The mature central nervous system(CNS,composed of the brain,spinal cord,olfactory and optic nerves)is unable to regenerate spontaneously after an insult,both in the cases of neurodegenerative diseases(for example Alzh...The mature central nervous system(CNS,composed of the brain,spinal cord,olfactory and optic nerves)is unable to regenerate spontaneously after an insult,both in the cases of neurodegenerative diseases(for example Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease)or traumatic injuries(such as spinal cord lesions).In the last 20 years,the field has made significant progress in unlocking axon regrowth.展开更多
BACKGROUND Long-term antipsychotic therapy in psychiatric patients carries significant cardiovascular risks,including QT interval prolongation,myocardial injury,and functional impairment.Guanxinning,a traditional Chin...BACKGROUND Long-term antipsychotic therapy in psychiatric patients carries significant cardiovascular risks,including QT interval prolongation,myocardial injury,and functional impairment.Guanxinning,a traditional Chinese medicine formulation,has demonstrated cardioprotective potential in preclinical studies,but clinical evidence in this population remains limited.AIM To evaluate the cardioprotective effects of Guanxinning against antipsychotic-induced cardiac injury in long-term hospitalized psychiatric patients.METHODS A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 120 psychiatric inpatients receiving chronic antipsychotic therapy.Participants were allocated to:Intervention group:Conventional antipsychotics+Guanxinning tablets(0.38 g×4 tablets,ter in die);Control group:Conventional antipsychotics+identical placebo;Cardiac assessments at baseline and 12 months included:Electrocardiography(corrected QT interval),echocardiography(left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter),serum biomarkers(cardiac troponin I,B-type natriuretic peptide,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein).RESULTS Compared to controls,the Guanxinning group showed:Electrophysiological improvement:Corrected QT shortening(438±25 milliseconds vs 465±30 milliseconds,P<0.01).Functional enhancement:Left ventricular ejection fraction increase(58.5%±5.2%vs 53.8%±4.8%,P<0.05),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter reduction(49.8±3.5 mm vs 52.6±3.8 mm,P<0.05),Biochemical modulation:Reduced myocardial injury markers(cardiac troponin I:0.009 ng/mL vs 0.014 ng/mL;B-type natriuretic peptide:52 pg/mL vs 78 pg/mL,P<0.001),improved oxidative stress(superoxide dismutase:↑13.3 U/mL;malondialdehyde:↓0.9 nmol/mL,P<0.001),attenuated inflammation(high-sensitivity C-reactive protein:2.0 mg/L vs 3.2 mg/L,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Guanxinning significantly mitigates antipsychotic-induced cardiac injury in psychiatric patients,demonstrating:Normalization of electrophysiological parameters,Preservation of systolic/diastolic function,suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.These findings support its clinical application as an adjunctive cardioprotective therapy,potentially through inhibition of myocardial apoptosis and antioxidant upregulation.展开更多
IBC Advanced Technologies’ Molecular Recognition Technology(MRT) SuperLig products selectively and rapidly bind with target species enabling their selective removal from solutions.The MRT process can produce a high p...IBC Advanced Technologies’ Molecular Recognition Technology(MRT) SuperLig products selectively and rapidly bind with target species enabling their selective removal from solutions.The MRT process can produce a high purity separation product of maximum added value at a competitive cost.SuperLig products have high selectivity for many target species which can include metal ions,anions,and neutral molecules.In operation,the SuperLig product is first placed in a packed column.A solution containing a mixture of the target species and other chemical species is then passed through the column.The target species is removed selectively by the SuperLig product,the column is washed to remove residual feed solution,and the target species is recovered by a minimal quantity of eluent.The result is a pure and concentrated species that can be kept for its value or disposed of safely.The process is environmentally and ecologically friendly with no organic solvents being used.This paper provides a review of some examples of applications of MRT to separations of interest to the Chinese metallurgical industry.Included are several applications of MRT,including Pd separations from Pt metal refinery streams and low-grade spent catalyst wastes,Rh recovery from spent auto catalyst and other feeds,Re removal from selected impurity ions,Cd removal from Co electrolyte,Bi removal from Cu electrolyte,In and Ge separations from difficult matrices,and removal of bivalent first transition series and other metal ions from acid mine drainage(Berkeley Pit,Montana).Finally,the potential application of MRT to separations involving the recovery of rare earth metals and Li from low-level waste solutions and end-of-life products is discussed.