Irritable bowel syndrome and structural brain changes - A two-sample Mendelian randomization study of cortical thickness and surface area.

Background And Aims: The relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and structural changes in various regional cortical areas remains unclear. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to explore the potential association between IBS and Structural Brain Changes.

Methods: Genetically independent loci associated with IBS in individuals of European ancestry were selected as instrumental variants (IVs) in the large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Inhibition of HDAC4 in granulosa cells improved co-cultured oocyte maturation in vitro independent of LH in porcine.

In domestic animals, the mechanisms by which the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces oocyte meiosis resumption and maturation through follicular somatic cells remain unclear. Given the pivotal roles of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in regulating gametogenesis, this study investigated the roles of HDACs in follicular granulosa cells (GCs) in mediating LH action during oocyte maturation in pigs. The results showed that histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) levels in cultured GCs increased in a time-dependent manner with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation but significantly decreased with LH treatment.

A NAC transcription factor and a MADS-box protein antagonistically regulate sucrose accumulation in strawberry receptacles.

Sugar accumulation during fruit ripening is an essential physiological change that influences fruit quality. While NAC transcription factors are recognized for their role in modulating strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit ripening, their specific contributions to sugar accumulation have remained largely unexplored. This study identified FvNAC073, a NAC transcription factor, as a key regulator that not only exhibits a gradual increase in gene expression during fruit ripening but also enhances the accumulation of sucrose.

Efficacy and safety of non-ablative vs. ablative lasers for acne scarring: A meta-analysis.

Acne scarring significantly affects physical appearance and psychological well-being, prompting the exploration of various treatment options, including ablative and non-ablative laser therapies. The debate around their efficacy and safety persists, underscoring the need for a comprehensive analysis. This meta-analysis compares the therapeutic outcomes and safety profiles of ablative and non-ablative laser treatments for acne scars, based on a comprehensive review of clinical trials conducted up to March 2023.

Stabilization of Sb Tetrahedra in Paramagnetic Transition Metal Carbonyl Complexes.

We present a straightforward synthetic route to the novel chromium carbonyl-stabilized paramagnetic Sb-based cluster [EtN][SbCr(CO)] ([EtN][]), which represented a rare example of the intact Sb tetrahedron structurally characterized in the solid state. Complex exhibited versatile reactivities toward groups 7-9 metal carbonyls, dioxygen, or [Cu(MeCN)][BF] to form selective orbital-controlled Sb-based products, including transmetalated paramagnetic complexes [EtN][SbCrMn(CO)]Br ([EtN][]Br), [EtN][SbCrFe(CO)] ([EtN][]), and [EtN][SbCrCo(CO)] ([EtN][]), the dioxygen-activated paramagnetic cluster [EtN][OSbCr(CO)] ([EtN][]), or the spin-quenched complex [EtN][SbCr(CO)] ([EtN][]), respectively. The structural nature, bonding properties, paramagnetism, and semiconductivity of these unprecedented transition metal carbonyl-protected Sb-based clusters were further realized with DFT calculations.

The chitosan confined pyrolysis strategy enhances the catalytic performance of a carbon material based on a novel carboxyl functionalized MOF.

A carboxyl functionalized metal-organic framework [Co(TPT)(bptc)]·3HO (Co-MOF (-COOH)) was designed with the aim of grafting protective CTS onto the surface as a precursor. Compared with direct carbonization and physical mixing carbonization, (Co-MOF--CTS)-900 prepared by confined pyrolysis shows excellent catalytic reduction performance.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Promoting Healing and Anti-Infection of Chronic Wounds: a Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown good clinical efficacy in treating chronic wounds, but its superiority over conventional treatment is still under debate. This meta-analysis systematically analyzed the clinical efficacy of CAP compared to control therapy.

Methods: Relevant literature was obtained online according to PRISMA guidelines.

Genetic Analysis of Fetal Growth Restriction Caused by Rare 4q28.1q31.21 Microdeletion.

Background: This study conducted genetic analysis on fetuses indicated to be at high risk by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to explore the etiology.

Methods: Karyotype analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) were performed to detect copy number variations in fetal amniotic fluid and parental peripheral blood.

Results: Fetal karyotype showed 46, X?, del (4) (q28q31.

"We're all about being together as a family": Community sports program fosters newcomer immigrant girls' academic achievement, resilience, and coping.

Drawing from a liberation psychology framework, this paper describes a community soccer program designed to address inequalities in education, health, and social inclusion among newcomer immigrant girls. The mixed-methods study drew upon youth voices to explore how the program fostered resilience, effective coping, and academic achievement. The study included a quantitative sample (n = 20) and a qualitative sub-sample (n = 13), as well as school-wide comparison data (n = 431).

Monochromatic Responsive HOF Heterostructures via VIA-Group-Based Framework Hybridization for Fully-Covert Photonic Barcode.

Luminescent responsive heterostructures with region-domained emission and integrated responsiveness exhibit great potential in information security, but always suffer from the direct exposure of fingerprint information at the initial state, making it easy to decode the hidden confidential information. Herein, the first monochromatic responsive hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) heterostructures are reported based on VIA-group-based framework hybridization toward fully-covert photonic barcodes. Designed HOF blocks with different VIA-group elements are integrated via a configuration-assimilation-based assembly method to generate the intrinsic monochromatic HOF heterostructures.

