Search

Abstract Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by RNA binding proteins is crucial for male germline development. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), an RNA binding protein, is specifically expressed in human and mouse male gonads and is involved in manifold biological processes and tumorigenesis. However, the function of IGF2BP1 in mammalian spermatogenesis remains poorly understood. Herein, we generated an Igf2bp1 conditional knockout mouse model using Nanos3-Cre. Germ cell deficiency of Igf2bp1 in mice caused spermatogenic defects in an age-dependent manner, resulting in decreased numbers of undifferentiated spermatogonia and increased germ cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1, a well-recognized mRNA stabilizer, interacted with IGF2BP1. Single cell RNA-sequencing showed distinct mRNA profiles in spermatogonia from conditional knockout versus wide type mice. Further research showed that IGF2BP1 plays a vital role in the modulation of spermatogenesis by regulating Lin28a mRNA, which is essential for clonal expansion of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Thus, our results highlight the crucial effects of IGF2BP1 on spermatogonia for the long-term maintenance of spermatogenesis.

Honey, a widely consumed food, is susceptible to contamination by various toxic substances during production. Tropane alkaloids, with their potent neurotoxicity, are frequently found in honey. Hence, there is an acute need for rapid and effective detection methods to monitor these alkaloids. Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), known for its simple operation, low cost, and reliable results, holds great promise. In this study, we developed an efficient and user-friendly analytical method for the simultaneous detection of six tropane alkaloids (atropine, L-hyoscyamine, scopolamine, anisodamine, homatropine, and apoatropine) in honey based on an AuNPs lateral flow immunoassay (AuNPs-LFIA) with broad-spectrum antibodies. Under optimal conditions, the calculated detection limits were 0.22, 0.29, 0.51, 6.34, 0.30, and 0.94 ng/mL, respectively. By diluting the honey sample five times, the contaminants can be readily detected using LFIA. Semi-quantitative and quantitative analyses can be completed within 17 min. This innovative method fills the void in LFIA for detecting tropane alkaloids and serves as a valuable reference for LFIA detection of honey samples, providing a crucial strategy for the accurate detection of these important compounds.

With the continuous increase in train running speeds and the rapid complexity of operation environments, running stability of the high-speed train is facing significant challenges. A series of abnormal vibration issues, caused by hunting instability, have emerged, including bogie instability alarm, carbody swaying, and carbody shaking, posing a significant threat to the safe and stable operation of high-speed trains. Therefore, the monitoring and diagnosis of hunting instability have become important research topics in rail transit. This review follows the development of fault diagnosis for bogie hunting instability and carbody hunting instability. It first summarizes the existing evaluation standards and innovative diagnostic methods. Due to the current limitation of hunting instability evaluation standards, which can only detect large-amplitude hunting, this paper addresses the gap in evaluation criteria for early-stage, small amplitude hunting instability diagnosis. A thorough overview of the progress made by researches in this field of research is given, emphasizing three primary facets: diagnostic signal sources, diagnostic features, and diagnostic targets. Furthermore, given that existing methods only classify faults into small and large amplitudes, which does not meet the practical need for quickly and accurately identifying fault types and severity during operation, this review introduces existing works on the detailed assessment and fault tracing of hunting instability, as well as the mechanisms underlying its occurrence, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive diagnosis of hunting instability. Finally, the limitations of current methods and the future development trends in hunting instability diagnostics are discussed and summarized. This paper provides readers with a framework for the research process of hunting instability diagnosis, offering valuable references and innovative perspectives for their future research efforts.

Ectopic spleen (ES) is a rare condition. It is difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging modalities. In this case series, we presented the imaging features of three misdiagnosed ES cases in our hospital and previously reported cases to compare the consistency of enhancement patterns among different imaging modalities with varied phases. Finally, 22 cases were reviewed. We determined that variable arterial phase enhancement and persistent enhancement throughout the portal and delayed phases are present in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of the ES and found the arterial phase of CEUS had the highest consistency compared with computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The genera Parabramis and Megalobrama are important freshwater aquaculture economic fish, and the excavation and utilization of excellent germplasm resources are pivotal in ensuring the supply of high-quality aquatic protein in China. However, as a consequence of fast domestication, overfishing and water pollution, the germplasm resources of Parabramis and Megalobrama are under threat of recession. These germplasm resources serve as an indispensable material basis for the healthy and sustainable development of the Parabramis and Megalobrama breeding industries. It is of great strategic significance to systematically collect, preserve, identify, evaluate, protect and utilize Parabramis and Megalobrama germplasm resources. This paper reviews the major results of studies on the morphology, cytogenetics, and molecular population genetics of the genera Parabramis and Megalobrama, the progress in their genetic improvement through hybridization, selective breeding and gynogenesis techniques, and the current protection measures for Parabramis and Megalobrama germplasm resources. Then, some suggestions for the protection of these germplasm resources and improved variety creation are provided. It is expected to offer basic resources for the sustainable development of the Parabramis and Megalobrama seed industries.

Hybrid bream (BBTB) is a high-quality bream derived from a hybrid lineage of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, 2n ​= ​48, BSB, ♀) ​× ​topmouth culter (Culter alburnus, 2n ​= ​48, TC, ♂). In this study, to explore the laws of artificial propagation of BBTB in a brackish water environment, 150 pairs of BBTB with an average weight of 1000 ​g were selected as brood fish, and a successful artificial propagation experiment was carried out at the Freshwater Fish Nansha (Nanfan) Breeding Center (2‰–5‰ brackish water). The fertilization and hatching rate was 86% and 78%, respectively, and a total of 1 ​800 ​000 larvae were obtained. After 26 days of cultivation, 400 ​000 larvae survived, showing a survival rate of 22%. This study is of great significance regarding the basic theories and applications of fish genetics.

