Efficacy of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity function in subacute stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) is a novel technology widely employed in the field of neurological rehabilitation for patients with subacute stroke. However, the effectiveness of RAGT compared to conventional gait training (CGT) in improving lower extremity function remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of RAGT and CGT on lower extremity movement in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: Comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, SinoMed and Vip Journal Integration Platform. The database retrieval was performed up until July 9, 2024. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: A total of 24 RCTs were included in the analysis. The results indicate that, compared with CGT, RAGT led to significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity [MD = 2.10, 95%CI (0.62, 3.59), P = 0.005], Functional Ambulation Category[MD = 0.44, 95%CI (0.23, 0.65), P < 0.001], Berg Balance Scale [MD = 4.55, 95%CI (3.00, 6.11), P < 0.001], Timed Up and Go test [MD = -4.05, 95%CI (-5.12, -2.98), P < 0.001], and 6-Minute Walk Test [MD = 30.66, 95%CI (22.36, 38.97), P < 0.001] for patients with subacute stroke. However, it did not show a significant effect on the 10-Meter Walk Test [MD = 0.06, 95%CI (-0.01, 0.14), P = 0.08]. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that RAGT can enhance lower extremity function, balance function, walking ability, and endurance levels compared to CGT. However, the quality of evidence for improvements in gait speed remains low.

Development and evaluation of a duplex real-time multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification assay for the detection of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in clinical spiked blood specimens.

Objectives: Our objective was to establish a rapid and precise method for detecting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) by utilizing a duplex real-time multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (real-time MIRA) and to evaluate its performance in clinical spiked blood specimens. Methods: The research comprised two phases: an initial pilot study to establish the methodology and a clinical validation study to assess its effectiveness. In the pilot phase, we designed specific primers and probes targeting the hvKP pg344 and incA genes and subsequently developed a duplex real-time MIRA assay to evaluate its detection limits, specificity, and efficiency. In the clinical validation phase, we analyzed thirty-three spiked blood specimens using the duplex real-time MIRA assay. Results: The duplex real-time MIRA assay demonstrated no cross-reactivity with other strains. Sensitivity experiments confirmed that the assay had a detection limit as low as 8 × 102 CFU per reaction for hvKP. The analysis of clinical spiked blood specimens indicated that the sensitivity and specificity of the duplex real-time MIRA assay were on par with those of duplex real-time PCR. Conclusions: These findings confirm that the duplex real-time MIRA assay is a fast, straightforward, and dependable method for detecting hvKP.

Recent advances toward intraoctahedral phase change in metal halide perovskite nanomaterials.

Metal halide perovskite nanomaterials (PeNMs) are among the next generation of optoelectronic materials due to their unique crystal structure and diverse phase change behaviors, which have the potential to dynamically tune the device performances. In this review, the research progress on the phase change of PeNMs is comprehensively reviewed and summarized. First, the basic structure and composition, as well as the phase change mechanism are introduced. Then, the influence of the phase change on the optoelectronic properties of PeNMs is discussed in detail, including the regulation of the energy band structure, carrier transport properties, lattice strain and distortion, and the evolution of the photoexcited state. Finally, current challenges and future development trends are projected. This review promotes the understanding of the phase change of PeNMs, which will be useful for the innovative design and application of related optoelectronic devices.

