ß-cyclodextrin/spiropyran-functionalized optical-driven hydrogel film for bisphenol A detection in food packaging.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, is widely used in food packaging materials, including drink containers. Sensitive detection of BPA is crucial to food safety. Herein, we have developed a novel optical-driven hydrogel film sensor for sensitive BPA detection based on the displacement of spiropyran (SP) from ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) cavity by BPA followed by the photochromism of the released SP. The released SP converts to the ring-opened merocyanine form which shows an enhanced red fluorescence in the dark. The sensor demonstrates a linear detection range from 0.1 to 20 µg mL-1 with a limit of detection at 0.027 µg mL-1 and a limit of quantification at 0.089 µg mL-1. Notably, the proposed ß-CD/SP hydrogel can be reused due to the reversible isomerization of SP and the reversible host-guest interaction. This sensor also shows good performance for BPA determination in real samples, indicating its great potential for food safety monitoring.

Physiological Microenvironment Dependent Self-Cross-Linking of Multifunctional Nanohybrid for Prolonged Antibacterial Therapy via Synergistic Chemodynamic-Photothermal-Biological Processes.

Herein, a multifunctional nanohybrid (PL@HPFTM nanoparticles) was fabricated to perform the integration of chemodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and biological therapy over the long term at a designed location for continuous antibacterial applications. The PL@HPFTM nanoparticles consisted of a polydopamine/hemoglobin/Fe2+ nanocomplex with comodification of tetrazole/alkene groups on the surface as well as coloading of antimicrobial peptides and luminol in the core. During therapy, the PL@HPFTM nanoparticles would selectively cross-link to surrounding bacteria via tetrazole/alkene cycloaddition under chemiluminescence produced by the reaction between luminol and overexpressed H2O2 at the infected area. The resulting PL@HPFTM network not only significantly damaged bacteria by Fe2+-catalyzed ROS production, effective photothermal conversion, and sustained release of antimicrobial peptides but dramatically enhanced the retention time of these therapeutic agents for prolonged antibacterial therapy. Both in vitro and in vivo results have shown that our PL@HPFTM nanoparticles have much higher bactericidal efficiency and remarkably longer periods of validity than free antibacterial nanoparticles.

Multicenter propensity score-matched analysis to compare perioperative morbidity after laparoscopic or robotic complex hepatectomy for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are vital factors affecting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for complex hepatectomy. The present study aimed to compare perioperative complications between laparoscopic and robotic complex hepatectomy (LCH vs. RCH). METHODS: Patients with solitary HCC after complex hepatectomy were collected from a multicenter database. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was adopted to control confounding bias. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors. RESULTS: 436 patients were included. After PSM, 43 patients were included in both the LCH and RCH groups. The results showed that compared to LCH, RCH had lower rates of blood loss and transfusion, and lower postoperative 30-day and major morbidity, and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the RCH group (P = 0.026). Multivariable analysis showed RCH is an independent protective factor for reducing the 30-day morbidity, major morbidity and PHLF. CONCLUSION: RCH has advantages over LCH in the minimally invasive treatment of complex HCC, as it can reduce the incidence of postoperative morbidity. Therefore, RCH should be considered for patients with HCC who require complex hepatectomy.

Computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection for hepatoblastoma in proximity to the major liver vasculature.

BACKGROUND: The management of hepatoblastoma (HB) becomes challenging when the tumor remains in close proximity to the major liver vasculature (PMV) even after a full course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). In such cases, extreme liver resection can be considered a potential option. AIM: To explore whether computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection is safe and feasible for children with HB who still have PMV after a full course of NAC. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from children with HB who underwent surgical resection at our center from June 2013 to June 2023. We then analyzed the detailed clinical and three-dimensional characteristics of children with HB who still had PMV after a full course of NAC. RESULTS: Sixty-seven children diagnosed with HB underwent surgical resection. The age at diagnosis was 21.4 ± 18.8 months, and 40 boys and 27 girls were included. Fifty-nine (88.1%) patients had a single tumor, 39 (58.2%) of which was located in the right lobe of the liver. A total of 47 patients (70.1%) had PRE-TEXT III or IV. Thirty-nine patients (58.2%) underwent delayed resection. After a full course of NAC, 16 patients still had close PMV (within 1 cm in two patients, touching in 11 patients, compressing in four patients, and showing tumor thrombus in three patients). There were 6 patients of tumors in the middle lobe of the liver, and four of those patients exhibited liver anatomy variations. These 16 children underwent extreme liver resection after comprehensive preoperative evaluation. Intraoperative procedures were performed according to the preoperative plan, and the operations were successfully performed. Currently, the 3-year event-free survival of 67 children with HB is 88%. Among the 16 children who underwent extreme liver resection, three experienced recurrence, and one died due to multiple metastases. CONCLUSION: Extreme liver resection for HB that is still in close PMV after a full course of NAC is both safe and feasible. This approach not only reduces the necessity for liver transplantation but also results in a favorable prognosis. Individualized three-dimensional surgical planning is beneficial for accurate and complete resection of HB, particularly for assessing vascular involvement, remnant liver volume and anatomical variations.

