[Comparison of the repair effects of Haiao oral biofilm alone or in combination with allogeneic bone graft in bone defects after jaw bone cyst surgery].

PURPOSE: To compare the repair effects of Haiao oral biofilm alone or in combination with allogeneic bone graft on bone defects after jaw bone cyst surgery. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 105 patients with bone defects after jaw bone cyst surgery who were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from November 2020 to July 2022. According to the random number table methods, the patients were divided into three groups: Haiao membrane group, allogeneic bone graft group and combination group. Among them, Haiao membrane group(35 patients) were repaired using Haiao oral biofilm; allogeneic bone group(35 patients) using allogeneic bone, while combined group (35 patients) using a combination of Haiao oral biofilm and allogeneic bone graft. The clinical basic data of three groups of patients were compared, including the healing effect at the incision, bone density at the bone defect, bone resorption and attachment loss. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in general clinical data among the three groups (P＞0.05). The postoperative restoration effect of gingival soft tissue morphology in combined group was significantly better than that in Haiao membrane group and allogeneic bone graft group (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in bone density at the bone defect site among the three groups before treatment(P＞0.05); 6 and 12 months after treatment, the bone density of the three groups was significantly improved (P＜0.05), and combined group was significantly higher than the other groups(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the vertical and lingual bone resorption levels among the three groups before treatment(P＞0.05); 6 and 12 months after treatment, the vertical and lingual bone resorption levels of the three groups were significantly reduced (P＜0.05), and combined group were significantly lower than the other groups (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in attachment loss among the three groups before treatment(P＞0.05); 6 and 12 months after treatment, the attachment loss of the three groups decreased(P＜0.05), and combined group was significantly lower than the other groups(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Haiao oral biofilm and allogeneic bone graft has good repair effect in the treatment of bone defects after jaw bone cyst surgery, which is beneficial for the recovery of gingival soft tissue, improvement of bone density, reduction of bone resorption and attachment loss.

Network pharmacology-based exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome. The Chinese herbal compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe has been used to treat chronic heart failure; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear. AIM: To identify the effective active ingredients of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe and explore its molecular mechanism in the treatment of chronic heart failure. METHODS: The effective active ingredients of eight herbs composing Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The target genes of chronic heart failure were searched in the Genecards database. The target proteins of active ingredients were mapped to chronic heart failure target genes to obtain the common drug-disease targets, which were then used to construct a key chemical component-target network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed through the Metascape database. Finally, our previously published relevant articles were searched to verify the results obtained via network pharmacology. RESULTS: A total of 227 effective active ingredients for Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified, of which quercetin, kaempferol, 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone, formononetin, and isorhamnetin may be key active ingredients and involved in the therapeutic effects of TCM by acting on STAT3, MAPK3, AKT1, JUN, MAPK1, TP53, TNF, HSP90AA1, p65, MAPK8, MAPK14, IL6, EGFR, EDN1, FOS, and other proteins. The pathways identified by KEGG enrichment analysis include pathways in cancer, IL-17 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, etc. Previous studies on Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe suggested that this Chinese compound preparation can regulate the TNF-α, IL-6, MAPK, cAMP, and AMPK pathways to affect the mitochondrial structure of myocardial cells, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism, thus achieving the therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure. CONCLUSION: The Chinese medicine compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe exerts therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure possibly by influencing the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and other processes. Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and other pathways in mediating the therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure.

Pharmacological induction of MHC-I expression in tumor cells revitalizes T cell anti-tumor immunity.

Antigen presentation by Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I (MHC-I) is crucial for T-cell-mediated killing, and aberrant surface MHC-I expression is tightly associated with immune evasion. To address MHC-I downregulation, we conducted a high-throughput flow cytometry screen, identifying bleomycin (BLM) as a potent inducer of cell surface MHC-I expression. BLM-induced MHC-I augmentation renders tumor cells more susceptible to T cells in co-culture assays and enhances anti-tumor responses in an adoptive cellular transfer mouse model. Mechanistically, BLM remodels the tumor immune microenvironment, inducing MHC-I expression in an ATM/ATR-NF-κB-dependent manner. Furthermore, BLM improves T-cell-dependent immunotherapeutic approaches, including bispecific antibodies therapy, immune checkpoint therapy (ICT), and autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) therapy. Importantly, low-dose BLM treatment in mouse models amplified the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapy without detectable pulmonary toxicity. In summary, our findings repurpose BLM as a potential inducer of MHC-I, enhancing its expression to improve the efficacy of T-cell-based immunotherapy.

