The effect of semaglutide combined with metformin on liver inflammation and pancreatic beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were often coexistent conditions driven by insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Effective management strategies that address both metabolic disorders were urgently needed. This study investigates the effect of combining semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, with metformin on liver inflammation and pancreatic beta-cell function in patients with T2DM and NAFLD.

Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of four pediatric patients with Kleefstra syndrome.

Background: Kleefstra syndrome spectrum (KLEFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that can lead to intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. KLEFS encompasses Kleefstra syndrome-1 (KLEFS1) and Kleefstra syndrome-2 (KLEFS2), with KLEFS1 accounting for more than 75%. However, limited information is available regarding KLEFS2.

Association between slow wave sleep and blood pressure in insomnia.

Study Objectives: The majority of patients with insomnia exhibit abnormal sleep in objective testing (e.g., decreased sleep duration, decreased slow wave sleep (SWS).

Functional Mechanism and Clinical Implications of lncRNA LINC-PINT in Delayed Fracture Healing.

Background: Fracture healing can be impeded or even compromised by various factors, resulting in a growing number of patients suffering. The lncRNA LINC-PINT has garnered attention for its latent role in enhancing fracture healing, but its specific functions in this process remain unclear.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the clinical relevance and underlying molecular mechanisms of LINC-PINT in delayed fracture healing (DFH), while also assessing its potential as an early diagnostic biomarker.

Comparing microstructural and micromechanical deformation of the TMJ disc in two anterior disc displacement models.

Objective: Anterior disc displacement (ADD) has been used to establish temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) models. Based on whether preserve of the retrodiscal attachment, the modelling methodologies include ADD with dissecting the retrodiscal attachment (ADDwd) and ADD without dissecting the retrodiscal attachment (ADDwod). This article aims to determine which model better matches the micromechanical and microstructural progression of TMD.

Poly(Dibenzothiophene-Terphenyl Piperidinium) for High-Performance Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis.

The anion exchange membrane water electrolysis is widely regarded as the next-generation technology for producing green hydrogen. The OH conductivity of the anion exchange membrane plays a key role in the practical implementation of this device. Here, we present a series of Z-S-x membranes with dibenzothiophene groups.

Diastolic and systolic blood pressure and gout: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Although there is solid epidemiological evidence supporting the connection between hypertension and gout, little has been said about the relationship between diastolic and systolic blood pressure and gout, the causal relationship and direction associated are uncertain, so we aim to research the causal relationship between diastolic and systolic blood pressure and gout.

Methods: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal effect between 2 blood pressure phenotypes (including diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure) and 5 gout phenotypes (including gout, drug-induced gout, idiopathic gout, unspecified gout, and strictly defined gout) using genome-wide association study statistics. The inverse variance weighting method was used to generate the main results, while sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger, weighted median, Cochran's Q test, Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the results.

Stable Anion Exchange Membrane Bearing Quinuclidinium for High-performance Water Electrolysis.

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are core components in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEM-WEs). However, the stability of functional quaternary ammonium cations, especially under high temperatures and harsh alkaline conditions, seriously affects their performance and durability. Herein, we synthesized a 1-methyl-3,3-diphenylquinuclidinium molecular building unit.

A dynamic panel threshold model analysis on heterogeneous environmental regulation, R&D investment, and enterprise green total factor productivity.

Environmental regulations are important means to influence manufacturing enterprise green development. However, there are two completely different conclusions both in theoretical and in empirical research, namely the "Follow Cost" theory and the "Porter Hypothesis". The nonlinear mechanism needs to be considered.

Opportunities and Challenges for Inhalable Nanomedicine Formulations in Respiratory Diseases: A Review.

Lungs experience frequent interactions with the external environment and have an abundant supply of blood; therefore, they are susceptible to invasion by pathogenic microorganisms and tumor cells. However, the limited pharmacokinetics of conventional drugs in the lungs poses a clinical challenge. The emergence of different nano-formulations has been facilitated by advancements in nanotechnology.

High stability of EEG spectral power across polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests in good sleepers and chronic insomniacs.

