Osteopontin regulation of MerTK+ macrophages promotes Crohn's disease intestinal fibrosis.

The pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's disease (CD) remains unclear. Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) is an immunosuppressive protein specifically expressed in macrophages. Osteopontin (OPN), also known as secreted phosphoprotein 1, contributes to inflammation and wound repair. This study investigates the potential profibrotic pathway in MerTK+ macrophages in order to provide a possible therapeutic target for intestinal fibrosis. MerTK expression in the inflamed and stenotic bowels was evaluated. The MerTK/ERK/TGF-ß1 pathway was overactivated in the fibrotic intestinal tissues of patients with CD. This pathway was induced by epithelial cell apoptosis, resulting in activated fibroblasts with increased TGF-ß1 secretion. OPN upregulated TGF production by altering ERK1/2 phosphorylation, as evidenced by OPN or MerTK knockdown and OPN overexpression in vitro. MerTK inhibitor UNC2025 alleviated intestinal fibrosis in mouse colitis models, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for intestinal fibrosis in patients with CD.

MRGazer: decoding eye gaze points from functional magnetic resonance imaging in individual space.

Objective. Eye-tracking research has proven valuable in understanding numerous cognitive functions. Recently, Freyet alprovided an exciting deep learning method for learning eye movements from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. It employed the multi-step co-registration of fMRI into the group template to obtain eyeball signal, and thus required additional templates and was time consuming. To resolve this issue, in this paper, we propose a framework named MRGazer for predicting eye gaze points from fMRI in individual space.Approach. The MRGazer consists of an eyeball extraction module and a residual network-based eye gaze prediction module. Compared to the previous method, the proposed framework skips the fMRI co-registration step, simplifies the processing protocol, and achieves end-to-end eye gaze regression.Main results. The proposed method achieved superior performance in eye fixation regression (Euclidean error, EE = 2.04°) than the co-registration-based method (EE = 2.89°), and delivered objective results within a shorter time (∼0.02 s volume-1) than prior method (∼0.3 s volume-1).Significance. The MRGazer is an efficient, simple, and accurate deep learning framework for predicting eye movement from fMRI data, and can be employed during fMRI scans in psychological and cognitive research. The code is available athttps://github.com/ustc-bmec/MRGazer.

FASN regulates STING palmitoylation via malonyl-CoA in macrophages to alleviate sepsis-induced liver injury.

STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is a critical immunoregulatory protein in sepsis and is regulated by various mechanisms, especially palmitoylation. FASN (fatty acid synthase) is the rate-limiting enzyme to generate cellular palmitic acid (PA) via acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA and participates in protein palmitoylation. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between STING and FASN have not been completely understood. In this study, STING-knockout mice were used to confirm the pivotal role of STING in sepsis-induced liver injury. Metabolomics confirmed the dyslipidemia in septic mice and patients. The compounds library was screened, revealing that FASN inhibitors exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the STING pathway. Mechanically, the regulatory effect of FASN on the STING pathway was dependent on palmitoylation. Further experiments indicated that the upstream of FASN, malonyl-CoA inhibited STING pathway possibly due to C91 (palmitoylated residue) of STING. Overall, this study reveals a novel paradigm of STING regulation and provides a new perspective on immunity and metabolism.

Recent Advances in Functional Hydrogel for Repair of Abdominal Wall Defects: A Review.

The abdominal wall plays a crucial role in safeguarding the internal organs of the body, serving as an essential protective barrier. Defects in the abdominal wall are common due to surgery, infection, or trauma. Complex defects have limited self-healing capacity and require external intervention. Traditional treatments have drawbacks, and biomaterials have not fully achieved the desired outcomes. Hydrogel has emerged as a promising strategy that is extensively studied and applied in promoting tissue regeneration by filling or repairing damaged tissue due to its unique properties. This review summarizes the five prominent properties and advances in using hydrogels to enhance the healing and repair of abdominal wall defects: (a) good biocompatibility with host tissues that reduces adverse reactions and immune responses while supporting cell adhesion migration proliferation; (b) tunable mechanical properties matching those of the abdominal wall that adapt to normal movement deformations while reducing tissue stress, thereby influencing regulating cell behavior tissue regeneration; (c) drug carriers continuously delivering drugs and bioactive molecules to sites optimizing healing processes enhancing tissue regeneration; (d) promotion of cell interactions by simulating hydrated extracellular matrix environments, providing physical support, space, and cues for cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation; (e) easy manipulation and application in surgical procedures, allowing precise placement and close adhesion to the defective abdominal wall, providing mechanical support. Additionally, the advances of hydrogels for repairing defects in the abdominal wall are also mentioned. Finally, an overview is provided on the current obstacles and constraints faced by hydrogels, along with potential prospects in the repair of abdominal wall defects.

