Inhibition of CC chemokine receptor 1 ameliorates osteoarthritis in mouse by activating PPAR-γ.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage destruction and inflammation. CC chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1), a member of the chemokine family and its receptor family, plays a role in the autoimmune response. The impact of BX471, a specific small molecule inhibitor of CCR1, on CCR1 expression in cartilage and its effects on OA remain underexplored. METHODS: This study used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess CCR1 expression in IL-1ß-induced mouse chondrocytes and a medial meniscus mouse model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Chondrocytes treated with varying concentrations of BX471 for 24 h were subjected to IL-1ß (10 ng/ml) treatment. The levels of the aging-related genes P16INK4a and P21CIP1 were analyzed via western blotting, and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) activity was measured. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), aggrecan (AGG), and the transcription factor SOX9 were determined through western blotting and RT‒qPCR. Collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression was analyzed via western blot, RT‒qPCR, and immunofluorescence. The impact of BX471 on inflammatory metabolism-related proteins under PPAR-γ inhibition conditions (using GW-9662) was examined through western blotting. The expression of MAPK signaling pathway-related molecules was assessed through western blotting. In vivo, various concentrations of BX471 or an equivalent medium were injected into DMM model joints. Cartilage destruction was evaluated through Safranin O/Fast green and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS: This study revealed that inhibiting CCR1 mitigates IL-1ß-induced aging, downregulates the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP13, and alleviates the IL-1ß-induced decrease in anabolic indices. Mechanistically, the MAPK signaling pathway and PPAR-γ may be involved in inhibiting the protective effect of CCR1 on chondrocytes. In vivo, BX471 protected cartilage in a DMM model. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the expression of CCR1 in chondrocytes. Inhibiting CCR1 reduced the inflammatory response, alleviated cartilage aging, and retarded degeneration through the MAPK signaling pathway and PPAR-γ, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for OA.

Disease Progression and Multiparametric Imaging Characteristics of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 With Spastic Paraplegia.

Background and Objectives: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a hereditary ataxia that occurs worldwide. Clinical patterns were observed, including the one characterized by marked spastic paraplegia. This study investigated the clinical features, disease progression, and multiparametric imaging aspects of patients with SCA3. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 249 patients with SCA3 recruited from the Organization for Southeast China for cerebellar ataxia research between October 2014 and December 2020. Of the 249 patients, 145 were selected and assigned to 2 groups based on neurologic examination: SCA3 patients with spastic paraplegia (SCA3-SP) and SCA3 patients with nonspastic paraplegia (SCA3-NSP). Participants underwent 3.0-T brain MRI examinations, and voxel-wise and volume-of-interest-based approaches were used for the resulting images. A tract-based spatial statistical approach was used to investigate the white matter (WM) alterations using diffusion tensor imaging, neurite orientation dispersion, and density imaging metrics. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to compare the clinical and imaging parameters between the 2 groups. The longitudinal data were evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model. Results: Forty-three patients with SCA3-SP (mean age, 37.58years ± 11.72 [SD]; 18 women) and 102 patients with SCA3-NSP (mean age, 47.42years ± 12.50 [SD]; 39 women) were analyzed. Patients with SCA3-SP were younger and had a lower onset age but a larger cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat number, as well as higher clinical severity scores (all corrected p < 0.05). The estimated progression rates of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale scores were higher in the SCA3-SP subgroup than in the SCA3-NSP subgroup (SARA, 2.136 vs 1.218 points; ICARS, 5.576 vs 3.480 points; both p < 0.001). In addition, patients with SCA3-SP showed gray matter volume loss in the precentral gyrus with a decreased neurite density index in the WM of the corticospinal tract and cerebellar peduncles compared with patients with SCA3-NSP. Discussion: SCA3-SP differs from SCA3-NSP in clinical features, multiparametric brain imaging findings, and longitudinal follow-up progression.

Open-Framework Vanadate as Efficient Ion Exchanger for Uranyl Removal.

