Mode division multiplexing reconstructive spectrometer with an all-fiber photonics lantern.

This study presents a high-accuracy, all-fiber mode division multiplexing (MDM) reconstructive spectrometer (RS). The MDM was achieved by utilizing a custom-designed 3 × 1 mode-selective photonics lantern to launch distinct spatial modes into the multimode fiber (MMF). This facilitated the information transmission by increasing light scattering processes, thereby encoding the optical spectra more comprehensively into speckle patterns. Spectral resolution of 2 pm and the recovery of 2000 spectral channels were accomplished. Compared to methods employing single-mode excitation and two-mode excitation, the three-mode excitation method reduced the recovered error by 88% and 50% respectively. A resolution enhancement approach based on alternating mode modulation was proposed, reaching the MMF limit for the 3 dB bandwidth of the spectral correlation function. The proof-of-concept study can be further extended to encompass diverse programmable mode excitations. It is not only succinct and highly efficient but also well-suited for a variety of high-accuracy, high-resolution spectral measurement scenarios.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of curcumin in prostate cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Objective: Curcumin, a phenolic compound extracted from turmeric rhizomes, exhibits antitumour effects in preclinical models of tumours. However, its mechanism of action in prostate cancer remains unclear. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prostate cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking provides a new theoretical basis for prostate cancer treatment. Method: Using tools such as PharmMapper, SuperPred, TargetNet, and SwissTargetPrediction, we obtained information on curcumin-related targets. We comprehensively collected prostate cancer-related targets from several databases, including GeneCards, CTD, DisGeNET, OMIM, and PharmGKB. Cross-cutting drug-disease targets were then derived by screening using the Venny 2.1.0 tool. Subsequently, we used the DAVID platform to perform in-depth GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the drug-disease-shared targets. To construct a PPI network map of the cross-targets and screen the 10 core targets, we combined the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2. Molecular docking experiments were performed using AutoDockTools 1.5.7 software. Finally, we used several databases such as GEPIA, HPA, cBioPortal, and TIMER to further analyse the screened core targets in detail. Result: We identified 307 key targets of curcumin in cancer treatment. After GO functional enrichment analysis, we obtained 1119 relevant entries, including 782 biological progression (BP) entries, 112 cellular component (CC) entries, and 225 molecular function (MF) entries. In addition, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 126 signalling pathways, which were mainly involved in the cancer pathway, such as lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, PI3K-Akt signal pathway, MAPK signal pathway, Ras signal pathways, and chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species. By applying Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, we identified SRC, PIK3R1, STAT3, AKT1, HSP90AA1, ESR1, EGFR, HSP90AB1, MAPK8, and MAPK1 as core targets. Molecular docking experiments showed that the binding energies of curcumin to these core targets were all below -1.85 kJ mol-1, which fully demonstrated that curcumin could spontaneously bind to these core targets. Finally, these results were validated at multiple levels, including mRNA expression, protein expression, and immune infiltration. Conclusion: Through in-depth network pharmacology and molecular docking studies, we have found that curcumin may have anticancer potential by upregulating the expression of PIK3R1 and STAT3, and downregulating the binding ability of molecules such as SRC, AKT1, HSP90AA1, ESR1, EGFR, HSP90AB1, MAPK8, and MAPK1. In addition, curcumin may interfere with the cyclic process of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting key signalling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, MAPK signalling pathway, and Ras, thereby inhibiting their growth. This study not only reveals the potential molecular mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of prostate cancer but also provides an important theoretical basis for subsequent research.

Hydrogeochemical characteristics, driving factors, and health risk assessment of karst groundwater in Southwest Hubei Province, China.

