Adrenal Volume Quantitative Visualization Tool by Multiple Parameters and an nnU-Net Deep Learning Automatic Segmentation Model.

Abnormalities in adrenal gland size may be associated with various diseases. Monitoring the volume of adrenal gland can provide a quantitative imaging indicator for such conditions as adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal adenoma, and adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma. However, current adrenal gland segmentation models have notable limitations in sample selection and imaging parameters, particularly the need for more training on low-dose imaging parameters, which limits the generalization ability of the models, restricting their widespread application in routine clinical practice. We developed a fully automated adrenal gland volume quantification and visualization tool based on the no new U-Net (nnU-Net) for the automatic segmentation of deep learning models to address these issues. We established this tool by using a large dataset with multiple parameters, machine types, radiation doses, slice thicknesses, scanning modes, phases, and adrenal gland morphologies to achieve high accuracy and broad adaptability. The tool can meet clinical needs such as screening, monitoring, and preoperative visualization assistance for adrenal gland diseases. Experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves an overall dice coefficient of 0.88 on all images and 0.87 on low-dose CT scans. Compared to other deep learning models and nnU-Net model tools, our model exhibits higher accuracy and broader adaptability in adrenal gland segmentation.

Anisotropy-free arrayed waveguide gratings on X-cut thin film lithium niobate platform of in-plane anisotropy.

Arrayed waveguide grating is a versatile and scalable integrated light dispersion device, which has been widely adopted in various applications, including, optical communications and optical sensing. Recently, thin-film lithium niobate emerges as a promising photonic integration platform, due to its ability of shrinking largely the size of typical lithium niobate based optical devices. This would also enable multifunctional photonic integrated chips on a single lithium niobate substrate. However, due to the intrinsic anisotropy of the material, to build an arrayed waveguide grating on X-cut thin-film lithium niobate has never been successful. Here, a universal strategy to design anisotropy-free dispersive components on a uniaxial in-plane anisotropic photonic integration platform is introduced for the first time. This leads to the first implementation of arrayed waveguide gratings on X-cut thin-film lithium niobate with various configurations and high-performances. The best insertion loss of 2.4 dB and crosstalk of -24.1 dB is obtained for the fabricated arrayed waveguide grating devices. Applications of such arrayed waveguide gratings as a wavelength router and in a wavelength-division multiplexed optical transmission system are also demonstrated.

Aneuploidy underlies brefeldin A-induced antifungal drug resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is at the top of the list of "most wanted" human pathogens. Only three classes of antifungal drugs are available for the treatment of cryptococcosis. Studies on antifungal resistance mechanisms are limited to the investigation of how a particular antifungal drug induces resistance to a particular drug, and the impact of stresses other than antifungals on the development of antifungal resistance and even cross-resistance is largely unexplored. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous subcellular organelle of eukaryotic cells. Brefeldin A (BFA) is a widely used chemical inducer of ER stress. Here, we found that both weak and strong selection by BFA caused aneuploidy formation in C. neoformans, mainly disomy of chromosome 1, chromosome 3, and chromosome 7. Disomy of chromosome 1 conferred cross-resistance to two classes of antifungal drugs: fluconazole and 5-flucytosine, as well as hypersensitivity to amphotericin B. However, drug resistance was unstable, due to the intrinsic instability of aneuploidy. We found overexpression of AFR1 on Chr1 and GEA2 on Chr3 phenocopied BFA resistance conferred by chromosome disomy. Overexpression of AFR1 also caused resistance to fluconazole and hypersensitivity to amphotericin B. Furthermore, a strain with a deletion of AFR1 failed to form chromosome 1 disomy upon BFA treatment. Transcriptome analysis indicated that chromosome 1 disomy simultaneously upregulated AFR1, ERG11, and other efflux and ERG genes. Thus, we posit that BFA has the potential to drive the rapid development of drug resistance and even cross-resistance in C. neoformans, with genome plasticity as the accomplice.

Class-Irrelevant Feature Removal for Few-Shot Image Classification.

