Effect Analysis of the Venting Direction on Explosion Pressure in LPG Pipelines.

In order to study the effect of the venting direction on explosion pressure in liquefied petroleum gas pipelines, explosion accident scenarios are experimentally tested and numerically simulated in a pipeline model with different explosion venting directions. In addition, the effect characteristic is analyzed through the pressure field varying with time and peak pressure varying with the distance. Results show that the pressure in the vertical branch decreases sharply, while the pressure in the horizontal branch does not show an obvious decrease with explosion venting of the vertical branch. However, the pressure decreases obviously in both branches with explosion venting of the horizontal branch, and the biggest reduction of peak pressure of monitoring points is 73.55% compared with that without venting. In addition, large areas of negative pressure appear in both branches with explosion venting of the vertical branch; however, a large area of negative pressure area appears in the horizontal branch with explosion venting of the horizontal branch. What is more, the arrival time of peak pressure in the main pipe of the explosion pipeline is significantly reduced with explosion venting, which is caused by the different generation ways of peak pressure. The effect analysis result of the venting direction on explosion pressure could aid the optimal layout design of LPG pipelines with the location of venting and important facilities as well as with the selection of negative-pressure-resistant material and higher-accuracy sensors.

Endogenous H2S-activated Ag nanoparticles embedded in programmed DNA-cubes for specific visualization of colorectal cancer cells.

To avoid the unexpected aggregation and reduce the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials as optical probes in cell imaging applications, we propose a programmed DNA-cube as a carrier for silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to construct a specific hydrogen sulfide (H2S) responsive platform (Ag NP@DNA-cube) for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC) in this study. The DNA-cube maintains good dispersion of Ag NPs while providing excellent biocompatibility. Based on the characteristic overexpression of endogenous H2S in CRC cells, the Ag NPs are etched by H2S within target cells into silver sulfide quantum dots, thereby selectively illuminating the target cells. The Ag NP@DNA-cube exhibits a specific fluorescence response to CRC cells and achieves satisfactory imaging.

Treatment strategies and molecular mechanism of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.

Radiotherapy (RT) remodels the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and modulates the immune response to indirectly destroy tumor cells, in addition to directly killing tumor cells. RT combined with immunotherapy may significantly enhance the efficacy of RT in colorectal cancer by modulating the microenvironment. However, the molecular mechanisms by which RT acts as an immunomodulator to modulate the immune microenvironment remain unclear. Further, the optimal modalities of RT combined with immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer, such as the time point of combining RT and immunization, the fractionation pattern and dosage of radiotherapy, and other methods to improve the efficacy, are also being explored parallelly. To address these aspects, in this review, we summarized the mechanisms by which RT modulates TIME and concluded the progress of RT combined with immunization in preclinical and clinical trials. Finally, we discussed heavy ion radiation therapy and the efficacy of prediction markers and other immune combination therapies. Overall, combining RT with immunotherapy to enhance antitumor effects will have a significant clinical implication and will help to facilitate individualized treatment modalities.

Effect of thoracic paravertebral nerve block on delirium in patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Nerve blocks are widely used in various surgeries to alleviate postoperative pain and promote recovery. However, the impact of nerve block on delirium remains contentious. This study aims to systematically evaluate the influence of Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block (TPVB) on the incidence of delirium in patients post Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases in June 2023. The search strategy combined free-text and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, including perioperative cognitive dysfunction, delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, paravertebral nerve block, thoracic surgery, lung surgery, pulmonary surgery, and esophageal/esophagus surgery. We utilized a random effects model for the analysis and synthesis of effect sizes. Results: We included a total of 9 RCTs involving 1,123 participants in our study. In VATS, TPVB significantly reduced the incidence of delirium on postoperative day three (log(OR): -0.62, 95% CI [-1.05, -0.18], p = 0.01, I2 = 0.00%) and postoperative day seven (log(OR): -0.94, 95% CI [-1.39, -0.49], p < 0.001, I2 = 0.00%). Additionally, our study indicates the effectiveness of TPVB in postoperative pain relief (g: -0.82, 95% CI [-1.15, -0.49], p < 0.001, I2 = 72.60%). Conclusion: The comprehensive results suggest that in patients undergoing VATS, TPVB significantly reduces the incidence of delirium and notably diminishes pain scores. Systematic review registration: CRD42023435528. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.

