Efficient gene editing of a model fern species through gametophyte-based transformation.

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease (Cas) system allows precise and easy editing of genes in many plant species. However, this system has not yet been applied to any fern species through gametophytes due to the complex characteristics of fern genomes, genetics, and physiology. Here, we established a protocol for gametophyte-based screening of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) with high efficiency for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout in a model fern species, Ceratopteris richardii. We utilized the C. richardii ACTIN promoter to drive sgRNA expression and the enhanced CaMV 35S promoter to drive the expression of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 in this CRISPR-mediated editing system, which was employed to successfully edit a few genes, such as Nucleotidase/phosphatase 1 (CrSAL1) and Phytoene Desaturase (CrPDS), which resulted in an albino phenotype in C. richardii. Knockout of CrSAL1 resulted in significantly (P<0.05) reduced stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration rate (E), guard cell length, and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in guard cells. Moreover, CrSAL1 overexpressing plants showed significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (A), gs, and E as well as most of the stomatal traits and ABA-induced ROS production in guard cells compared to the wild-type (WT) plants. Taken together, our optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system provides a useful tool for functional genomics in a model fern species, allowing the exploration of fern gene functions for evolutionary biology, herbal medicine discovery, and agricultural applications.

[Analysis of status quo on the outcome indexes in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the application and status quo of the outcome indexes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) so as to provide a favorable reference for the construction of the core outcome set. METHODS: RCTs of acupuncture for PCOS were searched in databases, i. e. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, from January 1st, 2018 to June 28th, 2023. The relevant outcome indexes were extracted, collected and analyzed to collate the index domains of acupuncture for PCOS. RESULTS: A total of 60 articles were included, involving 123 outcome indexes. The outcome indexes of the physical and chemical detection were the highest in frequency (65.79%), followed by the symptoms/signs (23.37%), safety events (4.02%), TCM syndrome (3.10%), quality of life (1.86%) and the long-term prognosis (1.86%). None of the RCTs included the indexes for the economic evaluation. Regarding the status quo of outcome indexes, the primary outcome index was not distinguished from secondary one, the types of outcome indexes were various, the effect evaluation was not specified, and the assessment of quality of life and safety was ignored. CONCLUSION: The status quo of the outcome indexes in RCTs of acupuncture for PCOS is not conducive to pooling and comparing the data and the results among the different trials. It is recommended to structure the core outcome index set consistent with the therapeutic characteristics of TCM so as to improve the standardization of the clinical design of acupuncture and the quality of evidence in the trials.

NAD+ homeostasis and its role in exercise adaptation: A comprehensive review.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a crucial coenzyme involved in catalyzing cellular redox reactions and serving as a substrate for NAD+-dependent enzymes. It plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and promoting healthy aging. Exercise, a well-established and cost-effective method for enhancing health, can influence various pathways related to NAD+ metabolism. Strategies such as supplementing NAD+ precursors, modulating NAD+ synthesis enzymes, or inhibiting enzymes that consume NAD+ can help restore NAD+ balance and improve exercise performance. Various overlapping signaling pathways are known to play a crucial role in the beneficial effects of both NAD+ and exercise on enhancing health and slowing aging process. Studies indicate that a combined strategy of exercise and NAD+ supplementation could synergistically enhance athletic capacity. This review provides an overview of current research on the interactions between exercise and the NAD+ network, underscoring the significance of NAD+ homeostasis in exercise performance. It also offers insights into enhancing exercise capacity and improving aging-related diseases through the optimal use of exercise interventions and NAD+ supplementation methods.

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells with bilayer interface passivation.

