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Abstract This study aimed to develop and validate a novel nomogram to predict the risk of non-infectious fever (NIF) in patients following laparoscopic myomectomy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy between 2019 and 2023. Pertinent variables before, during, and after surgery were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for postoperative NIF, from which a nomogram was constructed. The study included 576 patients, among whom 64 (11.1%) developed postoperative NIF. Multivariate analysis identified leiomyoma size, number of leiomyomas, preoperative hemoglobin levels, operative time, and estimated blood loss as independent risk factors for postoperative NIF. A predictive nomogram model incorporating these factors demonstrated good accuracy following internal validation. The developed nomogram represents the first tool tailored for predicting NIF after laparoscopic myomectomy. Its implementation can assist clinicians in early identification of high-risk patients, facilitating timely preventive and management strategies.

Abstract Objective This study aims to explore the relationship between pre-existing renal impairment and oncological outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) using data from a multicentre international registry. Patients and methods Data on non-metastatic UTUC patients who underwent RNU were obtained from the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society Urothelial Carcinomas of the Upper Tract (CROES-UTUC) Registry. Patients were categorised into normal pre-operative renal function and chronic renal impairment (CKD) groups, with CKD defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate below 60 mL/kg/1.73 m². Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was employed to investigate disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify confounding variables. Results A total of 1393 patients diagnosed with UTUC who underwent RNU between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. 875 patients (62.4%) had normal renal function, whilst 528 patients (37.6%) had CKD prior to RNU. The two groups had similar proportions of bladder cancer history, comparable cardiovascular comorbidity, similar tumour stage, and comparable proportions receiving laparoscopic or robotic-assisted RNU. In multivariable cox regression analysis, CKD was found to be associated with inferior DFS (HR = 1.419; 95%CI = 1.060–1.898; p = 0.019). Upon multivariable analysis, pre-existing renal impairment and higher T stage (HR = 4.613; 95%CI = 1.829–4.712; p

Abstract The optomechanical motion of a gold nanoparticle (GNP) dimer—a pair of optically bound GNPs—in fluid, manipulated by a Bessel beam, is theoretically studied using the multiple multipole (MMP) method. Since a Bessel beam possesses orbital angular momentum (OAM) and spin angular momentum (SAM) simultaneously, complicated rigid-body motions of the dimer can be induced. The mechanism involves the equilibrium between the optical force with the reactive drag force exerted by the fluid. Our results demonstrate that the dimer rotates around its center of mass (COM), while the COM performs an orbital revolution around the optical axis. Additionally, each individual GNP undergoes spinning. The directions of the GNPs’ spin and the orbital revolution of COM depend on the handedness and the order (topological charge) of Bessel beam, respectively. Nevertheless, the rotation direction of the dimer depends on the size of GNP. In the case of a smaller dimer, the direction of dimer’s rotation with respect to the COM is consistent with the handedness of the light. Conversely, a larger dimer performs a reverse rotation, accompanied by a precession during the orbital revolution. There are multiple turning points in the radius of the GNP for the alternating rotation of the dimer caused by positive or negative optical torque. Our finding may provide an insight to the optomechanical manipulation of optical vortexes on the motions of GNP clusters.

Abstract Background Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death, plays a critical role in the suppression of various tumor types, including ovarian cancer. Artesunate (ART), a derivative of artemisinin, exhibits extensive antitumor effects and is associated with ferroptosis. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which ART induces ferroptosis to inhibit ovarian cancer. Methods RNA sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes associated with ART-induced ferroptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to confirm the interaction between Homeobox C11 (HOXC11) and the Prominin 2 (PROM2) promoter. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays were used to analyze the antitumor effects of ART. Western blot, biochemical assays and transmission electron microscope were utilized to further characterize ART-induced ferroptosis. In vivo, the effects of ART on ferroptosis were examined using a xenograft mouse model. Results RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the HOXC11, PROM2 and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/ Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways were downregulated by ART. HOXC11 was found to regulate PROM2 expression by binding to its promoter directly. HOXC11 overexpression reversed ART-induced effects on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and ferroptosis by activating the PROM2/PI3K/AKT signaling axis. Conversely, silencing PROM2 in HOXC11-overexpressing cells restored ART-induced ferroptosis and its associated antitumor effects by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Consistently, in vivo studies using a xenograft mouse model confirmed that ART-induced tumor inhibition was mediated by ferroptosis through the suppression of the HOXC11/PROM2/PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion This study identifies the HOXC11/PROM2/PI3K/AKT axis as a novel regulatory mechanism underlying ART-induced ferroptosis in ovarian cancer. Targeting the HOXC11/PROM2 axis may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing ferroptosis, offering new insights for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

