A sticky Poisson Hidden Markov Model for spike data.

Fitting a hidden Markov Model (HMM) to neural data is a powerful method to segment a spatiotemporal stream of neural activity into sequences of discrete hidden states. Application of HMM has allowed to uncover hidden states and signatures of neural dynamics that seem relevant for sensory and cognitive processes. This has been accomplished especially in datasets comprising ensembles of simultaneously recorded cortical spike trains. However, the HMM analysis of spike data is involved and requires a careful handling of model selection. Two main issues are: (i) the cross-validated likelihood function typically increases with the number of hidden states; (ii) decoding the data with an HMM can lead to very rapid state switching due to fast oscillations in state probabilities. The first problem is related to the phenomenon of over-segmentation and leads to overfitting. The second problem is at odds with the empirical fact that hidden states in cortex tend to last from hundred of milliseconds to seconds. Here, we show that we can alleviate both problems by regularizing a Poisson-HMM during training so as to enforce large self-transition probabilities. We call this algorithm the 'sticky Poisson-HMM' (sPHMM). When used together with the Bayesian Information Criterion for model selection, the sPHMM successfully eliminates rapid state switching, outperforming an alternative strategy based on an HMM with a large prior on the self-transition probabilities. The sPHMM also captures the ground truth in surrogate datasets built to resemble the statistical properties of the experimental data.

The association between visceral adiposity index and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Relationships between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been underexplored. The purpose of this study is to explore association between VAI and T2DM in adults in the US. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018, 11,214 participants aged 20 years or older were included in a cross-sectional study. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis and smoothed curve fitting analysis were performed to investigate links between VAI and the prevalence of T2DM, as well as the stability and incidence between subgroups. In a fully adjusted continuous model, the aggregate population risk of T2DM increased 0.43-fold with each 1-unit increase in VAI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-1.50]. In the fully adjusted categorical model with VAI scores stratified by quartiles, results showed a higher T2DM advantage among participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles (Q2: OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.71; Q3: OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.95-3.11; Q4: OR 4.42, 95% CI 3.55-05.50). Compared with Q1, the prevalence of T2DM in the total population increased 3.42-fold in Q4. The above results indicated that VAI was positively associated with the prevalence of T2DM, which was consistent and nonlinear with the smoothed curve-fitting analysis (P for non-linear = 0). Subgroup analyses after adjusting for covariates showed that keeping with the overall population results, it also was found that there was an interaction between sex and hypertension in the subgroups. VAI was positively associated with the prevalence of T2DM and was more prevalent in women, non-hypertensive than in men, hypertensive populations.

Effects of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on the immune system.

Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids, important immune organs, is a frequent and recurrent class of surgery, and currently, there is no consensus on the effects these surgical procedures may have on the immune system. Here, we examine individual studies on tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and adenotonsillectomy, discuss their postoperative humoral and cellular immune changes, and explore their effects on the incidence of related diseases. There is evidence that these three surgeries have no negative effects on humoral immunity; however, there has been contrary results. Furthermore, these procedures seem to have no significant effects on cellular immunity, although tonsil and adenoid removal can cause an increased incidence of certain illnesses, especially infectious diseases. Based on this comprehensive review, we conclude that the removal of tonsils and adenoids does not negatively affect cellular and humoral immunity. However, surgery may lead to an increased incidence of related infectious diseases. This finding may inform the surgeon's decision to perform the procedure in a clinical setting.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation impacts the executive function of patients with vascular cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Executive dysfunction is a core symptom of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), which seriously affects patients' prognosis. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of rTMS on executive function in VCI. Methods: The databases selected for this study included Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM). The screening times were conducted from the time of library construction until August 23, 2023. The inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on rTMS for VCI, which include executive function scores. The primary metrics were executive subscale scores of the Cognitive Comprehensive Scale and total scores of the Executive Specificity Scale. The secondary metrics were subscale scores of the Executive Specificity Scale. The quality of each eligible study was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis and bias analysis were performed using Stata (version 16.0) and RevMan (version 5.3). Results: A total of 20 high-quality clinical RCTs with 1,049 samples were included in this paper. The findings from the primary outcomes revealed that within the rTMS group, there were significantly higher scores observed for the executive sub-item on the cognitive composite scale (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.77-1.08, p < 0.00001, I 2 = 14%) and the total score on the executive specific scale (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.44-0.94, p < 0.00001, I 2 = 0%) compared to the control group. As for the secondary outcome measures, as shown by the Trail Making Test-A (time) (MD = -35.75, 95% CI = -68.37 to -3.12, p = 0.03, I 2 = 55%), the Stroop-C card (time) (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI = -0.86 to -0.06, p = 0.02, I 2 = 0%) and the Stroop-C card (correct number) (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.04-0.94, p = 0.03, I 2 = 0%), the experimental group shorts time and enhances accuracy of executive task in comparison to the control group. Subgroup analysis of the main outcome demonstrated that intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), higher frequency, lower intensity, longer duration, and combined comprehensive therapy exhibited superior efficacy. Conclusion: rTMS is effective in the treatment of the executive function of VCI. The present study has some limitations, so multi-center, large-sample, objective indicators and parameters are needed to further explore in the future.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023459669.

