Omics-based investigation on mechanisms controlling cellular internalization of keratin monomers during biodegradation by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia DHHJ.

INTRODUCTION: The global poultry industry produces millions of tons of waste feathers every year, which can be degraded to make feed, fertilizer, and daily chemicals. However, feather degradation is a complex process that is not yet fully understood. This results in low degradation efficiency and difficulty in industrial applications. Omics-driven system biology research offers an effective solution to quickly and comprehensively understand the molecules and mechanisms involved in a metabolic pathway. METHODS: In the early stage of this process, feathers are hydrolyzed into water-soluble keratin monomers. In this study, we used high-throughput RNA-seq technology to analyze the genes involved in the internalization and degradation of keratin monomers in S. maltophilia DHHJ strain cells. Moreover, we used Co-IP with LC-MS/MS technology to search for proteins that interact with recombinant keratin monomers. RESULTS: We discovered TonB transports and molecular chaperones associating with the keratin monomer, which may play a crucial role in the transmembrane transport of keratin. Meanwhile, multiple proteases belonging to distinct families were identified as binding partners of keratin monomers, among which ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+) family proteases are overrepresented. Four genes, including JJL50_15620, JJL50_17955 (TonB-dependent receptors), JJL50_03260 (ABC transporter ATP-binding protein), and JJL50_20035 (ABC transporter substrate-binding protein), were selected as representatives for determining their expressions under different culture conditions using qRT-PCR and they were found to be upregulated in response to keratin degradation consistent with the data from RNA-seq and Co-IP. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the complexity of keratin biodegradation in S. maltophilia DHHJ, in which multiple pathways are involved such as protein folding, protein transport, and several protease systems. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of feather degradation.

Interaction between visual working memory and upright postural control in young adults: an event-related potential study based on the n-back paradigm.

As a part of the overall information-processing system of the brain, postural control is related to the cognitive processes of working memory. Previous studies have suggested that cognitive tasks and postural control processes can compete for resources in common brain areas, although there is an "inverted U" relationship between arousal level and behavioral control - the arousal level of individuals changes when performing cognitive tasks. However, the exact neural connections between the two are unclear. This may be related to the nature of cognitive tasks. Some studies believe that posture occupies not only spatial information processing resources but also visual non-spatial information processing resources. Other studies believe that posture control only occupies spatial information processing resources in the central system, but does not occupy non-spatial information processing resources. Previous studies used different cognitive task materials and reached different conclusions. In this study, we used the same visuospatial and non-spatial materials, the n-back visual working memory paradigm, the event-related potential technique to investigate the effects of visuospatial and non-spatial working memory tasks on adolescents' postural control under different cognitive loads. The results of this study showed that in both visuospatial and non-spatial conditions, the N1 effect of the parieto-occipital lobe was larger during upright posture than in the sitting position (160-180 ms), the P300 effect of the central parieto-occipital region (280-460 ms) was induced by working memory in different postures, and the P300 wave amplitude was higher in the sitting position than in the upright position. We demonstrated that upright postural control enhances early selective attention but interferes with central memory encoding, thus confirming that postural control and visuospatial and non-spatial working memory share brain regions and compete with each other.

Associations between individual and mixed urinary metal exposure and dyslipidemia among Chinese adults: Data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort Study.

