Short-Term Effects of Dark Chocolate on Choroidal Parameters in Myopic Patients During Near Work.

Purpose: To explore the effects of dark chocolate during relaxation and near work on choroidal thickness and blood flow parameters in myopic patients.

Methods: Thirty-one myopic subjects were recruited for this self-controlled study. Participants need to complete two experiments.

ATP Regeneration by Polyphosphate Kinase Powers Efficient Oligosaccharide Synthesis Catalyzed by Glycoside Phosphorylases.

Glycoside phosphorylases (GPases) enable oligosaccharide assembly using sugar-1-phosphate donors, but ATP dependency for kinase-mediated phosphorylation limits practicality. Here, a polyphosphate kinase (PPK)-coupled ATP regeneration system is introduced, requiring only <0.05 equiv of AMP to synthesize diverse oligosaccharides (40-92% yields) from monosaccharides and polyphosphate.

The GLP1R Agonist Semaglutide Inhibits Reactive Astrocytes and Enhances the Efficacy of Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Therapy in Parkinson's Disease Mice.

Cell transplantation offers a promising approach for treating Parkinson's disease (PD), but the limited survival of transplanted cells remains a major challenge. Reactive astrocytes, abundant in PD brains, may exacerbate this issue. GLP1R agonists, like semaglutide, are shown to inhibit reactive astrocytes in PD models.

Effects of theta burst stimulation on cognitive function and characteristics of blood oxygen alterations based on near-infrared spectroscopy in chronic schizophrenia.

Background: To explore the efficacy of theta burst stimulation (TBS) on the cognitive function of chronic schizophrenia, and to analyze the effect of TBS on brain function using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods: One hundred stable chronic schizophrenia patients were selected and divided randomly into the experimental group (50 cases) and control group (50 cases). The experimental group received real TBS stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 4 weeks, while the control group received sham stimulation to the same site.

Fabrication of Polyamidoamine Dendrimer-Grafted Magnetic Beads for Enhanced Protein Immobilization and Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Chemiluminescent Immunoassays.

This study aims to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA) by increasing the protein immobilization capacity on magnetic bead surfaces. Proteins are macromolecules with three-dimensional conformations where merely increasing the density of surface functional groups on magnetic beads is insufficient to substantially enhance protein immobilization. To address this limitation, we grafted polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with three-dimensional architectures onto magnetic beads, simultaneously augmenting the functional group density and expanding the spatial distribution to improve protein loading capacity.

Selective blockade of acid-sensing ion channel 1a can provide substantial hippocampal neuroprotection.

Background: Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is the only member of the ASIC family where Ca osmosis has been reported, and it is highly expressed in neurons of the central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate whether ASIC1a is trafficked to the plasma membrane and regulated by the Rho/ROCK and PI3K signaling pathways in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In addition, further research is required to determine whether selective ASIC1a blockade is a viable therapeutic strategy for TLE.

Atomically Precise Au Clusters for 3D Visualization of Pathological Progression in Sepsis-Induced Multi-Organ Injury.

Sepsis has a high global incidence and mortality, requiring early identification and assessment of organ damage. We present a NIR-II 3D visualization strategy using atomically precise fluorescent Au clusters to detect sepsis-induced multi-organ injury. These clusters emit strong fluorescence at 1044 nm with extended photostability (up to 300 min).

Fast-response NIR "off-on" fluorescent sensor for hepaticinjury visualization through butyrylcholinesterase expression monitoring.

Background: As a serine hydrolase synthesized in hepatocytes, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) serves dual physiological roles: a validated biomarker for hepatic injury and a potential detoxifier of organophosphorus compounds (OPs). However, current fluorescent probes for BChE detection remain constrained by suboptimal clinical applicability due to limitations in tissue penetration, interference resistance, and non-ideal interactions with biological substrates. Consequently, the development of near-infrared (NIR) probes that integrate high sensitivity, rapid response kinetics and biocompatibility has emerged as a critical priority in hepatopathy diagnostics.

LiF Pre-Nucleation Strategy for Mitigating Heat Generation at the Kinetic Bottleneck in Li/CF Batteries.

Li/fluorinated carbon (Li/CF) primary batteries offer ultrahigh energy density but are hindered by undesirable and often overlooked exothermic reactions, especially under high current densities. Herein, for the first time, the correlation between CF structural evolution and heat generation is systematically investigated, identifying LiF nucleation as the kinetic bottleneck. At this stage, the temperature rise rate is 8.

Combined effects of transition metal nitrogen and graphene nanoribbon edge active sites on the oxygen reduction reaction catalytic performance of metal-N-carbon-based catalysts.

Metal-nitrogen-carbon (metal-N-C)-based catalysts with optimized local and external structures have received considerable attention owing to their improved activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Abundant well-defined active sites on catalysts effectively enhance ORR performances. Herein, the Fe/Co-nitrogen-carbon-graphene nanoribbons (Fe/Co-N-C-GNRs) hybrids were obtained through the growth of Fe/zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 particles on the surface of graphene oxide nanoribbons.

Exosome-derived SLC12A2-DT promotes macrophage M2 polarization-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Background: Previous scholarly research highlights the indispensable roles of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and exosomes in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the nuanced molecular mechanisms by which tumor-derived exosomal lncRNAs interact with TAMs to modulate macrophage polarization and HCC proliferation remain largely obscure.

Method: Clinical specimens were subjected to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, revealing the previously unreported SLC12A2-DT.

Cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies for Down syndrome: a real-world analysis in 140,472 women.