A Comprehensive Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Management of Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, hematochezia, and urgency during defecation. While the primary site of involvement is the colon, UC can extend to encompass the entire rectum and colon. The causes and development mechanisms of UC are still not well understood; nonetheless, it is currently held that factors including environmental influences, genetic predispositions, intestinal mucosal integrity, gut microbiota composition, and immune dysregulation contribute to its development.

Metaproteomic Profiling of the Secretome of a Granule-forming Ca. Accumulibacter Enrichment.

Extracellular proteins are supposed to play crucial roles in the formation and structure of biofilms and aggregates. However, often little is known about these proteins, in particular for microbial communities. Here, we use two advanced metaproteomic approaches to study the extracellular proteome in a granular Candidatus Accumulibacter enrichment as a proxy for microbial communities that form solid microbial granules, such as those used in biological wastewater treatment.

Galvanic Cell Bipolar Microneedle Patches for Reversing Photoaging Wrinkles.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major factor in the development of skin photoaging wrinkles. While current treatments can slow the progression of photoaging, it is very difficult to achieve complete reversal. This study introduces galvanic cell microneedle (GCMN) patches with magnesium-containing bipolar electrodes.

Selenium-modified hydroxyapatite titanium coating: enhancing osteogenesis and inhibiting cancer in bone invasion by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) frequently invades the jaw, and surgical treatment often leads to bone defects requiring reconstruction with titanium plates. To enhance the anti-tumor and bone regeneration properties of titanium, a selenium-modified hydroxyapatite coating was developed on titanium surfaces.

Methods: Selenium-modified hydroxyapatite coatings was fabricated using micro-arc oxidation (MAO).

Cepharanthine hydrochloride: a novel ferroptosis-inducing agent for prostate cancer treatment.

Background: Ferroptosis is an intracellular iron-dependent cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Increasing evidence indicated that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in suppressing tumors, thus providing new opportunities for cancer therapy. The drug cepharanthine, commonly used to treat leukopenia, has been discovered to function as an anticancer agent to multiple types of cancer via diverse mechanisms.

Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates free radical generation without inducing substantial oxidative stress in human granulosa cells.

Study Question: Does FSH induce free radical generation with substantial oxidative damage in human cumulus granulosa cells (cGCs) and mural granulosa cells (mGCs)?

Summary Answer: FSH of both physiological and supraphysiological concentrations induced free radical generation on subcellular levels, most notably in the mitochondria, while the elevated free radical load caused neglectable oxidative damage in both cGCs and mGCs.

What Is Known Already: FSH is fundamental for regulation of granulosa cell (GC) function and oocyte maturation, during which a physiological level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential, while excessive amounts lead to oxidative damage. Potential adverse effects of high FSH doses on GCs may be mediated by ROS.

Clinical Utility of Fluorine-Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-04 Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Comparison With Fluorine-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly susceptible to metastasis, making early detection of metastases and associated risk factors crucial for effective management. This study aimed to assess the performance of fluorine (F)- fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-04 (F-FAPI-04) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detecting metastasis and predicting pathological characteristics and risk factors in 67 PDAC patients. Comparisons were made with F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/CT.

Targeting Non-Eosinophilic Immunological Pathways in COPD and AECOPD: Current Insights and Therapeutic Strategies.

COPD is a multifactorial illness characterized by a long-term restriction of airflow and an inflammatory reaction in the lungs. The associated emphysema leads to the breakdown of alveolar proteins and abnormal expansion of the lung air spaces. Chronic bronchitis caused by the same disease can result in increased deposition of structural proteins, narrowing of the airways, and excessive mucus secretion leading to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).

The complete mitochondrial genome of (anura: ranidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of is 17778 bp in length (GenBank accession number PP734094) and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of is identical to those of other species and has a typical neobatrachian arrangement. Mitogenomic phylogenetic analysis revealed that is composed of two main clades.

The Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist Liraglutide Regulates Sirtuin-1-Mediated Neutrophil Extracellular Traps to Improve Diabetes-Induced Bone Metabolism Imbalance.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that disrupts normal bone remodeling.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate how the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide (LIR) addresses bone metabolism imbalances induced by type-II diabetes.

Methods: Type-II diabetic rat models were established through a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ).

Specnuezhenide Alleviates Senile Osteoporosis by Activating TGR5/FXR Signaling in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and RANKL-Induced Osteoclasts.

Background: Specnuezhenide (SPN) is an iridoid glycoside isolated from , an herb prescribed for the treatment of senile osteoporosis. However, the direct role of SPN on bone metabolism remains unclear. In this study, the effects of SPN on d-galactose (d-gal)-induced mice, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclasts were examined.

Comprehensive evaluation of the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry in Shaanxi province based on PMC index model.

Background: The high-quality development of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry is dependent on supportive policies and requires higher levels of coordination and integration. National and local government policies must coordinate the integrated development of the TCM industry under modern governance principles. However, the policy structure and its impact on the development of the TCM industry have not been thoroughly explored from the perspectives of policy design and empirical evidence.

Multiple Myeloma Complicated With Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Subsequently Underwent Lung Transplantation Successfully: A Case Report.

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma; however, the development of chronic graft-versus-host disease remains a significant challenge. Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is one of the complications. Even with available medications for treatment, the prognosis of BOS remains poor.

Peptides in plant reproduction-small yet powerful.

Peptides, currently being considered as a novel class of plant hormones, play diverse roles in plant growth and development. Peptides trigger signaling by binding to receptors and co-receptors, thus activating cellular signaling pathways. Recently, peptides have been extensively investigated in plant reproduction-related processes, ranging from gametes development to gametes fusion.