Singular dielectric nanolaser with atomic-scale field localization.

Compressing the optical field to the atomic scale opens up possibilities for directly observing individual molecules, offering innovative imaging and research tools for both physical and life sciences. However, the diffraction limit imposes a fundamental constraint on how much the optical field can be compressed, based on the achievable photon momentum1,2. In contrast to dielectric structures, plasmonics offer superior field confinement by coupling the light field with the oscillations of free electrons in metals3-6. Nevertheless, plasmonics suffer from inherent ohmic loss, leading to heat generation, increased power consumption and limitations on the coherence time of plasmonic devices7,8. Here we propose and demonstrate singular dielectric nanolasers showing a mode volume that breaks the optical diffraction limit. Derived from Maxwell's equations, we discover that the electric-field singularity sustained in a dielectric bowtie nanoantenna originates from divergence of momentum. The singular dielectric nanolaser is constructed by integrating a dielectric bowtie nanoantenna into the centre of a twisted lattice nanocavity. The synergistic integration surpasses the diffraction limit, enabling the singular dielectric nanolaser to achieve an ultrasmall mode volume of about 0.0005 λ3 (λ, free-space wavelength), along with an exceptionally small feature size at the 1-nanometre scale. To fabricate the required dielectric bowtie nanoantenna with a single-nanometre gap, we develop a two-step process involving etching and atomic deposition. Our research showcases the ability to achieve atomic-scale field localization in laser devices, paving the way for ultra-precise measurements, super-resolution imaging, ultra-efficient computing and communication, and the exploration of light-matter interactions within the realm of extreme optical field localization.

Notes on the Pselaphodes Westwood complex (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) of Hubei, China, with description of a new species and additional faunistic data.

The Pselaphodes Westwood complex of genera is represented in Hubei Province by four genera and eight species. Recent field work at Wanchaoshan Nature Reserve, Xingshan County revealed a small series of material belonging to this complex. In this paper, we describe Pselaphodeswanchaoshanus sp. nov. and provide new faunistic data for P.nomurai Yin, Li & Zhao. A key to the hitherto known members of Pselaphodes complex that occur in Hubei is provided to facilitate ready species identification.

Direct measurements of neurosteroid binding to specific sites on GABAA receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurosteroids are allosteric modulators of GABAA currents, acting through several functional binding sites although their affinity and specificity for each site are unknown. The goal of this study was to measure steady-state binding affinities of various neurosteroids for specific sites on the GABAA receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Two methods were developed to measure neurosteroid binding affinity: (1) quenching of specific tryptophan residues in neurosteroid binding sites by the neurosteroid 17-methylketone group, and (2) FRET between MQ290 (an intrinsically fluorescent neurosteroid) and tryptophan residues in the binding sites. The assays were developed using ELIC-α1GABAAR, a chimeric receptor containing transmembrane domains of the α1-GABAA receptor. Tryptophan mutagenesis was used to identify specific interactions. KEY RESULTS: Allopregnanolone (3α-OH neurosteroid) was shown to bind at intersubunit and intrasubunit sites with equal affinity, whereas epi-allopregnanolone (3ß-OH neurosteroid) binds at the intrasubunit site. MQ290 formed a strong FRET pair with W246, acting as a site-specific probe for the intersubunit site. The affinity and site-specificity of several neurosteroid agonists and inverse agonists was measured using the MQ290 binding assay. The FRET assay distinguishes between competitive and allosteric inhibition of MQ290 binding and demonstrated an allosteric interaction between the two neurosteroid binding sites. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The affinity and specificity of neurosteroid binding to two sites in the ELIC-α1GABAAR were directly measured and an allosteric interaction between the sites was revealed. Adaptation of the MQ290 FRET assay to a plate-reader format will enable screening for high affinity agonists and antagonists for neurosteroid binding sites.

The bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity of co-exposure of per(poly)fluoroalkyl substances and polystyrene microplastics to Eichhornia crassipes.

