Effect of Acupuncture on Neurogenic Claudication Among Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis : A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture may improve degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS), but evidence is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupuncture for DLSS. DESIGN: Multicenter randomized clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03784729). SETTING: 5 hospitals in China. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with DLSS and predominantly neurogenic claudication pain symptoms. INTERVENTION: 18 sessions of acupuncture or sham acupuncture (SA) over 6 weeks, with 24-week follow-up after treatment. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was change from baseline in the modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire ([RMDQ] score range, 0 to 24; minimal clinically important difference [MCID], 2 to 3). Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants achieving minimal (30% reduction from baseline) and substantial (50% reduction from baseline) clinically meaningful improvement per the modified RMDQ. RESULTS: A total of 196 participants (98 in each group) were enrolled. The mean modified RMDQ score was 12.6 (95% CI, 11.8 to 13.4) in the acupuncture group and 12.7 (CI, 12.0 to 13.3) in the SA group at baseline, and decreased to 8.1 (CI, 7.1 to 9.1) and 9.5 (CI, 8.6 to 10.4) at 6 weeks, with an adjusted difference in mean change of -1.3 (CI, -2.6 to -0.03; P = 0.044), indicating a 43.3% greater improvement compared with SA. The between-group difference in the proportion of participants achieving minimal and substantial clinically meaningful improvement was 16.0% (CI, 1.6% to 30.4%) and 12.6% (CI, -1.0% to 26.2%) at 6 weeks. Three cases of treatment-related adverse events were reported in the acupuncture group, and 3 were reported in the SA group. All events were mild and transient. LIMITATION: The SA could produce physiologic effects. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may relieve pain-specific disability among patients with DLSS and predominantly neurogenic claudication pain symptoms, although the difference with SA did not reach MCID. The effects may last 24 weeks after 6-week treatment. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: 2019 National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine "Project of building evidence-based practice capacity for TCM-Project BEBPC-TCM" (NO. 2019XZZX-ZJ).

Lewis Acid-Promoted Oxidative Cleavage of Carbon-Carbon Bonds: Synthesis of N-Arylated Lactam-Type Iminosugars.

In this paper, a mild strategy for the oxidative cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds catalyzed by Lewis acid was developed in air condition at room temperature. Under such conditions, the bis-carbonyl compounds 3 were directly afforded from the reaction of D-ribose tosylate 1 and aniline in excellent yields through the oxidative cleavage of the key intermediate iminium-ion A and its tautomer enamine B. A series of N-arylated lactam-type iminosugars 5 were then successfully obtained by removing the isopropylidene group from 3 with the aid of the condensation agent DCC. Additionally, reduction of A and the removal of the isopropylidene group could provide N-arylated iminosugars 4. This strategy enables the oxidative cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds under mild conditions and facilitates the synthesis of the novel iminosugars with potent biological activity.

Durable Effect of Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic neck pain, a prevalent health concern characterized by frequent recurrence, requires exploration of treatment modalities that provide sustained relief. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the durable effects of acupuncture on chronic neck pain. METHODS: We conducted a literature search up to March 2024 in six databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, encompassing both English and Chinese language publications. The main focus of evaluation included pain severity, functional disability, and quality of life, assessed at least 3 months post-acupuncture treatment. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and meta-analyses were performed where applicable. RESULTS: Eighteen randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy could provide sustained pain relief at three (SMD: - 0.79; 95% CI - 1.13 to - 0.46; p < 0.01) and six (MD: - 18.13; 95% CI - 30.18 to - 6.07; p < 0.01) months post-treatment. Compared to sham acupuncture, acupuncture did not show a statistically significant difference in pain alleviation (MD: - 0.12; 95% CI - 0.06 to 0.36; p = 0.63). However, it significantly improved functional outcomes as evidenced by Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire scores 3 months post-treatment (MD: - 6.06; 95% CI - 8.20 to - 3.92; p < 0.01). Although nine studies reported an 8.5%-13.8% probability of adverse events, these were mild and transitory adverse events. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy may provide post-treatment pain relief lasting at least 3 months for patients with chronic neck pain, although it is not superior to sham acupuncture, shows sustained efficacy in improving functional impairment for over 3 months, with a good safety profile.