Hybrid Double-Sided Tape with Asymmetrical Adhesion and Burst Pressure Tolerance for Abdominal Injury Treatment.

Patients with open abdominal (OA) wounds have a mortality risk of up to 30%, and the resulting disabilities would have profound effects on patients. Here, we present a novel double-sided adhesive tape developed for the management of OA wounds. The tape features an asymmetrical structure and employs an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with asymmetric wettability as a scaffold. It is constructed by integrating a tissue-adhesive hydrogel composed of polydopamine (pDA), quaternary ammonium chitosan (QCS), and acrylic acid cross-linking onto the bottom side of the ADM. Following surface modification with pDA, the ADM would exhibit characteristics resistant to bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the presence of a developed hydrogel ensures that the tape not only possesses tissue adhesiveness and noninvasive peelability but also effectively mitigates damage caused by oxidative stress. Besides, the ADM inherits the strength of the skin, imparting high burst pressure tolerance to the tape. Based on these remarkable attributes, we demonstrate that this double-sided (D-S) tape facilitates the repair of OA wounds, mitigates damage to exposed intestinal tubes, and reduces the risk of intestinal fistulae and complications. Additionally, the D-S tape is equally applicable to treating other abdominal injuries, such as gastric perforations. It effectively seals the perforation, promotes injury repair, and prevents the formation of postoperative adhesions. These notable features indicate that the presented double-sided tape holds significant potential value in the biomedical field.

Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Patients with Bloodstream Infections Caused by KPC and NDM Co-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Purpose: Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM) co-producing carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-NDM-CRKP) isolates have been increasingly reported worldwide but have not yet been systematically studied. Thus, we have conducted a study to compare the risk factors, molecular characteristics, and mortality involved in clinical bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC-NDM-CRKP and KPC-CRKP strains. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 231 patients with BSIs caused by CRKP at Jinling Hospital in China from January 2020 to December 2022. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, carbapenemase genes detection and whole-genome sequencing were performed subsequently. Results: Overall, 231 patients were included in this study: 25 patients with KPC-NDM-CRKP BSIs and 206 patients with KPC-CRKP BSIs. Multivariate analysis implicated ICU-acquired BSI, surgery within 30 days, and longer stay of hospitalization prior to CRKP isolation as independent risk factors for KPC-NDM-CRKP BSIs. The 30-day mortality rate of the KPC-NDM-CRKP BSIs group was 56% (14/25) compared with 32.5% (67/206) in the KPC-CRKP BSIs control group (P = 0.02). The ICU-acquired BSIs, APACHE II score at BSI onset, and BSIs caused by KPC-NDM-CRKP were independent predictors for 30-day mortality in patients with CRKP bacteremia. The most prevalent ST in KPC-NDM-CRKP isolates was ST11 (23/25, 92%), followed by ST15 (2/25, 8%). Conclusion: In patients with CRKP BSIs, KPC-NDM-CRKP was associated with an excess of mortality. The likelihood that KPC-NDM-CRKP will become the next "superbug" highlights the significance of epidemiologic surveillance and clinical awareness of this pathogen.

Polyaspartic acid increases potassium content and reduces the ratio of total sugar to nicotine in tobacco leaves.

Tobacco is an important cash crop in China, but the low potassium (K) content and high ratio of total sugar to nicotine in tobacco leaves have seriously affected the quality of tobacco leaves. As a fertilizer synergist, polyaspartic acid (PASP) can improve the K content in tobacco leaves, but it is unknown how it affects the K content in different parts of tobacco leaves, and how PASP affects the ratio of total sugar to nicotine in tobacco leaves has not been reported. Therefore, "Zhongyan 100" was selected for pot experiments with 5 different PASP addition levels: CK (0.0 %), P1 (0.1 %), P2 (0.2 %), P3 (0.4 %) and P4 (0.6 %), to reveal the effects of PASP on tobacco growth, K content, sugar content, nicotine content and the ratio of total sugar to nicotine in different tobacco parts, and determine the optimal PASP dosage for regulating the K content and the ratio of total sugar to nicotine in tobacco. The results showed that P1 (0.1 %) and P2 (0.2 %) only had slighter effects on tobacco growth and quality, while P3 (0.4 %) and P4 (0.6 %)treatments significantly promoted dry matter accumulation, increased K and nicotine content in leaves, decreased reducing sugar and total soluble sugar content in leaves, thereby reducing the ratio of total sugar to nicotine in tobacco leaves, especially in upper leaves. Considering the economic cost savings, 0.4% PASP was determined as the best application level to improve the growth and quality of tobacco. Thus, proper application of PASP is beneficial to improve tobacco leaf quality and reduce chemical K fertilizer application, thereby decreasing agricultural environmental risks of chemical fertilizer and alleviating the rapid depletion of potash in the world.

