Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer's disease: effects on neural and synaptic rehabilitation

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from deficits in synaptic transmission and homeostasis. The Alzheimer's disease brain tends to be hyperexcitable and hypersynchronized, thereby causing neurodegeneration and ultimately disrupting the operational abilities in daily life, leaving patients incapacitated. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a cost-effective, neuro-modulatory technique used for multiple neurological conditions. Over the past two decades, it has been widely used to predict cognitive decline; identify pathophysiological markers; promote neuroplasticity; and assess brain excitability, plasticity, and connectivity. It has also been applied to patients with dementia, because it can yield facilitatory effects on cognition and promote brain recovery after a neurological insult. However, its therapeutic effectiveness at the molecular and synaptic levels has not been elucidated because of a limited number of studies. This study aimed to characterize the neurobiological changes following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, evaluate its effects on synaptic plasticity, and identify the associated mechanisms. This review essentially focuses on changes in the pathology, amyloidogenesis, and clearance pathways, given that amyloid deposition is a major hypothesis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Apoptotic mechanisms associated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation procedures and different pathways mediating gene transcription, which are closely related to the neural regeneration process, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the outcomes of animal studies in which neuroplasticity is modulated and assessed at the structural and functional levels by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, with the aim to highlight future directions for better clinical translations.

Engineering the Tat-secretion pathway of Bacillus licheniformis for the secretion of cytoplasmic enzyme arginase

The industrial bacterium Bacillus licheniformis has long been used as a microbial factory for the production of enzymes due to its ability to secrete copious amounts of native extracellular proteins and its generally regarded as safe (GRAS) status. However, most attempts to use B. licheniformis to produce heterologous and cytoplasmic enzymes primarily via the general secretory (Sec) pathway have had limited success. The twin-arginine transport (Tat) pathway offers a promising alternative for the extracellular export of Sec-incompatible proteins because it transports full, correctly folded proteins. However, compared to the Sec pathway, the yields of the Tat pathway have historically been too low for commercial use. To improve the export efficiency of the Tat pathway, we identified the optimal Tat-dependent signal peptides and increased the abundance of the Tat translocases, the signal peptidase (SPase), and the intracellular chaperones. These strategic modifications significantly improved the Tat-dependent secretion of the cytoplasmic enzyme arginase into the culture medium using B. licheniformis. The extracellular enzymatic activity of arginase showed a 5.2-fold increase after these modifications. Moreover, compared to the start strain B. licheniformis 0F3, the production of extracellular GFP was improved by 3.8 times using the strategic modified strain B. licheniformis 0F13, and the extracellular enzymatic activity of SOX had a 1.3-fold increase using the strain B. licheniformis 0F14. This Tat-based production chassis has the potential for enhanced production of Sec-incompatible enzymes, therefore expanding the capability of B. licheniformis as an efficient cellular factory for the production of high-value proteins. KEY POINTS: • Systematic genetic modification of Tat-pathway in B. licheniformis. • Significant enhancement of the secretion capacity of Tat pathway for delivery the cytoplasmic enzyme arginase. • A new platform for efficient extracellular production of Sec-incompatible enzymes.

A rapid on-site visualization platform based on RPA coupled with CRISPR-Cas12a for the detection of genetically modified papaya 'Huanong No.1'

The Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)-resistant genetically modified (GM) papaya 'Huanong No.1' has been certified as safe for consumption and widely planted in China for about 18 years. To protect consumers' rights and facilitate government supervision and monitoring, it is necessary to establish a simple, rapid, and specific detection method for 'Huanong No.1'. Herein, we developed a platform based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with CRISPR-Cas12a for the detection of 'Huanong No.1'. The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a platform was found to have high specificity, with amplification signals only present in 'Huanong No.1'. Additionally, the platform was highly sensitive, with a limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 20 copies. The detection process was fast and could be completed in less than 1 h. This novel platform enables the rapid on-site visualization detection of 'Huanong No.1', eliminating dependence on laboratory conditions and specialized instruments, and can serve as a technical reference for the rapid detection of other GM plants.

