The underlying neurobiological basis of gray matter volume alterations in schizophrenia with auditory verbal hallucinations: A meta-analytic investigation.

Schizophrenia patients with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) frequently exhibit brain structural alterations, particularly reductions in gray matter volume (GMV).Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the changes is essential for advancing treatment strategies. To address this, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify GMV changes in schizophrenia patients with AVH and their associations with gene expression and neurotransmitter receptor profiles.

Effect of Deposition Parameters for Ni-Au Coatings on Corrosion Protection Properties of 2A12 Aluminum Alloy.

The Ni-Au coating with its inherent chemical stability is recognized as an effective method for boosting corrosion resistance in humid environments while preserving exceptional electrical conductivity. However, its anti-corrosion performance is affected by the structure characteristics of the coating due to the high corrosion potentials of Au and Ni. To enhance its protection properties, the deposition process parameters, including deposition time, deposition current density, and zincating times, were investigated.

Analysis of synonymous codon usage bias in the chloroplast genome of five Caragana.

Background: The genus Caragana, known for its adaptability and high forage value, is commonly planted to rehabilitate barren land and prevent desertification. Several Caragana species are also used for medicinal purposes. Analysis of synonymous codon usage bias and their primary influencing factors in chloroplast genomes aims to provide insights into molecular research and germplasm innovation for Caragana plants.

Tumor-specific surface marker-independent targeting of tumors through nanotechnology and bioorthogonal glycochemistry.

Biological targeting is crucial for effective cancer treatment with reduced toxicity but is limited by the availability of tumor surface markers. To overcome this, we developed a nanoparticle-based, Tumor-specific suRfACE maRker-independent (TRACER) targeting approach. Utilizing the unique biodistribution properties of nanoparticles, we encapsulated Ac4ManNAz to selectively label tumors with azide reactive groups.

Transcriptional substrates of cortical thickness alterations in anhedonia of major depressive disorder.

Background: Anhedonia is a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), which has been shown to be associated with abnormalities in cortical morphology. However, the correlation between cortical thickness (CT) changes with anhedonia in MDD and gene expression remains unclear.

Methods: We investigated the link between brain-wide gene expression and CT correlates of anhedonia in individuals with MDD, using 7 Tesla neuroimaging and a publicly available transcriptomic dataset.

Multi-omics and machine learning-driven CD8 T cell heterogeneity score for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) poses a significant challenge to treatment, underscoring the urgent need for more precise and personalized therapeutic approaches. CD8 T cells, integral components of the tumor immune microenvironment, have emerged as key targets for immunotherapy. Our research has established a correlation between a decrease in CD8 T cell score and a poor clinical prognosis, highlighting the prognostic value of this biomarker.

Perfusion Index Predicts the Effectiveness of Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Children Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to assess the predictive value of perfusion index (PI) in determining the effectiveness of supraclavicular block (SCB) in children under sevoflurane or propofol general anesthesia. In this randomized controlled study, 104 children who underwent elective upper extremity surgery under sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia were scheduled to be enrolled. The primary outcome was the effects of PI in predicting the effectiveness of SCB under general anesthesia.

Rapid configuring method for a programmable photonic integrated circuit based on a tandem neural network.

Programmable photonic integrated circuits (PPICs), as optical analog matrix multipliers, emerge as a leading candidate of a revolutionary technology. However, the efficient voltage configuration of programmable devices in the circuit presents a significant challenge to its development. Here, we propose a black-box method based on tandem neural network to rapidly predict the voltage configuration of arbitrary matrices.

Global, regional, and national burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to kidney dysfunction (1990-2021) with projections to 2050: analysis of the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study.

Aims: This study examines global trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with kidney dysfunction (KD) from 1990 to 2021 and projects future trends through 2050.

Methods: This study analyzed the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, focusing on age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR), absolute numbers, estimated annual percentage change, and average annual percent change. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was employed to project global trends from 2022 to 2050.

Tislelizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled, phase II clinical trial.

Background: The standard treatment for elderly patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is definitive chemoradiotherapy with S-1. However, the 3-year overall survival (OS) is limited to approximately 40%. Tislelizumab is the first- and second-line standard treatment for advanced ESCC with tolerable toxicity.

[LBD gene family in : identification and expression pattern during flower bud development].

Lateral organ boundaries (LOB) domain (LBD) genes encode a family of transcription factors ubiquitous in higher plants, playing crucial roles in the growth, development, and stress responses. , known for its drought, cold, and saline-alkali tolerance, offers significant economic benefits and ecological values. Utilizing the whole genome data and bioinformatics approaches, this study identified and analyzed the LBD gene family in .

Mitochondrion-Targeted Type I Photodynamic Therapy for Agonist Independent cGAS-STING Activation.

CGAS-STING agonists generally lead to hyperimmunity and systemic toxicity, hindering their immunotherapeutic outcomes. Herein, a mitochondrion-targeted nanoagonist (termed HABH) containing boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-derived type I photosensitizer (BDP) and Au nanoparticle-engineered hollow mesoporous silica (HMSN/AuNPs) has been fabricated for light-controlled mitochondrial stress-inducing and agonist-independent cGAS-STING pathway activation. The HABH nanoagonist can actively target tumor tissues and release the mitochondrion-targeted BDP.

Cooperation of TRADD- and RIPK1-dependent cell death pathways in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

Dysfunctional NF-κB signaling is critically involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We investigated the mechanism by which RIPK1 and TRADD, two key mediators of NF-κB signaling, in mediating intestinal pathology using TAK1 IEC deficient model. We show that phosphorylation of TRADD by TAK1 modulates RIPK1-dependent apoptosis.

