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Empirical research conducted in numerous countries provides substantial evidence supporting the pivotal role of cultural capital in comprehending educational inequality. However, the operation of cultural capital varies across certain regions in East Asia due to distinct educational systems. This study integrates micro-level mechanisms of cultural capital, teacher bias, and the Chinese educational system to identify its determinants. Findings from the China Education Panel Survey indicate that families with high socioeconomic status tend to cultivate cultural capital but downplay its importance during critical exams. Teachers tend to favour students with cultural capital, which can indirectly enhance academic performance. However, the standardized examination system ultimately suppresses this effect and leads to an overall negative impact. This study suggests that the educational system plays a pivotal role in determining cultural capital and highlights the necessity for further discussions on its relationship with institutions.

Abstract To enhance the low-frequency sound absorption capabilities of expansion chamber mufflers, a novel Helmholtz-ring phononic crystal cell was developed. This innovative design integrates ring Helmholtz resonators as the phononic crystal scatterer, which is periodically arranged within the expansion chamber of a muffler to achieve enhanced sound attenuation at deep sub-wavelength scales. The transmission loss characteristics of the phononic crystal muffler were thoroughly examined and found to reveal a pronounced enhancement in sound absorption within the low-frequency bandgap. A critical aspect of this study was the analysis of the influence of defect states on transmission loss of the muffler. The introduction of defect states significantly expanded the sound attenuation bandwidth, effectively compensating for reduced sound absorption performance of the muffler outside the bandgap. The proposed phononic crystal muffler demonstrated a marked improvement in both transmission loss and aerodynamic performance compared to the traditional expansion chamber muffler. Notably, the sound attenuation was further augmented when in defective states. Corresponding experimental investigations were conducted and confirmed the effectiveness of the phononic crystal muffler within its designated bandgap range. This research presents a new way for the development of more efficient noise control solutions.

Abstract Aluminium (Al)-tolerant beneficial bacteria confer resistance to Al toxicity to crops in widely distributed acidic soils. However, the mechanism by which microbial consortia maintain Al tolerance under acid and Al toxicity stress remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that a soil bacterial consortium composed of Rhodococcus erythropolis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibit greater Al tolerance than either bacterium alone. P. aeruginosa releases the quorum sensing molecule 2-heptyl-1H-quinolin-4-one (HHQ), which is efficiently degraded by R. erythropolis. This degradation reduces population density limitations and further enhances the metabolic activity of P. aeruginosa under Al stress. Moreover, R. erythropolis converts HHQ into tryptophan, promoting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a key component for cell wall stability, thereby improving the Al tolerance of R. erythropolis. This study reveals a metabolic cross-feeding mechanism that maintains microbial Al tolerance, offering insights for designing synthetic microbial consortia to sustain food security and sustainable agriculture in acidic soil regions.

Abstract Objective Apolipoprotein O (APOO) has been identified through bioinformatic prediction analysis as being highly expressed in various tumors, including breast cancer (BRCA). However, further investigations are required to understand and confirm APOO’s biological role in BRCA. Methods Bioinformatic analyses were employed to identify genes’ expression statuses and their relationship with the prognoses of patients. The genes’ functions were determined in cell line by gain or loss of function assays. Mechanistic studies were carried out by western blot. Results Our study reveals a correlation between increased APOO expression and poorer clinical outcomes in BRCA patients. The diagnostic value of APOO was demonstrated by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, showing a notable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.937. Additionally, we observed that APOO knockdown impedes cell proliferation and migration. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggests that APOO expression is associated with the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways. Experimentally, modifying APOO expression in vitro influenced apoptosis and autophagy in BRCA cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate a significant link between APOO expression and BRCA progression, mediated through APOO’s impact on cellular apoptosis and autophagy. Conclusions Our data show that APOO controls BRCA process through apoptosis and autophagy signal pathway, which might provide multiple promising choices for the treatment of BRCA.

