Recent advances in cotton fabric-based photocatalytic composites for the degradation of organic contaminants

Cotton is one of the oldest and most widely used natural fibers in the world. It enables a wide range of applications due to its excellent moisture absorption, thermal insulation, heat resistance, and durability. Benefiting from current developments in textile technology and materials science, people are constantly seeking more comfortable, more beautiful and more versatile cotton fabrics. As the second skin of body, clothing not only provides the basic needs of wear but also increases the protection of body against different environmental stimuli. In this article, a comprehensive review is proposed regarding research activities of systematically summarise the development and research of cotton fabric-based photocatalytic composites for the degradation of organic contaminants in the area of self-cleaning, degradation of gaseous contaminants, pathogenic bacteria or viruses, and chemical warfare agents. Specifically, we begin with a brief exposition of the background and significance of cotton fabric-based photocatalytic composites. Next, a systematical review on cotton fabric-based photocatalytic composites is provided according to their mechanisms and advanced applications. Finally, a simple summary and analysis concludes the current limitations and future directions in these composites for the degradation of organic contaminants.

Machine learning models reveal the critical role of nighttime systolic blood pressure in predicting functional outcome for acute ischemic stroke after endovascular thrombectomy

Background

Blood pressure (BP) is a key factor for the clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, the effect of the circadian pattern of BP on functional outcome is unclear.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted from 2016 to 2023 at three hospitals in China (ChiCTR2300077202). A total of 407 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and continuous 24-h BP monitoring were included. Two hundred forty-one cases from Beijing Hospital were allocated to the development group, while 166 cases from Peking University Shenzhen Hospital and Hainan General Hospital were used for external validation. Postoperative systolic BP (SBP) included daytime SBP, nighttime SBP, and 24-h average SBP. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), Boruta were used to screen for potential features associated with functional dependence defined as 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥ 3. Nine algorithms were applied for model construction and evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results

Three hundred twenty-eight of 407 (80.6%) patients achieved successful recanalization and 182 patients (44.7%) were functional independent. NIHSS at onset, modified cerebral infarction thrombolysis grade, atrial fibrillation, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension were identified as prognostic factors by the intersection of three algorithms to construct the baseline model. Compared to daytime SBP and 24-h SBP models, the AUC of baseline + nighttime SBP showed the highest AUC in all algorithms. The XGboost model performed the best among all the algorithms. ROC results showed an AUC of 0.841 in the development set and an AUC of 0.752 in the validation set for the baseline plus nighttime SBP model, with a brier score of 0.198.

Conclusion

This study firstly explored the association between circadian BP patterns with functional outcome for AIS. Nighttime SBP may provide more clinical information regarding the prognosis of patients with AIS after EVT.

Spray performance and control efficacy against pests in paddy rice by UAV-based pesticide application: effects of atomization, UAV configuration and flight velocity

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayers have emerged as valuable tools for pesticide application across various crops. Despite their increasing usage, the impact of several factors on spray performance and control efficacy in paddy fields warrants further investigation. This study examines atomization characteristics using a UAV spray test platform. Our evaluation of field spraying performance considers three UAV models, two nozzle types, two flight velocities, and adding methylated vegetable oil adjuvant (MVOA), in comparison with the electrical knapsack sprayer (EKS).

RESULTS

Atomization characteristics demonstrated consistency within the downwash airflow field, but were influenced by spray solution, nozzle type, and spray pressure. The eight-rotor UAV sprayer excelled over the quad-rotor model in terms of spray deposition across both upper and lower rice canopies. The six-rotor UAV exhibited enhanced spray deposition, droplet density, and coverage at a flight velocity of 4 m s-1 . The choice of nozzle was pivotal; the flat fan nozzle produced finer droplets with desirable deposition and coverage, whereas the air-induction nozzle created larger droplets with consistent coverage at various flight velocities. Adding MVOA improved the physicochemical properties of the spray and its performance, yielding a more uniform distribution. When compared with the EKS, UAVs showed lower deposition but comparable spray penetration. Control efficacy with the UAV sprayer was less effective against Mythimna separata but achieved 81% efficacy against Laodelphax striatellus within 7 days.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that UAV sprayers, particularly when combined with tank-mix adjuvants and nozzle types, can be highly effective for controlling rice pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

MedChatZH: A tuning LLM for traditional Chinese medicine consultations

Generative Large Language Models (LLMs) have achieved significant success in various natural language processing tasks, including Question-Answering (QA) and dialogue systems. However, most models are trained on English data and lack strong generalization in providing answers in Chinese. This limitation is especially evident in specialized domains like traditional Chinese medical QA, where performance suffers due to the absence of fine-tuning and high-quality datasets. To address this, we introduce MedChatZH, a dialogue model optimized for Chinese medical QA based on transformer decoder with LLaMA architecture. Continued pre-training on a curated corpus of Chinese medical books is followed by fine-tuning with a carefully selected medical instruction dataset, resulting in MedChatZH outperforming several Chinese dialogue baselines on a real-world medical dialogue dataset. Our model, code, and dataset are publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/tyang816/MedChatZH) to encourage further research in traditional Chinese medicine and LLMs.

A custom next-generation sequencing panel for 1p/19q codeletion and mutational analysis in gliomas

The World Health Organization has updated their classification system for the diagnosis of gliomas, combining histological features with molecular data including isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and codeletion of chromosomal arms 1p and 19q. 1p/19q codeletion analysis is commonly performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In this study, we developed a 57-gene targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel including 1p/19q codeletion detection mainly to assess diagnosis and potential treatment response in melanoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and glioma patients. Loss of heterozygosity analysis was performed using the NGS method on 37 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded glioma tissues that showed 1p and/or 19q loss determined by FISH. Conventional methods were applied for the validation of some glioma-related gene mutations. In 81.1% (30 of 37) and 94.6% (35 of 37) of cases, 1p and 19q were found to be in agreement whereas concordance for 1p/19q codeletion and no 1p/19q codeletion was found in 94.7% (18 of 19) and 94.4% (17 of 18) of cases, respectively. Overall, comparing NGS results with those of conventional methods showed high concordance. In conclusion, the NGS panel allows reliable analysis of 1p/19q codeletion and mutation at the same time.

A universal eco-friendly flame retardant strategy for polylactic acid fabrics and other polymer substrates

Various polymer substrates have their particular combustion features, therefore, developing an effective universal flame retardant strategy for various polymer substrates is of great practical importance. Meanwhile, as substitutes for petroleum-based products, bio-based flame retardants and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) meet the requirements of sustainable development. In this work, a fully bio-based flame retardant coating (PAGS) was prepared using phytic acid (PA) and guanosine (GS). PAGS was used as a universal flame retardant coatings for polylactic acid (PLA) fabrics and other substrates, including cotton fabrics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics, polyamide (PA) fabrics, polyurethane (PU) foams, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, and woods. The PAGS-treated substrates were able to self-extinguish and eliminate molten droplets. Similarly, the PAGS coating significantly suppressed the heat release of each substrate. The P-containing free radicals in the gas phase were able to interact with highly reactive H, HO and alkyl radicals, blocking the chain reaction during combustion. The flammable gas density was also diluted by nonflammable gases. The formed continuous porous and dense intumescent char layer hindered heat and oxygen. It is suggested that this work provides a simple and efficient flame retardant strategy for improving the fire safety of various polymer substrates.

Exploration of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for trauma-related acute kidney injury

PURPOSE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common functional injuries observed in trauma patients. However, certain trauma medications may exacerbate renal injury. Therefore, the early detection of trauma-related AKI holds paramount importance in improving trauma prognosis.

METHODS

Qualified datasets were selected from public databases, and common differentially expressed genes related to trauma-induced AKI and hub genes were identified through enrichment analysis and the establishment of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Additionally, the specificity of these hub genes was investigated using the sepsis dataset and conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess their plausibility. The raw data from both datasets were downloaded using R software (version 4.2.1) and processed with the "affy" package19 for correction and normalization.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed 585 upregulated and 629 downregulated differentially expressed genes in the AKI dataset, along with 586 upregulated and 948 downregulated differentially expressed genes in the trauma dataset. Concurrently, the establishment of the PPI network and subsequent topological analysis highlighted key hub genes, including CD44, CD163, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1, cytochrome b-245 beta chain, versican, membrane spanning 4-domains A4A, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14, and early growth response 1. Notably, their receiver operating characteristic curves displayed areas exceeding 75%, indicating good diagnostic performance. Moreover, our findings postulated a unique molecular mechanism underlying trauma-related AKI.

CONCLUSION

This study presents an alternative strategy for the early diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related AKI, based on the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, this study provides theoretical references for elucidating the mechanisms of trauma-related AKI.

Variability of bile bacterial profiles and drug resistance in patients with choledocholithiasis combined with biliary tract infection: a retrospective study

Background

Biliary tract infection is a common complication of choledocholithiasis. This study aimed to analyse the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in bile cultures from patients with choledocholithiasis combined with biliary tract infection to guide clinical application of antimicrobials and reduce the emergence of drug resistance.

Methods

A total of 880 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study from 30 March 2017 to 31 August 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University in China. Bile specimens were extracted for microbiological culture under aseptic conditions using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Bacterial culture, strain identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted according to the standard protocol. Baseline data were retrieved from patient files.

