Characteristics of phosgene aspiration lung injury analyzed based on transcriptomics and proteomics.

Background: Phosgene is a chemical material widely used worldwide. No effective method has been developed to reverse its pathological injuries. Some studies have shown that neuronal inflammation in lung tissue is involved, but the specific mechanism has not been reported. Objective: To analyze the expression alterations of whole transcriptome gene sequencing bioinformatics and protein expression profile in lung tissue after phosgene aspiration lung injury (P-ALI) and find the main factors and pathways affecting the prognosis of P-ALI. Methods: Rat models of P-ALI were made by phosgene. Rats were divided into a P-ALI group and a blank group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and lung wet/dry ratio measurement were used to evaluate the lung injury. The levels of inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA. High-throughput sequencing was used to measure the expression profile of each gene. Protein expression profiles were determined by label-free relative quantification of the differential proteome. Results: Lung injury such as the disordered structure of alveolar wall and inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-18, and IL-33) were significantly increased in the P-ALI group (p < 0.05). There were 225 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 85 upregulated and 140 downregulated genes. They were also the genomes with the most significant changes in transcriptome gene expression, mainly constituting cytoplasmic, synaptic structures and transporters, and involved in amino acid and carbon metabolism. There were 42 differentially expressed circRNAs, including 25 upregulated genes and 17 downregulated genes, mainly involved in cell composition, growth, differentiation, and division. There were only 10 differentially expressed miRNAs genes, all upregulated and mainly involved in the inflammatory response pathway. Proteome identification showed 79 differentially expressed proteins. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that it was mainly involved in the N-glycan biosynthesis pathway. Conclusion: We discovered that differentially regulated genes (lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs) were primarily associated with neuronal reflexes and synaptic signaling, including neurotransmitter transmission, ion signaling pathway conduction, neuronal projection, and synaptic vesicle circulation. They affected inflammatory factors and other metabolic pathways. This finding could be explored in future studies.

Application of 3D­printed porous titanium interbody fusion cage vs. polyether ether ketone interbody fusion cage in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A systematic review and meta­analysis update.

The present study aimed to compare the differences between 3D-printed porous titanium and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) interbody fusion cages for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Literature on the application of 3D-printed porous titanium and PEEK interbody fusion cages for ACDF was searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP databases. A total of 1,181 articles were retrieved and 12 were finally included. The Cochrane bias risk assessment criteria and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used for quality evaluation and Review Manager 5.4 was used for data analysis. The 3D cage group was superior to the PEEK cage group in terms of operative time [mean difference (MD): -7.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): -11.08, -4.29; P<0.00001], intraoperative blood loss (MD: -6.17; 95%CI: -10.56, -1.78; P=0.006), hospitalization time (MD: -0.57; 95%CI: -0.86, -0.28: P=0.0001), postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.35; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.80; P=0.01], C2-7 Cobb angle (MD: 2.85; 95%CI: 1.45, 4.24; P<0.0001), intervertebral space height (MD: 1.20; 95%CI: 0.54, 1.87; P=0.0004), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Assessment of Treatment (MD: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.24, 1.15; P=0.003) and visual analogue scale score (MD: -0.43; 95%CI: -0.78, -0.07; P=0.02). The difference was statistically significant, while there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of fusion rate (OR: 1.74; 95%CI: 0.71, 4.27; P=0.23). The use of 3D-printed porous titanium interbody fusion cage in ACDF has the advantages of short operation time, less bleeding loss, shorter hospitalization time and fewer postoperative complications. It can better maintain the cervical curvature and intervertebral height, relieve pain and accelerate postoperative functional recovery.

Structural insights into the regulation mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MftR.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen of the deadly disease tuberculosis, depends on the redox cofactor mycofactocin (MFT) to adapt to and survive under hypoxic conditions. MftR is a TetR family transcription regulator that binds upstream of the MFT gene cluster and controls MFT synthesis. To elucidate the structural basis underlying MftR regulation, we determined the crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MftR (TB-MftR). The structure revealed an interconnected hydrogen bond network in the α1-α2-α3 helices of helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA-binding domain that is essential for nucleic acid interactions. The ligand-binding domain contains a hydrophobic cavity enclosing long-chain fatty acyl-CoAs like the key regulatory ligand oleoyl-CoA. Despite variations in ligand-binding modes, comparative analyses suggest regulatory mechanisms are largely conserved across TetR family acyl-CoA sensors. By elucidating the intricate structural mechanisms governing DNA and ligand binding by TB-MftR, our study enhances understanding of the regulatory roles of this transcription factor under hypoxic conditions, providing insights that could inform future research into Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis.

