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Abstract Background The present work aimed to assess the value of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) at 8 to 12 weeks in predicting the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods According to eligibility criteria, 328 women with singleton pregnancies who underwent routine antenatal check-ups at Qinhuangdao Maternal and Child Health Hospital from September 2017 to September 2020 were included. The patients were divided into the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and non-GDM groups according to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data from gestation weeks 24 to 28. Clinical data were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently predicting GDM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to analyze the value of MUAC in predicting the occurrence of GDM. The optimal cut-off points were calculated. Results In logistic regression analysis, pre-pregnancy weight, waist circumference, MUAC, UA, TG, and HDL-C independently predicted the occurrence of GDM (P 28.5 cm are prone to develop GDM during pregnancy, indicating that MUAC as an important predictive factor of GDM in early pregnancy.

Abstract Background To compare the diagnostic performance of the Node-RADS scoring system and lymph node (LN) size in preoperative LN assessment for rectal cancer (RC), and to investigate whether the selection of size as the primary criterion whereas morphology as the secondary criterion for LNs can be considered the preferred method for clinical assessment. Methods Preoperative CT data of 146 RC patients treated with radical resection surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The Node-RADS score and short-axis diameter of size-prioritized LNs and the morphology-prioritized LNs were obtained. The correlations of Node-RADS score to the pN stage, LNM number and lymph node ratio (LNR) were investigated. The performances on assessing pathological lymph node metastasis were compared between Node-RADS score and short-axis diameter. A nomogram combined the Node-RADS score and clinical features was also evaluated. Results Node-RADS score showed significant correlation with pN stage, LNM number and LNR (Node-RADS of size-prioritized LN: r = 0.600, 0.592, and 0.606; Node-RADS of morphology-prioritized LN: r = 0.547, 0.538, and 0.527; Node-RADSmax: r = 0.612, 0.604, and 0.610; all p

Abstract Background The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy (NAT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is challenged by the intricate interplay within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Unveiling the immune landscape of ESCC in the context of NAT could shed light on heterogeneity and optimize therapeutic strategies for patients. Methods We analyzed single cells from 22 baseline and 24 post-NAT treatment samples of stage II/III ESCC patients to explore the association between the immune landscape and pathological response to neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 combination therapy, including pathological complete response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR), and incomplete pathological response (IPR). Results Single-cell profiling identified 14 major cell subsets of cancer, immune, and stromal cells. Trajectory analysis unveiled an interesting link between cancer cell differentiation and pathological response to NAT. ESCC tumors enriched with less differentiated cancer cells exhibited a potentially favorable pathological response to NAT, while tumors enriched with clusters of more differentiated cancer cells may resist treatment. Deconvolution of transcriptomes in pre-treatment tumors identified gene signatures in response to NAT contributed by specific immune cell populations. Upregulated genes associated with better pathological responses in CD8 + effector T cells primarily involved interferon-gamma (IFNγ) signaling, neutrophil degranulation, and negative regulation of the T cell apoptotic process, whereas downregulated genes were dominated by those in the immune response-activating cell surface receptor signaling pathway. Natural killer cells in pre-treatment tumors from pCR patients showed a similar upregulation of gene expression in response to IFNγ but a downregulation of genes in the neutrophil-mediated immunity pathways. A decreased cellular contexture of regulatory T cells in ESCC TME indicated a potentially favorable pathological response to NAT. Cell–cell communication analysis revealed extensive interactions between CCL5 and its receptor CCR5 in various immune cells of baseline pCR tumors. Immune checkpoint interaction pairs, including CTLA4-CD86, TIGIT-PVR, LGALS9-HAVCR2, and TNFSF4-TNFRSF4, might serve as additional therapeutic targets for ICI therapy in ESCC. Conclusions This pioneering study unveiled an intriguing association between cancer cell differentiation and pathological response in esophageal cancer patients, revealing distinct subgroups of tumors for which neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy might be effective. We also delineated the immune landscape of ESCC tumors in the context of clinical response to NAT, which provides clinical insights for better understanding how patients respond to the treatment and further identifying novel therapeutic targets for ESCC patients in the future.

Abstract Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.

Abstract The conversion of CO2 into fuels and valuable chemicals presents a viable path toward carbon neutrality. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of metal-doped graphene catalysts in the reduction of CO2 to C1 products. 20 typical M-graphene (M = metal) catalysts were established based on DFT calculations. Six candidate catalysts, i.e., V-, Cr-, Mn-, Ni-, Mo-, and Ta-graphene catalysts, were selected by combining the hydrogen dissociation ability and the energy band gap of the catalysts. Subsequently, the adsorption characteristics and hydrogenation reactions of CO2 over the six candidates were explored. CO2 tends to adsorb at the M site through vertical adsorption and carbon–oxygen co-adsorption. V- and Cr-graphene catalysts promote the production of intermediate COOH, whereas Mn-, Ni-, Mo-, and Ta-doped surfaces are more favorable for HCOO formation. Concerning the hydrogenation to CO and HCOOH, V-, Cr-, Ni- and Mo-graphene catalysts preferentially yield CO from COOH, whereas Ta-doped graphene favors the formation of HCOOH. In total, the competitive hydrogenation of CO2 reveals the selectivity of the C1 products. Cr- and Ni-graphene favor the production of HCOOH and CH3OH, whereas V-, Mn-, Mo-, and Ta-graphene primarily yield CH3OH. Graphical Abstract

Introduction: Esophageal cancer is increasingly recognized as a significant global malignancy. The main pathological subtype of this cancer is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which displays a higher degree of malignancy and a poorer prognosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in modulating the immune response to tumors, and understanding the regulation of ROS in ESCC could lead to novel and improved therapeutic strategies for ESCC patients. Methods: A consensus matrix derived from genes involved in the ROS pathway revealed two subtypes of ROS. These subtypes were categorized as ROS-active or ROS-suppressive based on their level of ROS activity. The heterogeneity among the different ROS subtypes was then explored from various perspectives, including gene function, immune response, genomic stability, and immunotherapy. In order to assess the prognosis and the potential benefits of immunotherapy, a ROS activity score (RAS) was developed using the identified ROS subtypes. In vitro experiments were performed to confirm the impact of core RAS genes on the proliferative activity of esophageal cancer cell lines. Results: Two distinctive subtypes of ROS were identified. The first subtype, referred to as ROS-active, exhibited elevated ROS activity, enhanced involvement in cancer-associated immune pathways, and increased infiltration of effector immune cells. The second subtype, named ROS-suppressive, demonstrated weaker ROS activity but displayed more pronounced dysregulation in the cell cycle and a denser extracellular matrix, indicating malignant characteristics. Genomic stability, particularly in terms of copy number variation (CNV) events, differed between the two ROS subtypes. By developing a RAS model, reliable risk assessment for overall survival (OS) in patients with ESCC was achieved, and the model demonstrated strong predictive capabilities in real-world immunotherapy cohorts. Moreover, the core gene LDLRAD1 within the RAS model was found to enhance proliferative activity in esophageal cancer cell lines. Conclusion: Based on the ROS pathway, we successfully identified two distinct subtypes in ESCC: the ROS-active subtype and the ROS-suppressive subtype. These subtypes were utilized to evaluate prognosis and the sensitivity to immunotherapy.

AbstractChrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat 1792 cultivar ‘Hangbaiju’, also known as ‘Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum’, originates from Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, China. It is celebrated as one of Zhejiang’s ‘eight flavors’. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of Chrysanthemum × morifolium cultivar ‘Hangbaiju’. The genome has a circular structure of 151,110 bp containing a large single-copy region (LSC) of 82,851 bp, a small copy region (SSC) of 18,351 bp, and two inverted repeats (IR) of 24,936 and 24,972 bp in length. It comprises 128 genes: 85 protein-coding gene, 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 35 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis, based on complete chloroplast genomes, demonstrates that Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Hangbaiju’ shares a close genetic cluster with Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Fubaiju’ (MT1919691.1). Notably, ‘Fubaiju’ was introduced to Macheng, Hubei Province from Tongxiang in 1968 according to public information. The chloroplast genome data, coupled with morphological and historical records, strongly suggest that they are the same variety known by different names based on their cultivation locations.

Bioabsorbable zinc (Zn)-based materials for bone defect repair have received increasing attention. Based on 3D printing technology, this study innovatively designed and manufactured pure Zn and Ti6Al4V porous scaffolds. The pore size of the scaffold was 700 μm and the porosity was 70%. Compared with the traditional Ti6Al4V scaffolds, it was found that the Zn scaffolds had a larger deformation, the ultimate compressive stress was 18 MPa, but the ultimate strain could exceed 20%, while Ti6Al4V was only 6%. The elastic modulus of the Zn scaffolds was also lower than that of Ti6Al4V, which was 0.25 GPa, which can meet bone repair requirements in the non-weight-bearing area. However, Zn scaffolds had better strain capacity and lower elastic modulus, so they had less stress-shielding effect on bone. Degradation experiments also proved that the Zn scaffold had good degradation performance. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the Zn scaffolds had better osteogenic ability than the Ti6Al4V scaffolds. The findings of our study underscore the potential of integrating pure Zn into 3D printed scaffolds for their application in orthopedic scenarios.

Abstract Objectives To develop and compare noninvasive models for differentiating between combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) and HCC based on serum tumor markers, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and computed tomography (CECT). Methods From January 2010 to December 2021, patients with pathologically confirmed cHCC-CCA or HCC who underwent both preoperative CEUS and CECT were retrospectively enrolled. Propensity scores were calculated to match cHCC-CCA and HCC patients with a near-neighbor ratio of 1:2. Two predicted models, a CEUS-predominant (CEUS features plus tumor markers) and a CECT-predominant model (CECT features plus tumor markers), were constructed using logistic regression analyses. Model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Results A total of 135 patients (mean age, 51.3 years ± 10.9; 122 men) with 135 tumors (45 cHCC-CCA and 90 HCC) were included. By logistic regression analysis, unclear boundary in the intratumoral nonenhanced area, partial washout on CEUS, CA 19-9 > 100 U/mL, lack of cirrhosis, incomplete tumor capsule, and nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) volume 100 U/mL shows excellent sensitivity. Critical relevance statement Combining lack of cirrhosis, incomplete tumor capsule, and nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) volume 100 U/mL shows excellent sensitivity in differentiating cHCC-CCA from HCC. Key points 1. Accurate differentiation between cHCC-CCA and HCC is essential for treatment decisions. 2. The CECT-predominant model provides higher accuracy than the CEUS-predominant model for CHCC-CCA. 3. Combining CECT features and CA 19-9 levels shows a sensitivity of 93.3% in diagnosing cHCC-CCA. Graphical Abstract

Abstract‘Zuili’ is a distinguished plum (Prunus salicina Lindley 1830) originating from Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, China, and a nationally recognized geographical indication product. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of P. salicina cultivar ‘Zuili’. The genome has a circular structure of 157,935 bp containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,133 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 19,028 bp, and two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,387 by each. It harbors 130 genes (111 unique genes), including 85 protein-coding genes (78 are unique), eight ribosomal RNA genes (four are unique), and 37 transfer genes (29 are unique). The phylogenetic analysis based on whole chloroplast genomes showed ‘Zuili’ was clustered with Prunus salicina cultivar ‘Wuyuecui’ (MW406461.1) and ‘No. 2 Guofeng’ (MW406472.1). This study provides valuable information that can contribute to the identification and further evolutionary analysis of Prunus salicina cultivar ‘Zuili’.

Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated conflicting findings regarding the initial MRI patterns of radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) and the evolution of different RTLI patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial MRI pattern and evolution of RTLI in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by means of a large cohort study. Methods Data of patients with RTLI were retrospectively collected from two hospitals between January 2011 and December 2021. The injured lobes were categorized into three patterns based on initial MRI patterns: isolated white matter lesions (WMLs), isolated contrast-enhanced lesions (CELs), and combined WMLs and CELs. The latency period, MRI appearances, and temporal changes in WMLs and CELs were evaluated. Results A total of 913 RTLI patients with 1092 injured lobes were included in this study. The numbers of isolated WMLs, isolated CELs, and combined WMLs and CELs identified at the first MRI detection were 7 (0.6%), 172 (15.8%), and 913 (83.6%), respectively. The evolution of bilateral RTLI was different in the same patient, and that of unilateral RTLI combined with WMLs and CELs also may occur asynchronously. The time intervals from the initial MRI detection of isolated WMLs, isolated CELs, combined WMLs and CELs to the last negative MRI scan were 8.6, 8.9 and 11.0 months, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the time intervals between the three patterns (H = 14.287, P = 0.001). And the time interval was identified as an independent factor influencing the initial MRI pattern of RTLI after Poisson regression (P = 0.002). Conclusion Both WMLs and CELs could be the initial and only MRI abnormalities in patients with RTLI. This study is of great significance in accurately diagnosing RTLI early and providing timely treatment options. Additionally, it provides clinical evidence for guidelines on NPC, emphasizing the importance of regular follow-up of NPC patients.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum uric acid (UA) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the first trimester and provide a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of GDM. Based on the diagnostic criteria of gestational diabetes of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups, 1744 and 4256 patients were enrolled in the GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) groups. Four groups were constituted based on the quartile of first-trimester serum UA (UA) level, and the differences in each indicator between groups were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of UA level on GDM risk. The rate of GDM in the UA quartile changed from low to high. Significant differences were also observed in fasting plasma glucose level, 1 h post glucose and 2 h post glucose levels, in all the groups (P

Background Ureteral stricture (US) is a pathological stenosis in the urinary tract characterized by increased collagen synthesis and inflammation. Autophagy activation has been shown to ameliorate tissue fibrosis and protect against fibrotic diseases. Verapamil has beneficial therapeutic benefits on fibrotic disorders. The pharmacological effects of verapamil on fibroblast autophagy in US and the underlying mechanism need to be investigated further.Methods US patients were recruited to isolate scar tissues, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome staining were performed to analyze histopathological changes. The US animal model was established and administered with verapamil (0.05 mg/kg) in the drinking water. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was adopted to facilitate collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. The mRNA and protein expressions were examined by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. ELISA was adopted to measure interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels. Molecular interaction experiments like dual luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed to analyze the interaction between signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and RNA polymerase II associated factor 1 (PAF1).Results Herein, our results revealed that verapamil activated TGF-β1-treated fibroblast autophagy and inhibited inflammation and fibrosis by repressing Ca2+⁄calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) δ-mediated STAT3 activation. Our following tests revealed that STAT3 activated PAF1 transcription. PAF1 upregulation abrogated the regulatory effect of verapamil on fibroblast autophagy and fibrosis during US progression. Finally, verapamil mitigated US in vivo by activating fibroblast autophagy.Conclusion Taken together, verapamil activated TGF-β1-treated fibroblast autophagy and inhibited fibrosis by repressing the CaMK IIδ/STAT3/PAF1 axis.

