Turning copper into an efficient and stable CO evolution catalyst beyond noble metals.

Using renewable electricity to convert CO2 into CO offers a sustainable route to produce a versatile intermediate to synthesize various chemicals and fuels. For economic CO2-to-CO conversion at scale, however, there exists a trade-off between selectivity and activity, necessitating the delicate design of efficient catalysts to hit the sweet spot. We demonstrate here that copper co-alloyed with isolated antimony and palladium atoms can efficiently activate and convert CO2 molecules into CO. This trimetallic single-atom alloy catalyst (Cu92Sb5Pd3) achieves an outstanding CO selectivity of 100% (±1.5%) at -402 mA cm-2 and a high activity up to -1 A cm-2 in a neutral electrolyte, surpassing numerous state-of-the-art noble metal catalysts. Moreover, it exhibits long-term stability over 528 h at -100 mA cm-2 with an FECO above 95%. Operando spectroscopy and theoretical simulation provide explicit evidence for the charge redistribution between Sb/Pd additions and Cu base, demonstrating that Sb and Pd single atoms synergistically shift the electronic structure of Cu for CO production and suppress hydrogen evolution. Additionally, the collaborative interactions enhance the overall stability of the catalyst. These results showcase that Sb/Pd-doped Cu can steadily carry out efficient CO2 electrolysis under mild conditions, challenging the monopoly of noble metals in large-scale CO2-to-CO conversion.

Common functional mechanisms underlying dynamic brain network changes across five general anesthetics: A rat fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Reversible loss of consciousness is the primary therapeutic endpoint of general anesthesia; however, the drug-invariant mechanisms underlying anesthetic-induced unconsciousness are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the static, dynamic, topological and organizational changes in functional brain network induced by five clinically-used general anesthetics in the rat brain. METHOD: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 57) were randomly allocated to received propofol, isoflurane, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, or combined isoflurane plus dexmedetomidine anesthesia. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were acquired under general anesthesia and analyzed for changes in dynamic functional brain networks compared to the awake state. RESULTS: Different general anesthetics induced distinct patterns of functional connectivity inhibition within brain-wide networks, resulting in multi-level network reorganization primarily by impairing the functional connectivity of cortico-subcortical networks as well as by reducing information transmission capacity, intrinsic connectivity, and network architecture stability of subcortical regions. Conversely, functional connectivity and topological properties were preserved within cortico-cortical networks, albeit with fewer dynamic fluctuations under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlighted the effects of different general anesthetics on functional brain network reorganization, which might shed light on the drug-invariant mechanism of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness.

Recent progress of exosomal lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in lung cancer: implication for clinical application.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among malignant tumors in the world. High lung cancer mortality rate is due to most of patients diagnosed at advanced stage. The Liquid biopsy of lung cancer have received recent interest for early diagnosis. One of the components of liquid biopsy is the exosome. The exosome cargos non-coding-RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). The lung cancer derived exosomal non-coding RNAs play the pivotal roles of lung cancer in carcinogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, drug resistance and prognosis of lung cancer. Given ceRNA (competitive endogenous RNA) mechanism, lncRNA or circRNA can act as ceRNA to compete to bind miRNAs and alter the expression of the targeted mRNA, contributing to the development and progression of lung cancer. The current research progress of the roles of the exosomal non-coding-RNAs and the interplay of ceRNAs and miRNAs in mediated lung cancer is illustrated in this article. Hence, we presented an experimentally validated lung cancer derived exosomal non-coding RNAs-regulated target gene axis from already existed evidence in lung cancer. Then LncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis may be a potential target for lung cancer treatment and has great potential in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.

