A narrative review focusing on randomized clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19 disease.

Current evidence is inconsistent on whether vitamin D supplementation can prevent COVID-19 infection or improve its clinical outcomes. To better understand and look into the issue, we went through the background knowledge of COVID-19 and vitamin D, searched in Pubmed [by using key words in the title containing "randomized clinical trial", "COVID-19", and "vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, or cholecalciferol, or calcidiol, or calcifediol) supplementation"] for publications of studies on vitamin D/supplementation in COVID-19 patients, especially those about the randomized clinical trials (RCTs). After reviewing these papers, we did a short background review of vitamin D and the pathophysiology of COVID-19, summarized the key features of the 25 RCTs in text and tabulated in a table of some of the features, commented, compared and discussed the differences between RCTs (for example, change the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration from nmol/L to ng/mL, making the comparison easier).

Preparation, structural property, and antioxidant activities of a novel pectin polysaccharide from the flowers of Linn.

Introduction: Oxidative stress, triggered by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, is implicated in various pathological conditions. Plant-derived polysaccharides have gained significant attention as potential natural antioxidants due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural versatility.

Methods: This study focuses on the purification, structural characterization, and antioxidant activities of a novel pectin polysaccharide (HFPS) isolated from the flowers of Linn.

Noninvasive assessment of pediatric glomerular disease: multimodal ultrasound.

Background: Traditional 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is a noninvasive method in the assessment of glomerular disease. Ultrasound elastography shows promise in evaluating renal fibrosis, which plays a key role in glomerular disease progression. However, research in pediatric cohorts is limited.

A machine learning model incorporating F-prostate-specific membrane antigen-1007 positron emission tomography/computed tomography and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for predicting prostate-specific antigen persistence in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

Background: Although F-prostate-specific membrane antigen-1007 (F-PSMA-1007) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) are good predictors of prostate cancer (PCa) prognosis, their combined ability to predict prostate-specific antigen (PSA) persistence has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study, we assessed whether clinical, mpMRI, and F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT characteristics could predict PSA persistence in patients with PCa treated with radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: This retrospective study involved consecutive patients diagnosed with PCa who underwent both preoperative mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT scans between April 2019 and June 2022.

Daphnetin-mediated mitophagy alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration via the Nrf2/PINK1 pathway.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of low back pain (LBP), and effective therapies are still lacking. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and this, along with extracellular matrix metabolism (ECM) degradation in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), plays a crucial role in the progression of IDD. Daphnetin (DAP) is a biologically active phytochemical extracted from plants of the , which possesses various bioactivities, including antioxidant properties.

Efficacy and safety of gut microbiome-targeted treatment in patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze and establish a framework for evaluating the efficacy of microbiome-targeted treatment (MTT) for depression.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MTT in treating depression until October 19, 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MTT.

Prognostic and diagnostic value of [F]FDG, C-acetate, and [Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objectives: To assess the prognostic value of Fluorine 18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose [F]FDG, gallium 68-labeled fibroblast-activation protein inhibitor-04 [Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, C-acetate in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluate the potential usefulness and advantages of different combinations for accurate diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-six patients with suspected hepatic masses were prospectively enrolled from May 2021 to September 2022 and underwent [F]FDG, [Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, and C-acetate PET/CT scans before surgery. PET/CT results and histopathologic examinations were independently interpreted by two radiologists and pathologists, respectively.

Fluorinated multifunctional polymer vesicles for enhanced ocular surface penetration and synergistic treatment of dry eye disease.

Current pharmacotherapy for DED is limited by a vicious inflammatory cycle in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role. Additionally, topical eye drop therapy for DED often suffers from poor ocular availability due to multiple ocular surface barriers. Considering the key role of the ROS-NLRP3-IL-1β signaling axis in DED, in this investigation, fluorinated multifunctional polymer vesicles were developed for enhanced ocular surface penetration and synergistic DED therapy by combining ROS scavenging and immunomodulation.

Application of bioelectrical impedance detection techniques: Cells and tissues.

Pathological conditions in organisms often arise from various cellular or tissue abnormalities, including dysregulation of cell numbers, infections, aberrant differentiation, and tissue pathologies such as lung tumors and skin tumors. Thus, developing methods for analyzing and identifying these biological abnormalities presents a significant challenge. While traditional bioanalytical methods such as flow cytometry and magnetic resonance imaging are well-established, they suffer from inefficiencies, high costs, complexity, and potential hazards.

Coherent Strain-Inhibiting Phase Construction of Lithium-Rich Manganese-Based Oxide Toward High Mechanochemical Stability.

A layered lithium-rich manganese-based oxide cathode, containing 3̅ (LiTMO, TM = Mn, Ni, Co) and 2/ (LiMnO) nanodomains, utilizes both transition metals and oxygen redox to yield substantial energy density. However, the inherent heterogeneous nature and distinct nanodomain redox chemistries of layered lithium-rich oxides will inevitably cause pernicious lattice strain and structural displacement, which can hardly be eliminated by conventional doping or coating strategies and result in accelerated performance decay. Herein, we incorporate a strain-inhibiting perovskite phase coherently grown within the layered structure to effectively restrain the displacement and lattice strain during uneven Li-ion extraction.