Two-terminal monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells demonstrate huge advantages in power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to their respective single-junction counterparts1,2. However, suppressing interfacial recombination at the wide-bandgap perovskite/electron transport layer interface, without compromising its superior charge transport performance, remains a significant challenge for perovskite-silicon tandem cells3,4. By exploiting the nanoscale discretely distributed LiF ultrathin layer followed by an additional deposition of diammonium diiodide molecule, we have devised a bilayer intertwined passivation strategy that combines efficient electron extraction with further suppression of nonradiative recombination. We constructed perovskite-silicon tandem devices on double-side textured Czochralski (CZ)-based silicon heterojunction cell, which featured a mildly-textured front surface and a heavily-textured rear surface, leading to simultaneously enhanced photocurrent and uncompromised rear passivation. The resulting perovskite-silicon tandem achieved an independently certified stabilized PCE of 33.89%, accompanied by an impressive fill factor (FF) of 83.0% and an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of nearly 1.97 volts. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported certified efficiency of a two-junction tandem solar cell exceeding the single-junction Shockley-Queisser limit of 33.7%.

Establishment of trypsinogen-2 Amplification Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay and its Application in Acute Pancreatitis.

We aim to develop an amplified luminescence proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) for quantification of trypsinogen-2 levels in human serum for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Based on new amplified luminescence proximity homogeneity assay (AlphaLISA) method, carboxyl-modified donor and acceptor beads were coupled to capture and detection antibodies. A double antibody sandwich immunoassay was used to detect the concentration of trypsinogen-2 in serum. The method had good linearity (> 0.998). The intra - analysis precision was between 1.54% and 2.20% (< 10%), the inter-analysis precision was between 3.17% and 6.94% (< 15%), and the recovery was between 96.23% and 103.45%. The cross-reactivity of carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) were 0.09% and 0.93%, respectively. The detection time only needed 15 min. The results of trypsinogen-2-AlphaLISA and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay were consistent (ρ = 0.9019). In addition, serum trypsinogen-2 concentration in patients with acute pancreatitis [239.23 (17.83-807.58) ng/mL] was significantly higher than that in healthy controls [20.54 (12.10-39.73) ng/mL]. When the cut-off value was 35.38ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.8% and 96.67%, and the positive detection rate was 91.80%. We have successfully established a trypsinogen-2-AlphaLISA method, which can promote the timely diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Racial and ethnic differences in restarting antiplatelet therapy in patients with primary intracranial hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There has long been clinical disagreement over the resumption of antiplatelet therapy in patients with primary intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of restarting antiplatelet therapy after ICH among different races and ethnicities. METHODS: All relevant medical studies involving adults with antiplatelet-associated ICH published in PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to March 2024 were sourced. Outcome measures were thromboembolic events (stroke and myocardial infarction) and recurrence of ICH. After assessing study heterogeneity and publication bias, we performed a meta-analysis using random-effects model to assess the strength of association between resumption of antiplatelet therapy and our outcomes.The review was not registered and the review protocol was not prepared. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies were included, with 9758 ICH patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that restarting antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence or aggravation of cerebral hemorrhage in Asians[OR = 1.48, 95% CI (1.13-1.94), P = 0.004]; in Caucasians, on the contrary, reinitiation of antiplatelet therapy was not associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence or aggravation of cerebral hemorrhage [OR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.67-1.06), P = 0.149]. Reinitiation of antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of cerebral infarction [OR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.39-0.96), P = 0.033]. Restarting antiplatelet therapy after cerebral hemorrhage was not associated with a higher incidence rate of mortality [OR = 0.79, 95% CI (0.57, 1.08), P = 0.138], myocardial infarction [OR = 2.40, 95%CI (0.53,10.79), P = 0.253], hemiparesis [OR = 0.38, 95%CI (0.03,4.81), P = 0.451], neurological deficit [OR = 0.86,95%CI(0.32,2.33),P = 0.766]. CONCLUSION: Reinstitution of antiplatelet therapy after ICH was associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic complications.Resumption of antiplatelet therapy was not associated with a higher incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in Caucasians, but may be associated with a higher risk of cerebral hemorrhage recurrence in Asian populations.

