The learning experiences and career development expectations of Chinese nursing master's degree students: A qualitative investigation.

AIM: To explore the learning experiences and career development expectations of nursing master's degree students. BACKGROUND: With increasing demands for improved quality of life, there is a growing need for nursing graduate programs in clinical care. However, the existing training programs for nursing master's students in China require improvement. It is essential to analyze students' learning experiences, perceptions of the current status of nursing and expectations of the nursing profession to enhance and develop university training programs. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 nursing master's degree students. The data obtained were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method. The study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the analysis-Theme 1: Career expectations, encompassing motivations for pursuing the nursing master's program and career aspirations; Theme 2: Study experiences, including nursing professional ability, nursing management ability, self-awareness ability and moral literacy; Theme 3: Occupational dilemmas, encompassing the current challenges and coping strategies. CONCLUSION: The learning experiences of nursing master's students in universities are closely linked to their training programs. A disparity exists between students' career expectations and the actual employment landscape for nursing master's degree students.

Targeted delivery of MerTK protein via cell membrane engineered nanoparticle enhances efferocytosis and attenuates atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE-/- Mice.

BACKGROUND: Clearance of apoptotic cells by efferocytosis is crucial for prevention of atherosclerosis progress, and impaired efferocytosis contributes to the aggravated atherosclerosis. RESULTS: In this study, we found that diabetic ApoE-/- mice showed aggravated atherosclerosis as hyperglycemia damaged the efferocytosis capacity at least partially due to decreased expression of Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) on macrophages. To locally restore MerTK in the macrophages in the plaque, hybrid membrane nanovesicles (HMNVs) were thus developed. Briefly, cell membrane from MerTK overexpressing RAW264.7 cell and transferrin receptor (TfR) overexpressing HEK293T cell were mixed with DOPE polymers to produce nanovesicles designated as HMNVs. HMNVs could fuse with the recipient cell membrane and thus increased MerTK in diabetic macrophages, which in turn restored the efferocytosis capacity. Upon intravenous administration into diabetic ApoE-/- mice, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SMN) decorated HMNVs accumulated at the aorta site significantly under magnetic navigation, where the recipient macrophages cleared the apoptotic cells efficiently and thus decreased the inflammation. CONCLUSIONS:  Our study indicates that MerTK decrease in macrophages contributes to the aggravated atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE-/- mice and regional restoration of MerTK in macrophages of the plaque via HMNVs could be a promising therapeutic approach.

A review on the evaluation models and impact factors of greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste management processes.

The total amount of global municipal solid waste (MSW) will reach 3.5 billion tons by 2050, thereby bringing tremendous environmental pressure, especially global warming. Large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have been released during MSW management (MSWM). Accounting for GHG emissions is a prerequisite for providing recommendations on appropriate treatment options to mitigate emissions from MSWM systems. There are many methods involved in estimating emissions. This paper summarizes the computing models commonly used in each process of the integrated MSWM system and emphasizes the influence of parameters and other factors. Compared with other disposal methods, landfilling has the highest emissions, commonly estimated using first-order decay (FOD) methods. Emission reduction can be realized through waste to energy (WtE) and resource recovery measures. IPCC is commonly used for calculating direct emissions, while LCA-based models can calculate emissions including upstream and downstream processes, whose results depend on assumptions and system boundaries. The estimation results of models vary greatly and are difficult to compare with each other. Besides, large gaps exist between the default emission factors (EFs) provided by models and those F measured in specific facilities. These findings provide a systematic view for a bettering understanding of MSW emissions as well as the estimating methods and also reveal the key points that need be developed in the future.

The Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and the Association Between Hyperuricemia and Age in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders to a General Hospital: A Cross-Section Study.

