Porous hybrid encapsulation enables high-rate lithium storage for a micron-sized SiO anode.

Establishing a durable interfacial layer between an electrode and electrolyte to enable micron-sized silicon-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes to achieve superior electrochemical performance is highly desired. Recent studies have shown that heterogeneous encapsulation with enhanced ion/electron transport is an effective strategy. However, the structural design of the existing hetero-coated interface lacks a reasonable ion/electron transport channel, resulting in high interfacial impedance. Herein, we designed a heterogenous MXene-mesoporous polypyrrole (mPPy) encapsulation layer onto micron-sized SiO particles. The MXene coating layer functions as a bridging interface that can build a strong chemical link to internal SiO via covalent bonding, thus reinforcing interfacial charge transfer rate. Meanwhile, it forms a dynamic connection with the outer mPPy through hydrogen bonding, which contributes to high interfacial Li+ concentration and ion/electron coupling transport rate. Accordingly, the as-prepared SiO@MXene@mPPy anode delivers a boosted specific capacity of 673.9 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1 after 1000 cycles and high-rate capability of 777.4 mA h g-1 at 5 A g-1. Further, electrochemical kinetic analysis indicates that the MXene@mPPy coating layer shows a pseudocapacitance controlled Li storage mechanism, thereby displaying improved high-rate capability. This porous hybrid encapsulation strategy offers new possibilities for a micron-sized SiO anode to achieve an excellent performance.

Automatic segmentation of 15 critical anatomical labels and measurements of cardiac axis and cardiothoracic ratio in fetal four chambers using nnU-NetV2.

BACKGROUND: Accurate segmentation of critical anatomical structures in fetal four-chamber view images is essential for the early detection of congenital heart defects. Current prenatal screening methods rely on manual measurements, which are time-consuming and prone to inter-observer variability. This study develops an AI-based model using the state-of-the-art nnU-NetV2 architecture for automatic segmentation and measurement of key anatomical structures in fetal four-chamber view images. METHODS: A dataset, consisting of 1,083 high-quality fetal four-chamber view images, was annotated with 15 critical anatomical labels and divided into training/validation (867 images) and test (216 images) sets. An AI-based model using the nnU-NetV2 architecture was trained on the annotated images and evaluated using the mean Dice coefficient (mDice) and mean intersection over union (mIoU) metrics. The model's performance in automatically computing the cardiac axis (CAx) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) was compared with measurements from sonographers with varying levels of experience. RESULTS: The AI-based model achieved a mDice coefficient of 87.11% and an mIoU of 77.68% for the segmentation of critical anatomical structures. The model's automated CAx and CTR measurements showed strong agreement with those of experienced sonographers, with respective intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.83 and 0.81. Bland-Altman analysis further confirmed the high agreement between the model and experienced sonographers. CONCLUSION: We developed an AI-based model using the nnU-NetV2 architecture for accurate segmentation and automated measurement of critical anatomical structures in fetal four-chamber view images. Our model demonstrated high segmentation accuracy and strong agreement with experienced sonographers in computing clinically relevant parameters. This approach has the potential to improve the efficiency and reliability of prenatal cardiac screening, ultimately contributing to the early detection of congenital heart defects.

Multifunctional chemical anchors achieve a boosted fill factor and mitigate ion migration of high-stability perovskite solar cells.

