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This paper presents a new switchable variable stiffness mechanism (SVSM) aimed at reducing reaction forces in robotic assembly tasks. The introduced switchable variable stiffness device (SVSD) exceeds existing variable stiffness mechanisms (VSMs) by providing a three-degree of freedom. Additionally, it features adaptable switchable springs suitable for various working environments, designed to be lightweight and easily manufacturable using 3D printing materials. A theoretical model of the SVSM was developed, with its accuracy validated through simulations and experimental trials. Furthermore, standard process models for two different assembly task scenarios were also developed and implemented, showcasing the improved assembly performance of the SVSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Pigmentation changes in canopy leaves were first reported, and subsequent genetic analyses identified a major QTL associated with levels of pigmentation changes, suggesting Glyma.06G202300 as a candidate gene. An unexpected reddish-purple pigmentation in upper canopy leaves was discovered during the late reproductive stages in soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes. Two sensitive genotypes, ‘Uram’ and PI 96983, exhibited anomalous canopy leaf pigmentation changes (CLPC), while ‘Daepung’ did not. The objectives of this study were to: (i) characterize the physiological features of pigmented canopy leaves compared with non-pigmented leaves, (ii) evaluate phenotypic variation in a combined recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (N = 169 RILs) under field conditions, and (iii) genetically identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for CLPC via joint population linkage analysis. Comparison between pigmented and normal leaves revealed different Fv/Fm of photosystem II, hyperspectral reflectance, and cellular properties, suggesting the pigmentation changes occur in response to an undefined abiotic stress. A highly significant QTL was identified on chromosome 6, explaining ~ 62.8% of phenotypic variance. Based on the QTL result, Glyma.06G202300 encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) was identified as a candidate gene. In both Uram and PI 96983, a 1-bp deletion was confirmed in the third exon of Glyma.06G202300 that results in a premature stop codon in both Uram and PI 96983 and a truncated F3′H protein lacking important domains. Additionally, gene expression analyses uncovered significant differences between pigmented and non-pigmented leaves. This is the first report of a novel symptom and an associated major QTL. These results will provide soybean geneticists and breeders with valuable knowledge regarding physiological changes that may affect soybean production. Further studies are required to elucidate the causal environmental stress and the underlying molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, laser welding was employed to butt-weld warm-rolled 6.86% medium Mn transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel (MMS). The investigation focused on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the base metal (BM) as well as the welded joint (WJ). The BM exhibited a mixed microstructure consisting of austenite and δ-ferrite, while the fusion zone (FZ) contained martensite and δ-ferrite. In terms of hardness, the cross section of the FZ in the WJ displayed higher values compared to the BM. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) did not exhibit significant hardness reduction. Tensile testing revealed that the WJ of the MMS exhibited ductile fracture behavior, with the elongation initially increasing and then decreasing with the rise in laser power. Notably, experimental data demonstrated that a laser power of 1500 W outperformed all other power settings in terms of macro morphology and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In complex networks, contrastive learning has emerged as a crucial technique for acquiring discriminative representations from graph data. Maximizing the similarity among relevant sample pairs while minimizing that among irrelevant pairs is pivotal in contrastive learning. Therefore, careful consideration must be given to the design of sample pairs in contrastive learning. However, existing node-level self-supervised contrastive learning often treats the enhanced representation of a central node as a positive sample, while considering representations of all other nodes as negative samples. This approach can lead to conflicts in downstream tasks on some graph data, as nodes of the same class are treated as negatives during learning. Precision in sample pair design is essential for enhancing the performance of contrastive learning. To address this issue, this paper introduces a negative sample debiased sampling contrastive learning (NDSCL), specifically tailored for node classification tasks. In particular, this method integrates contrastive learning with semi-supervised learning. A trained classifier assigns pseudo-labels to unlabeled data, and debiased sampling is applied to negative samples. Unlike other methods that focus on negative sample selection, NDSCL also addresses the imbalance in pseudo-label distribution by employing debiasing techniques. Finally, in conjunction with diffusion augmentation, the model is provided with diverse views as inputs to maximize the retention of underlying semantic information. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly outperforms baseline models in node-level classification tasks across multiple network datasets. Moreover, the model not only enhances accuracy but also improves computational speed and memory requirements for handling large-scale graph data structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlomoides umbrosa Turczaninow (PU), a traditional Korean medicinal herb, exhibits osteogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. This research explored the effect of PU extracts on hyperimmune responses within the respiratory tract using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and an ovalbumin-induced hyper-responsiveness model. The inflammatory cytokines, protein expression linked to airway inflammation, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological observation, and expectorant activity were measured. The results revealed that PU treatment led to a concentration-dependent reduction in Th2 cytokines and the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphatase-tensin homolog, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Simultaneously, antioxidant enzyme activity increased. Furthermore, PU exhibited substantial enhancements in lung tissue condition and expectorant activity relative to the allergic rhinitis-induced group. These findings indicate the potential of PU to mitigate airway inflammation and excessive mucus production by suppressing NF-κB, MAPK, and iNOS pathways. Consequently, PU emerges as a promising anti-inflammatory agent for respiratory tract applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practical engineering environments, rolling bearing vibration signal is often interfered by strong noise, which negatively affects the diagnostic accuracy of intelligent diagnosis models. To solve the above problem, a fault diagnosis model (MDCAE-CACNN) that fuses a multi-scale dilated convolutional auto-encoder (MDCAE) and a channel attention-based convolutional neural network (CACNN) is proposed. First, the MDCAE model is used to capture the feature information of different time scales in rolling bearing vibration signal by using convolutional kernels with different receptive field sizes. Through unsupervised learning, the noise is removed to obtain high-quality reconstructed signals. Then, the fault features in the reconstructed signal are effectively extracted by CACNN model and the fault type is accurately diagnosed. The experimental results show that the proposed MDCAE-CACNN model exhibits remarkable improvements in fault diagnosis accuracy and effectiveness. Additionally, it showcases high levels of precision, robustness, and generalization ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This single-center, randomized, prospective, exploratory clinical trial was conducted to assess the clinical efficacy of an augmented reality (AR)—based breast cancer localization imaging solution for patients with breast cancer. Methods: This clinical trial enrolled 20 women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between the ages of 19 and 80, had a single lesion with a diameter ≥ 5 mm but ≤ 30 mm, had no metastases to other organs, and had not received