Serotonin syndrome caused by escitalopram in Parkinson's disease psychosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin syndrome and Parkinson's disease (PD) are two diseases whose symptoms partially overlap; this poses challenges in distinguishing them in clinical practice. Early manifestations such as tremor, akathisia, diaphoresis, hypertonia and hyperreflexia are common in mild-to-moderate serotonin syndrome and can also occur in PD. Without prompt recognition and treatment, serotonin syndrome can rapidly progress, potentially leading to severe complications such as multiple organ failure within hours. Given their disparate treatment strategies, accurate clinical distinction is crucial for effective treatment. This case study explores a patient with serotonin syndrome triggered by escitalopram in the context of PD psychosis (PDP), providing insights into diagnosis and treatment planning. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old Asian woman with a one-year history of PD, a two-month history of PDP, and a six-year history of depression presented with symptoms including hyperreflexia, tremor, hypertonia, impaired level of consciousness, and inappropriate behavior following a recent one-month adjustment in medication. Initially suspected of being drug-induced parkinsonism or worsening PD, therapeutic drug monitoring revealed warning levels of escitalopram. Subsequent diagnoses confirmed serotonin syndrome. This syndrome may result from increased cortical serotonin activity at the serotonin2A receptor due to dopamine and serotonin imbalances in PDP, compounded by increased dopamine-mediated serotonin release. Additionally, being an intermediate metabolizer of cytochrome P450 enzyme 2C19, the patient experienced excessive escitalopram accumulation, exacerbating her condition. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the critical need to differentiate between symptoms of serotonin syndrome and PD, particularly in manifestations like tremor and hypertonia. Careful consideration of receptor profiles in patients with PDP is essential when selecting antidepressants to mitigate the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Moderating effect of family structure on the relationship between early clinical exposure and emotional labor of nursing students: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Emotional labor is an essential component of nursing practice and is important for Generation Z nursing students born from the mid-1990s to early 2010s. They will become the backbone of the nursing workforce but present more emotional regulation problems. Studies on emotional labor are limited to clinical nurses and influencing factors at the individual level. The impacts of external systems on emotional labor of nursing students have not been explored. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between early clinical exposure and emotional labor and test the moderating effect of family structure on the relationship. METHODS: The cross-sectional study recruited 467 nursing students using convenience sampling from seven colleges and universities in mainland China. An e-survey created on WJX.CN was used to collect data in January 2023. Emotional labor (surface acting and deep acting) was measured with the Emotional Labor scale. Early clinical exposure (exposure or not and times of exposure) and family structure (nuclear family, extended family, and single-parent family) were assessed with self-reported questions. Descriptive statistics and the linear mixed-effects modeling were used to do the analyses. RESULTS: The mean scores of surface acting and deep acting were 26.66 ± 5.66 and 13.90 ± 2.40, respectively. A significant difference in scores of surface acting was not observed for exposure or not, whereas such a significant difference was found for times of exposure. Nursing students from extended families demonstrated significantly lower scores on surface acting while exposed to clinical practice compared with those from nuclear families. Family structure moderated the relationship between times of exposure and surface acting of nursing students when exposed to clinical practice for one time, but the significance disappeared when the times of exposure increased. No significant findings of early clinical exposure on deep acting were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical exposure influenced emotional labor, and students from extended families were more likely to get benefits from early clinical exposure. Studies are needed to help students from nuclear families get comparable benefits on emotional labor as those from extended families, and improve deep acting by early clinical exposure.

Deciphering the roles of bacterial and fungal communities in the formation and quality of agarwood.

Aquilaria sinensis is a significant resin-producing plant worldwide that is crucial for agarwood production. Agarwood has different qualities depending on the method with which it is formed, and the microbial community structures that are present during these methods are also diverse. Furthermore, the microbial communities of plants play crucial roles in determining their health and productivity. While previous studies have investigated the impact of microorganisms on agarwood formation, they lack comprehensiveness, particularly regarding the properties of the microbial community throughout the entire process from seedling to adult to incense formation. We collected roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and other tissues from seedlings, healthy plants and agarwood-producing plants to address this gap and assess the dominant bacterial species in the microbial community structures of A. sinensis at different growth stages and their impacts on growth and agarwood formation. The bacteria and fungi in these tissues were classified and counted from different perspectives. The samples were sequenced using the Illumina sequencing platform, and sequence analyses and species annotations were performed using a range of bioinformatics tools to assess the plant community compositions. An additional comparison of the samples was conducted using diversity analyses to assess their differences. This research revealed that Listeria, Kurtzmanomyces, Ascotaiwania, Acinetobacter, Sphingobium, Fonsecaea, Acrocalymma, Allorhizobium, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Peethambara, and Debaryomyces are potentially associated with the formation of agarwood. Overall, the data provided in this article help us understand the important roles played by bacteria and fungi in the growth and agarwood formation process of A. sinensis, will support the theoretical basis for the large-scale cultivation of A. sinensis, and provide a basis for further research on microbial community applications in agarwood production and beyond.

Application of a Multi-Layer Perceptron and Markov Chain Analysis-Based Hybrid Approach for Predicting and Monitoring LULCC Patterns Using Random Forest Classification in Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan.