Purpose: In clinical work, it has been found that the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) is significantly higher in younger patients with psychiatric disorders, but there are few studies in this area. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of HUA and the relationship between the HUA and age in hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders in the real world, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical staff to pay attention to the metabolic indicators of younger patients and for future related studies. Methods: This is a cross-sectional evaluation of a cohort of 1761 patients with psychiatric disorders of hospitalized. The categories of disorders designed for study included: Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, Acute and transient psychotic disorder, Dissociative(conversion) disorders, Conduct disorders and Tic disorders. In addition, based on age, the participants are stratified into three groups. The authors used Kruskal-Wallis tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear logistic regression to verify the relationship between HUA and age among hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders. Results: Overall, the estimated prevalence of HUA was 35.4%. The prevalence of HUA was significantly higher in individuals with 17 years and under compared to those with 45 years and above (P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, the prevalence of HUA remained higher at 17 years and under than at 45 years and above. Bipolar disorder can lead to an increased prevalence of HUA (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of HUA was higher in hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders, and the prevalence was inversely proportional to age.

A long non-coding RNA functions as a competitive endogenous RNA to modulate TaNAC018 by acting as a decoy for tae-miR6206.

Increasing evidence indicates a strong correlation between the deposition of cuticular waxes and drought tolerance. However, the precise regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Here, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of two wheat (Triticum aestivum) near-isogenic lines, the glaucous line G-JM38 rich in cuticular waxes and the non-glaucous line NG-JM31. We identified 85,143 protein-coding mRNAs, 4,485 lncRNAs, and 1,130 miRNAs. Using the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and endogenous target mimic (eTM) prediction, we discovered that lncRNA35557 acted as an eTM for the miRNA tae-miR6206, effectively preventing tae-miR6206 from cleaving the NAC transcription factor gene TaNAC018. This lncRNA-miRNA interaction led to higher transcript abundance for TaNAC018 and enhanced drought-stress tolerance. Additionally, treatment with mannitol and abscisic acid (ABA) each influenced the levels of tae-miR6206, lncRNA35557, and TaNAC018 transcript. The ectopic expression of TaNAC018 in Arabidopsis also improved tolerance toward mannitol and ABA treatment, whereas knocking down TaNAC018 transcript levels via virus-induced gene silencing in wheat rendered seedlings more sensitive to mannitol stress. Our results indicate that lncRNA35557 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to modulate TaNAC018 expression by acting as a decoy target for tae-miR6206 in glaucous wheat, suggesting that non-coding RNA has important roles in the regulatory mechanisms responsible for wheat stress tolerance.

Can weight-adjusted waist circumference index become a single anthropometric predictor of prostate-specific antigen concentration? A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey analysis (2003-2010).

Recent studies have introduced the weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) as a viable obesity indicator that may better reflect centripetal obesity and its associated risks. In examining the connection between WWI and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), this study leveraged data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2010, including 5732 participants. Our initial analysis indicated a significant positive association between WWI and PSA levels. However, subsequent models that adjusted for covariates such as age, race, and a range of metabolic and cardiovascular health-related factors revealed that the strength and significance of this relationship were attenuated. Model 1 showed a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001). Yet, in Model 2, which accounted for age and race, the association softened (p = 0.0520). Moreover, when a full spectrum of health covariates was included in Model 3, the association was no longer significant (p = 0.9775). These findings suggest that while an unadjusted correlation exists, its potential use as a diagnostic predictor is limited without considering the broader health context. Therefore, it is crucial to review such data with multiple considerations in mind, and extensive attention should be paid to the evaluation of covariates.

Review of dietary patterns and gastric cancer risk: epidemiology and biological evidence.

Due to rapid research expansion on dietary factors and development of cancer prevention guidelines, the field of dietary pattern and its relationship to cancer risk has gained more focus. Numerous epidemiology studies have reported associations between Gastric Cancer (GC) and both data-driven posteriori dietary pattern and priori dietary pattern defined by predetermined dietary indexes. As dietary patterns have evolved, a series of patterns based on biological markers has advanced, offering deeper insights into the relationship between diet and the risk of cancer. Although researches on dietary patterns and cancer risk are booming, there is limited body of literature focusing specifically on GC. In this study, we compare the similarities and differences among the specific components of dietary patterns and indices, summarize current state of knowledge regarding dietary patterns related to GC and illustrate their potential mechanisms for GC prevention. In conclusion, we offer suggestions for future research based on the emerging themes within this rapidly evolving field.

An efficient genetic transformation system mediated by Rhizobium rhizogenes in fruit trees based on the transgenic hairy root to shoot conversion.