Rational design of precatalysts and controlled evolution of catalyst-electrolyte interface for efficient hydrogen production.

The concept of precatalyst is widely accepted in electrochemical water splitting, but the role of precatalyst activation and the resulted changes of electrolyte composition is often overlooked. Here, we elucidate the impact of potential-dependent changes for both precatalyst and electrolyte using CoMoO as a model system. Potential-dependent reconstruction of CoMoO precatalyst results in an electrochemically stable Co(OH)@CoMoO catalyst and additional Mo dissolved as MoO into electrolyte.

Evidence for evolution of a new sex chromosome within the haploid-dominant Marchantiales plant lineage.

Sex chromosomes have evolved independently in numerous lineages across the Tree of Life, in both diploid-dominant species, including many animals and plants, and the less studied haploid-dominant plants and algae. Strict genetic sex determination ensures that individuals reproduce by outcrossing. However, species with separate sexes (termed dioecy in diploid plants, and dioicy in haploid plants) may sometimes evolve different sex systems, and become monoicous, with the ability to self-fertilize.

Deciphering response dynamics and treatment resistance from circulating tumor DNA after CAR T-cells in multiple myeloma.

Despite advances in treatments, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable cancer where relapse is common. We developed a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) approach in order to characterize tumor genomics, monitor treatment response, and detect early relapse in MM. By sequencing 412 specimens from 64 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory disease, we demonstrate the correlation between ctDNA and key clinical biomarkers, as well as patient outcomes.

Characteristics of multimodal physiological signal differences in symptom fluctuations in Parkinson's disease.

This study investigates the differences in multimodal physiological signals between patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy individuals, focusing on how symptom fluctuations affect these signals in PD. A total of 35 PD patients and 30 healthy controls participated. The PD patients were further categorized into two groups: those with symptom fluctuations (SF) and those without (NSF).

Inertia effects in the spatial distribution and dynamics of active particles with space-dependent activity.

The activity of particles can be modulated by external conditions such as light irradiation. Research on active particles with spatially varying activity has demonstrated that active particles tend to accumulate in low-activity regions and form a polarity layer at the interface, directed from the high-activity to the low-activity region. Here, we investigate the distribution and dynamics of individual or an ideal gas of inertial particles in a space with alternating active and passive regions.

Multi-Institutional Analysis of Survival and Recurrence Patterns of Different Pathological Regression Types After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy or Radiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: The recurrence patterns of different types of pathologic regression of the primary tumor and lymph nodes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) are little known, especially in ypT0N+ patients.

Methods: We included 582 patients with ESCC who had esophagectomy after NCRT or neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) from 3 institutions. The patients were divided into 4 groups: ypT0N0, ypT0N+, ypT+N0, and ypT+N+ according to the type of pathological regression of the primary tumor and lymph nodes.

Modeling and Relative Permittivity Modulation of Cu/PDMS Capacitive Flexible Sensor for Pressure Sensing.

This study aims to establish an equivalent parallel capacitance model for a copper/polydimethylsiloxane (Cu/PDMS) capacitive flexible pressure sensor and modulate its relative permittivity to optimize pressure sensing performance. The Cu/PDMS composite material is an ideal dielectric layer for sensors due to its high dielectric constant and tunable elasticity. By adjusting the different mixing ratios of PDMS and copper particles in micro size, the components and structure properties of the composite material can be modified, thereby affecting the electrical and mechanical performance of the sensor.

The effectiveness of ERCP in managing preoperative complications of choledochal cysts in children and its role in facilitating early surgical intervention.

Introduction: Currently, there is no established guideline for the application of ERCP in children with choledochal cyst. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of ERCP in managing preoperative complications of choledochal cyst in children, as well as the timing for definitive surgery following ERCP.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for 68 pediatric patients who presented with complications of choledochal cyst, including pancreatitis and biliary obstruction combined with cholangitis.

Surgical Outcomes of Radical Nephrectomy and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy Following Preoperative Systemic Immunotherapy: A Propensity Score Analysis.

Introduction: The impact of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on perioperative outcomes of radical nephrectomy (RN) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the safety of preoperative immunotherapy prior to surgical resection of RCC with IVC tumor thrombus.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review identified patients with RCC and IVC tumor thrombus who underwent concomitant nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy.

Meteorin-like alleviates hepatic steatosis by regulating hepatic triglyceride secretion and fatty acid oxidation.

Amid a rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is still an unmet need to better treat it. We identified a secreted factor, Meteorin-like (Metrnl), with decreased levels in livers with hepatic steatosis. Notably, recombinant Metrnl ameliorated hepatic steatosis in NAFLD mouse models.

Superhydrophobic sponge-like chitosan/CNTs/silica composite for selective oil absorption and efficient separation of water-in-oil emulsion.

Developing state-of-the-art materials with durability, superhydrophobicity, and superoleophilicity is essential for effective cleanup of oil spills and the treatment of oily wastewater. In this study, a novel superhydrophobic/superoleophilic chitosan-based composite was created by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a chitosan (CS) matrix and depositing superhydrophobic SiO nanoparticles, forming a sponge-like absorbent (SH-SiO@3CNTs/CS) for selective oil absorption and efficient oil/water separation. The optimal CNTs incorporation was comprehensively investigated to enhance the structural stability and mechanical strength of the chitosan/CNTs/silica composite.