In South China, karst groundwater is an important water resource for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. However, karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to pollution, leading to deteriorating karst groundwater quality and posing potential health risks to local residents. In this study, 22 groundwater samples were collected from a karst aquifer in the southwestern part of Hubei Province. The hydrogeochemical characteristics and their controlling factors were examined, and the potential health risks associated with groundwater pollutant concentrations in karst groundwater were assessed. The results showed that the groundwater is slightly alkaline with low chemical oxygen demand values, indicating good water quality. The groundwater facies type was identified as HCO3-Ca at most sample spots, showing low total dissolved solids concentrations. Substantial spatial variations in Na+, CO3 2-, and NO2 - concentrations were found, whereas spatial variations in the K+, Ca2+, Cl-, HCO3 -, and F- concentrations were small. In addition, the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at sampling sites resulted in groundwater facies types of HCO3•SO4-Ca and HCO3-Ca•Mg, with low total dissolved solids concentrations. The karst groundwater chemistry in the study area was mainly controlled by water-rock interactions, as well as by the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at specific groundwater sampling sites. The groundwater Cl- concentrations were mainly affected by atmospheric precipitation. NO3 - was mainly derived from atmospheric precipitation, domestic sewage, septic tanks, and industrial activities, whereas SO4 2- was derived from atmospheric precipitation, sulfate rock dissolution, and sulfide mineral oxidation. These results highlight the absence of potential human health risks of NO3 - and F- to infants, children, and adults, as their concentrations are below the corresponding regional background values. In contrast, the potential health risks of Cl- cannot be ignored, particularly for infants. This study offers scientific guidelines for protecting and allocating local groundwater resources.

Ultrastable piezoelectric biomaterial nanofibers and fabrics as an implantable and conformal electromechanical sensor patch.

Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a widely used U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved implantable biomaterial that also possesses strong piezoelectricity. However, the intrinsically low stability of its high-energy piezoelectric ß phase and random domain orientations associated with current synthesis approaches remain a critical roadblock to practical applications. Here, we report an interfacial anchoring strategy for fabricating core/shell PLLA/glycine (Gly) nanofibers (NFs) by electrospinning, which show a high ratio of piezoelectric ß phase and excellent orientation alignment. The self-assembled core/shell structure offers strong intermolecular interactions between the -OH groups on Gly and C=O groups on PLLA, which promotes the crystallization of oriented PLLA polymer chains and stabilizes the ß phase structure. As-received core/shell NFs exhibit substantially enhanced piezoelectric performance and excellent stability. An all NF-based nonwoven fabric is fabricated and assembled as a flexible nanogenerator. The device offers excellent conformality to heavily wrinkled surfaces and thus can precisely detect complex physiological motions often found from biological organs.

Ultrafine Asymmetric Soft/Stiff Nanohybrids with Tunable Patchiness via a Dynamic Surface-Mediated Assembly.

Asymmetric soft-stiff patch nanohybrids with small size, spatially separated organics and inorganics, controllable configuration, and appealing functionality are important in applications, while the synthesis remains a great challenge. Herein, based on polymeric single micelles (the smallest assembly subunit of mesoporous materials), we report a dynamic surface-mediated anisotropic assembly approach to fabricate a new type of small asymmetric organic/inorganic patch nanohybrid for the first time. The size of this asymmetric organic/inorganic nanohybrid is ∼20 nm, which contains dual distinct subunits of a soft organic PS-PVP-PEO single micelle nanosphere (12 nm in size and 632 MPa in Young' modulus) and stiff inorganic SiO2 nanobulge (∼8 nm, 2275 MPa). Moreover, the number of SiO2 nanobulges anchored on each micelle can be quantitatively controlled (from 1 to 6) by dynamically tuning the density (fluffy or dense state) of the surface cap organic groups. This small asymmetric patch nanohybrid also exhibits a dramatically enhanced uptake level of which the total amount of intracellular endocytosis is about three times higher than that of the conventional nanohybrids.

Response of humification process to fungal inoculant in corn straw composting with two different kinds of nitrogen sources.

Inoculation is widely used in composting to improve the mineralization process, however, the link of fungal inoculant to humification is rarely proposed. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of compound fungal inoculation on humification process and fungal community dynamics in corn straw composting with two different kinds of nitrogen sources [pig manure (PM) and urea (UR)]. Structural equation modeling and random forest analysis were conducted to identify key fungi and explore the fungi-mediated humification mechanism. Results showed that fungal inoculation increased the content of humic acids in PM and UR by 71.76 % and 53.01 % compared to control, respectively. High-throughput sequencing indicated that there were more key fungal genera for lignin degradation in PM especially in the later stage of composting, but a more complex fungal (genera) connections with lower humification degree was found in UR. Network analysis and random forest suggested that inoculation promoted dominant genus such as Coprinus, affecting lignocellulose degradation. Structural equation modeling indicated that fungal inoculation could promote humification by direct pathway based on lignin degradation and indirect pathway based on stimulating the indigenous microbes such as Scedosporiu and Coprinus for the accumulation of carboxyl and polyphenol hydroxyl groups. In summary, fungal inoculation is suitable to be used combining with complex nitrogen source such as pig manure in straw composting.

