Vitexin Mitigates Haloperidol-Induced Orofacial Dyskinesia in Rats through Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway.

Vitexin (VTX), a C-glycosylated flavone found in various medicinal herbs, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study investigated the protective effects of VTX against orofacial dyskinesia (OD) in rats, induced by haloperidol (HPD), along with the neuroprotective mechanisms underlying these effects. OD was induced by administering HPD (1 mg/kg i.

Combining Ti(embonate) anionic cages and π-conjugated coordination cations for highly effective optical limiting.

The integration of anionic TiL (L = embonate) cages and π-conjugated coordination cations into ordered structures can produce high-performance nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. More specifically, by employing TiL cages for assembly with mixed ,-chelated and ,-chelated type conjugated organic ligands and Ag ions, three cage-based structures have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Among them, an ion pair structure with strong π-π accumulation exhibits a significant third-order NLO response, and an excellent optical limiting effect has been experimentally verified.

Aluminum Molecular Ring Meets Deep Eutectic Solvents: Adaptive Assembly and Optical Behavior.

Different from the previous neutral reaction solvent system, this work explores the synthesis of Al-oxo rings in ionic environments. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) formed by quaternary ammonium salts hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and phenols hydrogen bond donor (HBD) further reduce the melting point of the reaction system and provide an ionic environment. Further, the quaternary ammonium salt was chosen as the HBA because it contains a halogen anion that matches the size of the central cavity of the molecular ring.

Comparison of endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus cerebrospinal fluid shunt procedures for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in Taiwan.

Purpose: Pediatric hydrocephalus is the most common cause of surgically treatable neurological disease in children. Controversies exist whether endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement is the most appropriate treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus. This study aimed to compare the risk of re-operation and death between the two procedures.

Interleukin-4 inhibits the hypothalamic appetite control by modulating the insulin-AKT and JAK-STAT signaling in leptin mutant mice.

Our previous research identified interleukin-4 (IL-4) as a key regulator of glucose/lipid metabolism, circulatory leptin levels, and insulin action, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for obesity and related complications. This study aimed to further elucidate the role of IL-4 in regulating hypothalamic appetite-controlling neuropeptides using leptin dysfunctional Leptin mice as the experimental model. IL-4 significantly reduces body weight, food intake, and serum glucose levels.

Layer by Layer Spraying Fabrication of Aggregation-Induced Emission Metal-Organic Frameworks Thin Film.

The development of new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) thin films is important for expanding their functions and applications. Herein, we first report a new kind of MOF thin film by using aggregation-induced emission (AIE) dicarboxyl ligand through a liquid-phase epitaxial (LPE) layer-by-layer (LBL) spraying method (named AIE surface-coordinated metal-organic frameworks thin film, AIE-SURMOF). The obtained AIE-SURMOF ZnO(TPE) (ZnTPE) has highly growth orientation and homogeneous thin film, showing strong fluorescent property.

Review of electrospun microtube array membrane (MTAM)-a novel new class of hollow fiber for encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) in clinical applications.

Encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) shows significant potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which currently lack curative medicines and must be managed symptomatically. This novel technique encapsulates functional cells with a semi-permeable membrane, providing protection while enabling critical nutrients and therapeutic substances to pass through. Traditional ECT procedures, on the other hand, pose difficulties in terms of cell survival and retrieval.

Exopolysaccharides from endophytic Glutamicibacter halophytocota KLBMP 5180 functions as bio-stimulants to improve tomato plants growth and salt stress tolerance.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) can promote plants growth and protect them against various abiotic stresses, but the role of actinobacteria-produced EPSs in plant growth promoting is still less known. Here, we aim to explore the effect of EPSs from an endophyte Glutamicibacter halophytocota KLBMP 5180 on tomato seeds germination and seedlings growth under salt stress. Our study revealed that 2.

Effects of Self-Administered Acupressure on Fatigue Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Fatigue is a common symptom after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may persist for weeks or years. However, nonpharmacological management strategies for fatigue alleviations are almost nonexistent; thus, effective fatigue management programs are needed urgently.

Purposes: We aimed to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure programs on post-TBI fatigue and heart rate variability and identify the possible correlation between the improvements in fatigue symptoms and the changes in heart rate variability.

Comparison of intraoperative imaging guided versus microelectrode recording guided deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis.

Background: Traditionally, most centers would use microelectrode recording (MER) to refine targeting in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. In recent years, intraoperative imaging (IMG) guided DBS has become an alternative way to verify lead placement. Currently, there is still controversy surrounding the necessity of MER or IMG for DBS.

Enhancing Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Property by Regulating Interaction between Zr(embonate) Cage and N, N-Chelated Transition-Metal Cation.

Herein, the combination of anionic ZrL (L = embonate) cages and N, N-chelated transition-metal cations leads to a series of new cage-based architectures, including ion pair structures ( and ), dimer (), and 3D frameworks ( and ). Structural analyses show that exhibits a 2-fold interpenetrating framework with a 3,4-connected topology, and shows a 2-fold interpenetrating framework with a 4-connected network. Both and can be stable in air and other common solvents at room temperature.

The Relationship between Self-Perceived Health and Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Frozen Shoulders.

Current healthcare is centered on the perception of people's health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-perceived health (physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions) and two main clinical symptoms (shoulder pain and restricted shoulder motion) in patients with frozen shoulders. A total of 49 patients diagnosed with frozen shoulders were recruited and divided into high- and low-disability groups according to the severity of their frozen shoulders.

Bark-stripping Behavior of Formosan Sambar () at Tataka, Yushan National Park in Taiwan.

