Argonaute 2 regulates nuclear DNA damage, repair, and phenotypes in Arabidopsis under genotoxic stress.

Argonaute (AGO) proteins are involved in gene expression and genome integrity during biotic and abiotic stress responses. AGO2 mediates double-strand break (DSB) repair in DNA damage response (DDR) induced by genotoxic stress. However, beyond DSB repair, the involvement of AGO proteins in DDR remains unknown.

Machine learning-integrated droplet microfluidic system for accurate quantification and classification of microplastics.

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses serious environmental and public health concerns, requiring efficient detection methods. Conventional techniques have the limitations of labor-intensive workflows and complex instrumentation, hindering rapid on-site field analysis. Here, we present the Machine learning (ML)-Integrated Droplet-based REal-time Analysis of MP (MiDREAM) system.

Hematospermia does not increase the risk of prostate cancer detection in prostate biopsy.

Background: Studies on the association between hematospermia and prostate cancer are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prostate cancer in patients with hematospermia using large United States population data.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study.

Dual-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles for the co-delivery of small molecules to promote neural differentiation of human iPSCs.

The differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is a promising approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and regenerative medicine. Dual-SMAD inhibition using small molecules has been identified as a key strategy for directing the differentiation of hiPSCs into NPCs by regulating specific cell signaling pathways. However, conventional culture methods are time-consuming and exhibit low differentiation efficiency in neural differentiation.

Identifying a Reliable Intra-articular Landmark to Avoid Vascular Injury During Transacetabular Screw Fixation: A 3D Computed Tomography Study.

Introduction: Vascular injury during acetabular screw fixation is a life-threatening complication of total hip arthroplasty. This study uses three-dimensional computed tomography to (1) measure absolute distance from the external iliac artery (EIA) to the acetabulum, (2) determine available bone stock along the EIA path, and (3) create a novel acetabular vascular risk map.

Methods: A retrospective radiographic study was conducted using three-dimensional CT.

Surgical Technique and Perioperative Outcomes of the "Sapienza" Urology Residency Program's Trocar Placement Configuration During Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP): A Retrospective, Single-Centre Observational Study Comparing Experienced Attendings vs. Post-Graduate Year I-III Residents as Bedside Assistants.

: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) has been standardized over the last 20 years. At our institution, only n = 3 rob arms are used for RARP. In addition, n = 2, 12 mm lap trocars are placed for the bedside assistant symmetrically at the midclavicular lines, which allows for direct pelvic triangulation and greater involvement of the assisting surgeon.

Parabrachial CGRP neurons modulate active defensive behavior under a naturalistic threat.

Recent studies suggest that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) represent aversive information and signal a general alarm to the forebrain. If CGRP neurons serve as a true general alarm, their activation would modulate both passive nad active defensive behaviors depending on the magnitude and context of the threat. However, most prior research has focused on the role of CGRP neurons in passive freezing responses, with limited exploration of their involvement in active defensive behaviors.

Co-administration of polyethylene glycol with binge ethanol reduces markers of intestinal and hepatic inflammation in C57BL/6J mice by diminishing ethanol absorption through the intestinal wall.

Background: Therapeutic options for managing intestinal and hepatic inflammation associated with alcohol consumption, a prevalent health problem worldwide, remain unavailable. This study examines the potential efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mitigating the intestinal and hepatic damage, employing a mouse model for assessment.

Methods: First, the mixture of ethanol (4 g/kg body weight) and PEG (2 g/kg body weight) or an equivalent volume of vehicle was administered orally alcohol consumption.

The Efficacy of Organic Filter-Based Sunscreens in Alleviating Symptoms and Enhancing the Condition of Sensitive Skin.

Background: Sensitive skin causes discomfort from irritants, impacting quality of life. While hypoallergenic moisturizers help prevent moisture loss, some ingredients can still cause irritation. Treatments like steroids and calcineurin inhibitors have side effects, and chemical sunscreens can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Study on the Optimization of -Value for Analyzing Weld Defects in the Primary System.

This study presents a method to add a crack analysis algorithm to the Acoustic Leak Monitoring System (ALMS) to detect and evaluate the crack growth process in the primary system piping of nuclear power plants. To achieve this, a fracture test was conducted by applying stepwise loading to welded specimens that simulate the cold leg section, and acoustic emission (AE) signals were measured in relation to the increase in strain using an AE testing system. The experimental results indicated that the stability and instability of cracks could be assessed through the Kaiser effect and the Felicity effect when detecting crack growth using AE signals.

