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Objective To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block and oral celecoxib for preoperative analgesia in elderly patients with hip fractures. Methods Sixty-eight elderly patients with hip fracture surgery treated at the 908th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force from January 2019 to June 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (femoral nerve block) and the control group (oral celecoxib), with 34 cases in each group. The experimental group received a 20 mL 0.3% ropivacaine for femoral nerve block under ultrasound guidance, while the control group was given celecoxib capsules (0.2 g, twice daily). Visual analog scores (VAS) were compared between the two groups at 10 minutes before intervention, 30 minutes after intervention, 2 hours after intervention, and 10 minutes before surgery. Complications such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and adverse drug reactions were also recorded. Results There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups before intervention (P＞0.05). In the experimental group, VAS scores gradually decreased over time (P＜0.05). In the control group, VAS scores at each time point after intervention were lower than before intervention, with a higher score 10 minutes before surgery (3.85±1.11) compared to 2 hours after intervention (3.24±1.02). The experimental group had lower VAS scores at all time points after intervention compared to the control group (P＜0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(17.6% vs41.2%, χ2=4.53，P＜0.05）. Conclusion Both ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block and oral celecoxib can alleviate preoperative pain in elderly patients with hip fractures, but ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block is safer and can sustain pain relief.

Objective To investigate the changes of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and superficial vascular density in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and analyze the correlation between the changes and disease severity. Methods Total 43 patients (76 eyes) with PD admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from June 2021 to March 2022, and 45 patients (90 eyes) with normal neurological and visual functions from their family members were recruited as the control group. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to measure RNFL thickness, retinal blood vessel length density and perfusion density, and the area and circumference of foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Disease severity was evaluated by modified Hoehn - Yahr staging, and motor function was evaluated by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Ⅲ (UPDRS Ⅲ) in PD group. Pearson and partial correlation analyses were used to investigate the correlation between retinal parameters and PD severity. Results Comparison of OCTA related parameters between the 2 groups: RNFL thickness (t = - 6.424, P = 0.000), central length density (t = - 3.629, P = 0.000), inner ring length density (Z = - 2.846, P = 0.004) and central perfusion density (Z = - 2.703, P = 0.007) in the PD group were lower than those in the control group. Correlation analysis showed that RNFL thickness was negatively correlated with UPDRSⅢ score (r = - 0.625, P = 0.000). Conclusions RNFL thickness may be a potential indicator for early diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of PD.

Abstract The relationship between blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio (BAR) and the prognosis of patients with tuberculosis (TB) complicated by sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between BAR and overall patient prognosis. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with TB complicated by sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between January 2019 and February 2023. The relationship between BAR values and prognosis in these patients was investigated using multivariate Cox regression, stratified analysis with interaction, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and threshold effect analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results. Our study included 537 TB patients complicated by sepsis admitted in the ICU, with a median age of 63.0 (48.0, 72.0) years; 76.7% of whom were men. The multivariate-restricted cubic spline analysis showed a non-linear association between BAR and patient prognosis. In the threshold analysis, we found that TB patients complicated by sepsis and a BAR

Objective To investigate the efficacy of intradiscal injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of discogenic low back pain (DLBP). b>Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 47 DLBP patients treated at No.908 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force from January 2022 to June 2023 was conducted. Patients were divided into a PRP combined with celecoxib capsule treatment group (experimental group, n=16) and a celecoxib capsule monotherapy group (control group, n=31) based on the treatment method. The visual analogue scale (VAS) of low back pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded before treatment, at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment. Results VAS scores and ODI scores in the experimental group gradually decreased over time; the VAS scores and ODI scores in the control group decreased at 1 week after treatment compared to before treatment, but then showed a gradual upward trend. The VAS scores and ODI scores in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group at 1 month and 6 months after treatment (P＜0.05). Conclusion he long-term efficacy of autologous PRP combined with celecoxib capsule in treating DLBP is superior to that of celecoxib capsule monotherapy and can be considered as an effective treatment for DLBP.

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavities are excellent platforms for ultra-sensitive sensing due to high-quality factor and small mode volume. However, the conventional sensing method by tracking single-mode changes is difficult to fully utilize the sensing information, which limits the measurement precision and dynamical range. Here, we demonstrate a high-precision temperature sensor based on the multimode sensing method in a packaged microbubble resonator (PMBR). Remarkably, a low-cost broadband spectrum source is used as probe light to provide more sensing modes for high-precision measurement. Empowered by a machine learning method, the multimode spectral information are fully utilized, and the true temperature is precisely readout with mean-squared error (MSE) of 0.0138. The detection limit is lower three times than single-mode sensing method, capable of reaching 0.117 °C. In addition, the correlation coefficient (R2) between predictions and truth is as high as 0.9996 within the measurement range of 25–45 °C. With the low-cost laser source and high detection precision, this work provides a new perspective for intelligent optical microcavity sensors and their engineering applications.

