Search

This study utilized Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy chips as raw materials to prepare recycled billets through a solid-state recycling process. Isothermal hot compression tests were conducted using a thermal simulation machine to establish an Arrhenius-type constitutive equation and the hot processing map based on the dynamic materials model. The microstructure of the recycled Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy after hot compression was characterized and analyzed using SEM, EBSD, and TEM, exploring the microstructural evolution mechanisms of the recycled alloy at different temperatures and strain rates. The results indicate that the optimal hot deformation parameters for the recycled Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy are 300–360 °C at a strain rate of 0.01–0.05 s⁻1 and 400–450 °C at a strain rate of 0.05–0.3 s⁻1. At the same strain rate, as the deformation temperature increases, low-angle grain boundaries gradually disappear, and the grain structure becomes more stable. Dynamic recrystallization replaces dynamic recovery as the dominant mechanism. At the same deformation temperature, low strain rates allow more time for the migration of low-angle grain boundaries, thereby promoting the growth of dynamically recrystallized grains and ultimately forming new, undistorted grains.

Abstract Arterial thrombosis is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide with no effective bioassay for clinical prediction. As a symbolic feature of arterial thrombosis, severe stenosis in the blood vessel creates a high-shear, high-gradient flow environment that facilitates platelet aggregation towards vessel occlusion. Here, we present a thrombus profiling assay that monitors the multi-dimensional attributes of thrombi forming in such biomechanical conditions. Using this assay, we demonstrate that different receptor–ligand interactions contribute distinctively to the composition and activation status of the thrombus. Our investigation into hypertensive and older individuals reveals intensified biomechanical thrombogenesis and multi-dimensional thrombus profile abnormalities, endorsing the diagnostic potential of the assay. Furthermore, we identify the hyperactivity of GPIbα-integrin αIIbβ3 mechanosensing axis as a molecular mechanism that contributes to hypertension-associated arterial thrombosis. By studying drug-disease interactions and inter-individual variability, our work reveals a need for personalized anti-thrombotic drug selection that accommodates each patient’s pathological profile.

Abstract The persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and the progression of cervical cancer necessitate the involvement of microenvironmental immunity. As cervical lesions advance, there is an observed increase in the infiltration of type 2 (M2) macrophages. However, the precise mechanism driving this increased infiltration of M2 macrophages remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of exosomes in polarising M2 macrophages in cervical lesions associated with HPV E6. Through the analysis of bioinformatics data and clinical specimens, we discovered a positive correlation between HPV E6/E7 mRNA copy number and the level of M2 macrophage infiltration. Exosomes derived from HPV E6 overexpressed (HPV E6+) cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) cells were found to induce the polarisation of macrophages towards M2 type. Specifically, miR-204-5p, enriched in HPV E6 + CESC exosomes, was transported into macrophages and triggered M2 macrophage polarisation by inhibiting JAK2. The clinical relevance of exosomal miR-204-5p in the progression of cervical lesions was validated through serum samples from 35 cases. Exosomal miR-204-5p emerges as a critical factor influencing M2 macrophage polarisation and is correlated with the severity of cervical lesions. Consequently, miR-204-5p could be used as a potential treatment and a candidate biomarker for cervical lesions.

