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Abstract This study aimed to describe a novel sandwich technique of minimally invasive surgical implantation by using corneal stromal lenticules for corneal perforation. This prospective observational study included nine patients aged 23–79 years (mean, 54 ± 9) from Tianjin Eye Hospital. Corneal stromal lenticules with a central thickness of 120 μm were obtained from small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE). With the corneal perforation as the central point, an iris-repositor was used to manually create a mid-stromal pocket; the stromal lenticular button was gently inserted into the intrastromal pocket and flattened. The graft was sandwiched between the anterior and posterior corneal stromal pockets; the incision was closed using two sutures. The primary health outcome measured in this study was the logMAR best spectacle-visual acuity at 6 months postoperatively. Corneal perforation closure and anterior chamber formation occurred immediately after surgery. No epithelial implantation, infection, or allogeneic rejection was observed during the follow-up. No patients required a penetrating keratoplasty. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed a mean thickness of the grafted tissue of 122 ± 21 μm, with a clear interface in all cases. Comparing the baseline and postoperative 6-month values, the mean logMAR best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was improved from 0.18 ± 0.12 to 0.52 ± 0.31 (P

Abstract Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is fatal and poses great challenges to early diagnosis and effective treatment. This paper sought to expound the function of Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing protein 16 (ZSCAN16) and TBC1 domain family member 31 (TBC1D31) in HCC progression. Methods ZSCAN16 and TBC1D31 levels were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The transcriptional regulation of TBC1D31 by ZSCAN16 was demonstrated by ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase assay. Colony formation assay, migration and invasion assays, TUNEL staining, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis were adopted to evaluate the biological activity of HCC cells. The role of the ZSCAN16/TBC1D31 axis in HCC was demonstrated by lentiviral gene intervention combined with functional rescue experiments. Hep3B cells were used to establish a nude mouse xenograft tumor model to study the role of the ZSCAN16/TBC1D31 axis in vivo. Results ZSCAN16 and TBC1D31 were highly expressed in HCC. Downregulation of ZSCAN16 repressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells while promoting apoptosis, as well as curbing tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that ZSCAN16 mediated the transcriptional activation of TBC1D31, which in turn led to tumor development. TBC1D31 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of ZSCAN16 knockdown on the malignant behavior and tumor growth of HCC cells and accelerated tumor development. Conclusion ZSCAN16 mediates transcriptional activation of TBC1D31 and promotes HCC progression.

Abstract Background Residual low back and leg pain can occur after percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) and compromise early surgical outcomes. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of combining dexamethasone with vitamin B12 (VB12) via epidural injection in improving the symptoms of low back and leg pain after PEID, and the underlying mechanism of action. Methods Patients who underwent PEID for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were enrolled and randomly assigned to the single surgery (SS) group, where disc removal was performed via PEID alone, or the combined treatment (CT) group, which received epidural injections of dexamethasone and VB12 alongside surgery. The outcome measures were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), serum inflammatory factor expression, adverse surgical events, duration of postoperative hospitalization, and modified MacNab criteria. Results Compared with the SS group, the CT group exhibited lower VAS scores for low back and leg pain at 1, 3, and 7 days post-surgery (P

Abstract Commonly comprised of cyanobacteria, algae, bacteria and fungi, hypolithic communities inhabit the underside of cobblestones and pebbles in diverse desert biomes. Notwithstanding their abundance and widespread geographic distribution and their growth in the driest regions on Earth, the source of water supporting these communities remains puzzling. Adding to the puzzle is the presence of cyanobacteria that require liquid water for net photosynthesis. Here we report results from six-year monitoring in the Negev Desert (with average annual precipitation of ~ 90 mm) during which periodical measurements of the water content of cobblestone undersides were carried out. We show that while no effective wetting took place following direct rain, dew or fog, high vapor flux, induced by a sharp temperature gradient, took place from the wet subsurface soil after rain, resulting in wet-dry cycles and wetting of the cobblestone undersides. Up to 12 wet-dry cycles were recorded following a single rain event, which resulted in vapor condensation on the undersides of the cobblestones, with the daily wet phase lasting for several hours during daylight. This ‘concealed mechanism’ expands the distribution of photoautotrophic organisms into hostile regions where the abiotic conditions limit their growth, and provides the driving force for important evolutionary processes not yet fully explored.