Gen X and F-53B have been popularized as alternatives to PFOA and PFOS, respectively. These per(poly)fluoroalkyl substances pervasively coexist with microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments. However, there are knowledge gaps regarding their potential eco-environmental risks. In this study, a typical free-floating macrophyte, Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes), was selected for hydroponic simulation of a single exposure to PFOA, PFOS, Gen X, and F-53B, and co-exposure with polystyrene (PS) microspheres. F-53B exhibited the highest bioaccumulation followed by Gen X, PFOA, and PFOS. In the presence of PS MPs, the bioavailabilities of the four PFASs shifted and the whole plant bioconcentration factors improved. All four PFASs induced severe lipid peroxidation, which was exacerbated by PS MPs. The highest integrated biomarker response (IBR) was observed for E. crassipes (IBR of shoot: 30.01, IBR of root: 22.79, and IBR of whole plant: 34.96) co-exposed to PS MPs and F-53B. The effect addition index (EAI) model revealed that PS MPs showed antagonistic toxicity with PFOA and PFOS (EAI < 0) and synergistic toxicity with Gen X and F-53B (EAI > 0). These results are helpful to compare the eco-environmental impacts of legacy and alternative PFASs for renewal process of PFAS consumption and provide toxicological, botanical, and ecoengineering insights under co-contamination with MPs.

Mass Transfer Analysis for Achieving High-Rate Lithium-Air Batteries.

Lithium-air batteries (LABs) have aroused worldwide interest due to their high energy density as a promising next-generation battery technology. From a practical standpoint, one of the most pressing issues currently in LABs is their poor rate performance. Accelerating the mass transfer rate within LABs is a crucial aspect for enhancing their rate capability. In this Perspective, we have meticulously analyzed the ion and oxygen transport processes to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the mass transfer within LABs. Following this, we have discussed potential misconceptions in the existing literature and propose our recommendations for improving the rate performance of LABs. This Perspective provides a deep insight into the mass transfer process in LABs and offers promising strategies for developing other high-rate metal-O2 batteries.

Optimizing the image quality of peripancreatic blood vessels through the clinical application of single-energy spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Background: With the increase of pancreatic tumor patients in recent years, there is an urgent need to find a way to treat pancreatic tumors. Surgery is one of the best methods for the treatment of pancreatic tumors, the success of which depends on the evaluation of peripancreatic vessels before surgery. Computed tomography (CT), as a non-invasive, fast, and economical auxiliary examination method, is undoubtedly one of the best means of clinical auxiliary examination. In this study, we investigated the impact of single-energy spectral CT imaging on the image quality of peripancreatic blood vessels and the clinical value of low-keV imaging in enhancing the image quality of peripancreatic arteriovenous vessels. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 103 patients who underwent abdominal vascular-enhanced CT examinations at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University between December 2022 and May 2023 and who were all scanned with the dual-energy feature on the United Imaging ATLAS scanner. The images were reconstructed at 70 keV, mixed energy, and optimized single energy in the post-processing station of United Imaging Healthcare Technology Co., Ltd. The CT value and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), gastroduodenal artery (GDA), inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA), and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) were compared across energy levels, and then the image quality was subjectively evaluated. One-way analysis of variance and rank-sum tests were utilized for the statistical analysis. Results: The CT values of SMA, GDA, IPDA, and SMV in the optimal single energy group were 358.37±70.24, 323.36±88.23, 300.76±76.27, and 257.74±20.56 Hounsfield unit (HU), respectively, which were superior to those in the mixed energy (241.66±47.69, 235.17±53.71, 207.36±45.17, and 187.39±23.21 HU) and 70 keV groups (260.89±54.27, 252.41±58.87, 223.17±43.65, and 203.18±18.17 HU) (P<0.05). The diagnostic efficacy was greater in the optimal single energy group than in the other 2 groups (4.63±0.50, 3.91±0.57, and 4.23±0.83) (P<0.05). Conclusions: The optimal single energy for showing peripancreatic blood vessels is 62±7 keV when utilizing single-energy spectral CT imaging.

[Foraging habitat selection and foraging activities of Picoides tridactylus during winter and spring in Liangshui National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang, China]. / 凉水国家级自然保护区三趾啄木鸟冬春季节取食生境选择和取食活动特征.