Necrozoospermia is a poorly documented condition with a low incidence, and its definition and clinical significance are unclear. Herein, we provide a reference range for necrozoospermia and discuss its possible etiology and impact on male fertility and assisted reproductive outcomes. We extracted relevant information from 650 Chinese male partners of infertile couples and statistically analyzed sperm vitality. Necrozoospermia was present in 3.4% (22/650) of our study population, and the lower cut-off value for sperm vitality was 75.3%. We compared two methods for assessing sperm vitality (eosin-nigrosin head staining and hypo-osmotic swelling test [HOST]), for which the percentage in the eosin-nigrosin group (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 77.5% ± 10.5%) was significantly higher than that in the HOST group (mean ± s.d.: 58.1% ± 6.7% [5–10 min after incubation] and 55.6% ± 8.2% [25–30 min after incubation]; both P < 0.001). The incidence of necrozoospermia increased with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.116, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.048–1.189, P = 0.001), while the percentage of normal sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were significantly associated with necrozoospermia, with ORs of 0.691 (95% CI: 0.511–0.935, P = 0.017) and 1.281 (95% CI: 1.180–1.390, P < 0.001), respectively. In the following 6 months, we recruited 166 patients in the nonnecrozoospermia group and 87 patients in the necrozoospermia group to compare intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. The necrozoospermia group had a significantly lower normal fertilization rate (74.7% vs 78.2%, P = 0.041; OR = 0.822; 95% CI: 0.682–0.992) than that in the nonnecrozoospermia group. This study presents substantial information on necrozoospermia to establish comprehensive and applicable reference values for sperm vitality for spontaneous conception and artificially assisted reproductive management.

Abstract Background Neurocognitive disorders frequently occur in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) because of the hemodynamic abnormalities induced by preoperative cardiac structural changes. We aimed to evaluate subcortical nuclei volume changes and cognition in postoperative tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) children, and analyze their relationship with preoperative cardiac structural changes. Methods This case-control study involved thirty-six children with repaired TOF and twenty-nine healthy controls (HCs). We utilized three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted high-resolution structural images alongside the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) to evaluate the cognitive differences between the TOF and HC group. Results We observed notable differences in subcortical nuclei volume between the TOF and HC group, specifically in the left amygdala nucleus (LAM, TOF: 1292.60 ± 155.57; HC: 1436.27 ± 140.62, p

Deep engineering disasters, such as rockbursts and collapses, are more related to the shear slip of rock joints. A novel multifunctional device was developed to study the shear failure mechanism in rocks. Using this device, the complete shear–deformation process and long-term shear creep tests could be performed on rocks under constant normal stiffness (CNS) or constant normal loading (CNL) conditions in real-time at high temperature and true-triaxial stress. During the research and development process, five key technologies were successfully broken through: (1) the ability to perform true-triaxial compression–shear loading tests on rock samples with high stiffness; (2) a shear box with ultra-low friction throughout the entire stress space of the rock sample during loading; (3) a control system capable of maintaining high stress for a long time and responding rapidly to the brittle fracture of a rock sample as well; (4) a refined ability to measure the volumetric deformation of rock samples subjected to true triaxial shearing; and (5) a heating system capable of maintaining uniform heating of the rock sample over a long time. By developing these technologies, loading under high true triaxial stress conditions was realized. The apparatus has a maximum normal stiffness of 1000 GPa/m and a maximum operating temperature of 300 °C. The differences in the surface temperature of the sample are constant to within ±5 °C. Five types of true triaxial shear tests were conducted on homogeneous sandstone to verify that the apparatus has good performance and reliability. The results show that temperature, lateral stress, normal stress and time influence the shear deformation, failure mode and strength of the sandstone. The novel apparatus can be reliably used to conduct true-triaxial shear tests on rocks subjected to high temperatures and stress.

Abstract Neurodevelopmental disorders are currently one of the major complications faced by patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Chronic hypoxia in the prenatal and postnatal preoperative brain may be associated with neurological damage and impaired long-term cognitive function, but the exact mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we find that delayed neuronal migration and impaired synaptic development are attributed to altered Atoh1 under chronic hypoxia. This is due to the fact that excessive Atoh1 facilitates expression of Kif21b, which causes excess in free-state α-tubulin, leading to disrupted microtubule dynamic stability. Furthermore, the delay in neonatal brain maturation induces cognitive disabilities in adult mice. Then, by down-regulating Atoh1 we alleviate the impairment of cell migration and synaptic development, improving the cognitive behavior of mice to some extent. Taken together, our work unveil that Atoh1 may be one of the targets to ameliorate hypoxia-induced neurodevelopmental disabilities and cognitive impairment in CHD.