[Moxifloxacin treatment for Mycoplasma hominis meningitis in an extremely preterm infant]. / èŽ«è¥¿æ²™æ˜Ÿæ²»ç–—è¶ æ—©äº§å„¿äººåž‹æ”¯åŽŸä½“è„‘è†œç‚Ž1例.

The patient, a male newborn, was admitted to the hospital 2 hours after birth due to prematurity (gestational age 27+5 weeks) and respiratory distress occurring 2 hours postnatally. After admission, the infant developed fever and elevated C-reactive protein levels. On the fourth day after birth, metagenomic next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid indicated a positive result for Mycoplasma hominis (9 898 reads). On the eighth day, a retest of cerebrospinal fluid metagenomics confirmed Mycoplasma hominis (56 806 reads). The diagnosis of purulent meningitis caused by Mycoplasma hominis was established, and the antibiotic treatment was switched to moxifloxacin [5 mg/(kg·day)] administered intravenously for a total of 4 weeks. After treatment, the patient's cerebrospinal fluid tests returned to normal, and he was discharged as cured on the 76th day after birth. This article focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal Mycoplasma hominis purulent meningitis, introducing the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of the condition in extremely preterm infants.

Impaired vestibular function associated with orthostatic hypotension in patients with multiple system atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is one of the most common symptoms in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Vestibular system plays an important role in blood pressure regulation during orthostatic challenges through vestibular-sympathetic reflex. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between vestibular function and OH in patients with MSA. METHODS: Participants with MSA, including 20 with OH (mean age, 57.55 ± 8.44 years; 7 females) and 15 without OH (mean age, 59.00 ± 8.12 years; 2 females) and 18 healthy controls (mean age, 59.03 ± 6.44 years; 8 females) were enrolled. Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) tests were conducted to evaluate vestibular function. RESULTS: Patients with MSA presented with significantly higher rate of absent cVEMPs (57.1% vs 11.1%, p = 0.001) and oVEMPs (25.7% vs 0, p = 0.021) than controls. MSA patients with OH showed more absent cVEMPs (75.0% vs 11.1%, Bonferroni corrected p < 0.001) and oVEMPs (40.0% vs 0, Bonferroni corrected p = 0.003) than controls. Patients with OH also showed higher rate of absent cVEMPs than those without OH (33.3%, Bonferroni corrected p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that impairment of vestibular function was associated with MSA, particularly in those with OH. Absent VEMPs may be a potential marker for MSA severity. Our findings suggest that impaired vestibular function is involved in OH development and may serve as an intervention target.

The Hsa_circ_0105558/miR-182-5p/ATF6 Cascade Affects H2O2-Triggered Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis of Human Lens Epithelial Cells.

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the prevalent cause of useful vision loss. Circular RNAs are related to ARC pathogenesis partly through their competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity. Herein, we defined the action of hsa_circ_0105558 in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-driven apoptosis and oxidative damage in human lens epithelial SRA01/04 cells. Hsa_circ_0105558, microRNA (miR)-182-5p and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) were evaluated by a qRT-PCR or immunoblotting method. The hsa_circ_0105558/miR-182-5p and miR-182-5p/ATF6 relationships were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Reactive oxygen species level, glutathione peroxidase level, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde level were measured using the matched assay kits. Hsa_circ_0105558 was upregulated in human ARC lens and H2O2-exposed SRA01/04 cells. Suppression of hsa_circ_0105558 attenuated H2O2-driven SRA01/04 cell apoptosis and oxidative damage. Hsa_circ_0105558 targeted miR-182-5p, and reduced miR-182-5p expression reversed the influence of hsa_circ_0105558 depletion on H2O2-driven oxidative damage and apoptosis. ATF6 was a target of miR-182-5p, and miR-182-5p-driven downregulation of ATF6 regulated cell oxidative damage and apoptosis under H2O2 insult. Moreover, hsa_circ_0105558 functioned as a ceRNA to post-transcriptionally control ATF6 expression through miR-182-5p competition. Our study demonstrates that hsa_circ_0105558 modulates SRA01/04 cell oxidative damage and apoptosis under H2O2 insult through the miR-182-5p/ATF6 cascade.