Land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) is a critical environmental issue that has significant effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate change. This study examines the land-use and land-cover (LULC) spatiotemporal dynamics across a three-decade period (1998-2023) in a district area. In order to forecast the LULCC patterns, this study suggests a hybrid strategy that combines the random forest method with multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and Markov chain analysis. To predict the dynamics of LULC changes for the year 2035, a hybrid technique based on multi-layer perceptron and Markov chain model analysis (MLP-MCA) was employed. The area of developed land has increased significantly, while the amount of bare land, vegetation, and forest cover have all decreased. This is because the principal land types have changed due to population growth and economic expansion. This study also discovered that between 1998 and 2023, the built-up area increased by 468 km2 as a result of the replacement of natural resources. It is estimated that 25.04% of the study area's urbanization will increase by 2035. The performance of the model was confirmed with an overall accuracy of 90% and a kappa coefficient of around 0.89. It is important to use advanced predictive models to guide sustainable urban development strategies. The model provides valuable insights for policymakers, land managers, and researchers to support sustainable land-use planning, conservation efforts, and climate change mitigation strategies.

Homology-based characterization of the cis-regulatory elements modulate flavone induction of CYP321A1 in Helicoverpa armigera.

Xenobiotic response element (XRE) to flavone was the cis- regulatory elements that mediates the induction of the allelochemical-metabolizing CYP321A1 gene from Helicoverpa zea. However, it was unknown whether the XRE-Fla element existed in other species. Recently we have identified and cloned the CYP321A1 gene with promoter region in a related species, Helicoverpa armigera. Sequence similarity of two orthologous CYP321A1 genes was 97.27%, but the promoter sequence similarity was only 56.32%. Sequence alignment showed the XRE-Fla like element owns three mutations in H. armigera compared with H. zea. Progressive 5' deletions and internal mutation indicated that H. armigera XRE-Fla was the essential element of CYP321A1 gene in response to flavone. XRE-Fla mutations and EMSA analysis confirmed that the H. armigera XRE-Fla element binding factor was stronger than H. zea. The findings indicate the XRE element mutations mainly contribute to the differences between the flavone-induced expressions of two CYP321A1 genes, which improve the flexibility and adaptability for allelochemical response of H. armigera.

Gated Recurrent Neural Network for Predicting the Plasmonic Colloid Composition from Spectra.

In current research on the synthesis of colloidal nanostructures, the size and morphology of nanoparticles still exhibit certain dispersion and variation from batch to batch. Characterization of size distribution and morphology distribution of nanoparticles often requires techniques such as scanning electron microscopy or transmission electron microscopy, which involve high vacuum environments, are time-consuming, and costly. Experienced researchers can roughly estimate the size and distribution of nanostructure from spectra for a given synthetic route, but the accuracy is often limited. This paper reports the potential of using neural networks to accurately predict the composition of colloidal nanostructures from spectra. We address several fundamental issues in neural network prediction of colloidal composition. We first demonstrate the prediction of the composition of a colloidal binary mixture of gold nanoparticles using a gated recurrent neural network (GRU). The evolution of prediction errors for scattering, absorption, and extinction spectra of nanostructures with sizes ranging from 5 to 120 nm are analyzed. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the neural network model operates robustly under white noise in experimental testing scenarios. Compared to fully connected neural networks, the gated recurrent unit exhibits better testing accuracy in spectral prediction. When confronted with experimental data that deviates from simulation outputs, minor adjustments to the training set can allow the predictions to align closely with the experimental spectra, paving the way for the characterization of complex colloidal compositions with artificial intelligence.

Paraganglioma-induced pheochromocytoma crisis successfully treated by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report.

Pheochromocytoma crisis is rare but potentially fatal if not recognized early and properly managed. Here, a woman in her 20s with a paraganglioma-induced pheochromocytoma crisis, who was successfully treated by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and interval tumor resection, is described. In July 2022, the patient was brought to hospital with a complaint of sudden-onset of palpitations with vomiting. The patient developed cardiorespiratory failure with hypoxia. Computed tomography scan showed pulmonary oedema and a mass anterior to the inferior vena cava. She was transferred to the intensive care unit and treated with VA-ECMO. The patient's ECMO was withdrawn after 6 days without any complications. After hemodynamic stabilization, the patient underwent tumor resection 4 months later. The postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on postoperative day 7. Histopathological analysis confirmed a paraganglioma. VA-ECMO may play a significant role in saving lives and providing time for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment of a patient with pheochromocytoma crisis. Appropriate individual management can help avoid the occurrence of ECMO complications.

