Ag@Mg12@Ag20: a three-layer matryoshka structure with S 6 symmetry.

The C60 fullerene, renowned for its soccer ball-like high-symmetry configuration, has attracted extensive interest. As research on C60 progresses, the synthesis of diverse C60 derivatives and the exploration of embedding varying numbers of atoms within the carbon cage, ranging from singular atoms to entire molecules, have emerged. This trend has prompted investigations into potential high-symmetry structures formed by incorporating main group or transition metal elements. This study presents a detailed analysis of a three-layer Ag@Mg12@Ag20 structure, featuring a Mg12 icosahedron enclosed within an Ag20 dodecahedron with a singular Ag atom at its core. Employing density-functional theory, the structure underwent comprehensive scrutiny, including energy minimization resulting in the adoption of a S 6 symmetry, and subsequent evaluation of stability via vibrational frequency analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. The electronic structures and bonding characteristics of this three-layer Ag@Mg12@Ag20 architecture were explored through electron density analysis, density of states, and adaptive natural density partitioning analysis. Considering structural stability, the proposed three-layer Ag@Mg12@Ag20 structure exhibits promise as a novel constituent in the construction of other nano-materials.

Carbonatoperoxovanadates with Strong Second-Harmonic Generation: Insights from First-Principles Calculations on Anisotropic Structures and Optical Parameters.

Carbonatoperoxovanadates are considered as promising functional materials in optoelectronic devices due to their excellent optical properties, particularly strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) response. However, the relationship between their geometric structures and optical properties remains unclear. Herein, the structural, electronic, and optical properties of carbonatoperoxovanadates A3VO(O2)2CO3 (A=K, Rb, and Cs) were investigated using first-principles calculation. Results suggest that high density and parallel arrangement of nonlinear optical active [VO(O2)2CO3] units are conducive to generating large SHG response in A3[V(O2)2O]CO3. Optical anisotropy was observed. Birefringence values for A3[V(O2)2O]CO3 were comparable to those of commonly used infrared nonlinear optical materials. Specifically, results of tiny optical characteristics (local dipole moments, HUMO-LUMO gap, polarizability anisotropy, and hyperpolarizability) indicate that asymmetry [VO(O2)2CO3] is an excellent nonlinear optical active functional unit, owing to the synergistic effect between its non-centrosymmetric nonlinear optical elements. This study elucidates the structure-property relationship of carbonatoperoxovanadates, offering valuable insights for designing novel high-performance SHG materials.

Genome-Wide Characterization of Alfin-like Genes in Brassica napus and Functional Analyses of BnaAL02 and BnaAL28 in Response to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deficiency.

Alfin-like proteins (ALs) form a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) gene family involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, and abiotic stress response. In this study, 30 ALs were identified in Brassica napus ecotype 'Zhongshuang 11' genome (BnaALs), and unevenly distributed on 15 chromosomes. Structural characteristic analysis showed that all of the BnaALs contained two highly conserved domains: the N terminal DUF3594 domain and the C-terminal PHD-finger domain. The BnaALs were classified into four groups (Group I-IV), supported by conserved intron-exon and protein motif structures in each group. The allopolyploid event between B. oleracea and B. rapa ancestors and the small-scale duplication events in B. napus both contributed to the large BnaALs expansion. The promoter regions of BnaALs contained multiple abiotic stress cis-elements. The BnaALs in I-IV groups were mainly expressed in cotyledon, petal, root, silique, and seed tissues, and the duplicated gene pairs shared highly similar expression patterns. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analysis showed that BnaALs were obviously induced by low nitrogen (LN) and low phosphorus (LP) treatments in roots. Overexpressing BnaAL02 and BnaAL28 in Arabidopsis demonstrated their functions in response to LN and LP stresses. BnaAL28 enhanced primary roots' (PRs) length and lateral roots' (LRs) number under LP and LN conditions, where BnaAL02 can inhibit LR numbers under the two conditions. They can promote root hair (RH) elongation under LP conditions; however, they suppressed RH elongation under LN conditions. Our result provides new insight into the functional dissection of this family in response to nutrient stresses in plants.