Display performance optimization method for light field displays based on a neural network.

Crosstalk between adjacent views, lens aberrations, and low spatial resolution in light field displays limit the quality of 3D images. In the present study, we introduce a display performance optimization method for light field displays based on a neural network. The method pre-corrects the encoded image from a global perspective, which means that the encoded image is pre-corrected according to the light field display results. The display performance optimization network consists of two parts: the encoded image pre-correction network and the display network. The former realizes the pre-correction of the original encoded image (OEI), while the latter completes the modeling of the display unit and realizes the generation from the encoded image to the viewpoint images (VIs). The pre-corrected encoded image (PEI) obtained through the pre-correction network can reconstruct 3D images with higher quality. The VIs are accessible through the display network. Experimental results suggest that the proposed method can reduce the graininess of 3D images significantly without increasing the complexity of the system. It is promising for light field displays since it can provide improved 3D display performance.

Factors influencing cardiovascular system-related post-COVID-19 sequelae: A single-center cohort study.

Background: COVID-19 sequelae are long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease is not only a risk factor for the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae but also a potential result directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 infection. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the cardiovascular system-related symptoms of outpatients and inpatients of the Cardiovascular Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine after recovery from novel coronavirus infection, analyze the influencing factors, and symptom characteristics of related symptoms, and thereby provide a basis for further formulating a reasonable diagnosis and treatment plan. Materials and methods: From January 15, 2023 to February 15, 2023, 452 recovered patients with novel coronavirus infection who were admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine due to symptoms of the cardiovascular system (complaints of chest pain and palpitations) were involved in this study. A unified questionnaire was used to record the general information, past medical history, characteristics of chest pain or palpitations, and other COVID-19-related sequelae of the selected patients. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Results: A total of 226 patients with cardiovascular symptoms and 226 patients without cardiovascular symptoms were included in this study. After univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, women (OR 2.081, 95% CI = 1.358-3.189) and young people (OR 2.557, 95% CI = 1.44-4.54) had a higher risk of cardiovascular symptoms; prehypertension (OR 1.905, 95% CI = 1.091-3.329) and hypertension (OR 2.287, 95% CI = 1.433-3.649) increased the risk of cardiovascular symptoms; patients with history of previous cardiovascular disease (OR 1.862, 95% CI = 1.16-2.988) and history of diabetes (OR 2.138, 95% CI = 1.058-4.319) had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular symptoms. The main symptoms related to COVID-19 sequelae reported by all 452 patients were fatigue (76.8%), shortness of breath (54.2%), dry mouth and bitter mouth (46.0%), gastrointestinal symptoms (42.7%), sleep disturbances (37.4%), sweating (31.9%), chills (29%), dizziness (25.7%), confusion of brain fog (25.2%), and tinnitus (14.6%). Compared with patients without cardiovascular symptoms, patients with cardiovascular symptoms were more likely to have shortness of breath (OR 3.521, 95% CI = 2.226-5.472), gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 2.039, 95% CI = 1.226-3.393), and dry mouth and bitter mouth (OR 1.918, 95% CI = 1.229-2.992). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In this new coronavirus infection, women, young people, the elderly, people with prehypertension, hypertension, and patients with a history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular symptoms, and patients with cardiovascular symptoms are more likely to develop other COVID-19 sequelae.

