Objective To explore a deep learning-based automatic bone age estimation model for elbow joint X-ray images of Chinese Han adolescents and children and evaluate its performance.Methods A total of 943(517 males and 426 females)elbow joint frontal view X-ray images of Chinese Han ado-lescents and children aged 6.00 to<16.00 years were collected from East,South,Central and North-west China.Three experimental schemes were adopted for bone age estimation.Scheme 1:Directly in-put preprocessed images into the regression model;Scheme 2:Train a segmentation network using"key elbow joint bone annotations"as labels,then input segmented images into the regression model;Scheme 3:Train a segmentation network using"full elbow joint bone annotations"as labels,then in-put segmented images into the regression model.For segmentation,the optimal model was selected from U-Net,UNet++and TransUNet.For regression,VGG16,VGG19,InceptionV2,InceptionV3,ResNet34,ResNet50,ResNet101 and DenseNet121 models were selected for bone age estimation.The dataset was randomly split into 80%(754 samples)for training and validation for model fitting and hyperparameter tuning,and 20%(189 samples)as an internal test set to test the performance of the trained model.An additional 104 elbow joint X-ray images from the same demographic and age group were col-lected and used as an external test set.Model performance was evaluated by comparing the mean ab-solute error(MAE),root mean square error(RMSE),accuracies within±0.7 years(P±0.7 years)and±1.0 years(P±1.0 years)between the estimated age and the actual age,and by drawing radar charts,scat-ter plots,and heatmaps.Results When segmented with Scheme 3,the UNet++model achieved good segmentation performance with a segmentation loss of 0.000 4 and an accuracy of 93.8%at a learning rate of 0.000 1.In the internal test set,the DenseNet121 model with Scheme 3 yielded the best results with MAE,P±0.7 years and P±1.0 years being 0.83 years,70.03%,and 84.30%,respectively.In the external test set,the DenseNet121 model with Scheme 3 also performed best,with an average MAE of 0.89 years and an average RMSE of 1.00 years.Conclusion When performing automatic bone age estima-tion using elbow joint X-ray images in Chinese Han adolescents and children,it is recommended to use the UNet++model for segmentation.The DenseNet121 model with Scheme 3 achieves optimal per-formance.Using segmentation networks,especially that trained with annotation areas encompassing the full elbow joint including the distal humerus,proximal radius,and proximal ulna,can improve the ac-curacy of bone age estimation based on elbow joint X-ray images.

Objective To explore a deep learning network model suitable for bone age estimation using shoulder joint X-ray images in Chinese Han adolescents.Methods A retrospective collection of 1 286 shoulder joint X-ray images of Chinese Han adolescents aged 12.0 to<18.0 years(708 males and 578 females)was conducted.Using random sampling,approximately 80%of the samples(1 032 cases)were selected as the training and validation sets for model learning,selection and optimization,and the other 20%samples(254 cases)were used as the test set to evaluate the model's generalization ability.The original single-channel shoulder joint X-ray images and dual-channel inputs combining original images with segmentation labels(manually annotated shoulder joint regions multiplied pixel-by-pixel with original images,followed by segmentation via the U-Net++network to retain only key shoulder joint region information)were respectively input into four network models,namely VGG16,ResNet18,ResNet50 and DenseNet121 for bone age estimation.Additionally,manual bone age estimation was con-ducted on the test set data,and the results were compared with the four network models.The mean absolute error(MAE),root mean square error(RMSE),coefficient of determination(R2),and Pear-son correlation coefficient(PCC)were used as main evaluation indicators.Results In the test set,the bone age estimation results of the four models with dual-channel input of shoulder joint X-ray images outperformed those with single-channel input in all four evaluation indicators.Among them,DenseNet121 with dual-channel input achieved best results with MAE of 0.54 years,RMSE of 0.82 years,R2 of 0.76,and PCC(r)of 0.88.Manual estimation yielded an MAE of 0.82 years,ranking second only to dual-channel DenseNet121.Conclusion The DenseNet121 model with dual-channel input combined with original images and segmentation labels is superior to manual evaluation results,and can effectively estimate the bone age of Chinese Han adolescents.