Prognostic and predictive value of tumor deposits in advanced signet ring cell colorectal cancer: SEER database analysis and multicenter validation.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare cancer with a bleak prognosis. The relationship between its clinicopathological features and survival remains incompletely elucidated. Tumor deposits (TD) have been utilized to guide the N staging in the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual, but their prognostic significance remains to be established in colorectal SRCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects of this study were patients with stage III/IV colorectal SRCC who underwent surgical treatment. The research comprised two cohorts: a training cohort and a validation cohort. The training cohort consisted of 631 qualified patients from the SEER database, while the validation cohort included 135 eligible patients from four independent hospitals in China. The study assessed the impact of TD on Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS) and Overall Survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression models. Additionally, a prognostic nomogram model was constructed for further evaluation. RESULTS: In both cohorts, TD-positive patients were typically in the stage IV and exhibited the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) (P < 0.05). Compared to the TD-negative group, the TD-positive group showed significantly poorer CSS (the training cohort: HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.52-2.31; the validation cohort: HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.55-3.81; all P values < 0.001). This association was significant in stage III but not in stage IV. In the multivariate model, after adjusting for covariates, TD maintained an independent prognostic value (P < 0.05). A nomogram model including TD, N stage, T stage, TNM stage, CEA, and chemotherapy was constructed. Through internal and external validation, the model demonstrated good calibration and accuracy. Further survival curve analysis based on individual scores from the model showed good discrimination. CONCLUSION: TD positivity is an independent factor of poor prognosis in colorectal SRCC patients, and it is more effective to predict the prognosis of colorectal SRCC by building a model with TD and other clinically related variables.

Identifying chemical markers in wine-processed Salvia miltiorrhiza using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry.

To find the chemical markers of wine-processed Salvia miltiorrhiza (WSM), 76 constituents, including diterpenoid quinones and phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and WSM, were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) in positive- and the negative-ion modes. Thirty compounds were screened out as candidate differential components using chemometrics analysis, and the concentration of most compounds increased after processing with wine. Seven compounds, namely tanshinone IIA, magnesium lithospermate B, salvianolic acid G, cryptotanshinone, isocryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and rosmarinic acid, were selected as chemical markers of WSM using variable importance of the project. This study revealed the chemical markers of WSM and confirmed that WSM can improve the extraction and solubility effect of chemical constituents.

Impact of Geriatric Experience Training on Nurses in Preventing Falls in Elderly Patients.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of geriatric experience training on nurses from multiple primary healthcare units in the context of population aging. The study also evaluated the impact of this training on improving nurses' cognitive abilities in preventing falls/bedside accidents in elderly patients and implementing safe nursing practices to reduce the incidence of falls/bedside accidents. Methods: A total of 302 nurses involved in geriatric care from 18 primary healthcare units in the region were randomly categorized into 2 groups on a 1:1 basis. The control group received regular training on falls/bedside accident prevention for patients, whereas the observation group received additional geriatric experience training along with the regular training. Further, 420 elderly patients who experienced moderate-to-severe falls/bedside accidents between February and July 2022, with a Morse Fall Scale (MFS) score of ≥25 were randomly assigned to either the observation or control group on a 1:1 basis. This study compared the 2 groups in terms of nurses' awareness of falls/bedside accident risks, incidence of falls/bedside accidents in patients and patient satisfaction with fall/bedside accident prevention care. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed (P > .05) between the 2 groups of nurses, except in their awareness of the aging population and the increased risk for falls/bedside accidents in elderly patients. However, the observation group nurses scored higher in other aspects of falls/bedside accident risk awareness after undergoing geriatric experience training (P < .05). The incidence of falls/bedside accidents was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < .05). Patient satisfaction with falls/bedside accident prevention care was significantly higher in the observation group compared with the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: Geriatric experience training for nurses in multiple primary healthcare units in the region could effectively improve the capabilities of primary hospitals in preventing falls/bedside accidents.