Promising G-Quadruplex-Targeted Dibenzoquinoxaline Type-1 Photosensitizer Triggers DNA Damage in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are potential drug targets in cancer treatment. However, the G4-targeted ligands seem to lack sufficient selectivity between tumors and normal tissues, appealing for a new modified anticancer strategy on the basis of them. Type-1 photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising strategy possessing excellent spatiotemporal precision for solid tumors with a hypoxic microenvironment. However, type-1 photosensitizers that target G4s and induce in situ photodamage have never been previously reported. In this study, we reported a promising type-1 photosensitizer based on a G4-targeted, high-contrast fluorescent ligand (TR2). The subsequent studies demonstrated that TR2 could transfer from lysosomes to nuclei and induce elevated G4 formation as well as DNA damage upon irradiation. Notably, it was observed that TR2 may not activate DNA damage repair machinery upon irradiation, suggesting a durable, strong effect on inducing DNA damage. Consequently, light-irradiated TR2 exhibited excellent photocytotoxicity on triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation (at nanomolar concentration) and showed obvious inhibition on the growth of three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids. Finally, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that TR2-mediated PDT may have a negative impact on enhancing the DNA damage repair machinery and may activate the antitumor immunity pathways. Overall, this study provided a promising chemical tool for image-guided PDT.

Rapid prototyping of a retinal multivascular network phantom for optical retinal vascular imaging equipment evaluation.

Retinal vascular health holds paramount importance for healthy vision. Many technologies have been developed to examine retinal vasculature non-destructively, including fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), fluorescein angiography (FA), and so on. However, there is a lack of a proper phantom simulating the critical features of the real human retina to calibrate and evaluate the performance of these technologies. In this work, we present a rapid, high-resolution, and economical technology based on 3D printed mold-based soft lithography and spin coating for the fabrication of a multivascular network and multilayer structural retinal phantom with the appropriate optical properties. The feasibility of the retinal phantom as a test device was demonstrated with an OCTA system and a confocal retinal ophthalmoscope. Experiment results prove that the retinal phantom could provide an objective evaluation of the OCTA and confocal retinal ophthalmoscope. Furthermore, the microfluidic phantoms enabled by this fabrication technology may support the development and evaluation of other techniques.

Albumin-Based MUC13 Peptide Nanomedicine Suppresses Liver Cancer Stem Cells via JNK-ERK Signaling Pathway-Mediated Autophagy Inhibition.

Targeting liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) is a promising strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. Target selection and corresponding inhibitor screening are of vital importance for eliminating the stemness of LCSCs. Peptide-based agents are hopeful but have long been hindered for in vivo application. Herein, we selected a clinically significant target MUC13 and screened out a suitable peptide for preparation of an albumin-based MUC13 peptide nanomedicine, P3@HSA, which suppressed liver cancer stem cells via JNK-ERK signaling pathway-mediated autophagy inhibition. The selected target MUC13 was highly expressed in LCSCs and associated with the prognosis of liver cancer patients. Encouraged by this observation, we screened the corresponding peptide-based inhibitor P3 for further evaluation. P3 could interact with albumin through the intrinsic hydrophobic force and formed the nanomedicine P3@HSA. The prepared nanomedicine could inhibit LCSCs through JNK-ERK signaling pathway-mediated autophagy inhibition and exert potent antitumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. Together, this study provides a promising peptide-based nanomedicine for high-performance HCC treatment.

Feature extraction method of EEG based on wavelet packet reconstruction and deep learning model of VR motion sickness feature classification and prediction.

The surging popularity of virtual reality (VR) technology raises concerns about VR-induced motion sickness, linked to discomfort and nausea in simulated environments. Our method involves in-depth analysis of EEG data and user feedback to train a sophisticated deep learning model, utilizing an enhanced GRU network for identifying motion sickness patterns. Following comprehensive data pre-processing and feature engineering to ensure input accuracy, a deep learning model is trained using supervised and unsupervised techniques for classifying and predicting motion sickness severity. Rigorous training and validation procedures confirm the model's robustness across diverse scenarios. Research results affirm our deep learning model's 84.9% accuracy in classifying and predicting VR-induced motion sickness, surpassing existing models. This information is vital for improving the VR experience and advancing VR technology.