Genome-Wide Identification of B-Box Family Genes and Their Potential Roles in Seed Development under Shading Conditions in Rapeseed.

B-box (BBX) proteins, a subfamily of zinc-finger transcription factors, are involved in various environmental signaling pathways. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of BBX family members in Brassica crops. The 482 BBX proteins were divided into five groups based on gene structure, conserved domains, and phylogenetic analysis. An analysis of nonsynonymous substitutions and (Ka)/synonymous substitutions (Ks) revealed that most BBX genes have undergone purifying selection during evolution. An analysis of transcriptome data from rapeseed (Brassica napus) organs suggested that BnaBBX3d might be involved in the development of floral tissue-specific RNA-seq expression. We identified numerous light-responsive elements in the promoter regions of BnaBBX genes, which were suggestive of participation in light signaling pathways. Transcriptomic analysis under shade treatment revealed 77 BnaBBX genes with significant changes in expression before and after shading treatment. Of these, BnaBBX22e showed distinct expression patterns in yellow- vs. black-seeded materials in response to shading. UPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that shading influences the accumulation of 54 metabolites, with light response BnaBBX22f expression correlating with the accumulation of the flavonoid metabolites M46 and M51. Additionally, BnaBBX22e and BnaBBX22f interact with BnaA10.HY5. These results suggest that BnaBBXs might function in light-induced pigment accumulation. Overall, our findings elucidate the characteristics of BBX proteins in six Brassica species and reveal a possible connection between light and seed coat color, laying the foundation for further exploring the roles of BnaBBX genes in seed development.

The flavour of wheat gluten hydrolysate after Corynebacterium Glutamicum fermentation: Effect of degrees of hydrolysis and fermentation time.

Corynebacterium glutamicum was used to ferment wheat gluten hydrolysates (WGHs) to prepare flavour base. This study investigated the effect of hydrolysis degrees (DHs) and fermentation time on flavour of WGHs. During fermentation, the contents of amino nitrogen, total acid and small peptides increased, while the protein and pH value decreased. Succinic acid, GMP, and Glu were the prominent umami substances in fermented WGHs. The aromas of WGHs with different DHs could be distinguished by electronic nose and GC-IMS. Based on OAV of GC-MS, hexanal was the main compound in WGHs, while phenylethyl alcohol and acetoin were dominant after fermentation. WGHs with high DHs accumulated more flavour metabolites. Correlation analysis showed that small peptides (<1 kDa) could promote the formation of flavour substances, and Asp was potentially relevant flavour precursor. This study indicated that fermented WGHs with different DHs can potentially be used in different food applications based on flavour profiles.

Decadal Trends in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Economically Developed Regions in China.

Objective: To estimate decadal trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in economically developed regions in China and its association with city economic levels. Methods: Using a comprehensive Chinese healthcare database, repeated cross-sectional studies were conducted on adults who had annual health check-ups from 2012 to 2021 in 4 economically developed cities. MetS was defined by the criteria of the Chinese Diabetes Society in 2013. The crude prevalence of MetS adjusted for sex and age was reported. The association between prevalence, calendar year, and city gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was analyzed by regression model. Results: 158 274 participants aged 18 years and older were included. The unadjusted prevalence of MetS increased from 15.5% (95% CI: 14.2%-16.8%) to 20.0% (95% CI: 19.5%-20.5%) from 2012 to 2021. The adjusted overall prevalence has increased steadily from 12.8% to 20.8% after controlling age and sex (P < .001). Male and older age groups had a higher MetS prevalence. In the regression model of the association between the MetS prevalence, calendar year, and city GDP per capita, calendar year had a positive association with the prevalence (P < .001, 95% CI: 0.648-1.954) and city GDP per capita had a negative association (P = .030, 95% CI: -0.136 to -0.007). Conclusion: The MetS prevalence increased steadily in the economically developed regions in China among the health check-up population during 2012-2021. The MetS prevalence is shown to be negatively associated with GDP per capita in the study population.

