Pediatric MOG antibody-positive encephalitis with normal brain magnetic resonance imaging: a new spectrum associated with MOG antibodies?

Objective: To facilitate the accurate identification of clinical characteristics associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody positive encephalitis in children presenting with normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Method: Patients hospitalized at Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2016 to May 2024, who were positive for MOG antibodies and exhibited encephalitis symptoms with normal brain MRI findings, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: A total of 17 patients (7 males and 10 females; mean age: 9.

Fructose as a key biomarker for prognostication in idiopathic obstructive azoospermia associated with CFTR and ADGRG2 gene variants.

Background: Isolated obstructive azoospermia (iOA) is classified as a type of obstructive azoospermia (OA) where cases remain "unexplained" even after excluding congenital absence of the vas deferens and external factors. This study aimed to determine if certain semen characteristics in iOA patients could indicate underlying genetic variants.

Objectives: To investigate CFTR and ADGRG2 gene variants in patients with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia (iOA) and identify semen parameters associated with these variants to guide genetic testing.

Development of a rabbit model for adrenoleukodystrophy: A pilot study on gene therapy using rAAV9.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a common peroxisomal disorder caused by mutations in the gene, leading to the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). This progressive neurodegenerative disease manifests in three primary forms: childhood-acquired cerebral demyelination (CALD), adult myelopathy (AMN), and primary adrenal cortical insufficiency. Bone marrow transplantation effectively halts disease progression only in the early stages of CALD.

AECII-derived miR-21a-5p exosomes alleviate HALI via targeting and regulating PGAM5-mediated necroptosis.

Hyperoxic Acute Lung Injury (HALI) is a serious complication of prolonged high-concentration oxygen therapy, primarily leading to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which primarily affects alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). Exosomes (Exos) derived from type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC IIs) play a crucial role in lung protection through their contained microRNAs (miRNAs). Previous research has established miR-21a-5p as a key player in pulmonary defense mechanisms.

The synergistic effect of Rhizophagus irregularis and Biochar on the growth of Switchgrass under sodium-saline-alkali stress: insights from soil mechanical property analysis.

Under saline-alkali stress conditions, inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis or the application of biochar can both promote plant growth and improve soil physicochemical properties. However, the effects of their combined use on switchgrass growth and soil mechanical properties remain unclear. This study established four treatments: no Ri inoculation and no biochar addition (control, CK), biochar addition alone (BC), Rhizophagus irregularis inoculation alone (Ri), and their combination (RB).

Measurement of interfacial thermal resistance in high-energy-density matter.

Heat transport across interfaces is a ubiquitous phenomenon with many unresolved aspects. In particular, it is unknown if an interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) occurs in matter with high-energy-density where free electrons dominate the heat conduction. Here, we report on the first experimental evidence that a significant heat barrier is present between two different regions of high-energy-density matter: a strongly heated tungsten wire and a surrounding plastic layer that stays relatively cold.

C-reactive protein attenuates CCl-induced acute liver injury by regulating complement system activation.

Acute liver injury is liver dysfunction caused by multiple factors without any pre-existing liver disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by hepatocytes, serving as a marker of inflammation and tissue damage. However, its role in CCl-induced acute liver injury has not been elucidated.

Engineered a Gemcitabine Nano-Prodrug Targeting Desmoplastic Pancreatic Tumor with Dual Enhancement of Penetration Dynamics.

The desmoplastic nature characterized by dense tissue and poor vascular conditions in pancreatic cancer (PDAC) poses a significant barrier to effective chemotherapy. Targeting the extracellular matrix and reducing desmoplasia in the tumor microenvironment is a rational approach to improve the penetration and efficacy of gemcitabine (GEM) in PDAC. Herein, a small molecular self-assembly nano-prodrug is developed for the "three-in-one" co-delivery of GEM chemotherapeutics, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and nitric oxide (NO) donors, decorated with PDAC-homing targeting peptide.

Microglial intervention in ischemic stroke: roles and intervention strategies.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate. As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a stroke. Their dynamic activation and polarization states are key factors that influence the disease process and treatment outcomes.

Identification of cryptic breakpoints through single-tube long fragment read whole genome sequencing based on preimplantation genetic testing.

This study utilized single-tube long fragment read whole genome sequencing (stLFR WGS) to identify cryptic chromosomally balanced translocations in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), aiming to improve outcomes for couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). G-banded karyotyping initially revealed normal results for Family 1 and a reciprocal translocation for Family 2. However, PGT's low-coverage WGS uncovered recurrent copy number variations (CNVs) that contradicted the initial findings.

Utilizing multimodal ultrasonography in conjunction with serum Ki-67 and HER2 tests for breast cancer detection and prognosis.

Objective: To examine the diagnostic and prognostic value of multimodal ultrasound and serum human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) testing for breast cancer.

Methods: We enrolled 65 patients with breast cancer admitted to the Tianjin Fourth Centre Hospital between March 2018 and March 2019 as the study group, while the control group consisted of 65 patients with benign breast nodules admitted during the same time period. All cases underwent ultrasound elastography (UE), contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), serum examination, and Ki-67 and HER2 testing to determine the differences in multimodal ultrasound parameters and biomarkers, respectively, between the two groups and their relationship to the pathological features of breast cancer; ROC curves were generated to determine the accuracy of the combined examination in predicting breast cancer prognosis.