prior chemotherapy. All patients underwent mammography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative assessment. Patients were randomly assigned to ultrasound-guided skin marking localization (USL) and AR-based localization (ARL) groups (n = 10 in each group). Statistical comparisons between USL and ARL groups were made based on demographics, radiologic features, pathological outcomes, and surgical outcomes using chi-square and Student t-tests. Results: Two surgeons performed breast-conserving surgery on 20 patients. Histopathologic evaluation of all patients confirmed negative margins. Two independent pathologists evaluated the marginal distances, and there were no intergroup differences in the readers' estimates (R1, 6.20 ± 4.37 vs. 5.04 ± 3.47, P = 0.519; R2, 5.10 ± 4.31 vs. 4.10 ± 2.38, P = 0.970) or the readers' average values (5.65 ± 4.19 vs. 4.57 ± 2.84, P = 0.509). In comparing the tumor plane area ratio, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of either reader's mean values (R1, 15.90 ± 9.52 vs. 19.38 ± 14.05, P = 0.525; R2, 15.32 ± 9.48 vs. 20.83 ± 12.85, P = 0.290) or the overall mean values of two readers combined (15.56 ± 9.11 vs. 20.09 ± 13.38, P = 0.388). Convenience, safety, satisfaction, and reusability were all superior in the AR localization group (P < 0.001) based on the two surgeons' responses. Conclusion: AR localization is an acceptable alternative to ultrasound-guided skin marking with no significant differences in surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the power diode laser beam machining (DLBM) process, the kerf width (KW) and surface roughness (SR) are important factors in evaluating the cutting quality of the machined specimens. Apart from determining the influence of process parameters on these factors, it is also very important to adopt multi-response optimization approaches for them, in order to achieve better processing of specimens, especially for hard-to-cut materials. In this investigation, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm tuned ANFIS (GA-ANFIS) were used to predict the KW on a titanium alloy workpiece during DLBM. Five machining process factors, namely power diode, standoff distance, feed rate, duty cycle, and frequency, were used for the development of the model due to their correlation with KW. As in some cases, traditional soft computing methods cannot achieve high accuracy; in this investigation, an endeavor was made to introduce the GA-assisted ANFIS technique to predict kerf width while machining grooves in a titanium alloy workpiece using the DLBM process based on experimental results of a total of 50 combinations of the process parameters. It was observed that FIS was tuned well using the ANN in the ANFIS model with an R2 value of 0.99 for the training data but only 0.94 value for the testing dataset. The predicting performance of the GA-ANFIS model was better with less value for error parameters (MSE, RMSE, MAE) and a higher R2 value of 0.98 across different folds. Comparison with other state-of-the-art models further indicated the superiority of the GA-ANFIS predictive model, as its performance was superior in terms of all metrics. Finally, the optimal process parameters for minimum KW and SR, from gray relational–based (GRB) multi-response optimization (MRO) approach, were found as 20 W (level 2) for laser power, 22 mm (level 5) for standoff distance, 300 mm/min (level 5) for feed rate, 85% (level 5) for duty cycle, and 18 kHz (level 3) for frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs molecular dynamics simulation to examine the tribological behavior of nano zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) lubricated with decanol. The changes in electrostatic interaction energy, molecular structure, and chemical reactions during the friction process were analyzed. For ZnO-decanol-ZnO system, the simulation revealed a notable reduction in the coefficient of friction for nano-ZnO, decreasing from 0.49 (at 0.5 GPa and 100 m/s) to 0.18 (at 3 GPa and 20 m/s). This improvement is attributed to the enhanced adsorption ability and temperature stabilization provided by the decanol lubricant. Furthermore, an increase in velocity induces elastoplastic deformation and wear on the sliding surface, leading to a decline in tribological performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle atrophy significantly impairs health and quality of life; however, there is still no cure. Recently, the possibility of regeneration in muscle atrophic cells was suggested through mitochondrial transfer. Therefore, we attempted to prove the efficacy of mitochondrial transplantation in animal models. To this end, we prepared intact mitochondria from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells maintaining their membrane potential. To examine the efficacy of mitochondrial transplantation on muscle regeneration, we measured muscle mass, cross-sectional area of muscle fiber, and changes in muscle-specific protein. In addition, changes in the signaling mechanisms related to muscle atrophy were evaluated. As a result, in mitochondrial transplantation, the muscle mass increased by 1.5-fold and the lactate concentration decreased by 2.5-fold at 1 week in dexamethasone-induced atrophic muscles. In addition, a 2.3-fold increase in the expression of desmin protein, a muscle regeneration marker, showed a significant recovery in MT 5 µg group. Importantly, the muscle-specific ubiquitin E3-ligases MAFbx and MuRF-1 were significantly decreased through AMPK-mediated Akt-FoxO signaling pathway by mitochondrial transplantation compared with the saline group, reaching a level similar to that in the control. Based on these results, mitochondrial transplantation may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of atrophic muscle disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-dose cytarabine (HDAC) is commonly used for consolidation therapy in young acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, but the dosage of cytarabine is still controversial in the clinic due to its obvious post-chemotherapy adverse effects. The aim of this study was to contrast the efficacy in different dose groups of cytarabine after consolidation therapy in Chinese AML patients. Methods: AML patients treated with cytarabine consolidation at Qilu Hospital, Shandong University from January 2010 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, from which 346 AML patients with relatively complete follow-up data were selected for this study. We compared the patients' overall survival (OS) rate, relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, and hematologic adverse events in terms of their general characteristics, cytarabine consolidation therapy dose, consolidation course, 2022 European Leukemia Net (ELN) risk stratification, and transplantation. Results: In AML patients under 60 years of age, the 5-year RFS rate with high-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy was superior to that of small-dose cytarabine (P = 0.024), while the 5-year RFS rate was comparable in the high-dose and intermediate-dose groups, and there was no obvious difference among the three groups in the 5-year OS rate (P > 0.05). OS and RFS of those given more than 3 courses of cytarabine consolidation therapy were better than those in the 1–2 courses group (P = 0.060, P = 0.040). OS and RFS were better in patients with cumulative dose of cytarabine ≥ 36g than in patients with cumulative dose < 36g (P < 0.05), but cumulative dose ≥ 54g was comparable in OS and RFS with ≥ 36–< 54g group (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in hematologic adverse effects among the three treatment groups. In the latest ELN risk stratification favorable-risk group, the cumulative dose of cytarabine ≥ 36g had a better 5-year RFS rate than the < 36g group (P = 0.038), and in the intermediate-risk group the 5-year OS rate and RFS rate were better in the ≥ 36g group than the < 36g group (P = 0.012, 0.025). In addition, the prognosis of transplanted patients was better than that of non-transplanted patients, whereas in non-transplanted patients, consolidation therapy with ≥ 36g cytarabine can effectively improve outcomes. Multivariate analysis indicated that age, fibrinogen (FIB) and the cumulative dose of cytarabine of ≥ 36–< 54g were predictors of OS, while age, white blood cell (WBC) and HDAC were predictors of RFS. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that consolidation therapy with cytarabine up to a cumulative dose of ≥ 36–< 54g in AML patients who did not undergo transplantation significantly improved patient prognosis. In the latest ELN risk stratification, cumulative doses of cytarabine ≥ 36g had a better prognosis in favorable and intermediate-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive compounds were extracted from the brown seaweed Ecklonia stolonifera using subcritical water hydrolysis, a green extraction technique to valorize raw biomass. The reaction temperature for the hydrolysis ranged between 120 °C and 220 °C and the products were compared with those obtained by methanol extraction. Reaction temperature played a significant role in the release of active compounds such as sugars, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The optimum extraction temperature was found to be 195 °C; at this temperature, the yield of reducing sugars was 61.83 ± 1.63 mg glucose, the total phenolic compound content was 26.02 ± 0.05 mg phloroglucinol, and the total flavonoid compound content was 8.40 ± 0.18 mg quercetin g−1 of E. stolonifera sample on a dry weight basis. Six different phenolic compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), of which gallic acid was the most abundant. Hydrolysates obtained using subcritical water extraction possessed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The results of this study will be useful for further valorizing brown seaweeds in applications with potential benefits for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to apply protein-rich red algal (Pyropia yezoensis) hydrolysates to formulate functional food using spray drying techniques. Four wall materials (WMs), namely gelatin, whey protein, starch, and dextrin, were used to observe the physicochemical properties and comparative efficiency in spray drying powders (SDP) formation. The efficiency varied from 25.85 ± 2.34% to 84.60 ± 4.87% in different WMs where the average particle size of the SDPs ranged between 23.49 ± 0.32 μm to 236.03 ± 0.72 μm. The morphological analysis of the SDPs was also conducted using SEM. FT-IR analysis of the WMs was different with SDPs and showed characteristic bands at some particular wavelengths, especially 3000–3300 cm−1 and 1000–1700 cm−1, indicating the successful formation of SDPs. Additionally, analyses of thermal gravimetric and amino acid content were performed. The taurine and GABA content were at their highest levels in SDPs with dextrin as a WM (323.18 ± 0.38 mg (100 g)−1 and 21.70 ± 0.14 mg (100 g)−1, respectively). The results of this study suggest that the SDP of P. yezoensis hydrolysates has commercial importance and can be used as a rich amino acid functional food material for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant iron metabolism is commonly observed in multiple tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, as the key regulator of iron metabolism involved in iron absorption, the role of transferrin receptor (TFRC) in HCC remains elusive. Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of TFRC were evaluated in paired HCC and adjacent non-tumor specimens. The correlation between TFRC level and clinicopathological features or prognostic significance was also analyzed. The role of TFRC on biological functions was finally studied in vitro and in vivo. Results: The TFRC level was remarkably upregulated in HCC tissues compared to paired peritumor tissues. Overexpressed TFRC positively correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and poor tumor differentiation. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that upregulated TFRC was an independent predictive marker for poorer overall survival and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Loss of TFRC markedly impaired cell proliferation and migration in vitro and notably suppressed HCC growth and metastasis in vivo, while overexpression of TFRC performed an opposite effect. Mechanistically, the mTOR signaling pathway was downregulated with TFRC knockdown, and the mTOR agonist MHY1485 completely reversed the biological inhibition in HCC cells caused by TFRC knockdown. Furthermore, exogenous ferric citrate (FAC) or iron chelator reversed the changed biological functions and signaling pathway expression of HCC cells caused by TFRC knockdown or overexpression, respectively. Conclusions: Our study indicates that TFRC exerts an oncogenic role in HCC and may become a promising therapeutic target to restrain HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a methodology employing Iterative Learning Control (ILC) to enhance the control performance of soft grippers equipped with multiple curvatures and variable stiffness. ILC is a learning-based control approach that progressively reduces errors in repetitive tasks, known for delivering superior performance in complex systems. In the context of the increasing utilization of robotic technology across various industries, the control technology of soft robots, especially soft grippers with multiple curvatures and variable stiffness, is a crucial issue. While prior research has focused on single-curvature and single-input single-output (SISO) systems, this study addresses the intricate control problem of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) soft gripper systems capable of multiple curvatures. It also proposes an enhanced design for soft grippers with multiple curvatures and variable stiffness while highlighting the potential of ILC for enhancing control performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic vascular degenerative disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential for maintaining the integrity of healthy blood vessels. Macrophages play an important role in the inflammatory process of AAA. However, the effect of macrophage-derived exosome LncRNA PVT1 on VSMCs is unclear. Exosomes from M1 macrophages (M1φ-exos) were isolated and identified. The expression of LncRNA PVT1 in M1φ-exos was determined. AAA cell model was constructed by treating VSMCs with Ang-II. AAA cell model was treated with M1φ exosomes transfected with si-LncRNA PVT1 (M1φsi–LncRNA PVT1-exo). VSMCs were transfected with miR-186-5p mimic and oe-HMGB1. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The accumulation of LDH was detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the expression of HMGB1, inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) and pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, N-GSDMD, ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and Cleaved-Capase-1). Cell pyroptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. At the same time, the targeting relationship between miR-186-5p and LncRNA PVT1 and HMGB1 was verified by double fluorescein experiment. Exosomes from M1φ were successfully extracted. The expression of LncRNA PVT1 in M1φ-exos was significantly increased. M1φ-exo promotes inflammation and pyroptosis of VSMCs. M1φsi−LncRNA PVT1-exos inhibited the inflammation and pyroptosis of VSMCs. LncRNA PVT1 can sponge miR-186-5p mimic to regulate HMGB1 expression. MiR-186-5p mimic further inhibited inflammation and pyroptosis induced by M1φsi−LncRNA PVT1-exos. However, oe-HMGB1 could inhibit the reversal effect of miR-186-5p mimic. LncRNA PVT1 in exosomes secreted by M1φ can regulate HMGB1 by acting as ceRNA on sponge miR-186-5p, thereby promoting cell inflammatory and pyroptosis and accelerating AAA progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is rare in children and remains poorly understood. Our aim was to analyse the clinical and imaging features of eosinophilic cystitis in children. Methods: A retrospective review of histologically confirmed eosinophilic cystitis between January 2008 and December 2022 was performed, including patient age, sex, symptoms, laboratory examination, radiology, treatment and outcome. Results: Twelve children (two girls, 10 boys; age range: 3–12 years, mean age: 7.2 years) were included in the study. Urinary irritation symptoms (10/12), haematuria (5/12) and hypogastralgia (3/12) were the most common symptoms. Five patients had a history of allergies, six patients had elevated serum IgE, nine patients had elevated peripheral eosinophils and six patients had positive microscopic haematuria. Radiology revealed diffuse homogeneous or inhomogeneous thickening in seven patients, localised thickening in three patients, and solitary tumour-like lesions in the other two patients. Preservation of the mucosal line and bladder wall layering were observed in eleven patients, and perivesical exudation and small vessel dilatation were observed in ten patients. All four patients with delayed scans showed obvious delayed enhancement. One patient showed low signal intensity on T2-W imaging. All patients received antihistamine, antibiotic and/or corticosteroid therapy and two tumour-like patients underwent transurethral