A Nomogram Based on Conventional Ultrasound Radiomics for Differentiating Between Radial Scar and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on conventional ultrasound (CUS) radiomics model to differentiate radial scar (RS) from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast. In total, 208 patients with histopathologically diagnosed RS or IDC of the breast were enrolled. They were randomly divided in a 7:3 ratio into a training cohort (n = 145) and a validation cohort (n = 63). Overall, 1316 radiomics features were extracted from CUS images. Then a radiomics score was constructed by filtering unstable features and using the maximum relevance minimum redundancy algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression algorithm. Two models were developed using data from the training cohort: one using clinical and CUS characteristics (Clin + CUS model) and one using clinical information, CUS characteristics, and the radiomics score (radiomics model). The usefulness of nomogram was assessed based on their differentiating ability and clinical utility. Nine features from CUS images were used to build the radiomics score. The radiomics nomogram showed a favorable predictive value for differentiating RS from IDC, with areas under the curve of 0.953 and 0.922 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Decision curve analysis indicated that this model outperformed the Clin + CUS model and the radiomics score in terms of clinical usefulness. The results of this study may provide a novel method for noninvasively distinguish RS from IDC.

Coenzyme Q10 eyedrops conjugated with vitamin E TPGS alleviate neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction in the diabetic mouse retina.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness and vision impairment worldwide and represents one of the most common complications among diabetic patients. Current treatment modalities for DR, including laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injection of corticosteroid, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, target primarily vascular lesions. However, these approaches are invasive and have several limitations, such as potential loss of visual function, retinal scars and cataract formation, and increased risk of ocular hypertension, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and intraocular inflammation. Recent studies have suggested mitochondrial dysfunction as a pivotal factor leading to both the vascular and neural damage in DR. Given that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a proven mitochondrial stabilizer with antioxidative properties, this study investigated the effect of CoQ10 eyedrops [in conjunction with vitamin E d-α-tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate (TPGS)] on DR-induced neurodegeneration using a type 2 diabetes mouse model (C57BLKsJ-db/db mice). Utilizing a comprehensive electroretinography protocol, supported by immunohistochemistry, our results revealed that topical application of CoQ10 eyedrops conjugated with vitamin E TPGS produced a neuroprotective effect against diabetic-induced neurodegeneration by preserving the function and histology of various retinal neural cell types. Compared to the control group, mice treated with CoQ10 exhibited thicker outer and inner nuclear layers, higher densities of photoreceptor, cone cell, and rod-bipolar cell dendritic boutons, and reduced glial reactivity and microglial cell density. Additionally, the CoQ10 treatment significantly alleviated retinal levels of MMP-9 and enhanced mitochondrial function. These findings provide further insight into the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of DR and suggest CoQ10 eyedrops, conjugated with vitamin E TPGS, as a potential complementary therapy for DR-related neuropathy.

A review of 10 patients treated with the masquelet technique and microsurgical technique combined for Gustilo type III open tibial fractures.

BACKGROUND: Open tibial fractures often include severe bone loss and soft tissue defects and requires complex reconstructive operations. However, the optimal treatment is unclear. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients with Gustilo type III open tibial fractures from January 2018 to January 2021 to assess the clinical utility of Masquelet technique together with microsurgical technique as a combined strategy for the treatment of open tibial fractures. The demographics and clinical outcomes including bone union time, infection, nonunion and other complications were recorded for analysis. The bone recovery quality was evaluated by the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score and the Paley criteria. RESULTS: We enrolled 10 patients, the mean age of the patients and length of bone defects were 31.7 years (range, 23-45 years) and 7.5 cm (range, 4.5-10 cm) respectively. Bone union was achieved for all patients, with an average healing time of 12.2 months (range, 11-16 months). Seven patients exhibited a bone healing time of less than 12 months, whereas 3 patients exhibited a bone healing time exceeding 12 months. No significant correlation was found between the length of bone loss and healing time. In addition, no deep infection or nonunion was observed, although 2 patients experienced wound fat liquefaction with exudates and 1 patient presented with a bloated skin flap. The average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score was 80.5 (range, 74-85), and all patients were evaluated as good or exellent based on the Paley criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that the use of the Masquelet technique and the microsurgical technique as a combined strategy is safe and effective for the treatment of Gustilo type III open tibial fractures.