Most existing few-shot image classification methods employ global pooling to aggregate class-relevant local features in a data-drive manner. Due to the difficulty and inaccuracy in locating class-relevant regions in complex scenarios, as well as the large semantic diversity of local features, the class-irrelevant information could reduce the robustness of the representations obtained by performing global pooling. Meanwhile, the scarcity of labeled images exacerbates the difficulties of data-hungry deep models in identifying class-relevant regions. These issues severely limit deep models' few-shot learning ability. In this work, we propose to remove the class-irrelevant information by making local features class relevant, thus bypassing the big challenge of identifying which local features are class irrelevant. The resulting class-irrelevant feature removal (CIFR) method consists of three phases. First, we employ the masked image modeling strategy to build an understanding of images' internal structures that generalizes well. Second, we design a semantic-complementary feature propagation module to make local features class relevant. Third, we introduce a weighted dense-connected similarity measure, based on which a loss function is raised to fine-tune the entire pipeline, with the aim of further enhancing the semantic consistency of the class-relevant local features. Visualization results show that CIFR achieves the removal of class-irrelevant information by making local features related to classes. Comparison results on four benchmark datasets indicate that CIFR yields very promising performance.

Analysis of ion transport properties of Glycine max HKT transporters and identifying a regulation of GmHKT1;1 by the non-functional GmHKT1;4.

The HKT transporter plays an important role for plants in response to salt stress, but the transport property of the soybean HKT transporters at the molecular level is still unclear. Here, using Xenopus oocyte as a heterologous expression system and two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, we identified four HKT transporters, GmHKT1;1, GmHKT1;2, GmHKT1;3, and GmHKT1;4, which all belong to type I subfamily, but having distinct ion transport properties. While GmHKT1;1, GmHKT1;2 and GmHKT1;3 function as Na+ transporters, GmHKT1;1 is less selective against K+ than the two other transporters. Astonishingly, GmHKT1;4, which lacks transmembrane segments and has no ion permeability, is significantly expressed, and its gene expression pattern is different from the other three GmHKTs under salt stress. Interestingly, GmHKT1;4 reduced the Na+/K+ currents mediated by GmHKT1;1. Further study showed that the transport ability of GmHKT1;1 regulated by GmHKT1;4 was related to the structural differences in the first intracellular domain and the fourth repeat domain. Overall, we have identified one unique GmHKT member, GmHKT1;4, which modulates the Na+ and K+ transport ability of GmHKT1;1 via direct interaction. Thus, we have revealed a new type of HKTs interaction model for altering their ion transport properties.

Barley polysaccharides inhibit colorectal cancer by two relatively independent pathways.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide that can lead to serious injury and death. Although polysaccharides are widely recognized as having antitumor activity, there has been little research on the role of barley polysaccharides (BP)1 in colorectal cancer. The results of our research suggest that BP (300 mg/kg) had a significant inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer, and this effect was achieved through two pathways. First, BP can directly promote the secretion of protective metabolites like 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione and 2,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionitrile thereby inhibiting the cancer pathways such as ERK, PI3K, WNT, JAK-STAT, Calcium, and Cell cycle cancer pathways to alleviate inflammation. Second, BP also can enrich beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Colidextribacter, Bilophila, and UCG-003 improve the intestinal barrier, promote the production of beneficial metabolites such as 5,8-Epoxy-5,8-dihydro-3-hydroxy-8'-apo-b,y-carotenal and L-Glutamic acid, and thus inhibit cancer pathways such as ERK, PI3K, Nuclear receptor, Cell cycle, Apoptosis and TGF-ß. In conclusion, our findings suggest for the first time that BP can alleviate colorectal cancer by two relatively independent pathways: direct action and indirect action via the gut microbiota on both colon tumor cells and microbiota.

Tunneling nanotubes mediate KRas transport: Inducing tumor heterogeneity and altering cellular membrane mechanical properties.