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease are three distinct neurological disorders that share common pathophysiological mechanisms involving neuroinflammation. One sequela ...Traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease are three distinct neurological disorders that share common pathophysiological mechanisms involving neuroinflammation. One sequela of neuroinflammation includes the pathologic hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, an endogenous microtubule-associated protein that protects the integrity of neuronal cytoskeletons. Tau hyperphosphorylation results in protein misfolding and subsequent accumulation of tau tangles forming neurotoxic aggregates. These misfolded proteins are characteristic of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease and can lead to downstream neuroinflammatory processes, including assembly and activation of the inflammasome complex. Inflammasomes refer to a family of multimeric protein units that, upon activation, release a cascade of signaling molecules resulting in caspase-induced cell death and inflammation mediated by the release of interleukin-1β cytokine. One specific inflammasome, the NOD-like receptor protein 3, has been proposed to be a key regulator of tau phosphorylation where it has been shown that prolonged NOD-like receptor protein 3 activation acts as a causal factor in pathological tau accumulation and spreading. This review begins by describing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Next, we highlight neuroinflammation as an overriding theme and discuss the role of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in the formation of tau deposits and how such tauopathic entities spread throughout the brain. We then propose a novel framework linking traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease as inflammasomedependent pathologies that exist along a temporal continuum. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic targets that may intercept this pathway and ultimately minimize long-term neurological decline.展开更多
Coking industry is a potential source of heavy metals(HMs)pollution.However,its impacts to the groundwater of surrounding residential areas have not been well understood.This study investigated the pollution character...Coking industry is a potential source of heavy metals(HMs)pollution.However,its impacts to the groundwater of surrounding residential areas have not been well understood.This study investigated the pollution characteristics and health risks of HMs in groundwater nearby a typical coking plant.Nine HMs including Fe,Zn,Mo,As,Cu,Ni,Cr,Pb and Cd were analyzed.The average concentration of total HMswas higher in the nearby area(244.27μg/L)than that of remote area away the coking plant(89.15μg/L).The spatial distribution of pollution indices including heavy metal pollution index(HPI),Nemerow index(NI)and contamination degree(CD),all demonstrated higher values at the nearby residential areas,suggesting coking activity could significantly impact the HMs distribution characteristics.Four sources of HMs were identified by Positive Matrix Factorization(PMF)model,which indicated coal washing and coking emission were the dominant sources,accounted for 40.4%,and 31.0%,respectively.Oral ingestionwas found to be the dominant exposure pathway with higher exposure dose to children than adults.Hazard quotient(HQ)values were below 1.0,suggesting negligible non-carcinogenic health risks,while potential carcinogenic risks were from Pb and Ni with cancer risk(CR)values>10−6.Monte Carlo simulation matched well with the calculated results with HMs concentrations to be the most sensitive parameters.This study provides insights into understanding how the industrial coking activities can impact the HMs pollution characteristics in groundwater,thus facilitating the implement of HMs regulation in coking industries.展开更多
This paper presents the variational physics-informed neural network(VPINN)as an effective tool for static structural analyses.One key innovation includes the construction of the neural network solution as an admissibl...This paper presents the variational physics-informed neural network(VPINN)as an effective tool for static structural analyses.One key innovation includes the construction of the neural network solution as an admissible function of the boundary-value problem(BVP),which satisfies all geometrical boundary conditions.We then prove that the admissible neural network solution also satisfies natural boundary conditions,and therefore all boundary conditions,when the stationarity condition of the variational principle is met.Numerical examples are presented to show the advantages and effectiveness of the VPINN in comparison with the physics-informed neural network(PINN).Another contribution of the work is the introduction of Gaussian approximation of the Dirac delta function,which significantly enhances the ability of neural networks to handle singularities,as demonstrated by the examples with concentrated support conditions and loadings.It is hoped that these structural examples are so convincing that engineers would adopt the VPINN method in their structural design practice.展开更多
