This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the study by Hou et al,focusing on the complex interplay between psychological and physical factors in the postoperative recovery(POR)of patients with perianal disease...This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the study by Hou et al,focusing on the complex interplay between psychological and physical factors in the postoperative recovery(POR)of patients with perianal diseases.The study sheds light on how illness perception,anxiety,and depression significantly influence recovery outcomes.Hou et al developed a predictive model that demonstrated high accuracy in identifying patients at risk of poor recovery.The article explores the critical role of pre-operative psychological assessment,highlighting the need for mental health support and personalized recovery plans in enhancing POR quality.A multidisciplinary approach,integrating mental health professionals with surgeons,anesthesiologists,and other specialists,is emphasized to ensure comprehensive care for patients.The study’s findings serve as a call to integrate psychological care into surgical practice to optimize outcomes for patients with perianal diseases.展开更多
A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson’s disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration.While medications effectively manage symptoms,they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to ...A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson’s disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration.While medications effectively manage symptoms,they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to address the underlying neuronal loss.This highlights that the elusive goals of halting progression and restoring damaged neurons limit the long-term impact of current approaches.Recent clinical trials using gene therapy have demonstrated the safety of various vector delivery systems,dosages,and transgenes expressed in the central nervous system,signifying tangible and substantial progress in applying gene therapy as a promising Parkinson’s disease treatment.Intriguingly,at diagnosis,many dopamine neurons remain in the substantia nigra,offering a potential window for recovery and survival.We propose that modulating these surviving dopamine neurons and axons in the substantia nigra and striatum using gene therapy offers a potentially more impactful therapeutic approach for future research.Moreover,innovative gene therapies that focus on preserving the remaining elements may have significant potential for enhancing long-term outcomes and the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we provide a perspective on how gene therapy can protect vulnerable elements in the substantia nigra and striatum,offering a novel approach to addressing Parkinson’s disease at its core.展开更多
This manuscript explores the recent study by Cui et al which assessed the interplay between inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels in first-episode schizophrenia patients.The study re...This manuscript explores the recent study by Cui et al which assessed the interplay between inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels in first-episode schizophrenia patients.The study revealed that higher levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αcorrelated with reduced BDNF levels and poorer cognitive performance.Schizophrenia is a severe psy-chiatric disorder impacting approximately 1%of the global population,charac-terized by positive symptoms(hallucinations and delusions),negative symptoms(diminished motivation and cognitive impairments)and disorganized thoughts and behaviors.Emerging research highlights the role of BDNF as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.The findings from Cui et al’s study suggest that targeting neuroinflammation and enhancing BDNF levels may improve cognitive outcomes.Effective treatment approaches involve a com-bination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions tailored to individual patient needs.Hence,monitoring cognitive and neuroinflammatory markers is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.Conse-quently,this manuscript highlights the need for an integrated approach to schizo-phrenia management,considering both clinical symptoms and underlying neuro-biological changes.展开更多
Thermally conductive papers with electrical insulation and mechanical robustness are essential for efficient thermal management in modern electronics.In this study,we introduced a metal ion-assisted interfacial crossl...Thermally conductive papers with electrical insulation and mechanical robustness are essential for efficient thermal management in modern electronics.In this study,we introduced a metal ion-assisted interfacial crosslinking strategy to strengthen sugarfunctionalized graphene fluoride(SGF)and cellulose nanofibers(CNF)by hydrogen bonding and metal ion crosslinking that leads to simultaneous enhancements in thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.The facile sugarassisted ball-milling exfoliation method was developed to achieve the exfoliation of graphite fluoride and hydroxyl group functionalization on the surface of graphene fluoride.Thanks to the good dispersibility of the SGF sheets in water,the flexible SGF/CNF composite papers with hydrogen bonding were prepared via vacuum-assisted filtration.We introduced hydrogen bonding and metal ion crosslinking into SGF/CNF papers to obtain densely packed composite papers.Ca^(2+)or Al^(3+)ion-crosslinked SGF/CNF papers exhibited superior thermal and mechanical properties owing to hydrogen bonding and metal ion crosslinking.SGF/CNF-Ca^(2+)and SGF/CNF-Al^(3+)papers at 50 wt%of SGF yield in-plane thermal conductivities of 72.93 and 75.02 W m^(-1) K^(-1),and tensile strengths of 121.5 and 135.7 MPa,respectively.A thermal percolation value was observed at 12.6 vol%of SGF filler content.In addition,the SGF/CNF papers exhibited electrical insulation properties.These remarkable characteristics of the metal ion-crosslinked SGF/CNF papers are attributed to the densely packed structures caused by the strong interfacial interactions from hydrogen bonding as well as metal ion-crosslinking that could promote phonon transport.High-performance metal ion-crosslinked SGF/CNF papers with these fascinating advantages offer great potential for the thermal management of flexible electronics.展开更多
Neuroinflammation has been identified as a crucial element in several neurological disorders. Glial cells play a critical role in directing neuroinflammation, both in deleterious and beneficial ways.
