Intestinal GSTpi deficiency exacerbates the severity of experimental hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis.

Intestinal dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the development of acute pancreatitis (AP), however, the underlying mechanisms of intestinal dysfunction on severity of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP) are still unclear. Herein, we explored the role of intestinal function on the severity of HLAP. We found that HLAP patients exhibit higher lipid and inflammatory response than AP patients. Hyperlipidemia significantly elevates serum lipids and worsen pancreatic damage in AP mice. In addition, significant exacerbated intestinal barrier damage and inflammation were observed in experimental HLAP mice, as evidenced by increased serum amylase and lipase levels, and pancreatic edema. Further, RNA-Seq showed that a markedly decrease of glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTpi) in colonic tissue of HLAP mice compared with AP mice, accompanied with increased serum lipopolysaccharides level. However, colonic GSTpi overexpression by adeno-associated virus significantly attenuated intestinal damage and subsequent pancreatic inflammation in HLAP mice. Mechanistically, GSTpi mitigated HLAP-mediated colonic NLRP3 inflammasome activation and barrier dysfunction. These results suggest that intestinal GSTpi deficiency exacerbates the severity of experimental HLAP, providing new insights for the clinical treatment of HLAP.

Pin1 maintains the effector program of pathogenic Th17 cells in autoimmune neuroinflammation.

Th17 cells mediated immune response is the basis of a variety of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and its mouse model of immune aspects, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The gene network that drives both the development of Th17 and the expression of its effector program is dependent on the transcription factor RORγt. In this report, we showed that Peptidylprolyl Cis/Trans Isomerase, NIMA-Interacting 1 (Pin1) formed a complex with RORγt, and enhanced its transactivation activity, thus sustained the expression of the effector genes as well as RORγt in the EAE-pathogenic Th17 cells. We first found out that PIN1 was highly expressed in the samples from patients of multiple sclerosis, and the expression of Pin1 by the infiltrating lymphocytes in the central nerve system of EAE mice was elevated as well. An array of experiments with transgenic mouse models, cellular and molecular assays was included in the study to elucidate the role of Pin1 in the pathology of EAE. It turned out that Pin1 promoted the activation and maintained the effector program of EAE-pathogenic Th17 cells in the inflammation foci, but had little effect on the priming of Th17 cells in the draining lymph nodes. Mechanistically, Pin1 stabilized the phosphorylation of STAT3 induced by proinflammatory stimuli, and interacted with STAT3 in the nucleus of Th17 cells, which resulted in the increased expression of Rorc. Moreover, Pin1 formed a complex with RORγt, and enhanced the transactivation of RORγt to the +11 kb enhancer of Rorc, which enforced and maintained the expression of both Rorc and the effector program of pathogenic Th17 cells in EAE. Finally, the inhibition of Pin1, by genetic knockdown or by small molecule inhibitor, deceased the population of Th17 cells and the neuroinflammation, and alleviated the symptoms of EAE. These findings suggest that Pin1 is a potential therapeutic target for MS and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

CLCuMuV subverts the processing of hydroxyproline-rich systemin to suppress tobacco defenses against insect vectors.

The interactions of insect vector-virus-plant have important ecological and evolutionary implications. The constant struggle of plants against viruses and insect vectors has driven the evolution of multiple defense strategies in the host as well as counter-defense strategies in the viruses and insect vectors. Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) is a major causal agent of cotton leaf curl disease in Asia and is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Here, we report that plants infected with CLCuMuV and its betasatellite, cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB) enhance the performance of B. tabaci vector, and ßC1 encoded by CLCuMuB plays an important role in begomovirus-whitefly-tobacco tripartite interactions. We showed that CLCuMuB ßC1 suppresses the jasmonic acid signaling pathway by interacting with the subtilisin-like protease 1.7 (NtSBT1.7) protein, thereby enhancing whitefly performance on tobacco plants. Further studies revealed that in the wild type plants, NtSBT1.7 could process tobacco preprohydroxyproline-rich systemin B (NtpreproHypSysB). After CLCuMuB infection, CLCuMuB ßC1 could interfere with the processing of NtpreproHypSysB by NtSBT1.7, thereby impairing plant defenses against whitefly. These results contribute to our understanding of the tripartite interactions among virus, plant, and whitefly, thus offering ecological insights into the spread of vector insect populations and the prevalence of viral diseases.

