YTHDF3-associated m6A regulation and cuproptosis-related gene expression in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Unlabelled: This study aims to explore the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in regulating Cuproptosis in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH), providing insights into its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Gene expression profiles from both human (GSE123568; 30 SONFH patients and 10 controls) and rat femoral head samples (GSE26316; 3 SONFH and 3 controls) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. In a matched case-control study, femoral head tissues from SONFH patients and non-SONFH controls were collected.

USP5-Rich Apoptotic Extracellular Vesicles Regulate Nucleus Pulposus Cells Apoptosis and DNA Damage Repair by Preventing E2F1 Proteasomal Degradation.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is considered one of the most promising regenerative strategies for treating degenerative musculoskeletal diseases, yet its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that transplanted MSCs regulate apoptosis and DNA damage repair (DDR) in senescent nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) by releasing apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs), thereby delaying the process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Mechanistically, we found that NPCs in degenerated discs exhibit abnormal subcellular localization of the deubiquitinase ubiquitin specific peptidase 5 (USP5), with excessive cytoplasmic retention leading to aberrant ubiquitination and degradation of the E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1).

The Effects of Turbulent Biological Tissue on Adjustable Anomalous Vortex Laser Beam.

In this work, we present a new partially coherent adjustable anomalous vortex laser beam (PCAAVLB) and introduce it into turbulent biological tissue. The equation of such PCAAVLB in turbulent biological tissue is obtained. By numerical analysis, the evolution of the intensity of such PCAAVLB in turbulent biological tissue is analyzed.

Clinical application research on the quantitative measurement of supraspinatus muscle fatty degeneration based on PACS system to improve preoperative assessment.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel quantitative method using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for multiplane assessment of supraspinatus muscle fatty infiltration (FI) and compare its reliability and accuracy with traditional single-plane visual evaluations (Under Direct Vision-FF) in preoperative planning for rotator cuff tear (RCT) patients.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) between January and June 2023. Preoperative 3.

Modifying hen egg-white lysozyme into amyloid fibrils with enriched β-sheets improved antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria.

The antimicrobial activity of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) can be improved by various modifications. However, the antimicrobial mechanisms of modified HEWL need further investigation. Here, HEWL protein was modified at 57 °C in glycine solution of pH 2.

Tailorable bimetallic nanozyme mitigates intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammageing.

Scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism, and preventing senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) are crucial factors of treatment approaches for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, addressing these issues simultaneously has been challenging due to the interactions among the various pathological factors in the disc microenvironment. Herein, we utilize self-assembly technology and the excellent drug-carrying potential of mesoporous Prussian blue to design a tailorable bimetallic nanozyme platform of a Mn-modified mesoporous Prussian blue loaded with Cibotium barometz (MPB-Mn3-CB) for the treatment of IDD.

Enhanced gain in O-band quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier based on a dual-pass amplification scheme.

Quantum dot (QD)-based semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) are critical amplifying elements for future high-speed, cost-effective optical communication networks. In this work, we demonstrate a high-gain 1.3 µm QD SOA with a proposed dual-pass configuration, achieving a record small-signal gain of 44.

Independent and combined associations between exposure to ambient air pollutants and mortality: a case-crossover study.

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that short‑term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of mortality. However, understanding of the combined effects of exposure to various air pollutants on mortality is limited.

Objectives: This study aimed to quantify a short‑term association between exposure to various air pollutants and death risk in the Qingpu District of Shanghai, and to evaluate the modifying effect of ambient temperature on this association.

Diagnostic potential of pericoronary adipose tissue mean attenuation for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease: a comparative analysis with the fat attenuation index.

Background: The fat attenuation index (FAI), a threshold-based method for assessing pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) density, provides strong evidence for patient-specific coronary inflammation assessment. However, the reliance on fat thresholds may result in the omission of some critical information. Thus, this study aimed to explore the diagnostic potential of a novel method, pericoronary adipose tissue mean attenuation (PCAT), which is not constrained by fat threshold limitations, by investigating the relationships among PCAT, the FAI, and coronary artery plaque types.

Energy consumption and quality improvement of frozen pork using NaCl refrigerant with three amino acids in contact immersion freezing.

Maintaining low-energy consumption and improving the quality of frozen pork contribute to the sustainability of the meat industry. This study used a 23.5 % sodium chloride (NaCl) solution as the control refrigerant (NIF).

A cerium nanocluster for effective alleviation of inflammatory bowel disease by scavenging RONS and regulating gut microbiome.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (RONS) within the pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Conventional treatments often have serious side effects, making IBD management challenging. Here, a new cerium cluster, Ce12, with a formula of [Ce( -O)( -OH)( -OH)(ADA)]∙3HO∙3CHCN (ADA = 1-adamantanecarboxylate) was prepared and capped with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) through self-assembly process involving the adamantane moiety of Ce12 and β-CD, resulting in Ce12@CD nanoparticles (NPs).

Modified versus conventional percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture treatment: a systematic review and pilot meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study compares the safety and clinical effectiveness of modified percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) approaches (transverse process-pedicle or extrapedicular) with the conventional transpedicular approach for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Methods: We searched various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. Safety outcomes included operative time, radiation dose, injected cement volume, and cement leakage rate, while efficacy outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Cobb's angle, and vertebral body height.

Low-Temperature Pyrolysis: A Universal Route to High-Loading Single-Atom Catalysts for Fuel Cells.

High-temperature pyrolysis (HTP, ≥900 °C) is a widely used method for synthesizing single-atom catalysts (SACs). However, the high operational temperatures required for HTP pose significant challenges in achieving high single-atom loading, primarily due to the Ostwald ripening effect. In this work, a low-temperature trans-metalation synthesis approach is developed which involves the exchange of cation between transition metal ions (M = Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Mn, etc) and Zn ions on a nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) matrix within a molten salt medium.