Designing semiconductor materials and devices in the post-Moore era by tackling computational challenges with data-driven strategies.

In the post-Moore's law era, the progress of electronics relies on discovering superior semiconductor materials and optimizing device fabrication. Computational methods, augmented by emerging data-driven strategies, offer a promising alternative to the traditional trial-and-error approach. In this Perspective, we highlight data-driven computational frameworks for enhancing semiconductor discovery and device development by elaborating on their advances in exploring the materials design space, predicting semiconductor properties and optimizing device fabrication, with a concluding discussion on the challenges and opportunities in these areas.

The varying clinical effectiveness of single, three and five intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variations in clinical effectiveness among patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who underwent intra-articular administration of platelet-rich plasma using single, triple, or quintuple injections. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with grade I-III knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three groups: PRP1 group, who received a single injection of platelet-rich plasma; PRP3 group, who received three PRP injections one week apart; PRP5 group, who received five PRP injections one week apart. The patients' conditions were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index-VA3.1 version (WOMAC-VA3.1) at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks 52 weeks follow up. RESULTS: Out of the total participants, 106 patients (30 males and 76 females) completed the study. The primary outcome measure, WOMAC pain score, registered significant improvements across all groups when compared to pre-treatment levels. However, the application of 3 and 5 injections of platelet-rich plasma was substantially more effective than that of a single injection in reducing knee pain and stiffness, as well as enhancing physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. No statistically discernable difference was observed between PRP3 and PRP5 at all follow-up intervals, and there was no discernable difference between 3 and 5 PRP injections either. Mild side effects occurred in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of three or five injections of platelet-rich plasma is safe, substantially more effective than single injections, and leads to remarkable clinical improvement by significantly reducing knee pain, improving joint stiffness, and enhancing physical function in patients with grade I-III knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the efficacy of three or five injections. Therefore, we recommend using three injections of PRP in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis of grade I-III.

Association of visceral adiposity index with hypertension (NHANES 2003-2018).

Objectives: This study focused on the association between visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the prevalence of hypertension in a nationally representative population of American adults. Methods: The study obtained data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2003-2018 for a large-scale study. This study incorporated participants ≥18 years of age. Multivariate logistic regression modelling and smoothed curve fitting were applied to investigate the existence of a correlation between VAI and hypertension prevalence. Subgroups were analyzed to confirm the stationarity of the association between VAI and hypertension prevalence. In addition, an interaction test was conducted in this study. Results: In completely adapted sequential models, the risk of hypertension prevalence in the overall population increased 0.17-fold with each 1-unit increase in VAI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.22]. In the wholly adapted categorical model, there was a 0.95-fold increased risk of hypertension in the population of VAI quartile 4 (Q4) vs. VAI quartile 1 (Q1) (OR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.62-2.35). These results indicate that VAI was strongly related to the occurrence of hypertension, and smoothed curve-fitting analysis showed nonlinearity. Adjustment for covariates revealed no apparent interactions in the subgroup analyses, and results were stable across subgroups. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study suggests a nonlinear and positive correlation between elevated VAI and the adult risk of developing hypertension in U.S. adults.

