[Status of outcome measures in randomized controlled trials of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method in treatment of knee osteoarthritis].

This study assesses the status of outcome measures in the randomized controlled trial(RCT) involving the kidney-tonif-ying and blood-activating method for treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA), aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of a core set of outcome measures in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of KOA. The relevant articles were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, in addition to ClinicalTrials.gov and the China Clinical Trial Registration Center, with the time interval from inception to August 2023. The RCT of treating KOA with the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method was included. Two assessors independently conducted literature screening, data collection, and qualitative analysis to compile the outcome measure results. A total of 350 RCTs were included, involving 165 outcome measures with the total frequency of 1 462. These outcome measures were categorized into six domains: symptom and sign measures(23) with the frequency of 718(49.1%), TCM symptom and syndrome measures(3) with the frequency of 53(3.6%), physical examination measures(130) with the frequency of 506(34.6%), quality of life measures(4) with the frequency of 20(1.3%), long-term efficacy measures(2) with the frequency of 6(0.4%), and safety measures(3) with the frequency of 159(10.9%). Additionally, 53 studies used TCM syndrome and symptom scores as indicators of efficacy, employing eight distinct measurement tools. The RCTs involving the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method for treating KOA had a variety of problems, such as unclear prio-ritization of outcome measures, diversity in measurement tools, absence of standardized assessment criteria for specific measures, and non-standardized usage. These problems affected the research quality and reliability. Hence, it is advisable to draw upon international expertise, improve research design, and merge TCM efficacy characteristics with clinical research to establish a core set of KOA outcome measures aligned with TCM principles.

[Simultaneous determination of seven artemisinin-related compounds in Artemisia annua by UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS].

A variety of compounds in Artemisia annua were simultaneously determined to evaluate the quality of A. annua from multiple perspectives. A method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was established for the simultaneous determination of seven compounds: amorpha-4,11-diene, artemisinic aldehyde, dihydroartemisinic acid, artemisinic acid, artemisinin B, artemisitene, and artemisinin, in A. annua. The content of the seven compounds in different tissues(roots, stems, leaves, and lateral branches) of A. annua were compared. The roots, stems, leaves, and lateral branches of four-month-old A. annua were collected and the content of seven artemisinin-related compounds in different tissues was determined. A multi-reaction monitoring(MRM) acquisition mode of UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS was used, with a positive ion mode of atmospheric pressure chemical ion source(APCI). Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Eclipse Plus RRHD C_(18) column(2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.8 µm). The gradient elution was performed with the mobile phase consisted of formic acid(0.1%)-ammonium formate(5 mmol·L~(-1))(A) and the methanol(B) gradient program of 0-8 min, 55%-100% B, 8-11 min, 100% B, and equilibrium for 3 min, the flow rate of 0.6 mL·min~(-1), the column temperature of 40 ℃, the injection volume of 5 µL, and the detection time of 8 min. Through methodological investigation, a method based on UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS was established for the simultaneous quantitative determination of seven representative compounds involved in the biosynthesis of artemisinin. The content of artemisinin in A. annua was higher than that of artemisinin B, and the content of artemisinin and dihydroartemisinic acid were high in all the tissues of A. annua. The content of the seven compounds varied considerably in different tissues, with the highest levels in the leaves and neither artemisinene nor artemisinic aldehyde was detected in the roots. In this study, a quantitative method based on UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of seven representative compounds involved in the biosynthesis of artemisinin was established, which was accurate, sensitive, and highly efficient, and can be used for determining the content of artemisinin-related compounds in A. annua, breeding new varieties, and controlling the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

MRI-guided photothermal/photodynamic immune activation combined with PD-1 inhibitor for the multimodal combination therapy of melanoma and metastases.