Results

Overall, 90.34% (795/880) of bile samples showed positive microbiological results and 37.50% (330/880) demonstrated polymicrobial infections. Among the 795 bile specimens with positive culture results, 1,216 pathogenic bacteria were detected, with gram-negative bacilli accounting for 56.33%, gram-positive cocci for 41.86%, and fungi for 1.81%. The predominant gram-negative bacilli in the bile cultures were Escherichia coli (30.43%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.98%), whereas the main gram-positive cocci were Enterococcus faecium (14.04%) and E. casseliflavus (4.28%). The annual trend analysis revealed a gradual decrease in the proportion of gram-negative bacilli and a gradual increase in the proportion of gram-positive cocci, with a concomitant decrease in the dominance of E. coli. Both E. faecium and E. coli showed high resistance to conventional antibiotics but high sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactam, carbapenems, amikacin, and vancomycin.

Conclusions

A significant change has occurred in the bile bacterial spectrum in patients with choledocholithiasis and biliary tract infection. The incidence of gram-positive cocci infections has increased annually, while that of gram-negative bacilli and E. coli infections has decreased. Antibiotic administration should be tailored based on the local bacterial profile.

Transperitoneal vs retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a double-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing Retroperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (RLRN) and Transperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (TLRN).

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were randomized into either RLRN or TLRN group. Mainly by comparing the patient perioperative related data, surgical specimen integrity, pathological results and tumor results.

RESULTS

Each group comprised 60 patients. The two group were equivalent in terms of perioperative and pathological outcomes. The mean integrity score was significantly lower in the RLRN group than TLRN group. With a median follow-up of 36.4 months after the operation, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference between RLRN and TLRN in overall survival (89.8% vs. 88.5%; P = 0.898), recurrence-free survival (77.9% vs. 87.7%; P = 0.180), and cancer-specific survival (91.4% vs. 98.3%; P = 0.153). In clinical T2 subgroup, the recurrence rate and recurrence-free survival in the RLRN group was significantly worse than that in the TLRN group (43.2% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.046). Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis showed that RLRN (HR: 3.35; 95%CI: 1.12-10.03; P = 0.030), male (HR: 4.01; 95%CI: 1.07-14.99; P = 0.039) and tumor size (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.01-1.51; P = 0.042) were independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that although RLRN versus TLRN had roughly similar efficacy, TLRN outperformed RLRN in terms of surgical specimen integrity. TLRN was also significantly better than RLRN in controlling tumor recurrence for clinical T2 and above cases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=24400 ), identifier: ChiCTR1800014431, date: 13/01/2018.

Identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to post-traumatic stress disorder due to traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disease state that has an unclear pathogenesis, imposes a substantial burden on individuals and society. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most significant triggers of PTSD. Identifying biomarkers associated with TBI-related PTSD will help researchers to uncover the underlying mechanism that drives disease development. Furthermore, it remains to be confirmed whether different types of traumas share a common mechanism of action.

METHODS

For this study, we screened the eligible data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through analysis, conducted functional enrichment analysis on the DEGs in order to understand their molecular mechanisms, constructed a PPI network, used various algorithms to obtain hub genes, and finally evaluated, validated, and analyzed the diagnostic performance of the hub genes.

RESULTS

A total of 430 upregulated and 992 down-regulated differentially expressed genes were extracted from the TBI data set. A total of 1919 upregulated and 851 down-regulated differentially expressed genes were extracted from the PTSD data set. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes had biological functions linked to molecular regulation, cell signaling transduction, cell metabolic regulation, and immune response. After constructing a PPI network and introducing algorithm analysis, the upregulated hub genes were identified as VNN1, SERPINB2, and ETFDH, and the down-regulated hub genes were identified as FLT3LG, DYRK1A, DCN, and FKBP8. In addition, by comparing the data with patients with other types of trauma, it was revealed that PTSD showed different molecular processes that are under the influence of different trauma characteristics and responses.

CONCLUSIONS

By exploring the role of different types of traumas during the pathogenesis of PTSD, its possible molecular mechanisms have been revealed, providing vital information for understanding the complex pathways associated with TBI-related PTSD. The data in this study has important implications for the design and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods needed to treat and manage PTSD.

[Variation Characteristics of PM2.5 Pollution and Transport in Typical Transport Channel Cities in Winter]

Taking Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou, four cities in southwest Hebei Province along the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei typical transport route, as examples, we analyzed the variation characteristics of 3a meteorological conditions and PM2.5 concentration in winter from 2019 to 2021 and used potential source contribution analysis (PSCF) and concentration weight analysis (CWT) to identify the transport characteristics of PM2.5 in the four cities during the study period. Based on the meteorological air quality model (WRF-CMAQ) transmission matrix method and transport flux method, the contribution of PM2.5 transport between Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou and the surrounding areas was quantitatively assessed; the vertical distribution characteristics of PM2.5 net transport flux were revealed; and the two main transport routes of PM2.5 pollution were further identified. The results showed that during the study period, the PM2.5 concentration decreased by 45.85%, 49.45%, 42.40%, and 31.65%, respectively. The potential source contribution of Handan and Xingtai was mainly distributed in south-central Shanxi (Linfen, Changzhi, and Jinzhong), northern Henan (Xinxiang, Kaifeng, and Zhengzhou), and a small part of Inner Mongolia (PSCF > 0.9). The potential contribution areas of Hengshui and Cangzhou were mainly concentrated in southern Hebei (Handan and Shijiazhuang), central Shanxi (Taiyuan and Yangquan), and some Shandong regions (PSCF > 0.7), and the CWT results were similar to those of PSCF. During the study period, the local contribution (51.11%-62.99%) was slightly higher than the regional contribution (37.01%-48.89%) during winter in the four cities. Affected by horizontal turbulence and vertical diffusion, the impact of regional transmission in 2020 was slightly higher than that in other years (0.50%-9.52%). In 2021, the influence of regional transmission was slightly lower than that of other years (-2.15%--9.52%) due to low PM2.5 concentration and meteorological factors. For Handan, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Cangzhou, the total inflow (outflow) flux intensity of the four cities during winter and the surrounding areas was in 2020 > 2021 > 2019. For the total net flux, the total inflow (outflow) flux intensity of the four cities in winter was 0.094, -0.070, and 0.087 kt·d-1 (Xingtai:0.212, 0.395, and 0.544 kt·d-1; Hengshui:-0.040, -0.228, and 0.185 kt·d-1; Cangzhou:0.062, 0.126, and 0.128 kt·d-1). During the study, Handan, Xingtai, and Cangzhou were mostly used as transport receptors, whereas Hengshui was mostly used as a transport source. In the range of 0-1 260 m, the net transport flux intensity of PM2.5 increased basically with the increase in height, and the maximum net flux of the various cities in different periods was different. The maximum net flux of Handan, Xingtai, and Hengshui was 252-1 261 m, 817 m, and 252-817 m, respectively. The maximum net flux in Cangzhou was 252-359 m. By analyzing the transmission characteristics of the four cities, it was found that there were two main transport directions of PM2.5, that is, the northwest-southeast direction (Shanxi → Handan → Henan and Shandong; Shijiazhuang → Xingtai → Handan and Shandong; Baoding → Cangzhou → Shandong) and the southwest-northeast direction (Shanxi → Xingtai → Hengshui → Cangzhou → Bohai Bay).

Overexpression of the Ginkgo biloba dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene GbDFR6 results in the self-incompatibility-like phenotypes in transgenic tobacco

Although flavonoids play multiple roles in plant growth and development, the involvement in plant self-incompatibility (SI) have not been reported. In this research, the fertility of transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the Ginkgo biloba dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene, GbDFR6, were investigated. To explore the possible physiological defects leading to the failure of embryo development in transgenic tobacco plants, functions of pistils and pollen grains were examined. Transgenic pistils pollinated with pollen grains from another tobacco plants (either transgenic or wild-type), developed full of well-developed seeds. In contrast, in self-pollinated transgenic tobacco plants, pollen-tube growth was arrested in the upper part of the style, and small abnormal seeds developed without fertilization. Although the mechanism remains unclear, our research may provide a valuable method to create SI tobacco plants for breeding.

An efficient constructive heuristic for the rectangular packing problem with rotations

The rectangular packing problem has been extensively studied over the years due to its wide application in industry. However, most of the research efforts are devoted to positioning techniques of the rectangles for various problem variants, the efficient implementation of the packing procedure is relatively less studied. In this paper, we propose an efficient constructive algorithm for the rectangular packing problem with rotations. We design a preprocess procedure with four data structures to store the information used for item selection. The gaps on the skyline are categorized into three types according to their associated edges for the placement procedure, during which the item is searched and packed in a descending order of the fitness value. The entire constructive phase takes a time complexity of O(nlogn). For the packing improvement phase, we optimize the packing through random perturbation on the sequence and orientation of the item. Three classes of stochastic problems are generated ranging from small-scale to extra-large-scale, the recorded running time confirms the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. We also test the proposed algorithm on the benchmark problem C21, N13, NT, Babu and CX, the computational results show that it delivers a good performance.