This study evaluates the findings of Gu et al,who investigated the role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)as a biomarker for predicting neuropsychiatric complications in acute ischemic stroke(AIS)pati...This study evaluates the findings of Gu et al,who investigated the role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)as a biomarker for predicting neuropsychiatric complications in acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients.The results revealed that elevated serum NGAL levels at admission are associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms at discharge.The study analyzed 150 AIS patients(mean age 65.4 years,58%male)using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess neuropsychiatric outcomes.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher NGAL levels were independent predictors of cognitive impairment[odds ratio(OR)=1.42],anxiety(OR=1.28),and depression(OR=1.39).Notably,NGAL exhibited strong predictive power for cognitive impairment,with an area under the curve of 0.78.Despite these promising findings,NGAL’s clinical utility is limited by its non-specificity across various conditions.Nevertheless,NGAL levels could help identify AIS patients at risk for neuropsychiatric complications,enabling timely intervention and comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation.The study emphasizes the need for further research to validate NGAL’s predictive accuracy and specificity in diverse AIS populations and advocates for its integration with other diagnostic modalities to enhance clinical decision-making.展开更多
Orthodontic osteodilated arch treatment represents a pivotal approach in dental orthodontics to address dental crowding and misalignment.Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)into comprehensive nursing interven...Orthodontic osteodilated arch treatment represents a pivotal approach in dental orthodontics to address dental crowding and misalignment.Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)into comprehensive nursing interventions(CNI)aims to address these issues holistically.This editorial explores the effectiveness of CBTbased CNI in improving patient outcomes in orthodontic care.Innovations in remote CBT delivery,such as virtual reality,have also shown potential in reducing pain,anxiety,and depression,emphasizing CBT's adaptability in orthodontic settings.The findings underscore the importance of integrating psychological support into orthodontic care to enhance patient adherence,satisfaction,and overall treatment success.The editorial advocates for a holistic approach that combines psychological and physiological care,highlighting the transformative potential of CBT-based interventions in orthodontic treatment.展开更多
Mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)cascades are crucial in plant responses to various stresses.While the positioning of MAP4Ks within the canonical MAPK signaling module in plants remains controversial,emerging res...Mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)cascades are crucial in plant responses to various stresses.While the positioning of MAP4Ks within the canonical MAPK signaling module in plants remains controversial,emerging research continues to shed light on their functional roles.However,information on the MAP4K gene family in pepper(Capsicum annuum)is still limited.In this study,seven putative MAP4K genes(designated as CaMAP4K1–Ca MAP4K7)were identified from the pepper genome,each containing a conserved serine/threonine kinase domain.These genes were differentially expressed across various pepper organs,with CaMAP4K3 exhibiting consistently high expression in all organs and significant induction under drought stress.Kinase assays revealed that CaMAP4K3 is an active kinase whose activity is enhanced by drought and salt stress.Functional studies showed that silencing CaMAP4K3 enhanced drought resistance in pepper plants,reducing transpirational water loss and increasing leaf temperatures.Conversely,CaMAP4K3 overexpression in tobacco and Arabidopsis reduced drought tolerance,as evidenced by increased wilting and transpirational water loss.Additionally,CaMAP4K3-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited reduced sensitivity to abscisic acid(ABA)during seed germination and seedling growth.Collectively,these results suggest that CaMAP4K3 impairs drought resistance in pepper plants and potentially affects seed germination and seedling growth through the regulation of ABA signaling.展开更多
This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial(RCT)conducted by Phiri et al,which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality(VR)training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices...This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial(RCT)conducted by Phiri et al,which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality(VR)training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices(RPs).Specifically,this RCT investigated the impact of VR on the handling of aggressive patients by psychiatric staff compared to traditional training methods.Despite significant reductions in perceived discrimination in the VR group,there were no major improvements in self-efficacy or anxiety levels.The system usability scale rated the VR platform highly,but it did not consistently outperform traditional training methods.Indeed,the study shows the potential for VR to reduce RPs,although fluctuations in RP rates suggest that external factors,such as staff turnover,influenced the outcomes.This manuscript evaluates the study’s methodology,results,and broader implications for mental health training.Additionally,it highlights the need for more comprehensive research to establish VR as a standard tool for psychiatric staff education,focusing on patient care outcomes and real-world applicability.Finally,this study explores future research di-rections,technological improvements,and the potential impact of policies that could enhance the integration of VR in clinical training.展开更多
Taste buds relay taste sensory information to the primary taste neurons but depend on those same neurons for essential components to maintain function.While denervation-induced taste bud degeneration and subsequent re...Taste buds relay taste sensory information to the primary taste neurons but depend on those same neurons for essential components to maintain function.While denervation-induced taste bud degeneration and subsequent regeneration were discovered decades ago,the mechanisms underlying these phenomena(e.g.,heterogenous cellular responses to nerve injury and the signaling pathways involved)remain poorly understood.Here,using mouse genetics,nerve injury models,pharmacologic manipulation,and taste bud organoid models,we identify a specific subpopulation of taste cells,predominantly c-Kit-expressing sweet cells,that exhibit superior resistance to nerve injury.We found the c-Kit inhibitor imatinib selectively reduced the number of residual c-Kit-expressing sweet cells at post-operation week 2,subsequently attenuating the re-emergence of other type II cells by post-operation week 4.In taste bud organoids,c-Kit-expressing cells were resistant to R-spondin withdrawal but susceptible to imatinib,while other taste cell types showed the opposite behavior.We also observed a distinct population of residual taste cells that acquired stem-like properties,generating clonal descendent cells among suprabasal keratinocytes independent of c-Kit signaling.Together,our findings reveal that c-Kit signaling confers resilience on c-Kit-expressing sweet cells and supports the broader reconstruction of taste buds during the later regenerative stage following nerve injury.展开更多