To date, it is urgent to produce perovskite films with comparative or even better morphologies in an open-air environment. Unfortunately, a substantial number of trap states on the grain surface, especially the grain boundaries (GBs) of a perovskite layer, can bring about significant deterioration in the performance of PSCs. Trap-induced carrier recombination directly exerts a detrimental influence on the carrier collection efficiency and electronic properties of a perovskite active film. Herein, 4(5)-iodoimidazole (4II), a small organic molecule agent, was introduced to passivate the surface and bulk traps of the active film, which resulted in a controlled morphology, improved carrier extraction and suppressed ion migration for the devices fabricated in a relatively humid and O2-containing environment. Conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements were applied to study trap passivation and suppression of ion migration across the GBs of perovskite films. The results manifest that the -CN group preferably bonds with the less-coordinated Pb2+ and the -NH- group favorably forms hydrogen bonds with the uncoordinated I-. As a result, the champion device delivered a significantly boosted power conversion efficiency from 17.22% to 20.95%, with an improved fill factor (FF) from 70.54% to 80.40%, and improved ambient stability of the unencapsulated device. This study may probe research insight into the design of passivators with synergistic effects for morphology control and reduction of carrier recombination loss for equally efficient perovskite photovoltaics fabricated in ambient air.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Cerebellar Cortical Dysplasia: Case Report.

This was a study of 12 cerebellar cortical dysplasias (CCDs) fetuses, these cases were characterized by a disorder of cerebellar fissures. Historically, CCD diagnosis was primarily performed using postnatal imaging. Unique to this study was the case series of CCD for prenatal diagnosis using prenatal ultrasound, as well as we found that AXIN1 and FOXC1 mutations may be related to CCD.

Shank3 deficiency elicits autistic-like behaviors by activating p38α in hypothalamic AgRP neurons.

BACKGROUND: SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein 3 (SHANK3) monogenic mutations or deficiency leads to excessive stereotypic behavior and impaired sociability, which frequently occur in autism cases. To date, the underlying mechanisms by which Shank3 mutation or deletion causes autism and the part of the brain in which Shank3 mutation leads to the autistic phenotypes are understudied. The hypothalamus is associated with stereotypic behavior and sociability. p38α, a mediator of inflammatory responses in the brain, has been postulated as a potential gene for certain cases of autism occurrence. However, it is unclear whether hypothalamus and p38α are involved in the development of autism caused by Shank3 mutations or deficiency. METHODS: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and immunoblotting were used to assess alternated signaling pathways in the hypothalamus of Shank3 knockout (Shank3-/-) mice. Home-Cage real-time monitoring test was performed to record stereotypic behavior and three-chamber test was used to monitor the sociability of mice. Adeno-associated viruses 9 (AAV9) were used to express p38α in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) or agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons. D176A and F327S mutations expressed constitutively active p38α. T180A and Y182F mutations expressed inactive p38α. RESULTS: We found that Shank3 controls stereotypic behavior and sociability by regulating p38α activity in AgRP neurons. Phosphorylated p38 level in hypothalamus is significantly enhanced in Shank3-/- mice. Consistently, overexpression of p38α in ARC or AgRP neurons elicits excessive stereotypic behavior and impairs sociability in wild-type (WT) mice. Notably, activated p38α in AgRP neurons increases stereotypic behavior and impairs sociability. Conversely, inactivated p38α in AgRP neurons significantly ameliorates autistic behaviors of Shank3-/- mice. In contrast, activated p38α in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons does not affect stereotypic behavior and sociability in mice. LIMITATIONS: We demonstrated that SHANK3 regulates the phosphorylated p38 level in the hypothalamus and inactivated p38α in AgRP neurons significantly ameliorates autistic behaviors of Shank3-/- mice. However, we did not clarify the biochemical mechanism of SHANK3 inhibiting p38α in AgRP neurons. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the Shank3 deficiency caused autistic-like behaviors by activating p38α signaling in AgRP neurons, suggesting that p38α signaling in AgRP neurons is a potential therapeutic target for Shank3 mutant-related autism.

ILC2s: Unraveling the innate immune orchestrators in allergic inflammation.

