Robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking rehabilitation for stroke patients: a bibliometric and visual analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on exoskeleton robot assisted walking rehabilitation for stroke patients in the Web of Science Core Collection over the past decade. Method: Retrieved literature on exoskeleton robot assisted gait training for stroke hemiplegic patients from the Web of Science Core Collection from 1 January 2014 to 31 January 2024. The search method was topic search, and the types of documents were "article, meeting abstract, review article, early access." CiteSpace was used to analyze the search results from countries, institutions, keywords, cited references and cited authors. Result: A total of 1,349 articles were retrieved, and 1,034 were ultimately included for visualization analysis. The annual publication volume showed an upward trend, with countries, institutions, and authors from Europe and America in a leading position. The core literature was also published by authors from European and American countries. The keywords were divided into 8 clusters: # 0 soft robotic exit, # 1 robot assisted gain training, # 2 multiple scales, # 3 magnetic rheological brake, # 4 test retest reliability, # 5 electromechanical assisted training, # 6 cerebra salary, and # 7 slow gain. The early research direction focused on the development of exoskeleton robots, verifying their reliability and feasibility. Later, the focus was on the combination of exoskeleton robot with machine learning and other technologies, rehabilitation costs, and patient quality of life. Conclusion: This study provides a visual display of the research status, development trends, and research hotspots, which helps researchers in this field to grasp the research hotspots and choose future research directions.

Exploring changes in aggregation and gel network morphology of soybean protein isolate induced by pH, NaCl, and temperature in view of interactions.

The texture of soybean protein-based products is primarily influenced by the aggregation and gel morphology of the protein, which is modulated by manufacturing factors. Interactions involved in protein morphology changes include disulfide bonds, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds. Notably, an interaction perspective probably provides a new way to explaining the aggregation and gel morphology, which could help overcome the hurdle of developing a textured product. Based on the interaction perspective, this review provides detailed information and evidence on aggregation, conformational stability, and gel network morphology of soybean protein and its components induced by pH, NaCl, and temperature. pH-induced electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds, NaCl-induced electrostatic interactions, and temperature-induced hydrophobic interactions and disulfide linkages are the main motivations responsible for changes in soybean aggregation and gel morphology. By reducing the proportion of strong-interactions, such as disulfide linkages and hydrophobic interactions, and increasing the proportion of weak-interactions, such as electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds, the protein total surface area expands, indicating increased conformational stretching and decreased cohesion. This possibly results in reduced hardness and increased toughness of textured proteins. The opposite effect can be observed when the proportion of strong interactions is increased and that of weak interactions is decreased.

LDHA contributes to nicotine induced cardiac fibrosis through autophagy flux impairment.

Cardiac fibrosis is a typical feature of cardiac pathological remodeling, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and has no effective therapy. Nicotine is an important risk factor for cardiac fibrosis, yet its underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify its potential molecular mechanism in nicotine-induced cardiac fibrosis. Our results showed nicotine exposure led to the proliferation and transformation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts (MFs) by impairing autophagy flux. Through the use of drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, it was discovered that nicotine directly increased the stability and protein levels of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) by binding to it. Nicotine treatment impaired autophagy flux by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, impeding the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), and reducing the activity of cathepsin B (CTSB). In vivo, nicotine treatment exacerbated cardiac fibrosis induced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and worsened cardiac function. Interestingly, the absence of LDHA reversed these effects both in vitro and in vivo. Our study identified LDHA as a novel nicotine-binding protein that plays a crucial role in mediating cardiac fibrosis by blocking autophagy flux. The findings suggest that LDHA could potentially serve as a promising target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

Donor-derived anti-HLA antibodies in a haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplant recipient shortly after transplant.

A pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia was referred to our institution for investigational therapy after disease relapse following a mismatched unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Prior to second HCT, the patient's serum was negative for antibodies to class I and class II HLA. Eight days after receiving a maternal donor haploidentical transplant, the patient became platelet refractory and highly sensitized to multiple class I HLA. Serum from the patient's mother was positive for the strongest antibodies present in the patient, suggesting the antibodies were donor-derived. Patient sera showed magnified and expanded sensitization over time in the context of 100% donor chimerism and despite undetectable circulating B cells. Escalating sensitization suggests active transfer of rituximab-resistant antibody-producing passenger lymphocytes from a haploidentical donor to a transplant recipient at the time of progenitor cell infusion. Evaluation of donor sensitization status may be a consideration prior to HLA mismatched HCT.

Effectiveness of resistance training in modulating inflammatory biomarkers among Asian patients with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: Given the high incidence of sarcopenia among Asians, it is imperative to identify appropriate intervention methods. The International Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sarcopenia, developed by the International Conference on Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ICFSR) task force, recommends resistance training (RT) as a primary treatment for managing sarcopenia. Inflammatory biomarkers serve as indicators of sarcopenia. However, there is currently insufficient conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of RT in modulating inflammatory biomarker levels among Asian participants with sarcopenia. Data sources: Four databases were utilized for this study until October 9, 2023. This study focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of RT on interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) about sarcopenia. This study has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024501855). Results: The meta-analysis included six studies from Asians involving 278 participants. The results showed a significant decrease in RT for IL-6 (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.02 to -0.44; n=5). However, no significant differences were found for TNF-α (WMD = -1.00, 95% CI = -2.47 to 0.46; n=5), CRP (WMD = -0.45, 95% CI = -1.14 to 0.23; n=3), and IL-10 (WMD = 0.13, 95% CI = -3.99 to 4.25; n=2). Subgroup analysis revealed that factors including gender selection, intervention methods, frequency, period, and duration could have a particular effect on the part of inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusion: RT has been shown to reduce part of the level of inflammatory markers, specifically IL-6, in Asian sarcopenia participants. However, other inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, CRP, and IL-10, did not show significant changes. Further research should confirm the impact of RT on these indicators and explore the potential effects of various factors on different inflammatory markers, such as diet, body composition, and medications. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=501855, identifier CRD42024501855.

Integrated bioinformatics combined with machine learning to analyze shared biomarkers and pathways in psoriasis and cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Psoriasis extends beyond its dermatological inflammatory manifestations, encompassing systemic inflammation. Existing studies have indicated a potential risk of cervical cancer among patients with psoriasis, suggesting a potential mechanism of co-morbidity. This study aims to explore the key genes, pathways, and immune cells that may link psoriasis and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC). Methods: The cervical squamous cell carcinoma dataset (GSE63514) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Two psoriasis-related datasets (GSE13355 and GSE14905) were merged into one comprehensive dataset after removing batch effects. Differentially expressed genes were identified using Limma and co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and machine learning random forest algorithm (RF) was used to screen the hub genes. We analyzed relevant gene enrichment pathways using GO and KEGG, and immune cell infiltration in psoriasis and CESC samples using CIBERSORT. The miRNA-mRNA and TFs-mRNA regulatory networks were then constructed using Cytoscape, and the biomarkers for psoriasis and CESC were determined. Potential drug targets were obtained from the cMAP database, and biomarker expression levels in hela and psoriatic cell models were quantified by RT-qPCR. Results: In this study, we identified 27 key genes associated with psoriasis and cervical squamous cell carcinoma. NCAPH, UHRF1, CDCA2, CENPN and MELK were identified as hub genes using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm. Chromosome mitotic region segregation, nucleotide binding and DNA methylation are the major enrichment pathways for common DEGs in the mitotic cell cycle. Then we analyzed immune cell infiltration in psoriasis and cervical squamous cell carcinoma samples using CIBERSORT. Meanwhile, we used the cMAP database to identify ten small molecule compounds that interact with the central gene as drug candidates for treatment. By analyzing miRNA-mRNA and TFs-mRNA regulatory networks, we identified three miRNAs and nine transcription factors closely associated with five key genes and validated their expression in external validation datasets and clinical samples. Finally, we examined the diagnostic effects with ROC curves, and performed experimental validation in hela and psoriatic cell models. Conclusions: We identified five biomarkers, NCAPH, UHRF1, CDCA2, CENPN, and MELK, which may play important roles in the common pathogenesis of psoriasis and cervical squamous cell carcinoma, furthermore predict potential therapeutic agents. These findings open up new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

A complex metabolic network and its biomarkers regulate laccase production in white-rot fungus Cerrena unicolor 87613.

