CFHR2 Supplementation Mitigates Pathologies of Neuromyelitis Optica by Regulating Complement Activation.

Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing autoimmune disease primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. While the pathogenesis of NMO involves Aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG) and complement-mediated damage, the specific roles of the complement pathway remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2), a regulator that inhibits the complement C3 alternative pathway, was significantly decreased in the serum of NMO patients and was negatively correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score.

Association between air pollution and female sexual function among Chinese women in a nationwide observation study.

Previous studies have suggested the negative impacts of air pollution on female reproductive health, yet its effect on female sexual function remains unexplored. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study involving 4859 sexually active women to investigate the potential association between exposure to six air pollutants (PM, PM, SO, NO, O and CO) and female sexual function. Female sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Chinese expert consensus on the combined use of antiviral drugs for novel coronavirus infection.

The persistent mutation of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not only remains a threat to human health but also continues to challenge existing antiviral therapeutic strategies. In current clinical practice, the resistance of novel coronavirus to antivirals, the rebound of viral load after treatment with drugs such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NTV/r), and the urgent need for rapid clearance of the virus in the management of critically and emergently ill patients suggest that the existing single-drug regimens may have limitations and that the intensity of suppression may be insufficient in some cases. In clinical practice, we have observed that a combination of antivirals with different mechanisms of action can result in better efficacy and not significantly increase adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Comparative Analysis of Habitat Expansion Mechanisms for Four Invasive Plants Under Current and Future Climates Using MaxEnt.

As China's first systematic assessment of high-risk invaders, this study addresses a critical knowledge gap identified in the National Invasive Species Inventory, in which four invasive species (, , , and ) are prioritized due to CNY 2.6 billion annual ecosystem damages in China. By coupling multi-species comparative analysis with a parameter-optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model integrating climate, soil, and topographical variables in China under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 126/245/585 scenarios, we reveal divergent expansion mechanisms (e.

The Unconventional Role of ABHD17A in Increasing the S-Palmitoylation and Antiviral Activity of IFITM1 by Downregulating ABHD16A.

The broad-spectrum antiviral functions of interferon-inducible transmembrane 1 (IFITM1) rely on S-palmitoylation post-translational modification. α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 17A (ABHD17A) has been reported to be responsible for protein depalmitoylation over the past decade, but whether and how ABHD17A regulates the dynamic S-palmitoylation modification of IFITM1 remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that ABHD17A physically interacts with IFITM1 and increases the S-palmitoylation level of IFITM1.

Open-access ultrasonic diaphragm dataset and an automatic diaphragm measurement using deep learning network.

Background: The assessment of diaphragm function is crucial for effective clinical management and the prevention of complications associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction. However, current measurement methodologies rely on manual techniques that are susceptible to human error: How does the performance of an automatic diaphragm measurement system based on a segmentation neural network focusing on diaphragm thickness and excursion compare with existing methodologies?

Methods: The proposed system integrates segmentation and parameter measurement, leveraging a newly established ultrasound diaphragm dataset. This dataset comprises B-mode ultrasound images and videos for diaphragm thickness assessment, as well as M-mode images and videos for movement measurement.

Reduced thermal damage with electrical conductive hydrogel in radiofrequency (RF)-induced intestinal fusion.

Radiofrequency (RF)-induced tissue thermal fusion is an innovative method of tissue anastomosis without the need for sutures or staples. However, this technology is generally challenged by significant tissue thermal damage, which may cause tissue necrosis, severely hindering its clinical application. Here, we reported a feasible approach of using a conductive polyacrylamide-alginate-0.

Flexible perovskite/silicon monolithic tandem solar cells approaching 30% efficiency.

Thanks to their excellent properties of low cost, lightweight, portability, and conformity, flexible perovskite-based tandem solar cells show great potentials for energy harvesting applications, with flexible perovskite/c-silicon tandem solar cells particularly promising for achieving high efficiency. However, performance of flexible perovskite/c-silicon monolithic tandem solar cells still greatly lags, due to challenges in simultaneously achieving both efficient photocarrier transport and reliable mitigation of residual stress. Here, we reveal the critical role of perovskite phase homogeneity, for achieving highly-efficient and mechanical-stable flexible perovskite/c-silicon heterojunction monolithic tandem solar cells (PSTs) with textured surface.

Bilateral Anchoring for Enhanced Mechanical Stability and Efficiency in Flexible all-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells.

Flexible all-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs) feature an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, rendering them perfect for building-integrated photovoltaic, wearable electronics, and aerospace applications, owing to their adaptability to flexible and lightweight substrates. However, the weak mechanical adhesion between the perovskite and adjacent functional layers, combined with tin (Sn) oxidation at the buried interface in tin-lead (Sn-Pb) narrow-bandgap (NBG) perovskites solar cells (PSCs), substantially hampers the durability and performance of device. Herein, a bilateral anchoring strategy is proposed by employing 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide (2-BH) at the NBG perovskite/ hole transporting layer (PEDOT:PSS) interface.

Altered Functional Connectivity in Acute Ischemic Post-Stroke Non-Fluent Aphasia Based on fMRI-EEG Multimodal Fusion.

This study examined alterations in resting-state and task-state functional connectivity (FC) in patients with acute ischemic post-stroke nonfluent aphasia, using a combined resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and visuospatial working memory electroencephalography methodology. We recruited a case group (n =7) of patients with acute ischemic poststroke nonfluent aphasia and a matched healthy control group (n =7) with similar age, sex, and education levels. Resting-state FC analysis revealed significantly reduced bilateral interfrontal FC in patients, but enhanced FC within the executive control network.