XGRm: A Web Server for Interpreting Mouse Summary-level Genomic Data.

We introduce XGR-model (or XGRm), a web server made accessible at http://www.xgrm.pro, with the aim of meeting the increasing demand for effectively interpreting summary-level genomic data in model organisms. Currently, it hosts two enrichment analysers and two subnetwork analysers to support enrichment and subnetwork analyses for user-input mouse genomic data, whether gene-centric or genomic region-centric. The enrichment analysers identify ontology term enrichments for input genes (GElyser) or for genes linked from input genomic regions (RElyser). The subnetwork analysers rely on our previously established network algorithm to identify gene subnetworks from input gene-centric summary data (GSlyser) or from input region-centric summary data (RSlyser), leveraging network information about either functional interactions or pathway-derived interactions. Collectively, XGRm offers an all-in-one solution for gaining systems biology insights into summary-level genomic data in mice, underpinned by our commitment to regular updates as well as natural extensions to other model organisms.

In situ MgO nanoparticle-doped Janus electrospun dressing against bacterial invasion and immune imbalance for irregular wound healing.

Owing to the unpredictable size of wounds and irregular edges formed by trauma, nanofibers' highly customizable and adherent in situ deposition can contribute to intervention in the healing process. However, electrospinning is limited by the constraints of conventional polymeric materials despite its potential for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Here, inspired by the Janus structure and biochemistry of nanometal ions, we developed an in situ sprayed electrospinning method to overcome bacterial infections and immune imbalances during wound healing. The bilayer fiber scaffold has a hydrophobic outer layer composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and a hydrophilic inner layer composed of gelatin, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and magnesium oxide nanoparticles, constituting the PCL/PLLA-gelatin-MgO (PPGM) electrospun scaffold. This electrospun scaffold blocked the colonization and growth of bacteria and remained stable on the wound for continuous anti-inflammatory properties to promote wound healing. Furthermore, PPGM electrospinning modulated collagen deposition and the inflammatory microenvironment in the full-thickness skin model, significantly accelerating vascularization and epithelialization progression. This personalized Janus electrospun scaffold has excellent potential as a new type of wound dressing for first aid and wound healthcare.

Integration of clinical and blood parameters in risk prognostication for patients receiving immunochemotherapy for extensive stage small cell lung cancer: real-world data from two centers.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) had modest advances in the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in clinical trials, but there is a lack of biomarkers for prognosis in clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from ES-SCLC patients who received ICIs combined chemotherapy from two centers in China, integrated clinical and blood parameters, and constructed risk prognostication for immunochemotherapy. The population was divided into high- and low-risk groups, and the performance of the model was assessed separately in the training and validation cohorts. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty and 43 patients were included in the training and validation groups, respectively. The important predictors were screened including body mass index, liver metastases, coefficient variation of red blood cell distribution width, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, and C-reactive protein. Predicting 1-year overall survival (OS), the AUC values under ROC for the model under training, internal validation, and external validation were 0.760, 0.732, and 0.722, respectively, and the calibration curve and clinical decision curve performed well. Applied the model to divide patients into low-risk and high-risk groups, and the median OS was 23.7 months and 9.1 months, and the median progression-free survival was 8.2 months and 4.8 months, respectively; furthermore, this ability to discriminate survival was also observed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed a novel prognostic model for ES-SCLC to predict survival employing baseline tumor burden, nutritional and inflammatory parameters, it is easily measured to screen high-risk patient populations.

Silencing ANLN hinders the proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The actin-binding protein anillin (ANLN) functions as an oncogene in various cancers but has not been fully studied in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to investigate the expression of ANLN in OSCC tissues and cell lines, to better understand its role in mediating proliferative, angiogenic, invasive, and metastatic capabilities in this type of cancer. METHODS: ANLN mRNA and protein levels were assessed using qPCR and western immunoblotting. The expression intensity of ANLN was evaluated using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Biological functional assays were employed to characterize the behavior of OSCC cells influenced by ANLN. Additionally, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, including GO analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis, was performed on differentially expressed genes in ANLN-mediated pathways. RESULTS: OSCC tumors and cell lines exhibited higher ANLN expression. Silencing of ANLN significantly suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, as evidenced by a significant reduction in the Ki-67 index both in vitro and in vivo. The migration and invasive ability of OSCC cells were markedly diminished, coinciding with a decrease in epithelial-mesenchymal transition activity. ANLN was also found to promote angiogenic activity in OSCC cells, partly through synergistic effects mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Downregulation of ANLN expression led to decreased VEGFA levels, resulting in reduced angiogenesis characterized by fewer vascular branches. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the promising role of ANLN as a biomarker for both diagnostic and prognostic in OSCC. Targeting ANLN with inhibitory strategies could impede the oncogenesis processes at the core of OSCC development, presenting significant opportunities for advancing therapeutic interventions.

