Search

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate whether triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) plays a mediating role between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and hypertension. The study analyzed clinical data from a total of 840 OSAS patients at Wuhan Union Hospital between January 2020 to December 2023. The association between TyG-BMI and hypertension was examined using restricted cubic spline regression and logistic regression. Mediation effect analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between OSAS, TyG-BMI, and the risk of hypertension. Severe OSAS was associated with a significantly increased risk of hypertension compared to mild OSAS (OR = 1.752, p = 0.013). There was a positive linear relationship between TyG-BMI and the risk of hypertension (P-non-linear = 0.535). The risk of hypertension increased with increasing TyG-BMI, with a significantly higher risk of hypertension in the fourth quartile (OR = 3.407, p

Objective: Fetal venous system malformations frequently coincide with cardiac or extracardiac anomalies. This study explores our experience with an integrated fetal echocardiography approach and analyzes the characteristics and outcomes of fetal venous system disorders. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study with 7048 pregnant women (7255 fetuses) who underwent complete two-dimensional (2D) fetal echocardiographic examinations. We primarily employed an integrated 2D approach. Three-/four-dimensional (3D/4D) spatiotemporal image correlation was supplemental. Fetal venous disorders were classified into 3 groups: cardinal (Group 1), umbilical and vitelline (Group 2), and pulmonary (Group 3) systems, based on embryological-anatomical considerations. Maternofetal data were recorded alongside imaging diagnoses. Results: Congenital venous malformations were identified in 98 fetuses, yielding a prevalence of 1.35% (98/7255). Six participants had coexisting venous disorders from different groups. Group 1 included 48 fetuses with persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) and 3 others (unidentified brachiocephalic vein, left inferior vena cava (IVC), and interrupted IVC with azygous continuation to SVC). Group 2 had 39 fetuses with persistent right umbilical vein and 7 with umbilical-portal-ductus venosus disorders. Group 3 had 7 fetuses with pulmonary venous return disorders. Group 2 showed the most favorable outcomes (alive and without neonatal death), while Group 3 exhibited the poorest. Associated cardiac defects were observed in 43.1% of Group 1, 8.7% of Group 2, and 57.1% of Group 3 (P

To effectively replace diseased and damaged thoracic vertebrae, a series of three-dimensional (3D) printed titanium (Ti) alloy (Ti6Al4V) thoracic fusion cages with varying volume ratio of reinforced scaffolds are designed, and their structure-function relationships are investigated systematically. It is demonstrated that the mechanical strength of fusion cage is gradually enhanced as the scaffold volume increases, which may be attributed to its textural transformation from α phase to β phase. The compressive, shear, and fatigue of fusion cages successfully attain the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 23089), when the scaffold volume ratio exceeds 15%. Furthermore, the biomechanical analyses, including stress distributions and subsidence in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending sections of fusion cages, further shed light on their potential clinical applications. This work deeply deciphers the intrinsic connection between biomechanical property and material texture of the thoracic fusion cages, offering valuable insights into their strengthening mechanism, which providing a guidance for the precise design and quick synthesis of other 3D-printed Ti6Al4V implants.

Abstract This study aimed to explore the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), a known inhibitor of ferroptosis, in Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and its related mechanisms. In vivo and in vitro MIRI models were established. Our results showed that activation of PPAR-α decreased the size of the myocardial infarct, maintained cardiac function, and decreased the serum contents of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Fe2+ in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-treated mice. Additionally, the results of H&E staining, DHE staining, TUNEL staining, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that activation of PPAR-α inhibited MIRI-induced heart tissue and mitochondrial damage. It was also found that activation of PPAR-α attenuated MIRI-induced ferroptosis as shown by a reduction in malondialdehyde, total iron, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro experiments showed that intracellular contents of malondialdehyde, total iron, LDH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid ROS, oxidized glutathione disulphide (GSSG), and Fe2+ were reduced by the activation of PPAR-α in H9c2 cells treated with anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R), while the cell viability and GSH were increased after PPAR-α activation. Additionally, changes in protein levels of the ferroptosis marker further confirmed the beneficial effects of PPAR-α activation on MIRI-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, the results of immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that PPAR-α achieved its activity via binding to the 14-3-3η promoter, promoting its expression level. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects of PPAR-α could be canceled by pAd/14-3-3η-shRNA or Compound C11 (14-3-3η inhibitor). In conclusion, our results indicated that ferroptosis plays a key role in aggravating MIRI, and PPAR-α/14-3-3η pathway-mediated ferroptosis and mitochondrial injury might be an effective therapeutic target against MIRI.