Toward better understanding and management of chemobrain: the potential utilities of the MemTrax memory test.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive function in breast cancer patients, and to investigate the relationship of MemTrax test of memory and related functions to the FACT-Cog functional self-assessment for the evaluation and management of chemobrain. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, clinical information of pathologically confirmed female breast cancer patients who decided to receive chemotherapy were collected in a questionnaire which was developed for this study and provided as a supplementary file. The FACT-Cog self-assessment and MemTrax test were administered before and after the chemotherapy treatments. Patients with chemobrain were identified using published criteria based on FACT-Cog scores, and MemTrax scores from chemobrain patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients participated in this study, of which 41 participants completed 4 or more cycles of chemotherapy and were included in the final analyses here. Using the reported high end of minimal clinical differences (10.6 points) of FACT-Cog before and after chemotherapy, 18 patients suffered from chemobrain in this study. In these 18 chemobrain patients, no cognitive impairments were detected by MemTrax, which paradoxically demonstrated an improvement in the normal cognitive range. CONCLUSION: The cognitive impairment induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is detectable by the FACT-Cog in a Chinese cohort but is not detected by the MemTrax memory test. The fact that the more objective MemTrax could not detect the impairment could alleviate patients' concerns which in turn would be beneficial for patients' mental health.

Population genetic diversity and structure of Tephritis angustipennis and Campiglossa loewiana (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on COI DNA barcodes in the three-river source region, China.

Tephritis angustipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Campiglossa loewiana (Diptera: Tephritidae) are phytophagous pests in China. Their damage has significantly impacted the collection and cultivation of germplasm resources of native Asteraceae plants. However, the genetic characteristics and structure of their population are unclear. This study focused on the highly damaging species of T. angustipennis and C. loewiana collected from the three-river source region (TRSR). We amplified the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene sequences of these pests collected from this area and compared them with COI sequences from GenBank. We also analyzed their genetic diversity and structure. In T. angustipennis, 5 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between France population FRPY (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) and China populations GLJZ (from Dehe Longwa Village, Maqin County), GLDR (from Zhique Village, Dari County), and GLMQ (from Rijin Village, Maqin County) was the strongest. GLJZ exhibited strong genetic differentiation from GLDR and GLMQ, with relatively low gene flow. For C. loewiana, 11 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between the Chinese population GLMQ-YY (from Yangyu Forest Farm, Maqin County) and Finnish population FDNL (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) was the strongest, with relatively low gene flow, possibly due to geographical barriers in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Only 1 haplotype was identified across GLDR, GLMQ, and GLBM. High gene flow between distant locations indicates that human activities or wind dispersal may facilitate the dispersal of fruit flies and across different geographic. Geostatistical analysis suggested a recent population expansion of these 2 species in TRSR. Our findings provide technical references for identifying pests in the TRSR region and theoretical support for managing resistance, monitoring pest occurrences, analyzing environmental adaptability, and formulating biological control strategies for Tephritidae pests on Asteraceae plants.

Archaea communities in aerobic granular sludge: A mini-review.

Recent research on the archaea community in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has attracted considerable attention. This review summarizes the existing literature on composition, distribution, and related functions of archaea community in AGS. Furthermore, the effects of granulation, substrate, temperature, process types, and aeration models on the archaea community were discussed. Significantly, the layered structure of AGS facilitates the enrichment of archaea, including methanogenic archaea and ammonia-oxidizing archaea. Archaea engage in metabolic interactions with other microorganisms, enhancing the ecological functionalities of AGS and its tolerance to adverse conditions. Future investigations should focus on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and exploring the roles and interactive mechanisms of archaea and other microorganisms within AGS.

Correlation between FOXN3-SIN3A complex expression in peripheral blood and non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in Xinjiang.