Non-invasive image-guided precise photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT) has been proven to be an effective local treatment modality but incompetent against metastases. Hence, the combination of local PTT/PDT and systemic immunotherapy would be a promising strategy for tumor eradication. Herein, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visualized PTT/PDT agent (SIDP NMs) was constructed, and the efficacy of its multimodal combination with a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor in the treatment of melanoma and metastases was studied. Due to the hydrophobic encapsulation of indocyanine green within the micellar core, SIDP NMs exhibited excellent photothermal/photodynamic properties and stability under an 808 nm near-infrared laser. In vitro cell experiments showed that SIDP NMs had a good killing effect. After incubating with B16-F10 cells for 24 h and irradiating with an 808-nm laser for 10 min, cell viability decreased significantly. Magnetic resonance imaging experiments in melanoma-bearing mice have shown that the dynamic distribution of SIDP NMs in tumor tissue could be monitored by T2WI and T2-MAP non-invasively due to the presence of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystal in SIDP NMs. When the 808 nm laser was irradiated at the maximum focusing time point shown by MRI, the temperature of the tumor area rapidly increased from 32°C to 60.7°C in 5 min. In mouse melanoma ablation and distant tumor immunotherapy studies, SIDP NMs provided excellent MRI-guided PTT/PDT results and, when combined with PD-1 inhibitor, have great potential to cure primary tumors and eradicate metastases.

FTO attenuates TNF-α-induced damage of proximal tubular epithelial cells in acute pancreatitis-induced acute kidney injury via targeting AQP3 in an N6-methyladenosine-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Previous investigations have revealed the involvement of FTO alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (FTO) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in AKI. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the association of FTO and AQP3 on proximal tubular epithelial cell damage in SAP-induced AKI. METHODS: An in-vitro AKI model was established in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) HK-2 via tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induction (20 ng/mL), after which FTO and AQP3 expression was manipulated and quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. The viability and apoptosis of PTECs under various conditions, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels within these cells were measured using commercial assay kits and flow cytometry. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and mRNA stability assays were performed to elucidate the mechanism of FTO-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Western blotting was performed to quantify ß-catenin protein levels in the PTECs. RESULTS: FTO overexpression attenuated the TNF-α-induced decrease in viability and SOD levels, elevated apoptosis, increased levels of ROS and MDA, and diminished TNF-α-induced AQP3 expression and reduced ß-catenin expression, but its silencing led to contradictory results. FTO negatively modulates AQP3 levels in RTECs in an m6A-depednent manner and compromises AQP3 stability. In addition, all FTO overexpression-induced effects in TNF-α-induced PTECs were neutralized following AQP3 upregulation. CONCLUSION: FTO alleviates TNF-α-induced damage to PTECs in vitro by targeting AQP3 in an m6A-dependent manner.

Advances in disilylation reactions to access cis/trans-1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes.

Organosilane compounds are widely used in both organic synthesis and materials science. Particularly, 1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes, characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond and multiple silyl groups, exhibit significant potential for subsequently diverse transformations. The versatility of these compounds renders them highly promising for applications in materials, enabling them to be valuable and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of methods for the preparation of cis/trans-1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes. Despite notable advancements in this field, certain limitations persist, including challenges related to regioselectivity in the incorporation and chemoselectivity in the transformation of two nearly identical silyl groups. The primary objective of this review is to outline synthetic methodologies for the generation of these alkenes through disilylation reactions, employing silicon reagents, specifically disilanes, hydrosilanes, and silylborane reagents. The review places particular emphasis on investigating the practical applications of the C-Si bond of disilylalkenes and delves into an in-depth discussion of reaction mechanisms, particularly those reactions involving the activation of Si-Si, Si-H, and Si-B bonds, as well as the C-Si bond formation.

Exposure to real-ambient bedroom light at night delayed circadian rhythm in healthy Chinese young adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Light at night (LAN) have attracted increased research attention on account of its widespread health hazards. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of real-ambient bedroom LAN exposure on circadian rhythm among young adults and potential sex differences. METHODS: Bedroom LAN exposure was measured at 60-s intervals for 2 consecutive days using a portable illuminance meter. Circadian phase was determined by the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) time in 7 time-series saliva samples. RESULTS: The mean age of the 142 participants was 20.7 ± 0.8 years, and 59.9% were women. The average DLMO time was 21:00 ± 1:11 h, with men (21:19 ± 1:12 h) later than women (20:48 ± 1:07 h). Higher level of LAN intensity (LANavg ≥ 3lx vs. LANavg < 3lx) was associated with an 81.0-min later in DLMO time (95% CI: 0.99, 1.72), and longer duration of nighttime light intensity ≥ 5lx (LAN5; LAN5 ≥ 45 min vs. LAN5 < 45 min) was associated with a 51.6-min later in DLMO time (95% CI: 0.46, 1.26). In addition, the delayed effect of LAN exposure on circadian phase was more pronounced in men than in women (all P-values <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, bedroom LAN exposure was significantly associated with delayed circadian rhythm. Additionally, the delayed effect is more significant in men. Keeping bedroom dark at night may be a practicable option to prevent circadian disruption and associated health implications. Future studies with more advanced light measurement instrument and consensus methodology for DLMO assessment are warranted.