Summary: The high infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment prominently attenuates the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the metabolic profile of TAMs and identify S-2-hydroxyglutarate (S-2HG) as a potential immunometabolite that shapes macrophages into an antitumoral phenotype. Blockage of L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2HGDH)-mediated S-2HG catabolism in macrophages promotes tumor regression. Mechanistically, based on its structural similarity to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), S-2HG has the potential to block the enzymatic activity of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), consequently reshaping chromatin accessibility. Moreover, S-2HG-treated macrophages enhance CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor activity and sensitivity to anti-PD-1 therapy. Overall, our study uncovers the role of blockage of L2HGDH-mediated S-2HG catabolism in orchestrating macrophage antitumoral polarization and, further, provides the potential of repolarizing macrophages by S-2HG to overcome resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy.

Chemical testing of grapes is essential for wine-making, allowing informed decisions about grape composition and potential wine characteristics. However, current invasive laboratory methods to identify the key components as total soluble solid contents and acidity, present challenges in terms of time and cost. To address these issues, non-invasive techniques using Visible-Near-Infrared (Vis-NIR) and Raman spectroscopy are explored for rapid and accurate grape chemical analysis. Various machine learning methods are deployed in this study to address the challenges of grape chemical analysis and enhance estimation accuracy. The contributions of this research include pioneering a direct comparison between Vis-NIR and Raman spectroscopy, establishing a regression model benchmark, and providing an open-source dataset for grape composition analysis. We identify Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR) as the most effective regression models, with GPR achieving an RMSE of 0.977 °Birx for sugar content estimation in French Colombard grapes and SVMR achieving 0.780 °Brix for Cabernet grapes. For pH estimations, GPR and SVMR also perform exceptionally well.

Abstract Background Patients with hematological malignancies received multiple hypodermic injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Procedural pain is one of the most common iatrogenic causes of pain in patients with hematological malignancies. It is also identified as the most commonly occurring problem in clinical care in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Shenzhen University General Hospital. However, providing immediate relief from pain induced by hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor remains a major challenge. This trial aims to evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of a fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for patients with hematological malignancies and experiencing procedural pain caused by hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the department. Methods The nitrous oxide/oxygen study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with hematological malignancies who require hypodermic injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for treatment. This trial was conducted in the Hematology and Oncology Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital. A total of 54 eligible patients were randomly allocated to either the fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture group (n = 36) or the oxygen group (n = 18). Neither the investigators nor the patients known about the randomization list and the nature of the gas mixture in each cylinder. Outcomes were monitored at the baseline (T0), immediately after hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (T1), and 5 min after hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (T2) for each group. The primary outcome measure was the score in the numerical rating scale corresponding to the highest level of pain experienced during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Secondary outcomes included the fear of pain, anxiety score, four physiological parameters, adverse effects, total time of gas administration, satisfaction from both patients and nurses, and the acceptance of the patients. Discussion This study focused on the safety and analgesic efficacy during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor procedure. Data on the feasibility and safety of nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy was provided if proven beneficial to patients with hematological malignancies during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and widely administered to patients with procedural pain in the department. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR2200061507. Registered on June 27, 2022. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=170573&htm=4

