Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules by DCE-MRI based on compressed sensing volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination: A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the potential and performance of quantitative and semi-quantitative parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) based on compressed sensing volumetric interpolated breath-hold (CS-VIBE) examination in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 208 patients with 259 thyroid nodules scheduled for surgery operation were prospectively recruited. All participants underwent routine and DCE-MRI. DCE-MRI quantitative parameters [Ktrans, Kep, Ve], semi-quantitative parameters [wash-in, wash-out, time to peak (TTP), arrival time (AT), peak enhancement intensity (PEI), and initial area under curve in 60 s (iAUC)] and time-intensity curve (TIC) types were analyzed. Differential diagnostic performances were assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared with the Delong test. RESULTS: Ktrans, Kep, Ve, wash-in, wash-out, PEI and iAUC were statistically significantly different between malignant and benign nodules (P < 0.001). Among these parameters, ROC analysis revealed that Ktrans showed the highest diagnostic performance in the differentiation of benign and malignant nodules, followed by wash-in. ROC analysis also revealed that Ktrans achieved the best diagnostic performance for distinguishing papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) from non-PTC, follicular adenoma (FA) from non-FA, nodular goiter (NG) from non-NG, with AUC values of 0.854, 0.895 and 0.609, respectively. Type III curve is frequently observed in benign thyroid nodules, accounting for 77.4% (82/106). While malignant nodules are more common in type II, accounting for 57.5% (88/153). CONCLUSION: Thyroid examination using CS-VIBE based DCE-MRI is a feasible, non-invasive method to identify benign and malignant thyroid nodules and pathological types.

Crown ether decorated silicon photonics for safeguarding against lead poisoning.

Lead (Pb2+) toxification is a concerning, unaddressed global public health crisis that leads to 1 million deaths annually. Yet, public policies to address this issue have fallen short. This work harnesses the unique abilities of crown ethers, which selectively bind to specific ions. This study demonstrates the synergistic integration of highly-scalable silicon photonics, with crown ether amine conjugation via Fischer esterification in an environmentally-friendly fashion. This realizes an integrated photonic platform that enables the in-operando, highly-selective and quantitative detection of various ions. The development dispels the existing notion that Fischer esterification is restricted to organic compounds, facilitating the subsequent amine conjugation for various crown ethers. The presented platform is specifically engineered for selective Pb2+ detection, demonstrating a large dynamic detection range, and applicability to field samples. The compatibility of this platform with cost-effective manufacturing indicates the potential for pervasive implementation of the integrated photonic sensor technology to safeguard against societal Pb2+ poisoning.

Addressing the safety of new food sources and production systems.

New food sources and production systems (NFPS) are garnering much attention, driven by international trade, changing consumer preferences, potential sustainability benefits, and innovations in climate-resilient food production systems. However, NFPS can introduce new challenges for food safety agencies and food manufacturers. Most food safety hazards linked to new foods have been identified in traditional foods. However, there can be some food safety challenges that are unique to new foods. New food ingredients, inputs, and processes can introduce unexpected contaminants. To realize the full potential of NFPS, there is a need for stakeholders from governments, the food industry, and the research community to collectively work to address and communicate the safety of NFPS products. This review outlines known food safety hazards associated with select NFPS products on the market, namely, plant-derived proteins, seaweeds, jellyfish, insects, microbial proteins, as well as foods derived from cell-based food production, precision fermentation, vertical farming, and 3D food printing. We identify common elements in emerging NFPS regulatory frameworks in various countries/regions. Furthermore, we highlight current efforts in harmonization of terminologies, use of recent scientific tools to fill in food safety knowledge gaps, and international multi-stakeholder collaborations to tackle safety challenges. Although there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the regulatory oversight for ensuring the safety of NFPS, there is a need to develop consensus-based structured protocols or workflows among stakeholders to facilitate comprehensive, robust, and internationally harmonized approaches. These efforts increase consumers' confidence in the safety of new foods and contribute toward fair practices in the international trade of such foods.

Single-cell proteomics by mass spectrometry: Advances and implications in cancer research.

Cancer harbours extensive proteomic heterogeneity. Inspired by the prior success of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in characterizing minute transcriptomics heterogeneity in cancer, researchers are now actively searching for information regarding the proteomics counterpart. Therefore recently, single-cell proteomics by mass spectrometry (SCP) has rapidly developed into state-of-the-art technology to cater the need. This review aims to summarize application of SCP in cancer research, while revealing current development progress of SCP technology. The review also aims to contribute ideas into research gaps and future directions, ultimately promoting the application of SCP in cancer research.

