Clinical characteristics and analysis of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in different ages.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have found that patients experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), with or without accompanying vertigo, often show impaired vestibular function. However, there is a dearth of studies analyzing vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in SSHL patients across various age groups. AIM: To investigate vestibular condition in SSHL patients across various age demographics. METHODS: Clinical data of 84 SSHL patients were investigated retrospectively. Audiometry, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c-VEMPs), and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (o-VEMPs) were conducted on these patients. Parameters assessed included the latencies of P1 and N1 waves, as well as the amplitudes of P1-N1 waves. Moreover, the study evaluated the influence of factors such as sex, affected side, configuration of hearing loss, and presence of accompanying vertigo. RESULTS: Among the 84 SSHL patients, no significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of gender, affected side, and the presence or absence of vertigo. Group II (aged 41-60 years) had the highest number of SSHL cases. The rates of absent o-VEMPs in the affected ears were 20.83%, 31.58%, and 22.72% for the three age groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference among them. The rates of absent c-VEMPs in the affected ears were 8.3%, 34.21%, and 18.18% for the three age groups, respectively, with significant differences. In the unaffected ears, there were differences observed in the extraction rates of o-VEMPs in the unaffected ears among the age groups. In the three age groups, no significant differences were noted in the three age groups in the latencies of P1 and N1 waves or in the amplitude of N1-P1 waves for c-VEMPs and o-VEMPs, either on the affected side or on the unaffected side, across the three age groups. CONCLUSION: The extraction rate of VEMPs is more valuable than parameters. Regardless of the presence of vertigo, vestibular organs are involved in SSHL. Notably, SSHL patients aged 41-60 appear more susceptible to damage to the inferior vestibular nerve and saccule.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell screening based on nuclear targeting Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) detection.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial carcinoma arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosal lining. Diagnosis of NPC at early stage can improve the outcome of patients and facilitate reduction in cancer mortality. The most significant change between cancer cells and normal cells is the variation of cell nucleus. Therefore, accurately detecting the biochemical changes in nucleus between cancer cells and normal cells has great potential to explore diagnostic molecular markers for NPC. Highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) could reflect the biochemical changes in the process of cell cancerization at the molecular level. However, rapid nuclear targeting SERS detection remains a challenge. RESULTS: A novel and accurate nuclear-targeting SERS detection method based on electroporation was proposed. With the assistance of electric pulses, nuclear-targeting nanoprobes were rapidly introduced into different NPC cells (including CNE1, CNE2, C666 cell lines) and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NP69 cell line), respectively. Under the action of nuclear localization signaling peptides (NLS), the nanoprobes entering cells were located to the nucleus, providing high-quality nuclear SERS signals. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and in situ cell SERS imaging confirmed the excellent nuclear targeting performance of the nanoprobes developed in this study. The comparison of SERS signals indicated that there were subtle differences in the biochemical components between NPC cells and normal nasopharyngeal cells. Furthermore, SERS spectra combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were employed to diagnose and distinguish NPC cell samples, and high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were obtained in the screening of NPC cells from normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. SIGNIFICANCE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that employing nuclear-targeting SERS testing to screen nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Based on the electroporation technology, nanoprobes can be rapidly introduced into living cells for intracellular biochemical detection. Nuclear-targeting SERS detection can analyze the biochemical changes in the nucleus of cancer cells at the molecular level, which has great potential for early cancer screening and cytotoxicity analysis of anticancer drugs.

The impact of ankle movements on venous return flow: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the haemodynamic effects of different ankle movements combined ankle and toe movements on the femoral vein of the lower extremity. METHODS: 28 healthy volunteers participated in the study. Doppler ultrasound was used to measure peak systolic velocity and time-averaged mean velocity of the common femoral vein during ankle dorsiflexion, ankle dorsiflexion with simultaneous toe extension, ankle plantarflexion, and ankle plantarflexion with simultaneous toe flexion. RESULTS: In comparison to the resting state, both ankle alone or ankle combined with toe movement showed statistically significant differences (p < .01). However, there were no significant difference in the velocity of the common femoral vein between ankle alone and ankle combined with toe movement (p > .05). It is noteworthy that dorsiflexion of the ankle resulted in the highest peak velocity of blood flow. CONCLUSION: The impact of ankle movement, with or without toe movement, the velocity of the common femoral vein is not significantly correlated.