Observation of Strong Nuclear Suppression in Exclusive J/ψ Photoproduction in Au+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions at RHIC

We report a measurement of exclusive J/ψ and ψ(2s) photoproduction in Au+Au ultraperipheral collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR detector. For the first time, (i) the ψ(2s) photoproduction in midrapidity at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider has been experimentally measured; (ii) nuclear suppression factors are measured for both the coherent and incoherent J/ψ production. At average photon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 25.0 GeV, the coherent and incoherent J/ψ cross sections of Au nuclei are found to be 71±10% and 36±7%, respectively, of that of free protons. The stronger suppression observed in the incoherent production provides a new experimental handle to study the initial-state parton density in heavy nuclei. Data are compared with theoretical models quantitatively.

Individualized Texture Similarity Network in Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Structural covariance network disruption has been considered an important pathophysiological indicator for schizophrenia. Here, we introduced a novel individualized structural covariance network measure, referred to as a texture similarity network (TSN), and hypothesized that the TSN could reliably reveal unique intersubject heterogeneity and complex dysconnectivity patterns in schizophrenia.

METHODS

The TSN was constructed by measuring the covariance of 180 three-dimensional voxelwise gray-level co-occurrence matrix feature maps between brain areas in each participant. We first tested the validity and reproducibility of the TSN in characterizing the intersubject variability in 2 longitudinal test-retest healthy cohorts. The TSN was further applied to elucidate intersubject variability and dysconnectivity patterns in 10 schizophrenia case-control datasets (609 schizophrenia cases vs. 579 controls) as well as in a first-episode depression dataset (69 patients with depression vs. 69 control participants).

RESULTS

The test-retest analysis demonstrated higher TSN intersubject than intrasubject variability. Moreover, the TSN reliably revealed higher intersubject variability in both chronic and first-episode schizophrenia, but not in depression. The TSN also reproducibly detected coexistent increased and decreased TSN strength in widespread brain areas, increased global small-worldness, and the coexistence of both structural hyposynchronization in the central networks and hypersynchronization in peripheral networks in patients with schizophrenia but not in patients with depression. Finally, aberrant intersubject variability and covariance strength patterns revealed by the TSN showed a missing or weak correlation with other individualized structural covariance network measures, functional connectivity, and regional volume changes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the reliability of a TSN in revealing unique structural heterogeneity and complex dysconnectivity in patients with schizophrenia.

The association between serum vitamin A concentrations and virus hepatitis among U.S. adults from the NHANES database: a cross-sectional study

Objective

According to the present study, the relationship between vitamin A (VA) levels and hepatitis virus carriage has been unclear and controversial. This study aimed to determine the potential relationship between serum VA levels and viral hepatitis and to provide ideas for future clinical treatments.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using the 2005-2006 and 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were adopted to analyze the association between serological hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis C RNA (HCV-RNA) positivity and VA levels. There were 5,351 HBsAg-related responders and 242 HCV-RNA-related responders, including 52 HBsAg (+) and 104 HCV-RNA (+) responders.

Results

Compared with HBsAg (-) and HCV-RNA (-) respondents, HBsAg (+) and HCV-RNA (+) respondents tended to have lower serum VA levels, respectively [1.63 (1.33 ~ 2.01) vs. 1.92 (1.57 ~ 2.34), P < 0.001; 1.54 (1.25 ~ 1.83) vs. 1.78 (1.46 ~ 2.26), P < 0.001]. A greater percentage of responders in the subclinical VA deficiency (SVAD) group were HBsAg (+) and HCV-RNA (+) than were those in the normal VA (VAN) group [2.4% (9/374) vs. 0.9% (43/4977), p = 0.003; 61.5% (16/26) vs. 40.7% (88/215), p = 0.043]. According to the results of the multiple regression analyses of the different models, the serum VA concentration was negatively correlated with HBsAg (+) and HCV-RNA (+) status (β = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.30 to -0.01, p = 0.066; β = -0.29, 95% CI = -0.50 ~ -0.09, p = 0.005, respectively). Compared to those with SVAD, patients with VAN were less likely to be serologically HBsAg (+) or HCV-RNA (+) (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.25 ~ 1.10, p = 0.089; OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18 ~ 0.84, p = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that patients who are HBsAg (+) or HCV-RNA (+) have a high incidence of SVAD. Moreover, HBsAg and HCV-RNA positivity are negatively correlated with VA levels, and patients with SVAD are more likely to carry HBsAg (+) or HCV-RNA (+). These findings suggest that the relationship between hepatitis viruses and vitamin A needs to be validated by more basic studies and clinical large-sample randomized controlled trials to provide ideas for new therapeutic targets.

