Analysis of status and influencing factors of mental health in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder with varied clinical courses and prognoses, not only did the patients suffer from physical impairment, but also various physical and psychiatric comorbidities. Growing evidence have suggested that mental disorders in SLE patients, can lead to various adverse consequences. AIM: To explored the features and influencing factors of mental health in patients with SLE and clarifying the correlations between mental health and personality characteristics and perceived social support. The results would provide a basis for psychological intervention in patients with SLE. METHODS: The clinical data of 168 patients with SLE admitted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University between June 2020 and June 2022 were collected. Psychological assessment and correlation analysis were conducted using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and Perceived Social Support Scale, and the collected data were compared with the national norms in China. The relevant factors influencing mental health were identified by statistical analysis. A general information questionnaire, the Revised Life Orientation Test, and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey were employed to assess optimism level and quality of life (QoL), respectively. RESULTS: Patients with SLE obtained higher scores for the somatization, depression, anxiety, and phobic anxiety subscales than national norms (P < 0.05). A correlation was identified between total social support and total SCL-90 score or each subscale (P < 0.05). The factors significantly affecting patients' mental health were hormone dosage and disease activity index (DAI) (P < 0.05). The average optimism score of patients with SLE was 14.36 ± 4.42, and 30 cases were in the middle and lower levels. A positive correlation was found between optimism level and QoL scores. CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE develop psychological disorders at varying degrees, which are significantly influenced by hormone dosage and DAI. Patients' mental health should be closely monitored during clinical diagnosis and treatment and provided adequate support in establishing positive, healthy thinking and behavior patterns and improving their optimism level and QoL.

Exploring the Relationship between ACE Gene Variants and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility in the Hainan Population through Genetic Association Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the rs4331, rs4341, and rs4351 loci of the angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) gene and genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Hainan population. METHODS: This study involved a total of 428 participants, with 214 individuals diagnosed with SLE and an equal number of healthy controls. The SNaPshot sequencing technique was used to determine the base sequences at the ACE gene rs4331, rs4341, and rs4351 loci in the study subjects. Logistic regression was employed to compare the frequency distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies at each locus between the case group and the control group. HaploView 4.2 software was used to analyze the relationship between haplotypes at each locus and genetic susceptibility to SLE. RESULTS: The GG genotype and G allele frequency at the rs4341 locus were higher in the case group compared to the control group. In the rs4341 recessive model, carriers of the GG genotype were more likely to develop SLE compared to carriers of the CG+CC genotype (OR = 1.889, 95% CI: 1.195-2.988, P = 0.006). In the rs4351 overdominant model, carriers of the AC genotype had an increased risk of developing SLE compared to carriers of the AA+CC genotype (OR = 1.514, 95% CI: 1.033-2.219, P = 0.033). The rs4341 and rs4351 loci exhibited linkage disequilibrium, and the CA haplotype (OR = 0.630, 95% CI: 0.481-0.826, P = 0.001) was a protective factor against SLE. The GA haplotype (OR = 2.849, 95% CI: 1.901-4.270, P < 0.01) and the CC haplotype (OR = 2.309, 95% CI: 1.210-4.405, P = 0.009) were risk factors for genetic susceptibility to SLE in the Hainan population. CONCLUSION: The rs4341 locus of the ACE gene is associated with genetic susceptibility to SLE in the Hainan population.

An autotransferable alloy overlayer toward stable sodium metal anodes.

Sodium (Na) metal anodes receive significant attention due to their high theoretical specific energy and cost-effectiveness. However, the high reactivity of Na foil anodes and the irregular surfaces have posed challenges to the operability and reliability of Na metals in battery applications. In the absence of inert environmental protection conditions, constructing a uniform, dense, and sodiophilic Na metal anode surface is crucial for homogenizing Na deposition, but remains less-explored. Herein, we fabricated a Tin (Sn) nanoparticle-assembled film conforming to separator pores, which provided ample space for accommodating volumetric expansion during the Na alloying process. Subsequently, a seamless Na-Sn alloy overlayer was formed and transferred onto the Na foil during Na plating through a separator-assisted technique, thereby overcoming conventional operational limitations of metallic Na. As compared to traditional volumetrically expanded cracked ones, the present autotransferable, highly sodiophilic, ion-conductive, and seamless Na-Sn alloy overlayer serves as uniform nucleation sites, thereby reducing nucleation and diffusion barriers and facilitating the compact deposition of metallic Na. Consequently, the autotransferable alloy layer enables a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9 % at 3.0 mA cm-2 and 3.0 mAh cm-2 in the half cells as well as minimal polarization overpotentials in symmetric cells, both during prolonged cycling 1200 h. Furthermore, the assembled Na||Sn-1.0h-PP||Na3V2(PO4)3@C@CNTs full cell delivers high capacity retention of 97.5 % after 200 cycles at a high cathodic mass loading.

