WHERE IS THE SCO HEADING?——The Shanghai Cooperation Organization should clearly define its political characteristics and functions

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOC), made up of six member countries, is reinventing itself and banding together to deal with the region's security and economic development. Operating under the "Shanghai Spirit"-the essence of state-to-state relations where trust and equality are key to members looking out for each other-questions need to be asked and answered at the organization's fifth anniversary. Despite the best intentions, a clear road map is needed to clarify the SCO's future.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:A rare case report

BACKGROUND Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma.The most common metastatic sites for CCS are the lungs,bones and brain.CCS is highly invasive and mainly metastasizes to the lung,followed by the bone and brain;however,pancreatic metastasis is relatively rare.CASE SUMMARY We report on a rare case of CCS with pancreatic metastasis in a 47-year-old man.The patient had a relevant medical history 3 years ago,with abdominal pain as the main clinical manifestation.No abnormalities were observed on physical examination and the tumor was found on abdominal computed tomography.Based on the medical history and postoperative pathology,the patient was diagnosed with CCS with pancreatic metastasis.The patient was successfully treated with surgical interventions,including distal pancreatectomy and sple-nectomy.CONCLUSION This report summarizes the available treatment modalities for CCS and the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for patients with CCS.

Neural stem cell-derived exosomes promote mitochondrial biogenesis and restore abnormal protein distribution in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.We previously showed that neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles improved mitochondrial function in the cortex of AP P/PS1 mice.Because Alzheimer’s disease affects the entire brain,further research is needed to elucidate alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in the brain as a whole.Here,we investigated the expression of several important mitochondrial biogenesis-related cytokines in multiple brain regions after treatment with neural stem cell-derived exosomes and used a combination of whole brain clearing,immunostaining,and lightsheet imaging to clarify their spatial distribution.Additionally,to clarify whether the sirtuin 1(SIRT1)-related pathway plays a regulatory role in neural stem cell-de rived exosomes interfering with mitochondrial functional changes,we generated a novel nervous system-SIRT1 conditional knoc kout AP P/PS1mouse model.Our findings demonstrate that neural stem cell-de rived exosomes significantly increase SIRT1 levels,enhance the production of mitochondrial biogenesis-related fa ctors,and inhibit astrocyte activation,but do not suppress amyloid-βproduction.Thus,neural stem cell-derived exosomes may be a useful therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease that activates the SIRT1-PGC1αsignaling pathway and increases NRF1 and COXIV synthesis to improve mitochondrial biogenesis.In addition,we showed that the spatial distribution of mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors is disrupted in Alzheimer’s disease,and that neural stem cell-derived exosome treatment can reverse this effect,indicating that neural stem cell-derived exosomes promote mitochondrial biogenesis.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:A sporadic cancer

Primary or secondary clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas is an exceedingly rare and aggressive disease.In addition to pathology,molecular analysis is pivotal in differential diagnosis,especially with malignant melanoma.A key aspect in identifying clear cell sarcoma is specific genetic alterations,notably the translocation of t(12;22)(q13;q13),a diagnostic hallmark of this sarcoma subtype,which is absent in malignant melanoma.Treatment of primary clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas is the same as that for adenocarcinoma.

60kV联合深度学习重建算法在主动脉CT血管造影中的可行性研究

目的:探讨60 kV联合基于深度学习的ClearInfinity(CI)重建算法在主动脉CT血管造影中的可行性。方法:收集2023年7—9月因主动脉疾病在郑州大学第一附属医院拟行主动脉CT血管造影(CTA)的受检者73例,按照随机数字表法分为A组(n=36)和B组(n=37)。A组受检者采用100 kV行常规扫描和重建;B组受检者采用60 kV行CT扫描,再依据重建算法不同分为B1、B2、B3亚组,分别采用30%~90%(间隔30%)CI算法重建,比较各组受检者辐射剂量以及图像质量。结果:除A组和B1组的信噪比(SNR)值在降主动脉、髂总动脉外,其余各组间SNR值比较,差异有统计学意义(均P <0.05)。除A组和B1组在降主动脉层面外,其余各组间对比噪声比(CNR)值比较,差异有统计学意义(均P <0.05)。图像主观评分A组与B2组比较,差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05),A组、B1组和B3组主观评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论:对体重指数(BMI)<26 kg/m~2的正常体型受检者,采用60 kV行主动脉CTA能大幅降低辐射剂量,联合深度学习CI重建算法能显著降低图像噪声,改善图像质量以达到诊断需求。

Sacrificial piles as a countermeasure against local scour around underwater pipelines

