To develop a multimodal imaging atlas of a rat brain-computer interface (BCI) that incorporates brain, arterial, bone tissue and a BCI device using mixed reality (MR) for three-dimensional (3D) visualization.

An invasive BCI was implanted in the left visual cortex of 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Multimodal imaging techniques, including micro-CT and 9.0 T MRI, were used to acquire images of the rat cranial bone structure, vascular distribution, brain tissue functional zones, and BCI device before and after implantation. Using 3D-slicer software, the images were fused through spatial transformations, followed by image segmentation and 3D model reconstruction. The HoloLens platform was employed for MR visualization.

This study constructed a multimodal imaging atlas for rats that included the skull, brain tissue, arterial tissue, and BCI device coupled with MR technology to create an interactive 3D anatomical model.

This multimodal 3D atlas provides an objective and stable reference for exploring complex relationships between brain tissue structure and function, enhancing the understanding of the operational principles of BCIs. This is the first multimodal 3D imaging atlas related to a BCI created using Sprague-Dawley rats.

To develop and validate a deep neural network (DNN) model for diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease (PD) using handwritten spiral and wave images, and to compare its performance with various machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models.

The study utilized a dataset of 204 images (102 spiral and 102 wave) from PD patients and healthy subjects. The images were preprocessed using the Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) descriptor and augmented to increase dataset diversity. The DNN model was designed with an input layer, three convolutional layers, two max-pooling layers, two dropout layers, and two dense layers. The model was trained and evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and loss. The DNN model was compared with nine ML models (random forest, logistic regression, AdaBoost, k-nearest neighbor, gradient boost, naïve Bayes, support vector machine, decision tree) and two DL models (convolutional neural network, DenseNet-201).

The DNN model outperformed all other models in diagnosing PD from handwritten spiral and wave images. On spiral images, the DNN model achieved accuracies of 41.24% over naïve Bayes, 31.24% over decision tree, and 27.9% over support vector machine. On wave images, the DNN model achieved accuracies of 40% over naïve Bayes, 36.67% over decision tree, and 30% over support vector machine. The DNN model demonstrated significant improvements in sensitivity and specificity compared to other models.

The DNN model significantly improves the accuracy of PD diagnosis using handwritten spiral and wave images, outperforming several ML and DL models. This approach offers a promising diagnostic tool for early PD detection and provides a foundation for future work to incorporate additional features and enhance detection accuracy.

This study aims to investigate the exosome-derived metabolomics profiles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), identify differential metabolites, and analyze their potential as diagnostic markers for SLE and lupus nephritis (LN).

Totally, 91 participants were enrolled between February 2023 and January 2024 including 58 SLE patients [30 with nonrenal-SLE and 28 with Lupus nephritis (LN)] and 33 healthy controls (HC). Ultracentrifugation was used to isolate serum exosomes, which were analyzed for their metabolic profiles using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Endogenous metabolites were identified via public metabolite databases. Random Forest, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithms were employed to screen key metabolites, and a prediction model was constructed for SLE diagnosis and LN discrimination. ROC curves were constructed to determine the potential of these differential exosome-derived metabolites for the diagnosis of SLE. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation was employed to evaluate the potential links between exosome-derived metabolites and the clinical parameters which reflect disease progression.

A total of 586 endogenous serum exosome-derived metabolites showed differential expression, with 225 exosome-derived metabolites significantly upregulated, 88 downregulated and 273 exhibiting no notable changes in the HC and SLE groups. Machine learning algorithms revealed three differential metabolites: Pro-Asn-Gln-Met-Ser, C24:1 sphingolipid, and protoporphyrin IX, which exhibited AUC values of 0.998, 0.992 and 0.969 respectively, for distinguishing between the SLE and HC groups, with a combined AUC of 1.0. In distinguishing between the LN and SLE groups, the AUC values for these metabolites were 0.920, 0.893 and 0.865, respectively, with a combined AUC of 0.931, demonstrating excellent diagnostic performance. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Pro-Asn-Gln-Met-Ser and protoporphyrin IX were positively correlated with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, urinary protein/creatinine ratio (ACR) and urinary protein levels, while C24:1 sphingolipid exhibited a negative correlation.

This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the exosome-derived metabolites in SLE and established a promising prediction model for SLE and LN discrimination. The correlation between exosome-derived metabolites and key clinical parameters strongly indicated their potential role in SLE pathological progression.