A united framework modeling of spatial-temporal characteristics for county-level agricultural carbon emission with an application to Hunan in China.

Effectively tackling extreme climate change requires sound knowledge about carbon emissions and their driving forces. Currently, agricultural carbon emission assessment often deals with its inventory, efficiency, determinants, and response independently, which will leave out the complex interactions among its various components, thus there is a lack of comprehensive, scalable, comparable explanations for agricultural carbon emissions. Herein, we introduce an integrated agricultural carbon emission assessment framework (IEDR): Inventory (I) × Efficiency (E) × Determinants (D) × Response (R), which was then applied to an illustration for the county-level agricultural carbon emissions in Hunan Province, China. Results show that: (1) Agricultural carbon emission inventory (ACEI) increased from 20.06 × 106 tC in 2006 to 21.99 × 106 tC in 2014 and decreased to 19.07 × 106 tC by 2020, depicting a fluctuating trend. Meanwhile, there was remarkable spatial heterogeneity, with higher ACEI in the North and South than in the East and West. (2) Agricultural carbon emission efficiency (ACEE) increased from 0.8520 in 2006 to 0.8992 in 2020, depicting a growing trend driven by technological progress. Spatially distributed in contrast to ACEI, regions with higher ACEE were located in the eastern and western areas. (3) ACEI was negatively correlated with ACEE (-0.657), indicating that increasing ACEE is a key strategy for reducing emissions. (4) The natural environment, rural development level, and policy support had critical impacts on ACEE and ACEI. In particular, the cultivated area and rural water affairs development were significant influences on ACEE and ACEI. Given the externalities of carbon emissions and its important public goods characteristics of the atmosphere, local carbon issues are also global concerns. Therefore, the case study of the IEDR model not only validates this theoretical paradigm and realizes regional responsibility for global carbon reduction but also supports and expands the theoretical and empirical corpus in the field of agricultural carbon emissions and efficiency, providing insights and references for other global regions facing similar challenges.

Impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian function and pregnancy outcome after uterine-fibroids treatment: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from smooth muscle cells of the uterus. It is the most common gynecological disorder, affecting up to 80% of women of reproductive age. Uterine fibroids can cause various symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and pregnancy complications. The treatment options for uterine fibroids include medical therapy, surgical intervention, and minimally invasive techniques. AIM: To compare ovarian function of women with uterine fibroids who did or did not undergo uterine artery embolization (UAE). METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 87 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent UAE, and 87 women with the same symptoms who did not undergo UAE but received conservative management or other treatments. The two groups were matched for age, body mass index, parity, and baseline characteristics of uterine fibroids. The primary outcome was ovarian function that was evaluated by serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), as well as ovarian reserve tests, such as antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV). The secondary outcome was fertility that was evaluated based on the menstrual cycle, ovulation, conception, pregnancy, and delivery. The participants were followed-up for 36 months and assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment. RESULTS: The study found that the most common minor complication of UAE was postembolization syndrome in 73.6% of women, resolving within a week. No significant differences were observed between the UAE group and the control group in serum levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, E2, AMH) and ovarian reserve indicators (AFC, OV) at any point up to 36 months post-treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences in conception, pregnancy, or delivery rates, with the average time to conception and gestational age at delivery being similar between the two groups. Birth weights were also comparable. Finally, there was no significant correlation between ovarian function, fertility indicators, and the type or amount of embolic agent used or the change in fibroids post-treatment. CONCLUSION: UAE resulted in significantly positive pregnancy outcomes, no adverse events post-treatment, and is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves ovarian function and fertility.

