Neobavaisoflavone Protects H9c2 Cells Against H2O2-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Through ALOX15/PGC1-α Axis.

Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) is a natural antioxidant that has a variety of pharmacological activities. To investigate the effects of NBIF on oxidative stress-induced myocardial injury, H9c2 cells were treated with H2O2. Cell counting kit-8 was used to detect cell viability. Intracellular as well as lipid radicals were detected. To measure mitochondrial function, tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential. 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) were measured by LC-MS/MS. ALOX15, which is the upstream protein of 12-, 15-HETE, was also measured by using western blot analysis. The results showed that H2O2 induced lipid peroxidation in cardiomyocytes and caused mitochondrial dysfunction which was relieved by NBIF treatment. Besides, H2O2 significantly increased the production of 12-HETE and 15-HETE and upregulated the expression of ALOX15 while PGC-1α was downregulated and triggered the release of cytochrome c. The treatment of NBIF decreased the expression of ALOX15 and inhibited the activation of caspase-3. NBIF protected mitochondrial membrane integrity through increasing PGC-1α and Nrf1. Our results indicated that NBIF could protect cardiomyocytes against H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction via ALOX15/PGC-1α axis.

Two-hit model for the development of aldosterone-producing adenoma: supporting from two new cases.

Recently, a two-hit model for the development of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) was proposed but until now, only two cases supporting the model have been reported. Here, we present two new cases of primary aldosteronism (PA), both of which had large functional adenomas with somatic mutations in aldosterone-driving genes. Furthermore, the first patient, who had a history of colorectal cancer, was found to have a germline and an additional somatic mutation in APC, and APC inactivation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The other patient had pathogenic somatic mutation inCTNNB1. These pro-proliferation mutations resulted in abnormal activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Two consecutive events apparent in these patients, namely, the first event leading to cell proliferation and the second driving hormonal hypersecretion, supported the two-hit model of APA development. The two-hit model usually occurs in the larger adenomas, and the driving factors of the first hit that promote cell proliferation still require further research and exploration.

Contribution of soil microbial necromass carbon to soil organic carbon in grassland under precipitation change and its influencing factors in loess hilly region, Northwest China.

To investigate the contribution of microbial necromass carbon (MNC) to soil organic carbon (SOC) and its influencing factors under precipitation changes in grassland, we conducted a precipitation experiment with seven different precipitation levels in the Bothriochloa ischaemum restoration area in the loess hilly region. We analyzed the contents and characteristics of fungal necromass carbon (FNC), bacterial necromass carbon (BNC), and MNC in different fractions of SOC under different treatments, including natural precipitation (CK), and increased and decreased 20%, 40%, 60% of natural precipitation (I20, I40, I60, D20, D40, D60) . The results showed that 1) MNC content in mineral organic carbon (MAOC) ranged from 1.62 g·kg-1 to 2.17 g·kg-1, which was higher than that in particulate organic carbon (POC) ranging from 0.69 g·kg-1 to 1.31 g·kg-1. The former was approximately 1.4 to 2.8 times as that of the latter. 2) FNC and MNC exhibited similar changes in both MAOC and POC fractions. BNC content in MAOC was approximately 1-3.1 times as that of FNC. FNC content in POC was generally higher than BNC except for I40 and I60 where BNC exceeded FNC. 3) Overall, both increases and decreases in precipitation resulted in elevated MNC/MAOC and BNC/MAOC ratios, but decreased MNC/POC and FNC/POC ratios. The MNC/MAOC ratios in I60 and D60 were 33.2% and 18.1% higher than CK, respectively. The BNC/MAOC ratios in D60, I40 and I60 were 28.0%, 23.0% and 19.1% higher than those in CK, respectively. Except for D60, the FNC/POC and MNC/POC ratios were significantly lower than CK under other treatments. In terms of POC fractions, the MNC/POC ratios of D40, D20, I20, I40 and I60 were 28.4%, 23.3%, 28.8%, 23.3% and 32.2% lower than that of CK, respectively. The FNC/POC ratio of D40, D20, I20, I40 and I60 was found to be lower by 23.3%, 16.1%, 21.0%, 27.0% and 31.0% compared to that of CK, respectively. 4) NH4+-N and pH were the primary factors influencing the content of MNC in different carbon fractions under varying precipitation conditions. In summary, alterations in precipitation (either increase or decrease) enhanced the contribution of BNC-dominated MNC to MAOC, but reduced the contribution of FNC-dominated MNC to POC. This study was of significance for understanding the distribution of microbial necromass across different organic carbon fractions under precipitation alterations.

