Taurine Supplementation Alleviates Blood Pressure via Gut-Brain Communication in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Objects: Taurine exhibits protective effects in the context of cardiovascular pathophysiology. A range of evidence suggests that hypertension activates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), elevating the arterial tone and sympathetic activity, while it induces gut-brain axis dysfunction in the context of hypertension. However, the mechanism underlying taurine's anti-hypertensive effects via the gut-brain axis remains unclear.

EIF4A3 Enhances the Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression of Keloid Fibroblasts by Inducing the hsa_circ_0002198 Expression.

Background: Recent evidence suggests a crucial biological role for Circular RNAs (circRNAs) in keloid diseases, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0002198 in keloid formation.

Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the expression of circ_0002198 in keloid tissues, normal skin tissues, keloid fibroblasts (KFs), and normal skin fibroblasts (NFs) from nine patients.

Thymine-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles as ion-responsive release system: A paper-based colorimetric sensing platform for rapid and selective mercuric identification.

In this study, a convenient method was proposed for the synthesis of thymine-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) using strong hydrogen bonding in non-protonic solvent. Furthermore, application of the functionalized MSN for the recognition of mercuric ion (Hg) based on a paper-based platform with smartphone-assisted colorimetric detection was developed. The synthesized materials were characterized by techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N adsorption-desorption, particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Percutaneous nephroscopy versus flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of calyceal diverticulum calculi: a meta-analysis.

Background: There is still controversy about the best minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of calyceal diverticulum calculi. We conducted meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PCNL and FURL in the treatment of calyceal diverticulum calculi.

Methods: We searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical trial platform, CNKI, VIP until April 2024.

IDOL alleviates the body weight by upregulating UCP-1 in mice.

Background: Given the potential role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in stimulating energy expenditure, activating BAT can be an effective anti-obesity treatment. Here, we aimed to use adenoviruses to establish the effect of the inducible degrader of the low density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL) in the formation of BAT.

Methods: IDOL or green fluorescent protein was overexpressed by adenovirus and injected into the scapula of C57BL/6J mice and fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks.

Research Progress of Regulatory Cell Death in Coronary Microembolization.

Coronary microembolization (CME) is defined as atherosclerotic plaque erosion, spontaneous rupture, or rupture of the plaque while undergoing interventional therapy resulting in the formation of tiny emboli that obstruct the coronary microcirculatory system. For percutaneous coronary intervention, CME is a major complication, with a periprocedural incidence of up to 25%. Recent studies have demonstrated that regulatory cell death (RCD) exerts a profound influence on CME through its modulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, cell death, and angiogenesis.

Expert consensus on apical microsurgery.

Apical microsurgery is accurate and minimally invasive, produces few complications, and has a success rate of more than 90%. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of apical microsurgery by dental general practitioners and even endodontists, many clinical problems remain to be overcome. The consensus has gathered well-known domestic experts to hold a series of special discussions and reached the consensus.

Aerosolized plus intravenous polymyxin B in comparison to intravenous polymyxin B alone for the management of HAP caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of combined aerosolized (AER) and intravenous (IV) polymyxin B in managing patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative organism (CRO) .

Methods: This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted across six intensive care units in municipal and above-municipal hospitals in Shaanxi, China, from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Patients with CRO pneumonia were categorized into the intravenous group (IV polymyxin B alone) and the combination group (AER plus IV polymyxin B).

Bioinformatics Identification of angiogenesis-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Promoting vascular endothelial cell regeneration can enhance recovery from cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI), but there is a lack of bioinformatic studies on angiogenesis-related biomarkers in CIRI. In this study, we utilized the GSE97537 and GSE61616 datasets from GEO to identify 181 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) and analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CIRI and control groups. We converted ARGs to 169 rat homologues and intersected them with DEGs to find DE-ARGs.

Probiotic treatment induces changes in intestinal microbiota but does not alter SCFA levels in peritoneal dialysis patients-a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The gut microbiota alterations interact with the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Probiotics have received wide attention as a potential management in CKD. We investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 (LP N1115) on intestinal microbiota and related short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in end stage kidney disease patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Curcumin and Metformin Infinite Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles for Combined Therapy of Diabetic Mice via Intraperitoneal Injections.

Metformin (Met) is one of the most commonly prescribed first-line drugs for diabetes treatment. However, it has several issues, including low bioavailability, therapeutic platform, and side effects at high doses. In order to improve the therapeutic efficiency of Met, this study proposes a strategy of using Met and curcumin (Cur) to prepare Cur-Zn(II)-Met infinite coordination polymer nanoparticles (CM ICP NPs), and combining this with intraperitoneal injections, for the treatment of diabetic mice.

Machine Learning and Mendelian Randomization Reveal Molecular Mechanisms and Causal Relationships of Immune-Related Biomarkers in Periodontitis.