An Advanced IVB Lung Adenocarcinoma Patient With KRAS Mutations, Benefited From Camrelizumab Combined With Anti-Angiogenic Agents for Therapy: A Case Report.

Background: Although the presence of Kirsten murine sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutations predicts a failure of non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) patients to benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy it may be more sensitive to programmed combination therapy of programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors + anti-angiogenesis. Recent treatment guidelines and clinical studies related to adenocarcinoma in NSCLC have indicated that in patients with inoperable stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic drugs may exert a synergistic effect and significantly improve the efficacy of near-term treatment, but quantification and long-term follow-up of specific clinical indicators are still lacking. No previous cases of long-term good results with camrelizumab combined with anti-angiogenic agents for KRAS-mutated NSCLC have been described.

Enhanced Gene Delivery and Expression using Intraosseous Injection of Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulated Adenine Base Editor Plasmids.

The delivery of exogenous plasmids into experimental animals is crucial in biomedical research, including the investigation of gene functions, the elucidation of disease mechanisms, and the assessment of drug efficacy. However, the transfection efficiency of the current method is relatively low, and the introduction of plasmids for long-term gene expression may be affected by the immune system. To address these limitations, we developed and investigated a novel method that utilizes chitosan to encapsulate adenine base editor (ABE) plasmids and then directly deliver the complex to the bone marrow of mice by intraosseous injection.

Elucidating the function of clusterin in the progression of diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication and the main cause of death in diabetic patients. Metabolic disorders can accelerate the occurrence and development of DKD through a variety of ways, Recent studies have found that Clusterin (Clu) levels are associated with renal dysfunction and can be used as a biomarker of renal tubular injury, while preclinical studies reveal its renoprotective function. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of Clu in the interaction between various cells in DKD.

Depalmitoylase ABHD16A negatively regulates the anti-hepatitis B virus activity of IFITM1.

Interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins have been widely reported as antiviral factors against various viral pathogens. However, the mechanisms of IFITM regulation on hepatitis B virus (HBV), which induces chronic infection resulting in cirrhosis as well as liver cancer, remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified that HBV infection significantly increased the expression of IFITM1.

U-Shaped Association of Visceral Fat Area With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

The impact of visceral fat area (VFA) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) remains controversial in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with conflicting evidence. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the National Metabolic Management Center of Beijing Luhe Hospital between October 2017 and May 2024. VFA was quantified using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and DPN was diagnosed according to standardized clinical criteria.

Circulating HMGB2 Is Associated With Angiographic Coronary Collateralization in Diabetic Patients With Chronic Total Occlusion and Impairs Vessel Growth via NLRP3.

Background: HMGB2 is reported to be strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases, but its relationship with coronary collateralization is unclear.

Methods And Results: We determined the serum HMGB2 levels in 322 patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO), and evaluated the degree of coronary collaterals by Rentrop classification (poor collaterals: Rentrop score 0 or 1; good collaterals: Rentrop score 2 or 3). Anti-HMGB2 neutralizing antibody was administered in a diabetic ischemic hindlimb mouse model, followed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging and histological examinations.

Research Progress of Oral Immune Tolerance Mechanism Induced by Whey Protein.

Cow milk allergy (CMA) is prevalently observed among infants and young children, exerting adverse effects on their growth and quality of life. Oral immune tolerance (OIT) is a more effective method for the prevention and treatment of CMA. The site of OIT is mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, so this article reviews the composition and structural characteristics of intestinal immune system, the molecular mechanisms of immune tolerance by regulatory T cells (Treg), dendritic cells, and gut microbiota.

Age and Gender Difference in the Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Peripheral Artery Disease Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Our study is aimed at exploring the association between peripheral artery disease (PAD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) across different age and gender groups among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 3638 patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study, including 281 patients with PAD and 3357 patients without PAD. Demographic data and anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, and waist circumference, were collected.

Adipocyte-secreted ANGPTL2 promotes hyperuricemia through inhibiting AKT/ABCG2 signaling.

Aims: Overweight and obesity are closely associated with hyperuricemia (HUA). However, the effect of obesity-induced adipokine on the level of serum uric acid (UA) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the role of adipokine in the pathogenesis of HUA.

Clinical risk score to predict poor coronary collateralization in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic total occlusion.

Background: This study sought to develop and externally validate a score that predicts the probability for poor coronary collateralization (CC) in stable angina patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Clinical and laboratory variables were collected on admission in 1022 T2DM patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). Coronary collaterals with Rentrop score 0 or 1 were considered as poor CC.

Structural Design of Biodegradable Mg Gastrointestinal Anastomosis Staples for Corrosion and Mechanical Strength Analysis.

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys, as next-generation materials for anastomosis staples, offer promising advantages such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and reduced risk of long-term complications compared to traditional titanium materials. However, the performance of biodegradable staples is highly dependent on their structure. In this study, a biodegradable high-purity (HP) Mg staple with an optimized structure intended for small intestine anastomosis was developed and evaluated in vitro.

Efficacy of digital therapeutics for perioperative management in patients with lung cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Perioperative management and lung function recovery are vital for lung cancer patients. We conducted an open-label, single-center, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial in China to evaluate the efficacy of digital therapeutic (DTx)-assisted management vs. multidisciplinary management (MM) in the perioperative management of patients with lung cancer.