Correlations between non-suicidal self-injury and problematic internet use among Chinese adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has continued to be a major issue for public health worldwide, especially among teenagers. Studies have found a certain correlation between NSSI and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). However, this relationship is still unclear among Chinese adolescents, a specific population. Hence, a meta-analysis was carried out on observational studies to explore the connection between NSSI and PIU in Chinese teenagers, aiming to provide more clarity on the correlation. Methods: To identify the link between NSSI and PIU, we scoured seven digital repositories until November 16, 2023. Employing a random-effects meta-analysis framework, we delved into the association between NSSI and PIU. Additionally, we carried out subgroup evaluations to scrutinize variables including geographical location, age demographics, research methodology, diagnostic instruments, gender, and variables controlled for confounding, like symptoms of depression. For amalgamating data, STATA software (version 16) was deployed. Results: In this analysis, we included 15 research papers encompassing a collective sample of 137,166 individuals. Our findings revealed a significant positive association between NSSI and PIU within the adolescent population in China, with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 2.02 and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) ranging from 1.73 to 2.37. Notably, this correlation was markedly stronger in specific subgroups: adolescents from China's Western regions exhibited an OR of 4.22 (95% CI: 3.44, 5.18); middle school attendees had an OR of 2.09 (95% CI: 1.92, 2.28); those diagnosed with concurrent depression disorders showed an OR of 2.32 (95% CI: 1.98, 2.73); and female adolescents demonstrated an OR of 2.49 (95% CI: 2.26, 2.75), highlighting the nuanced dynamics of this relationship. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that PIU among adolescents is associated with an increased risk of NSSI. Our findings underscore the importance of targeting specific populations, including those in the western region of China, middle school students, adolescents with comorbid depression disorders, and female adolescents, who may be at higher risk of PIU and subsequently NSSI. These results emphasize the need for tailored interventions and preventive strategies to address these intertwined issues effectively. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024496579.

[Analysis of risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with CN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma].

Objective:To explore the risk factors of lymph node metastasis and multiple lymph node metastasis in patients with stage CN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods:The clinical case data of 3 099 patients with CN0 papillary thyroid cancer who underwent lymph node dissection at Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of lymph node metastasis and multiple lymph node metastasis. Results:Male gender, age<55 years, multifocal lesions, and lesion size ≥2 cm were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in CN0 patients（P<0.05）, while diabetes was an independent protective factor for lymph node metastasis（P<0.05）.Age<55 years, capsular invasion, and multifocal lesions were independent risk factors for the presence of ≥3 lymph nodes with metastasis （P<0.05）. Conclusion:In CN0 stage PTC patients, special attention should be given to the possibility of lymph node metastasis when they are male, aged <55 years, have multifocal lesions, or have lesion size >2 cm.

Dual-function additive enables a self-regulatory mechanism to balance cathode-anode interface demands in Zn‖MnO2 batteries.

The poor reversibility of the zinc (Zn) anodes and the irreversible deposition/dissolution of Mn2+/MnO2 significantly impede the commercialization of Zn-Mn aqueous batteries (ZMABs). In reducing the difference between the desired interfacial reaction environments of the cathode and anode, we found that they face the same problem of interference-the generation of irreversible corrosion products. Herein, we have introduced a novel self-regulatory mechanism. This mechanism involves the addition of sodium dihydrogen phosphate, which shifts from passive protection to active regulation. It effectively captures OH- ions, prevents corrosion product formation, and facilitates the in situ generation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film. This modification also homogenizes Zn ion flow and improves the reversibility of Zn plating and stripping. Furthermore, a stable and slightly acidic environment has been established to stabilize the pH at the cathodic interface, mitigate corrosion product formation, and enhance the reversible deposition and dissolution of Mn2+/MnO2. With the optimal electrolyte, Zn‖Zn symmetric cells demonstrate stable operation for over 3000 hours at 1 mA cm-2, 1 mA h cm-2. Additionally, the Zn‖Cu cells maintain high reversibility after 1000 cycles, achieving an average coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.76%. The assembled Zn‖MnO2 full cells exhibit exceptional cycling stability and rate performance. This work adopts the approach of seeking common ground and emphasizing the balance of cathode and anode interfacial requirements, which represents a new and significant insight for design of ZMABs with high reversibility and high cyclability.

