Search

Abstract We addressed fundamental questions about the influence of metabolites on the development of Diabetic retinopathy (DR), and explored the related pathological mechanism. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) database data for metabolites and DR were used to perform Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) was chosen as the primary analysis method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out and Cochran’s Q test. Confounding factors were eliminated to ensure robustness. We also conducted metabolic pathway analysis. In vivo experimental validation was conducted using Sprague Dawley rats. The serum metabolites of the DR group rats and normal group rats were examined to evaluate the MR results. The screen identified eighteen metabolites associated with DR risk, twelve of which were known components. Seven metabolites were positively correlated with DR risk, while five could reduce it. Eight metabolites associated with proliferative DR (PDR) risk were identified, four of which are known components. Three of these were positively associated with PDR risk and one metabolite reduced PDR risk. Additionally, two possible metabolic pathways involved in the biological mechanism of DR were identified. The ELISA results showed that the serum levels of isoleucine and 4-HPA were significantly increased in DR rats, while the level of inosine was decreased. This study offers novel insights into the biological mechanisms underlying DR. Metabolites that are causally linked to DR may serve as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

ObjectiveThe C-reactive protein/Lymphocyte Ratio (CLR) is a novel biomarker whose role in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between CLR and the prevalence of CKD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1999 and 2010. Multivariate regression analyses and subgroup analyses were performed, controlling for socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, chronic diseases associated with kidney disease, and biochemical markers of bone metabolism. The associations between CLR and CKD prevalence, as well as indicators of renal damage, were explored. Non-linear relationships were analyzed using weighted restricted cubic splines. The predictive ability of CLR for CKD was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve was calculated. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the robustness of the model.ResultsA total of 13,862 respondents were included, comprising 2,449 CKD patients and 11,413 non-CKD patients. Weighted logistic regression modeling revealed a positive correlation between CLR levels and CKD prevalence (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% Confidence interval [CI] = 1.30 to 1.83, P < 0.001). Additionally, CLR levels were negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate, a marker of renal injury, and positively correlated with the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the area under the curve for CLR in predicting CKD was 0.653 (95% CI, 0.641–0.665). The optimal cutoff value was 0.856, with a sensitivity of 0.703, specificity of 0.526, positive predictive value of 0.874, and negative predictive value of 0.275. The robustness of the model was confirmed through subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionAnalysis of a large cross-sectional dataset demonstrated a positive correlation between CLR levels and CKD prevalence, suggesting that CLR may serve as a novel marker for the development and treatment of CKD.

IntroductionThe role of immune cells in the pathogenesis and advancement of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is crucial. The objective of this study was to identify immune-cell-related biomarkers that could potentially aid in the diagnosis and management of DN.MethodsThe GSE96804 dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, screen for intersections between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune-related genes (IRGs). Identify core genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and the Cytoscape plugin. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was conducted. In addition, ROC analysis is performed to accurately identify diagnostic biomarkers. Apply the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the proportion of immune cell infiltration. Finally, the mRNA, protein, and immunofluorescence expression of the biomarker was validated in the DN rat model.ResultsThe study yielded 74 shared genes associated with DN. Enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of these genes in focal adhesion, the humoral immune response, activation of the immune response, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and IL-17 signaling pathway. The optimal candidate gene VCAM1 was identified. The presence of VCAM1 in DN was further validated using the ROC curve. Analysis of immune cell infiltration matrices revealed a high abundance of monocytes, naïve B cells, memory B cells, and Macrophages M1/M2 in DN tissues. Correlation analysis identified one hub biomarker associated with immune-infiltrated cells in DN. Furthermore, our findings were validated through in vivo RT qPCR, WB, and IF techniques.ConclusionsOur research indicates that VCAM1 is a signature gene associated with DN and is linked to the progression, treatment, and prognosis of DN. A comprehensive examination of immune infiltration signature genes may offer new perspectives on the clinical diagnosis and management of DN.