An ultrasound-based histogram analysis model for prediction of tumour stroma ratio in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative identification of different stromal subtypes of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the salivary gland is crucial for making treatment decisions. We aimed to develop and validate a model based on histogram analysis (HA) of ultrasound (US) images for predicting tumour stroma ratio (TSR) in salivary gland PA. METHODS: A total of 219 PA patients were divided into low-TSR (stroma-low) and high-TSR (stroma-high) groups and enrolled in a training cohort (n = 151) and a validation cohort (n = 68). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm was used to screen the most optimal clinical, US, and HA features. The selected features were entered into multivariable logistic regression analyses for further selection of independent predictors. Different models, including the nomogram model, the clinic-US (Clin + US) model, and the HA model, were built based on independent predictors using logistic regression. The performance levels of the models were evaluated and validated on the training and validation cohorts. RESULTS: Lesion size, shape, cystic areas, vascularity, HA_mean, and HA_skewness were identified as independent predictors for constructing the nomogram model. The nomogram model incorporating the clinical, US, and HA features achieved areas under the curve of 0.839 and 0.852 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, demonstrating good predictive performance and calibration. Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves further confirmed its clinical usefulness. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram model we developed offers a practical tool for preoperative TSR prediction in PA, potentially enhancing clinical decision-making.

["Load-Unload" Effect of Manganese Oxides on Phosphorus in Surface Water of the Pearl River Estuary].

Phosphorus (P) conveyed by surface runoff plays an essential role in regulating nutrient balance and primary production in estuarine waters. In this study, basic physiochemical properties, total phosphorus (TP, including speciation), particulate iron (PFe), particulate manganese (PMn), and particulate aluminum (PAl) of the surface water in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) in different seasons were determined to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of P and to identify the crucial factor controlling P migration and transformation in the freshwater-saltwater interaction zone. TP concentrations (28.88-233.68 µg·L-1) decreased with increasing salinity gradient owing to deposition and dilution. The proportions of P speciation followed a decreasing order as dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP, 37.3%) > particulate inorganic phosphorus (PIP, 22.7%) > dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP, 21.0%) > particulate organic phosphorus (POP, 19.0%). PIP was positively related to PFe, PMn, and PAl (P < 0.05), confirming their concurrent migration behaviors. In addition, the increase in salinity promoted the desorption of phosphate on the suspended particulate matters, which mainly took place near the freshwater-saltwater interface. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) between the solid-liquid phase partitioning coefficient (Kd) of phosphate and salinity indicated that PIP was present mainly in more stable forms in the brackish water. Most importantly, a better relationship between Kd and PMn (P < 0.01) supported our scientific hypothesis of the "load-unload" effect of Mn oxides on P:particulate-carrying phosphates transported from the freshwater zone tend to be desorbed and released into the brackish water.

A nomogram based on ultrasound scoring system for differentiating between immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis and primary Sjögren syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Accurate distinguishing between immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is crucial due to their different treatment approaches. This study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram based on the ultrasound (US) scoring system for the differentiation of IgG4-RS and pSS. METHODS: A total of 193 patients with a clinical diagnosis of IgG4-RS or pSS treated at our institution were enrolled in the training cohort (n = 135; IgG4-RS = 28, pSS = 107) and the validation cohort (n = 58; IgG4-RS = 15, pSS = 43). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm was utilized to screen the most optimal clinical features and US scoring parameters. A model for the differential diagnosis of IgG4-RS or pSS was built using logistic regression and visualized as a nomogram. The performance levels of the nomogram model were evaluated and validated in both the training and validation cohorts. RESULTS: The nomogram incorporating clinical features and US scoring parameters showed better predictive value in differentiating IgG4-RS from pSS, with the area under the curves of 0.947 and 0.958 for the training cohort and the validation cohort, respectively. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful. CONCLUSIONS: A nomogram based on the US scoring system showed favourable predictive efficacy in differentiating IgG4-RS from pSS. It has the potential to aid in clinical decision-making.

