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Objective To investigate the effect and its mechanism of Guanxinning tablet on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in a rat model. Methods The rats were randomly divided into control group, model group (to construct carotid atherosclerosis plaque model), Guanxinning groups with low, medium and high dose of Guanxinning tablet (150,300 and 600 mg/kg), atorvastatin group (2 mg/kg), lithiumchloridemonohydrate(LiCl) (Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator) group (15 mg/kg), and Guanxinning plus LiCl group (600 mg/kg Guanxinning tablets+15 mg/kg LiCl), with 12 rats in each group. The intervention began at the third week and was administered once a day for 8 weeks. Olympus Au2700 automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the level of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in rat serum; ELISA was applied to detect the level of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) and hyper-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in rat serum; the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat serum were detected by spectrophotometry; HE staining was applied to find pathological changes in the common carotid artery of rats; Western blot was applied to detect the expression of Wnt3a, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and β-catenin in rat common carotid artery. Results Compared with the control group, the level of TG, TC, LDL, MCP-1, hs-CRP, ox-LDL, protein expression of MDA, MMP-9, Wnt3a, β-catenin and total plaque area/total arterial area ratio increased, the HDL level decreased in model group (P＜0.05); compared with the model group, the level of TG, TC, LDL, MCP-1, hs-CRP, ox-LDL, MDA, expression of MMP-9, Wnt3a, β-catenin protein and total plaque area/total arterial area ratio in the low, medium, and high dose groups of Guanxinning tablets decreased, the HDL level increased. The effect of Guanxinning tablets was dose-dependent, and the change trend of corresponding indicators in the LiCl group was opposite to the above (P＜0.05); compared with the high dose group of Guanxinning tablets, the TG, TC, LDL, MCP-1, hs-CRP, ox-LDL, MDA levels, MMP-9, Wnt3a, β-catenin protein expression, and total plaque area/total arterial area ratio in the high dose+LiCl group of Guanxinning tablets increased, the HDL level decreased(P＜0.05). Conclusions Guanxinning tablet can inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in rats and the mechanismis potentially related to the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

[Objective] In recent years, numerous survey optical observation instruments, including the Tsinghua University-Ma Huateng Survey Telescope, have been constructed and put into operation domestically and internationally. These telescopes have generated massive amounts of data through continuous observations, discovering numerous high-value transient sources. To address the increasing number of transient sources, limited domestic telescope observation resources, and enhance the follow-up observation response capability of the Tsinghua University-Ma Huateng Survey Telescope, the Nanshan Transient Source Follow-up Observation System in Xinjiang was designed and constructed. [Methods] The research team prioritized mature commercial products, considering equipment stability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of future upgrades within a limited budget. They tackled challenges related to the hardware of the supernova and optical variables automated follow-up observing system (SNOVA) dealing with mismatched dimensions of commercial off-the-shelf products and inadequate original load-bearing designs. Custom mechanical interfaces were created between subsystems during assembly and adjustment to resolve issues such as back focal distance matching of the telescope optical system and the filter system load-bearing capacity. Building on this hardware setup, they achieved coordinated control of each subsystem through a unified upper-level control software by debugging control software drivers and interface protocols. [Results] The SNOVA successfully implemented a closed-loop workflow for routine follow-up observations. Each night, the TMTS survey system processes data and cross-references it with databases to identify key targets for further observation. These targets are filtered based on the detection performance criteria, generating an observation system list with parameters such as target name, coordinates, filters, exposure time, and the number of repeats. This list is synchronized to the SNOVA main control machine via FTP. After an astronomical twilight, the environmental monitoring system assesses whether the conditions are suitable for observation. If so, the astronomical dome is remotely opened, and the ACP control software sequentially activates each subsystem. Once the detector cools, the system performs autofocus based on temperature and other parameters before starting the night observation tasks. Upon completion, the SNOVA data processing system automatically scans the observation data folder for the night and performs data preprocessing based on