Amino acid application inhibits root-to-shoot cadmium translocation in Chinese cabbage by modulating pectin methyl-esterification.

The exogenous application of amino acids (AAs) generally alleviates cadmium (Cd) toxicity in plants by altering their subcellular distribution. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying AA-mediated cell wall (CW) sequestration of Cd in Chinese cabbage remain unclear. Using two genotypes of Chinses cabbage, Jingcui 60 (Cd-tolerant) and 16-7 (Cd-sensitive), we characterized the root structure, subcellular distribution of Cd, CW component, and related gene expression under the Cd stress. Cysteine (Cys) supplementation led to a reduction in the Cd concentration in the shoots of Jingcui 60 and 16-7 by 65.09 % and 64.03 %, respectively. Addition of Cys alleviated leaf chlorosis in both cultivars by increasing Cd chelation in the root CW and reducing its distribution in the cytoplasm and organelles. We further demonstrated that Cys supplementation mediated the downregulation of PMEI1 expression and improving the activity of pectin methyl-esterase (PME) by 17.98 % and 25.52 % in both cultivars, respectively, compared to the Cd treatment, resulting in an approximate 12.00 %-14.70 % increase in Cd retention in pectin. In contrast, threonine (Thr) application did not significantly alter Cd distribution in the shoots of either cultivar. Taken together, our results suggest that Cys application reduces Cd root-to-shoot translocation by increasing Cd sequestration in the root CW through the downregulation of pectin methyl-esterification.

Advancements in hydrogel-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a review.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. However, current drug therapies for IBD are plagued by significant side effects, low efficacy, and poor patient compliance. Consequently, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate IBD. Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers with the ability to swell and retain water, have emerged as promising materials for drug delivery in the treatment of IBD due to their biocompatibility, tunability, and responsiveness to various stimuli. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in hydrogel-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of IBD. We first identify three pathophysiological alterations that need to be addressed in the current treatment of IBD: damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier, dysbiosis of intestinal flora, and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways leading to disequilibrium within the intestines. Subsequently, we discuss in depth the processes required to prepare hydrogel drug delivery systems, from the selection of hydrogel materials, types of drugs to be loaded, methods of drug loading and drug release mechanisms to key points in the preparation of hydrogel drug delivery systems. Additionally, we highlight the progress and impact of the hydrogel-based drug delivery system in IBD treatment through regulation of physical barrier immune responses, promotion of mucosal repair, and improvement of gut microbiota. In conclusion, we analyze the challenges of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems in clinical applications for IBD treatment, and propose potential solutions from our perspective.

Prediction models of surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery: a nationwide prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to construct and validate a clinical prediction model for surgical site infection (SSI) risk 30 days after gastrointestinal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre study involving 57 units conducted a 30-day postoperative follow-up of 17 353 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at the unit from 1 March 2021 to 28 February 2022. The authors collected a series of hospitalisation data, including demographic data, preoperative preparation, intraoperative procedures and postoperative care. The main outcome variable was SSI, defined according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. This study used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm to screen predictive variables and construct a prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the prediction performance of the prediction model. RESULTS: Overall, 17 353 patients were included in this study, and the incidence of SSI was 1.6%. The univariate analysis combined with LASSO analysis showed that 20 variables, namely, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, steroid use, smoking history, C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, albumin, blood glucose, bowel preparation, surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, appendix surgery, colon surgery, approach, incision type, colostomy/ileostomy at the start of the surgery, colostomy/ileostomy at the end of the surgery, length of incision, surgical duration and blood loss were identified as predictors of SSI occurrence ( P <0.05). The area under the curve values of the model in the train and test groups were 0.7778 and 0.7868, respectively. The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test results demonstrated that the model-predicted and actual risks were in good agreement, and the model forecast accuracy was high. CONCLUSIONS: The risk assessment system constructed in this study has good differentiation, calibration and clinical benefits and can be used as a reference tool for predicting SSI risk in patients.