Abstract Ureteral obstruction is a prevalent urological condition associated with significant complications. The purpose of our study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel self-expanding, large caliber, biocompatible polymer-coated ureteral stent (Allium) for the treatment of ureteral obstructions. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent Allium ureteral stent placement at our institute between November 2018 and May 2023. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative parameters were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify preoperative factors predicting Allium stent migration. The study cohort comprised 30 patients who received a total of 40 successfully implanted Allium stents. No significant adverse events related to the insertion procedure were observed. During a median follow-up period of 29 months (range: 1–60 months), migration occurred in 11 (27.5%) stents while encrustation was noted in 8 (20%) stents. The median functional duration of the Allium stents was found to be 22 months (range:1–60 months), with an overall functioning rate at last follow-up being recorded as 59.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the glomerular filtration rate of the ipsilateral kidney was the sole risk factor predictive of Allium stent migration. With its minimal invasiveness and good tolerability, the Allium stent represents a safe and viable management option for treating ureteric obstructions; however, it should not be considered as definitive treatment but rather as an alternative option for patients unwilling or unsuitable for definitive treatment, particularly high-risk individuals or elderly patients exhibiting decreased ipsilateral glomerular filtration rates.

High-temperature-resistant adhesives are critical materials in the aerospace field. The zirconium-modified aluminum phosphate-based adhesives developed in this work had the advantage of adjustable thermal expansibility, achieving a high matching of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with alumina. The introduction of zirconium can significantly improve the thermal stability of the adhesive matrix, and the Zr/Al ratio substantially affects the various reaction processes inside the adhesive, especially the types of zirconium-containing compounds. Most of the zirconium-containing compounds in the A7Z3 adhesive were ZrO2 only when the mass ratio of zirconium hydroxide to aluminum hydroxide was 3 : 7, which was the key reason why it had the highest CTE. The room-temperature bonding strength of A7Z3 after heat treatment at 1500 °C reached 67.2 MPa. After pretreatment at 1500 °C, the high-temperature bonding strength of A7Z3 was greater than 50 MPa in the range of (room temperature) RT–1000 °C. After 40 thermal cycles between RT and 1500 °C, the bonding strength still reached 10 MPa. Physical bonding occurred at temperatures below 1000 °C, while chemical bonding dominated above 1000 °C based on the generation of Al5BO9 and mullite at the interfaces.

Abstract Background Lipid-lowering drugs are widely used among the elderly, with some studies suggesting links to muscle-related symptoms. However, the causality remains uncertain. Methods Using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we assessed the causal effects of genetically proxied reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) through inhibitions of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) on sarcopenia-related traits, including low hand grip strength, appendicular lean mass, and usual walking pace. A meta-analysis was conducted to combine the causal estimates from different consortiums. Results Using LDL-C pooled data predominantly from UK Biobank, genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR was associated with higher appendicular lean mass (beta = 0.087, P = 7.56 × 10− 5) and slower walking pace (OR = 0.918, P = 6.06 × 10− 9). In contrast, inhibition of PCSK9 may reduce appendicular lean mass (beta = -0.050, P = 1.40 × 10− 3), while inhibition of NPC1L1 showed no causal impact on sarcopenia-related traits. These results were validated using LDL-C data from Global Lipids Genetics Consortium, indicating that HMGCR inhibition may increase appendicular lean mass (beta = 0.066, P = 2.17 × 10− 3) and decelerate walking pace (OR = 0.932, P = 1.43 × 10− 6), whereas PCSK9 inhibition could decrease appendicular lean mass (beta = -0.048, P = 1.69 × 10− 6). Meta-analysis further supported the robustness of these causal associations. Conclusions Genetically proxied HMGCR inhibition may increase muscle mass but compromise muscle function, PCSK9 inhibition could result in reduced muscle mass, while NPC1L1 inhibition is not associated with sarcopenia-related traits and this class of drugs may serve as viable alternatives to sarcopenia individuals or those at an elevated risk.

Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of copper-dependent cell death that differs from other known pathways. This discovery provides a new way to explore copper-based nanomaterial applications in cancer therapy. This study used a layer-by-layer self-assembling method to load Cu2-xS nanoparticle (NP) cores with the siRNA of the PD-L1 immune escape-related gene and wrap a silk fibroin (SF) shell to form a multifunctional copper-based SF nanoplatform, denoted as CuS-PEI-siRNA-SFNs. CuS-PEI-siRNA-SFNs induced cuproptosis and exerted an antitumor effect via multiple mechanisms, including photothermal therapy (PTT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and immune activation. The presence of significant dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT) oligomers in 4T1 cells treated with CuS-PEI-siRNA-SFNs indicated the triggering of cuproptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experimental results showed that CuS-PEI-siRNA-SFNs efficiently accumulated in the tumor tissues of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice inhibited primary tumor and lung metastasis, and displayed excellent biosafety and antitumor activity. This study demonstrated that the synergistic effect of cuproptosis, PTT, CDT, and immune activation showed promise for treating metastatic breast cancer.

ABSTRACTCation-based resistance switches have been considered as promising candidates for memory cells and other novel devices. So far, the most accepted switching processes of such devices are based on the formation/rupture of metallic filaments between two electrodes. Although many recent studies have identified the existence of H2O (and resulting -OH groups) in such devices, their effects on the switching process are still unclear. In the present work, by taking Cu/Ta2O5/Pt device as an example, we have theoretically revealed that H ions may dissociate from -OH groups and accumulate onto the Cu filament in amorphous Ta2O5. After that, the adsorbed H ions will induce a series of changes, such as the elongation of the adjacent Cu-Cu bonds, the weakening of the Cu-Cu bonds, the increase of charge on Cu cations, and the enhancement of diffusivities of Cu cations, all of which eventually lead to the rupture of the Cu filament. Interestingly, our proposed ‘H-triggered metal filament rupture’ model is similar to the widely studied ‘hydrogen embrittlement phenomenon’. The crucial point of this model is the high catalytic activity of Cu towards the splitting of -OH group. Consequently, it is expected that this model could be applicable to other Cu-cation based resistance switches.

Biocrusts are an important component of dryland ecosystems as they perform crucial ecological functions like stabilizing soils, mediating the hydrological cycle, and improving nutrient availability. The high mechanical stability of biocrusts is understood to be linked to exopolymeric substances (EPS), which in turn, are responsible for the adsorption of various ions and chemical compounds. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of biocrusts and assess potential correlations between their chemical composition and mechanical stability. Samples of three types of biocrusts (cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria and moss mixed, and moss crusts) and bare soil (as control) were collected from the northern Loess Plateau of China. The inorganic ions and organic compounds present in biocrusts were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry, ion chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Biocrust mechanical stability was assessed by penetration resistance (PR) and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates. Finally, the contribution of inorganic ions and organic compounds to the stability of the biocrusts was elucidated. The results indicated that all three types of biocrusts were more stable than bare soil, with moss crusts being the most stable. Chemical analyses revealed an enrichment of inorganic ions such as K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, SO42–, and halogen ions within the biocrusts, while they showed a depletion of Fe2+, Al3+, and NO3–. Ten types of organic compounds were identified in biocrusts and bare soil, with medium-chain alkanes and long-chain acids being the dominant compounds. In some cases, acids accounted for more than 40 % of the total organic compound content of the biocrusts. Redundancy analysis showed that the content of inorganic ions, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and organic compounds such as acids, amides, and alkenes, exhibited the closest association with the biocrust stability. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that both inorganic ions and organic compounds indirectly affected biocrust stability by influencing electric conductivity, bulk density, EPS, and fine particle (clay and silt) content. A strong association was found between the inorganic ions and both PR and MWD (0.658 and 0.744, respectively), whilst the total effects of organic compounds on PR and MWD were 0.814 and 0.801, respectively. It is suggested that both the magnitude and types of chemicals associated with EPS indicate their capability to grant mechanical stability of the biocrusts, which in turn is conducive to maintaining the critical functions of biocrusts in global drylands.

