An-Gong-Niu-Huang-Wan ameliorates neurovascular uncoupling and facilitates recovery after cerebral ischemic stroke by mediating P2X7 receptor inhibition.

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and mortality worldwide. Ergothioneine (EGT), a natural dietary sulfur-containing amino acid, possesses potent antioxidant properties. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of EGT in experimental ischemic stroke and elucidates its underlying molecular signaling pathway. Two ischemic stroke models, the photochemical ischemia model and the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, were established to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of EGT. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was performed to assess infarct volume, and laser speckle contrast imaging was used to monitor cerebral blood flow. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the activation of astrocytes and microglia. Proteins involved in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway were analyzed by Western blot to explore the underlying mechanism of EGT. In both photochemical ischemia and middle cerebral artery occlusion models, EGT significantly reduced infarct volume, improved cerebral perfusion and attenuated glial cells activation. Mechanistically, EGT promoted PI3K/Akt phosphorylation, reduced cytoplasmic Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived homology-associated protein 1 expression, and enhanced nuclear Nrf2 translocation. Notably, PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, completely abolished the neuroprotective effects of EGT. EGT exhibits significant neuroprotection against experimental ischemic stroke by mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and its efficacy is critically dependent on the activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

A proposal for a scoring system for hemoglobinuria following ethanolamine oleate sclerotherapy in children with venous malformations.

Crystallographically controlled alignment of melt inclusion entrapment in magmatic olivine: Insights from Lab-Diffraction Contrast Tomography.

Intranasal administration of geniposide-baicalin treats ischemic stroke reperfusion conjugated with pneumonia by inhibiting HMGB1-mediated pyroptosis via NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

Endothelial cell dysfunction and postoperative complications in patients with severe mesenteric traction syndrome: A prospective cohort study.

To identify the imaging features, clinicopathological characteristics and imaging-pathology correlation, of eosinophilic vacuolar tumor of the kidney (EVT). Pre-operative imaging (2 CT and 2 MRI, both including dynamic contrast imaging) and pathological data were retrospectively analyzed for 4 EVT patients (2 male, 2 female) between January 2022-December 2024. Follow-up was performed for 2-11 months post-partial nephrectomy. All the findings were compared to previous cases in the literature. EVT patients had an average age of 43 years, and average maximum tumor diameter of 3.8cm (range 2.8-5cm). In 2 cases, contrast-enhanced CT showed patterns associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and lipid-poor angiomyolipoma, respectively, and in 2 other cases MRI scans showed masses with isointense or hypointense T1 and hyperintense T2 (relative to the renal parenchyma), with contrast enhancement showing abundant vessels similar to those observed for ccRCC. Histologically, EVT cells were arranged in nests and sheets, with abundant highly vacuolar eosinophilic cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and rare mitotic figures. IHC found that they were positive for CD117, PAX8, e-cadherin, among others, and negative for cytokeratin 7, carbonic anhydrase IX, and vimentin. Ki67 proliferation index was 5%, and patients were tumor-free at a mean follow-up of 7 months. EVT is a rare renal tumor entity with characteristic imaging features, though its imaging presentation may vary depending on the underlying pathology. Accurate identification of EVT will contribute to improving the classification and diagnosis of renal tumors.

Association between systemic microvascular dysfunction and resistant hypertension: Insights from a clinical observational study.

Perfusion Analysis by Laser Speckle Predicts the Extent of Skin Graft Necrosis.

PEGylation-associated hemodynamic effects in a rodent model of acute hypersensitivity reaction: Complement activation-mediated mechanisms.

Theranostics of near-infrared (NIR) imaging, which originated from the merging of diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy, is one of the most remarkable achievements in the early diagnosis and treatment of malignancies. The NIR is divided into two optical windows: the first NIR I (700-900 nm) and the second NIR II (1000-1700 nm), which enable improved tissue penetration, reduced autofluorescence, and higher resolution compared with visible light. A literature search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), preclinical/clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses about NIR-related diagnosis and treatment modalities in oncology. Data extraction and synthesis focused on optical window properties (NIR-I and NIR-II), mechanisms of action, nanomaterial platforms, types of cancer treated, and clinical results. NIR theranostic probes, including GBNPs, carbon nanotubes, and conjugated polymers, were found to possess good PTA and ROS generation capability, thus improving the therapeutic efficacy of PTTs and PDTs. NIR photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) promoted ICD and enhanced CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor attack. NIR-II probes enabled deeper tissue penetration, allowing high tumor-to-background contrast imaging. Clinical trials in brain, breast, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancer revealed improved intraoperative guidance, tumor detection, and treatment. Incorporation of NIR imaging into therapeutic nanoplatforms enables real-time, image-guided interventions, thereby improving treatment accuracy and minimizing systemic toxicity. However, regulatory approval, probe biocompatibility, and clinical scalability remain outstanding challenges. NIR theranostics represent a new arena for precision oncology. Future directions involve biocompatible, degradable/activatable NIR-II probes and multimodal systems complemented by AI-guided imaging for clinical translation and personalized cancer therapy.

