Several promising plasma biomarker proteins,such as amyloid-β(Aβ),tau,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein,are widely used for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,little is k...Several promising plasma biomarker proteins,such as amyloid-β(Aβ),tau,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein,are widely used for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,little is known about the long-term stability of these biomarker proteins in plasma samples stored at-80°C.We aimed to explore how storage time would affect the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers using a large cohort.Plasma samples from 229 cognitively unimpaired individuals,encompassing healthy controls and those experiencing subjective cognitive decline,as well as 99 patients with cognitive impairment,comprising those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia,were acquired from the Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline project.These samples were stored at-80°C for up to 6 years before being used in this study.Our results showed that plasma levels of Aβ42,Aβ40,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein were not significantly correlated with sample storage time.However,the level of total tau showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.Notably,in individuals without cognitive impairment,plasma levels of total protein and tau phosphorylated protein threonine 181(p-tau181)also showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.This was not observed in individuals with cognitive impairment.Consequently,we speculate that the diagnostic accuracy of plasma p-tau181 and the p-tau181 to total tau ratio may be influenced by sample storage time.Therefore,caution is advised when using these plasma biomarkers for the identification of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease.Furthermore,in cohort studies,it is important to consider the impact of storage time on the overall results.展开更多
Needles,as some of the most widely used medical devices,have been effectively applied in human disease prevention,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation.Thin 1D needle can easily penetrate cells/organs by generating h...Needles,as some of the most widely used medical devices,have been effectively applied in human disease prevention,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation.Thin 1D needle can easily penetrate cells/organs by generating highly localized stress with their sharp tips to achieve bioliquid sampling,biosensing,drug delivery,surgery,and other such applications.In this review,we provide an overview of multiscale needle fabrication techniques and their biomedical applications.Needles are classified as nanoneedles,microneedles and millineedles based on the needle diameter,and their fabrication techniques are highlighted.Nanoneedles bridge the inside and outside of cells,achieving intracellular electrical recording,biochemical sensing,and drug delivery.Microneedles penetrate the stratum corneum layer to detect biomarkers/bioelectricity in interstitial fluid and deliver drugs through the skin into the human circulatory system.Millineedles,including puncture,syringe,acupuncture and suture needles,are presented.Finally,conclusions and future perspectives for next-generation nano/micro/milli needles are discussed.展开更多
Background: The prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can substantially contribute to reducing the mortality rate across countries. The level of interest in cholesterol among experts increases when the subjects a...Background: The prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can substantially contribute to reducing the mortality rate across countries. The level of interest in cholesterol among experts increases when the subjects are elderly and obese individuals. However, specialists do not recommend that children should receive the cholesterol test. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of cholesterol levels among the children of public school and their parents’ lifestyles that are associated with cholesterol levels, and to assess the need for and utility of cholesterol testing in school settings. Methods: The study investigated a group of 226 fourth-grade public school children aged between 9 and 10 years and guardians in Akitakatacity of Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Multiple regression analyses were performed with the logarithmic value of cholesterol levels as a response variable, awareness about lifestyles and health of children as an explanatory variable, and child’s sex and body mass index (BMI) as moderating variables. Using questionnaires about lifestyles, the step-down procedure was applied in multiple regression analyses to narrow down relevant lifestyle variables. Results: The percentage of children with the high total cholesterol (TC) value was about 15 and with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol value was about 10. Children with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol value were 5%. Treatment was not required according to the comprehensive assessment. Cholesterol levels were associated with the situation of the children and their guardians as follows, guardian need to consider the food, and child has the correct knowledge about food like how to eat snacks. Conclusions: Children had poor cholesterol levels. From childhood, along with the parents, there is a need to learn about appropriate level of cholesterol for CVD prevention.展开更多
The current study aimed to investigate associations of circRNAs and related genetic variants with the risk of prostate cancer(PCa)as well as to elucidate biological mechanisms underlying the associations.We first comp...The current study aimed to investigate associations of circRNAs and related genetic variants with the risk of prostate cancer(PCa)as well as to elucidate biological mechanisms underlying the associations.We first compared expression levels of circRNAs between 25 paired PCa and adjacent normal tissues to identify riskassociated circRNAs by using the MiOncoCirc database.We then used logistic regression models to evaluate associations between genetic variants in candidate circRNAs and PCa risk among 4662 prostate cancer patients and 3114 healthy controls,and identified circHIBADH rs11973492 T>C as a significant risk-associated variant(odds ratio=1.20,95%confidence interval:1.08-1.34,P=7.06×10^(-4))in a dominant genetic model,which altered the secondary structure of the corresponding RNA chain.In the in silico analysis,we found that circHIBADH sponged and silenced 21 RNA-binding proteins(RBPs)enriched in the RNA splicing pathway,among which HNRNPA1 was identified and validated as a hub RBP using an external RNA-sequencing data as well as the in-house(four tissue samples)and publicly available single-cell transcriptomes.Additionally,we demonstrated that HNRNPA1 influenced hallmarks including MYC target,DNA repair,and E2F target signaling pathways,thereby promoting carcinogenesis.In conclusion,genetic variants in circHIBADH may act as sponges and inhibitors of RNA splicing-associated RBPs including HNRNPA1,playing an oncogenic role in PCa.展开更多
