An evaluation of the effectiveness of 'ULTRACOL 200' in enhancing nasolabial fold wrinkles through cutaneous repair.

BACKGROUND: Injectable filler, a nonsurgical beauty method, has gained popularity in rejuvenating sagging skin. In this study, polydioxanone (PDO) was utilized as the main component of the ULTRACOL200 filler that helps stimulate collagenesis and provide skin radiant effects. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ULTRACOL200 with other commercialized products in visually improving dermatological problems. METHODS: Herein, 31 participants aged between 20 and 59 years were enrolled in the study. 1 mL of the testing product, as well as the quantity for the compared groups was injected into each participants face side individually. Subsequently, skin texture and sunken volume of skin were measured using ANTERA 3D CS imaging technology at three periods: before the application, 4 weeks after the initial application, and 4 weeks after the 2nd application of ULTRACOL200. RESULTS: The final results of skin texture and wrinkle volume evaluation consistently demonstrated significant enhancement. Consequently, subjective questionnaires were provided to the participants to evaluate the efficacy of the testing product, illustrating satisfactory responses after the twice applications. CONCLUSION: The investigation has contributed substantially to the comprehension of a PDO-based filler (ULTRACOL200) for skin enhancement and provided profound insight for future clinical trials.

Viscoelastic relaxation and topological fluctuations in glass-forming liquids.

A method for characterizing the topological fluctuations in liquids is proposed. This approach exploits the concept of the weighted gyration tensor of a collection of particles and permits the definition of a local configurational unit (LCU). The first principal axis of the gyration tensor serves as the director of the LCU, which can be tracked and analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. Analysis of moderately supercooled Kob-Andersen mixtures suggests that orientational relaxation of the LCU closely follows viscoelastic relaxation and exhibits a two-stage behavior. The slow relaxing component of the LCU corresponds to the structural, Maxwellian mechanical relaxation. Additionally, it is found that the mean curvature of the LCUs is approximately zero at the Maxwell relaxation time with the Gaussian curvature being negative. This observation implies that structural relaxation occurs when the configurationally stable and destabilized regions interpenetrate each other in a bicontinuous manner. Finally, the mean and Gaussian curvatures of the LCUs can serve as reduced variables for the shear stress correlation, providing a compelling proof of the close connection between viscoelastic relaxation and topological fluctuations in glass-forming liquids.

An RRM domain protein SOE suppresses transgene silencing in rice.

Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels, including RNA processing and DNA methylation/demethylation. How these regulations are controlled remains unclear. Here, through analysis of a suppressor for the OsEIN2 over-expressor, we identified an RNA recognition motif protein SUPPRESSOR OF EIN2 (SOE). SOE is localized in nuclear speckles and interacts with several components of the spliceosome. We find SOE associates with hundreds of targets and directly binds to a DNA glycosylase gene DNG701 pre-mRNA for efficient splicing and stabilization, allowing for subsequent DNG701-mediated DNA demethylation of the transgene promoter for proper gene expression. The V81M substitution in the suppressor mutant protein mSOE impaired its protein stability and binding activity to DNG701 pre-mRNA, leading to transgene silencing. SOE mutation enhances grain size and yield. Haplotype analysis in c. 3000 rice accessions reveals that the haplotype 1 (Hap 1) promoter is associated with high 1000-grain weight, and most of the japonica accessions, but not indica ones, have the Hap 1 elite allele. Our study discovers a novel mechanism for the regulation of gene expression and provides an elite allele for the promotion of yield potentials in rice.

Optimizing robotic thyroid surgery: lessons learned from an retrospective analysis of 104 cases.

Background: Robotic assistance in thyroidectomy is a developing field that promises enhanced surgical precision and improved patient outcomes. This study investigates the impact of the da Vinci Surgical System on operative efficiency, learning curve, and postoperative outcomes in thyroid surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 104 patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy between March 2018 and January 2022. We evaluated the learning curve using the Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis and analyzed operative times, complication rates, and postoperative recovery metrics. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 36 years, predominantly female (68.3%). The average body mass index (BMI) was within the normal range. A significant reduction in operative times was observed as the series progressed, with no permanent hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries reported. The learning curve plateaued after the 37th case. Postoperative recovery was consistent, with no significant difference in hospital stay duration. Complications were minimal, with a noted decrease in transient vocal cord palsy as experience with the robotic system increased. Conclusion: Robotic thyroidectomy using the da Vinci system has demonstrated a significant improvement in operative efficiency without compromising safety. The learning curve is steep but manageable, and once overcome, it leads to improved surgical outcomes and high patient satisfaction. Further research with larger datasets and longer follow-up is necessary to establish the long-term benefits of robotic thyroidectomy.