The prevalence of dyslipidemia is increasing, and it has become a significant global public health concern. Some studies have demonstrated contradictory relationships between urinary metals and dyslipidemia, and the combined effects of mixed urinary metal exposure on dyslipidemia remain ambiguous. In this study, we examined how individual and combined urinary metal exposure are associated with the occurrence of dyslipidemia. According to the data from the 2018-2019 baseline survey database of the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) Study, a population of 9348 individuals was studied. Inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure 21 urinary metal concentrations in the collected adult urinary samples. The associations between urinary metals and dyslipidemia were analyzed by logistic regression, weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), and quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp), controlled for potential confounders to examine single and combined effects. Dyslipidemia was detected in 3231 individuals, which represented approximately 34.6 % of the total population. According to the single-exposure model, Al and Na were inversely associated with the risk of dyslipidemia (OR = 0.95, 95 % CI: 0.93, 0.98; OR = 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.83, 0.95, respectively), whereas Zn, Ca, and P were positively associated (OR = 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.42, 2.01; OR = 1.12, 95 % CI: 1.06, 1.18; OR = 1.21, 95 % CI: 1.09, 1.34, respectively). Moreover, Zn and P were significantly positively associated even after adjusting for these metals, whereas Al and Cr were negatively associated with the risk of dyslipidemia. The results of the WQS and qgcomp analyses showed that urinary metal mixtures were positively associated with the risk of dyslipidemia (OR = 1.26, 95 % CI: 1.15, 1.38; OR = 1.09, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.19). This positive association was primarily driven by Zn, P, and Ca. In the sensitivity analyses with collinearity diagnosis, interaction, and stratified analysis, the results remained, confirming the reliability of the study findings. In this study, the individual and combined effects of urinary Zn, P, and Ca on dyslipidemia were determined, which provided novel insights into the link between exposure to metals and dyslipidemia.

Thoracoscopic pulmonary resection combined with real-time image-guided percutaneous ablation for multiple pulmonary nodules: a novel surgical approach and literature review.

Background: Due to the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) screening and advances in diagnostic techniques, an increasing number of patients with multiple pulmonary nodules are being detected and pathologically diagnosed as synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (sMPLC). It has become a new challenge to treat multiple pulmonary nodules and obtain a favorable prognosis while minimizing the perioperative risk for patients. The purpose of this study was to summarize the preliminary experience with a hybrid surgery combining pulmonary resection and ablation for the treatment of sMPLC and to discuss the feasibility of this novel procedure with a literature review. Methods: This is a retrospective non-randomized controlled study. From January 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, four patients underwent hybrid surgery combining thoracoscopic pulmonary resection and percutaneous pulmonary ablation for multiple pulmonary nodules. Patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively and the last follow-up was on November 30, 2023. Clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes, pulmonary function recovery and oncologic prognosis were recorded. Meanwhile we did a literature review of studies on hybridized pulmonary surgery for the treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules. Results: All the four patients were female, aged 52 to 70 years, and had no severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction on preoperative examination. Hybrid surgery of simultaneous pulmonary resection and ablation were performed in these patients to treat 2 to 4 pulmonary nodules, assisted by intraoperative real-time guide of C-arm X-ray machine. The operation time was from 155 to 240 minutes, and intraoperative blood loss was from 50 to 200 mL. Postoperative hospital stay was 2 to 7 days, thoracic drainage duration was 2 to 6 days, and pleural drainage volume was 300-1,770 mL. One patient presented with a bronchopleural fistula due to pulmonary ablation; the fistula was identified and sutured during thoracoscopic surgery and the patient recovered well. No postoperative 90-day complications occurred. After 3 months postoperatively, performance status scores for these patients recovered to 80 to 100. No tumor recurrence or metastasis was detected during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Hybrid procedures combining minimally invasive pulmonary resection with ablation are particularly suitable for the simultaneous treatment of sMPLC. Patients had less loss of pulmonary function, fewer perioperative complications, and favorable oncologic prognosis. Hybrid surgery is expected to be a better treatment option for patients with sMPLC.

[Discussion on reference sample research of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations developed from catalogued ancient classical prescriptions].

The concept of reference sample was put forward in the Guidance on CMC of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Preparations Developed from Catalogued Ancient Classical Prescriptions(Interim). The research on reference sample is a key link in the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound prescriptions from catalogued ancient classical prescriptions(known as Category 3.1 TCM). This paper discusses the content of research on reference sample by analyzing the characteristics of Category 3.1 TCM and the purpose of research on reference sample. Furthermore, suggestions on the research of reference sample are proposed according to the development and evaluation practice of Category 3.1 TCM and research achievements of TCM regulatory science, aiming to provide reference for colleagues in this industry.

