Non-Invasive Self-Adaptive Information States' Acquisition inside Dynamic Scattering Spaces.

Pushing the information states' acquisition efficiency has been a long-held goal to reach the measurement precision limit inside scattering spaces. Recent studies have indicated that maximal information states can be attained through engineered modes; however, partial intrusion is generally required. While non-invasive designs have been substantially explored across diverse physical scenarios, the non-invasive acquisition of information states inside dynamic scattering spaces remains challenging due to the intractable non-unique mapping problem, particularly in the context of multi-target scenarios. Here, we establish the feasibility of non-invasive information states' acquisition experimentally for the first time by introducing a tandem-generated adversarial network framework inside dynamic scattering spaces. To illustrate the framework's efficacy, we demonstrate that efficient information states' acquisition for multi-target scenarios can achieve the Fisher information limit solely through the utilization of the external scattering matrix of the system. Our work provides insightful perspectives for precise measurements inside dynamic complex systems.

Optical fiber bundle differential compressive imaging.

We present a differential compressive imaging method for an optical fiber bundle (OFB), which provides a solution for an ultrathin bend-resistant endoscope with high resolution. This method uses an OFB and a diffuser to generate speckle illumination patterns. Differential operation is additionally applied to the speckle patterns to produce sensing matrices, by which the correlation between the matrices is greatly reduced from 0.875 to 0.0275, which ensures the high quality of image reconstruction. Pixilation artifacts from the fiber core arrangement are also effectively eliminated with this configuration. We demonstrate high-resolution reconstruction of images of 132 × 132 pixels with a compression rate of 12% using 77 fiber cores, the total diameter of which is only about 91 µm. An experimental verification proves that this method is tolerant to a limited degree of fiber bending, which provides a potential approach for robust high-resolution fiber endoscopy.

A comparative study on the nutritional composition, protein structure and effects on gut microbiota of 5 fermented soybean products (FSPs).

In this study, we conducted an analysis of the differences in nutrient composition and protein structure among various fermented soybean products and their impacts on the gut microbiota of rats. Conventional physicochemical analysis was employed to analyze the fundamental physicochemical composition of the samples. Additionally, we utilized high-performance liquid chromatography and ELISA techniques to quantify the presence of antinutritional compounds. Fourier infrared spectroscopy was applied to delineate the protein structure, while 16 s rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to evaluate alterations in gut microbiota abundance. Subsequently, KEGG was utilized for metabolic pathway analysis. Our findings revealed that fermented soybean products improved the nutritional profile of soybeans. Notably, Douchi exhibited the highest protein content at 52.18 g/100 g, denoting a 26.58 % increase, whereas natto showed a 24.98 % increase. Douchi and natto demonstrated the most substantial relative amino acid content, comprising 50.86 % and 49.04 % of the total samples, respectively. Moreover, the levels of antinutritional factors markedly decreased post-fermentation. Specifically, the α-helix content in doujiang decreased by 13.87 %, while the random coil content in soybean yogurt surged by 132.39 %. Rats that were fed FSP showcased notable enhancements in gut microbiota and associated metabolic pathways. A strong correlation was observed between nutrient composition, protein structure, and gut microbiota abundance. This study furnishes empirical evidence supporting the heightened nutritional attributes of FSPs.

Hypoxia and the endometrium: An indispensable role for HIF-1α as therapeutic strategies.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a major molecular mediator of the hypoxic response. In the endometrium, local hypoxic conditions induced by hormonal fluctuations and endometrial vascular remodeling contribute to the production of HIF-1α, which plays an indispensable role in a series of physiological activities, such as menstruation and metamorphosis. The sensitive regulation of HIF-1α maintains the cellular viability and regenerative capacity of the endometrium against cellular stresses induced by hypoxia and excess reactive oxygen species. In contrast, abnormal HIF-1α levels exacerbate the development of various endometrial pathologies. This knowledge opens important possibilities for the development of promising HIF-1α-centered strategies to ameliorate endometrial disease. Nonetheless, additional efforts are required to elucidate the regulatory network of endometrial HIF-1α and promote the applications of HIF-1α-centered strategies in the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the role of the HIF-1α-mediated pathway in endometrial physiology and pathology, highlight the latest HIF-1α-centered strategies for treating endometrial diseases, and improve endometrial receptivity.

