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Low-temperature plasma ablation has been recently used for minimally invasive surgeries. However, more research is still needed on its generation process during tissue ablation and the underlying mechanism of tissue thermal damage. In this paper, high-speed camera footage, voltage–current signal collection, temperature analysis, and histological analysis were used to investigate the dynamic process of plasma tissue ablation and its thermal effect of dual-needle electrodes immersed in normal saline, which were driven by a high-frequency DC power supply with an output voltage ranging from 220 V to 320 V and a squire wave of 100 kHz. Microbubbles occurred around the ground electrode and merged to form a vapor layer that could completely cover the ground electrode. Plasma capable of ablating tissue would occur in the vapor layer between the ground electrode and tissue. The effect of electrical parameters on plasma generation and its thermal effect are analyzed by statistical results. The experimental results indicated that the voltage applied to the electrodes significantly influenced both the generation and stability of plasma, as well as the heat generation and tissue damage around the electrodes. Furthermore, under the same voltage, the existence of biological tissue promotes the formation of a vapor layer around the electrode, thereby facilitating the generation and stability of plasma. Notably, the temperature rise around the ground electrode is much higher than that around the powered electrode. These results have direct application to the design of plasma tissue ablation systems, which could achieve tissue ablation effects with minimal thermal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial and temporal variation of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) has been a topic of interest for researchers in recent years. However, the study of SGD is limited within the scope of Zhanjiang Bay. The Zhanjiang Bay is located in western Guangdong Province, known for its high temperatures and typhoon vulnerability. The present study examined the fluctuation patterns of seawater 222Rn in Zhanjiang Bay during the period from June 2021 to March 2022. This investigation employs the 222Rn tracing technique to establish a mass balance model to compute the SGD rate, and assess the significance of SGD in translocating nutrients into the bay. We conducted a four-month sampling, observing the differences between the rainy and dry seasons. Precipitation exerts a significant influence on the seasonal variations of SGD. The SGD rates of Zhanjiang Bay ranged from 7.14 to 10.75 cm·d-1 in the dry season and from 13.38 to 14.61 cm·d-1 in the rainy season. SGD-derived nutrients also exhibited seasonal fluctuations, the annual input of nutrients it supplies may be comparable to the quantity delivered by rivers, which significantly impacted the trophic status of the bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic hamartoma, a rare benign non-neoplastic condition, presents challenges in differentiating from other pancreatic diseases due to its atypical imaging and unreliable biopsy results. In this study, we present a case of pancreatic hamartoma and conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature to outline its characteristic features, aiming to underscore its clinical relevance and implications. Case presentation: A 63-year-old man presented with a pancreatic mass, discovered during evaluation of abdominal pain and distension. Laboratory tests were largely unremarkable. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic mass in the head of the pancreas. Subsequent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an inhomogeneous mass with a clear boundary in the uncinate process of the pancreas. Furthermore, a distinct delayed enhancement pattern was noted on imaging. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic hamartoma. Conclusions: Preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic hamartoma remains challenging. Imaging modalities can play a crucial role in facilitating accurate diagnosis and potentially avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention in patients with this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D Bi2O2Se is an intriguing building block for next-generation optoelectronic devices owing to its ultrahigh electron mobility and ultrabroadband photodetection capability. However, fully exploiting its advantages in advanced optoelectronic applications remains greatly challenging owing to the lack of in-depth understanding of the morphological evolution of Bi2O2Se crystals and efficient methods for enhancing their photoresponse. Herein, we developed a novel "cage-confinement" technique to achieve dimensionality-tunable growth of Bi2O2Se crystals in a space-confined CVD system. It can effectively control the key parameter of determining the dimensionality of crystals, referred to as the elastic strain energy of nucleation (ΔGs), by tuning the active area size of Bi2O3 seeds at a suitable flow rate of carrier gas. Furthermore, based on an optimized van der Waals transfer technique of crystals and electrodes, a sheet-shaped phototransistor of Bi2O2Se has a high responsivity (R) of ∼74 000 A W-1 and detectivity (D*) of ∼4.0 × 1011 Jones. Meanwhile, a wire-shaped device demonstrates an impressive R value of 300 000 A W-1, D* value of 3.9 × 1012 Jones and photoconductance gain (Gph) of 1.2 × 105. These results surpass most reported Bi2O2Se-based detectors and pave the way for the applications of 2D layered semiconductors in advanced optoelectronic devices and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new non-classical model for spatial rods incorporating surface energy effects is developed using a surface elasticity theory. A variational formulation based on the principle of minimum total potential energy is employed, which leads to the simultaneous determination of the equilibrium equations and complete boundary conditions. The newly developed spatial rod model contains three surface elasticity constants to account for surface energy effects. The new model recovers the classical elasticity-based Kirchhoff rod model as a special case when the surface energy effects are not considered. To illustrate the new spatial rod model, two sample problems are analytically solved by directly applying the general formulas derived. The first one is the buckling of an elastic rod of circular cross-section with fixed-pinned supports, and the other is the equilibrium analysis of a helical rod deformed from a straight rod. An analytical formula is derived for the critical buckling load required to perturb the axially compressed straight rod, and two closed-form expressions are obtained for the force and couple needed in deforming the helical rod. These formulas reduce to those based on classical elasticity when the surface energy effects are suppressed. For the buckling problem, it is found that the critical buckling load predicted by the current new model is always higher than that given by the classical elasticity-based model, and the difference between the two sets of predicted values is significantly large when the radius of the rod is sufficiently small but diminishes as the rod radius increases. For the helical rod problem, the numerical results reveal that the force and couple predicted by the current model are, respectively, significantly larger and smaller than those predicted by the classical model when the rod radius is very small, but the difference is diminishing with the increase of the rod radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of cosmetic laser and light therapies, discussing different types of lasers and their specific indications for various aesthetic concerns. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions before recommending them to patients. The article also highlights the need to consider patient characteristics and treatment goals when selecting the appropriate laser parameters. It discusses the risks and potential adverse effects of laser therapy and the importance of proper regulations and safety precautions in the cosmetic industry. The text also offers tips for general practitioners when dealing with cosmetic medicine inquiries from patients and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between GPs and cosmetic practitioners. [Extracted from the article]