Background: Immunization is a medical procedure many children frequently undergo. As it involves pain, it is important to develop effective pain relief methods that are applicable from infancy. Objective: To clarify t...Background: Immunization is a medical procedure many children frequently undergo. As it involves pain, it is important to develop effective pain relief methods that are applicable from infancy. Objective: To clarify the pain-relieving effect of music from speakers on preschoolers during immunization. Methods: A randomized controlled trial using sex-based stratified randomization was conducted at a Japanese pediatric clinic between October and December 2016, involving 48 preschoolers aged 5 - 6. Among these, 25 listened to music (“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” played by a music box) from speakers before, during, and after influenza immunization (Music group), while the other 23 were not treated with musical intervention (Control group), with the following outcomes: primary: the Face Scale score;and secondary: the heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels. Results: The Face Scale score and HR of the Control group immediately after influenza immunization were significantly higher than their baseline values (P < 0.0001, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the Music and Control groups in the Face Scale score, HR, or SpO2 level immediately after influenza immunization or in the sAA level 10 minutes after it. Conclusion: Influenza immunization was painful for preschoolers. When based on the Face Scale score, HR, SpO2 and sAA levels as indices to measure immunization-related pain, music did not show pain-relieving effects.展开更多
Given the extremely high inter-patient heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia(AML),the identification of biomarkers for prognostic assessment and therapeutic guidance is critical.Cell surface markers(CSMs)have been s...Given the extremely high inter-patient heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia(AML),the identification of biomarkers for prognostic assessment and therapeutic guidance is critical.Cell surface markers(CSMs)have been shown to play an important role in AML leukemogenesis and progression.In the current study,we evaluated the prognostic potential of all human CSMs in 130 AML patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)based on differential gene expression analysis and univariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.By using multi-model analysis,including Adaptive LASSO regression,LASSO regression,and Elastic Net,we constructed a 9-CSMs prognostic model for risk stratification of the AML patients.The predictive value of the 9-CSMs risk score was further validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for the AML patients.The AML patients with high 9-CSMs risk scores had a shorter overall and event-free survival time than those with low scores.Notably,single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that patients with high 9-CSMs risk scores exhibited chemotherapy resistance.Furthermore,PI3K inhibitors were identified as potential treatments for these high-risk patients.In conclusion,we constructed a 9-CSMs prognostic model that served as an independent prognostic factor for the survival of AML patients and held the potential for guiding drug therapy.展开更多
The world has been engulfed in a COVID-19 pandemic that has significantly affected the health and economics of the population.The Chinese authorities imposed lockdown measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and stopp...The world has been engulfed in a COVID-19 pandemic that has significantly affected the health and economics of the population.The Chinese authorities imposed lockdown measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and stopped school programs for children and adolescents.Such measures have been associated with increased sedentary time and reduced physical activity[1-3].An online questionnaire study of youth in China compared activity patterns before and after the COVID-19 lockdown.展开更多
Oral cancer (OC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Despite the high incidence and unfavourable patient outcomes, currently, there are no biomarkers for the early detection of OC. This study aims to disc...Oral cancer (OC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Despite the high incidence and unfavourable patient outcomes, currently, there are no biomarkers for the early detection of OC. This study aims to discover, develop, and validate a novel saliva-based microRNA signature for early diagnosis and prediction of OC risk in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) miRNA sequencing data and small RNA sequencing data of saliva samples were used to discover differentially expressed miRNAs. Identified miRNAs were validated in saliva samples of OC (n=50), OPMD (n=52), and controls(n=60) using quantitative real-time PCR. Eight differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-215-5p,miR-431-5p, miR-486-3p, miR-3614-5p, and miR-4707-3p) were identified in the discovery phase and were validated. The efficiency of our eight-miRNA signature to discriminate OC and controls was:area under curve (AUC):0.954, sensitivity:86%, specificity:90%,positive predictive value (PPV):87.8%and negative predictive value (NPV):88.5%whereas between OC and OPMD was:AUC:0.911,sensitivity:90%, specificity:82.7%, PPV:74.2%and NPV:89.6%. We have developed a risk probability score to predict the presence or risk of OC in OPMD patients. We established a salivary miRNA signature that can aid in diagnosing and predicting OC,revolutionising the management of patients with OPMD. Together, our results shed new light on the management of OC by salivary miRNAs to the clinical utility of using miRNAs derived from saliva samples.展开更多
The cerebral vasculature plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease(AD),however,the specific association between them remains unclear.In this paper,based on the benefits of photoacoustic im...The cerebral vasculature plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease(AD),however,the specific association between them remains unclear.In this paper,based on the benefits of photoacoustic imaging(PAI),including label-free,high-resolution,in vivo imaging of vessels,we investigated the structural changes of cerebral vascular in wild-type(WT)mice and AD mice at different ages,analyzed the characteristics of the vascular in different brain regions,and correlated vascular characteristics with cognitive behaviors.The results showed that vascular density and vascular branching index in the cortical and frontal regions of both WT and AD mice decreased with age.Meanwhile,vascular lacunarity increased with age,and the changes in vascular structure were more pronounced in AD mice.The trend of vascular dysfunction aligns with the worsening cognitive dysfunction as the disease progresses.Here,we utilized in vivo PAI to analyze the changes in vascular structure during the progression of AD,elucidating the spatial and temporal correlation with cognitive impairment,which will provide more intuitive data for the study of the correlation between cerebrovascular and the development of AD.展开更多