Emissions leakage embodied in inter-provincial trade brings unexpected air quality and health benefits

Inter-provincial trade can bring "emission leakage", and consequently influence the air quality and public health. However, there has been a lack of systematic research on air pollution and public health related to emission leakage embodied in inter-provincial trade of China. Here, we systematically evaluated for the first time the influence of emission leakage on national air pollution and related premature deaths in 2012 of China. Unexpected opposite influences of emission leakage on emission and air quality/public health were discovered. Emission leakage embodied in inter-provincial trade in 2012 of China led to an increase of 1.4 % to 4.8 % in national air pollutant emissions, but a decrease of 1.5 % (-0.8 μg·m-3) in population-weighted concentration of PM2.5, while avoiding 1.1 % (-1.4 × 104 people) of premature deaths. Therefore, to reveal the intrinsic mechanism of this opposite influences, we proposed two coefficients, the Concentration per unit primary PM2.5 emission (CPE, unit: μg·m-3/t) and the Death per unit primary PM2.5 emission (DPE, unit: people/t), to characterize the response of air quality and health to emission leakage embodied in inter-provincial trade. Statistical analysis indicated that both the above coefficients showed significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) with provincial PM2.5 emissions changes. The findings offer a means of adjustment and its related evaluation parameters for the emission transfer caused by inter-provincial trade, thereby contributing to further improvement environmental and health benefits through inter-provincial trade.

SERS immunoassay analysis of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus based on sandwich-structured complex probe and target-induced strand displacement

A direct and ultra-sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay method is introduced for the detection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This methodology is based on a sandwich-structured complex probe (SCP) mechanism, combined with target-induced strand displacement. Moreover, by leveraging the amplified SERS signal from gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) corresponding to an increase in bacterial count, we achieve quantitative determination. The SCP demonstrates remarkable specificity, sensitivity, and anti-interference capability in bacterial detection. The detection limits for both bacterial strains are as low as 10 CFU/mL. In our selectivity tests, all peak intensities had standard deviations (n = 3) below 6%. Recoveries in normal human serum were 101-110% for E. coli and 96-101% for S. aureus. In milk, the recoveries were 102-105% for E. coli and 100-105% for S. aureus, respectively, demonstrating a high level of accuracy and resistance to interference. In addition, the SCP offers a dual-detection capability, enabling simultaneous diagnosis of multiple targets, which greatly simplifies the testing procedure. The findings underscore that this immunoassay platform fulfills the demand for rapid and precise pathogenic bacterial diagnosis, holding substantial potential for practical applications.

Comparative study on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of chronic subdural hematomas treated by middle meningeal artery embolization and conventional treatment: a national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The authors compared the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) and conventional treatment for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH).

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database of 9963 patients (27.2% women) with cSDH between 2016 and 2020 was analyzed. Finally, 9532 patients were included (95.7%, treated conventionally; 4.3%, treated with MMAE). Baseline demographics, comorbidities, adverse events, treatment strategies, and outcomes were compared between patients treated with MMAE and conventional treatment. After propensity score matching, the authors compared primary outcomes, including the 90-day treatment rate, functional outcome, length of hospital stays, and cost. A Markov model estimated lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with different treatments. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to evaluate the base-case scenario. One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the uncertainty in the results.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, MMAE had a lower 90-day retreatment rate (2.6 vs. 9.0%, P =0.001), shorter length of hospital stays (4.61±6.19 vs. 5.73±5.76 days, P =0.037), similar functional outcomes compared (favorable outcomes, 80.9 vs. 74.8%, P =0.224) but higher costs ($119 757.71±90 378.70 vs. $75 745.55±100 701.28, P <0.001) with conventional treatment. MMAE was associated with an additional cost of US$19 280.0 with additional QALY of 1.3. Its ICER was US$15199.8/QALY.

CONCLUSION

MMAE is more effective in treating cSDH than conventional treatment. Based on real-world data, though MMAE incurs higher overall costs, the Markov model showed it to be cost-effective compared to conventional treatment under the American healthcare system. These comparative and economic analyses further support the consideration of a paradigm shift in cSDH treatment.

Determination of sulfide in complex biofilm matrices using silver-coated, 4-mercaptobenzonitrile-modified gold nanoparticles, encapsulated in ZIF-8 as surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoprobe

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoprobe has been developed for sulfide detection and applied to  complex bacterial biofilms. The nanoprobe, Au@4-MBN@Ag@ZIF-8, comprised a gold core modified with 4-mercaptobenzonitrile (4-MBN) as signaling source, a layer of silver shell as the sulfide sensitization material, and a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as surface barrier. ZIF-8, with its high surface area and mesoporous structure, was applied to preconcentrate sulfide around the nanoprobe with its excellent adsorption capacity. Besides, the external wrapping of ZIF-8 can not only prevent the interference of biomolecules, such as proteins, with the Au@4-MBN@Ag assay but also enhance the detection specificity through the sulfide cleavage function towards ZIF-8. These properties are critical for the application of this nanoprobe to complex environmental scenarios. In the presence of sulfide, it was first enriched through adsorption by the outer ZIF-8 layer, then destroyed the barrier layer, and subsequently reacted with the Ag shell, leading to changes in the Raman signal. Through this rational design, the Au@4-MBN@Ag@ZIF-8 nanoprobe exhibited excellent detection sensitivity, with a sulfide detection limit in the nanomolar range and strong linearity in the concentration range  50 nM to 500 μM. Furthermore, the proposed Au@4-MBN@Ag@ZIF-8 nanoprobe was effectively utilized for sulfide detection in intricate biofilm matrices, demonstrating its robust selectivity and reproducibility.

Precise determination of the total nitrogen content in activated sludge by ultrasonic pre-treatment assisted wet method

The study proposed a method for determining total nitrogen (TN) content in activated sludge by ultrasound pre-treatment assisted wet method. Based on the single-factor experiment, with the TN content as the response value, the response surface methodology was employed to examine the individual and interactive effects of three factors: the dilution multiple of the sludge mixture, ultrasonic time, and ultrasonic power. At the same time, the physico-chemical parameters and the digestion-oxidation parameters were optimised. The results indicated that the optimal parameters were as follows; sludge dilution multiple of 225 times, stirring rate of 400 r/min, ultrasonic time of 22 minutes, ultrasonic power of 720 W, and optimal added volume of potassium persulfate at 8 mL with a digestion time of 40 minutes. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for the parallel determination of TN in sludge samples using ultrasonic pre-treatment assisted wet method was ≤2.77%, with a spike recovery rate of 98.49-101.43%. The method, ultrasonic pre-treatment assisted wet method to determine TN concentration in activated sludge, was simpler to operate, more accurate.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NTLR) predicts local control and overall survival after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in metastatic sarcoma

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NTLR) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery are prognostic across many cancers. We investigated whether NLTR predicts SBRT success or survival in a metastatic sarcoma cohort treated with SBRT from 2014 and 2020 (N = 42). Wilcox Signed Rank Test and Friedman Test compare NTLR changes with local failure vs. local control (N = 138 lesions). Cox analyses identified factors associated with overall survival. If local control was successful, NLTR change was not significant (p = 0.30). However, NLTR significantly changed in patients with local failure (p = 0.027). The multivariable Cox model demonstrated higher NLTR before SBRT was associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.002). The optimal NTLR cut point was 5 (Youden index: 0.418). One-year overall survival in SBRT metastatic sarcoma cohort was 47.6% (CI 34.3%-66.1%). Patients with an NTLR above 5 had a one-year overall survival of 37.7% (21.4%-66.3%); patients with an NTLR below 5 had a significantly improved overall survival of 63% (43.3%-91.6%, p = 0.014). Since NTLR at the time of SBRT was significantly associated with local control success and overall survival in metastatic sarcoma treated with SBRT, future efforts to reduce tumor inhibitory microenvironment factors and improve lymphocyte recovery should be investigated.

Enhancing percutaneous coronary intervention with heuristic path planning and deep-learning-based vascular segmentation

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive technique for treating vascular diseases. PCI requires precise and real-time visualization and guidance to ensure surgical safety and efficiency. Existing mainstream guiding methods rely on hemodynamic parameters. However, these methods are less intuitive than images and pose some challenges to the decision-making of cardiologists. This paper proposes a novel PCI guiding assistance system by combining a novel vascular segmentation network and a heuristic intervention path planning algorithm, providing cardiologists with clear and visualized information. A dataset of 1077 DSA images from 288 patients is also collected in clinical practice. A Likert Scale is also designed to evaluate system performance in user experiments. Results of user experiments demonstrate that the system can generate satisfactory and reasonable paths for PCI. Our proposed method outperformed the state-of-the-art baselines based on three metrics (Jaccard: 0.4091, F1: 0.5626, Accuracy: 0.9583). The proposed system can effectively assist cardiologists in PCI by providing a clear segmentation of vascular structures and optimal real-time intervention paths, thus demonstrating great potential for robotic PCI autonomy.

Field evaluation of a six-rotor unmanned agricultural aerial sprayer: effects of application parameters on spray deposition and control efficacy against rice planthopper

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aerial Spraying System (UASS) has emerged as an advanced, precise, and efficient tool for pesticide application in numerous nations in recent years. Despite this, there is a noticeable gap in research advocating viable, quantifiable methodologies for application parameter optimization. This investigation was primarily oriented toward identifying optimal UASS application parameters. It did so by exploring the effects of varying spray volumes and flight parameters on spray performance in a comprehensive manner, and by assessing the biological potency of aerial insecticide application against Rice Planthopper (RPH) using the optimal parameters, aided by two types of nozzles in rice field settings.