TFPI from erythroblasts drives heme production in central macrophages promoting erythropoiesis in polycythemia.

Bleeding and thrombosis are known as common complications of polycythemia for a long time. However, the role of coagulation system in erythropoiesis is unclear. Here, we discover that an anticoagulant protein tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) plays an essential role in erythropoiesis via the control of heme biosynthesis in central macrophages. TFPI levels are elevated in erythroblasts of human erythroblastic islands with JAK2V617F mutation and hypoxia condition. Erythroid lineage-specific knockout TFPI results in impaired erythropoiesis through decreasing ferrochelatase expression and heme biosynthesis in central macrophages. Mechanistically, the TFPI interacts with thrombomodulin to promote the downstream ERK1/2-GATA1 signaling pathway to induce heme biosynthesis in central macrophages. Furthermore, TFPI blockade impairs human erythropoiesis in vitro, and normalizes the erythroid compartment in mice with polycythemia. These results show that erythroblast-derived TFPI plays an important role in the regulation of erythropoiesis and reveal an interplay between erythroblasts and central macrophages.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori strain types and analysis of risk factors among subjects from Hainan Province, China.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of type I and type II Helicobacter pylori infection and investigate risk factors in a population from Hainan Province in China. METHODS: Data came from a large, cross-sectional study conducted from August 2022 to April 2023 involving five cities of Hainan. Subjects with confirmed 14C-urea breath test (UBT) and positive serological assay were included. All subjects had a gastroscopy. According to presence or absence of CagA/VacA proteins, subjects were classified as either type I (present) or type II strains (absent). Gastroscopic findings and several socio-demographic factors were examined for correlation with antibody serotyping. RESULTS: In total, 410 subjects were investigated for H. pylori strain types. The overall prevalence of the highly virulent, type I H. pylori strain was 79% (324/410) and type II strain was 21% (86/410). There was a strong association between type I strain and peptic ulcer disease. Of several sociodemographic factors investigated, only smoking and data over baseline (DOB) values showed significant differences between type 1 and type II strains. Logistic regression analysis showed a lower risk of type I H. pylori infection in smokers compared with non-smokers, and a higher risk of H. pylori type I infection in subjects with medium and high data over baseline (DOB) values compared with subjects who had low DOB values. CONCLUSION: Highly virulent, type I H. pylori infections predominate in Hainan and the co-positivity of CagA and VacA antibodies are related to type I H. pylori infection. We found that Type I H. pylori was closely associated with peptic ulcer disease and the DOB values were generally high.

Analysis of vibrational dynamics in cell-substrate interactions using nanopipette electrochemical sensors.

Cell-substrate interaction plays a critical role in determining the mechanical status of living cell membrane. Changes of substrate surface properties can significantly alter the cell mechanical microenvironment, leading to mechanical changes of cell membrane. However, it is still difficult to accurately quantify the influence of the substrate surface properties on the mechanical status of living cell membrane without damage. This study addresses the challenge by using an electrochemical sensor made from an ultrasmall quartz nanopipette. With the tip diameter less than 100 nm, the nanopipette-based sensor achieves highly sensitive, noninvasive and label-free monitoring of the mechanical status of single living cells by collecting stable cyclic membrane oscillatory signals from continuous current versus time traces. The electrochemical signals collected from PC12 cells cultured on three different substrates (bare ITO (indium tin oxides) glass, hydroxyl modified ITO glass, amino modified ITO glass) indicate that the microenvironment more favorable for cell adhesion can increase the membrane stiffness. This work provides a label-free electrochemical approach to accurately quantify the mechanical status of single living cells in real-time, which may help to better understand the relationship between the cell membrane and the extra cellular matrix.

Tislelizumab combined with GT chemotherapy for intimal sarcoma of inferior vena cava: A case report.

