Slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training improves symptoms of type 2 diabetic mellitus patients by regulating plasma MMP-2 and -9.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the intervention effect of slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training on type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients based on the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9) in regulating extracellular matrix homeostasis. METHODS: 50 T2DM patients were randomly divided into the slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training group (E) and control group (C). The E group performed eccentric-only resistance training 3 times a week, every other day for 10 weeks, while the C group did not. Blood samples were collected before and after training, and subjects were tested for changes in clinical parameters, insulin resistance indices [fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)], MMP-2 and -9, and hydroxyproline, and muscle strength (12-RM), respectively. RESULTS: After 10 weeks of training, the E group showed significant decreases in fasting glucose (P < .05), insulin (P < .05), insulin resistance indices (P < .05), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (P < .01), triglycerides (P = .06) and MMP-2 (P < .05), while total cholesterol (P < .05), MMP-9 (P < .05), hydroxyproline (P < .01), Creatine Kinase (CK) (P < .05), and muscle strength (P < .001) significantly increased. There were no significant changes in the count of neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). Compared with the C group, the E group showed a trend of a significant decrease in triglyceride (P < .05), lymphocyte count (P < .05), fasting glucose (P = .07), and plasma MMP-2 (P < .05), while MMP-9 (P < .05), hydroxyproline (P < .001), and muscle strength (P < .01) significantly increased. However, no significant changes were observed in insulin and insulin resistance indices, HbA1c, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, CK, and other inflammatory indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training was beneficial for T2DM, but the potential role of MMP-2 and -9 in regulating extracellular matrix homeostasis is very different in T2DM patients.

Plasticity in moth mating behavior and ejaculate proteomic diversity induced by male competition.

In male competition, large and costly ejaculates are advantageous. Prior research on male accessory gland secretions in Plutella xylostella left open questions about how males modulate their mating behaviors and ejaculate composition allocation in response to varying levels of competition. The current study aimed to delve deeper into these unexplored facets. A totally of 928 ejaculate proteins were identified across males exposed to different competition conditions. Notably, males courting under non-, low-, and high-competition scenarios exhibited 867, 635, and 858 ejaculate proteins, respectively. Approximately 10% of these ejaculate proteins displayed variations that aligned with changes in competition intensity. Subsequent analyses focused on the proteins transferred to females, revealing that 44% of ejaculate proteins were transferred, with 37 proteins exhibiting differential expression. Functional analyses uncovered their crucial roles in sperm maturation, motility, and capacitation. Our findings reveal adaptive adjustments in ejaculate protein abundance and transmission in P. xylostella as a response to varying competition levels. Moreover, fluorescent sperm labeling indicated higher sperm transfer during low competition correlated with shorter sperm length. Furthermore, evidence suggests that males shorten their courtship duration and extend their mating duration when faced with competition. These results illustrate how competition drives ejaculate investment and behavioral plasticity, offering valuable insights for advancements in assisted reproductive technologies and pest management strategies.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) improves salinity stress tolerance in soybean seedlings by modulating their mineral nutrition, osmolyte contents, and ascorbate-glutathione cycle.