Melatonin lessens the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in sleep deprivation by ameliorating Ca mishandling in response to mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Background: The antiarrhythmic effect of melatonin(MLT) has been demonstrated in several studies; however, this hypothesis has recently been contested. Our research seeks to determine if exogenous MLT supplementation can reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility due to sleep deprivation (SD) by addressing Ca mishandling and atrial mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Methods: Adult rats received daily MLT or vehicle injections and were exposed to a modified water tank.

Macrophage-specific in vivo RNA editing promotes phagocytosis and antitumor immunity in mice.

Macrophages play a central role in antitumor immunity, making them an attractive target for gene therapy strategies. However, macrophages are difficult to transfect because of nucleic acid sensors that can trigger the degradation of foreign plasmid DNA. Here, we developed a macrophage-specific editing (MAGE) system by which compact plasmid DNA encoding a CasRx editor can be delivered to macrophages by a poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) carrier to bypass the DNA sensor and enable RNA editing in vitro and in vivo.

Motor function and compound muscle action potential amplitude in children with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen.

Background: Disease-modifying therapies can improve motor function in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but efficacy varies between individuals. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nusinersen treatment in children with SMA and to investigate prognostic factors.

Methods: Motor function, compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and other indicators were prospectively collected before and 14 months after nusinersen treatment.

Advances in Research of Hydrogel Microneedle-Based Delivery Systems for Disease Treatment.

Microneedles (MNs), composed of multiple micron-scale needle-like structures attached to a base, offer a minimally invasive approach for transdermal drug delivery by penetrating the stratum corneum and delivering therapeutic agents directly to the epidermis or dermis. Hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) stand out among various MN types due to their excellent biocompatibility, high drug-loading capacity, and tunable drug-release properties. This review systematically examines the matrix materials and fabrication methods of HMN systems, highlighting advancements in natural and synthetic polymers, and explores their applications in treating conditions such as wound healing, hair loss, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

ECMO-assisted bilateral uniportal thoracoscopic carinal resection and reconstruction: a case report.

Background: Carinal resection and reconstruction are complex surgical procedures often necessitated by tumors or other pathologies involving the tracheobronchial junction. Traditional approaches to these surgeries are highly invasive. The advent of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) along with the integration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offer potential advantages in reducing surgical trauma and improving outcomes.

[Factors influencing the continued intention to use health science popularization WeChat accounts among university students in Chengdu in 2023].

Objective: Exploring factors influencing the continued use intention of health science popularization WeChat accounts among university students in Chengdu.

Methods: Stratified cluster random sampling was employed to select students from 10 universities in Chengdu in 2023 as research subjects, with data collected via a questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed demographic information, usage patterns of health science popularization WeChat accounts, and factors influencing continued use intentions.

Near-infrared light-enhanced polydopamine-based multifunctional nanoparticles for combination of chemodynamic and NO gas therapy in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

The emergence of treatment approaches that integrate conventional phototherapy with additional adjuvant treatments has garnered considerable interest. In this study, we proposed a complex utilizing Fe and polydopamine as a carrier, co-loaded with the nitric oxide initiator L-arginine (L-Arg) and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG), as a potential strategy for the "photothermal/photodynamic/Chemodynamic/nitric oxide gas therapy" of osteosarcoma. Nanoparticles have the ability to undergo degradation within the mildly acidic conditions present in the tumor microenvironment.

Enhancing soil quality in soybean cultivation: Mycorrhizal technology combined with intercropping under high cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination presents a serious challenges for sustainable agriculture. This study evaluated the combined impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and intercropping with Solanum nigrum on soil microbial diversity, enzyme activity, and environmental factors in soybean cultivation under high Cd stress. The combined treatment effectively reduced bioavailable Cd in soil, with the acid-soluble Cd fraction at 19.

Quercetin: A Flavonoid with Potential for Treating Acute Lung Injury.

In intensive care units, acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome that is frequently encountered. It is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Despite the extensive research conducted by the medical community on its treatment, no specific effective drugs have been identified.

Relationship Between Geriatric Nurses' Spiritual Care Perceptions and Professional Attitudes, a Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: This study, based on the self-determination theory, aims to explore the current situation of geriatric nurses' perceptions of spiritual care and its relationship with their professional attitude. It was conducted from February to May 2022.

Background: As the population ages, it is necessary to actively implement coping strategies.

Ultrafast Spin Relaxation of Charge Carriers in Strongly Quantum Confined Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Magic-Sized Clusters.

Spin relaxation of charge carriers in strongly quantum confined perovskite magic-sized clusters has been probed, for the first time, by using polarization-controlled femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectroscopy. Fs-TA measurements with a circularly polarized pump and probe allowed for the determination of the exciton spin relaxation lifetime (∼1.5 ps) at room temperature based on the dynamics of a photoinduced absorption (PIA) feature peaked at 458 nm.

Spin Dynamics in Hybrid Halide Perovskites - Effect of Dynamical and Permanent Symmetry Breaking.

The hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite (HOIP), for example, MAPbBr, exhibits extended spin lifetime and apparent spin lifetime anisotropy in experiments. The underlying mechanisms of these phenomena remain illusive. By utilizing our first-principles density-matrix dynamics approach with quantum scatterings including electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions and self-consistent spin-orbit coupling, we present temperature- and magnetic field-dependent spin lifetimes in hybrid perovskites, in agreement with experimental observations.