The elimination of uranium from radioactive wastewater is crucial for the safe management and operation of environmental remediation. Here, we present a layered vanadate with high acid/base stability, [Me2NH2]V3O7, as an excellent ion exchanger capturing uranyl from highly complex aqueous solutions. The material possesses an indirect band gap, ferromagnetic characteristic and a flower-like morphology comprising parallel nanosheets. The layered structure of [Me2NH2]V3O7 is predominantly upheld by the H-bond interaction between anionic framework [V3O7]nn- and intercalated [Me2NH2]+. The [Me2NH2]+ within [Me2NH2]V3O7 can be readily exchanged with UO22+. [Me2NH2]V3O7 exhibits high exchange capacity (qm = 176.19 mg/g), fast kinetics (within 15 min), high removal efficiencies (>99%), and good selectivity against an excess of interfering ions. It also displays activity for UO22+ ion exchange over a wide pH range (2.00-7.12). More importantly, [Me2NH2]V3O7 has the capability to effectively remove low-concentration uranium, yielding a residual U concentration of 13 ppb, which falls below the EPA-defined acceptable limit of 30 ppb in typical drinking water. [Me2NH2]V3O7 can also efficiently separate UO22+ from Cs+ or Sr2+ achieving the highest separation factors (SFU/Cs of 589 and SFU/Sr of 227) to date. The BOMD and DFT calculations reveal that the driving force of ion exchange is dominated by the interaction between UO22+ and [V3O7]nn-, whereas the ion exchange rate is influenced by the mobility of UO22+ and [Me2NH2]+. Our experimental findings indicate that [Me2NH2]V3O7 can be considered as a promising uranium scavenger for environmental remediation. Additionally, the simulation results provide valuable mechanistic interpretations for ion exchange and serve as a reference for designing novel ion exchangers.

AppleQSM: Geometry-Based 3D Characterization of Apple Tree Architecture in Orchards.

The architecture of apple trees plays a pivotal role in shaping their growth and fruit-bearing potential, forming the foundation for precision apple management. Traditionally, 2D imaging technologies were employed to delineate the architectural traits of apple trees, but their accuracy was hampered by occlusion and perspective ambiguities. This study aimed to surmount these constraints by devising a 3D geometry-based processing pipeline for apple tree structure segmentation and architectural trait characterization, utilizing point clouds collected by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The pipeline consisted of four modules: (a) data preprocessing module, (b) tree instance segmentation module, (c) tree structure segmentation module, and (d) architectural trait extraction module. The developed pipeline was used to analyze 84 trees of two representative apple cultivars, characterizing architectural traits such as tree height, trunk diameter, branch count, branch diameter, and branch angle. Experimental results indicated that the established pipeline attained an R2 of 0.92 and 0.83, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 6.1 cm and 4.71 mm for tree height and trunk diameter at the tree level, respectively. Additionally, at the branch level, it achieved an R2 of 0.77 and 0.69, and a MAE of 6.86 mm and 7.48° for branch diameter and angle, respectively. The accurate measurement of these architectural traits can enable precision management in high-density apple orchards and bolster phenotyping endeavors in breeding programs. Moreover, bottlenecks of 3D tree characterization in general were comprehensively analyzed to reveal future development.

Long term survival outcomes of surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for perforated low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) are very rare, accounting for approximately 0.2%-0.5% of gastrointestinal tumors. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to explore the impact of different surgical procedures combined with HIPEC on the short-term outcomes and long-term survival of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data of 91 LAMN perforation patients from 9 teaching hospitals over a 10-year period, and divided them into HIPEC group and non-HIPEC group based on whether or not underwent HIPEC. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients with LAMN, 52 were in the HIPEC group and 39 in the non-HIPEC group. The Kaplan-Meier method predicted that 52 patients in the HIPEC group had 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of 82.7% and 76.9%, respectively, compared with predicted survival rates of 51.3% and 46.2% for the 39 patients in the non-HIPEC group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 10.622, p = 0.001; χ2 = 10.995, p = 0.001). Compared to the 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates of 75.0% and 65.4% in the HIPEC group, respectively, the 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates of 48.7% and 46.2% in the non-HIPEC group were significant different between the two outcomes (χ2 = 8.063, p = 0.005; χ2 = 6.775, p = 0.009). The incidence of postoperative electrolyte disturbances and hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in the HIPEC group than in the non-HIPEC group (p = 0.023; p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that surgery combined with HIPEC can significantly improve 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates and relapse-free survival rates of LAMN perforation patients, without affecting their short-term clinical outcomes.

