Quantitative predictions of protein and total flavonoids content in Tartary and common buckwheat using near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.

A rapid method was developed for determining the total flavonoid and protein content in Tartary buckwheat by employing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and various machine learning algorithms, including partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The RAW-SPA-CV-SVR model exhibited superior predictive accuracy for both Tartary and common buckwheat, with a high coefficient of determination (R2p = 0.9811) and a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP = 0.1071) for flavonoids, outperforming both PLSR and BPNN models. Additionally, the MMN-SPA-PSO-SVR model demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting protein content (R2p = 0.9247, RMSEP = 0.3906), enhancing the effectiveness of the MMN preprocessing technique for preserving the original data distribution. These findings indicate that the proposed methodology could efficiently assess buckwheat adulteration analysis. It can also provide new insights for the development of a promising method for quantifying food adulteration and controlling food quality.

Extracellular vesicles from a novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain suppress inflammation and promote M2 macrophage polarization.

Background: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is known for its probiotic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies have highlighted the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from prokaryotic cells in anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of extracellular vesicles derived from a newly isolated strain of L. plantarum (LP25 strain) and their role in macrophage polarization. Methods: The LP25 strain and its extracellular vesicles were isolated and identified through genomic sequencing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). RAW 264.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or LP25-derived extracellular vesicles (LEV). Morphological changes in the cells were observed, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6)、iNOS and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) 、Arg-1 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Arg-1 in the treated cells. Results: Treatment with LP25 EVs led to significant morphological changes in RAW 264.7 cells exposed to LPS. LP25 EVs treatment resulted in increased expression of Arg-1 and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, and decreased expression of iNOS and surface markers protein CD86. Flow cytometry confirmed the increased expression of the M2 macrophage marker Arg-1 in the LP25 EVs-treated group. Conclusion: Extracellular vesicles from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP25 can suppress inflammatory responses and promote the polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. These findings provide new evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory activity of L. plantarum-derived EVs.

Enhancing Outcome Prediction in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Through Deep Learning: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to employ deep learning techniques to analyze and validate an automatic prognostic biomarker for predicting outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included patients with ICH whose onset-to-imaging time (OIT) was less than 6 h. Patients were randomly divided into training and test sets at a 7:3 ratio. Using the Resnet50 deep learning method, we extracted features from the hematoma and perihematomal edema (PHE) areas and constructed a 90-day prognosis prediction model using logistic regression. To evaluate predictive efficacy and clinical significance, we employed logistic regression to train three models: Clinical, Deep Score, and the combined Clinical-Deep Learning (Merge). RESULTS: Our study comprised 1098 patients (652 male, 446 female), with a mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified age, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), hematoma and PHE volume, and admission GCS score as independent prognostic factors. Additionally, 15 deep learning features were retained through LASSO regression. In the training set, the AUC values for the three models were as follows: Clinical model (0.88), Deep Score (0.91), and Merge model (0.94). In the test set, the Merge model exhibited a significantly higher AUC value than the other models. Calibration curves revealed satisfactory calibration of the Merge model nomogram in both training and test sets. CONCLUSION: Our Merge model nomogram is an objective and effective prognostic tool, offering personalized risk assessments for 90-day functional outcomes in patients with ICH.

Ventral attention network connectivity is linked to cortical maturation and cognitive ability in childhood.

The human brain experiences functional changes through childhood and adolescence, shifting from an organizational framework anchored within sensorimotor and visual regions into one that is balanced through interactions with later-maturing aspects of association cortex. Here, we link this profile of functional reorganization to the development of ventral attention network connectivity across independent datasets. We demonstrate that maturational changes in cortical organization link preferentially to within-network connectivity and heightened degree centrality in the ventral attention network, whereas connectivity within network-linked vertices predicts cognitive ability. This connectivity is associated closely with maturational refinement of cortical organization. Children with low ventral attention network connectivity exhibit adolescent-like topographical profiles, suggesting that attentional systems may be relevant in understanding how brain functions are refined across development. These data suggest a role for attention networks in supporting age-dependent shifts in cortical organization and cognition across childhood and adolescence.