Abstract Maintaining normal thyroid function is crucial in pregnancy, yet thyroid dysfunction and the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) affect 0.5% to 18% of pregnant women. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of eight thyroid traits, including two thyroid-related hormones, four thyroid dysfunctions, and two thyroid autoimmunity measurements among 85,421 Chinese pregnant women to investigate the genetic basis of thyroid function during pregnancy. Our study identified 176 genetic loci, including 125 previously unknown genome-wide associations. Joint epidemiological and Mendelian randomization analyses revealed significant associations between the gestational thyroid phenotypes and gestational complications, birth outcomes, and later-age health outcomes. Specifically, genetically elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels during pregnancy correlated with lower glycemic levels, reduced blood pressure, and longer gestational duration. Additionally, TPOAb and thyroid functions during pregnancy share genetic correlations with later-age thyroid and cardiac disorders. These findings provide insights into the genetic determinants of thyroid traits during pregnancy, which may lead to new therapeutics, early pre-diagnosis and preventive strategies starting from early adulthood.

Boron has been considered a promising powdered metal fuel for enhancing composite propellants' energy output due to its high energy density. However, the high ignition temperature and low combustion efficiency limit the application of boron powder due to the high boiling point of the boron oxide layer. Much research is ongoing to overcome these shortcomings, and one potential approach is to introduce a small quantity of metal oxide additives to promote the reaction of boron. This study prepared boron-rich fuels with 10 wt% of eight nano-metal oxide additives by mechanical ball milling. The effect of metal oxides on the thermo-oxidation, ignition, and combustion properties of boron powder was comprehensively studied by the thermogravimetric analysis (TG), the electrically heated filament setup (T-jump), and the laser-induced combustion experiments. TG experiments at 5 K/min found that Bi2O3, MoO3, TiO2, Fe2O3, and CuO can promote thermo-oxidation of boron. Compared to pure boron, Tonset can be reduced from 569 °C to a minimum of 449 °C (B/Bi2O3). Infrared temperature measurement in T-jump tests showed that when heated by an electric heating wire at rates from 1000 K/s to 25000 K/s, the ignition temperatures of B/Bi2O3 are the lowest, even lower than the melting point of boron oxide. Ignition images and SEM for the products further showed that the high heating rate is beneficial to the rapid reaction of boron powder in the single-particle combustion state. Fuels (B/Bi2O3, B/MoO3, and B/CuO) were mixed with the oxidant AP and ignited by laser to study the combustion performance. The results showed that B/CuO/AP has the largest flame area, the highest BO2 characteristic spectral intensity, and the largest burn rate for powder lines. To combine the advantages of CuO and Bi2O3, binary metal oxide (CBO, mass ratio of 3:1) was prepared and the test results showed that CBO can very well improve both ignition and combustion properties of boron. Especially B/CBO/AP has the highest burn rate compared with all fuels containing other additives. It was found that multi-component metal-oxide additive can more synergistically improve the reaction characteristics of boron powder than unary additive. These findings contribute to the development of boron-rich fuels and their application in propellants.

Abstract Several reports have presented that balanced chromosomal rearrangements (BCRs) carriers with normal phenotypes may be carriers of complex rearrangements. However, the incidence and PGT clinical outcomes of cryptic complex chromosome rearrangements (CCCRs) in individuals with BCRs is remain unknown. We recruited a cohort of 1,264 individuals with BCR carriers from 2016 to 2021 at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya. Peripheral blood was collected for karyotyping and genomic DNA extraction and the PGT-SR clinical outcomes of CCCRs carriers were analyzed and compared with those of BCR carriers. Our findings revealed that 3.6% (45/1,264) of BCR carriers had CCCRs, involving 3–25 breakpoints on 1–3 chromosomes. Furthermore, when mate-pair sequencing was employed, 63.3% (19/30) of CCCR carriers were found to have chromosome rearrangements that were different from those identified by the MicroSeq technique. And the transferable embryo rate of CCCR carriers with 3 chromosomes was significantly lower than that of CCCR carriers with only 1–2 chromosomes. In this research, we revealed that some of the BCR carriers were actually CCCR carriers, and the prognosis of PGT in CCCR carriers with one or two chromosomes is better than that of CCCR carriers with three chromosomes.