Abstract Root exudates serve as a bridge connecting plant roots and rhizosphere microbes, playing a key role in influencing the assembly and function of the rhizobiome. Recent studies have fully elucidated the role of root exudates in recruiting rhizosphere microbes to enhance plant performance, particularly in terms of plant resistance to soil-borne pathogens; however, it should be noted that the composition and amount of root exudates are primarily quantitative traits regulated by a large number of genes in plants. As a result, there are knowledge gaps in understanding the contribution of the rhizobiome to soil-borne plant disease resistance and the ternary link of plant genes, root exudates, and disease resistance-associated microbes. Advancements in technologies such as quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) offer opportunities for the identification of genes associated with quantitative traits. In the present review, we summarize recent studies on the interactions of plant and rhizosphere microbes through root exudates to enhance soil-borne plant disease resistance and also highlight methods for quantifying the contribution of the rhizobiome to plant disease resistance and identifying the genes responsible for recruiting disease resistance-associated microbes through root exudates.

Abstract Background Soybean seeds are rich in protein and oil. The selection of varieties that produce high-quality seeds has been one of the priorities of soybean breeding programs. However, the influence of improved seed quality on the rhizosphere microbiota and whether the microbiota is involved in determining seed quality are still unclear. Here, we analyzed the structures of the rhizospheric bacterial communities of 100 soybean varieties, including 53 landraces and 47 modern cultivars, and evaluated the interactions between seed quality traits and rhizospheric bacteria. Results We found that rhizospheric bacterial structures differed between landraces and cultivars and that this difference was directly related to their oil content. Seven bacterial families (Sphingomonadaceae, Gemmatimonadaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, and Streptomycetaceae) were obviously enriched in the rhizospheres of the high-oil cultivars. Among them, Oxalobacteraceae (Massilia) was assembled specifically by the root exudates of high-oil cultivars and was associated with the phenolic acids and flavonoids in plant phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we showed that Massilia affected auxin signaling or interfered with active oxygen-related metabolism. In addition, Massilia activated glycolysis pathway, thereby promoting seed oil accumulation. Conclusions These results provide a solid theoretical basis for the breeding of revolutionary soybean cultivars with desired seed quality and optimal microbiomes and the development of new cultivation strategies for increasing the oil content of seeds. Video Abstract

Abstract We present a flow-based method for simulating and calculating nucleation rates of first-order phase transitions in scalar field theory on a lattice. Motivated by recent advancements in machine learning tools, particularly normalizing flows for lattice field theory, we propose the “partitioning flow-based Markov chain Monte Carlo (PFMCMC) sampling” method to address two challenges encountered in normalizing flow applications for lattice field theory: the “mode-collapse” and “rare-event sampling” problems. Using a (2+1)-dimensional real scalar model as an example, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our PFMCMC method in modeling highly hierarchical order parameter probability distributions and simulating critical bubble configurations. These simulations are then used to facilitate the calculation of nucleation rates. We anticipate the application of this method to (3+1)-dimensional theories for studying realistic cosmological phase transitions.

Abstract Morphology of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is potentially related to cardiovascular outcomes. However, this relationship still remains to be verified with direct evidence. We retrospectively reviewed cases from the autopsy specimen library in the Center of Forensic Medicine in Sun Yat-sen University from 2017 to 2023. Six RVOT morphological characteristics were measured and their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), sudden cardiac death (SCD) and age at death was evaluated. Relationship between myocardial fibrosis in RVOT and CVDs was investigated. RVOT characteristics were recruited by machine learning algorithms for diagnosing CVDs. A total of 2370 cases were finally recruited. Perimeter of sub-valve plane (pSBV) in RVOT was positively associated with risk of CVDs and SCD (OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.07–1.37, p = 0.003; OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.16–1.52, p

Abstract Background Currently, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer; however, the optimal treatment strategy remains undetermined. Methods A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted to identify RCTs published until December 31, 2023. Network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate PFS, OS, TRAEs, irAEs, and the ranking of different treatment regimens. Results A total of 2702 patients from five RCTs (six reports) were included in the analysis. The combination therapy of ICIs significantly prolonged PFS (HR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.63–0.76, p

Abstract As a transdermal drug delivery method, microneedles offer minimal invasiveness, painlessness, and precise in-situ treatment. However, current microneedles rely on passive diffusion, leading to uncontrollable drug penetration. To overcome this, we developed a pneumatic microneedle patch that uses live Enterobacter aerogenes as microengines to actively control drug delivery. These microbes generate gas, driving drugs into deeper tissues, with adjustable glucose concentration allowing precise control over the process. Our results showed that this microorganism-powered system increases drug delivery depth by over 200%, reaching up to 1000 μm below the skin. In a psoriasis animal model, the technology effectively delivered calcitriol into subcutaneous tissues, offering rapid symptom relief. This innovation addresses the limitations of conventional microneedles, enhancing drug efficiency, transdermal permeability, and introducing a creative paradigm for on-demand controlled drug delivery.

