Exploring the potential mechanism of Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo in treating acne through network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.)Kudo(L. rotata), known in China as Duyiwei (DYW), is a well-known traditional Tibetan medicine.

Long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction in infants.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in infants under 3 months of age, and to compare these outcomes with those of infants aged 3-12 months.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 226 infants who underwent RALP between March 2017 and December 2021. Patients were stratified into two groups: Group A (aged <3 months, n = 114) and Group B (aged 3-12 months, n = 112).

Translating a Preclinically Tested 15 Hz rTMS Protocol to Humans With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Safety and Feasibility Study.

Objectives: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation strategy with a demonstrated potential to reinforce the residual pathways after a spinal cord injury (SCI). A preclinically tested high-frequency (15 Hz) rTMS (15 Hz rTMS) protocol was shown to induce corticospinal tract axon regeneration growth and sprouting, resulting in improved voluntary motor control and performance. In a translational perspective, we aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of the 15 Hz rTMS paradigm as an adjunct therapeutic intervention in individuals with chronic SCI.

Effects of motor imagery training on muscle strength and co-contraction for older adults.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of motor imagery training (MIT) in enhancing maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force among healthy older adults and inducing neural adaptations measured by electromyography (EMG) signals of both agonist and antagonist muscles, as well as the co-contraction index (CCI).

Methods: Conducted with a single MIT group using a within-subject design, the study involved 12 right-handed elderly participants, with nine completing the 8-week training (5 sessions/week and 30 min/session). Elbow flexion MVC force and MVC EMG for biceps brachii (agonist) and triceps brachii (antagonist) were recorded pre- and post-training.

TBI-Related EMG Characterization of Neuromuscular Responses to Anterior Perturbations While Standing.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes deficits in sensory systems, sensorimotor integration, and/or neuromuscular response, thus impairing essential postural response mechanisms such as compensatory postural adjustments. This, in turn, results in balance deficits and increases the risk of falls, affecting the activities of daily living and quality of life. Therefore, the goal of this study is to quantify the differences in neuromuscular responses based on electromyography (EMG) between people with TBI (pwTBI) and age-matched healthy controls (HCs).

Robot-assisted pedicled colonic flap pyeloplasty for the treatment of complicated ureteropelvic junction obstruction: technique and outcomes from a single center.

Background: The treatment of complicated ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is challenging. We introduce robot-assisted pedicled colonic flap pyeloplasty (RA-PCFP) for the treatment of complicated UPJO.

Methods: Fourteen patients (eleven females, three males) who underwent RA-PCFP between December 2020 and November 2023 at our center were included.

Comparison of robot-assisted and laparoscopic pyeloplasty with flexible ureteroscopy for managing concomitant ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi in children.

Background: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with renal calculi is a common cause of renal impairment in pediatric patients. Surgical intervention, including laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) combined with flexible ureteroscopy, are frequently employed to address both the obstruction and stones. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of RALP and LP combined with flexible ureteroscopy in treating pediatric UPJO with renal calculi.

Neurophysiological Markers of Cancer-Related Fatigue Derived from High-Density EEG.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) significantly diminishes the quality of life of cancer survivors; however, objective diagnostic markers and the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify noninvasive EEG-based biomarkers of CRF by examining cortical activity and functional connectivity. We recorded resting-state and task-related [repetitive submaximal elbow flexions (EFs) until self-perceived exhaustion] high-density electroencephalography (EEG) from 10 cancer survivors with CRF and 14 healthy controls (HC).

Stromal vascular fraction inhibits renal fibrosis by regulating metabolism and inflammation in obstructive nephropathy.

Obstructive nephropathy is one of the leading causes of kidney injury and fibrosis, which can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a heterogeneous cell mixture derived from adipose tissue, has been widely used for regenerative medicine across many preclinical models and clinical applications. Recent studies have suggested that SVF can alleviate acute kidney injury in mice.

The Effects of Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training on Improving Walking Adaptability in Persons with MS.

The goal of the present pilot investigation is to examine the effects of 8 weeks of supervised, over-ground gait training using a robotic exoskeleton (RE) compared with a control condition (conventional gait therapy, CGT) in persons with MS with ambulatory. Four female subjects (mean age=53 years) with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) participated in this study and completed a total of sixteen sessions (1-hour/session) gait training in a standard therapy gym either using a RE supervised by a physical therapist (PT) trained with RE therapy (2 subjects) or with the CGT (2 subjects) supervised by a PT. Outcome measures (obstacle avoidance, ability to track augmented cues, and average walking speed while completing these dual-tasks) were measured for both groups on a smart, instrumented treadmill (C-Mill, Motekforce, Netherland) pre- and post-intervention without the RE.

Robust k-means-based Clustering of Independent Components Estimated from the EEG data.

In this study, we present a comprehensive investigation into the robust clustering of independent components (ICs) related to anticipatory postural control tasks in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using EEG data. Given the significance of accurately clustering the neural sources, our research evaluates the performance of various k-means clustering algorithms, including traditional, our modified approach of repeated k-means, and global k-means. This study aims to identify the optimal clustering approach that accurately locates the cortical sources germane to balance dysfunction and is computationally efficient.