Abstract The mid-Holocene climate optimum saw warm temperatures in large parts of China, but its impact on seasonal environmental changes is not fully understood yet. Here, we use high-resolution geochemical analyses of 7000 to 6000 year-old oyster shells from the Yangtze River Delta to reconstruct climatic and oceanographic patterns. The stable isotope (δ18O, δ13C) and clumped isotope data reflect prominent seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, and river discharge. Summer months experienced warm temperatures and a distinct increase in rainfalls and river discharge. In contrast, winter months were characterized by a dry season, which might have been longer than today. Stable isotope data also indicate regular summer upwelling in the study area. These results partly disagree with available climate models raising doubts on the models’ reliability. Thus, our palaeo-proxy data offers the possibility to evaluate and correct climate models and thereby improve predictions for the future considering on-going global warming.

The power grid, as the hub connecting the power supply and consumption sides, plays an important role in achieving carbon neutrality in China. In emerging carbon markets, assessing the investment benefits of power-grid enterprises is essential. Thus, studying the impact of the carbon market on the investment and operation of power- grid enterprises is key to ensuring their efficient operation. Notably, few studies have examined the interaction between the carbon and electricity markets using system dynamics models, highlighting a research gap in this area. This study investigates the impact of the carbon market on the investment of power-grid enterprises using a novel evaluation system based on a system dynamics model that considers carbon-emissions from an established carbon-emission accounting model. First, an index system for benefit evaluation was constructed from six aspects: financing ability, economic benefit, reliability, social responsibility, user satisfaction, and carbon-emissions. A system dynamics model was then developed to reflect the causal feedback relationship between the impact of the carbon market on the investment and operation of power-grid enterprises. The simulation results of a provincial power-grid enterprise analyze comprehensive investment evaluation benefits over a 10-year period and the impact of carbon emissions on the investment and operation of power-grid enterprises. This study provides guidelines for the benign development of power-grid enterprises within the context of the carbon market.

Abstract Background To compare the repeatability and reproducibility of corneal and corneal epithelial thickness mapping using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) according to tear film break-up time (TBUT). Methods The included eyes were divided into three subgroups according to TBUT (group 1: TBUT ≤ 5 s, group 2: 5 s 10 s). All eyes were imaged separately thrice by two operators to obtain the thickness maps (TMs) of the cornea and corneal epithelium based on spatial zones encompassing a 9-mm-diameter area. Each TM consisted of 25 areas. Intraoperator (repeatability) and interoperator (reproducibility) standard deviations (Sws), coefficients of variation (CoVs), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) among the tests were calculated and compared in all the areas. Results Altogether, 132 eyes of 67 subjects were included (50, 47, and 35 eyes in groups 1, 2, and 3; respectively). The ICCs of corneal epithelial thickness and corneal thickness were > 0.75 in most of the areas. Pairwise comparisons showed that AS-OCT exhibited lower repeatability in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (P

Abstract Background Sows commonly experience insulin resistance in late gestation and lactation, causing lower feed intake and milk production, which can lead to higher mortality rates in newborn piglets. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is known to improve insulin resistance. However, whether supplementing LGG can improve insulin sensitivity in sows and enhance lactation performance, particularly the early survival of offspring remains unclear. Hence, we explored the effects and mechanisms of supplementing LGG during late gestation and lactation on sow insulin sensitivity, lactation performance, and offspring survival. In total, 20 sows were randomly allocated to an LGG (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Results In sows, LGG supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity during late gestation and lactation, increased feed intake, milk production and colostrum lactose levels in early lactation, and enhanced newborn piglet survival. Moreover, LGG treatment significantly reshaped the gut microbiota in sows, notably increasing microbiota diversity and enriching the relative abundance of insulin sensitivity-associated probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides. Serum metabolite and amino acid profiling in late-gestation sows also revealed decreased branched-chain amino acid and kynurenine serum levels following LGG supplementation. Further analyses highlighted a correlation between mitigated insulin resistance in late pregnancy and lactation by LGG and gut microbiota reshaping and changes in serum amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, maternal LGG enhanced immunity in newborn piglets, reduced inflammation, and facilitated the establishment of a gut microbiota. Conclusions We provide the first evidence that LGG mitigates insulin resistance in sows and enhances offspring survival by modulating the gut microbiota and amino acid metabolism.