BACKGROUND: White-rot fungi are known to naturally produce high quantities of laccase, which exhibit commendable stability and catalytic efficiency. However, their laccase production does not meet the demands for industrial-scale applications. To address this limitation, it is crucial to optimize the conditions for laccase production. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying different conditions remain unclear. This knowledge gap hinders the cost-effective application of laccases. RESULTS: In this study, we utilized transcriptomic and metabolomic data to investigate a promising laccase producer, Cerrena unicolor 87613, cultivated with fructose as the carbon source. Our comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) aimed to identify changes in cellular processes that could affect laccase production. As a result, we discovered a complex metabolic network primarily involving carbon metabolism and amino acid metabolism, which exhibited contrasting changes between transcription and metabolic patterns. Within this network, we identified five biomarkers, including succinate, serine, methionine, glutamate and reduced glutathione, that played crucial roles in co-determining laccase production levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study proposed a complex metabolic network and identified key biomarkers that determine the production level of laccase in the commercially promising Cerrena unicolor 87613. These findings not only shed light on the regulatory mechanisms of carbon sources in laccase production, but also provide a theoretical foundation for enhancing laccase production through strategic reprogramming of metabolic pathways, especially related to the citrate cycle and specific amino acid metabolism.

REST-dependent downregulation of von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor promotes autophagy in SHH-medulloblastoma.

The RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a driver of sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma genesis. Our previous studies showed that REST enhances cell proliferation, metastasis and vascular growth and blocks neuronal differentiation to drive progression of SHH medulloblastoma tumors. Here, we demonstrate that REST promotes autophagy, a pathway that is found to be significantly enriched in human medulloblastoma tumors relative to normal cerebella. In SHH medulloblastoma tumor xenografts, REST elevation is strongly correlated with increased expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α)-a positive regulator of autophagy, and with reduced expression of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein - a component of an E3 ligase complex that ubiquitinates HIF1α. Human SHH-medulloblastoma tumors with higher REST expression exhibit nuclear localization of HIF1α, in contrast to its cytoplasmic localization in low-REST tumors. In vitro, REST knockdown promotes an increase in VHL levels and a decrease in cytoplasmic HIF1α protein levels, and autophagy flux. In contrast, REST elevation causes a decline in VHL levels, as well as its interaction with HIF1α, resulting in a reduction in HIF1α ubiquitination and an increase in autophagy flux. These data suggest that REST elevation promotes autophagy in SHH medulloblastoma cells by modulating HIF1α ubiquitination and stability in a VHL-dependent manner. Thus, our study is one of the first to connect VHL to REST-dependent control of autophagy in a subset of medulloblastomas.

Successful treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in oculocutaneous albinism with OCA2 variants: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of autosomal recessive hereditary disorders that affect melanin biosynthesis, resulting in abnormalities in hair, skin, and eyes. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinopathy mainly observed in premature infants with low birth weight and early gestational age, but it can also affect full-term infants or children with normal weight, particularly in developing countries. The coexistence of ROP and OCA is rare. There is limited documentation regarding treatment approaches, with few studies reporting positive outcomes with laser treatment due to the absence of melanin pigment. This study discusses the treatment challenges in a female infant diagnosed with ROP and OCA, and underscores the importance of genetic analysis in guiding therapeutic decisions for this rare comorbid condition. CASE PRESENTATION: The study presents a case of ROP occurring concurrently with OCA. Genetic testing revealed two variants, c.727C > T (p.R243C) and c.1832 T > C (p.L611P), in the OCA2 gene, inherited from the patient's mother and father, respectively. The identified mutations were consistent with a diagnosis of OCA2, classified as a subtype of OCA. The patient initially received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection, followed by laser photocoagulation therapy for a recurrent event. A favorable outcome was observed during the 2-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The co-occurrence of ROP and OCA is a rare phenomenon, and this is the first recorded case in the Chinese population. The current case supports the use of laser as the primary treatment modality for ROP in OCA2 patients with partial pigmentation impairment. Furthermore, genetic analysis can aid in predicting the effectiveness of laser photocoagulation in this patient population.