High-speed railway tunnels in various countries have continuously reported accidents of vault falling concrete blocks. Once the concrete block falling occurs, serious consequences follow, and traffic safety may be endangered. The aerodynamic shockwave evolves from the initial compression wave may be an important inducement causing the tunnel lining cracks to grow and form falling concrete blocks. A joint calculation framework is established based on ANSYS Fluent, ABAQUS, and FRANC3D for calculating the crack tip field under the aerodynamic shockwave. The intensification effect of aerodynamic shockwaves in the crack is revealed, and the evolution characteristics of the crack tip field and the influence factors of stress intensity factor (SIF) are analyzed. Results show that (1) the aerodynamic shockwave intensifies after entering the crack, resulting in more significant pressure in the crack than the input pressure. The maximum pressure of the inclined and longitudinal cracks is higher than the corresponding values of the circumferential crack, respectively. (2) The maximum SIF of the circumferential, inclined, and longitudinal crack appears at 0.5, 0.68, and 0.78 times the crack front length. The maximum SIF of the circumferential crack is higher than that of the inclined and longitudinal crack. The possibility of crack growth of the circumferential crack is the highest under aerodynamic shockwaves. (3) The influence of train speed on the SIF of the circumferential crack is more than 40%. When the train speed, crack depth, and crack length change, the change of pressure in the crack is the direct cause of the change of SIF.

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown a positive effect on Osteoarthritis (OA), but the efficacy is still not significant in clinical. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture method is prone to cause MSCs undergoing replication senescence, which may affect the functions of MSCs. Three-dimensional (3D) culture strategy can sustain cell proliferative capacity and multi-differentiation potential. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) cultured by 3D hanging drop method on OA. Methods hUC-MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord and cultured by 3D hanging drop method for 48 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe gross morphology 2D and 3D hUC-MSCs. Transcriptome comparison of gene expression differences between 2D and 3D hUC-MSCs. GO enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and GSEA enrichment analysis were used to analyze the impact of 3D hanging drop culture on the biological functions of hUC-MSCs. Female New Zealand rabbits (n = 12) were divided into 4 groups: Normal group, Model group, 2D hUC-MSCs treatment group and 3D hUC-MSCs treatment group. After 8 weeks, the gross and histological appearance of the cartilage was evaluated by safranin O-fast green staining and Mankin scoring system. The expression of type I collagen and type II collagen was detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of IL-6, IL-7, TNFα, TGFβ1 and IL-10 in the knee joint fluid were tested by ELISA. Results 3D hanging drop culture changed cell morphology but did not affect phenotype. The MSCs transcriptome profiles showed that 3D hanging drop culture method enhanced cell-cell contact, improved cell responsiveness to external stimuli and immunomodulatory function. The animal experiment results showed that hUC-MSCs could promote cartilage regeneration compared with Model group. 3D hUC-MSCs treatment group had a higher histological score and significantly increased type II collagen secretion. In addition, 3D hUC-MSCs treatment group increased the expression of anti-inflammatory factors TGFβ1 and IL-10. Conclusion The above experimental results illustrated that 3D hanging drop culture method could enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSCs, and showed a good clinical application prospect in the treatment of OA.

Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii , poses serious health issues for humans and animals. Individuals with impaired immune systems are more susceptible to severe toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women infected by T. gondii can face the possibility of birth defects and miscarriages. While pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are commonly used drugs in clinical practice, concerns over their side effects and resistance are on the rise. A spider peptide XYP1 isolated from Lycosa coelestis had potent anti-T. gondii effects, but it had a high synthesis cost and strong cytotoxicity. Methods This study intended to modify XYP1 for producing derived peptides via amino acid truncation and substitution. The anti-T. gondii effect was evaluated by trypan blue staining assay and killing experiment of RH strain tachyzoites. The CCK8 and hemolysis assays were used to compare their safeties. The morphological changes of T. gondii were observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. In addition, the mechanism of XYP1 against T. gondii through RNA-sequencing was further explored. Results In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that XYP1-18 and XYP1-18-1 had excellent anti-T. gondii activity with lower cytotoxicity and hemolysis activity than XYP1. XYP1, XYP1-18, and XYP1-18-1 were able to disrupt the surface membrane integrity of T. gondii tachyzoites, forming pores and causing the disruption of organelles. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that XYP1 could stimulate the host immune response to effectively eliminate T. gondii and lessen the host’s inflammatory reaction. Conclusions XYP1-18 had lower cytotoxicity and hemolysis activity than XYP1, as well as significantly extending the survival time of the mice. XYP1 played a role in host inflammation and immune responses, revealing its potential mechanism. Our research provided valuable insights into the development and application of peptide-based drugs, offering novel strategies and directions for treating toxoplasmosis. Graphical Abstract

Pancreatic pseudocysts have a high amylase concentration and are surrounded by a fibrous capsule without a true epithelial lining. They are most frequently located in the peripancreatic region, and rarely extend into the mediastinum. We report a case of a 46-year-old male patient with a history of pancreatitis due to eat and drink too much presented with nausea and vomiting, MRI of the abdominal demonstrated a cystic mass connecting the abdominal cavity to posterior mediastinum and compressing the heart and stomach, ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cystic mass revealed high levels of amylase, conffrming that the mass was a rare pancreatic pseudocyst extending into the mediastinum. He was admitted for expectant management and was successfully treated with cystojejunostomy. This case aims to illustrate the possibility of rare pancreatic pseudocysts when a cystic mass is found that penetrates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Abstract Infectious diseases usually originate from a specific location within a city. Due to the heterogenous distribution of population and public facilities, and the structural heterogeneity of human mobility network embedded in space, infectious diseases break out at different locations would cause different transmission risk and control difficulty. This study aims to investigate the impact of initial outbreak locations on the risk of spatiotemporal transmission and reveal the driving force behind high-risk outbreak locations. First, we built a SLIR (susceptible-latent-infectious-removed)-based age-stratified meta-population model, integrating mobile phone location data, to simulate the spreading process of an infectious disease across fine-grained intra-urban regions (i.e., 649 communities of Shenzhen City, China). Based on the simulation model, we evaluated the transmission risk caused by different initial outbreak locations by proposing three indexes including the number of infected cases (CaseNum), the number of affected regions (RegionNum), and the spatial diffusion range (SpatialRange). Finally, we investigated the contribution of different influential factors to the transmission risk via machine learning models. Results indicate that different initial outbreak locations would cause similar CaseNum but different RegionNum and SpatialRange. To avoid the epidemic spread quickly to more regions, it is necessary to prevent epidemic breaking out in locations with high population-mobility flow density. While to avoid epidemic spread to larger spatial range, remote regions with long daily trip distance of residents need attention. Those findings can help understand the transmission risk and driving force of initial outbreak locations within cities and make precise prevention and control strategies in advance.