The Challenge of External Generalisability: Insights from the Bicentric Validation of a [Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET Based Radiomics Signature for Primary Prostate Cancer Characterisation Using Histopathology as Reference.

: PSMA PET radiomics is a promising tool for primary prostate cancer (PCa) characterisation. However, small single-centre studies and lack of external validation hinder definitive conclusions on the potential of PSMA PET radiomics in the initial workup of PCa. We aimed to validate a radiomics signature in a larger internal cohort and in an external cohort from a separate centre.

Prostate-specific antigen kinetics in Asian patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer treated with apalutamide in the TITAN trial: A post hoc analysis.

Objective: In the TITAN trial of patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), deep and rapid prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline with apalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was associated with longer overall survival (OS), radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), time to PSA progression (TTPP), and time to castration resistance (TTCR) compared with no decline (all p < 0.0001). This post hoc analysis evaluated PSA kinetics in the Asian subpopulation.

Human placental cells are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication.

Background: Infection during pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2 can have a serious impact on both maternal and foetal health. Clinical studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 transmission from the mother to the foetus typically does not occur. However, there is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the placenta .

Effect of communicating genetic risk of type 2 diabetes and wearable technologies on wearable device-measured behavioural outcomes in East Asians: protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: The communication of information about the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) alone has not been associated with changes in habitual behaviours among individuals of European ancestry. In contrast, the use of wearable devices that monitor physical activity (PA) has been associated with behavioural changes in some studies. It is uncertain whether risk communication might enhance the effects of wearable devices.

ICRP pregnant-female mesh-type reference computational phantoms part 1: development of fetal phantoms.

. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) decided to develop pregnant-female reference computational phantoms, including the maternal and fetal phantoms, through its 2007 general recommendations. Acknowledging the advantages of the mesh geometry, the ICRP decided to develop the pregnant-female mesh-type reference computational phantoms (MRCPs) for 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 38 week fetal ages directly in the mesh format.

Longitudinal Trends of Comorbidities and Survival Among Kidney Cancer Patients in Asian Population.

Background: Comorbidity could influence cancer diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or survival. Although comorbidity burden in kidney cancer patients is high, limited evidence exists on the longitudinal patterns of individual comorbidity prevalence and its impact on overall survival among kidney cancer patients, particularly in Asian populations.

Methods: We included adults diagnosed with kidney cancer between 2010 and 2021 using the Korean nationwide health insurance database.

Calcium Channel Blocker Versus Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitor in Risk of Kidney Cancer Among Patients With Hypertension: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

Background: Use of antihypertensive medications could be associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. Despite their various mechanisms of action, whether this association differs between different classes of medications remains unclear.

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the risk of kidney cancer between first-line treatment options of antihypertensive medications in a hypertensive population.

The optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic imaging in dual-energy CT arthrography of the wrist.

Objectives: To suggest an optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) in dual-energy CT (DECT) arthrography of the wrist.

Methods: This retrospective study included 53 patients with wrist CT arthrography. Conventional polychromatic images and VMIs at 4 energy levels (40-70 keV at 10 keV intervals) were obtained.

Ethical considerations related to virtual visiting for families and critically ill patients in intensive care: a qualitative descriptive study.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visiting technologies were rapidly integrated into the care offered by intensive care units (ICUs) in the UK and across the globe. Today, these technologies offer a necessary adjunct to in-person visits for those with ICU access limited by geography, work/caregiving commitments, or frailty. However, few empirical studies explore the ethical issues associated with virtual visiting.

Corrigendum: Exosomes released by environmental pollutant-stimulated Keratinocytes/PBMCs can trigger psoriatic inflammation in recipient cells via the AhR signaling pathway.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.

Evaluation of a Cosmetic Formulation Containing Arginine Glutamate in Patients with Burn Scars: A Pilot Study.

Patients with burn scars require effective treatments able to alleviate dry skin and persistent itching. Ion pairing has been employed in cosmetic formulations to enhance solubility in solvents and improve skin permeability. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the cosmetic formula "RE:pair (arginine-glutamate ion pair)", we analyzed scar size, itching and pain, skin barrier function, scar scale evaluation, and satisfaction in our study participants.