[Visual analysis of research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment of Alzheimer's disease in recent ten years].

This study employed bibliometrics tools to review the studies of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD) in recent ten years, aiming to explore the research status, hotspots, and future trends in this field at home and abroad. The relevant literature published from January 1, 2012 to August 15, 2022 was retrieved from Web of Science and CNKI. CiteSpace 6.1R2 and VOSviewer 1.6.15 were used for the visual analysis of authors, countries, institutions, keywords, journals, etc. A total of 2 254 Chinese articles and 545 English articles were included. The annual number of articles published showed a rising trend with fluctuations. The country with the largest number of relevant articles published and the largest centrality was China. SUN Guo-jie and WANG Qi were the authors publishing the most Chinese articles and English articles, respectively. Hubei University of Chinese Medicine and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine published the most articles in Chinese and English, respectively. Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Neuroscience Letters published the articles with the highest cited frequency and the highest centrality. According to the keywords, the research on TCM treatment of AD mainly focused on the mechanism of action and treatment methods. Metabolomics, intestinal flora, oxidative stress, tau hyperphosphorylation, ß-amyloid(Aß), inflammatory cytokines, and autophagy were the focuses of the research on mechanism of action. Acupuncture, clinical effect, kidney deficiency and phlegm stasis, and dredging governor vessel to revitalize mind were the hotspots of clinical research. This research field is still in the stage of exploration and development. Exchanges and cooperation among institutions should be encouraged to carry out more high-quality basic research on TCM treatment of AD, obtain high-level evidence, and clarify the pathogenesis and prescription mechanism.

Isolation of Novel Mycobacterium Species from Skin Infection in an Immunocompromised Person.

We investigated a case of cutaneous infection in an immunocompromised patient in China that was caused by a novel species within the Mycobacterium gordonae complex. Results of whole-genome sequencing indicated that some strains considered to be M. gordonae complex are actually polyphyletic and should be designated as closely related species.

MicroRNA-23 suppresses osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting the MEF2C-mediated MAPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the role and mechanism of miR-23 with respect to regulating the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). MATERIALS: The expression of miR-23 and MEF2C was measured in osteoporosis (OP) patients and healthy controls by a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between miR-23 and MEF2C was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis was performed using public databases. Target gene function and potential pathways were further examined. Then, we used a miR-23 mimic or inhibitor to further explore the potential mechanism of miR-23. RESULTS: miR-23 is found to be up-regulated and MEF2C is down-regulated in OP patients compared to healthy controls. miR-23 had a negative correlation with MEF2C (r = -0.937, p = 0.001). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that a total of 664 overlapping target genes were found in the TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org), miRDB (http://mirdb.org) and miRanda (http://www.microrna.org/microrna/home.do) databases. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that miR-23 may regulate the mitogan-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. miR-23 is down-regulated and MEF2C is significantly up-regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. MEF2C was significantly up-regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Overexpression of miR-23 significantly down-regulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition, whereas the miR-23 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Moreover, overexpression of miR-23 significantly decreased osteoblast-related markers (Runx2, Osx, ALP and OCN). Further experiments confirmed that MEF2C is a direct target of miR-23. Moreover, the miR-23 mimic enhanced the expression of p-p38 but had no effect on p-JNK. CONCLUSIONS: miR-23 decreases the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through the MEF2C/MAPK signaling pathway.

High plasma levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 are associated with poor outcome of cardiac-arrest patients: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation is an important feature of post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS). This study was designed to determine whether the plasma concentrations of some circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-17 [IL-8], IL-22, IL-23 and IL-33) are of value in predicting the outcome of patients after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during the post-cardiac arrest period. METHODS: This was a prospective observational clinical study. In total, 21 patients (survivors, n = 10; non-survivors, n = 11) who experienced cardiac arrest and successful ROSC with expected survival of at least 7 days were consecutively enrolled from January 2016 to December 2017. Of the 21 enrolled patients, ten survived were designated "survivors". The other eleven patients died between 2 days and 1 months post ROSC. Venous blood was drawn at three time-points: baseline (< 1 h post ROSC), 2 days post ROSC and 7 days post ROSC. Plasma IL-8, IL-22, IL-23 and IL-33 were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Plasma creatinine levels, but aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, were elevated in non-survivors compared with survivors. Plasma levels of IL-17, IL-22, IL-23 and IL-33 of the 21 total patients did not change at 2 or 7 days post ROSC compared to baseline. In survivors, the plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-23 at 2 or 7 days post ROSC were lower than baseline. In non-survivors, plasma levels of IL-17 increased compared with baseline. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-23 at 2 or 7 days post ROSC were able to predict the mortality of PCAS patients, and positively correlated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)-II score and time to ROSC. CONCLUSION: These results provide the first evidence that the elevated plasma IL-17 and IL-23 levels are associated with poor outcome in PCAS patients. The role of IL-17/IL-23 axis post ROSC is worth paying attention to in PCAS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrial.govNCT02297776, 2014-11-21.