Background:Paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia is a devastating condition in the clinic.Here,we develop an awake rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia with delayed paraplegia and explore the influence of ambient temp...Background:Paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia is a devastating condition in the clinic.Here,we develop an awake rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia with delayed paraplegia and explore the influence of ambient temperature on the outcomes after injury.Methods:A total of 47 male rabbits were involved in the present study.Transient spinal cord ischemia was induced by occluding the infrarenal abdominal aorta of awake rabbits at different ambient temperatures.To find the optimal conditions for developing delayed paraplegia,hindlimb motor function after ischemia was evaluated between experiments.Results:The onset and magnitude of ischemic injury varied with the ambient temperature maintained during the peri-i schemia period.More serious spinal cord injury occurred when ischemia was induced at higher temperatures.At 18°C,25-minute ischemia resulted in 74%of rabbits developing delayed paraplegia.At a temperature of 28°C or higher,most of the animals developed acute paraplegia immediately.While at 13°C,rabbits usually regained normal motor function without paraplegia.Conclusion:This awake rabbit model is highly reproducible and will be helpful in future studies of delayed paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia.The ambient temperature must be considered while using this model during investigation of therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Conventional blood sampling for glucose detection is prone to cause pain and fails to continuously record glucose fluctuations in vivo.Continuous glucose monitoring based on implantable electrodes could induce pain an...Conventional blood sampling for glucose detection is prone to cause pain and fails to continuously record glucose fluctuations in vivo.Continuous glucose monitoring based on implantable electrodes could induce pain and potential tissue inflammation,and the presence of reactive oxygen species(ROS)due to inflammationmay affect glucose detection.Microneedle technology is less invasive,yet microneedle adhesion with skin tissue is limited.In this work,we developed a microarrow sensor array(MASA),which provided enhanced skin surface adhesion and enabled simultaneous detection of glucose and H_(2)O_(2)(representative of ROS)in interstitial fluid in vivo.The microarrows fabricated via laser micromachining were modified with functional coating and integrated into a patch of a three-dimensional(3D)microneedle array.Due to the arrow tip mechanically interlocking with the tissue,the microarrow array could better adhere to the skin surface after penetration into skin.The MASA was demonstrated to provide continuous in vivo monitoring of glucose and H_(2)O_(2) concentrations,with the detection of H_(2)O_(2) providing a valuable reference for assessing the inflammation state.Finally,the MASA was integrated into a monitoring system using custom circuitry.This work provides a promising tool for the stable and reliable monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic patients.展开更多
Objective To observe the value of self-supervised deep learning artificial intelligence(AI)noise reduction technology based on the nearest adjacent layer applicated in ultra-low dose CT(ULDCT)for urinary calculi.Metho...Objective To observe the value of self-supervised deep learning artificial intelligence(AI)noise reduction technology based on the nearest adjacent layer applicated in ultra-low dose CT(ULDCT)for urinary calculi.Methods Eighty-eight urinary calculi patients were prospectively enrolled.Low dose CT(LDCT)and ULDCT scanning were performed,and the effective dose(ED)of each scanning protocol were calculated.The patients were then randomly divided into training set(n=75)and test set(n=13),and a self-supervised deep learning AI noise reduction system based on the nearest adjacent layer constructed with ULDCT images in training set was used for reducing noise of ULDCT images in test set.In test set,the quality of ULDCT images before and after AI noise reduction were compared with LDCT images,i.e.Blind/Referenceless Image Spatial Quality Evaluator(BRISQUE)scores,image noise(SD ROI)and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).Results The tube current,the volume CT dose index and the dose length product of abdominal ULDCT scanning protocol were all lower compared with those of LDCT scanning protocol(all P<0.05),with a decrease of ED for approximately 82.66%.For 13 patients with urinary calculi in test set,BRISQUE score showed that the quality level of ULDCT images before AI noise reduction reached 54.42%level but raised to 95.76%level of LDCT images after AI noise reduction.Both ULDCT images after AI noise reduction and LDCT images had lower SD ROI and higher SNR than ULDCT images before AI noise reduction(all adjusted P<0.05),whereas no significant difference was found between the former two(both adjusted P>0.05).Conclusion Self-supervised learning AI noise reduction technology based on the nearest adjacent layer could effectively reduce noise and improve image quality of urinary calculi ULDCT images,being conducive for clinical application of ULDCT.展开更多
In this editorial,we examine a paper by Koizumi et al,on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)agonists in alcoholic liver disease(ALD).The study determined whether elafibranor protected the inte...In this editorial,we examine a paper by Koizumi et al,on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)agonists in alcoholic liver disease(ALD).The study determined whether elafibranor protected the intestinal barrier and reduced liver fibrosis in a mouse model of ALD.The study also underlines the role of PPARs in intestinal barrier function and lipid homeostasis,which are both affected by ALD.Effective therapies are necessary for ALD because it is a critical health issue that affects people worldwide.This editorial analyzes the possibility of PPAR agonists as treatments for ALD.As key factors of inflammation and metabolism,PPARs offer multiple methods for managing the complex etiology of ALD.We assess the abilities of PPARα,PPARγ,and PPARβ/δagonists to prevent steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis due to liver diseases.Recent research carried out in preclinical and clinical settings has shown that PPAR agonists can reduce the severity of liver disease.This editorial discusses the data analyzed and the obstacles,advantages,and mechanisms of action of PPAR agonists for ALD.Further research is needed to understand the efficacy,safety,and mechanisms of PPAR agonists for treating ALD.展开更多
Objective The prognosis of glioblastoma is poor,and therapy-resistance is largely attributed to intratumor hypoxia.Hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)effectively alleviates hypoxia.However,the sole role of HBO in glioblastoma rema...Objective The prognosis of glioblastoma is poor,and therapy-resistance is largely attributed to intratumor hypoxia.Hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)effectively alleviates hypoxia.However,the sole role of HBO in glioblastoma remains controversial.We previously reported that HBO can promote apoptosis,shorten protrusions,and delay growth of glioblastoma,but the molecular mechanism is unclear.We aimed to test candidate genes in HBO-exposed glioblastoma cells and to analyze their correlation with the survival of glioblastoma patients.Methods Glioblastoma cell lines exposed to repetitive HBO or normobaric air(NBA)were collected for RNA isolation and microarray data analysis.GO analysis,KEGG pathway analysis and survival analysis of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were performed.Results HBO not only inhibited hypoxia-inducing genes including CA9,FGF11,PPFIA4,TCAF2 and SLC2A12,but also regulated vascularization by downregulating the expression of COL1A1,COL8A1,COL12A1,RHOJ and FILIP1L,ultimately attenuated hypoxic microenvironment of glioblastoma.HBO attenuated inflammatory microenvironment by reducing the expression of NLRP2,CARD8,MYD88 and CD180.HBO prevented metastasis by downregulating the expression of NTM,CXCL12,CXCL13,CXCR4,CXCR5,CDC42,IGFBP3,IGFBP5,GPC6,MMP19,ADAMTS1,EFEMP1,PTBP3,NF1 and PDCD1.HBO upregulated the expression of BAK1,PPIF,DDIT3,TP53I11 and FAS,whereas downregulated the expression of MDM4 and SIVA1,thus promoting apoptosis.HBO upregulated the expression of CDC25A,MCM2,PCNA,RFC33,DSCC1 and CDC14A,whereas downregulated the expression of ASNS,CDK6,CDKN1B,PTBP3 and MAD2L1,thus inhibiting cell cycle progression.Among these DEGs,17 indicator-genes of HBO prolonging survival were detected.Conclusions HBO is beneficial for glioblastoma.Glioblastoma patients with these predictive indicators may prolong survival with HBO therapy.These potential therapeutic targets especially COL1A1,ADAMTS1 and PTBP3 deserve further validation.展开更多
