COVID-19 patient serum-derived extracellular vesicles deliver miR-20b-5p induces neutrophil extracellular traps.

Background: Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by an excessive presence of neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), released by activated neutrophils due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, contribute to lung epithelial cell death and are key drivers in COVID-19-associated immunothrombosis. However, the mechanism underlying NET formation in COVID-19 remain unclear.

High‑intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation boosts the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced cancers with liver metastases: A single‑center retrospective cohort study.

High-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation (HIFU) is a novel non-invasive technique in the treatment of liver metastases (LIM) that allows focal destruction and is not affected by dose limits. This retrospective study aimed to explore the efficacy of HIFU in improving survival and the safety of the method in newly diagnosed patients with cancer with LIM who received first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Between January 2018 and December 2023, data from 438 newly diagnosed patients with cancer and LIM who were treated at Mianyang Central Hospital (Mianyang, China) were reviewed.

A Porphyrin-Phenylalkynyl-Based Conjugated Organic Polymer as a High-Performance Cathode for Rechargeable Organic Batteries.

Organic electrode materials (OEMs) have attracted much attention for rechargeable batteries due to their low cost, environment friendliness, flexibility, and structural versatility. Despite the above advantages, high solubility in electrolyte and low electronic conductivity remain critical limitations for the application of OEMs. In this work, the conjugated organic polymer (COP) poly([5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-phenylalkynyl)porphyrin]Cu(II)) (PCuTPEP) is proposed as a cathode for high performance in organic lithium batteries.

High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation combined with immunotherapy for treating liver metastases: A prospective non-randomized trial.

Purpose: Given the unique features of the liver, it is necessary to combine immunotherapy with other therapies to improve its efficacy in patients of advanced cancer with liver metastases (LM). High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is now widely used in clinical practice and can enhanced immune benefits. The study is intended to prospectively evaluate the safety and clinical feasibility of HIFU ablation in combination with systemic immunotherapy for patients with liver metastases.

Psychological status of residents at the onset of nationwide COVID-19 lockdown in low- and medium-risk areas of China.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a dual threat to public physical and mental health, prompted an investigation into the psychological well-being of residents in low- to medium-risk areas of China during the initial stages of the pandemic. We administered WeChat-based questionnaire surveys and employed chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression to analyze correlations between residents' age, gender, education, symptoms, COVID-19 close contact history, information sources, and anxiety, depression, and attitudes toward lockdown measures. We received 10,433 valid questionnaires, revealing 26% anxiety and 19.

Schistosome egg-derived extracellular vesicles deliver Sja-miR-71a inhibits host macrophage and neutrophil extracellular traps via targeting Sema4D.

Background: Macrophages and neutrophils are rapidly recruited around Schistosome eggs to form granulomas. Extracellular traps (ETs) of macrophages and neutrophils are part of the pathogen clearance armamentarium of leukocytes. Schistosome eggs possess the ability to resist attack by the host's immune cells and survive by employing various immune evasion mechanisms, including the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Knockout of Sema4D alleviates liver fibrosis by suppressing AOX1 expression.

Liver fibrosis can occur in many chronic liver diseases, and no effective treatments are available due to the poorly characterized molecular pathogenesis. Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) has immune functions and serves important roles in T cell priming. Here, we found that Sema4D was highly expressed in fibrotic liver, and the expression of Sema4D increased with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation.

A bipolar porphyrin molecule for stable dual-ion symmetric batteries with high potential.

The small molecule 5,15-di(thiophen-2-yl) porphyrin (TP) was developed for new dual-ion symmetric organic batteries (DSOBs). It delivered a capacity of 150 mA h g at 0.2 A g with a high voltage of 2.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout of Sj16 in Schistosoma japonicum eggs upregulates the host-to-egg immune response.

Schistosomiasis is an important, neglected tropical disease. Schistosoma japonicum can evade host attacks by regulating the host's immunity, causing continuous infection. However, interactions between the host's immune system and S.

Family Caregivers' Experiences of Caring for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies.

Background: Family caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undertook heavy care tasks and role responsibilities. They were facing multiple challenges during the patients' cancer trajectory.

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize existing qualitative evidence regarding family caregivers' experiences of caring for HNC patients.