Association between annual changes and visit-to-visit variability of serum uric acid and the kidney outcome in a general population.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether variability of serum uric acid (UA) is associated with risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a healthy population. METHODS: Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted at a health examination center in China. The study enrolled subjects who had a minimum of three visits between 2011 and 2018. We assessed UA change and visit-to-visit UA variability including standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and average real variability (ARV). Rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline was defined by annual eGFR change < -4 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. We conducted a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Ten thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight participants were included. During 4.43 ± 1.31 years follow-up, there were 535 cases with rapid eGFR decline and 240 cases developed CKD. Compared to the non-rapid eGFR decline group and non-CKD group, the UA annual changes and variability were higher in the rapid eGFR decline group and CKD group. The highest quartile of UA annual changes and variability showed a higher incident rate of rapid eGFR decline and that of CKD. After adjusting for covariates, OR for eGFR rapid decline in UA variability were 1.69 [1.53, 1.86] for annual changes of UA, 1.17 [1.08, 1.27] for SD of UA, 1.16 [1.06, 1.25] for CV of UA, 1.16 [1.07, 1.25] for VIM of UA, and 1.10 [1.02, 1.19] for ARV of UA. Consistent results were observed when CKD is used as the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Higher variability of serum UA was independently associated with the risk of kidney impairment.

The evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous online learning: student experience, learning outcomes, and cognitive load.

BACKGROUND: The abrupt onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled universities to swiftly establish online teaching and learning environments that were not only immediately deployable but also conducive to high-quality education. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the online synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats in the dermatology lecture for undergraduate medical students, including academic performance, self-efficacy, and cognitive load. METHODS: A total of 170 fourth-year undergraduate medical students attending the dermatology lecture were included. The lecture was delivered using both the synchronous method (live online lecture via Webex meeting) and the asynchronous method (lecture videos shared on YouTube). The students had the freedom to choose their preferred method of attending the online lecture. The study assessed three main aspects: (1) learning outcomes measured through pretest, posttest, and retention test scores; (2) cognitive load experienced by students, including mental load and mental effort measured using eight items; and (3) satisfaction levels with each online teaching format. RESULTS: In this study, 70 students opted for the synchronous online lecture, while 100 students chose the asynchronous online lecture. Both synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods exhibited significant improvements in post and retention test scores compared to the pretest. Satisfaction levels, rated on a scale of 0-5, were generally high for both teaching methods, with no significant differences observed (4.6 for synchronous, 4.53 for asynchronous; p =.350). Regarding cognitive load, the synchronous method showed a significantly lower level than the asynchronous method (p =.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in mental effort (p =.0662), but the level of mental load was lower in the synchronous method (p =.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Both synchronous and asynchronous online teaching methods demonstrated improvements in learning outcomes and high levels of student satisfaction. However, the cognitive load experienced by students was lower in the synchronous setting compared to the asynchronous setting. These findings remind health professions educators that they would consider the students' cognitive load when designing online curricula.

Geomagnetic Disturbances and Pulse Amplitude Anomalies Preceding M > 6 Earthquakes from 2021 to 2022 in Sichuan-Yunnan, China.

Compelling evidence has shown that geomagnetic disturbances in vertical intensity polarization before great earthquakes are promising precursors across diverse rupture conditions. However, the geomagnetic vertical intensity polarization method uses the spectrum of smooth signals, and the anomalous waveforms of seismic electromagnetic radiation, which are basically nonstationary, have not been adequately considered. By combining pulse amplitude analysis and an experimental study of the cumulative frequency of anomalies, we found that the pulse amplitudes before the 2022 Luding M6.8 earthquake show characteristics of multiple synchronous anomalies, with the highest (or higher) values occurring during the analyzed period. Similar synchronous anomalies were observed before the 2021 Yangbi M6.4 earthquake, the 2022 Lushan M6.1 earthquake and the 2022 Malcolm M6.0 earthquake, and these anomalies indicate migration from the periphery toward the epicenters over time. The synchronous changes are in line with the recognition of previous geomagnetic anomalies with characteristics of high values before an earthquake and gradual recovery after the earthquake. Our study suggests that the pulse amplitude is effective for extracting anomalies in geomagnetic vertical intensity polarization, especially in the presence of nonstationary signals when utilizing observations from multiple station arrays. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating pulse amplitude analysis into earthquake prediction research on geomagnetic disturbances.