RESULTS

Increased spray volume increased the spray deposition. Working height impacted the distribution of spray deposition, with a higher working height leading to superior distribution uniformity. Both spray volume and working height were observed to influence spray deposition and its percentage in tandem. Upon factor analysis, the optimal parameters determined for rice at the heading stage were an application volume of 15.0 L·ha-1 , a working height of 2.0 m, and a driving speed of 5.0 m·s-1 . Under these parameters, the air-induction twin flat fan nozzle IDKT120-015 demonstrated approximately 5% higher spray deposition than the flat fan nozzle SX11001VS, albeit with inferior distribution uniformity. Both nozzle types achieved over 93.0% control efficacy against RPH using triflumezopyrim, persisting for up to 40 days post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study furnishes invaluable insights and data for controlling rice planthopper via UASS pesticide application, contributing to the progress of modern intensive and sustainable agriculture. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

RUNX1 facilitates heart failure progression through regulating TGF-β-induced cardiac remodeling

Background

Heart failure is caused by acute or chronic cardiovascular diseases with limited treatments and unclear pathogenesis. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new therapeutic targets and reveal new pathogenesis for heart failure.

Methods

We carried out heart failure animal model by transverse aortic arch constriction (TAC) in mice. The left ventricular internal diameter diastole (LVIDd), left ventricular internal diameter systole (LVIDs), and ejection fraction (EF) value were detected using ultrasound and myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by Masson stain assay. Cell apoptosis in myocardial tissues were detected by TUNEL immunofluorescence stain. Signal pathway analysis was performed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot.

Results

Our results showed that inhibition of RUNX1 led to remission of cardiac enlargement induced by TAC in mice. Inhibition of RUNX1 also caused raise of EF and FS value under TAC-induced condition. Besides, RUNX1 inhibition mice showed decreased myocardial fibrosis area under TAC-induced condition. RUNX1 inhibition caused decrease of apoptotic cell rate in myocardial tissues under TAC. Interestingly, we found that RUNX1 could promote the activation of TGF-β/Smads in dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Interpretation

We illustrated that RUNX1 could be considered as a new regulator of myocardial remodeling by activating TGF-β/Smads signaling. Based on this, we concluded that RUNX1 may be developed as a new therapeutic target against heart failure in the future. In addition, this study also provide a new insight for the etiological study on heart failure.

LC-MS/MS based metabolomic analysis of serum from patients with cerebrovascular stenosis

Cerebrovascular stenosis (CVS) is the main cause of ischemic stroke, which greatly threatens human life. Hence, it's important to perform early screenings for CVS. Metabolomics is an emerging omics approach that has great advantages in disease screening and diagnosis. Therefore, we aim to elucidate the correlation between CVS and metabolomics, which can aid in conducting CVS screening at an early stage. Patients with CVS in Beijing Hospital were included in the study. A total of 36 participants, including 18 patients diagnosed with CVS and 18 healthy individuals, were recruited at Beijing Hospital between May 2022 and October 2021. The serum samples were analyzed for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Then, multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed. Differential metabolites were obtained and demonstrated by volcano plot and heatmap. The study recruited 36 participants, including 18 patients with CVS and 18 healthy participants. A total of 150 metabolites were identified. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant differences between patients and healthy participants. Furthermore, 30 serum metabolites levels differed significantly between two groups. Differential metabolites were enriched in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; primary bile acid biosynthesis, and other pathways. This study identified differential metabolites in patients with CVS and elucidated the relevant metabolic pathways. Thus, these findings aid in the study of the pathogenesis of CVS and its early diagnosis. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: The datasets generated for this study are available on request to the corresponding author.

Individualized Prediction of Task Performance Decline Using Pre-Task Resting-State Functional Connectivity

As a common complaint in contemporary society, mental fatigue is a key element in the deterioration of the daily activities known as time-on-task (TOT) effect, making the prediction of fatigue-related performance decline exceedingly important. However, conventional group-level brain-behavioral correlation analysis has the limitation of generalizability to unseen individuals and fatigue prediction at individual-level is challenging due to the significant differences between individuals both in task performance efficiency and brain activities. Here, we introduced a cross-validated data-driven analysis framework to explore, for the first time, the feasibility of utilizing pre-task idiosyncratic resting-state functional connectivity (FC) on the prediction of fatigue-related task performance degradation at individual level. Specifically, two behavioral metrics, namely ∆RT (between the most vigilant and fatigued states) and TOTslope over the course of the 15-min sustained attention task, were estimated among three sessions from 37 healthy subjects to represent fatigue-related individual behavioral impairment. Then, a connectome-based prediction model was employed on pre-task resting-state FC features, identifying the network-related differences that contributed to the prediction of performance deterioration. As expected, prominent populational TOT-related performance declines were revealed across three sessions accompanied with substantial inter-individual differences. More importantly, we achieved significantly high accuracies for individualized prediction of both TOT-related behavioral impairment metrics using pre-task neuroimaging features. Despite the distinct patterns between both behavioral metrics, the identified top FC features contributing to the individualized predictions were mainly resided within/between frontal, temporal and parietal areas. Overall, our results of individualized prediction framework extended conventional correlation/classification analysis and may represent a promising avenue for the development of applicable techniques that allow precaution of the TOT-related performance declines in real-world scenarios.

Frameless Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases: An Institutional Series of 145 Cases

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Cobalt-60 stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) typically involves single fraction treatment with frame immobilization. However, large tumor size, proximity to critical structures, and prior radiation treatment sometimes necessitate fractionated SRS with mask immobilization. We present a large institutional experience with fractionated mask-based SRS for brain metastases.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this single-institution, IRB-approved study, all patients treated with mask-based fractionated SRS for brain metastases from March 2017 to January 2023 were identified. The primary outcomes were 1- and 2-year local control (LC) by Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients with a total of 145 metastases were treated. The median follow-up time was seven months. The median age at treatment was 64.1 years (range: 26-95 years). 55.9% of patients were female. The most common primary tumors were breast (25.5%), non-small cell lung (23.4%), small-cell lung (8.3%), and melanoma (8.3%). For most cases (59.3%), the indication for fractionation was retreatment. Large size (28.3%), critical location (9.7%), and medical comorbidity (2.1%) were other indications. For all cases, the mean maximal linear size was 34.9 mm and mean target volume was 15.6 cc. For cases fractionated due to size, the mean size was 43.9 mm and mean target volume was 23.8 cc. Median total dose was 2,700 cGy (range: 1,620-3,000), and median dose per fraction (fx) was 600 cGy (range: 405-900). The most common prescriptions were 3,000 cGy/5 fx (40.0% of patients) and 2500 cGy in 500 cGy per fraction (37.2% of patients). Mean maximum dose was 4,833 cGy (range: 2,920-7,500). For 75.2% of treatments, the prescription isodose line was 50 to 59% (mean, 56.9%). Target coverage was 100% in all but one case (99%). For lesions near the brainstem, mean brainstem maximum point dose (MPD) was 9.3 Gy ± 9.8 Gy and brainstem mean dose was 3.3 Gy ± 3.3 Gy. For lesions near the optic pathway, mean optic nerve MPD was 14.4 Gy ± 9.2, optic nerve mean dose was 6.4 Gy ± 5.4 Gy, mean optic chiasm MPD was 11.7 Gy ± 7.9 Gy, and optic chiasm mean dose was 5.4 Gy ± 4.7 Gy. 1-year LC was 88.2% and 2-year LC was 80.4%. When retreatments were excluded, 1-year LC was 98.0% and 2-year LC was 98.0%. 18% of patients had acute grade 1-2 toxicities (fatigue, headache, nausea, and/or alopecia), and one patient had acute grade 3 fatigue. There was no other grade 3+ acute toxicities. 14% of patients had grade 1-2 radiation necrosis (RN); there were no cases of grade 3+ RN.

CONCLUSION

Cobalt-60 frameless fractionated SRS for brain metastases offers excellent local control, rigorous sparing of critical structures, and minimal toxicity. Frameless fractionated SRS should be considered for large, retreated, or critically located metastases.

Role and mechanisms of noncoding RNAs in the regulation of metabolic reprogramming in bladder cancer (Review)

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most common type of urothelial cancer. The role of metabolic reprogramming in tumors is gradually gaining more attention and being investigated. Recent studies have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are strongly related to BLCA metabolic reprogramming. ncRNAs are able to directly regulate the expression and function of metabolic enzymes, or indirectly regulate them through a number of important pathways to regulate metabolism in BLCA cells. The mechanism of the development of BLCA has not yet, to the best of the authors' knowledge, been studied and identifying how ncRNAs act in metabolic reprogramming in BLCA may assist with developing BLCA treatments. In the present review, a summary of the ncRNAs participating in the metabolic reprogramming of BLCA was provided. The regulation of ncRNAs in glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism was also detailed. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of ncRNAs in the metabolic reprogramming of BLCA and potential treatment strategies that track cancer cell metabolism by regulating the expression of particular ncRNAs were discussed.