Pilot turning behavior cognitive load analysis in simulated flight.

Background: To identify the cognitive load of different turning tasks in simulated flight, a flight experiment was designed based on real "preliminary screening" training modules for pilots. Methods: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and flight data were collected during the experiments using a flight simulator and a heart rate sensor bracelet. The turning behaviors in flight were classified into climbing turns, descending turns, and level flight turns. A recognition model for the cognitive load associated with these turning behaviors was developed using machine learning and deep learning algorithms. Results: pnni_20, range_nni, rmssd, sdsd, nni_20, sd1, triangular_index indicators are negatively correlated with different turning load. The LSTM-Attention model excelled in recognizing turning tasks with varying cognitive load, achieving an F1 score of 0.9491. Conclusion: Specific HRV characteristics can be used to analyze cognitive load in different turn-ing tasks, and the LSTM-Attention model can provide references for future studies on the selection characteristics of pilot cognitive load, and offer guidance for pilot training, thus having significant implications for pilot training and flight safety.

Association between adverse childhood experiences and obesity, and sex differences: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Although studies have reported associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and obesity, specific subtype associations and sex differences are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the association between ACEs and adult obesity risk and sex differences. METHODS: Five databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycINFO, were searched with a June 10, 2024 deadline. Included studies investigated the association between at least one ACE and obesity. Two researchers independently assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and its adaptations and extracted relevant characteristics and outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17.0, including random effects models, heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses, publication bias assessments, Meta-regression analyses, and subgroup analyses. Dose-response analyses revealed potential trends between different levels of abuse and risk of obesity. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 46 studies and showed a notable increased risk of obesity in adults experiencing ACEs (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.38-1.59). Subgroup analyses showed significantly increased risk in Europe and North America, with significant increases observed in both developed and developing countries. Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional studies showed strong associations. Different types of ACEs (physical, sexual, psychological, and non-physical, psychological, or sexual abuse) were linked to a higher obesity risk. Sex difference analyses showed that females faced a greater risk when experiencing physical (OR: 1.606), sexual (OR: 1.581), and non-physical, psychological, or sexual (OR: 1.319) abuse; males exhibited increased risk only with non-physical, psychological, or sexual abuse (OR: 1.240). Dose-response analyses indicated that a higher number of ACEs was associated with an increased risk of obesity in adults. CONCLUSIONS: ACEs significantly increase the risk of adult obesity, with consistent findings across geographic regions, levels of economic development, and types of study design. Sex difference analysis indicates that females are particularly affected. Future research should prioritize including studies from underrepresented geographic areas to enhance understanding of the global impact of ACEs on obesity risk. Additionally, strengthening child protection and intervention efforts is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of ACEs on adult health.

EGCG enhances antitumor effect of apatinib in nonsmall cell lung cancer by targeting VEGF signaling to inhibit glycolysis.

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), one of the most aggressive malignancies globally, is characterized by poor prognosis and limited life expectancy. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol found in green tea, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent due to its potent antitumor properties. However, the role and the underlying mechanisms of EGCG in NSCLC remain poorly understood. Hence, this research aimed to explore the effect of EGCG on the antitumor effect of apatinib in NSCLC through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-regulated glycolysis. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, wound healing, transwell, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling, and flow cytometry assays were carried out to evaluate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of H1299 cells, respectively. Furthermore, western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of VEGF, p-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, neuropilin-1, phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and phosphorylated-AKT. The transfection efficiency of H1299 cells with VEGF overexpression plasmid was also assessed by western blot analysis. Glycolysis was analyzed by estimating extracellular acidification rate, lactate concentration, glucose uptake, and the expressions of lactate dehydrogenase A, pyruvate kinase M2, and hexokinase 2. The results demonstrated that VEGF activated glycolysis in NSCLC cells. EGCG alone and apatinib alone or in combination inhibited cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration, and glycolysis whereas promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. EGCG regulated glycolysis levels in NSCLC through VEGF overexpression, and enhanced the antitumor effect of apatinib in NSCLC through VEGF-regulated glycolysis. Taken together, EGCG strengthened the protective effects of apatinib in NSCLC through glycolysis mediated by VEGF.

Safety and efficacy of consolidative stereotactic radiotherapy for oligo-residual EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer after first-line third-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a single-arm, phase 2 trial.