Ultrasound characteristics of breast fibromatosis mimicking carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To explore the value of ultrasound (US) characteristics in diagnosing breast fibromatosis (BF) and evaluate their differences from breast carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 121 patients with BF (n = 24, 29 lesions) or invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (n = 97, 102 lesions) of the breast were included. Their clinical and US findings were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of BF was younger than that of IDC (28.75 ± 5.55 vs. 50.19 ± 9.87, p < 0.001). The mean size of the BF was smaller than that of IDC (2.09 ± 0.91 vs. 2.71 ± 1.20, p = 0.011). Compared to IDC, BF had more frequency of posterior echo attenuation (p < 0.001), less frequency of peripheral hyperechoic halo (p = 0.002), calcification (p = 0.001), US reported axillary lymph node positive (p = 0.025), and grade 2-3 vascularity (p < 0.001). The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categorized BF at a lower level than IDC (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, the peripheral hyperechoic halo, posterior echo feature, and vascularity could independently identify the differences between these two entities. CONCLUSION: Some differences were observed between BF and IDC in terms of patient age, lesion size, and US characteristics.

Retinal ganglion cells encode differently in the myopic mouse retina?

The etiology of myopia remains unclear. This study investigated whether retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the myopic retina encode visual information differently from the normal retina and to determine the role of Connexin (Cx) 36 in this process. Generalized linear models (GLMs), which can capture stimulus-dependent changes in real neurons with spike timing precision and reliability, were used to predict RGCs responses to focused and defocused images in the retinas of wild-type (normal) and Lens-Induced Myopia (LIM) mice. As the predominant subunit of gap junctions in the mouse retina and a plausible modulator in myopia development, Cx36 knockout (KO) mice were used as a control for an intact retinal circuit. The kinetics of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of a single αRGC could reflect projection of both focused and defocused images in the retinas of normal and LIM, but not in the Cx36 knockout mice. Poisson GLMs revealed that RGC encoding of visual stimuli in the LIM retina was similar to that of the normal retina. In the LIM retinas, the linear-Gaussian GLM model with offset was a better fit for predicting the spike count under a focused image than the defocused image. Akaike information criterion (AIC) indicated that nonparametric GLM (np-GLM) model predicted focused/defocused images better in both LIM and normal retinas. However, the spike counts in 33% of αRGCs in LIM retinas were better fitted by exponential GLM (exp-GLM) under defocus, compared to only 13% αRGCs in normal retinas. The differences in encoding performance between LIM and normal retinas indicated the possible amendment and plasticity of the retinal circuit in myopic retinas. The absence of a similar response between Cx36 KO mice and normal/LIM mice might suggest that Cx36, which is associated with myopia development, plays a role in encoding focused and defocused images.

Postnatal eye size in mice is controlled by SREBP2-mediated transcriptional repression of Lrp2 and Bmp2.

Eye size is a key parameter of visual function, but the precise mechanisms of eye size control remain poorly understood. Here, we discovered that the lipogenic transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) has an unanticipated function in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to promote eye size in postnatal mice. SREBP2 transcriptionally represses low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 (Lrp2), which has been shown to restrict eye overgrowth. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is the downstream effector of Srebp2 and Lrp2, and Bmp2 is suppressed by SREBP2 transcriptionally but activated by Lrp2. During postnatal development, SREBP2 protein expression in the RPE decreases whereas that of Lrp2 and Bmp2 increases as the eye growth rate reduces. Bmp2 is the key determinant of eye size such that its level in mouse RPE inversely correlates with eye size. Notably, RPE-specific Bmp2 overexpression by adeno-associated virus effectively prevents the phenotypes caused by Lrp2 knock out. Together, our study shows that rapid postnatal eye size increase is governed by an RPE-derived signaling pathway, which consists of both positive and negative regulators of eye growth.

Reduced nucleus accumbens functional connectivity in reward network and default mode network in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder.

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is considered a hub of reward processing and a growing body of evidence has suggested its crucial role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, inconsistent results have been reported by studies on reward network-focused resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). In this study, we examined functional alterations of the NAc-based reward circuits in patients with MDD via meta- and mega-analysis. First, we performed a coordinated-based meta-analysis with a new SDM-PSI method for all up-to-date rs-fMRI studies that focused on the reward circuits of patients with MDD. Then, we tested the meta-analysis results in the REST-meta-MDD database which provided anonymous rs-fMRI data from 186 recurrent MDDs and 465 healthy controls. Decreased functional connectivity (FC) within the reward system in patients with recurrent MDD was the most robust finding in this study. We also found disrupted NAc FCs in the DMN in patients with recurrent MDD compared with healthy controls. Specifically, the combination of disrupted NAc FCs within the reward network could discriminate patients with recurrent MDD from healthy controls with an optimal accuracy of 74.7%. This study confirmed the critical role of decreased FC in the reward network in the neuropathology of MDD. Disrupted inter-network connectivity between the reward network and DMN may also have contributed to the neural mechanisms of MDD. These abnormalities have potential to serve as brain-based biomarkers for individual diagnosis to differentiate patients with recurrent MDD from healthy controls.

