Application of growth stimulators can be especially effective on plantlets in vitro of tree species which are usually worse rooted and adapted in comparison with annual plants. In our work we evaluate effects of natur...Application of growth stimulators can be especially effective on plantlets in vitro of tree species which are usually worse rooted and adapted in comparison with annual plants. In our work we evaluate effects of natural (dihydroquercetin, Zircon) and synthetic growth stimulators (Melafen, Fumar, Epin-Extra) on rooting and acclimatization of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) microplants. The 0.05% -?0.2% Zircon and 10-5%?Melafen enhanced in vitro rooting by 29% -?37% and 31%, respectively. Melafen also stimulated root formation faster compared to control plants. The dihydroquercetin concentration of 0.01% increased rooting by 24% and root number per shoot by 1.8 times. In vitro plants rooted on media supplemented with Melafen, Fumar and Zircon demonstrated enhanced ability to adapt to non-sterile conditions and accelerated growth. Two months after planting to the greenhouse, plants rooted on 0.01% dihydroquercetin were 45% taller than the control. Weekly spraying of plantlets with 0.02% Epin-Extra containing 24-epibrassinolid stimulated growth of uniform plants with large leaves. The obtained results support the use of growth stimulators for application in clonal micropropagation of common ash both for large-scale production of planting stock and for conservation of rare and valuable genotypes.展开更多
BACKGROUND The utility of novel oral soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulators(vericiguat and riociguat),in patients with reduced or preserved ejection fraction heart failure(HFrEF/HFpEF)is currently unclear.AIM To de...BACKGROUND The utility of novel oral soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulators(vericiguat and riociguat),in patients with reduced or preserved ejection fraction heart failure(HFrEF/HFpEF)is currently unclear.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of sGC stimulators in HF patients.METHODS Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Data on the safety and efficacy of sGC stimulators were compared using relative risk ratio(RR)on a random effect model.RESULTS Six RCTs,comprising 5604 patients(2801 in sGC stimulator group and 2803 placebo group)were included.The primary endpoint(a composite of cardiovascular mortality and first HF-related hospitalization)was significantly reduced in patients receiving sGC stimulators compared to placebo[RR 0.92,95%confidence interval(CI):0.85-0.99,P=0.02].The incidence of total HF-related hospitalizations were also lower in sGC group(RR 0.91,95%CI:0.86-0.96,P=0.0009),however,sGC stimulators had no impact on all-cause mortality(RR 0.96,95%CI:0.86-1.07,P=0.45)or cardiovascular mortality(RR 0.94,95%CI:0.83-1.06,P=0.29).The overall safety endpoint(a composite of hypotension and syncope)was also similar between the two groups(RR 1.50,95%CI:0.93-2.42,P=0.10).By contrast,a stratified subgroup analysis adjusted by type of sGC stimulator and HF(vericiguat vs riociguat and HFrEF vs HFpEF)showed near identical rates for all safety and efficacy endpoints between the two groups at a mean follow-up of 19 wk.For the primary composite endpoint,the number needed to treat was 35,the number needed to harm was 44.CONCLUSION The use of vericiguat and riociguat in conjunction with standard HF therapy,shows no benefit in terms of decreasing HF-related hospitalizations or mortality.展开更多
Optimal activation of T cells requires at least 2signals. Signal one is generated by interactionsbetween T cell receptor and antigenic peptide-majorhistocompatibility complex on antigen-presentingcells. Signal two is ...Optimal activation of T cells requires at least 2signals. Signal one is generated by interactionsbetween T cell receptor and antigenic peptide-majorhistocompatibility complex on antigen-presentingcells. Signal two is delivered by co-stimulatory ligandson antigen-presenting cells to their receptors on展开更多
Sorgaab, an aqueous extract of sorghum leaves was applied to probe the modulation in growth and physiological attributes of maize under drought in lab and greenhouse studies. Sorgaab soaked seeds (10 dilutions) were g...Sorgaab, an aqueous extract of sorghum leaves was applied to probe the modulation in growth and physiological attributes of maize under drought in lab and greenhouse studies. Sorgaab soaked seeds (10 dilutions) were germinated to assess drought tolerance at germination and seedling growth stages. More concentrated Sorgaab solutions (2 mL·L-1) were damaging, while lower concentration in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 mL·L-1 improved the root and shoot growth of maize under drought. Applied drought stress decreased chlorophyll b greater than chlorophyll a that improved the chl a/b ratio. Application of Sorgaab also improved the internal CO2 assimilation, which increased the net photosynthesis and A/E ratio of drought affected plants. Soluble phenolics and anthocyanins were also more increased in plant receiving Sorgaab under drought than control. Although greater concentrations of phenolic acids inhibit the uptake of ions, but its lower concentrations stimulate the uptake of K+, Ca2+, NO3, PO4. In conclusion, although high concentrations of Sorgaab reduced the growth of plants, it might alleviate the adverse effects of drought, if applied at the low concentration. Dilute concentrations of Sorgaab can be utilized as a natural source for improving drought resistance in maize both at germination and later growth stages.展开更多
After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the tim...After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions,combined with the limitations of current methods.To address these challenges,various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.Notably,neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration,provide neuroprotection,restore neurons,and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract.To improve the effectiveness of these interventions,the implementation of multitarget early interventional neuromodulation strategies,such as electrical and magnetic stimulation,is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury.This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury,synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection,repair,and regeneration of impaired connections,and advocates for multi-targeted,task-oriented,and timely interventions.展开更多
Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited.Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,play a critical role in s...Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited.Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,play a critical role in spinal cord injury.Previous studies have shown that microglia can promote neuronal survival by phagocytosing dead cells and debris and by releasing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors.However,excessive activation of microglia can lead to persistent inflammation and contribute to the formation of glial scars,which hinder axonal regeneration.Despite this,the precise role and mechanisms of microglia during the acute phase of spinal cord injury remain controversial and poorly understood.To elucidate the role of microglia in spinal cord injury,we employed the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622 to deplete microglia.We observed that sustained depletion of microglia resulted in an expansion of the lesion area,downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Next,we generated a transgenic mouse line with conditional overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor specifically in microglia.We found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia increased angiogenesis and blood flow following spinal cord injury and facilitated the recovery of hindlimb motor function.Additionally,brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia reduced inflammation and neuronal apoptosis during the acute phase of spinal cord injury.Furthermore,through using specific transgenic mouse lines,TMEM119,and the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX73086,we demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects were predominantly due to brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia rather than macrophages.In conclusion,our findings suggest the critical role of microglia in the formation of protective glial scars.Depleting microglia is detrimental to recovery of spinal cord injury,whereas targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia represents a promising and novel therapeutic strategy to enhance motor function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.展开更多