With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a...With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors.However,the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge,as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky.To overcome this challenge,it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation.This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator.By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz,the drive current only costs 25 m A under a 3.3 V power supply.The sine degree of phase current is immaculate,and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2μm.Moreover,it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board,especially in sizesensitive applications.This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area MultiObject Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.展开更多
Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy(LSFM)has been widely used to image the three-dimensional(3D)structures and functions of various millimeter-size bio-specimen such as zebrafish.However,the sample adsorption and scat...Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy(LSFM)has been widely used to image the three-dimensional(3D)structures and functions of various millimeter-size bio-specimen such as zebrafish.However,the sample adsorption and scattering cause shading of the light-sheet illumination,preventing the even 3D image of thick samples.Herein,we report a continuous-rotational light-sheet microscope(CR-LSM)that enables simultaneous 3D bright-field and fluorescence imaging.With a high-accuracy rotational stage,CR-LSM records the outline projections and the fluorescent images of the sample at multiple rotation angles.Then,3D morphology and fluorescent structure were reconstructed with a developed algorithm.Using CR-LSM,zebrafish’s whole-fish contour and blood vessel structures were obtained simultaneously.展开更多
The advantages of a flat-panel X-ray source(FPXS)make it a promising candidate for imaging applications.Accurate imaging-system modeling and projection simulation are critical for analyzing imaging performance and res...The advantages of a flat-panel X-ray source(FPXS)make it a promising candidate for imaging applications.Accurate imaging-system modeling and projection simulation are critical for analyzing imaging performance and resolving overlapping projection issues in FPXS.The conventional analytical ray-tracing approach is limited by the number of patterns and is not applicable to FPXS-projection calculations.However,the computation time of Monte Carlo(MC)simulation is independent of the size of the patterned arrays in FPXS.This study proposes two high-efficiency MC projection simulators for FPXS:a graphics processing unit(GPU)-based phase-space sampling MC(gPSMC)simulator and GPU-based fluence sampling MC(gFSMC)simulator.The two simulators comprise three components:imaging-system modeling,photon initialization,and physical-interaction simulations in the phantom.Imaging-system modeling was performed by modeling the FPXS,imaging geometry,and detector.The gPSMC simulator samples the initial photons from the phase space,whereas the gFSMC simulator performs photon initialization from the calculated energy spectrum and fluence map.The entire process of photon interaction with the geometry and arrival at the detector was simulated in parallel using multiple GPU kernels,and projections based on the two simulators were calculated.The accuracies of the two simulators were evaluated by comparing them with the conventional analytical ray-tracing approach and acquired projections,and the efficiencies were evaluated by comparing the computation time.The results of simulated and realistic experiments illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed gPSMC and gFSMC simulators in the projection calculation of various phantoms.展开更多
Background The role of human lineage mutations(HLMs)in human evolution through post-transcriptional modification is unclear.Aims To investigate the contribution of HLMs to human evolution through post-transcriptional ...Background The role of human lineage mutations(HLMs)in human evolution through post-transcriptional modification is unclear.Aims To investigate the contribution of HLMs to human evolution through post-transcriptional modification.Methods We applied a deep learning model Seqweaver to predict how HLMs impact RNA-binding protein affinity.Results We found that only 0.27%of HLMs had significant impacts on RNA-binding proteins at the threshold of the top 1%of human common variations.These HLMs enriched in a set of conserved genes highly expressed in adult excitatory neurons and prenatal Purkinje neurons,and were involved in synapse organisation and the GTPase pathway.These genes also carried excess damaging coding mutations that caused neurodevelopmental disorders,ataxia and schizophrenia.Among these genes,NTRK2 and ITPR1 had the most aggregated evidence of functional importance,suggesting their essential roles in cognition and bipedalism.Conclusions Our findings suggest that a small subset of human-specific mutations have contributed to human speciation through impacts on post-transcriptional modification of critical brain-related genes.展开更多
Hyperuricemia(HUA)is a condition associated with a high concentration of uric acid(UA)in the bloodstream and can cause gout and chronic kidney disease.The gut microbiota of patients with gout and HUA is significantly ...Hyperuricemia(HUA)is a condition associated with a high concentration of uric acid(UA)in the bloodstream and can cause gout and chronic kidney disease.The gut microbiota of patients with gout and HUA is significantly altered compared to that of healthy people.This article focused on the complex interconnection between alterations in the gut microbiota and the development of this disorder.Some studies have suggested that changes in the composition,diversity,and activity of microbes play a key role in establishing and progressing HUA and gout pathogenesis.Therefore,we discussed how the gut microbiota contributes to HUA through purine metabolism,UA excretion,and intestinal inflammatory responses.We examined specific changes in the composition of the gut microbiota associated with gout and HUA,highlighting key bacterial taxa and the metabolic pathways involved.Additionally,we discussed the effect of conventional gout treatments on the gut microbiota composition,along with emerging therapeutic approaches that target the gut microbiome,such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics.We also provided insights into a study regarding the gut microbiota as a possible novel therapeutic intervention for gout treatment and dysbiosis-related diagnosis.展开更多