IntroductionPrimary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is characterized by the infiltration of immune cells into the salivary glands. The re-establishment of salivary glands (SGs) function in pSS remains a clinical challenge. Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-functional restorative abilities. However, its potential to restore SGs function during pSS has not yet been investigated.MethodsNonobese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice (pSS model) were intravenously administered with adeno-associated viruses carrying MYDGF at 11 weeks of age. Salivary flow rates were determined before and after treatment. Mice were killed 5 weeks after MYDGF treatment, and submandibular glands were collected for analyses of histological disease scores, inflammatory cell infiltration, PCR determination of genes, and Western blotting of functional proteins. Furthermore, mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics were used to predict the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of MYDGF.ResultsTreatment of NOD/LtJ mice with MYDGF alleviated pSS, as indicated by increased salivary flow rate, reduced lymphocyte infiltration, attenuated glandular inflammation, and enhanced AQP5 and NKCC1 expression. The gene expression levels of cytokines and chemokines, including Ccl12, Ccl3, Il1r1, Ccr2, Cx3cr1, Il7, Mmp2, Mmp14, Il1b, and Il7, significantly decreased after treatment with MYDGF, as determined by RNA sequencing. Meanwhile, MYDGF inhibits infiltration of macrophages (Mϕ) in SGs, induces polarization of M2ϕ, and suppresses C-X3C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1)/C-X3C motif receptor 1 (CX3CR1) axis.ConclusionsOur findings showed that MYDGF could revitalize the SGs function of pSS, inhibit infiltration of Mϕ, and promote M2ϕ polarization via suppression of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis, which has implications for potential therapy for pSS.

AimsTo assess the predictive value of estradiol (E2) related parameters on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women undergoing fresh embryo transfer.Materials and methodsA Post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study.ResultsWe identified an optimal E2/follicle (E2/F) ratio threshold of 246.03 pg/ml on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Women with an E2/F ratio exceeding this threshold had significantly lower rates of GDM (12.75% vs. 20.41%, P < 0.001) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (11.75% vs. 15.48%, P = 0.03). Additional E2 parameters were also evaluated: baseline E2, E2 on hCG day, E2 increase, and E2 fold change. Lower GDM rates were observed in women with baseline E2 above 31.50 pg/ml (13.51% vs. 19.42%, P

