A Critical Evaluation of Background Gene Omission in Imaging Transcriptomics.

Imaging transcriptomics integrates spatial gene expression data with imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) to elucidate molecular mechanisms that underlie brain structure and function. Overrepresentation analysis (ORA) is widely used to annotate IDP-related genes; however, many studies have overlooked appropriate background gene selection. Here, we critically evaluated the impact of omitting a proper background on ORA findings.

Characterization and source apportionment of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils in the complex genesis region of western Yunnan.

The genesis of heavy metal contamination in arable soils is complex, and scientifically identifying risks and precisely analyzing contamination sources are essential for safely using contaminated arable land. In this study, we systematically evaluated the pollution characteristics of Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr in soil, and then applied the APCS-MLR and PMF models to jointly analyze pollution sources and their contributions. The results showed that the concentrations of the eight heavy metals were significantly higher than the background values for soils in Yunnan Province, exhibiting clear spatial heterogeneity.

Targeting GABA signaling in the tumor microenvironment: implications for immune cell regulation and immunotherapy resistance.

As an important inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) not only plays a key role in the central nervous system, but also has attracted wide attention in the tumor immune microenvironment in recent years. Studies have shown that tumor cells can synthesize GABA and use it to remodel the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting the occurrence, development and metastasis of tumors. Although previous studies have revealed the important role of GABA in tumor immune escape, there are still many unknown areas of its mechanism, especially the heterogeneous manifestations in different tumor types and tissue environments.

Plasma lipidomics profiling to identify signatures of pediatric medulloblastoma.

Background: Medulloblastoma is similar to other common tumors in the posterior cranial fossa of children in terms of the onset and clinical manifestations. Still, its main treatment methods, surgical methods and prognosis are quite different. Therefore, there is an urgent need for finding biomarkers for differential diagnosis.

Passivation effect of modified biochar on cadmium in mining contaminated soil.

Cadmium contamination in agricultural soils poses significant risks to crop safety and ecosystem health. This study investigated the efficacy of modified biochar for Cadmium immobilization in mining-impacted soils through a pot experiment with Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr.

Machine Learning-Driven Design and Optimization of Multi-Metal Nitride Hard Coatings via Multi-Arc Ion Plating Using Genetic Algorithm and Support Vector Regression.

The goal of this study is to develop an efficient machine learning framework for designing high-hardness multi-metal nitride coatings, overcoming the limitations of traditional trial-and-error methods. The development of multicomponent metal nitride hard coatings via multi-arc ion plating remains a significant challenge due to the vast compositional search space. Although theoretical studies in macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic domains exist, these often focus on idealized models and lack effective coupling across scales, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional methods.

New enlightenment on the regulatory effects of acids and phenolic compounds in wood vinegar, a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, on tomato production.

Wood vinegar (WV), a biomass pyrolysis by-product, is widely used in agriculture because of the complexity and abundance of its bioactive substances. However, the specific mechanisms underlying plant growth regulation by acids and phenolic compounds, accounting for the largest proportion of their constituents, remain unclear. Therefore, the main acids (N-ethylglycine, Lactic, and 2-pyridinecarboxylic acids) and phenols (Catechol and Guaiacol) were selected to understand their effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and tomato growth in a pot experiment.

Integrative multi-omics data from early development to identify the genes and cell types underlying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous loci significantly associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, the majority of these loci are located in non-coding regions, limiting our understanding of the disorder's underlying pathogenesis.

Methods: We applied the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) approach to integrate expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data derived from bulk post-mortem tissues, fetal brain tissues, and single-cell types from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and post-mortem brain samples with ADHD GWAS data. Additionally, we performed cell-type enrichment analysis to identify specific cell types implicated in ADHD.

Expert consensus on a multidisciplinary approach for the management of multiple myeloma-related bone disease.

This consensus on multiple myeloma-related bone diseases (MBDs) underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses hematology, radiology, orthopedics, and additional specialties to tackle its intricate challenges. MBD, a prevalent and debilitating complication of multiple myeloma, leads to bone pain, fractures, and skeletal-related events (SREs), which profoundly impact patients' quality of life. The guidelines offer a thorough framework for diagnosis, treatment, and continual assessment, emphasizing early detection and consistent monitoring using imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Analysis of the Causes and Treatment of Surgical Site Infection in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy for Lumbar Disc Herniation.

Background: Degenerative lumbar spine pathologies are a major cause of chronic low back pain and radiculopathy. In recent years, unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technology has been applied more in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. However, there are few studies on UBE postoperative infection.

Comparing warming strategies to reduce hypothermia and shivering in elderly abdominal or pelvic surgery patients: a network meta-analysis.

Perioperative hypothermia (PHT) and shivering represent significant clinical challenges in geriatric surgical populations. This network meta-analysis (NMA) systematically evaluates the comparative efficacy of various warming interventions in preventing PHT and shivering among elderly patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and China Wanfang databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2024.

Immunoinflammatory biomarkers as predictors of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke patients after endovascular thrombectomy.