A new method to orient a 3-dimensional facial model to natural head position: A preliminary report on accuracy and reproducibility.

OBJECTIVES: To establish and validate a novel method to orient a 3-dimensional (3D) facial model to natural head position (NHP) in a stereophotogrammetric system using a 2-dimensional frontal full-face photograph of NHP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specific technique procedure was reported for our method, and in vitro model experiment was performed for accuracy test. A preliminary volunteer study was then planned for reproducibility test. RESULTS: The accuracy on a 3D-printed test model was within 0.15°. Within an observational cohort of 22 dental students, the angular deviations of different maxillofacial regions (e.g., central forehead, left and right zygomatic regions, apex of nose and mental region) were no more than 2° between the 3D NHP models acquired with a shorter time-interval (1 h from baseline) or a longer time-interval (7 days from baseline), which were all considered clinically insignificant. In addition, the angular deviations were significantly larger with a 7d-interval than with a 1h-interval, indicting a decline in 3D NHP reproducibility over short time duration. CONCLUSION: The current method may represent a clinically useful protocol for recording and transferring 3D NHP in stereophotogrammetry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It may provide reliable and meaningful reference information for evaluating craniofacial morphology, and be of clinical use in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-ups of patients with aesthetic or deformed craniofacial problems.

A High-Resolution Multipath Delay Measurement Method Using KFSC-WRELAX Algorithm.

Given the challenges associated with the low accuracy, complexity of the equipment, and poor interference resistance observed in current wireless multipath channel measurements, this study introduces a novel algorithm called KFSC-WRELAX. This algorithm integrates techniques involving pseudorandom noise (PN) sequences, Kalman filtering (KF), sliding correlation, and weighted Fourier transform combined with the RELAXation (WRELAX) algorithm. An m-sequence is employed as the probing sequence for channel detection. The effectiveness of the KFSC-WRELAX algorithm is demonstrated through both simulation experiments and corridor testing, showing that it can accurately determine the delays in various paths with robust performance at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of -5 dB or higher.

Isobavachin induces autophagy-mediated cytotoxicity in AML12 cells via AMPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways.

Isobavachin (IBA) is a dihydroflavonoid compound with various pharmacological effects. However, further investigation into the hepatotoxicity of IBA is necessary. This study aims to identify the hepatotoxic effects of IBA and explore its potential mechanisms. The study assessed the impact of IBA on the viability of AML12, HepG2, LO2, rat, and mouse primary hepatocytes using MTT and LDH assays. Autophagy was detected in AML12 cells after IBA treatment using electron microscopy, MDC, and Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B fluorescence. The effect of IBA on autophagy-related proteins was examined using Western blot. The results showed that IBA had dose-dependent inhibitory effects on five cells, induced autophagy in AML12 cells, and promoted autophagic flux. The study found that IBA treatment inhibited phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, while increasing phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1. Treatment with both AMPK and PI3K inhibitors reversed the expression of AMPK and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway proteins. These results suggest that IBA may have hepatocytotoxic effects but can also prevent IBA hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the AMPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. This provides a theoretical basis for preventing and treating IBA hepatotoxicity in clinical settings.

First Report of Collar Rot in Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) Caused by Fusarium solani in Shandong Province, China.