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition caused by chronic UV radiation damage and is a precursor to keratinocyte cancer. Treatment options for AK include cryotherapy, topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), imiquimod, photodynamic therapy (PDT), diclofenac, and tirbanibulin. Cryotherapy is recommended for targeted treatment, while 5-FU and imiquimod are recommended for broader treatment. PDT uses a topical photosensitizer and light activation, while diclofenac and tirbanibulin are also effective treatments. Caution is advised when using novel medications like tirbanibulin until more long-term trial data is available. Ingenol mebutate gel, previously used for AK treatment, has been withdrawn from the market due to an increased risk of non-melanocytic skin cancer. Sun protection and regular skin checks are important for immunosuppressed patients. [Extracted from the article]

With the rapid development of fully automatic operation (FAO) and location-based services, the evaluation criteria of average localization accuracy can no longer meet our demands, in favor of deterministic localization. However, most localization researches modeled localization performance function and enhanced it by minimizing average localization root mean square error (RMSE). The performance degradation in a small region was not considered. In this paper, we present a survey of deterministic localization and analyze the relationship between accuracy and certainty. In this paper, two common solutions of localization enhancement are presented and their localization certainties are discussed. Furthermore, we carry out related localization enhancement experiments in rail transit line and analyze their improvement on deterministic localization. The experimental results show that the overall localization performance is improved, while the deterministic localization requires the stricter solution to promote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) remains a challenge for most patients with rectal cancer. Exploring the potential of combining NCRT with immunotherapy or targeted therapy for those achieving a partial response (PR) offers a promising avenue to enhance treatment efficacy. This study investigated the impact of NCRT on the tumor microenvironment in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who exhibited a PR. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. Five patients demonstrating a PR after neoadjuvant treatment for LARC were enrolled in the study. Biopsy samples before treatment and resected specimens after treatment were stained with a panel of 26 antibodies targeting various immune and tumor-related markers, each labeled with distinct metal tags. The labeled samples were then analyzed using the Hyperion imaging system. Results: Heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment was observed both before and after NCRT. Notably, tumor-associated macrophages, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, CD56 + natural killer cells, tumor-associated neutrophils, cytokeratin, and E-cadherin exhibited slight increase in abundance within the tumor microenvironment following treatment (change ratios = 0.78, 0.2, 0.27, 0.32, 0.17, 0.46, 0.32, respectively). Conversely, the number of CD14 + monocytes, CD19 + B cells, CD45 + CD4 + T cells, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and β-catenin proteins displayed significant decreases post-treatment (change ratios = 1.73, 1.92, 1.52, 1.25, 1.52, 1.12, 2.66, respectively). Meanwhile, Foxp3 + regulatory cells demonstrated no significant change (change ratio = 0.001). Conclusions: NCRT has diverse effects on various components of the tumor microenvironment in LARC patients who achieve a PR after treatment. Leveraging combination therapies may optimize treatment outcomes in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent epilepsy episodes. As a non-pharmacological treatment, the ketogenic diet has been widely applied in treating epilepsy. However, the exact therapeutic mechanism of the ketogenic diet for epilepsy remains unclear. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of the ketogenic diet in regulating fatty acid metabolism and activating the ADCY3-initiated cAMP signaling pathway to enhance neuronal inhibition and thereby treat epilepsy. Methods and results: Meta-analysis reveals that the ketogenic diet is superior to the conventional diet in treating epilepsy. Animal experiments demonstrate that the ketogenic diet is more effective than the conventional diet in treating epilepsy, with the best results achieved using the classic ketogenic diet. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identifies six essential genes, among which ADCY3 shows increased expression in the ketogenic diet. In vivo experiments confirm that the activation of the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway by ADCY3 enhances neuronal inhibition and improves epilepsy control. Conclusion: Clinical observations indicate that the ketogenic diet improves patient epilepsy episodes by regulating the ADCY3-initiated cAMP signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal macrophages play crucial roles in both intestinal inflammation and immune homeostasis. They can adopt two distinct phenotypes, primarily determined by environmental cues. These phenotypes encompass the classically activated pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, as well as the alternatively activated anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. In regular conditions, intestinal macrophages serve to shield the gut from inflammatory harm. However, when a combination of genetic and environmental elements influences the polarization of these macrophages, it can result in an M1/M2 macrophage activation imbalance, subsequently leading to a loss of control over intestinal inflammation. This shift transforms normal inflammatory responses into pathological damage within the intestines. In patients with ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UC-CRC), disorders related to intestinal inflammation are closely correlated with an imbalance in the polarization of intestinal M1/M2 macrophages. Therefore, reinstating the equilibrium in M1/M2 macrophage