Lower fecal microbiota transplantation ameliorates ulcerative colitis by eliminating oral-derived Fusobacterium nucleatum and virulence factor.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the oral oncobacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), has been linked with ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we aim to investigate whether Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) can alleviate UC by restoring gut microbiota and eliminating oral-derived F. nucleatum and virulence factor fadA. METHOD: C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a healthy control group (HC), Dextran Sulfate Sodium group (DSS), oral inoculation group (OR), upper FMT group (UFMT), and lower FMT group (LFMT). Disease activity index, body weight, survival rate, and histopathological scores were used to measure the severity of colitis. The function of the intestinal mucosal barrier was evaluated by performing immunohistochemical staining of the tight junction protein Occludin. Real-time PCR was used to assess the relative abundance of the nusG gene and the virulence gene fadA. Cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. Full-length sequencing of 16S rRNA was used to analyze the changes and composition of gut microbiota. FINDINGS: Oral incubation of F. nucleatum further exacerbated the severity of colitis and gut dysbiosis. Peptostreptococcaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Escherichia coli were significantly enriched in OR mice. However, LFMT mice showed an obvious decrease in disease activity and were more effective in restoring gut microbiota and eliminating F. nucleatum than UFMT mice. Bacteroidota, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotellaceae were mainly enriched bacteria in LFMT mice. In addition, Genera such as Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, and Bacteroidales were found negative correlation with TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Genera like Romboutsia, Escherichia Shigella, Enterococcus, and Clostridium were found positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Oral incubation of F. nucleatum further exacerbates the severity and dysbiosis in DSS-induced colitis mice. Besides, lower tract FMT can ameliorate colitis by restoring the gut microbiota diversity and eliminating F. nucleatum and virulence factor fadA.

Impact of different processing methods of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. on kidney-yin deficiency: a study based on pharmacodynamics and metabolomics research.

This study aimed to explore the pharmacodynamics and mechanisms of different processing methods of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (LLA) in addressing kidney-yin deficiency (KYD). Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups based on their weight. The KYD model was established by intragastric administration of levothyroxine sodium. Each group was administered the corresponding treatment for 15 consecutive days. The general condition of the rats during the treatment period was observed. In addition, the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and the ratio of cAMP to cGMP in the serum of rats from different groups were measured. Serum samples were analyzed using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Orbitrap Fusion MS technique for metabolomics analysis. Compared with the model group, the general condition of the rats in the wine-steamed L. lucidum group (WL) and salt-steamed L. lucidum group (SSL) groups showed significant improvement. The serum levels of cAMP, cGMP, and the cAMP-to-cGMP ratio tended to return to normal. Metabolic analysis identified 38 relevant biomarkers and revealed 3 major metabolic pathways: phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; phenylalanine metabolism; and sphingolipid metabolism. The different processing methods of LLA demonstrated therapeutic effects on KYD in rats, likely related to the restoration of disturbed metabolism by adjusting the levels of endogenous metabolites in the kidney. The SSL demonstrated significantly superior effects compared with the other four types of LLA processed products.

Genetic switch selectively kills hepatocellular carcinoma cell based on microRNA and tissue-specific promoter.

The clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a heavy burden worldwide. Intracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) commonly express abnormally in cancers, thus they are potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. miR-21 is upregulated in HCC whereas miR-122 is enriched in normal hepatocyte but downregulated in HCC. In our study, we first generated a reporter genetic switch compromising of miR-21 and miR-122 sponges as sensor, green fluorescent protein (GFP) as reporter gene and L7Ae:K-turn as regulatory element. The reporter expression was turned up in miR-21 enriched environment while turned down in miR-122 enriched environment, indicating that the reporter switch is able to respond distinctly to different miRNA environment. Furthermore, an AAT promoter, which is hepatocyte-specific, is applied to increase the specificity to hepatocyte. A killing switch with AAT promoter and an apoptosis-inducing element, Bax, in addition to miR-21 and miR-122 significantly inhibited cell viability in Huh-7 by 70 % and in HepG2 by 60 %. By contrast, cell viability was not affected in five non-HCC cells. Thus, we provide a novel feasible strategy to improve the safety of miRNA-based therapeutic agent to cancer.