Size distribution is an important biophysical property of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs include small EVs (s-EVs) and large EVs (l-EVs) by size. Differential ultracentrifugation (dUC) is widely used to separate EVs from biofluids, but it can precipitate large impurity particles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a simple and fast method for analyzing the size distribution of EVs. However, this approach is nonideal for heterogeneous and polydisperse samples since a small quantity of large impurity particles can markedly disturb the DLS results. Here, we developed a simple method to improve the reliability of DLS measurements.

Plasma was obtained from 13 volunteers. The plasma was first processed by dUC to obtain crude l-EVs. The crude l-EVs were filtered with syringe filters (pore size of 1 μm and membrane material of hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)) to remove large impurity particles from l-EVs. The size distributions of the crude l-EVs and filtered l-EVs were measured via DLS.

After the samples were filtered, the coefficients of variation of the hydrodynamic radius and Peak 1 intensity of the filtered l-EVs decreased from 20.39% (12.76-28.96%) and 20.44% (14.58-28.32%) to 3.05% (1.79-4.72%) and 3.43% (1.76-5.88%), respectively, compared with those of the crude l-EVs.

These findings suggest that filtration can effectively separate circulating l-EVs in plasma to remove large impurity particles and make samples suitable for characterization by DLS. Our findings provide a simple method to improve precision via DLS to measure the size distribution of EVs.

To evaluate the expression pattern of non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, assess its association with clinical characteristics, and explore the effects of NCAPD3 on HCC cells and the potential underlying mechanisms.

NCAPD3expression in HCC tumors and adjacent noncancerous tissues was quantified via quantitative PCR. Patients were divided into high- and low-expression groups on the basis of NCAPD3levels, and associations with clinical parameters were assessed. The effects of NCAPD3 knockdown and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) agonist Y-P 740 on cell functions were examined via cell proliferation, Transwell migration, and invasion assays. Differentially expressed genes following NCAPD3knockdown in SMMC-7721 cells were identified via mRNA sequencing. Western blotting was performed to measure NCAPD3, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), and phosphorylated AKT1 levels.

NCAPD3 mRNA expression was notably upregulated in HCC tissues as compared with that in adjacent noncancer tissues. A positive correlation was observed between NCAPD3 expression and both lymphatic and distant metastases in patients with HCC. NCAPD3 knockdown reduced the proliferation and metastasis of SMMC-7721 and Huh-7 cells. mRNA sequencing revealed 140 downregulated genes and 125 upregulated genes. Further validation experiments confirmed that NCAPD3 modulated the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway and that the PI3K agonist Y-P 740 counteracted the effects of NCAPD3 knockdown.

Elevated NCAPD3 expression was strongly correlated with HCC metastasis. NCAPD3 inhibition impedes HCC cell growth and metastatic potential by suppressing the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are known as major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), yet their role in regulating cellular antioxidative metabolism and ferroptosis is unclear. This study assessed the expression and clinical relevance of NOXs across pan-cancer and investigated the role of NOX4 in colorectal cancer progression

We analyzed transcriptomic and survival data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for NOXs across 22 types of solid tumors. A CRISPR library targeting NOXs was developed for potential therapeutic target screening in colorectal cancer cells (CRCs). Techniques such as CRISPR-knockout cell lines, 1,2-13C-glucose tracing, PI staining, BrdU assays, and coimmunoprecipitation were employed to elucidate the function of NOX4 in CRCs.

NOX4 emerged as a key therapeutic target for colorectal cancer from TCGA data. CRISPR screening highlighted its essential role in CRC survival, with functional experiments confirming that NOX4 upregulation promotes cell survival and proliferation. The interaction of NOX4 with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was found to enhance the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), facilitating ROS clearance and protecting CRCs against ferroptosis.

This study identified NOX4 as a novel ferroptosis suppressor and a therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The findings suggest that a coupling between NADPH oxidase enzyme NOX4 and the PPP regulates ferroptosis and reveal an accompanying metabolic vulnerability for therapeutic targeting in colorectal cancer.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in combination with radiotherapy (RT) for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring typical EGFR mutations.

Patients who received treatment with third-generation EGFR-TKIs alone or in combination with RT were retrospectively enrolled at a single center. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Differences in PFS between the two groups were assessed via the Kaplan-Meier method. Additionally, a subgroup analysis was conducted to further explore the effect of thoracic RT combined with EGFR-TKIs.

