Melanin-concentrating hormone: A promising target for antidepressant treatment.

Depression represents a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with an escalating global health burden, characterized by heterogeneous pathophysiology and profound impairments in cognitive-emotional functioning. Current treatment methods have limited efficacy in some individuals and may induce undesirable side effects, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic targets and techniques. Emerging research has identified neuropeptide systems as pivotal regulators of mood-related circuits, with melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) signaling emerging as a particularly promising candidate for antidepressant development.

Minocycline-Loaded Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Augmented Synergistic Periodontal Sonodynamic Chemotherapy.

Background: The current clinical treatment of periodontitis usually involves mechanical removal of pathogenic bacteria through ultrasonic scaling and root planing, supplemented with antibacterial medications to inhibit microbial overgrowth. However, the therapeutic efficiency remains unsatisfactory due to complicated periodontal anatomy, limited plaque removal, short retention of antibiotics, and related side effects.

Methods And Results: To address these issues, we successfully synthesized mesoporous titanium dioxide nanoparticles (MTN) via a sol-gel method, which were modified with hemoglobin (Hb) and loaded with minocycline (MINO).

Menin maintains lysosomal and mitochondrial homeostasis through epigenetic mechanisms in lung cancer.

Lysosome-mediated autophagy (including mitophagy) is crucial for cell survival and homeostasis. Although the mechanisms of lysosome activation during stress are well recognized, the epigenetic regulation of lysosomal gene expression remains largely unexplored. Menin, encoded by the MEN1 gene, is a chromatin-related protein that is widely involved in gene transcription via histone modifications.

Improvement of chronic metabolic inflammation and regulation of gut homeostasis: Tea as a potential therapy.

Chronic metabolic inflammation is a common mechanism linked to the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chronic metabolic inflammation often related to alterations in gut homeostasis, and pathological processes involve the activation of endotoxin receptors, metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of intestinal nuclear receptor activity. Recent investigations into homeostasis and chronic metabolic inflammation have revealed a novel mechanism which is characterized by a timing interaction involving multiple components and targets.

Causal relationship between gut microbiota and dental caries: A Mendelian randomization analysis.

The onset of dental caries is associated with multiple factors, including oral microbiota, dietary sugars, the defensive mechanisms of saliva and teeth, oral hygiene practices, and socioeconomic factors. However, its relationship with the gut microbiota remains to be further explored. It remains crucial to establish a definitive causal link between the gut microbiota and the development of dental caries.

CircST6GALNAC6 Inhibits Glycolysis of Bladder Cancer by Regulating PRKN/HK1 Signaling Pathway.

Bladder cancer (BCa) is an aggressive malignancy of urinary system. Aerobic glycolysis refers to the phenomenon wherein cancer cells increase glucose consumption and produce lactic acid. Our study focused on the role and mechanism of circST6GALNAC6 in BCa glycolysis.

Application of the three-phase T1-derived model in staging liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis: a comparative study with magnetic resonance elastography.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of a three-phase T1-derived model in staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis, in comparison with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE).

Methods: A total of 174 patients with chronic hepatitis were enrolled. The acquisition of three-phase longitudinal relaxation times (T1-Unenh = A, T1-DLP = B, T1HBP = C) from magnetic resonance enhancement examinations, as well as magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and liver biopsy information for patients.

Quantification of water-soluble moroxydine hydrochloride residue using UPLC-MS/MS: Development and validation in 22 different complex plant-based food samples.

In order to overcome the challenge of determining water-soluble moroxydine hydrochloride (MH) from 22 plant-based food matrices with different properties, an extraction pretreatment method was developed in this study using trifluoroacetic acid solutions for high-water-content samples and formic acid solutions for low-water, high-oil-content samples. Moreover, the pH was adjusted to 8.5 ± 0.

The change of inflammatory markers may predict long-term major adverse cardiovascular events in elderly patients with coronary heart disease: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: At present, the relationship among inflammatory markers [monocytes/HDL-c (MHR), neutrophils/HDL-c (NHR) and lymphocytes/HDL-c (LHR)] and long-term prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) is still unclear. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between inflammatory indicators and the risk of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in elderly patients with CHD.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 208 elderly patients who underwent coronary angiography at Wuhan Fourth Hospital from August 2022 to August 2023.

Family and Home Environment Predictors of Children's 24-Hour Movement Guideline Adherence: A Mixed-Methods Study.

During summer, children may meet fewer 24 hours Movement Guidelines (24 hr-MGs) [moderate-vigorous physical activity (PA): ≥60 minutes/day, screen time: ≤2 hours/day, sleep: 9-11 hours/day) compared with the school year. Structured environments within community settings (, summer programs) support guideline adherence. Information about the relationship between structured home environments and 24 hr-MGs is needed.

Evaluation of parent reminder-recall letters to promote human papillomavirus vaccination.

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. Our stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial found that reminder-recall letters sent to parents of age-eligible children significantly increased vaccine uptake compared to usual care. Subsequently, we conducted a process evaluation to assess the mechanisms of the letter's effectiveness.

Enhancement of Osseointegration via Endogenous Electric Field by Regulating the Charge Microenvironments around Implants.