Host liver-derived extracellular vesicles deliver miR-142a-3p induces neutrophil extracellular traps via targeting WASL to block the development of Schistosoma japonicum.

Schistosomiasis is an important neglected tropical disease. Interactions between the host immune system and schistosomes are complex. Neutrophils contribute to clearance of large pathogens primarily by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

An engineered probiotic secreting Sj16 ameliorates colitis via Ruminococcaceae/butyrate/retinoic acid axis.

Most inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are unable to maintain a lifelong remission. Developing a novel therapeutic strategy is urgently needed. In this study, we adopt a new strategy to attenuate colitis using the Nissle 1917 probiotic strain to express a immunoregulatory protein (Sj16) in the gastrointestinal tract.

Functional Characteristics and Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare, heterogeneous autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease that affects both sexes and all races, although this disease exhibits its highest incidence/prevalence among the black population and shows a predilection for women of reproductive age. Although SLE has no cure, treatment can help decrease its signs and symptoms. Thus, we should focus primarily on personalized treatment.

Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota.

The gastrointestinal microbiota is a multi-faceted system that is unraveling novel contributors to the development and progression of several diseases. Berberine has been used to treat obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and metabolic diseases in China. There are also clinical trials regarding berberine use in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine diseases.

Effectiveness of CRSCE-Based De-escalation Training on Reducing Physical Restraint in Psychiatric Hospitals: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

The use of physical restraint (PR) causes clinical and ethical issues; great efforts are being made to reduce the use of PR in psychiatric hospitals globally. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of CRSCE-based de-escalation training on reducing PR in psychiatric hospitals. The proposed study adopted cluster randomized controlled trial design.

Abnormal thymic B cell activation and impaired T cell differentiation in pristane-induced lupus mice.

Changes in the thymus and potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis in pristane-induced lupus (PIL) mice are poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically and specifically examine changes in the thymus and the potential mechanisms responsible for immunological abnormalities in PIL mice. The results showed that PIL mice exhibit serious thymic hyperplasia, an elevated thymus index, a damaged histopathological structure and increased thymocyte apoptosis.

Sja-miR-71a in egg-derived extracellular vesicles suppresses liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis via targeting semaphorin 4D.

Schistosomiasis is characterized by liver fibrosis, and studies have indicated that () eggs can limit the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are yet unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain a selection of miRNAs for long-distance exchange of information and act as an important pathway for host-parasite communication.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a CRSCE-based de-escalation training program among psychiatric nurses: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: The high incidence of workplace violence (WPV) in clinical mental health settings has caused a series of negative impacts on nurses, which has subsequently increased public concern. De-escalation (DE) is recommended as a training program which aims at providing nurses with skills and strategies to more effectively respond and manage WPV. Very few studies have examined the effectiveness of DE training, with current studies possessing various limitations due to their design and small sample sizes.

Ethical consideration on use of seclusion in mental health services.

Seclusion was widely used in mental health service, which had caused various negative effects on patients and nurses. In China, the clinical use of seclusion was gradually increasing, which had led to ethical dilemma and had gained public concern. This article aimed to synthesize the ethical issue according to the principle of autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence.

Randomized, self-controlled, prospective assessment of the efficacy of mometasone furoate local application in reducing acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Background: Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is a common adverse effect in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Mometasone furoate cream (MMF) was reported to significantly reduce ARD, especially in breast cancer. Clinically, ARD is more critical and more difficult to prevent in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) than in those with breast cancer, because a higher dose of radiotherapy is required in HNSCC cases.

MiR-27b-3p promotes migration and invasion in colorectal cancer cells by targeting HOXA10.

Purpose: Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to tumor progression via the regulation of the expression of specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. One such example, miR-27b-3p, has reportedly been involved in tumor progression in many types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to delve into the role and the underlying mechanism of miR-27b-3p in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Exosomes Derived From M2b Macrophages Attenuate DSS-Induced Colitis.

Macrophages are commonly classified as M1 macrophages or M2 macrophages. The M2 macrophages are further sub-categorized into M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d subtypes. The M2a, M2b, and M2c subtypes play roles in anti-inflammatory activity, tissue remodeling, type 2 T helper cell (Th2) activation, and immunoregulation.