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic wounds.Conventionally,NMES involves direct electrode contact with wounds or adjacent healthy skin;however,it is limited ...Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic wounds.Conventionally,NMES involves direct electrode contact with wounds or adjacent healthy skin;however,it is limited by the need for wound exposure and by increased pain.Our preliminary study demonstrated the innovative application of remote NMES(rNMES)to the skeletal muscle of the distal calf,which showed the potential to accelerate wound healing in remote areas.rNMES was effective in human clinical trials in our previous work,although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.As rNMES is often used to stimulate muscle contraction in long-term bedridden patients,we analyzed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and found that exercise promotes midkine(MDK)expression in muscle.MDK is a small secreted heparin-binding protein that interacts with multiple cell surface receptors to promote growth.In the present study,we found that MDK significantly enhanced macrophage efferocytosis in a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1)-dependent manner.Our findings demonstrate that rNMES upregulates MDK expression in skeletal muscles through the AMPK-ERK axis,facilitating its delivery to wounds through the circulatory system and promoting LRP1-mediated efferocytosis of apoptotic cells,thereby expediting wound healing.展开更多
Neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and the lack of disease-modifying therapies,are becoming a major global health challenge.The existing neuromodulation techniques,such as ...Neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and the lack of disease-modifying therapies,are becoming a major global health challenge.The existing neuromodulation techniques,such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation,show limitations such as invasiveness,restricted cortical targeting,and irreversible tissue effects.In this context,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has emerged as a promising noninvasive alternative that can penetrate deep into the brain and modulate neuroplasticity.This review comprehensively assesses the therapeutic mechanisms,efficacy,and translational potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in treating neurodegenerative diseases,with emphasis on its role in promoting neuronal regeneration,modulating neuroinflammation,and enhancing functional recovery.We summarize the findings of previous studies and systematically illustrate the potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in regulating cell death mechanisms,enhancing neural repair and regeneration,and alleviating symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases.Preclinical findings indicate that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can enhance the release of neurotrophic factors(e.g.,brain-derived neurotrophic factor),promote autophagy to clear protein aggregates,modulate microglial activation,and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to facilitate targeted drug delivery.Existing clinical trial data show that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can reduce amyloid-βplaques,improve motor and cognitive deficits,and promote remyelination in various disease models.Early clinical trials suggest that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound may enhance cognitive scores in Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease,all while demonstrating a favorable safety profile.Past studies support the notion that by integrating safety,precision,and reversibility,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can transform the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative disease.However,more advancements are necessary for future clinical application of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound,including optimizing parameters such as frequency,intensity,and duty cycle;considering individual anatomical differences;and confirming long-term efficacy.We believe establishing standardized protocols,conducting larger trials,and investigating the underlying mechanisms to clarify dose-response relationships and refine personalized application strategies are essential in this regard.Future research should focus on translating preclinical findings into clinical practice,addressing technical challenges,and exploring combination therapies with pharmacological or gene interventions.展开更多
Spontaneous recovery frequently proves maladaptive or insufficient because the plasticity of the injured adult mammalian central nervous system is limited.This limited plasticity serves as a primary barrier to functio...Spontaneous recovery frequently proves maladaptive or insufficient because the plasticity of the injured adult mammalian central nervous system is limited.This limited plasticity serves as a primary barrier to functional recovery after brain injury.Neuromodulation technologies represent one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine.These techniques utilize electricity,magnetism,sound,and light to restore or optimize brain functions by promoting reorganization or long-term changes that support functional recovery in patients with brain injury.Therefore,this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects and underlying mechanisms of neuromodulation technologies in supporting motor function recovery after brain injury.Many of these technologies are widely used in clinical practice and show significant improvements in motor function across various types of brain injury.However,studies report negative findings,potentially due to variations in stimulation protocols,differences in observation periods,and the severity of functional impairments among participants across different clinical trials.Additionally,we observed that different neuromodulation techniques share remarkably similar mechanisms,including promoting neuroplasticity,enhancing neurotrophic factor release,improving cerebral blood flow,suppressing neuroinflammation,and providing neuroprotection.Finally,considering the advantages and disadvantages of various neuromodulation techniques,we propose that future development should focus on closed-loop neural circuit stimulation,personalized treatment,interdisciplinary collaboration,and precision stimulation.展开更多
