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Introduction Objective Methods Results Conclusions Primary premature ejaculation (PPE) is a common male neurobiological disorder. Currently, there is consensus that the impairment in central serotonin (5‐HT) neurotransmission constitutes a key pathogenic factor in PPE. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) serve as the primary pharmacological intervention; however, a comprehensive elucidation of their mechanism of action remains incomplete. Owing to significant individual variability in efficacy, SSRIs exhibit a high discontinuation rate. Hence, there is an urgent need to address the selection of SSRIs for PPE treatment.This study aims to investigate the characteristics of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in patients with PPE and to assess its influence on the efficacy of SSRIs.The exploratory study included a total of 16 patients with PPE and 16 control subjects who were healthy men without any sexual dysfunction. Upon enrollment in the study, all participants underwent a thorough medical history review and physical examination. Subsequently, their serum levels of TRP, its metabolites, large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), and metabolite ratios were assessed using a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) assay. After a period of 4 weeks of dapoxetine treatment, all patients with PPE underwent reassessment using the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) score and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) test.The ratio of serum TRP to other LNAAs (TRP/LNAAs) in patients with PPE was found to be significantly lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the ratio of kynurenine to TRP (KYN/TRP) was observed to be significantly higher in the PPE patients compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Including the serum TRP/LNAAs ratio and KYN/TRP ratio in the prediction model yielded the highest prediction efficiency for PPE. There was a significant negative correlation between the ratio of TRP/LNAAs before the treatment and the IELT after 4 weeks of the treatment. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation observed between the ratio of TRP/LNAAs before the treatment and the PEDT score after 4 weeks of the treatment.This study demonstrates that the reduction in the TRP/LNAAs ratio and the elevation of the KYN/TRP ratio are significant characteristics associated with PPE. These findings suggest that diminished tryptophan availability in the brain and the activation of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of PPE. The TRP/LNAAs ratio has potential as a reliable indicator of central serotonin (5‐HT) levels. Considering the TRP/LNAAs ratio when selecting SSRIs for the treatment of PPE may enhance the response rate of this medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hard carbon in the PC/EC-based electrolyte can achieve excellent cycle performance and rate performance for sodium-ion batteries. • For the first time, the differences of the ion solvation/desolvation behavior in the electrolytes are proposed to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the distinct electrochemical performance of HC in the PC/EC-based electrolyte and the PC-based electrolyte. • A SEI film with a higher percentage of organic composition is formed in the PC/EC-based electrolyte. • The PC/EC-based electrolyte exhibits a faster ion desolvation process compared to the PC-based electrolyte. Although hard carbon in propylene carbonate / ethylene carbonate (PC/EC)–based electrolytes possesses favorable electrochemical characteristics in rechargeable sodium–ion batteries, the underlying mechanism is still vague. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to solve the puzzle, but none of them have satisfactorily unraveled the reason at the molecular–level. In this study, we firstly attempted to address this mystery through a profound insight into the disparity of the ion solvation/desolvation behavior in electrolyte. Combining the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experiments, the work explains that compared to the sole PC–based electrolyte, Na+–EC 4 molecules in the PC/EC–based electrolyte preferentially undergo reduction and contribute to the emergence of a more stable protective film on the surface of hard carbon, leading to the preferable durability and rate capability of the cell. Nevertheless, applying the ion solvation/desolvation model, it also reveals that Na+–(solvent) n molecules in the PC/EC–based electrolyte can achieve faster Na+ desolvation processes than in the PC–based electrolyte alone, contributing to the enhancement of charge transfer kinetics. This research holds great importance in uncovering the possible mechanism of the remarkable electrochemical– properties of hard carbon in PC/EC–based electrolytes, and advancing its practical utilization in future sodium–ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of RNAs that cannot synthesize proteins, but are critical in gene expression regulation. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), the two major family members, are intimately involved in controlling immune response, cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and polarization, and cytokine secretion. Their interactions significantly influence lung inflammatory diseases and could be potential therapeutic targets. Objectives: The review aims to elucidate the role of ncRNAs, especially the interactions between lncRNA and miRNA in lung diseases, including acute and chronic lung inflammatory diseases, as well as lung cancer. And provide novel insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic methods. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the latest studies on lncRNA and miRNA in lung inflammatory diseases. Our research involved searching through electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results: We explain the fundamental characteristics and functions of miRNA and lncRNA, their potential interaction mechanisms, and summarize the newly explorations on the role of lncRNA and miRNA interactions in lung inflammatory diseases. Conclusions: Numerous lncRNAs and miRNAs have been found to partipicate in all stages of lung inflammatory diseases. While ncRNA‐based therapies have been validated and developed, there remain challenges in developing more stable and effective drugs for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biointerfacing nanomaterials with cell membranes has been successful in the functionalization of nanoparticles or nanovesicles, but microbubble functionalization remains challenging due to the unique conformation of the lipid monolayer structure at the gas‐liquid interface that provides insufficient surfactant activity. Here, we describe a strategy to rationally regulate the surfactant activity of platelet membrane vesicles by adjusting the ratio of proteins to lipids through fusion with synthetic phospholipids (i.e. liposomes). A "platesome" with the optimized protein‐to‐lipid ratio can be assembled at the gas‐liquid interface in the same manner as pulmonary surfactants to stabilize a microsized gas bubble. Platesome microbubbles (PMBs) inherited 61.4 % of the platelet membrane vesicle proteins and maintained the active conformation of integrin αIIbβ3 without the talin 1 for fibrin binding. We demonstrated that the PMBs had good stability, long circulation, and superior functionality both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, by molecular ultrasound imaging, the PMBs provide up to 11.8 dB of ultrasound signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement for discriminating between acute and chronic thrombi. This surface tension regulating strategy may provide a paradigm for biointerfacing microbubbles with cell membranes, offering a potential new approach for the construction of molecular ultrasound contrast agents for the diagnosis of different diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biointerfacing nanomaterials with cell membranes has been successful in the functionalization of nanoparticles or nanovesicles, but microbubble functionalization remains challenging due to the unique conformation of the lipid monolayer structure at the gas‐liquid interface that provides insufficient surfactant activity. Here, we describe a strategy to rationally regulate the surfactant activity of platelet membrane vesicles by adjusting the ratio of proteins to lipids through fusion with synthetic phospholipids (i.e. liposomes). A "platesome" with the optimized protein‐to‐lipid ratio can be assembled at the gas‐liquid interface in the same manner as pulmonary surfactants to stabilize a microsized gas bubble. Platesome microbubbles (PMBs) inherited 61.4 % of the platelet membrane vesicle proteins and maintained the active conformation of integrin αIIbβ3 without the talin 1 for fibrin binding. We demonstrated that the PMBs had good stability, long circulation, and superior functionality both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, by molecular ultrasound imaging, the PMBs provide up to 11.8 dB of ultrasound signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement for discriminating between acute and chronic thrombi. This surface tension regulating strategy may provide a paradigm for biointerfacing microbubbles with cell membranes, offering a potential new approach for the construction of molecular ultrasound contrast agents for the diagnosis of different diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation impact negatively the prognosis of patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to observe the effect of antiviral therapy (AVT) on viral reactivation and long-term outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for HBV-related HCC. Methods: Data on 538 patients between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to adjust for differences in baseline features between patients who received AVT (AVT group) and did not receive it (non-AVT group). Logistic regression was used to identify the independent factors for viral reactivation. The tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Recurrence patterns were also investigated. Results: HBV reactivation developed in 10.8% (58/538) of patients after PRFA. AVT was associated independently with decreased viral reactivation (odd ratio: 0.061, 95% confidence interval: 0.018–0.200). In 215 pairs of patients obtained after PSM, the AVT group had lower 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence rates (24%, 55%, and 67% vs 33%, 75%, and 85%, respectively) and higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates (100%, 67%, and 59% vs 100%, 52%, and 42%, respectively) than non-AVT group (P < 0.001 for both). Additionally, the relapses in distant hepatic segments and the late recurrence after 2 years of PRFA were significantly reduced in the AVT group (78/215 vs 111/215 vs., P = 0.001; 39/109 vs. 61/91, P = 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: AVT reduced late and distal intrahepatic recurrence and improved OS in patients undergoing PRFA for HBV-related HCC by inhibiting viral reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of antiviral therapy (AVT) on short- and long-term outcomes after rehepatectomy for patients with recurrent hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Study Design: We analyzed data from 583 consecutive patients who underwent rehepatectomy for intrahepatic recurrence of HBV-related HCC after initial hepatectomy, between 2006 and 2011 at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital. Tumor re-recurrence, recurrence to death survival (RTDS), and overall survival (OS) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The independent risk factors of prognoses were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Postoperative viral reactivation, surgical morbidity, and mortality were also observed.Results: Preoperative AVT reduced viral reactivation rate after rehepatectomy (5.8% for AVT patients, 16.3% and 16.6% for non-AVT patients with viral level ≤ or >2,000 IU/mL, respectively; p ≤ 0.028). Viral reactivation and non-AVT were independent risk factors of tumor re-recurrence (hazard ratios 1.446 and 1.778, respectively), RTDS (1.691 and 2.457, respectively), and OS (1.781 and 1.857, respectively). The AVT improved long-term outcomes as compared with non-AVT with a viral level of ≤ or >2,000 IU/mL (5-year re-recurrence rate: 69% vs 81% vs 96%, respectively; 5-year RTDS rate: 47% vs 27% vs 17%, respectively; all p ≤ 0.016). Pre- plus postoperative AVT achieved a better 5-year OS rate than postoperative AVT alone (83% vs 60%; p = 0.045); there were insignificant differences in 5-year re-recurrence and RTDS rates (61% vs 77%, p = 0.102; 50% vs 44%, p = 0.395).Conclusions: Preoperative AVT decreased viral reactivation rate, and AVT initiated either before or after rehepatectomy contributed to better long-term prognoses after rehepatectomy for recurrent HBV-related HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 70% land plants live in mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and maintenance of symbiosis requires transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation. The former has been widely studied, whereas the latter mediated by symbiotic microRNAs (miRNAs) remains obscure, especially in woody