Functional versatility of Zur in metal homeostasis, motility, biofilm formation, and stress resistance in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

Zur (zinc uptake regulator) is a significant member of the Fur (ferric uptake regulator) superfamily, which is widely distributed in bacteria. Zur plays crucial roles in zinc homeostasis and influences cell development and environmental adaptation in various species. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-negative enteric that pathogen usually serves as a model organism in pathogenicity studies. The regulatory effects of Zur on the zinc transporter ZnuABC and the protein secretion system T6SS have been documented in Y. pseudotuberculosis. In this study, a comparative transcriptomics analysis between a ∆zur mutant and the wild-type (WT) strain of Y. pseudotuberculosis was conducted using RNA-seq. This analysis revealed global regulation by Zur across multiple functional categories, including membrane transport, cell motility, and molecular and energy metabolism. Additionally, Zur mediates the homeostasis not only of zinc but also ferric and magnesium in vivo. There was a notable decrease in 35 flagellar biosynthesis and assembly-related genes, leading to reduced swimming motility in the ∆zur mutant strain. Furthermore, Zur upregulated multiple simple sugar and oligopeptide transport system genes by directly binding to their promoters. The absence of Zur inhibited biofilm formation as well as reduced resistance to chloramphenicol and acidic stress. This study illustrates the comprehensive regulatory functions of Zur, emphasizing its importance in stress resistance and pathogenicity in Y. pseudotuberculosis. IMPORTANCE: Bacteria encounter diverse stresses in the environment and possess essential regulators to modulate the expression of genes in responding to the stresses for better fitness and survival. Zur (zinc uptake regulator) plays a vital role in zinc homeostasis. Studies of Zur from multiple species reviewed that it influences cell development, stress resistance, and virulence of bacteria. Y. pseudotuberculosis is an enteric pathogen that serves a model organism in the study of pathogenicity, virulence factors, and mechanism of environmental adaptation. In this study, transcriptomics analysis of Zur's regulons was conducted in Y. pseudotuberculosis. The functions of Zur as a global regulator in metal homeostasis, motility, nutrient acquisition, glycan metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism, in turn, increasing the biofilm formation, stress resistance, and virulence were reviewed. The importance of Zur in environmental adaptation and pathogenicity of Y. pseudotuberculosis was emphasized.

Modulating the ferroelectric phases in cholesteryl-based organic compounds with perfluoroalkyl tail engineering.

Here, we synthesized a series of cholesteryl-based compounds, whose phases and their transformation can be modulated by temperature and the chain length of the fluoroalkyl moieties. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the phase transition could be modulated with perfluoroalkyl tail engineering in organic single-component ferroelectric crystals.

Recent advances in shape memory polymeric nanocomposites for biomedical applications and beyond.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs), which initiate shape transformation in response to environmental stimuli, have attracted significant attention in both academic research and technological innovation. The combination of functional nanomaterials and SMPs has led to the emergence of a variety of shape memory polymeric nanocomposites (SMPNs) with multifunctional properties. This has injected new vitality and vigor into fields such as tissue engineering, biomedicine, optical sensing, aerospace and mechanical engineering. In this review article, we present a brief introduction to the fundamentals of SMPs and SMPNs, followed by a discussion of the recent advances in their multifunctional applications in biomedical manufacturing, drug delivery devices, mechanical sensing, micro-engines, etc. The opportunities and challenges in the future development of SMPs are also discussed.

Hyperlipidemia is negatively associated with pregnancy outcomes in patients following frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A retrospective study.