Deep brain stimulation(DBS)is an established therapeutic intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease(PwPD)and is increasingly being utilized for other neurological disorders.Although effective in alleviating mot...Deep brain stimulation(DBS)is an established therapeutic intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease(PwPD)and is increasingly being utilized for other neurological disorders.Although effective in alleviating motor symptoms and reducing medication requirements,DBS has undergone minimal conceptual evolution and still relies on continuous high-frequency electrical stimulation.In Parkinson’s disease(PD),this persistent stimulation may cause adverse effects,including dysarthria,stimulation-induced dyskinesia,impulsivity,and mood alterations.Additionally,the continuous energy demand of current DBS systems accelerates battery depletion,necessitating more frequent battery charging or battery replacement surgeries,increasing risks,burden,and costs.Basic neuroscience research has long demonstrated that exogenous electrical stimulation can induce persistent changes to synaptic connections,known as long-term plasticity.展开更多
Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of kn...Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of knowledge about the underlying modes of action and optimal treatment modalities,a thorough translational investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation in preclinical animal models is urgently needed.Thus,we reviewed the current literature on the mechanistic underpinnings of noninvasive brain stimulation in models of central nervous system impairment,with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and stroke.Due to the lack of translational models in most noninvasive brain stimulation techniques proposed,we found this review to the most relevant techniques used in humans,i.e.,transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.We searched the literature in Pub Med,encompassing the MEDLINE and PMC databases,for studies published between January 1,2020 and September 30,2024.Thirty-five studies were eligible.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation demonstrated distinct strengths in augmenting rehabilitation post-stroke and traumatic brain injury,with emerging mechanistic evidence.Overall,we identified neuronal,inflammatory,microvascular,and apoptotic pathways highlighted in the literature.This review also highlights a lack of translational surrogate parameters to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and their clinical translation.展开更多
Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance to...Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of changes in cerebral blood perfusion within the ischemic brain,but investigating the feasibility of using this method to assess post-stroke rehabilitation in vivo remains critical.In this study,ischemic stroke was induced in rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation was used to treat the rat model of ischemia,and electrical impedance tomography was used to measure impedance during both the acute stage of ischemia and the rehabilitation stage following the stimulation.Electrical impedance tomography results indicated that cerebral impedance increased after the onset of ischemia and decreased following transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.Furthermore,the stimulation promoted motor function recovery,reduced cerebral infarction volume in the rat model of ischemic stroke,and induced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ischemic brain.Our results also revealed a significant correlation between the impedance of the ischemic brain post-intervention and improvements in behavioral scores and infarct volume.This study shows that daily administration of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes to the ischemic hemisphere 24 hours after cerebral ischemia enhanced motor recovery in a rat model of ischemia.Additionally,our findings indicate that electrical impedance tomography can serve as a valuable tool for quantitatively evaluating rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in vivo.These findings suggest the feasibility of using impedance data collected via electrical impedance tomography to clinically assess the effects of rehabilitatory interventions for patients with ischemic stroke.展开更多
The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being promi...The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being prominent examples.Consequently,promoting bone regeneration is a crucial medical challenge that demands immediate attention.As early as the mid-20th century,researchers revealed that electrical stimulation could effectively promote the healing and regeneration of bone tissue.This is achieved by mimicking the endogenous electric field within bone tissue,which influences cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms.In recent years,electroactive hydrogels responsive to electric field stimulation have been developed and applied to regulate cell functions at different stages of bone regeneration.This paper elaborates on the regulatory effects of electrical stimulation on MSCs,macrophages,and vascular endothelial cells during the process of bone regeneration.It also involves the activation of relevant ion channels and signaling pathways.Subsequently,it comprehensively reviews various electric-field-responsive hydrogels developed in recent years,covering aspects such as material selection,preparation methods,characteristics,and their applications in bone regeneration.Ultimately,it provides an objective summary of the existing deficiencies in hydrogel materials and research,and looks ahead to future development directions.展开更多
Chronic pain following a spinal cord injury refers to pain that persists or recurs after the injury.This pain can manifest as burning,stinging,or sensations similar to electric shocks.Recent studies have shown that sp...Chronic pain following a spinal cord injury refers to pain that persists or recurs after the injury.This pain can manifest as burning,stinging,or sensations similar to electric shocks.Recent studies have shown that spinal cord stimulation is an effective way to treat chronic pain after spinal cord injury.The purpose of this review is to introduce the technique of spinal cord stimulation,the clinical manifestations of spinal cord injury,and the role of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury.The mechanism and clinical application of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of pain after spinal cord injury are discussed.The mechanism of spinal cord stimulation primarily involves three aspects:neuromodulation,neurochemical regulation,and anti-inflammatory effects,along with nerve repair.In terms of neuromodulation,spinal cord stimulation is based on the gate control theory of pain.It activates large-diameter amyloid-βnerve fibers to promote the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters by gamma-aminobutyric acidergic inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord,thereby blocking the transmission of pain signals from small-diameter C fibers.Neurochemical studies indicate that spinal cord stimulation can regulate the balance of neurotransmitters within the spinal cord,increasing the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid,serotonin,and acetylcholine while reducing the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters.Additionally,spinal cord stimulation exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects,downregulating pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregulating anti-inflammatory factor expression,alleviating neuroinflammatory responses,and repairing damaged neural circuits by promoting the secretion of neurotrophic factors and axonal regeneration.Spinal cord stimulation have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the clinical treatment of pain after spinal cord injury,but there are still limitations such as small sample size and high heterogeneity in clinical studies,as well as insufficient long-term efficacy data.Future research should conduct multi-center large-sample randomized controlled trials,and establish long-term follow-up mechanisms to improve evidence-based medical evidence.展开更多
Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize...Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.展开更多
Osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of disability worldwide,and no pharmacological therapies currently exist to reverse its progression.This lack of therapies is primarily attributed to the inadequacies of conv...Osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of disability worldwide,and no pharmacological therapies currently exist to reverse its progression.This lack of therapies is primarily attributed to the inadequacies of conventional in vitro models of joint physiology and pathology,which significantly hinder advancements in disease mechanism research and drug development.As an emerging in vitro joint model,joint-on-a-chip(JoC)technology allows low-cost,efficient simulation of physiological and pathological joint activities,making it a focal point of current research.Cartilage,subchondral bone,and synovium are among the key tissues required for constructing in vitro joint models,with cartilage playing a central load-bearing role in joint movement.This article provides a detailed overview of the structure and function of these tissues,with an emphasis on the load-bearing mechanisms of cartilage,and identifies the microenvironmental characteristics that JoC should aim to replicate.Subsequently,we review the current types of JoC and highlight their core challenge:the seamless integration of multi-tissue co-culture with specific mechanical stimulation.To address this issue,we propose potential solutions and present a conceptual design for a JoC prototype.Finally,we discuss the challenges and issues related to the outlook for JoC.Our ultimate goal is to develop a JoC capable of replicating the key microenvironments of joints,serving as a high-performance in vitro joint model to advance the study of disease mechanisms and facilitate drug development.展开更多
Brain lesions,such as those caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury(TBI),frequently result in persistent motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect the individual patient's quality of life.Despit...Brain lesions,such as those caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury(TBI),frequently result in persistent motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect the individual patient's quality of life.Despite differences in the mechanisms of injury,both conditions share a high prevalence of motor and cognitive impairments.These deficits show only limited natural recovery.展开更多
The stimulator of interferon genes(STING),as a critical innate immune sensor,has been widely and continually explored in immune-related disease treatment.As lipid bilayer-closed particles derived from cells,extracellu...The stimulator of interferon genes(STING),as a critical innate immune sensor,has been widely and continually explored in immune-related disease treatment.As lipid bilayer-closed particles derived from cells,extracellular vesicles(EVs)inherently function in target-guided intercellular communication.To incorporate the native merits of EVs into STING pathways,i.e.,engineered EV@STING,poor bioavailability and off-target issues that STING activators possess could be significantly overcome.In this review,emerged STING activators such as nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structures and the universal STING activation strategy(uniSTING)are firstly summarized.Diverse EVs sources from mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and innate and adaptive immune cells may evoke distinct regulatory results.Concurrently,how the EVs contents including double-stranded DNA(dsDNA),microRNA(miRNA),cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)and 2′3′-cyclic GMP-AMP(2′3′-cGAMP)proteins participate in the regulation of STING activation are widely studied.After mastering the two pivotal aspects of EV@STING,their immunomodulatory roles including in pathogen infection,inflammatory diseases,and cancer therapy are comprehensively summed up and discussed.Finally,in cancer study field,therapeutic challenges and clinical translational opportunities of EV@STING are thoroughly evaluated.展开更多
Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like posit...Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like positron emission tomography(PET)and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)can quantify cerebral metabolism and other dynamics.Evidence suggests that combining tDCS with these imaging methods enhances understanding and outcomes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.This review highlights how nuclear medicine can objectively characterize tDCS eff ects,map network modulation,and identify predictive biomarkers.PET and SPECT indicate changes in glucose metabolism and neurotransmitter activity post-tDCS,demonstrating their value in validation.While the co-application of these methodologies is still in conceptual stages,their integration may advance precision neuromodulation and inform rehabilitation strategies.展开更多
Bioelectronic medicine is a discipline that employs various electronic devices and technologies to diagnose,treat,and monitor biological systems and diseases.With continuous technological advancement,numerous bioelect...Bioelectronic medicine is a discipline that employs various electronic devices and technologies to diagnose,treat,and monitor biological systems and diseases.With continuous technological advancement,numerous bioelectronic devices are now utilized as independent therapeutic interventions or as adjunct treatments,and their applications continue to expand.This article briefly outlines the discovery process of several common electrophysiological signals in the human body and focuses on diverse electrical stimulation technologies.Their applications in the nervous system,cancer treatment,tissue regeneration and repair,and cardiovascular therapy are discussed,along with the underlying mechanisms of action.Furthermore,the rapid development of artificial intelligence and technological innovation has significantly broadened the scope and application of bioelectronic medicine.Finally,the current limitations and future prospects of bioelectronic medicine are explored.展开更多
文摘Application of growth stimulators can be especially effective on plantlets in vitro of tree species which are usually worse rooted and adapted in comparison with annual plants. In our work we evaluate effects of natural (dihydroquercetin, Zircon) and synthetic growth stimulators (Melafen, Fumar, Epin-Extra) on rooting and acclimatization of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) microplants. The 0.05% -?0.2% Zircon and 10-5%?Melafen enhanced in vitro rooting by 29% -?37% and 31%, respectively. Melafen also stimulated root formation faster compared to control plants. The dihydroquercetin concentration of 0.01% increased rooting by 24% and root number per shoot by 1.8 times. In vitro plants rooted on media supplemented with Melafen, Fumar and Zircon demonstrated enhanced ability to adapt to non-sterile conditions and accelerated growth. Two months after planting to the greenhouse, plants rooted on 0.01% dihydroquercetin were 45% taller than the control. Weekly spraying of plantlets with 0.02% Epin-Extra containing 24-epibrassinolid stimulated growth of uniform plants with large leaves. The obtained results support the use of growth stimulators for application in clonal micropropagation of common ash both for large-scale production of planting stock and for conservation of rare and valuable genotypes.