Abstract DNA methylation (DNAm) has been implicated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but the causality remains unclear in cross-sectional studies. Here, we conduct a prospective epigenome-wide association study of incident ACS in two Chinese cohorts (discovery: 751 nested case-control pairs; replication: 476 nested case-control pairs). We identified and validated 26 differentially methylated positions (DMPs, false discovery rate [FDR]

The conventional terahertz radar suffers from limited operation range for long-distance, noncooperative target detection due to the low transmitter power and atmospheric attenuation effect, both of which pose a hindrance in meeting the requirements of warning detection applications. To improve the radar detection capability, this paper studies an ultrasensitive target detection method based on single-photon detectors to replace traditional radar receivers. The method is expected to considerably expand the operation range of terahertz radars. First, the statistical law of the number of echo photons of a terahertz single-photon radar system is analyzed, and the echo characteristics of the target are expounded from a microscopic perspective. Furthermore, a terahertz single-photon target detection model, incorporating the characteristics of a quantum capacitor detector, is established. In addition, the mathematical expression of the target detection performance is derived, and the performance is evaluated via simulations. Further, a target detection performance curve is obtained. Finally, a time-resolved terahertz photon-counting mechanism experiment is performed, wherein we realize high-precision ranging by counting echo pulses. This work can provide support for the research and development of ultrasensitive target detection technologies and single-photon radar systems in the terahertz band.

Abstract Background Bergeyella porcorum is a newly identified bacterium that has an ambiguous relationship with pneumonia in pigs. However, few studies have adequately characterized this species. Results In this study, we analyzed the morphological, physiological, and genomic characteristics of the newly identified B. porcorum sp. nov. strain QD2021 isolated from pigs. The complete genome sequence of the B. porcorum QD2021 strain consists of a single circular chromosome (2,271,736 bp, 38.51% G + C content), which encodes 2,578 genes. One plasmid with a size of 70,040 bp was detected. A total of 121 scattered repeat sequences, 319 tandem repeat sequences, 4 genomic islands, 5 prophages, 3 CRISPR sequences, and 51 ncRNAs were predicted. The coding genes of the B. porcorum genome were successfully annotated across eight databases (NR, GO, KEGG, COG, TCDB, Pfam, Swiss-Prot and CAZy) and four pathogenicity-related databases (PHI, CARD, VFDB and ARDB). In addition, a comparative genome analysis was performed to explore the evolutionary relationships of B. porcorum QD2021. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide fundamental phenotypic and whole-genome sequences for B. porcorum. Our results extensively expand the current knowledge and could serve as a valuable genomic resource for future research on B. porcorum.

Abstract Recently, the offline‐trained Siamese pipeline has drawn wide attention due to its outstanding tracking performance. However, the existing Siamese trackers utilise offline training to extract ‘universal’ features, which is insufficient to effectively distinguish between the target and fluctuating interference in embedding the information of the two branches, leading to inaccurate classification and localisation. In addition, the Siamese trackers employ a pre‐defined scale for cropping the search candidate region based on the previous frame's result, which might easily introduce redundant background noise (clutter, similar objects etc.), affecting the tracker's robustness. To solve these problems, the authors propose two novel sub‐network spatial employed to spatial feature embedding for robust object tracking. Specifically, the proposed spatial remapping (SRM) network enhances the feature discrepancy between target and distractor categories by online remapping, and improves the discriminant ability of the tracker on the embedding space. The MAML is used to optimise the SRM network to ensure its adaptability to complex tracking scenarios. Moreover, a temporal information proposal‐guided (TPG) network that utilises a GRU model to dynamically predict the search scale based on temporal motion states to reduce potential background interference is introduced. The proposed two network is integrated into two popular trackers, namely SiamFC++ and TransT, which achieve superior performance on six challenging benchmarks, including OTB100, VOT2019, UAV123, GOT10K, TrackingNet and LaSOT, TrackingNet and LaSOT denoting them as SiamSRMC and SiamSRMT, respectively. Moreover, the proposed trackers obtain competitive tracking performance compared with the state‐of‐the‐art trackers in the attribute of background clutter and similar object, validating the effectiveness of our method.

