Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy using coplanar VMAT for single small brain metastasis: dosimetric analysis and clinical outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric parameters and clinical outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) for small brain metastases [BMs; planning target volume (PTV) ≤ 4 cm) via coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (C-VMAT).

Methods: Between March 2019 and February 2023, 68 patients with a single BM treated with Linac-based HSRT (24-39 Gy in three fractions) via C-VMAT and a 3-mm PTV margin were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. A frameless head-neck-shoulder thermoplastic mask, whose immobilization accuracy is inferior to that of specialized mask fixation systems, was used to immobilize patients.

A data driven approach to urban area delineation using multi source geospatial data.

This study introduces a data-driven, bottom-up approach to urban delineation, integrating feature engineering with the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, which represents a significant improvement in precision and methodology compared to traditional approaches that rely on simplistic OpenStreetMap (OSM) road node data aggregations. By employing a broad array of OSM categories and refining data selection through feature engineering, our research significantly enhances the precision and relevance of urban clustering. Using Bavaria, Germany, as a case study, we demonstrate that feature engineering effectively reduces noise and mitigates common DBSCAN clustering pitfalls by filtering out irrelevant and autocorrelated data.

Identification of (L.) Merr as a Novel Potential Therapeutic Agent Against COVID-19 and Pharyngitis.

Individuals infected with COVID-19 often experience the distressing discomfort of pharyngitis. Thus, it is crucial to develop novel drugs to improve therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the interaction between bioactive compounds isolated from (L.

Electrically Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Self-Oscillators via Rheostat Feedback Mechanism.

The reliance of feedback mechanisms in conventional light-fueled self-oscillating systems on spatially distributed light and intricately designed structures impedes their application and development in micro-robots, miniature actuators, and other small-scale devices. This paper presents a straightforward rheostat feedback mechanism to create an electrically driven liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) self-oscillator which comprises an LCE fiber, a rheostat, a spring, and a mass. Based on the electrothermally responsive LCE model, we first derive the governing equation for the system's dynamics and subsequently formulate the asymptotic equation.

Intracellular metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in spinal dorsal horn neurons contributes to pain in a mouse model of vincristine-induced neuropathic pain.

Vincristine (VCR) is a commonly used clinical anti-cancer drug, but it can also induce neurotoxicity and cause vincristine-induced neuropathic pain (VINP). The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) within spinal dorsal horn neurons regulates the transmission of pain mediated by glutamate. In this study, we investigated for the first time the role of mGluR5 in the transmission of noxious information in VINP.

Relationship between systemic inflammatory response index and bone mineral density in children and adolescents aged 8-19 years: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2011-2016.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents aged 8-19 years.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, utilizing NHANES data from 2011-2016, including 3,205 participants aged 8 to 19 years. Weighted multivariable regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between SIRI and BMD at the lumbar spine, pelvis, trunk, and whole body.

Aberrant white matter function and structure in Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A study utilizing functional network clustering and TractSeg methods.

Background: Previous studies have documented abnormal functional changes in the visual pathways and gray matter regions related to vision in Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients. However, the extent of alterations in the functional and structural characteristics of white matter (WM) in these patients remains insufficiently understood.

Methods: In this study, we employed functional clustering networks and TractSeg methodologies to investigate the alterations in WM function and structure among patients with RRD.

Association of ANA and SSA autoantibodies with progression-free survival in multiple myeloma: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autoantibodies, specifically Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) and anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (SSA), and progression-free survival (PFS) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 304 MM patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, with follow-up until October 2023. Patients were stratified based on ANA and SSA positivity.

Ecological risks of a biopesticide from marine-derived amino-oligosaccharides in agriculture: Food chain effects on non-target organisms Frankliniella occidentalis and its natural predator Neoseiulus barkeri.

A biopesticide from marine-derived amino-oligosaccharides (AO) are extensively utilized in China, yet there is a lack of scientific literature on their potential ecological risks when transmitted through the food chain to Neoseiulus barkeri, a natural predator of Frankliniella occidentalis. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the food chain effects of AO on both F. occidentalis and N.

Efficient three-dimensional electrochemical degradation of alizarin red by CeO-MnO/NF particle electrode synergized with ozone.

In this study, nickel foam-loaded Mn and Ce bimetallic oxide composites were successfully synthesized as particle electrodes by a hydrothermal method and synergized with ozone for the efficient degradation of alizarin red (AR), a typical anthraquinone dye. The effects of common factors on the degradation rate of alizarin red were investigated. The optimal experimental conditions were derived as applied voltage = 3.

Dual regulation of Atf3 and Lonp1 as therapeutic targets in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Background: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) leads to cognitive dysfunction, neuronal death, and inflammation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying CIRI is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the roles of activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) and lon protease homolog 1 (Lonp1) in CIRI, particularly focusing on how Atf3 regulates Lonp1 expression and its effects on mitochondrial function.

Sharp Rise in High-Virulence Bordetella pertussis with Macrolides Resistance in Northern China.

Objective: To elucidate the evolution of antigen genotype and antimicrobial resistance distribution of () from 2019 to 2023 in northern China.

Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing were utilized to identify the seven antigen genotypes (). E-test and Kirby-Bauer (K-B) disc diffusion were employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition for against antimicrobial agents.