Effect of preoperative immunonutrition on postoperative short-term clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer cachexia: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although current guidelines(ESPEN guideline: Clinical nutrition in surgery and other guidelines) recommend preoperative immunonutrition for cachectic gastric cancer patients, the strength of the recommendation is weak, and the level of evidence is low. The benefits of preoperative immunonutrition still remain controversial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 112 patients with gastric cancer cachexia were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either preoperative enteral immunonutrition support (IN, n = 56) or standard enteral nutrition support (SEN, n = 56). The primary endpoint was the incidence of infectious complications, and the secondary endpoints included the nutritional indicators, inflammatory markers, immune parameters, postoperative recovery and complications and gastrointestinal intolerance reactions. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative infectious complications(P = 0.040) and overall complications (P = 0.049)was significantly lower in the IN group compared to the SEN group. In terms of laboratory inflammatory indexes, patients in the IN group demonstrated significantly lower levels of white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as higher levels of lymphocytes (LYMPH) and immunoglobulin A (IgA), compared to patients in the SEN group, with statistically significant differences. In terms of clinical outcomes, the IN group had a shorter duration of antibiotic use (P = 0.048), shorter hospital stay (P = 0.018), and lower total hospital costs (P = 0.034) compared to the SEN group. The IN group also experienced significantly less weight loss after surgery (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of immunonutrition formula has a positive impact on the incidence of infectious complications in patients with gastric cancer cachexia after surgery. It improves patients' inflammatory and immune status, shortens hospital stays, and reduces healthcare costs. Preoperative use of immunonutrition may contribute to the improvement of prognosis in this high-risk population.

Classification of nomophobia among Chinese college students: Evidence from latent profile and ROC analysis.

Background and aims: Nomophobia (NMP) is a contemporary digital ailment referring to the improper utilization of smartphones which can have significant impacts on the physical and mental health of college students. However, as a result of unclear cutoff points, the proportion of people with NMP may be exaggerated. This study therefore aimed to determine the critical value of NMP and assess the extent to which Chinese college students are impacted by NMP using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). Methods: Latent profile analysis (LPA) and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were combined to determine the critical value based on NMP-Q scores using a large sample of 3,998 college students (Mage = 20.58; SD = 1.87). Results: Based on latent profile (i.e., at-risk NMP group), ROC revealed an optimal cut-off point of 73 (Sensitivity = 0.965, Specificity = 0.970, Accuracy = 0.968, AUC = 99.60%, Youden's index = 0.935), and the percentage of NMP students being 28.04%, with 1,121 participants identified as positive cases (probable cases). Positive cases were found to exhibit more severe depression and anxiety symptoms, with a higher proportion of females were observed in the positive group (N = 829; 73.95%). Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that the proportion of NMP individuals may have been overestimated in the past. Furthermore, this study helps to validate the NMP-Q as a valid tool to identify NMP in college-aged individuals.

Effect of Regional Brain Activity Following Repeat Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in SCA3: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive neuroregulatory technique used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, holds promise for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) treatment, although its efficacy and mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to observe the short-term impact of cerebellar rTMS on motor function in SCA3 patients and utilize resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) to assess potential therapeutic mechanisms. Twenty-two SCA3 patients were randomly assigned to receive actual rTMS (AC group, n = 11, three men and eight women; age 32-55 years) or sham rTMS (SH group, n = 11, three men and eight women; age 26-58 years). Both groups underwent cerebellar rTMS or sham rTMS daily for 15 days. The primary outcome measured was the ICARS scores and parameters for regional brain activity. Compared to baseline, ICARS scores decreased more significantly in the AC group than in the SH group after the 15-day intervention. Imaging indicators revealed increased Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation (ALFF) values in the posterior cerebellar lobe and cerebellar tonsil following AC stimulation. This study suggests that rTMS enhances motor functions in SCA3 patients by modulating the excitability of specific brain regions and associated pathways, reinforcing the potential clinical utility of rTMS in SCA3 treatment. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier is ChiCTR1800020133.

Real-Time Monitoring of the Evaporation and Fission of Electrospray-Ionized Polystyrene Beads and Bacterial Pellets at Elevated Temperatures.

This study uses real-time monitoring, at microsecond time scales, with a charge-sensing particle detector to investigate the evaporation and fission processes of methanol/micrometer-sized polystyrene beads (PS beads) droplets and bacterial particles droplets generated via electrospray ionization (ESI) under elevated temperatures. By incrementally raising capillary temperatures, the solvent, such as methanol on 0.75 µm PS beads, experiences partial evaporation. Further temperature increase induces fission, and methanol molecules continue to evaporate until PS ions are detected after this range. Similar partial evaporation is observed on 3 µm PS beads. However, the shorter period of the fission temperature range is necessary compared to 0.75 µm PS beads. For the spherical-shaped bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, the desolvation process shows a similar fission period as compared to 0.75 µm PS beads. Comparably, the rod-shaped bacteria, Escherichia coli EC11303, and E. coli strain W have shorter fission periods than S. aureus. This research provides insights into the evaporation and fission mechanisms of ESI droplets containing different sizes and shapes of micrometer-sized particles, contributing to a better understanding of gaseous macroion formation.