A cross-temporal multimodal fusion system based on deep learning for orthodontic monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: In the treatment of malocclusion, continuous monitoring of the three-dimensional relationship between dental roots and the surrounding alveolar bone is essential for preventing complications from orthodontic procedures. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides detailed root and bone data, but its high radiation dose limits its frequent use, consequently necessitating an alternative for ongoing monitoring. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop a deep learning-based cross-temporal multimodal image fusion system for acquiring root and jawbone information without additional radiation, enhancing the ability of orthodontists to monitor risk. METHODS: Utilizing CBCT and intraoral scans (IOSs) as cross-temporal modalities, we integrated deep learning with multimodal fusion technologies to develop a system that includes a CBCT segmentation model for teeth and jawbones. This model incorporates a dynamic kernel prior model, resolution restoration, and an IOS segmentation network optimized for dense point clouds. Additionally, a coarse-to-fine registration module was developed. This system facilitates the integration of IOS and CBCT images across varying spatial and temporal dimensions, enabling the comprehensive reconstruction of root and jawbone information throughout the orthodontic treatment process. RESULTS: The experimental results demonstrate that our system not only maintains the original high resolution but also delivers outstanding segmentation performance on external testing datasets for CBCT and IOSs. CBCT achieved Dice coefficients of 94.1 % and 94.4 % for teeth and jawbones, respectively, and it achieved a Dice coefficient of 91.7 % for the IOSs. Additionally, in the context of real-world registration processes, the system achieved an average distance error (ADE) of 0.43 mm for teeth and 0.52 mm for jawbones, significantly reducing the processing time. CONCLUSION: We developed the first deep learning-based cross-temporal multimodal fusion system, addressing the critical challenge of continuous risk monitoring in orthodontic treatments without additional radiation exposure. We hope that this study will catalyze transformative advancements in risk management strategies and treatment modalities, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of future orthodontic practice.

Hepatic miR-363 promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by suppressing INSIG1.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes one of major worldwide health problem which typically progressively results in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and eventually cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver-specific deletion of INSIG1 promotes SREBP1 nuclear translocation to activate downstream lipogenic genes expression, leading to lipid accumulation. However, the underlying pathogenesis of NAFLD, and particularly involved in miRNA participation are still to be thoroughly explored. Here, we found that miR-363-3p was significantly overexpressed in high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet mice liver tissue and fatty acid-induced steatosis cells. miR-363-3p directly targets INSIG1 to inhibit its expression, thereby facilitating the cleavage of SREBP and nuclear translocation to activate subsequent transcription of lipogenic genes in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we identified apigenin, a natural flavonoid compound, inhibited miR-363-3p expression to up-regulate INSIG1 and suppress nuclear translocation of SREBP1, thereby down-regulated lipogenic genes expression in steatosis cells and HFHC diet mice liver tissues. Taken together, our results demonstrated that miR-363-3p as a key regulator of hepatic lipid homeostasis targeted INSIG1, and apigenin alleviated NAFLD through the miR-363-3p/INSIG1/SREBP1 pathway. This indicates that reduction of miR-363-3p levels as a possible treatment of hepatic steatosis and provides a potential new therapeutic strategy for targeting miRNA to ameliorate NAFLD.

A CLIC1 network coordinates matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect to promote tumor growth in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features substantial matrix stiffening and reprogrammed glucose metabolism, particularly the Warburg effect. However, the complex interplay between these traits and their impact on tumor advancement remains inadequately explored. Here, we integrated clinical, cellular, and bioinformatics approaches to explore the connection between matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect in PDAC, identifying CLIC1 as a key mediator. Elevated CLIC1 expression, induced by matrix stiffness through Wnt/ß-catenin/TCF4 signaling, signifies poorer prognostic outcomes in PDAC. Functionally, CLIC1 serves as a catalyst for glycolytic metabolism, propelling tumor proliferation. Mechanistically, CLIC1 fortifies HIF1α stability by curbing hydroxylation via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, PDAC cells elevate CLIC1 levels in a matrix-stiffness-responsive manner, bolstering the Warburg effect to drive tumor growth via ROS/HIF1α signaling. Our insights highlight opportunities for targeted therapies that concurrently address matrix properties and metabolic rewiring, with CLIC1 emerging as a promising intervention point.