PurposeCommercial independent monitor unit (IMU) check systems for high-magnetic-field MR-guided radiation therapy (RT) systems are lacking. We investigated the feasibility of adopting an existing treatment planning system (TPS) as an IMU check for online adaptive radiotherapy using 1.5-Tesla MR-Linac.MethodsThe 7-MV flattening filter free (FFF) beam and multi-leaf collimator (MLC) models of a 1.5-T Elekta Unity MR-Linac within Monte Carlo-based Monaco TPS were used to generate an optimized beam model in Eclipse TPS. The MLC dosimetric leaf gap of the beam in Eclipse was determined by matching the dose distribution of Eclipse-generated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans using the Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) algorithm to Monaco plans. The plans were automatically adjusted for different source-to-axis distances (SADs) between the two systems. For IMU check, the treatment plans developed in Monaco were transferred to Eclipse to recalculate the dose using AAA. A plug-in within Eclipse was created to perform a 2D gamma analysis of the AAA and Monte Carlo dose distribution on a beam’s eye view parallel plane. Monaco dose distribution was shifted laterally by 2 mm during gamma analysis to account for the impact of magnetic field on electron trajectories. Eclipse doses for posterior beams were corrected for both the Unity couch and the posterior MR coil attenuation. Thirteen patients, each with 4–5 fractions for a variety of tumor sites (pancreas, rectum, and prostate), were tested.ResultsAfter thorough commissioning, the method was implemented as part of the standard clinical workflow. A total of 62 online plans, each with approximately 15 beams, were evaluated. The average per-beam gamma (3%/3 mm) pass rate for plans was 97.9% (range, 95.9% to 98.8%). The average pass rate per beam for all 932 beams used in these plans was 97.9% ± 1.9%, with the lowest per-beam gamma pass rate at 88.4%. The time for the process was within 3.2 ± 0.9 min.ConclusionThe use of a second planning system provides an efficient way to perform IMU checks with clinically acceptable accuracy for online adaptive plans on Unity MR-Linac. This is essential for meeting the safety requirements for second checks as outlined in American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group (AAPM TG) reports 114 and 219.

Heterogeneous lattice structure was constructed with rhombic dodecahedron and octet- truss lattice structures. The rhombic dodecahedron lattice was bending-dominated, while octet-truss lattice was stretching-dominated. The rhombic dodecahedron lattice fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) was compressed by a universal testing machine, which was also investigated by finite element model. Afterwards, the validated numerical model was used to study the designed heterogeneous lattice. Calculations indicates that heterogeneous lattice structures outperform the rhombic dodecahedron lattice structure. The introduction of octet-truss unit cell enhances the mechanical behavior of the heterogeneous lattice structure in terms of Young's modulus and stress magnitude, which depends on the pattern of octet-truss cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Newer technologies allow for daily treatment adaptation, providing the ability to account for setup variations and organ motion but comes at the cost of increasing the treatment workflow complexity. One such technology is the adapt-to-position (ATP) workflow on the Unity MR-Linac. Prospective risk assessment of a new workflow allows clinics to catch errors before they occur, especially for processes that include novel and unfamiliar steps. Methods: As part of a quality management program, failure modes and effects analysis was performed on the ATP treatment workflow following the recommendations of AAPM’s Task Group 100. A multidisciplinary team was formed to identify and evaluate failure modes for all the steps taken during a daily treatment workflow. Failure modes of high severity and overall score were isolated and addressed. Results: Mitigations were determined for high-ranking failure modes and implemented into the clinic. High-ranking failure modes existed in all steps of the workflow. Failure modes were then rescored to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigations. Conclusion: Failure modes and effects analysis on the Unity MR-Linac highlighted areas in the ATP workflow that could be prone to failures and allowed our clinic to change the process to be more robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of sourness, bitterness, sweetness, pungency, and saltness results in different effects. Through the analysis of the theory of combining five flavours in Fu Qingzhu′s Obstetrics and Gynecology, this article explores its application in formulation ideas and the characteristics of Chinese medication, summarized as " primarily sweet, with all four flavors harmonized". FU Qingzhu emphasizes the central role of sweet-flavour medicine in facilitating conception, while incorporating the other four flavours in synergy. For instance, sweet and pungent flavours can boost yang energy, eliminating chilliness and warming the uterus; sour and sweet flavours can nourish yin essence and protect the uterus; bitter and sweet flavours can tonify yin, supporting the kidneys and moistening the uterus; and pungent and salty flavours can eliminate stasis, regenerate blood, and enhance uterine functions. By flexibly utilizing the flavours and meridian affinity of traditional Chinese medicine, along with the theory of combining five flavours, it is possible to enhance drug compatibility, deepen the theoretical connotation of Chinese formulas, and regulate the uterus from both yin and yang aspects to facilitate conception. FU Qingzhu′s integration of multiple Chinese formulas into a single formula allows for comprehensive treatment. Clear differentiation of dosages within the formula highlights the primary and secondary relationships of traditional Chinese medicines. Additionally, the utilization of pharmaceutical processing techniques optimizes efficacy and regulates meridians and collaterals. This article explores FU Qingzhu′s application of the " pure and harmonious traditional Chinese medicines" theory. His prescription thinking enables the attainment of multi-level therapeutic effects, which greatly benefits the optimization of traditional Chinese medicine fertility assistance programs and increases pregnancy rates among infertility patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]