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to study the correlation between FOXN3-SIN3A complex expression and non-syndromic oral clefts (NSOC) in Xinjiang. METHODS: In this study, 60 patients with NSOC attending the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were recruited into the case group, including 30 cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P), 30 cleft palate only (CPO), and 30 healthy children in the control group. The expression levels of FOXN3, SIN3A, and NEAT1 in peripheral blood of each group were detected by high-throughput second-generation sequencing technology and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of NSOC. RESULTS: The comparison of the NSOC and control groups showed that FOXN3, SIN3A, and NEAT1 genes increased compared with the control group. The differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). The AUCs of FOXN3, SIN3A, and NEAT1 in the NSCL/P group were 0.933 [95%CI=(0.864, 1.000)], 0.822 [(95%CI=(0.713, 0.932)], and 1.000[95%CI= (1.000, 1.000)], respectively. The AUCs of FOX-N3, SIN3A, and NEAT1 in the CPO group were 0.891 [95%CI=(0.806, 0.976)], 0.688 [95%CI=(0.552, 0.824)], and 1.000 [95%CI=(1.000, 1.000)], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a correlation between the rising gene expression of FOXN3, SIN3A, and NEAT1 in peripheral blood and the occurrence of NSOC in Xinjiang. This work provides a theoretical basis for further study of the FOXN3-SIN3A complex as biomarkers to facilitate the early screening, disease prediction, and early prevention of NSOC.

Large Orientation Angle Buried Substrate Enables Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PSCs) have emerged as potential candidates for specific mechanical applications owing to their high foldability, efficiency, and portability. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of f-PSC remains limited by the inferior contact between perovskite and flexible buried substrate. Here, an asymmetric π-extended self-assembled monolayer (SAM) (4-(9H-dibenzo[a,c]carbazol-9-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid (A-4PADCB) is reported as a buried substrate for efficient inverted f-PSCs. Employing this design strategy, A-4PADCB exhibits a significant orientation angle away from the surface normal, homogenizing the distribution of contact potentials. This enhancement improves the SAM/perovskite interface quality, controlling the growth of favorable perovskite films with low defect density and slight tensile stress. Integration of A-4PADCB into small-area f-PSCs and large-area flexible perovskite solar modules with an aperture area of 20.84 cm2 achieves impressive PCEs of up to 25.05% and 20.64% (certified 19.51%), respectively. Moreover, these optimized A-4PADCB-based f-PSCs possess enhanced light, thermal, and mechanical stability. This research paves a promising avenue toward the design of SAM-buried substrates with a large orientation angle, regulating perovskite growth, and promoting the commercialization of large-area flexible perovskite photovoltaics.

Combination of microwave ablation and systemic treatments achieve a long survival time for a patient with metachronous advanced double primary lung and colon adenocarcinoma: A case report.

Despite significant improvements that have been made in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival rates brought about by targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the emergence of drug resistance remains a limiting factor. However, a previous study has shown promising results by combining local microwave ablation (MWA) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for patients with oligometastatic NSCLC. The current study presented the case of a Chinese female patient who was identified as having lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) with EGFR exon 19 deletions (Del) in January 2014, and who experienced multiple instances of oligoprogression but showed a positive response to a combination of chemotherapy, MWA and a TKI drug. First, the patient was treated with four cycles of chemotherapy (120 mg docetaxel on day 1 and 40 mg cisplatin on days 1, 2 and 3; every three weeks as one cycle) and gefitinib (Iressa; 250 mg/day), maintaining a partial response for 17 months. In August 2015, a new solitary lesion was identified in the right lung and erlotinib (Tarceva; 150 mg/day) was administered for 3 months thereafter. In response, the patient underwent ablation of both the new right lung lesion and the primary left lung lesion in January 2016. Subsequently, a treatment course consisting of six cycles of chemotherapy (0.8 g pemetrexed on day 1 and 70 mg nedaplatin on days 1 and 2; every three weeks as one cycle) resulted in stable disease. In May 2016, the patient began treatment with osimertinib (AZD9291; 80 mg/day), resulting in a rapid shrinkage of the mediastinal lymph node after one month, which has been providing a benefit for the patient for 82 months and counting. Of note, the patient also developed metachronous colon cancer in January 2020, followed by the identification of right posterior liver metastases in February 2020 and lung metastases in May 2021 and in February 2022. To address this, the patient underwent radical resection of colon cancer and liver metastasectomy and received a combination of chemotherapy with bevacizumab, along with MWA for lung metastases. Remarkably, the patient has achieved long-term survival of 110 months. In conclusion, this case highlights the promising potential of combining MWA with systemic therapy for a patient with advanced LADC harboring EGFR exon 19 Del and metachronous lung and liver-metastasized colon adenocarcinoma. MWA effectively controlled both in situ oligoprogression and new oligoprogression, thereby enhancing the efficacy of systematic chemotherapy/TKI therapy. Furthermore, this case report emphasizes the importance of repeated histologic biopsies and genetic testing as reliable indicators for adjusting treatment regimens. Physicians should also remain vigilant regarding the occurrence of secondary primary carcinomas, and timely and accurate adjustments to treatment plans will be of significant benefit to patients in terms of treatment efficacy and overall quality of life.

