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• Early, tension syrinx patients benefit from SSS. • SSS should be used selectively. Syringo-subarachnoid shunt (SSS) is often considered a rescue procedure or a second-line treatment option for syringomyelia. However, the clinical efficacy of SSS in treating this condition remains controversial. To evaluate the long-term outcome of the SSS and its relationship with the syrinx area, as well as to investigate the factors that influence the prognosis. This retrospective study included twenty-seven consecutive patients who underwent SSS between 2014 and 2020. The study evaluated several independent variables such as age, sex, duration of progressive symptoms, morphological characteristics of the syrinx, changes in the syrinx area, and Chiari malformation. The long-term follow-up (>2 years) Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to assess neurological function and outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using a stepwise logistic regression test. All patients were followed up for an average of 48.6 ± 14.8(26.8 to 78.0) months. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed syrinx collapse to different degrees occurred in 96.3% (26 of 27) patients. The JOA score was improvedinonly6patients (22.2%), remained stable in 5 patients (18.5%),and deteriorated in 16 patients(59.3%).A logistic regression test showed that the tension syrinx (odds ratio 0.111) and early shunting intervention (odds ratio 0.138) were favorable independent prognostic factors. It is important to note that the shrinkage of the syrinx does not necessarily translate to an improvement in clinical outcomes. Therefore, the decision to perform SSS should be made with caution and considered as a last resort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged exposure to free silica leads to the development of silicosis, wherein activated fibroblasts play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis and progression. Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP), as a biomarker for activated fibroblasts, its expression pattern and role in key aspects of silicosis pathogenesis remain unclear. This study elucidated the expression pattern and function of FAP through population-based epidemiological investigations, establishment of mouse models of silicosis, and in vitro cellular models. Results indicated a significant elevation of FAP in plasma from silicosis patients and lung tissues from mouse models of silicosis. In the cellular model, we observed a sharp increase in FAP expression early in the differentiation process, which remained high expression. Inhibition of FAP suppressed fibroblast differentiation, while overexpression of FAP produced the opposite effect. Moreover, fibroblast-derived FAP can alter the phenotype and function of neighboring macrophages. In summary, we revealed a high expression pattern of FAP in silicosis and its potential mechanistic role in fibrosis, suggesting FAP as a potential therapeutic target for silicosis. [Display omitted] • The expression of FAP is increased in silicosis. • FAP increases earlier than transdifferentiation markers, regulating the process. • Fibroblast-derived FAP can alter the phenotype and function of macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of early hydration in cement – based material is always one of important issues for investigating their engineering application. This study investigated the early hydration reaction of mortars containing different waste dolomite powder (WDP) contents. Compared to the reference sample (WDP0), the hydration process, hydration products, pore structure and mechanical properties of samples prepared by WDP were studied at the early stage. For the hydration process, the 1H low – field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and chemical shrinkage testing results indicated that the process of early hydration of cement could be significantly accelerated by incorporating WDP. Meanwhile, the quantities of hydration products (Portlandite and calcite) in samples with WDP have a significant variation by X-ray diffraction results and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, the WDP40 has denser pore structure and higher mechanical properties than WDP0. After curing 3 d, the pore volume of WDP40 has a reduction of 17.84 %, the flexural and compressive strength of WDP40 were increased by 6.6 % and 18.06 %, respectively. Based on the mechanism analysis, the filling effect and nucleation effect of WDP in mortars contributed to the improvement of early cement hydration. This study is meaningful to evaluate the impact of WDP on the evolution of early cement hydration, which is expected to offer a reliable reference for the application of inert materials in cement – based materials. [Display omitted] • Waste dolomite powder used as a micro-aggregate was incorporated into mortar. • The early hydration of cement was accelerated by adding waste dolomite powder. • The quantities of hydration products in samples have a significant variation. • Waste dolomite powder has a positive impact on the early properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of novel traits is often preceded by a potentiation phase, when all the genetic components necessary for producing the trait are assembled. However, elucidating these potentiating factors is challenging. We have previously shown that an anthocyanin-activating R2R3-MYB , STRIPY , triggers the emergence of a distinct foliar pigmentation pattern in the monkeyflower Mimulus verbenaceus. Here, using forward and reverse genetics approaches, we identify three potentiating factors that pattern STRIPY expression: MvHY5 , a master regulator of light signaling that activates STRIPY and is expressed throughout the leaf, and two leaf developmental regulators, MvALOG1 and MvTCP5 , that are expressed in opposing gradients along the leaf proximodistal axis and negatively regulate STRIPY. These results provide strong empirical evidence that phenotypic novelties can be potentiated through incorporation into preexisting genetic regulatory networks and highlight the importance of positional information in patterning the novel foliar stripe. [Display omitted] • STRIPY is an activator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in a distinct mediolateral leaf stripe • Three leaf developmental regulators form a pre-pattern that determines STRIPY expression • MvHY5 activates STRIPY and is expressed throughout the leaf • MvALOG1 and MvTCP5 negatively regulate STRIPY and are expressed in opposing gradients Determining how novel phenotypes originate is a central question in evolution. LaFountain et al. use forward and reverse genetics approaches to identify three leaf developmental regulators that are co-opted to pattern a distinct foliar anthocyanin stripe in the monkeyflower species Mimulus verbenaceus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]