Efficacy and safety of continuous nursing in improving functional recovery after total hip or knee arthroplasty in older adults: A systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous nursing care for the recovery of joint function in older adults with total hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods: Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies of continuous nursing in older patients after joint replacement were searched from the database of Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase from their establishment to October 25, 2023. After literature screening, two researchers completed data extraction, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The risk analysis included in cohort studies was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: The study included a total of 15 articles, comprising 34,186 knee and hip replacement patients. In this review, the effects of continuous nursing on the recovery of joint function of knee replacement and hip replacement in older adults were classified and discussed. Continuous nursing interventions targeted for total hip replacement could greatly increase the range of joint mobility, enhance muscle strength during hip movements like flexion, extension, and abduction, maintain joint stability, relieve pain, improve daily activities, and lower the risk of complications. For older patients with knee arthroplasty, continuous nursing programs could markedly improve knee motion range, joint flexion, joint stability, daily activities, and pain management. Despite the implementation of interventions, the incidence of complications caused by total knee replacement did not decrease. Out of all the studies reviewed, only one used a theoretical framework for interventions provided to patients during the postoperative period of hip arthroplasty. The overall quality of the included studies was very high. Conclusion: Continuous nursing can effectively improve the joint function of older patients after joint replacement. However, its effectiveness in terms of clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and medical cost of associated continuous nursing needs to be further clarified. In addition, continuous nursing has no significant advantage in the safety of postoperative complications and readmission rates in older adults after knee joint replacement. To enhance the efficacy and safety of continuous nursing effectively, it is crucial to refine the continuous nursing program in the future, thereby elevating the quality of nursing services.

The OsMOB1A-OsSTK38 kinase complex phosphorylates CYCLIN C, controlling grain size and weight in rice.

Grain size and weight are crucial yield-related traits in rice (Oryza sativa). Although certain key genes associated with rice grain size and weight have been successfully cloned, the molecular mechanisms underlying grain size and weight regulation remain elusive. Here, we identified a molecular pathway regulating grain size and weight in rice involving the MPS ONE BINDER KINASE ACTIVATOR-LIKE 1A-SERINE/THREONINE-PROTEIN KINASE 38-CYCLIN C (OsMOB1A-OsSTK38-OsCycC) module. OsSTK38 is a nuclear Dbf2-related kinase that positively regulates grain size and weight by coordinating cell proliferation and expansion in the spikelet hull. OsMOB1A interacts with and enhances the autophosphorylation of OsSTK38. Specifically, the critical role of the OsSTK38 S322 site in its kinase activity is highlighted. Furthermore, OsCycC, a component of the Mediator complex, was identified as a substrate of OsSTK38, with enhancement by OsMOB1A. Notably, OsSTK38 phosphorylates the T33 site of OsCycC. The phosphorylation of OsCycC by OsSTK38 influenced its interaction with the transcription factor KNOTTED-LIKE HOMEOBOX OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA 7 (OsKNAT7). Genetic analysis confirmed that OsMOB1A, OsSTK38 and OsCycC function in a common pathway to regulate grain size and weight. Taken together, our findings revealed a connection between the Hippo signalling pathway and the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) module in eukaryotes. Moreover, they provide insights into the molecular mechanisms linked to yield-related traits and propose innovative breeding strategies for high-yielding varieties.

The mitochondrial carboxylase PCCA interacts with Listeria monocytogenes phospholipase PlcB to modulate bacterial survival.

Listeria monocytogenes, a prominent foodborne pathogen responsible for zoonotic infections, owes a significant portion of its virulence to the presence of the phospholipase PlcB. In this study, we performed an in-depth examination of the intricate relationship between L. monocytogenes PlcB and host cell mitochondria, unveiling a novel participant in bacterial survival: the mitochondrial carboxylase propionyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (PCCA). Our investigation uncovered previously unexplored levels of interaction and colocalization between PCCA and PlcB within host cells, with particular emphasis on the amino acids 504-508 of PCCA, which play a pivotal role in this partnership. To assess the effect of PCCA expression on L. monocytogenes proliferation, PCCA expression levels were manipulated by siRNA-si-PCCA or pCMV-N-HA-PCCA plasmid transfection. Our findings demonstrated a clear inverse correlation between PCCA expression levels and the proliferation of L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, the effect of L. monocytogenes infection on PCCA expression was investigated by assessing PCCA mRNA and protein expression in HeLa cells infected with L. monocytogenes. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes infection did not significantly alter PCCA expression. These findings led us to propose that PCCA represents a novel participant in L. monocytogenes survival, and its abundance has a detrimental impact on bacterial proliferation. This suggests that L. monocytogenes may employ PlcB-PCCA interactions to maintain stable PCCA expression, representing a unique pro-survival strategy distinct from that of other intracellular bacterial pathogens. IMPORTANCE: Mitochondria represent attractive targets for pathogenic bacteria seeking to modulate host cellular processes to promote their survival and replication. Our current study has uncovered mitochondrial carboxylase propionyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (PCCA) as a novel host cell protein that interacts with L. monocytogenes PlcB. The results demonstrate that PCCA plays a negative regulatory role in L. monocytogenes infection, as heightened PCCA levels are associated with reduced bacterial survival and persistence. However, L. monocytogenes may exploit the PlcB-PCCA interaction to maintain stable PCCA expression and establish a favorable intracellular milieu for bacterial infection. Our findings shed new light on the intricate interplay between bacterial pathogens and host cell mitochondria, while also highlighting the potential of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes as antimicrobial agents.