Background: Prospective data is limited on the efficacy and safety of consolidative stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring oligo-residual disease (ORD) after first-line third-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: In this single-arm, phase II trial, 61 patients from two academic centers were enrolled from March 2021 to March 2023. All these patients had metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC and harbored ORD after first-line third-generation EGFR-TKIs. Consolidative SRT was performed and EGFR-TKIs were not held during SRT. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary endpoints included overall survival and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). A prespecified propensity score matched (PSM) comparison was conducted with a contemporary cohort of patients who developed ORD but received EGFR-TKIs alone. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT04764214. Findings: All patients received consolidative SRT. With a median follow-up of 21.1 months, the median PFS was 29.9 (80% CI 22.4-32.4) months and the lower boundary exceeded the predefined threshold, meeting the primary endpoint. TRAEs occurred in 43 (70%) patients, with pneumonitis (27.9%) and esophagitis (26.2%) being the most common toxicities. Four patients (6.6%) reported grade ≥3 TRAEs, each for pneumonitis, esophagitis, leukopenia, and cranial radiation necrosis. PSM analysis showed significantly prolonged PFS in EGFR-TKI + SRT group compared to EGFR-TKI group (HR 0.46, 80% CI 0.20-0.61; p = 0.002). Interpretation: Consolidative SRT is associated with an encouraging PFS in first-line third-generation EGFR-TKI-treated metastatic NSCLC patients harboring ORD, with generally acceptable toxicities. Further confirmatory studies are warranted. Funding: Hui Lan Public Welfare and the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation.

Exploring public attitudes toward implementing green infrastructure for sponge city stormwater management.

Sponge city stormwater management (SCSM) strategy in China aims for sustainable stormwater handling. While many studies have examined the technical aspects of sponge city green infrastructure (SCGI), few have explored public perspectives. This study sought to understand public perceptions, the perceived value of SCGI's ecosystem service benefits, and the potential for diverse financial compensation methods in sponge city construction. A survey conducted in five Northeastern Chinese cities, involving 1,534 participants, was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The findings reveal no significant correlation between socio-demographic factors and understanding of stormwater management, indicating the concept's broad accessibility. Public valuation of ecosystem services showed clear priorities, and factors like homeownership and flood experiences significantly impacted the valuation of specific services. Moreover, the study identified a generally positive public attitude towards investing in SCSM, particularly through stormwater fees, underscoring the viability of diverse funding mechanisms. These insights are pivotal for policymakers and urban planners in formulating sustainable and resilient urban water management strategies.

Mitochondrial transfer in the progression and treatment of cardiac disease.

Mitochondria are the primary site for energy production and play a crucial role in supporting normal physiological functions of the human body. In cardiomyocytes (CMs), mitochondria can occupy up to 30 % of the cell volume, providing sufficient energy for CMs contraction and relaxation. However, some pathological conditions such as ischemia, hypoxia, infection, and the side effect of drugs, can cause mitochondrial dysfunction in CMs, leading to various myocardial injury-related diseases including myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial hypertrophy, and heart failure. Self-control of mitochondria quality and conversion of metabolism pathway in energy production can serve as the self-rescue measure to avoid autologous mitochondrial damage. Particularly, mitochondrial transfer from the neighboring or extraneous cells enables to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and restore their biological functions in CMs. Here, we described the homeostatic control strategies and related mechanisms of mitochondria in injured CMs, including autologous mitochondrial quality control, mitochondrial energy conversion, and especially the exogenetic mitochondrial donation. Additionally, this review emphasizes on the therapeutic effects and potential application of utilizing mitochondrial transfer in reducing myocardial injury. We hope that this review can provide theoretical clues for the developing of advanced therapeutics to treat cardiac diseases.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Adsorption of Bromocresol Green from Aqueous Solution Using Cucumber Straw Biochar.

Biochar prepared from crop straw is an economical method for adsorbing bromocresol green (BCG) from textile industrial wastewater. However, there is limited research on the adsorption mechanism of biochar for the removal of BCG. This study utilized cucumber straw as raw material to prepare biochar with good adsorption potential and characterized its physicochemical properties. Through adsorption experiments, the effects of solution pH, biochar dosage, and initial dye concentration on adsorption performance were examined. The adsorption mechanism of cucumber straw biochar (CBC) for BCG was elucidated at the molecular level using adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm models, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results show that the specific surface area of the CBC is 101.58 m2/g, and it has a high degree of carbonization, similar to the structure of graphite crystals. The presence of aromatic rings, -OH groups, and -COOH groups in CBC provides abundant adsorption sites for BCG. The adsorption process of CBC for BCG is influenced by both physical and chemical adsorption, and can be described by the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a monolayer adsorption process. The theoretical maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) of BCG at 298 K was calculated to be 99.18 mg/g. DFT calculations reveal interactions between BCG and CBC involving electrostatic interactions, van der Waals forces, halogen-π interactions, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonds. Additionally, the interaction of hydrogen bonds between BCG and the -COOH group of biochar is stronger than that between BCG and the -OH group. These findings provide valuable insights into the preparation and application of efficient organic dye adsorbents.

