Multiscale Mechanical Study of Proanthocyanidins for Recovering Residual Stress in Decellularized Blood Vessels.

Decellularized artificial blood vessels prepared using physical and chemical methods often exhibit limitations, including poor mechanical performance, susceptibility to inflammation and calcification, and reduced patency. Cross-linking techniques can enhance the stiffness, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification properties of decellularized vessels. However, conventional cross-linking methods fail to effectively alleviate residual stress post-decellularization, which significantly impacts the patency and vascular remodeling following the implantation of artificial vessels.

Bio-Based Elastomers: Design, Properties, and Biomedical Applications.

To reduce carbon footprint and human dependence on fossil fuels, the field of bio-based polymers has undergone explosive growth in recent years. Among them, bio-based elastomers have gained tremendous attention for their inherent softness, high strain, and resilience. In this review, the recent progress of representative bio-based elastomers derived from molecular building blocks and biopolymers are recapitulated, with an emphasis on molecular design, synthesis approaches, and mechanical performance.

Machine Learning-Assisted High-Throughput Screening of Nanozymes for Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder with rising prevalence. Due to the recurrent and difficult-to-treat nature of UC symptoms, current pharmacological treatments fail to meet patients' expectations. This study presents a machine learning-assisted high-throughput screening strategy to expedite the discovery of efficient nanozymes for UC treatment.

Multiple Electron Transfers Enable High-Capacity Cathode Through Stable Anionic Redox.

Single-electron transfer, low alkali metal contents, and large-molecular masses limit the capacity of cathodes. This study uses a cost-effective and light-molecular-mass orthosilicate material, KFeSiO, with a high initial potassium content, as a cathode for potassium-ion batteries to enable the transfer of more than one electron. Despite the limited valence change of Fe ions during cycling, KFeSiO can undergo multiple electron transfers via successive oxygen anionic redox reactions to generate a high reversible capacity.

Role of the Dorsal Cortex of the Inferior Colliculus in the Precedence Effect.

BACKGROUND The precedence effect (PE) is a physiological phenomenon for accurate sound localization in a reverberant environment. Physiological studies of PE have mostly focused on the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC), which receives ascending and descending projections, as well as projections from the shell of the inferior colliculus (IC) and contralateral IC. However, the role of the dorsal cortex of the IC (DCIC), which receives ascending and descending projections to ensure sound information processing and conduction on PE formation, remains unclear.

Knee Extensor and Flexor Force Control after ACL Injury and Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Reduced force control after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction may contribute to poor function. Various metrics (linear and nonlinear) have been employed to quantify force control. The aims of this review were to synthesize evidence assessing knee extensor and flexor force control after ACL injury (ACLD) or reconstruction (ACLR) and to investigate the potential effects of injury management (e.

Deep learning in integrating spatial transcriptomics with other modalities.

Spatial transcriptomics technologies have been extensively applied in biological research, enabling the study of transcriptome while preserving the spatial context of tissues. Paired with spatial transcriptomics data, platforms often provide histology and (or) chromatin images, which capture cellular morphology and chromatin organization. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from matching tissues often accompany spatial data, offering a transcriptome-wide gene expression profile of individual cells.

Replication Study and Meta-Analysis of the Contribution of Seven Genetic Polymorphisms in Immune-Related Genes to the Risk of Gastric and Colorectal Cancers.

Recently, it has been realized that immune processes participate in the pathogenesis of human cancers. A large number of genetic polymorphisms in immune-related genes have been extensively examined for their roles in the susceptibility of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), including IL4 gene rs2070874, IL4RA gene rs1801275, IL18 gene rs187238, IL18RAP gene rs917997, IL17A gene rs8193036, IL23R gene rs1884444 and IL23R gene rs10889677. However, there is no consistent conclusion, which calls for further research.

Dual PTCH2 mutation [Ser391*, Leu104Pro]: unveiling a potential new genetic susceptibility factor for glioma development.