Targeted VEGFA therapy in regulating early acute kidney injury and late fibrosis

Damage to peritubular capillaries is a key process that contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) plays a critical role in maintaining the renal microvasculature. However, the physiological role of VEGFA in various AKI durations remains unclear. A severe unilateral ischemia‒reperfusion injury model was established to provide an overview of VEGFA expression and the peritubular microvascular density from acute to chronic injury in mouse kidneys. Therapeutic strategies involving early VEGFA supplementation protecting against acute injury and late anti-VEGFA treatment for fibrosis alleviation were analyzed. A proteomic analysis was conducted to determine the potential mechanism of renal fibrosis alleviation by anti-VEGFA. The results showed that two peaks of extraglomerular VEGFA expression were observed during AKI progression: one occurred at the early phase of AKI, and the other occurred during the transition to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Capillary rarefaction progressed despite the high expression of VEGFA at the CKD stage, and VEGFA was associated with interstitial fibrosis. Early VEGFA supplementation protected against renal injury by preserving microvessel structures and counteracting secondary tubular hypoxic insults, whereas late anti-VEGFA treatment attenuated renal fibrosis progression. The proteomic analysis highlighted an array of biological processes related to fibrosis alleviation by anti-VEGFA, which included regulation of supramolecular fiber organization, cell-matrix adhesion, fibroblast migration, and vasculogenesis. These findings establish the landscape of VEGFA expression and its dual roles during AKI progression, which provides the possibility for the orderly regulation of VEGFA to alleviate early acute injury and late fibrosis.

Host Specificity Controlled by PWL1 and PWL2 Effector Genes in the Finger Millet Blast Pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae in Eastern Africa

Magnaporthe oryzae, a devastating pathogen of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), secretes effector molecules during infection to manipulate host immunity. This study determined the presence of avirulence effector genes PWL1 and PWL2 in 221 Eleusine blast isolates from eastern Africa. Most Ethiopian isolates carried both PWL1 and PWL2. Kenyan and Ugandan isolates largely lacked both genes, and Tanzanian isolates carried either PWL1 or lacked both. The roles of PWL1 and PWL2 towards pathogenicity on alternative chloridoid hosts, including weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), were also investigated. PWL1 and PWL2 were cloned from Ethiopian isolate E22 and were transformed separately into Ugandan isolate U34, which lacked both genes. Resulting transformants harboring either gene gained varying degrees of avirulence on Eragrostis curvula but remained virulent on finger millet. Strains carrying one or both PWL1 and PWL2 infected the chloridoid species Sporobolus phyllotrichus and Eleusine tristachya, indicating the absence of cognate resistance (R) genes for PWL1 and PWL2 in these species. Other chloridoid grasses, however, were fully resistant, regardless of the presence of one or both PWL1 and PWL2, suggesting the presence of effective R genes against PWL and other effectors. Partial resistance in some Eragrostis curvula accessions to some blast isolates lacking PWL1 and PWL2 also indicated the presence of other interactions between fungal avirulence (AVR) genes and host resistance (R) genes. Related chloridoid species thus harbor resistance genes that could be useful to improve finger millet for blast resistance. Conversely, loss of AVR genes in the fungus could expand its host range, as demonstrated by the susceptibility of Eragrostis curvula to finger millet blast isolates that had lost PWL1 and PWL2. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Non-Contrasted CT Radiomics for SAH Prognosis Prediction

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) denotes a serious type of hemorrhagic stroke that often leads to a poor prognosis and poses a significant socioeconomic burden. Timely assessment of the prognosis of SAH patients is of paramount clinical importance for medical decision making. Currently, clinical prognosis evaluation heavily relies on patients' clinical information, which suffers from limited accuracy. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is the primary diagnostic tool for SAH. Radiomics, an emerging technology, involves extracting quantitative radiomics features from medical images to serve as diagnostic markers. However, there is a scarcity of studies exploring the prognostic prediction of SAH using NCCT radiomics features. The objective of this study is to utilize machine learning (ML) algorithms that leverage NCCT radiomics features for the prognostic prediction of SAH. Retrospectively, we collected NCCT and clinical data of SAH patients treated at Beijing Hospital between May 2012 and November 2022. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was utilized to assess the prognosis of patients with SAH at the 3-month mark after the SAH event. Based on follow-up data, patients were classified into two groups: good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) and poor outcome (mRS > 2) groups. The region of interest in NCCT images was delineated using 3D Slicer software, and radiomic features were extracted. The most stable and significant radiomic features were identified using the intraclass correlation coefficient, t-test, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The data were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Various ML algorithms were utilized to construct predictive models, encompassing logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). Seven prediction models based on radiomic features related to the outcome of SAH patients were constructed using the training cohort. Internal validation was performed using five-fold cross-validation in the entire training cohort. The receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, precision, recall, and f-1 score evaluation metrics were employed to assess the performance of the classifier in the overall dataset. Furthermore, decision curve analysis was conducted to evaluate model effectiveness. The study included 105 SAH patients. A comprehensive set of 1316 radiomics characteristics were initially derived, from which 13 distinct features were chosen for the construction of the ML model. Significant differences in age were observed between patients with good and poor outcomes. Among the seven constructed models, model_SVM exhibited optimal outcomes during a five-fold cross-validation assessment, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98 (standard deviation: 0.01) and 0.88 (standard deviation: 0.08) on the training and testing cohorts, respectively. In the overall dataset, model_SVM achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, f-1 score, and AUC of 0.88, 0.84, 0.87, 0.84, and 0.82, respectively, in the testing cohort. Radiomics features associated with the outcome of SAH patients were successfully obtained, and seven ML models were constructed. Model_SVM exhibited the best predictive performance. The radiomics model has the potential to provide guidance for SAH prognosis prediction and treatment guidance.

Identifying nitrate sources and transformations in an agricultural watershed in Northeast China: Insights from multiple isotopes

Accurate identification of riverine nitrate sources is required for preventing and controlling nitrogen contamination in agricultural watersheds. The water chemistry and multiple stable isotopes (δ¹⁵N-NO₃, δ¹⁸O-NO₃, δ²H-H₂O, and δ¹⁸O-H₂O) of the river water and groundwater in an agricultural watershed in China's northeast black soil region were analyzed to better understand the sources and transformations of riverine nitrogen. Results showed that nitrate is an important pollutant that affects water quality in this watershed. Affected by factors such as seasonal rainfall changes and spatial differences in land use, the nitrate concentrations in the river water showed obvious temporal and spatial variations. The riverine nitrate concentration was higher in the wet season than in the dry season, and higher downstream than upstream. The water chemistry and dual nitrate isotopes revealed that riverine nitrate came primarily from manure and sewage (M&S). Results from the SIAR model showed that it accounted for more than 40% of riverine nitrate in the dry season. The proportional contribution of M&S decreased during the wet season due to the increased contribution of chemical fertilizers and soil nitrogen induced by large amounts of rainfall. The δ²H-H₂O and δ¹⁸O-H₂O signatures implied that interactions occurred between the river water and groundwater. Considering the large accumulation of nitrates in the groundwater, restoring groundwater nitrate levels is essential for controlling riverine nitrate pollution. As a systematic study on the sources, migration, and transformations of nitrate/nitrogen in agricultural watersheds in black soil regions, this research can provide a scientific support for nitrate pollution management in the Xinlicheng Reservoir watershed and provide a reference for other watersheds in black soil regions in the world with similar conditions.

Exploring potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy

Background

The negative impact of long COVID on social life and human health is increasingly prominent, and the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in patients recovering from COVID-19 has also been fully confirmed. However, the pathogenesis of long COVID-related inflammatory cardiomyopathy is still unclear. Here, we explore potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Datasets that met the study requirements were identified in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by the algorithm. Then, functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the basic molecular mechanisms and biological processes associated with DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed to identify hub genes among the common DEGs. Finally, a third dataset was introduced for validation.

Results

Ultimately, 3,098 upregulated DEGs and 1965 downregulated DEGs were extracted from the inflammatory cardiomyopathy dataset. A total of 89 upregulated DEGs and 217 downregulated DEGs were extracted from the dataset of convalescent COVID patients. Enrichment analysis and construction of the PPI network confirmed VEGFA, FOXO1, CXCR4, and SMAD4 as upregulated hub genes and KRAS and TXN as downregulated hub genes. The separate dataset of patients with COVID-19 infection used for verification led to speculation that long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy is mainly attributable to the immune-mediated response and inflammation rather than to direct infection of cells by the virus.

Conclusion

Screening of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets sheds new light on the pathogenesis of long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy as well as potential therapeutic approaches. Further clinical studies are needed to explore these possibilities in light of the increasingly severe negative impacts of long COVID.

Genome analyses reveal population structure and a purple stigma color gene candidate in finger millet

Finger millet is a key food security crop widely grown in eastern Africa, India and Nepal. Long considered a 'poor man's crop', finger millet has regained attention over the past decade for its climate resilience and the nutritional qualities of its grain. To bring finger millet breeding into the 21^st century, here we present the assembly and annotation of a chromosome-scale reference genome. We show that this ~1.3 million years old allotetraploid has a high level of homoeologous gene retention and lacks subgenome dominance. Population structure is mainly driven by the differential presence of large wild segments in the pericentromeric regions of several chromosomes. Trait mapping, followed by variant analysis of gene candidates, reveals that loss of purple coloration of anthers and stigma is associated with loss-of-function mutations in the finger millet orthologs of the maize R1/B1 and Arabidopsis GL3/EGL3 anthocyanin regulatory genes. Proanthocyanidin production in seed is not affected by these gene knockouts.

