Collective effects of rising average temperatures and heat events on oviparous embryos.

Survival of the immobile embryo in response to rising temperature is important to determine a species' vulnerability to climate change. However, the collective effects of 2 key thermal characteristics associated with climate change (i.e., rising average temperature and acute heat events) on embryonic survival remain largely unexplored. We used empirical measurements and niche modeling to investigate how chronic and acute heat stress independently and collectively influence the embryonic survival of lizards across latitudes. We collected and bred lizards from 5 latitudes and incubated their eggs across a range of temperatures to quantify population-specific responses to chronic and acute heat stress. Using an embryonic development model parameterized with measured embryonic heat tolerances, we further identified a collective impact of embryonic chronic and acute heat tolerances on embryonic survival. We also incorporated embryonic chronic and acute heat tolerance in hybrid species distribution models to determine species' range shifts under climate change. Embryos' tolerance of chronic heat (T-chronic) remained consistent across latitudes, whereas their tolerance of acute heat (T-acute) was higher at high latitudes than at low latitudes. Tolerance of acute heat exerted a more pronounced influence than tolerance of chronic heat. In species distribution models, climate change led to the most significant habitat loss for each population and species in its low-latitude distribution. Consequently, habitat for populations across all latitudes will shift toward high latitudes. Our study also highlights the importance of considering embryonic survival under chronic and acute heat stresses to predict species' vulnerability to climate change.

Efectos colectivos del aumento de las temperaturas promedio y los eventos de calor en embriones ovíparos Resumen La supervivencia de los embriones inmóviles en respuesta al incremento de temperatura es importante para determinar la vulnerabilidad de las especies al cambio climático. Sin embargo, los efectos colectivos de dos características térmicas claves asociadas con el cambio climático (i. e., aumento de temperatura promedio y eventos de calor agudo) sobre la supervivencia embrionaria permanecen en gran parte inexplorados. Utilizamos mediciones empíricas y modelos de nicho para investigar cómo el estrés térmico crónico y agudo influye de forma independiente y colectiva en la supervivencia embrionaria de los lagartos en todas las latitudes. Recolectamos y criamos lagartos de cinco latitudes e incubamos sus huevos en un rango de temperaturas para cuantificar las respuestas específicas de la población al estrés por calor crónico y agudo. Posteriormente, mediante un modelo de desarrollo embrionario parametrizado con mediciones de tolerancia embrionaria al calor, identificamos un impacto colectivo de las tolerancias embrionarias al calor agudo y crónico en la supervivencia embrionaria. También incorporamos la tolerancia embrionaria crónica y aguda al calor en modelos de distribución de especies híbridas para determinar los cambios de distribución de las especies bajo el cambio climático. La tolerancia embrionaria al calor crónico (T­crónico) permaneció constante, mientras que la tolerancia al calor agudo (T­agudo) fue mayor en latitudes altas que en latitudes bajas. La tolerancia al calor agudo ejerció una influencia más pronunciada que la tolerancia al calor crónico. En los modelos de distribución de especies, el cambio climático provocó la pérdida de hábitat más significativa para cada población y especie en su distribución de latitudes bajas. En consecuencia, el hábitat para poblaciones en todas las latitudes se desplazará a latitudes altas. Nuestro estudio también resalta la importancia de considerar la supervivencia embrionaria bajo estrés térmico crónico y agudo para predecir la vulnerabilidad de las especies al cambio climático.

Visualization of the relationship between macrophage and wound healing from the perspective of bibliometric analysis.

Macrophages play a crucial role in aiding all phases of the wound-healing process and has garnered increasing attention recently. Although a substantial body of related studies has been published, there remains a lack of comprehensive bibliometric analysis. In this study, we collected 4296 papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Three tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer and one online analytical platform were employed to conduct bibliometric analysis and data visualization. Our results revealed that the annual number of publications related to macrophage and wound healing has increased exponentially with the year. The United States and China stand as the primary driving forces within this field, collectively constituting 58.2% of the total publication output. The application of biomaterials was one of the most concerned research areas in this field. According to references analysis, the current research focus has shifted to diabetic wound healing and regulating macrophage polarization. Based on the keywords analysis, we identified the following research frontiers in the future: exosomes and other extracellular vesicles; bio-derived materials and drug delivery methods such as nanoparticles, scaffolds and hydrogels; immunomodulation and macrophage polarization in the M2-state; chronic wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes; antimicrobial peptides; and antioxidant. Additionally, TNF, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-ß1 and VEGF ranked as the five genes that have garnered the most research attention in the intersection of macrophage and wound healing. All in all, our findings offered researchers a holistic view of the ongoing progress in the field of macrophages and wound healing, serving as a valuable reference for scholars and policymakers in this domain.