Cryopreservation of red blood cells(RBCs)provides great potential benefits for providing transfusion timely in emergencies.High concentrations of glycerol(20%or 40%)are used for RBC cryopreservation in current clinica...Cryopreservation of red blood cells(RBCs)provides great potential benefits for providing transfusion timely in emergencies.High concentrations of glycerol(20%or 40%)are used for RBC cryopreservation in current clinical practice,which results in cytotoxicity and osmotic injuries that must be carefully controlled.However,existing studies on the low-glycerol cryopreservation of RBCs still suffer from the bottleneck of low hematocrit levels,which require relatively large storage space and an extra concentration process before transfusion,making it inconvenient(time-consuming,and also may cause injury and sample lose)for clinical applications.To this end,we develop a novel method for the glycerol-free cryopreservation of human RBCs with a high final hematocrit by using trehalose as the sole cryoprotectant to dehydrate RBCs and using core–shell alginate hydrogel microfibers to enhance heat transfer during cryopreservation.Different from previous studies,we achieve the cryopreservation of human RBCs at high hematocrit(>40%)with high recovery(up to 95%).Additionally,the washed RBCs post-cryopreserved are proved to maintain their morphology,mechanics,and functional properties.This may provide a nontoxic,high-efficiency,and glycerol-free approach for RBC cryopreservation,along with potential clinical transfusion benefits.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research&Development Program of China,Nos.2021YFC2501205(to YC),2022YFC24069004(to JL)the STI2030-Major Project,Nos.2021ZD0201101(to YC),2022ZD0211800(to YH)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Major International Joint Research Project),No.82020108013(to YH)the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion,No.M-0759(to YH)a grant from Beijing Municipal Science&Technology Commission(Beijing Brain Initiative),No.Z201100005520018(to JL)。
文摘Several promising plasma biomarker proteins,such as amyloid-β(Aβ),tau,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein,are widely used for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,little is known about the long-term stability of these biomarker proteins in plasma samples stored at-80°C.We aimed to explore how storage time would affect the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers using a large cohort.Plasma samples from 229 cognitively unimpaired individuals,encompassing healthy controls and those experiencing subjective cognitive decline,as well as 99 patients with cognitive impairment,comprising those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia,were acquired from the Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline project.These samples were stored at-80°C for up to 6 years before being used in this study.Our results showed that plasma levels of Aβ42,Aβ40,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein were not significantly correlated with sample storage time.However,the level of total tau showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.Notably,in individuals without cognitive impairment,plasma levels of total protein and tau phosphorylated protein threonine 181(p-tau181)also showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.This was not observed in individuals with cognitive impairment.Consequently,we speculate that the diagnostic accuracy of plasma p-tau181 and the p-tau181 to total tau ratio may be influenced by sample storage time.Therefore,caution is advised when using these plasma biomarkers for the identification of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease.Furthermore,in cohort studies,it is important to consider the impact of storage time on the overall results.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52175446,51975133,51975597)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(Grant Nos.2021A1515011740,2019A1515011011)Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program(Grant No.JCYJ20170818163426597).
文摘Needles,as some of the most widely used medical devices,have been effectively applied in human disease prevention,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation.Thin 1D needle can easily penetrate cells/organs by generating highly localized stress with their sharp tips to achieve bioliquid sampling,biosensing,drug delivery,surgery,and other such applications.In this review,we provide an overview of multiscale needle fabrication techniques and their biomedical applications.Needles are classified as nanoneedles,microneedles and millineedles based on the needle diameter,and their fabrication techniques are highlighted.Nanoneedles bridge the inside and outside of cells,achieving intracellular electrical recording,biochemical sensing,and drug delivery.Microneedles penetrate the stratum corneum layer to detect biomarkers/bioelectricity in interstitial fluid and deliver drugs through the skin into the human circulatory system.Millineedles,including puncture,syringe,acupuncture and suture needles,are presented.Finally,conclusions and future perspectives for next-generation nano/micro/milli needles are discussed.
文摘Background: The prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can substantially contribute to reducing the mortality rate across countries. The level of interest in cholesterol among experts increases when the subjects are elderly and obese individuals. However, specialists do not recommend that children should receive the cholesterol test. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of cholesterol levels among the children of public school and their parents’ lifestyles that are associated with cholesterol levels, and to assess the need for and utility of cholesterol testing in school settings. Methods: The study investigated a group of 226 fourth-grade public school children aged between 9 and 10 years and guardians in Akitakatacity of Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Multiple regression analyses were performed with the logarithmic value of cholesterol levels as a response variable, awareness about lifestyles and health of children as an explanatory variable, and child’s sex and body mass index (BMI) as moderating variables. Using questionnaires about lifestyles, the step-down procedure was applied in multiple regression analyses to narrow down relevant lifestyle variables. Results: The percentage of children with the high total cholesterol (TC) value was about 15 and with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol value was about 10. Children with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol value were 5%. Treatment was not required according to the comprehensive assessment. Cholesterol levels were associated with the situation of the children and their guardians as follows, guardian need to consider the food, and child has the correct knowledge about food like how to eat snacks. Conclusions: Children had poor cholesterol levels. From childhood, along with the parents, there is a need to learn about appropriate level of cholesterol for CVD prevention.
基金supported by the Medical Research Project of Jiangsu Commission of Health(Grant No.M2022015).
文摘The current study aimed to investigate associations of circRNAs and related genetic variants with the risk of prostate cancer(PCa)as well as to elucidate biological mechanisms underlying the associations.We first compared expression levels of circRNAs between 25 paired PCa and adjacent normal tissues to identify riskassociated circRNAs by using the MiOncoCirc database.We then used logistic regression models to evaluate associations between genetic variants in candidate circRNAs and PCa risk among 4662 prostate cancer patients and 3114 healthy controls,and identified circHIBADH rs11973492 T>C as a significant risk-associated variant(odds ratio=1.20,95%confidence interval:1.08-1.34,P=7.06×10^(-4))in a dominant genetic model,which altered the secondary structure of the corresponding RNA chain.In the in silico analysis,we found that circHIBADH sponged and silenced 21 RNA-binding proteins(RBPs)enriched in the RNA splicing pathway,among which HNRNPA1 was identified and validated as a hub RBP using an external RNA-sequencing data as well as the in-house(four tissue samples)and publicly available single-cell transcriptomes.Additionally,we demonstrated that HNRNPA1 influenced hallmarks including MYC target,DNA repair,and E2F target signaling pathways,thereby promoting carcinogenesis.In conclusion,genetic variants in circHIBADH may act as sponges and inhibitors of RNA splicing-associated RBPs including HNRNPA1,playing an oncogenic role in PCa.