Objective To investigate the practical value of the transrectal two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (SWE) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods Consecutive male participants with and without BPH constituted the BPH and control group respectively were enrolled prospectively between March and December 2022. Transrectal conventional ultrasound and SWE examinations for the prostate were performed on these participants. Data of quantitative stiffness of the transitional zone (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) of prostate, volume of prostate (VP) and volume of TZ (VTZ) and prostate specific androgen (PSA), etc., were collected. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between quantitative stiffness data and other clinical parameters.Results There were 200 participants evaluated, including 100 healthy participants and 100 BPH patients. For every one-year increment in age, it was correlated with 0.50 kPa increasement of TZ stiffness. VP and VTZ were correlated with TZ stiffness. Higher TZ stiffness was associated with higher free prostate specific antigen (PSA) and total PSA.Conclusions The prostate is stiffer and larger in BPH group compared to control group. Quantitative stiffness of the TZ was related with age, VP, VTZ and PSA.

Thanks to its structural characteristics and signal patterns similar to those of human brain synapses, memristors are widely believed to be applicable for neuromorphic computing. However, to our knowledge, memristors have not been effectively applied in the biomedical field, especially in disease diagnosis and health monitoring. In this work, a blood-based biomemristor was prepared for in vitro detection of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. It was found that the device exhibits excellent resistance switching (RS) behavior at lower voltage biases. Through mechanism analysis, it has been confirmed that the RS behavior is driven by Ohmic conduction and ion rearrangement. Furthermore, the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia detection devices were constructed for the first time based on memristor logic circuits, and circuit simulations were conducted. These results confirm the feasibility of blood-based biomemristors in detecting hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, providing new prospects for the important application of memristors in the biomedical field.

The memristor, characterized by its resistive switching (RS) behavior, has garnered significant interest within the scientific community, particularly because of its vast potential applications in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and information storage. This is attributed to its unique properties, which align well with the requirements of advanced computational and memory systems. Ferroelectric memristors are currently a thriving area of research, and this study uses Sm-doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (Sm-PMN-PT) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) as the functional layer. A multi-factor responsive memristor based on a Ag/Sm-PMN-PT:PVDF/ITO sandwich structure is fabricated, for which the RS behavior of the memristor can be adjusted by multi-factors such as voltage scanning rate, bias voltage amplitude, temperature and environmental humidity. Specifically, this device is sensitive to changes in environmental humidity and exhibits the properties of an artificial neural synapse. These advantageous characteristics endow this device with great potential for use in environmental sensors and artificial neural network (ANN) systems.

Conventional implantable electronics based on von Neumann architectures encounter significant limitations in computing and processing vast biological information due to computational bottlenecks. The memristor with integrated memory-computing and low power consumption offer a promising solution to overcome the computational bottleneck and Moore's law limitations of traditional silicon-based implantable devices, making them the most promising candidates for next-generation implantable devices. In this work, a highly stable memristor with an Ag/BaTiO3/MnO2/FTO structure was fabricated, demonstrating retention characteristics exceeding 1200 cycles and endurance above 1000 s. The device successfully exhibited three-stage responses to biological signals after implantation in SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats. Importantly, the memristor perform remarkable reversibility, maintaining over 100 cycles of stable repetition even after extraction from the rat. This study provides a new perspective on the biomedical application of memristors, expanding the potential of implantable memristive devices in intelligent medical fields such as health monitoring and auxiliary diagnostics.

ObjectiveTo construct radiomics models based on MRI at different time points for the early prediction of cystic brain radionecrosis (CBRN) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsA total of 202 injured temporal lobes from 155 NPC patients with radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were included in the study. All the injured lobes were randomly divided into the training (n = 143) and validation (n = 59) sets. Radiomics models were constructed by using features extracted from T2WI at two different time points: at the end of IMRT (post-IMRT) and the first-detected RTLI (first-RTLI). A delta-radiomics feature was defined as the percentage change in a radiomics feature from post-IMRT to first-RTLI. The radiomics nomogram was constructed by combining clinical risk factors and radiomics signatures using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Predictive performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsThe post-IMRT, first-RTLI, and delta-radiomics models yielded AUC values of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.76–0.92), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78–0.94), and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67–0.87), respectively. The nomogram exhibited the highest AUC of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85–0.97) and sensitivity of 0.82 compared to any single radiomics model. From the DCA, the nomogram model provided more clinical benefit than the radiomics models or clinical model.ConclusionThe radiomics nomogram model combining clinical factors and radiomics signatures based on MRI at different time points after radiotherapy showed excellent prediction potential for CBRN in patients with NPC.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men. About 30% of PCa will develop a biochemical recurrence (BCR) following initial treatment, which significantly contributes to prostate cancer-related deaths. In clinical practice, accurate prediction of PCa recurrence is crucial for making informed treatment decisions. However, the development of reliable models and biomarkers for predicting PCa recurrence remains a challenge. In this study, the aim is to establish an effective and reliable tool for predicting the recurrence of PCa. Methods: We systematically screened and analyzed potential datasets to predict PCa recurrence. Through quality control analysis, low-quality datasets were removed. Using meta-analysis, differential expression analysis, and feature selection, we identified key genes associated with recurrence. We also evaluated 22 previously published signatures for PCa recurrence prediction. To assess prediction performance, we employed nine machine learning algorithms. We compared the predictive capabilities of models constructed using clinical variables, expression data, and their combinations. Subsequently, we implemented these machine learning models into a user-friendly web server freely accessible to all researchers. Results: Based on transcriptomic data derived from eight multicenter studies consisting of 733 PCa patients, we screened 23 highly influential genes for predicting prostate cancer recurrence. These genes were used to construct the Prostate Cancer Recurrence Prediction Signature (PCRPS). By comparing with 22 published signatures and four important clinicopathological features, the PCRPS exhibited a robust and significantly improved predictive capability. Among the tested algorithms, Random Forest demonstrated the highest AUC value of 0.72 in predicting PCa recurrence in the testing dataset. To facilitate access and usage of these machine learning models by all researchers and clinicians, we also developed an online web server (https://urology1926.shinyapps.io/PCRPS/) where the PCRPS model can be freely utilized. The tool can also be used to (1) predict the PCa recurrence by clinical information or expression data with high accuracy. (2) provide the possibility of PCa recurrence by nine machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, using the PCRPS scores, we predicted the sensitivity of 22 drugs from GDSC2 and 95 drugs from CTRP2 to the samples. These predictions provide valuable insights into potential drug sensitivities related to the PCRPS score groups. Conclusion: Overall, our study provides an attractive tool to further guide the clinical management and individualized treatment for PCa.