Computed tomography angiography-based radiomics model for predicting carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability

Vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) significantly contributes to ischemic stroke. Neovascularization within plaques is an emerging biomarker linked to plaque vulnerability that can be detected using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a common method used in clinical cerebrovascular assessments that can be employed to evaluate the vulnerability of CAPs. Radiomics is a technique that automatically extracts radiomic features from images. This study aimed to identify radiomic features associated with the neovascularization of CAP and construct a prediction model for CAP vulnerability based on radiomic features. CTA data and clinical data of patients with CAPs who underwent CTA and CEUS between January 2018 and December 2021 in Beijing Hospital were retrospectively collected. The data were divided into a training cohort and a testing cohort using a 7:3 split. According to the examination of CEUS, CAPs were dichotomized into vulnerable and stable groups. 3D Slicer software was used to delineate the region of interest in CTA images, and the Pyradiomics package was used to extract radiomic features in Python. Machine learning algorithms containing logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and multi-layer perception (MLP) were used to construct the models. The confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, accuracy, precision, recall, and f-1 score were used to evaluate the performance of the models. A total of 74 patients with 110 CAPs were included. In all, 1,316 radiomic features were extracted, and 10 radiomic features were selected for machine-learning model construction. After evaluating several models on the testing cohorts, it was discovered that model_RF outperformed the others, achieving an AUC value of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99). The accuracy, precision, recall, and f-1 score of model_RF in the testing cohort were 0.85, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.85, respectively. Radiomic features associated with the neovascularization of CAP were obtained. Our study highlights the potential of radiomics-based models for improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing vulnerable CAP. In particular, the model_RF, utilizing radiomic features extracted from CTA, provides a noninvasive and efficient method for accurately predicting the vulnerability status of CAP. This model shows great potential for offering clinical guidance for early detection and improving patient outcomes.

Evolution of Grain Structure and Dynamic Precipitation during Hot Deformation in a Medium-Strength Al-Zn-Mg-Er-Zr Aluminum Alloy

The hot deformation behavior of Al-Zn-Mg-Er-Zr alloy was investigated through an isothermal compression experiment at a strain rate ranging from 0.01 to 10 s^-1 and temperature ranging from 350 to 500 °C. The constitutive equation of thermal deformation characteristics based on strain was established, and the microstructure (including grain, substructure and dynamic precipitation) under different deformation conditions was analyzed. It is shown that the steady-state flow stress can be described using the hyperbolic sinusoidal constitutive equation with a deformation activation energy of 160.03 kJ/mol. Two kinds of second phases exist in the deformed alloy; one is the η phase, whose size and quantity changes according to the deformation parameters, and the other is spherical Al₃(Er, Zr) particles with good thermal stability. Both kinds of particles pin the dislocation. However, with a decrease in strain rate or increase in temperature, η phases coarsen and their density decreases, and their dislocation locking ability is weakened. However, the size of Al₃(Er, Zr) particles does not change with the variation in deformation conditions. So, at higher deformation temperatures, Al₃(Er, Zr) particles still pin dislocations and thus refine the subgrain and enhance the strength. Compared with the η phase, Al₃(Er, Zr) particles are superior for dislocation locking during hot deformation. A strain rate ranging from 0.1 to 1 s^-1 and a deformation temperature ranging from 450 to 500 °C form the safest hot working domain in the processing map.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NTLR) Predicts Local Control Failure and Overall Survival after Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) In Metastatic Sarcoma

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NTLR) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery are prognostic across many cancers. We investigated whether NLTR predicts SBRT success or survival in a metastatic sarcoma cohort treated with SBRT from 2014 and 2020 (N = 42). Wilcox Signed Rank Test and Friedman Test compare NTLR changes with local failure vs. local control (N = 138 lesions). Cox analyses identified factors associated with overall survival. If local control was successful, NLTR change was not significant (p = 0.30). However, NLTR significantly changed in patients local failure (p = 0.027). The multivariable Cox model demonstrated higher NLTR before SBRT was associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.002). The optimal NTLR cut point was 5 (Youden index: 0.418). One-year overall survival in SBRT metastatic sarcoma cohort was 47.6% (CI 34.3%-66.1%). Patients with an NTLR above 5 had a one-year overall survival of 37.7% (21.4%-66.3%); patients with an NTLR below 5 had a significantly improved overall survival of 63% (43.3%-91.6%, p = 0.014). Since NTLR at the time of SBRT was significantly associated with local control success and overall survival in metastatic sarcoma treated with SBRT, future efforts to reduce tumor inhibitory microenvironment factors and improved lymphocyte recovery should be investigated.

Flow diversion for posterior circulation aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study

Background

The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms is approximately 3% worldwide. Posterior circulation (PC) aneurysms have a higher risk of treatment complications than anterior circulation aneurysms. Improving the survival rate and quality of life of patients with PC aneurysms remains one of the most important issues in the field.

Objectives

Flow diverter (FD) treatment of PC aneurysms remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the effects of FD treatment and analyze differences among different application methods or aneurysm types in PC aneurysms.

Design

This is a multicenter retrospective study.

Methods

Patients with PC aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device (PED) or Tubridge embolization device (TED) between 2015 and 2020 in five neurovascular centers were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcomes were major perioperative complication, clinical outcome, and aneurysm occlusion rates. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of each outcome.

Results

In total, 252 aneurysms were included. Major perioperative complication, favorable clinical outcome, and complete occlusion rates were 7.5%, 91.0%, and 79.1%, respectively. Compared with other types of aneurysms, dissecting aneurysms had the best clinical outcome and highest occlusion rate. Both clinical and angiographic outcomes were independently associated with the aneurysm location at the basilar artery. Aneurysm size was not associated with any outcome. TED had similar clinical and angiographic outcomes compared with PED but more perioperative major complications. Tandem treatment and coiling assistance may have poorer clinical outcomes but similar occlusion rates. Single- and multiple-stent treatments had similar outcomes.

Conclusion

FD treatment of PC aneurysms achieved favorable clinical outcomes and long-term aneurysm occlusion rates with acceptable perioperative complication rates, especially in dissecting and non-basilar artery aneurysms. There was no additional improvement in outcomes with coiling assistance, multi-stent application, or tandem treatment. Therefore, the use of PC aneurysms should be carefully considered.

Optimizing environmental flow based on a new optimization model in balancing objectives among river ecology, water supply and power generation in a high-latitude river

Environmental flow plays an important role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems and aquatic habitats. Although ecological regulation of environmental flow has attracted the attention of scientists, managing the world's reservoir-regulated rivers to better meet the needs of human being and ecosystems is a complex social challenge. To address the above issues, we constructed a model for optimizing reservoir operation based on a balance in achieving multi objectives among environmental flow, water supply and power generation (EWP). The model was solved using an intelligent multi-objective optimization algorithm (ARNSGA-III). The developed model was demonstrated in a large reservoir, Laolongkou Reservoir in the Tumen River. The results showed that the reservoir altered environmental flows mainly in terms of flow magnitude, peak, times, duration and frequency, which result in a sharp decrease in spawning fish, and degradation and replacement of vegetation along the channels. In addition, the mutual feedback relationship between the objectives of environmental flows, water supply and power generation is not static, but varies over time and space. The constructed model based on Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHAs) can effectively guarantee the environmental flow at daily scale. In detail, the river ecological benefit increased by 64% in wet year, 68% in normal year, 68% in dry year after optimizing regulation of reservoir, respectively. This study will provide a scientific reference for the optimizing of the management in other rivers affected by dams.

Implementing failure mode and effect analysis to improve the safety of volumetric modulated arc therapy for total body irradiation

PURPOSE

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy for total body irradiation (VMAT-TBI) is a novel radiotherapy technique that has been implemented at our institution. The purpose of this work is to investigate possible failure modes (FMs) in the treatment process and to develop a quality control (QC) program for VMAT-TBI following TG-100 guidelines.

METHODS

We formed a multidisciplinary team to map out the complete treatment process of VMAT-TBI following the AAPM TG-100 guidelines. This process map gives a visual representation of the VMAT-TBI workflow from the CT simulation, image processing, contouring, treatment planning, to treatment delivery. From the process map, potential FMs were identified. The occurrence (O), detectability (D), and severity of impact (S) of each FM were assigned according to scoring criteria (1-10) by the multidisciplinary team. A risk priority number (RPN) was calculated from average O, S, and D of each FM (RPN = O x S x D). High risk FMs were identified as 20% of the FMs having the highest RPN scores. After the FMEA analysis, fault-tree analysis (FTA) was performed for each major step of the treatment process to determine the effects of potential failures to the treatment outcome. Effective QC methods were identified to prevent the high risk failures and to improve the safety of the VMAT-TBI program.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 55 sub-processes and 128 FMs from the VMAT-TBI workflow. The top five high-risk FMs were: (1) Prescription and/or OAR constraints changed during planning and not communicated to the planner, (2) Patient moves or breathes too heavily during the upper body CT scan (3) Patient moves during the lower body CT scan, (4) Treatment planning system not calculating total body DVH metrics correctly for TBI, (5) Improper optimization criteria used or not sufficient optimization, resulting in suboptimal dose coverage, OAR sparing or excessive hotspots during treatment planning. Two FMs have average severity scores ≥8: Incorrect PTV subdivision/isocenter placement and Prescription and/or OAR constraints changed during planning and not communicated to the planner. Quality assurance and QC interventions including staff training, standard operating procedures, and quality checklists were implemented based on the FMEA and FTA.