Background: Health coaching sessions that incorporate goal setting may help improve college students' health behaviors. Purpose: This study examined whether specific goal-setting practices moderated changes in health behaviors during an online wellness intervention in college students. Methods: Participants were 90 college students recruited from one US university. The intervention was a one-hour virtual one-on-one health coaching session where participants set two goals for either physical activity (Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET)-minutes or MET-minutes), nutrition, sleep, or stress management. Self-reported baseline behaviors were collected, and follow-up surveys were completed at 6- and 12-weeks. Mixed effects models examined behavior change outcomes across the follow-up timepoints while testing the moderating effect of goal setting using interactions. Results: The Goal×Time interaction was significant for moderate MET-minutes at 1st follow-up (b = 443, p = 0.003), and for total MET-minutes at the 2nd follow-up (b = 717, p = 0.047). The Goal×Time interaction was also significant for stress management at 1st follow-up (Odds Ratio = 7.3, p = 0.042). Discussion: Participants who set physical activity and stress management goals had significantly higher physical activity and utilized more stress management techniques. Translation to Health Education Practice: The use of specific goal-setting strategies for physical activity and stress management is recommended during online health coaching sessions. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

Ferroelectric phase transition has been identified as a promising avenue for designing high-performance electrocaloric materials for zero-emission and solid-state refrigeration. However, extensive research has been limited to developing ferroelectric materials with large electrocaloric effects near room temperature, preventing them from meeting diverse refrigeration requirements. In this study, by leveraging the room-temperature phase diagram of the (PbLa)(ZrTi)O3 solution, we prepared a series of Pb0.775La0.15ZrxTi1−xO3 bulk ceramics spanning the ferroelectric and relaxor ferroelectric phase regions. This enabled the attainment of various phase transition features and temperatures. Finally, large electrocaloric effects, coupled with adjustable operation temperatures ranging from 150 to −45 °C, are successfully achieved through manipulation of the Zr/Ti ratio. This comprehensive range of operation temperatures effectively addresses diverse refrigeration application requirements, ranging from industrial equipment to freezer cabinets. This work not only underscores the expansion of the electrocaloric refrigeration application domain but also proposes a material design strategy tailored to meet these evolving demands.

An evaluation of low damage guar gum fracturing fluid system based on deep coalbed methane reservoir stimulation was carried out, its on-site application research was conducted. The results indicate that the gel breaking time decreases with increasing temperature. Low damage guar gum fracturing fluid has a significant breaking expression in a short period of time at temperature above 40 ℃, which is not obvious at 20 ℃ and 30 ℃. The permeability of coal core is sensitive to temperature, which leads to an increase in core damage rate, but the amplitude of change is relatively small. For low damage guar gum fracturing fluid, the increase rate of temperature sensitivity of coal core to damage rate is much lower than the decrease rate of guar gum fracturing fluid damage rate to coal core with the increasing temperature from 20 ℃ to 40 ℃. Overall, the damage rate of guar gum fracturing fluid to coal core significantly decreases with the increase of temperature. For active water, the damage rate of active water to coal core increases when the temperature rises from 20 ℃ to 40 ℃. The backflow fluid viscosity reaches 5 mPa·s of guar gum fracturing in 2 hours at temperatures above 40 ℃, meeting the needs of on-site construction. By comparing the fracturing results of low damage guar gum fracturing and active water in the same well and horizontal well at the same layer, low damage guar gum fracturing fluid can achieve a fracturing process with less injection volume, larger sand volume, higher sand ratio, and smoother pressure.