Two-dimensionally high AR performance beam scanning utilizing randomly-rotated single-PIN-diode elements for circularly-polarized programmable metasurface.

In this paper, we introduce a novel technique that utilizes randomly rotated elements (RREs) for the cross-polarization and axial ratio (AR) control of a circularly polarized programmable metasurface (CPPMS). We evaluate the CPPMS performance by comparing RREs layout with uniform elements (UEs) layout, and analyze far-field radiation parameters for 50 groups of CPPMS with different RREs layouts. Simulation results demonstrate consistent and improved performance across various RREs layouts, showcasing reduced cross-polarization and enhanced AR beamwidth. To validate these findings, we design a 1-bit CPPMS in Ku-band comprising 20 × 20 elements with the optimal RREs layout, and conduct measurements in an anechoic chamber. The CPPMS prototype achieves high gain (22.34 dBi), low cross-polarization (-20.5 dB), and a narrow 3 dB AR beamwidth (8.93°). Notably, it offers wide-angle beam scanning capabilities of up to ±60°. The gain bandwidth at -3 dB ranges from 14.54 to 16.65 GHz, with a relative bandwidth of 7.3%, while the 3 dB AR bandwidth extends from 14.24 to 16.07 GHz. Consequently, the proposed 1-bit CPPMS exhibits high-performance two-dimensional AR beam scanning, presenting promising applications in satellite communications.

Antiviral activity of flavonol against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) remains one of the major causative microorganisms of viral diarrhea in piglets worldwide, with no approved drugs for treatment. We identified a natural molecule, flavonol, which is widely found in tea, vegetables and herbs. Subsequently, the antiviral activity of compound flavonol was evaluated in Vero cells and IPEC-J2 cells, and its anti-PEDV mechanism was analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics. The results showed that flavonol could effectively inhibit viral progeny production, RNA synthesis and protein expression of PEDV strains in a dose-dependent manner. When flavonol was added simultaneously with viral infection in Vero cells, it demonstrated potent anti-PEDV activity by affecting the viral attachment and internalization phases. Similarly, in IPEC-J2 cells, flavonol effectively inhibited PEDV infection at different stages of infection, except for the release phase. Moreover, flavonol mainly interacts with PEDV Mpro through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces, and the complex formed by it has high stability. Importantly, flavonol also showed broad-spectrum activity against other porcine enteric coronaviruses such as TGEV and PDCoV in vitro. These findings suggest that flavonol may exert antiviral effects by interacting with viral Mpro, thereby affecting viral replication. This means that flavonol is expected to become a potential drug to prevent or treat porcine enteric coronavirus.

Auraptene-ameliorating depressive-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice mitigate hippocampal neuroinflammation mediated by microglia.

An inflammatory response is one of the pathogeneses of depression. The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of auraptene have previously been confirmed. We established an inflammatory depression model by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection combined with unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS), aiming to explore the effects of auraptene on depressive-like behaviors in adult mice. Mice were divided into a control group, vehicle group, fluoxetine group, celecoxib group, and auraptene group. Then, behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of auraptene in ameliorating depressive-like behavior. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were examined by ELISA. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) were examined by protein chip technology. The morphology of microglia was observed by the immunohistochemical method. The data showed that, compared with the control group, the vehicle group mice exhibited a depressive-like behavioral phenotype, accompanied by an imbalance in inflammatory cytokines and the activation of microglia in the hippocampus. The depressive behaviors of the auraptene group's mice were significantly alleviated, along with the decrease in pro-inflammatory factors and increase in anti-inflammatory factors, while the activation of microglia was inhibited in the hippocampus. Subsequently, we investigated the role of auraptene in vitro-cultured BV-2 cells treated with LPS. The analysis showed that auraptene downregulated the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and NO, and diminished the ratio of CD86/CD206. The results showed that auraptene reduced the excessive phagocytosis and ROS production of LPS-induced BV2 cells. In conclusion, auraptene relieved depressive-like behaviors in mice probably via modulating hippocampal neuroinflammation mediated by microglia.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SPL transcription factor family and its response to abiotic stress in Pisum sativum L.