The digital lab manager: Automating research support.

Laboratory management automation is essential for achieving interoperability in the domain of experimental research and accelerating scientific discovery. The integration of resources and the sharing of knowledge across organisations enable scientific discoveries to be accelerated by increasing the productivity of laboratories, optimising funding efficiency, and addressing emerging global challenges. This paper presents a novel framework for digitalising and automating the administration of research laboratories through The World Avatar, an all-encompassing dynamic knowledge graph. This Digital Laboratory Framework serves as a flexible tool, enabling users to efficiently leverage data from diverse systems and formats without being confined to a specific software or protocol. Establishing dedicated ontologies and agents and combining them with technologies such as QR codes, RFID tags, and mobile apps, enabled us to develop modular applications that tackle some key challenges related to lab management. Here, we showcase an automated tracking and intervention system for explosive chemicals as well as an easy-to-use mobile application for asset management and information retrieval. Implementing these, we have achieved semantic linking of BIM and BMS data with laboratory inventory and chemical knowledge. Our approach can capture the crucial data points and reduce inventory processing time. All data provenance is recorded following the FAIR principles, ensuring its accessibility and interoperability.

Prognostic potentials of AI in ophthalmology: systemic disease forecasting via retinal imaging.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) that utilizes deep learning (DL) has potential for systemic disease prediction using retinal imaging. The retina's unique features enable non-invasive visualization of the central nervous system and microvascular circulation, aiding early detection and personalized treatment plans for personalized care. This review explores the value of retinal assessment, AI-based retinal biomarkers, and the importance of longitudinal prediction models in personalized care. MAIN TEXT: This narrative review extensively surveys the literature for relevant studies in PubMed and Google Scholar, investigating the application of AI-based retina biomarkers in predicting systemic diseases using retinal fundus photography. The study settings, sample sizes, utilized AI models and corresponding results were extracted and analysed. This review highlights the substantial potential of AI-based retinal biomarkers in predicting neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and chronic kidney diseases. Notably, DL algorithms have demonstrated effectiveness in identifying retinal image features associated with cognitive decline, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, longitudinal prediction models leveraging retinal images have shown potential in continuous disease risk assessment and early detection. AI-based retinal biomarkers are non-invasive, accurate, and efficient for disease forecasting and personalized care. CONCLUSION: AI-based retinal imaging hold promise in transforming primary care and systemic disease management. Together, the retina's unique features and the power of AI enable early detection, risk stratification, and help revolutionizing disease management plans. However, to fully realize the potential of AI in this domain, further research and validation in real-world settings are essential.

Xue Ping Tablets treat abnormal uterine bleeding via VEGF-ERK1/2 pathway.

Objective: To investigate the protective effects against abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and possible mechanisms of Xue Ping tablets (XPT) using a rat model. Methods: A total of 58 unmated female and 25 male SPF SD rats aged 8-9 weeks were selected. Eight unmated female rats were selected as the blank control group according to the complete random method. The other 50 rats were mated in a female/male ratio of 2:1. In the morning after mating, vaginal smears were collected. Presence of vaginal plug or sperm was regarded as the first day of pregnancy. All pregnant rats were given 8.3 mg/kg of mifepristone by gavage at 8:00 a.m. and 100 µg/kg misoprostol by gavage at 6:00 p.m. on the seventh day of pregnancy to induce incomplete abortion, thereby establishing a rat model of AUB. Forty rats were randomly divided into model, low- (220 mg/kg), medium- (441 mg/kg), high-dose (882 mg/kg) XPT, and positive control groups. The positive group was given 130 mg/kg Gong Xue Ning (GXN). The model group and the blank group were given an equal amount of distilled water. Results: Compared with the model group, the volume of bleeding in the positive and middle- and high-dose XPT groups decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the model group, the progesterone levels in the positive and XPT groups were significantly increased. Immunohistochemistry showed that XPT significantly decreased the expression levels of VEGF, p-ERK, NF-κB, SAA, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3. WB results showed that XPT significantly decreased the expression levels of p-ERK, MMP-9, NF-κB, MMP-2 and VEGF. QRT-PCR results showed that XPT significantly decreased the expression levels of VEGF, NF-κB, SAA, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: XPT could reduce AUB by inhibiting the inflammatory factors involved in the VEGF-ERK1/2 pathway.