Excessive glucocorticoids combined with RANKL promote the differentiation of bone marrow macrophages (BMM) into osteoclasts and accelerate the progression of osteoporosis by activating the SYK/SHP2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The primary objective of this study was to explore the extensive implications and complex molecular interactions arising from the confluence of excessive glucocorticoids and RANKL on the differentiation process of BMM into osteoclasts, profoundly impacting osteoporosis development. The methodology encompassed X-ray analysis and HE staining for evaluating bone loss in mice, while immunohistochemical staining was utilized to observe phosphorylated SHP2 (p-SHP2) expression. The assessment of several phosphorylated and total protein expression levels, including NF-κB, SHP2, SYK, JAK2, TAK1, NFATC1, c-fos, and Cathepsin K, was conducted via Western blotting. Additional experiments, involving CCK8 and monoclonal proliferation assays, were undertaken to determine BMM proliferation capacity. Immunofluorescence staining facilitated the quantification of TRAP fluorescence intensity. In vivo analysis revealed that glucocorticoid surplus triggers SHP2 signaling pathway activation, accelerating osteoporosis progression. Western blot results demonstrated that SHP2 inhibition could decrease the expression of specific proteins such as p-NF-κB and p-SHP2, with minimal effects on p-SYK levels. In vitro findings indicated that glucocorticoid and RANKL interaction activates the SHP2 pathway through NF-κB and SYK pathways, enhancing expressions of p-JAK2, p-TAK1, NFATC1, c-fos, and Cathepsin K, thereby promoting BMM to osteoclast transformation. Conclusion: Excessive glucocorticoids and RANKL interaction advance osteoclast differentiation from BMM by activating the SYK/SHP2/NF-κB signaling pathway, expediting osteoporosis progression.

Effect and mechanism of polyphenols containing m-dihydroxyl structure on 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazole [4, 5-b] pyridine (PhIP) formation in chemical models and roast pork patties.

2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazole [4, 5-b] pyridine (PhIP) is a prevalent heterocyclic amine (HAA) found in heated processed meat. This study investigated the inhibitory impact of eight different types of polyphenols containing m-dihydroxyl structure on PhIP formation through a chemical model system. The structure-activity relationship and potential sites of action of polyphenols containing m-dihydroxyl structure were also analyzed. Then, the mechanism of inhibiting PhIP formation by kaempferol, naringenin and quercetin was speculated by UPLC-MS. Results showed that 8 kinds of polyphenols containing m-dihydroxyl structure had significant (P < 0.05) inhibition on the formation of PhIP in the chemical model system in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, PhIP was most significantly inhibited by naringenin at the same concentration, followed by kaempferol and quercetin (83.27%, 80.81% and 79.26%, respectively). UPLC-MS results speculated that kaempferol, naringenin, and quercetin formed a new admixture via an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction with the intermediate product phenylacetaldehyde, preventing the formation of PhIP.

Utilizing electrospun molecularly imprinted membranes for food industry: Opportunities and challenges.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been widely studied in environmental protection and food industry, owing to their excellent specific recognition and structural stability. However, MIPs prepared by conventional methods suffer from low adsorption capacity and slow mass transfer rate. To date, the combination of electrostatic spinning technology and molecular imprinting technology has been proposed to prepare molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) with specific recognition capability, and has shown great attraction in the separation and detection of food additives, as well as the extraction and release of active ingredients. In recent years, MIPs and electrostatic spinning technologies have been investigated and evaluated. However, there is no review of electrostatically spun MIMs for food field. In this review, we focus on the fabrication methods and applications of electrostatically spun MIMs in the food, discuss the challenges in practical food applications, and emphasize the promising applications of electrostatically spun MIMs in food field.

Research progress on the mechanism of exosome-mediated virus infection.

