Unraveling the controversy: exploring the link between sex hormones and skin cancers through a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Skin cancers continue to present unresolved challenges, particularly regarding the association with sex hormones, which remains a topic of controversy. A systematic review is currently warranted to address these issues. To analyze if sex hormones result in a higher incidence of skin cancers (cutaneous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).

Stochastic galvanic vestibular stimulation improves kinetic performance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during obstacle negotiation.

Vestibular dysfunction has been reported as a potential cause in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, it remained unclear how stochastic galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) affected kinetic performance of patients with AIS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of stochastic GVS on ground reaction forces (GRF) measures during obstacle negotiation among patients with AIS.

Treponema denticola major surface protein (Msp): a key player in periodontal pathogenicity and immune evasion.

Treponema denticola, a bacterium that forms a "red complex" with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, is associated with periodontitis, pulpitis, and other oral infections. The major surface protein (Msp) is a surface glycoprotein with a relatively well-established overall domain structure (N-terminal, central and C-terminal regions) and a controversial tertiary structure. As one of the key virulence factors of T.

Unlocking the Key to Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Using Electronic Mediators for Z-Scheme Water Splitting.

A prevalent challenge in particulate photocatalytic water splitting lies in the fact that while numerous photocatalysts exhibit outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in organic sacrificial reagents, their performance diminishes markedly in a Z-scheme water splitting system using electronic mediators. This underlying reason remains undefined, posing a long-standing issue in photocatalytic water splitting. Herein, we unveiled that the primary reason for the decreased HER activity in electronic mediators is due to the strong adsorption of shuttle ions on cocatalyst surfaces, which inhibits the initial proton reduction and results in a severe backward reaction of the oxidized shuttle ions.

Epigenome-wide association study of perceived discrimination in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Perceived discrimination, recognized as a chronic psychosocial stressor, has adverse consequences on health. DNA methylation (DNAm) may be a potential mechanism by which stressors get embedded into the human body at the molecular level and subsequently affect health outcomes. However, relatively little is known about the effects of perceived discrimination on DNAm.

Changes in interpersonal distance modulate social attention engagement: Evidence from EEG alpha band suppression.

Interpersonal space is regulated carefully and updated dynamically during social interactions to maintain comfort. We investigated the naturalistic processing of interpersonal distance in real time and space using a powerful implicit neurophysiological measure of attentional engagement. In a sample of 37 young adults recruited at a UK university, we found greater EEG alpha band suppression when a person occupies or moves into near personal space than for a person occupying or moving into public space.

Exciton Emission Enhancement in Two-Dimensional Monolayer Tungsten Disulfide on a Silicon Substrate via a Fabry-Pérot Microcavity.

Exciton emitters in two-dimensional monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide a boulevard for the emerging optoelectronic field, ranging from miniaturized light-emitting diodes to quantum emitters and optical communications. However, the low quantum efficiency from limited light-matter interactions and harmful substrate effects seriously hinders their applications. In this work, we achieve a ∼438-fold exciton photoluminescence enhancement by constructing a Fabry-Pérot cavity consisting of monolayer WS and a micron-scale hole on the SiO/Si substrate.

Minimum 24-Month Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Paratenon Protection Repair vs Open Giftbox Repair of Ruptured Achilles Tendon.

Background: The paratenon has been shown to promote Achilles tendon healing, but the evidence supporting the role of paratenon protection technique in Achilles tendon repair is sparse. We retrospectively assessed the results of a paratenon-sparing repair technique vs an open giftbox repair of Achilles tendon ruptures.

Methods: Patients with Achilles tendon rupture who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital between January 2015 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Using Zebrafish Models to Study Epitranscriptomic Regulation of CNS Functions.

Epitranscriptomic regulation of cell functions involves multiple post-transcriptional chemical modifications of coding and non-coding RNA that are increasingly recognized in studying human brain disorders. Although rodent models are presently widely used in neuroepitranscriptomic research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful and promising alternative model species. Mounting evidence supports the importance of RNA modifications in zebrafish CNS function, providing additional insights into epitranscriptomic mechanisms underlying a wide range of brain disorders.

Multiscale Engineered Bionic Solid-State Electrolytes Breaking the Stiffness-Damping Trade-Off.

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries are regarded as next-generation devices for energy storage due to their safety and high energy density. The issues of lithium dendrites and poor mechanical compatibility with electrodes present the need for developing solid-state electrolytes with high stiffness and damping, but it is a contradictory relationship. Here, inspired by the superstructure of tooth enamel, we develop a composite solid-state electrolyte composed of amorphous ceramic nanotube arrays intertwined with solid polymer electrolytes.

[Disease burden of communicable diseases among children and adolescents aged under 20 years in China from 1990 to 2021].

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trends of communicable diseases among children and adolescents in China from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Disease Database, epidemiological indicators for communicable diseases among the population aged under 20 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were selected to analyze the burden of communicable diseases in this population, and a comparative analysis was performed with global data as well as data from Western Europe and North America.

Results: In 1990-2021, the overall burden of communicable diseases tended to decrease among children and adolescents in China.

[Explanation and interpretation of blood transfusion provisions for children with hematological diseases in the national health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion"].