TaoHe ChengQi decoction ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction through anti-ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SICD) is a serious complication of sepsis that is associated with increased mortality. Ferroptosis has been reported in the SICD. TaoHe ChengQi decoction (THCQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has multiple beneficial pharmacological effects. The potential effects of THCQD on the SICD remain unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of THCQD on SICD and explore whether this effect is related to the regulation of myocardial ferroptosis through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. METHODS: We induced sepsis in a mouse model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and administered THCQD (2 and 4 g/kg) and dexamethasone (40 mg/kg). Mice mortality was recorded and survival curves were plotted. Echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and analysis of serum myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors were used to evaluate cardiac pathology. Myocardial ferroptosis was detected by quantifying specific biomarker content and protein levels. Through HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis, we identified the components of the THCQD. Network pharmacology analysis and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) were utilized to predict the targets of THCQD for treating SICD. We detected the expression of Nrf2 using Western blotting or immunofluorescence. An RSL3-induced ferroptosis model was established using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) to further explore the pharmacological mechanism of THCQD. In addition to measuring cell viability, we observed changes in NRCM mitochondria using electron microscopy and JC-1 staining. NRF2 inhibitor ML385 and Nrf2 knockout mice were used to validate whether THCQD exerted protective effects against SICD through Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis signaling. RESULTS: THCQD reduced mortality in septic mice, protected against CLP-induced myocardial injury, decreased systemic inflammatory response, and prevented myocardial ferroptosis. Network pharmacology analysis and CETSA experiments predicted that THCQD may protect against SICD by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that THCQD activated Nrf2 in cardiac tissue. THCQDs consistently mitigated RSL3-induced ferroptosis in NRCM, which is related to Nrf2. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 and genetic Nrf2 knockout partially reversed the protective effects of THCQD on SICD and ferroptosis. CONCLUSION: The effect of THCQD on SICD was achieved by activating Nrf2 and its downstream pathways.

Ghostbuster: A phase retrieval diffraction tomography algorithm for cryo-EM.

Ewald sphere curvature correction, which extends beyond the projection approximation, stretches the shallow depth of field in cryo-EM reconstructions of thick particles. Here we show that even for previously assumed thin particles, reconstruction artifacts which we refer to as ghosts can appear. By retrieving the lost phases of the electron exitwaves and accounting for the first Born approximation scattering within the particle, we show that these ghosts can be effectively eliminated. Our simulations demonstrate how such ghostbusting can improve reconstructions as compared to existing state-of-the-art software. Like ptychographic cryo-EM, our Ghostbuster algorithm uses phase retrieval to improve reconstructions, but unlike the former, we do not need to modify the existing data acquisition pipelines.

CCR5 and inflammatory storm.

Chemokines and their corresponding receptors play crucial roles in orchestrating inflammatory and immune responses, particularly in the context of pathological conditions disrupting the internal environment. Among these receptors, CCR5 has garnered considerable attention due to its significant involvement in the inflammatory cascade, serving as a pivotal mediator of neuroinflammation and other inflammatory pathways associated with various diseases. However, a notable gap persists in comprehending the intricate mechanisms governing the interplay between CCR5 and its ligands across diverse and intricate inflammatory pathologies. Further exploration is warranted, especially concerning the inflammatory cascade instigated by immune cell infiltration and the precise binding sites within signaling pathways. This study aims to illuminate the regulatory axes modulating signaling pathways in inflammatory cells by providing a comprehensive overview of the pathogenic processes associated with CCR5 and its ligands across various disorders. The primary focus lies on investigating the pathomechanisms associated with CCR5 in disorders related to neuroinflammation, alongside the potential impact of aging on these processes and therapeutic interventions. The discourse culminates in addressing current challenges and envisaging potential future applications, advocating for innovative research endeavors to advance our comprehension of this realm.

Stiffness Mediated-Mechanosensation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells on Linear Stiffness Gradient Hydrogels.

In obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein amount and composition of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) is often remodelled, likely altering tissue stiffness. The underlying mechanism of how human ASM cell (hASMC) mechanosenses the aberrant microenvironment is not well understood. Physiological stiffnesses of the ASM were measured by uniaxial compression tester using porcine ASM layers under 0, 5 and 10% longitudinal stretch above in situ length. Linear stiffness gradient hydrogels (230 kPa range) were fabricated and functionalized with ECM proteins, collagen I (ColI), fibronectin (Fn) and laminin (Ln), to recapitulate the above-measured range of stiffnesses. Overall, hASMC mechanosensation exhibited a clear correlation with the underlying hydrogel stiffness. Cell size, nuclear size and contractile marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression showed a strong correlation to substrate stiffness. Mechanosensation, assessed by Lamin-A intensity and nuc/cyto YAP, exhibited stiffness-mediated behaviour only on ColI and Fn-coated hydrogels. Inhibition studies using blebbistatin or Y27632 attenuated most mechanotransduction-derived cell morphological responses, αSMA and Lamin-A expression and nuc/cyto YAP (blebbistatin only). This study highlights the interplay and complexities between stiffness and ECM protein type on hASMC mechanosensation, relevant to airway remodelling in obstructive airway diseases.

Probing the anti-Aß42 aggregation and protective effects of prenylated xanthone against Aß42-induced toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-ß (Aß) protein aggregates, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal cell death. In this study, we used a comprehensive approach encompassing in vitro assays, computational analyses, and an in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model to evaluate the inhibitory effects of various xanthones, focusing on Garcinone D (GD), on Aß42 oligomer formation. Dot blot analysis revealed concentration-dependent responses among xanthones, with GD consistently inhibiting Aß42 oligomer formation at low concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 µM, inhibitions of 84.66 ± 2.25% and 85.06 ± 6.57%, respectively). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations provided insights into the molecular interactions between xanthones and Aß42, highlighting the disruption of key residues involved in Aß42 aggregation. The neuroprotective potential of GD was established using transgenic C. elegans GMC101, with substantial delays in paralysis reported at higher concentrations. Our findings show that GD is a potent suppressor of Aß42 oligomer formation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD. The concentration-dependent effects observed in both in vitro and in vivo models underscore the need for nuanced dose-response assessments. These findings contribute novel insights into the therapeutic landscape of xanthones against AD, emphasizing the multifaceted potential of GD for further translational endeavors in neurodegenerative disorder research.

Intermittent tourniquet compared to throughout tourniquet use during Total Knee Arthroplasty in patients with Body Mass Index of 30 or more: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reduces bleeding which optimises bone-cement interface for prosthesis stability and improves surgical field visualisation. However, prolonged usage can lead to complications and poorer outcomes. Some surgeons advocate for intermittent tourniquet application. Limited literature exists for patients with high body mass index (BMI). This study aims to compare the outcomes of intermittent tourniquet (IT) to throughout tourniquet (TT) use among obese patients undergoing primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. In the TT group, tourniquet was inflated from the beginning and released once the bone cement has hardened. In the IT group, tourniquet was inflated at the beginning, released after initial incision and haemostasis, then inflated again during cementation. Tourniquet was released once the bone cement had set. Categorical outcome measures were analysed using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. T-test or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for continuous data. Results: When comparing IT to TT among patients with BMI≥30 (IT n = 48, TT n = 47), the mean duration of surgery was shorter in the TT group (p < 0.05). The difference in haemoglobin drop between the two groups was not statistically significant from post-operative day three onwards. There was no difference in transfusion rate (p > 0.05). ROM was greater in the IT group up to three weeks post-operatively (p < 0.05). When comparing patients with BMI <30 (n = 71) and BMI≥30 (n = 48) with IT use, there was no statistically significant difference in ROM and LOS. Conclusion: Patients with BMI≥30 in the IT group had greater ROM in the initial post-operative period. Although operative time and blood loss were greater among the IT group, there was no difference in transfusion rate. Outcomes of TKA performed with IT were similar for patients with BMI≥30 and BMI <30. The authors recommend intermittent tourniquet use during TKA for patients with BMI≥30. Level of evidence: 3.

[Optimization of production-living-ecology spatial pattern in Dongting Lake Ecological Economic Zone based on comprehensive benefits of development and protection]. / 基于开发保护综合效益的洞庭湖生态经济区"三生空间"æ ¼å±€ä¼˜åŒ–.