Genetic transformation is a critical tool for gene editing and genetic improvement of plants. Although many model plants and crops can be genetically manipulated, genetic transformation systems for fruit trees are either lacking or perform poorly. We used Rhizobium rhizogenes to transfer the target gene into the hairy roots of Malus domestica and Actinidia chinensis. Transgenic roots were generated within 3 weeks, with a transgenic efficiency of 78.8%. Root to shoot conversion of transgenic hairy roots was achieved within 11 weeks, with a regeneration efficiency of 3.3%. Finally, the regulatory genes involved in stem cell activity were used to improve shoot regeneration efficiency. MdWOX5 exhibited the most significant effects, as it led to an improved regeneration efficiency of 20.6% and a reduced regeneration time of 9 weeks. Phenotypes of the overexpression of RUBY system mediated red roots and overexpression of MdRGF5 mediated longer root hairs were observed within 3 weeks, suggesting that the method can be used to quickly screen genes that influence root phenotype scores through root performance, such as root colour, root hair, and lateral root. Obtaining whole plants of the RUBY system and MdRGF5 overexpression lines highlights the convenience of this technology for studying gene functions in whole plants. Overall, we developed an optimized method to improve the transformation efficiency and stability of transformants in fruit trees.

Clinical factors for delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae from acute carbon monoxide poisoning: a retrospective study.

Background: Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS), which seriously affect the daily lives of patients, are the most common complications of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. No uniform screening tool is available for identifying high-risk groups. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore whether conventional laboratory indicators and imaging data from primary hospitals could predict the occurrence of DNS. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in a single-center primary hospital from January 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023. Participants included patients aged >18 years with acute CO poisoning. Patients with complete recovery in the acute phase were followed up by telephone and outpatient visits, and the presence of DNS was determined according to the occurrence of new neurological symptoms within 6 weeks after discharge. We obtained demographic, laboratory, and imaging data from the medical records and performed a univariate analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent clinical predictors of DNS. Results: A total of 73 patients were included in the study, of whom 25 (34.2%) developed DNS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a longer duration of CO exposure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.262, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.069-1.490) and the presence of acute brain lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (AOR: 5.117, 95% CI: 1.430-18.315) were independent risk factors for DNS. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of the duration of CO exposure were performed (area under the curve (AUC): 0.825; 95% CI: 0.731-0.918) with a cut-off value of 5.5 h, and DNS was predicted with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 66.7%. Conclusion: High cranial DWI signal within 24 h and duration of poisoning longer than 5.5 h are independent predictors of DNS. The predictive effects of conventional laboratory indicators require further standardized and large-sample studies.

Toward Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes: Targets, Strategies, and Challenges.

Diabetes vasculopathy is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and early identification and timely intervention can effectively slow the progression. Accumulating studies have shown that diabetes causes vascular complications directly or indirectly through a variety of mechanisms. Direct imaging of the endothelial molecular changes not only identifies the early stage of diabetes vasculopathy but also sheds light on the precise treatment. Targeted ultrasound contrast agent (UCA)-based ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) can noninvasively detect the expression status of molecular biomarkers overexpressed in the vasculature, thereby being a potential strategy for the diagnosis and treatment response evaluation of DM. Amounts of efforts have been focused on identification of the molecular targets expressed in the vasculature, manufacturing strategies of the targeted UCA, and the clinical translation for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in both micro- and macrovasculopathy in DM. This review summarizes the latest research progress on endothelium-targeted UCA and discusses their promising future and challenges in diabetes vasculopathy theranostics.

MIIP downregulation drives colorectal cancer progression through inducing peri-cancerous adipose tissue browning.