Aspirin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting platelet activity.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver disease in the world. Platelets (PLTs) are known to play a key role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis and the pathophysiological processes of a variety of liver diseases. Aspirin is the most classic antiplatelet agent. However, the molecular mechanism of platelet action and whether aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity need further study. AIM: To explore the impact of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin on the development of HCC. METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma, platelet plasma, pure platelet, and platelet lysate were prepared, and a coculture model of PLTs and HCC cells was established. CCK-8 analysis, apoptosis analysis, Transwell analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the effects of PLTs on the growth, metastasis, and inflammatory microenvironment of HCC. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of platelet activation on tumor-related signaling pathways. Aspirin was used to block the activation and aggregation of PLTs both in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of PLTs on the progression of HCC was detected. RESULTS: PLTs significantly promoted the growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in HCC cells. Activated PLTs promoted HCC progression by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/protein kinase B/signal transducer and activator of transcription three (MAPK/ AKT/STAT3) signaling axis. Additionally, aspirin inhibited HCC progression in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting platelet activation. CONCLUSION: PLTs play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC, and aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity. These results suggest that antiplatelet therapy has promising application prospects in the treatment and combined treatment of HCC.

Standby extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a better strategy for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: The incidence of cardiac arrest (CA) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is relatively rare. However, when it does occur, the mortality rate is extremely high. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has shown promising survival rates for in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA), with low-flow time being an independent prognostic factor for CA. However, there is no definitive answer on how to reduce low-flow time. Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at a single center, included 39 patients who underwent ECPR during PCI between January 2016 and December 2022. The patients were divided into two cohorts based on whether standby extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was utilized during PCI: standby ECPR (SBE) (n = 13) and extemporaneous ECPR (EE) (n = 26). We compared the 30-day mortality rates between these two cohorts and investigated factors associated with survival. Results: Compared to the EE cohort, the SBE cohort showed significantly lower low-flow time (P < 0.01), ECMO operation time (P < 0.01), and a lower incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) (P = 0.017), as well as peak lactate (P < 0.01). Stand-by ECMO was associated with improved 30-day survival (p = 0.036), while prolonged low-flow time (p = 0.004) and a higher SYNTAX II score (p = 0.062) predicted death at 30 days. Conclusions: Standby ECMO can provide significant benefits for patients who undergo ECPR for CA during PCI. It is a viable option for high-risk PCI cases and may enhance the overall prognosis. The low-flow time remains a critical determinant of survival.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor plus sodium hyaluronate eye drops in diabetic dry eye post-cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye syndrome (DES) after diabetic cataract surgery can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. Therefore, effective alleviation of symptoms in patients with this disease has important clinical significance. AIM: To explore the clinical effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) plus sodium hyaluronate (SH) eye drops on DES after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients with diabetes who experienced DES after cataract surgery at Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University between April 2021 and April 2023. They were classified into an observation group (42 cases, rhEGF + SH eye drops) and a control group (40 cases, SH eye drops alone), depending on the different treatment schemes. The thera-peutic efficacy, dry eye symptom score, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), basic tear secretion score [assessed using Schirmer I test (SIt)], corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score, tear inflammatory markers, adverse reactions during treatment, and treatment satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Therapeutic efficacy was higher in the observation group compared with the control group. Both groups showed improved TFBUT and dry eye, as well as improved SIt and FL scores after treatment, with a more pronounced improvement in the observation group. Although no marked differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups, treatment satisfaction was higher in the observation group. CONCLUSION: rhEGF + SH eye drops rendered clinical benefits to patients by effectively ameliorating dry eye and visual impairment with favorable efficacy, fewer adverse reactions, and high safety levels. Thus, this treatment should be promoted in clinical practice.