Gliomas are a heterogeneous type of central nervous system tumor. The etiology of glioma formation remains elusive, with approximately 5% of gliomas being familial, underscoring the significance of understanding genetic susceptibility in glioma development. In this study, a dual germline PTCH2 mutation [Ser391*, Leu104Pro] was identified in a family with a history of glioma, and sequencing data from WES/SimcereDx Neuro-Onco 360 including 910 Chinese patients with glioma and 1666 patients with solid tumors were analyzed.

Potential global distributions of an important aphid pest, Rhopalosiphum padi: insights from ensemble models with multiple variables.

Species distribution modeling is extensively used for predicting potential distributions of invasive species. However, an ensemble modeling approach has been less frequently used particularly pest species. The bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L.

Mechanical response of elevated bridge piles to adjacent deep excavation.

In urban concentrated area, the disturbance caused by construction affects significantly the sustainability of adjacent existing structures. It is essential to capture the mechanical response of existing structures to adjacent deep excavation. The objective of this paper is to investigate the displacement and internal force behavior of elevated bridge piles (BP) subject to influence of deep excavation.

Improved conversion of carbon dioxide to methane via photohydrogenation using GdNiMnO with a dendritic fibrous architecture.

The conversion of diluted CO₂ into high-energy fuels is increasingly central to renewable energy research. This study investigates the efficacy of a Gd₂NiMnO₆ dendritic nanofibrous (DNF) photocatalyst in transforming carbon dioxide to methane through photoreduction. Gd₂NiMnO₆ DNF was found to provide active adsorption sites and control the strand dimensions for metal groups, facilitating the chemical absorption of CO₂.

Comparative assessment of Mini-FLOTAC, McMaster and semi-quantitative flotation for helminth egg examination in camel faeces.

Background: Faecal egg counts (FECs) are essential for diagnosing helminth infections and guiding treatment decisions. For camels, no evaluations of coproscopic methods regarding precision, sensitivity and correlation between individual and pooled faecal samples are currently available.

Methods: Here, 410 camel faecal samples were collected in 2022 from South Darfur State, Sudan, and analysed to compare the semi-quantitative flotation, McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC methods in terms of precision, sensitivity, inter-rater reliability and helminth egg count correlations, as well as the effects of pooling samples.

Malaria prevalence, transmission potential and efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy in the Kenyan Central highlands: a zone previously characterized as malaria-free.

Background: The current study sought to re-evaluate malaria prevalence, susceptibility to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), transmission patterns and the presence of malaria vectors in the Kikuyu area of the Kenyan Central highlands, a non-traditional/low risk malaria transmission zone where there have been anecdotal reports of emerging malaria infections.

Methods: Sampling of adult mosquitoes was done indoors, while larvae were sampled outdoors in June 2019. The malaria clinical study was an open label non-randomized clinical trial where the efficacy of one ACT drug, was evaluated in two health facilities.

Deapioplatycodin D inhibits glioblastoma cell proliferation by inducing BNIP3L-mediated incomplete mitophagy.

Deapioplatycodin D (DPD) is a triterpenoid saponin natural compound isolated from the Chinese herb Platycodon grandiflorum that has antiviral and antitumor properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DPD on glioblastoma (GBM) cells and to determine its intrinsic mechanism of action. Using a CCK8 assay, it was found that DPD significantly inhibited the growth of GBM cells.

N6-methyladenosine RNA modification regulates the transcription of SLC7A11 through KDM6B and GATA3 to modulate ferroptosis.

Background: Recent studies indicate that N6-methyladenosine (mA) RNA modification may regulate ferroptosis in cancer cells, while its molecular mechanisms require further investigation.

Methods: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) was used to detect changes in mA levels in cells. Transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to detect mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS).

A Low-Symmetry Copper Benzenehexathiol Coordination Polymer with In-Plane Electrical Anisotropy.