An electric field and runtime driven band model for high-speed, real-time imaging gel electrophoresis.

Background: Traditional temperature-dependent models face difficulties in compact systems due to complex temperature control. This study introduces an electric field strength and runtime driven (E-t) band model to improve GE performance by correlating band behavior with electric field and runtime rather than temperature.

Results: We developed a compact E-t model based GE system, which equipped with inert platinum-titanium electrodes, a quartz-glass-embedded tank for passive cooling, and smartphone-based real-time fluorescence imaging.

A portable low-cost polymerase chain reaction device.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a cornerstone technique in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics. However, conventional PCR systems are often bulky and prohibitively expensive, limiting their use in resource-limited settings. In this work, we present a portable, low-cost PCR instrument designed to overcome these challenges while providing fast and accurate thermal cycling.

Identification of methionine metabolism related prognostic model and tumor suppressive functions of BHMT in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Given the resistance to conventional treatments and limitations of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is imperative to explore novel prognostic models and biomarkers. The dependence of cancer cell on exogenous methionine, known as Hoffman effect, is a hallmark of HCC, with numerous studies reporting a strong correlation between methionine metabolism and tumor development. Betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT), a critical component of methionine metabolism pathway, has polymorphisms linking to poor prognosis in multiple cancers.

THSD4 promotes hair growth by facilitating dermal papilla and hair matrix interactions.

Aging causes striking changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in hair follicles, which has a profound influence on hair growth. How the ECM of dermal papilla (DP), the master regulator of hair growth, changes during aging remains largely unknown. Herovici staining, Western Blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess DP ECM and protein expression in hair follicles.

Optimal lumbar vertebral level for trunk muscle CT assessments in opportunistic sarcopenia screening: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aims to identify the optimal lumbar vertebral level for CT-based assessments of trunk muscles in relation to physical function and muscle strength, and to establish a foundation for opportunistic CT screening for sarcopenia.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2022 and December 2022. Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to estimate the correlation between CT parameters of trunk muscle with physical function and muscle strength.

Analysis of Potential Markers of Pork Freshness Based on Volatile Organic Compounds.

Bacteria and endogenous enzymes generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are posited to be the primary source of undesirable flavors in spoilt pork. Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to assess the fluctuations in VOC concentrations in pork stored under tray packaging at 6-8 °C for 10 days, while total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and total viable counts (TVCs) were used to determine the quality of the pork. During storage, TVCs steadily increased, reflecting the growth of spoilage-related microorganisms, while TVB-N levels surpassed the spoilage threshold early, indicating an acceleration of the degradation process.

Function of chitinase in Penicillium ochrochloron Q-3-1 and its insecticidal and antifungal mechanism and biological control against citrus pests and diseases.

The biocontrol potential strain of Penicillium ochrochloron Q-3-1 was isolated from Hepialus armoricanus larvae. However, the insecticidal and antifungal mechanisms of Q-3-1 are still unclear. Eleven chitinase genes (Poch1-Poch11) were isolated for functional identification.

Ultrahigh Sensing Performance: Coresponse and Differentiation of Ethyl Acetate and Its Byproducts in Fe-Ce-O Interfacial Sensor.

Accurately detecting low concentrations of ethyl acetate (EA) holds promise for the early screening of rectal and gastric cancer. The primary challenges lie in achieving a high response at parts per billion level concentration and ensuring high selectivity. This study focuses on designing Fe-Ce-O bimetallic oxides with doping and heterogeneous interfaces, which exhibit outstanding redox properties and highly enhanced ability of the adsorption and activation of both O and EA molecules.

Luteolin as an adjuvant effectively enhanced the efficacy of adoptive tumor-specific CTLs therapy.

Background: Luteolin, a natural flavonoid compound, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and broad anti-tumor properties. Recent studies suggest that its anti-tumor effects are linked to enhanced CTL function-including proliferation, survival, and cytotoxicity-via inhibition of the YAP/Wnt signaling pathway in tumor cells. Consequently, luteolin has potential as an adjuvant in combination therapies with adoptive immunotherapy.

Growth of Atomically Thin Metastable β-Tungsten in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Stable One-Dimensional Ferromagnets.

Thin-film β tungsten (β-W), a metastable phase of tungsten, holds significant potential in the fabrication of superconducting and spin-memory devices. However, due to the rapid surface passivation of tungsten in oxygen and moisture, the synthesis of nanosized metastable β-W with the intrinsic atomic surface is still difficult, and their magnetic properties remain rather unexplored. Inspired by the strong host-guest interaction-induced stabilization, we reported the synthesis of atomically thin (1.

Division of the inferior pulmonary ligament during upper lobectomy does not improve postoperative pulmonary function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials.

Background: Some surgeons routinely divide the inferior pulmonary ligament (IPL) during upper lobectomy. Nevertheless, the evidence remains inconclusive regarding whether dividing the IPL improves the postoperative pulmonary. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of inferior pulmonary ligament division (IPLD) during upper lobectomy.

Development, characterization, and biological activity of composite films: Eugenol-zein nanoparticles in pea starch/soy protein isolate films.

With an increasing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability, natural polymers like proteins and polysaccharides are being utilized more frequently in the development of biodegradable food packaging. However, the limited properties of these biopolymers have restricted their widespread applicability within the food industry. To address this issue, eugenol-loaded zein nanoparticles (ZE NPs) were incorporated into pea starch/soy protein-based films, and their effect on the physicochemical properties of these films were investigated.