The optimization of production-living-ecology (PLE) space is an important basis for promoting regional high-quality development. Taking the Dongting Lake Eco-economic Zone as an example, from the perspective of improving the comprehensive benefits of the development and protection of the PLE space, we coupled the GMOP-FLUS model, and proposed an optimization method combining the scenario configuration and the bottom line protection of the PLE space. We compared the three optimization scenarios (economic optimization scenario, ecological optimization scenario, and multi-objective optimization scenario), and coordinated the conflict areas of two lines to clarify the comprehensive optimization scheme of the PLE space in the Dongting Lake Eco-economic Zone. The results showed the characteristics of increasing production space and living space and decreasing ecological space from 2010 to 2020, resulting in the partial loss of land ecological and environmental benefits. Under the economic optimization scenario, the ecological optimization scenario promoted the rapid growth of regional economy but damaged regional ecological security. The ecological optimization scenario inhibited regional economic development. The multi-objective optimization scenario led to improvement of economic and ecological benefits of the PLE space, which increased by 2.0% and 1.3%, respectively. The multi-objective optimization scenario was the best optimization scenario among the three scenarios. By superimposing the best scenario and the two-line conflict regional coordination results, we obtained the comprehensive optimization scheme for 2030. The production space, living space, and ecological space areas of the scheme were 25777.18, 2062.94, and 32552.68 km2, respectively. Based on the natural and social conditions, combining the comprehensive optimization scheme, we put forward different control suggestions for each type of PLE space. Our results could provide reference for the rational formulation of territorial spatial planning and the formulation of policies for the coordinated development of ecological environment and social economy in the Dongting Lake Eco-economic Zone.

Genome-wide characterization of the bHLH gene family in Gynostemma pentaphyllum reveals its potential role in the regulation of gypenoside biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Gynostemma pentaphyllum, an ancient Chinese herbal medicine, serves as a natural source of gypenosides with significant medicinal properties. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play pivotal roles in numerous biological processes, especially in the regulation of secondary metabolism in plants. However, the characteristics and functions of the bHLH genes in G. pentaphyllum remain unexplored, and their regulatory role in gypenoside biosynthesis remains poorly elucidated. RESULTS: This study identified a total of 111 bHLH members in G. pentaphyllum (GpbHLHs), categorizing them into 26 subgroups based on shared conserved motif compositions and gene structures. Collinearity analysis illustrated that segmental duplications predominately lead to the evolution of GpbHLHs, with most duplicated GpbHLH gene pairs undergoing purifying selection. Among the nine gypenoside-related GpbHLH genes, two GpbHLHs (GpbHLH15 and GpbHLH58) were selected for further investigation based on co-expression analysis and functional prediction. The expression of these two selected GpbHLHs was dramatically induced by methyl jasmonate, and their nuclear localization was confirmed. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that GpbHLH15 and GpbHLH58 could bind to the promoters of the gypenoside biosynthesis pathway genes, such as GpFPS1, GpSS1, and GpOSC1, and activate their promoter activity to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings provide a detailed analysis of the bHLH family and valuable insights into the potential use of GpbHLHs to enhance the accumulation of gypenosides in G. pentaphyllum.

Effect of endoscopic therapy and drug therapy on prognosis and rebleeding in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding.

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) is one of the common digestive system emergencies with poor prognosis and high rate of rebleeding after treatment. To explore the effects of endoscopic therapy and drug therapy on the prognosis and rebleeding of patients with EVB, and then select better treatment methods to effectively improve the prognosis. From January 2013 to December 2022, 965 patients with EVB who were hospitalized in gastroenterology Department of the 940 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Forces of PLA were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into endoscopic treatment group (ET, n = 586) and drug treatment group (DT, n = 379). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed in both groups, and the general information, efficacy and length of hospital stay were recorded. The patients were followed up for 3 months after bleeding control to determine whether rebleeding occurred. There were 286 cases in each group after PSM. Compared with DT group, ET had higher treatment success rate (P < 0.001), lower rebleeding rate (P < 0.001), lower mortality rate within 3 months, and no significant difference in total hospital stay (P > 0.05). Compared with drug therapy, endoscopic treatment of EVB has short-term efficacy advantages, and can effectively reduce the incidence of rebleeding and mortality within 3 months.

Mechanism Research of DHEA Treatment Improving Diminished Ovarian Reserve by Attenuating the AMPK-SIRT1 Signaling and Mitophagy.

