Synergistic effect between In2O3 and ZrO2 in the reverse water gas shift reaction.

Efficient activation of CO2 at low temperature was achieved through the interface effect between In2O3 and ZrO2 by their geometric and electronic effects. The results show that 75In2O3-25ZrO2 (In2O3 : ZrO2 molar ratio of 3 : 1), as a catalyst for the reverse water gas shift reaction, can achieve 28% CO2 conversion with 96% CO selectivity at 400 °C, 0.1 MPa, a H2 : CO2 molar ratio of 3 : 1 and a gas hourly space velocity of 10 000 mL g-1 h-1. In situ FTIR experiments provide a basis for clarifying the pivotal role of formate (facilitated at In2O3-ZrO2 interface) in this reaction.

Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schuebl.) favours high photosynthetic capacity adaptation to low nitrogen stress.

Although tetraploid wheat has rich genetic variability for cultivar improvement, its physiological mechanisms associated with photosynthetic productivity and resilience under nitrogen (N) deficit stress have not been investigated. In this study, we selected emmer wheat (Kronos, tetraploid), Yangmai 25 (YM25, hexaploid), and Chinese Spring (CS, hexaploid) as materials and investigated the differences in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), carboxylation capacity, electron transfer capacity, photosynthetic product output, and photosynthetic N allocation under normal N (CK) and low N (LN) through hydroponic experiments. Tetraploid emmer wheat (Kronos) had a stronger photosynthetic capacity than hexaploid wheat (YM25, CS) under low N stress, which mainly associated with the higher degree of PSII opening, electron transfer rate, Rubisco content and activity, ATP/ADP ratio, Rubisco activase (Rca) activity and Rubisco activation state, and more leaves N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus, especially the proportion of N allocation to carboxylation under low N stress. Moreover, Kronos reduced the feedback inhibition of photosynthesis by sucrose accumulation through higher sucrose phosphate synthetase (SPS) activity and triose phosphate utilization rate (VTPU). Overall, Kronos could allocate more N to the photosynthetic components to improve Rubisco content and activity to maintain photosynthetic capacity under low N stress while enhancing triose phosphate output to reduce feedback inhibition of photosynthesis. This study reveals the physiological mechanisms of emmer wheat that maintain the photosynthetic capacity under low N stress, which will provide indispensable germplasm resources for elite low-N-tolerant wheat improvement and breeding.

Biomechanical analysis of a new cannulated screw for unstable femoral neck fractures.

Background: The treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures (FNFs) remains a challenge. In this study, a new cannulated screw for unstable FNFs was designed to provide a new approach for the clinical treatment of these injuries, and its biomechanical stability was analyzed using finite element analysis and mechanical tests. Methods: An unstable FNF model was established. An internal fixation model with parallel inverted triangular cannulated screws (CSs) and a configuration with two superior cannulated screws and one inferior new cannulated screw (NCS) were used. The biomechanical properties of the two fixation methods were compared and analyzed by using finite element analysis and mechanical tests. Results: The NCS model outperformed the CSs model in terms of strain and stress distribution in computer-simulated reconstruction of the inverted triangular cannulated screw fixation model for unstable FNFs. In the biomechanical test, the NCS group showed significantly smaller average femoral deformation (1.08 ± 0.15 mm vs. 1.50 ± 0.37 mm) and fracture line displacement (1.43 ± 0.30 mm vs. 2.01 ± 0.47 mm). In the NCS group, the mean stiffness was significantly higher than that in the CSs group (729.37 ± 82.20 N/mm vs. 544.83 ± 116.07 N/mm), and the mean compression distance was significantly lower than that in the CSs group (2.87 ± 0.30 mm vs. 4.04 ± 1.09 mm). Conclusion: The NCS combined with two ordinary cannulated screws in an inverted triangle structure to fix unstable FNFs can provide better biomechanical stability than CSs and exhibit a length- and angle-stable construct to prevent significant femoral neck shortening.