Deep-sea exploration and residence equipment is an important basis for the development of marine science. In recent years, China’s independent research and development of related equipment has made good progress; however, some technical problems still exist in the process of localization. It is urgent to overcome these problems and promote China’s capabilities for constructing a “transparent ocean”. This study analyzes the development demand for deep-sea exploration and residence equipment and summarizes the development status and problems of the equipment by focusing on six key areas: general equipment for deepsea perception and detection; general platforms for deep-sea carrier detection; deep-sea multi-functional operation platforms; deepsea communication, navigation, and positioning equipment; general tools for deep-sea operation; and intelligent control systems for deep-sea manned and unmanned equipment. Moreover, the study proposes the key development direction of the deep-sea exploration and residence equipment in China, covering nine key technologies: exploration equipment energy supply, design and optimization of equipment systems, power systems with a high power density, in-situ experimental research and development, livability and emergency rescue of manned equipment, underwater dynamic networked positioning, underwater acoustic–optical multi-mode hybrid communication networks, human–machine hybrid decision-making and collaborative control, and evaluation and optimization of human–computer interaction effectiveness. On this basis, it is necessary to accelerate the construction of key marine areas while adhering to scientific development, promote infrastructure co-construction and information sharing through overall planning and intensive development, and encourage the innovation-driven and sustainable development of new technologies and equipment, thus to promote the high-quality development of the deep-sea exploration and residence equipment in China.

AIM: To assess the changes of foveal avascular zone(FAZ)and vessel density(VD)using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in diabetic retinopathy(DR)patients.METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the diagnostic used OCTA in DR to date. Six electronic databases were searched to find relevant studies. We conducted a literature search in English and Chinese databases. Two authors extracted basic data, the VD of superior capillary plexus(VDSCP), the VD of deep capillary plexus(VDDCP), the area and the perimeter of FAZ. We used a variety of Meta-analytic methods, including WMD forest maps, funnel plot, Begg test and sensitivity analysis, to confirm the final results.RESULTS: Totally 24 studies recruiting 2 305 eyes were included. Patients with DR showed statistical difference in VDSCP [WMD= -5.78, 95%CI (-7.67 to -3.88), P

AIM: To evaluate the predictability of Olsen formula for postoperative refractive power in patients with high myopia complicated with cataract.METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 65 patients(101 eyes)with high myopia and who had phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation from October 10th 2016 to August 20th 2019 in our hospital. They were divided into three groups according to the axis length: group A(26mm 30mm)22 cases(31 eyes). The postoperative theoretical diopter(that is, the preoperative predictive diopter of each formula corresponding to the degree of IOL implanted)of intraocular lens was calculated by SRK/T, Haigis and Olsen formulas of IOL-master. The actual postoperative 3mo diopter was recorded and the absolute refractive error(MAE)was calculated.RESULTS: The postoperative 3mo MAE in the three groups calculated with Olsen formula was 0.15(0.04, 0.22), 0.19(0.14, 0.27), 0.26(0.115, 0.455)D respectively(P>0.05). For patients with the same axial length, the postoperative 3mo MAE of Olsen formula was the smallest. The Bland-Altman method was used to analyze the consistency between the postoperative theoretical diopter and the postoperative 3mo actual diopter. The results showed that the postoperative 3mo actual diopter was the closest to the postoperative theoretical diopter of the Olsen formula, while the postoperative theoretical diopter of the SRK/T formula was the worst.CONCLUSION: For patients with high myopia and cataract, the accuracy and stability of Olsen formula is better than that of SRK/T and Haigis formula, and Olsen formula is least affected by eye axis length.

Mg-containing high-Si aluminum alloys are heat-treatable alloys that are widely used in industry. Substantial attention has been paid to increasing the performance of such alloys by adding a small amount of Mn, which is an effective and common alloying element in aluminum alloys. In the present work, the solidification process of Mn-free Al-5Si-0.8Mg alloy and Al-5Si-0.8Mg-(0.45–1.97)Mn alloys are analyzed by the experimental results combined with thermodynamic calculation. The results showed that α-Al, Si, Mg2Si and π (Al8Mg3FeSi6) are predominant phases in the Mn-free Al-5Si-0.8Mg alloy while the π (Al8Mg3FeSi6) phase are transformed to α-Al(FeMn)Si phase with the addition of 0.45% Mn. With increasing Mn addition to 0.72%, the L→α-Al was replaced by L→α-Al(FeMn)Si and a primary α-Al(FeMn)Si phase appeared. Further increasing the Mn to 1.97%, the solidification reactions remained unchanged. However, the size and number of the primary α-Al(FeMn)Si phase gradually increased, while the divorced eutectic phenomenon of quaternary eutectic structure gradually weakened. Meanwhile, the Mg2Si phase in the quaternary eutectic structure gradually transformed from blocky to fine eutectic lamellar, and the quaternary eutectic structure was significantly refined. Primary blocky α-Al(FeMn)Si began to form when the Mn content was higher than 0.75%.