AMP-Mimetic Antimicrobial Polymer-Involved Synergic Therapy with Various Coagents for Improved Efficiency.

The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Infections caused by MDR bacteria are rapidly evolving into a significant threat to global healthcare due to the lack of effective and safe treatments. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity kill bacteria generally through a membrane disruption mechanism; hence, they tend not to induce resistance readily. However, AMPs exhibit disadvantages, such as high cost and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, which limit their clinical application. AMP-mimetic antimicrobial polymers, with low cost, stability to proteolysis, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, negligible antimicrobial resistance, and rapid bactericidal effect, have received extensive attention as a new type of antibacterial drugs. Lately, AMP-mimetic polymer-involved synergic therapy provides a superior alternative to combat MDR bacteria by distinct mechanisms. In this Review, we summarize the AMP-mimetic antimicrobial polymers involved in synergic therapy, particularly focusing on the different combinations between the polymers with commercially available antimicrobials, organic small molecule photosensitizers, inorganic nanomaterials, and nitric oxide.

The Effect of Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells to Glial Cells on the Sensory Nerves of the Dental Pulp.

Regeneration of sensory nerves is challenging in dental pulp regeneration. Schwann cells (SCs) are essential glial cells conducive to regenerating sensory nerve, but their source is scarce. The aim of the protocol was to investigate the regenerative potential of Schwann-like cells derived from dental pulp stem cells (SC-DPSCs) for sensory nerve regrowth. SC-DPSCs were generated from dental pulp stem cells using a three-step protocol. The expression of key markers, including myelin basic protein, S-100, and p75 neurotrophin receptor, was analyzed. Primary trigeminal neurons were cultured, and the expression of neurofilament 200, ß-tubulin III, and microtubule-associated protein 2 was assessed. Simultaneous culture experiments were conducted to evaluate trigeminal neuron growth in the presence of SC-DPSCs. In addition, mRNA sequencing was performed to identify key genes involved in the differentiation process, highlighting prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) as a potential candidate. The results demonstrated that SC-DPSCs expressed characteristic SCs markers and facilitated axonal growth in rat trigeminal nerves. Differentiated SC-DPSCs secreted elevated levels of nerve growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3, promoting the growth of trigeminal nerve axons. These findings suggest the regenerative potential of SC-DPSCs in dentin-dental pulp complex; PTGS2 is considered a crucial gene in this differentiation process.

Cancer-derived exosomal lncRNA SNHG3 promotes the metastasis of colorectal cancer through hnRNPC-mediating RNA stability of ß-catenin.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. By mediating intercellular communication, exosomes exhibit considerable value in regulating tumor metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abundant in exosomes and participate in regulating tumor progression. However, it is poorly understood how the cancer-secreted exosomal lncRNAs affect CRC proliferation and metastasis. Here, by analyzing the public databases we identified a lncRNA SNHG3 and demonstrated that SNHG3 was delivered through CRC cells-derived exosomes to promote metastasis in CRC. Mechanistically, exosomal SNHG3 was internalized by CRC cells and afterward upregulated the expression of ß-catenin by facilitating the intranuclear transport of hnRNPC. Consequently, the RNA stability of ß-catenin was enhanced which led to the activation of EMT and metastasis of CRC cells. Our findings expand the oncogenic mechanisms of exosomal SNHG3 and identify it as a diagnostic marker for CRC.

Physiotherapy for patients with depression: Recent research progress.