The proliferation of vigorous lianas usually forms liana canopies over the crowns of host trees and liana mats on the ground of open areas or large forest gaps. While research on liana canopies has increased significantly in recent decades, our understanding of liana mats remains limited. Merremia boisiana (Convolvulaceae), a fast-growing liana, forms mature liana mats that can persist for decades, characterized by numerous upright searcher shoots that extend from the liana mats in search of supports. However, the reasons behind the proliferation of these searchers, as well as their growth and branching patterns in mature liana mats that lack support, are not well understood. We hypothesize that searchers are an inevitable phase in the growth rhythm of M. boisiana within these mature liana mats. We tested our hypothesis by tracking the lifespan and status of M. boisiana searchers during the early, middle, and late periods of the year. Our findings reveal the following: (1) M. boisiana searchers exhibit apical dominance and have a short lifespan; over 95% of searchers lost their terminal buds within two months during the early period, while it took only one month during the middle and late periods. (2) The original lateral buds of the searchers also have a limited lifespan, yet the nodes can sprout new lateral buds after the loss of their originals. (3) With the withering of terminal buds, the total number of lateral shoots decreased, while the quantity of long lateral shoots (≥ 50 cm) and their elongation rates increased. (4) Each surviving segment of a searcher typically develops one or two long lateral shoots, none of which grow into searchers. We conclude that the shoots of M. boisiana in mature liana mats periodically alternate between searchers and stolons, collectively forming a zigzag branching system. The high rate of lateral bud resprouting may facilitate the rapid recovery of mature liana mats early in the year, while the reduced lifespan of searchers and limited number of long lateral shoots represent effective strategies for M. boisiana, balancing the investment and risk associated with foraging in mature liana mats.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of using non-mydriatic fundus photography in conjunction with an artificial intelligence (AI) reading platform for large-scale screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: In this study, we selected 120 patients with diabetes hospitalized in our institution from December 2019 to April 2021. Retinal imaging of 240 eyes was obtained using non-mydriatic fundus photography. The fundus images of these patients were divided into two groups based on different interpretation methods. In Experiment Group 1, the images were analyzed and graded for DR diagnosis using an AI reading platform. In Experiment Group 2, the images were analyzed and graded for DR diagnosis by an associate chief physician in ophthalmology, specializing in fundus diseases. Concurrently, all patients underwent the gold standard for DR diagnosis and grading—fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)—with the outcomes serving as the Control Group. The diagnostic value of the two methods was assessed by comparing the results of Experiment Groups 1 and 2 with those of the Control Group. Results: Keeping the control group (FFA results) as the gold standard, no significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate, false negative rate, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden's index, Kappa value, and diagnostic accuracy (X2 = 0.371, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the manual reading group, the AI reading group revealed no significant differences across all diagnostic indicators, exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, as well as a relatively high positive predictive value. Additionally, it demonstrated a high level of diagnostic consistency with the gold standard. This technology holds potential for suitability in large-scale screening of DR.

Abstract Direct 3D printing of liquid metal is difficult to form and easy to destroy. In this paper, we developed a 3D printed composite material consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix and liquid metal (LM) dispersed droplets, and introduced the method for realizing 3D printed devices with this composite material: First, the LM is added to 10~50wt %TPU at 190~200 °C through ultrasonic blending to prepare blended ink. After solid cooling, the LM‐TPU composite fiber with a diameter of 600 μm was prepared by Wellzoom desktop extruder at 190 °C at an extrusion speed of 400 mm/min. It has excellent elasticity, with a tensile limit of 0.637 N/m2, and the TPU could evenly wrap LM droplets. Finally, the LM‐TPU fiber is 3D printed at 240 °C by using a 3D printer, and 2D/3D flexible electronic devices with heating and conductive functions could be prepared. The microcircuit has good electrical conductivity; after adding voltage, the circuit has heat release; it could be used as heating equipment to keep warm and used in various flexible wearable electronic products.

Parathyroid cancer is an extremely rare form of neuroendocrine malignancy. Apart from surgery, the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is limited, and the efficacy of targeted drugs remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness and adverse reaction of the targeted drug surufatinib in treating a case of parathyroid cancer, and concurrently review the recent advancements in the treatment of parathyroid cancer. The patient, a 55-year-old male, underwent his first surgery for a “right cervical mass” in May 2011. Postoperative pathology indicated an atypical adenoma of the parathyroid gland. In August 2016, the patient underwent a second surgery for recurrence of the right cervical tumor, with a pathological diagnosis of parathyroid cancer based on clinical history. In November 2017, the patient underwent a third surgery for recurrence of the right cervical tumor. In December 2017, the patient underwent adjuvant external radiation therapy. In August 2022, the patient developed spinal and lung metastases and underwent spinal surgery. Subsequently, the patient received three rounds of chemotherapy on October 5, 2022, October 28, 2022, and November 18, 2022, but the tumor showed slight enlargement. In January 2023, the patient began treatment with surufatinib. After two cycles of treatment, the tumor showed regression. Given the scarcity of systemic treatment options for parathyroid cancer, the targeted drug surufatinib may offer a promising potential treatment option.