BACKGROUND: In plants, GABA plays a critical role in regulating salinity stress tolerance. However, the response of soybean seedlings (Glycine max L.) to exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) under saline stress conditions has not been fully elucidated. RESULTS: This study investigated the effects of exogenous GABA (2 mM) on plant biomass and the physiological mechanism through which soybean plants are affected by saline stress conditions (0, 40, and 80 mM of NaCl and Na2SO4 at a 1:1 molar ratio). We noticed that increased salinity stress negatively impacted the growth and metabolism of soybean seedlings, compared to control. The root-stem-leaf biomass (27- and 33%, 20- and 58%, and 25- and 59% under 40- and 80 mM stress, respectively]) and the concentration of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b significantly decreased. Moreover, the carotenoid content increased significantly (by 35%) following treatment with 40 mM stress. The results exhibited significant increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) oxidized glutathione (GSSG), Na+, and Cl- under 40- and 80 mM stress levels, respectively. However, the concentration of mineral nutrients, soluble proteins, and soluble sugars reduced significantly under both salinity stress levels. In contrast, the proline and glycine betaine concentrations increased compared with those in the control group. Moreover, the enzymatic activities of ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly, while those of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and dehydroascorbate reductase increased following saline stress, indicating the overall sensitivity of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle (AsA-GSH). However, exogenous GABA decreased Na+, Cl-, H2O2, and MDA concentration but enhanced photosynthetic pigments, mineral nutrients (K+, K+/Na+ ratio, Zn2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+); osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine, soluble sugar, and soluble protein); enzymatic antioxidant activities; and AsA-GSH pools, thus reducing salinity-associated stress damage and resulting in improved growth and biomass. The positive impact of exogenously applied GABA on soybean plants could be attributed to its ability to improve their physiological stress response mechanisms and reduce harmful substances. CONCLUSION: Applying GABA to soybean plants could be an effective strategy for mitigating salinity stress. In the future, molecular studies may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which GABA regulates salt tolerance in soybeans.

Stretchable phosphorescent polymers by multiphase engineering.

Stretchable phosphorescence materials potentially enable applications in diverse advanced fields in wearable electronics. However, achieving room-temperature phosphorescence materials simultaneously featuring long-lived emission and good stretchability is challenging because it is hard to balance the rigidity and flexibility in the same polymer. Here we present a multiphase engineering for obtaining stretchable phosphorescent materials by combining stiffness and softness simultaneously in well-designed block copolymers. Due to the microphase separation, copolymers demonstrate an intrinsic stretchability of 712%, maintaining an ultralong phosphorescence lifetime of up to 981.11 ms. This multiphase engineering is generally applicable to a series of binary and ternary initiator systems with color-tunable phosphorescence in the visible range. Moreover, these copolymers enable multi-level volumetric data encryption and stretchable afterglow display. This work provides a fundamental understanding of the nanostructures and material properties for designing stretchable materials and extends the potential of phosphorescence polymers.

Photoreversible Aggregation of the Biliprotein Containing the First and Second GAF Domains of a Cyanobacteriochrome All2699 in Nostoc sp. PCC7120.

As plant photoreceptors, phytochromes are capable of detecting red light and far-red light, thereby governing plant growth. All2699 is a photoreceptor found in Nostoc sp. PCC7120 that specifically responds to red light and far-red light. All2699g1g2 is a truncated protein carrying the first and second GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenylyl cyclase/FhlA) domains of All2699. In this study, we found that, upon exposure to red light, the protein underwent aggregation, resulting in the formation of protein aggregates. Conversely, under far-red light irradiation, these protein aggregates dissociated. We delved into the factors that impact the aggregation of All2699g1g2, focusing on the protein structure. Our findings showed that the GAF2 domain contains a low-complexity (LC) loop region, which plays a crucial role in mediating protein aggregation. Specifically, phenylalanine at position 239 within the LC loop region was identified as a key site for the aggregation process. Furthermore, our research revealed that various factors, including irradiation time, temperature, concentration, NaCl concentration, and pH value, can impact the aggregation of All2699g1g2. The aggregation led to variations in Pfr concentration depending on temperature, NaCl concentration, and pH value. In contrast, ΔLC did not aggregate and therefore lacked responses to these factors. Consequently, the LC loop region of All2699g1g2 extended and enhanced sensory properties.