BACKGROUND: The enrichment of peri-cancerous adipose tissue is a distinctive feature of colorectal cancer (CRC), accelerating disease progression and worsening prognosis. The communication between tumor cells and adjacent adipocytes plays a crucial role in CRC advancement. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the mechanism of migration and invasion inhibitory protein (MIIP) downregulation in the remodeling of tumor cell-adipocyte communication and its role in promoting CRC. RESULTS: MIIP expression was found to be decreased in CRC tissues and closely associated with adjacent adipocyte browning. In an in vitro co-culture model, adipocytes treated with MIIP-downregulated tumor supernatant exhibited aggravated browning and lipolysis. This finding was further confirmed in subcutaneously allografted mice co-injected with adipocytes and MIIP-downregulated murine CRC cells. Mechanistically, MIIP interacted with the critical lipid mobilization factor AZGP1 and regulated AZGP1's glycosylation status by interfering with its association with STT3A. MIIP downregulation promoted N-glycosylation and over-secretion of AZGP1 in tumor cells. Subsequently, AZGP1 induced adipocyte browning and lipolysis through the cAMP-PKA pathway, releasing free fatty acids (FFAs) into the microenvironment. These FFAs served as the primary energy source, promoting CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis resistance, accompanied by metabolic reprogramming. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, inhibition of ß-adrenergic receptor or FFA uptake, combined with oxaliplatin, significantly improved therapeutic efficacy in CRC with abnormal MIIP expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that MIIP plays a regulatory role in the communication between CRC and neighboring adipose tissue by regulating AZGP1 N-glycosylation and secretion. MIIP reduction leads to AZGP1 oversecretion, resulting in adipose browning-induced CRC rapid progression and poor prognosis. Inhibition of ß-adrenergic receptor or FFA uptake, combined with oxaliplatin, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC with aberrant MIIP expression.

Truncated PD1 Engineered Gas-Producing Extracellular Vesicles for Ultrasound Imaging and Subsequent Degradation of PDL1 in Tumor Cells.

PDL1 blockade therapy holds great promise in cancer immunotherapy. Ultrasound imaging of PDL1 expression in the tumor is of great importance in predicting the therapeutic efficacy. As a proof-of-concept study, a novel ultrasound contrast agent has been innovated here to image and block PDL1 in the tumor tissue. Briefly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are engineered to display truncated PD1 (tPD1) on the surface to bind PDL1 with high affinity by fusion to EV-abundant transmembrane protein PTGFRN. The engineered EVs are then encapsulated with Ca(HCO3)2 via electroporation and designated as Gp-EVtPD1, which would recognize PDL1 highly expressed cells and produce gas in the endosomes and lysosomes. On the one hand, the echogenic signal intensity correlates well with the PDL1 expression and immune response inhibition in the tumor. On the other hand, during the trajectory of Gp-EVtPD1 in the recipient cells, tPD1 on the EV binds PDL1 and triggers the PDL1 endocytosis and degradation in endosomes/lysosomes in a sequential manner, and thus boosts the anti-tumor immunity of cytotoxic T cells. In summary, Gp-EVtPD1 serves as a novel ultrasound contrast agent and blocker of PDL1, which might be of great advantage in imaging PDL1 expression and conquering immune checkpoint blocker resistance.