Progranulin Improves Acute Lung Injury through Regulating the Differentiation of Regulatory T Cells and Interleukin-10 Immunomodulation to Promote Macrophage Polarization.

Progranulin (PGRN), which plays an anti-inflammatory role in acute lung injury (ALI), is promising as a potential drug. Studies have shown that regulatory T cells (Tregs) and interleukin- (IL-) 10 can repress inflammation and alleviate tissue damage during ALI. In this study, we built a lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced ALI mouse model to illustrate the effect of PGRN on regulation of Treg differentiation and modulation of IL-10 promoting macrophage polarization. We found that the proportion of Tregs in splenic mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher after treatment with PGRN. The increased proportion of Tregs after PGRN intratracheal instillation was consistent with the decreased severity of lung injury, the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, and the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In vitro, the percentages of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs from splenic naïve CD4+ T cells increased after PGRN treatment. In further research, it was found that PGRN can regulate the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and affect the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages by upregulating IL-10. These findings show that PGRN likely plays a protective role in ALI by promoting Treg differentiation and activating IL-10 immunomodulation.

Screening of Serum Biomarkers for Distinguishing between Latent and Active Tuberculosis Using Proteome Microarray.

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential serum biomarkers for distinguishing between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A proteome microarray containing 4,262 antigens was used for screening serum biomarkers of 40 serum samples from patients with LTBI and active TB at the systems level. The interaction network and functional classification of differentially expressed antigens were analyzed using STRING 10.0 and the TB database, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to validate candidate antigens further using 279 samples. The diagnostic performances of candidate antigens were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Both antigen combination and logistic regression analysis were used to improve diagnostic ability. RESULTS: Microarray results showed that levels of 152 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-antigen- specific IgG were significantly higher in active TB patients than in LTBI patients (P < 0.05), and these differentially expressed antigens showed stronger associations with each other and were involved in various biological processes. Eleven candidate antigens were further validated using ELISA and showed consistent results in microarray analysis. ROC analysis showed that antigens Rv2031c, Rv1408, and Rv2421c had higher areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.8520, 0.8152, and 0.7970, respectively. In addition, both antigen combination and logistic regression analysis improved the diagnostic ability. CONCLUSION: Several antigens have the potential to serve as serum biomarkers for discrimination between LTBI and active TB.

Effect of parthanatos on ropivacaine-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells.

Ropivacaine is one of the most common but toxic local anaesthetics, and the mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity are still largely unknown. This study was conducted to prepare a ropivacaine-induced neuronal injury model and research the effects of ropivacaine on PARP-1 activation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ depletion. The cell death and apoptosis of ropivacaine-induced SH-SY5Y cells were detected with flow cytometry. The lactate dehydrogenase cycling reaction measured the NAD+ level, and western blots were used to analyze the expression levels of PARP-1 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) after ropivacaine treatments with different concentrations and durations. A PARP-1 inhibitor (PJ-34) was used to confirm the relationship between PARP-1 activation and NAD+ depletion. Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and a mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) assay were used to detect the role of exogenous NAD+ in ropivacaine-induced neuronal injury. Ropivacaine-induced SH-SY5Y cell death and apoptosis, PARP-1 activation, and AIF increase as well as intracellular NAD+ depletion occurred in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (P<.05). PARP-1 activation led to NAD+ depletion (P<.05). Exogenous NAD+ impaired ropivacaine-induced nuclear injury (P<.05). Ropivacaine treatment induced PARP-1 activation and NAD+ depletion (P<.05). Parthanatos (PARP-1-dependent cell death) was definitely involved in ropivacaine-induced neuronal injury, and exogenous NAD+ may be a novel therapeutic method for parthanatos-dependent neuronal injury.