resection. Nine patients achieved complete response and three patients achieved partial response. Conclusion: The clinical and imaging manifestations of EC in children have relative characteristics; when urologist and radiologist confronted with similar cases, EC should be considered. The final diagnosis depends on pathological biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of chromium (Cr(VI)) in groundwater threatens public health because of the industrial development being historically less supervised. To remove Cr(VI) from groundwater and other surface waters, a new FeCl3-modified magnetic biochar (MBPH550) was prepared from a waste peanut hull. The magnetic potential was to facilitate the separation of absorbent from the water phase. The removal efficiency, adsorption kinetics and isotherm models, and adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) on MBPH550 were investigated. MBPH550 had a large specific surface of 243.23 m2/g and saturation magnetization of 5.65 emu/g. MBPH550 achieved a removal efficiency of Cr(VI) up to 92.2% ± 2.0%. Low pH favored the adsorption of Cr(VI). At pH 6.0, the adsorption of Cr(VI) on MBPH550 fits the Elovich kinetic model and Freundlich isothermal adsorption model, with an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 6.64 mg/g. In addition to the direct functional group coordination and precipitation on the surface of MBPH550, Cr(VI) was also reduced to Cr3+, Cr(OH)3, Cr2O3, and FeCr2O4, which were all deposited on the surface of MBPH550. MBPH550 could be a widely applied efficient adsorbent for removing Cr(VI) from wastewater, groundwater, and leachate of Cr-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate bowel preparation is an important factor in high-quality colonoscopy. It is generally accepted that a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score ≥ 6 is adequate, but some reports suggest ≥ 7. Subjects who underwent colonoscopy at least twice within 3 years from August 2015 to December 2019 were included. Polyp detection rates (PDRs), adenoma detection rates (ADRs), and number of polyps including adenomas were compared stratified by baseline colonoscopy (C1) BBPS score. Among 2352 subjects, 529 had BBPS 6 (group 1) and 1823 had BBPS 7–9 (group 2) at C1. There was no significant difference in PDR or ADR at C1 and follow-up colonoscopy (C2) between the two groups. However, the numbers of polyps (1.84 vs. 1.56, P = 0.001) and adenomas (1.02 vs. 0.88, P = 0.034) at C2 were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2, respectively. Segmental BBPS score 2 in group 1 compared to group 2, especially, showed higher PDR (P = 0.001) and ADR (P = 0.007) at C2. BBPS 6 is associated with a higher number of polyps and adenomas in short-term follow-up colonoscopy than BBPS 7–9. To reduce the risk of missed polyps, a thorough examination is necessary for BBPS 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the predictive value of salivary pepsin for treatment outcomes in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) using multivariate analysis that includes various associated factors. This prospective cohort study was conducted between August 2020 and August 2022. Patients with LPR who had symptoms lasting more than 1 month and a reflux symptom index (RSI) of 14 or higher were enrolled. The participants received a 2-month regimen of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treatment and lifestyle modification. Salivary pepsin was checked using fasting saliva before treatment. Salivary pepsin was detected more frequently in the good treatment response group (61.1%), compared to 14.3% in the poor response group. Similarly, patients with higher compliance to lifestyle modifications (> 90%) had a higher chance of a good response (91.7%) compared to those with lower compliance, who had a 53.8% chance of a good response. Other clinical factors have no significant association with treatment response. In multivariate analysis, both pretreatment salivary pepsin and higher compliance with lifestyle modification were found to be independent factors for treatment response (OR 14.457, CI 1.075 ~ 194.37 for both). This study found that positive salivary pepsin and strict lifestyle modification are independent predictors of treatment outcomes in LPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of fresh produce has led to increase in antibiotic-resistant (AR) Salmonella outbreaks. In this study, indigenous Salmonella was isolated from a total of two hundred-two samples including fresh produce and agricultural environmental samples in Korea. After biochemical confirmation using the Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate tests, presumable Salmonella isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Identified Salmonella isolates were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility against twenty-two antibiotics. The specificity and the efficiency of plating (EOP) of vB_SalS_KFSSM were evaluated against fifty-three bacterial strains. Twenty-five suspected Salmonella were isolated and confirmed by the positive result for methyl red and citrate, of which ten were identified as Salmonella spp. through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Eight Salmonella isolates (4.0%, n = 8/202) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, among which five were multi-drug resistant. As a lytic phage against Salmonella spp. CMGS-1, vB_SalS_KFSSM was isolated from cow manure. The phage was observed as a tailed phage belonging to the class Caudoviricetes. It exhibited an intra-broad specificity against four indigenous AR Salmonella isolates, two indigenous Salmonella isolates, and five other Salmonella serotypes with great efficiencies (EOP ≥ 0.75). Thus, this study suggested the potential of vB_SalS_KFSSM to combat indigenous AR Salmonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of laser shock peening (LSP) on the microstructure evolution and deformation mechanism of a lubricated brass surface layer has been systematically investigated. Prior to LSP treatment, fatigue and adhesive wear were identified as the primary wear mechanisms of the brass surface layer. However, after LSP treatment, abrasive wear became the dominant wear mechanism. The deformation mechanism of the untreated brass layer was primarily governed by dislocation slip, leading to poor tribological performance. LSP treatment introduced mechanical twins (MTs) to the brass surface layer, and the intersection of these MTs activated secondary twins during sliding. This process resulted in grain boundary expansion and grain refinement to the nanoscale. Furthermore, the yield strength of the worn brass with LSP was found to be improved by 2.81 times, enhancing the wear resistance of the brass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although remimazolam is an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine with a shorter elimination half-life and faster recovery time than midazolam, studies evaluating its safety and efficacy during bronchoscopy are limited. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of remimazolam with those of midazolam for bronchoscopy. This prospective randomized parallel-group study was conducted at a single institution. The primary outcome was the time from the end of the procedure to full alertness. Other procedural time parameters, satisfaction profiles, and adverse effects were thoroughly evaluated. The time taken to reach peak sedation and the time from the end of the procedure to full alertness was significantly shorter in the remimazolam group than in the midazolam group (median [interquartile range], 2 min [1–4] vs. 3 min [2–5], P = 0.006; and median, 2 min [1–5] vs. 5 min [1–12], P = 0.035, respectively). In patients with non-biopsy procedures (n = 79), participant satisfaction was significantly higher in the remimazolam group than in the midazolam group (median rated scale, 10 vs. 7, P = 0.042). Physician satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure were similar between groups. Although the incidence of adverse effects was similar between the groups and there was no significant difference, the midazolam group had a higher antidote administration rate than the remimazolam group (15.7% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.092). Remimazolam is effective and safe for achieving adequate sedation, with a shorter onset time and faster neuropsychiatric recovery than midazolam. It may be a new option for sedation during bronchoscopy. Trial registration: The trial registration number is NCT05994547, and the date of first registration is 16/08/2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since SLCO1B1 encodes the uptake transporter OATP1B1, which can influence the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of edoxaban, polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 may affect the edoxaban response. This study aimed to investigate the association between SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms and the bleeding risk in patients receiving edoxaban. We genotyped 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the SLCO1B1 gene in patients receiving edoxaban. We also analyzed rs3842 of ABCB1 as a confounder. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR) were calculated from univariate and multivariable analysis, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was constructed for the discrimination of the model. A total of 159 patients receiving edoxaban were analyzed. Overdose and rs4149056 showed significant association with bleeding complications by around 11- and 5.5-fold, respectively. Additionally, patients with the rs4149057 variant allele (C) had a 3.9-fold increased bleeding risk compared with wild-type homozygote carriers (TT), whereas rs2306283 variant homozygote (GG) carriers had a 0.27-fold reduced bleeding risk compared with wild-type allele (A) carriers. Patients with the variant-type homozygote (CC) of ABCB1 rs3842 had a higher bleeding risk than T allele carriers (AOR = 5.3 and 5.9). The final models for multivariable analyses were acceptable based on the AUROC values (> 0.70). These findings may help predict bleeding risk in patients taking edoxaban and help personalize treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired kidney function is often associated with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure and portends a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current data have demonstrated worse survival in patients with acute kidney injury than in patients with chronic kidney disease during durable LVAD placement as bridge therapy. Furthermore, end-stage heart failure patients undergoing combined heart-kidney transplantation have poorer short- and long-term survival than heart transplants alone. We evaluated the kidney function recovery in our heart failure population awaiting heart transplantation at our institution, supported by temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support (tMCS) with Impella 5.5. The protocol (#22004000) was approved by the Mayo Clinic institutional review board, after which we performed a retrospective review of all patients with acute on chronic heart failure and kidney disease in patients considered for only heart and kidney combined organ transplant and supported by tMCS between January 2020 and February 2021. Hemodynamic and kidney function trends were recorded and analyzed before and after tMCS placement and transplantation. After placement of tMCS, we observed a trend towards improvement in creatinine, Fick cardiac index, mixed venous saturation, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which persisted through transplantation and discharge. The average duration of support with tMCS was 16.5 days before organ transplantation. The median pre-tMCS creatinine was 2.1 mg/dL (IQR 1.75–2.3). Median hematocrit at the time of tMCS placement was 32% (IQR 32–34), and the median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 34 mL/min/BSA (34–40). The median GFR improved to 44 mL/min/BSA (IQR 45–51), and serum creatinine improved to 1.5 mg/dL (1.5–1.8) after tMCS. Median discharge creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL (1.19–1.25) with a GFR of 72 (65–74). None of these six patients supported with tMCS required renal replacement therapy after heart transplantation. Early adoption of Impella 5.5 in this patient population resulted in renal recovery without needing renal replacement therapies or dual organ transplantation and should be further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The series elastic actuators (SEAs) have been popularly applied to various robotic applications. The rigid actuator is vulnerable to applications where back drivability is required despite many automated assembly tasks requiring the function for enhanced robot operation. Since the SEA comprises only one stiffness, there is a limit to the usable application. Therefore, the variable stiffness actuator (VSA) with multiple stiffnesses is to be developed. This study aims to develop a linear multi-degree of freedom VSA. Instead of the conventional rotary-type VSA with one degree of freedom, we propose an actuator that can control stiffness with more than two degrees of freedom. The proposed VSA is advantageous for tasks such as screwing and deburring that require a change in stiffness depending on the circumstances. The mechanism is configured using a linear spring, and the stiffness is controlled by changing the tension spring to a nonlinear form. We also develop the new VSA through this mechanism and perform simulation analysis. In addition, the validity of the proposed VSA is verified through experiments by manufacturing a VSA based on the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of optimal target antigens that distinguish cancer cells from normal surrounding tissue cells remains a key challenge in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapy for tumors with intratumoral heterogeneity. In this study, we dissected tissue complexity to the level of individual cells through the construction of a single-cell expression atlas that integrates ~1.4 million tumor, tumor-infiltrating normal and reference normal cells from 412 tumors and 12 normal organs. We used a two-step screening method using random forest and convolutional neural networks to select gene pairs that contribute most to discrimination between individual malignant and normal cells. Tumor coverage and specificity are evaluated for the AND, OR and NOT logic gates based on the combinatorial expression pattern of the pairing genes across individual single cells. Single-cell transcriptome-coupled epitope profiling validates the AND, OR and NOT switch targets identified in ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. CAR-T targets are identified using logic gates and single-cell expression data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some cognitive linguists (Rosch et al. Cognit Psychol 8:382–439, 1976; Ungerer and Schmid An introduction to cognitive linguistics, Pearson Education Limited, London, England, 2006) believe the basic level category has cognitive economy because the basic level category allows obtaining the maximum amount of information about an item with the lowest cognitive effort. Whether it is also true for L2 learners has not been verified so far. This study examined whether Chinese English learners' cognitive load of basic level category is lower than that of superordinate category and subordinate category. The eye movement data, including that of total duration of fixations, total number of fixations, duration of first fixation, and average duration of fixations, generated by 31 Chinese English learners while reading sentences with different levels of category words, were collected and analyzed. The results showed that Chinese English learners' cognitive load of the basic level category was the lowest. This study provides cross-linguistic experimental evidence for the basic level category theory, and also shows the cognitive economy of basic level categories is an intrinsic psychological property, no matter whether it is the first language or the second language that the readers use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been optimized thermal acid hydrolytic pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification (Es) in flask culture of Undaria pinnatifida seaweed, which is a prebiotic. The optimal hydrolytic conditions were a slurry content of 8% (w/v), 180 mM H2SO4, and 121°C for 30 min. Es using Celluclast 1.5 L at 8 U/mL produced 2.7 g/L glucose with an efficiency of 96.2%. The concentration of fucose (a prebiotic) was 0.48 g/L after pretreatment and saccharification. The fucose concentration decreased slightly during fermentation. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (3%, w/v) and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) (30 μM) were added to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. To further improve the consumption of mixed monosaccharides, adaptation of Lactobacillus brevis KCL010 to high concentrations of mannitol improved the synbiotic fermentation efficiency of U. pinnatifida hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of persistent organic pollutants in soil especially total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) is of global concern due to its toxicity and health implications. Soil flushing has been considered a promising technique among in-situ technologies for treating non-volatile TPH-contaminated soils because it weakens the interaction between hydrocarbons and soil particles to enhance pollutant mobilization efficiency. It is still challenging to optimize the soil flushing treatment because the overall efficacy significantly depends on the environmental characteristics of the subsurface. Advanced soil flushing strategies (e.g., integrating with oxidation, air sparging, and nanoparticles) and novel flushing solutions are discussed to overcome the limitations of the existing process during the remediation of soil systems contaminated with recalcitrant TPH. The flushed-out toxic chemicals comprise a large amount of waste solution, creating another pollutant. The present review summarizes the enhanced soil flushing techniques, and critically discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and addresses follow-up remediation of the generated wash solution containing toxic substances for its safe discharge. Fundamental information on soil flushing is discussed to overcome the challenges encountered during field application such as poor efficiency, high operating cost, and a large amount of generated secondary wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is ravaging the world, bringing great impact on people's life safety and health as well as the healthy development of economy and society, so the research on the prediction of the development trend of the epidemic is crucial. In this paper, we focus on the prevention and control of epidemic using the relevant technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and signal analysis. With the unknown principle of epidemic transmission, we first smooth out the complex and variable epidemic data through the empirical mode decomposition model to obtain the change trends of epidemic data at different time scales. On this basis, the change trends under different time scales are trained using an extreme learning machine to obtain the corresponding prediction values, and finally the epidemic prediction results are obtained by fitting through Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System. The experimental results show that the algorithm has good learning ability, especially in the prediction of time-series sequences can guarantee the accuracy rate while having low time complexity. Therefore, this paper not only plays a theoretical support for epidemic prevention and control, but also plays an important role in the construction of public emergency health system in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used an eye-tracking method to examine whether Chinese translation equivalents activated by English prime words can continue to activate their Chinese homophones. With 30 English prime words, and 60 Chinese target words as materials, the experiment used a Tobii eye-tracking device to collect data from 30 university students while completing an English-Chinese lexical semantic-judgment task, aimed at investigating whether (1) when Chinese English learners see the English words, they can activate the homophones of Chinese translation equivalents; and (2) there is a word frequency effect in cross-language lexical activation, i.e., Chinese translation equivalents with different word frequencies have different effects on the activation speed. Compared with low-frequency Chinese translation equivalents, high-frequency Chinese equivalents can facilitate the activation faster and easier. The two research hypotheses were confirmed on several eye movement indicators, supporting the cross-language lexical activation as well as word-frequency effect of Chinese translation equivalents. This is also the first verification of cross-language dual-link lexical activation which engage both semantics and phonology, indicating that L2-L1 semantic activation has strong stability for further phonological activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age-related cataract (ARC) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide with multiple pathogenic factors. Oxidative damage of lens epithelium cells (LECs) is one of the well-accepted pathogenesis of ARC which can be regulated by DNA repair genes (DRGs). The present research aimed to clarify the regulatory mechanism of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) on DRGs in LECs. Methods: The LECs oxidative damage model was established by UVB-irradiation on SRA01/04 (human lens epithelium cell line). Exosomes from UVB-irradiated cells (UVB-exo) and exosomes from normal control cells (NC-exo) were collected from the culture medium. To explore the functions of LECs exosomes, SRA01/04 were incubated with UVB-exo/NC-exo. Then, we detected SRA01/04 proliferation, viability and apoptosis respectively using 5′-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. Next, the miRNA expression profiles of UVB-exo and NC-exo were identified by miRNA microarrays. RNA expression in exosomes, cells, and clinical samples was verified by qRT-PCR. The location and expression of MGMT and CD63 proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. The 3′UTR regulation of miR-222-3p to MGMT was verified by luciferase analyses. Results: MGMT down-regulated while miR-222-3p up-regulated in LECs sub-central anterior capsule from ARC lenses. MGMT and miR-222-3p expressions in central and peripheral LECs from anterior lens capsules were differential. UVB-exo can transport the up-regulated miR-222-3p from oxidative-damaged LECs to normal LECs, which could suppress MGMT expression and increase UVB sensitivity of LECs. Conclusions: Findings on exosomal miRNA functions provided novel insights into pathogenesis of ARC. Exosomal miR-222-3p can be a potential target for prevention and cure of ARC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) accounts for up to 70% of incomplete spinal cord injuries, and modern improvements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques have given surgeons more treatment options for the ATCCS patient. We present a literature review of ATCCS, with the aim of elucidating the best treatment option for the varying ATCCS patient characteristics and profiles. We aim to synthesise the available literature into a simple-to-use format to aid in the decision-making process. Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant studies and improvement in functional outcomes were calculated. To allow for direct comparison of functional outcomes, we chose to focus solely on studies which utilised the ASIA motor score and improvements in ASIA motor score. Results: A total of 16 studies were included for review. There were a total of 749 patients, of which 564 were treated surgically and 185 were treated conservatively. There was a significantly higher average motor recovery percentage amongst surgically-treated patients as compared to conservatively treated patients (76.1% vs. 66.1%, p value = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the ASIA motor recovery percentage of patients treated with early surgery and delayed surgery (69.9 vs. 77.2, p value = 0.31). Delayed surgery after a trial of conservative management is also an appropriate treatment strategy for certain patients, and the presence of multiple comorbidities portend poor outcomes. We propose a score-based approach to decision making in ATCCS, by allocating a numerical score for the patient's clinical neurological condition, imaging findings on CT or MRI, history of cervical spondylosis and comorbidity profile. Conclusions: An individualised approach to each ATCCS patient, considering their unique characteristics will lead to the best outcomes, and the use of a simple scoring system, can aid clinicians in choosing the best treatment for ATCCS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate AI biases and errors in estimating bone age (BA) by comparing AI and radiologists' clinical determinations of BA. Methods: We established three deep learning models from a Chinese private dataset (CHNm), an American public dataset (USAm), and a joint dataset combining the above two datasets (JOIm). The test data CHNt (n = 1246) were labeled by ten senior pediatric radiologists. The effects of data site differences, interpretation bias, and interobserver variability on BA assessment were evaluated. The differences between the AI models' and radiologists' clinical determinations of BA (normal, advanced, and delayed BA groups by using the Brush data) were evaluated by the chi-square test and Kappa values. The heatmaps of CHNm-CHNt