Squamous promoter binding protein-like (SPL) genes encode plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that play essential roles in modulating plant growth, development, and stress response. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a coarse grain crop of great importance in food production, biodiversity conservation and molecular genetic research, providing genetic information and nutritional resources for improving agricultural production and promoting human health. However, only limited researches on the structure and functions of SPL genes exist in pea (PsSPLs). In this study, we identified 22 PsSPLs and conducted a genome-wide analysis of their physical characteristics, chromosome distribution, gene structure, phylogenetic evolution and gene expression patterns. As a result, the PsSPLs were unevenly distributed on the seven chromosomes of pea and harbored the SBP domain, which is composed of approximately 76 amino acid residues. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PsSPLs clustered into eight subfamilies and showed high homology with SPL genes in soybean. Further analysis showed the presence of segmental duplications in the PsSPLs. The expression patterns of 22 PsSPLs at different tissues, developmental stages and under various stimulus conditions were evaluated by qRT-PCR method. It was found that the expression patterns of PsSPLs from the same subfamily were similar in different tissues, the transcripts of most PsSPLs reached the maximum peak value at 14 days after anthesis in the pod. Abiotic stresses can cause significantly up-regulated PsSPL19 expression with spatiotemporal specificity, in addition, four plant hormones can cause the up-regulated expression of most PsSPLs including PsSPL19 in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, PsSPL19 could be a key candidate gene for signal transduction during pea growth and development, pod formation, abiotic stress and plant hormone response. Our findings should provide insights for the elucidating of development regulation mechanism and breeding for resistance to abiotic stress pea.

In vitro simulated digestion and fermentation characteristics of pectic polysaccharides from fresh passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa L.) peel.

In this study, two pectic polysaccharides (PFP-T and PFP-UM) were extracted from fresh passion fruit peels using three-phase partitioning (TPP) and sequential ultrasound-microwave-assisted TPP methods, respectively, and their effects on the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation characteristics were examined. The results indicate that gastrointestinal digestion has a minimal effect on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of PFP-T and PFP-UM. However, during in vitro fecal fermentation, both undigested PFP-T and PFP-UM are significantly degraded and utilized by intestinal microorganisms, showing increased the total relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in the intestinal flora. Notably, compared with PFP-UM, PFP-T better promoted the reproduction of beneficial bacteria such as Prevotella, Megasphaera and Dialister, while suppressed the growth of harmful genera including Escherichia-Shigella, producing higher content of short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, our findings suggest that PFP-T derived from passion fruit peel has potential as a dietary supplement for promoting intestinal health.

Unlocking the potential of phenolated kraft lignin as a versatile feed additive.

Lignin, a renewable natural antioxidant and bacteriostat, holds promise as a versatile, cost-effective feed additive. However, traditional industrial lignin faces limitations, including low reactivity, poor uniformity, and unstable properties, necessitating chemical modification. Complex modification methods pose economic and toxicity challenges, so this study adopted a relatively simple alkali-catalyzed phenolization approach, using phenol, catechol, and pyrogallol to modify kraft lignin, and characterized the resulting products using various techniques. Subsequently, their antioxidant, antibacterial, adsorption properties for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins, growth-promoting properties, and antiviral abilities were assessed. The phenolation process led to lignin depolymerization and a notable increase in phenolic hydroxyl content, particularly in pyrogallol-phenolated lignin (Py-L), rising from 3.08 to 4.68 mmol/g. These modified lignins exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, with over 99 % inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, and remarkable adsorption capacities for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins. Importantly, Py-L improved the growth performance of mice and reduced influenza mortality. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations elucidated the mechanism behind the enhanced antioxidant properties. This study presents a promising avenue for developing versatile feed additives to address challenges related to animal feed antioxidant supplementation, bacterial control, and growth promotion.