Citrinin (CTN) has been reported to induce renal failure and structural damage, but its nephrotoxic effects and mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, we established a model by orally administering CTN (0, 1.25, 5, or 20 mg/kg) to mice for 21 consecutive days. Histological and biochemical analyses revealed that CTN caused structural damage to renal tubules, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, and elevated levels of serum markers of renal function (creatinine, urea, and uric acid). Moreover, mRNA transcript levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were increased, indicating the occurrence of an inflammatory response. Furthermore, exposure to CTN induced renal oxidative stress by decreasing antioxidant GSH levels, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities, and increasing oxidative products (ROS, MDA). In addition, CTN increased the expression of proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)stress and apoptotic pathways. ER stress has been shown to be involved in regulating various models of kidney disease, but its role in CTN-induced renal injury has not been reported. We found that pretreatment with the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA (240 mg/kg, ip) alleviated CTN-induced oxidative stress, NF-κB pathway mediated inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Interestingly, 4-PBA also partially alleviated renal structural damage and dysfunction. Thus, ER stress may be a novel target for the prevention and treatment of CTN-induced renal injury.

Citrinin (CTN) is a mycotoxin commonly found in contaminated foods and feed, posing health risks to both humans and animals. However, the mechanism by which CTN damages the intestine remains unclear. In this study, a model of intestinal injury was induced by administering 1.25 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg of CTN via gavage for 28 consecutive days in 6-week-old Kunming mice, aiming to explore the potential mechanisms underlying intestinal injury. The results demonstrate that CTN can cause structural damage to the mouse jejunum. Additionally, CTN reduces the protein expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1, and MUC2, thereby disrupting the physical and chemical barriers of the intestine. Furthermore, exposure to CTN alters the structure of the intestinal microbiota in mice, thus compromising the intestinal microbial barrier. Meanwhile, the results showed that CTN exposure could induce excessive apoptosis in intestinal cells by altering the expression of proteins such as CHOP and GRP78 in the endoplasmic reticulum and Bax and Cyt c in mitochondria. The mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are connected through the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM), which regulates the membrane. We found that the expression of bridging proteins Fis1 and BAP31 on the membrane was increased after CTN treatment, which would exacerbate the endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, and could activate proteins such as Caspase-8 and Bid, thus further inducing apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that CTN exposure can cause intestinal damage by disrupting the intestinal barrier and inducing excessive apoptosis in intestinal cells.

An optimization method of fracturing fluid volume strength was introduced taking well X-1 in Biyang Sag of Nanxiang Basin as an example. The characteristic curves of capillary pressure and relative permeability were obtained from history matching between forced imbibition experimental data and core-scale reservoir simulation results and taken into a large scale reservoir model to mimic the forced imbibition behavior during the well shut-in period after fracturing. The optimization of the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) fracturing fluid volume strength should meet the requirements of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR), increased oil recovery by forced imbibition and enhancement of formation pressure and the fluid volume strength of fracturing fluid should be controlled around a critical value to avoid either insufficiency of imbibition displacement caused by insufficient fluid amount or increase of costs and potential formation damage caused by excessive fluid amount. Reservoir simulation results showed that SRV fracturing fluid volume strength positively correlated with single-well EUR and an optimal fluid volume strength existed, above which the single-well EUR increase rate kept decreasing. An optimized increase of SRV fracturing fluid volume and shut-in time would effectively increase the formation pressure and enhance well production. Field test results of well X-1 proved the practicality of established optimization method of SRV fracturing fluid volume strength on significant enhancement of shale oil well production.

The progression of ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with immunologic derangement, intestinal hemorrhage, and microbiota imbalance. While traditional medications mainly focus on mitigating inflammation, it remains challenging to address multiple symptoms. Here, a versatile gas-propelled nanomotor was constructed by mild fusion of post-ultrasonic CaO2 nanospheres with Cu2O nanoblocks. The resulting CaO2–Cu2O possessed a desirable diameter (291.3 nm) and a uniform size distribution. It could be efficiently internalized by colonic epithelial cells and macrophages, scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and alleviate immune reactions by pro-polarizing macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This nanomotor was found to penetrate through the mucus barrier and accumulate in the colitis mucosa due to the driving force of the generated oxygen bubbles. Rectal administration of CaO2–Cu2O could stanch the bleeding, repair the disrupted colonic epithelial layer, and reduce the inflammatory responses through its interaction with the genes relevant to blood coagulation, anti-oxidation, wound healing, and anti-inflammation. Impressively, it restored intestinal microbiota balance by elevating the proportions of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Odoribacter and Bifidobacterium) and decreasing the abundances of harmful bacteria (e.g., Prevotellaceae and Helicobacter). Our gas-driven CaO2–Cu2O offers a promising therapeutic platform for robust treatment of UC via the rectal route.

