Factors influencing self-regulatory fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To understand the current status of self-regulatory fatigue among gynecologic cancer chemotherapy patients and explore influencing factors. Methods: Using convenient sampling, a total of 232 gynecological cancer chemotherapy patients from two tertiary hospitals in Zhengzhou, Henan, China, were selected as study subjects from February 2023 to April 2023. General information questionnaire, Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale (SRF-S), Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (SUPPH) Scale, Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) were employed for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were executed to explore the correlates of self-regulatory fatigue, the significance level (α) was set at 0.05. Results: The self-regulatory fatigue score of the 232 patients was 44 (36, 56). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations, demonstrating that residing in urban areas (OR=0.241, P=0.015), having no comorbidities (OR=0.158, P=0.015), increased perceived social support (OR=0.937, P=0.001), strong self-efficacy (OR=0.959, P=0.021), and heightened psychological resilience (OR=0.895, P<0.001) acted as protective factors against self-regulatory fatigue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients residing in rural areas, having more than two comorbidities, lower self-efficacy and psychological resilience levels, and lower perceived social support are indicative of higher levels of self-regulatory fatigue. Identifying these influencing factors can provide references and support for developing individualized support and intervention measures to improve patients' physical and mental well-being.

Peroxynitrite-activated fluorescent probe with two reaction triggers for pathological diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of inflammation.

Excessive peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is closely related to the occurrence and progression of inflammation. Therefore, the development of an efficacious ONOO- activatable probe holds great potential for the early diagnosis of pathological inflammation, and the direct evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of active protectants. In this work, a new ONOO--activated fluorescent probe (SZP) which greatly improved the specificity and sensitivity (LOD = 8.03 nM) with large Stokes shift (150 nm) through introducing two reaction triggers (diphenyl phosphinate moiety, CC unsaturated bond) was rationally designed for rapid detecting ONOO- (within 2 min). The excellent properties of probe SZP enable it to realize the fluorescence-guided diagnosis of inflammation. More importantly, probe SZP has also been utilized to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) active ingredients for the remediation of inflammation by monitoring ONOO- fluctuation for the first time.

Diagnostic Value of Dual-Energy CT Virtual Noncalcium for the Assessment of Bone Marrow Edema of Wrist in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of dual-energy CT (DECT) virtual noncalcium (VNCa) images in the diagnosis of wrist bone marrow edema (BME) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients with wrist involvement in active RA prospectively underwent DECT and MRI. Functional DECT images reconstruction yielded VNCa images. MRI served as the reference standard for diagnosing BME. BME diagnosis differences between VNCa images and MRI were compared. Differences in CT values between BME and normal bone marrow were assessed. The optimal CT value for detecting BME in VNCa images was determined through ROC curve analysis. The correlation between VNCa images scores and RA disease activity was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a high agreement between VNCa images and MRI in diagnosing BME (Kappa=0.831). VNCa images showed a significant difference in CT values between BME and normal bone marrow (P < 0.001). A cut-off value of - 54.8 HU yielded a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 90.72%, 94.30%, and 93.33%, respectively, for detecting BME on VNCa images. The area under the ROC curve was 0.937 for distinguishing BME from normal bone marrow. Conventional CT images showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.174) in CT values between BME and normal bone marrow. The VNCa images BME scores were positively correlated with RA disease activity (r = 0.399). CONCLUSION: The DECT VNCa technique demonstrates its potential for diagnosing wrist BME in patients with RA and provides a valuable tool for assessing disease activity in RA. IMPORTANT FINDINGS: The DECT VNCa technique has the ability to distinguish between BME and normal bone marrow. The VNCa images BME scores were positively correlated with the disease activity in RA.

Modeling the role of rapport and classroom climate in EMI students' classroom engagement.