Depression, a common mental illness, seriously affects the health of individuals and has deleterious effects on society. The prevention and treatment of depression has drawn the attention of many researchers and has become an important social issue. The treatment strategies for depression include drugs, psychotherapy, and physiotherapy. Drug therapy is ineffective in some patients and psychotherapy has treatment limitations. As a reliable adjuvant therapy, physiotherapy compensates for the shortcomings of drug and psychotherapy and effectively reduces the disease recurrence rate. Physiotherapy is more scientific and rigorous, its methods are diverse, and to a certain extent, provides more choices for the treatment of depression. Physiotherapy can relieve symptoms in many ways, such as by improving the levels of neurobiochemical molecules, inhibiting the inflammatory response, regulating the neuroendocrine system, and increasing neuroplasticity. Physiotherapy has biological effects similar to those of antidepressants and may produce a superimposed impact when combined with other treatments. This article summarizes the findings on the use of physiotherapy to treat patients with depression over the past five years. It also discusses several methods of physiotherapy for treating depression from the aspects of clinical effect, mechanism of action, and disadvantages, thereby serving as a reference for the in-depth development of physiotherapy research.

Metabolic regulator LKB1 controls adipose tissue ILC2 PD-1 expression and mitochondrial homeostasis to prevent insulin resistance.

Adipose tissue group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) help maintain metabolic homeostasis by sustaining type 2 immunity and promoting adipose beiging. Although impairment of the ILC2 compartment contributes to obesity-associated insulin resistance, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here, we found that ILC2s in obese mice and humans exhibited impaired liver kinase B1 (LKB1) activation. Genetic ablation of LKB1 disrupted ILC2 mitochondrial metabolism and suppressed ILC2 responses, resulting in exacerbated insulin resistance. Mechanistically, LKB1 deficiency induced aberrant PD-1 expression through activation of NFAT, which in turn enhanced mitophagy by suppressing Bcl-xL expression. Blockade of PD-1 restored the normal functions of ILC2s and reversed obesity-induced insulin resistance in mice. Collectively, these data present the LKB1-PD-1 axis as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disease.

Extension and Fusion of Cyclic Polyantimony Units.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of polyantimony anionic clusters are reported. The products [(NbCp)2Sb10]2-, [MSb13]3- (M = Ru/Fe), and [MSb15]3- (M = Ru/Fe) were isolated as either K(18-crown-6) or K([2.2.2]-crypt) salts. The Sb10 ring contained in the [(NbCp)2Sb10]2- cluster can be viewed as an extension of two envelope-like cyclo-Sb5 units and represents by far the largest monocyclic all-antimony species. The clusters [MSb13]3- and [MSb15]3- (M = Ru/Fe) illustrate the variability of crown-like Sb8 ring motifs and reveal the fusion of different antimony fragments featuring unique Sb-Sb chain-like units. The reported synthetic approaches involve the fabrication of a variety of distinctive polyantimony anionic clusters, enhancing our understanding of the coordination chemistry of heavier group 15 elements.

Whole-orbit-based multiparametric assessment of disease activity of thyroid eye disease on Dixon MRI.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of whole-orbit-based multiparametric assessment on Dixon MRI for the evaluation of the thyroid eye disease (TED) activity. METHODS: The retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed as TED and obtained their axial and coronal Dixon MRI scans. Multiparameters were assessed, including water fraction (WF), fat fraction (FF) of extraocular muscles (EOMs), orbital fat (OF), and lacrimal gland (LG). The thickness of OF and herniation of LG were also measured. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was applied to construct prediction models based on single or multiple structures. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also implemented. RESULTS: Univariable logistic analysis revealed significant differences in water fraction (WF) of the superior rectus (P = 0.018), fat fraction (FF) of the medial rectus (P = 0.029), WF of OF (P = 0.004), and herniation of LG (P = 0.012) between the active and inactive TED phases. Multivariable logistic analysis and corresponding receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis of each structure attained the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.774, 0.771, and 0.729 for EOMs, OF, and LG, respectively, while the combination of the four imaging parameters generated a final AUC of 0.909. CONCLUSIONS: Dixon MRI may be used for fine multiparametric assessment of multiple orbital structures. The whole-orbit-based model improves the diagnostic performance of TED activity evaluation.

Synthesis of Spiro[indoline-pyridine]-dicarboxylates and Substituted Alkylidene Oxindoles by Azomethine Ylides and MBH Carbonates of Isatins.