The Relationship between Plant-Based Diet Indices and Sleep Health in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our research was to determine the effects of plant-based dietary patterns on sleep health among older adults and to examine the parallel mediated effects of anxiety and depression. METHODS: This investigation utilized data obtained from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and contained 6853 participants. Logistic regression and the restricted cubic splines (RCSs) model were employed to examine how plant-based dietary patterns affect sleep health. Additionally, Amos 26.0 was used to construct a structural equation model to examine the parallel mediated effects of anxiety and depression. RESULTS: A higher plant-based diet index (PDI) was connected to higher odds of better sleep quality (OR = 1.209, 95% CI: 1.039-1.407) and sleep duration (OR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.072-1.437). Conversely, an elevated unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) was correlated with a lower likelihood of sleep quality (OR = 0.678, 95% CI: 0.574-0.800) and sleep duration (OR = 0.762, 95% CI: 0.647-0.896). The RCSs regression further identified a significant dose-response relationship. Mediation analysis confirmed that anxiety and depression partially mediate the relationship between plant-based diets and sleep health. CONCLUSIONS: Our study exhibited significant correlations between plant-based diets and sleep health in the elderly. Depression and anxiety were determined as parallel mediators between plant-based diets and sleep health. Controlling early dietary patterns and affective disorder could help improve sleep quality in older adults.

Ethyl palmitate ameliorates lethal endotoxemia by inducing hepatic fetuin-A secretion: an in vivo and in vitro experiment.

Background: Ethyl palmitate (EP) is known to promote hepatic fetuin-A production and modulate inflammatory responses, but its potential role in lethal endotoxemia and sepsis remains unclear. This study investigates the plasma fetuin-A levels and further evaluates the impact of hepatic fetuin-A induced by EP on systemic inflammation and macrophage polarization in lethal endotoxemia and sepsis. Methods: Blood samples from 55 sepsis patients and 18 non-septic controls with similar age and sex ratio were collected to perform proteomic analyses and identify significantly different proteins. Serum fetuin-A levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endotoxemia mice were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mouse hepatocyte cell (AML-12) was exposed to different concentrations of EP. In vivo experiments were conducted in which adult male C57BL/6J mice were given EP with or without intraperitoneal LPS. Fetuin-A was determined via western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Survival rates, lung and liver injury and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also monitored and assessed using histology, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and ELISA. Additionally, the proportion of macrophages and M1/M2 subtypes in the lung and liver tissues were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: Our proteomic results revealed that the plasma fetuin-A levels were significantly decreased in sepsis patients compared with non-septic controls. Similarly, the serum fetuin-A levels were also reduced in endotoxemia mice compared with the control group. EP effectively promoted the production of fetuin-A in AML-12 cells and murine liver tissues. Subsequently, activation of fetuin-A by EP dramatically reduced LPS-induced murine mortality, alleviated lung and liver injury, down-regulated pro-inflammatory mediators and macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, EP regulated macrophage polarization from the M1 (CD45+CD11b+F4/80+CD86+) to the M2 (CD45+CD11b+F4/80+CD206+) subtype in murine liver tissue. Conclusions: EP-induced production of fetuin-A prevents sepsis and endotoxemia progression by promoting M2 polarization of macrophages.

Dietary Flavonoid Chrysin Functions as a Dual Modulator to Attenuate Amyloid-ß and Tau Pathology in the Models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Growing evidence indicates that healthy diets are associated with a slower progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Flavonoids are among the most abundant natural products in diets beneficial to AD, such as the Mediterranean diet. However, the effect and mechanism of these dietary flavonoids on AD remains incompletely understood. Here, we found that a representative dietary natural flavonoid, chrysin (Chr), significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment and AD pathology in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed that Chr significantly reduced the levels of amyloid-ß (Aß) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), along with dual inhibitory activity against ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß). Moreover, the effect of Chr was further confirmed by EW233, a structural analog of Chr that exhibited an improved pharmacokinetic profile. To further verify the role of Chr and EW233, we utilized our previously established chimeric human cerebral organoid (chCO) model for AD, in which astrogenesis was promoted to mimic the neuron-astrocyte ratio in human brain tissue, and similar dual inhibition of Aß and p-tau was also observed. Altogether, our study not only reveals the molecular mechanisms through which dietary flavonoids, such as Chr, mitigate AD pathology, but also suggests that identifying a specific constituent that mimics some of the benefits of these healthy diets could serve as a promising approach to discover new treatments for AD.