This editorial comments on the study by Pierzynowska et al investigating the acini-islet-acinar(AIA)reflex,which integrates the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.The study investigates whether exogenous...This editorial comments on the study by Pierzynowska et al investigating the acini-islet-acinar(AIA)reflex,which integrates the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.The study investigates whether exogenous amylase introduced to the interstitial fluid surrounding pancreatic islets can inhibit insulin release.Historically,high serum amylase levels were associated with pancreatitis,but recent findings suggest that low amylase levels are more linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.In their experiment,six pigs were used to examine the effects of amylase infusion on insulin release during an intravenous glucose tolerance test.The pigs received different treatments(amylase,saline,or bovine serum albumin),and blood samples were taken over two hours to measure insulin and glucose levels.The results showed amylase delayed glucose-stimulated insulin release,whereas bovine serum albumin increased insulin levels supporting the existence of the AIA reflex and suggesting amylase as a key metabolic regulator.Enzyme supplementation,particularly withα-amylases,may offer therapeutic benefits in preventing and managing metabolic disorders,including diabetes and obesity.Further research is warranted to explore the full scope of amylase’s role in metabolic health and its therapeutic potential.展开更多
Bariatric surgery significantly improves glycemic control and can lead to type 2 diabetes remission.However,the reliability of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)as a type 2 diabetes biomarker post-surgery can be confounded by...Bariatric surgery significantly improves glycemic control and can lead to type 2 diabetes remission.However,the reliability of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)as a type 2 diabetes biomarker post-surgery can be confounded by conditions such as anemia and gastrointestinal complications.Hence,we explored the use of alter-native biomarkers such as glycated albumin(GA),1,5-anhydroglucitol(1,5-AG),and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1(IGFBP-1)to monitor glycemic control more effectively in post-bariatric surgery patients.Measuring GA and 1,5-AG levels can detect glycemic variability more sensitively than HbA1c,especially under non-fasting conditions.GA shows promise for short-term monitoring post-surgery while 1,5-AG could be useful for real-time glucose monitoring.IGFBP-1 can be used to monitor metabolic improvement and to predict HbA1c normal-ization.However,challenges in assay standardization and cost remain significant barriers to their clinical adoption.Although these biomarkers could offer a more personalized approach to glucose monitoring(thereby addressing the limitations of utilizing HbA1c in this endeavor in post-bariatric surgery patients),this would require overcoming technical,logistical,and cost-related challenges.While using GA,1,5-AG,and IGFBP-1 shows promise for glycemic monitoring,further research and validation are crucial for their routine clinical implementation,espe-cially in the context of diabetes management post-bariatric surgery.展开更多
Heterotopic mesenteric ossification(HMO)is a rare medical condition,with<100 cases reported globally by 2024.This disorder is characterized by abnormal bone tissue formation within the mesentery,often following abd...Heterotopic mesenteric ossification(HMO)is a rare medical condition,with<100 cases reported globally by 2024.This disorder is characterized by abnormal bone tissue formation within the mesentery,often following abdominal trauma,ischemia,or infection.This editorial reviews the case presented by Zhang et al,involving a 34-year-old male who developed persistent left lower abdominal pain after sustaining blunt trauma to the abdomen.Diagnostic challenges arose due to the rarity and nonspecific presentation of HMO,which shares histopathological features with conditions such as myositis ossificans and necessitates differentiation from malignancies like sarcomas.Advanced imaging revealed calcifications suggestive of HMO,but definitive diagnosis was achieved only through surgical resection and histopathological analysis,which confirmed the presence of ectopic bone formation.Although benign,HMO can result in severe complications,such as bowel perforation or obstruction.Therefore,awareness of HMO is crucial for clinicians to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.展开更多
Sleep disorders,particularly insomnia,have emerged as a critical public health challenge,with the situation worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.Insomnia symptoms,which affected up to 45%of the population...Sleep disorders,particularly insomnia,have emerged as a critical public health challenge,with the situation worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.Insomnia symptoms,which affected up to 45%of the population during this period,highlight the urgent need to understand the mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to mental health outcomes.Recent findings suggest that cognitive failures,such as memory lapses and attentional deficits,mediate the relationship between insomnia and emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.The role of personality traits,particularly neuroticism,adds further complexity,as it may either exacerbate or buffer these effects under specific conditions.This review explores the study by Li et al,which offers valuable insights into the cognitive-emotional pathways influenced by sleep disturbances.The study makes significant contributions by identifying key cognitive mechanisms and proposing the dual role of neuroticism in shaping emotional outcomes.To advance these findings,this letter advocates for future longitudinal research and the integration of targeted interventions,such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia,into public health frameworks.By addressing insomnia-induced cognitive dysfunction,these strategies can enhance emotional regulation and foster resilience,particularly in vulnerable populations facing the mental health impacts of the pandemic.展开更多
Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus remains a significant challenge,particularly for individuals with persistently poor glycemic control.Although inadequate glycemic regulation is a well-established public health concer...Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus remains a significant challenge,particularly for individuals with persistently poor glycemic control.Although inadequate glycemic regulation is a well-established public health concern and a major contributor to diabetes-related complications,evidence on the effectiveness of intensive and supportive interventions across diverse patient subgroups is scarce.This editorial examines findings from a prospective study evaluating the influence of glycemic history on treatment outcomes in poorly controlled diabetes.The study highlights that personalized care models outperform generalized approaches by addressing the unique trajectories of glycemic deterioration.Newly diagnosed patients demonstrated the most favorable response to intervention,while those with consistently elevated glycated hemoglobin(≥10%)faced the greatest challenges in achieving glycemic control.These findings underscore the limitations of a onesize-fits-all strategy,reinforcing the need for patient-centered care that integrates individualized monitoring and timely intervention.Diabetes management requires prioritizing personalized treatment strategies that mitigate therapeutic inertia and ensure equitable,effective care for all patients.展开更多
Post-stroke depression(PSD)is a prevalent but often underdiagnosed complication affecting stroke survivors,with significant implications for recovery and quality of life.Emerging evidence suggests that central obesity...Post-stroke depression(PSD)is a prevalent but often underdiagnosed complication affecting stroke survivors,with significant implications for recovery and quality of life.Emerging evidence suggests that central obesity,as measured by the weight-to-waist index(WWI),may play a crucial role in PSD risk and severity.Traditional obesity metrics,such as body mass index,may not accurately capture the impact of visceral fat distribution on neuropsychiatric outcomes.This letter highlights the growing recognition of WWI as a precise indicator of metabolic and inflammatory disturbances linked to post-stroke mental health.Integrating WWI into routine stroke rehabilitation assessments could facilitate early identification of high-risk patients and improve intervention strategies.Further research is needed to establish standardized WWI cutoff values and explore potential therapeutic targets for PSD prevention.展开更多
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) provide an appealing sustainable energy system,with the solid-electrolyte membrane playing a crucial role in its overall performance.Currently,sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene...Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) provide an appealing sustainable energy system,with the solid-electrolyte membrane playing a crucial role in its overall performance.Currently,sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene ether-ether sulfone)(SPEES),an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer,has garnered considerable attention as an alternative to Nafion polymers.However,the long-term durability and stability of SPEES present a significant challenge.In this context,we introduce a potential solution in the form of an additive,specifically a core–shell-based amine-functionalized iron titanate (A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)),which holds promise for improving the lifetime,proton conductivity,and power density of SPEES in PEMFCs.The modified SPEES/A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)composite membranes exhibited notable characteristics,including high water uptake,enhanced thermomechanical stability,and oxidative stability.Notably,the SPEES membrane loaded with 1.2 wt%of A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)demonstrates a maximum proton conductivity of 155 mS ccm^(-1),a twofold increase compared to the SPEES membrane,at 80°C under 100%relative humidity (RH).Furthermore,the 1.2 wt%of A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)/SPEES composite membranes exhibited a maximum power density of 397.37 mW cm^(-2)and a current density of 1148 mA cm^(-2)at 60°C under 100%RH,with an opencircuit voltage decay of 0.05 m V/h during 103 h of continuous operation.This study offers significant insights into the development and understanding of innovative SPEES nanocomposite membranes for PEMFC applications.展开更多
Autoimmune liver disease overlap syndrome(OS)is a rare and clinically significant condition that has received limited attention in microbiome research.In their recent study,Wang et al combined 16S rRNA sequencing with...Autoimmune liver disease overlap syndrome(OS)is a rare and clinically significant condition that has received limited attention in microbiome research.In their recent study,Wang et al combined 16S rRNA sequencing with untargeted metabolomics to characterize the gut-liver axis in OS,identifying shared features of dysbiosis in autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)and primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),and unique signatures,including enrichment of Klebsiella and Escherichia and depletion of aromatic amino acids.In this letter,we critically appraise these findings,emphasizing that OS should be considered a distinct immunometabolic phenotype rather than a simple mixture of AIH and PBC.We discuss the potential mechanistic relevance of the Fusicatenibacter-tyrosine relationship,highlight the clinical implications of integrating microbiota-metabolite analyses,and outline the limitations that future studies must address.展开更多
Exosomes are derived from various cell types,including mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),and play a crucial role in cellular communication,significantly influencing tissue repair and regeneration and facilitating the heali...Exosomes are derived from various cell types,including mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),and play a crucial role in cellular communication,significantly influencing tissue repair and regeneration and facilitating the healing process.Thus,insights into the functions of exosomes present novel opportunities in regenerative therapy.This article aims to discuss the promising potential of exosomes derived from human adipose-derived MSCs in treating androgenetic alopecia.This study aims to highlight how exosomes derived from human adipose-derived MSCs enhance dermal papilla cell proliferation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,counteracting the effects of excessive dihydrotestosterone and offering a novel approach for treating androgenetic alopecia.展开更多
Tendon and ligament injuries represent a major orthopedic challenge with limited effective regenerative options.In an original research study by Yang et al de-veloped a tissue engineering approach combining aligned na...Tendon and ligament injuries represent a major orthopedic challenge with limited effective regenerative options.In an original research study by Yang et al de-veloped a tissue engineering approach combining aligned nanofiber scaffolds with cyclic uniaxial stretching to promote tenogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.Their results provide critical insight into how structural and mechanical cues can synergize to generate ligament-like tissue in vitro.This editorial contextualizes their findings within the broader field of ligament regeneration and highlights the translational potential of their strategy.展开更多
基金Supported by National Research Foundation of Korea,No.NRF-2021S1A5A8062526.