polarization could potentially serve as an effective approach to the prevention and treatment of UC-CRC. This paper aims to scrutinize the clinical evidence regarding Chinese medicine (CM) in the treatment of UC-CRC, the pivotal role of macrophage polarization in UC-CRC pathogenesis, and the potential mechanisms through which CM regulates macrophage polarization to address UC-CRC. Our objective is to offer fresh perspectives for clinical application, fundamental research, and pharmaceutical advancement in UC-CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible bird’s nest (EBN), a most highly priced and valuable foodstuff, contains high percentage of proteins and carbohydrates. However, proteins adhering to these carbohydrates make the EBN hard and tough, which need to be boiled as the bird’s nest soup to make the Chinese cuisine. To overcome the hard and tough texture of EBN and improve the digestion degrees, the present study screened and identified a probiotic strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YZW02 from 5-year stored EBN sample completely solubilizing EBN for the first time. The 24-h B. amyloliquefaciens fermented EBN contained 20.30–21.48 mg/mL of the soluble protein contents with a recovery rate of 98–100%, DPPH radical scavenging rate of 84.76% and ABTS radical scavenging capacity of 41.05%. The mixed fermentation of B. amyloliquefaciens YZW02 and Bacillus natto BN1 were further applied to improve the low-MW peptide percentages and antioxidant activities. The mixed-fermentation of B. natto BN1 with 4-h cultured B. amyloliquefaciens YZW02 had the lowest percentage (82.23%) of >12-kDa proteins/peptides and highest percentages of 3–12 kDa, 1–3 kDa and 0.1–1 kDa peptides of 8.6% ± 0.08, 7.57% ± 0.09, 1.77% ± 0.05 and 0.73% ± 0.05, with the highest DPPH, ABTS and •OH scavenging capacity of 90.23%, 46.45% and 49.12%, respectively. These findings would provide an efficient strategy for improving the solubility and antioxidant activities of EBNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the stroke incidence has been increasing year by year, and the related sequelae after stroke, such as cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and post-stroke depression, seriously affect the patient's rehabilitation and daily activities. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as a safe, non-invasive, and effective new rehabilitation method, has been widely recognized in clinical practice. This article reviews the application and research progress of rTMS in treating different functional impairments (cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, unilateral spatial neglect, depression) after stroke in recent years, and preliminary summarized the possible mechanisms. It has been found that the key parameters that determine the effectiveness of rTMS in improving post-stroke functional impairments include pulse number, stimulated brain areas, stimulation intensity and frequency, as well as duration. Generally, high-frequency stimulation is used to excite the ipsilateral cerebral cortex, while low-frequency stimulation is used to inhibit the contralateral cerebral cortex, thus achieving a balance of excitability between the two hemispheres. However, the specific mechanisms and the optimal stimulation mode for different functional impairments have not yet reached a consistent conclusion, and more research is needed to explore and clarify the best way to use rTMS. Furthermore, we will identify the issues and challenges in the current research, explore possible mechanisms to deepen understanding of rTMS, propose future research directions, and offer insightful insights for better clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention and treatment of gastric cancer has been the focus and difficulty of medical research. We aimed to explore the mechanism of inhibiting migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by methionine restriction (MR). The human gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN45 cultured with complete medium (CM) or medium without methionine were used for in vitro experiments. MKN45 cells were injected tail vein into BALB/c nude mice and then fed with normal diet or methionine diet for in vivo experiments. MR treatment decreased cell migration and invasion, increased E-cadherin expression, decreased N-cadherin and p-p65 expressions, and inhibited nuclear p65 translocation of AGS and MKN45 cells when compared with CM group. MR treatment increased IκBα protein expression and protein stability, and decreased IκBα protein ubiquitination level and TRIM47 expression. TRIM47 interacted with IκBα protein, and overexpression of TRIM47 reversed the regulatory effects of MR. TRIM47 promoted lung metastasis formation and partially attenuated the effect of MR on metastasis formation in vivo compared to normal diet group mice. MR reduces TRIM47 expression, leads to the degradation of IκBα, and then inhibits the translocation of nuclear p65 and the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: An independent correlation between pre-RDW and 1-year mortality after surgery in elderly hip fracture can be used to predict mortality in elderly hip fracture patients and has predictive significance in anemia patients. With further research, a treatment algorithm can be developed to potentially identify patients at high risk of preoperative mortality. Introduction: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is an independent predictor of various disease states in elderly individuals, but its association with the prognosis of elderly hip fracture patients is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of RDW in such patients, construct a prediction model containing RDW using random survival forest (RSF) and Cox regression analysis, and compare RDW in patients with and without anemia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery, selected the best variables using RSF, stratified the independent variables by Cox regression analysis, constructed a 1-year mortality prediction model of elderly hip fracture with RDW, and conducted internal validation and external validation. Results: Two thousand one hundred six patients were included in this study. The RSF algorithm selects 12 important influencing factors, and Cox regression analysis showed that eight variables including preoperative RDW (pre-RDW) were independent risk factors for death within 1-year after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. Stratified analysis showed that pre-RDW was still independently associated with 1-year mortality in the non-anemia group and not in the anemia group. The nomogram prediction model had high differentiation and fit, and the prediction model constructed by the total cohort of patients was also used for validation of patients in the anemia patients and obtained good clinical benefits. Conclusion: An independent correlation between pre-RDW and 1-year mortality after surgery in elderly hip fracture can be used to predict mortality in elderly hip fracture patients and has predictive significance in anemia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), also known as hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), is a benign histiocytosis with hyperreactive proliferation of the mononuclear phagocyte system caused by immune function