This study aims to assess the potential of natural tourism in Kosovo,especially in the Dukagjin region as a case study.The main objective is to identify and analyze this region’s tourism potential to understand its i...This study aims to assess the potential of natural tourism in Kosovo,especially in the Dukagjin region as a case study.The main objective is to identify and analyze this region’s tourism potential to understand its impact and importance.180 respondents from the Dukagjin region participated in this study,and the quantitative method was used as a methodology.The measurement instrument consisted of 30 closed questions,which aimed to collect detailed information on the potential of natural tourism in this area.The study results showed that mountain,cultural,winter,healing,and rural tourism are especially important for developing the Dukagjin region.Furthermore,the analysis shows that 30%of the tourism potential is explained by rural tourism,underlining its importance in the local economy.Finally,the study’s findings are discussed,emphasizing their practical value for promoting and developing sustainable tourism in the region.展开更多
In this article,we review our previous research for spatial and temporal characterizations of the San Andreas Fault(SAF)at Parkfield,using the fault-zone trapped wave(FZTW)since the middle 1980s.Parkfield,California h...In this article,we review our previous research for spatial and temporal characterizations of the San Andreas Fault(SAF)at Parkfield,using the fault-zone trapped wave(FZTW)since the middle 1980s.Parkfield,California has been taken as a scientific seismic experimental site in the USA since the 1970s,and the SAF is the target fault to investigate earthquake physics and forecasting.More than ten types of field experiments(including seismic,geophysical,geochemical,geodetic and so on)have been carried out at this experimental site since then.In the fall of 2003,a pair of scientific wells were drilled at the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth(SAFOD)site;the main-hole(MH)passed a~200-m-wide low-velocity zone(LVZ)with highly fractured rocks of the SAF at a depth of~3.2 km below the wellhead on the ground level(Hickman et al.,2005;Zoback,2007;Lockner et al.,2011).Borehole seismographs were installed in the SAFOD MH in 2004,which were located within the LVZ of the fault at~3-km depth to probe the internal structure and physical properties of the SAF.On September 282004,a M6 earthquake occurred~15 km southeast of the town of Parkfield.The data recorded in the field experiments before and after the 2004 M6 earthquake provided a unique opportunity to monitor the co-mainshock damage and post-seismic heal of the SAF associated with this strong earthquake.This retrospective review of the results from a sequence of our previous experiments at the Parkfield SAF,California,will be valuable for other researchers who are carrying out seismic experiments at the active faults to develop the community seismic wave velocity models,the fault models and the earthquake forecasting models in global seismogenic regions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly unders...BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly understood.AIM To examine regional abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity among patients with MDD-OB comorbidity.METHODS This study adopted a regional homogeneity(ReHo)analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.The study included 149 hospital patients divided into four groups:Patients experiencing their first episode of drug-naive MDD with OB,patients with MDD without OB,and age-and sex-matched healthy individuals with and without OB.Whole-brain ReHo analysis was conducted using SPM12 software and RESTplus toolkits,with group comparisons via ANOVA and post-hoc tests.Correlations between ReHo values and behavioral measures were examined.RESULTS ANOVA revealed significant whole-brain ReHo differences among the four groups in four key regions:The left middle temporal gyrus(MTG.L),right cuneus,left precuneus,and left thalamus.Post-hoc analyses confirmed pairwise differences between all groups across these regions(P<0.05).OB was associated with ReHo alterations in the MTG.L,right cuneus,and left thalamus,whereas abnormalities in the precuneus suggested synergistic pathological mechanisms between MDD and OB.Statistically significant correlations were found between the drive and fun-seeking dimensions of the behavioral activation system,as well as behavioral inhibition and the corresponding ReHo values.CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence for the neuroadaptive mechanisms underlying the MDD-OB comorbidity.Further validation could lead to personalized interventions targeting MTG.L hyperactivity and targeting healthy food cues.展开更多