Vertical Distribution Mapping for Methane Fugitive Emissions Using Laser Path-Integral Sensing in Non-Cooperative Open Paths.

Observing the vertical diffusion distribution of methane fugitive emissions from oil/gas facilities is significant for predicting the pollutant's spatiotemporal transport and quantifying the random emission sources. A method is proposed for methane's vertical distribution mapping by combining the laser path-integral sensing in non-non-cooperative open paths and the computer-assisted tomography (CAT) techniques. It uses a vertical-plume-mapping optical path configuration and adapts the developed dynamic relaxation and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (DR-SART) into methane-emission-distribution reconstruction. A self-made miniaturized TDLAS telemetry sensor provides a reliable path to integral concentration information in non-non-cooperative open paths, with Allan variance analysis yielding a 3.59 ppm·m sensitivity. We employed a six-indexes system for the reconstruction performance analysis of four potential optical path-projection configurations and conducted the corresponding validation experiment. The results have shown that that of multiple fan-beams combined with parallel-beam modes (MFPM) is better than the other optical path-projection configurations, and its reconstruction similarity coefficient (ε) is at least 22.4% higher. For the different methane gas bag-layout schemes, the reconstruction errors of maximum concentration (γm) are consistently around 0.05, with the positional errors of maximum concentration (δ) falling within the range of 0.01 to 0.025. Moreover, considering the trade-off between scanning duration and reconstruction accuracy, it is recommended to appropriately extend the sensor measurement time on a single optical path to mitigate the impact of mechanical vibrations induced by scanning motion.

Effect of dexmedetomidine infusion on post-operative sleep disturbances in women with breast cancer: A monocentric randomized-controlled double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Most women with breast cancer are prone to post-operative sleep disturbances (POSD). Little is known about the differences between sevoflurane and propofol combined with dexmedetomidine on POSD in the same context. We investigated the effect of intra-operative sevoflurane or propofol combined with intravenous dexmedetomidine on the incidence of POSD and post-operative sleep structures. METHODS: A monocentric, randomized-controlled, double-blind trial. Female patients undergoing radical surgery for breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive sevoflurane and placebo, sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine, propofol and placebo, or propofol and dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine was administered at 1.0 µg kg-1 infusion 15 min before induction, then infused at 0.4 µg kg-1 h-1 until the surgical drain started to be placed. The primary outcome was the incidence of POSD within the postoperative first three days (defined as an Athens Insomnia Scale score ≥ 6 points on at least one day of post-operative first three days). The secondary outcome was the duration of sleep structures, collected from the Fitbit Charge 2® smart bracelet (Fitbit, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA). RESULTS: There were 188 women analyzed with the modified intention-to-treat method. The incidences of POSD in the dexmedetomidine and placebo groups were similar (P = 0.649). In the sevoflurane sedation strategy, dexmedetomidine decreased nocturnal wakefulness on post-operative first day (P = 0.001). In the propofol sedation strategy, dexmedetomidine increased nocturnal deep sleep on post-operative first (P < 0.001) and third (P < 0.001) days. CONCLUSION: Intra-operative infusion of dexmedetomidine had no significant effect on POSD but decreased nocturnal wakefulness in the sevoflurane group and increased nocturnal deep sleep in the propofol group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2300070136).

Quantitative Assessment Characteristics of Small Pulmonary Vessel Remodelling in Populations at High Risk for COPD and Smokers Using Low-Dose CT.

Purpose: To explore the morphological alterations in small pulmonary vessels in populations at high risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smokers based on multiple computed tomography (CT) quantitative parameters. Patients and Methods: A total of 1969 Three Major Chest Diseases Screening Study participants with available demographic data and smoking history who underwent low-dose chest CT from 2018 to 2020 were included. All subjects were divided into normal, high risk for COPD, and COPD groups according to their pulmonary function test (PFT) results. Furthermore, the three groups were further subdivided into never-smokers, current smokers, and former smokers subgroups according to their smoking history. Quantitative parameters, such as the number, area at 6 mm~24 mm subpleura and volume of small pulmonary vessels, were extracted by computer software. Differences in small pulmonary vessel parameters among the groups were compared using two-way ANOVA. Results: The number, area at 6 mm~24 mm subpleura and volume of small pulmonary vessels in the group at high risk for COPD were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.05). The number, area at 6 mm~24 mm subpleura and volume of small pulmonary vessels in the COPD group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05). The number, area of small pulmonary vessels at 6 mm~12 mm subpleura in current smokers with high risk for COPD were higher than those in former smokers with high risk for COPD (P<0.05). Conclusion: The number, area, and volume of small pulmonary vessels in populations at high risk for COPD were decreased. Smoking cessation may impede structural changes in small pulmonary vessels in populations at high risk for COPD.