The tetraploid wheat (Triticum dicoccum (Schrank) Schuebl.) improves nitrogen uptake and assimilation adaptation to nitrogen-deficit stress.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The genetic diversity in tetraploid wheat provides a genetic pool for improving wheat productivity and environmental resilience. The tetraploid wheat had strong N uptake, translocation, and assimilation capacity under N deficit stress, thus alleviating growth inhibition and plant N loss to maintain healthy development and adapt to environments with low N inputs. Tetraploid wheat with a rich genetic variability provides an indispensable genetic pool for improving wheat yield. Mining the physiological mechanisms of tetraploid wheat in response to nitrogen (N) deficit stress is important for low-N-tolerant wheat breeding. In this study, we selected emmer wheat (Kronos, tetraploid), Yangmai 25 (YM25, hexaploid), and Chinese spring (CS, hexaploid) as materials. We investigated the differences in the response of root morphology, leaf and root N accumulation, N uptake, translocation, and assimilation-related enzymes and gene expression in wheat seedlings of different ploidy under N deficit stress through hydroponic experiments. The tetraploid wheat (Kronos) had stronger adaptability to N deficit stress than the hexaploid wheats (YM25, CS). Kronos had better root growth under low N stress, expanding the N uptake area and enhancing N uptake to maintain higher NO3- and soluble protein contents. Kronos exhibited high TaNRT1.1, TaNRT2.1, and TaNRT2.2 expression in roots, which promoted NO3- uptake, and high TaNRT1.5 and TaNRT1.8 expression in roots and leaves enhanced NO3- translocation to the aboveground. NR and GS activity in roots and leaves of Kronos was higher by increasing the expression of TANIA2, TAGS1, and TAGS2, which enhanced the reduction and assimilation of NO3- as well as the re-assimilation of photorespiratory-released NH4+. Overall, Kronos had strong N uptake, translocation, and assimilation capacity under N deficit stress, alleviating growth inhibition and plant N loss and thus maintaining a healthy development. This study reveals the physiological mechanisms of tetraploid wheat that improve nitrogen uptake and assimilation adaptation under low N stress, which will provide indispensable germplasm resources for elite low-N-tolerant wheat improvement and breeding.

Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Postoperative Outcomes After Arthroscopic Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is presently considered first-line surgical treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs); however, some patients still experience pain or dysfunction after surgery, and the reasons for success or failure remain somewhat unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of smoking on postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic BMS for OLTs. METHODS: Consecutive patients with OLTs who underwent BMS between January 2017 and January 2020 were included. Smokers were defined as patients who actively consumed cigarettes before surgery and postoperatively, whereas nonsmokers were patients who never smoked. Visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score (AOFAS), Karlsson-Peterson, and Tegner scores were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up. Additionally, a general linear model (GLM) was performed, followed by the interaction analysis to explore the potential influence of smoking. RESULTS: The study enrolled 104 patients with a mean follow-up of 30.91 ± 7.03 months, including 28 smokers and 76 nonsmokers. There were no significant differences in patient age (35.2 ± 10.0 years vs 37.6 ± 9.7 years, P = .282) or OLT area (63.7 ± 38.7 mm2 vs 52.8 ± 37.0 mm2, P = .782). Both univariate analysis and GLM revealed that smoking was associated with worse postoperative pain levels, Karlsson-Peterson, and AOFAS scores (P < .05). The interaction analysis showed a significant interaction between smoking and OLT area for postoperative Karlsson-Peterson scores (general ankle function) (P = .031). Simple main effects analysis revealed that the negative effect of smoking on Tegner score significantly increased among patients >32 years old or with OLT area>50 mm2 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Smoking was associated with worse clinical outcomes following BMS of OLTs. As the size of OLTs increased, the difference in general ankle function between smokers and nonsmokers also increased. Furthermore, smokers who were older than 32 years or had larger OLTs were less likely to resume participation in high-level activities.

Medial cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus exhibited lower sports levels, higher cyst-presence rate, and inferior radiological outcomes compared with lateral lesions following arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation.