Lineage-specific gene duplication and expansion of DUF1216 gene family in Brassicaceae.

Proteins containing domain of unknown function (DUF) are prevalent in eukaryotic genome. The DUF1216 proteins possess a conserved DUF1216 domain resembling to the mediator protein of Arabidopsis RNA polymerase II transcriptional subunit-like protein. The DUF1216 family are specifically existed in Brassicaceae, however, no comprehensive evolutionary analysis of DUF1216 genes have been performed. We performed a first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of DUF1216 proteins in Brassicaceae. Totally 284 DUF1216 genes were identified in 27 Brassicaceae species and classified into four subfamilies on the basis of phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of gene structure and conserved motifs revealed that DUF1216 genes within the same subfamily exhibited similar intron/exon patterns and motif composition. The majority members of DUF1216 genes contain a signal peptide in the N-terminal, and the ninth position of the signal peptide in most DUF1216 is cysteine. Synteny analysis revealed that segmental duplication is a major mechanism for expanding of DUF1216 genes in Brassica oleracea, Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Lepidium meyneii, and Brassica carinata, while in Arabidopsis thaliana and Capsella rubella, tandem duplication plays a major role in the expansion of the DUF1216 gene family. The analysis of Ka/Ks (non-synonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate) ratios for DUF1216 paralogous indicated that most of gene pairs underwent purifying selection. DUF1216 genes displayed a specifically high expression in reproductive tissues in most Brassicaceae species, while its expression in Brassica juncea was specifically high in root. Our studies offered new insights into the phylogenetic relationships, gene structures and expressional patterns of DUF1216 members in Brassicaceae, which provides a foundation for future functional analysis.

Pore Structure and Deformation Correlation of an Aluminum Foam Sandwich Subject to Three-Point Bending.

An Al-Si matrix foam sandwich (AFS) with 6063 Al alloy cover sheets was fabricated by hot rolling combined with melt foaming. A foamable AlSiMg1/SiCp matrix precursor was prepared by the melting route. Hot rolling at 480 °C was carried out to obtain a mechanical bonding interface between the cover sheet and the foamable precursor. Meanwhile, the pore structure of the AFS was deeply affected by the foaming temperature and foaming time during the foaming process. Different pore growth mechanics of the crack-like pore disappearance mechanism (CDM) and pore active expansion mechanism (AEM) were concluded based on the pressure difference in pores inside and outside. Three bending tests were applied to three types of AFSs with different pore structures to evaluate the relation between pore structures and AFS mechanical properties. The bending property of the AFS with fewer layers of pores is like that of a dense material. The bending property of the AFS with a pore size in the range of 0~1 mm presents a typical sandwich shear failure mode. The AFS with a uniform pore structure, in which the shapes of the pores are predominately polygons and the pore diameter is concentrated in the range of 0.5~3 mm, processes a good energy absorption capacity, and the bending stress-strain curve fluctuates greatly after the first stress drop.

Contribution of platelets to disruption of the blood-brain barrier during arterial baroreflex dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Arterial baroreflex dysfunction, like many other central nervous system disorders, involves disruption of the blood-brain barrier, but what causes such disruption in ABR dysfunction is unclear. Here we explored the potential role of platelets in this disruption. METHODS: ABR dysfunction was induced in rats using sinoaortic denervation, and the effects on integrity of the blood-brain barrier were explored based on leakage of Evans blue or FITC-dextran, while the effects on expression of CD40L in platelets and of key proteins in microvascular endothelial cells were explored using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Similar experiments were carried out in rat brain microvascular endothelial cell line, which we exposed to platelets taken from rats with ABR dysfunction. RESULTS: Sinoaortic denervation permeabilized the blood-brain barrier and downregulated zonula occludens-1 and occludin in rat brain, while upregulating expression of CD40L on the surface of platelets and stimulating platelet aggregation. Similar effects of permeabilization and downregulation were observed in healthy rats that received platelets from animals with ABR dysfunction, and in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells, but only in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. These effects were associated with activation of NF-κB signaling and upregulation of matrix metalloprotease-9. These effects of platelets from animals with ABR dysfunction were partially blocked by neutralizing antibody against CD40L or the platelet inhibitor clopidogrel. CONCLUSION: During ABR dysfunction, platelets may disrupt the blood-brain barrier when CD40L on their surface activates NF-kB signaling within cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, leading to upregulation of matrix metalloprotease-9. Our findings imply that targeting CD40L may be effective against cerebral diseases involving ABR dysfunction.