A Novel Melanin-Targeted 18F-PFPN Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for Diagnosing Ocular and Orbital Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: 18F-N-(2-(Diethylamino)ethyl)-5-(2-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy) picolinamide (18F-PFPN) is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) probe designed to specifically targets melanin. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic feasibility of 18F-PFPN in patients with ocular or orbital melanoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients with pathologically confirmed ocular or orbital melanoma (one male, two females; age 41-59 years) were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient underwent comprehensive 18F-PFPN and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET scans. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the lesion and the interference caused by background tissue were compared between 18F-PFPN and 18F-FDG PET imaging. In addition, the effect of intrinsic pigments in the uvea and retina on the interpretation of the results was examined. The contralateral non-tumorous eye of each patient served as a control. RESULTS: All primary tumors (3/3) were detected using 18F-PFPN PET, while only two primary tumors were detected using 18F-FDG PET. Within each lesion, the SUVmax of 18F-PFPN was 2.6 to 8.3 times higher than that of 18F-FDG. Regarding the quality of PET imaging, the physiological uptake of 18F-FDG PET in the brain and periocular tissues limited the imaging of tumors. However, 18F-PFPN PET minimized this interference. Notably, intrinsic pigments in the uvea and retina did not cause abnormal concentrations of 18F-PFPN, as no anomalous uptake of 18F-PFPN was detected in the healthy contralateral eyes. CONCLUSION: Compared to 18F-FDG, 18F-PFPN demonstrated higher detection rates for ocular and orbital melanomas with minimal interference from surrounding tissues. This suggests that 18F-PFPN could be a promising clinical diagnostic tool for distinguishing malignant melanoma from benign pigmentation in ocular and orbital melanomas.

Deep learning reconstruction for coronary CT angiography in patients with origin anomaly, stent or bypass graft.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a deep learning (DL)-model for automatic reconstruction for coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in patients with origin anomaly, stent or bypass graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a DL model for automatic CCTA reconstruction was developed with training and validation sets from 6063 and 1962 patients. The algorithm was evaluated on an independent external test set of 812 patients (357 with origin anomaly or revascularization, 455 without). The image quality of DL reconstruction and manual reconstruction (using dedicated cardiac reconstruction software provided by CT vendors) was compared using a 5-point scale. The successful reconstruction rates and post-processing time for two methods were recorded. RESULTS: In the external test set, 812 patients (mean age, 64.0 ± 11.6, 100 with origin anomalies, 152 with stents, 105 with bypass grafts) were evaluated. The successful rates for automatic reconstruction were 100% (455/455), 97% (97/100), 100% (152/152), and 76.2% (80/105) in patients with native vessel, origin anomaly, stent, and bypass graft, respectively. The image quality scores were significantly higher for DL reconstruction than those for manual approach in all subgroups (4 vs. 3 for native vessel, 4 vs. 4 for origin anomaly, 4 vs. 3 for stent and 4 vs. 3 for bypass graft, all p < 0.001). The overall post-processing time was remarkably reduced for DL reconstruction compared to manual method (11 s vs. 465 s, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The developed DL model enabled accurate automatic CCTA reconstruction of bypass graft, stent and origin anomaly. It significantly reduced post-processing time and improved clinical workflow.

Multienzyme Active Nanozyme for Efficient Sepsis Therapy through Modulating Immune and Inflammation Inhibition.

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, leads to systemic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and multiorgan damage. Various oxidoreductases play a very important role in balancing oxidative stress and modulating the immune response, but they are stored inconveniently, environmentally unstable, and expensive. Herein, we develop multifunctional artificial enzymes, CeO2 and Au/CeO2 nanozymes, exhibiting five distinct enzyme-like activities, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, peroxidase, and oxidase. These artificial enzymes have been used for the biocatalytic treatment of sepsis via inhibiting inflammation and modulating immune responses. These nanozymes significantly reduce reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines, achieving multiorgan protection. Notably, CeO2 and Au/CeO2 nanozymes with enzyme-mimicking activities can be particularly effective in restoring immunosuppression and maintaining homeostasis. The redox nanozyme offers a promising dual-protective strategy against sepsis-induced inflammation and organ dysfunction, paving the way for biocatalytic-based immunotherapies for sepsis and related inflammatory diseases.

The impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium on risk of age-related macular degeneration: a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and calcium and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the causal role of 25(OH)D concentrations, calcium concentrations, and dietary supplements use of vitamin D and calcium on risk of AMD and its subtypes. METHODS: Independent genetic variants associated with 25(OH)D and calcium concentrations were used as instrumental variables in published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of European ancestry. The bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed using summary-level data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen datasets. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the MR results. The meta-analyses were conducted using both fixed-effect and random-effect models to provide comprehensive and reliable estimates. RESULTS: A standard deviation increase in calcium concentrations was linked to a 14%, 17%, and 13% reduction in the likelihood of developing AMD (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77, 0.97), wet AMD (95% CI: 0.73, 0.95), and dry AMD (95% CI: 0.75, 1.00), respectively. No significant causal relationships were detected between genetically predicted 25(OH)D concentrations and AMD and its subtypes (all P > 0.05). The combined analyses showed that higher calcium concentrations were associated with a reduced risk of overall AMD, with an odds ratio of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence supporting the causal relationship between calcium concentrations and risk of AMD and its subtypes, which may have important implications for the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of AMD.

Mechanism of Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules regulates the inflammatory response caused by M1 macrophage based on cellular experiments and computer simulations.

PURPOSE: The polarization of macrophages with the resulting inflammatory response play a crucial part in tissue and organ damage due to inflammatory. Study has proved Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules (LHQW) can reduce activation of inflammatory response and damage of tissue derived from the inflammatory reactions. However, the mechanism of LHQW regulates the macrophage-induced inflammatory response is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of LHQW regulated the inflammatory response of M1 macrophages by cellular experiments and computer simulations. METHODS: This study has analysed the targets and mechanisms of macrophage regulating inflammatory response at gene and protein levels through bioinformatics. The monomeric components of LHQW were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). We established the in vitro cell model by M1 macrophages (Induction of THP-1 cells into M1 macrophages). RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect changes in gene and protein levels of key targets after LHQW treatment. Computer simulations were utilized to verify the binding stability of monomeric components and protein targets. RESULTS: Macrophages had 140,690 gene targets, inflammatory response had 12,192 gene targets, intersection gene targets were 11,772. Key monomeric components (including: Pinocembrin, Fargesone-A, Nodakenin and Bowdichione) of LHQW were screened by HPLC. The results of cellular experiments indicated that LHQW could significantly reduce the mRNA expression of CCR5, CSF2, IFNG and TNF, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response caused by M1 macrophage. The computer simulations further validated the binding stability and conformation of key monomeric components and key protein targets, and IFNG/Nodakenin was able to form the most stable binding conformation for its action. CONCLUSION: In this study, the mechanism of LHQW inhibits the polarization of macrophages and the resulting inflammatory response was investigated by computer simulations and cellular experiments. We found that LHQW may not only reduce cell damage and death by acting on TNF and CCR5, but also inhibit the immune recognition process and inflammatory response by regulating CSF2 and IFNG to prevent polarization of macrophages. Therefore, these results suggested that LHQW may act through multiple targets to inhibit the polarization of macrophages and the resulting inflammatory response.

Orientation selectivity mapping in the visual cortex.

The orientation map is one of the most well-studied functional maps of the visual cortex. However, results from the literature are of different qualities. Clear boundaries among different orientation domains and blurred uncertain distinctions were shown in different studies. These unclear imaging results will lead to an inaccuracy in depicting cortical structures, and the lack of consideration in experimental design will also lead to biased depictions of the cortical features. How we accurately define orientation domains will impact the entire field of research. In this study, we test how spatial frequency (SF), stimulus size, location, chromatic, and data processing methods affect the orientation functional maps (including a large area of dorsal V4, and parts of dorsal V1) acquired by intrinsic signal optical imaging. Our results indicate that, for large imaging fields, large grating stimuli with mixed SF components should be considered to acquire the orientation map. A diffusion model image enhancement based on the difference map could further improve the map quality. In addition, the similar outcomes of achromatic and chromatic gratings indicate two alternative types of afferents from LGN, pooling in V1 to generate cue-invariant orientation selectivity.