The prevalence rate of allergic diseases including asthma, atopic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been significantly increasing in recent decades due to environmental changes and social developments. With the study of innate lymphoid cells, the crucial role played by type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have been progressively unveiled in allergic diseases. ILC2s, which are a subset of innate lymphocytes initiate allergic responses. They respond swiftly during the onset of allergic reactions and produce type 2 cytokines, working in conjunction with T helper type 2 (Th2) cells to induce and sustain type 2 immune responses. The role of ILC2s represents an intriguing frontier in immunology; however, the intricate immune mechanisms of ILC2s in allergic responses remain relatively poorly understood. To gain a comphrehensive understanding of the research progress of ILC2, we summarize recent advances in ILC2s biology in pathologic allergic inflammation to inspire novel approaches for managing allergic diseases.

Isolation and genome-wide analysis of the novel Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophage vB_AbaM_AB3P2.

A lytic Acinetobacter baumannii phage, isolate vB_AbaM_AB3P2, was isolated from a sewage treatment plant in China. A. baumannii phage vB_AbaM_AB3P2 has a dsDNA genome that is 44,824 bp in length with a G + C content of 37.75%. Ninety-six open reading frames were identified, and no genes for antibiotic resistance or virulence factors were found. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of this phage revealed that it represents a new species in the genus Obolenskvirus. Phage vB_AbaM_AB3P2 has a short latent period (10 min) and high stability at 30-70°C and pH 2-10 and is potentially useful for controlling multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii.

Spike structure of gold nanobranches induces hepatotoxicity in mouse hepatocyte organoid models.

BACKGROUND: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been extensively recognized as an active candidate for a large variety of biomedical applications. However, the clinical conversion of specific types of GNPs has been hindered due to their potential liver toxicity. The origin of their hepatotoxicity and the underlying key factors are still ambiguous. Because the size, shape, and surfactant of GNPs all affect their properties and cytotoxicity. An effective and sensitive platform that can provide deep insights into the cause of GNPs' hepatotoxicity in vitro is therefore highly desired. METHODS: Here, hepatocyte organoid models (Hep-orgs) were constructed to evaluate the shape-dependent hepatotoxicity of GNPs. Two types of GNPs with different nanomorphology, gold nanospheres (GNSs) and spiny gold nanobranches (GNBs), were synthesized as the representative samples. Their shape-dependent effects on mice Hep-orgs' morphology, cellular cytoskeletal structure, mitochondrial structure, oxidative stress, and metabolism were carefully investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that GNBs with higher spikiness and tip curvature exhibited more significant cytotoxicity compared to the rounded GNSs. The spike structure of GNBs leads to a mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorder in Hep-orgs. Meanwhile, similar trends can be observed in HepG2 cells and mice models, demonstrating the reliability of the Hep-orgs. CONCLUSIONS: Hep-orgs can serve as an effective platform for exploring the interactions between GNPs and liver cells in a 3D perspective, filling the gap between 2D cell models and animal models. This work further revealed that organoids can be used as an indispensable tool to rapidly screen and explore the toxic mechanism of nanomaterials before considering their biomedical functionalities.

Genome-Wide Association Studies of Embryogenic Callus Induction Rate in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The capability of embryogenic callus induction is a prerequisite for in vitro plant regeneration. However, embryogenic callus induction is strongly genotype-dependent, thus hindering the development of in vitro plant genetic engineering technology. In this study, to examine the genetic variation in embryogenic callus induction rate (CIR) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at the seventh, eighth, and ninth subcultures (T7, T8, and T9, respectively), we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for CIR in a population of 353 peanut accessions. The coefficient of variation of CIR among the genotypes was high in the T7, T8, and T9 subcultures (33.06%, 34.18%, and 35.54%, respectively), and the average CIR ranged from 1.58 to 1.66. A total of 53 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected (based on the threshold value -log10(p) = 4.5). Among these SNPs, SNPB03-83801701 showed high phenotypic variance and neared a gene that encodes a peroxisomal ABC transporter 1. SNPA05-94095749, representing a nonsynonymous mutation, was located in the Arahy.MIX90M locus (encoding an auxin response factor 19 protein) at T8, which was associated with callus formation. These results provide guidance for future elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of embryogenic callus induction in peanut.