Feasibility Analysis of Individualized Low Flow Rate Abdominal Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in Chemotherapy Patients: Dual-Source Computed Tomography With Low Tube Voltage.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of using dual-source computed tomography (CT) combined with low flow rate and low tube voltage for postchemotherapy image assessment in cancer patients. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT scans of the upper abdomen were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to groups A, B, and C (n = 30 each). In group A, patients underwent scans at 120 kVp with 448 mgI/kg. Patients in group B underwent scans at 100 kVp with 336 mgI/kg. Patient in group C underwent scans at 70 kVp with of 224 mgI/kg. Quantitative measurements including the CT number, standard deviation of CT number, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, subjective reader scores, and the volume and flow rate of contrast agent were evaluated for each group. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the subjective image scores within the three groups except for the kidney (all P > 0.05). Group C showed significantly higher CT values, lower noise levels, and higher signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio values in the majority of the regions of interest compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). In group C, the contrast agent dose was decreased by 46% compared to group A (79.48 ± 12.24 vs 42.7 ± 8.6, P < 0.01), and the contrast agent injection rate was reduced by 22% (2.7 ± 0.41 vs 2.1 ± 0.4, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of 70 kVp tube voltage combined with low iodine flow rates prove to be a more effective approach in solving the challenge of compromised blood vessels in postchemotherapy tumor patients, without reducing image quality and diagnostic confidence.

ROS-Responsive and Self-Tumor Curing Methionine Polymer Library Based Nanoparticles with Self-Accelerated Drug Release and Hydrophobicity/Hydrophilicity Switching Capability for Enhanced Cancer Therapy.

The applications of amino acid-based polymers are impeded by their limited structure and functions. Herein, a small library of methionine-based polymers (Met-P) with programmed structure and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive properties is developed for tumor therapy. The Met-P can self-assemble into sub-100 nm nanoparticles (NPs) and effectively load anticancer drugs (such as paclitaxel (PTX) (P@Met-P NPs)) via the nanoprecipitation method. The screened NPs with superior stability and high drug loading are further evaluated in vitro and in vivo. When encountering with ROS, the Met-P polymers will be oxidized and then switch from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state, triggering the rapid and self-accelerated release of PTX. The in vivo results indicated that the screened P@2Met10 NPs possessed significant anticancer performance and effectively alleviated the side effects of PTX. More interestingly, the blank 2Met10 NPs displayed an obvious self-tumor inhibiting efficacy. Furthermore, the other Met-P NPs (such as 2Met8, 4Met8, and 4Met10) are also found to exhibit varied self-anti-cancer capabilities. Overall, this ROS-responsive Met-P library is a rare anticancer platform with hydrophobic/hydrophilic switching, controlled drug release, and self-anticancer therapy capability.

Predictive value of a stemness-based classifier for prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics and machine-learning strategies.