Upregulation of LHPP by saRNA inhibited hepatocellular cancer cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer worldwide and no pharmacological treatment is available that can achieve complete remission of HCC. Phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) is a recently identified HCC tumor suppressor gene which plays an important role in the development of HCC and its inactivation and reactivation has been shown to result in respectively HCC tumorigenesis and suppression. Small activating RNAs (saRNAs) have been used to achieve targeted activation of therapeutic genes for the restoration of their encoded protein through the RNAa mechanism. Here we designed and validated saRNAs that could activate LHPP expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in HCC cells. Activation of LHPP by its saRNAs led to the suppression of HCC proliferation, migration and the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. When combined with targeted anticancer drugs (e.g., regorafenib), LHPP saRNA exhibited synergistic effect in inhibiting in vitro HCC proliferation and in vivo antitumor growth in a xenograft HCC model. Findings from this study provides further evidence for a tumor suppressor role of LHPP and potential therapeutic value of restoring the expression of LHPP by saRNA for the treatment of HCC.

Comprehensive quantifications of tumour microenvironment to predict the responsiveness to immunotherapy and prognosis for paediatric neuroblastomas.

Treatment strategies for paediatric neuroblastoma as well as many other cancers are limited by the unfavourable tumour microenvironment (TME). In this study, the TMEs of neuroblastoma were grouped by their genetic signatures into four distinct subtypes: immune enriched, immune desert, non-proliferative and fibrotic. An Immune Score and a Proliferation Score were constructed based on the molecular features of the subtypes to quantify the immune microenvironment or malignancy degree of cancer cells in neuroblastoma, respectively. The Immune Score correlated with a patient's response to immunotherapy; the Proliferation Score was an independent prognostic biomarker for neuroblastoma and proved to be more accurate than the existing clinical predictors. This double scoring system was further validated and the conserved molecular pattern associated with immune landscape and malignancy degree was confirmed. Axitinib and BI-2536 were confirmed as candidate drugs for neuroblastoma by the double scoring system. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that axitinib-induced pyroptosis of neuroblastoma cells activated anti-tumour immunity and inhibited tumour growth; BI-2536 induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase in neuroblastoma cells. The comprehensive double scoring system of neuroblastoma may predict prognosis and screen for therapeutic strategies which could provide personalized treatments.

The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on antibiotic-associated diarrhea and its impact on gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) refers to symptoms of diarrhea that cannot be explained by other causes after the use of antibiotics. AAD is thought to be caused by a disruption of intestinal ecology due to antibiotics. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a treatment method that involves transferring microbial communities from the feces of healthy individuals into the patient's gut. METHOD: We selected 23 AAD patients who received FMT treatment in our department. Before FMT, we documented patients' bowel movement frequency, abdominal symptoms, routine blood tests, and inflammatory markers, and collected fecal samples for 16S rRNA sequencing to observe changes in the intestinal microbiota. Patients' treatment outcomes were followed up 1 month and 3 months after FMT. RESULTS: Out of the 23 AAD patients, 19 showed a clinical response to FMT with alleviation of abdominal symptoms. Among them, 82.61% (19/23) experienced relief from diarrhea, 65% (13/20) from abdominal pain, 77.78% (14/18) from abdominal distension, and 57.14% (4/7) from bloody stools within 1 month after FMT. Inflammatory markers IL-8 and CRP significantly decreased after FMT, but there were no noticeable changes in WBC, IL-6, and TNF-α before and after transplantation. After FMT, the abundance of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium increased in patients' fecal samples, while the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Veillonella decreased. CONCLUSION: FMT has a certain therapeutic effect on AAD, and can alleviate abdominal symptoms and change the intestinal microbiota of patients.

Triply Interlocked [2]catenanes: Rational Synthesis, Reversible Conversion Studies and Unprecedented Application in Photothermal Responsive Elastomer.

Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination-driven self-assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of H2O or DMF solvents to their CH3OH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π···π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes. Moreover, extensive studies have been conducted to assess the remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Complex 6a, exhibiting outstanding photothermal conversion performance (conversion efficiency in solution : 31.82%), is used to prepare novel photoresponsive elastomer in combination with thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer. The resultant material displays robust response to near-infrared (NIR) laser and the capability of completely reforming the shape and reversible actuation, paving the way for the application of half-sandwich organometallic units in photo-responsive smart materials.