abnormalities, which often occurs under the background of genetic mutations, inflammation, infection or tumors. Because the research on malignancy-associated HLH (M-HLH) is focused on hematological malignancies, reports on HLH secondary to solid tumors are rare. In this case, we report a 14-year-old girl who developed HLH during treatment for intracranial multifocal germinoma, and the disease was controlled after hormone combined with etoposide(VP-16) and other related treatments. To our knowledge, there have been no documented cases of HLH caused by intracranial multifocal germinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the physical and mental development of the young is not only influenced by the parent-child relationship (PR) and the student's academic performance, but also moderated by trait coping styles (TCS), the changes between these three during the online learning period in an epidemic need to be reconsidered. This study aims to explore the factors affecting online learning satisfaction (OLS) among students and their interaction with parent-child relationship and trait coping style. A web-based questionnaire was employed, encompassing general information, the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ), and queries related to OLS. A total of 1,287 valid questionnaires were collected, with 593 from junior high school students, 197 from high school students, and 497 from university students. Our findings indicate that parent-child relationship (PR), positive coping style (PCS), and learning status (LS) showed a positive correlation with OLS (r=0.110, P<0.001; r=0.786, P<0.001). Conversely, negative coping style (NCS) presented a negative correlation with OLS (r=-0.186, P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis of OLS reveals that PR has a significant impact on OLS (P<0.001, b=0.291), as does LS (P<0.001, b=0.767). However, trait coping styles (TCS) appear to have no significant effect on OLS. Notably, PR plays a significant and positivemediating role between LS and OLS, with a mediation effect of 0.0132 (P<0.05), accounting for 1.682% of the total effect. These findings suggest that strengthening parent-child interactions and fostering adaptive coping mechanisms could play a crucial role in enhancing students' satisfaction with online education. Such improvements could potentially contribute to superior academic outcomes and overall student well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of energy storage systems can play a role in peak and frequency regulation, solve the issue of limited flexibility in cleaner power systems in China, and ensure the stability and safety of the power grid. This paper presents a comprehensive environmental impact analysis of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system for the storage and delivery of 1 kW-hour of electricity. Quantities of copper, graphite, aluminum, lithium iron phosphate, and electricity consumption are set as uncertainty and sensitivity parameters with a variation of [90%, 110%]. The results show that global warming potential is 9.08E+01 kg CO2 eq. and fossil resource use is 1.21E+03 MJ, with uncertainty ranges of [8.54E+01, 9.23E+01] and [1.15E+03, 1.23E+03], respectively. Electricity consumption during the manufacture and installation process is the greatest contributor to climate change (CO2 eq. emissions), accounting for 39.71% and largely owing to non-renewable sources, followed by cathode materials at 27.85% and anode materials at 18.36%. The disposal and recycling process offers emission reductions but requires an additional 1.17% use of fossil resources. Sobol T indices for the quantity of electricity are the highest for acidification, climate change, fossil resource use, and ionizing radiation. By considering the pathway of China's electricity mix from 2020 to 2050 under the Paris Agreement's 2° target, the potential for environmental emission reduction in the system is evaluated. The results show that the greener electricity mix could lead to a 24.59% reduction in acidification impact, a 35.74% reduction in climate change impact, a 33.24% reduction in fossil resource use, and a 44.13% reduction in ionizing radiation impact. This study offers a comprehensive view of the environmental impact reductions associated with the lithium iron phosphate battery and its industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species are closely related to tumor development. In recent years, reactive oxygen species has become a hot spot in tumor therapy, and many natural substances in nature contain compound components with anti-tumor effects. However, there is a lack of discussion on the synergistic anti-tumor effects of natural products in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs through reactive oxygen species. The terms "natural products", "reactive oxygen species", "anti-tumor", and "chemotherapy" were used to identify the synergistic effects of natural products. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science databases for relevant research articles and reviews published in recent years. We systematically summarized the studies related to anti-tumor active ingredients in natural compounds in the field of reactive oxygen species in recent years. A total of 77 relevant literatures were included. Among them, 45 literatures containing various natural products such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. exert anti-tumor effects by regulating reactive oxygen species levels, and 32 literatures regarding adjunctive role of natural products in anti-tumor therapy. In this study, we found that natural products exert anti-tumor effects by elevating reactive oxygen species levels. It provides strong theoretical support for future clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propensity to metastasize is the most important prognostic indicator for solid cancers. New insights into the mechanisms of early carcinogenesis have revealed micrometastases are generated far earlier than previously thought. Evidence supports a synergistic relationship between vascular and lymphatic seeding which can occur before there is clinical evidence of a primary tumour. Early vascular seeding prepares distal sites for colonisation while regional lymphatics are co‐opted to promote facilitative cancer cell mutations. In response, the host mounts a global inflammatory and immunomodulatory response towards these cells supporting the concept that cancer is a systemic disease. Cancer staging systems should be refined to better reflect cancer cell loads in various tissue compartments while clinical perspectives should be broadened to encompass this view when approaching high‐risk cancers. Measured adjunctive therapies implemented earlier for low‐volume, in‐transit cancer offers the prospect of preventing advanced disease and the need for heroic therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to re‐appraise how we view the metastatic process for solid cancers. It will explore in‐transit metastasis in the context of high‐risk skin cancer and how it dictates disease progression. It will also discuss how these implications will influence our current staging systems and its consequences on management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate if berberine can act on vitamin D receptors (VDR) and thereby regulate