Development of a novel Cas13a/Cas12a-mediated 'one-pot' dual detection assay for genetically modified crops

INTRODUCTION

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been widely cultivated across the world and the development of rapid, ultrasensitive, visual multiplex detection platforms that are suitable for field deployment is critical for GM organism regulation.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we developed a novel one-pot system, termed MR-DCA (Multiplex RPA and Dual CRISPR assay), for the simultaneous detection of CaMV35S and NOS genetic targets in GM crops. This innovative approach combined Multiplex RPA (recombinase polymerase amplification) with the Dual CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) assay technique, to provide a streamlined and efficient method for GM crop detection.

METHODS

The RPA reaction used for amplification CaMV35S and NOS targets was contained in the tube base, while the dual CRISPR enzymes were placed in the tube cap. Following centrifugation, the dual CRISPR (Cas13a/Cas12a) detection system was initiated. Fluorescence visualization was used to measure CaMV35S through the FAM channel and NOS through the HEX channel. When using lateral flow strips, CaMV35S was detected using rabbit anti-digoxin (blue line), whilst NOS was identified using anti-mouse FITC (red line). Line intensity was quantified using Image J and depicted graphically.

RESULTS

Detection of the targets was completed in 35 min, with a limit of detection as low as 20 copies. In addition, two analysis systems were developed and they performed well in the MR-DCA assay. In an analysis of 24 blind samples from GM crops with a wide genomic range, MR-DCA gave consistent results with the quantitative PCR method, which indicated high accuracy, applicability and semi-quantitative ability.

CONCLUSION

The development of MR-DCA represents a significant advancement in the field of GM detection, offering a rapid, sensitive and portable method for multiple target detection that can be used in resource-limited environments.

Insights into the mechanisms of angiogenesis in infantile hemangioma

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor in infants and usually resolves on its own. However, a small portion of IH cases are accompanied by serious complications and other problems, impacting the physical and psychological health of the children affected. The pathogenesis of IH is highly controversial. Studies have shown that abnormal blood vessel formation is an important pathological basis for the development of IH. Compared with that in normal tissues, the equilibrium of blood vessel growth at the tumor site is disrupted, and interactions among other types of cells, such as immune cells, promote the rapid proliferation and migration of vascular tissue cells and the construction of vascular networks. Currently, propranolol is the most common systemic drug used to inhibit the growth of IHs and accelerate their regression. The purpose of this review is to provide the latest research on the mechanisms of angiogenesis in IH. We discuss the possible roles of three major factors, namely, estrogen, hypoxia, and inflammation, in the development of IH. Additionally, we summarize the key roles of tumor cell subpopulations, such as pericytes, in the proliferation and regression of IH considering evidence from the past few years, with an emphasis on the possible mechanisms of propranolol in the treatment of IH. Angiogenesis is an important event during the development of IH, and an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis will provide new insights into the biology and clinical treatment of IH.

The Effects of Combined Treatments of Laser Engraving, Plasma Spraying and Resin Pre-Coating on Improving the Bonding Strength of Titanium Alloy and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

This study focused on effective methods of laser engraving treatment (LET), plasma spraying, and resin pre-coating (RPC) to manufacture the reinforced adhesive joints of titanium alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (TA-CFRP) composites. The combined treatments contributed to the creation of a better adhesive bonding condition and offer a vertical gap between circular protrusions to form epoxy pins and carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced epoxy pins. The bonding strength of the TA-CFRP composite was reinforced by 130.6% via treatments with a twice-engraving unit of 0.8 mm, plasma spraying, and RPC. The original debonding failure on the TA surface was changed into the cohesive failure of the epoxy adhesive and delamination-dominated failure of the CFRP panel. Overall, laser engraving has been confirmed as an effective and controllable treatment method to reinforce the bonding strength of the TA-CFRP joint combined with plasma spraying and RPC. It may be considered as an alternative in industry for manufacturing high-performance metal-CFRP composites.

