Identifying core symptom clusters based on symptom distress levels in patients with maintenance hemodialysis: a cross-sectional network analysis.

Background: To explore the symptom clusters of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and construct a symptom network to identify the core symptoms and core symptom clusters, to provide reference for precise symptom management.

Methods: Conveniently selected 354 patients with maintenance hemodialysis were surveyed cross-sectionally using the general information questionnaire, the Dialysis Symptom Index and the Kidney Disease Questionnaire. Symptom clusters were extracted using exploratory factor analysis, and core symptom clusters were identified using hierarchical regression and network analysis.

A Subtype Specific Probe for Targeted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of M2 Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Brain Tumors.

Pro-tumoral M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), making them an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Approaches for imaging and monitoring M2 TAMs, as well as tracking their changes in response to tumor progression or treatment are highly sought-after but remain underdeveloped. Here, we report an M2-targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe based on sub-5 nm ultrafine iron oxide nanoparticles (uIONP), featuring an anti-biofouling coating to prevent non-specific macrophage uptake and an M2-specific peptide ligand (M2pep) for active targeting of M2 TAMs.

Hypoxia-Initiated Supramolecular Free Radicals Induce Intracellular Polymerization for Precision Tumor Therapy.

Despite the development of various controlled release systems for antitumor therapies, off-target side effects remain a persistent challenge. In situ therapeutic synthesis from biocompatible substances offers a safer and more precise alternative. This study presents a hypoxia-initiated supramolecular free radical system capable of inducing intracellular polymerization, thereby disrupting the cytoskeleton and organelles within 4T1 cells.

Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions in Improving Relationship Functioning Among Couples Coping With Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: There is an increasing amount of literature acknowledging the significance of addressing the psychosocial impact of prostate cancer (PCa) on couples' relationship functioning and well-being. However, research on developing and evaluating psychological interventions for individuals and couples coping with PCa remains limited. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate and synthesise the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving the relationship functioning of couples affected by PCa and to identify the moderating role of several methodological characteristics of intervention studies.

Pathological roles of ubiquitination and deubiquitination systems in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is a severe complication of sepsis, characterized by impaired cardiac function and high mortality rates. Despite significant advances in understanding sepsis pathophysiology, the molecular mechanisms underlying SIMD remain incompletely elucidated. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination, critical post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulating protein stability, localization, and activity, play pivotal roles in cellular processes, such as inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and calcium handling.

A Microflow Chip Technique for Monitoring Platelets in Late Pregnancy: A Possible Risk Factor for Thrombosis.

Purpose: To study the platelet adhesion and aggregation behaviour of late pregnancy women under arterial shear rate using microfluidic chip technology and evaluate the risk of thrombosis in late pregnancy.

Methods: We included pregnant women who were registered in the obstetrics department of our hospital between January 2021 and October 2022 and underwent regular prenatal examinations. Blood samples were collected at 32-35 weeks of gestation for routine blood tests and progesterone, oestradiol, and platelet aggregation function.

Inorganic arsenic modulates cell apoptosis by regulating Argonaute 2 expression via the p53 pathway.

This study explores the role of Argonaute 2 (AGO2) in the induction of apoptosis by arsenic in 16HBE cells and investigates the association between AGO2 expression and arsenic exposure in a human population. By silencing AGO2 with siRNA, we examined its impact on cell viability and apoptosis using CCK-8, HO-PI, and JC-1 assays, complemented by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses for gene and protein expressions. Our findings revealed a significant correlation between AGO2 expression and levels of exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs), which was more pronounced than with other arsenic forms such as monomethylarsonic (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acids (DMA).

Associations of phenols, parabens, and phthalates with biological aging: stratified analyses by chronological age and lifestyle in NHANES 2005-2010.