Local scour around pipelines crossing rivers or in marine environments is a significant concern.It can lead to failure of the pipelines resulting in environmental side effects and economic losses.This study developed an experimental method to reduce local scour around pipelines with a steady flow of clear water by installing cylindrical and cubical sacrificial piles.Three sizes of sacrificial piles were examined in a linear arrangement.Sacrificial piles were installed on the upstream side of the pipeline at three distances.Maximum scour depth reduction rates below the pipeline were computed.The results showed that sacrificial piles could protect a pipeline from local scour.A portion of scoured sediment around the sacrificial piles was deposited beneath the pipeline.This sediment accumulation reduced the scour depth beneath the pipeline.Analysis of the experimental results demonstrated that the size of piles(d),the spacing between piles,and the distance between the pipe and piles(Xp)were the variables that reduced the maximum scour beneath the pipeline with a diameter of D.For the piles with d=0.40D and 0.64D,X_(p)=4OD was the optimal distance to install a group of piles,and cubical piles could mitigate scour more effectively than cylindrical piles under similar conditions.For the piles with d=D,the greatest reduction in scour depth was achieved at X_(p)=50D with any desired spacings between piles,and cylindrical piles in this dimension could protect the pipeline against scour more effectively than cubical piles.

A"messenger zone hypothesis"based on the visual three-dimensional spatial distribution of motoneurons innervating deep limb muscles

Coordinated contraction of skeletal muscles relies on selective connections between the muscles and multiple classes of the spinal motoneuro ns.Howeve r,current research on the spatial location of the spinal motoneurons innervating differe nt muscles is limited.In this study,we investigated the spatial distribution and relative position of different motoneurons that control the deep muscles of the mouse hindlimbs,which were innervated by the obturator nerve,femoral nerve,inferior gluteal nerve,deep pe roneal nerve,and tibial nerve.Locations were visualized by combining a multiplex retrograde tracking technique compatible with three-dimensional imaging of solvent-cleared o rgans(3DISCO)and 3-D imaging technology based on lightsheet fluorescence microscopy(LSFM).Additionally,we propose the hypothesis that"messenger zones"exist as interlaced areas between the motoneuron pools that dominate the synergistic or antagonist muscle groups.We hypothesize that these interlaced neurons may participate in muscle coordination as messenger neurons.Analysis revealed the precise mutual positional relationships among the many motoneurons that innervate different deep muscles of the mouse.Not only do these findings update and supplement our knowledge regarding the overall spatial layout of spinal motoneurons that control mouse limb muscles,but they also provide insights into the mechanisms through which muscle activity is coordinated and the architecture of motor circuits.

Dynamic optimal allocation of energy storage systems integrated within photovoltaic based on a dual timescale dynamics model

Energy storage systems(ESSs)operate as independent market participants and collaborate with photovoltaic(PV)generation units to enhance the flexible power supply capabilities of PV units.However,the dynamic variations in the profitability of ESSs in the electricity market are yet to be fully understood.This study introduces a dual-timescale dynamics model that integrates a spot market clearing(SMC)model into a system dynamics(SD)model to investigate the profit-aware capacity growth of ESSs and compares the profitability of independent energy storage systems(IESSs)with that of an ESS integrated within a PV(PV-ESS).Furthermore,this study aims to ascertain the optimal allocation of the PV-ESS.First,SD and SMC models were set up.Second,the SMC model simulated on an hourly timescale was incorporated into the SD model as a subsystem,a dual-timescale model was constructed.Finally,a development simulation and profitability analysis was conducted from 2022 to 2040 to reveal the dynamic optimal range of PV-ESS allocation.Additionally,negative electricity prices were considered during clearing processes.The simulation results revealed differences in profitability and capacity growth between IESS and PV-ESS,helping grid investors and policymakers to determine the boundaries of ESSs and dynamic optimal allocation of PV-ESSs.

Transforming Adolescent Smiles:Correcting Skeletal Mandibular Retrusion and Bimaxillary Protrusion with Clear Aligners