Relationship between anterior segment biometry and primary angle-closure glaucoma in Hubei region: a retrospective case-control study.

Objective: To investigate the pathogenesis of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG) and its relationship with the anatomical structure of the anterior segment by obtaining biometric parameters using the IOL-Master 700. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Clinical data from 39 PACG patients and 40 normal controls treated at the Aier Eye Hospital affiliated with Wuhan University from January to December 2022 were collected. Anterior chamber depth (AC), white-to-white (WTW), lens thickness (LT), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), corneal curvature (K1), corneal curvature (K2), and lens position (LP) were measured using the IOL-Master 700 to analyze the characteristics and differences in the anterior segment structure of both groups. Statistical methods included independent sample t-tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: Significant differences were found in the anterior segment biometric parameters between PACG patients and normal controls (p < 0.05). Anterior chamber depth, white-to-white, lens thickness, central corneal thickness, axial length, and K2 were all related to the occurrence of PACG (p < 0.05). The occurrence of PACG was negatively correlated with ACD, CCT, and AL (OR = 0.12-0.64, p < 0.05), and positively correlated with LT. Conclusion: Compared to the normal control group, PACG patients in the Hubei region have a smaller anterior segment space, narrower angles, thicker lens, thinner cornea, shorter axial length, flatter cornea, and more anteriorly positioned lens.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in selective fetal growth restriction.

INTRODUCTION: Placental dysfunction is the primary cause of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), and the specific role of mitochondria remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate mitochondrial functional defects in sFGR placentas and explore the roles of mitochondrial genomic and epigenetic alterations in its pathogenesis. METHODS: The placental villi of MCDA twins with sFGR were collected and the morphology and number of mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP and oxidative damage markers were assessed. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number detection, targeted sequencing and methylation sequencing were performed. The expression of placental cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I) and mitochondrial long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were evaluated by Western blotting and qPCR. RESULTS: Compared with placentae from normal fetuses, pronounced mitochondrial damage within cytotrophoblast was revealed in sFGR placentae, alongside augmented mitochondrial number in syncytiotrophoblast. Enhanced oxidative stress in these placentae was evidenced by elevated markers of oxidative damage, accompanied by increased ROS production and diminished ATP generation. In sFGR placentae, a notable rise in mitochondrial copy number and one heterozygous mutation in the MT-RNR2 gene were observed, along with decreased COX Ⅰ levels, increased lncND5, lncND6, lncCyt b, and MDL1 synthesis, and decreased RMRP synthesis. DISCUSSION: Findings collectively confirmed an exacerbation of oxidative stress within sFGR placentae, coinciding with mitochondrial dysfunction, compromised energy production, and ultimately the failure of compensatory mechanisms to restore energy balance, which may result from mutations in the mitochondrial genome and abnormal expression of epigenetic regulatory genes.

Indigenized Characterization Factors for Health Damage Due to Ambient PM2.5 in Life Cycle Impact Assessment in China.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a broadly used method for quantifying environmental impacts, and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is an important step as well as a major source of uncertainties in LCA. Characterization factors (CFs) are pivotal elements in LCIA models. In China, the health loss due to ambient PM2.5 is an important aspect of LCIA results, which, however, is generally assessed by adopting CFs developed by global models and there remains a need to integrate localized considerations and the latest information for more precise applications in China. In this study, we developed indigenized CFs for LCIA of health damage due to ambient PM2.5 in China by coupling the atmospheric chemical transport model GEOS-Chem, exposure-response model GEMM containing Chinese cohort studies, and the latest local data. Results show that CFs of four major PM2.5 precursors all exhibit significant interregional variation and monthly differences in China. Our results were generally an order of magnitude higher and show disparate spatial distribution compared to CFs currently in use, suggesting that the health damage due to ambient PM2.5 was underestimated in LCIA in China, and indigenized CFs need to be adopted for more accurate results in LCIA and LCA studies.