This study used electrochemical corrosion, intergranular corrosion (IGC), and exfoliation corrosion tests, as well as microscopic observations of the microstructure and first-principles calculations, to investigate the effect of different quenching rates on the microstructure and corrosion properties of the 7199 alloy. The results show that as the quenching rate decreases, the size, Zn, and Mg content of precipitated phases at grain boundaries (GBs), as well as the width of the precipitation-free zone (PFZ), increase, resulting in a decrease in corrosion properties. During slow quenching, the η phase (MgZn2) at the GBs continuously absorbs surrounding Zn and Mg atoms, causing Zn and Mg atom depletion near the GBs. This results in the formation of a wide PFZ. Enlargement of the η phase and PFZ at the GBs leads to anodic dissolution channels, allowing for rapid corrosion expansion along the GBs. Additionally, at slow quenching rates, not only does the η phase precipitate at the subgrain boundaries (SGBs) but also the T and S phases. In corrosive environments, the η phase is more prone to corrosion than the T and S phases. Electron work function calculations show that the S phase has the highest corrosion potential, whereas the η phase has the lowest. As a result, SGBs containing T and S phases are unlikely to serve as corrosion pathways. Corrosion preferentially extends along SGBs containing η phases.

The unique combination of lightweight, strength, corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, and biocompatibility make Ti6Al4V alloy an important material in metal contact of solar cells, and selective laser melting (SLM) enables the production of Ti6Al4V parts complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. The build orientation of SLM process presents an essential effect on the quality of the produced parts, and thus, in this study it investigates the impact of multi-build orientation (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) on the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of truly as-built Ti6Al4V alloys produced by SLM. The microstructure analysis revealed the presence of ordered subsurface pores, located at a distance of about 50 μm–150 μm from the sample surface. The microstructure consisted primarily of α′ martensite with a small amount of β phase. Massive transformation was observed in the 30° and 45° samples, with corresponding grain sizes of 5 μm and 10 μm, respectively. To be specific, the content of β phase and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) varied with the sample orientation, and the 45° build orientation exhibited the highest content of β phase with value of approximately 2.8%, but also the lowest UTS and elongation, which were 1161 MPa and 3.99%, respectively.

F. taipaiensis P. Y. Li represents a significant asset within traditional Chinese medicinal flora, though it confronts the challenge of germplasm deterioration during its cultivation phase. This study aimed to discern the implications of single strains or combinations of diverse growth-promoting actinomycetes on the growth metrics, antioxidant competence and pertinent gene expression in the leaves of F. taipaiensis. The result revealed that the malondialdehyde content within the plant's leaves notably diminished in the treatment groups compared to the CK group, with the S6 group showcasing the most pronounced malondialdehyde reduction, amounting to approximately one-third of the CK's value. Leaf area, length and width peaked in the S5 cohort, registering values 4.55, 2.46 and 1.85 times surpassing the CK group. Concurrently, plant height and stem thickness were maximal in the S6 group, being 2.29 and 1.75 times that of the CK group, whereas leaf thickness reached its zenith in the S7 group, marking a 2.17-fold elevation compared to the CK. Photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars and soluble proteins in the leaves, exhibited augmentation across the inoculated groups to varying magnitudes. Specifically, the S5 group was superior in photosynthetic metrics and pigments, while the S6 group manifested the highest soluble sugar concentration, which was 1.35 times that of the CK. The S3 group demonstrated the pinnacle of soluble protein content, an impressive 5.86-fold increment relative to the CK group. The enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, along with their affiliated gene expressions, were observably augmented in the inoculated groups, with the S5 group standing out. To encapsulate, the actinomycete inoculation holds potential in fostering the growth and maturation of F. taipaiensis, amplifying its environmental resilience. The revelations from this study extend valuable insights for the judicious choice of microbial fertilizers in the cultivated propagation of Fritillaria taipaiensis P. Y. Li.

