Macrophage-based pathogenesis and theranostics of vulnerable plaques.

Vulnerable plaques, which are high-risk features of atherosclerosis, constitute critical elements in the disease's progression due to their formation and rupture. Macrophages and macrophage-derived foam cells are pivotal in inducing vulnerability within atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, understanding macrophage contributions to vulnerable plaques is essential for advancing the comprehension of atherosclerosis and devising novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Reduction in thermal conductivity of monolayer MoS by large mechanical strains for efficient thermal management.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) have received extensive research interests and investigations in the past decade. In this research, we report the first experimental measurement of the in-plane thermal conductivity of MoS monolayer under a large mechanical strain using optothermal Raman technique. This measurement technique is direct without additional processing to the material, and MoS's absorption coefficient is discovered during the measurement process to further increase this technique's precision.

Urinary calculi successfully expelled in a patient through traditional Chinese exercise: A case report.

Rationale: Urinary calculi are hard mineral deposits that typically require medication or surgery, such as lithotripsy. This case report presents traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) as a potential alternative for stone expulsion.

Patient Concerns: A 41-year-old male with no history of urinary tract stones, experienced sudden severe lower back and abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Discovery of a novel exceptionally potent and orally active Nur77 ligand NB1 with a distinct binding mode for cancer therapy.

The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is emerging as an attractive target for cancer therapy, and activating Nur77's non-genotypic anticancer function has demonstrated strong therapeutic potential. However, few Nur77 site B ligands have been identified as excellent anticancer compounds. There are no co-crystal structures of effective anticancer agents at Nur77 site B, which greatly limits the development of novel Nur77 site B ligands.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine massage therapy on pain, functional activity, muscle activation patterns and proprioception in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: Health education, weight control and exercise therapy are recognised treatment options for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, the pain and muscle fatigue associated with exercise make it difficult for patients to initially adhere. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) massage is an important complementary and alternative therapy that can effectively address these deficiencies. According to TCM theory and preliminary clinical practice, loosening of the muscles while pointing to acupoints can promote the recovery of KOA.