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern affecting men worldwide. Previous studies have shown that nimotuzumab, a drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can effectively inhibit cancer progression. Here, we aimed to explore the role of miR‐199a/214 cluster in mediating the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on the development of PCa. In this study, we conducted an MTT assay to assess cell proliferation and utilized flow cytometry to evaluate cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of nimotuzumab on prostate cancer development, we focused on the miR‐199a‐5p and miR‐214‐3p miRNA clusters. The TargetScan Human database was used to predict the binding sites between miR‐199a‐5p or miR‐214‐3p and the 3'‐UTR of the transducin (β)‐like 1 X‐linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) mRNA. To confirm the direct interaction and binding between miR‐199a‐5p or miR‐214‐3p and the 3'‐UTR of TBL1XR1 mRNA, we performed luciferase reporter assays. Our findings demonstrated that nimotuzumab exerted a significant dosage‐dependent suppression of PCa cell proliferation and facilitated PCa cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Concurrently, nimotuzumab obviously impeded the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin and EGFR signaling pathways in PCa cells. We also observed downregulation of miR‐199a‐5p and miR‐214‐3p in PCa cells. Overexpression of miR‐199a/214 cluster inhibited PCa cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that miR‐199a/214 cluster augmented the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on PCa cell proliferation and promoted its ability to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This effect was reversed upon TBL1XR1 overexpression, indicating that TBL1XR1 is involved in the regulatory pathway of miR‐199a/214 and nimotuzumab in PCa cells. We further revealed that TBL1XR1 was overexpressed in PCa and was identified as a downstream target of the miR‐199a/214 cluster. In nimotuzumab‐treated PCa cells, the overexpression of miR‐199a/214 markedly inhibited Wnt/β‐catenin and EGFR signaling, and this effect was also rescued by TBL1XR1 overexpression. In summary, our data indicated that miR‐199a/214 cluster play a crucial role in enhancing the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on PCa development by downregulating TBL1XR1 and modulating Wnt/β‐catenin and EGFR signaling pathways. These findings offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) shows good potential in determining muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. However, whether VI-RADS could predict the prognosis of radical cystectomy (RC) patients has not been reported. Our purpose is to determine whether VI-RADS contributed to predict oncologic outcomes. In this retrospective study, we analysed the information of bladder cancer patients who admitted to our centre from June 2012 to June 2022. All patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and underwent RC were included. VI-RADS scoring was performed by two radiologists blinded to the clinical data. Patients’ clinical features, pathology data, and imaging information were recorded. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate patients' overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Log-rank test was used to assess statistical differences. COX regression analysis was used to estimate risk factors. Ultimately, we included 219 patients, with 188 males and 31 females. The median age was 66 (IQR = 61–74.5) years. The VI-RADS scores were as follows: VI-RADS 1, 4 (1.8%); VI-RADS 2, 68 (31.1%); VI-RADS 3, 40 (18.3%); VI-RADS 4, 69 (31.5%); and VI-RADS 5, 38 (17.4%). Patients with VI-RADS ≥ 3 had poorer OS and PFS than those with VI-RADS

Abstract Background Routine clinical staging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incorporates liver function, general health, and tumor morphology. Further refinement of prognostic assessments and treatment decisions may benefit from the inclusion of tumor biological marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and systemic inflammation indicator C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods Data from a multicenter cohort of 2770 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy were analyzed. We developed the PACE risk score (Prognostic implications of AFP and CRP Elevation) after initially assessing preoperative AFP and CRP’s prognostic value. Subgroup analyzes were performed in BCLC cohorts A and B using multivariable Cox analysis to evaluate the prognostic stratification ability of the PACE risk score and its complementary utility for BCLC staging. Results Preoperative AFP ≥ 400ng/mL and CRP ≥ 10 mg/L emerged as independent predictors of poorer prognosis in HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy, leading to the creation of the PACE risk score. PACE risk score stratified patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups with cumulative 5-year overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of 59.6%/44.9%, 43.9%/38.4%, and 20.6%/18.0% respectively (all P

Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathological process caused by chronic liver damage and a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is considered the main target for liver fibrosis therapy. However, the efficiency of this strategy is limited due to the complex microenvironment of liver fibrosis, including excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and hypoxia-induced imbalanced ECM metabolism. Herein, nilotinib (NIL)-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated Ag@Pt nanotriangular nanozymes (APNH NTs) were developed to inhibit HSCs activation and remodel the microenvironment of liver fibrosis. APNH NTs efficiently eliminated intrahepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to their inherent superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, thereby downregulating the expression of NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX-4) and inhibiting HSCs activation. Simultaneously, the oxygen produced by the APNH NTs further alleviated the hypoxic microenvironment. Importantly, the released NIL promoted collagen depletion by suppressing the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), thus synergistically remodeling the microenvironment of liver fibrosis. Notably, an in vivo study in CCl4-induced mice revealed that APNH NTs exhibited significant antifibrogenic effects without obvious long-term toxicity. Taken together, the data from this work suggest that treatment with the synthesized APNH NTs provides an enlightening strategy for remodeling the microenvironment of liver fibrosis with boosted antifibrogenic activity.

T cell infiltration and proliferation in tumor tissues are the main factors that significantly affect the therapeutic outcomes of cancer immunotherapy. Emerging evidence has shown that interferon-gamma (IFNγ) could enhance CXCL9 secretion from macrophages to recruit T cells, but Siglec15 expressed on TAMs can attenuate T cell proliferation. Therefore, targeted regulation of macrophage function could be a promising strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapy via concurrently promoting the infiltration and proliferation of T cells in tumor tissues. We herein developed reduction-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) made with poly (disulfide amide) (PDSA) and lipid-poly (ethylene glycol) (lipid-PEG) for systemic delivery of Siglec15 siRNA (siSiglec15) and IFNγ for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. After intravenous administration, these cargo-loaded could highly accumulate in the tumor tissues and be efficiently internalized by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). With the highly concentrated glutathione (GSH) in the cytoplasm to destroy the nanostructure, the loaded IFNγ and siSiglec15 could be rapidly released, which could respectively repolarize macrophage phenotype to enhance CXCL9 secretion for T cell infiltration and silence Siglec15 expression to promote T cell proliferation, leading to significant inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth when combining with the immune checkpoint inhibitor. The strategy developed herein could be used as an effective tool to enhance cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract Ultrasound practice is a longstanding tradition for radiology departments, being part of the family of imaging techniques. Ultrasound is widely practiced by non-radiologists but becoming less popular within radiology. The position of ultrasound in radiology is reviewed, and a possible long-term solution to manage radiologist expectations is proposed. An international group of experts in the practice of ultrasound was invited to describe the current organisation of ultrasound within the radiology departments in their own countries and comment on the interaction with non-radiologists and training arrangements. Issues related to regulation, non-medical practitioners, and training principles are detailed. A consensus view was sought from the experts regarding the position of ultrasound within radiology, with the vision of the best scenario for the continuing dominance of radiologists practising ultrasound. Comments were collated from nine different countries. Variable levels of training, practice, and interaction with non-radiologist were reported, with some countries relying on non-physician input to manage the service. All experts recognised there was a diminished desire to practice ultrasound by radiologists. Models varied from practising solely ultrasound and no other imaging techniques to radiology departments being central to the practice of ultrasound by radiologists and non-radiologist, housed within radiology. The consensus view was that the model favoured in select hospitals in Germany would be the most likely setup for ultrasound radiologist to develop and maintain practice. The vision for 20 years hence is for a central ultrasound section within radiology, headed by a trained expert radiologist, with non-radiologist using the facilities. Critical relevance statement The future of ultrasound within the radiology department should encompass all ultrasound users, with radiologists expert in ultrasound, managing the ultrasound section within the radiology department. The current radiology trainees must learn of the importance of ultrasound as a component of the ‘holistic’ imaging of the patient. Key points: 1. Ultrasound imaging within radiology departments precedes the introduction of CT and MR imaging and was first used over 50 years ago. 2. Non-radiology practitioners deploy ultrasound examinations to either ‘problem solve’ or perform a comprehensive ultrasound examination; radiologists provide comprehensive examinations or use ultrasound to direct interventional procedures. 3. Radiology does not ‘own’ ultrasound, but radiologists are best placed to offer a comprehensive patient-focused imaging assessment. 4. A vision of the future of ultrasound within the radiology department is encompassing all ultrasound users under radiologists who are experts in ultrasound, positioned within the radiology department. 5. The current radiology trainee must be aware of the importance of ultrasound as a component of the ‘holistic’ imaging of the patient.