Disrupted intrinsic functional brain topology in patients with major depressive disorder.

Aberrant topological organization of whole-brain networks has been inconsistently reported in studies of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), reflecting limited sample sizes. To address this issue, we utilized a big data sample of MDD patients from the REST-meta-MDD Project, including 821 MDD patients and 765 normal controls (NCs) from 16 sites. Using the Dosenbach 160 node atlas, we examined whole-brain functional networks and extracted topological features (e.g., global and local efficiency, nodal efficiency, and degree) using graph theory-based methods. Linear mixed-effect models were used for group comparisons to control for site variability; robustness of results was confirmed (e.g., multiple topological parameters, different node definitions, and several head motion control strategies were applied). We found decreased global and local efficiency in patients with MDD compared to NCs. At the nodal level, patients with MDD were characterized by decreased nodal degrees in the somatomotor network (SMN), dorsal attention network (DAN) and visual network (VN) and decreased nodal efficiency in the default mode network (DMN), SMN, DAN, and VN. These topological differences were mostly driven by recurrent MDD patients, rather than first-episode drug naive (FEDN) patients with MDD. In this highly powered multisite study, we observed disrupted topological architecture of functional brain networks in MDD, suggesting both locally and globally decreased efficiency in brain networks.

Nano-Aromatic Drugs Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Bergamot Essential Oil for Anti-Depression.

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood as the main pathological feature. Current medications for depression have long treatment cycles and serious side effects. Aromatherapy can alleviate depression in a "moistening things silently" way, but the fast evaporation rate of aromatic drugs weakens the effect of aromatherapy. In this study, we designed and prepared nano-aromatic drugs with slow release for anti-depressant application. We first synthesized rod-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and encapsulated bergamot essential oil. These nanoaromatic drugs were named BEO@MSNs. Subsequently, we analyzed the pore properties of MSNs and BEO@MSNs. Further, we explored the thermal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and slow-release properties of bergamot essential oil in BEO@MSNs. Finally, we used BEO@MSNs to alleviate depression in mice while constructing depression model mice via corticosterone. The results showed that BEO@MSNs had excellent anti-depressant effects and biosafety.

A Novel Biocontrol Strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FS6 for Excellent Control of Gray Mold and Seedling Diseases of Ginseng.

The biocontrol efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FS6 against seedling diseases and gray mold of ginseng (Panax ginseng), as well as application techniques, were evaluated in a series of field trials. FS6 fermentation broth showed a strong antagonistic effect against the ginseng fungal pathogens, and the inhibition rates on mycelial growth and spore germination were 84 to 88% and 71 to 72%, respectively. Field evaluation showed that combination of seed and soil treatments exhibited better protection than that of individual treatment alone. FS6 wettable powder soil treatment in combination with thiamethoxam plus metalaxyl-M plus fludioxonil for seed coating performed the best, with >83% overall control efficacy for seedling diseases. FS6 had a long-acting effect of >78% control efficacy on ginseng gray mold at 30 days after the last application, almost 2.5- and 2-fold better than that of B. amyloliquefaciens B7900 wettable powder and cyprodinil, respectively. In addition, FS6 reduced the diversity and relative abundance of fungi and affected the fungi and bacterial composition in the rhizosphere soil of ginseng. Therefore, FS6 can be used to effectively control seedling diseases and gray mold in ginseng.

Longitudinal outcomes of circumlimbal suture model-induced chronic ocular hypertension in Sprague-Dawley albino rats.