Maxillary protrusion combined with mandibular retraction is a highly prevalent but extremely complex maxillofacial deformity that can have a serious negative impact on patients’facial aesthetics and mental health.The traditional orthodontic treatment strategy often involves extracting 4 first premolars and conventional fixed techniques,combined with mini-implant screws,to retract the anterior teeth and improve facial protrusion.In recent years,an invisible orthodontic technique,without brackets,has become increasingly popular.However,while an invisible aligner has been used in some cases with reasonable results,there remain significant challenges in achieving a perfect outcome.This case report presents an adolescent patient with bimaxillary protrusion and mandibular retrognathia.Based on the characteristics of the invisible aligners and the growth characteristics of the adolescent’s teeth and jawbone,we designed precise three-dimensional tooth movement and corresponding resistance/over-correction for each tooth,while utilizing the patient’s jawbone growth potential to promote rapid development of the mandible,accurately and efficiently correcting bimaxillary protrusion and skeletal mandibular retrognathia.The patient’s facial aesthetics,especially the lateral morphology,have been greatly improved,and various aesthetic indicators have also shown significant changes,and to the patient’s great benefit,invasive mini-implant screws were not used during the treatment.This case highlights the advantages of using invisible aligners in adolescent maxillary protrusion combined with mandibular retraction patients.Furthermore,comprehensive and accurate design combined with good application of growth potential can also enable invisible orthodontic technology to achieve perfect treatment effects in tooth extractions,providing clinical guidance for orthodontists.

Eureka lemon zinc finger protein ClDOF3.4 interacts with citrus yellow vein clearing virus coat protein to inhibit viral infection

Citrus yellow vein clearing virus(CYVCV)is a new citrus virus that has become an important factor restricting the development of China’s citrus industry,and the CYVCV coat protein(CP)is associated with viral pathogenicity.In this study,the Eureka lemon zinc finger protein(ZFP)ClDOF3.4 was shown to interact with CYVCV CP in vivo and in vitro.Transient expression of ClDOF3.4 in Eureka lemon induced the expression of salicylic acid(SA)-related and hypersensitive response marker genes,and triggered a reactive oxygen species burst,ion leakage necrosis,and the accumulation of free SA.Furthermore,the CYVCV titer in ClDOF3.4 transgenic Eureka lemon plants was approximately 69.4%that in control plants 6 mon after inoculation,with only mild leaf chlorotic spots observed in those transgenic plants.Taken together,the results indicate that ClDOF3.4 not only interacts with CP but also induces an immune response in Eureka lemon by inducing the SA pathways.This is the first report that ZFP is involved in the immune response of a citrus viral disease,which provides a basis for further study of the molecular mechanism of CYVCV infection.

MACS-W:A modified optical clearing agent for imaging 3D cell cultures

Three-dimensional(3D)cell cultures have contributed to a variety of biological research fields by filling the gap between monolayers and animal models.The modern optical sectioning microscopic methods make it possible to probe the complexity of 3D cell cultures but are limited by the inherent opaqueness.While tissue optical clearing methods have emerged as powerful tools for investigating whole-mount tissues in 3D,they often have limitations,such as being too harsh for fragile 3D cell cultures,requiring complex handling protocols,or inducing tissue deformation with shrinkage or expansion.To address this issue,we proposed a modified optical clearing method for 3D cell cultures,called MACS-W,which is simple,highly efficient,and morphology-preserving.In our evaluation of MACS-W,we found that it exhibits excellent clearing capability in just 10 min,with minimal deformation,and helps drug evaluation on tumor spheroids.In summary,MACS-W is a fast,minimally-deformative and fluorescence compatible clearing method that has the potential to be widely used in the studies of 3D cell cultures.

Rehabilitation of Semi-Arid Grasslands through the Perennialization of Lots by Implementing Perennial Forage Exotic Grass

Argentina is the country with the highest proportion of arid and semi-arid ecosystems in Latin America.In the rangelands of Southwestern Buenos Aires(Patagones Department),there is a clear advancement of the agricultural frontier to the detriment of the native forest in this region.Due to rainfall variation and seed acquisition,Thinopyrum ponticum is cultivated as a forage perennial crop in this region.Our objective was to evaluate the performance of T.ponticum as a facilitating crop for the medium-term rehabilitation of natural grasslands in semi-arid areas.The working hypotheses were that:1)native perennial grass cover increases over the years and 2)diversity and specific richness of the vegetation are enhanced by the duration of Tall Wheatgrass implantation.Data were collected from commercial plots where T.ponticum was shown:recent implantation(5–8 years,RI);medium implantation(13–15 years,MI);and old implantation(20–22 years,OI).Thirty-four species were identified and classified into seven functional groups:Annual grasses,annual herbs,perennial herbs,exotic perennial herbs,perennial forage grasses,exotic perennial forage grasses,perennial forage exotic grasses,and nonforage perennial grasses.Thinopyrum ponticum’s total cover was between RI and OI.Total cover,species richness,and Shannon-Weaver diversity index showed no differences among treatments.Perennial forage grasses exhibited higher cover values in sites with greater implantation age and annual grasses showed the opposite response.Our results indicated that T.ponticum does not invade the sampled plots and enhances the colonization of the planted plots by perennial forage native species.However,even though the herbaceous cover had been recovered,the woody layer which could provide environmental services and specific values for conservation was not.