Dynamic functional network connectivity in patients with a mismatch between white matter hyperintensity and cognitive function

Objective

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is strongly associated with cognitive impairment. However, the severity of WMH does not coincide fully with cognitive impairment. This study aims to explore the differences in the dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) of WMH with cognitively matched and mismatched patients, to better understand the underlying mechanisms from a quantitative perspective.

Methods

The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and cognitive function scale assessment of the patients were acquired. Preprocessing of the rs-fMRI data was performed, and this was followed by dFNC analysis to obtain the dFNC metrics. Compared the dFNC and dFNC metrics within different states between mismatch and match group, we analyzed the correlation between dFNC metrics and cognitive function. Finally, to analyze the reasons for the differences between the mismatch and match groups, the CSVD imaging features of each patient were quantified with the assistance of the uAI Discover system.

Results

The 149 CSVD patients included 20 cases of "Type I mismatch," 51 cases of Type I match, 38 cases of "Type II mismatch," and 40 cases of "Type II match." Using dFNC analysis, we found that the fraction time (FT) and mean dwell time (MDT) of State 2 differed significantly between "Type I match" and "Type I mismatch"; the FT of States 1 and 4 differed significantly between "Type II match" and "Type II mismatch." Correlation analysis revealed that dFNC metrics in CSVD patients correlated with executive function and information processing speed among the various cognitive functions. Through quantitative analysis, we found that the number of perivascular spaces and bilateral medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) scores differed significantly between "Type I match" and "Type I mismatch," while the left MTA score differed between "Type II match" and "Type II mismatch."

Conclusion

Different mechanisms were implicated in these two types of mismatch: Type I affected higher-order networks, and may be related to the number of perivascular spaces and brain atrophy, whereas Type II affected the primary networks, and may be related to brain atrophy and the years of education.

Sirtuin 3-activated superoxide dismutase 2 mediates fluoride-induced osteoblastic differentiation in vitro and in vivo by down-regulating reactive oxygen species

Skeletal fluorosis is a chronic metabolic bone disease caused by long-term excessive fluoride intake. Abnormal differentiation of osteoblasts plays an important role in disease progression. Research on the mechanism of fluoride-mediated bone differentiation is necessary for the prevention and treatment of skeletal fluorosis. In the present study, a rat model of fluorosis was established by exposing it to drinking water containing 50 mg/L F-. We found that fluoride promoted Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) as well as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression in osteoblasts of rat bone tissue. In vitro, we also found that 4 mg/L sodium fluoride promoted osteogenesis-related indicators as well as SOD2 and SIRT3 expression in MG-63 and Saos-2 cells. In addition, we unexpectedly discovered that fluoride suppressed the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in osteoblasts. When SOD2 or SIRT3 was inhibited in MG-63 cells, fluoride-decreased ROS and mtROS were alleviated, which in turn inhibited fluoride-promoted osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, our results suggest that SIRT3/SOD2 mediates fluoride-promoted osteoblastic differentiation by down-regulating reactive oxygen species.

Association of Sleep Duration with Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among American Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Objective

To examine potential factors affecting sleep duration and explore its association with the risk of mortality among adults in the United States.

Methods

The study population consisted of adults aged 26 to 79 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2016. Sleep duration was classified into three categories: short (<7 hours), optimal (7-8 hours), and long (≥9 hours). The associations between sleep duration and both all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality (including heart disease, tumors, cerebrovascular disease, and others) were examined in the overall population and subgroups using weighted Cox regression models. Dose-response associations between sleep duration and risk of all-cause mortality were explored using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses. Additionally, a multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate potential factors that influence sleep duration in adults.