Influence of Early Cluster Nursing Intervention on Nursing Efficacy and Adverse Events in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) are at risk of adverse events (AEs) during hospitalization, and providing nursing interventions can help reduce the negative impact of AEs. This study primarily discusses the influence of early cluster nursing intervention on nursing efficacy and AEs in patients with sTBI. We enrolled 109 sTBI patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between October 2022 to June 2023. We grouped them as follows based on different nursing approaches: regular group (n=52) with routine nursing intervention and research group (n=57) with early cluster nursing intervention. Parameters such as nursing satisfaction, incidence of AEs (bed falls, agitation, indwelling needle withdrawal, and skin loss), and scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and quality of life assessment instrument (QOL-100) were comparatively analyzed. The analysis showed a higher nursing satisfaction degree and a lower incidence of AEs in the research group compared with the regular group; in addition, FMA, FIM, GCS, and QOL-100 scores were higher in the research group versus the control group after nursing, while the NIHSS score was lower; all of these differences were statistically significant (P < .05). Therefore, early cluster nursing intervention is highly effective in the care of sTBI patients. It can effectively improve patients' nursing satisfaction and prevent AEs while enhancing their motor function, functional independence, consciousness, neurological function, and quality of life.

Correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AGT gene with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Northeast China.

To investigate the correlation between susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs699, rs4762 and rs1926723 in the AGT gene in the population of Northeast China, while also introducing a new method for early detection of SLE. A total of 856 cases of SLE patients and healthy volunteers who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were recruited. Clinical information and biood samples were collected from particpants in this study. SNaPshot sequencing technology was used to sequence the bases of the rs699, rs4762 and rs1926723 in the AGT gene. The genetic stability of SNPs was analysed by means of Hardy-Weinberg (HWE) genetic equilibrium. The study examined the correlation between genetically stable SNPs and susceptibility to SLE using logistic regression analysis. Rs699 did not adhere to the principles of the HWE genetic equilibrium (p < .01). Conversely, both rs4762 and rs1926723 conformed to the HWE genetic equilibrium (p > .05). However, no significant differences in genotypes and alleles frequencies of the rs4762 were observed between the two groups (p > .05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the distribution of AG, GG genotypes frequency and G allele frequency at the rs1926723 between the two groups (p < .001). Individuals with AG and GG genotypes and the G allele had a significantly lower frequency of SLE, indicating a potential genetic protective factor against susceptibility to the SLE. The SNPs rs1926723 may be linked to the susceptibility to SLE, and the AG, GG genotypes and the G allele may be important protective factors for the development of SLE in Northeast China.

Downregulation of miR-137 Facilitates CD4+ T Cell Pyroptosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus via Stimulating AMPK Pathway.

Objective: From the pathogenic mechanism point of view, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) features prominently in T lymphocyte apoptosis. Yet the regulatory mechanism underlying SLE cell apoptosis remains to be explored. This research intends to clarify the role played by miR-137 in SLE and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Twenty SLE patients (SLE group) and twenty healthy controls (control group) were selected, from whom peripheral blood CD4+ T cells were isolated via magnetic-activated cell sorting. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantified miR-137 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in CD4+ T cells. Further, transfection of miR-137 mimics and inhibitors into CD4+ T cells was carried out to alter miR levels. Levels of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and inflammatory- and pyroptosis-related proteins were determined through PI staining, flow cytometry, and Western blotting, respectively. A luciferase reporter gene assay identified the targeting relation between miR-137 and AMPK. Results: SLE patients showed downregulated miR-137 and upregulated AMPK in CD4+ T cells than controls. miR-137 upregulation by miR-137 mimic transfection inhibited Jurkat cell pyroptosis and apoptosis at both mRNA and protein levels and suppressed NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity and pyroptosis-related protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), while miR-137 inhibitor transfection contributed to completely opposite effects. miR-137 directly targeted AMPK, as indicated by the luciferase reporter gene assay. Furthermore, miR-137 inhibitor intervention induced healthy CD4+ T cell pyroptosis and apoptosis via mediating AMPK, whereas miR-137 mimic transfection into CD4+ T cells of SLE patients leads to opposite results. Conclusion: Upregulating miR-137 inhibits CD4+ T cell pyroptosis in SLE patients by modulating the AMPK pathway, suggesting the potential diagnostic and therapeutic role of miR-137 in SLE.

IL-33/ST2 Activation Is involved in Ro60-Regulated Photosensitivity in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus.