The study on the evolution characteristics of coal permeability is of great significance for rationally determining gas extraction parameters and increasing gas extraction efficiency. In order to study the effects of different coal stresses and gas pressures on coal permeability, the experiment on the deformation of stress-loaded coal and gas adsorption-diffusion was conducted, the segmented dynamic model of coal permeability was established, and the rationality of the established model was verified by the experimental results. The results shown that the gas adsorption amount and coal deformation both shown a Langmuir-type with the increasing gas pressure, and the dynamic diffusion coefficient of gas decreased exponentially with time. As the gas pressure decreased, the expansion deformation of the stress-loaded coal decreased, and the permeability increased gradually. The permeability and expansion deformation of stress-loaded coal gradually decreased with the increasing stress. The coal permeability shown a “V” shape with continuous stress loading, and it reached the smallest at the stress peak. The coupling between matrix and fracture deformation caused by gas adsorption, the dynamic diffusion of gas in matrix, and the mass exchange between matrix and fracture were all considered in the established permeability model of coal. The rationality of established segmented model of coal permeability was verified by the experimental results. The permeability model of coal based on elastic deformation can reflect the permeability evolution at the stage of elastic deformation. Within the experimental range, the absolute error between the experimental test and numerical simulation results of coal permeability was −0.135×10−15～0.296×10−15 m2, and the absolute error of volumetric strain of the coal due to gas seepage was −0.327×10−5～2.026×10−5. The permeability model considering plastic deformation can also reflect the permeability after stress peak. The error between experimental and numerical results was −0.435×10−15～0.997×10−15 m2.

Objective: To investigate the potential role of the regulator of G protein signaling 20 (RGS20) in radioresistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 35 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), who underwent radiotherapy, were enrolled and divided into radiosensitive (n ​= ​16) and radioresistant (n ​= ​19) groups based on clinical prognosis. The expression and prognosis of RGS20 were analyzed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. A radioresistant cell line (A549R) was constructed by irradiating A549 ​cells with 6 ​Gy X-rays for 10 fractions. Cell survival was measured by colony formation assay. The regulatory effect of RGS20 on pyroptosis were verified by LDH release and Western blot assay, and the underlying mechanism was investigated by transfecting RGS20 siRNA and applying a GSDMD inhibitor). Results: A total of 2,181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by analyzing the data of radiosensitive and radioresistant individuals from the TCGA-LUAD dataset. These DEGs were enriched in G alpha (z) signalling events analyzed by Reactome database. RGS20 exhibited significant upregulation among the DEGs, and its higher expression predicted poor prognosis in LUAD patients. In vitro, the expression of RGS20 protein was increased by irradiation in A549 ​cells, whereas it remained at much high levels in A549R cells regardless of irradiation. After irradiation, the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins were significantly increased in A549 cells (P ＜ 0.05), with no significant changes were observed in A549R cells. Treatment with LDC7559 significantly reduced LDH release (P ＜ 0.01) and improved the survival rate of irradiated A549 cells (P ＜ 0.01). Furthermore, knockdown of RGS20 gene in A549R cells significantly increased LDH release (P ＜ 0.001) and enhanced radiosensitivity (P ＜ 0.01), while LDC7559 administration reversed LDH release (P ＜0.01) and radiation-induced cell death increased by siRGS20 (P ＜0.05). Meantime, the increased expression level of GSDMD-NT was observed in A549 and A549R cells transfected with siRGS20 (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion: RGS20 contributes to the radioresistance of NSCLC cells, which might be a potential target for NSCLC radiotherapy.

Abstract Background Grafting with dwarf rootstock is an efficient method to control plant height in fruit production. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Our previous study showed that plants with Prunus mume (mume) rootstock exhibited a considerable reduction in plant height, internode length, and number of nodes compared with Prunus persica (peach) rootstock. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism behind the regulation of plant height by mume rootstocks through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses with two grafting combinations, ‘Longyan/Mume’ and ‘Longyan/Peach’. Results There was a significant decrease in brassinolide levels in plants that were grafted onto mume rootstocks. Plant hormone signal transduction and brassinolide production metabolism gene expression also changed significantly. Flavonoid levels, amino acid and fatty acid metabolites, and energy metabolism in dwarf plants decreased. There was a notable upregulation of PmLBD3 gene expression in plant specimens that were subjected to grafting onto mume rootstocks. Auxin signalling cues promoted PmARF3 transcription, which directly controlled this upregulation. Through its binding to PmBAS1 and PmSAUR36a gene promoters, PmLBD3 promoted endogenous brassinolide inactivation and inhibited cell proliferation. Conclusions Auxin signalling and brassinolide levels are linked by PmLBD3. Our findings showed that PmLBD3 is a key transcription factor that regulates the balance of hormones through the auxin and brassinolide signalling pathways and causes dwarf plants in stone fruits.