Abstract Objective To report the long-term re-intervention of patients with uterine fibroids after ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation and to analyse the influencing factors of re-intervention in patients in the NPVR ≥ 80% group. Materials and methods Patients with a single uterine fibroid who underwent USgHIFU at our hospital from January 2012 to December 2019 were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups according to different nonperfusion volume ratio (NPVR). Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to analyse long-term re-intervention in different NPVR groups, and Cox regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of re-intervention in the NPVR ≥ 80% group. Main results A total of 1,257 patients were enrolled, of whom 920 were successfully followed up. The median follow-up time was 88 months, and the median NPVR was 85.0%. The cumulative re-intervention rates at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 years after USgHIFU were 3.4%, 11.8%, 16.8%, 22.6% and 24.1%, respectively. The 10-year cumulative re-intervention rate was 37.3% in the NPVR

Abstract Objective This study aims to perform a prenatal genetic diagnosis of a high-risk fetus with trisomy 7 identified by noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and to evaluate the efficacy of different genetic testing techniques for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy mosaicism. Methods For prenatal diagnosis of a pregnant woman with a high risk of trisomy 7 suggested by NIPT, karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed on an amniotic fluid sample. Low-depth whole-genome copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to clarify the results further. In addition, methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) was performed to analyze the possibility of uniparental disomy(UPD). Results Amniotic fluid karyotype analysis revealed a 46, XX result. Approximately 20% mosaic trisomy 7 was detected according to the CMA result. About 16% and 4% of mosaicism was detected by CNV-seq and FISH, respectively. MS-MLPA showed no methylation abnormalities. The fetal ultrasound did not show any detectable abnormalities except for mild intrauterine growth retardation seen at 39 weeks of gestation. After receiving genetic counseling, the expectant mother decided to continue the pregnancy, and follow-up within three months of delivery was normal. Conclusion In high-risk NIPT diagnosis, a combination of cytogenetic and molecular genetic techniques proves fruitful in detecting low-level mosaicism. Furthermore, the exclusion of UPD on chromosome 7 remains crucial when NIPT indicates a positive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 7.

Abstract Interdisciplinary research is increasingly recognized as one of the solutions to today’s challenging scientific and societal issues. Many studies have aimed to explore the relationship between the interdisciplinarity of research and the attention they receive from the scientific community as well as society. However, the relationship between interdisciplinarity and attention from policy documents remains unclear. In this study, we utilize publications data on the COVID-19 topic to explore such a relationship. Through the analysis and interpretation of empirical datasets, this research finds that there is a positive correlation between the interdisciplinarity of scientific publications and the attention they receive from policy documents in almost all fields. Among the three dimensions (i.e., variety, balance, and disparity) of interdisciplinarity, variety exhibits the most pronounced positive impact on political attention. This study fills a previous research gap and provides insights for researchers and policymakers, highlighting that interdisciplinary research holds greater potential to impact policy formulation and implementation processes.

