Exploring rituximab efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus with pulmonary hemorrhage: a retrospective case series from a single center.

Objectives: Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) represents a rare complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we conducted a thorough investigation into the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment modalities, and outcomes of patients with SLE-associated PH at our medical center. Additionally, a comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters before and after rituximab therapy were performed to assess its efficacy in the management of SLE-associated PH.

Design, synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity studies of indanone derivatives containing cinnamic acid skeleton.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as small-molecule signaling intermediates, are geynthesis and activity of aurone and indanone derivatinerated by immune and somatic cells in response to damage, infection, or stimulation. During the inflammatory response, ROS participate in the activation of the NF-κB pathway, leading to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory mediators serve as key regulatory and effector molecules that initiate, amplify, and coordinate the inflammatory process and contribute to the resolution of inflammation at later stages.

Differential transcriptome analysis and functional validation of genes associated with the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin in tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.).

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.), known as a woody plant of the genus paeonia in the peony family, is widely cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. In tree peony, its roots have high medicinal values, and a number of active ingredients can be found in the root bark.

Porous microscaffold enables spontaneous hematopoietic cell differentiation and continuous macrophage production from hPSCs for therapy.

Macrophages play critical roles in various physiological and pathological processes, yet their scalable production for therapeutic applications remains a challenge. Here, we present a porous microscaffold (PMS) that enables robust hematopoietic differentiation from human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived mesoderm. Within PMS, mesoderm cells self-organize into vascular structures reminiscent of the early aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) niches, promoting efficient endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition with minimal cytokine supplementation.

A comprehensive analysis identifies and validates NPC1 as a potential biomarker for prognosis in HCC.

Niemann-Pick type C1 protein (NPC1), a key regulator of intracellular cholesterol transport and a transmembrane protein, has been implicated in carcinogenesis, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the noted association, the specific role of NPC1 in HCC remains underexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of NPC1 expression across diverse gene expression databases to elucidate its prognostic significance and functional interactions.

A Novel Glycosylated Ferulic Acid Conjugate: Synthesis, Antioxidative Neuroprotection Activities In Vitro, and Alleviation of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (CIRI) In Vivo.

Antioxidative neuroprotection is effective at preventing ischemic stroke (IS). Ferulic acid (FA) offers benefits in the treatment of many diseases, mostly due to its antioxidant activities. In this study, a glycosylated ferulic acid conjugate (FA-Glu), with 1,2,3-triazole as a linker and bioisostere between glucose at the C6 position and FA at the C4 position, was designed and synthesized.

Impacts of fetal/infant and adolescent exposure to famine on age at menopause in Chinese women.

Background: Early-life nutritional deprivation may influence lifelong health, but its role in the broader process of reproductive aging remains underexplored. Guided by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework, this study investigates the impacts of fetal/infant and adolescent exposure to famine on age at natural menopause, a key indicator of reproductive aging.

Methods: The study sample comprised 4256 women from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Two-Staged Microtia Reconstruction With Autologous Rib Cartilage: A 25-Year Experience.

Objectives: Microtia reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage remains one of the most challenging works because reproducing more than a dozen complicated subunit structures is difficult. The authors report 3000 autologous cartilage auricular reconstructions in different types of microtia between 2000 and 2024.

Methods: The surgical technique was modified from the Brent and Nagata methods.

Trajectories and Co-Occurrence of Perceived Control in Patients With Heart Failure and Self-Efficacy in Their Caregivers: A Three-Month Longitudinal Study of Dual Trajectories.

Aim: This study aims to explore the trajectories and co-occurrence of perceived control and caregiver self-efficacy among patients with heart failure (HF) and their caregivers within 3 months post-discharge and identify associated risk factors.

Design: A prospective cohort design.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from March to June 2024 in Tianjin, China.

Neuropilin-1: A critical regulator and potential therapeutic target in fibrotic diseases.

Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive pathologic condition. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane non-tyrosine-kinase glycoprotein receptor. It has emerged as a key regulator of progressive fibrosis through binding to diverse ligands including SEMA3, VEGF, TGF-β, and PDGF.

[Mechanism of acupuncture on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway in rat models].

Objective: To explore the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) in the rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) based on the p53 protein (p53)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway.

Methods: Of 102 male Wistar rats, 20 rats were randomly collected as a sham-operation group. Using a modified external carotid artery filament insertion method, CIRI models were prepared by occluding the middle cerebral artery in the rest rats.

[Moxibustion for central obesity with phlegm-dampness constitution: a randomized controlled trial].

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in treating patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution.

Methods: A total of 66 patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution were randomly assigned to a moxibustion group (=33, 3 cases dropped out) and a sham moxibustion group (=33, 4 cases dropped out). The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the moxibustion was applied at Shenque (CV8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36), 30 min per session, maintaining a local skin temperature of (43±1) ℃.

Gastric microbiota transplantation enhanced the eradication of refractory infection by modulating the gastric microbiota: a pilot study.

Unlabelled: Dysbiosis of the gastric microecology is implicated in various gastric diseases, with () infection serving as a pivotal factor influencing the gastric microecological balance and vice versa. In this study, we investigated the novel effects of gastric microbiota transplantation (GMT) on gastric microecology and the potential of this treatment to enhance eradication. We performed a metagenomic analysis of the microecological systems across different regions of the stomach, including the gastric fluid (GF), the gastric mucus layer (GML), and the gastric mucosa (GM).