PURPOSE: To compare the patient-reported outcomes and radiological outcomes of the patients with medial- and lateral-cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) following bone marrow stimulation (BMS). METHODS: Patients with cystic OLTs who underwent BMS between January 2016 and February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and the minimum follow-up time was more than 24 months. Patients were paired in a 1:1 ratio (medial-: lateral-cystic OLT; MC-OLT: LC-OLT) based on the OLT area within 30mm2, follow-up within 1 year, age within 5 years, and ligament surgery (Yes/No). The Visual analog scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-Activities of Daily Life and Sports scores were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. The magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scores, and presence of cysts after BMS were also evaluated. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed. RESULTS: The matched patients were divided into the MC-OLT(n=31, 43.35±12.32 months) and LC-OLT groups (n=31, 43.32±14.88 months, P=.986). Thirty patients of each group achieved a power of 80% and an α = 0.05 in this study. The MC-OLT group showed significantly less improvement in FAAM-ADL and sports scores (P = .034, P <0.001, respectively), lower MOCART scores (80.80±11.91 vs. 86.00±8.50, P = .010), and higher presence-rate of cyst after BMS (45.16% vs. 16.12%, P = .013). Regarding FAAM sports scores, the LC-OLT group had significantly more patients exceeding the MCID (80.64% vs. 51.61%, P = .031). Furthermore, an OLT depth of 7.23mm (sensitivity: 78.6%; specificity: 70.6%) might serve as a cut-off value for predicting the presence of cysts in medial-cystic OLTs following BMS. CONCLUSION: Medial cystic OLTs exhibited markedly lower sports levels, higher cyst-presence rate, and inferior radiological outcomes following BMS than lateral counterparts. Additionally, an OLT depth of 7.23mm could be the cut-off value for predicting the presence of cysts regarding medial-cystic OLTs after BMS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Preparation of RDX/F2311/Fe2O3/Al Composite Hollow Microspheres by Electrospray and Synergistic Energy Release during Combustion between Components.

Nanothermites and high-energy explosives have significantly improved the performance of high-energy composites and have broad application prospects. Therefore, in this study, RDX/F2311/Fe2O3/Al composite hollow microspheres were successfully prepared utilizing the electrospray method using F2311 as a binder between components. The results show that the combustion time of the composite hollow microspheres is shortened from 2400 ms to 950 ms, the combustion process is more stable, and the energy release is more concentrated. The H50 of the composite hollow microspheres increased from 14.49 cm to 24.57 cm, the explosion percentage decreased from 84% to 72%, and the sensitivity of the composite samples decreased significantly. This is mainly the result of the combination of homogeneous composition and synergistic reactions. The combustion results show that F2311 as a binder affects the tightness of the contact between the components. By adjusting its content, the combustion time and the intensity of the combustion of the composite microspheres can be adjusted, which provides a feasible direction for its practical application.

Deciphering the role of non-coding RNAs involved in sorafenib resistance.

Sorafenib is an important treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, drug resistance has become a major obstacle in sorafenib application. In this study, whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) was conducted to compare the paired differences between non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and mRNAs, in sorafenib-resistant and parental cells. The overlap of differentially expressed ncRNAs (DENs) between the SMMC7721/S and Huh7/S cells and their parental cells was determined. 2 upregulated and 3 downregulated lncRNAs, 2 upregulated and 1 downregulated circRNAs, as well as 10 upregulated and 2 downregulated miRNAs, in both SMMC7721/S and Huh7/S cells, attracted more attention. The target genes of these DENs were then identified as the overlaps between the differentially expressed mRNAs achieved using the WTS analysis and the predicted genes of DENs obtained using the "co-localization" or "co-expression," miRanda, and RNAhybrid analysis. Consequently, the potential regulatory network between overlapping DENs and their target genes in both SMMC7721/S and Huh7/S cells was explored. The "lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA" and "circRNA-miRNA-mRNA" networks were constructed based on the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theory using the Cytoscape software. In particular, lncRNA MED17-203-miRNA (miR-193a-5p, miR-197-3p, miR-27a-5p, miR-320b, miR-767-3p, miR-767-5p, miR-92a-3p, let-7c-5p)-mRNA," "circ_0002874-miR-27a-5p-mRNA" and "circ_0078607-miR-320b-mRNA" networks were first introduced in sorafenib-resistant HCC. Furthermore, these networks were most probably connected to the process of metabolic reprogramming, where the activation of the PPAR, HIF-1, Hippo, and TGF-ß signaling pathways is governed. Alternatively, the network "circ_0002874-miR-27a-5p-mRNA" was also involved in the regulation of the activation of TGF-ß signaling pathways, thus advancing Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These findings provide a theoretical basis for exploring the mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance mediated by metabolic reprogramming and EMT in HCC.

Land-use classification based on high-resolution remote sensing imagery and deep learning models.

