Unveiling the Role of Monocytes in NASH: A Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Study.

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) involves liver inflammation and fibrosis. Monocytes, key immune cells differentiating into macrophages and dendritic cells, are understudied in NASH using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Methods: Liver nonparenchymal cells from NASH and control mice underwent scRNA-seq to identify monocyte subsets and transcriptional profiles.

Potential profiles of social isolation in elderly stroke patients: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: Social isolation is a psychological state resulting from insufficient interpersonal interaction, marked by loneliness, helplessness, and unmet social needs following voluntary or involuntary social withdrawal. It may negatively impact the quality of life in elderly stroke patients. Due to its subtle nature and the varying clinical presentations and intervention needs across demographic groups, exploring its characteristics and influencing factors in this population holds important clinical value.

Preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of an integrated hope techniques and narrative-based card game intervention for pediatric cancer patients in China: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Spiritual well-being is the fourth dimension of well-being for pediatric cancer patients. A high level of spiritual well-being can protect them from psychological symptoms. Few interventions, however, have been focused on the spiritual dimension among pediatric patients with cancer.

Evaluating a Novel Hydrocolloid Alternative for Yogurt Production: Rheological, Microstructural, and Sensory Properties.

This study aimed to assess the viability of a new gelling agent, formed by a combination of disodium 5-guanylate and lactic acid, as a potential substitute for conventional hydrocolloids in yogurt production. Six different yogurt samples containing novel gel (combination of lactic acid and disodium 5-guanylate), disodium 5-guanylate, gelatin, agar-agar, lactic acid, and a control yogurt without any hydrocolloid or other additives, were studied. As expected, all the yogurt samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior.

Reasons and impacts of alcohol use disorder among ethnic minority young adults: a descriptive phenomenological study.

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is prevalent among ethnic minority young adults. However, there is limited evidence exploring its health impact and contributing factors in ethnically marginalized young adults. Therefore, this study examined the reasons for developing AUD and its effect on the daily lives of ethnic minority young adults.

Assessment measures for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy among pediatric oncology patients: an updated systematic review.

Objective: To update the systematic review of assessment tools on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) for pediatric oncology patients based on the evidence available after the published review in 2020.

Data Sources: Seven English-language databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for studies published from Nov 9, 2018, to May 20, 2024.

Study Selection: Studies that contained subjects who had a cancer diagnosis and were aged under 18 years and discussed the development of a tool to measure CIPN or assessed all test items and response categories for CIPN were included.

Exploring non-covalent interactions of β-casein with six polyphenols.

β-casein is a promising delivery agent for polyphenols that protect their bioactivity. However, limited evidence has been reported on their optimal combination ratios of polyphenols with β-casein and elucidated the factors affecting their interactions. Herein, correlation analysis was used to study the impact of structural, physical, and chemical properties of six polyphenols that are found in abundance in fruits, on their interactions with β-casein, following multi-spectroscopy analysis of optimal molar concentration ratio evaluation.

Experiences and needs of patients with sarcoma: a qualitative meta-synthesis.

Purpose: To systematically identify, summarize, and synthesize qualitative evidence on the experiences and needs of patients living with sarcoma, providing insights into their multidimensional challenges.

Methods: This qualitative meta-synthesis follows the ENTREQ guidelines. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched up to November 2024.

A synthetic heavy chain variable domain antibody library (VHL) provides highly functional antibodies with favorable developability.

Synthetic antibody libraries have been developed as an efficient source for the discovery of the heavy chain variable (VH) domain, which exhibits low immunogenicity, high tissue penetration, and diverse binding epitopes in therapeutic biopharmaceuticals. In this study, the human IGHV3-23*04 germline gene was chosen as the scaffold with a high expression level and favorable thermal stability. Amino acid diversity was introduced into the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) to exclude potential sequence liabilities.

Asian family members' participation in advance care planning: An integrative review.

Background: Family members play a pivotal role in advance care planning for patients with life-limiting illnesses, particularly in Asia, where cultural values stress family-centeredness and paternalism.

Aim: To synthesize the evidence pertaining to the extent of Asian family members' involvement in advance care planning.

Design: An integrative review was conducted.

Yinzhihuang formula modulates the microbe‒gut‒liver axis and bile acid excretion to attenuate cholestatic liver injury.

Background: Cholestatic liver injury is a hepatobiliary disorder primarily characterized by cholestasis, which significantly contributes to liver damage. The Yinzhihuang (YZH) oral preparation is an effective clinical treatment for cholestatic liver injury; however, the specific mechanism of action has not been clarified.