Objective: Significant advancements have been made in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapeutics, such as immunotherapy for treating patients with HCC. However, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting the response of patients to therapy, which continues to be challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the oncogenesis, drug resistance, and invasion, as well as metastasis of HCC cells. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to create an mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) model to predict the response of patients with HCC to immunotherapy. Methods: We retrieved gene expression and clinical data of patients with HCC from the GSE14520 dataset and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we used the "one-class logistic regression (OCLR)" algorithm to obtain the mRNAsi of patients with HCC. We performed "unsupervised consensus clustering" to classify patients with HCC based on the mRNAsi scores and stemness subtypes. The relationships between the mRNAsi model, clinicopathological features, and genetic profiles of patients were compared using various bioinformatic methods. We screened for differentially expressed genes to establish a stemness-based classifier for predicting the patient's prognosis. Next, we determined the effect of risk scores on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the response of patients to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Finally, we used qRT-PCR to investigate gene expression in patients with HCC. Results: We screened CSC-related genes using various bioinformatics tools in patients from the TCGA-LIHC cohort. We constructed a stemness classifier based on a nine-gene (PPARGC1A, FTCD, CFHR3, MAGEA6, CXCL8, CABYR, EPO, HMMR, and UCK2) signature for predicting the patient's prognosis and response to ICBs. Further, the model was validated in an independent GSE14520 dataset and performed well. Our model could predict the status of TIME, immunogenomic expressions, congenic pathway, and response to chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, a significant increase in the proportion of infiltrating macrophages, Treg cells, and immune checkpoints was observed in patients in the high-risk group. In addition, tumor cells in patients with high mRNAsi scores could escape immune surveillance. Finally, we observed that the constructed model had a good expression in the clinical samples. The HCC tumor size and UCK2 genes expression were significantly alleviated and decreased, respectively, by treatments of anti-PD1 antibody. We also found knockdown UCK2 changed expressions of immune genes in HCC cell lines. Conclusion: The novel stemness-related model could predict the prognosis of patients and aid in creating personalized immuno- and targeted therapy for patients in HCC.

Selective Upcycling of Polyethylene over Ru/H-ZSM-5 Bifunctional Catalyst into High-Quality Liquid Fuel at Mild Conditions.

It has been known that plastics with undegradability and long half-times have caused serious environmental and ecological issues. Considering the devastating effects, the development of efficient plastic upcycling technologies with low energy consumption is absolutely imperative. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of single-use polyethylene over Ru-based catalysts to produce high-quality liquid fuel has been one of the current top priority strategies, but it is restricted by some tough challenges, such as the tendency towards methanation resulting from terminal C-C cleavage. Herein, we introduced Ru nanoparticles supported on hollow ZSM-5 zeolite (Ru/H-ZSM-5) for hydrocracking of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) under mild reaction conditions. The implication of experimental results is that the 1Ru/H-ZSM-5 (~1wt% Ru) acted as an effective and reusable bifunctional catalyst providing higher conversion rate (84.30%) and liquid fuel (C5-C21) yield (62.77%). Detailed characterization demonstrated that the optimal performance in hydrocracking of PE could be attributed to the moderate acidity and appropriate positively charged Ru species resulting from the metal-zeolite interaction. This work proposes a promising catalyst for plastic upcycling and reveals its structure-performance relationship, which has guiding significance for catalyst design to improve the yield of high-value liquid fuels.

Regulation of Microtubule Stability in Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Qingyi Decoction is a Potential CDK5 Inhibitor.

Purpose: Explore the therapeutic effects and regulatory mechanism of Qingyi Decoction (QYD) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) associated acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: We identified the constituents absorbed into the blood of QYD based on a network pharmacological strategy. The differentially expressed genes from the GEO database were screened to identify the critical targets of QYD treatment of SAP-ALI. The SAP-ALI rat model was constructed.Some methods were used to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of QYD in treating SAP-ALI. LPS-stimulated pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell injury simulated the SAP-induced pulmonary endothelial injury model. We further observed the therapeutic effect of QYD and CDK5 plasmid transfection on endothelial cell injury. Results: 18 constituents were absorbed into the blood, and 764 targets were identified from QYD, 25 of which were considered core targets for treating SAP-ALI. CDK5 was identified as the most critical gene. The results of differential expression analysis showed that the mRNA expression level of CDK5 in the blood of SAP patients was significantly up-regulated compared with that of healthy people. Animal experiments have demonstrated that QYD can alleviate pancreatic and lung injury inflammatory response and reduce the upregulation of CDK5 in lung tissue. QYD or CDK5 inhibitors could decrease the expression of NFAT5 and GEF-H1, and increase the expression of ACE-tub in SAP rat lung tissue. Cell experiments proved that QYD could inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by LPS. Immunofluorescence results suggested that QYD could alleviate the cytoskeleton damage of endothelial cells, and the mechanism might be related to the inhibition of CDK5-mediated activation of NFAT5, GEF-H1, and ACE-tub. Conclusion: CDK5 has been identified as a critical target for pulmonary endothelial injury of SAP-ALI. QYD may partially alleviate microtubule disassembly by targeting the CDK5/NFAT5/GEF-H1 signaling pathway, thus relieving SAP-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell injury.