In situ bioprinting of double network anti-digestive xanthan gum derived hydrogel scaffolds for the treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas.

The clinical treatment of enterocutaneous fistula is challenging and causes significant patient discomfort. Fibrin gel can be used to seal tubular enterocutaneous fistulas, but it has low strength and poor digestion resistance. Based on in situ bioprinting and the anti-digestive properties of xanthan gum (XG), we used carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and xanthan gum modified by grafted glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and aldehyde (GCX) as the ink to print a double network hydrogel that exhibited high strength and an excellent anti-digestive performance. In addition, in vitro studies confirmed the biocompatibility, degradability, and self-healing of hydrogels. In our rabbit tubular enterocutaneous fistula model, the in situ printed hydrogel resisted corrosion due to the intestinal fluid and acted as a scaffold for intestinal mucosal cells to proliferate on its surface. To summarize, in situ bioprinting GCX/CMC double network hydrogel can effectively block tubular enterocutaneous fistulas and provide a stable scaffold for intestinal mucosal regeneration.

Establishment and evaluation of an improved rat model of open abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to establish an animal model of open abdomen (OA) through temporary abdominal closure via different techniques. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: group A (OA with polypropylene mesh alone); group B (OA with polypropylene mesh combined with a patch); and group C (OA with polypropylene mesh and a sutured patch). Vital signs, pathophysiological changes, and survival rates were closely monitored in the rats for 7 days after surgery. Abdominal X-rays and histopathological examinations were performed to assess abdominal organ changes and wound healing. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference in mortality rates among the three groups (p > 0.05). However, rats in group B exhibited superior overall condition, cleaner wounds, and a higher rate of wound healing compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Abdominal X-rays indicated that varying degrees of distal intestinal obstruction in all groups. Histopathological examinations revealed fibrous hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, neovascularization, and collagen deposition in all groups. Group B demonstrated enhanced granulation tissue generation, neovascularization, and collagen deposition compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Polypropylene mesh combined with patches is the most suitable method for establishing an animal model of OA. This model successfully replicated the pathological and physiological changes in postoperative patients with OA, specifically the progress of abdominal skin wound healing. It provides a practical and reliable animal model for OA research.

Phenethylferulate as a natural inhibitor of inflammation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages: focus on NF-κB, Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (NRR) is commonly used for the treatment of inflammation-linked diseases. Phenethylferulate (PF) is high content in NRR crude, but its anti-inflammatory effect remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of PF and its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. METHODS: The effect of PF on cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory properties of PF were studied by detecting the levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of PF were determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: PF was not cytotoxic to RAW 264.7 macrophages at the concentrations of below 48 µM. ELISA showed that PF conspicuously inhibited overproduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Western blot analysis showed that PF remarkably suppressed overproduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase α (IκB-α), protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38, as well as the degradation and subsequent nuclear translocation of p65. CONCLUSIONS: PF is a potent inhibitor of inflammation acting on nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. This work provides evidence for the suitability of PF as a therapeutic candidate for the management of inflammatory-mediated immune disorders.

A click chemistry-mediated all-peptide cell printing hydrogel platform for diabetic wound healing.

High glucose-induced vascular endothelial injury is a major pathological factor involved in non-healing diabetic wounds. To interrupt this pathological process, we design an all-peptide printable hydrogel platform based on highly efficient and precise one-step click chemistry of thiolated γ-polyglutamic acid, glycidyl methacrylate-conjugated γ-polyglutamic acid, and thiolated arginine-glycine-aspartate sequences. Vascular endothelial growth factor 165-overexpressed human umbilical vein endothelial cells are printed using this platform, hence fabricating a living material with high cell viability and precise cell spatial distribution control. This cell-laden hydrogel platform accelerates the diabetic wound healing of rats based on the unabated vascular endothelial growth factor 165 release, which promotes angiogenesis and alleviates damages on vascular endothelial mitochondria, thereby reducing tissue hypoxia, downregulating inflammation, and facilitating extracellular matrix remodeling. Together, this study offers a promising strategy for fabricating tissue-friendly, high-efficient, and accurate 3D printed all-peptide hydrogel platform for cell delivery and self-renewable growth factor therapy.