Humans are widely exposed to phenols, parabens, and phthalates with health risks, while the effects of these chemicals on biological aging remain unclear. Among 3,441 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010, phenol, paraben, and phthalate concentrations were measured and phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) was calculated. Linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to evaluate the associations of single and mixed chemicals with PhenoAgeAccel.

A Submicrosecond-Response Ultrafast Microwave Ranging Method Based on Optically Generated Frequency-Modulated Pulses.

An ultrafast microwave ranging method based on optically generated frequency-modulated microwave pulses is proposed in this study. The theoretical analysis demonstrated that nanosecond-scale linear frequency modulation microwave pulse can be obtained by femtosecond laser interference under the condition of unbalanced dispersion, which can be used to achieve a high temporal resolution of the displacement change in the measurement by the principle of frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) radar. The proof-of-principle experiment successfully measured the displacement change with an error of 2.

Advances in Whole Genome Sequencing: Methods, Tools, and Applications in Population Genomics.

With the rapid advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a crucial tool for studying genetic variation and population structure. Utilizing population genomics tools to analyze resequencing data allows for the effective integration of selection signals with population history, precise estimation of effective population size, historical population trends, and structural insights, along with the identification of specific genetic loci and variations. This paper reviews current whole genome sequencing technologies, detailing primary research methods, relevant software, and their advantages and limitations within population genomics.

Function of Nodulation-Associated GmNARK Kinase in Soybean Alkali Tolerance.

Soybean () is a vital crop that is rich in high-quality protein and edible oil for human nutrition and agriculture. Saline-alkali stress, a severe environmental challenge, significantly limits soybean productivity. In this study, we found that the nodule receptor kinase GmNARK enhances soybean tolerance to alkali stress besides nodulation.

The Relative Contribution of Root Morphology and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonization on Phosphorus Uptake in Rice/Soybean Intercropping Under Dry Cultivation.

Intercropping has the potential to improve phosphorus (P) uptake and crop growth, but the potential benefits and relative contributions of root morphology and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization are largely unknown for the intercropping of rice and soybean under dry cultivation. Both field and pot experiments were conducted with dry-cultivated rice ( L.) and soybean ( L.

Associations of the hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio with cardiovascular disease among US adults: Evidence from NHANES 2015-2018.

Background And Aims: Inflammation, lipid signaling, and their interplay are involved in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), while the relationships of composite indices combining inflammation and lipids with CVD remained inexplicit.

Methods And Results: Our study enrolled 8581 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018. Logistic regression model was applied to assess the associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio with CVD prevalence.

ChNLRC4, a cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor, activates the pyroptosis signaling pathway in Mollusca.

NLR inflammasomes recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), triggering Caspase-1 activation and leading to gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis, a crucial immune response in mammals. The functional GSDME-mediated pyroptosis has been reported in invertebrates, yet the existence of an NLR-Caspase-GSDME axis mediating pyroptosis signaling cascades remains unclear. In this study, we reported an NLRC4 homolog named ChNLRC4, a pattern recognition receptor from the oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis that is able to bind to LPS and Lys-type PGN through its LRR domain.

JOSD2 promotes breast cancer metastasis by deubiquitinating and stabilizing SMAD4.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among women worldwide, and its high degree of metastasis significantly impacts treatment effectiveness leading to poor prognosis. The potential molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis remain to be further elucidated. In this study, via database analysis, we revealed that the deubiquitinase josephin domain containing 2 (JOSD2) was abnormally amplified in patients with metastatic breast cancer, and was significantly negatively correlated with patient prognosis.

Effects of recombinant human growth hormone in severe neurosurgical patients: A single center, retrospective study.

Purpose: To explore the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) on inflammatory mediators, immune cells and prognosis in severe neurosurgical patients.

Methods: From August 2020 to June 2021, a total of 236 patients who admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into GH group (97 cases) and nGH group (139 cases) according to whether they received r-hGH treatment.

Defect Chemistry Engineering to Regulate the Excellent Value of Nonstoichiometric CaCoO (0 ≤ ≤ 0.06) Ceramics.

