Novel insights into mechanisms and therapeutics for presbycusis.

Presbycusis, also referred to as age-related hearing loss, poses a substantial burden on both individuals and society. The hallmark of presbycusis is a progressive decrease in auditory sensitivity. Irreversible hearing loss occurs due to the limited regenerative capacity of spiral neurons and peripheral cochlear hair cells (HCs).

Spatial suitability evaluation and layout optimization of emergency shelter: A case study in Tianhe District of Guangzhou City.

Emergency shelters are multifunctional spaces that provide safe refuge, essential life protection, and rescue command for residents in case of urban disaster. These shelters constitute crucial components of urban public safety. This study, with Tianhe District in Guangzhou City as a case study, used data from emergency evacuation sites and other socio-economic sources to construct an evaluation system for spatial suitability evaluation and layout optimization of emergency shelters.

Comprehensive analyses reveal the promising value of gasdermins as prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: In several studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), the regulation of tumorigenesis and therapeutic sensitivity by pyroptosis has been observed. However, a systematic analysis of gasdermin family members (GSDMs, including GSDMA/B/C/D/E and PJVK), which are deterministic executors of pyroptosis, has not yet been reported in HNSC.

Methods: We performed comprehensive analyses of the expression profile, prognostic value, regulatory network, and immune infiltration modulation of GSDMs in HNSC on the basis of a computational approach and bioinformatic analysis of publicly available datasets.

Evaluating cardiac performance in beagle dogs: Transesophageal echocardiography and myocardial work assessment.

Objectives: This study aimed to establish standard transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measurements of left ventricular (LV) morphology, function, and myocardial work parameters in healthy Beagle dogs using pressure-strain loops (PSL). Additionally, it sought to standardize optimal TEE imaging techniques and explore the potiential application of myocardial work analyis in veterinary medicine.

Methods: Thirty-seven healthy male Beagle dogs were anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated for TEE examinations.

Chemical reactions with the Casson nanofluid flow by the bioconvective behavior of microorganisms over a spinning disc.

This study examines the behavior of the Casson nanofluid bioconvection flow around a spinning disc under various influences, including gyrotactic microorganisms, multiple slips, and thermal radiation. Notably, it accounts for the reversible nature of the flow and incorporates the esterification process. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of reversible chemical reactions on the flow behavior of a Casson nanofluid in the presence of bioconvective microorganisms over a spinning disc.

Propensity Score Matching Analysis for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of comorbidity with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on the survival rates and incidence of liver cancer in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).

Methods: Patients with ARLD and those with ARLD co-morbid with CHB were included in this study and designated as the ARLD group and the ARLD + HBV group, respectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) was then employed to compare survival rates and liver cancer development between these two groups.

A discrete choice experiment on Chinese parents' preferences of vaccine schedules against six childhood infectious diseases.

Background: China's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides vaccinations against 12 vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) at no cost to families. For some VPDs, parents may opt to substitute equivalent non-program vaccines, including combination vaccines, for EPI vaccines; substitute vaccines must be paid for by the family. Although parents have several choices for vaccinating their children, their preferences for vaccines and immunization schedules have not been systematically evaluated.

The value of 5-HT, leptin, and NE in the classification of premature ejaculation.

Background: While premature ejaculation (PE) can be divided into lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE, natural variable PE (NPE), and subjective PE (SPE), there is no objective method to classify PE.

Aim: To determine the value of serum serotonin (5-HT), leptin, and norepinephrine (NE) levels in the classification of PE.

Methods: From July 2023 to July 2024, we recruited 150 participants and divided them into 4 groups: LPE (43 cases), NPE (32 cases), SPE (35 cases), and non-PE (40 cases) groups.

Cardiovascular health and risks of atrial fibrillation and its prognosis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia around the world with an increased risk of a broad spectrum of adverse comorbidities and death. Whether cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with AF development remains unclear.

Methods: 238,420 participants without cardiovascular disease at baseline were selected from the UK Biobank study cohort from 2006 to 2010.

Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio as an independent predictor of long-term mortality in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: A propensity score-matched study: UACR and Long-term Mortality in ASCVD.

Background And Aims: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality, and while the association between the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and cardiovascular risk is recognized, the specific impact of UACR on the long-term survival of ASCVD patients remains not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of UACR on the long-term risk of all-cause mortality in patients with ASCVD.

Methods: This study included ASCVD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018.

The salivary microbiome and oral health status in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.

Background/purpose: Dysbiosis of oral microbiota has been reported in late stage of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection with cirrhosis. CHB is characterized by the constant virus-induced liver injury which may lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, some patients show normal liver function without antiviral treatment, associating with favourable prognosis.

Differential expression of osteoblast-like cells on self-organized titanium dioxide nanotubes.

Background/purpose: Titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) structures have been shown to enhance the early osseointegration of dental implants. Nevertheless, the optimal nanotube diameter for promoting osteogenesis remains unclear due to variations in cell types and manufacture of nanotubes. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells behavior on nanotubes of varying diameters.

Updates on the clinical application of glass ionomer cement in restorative and preventive dentistry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added glass ionomer cement (GIC) to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines since 2021, which represents the most efficacious, safe and cost-effective medicines for priority conditions. With the potential increase in the use of GIC, this review aims to provide an overview of the clinical application of GIC with updated evidence in restorative and preventive dentistry. GIC is a versatile dental material that has a wide range of clinical applications, particularly in restorative and preventive dentistry.