High-resolution imagery and deep learning models have gained increasing importance in land-use mapping. In recent years, several new deep learning network modeling methods have surfaced. However, there has been a lack of a clear understanding of the performance of these models. In this study, we applied four well-established and robust deep learning models (FCN-8s, SegNet, U-Net, and Swin-UNet) to an open benchmark high-resolution remote sensing dataset to compare their performance in land-use mapping. The results indicate that FCN-8s, SegNet, U-Net, and Swin-UNet achieved overall accuracies of 80.73%, 89.86%, 91.90%, and 96.01%, respectively, on the test set. Furthermore, we assessed the generalization ability of these models using two measures: intersection of union and F1 score, which highlight Swin-UNet's superior robustness compared to the other three models. In summary, our study provides a systematic analysis of the classification differences among these four deep learning models through experiments. It serves as a valuable reference for selecting models in future research, particularly in scenarios such as land-use mapping, urban functional area recognition, and natural resource management.

Both arthroscopic one-step Broström-Gould and Lasso-loop stitch techniques achieved favourable clinical outcomes for chronic lateral ankle instability.

PURPOSE: Both the arthroscopic Broström-Gould and Lasso-loop stitch techniques are commonly used to treat chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The purpose of this study is to introduce an arthroscopic one-step outside-in Broström-Gould (AOBG) technique and compare the mid-term outcomes of the AOBG technique and Lasso-loop stitch technique. METHODS: All CLAI patients who underwent arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization surgery in our department from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods employed: the AOBG technique (Group A) and the Lasso-loop technique (Group B). The visual analogue scale pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score, Tegner activity score and Karlsson-Peterson score were evaluated preoperatively and during the follow-up from June to December 2022. The surgical duration, return to sports, sprain recurrence and surgical complications were also recorded and compared. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients (Group A, n = 42; Group B, n = 32) were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 39 months. No statistically significant differences were observed in demographic parameters or follow-up time between the two groups. Postoperative clinical scores indicated a significant improvement (all with p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups (not significant [n.s.]). There was no significant difference in the surgical duration (46.1 vs. 49.7 min, n.s.), return to sports (92.9% vs. 93.8%, n.s.), or sprain recurrence (4.8% vs. 6.3%, n.s.). Only two cases in Group A reported knot irritation (4.8% vs. 0, n.s.), and one case in Group A experienced local skin numbness (0 vs. 3.1%, n.s.), with no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Both the AOBG and Lasso-loop stitch techniques yielded comparable favourable mid-term outcomes and return to sports with a low rate of surgical complications. Both procedures could be feasible strategies for CLAI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Key role of the ryanodine receptor I4790K mutation in mediating diamide resistance in Plutella xylostella.

The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella, a global insect pest of cruciferous vegetables, has evolved resistance to many classes of insecticides including diamides. Three point mutations (I4790M, I4790K, and G4946E) in the ryanodine receptor of P. xylostella (PxRyR) have been identified to associate with varying levels of resistance. In this study, we generated a knockin strain (I4790K-KI) of P. xylostella, using CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce the I4790K mutation into PxRyR of the susceptible IPP-S strain. Compared to IPP-S, the edited I4790K-KI strain exhibited high levels of resistance to both anthranilic diamides (chlorantraniliprole 1857-fold, cyantraniliprole 1433-fold) and the phthalic acid diamide flubendiamide (>2272-fold). Resistance to chlorantraniliprole in the I4790K-KI strain was inherited in an autosomal and recessive mode, and genetically linked with the I4790K knockin mutation. Computational modeling suggests the I4790K mutation reduces the binding of diamides to PxRyR by disrupting key hydrogen bonding interactions within the binding cavity. The approximate frequencies of the 4790M, 4790K, and 4946E alleles were assessed in ten geographical field populations of P. xylostella collected in China in 2021. The levels of chlorantraniliprole resistance (2.3- to 1444-fold) in these populations were significantly correlated with the frequencies (0.017-0.917) of the 4790K allele, but not with either 4790M (0-0.183) or 4946E (0.017-0.450) alleles. This demonstrates that the PxRyR I4790K mutation is currently the major contributing factor to chlorantraniliprole resistance in P. xylostella field populations within China. Our findings provide in vivo functional evidence for the causality of the I4790K mutation in PxRyR with high levels of diamide resistance in P. xylostella, and suggest that tracking the frequency of the I4790K allele is crucial for optimizing the monitoring and management of diamide resistance in this crop pest.