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of periodontitis and identify key immune-related biomarkers using machine learning and Mendelian randomization (MR). Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was performed on periodontitis datasets GSE16134 and GSE10334 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, followed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify relevant gene modules. Various machine learning algorithms were utilized to construct predictive models, highlighting core genes, while MR assessed the causal relationships between these genes and periodontitis.

Explorations of novel MDR-related hub genes and the potential roles TRIM9 played in drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma.

Current chemotherapeutic efficacy is limited by the rapid development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, 66 MDR-related hub genes in drug-resistant HCC were identified through combined analysis of differential expressed genes (DEGs), gene functional enrichment, Cox proportional regression, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. A prognostic risk model was established through the LASSO-Cox regression analysis.

Elucidating the causal relationship between 486 genetically predicted blood metabolites and the risk of gastric cancer: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: Previous epidemiological studies have yielded inconclusive results regarding the causality between blood metabolites and the risk of gastric cancer (GC). To address this shortcoming, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, combined with metabolomics techniques, to elucidate the causality between 486 genetically predicted blood metabolites and GC.

Methods: MR analysis and metabolomics techniques such as ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) technologies were employed to assess the causality of 486 genetically predicted blood metabolites on the risk of GC.

Association Between Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index (SIRI) and Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Individuals with Diabetes: Evidence from the NHANES.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a common and challenging complication of diabetes mellitus, associated with high recurrence, hospitalization, disability, and mortality rates. The Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SIRI) based on complete blood counts has been shown to correlate with several diseases but has not been widely studied in DFU.This study aimed to explore the relationship between SIRI and the presence of DFU in individuals with diabetes using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

SPAG5 is a potential therapeutic target affecting proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of esophageal cancer cells.

Background: Sperm-associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) is a mitotic spindle protein crucial for coordinating the separation of sister chromatids into daughter cells. Increasing evidence suggests that SPAG5 is overexpressed in various malignancies, functioning as an oncogene. However, research specifically examining SPAG5 in esophageal cancer remains limited.

Engagement of general practice preceptors in teaching residents in outpatient settings in China: a national cross-sectional study.

Background: Outpatient training is crucial for the standardized residency training of General Practitioners (GPs) in China. However, there is concern that General Practice (GP) preceptors may lack the willingness and capacities to teach residents in outpatient settings. Understanding how GP preceptors practice routine outpatient training and their views is essential for designing strategies; however, this issue has not been well studied.

NEDD4L mediates intestinal epithelial cell ferroptosis to restrict inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal tumorigenesis.

Various factors play key roles in maintaining intestine homeostasis. Disruption of the balance may lead to intestinal inflammatory diseases (IBDs) and even colorectal cancer (CRC). Loss or gain of function of many key proteins can result in dysregulated intestinal homeostasis.

Nanomedicine: The new trend and future of precision medicine for inflammatory bowel disease.

Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary area that utilizes nanoscience and technology in the realm of medicine. Rapid advances in science and technology have propelled the medical sector into a new era. The most commonly used nanotechnology in the field of medicine is nanoparticles.

Effect of co-inoculations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and grape endophytes on the fermentation property, organic acid, and volatile aroma compounds.

Grape endophytic fungi (EFFs) have rich secondary metabolic pathways that can synthesize bioactive substances and various enzymes, which may contribute to the improvement of wine quality. In order to investigate the effect of EFFs on fermentation characteristics and chemical components, fermentations by co-inoculations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and five EFF strains at different concentrations were performed in this study. It was found that EFFs affected the fermentation rate and are related to the genus of EFFs and inoculation amount.

The Role of NDRG1 Expression in Vasculogenic Mimicry of High-grade Gliomas.

Glioma is one of the most common primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system, and the prognosis is getting worse with the improvement of tumor grade. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the disease, researchers have found that microvascular mimicry seems to be the key factor of poor prognosis, but its specific mechanism has not been thoroughly studied, and the expression of microvascular mimicry in high-grade gliomas is closely related to the expression of NDRG1 gene. This research project is expected to control the occurrence and development of HGG by exploring the factors that affect the expression of NDRG1 gene.

Efficacy and safety of combined low-dose rituximab regimen for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of combined low-dose rituximab with conventional therapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) treatment.

Methods: Total 73 patients with CIDP were enrolled for the retrospective cohort study, and divided into conventional first-line therapy cohort (n = 40) and combined low-dose rituximab (100 mg per infusion) cohort (n = 33). The outcome measures include scores of I-RODS, mRS, INCAT, ONLS, TSS, and COMPASS 31 scale at baseline and regular four visits (4, 16, 28, and 52 weeks), as well as proportion of favorable response and outcome, corticosteroids dosage, and deterioration occurrence during follow-up.