Results

The study included a total of 24,141 subjects, with a population-weighted mean age of 48.93 years. Over 30% of the subjects exhibited unhealthy sleep habits. Fully adjusted models revealed that both short sleep duration (HR=1.169, 95% CI 1.027-1.331) and long sleep duration (HR=1.286, 95% CI 1.08-1.531), were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. The RCS curves showed a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and risk of all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses showed a significant association between poor sleep patterns and all-cause mortality among adults aged 26-64 years, males, and non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression identified several predictors associated with short and long sleep durations.

Conclusion

Both short and long sleep duration are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with a U-shaped dose-response relationship. It is imperative to implement appropriate primary prevention strategies aimed at monitoring and providing health education to populations at risk of developing unhealthy sleep patterns.

Surgical Correction of Orbital Hypertelorism With Absorbable Plate Instead of Frontal and Orbital Bar and Inverted U-Shaped Osteotomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect and feasibility of using absorbable plate instead of frontal and orbital bar and inverted U-shaped osteotomy to correct the widening of orbital distance.

METHODS

The surgical effect and feasibility of using absorbable plate instead of frontal and orbital bridge plus inverted U-osteotomy for orbital widening syndrome in seven cases between January 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. First, the surgical procedure for orbital hypertelorism was inverted U-shaped orbital osteotomy, and a frontal bone flap was removed, exposing the superior orbital margin and the orbital circumference, and the orbital bone was directly cut off by inverted U-shaped osteotomy. The widened bone in the middle of the orbit was removed, and a long absorbable plate was used to replace the orbitofrontal bridge. The two sides of the orbit were fixed on the absorbable plate, and the absorbable plate was fixed on the rear skull. The clinical effect of treatment, complications (such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection), safety, and feasibility of surgery were evaluated.

RESULTS

Using absorbable plate instead of fronto-orbital bridge achieved the effect of orbitofrontal bridge, without orbital distance widening, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and intracranial infection. Operating time was reduced. There was no metal fixation, and there was no risk of a second operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of replacing the frontal-orbital bridge with an absorbable plate and inverted U-shaped osteotomy is positive, the operation time is short, and the orbital distance is clearly improved. This approach can replace the traditional orbital-distance operation, and the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection is low. Long-term follow-up results are stable.

Observation-Based Diagnostics of Reactive Nitrogen Recycling through HONO Heterogenous Production: Divergent Implications for Ozone Production and Emission Control

Understanding of nitrous acid (HONO) production is crucial to photochemical studies, especially in polluted environments like eastern China. In-situ measurements of gaseous and particulate compositions were conducted at a rural coastal site during the 2018 spring Ozone Photochemistry and Export from China Experiment (OPECE). This data set was applied to investigate the recycling of reactive nitrogen through daytime heterogeneous HONO production. Although HONO levels increase during agricultural burning, analysis of the observation data does not indicate more efficient HONO production by agricultural burning aerosols than other anthropogenic aerosols. Box and 1-D modeling analyses reveal the intrinsic relationships between nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate nitrate (pNO3), and nitric acid (HNO3), resulting in comparable agreement between observed and simulated HONO concentrations with any one of the three heterogeneous HONO production mechanisms, photosensitized NO2 conversion on aerosols, photolysis of pNO3, and conversion from HNO3. This finding underscores the uncertainties in the mechanistic understanding and quantitative parametrizations of daytime heterogeneous HONO production pathways. Furthermore, the implications for reactive nitrogen recycling, ozone (O3) production, and O3 control strategies vary greatly depending on the HONO production mechanism. On a regional scale, the conversion of HONO from pNO3 can drastically enhance O3 production, while the conversion from NO2 can reduce O3 sensitivity to NOx changes in polluted eastern China.

Effects of Breathing Patterns on Amide Proton Transfer MRI in the Kidney: A Preliminary Comparative Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Tumors

BACKGROUND

The amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging for kidney diseases is important. However, the breathing patterns on APTw imaging remains unexplored.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent breath-hold (IBH) and free breathing (FB) on renal 3D-APTw imaging.

STUDY TYPE

Healthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) patients were included retrospectively.

POPULATION

58 healthy volunteers and 10 RCCC patients.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3-T, turbo spin echo, and fast field echo.