文摘Background: Immunization is a medical procedure many children frequently undergo. As it involves pain, it is important to develop effective pain relief methods that are applicable from infancy. Objective: To clarify the pain-relieving effect of music from speakers on preschoolers during immunization. Methods: A randomized controlled trial using sex-based stratified randomization was conducted at a Japanese pediatric clinic between October and December 2016, involving 48 preschoolers aged 5 - 6. Among these, 25 listened to music (“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” played by a music box) from speakers before, during, and after influenza immunization (Music group), while the other 23 were not treated with musical intervention (Control group), with the following outcomes: primary: the Face Scale score;and secondary: the heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels. Results: The Face Scale score and HR of the Control group immediately after influenza immunization were significantly higher than their baseline values (P < 0.0001, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the Music and Control groups in the Face Scale score, HR, or SpO2 level immediately after influenza immunization or in the sAA level 10 minutes after it. Conclusion: Influenza immunization was painful for preschoolers. When based on the Face Scale score, HR, SpO2 and sAA levels as indices to measure immunization-related pain, music did not show pain-relieving effects.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32200590 to K.L.,81972358 to Q.W.,91959113 to Q.W.,and 82372897 to Q.W.)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.BK20210530 to K.L.).
文摘Given the extremely high inter-patient heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia(AML),the identification of biomarkers for prognostic assessment and therapeutic guidance is critical.Cell surface markers(CSMs)have been shown to play an important role in AML leukemogenesis and progression.In the current study,we evaluated the prognostic potential of all human CSMs in 130 AML patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)based on differential gene expression analysis and univariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.By using multi-model analysis,including Adaptive LASSO regression,LASSO regression,and Elastic Net,we constructed a 9-CSMs prognostic model for risk stratification of the AML patients.The predictive value of the 9-CSMs risk score was further validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for the AML patients.The AML patients with high 9-CSMs risk scores had a shorter overall and event-free survival time than those with low scores.Notably,single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that patients with high 9-CSMs risk scores exhibited chemotherapy resistance.Furthermore,PI3K inhibitors were identified as potential treatments for these high-risk patients.In conclusion,we constructed a 9-CSMs prognostic model that served as an independent prognostic factor for the survival of AML patients and held the potential for guiding drug therapy.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China[code:2020YFC2008900]the Beijing Hospital Authority Clinical Medicine Development of Special Funding Support[code:ZYLX202107]。
文摘The world has been engulfed in a COVID-19 pandemic that has significantly affected the health and economics of the population.The Chinese authorities imposed lockdown measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and stopped school programs for children and adolescents.Such measures have been associated with increased sedentary time and reduced physical activity[1-3].An online questionnaire study of youth in China compared activity patterns before and after the COVID-19 lockdown.
基金supported by a joint GUIPRS/AHEAD Scholarship and GU Postgraduate Research Scholarshipcurrently receiving funds from Cancer Australia (APP1145657)+2 种基金the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP 2002576 and APP 2012560)the Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams FoundationNIH R21 and the RBWH Foundation。
文摘Oral cancer (OC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Despite the high incidence and unfavourable patient outcomes, currently, there are no biomarkers for the early detection of OC. This study aims to discover, develop, and validate a novel saliva-based microRNA signature for early diagnosis and prediction of OC risk in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) miRNA sequencing data and small RNA sequencing data of saliva samples were used to discover differentially expressed miRNAs. Identified miRNAs were validated in saliva samples of OC (n=50), OPMD (n=52), and controls(n=60) using quantitative real-time PCR. Eight differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-215-5p,miR-431-5p, miR-486-3p, miR-3614-5p, and miR-4707-3p) were identified in the discovery phase and were validated. The efficiency of our eight-miRNA signature to discriminate OC and controls was:area under curve (AUC):0.954, sensitivity:86%, specificity:90%,positive predictive value (PPV):87.8%and negative predictive value (NPV):88.5%whereas between OC and OPMD was:AUC:0.911,sensitivity:90%, specificity:82.7%, PPV:74.2%and NPV:89.6%. We have developed a risk probability score to predict the presence or risk of OC in OPMD patients. We established a salivary miRNA signature that can aid in diagnosing and predicting OC,revolutionising the management of patients with OPMD. Together, our results shed new light on the management of OC by salivary miRNAs to the clinical utility of using miRNAs derived from saliva samples.
基金supported by STI2030-Major Projects 2022ZD0212200,Hainan Province Key Area R&D Program(KJRC2023C30,ZDYF2021SHFZ094)Project of Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health(XTCX2022JKB02).
文摘The cerebral vasculature plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease(AD),however,the specific association between them remains unclear.In this paper,based on the benefits of photoacoustic imaging(PAI),including label-free,high-resolution,in vivo imaging of vessels,we investigated the structural changes of cerebral vascular in wild-type(WT)mice and AD mice at different ages,analyzed the characteristics of the vascular in different brain regions,and correlated vascular characteristics with cognitive behaviors.The results showed that vascular density and vascular branching index in the cortical and frontal regions of both WT and AD mice decreased with age.Meanwhile,vascular lacunarity increased with age,and the changes in vascular structure were more pronounced in AD mice.The trend of vascular dysfunction aligns with the worsening cognitive dysfunction as the disease progresses.Here,we utilized in vivo PAI to analyze the changes in vascular structure during the progression of AD,elucidating the spatial and temporal correlation with cognitive impairment,which will provide more intuitive data for the study of the correlation between cerebrovascular and the development of AD.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Research Project(KJQN202212805)of the Chongqing Education Commissionthe Special Funding Project(2021XJS08)of Army Medical University。
文摘Background:Paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia is a devastating condition in the clinic.Here,we develop an awake rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia with delayed paraplegia and explore the influence of ambient temperature on the outcomes after injury.Methods:A total of 47 male rabbits were involved in the present study.Transient spinal cord ischemia was induced by occluding the infrarenal abdominal aorta of awake rabbits at different ambient temperatures.To find the optimal conditions for developing delayed paraplegia,hindlimb motor function after ischemia was evaluated between experiments.Results:The onset and magnitude of ischemic injury varied with the ambient temperature maintained during the peri-i schemia period.More serious spinal cord injury occurred when ischemia was induced at higher temperatures.At 18°C,25-minute ischemia resulted in 74%of rabbits developing delayed paraplegia.At a temperature of 28°C or higher,most of the animals developed acute paraplegia immediately.While at 13°C,rabbits usually regained normal motor function without paraplegia.Conclusion:This awake rabbit model is highly reproducible and will be helpful in future studies of delayed paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia.The ambient temperature must be considered while using this model during investigation of therapeutic interventions.