Background and Aims: It is demonstrated that lipid metabolism disorders are associated with the reproductive performances of assisted reproductive technology. However, it is little known whether hyperlipidemia is associated with the endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes of patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis involving 554 infertile women undergoing FET. The patients were divided into the hyperlipidemia group (n = 224) and control group (n = 320) based on the levels of serum lipids. The clinical and laboratory indexes between the two groups were compared. Meanwhile, the stratified analysis based on body mass index (BMI) and endometrial preparation protocols was performed. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to compare and analyze the data. Results: The patients with hyperlipidemia had significantly higher serum lipids levels and BMI and lower clinical pregnancy and implantation rates than those with normal blood lipids (p < 0.05). The impact of hyperlipidemia on pregnancy outcomes was independent of BMI. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher cholesterol was associated with lower pregnancy rate and implantation rate (p < 0.05). Regardless of blood lipid levels, the patients undergoing the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocol had higher estradiol levels and lower progesterone levels compared with the stimulated cycles (STC) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate of the HRT protocol were higher than those of the STC, although there was no significant difference between the two. Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia especially higher cholesterol has a negative effect on the pregnancy outcomes of the patients undergoing FET. Actively implementing lipid-lowering treatment and the HRT protocol seem more friendly for these patients.

Tumor hyperthermia research progress and application prospect in tumoroids (Review).

Tumor hyperthermia is the fifth tumor treatment method after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biological therapy, and is also one of the important adjuvant treatment methods for tumors. Hyperthermia can not only directly eliminate tumor cells, but also stimulate the antitumor immune response of the body, and improve the sensitivity of tumor tissues to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An organoid is a tissue-specific cell cluster formed by 3D culture of various types of cells derived from target organ stem cells, which can reproduce the functions of target organs in vivo. At present, the research models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro are mainly 2D culture cell line models, and there is no clinical report on tumor hyperthermia using HCC tumoroids. It was hypothesized that this will be a promising research direction.

Striatal and Extrastriatal Monoaminergic Disruption in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

BACKGROUND: As a biomarker targeting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), 18 F-9-fluoropropyldihydrotetrabenazine (18 F-FP-DTBZ) positron emission tomography (PET) is highly accurate in diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD) and assessing its severity. However, evidence is insufficient in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the striatal and extrastriatal monoaminergic disruption of PSP and differences in patterns between patients with PSP, PD, and healthy controls (HCs) using 18 F-FP-DTBZ PET, as well as its correlations with the clinical characteristics of PSP. METHODS: We recruited 58 patients with PSP, 23 age- and duration-matched patients with PD, as well as 17 HCs. Patients were scanned using 18 F-FP-DTBZ PET/computed tomography, and images were spatially normalized and analyzed based on the volume of interest. RESULTS: VMAT2 binding differed significantly in the striatum and substantia nigra among the groups (P < 0.001). A more severe disruption in the caudate was noted in the PSP group (P < 0.001) than in the PD group. However, no differences were found in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, amygdala, or raphe between the PD and PSP groups. Within the PSP group, striatal VMAT2 binding was significantly associated with the fall/postural stability subscore of the PSP Rating Scale, especially in the putamen. Furthermore, VMAT2 binding was correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination or Montreal Cognitive Assessment in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: Caudate disruptions showed prominent differences among the groups. VAMT2 binding in the striatum and hippocampus reflects the severity of fall/postural stability and cognition, respectively. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

[Effect and mechanism of Jiedu Huoxue Decoction in regulating YAP/ACSL4 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis in treatment of acute kidney injury].

Jiedu Huoxue Decoction(JDHX), first recorded in the Correction on Errors in Medical Works by WANG Qing-ren, is an effective formula screened out from ancient formulas by the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) master ZHANG Qi to treat acute kidney injury(AKI) caused by heat, toxicity, stasis, and stagnation. This paper elucidated the therapeutic effect of JDHX on AKI and probed into the potential mechanism from ferroptosis. Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into four groups(n=8): normal, model, and low-and high-dose JDHX. Since the clinical treatment of AKI depends on supportive or alternative therapies and there is no specific drug, this study did not include a positive drug group. The low dose of JDHX corresponded to half of clinically equivalent dose, while the high dose corresponded to the clinically equivalent dose. Mice were administrated with JDHX by gavage daily for 7 consecutive days, while those in the normal group and the model group were administered with the corresponding volume of distilled water. On day 5 of drug administration, mice in other groups except the normal group were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin solution at a dose of 20 mg·kg~(-1) to induce AKI, and the normal group was injected with saline. All of the mice were sacrificed 72 h after modeling, blood and kidney samples were collected for subsequent analysis. The levels of serum creatine(Scr) and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) were measured by the commercial kits. The expression level of kidney injury molecule 1(KIM-1) in the serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining, and Prussian blue staining were employed to observe the pathological changes, glycogen deposition, and iron deposition, respectively, in the renal tissue. In addition, the levels of glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and catalase(CAT) in the renal tissue were examined by biochemical colorimetry. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4), lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3(LPCAT3), and Yes-associated protein(YAP, a key molecule in the Hippo pathway) in the renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was then employed to detect the location and expression of YAP in the renal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was performed to measure the mRNA levels of ACSL4 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed elevated serum levels of Scr, BUN, and KIM-1. In the AKI model group, the tubular epithelial cells underwent atrophy and necrotic detachment, disappearance of brush border, and some tubules became protein tubules or experienced vacuole-like degeneration. In addition, this group presented widening of the interstitium or even edema, increased renal tubule injury score, and obvious glycogen and iron deposition in parts of the renal tissue. Moreover, the model group had lower GSH, SOD, and CAT levels, higher ASCL4 and LPCAT3 levels, and lower GPX4 expression and higher YAP expression than the normal group. Compared with the model group, high dose of JDHX effectively protected renal function, lowered the levels of Scr, BUN and KIM-1, alleviated renal pathological injury, reduced glycogen and iron deposition, and elevated the GSH, SOD, and CAT levels in the renal tissue. Furthermore, JDHX down-regulated the protein levels of ACSL4, LPCAT3, and YAP and up-regulated the level of GPX4, compared with the model group. In conclusion, JDHX can protect mice from cisplatin-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulating the YAP/ACSL4 signaling pathway.

The effects of four paralogous piscidin antimicrobial peptides on the chemotaxis, macrophage respiratory burst, phagocytosis and expression of immune-related genes in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coicodes).

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an essential part of the vertebrate innate immune system. Piscidins are a family of AMPs specific in fish. In our previous investigation, we identified four paralogous genes of piscidins in the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coicodes), which exhibited distinct activities against bacteria, fungi, and parasitic ciliated protozoa. Piscidins demonstrated their capability to modulate the expression of diverse immune-related genes; however, their precise immunoregulatory functions remain largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory properties of putative mature peptides derived from four E. coicodes piscidins (ecPis1S, ecPis2S, ecPis3S, and ecPis4S) in head kidney leukocytes (HKLs) or monocytes/macrophages (MO/MΦ)-like cells isolated from E. coicodes. Our data demonstrate that E. coicodes piscidins exhibit immunomodulatory activities supported by multiple lines of evidence. Firstly, all four piscidins displayed chemotactic activities towards HKLs, with the most potent chemotactic activity observed in ecPis2S. Secondly, stimulation with E. coicodes piscidins enhanced respiratory burst and phagocytic activity in MO/MФ-like cells, with ecPis3S showing the highest efficacy in increasing phagocytosis of MO/MΦ-like cells. Thirdly, mRNA expression levels of chemokine receptors, Toll-like receptors, T cell receptors, and proinflammatory cytokines were modulated to varying extents by the four piscidins in E. coicodes HKLs. Overall, our findings indicate that the immunological activities of these four paralogous piscidins from E. coicodes are exhibited in a paralog-specific and concentration-dependent manner, highlighting their distinct and versatile immunomodulatory properties. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of fish AMPs immunology by elucidating the novel mechanisms through which members of the piscidin family exert their immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, it provides valuable insights for further exploration of fish immunomodulating agents.