Exosomes are extracelluar vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and are pivotal in post-transcriptional regulation within cellular gene regulatory networks, impacting pathogen dynamics. These vesicles serve as crucial regulators of immune responses, mediating cellular interactions and enabling the introduction of viral pathogenic regions into host cells. Exosomes released from virus-infected cells harbor diverse microRNAs (miRNAs), which can be transferred to recipient cells, thereby modulating virus infection. This transfer is a critical element in the molecular interplay mediated by exosomes. Additionally, the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) within exosomes plays a vital role in virus infection, with ESCRT components binding to viral proteins to facilitate virus budding. This review elucidates the roles of exosomes and their constituents in the invasion of host cells by viruses, aiming to shed new light on the regulation of viral transmission via exosomes.

Effects of Lactoferrin and Lactobacillus Supplementation on Immune Function, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Microbiota in Kittens.

Immune deficiency is a prevalent issue among kittens, severely threatening their health and development by increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplements containing lactoferrin and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on the immune function, intestinal health, and microbiota composition of kittens. The results demonstrate that these supplements significantly enhance immune responses, with immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increasing by 14.9% and IgG levels by 14.2%. Additionally, there was a notable 28.7% increase in catalase activity, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Gastrointestinal (GI) health improved markedly, evidenced by increased populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which rose from 4.13% to 79.03% over the study period. The DNC group also showed significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including decreases of 13.94% in IL-2, 26.46% in TNF-α, and 19.45% in IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, improvements in physical conditions were observed, including enhanced coat condition and mental status. These findings underline the potential of lactoferrin and L. plantarum as effective dietary interventions to improve kitten health, thereby reducing dependency on antibiotics and mitigating associated risks. This research provides a scientific foundation for optimizing nutritional management practices to enhance the overall vitality of kittens during their critical growth phases.

Identification of differentially expressed genes to predict the risk of heart failure in older patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

AIM: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart disease. Old people with HCM are at high risk of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to evaluate the risk of HF in older patients with HCM. METHODS: GSE89714 and GSE116250 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and DEGs were identified by using limma R package with P < 0.05 and logFC> 1 as cut off. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Genome Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed for the identified DEGs. NetworkAnalyst online tool was applied for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis. RESULTS: We identified 124 overlap DEGs from the 2 datasets. PPI network showed that COL1A1, COL3A1, COL1A2, BGN, COL5A1, LUM, TGFB2, FMOD, ASPN, and COL14A1 were the top ten genes related to HCM and HF compared with control. Functional and pathway analyses showed that the overlap genes were mainly related to ECM-receptor interaction, ECM organization, Focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling, TGF-beta signaling, and Platelet activation signaling and aggregation. Among the overlap genes, COL5A1 and LUM were significantly upregulated, while TGFB2, FMOD, ASPN, and COL14A1 were significantly downregulated in HF dataset compared with HCM dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Bioinformatics-based analysis revealed potential genes associated with HCM and HF, which could be utilized to evaluate the risk of HF in older patients with HCM.

Characteristics of auto-quantified tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and the prognostic value in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction, gastric adenocarcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ) with a specific pathological profile and poor prognosis has limited therapeutic options. Previous studies have found that TILs exhibit distinct characteristics in different tumors and are correlated with tumor prognosis. We established cellular training sets to obtain auto-quantified TILs in pathological images. And we compared the characteristics of TILs in AEGJ with those in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) to gain insight into the unique immune environments of these three tumors and investigate the prognostic value of TILs in these three tumors. METHODS: Utilizing a case-control study design, we analyzed 214 AEGJ, 256 GAC, and 752 ESCC cases. The TCGA dataset was used to validate prognostic value of auto-quantified TILs. The specific cellular training sets were established by experienced pathologists to determine TILs counts. Kruskal-Wallis test and multi-variable linear regression were conducted to explore TILs characteristics. Survival analyses were performed with Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The three cellular training sets of these cancers achieved a classification accuracy of 87.55 at least. The median auto-quantified TILs of AEGJ, GAC, and ESCC cases were 4.82%, 1.92%, and 0.12%, respectively. The TILs demonstrated varied characteristics under distinctive clinicopathological traits. The higher TILs proportion was associated with better prognosis in esophagogastric cancers (all P < 0.05) and was an independent prognostic biomarker on AEGJ in both datasets (Taixing: HR = 0.965, 95% CI = 0.938-0.994; TCGA: HR = 0.811, 95% CI = 0.712-0.925). CONCLUSIONS: We found variations in TILs across ESCC, GAC, and AEGJ, as assessed by image processing algorithms. Additionally, TILs in these three cancers are an independent prognostic factor. This enhances our understanding of the unique immune characteristics of the three tumors, improving patient outcomes.

Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum Enhance Immune Function and Antioxidant Capacity in Cats through Modulation of the Gut Microbiota.

Gastrointestinal (GI) afflictions are prevalent among the feline population, wherein the intricacies of the gut microbiome exert a profound influence on their overall health. Alterations within this microbial consortium can precipitate a cascade of physiological changes, notably in immune function and antioxidant capacity. This research investigated the impact of Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cats' GI health, exploring the effects of probiotic supplementation on the intestinal ecosystem using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in gut barrier function by reducing plasma concentrations of D-lactate (D-LA) by 30.38% and diamine oxidase (DAO) by 22.68%, while increasing the population of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. There was a notable 25% increase in immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, evidenced by increases of 19.13% in catalase (CAT), 23.94% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 21.81% in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Further analysis revealed positive correlations between Lactobacillus abundance and IgA, CAT, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels. These correlations indicate that B. lactis and L. plantarum enhance feline immune and antioxidant functions by increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus in the GI tract. These findings provide a foundation for probiotic interventions aimed at enhancing health and disease resistance in feline populations.

Correlation between clinical characteristics and epicardial adipose tissue features in acute myocarditis patients using coronary computed tomography (CT) vascular imaging: a case-control study with retrospective data collection.

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is unique type of visceral adipose tissue, sharing the same microcirculation with myocardium. This study aimed to assess the imaging features of EAT in patients with acute myocarditis (AM) and explore the relationships with clinical characteristics. Methods: For this retrospective case-control study, totally 38 AM patients and 52 controls were screened retrospectively from January 2019 to December 2022, and the EAT volume was measured from coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography imaging. Histogram analysis was performed to calculate parameters like the mean, standard deviation, interquartile range and percentiles of EAT attenuation. Whether EAT features change was assessed when clinical characteristics including symptoms, T wave abnormalities, pericardial effusion (PE), impairment of systolic function, and the need for intensive care presented. Results: The EAT volume (75.2±22.8 mL) and mean EAT attenuation [-75.8±4.4 Hounsfield units (HU)] of the AM group was significantly larger than the control group (64.7±26.0 mL, P=0.049; -77.9±5.0 HU, P=0.044). Among the clinical characteristics, only the presence of PE was associated with changes in EAT features. Patients with PE showed significantly changes in EAT attenuation including mean attenuation [analysis of variance (ANOVA) P=0.001] and quantitative histogram parameters. The mean attenuation of patients with PE (-71.9±4.0 HU) was significantly larger than controls (-77.9±5.0 HU, Bonferroni corrected P<0.001) and patients without PE (-77.4±3.5 HU, Bonferroni corrected P=0.003). Observed in histogram, the overall increase in EAT attenuation could lead to decrease in EAT volume, which resulted in no statistically significant difference in EAT volume between the AM patients with PE and controls (64.7±26.0 vs. 72.2±28.3 mL, Bonferroni corrected P>0.99). Conclusions: Compared to controls, EAT volume was significantly larger in AM, and EAT attenuation increased notably in the presence of PE. We recommend evaluating EAT volume and attenuation simultaneously when quantifying EAT using CT attenuation thresholds.

Structural variations of a new fertility restorer gene, Rf20, underlie the restoration of wild abortive-type cytoplasmic male sterility in rice.