With the globalization of education, an increasing number of studies have been carried out in the English as a medium of instruction (EMI) classes. However, as the review of earlier studies revealed, most of the studies have exclusively focused on the challenges and opportunities of this mode of instruction. That is, few investigations have examined students' classroom behaviors and their determinants in EMI courses. More precisely, limited attention has been dedicated to EMI students' classroom engagement and its potential predictors. Accordingly, studying EMI students' classroom engagement and its personal, interpersonal, and situational predictors seems essential. To respond to this necessity, the present research examined the role of rapport and classroom climate in predicting Chinese EMI students' classroom engagement. In doing this, using random sampling strategy, a total of 416 university students was recruited from Chinese EMI classes. To collect the dataset, an online survey comprising three self-report questionnaires was administered to participants. The results of correlation test and multiple regression analysis divulged positive, significant correlations among rapport, classroom climate, and classroom engagement. The analysis outcomes also displayed that rapport and classroom climate were significant predictors of EMI students' classroom engagement. The study outcomes may have some beneficial and insightful implications for all instructors teaching different academic subjects through English.

Accumulation of circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cell subsets: predicting poor clinical efficacy and prognosis through T cell suppression in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are implicated in the regulation of immune responses closely associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer. However, the MDSC subtypes in non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) has not been systematically investigated. So we investigated the percentage of MDSC subsets in 78 newly diagnosed NHL patients by flow cytometry. The results showed that all MDSC subsets increased in NHL patients compared to healthy donors. Notably, MDSC, M-MDSC, and CD14+CD66b+MDSC significantly increased in NHL patients compared to those with lymphadenitis. PMN-MDSC, e-MDSC and IPI were independent risk factors for poor clinical efficacy and were involved in constructing the nomogram for predicting clinical efficacy. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly shorter in patients with high level of MDSC subsets, and PMN-MDSC emerged as an independent prognostic factor for PFS. PMN-MDSC, e-MDSC and IPI were involved in constructing the nomogram for predicting PFS. Patients with a higher percentage of MDSC, PMN-MDSC, e-MDSC, and CD14+CD66b+MDSC experienced a shorter OS compared to those with lower percentages. In addition, research on mechanisms found that T cell function was suppressed and mediated by the expansion of MDSC via involving Arg-1 and IL-10 in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the increased circulating MDSC subsets predict poor clinical efficacy and prognosis in NHL, potentially involving T cell suppression through MDSC subsets expansion. These findings indicate the potential of MDSC subsets as comprehensive diagnostic, prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for NHL.

A multicenter study: predicting KRAS mutation and prognosis in colorectal cancer through a CT-based radiomics nomogram.

PURPOSE: To establish a CT-based radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction of KRAS mutation and prognostic stratification in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, 408 patients with confirmed CRC were included, comprising 168 cases in the training set, 111 cases in the internal validation set, and 129 cases in the external validation set. Radiomics features extracted from the primary tumors were meticulously screened to identify those closely associated with KRAS mutation. Subsequently, a radiomics nomogram was constructed by integrating these radiomics features with clinically significant parameters. The diagnostic performance was assessed through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Lastly, the prognostic significance of the nomogram was explored, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was employed to depict survival curves for the high-risk and low-risk groups. RESULTS: A radiomics model was constructed using 19 radiomics features significantly associated with KRAS mutation. Furthermore, a nomogram was developed by integrating these radiomics features with two clinically significant parameters (age, tumor location). The nomogram achieved AUCs of 0.834, 0.813, and 0.811 in the training set, internal validation set, and external validation set, respectively. Additionally, the nomogram effectively stratified patients into high-risk (KRAS mutation) and low-risk (KRAS wild-type) groups, demonstrating a significant difference in overall survival (P < 0.001). Patients categorized in the high-risk group exhibited inferior overall survival in contrast to those classified in the low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: The CT-based radiomics nomogram demonstrates the capability to effectively predict KRAS mutation in CRC patients and stratify their prognosis preoperatively.

Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Pan-Genomes and Transcriptomics Reveals Cold Adaptation in Medicago sativa.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial forage legume that is widely distributed all over the world; therefore, it has an extremely complex genetic background. Though population structure and phylogenetic studies have been conducted on a large group of alfalfa nuclear genomes, information about the chloroplast genomes is still lacking. Chloroplast genomes are generally considered to be conservative and play an important role in population diversity analysis and species adaptation in plants. Here, 231 complete alfalfa chloroplast genomes were successfully assembled from 359 alfalfa resequencing data, on the basis of which the alfalfa chloroplast pan-genome was constructed. We investigated the genetic variations of the alfalfa chloroplast genome through comparative genomic, genetic diversity, phylogenetic, population genetic structure, and haplotype analysis. Meanwhile, the expression of alfalfa chloroplast genes under cold stress was explored through transcriptome analysis. As a result, chloroplast genomes of 231 alfalfa lack an IR region, and the size of the chloroplast genome ranges from 125,192 bp to 126,105 bp. Using population structure, haplotypes, and construction of a phylogenetic tree, it was found that alfalfa populations could be divided into four groups, and multiple highly variable regions were found in the alfalfa chloroplast genome. Transcriptome analysis showed that tRNA genes were significantly up-regulated in the cold-sensitive varieties, while rps7, rpl32, and ndhB were down-regulated, and the editing efficiency of ycf1, ycf2, and ndhF was decreased in the cold-tolerant varieties, which may be due to the fact that chloroplasts store nutrients through photosynthesis to resist cold. The huge number of genetic variants in this study provide powerful resources for molecular markers.

Enantioselective Optical Trapping of Multiple Pairs of Enantiomers by Focused Hybrid Polarized Beams.

Enantiomers (opposite chiral molecules) usually exhibit different effects when interacting with chiral agents, thus the identification and separation of enantiomers are of importance in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Here an optical approach is proposed to enantioselective trapping of multiple pairs of enantiomers by a focused hybrid polarized beam. Numerical results indicate that such a focused beam shows multiple local optical chirality of opposite signs in the focal plane, and can trap the corresponding enantiomers near the extreme value of optical chirality density according to the handedness of enantiomers. The number and positions of trapped enantiomers can be changed by altering the value and sign of polarization orders of hybrid polarized beams, respectively. The key to realizing enantioselective optical trapping of enantiomers is that the chiral optical force exerted on enantiomers in this focused field is stronger than the achiral optical force. The results provide insight into the optical identification and separation of multiple pairs of enantiomers and will find applications in chiral detection and sensing.

Comprehensive Identification of the ß-Amylase (BAM) Gene Family in Response to Cold Stress in White Clover.

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is an allopolyploid plant and an excellent perennial legume forage. However, white clover is subjected to various stresses during its growth, with cold stress being one of the major limiting factors affecting its growth and development. Beta-amylase (BAM) is an important starch-hydrolyzing enzyme that plays a significant role in starch degradation and responses to environmental stress. In this study, 21 members of the BAM gene family were identified in the white clover genome. A phylogenetic analysis using BAMs from Arabidopsis divided TrBAMs into four groups based on sequence similarity. Through analysis of conserved motifs, gene duplication, synteny analysis, and cis-acting elements, a deeper understanding of the structure and evolution of TrBAMs in white clover was gained. Additionally, a gene regulatory network (GRN) containing TrBAMs was constructed; gene ontology (GO) annotation analysis revealed close interactions between TrBAMs and AMY (α-amylase) and DPE (4-alpha-glucanotransferase). To determine the function of TrBAMs under various tissues and stresses, RNA-seq datasets were analyzed, showing that most TrBAMs were significantly upregulated in response to biotic and abiotic stresses and the highest expression in leaves. These results were validated through qRT-PCR experiments, indicating their involvement in multiple gene regulatory pathways responding to cold stress. This study provides new insights into the structure, evolution, and function of the white clover BAM gene family, laying the foundation for further exploration of the functional mechanisms through which TrBAMs respond to cold stress.

Influence of Family-Learned Fear-of-Pain on Patients.

BACKGROUND: Fear-of-pain is a common feeling of patients and their family who experience or witness severe or chronic pain. Fear-of-pain may disturb patient's recovery, and also influence family support to assist patients' recovery. AIM: This study is to measure the level of family support for each patient; evaluate the extent of the supporting families' fear-of-pain; and identify possible interventions in family support and family fear-of-pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive research involved 77 participants in the orthopedics department of a tertiary hospital by convenience sampling. The online questionnaire includes general information, and scales of fear-of-pain, pain anxiety, pain vigilance and awareness, pain catastrophizing, and family support. T-test, Pearson correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Most participants reported that they experienced a moderate-to-high level of fear-of-pain, pain anxiety, pain vigilance and awareness. A total of 15.6% of participants are at risk of pain catastrophizing. The family's pain vigilance and awareness, and fear-of-pain were often similar to those of the patient, and their levels of pain anxiety and catastrophizing were often higher than the patient's. Family support and families' fear-of-pain affect patients' feelings of pain and families' behavior in decision-making for patient recovery, necessitating the development of interventions for patients' families. CONCLUSIONS: Family members can develop the fear-of-pain from witnessing painful experiences and may exhibit fear-avoidance behaviors in deciding on patients' rehabilitation plan. Family support, including the type of relationship with families, and length of time family spent with the patient, had an effect on patients' pain and fear-of-pain.