Mapping knowledge structure and themes trends of cancer-associated fibroblasts: a text-mining study.

Introduction: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute an important component of the tumor microenvironment, participating in various facets of cancer advancement and being recognized as contributors to tumor immune evasion. The role of CAFs in various tumor types has attracted increasing attention recently. In this work, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to uncover research trajectories and highlight emerging areas in the field of CAFs. Methods: A systematic search was performed within the Web of Science Core Collection to identify articles/reviews on CAFs published between 2000 and 2023. Leveraging advanced bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and online website, we examined and visualized publication trends, geographic contributions, institutional affiliations, journal prominence, author collaborations, and noteworthy references, keywords, and genes. Results: Our analysis included 5,190 publications, indicating a rapid growth trend in both annual publications and citations related to CAFs. China and the United States emerged as the foremost contributors in terms of publications, funding agencies, and international collaborations. Breast cancer was the most studied tumor, followed by colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. Based on co-occurrence and bursting keywords, we identified the following research topics including immune cells (T cells, B-cells, tumor-associated macrophages), tumor immune microenvironment (antitumor immunity, immune infiltration, immunosuppression), immunotherapy (PD-L1), microRNAs (miRNA), extracellular vesicles (exosome), multiple tumors (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma), antitumor agents (gemcitabine, cisplatin resistance), bioinformatics (pan-cancer), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (stemness), FAPI PET/CT, DNA methylation, etc., may receive sustained attention in the future. Furthermore, TGFB1, IL-6, TNF, TP53, and VEGFA emerged as the top 5 genes that have garnered the greatest research attention in the field of CAFs. The KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted that the top 20 most studied genes were mainly associated with HIF-1 and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Discussion: In sum, our bibliometric analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the research landscape in the field of CAFs. It encompasses the current state, evolving patterns, and prospective avenues of exploration, with special attention to the potential advancements in tumor immune microenvironment.

Inclined angles of acetabular quadrilateral plate: digital measurement and clinical application of the new anatomical concept.

PURPOSE: Matta scoring standard is one of the most frequently used postoperative imaging evaluations for acetabular fracture reduction, but has obvious shortcomings. This study, for the first time, proposed the concept of inclined angles of acetabular quadrilateral plate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the normal range of the inclined angles in adults by digital measurement and explore the feasibility of using them to evaluate the reduction quality of acetabular quadrilateral fractures after surgery. METHODS: Firstly, the pelvic CT three-dimensional reconstruction data of 40 healthy adults including 20 males and 20 females were collected. The normal range of the anterior, middle, and posterior inclined angles were measured via Mimics software. Secondly, a modified Matta criteria that combined the classic Matta criteria and evaluation criteria of the inclined angles was proposed. And we classified modified Matta criteria into three grades including excellent, good and poor. Finally, a total of 125 cases with quadrilateral plate fractures was included and the postoperative CT data were analyzed by using both the classic Matta criteria and our modified Matta criteria. Then, the accuracy and consistency of both criteria to evaluate postoperative hip function was investigated. RESULTS: The average anterior inclined angle: male (97.11° ± 2.59°), female (90.63° ± 2.09°); middle inclined angle: male (105.57° ± 1.93°), female (100.64° ± 2.46°); and posterior inclined angle: male (112.62° ± 2.54), female (106.37° ± 2.53°). Whether in males or in females, the anterior, middle, and posterior inclined angles showed a progressively increasing trend. All the three inclined angles in males were all significantly larger than those in females (p < 0.05). Among 125 cases with quadrilateral plate fractures, 101 cases (80.8%) were graded as excellent, 18 cases (14.4%) as good, and 6 cases (4.8%) as poor according to the classic Matta criteria. While based on modified Matta criteria, there were excellent in 37 cases (29.6%), good in 76 cases (60.8%), and poor in 12 cases (9.6%). According to the Harris hip score system, the functional outcomes were excellent in 59 cases (47.2%), good in 26 cases (20.8%), fair in 24 cases (19.2%), and poor in 16 cases (12.8%). Our results showed that among the cases evaluated as excellent according to the classic Matta criteria and modified Matta criteria, the excellent-to-good rates of hip function were 70.3% and 78.4%, respectively. And among the cases evaluated as poor according to the modified Matta criteria, the fair-to-poor rate of hip function was 75%, while this value was 50% for classic Matta criteria. Both differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inclined angles of the quadrilateral plate could be used to assess the quality of fracture reduction and provide a basis for evaluating the rotational displacement of fracture blocks in the quadrilateral plate, which compensates the shortage of classic Matta criteria.