Pulmonary embolism in patients with chronic coronary syndrome masquerading as acute coronary syndrome: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) exhibit clinical features similar to those of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including electrocardiographic abnormalities and elevated troponin levels, which frequently lead to misdiagnoses in emergency situations. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a case of PE coinciding with chronic coronary syndrome in which the patient's condition was obscured by symptoms mimicking ACS. A 68-year-old female with syncope presented to the hospital. Upon admission, she was found to have elevated troponin levels and an electrocardiogram showing ST-segment changes across multiple leads, which initially led to a diagnosis of ACS. Emergency coronary arteriography revealed occlusion of the posterior branches of the left ventricle of the right coronary artery, but based on the complexity of the intervention, the occlusion was considered chronic rather than acute. On the 3rd day after admission, the patient experienced recurrent chest tightness and shortness of breath, which was confirmed as acute PE by emergency computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Following standardized anticoagulation treatment, the patient improved and was subsequently discharged. CONCLUSIONS: This case report highlights the importance of recognizing the nonspecific features of PE. Clinicians should be vigilant when identifying other clinical features that are difficult to explain accompanying the expected disease, and it is necessary to carefully identify the causes to prevent missed diagnoses or misdiagnoses.

Proteomics and its application in the research of acupuncture: An updated review.

As a complementary and alternative therapy, acupuncture is widely used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, the understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture effects is still limited due to the lack of systematic biological validation. Notably, proteomics technologies in the field of acupuncture are rapidly evolving, and these advances are greatly contributing to the research of acupuncture. In this study, we review the progress of proteomics research in analyzing the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for neurological disorders, pain, circulatory disorders, digestive disorders, and other diseases, with an in-depth discussion around acupoint prescription and acupuncture manipulation modalities. The study found that proteomics has great potential in understanding the mechanisms of acupuncture. This study will help explore the mechanisms of acupuncture from a proteomic perspective and provide information to support future clinical decisions.

Opportunistic use of chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging for low bone mineral density and osteoporosis screening: cutoff thresholds for the attenuation values of the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae.

Background: Osteoporosis remains substantially underdiagnosed and undertreated worldwide. Chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may provide a valuable and popular opportunity for osteoporosis screening. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of the screening of low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis with mean attenuation values of the lower thoracic compared to upper lumbar vertebrae. The cutoff thresholds of the mean attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) were derived to facilitate implementation of opportunistic screening using chest LDCT. Methods: The participants aged 30 years or older who underwent chest LDCT and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) examinations from August 2018 to October 2020 in our hospital were consecutively included in this retrospective study. A region of interest (ROI) was placed in the trabecular bone of each vertebral body to measure the HU values. The correlations of mean HU values of lower thoracic (T11-T12) and upper lumbar (L1-L2) vertebrae with age and lumbar BMD obtained with QCT were performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to determine the cutoff thresholds for distinguishing low BMD from normal and osteoporosis from non-osteoporosis. Results: A total of 1,112 participants were included in the final study cohort (743 men and 369 women, mean age 58.2±8.9 years; range, 32-88 years). The mean HU values of T11-T12 and L1-L2 were significantly different among 3 QCT-defined BMD categories of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal (P<0.001). The differences in HU values between T11-T12 and L1-L2 in each category of bone status were statistically significant (P<0.001). The mean HU values of T11-T12 (r=-0.453, P<0.001) and L1-L2 (r=-0.498, P<0.001) had negative correlations with age. Positive correlations were observed between the mean HU values of T11-T12 (r=0.872, P<0.001) and L1-L2 (r=0.899, P<0.001) with BMD. The optimal cutoff thresholds for distinguishing low BMD from normal were average T11-T12 ≤157 HU [AUC =0.941, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.925-0.954, P<0.001] and L1-L2 ≤138 HU (AUC =0.950, 95% CI: 0.935-0.962, P<0.001), as well as distinguishing osteoporosis from non-osteoporosis were average T11-T12 ≤125 HU (AUC =0.960, 95% CI: 0.947-0.971, P<0.001) and L1-L2 ≤107 HU (AUC =0.961, 95% CI: 0.948-0.972, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the AUC values of T11-T12 and L1-L2 for low BMD (P=0.07) and osteoporosis (P=0.92) screening. Conclusions: We have conducted a study on low BMD and osteoporosis screening using mean attenuation values of lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae. Assessment of mean attenuation values of T11-T12 and L1-L2 can be used interchangeably for low BMD and osteoporosis screening using chest LDCT, and their cutoff thresholds were established.