Development of a stable genetic transformation system in Erigeron breviscapus: a case study with EbYUC2 in relation to leaf number and flowering time.

MAIN CONCLUSION: A stable genetic transformation system for Erigeron breviscapus was developed. We cloned the EbYUC2 gene and genetically transformed it into Arabidopsis thaliana and E. breviscapus. The leaf number, YUC2 gene expression, and the endogenous auxin content in transgenic plants were significantly increased. Erigeron breviscapus is a prescription drug for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The rosette leaves have the highest content of the major active compound scutellarin and are an important component in the yield of E. breviscapus. However, little is known about the genes related to the leaf number and flowering time of E. breviscapus. In our previous study, we identified three candidate genes related to the leaf number and flowering of E. breviscapus by combining resequencing data and genome-wide association study (GWAS). However, their specific functions remain to be characterized. In this study, we cloned and transformed the previously identified full-length EbYUC2 gene into Arabidopsis thaliana, developed the first stable genetic transformation system for E. breviscapus, and obtained the transgenic plants overexpressing EbYUC2. Compared with wild-type plants, the transgenic plants showed a significant increase in the number of leaves, which was correlated with the increased expression of EbYUC2. Consistently, the endogenous auxin content, particularly indole-3-acetic acid, in transgenic plants was also significantly increased. These results suggest that EbYUC2 may control the leaf number by regulating auxin biosynthesis, thereby laying a foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism governing the leaf number and flowering time of E. breviscapus.

Identification of Spiro[chromene-2,4'-piperidine]s as Potent, Selective, and Gq-Biased 5-HT2C Receptor Partial Agonists.

A series of spiropiperidines was designed and synthesized by structural modifications based on our previous lead compound 1 and evaluated with cellular signaling assays for the discovery of 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR) selective agonists with a Gq bias. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of spiropiperidines uncovered spiro[chromene-2,4'-piperidine]s as a novel chemotype of 5-HT2CR selective agonists. Among this new series, the 7-chloro analogue 8 was identified as the most potent and selective 5-HT2CR partial agonist (Emax = 71.09%) with an EC50 value of 121.5 nM and no observed activity toward 5-HT2AR or 5-HT2BR. Moreover, compound 8 exhibited no recruitment activity for ß-arrestin and showed low inhibition of hERG at 10 µM. These findings may pave the way to develop more potent Gq-biased 5-HT2CR partial agonists as useful pharmacological tool compounds or potential drug candidates.

Mining and analysis of acalabrutinib-induced ADE risk signals based on FDA adverse event reporting system / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for the clinically safe application of acalabrutinib by mining and analyzing the risk signals of adverse drug events （ADE）. METHODS The acalabrutinib-induced ADE reports were extracted from the U.S. FDA adverse event reporting system using the OpenVigil 2.1 platform from November 1， 2017 to March 31， 2023. The reporting odds ratio （ROR） method and composite criteria method from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency （MHRA） were used for detection of ADE signals. RESULTS There were 7 869 ADE reports of acalabrutinib as the primary suspect drug and 142 ADE positive signals were detected from them， involving 20 system organ classes， which was generally consistent with the ADE recorded in the drug instruction of acalabrutinib， mainly involving general disorders and administration site conditions， various inspection， blood and lymphatic system disorders， various neurological disorders and cardiac disorders. In addition， this study identified several new potential ADE signals that were not mentioned in the drug instruction， including sudden cardiac death， pulmonary toxicity， tumor lysis syndrome， pleural effusion， dyspepsia， gastroesophageal reflux disease， bone pain， decreased blood pressure， and abnormal blood sodium， etc. CONCLUSIONS When using acalabrutinib， in addition to paying attention to the ADE recorded in its instructions， the risk of serious ADE that may lead to death， such as sudden cardiac death and pulmonary toxicity， should also be evaluated to avoid or reduce the occurrence of ADE as much as possible.

Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone on apoptosis, autophagy, and the release and reception of some steroid hormones in yak granulosa cells through miR-23a/ASK1 axis.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), miR-23a, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), autophagy and apoptosis play crucial roles in follicular development. However, their role in yak granulosa cells (GCs) remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of miR-23a, ASK1, FSH, and LH on apoptosis, autophagy, and the release and reception of some steroid hormones in these cells. Our results showed that miR-23a overexpression significantly increased the abundance of Beclin1, the LC3II/I ratio, and the number of Ad-mRFP-GFP-LC3-labeled autophagosomes, and decreased p62 abundance. Additionally, Bax abundance and the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotide triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells were reduced, while Bcl2 expression was increased. Overexpression of miR-23a also significantly increased the abundance of estradiol receptor α (ER-α) and ß (ER-ß) and the concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) in yak GCs. Here, treating yak GCs with miR-23a decreased ASK1 expression, which regulates ASK1/JNK-mediated apoptosis, autophagy, E2 and P4 levels, and ER-α/ß abundance. In contrast, treatment of yak GCs with FSH (10 µg/mL) and LH (100 µg/mL) increased miR-23a abundance, regulating the subsequent effect on ASK1/JNK-mediated apoptosis, autophagy, ER-α/ß abundance, and E2 and P4 concentrations. In conclusion, miR-23a enhances autophagy in yak GCs, attenuates apoptosis, and increases ER-α/ß abundance and E2 and P4 concentrations by downregulating ASK1. Additionally, FSH and LH can regulate these effects of miR-23a by altering its expression. These results provide important insights that can inform the development of strategies to reduce abnormal follicular atresia and improve the reproductive rate of yaks.

Switchable NaCl cages via a MWCNTs/Ni[Fe(CN)6]2 nanocomposite for high performance desalination.

With the application of nanomaterials in seawater desalination technology increasing, the adjustable characteristics of carbon-based nanomaterials make it possible to use multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) materials in seawater desalination technology. In this study, Ni[Fe(CN)6]2 is loaded onto the inner wall of MWCNTs by the co-precipitation method to prepare MWCNTs with variable pore size, making it a switchable cage for NaCl. During the procedure, most of the Ni[Fe(CN)6]2 is transferred to the outer surface of the MWCNTs after adsorption, and NaCl is stored inside the MWCNTs (which have been proved by characterization); at the same time, Ni can improve the cell stability of Ni[Fe(CN)6]2. The effect of adsorbent reaction time and addition amount on the desalination performance of MWCNTs/Ni[Fe(CN)6]2 has been tested. According to the results, the best desalination performance of MWCNTs/Ni[Fe(CN)6]2 is 1354.6 mg g-1 when the reaction time is 0.5 h and the addition amount is 20 mg. After 3 cycles of adsorption and desorption, its desalting performance decreased to 242.3 mg g-1.

Antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of rhein against white spot syndrome virus infection in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

IMPORTANCE: Aquaculture is essential for ensuring global food security by providing a significant source of animal protein. However, the spread of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has resulted in considerable economic losses in crustacean industries. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of rhein, the primary bioactive component of Rheum palmatum L., against WSSV infection, and many pathological aspects of WSSV were also described for the first time. Our mechanistic studies indicated that rhein effectively arrested the replication of WSSV in crayfish by modulating innate immunity to inhibit viral gene transcription. Furthermore, we observed that rhein attenuated WSSV-induced oxidative and inflammatory stresses by regulating the expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-related genes while enhancing innate immunity by reducing total protein levels and increasing phosphatase activity. Our findings suggest that rhein holds great promise as a potent antiviral agent for the prevention and treatment of WSSV in aquaculture.

A geopolymer membrane for application in a structural mechanics and energy storage difunctional supercapacitor.

A structural mechanics and energy storage difunctional supercapacitor based on a geopolymer membrane injected with a 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte and a pseudocapacitive electrode Mn7O13 is designed and assembled. The geopolymer membrane is prepared as a structural electrolyte with metakaolin and alkaline activator solution. The wide channels in the geopolymer matrix provide paths for ion movement. The Mn7O13 electrode is prepared by different hydrothermal treatments at different temperatures and times, and assembled with activated carbon and a geopolymer with different moduli to form a difunctional supercapacitor. The results show that the electrode sample annealed at 300 °C for 45 min after hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C for 24 h exhibits the best comprehensive performance. The specific capacitance of the electrode is 175.5 F g-1 (2392.6 F m-2) at 1 A g-1, and the specific capacitance of the difunctional structure supercapacitor assembled with a geopolymer with a modulus of 1.2 and cured for 28 days is 144.12 F g-1 (1960.0F m-2) at 1 A g-1 under 15 MPa.

Portal vein computed tomography imaging characteristics and their relationship with bleeding risk in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing interventional therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. A total of 62 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and 28 healthy individuals were included. The results showed that multi-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging had a significant predictive value for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. The vascular area, number of vascular cross-sections, and gastric coronary vein diameter (GCVD) showed high predictive values, with the vascular area having the best predictive value. AIM: To investigate the predictive accuracy of multi-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. METHODS: This study included 62 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension (disease group) and 28 healthy individuals (control group). The disease group was further divided into two subgroups: Group A (n = 27, bleeding) and group B (n = 35, no bleeding). All patients underwent multi-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging at our hospital, and we compared various parameters such as liver blood flow, vein size, number of blood vessels, and blood vessel area between the two groups. We employed statistical analysis to identify factors associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and created a graph comparing the predictive value of different factors for bleeding. RESULTS: We found no difference in hepatic artery (HAP) levels among the three groups (all P > 0.05). The portal vein levels in groups A and B were much lower than in the control group; group A was much lower than group B (all P < 0.05). The HAP perfusion index levels in groups A and B were much higher than in the control group; group A was much higher than group B (all P < 0.05). The portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, and GCVD levels in groups A and B were much higher than in the control group; those in group A were much higher than those in group B (all P < 0.05). The number of blood vessels and blood vessel area in groups A and B were much higher than in the control group; those in group A were much higher than those in group B (all P < 0.05). The statistical method showed a strong link between GCVD, number of blood vessels, blood vessel area, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (odds ratio = 1.275, 1.346, 1.397, P < 0.05). The graph showed that GCVD, number of blood vessels, and blood vessel area could predict bleeding well, with blood vessel area having the best prediction power. CONCLUSION: That multi-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging can predict upper gastrointestinal bleeding well in patients with cirrhosis and high blood pressure in the portal vein. GCVD, number of blood vessels, and blood vessel area had high prediction power. The blood vessel area had the best prediction power, with an area under the curve of 0.831.

Low-dimensional high entropy oxide (FeCoCrMnNi)3O4 for supercapacitor applications.