Identification of two major QTLs for pod shell thickness in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using BSA-seq analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pod shell thickness (PST) is an important agronomic trait of peanut because it affects the ability of shells to resist pest infestations and pathogen attacks, while also influencing the peanut shelling process. However, very few studies have explored the genetic basis of PST. RESULTS: An F2 segregating population derived from a cross between the thick-shelled cultivar Yueyou 18 (YY18) and the thin-shelled cultivar Weihua 8 (WH8) was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PST. On the basis of a bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), four QTLs were preliminarily mapped to chromosomes 3, 8, 13, and 18. Using the genome resequencing data of YY18 and WH8, 22 kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were designed for the genotyping of the F2 population. Two major QTLs (qPSTA08 and qPSTA18) were identified and finely mapped, with qPSTA08 detected on chromosome 8 (0.69-Mb physical genomic region) and qPSTA18 detected on chromosome 18 (0.15-Mb physical genomic region). Moreover, qPSTA08 and qPSTA18 explained 31.1-32.3% and 16.7-16.8% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Fifteen genes were detected in the two candidate regions, including three genes with nonsynonymous mutations in the exon region. Two molecular markers (Tif2_A08_31713024 and Tif2_A18_7198124) that were developed for the two major QTL regions effectively distinguished between thick-shelled and thin-shelled materials. Subsequently, the two markers were validated in four F2:3 lines selected. CONCLUSIONS: The QTLs identified and molecular markers developed in this study may lay the foundation for breeding cultivars with a shell thickness suitable for mechanized peanut shelling.

High-Rate SiO Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Enabled by Rationally Interfacial Hybrid Encapsulation Engineering.

The development of a high-rate SiO lithium-ion battery anode is seriously limited by its low intrinsic conductivity, sluggish interfacial charge transfer (ICT), and unstable dynamic interface. To tackle the above issues, interfacial encapsulation engineering for effectively regulating the interfacial reaction and thus realizing a stable solid electrolyte interphase is significantly important. Hybrid coating, which aims to enhance the coupled e-/Li+ transport via the employment of dual layers, has emerged as a promising strategy. Herein, we construct a hybrid MXene-graphene oxide (GO) coating layer on the SiO microparticles. In the design, Ti3C2Tx MXene acts as a "bridge", which forms a close covalent connection with SiO and GO through Ti-O-Si and Ti-O-C bonds, respectively, thus greatly reducing the ICT resistance. Moreover, the Ti3C2Tx with rich surface groups (e.g., -OH, -F) and GO outer layers with an intertwined porous framework synergistically enable the pseudocapacitance dominated behavior, which is beneficial for fast lithium-ion storage. Accordingly, the as-made Si@MXene@GO anode exhibits considerably reinforced lithium-ion storage performance in terms of superior rate performance (1175.9 mA h g-1 at 5 A g-1) and long cycling stability (1087.6 mA h g-1 capacity retained after 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g-1). In-depth interfacial chemical composition analysis further reveals that an inorganically rich interphase with a gradient distribution of LiF and Li2O formed at the electrolyte/anode interface ensures mechanical stability during repeated cycles. This work paves a feasible way for maximizing the potential of SiO anodes toward fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.

Association between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and depressive symptoms: A nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are strongly associated with the development of various diseases and are one of the leading causes of disability in the world. However, the relationship between weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and depressive symptoms has not been studied. This study aimed to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms and WWI. METHODS: This study took NHANES data from 2005 to 2018 with 32,374 participants. Depressive symptoms were measured by a questionnaire (PHQ-9).WWI was determined by dividing the square root of waist circumference (cm) by weight (kg). Multivariate logistic regression models, smoothed curve fitting, and weighted generalized additive model (GAM) regression were used to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and WWI, BMI, and waist circumference. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were also performed. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, the OR (95 % CI) for WWI and depressive symptoms with WWI, BMI, and waist circumference were 1.18 (1.05, 1.34), BMI 1.01 (1.00, 1.02, 1.01 (1.00, 1.01), respectively. Participants in the highest quartile (Q4) had a 49 % higher depressive symptoms compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR = 1.49, 95 % CI:1.14-1.96). Subgroup analyses and interaction tests showed a stable relationship between depressive symptoms and WWI. LIMITATIONS: It is difficult to determine a causal relationship between the two; questionnaire collection may be somewhat biased; CONCLUSIONS: WWI was positively associated with depressive symptoms. This association was stronger than BMI and waist circumference. However, this relationship was stable. This study emphasizes the potential utility of WWI in preventing depressive symptoms and improving prognosis in the population.