Abstract Magnetic anastomosis substantially shortens the duration of vascular anastomosis. We aimed to apply magnetic anastomosis technology (MAT) to donor liver implantations in pig orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Twenty healthy adult pigs were randomly divided into donors and recipients, and major vascular anastomosis was performed using MAT during OLT. Recipient liver and kidney function was measured pre-surgery and 12, 24 and 72 h post-surgery. Vascular anastomoses examinations were performed using ultrasound or angiography weekly post-surgery, and pathological examinations of vascular anastomoses were performed during autopsy after animal euthanasia. All recipients survived 24 h after surgery, which is considered as successful transplantation. Anhepatic duration was only 13 min, and no anastomotic obstruction or stenosis, magnetic displacement and anastomotic angulation, or distortion was found upon postoperative examinations of major liver vasculature. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin serum levels increased considerably postoperatively. The follow-up period for this study was 1 year, and the median survival time of all recipients was 115 d (interquartile range = 11–180 d). The main causes of death were liver failure, immune rejection, infection, and arterial anastomotic bleeding. Moreover, vascular anastomoses healed well with a survival time of more than two weeks. We developed a novel magnetic device to create a fast and safe technique to perform major vascular anastomoses in pig liver transplantations. Additionally, the liver graft implantation using MAT considerably shortened the recipient warm ischemia time, which will reduce the extent of ischemia–reperfusion injury. We conclude that MAT is an effective method for donor liver fast implantation in OLT in pigs.

In this paper, we demonstrated a distributed feedback fiber-laser- (DFB-FL) based ultrasound detection system with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high sensitivity and wide frequency response range. The DFB-FL was fabricated by UV-inscribing a π phase-shifted grating in the Erbium–Ytterbium co-doped fiber using the phase mask method. The theory of DFB-FL and the sensing principle has been discussed and analyzed. The sensing signal was demodulated via an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) system. The experimental results showed that the sensitivity of the sensor reached 75.18 mV/kPa and the flat frequency response range covered over 30 MHz, which covered the ultrasonic detection frequency range of abnormal discharge in the electric power system. The SNR of this DFB-FL was 42.9 dB, and the corresponding noise-equivalent pressure was calculated as 0.12 kPa.

BackgroundProstate cancer is the most common malignant tumor of male genitourinary system, and the gold standard for its diagnosis is prostate biopsy. Focusing on the methods and skills of prostate biopsy, we explored the learning curve and experience of a novel magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound (mpMRI-TRUS) image fusion transperineal biopsy (TPB) technique using electromagnetic needle tracking under local anesthesia.MethodsThe clinical and pathological data of 92 patients who underwent targeted TPB from January 2023 to July 2023 in our center were prospectively collected. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis method and the best fitting curve were used to analyze the learning curve of this novel technique, and the clinical characteristics, perioperative data and tumor positive rate of prostate biopsy of patients at different stages of the learning curve were compared.ResultsWith the increase of the number of surgical cases, the overall operative time showed a downward trend. The best fitting curve of CUSUM reached its peak at the twelfth case, which is the minimum cumulative number of surgical cases needed to cross the learning curve of the operation. Taking this as the boundary, the learning curve is divided into two stages: learning improvement stage (group A, 12 cases) and proficiency stage (group B, 80 cases). The surgical time and visual analog scale score during prostate biopsy in group A were significantly higher than those in group B. The visual numerical scale score during prostate biopsy in group A was significantly lower than that in group B. There was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in the detection rate of csPCa and the incidence of perioperative complications.ConclusionThe novel targeted TPB technique is divided into learning improvement stage and proficiency stage, and 12 cases may be the least cumulative number.

Given the high cost of active seismic tomography and the large influence on mining production, as well as the uncontrollable inversion period and accuracy of the target area during the passive seismic tomography, an optimization algorithm based on adding a certain number of artificial microseism (active sources) was proposed through the distribution characteristic of microseismic events (passive sources). The active source parameter optimization method realizes the combination of active source and passive source and improves the accuracy of inversion at the same time. The method uses a multiobjective optimization genetic algorithm to fuse the accuracy index and stability index that preevaluates the inversion effect and solves the best combination of active sources to improve the inversion effect. At the same time, experimental studies were carried out. After the active source was added, the inversion accuracy of high-stress areas and the ability to resist data errors were greatly improved. The inversion results were more in line with the law of stress transfer and stress distribution, which enhanced the connectivity of the low-velocity area of the fault zone or weakened zone.

Background: Small-diameter (

BackgroundThymectomy is an efficient and standard treatment strategy for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC) is the major complication related to thymectomy and has a strongly life-threatening effect. As a biomarker, whether the bilirubin level is a risk factor for MG progression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between the preoperative bilirubin level and postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC).MethodsWe analyzed 375 patients with MG who underwent thymectomy at Tangdu Hospital between January 2012 and September 2021. The primary outcome measurement was POMC. The association between POMC and bilirubin level was analyzed by restricted cubic spline (RCS). Indirect bilirubin (IBIL) was divided into two subgroups based on the normal upper limit of IBIL, 14 μmol/L.ResultsCompared with non–POMC group, IBIL levels were significantly higher in patients with POMC. Elevated IBIL levels were closely associated with an increased risk of POMC (p for trend = 0.002). There was a dose-response curve relationship between IBIL levels and POMC incidence (p for non–linearity = 0.93). However, DBIL levels showed a U-shaped association with POMC incidence. High IBIL level (≥14 μmol/L) was an independent predictive factor for POMC [odds ratio = 3.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56–7.8, p = 0.002]. The addition of high IBIL levels improved the prediction model performance (net reclassification index = 0.186, 95% CI: 0.039–0.334; integrated discrimination improvement = 0.0345, 95% CI: 0.005–0.065).ConclusionHigh preoperative IBIL levels, especially those exceeding the normal upper limit, could independently predict the incidence of POMC.

