Personal and work-related factors associated with post-traumatic growth in nurses: A mixed studies systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Nurses, assuming a wide range of clinical and patient care responsibilities in a healthcare team, are highly susceptible to direct and indirect exposure to traumatic experiences. However, literature has shown that nurses with certain traits developed a new sense of personal strength in the face of adversity, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). This review aimed to synthesize the best available evidence to evaluate personal and work-related factors associated with PTG among nurses. DESIGN: Mixed studies systematic review. METHODS: Studies examining factors influencing PTG on certified nurses from all healthcare facilities were included. Published and unpublished studies were identified by searching 12 databases from their inception until 4th February 2023. Two reviewers independently screened, appraised, piloted a data collection form, and extracted relevant data. Meta-summary, meta-synthesis, meta-analysis, as well as subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Integration of results followed result-based convergent design. RESULTS: A total of 98 studies with 29,706 nurses from 18 countries were included. These included 49 quantitative, 42 qualitative, and seven mixed-methods studies. Forty-six influencing factors were meta-analyzed, whereas nine facilitating factors were meta-summarized. A PTG conceptual map was created. Four constructs emerged from the integration synthesis: (a) personal system, (b) work-related system, (c) event-related factors, and (d) cognitive transformation. CONCLUSION: The review findings highlighted areas healthcare organizations could do to facilitate PTG in nurses. Practical implications include developing intervention programs based on PTG facilitators. Further research should examine the trend of PTG and its dynamic response to different nursing factors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Research on trauma-focused therapies targeting nurses' mental health is lacking. Therefore, findings from this review could inform healthcare organizations on the PTG phenomenon and developing support measures for nurses through healthcare policies and clinical practice.

A positive feedback loop between miR-574-3p and HIF-1α in promoting angiogenesis under hypoxia.

In our previous report, we presented evidence supporting the role of miR-574-3p in downregulating the expression of cullin 2 (CUL2) in gastric cancer (GC) cells. Expanding on those findings, the present study aims to confirm the direct interaction between miR-574-3p and the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of CUL2, which leads to the suppression of CUL2 expression and destabilization of the VCBCR complex. Based on these discoveries, we propose a novel pathway involving miR-574-3p, HIF-1α, and VEGF that contributes to angiogenesis. Through a series of meticulous experiments, we successfully validate this hypothesis. Specifically, our observations indicate that overexpression of miR-574-3p in GC cells induces an upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF, resulting in enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVEC cells. Furthermore, employing a mouse model, we demonstrate that miR-574-3p facilitates the recruitment of endothelial cells towards matrigel xenografts. Additionally, we note a parallel increase in miR-574-3p and HIF-1α levels across multiple cell lines (including AGS, SGC-7901, Hela, and 293T cells) subjected to hypoxic conditions (2 % O2 or CoCl2 treatment), as well as in the myocardial muscles of sodium nitrite-induced hypoxic mice. Further investigations reveal that HIF-1α upregulates miR-574-3p expression by directly binding to the miR-574 promoter. Collectively, these findings strongly support the existence of a positive feedback loop between miR-574-3p and HIF-1α, which facilitates angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions.

Examining the Persuasive Effects of Health Communication in Short Videos: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The ubiquity of short videos has demonstrated vast potential for health communication. An expansion of research has examined the persuasive effect of health communication in short videos, yet a synthesis of the research is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature by examining the persuasive effect of health communication in short videos, offering guidance for researchers and practitioners. In particular, it seeks to address 4 key research questions: What are the characteristics of short videos, samples, and research designs in short video-based health communication literature? What theories underpin the short video-based health communication literature? What are the persuasive effects of health communication in short videos? and What directions should future research in this area take? METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, an electronic search of 10 databases up to March 10, 2023, generated 4118 results. After the full-text screening, 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: The current research lacks a uniform definition of short videos, demonstrates sample biases in location and education, and adopts limited methodologies. Most studies in this synthesis are theoretically grounded or use theoretical concepts, which are predominantly well examined in persuasion research. Moreover, relevant topics and suitable themes are effective in persuasive health communication outcomes, whereas the impact of diverse narrative techniques remains ambiguous. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that future research extends the definition of short videos beyond time constraints and explores non-Western and less-educated populations. In addition, researchers should consider diverse methods to provide a more comprehensive examination and investigate the impact of audience targeting and narrative techniques in short video health communication. Finally, investigating how the unique aspects of short videos interact with or challenge traditional persuasion theories is essential.

Exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides and their characteristic metabolites: Association with human liver cancer.

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) are commonly applied for pest control in China and around the world. Previous studies reported that NEOs are hepatotoxic to mammals. However, limited studies have explored the associations between NEOs exposure and liver disease. In the present study, we detected six parent NEOs (p-NEOs), including acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, and five characteristic metabolites (m-NEOs), including 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid, olefin-imidacloprid, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) guanidine and 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furyl methyl) urea, in blood samples collected from healthy donors (n = 100; females vs. males: 45 vs. 55; age: 22-91 years) and liver cancer patients (n = 274; females vs. males: 118 vs. 156; age: 11-88 years) in one hospital from Guangzhou city, South China. NEOs were frequently detected (61%-94%) in blood samples, with median concentrations ranging from 0.19 ng/mL to 1.28 ng/mL and 0.20 ng/mL to 2.03 ng/mL for healthy and liver cancer populations, respectively. olefin-imidacloprid was the most abundant NEOs in healthy and liver cancer populations, accounting for 23.4% and 20.7%, respectively. Significant positive correlations among most m-NEOs concentrations were found, and associations between m-NEOs and their corresponding p-NEOs were positively correlated. These findings indicated that the sources of m-NEOs were both endogenous and exogeneous. Females had higher median concentrations of NEOs and their metabolites than males. Moreover, the α-fetoprotein values and blood concentrations of target analytes (r = 0.428-0.601, p < 0.05) were positively correlated. Meanwhile, associations between the concentrations of p-NEOs and m-NEOs and liver cancer were found (odds ratio = 2.33-9.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.31-22.7, p < 0.05), indicating that human exposure to NEOs and their metabolites might increase the odds of liver cancer prevalence. Our work provided a new insight into the hepatotoxicity of NEOs and their metabolites, and human health risks of exposure to these pollutants warranted further studies.

Linking Network Characteristics of Online Social Networks to Individual Health: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Social networks have long been viewed as a structural determinant of health. With the proliferation of digital technologies, numerous studies have examined the health implications of online social networks (OSNs). However, the mechanisms through which OSNs may influence individual health are poorly understood. Employing a social network approach, this paper presents a systematic review of the literature examining how network characteristics of OSNs are linked to individuals' health behavior and/or status. Drawing on keyword searches in nine databases, we identified and analyzed 22 relevant articles from 1,705 articles published prior to 2017. The findings show that individual health is associated with a number of network characteristics, including both individual-level attributes (e.g., centrality) and network-level attributes (e.g., density, clustering). All of the included studies (n = 22) have focused on egocentric networks, and nine studies also collected whole network data of online health communities. Based on our review, we highlight three fruitful areas in the application of OSNs in public health: (1) disease and risk detection, (2) disease prevention and intervention, and (3) health behavior change. However, the precise mechanisms and causal pathways through which OSNs affect health remain unclear. More theoretically grounded, longitudinal, and mixed methods research is needed to advance this line of research.

Biomechanical effects of osteoporosis on adjacent segments after posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A finite element study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis on adjacent segments after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). METHODS: This study was designed and conducted in the Traumatology and Orthopedics Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, between December 2019 and February 2020. A healthy finite element model of L3-S1 was developed along with one PLIF model and one PLIF with osteoporosis model. Based on a hybrid test method, the inferior surface of S1 was entirely fixed, and a preload of 400N combined with an adjusted moment was imposed on the superior surface of L3 in each model to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The intradiscal pressure (IDP), shear stress on annulus fibrosus, and the range of motion (ROM) of L3-L4 and L5-S1 were calculated and compared. RESULTS: In each direction, the highest value of IDP and shear stress on annulus fibrosus at L3-L4 and L5-S1 was found in the PLIF model, and the lowest value in the healthy model. The largest ROM at L4-L5 appeared in the healthy model, and the smallest value in the PLIF model in each direction. At L3-L4 and L5-S1, the highest ROM in most directions was found in the PLIF model, followed by the PLIF with osteoporosis model, and the lowest value in the healthy model. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis can decrease IDP, shear stress on annulus fibrosus, and ROM at adjacent levels, and slow down the development of ASD after PLIF.

