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PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore a radiomics-clinical model for predicting the response to initial superselective arterial embolization (SAE) in renal angiomyolipoma (RAML).Materials and methodsA total of 78 patients with RAML were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical data were recorded and evaluated. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used in feature selection. Logistic regression analysis was performed to develop the radiomics, clinical, and combined models where the fivefold cross-validation method was used. The predictive performance and calibration were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to measure clinical usefulness.ResultsThe tumor shrinkage rate was 29.7% in total, and both fat and angiomyogenic components were significantly reduced. In the radiomics model, 12 significant features were selected. In the clinical model, maximum diameter (p = 0.001), angiomyogenic tissue ratio (p = 0.032), aneurysms (p = 0.048), and post-SAE time (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with greater volume reduction after SAE. Because of the severe linear dependence between radiomics signature and some clinical parameters, the combined model eventually included Rad-score, aneurysm, and post-SAE time. The radiomics-clinical model showed better discrimination (mean AUC = 0.83) than the radiomics model (mean AUC = 0.60) and the clinical model (mean AUC = 0.82). Calibration curve and DCA showed the goodness of fit and clinical usefulness of the radiomics-clinical model.ConclusionsThe radiomics-clinical model incorporating radiomics features and clinical parameters can potentially predict the positive response to initial SAE in RAML and provide support for clinical treatment decisions.

In response to the challenge of existing wireless communication anti-jamming methods in effectively handling unknown jamming, this paper proposes a multi-parameter control anti-jamming algorithm for wireless communication systems based on the Linear–Quadratic Regulator (LQR). First, the proposed algorithm models the wireless communication system as a linear switched system based on the modulation and coding scheme. Subsequently, a feedback controller design method based on the LQR is introduced. By utilizing the multiple Lyapunov function method combined with linear matrix inequalities, sufficient criteria for the asymptotic stability of the system under unknown jamming conditions are provided. Finally, theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can rapidly adjust modulation and coding schemes as well as transmission power in complex jamming environments, thereby maintaining bit error rate (BER) stability and enhancing the reliability of the communication system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Thyroid diseases, such as goiter and thyroid nodules, are prevalent and can significantly impact people's health and quality of life. Recent studies have indicated that the microorganisms in our gut, known as the gut microbiota, might influence the development of these conditions. However, whether these microorganisms cause thyroid diseases or are merely associated with them remains unclear. In this study, we employed genetic analysis to determine whether specific gut bacteria affect the risk of developing six common thyroid disorders. Our findings demonstrate that certain gut bacteria are indeed associated with these diseases—some bacteria seem to protect against thyroid conditions, while others may elevate the risk. This discovery highlights the important role that gut health plays in thyroid disease and suggests new possibilities for prevention and treatment. By targeting gut bacteria through dietary changes, probiotics, or other interventions, it may be feasible to reduce the risk of developing thyroid diseases. Our study underscores the vital connection between gut health and thyroid function, and its potential impact on overall well-being. Background: Recent studies have established associations between the gut microbiota (GM) and thyroid diseases (TDs). However, their causal relationships remain elusive. Methods: To investigate this causality, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from MiBioGen and FinnGen, with GM as the exposure and six TDs as outcomes. Results: We identified 32 microbial taxa linked to the risk of six TDs. The Clostridium innocuum group, Ruminiclostridium5, and Lachnoclostridium exhibited protective effects against nontoxic diffuse goiter (NDG). Conversely, an increased risk of NDG was associated with Ruminococcaceae UCG002, Alistipes, Methanobrevibacter, Marvinbryantia, and Ruminococcaceae UCG014. Bifidobacterium and Sutterella were protective against nontoxic multinodular goiter (NMG), while the Ruminococcus gauvreauii group and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group heightened NMG risk. Protective effects against nontoxic single thyroid nodule (NSTN) were observed with Defluviitaleaceae UCG011, Ruminococcus1, and Ruminococcaceae UCG010, whereas increased risk was linked to Alistipes, the Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, and Lachnospiraceae UCG010. Ruminiclostridium9, Victivallis, and Butyricimonas offered protection against thyrotoxicosis with Graves' Disease (GD), while the Eubacterium rectale group, Desulfovibrio, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Oscillospira, and Catenibacterium were risk factors. For thyrotoxicosis with Plummer Disease (PD), protective taxa included Butyricimonas and Lachnospira, whereas Dorea, Eggerthella, Odoribacter, Lactobacillus, Intestinimonas, and Phascolarctobacterium increased risk. Lastly, Parasutterella was protective against thyrotoxicosis with toxic single thyroid nodule (TSTN), while increased risk was associated with Sutterella, Oscillibacter, and Clostridium sensu