Plantago consumption significantly reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Plantago is rich in soluble fiber, known for its beneficial health effects. Given this, we hypothesized that Plantago consumption might positively influence blood lipid in adults. Researchers have conducted numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), revealing the impacts of Plantago consumption on various blood lipid parameters. However, findings regarding specific blood lipid parameters have shown variability. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the effect of Plantago consumption on blood lipid parameters. Eligible studies evaluating the effects of Plantago consumption on blood lipid were searched in 5 electronic databases published up to August 2023. Analysis used a random effects model to determine weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. In total, 29 RCTs including 2769 participants were included. Compared with the control group, Plantago consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) by 0.28 mmol/L and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 0.35 mmol/L, correlating to an estimated 7% decrease in cardiovascular event risk. Conversely, no substantial effects were observed on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides. Subgroup analyses of 29 RCTs revealed that TC concentrations were significantly lowered in studies that included male participants, those who were healthy, or had lipid disorders. Additionally, TC and LDL-C were significantly lower in participants consuming Plantago husk or psyllium, and soluble fiber intake was specifically effective in lowering TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides. In conclusion, Plantago consumption can significantly lower TC and LDL-C concentrations. The findings will provide crucial insights into the potential of Plantago in dietary strategies for blood lipid management.

Linear association of compound dietary antioxidant index with hyperlipidemia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is growing evidence that antioxidant-rich diets may prevent hyperlipidemia. However, the relationship between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and hyperlipidemia is unclear. The CDAI is a composite score reflecting the antioxidant content of an individual's diet, and this study aimed to investigate the relationship between CDAI and hyperlipidemia. Methods: The study used the 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for cross-sectional analyses and included 27,626 participants aged 20 years and older. The CDAI, which includes vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids, was calculated based on dietary intake reported in a 24-h recall interview. Hyperlipidemia was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Covariates included age, sex, race, education, marriage, household poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body mass index (BMI), energy, carbohydrates, total fat, cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and lipid-lowering medications. The association between CDAI and hyperlipidemia was explored through multiple logistic regression analyses and smoothed curve fitting. We also performed subgroup analyses and interaction tests to verify the relationship's stability. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, CDAI was negatively associated with the risk of developing hyperlipidemia (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p < 0.01). The results of weighted regression models stratified by quartiles of CDAI (-8.664 ≤ Q1 ≤ -2.209, -2.209 < Q2 ≤ -0.002, -0.002 < Q3 ≤ 2.774, 2.774 < Q4 ≤ 124.284), fully adjusted for confounding variables, indicated that compared with the bottom quartile (Q1) of the CDAI, Q2, Q3, and Q4 of participants had a lower advantage ratio (Q2: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78-1.06, p < 0.21; Q3: OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-1.00, p < 0.05; and Q4: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.94, p < 0.01), which was confirmed by a test for trend (p < 0.05). Smoothed curve fit analysis showed linearity (p for non-linear = 0.0912). In summary, there is a linear negative relationship between CDAI and the risk of developing hyperlipidemia. Subgroup analyses by age, sex, ethnicity, education level, marriage, tobacco status, alcoholic drinking, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and diabetes did not indicate strong interactions. Conclusion: In this large cross-sectional study, there was a linear negative association between CDAI and hyperlipidemia among US adults. Therefore increase antioxidant rich foods in your life as a prevention of hyperlipidemia.

Development of a human-size magnetic particle imaging device for sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer.

In this study, a novel human-size handheld magnetic particle imaging (MPI) system was developed for the high-precision detection of sentinel lymph nodes for breast cancer. The system consisted of a highly sensitive home-made MPI detection probe, a set of concentric coils pair for spatialization, a solenoid coil for uniform excitation at 8 kHz@1.5 mT, and a full mirrored coil set positioned far away from the scanning area. The mirrored coils formed an extremely effective differential pickup structure which suppressed the system noise as high as 100 dB. The different combination of the inner and outer gradient current made the field free point (FFP) move in the Z direction with a uniform intensity of 0.54T/m, while the scanning in the XY direction was implemented mechanically. The third-harmonic signal of the Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) at the FFP was detected and then reconstructed synchronously with the current changes. Experiment results showed that the tomographic detection limit was 30 mm in the Z direction, and the sensitivity was about 10 µg Fe SPIONs at 40 mm distance with a spatial resolution of about 5 mm. In the rat experiment, 54 µg intramuscular injected SPIONs were detected successfully in the sentinel lymph node, in which the tracer content was about 1.2% total injected Fe. Additionally, the effective detection time window was confirmed from 4 to 6 min after injection. Relevant clinical ethics are already in the application process. Large mammalian SLNB MPI experiments and 3D preoperative SLNB imaging will be performed in the future.