A novel spherical GelMA-HAMA hydrogel encapsulating APET×2 polypeptide and CFIm25-targeting sgRNA for immune microenvironment modulation and nucleus pulposus regeneration in intervertebral discs.

METHODS: Single-cell transcriptomics and high-throughput transcriptomics were used to screen factors significantly correlated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Expression changes of CFIm25 were determined via RT-qPCR and Western blot. NP cells were isolated from mouse intervertebral discs and induced to degrade with TNF-α and IL-1ß. CFIm25 was knocked out using CRISPR-Cas9, and CFIm25 knockout and overexpressing nucleus pulposus (NP) cell lines were generated through lentiviral transfection. Proteoglycan expression, protein expression, inflammatory factor expression, cell viability, proliferation, migration, gene expression, and protein expression were analyzed using various assays (alcian blue staining, immunofluorescence, ELISA, CCK-8, EDU labeling, transwell migration, scratch assay, RT-qPCR, Western blot). The GelMA-HAMA hydrogel loaded with APET×2 polypeptide and sgRNA was designed, and its effects on NP regeneration were assessed through in vitro and mouse model experiments. The progression of IDD in mice was evaluated using X-ray, H&E staining, and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine protein expression in NP tissue. Proteomic analysis combined with in vitro and in vivo experiments was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of hydrogel action. RESULTS: CFIm25 was upregulated in IDD NP tissue and significantly correlated with disease progression. Inhibition of CFIm25 improved NP cell degeneration, enhanced cell proliferation, and migration. The hydrogel effectively knocked down CFIm25 expression, improved NP cell degeneration, promoted cell proliferation and migration, and mitigated IDD progression in a mouse model. The hydrogel inhibited inflammatory factor expression (IL-6, iNOS, IL-1ß, TNF-α) by targeting the p38/NF-κB signaling pathway, increased collagen COLII and proteoglycan Aggrecan expression, and suppressed NP degeneration-related factors (COX-2, MMP-3). CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the crucial role of CFIm25 in IDD and introduced a promising therapeutic strategy using a porous spherical GelMA-HAMA hydrogel loaded with APET×2 polypeptide and sgRNA. This innovative approach offers new possibilities for treating degenerated intervertebral discs.

Protective effect of ghrelin in oxidative stress-induced age-related macular degeneration in vitro and in vivo.

Oxidative damage to human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is the main cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in our previous work, we showed that ghrelin has an antioxidative effect on human lens epithelium (HLE) cells, however, the studies of using ghrelin in treating the degenerative diseases of the retina have rarely been reported. In this article, we assessed the effect of ghrelin on preventing oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in ARPE-19 cells and its mechanism. We observed that pretreatment with ghrelin protected ARPE-19 cells from H2O2-induced cell oxidative injuries and apoptosis responses. Furthermore, an oxidative stress-induced mouse model of AMD was established via injection of sodium iodate (NaIO3) to tail veins, and treatment with ghrelin preserved retinal function, and protected photoreceptors.

Association between geriatric nutritional risk index and cognitive function in older adults with/without chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease, who face an increased risk of cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and cognitive function in older individuals, both with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: In this study, we analyzed data from 2728 participants in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cognitive function was measured using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for the Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning subtest (CERAD W-L), the animal fluency test (AFT), the digit symbol substitution test (DSST), and the global cognitive z-score. The GNRI, representing whole-body nutritional status, was calculated based on serum albumin, body weight, and ideal body weight. We employed weighted multiple linear regression analyses and subgroup analyses to assess the independent association of GNRI with cognitive function in CKD and non-CKD populations. Smoothing techniques were used to fit curves, and interaction tests were used to assess the robustness and specificity of the findings. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed a significant positive association between higher GNRI levels and cognitive function in the older US population (for global z-score: ß = 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.00, 0.01). This association remained consistent across various subgroup analyses, including those for different gender groups, age groups, smoking statuses, diabetes statuses, hypertension statuses, individuals with a BMI below 25, individuals who consumed alcohol, and non-Hispanic white individuals. Smoothed curve-fitting analyses indicated that the GNRI was linearly related to cognitive function. No statistically significant interactions were detected among these variables. CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the positive association between GNRI and cognitive health in individuals with or without CKD, especially when combined with other risk factors. Consequently, enhancing the nutritional status of the elderly may serve as a viable strategy to thwart the onset of cognitive decline.