Background: Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing have validated the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and economic implications of NIPT versus second-trimester serum screening (STSS) for DS and the different screening strategies through retrospectively analyzing data from 140,472 pregnant women who completed both NIPT and STSS (provided for free by local public welfare programs) between March 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. Data were categorized into eight groups based on different screening strategies.

Clinical characteristics and managements of severe corneal ulcers in patients with end-stage glaucoma.

Purpose: To review the clinical characteristics and managements of severe corneal ulcers in patients with end-stage glaucoma.

Methods: Retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with severe corneal ulcers who had a history of end-stage glaucoma, including demographic profiles, medical histories, clinical features, and treatments.

Results: Thirty patients (30 eyes) were included.

Systemic therapy with pemigatinib and sintilimab followed by resection for recurrent FGFR-2-positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR-2) mutations are frequently observed in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). While FGFR2-targeted therapies are primarily studied in advanced ICC, this report presents a rare case of locally recurrent ICC treated with systemic therapy, leading to significant tumor regression and successful R0 resection.

Case Presentation: A 51-year-old female underwent right posterior hepatectomy and cholecystectomy in 2018 for ICC.

Effect of lid-wiper epitheliopathy on the corneal epithelial thickness distribution: a novel semiautomatic quantitative method.

Background: To explore a novel semi-automatic quantitative method for detecting lid-wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and analyze its impact on the distribution of corneal epithelial thickness (CET).

Methods: A total of 37 eyes from 37 adults were included in this study. The lid wipers were stained with lissamine green strips, and the stained areas were recorded using a digital slit-lamp biomicroscopy and analyzed using ImageJ software.

Survival impact and risk factors of skeletal muscle loss during first-line EGFR-TKIs therapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Purpose: The impact of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on muscle mass in individuals with advanced lung cancer has yet to be fully delineated. This study aimed to examine the dynamics of skeletal muscle mass during EGFR-TKIs targeted therapy, elucidate its clinical relevance, and explore the potential mechanisms.

Methods: We retrospectively recruited 104 patients with EGFR-mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma who received icotinib or afatinib as first-line treatment.

Neurotoxicity mechanisms and clinical implications of six common recreational drugs.

The recreational abuse of addictive drugs poses considerable challenges to public health, leading to widespread neurotoxicity and neurological dysfunction. This review comprehensively examines the neurotoxic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies associated with six commonly abused substances: methamphetamine, cocaine, synthetic cathinones, ketamine, nitrous oxide and heroin. Despite their diverse pharmacological properties, these drugs converge on shared neurotoxic pathways, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation.

Roles of Microglia in Synaptogenesis, Synaptic Pruning, and Synaptic Plasticity in Physiological Conditions and Central Nervous System Disorders.

Microglia are resident immune cells in the brain that have been widely studied for their immune surveillance and phagocytosis. In recent years, the important role of microglia in synapse formation, elimination, and plasticity is gradually being recognized. Synapses are the main communication mode between neurons.

Association of fear of childbirth and postpartum depression with perceived partner response during pregnancy.

Background: Fear of childbirth may affect delivery experience and postpartum recovery, and even lead to postpartum depression. Spouses, as the primary caregivers of pregnant women, are an important source of emotional support and have a significant impact on their psychological adjustment. The aim of this study is to explore the association of fear of childbirth and postpartum depression with perceived partner response during pregnancy.

Case report: Movement-related neuroplasticity in a patient after spinal cord injury in response to task-oriented bimanual training.

Background: Bimanual motor training is an effective neurological rehabilitation strategy. However, its use has rarely been investigated in patients with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, we conducted a case study to investigate the effects of robot-assisted task-oriented bimanual training (RBMT) on upper limb function, activities of daily living, and movement-related sensorimotor activity in a patient with SCI.

Protein Fusion of Biosynthetic Enzymes and a Thermo-Responsive Polypeptide Expedites Facile Access to Biocatalysts for Nucleotide Sugars.

Nucleotide sugars (NSs) are essential building blocks for the enzymatic assembly of glycans. In this study, we established a preparation and recycling avenue to the biocatalysts for the enzymatic synthesis of NSs. This approach involves fusing two enzymes into a bifunctional chimera and using elastin-like polypeptides (ET64) as a purification tag, which allows for easy recovery of these biocatalysts without the need for chromatography.

Single-electrode electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for multiplex detection of Aquaporin-4 antibody using metal-organic gels as coreactant.

Reliable detection of Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies is crucial for diagnosing Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, cell-based assays, the most reliable approach, are limited by inadequate instruments. This study reports the use of silver metal-organic gels (Ag-MOGs) as coreactants in a single-electrode electrochemical system (SEES)-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for multiplex detection of AQP4 antibodies.

Synthesis of Polymers via Cancer Cell Metabolism-Mediated Controlled Radical Polymerization and Application in Engineering of Cell Surface.

In this study, we present a novel chemical biology strategy that leverages the reductive metabolic pathways of cancer cells to develop a new approach for synthesizing polymers in nonstrictly anaerobic conditions. This method utilizes the reductive metabolism of cancer cells to reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I), enabling Cu(I)-catalyzed controlled radical polymerization with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (MAPEGOMe) monomer, producing polymers with low dispersity (1.28-1.

FOLFOX-HAIC combined with targeted immunotherapy for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study.

Background: Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with the FOLFOX regimen has demonstrated efficacy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The combined targeted and immunotherapy has emerged as a first-line treatment for liver cancer. In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of FOLFOX-HAIC in combination with targeted immunotherapy in patients with untreated, unresectable HCC.