BackgroundEpimedium total flavonoids (EF) have been recommended to be one of the effective components in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of primary osteoporosis (POP) in China. Due to the lack of evidence-based medical evidence on the efficacy and safety of EF for the treatment of POP, the current systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out aimed at evaluating the curative effects and safety profile of EF treatment for POP in order to provide decision making references for clinical research.MethodsThe PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from the date of inception to 11 August 2024. The outcomes of effectiveness and safety of included studies were collected to conduct meta-analysis or systematic review.ResultsA total of 6 RCTs were included in this study, involving 838 participants. Overall, our results revealed that the experimental group (EG) had comparable results of efficacy to the control group (CG). The lumbar vertebra bone mineral density (BMD) was statistically different compared to the CG (MD = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.04; p = 0.0003), but the clinical significance deserved consideration because the 95% CI nearly crossed the invalid line. The femoral neck BMD was neither statistically different nor clinically different between two groups (MD = 0.00; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.02; p = 0.67). The total complication rates were comparable among the two groups (RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.39, 1,19; p = 0.18). The quality of the evidence of the present study was judged as moderate and low based on the GRADE analysis.ConclusionEF treatment exhibited good curative effects and safety. The result was comparable to the CG, including other Chinese patent medicines and calcium and vitamin D supplements. The EF treatment was proved to be a reliable alternative option for POP.

The minimally invasive surgery through transcranial endoscopic keyhole approach has become the main surgical method for treating cerebral hemorrhage. This method has the advantages of small trauma, short surgical time, low bleeding volume, and fast postoperative recovery. However, this method is not suitable for cases where cerebral hemorrhage occurs again after skull repair surgery. Our team used 3D Slicer reconstruction combined with virtual reality technology to find a suitable keyhole surgical approach and successfully completed a neuroendoscopic removal of basal ganglia hemorrhage through the eyebrow arch keyhole approach in a case of recurrent cerebral hemorrhage after cranioplasty.

Background and purposeWhile there is evidence that gut microbiota (GM) and blood metabolites are associated with ovarian cancer (OC), the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are still unclear. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to elucidate the causal connections between GM, blood metabolite biomarkers, and OC.MethodsIn this study, we leveraged summary data for GM (5,959 individuals with genotype-matched GM), blood metabolites (233 circulating metabolic traits with 136,016 participants), and OC (63,702 participants with 23,564 cases and 40,138 controls) from genome-wide association studies (GWASs). We performed MR analysis to explore the causal relationship between GM and OC. Further, we harnessed univariable MR (UVMR) analysis to evaluate the causal associations between GM and circulating metabolites. Finally, we employed a two-step approach based on multivariable MR (MVMR) to evaluate the total genetic prediction effect of metabolites mediating the GM on the risk of OC to discover a potential causal relationship.ResultsIn the MR analysis, 24 gut bacteria were causally associated with the pathogenesis of OC, including 10 gut bacteria (Dorea phocaeense, Succinivibrionaceae, Raoultella, Phascolarctobacterium sp003150755, Paenibacillus J, NK4A144, K10, UCG-010 sp003150215, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Planococcaceae) that were risk factors, and 14 gut bacteria (CAG-177 sp002438685, GCA-900066135 sp900066135, Enorma massiliensis, Odoribacter laneus, Ruminococcus E sp003521625, Streptococcus sanguinis, Turicibacter sp001543345, Bacillus velezensis, CAG-977, CyanobacteriaStaphylococcus A fleurettii, Caloranaerobacteraceae, RUG472 sp900319345, and CAG-269 sp001915995) that were protective factors. The UVMR analysis showed that these 24 positive gut bacteria were causally related to lipoproteins, lipids, and amino acids. According to the MVMR analysis, Enorma massiliensis could reduce the risk of OC by raising the total cholesterol to total lipids ratio in large low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesteryl esters to total lipids ratio in intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL). Turicibacter sp001543345, however, could reduce the risk of OC by lowering free cholesterol in small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and increasing the ratios of saturated fatty acids to total fatty acids, total cholesterol to total lipids ratio in very small very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and cholesteryl esters to total lipids ratio in very small VLDL.ConclusionThe current MR study provides evidence that genetically predicted blood metabolites can mediate relationships between GM and OC.