Mutation in oncogene KRas plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of numerous malignant tumors. Malignancy involves changes in cell mechanics for extensive cellular deformation during metastatic dissemination. We hypothesize that oncogene KRas mutations are intrinsic to alterations in cellular mechanics that promote malignant tumor generation and progression. Here, we demonstrate the use of optical tweezers coupled with a confocal fluorescence imaging system and gene interference technique to reveal that the mutant KRas protein can be transported between homogeneous and heterogeneous tumor cells by tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), resulting in a significant reduction of membrane tension and acceleration of membrane phospholipid flow in the recipient cells. Simultaneously, the changes in membrane mechanical properties of the tumor cells also enhance the metastatic and invasive ability of the tumors, which further contribute to the deterioration of the tumors. This finding helps to clarify the association between oncogene mutations and changes in the mechanical properties of tumor cells, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of cancer treatment strategies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here, we present a laser confocal fluorescence system integrated with optical tweezers to observe the transfer of mutant KRasG12D protein from mutant cells to wild-type cells through TNTs. Malignancy involves changes in cell mechanics for extensive cellular deformation during metastatic dissemination. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease in membrane tension and an increase in membrane phospholipid flow in recipient cells. These alterations in mechanical properties augment the migration and invasive capabilities of tumor cells, contributing to tumor malignancy. Our findings propose that cellular mechanical properties could serve as new markers for tumor development, and targeting membrane tension may hold potential as a therapeutic strategy.

A down-regulated cytochrome P450 in Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) can dechlorinate and hydroxylate chlorpyrifos without producing chlorpyrifos-oxon.

Selection of chemical-resistant predatory mites is a good alternative to balance the contradiction between chemical control and biological control. Previously, a resistant strain of Neoseiulus barkeri for chlorpyrifos was obtained. In the current study, two up-regulated (NbCYP3A6, NbCYP3A16) and one down-regulated (NbCYP3A24) P450s were screened through differential expression analysis and other detoxification-related genes such as CCEs, GST, etc. were not found. 3D modelling and molecular docking indicated that the chlorine at position 5 on the pyridine ring of chlorpyrifos, as well as a methyl group, were closest to the heme iron of the enzymes (less than 5 Å). Three active recombinant P450 proteins were heterologously expressed and metabolized with chlorpyrifos in vitro. HPLC assay showed that only NbCYP3A24 could metabolize chlorpyrifos, with a metabolism rate of 21.60 %. Analysis of the m/z of metabolites by LC-MS/MS showed that chlorine at the 5C position of chlorpyrifos was stripped and hydroxylated, whereas chlorpyrifos-oxon, a common product of oxidation by P450, was not found. Knockdown of the NbCYP3A24 gene in the susceptiblestrain did reduce the susceptibility of N. barkeri to chlorpyrifos, suggesting that the biological activity of the metabolite may be similar to chlorpyrifos-oxon, thus enhancing the inhibitory effect on the target.

TGF-ß1 maintains the developmental potential of embryonic submandibular gland epithelia separated with mesenchyme.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) on epithelial development using an ex vivo model of submandibular gland (SMG) epithelial-mesenchymal separation. Materials and methods: The ex vivo model was established by separating E13 mouse SMG epithelia and mesenchyme, culturing them independently for 24 h, recombining them, and observing branching morphogenesis. Microarray analysis was performed to evaluate the transcriptome of epithelia treated with and without 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1. Differential gene expression, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction networks were analyzed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were employed to validate the mRNA and protein levels. Results: Recombined SMGs using separated epithelia and mesenchyme that were cultured for 24 h showed a significant inhibition of epithelial development compared to SMGs recombined immediately after separation. The level of TGF-ß1 decreased in the SMG epithelia after epithelia-mesenchyme separation. Epithelia that were separated from mesenchyme for 24 h and pretreated with 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1 continued to develop after recombination with mesenchyme, while epithelia without 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1 treatment did not. Microarray analysis suggested pathway enrichment related to epithelial development and an upregulation of Sox2 in the 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1-treated epithelia. Further experiments validated the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, upregulation of SOX2 and genes associated with epithelial development, including Prol1, Dcpp1, Bhlha15, Smgc, and Bpifa2. Additionally, 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1 inhibited epithelial apoptosis by improving the BCL2/BAX ratio and reducing cleaved caspase 3. Conclusions: The addition of 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1 maintained the developmental potential of embryonic SMG epithelia separated from mesenchyme for 24 h. This suggests that 1 ng/ml TGF-ß1 may partially compensate for the role of mesenchyme during the separation phase, although its compensation is limited in extent.

Association between virus infection and periodontitis: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014.

