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Abstract Background The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of monitored anesthesia care (MAC) versus intubated general anesthesia (IGA) for patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods This prospective observational study included patients scheduled for cardiac surgery involving CPB at our institution between April 2012 and February 2017. The enrolled patients were categorized into MAC and IGA groups. MAC involved local anesthesia at the sternotomy site, sedation with dexmedetomidine, analgesia with remifentanil/sufentanil, and electroacupuncture (EA). Eleven patients underwent MAC, and 13 patients received IGA. There were no instances of conversion from MAC to IGA, and both groups exhibited no major complications. The demographic characteristics, baseline parameters, and operative variables were comparable between the two groups. Results Intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly lower in the MAC group compared to the IGA group (P

Abstract The advancement of microcomb sources, which serve as a versatile and powerful platform for various time–frequency measurements, have spurred widespread interest across disciplines. Their uses span coherent optical and microwave communications, atomic clocks, high-precision LiDARs, spectrometers, and frequency synthesizers. Recent breakthroughs in fabricating optical micro-cavities, along with the excitation and control of microcombs, have broadened their applications, bridging the gap between physical exploration and practical engineering systems. These developments pave the way for pioneering approaches in both classical and quantum information sciences. In this review article, we conduct a thorough examination of the latest strategies related to microcombs, their enhancement and functionalization schemes, and cutting-edge applications that cover signal generation, data transmission, quantum analysis, and information gathering, processing and computation. Additionally, we provide in-depth evaluations of microcomb-based methodologies tailored for a variety of applications. To conclude, we consider the current state of research and suggest a prospective roadmap that could transition microcomb technology from laboratory settings to broader real-world applications.

Abstract Background Parathyroid adenoma is the primary cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, commonly presenting with elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) and blood calcium levels. Chronic primary hyperparathyroidism often results in bone destruction, resulting in the formation of brown tumors. The preferred clinical treatment for parathyroid adenoma is parathyroidectomy. Postoperative pancytopenia, although rare, is a critical complication that warrants further investigation into its mechanisms and management strategies. Case presentation We present a case of a 59-year-old female patient who was admitted due to nausea and vomiting. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed a mass posterior to the left thyroid lobe and multiple areas of fibrocystic osteitis throughout the body. Hematological tests showed elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The patient subsequently underwent parathyroidectomy, and pathological examination confirmed the presence of a parathyroid adenoma. Postoperatively, the patient developed pancytopenia and received symptomatic treatment such as correction of anemia and elevation of white blood. At the two-month follow-up, all indicators had returned to normal. Conclusions Pancytopenia is commonly seen in bone marrow diseases, infections and immune-related disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic diseases. This case confirms that pancytopenia can also occur postoperatively in patients with parathyroid adenoma. Therefore, Clinicians should be aware of the potential for postoperative pancytopenia following parathyroidectomy and the need for prompt management.

Effects of four types of cereal dietary fibers (DF) on blood glucose, inflammatory factors and gut microbiota in db/db mice were investigated. The db/db mice were fed with diets containing four types of dietary fibers of wheat (WDF), brown rice (BDF), oat (ODF) and buckwheat (BWDF) respectively. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was measured every two weeks, and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted at the 8th and 14th weeks. At 14 weeks, feces were collected to analyze the changes of microbiota, and serum was collected to determine the level of blood lipid and inflammatory factors. Four types of cereal DF could reduce the FBG and the area under the blood glucose curve (AUC) at 8 weeks in db/db mice, improve dyslipidemia and reduce the concentration of blood pro-inflammatory factors (P < 0.05). All four types of cereal DF could increase the diversity of gut microbiota and change the abundance of different microbiota. Among them, WDF mainly increased the abundance of Faecalibaculum and Romboutsia, BDF increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota (F/B), ODF mainly promoted the proliferation of Alistipes, and BWDF increased the abundance of norank_f__Muribaculaceae and decreased the level of Bacteroides. Correlation analysis showed that F/B and Actinobacteriota were significantly negatively correlated with FBG, AUC, pro-inflammatory factor (IL-8) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and positively correlated with anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, while Bacteroides was the opposite. Alistipes, Faecalibaculum, and Romboutsia were negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α respectively. Four types of cereal DF can improve the glycolipid metabolism disorder and inflammatory response in type 2 diabetic db/db mice by increasing the diversity of gut microbiota and exerting different regulatory effects on microbiota.