Effect of Mn2+ Doping on the Photoluminescence of Hybrid One-Dimensional Lead Halide Post-Perovskites.

Although organic-inorganic hybrid one-dimensional (1D) lead halide postperovskites (LHPPs) have been reported to show white luminescence and tunable photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), their structure-property relationships are not fully understood. Here, we used Mn2+ to test the doping effect on the luminescence of two 1D-LHPPs compounds, namely, {TETA[Pb2Br6]}n 1 and {TETA[Pb2Cl6]}n 2, where TETA = triethylenetetrammonium. We found the pristine compounds show yellowish (551 nm) and bluish (447 nm) emission for 1 and 2, respectively, nanosecond excitation lifetimes (4.17 ns for 1 and 2.29 ns for 2) and low PLQYs (4.65 and 3.57% for 1 and 2, respectively). By fine-doping the Mn2+ ions to ca. 8% the PLQYs for 1 and 2 are maximized to 24 and 25% for 1 and 2, respectively. Upon the increasing Mn2+ dopant, the emission wavelengths can also vary gradually from 551 to 615 nm and from 447 to 660 nm for 1 and 2, respectively, covering almost the whole visible-light range, and the excitation lifetimes are enhanced to microseconds (0.77 µs for 1 and 0.39 µs for 2), owing to the more spin-forbidden d-d transition (4T1-6A1) component from the Mn2+ ions present in the photoluminescence spectra. Moreover, these Mn2+-doped 1D-LHPPs demonstrate high structural and optical stability in humid and high-temperature environments. Hence, such doped materials can be fabricated into a UV-pumped white light-emitting diode, rendering the potential application for solid-state lighting and display systems.

Oral Microbiota Linking Associations of Dietary Factors with Recurrent Oral Ulcer.

Recurrent oral ulcer (ROU) is a prevalent and painful oral disorder with implications beyond physical symptoms, impacting quality of life and necessitating comprehensive management. Understanding the interplays between dietary factors, oral microbiota, and ROU is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve oral and systemic health. Dietary behaviors and plant-based diet indices including the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) were measured based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Saliva microbial features were profiled using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In this cross-sectional study of 579 community-based participants (aged 22-74 years, 66.5% females), 337 participants had ROU. Participants in the highest tertile of hPDI exhibited a 43% lower prevalence of ROU (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.34-0.94), compared to the lowest tertile, independent of demographics, lifestyle, and major chronic diseases. Participants with ROU tended to have lower oral bacterial richness (Observed ASVs, p < 0.05) and distinct bacterial structure compared to those without ROU (PERMANOVA, p = 0.02). The relative abundances of 16 bacterial genera were associated with ROU (p-FDR < 0.20). Of these, Olsenella, TM7x, and unclassified Muribaculaceae were identified as potential mediators in the association between hPDI and ROU (all p-mediations < 0.05). This study provides evidence of the intricate interplays among dietary factors, oral microbiota, and ROU, offering insights that may inform preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting diets and oral microbiomes.

Widespread 2013-2020 decreases and reduction challenges of organic aerosol in China.

High concentrations of organic aerosol (OA) occur in Asian countries, leading to great health burdens. Clean air actions have resulted in significant emission reductions of air pollutants in China. However, long-term nation-wide trends in OA and their causes remain unknown. Here, we present both observational and model evidence demonstrating widespread decreases with a greater reduction in primary OA than in secondary OA (SOA) in China during the period of 2013 to 2020. Most of the decline is attributed to reduced residential fuel burning while the interannual variability in SOA may have been driven by meteorological variations. We find contrasting effects of reducing NOx and SO2 on SOA production which may have led to slight overall increases in SOA. Our findings highlight the importance of clean energy replacements in multiple sectors on achieving air-quality targets because of high OA precursor emissions and fluctuating chemical and meteorological conditions.