LCN2 Promotes Proliferation and Glycolysis by Activating the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of LCN2 regulating aerobic glycolysis on abnormal proliferation of HCC cells. Based on the prediction of GEPIA database, the expression levels of LCN2 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were detected by RT-qPCR analysis, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. In addition, CCK-8 kit, clone formation, and EdU staining were used to analyze the effect of LCN2 on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Glucose uptake and lactate production were detected using kits. In addition, western blot was used to detect the expressions of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins. Finally, western blot was used to detect the expressions of phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. We found LCN2 was upregualted in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. CCK-8 kit, clone formation, and EdU staining results showed that LCN2 could promote the proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells). Western blot results and kits confirmed that LCN2 significantly promotes aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Western blot results showed that LCN2 could significantly upregulate the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. Our results indicated that LCN2 activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, promoted aerobic glycolysis, and accelerated malignant proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

LncRNA urothelial cancer associated 1 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells by regulating the miR-96-5p/Osx axis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), its effect on osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs and its mechanism. DESIGN: The expression of osteogenic genes Osx, Runx2, Ocn and Opn was explored by qPCR. Protein expression in hPDLSCs was estimated by Western blot. The osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was detected by Alizarin red staining assays. The interaction between UCA1 and miR-96-5p was explored by RNA pulldown assay and dual luciferase assay. The interaction between miR-96-5p and Osx 3'-UTR was measured by dual luciferase assay. RESULTS: The expression of UCA1 and miR-96-5p was negatively correlated in hPDLSCs. During the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, the expression of UCA1 was increased, while the expression of miR-96-5p was decreased. Knockdown of UCA1 in hPDLSCs inhibited osteogenic differentiation but induced upregulation of miR-96-5p expression, and vice versa. In addition, miR-96-5p partially reversed the positive effect of UCA1 on osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. Notably, UCA1 was identified as a miR-96-5p sponge, and miR-96-5p targeted Osx. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the novel UCA1/miR-96-5p/Osx pathway regulates osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs and sheds new insights and targets for periodontitis therapeutics.

Association Between Bedroom Light Pollution With Subjectively and Objectively Measured Sleep Parameters Among Chinese Young Adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate the cross-sectional associations between real-world multiperiod bedroom light at night and sleep parameters among 365 Chinese young adults. METHODS: Bedroom light exposure was estimated at the individual level for two consecutive days using a portable illuminance meter. Subjective sleep parameters were measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and objective sleep parameters were assessed by wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers for seven consecutive days. RESULTS: Compared with the low-exposure group (average light intensity < 3lx), the high-exposure group (average light intensity ≥ 3lx) was associated with decreased 1.15% in sleep efficiency (sleep efficiency, 95% CI: -1.78, -0.52; p < .001), increased 3.94 minutes in wake after sleep onset (wake after sleep onset, 95% CI: 1.55, 6.33; p = .001), increased 1.05 unit in movement index (95% CI: 0.20, 1.89; p = .015), and increased 2.16 unit in sleep fragmentation index ( 95% CI: 0.63, 3.68; p = .006). In comparison, each interquartile increase in 2h-average and 1h-average intensity of preawake light (PAL) (PAL-2h and PAL-1h) was associated with 7.04 minutes of increases in total sleep time (95% CI: 0.87, 13.22; p = .025) and 6.69 minutes of increases in total sleep time (95% CI: 0.51, 12.87; p = .034), respectively. DISCUSSION: Altogether, our results support the role of bedroom light exposure in sleep and imply the importance of bedroom light exposure management as a potential strategy to reduce the public health burden of sleep problems. Keeping the bedroom environment dark at night and allowing moderate morning light exposure may be important measures for improving the sleep quality of young adults.