Synthesis of 2D layered transition metal (Ni, Co) hydroxides via edge-on condensation.

Layered transition metal hydroxides (LTMHs) with transition metal centers sandwiched between layers of coordinating hydroxide anions have attracted considerable interest for their potential in developing clean energy sources and storage technologies. However, two-dimensional (2D) LTMHs remain largely understudied in terms of physical properties and applications in electronic devices. Here, for the first time we report > 20 µm α-Ni(OH)2 2D crystals, synthesized from hydrothermal reaction. And an edge-on condensation mechanism assisted with the crystal field geometry is proposed to understand the 2D intra-planar growth of the crystals, which is also testified through series of systematic comparative studies. We also report the successful synthesis of 2D Co(OH)2 crystals (> 40 µm) with more irregular shape due to the slightly distorted octahedral geometry of the crystal field. Moreover, the detailed structural characterization of synthesized α-Ni(OH)2 are performed. The optical band gap energy is extrapolated as 2.54 eV from optical absorption measurements and the electronic bandgap is measured as 2.52 eV from reflected electrons energy loss spectroscopy (REELS). We further demonstrate its potential as a wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor for high voltage operation in 2D electronics with a high breakdown strength, 4.77 MV/cm with 4.9 nm thickness. The successful realization of the 2D LTMHs opens the door for future exploration of more fundamental physical properties and device applications.

Impact of autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy vs. hyaluronic acid on synovial fluid biomarkers in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objective: Observe the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy on inflammatory cytokines in the synovial fluid of the knee joint of patients with KOA, and explore the effects of PRP intra-articular injection on the inflammation of the knee joint environment and the possible mechanism of action. Methods: Seventy patients were randomized to undergo three blinded weekly intra-articular injections of PRP or hyaluronic acid (HA). The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, in the synovial fluid were evaluated before the intervention and 1 month after the third injection. The Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used to assess pain and functional status of the knee joints in both groups before the intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups with no statistical difference. The IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 levels in the synovial fluid of the observation group decreased significantly after, vs. before, the intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the IL-8, IL-17F, and IL-4 levels decreased (p > 0.05) and IL-5 levels increased (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between inflammatory cytokine levels in the synovial fluid of the samples from the control group before and after the intervention (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups immediately after intervention (p > 0.05). At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention, the WOMAC and VAS scores were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Platelet plasma therapy can reduce the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 in the synovial fluid of KOA patients, reduce the expression levels of IL-8, IL-17F, and IL-4, clear the pro-inflammatory factors, improve the inflammatory environment of the affected knee joint, and alleviate pain caused by inflammation. Thus, alleviating pain and improving knee function in patients with KOA.

Accelerated Screening of Ternary Chalcogenides for Potential Photovoltaic Applications.

Chalcogenides, which refer to chalcogen anions, have attracted considerable attention in multiple fields of applications, such as optoelectronics, thermoelectrics, transparent contacts, and thin-film transistors. In comparison to oxide counterparts, chalcogenides have demonstrated higher mobility and p-type dopability, owing to larger orbital overlaps between metal-X covalent chemical bondings and higher-energy valence bands derived by p-orbitals. Despite the potential of chalcogenides, the number of successfully synthesized compounds remains relatively low compared to that of oxides, suggesting the presence of numerous unexplored chalcogenides with fascinating physical characteristics. In this study, we implemented a systematic high-throughput screening process combined with first-principles calculations on ternary chalcogenides using 34 crystal structure prototypes. We generated a computational material database containing over 400,000 compounds by exploiting the ion-substitution approach at different atomic sites with elements in the periodic table. The thermodynamic stabilities of the candidates were validated using the chalcogenides included in the Open Quantum Materials Database. Moreover, we trained a model based on crystal graph convolutional neural networks to predict the thermodynamic stability of novel materials. Furthermore, we theoretically evaluated the electronic structures of the stable candidates using accurate hybrid functionals. A series of in-depth characteristics, including the carrier effective masses, electronic configuration, and photovoltaic conversion efficiency, was also investigated. Our work provides useful guidance for further experimental research in the synthesis and characterization of such chalcogenides as promising candidates, as well as charting the stability and optoelectronic performance of ternary chalcogenides.