STAT3-induced lncRNA GNAS-AS1 accelerates keloid formation by mediating the miR-196a-5p/CXCL12/STAT3 axis in a feedback loop.

Keloids are pathological scar tissue resulting from skin trauma or spontaneous formation, often accompanied by itching and pain. Although GNAS antisense RNA 1 (GNAS-AS1) shows abnormal upregulation in keloids, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. The levels of genes and proteins in clinical tissues from patients with keloids and human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs) were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The features of HKFs, including proliferation and migration, were evaluated using cell counting kit 8 and a wound healing assay. The colocalization of GNAS-AS1 and miR-196a-5p in HKFs was measured using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The relationships among GNAS-AS1, miR-196a-5p and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) in samples from patients with keloids were analysed by Pearson correlation analysis. Gene interactions were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. GNAS-AS1 and CXCL12 expression were upregulated and miR-196a-5p expression was downregulated in clinical tissues from patients with keloids. GNAS-AS1 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation of HKFs, all of which were reversed by miR-196a-5p downregulation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induced GNAS-AS1 transcription through GNAS-AS1 promoter interaction, and niclosamide, a STAT3 inhibitor, decreased GNAS-AS1 expression. GNAS-AS1 positively regulated CXCL12 by sponging miR-196-5p. Furthermore, CXCL12 knockdown restrained STAT3 phosphorylation in HKFs. Our findings revealed a feedback loop of STAT3/GNAS-AS1/miR-196a-5p/CXCL12/STAT3 that promoted HKF proliferation, migration and ECM accumulation and affected keloid progression.

Assembly of Heterocyclic C-Glycosides by Ru-Catalyzed C-H Activation/Cyclization with Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylide Glyco-Reagents.

New carbonyl sulfoxonium ylide glyco-reagents have been developed, enabling the synthesis of versatile heteroarene C-glycosides through a Ru-catalyzed C-H activation/annulation strategy. These reactions tolerate various saccharide donors and represent a significant advance in the stereoselective synthesis of heterocyclic C-glycosides. Furthermore, the strategy and methods could be applied to large-scale reactions and late-stage modifications of some structurally complex natural products or drugs.

The relationship between self-determined motivation, emotional involvement, cognitive involvement and leisure-time physical activity among college students.

Objective: Grounded in self-determination theory and the stimulus-organism-response framework, this study examines factors that affect college students' leisure-time physical activity by considering the basic psychological needs satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), self-determined motivation, emotional and cognitive involvement. Methods: The sample included 526 students (47.8 % male; 57.2 % female) from four universities in central China. A structural equation model was used to analyze associations among variables. Results: The satisfaction of all three basic psychological needs had a significant positive impact on emotional involvement. Additionally, autonomy and competence need satisfaction had a significant positive impact on self-determined motivation and cognitive involvement. However, contrary to our expectation, there was no significant effect of relatedness need satisfaction on self-determined motivation and cognitive involvement. Furthermore, emotional involvement was found to have a significant effect on leisure-time physical activity intention for male students. Interestingly, the relationship between cognitive involvement and leisure-time physical activity intention is significant, but this effect was observed only among female students. Conclusion: Pedagogical strategies and tactics better satisfied students' psychological needs, promote physical education classes emotional and cognitive involvement, therefore, achieve autonomous active lifestyle behaviors in leisure time.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the MIF/ACKR3 receptor-ligand interaction between neutrophils and nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: To unravel the heterogeneity and function of microenvironmental neutrophils during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was utilized to dissect the cellular landscape of neutrophils in intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues and their crosstalk with nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). The expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and ACKR3 in IVD tissues were detected. The MIF/ACKR3 axis was identified and its effects on IDD were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: We sequenced here 71520 single cells from 5 control and 9 degenerated IVD samples using scRNA-seq. We identified a unique cluster of neutrophils abundant in degenerated IVD tissues that highly expressed MIF and was functionally enriched in extracellular matrix organization (ECMO). Cell-to-cell communication analyses showed that this ECMO-neutrophil subpopulation was closely interacted with an effector NPCs subtype, which displayed high expression of ACKR3. Further analyses revealed that MIF was positively correlated with ACKR3 and functioned via directly binding to ACKR3 on effector NPCs. MIF inhibition attenuated degenerative changes of NPCs and extracellular matrix, which could be partially reversed by ACKR3 overexpression. Clinically, a significant correlation of high MIF/ACKR3 expression with advanced IDD grade was observed. Furthermore, we also found a positive association between MIF+ ECMO-neutrophil counts and ACKR3+ effector NPCs density as well as higher expression of the MIF/ACKR3 signaling in areas where these two cell types were neighbors. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that ECMO-neutrophil promotes IDD progression by their communication with NPCs via the MIF/ACKR3 axis, which may shed light on therapeutic strategies.