Tissue optical clearing enhances efficacy of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy of mouse dorsal skin

Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy(V-PDT)is an effective treatment for port wine stains(PWS).However,repeated treatment is usually needed to achieve optimal treatment outcomes,possibly due to the limited treatment light penetration depth in the PWS lesion.The optical clearing technique can increase light penetration in depth by reducing light scattering.This study aimed to investigate the V-PDT in combination with an optical clearing agent(OCA)for the therapeutic enhancement of V-PDT in the rodent skinfold window chamber model.Vascular responses were closely monitored with laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI),optical coherence tomography angiography,and stereo microscope before,during,and after the treatment.We further quantitatively demonstrated the effects of V-PDT in combination with OCA on the blood flow and blood vessel size of skin microvasculature.The combination of OCA and V-PDT resulted in significant vascular damage,including vasoconstriction and the reduction of blood flow.Our results indicate the promising potential of OCA for enhancing V-PDT for treating vascular-related diseases,including PWS.

Essential role of postoperative follow-up in the management of clear cell sarcoma

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare melanocytic soft tissue sarcoma known for itspropensity to metastasize to the lymph nodes and typically has an unfavorableprognosis.Currently,surgical resection is the primary treatment for localizedCCS,while radiotherapy and chemotherapy are preferred for metastatic cases.The roles of adjuvant chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and lymph node dissection arecontroversial.Although immunotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue inCCS treatment research,there are no established clinical standards for postoperativefollow-up.This editorial discusses a recent article by Liu et al,with afocus on current diagnostic modalities,treatment approaches,and the challengingprognosis associated with CCS.Our aim is to underscore the importance of longtermpatient follow-up in CCS management.

DNBP-CCA:A Novel Approach to Enhancing Heterogeneous Data Traffic and Reliable Data Transmission for Body Area Network

The increased adoption of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technologies has resulted in the widespread use ofBody Area Networks (BANs) in medical and non-medical domains. However, the performance of IEEE 802.15.4-based BANs is impacted by challenges related to heterogeneous data traffic requirements among nodes, includingcontention during finite backoff periods, association delays, and traffic channel access through clear channelassessment (CCA) algorithms. These challenges lead to increased packet collisions, queuing delays, retransmissions,and the neglect of critical traffic, thereby hindering performance indicators such as throughput, packet deliveryratio, packet drop rate, and packet delay. Therefore, we propose Dynamic Next Backoff Period and Clear ChannelAssessment (DNBP-CCA) schemes to address these issues. The DNBP-CCA schemes leverage a combination ofthe Dynamic Next Backoff Period (DNBP) scheme and the Dynamic Next Clear Channel Assessment (DNCCA)scheme. The DNBP scheme employs a fuzzy Takagi, Sugeno, and Kang (TSK) model’s inference system toquantitatively analyze backoff exponent, channel clearance, collision ratio, and data rate as input parameters. Onthe other hand, the DNCCA scheme dynamically adapts the CCA process based on requested data transmission tothe coordinator, considering input parameters such as buffer status ratio and acknowledgement ratio. As a result,simulations demonstrate that our proposed schemes are better than some existing representative approaches andenhance data transmission, reduce node collisions, improve average throughput, and packet delivery ratio, anddecrease average packet drop rate and packet delay.

Shedding light on pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma:An exceptional journey

This editorial comments on the study by Liu et al investigating pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma(CCS)published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.CCS is a rare and aggressive melanocytic tumor,that typically arises from tendons and aponeuroses of the limbs,and metastasizes to the lungs,bones,and brain.However,pancreatic metastasis has rarely been reported,presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.Elucidating the clinical characteristics,imaging features,prognostic factors,and treatment outcomes of patients with pancreatic CCS metastasis is crucial.Surgery remains an effective management strategy for CCS.However,the high recurrence rate and low effectiveness of traditional adjuvant treatments necessitate a shift towards more personalized and targeted treatment plans.Research is needed to investigate and validate novel therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to the distinct genetic and molecular characteristics of rare malignancies like CCS.Additionally,the development of late metastases after a long disease-free interval is common in CCS patients.Therefore,routine postoperative surveillance for metastasis using computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,bone scans,and positron emission tomography scans is crucial.Moving forward,enhanced collaboration,investigation,and creative thinking among scientists,medical professionals,and legislators are essential to gain a deeper understanding of these rare presentations.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:An overview