Creating an extracellular matrix-like three-dimension structure to enhance the corrosion resistance and biological responses of titanium implants.

Background/purpose: Titanium (Ti) is extensively used in dental and orthopedic implants due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, its smooth and biologically inert surface does not support the ingrowth of new bone, and Ti ions may have adverse biological effects. The purpose is to improve the corrosion resistance of titanium and create a 3D structured coating to enhance osseointegration through a very simple and fast surface treatment.

How does mHealth benefit older Chinese adults' quality of life? Examining the roles of eHealth literacy, health motivation, and patient activation.

Background: China is experiencing a rapid increase in its aging population, leading to the emergence of significant challenges to improve the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. The study aims to explore the potential benefits of using mobile health technology in improving the QoL for older Chinese adults.

Method: This study utilized a subsample of adults aged 60 and above from a cross-sectional, population-based national survey conducted among Chinese adults (N = 852).

Expression of NKp46 and other activating inhibitory receptors on uterine endometrial NK cells in females with various reproductive failures: A review.

Background: Uterine endometrial natural killer (uNK) cells represent major leukocytes in the mid-secretory phase of the cell cycle, and their number is further increased during early pregnancy. The activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on their surface mediate various functions of uNK cells, such as cytotoxicity, cytokine production, spiral artery remodeling, and self-recognition.

Methods: This study reviewed the most recent information (PubMed database, 175 articles included) regarding the activating and inhibitory receptors on uNK cells in human females with healthy pregnancies and the evidence indicating their significance in various reproductive failures.

Human milk whey proteins: Constituents, influencing factors, detection methods, and comparative analysis with other sources.

Whey proteins, the most abundant proteins in human milk (HM), play a vital role in the growth and development of infants. This review first elaborates on the main components of HM whey proteins, including various proteins with specific functions, and details the functions of these proteins in terms of infant nutrition, immunity, as well as growth and development. Secondly, it analyzes factors that affect HM whey proteins, such as maternal differences, dietary habits, and geographical differences.

Comparison of chemical constituents in species and their antimicrobial activity for extending the shelf life of foods.

Food spoilage causes significant economic losses and endangers human health. Developing novel antimicrobial agents and preservatives is urgently needed for anti-foodborne diseases and improving food storage. Zhen Zhu Cai () species are well-known edible plants among the East Asian populace that clear heat and anti-aging.

Field-scale screening of pumpkin cultivars for cost-effectiveness of "repairing while producing" in cadmium-arsenic co-contaminated agricultural land.

Soil contamination with heavy metals poses a significant health risk as these metals can be transferred to humans through agricultural products. This study aimed to identify pumpkin varieties with low cadmium and arsenic accumulation. To this end, we evaluated 25 pumpkin varieties.

Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial application of cross-linked nanoparticles composite films.

This study aimed to prepare a composite film by blending cross-linked tapioca starch (CLTS) with sodium alginate (SA), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnOs). The effects of SA, AgNPs, and ZnOs at different concentrations (1-3 wt%) on the mechanical properties, optical properties, thermal stability, and antibacterial activity of cross-linked starch films were also investigated. The structures of the films were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

The Role of Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature and Immune Infiltration in Juvenile Dermatomyositis.

Objective: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a complex autoimmune disease, and its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Building upon previous research on the immunological and inflammatory aspects of JDM, this study aims to investigate the role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of JDM using a comprehensive bioinformatics approach.

Methods: Two microarray datasets (GSE3307 and GSE11971) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and a list of 62 pyroptosis-related genes was compiled.

Correlation Between Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced CT Imaging Signs and Differentiation Grade and Microvascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how dynamic contrast-enhanced CT imaging signs correlate with the differentiation grade and microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to assess their predictive value for MVI when combined with clinical characteristics.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 232 patients diagnosed with HCC at our hospital between 2021 and 2022. All patients underwent preoperative enhanced CT scans, laboratory tests, and postoperative pathological examinations.

Exploring Self-Management Behavior Profiles in Patients with Multimorbidity: A Sequential, Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study.

Purpose: This study aims to identify self-management behavior profiles in multimorbid patients, and explore how workload, capacity, and their interactions influence these profiles.

Patients And Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase (August 2022 to May 2023), data were collected from 1,920 multimorbid patients across nine healthcare facilities in Zhejiang Province.

Survival outcomes among periviable infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing different income countries and time periods.

Background: Periviable infants are a highly vulnerable neonatal group, and their survival rates are considerably affected by patient-, caregiver-, and institution-level factors, exhibiting wide variability across different income countries and time periods. This study aims to systematically review the literature on the survival rates of periviable infants and compare rates among countries with varied income levels and across different time periods.

Methods: Comprehensive searches were conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science.

An empirical study of LLaMA3 quantization: from LLMs to MLLMs.

The LLaMA family, a collection of foundation language models ranging from 7B to 65B parameters, has become one of the most powerful open-source large language models (LLMs) and the popular LLM backbone of multi-modal large language models (MLLMs), widely used in computer vision and natural language understanding tasks. In particular, LLaMA3 models have recently been released and have achieved impressive performance in various domains with super-large scale pre-training on over 15T tokens of data. Given the wide application of low-bit quantization for LLMs in resource-constrained scenarios, we explore LLaMA3's capabilities when quantized to low bit-width.