Interference tunable second harmonic generation for two-dimensional materials in layered structures.

We experimentally study the tunability of second harmonic generation (SHG) from a two-dimensional (2D) material in a 2D material/dielectric film/substrate layered structure. Such tunability arises from two interferences: one is between the incident fundamental light and its reflected light, and the other is between the upward second harmonic (SH) light and the reflected downward SH light. When both interferences are constructive, the SHG is maximally enhanced; it becomes attenuated if either of them is destructive. The maximal signal can be obtained when both interferences are perfectly constructive, which can be realized by choosing a highly reflective substrate and an appropriate thickness for a dielectric film that has a large difference in its refractive indices at the fundamental and the SH wavelengths. Our experiments demonstrate variations of three orders of magnitude in the SHG signals from a monolayer MoS2/TiO2/Ag layered structure.

Effectiveness of the booster dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine against Omicron BA.5 infection: a matched cohort study of adult close contacts.

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 vaccines and their booster regimens protect against symptomatic infections and severe outcomes, there is limited evidence about their protection against asymptomatic and symptomatic infections in real-world settings, particularly when considering that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infections were asymptomatic. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the booster dose of inactivated vaccines in mainland China, i.e., Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) and Sinovac (CoronaVac), against Omicron infection in an Omicron BA.5 seeded epidemic. METHODS: Based on an infection-naive but highly vaccinated population in Urumqi, China, the study cohort comprised all 37,628 adults who had a contact history with individuals having SARS-CoV-2 infections, i.e., close contacts, between August 1 and September 7, 2022. To actively detect SARS-CoV-2 infections, RT-PCR tests were performed by local authorities on a daily basis for all close contacts, and a testing-positive status was considered a laboratory-confirmed outcome. The cohort of close contacts was matched at a ratio of 1:5 with the fully vaccinated (i.e., 2 doses) and booster vaccinated groups (i.e., 3 doses) according to sex, age strata, calendar date, and contact settings. Multivariate conditional logistic regression models were adopted to estimate the marginal effectiveness of the booster dose against Omicron BA.5 infection after adjusting for confounding variables. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess vaccine effectiveness (VE) in different strata of sex, age, the time lag from the last vaccine dose to exposure, and the vaccination status of the source case. Kaplan-Meier curves were employed to visualize the follow-up process and testing outcomes among different subgroups of the matched cohort. FINDINGS: Before matching, 37,099 adult close contacts were eligible for cohort enrolment. After matching, the 2-dose and 3-dose groups included 3317 and 16,051 contacts, and the proportions with Omicron infections were 1.03% and 0.62% among contacts in the 2-dose and 3-dose groups, respectively. We estimated that the adjusted effectiveness of the inactivated booster vaccine versus 2 doses against Omicron infection was 35.5% (95% CI 2.0, 57.5). The booster dose provided a higher level of protection, with an effectiveness of 60.2% (95% CI 22.8, 79.5) for 15-180 days after vaccination, but this VE decreased to 35.0% (95% CI 2.8, 56.5) after 180 days. Evidence for the protection of the booster dose was detected among young adults aged 18-39 years, but was not detected for those aged 40 years or older. INTERPRETATION: The receipt of the inactivated vaccine booster dose was associated with a significantly lower Omicron infection risk, and our findings confirmed the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of booster doses against Omicron BA.5 variants. Given the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2, we highlight the importance of continuously monitoring the protective performance of vaccines against the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2, regardless of existing vaccine coverage.

