Gamma-Band Binaural Beats Neuromodulation Enhances P300 Classification in an Auditory Brain-Computer Interface Paradigm.

While established neuromodulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have shown potential for enhancing brain-computer interface (BCI) performance, their clinical adoption faces challenges including high implementation costs, technical complexity, and safety concerns. This study investigated binaural beats (BB), a non-invasive auditory neuromodulation method characterized by operational simplicity and minimal adverse effects, as a practical alternative for optimizing auditory P300-BCI. Employing a crossover experimental design, thirty healthy participants underwent gamma-band (40 Hz) and alpha-band (10 Hz) BB stimulation in separate sessions.

Transcriptomic analysis identifies key genes associated with nutrient deprivation responses in infectious bursal disease virus infection.

Unlabelled: Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes a highly contagious and immunosuppressive disease that severely impacts the poultry industry. However, the molecular basis of IBDV-induced immunosuppression remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigate key genes implicated in this process, focusing on the interplay between metabolism and immune regulation.

A Novel Optical Coherence Tomography-based Keratoconus Diagnostic Index Incorporating Stromal and Epithelial Features.

Purpose: To establish a diagnostic index for keratoconus based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to compare it with existing parameters.

Methods: SD-OCT and Scheimpflug-based tomography were conducted on normal and keratoconic eyes. Multiple SD-OCT machine-derived parameters were assessed for the whole cornea, stroma, and epithelium.

Engineered extracellular vesicles for targeted FGF20 delivery enhance neuroplasticity and functional recovery in ischemic stroke.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the primary cause of disability worldwide, yet effective treatments to restore neurological function remain limited. Fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20), a promising neurotrophic factor with demonstrated efficacy in neurological disorders, faces a critical translational barrier due to its poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. To address this limitation, we developed genetically engineered rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG)-modified extracellular vesicles loaded with FGF20 (RVG-FGF20-EVs) for targeted ischemic brain delivery.

Development and validation of the VAE-NT index: a novel biomechanical parameter for distinguishing subclinical corneal abnormalities.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop an index for distinguishing between very asymmetric ectasia with normal topography (VAE-NT) eyes and normal eyes, with good performance in validity, reliability, and predictive values.

Methods: In the training dataset, this single-center retrospective study involved 102 healthy eyes and 97 VAE-NT eyes. After propensity score matching (PSM), data from 53 healthy eyes and 53 VAE-NT eyes, including demographic and Corvis ST examination results, were collected.

Exploring the oxidative stress-related molecular clusters in the cornea of patients with keratoconus.

Keratoconus (KC), a progressive corneal disorder, severely compromises vision and quality of life, underscoring the urgency for biomarker identification and therapeutic advancements. This study investigates oxidative stress-related molecular clusters in KC and develops a robust predictive framework. Comprehensive analysis of gene expression datasets revealed oxidative stress-specific hub genes through WGCNA and delineated immune microenvironment features.

Phenotypic and functional characterization of CD4-2 T cells in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea.

CD4 T cells, also known as helper T (Th) cells, are crucial regulators of the adaptive immune system, orchestrating and coordinating immune responses that protect the host against a broad spectrum of pathogenic threats. Two CD4 co-receptor genes, cd4-1 and cd4-2, have been identified in teleost species, including the large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea. In this study, we developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that specifically recognizes croaker CD4-2, enabling the identification and characterization of CD4-2 T lymphocytes.

Machine learning-driven prediction of immune checkpoint inhibitor responses against cholangiocarcinoma: a bile biopsy perspective.

Background: The treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) continues to face numerous clinical challenges, including the prediction of sensitivity to immunotherapy and the development of preoperative diagnostic models.

Methods: In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by collecting bile samples from CCA patients for metabolomic and microbiomic analyses. We also performed immunofluorescence (IF) staining on tissue formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks to assess the expression of relevant biomarkers.

Application of the Brillouin Optical Scanning System in the Regional Corneal Biomechanical Evaluation of Keratoconus and Its Correlation with Corvis ST Parameters.

(1) Background: The early diagnosis of keratoconus is critical for prognosis. Traditional methods like ORA and Corvis ST measure overall corneal biomechanics but lack regional specificity and are affected by intraocular pressure. In contrast, Brillouin microscopy assesses regional corneal biomechanics without such limitations; (2) Methods: In total, 25 keratoconus patients and 28 healthy controls were included in this study.

Historical and projected extreme climate changes in the upper Yellow River Basin, China.

Considering plateau climate and complex terrain of the upper Yellow River Basin, understanding changes in climate extremes has become increasingly urgent. This study has highlighted the historical changes in climate extremes from 1960 to 2022 based on 20 extreme climate indices, and future changes in climate extremes until 2100 under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP126 and SSP585) based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models. We found that historical spatial and temporal evolutions of precipitation extremes (PEs) and temperature extremes (TEs) primarily exhibit increasing trends.

Anterior Cervical V-Shaped Osteotomy and Fusion (ACVF) for Retro-Corporeal Decompression Bypassing Anterior Corpus Vertebra: A Technical Note.

Objective: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a trans-intervertebral space procedure with limited ability to treat compression at the back of the vertebral body. Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) can be applied in this case, but the higher complication rates restrict its usage. This study aims to describe an ACDF-based procedure named anterior cervical V-shaped osteotomy and fusion (ACVF) with a long axial decompression range while preserving the intact anterior half of the vertebral body.