The bark-stripping behavior of Formosan sambar, , has become conspicuous in recent years in the Tataka area of Yushan National Park in Taiwan and a cause for concern to visitors and ecologists. We conducted a monthly survey of 537 tagged trees of 21 species and monitored the abundance of sambar using camera traps from October 2018 to January 2021, aiming to interpret possible causes of the bark-stripping behavior in Tataka. We also used a generalized linear model to evaluate factors that may affect the probability of a tree having its bark stripped.

Abundant and diverse endophytic bacteria associated with medicinal plant Arctium lappa L. and their potential for host plant growth promoting.

Arctium lappa L. is one of the medicinal and food homologous plants in China, which is rich in nutrients and medicinal ingredients. The use of plant growth-promoting (PGP) endophytic bacteria is an alternative to reducing chemical fertilizers in agricultural production.

Synthesis of a Zr(embonate)-cobalt based superstructure for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Herein, we report an efficient method to construct cage-based MOF materials with exposed metal active sites for catalysis. By employing ZrL (L = embonate) cages as precursors for assembly with N-containing ligands and Co ions, a new ZrL-Co based chain structure (PTC-318) has been generated through two-step reactions. Interestingly, in the absence of a photosensitizer, PTC-318 exhibits notable photocatalytic activity for H evolution under visible-light irradiation.

Microtube Array Membrane Encapsulated Cell Therapy: A Novel Platform Technology Solution for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent form of dementia in aging population and is presently the world's sixth largest cause of mortality. With the advancement of therapies, several solutions have been developed such as passive immunotherapy against these misfolded proteins, thereby resulting in the clearance. Within this segment, encapsulated cell therapy (ECT) solutions that utilize antibody releasing cells have been proposed with a multitude of techniques under development.

Ceftazidime-avibactam and intrapleural amikacin therapy for extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa thoracic empyema: A case report.

Introduction: Thoracic empyema and concomitant bronchopleural fistula are serious complications of pneumonia. The treatment of empyema caused by extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA) has become increasingly challenging.

Patients Concerns And Important Clinical Findings: A 57-year-old woman with controlled schizophrenia developed hospital-associated bacterial pneumonia secondary to P.

The Effectiveness of Group-Based Core Stability Exercise and Educational Booklet for Hospital Workers in Taiwan with Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study.

To investigate the effectiveness of health promotion strategies for nonspecific low back pain in hospital workers, we compared the therapeutic effects of group-based core stability exercises and an educational booklet. Subjects participated in a 60-min core stability exercise on a weekly basis for 8 weeks (N = 24) or consulted an educational booklet for advice (N = 22). The numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the brief version of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) were used as outcome measures.

Freshwater Clam Extract Mitigates Neuroinflammation and Amplifies Neurotrophic Activity of Glia: Insights from In Vitro Model of Neurodegenerative Pathomechanism.

Background: An extensive body of research suggests that brain inflammation and oxidative stress are the underlying causes of Parkinson's disease (PD), for which no potent therapeutic approach exists to mitigate the degradation of dopamine neurons. Freshwater clams, an ancient health food of Chinese origin, have been documented to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We previously reported that freshwater clam extract (FCE) can attenuate astrocytic activation and subsequent proinflammatory cytokine production from substantia nigra in an MPTP-induced PD mouse model.

-Theanine Ameliorated Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonism-like Symptoms in Rats.

Rotenone (RO)-induced neurotoxicity exhibits pathophysiological features similar to those reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), such as nitrosative and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neural cytoarchitecture alterations in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc)/striatum (ST), which has been used for decades as an animal model of PD in humans. -Theanine (LT), a major amino acid component of green tea, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and protects against various neural injuries. We investigated the potential therapeutic effects of LT on RO-induced behavioral and neurochemical dysfunction in rats and the neuroprotective mechanisms underlying these effects.

Coordination Assembly of Tetrahedral Zr(embonate) Cages with Eu Ions.

Herein we systematically investigated the coordination assembly behavior of ZrL cages with Eu ions at room temperature. Through adjustment of the concentration of Eu salt and changes of the type and molar ratio of the solvent, a series of ZrL-Eu structures with different structure dimensionalities have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In addition, we also studied the optical properties of these materials in detail, including the fluorescent and third-order nonlinear-optical properties.

Neuroprotective effect of -theanine in a rat model of chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve-induced neuropathic pain.

Background/purpose: We investigated the protective efficacy of -theanine (LT), the major amino acid components of green tea, on chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve-induced neuropathic pain (NP) development and neuronal functional changes in rats.

Methods: Rats with NP induced by CCI of the left sciatic nerve and sham-operated rats received LT or saline solution, with pain sensitive tests of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were measured after surgery.

Enhanced Anti-Tumor Activity in Mice with Temozolomide-Resistant Human Glioblastoma Cell Line-Derived Xenograft Using SN-38-Incorporated Polymeric Microparticle.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has remained one of the most lethal and cancers to treat. Previous studies have shown encouraging results when irinotecan was used in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) for treating GBM. However, irinotecan has a narrow therapeutic index: a slight dose increase in outweigh its therapeutic benefits.

A three-year clinical investigation of a Chinese child with craniometaphyseal dysplasia caused by a mutated gene.

Background: Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) is a rare genetic disorder. Autosomal dominant CMD (AD-CMD) is caused by mutations in the gene. Affected individuals typically have distinctive facial features including progressive thickening of the craniofacial bones.

Kyphoplasty with intravertebral reduction devices associated with better height restoration and greater kyphosis correction than kyphoplasty with balloons.

Kyphoplasty (KP) with intravertebral reduction devices (IRD) was reported to be associated with better radiological outcomes than KP with balloons (BK) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, the mechanical factors that contribute to the radiological benefits of IRDs require further investigation. To probe the mechanical factors, this retrospective matched cohort study was designed, including the older patients with painful OVCFs and treated with KP.