The regulation of the charged microenvironment around implants is an effective way to promote osseointegration. Although homeostasis of the charged microenvironment plays an integral role in tissues, current research is externally invasive and unsuitable for clinical applications. In this study, functional materials with different surface potential differences are prepared by changing the spatial layout of Ta and Ag on the surface of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy (TC4).

NG-497 Alleviates Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in a MTNR1A-Dependent Manner.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in multiple neurological diseases. We have previously found that Atglistatin, the mouse Adipose Triglyceride Lipase (ATGL) inhibitor, could promote lipid droplets (LDs) accumulation and suppress LPS-induced neuroinflammation in mouse microglia. However, Atglistatin was species-selective, which limited its use in clinical settings.

Hemodynamic evaluation of symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis using cerebral angiographic images: an exploratory study.

Background: Previous studies suggest that it may be inappropriate to determine treatment strategies solely based on the degree of stenosis for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). In order to better risk stratify patients with ICAS, we developed a novel non-invasive fractional flow (FF) calculation technique based on intracranial angiography (Angio-FF) to assess the hemodynamics for patients with ICAS. This study aims to investigate the difference in FF between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with ICAS and its potential optimal threshold.

Magnetic Janus SiO nanoparticles immobilized protease mutant T70I as a novel clarification agent for juice processing.

The juice processing industry offers several benefits, including promoting health and wellness through the delivery of beverages rich in nutrients. Nonetheless, the industry encounters significant challenges regarding new technologies for processing and preservation given that they can be costly and labor-intensive. In this study, magnetic Janus silica (SiO) nanoparticle which offers multifunctionality and high stability was synthesized and subsequently immobilized with a protease mutant T70I (T70I@MSNs) to serve as a clarifying agent in juice.

Quality of Cancer Recurrence Data in the National Cancer Database: A Reappraisal of Reporting Readiness.

Background: This study evaluated the quality of cancer recurrence data in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to determine if missingness and reporting consistency have improved enough to support national research.

Methods: This multi-methods study included NCDB analyses and a cancer registry staff survey. Trends in recurrence data missingness from 2004 to 2021 and multivariable analyses of factors associated with missingness from 2017 to 2021 were evaluated for 4,568,927 patients with non-metastatic cancer.

DNMT3a Downregulation Ttriggered Upregulation of GABA Receptor in the mPFC Promotes Paclitaxel-Induced Pain and Anxiety in Male Mice.

Chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel (PTX), induce neuroplastic changes and alter gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which may be associated with chemotherapy-induced pain and negative emotions. Notably, DNA methylation undergoes adaptive changes in neurological disorders, emerging as a promising target for neuromodulation. In this study, systemic administration of PTX leads to a decrease in the expression of the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a, while concurrently upregulating the expression of Gabrb1 mRNA and its encoded GABARβ1 protein in the medial PFC (mPFC) of male mice.

Cerebral blood flow patterns induced by photoactivation based on laser speckle contrast imaging.

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is crucial for maintaining brain function and holds significant implications for diagnosing neurological disorders. However, the neuron type and spatial specificity in NVC remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal characteristics of local cerebral blood flow (CBF) driven by excitatory (VGLUT2) and inhibitory (VGAT) neurons in the mouse sensorimotor cortex.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio: A valuable predictor of coronary heart disease incidence.

Background And Aim: Existing studies have found that serological markers for predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) have relatively low predictive value for the severity of coronary arteries and the types of CHD. GGT to HDL-C ratio (GHR) has been shown to be associated with T2DM and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, we explore the relationship among GHR, CHD and its subgroups.

Negative hemodynamic response in the visual cortex: Evidence supporting neuronal origin via hemodynamic observation and two-photon imaging.

The positive hemodynamic response (PHR) during stimulation often co-occurs with a strong, sustained negative hemodynamic response (NHR). However, the characteristics and neurophysiological mechanisms of the NHR, especially in regions distal to the PHR, remain incompletely understood. Using intrinsic optical imaging (OI) and two-photon imaging, we observed that forelimb electrical stimulation evoked strong PHR signals in the forelimb region of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1FL).

American College of Surgeons survival calculator for biliary tract cancers: using machine learning to individualize predictions.

Background: Although cancer prognosis is most commonly estimated by tumor stage, survival is multifactorial. Our objective was to develop an American College of Surgeons "Biliary Tract Cancer Survival Calculator" prototype using machine learning to generate personalized survival estimates based on patient, tumor, and treatment factors.

Methods: The National Cancer Database was used to identify all patients with biliary tract malignancies between 2010 and 2017 including intrahepatic bile duct, extrahepatic bile duct, and gallbladder cancers.

Balloon guide catheters for endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion in China (PROTECT-MT): a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled trial.

Background: The effectiveness of using a balloon guide catheter during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of using a balloon guide catheter during endovascular thrombectomy, compared with using a conventional guide catheter, in this patient population.

Methods: We conducted a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled trial at 28 hospitals in China.

Comparative efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation versus non-selective beta-blockers in primary prevention of gastroesophageal varix type 2: an IPTW-adjusted study.

Background: Practice guidelines recommend non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) for primary prevention in cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices. However, there is no clear recommendation for primary prevention strategies for gastric varices, particularly GOV-2. Our objective is to investigate the incidence of initial bleeding and liver-related complications when NSBB and EVL are used for primary prevention in GOV-2.