This study included a total of 260 patients, among whom 81 patients received third-generation EGFR-TKIs and 179 patients received third-generation EGFR-TKIs plus RT. There was a significant difference in median PFS (mPFS) (13.0 versus18.1 months, P= 0.0003) between the two groups. Moreover, third-generation EGFR-TKIs plus thoracic RT significantly improved the mPFS (13.0 versus23.7 months, P< 0.0001). We observed that third-generation EGFR-TKIs plus RT increased the incidence of pneumonia, but all the cases were grade 1 or 2.

The addition of RT can delay the occurrence of acquired resistance to third-generation EGFR-TKIs, thereby

Safranal is a natural product from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) with anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective potential. This study aimed to explore the role of safranal in a cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA)-induced rat model of membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN).

After model establishment, Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 100 or 200 mg/kg safranal by gavage. A biochemical analyser was used to measure the urine protein levels and serum levels of renal function parameters. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescence staining of kidney tissues were performed to examine histopathological changes and assess the expression of IgG, C3, and Sirt1. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein levels of podocin, nephrin, Sirt1, and factors involved in the NF-κB/p65 pathway. Inflammatory cytokine levels in renal homogenates were determined by ELISA.

Safranal at 100 or 200 mg/kg reduced kidney weight (2.07 ± 0.15 g and 2.05 ± 0.15 g) and the kidney somatic index (0.83 ± 0.08% and 0.81 ± 0.08%) in MGN rats compared with those in the model group without drug administration (2.62 ± 0.17 g and 1.05 ± 0.1%). C-BSA increased the urine protein level to 117.68 ± 10.52 mg/day (compared with the sham group, 5.03 ± 0.45 mg/day), caused dysregulation of renal function indicators, and induced glomerular expansion and inflammatory cell infiltration in the rat kidney samples. All the biochemical and histological changes were improved by safranal administration. Safranal at two doses also increased the fluorescence intensities of IgG (0.1 ± 0.009 and 0.088 ± 0.008) and C3 (0.065 ± 0.006 and 0.048 ± 0.004) compared with those in the MGN group (0.15 ± 0.013 and 0.086 ± 0.008). Additionally, safranal reversed the downregulation of podocin, nephrin, and Wilms tumor protein-1 (WT1) levels and reversed the high inflammatory cytokine levels in MGN rats. Mechanistically, safranal activated Sirt1 signalling to interfere with NF-κB signalling in the kidney tissues of MGN rats.

Safranal ameliorates renal damage, inflammation, and podocyte injury in MGN by upregulating SIRT1 and inhibiting NF-κB signalling.

This study aimed to analyze the adverse effects (AEs) of sacituzumab govitecan (SG) through multiple sources of data to provide a reference for clinical safety management.

Clinical trials of SG with available safety data were retrieved and included in the pooled analysis. The adverse drug reaction (ADR) signals of SG were collected from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Drug interactions with SG in the DDInter database were summarized.

A total of 6 clinical trials involving 1737 patients were included in the pooled analysis, and the most common AEs of ≥ grade 3 were neutropenia (46%), leukopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). In the pharmacovigilance study, 1024 AE reports were extracted, and the most common toxicities of SG were hematologic and gastrointestinal. AEs not included in the drug instructions also presented high signals, such as meningitis, colitis and lymphedema. A total of 40 drugs identified could induce drug-drug interactions when they were concomitantly administered with SG.

This study provides the most comprehensive profile of SG toxicity on the basis of data from clinical trials and the FRAES and DDInter databases. Attention should be given not only to common ADRs but also to ADRs not reported in drug instructions, and potential drugs that can induce drug-drug interactions.

The clinical features, disease course and visual outcomes of toxoplasmosis are less commonly reported in China than in other countries. To reduce misdiagnosis and improve visual function, the clinical characteristics, management and visual outcomes of 13 cases of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) were described.

This retrospective study included 14 eyes of 13 patients who were diagnosed with OT in Hubei, China. The clinical characteristics, course of treatment and outcomes are presented. There were 7 males and 6 females.