stricto1. Conclusions: Our findings support a causal relationship between specific GM and TDs at the genetic level, laying the foundation for future research into potential mechanisms and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two aggregation induced emission molecules (TPE‐MZ and QM‐Py‐TPE) have been synthesized and characterized. Similar to conventional AIE based molecules, both molecules displayed good sensitivity towards water fraction and viscosity of dispersing medium. The fluorescent emission intensity of TPE‐MZ gradually reduced with increasing concentration of oleic acid and elaidic acid within the range of 0.2–5 mM. The inflection points of TPE‐MZ fluorescent emission maximum for oleic acid and elaidic acid were observed at 1.40 and 0.80 mM, respectively. The corresponding inflection points of QM‐Py‐TPE were 1.80 and 2.00 mM for oleic acid and elaidic acid, respectively. Sensor combination (TPE‐MZ:QM‐Py‐TPE=2 : 1) emitted pink and yellow fluorescence in elaidic and oleic acid. Fluorescent emission ratio of I646/I508 of sensor combination displayed acceptable linear relationship (R2=0.9826) with concentration of oleic acid (within the concentration of 4 mM). Thus, the sensor combination was capable of oleic acid and elaidic acid naked‐eye discriminating and quantitively sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrosis is a significant pathological feature of chronic skeletal muscle injury, profoundly affecting muscle regeneration. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) have the ability to differentiate into myofibroblasts, acting as a primary source of extracellular matrix (ECM). the process by which FAPs differentiate into myofibroblasts during chronic skeletal muscle injury remains inadequately explored. Method: mouse model with sciatic nerve denervated was constructed and miRNA expression profiles between the mouse model and uninjured mouse were analyzed. qRT/PCR and immunofluorescence elucidated the effect of miR-27b-3p on fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter identified the target gene of miR-27b-3p, and finally knocked down or overexpressed the target gene and phosphorylation inhibition of Smad verified the influence of downstream molecules on the abundance of miR-27b-3p and fibrogenic differentiation of FAPs. Result: FAPs derived from a mouse model with sciatic nerves denervated exhibited a progressively worsening fibrotic phenotype over time. Introducing agomiR-27b-3p effectively suppressed fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. MiR-27b-3p targeted Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 1 (TGF-βR1) and the abundance of miR-27b-3p was negatively regulated by TGF-βR1/Smad. Conclusion: miR-27b-3p targeting the TGF-βR1/Smad pathway is a novel mechanism for regulating fibrogenic differentiation of FAPs. Increasing abundance of miR-27b-3p, suppressing expression of TGF-βR1 and inhibiting phosphorylation of smad3 presented potential strategies for treating fibrosis in chronic skeletal muscle injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PtII based organometallic photosensitizers (PSs) have emerged as novel potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) reagents through their enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) processes. Currently, few PtII PSs have been investigated as antibacterial materials, with relatively poor performances reported and with structure‐activity relationships not well described. Herein, a pair of configurational isomers are reported of Bis‐BODIPY (4,4‐difluoro‐boradizaindacene) embedded PtII PSs. The cis‐isomer (cis‐BBP) displayed enhanced 1O2 generation and better bacterial membrane anchoring capability as compared to the trans‐isomer (trans‐BBP). The effective PDI concentrations (efficiency > 99.9%) for cis‐BBP in Acinetobacter baumannii (multi‐drug resistant (MDR)) and Staphylococcus aureus are 400 nM (12 J cm−2) and 100 nM (18 J cm−2), respectively; corresponding concentrations and light doses for trans‐BBP in the two bacteria are 2.50 µM (30 J cm−2) and 1.50 µM (18 J cm−2), respectively. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50 and MIC90) ratio of trans‐BBP to cis‐BBP is 22.22 and 24.02 in A. baumannii (MDR); 21.29 and 22.36 in methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), respectively. Furthermore, cis‐BBP displays superior in vivo antibacterial performance, with acceptable dark and photoinduced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate cis‐BBP is a robust light‐assisted antibacterial reagent at sub‐micromolecular concentrations. More importantly, configuration of PtII PSs should be an important issue to be considered in further PDI reagents design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locus coeruleus (LC) dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of depression; however, the neural circuits and specific molecular mechanisms responsible for this dysfunction remain unclear. Here, it is shown that activation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons in the LC alleviates depression‐like behaviors in susceptible mice. The dorsolateral septum (dLS) is the most physiologically relevant output from the LC under stress. Stimulation of the LCTH‐dLSSST innervation with optogenetic and chemogenetic tools bidirectionally can regulate depression‐like behaviors in both male and female mice. Mechanistically, it is found that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but not norepinephrine, is required for the circuit to produce antidepressant‐like effects. Genetic overexpression of BDNF in the circuit or supplementation with BDNF protein in the dLS is sufficient to produce antidepressant‐like effects. Furthermore, viral knockdown of BDNF in this circuit abolishes the antidepressant‐like effect of ketamine, but not fluoxetine. Collectively, these findings underscore the notable antidepressant‐like role of the LCTH‐dLSSST pathway in depression via BDNF‐TrkB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interface tissue repair requires the construction of biomaterials with integrated structures of multiple protein types. Hydrogels that modulate internal porous structures provide a 3D microenvironment for encapsulated cells, making them promise for interface tissue repair. Currently, reduction of intrinsic immunogenicity and increase of bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion are issues to be considered in these materials. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel is used to encapsulate chondrocytes and construct a phase transition 3D cell culture system (PTCC) by utilizing the thermosensitivity of gelatin microspheres to create micropores within the hydrogel. The types of bioactive extracellular matrix protein formation by chondrocytes encapsulated in hydrogels are investigated in vitro. After 28 days of culture, GelMA PTCC forms an extracellular matrix predominantly composed of collagen type II, collagen type I, and fibronectin. After decellularization, the protein types and mechanical properties are well preserved, fabricating a decellularized tissue‐engineered extracellular matrix and GelMA hydrogel interpenetrating network hydrogel (dECM‐GelMA IPN) consisting of GelMA hydrogel as the first‐level network and the ECM secreted by chondrocytes as the second‐level network. This material has the potential to mediate the repair and regeneration of tendon–bone interface tissues with multiple protein types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water soluble diacrylate decorated aggregation induced emission (AIE) fluorophore (tetraphenyl ethylene decorated with diacrylate, TPE‐D) has been synthesized via straight forward synthetical route. The compound displayed promising liquid viscosity sensing capability. Upon increasing the liquid viscosity, the fluorescence emission intensity was observed to enhance. By polymerization with diacrylate‐PEG, a novel mechanical parameter self‐characterizing fluorescent hydrogel has been constructed. Taking advantages of AIE nature of TPE‐D, the viscosity, elastic modulus and viscous modulus, in addition to the liquid viscosity, of the as‐constructed hydrogel can be reflected by fluorescent intensity. We wish this novel hydrogel can be further applied as 3D cell culture to disclose the mechanical influence on disease related cellular behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repairing and regenerating articular cartilage defects (ACDs) have long been challenging for physicians and scientists. The rise of injectable materials provides a novel strategy for minimally invasive surgery to repair ACDs. In this study, we successfully developed injectable materials based on collagen type II, achieving hyaline cartilage repair and regeneration of ACDs. Analysis was conducted on the regenerated cartilage after materials injection. The histology staining demonstrated complete healing of the ACDs with the attainment of a hyaline cartilage phenotype. The biochemical and biomechanical properties are similar to the adjacent native cartilage without noticeable adverse effects on the subchondral bone. Further transcriptome analysis found that compared with the Native cartilage adjacent to the defect area, the Regenerated cartilage in the defect area repaired with type II collagen-based injection materials showed changes in cartilage-related pathways, as well as down-regulation of T cell receptor signaling pathways and interleukin-17 signaling pathways, which changed the immune microenvironment of the ACD area. Overall, these findings offer a promising injectable approach to treating ACDs, providing a potential solution to the challenges associated with achieving hyaline cartilage in situ repair and regeneration while minimizing damage to the surrounding cartilage., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Zhen Zhang et al.)

Background: This study aims to prioritize genes potentially involved in multifactorial or causal relationships with gout., Methods: Using the Summary Data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) approach, this research analyzed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from blood and renal tissues and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data related to gout. It sought to identify genetic loci potentially involved in gout. Heterogeneity testing was conducted with the HEIDI test, and results were adjusted for the False Discovery Rate (FDR). Blood cis-eQTL data were sourced from the eQTLGen Consortium's summary-level data, and renal tissue data came from the V8 release of the GTEx eQTL summary data. Gout GWAS data was sourced from the FinnGen Documentation of the R10 release., Result: SMR analysis identified 14 gene probes in the eQTLGen blood summary-level data significantly associated with gout. The top five ranked genes are: ENSG00000169231 (labeled THBS3, P SMR = 4.16 × 10 -13 ), ENSG00000231064 (labeled THBS3-AS1, P SMR = 1.88 × 10 -8 ), ENSG00000163463 (labeled KRTCAP2, P SMR = 3.88 × 10 -6 ), ENSG00000172977 (labeled KAT5, P SMR = 1.70 × 10 -5 ), and ENSG00000161395 (labeled PGAP3, P SMR = 3.24 × 10 -5 ). Notably, increased expression of KRTCAP2 and PGAP3 is associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas increased expression of THBS3, THBS3-AS1, and KAT5 is associated with a reduced gout risk. No significant gene associations with gout were observed in renal tissue, likely due to the limited sample size of kidney tissue., Conclusion: Our findings have highlighted several genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of gout. These results offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of gout and identify potential therapeutic targets for its treatment., 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 Wang, Chen, Yao, Li, Xu and Zhang.)