We conducted field surveys on foraging habitat and foraging activities of Picoides tridactylus in Liangshui National Nature Reserve of Heilongjiang Province, China, from April to May and November to December 2022. By using the resource selection function, we analyzed the factors affecting foraging habitat selection of P. tridactylus, compared the differences between foraging habitat selection and foraging activities in winter and spring by chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, and investigated their foraging preference with Bailey's method. The results showed that dominant tree species and dead arbor number were the important factors affecting foraging habitat selection of P. tridactylus. They preferred habitats with a large number of dead arbor and dominant trees, such as Picea asperata and Abies fabri. They preferred trees with a height of 10-20 m and a diameter at breast height of 15-45 cm. In spring, they favored semi-withered arbors and showed random utilization of P. koraiensis. During winter, they preferred dead arbors and avoided choosing P. koraiensis. They preferred to forage on tree trunk, in spring pecking in the middle of the tree for a short duration, and during winter, digging in the upper part of the tree for a long duration. Foraging habitat selection and foraging activities of P. koraiensis showed certain differences between winter and spring.

Association analyses of apolipoprotein E genotypes and cognitive performance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effect of APOEε4 on cognitive function of PD patients remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to understand whether and how carrying APOEε4 affects cognitive performance in patients with early-stage and advanced PD. METHODS: A total of 119 Chinese early-stage PD patients were recruited. Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Hamilton anxiety scale, Hamilton depression scale, non-motor symptoms scale, Mini-mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Fazekas scale were evaluated. APOE genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reactions and direct sequencing. Demographic and clinical information of 521 early-stage and 262 advanced PD patients were obtained from Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI). RESULTS: No significant difference in cognitive performance was found between ApoEε4 carriers and non-carriers in early-stage PD patients from our cohort and PPMI. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Amyloid Beta 42 (Aß42) level was significantly lower in ApoEε4 carrier than non-carriers in early-stage PD patients from PPMI. In advanced PD patients from PPMI, the BJLOT, HVLT retention and SDMT scores seem to be lower in ApoEε4 carriers without reach the statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: APOEε4 carriage does not affect the cognitive performance of early-stage PD patients. However, it may promote the decline of CSF Aß42 level and the associated amyloidopathy, which is likely to further contribute to the cognitive dysfunction of PD patients in the advanced stage.

Differentiation of Cis/trans-geometrical isomers in long-chain unsaturated fatty acids based on ion mobility and theoretical calculations.

In recent years, fatty acids containing conjugated CCs have attracted extensive research attention due to their biological activities against human diseases. However, their differentiation is challenging. This study developed a comprehensive analytical solution to accurately differentiate cis/trans-fatty acid isomers using ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and theoretical calculations. Cis/trans-fatty acids were mobility-differentiated via simple complexation with 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (9C3N) or 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (10C4N) and metal ions, obtaining baseline separation with a peak-to-peak resolution of 0.35-0.92. Moreover, the conformation of the complexes was optimized theoretically, revealing different binding modes between the cis/trans-fatty acid-9C3N/10C4N-metal ion systems, yielding in-depth structural data on the complexes and elucidating the principles of mobility separation. Furthermore, the proposed method was assessed in terms of quantification, accuracy, and precision repeatability. Finally, the method was applied to analyze oil samples. Given its simplicity, speed, and lack of chemical derivatization or chromatographic separation, this technique has potential applications in food analysis.

Bis-piperidine alkaloids from the peels of Areca catechu.

Four new alkaloids, arecatines A-D (1-4), were isolated from the peels of Areca catechu. Compound 1 is an unusual piperidine-pyridine hybrid alkaloid, whereas compounds 2-4 feature bis-piperidine alkaloids. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR spectra analysis. The molecular docking analysis indicated that compound 3 exhibited the best binding affinity with the GABAA receptor, indicating its potential anti-epilepsy activity.

Intergenerational or intragenerational learning? The relationship between interpersonal neural synchrony and older adult's learning acquisition.

OBJECTIVES: Lifelong learning facilitates active ageing, and intragenerational learning-the process by which older adults learn from their peers-is an effective means of achieving this goal. The present research aims to elucidate the mechanisms and differences between intergenerational and intragenerational learning models for older adults as evidenced by brain-to-brain synchrony. METHODS: Fifty-six instructor-learner dyads completed a study comparing intergenerational and intragenerational learning models, as well as task difficulty. The study utilized a block puzzle task and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for hyperscanning. RESULTS: The instructor-learner dyads showed greater interpersonal neural synchrony (INS) and learning acquisition in the intragenerational learning model in the difficult task condition (t (54) = 3.49, p < 0.01), whereas the two learning models yielded similar results in the easy condition (t (54) = 1.96, p = 0.06). In addition, INS and self-efficacy mediated the association between learning models and learning acquisition in older adults (b = 0.14, SEM = 0.04, 95 % CI [0.01 0.16]). DISCUSSION: This study is the first to provide evidence of interbrain synchrony in an investigation of the intragenerational learning model in older adults. Our findings suggest that intra-learning is as effective as traditional inter-learning and may be more effective in certain contexts, such as difficult tasks. Encouraging intra-learning in community service or educational activities can effectively mitigate the challenge of limited volunteers and enhance learning acquisition among older adults.