Development of a Quick and Highly Sensitive Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay for Detection of Saxitoxin in Shellfish.

Saxitoxin (STX), an exceptionally potent marine toxin for which no antidote is currently available, is produced by methanogens and cyanobacteria. This poses a significant threat to both shellfish aquaculture and human health. Consequently, the development of a rapid, highly sensitive STX detection method is of great significance. The objective of this research is to create a novel approach for identifying STX. Therefore, amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) was established using a direct competition method based on the principles of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and antigen-antibody specific binding. This method is sensitive, rapid, performed without washing, easy to operate, and can detect 8-128 ng/mL of STX in only 10 min. The limit of detection achieved by this method is as low as 4.29 ng/mL with coefficients of variation for the intra-batch and inter-batch analyses ranging from 2.61% to 3.63% and from 7.67% to 8.30%, respectively. In conclusion, our study successfully establishes a simple yet sensitive, rapid, and accurate AlphaLISA method for the detection of STX which holds great potential in advancing research on marine biotoxins.

Acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus, often causing pain or numbness in the patient's limbs and even leading to amputation and death. Elderly patients with DPN usually have higher morbidity and more severe results. Acupuncture has been widely used as an effective treatment for DPN in China. However, the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of DPN remains unclear. In this review, we aimed to explore the impact of acupuncture in alleviating symptoms of DPN. Method and analysis: Six databases were searched from inception to October 2023. We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and three Chinese databases, namely China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed, and Wanfang. All randomized controlled trials related to the effect of acupuncture on DPN will be included. There was no restriction in language or publication year. The primary outcome is the response rate. The secondary outcomes are the Toronto clinical scoring system (TCSS), nerve conduction velocities (NCVs), and blood glucose before and after the treatment. Two researchers will be responsible for the selection of study, data extraction, and assessment of study quality independently. RevMan V5.1.0 software will be used to assess the risk of bias and generate data. Results: We searched 4518 studies, among which 9 RCTs were considered eligible. Overall, acupuncture treatment had a higher response rate than controls (relative risk (RR), -2.87 [95% confidence interval (CI), -5.27 to -0.48], p = 0.02) and significantly alleviated the symptoms of DPN patients, reduced their blood glucose levels, and improved their NCVs compared to the control group. This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of current available evidence for the clinical treatment of DPN with this therapy. Conclusion: The results suggested that acupuncture might be effective in improving symptoms of DPN in elderly patients. Owing to the overall low quality of the literature included, we need more large-sample, high-quality, and low-bias studies to prove it.

Overexpression of AcWRKY31 Increases Sensitivity to Salt and Drought and Improves Tolerance to Mealybugs in Pineapple.

Pineapple is a globally significant tropical fruit, but its cultivation faces numerous challenges due to abiotic and biotic stresses, affecting its quality and quantity. WRKY transcription factors are known regulators of stress responses, however, their specific functions in pineapple are not fully understood. This study investigates the role of AcWRKY31 by overexpressing it in pineapple and Arabidopsis. Transgenic pineapple lines were obtained using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods and abiotic and biotic stress treatments. Transgenic AcWRKY31-OE pineapple plants showed an increased sensitivity to salt and drought stress and an increased resistance to biotic stress from pineapple mealybugs compared to that of WT plants. Similar experiments in AcWRKY31-OE, AtWRKY53-OE, and the Arabidopsis Atwrky53 mutant were performed and consistently confirmed these findings. A comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed 5357 upregulated genes in AcWRKY31-OE pineapple, with 30 genes related to disease and pathogen response. Notably, 18 of these genes contained a W-box sequence in their promoter region. A KEGG analysis of RNA-Seq data showed that upregulated DEG genes are mostly involved in translation, protein kinases, peptidases and inhibitors, membrane trafficking, folding, sorting, and degradation, while the downregulated genes are involved in metabolism, protein families, signaling, and cellular processes. RT-qPCR assays of selected genes confirmed the transcriptomic results. In summary, the AcWRKY31 gene is promising for the improvement of stress responses in pineapple, and it could be a valuable tool for plant breeders to develop stress-tolerant crops in the future.

