Integrated approaches for comprehensive cetacean research and conservation in the East China Sea.

This study thoroughly examines three cetacean monitoring methods and assessing their advantages and limitations, establishing a foundational basis for comprehensive information on composition, distribution, and behavior. While real-time and non-invasive, visual surveys favor surface-active cetaceans and are weather-dependent. Local ecological knowledge supplements insights into group behavior. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis efficiently detects species like the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), offering non-invasive, and spatially adept monitoring. Furthermore, eDNA provides prey species information, revealing the narrow-ridged finless porpoise's winter migration to deeper waters due to prey distribution. The study identifies prevalent prey species, like the Japanese Anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) and Osbeck's grenadier anchovy (Coilia mystus), offering insights into the porpoise's feeding ecology and adaptation to changing prey availability in winter. This study systematically compares diverse methodologies employed in cetacean surveys, thereby yielding a comprehensive understanding of cetacean distribution, behavior, and feeding ecology.

Functional activities of three Rehmannia glutinosa enzymes: Elucidation of the Rehmannia glutinosa salidroside biosynthesis pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Rehmannia glutinosa produces many phenylethanoid glycoside (PhG) compounds, including salidroside, which not only possesses various biological activities but also is a core precursor of some medicinal PhGs, so it is very important to elucidate the species' salidroside biosynthesis pathway to enhance the production of salidroside and its derivations. Although some plant copper-containing amine oxidases (CuAOs), phenylacetaldehyde reductases (PARs) and UDP-glucose glucosyltransferases (UGTs) are thought to be vital catalytic enzymes involved in the downstream salidroside biosynthesis pathways, to date, none of these proteins or the associated genes in R. glutinosa have been characterized. To verify a postulated R. glutinosa salidroside biosynthetic pathway starting from tyrosine, this study identified and characterized a set of R. glutinosa genes encoding RgCuAO, RgPAR and RgUGT enzymes for salidroside biosynthesis. The functional activities of these proteins were tested in vitro by heterologous expression of these genes in Escherichia coli, confirming these catalytic abilities in these corresponding reaction steps of the biosynthetic pathway. Importantly, four enzyme-encoding genes (including the previously reported RgTyDC2 encoding tyrosine decarboxylase and the RgCuAO1, RgPAR1 and RgUGT2 genes) were cointegrated into Saccharomyces cerevisiae to reconstitute the R. glutinosa salidroside biosynthetic pathway, achieving an engineered strain that produced salidroside and validating these enzymes' catalytic functions. This study elucidates the complete R. glutinosa salidroside biosynthesis pathway from tyrosine metabolism in S. cerevisiae, establishing a basic platform for the efficient production of salidroside and its derivatives.

An ultrasensitive dual-mode stagey for 17ß-estradiol assay: Photoelectrochemical and colorimetric biosensor based on a WSe2/TiO2-modified electrode coupled with nucleic acid amplification.

BACKGROUND: The abuse of 17ß-estradiol(E2) has aroused wide concern in environmental and biomedical fields, which severely affects the endocrine function of human and animals. Therefore, an ultrasensitive and accurate assay of E2 is critically important. Traditional chromatography or immunoassay techniques exhibited good sensitivity and selectivity, but expensive instruments and antibodies may pose cost and stability issues, as well as difficulties in meeting on-site detection requirements. Ultrasensitive, reliable, and on-site detection of E2 at trace level remains a challenge. Hence, developing a simple, ultrasensitive assay to simultaneously achieve accurate detection and rapid visual analysis of E2 is extremely crucial. RESULTS: We developed a versatile dual-mode photoelectrochemical (PEC) and colorimetric biosensor based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategy for the ultrasensitive and accurate detection of E2. The method modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) with tungsten selenide (WSe2) nanoflowers to synthesize WSe2/TiO2 heterostructures as a substrate for signal amplification and nanoprobe modification. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategy has been proven to be a powerful tool for strong signal amplification. The presence of a target triggered the nucleic acid amplification reaction, and produced a large amount of tDNA that competed with G-quadruplex immobilized on the electrode surface. The remaining G-quadruplex/hemin catalyzed the 4-chloro-1-naphthol (4-CN) to form biocatalytic precipitation (BCP) and ABTS-H2O2 chromogenic reaction, thus, the dual-mode platform was capable of achieving PEC-colorimetric ultrasensitive detection based on the catalytic activity of G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme. Within optimal conditions, the dual-mode biosensor exhibited a remarkable detection limit as low as 0.026 pM. SIGNIFICANCE: Benefiting from the superior performance of WSe2/TiO2 and the power signal amplification of isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategy, this aptasensor achieved the ultrasensitive detection of E2. The independent transmission paths of photoelectrochemical and colorimetric provide mutual support and flexible switching, significantly enhancing the overall sensitivity and accuracy of the detection strategy, which can meet the needs for E2 precise quantification and rapid on-site detection.