AIM:To analyze the spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria in the aqueous humor and vitreous immediately following the occurrence of penetrating ocular trauma.METHODS: Aqueous humor or vitreous specimens were collected from 45 eyes of 45 patients with penetrating ocular trauma before operations. The specimens were prepared for bacterial culture and the associated sensitivity tests to several commonly used antibiotics.RESULTS: Fifteen eyes of all the patients were found to be positive with bacterial infection, and the most frequently identified bacteria was staphylococcus epidermidis, which accounted for 67.7%(10/15)of all identified cases. All identified bacteria were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, and less sensitive to cefoperazone. Most of them were resistant to gentamycin, rifampin and chloramphenicol. Accompanying intraocular foreign body or sclera wound were associated with positive bacterial cultures(χ12=6.544, P1=0.016; χ22=4.5, P2=0.034). Causes of injury(χ2=1.667,P=0.197), lens rupture(χ2=1.125,P=0.352)or locations where the specimen was collected(χ2=1.667,P=0.197)did not contribute to the difference in the positive rates of bacterial cultures.CONCLUSION:In patients with penetrating ocular trauma, the major bacteria entering into the eye was staphylococcus epidermidis. Fluro-Quinolones can be used as the first-line antibiotics for prophylactic treatment. Cefoperazone can be taken as a second choice.

C72H82Co2N16O42, triclinic, P1̅, a = 15.7653(19) Å, b = 16.955(2) Å, c = 18.838(2) Å, α = 70.35(2)°, β = 87.78(2)°, γ = 63.73(2)°, V = 4216.5(8) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0735, wRref(F2) = 0.1405, T = 296(2) K.

Sheets of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy (thickness = 3 mm) and AZ31 magnesium alloy were friction stir lap welded by a tool with a variable-pitch thread pin (coarse-threaded in the upper part and fine-threaded in the lower part). For the same rotation speed and welding speed, the heat input was higher in joints with an upper Al alloy (Configuration Al-Mg) than in those with an upper Mg alloy (Configuration Mg-Al). In Configuration Al-Mg, these two dissimilar metals were poorly mixed and Al dominated the stirred zone (SZ). Many intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of Al3Mg2 formed inside the SZ. In Configuration Mg-Al, Mg alloy bands, flocculent Al12Mg17 bands, and minor Al alloy bands intersected in the SZ, forming a complex onion-ring structure. Moreover, a complex mechanical interlocking structure developed at the bottom interface of the SZ. The maximum tensile shear strengths of the Al-Mg and Mg-Al lap configurations were 160.3 and 217 N/mm, respectively, at 700 rpm. The higher tensile shear strength of the Mg-Al configuration primarily represented less IMCs and complex mechanical interlocking structures in the SZ.

C20H24CuN18O8, triclinic, P1̅, a = 8.033(4) Å, b = 9.641(5) Å, c = 10.724(5) Å, α = 77.318(5)°, β = 68.181(5)°, γ = 69.813(5)°, V = 719.7(6) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0292, wRref(F2) = 0.0726, T = 296(2) K.

AIM:To investigate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)in infants born in the Panyu district of Guangzhou, China, and to determine the applicability of video-incorporated binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy for its screening in primary hospitals. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2011, 185 premature infants were examined with a computer-assisted imaging system, using a digital binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. RESULTS: ROP was diagnosed in 14 infants(7.5%). Among them, 7 infants had stage l, 3 had stage 2, and 4 had stage 3 ROP, according to the standard classification of ROP. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the incidence of ROP in the Panyu district of Guangzhou, China was 7.5%. Furthermore, the digital binocular indirect ophthalmoscope system is suitable for ocular fundus examination in primary health units.

C14H26N2O12Zn, triclinic, P1̅, a = 7.051(9) Å, b = 7.807(10) Å, c = 9.752(12) Å, α = 79.374(13)°, β = 86.453(14)°, γ = 72.699(14)°, V = 503.7(11) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0296 wRref(F2) = 0.0783, T = 296(2) K.