Effect of an artificial intelligence-assisted system on endoscopic diagnosis of superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions: a multicentre, tandem, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the usefulness of white light endoscopy (WLE) and non-magnified narrow-band imaging (NBI) for screening for superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions, these lesions might be missed due to their subtle features and interpretation variations among endoscopists. Our team has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system to detect superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions using WLE and non-magnified NBI. We aimed to evaluate the auxiliary diagnostic performance of the AI system in a real clinical setting. METHODS: We did a multicentre, tandem, double-blind, randomised controlled trial at 12 hospitals in China. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older and underwent sedated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for screening, investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms, or surveillance. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the AI-first group or the routine-first group using a computerised random number generator. Patients, pathologists, and statistical analysts were masked to group assignment, whereas endoscopists and research assistants were not. The same endoscopist at each centre did tandem upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for each eligible patient on the same day. In the AI-first group, the endoscopist did the first examination with the assistance of the AI system and the second examination without it. In the routine-first group, the order of examinations was reversed. The primary outcome was the miss rate of superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions, calculated on a per-lesion and per-patient basis. All analyses were done on a per-protocol basis. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052116) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Oct 19, 2021, and June 8, 2022, 5934 patients were randomly assigned to the AI-first group and 5912 to the routine-first group, of whom 5865 and 5850 were eligible for analysis. Per-lesion miss rates were 1·7% (2/118; 95% CI 0·0-4·0) in the AI-first group versus 6·7% (6/90; 1·5-11·8) in the routine-first group (risk ratio 0·25, 95% CI 0·06-1·08; p=0·079). Per-patient miss rates were 1·9% (2/106; 0·0-4·5) in AI-first group versus 5·1% (4/79; 0·2-9·9) in the routine-first group (0·37, 0·08-1·71; p=0·40). Bleeding after biopsy of oesophageal lesions was observed in 13 (0·2%) patients in the AI-first group and 11 (0·2%) patients in the routine-first group. No serious adverse events were reported by patients in either group. INTERPRETATION: The observed effect of AI-assisted endoscopy on the per-lesion and per-patient miss rates of superficial oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions under WLE and non-magnified NBI was consistent with substantial benefit through to a neutral or small negative effect. The effectiveness and cost-benefit of this AI system in real-world clinical settings remain to be further assessed. FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China, 1·3·5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Chengdu Science and Technology Project. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Profibrogenic macrophage-targeted delivery of mitochondrial protector via exosome formula for alleviating pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a devastating lung disease with limited treatment options. During this pathological process, the profibrogenic macrophage subpopulation plays a crucial role, making the characterization of this subpopulation fundamentally important. The present study revealed a positive correlation between pulmonary macrophages with higher mitochondrial mass (Mømitohigh) and fibrosis. Among the Mømitohigh subpopulation of CD206+ M2, characterized by higher expression of dynamin 1-like (Drp1), as determined by flow cytometry and RNA-seq analysis, a therapeutic intervention was developed using an exosome-based formula composed of pathfinder and therapeutics. A pathfinder exosome called "exosomeMMP19 (ExoMMP19)", was constructed to display matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP19) on the surface to locally break down the excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in the fibrotic lung. A therapeutic exosome called "exosome therapeutics (ExoTx)", was engineered to display D-mannose on the surface while encapsulating siDrp1 inside. Prior delivery of ExoMMP19 degraded excessive ECM and thus paved the way for ExoTx to be delivered into Mømitohigh, where ExoTx inhibited mitochondrial fission and alleviated PF. This study has not only identified Mømitohigh as profibrotic macrophages but it has also provided a potent strategy to reverse PF via a combination of formulated exosomes.

Unleashing novel horizons in advanced prostate cancer treatment: investigating the potential of prostate specific membrane antigen-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy with increasing incidence in middle-aged and older men. Despite various treatment options, advanced metastatic PCa remains challenging with poor prognosis and limited effective therapies. Nanomedicine, with its targeted drug delivery capabilities, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) stands as one of the most distinctive and highly selective biomarkers for PCa, exhibiting robust expression in PCa cells. In this review, we explore the applications of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in advanced PCa management. Our primary objective is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge nanomedicine research and clinical practice, making it accessible to the medical community. We discuss mainstream treatment strategies for advanced PCa, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, in the context of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines. Additionally, we elucidate novel treatment concepts such as photodynamic and photothermal therapies, along with nano-theragnostics. We present the content in a clear and accessible manner, appealing to general physicians, including those with limited backgrounds in biochemistry and bioengineering. The review emphasizes the potential benefits of PSMA-targeted nanomedicines in enhancing treatment efficiency and improving patient outcomes. While the use of PSMA-targeted nano-drug delivery has demonstrated promising results, further investigation is required to comprehend the precise mechanisms of action, pharmacotoxicity, and long-term outcomes. By meticulous optimization of the combination of nanomedicines and PSMA ligands, a novel horizon of PSMA-targeted nanomedicine-based combination therapy could bring renewed hope for patients with advanced PCa.

Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells therapy in prostate cancer: A comprehensive review on the current state and prospects.

Recent immunotherapy research has focused on chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-Ts). CAR-T therapies have been clinically applied to manage hematologic malignancies with satisfactory effectiveness. However, the application of CAR-T immunotherapy in solid tumors remains challenging. Even so, current CAR-T immunotherapies for prostate cancer (PCa) have shown some promise, giving hope to patients with advanced metastatic PCa. This review aimed to elucidate different types of prostate tumor-associated antigen targets, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen and prostate stem cell antigen, and their effects. The current status of the corresponding targets in clinical research through their applications was also discussed. To improve the efficacy of CAR-T immunotherapy, we addressed the possible applications of multimodal immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and CAR-T combined therapies. The obstacles of solid tumors were concisely elaborated. Further studies should aim to discover novel potential targets and establish new models by overcoming the inherent barriers of solid tumors, such as tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment.