Low nitrogen priming improves nitrogen uptake and assimilation adaptation to nitrogen deficit stress in wheat seedling.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Early-stage low nitrogen priming promotes root growth and delays leaf senescence through gene expression, enhancing nitrogen absorption and assimilation in wheat seedlings, thereby alleviating growth inhibition under nitrogen deficit stress and supporting normal seedling development. Verifying the strategies to reduce the amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer while maintaining high crop yields is important for improving crop N use efficiency (NUE) and protecting the environment. To determine whether low N (LN) priming (LNP) can alleviate the impact of N-deficit stress on the growth of wheat seedlings and improve their tolerance to N-deficit stress, we conducted hydroponic experiments using two wheat cultivars, Yangmai 158 (YM158, LN tolerant) and Zaoyangmai (ZYM, LN sensitive) to study the effects of LNP on wheat seedlings under N-deficit stress. N-deficit stress decreased the plant dry weight, leaf area, and leaf N content (LNC), while LNP could significantly reduce this reduction. Distinct sensitivities to N-deficit stress were observed between the wheat cultivars, with ZYM showing an early decrease in leaf N content compared to YM158, which exhibited a late-stage reduction. LNP promoted root growth, expanded N uptake area, and upregulated the expression of TaNRT1.1, TaNRT2.1, and TaNRT2.2 in wheat seedlings, suggesting that LNP can enhance root N uptake capacity to increase N accumulation in plants. In addition, LNP improved the activity of glutamine synthase (GS) to enhance the capacity of N assimilation of plants. The relative expression of TaGS1 in the lower leaves of priming and stress (PS) was lower than that of no priming and stress (NS) after LNP, indicating that the rate of N transfer from the lower leaves to the upper leaves became slower after LNP, which alleviated the senescence of the lower leaves. The relative expression of TaGS2 was significantly increased, which might be related to the enhanced photorespiratory ammonia assimilation capacity after LNP, which reduced the N loss and maintained higher LNC. Therefore, LNP in the early stage can improve the N absorption and assimilation ability and maintain the normal N supply to alleviate the inhibition of N-deficit stress in wheat seedlings.

Functional meniscus reconstruction with biological and biomechanical heterogeneities through topological self-induction of stem cells.

Meniscus injury is one of the most common sports injuries within the knee joint, which is also a crucial pathogenic factor for osteoarthritis (OA). The current meniscus substitution products are far from able to restore meniscal biofunctions due to the inability to reconstruct the gradient heterogeneity of natural meniscus from biological and biomechanical perspectives. Here, inspired by the topology self-induced effect and native meniscus microstructure, we present an innovative tissue-engineered meniscus (TEM) with a unique gradient-sized diamond-pored microstructure (GSDP-TEM) through dual-stage temperature control 3D-printing system based on the mechanical/biocompatibility compatible high Mw poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). Biologically, the unique gradient microtopology allows the seeded mesenchymal stem cells with spatially heterogeneous differentiation, triggering gradient transition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) from the inside out. Biomechanically, GSDP-TEM presents excellent circumferential tensile modulus and load transmission ability similar to the natural meniscus. After implantation in rabbit knee, GSDP-TEM induces the regeneration of biomimetic heterogeneous neomeniscus and efficiently alleviates joint degeneration. This study provides an innovative strategy for functional meniscus reconstruction. Topological self-induced cell differentiation and biomechanical property also provides a simple and effective solution for other complex heterogeneous structure reconstructions in the human body and possesses high clinical translational potential.

Nanomedicines Promote Cartilage Regeneration in Osteoarthritis by Synergistically Enhancing Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Regulating Inflammatory Environment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive erosion of the articular cartilage and inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells' (MSCs) transplantation in OA treatment is emerging, but its clinical application is still limited by the low efficiency in oriented differentiation. In our study, to improve the therapeutic efficiencies of MSCs in OA treatment by carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) siRNA (siCA9)-based inflammation regulation and Kartogenin (KGN)-based chondrogenic differentiation, the combination strategy of MSCs and the nanomedicine codelivering KGN and siCA9 (AHK-CaP/siCA9 NPs) was used. In vitro results demonstrated that these NPs could improve the inflammatory microenvironment through repolarization of M1 macrophages to the M2 phenotype by downregulating the expression levels of CA9 mRNA. Meanwhile, these NPs could also enhance the chondrogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by upregulating the pro-chondrogenic TGF-ß1, ACAN, and Col2α1 mRNA levels. Moreover, in an advanced OA mouse model, compared with BMSCs alone group, the lower synovitis score and OARSI score were found in the group of BMSCs plus AHK-CaP/siCA9 NPs, suggesting that this combination approach could effectively inhibit synovitis and promote cartilage regeneration in OA progression. Therefore, the synchronization of regulating the inflammatory microenvironment through macrophage reprogramming (CA9 gene silencing) and promoting MSCs oriented differentiation through a chondrogenic agent (KGN) may be a potential strategy to maximize the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs for OA treatment.

