Comparative study of modified midline lumbar interbody fusion and modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of single-level lumbar degenerative diseases.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified cortical bone trajectory (MCBT) screw combined with transarticular screw (TASS) fixation (MCBT-TASS) in modified midline lumbar interbody fusion (M-MIDLIF) for single-level lumbar degenerative disease (LDD).

Methods: We retrospectively included 104 patients with L4-5 or L5-S1 single-segment LDD who had indications for decompression, fusion, and internal fixation surgery from 2019 to 2022. They were subsequently divided into M-MIDLIF and modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (M-TLIF) groups according to the surgical approach.

Reticulate allopolyploidy and subsequent dysploidy drive evolution and diversification in the cotton family.

Polyploidy and subsequent post-polyploid diploidization (PPD) are key drivers of plant genome evolution, yet their contributions to evolutionary success remain debated. Here, we analyze the Malvaceae family as an exemplary system for elucidating the evolutionary role of polyploidy and PPD in angiosperms, leveraging 11 high-quality chromosome-scale genomes from all nine subfamilies, including newly sequenced, near telomere-to-telomere assemblies from four of these subfamilies. Our findings reveal a complex reticulate paleoallopolyploidy history early in the diversification of the Malvadendrina clade, characterized by multiple rounds of species radiation punctuated by ancient allotetraploidization (Mal-β) and allodecaploidization (Mal-α) events around the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary.

Endocannabinoids inhibit contextual fear memory generalization via hippocampal GABAergic synaptic transmission.

Memory generalization allows an organism to adapt to new conditions, but overgeneralization of fear or traumatic experiences can be detrimental to survival and contributes to the development of various mental disorders. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fear memory generalization, especially in the hippocampus, remain largely unknown. In this study, utilizing a well-established mouse model of fear memory generalization, we investigated the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs)-mediated GABAergic synaptic inputs to hippocampal pyramidal neurons in regulating contextual fear memory generalization.

Effects of maternal Echinococcus multilocularis infection on colitis susceptibility and gut microbiota of offspring.

Background: Maternal immune modulation and alterations in gut microbiota due to intestinal helminth infections may be passed on to offspring. However, it remains unclear whether these effects can be transferred between maternal mice and their offspring during tissue-dwelling helminth infections.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of maternal infection with Echinococcus multilocularis (Emu) on offspring susceptibility to colitis and gut microbiota composition using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model.

Role of astrocytic mu-opioid receptors of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray in modulating anxiety-like responses.

Background: Mu-opioid receptors (MORs) are critical regulators mediating the modulation of several behavioral reactions, including analgesia, addiction, and sedation. Recent studies have reported that MORs are closely associated with mood disorders or anxiety behaviors; however, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. The periaqueductal gray (PAG), a key brain area, participates in the modulation of aversive emotional behaviors.

The metastasis-associated protein MTA3 promotes cardiac repair by inhibiting the fibroblast to myofibroblast transition during fibrosis.

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological hallmark of various cardiovascular disorders. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts during the occurrence of cardiac fibrosis, but the mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study aims to investigate the relevance of MTA3 as a potential therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.

Network analysis of depression, insomnia and internet addiction symptoms in Chinese college students.

Background: Excessive internet usage is a global issue, often associated with depressive and insomnia symptoms (depression and insomnia hereafter). This study aimed to examine the inter-relationships among symptoms of Internet Addiction (IA), depression, and insomnia among Chinese college students using network analysis.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with college students in Guangzhou, China.

Synthesis of SGLT2 inhibitor -glucoside derivatives for enhancing anti-heart failure activity.

SGLT2 inhibitors were derived from the natural product phlorizin and were used clinically to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In this study, based on phlorizin as the lead compound, tyramine moiety was introduced while retaining the pharmacophoric glucoside, thereby enhancing SGLT2 protein inhibitory activity and improving gastrointestinal absorption properties. We synthesized 11 new -glucoside derivatives and evaluated their anti-heart failure activities.

Boosted HO activation for water decontamination via biomass carbon dots/WO composites: The role of Z-scheme charge transfer pathway and dual reaction centers.

Photo-Fenton-like catalytic reactions exhibit remarkable effectiveness in environmental remediation owing to the synergistic interaction between photocatalysis and peroxide activation. Herein, biomass carbon quantum dots (BCDs) derived from pomelo peels were used to modulate BCDs/WO (BW) composites with dual reaction centers via a microwave-induced solvothermal approach, forming an iron-free photo-Fenton-like system (PFLS). Driven by the built-in electric field across the BW heterointerface, a Z-scheme charge transfer route was elucidated, which endows rapid photoexcited electron transfer from the WO to the BCDs.

Effects and Persistence of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 and Fructooligosaccharides on Older Adults with Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Research on effects of synbiotics in older adults with functional constipation (FC) is limited. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a 4-week synbiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 and fructooligosaccharides [FOS]) intervention in 67 participants ≥60 years old meeting Rome IV FC criteria.

The Regulation Mechanism of Oxygen Vacancies in Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite LnNiO (Ln = La, Pr, Nd) Air Electrode for Reversible Protonic Solid Oxide Cells.

Reversible protonic solid oxide cells (R-PSOCs) are promising green energy storage devices for efficient hydrogen/electricity conversion. Due to the complex environment of the air electrode, the microscopic influence mechanism of oxygen vacancies in perovskites on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is unclear. In this study, the layered Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite LnNiO (Ln = La, Pr, Nd) air electrodes are constructed to investigate the effect of oxygen vacancies on the water/oxygen coupling in dual mode.