Towards long-tailed, multi-label disease classification from chest X-ray: Overview of the CXR-LT challenge.

Many real-world image recognition problems, such as diagnostic medical imaging exams, are "long-tailed" - there are a few common findings followed by many more relatively rare conditions. In chest radiography, diagnosis is both a long-tailed and multi-label problem, as patients often present with multiple findings simultaneously. While researchers have begun to study the problem of long-tailed learning in medical image recognition, few have studied the interaction of label imbalance and label co-occurrence posed by long-tailed, multi-label disease classification. To engage with the research community on this emerging topic, we conducted an open challenge, CXR-LT, on long-tailed, multi-label thorax disease classification from chest X-rays (CXRs). We publicly release a large-scale benchmark dataset of over 350,000 CXRs, each labeled with at least one of 26 clinical findings following a long-tailed distribution. We synthesize common themes of top-performing solutions, providing practical recommendations for long-tailed, multi-label medical image classification. Finally, we use these insights to propose a path forward involving vision-language foundation models for few- and zero-shot disease classification.

Highly Stable Cesium Molybdenum Chloride Perovskite Nanocrystals for Photothermal Semihydrogenation Applications.

Metal halide perovskite materials with excellent carrier transport properties have been regarded as a new class of catalysts with great application potential. However, their development is hampered by their instability in polar solvents and high temperatures. Herein, we report a solution-processed Cs2MoCl6 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) capped with the Mo6+, showing high thermostability in polar solvents. Furthermore, the Pd single atoms (PdSA) can be anchored on the surface of Cs2MoCl6 NCs through the unique coordination structure of Pd-Cl sites, which exhibit excellent semihydrogenation of different alkyne derivatives with high selectivity at full conversion at room temperature. Moreover, the activity could be improved greatly under Xe lamp irradiation. Detailed experimental characterization and DFT calculations indicate the improved activity under light illumination is due to the synergistic effect of photo-to-heat conversion and photoinduced electron transfer from Cs2MoCl6 to PdSA, which facilitates the activation of the C≡C group. This work not only provides a new catalyst for high selective semihydrogenation of alkyne derivatives but also opens a new avenue for metal halides as photothermal catalysts.

Spatial and functional targeting of intratumoral Tregs reverses CD8+ T cell exhaustion and promotes cancer immunotherapy.

Intratumoral Tregs are key mediators of cancer immunotherapy resistance, including anti-programmed cell death (ligand) 1 [anti-PD-(L)1] immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The mechanisms driving Treg infiltration into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the consequence on CD8+ T cell exhaustion remain elusive. Here, we report that heat shock protein gp96 (also known as GRP94) was indispensable for Treg tumor infiltration, primarily through the roles of gp96 in chaperoning integrins. Among various gp96-dependent integrins, we found that only LFA-1 (αL integrin), and not αV, CD103 (αE), or ß7 integrin, was required for Treg tumor homing. Loss of Treg infiltration into the TME by genetic deletion of gp96/LFA-1 potently induced rejection of tumors in multiple ICB-resistant murine cancer models in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner, without loss of self-tolerance. Moreover, gp96 deletion impeded Treg activation primarily by suppressing IL-2/STAT5 signaling, which also contributed to tumor regression. By competing for intratumoral IL-2, Tregs prevented the activation of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, drove thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) induction, and induced bona fide CD8+ T cell exhaustion. By contrast, Treg ablation led to striking CD8+ T cell activation without TOX induction, demonstrating clear uncoupling of the 2 processes. Our study reveals that the gp96/LFA-1 axis plays a fundamental role in Treg biology and suggests that Treg-specific gp96/LFA-1 targeting represents a valuable strategy for cancer immunotherapy without inflicting autoinflammatory conditions.

