Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients With CKD Receiving GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

Rationale & Objective: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) improve cardiac and kidney outcomes in patients with diabetes; however their efficacy in individuals with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of GLP-1RAs on kidney and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported through May 25, 2024.

CXCR4 antagonist-loaded nanoparticles reprogram the tumor microenvironment and enhance immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death that has limited treatment options for advanced stages. Although PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for advanced HCC treatment, their effectiveness is often hampered by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which is due to hypoxia-driven CXCL12/CXCR4 axis activation. In this study, we developed 807-NPs, lipid-coated tannic acid (TA) nanoparticles that encapsulate BPRCX807, a potent CXCR4 antagonist to target HCC.

The incidence of Popeye Deformity after Soft Tissue Biceps Tenodesis is Comparable to Biceps Anchor Tenodesis and Lower than Biceps Tenotomy During Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair- letter to editor.

We have carefully reviewed the article entitled "The incidence of Popeye Deformity after Soft Tissue Biceps Tenodesis is Comparable to Biceps Anchor Tenodesis and Lower than Biceps Tenotomy During Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair" by Hyun Gon Kim et al. and found it very interesting. While we appreciate the authors' efforts, we have some questions about certain aspects of the study methodology that we hope they can address.

Local cortical structure pattern and genetic links in schizophrenia: An MRI and CRISPR/Cas9 study.

While the etiology of schizophrenia (SZ) remains elusive, its diverse phenotypes suggest the involvement of distinct functional cortical areas, and the heritability of SZ implies the underlying genetic factors. This study aimed to integrate imaging and molecular analyses to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of SZ. We investigated the local cortical structural pattern changes in Brodmann areas (BAs) by calculating the cortical structural pattern index (SPI) using magnetic resonance imaging analysis from 194 individuals with SZ and 330 controls.

Unintended consequences: China's pairing assistance policy and carbon emissions in administrative border areas -evidence from China.

The investigation of the unintended impact of pairing assistance policies on carbon emissions in administrative boundary regions is critical for achieving the "dual carbon" goals. This paper utilizes a sample of cities from the Pearl River Delta and the eastern and western regions of Guangdong, China, spanning from 2006 to 2020. A quasi-natural experiment based on the co-construction of industrial parks is employed to examine its impact on carbon emissions in boundary regions.

Enhancing public health outcomes with AI-powered clinical surveillance: Precise detection of COVID-19 variants using qPCR and nanopore sequencing.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrating the Varia5 multiplex assay (qPCR) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for monitoring SARS-CoV-2, focusing on their overall performance in identifying various virus variants.

Methods: This study included 140 naso-pharyngeal swab samples from individuals with suspected COVID-19. We utilized our self-developed Varia5 multiplex assay, which targets five viral genes linked to COVID-19 mutations, in conjunction with comprehensive genomic analysis performed through whole genome sequencing (WGS) using the Oxford Nanopore system.

Energy metabolism, antioxidant defense system, metal transport, and ion homeostasis are key contributors to Cd tolerance in SSSL derived from wild rice.

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity poses major challenges to rice cultivation, affecting plant growth and development. Wild rice and nanoparticles offer promising strategies to enhance Cd tolerance, yet little is known about their combined effects. This study evaluates the single segment substitution line (SG004) from Oryza glumaepatula (wild rice) and its response to Cd stress compared to cultivated rice (HJX74).

Abundance of non-toxic and low-level toxic Pseudo-nitzschia explains the low levels of neurotoxin domoic acid in Chinese coastal waters.

Domoic acid (DA), a well-known marine neurotoxin, is produced by toxic Pseudo-nitzschia species. However, the knowledge of DA in Chinese coastal waters remains limited, and the primary biological sources in these waters are still unknown. In this study, 200 surface phytoplankton samples were collected during summer and spring, covering the entire Chinese coastline.

Extracellular calreticulin regulates fibrogenic and immunogenic properties of hepatic stellate cells.

Liver fibrosis is a persistent damage repair response triggered by various etiological factors, resulting in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activated hepatic stellate cells (HpSCs) are the primary source of ECM proteins. Therefore, specifically targeting HpSCs has become a crucial approach for treating liver fibrosis.

Behind closed doors: Homeboundness and psychosocial outcomes. Evidence from a longitudinal study of middle-aged and older adults.

Objectives: To examine how homeboundness is associated with psychosocial outcomes in terms of life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: Longitudinal data were taken from the nationally representative sample German Ageing Survey (wave 1 to wave 4; n = 18,491 observations). This study included community-dwelling individuals aged 40 years and over in Germany.

Enhancing Activation Energy Predictions under Data Constraints Using Graph Neural Networks.

Accurately predicting activation energies is crucial for understanding chemical reactions and modeling complex reaction systems. However, the high computational cost of quantum chemistry methods often limits the feasibility of large-scale studies, leading to a scarcity of high-quality activation energy data. In this work, we explore and compare three innovative approaches (transfer learning, delta learning, and feature engineering) to enhance the accuracy of activation energy predictions using graph neural networks, specifically focusing on methods that incorporate low-cost, low-level computational data.

Exploring the significance of medical humanities in shaping internship performance: insights from curriculum categories.

Background: Medical Humanities (MH) curricula integrate humanities disciplines into medical education to nurture essential qualities in future physicians. However, the impact of MH on clinical competencies during formative training phases remains underexplored. This study aimed to determine the influence of MH curricula on internship performance.

Oral Functions and Various Cooking Methods Associated With Chewing-To-Swallowing Time in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background: Oral frailty in older adults can affect their eating efficiency, prolonging meal times, which can compromise food flavour.

Objective: This study explored the association between cooking methods and chewing-to-swallowing time on the basis of different oral functions in older adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 65 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65 years.

A Comprehensive Weightbearing Computed Tomography Study on Patients With Hallux Valgus: Exploring Multiplanar Deformity Interrelationships.

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex, multiplanar deformity. In this study, we examined the interrelationships between various components of this deformity using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). We hypothesized that the severity of traditional axial plane deformities would correlate with malpositioning of the metatarsosesamoid complex, first-ray coronal rotational deformity, and malalignment of the hindfoot and midfoot.

Recent Advances of Avian Viruses Research.

The outbreaks of several epidemics caused by pathogenic avian viruses pose significant threats to the poultry industry [...

Incidence of HBV Reactivation in Psoriasis Patients Undergoing Cytokine Inhibitor Therapy: A Single-Center Study and Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis.

Background: Psoriasis patients who are seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) face an elevated risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) when treated with cytokine inhibitors. This study aims to elucidate the risk in this population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the risk of HBVr in 73 psoriasis patients treated with cytokine inhibitors from 2013 to 2023.

Sorafenib-Loaded Silica-Containing Redox Nanoparticle Decreases Tumorigenic Potential of Lewis Lung Carcinoma.

Orally administered sorafenib has shown limited improvement in overall survival for non-small-cell lung cancer patients, likely due to poor pharmacokinetics and adverse effects, including gastrointestinal toxicity. To address these issues, we developed silica-containing antioxidant nanoparticles (siRNP) as a carrier to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of lipophilic sorafenib. Sorafenib was loaded into siRNP via dialysis (sora@siRNP).

Mechanical Properties and Optimization Strategies of Tree Fork Structures.

Trees are complex and dynamic living structures, where structural stability is essential for survival and for public safety in urban environments. Tree forks, as structural junctions, are key to tree integrity but are prone to failure under stress. The specific mechanical contributions of their internal conical structures remain largely unexplored.

Curcumin and Vitamin D Supplement Attenuates Knee Osteoarthritis Progression in ACLT + MMx Rat Model: Effect on Cartilage Protection and Pain Reduction.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and debilitating disorder marked by joint degradation, inflammation, and persistent pain. This study examined the possible therapeutic effects of curcumin and vitamin D on OA progression and pain in a rat knee OA model by anterior cruciate ligament transection and meniscectomy (ACLT + MMx). Male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups: control, curcumin-treated (100 mg/kg/day), vitamin D-treated (25 µg/kg/day), a combination of vitamin D and curcumin, and sham-operated.

Photoprotective Effects of Phytochemicals on Blue Light-Induced Retinal Damage: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives.

The widespread use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has increased blue light (BL) exposure, raising concerns about its potential adverse effects on ocular health. Prolonged exposure to BL has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), primarily through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation mediated by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review synthesizes current evidence on the photoprotective properties of dietary bioactive compounds, (e.

Polyphenolic Hispolon Derived from Medicinal Mushrooms of the and Genera Promotes Wound Healing in Hyperglycemia-Induced Impairments.

: This study investigated the wound-healing potential of hispolon, a polyphenolic pigment derived from medicinal mushrooms, under diabetic conditions using both in vitro and in vivo models. : In the in vitro assays, L929 fibroblast cells exposed to high glucose (33 mmol/L) were treated with hispolon at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.

Malnutrition and Frailty Are Associated with a Higher Risk of Prolonged Hospitalization and Mortality in Hospitalized Older Adults.

Malnutrition and frailty are independent risk factors of prolonged hospitalization and mortality, respectively. However, the combined association of these conditions with the risk of prolonged hospitalization and mortality in hospitalized elderly patients remains unclear. Our object was to investigate the combined association of malnutrition and frailty on the risk of prolonged hospitalization and mortality in hospitalized elderly patients.

Nozzle Pressure- and Screw Position-Based CAE Scientific Process Parameter Setup for Injection Molding Process.

This study developed a scientific process parameter setup based on nozzle pressure and screw position, with the process parameter search sequence being injection speed, / switchover position, packing pressure, and packing time. Unlike previous studies, this study focuses on the scientific process parameter setup of experiments and simulations, as well as on the implementation of calibration. Experiments and simulations had the same trend of results in the scientific process parameter setup.

Cell Morphology, Material Property and Ni(II) Adsorption of Microcellular Injection-Molded Polystyrene Reinforced with Graphene Nanoparticles.

Graphene's incorporation into polymers has enabled the development of advanced polymer/graphene nanocomposites with superior properties. This study focuses on the use of a microcellular foamed polystyrene (PS)/graphene (GP) nanocomposite (3 wt%) for nickel (II) ion removal from aqueous solutions. Adsorption behavior was evaluated through FTIR, TEM, SEM, TGA, and XRD analyses.

Synergistic Effect of Strontium Doping and Surfactant Addition in Mesoporous Bioactive Glass for Enhanced Osteogenic Bioactivity and Advanced Bone Regeneration.

Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) is an advanced biomaterial widely recognized for its application in bone regenerative engineering. This study synthesized an MBG powder (80 mol% SiO, 5 mol% PO, and 15 mol% CaO) using a facile sol-gel method with the non-ionic surfactant Pluronic P123, which acted as a pore-forming agent. MBGs form bioactive surfaces that facilitate HA formation, and the presence of Pluronic P123 increases the surface area and promotes HA nucleation.