[Objective] The new technique of small-diameter TBM (tunnel boring machine) advancing excavations followed by large-diameter TBM enlargement is used for the first time in the construction of Tumor Hospital Station on Shenzhen Metro Line 14. As the geological stability is hard to be predicted when the large diameter TBM advances in the artificial composite geological stratum, which is back-filled after the small diameter TBM excavation, it is necessary to simulate and analyze the station built with such construction technique. [Method] MIDAS/GTS software is used to simulate the effect of different backfill materials and buried depths on ground settlement and on the stress of the segment structure when the excavation of the large shield tunnel and the construction of support structure are completed. [Result & Conclusion] The analysis results show that when C40 concrete, C15 concrete and muck are respectively used as backfill materials, the stratum displacement and the maximum stress of the segment structure caused by the large excavation are increasing with the strength of the backfill material decreasing. When C15 and C40 concrete are used as backfill materials, the shield tunneling has no much effect on the surrounding rocks and geological stratum. C15 concrete is recommended as the backfill material for this project. It is highly risky that the large TBM directly drives the tunnel which is not backfilled after the small TBM tunneling. Ground settlement is insignificant when the buried depth ranges from 21 m to 45 m. But following the deepened buried depth, the ground stress increases significantly, and so does the stress of the tunnel structure.Tumor Hospital Metro Station on Shenzhen Metro Line 14 adopts the C15 concrete backfilling plan in the end, and the monitoring results of ground settlement is basically in line with the numerical simulation calculation.

Abstract Background Functional role of filum terminale (FT) was not well studied though it contains structure basis for nerve impulse conduction. We aimed to explore the possible functions of the FT from the perspective of triggered electromyography (EMG) during surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring data from pediatric patients who underwent intradural surgeries at the lumbar level in Shanghai Children’s. Hospital from January 2018 to March 2023. Altogether 168 cases with complete intraoperative neurophysiological recordings of the FT were selected for further analysis. Triggered EMG recordings of the filum originated from two main types of surgeries: selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and fatty filum transection. Results 96 cases underwent SDR and 72 cases underwent fatty filum transection. Electrical stimulation of the FT with fatty infiltration did not elicit electromyographic activity in the monitored muscles with the maximum stimulus intensity of 4.0 mA, while the average threshold for FT with normal appearance was 0.68 mA, and 89 out of 91 FT could elicit electromyographic responses in monitored channels. The threshold ratio of filum to motor nerve roots at the same surgical segment was significantly higher in patients with fatty filum, and a cut-off point of 21.03 yielded an area under curve of 0.943, with 100% sensitivity and 85.71% specificity. Conclusion Filum with normal appearance can elicit electromyographic activity in the lower limbs/anal sphincter similar to the performance of the cauda equina nerve roots. The threshold of fatty filum is different from that of normal appearing FT. Triggered EMG plays an important role in untethering surgeries.

Abstract Objective To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of the skull in children. Methods This study retrospectively summarized the clinical manifestations, treatment methods and follow-up status of children with skull LCH who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2014 to June 2021. Results A total of 23 patients confirmed by histology as LCH received hospitalization treatment, including 14 males and 9 females, aged (5.76 ± 3.86) years old. The clinical manifestations were mostly incidentally discovered head masses that gradually enlarged (19 cases, 82.61%). Only 2 cases are affected by multiple systems, while the rest are affected by single systems. 9 patients were involved in multiple skull lesions, and 14 patients had local skull lesions. All patients underwent surgical intervention, with 17 patients undergoing total resection and 6 patients undergoing biopsy. 21 patients received chemotherapy after surgery. The median follow-up was 2.46 years (range 0.33–6.83 years). 21 patients had their symptoms and signs under control or even resolved, and 2 patients experienced recurrence during follow-up. The overall control rate reached 91.30%. Conclusion Personalized treatment plans according to different clinical types. Regular outpatient follow-up is crucial to monitor disease recurrence and late effects.