Climate warming is causing rapid permafrost degradation, including thaw-induced subsidence, potentially resulting in heightened carbon release. Nevertheless, our understanding of the levels and variations of carbon components in permafrost, particularly during the degradation process, remains limited. The uncertainties arising from this process lead to inaccurate assessments of the climate effects during permafrost degradation. With vast expanses of permafrost in the Tibetan Plateau, there is limited research available on SOC components, particularly in the central Tibetan Plateau. Given remarkable variations in hydrothermal conditions across different areas of the Tibetan Plateau, the existing limited studies make it challenging to assess the overall SOC components in the permafrost across the Tibetan Plateau and simulate their future changes. In this study, we examined the properties of soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial necromass carbon (MicrobialNC) in a representative permafrost thaw-subsidence area at the southern edge of continuous permafrost in the central Tibetan Plateau. The results indicate that prior to the thaw-subsidence, the permafrost had a SOC content of 72.68 ± 18.53 mg g−1, with MicrobialNC accounting for 49.6%. The thaw-subsidence of permafrost led to a 56.4% reduction in SOC, with MicrobialNC accounting for 70.0% of the lost SOC. MicrobialNC constitutes the primary component of permafrost SOC, and it is the main component that is lost during thaw-subsidence formation. Changes in MicrobialNC are primarily correlated with factors pH, plant input, and microbial properties. The present study holds crucial implications for both the ecological and biogeochemical processes associated with carbon release from permafrost, and it furnishes essential data necessary for modeling the global response of permafrost to climate warming. Based on this study and previous research, permafrost thawing in the Tibetan Plateau causes substantial loss of SOC. However, there's remarkable heterogeneity in SOC component changes across different regions, warranting further in-depth investigation.

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease with significant public health implications. Its widespread transmission, prolonged treatment duration, notable side effects, and high mortality rate pose severe challenges. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of TB globally and across major regions, providing a scientific basis for enhancing TB prevention and control measures worldwide. Methods The ecological study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. It assessed new incidence cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), mortality rates (ASMRs), and DALY rates for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB), multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) from 1990 to 2021. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was applied to project ASIR and ASMR. Results In 2021, the global ASIR for all HIV-negative TB was 103.00 per 100,000 population [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 92.21, 114.91 per 100,000 population], declining by 0.40% (95% UI: − 0.43, − 0.38%) compared to 1990. The global ASMR was 13.96 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 12.61, 15.72 per 100,000 population), with a decline of 0.44% (95% UI: − 0.61, − 0.23%) since 1990. The global age-standardized DALY rate for HIV-negative TB was 580.26 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 522.37, 649.82 per 100,000 population), showing a decrease of 0.65% (95% UI: − 0.69, − 0.57 per 100,000 population) from 1990. The global ASIR of MDR-TB has not decreased since 2015, instead, it has shown a slow upward trend in recent years. The ASIR of XDR-TB has exhibited significant increase in the past 30 years. The projections indicate MDR-TB and XDR-TB are expected to see significant increases in both ASIR and ASMR from 2022 to 2035, highlighting the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB. Conclusions This study found that the ASIR of MDR-TB and XDR-TB has shown an upward trend in recent years. To reduce the TB burden, it is essential to enhance health infrastructure and increase funding in low-SDI regions. Developing highly efficient, accurate, and convenient diagnostic reagents, along with more effective therapeutic drugs, and improving public health education and community engagement, are crucial for curbing TB transmission. Graphical Abstract

ABSTRACTThe role of ferroptosis-associated gene SLC7A11 in esophageal cancer progression is largely unknown, therefore, the effects of blocking SLC7A11 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells are evaluated. Results showed that SLC7A11 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues both in mRNA and protein levels. Blocking SLC7A11 using Erastin suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of ESCC cells, decreased cellular ATP levels, and improved ROS production. Sixty-three SLC7A11-binding proteins were identified using the IP-MS method, and these proteins were enriched in four signaling pathways, including spliceosome, ribosome, huntington disease, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. The deubiquitinase inhibitors PR-619, GRL0617, and P 22077 could reduce at least 40% protein expression level of SLC7A11 in ESCC cells, and PR-619 and GRL0617 exhibited suppressive effects on the cell viability and colony formation ability of KYSE30 cells, respectively. Erastin downregulated GPX4 and DHODH and also reduced the levels of β-catenin, p-STAT3, and IL-6 in ESCC cells. In conclusion, SLC7A11 was overexpressed in ESCC, and blocking SLC7A11 using Erastin mitigated malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells and downregulated key ferroptosis-associated molecules GPX4 and DHODH. The therapeutic potential of targeting SLC7A11 should be further evaluated in the future.

Abstract KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in a wide range of lethal cancers, and these mutant forms of KRAS play a crucial role in driving cancer progression and conferring resistance to treatment. While there have been advancements in the development of small molecules to target specific KRAS mutants, the presence of undruggable mutants and the emergence of secondary mutations continue to pose challenges in the clinical treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers. In this study, we developed a novel molecular tool called tumor-targeting KRAS degrader (TKD) that effectively targets a wide range of KRAS mutants. TKD is composed of a KRAS-binding nanobody, a cell-penetrating peptide selectively targeting cancer cells, and a lysosome-binding motif. Our data revealed that TKD selectively binds to KRAS in cancer cells and effectively induces KRAS degradation via a lysosome-dependent process. Functionally, TKD suppresses tumor growth with no obvious side effects and enhances the antitumor effects of PD-1 antibody and cetuximab. This study not only provides a strategy for developing drugs targeting “undruggable” proteins but also reveals that TKD is a promising therapeutic for treating KRAS-mutant cancers.

Abstract The potential role of the ghrelin receptor, also known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), within the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in regulating drug addiction and feeding has been documented; however, the pattern of its expression in this site remains elusive. In this study, we characterized the expression patterns of GHSR1a and 1b, two subtypes of GHSRs, within the NAcc of the rat brain by immunohistochemistry. We visually detected GHSR signals, for the first time, at the protein level in the NAcc in which they were mostly expressed in neurons including both medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and non-MSNs. Furthermore, GHSR1a was found expressed as localized near the cellular membrane or some in the cytoplasm, whereas GHSR1b expressed solely throughout the large cytoplasmic area. The existence and subcellular expression pattern of GHSRs in the NAcc identified in this study will contribute to improving our understanding about the role of GHSR-mediated neurosignaling in feeding and drug addiction.

Background: The Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS) aims to assess the determinants of metabolic disease in nutritional aspects, as well as other environmental and genetic factors, and explore possible biomarkers and mechanisms with multi-omics integration. Methods: The population-based sample of adults in Guangzhou, China (baseline: 40–83 years old; n = 5,118) was followed up about every 3 years. All are tracked via on-site follow-up and health information systems. We assessed detailed information on lifestyle factors, physical activities, dietary assessments, psychological health, cognitive function, body measurements, and muscle function. Instrument tests included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, carotid artery and liver ultrasonography evaluations, vascular endothelial function evaluation, upper-abdomen and brain magnetic resonance imaging, and 14-day real-time continuous glucose monitoring tests. We also measured multi-omics, including host genome-wide genotyping, serum metabolome and proteome, gut microbiome (16S rRNA sequencing, metagenome, and internal transcribed spacer 2 sequencing), and fecal metabolome and proteome. Results: The baseline surveys were conducted from 2008 to 2015. Now, we have completed 3 waves. The 3rd and 4th follow-ups have started but have yet to end. A total of 5,118 participants aged 40–83 took part in the study. The median age at baseline was approximately 59.0 years and the proportion of female participants was about 69.4%. Among all the participants, 3,628 (71%) completed at least one on-site follow-up, with a median duration of 9.48 years. Conclusion: The cohort will provide data that will be influential in establishing the role of nutrition in metabolic diseases with multi-omics.

Coastal wetlands are hotspots for nitrogen (N) cycling, and crab burrowing is known to transform N in intertidal marsh soils. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study conducted field experiments and used indoor control test devices to investigate the seasonal response of nitrogen to crab disturbance at the sediment–water interface in coastal tidal flat wetlands. The results showed that crab disturbance exhibited significant seasonality with large seasonal differences in cave density and depth. Due to crab disturbance, nitrogen fluxes at the sediment–water interface were much greater in the box with crabs than in the box without crabs. In summer, NH4+-N showed a positive flux from the sediment to the overlying water, but NO2−-N and NO3−-N showed positive fluxes from the sediment to the overlying water only in early stages. In winter, NH4+-N showed a positive flux from the sediment to the overlying water, but NO2−-N and NO3−-N both exhibited positive and negative fluxes. These results indicated that the presence of crab burrows can cause the aerobic layer to move downward by approximately 8–15 cm in summer and directly promote nitrification at the sediment surface.