CONCLUSION

FM and effect analysis was performed to identify high-risk FMs of our VMAT-TBI program. FMEA and FTA were effective in identifying potential FMs and determining the best quality management (QM) measures to implement in the VMAT-TBI program.

Improving the hygroscopicity and flame retardancy of polyamide 6 fabrics by surface coating with β-FeOOH and sulfamic acid

The combustion of polyamide 6 (PA6) fabrics releases toxic smoke, which will pollute the environment and threaten human life and health. Herein, a novel eco-friendly flame-retardant coating was constructed and applied to PA6 fabrics. Needle-like β-FeOOH with a high surface area was firstly constructed onto the surface of PA6 fabrics by the hydrolysis of Fe³⁺, sulfamic acid (SA) was then introduced by a facile dipping and nipping method. The growth of β-FeOOH also endowed the PA6 fabrics with certain hydrophilicity and moisture permeability, resulting in improved comfortability. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the prepared PA6/Fe/6SA sample was increased to 27.2% from 18.5% of control PA6 sample, and the damaged length was reduced to only 6.0 cm from 12.0 cm of control PA6 sample. Meanwhile, the melt dripping was also eliminated. The heat release rate and total heat release values of the PA6/Fe/6SA sample were decreased to 318.5 kW/m² and 17.0 MJ/m², respectively, compared with those of control PA6 (494.7 kW/m² and 21.4 MJ/m²). The analysis results indicated that nonflammable gases diluted flammable gases. The observation of char residues demonstrated that the stable char layer was formed, which effectively inhibited the transfer of heat and oxygen. The organic solvent-free coating does not contain any conventional halogens/phosphorus elements, which provides a useful methodology to produce environmentally friendly flame-retardant fabrics.

Clinical Nomogram Using Novel Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics Predicts Survival in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Improved survival prediction and risk stratification in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) would lead to better prognosis counseling, adjuvant therapy selection, and clinical trial design. We propose the persistent homology (PHOM) score, the radiomic quantification of solid tumor topology, as a solution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with stage I or II NSCLC primarily treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) were selected (N = 554). The PHOM score was calculated for each patient's pretreatment computed tomography scan (October 2008-November 2019). PHOM score, age, sex, stage, Karnofsky Performance Status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and post-SBRT chemotherapy were predictors in the Cox proportional hazards models for OS and cancer-specific survival. Patients were split into high- and low-PHOM score groups and compared using Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival (OS) and cumulative incidence curves for cause-specific death. Finally, we generated a validated nomogram to predict OS, which is publicly available at Eashwarsoma.Shinyapps.

RESULTS

PHOM score was a significant predictor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.28) and was the only significant predictor for cancer-specific survival (1.31; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.56) in the multivariable Cox model. The median survival for the high-PHOM group was 29.2 months (95% CI, 23.6 to 34.3), which was significantly worse compared with the low-PHOM group (45.4 months; 95% CI, 40.1 to 51.8; P < .001). The high-PHOM group had a significantly greater chance of cancer-specific death at post-treatment month 65 (0.244; 95% CI, 0.192 to 0.296) compared with the low-PHOM group (0.171; 95% CI, 0.123 to 0.218; P = .029).

CONCLUSION

The PHOM score is associated with cancer-specific survival and predictive of OS. Our developed nomogram can be used to inform clinical prognosis and assist in making post-SBRT treatment considerations.

Simultaneous quantification of pirarubicin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine in human plasma of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by LC-MS/MS method

Pirarubicin (THP), doxorubicin (DOX), cyclophosphamide (CTX), and vincristine (VCR) are widely used in the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Herein, a precise and sensitive method was developed for the determination of THP, DOX, CTX and VCR in human plasma by high-performance liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Liquid-liquid extraction was applied to extract THP, DOX, CTX, VCR, and the internal standard (IS, Pioglitazone) in plasma. Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 (3.0 mm × 100 mm) was utilized and chromatographic separation was obtained in eight minutes. Mobile phases were composed of methanol and buffer (10 mM ammonium formate containing 0.1% formic acid). The method was linear within the concentration range of 1-500 ng/mL for THP, 2-1000 ng/mL for DOX, 2.5-1250 ng/mL for CTX, and 3-1500 ng/mL for VCR. The intra- and inter-day precisions of QC samples were found to be below 9.31 and 13.66%, and accuracy ranged from -0.2 to 9.07%, respectively. THP, DOX, CTX, VCR and the internal standard were stable in several conditions. Finally, this method was successfully utilized to simultaneously determine THP, DOX, CTX and VCR in human plasma of 15 patients with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma after intravenous administration. Finally, the method was successfully employed in the clinical determination of THP, DOX, CTX, and VCR in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after administration of RCHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimens.

CT-based thrombus radiomics nomogram for predicting secondary embolization during mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion

Background and aims

Secondary embolization (SE) during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for cerebral large vessel occlusion (LVO) could reduce the anterior blood flow and worsen clinical outcomes. The current SE prediction tools have limited accuracy. In this study, we aimed to develop a nomogram to predict SE following MT for LVO based on clinical features and radiomics extracted from computed tomography (CT) images.

Materials and methods

A total of 61 patients with LVO stroke treated by MT at Beijing Hospital were included in this retrospective study, of whom 27 developed SE during the MT procedure. The patients were randomly divided (7:3) into training (n = 42) and testing (n = 19) cohorts. The thrombus radiomics features were extracted from the pre-interventional thin-slice CT images, and the conventional clinical and radiological indicators associated with SE were recorded. A support vector machine (SVM) learning model with 5-fold cross-verification was used to obtain the radiomics and clinical signatures. For both signatures, a prediction nomogram for SE was constructed. The signatures were then combined using the logistic regression analysis to construct a combined clinical radiomics nomogram.

Results

In the training cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the nomograms was 0.963 for the combined model, 0.911 for the radiomics, and 0.891 for the clinical model. Following validation, the AUCs were 0.762 for the combined model, 0.714 for the radiomics model, and 0.637 for the clinical model. The combined clinical and radiomics nomogram had the best prediction accuracy in both the training and test cohort.

Conclusion

This nomogram could be used to optimize the surgical MT procedure for LVO based on the risk of developing SE.

Clinical application and efficacy analysis of partial cystectomy combined with intravesical chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

Comparing the long-term tumor control results of partial cystectomy(PC)and radical cystectomy(RC)in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and to explore the feasible method of bladder preservation therapy (BPT)in patients with MIBC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 102 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2018, of whom 32 cases in the partial cystectomy group and 70 cases in the radical cystectomy group. We performed a comparative analysis of patient general information, perioperative-related indicators and postoperative follow-up data, comparing OS, PFS, and DSS at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years in both groups, and comparing tumour recurrence and metastasis in postoperative patients.

RESULTS

All the 102 cases in this study were successfully completed. Partial cystectomy group and Radical cystectomy group median operating time (169.50(130.00 ~ 225.25) min and 420.00(343.75 ~ 483.75) min, p < 0.001), median intraoperative blood loss was (100(50 ~ 100)ml and 400(200 ~ 1000)ml, p < 0.001), median perioperative blood transfusion volume (0(0 ~ 0)ml and 600(150.00 ~ 906.25)ml, p < 0.001), median total hospital stay (18(14.25 ~ 20.00) and 24.5(20.00 ~ 34.25) days, p < 0.001), median preoperative preparation time (7(4.25 ~ 8.00) and 10(8.00 ~ 13.00) days, p < 0.001), median postoperative hospital stay (9(8.00 ~ 13.50) and 14(11.00 ~ 21.25) days, p < 0.001), the incidence of perioperative blood transfusion was (15.6% and 75.7%, p < 0.001), the incidence of surgical complications was(28.1%(9/32) and 50.0%(35/70), p = 0.033), average hospitalization cost ((26435.76 ± 9877.82) yuan and (58464.36 ± 19753.13) yuan, p < 0.001), the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Perioperative mortality (0 vs. 2.9%(2/70), p = 1), and OS at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after surgery were (80.0%, 59.8%, 56.1%, 51.0%, 44.6% vs. 76.5%, 67.4%, 64.9%, 57.9%, 52.6%, p = 0.524), PFS (68.2%, 64.6%, 60.3%, 54.8%, 54.8% vs. 82.7%, 78.3%, 75.4%, 67.3%, 62.1%, p = 0.259). DSS (89.9%, 72.4%, 68.6%, 68.6%, 62.4% vs. 87.3%, 83.4%, 80.9%, 73.6%, 68.0%, p = 0.424), and the incidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis was (40.0%(12/30) vs. 25.4%(16/63), p = 0.151), the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with limited solitary T2N0M0 and T3N0M0 muscle-invasive bladder cancer, partial cystectomy plus bladder instillations treatment can achieve comparable tumour control to radical cystectomy. However, patients in the PC group have significant advantages in terms of operative time, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, preoperative preparation time, total hospital stay, postoperative recovery time, operative costs and operative complications. This option may be considered for such patients with a need for bladder preservation.