Deep Learning Nomogram for the Identification of Deep Stromal Invasion in Patients With Early-Stage Cervical Adenocarcinoma and Adenosquamous Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Deep stromal invasion (DSI) is one of the predominant risk factors that determined the types of radical hysterectomy (RH). Thus, the accurate assessment of DSI in cervical adenocarcinoma (AC)/adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) can facilitate optimal therapy decision. PURPOSE: To develop a nomogram to identify DSI in cervical AC/ASC. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: Six hundred and fifty patients (mean age of 48.2 years) were collected from center 1 (primary cohort, 536), centers 2 and 3 (external validation cohorts 1 and 2, 62 and 52). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 5-T, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI, SE/FSE), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI, EPI), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI, VIBE/LAVA). ASSESSMENT: The DSI was defined as the outer 1/3 stromal invasion on pathology. The region of interest (ROI) contained the tumor and 3 mm peritumoral area. The ROIs of T2WI, DWI, and CE-T1WI were separately imported into Resnet18 to calculate the DL scores (TDS, DDS, and CDS). The clinical characteristics were retrieved from medical records or MRI data assessment. The clinical model and nomogram were constructed by integrating clinical independent risk factors only and further combining DL scores based on primary cohort and were validated in two external validation cohorts. STATISTICAL TESTS: Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Chi-squared test were used to compare differences in continuous or categorical variables between DSI-positive and DSI-negative groups. DeLong test was used to compare AU-ROC values of DL scores, clinical model, and nomogram. RESULTS: The nomogram integrating menopause, disruption of cervical stromal ring (DCSRMR), DDS, and TDS achieved AU-ROCs of 0.933, 0.807, and 0.817 in evaluating DSI in primary and external validation cohorts. The nomogram had superior diagnostic ability to clinical model and DL scores in primary cohort (all P < 0.0125 [0.05/4]) and CDS (P = 0.009) in external validation cohort 2. DATA CONCLUSION: The nomogram achieved good performance for evaluating DSI in cervical AC/ASC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Re­examining the mechanism of eccentric exercise­induced skeletal muscle damage from the role of the third filament, titin (Review).

Intense and unaccustomed eccentric exercise has been extensively studied for its ability to induce muscle damage. However, the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon still requires further clarification. This knowledge gap arises from the need for explanation of the eccentric contraction through the sliding filament theory. The two-filament sarcomere model, which is consisted of thin and thick filaments, forms the basis of the sliding filament theory. The mechanisms of concentric and isometric contractions at the cellular and molecular levels are effectively described by this model. However, when relying solely on the cross-bridge swing, the sliding filament theory fails to account for specific observations, such as the stability of the descending limb of the force-length relationship curve. Recent evidence indicated that titin and the extracellular matrix (ECM) may play a protective role by interacting with the thick and thin filaments. During an eccentric contraction, titin serves as a third filament in the sarcomere, which helps regulate changes in passive force. The two-filament sarcomere model has limitations in explaining eccentric contraction, thus this compensates for those shortcomings. The present review explored the potential of replacing the two-filament sarcomere model with a three-filament sarcomere model, incorporating thin filaments, thick filaments and titin. This revised model offers a more comprehensive explanation of eccentric contraction phenomena. Furthermore, the sliding filament theory was investigated in the context of the three-filament sarcomere model. The double-layer protection mechanism, which involves increased titin stiffness and the ECM during eccentric contraction was explored. This mechanism may enhance lateral force transmission between muscle fibers and the ECM, resulting in sarcolemma and ECM shear deformation. These findings provided insight into the mechanism of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage. Considering the three-filament sarcomere model and the double-layer protection mechanism, the present review offered a more logical and comprehensive understanding of the mechanism behind eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Horizontal to perpendicular transition of lamellar and cylinder phases in block copolymer films induced by interface segregation of single-chain nanoparticles during solvent evaporation.