Determinants of macaques' space use: A test for the ecological constraints model using GPS collars.

As a central topic in Behavioral Ecology, animal space use involves dynamic responses to social and ecological factors. We collared 22 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) from six groups on Neilingding Island, China, and collected 80,625 hourly fixes over a year. Using this high-resolution location data set, we quantified the macaques' space use at the individual level and tested the ecological constraints model while considering various environmental and human interfering factors. As predicted by the ecological constraints model, macaques in larger groups had longer daily path lengths (DPLs) and larger home ranges. We found an inverted U-shape relationship between mean daily temperatures and DPLs, indicating that macaques traveled farther on mild temperature days, while they decreased DPLs when temperatures were too high or too low. Anthropogenic food subsidies were positively correlated to DPLs, while the effect of rainfall was negative. Macaques decreased their DPLs and core areas when more flowers and less leaves were available, suggesting that macaques shifted their space use patterns to adapt to the seasonal differences in food resources. By applying GPS collars on a large number of individuals living on a small island, we gained valuable insights into within-group exploitation competition in wild rhesus macaques.

Activation of pyramidal neurons in the infralimbic cortex alleviates LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in mice.

The infralimbic (IL) cortex dysfunction has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD), yet the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of layer V pyramidal neurons in a mouse model of MDD induced by repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Our results demonstrate that three days of systemic LPS administration induced depressive-like behavior and upregulated mRNA levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in the IL cortex. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a significant decrease in the intrinsic excitability of layer V pyramidal neurons in the IL following systemic LPS exposure. Importantly, chemogenetic activation of IL pyramidal neurons ameliorated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior. Additionally, LPS administration significantly increased microglial activity in the IL, as evidenced by a greater number of Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA-1)-positive cells. Morphometric analysis further unveiled enlarged soma, decreased branch numbers, and shorter branch lengths of microglial cells in the IL cortex following LPS exposure. Moreover, the activation of pyramidal neurons by clozapine-N-oxide increased the microglia branch length but did not change branch number or cytosolic area. These results collectively suggest that targeted activation of pyramidal neurons in the IL cortex mitigates microglial response and ameliorates depressive-like behaviors induced by systemic LPS administration. Therefore, our findings offer potential therapeutic targets for the development of interventions aimed at alleviating depressive symptoms by modulating IL cortical circuitry and microglial activity.

No increase of soil wind erosion with the establishment of center pivot irrigation system in Mu-Us sandy land.

Center Pivot Irrigation system (CPIs) is widely used in newly exploited arable land in sandy lands. These sandy lands are currently stable because of climate change and ecological restoration efforts since the beginning of the 21st century in northern China. The exploitation of these fixed sandy lands to arable land with CPIs may affect the soil wind erosion, yet it remains unknown. The temporal changes of CPIs and its effect on wind erosion module were analyzed and modeled from 2000 to 2020 in Mu-Us sandy land using satellite images and Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ). The establishment of CPIs started from 2010, boomed in 2015 and peaked in 2020. They were mainly transformed from woodland, grassland, and barren land near rivers in east and southeast, and from cropland in inter-dunes in west and southwest of Mu-Us sandy land. The temporal and spatial pattern of CPIs well aligns with the land consolidation and requisition-compensation balance policies. In most of the Mu-Us sandy land, the annual erosion module is <25 t ha-1 a-1. Despite great variation, the annual, Winter and Spring erosion module of the Mu-Us sandy land or in Otog Qian and Yuyang, the CPIs concentrated counties, all decreased during 2000-2019. Although, wind erosion module in CPIs was lower than the surrounding area, it increased in 2019 given the same climate conditions as in 2010. Our results suggest 1) the establishment of CPIs in Mu-Us sandy land greatly depends on the local policy and natural endowment, and 2) although the set-up of CPIs showed no impact on the wind erosion with CPIs accounting for <1 % of Mu-Us sandy land, post-harvest of CPIs should be carefully concerned to prevent soil wind erosion.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward postoperative self-management among kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Patient involvement is crucial to the success of kidney transplants. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward postoperative self-management among kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai, China) between March 24, 2023, and April 15, 2023 in kidney transplant recipients. A questionnaire was designed to collect data about the characteristics of the participants and their KAP toward postoperative self-management. KAP scores were calculated based on participants' responses, using predefined scoring criteria tailored to evaluate each dimension of KAP effectively. RESULTS: A total of 483 valid questionnaires were collected, including 189 (39.13%) participants aged between 46 and 60 years. The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice were 23.44 ± 4.87 (possible range: 0-28), 43.59 ± 2.65 (possible range: 10-50), 52.52 ± 4.64 (possible range: 0-58), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed knowledge scores (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10-1.20, p < 0.001), attitude scores (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12-1.32, p < 0.001) and undergone transplantation within 1 year (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 1.60-9.63, p = 0.003) were independently associated with good practice. Knowledge scores (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10, p = 0.003), attitude scores (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.08-1.25, p < 0.001), aged 16-35 years (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18-0.78, p = 0.009), underwent a single kidney transplant surgery (OR = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.28-12.38, p = 0.017) were independently associated with medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplant recipients had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice toward postoperative self-management. Implementing personalized education, psychological support, and close monitoring strategies is recommended to optimize postoperative self-management in kidney transplant recipients.