文摘BACKGROUND The utility of novel oral soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulators(vericiguat and riociguat),in patients with reduced or preserved ejection fraction heart failure(HFrEF/HFpEF)is currently unclear.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of sGC stimulators in HF patients.METHODS Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Data on the safety and efficacy of sGC stimulators were compared using relative risk ratio(RR)on a random effect model.RESULTS Six RCTs,comprising 5604 patients(2801 in sGC stimulator group and 2803 placebo group)were included.The primary endpoint(a composite of cardiovascular mortality and first HF-related hospitalization)was significantly reduced in patients receiving sGC stimulators compared to placebo[RR 0.92,95%confidence interval(CI):0.85-0.99,P=0.02].The incidence of total HF-related hospitalizations were also lower in sGC group(RR 0.91,95%CI:0.86-0.96,P=0.0009),however,sGC stimulators had no impact on all-cause mortality(RR 0.96,95%CI:0.86-1.07,P=0.45)or cardiovascular mortality(RR 0.94,95%CI:0.83-1.06,P=0.29).The overall safety endpoint(a composite of hypotension and syncope)was also similar between the two groups(RR 1.50,95%CI:0.93-2.42,P=0.10).By contrast,a stratified subgroup analysis adjusted by type of sGC stimulator and HF(vericiguat vs riociguat and HFrEF vs HFpEF)showed near identical rates for all safety and efficacy endpoints between the two groups at a mean follow-up of 19 wk.For the primary composite endpoint,the number needed to treat was 35,the number needed to harm was 44.CONCLUSION The use of vericiguat and riociguat in conjunction with standard HF therapy,shows no benefit in terms of decreasing HF-related hospitalizations or mortality.
文摘Optimal activation of T cells requires at least 2signals. Signal one is generated by interactionsbetween T cell receptor and antigenic peptide-majorhistocompatibility complex on antigen-presentingcells. Signal two is delivered by co-stimulatory ligandson antigen-presenting cells to their receptors on
文摘Sorgaab, an aqueous extract of sorghum leaves was applied to probe the modulation in growth and physiological attributes of maize under drought in lab and greenhouse studies. Sorgaab soaked seeds (10 dilutions) were germinated to assess drought tolerance at germination and seedling growth stages. More concentrated Sorgaab solutions (2 mL·L-1) were damaging, while lower concentration in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 mL·L-1 improved the root and shoot growth of maize under drought. Applied drought stress decreased chlorophyll b greater than chlorophyll a that improved the chl a/b ratio. Application of Sorgaab also improved the internal CO2 assimilation, which increased the net photosynthesis and A/E ratio of drought affected plants. Soluble phenolics and anthocyanins were also more increased in plant receiving Sorgaab under drought than control. Although greater concentrations of phenolic acids inhibit the uptake of ions, but its lower concentrations stimulate the uptake of K+, Ca2+, NO3, PO4. In conclusion, although high concentrations of Sorgaab reduced the growth of plants, it might alleviate the adverse effects of drought, if applied at the low concentration. Dilute concentrations of Sorgaab can be utilized as a natural source for improving drought resistance in maize both at germination and later growth stages.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2023YFC3603705(to DX)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82302866(to YZ).
文摘After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions,combined with the limitations of current methods.To address these challenges,various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.Notably,neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration,provide neuroprotection,restore neurons,and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract.To improve the effectiveness of these interventions,the implementation of multitarget early interventional neuromodulation strategies,such as electrical and magnetic stimulation,is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury.This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury,synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection,repair,and regeneration of impaired connections,and advocates for multi-targeted,task-oriented,and timely interventions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82072165 and 82272256(both to XM)the Key Project of Xiangyang Central Hospital,No.2023YZ03(to RM)。
文摘Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited.Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,play a critical role in spinal cord injury.Previous studies have shown that microglia can promote neuronal survival by phagocytosing dead cells and debris and by releasing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors.However,excessive activation of microglia can lead to persistent inflammation and contribute to the formation of glial scars,which hinder axonal regeneration.Despite this,the precise role and mechanisms of microglia during the acute phase of spinal cord injury remain controversial and poorly understood.To elucidate the role of microglia in spinal cord injury,we employed the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622 to deplete microglia.We observed that sustained depletion of microglia resulted in an expansion of the lesion area,downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Next,we generated a transgenic mouse line with conditional overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor specifically in microglia.We found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia increased angiogenesis and blood flow following spinal cord injury and facilitated the recovery of hindlimb motor function.Additionally,brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia reduced inflammation and neuronal apoptosis during the acute phase of spinal cord injury.Furthermore,through using specific transgenic mouse lines,TMEM119,and the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX73086,we demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects were predominantly due to brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia rather than macrophages.In conclusion,our findings suggest the critical role of microglia in the formation of protective glial scars.Depleting microglia is detrimental to recovery of spinal cord injury,whereas targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia represents a promising and novel therapeutic strategy to enhance motor function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82271252 to W.L.,No.8217091029 to T.W.and No.82204542 to L.H.)the Key Medical Research Projects of Jiangsu Health and Health Commission(Grant No.K2023066 to L.Z.)the Taishan Industrial Talent Project(Grant No.2020-371722-73-03-097290 to W.L.).