We have developed an efficient protocol for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-pyridine]dicarboxylates and substituted alkylidene oxindoles through [3 + 3] cycloaddition and Michael addition individually by azomethine ylides and various MBH carbonates of isatins. The selective generation of cyclic products and chain products was achieved by changing the substituents at the 3-position of the oxindoles. The features of this method include convenient catalysts, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate scopes.

Research Progress in Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases.

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (A. sinensis) is a medicinal and edible values substance, which could promote blood circulation and enrich blood. It possesses rich chemical components and nutrients, which have significant therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the elderly, especially in improving ischemic damage to the heart and brain, protecting vascular cells, and regulating inflammatory reactions. This article reviews the main pharmacological effects and clinical research of A. sinensis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in recent years, explores the effect of its chemical components on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by regulating the expression of functional proteins and inhibiting inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and antioxidant mechanisms. It provides a reference for further research on A. sinensis and the development of related drugs. It provides a new reference direction for the in-depth research and application of A. sinensis in the prevention, improvement, and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

High-Sensitivity Differential Helmholtz Photoacoustic System Combined with the Herriott Multipass Cell and Its Application in Seed Respiration.

A highly sensitive photoacoustic detection system using a differential Helmholtz resonator (DHR) combined with a Herriott multipass cell is presented, and its implementation to sub-ppm level carbon dioxide (CO2) detection is demonstrated. Through the utilization of erbium-doped optical fiber amplifier (EDFA), the laser power was amplified to 150 mW. Within the multipass cell, a total of 22 reflections occurred, contributing to an impressive 33.6 times improvement in the system sensitivity. The normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NNEA) was 8.64 × 10-11 cm-1·W·Hz-1/2 [signal-to-noise ratio, (SNR) = 1] and according to the Allan variance analysis, a minimum detection limit of 500 ppb could be achieved for CO2 at 1204 s, which demonstrates the long-term stability of the system. The system was applied to detect the respiration of rice and upland rice seeds. It is demonstrated that the system can monitor and distinguish the respiration intensity and respiration rate of different seeds in real time.

Multi-objective green vehicle scheduling problem considering time window and emission factors in ship block transportation.

Logistics distribution is one of the main sources of carbon dioxide emissions at present, and there are also such distribution problems in the shipbuilding process. With the increasing attention paid to environmental problems, how to effectively reduce the energy consumption of block transportation and improve the utilization rate of resources in the factory is the key problem that China's shipbuilding industry needs to solve at present. This article considers the time windows for block transportation tasks, as well as the self-loading constraints of different types of flat cars, and establishes an optimization model that minimizes the empty transport time and energy consumption of the flat cars as the optimization objective. Then, an Improved Genetic Whale Optimization Algorithm is designed, which combines the cross and mutation ideas of genetic algorithms and proposes a whale individual position updating mechanism under a mixed strategy. Furthermore, the performance and computational efficiency of the algorithm are verified through comparative analysis with other classical optimization algorithms on standard test examples. Finally, the shipyard's block transportation example proves that the energy-saving ship block transportation scheduling method can effectively improve the efficiency of shipbuilding enterprise's block transportation and reduce the energy consumption in the block transportation process. It proves the engineering practicality of the green dispatching method proposed in this paper, which can further provide a decision-making method for shipyard managers.

Harnessing TME depicted by histological images to improve cancer prognosis through a deep learning system.

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) provides insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is closely associated with cancer prognosis, but ST has limited clinical availability. In this study, we provide a powerful deep learning system to augment TME information based on histological images for patients without ST data, thereby empowering precise cancer prognosis. The system provides two connections to bridge existing gaps. The first is the integrated graph and image deep learning (IGI-DL) model, which predicts ST expression based on histological images with a 0.171 increase in mean correlation across three cancer types compared with five existing methods. The second connection is the cancer prognosis prediction model, based on TME depicted by spatial gene expression. Our survival model, using graphs with predicted ST features, achieves superior accuracy with a concordance index of 0.747 and 0.725 for The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer and colorectal cancer cohorts, outperforming other survival models. For the external Molecular and Cellular Oncology colorectal cancer cohort, our survival model maintains a stable advantage.