Periodontitis is a cumulative inflammatory disease associated with multiple health conditions and various systemic diseases. As a common disease, virus infection along with its consequences has become a serious health burden. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between common viruses including hepatitis virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and periodontitis. The data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 was adopted and screened through, including 10 714 participants. Generalized linear regression was conducted to verify the relationships between the virus infections and periodontitis. Moreover, we also performed analyses in age and gender subgroups. The results suggested that the infection of HCV, HSV-1, and HSV-2 was significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.70; OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13; OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.11, respectively) and risk of developing moderate or severe periodontitis (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29-1.77; OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12; OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10, respectively) after adjusting all relevant co-factors. Subgroup analyses revealed a steady association between periodontitis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HSV-1 infection, while the relationship between HSV-2 and HPV infection can also be found in some subgroups. The presence of HCV and HSV infection was found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis, including moderate or severe cases. Moreover, the association of periodontitis and HPV infection can also be observed in people < 35 years.

Clinical data-based modeling of IVF live birth outcome and its application.

BACKGROUND: The low live birth rate and difficult decision-making of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment regimen bring great trouble to patients and clinicians. Based on the retrospective clinical data of patients undergoing the IVF cycle, this study aims to establish classification models for predicting live birth outcome (LBO) with machine learning methods. METHODS: The historical data of a total of 1405 patients undergoing IVF cycle were first collected and then analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. The statistically significant factors were identified and taken as input to build the artificial neural network (ANN) model and supporting vector machine (SVM) model for predicting the LBO. By comparing the model performance, the one with better results was selected as the final prediction model and applied in real clinical applications. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analysis shows that 7 factors were closely related to the LBO (with P < 0.05): Age, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) treatment regimen, Gn starting dose, endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) day, Progesterone (P) value on HCG day, and embryo transfer strategy. By taking the 7 factors as input, the ANN-based and SVM-based LBO models were established, yielding good prediction performance. Compared with the ANN model, the SVM model performs much better and was selected as the final model for the LBO prediction. In real clinical applications, the proposed ANN-based LBO model can predict the LBO with good performance and recommend the embryo transfer strategy of potential good LBO. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model involving all essential IVF treatment factors can accurately predict LBO. It can provide objective and scientific assistance to clinicians for customizing the IVF treatment strategy like the embryo transfer strategy.

Identification of novel drug targets for multiple sclerosis by integrating plasma genetics and proteomes.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed numerous loci associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the challenge lies in deciphering the mechanisms by which these loci influence the target traits. Here, we employed an integrative analytical pipeline to efficiently transform genetic associations to identify novel proteins for MS. METHODS: We systematically integrated MS GWAS data (N = 115,803) with human plasma proteome data (N = 7213) and conducted proteome-wide association studies (PWAS) to identify MS-associated pathogenic proteins. Following this, we employed Mendelian randomization and Bayesian colocalization analyses to verify the causal relationship between these significant plasma proteins and MS. Lastly, we utilized the Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb) to identify potential drug targets for MS. RESULTS: The PWAS identified 25 statistically significant cis-regulated plasma proteins associated with MS at a false discovery rate of P < 0.05. Further analysis revealed that the abundance of 7 of these proteins (PLEK, TNXB, CASP3, CD59, CR1, TAPBPL, ATXN3) was causally related to the incidence of MS. Our findings indicated that genetically predicted higher levels of TNXB and CD59 were associated with a lower risk of MS, whereas higher levels of PLEK, CASP3, CR1, TAPBPL, and ATXN3 were associated with an increased risk of MS. Three plasma proteins (PLEK, CR1, CD59) were validated by colocalization analysis. Among these, CR1 was prioritized as a target for Eculizumab due to its significant association with MS risk. Additionally, PLEK, CR1, and CD59 were identified as druggable target genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our proteomic analysis has identified PLEK, CR1, and CD59 as potential drug targets for MS treatment. Developing pharmacological inducers or inhibitors for these proteins could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches, potentially improving outcomes for MS patients.