Metalenses with achromatic performance offer a new opportunity for high-quality imaging with an ultra-compact configuration; however, they suffer from complex fabrication processes and low focusing efficiency. In this study, we propose an efficient design method for achromatic microlenses on a wavelength scale using materials with low dispersion, an adequately designed convex surface, and a thickness profile distribution. By taking into account the absolute chromatic aberration, relative focal length shift (FLS), and numerical aperture (NA), microlens with a certain focal length can be realized through our realized map of geometric features. Accordingly, the designed achromatic microlenses with low-dispersion fused silica were fabricated using a focused ion beam, and precise surface profiles were obtained. The fabricated microlenses exhibited a high average focusing efficiency of 65% at visible wavelengths of 410–680 nm and excellent achromatic capability via white light imaging. Moreover, the design exhibited the advantages of being polarization-insensitive and near-diffraction-limited. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed achromatic microlens design approach, which expands the prospects of miniaturized optics such as virtual and augmented reality, ultracompact microscopes, and biological endoscopy.

Abstract In the last decade, laboratory-scale single-junction perovskite solar cells have achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency exceeding 26.1%. However, the transition to industrial-scale production has unveiled a significant efficiency gap. The central challenge lies in the difficulty of achieving uniform, high-quality perovskite films on a large scale. To tackle this issue, various innovative strategies for manipulating crystallization have emerged in recent years. Based on an in-depth fundamental understanding of the nucleation and growth mechanisms in large-area perovskite films prepared through blade/slot-die coating methods, this review offers a critical examination of crystallization manipulation strategies for large-area perovskite solar modules. Lastly, we explore future avenues aimed at enhancing the efficiency and stability of large-area PSMs, thereby steering the field toward commercially viable applications.

Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) is a widely popular nonparametric regression model known for its accurate prediction capabilities. In certain situations, there is knowledge suggesting the existence of certain dominant variables. However, the BART model fails to fully utilize the knowledge. To tackle this problem, the paper introduces a modification to BART known as the Partially Fixed BART model. By fixing a portion of the trees' structure, this model enables more efficient utilization of prior knowledge, resulting in enhanced estimation accuracy. Moreover, the Partially Fixed BART model can offer more precise estimates and valuable insights for future analysis even when such prior knowledge is absent. Empirical results substantiate the enhancement of the proposed model in comparison to the original BART.

ABSTRACTThe widespread prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, particularly in China, contributes to the development of gastrointestinal diseases. Antibiotics have limitations, including adverse reactions and increased antibiotic resistance. Therefore, identification of novel gastrogenic probiotics capable of surviving the acidic gastric environment and effectively combating H. pylori infection has potential in restoring gastric microbiota homeostasis. Five novel strains of human gastrogenic Weizmannia coagulans (BCF-01–05) were isolated from healthy gastric mucosa and characterized using 16S rDNA identification. Acid resistance, H. pylori inhibition, and adherence to gastric epithelial cells were evaluated in in-vitro experiments and the molecular mechanism explored in in-vivo experiments. Among the gastric-derived W. coagulans strains, BCF-01 exhibited the strongest adhesion and H. pylori inhibition, warranting further in-vivo safety evaluation. Through 16S rRNA sequencing of a mouse model, BCF-01 was determined to significantly restore H. pylori-associated gastric dysbiosis and increase the abundance of potential probiotic bacteria. Furthermore, BCF-01 enhanced mucosal tight junction protein expression and inhibited the TLR4-NFκB-pyroptosis signaling pathway in macrophages, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR and western blotting.These findings highlight the potential of BCF-01 in the prevention and control of H. pylori infection. Specifically, treatment with BCF-01 effectively restored gastric microecology and improved H. pylori-mediated mucosal barrier destruction while reducing inflammation through inhibition of the TLR4-NFκB-pyroptosis signaling pathway in macrophages. BCF-01 is a promising alternative to traditional triple therapy for H. pylori infections, offering minimal side effects with high suitability for high-risk individuals.