Peptide GLP-1 receptor agonists: From injection to oral delivery strategies.

Peptide glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are effective drugs for treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and have been proven to benefit the heart and kidney. Apart from oral semaglutide, which does not require injection, other peptide GLP-1RAs need to be subcutaneously administered. However, oral semaglutide also faces significant challenges, such as low bioavailability and frequent gastrointestinal discomfort. Thus, it is imperative that advanced oral strategies for peptide GLP-1RAs need to be explored. This review mainly compares the current advantages and disadvantages of various oral delivery strategies for peptide GLP-1RAs in the developmental stage and discusses the latest research progress of peptide GLP-1RAs, providing a useful guide for the development of new oral peptide GLP-1RA drugs.

Does the size of the neuroendocrine-carcinoma component determine the prognosis of gallbladder cancer?

Background: Gallbladder mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm generally consists of a gallbladder neuroendocrine tumor and a non-neuroendocrine component. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 established a guideline requiring each component, both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine, to account for a minimum of 30% of the tumor mass. Methods: Patients after surgery resection and diagnosed at microscopy evaluation with pure gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (GBNEC), gallbladder mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (GBMANEC, GBNEC≥30%), and gallbladder carcinoma mixed with a small fraction of GBNEC (GBNEC <30%) between 2010 and 2022 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University were collated for the analyses. Demographic features, surgical variables, and tumor characteristics were evaluated for association with patients' overall and recurrence-free survival (OS and RFS). Results: The study included 26 GBNEC, 11 GBMANEC, 4 gallbladder squamous-cell carcinoma (GBSCC), and 7 gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBADC) mixed with a small fraction of GBNEC. All patients had stage III or higher tumors (AJCC8th edition). The majority of included patients (79.17%) underwent curative surgical resection (R0), with only ten patients having tumoral resection margins. In the analysis comparing patients with GBNEC percentage (GBNEC≥30% vs. GBNEC<30%), the basic demographics and tumor characteristics of most patients were comparable. The prognosis of these patients was also comparable, with a median OS of 23.65 months versus 20.40 months (P=0.13) and a median RFS of 17.1 months versus 12.3 months (P=0.24). However, patients with GBADC or GBSCC mixed with GBNEC <30% had a statistically significant decreased OS and RFS (both P<0.0001)) compared with GBNEC and GBMANEC. Patients with GBNEC who exhibited advanced tumor stages and lymphovascular invasion had a higher risk of experiencing worse overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). However, a 30% GBNEC component was not identified as an independent risk factor. Conclusion: Patients with GBNEC were frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and their prognosis is poor. The 30% percentage of the GBNEC component is not related to the patient's survival.

Anlotinib destabilizes PAX3-FOXO1 to induce rhabdomyosarcoma cell death via upregulating NEK2.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in children and adolescents, in which PAX3-FOXO1 fusion gene positive patients have very poor prognosis. PAX3-FOXO1 has been identified as an independent prognostic predictor in RMS, with no currently available targeted therapeutic intervention. The novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib exhibits a wide range of anticancer effects in multiple types of cancers; however, there have been no relevant studies regarding its application in RMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of PAX3-FOXO1 on the therapeutic efficacy of anlotinib using the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, invasion assay, wound healing assay, western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR), and xenograft experiments. RNA-seq and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to determine the specific mechanism by which anlotinib regulates PAX3-FOXO1 expression. RESULTS: Anlotinib effectively inhibited RMS cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest while impeding tumor growth in vivo. Downregulation of PAX3-FOXO1 enhances the antitumor effects of anlotinib. Anlotinib upregulates protein kinase NEK2 and increases the degradation of PAX3-FOXO1 via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, leading to a reduction in PAX3-FOXO1 protein levels. CONCLUSION: Anlotinib effectively inhibited the malignant progression of RMS and promoted degradation of the fusion protein PAX3-FOXO1. Anlotinib could be a targeted therapeutic approach to treat PAX3-FOXO1 fusion-positive RMS.