A 34-year-old man was admitted to the hospital presenting repeatedly urinary urgency for 3 years and yellow-green lithotripsy foreign body in urine for 1 month. Initially, he was diagnosed with a giant bladder calculi. After a cystoscopy exam and a lithotripsy for bladder calculi, Appendiceal vesical fistula was finally diagnosed and treated with a laparoscopic surgery. We report a rare case of appendiceal vesical fistula，first presenting as giant bladder calculi，and successfully treated with minimal invasive surgery We report this case and reviewed literature to improve the understanding of this disease and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Abstract. Background:. Patients with mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP) or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presented similar clinical symptoms, but required different treatment approaches and had different survival outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in differentiating MFP from PDAC. Methods:. A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu (VIP), and WanFang databases to identify original studies published from inception to August 20, 2021. Studies reporting the diagnostic performances of CEUS and CECT for differentiating MFP from PDAC were included. The meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 software. The outcomes included the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (−LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves of CEUS and CECT. Meta-regression was conducted to investigate heterogeneity. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to indirectly compare the overall diagnostic performance. Results:. Twenty-six studies with 2115 pancreatic masses were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for MFP were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73%–88%; I2 = 0.00%) and 95% (95% CI, 90%–97%; I2 = 63.44%), respectively; the overall +LR, −LR, and DOR values were 15.12 (95% CI, 7.61–30.01), 0.19 (95% CI, 0.13–0.29), and 78.91 (95% CI, 30.94–201.27), respectively; and the area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87–92). However, the overall sensitivity and specificity of CECT were 81% (95% CI, 75–85%; I2 = 66.37%) and 94% (95% CI, 90–96%; I2 = 74.87%); the overall +LR, −LR, and DOR values were 12.91 (95% CI, 7.86–21.20), 0.21 (95% CI, 0.16–0.27), and 62.53 (95% CI, 34.45–113.51), respectively; and, the SROC AUC was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90–0.94). The overall diagnostic accuracy of CEUS was comparable to that of CECT for the differential diagnosis of MFP and PDAC (relative DOR 1.26, 95% CI [0.42–3.83], P > 0.05). Conclusions:. CEUS and CECT have comparable diagnostic performance for differentiating MFP from PDAC, and should be considered as mutually complementary diagnostic tools for suspected focal pancreatic lesions.

β-AlFeSi is one of the most common and most damaging intermetallics in aluminum alloys containing silicon. The study of its growth behavior is crucial for alloy design. In this work, Al-8.1Si–5Fe and Al–13Si–3Fe alloys were cast to study the growth of β-AlFeSi. The skirt like β-AlFeSi clusters formed by splitting were discovered, and this phenomenon was found to be mainly caused by thermal stress. By micro to atomic scale electron microscopy studies, a layer-by-layer growth mode along the (001) crystal plane was proposed for β-AlFeSi. In addition, it is found that β-AlFeSi grows along the heat flow, and the preferred growth orientation is determined to be [100]/[010]. Other characteristics of β growth, such as stacking faults and inducing formation of pores, were also reported and discussed.

Background: The states of the central nervous system (CNS) can be classified into subcritical, critical, and supercritical states that endow the system with information capacity, transmission capabilities, and dynamic range. A further investigation of the relationship between the CNS and the central pattern generators (CPG) is warranted to provide insight into the mechanisms that govern the locomotion system. Methods: In this study, we established a fractional-order CPG model based on an extended Hindmarsh-Rose model with time delay. A CNS model was further established using a recurrent excitation-inhibition neuronal network. Coupling between these CNS and CPG models was then explored, demonstrating a potential means by which oscillations generated by a neural network respond to periodic stimuli. Results and Conclusions: These simulations yielded two key sets of findings. First, frequency sliding was observed when the CPG was sent to the CNS in the subcritical, critical, and supercritical states with different external stimulus and fractional-order index values, indicating that frequency sliding regulates brain function on multiple spatiotemporal scales when the CPG and CNS are coupled together. The main frequency range for these simulations was observed in the gamma band. Second, with increasing external inputs the coherence index for the CNS decreases, demonstrating that strong external inputs introduce neuronal stochasticity. Neural network synchronization is then reduced, triggering irregular neuronal firing. Together these results provide novel insight into the potential mechanisms that may underlie the locomotion system.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely important tools to overcome the limitations imposed by therapeutic agents and effectively overcome biological barriers. Smart designed/tuned nanostructures can be extremely effective for cancer treatment. The selection and design of nanostructures and the adjustment of size and surface properties are extremely important, especially for some precision treatments and drug delivery (DD). By designing specific methods, an important era can be opened in the biomedical field for personalized and precise treatment. Here, we focus on advances in the selection and design of nanostructures, as well as on how the structure and shape, size, charge, and surface properties of nanostructures in biological fluids (BFs) can be affected. We discussed the applications of specialized nanostructures in the therapy of head and neck cancer (HNC), which is a difficult and aggressive type of cancer to treat, to give an impetus for novel treatment approaches in this field. We also comprehensively touched on the shortcomings, current trends, and future perspectives when using nanostructures in the treatment of cancer.

Establishing lucerne field is an efficient way to protect natural steppes, alleviate conflicts between meadows and livestock, and promote the development of animal husbandry. However, problems such as extensive field management, valuing yield over quality, and low resource utilization are endemic in production. Exploring reasonable cultivation patterns can contribute to improving the current situation of artificial grassland production and promoting the high-quality development of husbandry and prataculture. Lucerne the field experiment was carried out in Jingtai, Gansu Province, China in 2021–2022; this study compared and analyzed the effects of three cultivation patterns—ridge tillage with plastic film mulching (PM), ridge tillage with biodegradable film mulching (BM), and traditional flat planting (FP)—on soil water, heat, and fertilizer, as well as lucerne growth, yield, quality, and water and nitrogen use efficiency. The results show that: (1) during the growth period of lucerne, PM and BM treatments augment the average moisture content of the soil layer of 0–120 cm by 31.19% and 24.03% compared to the FP treatment, respectively. In the soil layer of 0–40 cm, PM and BM treatments abate the soil moisture content of the ridges by an average of 19.29% and 7.89% compared to that in the ditches, respectively. In the soil layer of 40–120 cm, PM and BM treatments elevate the soil moisture content of the ridges by 4.40% and 4.65% on average compared to that in the ditches, respectively. The average soil temperature in a soil layer of 5–25 cm shows PM > BM > FP. In contrast with the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the soil temperature of the ridges by an average of 1.87 °C and 0.96 °C and decrease that of the ditches by an average of 0.47 °C and 0.46 °C, respectively. After two years of planting, the three cultivation patterns all promote the soil nutrient content. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the organic matter content by 9.94% and 19.94%, respectively. (2) Ridge tillage with film mulching can evidently stimulate the growth of lucerne and enhance yield and quality. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments enhance plant height by an average of 15.37% and 4.04%, stem diameter by an average of 34.14% and 14.58%, yield by an average of 21.20% and 14.77%, crude protein content by an average of 13.47% and 7.68%, and relative feed value by an average of 8.71% and 4.41%, respectively. (3) During the two-year growing period, the irrigation amount of lucerne was 508.60–615.30 mm, and the evapotranspiration was 563.70–761.80 mm. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments hoist water use efficiency by an average of 43.50% and 17.56%, nitrogen partial factor productivity by an average of 21.20% and 15.22%, and net income by an average of 14.78% and 11.05%, respectively. In summary, in ridge tillage, both ordinary film mulching and biodegradable film mulching can create a favorable soil environment for lucerne growth and heighten production effect. The former has a better effect on advancing the lucerne production effect, and the latter exhibits superior performance in improving soil fertility.