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) by modulating the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling and mitophagy in rats. Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized and injected intraperitoneally with sesame oil as the control or deoxyvinylcyclohexene (VCD) to induce DOR. The VCD-injected rats were randomized and injected subcutaneously with vehicle as the model group or with DHEA for 21 days as the DHEA group. After being identified in proestrus, rat blood samples were collected to prepare serum samples, and their ovarian tissues were dissected. Compared with the controls, significantly lower serum estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B (IHNB) and higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were detected in the model group (DOR rats). The model group of rats displayed an increase in follicular atresia and a decrease in ovarian volume and the number of growing follicles and corpus luteum, accompanied by increased frequency of oocyte apoptosis and reduced levels of mitochondrial function. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling and mitophagy were observed in the ovaries of rats in the model group. In contrast, treatment with DHEA significantly ameliorated the hormone disorder and morphological changes in the ovaries, reduced the frequency of apoptotic oocytes, and improved mitochondrial function in the ovaries of DOR rats. Mechanistically, DHEA treatment significantly attenuated the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling and mitophagy in the ovaries of DOR rats. DHEA treatment reduced the severity of DOR and enhanced ovarian reserve function by attenuating the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling and mitophagy in the ovaries of rats.

The Application of Aptamer and Research Progress in Liver Disease.

Aptamers, as a kind of small-molecule nucleic acid, have attracted much attention since their discovery. Compared with biological reagents such as antibodies, aptamers have the advantages of small molecular weight, low immunogenicity, low cost, and easy modification. At present, aptamers are mainly used in disease biomarker discovery, disease diagnosis, treatment, and targeted drug delivery vectors. In the process of screening and optimizing aptamers, it is found that there are still many problems need to be solved such as the design of the library, optimization of screening conditions, the truncation of screened aptamer, and the stability and toxicity of the aptamer. In recent years, the incidence of liver-related diseases is increasing year by year and the treatment measures are relatively lacking, which has attracted the people's attention in the application of aptamers in liver diseases. This article mainly summarizes the research status of aptamers in disease diagnosis and treatment, especially focusing on the application of aptamers in liver diseases, showing the crucial significance of aptamers in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, and the use of Discovery Studio software to find the binding target and sequence of aptamers, and explore their possible interaction sites.

Differential expression of follicular fluid exosomal microRNA in women with diminished ovarian reserve.

PURPOSE: Decreased ovarian reserve function is mainly characterized by female endocrine disorders and fertility decline. Follicular fluid (FF) exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to regulate the function of granulosa cells (GCs). The present study explored differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS: FF was collected from 12 DOR patients and 12 healthy controls. DEmiRNAs between the two groups were identified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing technology and validated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: A total of 592 DEmiRNAs were identified using high-throughput miRNA sequencing, of which 213 were significantly upregulated and 379 were significantly downregulated. The sequencing results were further validated by RT-qPCR. These DEmiRNA target genes were mainly involved in the cancer pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton signaling pathway, and biological processes related to protein binding, nucleoplasm, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. CONCLUSION: FF exosomal miRNAs are significantly differentially expressed in DOR patients versus non-DOR patients, underscoring their crucial role in regulating the pathogenesis of DOR.

Uncovering brain functional connectivity disruption patterns of lung cancer-related pain.

Pain is a pervasive symptom in lung cancer patients during the onset of the disease. This study aims to investigate the connectivity disruption patterns of the whole-brain functional network in lung cancer patients with cancer pain (CP+). We constructed individual whole-brain, region of interest (ROI)-level functional connectivity (FC) networks for 50 CP+ patients, 34 lung cancer patients without pain-related complaints (CP-), and 31 matched healthy controls (HC). Then, a ROI-based FC analysis was used to determine the disruptions of FC among the three groups. The relationships between aberrant FCs and clinical parameters were also characterized. The ROI-based FC analysis demonstrated that hypo-connectivity was present both in CP+ and CP- patients compared to HC, which were particularly clustered in the somatomotor and ventral attention, frontoparietal control, and default mode modules. Notably, compared to CP- patients, CP+ patients had hyper-connectivity in several brain regions mainly distributed in the somatomotor and visual modules, suggesting these abnormal FC patterns may be significant for cancer pain. Moreover, CP+ patients also showed increased intramodular and intermodular connectivity strength of the functional network, which could be replicated in cancer stage IV and lung adenocarcinoma. Finally, abnormal FCs within the prefrontal cortex and somatomotor cortex were positively correlated with pain intensity and pain duration, respectively. These findings suggested that lung cancer patients with cancer pain had disrupted connectivity in the intrinsic brain functional network, which may be the underlying neuroimaging mechanisms.