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China. The content of oil in kernels is 52.7% to 58.0%, of which is the source of neuroic acid (3.7-4.4%). (Liang et al. 2022). In recent years, yellowhorn, as a woody oleiferous crop, has been cultivated in northern China (Xiao et al. 2023). In late June 2019, an unknown collar rot was observed on yellowhorn in Tai'an, and Weifang City, Shandong Province, China. Infected plants had dark brown to black lesions at the base of the stem, about 10 to 15 cm from the ground, bark dehiscence and rot, resulting in wilting, withering, and death of plants. The disease incidence in the field was 35-48%. Representative symptomatic samples were collected randomly from the collar of 8 plants, and 24 samples were cut from the diseased tissue into 5 mm square pieces, surface disinfected with 75% alcohol for 30s and then with 0.1% mercury bichloride for 1min, plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 28°C in the dark for 2 to 3 days. Isolation frequency of the pathogen from symptomatic collar was 83.3%. The colonies were subcultured three times on PDA to obtained the purified colonies. The colonies appeared flocculent mycelia incubated on PDA at 28°C for 7 days. The color of the surface and the reverse colony was white and cream, respectively. The chlamydosposres were smooth with thick walled, and are formed singly. Microconidia were oval or ellipsoidal, with 0-1 septum; macroconidia end cells curved to slightly, with 3- or 5-septate, and measured 17.3 to 23.1 × 4.9 to 6.5 µm (avg. 21.3 × 5.9 µm, n = 60). The morphological characteristics fit the descriptions of Fusarium spp. (Hafizi et al. 2013; Crespo et al 2019). Genomic DNA extracted from four representative isolates (XSTA4, XSTA7, XSWF6 and XSWF8), and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α), RNA polymerase I beta subunit (RPB1), and RNA polymerase II beta subunit (RPB2) genes were amplified using the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), EF-1/EF-2, RPB-1F/1R, and RPB2-5F2/11aR (O'Donnell et al 2010), respectively. Amplicons were sequenced and compared in GenBank using a BLAST analysis. The ITS sequences (OR672118, OR669008, OR669039, and OR669279) had 100% similarity with the sequences of F. solani (MT560378, MG561938, MN989030 and OP630608, respectively). The EF1-α sequences (OR934984, OR934985, OR934986, and OR934987) matched 100% with the sequences of F. solani (OQ511088, MW332044, MW620166 and MT379886). The RPB-1 sequences (PP896852, PP896853, PP896854, and PP896855) had 100% similarity with the sequences of F. solani (OL474057, OR916019, MT305118 and MT305118, respectively). The RPB2 sequences (PP896856, PP896857, PP896858, and PP896859) matched 100% with the sequences of F. solani (OR371884, OK880266, OP784447 and OL474055, respectively). A phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, RPB2 and EF1-α sequences placed the four obtained isolates within the same clade containing the F. solani isolates A6, 91-84-1 and UCR1780. Pathogenicity tests were carried out in late-June 2020. Fifty 120-day-old healthy seedlings were wounded with 2 mm deep at stems in the collar region of plants at 5 cm above the soil for tested. The seedlings were inoculated on the wound with 3-mm mycelial discs from a 7-day-old culture of each four representative strains of 10 repeated, respectively. Ten seedlings inoculated on the wound with sterile PDA served as control. All plants were grown in an incubator with a 28°C temperature. After 20 days, the stems which were inoculated the representative strain turned brown, with 2 - 5 cm length lesion, and the plants developed typical wilting and withering symptoms which similar to those observed in the field. The control remained asymptomatic. The pathogen was reisolated from the inoculated stems and its identity confirmed with both morphology and using molecular tools. These results indicated that the pathogens of yellowhorn collar rot is F. solani. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. solani causing collar rot of yellowhorn in China.

A Self-Powered, Skin Adhesive, and Flexible Human-Machine Interface Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Human-machine interactions (HMIs) have penetrated into various academic and industrial fields, such as robotics, virtual reality, and wearable electronics. However, the practical application of most human-machine interfaces faces notable obstacles due to their complex structure and materials, high power consumption, limited effective skin adhesion, and high cost. Herein, we report a self-powered, skin adhesive, and flexible human-machine interface based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (SSFHMI). Characterized by its simple structure and low cost, the SSFHMI can easily convert touch stimuli into a stable electrical signal at the trigger pressure from a finger touch, without requiring an external power supply. A skeleton spacer has been specially designed in order to increase the stability and homogeneity of the output signals of each TENG unit and prevent crosstalk between them. Moreover, we constructed a hydrogel adhesive interface with skin-adhesive properties to adapt to easy wear on complex human body surfaces. By integrating the SSFHMI with a microcontroller, a programmable touch operation platform has been constructed that is capable of multiple interactions. These include medical calling, music media playback, security unlocking, and electronic piano playing. This self-powered, cost-effective SSFHMI holds potential relevance for the next generation of highly integrated and sustainable portable smart electronic products and applications.

Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties of Additively Manufactured Polyurethane (PU)/Halloysite Nanotube (HNT) Nanocomposites.

This paper investigates the impact of halloysite nanotube (HNT) content on mechanical and shape memory properties of additively manufactured polyurethane (PU)/HNT nanocomposites. The inclusion of 8 wt% HNTs increases their tensile strength by 30.4% when compared with that of virgin PU at 44.75 MPa. Furthermore, consistently significant increases in tensile modulus, compressive strength and modulus, as well as specific energy absorption are also manifested by 47.2%, 34.0%, 125% and 72.7% relative to neat PU at 2.29 GPa, 3.88 MPa, 0.28 GPa and 0.44 kJ/kg respectively. However, increasing HNT content reduces lateral strain due to the restricted mobility of polymeric chains, leading to a decrease in negative Poisson's ratio (NPR). As such, shape recovery ratio and time of PU/HNT nanocomposites are reduced by 9 and 45% with the inclusion of 10 wt% HNTs despite an increasing shape fixity ratio up to 12% relative to those of neat PU.

Associations between Glyphosate Exposure and Glycemic Disorders: A Focus on the Modifying Effect of Sex Hormones.

Widespread glyphosate contamination in the environment and its endocrine-disrupting potential are concerning. However, evidence of glyphosate's effects on glycemic health is limited. To examine the association between glyphosate and glucose homeostasis in the general US population, a total of 3038 individuals were enrolled from the 2013-2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey-weighted linear regression and restricted cubic spline curves were used to detect the associations between glyphosate and glycemic disorders. The effects of interactions between sex hormones and glyphosate on glycemic outcomes were evaluated. The results showed that glyphosate was significantly linked to increased glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (ß = 0.01; 95%CI, 0.01 to 0.02; p = 0.001) and the compromised homeostatic model assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA-beta) scores (ß = -0.09; 95%CI, -0.17 to -0.01; p = 0.024). More importantly, these "glyphosate-glycemic disorder" associations were significantly modified by sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; P for interaction < 0.05), with more pronounced relationships being identified in individuals with low SHBG levels. Our findings indicate that glyphosate is correlated with glucose dyshomeostasis. Individuals with low SHBG levels exhibited susceptibility to glyphosate-related glycemic toxicity; therefore, it might be prudent to determine glycemic health in those subjects with glyphosate exposure.

A case report on congenital hypothyroidism and alpha thalassemia in children with anemia and muscle damage as the main manifestation.

RATIONALE: This study reports the first case of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and alpha thalassemia in a child in China, with anemia and muscle damage as the main manifestations. Analyzing and studying this case is of great significance in reducing missed and misdiagnosed CH and will provide a clinical strategy for treating these patients. PATIENT CONCERNS: Child, female, 2 years and 7 months old, the child appeared dispirited, had poor appetite, shallow complexion, reduced activities with anemia, elevated muscle enzymes, height, and growth retardation. DIAGNOSES: The child was diagnosed with CH with alpha thalassemia. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with levothyroxine sodium and anemia correction. OUTCOMES: The children's current spirit, appetite, red face, normal limb activity, physical development, and intelligence were significantly better than those of normal children of the same age. CONCLUSIONS: CH with alpha thalassemia, especially anemia and muscle damage as the main manifestations, has not been reported. Administration of levothyroxine sodium is effective in correcting anemia in patients with CH and alpha thalassemia. LESSON: Due to CH and alpha thalassemia, there are no specific symptoms and they are prone to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Therefore, patients with anemia and elevated muscle enzyme levels should be routinely tested for thyroid function to diagnose them early and provide proper treatment to avoid negative consequences.

The traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Previous findings have indicated the potential benefits of the Chinese traditional medicine Qiliqiangxin (QLQX) in heart failure. Here we performed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QLQX in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This multicenter trial, conducted in 133 hospitals in China, enrolled 3,110 patients with HFrEF with NT-proBNP levels of ≥450 pg ml-1 and left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤40%. Participants were randomized to receive either QLQX capsules or placebo (four capsules three times daily) alongside standard heart failure therapy. The trial met its primary outcome, which was a composite of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death: over a median follow-up of 18.3 months, the primary outcome occurred in 389 patients (25.02%) in the QLQX group and 467 patients (30.03%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio (HR), 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68-0.90; P < 0.001). In an analysis of secondary outcomes, the QLQX group showed reductions in both hospitalization for heart failure (15.63% versus 19.16%; HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.90; P = 0.002) and cardiovascular death (13.31% versus 15.95%; HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.68-0.996; P = 0.045) compared to the placebo group. All-cause mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.70-1.01; P = 0.058) and adverse events were also comparable between the groups. The results of this trial indicate that QLQX may improve clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF when added to conventional therapy. ChiCTR registration: ChiCTR1900021929 .

In situ synthesis of luminescent dsDNA-Cu NCs stained with a dsDNA-lighted fluorophore for rapid and stable detection of histamine in food.

Poisonous histamine is accumulated in stale meat and fermented foods. The rapid and stable detection of histamine is essential for food safety. Herein, a ratiometric fluorometric method for histamine detection was designed through in situ preparing double-stranded DNA­copper nanoclusters (dsDNA-Cu NCs) stained with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). dsDNA-Cu NCs with red emission were rapidly synthesized via mixing Cu2+, ascorbate and dsDNA at room temperature for 5 min. When DAPI was added during preparation, DAPI coordinated with the Cu element accompanied by the quenched red emission of dsDNA-Cu NCs, and DAPI bound to dsDNA together with the enhanced blue emission of DAPI. Upon adding DAPI and histamine simultaneously, the coordination of histamine with the Cu element further decreased the red emission of dsDNA-Cu NCs, and drove the movement of DAPI from the Cu element to dsDNA along with the enhanced blue emission of DAPI. Significantly, ratiometric fluorescence was insensitive to variations in instrument and environment, causing stable measurement. Meanwhile, in situ synthesis integrated probe preparation with analyte detection, reducing time consumption. Additionally, this method quantified histamine in the concentration range of 7-50 µM with a detection limit of 3.6 µM. It was applied to determining histamine in food with satisfactory accuracy and precision.

Predicting hepatocellular carcinoma: A new non-invasive model based on shear wave elastography.

BACKGROUND: Integrating conventional ultrasound features with 2D shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) can potentially enhance preoperative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) predictions. AIM: To develop a 2D-SWE-based predictive model for preoperative identification of HCC. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 884 patients who underwent liver resection and pathology evaluation from February 2021 to August 2023 was conducted at the Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital. The patients were divided into the modeling group (n = 720) and the control group (n = 164). The study included conventional ultrasound, 2D-SWE, and preoperative laboratory tests. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent predictive factors for malignant liver lesions, which were then depicted as nomograms. RESULTS: In the modeling group analysis, maximal elasticity (Emax) of tumors and their peripheries, platelet count, cirrhosis, and blood flow were independent risk indicators for malignancies. These factors yielded an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.73-0.81) with 84% sensitivity and 61% specificity. The model demonstrated good calibration in both the construction and validation cohorts, as shown by the calibration graph and Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P = 0.683 and P = 0.658, respectively). Additionally, the mean elasticity (Emean) of the tumor periphery was identified as a risk factor for microvascular invasion (MVI) in malignant liver tumors (P = 0.003). Patients receiving antiviral treatment differed significantly in platelet count (P = 0.002), Emax of tumors (P = 0.033), Emean of tumors (P = 0.042), Emax at tumor periphery (P < 0.001), and Emean at tumor periphery (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: 2D-SWE's hardness value serves as a valuable marker for enhancing the preoperative diagnosis of malignant liver lesions, correlating significantly with MVI and antiviral treatment efficacy.