How to fabricate perpendicularly oriented domains (PODs) of lamellar and cylinder phases in block copolymer thin films remains a major challenge. In this work, via a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation study, we report a solvent evaporation strategy starting from a mixed solution of A-b-B-type diblock copolymers (DBCs) and single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) with the same composition, which is capable of spontaneously generating PODs in drying DBC films induced by the interface segregation of SCNPs. The latter occurs at both the free surface and substrate and, consequently, neutralizes the interface selectivity of distinct blocks in DBCs, leading to spontaneous formation of PODs at both interfaces. The interface segregation of SCNPs is related to the weak solvophilicity of the internal cross-linker units. A mean-field theory calculation demonstrates that the increase in the chemical potential of SCNPs in the bulk region drives their interface segregation along with solvent evaporation. We believe that such a strategy can be useful in regulating the PODs of DBC films in practical applications.

Involvement of plant signaling network and cell metabolic homeostasis in nitrogen deficiency-induced early leaf senescence.

Nitrogen (N) is a basic building block that plays an essential role in the maintenance of normal plant growth and its metabolic functions through complex regulatory networks. Such the N metabolic network comprises a series of transcription factors (TFs), with the coordinated actions of phytohormone and sugar signaling to sustain cell homeostasis. The fluctuating N concentration in plant tissues alters the sensitivity of several signaling pathways to stressful environments and regulates the senescent-associated changes in cellular structure and metabolic process. Here, we review recent advances in the interaction between N assimilation and carbon metabolism in response to N deficiency and its regulation to the nutrient remobilization from source to sink during leaf senescence. The regulatory networks of N and sugar signaling for N deficiency-induced leaf senescence is further discussed to explain the effects of N deficiency on chloroplast disassembly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, asparagine metabolism, sugar transport, autophagy process, Ca2+ signaling, circadian clock response, brassinazole-resistant 1 (BZRI), and other stress cell signaling. A comprehensive understanding for the metabolic mechanism and regulatory network underlying N deficiency-induced leaf senescence may provide a theoretical guide to optimize the source-sink relationship during grain filling for the achievement of high yield by a selection of crop cultivars with the properly prolonged lifespan of functional leaves and/or by appropriate agronomic managements.

Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks with Tunable Dielectric Properties for Boosting Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) manifest enormous potential in promoting electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption thanks to the tailored components, topological structure, and high porosity. Herein, rodlike conductive MOFs (cMOFs) composed of adjustable metal ions of Zn, Cu, Co, or Ni and ligands of hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) are prepared to attain tunable dielectric properties for a tailored EMW absorption. Specifically, the influences of the cMOFs' composition, charge transport characteristic, topological crystalline structure, and anisotropy microstructure on dielectric and EMW absorption performance are ascertained, advancing the understanding of EMW attenuation mechanisms of MOFs. The boosted conductive and polarization losses derived from the conjugation effects and terminal groups, as well as shape anisotropy, lead to a prominent EMW absorption of the cMOFs. The Cu-HHTP confers a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -63.55 dB at the thickness of 2.9 mm and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 5.2 GHz. Moreover, Zn-HHTP showcases the absorption superiority in the S-band (2-4 GHz) with an RLmin of -62.8 dB at a thickness of 1.9 mm. This work not only hoists the mechanistic understanding of the structure-function relationships for the cMOFs but also offers guidelines for preparing functional MOF materials.

Carbonized Polymer Dots Assemble in Proton-Conducting Channels to Enhance the Conductivity and Selectivity Simultaneously for High-Performance Fuel Cells.

Fabricating polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) simultaneously with high ion conductivity and selectivity has always been an ultimate goal in many membrane-integrated systems for energy conversion and storage. Constructing broader ion-conducting channels usually enables high-efficient ion conductivity while often bringing increased crossover of other ions or molecules simultaneously, resulting in decreased selectivity. Here, the ultra-small carbon dots (CDs) with the selective barriers are self-assembled within proton-conducting channels of PEMs through electrostatic interaction to enhance the proton conductivity and selectivity simultaneously. The functional CDs regulate the nanophase separation of PEMs and optimize the hydration proton network enabling higher-efficient proton transport. Meanwhile, the CDs within proton-conducting channels prevent fuel from permeating selectively due to their repelling and spatial hindrance against fuel molecules, resulting in highly enhanced selectivity. Benefiting from the improved conductivity and selectivity, the open-circuit voltage and maximum power density of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) equipped with the hybrid membranes raised by 23% and 93%, respectively. This work brings new insight to optimize polymer membranes for efficient and selective transport of ions or small molecules, solving the trade-off of conductivity and selectivity.