The main form of OT was retinochoroiditis with vitritis or anterior uveitis. Next-generation sequencing was applied to 3 eyes, and positive results were found in those eyes. Thirteen patients were positive for Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies, and 3 of them were also positive for IgM T. gondiiantibodies. One patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome was diagnosed with coinfection with OT and cytomegalovirus, as evidenced by an aqueous humor etiological test. Three patients were misdiagnosed with noninfectious uveitis. Recurrence occurred in 3 eyes during the follow-up periods. One patient who received vitreous implantation of Ozurdex therapy at another hospital before referral relapsed. One patient who received

Primary active retinochoroiditis is the main form of OT in Hubei, China. Timely correct diagnosis on the basis of ocular characteristics and aetiological test results and effective treatment should be adopted to prevent poor visual outcomes and recurrence.

Vitamin deficiencies, particularly in vitamins A, B12, and D, are prevalent across populations and contribute significantly to a range of health issues. While these deficiencies are well documented, the underlying etiology remains complex. Recent studies suggest a close link between the gut microbiota and the synthesis, absorption, and metabolism of these vitamins. However, the specific causal relationships between the gut microbiota composition and vitamin deficiencies remain poorly understood. Identifying key bacterial species and understanding their role in vitamin metabolism could provide critical insights for targeted interventions.

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and vitamin deficiencies (A, B12, D). The genome-wide association study data for vitamin deficiencies were sourced from the FinnGen biobank, and the gut microbiota data were from the MiBioGen consortium. MR analyses included inverse variance-weighted (IVW), MR‒Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode approaches. Sensitivity analyses and reverse causality assessments were performed to ensure robustness and validate the findings.

After FDR adjustment, vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with the class Verrucomicrobiae, order Verrucomicrobiales, family Verrucomicrobiaceae, and genus Akkermansia. Vitamin A deficiency was associated with the phylum Firmicutes and the genera Fusicatenibacter and Ruminiclostridium 6. Additional associations for vitamin B12 deficiency included the Enterobacteriaceae and Rhodospirillaceae and the genera Coprococcus 2, Lactococcus, and Ruminococcaceae UCG002. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with the genera Allisonella, Eubacterium, and Tyzzerella 3. Lachnospiraceae and Lactococcus were common risk factors for both B12 and D deficiency. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings against heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, and reverse MR tests indicated no evidence of reverse causality.

Our findings reveal a possible causal relationship between specific gut microbiota characteristics and vitamin A, B12 and D deficiencies, providing a theoretical basis for addressing these nutritional deficiencies through the modulation of the gut microbiota in the future and laying the groundwork for related interventions.

Objective and

Early and accurate diagnosis of spinal infections, including spinal tuberculosis, is pivotal for effective treatment but remains challenging. This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) compared with that of conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) in identifying pathogens associated with spinal pathologies, with a special focus on infections leading to surgical interventions.

We enrolled 85 patients who underwent spinal surgery, comprising 63 patients with clinically diagnosed spinal infections, including patients with spinal tuberculosis, and 22 patients with noninfectious spinal conditions. The procedures involved irrigation and debridement for persistent wound drainage, with subsequent DNA extraction from plasma and joint fluid for mNGS and CMT analysis.

Significantly increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed in patients with infections. The mNGS approach showed greater diagnostic sensitivity (92.06%) for detecting pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, than did CMTs (36.51%). Despite its low specificity, mNGS had considerable negative predictive value (70.59%), underscoring its utility in ruling out infections.

The mNGS offers superior sensitivity over CMTs in the diagnosis of a variety of spinal infections, notably

To compare the clinical outcomes of retrograde pubic ramus intramedullary nail (RPRIN) and percutaneous cannulated screw (PCS) in the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fractures (APRFs).

This retrospective cohort study included 45 patients with APRFs treated between February 2019 and October 2022 in our trauma center. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method: 20 received RPRIN fixation, and 25 received PCS fixation. Key variables including operation time, fluoroscopic time, blood loss, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Fracture reduction quality was assessed using the Matta score system, and pelvic functional recovery was evaluated using the Majeed score system at the final follow-up. Quantitative variables were compared using the independent sample ttest, while categorical variables were analyzed using Chi‐square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Both RPRIN and PCS are effective for treating APRFs. However, RPRIN offers distinct advantages by reducing operation time, fluoroscopic time, and blood loss, making it a more efficient and less invasive option. Further multicenter studies and biomechanical analyses are warranted to confirm these findings.

The lack of clarity regarding the application performance of a hybrid operating room (HOR) and the uncertainty of surgical scheduling often led to its inefficient application. This study aimed to review the clinical application of our neurosurgical HOR and propose a scale to score cases clearly.