Asymmetric Organocatalytic 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with ß-Substituted Cyclic Enones.

The enantioselective and diastereoselective control of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions to ß-substituted cyclic enones has been developed. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with cyclic dienones affords chiral tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]phthalazine derivatives 3 through vinylogous iminium ion activation by combining a cinchona-based primary amine C3 and a chiral camphorsulfonic acid additive. Conversely, with a weaker 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid additive, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with ß-substituted cyclic enones leads to chiral hexahydroisoindolo[1,2-a]phthalazin-10(8H)-one derivatives 4 with excellent stereocontrol via endo-dienamine activation.

HCV 5-Methylcytosine Enhances Viral RNA Replication through Interaction with m5C Reader YBX1.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus that mainly causes chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently we confirmed m5C modifications within NS5A gene of HCV RNA genome. However, the roles of the m5C modification and its interaction with host proteins in regulating HCV's life cycle, remain unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that HCV infection enhances the expression of the host m5C reader YBX1 through the transcription factor MAX. YBX1 acts as an m5C reader, recognizing the m5C-modified NS5A C7525 site in the HCV RNA genome and significantly enhancing HCV RNA stability. This m5C-modification is also required for YBX1 colocalization with lipid droplets and HCV Core protein. Moreover, YBX1 facilitates HCV RNA replication, as well as viral assembly/budding. The tryptophan residue at position 65 (W65) of YBX1 is critical for these functions. Knockout of YBX1 or the application of YBX1 inhibitor SU056 suppresses HCV RNA replication and viral protein translation. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that the interaction between host m5C reader YBX1 and HCV RNA m5C methylation facilitates viral replication. Therefore, hepatic-YBX1 knockdown holds promise as a potential host-directed strategy for HCV therapy.

Quantitative analysis of spectral data based on stochastic configuration networks.

In quantitative analysis of spectral data, traditional linear models have fewer parameters and faster computation speed. However, when encountering nonlinear problems, their predictive accuracy tends to be lower. Nonlinear models provide higher computational accuracy in such situations but may suffer from drawbacks such as slow convergence speed and susceptibility to get stuck in local optima. Taking into account the advantages of these two algorithms, this paper introduces the single-hidden layer feedforward neural network named stochastic configuration networks (SCNs) into chemometrics analysis. Firstly, the model termination parameters, that is, the error tolerance and the allowed maximum number of hidden nodes are analyzed. Secondly, times of random configuration are discussed and analyzed, and then the appropriate number is determined by considering the efficiency and stability comprehensively. Finally, predictions made by the SCN are tested on two public datasets. The performance of the SCN is then compared with that of other techniques, including principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares (PLS), back propagation neural network (BPNN), and extreme learning machine (ELM). Experimental results show that the SCN has good stability, high prediction accuracy and efficiency, making it suitable for quantitative analysis of spectral data.

Measurement and improvement of island B&BS customer satisfaction.

Customer satisfaction is an important criterion to measure the service quality of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). How to assess the customer satisfaction of B&Bs scientifically has always been a worthy topic. Based on the national standard, this study constructed an evaluation index system of customer satisfaction of island B&Bs consisting of 5 dimensions and 23 indicators. After SEM verification, the index system exhibited a good fit, and the dimensions of atmosphere, service, security, facilities, and characteristics had a significant positive effect on the customer satisfaction of the island B&Bs. At the same time, customer satisfaction of island B&Bs significantly and positively affected customers' post-purchase psychological perceptions, such as overall evaluation, repurchase intention, and recommendation intention. Then, the IPA method was used to analyze the importance and satisfaction of each index of customer satisfaction of Fujian island B&Bs. The results showed that island B&Bs in Fujian had strong advantages in the island atmosphere, guest services and facilities, and the most urgent index to be improved was the light and sound insulation of the guest rooms, and the featured items such as specialty food and beverage, customized activities, and specialty cultural and creative sales also needed to be improved. The index system provides a scientific method for the customer satisfaction evaluation of the island B&Bs，and it will effectively guide the operation and management of the island B&Bs operators.

Single-cell sequencing and multiple machine learning algorithms to identify key T-cell differentiation gene for progression of NAFLD cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is closely associated with chronicinflammation, is the most common liver cancer and primarily involves dysregulated immune responses in the precancerous microenvironment. Currently, most studies have been limited to HCC incidence. However, the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying precancerous lesions remain unknown. Methods: We obtained single-cell sequencing data (GSE136103) from two nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cirrhosis samples and five healthy samples. Using pseudo-time analysis, we systematically identified five different T-cell differentiation states. Ten machine-learning algorithms were used in 81 combinations to integrate the frameworks and establish the best T-cell differentiation-related prognostic signature in a multi-cohort bulk transcriptome analysis. Results: LDHA was considered a core gene, and the results were validated using multiple external datasets. In addition, we validated LDHA expression using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Conclusion: LDHA is a crucial marker gene in T cells for the progression of NAFLD cirrhosis to HCC.

Therapeutic effect of San Bi Tang combined with glucosamine sulfate capsules in cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis is a common middle-aged and elderly disease, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood, and its clinical treatment has limitations. Glucosamine sulfate capsules are commonly used for treating arthritis, and San Bi Tang is a classic formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has the effects of warming yang, dispelling dampness, relaxing muscles, and activating collaterals. This research hypothesized that the combination of modified San Bi Tang and glucosamine sulfate capsules could enhance the clinical efficacy of treating cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis through complementary effects. AIM: To analyze the clinical efficacy of San Bi Tang combined with glucosamine sulfate capsules when treating cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis were selected as research subjects and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group of 55 cases each. The control group received only treatment with glucosamine sulfate capsules, while the experimental group received additional treatment with modified San Bi Tang for a duration of 5 wk. The patients' knee joint functions, liver and kidney function indicators, adverse reactions, and vital signs were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. RESULTS: Before treatment, the two groups' genders, ages, and scores were not significantly different, indicating comparability. Both groups' scores improved after treatment, which could indicate pain and knee joint function improvement, but the test group had better scores. The TCM-specific symptoms and the clinical efficacy of the treatment in the test group were higher. Before and after treatment, there were no abnormalities in the patients' liver and kidney function indicators. CONCLUSION: The combination of modified San Bi Tang and glucosamine sulfate capsules is superior to treatment with sulfated glucosamine alone and has high safety.

Association of serum interleukin-6 with negative symptoms in stable early-onset schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) contributes to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. However, there was no study concerning the relationship between IL-6 concentrations and clinical features in the chronic phase of early-onset schizophrenia (EOS). AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum IL-6 concentration and the clinical features of EOS. METHODS: We measured serum IL-6 Levels from 74 patients with chronic schizophrenia, including 33 with age at onset < 21 years (EOS group) and 41 with onset ≥ 21 years in [adult-onset schizophrenia (AOS) group], and from 41 healthy controls. Symptom severities were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS: Serum IL-6 concentrations were higher in both EOS and AOS groups than healthy controls (F = 22.32, P < 0.01), but did not differ significantly between EOS and AOS groups (P > 0.05) after controlling for age, body mass index, and other covariates. Negative symptom scores were higher in the EOS group than the AOS group (F = 6.199, P = 0.015). Serum IL-6 concentrations in the EOS group were negatively correlated with both total PANSS-negative symptom score (r = -0.389, P = 0.032) and avolition/asociality subscore (r = -0.387, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Patients with EOS may have more severe negative symptoms than those with adult-onset schizophrenia during the chronic phase of the illness. IL-6 signaling may regulate negative symptoms and its avolition/asociality subsymptoms among the early-onset chronic schizophrenic patients.