[Evaluation of a modified maxillary protraction appliance for the treatment of patients with skeletal Class â ¢ malocclusion associated with crowding].

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a modified maxillary protraction appliance in patients of skeletal Class Ⅲ with crowding. METHODS: Forty patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion were divided into two groups, with 20 patients in each group. The experimental group had molar in a neutral or distal relationship and applied a modified maxillary protraction appliance, while the control group had molar mesial relationship and applied a conventional maxillary protraction appliance. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after treatment in both groups for comparison. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The angle measurements taken before and after treatment showed a significant increase in SNA, ANB, SN-MP and U4-SN(P＜0.01), while SNB decreased(P＜0.01) in both groups. SN-OL changes were statistically different before and after treatment in the experimental group(P＜0.05). The sagittal measurements before and after treatment in both groups showed significant alterations in all(P＜0.05) but the length of the maxillary arch in both groups. For vertical measurements, U1-PP, L1-MP, U4-SN, U6-SN, and ANS-ME all increased (P＜0.05), while the changes of U4-PP and U6-PP in the two groups before and after treatment were statistically different(P＜0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly increased maxillary arch length, a more remote location at U6, and a less variable molar relationship after treatment(P＜0.01). The two groups showed a variable amount of cephalometric measurements before and after treatment: the experimental group had a significant increase in maxillary arch length, a more remote position at U6, and a smaller change in molar relationship compared to the control group(P＜0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The modified maxillary protraction appliance showed good results for maxillary protraction and pushing the molar distally in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ with crowding at neutral or distal molar relationship.

[Clinical application of endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants. Methods: The clinical data of 138 female patients with breast cancer who met the selection criteria between April 2019 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 43.8 years (range, 27-61 years). The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 1.00 to 7.10 cm, with an average of 2.70 cm. Pathological examination showed that 108 cases were positive for both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, and 40 cases were positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. All patients underwent endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, prosthesis size, and occurences of nipple-areola complex (NAC) ischemia, flap ischemia, infection, and capsular contracture were recorded. The Breast-Q2.0 score was used to evaluate breast aesthetics, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (including the social mental health score, breast satisfaction score, and chest pain score). Patients were divided into two groups based on the time of operation after the technique was implemented: group A (within 1 year, 25 cases) and group B (after 1 year, 113 cases). The above outcome indicators were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, based on the postoperative follow-up duration, patients were classified into a short-term group (follow-up time was less than 1 year) and a long-term group (follow-up time was more than 1 year). The baseline data and postoperative Breast-Q2.0 scores were compared between the two groups. Results: The average operation time was 120.76 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 23.77 mL, and the average prosthesis size was 218.37 mL. Postoperative NAC ischemia occurred in 21 cases (15.22%), flap ischemia in 30 cases (21.74%), infection in 23 cases (16.67%), capsular contracture in 33 cases (23.91%), and prosthesis removal in 2 cases (1.45%). The operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, prosthesis size, and related complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 3-48 months (mean, 20 months). There were 33 cases in the short-term group and 105 cases in the long-term group. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, body mass index, number of menopause cases, number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy cases, number of axillary lymph node dissection cases, breast cup size, degree of breast ptosis, and postoperative radiotherapy constituent ratio between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the breast satisfaction score in the patients' Breast-Q2.0 score ranged from 33 to 100, with an average of 60.9; the social mental health score ranged from 38 to 100, with an average of 71.3; the chest pain score ranged from 20 to 80, with an average of 47.3. The social mental health score of the long-term group was significantly higher than that of the short-term group ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in breast satisfaction scores and chest pain scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). No patient died during the follow-up, and 2 patients relapsed at 649 days and 689 days postoperatively, respectively. The recurrence-free survival rate was 98.62%. Conclusion: Endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants has fewer complications and less damage, and the aesthetic effect of reconstructed breast is better.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of calmodulin and calmodulin-like genes in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and their involvement in flower and fruit development.