RATIONALE: Intimal sarcoma of inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with no typical symptoms and specific imaging features in the early stage, and there is a lack of standardized treatment and methods. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 54-year-old female patient presented to Fenghua District People's Hospital with a post-active cough and hemoptysis and was subsequently referred to our hospital. DIAGNOSES: The patient was pathologically diagnosed as intimal sarcoma of IVC complicating multiple intrapulmonary metastases. Chest CT revealed left lung malignant tumor with multiple intrapulmonary metastases; while enhanced upper abdominal CT showed cancer embolus of IVC with extension to right atrium and bilateral renal veins. Besides, hematoxylin and eosin staining suggested intimal sarcoma of veins. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for PD-L1, Ki-67, CD31, Desmin and ERG. INTERVENTIONS: The patient initially received GT chemotherapy (gemcitabine injection + docetaxel). Then, immunotherapy (tislelizumab) was added based on the results of genetic testing (TP53 gene mutation). OUTCOMES: The disease was stabilized after receiving the treatment. LESSONS: Given the lack of characteristic clinical manifestations in patients with intimal sarcoma of IVC, imaging examination combined with immunohistochemical index were helpful for diagnosis of intimal sarcoma of IVC. Furthermore, the combination of tislelizumab and GT chemotherapy was feasible in such patients with positive PD-L1 expression and TP53 mutation.

Balance between FeIV-NiIV synergy and Lattice Oxygen Contribution for Accelerating Water Oxidation.

Hydrogen obtained from electrochemical water splitting is the most promising clean energy carrier, which is hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Thus, the development of an efficient OER electrocatalyst using nonprecious 3d transition elements is desirable. Multielement synergistic effect and lattice oxygen oxidation are two well-known mechanisms to enhance the OER activity of catalysts. The latter is generally related to the high valence state of 3d transition elements leading to structural destabilization under the OER condition. We have found that Al doping in nanosheet Ni-Fe hydroxide exhibits 2-fold advantage: (1) a strong enhanced OER activity from 277 mV to 238 mV at 10 mA cm-2 as the Ni valence state increases from Ni3.58+ to Ni3.79+ observed from in situ X-ray absorption spectra. (2) Operational stability is strengthened, while weakness is expected since the increased NiIV content with 3d8L2 (L denotes O 2p hole) would lead to structural instability. This contradiction is attributed to a reduced lattice oxygen contribution to the OER upon Al doping, as verified through in situ Raman spectroscopy, while the enhanced OER activity is interpreted as an enormous gain in exchange energy of FeIV-NiIV, facilitated by their intersite hopping. This study reveals a mechanism of Fe-Ni synergy effect to enhance OER activity and simultaneously to strengthen operational stability by suppressing the contribution of lattice oxygen.

Enhancing nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands: The role of influent substrate concentrations in integrated vertical-flow systems.

Recent advancements in constructed wetlands (CWs) have highlighted the imperative of enhancing nitrogen (N) removal efficiency. However, the variability in influent substrate concentrations presents a challenge in optimizing N removal strategies due to its impact on removal efficiency and mechanisms. Here we show the interplay between influent substrate concentration and N removal processes within integrated vertical-flow constructed wetlands (IVFCWs), using wastewaters enriched with NO3--N and NH4+-N at varying carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios (1, 3, and 6). In the NO3--N enriched systems, a positive correlation was observed between the C/N ratio and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency, which markedly increased from 13.46 ± 2.23% to 87.00 ± 2.37% as the C/N ratio escalated from 1 to 6. Conversely, in NH4+-N enriched systems, TN removal efficiencies in the A-6 setup (33.69 ± 4.83%) were marginally 1.25 to 1.29 times higher than those in A-3 and A-1 systems, attributed to constraints in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and alkalinity. Microbial community analysis and metabolic pathway assessment revealed that anaerobic denitrification, microbial N assimilation, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) predominated in NO3--N systems with higher C/N ratios (C/N ≥ 3). In contrast, aerobic denitrification and microbial N assimilation were the primary pathways in NH4+-N systems and low C/N NO3--N systems. A mass balance approach indicated denitrification and microbial N assimilation contributed 4.12-47.12% and 8.51-38.96% in NO3--N systems, respectively, and 0.55-17.35% and 7.83-33.55% in NH4+-N systems to TN removal. To enhance N removal, strategies for NO3--N dominated systems should address carbon source limitations and electron competition between denitrification and DNRA processes, while NH4+-N dominated systems require optimization of carbon utilization pathways, and ensuring adequate DO and alkalinity supply.