Abstract It is widely believed the brain-inspired spiking neural networks have the capability of processing temporal information owing to their dynamic attributes. However, how to understand what kind of mechanisms contributing to the learning ability and exploit the rich dynamic properties of spiking neural networks to satisfactorily solve complex temporal computing tasks in practice still remains to be explored. In this article, we identify the importance of capturing the multi-timescale components, based on which a multi-compartment spiking neural model with temporal dendritic heterogeneity, is proposed. The model enables multi-timescale dynamics by automatically learning heterogeneous timing factors on different dendritic branches. Two breakthroughs are made through extensive experiments: the working mechanism of the proposed model is revealed via an elaborated temporal spiking XOR problem to analyze the temporal feature integration at different levels; comprehensive performance benefits of the model over ordinary spiking neural networks are achieved on several temporal computing benchmarks for speech recognition, visual recognition, electroencephalogram signal recognition, and robot place recognition, which shows the best-reported accuracy and model compactness, promising robustness and generalization, and high execution efficiency on neuromorphic hardware. This work moves neuromorphic computing a significant step toward real-world applications by appropriately exploiting biological observations.

Abstract The clinical application of conventional medications for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment has been severely restricted by their adverse effects and unsatisfactory therapeutic effectiveness. Inspired by the concept of ‘medicine food homology’, we extracted and purified natural exosome-like lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) from black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) leaves. The obtained MLNPs possessed a desirable hydrodynamic particle size (162.1 nm), a uniform size distribution (polydispersity index = 0.025), and a negative surface charge (-26.6 mv). These natural LNPs were rich in glycolipids, functional proteins, and active small molecules (e.g., rutin and quercetin 3-O-glucoside). In vitro experiments revealed that MLNPs were preferentially internalized by liver tumor cell lines via galactose receptor-mediated endocytosis, increased intracellular oxidative stress, and triggered mitochondrial damage, resulting in suppressing the viability, migration, and invasion of these cells. Importantly, in vivo investigations suggested that oral MLNPs entered into the circulatory system mainly through the jejunum and colon, and they exhibited negligible adverse effects and superior anti-liver tumor outcomes through direct tumor killing and intestinal microbiota modulation. These findings collectively demonstrate the potential of MLNPs as a natural, safe, and robust nanomedicine for oral treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Graphic abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, high recurrence, and drug resistance. Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders, and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy. In this review, we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways. Then, we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis. In addition, strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized. We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.

In the production of high-definition maps, it is necessary to achieve the three-dimensional instantiation of road furniture that is difficult to depict on traditional maps. The development of mobile laser measurement technology provides a new means for acquiring road furniture data. To address the issue of traffic marking extraction accuracy in practical production, which is affected by degradation, occlusion, and non-standard variations, this paper proposes a 3D reconstruction method based on energy functions and template matching, using zebra crossings in vehicle-mounted LiDAR point clouds as an example. First, regions of interest (RoIs) containing zebra crossings are obtained through manual selection. Candidate point sets are then obtained at fixed distances, and their neighborhood intensity features are calculated to determine the number of zebra stripes using non-maximum suppression. Next, the slice intensity feature of each zebra stripe is calculated, followed by outlier filtering to determine the optimized length. Finally, a matching template is selected, and an energy function composed of the average intensity of the point cloud within the template, the intensity information entropy, and the intensity gradient at the template boundary is constructed. The 3D reconstruction result is obtained by solving the energy function, performing mode statistics, and normalization. This method enables the complete 3D reconstruction of zebra stripes within the RoI, maintaining an average planar corner accuracy within 0.05 m and an elevation accuracy within 0.02 m. The matching and reconstruction time does not exceed 1 s, and it has been applied in practical production.