Targeted elimination of senescent cells by engineered extracellular vesicles attenuates atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice with minimal side effects.

Senescent cells in plaques emerge as a detrimental factor for atherosclerosis (AS), for which targeted senolysis might be a promising therapeutic strategy. The development of safe and efficient senolytics for senescent cell eradication by targeted delivery is greatly needed. Methods: Pro-apoptotic intelligent Bax (iBax)-overexpressing plasmid was constructed by molecular cloning, in which Bax CDS was fused to miR-122 recognition sites. Extracellular vesicle-based senolytics (EViTx) were developed to be conjugated with magnetic nanoparticles on the surface, iBax mRNA encapsulated inside, and BAX activator BTSA1 incorporated into the membrane. EViTx was characterized, and in vivo distribution was tracked via fluorescence imaging. The therapeutic effects of EViTx on AS and its systemic side effects were analyzed in ApoE-/- mice. Results: Magnetic nanoparticles, iBax mRNA and BAX activator BTSA1 were efficiently loaded into/onto EViTx. With external magnetic field navigation, EViTx was delivered into atherosclerotic plaques and induced significant apoptosis in senescent cells regardless of origins. Repeated delivery of EViTx via tail vein injection has achieved high therapeutic efficacy in ApoE-/- mice. Notably, EViTx is inevitably accumulated in liver cells, while the iBax mRNA was translationally repressed by miR-122, an endogenous miRNA highly expressed in hepatocytes, and thus the liver cells are protected from the potential toxicity of Bax mRNA. Conclusion: Our work demonstrated that magnetic EV-based delivery of iBax mRNA and the BAX activator BTSA1, efficiently induced apoptosis in recipient senescent cells in atherosclerotic plaques. This strategy represents a promising treatment approach for AS and other age-related diseases.

Research progress on cardiac tissue construction of mesenchymal stem cells for myocardial infarction.

Heart failure is still the main complication affecting the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an effective treatment to replace necrotic myocardium and improve cardiac functioning. However, the transplant survival rate of MSCs still presents challenges. In this review, the biological characteristics of MSCs, the progress of mechanism research in the treatment of myocardial infarction, and the advances in improving the transplant survival rate of MSCs in the replacement of necrotic myocardial infarction are systematically described. From a basic to advanced clinical research, MSC transplants have evolved from a pure injection, an exosome injection, the genetic modification of MSCs prior to injection to the cardiac tissue engineering of MSC patch grafting. This study shows that MSCs have wide clinical applications in the treatment of AMI, suggesting improved myocardial tissue creation. A broader clinical application prospect will be explored and developed to improve the survival rate of MSC transplants and myocardial vascularization.

Research progress on deep learning in magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer: a review on the current status and perspectives.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as a first-line screening and diagnostic tool for prostate cancer, aiding in treatment selection and noninvasive radiotherapy guidance. However, the manual interpretation of MRI data is challenging and time-consuming, which may impact sensitivity and specificity. With recent technological advances, artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) based on MRI data has been applied to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Among AI techniques, deep learning involving convolutional neural networks contributes to detection, segmentation, scoring, grading, and prognostic evaluation of prostate cancer. CAD systems have automatic operation, rapid processing, and accuracy, incorporating multiple sequences of multiparametric MRI data of the prostate gland into the deep learning model. Thus, they have become a research direction of great interest, especially in smart healthcare. This review highlights the current progress of deep learning technology in MRI-based diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The key elements of deep learning-based MRI image processing in CAD systems and radiotherapy of prostate cancer are briefly described, making it understandable not only for radiologists but also for general physicians without specialized imaging interpretation training. Deep learning technology enables lesion identification, detection, and segmentation, grading and scoring of prostate cancer, and prediction of postoperative recurrence and prognostic outcomes. The diagnostic accuracy of deep learning can be improved by optimizing models and algorithms, expanding medical database resources, and combining multi-omics data and comprehensive analysis of various morphological data. Deep learning has the potential to become the key diagnostic method in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment in the future.