Efficacy and Safety of Huashi Baidu Granules in Treating Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huashi Baidu Granules (HSBD) in treating patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted during COVID-19 Omicron epidemic in the Mobile Cabin Hospital of Shanghai New International Expo Center from April 1st to May 23rd, 2022. All COVID-19 patients with asymptomatic or mild infection were assigned to the treatment group (HSBD users) and the control group (non-HSBD users). After propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio, 496 HSBD users of treatment group were matched by propensity score to 496 non-HSBD users. Patients in the treatment group were administrated HSBD (5 g/bag) orally for 1 bag twice a day for 7 consecutive days. Patients in the control group received standard care and routine treatment. The primary outcomes were the negative conversion time of nucleic acid and negative conversion rate at day 7. Secondary outcomes included the hospitalized days, the time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion, and new-onset symptoms in asymptomatic patients. Adverse events (AEs) that occurred during the study were recorded. Further subgroup analysis was conducted in vaccinated (378 HSBD users and 390 non-HSBD users) and unvaccinated patients (118 HSBD users and 106 non-HSBD users). RESULTS: The median negative conversion time of nucleic acid in the treatment group was significantly shortened than the control group [3 days (IQR: 2-5 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days); P<0.01]. The negative conversion rate of nucleic acid in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group at day 7 (91.73% vs. 86.90%, P=0.014). Compared with the control group, the hospitalized days in the treatment group were significantly reduced [10 days (IQR: 8-11 days) vs. 11 days (IQR: 10.25-12 days); P<0.01]. The time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion had significant differences between the treatment and control groups [3 days (IQR: 2-4 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days); P<0.01]. The incidence of new-onset symptoms including cough, pharyngalgia, expectoration and fever in the treatment group were lower than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the vaccinated patients, the median negative conversion time and hospitalized days were significantly shorter than the control group after HSDB treatment [3 days (IQR: 2-5 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days), P<0.01; 10 days (IQR: 8-11 days) vs. 11 days (IQR: 10-12 days), P<0.01]. In the unvaccinated patients, HSBD treatment efficiently shorten the median negative conversion time and hospitalized days [4 days (IQR: 2-6 days) vs. 5 days (IQR: 4-7 days), P<0.01; 10.5 days (IQR: 8.75-11 days) vs. 11.0 days (IQR: 10.75-13 days); P<0.01]. No serious AEs were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: HSBD treatment significantly shortened the negative conversion time of nuclear acid, the length of hospitalization, and the time of the first nucleic acid negative conversion in patients infected with SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant (Trial registry No. ChiCTR2200060472).

Catalpol rescues LPS-induced cognitive impairment via inhibition of NF-Κb-regulated neuroinflammation and up-regulation of TrkB-mediated BDNF secretion in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Septic-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a key manifestation of sepsis. Nevertheless, specific treatment for SAE is still lacking. Catalpol is an active component derived from Rehmanniae Radix, and has been demonstrated to be a potential neuroprotective agent. However, its effect on SAE still needs to be fully explored. AIM: To address the benefits of catalpol on post-sepsis cognitive deterioration and related mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Novel object recognition test, temporal order task, histopathology, and immunochemistry were applied to address the benefits of catalpol on LPS-triggered post-sepsis cognitive decline in mice. Xuebijing injection (10 ml/kg) has been utilized as a positive control in the above animal studies. After treatment, the catalpol content in the hippocampus was determined using LC-MS/MS. Finally, the mechanisms of catalpol were further assessed in BV2 and PC12 cells in vitro using Western blot, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, molecular docking tests, thermal shift assay, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: Behavior tests showed that catalpol therapy could lessen the cognitive impairment induced by LPS damage. HE, Nissl, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and Golgi staining further reflected that catalpol treatment could restore lymphocyte infiltration, blood-brain barrier (BBB) degradation, and the decreasing complexity of dendritic trees. According to LC-MS/MS analysis, catalpol had a 136 ng/mg concentration in the hippocampus. In vitro investigation showed that catalpol could inhibit microglia M1 polarization via blocking NF-κB phosphorylation, translocation and then reducing inflammatory cytokine release in BV2 microglia cells. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release up-regulation and TrkB pathway activation were observed in the catalpol treatment group in vivo and in vitro. The effect of catalpol on enhancing BDNF expression was inhibited by the specific inhibitor of TrkB (GNF-5837) in PC12 cells. Further molecular docking tests showed that catalpol formed weak hydrophobic bonds with TrkB. Besides, thermal shift assay also reflected that catalpol incubation caused a considerable change in the melting temperature of the TrkB. CONCLUSION: Catalpol alleviates LPS-triggered post-sepsis cognitive impairment by reversing neuroinflammation via blocking the NF-κB pathway, up-regulating neurotrophic factors via the activation of TrkB pathway, and preserving BBB integrity.

