Construction and high-throughput screening of gradient nanowire coatings on titanium surface towards ameliorated osseointegration.

Surface nano-modification has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance osseointegration of titanium (Ti) implants. Despite its promise, rational optimization of surface nanomorphology for ameliorated osseointegration remains a significant challenge. Our research pioneering developed a one-step alkali etching technique to produce a gradient nanowire coating with continuously varied dimensions on Ti surfaces, which was subsequently served as a versatile platform for high-throughput screening of optimal dimensions to enhance osseointegration.

Inhibiting autophagy selectively prunes dysfunctional tumor vessels and optimizes the tumor immune microenvironment.

Dysfunctional tumor vasculature, hypoxia, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment are significant barriers to effective cancer therapy. Autophagy, which is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and apoptosis resistance, is primarily triggered by hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, conditions prevalent in dysfunctional tumor vessels due to poor circulation. However, the role of autophagy in dysfunctional tumor endothelial cells and its impact on treatment and the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain poorly understood.

TMC7 is required for spermiogenesis and male fertility by regulating TGN-derived vesicles.

Infertility affects 10-12 % of couples worldwide, 50 % of which are male. Abnormal spermatogenesis is among the main causes of male infertility. We were curious about the possible role of transmembrane channel-like protein 7 (TMC7) in spermatogenesis because of its aberrant expression in several male infertility patients.

Nanostructure-Mediated Photothermal Effect for Reinforcing Physical Killing Activity of Nanorod Arrays.

The physical killing of bacteria based on surface topography has attracted much attention due to the sustainable and safe prevention of biofilm formation. However, the antibacterial efficiency of biomedical implants derived solely from nanostructures or microstructures is insufficient to combat bacteria against common infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with thick cell walls. Herein, photothermal therapy is carried out in the presence of nanorod arrays to mitigate infection of biomedical implants.

An Atypical Sonographic Presentation of an Endometrial Polyp in a Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report.

Endometrial polyps, a common gynecological finding, may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, with age and postmenopausal bleeding identified as significant risk factors. While typically identifiable on ultrasound, atypical presentations can pose diagnostic challenges. We report a case of a postmenopausal woman initially misdiagnosed with endometrial cavity fluid due to the polyp's almost entirely cystic appearance on ultrasound.

BCAS2 and hnRNPH1 orchestrate alternative splicing for DNA double-strand break repair and synapsis in meiotic prophase I.

Understanding the intricacies of homologous recombination during meiosis is crucial for reproductive biology. However, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair and synapsis remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the impact of conditional knockout (cKO) of the splicing factor gene Bcas2 in mouse germ cells, revealing impaired DSBs repair and synapsis, resulting in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

PARN Maintains RNA Stability to Regulate Insulin Maturation and GSIS in Pancreatic β Cells.

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, underscores the importance of normal pancreatic β-cell development and function in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN) serves as the principal regulator of messenger RNA (mRNA) stability, yet its specific role in pancreatic β cells remains unclear. This study utilizes mice with targeted PARN deficiency in β cells to elucidate this role.

Tailoring surface stiffness to modulate senescent macrophage immunomodulation: Implications for osteo-/angio-genesis in aged bone regeneration.

The application of biomaterials in bone regeneration is a prevalent clinical practice. However, its efficacy in elderly patients remains suboptimal, necessitating further advancements. While biomaterial properties are known to orchestrate macrophage (MΦ) polarization and local immune responses, the role of biomaterial cues, specifically stiffness, in directing the senescent macrophage (S-MΦ) is still poorly understood.

A chitosan-based hydrogel with ultrasound-driven immuno-sonodynamic therapeutic effect for accelerated bacterial infected wound healing.

Sonodynamic therapy has attracted much attention as a noninvasive treatment for deep infections. However, it is challenging to achieve high antibacterial activity for hydrogels under ultrasonic irradiation due to the relatively weak sono-catalysis capability of sonosensitizers. Herein, an ultrasound-responsive antibacterial hydrogel (FeO/HA/Ber-LA) composed of FeO-grafted-Berberine, chitosan molecules modified with L-arginine and poly (vinyl alcohol) is prepared for enhanced sonodynamic therapy and immunoregulation.

The Potential of Immunotherapy for SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Uterine Sarcoma (SDUS).

(1) Background: SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (SDUS) is a rare and aggressive cancer that urgently requires novel therapeutic strategies. Despite the proven efficacy of immunotherapy in various cancer types, its application in SDUS remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the immune microenvironment of SDUS to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing immunotherapy.

Increased adrenal steroidogenesis and suppressed corticosteroid responsiveness in critical COVID-19.

Background: The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on adrenal endocrine metabolism in critically ill patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the alterations in adrenal steroidogenic activity, elucidate underlying mechanisms, provide in situ histopathological evidence, and examine the clinical implications.

Methods: The comparative analyses of the adrenal cortices from 24 patients with fatal COVID-19 and 20 matched controls were performed, excluding patients previously treated with glucocorticoids.

Influence of Fermented Broccoli Residues on Fattening Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Meat Properties of Finishing Pigs.

The study determined the impacts of dietary fermented residues' (FBR) inclusion on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and meat properties in fattening pigs. Seventy-two robust pigs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, thirty-six pigs each). Each group was subjected to a 52-day trial, during which they received either a corn-soybean meal-based diet or diet enhanced with a 10% addition of FBR.

P-selectin Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 Subunit Attachment to Vesicular Endothelium and Platelets.

SARS-CoV-2 infection starts from the association of its spike 1 (S1) subunit with sensitive cells. Vesicular endothelial cells and platelets are among the cell types that bind SARS-CoV-2, but the effectors that mediate viral attachment on the cell membrane have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we show that P-selectin (SELP), a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation, can facilitate the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 S1.

Statistical analysis and environmental impact of pre-existing particle growth events in a Northern Chinese coastal megacity: A 725-day study in 2010-2018.

Pre-existing particles usually constitute the major fraction of atmospheric particles, except during some episodes in the presence of strong emissions and/or secondary generation of fresh particles. Previous case studies have investigated the growth of pre-existing particles and their potential environmental and climate impacts. However, there is limited knowledge about the statistical characteristics of these growth events and related effects.

Settling velocity of atmospheric particles in seawater: Based on hydrostatic sedimentation method using video imaging techniques.

When atmospheric particles deposit to the ocean, their settling velocities and residence times associated are critical for their effects on oceanic ecosystems. We developed a hydrostatic sedimentation method using video imaging techniques to track particles of 5-20 μm in diameter falling into seawater and determine the particle settling velocities in relation to their diameter, shape, organic matter contained, and seawater salinity. The measured settling velocities varied from 0.

Clinicopathological analysis of 22 Müllerian adenosarcomas and the sequencing of DICER1 mutation.

Background: Müllerian adenosarcoma, a rare malignancy, presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics of 22 adenosarcomas, with a particular focus on screening for DICER1 hot mutations.

Methods: The cohort consisted of patients with adenosarcoma who were registered at the West China Second Hospital between the years 2020 and June 2022.

Ultrasound-driven radical chain reaction and immunoregulation of piezoelectric-based hybrid coating for treating implant infection.

The poor efficiency of US-responsive coatings on implants restricts their practical application. Immunotherapy that stimulates immune cells to enhance their antibacterial activity is expected to synergize with sonodynamic therapy for treating implant infection effectively and safely. Herein, US-responsive hybrid coatings composed of the oxygen-deficient BaTiO nanorod arrays and l-arginine (BaTiO/LA) are designed and prepared on titanium implants for sonocatalytic therapy-cooperated immunotherapy to treat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.

Disorganized adrenocortical zonational structure in COVID-19 patients: Implications of critical illness duration.

Aberrant adrenal function has been frequently reported in COVID-19 patients, but histopathological evidence remains limited. This retrospective autopsy study aims to scrutinize the impact of COVID-19 duration on adrenocortical zonational architecture and peripheral corticosteroid reactivity. The adrenal glands procured from 15 long intensive care unit (ICU)-stay COVID-19 patients, 9 short ICU-stay COVID-19 patients, and 20 matched controls.

The Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of POLE-Mutated Endometrial Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Endometrial cancer shows high histological and molecular heterogeneity. The mutation is a significant molecular alteration in endometrial cancer, leading to the identification of a specific subtype known as -mutated endometrial cancer. This subtype exhibits a high tumor mutation burden, abundant lymphocyte infiltration, and a favorable prognosis, making it a promising candidate for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Spatial interfacial heterojunctions of TiO for photocatalytic degradation of toluene: Effects of interface amorphous region and oxygen vacancy.

The catalytic activity of TiO is contingent upon its crystal structure and the optoelectronic properties associated with defects. In this study, a one-step method was used to synthesize TiO with a spatial interface of rutile/anatase phases, and a simple thermal annealing process was applied to optimize the amorphous regions and oxygen vacancies at the interface between the rutile and anatase phases of TiO. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) elucidates the evolution process of the amorphous domain at the interface, skillfully introducing oxygen vacancies at the heterojunction interface by modulating the amorphous domain.

Piezoelectric dressings for advanced wound healing.

The treatment of chronic refractory wounds poses significant challenges and threats to both human society and the economy. Existing research studies demonstrate that electrical stimulation fosters cell proliferation and migration and promotes the production of cytokines that expedites the wound healing process. Presently, clinical settings utilize electrical stimulation devices for wound treatment, but these devices often present issues such as limited portability and the necessity for frequent recharging.

Atmospheric deposition and river runoff stimulate the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus in coastal seas.

In coastal seas, the role of atmospheric deposition and river runoff in dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) utilization is not well understood. Here, we address this knowledge gap by combining microcosm experiments with a global approach considering the relationship between the activity of alkaline phosphatases and changes in phytoplankton biomass in relation to the concentration of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP). Our results suggest that the addition of aerosols and riverine water stimulate the biological utilization of DOP in coastal seas primarily by depleting DIP due to increasing nitrogen concentrations, which enhances phytoplankton growth.

Splicing factor SRSF1 is essential for homing of precursor spermatogonial stem cells in mice.

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for continuous spermatogenesis and male fertility. The underlying mechanisms of alternative splicing (AS) in mouse SSCs are still largely unclear. We demonstrated that SRSF1 is essential for gene expression and splicing in mouse SSCs.