Integrating plasma proteomics with genome-wide association data to identify novel drug targets for inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified many relevant genetic risk loci, the impact of these loci on protein abundance and their potential utility as clinical therapeutic targets remain uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of IBD and identify effective therapeutic targets through a comprehensive and integrated analysis. We systematically integrated GWAS data related to IBD, UC and CD (N = 25,305) by the study of de Lange KM with the human blood proteome (N = 7213) by the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Proteome-wide association study (PWAS), mendelian randomisation (MR) and Bayesian colocalisation analysis were used to identify proteins contributing to the risk of IBD. Integrative analysis revealed that genetic variations in IBD, UC and CD affected the abundance of five (ERAP2, RIPK2, TALDO1, CADM2 and RHOC), three (VSIR, HGFAC and CADM2) and two (MST1 and FLRT3) cis-regulated plasma proteins, respectively (P < 0.05). Among the proteins identified via Bayesian colocalisation analysis, CADM2 was found to be an important common protein between IBD and UC. A drug and five druggable target genes were identified from DGIdb after Bayesian colocalisation analysis. Our study's findings from genetic and proteomic approaches have identified compelling proteins that may serve as important leads for future functional studies and potential drug targets for IBD (UC and CD).

Constructing an interaction in plant polyphenol-modified carbon fiber with amylopectin-based waterborne polyurethane sizing agent via hydrogen bonding to improve the interfacial performance of carbon fiber/nylon 6 composites.

The adhesive strength between the sizing agent and carbon fiber (CF) plays a crucial role in improving the interfacial properties of composites, while such a vital aspect has been consistently disregarded. In this study, a hyperbranched waterborne polyurethane (HWPU) sizing agent was synthesized from biogenetically raw materials including gallic acid, l-Lysine diisocyanate and amylopectin. Concurrently, hydrogen-bonded cross-linked network structures were established utilizing a botanical polyphenol tannin as coupling agent to effectively connect CF with HWPU. This meticulous process yielded CF/nylon 6 composites with improved properties and their mechanical characteristics were systematically investigated. The findings showcased a noteworthy boost in flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), showing enhancements of 54.6 % and 61.4 %, respectively, surpassing those of untreated CF. Furthermore, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) test indicated a remarkable 70.3 % improvement. This approach presents a highly promising concept aimed at developing sustainable green waterborne polyurethane sizing agent and improving the interfacial performance of CF composite materials.

Global prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis: An analysis in the past two decades.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the risk factor for psoriasis. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We examined four databases from their inception to October 2023 and used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of observational studies. Data analysis was conducted by R language. Meta-regression, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used to evaluate inter-study heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plots were used to evaluate publication bias. RESULTS: The global prevalence of psoriasis and obesity comorbidity was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.30). Furthermore, the co-morbidity rate was 18% (95% CI: 0.11-0.24) in children and adolescents, and 35% (95% CI: 0.30-0.39) in adults. The gender-specific prevalence rates were 23% (95% CI: 0.16-0.32) in men and 38% (95% CI: 0.20-0.61) in women. Africa had the highest prevalence (60%, 95% CI: 0.21-0.99), followed by Asia (40%, 95% CI: 0.28-0.51), while Europe and North America had similar prevalence rates at 34% (95% CI: 0.27-0.41) and 31% (95% CI: 0.27-0.38), respectively. Regarding psoriasis severity, obesity prevalence was higher in moderate psoriasis (36%, 95% CI: 0.20-0.64) and lower in mild psoriasis (27%, 95% CI: 0.16-0.46). The prevalence of obesity in the patients with severe psoriasis was 30% (95% CI: 0.20-0.45). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the importance of identifying and treating obesity in patients with psoriasis to mitigate disease progression. However, more high-quality observational studies are required to elucidate their global prevalence and comorbid associations.

Selective Adsorption of Dyes and Fe3+ Sensing via Tb3+ Incorporation in an Anionic Cadmium-Organic Framework.

A three-dimensional (3D) anionic cadmium-organic framework, namely [(CH3)2NH2][Cd1.5(DMTDC)2] ⋅ 2DMA ⋅ 0.5H2O (Cd-MOF; DMA=N,N-dimethylacetamide), was successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions by using a linear thienothiophene-containing dicarboxylate ligand, 3,4-dimethylthieno [2,3-b]-thiophene-2,5-dicar-boxylic acid (H2DMTDC). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that Cd-MOF exhibits a 3D anionic framework with pcu α-Po topology, featuring rectangle and rhombus-shaped channels along b- and c- axis direction. Cd-MOF demonstrates selective adsorption of cationic dyes over anionic and neutral dyes. Additionally, Tb3+-loaded Cd-MOF serves as a fast-response fluorescence sensor for the sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions with a low limit of detection (8.90×10-7 M) through fluorescence quenching.