Dynamic analysis and optimal control of knowledge diffusion model in regional innovation ecosystem under digitalization.

Knowledge diffusion in regional innovation ecosystems is an important factor that influences the regional innovation efficiency. In regional innovation ecosystems under digital empowerment, the knowledge diffusion enables the optimal allocation of innovation resources and promotes the sustainable development and ecological evolution of regional innovation ecosystems. In this paper, a SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered) model is proposed for knowledge diffusion in regional innovation ecosystems under digitization. The basic reproduction number of the proposed model is calculated and its stability is validated. Finally, the expressions for the optimal control system and the optimal control parameters are presented. According to the research conclusions of this paper, the knowledge-diffusion ability of innovation agents in an innovation ecosystem affects the knowledge diffusion in a system; the contact rate between innovation agents affects the efficiency of knowledge diffusion in the system and the structure of the system; the digital transmission ability of innovation agents affects the breadth of knowledge diffusion in the system; and the self-learning ability of innovation agents affects the efficiency of knowledge diffusion in the system.The digital technologies help heterogeneous innovation agents in regional innovation ecosystems to break down the knowledge silos. At the same time, the digital technologies enhance the ability of innovation agents to absorb and learn knowledge in regional innovation ecosystems under digitization, thereby increasing the infection rate of knowledge diffusion in such systems.These conclusions extend the theoretical boundaries of innovation ecosystems and knowledge diffusion and offer management implications for enterprises and governments in decision-making.

Efficacy and Safety of Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Knee Osteoarthritis: a Protocol for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis causes physical dysfunction, and its prevalence increases with age. Although clinical studies examined acupoint catgut embedding in patients with knee osteoarthritis, no systematic reviews or meta-analyses have been conducted to date. We aim to comprehensively review the effects of acupoint catgut embedding on knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Eleven databases will be searched from inception to August 1, 2023, without language limitations. Additionally, two registration platforms-ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry-will be searched for ongoing trials. The primary outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Secondary outcomes include the total effective rate, Lysholm Score, and adverse effects. Two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract data, and evaluate the risk of bias and the quality of evidence. Discussion: This systematic review will provide evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Exploring Traditional Medicine Diagnostic Classification for Parkinson's Disease Using Hierarchical Clustering.