文摘This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the study by Hou et al,focusing on the complex interplay between psychological and physical factors in the postoperative recovery(POR)of patients with perianal diseases.The study sheds light on how illness perception,anxiety,and depression significantly influence recovery outcomes.Hou et al developed a predictive model that demonstrated high accuracy in identifying patients at risk of poor recovery.The article explores the critical role of pre-operative psychological assessment,highlighting the need for mental health support and personalized recovery plans in enhancing POR quality.A multidisciplinary approach,integrating mental health professionals with surgeons,anesthesiologists,and other specialists,is emphasized to ensure comprehensive care for patients.The study’s findings serve as a call to integrate psychological care into surgical practice to optimize outcomes for patients with perianal diseases.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(RS-2023-00245298)the Korea Healthcare Technology R&D(HI21C1795)grants,funded by the Korean government(to SRK).
文摘A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson’s disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration.While medications effectively manage symptoms,they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to address the underlying neuronal loss.This highlights that the elusive goals of halting progression and restoring damaged neurons limit the long-term impact of current approaches.Recent clinical trials using gene therapy have demonstrated the safety of various vector delivery systems,dosages,and transgenes expressed in the central nervous system,signifying tangible and substantial progress in applying gene therapy as a promising Parkinson’s disease treatment.Intriguingly,at diagnosis,many dopamine neurons remain in the substantia nigra,offering a potential window for recovery and survival.We propose that modulating these surviving dopamine neurons and axons in the substantia nigra and striatum using gene therapy offers a potentially more impactful therapeutic approach for future research.Moreover,innovative gene therapies that focus on preserving the remaining elements may have significant potential for enhancing long-term outcomes and the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we provide a perspective on how gene therapy can protect vulnerable elements in the substantia nigra and striatum,offering a novel approach to addressing Parkinson’s disease at its core.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program Through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)Funded By the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287.
文摘This manuscript explores the recent study by Cui et al which assessed the interplay between inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels in first-episode schizophrenia patients.The study revealed that higher levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αcorrelated with reduced BDNF levels and poorer cognitive performance.Schizophrenia is a severe psy-chiatric disorder impacting approximately 1%of the global population,charac-terized by positive symptoms(hallucinations and delusions),negative symptoms(diminished motivation and cognitive impairments)and disorganized thoughts and behaviors.Emerging research highlights the role of BDNF as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.The findings from Cui et al’s study suggest that targeting neuroinflammation and enhancing BDNF levels may improve cognitive outcomes.Effective treatment approaches involve a com-bination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions tailored to individual patient needs.Hence,monitoring cognitive and neuroinflammatory markers is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.Conse-quently,this manuscript highlights the need for an integrated approach to schizo-phrenia management,considering both clinical symptoms and underlying neuro-biological changes.
基金supported by the Basic Science Program(No.2022R1A2C2009700)through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Science and ICTthe Basic Science Research Capacity Enhancement Project(National Research Facilities and Equipment Center)through the Korea Ba-sic Science Institute funded by the Ministry of Education(No.2019R1A6C1010047)the Industrial Strategic Technology Development Program(No.20013248)through Korea Evaluation In-stitute of Industrial Technology funded by the Ministry of Trade,Industry&Energy(MOTIE,Korea).
文摘Thermally conductive papers with electrical insulation and mechanical robustness are essential for efficient thermal management in modern electronics.In this study,we introduced a metal ion-assisted interfacial crosslinking strategy to strengthen sugarfunctionalized graphene fluoride(SGF)and cellulose nanofibers(CNF)by hydrogen bonding and metal ion crosslinking that leads to simultaneous enhancements in thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.The facile sugarassisted ball-milling exfoliation method was developed to achieve the exfoliation of graphite fluoride and hydroxyl group functionalization on the surface of graphene fluoride.Thanks to the good dispersibility of the SGF sheets in water,the flexible SGF/CNF composite papers with hydrogen bonding were prepared via vacuum-assisted filtration.We introduced hydrogen bonding and metal ion crosslinking into SGF/CNF papers to obtain densely packed composite papers.Ca^(2+)or Al^(3+)ion-crosslinked SGF/CNF papers exhibited superior thermal and mechanical properties owing to hydrogen bonding and metal ion crosslinking.SGF/CNF-Ca^(2+)and SGF/CNF-Al^(3+)papers at 50 wt%of SGF yield in-plane thermal conductivities of 72.93 and 75.02 W m^(-1) K^(-1),and tensile strengths of 121.5 and 135.7 MPa,respectively.A thermal percolation value was observed at 12.6 vol%of SGF filler content.In addition,the SGF/CNF papers exhibited electrical insulation properties.These remarkable characteristics of the metal ion-crosslinked SGF/CNF papers are attributed to the densely packed structures caused by the strong interfacial interactions from hydrogen bonding as well as metal ion-crosslinking that could promote phonon transport.High-performance metal ion-crosslinked SGF/CNF papers with these fascinating advantages offer great potential for the thermal management of flexible electronics.
基金supported by a grant from the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation(NRF),which is funded by the Korean government(MSIP)(NRF-2020M3E5D9079764)(to KS)。
文摘Neuroinflammation has been identified as a crucial element in several neurological disorders. Glial cells play a critical role in directing neuroinflammation, both in deleterious and beneficial ways.