Short-Range Nanoreaction Effect on the Hydrogen Desorption Behaviors of the MgH2-Ni@C Composite.

Doping a catalyst can efficiently improve the hydrogen reaction kinetics of MgH2. However, the hydrogen desorption behaviors are complicated in different MgH2-catalyst systems. Here, a carbon-encapsulated nickel (Ni@C) core-shell catalyst is synthesized to improve the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2. The complicated hydrogen desorption mechanism of the MgH2-Ni@C composite is elucidated. The experimental and theoretical calculation results indicate a short-range nanoreaction effect on the hydrogen desorption behaviors of the MgH2-Ni@C composite. The Ni@C catalysts and the adjacent MgH2 form nanoreaction sites along with preferential hydrogen desorption. The new interface between the in situ formed Mg and residual MgH2 contributes to the subsequent hydrogen desorption. With the nanoreaction sites increased via adding more catalyst, the short-range nanoreaction effect is more prominent; as a comparison, the interface effect becomes weaker or even disappears. In addition, the core-shell structure catalyst shows ultrahigh structural stability and catalytic activity, even after 50 hydrogen absorption and desorption cycles. Hence, this study provides new insights into the complicated hydrogen desorption behaviors and comes up with the short-range nanoreaction effect in the MgH2-catalyst system.

Strain in Copper/Ceria Heterostructure Promotes Electrosynthesis of Multicarbon Products.

Elastic strains in metallic catalysts induce enhanced selectivity for carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) toward valuable multicarbon (C2+) products. However, under working conditions, the structure of catalysts inevitably undergoes reconstruction, hardly retaining the initial strain. Herein, we present a metal/metal oxide synthetic strategy to introduce and maintain the tensile strain in a copper/ceria heterostructure, enabled by the presence of a thin interface layer of Cu2O/CeO2. The tensile strain in the copper domain and deficient electron environment around interfacial Cu sites resulted in strengthened adsorption of carbonaceous intermediates and promoted *CO dimerization. The strain effect in the copper/ceria heterostructure leads to an improved C2+ selectivity with a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 76.4% and a half-cell power conversion efficiency of 49.1%. The fundamental insights gained from this system can facilitate the rational design of heterostructure catalysts for CO2R.

Plurihormonal PIT1-lineage pituitary neuroendocrine tumors: a clinicopathological study / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of plurihormonal PIT1-lineage pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Methods: Forty-eight plurihormonal PIT1-lineage tumors were collected between January 2018 and April 2022 from the pathological database of Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University. The related clinical and imaging data were retrieved. H&E, immunohistochemical and special stains were performed. Results: Out of the 48 plurihormonal PIT1-lineage tumors included, 13 cases were mature PIT1-lineage tumors and 35 cases were immature PIT1-lineage tumors. There were some obvious clinicopathological differences between the two groups. Clinically, the mature plurihormonal PIT1-lineage tumor mostly had endocrine symptoms due to increased hormone production, while a small number of immature PIT1-lineage tumors had endocrine symptoms accompanied by low-level increased serum pituitary hormone; patients with the immature PIT1-lineage tumors were younger than the mature PIT1-lineage tumors; the immature PIT1-lineage tumors were larger in size and more likely invasive in imaging. Histopathologically, the mature PIT1-lineage tumors were composed of large eosinophilic cells with high proportion of growth hormone expression, while the immature PIT1-lineage tumors consisted of chromophobe cells with a relatively higher expression of prolactin; the mature PIT1-lineage tumors had consistently diffuse cytoplasmic positive staining for keratin, while the immature PIT1-lineage tumors had various expression for keratin; the immature PIT1-lineage tumors showed more mitotic figures and higher Ki-67 proliferation index; in addition, 25.0% (12/48) of PIT1-positive plurihormonal tumors showed abnormal positive staining for gonadotropin hormones. There was no significant difference in the progression-free survival between the two groups (P=0.648) by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusions: Plurihormonal PIT1-lineage tumor belongs to a rare type of PIT1-lineage pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, most of which are of immature lineage. Clinically increased symptoms owing to pituitary hormone secretion, histopathologically increased number of eosinophilic tumor cells with high proportion of growth hormone expression, diffusely cytoplasmic keratin staining and low proliferative activity can help differentiate the mature plurihormonal PIT1-lineage tumors from the immature PIT1-lineage tumors. The immature PIT1-lineage tumors have more complicated clinicopathological characteristics.