Association of Breastfeeding Practices During the First 3 Months with Infant Sleep Trajectories: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has numerous effects on maternal and child health. The effect of breastfeeding on infant sleep remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine whether full breastfeeding (FBF) during the first 3 mo is associated with longitudinal infant sleep trajectories in their first 2 y of life. METHODS: The study was embedded in the Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort study. Information on infant feeding practices was collected at 3 mo of age, and maternal/child pairs were assigned to the FBF or the non-FBF group (including partially breastfeeding and exclusive formula feeding) on the basis of feeding practices during the first 3 mo of life. Sleep data of infants were obtained at 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo. Total, night, and day sleep trajectories across 3 to 24 mo were estimated with group-based models. Each sleep trajectory was differentiated on the basis of sleep duration at 3 mo (long/moderate/short) and the interval from 6 to 24 mo (moderate/short). Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the association of breastfeeding practices with infant sleep trajectories. RESULTS: Among the 4056 infants studied, 2558 (63.1%) received FBF for 3 mo. When compared with FBF infants, non-FBF infants had shorter sleep duration at 3, 6, and 12 mo (P < 0.01). Non-FBF infants were more likely to experience Moderate-Short (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.61) and Short-Short (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.16) total sleep trajectories and more likely to experience Moderate-Short (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.77), and Short-Moderate (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.85) night sleep trajectories than FBF infants. CONCLUSIONS: Full breastfeeding for ≥3 mo were positively associated with longer infant sleep duration. Infants fully breastfed were more likely to experience better sleep trajectories characterized by longer duration in their first 2 y of life. Full breastfeeding may benefit infants through healthy sleep.

Salt-Induced Coil-Globule Transition of Sulfonate-Modified HPAM is Affected by the Branched Chain Length.

Polymer flooding is a cheap and efficient method for tertiary oil recovery. However, the failure of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) molecules reduces the oil displacement efficiency under high salinity conditions. In this study, we modified HPAM molecules by sulfonic acid groups with different branched chain lengths, and we characterized the structures of these molecules in different salinity solutions through all-atoms molecular dynamics simulation. Compared with the acrylic group, the sulfonate group has excellent salt resistance because of its weak ability to attract cations. When using different lengths of branched linked branch sulfonates, increasing the length of the branched chain can improve the movement ability of sulfonates, so as to play a better salt resistance effect. However, excessive growth of branched chains can cause their association with each other and can lead to polymer folding. Therefore, we believe that the branched chain length of sulfonate should be moderately increased. These results are expected to provide theoretical support for the design and use of salt-resistant polymers..

Poor performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of Plasmodium malariae among returned international travellers in China.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a worldwide infectious disease. For countries that have achieved malaria elimination, the prevention of re-establishment due to infections in returned travellers has become important. The accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria is the key in preventing re-establishment, and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are frequently used due to their convenience. However, the RDT performance in Plasmodium malariae (P. malariae) infection diagnosis remains unknown. METHODS: This study analysed epidemiological features and diagnosis patterns of imported P. malariae cases from 2013 to 2020 in Jiangsu Province and evaluated the sensitivity of four parasite enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH)-targeting RDTs (Wondfo, SD BIONLINE, CareStart and BioPerfectus) and one aldolase-targeting RDT(BinaxNOW) for P. malariae detection. Furthermore, influential factors were investigated, including parasitaemia load, pLDH concentration and target gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: The median duration from symptom onset to diagnosis among patients with P. malariae infection was 3 days, which was longer than that with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection. The RDTs had a low detection rate (39/69, 56.5%) among P. malariae cases. All tested RDT brands had poor performance in P. malariae detection. All the brands except the worst-performing SD BIOLINE, achieved 75% sensitivity only when the parasite density was higher than 5000 parasites/µL. Both pLDH and aldolase showed relatively conserved and low gene polymorphism rates. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of imported P. malariae cases was delayed. The RDTs had poor performance in P. malariae diagnosis and may threaten the prevention of malaria re-establishment from returned travellers. The improved RDTs or nucleic acid tests for P. malariae cases are urgently needed for the detection of imported cases in the future.