Comparison of three fixation modalities for unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Three fixation modalities including suture suspensory, anchor, and titanium plate are used extensively in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty. Nevertheless, up to now no systematic review and network meta-analysis have been published, and the differences in efficacy and safety of the three fixation modalities are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of the three fixation modalities including suture suspensory, anchor, and titanium plate in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies which compared the three interventions in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty were identified using the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Wanfang data. Network meta-analysis was performed using R 3.4.3 software and STATA version 14.0. The results revealed that compared with suture suspensory, titanium plate and anchor showed the same effects in Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores, operative time, and blood loss. However, titanium plate showed superiority in postoperative range of motion of cervical spine, incidence of axial symptoms, and C5 paralysis; in terms of cervical curvature, titanium plate also showed better effectiveness than suture suspensory, but similar as anchor. Our network meta-analysis suggests that titanium plate is preferable to suture suspensory or anchor with more range of motion and lower incidence of axial symptoms and C5 paralysis. However, considering the limitations of this research, high-quality trials are needed in the future to evaluate the outcomes.

Biomechanical Comparison of Lumbar Fixed-Point Oblique Pulling Manipulation and Traditional Oblique Pulling Manipulation in Treating Lumbar Intervertebral Disk Protrusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical effect of lumbar fixed-point oblique pulling manipulation and traditional oblique pulling manipulation in the treatment of protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disk, and investigate the influence of disk degeneration on the 2 manipulations. METHODS: Three finite element models including 1 normal model, 1 mild degeneration, and 1 moderate degeneration model of L3-S1 were developed to simulate 2 oblique pulling manipulations. The disk protrusion was assumed to be in the left central and subarticular zone of the L4-L5 disk, and manipulations were carried out on the right. A 15-Nm right axial rotation moment and 150-N compressive loading were imposed on the upper endplate of L3 to simulate a traditional oblique pulling manipulation. To simulate lumbar fixed-point oblique pulling manipulation, in addition to a 15-Nm moment and 150-N compressive loading imposed on the L3 upper endplate, a 50-N force was imposed on the right lateral area of the L4 spinous process in a left front direction. The displacement and stress in the left central and subarticular zone of the L4-L5 disk were calculated and compared in the 3 models. RESULTS: The average displacement and stress in the left central and subarticular zone of L4-L5 disk were higher in fixed-point oblique pulling manipulation than those in traditional oblique pulling manipulation (P < .05). In addition, the values of average stress and displacement decreased significantly with the increase of lumbar disk degeneration (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Lumbar fixed-point oblique pulling manipulation showed a better biomechanical effect than traditional oblique pulling manipulation, and lumbar disk degeneration affected the 2 manipulations adversely in the virtual treatment of protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disk using finite element models.

CD8 T cell-derived perforin aggravates secondary spinal cord injury through destroying the blood-spinal cord barrier.

Perforin plays an important role in autoimmune and infectious diseases, but its function in immune inflammatory responses after spinal cord injury (SCI) has received insufficient attention. The goal of this study is to determine the influence of perforin after spinal cord injury (SCI) on secondary inflammation. Compared recovery from SCI in perforin knockout (Prf1-/-) and wild-type(WT)mice, WT mice had significantly lower the Basso mouse score (BMS), CatWalk XT, and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) than Prf1-/- mice. Spinal cord lesions were also more obvious through glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Nissl, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Furthermore, the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption was more severe and inflammatory cytokine levels were higher. Flow cytometry indicated that perforin mainly originated from CD8 T cells. With flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) yielded similar results. Together, this study firstly demonstrated that CD8 T cell-derived perforin is detrimental to SCI recovery in the mouse model. Mechanistically, this effect occurs because perforin increases BSCB permeability, causing inflammatory cells and related cytokines to infiltrate and disrupt the nervous system.