The discovery of a wild abortive-type (WA) cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line and breeding its restorer line have led to the commercialization of three-line hybrid rice, contributing considerably to global food security. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying fertility abortion and the restoration of CMS-WA lines remain largely elusive. In this study, we cloned a restorer gene, Rf20, following a genome-wide association study analysis of the core parent lines of three-line hybrid rice. We found that Rf20 was present in all core parental lines, but different haplotypes and structural variants of its gene resulted in differences in Rf20 expression levels between sterile and restored lines. Rf20 could restore pollen fertility in the CMS-WA line and was found to be responsible for fertility restoration in some CMS lines under high temperatures. In addition, we found that Rf20 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat protein that competes with WA352 for binding with COX11. This interaction enhances COX11's function as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which in turn restores pollen fertility. Collectively, our study suggests a new action mode for pentatricopeptide repeat proteins in the fertility restoration of CMS lines, providing an essential theoretical basis for breeding robust restorer lines and for overcoming high temperature-induced fertility recovery of some CMS lines.

The early outcomes of two separate anastomosis procedures in deceased kidney transplantation with double arteries: A retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Kidneys with double renal arteries are used on a routine basis nowadays, and separate anastomosis in situ is one of the suitable arterial anastomosis procedures. The commonly used methods are parallel end-to-side anastomoses of double arteries to the external iliac artery, and end-to-end anastomosis to the internal iliac artery combined with end-to-side anastomosis to the external iliac artery. No studies have compared the prognoses of the two procedures in deceased kidney transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 35 consecutive deceased kidney transplantations with double arterial anastomoses in the urology department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from January 2018 to April 2021. Group I comprised recipients with double parallel end-to-side anastomoses to the external iliac artery; Group II comprised the others. Their prognoses were then compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Group I and II in characteristics of recipients and donors. The mean eGFRs at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-transplant in Group I and II were 36.4 vs 54.1 (P = 0.009), 40.4 vs 54.4 (P = 0.02), 40.4 vs 56.9 (P = 0.02) and 39.8 vs 57.9 (P = 0.007) mL/min respectively. There was no difference in early postoperative complications and 1-year survival rates between the two groups (P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Separate anastomosis is a reliable procedure for deceased kidney transplantation with double arteries. Double separate anastomoses to the external and internal iliac arteries have better graft function compared with double parallel anastomoses to the external iliac artery during the first year after transplantation.

Spotlight on necroptosis: Role in pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the leading cause of low back pain, which is one of the major factors leading to disability and severe economic burden. Necroptosis is an important form of programmed cell death (PCD), a highly regulated caspase-independent type of cell death that is regulated by receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-mediated, play a key role in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory, infectious and degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that necroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of IDD. In this review, we provide an overview of the initiation and execution of necroptosis and explore in depth its potential mechanisms of action in IDD. The analysis focuses on the connection between NP cell necroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction-oxidative stress pathway, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Finally, we evaluated the possibility of treating IDD by inhibiting necroptosis, and believed that targeting necroptosis may be a new strategy to alleviate the symptoms of IDD.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate protects vascular relaxation in ApoE-knockout mice by inhibiting the SYK-NLRP3 inflammasome-MMP2/9 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia damages vascular wall and serves as a foundation for diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and stiffness. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is implicated in vascular dysfunction associated with hyperlipidemia-induced vascular injury. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a well-established cardiovascular protective drug with recognized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties, is yet to be thoroughly investigated for its impact on vascular relaxant imbalance induced by hyperlipidemia. METHODS: In this study, we treated ApoE-knockout (ApoE-/-) mouse with STS and assessed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, expression of MMP2/9, integrity of elastic fibers, and vascular constriction and relaxation. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that STS intervention effectively preserves elastic fibers, significantly restores aortic relaxation function in ApoE-/- mice, and reduces their excessive constriction. Furthermore, STS inhibits the phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and reduces MMP2/9 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that STS protects vascular relaxation against hyperlipidemia-induced damage through modulation of the SYK-NLRP3 inflammasome-MMP2/9 pathway. This research provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying vascular relaxation impairment in a hyperlipidemic environment and uncovers a unique mechanism by which STS preserves vascular relaxation, offering valuable foundational research evidence for its clinical application in promoting vascular health.