The consensus guideline of perioperative antiviral therapy for AIDS patients in China based on clinical practice.

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as a major public health concern in China. When patients with HIV infection undergo surgical treatment, there are two main challenges. Firstly, medical staff face a high risk of HIV infection due to occupational exposure. Secondly, the patient's immune function is impaired, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and postoperative complications. The surgical treatment of such patients is unique, and the risk of occupational exposure during the operation primarily depends upon the viral load of HIV/AIDS patients. Therefore, perioperative antiretroviral therapy is of paramount importance in order to standardize the perioperative antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS patients. The Surgery Group of the Chinese Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control, in collaboration with the Treatment Association, and Surgery Group of the Chinese Medical Association of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology, has developed an expert consensus on perioperative antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients. This consensus encompasses various aspects, including surgical risk assessment, selection of perioperative antiretroviral therapy regimens, prevention of opportunistic infections, and the crucial focus on rapid preoperative viral load reduction and immune function reconstruction for HIV/AIDS patients.

Five-week of solution-focused group counseling successfully reduces internet addiction among college students: A pilot study.

Background and Aims: In the digital age, Internet addiction (IA) was deemed an epidemic and few treatments had been effectively developed for it. Here, we proposed a solution-focused group counseling (SFGC) as a potentially solution to reduce Internet addiction among college students. The present study examined the short- and long-term effect of a five-week solution-focused group counseling intervention on Internet addiction. Methods: Thirty-two participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group, and twenty-six participants completed the whole intervention. The experimental group (n = 14) received the intervention, while control group (n = 12) did not. The revised version of the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R), the Future Time Perspective, and resting-state EEG were administered pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at two follow-up tests (one month and six months after intervention). Results: The results showed that the scores of the CIAS-R in the experimental group were significantly decreased after intervention, and these effects could be sustained for one month and six months follow-ups. Additionally, the intervention conducted an increase in future time perspective. EEG results further suggested that the alpha, beta, and gamma absolute power decreased after the intervention. Conclusion: These results from the pilot-study primarily suggested that solution-focused group counseling could be an effective intervention for Internet addiction.

MRI-Based Radiomics and Delta-Radiomics Models of the Patella Predict the Radiographic Progression of Osteoarthritis: Data From the FNIH OA Biomarkers Consortium.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse the MRI-based radiomics and delta-radiomics features to establish radiomics models for predicting the radiographic progression of osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data used in this research come from the dataset of the FNIH Biomarker Consortium Project within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). 565 participants randomly divided into training and validation groups at a 7:3 ratio. The training cohort consisted of 395 participants and included 202 cases. The validation cohort consisted of 170 participants and included 87 cases. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used for feature selection. Support vector machine (SVM) was used to establish radiomics models and clinical and biomarker models for predicting the radiographic progression of OA. The predictive ability of the model was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The baseline, 24 M, Delta, and two combination radiomics models (Baseline and Delta, 24 M and Delta) all showed good predictive performance in the training and validation cohorts, with the combination model exhibiting the best performance. In the training cohort, the AUCs were 0.851 (95% CI: 0.812-0.890), 0.825 (95% CI: 0.784-0.865), 0.804 (95% CI: 0.761-0.847), 0.892 (95% CI: 0.860-0.924) and 0.884 (95% CI: 0.851-0.917), respectively. The AUCs in the validation cohort were 0.741 (95% CI: 0.667-0.814), 0.786 (95% CI: 0.716-0.856), 0.745 (95% CI: 0.671-0.819), 0.781 (95% CI: 0.711-0.851) and 0.802 (95% CI: 0.736-0.869), respectively. As compared, the clinical and biomarker models have AUC < 0.74. The DeLong test showed that the predictive performance of the radiomics models in the training and validation cohorts was significantly better than that of the clinical and biomarker models (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The MRI-based radiomics models of the patella all showed good predictive performance performed better than the clinical and biomarker models in predicting the radiographic progression of OA. Delta radiomics can improve the predictive performance of the single time model, the combined model of 24 M and Delta provided the best predictive performance.