An Easy and Effective Method for Evaluating the Position of Conus Medullaris: Counting the Number of Vertebral Ossification Center Below the End of Conus Medullaris.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to ascertain the conus medullaris position by counting the number of ossification centers in the vertebral bodies below the conus medullaris endpoint (N) and assess its utility in screening for closed spinal dysraphism and tethered cord syndrome. METHODS: A total of 900 normal fetuses and 146 fetuses with closed spinal dysraphism or tethered cord syndrome were included in this study. The N values were tallied and compared along the spinal longitudinal plane. The receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized, and the cut-off value of N was analyzed. RESULTS: The counting of N was successfully performed in 856 normal and 146 abnormal fetuses. In the normal group, an increase in N with gestational age was observed. Specifically, in the subgroup of 17-20 wk fetuses, N was ≥6 in 117 out of 131 cases. This figure increased to 211 out of 213 in 21-24 wk and 512 out of 512 in 25-41 wk, respectively. Cases with N ≥7 accounted for 715 out of 856 fetuses in the 17-41 wk range. In the abnormal group, N was less than 7 in 152 out of 163 fetuses, showing statistical differences between the two groups. With a cut-off value of 6.5, specificity and sensitivity reached 93.3% and 83.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The counting of N was found to be a straightforward and efficient method for evaluating the position of the conus medullaris.

Adaptive strategies to freeze-thaw cycles in branch hydraulics of tree species coexisting in a temperate forest.

Freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) limit the distribution and survival of temperate tree species. Tree species with different wood types coexist in temperate forests and are subjected to the same FTCs. It is essential to understand how these trees differentially cope with xylem hydraulic failure induced by FTCs in the field. The branch hydraulic traits and nonstructural carbohydrate concentration of six coexisting tree species in a temperate forest were measured from mid-winter to early spring when the FTCs occurred from January to April. The percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) was lower, and the water potential inducing a 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50) was more negative in tracheid trees than in ring- and diffuse-porous trees, suggesting tracheid trees with narrow tracheid diameters showed less vulnerable to embolism and provided a lower degree of hydraulic failure during FTCs (stronger resistance). Ring-porous trees always showed lower hydraulic conductivity and higher PLC and P50, and these traits did not change during FTCs, suggesting that they might lose the hydraulic functions in winter and abandon the last year xylem. The P50 in diffuse-porous increased after several FTCs (frost fatigue), but that in tracheid species continued to increase (or even decrease) until the end of FTCs (69 cycles), suggesting that tracheid trees were less sensitive to frost fatigue than diffuse-porous trees. Soluble sugar concentration in deciduous trees negatively correlated with PLC at the end of FTCs, indicating that the effect of soluble sugar on refilling embolism occurred in early spring. While the soluble sugar concentration of deciduous trees decreased, that of two evergreen tracheid trees gradually increased, possibly due to the winter photosynthesis of evergreen leaves. Our results suggest temperate trees adopt different strategies to cope with the same FTCs. These findings enrich the understanding of plant hydraulics and carbon physiology in winter and provide insights into the response of different species coexisting in temperate forests under climate change.

Emerging Multiscale Porous Anodes toward Fast Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries.