Effects of Radix dichroae extract supplementation on growth performance, oocysts output and gut microbiota in growing lambs with coccidiosis.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease of sheep, that causes substantial economic losses in the industry due to its intestinal protozoan origins. Many anti-protozoan drugs including ionophores, triazines, and sulfonamides have been widely used to treat sheep coccidiosis. Still, anticoccidial resistance and drug residues in edible tissues have prompted an urgent search for alternatives. In this study, the anti-coccidial effectiveness of the Radix dichroae extract was compared to that of the conventional anti-coccidial drug diclazuril. Here, eighteen 45-day-old lambs naturally-infected with Eimeria spp. were randomly allocated in three groups: control group, Radix dichroae extract group and diclazuril group. The results showed that the body weight gain (BWG) during the treatment and withdrawal periods was considerably improved in the coccidiosis-infected sheep treated with Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril compared to the control group, respectively. Additionally, the Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril had fewer oocysts per gram (OPG) than the control group, showing similar anti-coccidial effects on days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 78, respectively. Furthermore, Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril treatment altered the structure and composition of gut microbiota, promoting the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, Alistipes, and Bifidobacterium, while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidota, Marinilaceae, Helicobacteraceae, and Prevotella. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis further revealed a correlation between the OPG and BWG and gut microorganisms. Collectively, the results indicated that Radix dichroae extract had similar anti-coccidial effects as diclazuril, and could regulate gut microbiota balance in growing lambs.

Dried tea residue can alter the blood metabolism and the composition and functionality of the intestinal microbiota in Hu sheep.

Ruminant animals face multiple challenges during the rearing process, including immune disorders and oxidative stress. Green tea by-products have gained widespread attention for their significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, leading to their application in livestock production. In this study, we investigated the effects of Dried Tea Residue (DTR) as a feed additive on the growth performance, blood biochemical indicators, and hindgut microbial structure and function of Hu sheep. Sixteen Hu sheep were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 0 and 100 g/d of DTR, respectively. Data were recorded over a 56-day feeding period. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes in the production performance of Hu sheep fed with DTR. However, the sheep fed with DTR showed a significant increase in IgA (p < 0.001), IgG (p = 0.005), IgM (p = 0.003), T-SOD (p = 0.013), GSH-Px (p = 0.005), and CAT (p < 0.001) in the blood, along with a significant decrease in albumin (p = 0.019), high density lipoprotein (p = 0.050), and triglyceride (p = 0.021). DTR supplementation enhanced the fiber digestion ability of hindgut microbiota, optimized the microbial community structure, and increased the abundance of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Therefore, DTR can be used as a natural feed additive in ruminant animal production to enhance their immune and antioxidant capabilities, thereby improving the health status of ruminant animals.

Nb2S2C Monolayers with Transition Metal Atoms Embedded at the S Vacancy Are Promising Single-Atom Catalysts for CO Oxidation.

Single atoms anchored on stable and robust two-dimensional (2D) materials are attractive catalysts for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. Here, 3d (Fe-Zn), 4d (Ru-Cd), and 5d (Os-Hg) transition metal-decorated Nb2S2C monolayers were systematically studied as potential single-atom catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation reactions by performing first-principles calculations. Sulfur vacancies are essential for stabilizing the transition metals anchored on the surface of defective Nb2S2C. After estimating the structure stability, the aggregation trend of the embedded metal atoms, and adsorption strength of reactants and products, Zn-decorated defective Nb2S2C is predicted to be a promising catalyst to facilitate CO oxidation through the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) mechanism with an energy barrier of only 0.25 eV. Our investigation indicates that defective carbosulfides can be promising substrates to generate efficient and low-cost single-atom catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation.

CARD9 mediated MAPK/NF-κB signal pathway participates in the pathophysiological process of septic hepatitis: The role of tiliroside.

