Will the increase of medical equipment affect medical expenditure? Empirical evidence from a quasi-experiment in China.

Background: Many studies have shown that using new technologies and medical equipment contributes to increasing health expenditure. Relatively less empirical studies have measured the impact of medical equipment on rising medical costs in China. Against this backdrop, we aim to examine whether the large-scale medical equipment deployment explains the increase in health expenditure.

Nanoplastic-induced antibody liquid-liquid phase separation: Insights into potential immunotoxic implications.

The increasing environmental prevalence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) has raised significant concerns regarding their potential impact on human health, particularly in terms of immunotoxicity. However, the direct effects of MNPs on immune molecules, especially how they may influence protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-a critical process implicated in various aspects of immune function-remain largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) with different surface modifications and sizes on LLPS in immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies, critical components of the avian immune system.

Mast cell-mediated microRNA functioning in immune regulation and disease pathophysiology.

Upon stimulation and activation, mast cells (MCs) release soluble mediators, including histamine, proteases, and cytokines. These mediators are often stored within cytoplasmic granules in MCs and may be released in a granulated form. The secretion of cytokines and chemokines occurs within hours following activation, with the potential to result in chronic inflammation.

Genetic analyses identify circulating genes related to brain structures associated with Parkinson's disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging and circulating molecular testing are potential methods for diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease (PD). However, their relationships remain insufficiently studied. Using genome-wide association summary statistics, we found in the general population a genetic negative correlation between white matter tract mean diffusivity and PD (-0.

Lattice defect engineering advances n-type PbSe thermoelectrics.

Te-free thermoelectrics have garnered significant interest due to their immense thermoelectric potential and low cost. However, most Te-free thermoelectrics have relatively low performance because of the strong electrical and thermal transport conflicts and unsatisfactory compatibility of interfaces between device materials. Here, we develop lattice defect engineering through Cu doping to realize a record-high figure of merit of ~1.

Cucurbit[6]uril host-guest interaction assisted N-terminal epitope imprinted particles for cytochrome c recognition prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer strategy.

A novel strategy for cytochrome c selective recognition assisted with cucurbit[6]uril by host-guest interaction via N-terminal epitope imprinting and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was developed. N-terminal nonapeptide of cytochrome c (GI-9) was used as the epitope template to achieve highly selective recognition of cytochrome c. As a common supramolecule in recent years, cucurbit[6]uril can encapsulate the butyrammonium group of lysine residue to capture the peptide and improve the corresponding spatial orientation by the host-guest interaction for GI-9 or cytochrome c recognition.

Effects of natural source polysaccharides on neurological diseases: A review.

With the aging of society and changes in lifestyle, the incidence of neurological diseases (NDs) has been increasing year by year, bringing a heavy burden to patients and society. Although the efficacy of chemical drugs in the treatment of NDs is remarkable, there are problems such as high side effects and high costs. Therefore, finding mild and efficient drugs for NDs treatment has become an urgent clinical need.

Liver-Secreted Extracellular Vesicles Promote Cirrhosis-Associated Skeletal Muscle Injury Through mtDNA-cGAS/STING Axis.

Skeletal muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis, and chronic muscle inflammation plays a pivotal role in its pathologenesis. However, the detailed mechanism through which injured liver tissues mediate skeletal muscle inflammatory injury remains elusive. Here, it is reported that injured hepatocytes might secrete mtDNA-enriched extracellular vesicles (EVs) to trigger skeletal muscle inflammation by activating the cGAS-STING pathway.

Tumor cell-derived N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate reshapes the tumor microenvironment to facilitate breast cancer metastasis.

Neurotransmitters are increasingly recognized to play important roles in limiting anti-tumor immunity. N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) has been extensively studied in neurological disorders; however, its potential role in restricting anti-tumor immunity has not been investigated. Here, we demonstrated that NAAG or its synthetase RimK-like family member B (RIMKLB) significantly disrupted anti-tumor immunity by rewiring the myeloid progenitor differentiation of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs), which in turn promoted breast cancer growth and metastasis.

Bidirectional effect modifications of temperature and PM on myocardial infarction morbidity and mortality in Beijing, China from 2007 to 2021.

Background: Ambient temperatures and PM can trigger myocardial infarction (MI), while little is known about the complex interplay between these two factors on MI, especially morbidity.

Objectives: To investigate bidirectional effect modifications of temperature and PM on MI morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted utilizing high-resolution data of temperature and PM, along with 498,077 MI cases from the citywide registry in Beijing, China from 2007 to 2021.

Real-world outcomes on myopia management efficacy of diverse segmented defocus optics (DSDO) and defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses in Chinese children: An initial 12-month prospective clinical study.

Purposes: To investigate the 12-month effectiveness of Diverse Segmented Defocus Optics (DSDO) and Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses in a real-world clinical population in myopic and pre-myopic Chinese children.

Methods: About 364 subjects prescribed DSDO or DIMS were enrolled. Axial length (AL) and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) changes over 12 months were measured.

A mitochondria-interfering nanocomplex cooperates with photodynamic therapy to boost antitumor immunity.

Immunotherapeutics against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) hold great promise. In this work, we provide a combination therapy for simultaneous increasing tumor immunogenicity and down-regulating programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to boost antitumor immunity in TNBC. We prepare bis (diethyldithiocarbamate)-copper/indocyanine green nanoparticles (CuET/ICG NPs) simply in aqueous with one-pot method.