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) shares major risk factors with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), including obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Yet VCI research often relies on single-stimulus models, whereas patients experience combined risk factors. We therefore assessed cerebrovascular and cognitive phenotypes in an HFpEF model and investigated underlying mechanisms.Male Lean and Obese ZSF1 rats underwent longitudinal assessments of blood pressure, glucose, cardiac function, and behavioural performance. Cerebral blood flow and neurovascular coupling were assessed by laser speckle contrast imaging. White matter integrity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and vascular density were analysed by (immuno)histochemistry. Cortical microvessels were isolated for transcriptomic profiling, and selected targets were validated using multiplex in-situ hybridization.Obese rats exhibited neurovascular uncoupling and impaired short- and long-term memory and spatial learning, accompanied by brain atrophy and reduced myelin. BBB permeability increased at 22-23 weeks and vascular density at 34-35 weeks in Obese vs Lean rats. Transcriptomic analysis of brain microvessels revealed altered processes related to angiogenesis, vasoreactivity, immune mechanisms and vascular remodelling, with consistent downregulation of Trpv4 and Klf2.Obese ZSF1 rats develop progressive neurovascular dysfunction associated with HFpEF onset and reduced Trpv4 and Klf2 expression in cerebral microvessels, two key vasoprotective genes.

Zeolite flexibility triggered by ion-exchange tuning pore geometry impacts the responsive interactions with guest species in selective adsorption and industrial catalysis. However, direct observation of their local atomic structure deformation and subsequent fundamental flexibility correlation between ions and atomic microenvironment remains elusive. Here, we report atomic-resolution imaging of the microscopic ring flexibility in ion-exchanged MFI zeolites, revealing how ion-induced electric field alterations drive the framework distortions. Specifically, extra-framework Ba2+ ions confined within the 10-membered rings (10-MRs) trigger a 0.5 Å channel expansion, which exceeds the 0.2 Å expansion induced by Na+ ions while maintaining the framework's macroscopic rigidity. Using differential phase contrast imaging, we visualize the local coupling of the internal electric field between confined ions and the MFI framework. The combination of our theoretical analysis, which is based on the structure and the charge distribution, demonstrates that the electric field generated by the Ba2+ results in an 8° deformation in the nearby T-O-T bond angles, thereby distorting the 10-MR. The ion-exchange-driven 10-MR flexibility was further experimentally verified by the adsorption and separation of CO2, as this molecular size matches the expanded rings. This work resolves a long-term unsettled issue on the ion-exchange effect of pore size deformation in zeolites, offering insights into electric field-driven framework dynamics and introducing the intrinsic behavior of ions confined in zeolites.

Comparison of spectral multi-material phase retrieval algorithms based on edge illumination single mask x-ray phase contrast imaging

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.

Adequate bowel perfusion is essential for anastomotic healing in colorectal surgery. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography (FA) is currently considered the gold standard for intraoperative perfusion assessment. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is an emerging, dye-free technology that enables real-time evaluation of microvascular blood flow. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of LSCI in elective colorectal surgery and to compare its performance with ICG-FA for intraoperative evaluation of bowel perfusion. A prospective study was conducted including consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery between September 2025 and March 2026. Bowel perfusion was assessed intraoperatively using both LSCI and ICG-FA. The primary endpoint was feasibility of LSCI, while the secondary endpoint was concordance between these two technologies in determining the bowel section line. Twenty-two patients were included: 7 right hemicolectomies, 11 left hemicolectomies, and 4 anterior rectal resections. LSCI and ICG-FA were successfully performed in all cases (100%). Overall concordance between LSCI and ICG-FA was 86.2%. Concordance was 100% for ileum and 57.1% for transverse colon in right hemicolectomy, 100% in left hemicolectomy and 75% in anterior resection of the rectum. Two postoperative complications were observed, both following anterior resection of the rectum: one patient developed postoperative ileus (Clavien-Dindo I), and one patient developed abdominal pain, fever of unknown origin, and intra-abdominal fluid collection requiring revision surgery, which did not reveal an anastomotic leak (Clavien-Dindo III-b). Mean hospital stay was 6 ± 4days. LSCI appears to be a feasible tool for intraoperative assessment of bowel perfusion, demonstrating high concordance with ICG-FA. Its dye-free and real-time capabilities make it a promising adjunct to ICG-FA. Larger prospective, multicentre, randomized studies are warranted to further define the clinical impact of LSCI in evaluating bowel vascularization and its potential role in improving surgical outcomes.