The causal relationship between sleep disturbances and the risk of frailty: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVE: Adequate sleep is closely related to people's health. However, with increasing age, the quality of sleep worsens. At the same time, among elderly individuals, frailty is also a disturbing factor, which makes elderly individuals more vulnerable to negative factors. To explore the relationship between the two, we conducted this study. METHODS: In this paper, independent genetic variations related to insomnia, sleep duration and daytime sleepiness were selected as IVs, and related genetic tools were used to search published genome-wide association studies for a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main Mendelian randomization analysis method. Cochran's Q test was used to test heterogeneity, MR‒Egger was used to test horizontal pleiotropy, and the MR-PRESSO test was used to remove outliers. RESULTS: According to our research, insomnia (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.17, P = 2.59e-97), long sleep duration (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.37-1.17, P = 0.02), short sleep duration (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.22-1.38, P = 2.23e-17) and daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.25-1.77, P = 0.96e-4) had a bidirectional causal relationship with frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Our research showed that there is a causal relationship between sleep disturbances and frailty. This result was obtained by a TSMR analysis, which involves the use of genetic variation as an IV to determine causal relationships between exposure and outcome. Future TSMR studies should include a larger sample for analysis.

Dipole Moment and Built-In Polarization Electric Field Induced by Oxygen Vacancies in BiOX for Boosting Piezoelectric-Photocatalytic Removal of Uranium(VI).

Piezoelectric-photocatalysis is distinguished by its piezoelectricity as an external force that induces deformation within the catalyst to engender a polarized electric field compared to conventional photocatalysis. Herein, the piezoelectric photocatalyst BiOBr has been expertly synthesized via a plasma process and applied for piezoelectric-photocatalysis removal of uranium(VI) for the first time. The abundant surface oxygen vacancies (OVs) could induce a dipole moment and built-in electric field, which endows BiOBr with excellent separation and transport efficiency of photogenerated charges to actuate more charges to participate in the piezoelectric-photocatalytic reduction process. Consequently, under visible light and ultrasound (150 W and 40 kHz), the removal rate constant of OVs-BiOBr-30 (0.0306 min-1) was 2.4, 30.6, and 6 times higher than those of BiOBr (0.01273 min-1), ultrasound, or photocatalysis, respectively. The piezoelectric-photocatalytic synergy is also universal for BiOX (X = Cl, Br, or I) to accelerate the reduction rate of uranium(VI). This work highlights the role of piezoelectric-photocatalysis in the treatment of uranium-containing wastewater, which is of great significance for resource conservation and environmental remediation.

Hilbert Curve Projection Distance for Distribution Comparison.

Distribution comparison plays a central role in many machine learning tasks like data classification and generative modeling. In this study, we propose a novel metric, called Hilbert curve projection (HCP) distance, to measure the distance between two probability distributions with low complexity. In particular, we first project two high-dimensional probability distributions using Hilbert curve to obtain a coupling between them, and then calculate the transport distance between these two distributions in the original space, according to the coupling. We show that HCP distance is a proper metric and is well-defined for probability measures with bounded supports. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the modified empirical HCP distance with the Lp cost in the d-dimensional space converges to its population counterpart at a rate of no more than O(n-1/2max{d,p}). To suppress the curse-of-dimensionality, we also develop two variants of the HCP distance using (learnable) subspace projections. Experiments on both synthetic and real-world data show that our HCP distance works as an effective surrogate of the Wasserstein distance with low complexity and overcomes the drawbacks of the sliced Wasserstein distance.

Mineral composition, crystallinity and dielectric evaluation of Bamboo Salt, Himalaya Salt, and Ba'kelalan salt content.