Advances in Allogeneic Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells / 中国医学科学院学报

Autologous chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T-cell therapy has improved the prognosis of hematological malignancies.Nevertheless,allogeneic CAR-T cells have potential advantages over the autologous approach available on the market.However,allogeneic CAR-T cells may cause life-threatening graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)or be rapidly eliminated by the host immune system.In this review,we analyze the different sources of T cells for optimal allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy,describe the different approaches,and introduce the gene editing measures to produce allogeneic CAR-T cells with limited potential for GVHD and improved anti-tumor effect.

Efficacy of magnetic traction hyoid suspension surgery in the animal model of OSAHS / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the effectiveness of creating the obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) animal model of glossocoma using the botulinum toxin type A in white rabbits, and to explore the effectiveness and safety of magnetic traction hyoid suspension operation in the OSAHS animal model of glossocoma. 【Methods】 A total of 12 adult male experimental white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. The animals in the experimental group were injected with 0.4 mL (10 U) of botulinum toxin type A in the genioglossus muscle to construct the OSAHS animal model of glossocoma. The animals in the control group were injected with 0.4 mL of normal saline. We designed and 3D printed a polyacrylate shell that could be loaded with inner and outer neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets. After the modeling, a polyacrylate shell with the inner magnet device was fixed on the hyoid bone of the animals in the experimental group. All animals in the experimental group wore the polyacrylate orthotic neck brace containing the outer magnet 10 days after the operation. The arterial blood oxygen detector was used to record the oxygen saturation (SaO2) of the femoral artery, and multi-slice CT plain scan was used to measure the diameter of the narrowest part of the upper airway. 【Results】 The animals in the experimental group gradually showed decreased activity, labored breathing, blue lips and ear margins and other manifestations of hypoxemia 5 days after intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A in the genioglossus, and their body weight dropped from (3.72±0.21)kg to (3.40±0.20)kg, the average SaO2 of the femoral artery decreased from (93.84±5.14)% to (84.00±3.35)%, and the diameter of the narrowest part of the upper airway decreased from (4.83±0.47)mm to (3.52±0.83)mm (P<0.05). In the control group, the animals’ weight, the average SaO2 of the femoral artery, and the diameter of the narrowest part of the upper airway did not significantly change before and after injection of normal saline into the genioglossus muscle (P>0.05). The animals in the experimental group completed the magnetic traction hyoid suspension surgery. After wearing the orthotic neck brace containing an external magnet for hyoid magnetic traction, the food intake and activity of the animals in the experimental group increased, the color of the lips changed from purple to pink, the SaO2 of the femoral artery increased significantly to (90.44±5.95)%, and the diameter of the narrowest part of the upper airway increased significantly to (4.42±0.15)mm (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The genioglossus muscle injection of botulinum toxin type A in white rabbits could successfully establish the OSAHS animal model of glossocoma. Magnetic traction hyoid suspension surgery in the treatment of OSAHS animal model could effectively correct the upper airway stenosis related symptoms and hypoxemia caused by glossocoma.