[Detection of Trace Lead (â ¡) with CdZnTe Quantum Dots Capped with Polyethyleneimine as A Fluorescence Probe].

Water-soluble CdZnTe quantum dots (QDs) were firstly synthesized by using 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as modifier in aqueous phase. Then, CdZnTe quantum dots were capped with polyethyleneimine (PEI) with electrostatic interaction and condensation reaction between carboxyl group on the surface of QDs and amino group of PEI, and several metal ions were tested to check if they affect the fluorescence properties of CdZnTe QDs in the paper. A novel method to detect trace Pb2+ has been developed based on the selective fluorescence quenching Pb2+ to PEI-CdZnTe QDs. Fluorescence quenching effect of PEI-CdZnTe QDs had been studied by increasing the Pb2+ concentration. The study results show that fluorescence quenching process of Pb2+ can be described well by Stern-Volmer fluorescence quenching equation. There is a good linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity F0/F and the concentration of Pb2+ when the concentration of Pb2+ is in the ranges of 0.05~3.0 µg·mL-1. The linear correlation coefficient and the detection limits are 0.998 8 and 0.01 µg·mL-1, respectively. The proposed fluorescence method of detection is simple, rapid and sensitive, which has been successfully applied to the detection of Pb2+ in tap water.

[Study on toxicity of 999 Ganmaoling grain and influence of diet on hepatic toxicity].

This paper was aimed to compare the acute toxicity of 999 Ganmaoling grain and its different ingredients, and investigate the influence of routine diet on the hepatic toxicity induced by Ganmaoling in mice, so as to provide experimental basis for the clinical safety evaluation. Mice were given a single dose of Ganmaoling grain or its different ingredients respectively by gavage, and then observed for 14 days. LD50 values of Ganmaoling grain or its chemical ingredient and the maximal tolerated dose of its herb ingredient were determined. Mice were divided into starvation and diet group, a single dose of Ganmaoling grain was administered by gavage. LD50 values were estimated after 14 day observation. Mice were divided into starvation and diet group. At the same time,control group was set up for each. A single dose of Ganmaoling grain was given. Serum biochemical indexes were detected, liver weight index was calculated and liver tissue morphological change was observed after 6 h. LD50 values were 4.42, 0.64 g•kg⁻¹ for Ganmaoling grain group and chemical ingredient group, respectively. The maximal tolerated dose of the herb ingredient group was close to 24.24 g•kg⁻¹. The toxic symptom was basically similar in the Ganmaoling grain and the chemical ingredient group. The body weight and food intake were decreased to a certain extent in both groups. There were pathological changes of liver and heart tissue in some of the surviving animals. The animals in the Ganmaoling grain group exhibited a lighter toxicity and recovered faster than that in the chemical ingredient group. LD50 values of Ganmaoling grain were 2.56, 6.93 g•kg⁻¹ for starvation and diet group respectively. TD50 values were 1.29, 6.31 g•kg⁻¹ for starvation and diet group respectively. The toxicity of 999 Ganmaoling was less, which may be related to the reduction of toxicity after the combination of herb and chemical ingredients. Compared with starvation group, the values of LD50 and TD50 of diet group was significantly increased, and toxicity was decreased. From the point of view of safety, it is safer to use Ganmaoling in the absence of hunger or after meal. The above tests provide experimental basis for the clinical safety use of Ganmaoling.

Gas6 delays senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells through the PI3K/ Akt/FoxO signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) is a cytokine that can be synthesized by a variety of cell types and secreted into the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have confirmed that Gas6 is involved in certain pathophysiological processes of the cardiovascular system through binding to its receptor, Axl. In the present study, we investigated the role of Gas6 in cellular senescence and explored the mechanisms underlying its activity. METHODS: We used vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to create two cellular senescence models, one for replicative senescence (RS) and one for induced senescence (IS), to test the hypothesis that Gas6 delays senescence. RESULTS: Gas6-treated cells appear relatively younger compared with non-Gas6-treated cells. In particular, Gas6-treated cells displayed decreased staining for SA-ß-Gal, fewer G1 phase cells, and decreased levels of p16(INK4a) and p21(Cip1) expression; conversely, Gas6-treated cells displayed more S phase cells and significantly increased proliferation indexes. Furthermore, in both the IS and RS models with Gas6 treatment, the levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-FoxO3a decreased following Axl inhibition by R428; similarly, the levels of p-Akt and p-FoxO3a also decreased following PI3K inhibition by LY294002. CONCLUSION: Gas6/Axl signaling is essential for delaying the cellular senescence process regulated by the PI3K/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway.