文摘Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic wounds.Conventionally,NMES involves direct electrode contact with wounds or adjacent healthy skin;however,it is limited by the need for wound exposure and by increased pain.Our preliminary study demonstrated the innovative application of remote NMES(rNMES)to the skeletal muscle of the distal calf,which showed the potential to accelerate wound healing in remote areas.rNMES was effective in human clinical trials in our previous work,although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.As rNMES is often used to stimulate muscle contraction in long-term bedridden patients,we analyzed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and found that exercise promotes midkine(MDK)expression in muscle.MDK is a small secreted heparin-binding protein that interacts with multiple cell surface receptors to promote growth.In the present study,we found that MDK significantly enhanced macrophage efferocytosis in a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1)-dependent manner.Our findings demonstrate that rNMES upregulates MDK expression in skeletal muscles through the AMPK-ERK axis,facilitating its delivery to wounds through the circulatory system and promoting LRP1-mediated efferocytosis of apoptotic cells,thereby expediting wound healing.
基金supported by STI2030-Major Project,No,2021ZD0204200(to LX).
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and the lack of disease-modifying therapies,are becoming a major global health challenge.The existing neuromodulation techniques,such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation,show limitations such as invasiveness,restricted cortical targeting,and irreversible tissue effects.In this context,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has emerged as a promising noninvasive alternative that can penetrate deep into the brain and modulate neuroplasticity.This review comprehensively assesses the therapeutic mechanisms,efficacy,and translational potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in treating neurodegenerative diseases,with emphasis on its role in promoting neuronal regeneration,modulating neuroinflammation,and enhancing functional recovery.We summarize the findings of previous studies and systematically illustrate the potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in regulating cell death mechanisms,enhancing neural repair and regeneration,and alleviating symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases.Preclinical findings indicate that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can enhance the release of neurotrophic factors(e.g.,brain-derived neurotrophic factor),promote autophagy to clear protein aggregates,modulate microglial activation,and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to facilitate targeted drug delivery.Existing clinical trial data show that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can reduce amyloid-βplaques,improve motor and cognitive deficits,and promote remyelination in various disease models.Early clinical trials suggest that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound may enhance cognitive scores in Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease,all while demonstrating a favorable safety profile.Past studies support the notion that by integrating safety,precision,and reversibility,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can transform the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative disease.However,more advancements are necessary for future clinical application of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound,including optimizing parameters such as frequency,intensity,and duty cycle;considering individual anatomical differences;and confirming long-term efficacy.We believe establishing standardized protocols,conducting larger trials,and investigating the underlying mechanisms to clarify dose-response relationships and refine personalized application strategies are essential in this regard.Future research should focus on translating preclinical findings into clinical practice,addressing technical challenges,and exploring combination therapies with pharmacological or gene interventions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82371399(to YY)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20221206(to YY)+1 种基金the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program of Jiangsu Province,No.TJ-2022-028(to YY)the Scientific Research Program of Wuxi Health Commission,No.Z202302(to LY)。
文摘Spontaneous recovery frequently proves maladaptive or insufficient because the plasticity of the injured adult mammalian central nervous system is limited.This limited plasticity serves as a primary barrier to functional recovery after brain injury.Neuromodulation technologies represent one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine.These techniques utilize electricity,magnetism,sound,and light to restore or optimize brain functions by promoting reorganization or long-term changes that support functional recovery in patients with brain injury.Therefore,this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects and underlying mechanisms of neuromodulation technologies in supporting motor function recovery after brain injury.Many of these technologies are widely used in clinical practice and show significant improvements in motor function across various types of brain injury.However,studies report negative findings,potentially due to variations in stimulation protocols,differences in observation periods,and the severity of functional impairments among participants across different clinical trials.Additionally,we observed that different neuromodulation techniques share remarkably similar mechanisms,including promoting neuroplasticity,enhancing neurotrophic factor release,improving cerebral blood flow,suppressing neuroinflammation,and providing neuroprotection.Finally,considering the advantages and disadvantages of various neuromodulation techniques,we propose that future development should focus on closed-loop neural circuit stimulation,personalized treatment,interdisciplinary collaboration,and precision stimulation.
文摘Deep brain stimulation(DBS)is an established therapeutic intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease(PwPD)and is increasingly being utilized for other neurological disorders.Although effective in alleviating motor symptoms and reducing medication requirements,DBS has undergone minimal conceptual evolution and still relies on continuous high-frequency electrical stimulation.In Parkinson’s disease(PD),this persistent stimulation may cause adverse effects,including dysarthria,stimulation-induced dyskinesia,impulsivity,and mood alterations.Additionally,the continuous energy demand of current DBS systems accelerates battery depletion,necessitating more frequent battery charging or battery replacement surgeries,increasing risks,burden,and costs.Basic neuroscience research has long demonstrated that exogenous electrical stimulation can induce persistent changes to synaptic connections,known as long-term plasticity.
