Association of single and joint urinary metal exposure with carotid atherosclerosis in non-dyslipidemic middle-aged and elderly adults: A retrospective case-control study.

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a major contributor to cerebrovascular incidence and mortality, yet its etiology in non-dyslipidemic individuals remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental metal exposure may play a critical role in CAS development.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective matched case-control study involving 1290 non-dyslipidemic middle-aged and elderly individuals to examine the association between urinary metal exposure and CAS.

Nano polystyrene accelerated the reproductive toxicity induced by the Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate via Nhr-69-PISD-Drp-1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Plastic products can degrade into micro/nano plastics (MNPs), which have the potential to adsorb Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) from the environment, thereby creating biological co-exposure risks. Current researches indicate that TDCPP has endocrine-disrupting effects. However, the potential toxicities associated with the co-exposure to TDCPP and MNPs remain largely unclear.

BCMA-targeted CAR T cell therapy can effectively induce disease remission in refractory lupus nephritis.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in treating refractory lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods: This is an open-label, single-arm clinical trial assessing anti-BCMA CAR T cells in treating refractory LN patients. CAR T cells were infused following lymphodepletion therapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine.

Optimization of secondary flow path clearance in centrifugal blood pump: a combined numerical and experimental study.

Introduction: Blood pumps as mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are widely used for patients with ventricular heart failure, and improving blood compatibility remains a key focus for researchers.

Methods: The effects of secondary flow path clearance on the performance and hemocompatibility of a centrifugal blood pump are investigated in this study. A blood pump of the specific design was developed for modeling and computer simulation, and 25 models were generated by varying its internal and outer clearance between 600 and 1,000 μm.

Novel targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases: The PKM2-STAT3-hnRNPA1 feedback loop.

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), typically have an insidious onset and unclear aetiology and are characterized mainly by progressive cognitive decline and behavioural impairments. Currently, interactions among genetic factors, environmental factors, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and impaired energy metabolism are the most common pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a key enzyme involved in glycolysis, has both metabolic and nonmetabolic functions; signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is the core of the JAK-STAT inflammatory signalling pathway, which is involved in the transcriptional regulation of many target genes; and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1), an RNA-binding protein, regulates RNA posttranscriptional processing and other processes.

Fast-Rising Electric Pulses by Reducing Membrane Tension for Efficient Membrane Electroporation.

Membrane electroporation is an emerging minimally invasive ablation technique being rapidly applied in the ablation treatment of tumors and heart conditions. Different rise times of electric fields lead to variations in the distribution and duration of electric field strength on the cell membrane. This study investigated the effect of the electric field's rise time on membrane electroporation characteristics using molecular dynamics simulations.

Integrative Genome-wide Association Meta-analysis of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Identifies Five Novel Genes.

Aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant genetic predisposition and a considerable contribution to cardiovascular-related mortality. Previous studies have suggested that AAD subtypes share similar genetic mechanisms, however, these studies investigated the subtypes separately. Here, we performed a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis for AAD by combining its subtypes, including 11,148 cases and 708,468 controls of European ancestry.

Mechanisms of Neuronal Differentiation and Notch Signaling as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Olfactory Dysfunction of Allergic Rhinitis.

Purpose: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) in allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly diminishes quality of life, yet its pathophysiology remains unclear. The Notch signaling pathway is known to regulate olfactory epithelium proliferation and differentiation in murine models, but its role in AR with OD (AR+OD) is yet to be elucidated. This study aims to explore neuronal expression patterns and the involvement of Notch signaling in AR+OD.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Chinese Breast Cancer Patients Towards Comprehensive Postoperative Self-Management: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: To comprehensively assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Chinese breast cancer (BC) patients regarding postoperative self-management (POSM) and identify factors influencing self-management behaviors.

Methods: Questionnaire surveys were administered to BC patients who underwent surgery. A total of 566 participants (98.

Extramedullary Relapse of Acute B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia Leading to Paraplegia in a Child with Down Syndrome.

Background: Acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a common malignancy in children. Patients with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) are at a higher risk of developing hematologic disorders. Despite advances in treatment, extramedullary relapse remains a challenge, particularly when it manifests as spinal cord compression leading to paraplegia, a rare but severe complication.

LncRNA 4933431K23Rik modulate microglial phenotype via inhibiting miR-10a-5p in spinal cord injury induced neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is caused by primary damage and dysfunction of nervous system, in which spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common cause of NP. Evidence shows that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are related to the pathophysiology of NP, in which the activation of microglia and astrocytes in spinal is significant. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of NP after SCI is of great significance.

Renal clearable sucrose carbon dots for doxorubicin delivery to treat renal carcinoma.

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) poses challenges for conventional treatment methods, but recent advancements indicate the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) in enhancing chemotherapy efficacy. This study focuses on developing non-toxic NPs from sucrose and l-serine hydrothermal synthesis to produce Sucrose Carbon Dots (Suc CDs), designed for renal clearance to deliver hydrophilic drugs for the treatment of RCC. Suc CDs with a size of 4 nm exhibit high fluorescence with a fluorescence quantum yield of 58% and high drug loading capacity without toxicity to normal cell lines (renal tubular cells).