Two decades of capacity building to support global malaria control and elimination: retrospective and prospective international trainings in Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China, 2002-2021.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is still one of the major infectious diseases affecting human health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has attached special importance to malaria-related technical training for its global elimination efforts. The Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases (JIPD), designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training on Malaria Elimination, has conducted numerous international malaria training programmes during the last 2 decades. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of international training programmes organized and facilitated by JIPD in China since 2002 was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was designed to gather respondents' basic information, evaluation of course topics, methodology, trainers, and facilitators, course impact, and suggestions for future trainings. Individuals who participated in the training courses from 2017 to 2019 were invited to participate in this assessment. RESULTS: Since 2002, JIPD has conducted 62 malaria-related international trainings attended by 1935 participants from 85 countries, covering 73% of malaria endemic countries. Of 752 participants enrolled, 170 responded to the online survey. A majority of respondents (160/170, 94.12%) gave a high evaluation of the training, with an average score of 4.52 (5 maximum score). Also, survey respondents gave a 4.28 score on "knowledge and skills gained in the training useful for the national malaria programme", 4.52 on "topics appropriate to their professional needs", and 4.52 on "knowledge and skills gained in the training useful to their career". Surveillance and response was the most important topic discussed and field visit was the most effective method of training. For future training programmes, with increasing length of training, more field visits and demonstration, improving language barrier, and sharing experience were what the respondents requested most. CONCLUSION: JIPD, as a professional institute for malaria control, has conducted a great quantity of training in the past 20 years, providing training opportunities to both malaria and non-malaria endemic countries globally. For future training, survey respondents' suggestions will be considered to provide a more effective capacity building activity to better contribute to global malaria elimination.

Review of retracted papers in the field of neurology.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the growing awareness of academic fraud, its prevalence in the field of neurology has not been fully assessed. This review aims to analyze the characteristics of the retracted papers in the field of neurology and the reasons for the retraction to better understand the trends in this area and to assist to avoid retraction incidents. METHODS: A total of 79 papers were included, which pertained to 22 countries and 64 journals. The marking methods for retracting original papers included watermarks (89.04%), retracted signs in the text (5.48%) and no prompt (5.48%). The median M (interquartile range [IQR]) of citations in retractions in neurology was 7 (41). Studies continued to be cited after retraction with an M (IQR) of 3 (16). The journal impact factor was between 0 and 157.335, with an M (IQR) of 5.127 (3.668). 45.21% and 31.51% papers were mainly published in the first and second quartile journals, respectively. The M (IQR) time elapsed between publication and retraction was 32 (44) months. The reasons for retraction included two major categories, academic misconduct (79.75%) and academic unintentional mistakes (20.25%). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The number of retractions in neurology has been on the rise over the past decade, with fabricated academic misconduct being the main cause of the retractions. Due to the long time lag between publication and retraction, a number of unreliable findings continue to be cited following retraction. In addition to the requisite standards of academic ethics, augmenting research training and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial in enhancing research integrity.

WDR74 facilitates TGF-ß/Smad pathway activation to promote M2 macrophage polarization and diabetic foot ulcer wound healing in mice.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating component of diabetes progression, leading to decreased quality of life and increased mortality in diabetic patients. The underlying mechanism of DFU is not completely understood. Hence, this study aims to elucidate the mechanism involved in wound healing in mouse models of DFU. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed to study the roles that WDR74 and TGF-ß play in mouse models of DFU and primary bone marrow-derived mouse macrophages. M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypic markers, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and angiogenic makers were determined by RT-qPCR and/or Western blot analysis. Localization of these proteins was determined by immunofluorescence staining and/or immunohistochemistry. Interaction between WDR74 with Smad2/3 in macrophages was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. We found that WDR74 and M2 macrophages were decreased in wound tissues from DFU mice. TGF-ß/Smad pathway activation increased the expression of M2 macrophage markers (arginase-1 and YM1), IL-4, while decreased expression of M1 macrophage marker (iNOS). TGF-ß/Smad pathway activation also increased the production of ECM and promoted the wound closure in diabetic mice. We also noticed that WDR74 overexpression increased Smad2/3 phosphorylation, elevated the population of M2 macrophage and ECM production, and alleviated DFU. LY2109761 treatment normalized effects of TGF-ß or WDR74 overexpression. In conclusion, WDR74 promoted M2 macrophage polarization, leading to improved DFU in mice, through activation of the TGF-ß/Smad pathway. Graphical Headlights 1. WDR74 promotes M2 macrophage polarization and ECM production. 2. WDR74 activates the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. 3. TGF-ß/Smad activation promotes M2 macrophage polarization in murine DFU. 4. WDR74 enhances wound healing in murine DFU.

Ag2SO4-Ag2S transformation in SnO2-based nanofibers for high selectivity and response H2S sensors.