Candidate membrane protein gene families related to chemoreception in a wood-boring beetle, Pharsalia antennata Gahan (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The longhorned beetles are key players for the maintenance of biodiversity in the terrestrial ecosystem. As xylophagous cerambycid insects in Coleoptera, the beetles have evolved specialized olfactory and gustatory systems to recognize chemical cues in the surrounding habitats. Despite over 36,000 described species in the Cerambycidae family including a wood-boring pest Pharsalia antennata, only a limited number of them (<1 %) have been characterized regarding their chemical ecology at the molecular level. Here, we surveyed four membrane protein gene families in P. antennata related to chemoreception through transcriptomics, phylogenetics and expression profiling analyses. In total, 144 genes encoding 72 odorant receptors (ORs), 33 gustatory receptors (GRs), 23 ionotropic receptors (IRs), four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) and 12 ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) were harvested from the transcriptome of multiple tissues including antennae and legs of both sexes. The lineage-specific expansion of PantORs possibly implied a diverse range of host plants in this beetle, supporting this correlation between the host range and olfactory receptor repertoire sizes across cerambycid species. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that Group 2 was contributed mainly to the large OR gene repertoire in P. antennata, representing 18 genes in Group 2A and eight in Group 2B. On the other hand, some key chemosensory genes were identified by applying a phylogenetics approach, such as PantOR21 close to the 2-phenylethanol receptor in Megacyllene caryae, three carbon dioxide GRs and seven Antennal IRs (A-IRs) clades. We also determined sex- and tissue-specific expression profiles of 69 chemosensory genes, revealing the high expression of most PantORs in antennae. Noticeably, 10 sex-biased genes (six PantORs, three PantIRs and PantSNMP1a) were presented in antennae, five sex-biased PantGRs in legs and 39 sex-biased genes (15 PantORs, 13 PantGRs, eight PantIRs and three PantSNMPs) in abdomens. These findings have greatly enhanced our knowledge about the chemical ecology of P. antennata and identify candidate molecular targets for mediating smell and taste of this beetle.

Evaluation of genetic polymorphisms in TNF­α­308G/A rs1800629 associated with susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta­analysis.

To investigate the association of gene polymorphisms of TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 with the susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI databases was searched. Two authors screened the literature independently, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, five genetic models were established: The allelic model (A vs. G), dominant model (GA + AA vs. GG), recessive model (AA vs. GG + GA), co-dominant model (AA vs. GG) and super-dominant model (GG + AA vs. GA). Stata 17.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 34 eligible studies with 12,611 subjects were included, including 6,030 cases in the RA group and 6,581 controls. Meta-analysis calculations revealed that the genetic polymorphisms of TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 were not significantly associated with susceptibility to RA, with an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each genetic model [A vs. G: 0.937 (0.762-1.152); GA + AA vs. GG: 0.918 (0.733-1.148); AA vs. GG + GA: 1.131 (0.709-1.802); AA vs. GG: 1.097 (0.664-1.813); and GG + AA vs. GA: 1.108 (0.894-1.373)]. For the association between TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 gene polymorphisms and the severity of RA, the results of subgroup analysis calculations showed that TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 gene polymorphisms were associated with the severity of RA in European populations, with the gene model and 95% CI [GA + AA vs. GG: 0.503 (0.297-0.853); and GG + AA vs. GA: 2.268 (1.434-3.590)]. When assessing the confidence in the positive results of the present study through the false-positive report probability, the positive results were observed to be reliable. No significant association was observed between genetic polymorphisms in TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 and susceptibility to RA. However, a significant association exists with the severity of RA in European populations.