bias, dark current, flat field, and target source data. [Conclusions] Through careful selection, installation, and debugging of hardware and software, the project team successfully automated the operation of the entire follow-up observation system, which provides high-quality data for follow-up observations of transient sources and aids in precisely determining their physical parameters and evolutionary properties. Additionally, it offers an effective means for conducting remote observation internships. The SNOVA boasts high hardware stability, rapid iteration of control software drivers, and low post-development costs. With the adaptive modifications of the project team, the SNOVA is characterized by low set-up cost and strong portability, making it an excellent reference for similar projects and suitable for the follow-up observation needs of the numerous survey projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter baumannii is often highly resistant to multiple antimicrobials, posing a risk of treatment failure, and colistin is a "last resort" for treatment of the bacterial infection. However, colistin resistance is easily developed when the bacteria are exposed to the drug, and a comprehensive analysis of colistin-mediated changes in colistin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii is needed. In this study, using an isogenic pair of colistin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii isolates, alterations in morphologic and transcriptomic characteristics associated with colistin resistance were revealed. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the resistant isolate harbored a PmrBL208F mutation conferring colistin resistance, and all other single-nucleotide alterations were located in intergenic regions. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was determined that the colistin-resistant mutant had a shorter cell length than the parental isolate, and filamented cells were found when both isolates were exposed to the inhibitory concentration of colistin. When the isolates were treated with inhibitory concentrations of colistin, more than 80% of the genes were upregulated, including genes associated with antioxidative stress response pathways. The results elucidate the morphological difference between the colistin-susceptible and -resistant isolates and different colistin-mediated responses in A. baumannii isolates depending on their susceptibility to this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are essential in biomedical research, including reproductive studies. However, the application of human estimated foetal weight (EFW) formulas using ultrasonography (USG) in these non‐human primates is not well established. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the applicability of human EFW formulas for estimating foetal weight in cynomolgus monkeys at approximately 130 days of gestation. Methods: Our study involved nine pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. We measured foetal parameters, including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length using USG. The EFW was calculated using 11 human EFW formulas. The actual birthweight (ABW) was recorded following Cesarean section, the day after the EFW calculation. For comparing EFW and ABW, we employed statistical methods such as mean absolute percentage error (APE) and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The ABW ranged between 200.36 and 291.33 g. Among the 11 formulas, the Combs formula showed the lowest APE (4.3%) and highest correlation with ABW (p < 0.001). Notably, EFW and ABW differences for the Combs formula were ≤5% in 66.7% and ≤10% in 100% of cases. The Bland–Altman analysis supported these results, showing that all cases fell within the limits of agreement. Conclusions: The Combs formula is applicable for estimating the weight of cynomolgus monkey fetuses with USG at approximately 130 days of gestation. Our observations suggest that the Combs formula can be applied in the prenatal care and biomedical research of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we introduce a resiliencefocused framework designed to enhance the operational robustness of urban road networks that interact with potentially hazardous industrial enterprises. Employing network theory, we introduce a unique metric grounded in system reliability and network connectivity to gauge the resilience-driven performance of a road transportation network. Referred to as NIP in our paper, the development of this resilience-oriented metric systematically incorporates factors such as network topology, redundancy levels, structural reliability, and the distribution of hazard sources. This approach enables a standardized assessment of risk mitigation alternatives, aimed at fortifying the resilience of urban road networks. Additionally, we propose a decision-making methodology to identify optimal solutions from various alternatives, including new construction possibilities, offering opportunities to bolster network resilience by modifying its existing topology. We present a bi-objective model aiming to maximize the resilience metric value while minimizing capital investment, employing