Clinically Meaningful Use of Mental Health Apps and its Effects on Depression: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: User engagement is key to the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions. Considerable research has examined the clinical outcomes of overall engagement with mental health apps (eg, frequency and duration of app use). However, few studies have examined how specific app use behaviors can drive change in outcomes. Understanding the clinical outcomes of more nuanced app use could inform the design of mental health apps that are more clinically effective to users. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to classify user behaviors in a suite of mental health apps and examine how different types of app use are related to depression and anxiety outcomes. We also compare the clinical outcomes of specific types of app use with those of generic app use (ie, intensity and duration of app use) to understand what aspects of app use may drive symptom improvement. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of system use data from an 8-week randomized trial of a suite of 13 mental health apps. We categorized app use behaviors through a mixed methods analysis combining qualitative content analysis and principal component analysis. Regression analyses were used to assess the association between app use and levels of depression and anxiety at the end of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 3 distinct clusters of app use behaviors were identified: learning, goal setting, and self-tracking. Each specific behavior had varied effects on outcomes. Participants who engaged in self-tracking experienced reduced depression symptoms, and those who engaged with learning and goal setting at a moderate level (ie, not too much or not too little) also had an improvement in depression. Notably, the combination of these 3 types of behaviors, what we termed "clinically meaningful use," accounted for roughly the same amount of variance as explained by the overall intensity of app use (ie, total number of app use sessions). This suggests that our categorization of app use behaviors succeeded in capturing app use associated with better outcomes. However, anxiety outcomes were neither associated with specific behaviors nor generic app use. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first granular examination of user interactions with mental health apps and their effects on mental health outcomes. It has important implications for the design of mobile health interventions that aim to achieve greater user engagement and improved clinical efficacy.

Comparison Between Oblique Pulling Spinal Manipulation and Other Treatments for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to compare oblique pulling spinal manipulation with other treatments for lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials of oblique pulling manipulation versus other treatment for lumbar disc herniation were identified using the following databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biological Medicine, and Web of Science. Data extraction was carried out based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and meta-analysis were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Nine relevant randomized controlled trials with a total of 887 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed that oblique pulling manipulation was superior in effective rate to lumbar traction (risk ratio = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.19; P < .01) and acupuncture (risk ratio = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.39; P < .01) and more effective in Visual Analog Scale score (mean difference = - 1.03, 95% CI: -1.32 to -0.74; P < .01) when compared to lumbar traction. It also demonstrated a favorable effect of modified oblique pulling manipulation in Japanese Orthopedic Association scores when compared with lumbar traction (mean difference = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.89 to 2.43; P < .01). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, oblique pulling spinal manipulation presented with a higher effective rate than acupuncture and lumbar traction. Manipulation had a favorable effect in alleviating pain, and modified oblique pulling manipulation had significant superiority in improving lumbar function when compared with lumbar traction. However, considering the low methodological quality of included studies, more rigorously designed trials should be performed in the future.

Exercise therapy versus surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of exercise therapy with surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: Five English databases PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of science, OVID and PEDro database were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing surgical procedures with exercise therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis. Information on patients, study design, inclusion criteria, intervention and follow-up, outcomes, treatment details and adverse events were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials and one mixed design trial with a total of 897 patients were included. The pooled results showed a significant difference between exercise and surgery in Oswestry Disability Index at two years (MD= 3.85, 95%CI: 0.48 to 7.22; P=0.03), but no significant difference at six months (MD= 2.18, 95%CI: -2.80 to 7.17; P=0.39) and one year (MD= 4.26, 95%CI: -1.79 to 10.32; P=0.17). In terms of physical function of 36 Items Short Form Health Survey, there were no significant differences between exercise and surgery at six months (MD= -2.23, 95% CI: -7.46 to 2.99; P=0.40), one year (MD= -2.17, 95% CI: -7.44 to 3.10; P=0.42) and two years (MD= -0.67, 95% CI: -6.16 to 4.82; P=0.81). CONCLUSION: In brief, the current evidence demonstrated a trend that exercise therapy had a similar effect for lumbar spinal stenosis compared with decompressive laminectomies. However, for the small sample size and low methodology quality of the included trials, some rigorously designed and large-scaled RCTs need to be performed to confirm the conclusion.

Streptomyces luozhongensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete with antifungal activity and antibacterial activity.

A novel actinomycete strain, designated TRM 49605T, was isolated from a desert soil sample from Lop Nur, Xinjiang, north-west China, and characterised using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain exhibited antifungal activity against the following strains: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium citrinum, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis; Antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus; and no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated strain TRM 49605T to the genus Streptomyces. Strain TRM 49605T shows high sequence similarities to Streptomyces roseolilacinus NBRC 12815T (98.62 %), Streptomyces flavovariabilis NRRL B-16367T (98.45 %) and Streptomyces variegatus NRRL B-16380T (98.45 %). Whole cell hydrolysates of strain TRM 49605T were found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and galactose, glucose, xylose and mannose as the major whole cell sugars. The major fatty acids in strain TRM 49605T were identified as iso C16:0, anteiso C15:0, C16:0 and Summed Feature 5 as defined by MIDI. The main menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6), MK-9(H8) and MK-10(H6). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 71.2 %. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain TRM 49605T and the phylogenetically related strain S. roseolilacinus NBRC 12815T was 60.12 ± 0.06 %, which is lower than the 70 % threshold value for delineation of genomic prokaryotic species. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain TRM 49605T (=CCTCC AA2015026T = KCTC 39666T) should be designated as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces luozhongensis sp. nov. is proposed.

