Optimisation of services to prevent dental caries for school-aged children in China: a discrete choice experiment.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyse the preferences of guardians of school-aged children for children's caries prevention services (CPS) and their willingness to pay (WTP) for different levels of attributes.

Design: Four key attributes were identified through a literature review and expert consultations: preventive service time, preventive effectiveness, distance (driving time to service institution) and service cost (out-of-pocket for CPS). A D-efficient design was used to create a discrete choice experiment questionnaire, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews.

Rewiring the disordered connectome with circuit-based paired stimulation after stroke-a randomized, double-blind and controlled Phase II trial.

The cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation, a combined stimulation based on two brain regions, may be an effective strategy for stroke rehabilitation. Our aim was to confirm that the cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation strengthens the connection between brain regions in the motor circuit and promotes improvements in motor function. This was a randomized double-blind, controlled Phase II trial.

Investigating autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID-19 syndrome from skin to brain: A case-control study using EMG-SSR and fNIRS.

Background: Autonomic dysfunction is a well-recognized complication associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). ANS maladaptation could underlie a potential pathogenetic mechanism of PCS, contributing to PCS symptoms. However, there remains an ongoing debate regarding whether autonomic and neuropathic symptoms observed in PCS patients are indicative of central or peripheral ANS pathology.

Local Anesthesia With 1% Lidocaine Versus General Anesthesia for Percutaneous Endoscopic Interlaminar Discectomy at L5/S1 Disc Herniation​​​: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Study Design: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

Objective: In this study, we compared local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine (LA) and general anesthesia (GA) utilized in PEID at L5/S1 disc herniation.

Summary Of Background Data: Given the anatomic characteristics of L5/S1 segment, interlaminar approach was preferred to perform endoscopic discectomy for L5/S1 disc herniation.

Global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2044: a systematic analysis across SDI levels for the global burden of disease study 2021.

Background: We aimed to assess temporal trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) at global and cross-social demographic index (SDI) levels, using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) in 2021.

Methods: We used geospatial mapping to visualize the global distribution of T2DM-related mortality and DALYs in 2021. Joinpoint regression assessed annual and average percent changes in DALYs and deaths from 1990 to 2021 across SDI regions.

Efficacy and safety of Nivolumab in advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: *CoNivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, has shown promise in treating advanced unresectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nivolumab, alone and in combination with chemotherapy, in this patient population.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, using data from PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CNKI up to June 3, 2024.

Mechanisms of Differential Sensitivity to Ethanol-Induced Apoptosis in Mouse Spinal Cord at Different Developmental Stages-Akt/GSK Signaling and BAX.

The current study investigated differences in ethanol-induced apoptosis of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons at different developmental stages and the molecular mechanisms involved. A mouse ethanol intervention model was established on postnatal days 4, 7, and 12. Primary cells were derived from the spinal cord at postnatal day 4.

Demonstration of MAX phases as triple functional artificial solid electrolyte interphase for ultralong life lithium metal anodes.

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has significant role in controlling lithium (Li) dendrites. However, lack of chemical stability, mechanical strength and self-perfection for conventional SEI cannot persistently suppress Li dendrites, leading to inferior cycling life. Herein, MAX phases (TiSnC and TiSC) as triple functional artificial SEI (ASEI) with high modulus, chemical stability and self-smoothing ability are introduced on Li foils (TiSnC@Li and TiSC@Li) for ultralong life Li metal anodes (LMAs).

Mapping individual cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuits integrating structural and functional connectome: implications for upper limb motor impairment poststroke.

This study investigated alterations in functional connectivity (FC) within cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical (CBTC) circuits and identified critical connections influencing poststroke motor recovery, offering insights into optimizing brain modulation strategies to address the limitations of traditional single-target stimulation. We delineated individual-specific parallel loops of CBTC through probabilistic tracking and voxel connectivity profiles-based segmentation and calculated FC values in poststroke patients and healthy controls, comparing with conventional atlas-based FC calculation. Support vector machine (SVM) analysis distinguished poststroke patients from controls.

Altered Resting-State Electroencephalogram Microstate Characteristics in Stroke Patients.

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of disability globally and movement impairment is the most common complication in stroke patients. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) microstate analysis is a non-invasive approach of whole-brain imaging based on the spatiotemporal pattern of the entire cerebral cortex. The present study aims to investigate microstate alterations in stroke patients.

Biomarkers of lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer: update.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, trailing only behind lung cancer, and stands as the third most prevalent malignant tumor, following lung and breast cancers. The primary cause of mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) stems from distant metastasis. Among the various routes of metastasis in CRC, lymph node metastasis predominates, serving as a pivotal factor in both prognostication and treatment decisions for patients.