Fucoxanthin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive role and underlying mechanisms of fucoxanthin (Fx) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice. Our results demonstrated that the oral administration of Fx (50 and 200 mg per kg body weight per day) for consecutive 7 days significantly alleviated the severity of LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice, as evidenced by attenuating body weight loss, improving intestinal permeability, and ameliorating intestinal morphological damage such as reduction in the ratio of the villus length to the crypt depth (V/C), intestinal epithelium distortion, goblet cell depletion, and low mucin 2 (MUC2) expression. Fx also significantly mitigated LPS-induced excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and curbed the decrease of tight junction proteins including claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 in the ileum and colon. Additionally, Fx effectively alleviated LPS-induced extensive infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the intestinal mucosa, the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1beta (IL-1ß) and IL-6, and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis of IECs. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways. Moreover, Fx also notably restrained intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation levels in LPS-treated mice, and it might be mediated by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Overall, these findings indicated that Fx might be developed as a potential effective dietary supplement to prevent intestinal barrier injury.

ADPN Regulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Follicular Atresia in Geese by Modulating Granulosa Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy.

Geese are susceptible to oxidative stress during reproduction, which can lead to follicular atresia and impact egg production. Follicular atresia is directly triggered by the apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells (GCs). Adiponectin (ADPN), which is secreted by adipose tissue, has good antioxidant and anti-apoptotic capacity, but its role in regulating the apoptosis of GCs in geese is unclear. To investigate this, this study examined the levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in follicular tissues and GCs using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and other methods. Atretic follicles exhibited high levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and autophagic flux was obstructed. Stimulating GCs with H2O2 produced results similar to those of atretic follicles. The effects of ADPN overexpression and knockdown on oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy in GCs were investigated. ADPN was found to modulate autophagy and reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in GCs, in addition to protecting them from H2O2-induced damage. These results may provide a reasonable reference for improving egg-laying performance of geese.

Immunomodulation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in colorectal cancer patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence has shown that adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are an effective therapeutic approach for managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, further elucidation is required to determine their underlying immunomodulatory effect on the mRNA expression of T helper cell-related transcription factors (TFs) and cytokine release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). AIM: To investigate the impact of ADSCs on the mRNA expression of TFs and cytokine release in PBMCs from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with severe COVID-19 (CRC+ patients). METHODS: PBMCs from CRC+ patients (PBMCs-C+) and age-matched CRC patients (PBMCs-C) were stimulated and cultured in the presence/absence of ADSCs. The mRNA levels of T-box TF TBX21 (T-bet), GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), RAR-related orphan receptor C (RORC), and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) in the PBMCs were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Culture supernatants were evaluated for levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-17A, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with PBMCs-C, PBMCs-C+ exhibited higher mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC, and increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A. Additionally, a significant decrease in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-ß1, as well as an increase in T-bet/GATA-3, RORC/FoxP3, IFN-γ/IL-4, and IL-17A/TGF-ß1 ratios were observed in PBMCs-C+. Furthermore, ADSCs significantly induced a functional regulatory T cell (Treg) subset, as evidenced by an increase in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-ß1 release levels. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC, release of IFN-γ and IL-17A, and T-bet/GATA-3, RORC/FoxP3, IFN-γ/IL-4, and IL-17A/TGF-ß1 ratios, compared with the PBMCs-C+alone. CONCLUSION: The present in vitro studies showed that ADSCs contributed to the immunosuppressive effects on PBMCs-C+, favoring Treg responses. Thus, ADSC-based cell therapy could be a beneficial approach for patients with severe COVID-19 who fail to respond to conventional therapies.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway.

BACKGROUND: Aplastic anemia (AA) presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells, with the current therapeutic options being notably limited. AIM: To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA, specifically its protective effects, while elucidating the mechanism at play. METHODS: We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in C57 mice, followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d. The investigation included examining the bone marrow, thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Moreover, orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations. Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice. Additionally, the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot. RESULTS: Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow's structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells, establishing a model of AA. Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice. In comparison to the AA group, ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX. Furthermore, it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle. Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression, primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway, which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA, highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

Comprehensive gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis of sterols in red goji berries (Lycium sp.).