Effect of CTLA-4 Inhibition on Inflammation and Apoptosis After Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) encompasses various pathological processes, notably neuroinflammation and apoptosis, both of which play significant roles. CTLA-4, a well-known immune molecule that suppresses T cell-mediated immune responses, is a key area of research and a focal point for targeted therapy development in treating tumors and autoimmune disorders. Despite its prominence, the impact of CTLA-4 inhibition on inflammation and apoptosis subsequent to SCI remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the influence of CTLA-4 on SCI. A weight-drop technique was used to establish a rat model of SCI. To examine the safeguarding effect of CTLA-4 on the restoration of motor function in rats with SCI, the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale and inclined plane test were employed to assess locomotion. Neuronal degeneration and apoptosis were assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and Fluoro-Jade B labeling, respectively, and the activity of microglial cells was examined by immunofluorescence. To evaluate the impact of CTLA4 on SCI, the levels of inflammatory markers were measured. After treatment with the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab, the rats showed worse neurological impairment and more severe neuroinflammation after SCI. Furthermore, the combination therapy with ipilimumab and durvalumab after SCI had more pronounced effects than treatment with either inhibitor alone. These findings indicate that CTLA-4 contributes to neuroinflammation and apoptosis after SCI, presenting a promising new therapeutic target for this traumatic condition.

All-Year High IAA and ABA Contents in Rhizome Buds May Contribute to Natural Four-Season Shooting in Woody Bamboo Cephalostachyum pingbianense.

To explore the regulation mechanism of endogenous phytohormones on rhizome bud germination in Cephalostachyum pingbianense, the contents of IAA, ABA, GA, and CTK in seven above- and under-ground bamboo structure components were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results showed that a higher content of IAA, GA, and CTK all year was found in above-ground components and dormant rhizome buds. Meanwhile, a higher ABA content in young shoots and a lower ABA content in the culm base and dormant rhizome buds were detected during the peak period of shooting. The amounts of emerging shoots and the grown bamboo culms were positively correlated with the content of IAA and the ratio of IAA/ABA and (IAA + CTK + GA)/ABA, while they were negatively correlated with the ratio of CTK/IAA in dormant rhizome buds. The all-year high contents of IAA (19-31 ng/g) and ABA (114-144 ng/g) in rhizome buds, as well as interactions among four hormones, may be the key physiological mechanisms to maintain rhizome bud germination throughout the year in C. pingbianense. As C. pingbianense is a special bamboo species of multi-season shoot sprouting, the above results may supplement scientific data for a comprehensive understanding of physiological mechanisms within the bamboo subfamily.

Avulsion Fracture of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon Associated with First Metatarsal Base Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a unique case of a 59-year-old shipyard worker who sustained an avulsion fracture of the tibialis anterior tendon, concurrently with a comminuted fracture at the base of the first metatarsal. This is the first reported case highlighting this concomitant presentation, which underlines the possibility of avulsion fractures accompanying comminuted fractures. Importantly, such avulsion fractures could lead to skin tenting and potential necrosis, necessitating early identification and prompt intervention. The patient underwent successful surgical intervention and displayed good functional restoration 15 months postoperatively.

Brain Structural Connectivity Guided Vision Transformers for Identification of Functional Connectivity Characteristics in Preterm Neonates.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in children under five years old, and is associated with a wide sequence of complications in both short and long term. In view of rapid neurodevelopment during the neonatal period, preterm neonates may exhibit considerable functional alterations compared to term ones. However, the identified functional alterations in previous studies merely achieve moderate classification performance, while more accurate functional characteristics with satisfying discrimination ability for better diagnosis and therapeutic treatment is underexplored. To address this problem, we propose a novel brain structural connectivity (SC) guided Vision Transformer (SCG-ViT) to identify functional connectivity (FC) differences among three neonatal groups: preterm, preterm with early postnatal experience, and term. Particularly, inspired by the neuroscience-derived information, a novel patch token of SC/FC matrix is defined, and the SC matrix is then adopted as an effective mask into the ViT model to screen out input FC patch embeddings with weaker SC, and to focus on stronger ones for better classification and identification of FC differences among the three groups. The experimental results on multi-modal MRI data of 437 neonatal brains from publicly released Developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP) demonstrate that SCG-ViT achieves superior classification ability compared to baseline models, and successfully identifies holistically different FC patterns among the three groups. Moreover, these different FCs are significantly correlated with the differential gene expressions of the three groups. In summary, SCG-ViT provides a powerfully brain-guided pipeline of adopting large-scale and data-intensive deep learning models for medical imaging-based diagnosis.