Itaconate inhibits SYK through alkylation and suppresses inflammation against hvKP induced intestinal dysbiosis.

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is a highly lethal opportunistic pathogen that elicits more severe inflammatory responses compared to classical Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKP). In this study, we investigated the interaction between hvKP infection and the anti-inflammatory immune response gene 1 (IRG1)-itaconate axis. Firstly, we demonstrated the activation of the IRG1-itaconate axis induced by hvKP, with a dependency on SYK signaling rather than STING. Importantly, we discovered that exogenous supplementation of itaconate effectively inhibited excessive inflammation by directly inhibiting SYK kinase at the 593 site through alkylation. Furthermore, our study revealed that itaconate effectively suppressed the classical activation phenotype (M1 phenotype) and macrophage cell death induced by hvKP. In vivo experiments demonstrated that itaconate administration mitigated hvKP-induced disturbances in intestinal immunopathology and homeostasis, including the restoration of intestinal barrier integrity and alleviation of dysbiosis in the gut microbiota, ultimately preventing fatal injury. Overall, our study expands the current understanding of the IRG1-itaconate axis in hvKP infection, providing a promising foundation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies utilizing itaconate for the treatment of hvKP infections.

Precise Orchestration of Gasdermins' Pore-Forming Function by Posttranslational Modifications in Health and Disease.

Gasdermins (GSDMs) serve as pivotal executors of pyroptosis and play crucial roles in host defence, cytokine secretion, innate immunity, and cancer. However, excessive or inappropriate GSDMs activation is invariably accompanied by exaggerated inflammation and results in tissue damage. In contrast, deficient or impaired activation of GSDMs often fails to promptly eliminate pathogens, leading to the increasing severity of infections. The activity of GSDMs requires meticulous regulation. The dynamic modulation of GSDMs involves many aspects, including autoinhibitory structures, proteolytic cleavage, lipid binding and membrane translocation (oligomerization and pre-pore formation), oligomerization (pore formation) and pore removal for membrane repair. As the most comprehensive and efficient regulatory pathway, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are widely implicated in the regulation of these aspects. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the complex mechanisms through which a variety of proteases cleave GSDMs to enhance or hinder their function. Moreover, we summarize the intricate regulatory mechanisms of PTMs that govern GSDMs-induced pyroptosis.

NPs-Ca promotes Cd accumulation and enhances Cd tolerance of rapeseed shoots by affecting Cd transfer and Cd fixation in pectin.

The use of rapeseed (Brassica napus) as a hyperaccumulator plant has shown great promise for the remediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. Nanosized materials (NPs) have been shown to mitigate heavy metal toxicity in plants, but it is unknown how l-aspartate nano-calcium (NPs-Ca) affects Cd uptake, transport, and tolerance in rapeseed. A soil pot experiment was conducted with two treatments: a control treatment (CK) with 2.16 g CaCl2 and NPs-Ca treatment with 6.00 g NPs-Ca, to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of NPs-Ca on Cd tolerance in rapeseed. Compared to CaCl2, NPs-Ca promoted Cd transportation from roots to shoots by up-regulating the expression of Cd transport genes (ABCC12, HMA8, NRAM6, ZIP6, CAX4, PCR2, and HIP6). Therefore, NPs-Ca increased Cd accumulation in rapeseed shoots by 39.4%. Interestingly, NPs-Ca also enhanced Cd tolerance in the shoots, resulting in lower hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and proline content, as well as higher antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, CAT). Moreover, NPs-Ca reduced the activity of pectin-degrading enzymes (polygalacturonase: PG, ß-galactosidase: ß-GAL), promoted the activity of pectin methyl esterase (PME), and changed transcription levels of related genes (PME, PMEI, PG, PGIP, and ß-GAL). NPs-Ca treatment also significantly increased the Cd content in cell walls by 59.8%, that is, more Cd was immobilized in cell walls, and less Cd entered organelles in shoots of NPs-Ca treatment due to increased pectin content and degree of pectin demethylation. Overall, NPs-Ca increased Cd accumulation in rapeseed shoots by promoting Cd transport from roots to shoots. And meantime, NPs-Ca enhanced Cd tolerance of shoots by inhibiting pectin degradation, promoting pectin demethylation and increasing Cd fixation in pectin. These findings suggest that NPs-Ca can improve the potential of rapeseed as a hyperaccumulator for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil and the protection of the environment. Furthermore, the study provides a theoretical basis for the application of NPs-Ca in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils with hyperaccumulating plants.