Tin-based gas sensors have been developed for many years owing to their advantages of low price, high response and stability. However, selectivity remains a significant issue. Herein, Ag-SnO2nanofibers are synthesized using AgCl as the doping reagent. The 3%Ag-SnO2nanofibers sensors show a high response of 68 toward 1 ppm H2S at 90 °C. Besides, the sensor with 3% AgCl possesses the shortest response time about 136 s at 150 °C which is only 30% value of the sensor without AgCl doping. It is also demonstrated that the nanofibers show a high selectivity towards H2S. According to theex situx-ray photoelectron spectrum and x-ray diffraction results, AgCl was transferred to Ag2S after Ag-SnO2was exposed to H2S, and reversible transformation between Ag2SO4and Ag2S was the main mechanism for H2S detection. Compared with pure SnO2nanofiber sensors, the presence of Ag2S with high conductivity greatly affects the resistance to H2S, resulting in high selectivity and response. This mechanism differs from that of the transformation between Ag2O and Ag2SO4. This study may provide a new strategy for the design and investigation of sensors with high selectivity.

Patterns of maternal gestational weight gain in association with allergic diseases in offspring: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between patterns of gestational weight gain (GWG) and allergic diseases in offspring. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Prenatal clinics in Wuhan, China. POPULATION: A cohort of 2546 mother and offspring pairs were enrolled before 16 weeks of gestation and followed up to 24 months postpartum. METHODS: Maternal body weights were measured regularly during pregnancy, and their GWG patterns were estimated using the growth mixture model. Robust Poisson models were used to evaluate relative risk (RR) and 95% CI after multivariable adjustment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Offspring atopic allergy and allergic contact dermatitis were defined according to a physician's diagnosis reported by the mother, and food allergy was reported by the mother. RESULTS: Three GWG patterns were identified: 18.1% (461) of the women were described as pattern 1, characterised by rapid GWG earlier in pregnancy; 56.6% (1442) of the women were described as pattern 2, with steady GWG throughout pregnancy; and 25.3% (643) of the women was described as pattern 3, with rapid GWG later in pregnancy. By the age of 24 months, 360 (14.1%), 109 (4.3%) and 757 (29.7%) offspring had atopic allergy, allergic contact dermatitis or food allergy, respectively. Compared with women in GWG pattern 2, the RRs (95% CIs) among women in pattern 1 were 0.74 (0.55-0.99) for atopic allergy, 0.64 (0.36-1.15) for allergic contact dermatitis and 0.95 (0.81-1.12) for food allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal GWG pattern characterised by rapid GWG earlier in pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of atopic allergy in offspring.

Dynamics of phosphoinositide conversion in clathrin-mediated endocytic traffic.

Vesicular carriers transport proteins and lipids from one organelle to another, recognizing specific identifiers for the donor and acceptor membranes. Two important identifiers are phosphoinositides and GTP-bound GTPases, which provide well-defined but mutable labels. Phosphatidylinositol and its phosphorylated derivatives are present on the cytosolic faces of most cellular membranes. Reversible phosphorylation of its headgroup produces seven distinct phosphoinositides. In endocytic traffic, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate marks the plasma membrane, and phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate mark distinct endosomal compartments. It is unknown what sequence of changes in lipid content confers on the vesicles their distinct identity at each intermediate step. Here we describe 'coincidence-detecting' sensors that selectively report the phosphoinositide composition of clathrin-associated structures, and the use of these sensors to follow the dynamics of phosphoinositide conversion during endocytosis. The membrane of an assembling coated pit, in equilibrium with the surrounding plasma membrane, contains phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate and a smaller amount of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate. Closure of the vesicle interrupts free exchange with the plasma membrane. A substantial burst of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate immediately after budding coincides with a burst of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate, distinct from any later encounter with the phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate pool in early endosomes; phosphatidylinositol-3,4-biphosphate and the GTPase Rab5 then appear and remain as the uncoating vesicles mature into Rab5-positive endocytic intermediates. Our observations show that a cascade of molecular conversions, made possible by the separation of a vesicle from its parent membrane, can label membrane-traffic intermediates and determine their destinations.