Excessive fructose diet is closely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Nevertheless, fructose's specific function and precise mechanism in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is rarely known. Here, this study reported that the fructose absorbed by primary colorectal cancer could accelerate CRLM, and the expression of KHK-A, not KHK-C, in liver metastasis was higher than in paired primary tumors. Furthermore, KHK-A facilitated fructose-dependent CRLM in vitro and in vivo by phosphorylating PKM2 at Ser37. PKM2 phosphorylated by KHK-A inhibited its tetramer formation and pyruvic acid kinase activity but promoted the nuclear accumulation of PKM2. EMT and aerobic glycolysis activated by nuclear PKM2 enhance CRC cells' migration ability and anoikis resistance during CRLM progression. TEPP-46 treatment, targeting the phosphorylation of PKM2, inhibited the pro-metastatic effect of KHK-A. Besides, c-myc activated by nuclear PKM2 promotes alternative splicing of KHK-A, forming a positive feedback loop.

This research aims to investigate the impact of integrating reading comprehension strategies into mathematics teaching for third-grade elementary school students on their learning motivation and learning outcomes. The research adopts a pre-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The targets of teaching are 18 third-grade students from an elementary school in Nantou County who participated in an 8-week teaching experiment. The research tools include the "Mathematics Learning Motivation Scale," the "Mathematics Learning Attitude Scale," and the "Mathematics Test Paper." Paired sample t-tests are conducted on pre- and post-teaching test scores to explore whether integrating reading comprehension strategies into teaching has a significant impact on students' learning motivation and learning outcomes. The results show that integrating reading strategies into mathematics teaching enhances both learning motivation and learning outcomes, reaching statistical significance. Moreover, students' preference for integrating reading strategies into mathematics teaching is higher than for traditional teaching methods.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the changes in absolute value and decline rate of early serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in neonates who received veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support therapy within the first week of life. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data and laboratory test results of 18 neonates who underwent V-A ECMO support within one week of birth, from July 2021 to June 2023, using the electronic medical record system. These patients were categorized into survival and death groups. Comparative analyses of the absolute values and decline rates of cTnT and NT-proBNP were made between the groups at baseline, and at 24, 48, and 72 h post-ECMO initiation. Results Out of the 18 neonates, 12 survived (survival rate: 66.7%), while 6 succumbed. The survival group exhibited significantly lower absolute values of cTnT and NT-proBNP than the death group, and their decline rates were significantly higher. Notably, all neonates without an early decline in cTnT and NT-proBNP levels were in the death group. Conclusion The early changes in the absolute value and decline rate of serum cTnT and NT-proBNP in neonates undergoing V-A ECMO may serve as predictors of their prognosis.

Abstract The aim of this study is to compare ecologically-valid measure (the Cambridge Prospective Memory Test, CAMPROMPT) and laboratory measure (eye-tracking paradigm) in assessing prospective memory (PM) in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). In addition, eye-tracking indices are used to examine the relationship between PM and other cognitive domains in SSDs patients. Initially, the study sample was formed by 32 SSDs patients and 32 healthy control subjects (HCs) who were matched in sociodemographic profile and the performance on CAMPROMPT. An eye-tracking paradigm was employed to examine the differences in PM accuracy and key cognitive processes (e.g., cue monitoring) between the two groups. Additional 31 patients were then recruited to investigate the relationship between PM cue monitoring, other cognitive functions, and the severity of clinical symptoms within the SSDs group. The monitoring of PM cue was reflected in total fixation time and total fixation counts for distractor words. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Chinese version of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was applied to assess psychopathology. SSDs patients exhibited fewer total fixation counts for distractor words and lower PM accuracy compared to HCs, even though they were priori matched on CAMPROMPT. Correlation analysis within the SSDs group (63 cases) indicated a negative correlation between PM accuracy and PANSS total score, and a positive correlation with working memory and attention/vigilance. Regression analysis within the SSDs group revealed that higher visual learning and lower PANSS total scores independently predicted more total fixation counts on distractor words. Impairment in cue monitoring is a critical factor in the PM deficits in SSDs. The eye-tracking laboratory paradigm has advantages over the ecologically-valid measurement in identifying the failure of cue detection, making it a more sensitive tool for PM deficits in patients with SSDs.