Extent of surgery for unilateral papillary thyroid cancer with nonsuspicious contralateral nodules by ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: The discussion about surgical treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer(PTC) has been an ongoing issue, which is mainly focused on characteristics of tumor, but rarely on nonsuspicious contralateral nodules. We aimed to compare recurrence-free survival(RFS)/progression-free survival(PFS) of unilateral PTC patients with nonsuspicious contralateral nodules after different extents of surgery. METHODS: Unilateral PTC patients with nonsuspicious contralateral nodules underwent surgery from 2015 to 2017 were enrolled. The association between surgical extent and RFS/PFS was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 1293 PTC patients (595[46.0%]TT,523[40.4%]lobectomy+nodule enucleation(LNE),175[13.5%]lobectomy) were analyzed. Patients with a greater surgical extent were more likely to be older, have a greater multifocality of the tumor and contralateral nodules, larger contralateral nodules and primary tumors, and more micro extrathyroidal extension (P < 0.05). After a median follow-up of 45 months, significant growth(>3 mm) was identified in 24 (4.6%) and 19 (10.9%) patients in the LNE and lobectomy group, 7 (1.2%), 14 (2.7%) and 11 (6.3%) structural recurrences and 7 (1.2%), 11 (2.1%) and 7 (4.0%) progression in disease were identified in the TT, LNE and lobectomy groups, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted RFS/PFS were significantly worse for patients treated with lobectomy than for those who underwent LNE or TT(3-year RFS, 95.5%, 98.2% vs. 99.0%; 3-year PFS, 97.9%, 98.9% vs. 99.0%, P < 0.05), but difference in PFS between LNE and TT lost statistical significance (unadjusted P = 0.226, adjusted P = 0.150). CONCLUSIONS: Due to subtle changes in nodules and acceptable prognosis, lobectomy is a considerable option for unilateral PTC patients with nonsuspicious nodules, when a similar prognosis to TT is expected, LNE may be an effective alternative to optimize quality of life.

Evaluation of image quality on low contrast media with deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography.

To assess the impact of low-dose contrast media (CM) injection protocol with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm on image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA). In this prospective study, patients underwent CCTA were prospectively and randomly assigned to three groups with different contrast volume protocols (at 320mgI/mL concentration and constant flow rate of 5ml/s). After pairing basic information, 210 patients were enrolled in this study: Group A, 0.7mL/kg (n = 70); Group B, 0.6mL/kg (n = 70); Group C, 0.5mL/kg (n = 70). All patients were examined via a prospective ECG-triggered scan protocol within one heartbeat. A high level DLIR (DLIR-H) algorithm was used for image reconstruction with a thickness and interval of 0.625mm. The CT values of ascending aorta (AA), descending aorta (DA), three main coronary arteries, pulmonary artery (PA), and superior vena cava (SVC) were measured and analyzed for objective assessment. Two radiologists assessed the image quality and diagnostic confidence using a 5-point Likert scale. The CM doses were 46.81 ± 6.41mL, 41.96 ± 7.51mL and 34.65 ± 5.38mL for Group A, B and C, respectively. The objective assessments on AA, DA and the three main coronary arteries and the overall subjective scoring showed no significant difference among the three groups (all p > 0.05). The subjective assessment proved that excellent CCTA images can be obtained from the three different contrast media protocols. There were no significant differences in intracoronary attenuation values between the higher HR subgroup and the lower HR subgroup among three groups. CCTA reconstructed with DLIR could be realized with adequate enhancement in coronary arteries, excellent image quality and diagnostic confidence at low contrast dose of a 0.5mL/kg. The use of lower tube voltages may further reduce the contrast dose requirement.