Patients with pituitary adenomas frequently undergo repeated contrast-enhanced MRIs after transsphenoidal surgery. However, the incremental diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced sequences beyond the immediate postoperative period and outside of their established role in radiation planning remains uncertain. This study evaluates whether contrast-enhanced MRI provides additional diagnostic information compared with non-contrast MRI in patients undergoing surveillance or requiring secondary intervention beyond the immediate postoperative period. This retrospective single-center study included adult patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas between 2008 and 2023 and had at least two postoperative MRIs. The immediate postoperative scan was defined as the baseline scan, and the most recent available scan or the last scan before secondary intervention (repeat surgery or delayed radiation) was defined as the follow-up scan. Three readers independently reviewed each examination using non-contrast sequences alone and, at a separate session, using combined non-contrast and contrast-enhanced sequences. Tumor volume, optic pathway mass effect (3-point scale: no contact, contact without displacement, displacement), and cavernous sinus invasion (Knosp grade: 0-4) were assessed. Inter-reader reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for tumor volume and weighted kappa statistics for categorical variables. Analyses were performed for the full cohort and for the subgroup undergoing secondary intervention. 91 patients were included and 42 (46%) underwent secondary intervention. Tumor volume measurements demonstrated excellent inter-reader reliability for both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced MRIs (ICC = 0.90-0.97), with no differences in measured tumor volumes for two of three readers. At baseline, agreement for optic pathway assessment was lower with contrast imaging, whereas agreement at follow-up was similar between imaging approaches. Agreement for Knosp grading was comparable between non-contrast and contrast-enhanced MRI at both baseline and follow-up. In the secondary-intervention subgroup, agreement for optic pathway assessment and Knosp grading was similar between imaging approaches at baseline and follow-up. In the studied patient group who underwent postoperative surveillance after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, non-contrast MRI provided assessment of tumor volume, optic pathway mass effect and cavernous sinus invasion which was broadly similar to that obtained with contrast-enhanced MRI.