Background: While some studies have suggested a link between gut microbiota (GM) and abortion, the causal relationship remains unclear., Methods: To explore the causal relationship between GM and abortion, including spontaneous abortion (SA) and habitual abortion (HA), we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We used summary statistics data from MiBioGen and FinnGen for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), with GM data as the exposure variable and abortion data as the outcome variable., Results: In the absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method identified five genetically predicted GM genera linked to the risk of abortions. Lactococcus was negatively correlated with the risk of SA, whereas the Eubacterium fissicatena group was positively correlated with the risk of SA. Genetic predictions of Coprococcus3 and Odoribacter were linked to a reduced risk of HA, while the Eubacterium ruminantium group was associated with an increased risk of HA., Conclusion: Our study suggests a genetic causal relationship between specific GM and two types of abortions, improving our understanding of the pathological relationship between GM and abortion., 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 Yao, Chen, Wang, Li and Jiang.)

Motor imagery is often used in the fields of sports training and neurorehabilitation for its advantages of being highly targeted, easy to learn, and requiring no special equipment, and has become a major research paradigm in cognitive neuroscience. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), an emerging neuromodulation technique, modulates cortical excitability, which in turn affects functions such as locomotion. However, it is unclear whether tDCS has a positive effect on motor imagery task states. In this paper, 16 young healthy subjects were included, and the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and near-infrared spectrum (NIRS) signals of the subjects were collected when they were performing motor imagery tasks before and after receiving tDCS, and the changes in multiscale sample entropy (MSE) and haemoglobin concentration were calculated and analyzed during the different tasks. The results found that MSE of task-related brain regions increased, oxygenated haemoglobin concentration increased, and total haemoglobin concentration rose after tDCS stimulation, indicating that tDCS increased the activation of task-related brain regions and had a positive effect on motor imagery. This study may provide some reference value for the clinical study of tDCS combined with motor imagery.

Catechins from green tea are one of the most effective natural compounds for cancer chemoprevention and have attracted extensive research. Cancer cell-selective apoptosis-inducing properties of catechins depend on efficient intracellular delivery. However, the low bioavailability limits the application of catechins. Herein, a nano-scaled micellar composite composed of catechin-functionalized cationic lipopolymer and serum albumin is constructed. Cationic liposomes tend to accumulate in the pulmonary microvasculature due to electrostatic effects and are able to deliver the micellar system intracellularly, thus improving the bioavailability of catechins. Albumin in the system acts as a biocompatible anti-plasma absorbent, forming complexes with positively charged lipopolymer under electrostatic interactions, contributing to prolonged in vivo retention. The physicochemical properties of the nano-micellar complexes are characterized, and the antitumor properties of catechin-functionalized materials are confirmed by reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3, and cell apoptosis measurements. The role of each functional module, cationic polymeric liposome, and albumin is revealed by cell penetration, in vivo animal assays, etc. This multicomponent micellar nanocomposite has the potential to become an effective vehicle for the treatment of lung diseases such as pneumonia, lung tumors, sepsis-induced lung injury, etc. This study also demonstrates that it is a great strategy to create a delivery system that is both tissue-targeted and biologically active by combining cationic liposomes with the native bioactive compound catechins., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Pt II based organometallic photosensitizers (PSs) have emerged as novel potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) reagents through their enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) processes. Currently, few Pt II PSs have been investigated as antibacterial materials, with relatively poor performances reported and with structure-activity relationships not well described. Herein, a pair of configurational isomers are reported of Bis-BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-boradizaindacene) embedded Pt II PSs. The cis-isomer (cis-BBP) displayed enhanced 1 O 2 generation and better bacterial membrane anchoring capability as compared to the trans-isomer (trans-BBP). The effective PDI concentrations (efficiency > 99.9%) for cis-BBP in Acinetobacter baumannii (multi-drug resistant (MDR)) and Staphylococcus aureus are 400 nM (12 J cm -2 ) and 100 nM (18 J cm -2 ), respectively; corresponding concentrations and light doses for trans-BBP in the two bacteria are 2.50 µM (30 J cm -2 ) and 1.50 µM (18 J cm -2 ), respectively. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 50 and MIC 90 ) ratio of trans-BBP to cis-BBP is 22.22 and 24.02 in A. baumannii (MDR); 21.29 and 22.36 in methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), respectively. Furthermore, cis-BBP displays superior in vivo antibacterial performance, with acceptable dark and photoinduced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate cis-BBP is a robust light-assisted antibacterial reagent at sub-micromolecular concentrations. More importantly, configuration of Pt II PSs should be an important issue to be considered in further PDI reagents design., (© 2023 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)