ASSESSMENT

3D-APTw imaging was scanned using the IBH and FB methods in volunteers and using the IBH method in RCCC patients. The image quality was evaluated by three observers according to the 5-point Likert scale. Optimal images rated at three points or higher were used to measure the APT values.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The measurement repeatability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. The APT values were analyzed using McNemar's test, one-way analysis of variance, and t test.

RESULTS

50 healthy volunteers and 8 RCCC patients were enrolled. Renal 3D-APTw imaging using the IBH method revealed a higher success rate (88% vs 78%). The ICCs were excellent in the IBH group (ICCs > 0.74) and were good in the FB group (ICCs < 0.74). No significant differences in the APT values among various zones using the IBH (P = 0.263) or FB method (P = 0.506). The mean APT value using the IBH method (2.091% ± 0.388%) was slightly lower than the FB method (2.176% ± 0.292%), but no significant difference (P = 0.233). The APT value of RCCC (4.832% ± 1.361%) was considerably higher than normal renal using the IBH method.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that the IBH method substantially increased the image quality of renal 3D-APTw imaging. Furthermore, APT values may vary between normal and tumor tissues.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Exploring the causal relationship between antihypertensive drugs and glioblastoma by combining drug target Mendelian randomization study, eQTL colocalization, and single-cell RNA sequencing

Recent reports indicate a potential oncogenic role of antihypertensive drugs in common cancers. However, it remains uncertain whether this phenomenon influences the risk of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study aimed to assess the potential causal effects of blood pressure (BP) and antihypertensive drugs on GBM. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and GBM in Europeans were downloaded. To represent the effects of antihypertensive drugs, we utilized single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SBP/DBP adjacent to the coding regions of different antihypertensive drugs as instrumental variables to model five antihypertensive drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, β-receptor blockers (BBs), and thiazide diuretics. Positive control studies were performed using GWAS data in chronic heart failure. The primary method for causality estimation was the inverse-variance-weighted method. Mendelian randomization analysis showed that BBs with the β1-adrenergic receptor (ADRB1) as a therapeutic target could significantly reduce the risk of GBM by mediating DBP (OR = 0.431, 95% CI: 0.267-0.697, p < .001) and that they could also significantly reduce the risk of GBM by mediating SBP (OR = 0.595, 95% CI: 0.422-0.837, p = .003). Sensitivity analysis and colocalization analysis reinforced the robustness of these findings. Finally, the low expression of the ADRB1 gene in malignant gliomas was found by GBM data from TCGA and single-cell RNA sequencing, which most likely contributed to the poor prognosis of GBM patients. In summary, our study provides preliminary evidence of some causal relationship between ADRB1-targeted BBs and glioblastoma development. However, more studies are needed to validate these findings and further reveal the complex relationship between BP and GBM.

Association between mtDNA haplogroups and skeletal fluorosis in Han population residing in drinking water endemic fluorosis area of northern China

To investigate the association between mtDNA genetic information and the risk of SF, individuals were conducted in the drinking water endemic fluorosis area in northern China, sequenced the whole genome of mtDNA, identified the SNPs and SNVs, analyzed the haplogroups, and diagnosed SF, and then, the effect of mtDNA genetic information on the risk of SF was evaluated. We find that, D5 haplogroup and its specific SNPs reduced the risk, while the D4 haplogroup and its specific SNPs increased the risk of SF. The number of SNVs in coding regions of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) is different between the controls and cases. This suggests that D5 haplogroup may play a protective role in the risk of SF, while the opposite is observed for the D4 haplogroup, this may relate to their specific SNPs. And SNVs that encode the MRC complex may also be associated with the risk of SF.

Evidence of Ferromagnetism and Ultrafast Dynamics of Demagnetization in an Epitaxial FeCl2 Monolayer

The development of two-dimensional (2D) magnetism is driven not only by the interest of low-dimensional physics but also by potential applications in high-density miniaturized spintronic devices. However, 2D materials possessing a ferromagnetic order with a relatively high Curie temperature (Tc) are rare. In this paper, the evidence of ferromagnetism in monolayer FeCl2 on Au(111) surfaces, as well as the interlayer antiferromagnetic coupling of bilayer FeCl2, is characterized by using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. A Curie temperature (Tc) of ∼147 K is revealed for monolayer FeCl2, based on our static magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements. Furthermore, temperature-dependent magnetization dynamics is investigated by the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. A transition from one- to two-step demagnetization occurs as the lattice temperature approaches Tc, which supports the Elliott-Yafet spin relaxation mechanism. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing ultrafast magnetization in 2D ferromagnetic materials.