Development of machine learning model to predict pulmonary function with low-dose CT-derived parameter response mapping in a community-based chest screening cohort.

PURPOSE: To construct and evaluate the performance of a machine learning-based low dose computed tomography (LDCT)-derived parametric response mapping (PRM) model for predicting pulmonary function test (PFT) results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 615 subjects from a community-based screening population (40-74 years old) with PFT parameters, including the ratio of the first second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), the percentage of forced expiratory volume in the one second predicted (FEV1%), and registered inspiration-to-expiration chest CT scanning were enrolled retrospectively. Subjects were classified into a normal, high risk, and COPD group based on PFT. Data of 72 PRM-derived quantitative parameters were collected, including volume and volume percentage of emphysema, functional-small airways disease, and normal lung tissue. A machine-learning with random forest regression model and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) model were constructed and tested on PFT prediction, which was followed by evaluation of classification performance based on the PFT predictions. RESULTS: The machine-learning model based on PRM parameters showed better performance for predicting PFT than MLP, with a coefficient of determination (R2 ) of 0.749 and 0.792 for FEV1/FVC and FEV1%, respectively. The Mean Squared Errors (MSE) for FEV1/FVC and FEV1% are 0.0030 and 0.0097 for the random forest model, respectively. The Root Mean Squared Errors (RMSE) for FEV1/FVC and FEV1% are 0.055 and 0.098, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for differentiating between the normal group and high-risk group were 34/40 (85%), 65/72 (90%), and 99/112 (88%), respectively. For differentiating between the non-COPD group and COPD group, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 8/9 (89%), 112/112 (100%), 120/121 (99%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The machine learning-based random forest model predicts PFT results in a community screening population based on PRM, and it identifies high risk COPD from normal populations with high sensitivity and reliably predicts of high-risk COPD.

Identification of ground spilled oil of buried pipeline based on laser absorption spectroscopy: Numerical investigation and experimental verification.

The ground diffusion characteristics of buried oil pipeline after leakage and the laser optical transmission mechanism of surface oil film are the basis of spectral detection technology. Based on the computational fluid dynamics to solve the diffusion equation of multiphase flow in porous media, the leakage law of oil under different soil porosity is analyzed in two dimensions: surface diffusion diameter and oil film thickness. TracePro optical simulation is used to study the absorption and reflection patterns of laser at the oil-gas interface, and validation experiments are carried out based on the tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy method. The results show that oil is easily accumulated on the ground surface with larger soil porosity and in the depressions of the ground surface. When the oil film thickness is greater than 2 mm, the laser cannot transmit the oil layer and the received light intensity is only provided by the mirror reflection at the oil-gas interface. The mechanism of laser detection of oil leaks is the spectral absorption of volatile alkane gases in the upper layer of the oil film by a laser of a specific wavelength.

High glucose-increased miR-200c contributes to cellular senescence and DNA damage in neural stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Maternal diabetes increases the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs). It is unclear if miRNAs, senescence, and DNA damage are involved in this process. In this study, we used neural stem cells as an in vitro proxy of embryonic neuroepithelium to investigate whether high glucose triggers neural stem cell senescence and DNA damage by upregulating miR-200c, which may be responsible for NTDs. METHODS: C17.2 neural stem cells were cultured with normal glucose (5 mM) or high glucose (≥16.7 mM) at different doses and time points for detecting miR-200c levels, markers of senescence and DNA damage. Neural stem cells were exposed to antioxidant SOD1 mimetic Tempol and high glucose for 48 h to test roles of oxidative stress on the miR-200c, senescence, and DNA damage levels. An miR-200c mimic and an inhibitor were transfected into neural stem cells to increase or decrease miR-200c activities. RESULTS: High glucose upregulated miR-200c in neural stem cells. A time course study of the effect of high glucose revealed that miR-200c initially increased at 12 h and reached its zenith at 18 h. Tempol reduced miR-200c levels caused by high glucose. High glucose induced markers of senescence and DNA damage in neural stem cells. Tempol abolished high glucose-induced markers of senescence and DNA damage. The miR-200c inhibitor suppressed high glucose-induced markers of senescence and DNA damage. Treatment with miR-200c mimic imitates high glucose-induced markers of senescence and DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS: We show that high glucose increases miR-200c, which contributes to cellular senescence and DNA damage in neural stem cells and provides a potential pathway for maternal diabetes-induced neural tube defects.