Cobalt-based oxides have attracted significant attention as p-type thermoelectric materials due to their wide operational temperature range. However, their low average figure of merit () value has hindered service performance. A series of cation vacancies as Ca-active sites were introduced into CaCoO (0 ≤ ≤ 0.

PO Tetrahedron Assisted Chelate Engineering for 10.67%-Efficient Antimony Selenosulfide Solar Cells.

Anisotropic carrier transport and deep-level defect of antimony selenosulfide (Sb(S,Se)) absorber are two vital auses restraining the photovoltaic performance of this emerging thin-film solar cell. Herein, chelate engineering is proposed to prepare high-quality Sb(S,Se) film based on hydrothermal deposition approach, which realizes desirable carrier transport and passivated defects by using tetrahedral PO ion in dibasic sodium phosphate (NaHPO, DSP). The PO Lewis structure, on one hand in the form of [(SbO)(PO)] chelate, can adsorb on the polar planes of cadmium sulfide (CdS) layer, promoting the heterogeneous nucleation, and on the other hand, the tetrahedral PO inhibits horizontal growth of (SbS(e)) ribbons due to size effects, thus achieving desirable [hk1] orientation.

Structurally sophisticated 3D-printed PCL-fibrin hydrogel meniscal scaffold promotes in situ regeneration in the rabbit knee meniscus.

A meniscus injury is a common cartilage disease of the knee joint. Despite the availability of various methods for the treatment of meniscal injuries, the poor regenerative capacity of the meniscus often necessitates resection, leading to the accelerated progression of osteoarthritis. Advances in tissue engineering have introduced meniscal tissue engineering as a potential treatment option.

Three-dimensional printed models improve orthopedic residents' understanding of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a complex three-dimensional spine deformity, presents a formidable challenge for orthopedic residents in understanding its anatomy and surgical strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of three-dimensional printing (3DP) models in enhancing the comprehension of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis among orthopedic residents.

Methods: Forty orthopedic residents were randomly divided into two groups, the first group received lectures that were augmented with 3DP models illustrating five cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, along with corresponding X-ray and CT images.

Trajectory of Depressive Symptoms in a Longitudinal Stroke Cohort.

Objectives: Knowledge of the trajectory of post-stroke depression is important to identify high-risk patients, develop precise management programs and enhance prognosis. We aimed to characterise the course of depressive symptoms within the first year post-stroke and to evaluate associations with time.

Materials And Methods: Depressive symptoms were measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) within the first week, and at 3- and 12-months post-stroke.

A nanochitin-drived natural biological adhesive with high cohesive for wound healing.

The weak cohesive strength of tissue adhesives hinders their practical applications. To overcome this challenge, we develop a green bio-adhesive that balances both cohesion and adhesion, drawing inspiration from the natural adhesion mechanisms of mussels. This bio-adhesive, referred to as OTS, was ingeniously crafted through the co-assembly of multi-surface-charged chitin nanofibers (OAChN) and tannic acid (TA), integrated with silk fibroin (SF), resulting in a material with enhanced cohesive strength and robust adhesive properties.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of natural product diphyllin derivatives against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, but clinical drug treatments are limited. The natural product diphyllin was identified as a lead compound suppressing the proliferation of HNSCC cells through phenotypic screening of natural product library. However, further developments of diphyllin as an anti-HNSCC agent were restricted by the weak bioactivity and poor metabolic stability.

Shenghui decoction inhibits neuronal cell apoptosis to improve Alzheimer's disease through the PDE4B/cAMP/CREB signaling pathway.

Background: Shenghui Decoction (SHD) is a frequently utilized traditional Chinese medicine formula in clinical settings for addressing cognitive impairment in elderly individuals. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism by which SHD exerts its effects on the most prevalent form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), remains to be elucidated.

Methods: Temperature-induced transgenic C.