In the production of economic forests, there are common issues such as excessive application of water and fertilizer, redundant plant growth, and low economic benefits. Reasonable water and fertilizer management can not only help address these problems but also improve the absorption and use efficiency of water and fertilizer resources by plants, promoting the green and efficient development of the fruit and forestry industry. In order to explore a suitable water and nitrogen management mode for Lycium barbarum, field experiments were conducted in this study from 2021 to 2022. Specifically, four irrigation modes (according to the proportion ratio of soil moisture content to field moisture capacity θf, 45–55% θf (W1, severe water deficiency), 55–65% θf (W2, moderate water deficiency), 65–75% θf (W3, mild water deficiency), and 75–85% θf (W4, sufficient irrigation)) and four nitrogen application levels (0 kg·ha−1 (N0, no nitrogen application), 150 kg·ha−1 (N1, low nitrogen application level), 300 kg·ha−1 (N2, medium nitrogen application level), and 450 kg·ha−1 (N3, high nitrogen application level)) were set up to analyze the influences of water and nitrogen control on the plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic characteristics and yield, and economic benefits of Lycium barbarum in the Lycium barbarum + Alfalfa system. The study results show that the plant height and stem diameter increment of Lycium barbarum increase with the irrigation amount, increasing first and then decreasing with the increase in the nitrogen application level. Meanwhile, the chlorophyll contents in Lycium barbarum continuously increase throughout their growth periods, with Lycium barbarum treated with W4N2 during all growth periods presenting the highest contents of chlorophyll. In a Lycium barbarum + Alfalfa system, the daily variation curve of the Lycium barbarum net photosynthetic rate presents a unimodal pattern, with maximum values of the daily average net photosynthetic rate and daily carboxylation rate appearing among W4N2-treated plants (19.56 μmol·m−2·s−1 and 157.06 mmol·m−2·s−1). Meanwhile, the transpiration rates of Lycium barbarum plants continuously decrease with the increased degree of water deficiency and decreased nitrogen application level. W1N2-treated plants exhibit the highest leaf daily average water use efficiency (3.31 μmol·s−1), presenting an increase of 0.50–10.47% in efficiency compared with plants under other treatments. The coupling of water and nitrogen has significantly improved the yields and economic benefits of Lycium barbarum plants, with W4N2-treated and W3N2-treated plants presenting the highest dried fruit yield (2623.07 kg·ha−1) and net income (50,700 CNY·ha−1), respectively. Furthermore, compared with other treatment methods, these two treatment methods (W4N2 and W3N2) exhibit increases of 4.04–84.08% and 3.89–123.35% in dried fruit yield and net income indexes, respectively. Regression analysis shows that, in a Lycium barbarum + Alfalfa system, both high yields and economic benefits of Lycium barbarum plants can be achieved using an irrigation amount of 4367.33–4415.07 m3·ha−1 and a nitrogen application level of 339.80–367.35 kg·ha−1. This study can provide a reference for improving the productivity of Lycium barbarum plants and achieving a rational supply of water and nitrogen in Lyciun barbarum + Alfalfa systems in the Yellow River Irrigation Area of Gansu, China, and other similar ecological areas.

Abstract High strength aluminum alloys are widely used but their strength is reduced as nano-precipitates coarsen rapidly in medium and high temperatures, which greatly limits their application. Single solute segregation layers at precipitate/matrix interfaces are not satisfactory in stabilizing precipitates. Here we obtain multiple interface structures in an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si-Sc alloy including Sc segregation layers, C and L phases as well as a newly discovered χ-AgMg phase, which partially cover the θ′ precipitates. By atomic resolution characterizations and ab initio calculations, such interface structures have been confirmed to synergistically retard coarsening of precipitates. Therefore, the designed alloy shows the good combination of heat resistance and strength among all series of Al alloys, with 97% yield strength retained after thermal exposure, which is as high as 400 MPa. This concept of covering precipitates with multiple interface phases and segregation layers provides an effective strategy for designing other heat resistant materials.

Abstract Background RNA N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is critical for plant growth and crop yield. m6A reader proteins can recognize m6A modifications to facilitate the functions of m6A in gene regulation. ECT2, ECT3, and ECT4 are m6A readers that are known to redundantly regulate trichome branching and leaf growth, but their molecular functions remain unclear. Results Here, we show that ECT2, ECT3, and ECT4 directly interact with each other in the cytoplasm and perform genetically redundant functions in abscisic acid (ABA) response regulation during seed germination and post-germination growth. We reveal that ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 promote the stabilization of their targeted m6A-modified mRNAs, but have no function in alternative polyadenylation and translation. We find that ECT2 directly interacts with the poly(A) binding proteins, PAB2 and PAB4, and maintains the stabilization of m6A-modified mRNAs. Disruption of ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 destabilizes mRNAs of ABA signaling-related genes, thereby promoting the accumulation of ABI5 and leading to ABA hypersensitivity. Conclusion Our study reveals a unified functional model of m6A mediated by m6A readers in plants. In this model, ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 promote stabilization of their target mRNAs in the cytoplasm.

Abstract Background We aimed to prepare a non‐invasive, reproducible, and controllable rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage with focused ultrasound (FUS). Methods A rat intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model was established by combining FUS and microbubbles (μBs), and edaravone was used to verify whether the free radical scavenger had a protective effect on the model. The brain tissue of each group was sectioned to observe the gross histology, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, cerebral infarction volume, and histopathological changes. Results Compared with the FUS group, the BBB permeability was significantly increased in the FUS + μBs (F&B) group (p = 0.0021). The second coronal slice in the F&B group had an obvious hemorrhage lesion, and the FUS + μBs + edaravone (F&B&E) group had smaller hemorrhage areas; however, ICH did not occur in the FUS group. The cerebral infarction volume in the F&B group was significantly larger than that in the FUS group (p = 0.0030) and F&B&E group (p = 0.0208). HE staining results showed that nerve fibrinolysis, neuronal necrosis, microglia production, and erythrocytes were found in both the F&B group and the F&B&E group, but the areas of the nerve fibrinolysis and neuronal necrosis in the F&B group were larger than the F&B&E group. Conclusions A rat ICH model was successfully prepared using the μBs assisted FUS treatment, and edaravone had a therapeutic effect on this model. This model can be used to study the pathophysiological mechanism of ICH‐related diseases and in preclinical research on related new drugs.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to develop and validate internally a clinical predictive model, for predicting myasthenic crisis within 30 days after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. Methods Eligible patients were enrolled between January 2015 and May 2019. The primary outcome measure was postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC). A predictive model was constructed using logistic regression and presented in a nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to examine the performance. The study population was divided into high‐ and low‐risk groups according to Youden index. Calibration curves with 1000 replications bootstrap resampling were plotted to visualize the calibration of the nomogram. Decision curve analyses (DCA) with 1000 replications bootstrap resampling were performed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the model. Results A total of 445 patients were enrolled. Five variables were screened including thymus imaging, onset age, MGFA classification, preoperative treatment regimen, and surgical approach. The model exhibited moderate discriminative ability with AUC value 0.771. The threshold probability was 0.113, which was used to differentiate between high‐ and low‐risk groups. The sensitivity and specificity were 72.1% and 77.1%, respectively. The high‐risk group had an 8.70‐fold higher risk of POMC. The calibration plot showed that when the probability was between 0 and 0.5, the deviation calibration curve of the model was consistent with the ideal curve. Interpretation This nomogram could assist in identifying patients at higher risk of POMC and determining the optimal surgical time for these patients.