Intraoperative AI-assisted early prediction of parathyroid and ischemia alert in endoscopic thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: The preservation of parathyroid glands is crucial in endoscopic thyroid surgery to prevent hypocalcemia and related complications. However, current methods for identifying and protecting these glands have limitations. We propose a novel technique that has the potential to improve the safety and efficacy of endoscopic thyroid surgery. PURPOSE: Our study aims to develop a deep learning model called PTAIR 2.0 (Parathyroid gland Artificial Intelligence Recognition) to enhance parathyroid gland recognition during endoscopic thyroidectomy. We compare its performance against traditional surgeon-based identification methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parathyroid tissues were annotated in 32 428 images extracted from 838 endoscopic thyroidectomy videos, forming the internal training cohort. An external validation cohort comprised 54 full-length videos. Six candidate algorithms were evaluated to select the optimal one. We assessed the model's performance in terms of initial recognition time, identification duration, and recognition rate and compared it with the performance of surgeons. RESULTS: Utilizing the YOLOX algorithm, we developed PTAIR 2.0, which demonstrated superior performance with an AP50 score of 92.1%. The YOLOX algorithm achieved a frame rate of 25.14 Hz, meeting real-time requirements. In the internal training cohort, PTAIR 2.0 achieved AP50 values of 94.1%, 98.9%, and 92.1% for parathyroid gland early prediction, identification, and ischemia alert, respectively. Additionally, in the external validation cohort, PTAIR outperformed both junior and senior surgeons in identifying and tracking parathyroid glands (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The AI-driven PTAIR 2.0 model significantly outperforms both senior and junior surgeons in parathyroid gland identification and ischemia alert during endoscopic thyroid surgery, offering potential for enhanced surgical precision and patient outcomes.

circRARS synergises with IGF2BP3 to regulate RNA methylation recognition to promote tumour progression in renal cell carcinoma.

As the most prominent RNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) participates in the regulation of tumour initiation and progression. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) also play crucial roles in ubiquitous life processes. Whether circRNAs are required for m6 A regulation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Meta-analysis and bioinformatics identified that IGF2BP3 was upregulated in RCC and indicated a worse prognosis. IGF2BP3 significantly promoted RCC progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRARS bound to KH1-KH2 domains of IGF2BP3 to enhance m6 A modification recognition. A 12-nt sequence (GUCUUCCAGCAA) was proven to be the IGF2BP3-binding site of circRARS. Additionally, CAPN15, CD44, HMGA2, TNRC6A and ZMIZ2 were screened to be the target genes regulated by the IGF2BP3/circRARS complex in an m6 A-dependent manner. Stabiliser proteins, including HuR, Matrin3 and pAbPC1, were recruited by circRARS, thereby increasing the mRNA stability of the forementioned five target genes. Consequently, the IGF2BP3/circRARS complex facilitated the lipid accumulation of RCC cells and promoted sunitinib resistance via target genes. circRARS synergised with IGF2BP3 to facilitate m6 A recognition, thereby promoting RCC progression. Thus, IGF2BP3 could be a potential biomarker for RCC diagnosis and prognosis and a therapeutic target.

Regulation of seed traits in soybean.

Soybean (Glycine max) is an essential economic crop that provides vegetative oil and protein for humans, worldwide. Increasing soybean yield as well as improving seed quality is of great importance. Seed weight/size, oil and protein content are the three major traits determining seed quality, and seed weight also influences soybean yield. In recent years, the availability of soybean omics data and the development of related techniques have paved the way for better research on soybean functional genomics, providing a comprehensive understanding of gene functions. This review summarizes the regulatory genes that influence seed size/weight, oil content and protein content in soybean. We also provided a general overview of the pleiotropic effect for the genes in controlling seed traits and environmental stresses. Ultimately, it is expected that this review will be beneficial in breeding improved traits in soybean.

Enhancing DSSC Performance through Manipulation of the Size of ZnO Nanorods.