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and fractionation steps were used to determine the sterol patterns of red goji berries in detail. Twenty-five sterols were detected in fresh berries of two species (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense) from bushes grown in the botanical garden of the University of Hohenheim, and 20 sterols were identified. The rarely occurring campesta-5,24(25)-dienol, ß-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, campesterol, and cycloartenol represented >60 % of the total sterol content. Maturity and drying of fresh red goji berries caused small changes but did not affect the characteristic sterol pattern. This was confirmed by analyzing various commercial dried red goji berry samples from different sources. Separated flesh and seed samples revealed pronounced differences in the sterol pattern. A new method of merging GC/MS chromatograms showed that ∼75 % of the sterols were present in seeds and ∼25 % in flesh. The unique sterol profile may be exploited to authenticate red goji berries.

Prevalence of skin problems caused by insulin pump therapy and associated factors in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A large cross-sectional survey in China.

AIMS: To document the prevalence of skin problems associated with insulin pump use and identify contributing factors among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in China. METHODS: In total, 461 children were recruited from an online community (i.e., a Wechat group) of pediatric patients with T1DM. A self-developed questionnaire was filled in by parents, collecting the information on social demographics, disease, and insulin pump therapy related characteristics and skin problems. We applied the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi square test and logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with skin problems. RESULTS: Of the 461 responders, 308 (66.8 %) children were reported to have skin problems. More specifically, 38.8 % had pigmentation changes, 22.3 % allergy/dermatitis, 20.2 % scaring, 11.5 % pain, 10.8 % infection, 10.6 % subcutaneous lipohypertrophy, and 6.1 % lipoatrophy. Logistic regression analysis showed that independent associated factors of skin problems were the caregiver's educational level as college or above, patient having skin allergies, and using the Brand 2 insulin pump (p values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study documents the prevalence of skin problems and identifies associated factors, such as caregiver's education, patients skin allergies, and using a specific brand of pump. Health education should address these factors in addition to the traditionally emphasized factors.

4D-Printed MXene-Based Artificial Nerve Guidance Conduit for Enhanced Regeneration of Peripheral Nerve Injuries.

Repairing larger defects (>5 mm) in peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) remains a significant challenge when using traditional artificial nerve guidance conduits (NGCs). A novel approach that combines 4D printing technology with poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PLATMC) and Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets is proposed, thereby imparting shape memory properties to the NGCs. Upon body temperature activation, the printed sheet-like structure can quickly self-roll into a conduit-like structure, enabling optimal wrapping around nerve stumps. This design enhances nerve fixation and simplifies surgical procedures. Moreover, the integration of microchannel expertly crafted through 4D printing, along with the incorporation of MXene nanosheets, introduces electrical conductivity. This feature facilitates the guided and directional migration of nerve cells, rapidly accelerating the healing of the PNI. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the developed NGCs demonstrate remarkable potential in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration, leading to substantial improvements in muscle morphology and restored sciatic nerve function, comparable to outcomes achieved through autogenous nerve transplantation.

Reduced hepatic AdipoR2 by increased glucocorticoid mediates effect of psychosocial stress to elevate serum cholesterol.

Understanding the effects of psychosocial stress on serum cholesterol may offer valuable insights into the relationship between psychological disorders and endocrine diseases. However, these effects and their underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. Here we show that serum corticosterone, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are elevated in a mouse model of psychosocial stress. Furthermore, alterations occur in AdipoR2-mediated AMPK and PPARα signaling pathways in liver, accompanied by a decrease in LDL-C clearance and an increase in cholesterol synthesis. These changes are further verified in wild-type and AdipoR2 overexpression HepG2 cells incubated with cortisol and AdipoR agonist, and are finally confirmed by treating wild-type and hepatic-specific AdipoR2 overexpression mice with corticosterone. We conclude that increased glucocorticoid mediates the effects of psychosocial stress to elevate serum cholesterol by inhibiting AdipoR2-mediated AMPK and PPARα signaling to decrease LDL-C clearance and increase cholesterol synthesis in liver.