A Novel Hydrated Iron Vanadate Cathode Material for Advanced Aqueous Nickel-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous nickel-ion batteries (ANIBs) as an emerging energy storage device attracted much attention owing to their multielectron redox reaction and dendrite-free Ni anode, yet their development is hindered by the divalent properties of Ni2+ and the lack of suitable cathode materials. Herein, a hydrated iron vanadate (Fe2V3O10.5∙1.5H2O, FOH) with a preferred orientation along the (200) plane is innovatively proposed and used as cathode material for ANIBs. The FOH cathode exhibits a remarkable capacity of 129.3 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 and a super-high capacity retention of 95% at 500 mA g-1 after 700 cycles. The desirable Ni2+ storage capacity of FOH can be attributed to the preferentially oriented and tunnel structures, which offer abundant reaction active planes and a broad Ni2+ diffusion path, the abundant vacancies and high specific surface area further increase ion storage sites and accelerate ion diffusion in the FOH lattice. Furthermore, the Ni2+ storage mechanism and structural evolution in the FOH cathode are explored through ex situ XRD, ex situ Raman, ex situ XPS and other ex situ characteristics. This work opens a new way for designing novel cathode materials to promote the development of ANIBs.

Is conventional functional liver remnant volume higher than 40% still sufficient to prevent post-hepatectomy liver failure in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma? A single-center experience in China.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of functional liver remnant volume (FLRV) in post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) among surgically-treated jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed surgically-treated jaundiced patients with HCCA between June, 2000 and June, 2018. The correlation between FRLV and PHLF were analyzed. The optimal cut off value of FLRV in jaundiced HCCA patients was also identified and its impact was furtherly evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 224 jaundiced HCCA patients who received a standard curative resection (43 patients developed PHLF) were identified. Patients with PHLF shared more aggressive clinic-pathological features and were generally in a more advanced stage than those without PHLF. An obvious inconsistent distribution of FLRV in patients with PHLF and those without PHLF were detected. FLRV (continuous data) had a high predictive accuracy in PHLF. The newly-acquired cut off value (FLRV = 53.5%, sensitivity = 81.22%, specificity = 81.4%) showed a significantly higher predictive accuracy than conventional FLRV cut off value (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.60, p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with FLRV lower than 53.5% also shared a significantly higher major morbidity rate as well as a worse prognosis, which were not detected for FLRV of 40%. CONCLUSION: For jaundiced patients with HCCA, a modified FLRV of 53.5% is recommended due to its great impact on PHLF, as well as its correlation with postoperative major morbidities as well as overall prognosis, which might help clinicians to stratify patients with different therapeutic regimes and outcomes. Future multi-center studies for training and validation are required for further validation.

A bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2023 reveals research hotspots and trends in the connection between sport and regenerative medicine.

The field of regenerative medicine for sports injuries has grown significantly in the 21st century. This study attempted to provide an overview of the current state of research and key findings regarding the relationship between sport and regenerative medicine in general, identifying trends and hotspots in research topics. We gathered the literature from the Web of Science (WOS) database covering the last 10 years (2013-2023) pertaining to regenerative medicine for sporter and applied Citespace to assess the knowledge mapping. The findings demonstrated that there were 572, with a faster increase after 2018. The country, institution, and author with the most publications are the USA, Harvard University, and Maffulli Nicola. In addition, the most co-cited reference is J Acad Nutr Diet (2016) (199). Adipose tissue, high tibial osteotomy, and bone marrow are the hot spots in this field in the next few years.