The synthesis of one-dimensional zinc oxide nanorod photoelectrodes through a chemical solution method and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells are described in this paper. A multiple growth approach was used to fabricate zinc oxide nanorods with varying length-to-diameter ratios, and their dye adsorption properties were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The zinc oxide photoelectrodes with different length-to-diameter ratios were subsequently incorporated into dye-sensitized solar cells, and their performance and carrier lifetime were analyzed using a solar simulator, monochromatic incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The highest efficiency achieved was 0.74%. The results indicate that the quality of the zinc oxide nanorods synthesized through the multiple growth approach is consistent, with the uniformity and morphology of the nanorods having the greatest impact on device efficiency.

Global analysis of seed transcriptomes reveals a novel PLATZ regulator for seed size and weight control in soybean.

Seed size and weight are important factors that influence soybean yield. Combining the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of 45 soybean accessions and gene dynamic changes in seeds at seven developmental stages, we identified candidate genes that may control the seed size/weight. Among these, a PLATZ-type regulator overlapping with 10 seed weight QTLs was further investigated. This zinc-finger transcriptional regulator, named as GmPLATZ, is required for the promotion of seed size and weight in soybean. The GmPLATZ may exert its functions through direct binding to the promoters and activation of the expression of cyclin genes and GmGA20OX for cell proliferation. Overexpression of the GmGA20OX enhanced seed size/weight in soybean. We further found that the GmPLATZ binds to a 32-bp sequence containing a core palindromic element AATGCGCATT. Spacing of the flanking sequences beyond the core element facilitated GmPLATZ binding. An elite haplotype Hap3 was also identified to have higher promoter activity and correlated with higher gene expression and higher seed weight. Orthologues of the GmPLATZ from rice and Arabidopsis play similar roles in seeds. Our study reveals a novel module of GmPLATZ-GmGA20OX/cyclins in regulating seed size and weight and provides valuable targets for breeding of crops with desirable agronomic traits.

Thermal Stability and Orthogonal Functionalization of Organophosphonate Self-Assembled Monolayers as Potential Liners for Cu Interconnect.

In this study, we investigated the thermal stabilities of butylphosphonic acid (BPA) and aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) self-assembled monolayers (SAM) on a Si substrate. The thermal desorption and the thermal cleavage of the BPA and APTES SAM film on the Si substrate were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) upon thermal treatment from 50 to 550 °C. XPS analyses show that the onset of the thermal desorption of the APTES monolayer occurs at 250 °C and the APTES SAM completely decomposed at 400 °C. Conversely, BPA SAM on Si shows that the onset of thermal desorption occurs at 350 °C, and the BPA SAM completely desorbed at approximately 500 °C. Our study revealed that the organophosphonate SAM is a more stable SAM in modifying the dielectric sidewalls of a Cu interconnect when compared to organosilane SAM. To overcome the spontaneous reaction of the organophosphonate film on the metal substrate, a simple orthogonal functionalization method using thiolate SAM as a sacrificial layer was also demonstrated in this study.

Unleashing the Power of 2D MoS2: In Situ TEM Study of Its Potential as Diffusion Barriers in Ru Interconnects.

This study presents the utilization of MoS2 as a diffusion barrier for metal interconnects, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations are employed for comprehensive understanding. The diffusion-blocking ability of MoS2 is discussed by the diffusion and phase transformation between Ru and Si via TEM diffraction and imaging. When the sample is heated to a high temperature such that MoS2 loses the ability to block the diffusion, Si diffuses through the MoS2 into the Ru layer, leading to the formation of Ru2Si3. Both multilayer and monolayer (1L) MoS2 exhibit exceptional diffusion-blocking ability up to 800 °C. Furthermore, plasma-treated 1L-MoS2 shows a slightly low diffusion-blocking temperature of 750 °C, while the dangling bonds in MoS2 improve the interfacial adhesion. These findings suggest that MoS2 holds great potential as a diffusion barrier for metal interconnects.

A translational regulator MHZ9 modulates ethylene signaling in rice.