PURPOSE: To characterise longitudinal structural and functional changes in albino Sprague-Dawley rats following circumlimbal suture ocular hypertension (OHT) induction. METHODS: Ten-week-old rats (n = 24) underwent suture implantation around the limbal region in both eyes. On the next day, the suture was removed from one eye (control eyes) and left intact in the other eye (OHT eyes) of each animal. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored weekly twice for the next 15 weeks. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinogram (ERG) were measured at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 15, and eyes were then collected for histological assessment. RESULTS: Sutured eyes (n = 12) developed IOP elevation of ~ 50% in the first 2 weeks that was sustained at ~ 25% above the control eye up to week 15 (p = 0.001). Animals with insufficient IOP elevation (n = 6), corneal changes (n = 3), and attrition (n = 3) were excluded from the analysis. OHT eyes developed significant retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thinning (week 4: - 19 ± 14%, p = 0.10; week 8: - 17 ± 12%, p = 0.04; week 12: - 16 ± 10%, p = 0.04, relative to baseline) and reduction in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density (- 32 ± 26%, p = 0.02). At week 15, both inner (9 ± 7%, p = 0.01) and outer retinal layer thicknesses (6.0 ± 5%, p = 0.001) showed a mild increase in thicknesses. The positive scotopic threshold response (- 28 ± 25%, p = 0.04) and a-wave were significantly reduced at week 12 (- 35 ± 21%; p = 0.04), whereas b-wave was not significantly affected (week 12: - 18 ± 27%, p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: The circumlimbal suture model produced a chronic, moderate IOP elevation in an albino strain that led to RNFL thinning and reduced RGC density along with the reductions in ganglion and photoreceptoral cell functions. There was a small thickening in both outer and inner retinal layers.

Predictors of acute intracranial hemorrhage and recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma following burr hole drainage.

BACKGROUND: To investigate predictors of postoperative acute intracranial hemorrhage (AIH) and recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after burr hole drainage. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study of patients who underwent burr hole drainage for CSDH between January 2013 and March 2019. RESULTS: A total of 448 CSDH patients were enrolled in the study. CSDH recurrence occurred in 60 patients, with a recurrence rate of 13.4%. The mean time interval between initial burr hole drainage and recurrence was 40.8 ± 28.3 days. Postoperative AIH developed in 23 patients, with an incidence of 5.1%. The mean time interval between initial burr hole drainage and postoperative AIH was 4.7 ± 2.9 days. Bilateral hematoma, hyperdense hematoma and anticoagulant drug use were independent predictors of recurrence in the multiple logistic regression analyses. Preoperative headache was an independent risk factor of postoperative AIH in the multiple logistic regression analyses, however, intraoperative irrigation reduced the incidence of postoperative AIH. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that bilateral hematoma, hyperdense hematoma and anticoagulant drug use were independently associated with CSDH recurrence. Clinical presentation of headache was the strongest predictor of postoperative AIH, and intraoperative irrigation decreased the incidence of postoperative AIH.

Effects of Baihui electroacupuncture in a rat model of depression.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavior in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 45 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control, CUMS, and CUMS plus EA groups. Rats in the CUMS and EA groups were subjected to a 3-week CUMS condition, while rats in the EA group received EA at the Baihui (GV 20) acupoint (2 Hz, 0.6 mA) for 10 min once daily before being subjected to the CUMS condition. The sucrose preference test (SPT) was used as a measure to infer activation of the pleasure response to depression-like behaviour. After the behavioral test, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was intraperitoneally injected (100 mg/kg) and brain samples were collected 24 h later for the detection of hippocampal BrdU. Cell proliferation was determined according to the proportion of BrdU-positive cells. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was detected. RESULTS: The severity of anhedonia, BDNF+ cells, and BrdU+ neurons in DG significantly decreased in CUMS rats, and was accompanied by a reduced BDNF and BrdU+ expression (P<0.05). After EA, the low levels of BDNF+ cells and BrdU+ expression and the depression-like behavior increased markedly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA contributes to neuroprotection against CUMS by enhancing BDNF expression and improving hippocampal neurogenesis.

Posttreatment Intervention With Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides is Neuroprotective in a Rat Model of Chronic Ocular Hypertension.