Clinical significance of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein U1 subunit 70 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & Aims: Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein U1 subunit 70 (SNRNP70) as one of the components of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) is rarely reported in cancers. This study aims to estimate the application potential of SNRNP70 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical practice. Methods: Based on the TCGA database and cohort of HCC patients, we investigated the expression patterns and prognostic value of SNRNP70 in HCC. Then, the combination of SNRNP70 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in 278 HCC cases was analyzed. Next, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of SNRNP70 in nucleus and cytoplasm. Finally, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and scratch wound healing assays were used to detect the effect of SNRNP70 on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Results: SNRNP70 was highly expressed in HCC. Its expression was increasingly high during the progression of HCC and was positively related to immune infiltration cells. Higher SNRNP70 expression indicated a poor outcome of HCC patients. In addition, nuclear SNRNP70/AFP combination could be a prognostic biomarker for overall survival and recurrence. Cell experiments confirmed that knockdown of SNRNP70 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Conclusion: SNRNP70 may be a new biomarker for HCC progression and HCC diagnosis as well as prognosis. SNRNP70 combined with serum AFP may indicate the prognosis and recurrence status of HCC patients after operation.

Proposals for the delineation of neck clinical target volume for definitive Radiation therapy in patients with oral/ oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer based on lymph node distribution.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S): To establish the distribution pattern of cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) and propose optimized clinical target volume (CTV) boundaries specific to oral/ oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OSCC/OPSCC). MATERIALS/METHODS: 531 patients with pathologically confirmed OSCC/OPSCC were enrolled from January 2013 to June 2022. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the minimal distance from the lesion's edge to the body's midline: ≤1 cm or > 1 cm. The geometric center of cervical metastatic LN was marked on a template CT. LN distribution probability maps were established. The relationships between the LN distribution and consensus guidelines were analyzed to propose modifications for CTV boundaries specific to OSCC/OPSCC. RESULTS: A total of 1962 positive LNs were enrolled. Compared with the > 1 cm group, the ≤ 1 cm group has following feature tendencies: male smokers, younger, median organs, large gross lesion, infiltrative growth pattern, contralateral LNM. The most frequently involved level of LNM was ipsilateral II, but ipsilateral Ib had the highest involvement rate in the > 1 cm OSCC group. In addition, tongue cancer had a higher incidence of LN extranodal extension (ENE), which mainly distributes in ipsilateral level II. The skip metastasis was prone to from level III to Vb (3.5 %) in LN(+)/ENE (-), and level Ib to VIa (3.7 %) in LN(+)/ENE (+). Accordingly, we proposed the following modifications: 1. only including lateral and posterior margin of submandibular gland within 5 mm; 2. retracting posterior boundary of level II to front edge of levator scapula muscle, and descending the upper boundary to transverse process of C2 vertebra only for OSCC; 3. including posterior third of thyroglossal muscle or anterior edge of sternocleidomastoid muscle; 4. sparing level Va in case of only level II involvement; 5. including upper area of the thyroid cartilage plate in case of level Ib LN(+)/ENE (+); 6. sparing level VIIa is considered. CONCLUSION: This is the first description of LN topographic spread patterns for OSCC/OPSCC. Modified CTV for prophylactic irradiation was proposed to spare the organs at risk and minimize adverse effects.

Clinical Outcomes and Return to Preinjury Sports After Anatomic Reconstruction With a Gracilis Autograft Versus the Modified Broström Procedure in Patients With Generalized Joint Laxity.