Prevalence of sufficient physical activity among general adult population and sub-populations with chronic conditions or disability in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released an updated global guideline on physical activity and sedentary behavior, including recommendations for sub-populations living with chronic conditions or disabilities. We aimed to examine the prevalence of meeting the WHO recommendations among these sub-populations in the USA. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2017 to 2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). RESULTS: We revealed variations in physical activity levels among individuals with chronic conditions and disability. US adults with diabetes, hypertension or disability had a lower prevalence of recommended physical activity levels than the general population. In addition, certain demographic groups such as being female, older and having lower socioeconomic status were associated with a lower likelihood of meeting the WHO recommendations on physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity levels among US adults, especially those with older age, low socioeconomic status, hypertension and disability.

Application of vagus nerve stimulation on the rehabilitation of upper limb dysfunction after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy, safety, and long-term implications of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a viable therapeutic option for patients with upper limb dysfunction following a stroke. Methods: Data from the following libraries were searched from inception to December 2022: PubMed, Wanfang, Scopus, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Embase, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine Disc, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Outcomes included indicators of upper limb motor function, indicators of prognosis, and indicators of safety (incidence of adverse events [AEs] and serious AEs [SAEs]). Two of the authors extracted the data independently. A third researcher arbitrated when disputes occurred. The quality of each eligible study was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis and bias analysis were performed using Stata (version 16.0) and RevMan (version 5.3). Results: Ten trials (VNS combined with rehabilitation group vs. no or sham VNS combined with rehabilitation group) with 335 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding upper extremity motor function, based on Fugl-Meyer assessment scores, VNS combined with other treatment options had immediate (mean difference [MD] = 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78-3.91, I2 = 62%, p < 0.00001) and long-term (day-30 MD = 4.20, 95% CI = 2.90-5.50, p < 0.00001; day-90 MD = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.67-4.87, p < 0.00001) beneficial effects compared with that of the control treatment. Subgroup analyses showed that transcutaneous VNS (MD = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.78-3.91, I2 = 62%, p < 0.00001) may be superior to invasive VNS (MD = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.99-5.13, I2 = 77%, p < 0.0001) and that VNS combined with integrated treatment (MD = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.78-3.91, I2 = 62%, p < 0.00001) is superior to VNS combined with upper extremity training alone (MD = 2.24, 95% CI = 0.55-3.93, I2 = 48%, p = 0.009). Moreover, lower frequency VNS (20 Hz) (MD = 3.39, 95% CI = 2.06-4.73, I2 = 65%, p < 0.00001) may be superior to higher frequency VNS (25 Hz or 30 Hz) (MD = 2.29, 95% CI = 0.27-4.32, I2 = 58%, p = 0,03). Regarding prognosis, the VNS group outperformed the control group in the activities of daily living (standardized MD = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.10-1.90, I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001) and depression reduction. In contrast, quality of life did not improve (p = 0.51). Safety was not significantly different between the experimental and control groups (AE p = 0.25; SAE p = 0.26). Conclusion: VNS is an effective and safe treatment for upper extremity motor dysfunction after a stroke. For the functional restoration of the upper extremities, noninvasive integrated therapy and lower-frequency VNS may be more effective. In the future, further high-quality studies with larger study populations, more comprehensive indicators, and thorough data are required to advance the clinical application of VNS. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42023399820.

Development of the observation of membrane fusion with label-free liposomes by calcium imaging.