Abstract Elevated levels of tumor‐associated macrophages and microglia in the immune microenvironment of malignant gliomas promote tumor growth and progression. Although immune evasion has been implicated in these processes, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of CD47‐SIRPα‐mediated immune evasion under hypoxic conditions remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mechanisms through which CD47‐SIRPα modulates immune evasion in a cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‐induced hypoxic microenvironment of malignant gliomas. Human and mouse glioma cell lines were used to investigate immune evasion in vitro. After membrane protein extraction and nucleoplasmic isolation, we downregulated the expression levels of transport receptors to elucidate the regulation of CD47‐SIRPα transport. The CoCl2‐induced hypoxic microenvironment attenuated microglial phagocytosis in glioma cells. Enhanced CD47‐SIRPα interaction promoted immune evasion, which negatively affected tumor clearance. In addition, the intracellular transport of CD47 was promoted in the CoCl2‐induced hypoxic state. This process was regulated by regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) and sortilin in the nuclear cytoplasm and cytoplasmic membrane, respectively. These results demonstrate the CD47‐SIRPα‐mediated immune escape mechanism of the CoCl2‐induced glioma hypoxic environment, which is associated with enhanced intracellular transport of CD47. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the potential development of novel therapies targeting CD47‐SIRPα.

Abstract Background Expansion and contraction of inverted repeats can cause considerable variation of plastid genomes (plastomes) in angiosperms. However, little is known about whether structural variations of plastomes are associated with adaptation to or occupancy of new environments. Moreover, adaptive evolution of angiosperm plastid genes remains poorly understood. Here, we sequenced the complete plastomes for four species of xerophytic Ceratocephala and hydrophytic Myosurus, as well as Ficaria verna. By an integration of phylogenomic, comparative genomic, and selection pressure analyses, we investigated evolutionary patterns of plastomes in Ranunculeae and their relationships with adaptation to dry and aquatic habitats. Results Owing to the significant contraction of the boundary of IRA/LSC towards the IRA, plastome sizes and IR lengths of Myosurus and Ceratocephala are smaller within Ranunculeae. Compared to other Ranunculeae, the Myosurus plastome lost clpP and rps16, one copy of rpl2 and rpl23, and one intron of rpoC1 and rpl16, and the Ceratocephala plastome added an infA gene and lost one copy of rpl2 and two introns of clpP. A total of 11 plastid genes (14%) showed positive selection, two genes common to Myosurus and Ceratocephala, seven in Ceratocephala only, and two in Myosurus only. Four genes showed strong signals of episodic positive selection. The rps7 gene of Ceratocephala and the rpl32 and ycf4 genes of Myosurus showed an increase in the rate of variation close to 3.3 Ma. Conclusions The plastomic structure variations as well as the positive selection of two plastid genes might be related to the colonization of new environments by the common ancestor of Ceratocephala and Myosurus. The seven and two genes under positive selection might be related to the adaptation to dry and aquatic habitats in Ceratocephala and Myosurus, respectively. Moreover, intensified aridity and frequent sea-level fluctuations, as well as global cooling, might have favored an increased rate of change in some genes at about 3.3 Ma, associated with adaptation to dry and aquatic environments, respectively. These findings suggest that changing environments might have influenced structural variations of plastomes and fixed new mutations arising on some plastid genes owing to adaptation to specific habitats.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health challenge, and patient education plays a crucial role in its early detection and treatment. Despite progress in AI technology, as exemplified by transformer-like models such as ChatGPT, there remains a lack of in-depth understanding of their efficacy for medical purposes. We aimed to assess the proficiency of ChatGPT in the field of popular science, specifically in answering questions related to CRC diagnosis and treatment, using the book “Colorectal Cancer: Your Questions Answered” as a reference. In general, 131 valid questions from the book were manually input into ChatGPT. Responses were evaluated by clinical physicians in the relevant fields based on comprehensiveness and accuracy of information, and scores were standardized for comparison. Not surprisingly, ChatGPT showed high reproducibility in its responses, with high uniformity in comprehensiveness, accuracy, and final scores. However, the mean scores of ChatGPT’s responses were significantly lower than the benchmarks, indicating it has not reached an expert level of competence in CRC. While it could provide accurate information, it lacked in comprehensiveness. Notably, ChatGPT performed well in domains of radiation therapy, interventional therapy, stoma care, venous care, and pain control, almost rivaling the benchmarks, but fell short in basic information, surgery, and internal medicine domains. While ChatGPT demonstrated promise in specific domains, its general efficiency in providing CRC information falls short of expert standards, indicating the need for further advancements and improvements in AI technology for patient education in healthcare.