Screening and identification of CD44v9 specific peptide ligand for gastric cancer detection / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To screen and verify a peptide ligand specific for CD44v9. 【Methods】 A 12-mer phage peptide library was screened on CD44v9 coated on solid phase. Candidate sequences emerged after sequencing. Candidate phages were selected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The best sequence was chosen for further study. Binding of C9-3 to CD44v overexpressed HEK-293 cells was determined using immunofluorescence. Binding affinity and specificity were verified on gastric cancer tissues with immunohistochemistry. 【Results】 Phages significantly were enriched during panning process. After sequencing, nine individual sequences occurred in 30 selected clones. Among the 9 candidate sequences, C9-3 exhibited the highest frequency. Results of ELISA showed that C9-3 had the highest OD value and selectivity. Thus, C9-3 was chosen for peptide probe synthesis. C9-3 probe stained CD44v overexpressed HEK-293 cells, but not empty vector transfected HEK-293 cells. Immunohistochemistry scores of C9-3 were significantly different between gastric cancer and paracancer tissues (t=3.953, P<0.01). A linear positive correlation was observed between C9-3 binding and CD44v9 expression (r=0.823, P<0.01). 【Conclusion】 In this study, peptide ligand of CD44v9 was successfully screened. The peptide can bind to cells and cancer tissues via CD44v9. It has potential for gastric targeting probes.

Effect of intravenous albumin in patients with liver cirrhosis and nephrotic syndrome / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the outcomes of intravenous injection of human albumin (HA) in patients with both liver cirrhosis and nephrotic syndrome. 【Methods】 We retrospectively studied 101 liver cirrhosis patients with ascites and nephrotic syndrome treated in our hospital from January 2018 to November 2021. All the patients received oral diuretic and intravenous albumin therapy. Their baseline characteristics were collected and the changes in serum albumin and creatinine levels before and after treatment were evaluated. The patients with elevated albumin levels after treatment greater than the median value (1.8 g/L) were defined as response group. The rest of the patients were classified as the non-response group. And Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relevant influencing factors for treatment response. 【Results】 All the patients’ symptoms of abdominal distension related to moderate to great ascites were clinically lessened at the end of treatment, and no case of acute kidney injury occurred during the treatment. Of them, 32 patients had repeated hospitalizations within six months after discharge. The serum albumin level was significantly increased after treatment [(26.5±5.9) g/L vs. (29.9±4.9) g/L, P<0.001] and there was no significant difference in serum creatinine before and after treatment [(111.9±118.4)μmol/L vs. (108.5±87.9)μmol/L, P=0.816]. Fifty-three patients were defined as treatment response group. The differences in characteristics including age, sex, etiology of cirrhosis, and proteinuria were not statistically significant. However, the serum creatinine level was significantly lower in the response group than in the non-response group [(84.1±51.2)μmol/L vs. (142.7±158.4)μmol/L, P=0.017\]. A similar trend of difference was observed with respect to urea nitrogen level \[(8.7±5.1)mmol/L vs. (11.8±9.1)mmol/L, P=0.039\]. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the serum creatinine level was a risk factor for non-response to treatment (hazard ratio=1.025, 95% CI: 1.010-1.049, P=0.037). In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the baseline albumin levels were negatively correlated with hospital stay time (r=-0.340, P=0.001), daily HA usage (r=-0.546, P<0.001), and baseline proteinuria levels (r=-0.654, P<0.001), respectively. 【Conclusion】 Intravenous injection of HA in cirrhotic patients with nephrotic syndrome was safe and effective for the treatment of ascites. Kidney function affects serum albumin levels and response to treatment.