基金funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation):project ID 431549029-SFB 1451the Marga-und-Walter-Boll-Stiftung(#210-10-15)(to MAR)a stipend from the'Gerok Program'(Faculty of Medicine,University of Cologne,Germany)。
文摘Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of knowledge about the underlying modes of action and optimal treatment modalities,a thorough translational investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation in preclinical animal models is urgently needed.Thus,we reviewed the current literature on the mechanistic underpinnings of noninvasive brain stimulation in models of central nervous system impairment,with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and stroke.Due to the lack of translational models in most noninvasive brain stimulation techniques proposed,we found this review to the most relevant techniques used in humans,i.e.,transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.We searched the literature in Pub Med,encompassing the MEDLINE and PMC databases,for studies published between January 1,2020 and September 30,2024.Thirty-five studies were eligible.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation demonstrated distinct strengths in augmenting rehabilitation post-stroke and traumatic brain injury,with emerging mechanistic evidence.Overall,we identified neuronal,inflammatory,microvascular,and apoptotic pathways highlighted in the literature.This review also highlights a lack of translational surrogate parameters to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and their clinical translation.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Nos.G2021KY05107,G2021KY05101the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32071316,32211530049+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province,No.2022-JM482the Education and Teaching Reform Funds for the Central Universities,No.23GZ230102(all to LL and HH).
文摘Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of changes in cerebral blood perfusion within the ischemic brain,but investigating the feasibility of using this method to assess post-stroke rehabilitation in vivo remains critical.In this study,ischemic stroke was induced in rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation was used to treat the rat model of ischemia,and electrical impedance tomography was used to measure impedance during both the acute stage of ischemia and the rehabilitation stage following the stimulation.Electrical impedance tomography results indicated that cerebral impedance increased after the onset of ischemia and decreased following transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.Furthermore,the stimulation promoted motor function recovery,reduced cerebral infarction volume in the rat model of ischemic stroke,and induced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ischemic brain.Our results also revealed a significant correlation between the impedance of the ischemic brain post-intervention and improvements in behavioral scores and infarct volume.This study shows that daily administration of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes to the ischemic hemisphere 24 hours after cerebral ischemia enhanced motor recovery in a rat model of ischemia.Additionally,our findings indicate that electrical impedance tomography can serve as a valuable tool for quantitatively evaluating rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in vivo.These findings suggest the feasibility of using impedance data collected via electrical impedance tomography to clinically assess the effects of rehabilitatory interventions for patients with ischemic stroke.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.82272491)。
文摘The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being prominent examples.Consequently,promoting bone regeneration is a crucial medical challenge that demands immediate attention.As early as the mid-20th century,researchers revealed that electrical stimulation could effectively promote the healing and regeneration of bone tissue.This is achieved by mimicking the endogenous electric field within bone tissue,which influences cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms.In recent years,electroactive hydrogels responsive to electric field stimulation have been developed and applied to regulate cell functions at different stages of bone regeneration.This paper elaborates on the regulatory effects of electrical stimulation on MSCs,macrophages,and vascular endothelial cells during the process of bone regeneration.It also involves the activation of relevant ion channels and signaling pathways.Subsequently,it comprehensively reviews various electric-field-responsive hydrogels developed in recent years,covering aspects such as material selection,preparation methods,characteristics,and their applications in bone regeneration.Ultimately,it provides an objective summary of the existing deficiencies in hydrogel materials and research,and looks ahead to future development directions.
基金supported by Key Tackling Project of the Education Department of Liaoning Province,No.2024C011the Medical-Industrial Joint Innovation Funding Project of the First Hospital of Dalian Medical University and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,No.DMU-1&DICP UN202311(both to ZL).
文摘Chronic pain following a spinal cord injury refers to pain that persists or recurs after the injury.This pain can manifest as burning,stinging,or sensations similar to electric shocks.Recent studies have shown that spinal cord stimulation is an effective way to treat chronic pain after spinal cord injury.The purpose of this review is to introduce the technique of spinal cord stimulation,the clinical manifestations of spinal cord injury,and the role of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury.The mechanism and clinical application of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of pain after spinal cord injury are discussed.The mechanism of spinal cord stimulation primarily involves three aspects:neuromodulation,neurochemical regulation,and anti-inflammatory effects,along with nerve repair.In terms of neuromodulation,spinal cord stimulation is based on the gate control theory of pain.It activates large-diameter amyloid-βnerve fibers to promote the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters by gamma-aminobutyric acidergic inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord,thereby blocking the transmission of pain signals from small-diameter C fibers.Neurochemical studies indicate that spinal cord stimulation can regulate the balance of neurotransmitters within the spinal cord,increasing the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid,serotonin,and acetylcholine while reducing the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters.Additionally,spinal cord stimulation exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects,downregulating pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregulating anti-inflammatory factor expression,alleviating neuroinflammatory responses,and repairing damaged neural circuits by promoting the secretion of neurotrophic factors and axonal regeneration.Spinal cord stimulation have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the clinical treatment of pain after spinal cord injury,but there are still limitations such as small sample size and high heterogeneity in clinical studies,as well as insufficient long-term efficacy data.Future research should conduct multi-center large-sample randomized controlled trials,and establish long-term follow-up mechanisms to improve evidence-based medical evidence.