ABSTRACT Given the vulnerability of large and medium‐sized mammal communities to climate change and human disturbances, understanding the spatial–temporal dynamics of these communities is essential for effective conservation planning. However, in many biodiversity hotspots, precise biological community assessments are insufficient. From 2012 to 2022, we deployed 784 camera traps in eight nature reserves (including sub‐reserves) and one State Forest Farm (SFF, less strictly protected than a reserve) to study the composition and distribution of large and medium‐sized mammals in tropical Xishuangbanna. The findings revealed the following: (1) Forty‐three species, encompassing six orders, 17 families, and 37 genera, were documented. Among the species in historical data, nine species were not detected in this survey. (2) Smaller and more fragmented reserves lacked larger body‐sized predators and herbivores, and most common species showed lower relative population abundance. Conversely, the SFF exhibited high mammal diversity. (3) The community composition of large and medium‐sized mammals varied significantly across the nine sites, particularly among threatened species. Our findings highlight the uneven distribution of these mammal communities in Xishuangbanna, with rare and large‐sized species facing increased vulnerability to rapid environmental changes. Moreover, the findings demonstrate the importance of considering species specificity and uniqueness in conservation planning for maintaining regional‐scale biodiversity.

Abstract Despite remarkable progress in understanding the fundamental bases of itching, its cortical mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, the causal contributions of defined anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neuronal populations to acute itch modulation in mice are established. Using cell type‐specific manipulations, the opposing functions of ACC glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in regulating acute itching are demonstrated. Photometry studies indicated that ACC glutamatergic neurons are activated during scratching induced by both histamine and chloroquine, whereas the activation pattern of GABAergic neurons is complicated by GABAergic subpopulations and acute itch modalities. By combining cell type‐ and projection‐specific techniques, a thalamocortical circuit is further identified from the mediodorsal thalamus driving the itch‐scratching cycle related to histaminergic and non‐histaminergic itching, which is contingent on the activation of postsynaptic parvalbumin‐expressing neurons in the ACC. These findings reveal a cellular and circuit signature of ACC neurons orchestrating behavioral responses to itching and may provide insights into therapies for itch‐related diseases.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, and its prevalence presents a bimodal distribution with high incidences in children and older adults. The incidence of epilepsy does not generally differ between men and women; however, whether this holds true for new-onset epilepsy in older adults is unclear. While studies in animal models of epilepsy may help explore the biological mechanisms relevant to the influences of sex on epileptogenesis, relatively little information is available regarding sex differences in the genesis of epileptic seizures in middle-aged animals. In this study, we addressed this knowledge gap using a mouse model of extended hippocampal kindling. C57 black mice aged between the ages of 12 and 13 months underwent hippocampal kindling as this age roughly corresponds to middle age in humans (∼50 years). Relative to male mice, female mice showed faster-progressing and more severe evoked seizures, a higher tendency to experience spontaneous seizures in the early stage of extended kindling, less frequent expression of hippocampal interictal spikes, and insignificant decreases in hippocampal theta rhythm. Collectively, these results demonstrated the existence of sex-specific differences in hippocampal kindling-induced seizures and suggested that middle-aged female mice have greater but variable susceptibility to hippocampal kindling-induced epileptogenesis compared with male mice of similar age.