Primary Epithelioid Angiosarcoma of the Submandibular Gland-A Case Report with Histology-Cytology Correlation and Comprehensive Molecular Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcoma is a sarcoma that occurs in a range of tissue types, and only rarely in the salivary glands, showing a predilection for the parotid glands of older patients. Preoperative diagnosis may be challenging, especially on cytology, with significant morphological overlap with high-grade primary salivary gland carcinomas. The molecular alterations of this rare salivary gland neoplasm are also not well-characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present a case of right submandibular gland swelling in a 73-year-old male. On fine needle aspiration, including immunohistochemical stains on cell block, the tumor was initially diagnosed as poorly differentiated carcinoma. Resection of the submandibular gland revealed epithelioid angiosarcoma. We performed molecular work-up of the tumor, utilizing targeted next-generation sequencing, DNA methylation profiling and fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Histopathologic assessment revealed an infiltrative tumor comprising solid sheets of epithelioid cells. The tumor cells formed haphazardly anastomosing vascular channels with intracytoplasmic lumina containing red blood cells. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for CD31, CD34 and ERG. Approximately 40% of the tumor cells showed nuclear expression of GATA3. A pathogenic TP53 R267W mutation was detected on next-generation sequencing. DNA methylation analysis did not cluster the tumor with any known sarcoma type. Copy number analysis showed possible MYC amplification and CDKN2A losses, although only the latter was confirmed on fluorescence in-situ hybridization. CONCLUSION: Epithelioid angiosarcoma is an important differential diagnosis to high-grade salivary gland carcinoma. In particular, GATA3 expression may be encountered in both angiosarcoma and high-grade salivary gland carcinomas and cause diagnostic confusion. Identification of TP53 mutations and CDKN2A losses suggest shared oncogenic pathways with soft tissue angiosarcomas, and should be further investigated.

Morphological and molecular data reveal Cerrenacaulinicystidiata sp. nov. and Polyporusminutissimus sp. nov. in Polyporales from Asia.

Two new species of Polyporales, Cerrenacaulinicystidiata and Polyporusminutissimus, are illustrated and described on the basis of morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses from southern China and Vietnam. C.caulinicystidiata is characterized by annual, resupinate, sometimes effused-reflexed basidiocarps, greyish orange to brownish orange pore surface, irregular pores (3-8 per mm), a trimitic hyphal system, pyriform to ventricose cystidia, and subglobose basidiospores 3.2-4.5 × 2.8-3.5 µm in size. P.minutissimus is characterized by annual, solitary, fan-shaped with a depressed center or infundibuliform basidiocarps, obvious black stipe, cream to buff yellow pileal surface with glabrous, occasionally zonate and radially aligned stripes, angular pores (6-9 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and cylindrical basidiospores, 5-9.2 × 2.2-4 µm. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are provided. The differences between the two new species and their morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed.

[Optimized nutrients management improved citrus yield and fruit quality in China: A meta-analysis]. / å »åˆ†ä¼˜åŒ–ç®¡ç†æé«˜æˆ‘å›½æŸ‘æ©˜äº§é‡å’Œå“è´¨çš„æ•´åˆåˆ†æž.