Establishment of chromatin architecture interplays with embryo hypertranscription.

After fertilization, early embryos undergo dissolution of conventional chromatin organization, including topologically associating domains (TADs). Zygotic genome activation then commences amid unusually slow de novo establishment of three-dimensional chromatin architecture. How chromatin organization is established and how it interplays with transcription in early mammalian embryos remain elusive.

Fusing wrist pulse and ECG data for enhanced identification of coronary heart disease and its complications.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the potential of synchronously acquiring wrist pressure pulse wave (PPW) and limb lead electrocardiogram (ECG) signals for the development of an identification model for coronary heart disease (CHD) and its associated comorbidities.

Methods: A custom-designed device equipped with pressure and ECG sensors, was utilized to synchronously collect wrist PPW and limb-lead ECG signals from 748 participants (463 for modeling and 285 for external validation). Features were extracted from these two types of physiological signals to form distinct datasets, and RF models were built based on different datasets.

Kinsenoside derivatives mitigate acute liver injury in mice via MAPK pathway-mediated oxidative stress suppression.

Acute liver injury (ALI), primarily induced by drugs and toxins, is characterized by rapid progression and high mortality. The lack of effective therapeutic agents presents a serious clinical challenge, underscoring the urgent need for novel drug development. Herein, we report two novel kinsenoside (KD) derivatives, KCM and KCF, synthesized via a two-step chemical strategy, which exhibit potent hepatoprotective effects in acetaminophen (APAP)- and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced ALI mouse models.

Insights From a User Experience-Focused Virtual Study on the Feasibility and Challenges of Decentralized Clinical Trials.

The decentralized clinical trial (DCT) approach may potentially improve patient accrual and diversity and reduce logistical burden; however, its implementation in China is still in its infancy due to limited practical experience and guidance. We utilized stakeholder engagement research to simulate DCT processes and investigate their feasibility and applicability in a local context. This study, conducted between October 2023 and June 2024, engaged stakeholders to simulate the roles of the investigator, study nurse/pharmacist, and patient in a DCT, and explored feasibility, challenges, and procedures locally.

CRL2-Mediated DDX5 Ubiquitination Enhances Interaction with ELAVL1 Preventing NOG mRNA Degradation and Sustaining Proliferation and Migration of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Like Cell Line.

Background: Human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) exhibit a remarkable capacity for proliferation, crucial for sustaining spermatogenesis throughout life. While the Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase 2 (CRL2) complex is known to regulate various cellular functions, its precise role in human SSCs has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate a novel variant of the CRL2 complex, termed CRL2, and its role in SSC function.

Identification of the putative regulatory regions and candidate genes associated with backfat thickness and intramuscular fat content traits in Xiang pigs.

Backfat thickness (BFT) and intramuscular fat (IMF) content reflect fat deposition and meat quality in pigs. Numerous genetic variations contribute to differences in BFT and IMF for different pig breeds. However, limited information is available on the genetic variants associated with IMF deposition in Xiang pigs.

Unraveling the Link Between n-Back Working Memory and Algebraic Ability in Adolescents: Correlations and Training Effects.

Individuals with higher working memory capacities excel in mathematics performance. However, limited research has explored the impact of working memory on adolescents' algebraic ability and the transferability of training effects. Therefore, we conducted the current investigation with Chinese adolescents.

Mapping the field of spondylolisthesis: A bibliometric analysis.

Background: In recent years, the number of studies on spondylolisthesis has been increasing, and there are many publications on this disorder. To our knowledge, there is no bibliometric analysis of spondylolisthesis to date.

Aim: To investigate emerging directions in Spondylolisthesis research and systematically evaluate the academic literature with the highest citation impact within this field.

EgG1Y162 protein from Echinococcus granulosus modulates the immune functions of mouse splenic lymphocytes and regulates Th9 cells.

Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) infection can induce mechanical compression and a resultant inflammatory reaction within the liver tissue. EgG1Y162 shows promise as an E.

Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on Lipid Metabolism and Neurovascular Microenvironment in an Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mouse Model.

Background: Dyslipidemia during midlife represents a significant risk factor for neuropathological alterations associated with cognitive decline. Given the currently incurable nature of dementia, implementation of preventive strategies and early therapeutic interventions prior to disease progression are paramount. Emerging evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy exhibits neuroprotective properties in various neurological conditions.

Epithelial characteristics of ovarian clear cell carcinoma at single-cell resolution.

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) represents a rare and aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer with distinctive clinical and molecular characteristics. However, the identification, origin, and molecular features of the malignant epithelial cells in OCCC remain poorly studied. We establish an OCCC-associated transcriptional landscape using single-cell RNA sequencing and investigated the properties of epithelial cells in tissues from normal ovaries, ovarian endometriosis, primary OCCC and recurrent OCCC to assess the status of malignant epithelial cells.

Association between long-term visit-to-visit resting heart rate variability and cognitive decline: evidence from two national cohorts.

Background: Cognitive impairment is a major public health problem. This study aimed to examine the association between long-term visit-to-visit resting heart rate variability (RHRV) and cognitive dysfunction among the general population.

Methods: Data was derived from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).