DDEvENet: Evidence-based ensemble learning for uncertainty-aware brain parcellation using diffusion MRI.

In this study, we developed an Evidential Ensemble Neural Network based on Deep learning and Diffusion MRI, namely DDEvENet, for anatomical brain parcellation. The key innovation of DDEvENet is the design of an evidential deep learning framework to quantify predictive uncertainty at each voxel during a single inference. To do so, we design an evidence-based ensemble learning framework for uncertainty-aware parcellation to leverage the multiple dMRI parameters derived from diffusion MRI.

Species-specific duplicated FMRFaR-like gene A62 regulates spontaneous locomotion in Apolygus lucorum.

Background: Apolygus lucorum, a major cotton pest, has undergone a significant expansion of the FMRFaR gene within the GPCR superfamily, resulting in two classes of GPCR, namely FMRFaR (A54-55) and newly duplicated FMRFaR-like (A56-62). Notably, FMRFaR-like genes, particularly A62, show enhanced expression in the legs and wings of adults, indicating their potential role in locomotion. Employing A62 as a representative of FMRFaR-like, our study investigates the influence of FMRFa, FMRFaR, and FMRFaR-like on locomotion and development of A.

A research on quality of life score (QOLS) of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

Background: To evaluate the clinic effect of treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

Methods: The current study aims to develop a multiple-scale characteristics quality of life (QOL) for patients with TN. After interview, the individual questionnaire was acquired.

β-Cyclodextrin Polymers on Microcrystalline Cellulose as a Granular Media for Organic Micropollutant Removal from Water.

Organic contaminants at low concentrations, known as micropollutants, are a growing threat to water resources. Implementing novel adsorbents capable of removing micropollutants during packed-bed adsorption is desirable for rapid water purification and other efficient separations. We previously developed porous polymers based on cyclodextrins that demonstrated rapid uptake and high affinity for dozens of micropollutants (MPs) in batch experiments.

Dietary restriction alters the fatbody transcriptome during immune responses in Bombyx mori.

Dietary restriction (DR) leads to extended lifespan in many species ranging from yeasts to mammal, and it can also affect the immune system to some extent. Herein, we investigated whether DR can enhance the immunity of Bombyx mori suffering from acute pathogenic microorganism infection. The results showed that DR could accelerate the melanisation reaction, delay the early death in silkworms, meanwhile Staphylococcus aureus (SA) load was lower in the early stage of infection.

Tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile-crosslinked β-cyclodextrin polymers for efficient extraction and recovery of organic micropollutants from water.

In this study, we evaluated the performance of a novel tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile-crosslinked β-cyclodextrin polymer (TFN-CDP) as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) material for the recovery of up to 189 diverse organic micropollutants (MPs) from water. The optimized extraction procedure requires loading of water samples adjusted to a pH of 3 onto 500 mg of TFN-CDP packed into an SPE cartridge. Under these conditions, 88.

Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging Elucidates the Complex Relationship Between Glucose Uptake and Tissue Blood Flow Mechanism in Squamous Cell Oral Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND Through the clinical use of positron emission tomography, we aimed to elucidate the complex relationship between glucose uptake and squamous cell oral cancer (ScOC) growth, along with its mechanism with respect to tissue blood flow (tBF). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a total of 69 newly diagnosed ScOC patients by Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). Maximum and mean standard uptake values (SUV↑ and SUV) were recorded to assess glucose uptake.

β-Cyclodextrin Polymer Network Sequesters Perfluorooctanoic Acid at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations.

Per- and poly fluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), notably perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), contaminate many ground and surface waters and are environmentally persistent. The performance limitations of existing remediation methods motivate efforts to develop effective adsorbents. Here we report a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-based polymer network with higher affinity for PFOA compared to powdered activated carbon, along with comparable capacity and kinetics.

Effects of gene transfection to periodontal ligament cells on osteogenesis.

The present study aims to investigate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. The expression vector of rhBMP-2 (pcDNA3.1-rhBMP-2) was established.

[Gene mutational analyses of the cathepsin C gene in families with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome].

Objective: This study aims to investigate the gene mutational characteristics of cathepsin C (CTSC) gene in a Chinese patient with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS), then further confirm the genetic basis for the phenotype of PLS, and obtain genetic information that can be used as guide in the diagnosis and treatment of PLS.

Methods: With their consent, peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and his family members (his parents and older sister) for genomic DNA extraction. The coding region and exon/intron boundaries of the CTSC gene were amplified and sequenced using poly-merase chain reaction and direct sequencing of DNA.

IL-7 suppresses osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells through inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are tissue-specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), having an important role in regenerative therapy for teeth loss. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a key cytokine produced by stromal cells including MSCs, and exhibits specific roles for B and T cell development and osteoblasts differentiation of multiple myeloma. However, the effect of IL-7 on osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs remains unclear.

Tormentic acid inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts via inhibition of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathway.

Objective: Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent oral diseases, which is associated with inflammation of the tooth-supporting tissues. Tormentic acid (TA), a triterpene isolated from Rosa rugosa, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of TA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

Hypoxia augments lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine expression in periodontal ligament cells.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of tooth supporting tissues. Hypoxia, the mainly changes of the plateau environment, can induce severe periodontitis by animal experiments. There is, however, very little information on hypoxia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cytokine expression in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Effects of hypoxia on the proliferation, mineralization and ultrastructure of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts .

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia on the proliferation, mineralization and ultrastructure of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) at various times in order to further study plateau-hypoxia-induced periodontal disease. HPLFs (fifth passage) cultured by the tissue culture method were assigned to the slight (5% O), middle (2% O), and severe hypoxia (1% O) groups and the control (21% O) group, respectively. At 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were detected.

20-Hydroxyecdysone-induced bone morphogenetic protein-2-dependent osteogenic differentiation through the ERK pathway in human periodontal ligament stem cells.

20-Hydroxyecdysone, an ecdysteroid hormone, can induce osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLS cells) have mesenchymal-stem-cell-like qualities and are considered as one of the candidates of future clinical application in periodontitis treatment. However, there are no studies describing the effect of 20-Hydroxyecdysone on PDLS cells.

[Isolation of aerobic degrading strains for TBBPA and the properties of biodegradation].

In order to investigate the characteristics of the microbial degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), four aerobic strains were isolated from the phenol granular sludge using selective medium with TBBPA as the sole carbon source. Among them, strain H could accommodate the TBBPA culture medium and degrade TBBPA with high efficiency, which was identified as Rhodococcus sp. via DNA sequencing test.

Ectopically expressed IBP promotes cell proliferation in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

IFN regulatory factor 4 binding protein (IBP) has been shown to play an important role in the progression of malignant tumors such as breast cancer cells, but its function in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. We found that IBP ectopically expressed in some OSCC specimens but not in normal oral mucosa epithelium tissues. IBP expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, differentiation, clinical stage, and distant metastasis.

IL-33 is induced by amyloid-β stimulation and regulates inflammatory cytokine production in retinal pigment epithelium cells.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the predominant cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population. Despite intensive basic and clinical research, its pathogenesis remains unclear. However, evidence suggests that immunological and inflammatory factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD.

Enhanced protective efficacy of H5 subtype avian influenza DNA vaccine with codon optimized HA gene in a pCAGGS plasmid vector.

H5N1 influenza viruses have caused significant disease and deaths in various parts of the world in several species, including humans. Vaccination combined with culling can provide an attractive method for outbreak containment. Using synthesized oligos and overlapping extension PCR techniques, we constructed an H5 HA gene, optiHA, containing chicken biased codons based on the HA amino acid sequence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 (GS/GD/96).