Alterations and clinical value of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors in paragangliomas.

OBJECTIVES: Given the pivotal role of immune and inflammatory responses in tumor patients, the present study aimed to explore alterations and the clinical value of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors in pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGLs). METHODS: The clinical data of 327 patients, including 102 patients with metastatic PPGLs, were retrospectively analysed. Peripheral lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Relationships between immune and inflammatory parameters and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated by intergroup comparisons and correlation analyses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify metastatic indicators. The corresponding nomogram was constructed and evaluated for discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 45.0 years, and duration of follow-up was 3.0 years. Compared with those in younger patients (<45.0 years), most lymphocyte subsets were significantly reduced in older patients (≥45 years) (P<0.05). The count of lymphocytes, CD3+T cells and CD4+T cells were negatively correlated with 24h-urinary epinephrine and plasma metanephrine levels (R=-0.2∼-0.1, P<0.05). In addition, patients with lymph node (n=37) or bone metastases (n=41) had a lower percentage of CD4+T cells (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that CD3+T cell≥1446.50/µl, CD4+T cell%<39.95%, CD8+T cell%<24.95%, CD4+/CD8+T cell ratio<2.88, B cell%≥8.65%, TNF-alpha<12.45pg/ml, IL8<30.50pg/ml and PLT≥269.50*109/L were significant indicators of metastatic PPGLs. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.800 (95% CI: 0.736-0.865). CONCLUSIONS: Immunesenescence, characterized by immune dysfunction with aging, was observed in PPGLs. Higher epinephrine and metanephrine levels might impair host's immune response. Monitoring changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokines could indicate patients' conditions, especially the occurrence of metastasis.

Effect of tDCS combined with virtual reality for post-stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) not only increases patient mortality and disability, but also adversely affects motor function and the ability to perform routine daily activities. Current therapeutic approaches for, PSCI lack specificity, primarily relying on and medication and traditional cognitive therapy supplemented by a limited array of tools. Both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and virtual reality (VR) training have demonstrated efficacy in improving cognitive performance among PSCI patients. Previous findings across various conditions suggest that implementing a therapeutic protocol combining tDCS and VR (tDCS - VR) may yield superior in isolation. Despite this, to our knowledge, no clinical investigation combining tDCS and VR for PSCI rehabilitation has been conducted. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the effects of tDCS - VR on PSCI rehabilitation. METHODS: This 4-week, single-center randomized clinical trial protocol will recruit 200 patients who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Group A (tDCS + VR), Group B (tDCS + sham VR), Group C (sham tDCS + VR), Group D (sham tDCS + sham VR). All four groups will receive conventional cognitive rehabilitation training. The primary outcome measurement utilizes the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Secondary outcome measures include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Frontal Assessment Battery, Clock Drawing Test, Digital Span Test, Logic Memory Test, and Modified Barthel Index. Additionally, S-YYZ-01 apparatus for diagnosis and treating language disorders assesses subjects' speech function. Pre- and post-four-week intervention assessments are conducted for all outcome measures. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is employed to observe changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO), deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin (HbT) in the cerebral cortex. DISCUSSION: Our hypothesis posits that the tDCS - VR therapy, in opposed to individual tDCS or VR interventions, could enhance cognitive function, speech ability and daily living skills in PSCI patients while concurrently augmenting frontal cortical activity. This randomized study aims to provide a robust theoretical foundation supported by scientific evidence for the practical implementation of the tDCS - VR combination as a secure and efficient PSCI rehabilitation approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR2300070580. Registered on 17th April 2023.

A SAW Wireless Passive Sensing System for Rotating Metal Parts.