the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) for solution optimization. Finally, we validate the proposed method using the hazard source area of Lanzhou city as a representative example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defects in mitochondrial RNA metabolism have been linked to sensorineural deafness that often occurs as a consequence of damaged or deficient inner ear hair cells. In this report, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying a deafnessassociated tRNAPhe 593T > C mutation that changed a highly conserved uracil to cytosine at position 17 of the DHU-loop. The m.593T > C mutation altered tRNAPhe structure and function, including increased melting temperature, resistance to S1 nuclease-mediated digestion, and conformational changes. The aberrant tRNA metabolism impaired mitochondrial translation, which was especially pronounced by decreases in levels of ND1, ND5, CYTB, CO1, and CO3 harboring higher numbers of phenylalanine. These alterations resulted in aberrant assembly, instability, and reduced activities of respiratory chain enzyme complexes I, III, IV, and intact supercomplexes overall. Furthermore, we found that the m.593T > C mutation caused markedly diminished membrane potential, and increased the production of reactive oxygen species in the mutant cell lines carrying the m.593T > C mutation. These mitochondrial dysfunctions led to the mitochondrial dynamic imbalance via increasing fission with abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Excessive fission impaired the process of autophagy including the initiation phase, formation, and maturation of the autophagosome. In particular, the m.593T > C mutation upregulated the PARKIN-dependent mitophagy pathway. These alterations promoted an intrinsic apoptotic process for the removal of damaged cells. Our findings provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of maternally inherited deafness arising from tRNA mutation-induced defects in mitochondrial and cellular integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors describe a two-stage strategy utilizing the endoport-assisted endoscopic technique for the evacuation of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) with a cast third ventricle, and discuss potential pitfalls in the implementation of this method in clinical practice., Methods: Patients with severe IVH (Graeb score > 6) and a cast third ventricle who present to our center from 2021 to 2023 were treated in two-stage surgical strategy utilizing the endoport-assisted endoscopic technique., Results: A total of 9 patients with mean age of 55 years were included in the study. The preoperative mean Graeb score was 9, and postoperative mean Graeb score was 3, with a 72% evacuation rate for the entire ventricles. The median duration for EVD drainage was observed to be 6 days. In terms of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, a favorable outcome (mRS 1-3) was demonstrated in 78% of the patients, while the remaining 22% presented with a poor outcome (mRS 4-6). There were no complications related to the surgery itself in any of the reported cases., Conclusion: The endoport-assisted two-stage endoscopic technique marks a significant advancement in treating severeIVH with a cast third ventricle. By combining dry and underwater approaches, it provides an innovative solution for effectively and safely clearing hematomas in both lateral and third ventricles. This technique addresses the crucial need for early cerebrospinal fluid circulation restoration, potentially improving outcomes for patients with these complex cases., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A novel Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and ovoid cocci, designated as A1S7 T , was isolated from the gut of a marine sandworm ( Alitta virens ). Strain A1S7 T exhibited optimal growth at temperatures of 20-30 ℃, pH 6-8 and in the presence of 2-4% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain A1S7 T belonged to the genus Janibacter , exhibiting a similarity of 99.0% to Janibacter cremeus KCTC 49873 T , followed by Janibacter anophelis KCTC 19282 T (98.8%), Janibacter hoylei KCTC 49872 T (98.4%), Janibacter limosus KACC 20518 T (98.2%) and Janibacter corallicola KACC 21120 T (97.2%). The complete genome sequence of strain A1S7 T revealed a genome size of 3360920 bp with a genomic G+C content of 70.1 mol%. The orthologous average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain A1S7 T and Janibacter cremeus KCTC 49873 T were determined to be 89.5 and 37.2%, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was MK-8(H 4 ). The predominant fatty acids (>10%) included iso -C 16:0 , C 17:1  ω 8 c , C 18:1  ω 9 c and C 17:0 . Polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid and three unknown polar lipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A1 γ . The major whole-cell sugars were ribose, mannose and glucose. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, strain A1S7 T represents a novel species in the genus Janibacter , for which the name Janibacter alittae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A1S7 T (=KCTC 49714 T = JCM 36706 T ).