The DRAP1/DR1 Repressor Complex Increases mTOR Activity to Promote Progression and Confer Everolimus Sensitivity in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer, and several transcriptional regulators have been demonstrated to contribute to cancer progression. Here, we identified upregulation of the transcriptional corepressor DRAP1 in TNBC, which was closely associated with poor recurrence-free survival in TNBC patients. DRAP1 promoted TNBC proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, the DR1/DRAP1 heterodimer complex inhibited expression of the arginine sensor CASTOR1 and thereby increased activation of mTOR, which sensitized TNBC to treatment with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus. DRAP1 and DR1 also formed a positive feedback loop. DRAP1 enhanced the stability of DR1, recruiting the deubiquitinase USP7 to inhibit its proteasomal degradation; in turn, DR1 directly promoted DRAP1 transcription. Collectively, this study uncovered a DRAP1-DR1 bidirectional regulatory pathway that promotes TNBC progression, suggesting that targeting the DRAP1/DR1 complex might be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat TNBC.

The Combination of Bacillus natto JLCC513 and Ginseng Soluble Dietary Fiber Attenuates Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating the LPS/ TLR4/NF-κB Pathway and Gut Microbiota.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is currently difficult to treat effectively. Both Bacillus natto (BN) and ginseng-soluble dietary fiber (GSDF) are anti-inflammatory and helps sustain the intestinal barrier. In this study, the protective effects and mechanism of the combination of B. natto JLCC513 and ginseng-soluble dietary fiber (BG) in DSS-induced UC mice were investigated. Intervention with BG worked better than taking BN or GSDF separately, as evidenced by improved disease activity index, colon length, and colon injury and significantly reduced the levels of oxidative and inflammatory factors (LPS, ILs, and TNF-α) in UC mice. Further mechanistic study revealed that BG protected the intestinal barrier integrity by maintaining the tight junction proteins (Occludin and Claudin1) and inhibited the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in UC mice. In addition, BG increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides and Turicibacter and reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Allobaculum in the gut microbiota of UC mice. BG also significantly upregulated genes related to linoleic acid metabolism in the gut microbiota. These BGinduced changes in the gut microbiota of mice with UC were significantly correlated with changes in pathological indices. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that BG exerts protective effect against UC by regulating the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the structure and metabolic function of gut microbiota. Thus, BG can be potentially used in intestinal health foods to treat UC.

Feasibility and efficacy of endoscopy with blue laser imaging for the detection and diagnosis of cardia polyps: A single-center randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of cardia polyps using endoscopy with blue laser imaging (BLI) and white-light imaging (WLI). METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into the BLI group and WLI group according to the endoscopic procedures. BLI followed by WLI was conducted in the BLI group, whereas WLI followed by BLI examination was conducted in the WLI group. The number, size, microstructure, and microvascular patterns of cardia polyps detected were recorded. Biopsy of the polyps was then performed. RESULTS: The detection rate of cardia polyps in the BLI group was higher than that in the WLI group (7.87% vs 4.22%, P = 0.018). The rate of overlooked lesions in the BLI group was lower than in the WLI group (0.64% vs 3.38%, P = 0.003). The diagnostic coincidence rate between magnifying BLI and histopathology was 88.16%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions by magnifying endoscopy with BLI were 90.91%, 87.69%, 55.56%, and 98.28%, respectively. The most remarkable patterns for predicting inflammatory polyps were the prolonged and fine network patterns (sensitivity 71.43%, specificity 93.75%). Small round combined with honeycomb patterns were the most common among fundic gland polyps (sensitivity 80.00%, specificity 98.48%). Neoplastic lesions presented as villous or ridge-like combined with core vascular or unclear pattern for both microvascular and microstructure patterns. CONCLUSION: BLI is more effective than WLI in the detection and diagnosis of cardia polyps, and magnifying endoscopy with BLI may help diagnose such lesions.

Potassium peroxoborate: A sustained-released reactive oxygen carrier with enhanced PAHs contaminated soil remediation performance.