Abstract Background In the current study, seizure semiology and potential predictive factors of seizure outcomes in glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD Ab)-associated neurological syndrome were investigated. Methods In this study, 32 Chinese patients with GAD Ab-associated neurological syndrome who presented with seizures at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2017 to October 2022 were reviewed; 30 had a follow-up duration of more than 1 year. Results Among the 32 patients, 10 presented with epilepsy alone. Concomitant neurological syndromes were observed in 22 patients, including limbic encephalitis (n = 20), stiff-person syndrome (SPS, n = 1), and cerebellar ataxia (n = 1). Bilateral tonic–clonic seizures were observed in 21 patients (65.6%). Focal seizures occurred in 27 patients (84.4%); 17 had focal motor seizures and 18 focal non-motor seizures. Among 30 patients with long-term follow-up, 11 (36.7%) were seizure-free. Acute/subacute onset (p = 0.049) and comorbidity of limbic encephalitis with epilepsy (p = 0.023) led to better seizure outcomes. Patients with persistent epilepsy were more likely to have focal seizure (p = 0.003) and higher frequency of seizure (p = 0.001). Furthermore, these patients tended to have longer intervals from onset to immunomodulatory treatments. Early immunotherapy (within 6 months from onset) was administered in 81.8% of seizure-free patients but only in 42.1% of patients with persistent seizures. However, steroid and immunosuppressant duration did not differ in the two groups. Repeated serum GAD Ab tests during the follow-up showed no association with seizure outcomes. Conclusions The seizure manifestations are diverse and variable. Approximately one third of patients achieved seizure remission during long-term follow-up. The type and frequency of seizures may influence the seizure outcomes. Early immunotherapy, especially within 6 months, may lead to better seizure outcomes.

This study investigated the impact of endogenous sodium and potassium ions in plants on the quality of alfalfa silage, as well as the stability of bacterial communities during fermentation. Silage was produced from the fermented alfalfa, and the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and microbiome were analyzed to understand their interplay and impact on silage fermentation quality. The alfalfa was cultivated under salt stress with the following: (a) soil content of

To address the problems of extensive field management, low productivity, and inefficient water and fertilizer utilization in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) production, an appropriate water and nitrogen regulation model was explored to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the wolfberry industry. Based on a field experiment conducted from 2021 to 2022, this study compared and analyzed the effects of four irrigation levels [75%–85% θf (W0, full irrigation), 65%–75% θf (W1, slight water deficit), 55%–65% θf (W2, moderate water deficit), and 45%–55% θf (W3, severe water deficit)] and four nitrogen application levels [0 kg·ha−1 (N0, no nitrogen application), 150 kg·ha−1 (N1, low nitrogen application), 300 kg·ha−1 (N2, medium nitrogen application), and 450 kg·ha−1 (N3, high nitrogen application)] on soil water distribution, soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3−–N) migration, yield, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry. The soil moisture content of the 40–80 cm soil layer was higher than those of 0-40 cm and 80-120 cm soil layer. The average soil moisture content followed the order of W0 > W1 > W2 > W3 and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0. The NO3−–N content in the 0–80 cm soil layer was more sensitive to water and nitrogen regulation, and the cumulative amount of NO3−–N in the soil followed the order of W0 > W1> W2 > W3 and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0 during the vegetative growth period. There was no evidently change in soil NO3−–N accumulation between different treatments during the autumn fruit. The yield of wolfberry under the W1N2 treatment was the highest (2623.09 kg·ha−1), which was 18.04% higher than that under the W0N3 treatment. The average water consumption during each growth period of wolfberry was the highest during the full flowering period, followed by the vegetative growth and full fruit periods, and the lowest during the autumn fruit period. The water use efficiency reached a peak value of 6.83 kg·ha−1·mm−1 under the W1N2 treatment. The nitrogen uptake of fruit and nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency of fruit first increased and then decreased with increasing irrigation and nitrogen application. The treatment of W1N2 obtained the highest nitrogen uptake of fruit and nitrogen recovery efficiency of fruit, which were 63.56 kg·ha−1 and 8.17%, respectively. Regression analysis showed that the yield and water-nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry improved when the irrigation amount ranged from 315.4 to 374.3 mm, combined with nitrogen application amounts of 300.0 to 308.3 kg·ha−1. Additionally, the soil NO3−–N residue was reduced, making it an optimal water and nitrogen management model for wolfberry planting. The present findings contribute novel insights into the production of wolfberry with saving water and reducing nitrogen, which helps to improve the level of wolfberry productivity in the Yellow River irrigation region of Gansu Province and other areas with similar climate.

AbstractObjective To explore the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) in patients with renal transplantation (RT).Methods In total, fifteen patients with THPT after renal transplantation who underwent MWA were enrolled in the study. The pre- and post-MWA intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, urea nitrogen and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values were compared.Results A total of 38 parathyroid hyperplastic nodules in 15 RT patients were treated with ultrasound-guided MWA. The mean (median, range) size of the hyperplastic parathyroid nodules was 11.5 mm (11 mm, 5–25 mm), and the average (median, range) ablation time was 163.5s (121 s, 44–406 s). The average levels of serum iPTH and calcium at 1 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year post-MWA and at the end of follow-up were significantly lower than those pre-MWA (all p

ObjectiveTo compare computed tomography (CT)- and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based multiparametric radiomics models and validate a multi-modality, multiparametric clinical-radiomics nomogram for individual preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in rectal cancer (RC) patients.Methods234 rectal adenocarcinoma patients from our retrospective study cohort were randomly selected as the training (n = 164) and testing (n = 70) cohorts. The radiomics features of the primary tumor were extracted from the non-contrast enhanced computed tomography (NCE-CT), the enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), the T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and the gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-TIWI) of each patient. Three kinds of models were constructed based on training cohort, including the Clinical model (based on the clinical features), the radiomics models (based on NCE-CT, CE-CT, T2WI, CE-T1WI, CT, MRI, CT combing with MRI) and the clinical-radiomics models (based on CT or MRI radiomics model combing with clinical data) and Clinical-IMG model (based on CT and MRI radiomics model combing with clinical data). The performances of the 11 models were evaluated via the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in the training and validation cohort. Differences in the AUCs among the 11 models were compared using DeLong’s test. Finally, the optimal model (Clinical-IMG model) was selected to create a radiomics nomogram. The performance of the nomogram to evaluate clinical efficacy was verified by ROC curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsThe MRI radiomics model in the validation cohort significantly outperformed than CT radiomics model (AUC, 0.785 vs. 0.721, p

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on ultrasonographic features and clinical indicators to differentiate mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (MF-ICC) from hepatic metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma.Materials and methodsA total of 343 patients with pathologically confirmed MF-ICC or metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled between October 2018 and July 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to training and validation sets at a ratio of 7:3. Preoperative ultrasound features and clinical indicators were retrieved. Univariate logistic regression analysis was employed to select relevant features. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish a predictive model, which was presented as a nomogram in training sets. The model’s performance was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.ResultsThe study included 169 patients with MF-ICC and 174 with liver metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma, assigned to training (n=238) and validation (n=105) cohorts. The nomogram incorporated ultrasound features (tumor size, lesion number, echogenicity, tumor necrosis, and rim arterial phase hyperenhancement) and clinical information (serum levels of CEA, CA19-9, CA125). The nomogram demonstrated promising performance in differentiating these two entities in both training and validation sets, with an AUC value of 0.937 (95%CI: 0.907,0.969) and 0.916 (95%CI: 0.863,0.968), respectively. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test and calibration curves confirmed good consistency between predictions and observations. Additionally, decision curve analysis confirmed the nomogram’s high clinical practicability.ConclusionThe nomogram based on ultrasound features and clinical indicators demonstrated good discrimination performance in differentiating MF-ICC from metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma, which may enhance clinical decision-making process in managing these challenging diagnostic scenarios.