基金This work was financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2021YFF1200700 and 2021YFA0911100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32171399,32171456,and T2225010)+6 种基金the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2021A1515012261)the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou,China(No.202103000076)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Sun Yat-Sen University(No.22dfx02),and Pazhou Lab,Guangzhou(No.PZL2021KF0003)FML would like to thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32171335 and 31900954)JL would like to thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62105380)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2021M693686)QQOY would like to thank the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022M713645).
文摘Conventional blood sampling for glucose detection is prone to cause pain and fails to continuously record glucose fluctuations in vivo.Continuous glucose monitoring based on implantable electrodes could induce pain and potential tissue inflammation,and the presence of reactive oxygen species(ROS)due to inflammationmay affect glucose detection.Microneedle technology is less invasive,yet microneedle adhesion with skin tissue is limited.In this work,we developed a microarrow sensor array(MASA),which provided enhanced skin surface adhesion and enabled simultaneous detection of glucose and H_(2)O_(2)(representative of ROS)in interstitial fluid in vivo.The microarrows fabricated via laser micromachining were modified with functional coating and integrated into a patch of a three-dimensional(3D)microneedle array.Due to the arrow tip mechanically interlocking with the tissue,the microarrow array could better adhere to the skin surface after penetration into skin.The MASA was demonstrated to provide continuous in vivo monitoring of glucose and H_(2)O_(2) concentrations,with the detection of H_(2)O_(2) providing a valuable reference for assessing the inflammation state.Finally,the MASA was integrated into a monitoring system using custom circuitry.This work provides a promising tool for the stable and reliable monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic patients.
文摘Objective To observe the value of self-supervised deep learning artificial intelligence(AI)noise reduction technology based on the nearest adjacent layer applicated in ultra-low dose CT(ULDCT)for urinary calculi.Methods Eighty-eight urinary calculi patients were prospectively enrolled.Low dose CT(LDCT)and ULDCT scanning were performed,and the effective dose(ED)of each scanning protocol were calculated.The patients were then randomly divided into training set(n=75)and test set(n=13),and a self-supervised deep learning AI noise reduction system based on the nearest adjacent layer constructed with ULDCT images in training set was used for reducing noise of ULDCT images in test set.In test set,the quality of ULDCT images before and after AI noise reduction were compared with LDCT images,i.e.Blind/Referenceless Image Spatial Quality Evaluator(BRISQUE)scores,image noise(SD ROI)and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).Results The tube current,the volume CT dose index and the dose length product of abdominal ULDCT scanning protocol were all lower compared with those of LDCT scanning protocol(all P<0.05),with a decrease of ED for approximately 82.66%.For 13 patients with urinary calculi in test set,BRISQUE score showed that the quality level of ULDCT images before AI noise reduction reached 54.42%level but raised to 95.76%level of LDCT images after AI noise reduction.Both ULDCT images after AI noise reduction and LDCT images had lower SD ROI and higher SNR than ULDCT images before AI noise reduction(all adjusted P<0.05),whereas no significant difference was found between the former two(both adjusted P>0.05).Conclusion Self-supervised learning AI noise reduction technology based on the nearest adjacent layer could effectively reduce noise and improve image quality of urinary calculi ULDCT images,being conducive for clinical application of ULDCT.
文摘In this editorial,we examine a paper by Koizumi et al,on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)agonists in alcoholic liver disease(ALD).The study determined whether elafibranor protected the intestinal barrier and reduced liver fibrosis in a mouse model of ALD.The study also underlines the role of PPARs in intestinal barrier function and lipid homeostasis,which are both affected by ALD.Effective therapies are necessary for ALD because it is a critical health issue that affects people worldwide.This editorial analyzes the possibility of PPAR agonists as treatments for ALD.As key factors of inflammation and metabolism,PPARs offer multiple methods for managing the complex etiology of ALD.We assess the abilities of PPARα,PPARγ,and PPARβ/δagonists to prevent steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis due to liver diseases.Recent research carried out in preclinical and clinical settings has shown that PPAR agonists can reduce the severity of liver disease.This editorial discusses the data analyzed and the obstacles,advantages,and mechanisms of action of PPAR agonists for ALD.Further research is needed to understand the efficacy,safety,and mechanisms of PPAR agonists for treating ALD.
基金supported by Fundamental-Clinical Research Cooperation Fund of Capital Medical University[No.17JL(TTZX)]Capital’s Funds for Health Improvement and Research(No.2022-2-1072).
文摘Objective The prognosis of glioblastoma is poor,and therapy-resistance is largely attributed to intratumor hypoxia.Hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)effectively alleviates hypoxia.However,the sole role of HBO in glioblastoma remains controversial.We previously reported that HBO can promote apoptosis,shorten protrusions,and delay growth of glioblastoma,but the molecular mechanism is unclear.We aimed to test candidate genes in HBO-exposed glioblastoma cells and to analyze their correlation with the survival of glioblastoma patients.Methods Glioblastoma cell lines exposed to repetitive HBO or normobaric air(NBA)were collected for RNA isolation and microarray data analysis.GO analysis,KEGG pathway analysis and survival analysis of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were performed.Results HBO not only inhibited hypoxia-inducing genes including CA9,FGF11,PPFIA4,TCAF2 and SLC2A12,but also regulated vascularization by downregulating the expression of COL1A1,COL8A1,COL12A1,RHOJ and FILIP1L,ultimately attenuated hypoxic microenvironment of glioblastoma.HBO attenuated inflammatory microenvironment by reducing the expression of NLRP2,CARD8,MYD88 and CD180.HBO prevented metastasis by downregulating the expression of NTM,CXCL12,CXCL13,CXCR4,CXCR5,CDC42,IGFBP3,IGFBP5,GPC6,MMP19,ADAMTS1,EFEMP1,PTBP3,NF1 and PDCD1.HBO upregulated the expression of BAK1,PPIF,DDIT3,TP53I11 and FAS,whereas downregulated the expression of MDM4 and SIVA1,thus promoting apoptosis.HBO upregulated the expression of CDC25A,MCM2,PCNA,RFC33,DSCC1 and CDC14A,whereas downregulated the expression of ASNS,CDK6,CDKN1B,PTBP3 and MAD2L1,thus inhibiting cell cycle progression.Among these DEGs,17 indicator-genes of HBO prolonging survival were detected.Conclusions HBO is beneficial for glioblastoma.Glioblastoma patients with these predictive indicators may prolong survival with HBO therapy.These potential therapeutic targets especially COL1A1,ADAMTS1 and PTBP3 deserve further validation.