Aspirin Is as Effective and Safe as Oral Anticoagulants for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Joint arthroplasty effectively treats osteoarthritis, providing pain relief and improving function, but postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a common complication. This study therefore assessed the effectiveness and safety of aspirin compared with oral anticoagulants (OACs) for VTE prophylaxis after joint arthroplasty.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to May 14, 2024, that compared the effect of aspirin versus OACs on VTE prophylaxis in adults undergoing joint arthroplasty.

Diagnostic Value of Serum miR-499a-5p in Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-499a-5p in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and its value in early diagnosis of ASD. This is a retrospective case-control study that included 40 children with ASD as a case group and 43 healthy children as a control group. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on all subjects, and the children were scored with childhood autism rating scale (CARS) and autism behavior checklist (ABC).

Machine learning-based prognostic model for patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: Despite the identification of various prognostic factors for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) patients over the years, a precise prognostic tool for these patients is still lacking. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for predicting survival outcomes for ATC patients using random survival forests (RSF), a machine learning algorithm.

Methods: A total of 1222 ATC patients were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and randomly divided into a training set of 855 patients and a validation set of 367 patients.

Risk Factors for Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: A meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively identify risk factors of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in adults and provide evidence-based support for healthcare professionals to formulate IAD preventive interventions and bundled interventions.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled findings.

Search Strategy: Two researchers independently searched databases PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP and CBM) for relevant studies published from their inception to March 15, 2023.

Positive association of triglyceride glucose index and gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder with important health implications for both mother and offspring. This study aims to assess the relationship between the Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) index and GDM and explore its clinical significance.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study included 631 singleton pregnant women.

Exploration of ANKRD27 as an immune-related prognostic factor in pan-cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Introduction: Ankyrin repeat domain 27 (ANKRD27) has been found to be associated with certain cancers. However, its clinical potential in pan-cancer remains unclear.

Methods: Public datasets (TCGA and GTEx) were applied to analyze ANKRD27 expression in multiple cancer types and its correlations with immune scores, immune checkpoint genes, and immune modulatory genes.

Accurate identification of snoRNA targets using variational graph autoencoder to advance the redevelopment of traditional medicines.

Existing studies indicate that dysregulation or abnormal expression of small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) is closely associated with various diseases, including lung cancer. Furthermore, these diseases often involve multiple targets, making the redevelopment of traditional medicines highly promising. Accurate prediction of potential snoRNA therapeutic targets is essential for early disease intervention and the redevelopment of traditional medicines.

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: Opportunities and challenges.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Numerous trials have explored the use of ICIs, either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies, in the neoadjuvant setting for stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer. Most trials have demonstrated neoadjuvant immunotherapy to be safe and to have remarkable efficacy, with a high pathological response rate and significantly improved event-free survival.

Parkin deficiency aggravates inflammation-induced acute lung injury by promoting necroptosis in alveolar type II cells.

Background: Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death resulting in tissue inflammation due to the release of intracellular contents. Its role and regulatory mechanism in the context of acute lung injury (ALI) are unclear. Parkin (Prkn), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, has recently been implicated in the regulation of necroptosis.

The Role of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Administration During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Survey.

In December 2022, China classified COVID-19 as a category B infectious disease. This ended 2 years of close epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19. The objective of this questionnaire was to assess the infection status in the COVID-19 pandemic since December in Henan Province, China, and the prevalence of infection in people who were taking ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) during this period.

Dual role of Cathepsin S in cutaneous melanoma: insights from mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analysis.

Background: Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is strongly associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which contributes to the transformation of melanocytes into melanoma by inducing specific DNA damage. Here, we investigated the causal relationship between CM and genes related to sun-damaged skin, exploring specific target genes through various bioinformatics analyses.

Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain differential genes for CM and normal skin, and the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) analysis offered summary-level melanoma data for CM.

UDA-seq: universal droplet microfluidics-based combinatorial indexing for massive-scale multimodal single-cell sequencing.

The use of single-cell combinatorial indexing sequencing via droplet microfluidics presents an attractive approach for balancing cost, scalability, robustness and accessibility. However, existing methods often require tailored protocols for individual modalities, limiting their automation potential and clinical applicability. To address this, we introduce UDA-seq, a universal workflow that integrates a post-indexing step to enhance throughput and systematically adapt existing droplet-based single-cell multimodal methods.

Artificial intelligence in drug development.

Drug development is a complex and time-consuming endeavor that traditionally relies on the experience of drug developers and trial-and-error experimentation. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly emerging large language models and generative AI, is poised to redefine this paradigm. The integration of AI-driven methodologies into the drug development pipeline has already heralded subtle yet meaningful enhancements in both the efficiency and effectiveness of this process.