With the accelerated penetration of the global electric vehicle market, the demand for fast charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that enable improvement of user driving efficiency and user experience is becoming increasingly significant. Robust ion/electron transport paths throughout the electrode have played a pivotal role in the progress of fast charging LIBs. Yet traditional graphite anodes lack fast ion transport channels, which suffer extremely elevated overpotential at ultrafast power outputs, resulting in lithium dendrite growth, capacity decay, and safety issues. In recent years, emergent multiscale porous anodes dedicated to building efficient ion transport channels on multiple scales offer opportunities for fast charging anodes. This review survey covers the recent advances of the emerging multiscale porous anodes for fast charging LIBs. It starts by clarifying how pore parameters such as porosity, tortuosity, and gradient affect the fast charging ability from an electrochemical kinetic perspective. We then present an overview of efforts to implement multiscale porous anodes at both material and electrode levels in diverse types of anode materials. Moreover, we critically evaluate the essential merits and limitations of several quintessential fast charging porous anodes from a practical viewpoint. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future prospects of multiscale porous fast charging anode design associated with materials and electrodes as well as crucial issues faced by the battery and management level.

The synergistic effect of trap deactivation and hysteresis suppression at grain boundaries in perovskite interfaces via multifunctional groups.

In spite of the outstanding photoelectric properties of perovskite materials, numerous defects produced in the preparation process eventually result in decomposition of the perovskite layer. To date, the mechanism of defect passivation and hysteresis reduction via additive engineering has still been obscure for perovskite materials, which seriously restricts performance improvement of the devices. Herein, conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements were applied to probe carbamic acid ethyl ester (EU)-based trap passivation and suppression of hysteresis in perovskite films. The results indicate that the internal interaction between multifunctional bonds ("CO" and "-NH2") of EU and Pb2+ ions of the perovskite may inactivate the trap state and inhibit ion migration within sub-grains and grain boundaries (GBs), resulting in improvement of the long-term stability of the cells. In consequence, the EU-modified champion device prepared in all-air achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.10%, one of the high performances for the devices fabricated in air to date. In short, this work will propose some interesting speculation about ion migration as well as its influence on hysteresis in perovskite materials.

Energy deficiency promotes rhythmic foraging behavior by activating neurons in paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus.

Background: Dysregulation of feeding behavior leads to a variety of pathological manifestations ranging from obesity to anorexia. The foraging behavior of animals affected by food deficiency is not fully understood. Methods: Home-Cage system was used to monitor the behaviors. Immunohistochemical staining was used to monitor the trend of neuronal activity. Chemogenetic approach was used to modify neuronal activity. Results: We described here a unique mouse model of foraging behavior and unveiled that food deprivation significantly increases the general activities of mice with a daily rhythmic pattern, particularly foraging behavior. The increased foraging behavior is potentiated by food cues (mouthfeel, odor, size, and shape) and energy deficit, rather than macronutrient protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Notably, energy deficiency increases nocturnal neuronal activity in paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH), accompanying a similar change in rhythmic foraging behavior. Activating neuronal activity in PVH enhances the amplitude of foraging behavior in mice. Conversely, inactivating neuronal activity in PVH decreases the amplitude of foraging behavior and impairs the rhythm of foraging behavior. Discussion: These results illustrate that energy status and food cues regulate the rhythmic foraging behavior via PVH neuronal activity. Understanding foraging behavior provides insights into the underlying mechanism of eating-related disorders.

Metformin Hydrochloride Significantly Inhibits Rotavirus Infection in Caco2 Cell Line, Intestinal Organoids, and Mice.