Aim To investigate the effects of circ_0071653 targeting miR-197-3p on the proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ES-CC)cells.Methods The circular structure of circ_0071653 was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and ribo-nuclease R tolerance experiments.Real-time quantita-tive polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and tissue fluorescence in situ hybridization assay were performed to detect the circ_0071653 expression levels and ana-lyze its clinical relevance.Cell fluorescence in situ hy-bridization and nuclear cytoplasmic separation assays were used to verify the subcellular localization of circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p.Bioinformatics analysis,dual luciferase reporter gene and RT-qPCR assays were conducted to validate the interactions between circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p.Moreover,the cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8),colony formation,scratch,Transwell invasion and subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice assays were used to evaluate the effects of circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p on cell viability,prolifera-tion,migration,and invasion and in vivo tumorigenesi-sability.Results Circ_0071653 was a circular RNA,which showed high expression in ESCC cell lines and tissues.The expression of circ_0071653 was signifi-cantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and clini-cal stage of ESCC patients.Circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p were mainly localized in the cytoplasm.The databases predict that circ_0071653 had complementa-ry binding sites with miR-197-3p,and their binding were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter geneand RT-qPCR assays.Moreover,the activity,proliferation,migration,invasion and in vivo tumorigenesis abilities of ESCC cells were significantly reduced after knocking down circ_0071653,and this effect could be reversed by downregulating the expression of miR-197-3p.Con-clusions Circ_0071653 promotes the malignant pro-gression of ESCC through targeted regulation of miR-197-3p.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC₅₀ = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC₅₀ = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.

Aim To investigate the effects of circ_0071653 targeting miR-197-3p on the proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ES-CC)cells.Methods The circular structure of circ_0071653 was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and ribo-nuclease R tolerance experiments.Real-time quantita-tive polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and tissue fluorescence in situ hybridization assay were performed to detect the circ_0071653 expression levels and ana-lyze its clinical relevance.Cell fluorescence in situ hy-bridization and nuclear cytoplasmic separation assays were used to verify the subcellular localization of circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p.Bioinformatics analysis,dual luciferase reporter gene and RT-qPCR assays were conducted to validate the interactions between circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p.Moreover,the cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8),colony formation,scratch,Transwell invasion and subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice assays were used to evaluate the effects of circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p on cell viability,prolifera-tion,migration,and invasion and in vivo tumorigenesi-sability.Results Circ_0071653 was a circular RNA,which showed high expression in ESCC cell lines and tissues.The expression of circ_0071653 was signifi-cantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and clini-cal stage of ESCC patients.Circ_0071653 and miR-197-3p were mainly localized in the cytoplasm.The databases predict that circ_0071653 had complementa-ry binding sites with miR-197-3p,and their binding were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter geneand RT-qPCR assays.Moreover,the activity,proliferation,migration,invasion and in vivo tumorigenesis abilities of ESCC cells were significantly reduced after knocking down circ_0071653,and this effect could be reversed by downregulating the expression of miR-197-3p.Con-clusions Circ_0071653 promotes the malignant pro-gression of ESCC through targeted regulation of miR-197-3p.

Ventricular assist devices(VADs)have emerged as a pivotal therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure,undergoing significant technological advancements from pneumatic membrane pumps to continuous-flow centrifugal pumps.This review provides a detailed overview of several VAD models,including HeartMate Ⅲ,EVAHEART 2,and Heart Con.The initial generation of VADs established a foundation for subsequent developments,despite the occurrence of frequent complications.The second generation of VADs demonstrated a notable improvement in patient prognosis but carried the risk of ventricular collapse.The third generation of VADs represents a further reduction in size,incorporating magnetic levitation technology to enhance durability and blood compatibility.In the future,the development of VADs will focus on better emulating the physiological function of the native heart,improving pulsatility,and extending device longevity.As technology advances,VADs are expected to offer heart failure patients with a greater range of treatment options and a higher quality of life.