Prophylactic effectiveness of budesonide inhalation in reducing postoperative throat complaints.

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the main postoperative complaints. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) in reducing the incidence and severity of POST. One hundred and twenty patients scheduled for thyroid surgery with general anesthesia were enrolled and randomized into three groups. Group A received 200 mcg BIS 10 min prior to the tracheal intubation and received the same treatment 6 and 24 h after extubation. Group B received 200 mcg BIS 6 and 24 h after extubation. Control group received the same scheduled treatment as Group A, but the BIS was replaced with 2 ml normal saline. The patients were evaluated for sore throat and hoarseness 1, 24 and 48 h after extubation. The status of laryngopharynx was also recorded. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of sore throat among three groups. However, hoarseness occurred significantly less frequently in Group A (P < 0.05). One hour after extubation, Group A exhibited significantly less severe sore throat and hoarseness compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05), which disappeared 24 h later. The mucositis scores of laryngopharynx at 1, 24 and 48 h post-extubation were significantly lower in Group A (P < 0.05). BIS can reduce the incidence and severity of the POST prophylactically.

Potential biomarkers for evaluating the BCG vaccination response based on humoral immunity.

Background: The current prophylactic tuberculosis vaccine Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), was derived in the 1920s, but the humoral immune responses induced by BCG vaccination have not been fully elucidated to date. In this study, our aim was to reveal the profiles of antibody responses induced by BCG vaccination in adults and identify the potential biomarkers for evaluating the BCG vaccination response. Methods: Proteome microarrays were performed to reveal the serum profiles of antibody responses induced by BCG vaccination in adults. ELISA was used to validate the potential biomarkers in validation cohort (79 healthy controls and 58 BCG-vaccinated subjects). Then combined panel was established by logistic regression analysis based on OD values of potential biomarkers. Results: Multiple antigens elicited stronger serum IgG or IgM antibody responses in BCG vaccinated subjects than healthy subjects at 12 weeks post BCG vaccination; among the antigens, Rv0060, Rv2026c and Rv3379c were further verified using 137 serum samples and presented the moderate performance in assessment of the BCG vaccination response by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Furthermore, a combined panel exhibited an improved AUC of 0.923, and the sensitivity and specificity were 77.59 % and 91.14 %, respectively. In addition, the antibody response against Rv0060, Rv2026c and Rv3379c was related to the clinical background to a certain extent. Conclusions: The novel antigens identified in our study could offer better knowledge towards developing a more efficacious vaccine based on humoral immune responses, and they could be potential biomarkers in assessments of BCG vaccination responses.

Effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention on primiparas and neonates during the second stage of vaginal delivery.

A prolonged second stage of vaginal delivery increases the risk of shoulder dystocia, unnecessary episiotomies and cesarean sections. However, no standardized method has been proposed to tackle this issue. The effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor in primiparas and its prognostic value in neonatal postpartum outcomes remain unknown. In the present study, a total of 60 primiparas who were expecting a vaginal delivery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College (Haikou, China) between October 2021 and January 2022 were selected. These women were randomly assigned to a control group (standard intrapartum care) or an experimental group (pelvic floor myofascial manipulation for 15-20 min during the second stage of labor along with standard intrapartum care) using a random number table, with 28 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gestational time or body mass index between the two groups before delivery, indicating that the baseline data were comparable. The second stage of labor duration, forced breath-holding time and postpartum hemorrhage volume in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The pain visual analog scale scores, fatigue scores and neonatal Apgar scores in the experimental group were also significantly lower than those in the control group. The rate of episiotomy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor for primiparas with vaginal delivery can reduce the duration of the second stage of labor, the amount of bleeding during labor and the pain during labor. Meanwhile, it has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes.