Introduction: The herbal formula Chouchunpi San (CCPS) is a traditional formula that has been widely used and proven effective in various clinical cancer treatments. However, the mechanism of its anticancer effect remains unclear. This study aims to determine the anti-tumor effect of CCPS on colorectal cancer (CRC) in vivo and in vitro and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 assays, colony-forming assays, and flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis assays were employed to determine the anti-tumor roles of CCPS. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking, analysis of real-world clinical datasets of CRC, and western blotting were conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of CCPS on CRC. CRC xenografted mouse model, western blotting, and public CRC data analysis were conducted to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanisms of CCPS on CRC. Results: CCPS suppresses the growth of CRC cells and increases the number of apoptotic cells dose-dependently. CCPS targets and significantly downregulates RPA1 and enhances the phosphorylation of its downstream effectors, ATR and CHK1, which are critical for CRC progression. Additionally, CCPS shows a comparable anti-tumor effect in CRC xenografted mouse models compared to Capecitabine, a chemotherapy drug commonly used in clinics. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate the potential use of CCPS in cancer treatment by suppressing cancer cell growth and modulating the RPA1/ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway in CRC. Further investigations on the application of CCPS in cancer therapies could be extended to evaluate the potential in vivo toxicity and adverse events, as well as the synergistic effect of CCPS in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) technology in screening for microdeletions in the 7q11.23 region.Methods 19,607 pregnant women underwent NIPS in our hospital. Maternal peripheral cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) was routinely screened for aneuploidy by cffDNA enrichment and simultaneously analyzed for pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs). The Williams syndrome (WS) 7q11.23 region was targeted in this study. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was used to verify the screen-positive samples.Results The mean concentration of cffDNA before and after enrichment increased from 9.44% to 19.32%, with a statistically significant difference. Two out of 19,607 samples tested for CNVs were found to have a heterozygous deletion at the 7q11.23 region, indicating a high risk for WS. CMA results confirmed the 1.5 megabase (Mb) deletions at the 7q11.23 region in amniotic fluid samples. One of the two WS foetuses had a small left ventricle by ultrasound screening, and the other did not have a significant cardiovascular abnormality phenotype.Conclusions NIPS screening for Williams syndrome can be achieved by enriching cell-free foetal DNA and improving bioinformatic analysis algorithms.

Purpose: Sex-based differences in lumbar spine's fat content in adults are minimal, but significant variations exist in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) signal characteristics. This study aimed to investigate fat content’s impact on DWI performance in lumbar spine and potential sex differences. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on upper abdominal MRI examinations in asymptomatic adult. The lumbar 1 vertebral apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and fat fraction were measured. Using DWI images (b = 800 s/mm2), the lumbar 1 vertebral signal was categorized into high and iso-low signal groups. A univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of fat fraction on DWI performance. Finally, the participants were divided into three groups to analyze sex differences in the effect of fat content on DWI performance. Results: 202 subjects, 99 men were included. Fat content significantly influenced lumbar spine DWI signal in both sexes (p < 0.05). The effect on ADC values was significant only in women (p < 0.001). Women demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of high DWI signal than men in the low (p = 0.002) and middle (p = 0.012) fat content groups. Additionally, women had higher ADC values in the low fat group (p = 0.004) but lower values in the high fat group (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Fat content significantly impacts the DWI signal of lumbar spine, with a slight sex difference observed. These sex differences suggest that DWI signals may provide valuable information about the bone marrow beyond fat content.

AbstractObjective Long-term re-intervention after ultrasound-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation was reported, and the prediction of non-perfusion volume ratio (NPVR) in differently aged patients with uterine fibroids (UFs) was explored.Materials and Methods Patients with UFs who underwent USgHIFU ablation from January 2012 to December 2019 were enrolled and divided into < 40-year-old and ≥ 40-year-old groups. Cox regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of re-intervention rate, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the correlation between NPVR and re-intervention rate.Results A total of 2141 patients were enrolled, and 1558 patients were successfully followed up. The 10-year cumulative re-intervention rate was 21.9%, and the < 40-year-old group had a significantly higher rate than the ≥ 40-year-old group (30.8% vs. 19.1%, p

Bladder cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality globally. The development of bladder cancer is closely associated with alternative splicing, which regulates human gene expression and enhances the diversity of functional proteins. Alternative splicing is a distinctive feature of bladder cancer, and as such, it may hold promise as a therapeutic target. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the current knowledge of alternative splicing in the context of bladder cancer. We review the process of alternative splicing and its regulation in bladder cancer. Moreover, we emphasize the significance of abnormal alternative splicing and splicing factor irregularities during bladder cancer progression. Finally, we explore the impact of alternative splicing on bladder cancer drug resistance and the potential of alternative splicing as a therapeutic target.