Seeking for a safe, efficient, inexpensive, and eco-friendly oxidizer is always a big challenge for in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology. This study adopted the potassium peroxoborate (PPB), a novel peroxide, for soil remediation for the first time. PPB based chemical oxidation system (PPB-CO) could efficiently degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) without other reagents added, reaching 72.1 %, 64.2 %, and 50.0 % removal rates for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene after 24 h reaction, respectively. The superior total PAHs removal efficiency (60.6 %) was 3.6-4.7 times higher than that of other commercial peroxides (2Na2CO3•3H2O, CaO2, and H2O2). Mechanism analysis revealed that varieties of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated by PPB through Fenton-like or non-Fenton routines, including H2O2, perborates species, O2•-, •OH, and 1O2. The sustainable generation of H2O2 reduced the disproportionation effect of H2O2 by 86 %, significantly improving the utilization rate. Moreover, sandbox experiments and actual contaminated soil remediation experiments verified the feasibility of PPB-CO in a real polluted site. This work provides a novel strategy for effectively soil remediation, highlighting the selection and application of new oxidants.

Bioengineering approaches for the endometrial research and application.

The endometrium undergoes a series of precise monthly changes under the regulation of dynamic levels of ovarian hormones that are characterized by repeated shedding and subsequent regeneration without scarring. This provides the potential for wound healing during endometrial injuries. Bioengineering materials highlight the faithful replication of constitutive cells and the extracellular matrix that simulates the physical and biomechanical properties of the endometrium to a larger extent. Significant progress has been made in this field, and functional endometrial tissue bioengineering allows an in-depth investigation of regulatory factors for endometrial and myometrial defects in vitro and provides highly therapeutic methods to alleviate obstetric and gynecological complications. However, much remains to be learned about the latest progress in the application of bioengineering technologies to the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the existing developments in biomaterials and bioengineering models for endometrial regeneration and improving the female reproductive potential.

Maternal vitamin D status and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies: a longitudinal twin pregnancies birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy, with significant short-term and long-term implications for both mothers and their offspring. Previous studies have indicated the potential benefits of vitamin D in reducing the risk of GDM, yet little is known about this association in twin pregnancies. This study aimed to investigate maternal vitamin D status in the second trimester and examine its association with the risk of GDM in twin pregnancies. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study based on data from the Chongqing Longitudinal Twin Study (LoTiS). Peripheral blood serum was collected from the mothers in the second trimester to measure 25(OH)D concentrations. GDM was diagnosed at 23-26 weeks of gestation using a 75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the correlations between vitamin D status and the risk of GDM. RESULTS: Of the total participants, 93 (29.9%) women were diagnosed with GDM. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration in the second trimester was 31.1 ± 11.2 ng/mL, and the rate of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were 23.5% and 18.7%, respectively. Compared to women with a 25(OH)D concentration < 30 ng/mL, those with a 25(OH)D concentration ≥ 30 ng/mL had a significantly lower risk of GDM (RR 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.86), especially those who were overweight before pregnancy (RR 0.32; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.64). The restricted cubic splines model showed an inverted J-shaped relationship between vitamin D concentrations and GDM risk. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of GDM was significantly reduced in twin pregnant women with vitamin D concentrations ≥ 30 ng/mL in the second trimester. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-OOC-16,008,203. Retrospectively registered on 1 April 2016.

SF3A2 promotes progression and cisplatin resistance in triple-negative breast cancer via alternative splicing of MKRN1.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the deadliest subtype of breast cancer owing to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Splicing factor 3a subunit 2 (SF3A2), a poorly defined splicing factor, was notably elevated in TNBC tissues and promoted TNBC progression, as confirmed by cell proliferation, colony formation, transwell migration, and invasion assays. Mechanistic investigations revealed that E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase UBR5 promoted the ubiquitination-dependent degradation of SF3A2, which in turn regulated UBR5, thus forming a feedback loop to balance these two oncoproteins. Moreover, SF3A2 accelerated TNBC progression by, at least in part, specifically regulating the alternative splicing of makorin ring finger protein 1 (MKRN1) and promoting the expression of the dominant and oncogenic isoform, MKRN1-T1. Furthermore, SF3A2 participated in the regulation of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis, leading to cisplatin resistance in TNBC cells. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unknown role of SF3A2 in TNBC progression and cisplatin resistance, highlighting SF3A2 as a potential therapeutic target for patients with TNBC.