BACKGROUND: The calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like (CML) proteins play regulatory roles in plant growth and development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and other biological processes. As a popular fruit and ornamental crop, it is important to explore the regulatory mechanism of flower and fruit development of passion fruit. RESULTS: In this study, 32 PeCaM/PeCML genes were identified from passion fruit genome and were divided into 9 groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The structural analysis, including conserved motifs, gene structure and homologous modeling, illustrates that the PeCaM/PeCML in the same subgroup have relative conserved structural features. Collinearity analysis suggested that the expansion of the CaM/CML gene family likely took place mainly by segmental duplication, and the whole genome replication events were closely related with the rapid expansion of the gene group. PeCaM/PeCMLs were potentially required for different floral tissues development. Significantly, PeCML26 had extremely high expression levels during ovule and fruit development compared with other PeCML genes, suggesting that PeCML26 had potential functions involved in the development of passion fruit flowers and fruits. The co-presence of various cis-elements associated with growth and development, hormone responsiveness, and stress responsiveness in the promoter regions of these PeCaM/PeCMLs might contribute to their diverse regulatory roles. Furthermore, PeCaM/PeCMLs were also induced by various abiotic stresses. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the CaM/CML gene family and valuable clues for future studies on the function and evolution of CaM/CML genes in passion fruit. CONCLUSION: A total of 32 PeCaM/PeCML genes were divided into 9 groups. The PeCaM/PeCML genes showed differential expression patterns in floral tissues at different development stages. It is worth noting that PeCML26, which is highly homologous to AtCaM2, not only interacts with multiple BBR-BPC TFs, but also has high expression levels during ovule and fruit development, suggesting that PeCML26 had potential functions involved in the development of passion fruit flowers and fruits. This research lays the foundation for future investigations and validation of the potential function of PeCaM/PeCML genes in the growth and development of passion fruit.

The Changes of Mitochondria during Aging and Regeneration.

Aging and regeneration are opposite cellular processes. Aging refers to progressive dysfunction in most cells and tissues, and regeneration refers to the replacement of damaged or dysfunctional cells or tissues with existing adult or somatic stem cells. Various studies have shown that aging is accompanied by decreased regenerative abilities, indicating a link between them. The performance of any cellular process needs to be supported by the energy that is majorly produced by mitochondria. Thus, mitochondria may be a link between aging and regeneration. It should be interesting to discuss how mitochondria behave during aging and regeneration. The changes of mitochondria in aging and regeneration discussed in this review can provide a timely and necessary study of the causal roles of mitochondrial homeostasis in longevity and health.

Ultraviolet Photodissociation Dynamics of the 1-Methylallyl Radical.

The ultraviolet (UV) photodissociation dynamics of the 1-methylallyl (1-MA) radical were studied using the high-n Rydberg atom time-of-flight (HRTOF) technique in the wavelength region of 226-244 nm. The 1-MA radicals were produced by 193 nm photodissociation of the 3-chloro-1-butene and 1-chloro-2-butene precursor. The 1 + 1 REMPI spectrum of 1-MA agrees with the previous UV absorption spectrum in this wavelength region. Quantum chemistry calculations show that the UV absorption is mainly attributed to the 3pz Rydberg state (perpendicular to the allyl plane). The H atom photofragment yield (PFY) spectrum of 1-MA from 3-chloro-1-butene displays a broad peak around 230 nm, while that from 1-chloro-2-butene peaks at ∼236 nm. The translational energy distributions of the H atom loss product channel, P (ET)'s, show a bimodal distribution indicating two dissociation pathways in 1-MA. The major pathway is isotropic in product angular distribution with ß âˆ¼ 0 and has a low fraction of average translational energy in the total excess energy, ⟨fT⟩, in the range of 0.13-0.17; this pathway corresponds to unimolecular dissociation of 1-MA after internal conversion to form 1,3-butadiene + H. The minor pathway is anisotropic with ß âˆ¼ -0.23 and has a large ⟨fT⟩ of ∼0.62-0.72. This fast pathway suggests a direct dissociation of the methyl H atom on a repulsive excited state surface or the repulsive part of the ground state surface to form 1,3-butadiene + H. The fast/slow pathway branching ratio is in the range of 0.03-0.08.