文摘With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors.However,the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge,as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky.To overcome this challenge,it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation.This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator.By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz,the drive current only costs 25 m A under a 3.3 V power supply.The sine degree of phase current is immaculate,and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2μm.Moreover,it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board,especially in sizesensitive applications.This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area MultiObject Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62205368)the Key Research and Development Program of Jiangsu Province(BE2020664).
文摘Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy(LSFM)has been widely used to image the three-dimensional(3D)structures and functions of various millimeter-size bio-specimen such as zebrafish.However,the sample adsorption and scattering cause shading of the light-sheet illumination,preventing the even 3D image of thick samples.Herein,we report a continuous-rotational light-sheet microscope(CR-LSM)that enables simultaneous 3D bright-field and fluorescence imaging.With a high-accuracy rotational stage,CR-LSM records the outline projections and the fluorescent images of the sample at multiple rotation angles.Then,3D morphology and fluorescent structure were reconstructed with a developed algorithm.Using CR-LSM,zebrafish’s whole-fish contour and blood vessel structures were obtained simultaneously.
文摘The advantages of a flat-panel X-ray source(FPXS)make it a promising candidate for imaging applications.Accurate imaging-system modeling and projection simulation are critical for analyzing imaging performance and resolving overlapping projection issues in FPXS.The conventional analytical ray-tracing approach is limited by the number of patterns and is not applicable to FPXS-projection calculations.However,the computation time of Monte Carlo(MC)simulation is independent of the size of the patterned arrays in FPXS.This study proposes two high-efficiency MC projection simulators for FPXS:a graphics processing unit(GPU)-based phase-space sampling MC(gPSMC)simulator and GPU-based fluence sampling MC(gFSMC)simulator.The two simulators comprise three components:imaging-system modeling,photon initialization,and physical-interaction simulations in the phantom.Imaging-system modeling was performed by modeling the FPXS,imaging geometry,and detector.The gPSMC simulator samples the initial photons from the phase space,whereas the gFSMC simulator performs photon initialization from the calculated energy spectrum and fluence map.The entire process of photon interaction with the geometry and arrival at the detector was simulated in parallel using multiple GPU kernels,and projections based on the two simulators were calculated.The accuracies of the two simulators were evaluated by comparing them with the conventional analytical ray-tracing approach and acquired projections,and the efficiencies were evaluated by comparing the computation time.The results of simulated and realistic experiments illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed gPSMC and gFSMC simulators in the projection calculation of various phantoms.
基金supported by grants from the 2030 Science and Technology Innovation Key Program of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2022ZD020910001)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(No.21ZR1428600)the Medical-Engineering Cross Foundation of Shanghai Jiao Tong University(No.YG2022ZD026,21Z510902252,23X010302269).
文摘Background The role of human lineage mutations(HLMs)in human evolution through post-transcriptional modification is unclear.Aims To investigate the contribution of HLMs to human evolution through post-transcriptional modification.Methods We applied a deep learning model Seqweaver to predict how HLMs impact RNA-binding protein affinity.Results We found that only 0.27%of HLMs had significant impacts on RNA-binding proteins at the threshold of the top 1%of human common variations.These HLMs enriched in a set of conserved genes highly expressed in adult excitatory neurons and prenatal Purkinje neurons,and were involved in synapse organisation and the GTPase pathway.These genes also carried excess damaging coding mutations that caused neurodevelopmental disorders,ataxia and schizophrenia.Among these genes,NTRK2 and ITPR1 had the most aggregated evidence of functional importance,suggesting their essential roles in cognition and bipedalism.Conclusions Our findings suggest that a small subset of human-specific mutations have contributed to human speciation through impacts on post-transcriptional modification of critical brain-related genes.
文摘Hyperuricemia(HUA)is a condition associated with a high concentration of uric acid(UA)in the bloodstream and can cause gout and chronic kidney disease.The gut microbiota of patients with gout and HUA is significantly altered compared to that of healthy people.This article focused on the complex interconnection between alterations in the gut microbiota and the development of this disorder.Some studies have suggested that changes in the composition,diversity,and activity of microbes play a key role in establishing and progressing HUA and gout pathogenesis.Therefore,we discussed how the gut microbiota contributes to HUA through purine metabolism,UA excretion,and intestinal inflammatory responses.We examined specific changes in the composition of the gut microbiota associated with gout and HUA,highlighting key bacterial taxa and the metabolic pathways involved.Additionally,we discussed the effect of conventional gout treatments on the gut microbiota composition,along with emerging therapeutic approaches that target the gut microbiome,such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics.We also provided insights into a study regarding the gut microbiota as a possible novel therapeutic intervention for gout treatment and dysbiosis-related diagnosis.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82172114)the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.2108085J37).
文摘Cryopreservation of red blood cells(RBCs)provides great potential benefits for providing transfusion timely in emergencies.High concentrations of glycerol(20%or 40%)are used for RBC cryopreservation in current clinical practice,which results in cytotoxicity and osmotic injuries that must be carefully controlled.However,existing studies on the low-glycerol cryopreservation of RBCs still suffer from the bottleneck of low hematocrit levels,which require relatively large storage space and an extra concentration process before transfusion,making it inconvenient(time-consuming,and also may cause injury and sample lose)for clinical applications.To this end,we develop a novel method for the glycerol-free cryopreservation of human RBCs with a high final hematocrit by using trehalose as the sole cryoprotectant to dehydrate RBCs and using core–shell alginate hydrogel microfibers to enhance heat transfer during cryopreservation.Different from previous studies,we achieve the cryopreservation of human RBCs at high hematocrit(>40%)with high recovery(up to 95%).Additionally,the washed RBCs post-cryopreserved are proved to maintain their morphology,mechanics,and functional properties.This may provide a nontoxic,high-efficiency,and glycerol-free approach for RBC cryopreservation,along with potential clinical transfusion benefits.