基金Supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea Funded by the Ministry of Education,No.RS-2023-00237287Regional Innovation Strategy Through the National Research Foundation of Korea Funded by the Ministry of Education,No.2021RIS-003.
文摘This study evaluates the findings of Gu et al,who investigated the role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)as a biomarker for predicting neuropsychiatric complications in acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients.The results revealed that elevated serum NGAL levels at admission are associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment,anxiety,and depressive symptoms at discharge.The study analyzed 150 AIS patients(mean age 65.4 years,58%male)using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess neuropsychiatric outcomes.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher NGAL levels were independent predictors of cognitive impairment[odds ratio(OR)=1.42],anxiety(OR=1.28),and depression(OR=1.39).Notably,NGAL exhibited strong predictive power for cognitive impairment,with an area under the curve of 0.78.Despite these promising findings,NGAL’s clinical utility is limited by its non-specificity across various conditions.Nevertheless,NGAL levels could help identify AIS patients at risk for neuropsychiatric complications,enabling timely intervention and comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation.The study emphasizes the need for further research to validate NGAL’s predictive accuracy and specificity in diverse AIS populations and advocates for its integration with other diagnostic modalities to enhance clinical decision-making.
基金Basic Science Research Program Through the National Research Foundation of Korea Funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287 and No.NRF-2021S1A5A8062526Local Government-University Cooperation-Based Regional Innovation Projects,No.2021RIS-003.
文摘Orthodontic osteodilated arch treatment represents a pivotal approach in dental orthodontics to address dental crowding and misalignment.Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)into comprehensive nursing interventions(CNI)aims to address these issues holistically.This editorial explores the effectiveness of CBTbased CNI in improving patient outcomes in orthodontic care.Innovations in remote CBT delivery,such as virtual reality,have also shown potential in reducing pain,anxiety,and depression,emphasizing CBT's adaptability in orthodontic settings.The findings underscore the importance of integrating psychological support into orthodontic care to enhance patient adherence,satisfaction,and overall treatment success.The editorial advocates for a holistic approach that combines psychological and physiological care,highlighting the transformative potential of CBT-based interventions in orthodontic treatment.
基金supported by a grant from the Agriculture&Technology Development(RS-2024-00322140)the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korean Government,Republic of Korea(RS-2024-00343006)。
文摘Mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)cascades are crucial in plant responses to various stresses.While the positioning of MAP4Ks within the canonical MAPK signaling module in plants remains controversial,emerging research continues to shed light on their functional roles.However,information on the MAP4K gene family in pepper(Capsicum annuum)is still limited.In this study,seven putative MAP4K genes(designated as CaMAP4K1–Ca MAP4K7)were identified from the pepper genome,each containing a conserved serine/threonine kinase domain.These genes were differentially expressed across various pepper organs,with CaMAP4K3 exhibiting consistently high expression in all organs and significant induction under drought stress.Kinase assays revealed that CaMAP4K3 is an active kinase whose activity is enhanced by drought and salt stress.Functional studies showed that silencing CaMAP4K3 enhanced drought resistance in pepper plants,reducing transpirational water loss and increasing leaf temperatures.Conversely,CaMAP4K3 overexpression in tobacco and Arabidopsis reduced drought tolerance,as evidenced by increased wilting and transpirational water loss.Additionally,CaMAP4K3-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited reduced sensitivity to abscisic acid(ABA)during seed germination and seedling growth.Collectively,these results suggest that CaMAP4K3 impairs drought resistance in pepper plants and potentially affects seed germination and seedling growth through the regulation of ABA signaling.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program Through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)Funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287 and No.NRF-2021S1A5A8062526Local Government-University Cooperation-Based Regional Innovation Projects,No.2021RIS-003.
文摘This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial(RCT)conducted by Phiri et al,which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality(VR)training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices(RPs).Specifically,this RCT investigated the impact of VR on the handling of aggressive patients by psychiatric staff compared to traditional training methods.Despite significant reductions in perceived discrimination in the VR group,there were no major improvements in self-efficacy or anxiety levels.The system usability scale rated the VR platform highly,but it did not consistently outperform traditional training methods.Indeed,the study shows the potential for VR to reduce RPs,although fluctuations in RP rates suggest that external factors,such as staff turnover,influenced the outcomes.This manuscript evaluates the study’s methodology,results,and broader implications for mental health training.Additionally,it highlights the need for more comprehensive research to establish VR as a standard tool for psychiatric staff education,focusing on patient care outcomes and real-world applicability.Finally,this study explores future research di-rections,technological improvements,and the potential impact of policies that could enhance the integration of VR in clinical training.
基金supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean Government(Ministry of Science and ICT,RS-2023-00208193 to Y.T.J.)by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI)funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare(RS-2024-00403511 to D.-H.K.)by a Korea University grant(K2117151 to Y.T.J.)。
文摘Taste buds relay taste sensory information to the primary taste neurons but depend on those same neurons for essential components to maintain function.While denervation-induced taste bud degeneration and subsequent regeneration were discovered decades ago,the mechanisms underlying these phenomena(e.g.,heterogenous cellular responses to nerve injury and the signaling pathways involved)remain poorly understood.Here,using mouse genetics,nerve injury models,pharmacologic manipulation,and taste bud organoid models,we identify a specific subpopulation of taste cells,predominantly c-Kit-expressing sweet cells,that exhibit superior resistance to nerve injury.We found the c-Kit inhibitor imatinib selectively reduced the number of residual c-Kit-expressing sweet cells at post-operation week 2,subsequently attenuating the re-emergence of other type II cells by post-operation week 4.In taste bud organoids,c-Kit-expressing cells were resistant to R-spondin withdrawal but susceptible to imatinib,while other taste cell types showed the opposite behavior.We also observed a distinct population of residual taste cells that acquired stem-like properties,generating clonal descendent cells among suprabasal keratinocytes independent of c-Kit signaling.Together,our findings reveal that c-Kit signaling confers resilience on c-Kit-expressing sweet cells and supports the broader reconstruction of taste buds during the later regenerative stage following nerve injury.
基金Supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287,No.NRF-2021S1A5A8062526Local Government-University Cooperation-Based Regional Innovation Projects,No.2021RIS-003.
文摘This editorial comments on the study by Pierzynowska et al investigating the acini-islet-acinar(AIA)reflex,which integrates the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.The study investigates whether exogenous amylase introduced to the interstitial fluid surrounding pancreatic islets can inhibit insulin release.Historically,high serum amylase levels were associated with pancreatitis,but recent findings suggest that low amylase levels are more linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.In their experiment,six pigs were used to examine the effects of amylase infusion on insulin release during an intravenous glucose tolerance test.The pigs received different treatments(amylase,saline,or bovine serum albumin),and blood samples were taken over two hours to measure insulin and glucose levels.The results showed amylase delayed glucose-stimulated insulin release,whereas bovine serum albumin increased insulin levels supporting the existence of the AIA reflex and suggesting amylase as a key metabolic regulator.Enzyme supplementation,particularly withα-amylases,may offer therapeutic benefits in preventing and managing metabolic disorders,including diabetes and obesity.Further research is warranted to explore the full scope of amylase’s role in metabolic health and its therapeutic potential.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS 2023-00237287.
文摘Bariatric surgery significantly improves glycemic control and can lead to type 2 diabetes remission.However,the reliability of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)as a type 2 diabetes biomarker post-surgery can be confounded by conditions such as anemia and gastrointestinal complications.Hence,we explored the use of alter-native biomarkers such as glycated albumin(GA),1,5-anhydroglucitol(1,5-AG),and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1(IGFBP-1)to monitor glycemic control more effectively in post-bariatric surgery patients.Measuring GA and 1,5-AG levels can detect glycemic variability more sensitively than HbA1c,especially under non-fasting conditions.GA shows promise for short-term monitoring post-surgery while 1,5-AG could be useful for real-time glucose monitoring.IGFBP-1 can be used to monitor metabolic improvement and to predict HbA1c normal-ization.However,challenges in assay standardization and cost remain significant barriers to their clinical adoption.Although these biomarkers could offer a more personalized approach to glucose monitoring(thereby addressing the limitations of utilizing HbA1c in this endeavor in post-bariatric surgery patients),this would require overcoming technical,logistical,and cost-related challenges.While using GA,1,5-AG,and IGFBP-1 shows promise for glycemic monitoring,further research and validation are crucial for their routine clinical implementation,espe-cially in the context of diabetes management post-bariatric surgery.
基金Supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287 and No.NRF-2021S1A5A8062526Local Government-University Cooperation-Based Regional Innovation Projects,No.2021RIS-003.
文摘Heterotopic mesenteric ossification(HMO)is a rare medical condition,with<100 cases reported globally by 2024.This disorder is characterized by abnormal bone tissue formation within the mesentery,often following abdominal trauma,ischemia,or infection.This editorial reviews the case presented by Zhang et al,involving a 34-year-old male who developed persistent left lower abdominal pain after sustaining blunt trauma to the abdomen.Diagnostic challenges arose due to the rarity and nonspecific presentation of HMO,which shares histopathological features with conditions such as myositis ossificans and necessitates differentiation from malignancies like sarcomas.Advanced imaging revealed calcifications suggestive of HMO,but definitive diagnosis was achieved only through surgical resection and histopathological analysis,which confirmed the presence of ectopic bone formation.Although benign,HMO can result in severe complications,such as bowel perforation or obstruction.Therefore,awareness of HMO is crucial for clinicians to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287.