Micro/nanomotors for neuromodulation.

Micro-nanomotors (MNMs) are micro/nanoscale intelligent devices with vast potential in the fields of drug delivery, precision medicine, biosensing, and environmental remediation. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to convert various forms of external energy (such as magnetic, ultrasonic, and light energy) into their own propulsive force. Additionally, MNMs offer high controllability and modifiability, enabling them to navigate in the microscopic world. Importantly, recent research has harnessed the unique advantages of MNMs to synergize their capabilities in neuromodulation. This mini-review presents the significant progress and pioneering achievements in the use of MNMs for neuromodulation, with the aim of inspiring readers to explore the broader biomedical applications of these MNMs. Through continuous innovation and diligent exploration, MNMs show promise to have a profound impact on the field of biomedicine.

Effective model and electron correlations in trilayer nickelate superconductor La4Ni3O10.

Recently, signatures of superconductivity with critical temperature from 20 to 30 K have been reported in pressured trilayer nickelate La4Ni3O10through a pressure-induced structure transition. Here we explore the evolution of electronic structures and electronic correlations in different phases of La4Ni3O10under corresponding pressure regions, by using density functional theory (DFT) combined with dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT). Similar to bilayer superconductor La3Ni2O7, the electronic bands in superconducting La4Ni3O10are dominated by Ni-3dx2-y2and 3dz2orbits near the Fermi level, in contrast, the inner Ni-O plane in La4Ni3O10generates a doublet hole-pocket Fermi surfaces around the Brillouin-zone corner, meanwhile one branch of the Ni-3dz2bands is pushed very close above the Fermi level, which can induce an electron pocket through small electron doping. The DFT+DMFT simulations suggest that the electronic correlations only give minor modification to the Fermi surfaces, meanwhile the Ni-3dz2and 3dx2-y2states on outer Ni-O layers have considerable greater mass enhancements than on the inner layer. The sensitiveness of electronic structure under doping and unique layer dependence of correlation suggest a distinct superconducting mechanism with respect to bilayer La3Ni2O7. Based on the DFT and DFT+DMFT simulations, we eventually derive a trilayer effective tight-binding model, which can produce rather precise electronic bands and Fermi surfaces, hence can serve as an appropriate model to further study the superconducting mechanism and paring symmetry in trilayer La4Ni3O10.

Development and validation of radiomics nomogram for metastatic status of epithelial ovarian cancer.

To develop and validate an enhanced CT-based radiomics nomogram for evaluating preoperative metastasis risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). One hundred and nine patients with histologically confirmed EOC were retrospectively enrolled. The volume of interest (VOI) was delineated in preoperative enhanced CT images, and 851 radiomics features were extracted. The radiomics features were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and the rad-score was calculated using the formula of the radiomics label. A clinical model, radiomics model, and combined model were constructed using the logistic regression classification algorithm. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the models. Seventy-five patients (68.8%) were histologically confirmed to have metastasis. Eleven optimal radiomics features were retained by the LASSO algorithm to develop the radiomic model. The combined model for evaluating metastasis of EOC achieved area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.929 (95% CI 0.8593-0.9996) in the training cohort and 0.909 (95% CI 0.7921-1.0000) in the test cohort. To facilitate clinical use, a radiomic nomogram was built by combining the clinical characteristics with rad-score. The DCA indicated that the nomogram had the most significant net benefit when the threshold probability exceeded 15%, surpassing the benefits of both the treat-all and treat-none strategies. Compared with clinical model and radiomics model, the radiomics nomogram has the best diagnostic performance in evaluating EOC metastasis. The nomogram is a useful and convenient tool for clinical doctors to develop personalized treatment plans for EOC patients.

Cevanine-type steroidal alkaloids from the bulbs of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don.

Eight previously undescribed cevanine-type steroidal alkaloids, cirrhosinones I-N and cirrhosinols A-B, along with five known analogs, were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All compounds revealed weak NO inhibitory activities in the LPS-stimulated NR8383 cells at the concentration of 20 µM, with inhibition ratios ranging from 5.1% to 14.3%.