Phytoextraction using hyperaccumulating plants is an environmentally friendly phytoremediation technology for heavy metal-contaminated soils. Generating hyperaccumulating plants with high biomass is feasible using genetic engineering methods. Here, the Mn transporter natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 2 (LcNRAMP2) gene was identified from sheepgrass (Leymus chinensis), which is highly adaptable to many soil types. LcNRAMP2 expression was induced by high-Mn treatment in L. chinensis. LcNRAMP2 overexpression enhanced the tolerance of transgenic rice seedlings to high levels of Mn and Cd stress. Furthermore, transgenic rice seedlings overexpressing LcNRAMP2 accumulated more Mn and Cd compared to wild types after stress treatment. Subcellular localization revealed that LcNRAMP2 was predominantly localized in the prevacuole compartments (PVC) and vacuolar membranes. These results suggest that LcNRAMP2 may be the Mn and Cd transporter on PVC and vacuolar membranes, which sequesters excess Mn and Cd into the vacuole, thereby enhancing the Mn and Cd tolerance of transgenic rice seedlings. Our study revealed that LcNRAMP2 is a vital genetic resource for generating hyperaccumulating transgenic herbs with high biomass for phytoextraction in Mn- and Cd-contaminated soils.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Recently, developments in radiotherapy technology have led to radiotherapy becoming one of the main therapeutics of HCC. Therefore, a suitable animal model for radiotherapy of the orthotopic HCC mouse model is urgently needed. Methods In the present study, Hepa1‐6 cells were injected into the liver of C57BL/6 mice in situ to mimic the pathological characteristics of the original HCC. Tumor formation was monitored by applying magnetic resonance imaging techniques and verified by H&E histopathological staining, AFP staining, and Ki67 staining. A single dose of 10 Gy X‐ray was applied to simulate clinical radiotherapy plans using image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) equipment. The efficiency of radiotherapy was then assessed by examining tumor size and weight one week after radiation. Cleaved‐caspase3 staining and TUNEL were used to assess apoptosis in tumor tissues. Results Intrahepatic tumor development was detected in the liver according using MRI. A high‐density shadow could be seen 10 days after cell injection, which indicated the formation of HCC in vivo. The tumors grew steadily bigger, and underwent precision radiotherapy 20 days after injection. The typical pathological characteristics of HCC, such as large, deeply stained nuclei and irregular cell size, were visible with H&E staining. After radiotherapy, significantly higher expression of the immunohistochemical markers Ki67 and AFP were detected in tumor tissue than in the nearby normal tissue. Compared with the control group, the tumor volume (p = 0.05) and weight (p

Abstract Chemoresistance poses a significant impediment to effective treatment strategies for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our previous study unveiled that oncogene TWIST1 interacted with DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) to regulate the decitabine (DAC) resistance in MDS/AML. However, the underlying mechanism of TWIST1 dysregulation in DAC resistance remained enigmatic. Here, we found that O-GlcNAc modification was upregulated in CD34+ cells from MDS/AML patients who do not respond to DAC treatment. Functional study revealed that O-GlcNAcylation could stabilize TWIST1 by impeding its interaction with ubiquitin E3 ligase CBLC. In addition, as one typical transcription factor, TWIST1 could bind to the promoter of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) gene and activate its transcription. Collectively, we highlighted the crucial role of the O-GlcNAcylated TWIST1 in the chemoresistance capacity of MDS/AML clonal cells, which may pave the way for the development of a new therapeutic strategy targeting O-GlcNAcylated proteins and reducing the ratio of MDS/AML relapse. Video Abstract

Abstract A reliable animal model is essential for ischemic stroke research. The implications of the external carotid artery (ECA) transection or common carotid artery (CCA) ligation have been described. Thus, a modified animal model, the CCA‐repair model, has been established, and studies have shown that the CCA‐repair model has potential advantages over the CCA‐ligation model. However, whether the CCA‐repair model is superior to the ECA‐ligation model remains unclear. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to establish the CCA‐repair (n = 34) or ECA‐ligation (n = 26) models. Cerebral blood flow before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), immediately after MCAO and reperfusion were monitored and the operation duration, postoperative body weight, and food intake within 7 days, and the number of intraoperative and postoperative deaths within 7 days were recorded in the two models. Modified neurological severity scores and Bederson (0–5) scores were used to evaluate postoperative neurological function deficits on Days 1/3/5/7. 2,3,5‐Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was used to quantify lesion volume on Day 7 after the operation. We found the establishment of the CCA‐repair model required a longer total operation duration (p = 0.0175), especially the operation duration of reperfusion (p

Bird wings are exquisite mechanisms integrated with multiple morphological deformation joints. The larger avian species are particularly adept at utilizing their wings’ flapping, folding, and twisting motions to control the wing angle and area. These motions mainly involve different types of spanwise folding and chordwise twisting. It is wondered whether the agile maneuverability of birds is based on the complex coupling of these wing morphing changes. To investigate this issue, we designed a two-section wing structure ornithopter capable of simultaneously controlling both spanwise folding and chordwise twisting and applied it to research on heading control. The experimental data collected from outdoor flights describe the differing flight capabilities between the conventional and two-section active twist wing states, indicating that incorporating an active twist structure enhances the agility and maneuverability of this novel flapping aircraft. In the experiments on yaw control, we observed some peculiar phenomena: although the twisting motion of the active twist ornithopter wings resembles that of a fixed-wing aileron control, due to the intricate coupling of the wing flapping and folding, the ornithopter, under the control of active twist structures, exhibited a yaw direction opposite to the expected direction (directly applying the logic assumed by the fixed-wing aileron control). Addressing this specific phenomenon, we provide a plausible model explanation. In summary, our study with active twist mechanisms on ornithopters corroborates the positive impact of active deformation on their attitude agility, which is beneficial for the design of similar bio-inspired aircraft in the future.