Naturally occurring hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors resistance-associated mutations among chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients with or without HIV co-infection.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to measure the frequency of natural mutations in hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected protease inhibitor (PI)-naive patients. METHODS: Population sequence of the non-structural (NS)3 protease gene was evaluated in 90 HCV mono-infected and 96 HIV/HCV co-infected PI treatment-naive patients. The natural prevalence of PI resistance mutations in both groups was compared. RESULTS: Complete HCV genotype 1b NS3 sequence information was obtained for 152 (81.72%) samples. Seven sequences (8.33%) of the 84 HCV mono-infected patients and 21 sequences (30.88%) of the 68 HIV/HCV co-infected patients showed amino acid substitutions associated with HCV PI resistance. There was a significant difference in the natural prevalence of PI resistance mutations between these two groups (P = 0.000). The mutations T54S, R117H and N174F were observed in 1.19%, 5.95% and 1.19% of HCV mono-infected patients. The mutations F43S, T54S, Q80K/R, R155K, A156G/V, D168A/E/G and V170A were found in 1.47%, 4.41%, 1.47%/1.47%, 2.94%, 23.53%/1.47%, 1.47%/1.47%/1.47% and 1.47% of HIV/HCV co-infected patients, respectively. In addition, the combination mutations in the NS3 region were detected only in HIV/HCV genotype 1b co-infected patients. CONCLUSION: Naturally occurring HCV PI resistance mutations existed in HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected genotype 1b PI-naive patients. HIV co-infection was associated with a greater frequency of PI resistance mutations. The impact of HIV infection on baseline HCV PI resistance mutations and treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients should be further analyzed.

GP73 is a potential marker for evaluating AIDS progression and antiretroviral therapy efficacy.

Golgi protein-73 (GP73) is upregulated in cancers and viral infections; however, its role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains undetermined. GP73 was evaluated as a biomarker of HIV progression and AIDS treatment efficacy. Forty-eight HIV patients (≤ 350 CD4 + T cells/µL) undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART group) and 18 HIV patients expected to undergo HAART within 9 months (>350 CD4 + T cells/µL) (control group) were enrolled in a prospective, single center, cohort study from May 2009 to Jun 2012. Blood aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bilirubin were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months (HAART group) or 3 month intervals (control group). Serum HIV RNA level (viral load) was determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) GP73 concentration were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay kit and western blot, respectively. Significant positive and negative correlations in baseline serum GP73 concentration and HIV viral load (r = 0.39, P < 0.001) and CD4 + T cell count (r = -0.501, P < 0.001) were observed, respectively. In receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.79 (95 % CI 0.66-0.92). The sensitivity and specificity of GP73 for correct identification of patients with ≤350 CD4 + T cells/µL were 76.09 and 75.0 %, respectively, with an ROC-derived cut-off of 100.6 ng/mL. For HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, GP73 may be a potential biomarker treatment efficacy useful in AIDS management.

Rotator cuff repair augmentation with local autogenous bone marrow via humeral cannulation in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Growth factors have been shown to improve healing after rotator cuff repair. Bone marrow is a potential vehicle for growth factor augmentation, yet methods of delivering marrow to cuff repair sites are still under-researched. We hypothesized that a cannulated humeral implant would deliver local bone marrow and thereby improve healing in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty-eight rats underwent bilateral rotator cuff injury and repair. Each rat acted as its own control, randomized to a cannulated humeral implant in one shoulder and a solid implant in the other. Rats were euthanized at 4 and 8 weeks to create 4 time-treatment cohorts. Tendon healing was evaluated by dimensional measurements, biomechanical testing, and histology. RESULTS: Tendon thickness, all biomechanical measures, and semi-quantitative histologic scores improved over time (P < .05) but not with treatment. The most common site of biomechanical tendon failure was midsubstance in the 8-week cannulated cohort and at the tendon footprint in the other 3 cohorts. Intraluminal bone growth was evident in all cannulated implants. CONCLUSIONS: Humeral cannulation did not quantifiably improve tendon-to-bone healing in a rat model. The diminutive size of implants in rats, however, may have prevented sufficient delivery of local autogenous bone marrow; hence, further study in a larger animal is recommended.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of AI-based conversational agents for promoting mental health and well-being.