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma that accounts for less than 1%of all cases and was originally reported in 1965.The incidence of CCS is estimated to be approximately 0.014/100000 depending on the surveillance,epidemiology and end results databases.CCS is a highly invasive type that mainly metastasizes to the lungs,followed by the bones and brain;however,pancreatic metastasis is relatively rare.It has a high probability of recurrence or metastasis and has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate.Finally,even after recovery,it is fundamental to keep regular postoperative follow-up for CCS patients.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:From diagnosis to treatment

This article presents a comprehensive case report on an uncommon instance of metastatic clear cell sarcoma(CCS)originating from the pancreas.The high mortality rate of pancreatic carcinoma underscores the importance of precise diagnosis and early detection.The authors report a novel case of CCS with pancreatic metastasis,detailing successful surgical intervention through distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy,resulting in favourable outcomes.This study highlights the standard role of surgery in treating advanced CCS and emphasizes preoperative imaging and thorough patient history assessment.This article also underscores the necessity for long-term surveillance due to the potential for recurrence or metastasis.Despite the favourable recovery postsurgery,the absence of subsequent follow-up evaluation prompts consideration of the need for extended monitoring.This article raises questions about the nature of the pancreatic lesion and suggests the possibility of a primary lesion.Further evidence is crucial to establish the correlation between the features related to the development of the patient's primary and metastatic tumours.In conclusion,this study offers valuable insights into metastatic CCS of the pancreas,highlighting the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for improved outcomes through early detection and intervention.

Integrative bioinformatics and in vitro exploration of EVI2A expression:unraveling its immunological and prognostic implications in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

EVI2A has emerged as a significant biomarker in various diseases;however,its biological role and mechanism in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma(KIRC)remains unexplored.We used TCGA and GEO databases to analyze EVI2A gene expression comprehensively and performed pan-cancer assessments.Clinical relevance was evaluated through Kaplan-Meier analysis and ROC curves.The gene’s immune relevance was explored through analyses of the tumor microenvironment(TME),Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub(TISCH),immune checkpoints,and immunotherapy sensitivity.Our results indicate that EVI2A expression is upregulated in KIRC,showing correlations with tumor grade and T/N/M stage.EVI2A demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy(AUC=0.906)and predicts poor overall and progression-free survival in KIRC patients.Furthermore,EVI2A expression exhibits significant associations with immunity,including TME scores and specific immune cell types such as Tfh cells,CD4 memory T cells,and CD8+T cells.Elevated EVI2A expression suggests increased sensitivity to PD-1/CTLA-4 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.In vitro assays confirmed the impact of EVI2A on KIRC behavior,with its knockdown resulting in reduced cell proliferation and migration.In conclusion,our comprehensive analysis identifies EVI2A as a promising biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for intervening in KIRC.These findings hold significant implications for further research and potential clinical applications.

Low expression of fatty acid oxidation related gene ACADM indicates poor prognosis of renal clear cell carcinoma and is related to tumor immune infltration

This research aims to identify the key fatty acid beta-oxidation(FAO)genes that are altered in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma(KIRC)and to analyze the role of these genes in KIRC The Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)and FAO datasets were used to identify these key genes.Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess the levels of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase medium chain(ACADM)between KIRC and non cancer samples.The logistic regression and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to explore the association between ACADM and clinical features.The diagnostic performance of ACADM for KIRC was asessed using a diagnostic receiver operating ch aracteristic(ROC)curve.The co-expressed genes of ACADM were identifed in LinkedOmics database,and their function and pathway enrichment were analyzed.The correlation between ACADM expression level and immune infitration was analyzed by Gene Set Variation Analysis(GSVA)method Additionally,the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of KIRC cells were assessed after overexpressing ACADM.Following differential analysis and intersection,we identifed six hub genes,induding ACADM.We found that the expression level of ACADM was decreased in KIRC tissues and had a better diagnostic efect(AUC=0.916).Survival analysis suggested that patients with decreased ACADM expression had a worse prognosis.According to correlation analysis,a variety of dinical features were associated with the expression level of ACADML By analyzing the infiltration level of immune cells,we found that ACADM may be related to the enrichment of immune cells.Finally,ACADM overexpression inhibited proliferation,migration,and invasion of KIRC cells.In conclusion,our findings suggest that reduced ACADM expression in KIRC patients is indicative of poor prognosis.These results imply that ACADM may be a diagnostic and prognostic marker for individuals with KIRC,offering a reference for dinicians in diagnosis and treatment.