IntroductionThe surgery of clival chordoma remains one of the most formidable challenges for neurosurgeons because of its location at great depth in the cranium and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Here, we describe the technique and feasibility of the purely endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach (EF-SCITA) for resection of an intradural clival chordoma.Case descriptionA 68-year-old women presented with sudden ptosis on the left side for two weeks. Imaging examinations revealed an upper-middle clival lesion that transgressed dural confines towards the posterior fossa, which was separated from the sphenoid cavity by an intact thin layer of membrane structure in front. For surgery, the EF-SCITA approach via suboccipital craniotomy was attempted for protecting surrounding neurovascular tissue and the membrane barrier under direct vision. The patients were placed in a “head-up” lateral park-bench position. With the endoscopic holder, endoscopic procedures were performed using standard two-hand microsurgical techniques by one surgeon. Tentorium incision allowed a working corridor toward the clival bulge through the crural cistern, without brain traction seen in traditional retrosigmoid approach. Efficient tumor debulking facilitated the exposure of surrounding critical structures, including ipsilateral CN III and superior cerebellar artery above, the brainstem and basilar artery posteriorly, as well as ipsilateral CN VI displaced laterally, and subsequent tumor separation from them. Step-wise tumor resection was performed within dural and bone confines. After significant tumor removal, the pituitary stalk could be visualized anteriorly, together with contralateral internal carotid artery and CN III. Postoperative MRI depicted gross total excision of the lesion. The patient on follow-up at one year had complete recovery of cranial nerve functions, without signs of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.DiscussionThis technique combines advantages of the posterolateral approach and endoscopy, allowing access to the upper-middle clivus with seemingly low risks of postoperative morbidity. It would be a safe and effective alternative for resection of this rare entity.

The non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise a large part of human genome that mainly do not code for proteins. Although ncRNAs were first believed to be non-functional, the more investigations highlighted tthe possibility of ncRNAs in controlling vital biological processes. The length of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exceeds 200 nucleotidesand can be present in nucleus and cytoplasm. LncRNAs do not translate to proteins and they have been implicated in the regulation of tumorigenesis. On the other hand, One way cells die is by a process called autophagy, which breaks down proteins and other components in the cytoplasm., while the aberrant activation of autophagy allegedly involved in the pathogenesis of diseases. The autophagy exerts anti-cancer activity in pre-cancerous lesions, while it has oncogenic function in advanced stages of cancers. The current overview focuses on the connection between lncRNAs and autophagy in urological cancers is discussed. Notably, one possible role for lncRNAs is as diagnostic and prognostic variablesin urological cancers. The proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis and therapy response in prostate, bladder and renal cancers are regulated by lncRNAs. The changes in autophagy levels can also influence the apoptosis, proliferation and therapy response in urological tumors. Since lncRNAs have modulatory functions, they can affect autophagy mechanism to determine progression of urological cancers.

BackgroundThe prognostic value and immune significance of T-cell proliferation regulators (TCRs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been previously reported. This study aimed to develop a new prognostic model based on TCRs in patients with HCC.MethodThis study used The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) and International Cancer Genome Consortium-Liver Cancer-Riken, Japan (ICGC-LIRI-JP) datasets along with TCRs. Differentially expressed TCRs (DE-TCRs) were identified by intersecting TCRs and differentially expressed genes between HCC and non-cancerous samples. Prognostic genes were determined using Cox regression analysis and were used to construct a risk model for HCC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the difference in survival between high-risk and low-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the validity of risk model, as well as for testing in the ICGC-LIRI-JP dataset. Additionally, independent prognostic factors were identified using multivariate Cox regression analysis and proportional hazards assumption, and they were used to construct a nomogram model. TCGA-LIHC dataset was subjected to tumor microenvironment analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, gene set variation analysis, and immune correlation analysis. The prognostic genes were analyzed using consensus clustering analysis, mutation analysis, copy number variation analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and molecular prediction analysis.ResultsAmong the 18 DE-TCRs, six genes (DCLRE1B, RAN, HOMER1, ADA, CDK1, and IL1RN) could predict the prognosis of HCC. A risk model that can accurately predict HCC prognosis was established based on these genes. An efficient nomogram model was also developed using clinical traits and risk scores. Immune-related analyses revealed that 39 immune checkpoints exhibited differential expression between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The rate of immunotherapy response was low in patients belonging to the high-risk group. Patients with HCC were further divided into cluster 1 and cluster 2 based on prognostic genes. Mutation analysis revealed that HOMER1 and CDK1 harbored missense mutations. DCLRE1B exhibited an increased copy number, whereas RAN exhibited a decreased copy number. The prognostic genes were significantly enriched in tryptophan metabolism pathways.ConclusionsThis bioinformatics analysis identified six TCR genes associated with HCC prognosis that can serve as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for HCC.