Aim To investigate the effect of long-chain non-coding RNA(lncRNA)GS1-124K5.4 targeting regulation of PRDX6 on proliferation,migration and in-vasion of lung squamous carcinoma(LUSC)cells and the underlying mechanism.Methods The expression level of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 in lung cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 60 patients with LUSC were de-termined by fluorescence in situ hybridization.The ex-pression level of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 in human nor-mal lung cells and LUSC cells were determined by qRT-PCR.Two kinds of LUSC cells(NCI-H 1703,SK-MES-1)with highest expression level of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 were selected for subsequent experi-ments.The distribution of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 in cells was studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization and prokaryotic separation.The effect of knockdown of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 on proliferation of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells was studied by CCK-8 experiment and cell clone formation experiment;the effect of knockdown of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 on migration of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells was studied by cell scratch experiment and Transwell cell migration experi-ment;and the effect of knockdown of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 on invasion of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells was studied by Transwell invasion experiment.The protein to be bound by lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 was detected by RNA pull-down combined with mass spec-trometry and immune-precipitation.The effect of knockdown of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 targeting PRDX6 on proliferation,migration and invasion of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells was studied.Results(1)The fluorescence intensity of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 in lung squamous cell carcinoma increased compared with that in adjacent tissues(P＜0.05),and the expression of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 was related with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage(P＜0.05).(2)The ex-pression level of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 in NCI-H1703,NCI-H520 and SK-MES-1 cells significantly increased(P＜0.05).(3)The result of fluorescence in situ hybridization experiment and nucleoplasm sepa-ration experiment showed that lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 was mainly distributed in cell nucleus.(4)The prolif-eration,migration and invasion ability of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells with knockdown of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 significantly decreased(P＜0.05).(5)PRDX6 protein to be bound to LncRNA GS1-124K5.4 was determined by RNA pull-down combined with mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation.(6)The prolif-eration,migration and invasion ability of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells with overexpression of lncRNA GS1-124K5.4 significantly increased(P＜0.05);the proliferation,migration and invasion ability of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells with knockdown of PRDX6 significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the proliferation,migration and invasion ability of NCI-H1703 and SK-MES-1 cells with overexpression of lncRNAGS1-124K5.4 and knockdown of PRDX6 showed no signifi-cant change(P＞0.05).Conclusions LncRNA GS1-124K5.4 is highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma,and it may promote the proliferation,migration and invasion of lung squamous carcinoma cells by targeting the expression of PRDX6 protein.

Following extensive interdisciplinary research and development over several years,mechanical circulatory support devices(MCSD),including ventricular assist device(VAD)and total artificial heart(TAH),are now established as vital treatment options for patients with advanced heart failure.These devices have proven to be crucial in assisting or replacing a failing heart,offering patients a new lease of life and improving their quality of life.Currently,mechanical circulatory support(MCS)has become a well-recognised,long-term treatment option for patients who are unable to undergo heart transplantation due to donor organ shortages or contraindications.Given their continuous availability independent of donor organ limitations,these devices are poised to play an increasingly vital role in the future of medicine.This article aims to summarize the evolution,clinical applications,categorization,and potential complications of MCSD.

Based on serum metabolomics and gut microbiota technology, this study explores the effects and mechanisms of the water extract of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(SZRW) and the petroleum ether extract of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(SZRO) in improving depressive-like behaviors induced by sleep deprivation. A modified multi-platform water environment method was employed to establish a rat model of sleep deprivation. Depressive-like behaviors in rats were assessed through the sucrose preference test and forced swim test. The expression of barrier proteins, such as Occludin, in the colon was determined by immunofluorescence. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS was utilized to analyze the serum metabolic profiles of sleep-deprived rats, screen for differential metabolites, and analyze metabolic pathways. The diversity of the gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between differential metabolites and gut microbiota. The results indicated that SZRO significantly increased the sucrose preference index and decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test in rats. A total of 34 differential metabolites were identified through serum metabolomics. SZRW and SZRO shared five metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine metabolism. SZRW uniquely featured taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, while SZRO uniquely featured linoleic acid metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed that SZRW could upregulate the abundance of Bilophila, promoting the production of indole-3-propionic acid and subsequently upregulating the expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. SZRO could indirectly influence metabolic pathways such as arginine metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism by upregulating the abundance of gut microbiota such as Coprococcus and Eubacterium species. Both SZRW and SZRO can regulate endogenous metabolism, including amino acids, energy, and lipids, alter the gut microbiota microecology, and improve depressive-like behaviors. SZRO demonstrated superior effects in regulating metabolic pathways and gut microbiota structure compared to SZRW. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for elucidating the pharmacodynamic material basis of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen.
Animals ; Rats ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Male ; Metabolomics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Depression/blood* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sleep Deprivation/complications* ; Ziziphus/chemistry* ; Antidepressive Agents/administration & dosage* ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects* ; Humans

The patient is a male neonate born at term. He was admitted 16 minutes after birth due to stridor and inspiratory respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed a cleft palate, and a grade II systolic ejection murmur was audible at the left sternal border. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous variant in the SON gene, c.5753-5756del (p.Val1918GlufsTer87), which was absent in either parent, indicating a de novo mutation. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, this was classified as a "pathogenic variant" leading to a diagnosis of Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK) syndrome. Upon admission, symptomatic supportive treatment was provided. Follow-up at the age of 8 months revealed persistent stridor; the infant could only consume small amounts of milk and was unable to sit steadily. This patient represents the youngest reported case to date, and his symptoms expand the clinical spectrum of the disease, providing valuable insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/genetics* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Rare Diseases/genetics* ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics*