Genetic and audiological determinants of hearing loss in high-risk neonates.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the correlation between prevalent risk factors for high-risk neonates in neonatal intensive care unit and their hearing loss, and to examine the audiological features and genetic profiles associated with different deafness mutations in our tertiary referral center. This research seeks to deepen our understanding of the etiology behind congenital hearing loss.

Methods: We conducted initial hearing screenings, including automated auditory brainstem response, distortion product otoacoustic emission, and acoustic immittance on 443 high-risk neonates within 7 days after birth and 42 days (if necessary) after birth.

CD36 as a Therapeutic Target in Tumor Microenvironment and Lipid Metabolism.

Dysregulated lipid metabolism within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical hallmark of cancer progression, with lipids serving as a major energy source for tumor cells. Beyond their role in cell membrane synthesis, lipids also provide essential substrates for biomolecule production and activate signaling pathways that regulate various cellular processes. Aberrant lipid metabolism impacts not only function but also alters the behavior of immune and stromal cells within the TME.

Progress on One-dimensional Vanadium Pentoxide-based Nanomaterials for Advanced Energy Storage ANSTEEL Research Institute of Vanadium & Titanium (Iron & Steel), China.

One-dimensional (1D) vanadium-based nanostructures have advantageous properties and are showing emerging critical applications in the fields of catalysis, smart devices, and electrochemical energy storage. We herein timely gave an overview of the 1D vanadium pentoxide (VO)-based nanomaterials for these promising applications, especially regarding the merits of different synthetic methods, structures and properties combined with recent research frontiers in advanced energy storage, including batteries, supercapacitors and like. The high capacity, high rate and flexibility of 1D VO-based nanomaterials endow them with great potential in high-energy-density, high-power energy devices and specific/harsh environments.

Decoding Epilepsy: Prickle2 and Multifaceted Molecular Pathway Connections.

Background: The Prickle2 (Pk2) gene shows promising potential in uncovering the underlying causes of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that is currently not well understood. This paper utilizes the online tool PubMed to gather and condense information on the involvement of PCP channels and the associated roles of PCP pathway molecules in the onset of epilepsy. These findings are significant for advancing epilepsy treatment.

Application of Chitosan-based Nanogel in Cancer Nanomedicine.

Chitosan is a kind of natural material with many unique physicochemical and biological properties related to antibacterial, antioxidant, and chelating. In recent years, chitosan-based nano gels (CS-NG) have been widely used in the field of cancer nanomedicine due to their excellent characteristics including biodegradability, biocompatibility, flexibility, large surface area, controllability, high loading capacity, and especially it can be engineered to become stimuli-responsive to tumor environments. In this review, we summarized the main synthesis approaches of CS-NGs including radical polymerization, self-assembly, microemulsion, and ionic gelation methods.

Macrophage HERC6 Promotes NAFLD: Integrated Analyses of Mendelian Randomization and Single-Cell Transcriptome.

Aims And Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between HERC6- associated immune response and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and to screen drug candidates for novel treatments.

Materials And Methods: Mendelian Randomization (MR) was performed to test the relationship between a genetically predicted increase in HERC6 expression and the development of NAFLD. A single-cell RNA-seq profile of liver tissue with histological characteristics (GSE168933) was obtained.

Proteomics Analysis of Five Potential Plasma-derived Exosomal Biomarkers for Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Aims: This study was to explore the relationship between plasma exosomes and Acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common cardiovascular complications. Recent studies have shown that exosomes play a crucial role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of zoledronic acid on biological characteristics of cervical cancer cells.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant tumor in females characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, often resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Zoledronic acid (ZA), a third-generation bisphosphonate, exhibits anti-tumor properties across various types of tumors. To further understand the effect of ZA in the treatment of CC, this article included two kinds of human CC cells (CCCs) as the research object, examining the impact of varying levels of ZA on the cells' biological properties.

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Delays the Onset of Osteoporosis and Dyslipidemia in Mice With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Objectives: The pathogenesis of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) not only affects the ovarian structure and function but also gives rise to complications such as osteoporosis and dyslipidemia. Although low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been proven effective in treating POI, its impact on the associated complications remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of LIPUS irradiation on osteoporosis and dyslipidemia in a mouse model of POI.

Adding to the Woes: Heterogeneous Effects of Air Pollution on Pandemic Patients.

While the direct health impacts of air pollution are widely discussed, its indirect effects, particularly during pandemics, are less explored. Utilizing detailed individual-level data from all designated hospitals in Wuhan during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, we examine the impact of air pollution exposure on treatment costs and health outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Our findings reveal that patients exposed more intensively to air pollution, identified by their residence in downwind areas of high-polluting enterprises, not only had worsened health outcomes but also consumed more medical resources.

Barriers and Enablers in the Implementation of Physical Activity Improvement for Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Aim: To identify the barriers and enablers in the implementation of evidence-based physical activity (PA) programmes for the improvement of health outcomes among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to develop strategies for implementing this evidence in clinical practice.

Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted, integrating a descriptive qualitative research design with a cross-sectional survey. In-depth interview was used to collect the views and cognitions about physical activity from medical staff, leaders and pregnant women.

Novel Ru(II) Complexes as Type-I/-II Photosensitizers for Multimodal Hypoxia-Tolerant Chemo-Photodynamic/Immune Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly regarded as an attractive approach for cancer treatment due to its advantages of low invasiveness, minimal side effects, and high efficiency. Here, two novel Ru(II) complexes , were designed and synthesized by coordinating phenanthroline and biquinoline ligands with Ru(II) center, and their chemo-photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy were explored. Both and exhibited significant phototoxicity against A549 and 4T1 tumor cells type-I/-II PDT.