Remedial colon hydrotherapy device enema as a salvage strategy for inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Colon hydrotherapy devices serve as a physiotherapeutic modality to manage colonic disorders by promoting intestinal peristalsis and enhancing gastrointestinal functionality. This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of two remedial strategies for inadequate bowel preparation: colon hydrotherapy device enema and oral polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 109 patients who failed to adequately prepare for colonoscopy.

Cryoablation for breast cancer: a narrative review of advances, clinical applications, and future challenges.

Background And Objective: Breast cancer remains one of the most common malignant tumors affecting women, with its incidence continuing to rise in recent years. Cryoablation, a minimally invasive technique, has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional surgical excision. Its advantages include high precision, rapid recovery, suitability for local anesthesia, and the potential to activate the immune system, making it an appealing option for patients who are either unwilling or unable to undergo conventional surgical procedures.

Intermediate Atrial Tachycardia During Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Sub-analysis of the Extent-AF Trial.

Background: The evidence supporting additional linear ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) remains limited. This study investigates the mechanisms of intermediate atrial tachycardia (AT), a transient state between PerAF and sinus rhythm (SR), during PerAF termination by catheter ablation, and provides evidence for these mechanisms.

Methods: We analyzed 136 patients who converted to organized AT after PerAF termination in the Extent-AF study.

Aggressive ablation vs. regular ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: a multicentre real-world cohort study.

Aims: Current guidelines for the optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) remain unclear. While our previous RCT confirmed the favourable prognosis of aggressive ablation, real-world evidence is still lacking.

Methods And Results: Among 4833 PerAF patients undergoing catheter ablation at 10 centres, two groups were defined: regular ablation (PVI-only or PVI plus anatomical ablation) and aggressive ablation (anatomical plus electrogram-guided ablation), with 1560 patients each after propensity score (PS) matching.

The relationship between burnout, sense of coherence and job safety attitudes among nurses after coronavirus disease 2019 in China: a cross-sectional survey.

Objective: To investigate burnout, sense of coherence (SOC), and job safety attitudes among nurses in China after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 302 front-line nurses from Fangcang shelter hospitals (FSHs) in China. Descriptive, univariate, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to analyze factors related to job safety attitudes of nurses toward FSHs.

Rare Autoantibody Mimics Anti-C and Anti-e Specificity in Patient with Aplastic Anemia.

Background: Alloantibodies for the Rh blood group are the most immunogenic antibodies found in the Chinese population, typically causing acute or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and fetal and neonatal hemolytic diseases. Autoantibodies are generally considered nonspecific, and approximately 50% of warm antibodies are secondary to a variety of diseases, especially hematologic tumors. In this case report, a rare autoantibody that mimics anti-C and anti-e specificity was identified.

Bidirectional Modulation on Electroporation Induced by Membrane Tension Under the Electric Field.

Electroporation ablation is a minimally invasive nonthermal ablation technology that is applied to tumor ablation therapy. Given the varied morphologies of tumor cells, when an electric field is applied to the cell membrane surface, the direction of the electric field produces various angles with normal to the tangential plane of the cell membrane. In this study, we investigated the impact of cell morphology on membrane electroporation characteristics by adjusting the angle of the electric field relative to the cell membrane by using molecular dynamics simulations.

Effects of water-fertiliser coupling on the photosynthesis and quality of Lycium barbarum based on predicted crop evapotranspiration (ET).

Lycium barbarum is an important economic crop in the arid region of Northwest China, and the regulation of irrigation and fertilisation is an important way to improve the quality and yield of Lycium barbarum. To explore the effects of water-fertiliser coupling on photosynthesis, quality and yield of Lycium barbarum under irrigation methods based on predicted crop evapotranspiration (ET), ET was calculated via reference evapotranspiration (ET) predicted on the basis of public weather forecasts, and the irrigation water volume was determined as a proportion of this ET. A field experiment was conducted via a completely randomised experimental design with five irrigation water volumes (W0 (100% ET), W1 (90% ET), W2 (80% ET), W3 (70% ET) and W4 (65% ET)) and three fertiliser application rates (high fertiliser (FH), medium fertiliser (FM) and low fertiliser (FL)).

Deficiency of ATF3 facilitates both angiotensin II-induced and spontaneously formed aortic aneurysm and dissection development by activating cGAS-STING pathway.

Background: Sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) is a critical condition characterised by the progressive loss of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the breakdown of the extracellular matrix. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the phenotypic switch and loss of VSMCs in AAD are not fully understood.

Methods And Results: In this study, we employed a discovery-driven, unbiased approach.

An enhanced bioactive chitosan-modified microemulsion for mucosal healing of ulcerative colitis.

The intestinal mucus layer plays a crucial role in the systemic absorption of drugs. While penetration through this layer traditionally constitutes a pivotal phase in drug absorption, the approach for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) shifts towards facilitating the direct delivery of drugs to the colon. In this study, we engineered a chitosan-modified microemulsion encapsulated nobiletin (NOB-CS-ME) characterized by small particle dimensions and positive charge specifically, designed to enable targeted delivery.

Strategy Optimization for a Combined Procedure in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The COMBINATION Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The optimal strategy of combining left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with catheter ablation (CA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) during a single procedure remains unclear.

Objective: To determine the effects of ablation-first vs occlusion-first strategies on long-term clinical outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing a combined LAAO and CA procedure.

Design, Setting, And Participants: The prospective, multicenter COMBINATION randomized clinical trial was conducted in 14 high-volume centers in China.