Transformation of a Viral Capsid from Nanocages to Nanotubes and Then to Hydrogels: Redirected Self-Assembly and Effects on Immunogenicity.

The ability to manipulate the self-assembly of proteins is essential to understanding the mechanisms of life and beneficial to fabricating advanced nanomaterials. Here, we report the transformation of the MS2 phage capsid from nanocages to nanotubes and then to nanotube hydrogels through simple point mutations guided by interfacial interaction redesign. We demonstrate that site 70, which lies in the flexible FG loop of the capsid protein (CP), is a "magic" site that can largely dictate the final morphology of assemblies. By varying the amino acid at site 70, with the aid of a cysteine-to-alanine mutation at site 46, we achieved the assembly of double-helical or single-helical nanotubes in addition to nanocages. Furthermore, an additional cysteine substitution on the surface of nanotubes mediated their cross-linking to form hydrogels with reducing agent responsiveness. The hierarchical self-assembly system allowed for the investigation of morphology-related immunogenicity of MS2 CPs, which revealed dramatic differences among nanocages, nanotubes, and nanotube hydrogels in terms of immune response types, antibody levels and T cell functions. This study provides insights into the assembly manipulation of protein nanomaterials and the customized design of nanovaccines and drug delivery systems.

Laparoscopic-assisted distal colon excision and proximal colon pull-through anorectoplasty for anorectal malformation.

Purpose: During the second stage surgery for anorectal malformations (ARM), patients whose distal intestine of the colostomy is particularly short underwent laparoscopic-assisted distal colon excision and proximal colon pull-through anorectoplasty (PCPARP). This study aimed to discuss the outcomes of PCPARP after colostomy in patients with ARM. Methods: This is a single-center propensity score-matched (PSM) study which was retrospectively initiated patients with intermediate- or high-type ARM who underwent laparoscopic surgery from June 2007 to December 2018. These patients were divided into PCPARP group and conventional laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) group according to specific surgical methods. The general data, surgical data, postoperative complications, and functional results were evaluated. Results: In total, 216 patients were included in this study: 190 (88.0%) undergoing LAARP approach and 26 (12.0%) undergoing PCPARP approach. After PSM, two well-balanced groups of 26 patients were analyzed and showed the postoperative complications (P = 0.126) and bowel function (P = 0.809) were similiar between the two groups. Conclusions: The curative effect of PCPARP after colostomy is similar to that of classic LAARP surgery, which can be used for ARM patients with a very short and abnormal distal intestine of the stoma.

Investigation of Automotive LiDAR Vision in Rain from Material and Optical Perspectives.

With the emergence of autonomous functions in road vehicles, there has been increased use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems comprising various sensors to perform automated tasks. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is one of the most important types of optical sensor, detecting the positions of obstacles by representing them as clusters of points in three-dimensional space. LiDAR performance degrades significantly when a vehicle is driving in the rain as raindrops adhere to the outer surface of the sensor assembly. Performance degradation behaviors include missing points and reduced reflectivity of the points. It was found that the extent of degradation is highly dependent on the interface material properties. This subsequently affects the shapes of the adherent droplets, causing different perturbations to the optical rays. A fundamental investigation is performed on the protective polycarbonate cover of a LiDAR assembly coated with four classes of material-hydrophilic, almost-hydrophobic, hydrophobic, and superhydrophobic. Water droplets are controllably dispensed onto the cover to quantify the signal alteration due to the different droplets of various sizes and shapes. To further understand the effects of droplet motion on LiDAR signals, sliding droplet conditions are simulated using numerical analysis. The results are validated with physical optical tests, using a 905 nm laser source and receiver to mimic the LiDAR detection mechanism. Comprehensive explanations of LiDAR performance degradation in rain are presented from both material and optical perspectives. These can aid component selection and the development of signal-enhancing strategies for the integration of LiDARs into vehicle designs to minimize the impact of rain.