PCR Independent Strategy-Based Biosensors for RNA Detection

RNA is an important information and functional molecule. It can respond to the regulation of life processes and is also a key molecule in gene expression and regulation. Therefore, RNA detection technology has been widely used in many fields, especially in disease diagnosis, medical research, genetic engineering and other fields. However, the current RT-qPCR for RNA detection is complex, costly and requires the support of professional technicians, resulting in it not having great potential for rapid application in the field. PCR-free techniques are the most attractive alternative. They are a low-cost, simple operation method and do not require the support of large instruments, providing a new concept for the development of new RNA detection methods. This article reviews current PCR-free methods, overviews reported RNA biosensors based on electrochemistry, SPR, microfluidics, nanomaterials and CRISPR, and discusses their challenges and future research prospects in RNA detection.

Coexistence of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and capillary malformation: More than a coincidence? Two case reports

The coexistence of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and capillary malformation (CM) is quite rare, and few relevant studies can be found to confirm whether this phenomenon is accidental. We diagnosed and treated two such patients, revealing interesting phenomena associated with the development of vascular diseases. These cases offer the possibility that the coexistence of KHE and CM is not accidental and open up a new field of research related to pediatric vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Personalization and precision are required in the diagnosis and treatment of such patients, and the present findings provide a reliable theoretical and practical basis for further research on the pathogenesis and therapy of patients with multiple vascular diseases.

High Serum Albumin Levels were Associated with Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Surgical Intensive Care Units

INTRODUCTION

There are limited studies revealing the association between serum albumin concentrations and acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective study. Children consecutively admitted to four pediatric surgical intensive care units (PSICUs) between January 2016 and December 2020 were screened for analysis. Patients without recorded albumin values during the PSICU stay were excluded. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records systems of the hospitals. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) guidelines. The associations between serum albumin levels and AKI were assessed by using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 7802 children were included in the analysis. The median age of the children was 1.0 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.0-4.0) years. There were 3214 (41.2 %) children who developed AKI. In the univariate logistic regression model, serum albumin levels were associated with AKI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.05). After adjusting for covariates, serum albumin showed an independent association with AKI (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 1.03-1.05). Albumin levels above 39.43 g/L (OR = 1.036, 95 % CI 1.002-1.070) were associated with AKI in the unadjusted cubic spline. In the adjusted cubic spline, albumin levels above 40.41 g/L (OR = 1.061, 95 % CI 1.003-1.122) were associated with AKI.

CONCLUSION

High serum albumin was associated with AKI in critically ill children in the PSICU. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognostic Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

LEVEL II.

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma with Bone Destruction: A 16-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study of the Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, locally aggressive vascular tumor that often occurs in infants and young children. The goal of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of KHE patients with bone destruction and provide clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive cohort study with follow-up from January 2007 to January 2023 to collect demographic information and tumor-related clinical information from KHE patients with bone destruction.

RESULTS

A total of 269 KHE patients were included in the study, of whom 70 (26.0%) patients had tumors with bone destruction. The median age at diagnosis of patients with bone destruction was 19.0 months, which was much later than that of patients without bone destruction (P < 0.001). Patients with bone destruction were more likely to have a decreased range of motion (ROM) (P < 0.001). Metaphysis involvement was more likely to occur in the lower limb bones (P = 0.039), and the lower limb bones were more likely to be associated with decreased ROM (P = 0.001). Tumors involving extracompartmental bone were more likely to have decreased ROM (P = 0.003) and exhibit the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the rarity and significant heterogeneity of KHE patients with bone destruction, we should give full play to the role of multidisciplinary teams in addressing disease to reduce the long-term complications of KHE with bone destruction and improve the quality of life of patients.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognostic Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.