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The tumultuous effects of ultraviolet photons that source cosmic reionization, the subsequent compression and shock-heating of low-density regions, and the modulation of baryons in shallow potential wells induced by the passage of ionization fronts, collectively introduce perturbations to the evolution of the intergalactic medium in the post-reionization era. These enduring fluctuations persist deep into the post-reionization era, casting a challenge upon precision cosmology endeavours targeting tracers in this cosmic era. Simultaneously, these relics from reionization also present a unique opportunity to glean insights into the astrophysics that govern the epoch of reionization. In this work, we propose a first study of the cross-correlation of Ly |$\alpha$| forest and 21 cm intensity mapping, accounting for the repercussions of inhomogeneous reionization in the post-reionization era. We investigate the ability of Square Kilometre Array (SKA) |$\times$| Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)-like, SKA |$\times$| MUltiplexed Survey Telescope (MUST)-like, and Packed Ultra-wideband Mapping Array (PUMA) |$\times$| MUST-like instrumental set-ups to achieve a high-signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the redshift range |$3.5 \le z \le 4$|⁠. Moreover, we assess how alterations in integration time, survey area, and reionization scenarios impact the SNR. Furthermore, we forecast the cross-correlation's potential to constrain cosmological parameters under varying assumptions: considering or disregarding reionization relics, marginalizing over reionization astrophysics, and assuming perfect knowledge of reionization. Notably, our findings underscore the remarkable capability of a futuristic PUMA |$\times$| MUST-like set-up, with a modest 100-h integration time over a 100 deg2 survey, to constrain the ionization efficiency error to |$\sigma _\zeta = 3.42$|⁠. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT) angiography (MSCTA) has become the primary non-invasive image technique for evaluating cephalic and cervical vascular anatomy, especially vascular variant such as persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis. Persistent proatlantal intersegmental artery (PPIA) is an example of a rare persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis that deserves to be featured through this imaging technic. Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the imaging characteristics of the PPIA using MSCTA and to assess its clinical significance. Furthermore, the study seeks to propose a novel classification system predicated on the posterior circulation blood supply. Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis evaluated the imaging and clinical data of 11 patients diagnosed with a PPIA using MSCTA. Results: The incidence of the PPIA was found to be 0.01%. Classification based on the origin of the PPIA identified two cases (18.2%) as type I and nine cases (81.8%) as type II. This study introduced a novel classification system for PPIA, which is based on the posterior circulation blood supply, encompassing the persistent artery, vertebral artery, and posterior communicating artery. Among the 11 patients with PPIA, there were 11 instances of ipsilateral vertebral artery agenesis, three cases of contralateral vertebral artery hypoplasia, one case of contralateral vertebral artery agenesis, two cases of persistent artery hypoplasia, and two cases of basilar artery hypoplasia. Furthermore, the study identified two patients with aneurysms, one with cerebral infarction, and one with a Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula. Conclusion: The proposed classification system for PPIA enhances the understanding of posterior circulation blood supply, which is vital for pre-interventional and pre-surgical imaging assessments. In PPIA cases, the ipsilateral vertebral artery is consistently hypoplastic, and the PPIA predominantly serves the posterior fossa’s vascularization in about 75% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified Ma-Xing-Shi-Gan decoction (MMXSGD), a classic prescription from Treatise on Febrile Disease in China, is commonly used to treat Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infections in clinical settings. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of MMXSGD in the treatment of pneumonia and investigate its underlying mechanism of action. UHPLC-MS/MS was established to identify the main chemical components of serum after intragastric administration with MMXSGD. A mouse model of pneumonia caused by KP was used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MMXSGD. The macrophage polarization was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The cytokine profile was assessed using Luminex assay. Lung transcript and metabolite levels were assessed by transcriptomics and non-targeted metabolomics to analyze potential anti-pneumonia mechanisms and targets. 22 major blood-entry components and 274 MMXSGD-pneumonia-related targets were identified. Compared with the model group, the mortality rate of mice in different dosage groups of MMXSGD was significantly reduced, and pathological lung damage was significantly alleviated. Among them, the low dose of MMXSGD treatment had the best protective effect. Further, MMXSGD treatment could regulates M1/M2 polarization in macrophages and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The data from transcriptome and metabolome analysis indicate that MMXSGD could regulate inflammation-related pathways (PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, NF-κB pathway) and metabolites to modulate pulmonary inflammation. The results demonstrate that MMXSGD enhances the antibacterial effect in vivo by suppressing inflammation and regulating immunity rather than directly antibacterial effect. These findings provide a further assessment of MMXSGD, suggesting that MMXSGD has good therapeutic efficacy in bacterial infectious diseases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a common degenerative disease that causes chronic pain and joint dysfunction. However, the current understanding of TMJOA pathogenesis is limited and necessitates further research. Animal models are crucial for investigating TMJOA due to the scarcity of clinical samples. Class II malocclusion is an occlusal type highly associated with TMJOA, but it currently lacks appropriate animal models for simulating this malocclusion in research. Therefore, this study develops a new malocclusion model using a unilateral anterior large overjet (UALO) dental device to cause Class II malocclusion characteristics and TMJOA-like pathological alterations in rats. By inducing a posteriorly positioned condyle, the UALO device effectively results in cartilage degradation, subchondral bone loss, condylar volume reduction, and mandibular retrusion. Furthermore, RNA sequencing of condylar cartilages revealed that the oxidative stress of chondrocytes was elevated under the UALO-triggered abnormal mechanical stress. Disruption of antioxidant systems and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in cartilage degeneration. The current study provides a novel and reliable rat model suitable for TMJOA research and offers insights into the disease's potential mechanistic pathways and molecular targets, contributing to a deeper understanding of TMJOA., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)