INTRODUCTION: Personalized diagnosis and therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) are needed due to the clinical heterogeneity of PD. Syndrome differentiation (SD) in traditional medicine (TM) is a diagnostic method for customized therapy that comprehensively analyzes various symptoms and systemic syndromes. However, research identifying PD classification based on SD is limited. METHODS: Ten electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to August 10, 2021. Clinical indicators, including 380 symptoms, 98 TM signs, and herbal medicine for PD diagnosed with SD, were extracted from 197 articles; frequency statistics on clinical indicators were conducted to classify several subtypes using hierarchical clustering. RESULTS: Four distinct cluster groups were identified, each characterized by significant cluster-specific clinical indicators with 95% confidence intervals of distribution. Subtype 2 had the most severe progression, longest progressive duration, and highest association with greater late-stage PD-associated motor symptoms, including postural instability and gait disturbance. The action properties of the herbal formula and original SD presented in the data sources for subtype 2 were associated with Yin deficiency syndrome. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Hierarchical clustering analysis distinguished various symptoms and TM signs among patients with PD. These newly identified PD subtypes may optimize the diagnosis and treatment with TM and facilitate prognosis prediction. Our findings serve as a cornerstone for evidence-based guidelines for TM diagnosis and treatment.Eine personalisierte Diagnose und Therapie des Morbus Parkinson (MP) ist angesichts der ausgeprägten klinischen Heterogenität des MP unerlässlich. Die Syndromdifferenzierung (SD) ist in der traditionellen Medizin (TM) eine diagnostische Methode für eine maßgeschneiderte Therapie, bei der verschiedene Symptome und systemische Syndrome umfassend analysiert werden. Es liegen jedoch nur begrenzt Forschungsergebnisse in Bezug auf eine SD-basierte Klassifikation des MP vor.Zehn elektronische Datenbanken wurden systematisch durchsucht, von der Einrichtung bis zum 10. August 2021. Klinische Indikatoren einschließlich von 380 Symptomen, 98 TM-Zeichen sowie pflanzlichen Heilmitteln für mittels SD diagnostiziertem MP wurden aus 197 Artikeln extrahiert, und Häufigkeitsstatistiken der klinischen Indikatoren wurden erstellt, um mittels hierarchischem Clustering eine Reihe von Subtypen zu klassifizieren.Vier verschiedene Cluster-Gruppen wurden identifiziert, die jeweils durch signifikante, Cluster-spezifische klinische Indikatoren mit 95% Konfidenzintervall der Verteilung gekennzeichnet waren. Subtyp 2 hatte den schwersten Verlauf, die längste Progressionsdauer und die stärkste Assoziation mit einem höheren Ausmaß von motorischen Symptomen des MP im Spätstadium, darunter Haltungsinstabilität und Gangstörungen. Die Wirkungseigenschaften der pflanzlichen Formulierung sowie die ursprüngliche SD, die in den Datenquellen für Subtyp 2 genannt wurden, waren mit Yin-Mangel-Syndrom assoziiert.Die hierarchische Clustering-Analyse hob verschiedene Symptome und TM-Zeichen bei Patienten mit MP hervor. Die neu identifizierten MP-Subtypen könnten die Diagnose und Behandlung mittels TM optimieren und zur Prognoseerstellung beitragen. Unsere Ergebnisse sind ein Fundament für eine evidenzbasierte Leitlinie für die TM-Diagnostik und -Therapie.

Traditional Medicine Classification Based on the Nature and Location of Disease in Parkinson's Disease: A Clustering Study Using Pattern Identification Disassemble Presented in Clinical Studies.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate a traditional medicine (TM) classification based on the nature and location of disease for pattern identification (PI) in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study also aimed to present evidence regarding the pathogenesis of PD and provide a basis for establishment of individualized treatment strategies with TM. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in three core databases, three Korean databases, and four Chinese databases. A hierarchical clustering analysis was conducted based on the nature and location of the disease for PD, and the analysis findings were compared with PI in the existing literature. Results: A total of 79 different types of PI were confirmed in 189 PD cases. Cluster analysis using the nature and location of disease disassembled from PI identified 7 groups: group 1 (wind, blood stasis) comprised 15 studies; group 2 (fire-heat, phlegm-retained fluid) comprised 7 studies; group 3 (liver, Qi stagnation) comprised 5 studies; group 4 (kidney, Yang deficiency) comprised 10 studies; group 5 (liver-kidney, Yin deficiency) comprised 93 studies; group 6 (Qi deficiency, blood deficiency) comprised 18 studies; and group 7 (meridian and collateral) comprised 9 studies. Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for the pathogenesis of PD and have the potential to translate into more specific TM patterns for PD. The authors hope that their study results will be used as a foundation for development of traditional medical diagnostic methods and treatments tailored to PD.

Effect of Discharge Voltage on the Microstructure of Graphene/PEKK Composite Samples by Electromagnetic Powder Molding.