Differential cytokine expression in gastric tissues highlights helicobacter pylori's role in gastritis.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), known for causing gastric inflammation, gastritis and gastric cancer, prompted our study to investigate the differential expression of cytokines in gastric tissues, which is crucial for understanding H. pylori infection and its potential progression to gastric cancer. Focusing on Il-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, we analysed gene and protein levels to differentiate between H. pylori-infected and non-infected gastritis. We utilised real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for gene quantification, immunohistochemical staining, and ELISA for protein measurement. Gastric samples from patients with gastritis were divided into three groups: (1) non-gastritis (N-group) group, (2) gastritis without H. pylori infection (G-group), and (3) gastritis with H. pylori infection (GH-group), each consisting of 8 samples. Our findings revealed a statistically significant variation in cytokine expression. Generally, cytokine levels were higher in gastritis, but in H. pylori-infected gastritis, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were lower compared to H. pylori-independent gastritis, while IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were higher. This distinct cytokine expression pattern in H. pylori-infected gastritis underscores a unique inflammatory response, providing deeper insights into its pathogenesis.

Transforming growth factor-ß genetic polymorphisms on development of liver cirrhosis in a meta-analysis.

Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) protein has been supposed to be a risk factor for liver cirrhosis; however, the associations between its genes (TGF-ß -509C>T and +869T>C) and liver cirrhosis remained unclear. This study was to quantitatively analyze the correlations by using a meta-analysis. Pubmed, Embase, Wanfang databases were retrieved up to November 1st, 2011. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) were used to demonstrate the strength of association, and P < 0.05 of Z test indicated statistical significance. Combined analyses were performed by using fixed or random-effect model, depending on between-study heterogeneity. Seven studies were for TGF-ß -509C>T polymorphism, and eight studies were for +869T>C polymorphism. Combined results indicated that neither TGF-ß -509C>T nor +869T>C polymorphisms were associated with risk of liver cirrhosis [OR (95 % CI): 0.79 (0.60-1.04) for CT vs. TT of -509C>T and 0.87 (0.68-1.12) for CT vs. CC of +869T>C], with no between-study heterogeneity. In addition, subgroups analyses still inferred that two polymorphisms were not associated with risk of liver cirrhosis for HBV-infected patients, Asians and for Population-based studies. This meta-analysis indicated that neither TGF-ß -509C>T nor +869T>C polymorphisms were associated with risk of liver cirrhosis, regardless of HBV infection or not.

Statins are associated with reduced risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Statins are widely prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the debate about the effect of statins on cancer risk remains unsettled. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of utilization of statins with the risk of gastric cancer by carrying out a meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was performed on PubMed and EMBASE up to March 2013 to identify the cohort or case-control studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the relationship between statins use and the risk of gastric cancer. The bibliographies of the retrieved articles were also reviewed to identify additional studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the summary relative risks (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Three post-hoc analyses of 26 RCTs involving 290 gastric cancers and eight observational studies totaling 7,321 gastric cancers were included. Statins use was shown to be significantly associated with a 27 % reduction in the risk of gastric cancer (RR = 0.73, 95 % CI = 0.58-0.93), with considerable heterogeneity among studies (I (2) = 88.9 %). Excluding one study in which all subjects are diabetic patients obtained an attenuated, but homogeneous result (RR = 0.85, 95 % CI = 0.80-0.91, I (2) = 0.0 %). These findings were consistent in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: A meta-analysis of existing evidence, primarily from observational studies, indicates that use of statins reduces the risk of gastric cancer.

Calorimetry study of microwave absorption of some solid materials.

In practice, the dielectric constant of a material varies the applied frequency the material composition, particle size, purity, temperature, physical state (solid or liquid), and moisture content. All of these parameters might change during processing, therefore, it is difficult to predict how well a material will absorb microwave energy in a given process. When the temperature is measured by a digital thermometer, it could not accurately reflect the true temperature of the bulk materials, especially for mixed materials. Thus, in this paper we measured the microwave absorption characteristics of different materials by calorimetry. The microwave power levels, irradiation times, and masses of the materials were varied. It was difficult to predict the microwave energy absorption characteristics of reagent-grade inorganic compounds based on their color, metallic cation, or water stoichiometry. CuO, MnO2, Fe3O4, and MnSO4 x H2O (Taishan) strongly absorbed microwave energy. Most of the remaining inorganic compounds were poor absorbers, with silica hardly absorbing any microwave energy. Carbon-based materials had significantly different microwave absorption characteristics. Activated carbon and coke were especially sensitive to microwaves, but different types of coal were poor absorbers. The jamesonite concentrate absorbed microwave energy strongly, while the zinc concentrate was a poor absorber.