The purpose of the present study was to search for biomarker and effective treatment measures for septic hepatitis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish septic hepatitis (SH) model in vivo and in vitro. Proteomics, immunoprecipitation, molecular docking techniques, and CARD9 knockout (KO) mice and silence Chang liver Cell(CLC) were used to search for biomarker and possible treatment targets and treatment measures for SH. 46 differentially expressed proteins were found in the liver tissues of sepsis mice, among which CARD9 changed most. CARD9 KO and silence significantly relieved sepsis induced SH in vivo and in vitro. Tiliroside (TIS), an effective component of Buddleja officinalis Maxim, significantly improved SH by regulating CARD9 mediated MAPK/NF-κB signal pathway. In conclusion, CARD9 may be the important molecular targets for SH. TIS could protect SH via CARD9 mediated MAPK/NF-κB signal pathway. The findings provide a new treatment target for SH and a potential treatment measure.

Elucidating applied voltage on the fate of antibiotic resistance genes in microbial electrolysis cell: Focusing on its transmission between anolyte and biofilm microbes.

Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) system to treat wastewater containing antibiotics has been researched actively in past years. However, the fate of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in MEC is not fully revealed. The effect of applied voltage on the migration of ARGs between anolyte and biofilm microbes via examining the microbial physiology and abundances of macrolide resistance genes (MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was elucidated in this research. Results showed that the abundance of MRGs and MGEs was decreased in the anolyte, but their abundances were increased on the electrode biofilm, indicating their transmission from anolyte to biofilm microbes. Increased applied voltage enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell membrane permeability of electrode microorganisms. The structure of the electrode microbial community was shifted through applied voltage, and the abundance of electroactive microorganisms (Geobacter, Azospirillum and Dechlorobacter) was significantly improved. Network analysis revealed that Geobacter and Geothrix were potential hosts for MRGs. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical gene transfer of ARGs could be increased by the applied voltage, leading to the enriched ARGs at the electrode biofilm. This study provides evidence and insights into the transmission of ARGs between anolyte and biofilm microbes in MEC system. SYNOPSIS: This study revealed the effect of applied voltage on ARGs in MEC and the potential migration mechanism of ARGs.

The relationships between burnout, general wellbeing, and psychological detachment with turnover intention in Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional study.

Background: It is critical to minimize nurse turnover to improve the quality of care and patient safety. In-depth investigation is required to better understand the factors related to nurses' turnover intentions. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationships between burnout, general wellbeing, and psychological detachment with turnover intention among nurses in China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted in one hospital in China between January 2023 and March 2023. A total of 536 nurses were surveyed using the General Wellbeing Schedule (GWB), the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale (MBI), the Psychological Detachment scale, and the Turnover Intention scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to explore the factors related to turnover intention. Results: Our data demonstrated that the turnover intention scores were 13 (10, 15.75), with 56% of nurses exhibiting a high level of turnover intention. Binary logistic regression analysis results indicated that being on a contract (OR = 4.385, 95% CI = 2.196-8.754), working in the pediatrics (OR = 2.392, 95% CI = 1.267-4.514) or obstetrics (OR = 2.423, 95% CI = 1.145-5.126) department, and experiencing burnout (OR = 1.024, 95% CI = 1.008-1.041) were associated with a heightened level of turnover intention. Conversely, organizational satisfaction (OR = 0.162, 95% CI = 0.033-0.787) and general wellbeing (OR = 0.967, 95% CI = 0.946-0.989) were identified as factors that hindered the intention to leave. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that nurses were employed on a contract basis, working in pediatric or obstetric departments, expressing dissatisfaction with the organization, reporting low general wellbeing, and experiencing high levels of burnout that require special attention. The identification of these risk factors can inform targeted interventions and support programs aimed at improving the wellbeing and retention of nurses in these settings.

Genome-wide analysis of the WRKY genes and their important roles during cold stress in white clover.