To guide clinical blood transfusion practices for pediatric patients, the National Health Commission has issued the health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion" (WS/T 795-2022). Blood transfusion is one of the most commonly used supportive treatments for children with hematological diseases. This guideline provides guidance and recommendations for blood transfusions in children with aplastic anemia, thalassemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Host Specificity and Geographic Dispersion Shape Virome Diversity in Rhinolophus Bats.

Rhinolophus bats have been identified as natural reservoirs for viruses with global health implications, including severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoV) and swine acute diarrhoea syndrome-related coronavirus (SADSr-CoV). In this study, we characterised the individual viromes of 603 bats to systematically investigate the diversity, abundance and geographic distribution of viral communities within R. affinis, R.

The sulfur-related metabolic status of during infection reveals cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase as a promising antifungal target.

Sulfur metabolism is an essential aspect of fungal physiology and pathogenicity. Fungal sulfur metabolism comprises anabolic and catabolic routes that are not well conserved in mammals, therefore is considered a promising source of prospective novel antifungal targets. To gain insight into sulfur-related metabolism during infection, we used a NanoString custom nCounter-TagSet and compared the expression of 68 key metabolic genes in different murine models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, at 3 time-points, and under a variety of conditions.

Molecular Mechanism of N-Acetylcysteine Regulating Proliferation and Hormone Secretion of Granulosa Cells in Sheep.

Granulosa cells (GCs) are pivotal in the development of ovarian follicles, serving not only as supportive cells but also as the primary producers of steroid hormones. The proliferation of these cells and the synthesis of steroid hormones are crucial for follicular development and atresia. In our study, GCs were isolated using follicular fluid aspiration and subsequently identified through immunofluorescence.

Association Between Serum Levels of Sestrin-2 and Galectin-3 and Atrial Remodelling in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Objective: To explore the prognostic significance of Sestrin-2 and Galectin-3 levels in atrial fibrillation complicated by left atrial remodelling, aiming to offer novel insights for prevention, treatment, and follow-up strategies.

Study Design: Analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Cardiology, Second People's Hospital of Anhui Province, Hefei, China, from January 2021 to December 2023.

Prognostic Factors and Nomogram for Malignant Brainstem Ependymoma: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and develop a nomogram for survival in patients with brainstem ependymoma.

Methods: Data of 652 patients diagnosed with brainstem ependymoma extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to examine factors influencing overall survival (OS).

Population pharmacokinetic modeling and exposure-response analysis of Anrikefon: insights and implications in clinical analgesia.

Background: Anrikefon (HSK21542), a potent and selective peripheral kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist developed by Haisco, effectively blocks pain and itch signals.

Aim: To develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for anrikefon and conduct exposure-response (E-R) analysis for safety and efficacy in postoperative pain patients.

Method: The Population PK analysis uses NONMEM software with data from six trials.

The role of circadian rhythm regulator PERs in oxidative stress, immunity, and cancer development.

The complex interaction between circadian rhythms and physiological functions is essential for maintaining human health. At the heart of this interaction lies the PERIOD proteins (PERs), pivotal to the circadian clock, influencing the timing of physiological and behavioral processes and impacting oxidative stress, immune functionality, and tumorigenesis. PER1 orchestrates the cooperation of the enzyme GPX1, modulating mitochondrial dynamics in sync with daily rhythms and oxidative stress, thus regulating the mechanisms managing energy substrates.

Integrative bioinformatics and machine learning approach unveils potential biomarkers linking coronary atherosclerosis and fatty acid metabolism-associated gene.

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is increasingly recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly compromises vascular health and acts as a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Advancements in lipidomics and metabolomics have unveiled the complex role of fatty acid metabolism (FAM) in both healthy and pathological states. However, the specific roles of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMGs) in shaping therapeutic approaches, especially in AS, remain largely unexplored and are a subject of ongoing research.

Cell-free fat extract improves embryo development and clinical outcomes in older women with previous in-vitro fertilization failure.

Background: Preimplantation embryos in vivo are exposed to various growth factors in the female reproductive tract that are absent in in vitro embryo culture media. Cell-free fat extract exerts antioxidant, anti-ageing, and ovarian function-promoting effects. However, its effects on embryo quality are yet to be investigated.

Individualized PEEP titration by lung compliance during one-lung ventilation: a meta-analysis.

Background: Despite the physiological advantages of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), its optimal utilization during one-lung ventilation (OLV) remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether individualized PEEP titration by lung compliance is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative pulmonary complications during OLV.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until April 1, 2024, to identify published randomized controlled trials that compared individualized PEEP titration by lung compliance with fixed PEEP during OLV.

Enhancer regulatory networks globally connect non-coding breast cancer loci to cancer genes.

Background: Genetic studies have associated thousands of enhancers with breast cancer (BC). However, the vast majority have not been functionally characterized. Thus, it remains unclear how BC-associated enhancers contribute to cancer.

Inducible engineering precursor metabolic flux for synthesizing hyaluronic acid of customized molecular weight in Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is extensively employed in various fields such as medicine, cosmetics, food, etc. The molecular weight (MW) of HA is crucial for its biological functions. Streptococcus zooepidemicus, a prominent HA industrial producer, naturally synthetizes HA with high MW.

Whole lung radiomic features are associated with overall survival in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy.

Background: Several studies have suggested that lung tissue heterogeneity is associated with overall survival (OS) in lung cancer. However, the quantitative relationship between the two remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of whole lung-based and tumor-based radiomics for OS in LA-NSCLC treated with definitive radiotherapy.