Passive wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are very useful for on-site monitoring of the working status of machines in complex environments, such as high-temperature rotating objects. For rotating parts, it is difficult to realize real-time and continuous monitoring because of the unstable sensing signal caused by the continuous change of the relative position of the rotating part to the sensor and shielding of the signal. In our SAW sensing system, we propose a loop antenna integrated with the rotating part to obtain a stable sensing signal owing to its omnidirectional radiation pattern. Methodologies for determining the antenna dimension, system operating frequency, and procedures for designing a SAW sensor tag are discussed in this paper. By fully utilizing the influence of metal rotor on antenna performance, the antenna needs no impedance matching elements while it provides sufficient gain, which equips the antenna with nearly zero temperature drift at a wide temperature-sensing range. Experimental verification results show that this sensing system can greatly improve the stability of the sensing signal significantly and can achieve a temperature sensing accuracy of ~1 °C at different rotational speeds, demonstrated by the feasibility of the loop antenna for monitoring the working status of rotating metal parts.

The prevalence of alexithymia in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to systematically evaluate the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Computer searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine (CBM) electronic databases to collect studies that utilized the TAS-20 scale as a measurement tool with clearly defined diagnostic criteria to determine the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia, from the inception of the databases to December 29, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies, followed by meta-analysis using Stata 16.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies with 5628 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia was 35 % (95 % CI: 32-38 %). Subgroup analysis indicated that male gender, smoking, Asian ethnicity, case-control design and divorce were associated with higher rates of alexithymia (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia is relatively high (35 %). However, due to limitations in the quality and quantity of included studies, further high-quality literature is needed to confirm the above conclusion.

Prevalence and association of uncorrected refractive error among Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is one of the main causes of visual impairments. URE may reduce interaction and learning in the classroom, leading to social isolation, irreversible amblyopia, lack of external knowledge, and restrictions on education and employment opportunities. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and related factors of URE in adolescents using epidemiological surveys and questionnaire surveys related to lifestyle habits. METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in Nantong, China, including adolescents 12-19 years of age from 16 schools. URE was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 and improving to ≥ 1 lines after correction in either eye. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate specific correlations between URE and related lifestyle parameters. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction was assessed for each adolescent. RESULTS: A total of 2,910 adolescents were analyzed, of which 50.3% (n = 1,465) were male, and 49.7% (n = 1,445) were female. The mean age was 15.23 ± 1.77 years. The overall prevalence of URE was 23.7%. The total prevalence of REC and eREC was 85.1% and 71.7%, respectively, and both of them showed an increasing trend with age (Ptrend = 0.018 and Ptrend = 0.019, respectively). A higher prevalence of URE was related to myopia, anisometropia, and increased daily use of electronic products. Timely visual examination by medical institutions, more extracurricular homework, and older age were protective factors for URE. Among the 689 adolescents with URE, 362 (52.5%) did not receive any refractive correction, and 327 (47.5%) used corrected glasses. CONCLUSION: URE was highly prevalent among adolescents in China. Myopia was the most important risk factor for URE. The impact of anisometropia and increased daily use of electronic devices on URE was significant. Timely visual examinations by medical institutions served as an effective protective factor against URE. Further research on adjusting intervention strategies is therefore needed to eliminate preventable visual impairments.

Prevalence of symptomatic dry eye and influencing factors among Chinese adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive research on the impact of various types of refractive errors (RE) and anisometropia on dry eye disease is still lacking. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence rates and potential lifestyle factors related to symptomatic dry eye (SDE) among adolescents in eastern China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2023, and a stratified cluster sampling technique was used among adolescents in Nantong, China. Demographic information, including sex, age and BMI, were collected. All participants underwent optometric tests, while Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and self-designed questionnaires were administered. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between SDE and related parameters, and various types of RE and anisometropia were also included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 1,518 participants were enrolled in the study, and the overall prevalence of SDE was 20.3% among adolescents in Nantong, China. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that high myopia (aOR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.60-3.36, p = 0.025), frequent use of eye drops (aOR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.60-3.36, p<0.001), a history of allergic conjunctivitis (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.09-3.34, p = 0.025), and frequent blinking (aOR = 3.23, 95% CI = 2.31-4.53, p<0.001) were identified as risk factors for SDE. Conversely, male gender (aOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58-0.99, p = 0.043), increased sleep time (6-7 h: aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.46-0.89, p = 0.009; 7-8 h: aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43-0.95, p = 0.026; >8 h: aOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.23-0.82, p = 0.010), and timely intervention when vision decline occurred were protective factors against SDE (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43-0.85, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: High myopia was found to be independently associated with an increased risk of SDE., while hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were not independent risk factors for SDE. The identified risk and protective factors may help provide valuable insights for future research and interventions aimed at improving ocular health in adolescents.