plants. Here, we performed high‐throughput sequencing of the perennial woody citrus plant Poncirus trifoliata and identified 3750 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 42 miRNAs (DEmiRs) upon AM fungal colonization. By analyzing cis‐regulatory elements in the promoters of the DEGs, we predicted 329 key AM transcription factors (TFs). A miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was then constructed by integrating these data. Several candidate miRNA families of P. trifoliata were identified whose members target known symbiotic genes, such as miR167h‐AMT2;3 and miR156e‐EXO70I, or key TFs, such as miR164d‐NAC and miR477a‐GRAS, thus are involved in AM symbiotic processes of fungal colonization, arbuscule development, nutrient exchange and phytohormone signaling. Finally, analysis of selected miRNA family revealed that a miR159b conserved in mycorrhizal plant species and a Poncirus‐specific miR477a regulate AM symbiosis. The role of miR477a was likely to target GRAS family gene RAD1 in citrus plants. Our results not only revealed that miRNA‐mRNA network analysis, especially miRNA‐TF analysis, is effective in identifying miRNA family regulating AM symbiosis, but also shed light on miRNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation of AM symbiosis in woody citrus plants. Summary statement: In our study, we integrated miRNA with mRNA analysis, especially specific miRNA‐TF co‐expression node analysis, and attempted to reveal the regulatory links between transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in AM symbiosis of woody citrus plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing deep learning methods for point cloud classification are trained using abundant labeled samples and used to test only a few samples. However, classification tasks are diverse, and not all tasks have enough labeled samples for training. In this paper, a novel point cloud classification method for indoor components using few labeled samples is proposed to solve the problem of the requirement for abundant labeled samples for training with deep learning classification methods. This method is composed of four parts: mixing samples, feature extraction, dimensionality reduction, and semantic classification. First, the few labeled point clouds are mixed with unlabeled point clouds. Next, the mixed high-dimensional features are extracted using a deep learning framework. Subsequently, a nonlinear manifold learning method is used to embed the mixed features into a low-dimensional space. Finally, the few labeled point clouds in each cluster are identified, and semantic labels are provided for unlabeled point clouds in the same cluster by a neighborhood search strategy. The validity and versatility of the proposed method were validated by different experiments and compared with three state-of-the-art deep learning methods. Our method uses fewer than 30 labeled point clouds to achieve an accuracy that is 1.89–19.67% greater than existing methods. More importantly, the experimental results suggest that this method is not only suitable for single-attribute indoor scenarios but also for comprehensive complex indoor scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Precise discrete fracture network (DFN) is very significant for fractured reservoirs due to its considerable power to help understand the complex nature of reservoir, predict production response, and create a development plan. Typically, many types of static data, including seismic, wellbore, outcrop, geomechanical, and geostatistical data, are integrated to construct a DFN. A potential problem is the mismatching of inter-well connection between DFN and field dynamic data. Therefore, a local optimization method is proposed in this paper to improve DFN for precise inter-well connections using field tracer data based on an improved simulated annealing algorithm. The proposed method is validated with two field case examples by largely improving the performance of numerical simulation. The results of optimization are also reasonable from the perspective of geostatistics and geomechanics. Optimization has a minimum effect on the original fracture density model. Additionally, the percentage of fractures to be updated in each perturbation of the proposed method decides the speed and precision level of the optimization. The improved simulated annealing algorithm can also be widely used for other optimization problems. Highlights • A novel optimization method is proposed to fill the gap of inter-well connection between initial DFN and dynamic field data. • In the proposed method, field tracer data are integrated and an improved simulated annealing algorithm is applied. • The method is validated with a field example, by largely improving the performance of numerical simulation. • Optimized DFN is compatible in the view of geostatistics and geomechanics. • The proposed improved simulated annealing algorithm may also be well used for other similar optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a sign of advanced stage disease, which is associated with poor prognosis. Liver resection (LR) may provide better prognosis in selected patients. In the present study, we aimed to assess information from HCC patients with PVTT who died within 3 months or 2 years after LR in order to identify preoperative factors correlated to short-term or long-term survival, by which inappropriate selection of patients for LR might be avoided in the future. Methods: A retrospective cohort study consisting of 487 consecutive cases of HCC patients with PVTT was performed from 2008 to 2010 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital. Medical records, including laboratory values, imaging results and treatment information, were obtained from participants. Study endpoints were survival at 3 months and 2 years post-hepatectomy. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the significant pre-operative factors influencing short-term or long-term survival. Results: In multivariable analysis, α-fetoprotein, total bilirubin and radiologic ascites were significantly associated with short-term survival, while α-fetoprotein level, clinical significant portal hypertension, extent of PVTT and tumor differentiation were factors significantly associated with long-term survival. Conclusions: The independent risk factors of poor short-term survival were the liver function-associated, such as factors radiologic ascites and total bilirubin, while tumor differentiation indicating the tumor biology was associated with longer-term survival. In addition, α-fetoprotein was a risk factor associated with both short-term and longer-term survivals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]