ABSTRACT Distal ischemic necrosis remains a major challenge in reconstructive surgery. Mitochondria and lysosomes interact via signaling and membrane contacts to maintain cellular homeostasis. Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c, encoded by the MT-RNR1/12S rRNA open reading frame, enhances mitochondrial function by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stabilizing the membrane potential, potentially preserving lysosomal integrity and reducing lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). This study investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of MOTS-c in ischemic flaps. RNA sequencing explored MOTS-c mechanisms in ischemic flaps. Tissue clearing, laser speckle contrast imaging and Doppler analyses revealed improved blood flow perfusion following MOTS-c treatment. Histological staining (HE, Masson, F-CHP) demonstrated enhanced angiogenesis and collagen remodeling. Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were used to assess pyroptosis, macroautophagy/autophagy, LMP, and MAPK1/ERK2-MAPK3/ERK1-NFKB/NF-κB pathway-related proteins. MOTS-c reduced endothelial pyroptosis, enhanced autophagy, and attenuated LMP in ischemic flaps. Mechanistically, in vivo overexpression of PLA2G4A/cPLA2 (phospholipase A2, group IVA (calcium, calcium dependent)) via AAV confirmed that MOTS-c enhances autophagy and reduces pyroptosis and LMP by suppressing PLA2G4A phosphorylation. Furthermore, MOTS-c inhibited PLA2G4A via the MAPK1-MAPK3-NFKB signaling cascade, thereby reducing LMP and enhancing flap survival. These findings suggest that MOTS-c restores cellular homeostasis by targeting the PLA2G4A-LMP axis, representing a promising therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic flap surgery. Abbreviations: AA = arachidonic acid, AAV = adeno-associated virus, ACTA2/α-SMA = actin alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta, ALs = autolysosomes, BECN1 = beclin 1, CASP1 = caspase 1, CQ = chloroquine, CTSB = cathepsin B, CTSD = cathepsin D, CTSL = cathepsin L, Co-IP = co-immunoprecipitation, DEGs = differentially expressed genes, ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, F-CHP = 5-FAM-conjugated collagen hybridizing peptide staining, GSDMD = gasdermin D, GO = gene Ontology, GPT/ALT = glutamic pyruvic transaminase, soluble, GOT1/AST = glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1, soluble, HE = hematoxylin-eosin, HUVECs = human umbilical vein endothelial cells, IP/MS = immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry, IL1B/IL-1β = interleukin 1 beta, IL18 = interleukin 18, IP = intraperitoneal injection, IV = intravenous injection, LDBF = laser Doppler blood flow, LMP = lysosomal membrane permeability, MAP1LC3/LC3 = microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, MAPK = mitogen-activated protein kinase, NAGLU = alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Sanfilippo disease IIIB), NFKB/NF-κB = nuclear factor kappa B, NLRP1 = NLR family pyrin domain containing 1, NLRP3 = NLR family pyrin domain containing 3, PECAM1/CD31 = platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, PLA2G4A/cPLA2 = phospholipase A2, group IVA (cytosolic, calcium-dependent), PYCARD/ASC = PYD and CARD domain containing, PIK3C3/VPS34 = phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3, PMA = phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, ROS = reactive oxygen speciesSQSTM1/p62 = sequestosome 1, SPR = surface plasmon resonance, scRNA-seq = single-cell RNA sequencing, UMAP = uniform manifold approximation and projection, WB = western blotting.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are a major cause of anal incontinence and are frequently underdiagnosed at delivery. Imaging techniques that are feasible, reproducible, and applicable in obstetric practice may be useful to support assessment in selected clinical situations. This study evaluated a three-dimensional exo-anal introital ultrasound technique combining linear freehand reconstruction (Polyline OmniView) and contrast enhancement using Volume Contrast Imaging (VCI) to enable coronal reconstruction and measurement of the anterior external anal sphincter (EAS). This was a prospective feasibility and reproducibility study conducted at Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy. Nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies were recruited between September 2023 and September 2024. 3D introital exo-anal ultrasound volumes were acquired using a high-frequency transvaginal probe. Volumes were reconstructed using Polyline OmniView combined with VCI to obtain a coronal view of the anterior EAS. The primary outcome was the feasibility of measuring the coronal length of the anterior portion of the EAS. The secondary outcome was intra- and interobserver reproducibility of this measurement, obtained after standardized offline volume analysis. Seventy women were included. Measurement of the anterior EAS length was feasible in all cases (100%). Reproducibility was excellent, with minimal mean differences, intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.98) for intraobserver agreement and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99) for interobserver agreement, and narrow limits of agreement on Bland-Altman analysis. The mean length of the anterior EAS was 14.4 ± 1.5 mm for the first measurement by Operator 1, 14.4 ± 1.6 mm for the second measurement by Operator 1, and 14.6 ± 1.6 mm for measurements by Operator 2. Three-dimensional exo-anal introital ultrasound incorporating linear freehand reconstruction and contrast enhancement allows feasible and highly reproducible measurement of the anterior external anal sphincter. This approach may represent a feasible imaging option for anal sphincter assessment and warrants further evaluation not only in women with suspected obstetric anal sphincter injuries but also in the longitudinal follow-up of women with OASIS and in the assessment of patients presenting with anal incontinence.

The catalytic performance of single-atom catalysts (SACs) is predominantly governed by their local atomic environment. However, directly resolving the transient configurations of individual atoms remains challenges for inherent thermal fluctuations and electron-beam-induced dynamics. Conventional scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) relies on long dwell times, covering such dynamic structural fluctuations and constrained by serious noise. Here, a machine-learning-enhanced fast-scan STEM methodology is introduced, permitting accurate identification and localization of individual Pt atoms on MoS2 supports, circumventing the limitations of high-noise imaging. Analysis reveals random displacements of ∼3.2% relative to ideal lattice sites, offering a direct glimpse into intrinsic structural disorder. Furthermore, we observe persistent heterogeneity in the local electric field across Pt atomic columns in differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging. These results suggest that single-atom sites locate in a highly dynamic, nonideal equilibrium state. This study also establishes a rigorous computational framework for resolving atomic-scale structures under noisy imaging conditions.