Effect of modified high-flow oxygen therapy on positive end-expiratory pressure and end-expiratory lung volume based on simulated lung platform.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modified high-flow oxygen therapy on end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in tracheotomized patients with normal pulmonary, acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A ventilator and an artificial lung model were used to simulate the normal or strong inspiratory effort state of normal lung, AHRF and COPD patients. The traditional high-flow respiratory humidification therapy device connected with a standard interface (group A), and the modified therapy device added two types of resistance valves (group B, inner diameter 7.7 mm, length 24.0 mm; group C, inner diameter 7.7 mm, length 34.0 mm) to the exhalation end of the standard interface. The changes of end-expiratory lung volume (ΔEELV) and PEEP with the increase of flow rate (10 L/min, 20 L/min, 30 L/min, 40 L/min, 50 L/min, 60 L/min) in the three groups was recorded. Results: Under simulated conditions of normal lung, AHRF and COPD, as the flow rate increased by using the modified therapy device, the PEEP values in all groups showed an exponential increasing trend, and the ΔEELV also increased accordingly. In addition, under the same flow rate level, the PEEP values of the two modified high-flow oxygen therapies (Group B and Group C) were significantly higher than those of the standard high-flow oxygen therapy (Group A) (p < 0.05). In the normal lung model with normal or strong inspiratory effort, and in the AHRF or COPD model with strong inspiratory effort, when the flow rate was higher than 30 L/min, the PEEP levels of Group B were significantly lower than those of Group C (p < 0.05). In the AHRF model with normal inspiratory effort, when the flow rate was between 10 L/min and 60 L/min, the PEEP levels of Group B were significantly lower than those of Group C (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the COPD model with normal inspiratory effort, the PEEP levels of Group B were significantly lower than that of Group C only when the flow rate was 60 L/min (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of different types of resistance valves to the high-flow exhalation end may be a feasible solution to improve the clinical efficacy of tracheotomized high-flow oxygen therapy.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease combined with rheumatoid arthritis exacerbates liver fibrosis by stimulating co-localization of PTRF and TLR4 in rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a high prevalence in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. To address this, our study established a rat model with both NAFLD and RA by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) and administering intradermal injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) with bovine type II collagen. Collagen-induced RA (CIA) was confirmed by hind paw swelling and histological examination. The histomorphological characteristics of NAFLD were evaluated by Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The development of NAFLD was further evaluated by measuring serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that HFD feeding exacerbated secondary inflammation in CIA rats, whereas FCA/bovine type II collagen injection increased serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, T-CHO, and LPS and exacerbated hepatic fibrosis in both normal and NAFLD rats. Interestingly, NAFLD + CIA significantly promoted the expression of PTRF, a caveolae structure protein involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and affecting downstream signaling of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and PI3K/Akt activation. High resolution confocal microscopy revealed increased PTRF and TLR4 co-localization in hepatic small vessels of NAFLD + CIA rats. AAV9-mediated PTRF knockdown inhibited TLR4 signaling and alleviated hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD + CIA rats. Together, these findings indicate that NAFLD combined with CIA causes synovial injury and enhances non-alcoholic fatty liver fibrosis in rats. PTRF could attenuate the symptoms of NAFLD + CIA likely by affecting TLR4/PTRF co-expression and downstream signaling.

Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates alcoholic-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting polymerase I and transcript release factor and the TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragali Radix (AR), the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, known as Huangqi in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for acute and chronic liver injury. AR was the most important medicine in a Chinese traditional prescription called Huangqi Decoction (HQD), has been used to treat chronic liver diseases since the 11th century. In particular, its major active ingredient, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), has demonstrated promising effects on inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. However, to date, the effect of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains unknown. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the effect and potential molecular mechanisms of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by using network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The potential targets and underling mechanism of AR in alcoholic liver fibrosis were first predicted using network pharmacology, followed by experimental validation using SD rat model with alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Further, the predicted candidate signaling pathways and potential target polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) were combined to explore the multifaceted mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Finally, overexpression of PTRF was explored to reveal the role of PTRF in the mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. RESULT: APS exerted potent anti-hepatic fibrosis effects by downregulating genes involved in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway. Notably, APS treatment ameliorated the hepatic damage by inhibiting the overexpression of PTRF and decreasing the co-localisation of TLR4/PTRF. Overexpression of PTRF induced reversal of the protective effects of APS on alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that APS may alleviate alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of PTRF and TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway, which provides a scientific elucidation for the mechanisms of APS on the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.