the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in irritable bowel syndrame-diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) rats. Methods: The newborn rats were induced into IBS-D rat model via neonatal maternal separation combined with acetic acid chemical stimulation. After modeling, the model was evaluated and rats were divided into the control group and berberine treatment groups (0.85, 1.7 and 3.4 mg/kg, once a day for 2 weeks). The distal colon was obtained and colonic epithelial cells (CECs) were isolated and cultured after IBS-D model evaluation. The vitamin D receptor response element (VDRE) reporter gene was determined in the CECs of IBS-D rats to analyze the effect of berberine on the VDRE promoter. VDR overexpression or silencing technology was used to analyze whether VDR plays a role in promoting intestinal barrier repair, and to determine which region of VDR plays a role in berberine-regulated intestinal TJPs. Results: The IBS-D rat model was successfully constructed and the symptoms were improved by berberine in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The activity of VDRE promoter was also effectively promoted by berberine (P<0.05). Berberine increased the expression of TJPs in IBS-D CECs (P<0.05). VDR expression was significantly increased after transfection of different domains of VDR when compared to normal control and basic plasmid groups (all P<0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, expressions of occludin and zonula occludens-1 were significantly higher in VDR containing groups (all P<0.05). Berberine plus pCMV-Myc-VDR-N group exerted the highest expression levels of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Berberine enhances intestinal mucosal barrier function of IBS-D rats by promoting VDR activity, and the main site of action is the N-terminal region of VDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in the world and one of the leading causes of cancer death, which is a heterogeneous disease involving genetic and environmental factors. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are the main players in the aggressiveness of different tumors, at the same time, these cells are the main challenge for cancer treatment. There are multiple treatment options for breast cancer (BC) patients and the lack of understanding of prognostic and predictive biomarkers for breast cancer is a potential research direction for us to develop better treatments in the future. In this paper, we conducted a correlation analysis between SIK2 and clinical traits by searching numerous BRCA datasets in the GEO database. The model was constructed and validated by incorporating tumor samples from the TCGA‐BRCA cohort. Surprisingly, we found differential expression of SIK2 gene in individual tumor samples from the UCSC database. Subsequently, we found significantly high expression of SIK2 in epithelial cells by comparing the differential expression of SIK2 in different cell subpopulations and performed subsequent immune infiltration and pathway correlation analysis. Differential genes in SIK2+ epithelial cells, which may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer. In conclusion, our results suggest that SIK2 may be a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker that could serve as an oncogenic messenger for breast cancer. This discovery of SIK2 may provide more valuable references for potential therapeutic tools for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in patients <3 years of age remains controversial. Data on haploidentical donor (HID) transplants in this age group is limited. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of 97 patients with acute leukemia aged <3 years who underwent HID transplantation at our institute. Results: With a median follow‐up of 45 months, the 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and 3‐year cumulative incidence rate of treatment‐related mortality were 69.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 59.9%–78.7%), 74.2% (95% CI: 65.2%–83.2%), and 3.6% (95% CI: 0.9%–9.7%) in all 97 patients, respectively. The 3‐year DFS and OS rate in patients diagnosed <1 year and patients diagnosed ≥1 year were comparable: 77.8% (95% CI: 62.2%–93.4%) versus 66.3% (95% CI: 55.0%–77.6%, p =.253) and 82.5% (95% CI: 66.3–98.7%) versus 72.8% (95% CI: 61.9%–83.7%, p =.153), respectively. At the last follow‐up, 23 patients had died, and 20 had died of relapse. Multivariate analysis revealed that positive pre‐HSCT flow cytometric minimal residual disease (hazard ratio 5.605, p =.000) and AML‐M7 expression (hazard ratio 2.906, p =.014) were independent adverse prognostic variables for relapse. Conclusions: HID transplantation is potent and safe for infants and young patients with acute leukemia. Relapse is the primary cause of treatment failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer is ranked as the fifth most prevalent cancer globally and has long been a topic of passionate discussion among numerous individuals. However, the incidence of gastric cancer in society has not decreased, but instead has shown a gradual increase in recent years. For more than a decade, the treatment effect of gastric cancer has not been significantly improved. This is attributed to the heterogeneity of cancer, which makes popular targeted therapies ineffective. Methionine is an essential amino acid, and many studies have shown that it is involved in the development of gastric cancer. Our study aimed to review the literature on methionine and gastric cancer, describing its mechanism of action to show that tumor heterogeneity in gastric cancer does not hinder the effectiveness of methionine-restricted therapies. This research also aimed to provide insight into the inhibition of gastric cancer through metabolic reprogramming with methionine-restricted therapies, thereby demonstrating their potential as adjuvant treatments for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The adverse health consequences of premarital sex and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are both global public health problems. Based on a random sample of college students from a Chinese city, this study investigated the relationship between CSA severity and premarital sex among students, focusing on sex differences. Methods: A total of 2722 college students from 4 schools in Luzhou were recruited by multistage random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure CSA experiences and premarital sex. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the relationship between CSA and premarital sex. Results: The prevalence of CSA was 9.39%, and that of mild, moderate and severe CSA was 4.04%, 2.90% and 2.46%, respectively. The premarital sex reporting rate was 22.42%. After adjusting for confounding variables, CSA was positively associated with premarital sex. Notably, a cumulative effect of CSA on premarital sex was observed among students. Further stratification analyses showed that males who experienced CSA had a higher premarital sex rate than females, and this sex difference was also observed among students with different CSA severities. Conclusion: CSA and its severity were associated with premarital sex among college students. Furthermore, this association was stronger for males than females. Therefore, it is important to emphasize CSA prevention, especially for boys. These findings can promote understanding of the effects of CSA on premarital sex, and CSA prevention and intervention strategies should consider CSA severity and sex differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintended end-of-process depression (EOPD) commonly occurs in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), leading to poor surface quality and lower fatigue strength, especially for many implants. In this study, a high-fidelity multi-physics meso-scale simulation model is developed to uncover the forming mechanism of this defect. A defect-process map of the EOPD phenomenon is obtained using this simulation model. It is found that the EOPD formation mechanisms are different under distinct regions of process parameters. At low scanning speeds in keyhole mode, the long-lasting recoil pressure and the large temperature gradient easily induce EOPD. While at high scanning speeds in keyhole mode, the shallow molten pool morphology and the large solidification rate allow the keyhole to evolve into an EOPD quickly. Nevertheless, in the conduction mode, the Marangoni effects along with a faster solidification rate induce EOPD. Finally, a 'step' variable power strategy is proposed to optimise the EOPD defects for the case with high volumetric energy density at low scanning speeds. This work provides a profound understanding and valuable insights into the quality control of LPBF fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic plasmonic metasurfaces have attracted broad research interest since they possess novel optical properties superior to natural materials and their tremendous design flexibility. However, the realization of multi-wavelength selective plasmonic metasurfaces that have emerged as promising candidates to uncover multichannel optical devices remains a challenge associated with weak modulation depths and narrow operation bandwidth. Herein, we propose and numerically demonstrate near-infrared multi-wavelength selective passive plasmonic switching (PPS) that encompasses high ON/OFF ratios and strong modulation depths via multiple Fano resonances (FRs) in anisotropic plasmonic metasurfaces. Specifically, the double FRs can be fulfilled and dedicated to establishing tailorable near-infrared dual-wavelength PPS. The multiple FRs mediated by in-plane mirror asymmetries cause the emergence of triple-wavelength PPS, whereas the multiple FRs governed by in-plane rotational asymmetries avail the implementation of the quasi-bound states in the continuum-endowed multi-wavelength PPS with the ability to unfold a tunable broad bandwidth. In addition, the strong polarization effects with in-plane anisotropic properties further validate the existence of the polarization-resolved multi-wavelength PPS. Our results provide an alternative approach to foster the achievement of multifunctional meta-devices in optical communication and information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voids behind tunnel linings are critical factors affecting tunnels’ safety and durability. For automatic, rapid, and accurate detection of void defects behind tunnel linings, this paper proposes an intelligent recognition method of void detection based on deep learning (DL) and percussion method. Extensive indoor percussion experiments were first conducted to obtain a total of 77,925 percussion signals. Afterward, the mel-frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCCs) are utilized for signal feature extraction, based on which a convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed for automatic void defect diagnosis. The void automated diagnosis tests are subsequently performed, and the impact of three key factors on the recognition results is investigated. The results show that the proposed CNN can accurately identify voids ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 m, with an average accuracy of 94.96% and an F1 score of 72.29%. The exploration of the slab thickness indicates that the proposed method is capable of detecting voids with an average accuracy of 94.37% and an F1 score of 74.55%, with the slab thicknesses ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 m. Furthermore, the boundary effects of concrete slabs are analyzed. Finally, an onsite validation is carried out, and the good agreements between the developed method and ultrasonic detection method indicate that the CNN-aided percussion method is feasible in practical tunnel lining void inspection tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine carcinoma originating in the skin. Studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of immune escape in patients with MCC, and malignant cell conditions that promote immune evasion. Methods: We used Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to determine cellular features associated with MCC disease trajectory. A longitudinal multi-omics study was performed using scRNA-seq data of peripheral blood harvested from four-time points. Six major cell types and fifteen cell subgroups were identified and confirmed their presence by expression of characteristic markers. The expression patterns and specific changes of different cells at different time points were investigated. Subsequently, bulk RNA data was used to validate key findings. Results: The dynamic characteristics of the cells were identified during the critical period between benign improvement and acquisition of resistance. Combined with the results of the validation cohort, the resistance program expressed in the relapse stage is mainly associated with T cell exhaustion and immune cell crosstalk disorder. Coinciding with immune escape, we also identified a decrease non-classical monocytes and an expansion of classical monocytes with features of high inflammation and immune deficiency. Conclusion: Changes in cellular status, such as depletion of T cells and dysregulation of B cell proliferation and differentiation, may lead to drug resistance in MCC patients. Meanwhile, the widespread decreased antigen presentation ability and immune disorders caused by deletion of MHC class II gene expression should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ubiquitin proteasome has a major role in the development of many tumors. However, the prognostic importance of ubiquitin proteasome-system genes (UPSGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully defined. Methods: The TCGA and ICGC datasets were utilized to obtain transcriptional profiling data as well as clinicopathological information about HCC. The 3-UPSGs signature for the TCGA cohort was developed via univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. Differential expression of genes was demonstrated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Biological pathways were studied using GSVA and GSEA. Six algorithms were used to compare immune infiltration between the two risk groups. Furthermore, drug sensitivity was measured using the "pRRophetic" R package. The predictive capacity of the 3-UPSGs signature for sensitivity to immunotherapy was also explored. Moreover, we performed a pan-cancer analysis of the 3-UPSGs signature. Results: A risk model containing 3 UPSGs (DCAF13, CDC20 and PSMB5) was developed. IHC and qRT-PCR results showed that signature genes were significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues. The