Apochromatic X-ray focusing

Achromatic doublets are combinations of two individual lenses designed to focus different wavelengths of light in the same position. Apochromatic optics are improved versions of the achromatic schemes which extend the wavelength range significantly. Both achromatic and apochromatic optics are well-established for visible light. However, X-ray achromatic lenses did not exist until very recently, and X-ray apochromatic lenses have never been experimentally demonstrated. Here, we create an X-ray apochromatic lens system using an appropriate combination of a Fresnel zone plate and a diverging compound refractive lens with a tuned separation distance. The energy-dependent performance of this apochromat was characterized at photon energies between 6.5 and 13.0 keV by ptychographic reconstruction of the focal spot and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy of a resolution test sample. The apochromat delivered a reconstructed focal spot size of 940 × 740 nm². The apochromatic combination shows a four-fold improvement in the chromatic aberration correction range compared to an achromatic doublet configuration. Thus, apochromatic X-ray optics have the potential to increase the focal spot intensity for a wide variety of X-ray applications.

Potential role of LPAR5 gene in prognosis and immunity of thyroid papillary carcinoma and pan-cancer

Papillary carcinomas account for the largest proportion of thyroid cancers, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) being prone to early lymph node metastasis. Some studies have confirmed that LPAR5 can promote the progression of PTC, but immune-related analyses of LPAR5 and PTC have not been widely discussed. This study aimed to determine the role of LPAR5 in PTC prognosis and immunity. We will further explore the role of LPAR5 in 33 different tumor types. Regarding PTC, we analyzed the effect of LPAR5 expression on overall survival (OS). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Immune-related analyses of immune checkpoints (ICPs) and immune cell infiltration were also performed. For pan-cancer, R packages were used to analyze prognosis, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune cell infiltration. Analysis of tumor microenvironment (TME) and ICPs was performed using Sangerbox ( http://vip.sangerbox.com/home.html ). The TISIDB database ( http://cis.hku.hk/TISIDB/index.php ) was used to identify immune and molecular subtypes. LPAR5 expression is associated with PTC prognosis and immunity as well as various human tumors. LPAR5 may be a potential biomarker for multiple malignancies and may provide a new target for cancer immunotherapy.

Collateral Circulation and BNP in Predicting Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atherosclerotic versus Cardioembolic Cerebral Large-Vessel Occlusion Who Underwent Endovascular Treatment

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to verify the value of collateral circulation and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in predicting clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and their biomarker value for stroke subtypes before endovascular treatment (EVT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 182 patients who underwent EVT for unilateral anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion between March 2016 and January 2022 were analyzed. The modified collateral circulation scoring system on four-dimensional computed tomography angiography (4D CTA-CS) was used to assess collateral status, and stroke subtypes were determined according to the TOAST classification criteria. Patients were divided into good (mRS ≤ 2) and poor outcome (mRS > 2) groups based on their modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months.

RESULTS

4D CTA-CS was an independent predictor of the clinical outcome for all AIS patients (odds ratio = 0.253; 95% CI, 0.147-0.437; p < 0.001), CE stroke patients (odds ratio = 0.513; 95% CI, 0.280-0.939; p = 0.030), and LAA stroke patients (odds ratio = 0.148; 95% CI, 0.049-0.447; p = 0.001). The BNP was a biomarker for clinical outcome prediction in CE (odds ratio = 1.004; 95% CI, 1.001-1.008; p = 0.005) but not in LAA patients. Combined with BNP, 4D CTA-CS improved predictive values for clinical outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Collateral status and BNP could be used as independent predictors of clinical outcomes in AIS patients and could determine stroke subtypes (CE stroke or LAA stroke). In addition, the model of 4D CTA-CS combined with BNP was the most effective in predicting clinical outcomes compared with collateral status or BNP alone.

Identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for posttraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

Despite improved supportive care, posttraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mortality has improved very little in recent years. Additionally, ARDS diagnosis is delayed or missed in many patients. We analyzed co-differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) to explore the relationships between severe trauma and ARDS to reveal potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for posttraumatic ARDS.

METHODS

Two gene expression datasets (GSE64711 and GSE76293) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The GSE64711 dataset included a subset of 244 severely injured trauma patients and 21 healthy controls. GSE76293 specimens were collected from 12 patients with ARDS who were recruited from trauma intensive care units and 11 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Trauma DEGs and ARDS DEGs were identified using the two datasets. Subsequently, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed to elucidate the molecular functions of the DEGs. Then, hub genes of the co-DEGs were identified. Finally, to explore whether posttraumatic ARDS and septic ARDS are common targets, we included a third dataset (GSE100159) for corresponding verification.

RESULTS

90 genes were upregulated and 48 genes were downregulated in the two datasets and were therefore named co-DEGs. These co-DEGs were significantly involved in multiple inflammation-, immunity- and neutrophil activation-related biological processes. Ten co-upregulated hub genes (GAPDH, MMP8, HGF, MAPK14, LCN2, CD163, ENO1, CD44, ARG1 and GADD45A) and five co-downregulated hub genes (HERC5, IFIT2, IFIT3, RSAD2 and IFIT1) may be considered potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for posttraumatic ARDS. Through the verification of the third dataset, posttraumatic ARDS may have its own unique targets worthy of further exploration.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory analysis supports a relationship between trauma and ARDS pathophysiology, specifically in relationship to the identified hub genes. These data may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for posttraumatic ARDS.

Distinct function of SPL genes in age-related resistance in Arabidopsis

In plants, age-related resistance (ARR) refers to a gain of disease resistance during shoot or organ maturation. ARR associated with vegetative phase change, a transition from juvenile to adult stage, is a widespread agronomic trait affecting resistance against multiple pathogens. How innate immunity in a plant is differentially regulated during successive stages of shoot maturation is unclear. In this work, we found that Arabidopsis thaliana showed ARR against its bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 during vegetative phase change. The timing of the ARR activation was associated with a temporal drop of miR156 level. The microRNA miR156 maintains juvenile phase by inhibiting the accumulation and translation of SPL transcripts. A systematic inspection of the loss- and gain-of-function mutants of 11 SPL genes revealed that a subset of SPL genes, notably SPL2, SPL10, and SPL11, activated ARR in adult stage. The immune function of SPL10 was independent of its role in morphogenesis. Furthermore, the SPL10 mediated an age-dependent augmentation of the salicylic acid (SA) pathway partially by direct activation of PAD4. Disrupting SA biosynthesis or signaling abolished the ARR against Pto DC3000. Our work demonstrated that the miR156-SPL10 module in Arabidopsis is deployed to operate immune outputs over developmental timing.

Environmental benign foam finishing with a hyperbranched polyphosphonate flame retardant for polyethylene terephthalate fabric

It is still a big challenge for textile industry in improving fire resistance and reducing melt dripping with minimal loss on the physical properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics. In this work, a highly-effective hyperbranched flame retardant (DT) was first synthesized by ester exchange without using any organic solvent. Then, the DT foam was prepared and blade coated on PET fabric to improve the fire performance. The prepared PET fabric with only 2.7% weight gain of DT was self-extinguished and did not produce any molten dripping during the vertical flammable test. The peak heat release rate and total heat release of the PET fabric sample with 19.4% DT were decreased by 42.0% and 57.1%, respectively compared with that of the control PET. Besides, the as-prepared PET fabric sample showed better physical properties such as breaking strength, vapor permeability, air permeability, antistatic property, and softness than the control PET fabric sample. The DT foam finishing process did not involve any organic solvent and consumed less water and energy compared with conventional fabric treatments. It is expected that this work provides a facile and eco-friendly strategy for fabricating flame retardant PET fabric with excellent comprehensive performances.

His-Purkinje conduction system pacing combined with atrioventricular node ablation improves quality of life in older patients with persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to multiple ablation procedures

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with persistent AF even after multiple ablation procedures. His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) combined with atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) is effective in managing patients with AF and heart failure. This study aimed to determine whether HPCSP combined with AVNA can improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms in older patients with symptomatic persistent AF refractory to multiple ablation procedures, as well as evaluate the feasibility and safety of this therapy.

METHODS

Older patients (≥ 65 years) with symptomatic persistent AF refractory to at least two ablation procedures were treated with combined HPCSP and AVNA. The success rates and complications were recorded. Pacing parameters, European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) scores, and Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) scores obtained perioperatively were compared with those recorded at the 6-month follow-up examination.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were enrolled; of those, only thirty patients were eventually treated with AVNA because one patient developed a complete atrioventricular block following the withdrawal of the His bundle pacing lead. The success rates were 100% for HPCSP (22 cases with His bundle pacing, and 9 cases with left bundle branch pacing) and 93.3% (28/30) for AVNA, respectively. By the 6-month follow-up examination, EHRA scores improved significantly (3.00 ± 0.73 vs. 2.44 ± 0.63, P = 0.014) and AFEQT scores increased markedly (49.6 ± 20.6 vs. 70.9 ± 14.0, P = 0.001). No severe complications developed.

CONCLUSIONS

When used in older patients with symptomatic persistent AF refractory to multiple ablation procedures, HPCSP combined with AVNA significantly alleviated symptoms and improved quality of life during short-term follow-up. This therapy was proved to be safe and effective in this patient population.