To assess the stability of electroencephalographic (EEG) spectral features across overnight polysomnography (PSG) and daytime multiple sleep latency tests (MSLTs) in chronic insomniacs (CIs) and normal controls (NCs). A total of 20 NCs and 22 CIs underwent standard PSG and MSLTs. Spectral analyses were performed on EEG data from PSG and MSLTs and absolute and relative power in central, frontal and occipital channels were obtained for wake (W) and non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 1 and 2 (N1, N2).

Association of food insecurity with successful aging among older Indians: study based on LASI.

Purpose: Whether food insecurity (FI), a social determinant of health, is linked with successful aging (SA) in the older generation remains uncertain. This study explored the association of FI with SA among older Indians.

Methods: Data were collected from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1 (2017-2018).

Mechanical stress can regulate temporomandibular joint cavitation via signalling pathways.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), composed of temporal fossa, mandibular condyle and a fibrocartilage disc with upper and lower cavities, is the biggest synovial joint and biomechanical hinge of the craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal system. The initial events that give rise to TMJ cavities across diverse species are not fully understood. Most studies focus on the pivotal role of molecules such as Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in TMJ cavitation.

Assessing the causal association between human blood metabolites and the risk of gout.

Background: The occurrence of gout is closely related to metabolism, but there is still a lack of evidence on the causal role of metabolites in promoting or preventing gout.

Methods: We applied a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the association between 486 serum metabolites and gout using genome-wide association study statistics. The inverse variance weighting method was used to generate the main results, while sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger, weighted median, Cochran's Q test, Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the results.

Polysomnographic findings of myotonic dystrophy type 1/type 2: evidence from case-control studies.

Study Objectives: This study explores polysomnographic and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) differences between myotonic dystrophy type 1/type 2 (DM1/DM2) patients and controls.

Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, All EBM databases, and Web of Science from inception to Aug 2023.

Results: Meta-analyses revealed significant reductions in sleep efficiency, N2 percentage, mean SpO2, and MSLT measured mean sleep latency, and increases in N3 sleep, wake time after sleep onset, apnea hypopnea index, and periodic limb movement index in DM1 patients compared with controls.

The association between polluted fuel use and self-reported insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Indian adults: a cross-sectional study based on LASI, wave 1.

Background: Insomnia predisposes the aging population to reduced quality of life and poor mental and physical health. Evidence of the association between polluted fuel use and insomnia symptoms is limited and is non-existent for the Indian population. Our study aimed to explore the link between polluted fuel use and insomnia symptoms in middle-aged and older (≥ 45 years) Indian populations.

The Performance and Synthesis of Alkynyl-Functionalized Benzoxazine Containing Phthalide Side Groups and Cyano Groups with Different Molecular Weights.

Benzoxazine resins are widely employed in a variety of applications due to their exceptional heat resistance and treatment properties. However, traditional benzoxazine resins still confront hurdles in today's engineering applications, such as their inability to provide long-term service in high-temperature settings and their inadequate toughness. In this study, four alkyne-functionalized benzoxazines with phthalide side groups and cyano groups of varying molecular weights were produced.

Polydopamine-cloaked Fe-based metal organic frameworks enable synergistic multidimensional treatment of osteosarcoma.

One of the major challenges in effective cancer therapy arises because of the hypoxic microenvironment in the tumor. This compromises the efficacy of both chemo- and radiotherapy, and thus hinders patient outcomes. To solve this problem, we constructed polydopamine (PDA)-cloaked Fe-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) loaded with d-arginine (d-Arg), glucose oxidase (GOX), and the chemotherapeutic drug tirapazamine (TPZ).

Interspecies comparison of temporomandibular joint condylar cartilage extracellular matrix from macro to microscopy.

Interspecies comparisons of the extracellular matrix of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar cartilage are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its superior mechanical properties, to guide the construction of animal models of TMJ-related diseases, and to establish standards for the engineering of TMJ condylar cartilage. Here we characterize and compare TMJ condylar cartilage from six different species from a materials science perspective, including structure, composition and mechanical properties from the macroscopic to the microscopic level. The gross morphology showed obvious interspecies differences in size and shape, which may be related to the different joint motion patterns.