high-risk group had a worse prognosis, with a higher clinicopathological grade, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB), elevated levels of immune checkpoint (IC) expression, as well as increased sensitivity to immunotherapy. The two risk groups also differ in their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the three UPSGs may play crucial roles in the progression of multiple types of cancers. Conclusion: We created a 3-UPSGs signature to estimate the prognosis of HCC and to assist in individualized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The progression of numerous malignancies has been linked to abnormal vesicle-mediated transport-related gene (VMTRG) expression. The prognostic importance of VMTRGs in HCC is uncertain nonetheless. Methods: Utilizing HCC data from TCGA and ICGC, we employed univariate cox analysis, unsupervised clustering, and lasso analysis to construct molecular subtypes and prognostic signature of HCC based on the prognostic-associated VMTRGs expression levels. Subsequently, we validated the expression levels of the signature genes. We investigated the probable pathways using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Six methods were utilized to compare immune cell infiltration between two risk groups. Moreover, the "pRRophetic" algorithm was utilized to test the drug sensitivity of both groups. Results: We identified two distinct subtypes with divergent biological behaviors and immune functionality through unsupervised clustering. Subtype C1 demonstrated a poorer prognosis. A prognostic signature incorporating two VMTRGs (KIF2C and RAC1) was formulated. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analyses unveiled a significant upregulation of these pivotal genes within HCC tissues. The prognosis was worse for the high-risk group, which also had a higher clinicopathological grade, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB), a higher immunological infiltration of CD8 + T cells, a higher expression of immune checkpoints, and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. These two risk groups also have varied chemotherapy drug sensitivities. Conclusions: Based on VMTRGs, we have developed a signature that assists in accurate prognosis prediction and formulating personalized treatment strategies for HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifaceted regime shifts of Earth's surface are ongoing dramatically and--in turn--considerably alter global carbon budget, energy balance and biogeochemical cycles. Sustainably managing terrestrial ecosystems requires an increased understanding of these structurally and functionally heterogeneous multi-component information and their changes, but we remain lack of such records of fractional vegetation and soil information at global scale. Here, we provide a globally comprehensive record of monthly vegetation and soil fractions during the period 2001-2022 using a spatio36 temporally adaptive spectral mixture analysis framework. This product is designed to continuously represent Earth's terrestrial surface as a percentage of five physically meaningful vegetation and soil endmembers (photosynthetic vegetation, non-photosynthetic vegetation, bare soil, ice/snow, and dark surface) with high accuracy and low uncertainty, compared to previous vegetation index and vegetation continuous fields product, as well as traditional fully constrained linear spectral mixture models. We also adopt non-parametric seasonal Mann-Kendall tested fractional dynamics to identify shifts based on interactive changes of these fractions. Our results--superior to previous portrayal of the greening planet--not only report a +9.35×105 km2 42 change of photosynthetic vegetation, but also explore decrease of non-photosynthetic vegetation (-2.19×105 km2), bare soil (-5.14×105 km2), and dark surface (-2.27×105 km2 43). Besides, Interactive changes of these fractions yield multifaceted regime shifts with important implications, such as a simultaneous increase in PV and NPV in central and southwest China during afforestation activities, an increase of PV in cropland of China and India due to intensive agricultural development, a decrease of PV and increase of BS in tropical zones resulting from deforestation. These advantages highlight that our dataset which provides locally relevant information on multifaceted regime shifts at the required scale, enabling scalable modelling and effective governance of future terrestrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis of multiple samples separately can be costly and lead to batch effects. Exogenous barcodes or genome-wide RNA mutations can be used to demultiplex pooled scRNA-seq data, but they are experimentally or computationally challenging and limited in scope. Mitochondrial genomes are small but diverse, providing concise genotype information. We developed "mitoSplitter," an algorithm that demultiplexes samples using mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) variants, and demonstrated that mtRNA variants can be used to demultiplex large-scale scRNA-seq data. Using affordable computational resources, mitoSplitter can accurately analyze 10 samples and 60,000 cells in 6 h. To avoid the batch effects from separated experiments, we applied mitoSplitter to analyze the responses of five non-small cell lung cancer cell lines to BET (Bromodomain and extraterminal) chemical degradation in a multiplexed fashion. We found the synthetic lethality of TOP2A inhibition and BET chemical degradation in BET inhibitor-resistant cells. The result indicates that mitoSplitter can accelerate the application of scRNA-seq assays in biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dynamic PET is an essential tool in oncology due to its ability to visualize and quantify radiotracer uptake, which has the potential to improve imaging quality. However, image noise caused by a low photon count in dynamic PET is more significant than in static PET. This study aims to develop a novel denoising method, namely the Guided Block Matching and 4-D Transform Domain Filter (GBM4D) projection, to enhance dynamic PET image reconstruction. Methods: The sinogram was first transformed using the Anscombe method, then denoised using a combination of hard thresholding and Wiener filtering. Each denoising step involved guided block matching and grouping, collaborative filtering, and weighted averaging. The guided block matching was performed on accumulated PET sinograms to prevent mismatching due to low photon counts. The performance of the proposed denoising method (GBM4D) was compared to other methods such as wavelet, total variation, non-local means, and BM3D using computer simulations on the Shepp–Logan and digital brain phantoms. The denoising methods were also applied to real patient data for evaluation. Results: In all phantom studies, GBM4D outperformed other denoising methods in all time frames based on the structural similarity and peak signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, GBM4D yielded the lowest root mean square error in the time-activity curve of all tissues and produced the highest image quality when applied to real patient data. Conclusion: GBM4D demonstrates excellent denoising and edge-preserving capabilities, as validated through qualitative and quantitative assessments