Ethylene plays essential roles in rice growth, development and stress adaptation. Translational control of ethylene signaling remains unclear in rice. Here, through analysis of an ethylene-response mutant mhz9, we identified a glycine-tyrosine-phenylalanine (GYF) domain protein MHZ9, which positively regulates ethylene signaling at translational level in rice. MHZ9 is localized in RNA processing bodies. The C-terminal domain of MHZ9 interacts with OsEIN2, a central regulator of rice ethylene signaling, and the N-terminal domain directly binds to the OsEBF1/2 mRNAs for translational inhibition, allowing accumulation of transcription factor OsEIL1 to activate the downstream signaling. RNA-IP seq and CLIP-seq analyses reveal that MHZ9 associates with hundreds of RNAs. Ribo-seq analysis indicates that MHZ9 is required for the regulation of ~ 90% of genes translationally affected by ethylene. Our study identifies a translational regulator MHZ9, which mediates translational regulation of genes in response to ethylene, facilitating stress adaptation and trait improvement in rice.

Verum versus Sham brain-computer interface on upper limb function recovery after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials have reported that the brain-computer interface (BCI) is a useful management tool for upper limb function recovery (ULFR) in stroke. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding this topic. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of verum versus sham BCI on the ULFR in stroke patients. METHODS: We comprehensively searched the Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from their inception to January 1, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness and safety of BCI for ULFR after stroke were included. The outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity, Wolf Motor Function Test, Modified Barthel Index, motor activity log, and Action Research Arm Test. The methodological quality of all the included randomized controlled trials was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: Eleven eligible studies involving 334 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed significant differences in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (mean difference [MD] = 4.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.90, 7.65], I2 = 0%, P = .001) and Modified Barthel Index (MD = 7.37, 95% CI [1.89, 12.84], I2 = 19%, P = .008). However, no significant differences were found on motor activity log (MD = -0.70, 95% CI [-3.17, 1.77]), Action Research Arm Test (MD = 3.05, 95% CI [-8.33, 14.44], I2 = 0%, P = .60), and Wolf Motor Function Test (MD = 4.23, 95% CI [-0.55, 9.01], P = .08). CONCLUSION: BCI may be an effective management strategy for ULFR in stroke patients. Future studies with larger sample size and strict design are still needed to warrant the current findings.

Efficacy of anlotinib combined with radioiodine to treat scalp metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is one of the well-differentiated thyroid tumors. Cutaneous metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancers occurs in < 1% of primary thyroid carcinomas but produces the worst survival prognosis. The multi-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib has been approved to treat refractory advanced non-small-cell lung cancer as well as advanced soft-tissue and clear cell sarcomas in China. CASE SUMMARY: In a patient with scalp metastasis caused by PTC, thyroid and skull metastasis tumor sizes were significantly reduced after a trial of neoadjuvant anlotinib therapy for 3 cycles. Anlotinib maintenance medication after thyroidectomy further reduced the metastatic skull tumor size thereby preventing the requirement for craniotomy. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the present trial confirmed the potential of anlotinib therapy to treat scalp metastasis induced by PTC and point the way for the treatment of similar diseases in the future.

GmJAZ3 interacts with GmRR18a and GmMYC2a to regulate seed traits in soybean.

Seed weight is usually associated with seed size and is one of the important agronomic traits that determine yield. Understanding of seed weight control is limited, especially in soybean plants. Here we show that Glycine max JASMONATE-ZIM DOMAIN 3 (GmJAZ3), a gene identified through gene co-expression network analysis, regulates seed-related traits in soybean. Overexpression of GmJAZ3 promotes seed size/weight and other organ sizes in stable transgenic soybean plants likely by increasing cell proliferation. GmJAZ3 interacted with both G. max RESPONSE REGULATOR 18a (GmRR18a) and GmMYC2a to inhibit their transcriptional activation of cytokinin oxidase gene G. max CYTOKININ OXIDASE 3-4 (GmCKX3-4), which usually affects seed traits. Meanwhile, the GmRR18a binds to the promoter of GmMYC2a and activates GmMYC2a gene expression. In GmJAZ3-overexpressing soybean seeds, the protein contents were increased while the fatty acid contents were reduced compared to those in the control seeds, indicating that the GmJAZ3 affects seed size/weight and compositions. Natural variation in JAZ3 promoter region was further analyzed and Hap3 promoter correlates with higher promoter activity, higher gene expression and higher seed weight. The Hap3 promoter may be selected and fixed during soybean domestication. JAZ3 orthologs from other plants/crops may also control seed size and weight. Taken together, our study reveals a novel molecular module GmJAZ3-GmRR18a/GmMYC2a-GmCKXs for seed size and weight control, providing promising targets during soybean molecular breeding for better seed traits.