Background: Generalized joint laxity (GJL) is a risk factor for inferior outcomes after the modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability, while anatomic reconstruction with tendons is more inclined to be recommended. However, whether anatomic reconstruction could achieve better results than the modified Broström procedure in patients with GJL is unknown. Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes and return to sports between anatomic reconstruction and the modified Broström procedure in patients with GJL. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with GJL (Beighton score ≥4) who underwent either the modified Broström procedure or anatomic reconstruction with gracilis autografts between 2017 and 2020 were reviewed. Included were 19 patients who underwent anatomic reconstruction (reconstruction group) and 49 patients who underwent the modified Broström procedure (MBP group). Clinical outcomes were compared using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Karlsson score. The rates of return to preinjury level in high-demand sports, sprain recurrence, and range of motion between the 2 groups were also compared. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 38.3 months in the reconstruction group and 43.7 months in the MBP group. The FAOS and Karlsson scores improved significantly after surgery in both groups (P < .001 for all), with the reconstruction group having significantly higher postoperative FAOS-Sports scores (87.9 ± 8.9 vs 80.5 ± 11.6; P = .015) and Karlsson scores (86.9 ± 6.1 vs 82 ± 8.4; P = .025) than the MBP group. The rate of return to preinjury high-demand sports was higher in the reconstruction group than in the MBP group (73.3% vs 38.9%; P = .034). The MBP group had a significantly higher rate of sprain recurrence (22.4% vs 0%; P = .027). More patients reported dorsiflexion restriction in the reconstruction group (n = 4; 21.1%) than in the MBP group (n = 1; 2%) (P = .019); nonetheless, there was no noticeable effect on daily life and sports. Conclusion: Better clinical outcomes, less sprain recurrence, and a higher rate of return to preinjury high-demand sports were found after anatomic reconstruction with free tendons compared with the modified Broström procedure in patients with GJL. Anatomic tendon reconstruction can be recommended for such patients, especially those participating in high-demand sports.

Rubisco and sucrose synthesis and translocation are involved in the regulation of photosynthesis in wheat with different source-sink relationships.

Source-sink relationships influence photosynthesis. So far, the limiting factors for photosynthesis of wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships have not been determined. We aimed to determine the variation patterns of photosynthetic characteristics of wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships. In this study, two wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships were selected for photosynthetic physiological analyses. The results showed that YM25 (source-limited cultivar) had higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to YM1 (sink-limited cultivar). This is mainly due to a stronger photochemical efficiency, electron transfer capacity, and Rubisco carboxylation capacity of YM25. YM25 accumulated less soluble carbohydrates in flag leaves than YM1. This is mainly due to the stronger sucrose synthesis and transport capacity of YM25 by presenting higher sucrose-related enzyme activities and gene expression. A PCA analysis showed that Rubisco was the main factor limiting the photosynthetic capacity of YM25. The soluble sugar accumulation in flag leaves and sink limitation decreased the photosynthetic activity of YM1. Increased N application improved source-sink relationships and increased grain yield and source leaf photosynthetic capacity in both two wheat cultivars. Taken together, our findings suggest that Rubisco and sucrose synthesis and translocation are involved in the regulation of photosynthesis of wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships and that source and sink limitation effects should be considered in photosynthesis.

Adipose triglyceride lipase suppresses noncanonical inflammasome by hydrolyzing LPS.

Intracellular recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by mouse caspase-11 or human caspase-4 is a vital event for the activation of the noncanonical inflammasome. Whether negative regulators are involved in intracellular LPS sensing is still elusive. Here we show that adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a negative regulator of the noncanonical inflammasome. Through screening for genes participating in the noncanonical inflammasome, ATGL is identified as a negative player for intracellular LPS signaling. ATGL binds LPS and catalyzes the removal of the acylated side chains that contain ester bonds. LPS with under-acylated side chains no longer activates the inflammatory caspases. Cells with ATGL deficiency exhibit enhanced immune responses when encountering intracellular LPS, including an elevated secretion of interleukin-1ß, decreased cell viability and increased cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, ATGL-deficient mice show exacerbated responses to endotoxin challenges. Our results uncover that ATGL degrades cytosolic LPS to suppress noncanonical inflammasome activation.

Antifreeze Polysaccharides from Wheat Bran: The Structural Characterization and Antifreeze Mechanism.

Exploring a novel natural cryoprotectant and understanding its antifreeze mechanism allows the rational design of future sustainable antifreeze analogues. In this study, various antifreeze polysaccharides were isolated from wheat bran, and the antifreeze activity was comparatively studied in relation to the molecular structure. The antifreeze mechanism was further revealed based on the interactions of polysaccharides and water molecules through dynamic simulation analysis. The antifreeze polysaccharides showed distinct ice recrystallization inhibition activity, and structural analysis suggested that the polysaccharides were arabinoxylan, featuring a xylan backbone with a majority of Araf and minor fractions of Manp, Galp, and Glcp involved in the side chain. The antifreeze arabinoxylan, characterized by lower molecular weight, less branching, and more flexible conformation, could weaken the hydrogen bonding of the surrounding water molecules more evidently, thus retarding the transformation of water molecules into the ordered ice structure.