Abstract Background The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a method that can accurately locate the posterior capsule of the lens to facilitate a relatively complete resection of the anterior vitreous body. Methods A total of 51 patients in the experimental group and control group were enrolled in this study. Phacoemulsification combined with vitrectomy was performed in all cases. After the cataract procedure was completed in the control group, the surgeon performed a conventional anterior vitrectomy with the operative eye. In the experimental group, anterior vitrectomy was performed according to the threadiness corrugation of the posterior capsule of the lens. During the operation, with the help of triamcinolone, two surgeons confirmed the resection of the anterior vitreous cortex; the best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure of all patients were recorded at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Results Fifty patients underwent phacoemulsification combined with vitrectomy, except one patient in the experimental group who was lost to follow-up. After surgery, no significant complications were observed in all patients except two patients in the control group with temporary increases in intraocular pressure. There was no significant difference in preoperative visual acuity between the two groups (t = 0.83, P = 0.25). Both groups had varying degrees of improvement in best corrected visual acuity at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Moreover, there was no significant difference in BCVA between the two groups at the three follow-up time points (t=-1.15, -1.65, -1.09, P = 0.53, 0.21, 0.23). After surgery, no significant complications were observed in all patients except two patients in the control group with temporary increases in intraocular pressure. Incomplete resection of the anterior vitreous cortex was observed in 2 patients in each group, but there was no significant difference (χ2 = 7.81, P > 0.05). Conclusion In the process of cataract surgery combined with vitrectomy, thready corrugation appears in the posterior capsule of the lens and is an important sign of its localization. Anterior vitrectomy can be accomplished safely and effectively with the help of thread-like corrugation, and the surgical effect is almost the same as that of traditional surgery. Especially suitable for beginners in vitreous surgery.

Abstract Neural networks are frequently employed to model species distribution through backpropagation methods, known as backpropagation neural networks (BPNN). However, the complex structure of BPNN introduces parameter settings challenges, such as the determination of connection weights, which can affect the accuracy of model simulation. In this paper, we integrated the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm, renowned for its excellent global search capacity and rapid convergence, to enhance the performance of BPNN. Then we obtained a novel hybrid algorithm, the Grey Wolf Optimizer algorithm optimized backpropagation neural networks algorithm (GNNA), designed for predicting species’ potential distribution. We also compared the GNNA with four prevalent species distribution models (SDMs), namely the generalized boosting model (GBM), generalized linear model (GLM), maximum entropy (MaxEnt), and random forest (RF). These models were evaluated using three evaluation metrics: the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, Cohen’s kappa, and the true skill statistic, across 23 varied species. Additionally, we examined the predictive accuracy concerning spatial distribution. The results showed that the predictive performance of GNNA was significantly improved compared to BPNN, was significantly better than that of GLM and GBM, and was even comparable to that of MaxEnt and RF in predicting species distributions with small sample sizes. Furthermore, the GNNA demonstrates exceptional powers in forecasting the potential non-native distribution of invasive plant species.

AIM: To explore the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell behaviors. METHODS: The human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) were treated by HGF or mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor SU11274 in vitro. Cell viability was detected by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell proliferation and motility was detected by a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and a wound healing assay, respectively. The expression levels of MET, phosphorylated MET, protein kinase B (AKT), and phosphorylated AKT proteins were determined by Western blot assay. The MET and phosphorylated MET proteins were also determined by immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: HGF increased ARPE-19 cells' viability, proliferation and migration, and induced an increase of phosphorylated MET and phosphorylated AKT proteins. SU11274 significantly reduced cell viability, proliferation, and migration and decreased the expression of MET and AKT proteins. SU11274 suppressed HGF-induced increase of viability, proliferation, and migration in ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, SU11274 also blocked HGF-induced phosphorylation of MET and AKT proteins. CONCLUSION: HGF enhances cellular viability, proliferation, and migration in RPE cells through the MET/AKT signaling pathway, whereas this enhancement is suppressed by the MET inhibitor SU11274. HGF-induced MET/AKT signaling might be a vital contributor of RPE cells survival.

Despite extensive use of online language learning during the pandemic of COVID, there is insufficient research on what factors influence students' foreign language achievements in online learning conditions. This article investigated the roles of language aptitude and online self-regulated learning in foreign language achievement in mainland China. 76 freshmen from two classes at a university in Jiangxi participated in this study. They were required to complete an aptitude test of MLAT and a questionnaire on online self-regulated learning. The results showed that: (1) The students' language aptitude is at a relatively low level, and their online self-regulated learning is at an intermediate level; (2) A positive correlation is detected between language aptitude, online self-regulated learning, and their English achievements (r=0.621 & 0.583 respectively); (3) Language aptitude alone (grammatical sensitivity and associative memory ability) accounts for 38.9% variance in English achievement. Language aptitude and online self-regulated learning contributed 52.4% of the variance to their English achievements. Overall, the findings of the study confirm the high predictive power of the MLAT and predictions of the Linguistic Coding Deficit Hypothesis (LCDH) advocated by Sparks and colleagues. Pedagogical implications are also discussed.