We reviewed the operating procedures and duration of stay in 1865 HOR cases. The actual procedures of each case were summarized into 5 application types, and numerical assignment was used to distinguish the dependence of each type on our HOR: surgical procedures combined with interventional procedures (4 points, the highest dependence), surgical procedures combined with imaging procedures (3 points), interventional procedures (2 points), imaging procedures (1 point), and surgical procedures (0 points, the lowest dependence).

A novel scale that could score 1865 cases into those 5 grades was developed. The percentages by grade were as follows: 4 points, 4.24%; 3 points, 4.88%; 2 points, 20.75%; 1 point, 69.38%; and 0 points, 0.75%. The cumulative usage time

The HOR serves as a multifunctional room to treat neurosurgical diseases. The scale helps to quickly prioritize cases that rely more on HOR, providing guidelines for surgical scheduling. Although our HOR is unsuitable for emergency cases, it clearly shows the application performance of our HOR to provide a reference for promoting its efficient application.

The effects of prolonged exposure to persistently elevated atmospheric pollutants, commonly termed air pollution waves, on fertility intentions remain inadequately understood. This study aims to investigate the association between particulate matter (PM) exposure and fertility intentions.

In this nationwide cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 10,747 participants (5496 females and 5251 males). PM waves were defined as periods lasting 3‒6 consecutive days during which the daily average concentrations exceeded China’s Ambient Air Quality Standards Grade II thresholds (PM_2.5 > 75 μg/m³ and PM10 > 150 μg/m³). We employed multivariate logistic regression models to assess the association between exposure to PM waves and fertility intentions.

Significant inverse associations were detected between exposure to PM2.5 wave events (characterized by concentrations exceeding 75 μg/m³ for durations of 4‒6 days, P < 0.05) and PM₁₀ wave events (defined as concentrations exceeding 150 μg/m³ for 6 consecutive days, P< 0.05) and fertility intentions among females. In contrast, neither the PM_2.5 wave nor the PM₁₀ wave events demonstrated statistically significant correlations with fertility intentions in males (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). The potentially susceptible subgroup was identified as females aged 20-30 years.

Our results provide the first evidence that PM2.5 and PM10 waves are associated with a reduction in female fertility intentions, offering critical insights for the development of public health policies and strategies aimed at individual protection.

Background and

The natural history of type B aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is highly heterogeneous. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model can be utilized to calculate a range of data pertinent to flow dynamics, including flow rates, blood velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress. This study presents a series of CFD simulations that model the dynamic progression from type B aortic IMH to false lumen formation.

A 66-year-old male patient presenting with chest and back pain underwent aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA), and a 3D patient-specific model was constructed. To evaluate the hemodynamic environment, the velocity, pressure, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), and oscillatory shear index (OSI) were calculated.

A modest quantity of slow flow and recirculation flow was observed in the vicinity of the ulcer-like protrusion (ULP). During the formation of the false lumen, low-velocity blood flow entered the false lumen and resulted in vortex flow. ULPs were located in the region with higher TAWSS, and some high OSIs were found on the ULPs.

This preliminary study suggests a potential association between the TAWSS or OSI and progression from type

To investigate the treatment effect of the histone demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4, a small molecule that inhibits the demethylase activity of Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (JMJD3), in the treatment of periodontitis.

Gingival tissues from patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis and healthy controls were collected to evaluate JMJD3 expression via real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Next, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to investigate the effect of GSK-J4 in vivo. The experimental periodontitis model was induced by upper first molar ligation and gingival sulcus injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis.The rats were divided into a healthy group, a periodontitis group, periodontitis plus GSK-J4 treatment groups (P + GSK-J4 15 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg), and a periodontitis plus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group (P + DMSO). After 4 weeks, maxillary molar segments were assessed via micro-computed tomography (CT) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Higher expression of the Jmjd3gene and JMJD3 protein was detected in human inflamed gingiva than in healthy gingiva (P < 0.05). GSK-J4 administration reversed alveolar bone absorption [i.e., reduced alveolar bone crest (ABC)cementoenamel junction (CEJ) distance], reduced inflammatory cell accumulation at the crest of the alveolar bone, and alleviated serum TNF-α levels in rats with periodontitis. Moreover, the number of H3K27me3-positive nuclei was greater in model rats treated with GSK J4 than in model rats.

The histone demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4 attenuated periodontal bone loss and inflammation in a rat periodontitis model by targeting JMJD3.