Analysis of Polarizing Microscopic Characteristics and X-ray Diffraction Fingerprint of Mineral Medicine Maifanitum / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the polarized light microscopic characteristics， the composition of physical phases and their relative contents of Maifanitum from different origins， and to establish the Fourier characteristic fingerprint of Maifanitum powder crystals by X-ray diffraction（XRD）. MethodA total of 26 batches of Maifanitum samples were selected， and the microscopic characteristics of the sample powders and grinding flakes were observed by polarized light microscopy under single polarized light and orthogonal polarized light， and the main phase compositions and their relative contents were analyzed by powder crystal XRD technique， and the XRD Fourier characteristic fingerprint of Maifanitum was established. The incident light source of XRD was Cu target Kβ radiation， the light tube voltage and light tube current were 40 kV and 40 mA， respectively， the divergence slit was 1°， the scattering slit was 1°， the receiving slit was 0.2 mm， the scanning speed was 5°·min-1 with continuous scanning and scanning range of 5-90°（2θ）， and the step length was 0.02°. ResultThe polarized light micrographs of powders and grinding flakes of Maifanitum were obtained， and the main phases were plagioclase， potassium feldspar and quartz， and a few samples also contained illite， pyrite， iron dolomite， calcite， iron amphibole and chlorite， etc. The relative total content of feldspar phases was 61.9%-82.4%， and the relative content of quartz was 12.6%-33.6%. The XRD Fourier fingerprint analysis method of Maifanitum with 13 common peaks as the characteristic fingerprint information was established， and the similarity calculated by the mean correlation coefficient method was 0.920 9-0.997 7， the similarity calculated by the mean angle cosine method was 0.940 5-0.998 4， the similarity calculated by the median correlation coefficient method was 0.921 1-0.997 5， and the similarity calculated by the median angle cosine method was 0.947 5-0.998 2. ConclusionThe polarized light microscopic identification characteristics of Maifanitum are mainly plagioclase， quartz and potassium feldspar， and the technique of powder crystal XRD Fourier fingerprint analysis can be used for the identification of Maifanitum.

Study on clinical characteristics and surgical methods of bucket-handle meniscal tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the clinical features, surgical methods, and prognosis of bucket-handle meniscal tears (BHMTs), and provide guidance for clinical treatment.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 91 BHMTs patients (91 knees), who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2015 and January 2021, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 68 males and 23 females. Age ranged from 16 to 58 years with an average of 34.4 years. The injury was caused by sports in 68 cases, traffic accident in 15 cases, and falls or sprains in 8 cases. There were 49 cases of left knee injury and 42 cases of right knee injury. The time from the onset of symptoms to the admission ranged from 1 day to 13 months (median, 18 days), including >1 month in 35 cases and ≤1 month in 56 cases. Medial BHMTs occurred in 52 cases and lateral BHMTs in 39 cases. There were 36 cases with ACL rupture and 12 cases with discoid meniscus. The knee extension was limited more than 10° in 55 cases. According to the condition of meniscus injury, the meniscus suture with Inside-out combined with All-inside techniques (54 cases) or meniscoplasty (37 cases) under arthroscopy were selected. ACL reconstruction was performed in all patients with ACL rupture with autogenous hamstring tendon. Postoperative complications were observed. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score were used to evaluate knee function, and clinical failure was recorded.@*RESULTS@#Two patients developed intermuscular venous thrombosis, which improved after oral anticoagulant therapy. No vascular injury, postoperative infection, joint stiffness, or other complications occurred in all patients. All patients were followed up 24-95 months, with a median of 64 months. A total of 12 cases (13.19%) failed the operation and were re-operated or given oral anti-inflammatory analgesics and rehabilitation therapy. At last follow-up, IKDC score and Lysholm score of 91 patients significantly increased when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while Tegner score significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The above indexes of patients treated with meniscus suture and meniscoplasty were also significantly different from those before operation ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#BHMTs occurs mostly in young men and is one of the important reasons for the limitation of knee extension after trauma. Arthroscopic meniscus suture and meniscoplasty can obtain good effectiveness according to individual conditions of patients. But the latter can better preserve the shape and function of meniscus, and theoretically can obtain better long-term outcomes, which needs to be confirmed by further research with larger sample size.