Modifying MSCs-derived EVs with esterase-responsive and charge-reversal cationic polymers enhances bone regeneration.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of bone defects have been widely reported as a cell-free therapy because of their appropriate stability and biocompatibility. However, EV isolation is expensive and time-consuming. We developed a method of modifying EVs derived from bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) via the cationic polymer (ERP) with characteristics of charge reversal and esterase response (ERP-EVs).

Machine learning and single-cell analysis identify the mitophagy-associated gene TOMM22 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Mitophagy selectively eliminates potentially cytotoxic and damaged mitochondria and effectively prevents excessive cytotoxicity from damaged mitochondria, thereby attenuating inflammatory and oxidative responses. However, the potential role of mitophagy in intervertebral disc degeneration remains to be elucidated.

Methods: The GSVA method, two machine learning methods (SVM-RFE algorithm and random forest), the CIBERSORT and MCPcounter methods, as well as the consensus clustering method and the WGCNA algorithm were used to analyze the involvement of mitophagy in intervertebral disc degeneration, the diagnostic value of mitophagy-associated genes in intervertebral disc degeneration, and the infiltration of immune cells, and identify the gene modules that were closely related to mitophagy.

The moderating role of information processing speed in the relationship between brain remodeling and episodic memory in amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Introduction: The role of information processing speed (IPS) on relationships between episodic memory (EM) and central remodeling features in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) was investigated.

Methods: Neuropsychological evaluations and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging were performed on 48 patients diagnosed with aMCI and 50 healthy controls (HC). Moderation models explored the moderating effect of IPS on associations between EM and imaging features at single-region, connectivity, and network levels.

Alterations of contralesional hippocampal subfield volumes and relations to cognitive functions in patients with unilateral stroke.

Background: The volumes of the hippocampal subfields are related to poststroke cognitive dysfunctions. However, it remains unclear whether contralesional hippocampal subfield volume contributes to cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the volumetric differences in the contralesional hippocampal subfields between patients with left and right hemisphere strokes (LHS/RHS).

Altered Brain Functional and Effective Connectivity Induced by Electroacupuncture in Rats Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection.

Background: The chronic pain arising from knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent clinical manifestation. As a traditional Chinese approach, electroacupuncture (EA) has a positive influence in relieving chronic pain from KOA. The study aims to explore functional connectivity (FC) and effective connectivity (EC) alterations induced by EA in anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat model of KOA using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Resting-state brain network remodeling after different nerve reconstruction surgeries: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in brachial plexus injury rats.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202505000-00031/figure1/v/2024-07-28T173839Z/r/image-tiff Distinct brain remodeling has been found after different nerve reconstruction strategies, including motor representation of the affected limb. However, differences among reconstruction strategies at the brain network level have not been elucidated.

Integrative rehabilitation in the treatment of lumbosacral muscle strain in elite trampoline athletes: a pilot study.

Background: Lumbosacral muscle strain (LMS) is common in Chinese elite trampoline athletes. Advanced lumbar muscle activation is necessary for postural control before upper extremity voluntary movements, called anticipatory postural adjustment to reduce internal postural interference (IPI). The potential of delayed lumbar muscle activation has been reported in patients with non-specific LBP (NLBP) in response to IPI.

Occlusion dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease: Mendelian randomization study.

Aim: Occlusion dysfunction (OD) is increasingly linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between OD and AD using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Materials And Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis data obtained from FinnGen, IEU Open GWAS, and UK Biobank (UKBB) was represented as instrumental variables.

Peripheral nerve transfers for dysfunctions in central nervous system injuries: a systematic review.

Background: The review highlights recent advancements and innovative uses of nerve transfer surgery in treating dysfunctions caused by central nervous system (CNS) injuries, with a particular focus on spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, traumatic brain injury, and cerebral palsy.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted regarding nerve transfer for restoring sensorimotor functions and bladder control following injuries of spinal cord and brain, across PubMed and Web of Science from January 1920 to May 2023. Two independent reviewers undertook article selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment with several appraisal tools, including the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, and SYRCLE's ROB tool.

Tongue coating-dependent superior temporal sulcus remodeling in amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Tongue coating affects cognition, and cognitive decline at early stage also showed relations to functional and structural remodeling of superior temporal sulcus (STS) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The potential correlation between disparate cognitive manifestations in aMCI patients with different tongue coatings, and corresponding mechanisms of STS remodeling remains uncharted. In this case-control study, aMCI patients were divided into thin coating (n = 18) and thick coating (n = 21) groups.

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface rehabilitation programs enhance upper extremity performance and cortical activation in stroke patients.

Background: The most challenging aspect of rehabilitation is the repurposing of residual functional plasticity in stroke patients. To achieve this, numerous plasticity-based clinical rehabilitation programs have been developed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of motor imagery (MI)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) rehabilitation programs on upper extremity hand function in patients with chronic hemiplegia.