The mineral composition, crystallinity, and dielectric properties of salts can provide valuable insights into the quality and suitability of different types of salt for various applications. In this study, comprehensive analysis of the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and dielectric analysis of the Ba'kelalan salt, Himalaya salt and Bamboo salt have been investigated. The mineral composition of these salts, encompassing vital elements such as iodine and other trace minerals, significantly influences the salt's nutritional profile and overall excellence. Nonetheless, gauging the dispersion and density of these minerals poses difficulties due to conventional techniques that can be arduous, damaging, and expensive. Sample preparation is carried out before conducting X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and dielectric analysis. XRD measurements are performed using the Bruker D2 Phaser to identify crystalline material phases. XRD operates on the principle of constructive X-ray interference within crystalline samples. For elemental analysis across a broad spectrum of materials, XRF is employed. Elemental peaks are scanned, starting from the lowest to the highest angle of incidence. The X-ray intensity at characteristic peaks is compared to the standard series. Dielectric spectroscopy analysis examines the dielectric behaviour of Ba'kelalan salt, Himalaya salt, and Bamboo salt. The setup involves a vector network analyser (VNA) paired with an open-ended coaxial probe, utilizing the microwave method. This approach ensures rapid, efficient, and non-destructive measurements of dielectric constants (ε') and loss factors (ε"). The dielectric permittivity spectra are acquired within the frequency range of 4 GHz-20 GHz. ε' of these salts increase with frequency. Meanwhile, ε" seem varies insignificantly over frequency. Mineral contents and crystallinity are the crucial factors lead to these responses. Based on the study, the quality and suitability of the selected salts for specific applications can be determined by considering their mineral composition, crystallinity, and dielectric properties in the context of the intended use. This gives an insight for some applications that may benefit from certain minerals or crystalline structures, others may require specific dielectric properties for effective use. Therefore, understanding these properties allows for decision-making in choosing the right type of salt for a given purpose, whether it's for foods, medical, industrial, healthcare, and technological applications.

Core features of callous-unemotional traits: a cross-cultural comparison of youth in four countries.

With considerable debate concerning the impact of culture on the expression of callous-unemotional (CU) traits, it is unclear whether the core features of CU traits generalize to youth across cultures. This study aimed to examine whether cultural differences are reflected in the core features of CU traits and the associations among these features. Network analysis was employed to identify the core features and to examine the network structure of CU traits operationalized by the Inventory of Callous Unemotional traits (ICU) in four community youth samples from different nations (Australia, N = 190; the UK, N = 437; the USA, N = 330; China, N = 503). The item "Apologizes to people" was identified as a cross-cultural core feature in the ICU network with a greater centrality of this item compared to others in all four samples. In addition, some items were identified as culture-specific core features in the network, differing in their centrality across samples. The network structures of the youth self-report ICU items were moderately similar across samples, while the structures of parent-report items showed substantial differences. These findings have important implications for cross-cultural research on CU traits as well as practical implications for screening and treatment. The core features of ICU appear to be generalizable in youth across cultures, although cultural-specific manifestations should be noted.

The Chinese Parenting Stress Scale for Preschoolers' Parents: Development and Initial Validation.

Parenting stress is the experience of discomfort or distress that results from the demands associated with the role of parenting. Although there are numerous parenting stress scales, relatively few scales have been developed with consideration of the Chinese cultural context. This study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese Parenting Stress Scale (CPSS) with a multidimensional and hierarchical structure for Mainland Chinese preschoolers' parents (N = 1,427, Mage = 35.63 years, SD = 4.69). In Study 1, a theoretical model and an initial 118 items were developed, drawing on prior research and existing measures of parenting stress. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 15 first-order factors with 60 items. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analyses supported a higher order solution consisting of 15 first-order factors covering four domains: Child Development (12 items), Difficult Child (16 items), Parent-Child Interaction (12 items), and Parent's Readjustment to Life (20 items). Measurement invariance indicated no gender differences between parents for the scale scores. The convergent, discriminant, and criteria validity of the CPSS scores was supported by its association with related variables in the expected directions. Moreover, the CPSS scores added significant incremental variance in predicting somatization, anxiety, and child's emotional symptoms more so than the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form-15. The CPSS total and subscale scores all had acceptable Cronbach's αs in both samples. The overall findings support the CPSS as a psychometrically sound tool.