An artificial intelligence-based pipeline for automated detection and localisation of epileptic sources from magnetoencephalography.

Objective.Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a powerful non-invasive diagnostic modality for presurgical epilepsy evaluation. However, the clinical utility of MEG mapping for localising epileptic foci is limited by its low efficiency, high labour requirements, and considerable interoperator variability. To address these obstacles, we proposed a novel artificial intelligence-based automated magnetic source imaging (AMSI) pipeline for automated detection and localisation of epileptic sources from MEG data.Approach.To expedite the analysis of clinical MEG data from patients with epilepsy and reduce human bias, we developed an autolabelling method, a deep-learning model based on convolutional neural networks and a hierarchical clustering method based on a perceptual hash algorithm, to enable the coregistration of MEG and magnetic resonance imaging, the detection and clustering of epileptic activity, and the localisation of epileptic sources in a highly automated manner. We tested the capability of the AMSI pipeline by assessing MEG data from 48 epilepsy patients.Main results.The AMSI pipeline was able to rapidly detect interictal epileptiform discharges with 93.31% ± 3.87% precision based on a 35-patient dataset (with sevenfold patientwise cross-validation) and robustly rendered accurate localisation of epileptic activity with a lobar concordance of 87.18% against interictal and ictal stereo-electroencephalography findings in a 13-patient dataset. We also showed that the AMSI pipeline accomplishes the necessary processes and delivers objective results within a much shorter time frame (∼12 min) than traditional manual processes (∼4 h).Significance.The AMSI pipeline promises to facilitate increased utilisation of MEG data in the clinical analysis of patients with epilepsy.

Microfluidic intestinal organoid-on-a-chip uncovers therapeutic targets by recapitulating oxygen dynamics of intestinal IR injury.

Increasing evidence demonstrates that mammals have different reactions to hypoxia with varied oxygen dynamic patterns. It takes ∼24 h for tri-gas incubator to achieve steady cell hypoxia, which fails to recapitulate ultrafast oxygen dynamics of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Inspired from the structure of native intestinal villi, we engineered an intestinal organoid chip embedded with engineered artificial microvessels based on co-axial microfluidic technology by using pH-responsive ZIF-8/sodium alginate scaffold. The chip was featured on: (i) eight times the oxygen exchange efficiency compared with the conventional device, tri-gas incubator, (ii) implantation of intestinal organoid reproducing all types of intestinal epithelial cells, and (iii) bio-responsiveness to hypoxia and reoxygenation (HR) by presenting metabolism disorder, inflammatory reaction, and cell apoptosis. Strikingly, it was found for the first time that Olfactomedin 4 (Olfm4) was the most significantly down-regulated gene under a rapid HR condition by sequencing the RNA from the organoids. Mechanistically, OLFM4 played protective functions on HR-induced cell inflammation and tissue damage by inhibiting the NF-kappa B signaling activation, thus it could be used as a therapeutic target. Altogether, this study overcomes the issue of mismatched oxygen dynamics between in vitro and in vivo, and sets an example of next-generation multisystem-interactive organoid chip for finding precise therapeutic targets of IR injury.

Smart implants: 4D-printed shape-morphing scaffolds for medical implantation.

Biomedical implants have recently shown excellent application potential in tissue repair and replacement. Applying three-dimensional (3D) printing to implant scaffold fabrication can help to address individual needs more precisely. Fourdimensional (4D) printing emerges rapidly based on the development of shape-responsive materials and design methods, which makes the production of dynamic functional implants possible. Smart implants can be pre-designed to respond to endogenous or exogenous stimuli and perform seamless integration with regular/ irregular tissue defects, defect-luminal organs, or curved structures via programmed shape morphing. At the same time, they offer great advantages in minimally invasive surgery due to the small-to-large volume transition. In addition, 4D-printed cellular scaffolds can generate extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic structures that interact with the contacting cells, expanding the possible sources of tissue/organ grafts and substitutes. This review summarizes the typical technologies and materials of 4D-printed scaffolds, and the programming designs and applications of these scaffolds are further highlighted. Finally, we propose the prospects and outlook of 4D-printed shape-morphing implants.