Background: Unhealthy sleep and exposures to oxidative factors are both associated with poor cognitive performance (PCP), but limited evidence has been found regarding the relationship between sleep patterns and oxidative factor exposures independently or jointly with the risk of PCP. Methods: We analyzed data from 2249 adults aged ≥60 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2011–2014). Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data on sleep duration and sleep disorder, categorizing sleep duration into three groups based on responses: short (6 hours or less per night), normal (7–8 hours per night), or long (9 hours or more per night). Sleep disorder were categorized into two groups: sleep disorder, non-sleep disorder. Oxidative balance score (OBS) was calculated based on 20 oxidative stress exposures related to diet and lifestyle factors, with higher scores indicating greater antioxidant exposures. Survey-based multivariable adjusted regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between sleep patterns or OBS alone and in combination with overall and PCP risks. Results: Compared to the normal sleep duration group, the long sleep duration group had a higher risk of PCP (DSST<34) (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.05–3.48, P = 0.021); while OBS was negatively correlated with the risk of PCP (DSST<34) [Q4 vs Q1 (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29–0.92, P = 0.004)]. There was an interaction effect between sleep patterns (sleep duration, sleep disturbances) and OBS on PCP (DSST<34) (P = 0.002). Further stratified analysis showed that in individuals with normal sleep duration, long sleep duration, or no sleep disturbances, antioxidant exposures, compared to pro-oxidant exposures, reduced the risk of low cognitive function occurrence. Conclusions: In older populations, unhealthy sleep patterns (especially excessive sleep duration) and low OBS alone or in combination increase the risk of cognitive decline. Healthy sleep and lifestyle habits rich in antioxidant factors are crucial for protecting cognitive function in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed an event-triggered quantized model predictive control (ETQMPC) method for the dynamic docking of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and human-occupied vehicles (HOVs). The proposed strategy employed a non-periodic control approach that initiated the non-linear model predictive control (NMPC) optimization and state sampling based on tracking errors and deviations from the predicted optimal state, thereby enhancing computing performance and system efficiency without compromising the control quality. To further conserve communication resources and improve information transfer efficiency, a quantitative feedback mechanism was employed for sampling and state quantification. The simulation experiments were performed to verify the effectiveness of the method, demonstrating excellent docking trajectory tracking performance, robustness against bounded current interference, and significant reductions in computational and communication burdens. The experimental results demonstrated that the method outperformed in the docking trajectory tracking control performance significantly improved the computational and communication performance, and comprehensively improved the system efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a receding horizon optimization-based docking control method to address the autonomy and safety challenge of underwater docking between manned submersibles and unmanned vehicles, facilitating the integration of docking trajectory generation and tracking control. A novel approach for optimizing and generating reference trajectory is proposed to construct a docking corridor that satisfies safe collision-free and visual guidance effective regions. It generates dynamically feasible and continuously smooth docking trajectories by rolling optimization. Subsequently, a docking trajectory tracking control method based on nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is designed, which is specifically tailored to address thruster saturation and system state constraints while ensuring the feasibility and stability of the control system. The control performance and robustness of underwater docking were validated through simulation experiments. The optimized trajectory generated is continuous, smooth, and complies with the docking constraints. The control system demonstrates superior tracking accuracy than backstepping control, even under conditions where the model has a 40% error and bounded disturbances from currents are present. The research findings presented in this study contribute significantly to enhancing safety and efficiency in deep-sea development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: FoxO1 is an important target in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, FoxO1‐specific agonists and their effects on AD have not yet been reported. This study aimed to identify small molecules that upregulate the activity of FoxO1 to attenuate the symptoms of AD. Methods: FoxO1 agonists were identified by in silico screening and molecular dynamics simulation. Western blotting and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were used to assess protein and gene expression levels of P21, BIM, and PPARγ downstream of FoxO1 in SH‐SY5Y cells, respectively. Western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunoassays were performed to explore the effect of FoxO1 agonists on APP metabolism. Results: N‐(3‐methylisothiazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐(2‐oxobenzo[d]oxazol‐3(2H)‐yl) acetamide (compound D) had the highest affinity for FoxO1. Compound D activated FoxO1 and regulated the expression of its downstream target genes, P21, BIM, and PPARγ. In SH‐SY5Y cells treated with compound D, BACE1 expression levels were downregulated, and the levels of Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 were also reduced. Conclusions: We present a novel small‐molecule FoxO1 agonist with good anti‐AD effects. This study highlights a promising strategy for new drug discovery for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]