Comparison of Meltpro Myco Assay with MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for rapid and accurate detection of clinical Mycobacterium Species.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the MeltPro Myco assay with that of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for detecting nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) from clinical isolates and samples.

Method: A total of 308 suspected NTM isolates from sputum or BALF samples of patients with pulmonary diseases were retrospectively analyzed. DNA sequencing was used as the gold standard method.

Early diagnosis of keratoconus using corneal biomechanics and OCT derived technologies.

Background: Early detection of keratoconus is essential for maximizing the potential of cross-linking treatments designed to halt keratoconus progression, minimizing the risks of iatrogenic ectasia as well as reducing the need for corneal transplantation. This review focuses on the progress that has been made in the early detection of keratoconus using biomechanical and topographical properties derived from three different technologies, namely the ocular response analyser (ORA), corneal visualization Scheimpflug tonometer (Corvis ST) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Method: A PubMed search was performed using the keywords of 'early keratoconus', 'subclinical keratoconus', 'forme fruste keratoconus', 'very asymmetric ectasia with normal topography/tomography' and 'ocular response analyser' and/or 'Corvis ST'/'corneal visualized Scheimpflug tomographer/tomography' and/or 'optical coherence tomography/tomographer'.

Cu-Catalyzed Enantioselective Carbene Insertion into Ge-H and Si-H Bonds Enabled by SPSiBox with a Tunable Chiral Pocket.

Here, we report the Cu-catalyzed asymmetric carbene insertion into both Ge-H and Si-H bonds with α-trifluoromethyl diazo compounds, enabled by a class of newly developed -symmetrical bisoxazoline ligands. This protocol provides an efficient method for the preparation of enantioenriched α-trifluoromethyl ogranogermanes and organosilanes, featuring a broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, excellent enantioselectivity, and low catalyst loading. The key to the tolerance of both Si-H and Ge-H bonds is the use of SPSiBox ligands bearing a flexible and tunable chiral pocket.

Fluorometholone inhibits corneal epithelial proliferation, migration via targeting Rho GTPases: RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42.

Abnormal corneal epithelial hyperplasia is a common complication following refractive surgery. 0.1 % fluorometholone (FML) eye drops are commonly used for treatment.

Subclinical parents assist in the detection of genetic variants in keratoconus by trio-based whole-exome sequencing.

Purpose: To explore the genetic variants of 14 keratoconus trios containing subclinical parents.

Methods: Trio-based whole-exome sequencing was performed in 14 keratoconus trios containing subclinical parents. The variants identified in candidate genes of keratoconus were analyzed by multiple bioinformatics tools.

Effects of a perioperative support program on reducing psychological distress for family caregivers of patients with early-stage lung cancer: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

Background: For family caregivers, lung cancer surgery is an episodic and stressful event. Some family caregivers frequently lack the necessary skills for their roles, and they may experience psychological distress, which reduce their own quality of life whilst affecting the health outcomes of patients. However, research on perioperative support programs that focus on caregivers of patients with early-stage lung cancer is limited.

Astaxanthin Inhibits Ferroptosis of Hippocampal Neurons in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Mice by Activating the Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway.

Background: Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, is distinguished by episodic abnormal discharges of neurons within the brain, resulting in transient brain dysfunction. Prior research has identified a novel form of cell death termed ferroptosis, which is intricately linked to the initiation and progression of epilepsy. It has been demonstrated that astaxanthin (AST) can inhibit ferroptosis by enhancing the activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby providing cytoprotection.

Autophagy-mediated TET2 degradation by ALV-J Env protein suppresses innate immune activation to promote viral replication.

Unlabelled: Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) poses a significant threat to the poultry industry; yet, our understanding of its replication and pathogenic mechanisms is limited. The Ten-Eleven Translocation 2 (TET2) is an indispensable regulatory factor in active DNA demethylation and immune response regulation. This study reports a significant and time-dependent decrease in TET2 levels following ALV-J infection and shows that the reduction of TET2 protein is mediated by the autophagy pathway.

Butylphthalide may inhibit blood-brain barrier disruption through complement-related pathways to alleviate cognitive impairment in epileptic mice.

Background: Temporal lobe epilepsy is often accompanied by comorbid symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Research indicates a close relationship between blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment and these symptoms. DL-3n-butylphthalide (NBP) has been reported to protect the BBB, but the molecular mechanisms by which NBP protects the BBB in epilepsy models remain unclear.

Whole-genome sequencing identifies novel loci for keratoconus and facilitates risk stratification in a Han Chinese population.

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a prevalent corneal condition with a modest genetic basis. Recent studies have reported significant genetic associations in multi-ethnic cohorts. However, the situation in the Chinese population remains unknown.

Antibacterial Properties of PCL@45s5 Composite Biomaterial Scaffolds Based on Additive Manufacturing.

This study focuses on the development of polymer-bioglass composite bone scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects. PCL particles and 45s5 bioglass powder were employed as raw materials to fabricate PCL/45s5 composite wires with mass fractions of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt% via the twin-screw extrusion method. A cylindrical porous model was established using 3D modeling software, and a porous composite scaffold was constructed through the melt deposition manufacturing process.

Effect of corneal cross-linking on biomechanical properties of swollen rabbit corneas.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is an effective method to prevent the progression of keratoconus. CXL combined with hypotonic riboflavin solution is a modified treatment for thin corneas, which are deemed to be below the safe thickness threshold. In this study, rabbit corneas were subjected to different hydration levels using different osmolarity of riboflavin dextran solutions before CXL.