of both temporal and spatial denoising performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxin response factor (ARF) is a critical regulator in the auxin signaling pathway, involved in a variety of plant biological processes. Here, gene members of 24 SpapARFs and 39 SpnpARFs were identified in two genomes of Saccharum spontaneum clones AP85-441 and Np-X, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all ARF genes were clustered into four clades, which is identical to those ARF genes in maize (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The gene structure and domain composition of this ARF family are conserved to a large degree across plant species. The SpapARF and SpnpARF genes were unevenly distributed on chromosomes 1--8 and 1--10 in the two genomes of AP85-441 and Np-X, respectively. Segmental duplication events may also contribute to this gene family expansion in S. spontaneum. The post-transcriptional regulation of ARF genes likely involves sugarcane against various stressors through a miRNAmedicated pathway. Expression levels of six representative ShARF genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR assays on two sugarcane cultivars [LCP85-384 (resistant to leaf scald) and ROC20 (susceptible to leaf scald)] triggered by Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae (Aaa) and Xanthomonas albilineans (Xa) infections and salicylic acid (SA) treatment. ShARF04 functioned as a positive regulator under Xa and Aaa stress, whereas it was a negative regulator under SA treatment. ShARF07/17 genes played positive roles against both pathogenic bacteria and SA stresses. Additionally, ShARF22 was negatively modulated by Xa and Aaa stimuli in both cultivars, particularly LCP85-384. These findings imply that sugarcane ARFs exhibit functional redundancy and divergence against stressful conditions. This work lays the foundation for further research on ARF gene functions in sugarcane against diverse environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proactively programming materials toward target nonlinear mechanical behaviors is crucial to realize customizable functions for advanced devices and systems, which arouses persistent explorations for rapid and efficient inverse design strategies. Herein, we propose a "mechanical Fourier transform" strategy to program mechanical behaviors of materials by mimicking the concept of Fourier transform. In this strategy, an arbitrary target force-displacement curve is decomposed into multiple cosine curves and a constant curve, each of which is realized by a rationally designed multistable module in an array-structured metamaterial. Various target curves with distinct shapes can be rapidly programmed and reprogrammed through only amplitude modulation on the modules. Two exemplary metamaterials are demonstrated to validate the strategy with a macroscale prototype based on magnet lattice and a microscale prototype based on an etched silicon wafer. This strategy applies to a variety of scales, constituents, and structures, and paves a way for the property programming of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a clinical complication that requires a better understanding of the causative risk factors. This study aimed to explore the risk factors and the expression and function of miR-1 and miR-133a in new atrial fibrillation after AMI. Methods: We collected clinical data from 172 patients with AMI treated with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between October 2021 and October 2022. Independent predictors of NOAF were determined using binary logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The predictive value of NOAF was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for related risk factors. In total, 172 venous blood samples were collected preoperatively and on the first day postoperatively; the expression levels of miR-1 and miR-133a were determined using the polymerase chain reaction. The clinical significance of miR-1 and miR-133a expression levels was determined by Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The Glasgow prognostic score, left atrial diameter, and infarct area were significant independent risk factors for NOAF after AMI. We observed that the expression levels of miR-1 and miR-133a were significantly higher in the NOAF group than in the non-NOAF group. On postoperative day 1, strong associations were found between miR-133a expression levels and the neutrophil ratio and between miR-1 expression levels and an increased left atrial diameter. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the mechanism of NOAF after AMI may include an inflammatory response associated with an increased miR-1-related mechanism. Conversely, miR-133a could play a protective role in this clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To analyze the expression of cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80)/cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and their correlation with the syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine, pathology and prognosis. Methods: (1) The correlation between the pathological characteristics of 232 postoperative CRC patients and the deficiency and excess syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine was analyzed using the chi-square test, Spearman’s correlation, and Cox regression methods. (2) Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of CD80 and CD163 in cancer and para cancer tissues of CRC patients. (3) The relationships between the changes of CD80 and CD163 and the prognosis of CRC patients with deficiency syndrome. Patient survival were analyzed using cardinality and Cox regression proportional-hazards model regression. Results: (1) The degree of differentiation and tumor node metastasis stage of CRC were statistically different between patients with deficiency and excess syndromes (P < 0.05); carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen19-9were highly expressed in the excess syndrome group, and both were significantly correlated with the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes (P <0.001); deficiency and excess syndromes, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were all independent factors affecting the postoperative survival of CRC patients. (2) The distribution of post-operative survival in CRC patients was significantly correlated with the distribution of the disease type (P<0.001). (3) The expression levels of CD163 protein and message RNA were significantly higher in CRC cancer tissues than in paraneoplastic tissues (P <0.001); whereas the expression of CD80 was significantly higher in paraneoplastic tissues than in cancer tissues(P < 0.001). (4) The expression levels of CD80/CD163 were significantly different indifferent parts of the tissues of patients with deficiency and excess syndromes (P <0.001). (5) CRC patients with high CD80 expression and low CD163 expression had longer survival cycles (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The malignant progression of CRC patients with deficiency syndrome is faster than that with excess syndrome. The correlation between deficiency and excess syndromes and the expression levels of CD80 and CD163 could be an independent risk factor for the survival prognosis of patients with CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]