Pelvic floor myofascial manipulation combined with Kegel exercise and mecobalamin in the treatment of atypical diabetic neurogenic bladder: a case report.

Background: Diabetic neurogenic bladder (DNB) is one of the autonomic neuropathies of diabetes mellitus (DM), with an incidence rate reaching 40-60%. This study combined bladder function rehabilitation training and mecobalamin to treat a patient with DNB to provide reference for clinical work. Case Description: A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital on 5 December 2018, with a 3-year history of dysuria that had progressively worsened for 15 days. The patient was treated with pelvic floor myofascial manipulation combined with Kegel training and mecobalamin for 6 months. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), pelvic floor surface electromyography (EMG), psychological status, and quality of life were evaluated before, during, and after treatment, and the changes in urodynamics were observed. After comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the patient's POP, pelvic floor muscle strength, mental state, and quality of life were significantly improved. The results of the urodynamic examination showed that the patient's safe bladder capacity reached 500 mL after treatment, in contrast to the first safe bladder capacity measurement of 90 mL. The symptoms of ureteral reflux disappeared, the detrusor compliance increased from 2 to 20 mL/cmH2O, which roughly indicated a return to healthy function. However, there was no detrusor contraction in the bladder during urination. Conclusions: This patient achieved good curative effect after the treatment of comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation combined with mecobalamin. However, the safe capacity of the patient reported in this case showed a small bladder safe capacity, and the patient's detrusor muscle did not contract during urination. Thus, urination in this patient may be accomplished by increasing abdominal pressure. When treating patients with atypical neurogenic bladder, the adverse effects caused by excessive abdominal pressure and abdominal wall relaxation need to be considered.

NRTPredictor: identifying rice root cell state in single-cell RNA-seq via ensemble learning.

BACKGROUND: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) measurements of gene expression show great promise for studying the cellular heterogeneity of rice roots. How precisely annotating cell identity is a major unresolved problem in plant scRNA-seq analysis due to the inherent high dimensionality and sparsity. RESULTS: To address this challenge, we present NRTPredictor, an ensemble-learning system, to predict rice root cell stage and mine biomarkers through complete model interpretability. The performance of NRTPredictor was evaluated using a test dataset, with 98.01% accuracy and 95.45% recall. With the power of interpretability provided by NRTPredictor, our model recognizes 110 marker genes partially involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Expression patterns of rice root could be mapped by the above-mentioned candidate genes, showing the superiority of NRTPredictor. Integrated analysis of scRNA and bulk RNA-seq data revealed aberrant expression of Epidermis cell subpopulations in flooding, Pi, and salt stresses. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results demonstrate that NRTPredictor is a useful tool for automated prediction of rice root cell stage and provides a valuable resource for deciphering the rice root cellular heterogeneity and the molecular mechanisms of flooding, Pi, and salt stresses. Based on the proposed model, a free webserver has been established, which is available at https://www.cgris.net/nrtp .

Neuronal Correlates of Task Irrelevant Distractions Enhance the Detection of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, but medical diagnosis is usually delayed. Hence, it is important to increase the efficiency of early diagnosis. Previous studies used behavioral and neuronal data during GO/NOGO task to help detect ADHD and the accuracy differed considerably from 53% to 92%, depending on the employed methods and the number of electroencephalogram (EEG) channels. It remains unclear whether data from a few EEG channels can still lead to a good accuracy of detecting ADHD. Here, we hypothesize that introducing distractions into a VR-based GO/NOGO task can augment the detection of ADHD using 6-channel EEG because children with ADHD are easily distracted. Forty-nine ADHD children and 32 typically developing children were recruited. We use a clinically applicable system with EEG to record data. Statistical analysis and machine learning methods were employed to analyze the data. The behavioral results revealed significant differences in task performance when there are distractions. The presence of distractions leads to EEG changes in both groups, indicating immaturity in inhibitory control. Importantly, the distractions additionally enhanced the between-group differences in NOGO α and γ power, reflecting insufficient inhibition in different neural networks for distraction suppression in the ADHD group. Machine learning methods further confirmed that distractions enhance the detection of ADHD with an accuracy of 85.45%. In conclusion, this system can assist in fast screenings for ADHD and the findings of neuronal correlates of distractions can help design therapeutic strategies.