Course-based intra-articular injection of medical chitosan mitigates excessive deposition of triacylglycerides in the synovial tissue of the knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of intra-articular injections of medical chitosan for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and measure the lipid metabolism profiles of the synovial tissue. METHODS: 60 patients with KOA undergoing conservative treatment were recruited and randomized into two groups: one without pharmacological intervention (OA group) and the other receiving course-based intra-articular medical chitosan injections (CSI group). Quantitative lipidomic profile of synovial tissue was analyzed. Functional scores, including Kellgren-Lawrence rating (K-L), VAS, WOMAC scoring, and AKS scoring were conducted. RESULTS: Survival from the initial conservative treatment to final knee arthroplasty was significantly longer in the CSI group compared to the OA group. Except for the pre-surgery VAS score, no statistically significant differences were observed in the other scores, including K-L, initial VAS, WOMAC, and AKS. However, the CSI group experienced a slightly more pronounced decline in AKS-Knee subscores compared to the OA group. Compared to the CSI group, the OA group exhibited a significant upregulation in most differential lipids, particularly triacylglycerides (TAGs, 77%). The OA group had notably higher levels of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of medical chitosan significantly prolongs the survival period before knee arthroplasty and reduces the deposition of TAGs metabolites.

Phagocytic Plasma Cells in Teleost Fish Provide Insights into the Origin and Evolution of B Cells in Vertebrates.

Teleost IgM+ B cells can phagocytose, like mammalian B1 cells, and secrete Ag-specific IgM, like mammalian B2 cells. Therefore, teleost IgM+ B cells may have the functions of both mammalian B1 and B2 cells. To support this view, we initially found that grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) IgM+ plasma cells (PCs) exhibit robust phagocytic ability, akin to IgM+ naive B cells. Subsequently, we sorted grass carp IgM+ PCs into two subpopulations: nonphagocytic (Pha-IgM+ PCs) and phagocytic IgM+ PCs (Pha+IgM+ PCs), both of which demonstrated the capacity to secrete natural IgM with LPS and peptidoglycan binding capacity. Remarkably, following immunization of grass carp with an Ag, we observed that both Pha-IgM+ PCs and Pha+IgM+ PCs could secrete Ag-specific IgM. Furthermore, in vitro concatenated phagocytosis experiments in which Pha-IgM+ PCs from an initial phagocytosis experiment were sorted and exposed again to beads confirmed that these cells also have phagocytic capabilities, thereby suggesting that all teleost IgM+ B cells have phagocytic potential. Additionally, we found that grass carp IgM+ PCs display classical phenotypic features of macrophages, providing support for the hypothesis that vertebrate B cells evolved from ancient phagocytes. These findings together reveal that teleost B cells are a primitive B cell type with functions reminiscent of both mammalian B1 and B2 cells, providing insights into the origin and evolution of B cells in vertebrates.

Carbon-Boosted and Nitrogen-Stabilized Isolated Single-Atom Sites for Direct Dehydrogenation of Lower Alkanes.

Lower olefins are widely used in the chemical industry as basic carbon-based feedstocks. Here, we report the catalytic system featuring isolated single-atom sites of iridium (Ir1) that can function within the entire temperature range of 300-600 °C and transform alkanes with conversions close to thermodynamics-dictated levels. The high turnover frequency values of the Ir1 system are comparable to those of homogeneous catalytic reactions. Experimental data and theoretical calculations both indicate that Ir1 is the primary catalytic site, while the coordinating C and N atoms help to enhance the activity and stability, respectively; all three kinds of elements cooperatively contribute to the high performance of this novel active site. We have further immobilized this catalyst on particulate Al2O3, and we found that the resulting composite system under mimicked industrial conditions could still give high catalytic performances; in addition, we have also developed and established a new scheme of periodical in situ regeneration specifically for this composite particulate catalyst.

W-Shaped π-Extended Double Undecabenzo[7]helicene.

A chiral W-shaped fully π-extended double [7]helicene (ED7H) has been synthesized and fully characterized. It displays fluorescence emission (λem = 636 nm) with a quantum yield (Φf) of 0.10. In comparison to its X-shaped and monomict π-extended [7]helicene analogues, enantiopure W-shaped ED7H exhibited superior chiral optical characteristics, including distinct circular dichroism signals from 400 to 650 nm, a good dissymmetric emission factor |glum| of 4 × 10-3, and a circularly polarized luminescence brightness value BCPL of 42 M-1 cm-1.