Liposomes are artificial vesicles composed of lipid bilayers that have enabled drugs to be encapsulated and delivered to tumor tissue. Membrane-fusogenic liposomes fuse with the plasma membranes of cells to deliver encapsulated drugs directly to the cytosol, which makes it a promising method for rapid and highly efficient drug delivery. In a previous study, liposomal lipid bilayers were labeled with fluorescent probes, and colocalization of labeled lipids with plasma membrane was observed under a microscope. However, there was concern that fluorescent labeling would affect lipid dynamics and cause liposomes to acquire membrane fusogenic ability. In addition, encapsulation of hydrophilic fluorescent substances in the inner aqueous phase sometimes requires an additional step of removing unencapsulated substances after preparation, and there is a risk of leakage. Herein, we propose a new method to observe cell interaction with liposomes without labeling. Our laboratory has developed two types of liposomes with different cellular internalization pathways, i.e., endocytosis and membrane fusion. We found that cytosolic calcium influx would be triggered following the internalization of cationic liposomes, and different cell entry routes led to different calcium responses. Thus, the correlation between cell entry routes and calcium responses could be utilized to study liposome-cell interactions without fluorescent labeling lipids. Briefly, liposomes were added to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-primed THP-1 cells, and calcium influx was measured by time-lapse imaging using a fluorescent indicator (Fura 2-AM). Liposomes with high membrane fusogenic ability elicited a strong transient calcium response immediately after adding liposomes, whereas those taken up mainly by endocytosis elicited multiple weak calcium responses. In order to verify the cell entry routes, we also tracked the intracellular distribution of fluorescent-labeled liposomes in PMA-primed THP-1 cells using a confocal laser scanning microscope. It was shown that for fusogenic liposomes, colocalization with plasma membrane occurred at the same time as calcium elevation, whereas for liposomes with a high endocytosis potential, fluorescent dots were observed in the cytoplasm, suggesting the cell internalization by endocytosis. These results suggested that the calcium response patterns correspond to cell entry routes, and membrane fusion can be observed by calcium imaging.

Effect and mechanisms of exercise for complex regional pain syndrome.

Complex regional pain syndrome characterized by severe pain and dysfunction seriously affects patients' quality of life. Exercise therapy is gaining attention because it can effectively relieve pain and improve physical function. Based on the previous studies, this article summarized the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of exercise interventions for complex regional pain syndrome, and described the gradual multistage exercise program. Exercises suitable for patients with complex regional pain syndrome mainly include graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, progressive stress loading training, and progressive aerobic training. In general, exercise training for patients with complex regional pain syndrome not only alleviates pain but also improves physical function and positive mental status. The underlying mechanisms of exercise interventions for complex regional pain syndrome include the remodeling of abnormal central and peripheral nervous system, the regulation of vasodilation and adrenaline levels, the release of endogenous opioids, and the increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. This article provided a clear explanation and summary of the research on exercise for complex regional pain syndrome. In the future, more high-quality studies with sufficient sample sizes may provide more exercise regimens and better evidence of efficacy.

Increased methylation of ZNF671 suppresses tumor progression by promoting MAPK6 transcription in laryngeal carcinoma.

Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a malignant tumor of the head and neck, the exact mechanism of which has not been explored. Methods: By analyzing the GEO data, we found the highly methylated and low expression gene ZNF671. The expression level of ZNF671 in clinical samples was verified by RT-PCR, western blotting and methylation-specific PCR. The function of ZNF671 in LSCC was detected by cell culture and transfection, MTT, Edu, TUNEL assays and flow cytometry analysis. The binding sites of ZNF671 to MAPK6 promoter region were detected and verified by luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Finally, the effect of ZNF671 on LSCC tumors was tested in vivo. Results: In this study, by analyzing GEO data GSE178218 and GSE59102, we found that zinc finger protein (ZNF671) expression was decreased, and DNA methylation level was increased in laryngeal cancer. Moreover, the abnormal expression of ZNF671 was associated with poor survival prognosis of patients. In addition, we found that overexpression of ZNF671 could inhibit the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of LSCC cells, while promoting cell apoptosis. In contrast, the opposite effects were observed after knockdown of ZNF671. Through the prediction website and chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter experiments, it was found that ZNF671 could bind to the promoter region of MAPK6, thereby inhibiting the expression of MPAK6. In vivo experiments confirmed that overexpression of ZNF671 could inhibit tumor growth. Conclusion: Our study found that ZNF671 expression was down-regulated in LSCC. ZNF671 up-regulates the expression of MAPK6 by binding to its promoter region, thus participating in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in LSCC. Our study may provide new ideas for early prediction and treatment of LSCC.