Identification of diagnostic markers related to inflammatory response and cellular senescence in endometriosis using machine learning and in vitro experiment.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the association between chronic inflammation, cellular senescence, and immunological infiltration in endometriosis. METHODS: Datasets from GEO comprising 108 endometriosis and 97 healthy human samples and the human endometrial stromal cell. Differentially expressed genes were identified using Limma and WGCNA. Inflammatory response-related subtypes were constructed using consensus clustering analysis. The CIBERSORT algorithm and correlation analyses assessed immune cell infiltration. LASSO, SVM-RFE, and RF identified diagnostic genes. Functional enrichment analysis and multifactor regulatory networks established functional effects. Nomograms, internal and external validations, and in vitro experiments validated the diagnostic genes. RESULTS: Inflammatory response subtypes were highly correlated with the immune activities of B and NK cells. Sixteen genes were associated with inflammatory response and cellular senescence and six diagnostic genes (NLK, RAD51, TIMELESS, TBX3, MET, and BTG3) were identified. The six diagnostic gene models had an area under the curve of 0.828 and their expression was significantly downregulated in endometriosis samples. Low expression of NLK and BTG3 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometriotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory response subtypes were successfully constructed for endometriosis. Six diagnostic genes related to inflammatory response and cellular senescence were identified and validated. Our study provides novel insights for inflammatory response in endometriosis and markers for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.

Thoracolumbar fractures patients undergoing posterior pedicle screw fixation can benefit from drainage.

PURPOSE: To explore whether it is necessary to put drain tubes after posterior pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: From April 2020 to January 2023, a total of 291 patients with recent thoracolumbar fractures (AO type-A or type-B) who received the pedicle screw fixation operation were enrolled retrospectively. In 77 patients, drain tubes were used in the pedicle screw fixation surgery, while no drain tubes were placed in the other group. After gleaning demographic information and results of lab examination and imageology examination, all data were put into a database. Independent-sample t-tests, Pearson Chi-Square tests, Linear regression analysis, and correlation analysis were then performed. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the drainage group had significantly lower postoperative CRP levels (P = 0.047), less use of antipyretics (P = 0.035), higher ADL scores (P = 0.001), and lower NRS scores (P < 0.001) on the 6th day after surgery. Other investigation items, such as demographic information, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, body temperature, and other preoperative and postoperative lab results, showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a drain tube in the pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar fractures is correlated with the improvement of patients' living and activity ability and the reduction of inflammation, postoperative fever and pain.

Nano-Enhanced Phase Reinforced Magnesium Matrix Composites: A Review of the Matrix, Reinforcement, Interface Design, Properties and Potential Applications.

Magnesium matrix composites are essential lightweight metal matrix composites, following aluminum matrix composites, with outstanding application prospects in automotive, aerospace lightweight and biomedical materials because of their high specific strength, low density and specific stiffness, good casting performance and rich resources. However, the inherent low plasticity and poor fatigue resistance of magnesium hamper its further application to a certain extent. Many researchers have tried many strengthening methods to improve the properties of magnesium alloys, while the relationship between wear resistance and plasticity still needs to be further improved. The nanoparticles added exhibit a good strengthening effect, especially the ceramic nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites not only exhibit a high impact toughness, but also maintain the high strength and wear resistance of ceramic materials, effectively balancing the restriction between the strength and toughness. Therefore, this work aims to provide a review of the state of the art of research on the matrix, reinforcement, design, properties and potential applications of nano-reinforced phase-reinforced magnesium matrix composites (especially ceramic nanoparticle-reinforced ones). The conventional and potential matrices for the fabrication of magnesium matrix composites are introduced. The classification and influence of ceramic reinforcements are assessed, and the factors influencing interface bonding strength between reinforcements and matrix, regulation and design, performance and application are analyzed. Finally, the scope of future research in this field is discussed.

Comparison of multiple preservation and digestion methods for determination of tungsten concentrations in environmental media using ICP-MS.

Tungsten is an emerging environmental pollutant. However, a proved robust method for preserving and determining the concentrations of tungsten in environmental media is still lacking. This study examined and compared the suitability of classic methods and previously reported tungsten-oriented methods on preserving dissolved tungsten and recovering tungsten from soil/sediment matrix. Tungsten concentrations in the water samples and digestates were then determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our data showed that the tungsten-oriented HF and alkaline preservatives indeed successfully maintained the stability of dissolved tungsten. Even when preserved using HNO3 or HCl, dissolved tungsten concentrations did not notably change in most of our water samples over the course of ∼4 months. Using glass containers for storing water samples also did not produce much difference from using high-density polyethylene containers. Our data further suggested that the addition of HF in digestion was important for tungsten solubilization from soil/sediment matrix. The digestion methods with HNO3/HCl/HF and HNO3/HF/NH4OH/EDTA both yielded quantitative recoveries of tungsten from certified reference materials and known synthetic samples, while the other tested methods had limited recoveries. The methods validated by this study could be used to accurately determine tungsten concentrations in environmental media and thereby to assess the fate and potential risks of tungsten.