Clarifying current situation of farmers' fertilization and yield in citrus producing areas and the effects of different fertilization measures can provide a scientific basis for improving the yield and quality of citrus in China. We retrieved 92 literatures on citrus fertilization from the CNKI and Web of Science to examine the impacts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P or P2O5), and potassium (K or K2O) fertilizer dosage and partial productivity under farmers' conventional fertilization and experts' optimized fertilization, as well as the effects of optimized fertilization measures on citrus yield and quality by using meta-analysis approach. The average conventional application rates of N, P2O5, and K2O were 507.3, 262.2, and 369.3 kg·hm-2 in citrus production in China. Compared with conventional fertilization, optimized fertilization resulted in a reduction of N and P2O5 by 14.7% and 8.3%, an increase in K2O application by 6.6%, which promoted partial productivity of N, P2O5, and K2O fertilizers by 7.8%, 18.4%, and 14.7%, correspondingly. The optimized fertilization resulted in 11.9% and 2.8% increase in fruit yield and single fruit weight, while improved vitamin C content (Vc, 3.1%), total soluble solids (TSS, 5.9%) and total sugar content (TSC, 8.6%). Additionally, it also led to a reduction in titratable acid (TA, -3.4%) and total acid content (TAC, -3.6%), and consequently elevated the TSS/TA (14.0%) and TSC/TAC (9.5%). Among different optimized fertilization methods, the effect of optimized NPK + medium and/or micro element fertilizer on citrus yield and fruit quality was the best, especially NPK decrement ≤25% between optimized NPK measures. The effect of conventional NPK + organic fertilizer was higher than conventional NPK + medium and/or micro element fertilizer. However, different citrus varieties, including mandarins, pomelos, and oranges, showed different responses to optimized fertilization. Optimized fertilization management could synergistically improve citrus yield, fertilizer use efficiency, and fruit quality. Therefore, the strategy of integrated nutrient management1 with reducing NPK fertilizer, balancing medium and/or micro nutrient fertilizer and improving soil fertility by organic fertilizer should be adopted according to local conditions in citrus producing areas of China.

High expression levels of centromere protein O participates in cell proliferation of human ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, with a high mortality rate ranking first among gynecological tumors. Currently, there is insufficient understanding of the causes, pathogenesis, recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer, and early diagnosis and treatment still face great challenges. The sensitivity and specificity of existing ovarian cancer screening methods are still unsatisfactory. Centromere protein O (CENP-O) is a recently discovered structural centromere protein that is involved in cell death and is essential for spindle assembly, chromosome separation, and checkpoint signaling during mitosis. The abnormal high expression of CENP-O was detected in various tumors such as bladder cancer and gastric cancer, and it participates in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation. In this study, we detect the expression abundance of CENP-O mRNA in different ovarian cancer cells ( ES-2, A2780, Caov-3, OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3). The biological function changes of cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected and the role of CENP-O in ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis was explored by knocking down the expression of CENP-O gene. The results showed that CENP-O gene was significantly expressed in 5 types of ovarian cancer cell lines. After knocking down the CENP-O gene, the proliferation and cloning ability of ovarian cancer cells decreased, and the apoptosis increased. This study indicates that CENP-O has the potential to be a molecular therapeutic target, and downregulating the expression of CENP-O gene can break the unlimited proliferation ability of cancer cells and promote their apoptosis, providing a foundation and new ideas for subsequent molecular mechanism research and targeted therapy.

XBAT31 regulates reproductive thermotolerance through controlling the accumulation of HSFB2a/B2b under heat stress conditions.

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play a crucial role in heat stress tolerance in vegetative tissues. However, their involvement in reproductive tissues and their post-translational modifications are not well understood. In this study, we identify the E3 ligase XB3 ORTHOLOG 1 IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (XBAT31) as a key player in the ubiquitination and degradation of HSFB2a/B2b. Our results show that the xbat31 mutant exhibits a higher percentage of unfertile siliques and decreased expression of HSPs in flowers under heat stress conditions compared to the wild type. Conversely, the hsfb2a hsfb2b double mutant displays improved reproductive thermotolerance. We find that XBAT31 interacts with HSFB2a/B2b and mediates their ubiquitination. Furthermore, HSFB2a/B2b ubiquitination is reduced in the xbat31-1 mutant, resulting in higher accumulation of HSFB2a/B2b in flowers under heat stress conditions. Overexpression of HSFB2a or HSFB2b leads to an increase in unfertile siliques under heat stress conditions. Thus, our results dissect the important role of the XBAT31-HSFB2a/B2b module in conferring reproductive thermotolerance in plants.

The impact of previous abdominal surgery on colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

The current study aimed to investigate whether previous abdominal surgery (PAS) could affect the outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. We conducted the search strategy in three databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) from inception to May 26, 2022. The short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between the PAS group and the non-PAS group. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled up. Stata (V.16.0) software was used for data analysis. We included 34,827 patients from 14 studies in the current study. After pooling up all the data, we found that there were higher proportions of overall complications (OR = 1.12, I2 = 4.65%, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.23, P = 0.01), ileus (OR = 1.96, I2 = 59.74%, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.44, P = 0.02) and mortality (OR = 1.26, I2 = 0.00%, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.42, P = 0.00) in the PAS group than the non-PAS group. Patients with a history of PAS had higher risks of overall complications and death following CRC surgery. However, it did not appear to significantly affect the short-term outcomes apart from ileus. Surgeons should raise awareness of patients with a history of PAS, and take steps to reduce postoperative complications and mortality.

Fasudil alleviates alcohol-induced cognitive deficits and hippocampal morphology injury partly by altering the assembly of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules.

Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) manifests predominantly as cognitive impairment and brain atrophy with the hippocampus showing particular vulnerability. Fasudil, a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, has established neuroprotective properties; however, its impact on alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal structural damage remains unelucidated. This study probes Fasudil's neuroprotective potential and identifies its mechanism of action in an in vivo context. Male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to 30% (v/v, 6.0 g/kg) ethanol by intragastric administration for four weeks. Concurrently, these mice received a co-treatment with Fasudil through intraperitoneal injections at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day. Fasudil was found to mitigate alcohol-induced spatial and recognition memory deficits, which were quantified using Y maze, Morris water maze, and novel object recognition tests. Concurrently, Fasudil attenuated hippocampal structural damage prompted by chronic alcohol exposure. Notably, Fasudil moderated alcohol-induced disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules-mechanisms central to the maintenance of hippocampal synaptic integrity. Collectively, our findings indicate that Fasudil partially reverses alcohol-induced cognitive and morphological detriments by modulating cytoskeletal dynamics, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies for ARBD.

A role for curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal models. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on studies published from establishment to November 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases. The methodological quality was assessed using Sycle's RoB tool. An analysis of sensitivity and subgroups were performed when high heterogeneity was observed. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results: This meta-analysis included 24 studies involving 440 animals with methodological quality scores ranging from 4 to 6. The results demonstrated that curcumin treatment significantly improved Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [standard mean difference (SMD) = -3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-4.96, -2.83), p < 0.01, I2 = 85.9%], Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)[SMD = - 4.40, 95% CI (-5.40, -3.40), p < 0.01, I2 = 81.2%]. Sensitivity analysis of AST and ALT confirmed the stability and reliability of the results obtained. However, the funnel plot exhibited asymmetry. Subgroup analysis based on species and animal models revealed statistically significant differences among subgroups. Furthermore, curcumin therapy improved fibrosis degree, oxidative stress level, inflammation level, and liver synthesis function in animal models of liver fibrosis. Conclusion: Curcumin intervention not only mitigates liver fibrosis but also enhances liver function, while concurrently modulating inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in animal models. This result provided a strong basis for further large-scale animal studies as well as clinical trials in humans in the future. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024502671.

Long-term efficacy, safety and biocompatibility of a novel sirolimus eluting iron bioresorbable scaffold in a porcine model.

Iron is considered as an attractive alternative material for bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS). The sirolimus eluting iron bioresorbable scaffold (IBS), developed by Biotyx Medical (Shenzhen, China), is the only iron-based BRS with an ultrathin-wall design. The study aims to investigate the long-term efficacy, safety, biocompatibility, and lumen changes during the biodegradation process of the IBS in a porcine model. A total of 90 IBSs and 70 cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents (EES) were randomly implanted into nonatherosclerotic coronary artery of healthy mini swine. The multimodality assessments including coronary angiography, optical coherence tomography, micro-computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathological evaluations, were performed at different time points. There was no statistical difference in area stenosis between IBS group and EES group at 6 months, 1year, 2 years and 5 years. Although the scaffolded vessels narrowed at 9 months, expansive remodeling with increased mean lumen area was found at 3 and 5 years. The IBS struts remained intact at 6 months, and the corrosion was detectable at 9 months. At 5 years, the iron struts were completely degraded and absorbed in situ, without in-scaffold restenosis or thrombosis, lumen collapse, aneurysm formation, and chronic inflammation. No local or systemic toxicity and abnormal histopathologic manifestation were found in all experiments. Results from real-time PCR indicated that no sign of iron overload was reported in scaffolded segments. Therefore, the IBS shows comparable efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility with EES, and late lumen enlargement is considered as a unique feature in the IBS-implanted vessels.