Rotavirus is one of the main pathogens that causes severe diarrhea in children under the age of 5, primarily infecting the enterocytes of the small intestine. Currently, there are no specific drugs available for oral rehydration and antiviral therapy targeting rotavirus. However, metformin hydrochloride, a drug known for its antiviral properties, shows promise as it accumulates in the small intestine and modulates the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, we formulated a hypothesis that metformin hydrochloride could inhibit rotavirus replication in the intestine. To validate the anti-rotavirus effect of metformin hydrochloride, we conducted infection experiments using different models, ranging from in vitro cells and organoids to small intestines in vivo. The findings indicate that a concentration of 0.5 mM metformin hydrochloride significantly inhibits the expression of rotavirus mRNA and protein in Caco-2 cells, small intestinal organoids, and suckling mice models. Rotavirus infections lead to noticeable pathological changes, but treatment with metformin has been observed to mitigate the lesions caused by rotavirus infection in the treated group. Our study establishes that metformin hydrochloride can inhibit rotavirus replication, while also affirming the reliability of organoids as a virus model for in vitro research.

High cholesterol diet-induced testicular dysfunction in rats.

PURPOSE: Hypercholesterolemia due to a high-cholesterol diet is linked to numerous diseases and may lead to male infertility. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The maintenance of male fertility requires intact testicular structures (including seminiferous tubules and mesenchyme) and functioning cells (Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells, etc.), production of appropriate concentrations of sex hormones, and cooperation among testicular cells. Thus, we considered whether male fertility declined as the structure and function of testicular cells were altered in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed either a standard or a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. Serum sex hormones, lipid components, semen quality, and fertility rate were assayed in the rats. The 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD), Wilms tumor 1 (WT-1), and deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) were regarded as specific markers of Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells in rats. In addition, the ultrastructure of the testis and expression levels of particular marker molecules of testicular cells were further investigated. RESULTS: Compared to rats fed on a regular diet, the serum testosterone levels and sperm progressive motility decreased in rats fed high cholesterol. Moreover, we observed a deformed nucleus, dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and swollen mitochondria of Leydig cells and a schizolytic nucleus of Sertoli cells in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. The 3ß-HSD, WT-1, and DAZL protein expression levels were significantly reduced in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that a high-cholesterol diet adversely affected testosterone production and sperm progressive motility, possibly due to Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cell abnormalities.

Cleft palate in fetuses: feasibility of early diagnosis by Crystal and Realistic Vue rendering 3D ultrasound technology in the first trimester.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of direct visualization of a normal fetal palate and detect cleft palate in the first trimester with a novel three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) technique, Crystal and Realistic Vue (CRV) rendering technology. Methods: Two-dimensional (2D) images and 3D volumes of healthy and cleft palate fetuses at 11-13+6 weeks were obtained prospectively. 2D ultrasound views included the coronal view of the retronasal triangle and the midsagittal view of the face. 3D-CRV views were analyzed by multiplanar mode display. The pregnancy outcomes of all fetuses were determined during the follow-up period. Results: In our study, 124 fetuses were recruited, including 100 healthy fetuses and 24 cleft palate fetuses. The cleft palate with lip was observed in 23 fetuses (bilateral in 15, unilateral in 6, median in 2), and one cleft palate was only found in the abnormal group. The bilateral (n = 12) and median (n = 2) cleft palates with lips and the cleft palate alone (n = 1) were associated with other anatomical or chromosomal abnormalities, and one unilateral cleft palate with cleft lip had concomitant NT thickening. In the cleft palate fetus group, 16 fetuses suffered intrauterine death, which was associated with other structural or chromosomal abnormalities in 14 fetuses, seven cases were terminated after consultation, and one was delivered at term. The coronal view of the retronasal triangle and the midsagittal view was easily obtained in all fetuses. 3D-CRV images of palatal parts were clearly obtained in all cases. Unilateral, bilateral, and median cleft palates with cleft lips were visually demonstrated and classified by the 3D-CRV technique. Conclusion: It is feasible to identify the palate by 3D-CRV in the first trimester in both healthy and cleft palate fetuses. Together with 2D ultrasonography as a complementary diagnostic tool, 3D-CRV is helpful in classifying the cleft palate with a reasonable degree of certainty.