Association between pre-hip fracture depression and days at home after fracture and assessing sex differences.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture and depression are important public health issues among older adults, but how pre-fracture depression impacts recovery after hip fracture is unknown, especially among males who often experience greater depression severity. Days at home (DAH), or the days spent outside a hospital or healthcare facility, is a novel, patient-centered outcome that can capture meaningful aspects of fracture recovery. How pre-fracture depression impacts DAH after fracture, and related sex differences, remains unclear. METHODS: Participants included 63,618 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65+ years, with a hospitalization claim for hip fracture surgery between 2010 and 2017. The primary exposure was a diagnosis of depression at hospital admission, and the primary outcome was total DAH over 12 months post-discharge. Longitudinal associations between pre-fracture depression and the count of DAH among beneficiaries were estimated using Poisson regression models after adjustment for covariates; sex-by-depression interactions were also assessed. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reflecting relative differences were estimated from these models. RESULTS: Overall, beneficiaries with depression were younger, White females, and spent 11 fewer average DAH compared to counterparts without depression when demographic factors (age and sex) (IRR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.90, 0.92; p < 0.0001) and social determinants of health (race, Medicaid dual eligibility, and poverty) were adjusted for (IRR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.91, 0.93; p < 0.0001), but this association attenuated after adjusting for medical complexities (IRR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.01; p = 0.41) and facility and geographical factors (IRR = 1.0037; 95% CI = 0.99, 1.02; p = 0.66). There was no evidence of effect modification by sex. CONCLUSIONS: The comorbidity burden of preexisting depression may impact DAH among both male and female Medicare beneficiaries with hip fracture. Results suggest a holistic health approach and secondary prevention of depressive symptoms after hip fracture.

Superconducting diode effect under time-reversal symmetry.

In noncentrosymmetric superconductors, superconducting and normal conductions can interchange on the basis of the current flow direction. This effect is termed a superconducting diode effect (SDE), which is a focal point of recent research. The broken inversion and time-reversal symmetry is believed to be the requirements of SDE, but their intrinsic role has remained elusive. Here, we report strain-controlled SDEs in a layered trigonal superconductor, PbTaSe2. The SDE was found exclusively in a strained device with its absence in an unstrained device despite that it is allowed in unstrained trigonal structure. Moreover, the zero-field or magnetic field-even (magnetic field-odd) SDE is observed when the strain and current are along armchair (zigzag) direction The results unambiguously demonstrate the intrinsic SDE under time-reversal symmetry and the critical role of strain-induced electric polarization.