were generated by using Grad-CAM. Results: We obtained an MAD value of 0.42 years on CHNm-CHNt; this result indicated an appropriate accuracy for the whole group but did not indicate an accurate estimation of individual BA because with a kappa value of 0.714, the agreement between AI and human clinical determinations of BA was significantly different. The features of the heatmaps were not fully consistent with the human vision on the X-ray films. Variable performance in BA estimation by different AI models and the disagreement between AI and radiologists' clinical determinations of BA may be caused by data biases, including patients' sex and age, institutions, and radiologists. Conclusions: The deep learning models outperform external validation in predicting BA on both internal and joint datasets. However, the biases and errors in the models' clinical determinations of child development should be carefully considered. Key Points: • With a kappa value of 0.714, clinical determinations of bone age by using AI did not accord well with clinical determinations by radiologists. • Several biases, including patients' sex and age, institutions, and radiologists, may cause variable performance by AI bone age models and disagreement between AI and radiologists' clinical determinations of bone age. • AI heatmaps of bone age were not fully consistent with human vision on X-ray films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, via using the mixed ligand synthesis approach, two coordination polymers (CPs) based on Cu(II) and Co(II) ions as nodes, namely, [Cu3(L1)2(1,2,4-BTC)2(H2O)4]n (1) and [Co3(L2)(1,2,4-BTC)2(H2O)4]n (2) (L1 is 3,6-bis(imidazol-1-yl)pyridazine, L2 is 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine and 1,2,4-H3BTC is benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid), were synthesized by reaction of the 1,2,4-H3BTC ligand and relevant metal salts with the aid of various nitrogen-donor co-ligands. Their application values on the cerebral ischemia were evaluated and the specific mechanism was studied simultaneously. At first, the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to assess the inflammatory cytokines content released into cerebrospinal fluid. Besides, the neuro-apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia was tested through the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although opioids are necessary for the treatment of acute pain, cancer pain, and palliative care, opioid abuse is a serious threat to society. Heroin (Diacetylmorphine) is the most commonly abused opioid, and it can have a variety of effects on the body's tissues and organs, including the well-known gastrointestinal depression and respiratory depression; however, there is little known about the effects of diacetylmorphine on cardiac damage. Here, we demonstrate that diacetylmorphine induces abnormal electrocardiographic changes in rats and causes damage to cardiomyocytes in vitro by an underlying mechanism of increased autophosphorylation of CaMKII and concomitant regulation of myocardial contractile protein TPM1 and MYOM2 protein expression. The CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 was first tested to rescue the toxic effects of heroin on cardiomyocytes in vitro and the abnormal ECG changes caused by heroin in SD rats, followed by the TMT relative quantitative protein technique to analyze the proteome changes. Diacetylmorphine causes increased phosphorylation at the CaMKII Thr287 site in myocardium, resulting in increased autophosphorylation of CaMKII and subsequent alterations in myocardial contractile proteins, leading to myocardial rhythm abnormalities. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the treatment and prevention of patients with arrhythmias caused by diacetylmorphine inhalation and injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of automated skeletal maturation assessment system for Fishman's skeletal maturity indicators (SMI) for the use in dental fields. Skeletal maturity is particularly important in orthodontics for the determination of treatment timing and method. SMI is widely used for this purpose, as it is less time-consuming and practical in clinical use compared to other methods. Thus, the existing automated skeletal age assessment system based on Greulich and Pyle and Tanner-Whitehouse3 methods was further developed to include SMI using artificial intelligence. This hybrid SMI-modified system consists of three major steps: (1) automated detection of region of interest; (2) automated evaluation of skeletal maturity of each region; and (3) SMI stage mapping. The primary validation was carried out using a dataset of 2593 hand-wrist radiographs, and the SMI mapping algorithm was adjusted accordingly. The performance of the final system was evaluated on a test dataset of 711 hand-wrist radiographs from a different institution. The system achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.772 and mean absolute error and root mean square error of 0.27 and 0.604, respectively, indicating a clinically reliable performance. Thus, it can be used to improve clinical efficiency and reproducibility of SMI prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was designed to explore the pathological role of non-canonical NLRC4 inflammasome in glioma. Methods: This retrospective study included bioinformatical analysis, including survival, gene ontology, ssGSEA, cox regression, IPA and drug repositioning with TCGA and DepMap database. Experimental validations were conducted in glioma patient's sample and evaluated with histological or cellular functional analysis. Result: Clinical dataset analysis revealed that non-canonical NLRC4 inflammasomes significantly contribute to glioma progression and poor survival rates. Experimental validation was revealed that the expression of non-canonical NLRC4 inflammasomes were co-localized with astrocytes in malignant gliomas, with a sustained clinical correlation observed between astrocytes and inflammasome signatures. Indeed, the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment increased in malignant gliomas, leading to pyroptosis, known as inflammatory cell death. Molecular interaction analysis revealed that NF-κB pathways potentially serve as the connecting point between the canonical and noncanonical pathways of the NLRC4 inflammasome. Finally, drug repositioning analysis of non-canonical NLRC4 inflammasome-associated molecules revealed that MK-5108, PF4981517, and CTEP may represent effective options for glioma therapy. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that non-canonical NLRC4 inflammasomes contribute to poor prognosis in patients with glioma and induce an inflammatory microenvironment. We propose the pathological phenomenon of non-canonical NLRC4 inflammasomes and several therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Active surveillance (AS) of low-risk T1a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is generally accepted as an alternative to immediate surgery. The cut-off in the size criterion for AS has recently been extended in select individuals, especially older patients. We evaluated the clinicopathological differences of T1b PTC according to age to investigate the possibility of AS in older patients. Patients and Methods: From a cohort study of 1269 patients undergoing lobectomy for PTC, 1223 PTC patients with T1 stage disease (tumor ≤ 2 cm) were enrolled. The clinicopathological characteristics between T1a and T1b patients according to age were analyzed. Results: Among the 1223 T1 cases, 918 (75.1%) were T1a (≤ 1 cm) and 305 (34.9%) T1b (> 1 and ≤ 2 cm). T1b PTC was associated with male sex, minimal extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, occult central lymph node (LN) metastasis, and a higher number of metastatic LNs than T1a. However, in patients over 55 years of age, the clinicopathological features of the patients with T1a and T1b PTC were not significantly different except for minimal extrathyroidal extension, although many clinicopathological differences were observed in patients under 55 years of age. Conclusion: The clinicopathological features of patients with T1b PTC over 55 years of age are similar to those with T1a PTC and less aggressive than those with T1b PTC under 55 years of age. These findings suggest that AS may be possible in patients with T1b PTC over 55 years of age without high-risk features on preoperative examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the regulatory effect of miR-125a-3p on lens epithelial cells (LECs) under ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) irradiation. Methods: The expression of miR-125a-3p in age-related cataract (ARC) specimens and cell models was detected by qRT-PCR. UVB was utilized to establish DNA damage model of LECs. Cell count kit-8 was applied in detecting cell viability. Cell apoptosis ratio was analyzed by flow cytometry. Dual luciferase reports were applied to analyze the mechanism between miRNA and target genes. Nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot were used to identify whether the exosomes were typical exosomes. Results: miR-125a-3p was upregulated in ARC tissues and LECs treated with UVB. Knockdown of miR-125a-3p in LECs significantly decreased apoptosis and increased viability of UVB-irradiated LECs. We predicted that miR-125a-3p could regulate transmembrane Bax inhibitor motif containing 4 (TMBIM4) by the bioinformatics databases TargetScan, miRBase, and miRWalk. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-125a-3p may suppress TMBIM4 protein translation by binding to 3′UTR of TMBIM4 mRNA. Overexpression of miR-125a-3p decreased TMBIM4, which suggested that miR-125a-3p could inhibit TMBIM4. Moreover, knockdown of TMBIM4 decreased cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis during UVB irradiation. In addition, the exosome secretion of LECs irradiated by UVB was enhanced, and the expression of miR-125a-3p was high. Cell viability was significantly decreased, and cell apoptosis was increased during UVB-exos treatment. Conclusion: This study indicated that miR-125a-3p regulated apoptosis by suppressing TMBIM4 in LECs under oxidative damage, providing a new idea for clinical therapeutic target of cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the new type of coronary pneumonia (COVID-19) has become a highly contagious disease worldwide, posing a serious threat to the public health. This paper is based on the SEIR model of the new coronavirus pneumonia, considering the impact of cold chain input and re-positive on the spread of the virus in the COVID-19. In the process of model design, the food cold chain and re-positive are used as parameters, and its stability is analyzed and simulated. The experimental results show that taking into account the cold chain input and re-positive can effectively simulate the spread of the epidemic. The research results have important research value and practical significance for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 and the prediction of important time nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated study of petrography, mineral chemistry, phase equilibrium modelling, geochronology, and geochemistry of zircon and monazite was carried out for three orthogneisses and one paragneiss from the Yardoi gneiss dome in eastern Himalaya, southeastern Tibet. The results indicate that the Yardoi gneisses underwent three metamorphic stages from the Eocene to Miocene and shared similar clockwise P–T paths. First, the paragneiss experienced the early high-pressure Barrovian type metamorphism under P–T conditions of ~ 11–12 kbar and ~ 600–625 °C at ca. 44.8 Ma in the middle Eocene, corresponding to thermal gradients of 15.2–17.2 °C/km within the Barrovian facies series. This indicates that the crustal rocks were metamorphosed at 36–40 km in eastern Himalaya where crustal thickening is prominent during the continental collision. This is different from UHP eclogites in western Himalaya that were metamorphosed at mantle depths of > 100 km through deep subduction of the continental lithosphere. Afterwards, the first episode of decompressional exhumation is recorded by the paragneiss as occurring from ~ 11–12 kbar to ~ 6–8 kbar at elevated temperatures to ~ 650–675 °C during 44.8–22.3 Ma, corresponding to increases of thermal gradients to 24.6–34.1 °C/km. Garnet and monazite have a large variation of Eu anomalies that are related to the behavior of plagioclase during this period. Then, the second episode of decompressional exhumation is recorded in the orthogneisses as taking place from 7–10 kbar to 3.5–5.5 kbar at 585–640 °C during 37.8–17.8 Ma, which corresponds to significant increases in thermal gradients from 15.5–26.4 to 32.2–55.4 °C/km. There have been progressive increases in metamorphic thermal gradients during two episodes of decompressional exhumation, indicating secular changes in both thermal state and dynamic regime in the collisional orogen. Therefore, the Yardoi gneiss dome provides important information on the collision and exhumation of the Indian continental crust from the middle Eocene to Miocene at the convergent plate margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a pivotal role in maintaining body temperature and energy homeostasis. BAT dysfunction is associated with impaired metabolic health. Here, we show that Ssu72 phosphatase is essential for mRNA translation of genes required for thermogenesis in BAT. Ssu72 is found to be highly expressed in BAT among adipose tissue depots, and the expression level of Ssu72 is increased upon acute cold exposure. Mice lacking adipocyte Ssu72 exhibit cold intolerance during acute cold exposure. Mechanistically, Ssu72 deficiency alters cytosolic mRNA translation program through hyperphosphorylation of eIF2α and reduces translation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunits, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and defective thermogenesis in BAT. In addition, metabolic dysfunction in Ssu72-deficient BAT returns to almost normal after restoring Ssu72 expression. In summary, our findings demonstrate that cold-responsive Ssu72 phosphatase is involved in cytosolic translation of key thermogenic effectors via dephosphorylation of eIF2α in brown adipocytes, providing insights into metabolic benefits of Ssu72. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a specialized thermogenic organ that undergoes high demands of protein synthesis during thermogenic adaptation. Here, the authors show that the cold responsive phosphatase Ssu72 is required for mRNA translation that affects thermogenic adaptation in BAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current method of analyzing three-dimensional soft tissue data, especially in the frontal view, is subjective and has poor reliability. To overcome this limitation, the present study aimed to introduce a new method of analyzing soft tissue data reconstructed by marching cube algorithm (Program S) and compare it with a commercially available program (Program A). Cone-beam computed tomography images of 42 patients were included. Two orthodontists digitized six landmarks (pronasale, columella, upper and lower lip, right and left cheek) twice using both programs in two-week intervals, and the reliability was compared. Furthermore, computer-calculated point (CC point) was developed to evaluate whether human error could be reduced. The results showed that the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of Program S (99.7–100% and 99.9–100%, respectively) were higher than that of Program A (64.0–99.9% and 76.1–99.9%, respectively). Moreover, the inter-examiner difference of coordinate values and distances for all six landmarks in Program S was lower than Program A. Lastly, CC point was provided as a consistent single point. Therefore, it was validated that this new methodology can increase the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of soft tissue landmark digitation and CC point can be used as a landmark to reduce human error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating disease leading to great social and economic burdens worldwide. During the past decades, increasing understanding of this disease enables dynamic trials for disease interventions. Unfortunately, at present, AD still remains uncurable, and therefore, developing intervention strategies for improving symptoms and slowing down the disease process becomes a practical focus in parallel with searching for a disease-modifying medication. The aim of this review is to summarize the outcomes of AD clinical trials of non-drug therapies published in the past decade, including cognitive-oriented interventions, physical exercise interventions, brain stimulation, as well as nutrition supplementations, to find out the most effective interventions in the category by looking through the primary and secondary outcomes. The outcomes of the trials could be varied with the interventional approaches, the tested cohorts, the settings of observing outcomes, and the duration of follow-ups, which are all discussed in this review. Hence, we hope to provide crucial information for application of these interventions in real-world settings and assist with optimization of clinical trial designs in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]