Gan-tang-yi decoction improves hepatic insulin resistance through activation of IRS2/PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibition of AGEs/RAGE pathway in cirrhotic rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis, are strongly associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Gan-tang-yi decoction (GTYD), as a famous classical prescription effectively reduced the elevated level of blood glucose, and improved insulin resistance in cirrhotic patients. However, its specific chemical compositions and molecular mechanisms are still unclear.

Helminth reshapes host gut microbiota and immunoregulation by deploying an antimicrobial program of innate immunity.

Helminths can manipulate their host's gut microbiota, with the expansion of the lactobacilli population being a common feature. This process profoundly influences host immunoregulation, yet the underlying mechanisms remain almost unknown. Using a tissue-dwelling helminth model (larval ) while validating key findings from other helminth infections, we show that helminths harness the antibacterial program of host innate immunity to transform the host gut microbiome and control gut microbiota-mediated immunity.

Comparative effectiveness and acceptability of internet-based psychological interventions on depression in young people: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Depression represents a major global public health challenge, particularly among young individuals aged between 10 and 25. This age bracket is notably critical, as the onset of depression during these years tends to be more severe and consequential. In response to the growing demand for mental health services, internet-based psychological interventions have gained traction as a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional face-to-face treatment.

Positive Pyramidal Sign as an Unexpected Presentation in Antipsychotic-Induced Acute Dystonia: Case Reports and Literature Review.

Background: Acute drug-induced dystonia (DID) is an extrapyramidal side effect triggered by certain medications, primarily antipsychotics. It presents as acute involuntary muscle contractions, causing twisting, repetitive movements, or abnormal postures. Pyramidal signs, typically from upper motor neuron damage, are characterized by positive pathological reflexes, increased muscle tone, and hyperactive tendon reflexes.

Anti-EGFR therapy can overcome acquired resistance to the third-generation ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor lorlatinib mediated by activation of EGFR.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are standard treatments for EML4-ALK-positive NSCLC, but resistance to these agents remains a challenge. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms of acquired resistance to the third-generation ALK-TKI lorlatinib.

Assessing Causality Between Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor With Major Depression Disorder: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

Purpose: This study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the bidirectional relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and major depressive disorder (MDD), addressing gaps left by prior observational studies.

Methods: We utilized Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) datasets, including MDD information from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and the UK Biobank (N = 500,199), along with plasma BDNF measurements from the FinnGen Consortium (N = 619). In a subsequent phase, we analyzed MDD data from FinnGen (N = 448,069) with plasma BDNF data from three additional GWAS sources: UK Biobank (N = 33,924), deCODE (N = 35,353), and INTERVAL (N = 3301).

Robotic-assisted surgical treatment of complex giant incisional hernias: A report of 3 cases.

Incisional hernia of abdominal wall is one of the most common complications following open surgery. Giant incisional hernia of abdominal wall is defined as having a maximum defect diameter >12 cm or a hernia sac volume-to-abdominal cavity volume ratio >20%. The Primary treatment for giant incisional hernia of abdominal wall is surgical repair; however, both open surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery are associated with significant technical difficulty, high surgical trauma, frequent postoperative complications, and suboptimal outcomes.

Comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genomes of the soft-shelled turtles Palea steindachneri and Pelodiscus axenaria and phylogenetic implications for Trionychia.

Soft-shelled turtles, or Trionychia, are an enigmatic and fascinating group due to their specific morphological features and ecological adaptations. Based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and/or nuclear markers, previous studies showed the incongruent phylogenetic topologies within Trionychia (e.g.

Lanthanum-loaded biochar-based alginate hydrogels for efficient phosphate adsorption from wastewater.

In this study, a lanthanum-loaded biochar-based alginate hydrogel (La@SA@BC) was successfully fabricated at an optimal 1:1 mass ratio of lanthanum-loaded biochar to sodium alginate. A maximum phosphate (P) adsorption capacity of 56.5 mg/g was achieved under an adsorbent dosage of 0.

Multieffect Specific Nanovesicles for Homing Resistant Tumors and Overcoming Osimertinib-Acquired Resistance in NSCLC.

Acquired resistance to osimertinib (Osi) remains a major obstacle in the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). AXL elevation is a known key mechanism of Osi-resistance, and therapeutic strategies remain scarce. Emerging evidence reveals that an increased intracellular glutathione (GSH) level induces Osi resistance.

AXL: shapers of tumor progression and immunosuppressive microenvironments.

As research progresses, our understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has undergone profound changes. The TME evolves with the developmental stages of cancer and the implementation of therapeutic interventions, transitioning from an immune-promoting to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Consequently, we focus intently on the significant role of the TME in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance.

Oxymatrine reduces hepatic lipid synthesis in rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating Sirt1/AMPK and LXR/Plin2/SREBP-1c pathways.

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease with limited treatment options. Oxymatrine (OMT) has been reported to treat liver diseases effectively. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of OMT in NASH.

Metabolome and transcriptome profiling reveal tRNA-derived small RNAs regulated glutathione metabolism in intrauterine growth-restricted pigs.

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) has become a difficult problem in animal husbandry and is often accompanied by the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a novel class of regulatory small noncoding RNAs. However, the involvement of tsRNA in regulating the mechanism of IUGR remains unclear.