miRNAs in treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a condition in a subset of depressed patients characterized by resistance to antidepressant medications. The global prevalence of TRD has been steadily increasing, yet significant advancements in its diagnosis and treatment remain elusive despite extensive research efforts. The precise underlying pathogenic mechanisms are still not fully understood. Epigenetic mechanisms play a vital role in a wide range of diseases. In recent years, investigators have increasingly focused on the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the onset and progression of TRD. miRNAs are a class of noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the translation and degradation of their target mRNAs via interaction, making the exploration of their functions in TRD essential for elucidating their pathogenic mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic search was conducted in four databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, focusing on studies related to treatment-resistant depression and miRNAs. The search was performed using terms individually or in combination, such as "treatment-resistant depression," "medication-resistant depression," and "miRNAs." The selected articles were reviewed and collated, covering the time period from the inception of each database to the end of February 2024. We found that miRNAs play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of TRD through three main aspects: 1) involvement in miRNA-mediated inflammatory responses (including miR-155, miR-345-5p, miR-146a, and miR-146a-5p); 2) influence on 5-HT transport processes (including miR-674,miR-708, and miR-133a); and 3) regulation of synaptic plasticity (including has-miR-335-5p,has-miR- 1292-3p, let-7b, and let-7c). Investigating the differential expression and interactions of these miRNAs could contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TRD. CONCLUSIONS: miRNAs might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of TRD. Gaining a deeper understanding of the roles and interrelations of miRNAs in TRD will contribute to elucidating disease pathogenesis and potentially provide avenues for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Rare Presentation of Melanoma Recurrences With Diffuse Subcutaneous Intravascular Lesions: A Novel In-Transit Metastases Pattern.

ABSTRACT: In 4%-11% of cases, melanoma recurrences present as in-transit (IT) metastases, and their prognosis is quite poor. Consequently, an early diagnosis and treatment of IT metastasis assume paramount significance. Despite this, the diagnosis of cutaneous IT metastases persistently presents a formidable challenge due to the diversity in clinical and dermoscopic characteristics. We provide a novel melanoma IT metastases pattern with interesting dermoscopic features and magnetic resonance imaging via presenting an unusual case characterized by diffuse subcutaneous intravascular lesions to supplement the understanding of cutaneous melanoma IT metastases.

Initiating PeriCBD to probe perinatal influences on neurodevelopment during 3-10 years in China.

Adverse perinatal factors can interfere with the normal development of the brain, potentially resulting in long-term effects on the comprehensive development of children. Presently, the understanding of cognitive and neurodevelopmental processes under conditions of adverse perinatal factors is substantially limited. There is a critical need for an open resource that integrates various perinatal factors with the development of the brain and mental health to facilitate a deeper understanding of these developmental trajectories. In this Data Descriptor, we introduce a multicenter database containing information on perinatal factors that can potentially influence children's brain-mind development, namely, periCBD, that combines neuroimaging and behavioural phenotypes with perinatal factors at county/region/central district hospitals. PeriCBD was designed to establish a platform for the investigation of individual differences in brain-mind development associated with perinatal factors among children aged 3-10 years. Ultimately, our goal is to help understand how different adverse perinatal factors specifically impact cognitive development and neurodevelopment. Herein, we provide a systematic overview of the data acquisition/cleaning/quality control/sharing, processes of periCBD.

Spatially Distributed Cytokinins: Metabolism, Signaling, and Transport.

Cytokinins are a type of mobile phytohormone that regulate plant growth, development, and environmental adaptability. The major cytokinin species include isopentenyl adenine (iP), trans-zeatin (tZ), cis-zeatin (cZ), and dihydrozeatin (DZ). The spatial distributions of different cytokinin species in different organelles, cells, tissues, and organs are primarily shaped by biosynthesis via isopentenyltransferases (IPT), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, and 5'-ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase, and by conjugation or catabolism via glycosyltransferase or cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX). Cytokinins bind to histidine receptor kinases (HKs) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or plasma membrane (PM) and relay signals to response regulators (RRs) in the nucleus by shuttle proteins known as histidine phosphotransfer proteins (HPs). The movements of cytokinins from sites of biosynthesis to signal perception sites usually require long-distance, intercellular, and intracellular transport. In the past decade, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, purine permeases (PUP), AZA-GUANINE RESISTANT (AZG) transporters, equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT), and Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) have been characterized as involved in cytokinin transport processes. This review begins by introducing the spatial distributions of various cytokinins and the subcellular localizations of the proteins involved in cytokinin metabolism and signaling. Highlights focus on an inventory of the characterized transporters involved in cytokinin compartmentalization, including long-distance, intercellular, and intracellular transport, and the regulation of spatial distributions of cytokinins by environmental cues. Future directions for cytokinin research are also discussed.