Electrically conductive coordination polymers (ECCPs), particularly those incorporating benzenehexathiol (BHT) ligands, are emerging as a distinctive class of electronic materials with tunable semiconducting and metallic properties. However, the exploration of novel ECCPs with low-symmetry structures and electrical anisotropy remains under development. Here, we report the on-water surface synthesis of a novel ECCP, namely Cu5BHT, which exhibits a low-symmetry structure and unique in-plane electrical anisotropy that differs from the well-known Cu3BHT phase.

A finite element analysis to assess tibial bone fracture in malleolar regions following total ankle replacement: Influences of implant designs and implant-bone interfacial conditions.

Background: Tibial bone fractures in the malleolar regions are a major concern during the early postoperative period of total ankle replacement (TAR), affecting patient outcomes such as stability and recovery. Design, placement, and anatomic misalignment of implant components can contribute to malleolar fractures. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of implant design features, including keel, peg, stem, and bar type design, and bone-implant interfacial conditions on malleolar fracture following TAR.

Preparation, mechanism, and biological applications of targeting LDs ratiometric fluorescent probes for HClO detection.

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a well-known inflammatory signaling molecule, while lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles closely related to inflammation. Using organic small-molecule fluorescence imaging technology to target LDs for precise monitoring of HClO is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing inflammation-related diseases. A thorough investigation of how probes detect biological markers and the influencing factors can aid in the design of probe molecules, the selection of high-performance tools, and the accuracy of disease detection.

Trans-dimensional nanocoral gold foam interfaces affords ultrasensitive detection of influenza virus.

Development of sensitive and cost-effective strategies for detecting influenza viruses is crucial to combat the spread of infectious diseases. In this study, a novel trans-dimensional nanocoral gold foam (NCGF) was fabricated on screen-printed carbon electrodes using hydrogen template electrodeposition method. This unique structure, with interconnected large and small pores, significantly increased the specific surface area and stability of the sensor.

A New Anti-Interfering Platelet Counting Technology Utilizing Conventional Impedance and White Blood Cell Differential Channel.

Introduction: Accurate platelet (PLT) counting is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment, especially under the condition of thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion. A few PLT counting approaches have been established including impedance and fluorescent methods. The impedance PLT counting (PLT-I) approach could be interfered by small non-PLT particles in the blood, such as RBC/WBC fragments, microcytes, bacteria, and cryoglobulins.

Informal care for people with dementia in Europe.

Introduction: Informal care estimates for use in health-economic models are lacking. We aimed to estimate the association between informal care time and dementia symptoms across Europe.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on 13,529 observations in 5,369 persons from 9 European pooled cohort or trial studies in community-dwelling persons with dementia.

Blarcamesine for the treatment of Early Alzheimer's Disease: Results from the ANAVEX2-73-AD-004 Phase IIB/III trial.

Background: There are no approved oral disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73), an orally available small-molecule activator of the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) in early AD through restoration of cellular homeostasis including autophagy enhancement.

Design: ANAVEX2-73-AD-004 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48-week Phase IIb/III trial.

Identification of Novel and Rare GNAS Mutations in Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia.

Background: Fibrous dysplasia (FD), caused by activating mutations of GNAS, is a skeletal disorder with considerable clinicopathological heterogeneity. Although prevalent mutations such as R201C and R201H dominate in FD, a limited number of rare mutations, including R201S, R201G, and Q227L, have been documented. The scarcity of information concerning these uncommon mutations motivates our investigation, seeking to enhance comprehension of this less-explored subgroup within FD.

Intranasal administration of stem cell-derived exosome alleviates cognitive impairment against subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Introduction: Brain damage caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) currently lacks effective treatment, leading to stagnation in the improvement of functional outcomes for decades. Recent studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of exosomes released from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which effectively attenuate neuronal apoptosis and inflammation in neurological diseases. Due to the challenge of systemic dilution associated with intravenous administration, intranasal delivery has emerged as a novel approach for targeting the brain.