Short- and long-term comparison of robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with BMI≥30 kg/m2: A propensity score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gastric patients has gained popularity in recent decades, reports on the comparison of short and long clinical outcomes between robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for gastric cancer patients with BMI≥30 kg/m2 are still limited. METHODS: A total of 226 obese gastric cancer patients who underwent either RG (n = 81) or LG (n = 145) were enrolled in this study between October 2014 and September 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) was performed to reduce confounding bias. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between the RG and LG groups. RESULTS: The clinicopathological characteristics of 156 patients in the RG group (n = 79) and LG group (n = 79) were well balanced after PSM. Compared with the LG group, the RG group had a significantly shorter operation time, less estimated blood loss, more harvested lymph nodes, a faster postoperative recovery course, reduced surgical morbidity, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The long-term outcomes were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: RG is a safe and feasible approach for gastric cancer with a BMI≥30 kg/m2 and has better short-term clinical outcomes than LG. However, RG is similar to LG in terms of long-term prognosis.

Cognitive impairment associated with cerebellar volume loss in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.

BACKGROUND: Many neuroscience and neurology studies have forced a reconsideration of the traditional motor-related scope of cerebellar function, which has now expanded to include various cognitive functions. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3; the most common hereditary ataxia) is neuropathologically characterized by cerebellar atrophy and frequently presents with cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: To characterize cognitive impairment in SCA3 and investigate the cerebellum-cognition associations. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional cohort study recruited 126 SCA3 patients and 41 healthy control individuals (HCs). Participants underwent a brain 3D T1-weighted images as well as neuropsychological tests. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and region of interest (ROI) approaches were performed on the 3D T1-weighted images. CERES was used to automatically segment cerebellums. Patients were grouped into cognitively impaired (CI) and cognitively preserved (CP), and clinical and MRI parameters were compared. Multivariable regression models were fitted to examine associations between cerebellar microstructural alterations and cognitive domain impairments. RESULTS: Compared to HCs, SCA3 patients showed cognitive domain impairments in information processing speed, verbal memory, executive function, and visuospatial perception. Between CI and CP subgroups, the CI subgroup was older and had lower education, as well as higher severity scores. VBM and ROI analyses revealed volume loss in cerebellar bilateral lobule VI, right lobule Crus I, and right lobule IV of the CI subgroup, and all these cerebellar lobules were associated with the above cognitive domain impairments. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the multiple cognitive domain impairments in SCA3 patients and indicate the responsible cerebellar lobules for the impaired cognitive domain(s).

Deep Learning Radiomics Nomogram Based on Enhanced CT to Predict the Response of Metastatic Lymph Nodes to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to construct and validate a deep learning (DL) radiomics nomogram using baseline and restage enhanced computed tomography (CT) images and clinical characteristics to predict the response of metastatic lymph nodes to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 112 patients with LAGC who received NACT from January 2021 to August 2022. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 98 patients were randomized 7:3 to the training cohort (n = 68) and validation cohort (n = 30). We established and compared three radiomics signatures based on three phases of CT images before and after NACT, namely radiomics-baseline, radiomics-delta, and radiomics-restage. Then, we developed a clinical model, DL model, and a nomogram to predict the response of LAGC after NACT. We evaluated the predictive accuracy and clinical validity of each model using the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The radiomics-delta signature was the best predictor among the three radiomics signatures. So, we developed and validated a DL delta radiomics nomogram (DLDRN). In the validation cohort, the DLDRN produced an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.96) and demonstrated adequate differentiation of good response to NACT. Furthermore, the DLDRN significantly outperformed the clinical model and DL model (p < 0.001). The clinical utility of the DLDRN was confirmed through decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LAGC, the DLDRN effectively predicted a therapeutic response in metastatic lymph nodes, which could provide valuable information for individualized treatment.

Resting heart rate moderates the relationship between parental emotion socialization and callous-unemotional traits in children.

Although empirical findings have indicated that both familial and neurobiological risk factors contribute to the development of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in children, relatively few studies have investigated how these two factors interact to influence these traits. The current study focused on the combined effects of parental emotion socialization and child's resting heart rate on CU traits. Parents of Chinese children (N = 166) completed the Coping with Children's Negative Scale when children were 9.39 years old (SD = 0.92), while children's resting heart rate data were collected when they were 10.21 years old (SD = 0.72). When they were 11.15 years old (SD = 0.67), parents completed the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits Short-Form. Results showed that parental supportive emotion socialization was negatively associated with CU traits and Callous behaviors in particular. In addition, resting heart rate moderated the relationship between parental emotion socialization and child's CU traits. Findings provide further evidence that an interdisciplinary approach that combines both psychosocial and biological factors is essential to further our understanding of CU traits in youth.