Monitoring and Visualizing Stroke Rehabilitation Progress using Wearable Sensors.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and recovering mobility is an important goal during post-stroke rehabilitation. In this work, we present a study to verify the feasibility of monitoring and visualizing longitudinal stroke gait rehabilitation progress using wearable sensors. Wearable devices such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) are easy-to-use and cost-effective tools for quantifying mobility.

Impact of LIN7A silencing on U87 cell invasion and its clinical significance in glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is highly aggressive and resistant to treatment, making it crucial to understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying its invasion. LIN7A, a polar protein, has been implicated in tumor cell migration and invasion, but its role in glioblastoma remains unclear. This study aimed to manipulate LIN7A gene expression in U87 cells, analyze its impact on invasion, and explore the potential mechanisms through which LIN7A regulates glioblastoma cell invasion.

SQLE-catalyzed squalene metabolism promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and tumor development in K-ras-driven cancer.

It is well known that activation of oncogenic K-ras alone is insufficient to drive tumor development and that additional factors are needed for full malignant transformation, but the metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms that facilitate K-ras-driven cancer development remain to be characterized. Here we show that SQLE, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, is upregulated in K-ras-driven cancer and its high expression is correlated with poor clinical outcome. K-ras regulates SQLE expression in a biphasic manner through reactive oxygen species and MYC signaling.

New tool in our arsenal: efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in androgenetic alopecia treatment.

Objective: This study assesses the short-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in managing androgenetic alopecia (AGA). AGA, a common genetic condition leading to hair loss, significantly affects the quality of life. Given the limited efficacy of existing treatments, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies.

Recent Advances in MXene-Based Electrochemical Sensors.

MXene is a new family of two-dimensional nanomaterials with outstanding electrical conductivity, tunable structure, biocompatibility, and a large surface area. Thanks to these unique physicochemical properties, MXene has been used for constructing electrochemical sensors (MECSens) with excellent performance. In particular, the abundant surface termination of MXene can contribute to greatly enhancing the analytical sensitivity and selectivity of MECSens.

Visual detection of HPV16 using a photoactivatable CRISPR-Cas12 system.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening is crucial for the diagnosis of cervical cancer. In this study, we have combined photoactivated CRISPR-Cas12a with tube-in-tube structure and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to enable simple, rapid and convenient visualization detection of HPV16, facilitated by blue UV light at 302 nm. It serves as a potential tool for on-site diagnostic use, which could be beneficial in terms of portability and speed.

Effect of Blastocyst Morphology and Developmental Rate on Euploidy and Live Birth Rates in PGT-A Cycles: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study was to evaluate the relationship between morphology or developmental rate of blastocysts and ploidy status in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles, or live birth rates in single euploid frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. We focused on infertile patients who underwent PGT-A procedures, following with single euploid FET cycles in the assisted reproduction center from January 2016 to December 2022. Blastocysts were categorized for biopsy, and euploid embryos would be selected for transfer.

Multi-component screening coupled with ultrasound-assisted green extraction based on HPLC-HRMS for bio-actives analysis in saffron ( L.).

A database of 115 bio-actives from seven subclasses, including information on retention time, parent ion /, fragment m/z, and isotopic fit, was established, and an instrumental method for simultaneous analysis of these targets was optimised. An ultrasound-assisted preparation method at 50 °C for 50 min with a 1:60 solid-liquid ratio, water as the solvent was proposed for the screening of unknown components and the antioxidant analysis in saffron. The self-built database and untargeted analysis identified 32 and 103 bio-actives in saffron, respectively.

Light-powered self-scrolling liquid crystal elastomer crane.

Traditional liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)-based machines are constrained by the need for complex controllers and large power supplies, which limits their applicability in microrobots and other small-scale machines. In this paper, we propose a light-powered self-scrolling LCE crane, which is capable of self-scrolling to lift weights under steady light. Based on a dynamic LCE model, we derive the lateral curvature of the LCE crane and the driving moment for steady scrolling.

Investigation of the static and dynamic brain network mechanisms in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment based on independent component analysis.

Background: Previous neuroimaging studies have identified substantial structural and functional abnormalities in the brains of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Nonetheless, there remains a paucity of comprehensive research on the alterations in functional connectivity (FC) within large-scale static and dynamic brain networks in these patients.

Methods: This study utilized independent component analysis (ICA) to investigate alterations in large-scale brain network FC in patients with RRD.

Wogonin attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in acute lung injury via regulating PPARα, AKT, and NRF2.

The study aims to clarify the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms of wogonin (WOG) against acute lung injury (ALI). Lipopolysaccharide-induced in vivo ALI mice model and in vitro RAW264.7 cell model were established.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index and derived indices with cataract in middle-aged and elderly Americans: NHANES 2005-2008.

Aim: Explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, along with its derivative indices, and the prevalence of cataracts.

Methods: Data from 20,497 participants in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were compiled. A final total of 4,499 individuals met the eligibility criteria.

Corneal endothelial neovascularization and glaucoma in X-linked Alport syndrome.

Introduction: Variants in are responsible for X-linked Alport syndrome. It is characterized by kidney disease, sensorineural hearing loss and variable ocular abnormalities. In this case, a woman with corneal endothelial neovascularization, glaucoma, nuclear cataract, temporal retinal thinning, and renal defects was identified with a variant in .