Research progress of acupuncture regulating ERK signaling pathway in the treatment of depression. / 针刺调控ERKä¿¡å·é€šè·¯æ²»ç–—æŠ‘éƒç—‡çš„ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Acupuncture treatment for depression has definite therapeutic efficacy, and its mechanism has been extensively studied. The extracellular regulatory protein kinase(ERK) signaling pathway is involved in the development and progression of depression. This article reviewed and summarized the research progress on the regulation of the ERK signaling pathway by acupuncture in the treatment of depression in recent years, focusing on the physiological activation and regulatory mechanism of the ERK signaling pathway, its association with the occurrence of depression, and the mechanisms through which acupuncture activates the ERK signaling pathway to treat depression (including enhancing neuronal synaptic plasticity, promoting the release of neurotrophic factors, and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis). Future research could explore the relationship between the ERK pathway and other pathways, investigate other brain regions besides the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, examine differences in regulatory mechanisms between male and female patients, assess the effects of different acupuncture techniques on the ERK pathway, and increase efforts to explore mechanism of synaptic plasticity regulation, so as to provide reference for the clinical application and mechanism sludy of acupuncture in depression treatment.

Magnetic Seeding of SPIO-BMSCs Into a Biphasic Scaffold Can Promote Tendon-Bone Healing After Rotator Cuff Repair.

BACKGROUND: The tendon-bone interface (TBI) in the rotator cuff has a poor intrinsic capacity for healing, which increases the risk of retear after rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, facilitating regeneration of the TBI still remains a great clinical challenge. Herein, the authors established a novel strategy based on magnetic seeding to enhance the TBI regeneration. HYPOTHESIS: Magnetic seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO-BMSCs) into a biphasic scaffold can promote tendon-bone healing after RCR. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: BMSCs were labeled with SPIOs. Prussian blue staining, CCK-8 tests, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to determine the optimal effect concentration of SPIOs on cell bioactivities and abilities. Then SPIO-BMSCs were magnetically seeded into a biphasic scaffold under a magnetic field. The seeding efficacy was assessed by a scanning electron microscope, and the potential mechanism in chondrogenic differentiation after seeding SPIO-BMSCs into the scaffold was evaluated by Western blot and PCR. Furthermore, the effect of SPIO-BMSC/biphasic scaffold on tendon-bone healing after RCR using a rat model was examined using histological analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and biomechanical evaluation. RESULTS: BMSCs labeled with 100 µg/mL SPIO had no effect on cell bioactivities and the ability of chondrogenic differentiation. SPIO-BMSCs were magnetically seeded into a biphasic scaffold, which offered a high seeding efficacy to enhance chondrogenic differentiation of SPIO-BMSCs via the CDR1as/miR-7/FGF2 pathway for TBI formation in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo application of the biphasic scaffold with magnetically seeded SPIO-BMSCs showed their regenerative potential, indicating that they could significantly accelerate and promote TBI healing with superior biomechanical properties after RCR in a rat rotator cuff tear model. CONCLUSION: Magnetically seeding SPIO-BMSCs into a biphasic scaffold enhanced seeding efficacy to promote cell distribution and condensation. This construct enhanced the chondrogenesis process via the CDR1as/miR-7/FGF2 pathway and further promoted tendon-bone healing after RCR in a rat rotator cuff tear model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides an alternative strategy for improving TBI healing after RCR.

Mid-infrared computational temporal ghost imaging.

Ghost imaging in the time domain allows for reconstructing fast temporal objects using a slow photodetector. The technique involves correlating random or pre-programmed probing temporal intensity patterns with the integrated signal measured after modulation by the temporal object. However, the implementation of temporal ghost imaging necessitates ultrafast detectors or modulators for measuring or pre-programming the probing intensity patterns, which are not available in all spectral regions especially in the mid-infrared range. Here, we demonstrate a frequency downconversion temporal ghost imaging scheme that enables to extend the operation regime to arbitrary wavelengths regions where fast modulators and detectors are not available. The approach modulates a signal with temporal intensity patterns in the near-infrared and transfers the patterns to an idler via difference-frequency generation in a nonlinear crystal at a wavelength where the temporal object can be retrieved. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate computational temporal ghost imaging in the mid-infrared with operating wavelength that can be tuned from 3.2 to 4.3 µm. The scheme is flexible and can be extended to other regimes. Our results introduce new possibilities for scan-free pump-probe imaging and the study of ultrafast dynamics in spectral regions where ultrafast modulation or detection is challenging such as the mid-infrared and THz regions.