Neutrophil extracellular traps license macrophage production of chemokines to facilitate CD8+ T cell infiltration in obstruction-induced renal fibrosis.

Renal fibrosis is a common mechanism leading to kidney failure in chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), including obstructive nephropathy (ON). Dysregulated inflammation is central to the development of renal fibrosis, but how local immune cells within the tissue microenvironment integrate and coordinate to drive this condition remains largely unknown. Herein, we documented that neutrophils were abundantly recruited and expelled neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in human and mouse fibrotic kidneys.

Correlations Between Morpho-structural Properties of the Brain and Cognitive and Motor Deficits in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in changes in brain networks followed by long-lasting behavioral and social impairments. This study explores the relationship between neurobehavioral as well as physical function deficits and structural changes in brain white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) in individuals with TBI by evaluating morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. The structural MRI-based fractal analysis has emerged as a promising new approach to measure the morphology of the WM and GM.

Feasibility of real-time fMRI neurofeedback for rehabilitation of reading deficits in aphasia.

Background: Reading impairments, a common consequence of stroke-induced aphasia, significantly hinder life participation, affecting both functional and leisure activities. Traditional post-stroke rehabilitation strategies often show limited generalization beyond trained materials, underscoring the need for novel interventions targeting the underlying neural mechanisms.

Method: This study investigates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback (NFB) intervention for reading deficits associated with stroke and aphasia.

Comparison of Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Extravesical Ureteral Reimplantation for Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Infants Under One Year of Age and Older Children.

Purpose: To assess the surgical outcomes of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Extravesical Ureteral Reimplantation (RALUR-EV) in infants under one year of age with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) as compared to older children.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 48 children with VUR who underwent unilateral or bilateral RALUR-EV between June 2018 and December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (25 infants under one year) and Group B (23 children over one year).

Identifying neural correlates of balance impairment in traumatic brain injury using partial least squares correlation analysis.

Balance impairment is one of the most debilitating consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To study the neurophysiological underpinnings of balance impairment, the brain functional connectivity during perturbation tasks can provide new insights. To better characterize the association between the task-relevant functional connectivity and the degree of balance deficits in TBI, the analysis needs to be performed on the data stratified based on the balance impairment.

Insights into COVID-19 pathophysiology from a longitudinal multisystem report during acute infection.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an illness caused by a SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, has been associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, revealing its impact beyond the respiratory system. Most related research involved individuals with post-acute or persistent symptoms of COVID-19, also referred to as long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). In this longitudinal unique report, we aimed to describe the acute supraspinal and corticospinal changes and functional alterations induced by a COVID-19 infection using neuroimaging, neurophysiological and clinical assessment of a participant during acute infection, as compared to three other visits where the participant had no COVID-19.

Fractal Dimension Studies of the Brain Shape in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The fractal dimension is a morphometric measure that has been used to investigate the changes of brain shape complexity in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This chapter reviews fractal dimension studies in aging and neurodegenerative disorders in the literature. Research has shown that the fractal dimension of the left cerebral hemisphere increases until adolescence and then decreases with aging, while the fractal dimension of the right hemisphere continues to increase until adulthood.

Reversal of cholestatic liver disease by the inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 signaling.

Aims: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of inhibiting Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) on liver inflammation, fibrogenesis, and changes of gut microbiome in the context of cholestasis-induced conditions.

Methods: The cholestatic liver injury model was developed by common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three groups, sham operation, CBDL group and JTE-013 treated CBDL group.

EEG Based Cortico-Muscular Connectivity During Standing Early Post Stroke.

In this exploratory study we studied brain activation and corticomuscular connectivity during standing in healthy individuals and persons with stroke within 40 days of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). EEG and EMG data were acquired during standing and analysis showed a trend of higher EEG power (hyper activation) in the stroke group. Direct corticomuscular connectivity between sensorimotor cortices and contralateral lower extremity muscles showed lower connectivity between affected motor, premotor, and sensory cortices, and contralateral lower extremity peripheral muscles with moderate effect size.

Motor Control Changes after Utilizing Upper Extremity Myoelectric Powered Wearable Orthotics in Persons with Acute SCI.

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), upper extremity (UE) weakness may impede one's ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs). Such a limitation drastically lowers a person's level of independence. Additionally, therapy and the field of assistive technology continue to place a strong premium on the restoration of UE motor function in patients with SCI.

The relationship between late (≥ 7 days) systemic dexamethasone and functional network connectivity in very preterm infants.

Background: Current evidence shows that systemic dexamethasone administration starting after the first week of age reduces bronchopulmonary dysplasia for very preterm (VPT) infants, but its neurological effects remain obscure. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), we assessed the changes in functional network connectivity (FNC) in very preterm infants treated with late systemic dexamethasone (7 days of age).

Methods: VPT infants (GA ≤ 32 weeks) who needed to rely on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days but fewer than 14 days to maintain vital signs were included in the study.