Carexqingyuanensis (Cyperaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China.

Carexqingyuanensis, a new species of Cyperaceae from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Carexpeliosanthifolia F. T. Wang & Tang ex P. C. Li, but it can be distinguished by the racemose inflorescence branches appearing single (rarely binate or ternate) (vs. binate or ternate), one (rarely two or three) (vs. 1-3) spiked, male part of linear-cylindrical spikes much longer than the female part (vs. just male part short-cylindrical and slightly longer than female part), style base thickened (vs. not thickened) and perigynium horizontally patent with a short (vs. long and excurved) beak. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the two nuclear DNA regions (ETS 1f and ITS) and three chloroplast DNA regions (matK, ndhF and rps16), suggests that the new species belongs to sect. Siderostictaes.s. of subg. Siderosticta and shows a closer phylogenetic relationship to Carexscaposa C. B. Clarke.

Objectivization study of acupuncture Deqi and brain modulation mechanisms: a review.

Deqi is an important prerequisite for acupuncture to achieve optimal efficacy. Chinese medicine has long been concerned with the relationship between Deqi and the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. However, the underlying mechanisms of Deqi are complex and there is a lack of systematic summaries of objective quantitative studies of Deqi. Acupuncture Deqi can achieve the purpose of treating diseases by regulating the interaction of local and neighboring acupoints, brain centers, and target organs. At local and neighboring acupoints, Deqi can change their tissue structure, temperature, blood perfusion, energy metabolism, and electrophysiological indicators. At the central brain level, Deqi can activate the brain regions of the thalamus, parahippocampal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, insular, middle temporal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, etc. It also has extensive effects on the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical-network and default mode network. The brain mechanisms of Deqi vary depending on the acupuncture techniques and points chosen. In addition, Deqi 's mechanism of action involves correcting abnormalities in target organs. The mechanisms of acupuncture Deqi are multi-targeted and multi-layered. The biological mechanisms of Deqi are closely related to brain centers. This study will help to explore the mechanism of Deqi from a local-central-target-organ perspective and provide information for future clinical decision-making.

Angiopterisnodosipetiolata (Marattiaceae), a new fern species from Yunnan, China.

Angiopterisnodosipetiolata Ting Wang tris, H.F.Chen & Y.H.Yan, a new fern of Marattiaceae, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, A.nodosipetiolata is similar to A.chingii with more than one naked pulvinus on the stipe and numerous jointed hairs on the undersides of the mature pinnae. However, the pinnae of A.nodosipetiolata are lanceolate and can reach up to 4-6 pairs, whereas they are elliptic and occur in 2-3 pairs in A.chingii. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analysis, based on the plastid genomes, also indicates that A.nodosipetiolata is not closely related to A.chingii. Currently, there are ca. 500 mature individuals in Gulinqing Nature Reserve and we suggest A.nodosipetiolata should be categorised as an Endangered (EN) species according to the criteria of IUCN.

Bevacizumab induces ferroptosis and enhances CD8+ T cell immune activity in liver cancer via modulating HAT1 and increasing IL-9.

Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 antibody of VEGF, and inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferroptosis, a new form of regulated cell death function independently of the apoptotic machinery, has been accepted as an attractive target for pharmacological intervention; the ferroptosis pathway can enhance cell immune activity of anti-PD1 immunotherapy in HCC. In this study we investigated whether and how bevacizumab regulated ferroptosis and immune activity in liver cancer. Firstly, we performed RNA-sequencing in bevacizumab-treated human liver cancer cell line HepG2 cells, and found that bevacizumab significantly altered the expression of a number of genes including VEGF, PI3K, HAT1, SLC7A11 and IL-9 in liver cancer, bevacizumab upregulated 37 ferroptosis-related drivers, and downregulated 17 ferroptosis-related suppressors in particular. We demonstrated that bevacizumab triggered ferroptosis in liver cancer cells by driving VEGF/PI3K/HAT1/SLC7A11 axis. Clinical data confirmed that the expression levels of VEGF were positively associated with those of PI3K, HAT1 and SLC7A11 in HCC tissues. Meanwhile, we found that bevacizumab enhanced immune cell activity in tumor immune-microenvironment. We identified that HAT1 up-regulated miR-143 targeting IL-9 mRNA 3'UTR in liver cancer cells; bevacizumab treatment resulted in the increase of IL-9 levels and its secretion via VEGF/PI3K/HAT1/miR-143/IL-9 axis, which led to the inhibition of tumor growth in vivo through increasing the release of IL-2 and Granzyme B from activated CD8+ T cells. We conclude that in addition to inhibiting angiogenesis, bevacizumab induces ferroptosis and enhances CD8+ T cell immune activity in liver cancer. This study provides new insight into the mechanisms by which bevacizumab synergistically modulates ferroptosis and CD8+ T cell immune activity in liver cancer.

Prognostic Significance of Preoperative and Postoperative Evaluation of Combined Tumor Markers for Patients With Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The combined value of the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in patients with colon cancer (CC) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of composite tumor markers in the prognosis of CC. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative resection of colon adenocarcinoma were enrolled. The tumor marker status before and after the operation was used to divide the patients into groups according to the number of tumor markers with abnormal expression, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of different groups were compared. The impact of changes in composite tumor markers in the perioperative period on outcomes was further explored. RESULTS: Ultimately, 531 patients were enrolled in the study. As the number of preoperative and postoperative elevated tumor markers increased, both RFS and OS rates became lower (both P<0.05). Further analysis revealed that the number of elevated tumor markers after resection can significantly affect the outcomes (both P<0.05). In patients with abnormal preoperative tumor markers, normalization of markers after surgery was a protective factor for prognosis (both P<0.05), and patients with postoperative elevated levels of both tumor markers had a 5.5-fold and 6-fold increase in the risk of recurrence and death. In addition, patients with elevated markers after surgery had a high risk of recurrence within 5 years after colectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative tumor markers had a better ability to differentiate postoperative outcomes in patients with CC than preoperative tumor markers. Patients whose tumor markers normalized after surgery had a better prognosis.

Endovascular thrombectomy in wake-up stroke guided by arterial spin-labeling and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery versus diffusion-weighted imaging mismatch on MRI.

OBJECTIVE: This purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of utilizing the arterial spin-labeling (ASL) combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) combined with DWI double mismatch in the endovascular treatment of patients diagnosed with wake-up stroke (WUS). METHODS: In this single-center trial, patients diagnosed with WUS underwent thrombectomy if acute ischemic lesions were observed on DWI indicating large precerebral circulation occlusion. Patients with no significant parenchymal hypersignal on FLAIR and ASL imaging showing a hypoperfusion tissue to infarct core volume ratio of at least 1.2 were included. The participants were divided into groups receiving endovascular thrombectomy plus medical therapy or medical therapy alone, based on their subjective preference. Functional outcomes were assessed using the ordinal score on the modified Rankin scale (mRs) at 90 days, along with the rate of functional independence. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 77 patients were included, comprising 38 patients in the endovascular therapy group and 39 patients in the medical therapy group. The endovascular therapy group exhibited more favorable changes in the distribution of functional prognosis measured by mRs at 90 days, compared to the medical therapy group (adjusted common odds ratio, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.03 to 10.26; P < 0.01). Additionally, the endovascular therapy group had a higher proportion of patients achieving functional independence (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.36 to 11.81; P < 0.01). Importantly, there were no significant differences observed in the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage or mortality rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Guided by the ASL-DWI and FLAIR-DWI double mismatch, endovascular thrombectomy combined with standard medical treatment appears to yield superior functional outcomes in patients with WUS and large vessel occlusion compared to standard medical treatment alone.