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) against chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) in rats and to consider if effects differed when treatment was applied before (pretreatment) or during (posttreatment) chronic IOP elevation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (10-weeks old) underwent suture implantation around the limbus for 15 weeks (OHT) or 1 day (sham). Four experimental groups were studied, three OHT groups (n = 8 each) treated either with vehicle (PBS), LBP pretreatment or posttreatment, and a sham control (n = 5) received no treatment. LBP (1 mg/kg) pre- and posttreatment were commenced at 1 week before and 4 weeks after OHT induction, respectively. Treatments continued up through week 15. IOP was monitored twice weekly for 15 weeks. Optical coherence tomography and ERG were measured at baseline, week 4, 8, 12, and 15. Eyes were collected for ganglion cell layer (GCL) histologic analysis at week 15. Results: Suture implantation successfully induced approximately 50% IOP elevation and the cumulative IOP was similar between the three OHT groups. When compared with vehicle control (week 4: -23 ± 5%, P = 0.03), LBP pretreatment delayed the onset of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning (week 4, 8: -2 ± 7%, -11 ± 3%, P > 0.05) and arrested further reduction up through week 15 (-10 ± 4%, P > 0.05). LBP posttreatment intervention showed no significant change in rate of loss (week 4, 15: -25 ± 4.1%, -28 ± 3%). However, both LBP treatments preserved the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and retinal functions up to week 15, which were significantly reduced in vehicle control. Conclusions: LBP posttreatment arrested the subsequent neuronal degeneration after treatment commencement and preserved RGC density and retinal functions in a chronic OHT model, which was comparable with pretreatment outcomes.

The Antiresection Activity of the X Protein Encoded by Hepatitis Virus B.

Chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with an increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV encodes an oncoprotein, hepatitis B x protein (HBx), that is crucial for viral replication and interferes with multiple cellular activities including gene expression, histone modifications, and genomic stability. To date, it remains unclear how disruption of these activities contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we report that HBV exhibits antiresection activity by disrupting DNA end resection, thus impairing the initial steps of homologous recombination (HR). This antiresection activity occurs in primary human hepatocytes undergoing a natural viral infection-replication cycle as well as in cells with integrated HBV genomes. Among the seven HBV-encoded proteins, we identified HBx as the sole viral factor that inhibits resection. By disrupting an evolutionarily conserved Cullin4A-damage-specific DNA binding protein 1-RING type of E3 ligase, CRL4WDR70 , through its H-box, we show that HBx inhibits H2B monoubiquitylation at lysine 120 at double-strand breaks, thus reducing the efficiency of long-range resection. We further show that directly impairing H2B monoubiquitylation elicited tumorigenesis upon engraftment of deficient cells in athymic mice, confirming that the impairment of CRL4WDR70 function by HBx is sufficient to promote carcinogenesis. Finally, we demonstrate that lack of H2B monoubiquitylation is manifest in human HBV-associated HCC when compared with HBV-free HCC, implying corresponding defects of epigenetic regulation and end resection. Conclusion: The antiresection activity of HBx induces an HR defect and genomic instability and contributes to tumorigenesis of host hepatocytes.

Data on differentially expressed proteins in retinal emmetropization process in guinea pig using integrated SWATH-based and targeted-based proteomics.

Myopia is generally regarded as a failure of normal emmetropization process, however, its underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Retinal protein profile changes using integrated SWATH and MRM-HR MS were studied in guinea pigs at 3- and 21-days of age, where the axial elongation was significantly detected. Differential proteins expressions were identified, and related to pathways which are important in postnatal development in retina, proliferation, breakdown of glycogen-energy and visual phototransduction. These results are significant as key retinal protein players and pathways that underlying emmetropization can be discovered. All raw data generated from IDA and SWATH acquisitions were accepted and published in the Peptide Atlas public repository (http://www.peptideatlas.org/) for general release (Data ID PASS00746). A more comprehensive analysis of this data can be obtained in the article "Integrated SWATH-based and targeted-based proteomics provide insights into the retinal emmetropization process in guinea pig" in Journal of Proteomics (Shan et al., 2018) [1].

Steady thermocapillary migration of a droplet in a uniform temperature gradient combined with a radiation energy source at large Marangoni numbers.

Steady thermocapillary droplet migration in a uniform temperature gradient combined with a radiation energy source at large Reynolds and Marangoni numbers is studied. To reach a terminal quasisteady process, the magnitude of the radiation energy source is required to preserve the conservative integral thermal flux across the surface. Under a quasisteady state assumption, an analytical result for the steady thermocapillary migration of a droplet at large Reynolds and Marangoni numbers is derived by using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. It is shown that the thermocapillary droplet migration speed increases as the Marangoni number increases, while a radiation energy source with a sine square dependence is provided.