A 40-year-old man presented with acromegaly, reduction of visual acuity and visual field, and elevated blood sugar. Imaging examinations demonstrated a large sellar adenoma with suprasellar extension that compresses the optic chiasma upward, spreads downward to the sphenoid sinus, and invades the cavernous sinus bilaterally. Random prolactin and growth hormone were beyond the scope of normal. The patient achieved complete shrinking of the adenoma by taking bromocriptine orally. For some kinds of giant mixed growth hormone-prolactin adenomas, surgical treatment is not necessary, and drug treatment can also achieve good results., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Introduction: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer, are essential for generating genetically edited monkeys. Despite their importance, ARTs face challenges in recipient selection in terms of time and the number of animals required. The potential of superovulated monkeys, commonly used as oocyte donors, to serve as surrogate mothers, remains underexplored. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of superovulated and uterine-embryo synchronized recipients of embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis )., Methods: This study involved 23 cynomolgus monkeys divided into two groups-12 superovulated recipients and 11 synchronized recipients. The evaluation criteria included measuring endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer and calculating pregnancy and implantation rates to compare outcomes between groups., Results: The study found no statistically significant differences in endometrial thickness (superovulated: 4.48 ± 1.36 mm, synchronized: 5.15 ± 1.58 mm), pregnancy rates (superovulated: 30.8%, synchronized: 41.7%), and implantation rates (superovulated: 14.3%, synchronized: 21.9%) between the groups ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusion: The observations indicate that superovulated recipients are as effective as synchronized recipients for embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys. This suggests that superovulated recipients can serve as viable options, offering an efficient and practical approach to facilitate the generation of gene-edited models in this species., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Lee, Yoon, Jo, Mo, Kwon, Lee, Kwon and Kim.)

Objective: The prevalence and the clinical significance of gastric foveolar metaplasia (GFM) of duodenal mucosa in pediatric patients are undetermined. The aim was to investigate the event of GFM in duodenal biopsies and its association with gastrointestinal tract disorders in pediatric patients., Methods: We performed a chart review of the characteristics and pathologic findings in patients with GFM described in the pathology reports during 2020 to 2022., Results: Sixty-five out of 3,857 patients (1.7%) had GFM observed in a total of 70/4,778 (1.5%) cases with duodenal biopsies. The ages ranged from 3 to 19 years. The duodenal bulb with GFM was identified in 65 out of 70 cases (92.9%). 17/70 (24.3%) biopsies had coexisting chronic duodenitis, and 52/70 (74.3%) had isolated GFM in duodenum. 48/70 (68.6%) cases had pathologic findings in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including 20 (28.6%) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and four (5.7%) H. pylori gastritis. Of all 4,778 cases, 136 (2.8%) and 92 (1.9%) cases were diagnosed as IBD and H. pylori gastritis, which had an odds ratio for GFM at 15.8 and 3.2 respectively ( p <0.05)., Conclusion: Both H. pylori gastritis and IBD are associated with GFM in pediatric patients, while isolated GFM itself in the duodenal bulb has limited clinical implications., (© 2024 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.)

Three novel, Gram-stain-positive, obligate aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterial strains, designated B2O-1 T , T2O-4 T , and 0.2-SM1T-5 T , were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Strains B2O-1 T , T2O-4 T , and 0.2-SM1T-5 T exhibited distinct colony colors, characterized by pink, yellow, and red opaque circular colonies, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three strains formed a paraphyletic clade within the genus Sporosarcina and shared < 99.0% similarity with Sporosarcina aquimarina KCTC 3840 T and Sporosarcina saromensis KCTC 13119 T in their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The three strains exhibiting Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity values < 79.3% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values < 23.1% within the genus Sporosarcina affirmed their distinctiveness. Strains B2O-1 T , T2O-4 T , and 0.2-SM1T-5 T contained MK-7 as a sole respiratory menaquinone and A4α type peptidoglycan based on lysine with alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. The common polar lipids include diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Strain T2O-4 T contained one unidentified phospholipid, whereas strain 0.2-SM1T-5 T contained two unidentified phospholipids. Cellular fatty acid profiles, with C 15:0 anteiso as the major fatty acid, supported the affiliation of the three strains to the genus Sporosarcina. Based on the polyphasic characteristics, strains B2O-1 T (= KCTC 43506 T  = JCM 36032 T ), T2O-4 T (= KCTC 43489 T  = JCM 36031 T ), and 0.2-SM1T-5 T (= KCTC 43519 T  = JCM 36034 T ) represent three novel species within the genus Sporosarcina, named Sporosarcina jeotgali sp. nov., Sporosarcina oncorhynchi sp. nov., and Sporosarcina trichiuri sp. nov., respectively., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Microbiological Society of Korea.)