Background: White clover (Trifolium repens L) is a high-quality forage grass with a high protein content, but it is vulnerable to cold stress, which can negatively affect its growth and development. WRKY transcription factor is a family of plant transcription factors found mainly in higher plants and plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress response. Although WRKY transcription factors have been studied extensively in other plants, it has been less studied in white clover. Methods and Results: In the present research, we have performed a genome-wide analysis of the WRKY gene family of white clover, in total, there were 145 members of WRKY transcription factors identified in white clover. The characterization of the TrWRKY genes was detailed, including conserved motif analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and gene duplication analysis, which have provided a better understanding of the structure and evolution of the TrWRKY genes in white clover. Meanwhile, the genetic regulation network (GRN) containing TrWRKY genes was reconstructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis of these function genes showed they contributed to regulation of transcription process, response to wounding, and phosphorylay signal transduction system, all of which were important processes in response to abiotic stress. To determine the TrWRKY genes function under cold stress, the RNA-seq dataset was analyzed; most of TrWRKY genes were highly upregulated in response to cold stress, particularly in the early stages of cold stress. These results were validated by qRT-PCR experiment, implying they are involved in various gene regulation pathways in response to cold stress. Conclusion: The results of this study provide insights that will be useful for further functional analyses of TrWRKY genes in response to biotic or abiotic stresses in white clover. These findings are likely to be useful for further research on the functions of TrWRKY genes and their role in response to cold stress, which is important to understand the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in white clover and improve its cold tolerance.

Vascular Electrical Stimulation with Wireless, Battery-Free, and Fully Implantable Features Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation Through Sirt1-Mediated Autophagy.

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a safe and effective procedure in clinical rehabilitation with few adverse effects. However, studies on ES for atherosclerosis (AS) are scarce because ES does not provide a long-term intervention for chronic disease processes. Battery-free implants and surgically mounted them in the abdominal aorta of high-fat-fed Apolipoprotein E (ApoE-/- ) mice are used, which are electrically stimulated for four weeks using a wireless ES device to observe changes in atherosclerotic plaques. Results showed that there is almost no growth of atherosclerotic plaque at the stimulated site in AopE-/- mice after ES. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of Thp-1 macrophages reveal that the transcriptional activity of autophagy-related genes increase substantially after ES. Additionally, ES reduces lipid accumulation in macrophages by restoring ABCA1- and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that ES reduced lipid accumulation through Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)/Autophagy related 5 (Atg5) pathway-mediated autophagy. Furthermore, ES reverse autophagic dysfunction in macrophages of AopE-/- mouse plaques by restoring Sirt1, blunting P62 accumulation, and inhibiting the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, resulting in the alleviation of atherosclerotic lesion formation. Here, a novel approach is shown in which ES can be used as a promising therapeutic strategy for AS treatment through Sirt1/Atg5 pathway-mediated autophagy.

Effect of the change of mechanical ventilation mode on cerebral oxygen saturation level in neonates.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to apply near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor cerebral oxygen saturation (SrO2) level in neonates before and after the change of mechanical ventilation mode, and thus, the effects of the change of mechanical ventilator mode on SrO2 level in neonates were assessed. METHODS: This trial was designed as an observational study .A total of 70 neonates who were admitted to the Department of Neonatology of Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Beijing, China) between September 2019 and October 2021 and required respiratory support were included. The variations of SrO2 level before and after the change of mechanical ventilation mode, including changing from Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) to noninvasive ventilation (NIV, group 1), and from NIV to oxygen inhalation (group 2), were monitored by Enginmed EGOS-600 A. The changes of SrO2 level at 30 min before and 1 h after the change of ventilation mode were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The SrO2 level in the group 1 30 min before, as well as 10 min, 30 min, and 1 h after the change of ventilation mode was 62.54 ± 3.36%, 65.43 ± 3.98%, 64.38 ± 4.23%, and 64.63 ± 3.71%, respectively. The SrO2 level at all the points after the change of ventilation mode increased compared with 30 min before the change (P < 0.05). The SrO2 level in the group 2 at each time point was 62.67 ± 4.69%, 64.61 ± 5.00%, 64.04 ± 4.48%, and 64.55 ± 4.32%, respectively. Compared with 30 min before ventilator weaning, the SrO2 level at all the points after ventilator weaning increased (P < 0.05). Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) excluding Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP)) in group 1 was lower than that before extubation, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0) (Table 7). CONCLUSIONS: SrO2 level showed an increasing trend after the change of ventilation mode, and the increase of SrO2 level at 10 min after the change of ventilation mode was the most prominent. From SIMV to NIV, increased SrO2 levels may be associated with decreased PIP.