Interleukin- (IL-) 33 contributes to various inflammatory processes. IL-33/ST2 activation participates in systemic lupus erythematous via binding to the receptor of Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 protein (ST2). However, whether IL-33/ST2 interferes with the nosogenesis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) has not been reported so far. Herein, we proposed to disclose the impacts on IL-33/ST2 activation and Ro60 on CLE and their potential implications in the photosensitization of CLE cells. IL-33, ST2, and Ro60 in CLE patients' skin lesions were detected. Murine keratinocytes stimulated with or without IL-33 were irradiated by ultraviolet B (UVB), and the levels of Ro60 and inflammation markers were determined. Keratinocytes were cocultured with J774.2 macrophages and stimulated with IL-33 for analysis of chemostasis. The results identified that IL-33, ST2, and downstream inflammation markers were significantly upregulated in CLE lesions with Ro60 overexpression. Additionally, IL-33 treatment promoted the upregulation of Ro60 induced by UVB treatment in murine keratinocytes. Moreover, IL-33 stimulates keratinocytes to induce macrophage migration via enhancing the generation of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligands 17 and 22. Meanwhile, the silencing of ST2 or nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) suppression abolished IL-33-induced upregulation of Ro60 in keratinocytes. Similarly, the inhibition of SOX17 expression was followed by downregulation of Ro60 in keratinocytes following IL-33 stimulation. In addition, UVB irradiation upregulated SOX17 in keratinocytes. Conclusively, the IL-33/ST2 axis interferes with Ro60-regulated photosensitization via activating the NF-κB- and PI3K/Akt- and SOX17-related pathways.

In Situ Induced Lattice-Matched Interfacial Oxygen-Passivation-Layer Endowing Li-Rich and Mn-Based Cathodes with Ultralong Life.

The high capacity of Li-rich and Mn-based (LRM) cathode materials is originally due to the unique hybrid anion- and cation redox, which also induces detrimental oxygen escape. Furthermore, the counter diffusion of released oxygen (into electrolyte) and induced oxygen vacancies (into the interior bulk phase) that occurs at the interface will cause uncontrolled phase collapse and other issues. Therefore, due to its higher working voltage (>4.7 V) than the activation voltage of lattice oxygen in LRM (≈4.5 V), the anion-redox-free and structurally consistent cobalt-free LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 (LNMO) is selected to in situ construct a robust, crystal-dense and lattice-matched oxygen-passivation-layer (OPL) on the surface of LRM particles by the electrochemical delithiation to protect the core layered components. As expected, the modified sample displays continuously decreasing interfacial impedance and high specific capacity of 135.5 mAh g-1 with a very small voltage decay of 0.67 mV per cycle after 1000 cycles at 2 C rate. Moreover, the stress accumulation during cycling is mitigated effectively. This semicoherent OPL strengthens the surface stability and interrupts the counter diffusion of oxygen and oxygen vacancies in LRM cathode materials, which would provide guidance for designing high-energy-density layered cathode materials.

Investigating the Molecular Mechanism of Xijiao Dihuang Decoction for the Treatment of SLE Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the main mechanism of Xijiao Dihuang decoction (XJDHT) for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, ETCM, and TCMID databases and literature search were used to screen the potential active compounds of XJDHT, and TCMSP and SwissProt databases were searched to predict the targets of the compounds. The targets of SLE were obtained from Genegards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases, and Venn online platform was used to obtain the intersection targets of XJDHT and SLE. Afterwards, the PPI network was constructed by using the STRING database, and the core targets were identified by network topology analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed through R software, and molecular docking of the top three core targets and their corresponding compounds were accomplished by Autodock Vina and Pymol softwares. RESULTS: There were 30 potential active ingredients, 289 potential targets, and 129 intersection targets screened from the above databases. Network topology analysis identified 23 core targets, such as AKT1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, and INS. GO enrichment analysis obtained 2555 terms and mainly clustering on the react to lipopolysaccharide, membrane raft, and ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding. KEGG enrichment analysis obtained 187 signaling pathways, mainly concentrating on the lipid and atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking verified that the active compounds of XJDHT have the strong binding activity to the core targets. CONCLUSION: This study preliminarily uncovers the mechanism of XJDHT acting on SLE through a "multicompound, multitarget, and multipathway" manner. XJDHT may achieve the treatment of SLE by inhibiting the proinflammatory factors, inflammatory signal cvtokines, proliferation, injury, and apoptosis processes. In summary, the present study would provide a promising theoretical basis for further clinical and experimental studies.

Sputtering Coating of Lithium Fluoride Film on Lithium Cobalt Oxide Electrodes for Reducing the Polarization of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) is the most widely used cathode materials in electronic devices due to the high working potential and dense tap density, but the performance is limited by the unstable interfaces at high potential. Herein, LiF thin film is sputtered on the surface of LCO electrodes for enhancing the electrochemical performance and reducing the voltage polarization. The polarization components are discussed and quantified by analyzing the relationship between electrochemical polarization and charger transfer resistance, as well as that between concentration polarization and Li-ion diffusion coefficients. In addition, the decreased charge transfer resistance, increased lithium-ion diffusion coefficients, and stabilized crystal structure of LiF-coated LCO are confirmed by various electrochemical tests and in-situ XRD experiments. Compared to that of pristine LCO, the capacity and cycling performance of LiF-coated LCO is improved, and the overpotential is reduced upon cycling. This work provides reference for quantifying the various polarization components, and the strategy of coating LiF film could be applied in developing other analogous cathode materials.