Multiple sarcomatoid carcinomas in the small intestine with perforation: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine is an exceedingly rare and aggressive malignancy, often diagnosed at advanced stages with a poor prognosis. This study documents a detailed case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and treatment approaches, underscored by a comprehensive review of related literature. Given the rarity of this condition, our report aims to enrich the existing diagnostic and treatment frameworks for this malignancy, emphasizing the necessity for early detection and intervention strategies. By presenting this case in conjunction with a literature review, we seek to shed light on the elusive nature of sarcomatoid carcinoma in the small intestine and propose avenues for improving patient outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Case presentation A 61-year-old male patient initially presented with recurrent abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Initial abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans and gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed only inflammatory and hyperplastic changes in the duodenum and jejunum, with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Two years later, due to gastrointestinal perforation, the patient was hospitalized again. DIAGNOSES: CT scans and other examinations revealed small intestinal lesions. Four small intestinal lesions were surgically removed, and pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine. A short time later, enhanced CT scans revealed metastatic lesions in the hepatic portal and adrenal glands. INTERVENTIONS: After surgery, the gastrointestinal function gradually recovered, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on a semiliquid diet. No further treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy was administered postoperatively. OUTCOMES: Five months after the surgery, the patient died due to brain metastasis. LESSONS: The study outcomes reveal the aggressive nature of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine, characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis despite surgical interventions. The patient condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to metastasis and death within 5 months postsurgery. These findings underscore the critical need for early detection and possibly innovative treatment approaches to improve survival rates. This case also highlights the potential for gastrointestinal sarcomatoid carcinoma to metastasize to distant organs, including the brain, suggesting a propensity for hematogenous spread.

Sub-Nanogram Resolution Measurement of Inertial Mass and Density Using Magnetic-Field-Guided Bubble Microthruster.

Artificial micro/nanomotors using active particles hold vast potential in applications such as drug delivery and microfabrication. However, upgrading them to micro/nanorobots capable of performing precise tasks with sophisticated functions remains challenging. Bubble microthruster (BMT) is introduced, a variation of the bubble-driven microrobot, which focuses the energy from a collapsing microbubble to create an inertial impact on nearby target microparticles. Utilizing ultra-high-speed imaging, the microparticle mass and density is determined with sub-nanogram resolution based on the relaxation time characterizing the microparticle's transient response. Master curves of the BMT method are shown to be dependent on the viscosity of the solution. The BMT, controlled by a gamepad with magnetic-field guidance, precisely manipulates target microparticles, including bioparticles. Validation involves measuring the polystyrene microparticle mass and hollow glass microsphere density, and assessing the mouse embryo mass densities. The BMT technique presents a promising chip-free, real-time, highly maneuverable strategy that integrates bubble microrobot-based manipulation with precise bioparticle mass and density detection, which can facilitate microscale bioparticle characterizations such as embryo growth monitoring.

Systemic-inflammatory indices and clinical outcomes in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke undergoing successful endovascular thrombectomy.

Background: There is a lack of comprehensive profile assessment on complete blood count (CBC)-derived systemic-inflammatory indices, and their correlations with clinical outcome in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who achieved successful recanalization by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Methods: Patients with anterior circulation AIS caused by large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) were retrospectively screened from December 2018 to December 2022. Systemic-inflammatory indices including ratios of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and platelet-to-neutrophil (PNR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate inflammation systemic index (AISI) on admission and the first day post-EVT were calculated. Their correlations with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and unfavorable 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6) were analyzed. Results: A total of 482 patients [65 (IQR, 56-72) years; 33 % female] were enrolled, of which 231 (47.9 %) had unfavorable 90-day outcome and 50 (10.4 %) developed sICH. Day 1 neutrophil and monocyte counts, NLR, MLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI were increased, while lymphocyte and PNR were decreased compared to their admission levels. In multivariate analyses, neutrophil count, NLR, SII, and AISI on day 1 were independently associated with 90-day functional outcome. Moreover, day 1 neutrophil count, NLR, MLR, PLR, PNR, SII, and SIRI were independently linked to the occurrence of sICH. No admission variables were identified as independent risk factors for patient outcomes. Conclusion: CBC-derived systemic-inflammatory indices measured on the first day after successful EVT are predictive of 90-day functional outcome and the sICH occurrence in patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO.