prevalently used drug to treat it. The goal of this research work was to formulate a fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for the treatment of fungal infections. A compatibility study between fluconazole and soya lecithin was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transfersomes were formulated by a thin-film hydration technique using soya lecithin and Span 80. A central composite design was adopted to prepare different formulations. Soya lecithin and Span 80 were chosen as independent variables, and the effect of these variables was studied on in vitro drug diffusion. Formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug diffusion. The results of in vitro drug diffusion were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Optimized formulation was prepared based on the overlay plot and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, DSC, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and in vitro drug diffusion studies. An optimized formulation was loaded into xanthan gum gel base and evaluated for pH, viscosity, in vitro and ex vivo drug diffusion, and antifungal activity. DSC studies revealed compatibility between fluconazole and soya lecithin. Entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug diffusion of various formulations ranged between 89.92% ± 0.20% to 97.28% ± 0.42% and 64% ± 1.56% to 85% ± 2.05%, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between in vitro drug diffusion and Span 80; conversely, a negative correlation was noted with soya lecithin. Entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, PDI, and drug diffusion of optimized formulation were 95.0% ± 2.2%, 397 ± 2 nm, -38 ± 5 mV, 0.43%, and 81 % ± 2%, respectively. SEM images showed well-distributed spherical-shaped transfersomes. In vitro, ex vivo drug diffusion and antifungal studies were conclusive of better diffusion and enhanced antifungal potential fluconazole in transfersomal formulation.

Is cryoablation still suitable for advanced non-small cell lung cancer after failure of first-line chemotherapy? A multicenter, prospective, randomized-controlled trial of eighty-seven patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of cryoablation treatment in advanced NSCLC patients who had failed first-line chemotherapy. Eighty-seven patients from ten hospitals in China were enrolled into the study, forty-four patients received cryoablation treatment plus basic treatment (experimental group), and forty-three patients had basic treatment alone (control group). Follow-up was performed once every three months until the end of the study or the death of the patient. The primary endpoints were overall and post-intervention survival; secondary endpoints included tumor markers, solid tumor efficacy, and symptom changes before and after treatment. There was no significant difference in median OS between the two groups of patients (9.0 months vs 11.2 months, P = 0.583). The disease control rate (DCR) and living quality of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. In terms of OS, indiscriminate use of cryoablation for such patients was not beneficial, though it could improve symptoms of patients. Cryoablation had a significant effect on selected advanced NSCLC patients after the failure of first-line chemotherapy.

Prognostic value of geriatric nutritional risk index in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis

Background Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) on the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to discuss the value of the GNRI in evaluating long-term outcomes in DLBCL. Methods We systematically and roundly retrieved PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases from inception of the databases to March 20, 2023. At the same time, we calculated the pool hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival and progression-free survival to assess the effect of GNRI on the prognosis of DLBCL patients. Results In our primary meta-analysis, 7 trials with a total of 2448 patients were enrolled. Results showed that lower level of GNRI was related to poorer overall survival (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.27, 2.50, p < 0.01) and worse progression-free survival (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.71, 3.13, p < 0.01) in DLBCL patients. Conclusion The results of our meta-analysis indicate that a lower GNRI significantly associated with poorer prognosis for DLBCL. It is believed that GNRI was a promisingly predictive indicator of survival outcomes in DLBCL patients. However, large multicenter prospective studies are necessary to verify the results (AU)

Small vs. Large Library Docking for Positive Allosteric Modulators of the Calcium Sensing Receptor.

Drugs acting as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) to enhance the activation of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion can treat hyperparathyroidism but suffer from side effects including hypocalcemia and arrhythmias. Seeking new CaSR modulators, we docked libraries of 2.7 million and 1.2 billion molecules against transforming pockets in the active-state receptor dimer structure. Consistent with simulations suggesting that docking improves with library size, billion-molecule docking found new PAMs with a hit rate that was 2.7-fold higher than the million-molecule library and with hits up to 37-fold more potent. Structure-based optimization of ligands from both campaigns led to nanomolar leads, one of which was advanced to animal testing. This PAM displays 100-fold the potency of the standard of care, cinacalcet, in ex vivo organ assays, and reduces serum PTH levels in mice by up to 80% without the hypocalcemia typical of CaSR drugs. Cryo-EM structures with the new PAMs show that they induce residue rearrangements in the binding pockets and promote CaSR dimer conformations that are closer to the G-protein coupled state compared to established drugs. These findings highlight the promise of large library docking for therapeutic leads, especially when combined with experimental structure determination and mechanism.

Prognostic value of geriatric nutritional risk index in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) on the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to discuss the value of the GNRI in evaluating long-term outcomes in DLBCL. METHODS: We systematically and roundly retrieved PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases from inception of the databases to March 20, 2023. At the same time, we calculated the pool hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival and progression-free survival to assess the effect of GNRI on the prognosis of DLBCL patients. RESULTS: In our primary meta-analysis, 7 trials with a total of 2448 patients were enrolled. Results showed that lower level of GNRI was related to poorer overall survival (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.27, 2.50, p < 0.01) and worse progression-free survival (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.71, 3.13, p < 0.01) in DLBCL patients. CONCLUSION: The results of our meta-analysis indicate that a lower GNRI significantly associated with poorer prognosis for DLBCL. It is believed that GNRI was a promisingly predictive indicator of survival outcomes in DLBCL patients. However, large multicenter prospective studies are necessary to verify the results.

Discovery of Novel Marine-Derived Phidiandine/Lipoic Acid Hybrid as a Potential Anti-Atherosclerosis Agent: Design, Synthesis and in Vitro/in Vivo Evaluation.

In the present study, a novel derivative, IOP-LA, was prepared by hybridizing antioxidant lipoic acid (LA) and our recently reported antioxidative marine phidianidine B-inspired indole/1,2,4-oxadiazole derivative. Our results demonstrated that IOP-LA could protect vascular endothelial cells (VECs) from oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway, inhibit the production of atherosclerotic plaque, and promote the stability of atherosclerotic plaque in apoE-/- mice. Moreover, the protective effect of IOP-LA was superior to LA at the same concentration. Mechanistic studies revealed that IOP-LA significantly inhibited the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) nuclear induced by oxLDL through the nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. In summary, the data demonstrate that IOP-LA, as a new antioxidant, protects VECs from oxLDL-induced oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway. It is worth noting that this study provides a promising lead compound for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Modified Approach for Extraperitoneal Colostomy Creation in Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia is a major long-term complication after abdominoperineal resection. Extraperitoneal colostomy has been proposed as an effective step for parastomal hernia prevention, but it has not been widely used as it is technically demanding and time-consuming. We proposed a modified approach for extraperitoneal colostomy creation by entering the extraperitoneal space through the arcuate line of the posterior rectus sheath. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, difficulty, and efficacy of long-term parastomal hernia prevention of the modified approach for extraperitoneal colostomy creation compared with the conventional transperitoneal colostomy approach. DESIGN: This was a retrospective evaluation of a surgical and video database. SETTINGS: This was a single-institution retrospective study. PATIENTS: Clinical data of 74 patients who underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection surgery from January 2019 to January 2020 in the Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline characteristics, time required for colostomy creation (from skin incision to colostomy maturation), perioperative complications, and long-term colostomy-related complications were compared. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics did not differ between the 2 approaches. The BMI level ranged from 19.5 to 29.4 for patients undergoing extraperitoneal approach. Time required for colostomy creation median [interquartile range], (22 [21-25] minutes for extraperitoneal vs 23 [21-25] minutes for transperitoneal, p = 0.861) were comparable between the 2 approaches. The cumulative incidence of parastomal hernia was significantly greater with transperitoneal colostomy than extraperitoneal colostomy at 2 and 3 years postoperatively (16.2% vs 0%, p = 0.025, and 21.6% vs 0%, p = 0.005). The remaining perioperative complications and long-term colostomy-related complications did not differ between the 2 approaches. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its retrospective design and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The modified approach for extraperitoneal colostomy creation is safe, technically simple, and effective for long-term parastomal hernia prevention in patients with a BMI of 19.5 to 29.4.

Multi-threshold Image Segmentation based on an improved Salp Swarm Algorithm: Case study of breast cancer pathology images.

Breast cancer poses a significant risk to women's health, and it is essential to provide proper diagnostic support. Medical image processing technology is a key component of all supporting diagnostic techniques, with Image Segmentation (IS) being one of its primary steps. Among various methods, Multilevel Image Segmentation (MIS) is considered one of the most effective and straightforward approaches. Many researchers have attempted to improve the quality of image segmentation by combining different metaheuristic algorithms with MIS. However, these methods often suffer from issues such as low convergence accuracy and a proclivity for converging towards Local Optima (LO). To overcome these challenges, this study introduces an integrated approach that combines the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA) and Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm. In this manuscript, we introduce an innovative hybrid MIS model termed SDSSA, which leverages elements from the SSA, SMA and DE algorithms. The SDSSA model fundamentally relies on non-local means 2D histogram and 2D Kapur's entropy. To evaluate the proposed method effectively, we compare it initially with similar algorithms using the IEEE CEC2014 benchmark functions. The SDSSA showcases enhanced convergence velocity and precision relative to similar algorithms. Furthermore, this paper proposes an excellent MIS method. Subsequently, IS experiments were conducted separately at both low and high threshold levels. The test results demonstrate that the segmentation outcomes of MIS, at both low and high threshold levels, outperform other methods. This validates SDSSA as a superior segmentation technique that provides practical assistance for future research in breast cancer pathology image processing.

Multifunctional electrospun polycaprolactone/chitosan/hEGF/lidocaine nanofibers for the treatment of 2 stage pressure ulcers.

In this study, a multifunctional nanofiber dressing that can promote antibacterial, analgesic and healing was prepared by electrospinning technology. Hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan (CS)/lidocaine hydrochloride (LID) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were used as scaffold materials and dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid to prepare spinning solution. The morphology of PCEL dressing was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The fiber structure was dense and the average diameter was 297.0 nm. The water absorption capacity test and water contact angle measurement showed that the fiber had good water absorption and hydrophilicity (1302 %, 139.258°). Drug release was 84 % within 60 h. In the results of antibacterial experiment, the dressing showed certain antibacterial properties. The results of cell experiments show that the dressing can promote cell proliferation. In addition, coagulation experiments showed that the dressing could quickly coagulate the blood within 4 min. In addition, PCEL dressing promoted collagen deposition and vascularization through animal models of pressure sores. Therefore, multifunctional dressing can be used as an ideal auxiliary means for the treatment of pressure sores, and it is a promising alternative to chronic wound healing.

Duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery activates eNOS and enhances antioxidant system by activating AMPK pathway to improve heart oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a serious complication of obesity with type 2 diabetes and is a major cause of mortality. Metabolic surgery, such as duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB), can effectively improve diabetic cardiomyopathy; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Oxidative stress is one of the pivotal mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our objective was to investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of DJB on oxidative stress in the heart of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. METHODS: High-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to establish diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. DJB was performed on diabetic cardiomyopathy rats, and high glucose and palmitate were used to simulate diabetic cardiomyopathy in H9C2 cells in vitro. Sera from different groups of rats were used for experiments in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: DJB effectively improved oxidative stress and activated the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway to increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation level and the expression of antioxidative system-related proteins and genes in the heart of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. AMPK agonists and serum from DJB rats activated the AMPK pathway to increase eNOS phosphorylation level and the expression of antioxidative system-related proteins and genes and decreased the content of reactive oxygen species in H9C2 cells, but this improvement was almost eliminated by the addition of AMPK inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: DJB activates eNOS and enhances the antioxidant system by activating the AMPK pathway-and not solely by improving blood glucose-to improve oxidative stress in the heart of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.

Preparation of Azoxystrobin-Zinc Metal-Organic Framework/Biomass Charcoal Composite Materials and Application in the Prevention and Control of Gray Mold in Tomato.

In order to reduce the use of fungicide and ensure food safety, it is necessary to develop fungicide with low toxicity and high efficiency to reduce residues. Azoxystrobin (AZOX), which is derived from mushrooms, is an excellent choice. However, conventional AZOX release is difficult to regulate. In this paper, a pH-responsive fungicide delivery system for the preparation of AZOX by impregnation method was reported. The Zinc metal-organic framework/Biomass charcoal (ZIF-8/BC) support was first prepared, and subsequently, the AZOX-ZIF-8/BC nano fungicide was prepared by adsorption of AZOX onto ZIF-8/BC by dipping. Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most important crop diseases worldwide. AZOX-ZIF-8/BC could respond to oxalic acid produced by Botrytis cinerea to release loaded AZOX. When pH = 4.8, it was 48.42% faster than when pH = 8.2. The loading of AZOX on ZIF-8/BC was 19.83%. In vitro and pot experiments showed that AZOX-ZIF-8/BC had significant fungicidal activity, and 300 mg/L concentration of AZOX-ZIF-8-BC could be considered as a safe and effective control of Botrytis cinerea. The above results indicated that the prepared AZOX-ZIF-8/BC not only exhibited good drug efficacy but also demonstrated pH-responsive fungicide release.

Identification of a 24-gene panel and a novel marker of PODXL2 essential for the pathological diagnosis of early prostate cancer.

Precise diagnosis of early prostate cancer (PCa) is critical for preventing tumor progression. However, the diagnostic outcomes of currently used markers are far from satisfactory due to the low sensitivity or specificity. Here, we identified a diagnostic subpopulation in PCa tissue with the integrating analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-seq. The representative markers of this subpopulation were extracted to perform intersection analysis with early-PCa-related gene module generated from weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 24 overlapping genes were obtained, the diagnostic roles of which were validated by distinguishing normal and tumorous prostate samples from the public dataset. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model was constructed based on these genes and the obtained 24-gene panel showed high sensitivity and specificity for PCa diagnosis, with better identifying capability of PCa than the commercially used gene panel of Oncotype DX. The top two risk factors, TRPM4 and PODXL2, were verified to be highly expressed in early PCa tissues by multiplex immunostaining, and PODXL2 was more sensitive and specific compared to TRPM4 and the pathologically used marker AMACR for early PCa diagnosis, suggesting a novel and promising pathology marker.

Field evaluation of organic and synthetic insecticides against the hala scale, Thysanococcus pandani (Hemiptera: Halimococcidae), on Maui, Hawaii.

The hala scale, Thysanococcus pandani Stickney, is an invasive insect that infests hala trees, Pandanus tectorius, and has recently arrived in the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Oahu, and Molokai. Hala scale is native to Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore and was accidentally introduced to Maui, with its first detection in Hana in 1995. The hala tree is a frequently planted ornamental plant throughout Hawaii's urban landscape and is also a native tree found in coastal areas of ecological suitability throughout the state. These trees are integral to native Hawaiian weaving traditions, as the leaves were used to make items such as sails, hats, or mats. The spread of T. pandani threatens the continuation of these practices, as the plant material may not be sufficient for weaving. Hala trees infested with T. pandani can have negative effects such as deformation, discoloration, and early tree death. Experimental field trials were set up to evaluate the efficacy of organic and chemical insecticides as potential treatments to mitigate the damage of T. pandani infestations. This was done on the Island of Maui, where T. pandani is widespread. These trees were artificially inoculated with T. pandani and evaluated throughout the trials for changes in plant height, canopy width, scale removal, and visual infestation ratings. The results of 2 repeated field trials indicated that flupyradifurone and buprofezin were effective treatments in the reduction of the hala scale infestation and improving visual aspects related to plant health.

Effects of rumen-protective γ-aminobutyric acid additive on lactation performance and serum biochemistry in heat-stressed cows.

In the context of global warming, heat stress has become one of the major stress factors limiting dairy cattle production. Although many methods have been explored to help cows mitigate the negative effects of heat stress during the hot summer months, maintaining the performance of high-yielding cows under heat stress is still a great challenge. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of RP-GABA in the diet on milk yield, milk composition and serum biochemical parameters in heat-stressed cows. Twenty Chinese Holstein cows in early lactation (51.00 ± 4.92 kg milk/d, 71 ± 10.94 d in milk and 2.68 ± 0.73 parities) were included in this experiment and randomly divided into four groups (n = 5/group). The four experimental groups consisted of one control group (0 g RP-GABA/d) and three treatment groups, given 5, 7.5 and 10 g RP-GABA/d of dry matter (DM) per cow, respectively. The results showed that supplementing high-yielding cows with 10 g/d of RP-GABA improved milk protein production but had no effect on the improvement of other production performance, the alleviation of heat stress in cows, or the improvement of immune function and antioxidant capacity. Ultimately, we conclude that the supplementation of 10 g/d RP-GABA to heat-stressed, high-yielding dairy cows can provide a degree of performance enhancement. Furthermore, our study provides some reference for nutritional improvement measures for summer heat stress in dairy cows, especially high-yielding cows.