Purpose: This study investigated YZH's pharmacological mechanisms associated with the microbe‒gut‒liver axis in cholestatic mice, offering new perspectives for the treatment of cholestasis.

Delivery of Marker-Free DNA to Plant Genome by the Transgenic Selection-Associated Fragment Elimination (T-SAFE) System.

The presence of a selection marker in transgenic plants has raised public concerns regarding health safety. We have developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based DNA delivery system termed transgenic selection-associated fragment elimination (T-SAFE). The T-SAFE system comprises four cassettes: the selection marker, CRISPR/Cas9, spacer-plus-protospacer adjacent motif (SP), and the cargo.

Photo-induced decarboxylative coupling reaction between aliphatic -hydroxyphthalimide esters and terminal 2-trifluoromethylalkenes.

Driven by our recent medicinal chemistry research, we have investigated the coupling reaction between aliphatic -hydroxyphthalimide esters and terminal 2-trifluoromethylalkenes. This reaction was driven by the photochemical activity of the electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex. The reaction's efficiency hinges on the olefin's electronic effect, with electron-withdrawing groups yielding much better results.

The impact of drinking on smoking cessation outcomes among Hong Kong Chinese youth smokers.

Drinking is a common unhealthy behaviour among youth smokers aged 25 or below. However, the effects of drinking on smoking cessation outcomes are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the impact of drinking on smoking cessation outcomes among Hong Kong Chinese youth smokers who received smoking cessation counselling.

Effects of polyphenols on gut microbiota and inflammatory markers in individuals with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Polyphenols are potent antioxidants with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic effects. However, no meta-analysis of human studies has confirmed these properties in individuals with overweight or obesity and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Hence, this work aimed to investigate the impact of polyphenols on gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and inflammatory markers in individuals with overweight or obesity from randomized controlled trials.

Impact of microplastics exposure on liver health: A comprehensive meta-analysis.

Microplastics (MPs) are significant concerns affecting liver health. This is the first comprehensive meta-analysis, evaluating the impact of MPs on liver functions across various animal models, including mice, fish, crabs, and shrimp. Five databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science, were used to select eligible studies.

Training secondary school students as anti-smoke ambassadors using the service-learning model: A cluster randomized controlled trial with hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design study protocol.

Background: Evidence shows that using the AWARD (Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, Do-it-again) model with service-learning model in youngsters may be an appropriate strategy to refer young smokers for early smoking cessation services. Therefore this study aims to promote smoking cessation by training secondary school students as anti-smoke ambassadors (ASAs) with increased knowledge, skills and self-efficacy on smoking cessation and AWARD model using service-learning model.

Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in 14 secondary schools in Hong Kong.

Facilitators and barriers to evidence adoption for central venous catheters post-insertion maintenance in oncology nurses: a multi-center mixed methods study.

Background: The post-insertion maintenance of central venous catheters(CVCs)is a common, vital procedure undertaken by nurses. Existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of evidence adoption for CVCs post-insertion maintenance specifically within the oncology context. This investigation assessed evidence-based practice by oncology nurses in the care of CVCs, elucidating facilitators and obstacles to this adoption process.

Psychosocial treatment options for adolescents and young adults with alcohol use disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Psychosocial intervention is imperative for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), but there is no comprehensive evidence regarding its effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in treating AUD amongadolescents and young adults.

Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, articles were searched from EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus.

Research progress on sexual functioning and associated factors in childhood cancer survivors: a scoping review.

Background: Childhood Cancer Survivors (CCSs) are more likely to report sexual dysfunction than people without cancer history. Sexual functioning encompasses more than just sexual dysfunction. The scarcity of information regarding the status and influencing factors of sexual functioning in CCSs, hampers to devise suitable screening or interventions.

Hemodynamic Force Based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: State of the Art and Perspective.

Intracardiac blood flow has long been proposed to play a significant role in cardiac morphology and function. However, absolute blood pressure within the heart has mainly been measured by invasive catheterization, which limits its application. Hemodynamic force (HDF) is the global force of intracavitary blood flow acquired by integrating the intraventricular pressure gradient over the entire ventricle and thus may be a promising tool for accurately characterizing cardiac function.

A new fabrication method for enhancing the yield of linear micromirror arrays assisted by temporary anchors.

As one of the most common spatial light modulators, linear micromirror arrays (MMAs) based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) processes are currently utilized in many fields. However, two crucial challenges exist in the fabrication of such devices: the adhesion of silicon microstructures caused by anodic bonding and the destruction of the suspended silicon film due to residual stress. To solve these issues, an innovative processing method assisted by temporary anchors is presented.