The effect of physical exercise therapy on autism spectrum disorder:a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical Exercise Therapy (PET) is increasingly applied in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), yet the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy remains ambiguous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PET for individuals with ASD, providing evidence-based support for clinical and scientific research. METHODS: We systematically searched four international databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, and Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Libraries) up to July 31, 2023. The search was conducted in both English and Chinese for original research articles employing randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) designs to study PET's effects on individuals diagnosed with ASD according to DSM or other established criteria. Co-primary outcomes focused on the overall severity of autism, while secondary outcomes included measures of stereotyped behaviors, social deficits, social skills, and executive functioning. Data from the included studies were synthesized and analyzed using RevMan 5.4. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023443951). RESULTS: A total of 28 RCTs comprising 1081 participants were analyzed. Of these, only three studies met high-quality standards. Compared to control groups, PET showed improvement in at least one core symptom of autism, including Motor Performance (SMD=1.72, 95%CI[1.01, 2.44], I2=90%), Restricted Repetitive Behaviors (SMD=-0.81, 95%CI[-1.00, -0.62], I2=0%), Social Dysfunction (SMD=-0.76, 95%CI[-1.06, -0.46], I2=47%). CONCLUSIONS: PET may offer benefits in reducing the overall severity and associated symptoms in individuals with ASD. However, given the high overall risk of bias in the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Effect of Acupuncture for Methadone Reduction : A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is effective for managing opioid use disorder, but adverse effects mean that optimal therapy occurs with the lowest dose that controls opioid craving. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture on methadone dose reduction. DESIGN: Multicenter, 2-group, randomized, sham-controlled trial. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200058123). SETTING: 6 MMT clinics in China. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 65 years or younger with opioid use disorder who attended clinic daily and had been using MMT for at least 6 weeks. INTERVENTION: Acupuncture or sham acupuncture 3 times a week for 8 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: The 2 primary outcomes were the proportion of participants who achieved a reduction in methadone dose of 20% or more compared with baseline and opioid craving, which was measured by the change from baseline on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Of 118 eligible participants, 60 were randomly assigned to acupuncture and 58 were randomly assigned to sham acupuncture (2 did not receive acupuncture). At week 8, more patients reduced their methadone dose 20% or more with acupuncture than with sham acupuncture (37 [62%] vs. 16 [29%]; risk difference, 32% [97.5% CI, 13% to 52%]; P < 0.001). In addition, acupuncture was more effective in decreasing opioid craving than sham acupuncture with a mean difference of -11.7 mm VAS (CI, -18.7 to -4.8 mm; P < 0.001). No serious adverse events occurred. There were no notable differences between study groups when participants were asked which type of acupuncture they received. LIMITATION: Fixed acupuncture protocol limited personalization and only 12 weeks of follow-up after stopping acupuncture. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of acupuncture were superior to sham acupuncture in reducing methadone dose and decreasing opioid craving. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Oral health management in children with severe congenital neutropenia with periodontitis: Case report.

RATIONALE: Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a rare and heterogeneous genetic disease. By describing the diagnosis and treatment of a child with SCN and periodontitis, this case provides a reference for the oral health management of a child with SCN and periodontitis. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe a boy with clinical manifestations of oral bleeding, neutropenia, recurrent fever, and other recurrent infections. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was <0.50 × 109/L most of the time. Morphological examination of bone marrow cells showed active granulocyte hyperplasia and dysmaturation. DIAGNOSES: According to the clinical manifestations, hematological examination and gene detection results, the child was diagnosed as SCN with chronic periodontitis. INTERVENTIONS: Periodontal treatment was performed after informed consent was obtained from the child guardian. These included supragingival and subgingival cleaning, hydrogen peroxide and saline irrigation, placement of iodoglycerin in the gingival sulcus, and oral hygiene instruction. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed later. OUTCOMES: One month after initial periodontal treatment, oral hygiene was well maintained and gingival swelling had subsided. Probing depth (PD) index on periodontal probing and bleeding was significantly reduced. However, there was no significant change in blood routine and other indicators before and after periodontal treatment. CONCLUSION: Once SCN is diagnosed, individualized treatment plans can be developed according to the characteristics of the disease and its impact on oral health, which can effectively control the interaction between SCN and periodontal disease and reduce the occurrence of serious infection.

RNA m6A modification regulates cell fate transition between pluripotent stem cells and 2-cell-like cells.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) exerts essential roles in early embryos, especially in the maternal-to-zygotic transition stage. However, the landscape and roles of RNA m6A modification during the transition between pluripotent stem cells and 2-cell-like (2C-like) cells remain elusive. Here, we utilised ultralow-input RNA m6A immunoprecipitation to depict the dynamic picture of transcriptome-wide m6A modifications during 2C-like transitions. We found that RNA m6A modification was preferentially enriched in zygotic genome activation (ZGA) transcripts and MERVL with high expression levels in 2C-like cells. During the exit of the 2C-like state, m6A facilitated the silencing of ZGA genes and MERVL. Notably, inhibition of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 and m6A reader protein IGF2BP2 is capable of significantly delaying 2C-like state exit and expanding 2C-like cells population. Together, our study reveals the critical roles of RNA m6A modification in the transition between 2C-like and pluripotent states, facilitating the study of totipotency and cell fate decision in the future.