Biocrusts are common living covers found across drylands worldwide, and their photosynthesis substantially contributes to carbon input in these ecosystems. However, direct monitoring of biocrusts’ photosynthetic carbon fixation is challenging due to their scattered distribution, dark pigments, and lower CO2 exchange rate. Current studies have limited monitoring frequency and the results are difficult to extend to a broader spatial scale. Greenness typically functions as an indicator of both vegetation cover and plant photosynthesis. Monitoring biocrust greenness is expected to be able to provide insights into their environmental responses and estimate carbon fixation rates, particularly for moss biocrusts. Here, we monitored greenness, soil moisture and temperature, and gross primary productivity (GPP) of moss biocrusts, as well as climatic factors over two years in the northern China’s Loess Plateau. The results indicated that moss biocrust greenness was highly sensitive to changing environmental conditions and exhibited significant temporal variability. Moss biocrust greenness exhibited a notably higher value in wet season (0.384) than in dry season (0.259). According to these greenness values, we proposed moss biocrust activity and classified it into high (>0.403), medium (0.334–0.403), low (0.271–0.333), and dormancy (

Current therapeutic approaches for skin cancer face significant challenges, including wound infection, delayed skin regeneration, and tumor recurrence. To overcome these challenges, an injectable adhesive near-infrared (NIR)-responsive hydrogel with time-dependent enhancement in viscosity is developed for combined melanoma therapy and antibacterial wound healing acceleration. The multifunctional hydrogel is prepared through the chemical crosslinking between poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) and gelatin, followed by the incorporation of CuO nanosheets and allantoin. The synergistic inherent antibacterial potential of CuO nanosheets, the regenerative and smoothing effect of allantoin, the extracellular matrix-mimicking effect of gelatin, and the desirable swelling behavior of the hydrogel results in fast wound recovery after photothermal ablation of the tumor. Additionally, the hydrogel can serve as an alternative to sutures owing to its tissue adhesiveness ability, which can further render it the merits for accelerated repair of abdominal lesions while acting as a biocompatible barrier to prevent peritoneal adhesion.

Abstract Understanding the relationship between plant diversity and invasibility is essential in invasion ecology. Species‐rich communities are hypothesized to be more resistant to invasions than species‐poor communities. However, while soil microorganisms play a crucial role in regulating this diversity–invasibility relationship, the effects of plant competition mode and soil nutrient status on their role remain unclear. To address this, we conducted a two‐stage greenhouse experiment. Soils were first conditioned by growing nine native species separately in them for 1 year, then mixed in various configurations with soils conditioned using one, three, or six species, respectively. Next, we inoculated the mixed soil into sterilized substrate soil and planted the alien species Rhus typhina and native species Ailanthus altissima as test plants. We set up two competition modes (intraspecific and interspecific) and two nutrient levels (fertilization using slow‐release fertilizer and nonfertilization). Under intraspecific competition, regardless of fertilization, the biomass of the alien species was higher in soil conditioned by six native species. By contrast, under interspecific competition, the biomass increased without fertilization but remained stable with fertilization in soil conditioned by six native species. Analysis of soil microbes suggests that pathogens and symbiotic fungi in diverse plant communities influenced R. typhina growth, which varied with competition mode and nutrient status. Our findings suggest that the soil microbiome is pivotal in mediating the diversity–invasibility relationship, and this influence varies according to competition mode and nutrient status.

Abstract Geographical wildlife patterns reflect historical range expansion and connectivity and provide insights into wildlife population management. In our large-scale phylogeographic population analysis of wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax) in Japan, we identified 15 clusters using 29 microsatellite markers, each structured within a range of approximately 200 km. This suggests that evolution was essentially driven by isolation by distance, and that the range of gene flow was limited. One cluster contained subpopulations located approximately 900 km apart, indicating the occurrence of past anthropogenic introductions. Moreover, we estimated effective migration to visualize the geographic genetic population diversity. This analysis identified six potential barriers, one of which involved large plains and mountainous areas in the Kanto region of eastern Japan. This barrier likely persisted in the two eastern clusters for an extended period, restricting migration to the neighboring areas. Overall, our study sheds light on the demographic history of wild boar in Japan, provides evidence of past anthropogenic introductions from distant areas, and highlights the importance of geographic barriers in shaping genetic diversity and population dynamics. This knowledge will be beneficial for forming informed wildlife management strategies toward the conservation of genetic integrity and ecological balance of wild boar populations in Japan.