Application of modern computer technology in classical genetics lab course--Development of a mobile, lightweight and high-precision batch identification system for genetic traits of Drosophila.

Drosophila is a crucial biological experimental teaching material extensively utilized in experimental teaching. In this experimental teaching, each student typically needs to manually identify hundreds of fruit flies and record multiple of each fly. This task involves substantial workload, and the classification standards can be inconsistent. To address this issue, we introduce a deep convolutional neural network that classifies the traits of every fruit fly, using a two-stage consisting of an object detector and a trait classifier. We propose a keypoint-assisted classification model with tailored training session for the trait classification task and significantly enhanced the model interpretability. Additionally, we've enhanced the RandAugment method to better fit the features of our task. The model is trained with progressive learning and adaptive regularization under limited computational resources. The final classification model, which utilizes MobileNetV3 as backbone, achieves an accuracy of 97.5%, 97.5% and 98% for the eyes, wings, gender tasks, respectively. After optimization, the model is highly lightweight, classifying 600 fruit fly traits from raw images in 10 seconds and having a size less than 5 MB. It can be easily deployed on any android device. The development of this system is conducive to promoting the experimental teaching, such as verifying genetic laws with Drosophila as the research object. It can also be used for scientific research involving a large number of Drosophila classifications, statistics and analyses.

Zinc-finger protein GmZF351 improves both salt and drought stress tolerance in soybean.

Abiotic stress is one of the most important factors reducing soybean yield. It is essential to identify regulatory factors contributing to stress responses. A previous study found that the tandem CCCH zinc-finger protein GmZF351 is an oil level regulator. In this study, we discovered that the GmZF351 gene is induced by stress and that the overexpression of GmZF351 confers stress tolerance to transgenic soybean. GmZF351 directly regulates the expression of GmCIPK9 and GmSnRK, leading to stomata closing, by binding to their promoter regions, which carry two CT(G/C)(T/A)AA elements. Stress induction of GmZF351 is mediated through reduction in the H3K27me3 level at the GmZF351 locus. Two JMJ30-demethylase-like genes, GmJMJ30-1 and GmJMJ30-2, are involved in this demethylation process. Overexpression of GmJMJ30-1/2 in transgenic hairy roots enhances GmZF351 expression mediated by histone demethylation and confers stress tolerance to soybean. Yield-related agronomic traits were evaluated in stable GmZF351-transgenic plants under mild drought stress conditions. Our study reveals a new mode of GmJMJ30-GmZF351 action in stress tolerance, in addition to that of GmZF351 in oil accumulation. Manipulation of the components in this pathway is expected to improve soybean traits and adaptation under unfavorable environments.

circPTPN12 promotes the progression and sunitinib resistance of renal cancer via hnRNPM/IL-6/STAT3 pathway.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by the difficulties in early diagnosis and the propensity to metastases. For advanced RCC, sunitinib targeted therapy is the clinically recommended first-line drug and the major challenge of sunitinib treatment is adaptive resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to research the mechanisms underlying sunitinib resistance. In this study, we discovered that circPTPN12 was highly expressed in RCC tissues and was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. circPTPN12 could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and sunitinib resistance of RCC cells. Mechanistically, circPTPN12 was found to form a complex with hnRNPM, which was involved in the regulation of mRNA processing. The combination with circPTPN12 enhanced the ability of hnRNPM to maintain the stability of IL-6 mRNA and further activated the STAT3 signaling pathway. The study revealed that circPTPN12/hnRNPM/IL-6/STAT3 axis promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance, which might be a promising therapeutic target for relieving sunitinib resistance in RCC.

AIM2 promotes renal cell carcinoma progression and sunitinib resistance through FOXO3a-ACSL4 axis-regulated ferroptosis.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a serious threat to people's health due to its rapid progression, and patients easily develop resistance to targeted therapy. The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a receptor protein that has recently been proposed to play an important role in various diseases. In this study, AIM2 was identified as a new biomarker of RCC and promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance in an inflammasome-independent manner. Mechanistically, AIM2 promoted FOXO3a phosphorylation and proteasome degradation, thereby reducing its transcriptional effect on ACSL4 and inhibiting ferroptosis. In summary, AIM2 promoted RCC progression and sunitinib resistance through FOXO3a-ACSL4 axis-regulated ferroptosis, which could provide new ideas and therapeutic targets for RCC diagnosis and treatment.