基金supported by STI 2030-Major Projects,No.2021ZD0201603(to JL)the Joint Foundation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.8091A170201(to JL)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.T2293730(to XC),T2293731(to XC),T2293734(to XC),62471291(to YW),62121003(to XC),61960206012(to XC),62333020(to XC),and 62171434(to XC)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,Nos.2022YFC2402501(to XC),2022YFB3205602(to XC).
文摘Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12202302,12272253)Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province,China(202403021223002)+1 种基金Sanjin Talents Program for Science and Technology Innovation Teams of Shanxi Province(SJYC2024493)the CUHK Peter Hung Pain Research Institute(PHPRI/2024/122)。
文摘Osteoarthritis is among the leading causes of disability worldwide,and no pharmacological therapies currently exist to reverse its progression.This lack of therapies is primarily attributed to the inadequacies of conventional in vitro models of joint physiology and pathology,which significantly hinder advancements in disease mechanism research and drug development.As an emerging in vitro joint model,joint-on-a-chip(JoC)technology allows low-cost,efficient simulation of physiological and pathological joint activities,making it a focal point of current research.Cartilage,subchondral bone,and synovium are among the key tissues required for constructing in vitro joint models,with cartilage playing a central load-bearing role in joint movement.This article provides a detailed overview of the structure and function of these tissues,with an emphasis on the load-bearing mechanisms of cartilage,and identifies the microenvironmental characteristics that JoC should aim to replicate.Subsequently,we review the current types of JoC and highlight their core challenge:the seamless integration of multi-tissue co-culture with specific mechanical stimulation.To address this issue,we propose potential solutions and present a conceptual design for a JoC prototype.Finally,we discuss the challenges and issues related to the outlook for JoC.Our ultimate goal is to develop a JoC capable of replicating the key microenvironments of joints,serving as a high-performance in vitro joint model to advance the study of disease mechanisms and facilitate drug development.
基金supported by the Defitech Foundation(Morges,CH)to FCHthe Bertarelli Foundation-Catalyst program(Gstaad,CH)to FCH+2 种基金the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering the Lighthouse Partnership for AI-guided Neuromodulation to FCHthe Fonds de recherche du Quebec-Sante(FRQS#342969)to CEPthe Neuro X Postdoctoral Fellowship Program to CEP。
文摘Brain lesions,such as those caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury(TBI),frequently result in persistent motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect the individual patient's quality of life.Despite differences in the mechanisms of injury,both conditions share a high prevalence of motor and cognitive impairments.These deficits show only limited natural recovery.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,Nos.32222090,32101069 and 32171318)Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Macao,the Multi-Year Research Grant(MYRG)of University of Macao and the University of Macao Development Foundation(UMDF)(Nos.MYRG2022-00011-FHS and MYRG-GRG2023-00013-FHS-UMDF)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Development Fund,Macao SAR(Nos.0002/2021/AKP,0133/2022/A3,0009/2022/AKP,and 0006/2023/ITP1)Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Centre for Precision Oncology,University of Macao(No.SP2023-00001-FSCPO)Guangdong Provincial Applied Science and Technology Research and Development Program(No.2024A1515011140).
文摘The stimulator of interferon genes(STING),as a critical innate immune sensor,has been widely and continually explored in immune-related disease treatment.As lipid bilayer-closed particles derived from cells,extracellular vesicles(EVs)inherently function in target-guided intercellular communication.To incorporate the native merits of EVs into STING pathways,i.e.,engineered EV@STING,poor bioavailability and off-target issues that STING activators possess could be significantly overcome.In this review,emerged STING activators such as nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structures and the universal STING activation strategy(uniSTING)are firstly summarized.Diverse EVs sources from mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and innate and adaptive immune cells may evoke distinct regulatory results.Concurrently,how the EVs contents including double-stranded DNA(dsDNA),microRNA(miRNA),cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)and 2′3′-cyclic GMP-AMP(2′3′-cGAMP)proteins participate in the regulation of STING activation are widely studied.After mastering the two pivotal aspects of EV@STING,their immunomodulatory roles including in pathogen infection,inflammatory diseases,and cancer therapy are comprehensively summed up and discussed.Finally,in cancer study field,therapeutic challenges and clinical translational opportunities of EV@STING are thoroughly evaluated.
文摘Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like positron emission tomography(PET)and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)can quantify cerebral metabolism and other dynamics.Evidence suggests that combining tDCS with these imaging methods enhances understanding and outcomes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.This review highlights how nuclear medicine can objectively characterize tDCS eff ects,map network modulation,and identify predictive biomarkers.PET and SPECT indicate changes in glucose metabolism and neurotransmitter activity post-tDCS,demonstrating their value in validation.While the co-application of these methodologies is still in conceptual stages,their integration may advance precision neuromodulation and inform rehabilitation strategies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 82350003 and 92049201].
文摘Bioelectronic medicine is a discipline that employs various electronic devices and technologies to diagnose,treat,and monitor biological systems and diseases.With continuous technological advancement,numerous bioelectronic devices are now utilized as independent therapeutic interventions or as adjunct treatments,and their applications continue to expand.This article briefly outlines the discovery process of several common electrophysiological signals in the human body and focuses on diverse electrical stimulation technologies.Their applications in the nervous system,cancer treatment,tissue regeneration and repair,and cardiovascular therapy are discussed,along with the underlying mechanisms of action.Furthermore,the rapid development of artificial intelligence and technological innovation has significantly broadened the scope and application of bioelectronic medicine.Finally,the current limitations and future prospects of bioelectronic medicine are explored.