文摘Sleep disorders,particularly insomnia,have emerged as a critical public health challenge,with the situation worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.Insomnia symptoms,which affected up to 45%of the population during this period,highlight the urgent need to understand the mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to mental health outcomes.Recent findings suggest that cognitive failures,such as memory lapses and attentional deficits,mediate the relationship between insomnia and emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.The role of personality traits,particularly neuroticism,adds further complexity,as it may either exacerbate or buffer these effects under specific conditions.This review explores the study by Li et al,which offers valuable insights into the cognitive-emotional pathways influenced by sleep disturbances.The study makes significant contributions by identifying key cognitive mechanisms and proposing the dual role of neuroticism in shaping emotional outcomes.To advance these findings,this letter advocates for future longitudinal research and the integration of targeted interventions,such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia,into public health frameworks.By addressing insomnia-induced cognitive dysfunction,these strategies can enhance emotional regulation and foster resilience,particularly in vulnerable populations facing the mental health impacts of the pandemic.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287。
文摘Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus remains a significant challenge,particularly for individuals with persistently poor glycemic control.Although inadequate glycemic regulation is a well-established public health concern and a major contributor to diabetes-related complications,evidence on the effectiveness of intensive and supportive interventions across diverse patient subgroups is scarce.This editorial examines findings from a prospective study evaluating the influence of glycemic history on treatment outcomes in poorly controlled diabetes.The study highlights that personalized care models outperform generalized approaches by addressing the unique trajectories of glycemic deterioration.Newly diagnosed patients demonstrated the most favorable response to intervention,while those with consistently elevated glycated hemoglobin(≥10%)faced the greatest challenges in achieving glycemic control.These findings underscore the limitations of a onesize-fits-all strategy,reinforcing the need for patient-centered care that integrates individualized monitoring and timely intervention.Diabetes management requires prioritizing personalized treatment strategies that mitigate therapeutic inertia and ensure equitable,effective care for all patients.
基金The New Professor Research Program of Korean Technology in 2025.
文摘Post-stroke depression(PSD)is a prevalent but often underdiagnosed complication affecting stroke survivors,with significant implications for recovery and quality of life.Emerging evidence suggests that central obesity,as measured by the weight-to-waist index(WWI),may play a crucial role in PSD risk and severity.Traditional obesity metrics,such as body mass index,may not accurately capture the impact of visceral fat distribution on neuropsychiatric outcomes.This letter highlights the growing recognition of WWI as a precise indicator of metabolic and inflammatory disturbances linked to post-stroke mental health.Integrating WWI into routine stroke rehabilitation assessments could facilitate early identification of high-risk patients and improve intervention strategies.Further research is needed to establish standardized WWI cutoff values and explore potential therapeutic targets for PSD prevention.
基金BK21 FOUR Program by Jeonbuk National University Research Grantsupported by “Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS)” through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE)(2023RIS-008)H2KOREA funded by the Ministry of Education(2024 Hydrogen Industry-002, Innovative Human Resources Development Project for Hydrogen Industry)。
文摘Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) provide an appealing sustainable energy system,with the solid-electrolyte membrane playing a crucial role in its overall performance.Currently,sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene ether-ether sulfone)(SPEES),an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer,has garnered considerable attention as an alternative to Nafion polymers.However,the long-term durability and stability of SPEES present a significant challenge.In this context,we introduce a potential solution in the form of an additive,specifically a core–shell-based amine-functionalized iron titanate (A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)),which holds promise for improving the lifetime,proton conductivity,and power density of SPEES in PEMFCs.The modified SPEES/A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)composite membranes exhibited notable characteristics,including high water uptake,enhanced thermomechanical stability,and oxidative stability.Notably,the SPEES membrane loaded with 1.2 wt%of A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)demonstrates a maximum proton conductivity of 155 mS ccm^(-1),a twofold increase compared to the SPEES membrane,at 80°C under 100%relative humidity (RH).Furthermore,the 1.2 wt%of A–Fe_(2)TiO_(5)/SPEES composite membranes exhibited a maximum power density of 397.37 mW cm^(-2)and a current density of 1148 mA cm^(-2)at 60°C under 100%RH,with an opencircuit voltage decay of 0.05 m V/h during 103 h of continuous operation.This study offers significant insights into the development and understanding of innovative SPEES nanocomposite membranes for PEMFC applications.
基金Supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education,No.RS-2023-00237287.
文摘Autoimmune liver disease overlap syndrome(OS)is a rare and clinically significant condition that has received limited attention in microbiome research.In their recent study,Wang et al combined 16S rRNA sequencing with untargeted metabolomics to characterize the gut-liver axis in OS,identifying shared features of dysbiosis in autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)and primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),and unique signatures,including enrichment of Klebsiella and Escherichia and depletion of aromatic amino acids.In this letter,we critically appraise these findings,emphasizing that OS should be considered a distinct immunometabolic phenotype rather than a simple mixture of AIH and PBC.We discuss the potential mechanistic relevance of the Fusicatenibacter-tyrosine relationship,highlight the clinical implications of integrating microbiota-metabolite analyses,and outline the limitations that future studies must address.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-2022R1I1A1A01068652.
文摘Exosomes are derived from various cell types,including mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),and play a crucial role in cellular communication,significantly influencing tissue repair and regeneration and facilitating the healing process.Thus,insights into the functions of exosomes present novel opportunities in regenerative therapy.This article aims to discuss the promising potential of exosomes derived from human adipose-derived MSCs in treating androgenetic alopecia.This study aims to highlight how exosomes derived from human adipose-derived MSCs enhance dermal papilla cell proliferation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,counteracting the effects of excessive dihydrotestosterone and offering a novel approach for treating androgenetic alopecia.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-2022R1I1A1A01068652.
文摘Tendon and ligament injuries represent a major orthopedic challenge with limited effective regenerative options.In an original research study by Yang et al de-veloped a tissue engineering approach combining aligned nanofiber scaffolds with cyclic uniaxial stretching to promote tenogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.Their results provide critical insight into how structural and mechanical cues can synergize to generate ligament-like tissue in vitro.This editorial contextualizes their findings within the broader field of ligament regeneration and highlights the translational potential of their strategy.