DLX6-AS1 regulates odonto/osteogenic differentiation in dental pulp cells under the control of BMP9 via the miR-128-3p/MAPK14 axis: A laboratory investigation.

AIM: The regenerative capacity of dental pulp relies on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPCs), but dynamic microenvironmental changes hinder the process. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) promotes differentiation of DPCs towards an odonto/osteogenic lineage, forming dentinal-like tissue. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its action remains unclear. This study investigates the role of DLX6 antisense RNA 1 (DLX6-AS1) in odonto/osteogenic differentiation induced by BMP9. METHODOLOGY: Custom RT2 profiler PCR array, quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blots were used to investigate the expression pattern of DLX6-AS1 and its potential signal axis. Osteogenic ability was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining. Interactions between lncRNA and miRNA, as well as miRNA and mRNA, were predicted through bioinformatic assays, which were subsequently validated via RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assays. Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD tests were employed for data analysis, with a p-value of less than .05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: DLX6-AS1 was upregulated upon BMP9 overexpression in DPCs, thereby promoting odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, miR-128-3p participated in BMP9-induced odonto/osteogenic differentiation by interacting with the downstream signal MAPK14. Modifying the expression of miR-128-3p and transfecting pcMAPK14/siMAPK14 had a rescue impact on odonto/osteogenic differentiation downstream of DLX6-AS1. Lastly, miR-128-3p directly interacted with both MAPK14 and DLX6-AS1. CONCLUSIONS: DLX6-AS1 could regulate the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPCs under the control of BMP9 through the miR-128-3p/MAPK14 axis.

A crystalline stannyne.

The synthesis of heteronuclear alkyne analogues incorporating heavier group 14 elements (R1-C≡E-R2, E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) has posed a long-standing challenge. Neutral silynes (R1-C≡Si(L)-R2) and germynes (R1-C≡Ge(L)-R2) stabilized by a Lewis base have achieved sufficient stability for structural characterization at low temperatures. Here we show the isolation of a base-free stannyne (R1-C≡Sn-R2) at room temperature, achieved through the strategic use of a bulky cyclic phosphino ligand in combination with a bulky terphenyl substituent. Despite an allenic structure with strong delocalization of π-electrons, this compound exhibits adjacent ambiphilic carbon and tin centres, forming a carbon-tin multiple bond with ionic character. The stannyne demonstrates reactivity similar to carbenes or stannylenes, reacting with 1-adamantyl isocyanide and 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene. Additionally, its carbon-tin bond can be saturated by Et3N·HCl or cleaved by isopropyl isocyanate.

Ancestry analysis using a self-developed 56 AIM-InDel loci and machine learning methods.

Insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphisms can be used as one of the ancestry-informative markers in ancestry analysis. In this study, a self-developed panel consisting of 56 ancestry-informative InDels was used to investigate the genetic structures and genetic relationships between Chinese Inner Mongolia Manchu group and 26 reference populations. The Inner Mongolia Manchu group was closely related in genetic background to East Asian populations, especially the Han Chinese in Beijing. Moreover, populations from northern and southern East Asia displayed obvious variations in ancestral components, suggesting the potential value of this panel in distinguishing the populations from northern and southern East Asia. Subsequently, four machine learning models were performed based on the 56 AIM-InDel loci to evaluate the performance of this panel in ancestry prediction. The random forest model presented better performance in ancestry prediction, with 91.87% and 99.73% accuracy for the five and three continental populations, respectively. The individuals of the Inner Mongolia Manchu group were assigned to the East Asian populations by the random forest model, and they exhibited closer genetic affinities with northern East Asian populations. Furthermore, the random forest model distinguished 87.18% of the Inner Mongolia Manchus from the East Asian populations, suggesting that the random forest model based on the 56 ancestry-informative InDels could be a potential tool for ancestry analysis.