Conversational artificial intelligence (AI), particularly AI-based conversational agents (CAs), is gaining traction in mental health care. Despite their growing usage, there is a scarcity of comprehensive evaluations of their impact on mental health and well-being. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to fill this gap by synthesizing evidence on the effectiveness of AI-based CAs in improving mental health and factors influencing their effectiveness and user experience. Twelve databases were searched for experimental studies of AI-based CAs' effects on mental illnesses and psychological well-being published before May 26, 2023. Out of 7834 records, 35 eligible studies were identified for systematic review, out of which 15 randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that AI-based CAs significantly reduce symptoms of depression (Hedge's g 0.64 [95% CI 0.17-1.12]) and distress (Hedge's g 0.7 [95% CI 0.18-1.22]). These effects were more pronounced in CAs that are multimodal, generative AI-based, integrated with mobile/instant messaging apps, and targeting clinical/subclinical and elderly populations. However, CA-based interventions showed no significant improvement in overall psychological well-being (Hedge's g 0.32 [95% CI -0.13 to 0.78]). User experience with AI-based CAs was largely shaped by the quality of human-AI therapeutic relationships, content engagement, and effective communication. These findings underscore the potential of AI-based CAs in addressing mental health issues. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms of their effectiveness, assess long-term effects across various mental health outcomes, and evaluate the safe integration of large language models (LLMs) in mental health care.

Passive social media use and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of social comparison and emotion regulation.

Social media browsing is commonly seen as a trigger of unhealthy social comparison (i.e., upward contrast), which negatively affects well-being. One underlying assumption is the predominance of positive self-presentation on social media, which may have shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic when negative disclosures have become more prevalent. In this study, we conceptualize social comparison as a multi-dimensional construct based on different comparing targets and processes, and explore how individual (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) and contextual (i.e., quarantine status) factors may influence the relationships among passive social media use, social comparison and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on a survey with 1131 Wuhan residents in China, we found that passive social media use was positively related to both upward contrast and downward identification, which in turn predicted a higher level of stress. Cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with unhealthy social comparison (i.e., upward contrast and downward identification) but was positively related to healthy social comparison such as upward identification. Quarantined people tended to report more upward contrast, especially when they engaged in more frequent social media browsing. This study contributes to the larger debate about the impact of social media on mental health and offers practical implications.

Application of Extracellular Vesicles in Gynecologic Cancer Treatment.

Ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer are the three most common gynecological malignancies that seriously threaten women's health. With the development of molecular biology technology, immunotherapy and targeted therapy for gynecologic tumors are being carried out in clinical treatment. Extracellular vesicles are nanosized; they exist in various body fluids and play an essential role in intercellular communication and in the regulation of various biological process. Several studies have shown that extracellular vesicles are important targets in gynecologic cancer treatment as they promote tumor growth, progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune system escape. This article reviews the progress of research into extracellular vesicles in common gynecologic tumors and discusses the role of extracellular vesicles in gynecologic tumor treatment.

Tumor Microenvironments-Adaptive Apoptotic Effects of Cytidine 5'-monophosphate-Capped Gold Nanoclusters.

In the present work, cytidine 5'-monophosphate capped gold nanoclusters (AuNCs@CMP) are reported as a catalyst for redox reactions, which show both oxidase- and excellent peroxidase-like activity. When employing 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a substrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the maximum velocity (Vmax) was 175 × 10-8 M s-1in vitro. Besides, the AuNCs@CMP exhibited high catalytic activity for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with H2O2. Particularly, they also displayed excellent catalytic activity for ROS generation in tumor cells, being activated and promoted by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Consequently, the AuNCs@CMP show an excellent antitumor effect on HeLa and SW480 cells as assayed by flow cytometry. The antitumor mechanism of AuNCs@CMP was attributed to the high ROS generation based on the specific environments of the TME. Therefore, the present study provides TME-adaptive AuNCs@CMP with excellent mimetic peroxidase activity, producing significant ROS to kill the tumor cells in TME.