The light weight, electrical conductivity, environmental friendliness, and high mechanical properties of graphene/PEKK composites make them popular in biomedical, electronic component and aerospace fields. However, the compaction density and carbonization of the specimen influence the microstructure and conductivity of the graphene/PEKK composite prepared by in situ polymerization, so electromagnetic-assisted molding was used to manufacture products to avoid carbonization and enhance the compaction density. The effects of different discharge voltages on the microstructure of the formed graphene/PEKK specimens were compared. Increasing the discharge voltage will lead to a closer distribution of flake graphene in the matrix to improve the compaction density, mechanical performance and conductivity. At the same time, the numerical analysis model was validated by comparison with the compaction density of the experimental results. Based on this research, the stress/strain distribution on the specimen was obtained with increasing discharge voltages.

Comparative genomic analyses reveal the genetic basis of the yellow-seed trait in Brassica napus.

Yellow-seed trait is a desirable breeding characteristic of rapeseed (Brassica napus) that could greatly improve seed oil yield and quality. However, the underlying mechanisms controlling this phenotype in B. napus plants are difficult to discern because of their complexity. Here, we assemble high-quality genomes of yellow-seeded (GH06) and black-seeded (ZY821). Combining in-depth fine mapping of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seed color with other omics data reveal BnA09MYB47a, encoding an R2R3-MYB-type transcription factor, as the causal gene of a major QTL controlling the yellow-seed trait. Functional studies show that sequence variation of BnA09MYB47a underlies the functional divergence between the yellow- and black-seeded B. napus. The black-seed allele BnA09MYB47aZY821, but not the yellow-seed allele BnA09MYB47aGH06, promotes flavonoid biosynthesis by directly activating the expression of BnTT18. Our discovery suggests a possible approach to breeding B. napus for improved commercial value and facilitates flavonoid biosynthesis studies in Brassica crops.

Novel Isomer of Volleyballene Sc20C60.

The Stone-Wales defect is a well-known and significant defective structure in carbon materials, impacting their mechanical, chemical, and electronic properties. Recently, a novel metal-carbon nanomaterial named Volleyballene was discovered, characterized by a C-C bond bridging two carbon pentagons. Using first-principles calculations, a stable Stone-Wales-defective counterpart of Volleyballene, exhibiting Th symmetry, has been proposed by rotating the C-C bond by 90°. Although its binding energy per atom is slightly higher than that of Volleyballene (ΔEb = 0.009 eV/atom), implying marginally lower structural stability, it can maintain its bond structure until the effective temperature reaches about 1500 K, indicating greater thermodynamic stability. Additionally, its highest vibration frequency is 1346.2 cm-1, indicating a strong chemical bond strength. A theoretical analysis of the Sc20C60 + Sc20C60 binary systems highlights that the stable building block may be applied in potential nanoassemblies.

Dynamic computed tomography manifestations of simulated wooden foreign bodies in blood-saline mixtures with variable concentrations and retention times.

Diagnosing wooden foreign bodies (WFBs) using computed tomography (CT) is often missed, leading to adverse outcomes. This study aims to reduce misdiagnoses by exploring the density variation of blood-saline mixtures in ex vivo models. Twenty Cunninghamia lanceolata sticks, selected as WFB models, were randomly assigned to five groups: a control group (saline) and four experimental groups immersed in blood-saline mixtures with varying concentrations. The samples were then placed in a constant-temperature water bath at 36.8 °C. CT scans were performed in the lowest and highest density areas, and the volume of the low-density areas was measured at the post-processing workstation. Finally, the effects of time and concentration on imaging were analyzed, and fitting curves were generated. The blood-saline mixture concentration and time significantly affected the CT number in the three areas. WFB images changed dynamically over time, with two typical imaging signs: the bull's-eye sign on the short axis images and the tram line sign on the long axis images. Fitting curves of the CT number in the lowest density areas with different concentrations can quantify imaging changes. The CT number of the lowest density areas increased with time, following a logarithmic function type, while the CT number of the highest density areas exhibited a fast-rising platform type. The volume of the low-density areas decreased over time. The time of damage caused by WFBs and the influence of varying blood and tissue fluid contents at the damaged site should be considered in the diagnosis. Imaging changes from multiple CT scans at different times can aid in diagnosis.