Phosphate-adsorbed metal organic framework as a recycled material for catalytic degradation of ceftriaxone sodium via peroxymonosulfate activation.

In this study, the zirconium-based metal organic framework (Zr-MOF) was applied as the adsorbent for phosphorus (P) pollution in water. Then the phosphate-adsorbed metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were used as a recycled raw material and calcined to obtain P-doped MOFs-derived carbon material (ZrP@Zr-BTC). Next, the ZrP@Zr-BTC was used for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for the ceftriaxone sodium degradation.

Identification of biomarkers for knee osteoarthritis through clinical data and machine learning models.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a progressive degenerative disorder characterized by the gradual erosion of articular cartilage. This study aimed to develop and validate biomarker-based predictive models for KOA diagnosis using machine learning techniques. Clinical data from 2594 samples were obtained and stratified into training and validation datasets in a 7:3 ratio.

Remote photobiomodulation ameliorates behavioral and neuropathological outcomes in a rat model of repeated closed head injury.

Repeated closed-head injuries (rCHI) from activities like contact sports, falls, military combat, and traffic accidents pose a serious risk due to their cumulative impact on the brain. Often, rCHI is not diagnosed until symptoms of irreversible brain damage appear, highlighting the need for preventive measures. This study assessed the prophylactic efficacy of remote photobiomodulation (PBM) targeted at the lungs against rCHI-induced brain injury and associated behavioral deficits.

Prophylactic pharmacological interventions against perioperative respiratory adverse events in children undergoing noncardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Perioperative respiratory adverse event (PRAE) is one of the most common complications in pediatric anesthesia. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative pharmacological interventions to prevent the development of PRAE in children undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.

Progress in Continuous Flow Synthesis of Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Material Synthons.

Hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) materials are typically formed by the self-assembly of small organic units (synthons) with specific functional groups through hydrogen bonding or other interactions. HOF is commonly used as an electrolyte for batteries. Well-designed HOF materials can enhance the proton exchange rate, thereby boosting battery performance.

UVB Induces Sympathetic Nervous System Activation and Norepinephrine Secretion to Regulate The Skin Color of Mice Through the β2-AR/AP-1 Pathway in Epidermal Keratinocytes.

The aim of this study was to investigate how ultraviolet B (UVB) light regulates AP-1 expression via the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) in epidermal keratinocytes, which in turn regulates melanin synthesis in melanocytes, thereby modulating downstream melanin production in skin hair follicles and altering mouse skin color. We established a UV-irradiated mouse model to investigate the effects of UV radiation on changes in skin color. By measuring changes in the expression of genes related to cutaneous sympathetic nerves, norepinephrine synthesis and melanin synthesis, we investigated the relationship between β2-AR expression and cutaneous melanogenesis and determined the localization of β2-AR in cells.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Biological Aging: Evidence From Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analyses.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with higher risks of age-related morbidity and mortality. However, whether they causally contribute to accelerating biological aging has not been fully elucidated. Utilizing the largest available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data, we implemented a comprehensive analytical framework to investigate the associations between genetically predicted moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity (MVPA), leisure screen time (LST), and four epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) measures: HannumAgeAccel, intrinsic HorvathAgeAccel, PhenoAgeAccel, and GrimAgeAccel.

Current trends in blood biomarkers detection and neuroimaging for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and cognitive impairments. A significant challenge in managing PD is the variability of symptoms and disease progression rates. This variability is primarily attributed to unclear biomarkers associated with the disease and the lack of early diagnostic technologies and effective imaging methods.

Metabolic profiling of Perilla leaves of different colors: insights into metabolite variation and bioactive compound distribution.

Background: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (Lamiaceae) leaves are essential culinary and medicinal herbs, native to East Asian countries.

Staphylococcus aureus vesicles impair cutaneous wound healing through p38 MAPK-MerTK cleavage-mediated inhibition of macrophage efferocytosis.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus, a known contributor to non-healing wounds, releases vesicles (SAVs) that influence the delicate balance of host-pathogen interactions. Efferocytosis, a process by which macrophages clear apoptotic cells, plays a key role in successful wound healing. However, the precise impact of SAVs on wound repair and efferocytosis remains unknown.

Predictive Value of Machine Learning Models for Cerebral Edema Risk in Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Stroke patients are at high risk of developing cerebral edema, which can have severe consequences. However, there are currently few effective tools for early identification or prediction of this risk. As machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in clinical practice, its effectiveness in predicting cerebral edema risk in stroke patients has been explored.

Ultrasound super-resolution imaging for non-invasive assessment of microvessel in prostate lesion.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in men worldwide. An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prognosis. Traditional invasive procedures such as image-guided prostate biopsy often cause discomfort and complications, deterring some patients from undergoing these necessary tests.

Construction of Heterogeneous Aggregation-Induced Emission Microspheres with Enhanced Multi-Mode Information Encryption.

Traditional organic light-emitting materials hinder their anti-counterfeiting application in solid state due to their aggregation-caused quenching effect. A facile and straightforward method was reported to introduce AIE molecules into microspheres and manipulate different reaction parameters to prepare AIE microspheres with different morphologies. In this strategy, fluorescent microspheres with spherical, apple-shaped, and hemoglobin-like types were synthesized.