Presacral tumors: a retrospective analysis of 112 cases with emphasis on diagnostic challenges and surgical outcomes.

Background: Presacral tumors are rare entities with heterogeneous pathology including malignant potential. Due to nonspecific symptoms mimicking common anorectal diseases, misdiagnosis remains a major challenge that may delay treatment and worsen prognosis, particularly for malignant variants. This study analyzes diagnostic pitfalls and surgical outcomes in a large single-center cohort.

Zuoqing granules attenuate ulcerative colitis via macrophage polarization modulation: involvement of the PPAR-γ/NF-κB/STAT1 signaling axis.

Background: Although our prior clinical study demonstrated the efficacy of Zuoqing granules (ZQGs) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC), the underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms remained unclear. This study systematically investigated ZQG's therapeutic effects through macrophage polarization modulation and related signaling pathways using both and models.

Methods: , dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC rats were divided into normal control, DSS model, and ZQG treatment groups (high/medium/low doses).

Fire-Ant-Inspired Magnetic Swarms with Stable Flotation for Programmable Shape Morphing and Cooperative Multitasking.

Inspired by the remarkable buoyancy and collective adaptability of fire ant rafts, this study presents magnetic composite micro-floaters (MCMs) capable of stable flotation at air-water interfaces-a key advancement for magnetic microrobotic swarms in fluid environments. The system overcomes the intrinsic sinking tendency of high-density NdFeB microparticles through bioinspired surface engineering. MCMS are fabricated via a solvent-exchange phase inversion process, encapsulating NdFeB cores with hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) and engineered surface roughness.

Study on elongation master curve of thermal aging composite modified double base propellant.

In order to predict the maximum elongation of composite modified double base (CMDB) propellants under different aging time, temperature and strain rate, systematic uniaxial tensile characterization was performed across six controlled temperatures (233.15 K, 253.15 K, 273.

The bifunctional transcription factor DEAR1 oppositely regulates chlorophyll biosynthesis and degradation in tomato fruits.

Chlorophyll metabolism plays a key role in fruit development and ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In immature fruits, chlorophyll facilitates photosynthesis, thereby supplying energy for growth. In contrast, chlorophyll degradation is an integral feature of ripening in most tomato varieties.

The PavMYB.C2-UFGT module contributes to fruit coloration via modulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet cherry.

Anthocyanins, vital secondary metabolites responsible for fruit coloration and health benefits, yet the genetic mechanisms regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in fruits remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted a metabolomic analysis that revealed both the total anthocyanin content and the relative abundance of individual anthocyanin species are critical contributors of the color variation observed between yellow- and dark red-fruited cultivars. Integrating transcriptomic data with metabolic profiles, we identified a gene module central to anthocyanin biosynthesis, with PavMYB.

Syndecan-4 promotes gastric cancer progression through activating TGF-β1 induced lipid reprogramming and contributes positive loop circuits.

Background: Syndecan-4 (SDC4) plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis through cell signaling, adhesion and matrix interactions. Lipid reprogramming is a core strategy for malignant tumors to drive progression and invasion through reshaping immunity, stromal and vascular ecology in microenvironment. However, the regulatory mechanism of SDC4 in lipid reprogramming has not yet been elucidated.

SlPLT6 controls ripening initiation and quality traits through modulation of histone acetylation and methylation in tomato.

Improving fruit growth and quality without compromising yield is a highly sought-after goal in crop breeding. Here, we report that an EAR motif-containing transcription factor SlPLT6 controls the onset of fruit ripening and quality traits in tomato. knockout caused precocious ripening initiation and enhanced fruit qualities without penalizing yield in two tomato cultivars.

Natural AlO Nanodielectric-Based Flexible Sensor with Triple Insensitivity for Healthcare and Robotics.

Flexible pressure sensors are critical for advanced systems such as electronic skins and human-machine interaction. Among them, ionic capacitive pressure sensors have attracted widespread attention due to their exceptional flexibility and sensitivity. However, variations in ambient temperature, humidity, and operating circuit frequency significantly degrade the measurement accuracy of ionic capacitive pressure sensors and increase the complexity of subsequent signal processing.

Non-Invasive Auricular Acupoint Stimulation Improves Slow-Transit Constipation: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Slow-transit constipation lacks optimal therapies due to the adverse effects and limited efficacy of current treatments. Auricular acupoint stimulation offers a potential adjunctive approach through neuromodulation, yet its clinical efficacy and mechanistic role in slow-transit constipation remain unestablished. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients diagnosed with slow-transit constipation, ranging in age from 40 to 75 years, were randomly allocated into 2 distinct cohorts: a study group and a control group.

Bi-functional transcription factor SlbHLH95 regulates fruits flavonoid metabolism and grey mould resistance in tomato.

Flavonoids are polyphenolic secondary metabolites in tomato fruit with important roles in nutritional quality. Dissecting the transcriptional regulatory network modulating flavonoid metabolism is the first step to improve the nutritional quality of tomato fruits through molecular breeding technology. In this study, we identified a transcription factor SlbHLH95 as a key regulator in flavonoid metabolism through analysis of the MicroTom Metabolic Network (MMN) data set.

ORANGE proteins mediate adaptation to high light and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae in tomato by regulating chlorophylls and carotenoids accumulation.