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) are common complications of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The role of peripheral immune inflammation in HT after EVT is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between immune inflammatory factor levels and HT and sICH occurrence, and to develop predictive models.

Single-Cell Profiling of the Microenvironment in High-Risk Neuroblastoma.

Although tumor biology and treatment of neuroblastoma (NB) have substantially advanced, the clinical outcomes of patients with high-risk NB (HR-NB) still remain unsatisfactory. Increasing evidence suggests that targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an effective strategy for the treatment of patients with HR-NB, highlighting the necessity to deepen the understanding of the complex TME in HR-NB. We analyzed the single-cell RNA sequencing data of 16 NB samples from 11 patients with HR-NB and 5 patients with intermediate-/low-risk NB.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in typical karst soils and analysis of potential influencing factors.

The southwestern region of Yunnan Province, China, is characterized by typical karst landforms, where the elevated concentration of soil heavy metals has had significant impacts on the local environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of soil heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr) and identify the influencing factors in the target area using geo-detector and spatial interpolation techniques. The average concentration of chromium (Cr) in the study area exceeded the background level of soil elements in Yunnan Province, being 1.

Feasibility and safety of 0.018-inch guidewire-supported distal access catheters in establishing transradial neurointerventional access.

Transradial access (TRA) in neurointervention has gained popularity due to fewer procedural complications and reduced recovery time compared to transfemoral access (TFA). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of using 0.018-inch guidewire (018''GW)-supported distal access catheters (DAC) in establishing transradial neurointerventional access, in comparison to the Ballast long sheath.

From open-field to greenhouse cultivation: characteristics, and driving factors of soil bioavailable lead and cadmium changes in Southwest China.

Understanding the dynamics of bioavailable lead (Pb-ava) and cadmium (Cd-ava) in soils from open-field and greenhouse cultivation is crucial for mitigating health risks. Research on Pb-ava and Cd-ava in greenhouse soils was limited. This study analyzed soils from leafy vegetable and grape plantations in Southwest China.

Exploring the Causal Relationship Between Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

Objective: Osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are commonly associated, but whether there is a causal genetic relationship between them remains unclear. This study used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate this causal relationship.

Methods: Genetic instruments for osteoporosis and RA were obtained from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Bortezomib, Mitoxantrone Hydrochloride Liposome, and Dexamethasone for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Multi-Center, Open-Label Phase I Trial.

Backgrounds: Mitoxantrone hydrochloride liposome (Lipo-MIT) has shown clinical benefits in various tumors. However, there is no prospective study evaluating its effectiveness and safety in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). A phase I trial of bortezomib, Lipo-MIT, and dexamethasone (VMitD) with the primary endpoints being safety and efficacy was performed.

Factors associated with serum concentrations of vancomycin crystalline degradation product (CDP-1) among patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with serum trough concentrations of vancomycin crystalline degradation product (CDP-1) and to determine the impact of CDP-1 on chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) results among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: In this retrospective observational study, patients with CKD who were receiving vancomycin intravenously were included if steady-state serum trough levels of vancomycin were available. Patients were allocated to three groups on the basis of their estimated creatinine clearance (eCrCl) on the day of trough level monitoring: G1 (60 < eCrCl ≤ 90 mL/min), G2 (30 < eCrCl ≤ 60 mL/min), and G3 (eCrCl ≤ 30 mL/min).

Phosphogypsum improves soil and benefits crop growth: An effective measure for utilizing solid waste resources.

The utilization rate of phosphogypsum (PG) is currently low, and prolonged storage poses environmental pollution. Therefore, there is an urgent need to promote resource-efficient utilization. This study investigated the alterations in the characteristics of modified PG artificial soil (MPG-soil) and their influence on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) growth using hierarchical land reclamation technique (HLRT) and integrated land reclamation technique (ILRT).

A glycogen synthase kinase-3 gene enhances grain yield heterosis in semi-dwarf rapeseed.

Optimizing plant height is a key breeding objective in Brassica napus to enhance lodging resistance and increase yield potential. In the present study, we identified a semi-dwarf gene in rapeseed, BnDWARF5 (BnDF5), which encodes a glycogen synthase kinase 3, BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 2 (BnaC03.BIN2), primarily controlling the elongation of basal internodes by inhibiting the elongation of internode cells.

Analysis of asymmetry in macular structure and function associated with ocular dominance.

Purpose: Research on the correlation between ocular dominance and macular structure and function is inconsistent. This clinical observational study explored the effect of ocular dominance on retinal structure and the correlation between binocular structural asymmetry and ocular dominance.

Methods: Forty healthy young adults (aged 20-29 years) were enrolled.

Experimental study on the adsorption mechanism and desorption of guar gum with different structures on quartz surfaces.

The adsorption and desorption of guar gum on quartz surfaces are particularly concerned in mineral flotation and hydraulic fracturing. The adsorption capacity of GG, HPG, CMG, and CGG in quartz was quantitatively studied by spectroscopy. The adsorption mechanism and desorption of four different structures of guar gum on the quartz surface were investigated using zeta potential, XPS, and adhesion work.