Combining multimodal diffusion-weighted imaging and morphological parameters for detecting lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Accurate detection of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for determining the tumor stage, selecting optimal treatment, and estimating the prognosis for cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of multimodal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and morphological parameters alone or in combination, for detecting LNM in cervical cancer. METHODS: In this prospective study, we enrolled consecutive cervical cancer patients who received multimodal DWI (conventional DWI, intravoxel incoherent motion DWI, and diffusion kurtosis imaging) before treatment from June 2022 to June 2023. The largest lymph node (LN) observed on each side on imaging was matched with that detected on pathology to improve the accuracy of LN matching. Comparison of the diffusion and morphological parameters of LNs and the primary tumor between the positive and negative LN groups. A combined diagnostic model was constructed using multivariate logistic regression, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: A total of 93 cervical cancer patients were enrolled: 35 with LNM (48 positive LNs were collected), and 58 without LNM (116 negative LNs were collected). The area under the curve (AUC) values for the apparent diffusion coefficient, diffusion coefficient, mean diffusivity, mean kurtosis, long-axis diameter, short-axis diameter of LNs, and the largest primary tumor diameter were 0.716, 0.720, 0.716, 0.723, 0.726, 0.798, and 0.744, respectively. Independent risk factors included the diffusion coefficient, mean kurtosis, short-axis diameter of LNs, and the largest primary tumor diameter. The AUC value of the combined model based on the independent risk factors was 0.920, superior to the AUC values of all the parameters mentioned above. CONCLUSION: Combining multimodal DWI and morphological parameters improved the diagnostic efficacy for detecting cervical cancer LNM than using either alone.

Assessment of the influence of levees along Yangtze River on Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum.

BACKGROUND: Oncomelania hupensis is the exclusive intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. Snail control is an essential component of schistosomiasis elimination programme. With 70 years of continuous efforts, the range of O. hupensis had reduced significantly, but slowed down in last decades. A large number of levees against flooding were constructed along Yangtze River and its affiliated lakes in the middle and lower reaches, which influenced the hydrology and ecology in the alluvial plains. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of levees on the distribution of O. hupensis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. METHODS: The snail habitats were digitalised by hand-held GPS system. The years for discovery and elimination of snail habitats were extracted from historical records. The accumulated snail-infested range for each habitat was calculated on the basis of annual reports. The current distribution of O. hupensis was determined by systematic and environmental sampling. The geographical distribution of levees was obtained from satellite imagery. To assess the impact of levees, the data pertaining to O. hupensis were divided into two parts: inside and outside the Yangtze River. Joinpoint regression was utilised to divide the study time span and further characterise the regression in each period. The 5-year-period moving averages of eliminated area infested by snails were calculated for the habitats inside and outside Yangtze River. The moving routes of corresponding geographical median centres were simulated in ArcGIS. Hotspot analysis was used to determine the areas with statistical significance clustering of O. hupensis density. RESULTS: Three periods were identified according to Joinpoint regression both inside and outside Yangtze River. The area infested by O. hupensis increased in the first two periods. It decreased rapidly outside Yangtze River year over year after 1970, while that inside the Yangtze River did not change significantly. Furthermore, the latter was significantly higher than the former. It was observed that the present density of O. hupensis inside Yangtze River was lower than outside the Yangtze River. The median centre for eliminated ranges inside Yangtze River wavered between the east (lower reach) and the west (middle reach). In contrast, the median centre for eliminated ranges continuously moved from the east to the west. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that the levees had a considerable negative impact on the distribution of O. hupensis outside Yangtze River. Some hotspots observed in the irrigation areas need a sluice system at the inlet of branch for snail control. The major distribution of O. hupensis located in Hubei might be caused by severe waterlogging. The intensive surveillance should be implemented there. The biggest two freshwater lakes, the major endemic regions historically, were identified as cold spots. The long-term impact of Three Gorges Dam on the distribution of O. hupensis in the lakes should be monitored and evaluated.

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Stapokibart in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: An Open-Label Extension, Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stapokibart/CM310, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-4 receptor α chain, has shown promising treatment benefits in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in previous phase II clinical trials. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of stapokibart in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Enrolled patients who previously completed parent trials of stapokibart received a subcutaneous stapokibart 600-mg loading dose, then 300 mg every 2 weeks up to 52 weeks. Efficacy outcomes included the proportions of patients with ≥ 50%/75%/90% improvements from baseline of parent trials in the Eczema Area and Severity Index, Investigator's Global Assessment, and weekly average of the daily Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale. RESULTS: In total, 127 patients were enrolled, and 110 (86.6%) completed the study. At week 52, the Eczema Area and Severity Index-50/75/90 response rates were 96.3%, 87.9%, and 71.0%, respectively. An Investigator's Global Assessment 0/1 with a ≥ 2-point reduction was achieved in 39.3% of patients at week 16, increasing to 58.9% at week 52. The proportions of patients with ≥ 3-point and ≥ 4-point reductions in the weekly average of daily Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale scores were 80.2% and 62.2%, respectively, at week 52. Improvement in patients' quality of life was sustained over a 52-week treatment period. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 88.2% of patients, with an exposure-adjusted event rate of 299.2 events/100 patient-years. Coronavirus disease 2019, upper respiratory tract infection, and conjunctivitis were the most common treatment-emergent adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with stapokibart for 52 weeks showed high efficacy and good safety profiles, supporting its use as a continuous long-term treatment option for atopic dermatitis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04893707 (15 May, 2021).