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are crucial for photosynthesis and plant survival, with ORANGE (OR) protein being pivotal in pigment accumulation. Despite tomato being rich in carotenoids, the roles of OR proteins in tomato have been overlooked. Herein, we characterized two OR genes in tomato, SlOR and SlOR-like, which are highly expressed in stems, leaves, and flowers, with their proteins being localized to chloroplasts.

The active ingredients and mechanism of Zuoqing San in the treatment of sigmoid ulcerative colitis by retention enema.

Objectives: This investigation aimed to evaluate the efficacy, key active ingredients, and mechanisms of Zuoqing San (ZQS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, in managing sigmoid ulcerative colitis (SUC).

Methods: A cohort of 126 participants was recruited and treated with ZQS at a daily dosage of 100 mL for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage of subjects achieving favorable treatment outcomes.

Bioinspired hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel for programmable shape-morphing.

Inspired by counterintuitive water "swelling" ability of the hydrophobic moss of the genus Sphagnum (Peat moss), we prepared a hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel (HPH), composed of a pure hydrophobic silicone elastomer with a tailored porous structure. In contrast to conventional hydrogels, HPH achieves absorption-induced volume expansion through surface tension induced elastocapillarity, presenting an unexpected absorption-induced volume expansion capability in hydrophobic matrices. We adopt a theoretical framework elucidating the interplay of surface tension induced elastocapillarity, providing insights into the absorption-induced volume expansion behavior.

Cellular Senescence Contributes to Colonic Barrier Integrity Impairment Induced by Toxoplasma gondii Infection.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) induces gut barrier integrity impairment, which is crucial to the establishment of long-term infection in hosts. Cellular senescence is an imperative event that drives disease progression.

The role of neutrophil extracellular traps in Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an idiopathic and chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The underlying pathogenesis of CD is multifaceted, with complex interactions between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and abnormalities within the immune system. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have gained significant attention as a novel component in the pathogenesis of CD.

Dynamic m6A mRNA methylation reveals the involvement of AcALKBH10 in ripening-related quality regulation in kiwifruit.

Kiwifruit ripening is a complex and highly coordinated process that occurs in conjunction with the formation of fruit edible quality. The significance of epigenetic changes, particularly the impact of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification on fruit ripening and quality formation, has been largely overlooked. We monitored m6A levels and gene expression changes in kiwifruit at four different stages using LC-MS/MS, MeRIP, RNA-seq, and validated the function of AcALKBH10 through heterologous transgenic expression in tomato.

The role of long non-coding RNA in Crohn's disease.

Emerging evidence has illuminated the pivotal role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in orchestrating immunological functions and autoimmune responses. In the context of Crohn's disease (CD), an array of novel lncRNAs has been identified in the plasma and intestinal tissues of afflicted individuals, suggesting a dualistic influence on the disease progression, either exacerbating or mitigating its course. Current research has demonstrated the involvement of lncRNAs in competitive endogenous RNA, the inflammation process, epithelial barrier function, gut microbiota imbalance, and epigenetic regulation.

Bioinspired Robust Gas-Permeable On-Skin Electronics: Armor-Designed Nanoporous Flash Graphene Assembly Enhancing Mechanical Resilience.

Soft on-skin electrodes play an important role in wearable technologies, requiring attributes such as wearing comfort, high conductivity, and gas permeability. However, conventional fabrication methods often compromise simplicity, cost-effectiveness, or mechanical resilience. In this study, a mechanically robust and gas-permeable on-skin electrode is presented that incorporates Flash Graphene (FG) integrated with a bioinspired armor design.

Preoperative Blood Transfusion Requirements for Hemorrhoidal Severe Anemia: A Retrospective Study of 128 Patients.

BACKGROUND Severe anemia caused by hemorrhoidal hematochezia is typically treated preoperatively with reference to severe anemia treatment strategies from other etiologies. This retrospective cohort study included 128 patients with hemorrhoidal severe anemia admitted to 3 hospitals from September 1, 2018, to August 1, 2023, and aimed to evaluate preoperative blood transfusion requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS Of 5120 patients with hemorrhoids, 128 (2.

A distal enhancer guides the negative selection of toxic glycoalkaloids during tomato domestication.

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are major plant defense metabolites against pests, while they are considered poisonous in food. The genetic basis that guides negative selection of SGAs production during tomato domestication remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a distal enhancer, GAME Enhancer 1 (GE1), as the key regulator of SGAs metabolism in tomato.

Ethylene-MPK8-ERF.C1-PR module confers resistance against Botrytis cinerea in tomato fruit without compromising ripening.

The plant hormone ethylene plays a critical role in fruit defense against Botrytis cinerea attack, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that ethylene response factor SlERF.C1 acts as a key regulator to trigger the ethylene-mediated defense against B.

Gibberellins involved in fruit ripening and softening by mediating multiple hormonal signals in tomato.

The phytohormone ethylene is well known for its important role in the ripening of climacteric fruit, such as tomato (). However, the role and mode of action of other plant hormones in climacteric fruit ripening regulation are not fully understood. Here, we showed that exogenous GA treatment or increasing endogenous gibberellin content by overexpressing the gibberellin synthesis gene specifically in fruit tissues delayed tomato fruit ripening, whereas treatment with the GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC) accelerated fruit ripening.