Photocatalysis screening for group III-V vdW heterostructures constructed by MX (M = Ga, In and X = P, As) monolayers.

To harvest solar energy for water splitting and produce pollution-free hydrogen and oxygen, high-performance photocatalysts are essential. Here, by combining different two-dimensional (2D) group III-V MX (M = Ga, In and X = P, As) monolayers, we designed 144 van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures to identify efficient photoelectrochemical materials. Using first-principles calculations, we investigated the stabilities, electronic properties, and optical properties of these heterostructures. After a careful screening process, we elected GaP/InP in a BB-II stacking configuration as the most promising candidate. This specific GaP/InP configuration has a type-II band alignment with a gap value of 1.83 eV. The conduction band minimum (CBM) is located at -4.276 eV, and the valence band maximum (VBM) is located at -6.217 eV, fully satisfying the requirements of the catalytic reaction under pH = 0. Additionally, light absorption has been improved through the construction of the vdW heterostructure. These results could help in understanding the properties of the III-V heterostructures and guide the experimental synthesis of these materials for photocatalysis applications.

Mechanism of the glucono-δ-lactone induced soymilk gelation: Enthalpy and entropy transformation in the cross-linking of protein molecules.

This study aimed to explore new techniques to regulate the quality of soy products. The glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) induced soymilk gelation process and the gel network structure characteristic were compared as a matter of temperature, and the role of reaction kinetics was discussed. Results showed that there were similarities in the development of G' curves under different temperatures, whereas the gel network structures and the energy requirements of cross-linking reactions were different. In the high-temperature region (70 °C-95 °C), the exposure and binding of reactive groups were promoted. The activation enthalpy (ΔH*) required by protein aggregates decreased and the effect of entropy reduction (-TΔS*) was enhanced, which led to shorten the preaggregation time (tg) and increase the gelation rate (k), resulting in the formation of rough, porous gel network with high stiffness. By contrast, in the low-temperature region (40 °C-70 °C), high enthalpy contributions and low entropy changes were required, then a fine, soft, and tender gel network formed. Besides, a funnel-shaped model of the enthalpy-entropy energy transformation mechanism of soymilk gelation was proposed. The results of this study revealed that adjusting the enthalpy-entropy energy requirements of the protein cross-linking reaction could be utilized to the regulation of the network structure and quality of soymilk gels, which could enrich the reaction kinetics theory and provide innovative ideas for food quality control technology from the perspective of energy requirement and energy input.

Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies candidate genes related to seed coat color in rapeseed.

Yellow seed coat in rapeseed (Brassica napus) is a desirable trait that can be targeted to improve the quality of this oilseed crop. To better understand the inheritance mechanism of the yellow-seeded trait, we performed transcriptome profiling of developing seeds in yellow- and black-seeded rapeseed with different backgrounds. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during seed development showed significant characteristics, these genes were mainly enriched for the Gene Ontology (GO) terms carbohydrate metabolic process, lipid metabolic process, photosynthesis, and embryo development. Moreover, 1206 and 276 DEGs, which represent candidates to be involved in seed coat color, were identified between yellow- and black-seeded rapeseed during the middle and late stages of seed development, respectively. Based on gene annotation, GO enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis, the downregulated DEGs were primarily enriched for the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Notably, 25 transcription factors (TFs) involved in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, including known (e.g., KNAT7, NAC2, TTG2 and STK) and predicted TFs (e.g., C2H2-like, bZIP44, SHP1, and GBF6), were identified using integrated gene regulatory network (iGRN) and weight gene co-expression networks analysis (WGCNA). These candidate TF genes had differential expression profiles between yellow- and black-seeded rapeseed, suggesting they might function in seed color formation by regulating genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Thus, our results provide in-depth insights that facilitate the exploration of candidate gene function in seed development. In addition, our data lay the foundation for revealing the roles of genes involved in the yellow-seeded trait in rapeseed.