Impact of Luteinizing Hormone on IVF/ICSI Assisted Reproduction on the Initiation Day of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the optimal timing of gonadotropin initiation and the reasonable interval of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-A) protocol. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the data concerning the oocyte retrieval cycles from 1,361 cases with the GnRH-A protocol implemented. The ovarian responses (including AMH, AFC) in these patients were divided into the poor ovarian response group (an antral follicle count [AFC] ≤ 6, n = 394), the normal ovarian response group (an AFC > 6 and < 15, n = 570), and the high ovarian response group (an AFC ≥ 15, n = 397), according to the AFC. The patients were sub-grouped according to LH levels on the protocol initiation day, and the clinical outcomes (including dose of Gn initiation, Gn administration days, GnRH-ant administration days, P levels on the HCG day, E2 levels on the HCG day, LH levels on the HCG day, number of embryos transferred, total fertilization rate, embryo implantation rate(%), proportion of 2PN, proportion of good-quality embryos, endometrial thickness on the hCG injection day(mm), moderate to severe OHSS, AFC on the initiation day, proportion of type A endometrium on the hCG injection day, clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate) were compared. RESULTS: On the GnRH-A protocol initiation day, among all patients with different ovarian responses, the body mass index (BMI) in those with an LH ≥ 5 IU/L was lower. The differences in pregnancy outcomes between the LH < 5 IU/L group and the LH ≥ 5 IU/L group were not statistically significant across the different ovarian response groups, but the LH < 5 IU/L group had a higher proportion of good-quality embryos (80.3±24.9 vs. 74.8±26.9, P =0.035) than the LH≥5IU/Lgroup in those with poor ovarian response. The total fertilization rate (82.2±18.1 vs 85.4±15.1, P =0.021) and proportion of two pronuclei (2PN) (69.0±20.9 vs 72.7±19.9, P =0.035) were higher in the LH ≥ 5 IU/L group than the LH<5 IU/L group for those with normal ovarian responses. The embryo implantation rate (41.4±41.3 vs 52.6±43.4, P =0.012) was higher in the LH ≥ 5 IU/L group than in the LH<5 IU/L group in those with high ovarian response. The results of the multivariate logistic analysis showed that the age of the female partner, number of embryos transferred, proportion of good-quality embryos, endometrial thickness on the hCG injection day, and moderate- to-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were independent factors correlated with the outcome of live births (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LH levels on the gonadotropins (Gn) initiation day in the GnRH-A protocol will not affect pregnancy outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence in Metabolomics: A Current Review.

Metabolomics and artificial intelligence (AI) form a synergistic partnership. Metabolomics generates large datasets comprising hundreds to thousands of metabolites with complex relationships. AI, aiming to mimic human intelligence through computational modeling, possesses extraordinary capabilities for big data analysis. In this review, we provide a recent overview of the methodologies and applications of AI in metabolomics studies in the context of systems biology and human health. We first introduce the AI concept, history, and key algorithms for machine learning and deep learning, summarizing their strengths and weaknesses. We then discuss studies that have successfully used AI across different aspects of metabolomic analysis, including analytical detection, data preprocessing, biomarker discovery, predictive modeling, and multi-omics data integration. Lastly, we discuss the existing challenges and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field. Despite limitations and challenges, the combination of metabolomics and AI holds great promises for revolutionary advancements in enhancing human health.

Identification of DNase I hypersensitive sites in the human genome by multiple sequence descriptors.

DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) are chromatin regions highly sensitive to DNase I enzymes. Studying DHSs is crucial for understanding complex transcriptional regulation mechanisms and localizing cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Numerous studies have indicated that disease-related loci are often enriched in DHSs regions, underscoring the importance of identifying DHSs. Although wet experiments exist for DHSs identification, they are often labor-intensive. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop computational methods for this purpose. In this study, we used experimental data to construct a benchmark dataset. Seven feature extraction methods were employed to capture information about human DHSs. The F-score was applied to filter the features. By comparing the prediction performance of various classification algorithms through five-fold cross-validation, random forest was proposed to perform the final model construction. The model could produce an overall prediction accuracy of 0.859 with an AUC value of 0.837. We hope that this model can assist scholars conducting DNase research in identifying these sites.