Atomically Dispersed Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalysts for Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Designing efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) under demanding acidic environments plays a critical role in advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts with atomically dispersed metals have gained attention for their affordability, excellent catalytic performance, and distinctive features including consistent active sites and high atomic utilization. Over the past decade, significant achievements have been made in this field.

A Novel Protein NLRP12-119aa that Prevents Rhabdovirus Replication by Disrupting the RNP Complex Formation.

The accurate assembly of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex is fundamental for the replication and transcription of rhabdoviruses, which are known for their broad pathogenic impact. A novel 119-amino-acid protein, NLRP12-119aa is identified, encoded by the circular RNA circNLRP12, that effectively disrupts the formation of rhabdovirus RNP complexes through two distinct mechanisms and significantly reduces their replication. NLRP12-119aa exhibits a strong affinity for the conserved 18-nucleotide sequence at the start of the leader RNA of rhabdoviruses VSV, SCRV, and RABV, outcompeting their native N protein interactions, thereby disrupting the assembly of RNP complexes and inhibiting viral replication.

Protocol for semisynthesis of histone H4 with site-specific modifications using irreversible sortase-mediated ligation.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone H4 play significant roles in the regulation of chromatin status. Here, we present a protocol for semisynthesis of histone H4 by sortase-mediated ligation (SML). We describe steps for solid-phase peptide synthesis of H4R40C(1-42), recombinant expression and purification of H4(41-102), expression and purification of eSrt(2A-9), and preparation of acrylamidine.

Microenvironmental β-TrCP negates amino acid transport to trigger CD8 T cell exhaustion in human non-small cell lung cancer.

CD8 T cell exhaustion (Tex) has been widely acknowledged in human cancer, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that reduced amino acid (aa) metabolism and mTOR inactivation are accountable for Tex in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC cells impede the T cell-intrinsic transcription of SLC7A5 and SLC38A1, disrupting aa transport and consequently leading to mTOR inactivation.

A prospective, phase II, neoadjuvant study based on chemotherapy sensitivity in HR+/HER2- breast cancer-FINEST study.

Background: Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/humaal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer, the most common breast cancer type, has variable prognosis and high recurrence risk. Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for median-high risk HR+/HER2- patients. This phase II, single-arm, prospective study aimed to explore appropriate neoadjuvant treatment strategies for HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients.

Characteristics of Soluble PD-L1 and PD-1 Expression and Their Correlations With Immune Status and Prognosis in Advanced Lung Cancer.

Purpose: Our study aims to evaluate the characteristics of serum soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) and soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) levels and their correlations with immune status and prognosis in advanced lung cancer patients.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer based on histology or cytology in Peking University People's Hospital from July 2020 to November 2021 were enrolled. Clinicopathological data were recorded and analyzed.

Enhancing university students' engagement in studying assistive technology by case-based active learning: a pilot study in Hong Kong.

Assistive technology (AT) professionals are in pressing need with nowadays growing aged/disabled population, so as well-designed higher education programs in this field. This study designed and implemented a case-based active learning approach within an undergraduate course related to AT in Hong Kong, and assessed its impact on enhancing student engagement over two academic years. A total of twelve multimedia patient case dossiers on six major physical disabilities were created.

Probiotics Exert Gut Immunomodulatory Effects by Regulating the Expression of Host miRNAs.

Probiotics exert a diverse range of immunomodulatory effects on the human gut immune system. These mechanisms encompass strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier, inhibiting pathogen adhesion and colonization, stimulating immune modulation, and fostering the production of beneficial substances. As a result, probiotics hold significant potential in the prevention and treatment of various conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

Accelerometry-assessed sleep clusters and obesity in adolescents and young adults: a longitudinal analysis in GINIplus/LISA birth cohorts.

Background: Some studies have revealed various sleep patterns in adolescents and adults using multidimensional objective sleep parameters. However, it remains unknown whether these patterns are consistent from adolescence to young adulthood and how they relate to long-term obesity.

Methods: Seven-day accelerometry was conducted in German Infant Study on the influence of Nutrition Intervention PLUS environmental and genetic influences on allergy development (GINIplus) and Influence of Lifestyle factors on the development of the Immune System and Allergies in East and West Germany (LISA) birth cohorts during the 15-year and 20-year follow-ups, respectively.

Risk factors and retreatment for relapse in childhood primary nephrotic syndrome treated with rituximab.

Background: The effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) for steroid-dependent/frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS) in children is well documented. However, there are insufficient data on relapse risk factors. Additionally, the retreat regimen for relapsed children requires further investigation.

Quinoline: A Novel Solution for Next-Generation Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers.

Quinoline is a nitrogen-containing heterocycle compound widely used in the medical industry for its pharmacological properties, such as its antimalarial, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Beyond its medical significance, quinoline shows promising applications in agriculture as a safe and effective pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer. This review explores the evolution of quinoline research, beginning with its history and synthesis and transitioning to its biological activities and their relevance in agriculture.

Causal associations between circulating protein ratios and drug resistance in papillary thyroid cancer: a Mendelian randomization study.

Objective: Circulating protein level ratios (CPLRs) may play a crucial role in tumor progression and drug resistance by mediating interactions within the tumor microenvironment. This study aims to investigate the causal associations between CPLRs and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), focusing on their potential implications in drug resistance mechanisms.

Methods: Genetic data for 2821 CPLRs were obtained from the GWAS and FinnGen databases.

Restoration of miR-200 expression suppresses proliferation and mobility of pancreatic cancer cell.

A number of various human malignancies have been associated with abnormal microRNAs (miRNA) expression. There are evidence that miR-200 operates as both tumor suppressor and an onco-miR in a variety of tumors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of miR-200 on the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, as well as the underlying molecular pathways.