Fine-mapping and validation of the major quantitative trait locus QFlANG-4B for flag leaf angle in wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: This study precisely mapped and validated a quantitative trait locus (QTL) located on chromosome 4B for flag leaf angle in wheat. Flag leaf angle (FLANG) is closely related to crop architecture and yield. We previously identified the quantitative trait locus (QTL) QFLANG-4B for FLANG on chromosome 4B, located within a 14-cM interval flanked by the markers Xbarc20 and Xzyh357, using a mapping population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Nongda3331 (ND3331) and Zang1817. In this study, we fine-mapped QFLANG-4B and validated its associated genetic effect. We developed a BC3F3 population using ND3331 as the recurrent parent through marker-assisted selection, as well as near-isogenic lines (NILs) by selfing BC3F3 plants carrying different heterozygous segments for the QFLANG-4B region. We obtained eight recombinant types for QFLANG-4B, narrowing its location down to a 5.3-Mb region. This region contained 76 predicted genes, 7 of which we considered to be likely candidate genes for QFLANG-4B. Marker and phenotypic analyses of individual plants from the secondary mapping populations and their progeny revealed that the FLANG of the ND3331 allele is significantly higher than that of the Zang1817 allele in multiple environments. These results not only provide a basis for the map-based cloning of QFLANG-4B, but also indicate that QFLANG-4B has great potential for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs designed to improve plant architecture and yield.

Tibial Cortex Transverse Transport Facilitates Severe Diabetic Foot Wound Healing via HIF-1α-Induced Angiogenesis.

Purpose: Management of severe diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remains challenging. Tibial cortex transverse transport (TTT) facilitates healing and limb salvage in patients with recalcitrant DFUs. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown, necessitating the establishment of an animal model and mechanism exploration. Methods: Severe DFUs were induced in rats, then assigned to TTT, sham, or control groups (n=16/group). The TTT group underwent a tibial corticotomy, with 6 days each of medial and lateral transport; the sham group had a corticotomy without transport. Ulcer healing was assessed through Laser Doppler, CT angiography, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Serum HIF-1α, PDGF-BB, SDF-1, and VEGF levels were measured by ELISA. Results: The TTT group showed lower percentages of wound area, higher dermis thickness (all p < 0.001 expect for p = 0.001 for TTT vs Sham at day 6) and percentage of collagen content (all p < 0.001) than the other two groups. The TTT group had higher perfusion and vessel volume in the hindlimb (all p < 0.001). The number of CD31+ cells (all p < 0.001) and VEGFR2+ cells (at day 6, TTT vs Control, p = 0.001, TTT vs Sham, p = 0.006; at day 12, TTT vs Control, p = 0.003, TTT vs Sham, p = 0.01) were higher in the TTT group. The activity of HIF-1α, PDGF-BB, and SDF-1 was increased in the TTT group (all p < 0.001 except for SDF-1 at day 12, TTT vs Sham, p = 0.005). The TTT group had higher levels of HIF-1α, PDGF-BB, SDF-1, and VEGF in serum than the other groups (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: TTT enhanced neovascularization and perfusion at the hindlimb and accelerated healing of the severe DFUs. The underlying mechanism is related to HIF-1α-induced angiogenesis.

Effects of Different Calcium Sources on Mechanical Properties of Metakaolin Geopolymers.

Metakaolin-based geopolymers have substantial potential as replacements for cement, but their relatively inferior mechanical properties restrict their application. This paper aims to enhance the mechanical properties of metakaolin-based geopolymers by incorporating appropriate amounts of calcium sources. CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, and CaSO4 are three types of calcium sources commonly found in nature and are widely present in various industrial wastes. Thus, the effects of these three calcium sources on the performance of metakaolin-based geopolymers were studied. Through the analysis of the mechanical properties, heat-release behavior during hydration, hydration products, and microstructure of geopolymers, the effectiveness of the aforementioned calcium sources in improving the performance of metakaolin-based geopolymer was evaluated, and the mechanisms of action were elucidated. The results indicate that the pozzolanic reaction between CH and MK could promote MK hydration and increase the proportion of CASH gel in the hydration products, thereby facilitating the setting of the geopolymer and enhancing its strength. CS could react with the active aluminates in MK to form ettringite, thus forming a higher early strength. CC had a lower reactivity with MK and does not improve the performance of MK-based geopolymers.