[Retracted] Tumor suppressor miR­613 induces cisplatin sensitivity in non­small cell lung cancer cells by targeting GJA1.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the colony formation assay data shown in Fig. 2F, the tumor images in Fig. 3A, the "NC" experiment for the Ki67 immunohistochemical staining experiment shown in Fig. 3E and the migration assay data in Fig. 4D were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other papers by different authors at different research institutes that had either already been published, or were under consideration for publication at around the same time. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 23: 385, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12024].

[Two new glycosides from Hypericum elatoides].

The column chromatography with silica gel, reversed-phase C_(18), and Sephadex LH-20 was employed to separate the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum elatoides. The compounds were identified by the comprehensive analysis of IR, NMR, and MS data as methyl 8-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(Z)-5-octenoate(1), methyl 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-4-methylhexanoate(2), byzantionoside B(3), 9-epi-blumenol C glucoside(4), corchoionoside C(5),(6S,9R)-roseoside(6), cis-p-coumaric acid 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(7), trans-p-coumaric acid 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(8), methyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate(9),(E)-chlorogenic acid methyl ester(10), quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(11), ß-sitosterol(12), stigmasterol(13), stigmast-4-en-3-one(14), ß-amyrin(15), daucosterol(16), sitoindoside Ⅰ(17), oleic acid(18), methyl α-linolenate(19), trilinolein(20), and cassipourol(21). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 were identified as new glycosides and named hyperelatosides G and H. Compounds 3-5, 7-9, 17, and 20-21 were isolated from the genus Hypericum for the first time. The remaining compounds were isolated from H. elatoides for the first time. The results of biological assays revealed that compound 11 exhibited significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity, and compounds 1, 3, and 19 displayed certain neuroprotective effects.

Pim-1 kinase protects the liver from ischemia reperfusion injury by regulating dynamics-related protein 1.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury significantly impacts liver transplantation success, yet current treatments remain inadequate. This study explores the role of Proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (Pim-1) in liver IR, an area previously unexplored. Utilizing a mouse liver IR in vivo model and a MIHA cell hypoxia-reoxygenation in vitro model, we observed that Pim-1 expression increases following IR, inversely correlating with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Increased Pim-1 expression stabilizes mitochondrial membranes by modifying Drp1 phosphorylation, reducing mitochondrial fission and apoptosis, thereby mitigating liver damage. Additionally, we discovered that elevated Pim-1 expression is dependent on the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 during liver IR. These findings underscore the importance and potential clinical application of targeting Pim-1 in treating hepatic IR, presenting a novel therapeutic avenue.

Clinical outcomes after endoscopic resection and the risk of lymph node metastasis in rectal neuroendocrine tumors: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (R-NETs) has increased in recent years. However, the predictors of lymph node (LN) metastasis and clinical outcomes, particularly following endoscopic treatment, remain unclear. Our study aims to elucidate the potential risk factors for LN metastasis and the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic resection in R-NETs. METHODS: A total of 128 patients with R-NETs were retrospectively identified from a single center between June 2012 and December 2021. Risk factors for LN metastasis in R-NETs were analyzed using multivariate analysis. Additionally, the clinical outcomes of endoscopic resections in patients with R-NETs were assessed. RESULTS: In our study, 128 patients with R-NETs were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors for LN metastasis determined by multivariate analysis were tumor size and patient age at diagnosis. Among the 111 patients treated with endoscopic resection and with tumor margin records available, 92 underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and 19 underwent conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the positive rates of basal tumor margin and lateral tumor margin. Furthermore, 64 patients who underwent endoscopic resection for R-NETs were successfully followed up (range, 1.64-76.71 months), during which only one patient developed local recurrence. CONCLUSION: Tumor size and age at diagnosis were predictors for LN metastasis of R-NETs. Both ESD and EMR are alternative techniques with a favorable prognosis for R-NETs, even in cases with positive resection margins. However, due to the relatively small number of patients undergoing EMR and missing data in follow-up protocols, definitive conclusions require further large-scale studies.