Literature review on the interdisciplinary biomarkers of multi-target and multi-time herbal medicine therapy to modulate peripheral systems in cognitive impairment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aß) peptide and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The approved drug for AD has certain limitations such as a short period of cognitive improvement effect; moreover, the development of drug for AD therapeutic single target for Aß clearance in brain ended in failure. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of AD using a multi-target strategy according to the modulation of the peripheral system, which is not only limited to the brain, is needed. Traditional herbal medicines can be beneficial for AD based on a holistic theory and personalized treatment according to the time-order progression of AD. This literature review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of herbal medicine therapy based on syndrome differentiation, a unique theory of traditional diagnosis based on the holistic system, for multi-target and multi-time treatment of mild cognitive impairment or AD stage. Possible interdisciplinary biomarkers including transcriptomic and neuroimaging studies by herbal medicine therapy for AD were investigated. In addition, the mechanism by which herbal medicines affect the central nervous system in connection with the peripheral system in an animal model of cognitive impairment was reviewed. Herbal medicine may be a promising therapy for the prevention and treatment of AD through a multi-target and multi-time strategy. This review would contribute to the development of interdisciplinary biomarkers and understanding of the mechanisms of action of herbal medicine in AD.

Efficacy of herbal medicine treatment based on syndrome differentiation for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease, causes heterogeneous clinical symptoms. Patients experience a range of motor and non-motor symptoms, and personalized diagnosis and treatment are needed. In traditional East Asian medicine, syndrome differentiation (SD) is a diagnostic approach for customized therapy that uses a comprehensive analysis and varies for the same disease. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of herbal medicine (HM) prescribed according to the SD of PD. Methods: Ten electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2021 without language limitations. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving HM for SD of PD were included. Assessment of Cochrane's risk of bias and meta-analysis and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was also performed. Effect measurement was summarized using the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval, through a meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen RCTs involving 843 participants were included. The overall risk of bias was either low or unclear. Compared with the placebo, a combined therapy of HM and Western medicine (WM) significantly improved the total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) (MD = -8.03, [-10.27, -5.79], p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and was more beneficial, as assessed using the UPDRS (I-III), the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39, and the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale. Adverse events did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the combined treatment of WM and HM based on SD diagnosis has additional benefits in PD treatment. However, the methodological quality of the included RCTs was suboptimal. Nevertheless, this systematic review is the first to investigate the efficacy of HM treatment according to the SD diagnosis in PD. The clinically meaningful improvement in HM according to SD in PD needs to be tested in further studies with rigorous designs and longer follow-up periods. Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-10-0020/], identifier [INPLASY2021100020].

Prevalence of and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in ten metropolitan areas of China: a cross-sectional study using three kidney damage markers.

INTRODUCTION: To estimate the up-to-date prevalence of chronic kidney disease among the health check-up population in economically developed areas of China using estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and kidney ultrasound. METHODS: Healthcare data from 38,093 subjects in 10 megalopolises of China who had an annual health check-up in 2021 were used. The overall and stratified prevalence of chronic kidney disease by sex, age, region and comorbidity group was reported. The association between chronic kidney disease and covariates of demographics, and comorbidities were analyzed in the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 3837 CKD cases were detected meeting any of the three CKD diagnostic criteria, with a crude prevalence of 10.1% in the study population. Using one criterion of decreased glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria and kidney structural abnormalities alone detected 204 (5.3%), 3289 (85.7%) and 563 (14.7%) cases, respectively. The addition of kidney ultrasound detected 427 (11.1%) structural abnormality cases without decreased GFR and albuminuria. The most common abnormalities were renal masses, hydronephrosis due to obstruction and congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract. Female, older age, low city-tier, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia as well as early disease stages such as pre-hypertension, impaired fasting glucose and overweight were significantly associated with chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: Kidney ultrasound helps to amplify the detection of CKD patients, which is a supplement to kidney function and urine protein.