Previous studies have found that high entropy oxides can be used as electrode materials for supercapacitors. However, there is still the problem of their low energy density. We tried to increase the energy density while increasing the specific capacitance of high entropy oxides from the potential window. Transition metal elements Fe, Co, Cr, Mn and Ni were selected for their electrochemical activity, and high entropy oxides were prepared by a sol-gel method under different calcination temperatures. The calcination temperature affects the structural morphology and crystallinity of the high entropy oxides and thus also affects the electrochemical performance. The spinel-phase (FeCoCrMnNi)3O4 with a high specific surface area of 63.1 m2 g-1 was prepared at a low calcination temperature of 450 °C. The specific capacitance is 332.2 F g-1 at a current density of 0.3 A g-1 in 1 M KOH electrolyte with a wide potential window of (-1, 0.6). An improved energy density of 103.8 W h kg-1 is reached via the designed microstructure of the high entropy oxide electrode.

Transcriptome analyses reveal the effects of mixed saline-alkali stress on indoleacetic acid and cytokinins in Malus hupehensis Rehd. leaves.

Saline-alkali stress is a universal abiotic stress factor limiting fruit tree cultivation worldwide. Apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.) is one of the fruits with the largest yields worldwide. Tea crabapple (Malus hupehensis Rehd. var. pingyiensis Jiang) is a type of common apple rootstock in China. Because facultative apomixis occurs in this species, it is often used in molecular research. The present study investigated the molecular mechanism of the response of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and cytokinins [zeatin, trans-zeatin riboside (tZR), isopentenyladenine (iP), and isopentenyladenosine (iPA)] to mixed saline-alkali stress (MSAS) in tea crabapple leaves. The endogenous hormone content of tea crabapple leaves under MSAS was measured, and the expression of stress response-related genes was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The results showed that the concentration of IAA was initially higher and then lower than that in the control, whereas the concentration of zeatin, tZR, iP, and iPA was higher than that in the control. A total of 1262 differentially expressed genes were identified in the three comparison groups. Further analyses suggested that IAA and cytokinin biosynthetic genes were mostly upregulated in tea crabapple leaves, indicating that auxin and cytokinin signaling pathway regulation occurred in response to MSAS. These findings suggest that IAA and cytokinins play an important role in the response of tea crabapple to MSAS. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01275-4.

Healing of the Torn Anterior Horn of Rabbit Medial Meniscus to Bone after Transtibial Pull-Out Repair and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel Injection.

OBJECTIVES: The transtibial pull-out repair (TP) is a relatively new method for treating meniscal root tear; however, the clinical evaluation of its healing effect remains controversial. Due to ethical constraints and limitations of imaging techniques in humans, here we dynamically observe the healing effects of TP and TP with platelet-rich plasma gel (PRG) at the histological level using an animal model. METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and PRG of rabbits were prepared. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels in PRP and PRG were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A rabbit model of anterior horn tear of the medial meniscus and TP surgery were created. PRG was injected between the anterior horn of the medial meniscus and the tibial tunnel. Rabbits were divided into three groups: the anterior horn tear group (Tear group), the anterior horn tear + TP group (TP group), and the anterior horn tear + TP + PRG group (TP + PRG group). The healing effect was observed dynamically using histopathological studies and biomechanical experiments. RESULTS: The platelet content in PRP significantly increased to approximately 4.57 times that of whole blood. PDGF and TGF-ß1 concentrations in PRG increased to 2.46 and 4.15 times those in PRP, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining showed that the number of inflammatory cells in healing tissue decreased and the collagen fibers significantly increased in TP and TP + PRG groups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively compared to those in Tear group. Neatly arranged, interlaced, and dense collagen fibers were found between the anterior horn and bone at 12 weeks. H&E and toluidine blue staining showed that the injury to the femoral condyle cartilage was alleviated. The healing performance in TP + PRG group was better and faster than that in TP group. The maximum tensile fracture strength of the meniscus progressively increased at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior horn injury of the medial meniscus in rabbits can be repaired using the TP technique, and the addition of autologous PRG to the bone tunnel promotes early healing of the meniscus and bone postoperatively. Meanwhile, both treatments can reduce the secondary damage to the cartilage due to osteoarthritis.