Investigation of singlet oxygen and superoxide radical produced from vortex-based hydrodynamic cavitation: Mechanism and its relation to cavitation intensity.

Presently, the hydroxyl radical oxidation mechanism is widely acknowledged for the degradation of organic pollutants based on hydrodynamic cavitation technology. The presence and production mechanism of other potential reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cavitation systems are still unclear. In this paper, singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radical (·O2-) were selected as the target ROS, and their generation rules and mechanism in vortex-based hydrodynamic cavitation (VBHC) were analyzed. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were used to simulate and analyze the intensity characteristics of VBHC, and the relationship between the generation of ROS and cavitation intensity was thoroughly revealed. The results show that the operating conditions of the device have a significant and complicated influence on the generation of 1O2 and ·O2-. When the inlet pressure reaches to 4.5 bar, it is more favorable for the generation of 1O2 and ·O2- comparing with those lower pressure. However, higher temperature (45 °C) and aeration rate (15 (L/min)/L) do not always have positive effect on the 1O2 and ·O2- productions, and their optimal parameters need to be analyzed in combination with the inlet pressure. Through quenching experiments, it is found that 1O2 is completely transformed from ·O2-, and ·O2- comes from the transformation of hydroxyl radicals and dissolved oxygen. Higher cavitation intensity is captured and shown more disperse in the vortex cavitation region, which is consistent with the larger production and stronger diffusion of 1O2 and ·O2-. This paper shed light to the generation mechanism of 1O2 and ·O2- in VBHC reactors and the relationship with cavitation intensity. The conclusion provides new ideas for the research of effective ROS in hydrodynamic cavitation process.

Development and performance evaluation of a novel elastic bacterial nanocellulose/polyurethane small caliber artificial blood vessels.

There is an increasing demand for small-diameter blood vessels. Currently, there is no clinically available small-diameter artificial vessel. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has vast potential for applications in artificial blood vessels due to its good biocompatibility. At the same time, medical polyurethane (PU) is a highly elastic polymer material widely used in artificial blood vessels. This study reports a composite small-diameter BNC/PU conduit using a non-solvent-induced phase separation method with the highly hydrophilic BNC tube as the skeleton and the hydrophobic polycarbonate PU as the filling material. The results revealed that the compliance and mechanical matching of BNC/PU tubes were higher than BNC tubes; the axial/radial mechanical strength, burst pressure, and suture strength were significantly improved; the blood compatibility and cell compatibility were also excellent. The molecular and subcutaneous embedding tests showed that the composite tubes had lighter inflammatory reactions. The results of the animal substitution experiments showed that the BNC/PU tubes kept blood flow unobstructed without tissue proliferation after implantation in rats for 9 months. Thus, the BNC/PU small-diameter vascular prosthesis had the potential for long-term patency and acted as an ideal material for small-diameter vessels.

The effects of microgravity on stem cells and the new insights it brings to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques may undergo modifications in the future, as life scientists have widely acknowledged the ability of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems to accurately simulate in vivo biology. In recent years, researchers have discovered that microgravity devices can address many challenges associated with 3D cell culture. Stem cells, being pluripotent cells, are regarded as a promising resource for regenerative medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated that 3D culture in microgravity devices can effectively guide stem cells towards differentiation and facilitate the formation of functional tissue, thereby exhibiting advantages within the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, We delineate the impact of microgravity on the biological behavior of various types of stem cells, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing these alterations. These findings offer exciting prospects for diverse applications.