Conventional methods to treat urinary stress incontinence, including the Sling, Burch, and Pereyra modification methods, are limited by several shortcomings due to disrupted nerve and vaginal wall integrity. The nerve...Conventional methods to treat urinary stress incontinence, including the Sling, Burch, and Pereyra modification methods, are limited by several shortcomings due to disrupted nerve and vaginal wall integrity. The nerve-sparing Burch-Sling method represents a surgical advancement through the use of a nerve-sparing sling to treat genuine stress urinary incontinence. The procedure involves retropubic urethropexy using the FDA-approved Burch-Sling device. In this technique, the vagina is elevated bilaterally at the urethrovesical junction to the mid-urethra toward Cooper’s ligament above the base of the bladder. Then, the anterior vaginal wall and fascia are used as an endogenous suburethral sling without dissection. Two hundred twenty cases were included in this study;two hundred patients underwent the outpatient nerve-sparing sling method, and the other twenty underwent the novel abdominal Burch method. There were no major complications. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 months to eight years. All procedures were performed at the U.S. Women’s Institute at a 400-bed hospital in Fountain Valley, CA.展开更多
BACKGROUND Recently,several endoscopic techniques have been used to improve the R0 resection rate of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(R-NENs).However,none of these methods can achieve 100%complete resection(CR),particu...BACKGROUND Recently,several endoscopic techniques have been used to improve the R0 resection rate of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(R-NENs).However,none of these methods can achieve 100%complete resection(CR),particularly in the vertical direction.Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR)has proven to be an effective method for the treatment of submucosal tumors but is seldom utilized in the eradication of R-NENs.AIM To review cases of R-NENs removed using EFTR and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique.METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled 160 patients with pathologically confirmed R-NENs,including 132 who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and 28 who underwent EFTR.Lesions were categorized as<1 cm,1-2 cm,and>2 cm in size.CR rate,en bloc resection rate,operation time,and complications were evaluated.Subgroup analyses and follow-up were also performed.RESULTS EFTR achieved 100%CR rates for lesions<1 cm and 1-2 cm,compared with 67.0%and 50.0%,respectively,in the ESD group.En bloc resection and successful removal of the R-NENs were achieved in all patients.Meanwhile,EFTR showed performance comparable to ESD in terms of operation time,hospitalization cost,and postoperative adverse events,except for a one-day longer hospital stay.We also analyzed the invasion depth of R-NENs based on full-thickness specimens.The data showed that 80%of lesions(<1 cm)and 85.7%of lesions(1-2 cm)had invaded the SM3 level or deeper at the time of resection.For ESD specimens,46.6%(<1 cm)and 89.3%(1-2 cm)of lesions had infiltrated more than 2000μm beneath the muscularis mucosae.CONCLUSION EFTR has shown superior performance in the resection of small R-NENs compared with that of ESD.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a highly aggressive malignancy,largely driven by an immunosuppres-sive tumor microenvironment(TME)that facilitates tumor growth,immune escape,and resistance to therapy.Although immunoth...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a highly aggressive malignancy,largely driven by an immunosuppres-sive tumor microenvironment(TME)that facilitates tumor growth,immune escape,and resistance to therapy.Although immunotherapy—particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)—has transformed the therapeutic landscape by restoring T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses,their clinical benefit as monotherapy remains suboptimal.This limitation is primarily attributed to immunosuppressive components within the TME,including tumor-associated macrophages,regulatory T cells(Tregs),and myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs).To address these challenges,combination strategies have been explored,such as dual checkpoint blockade targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1),programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1),and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4(CTLA-4),as well as synergistic use of ICIs with anti-angiogenic agents or TME-targeted interventions.These approaches have shown encouraging potential in enhancing immune efficacy.This review outlines the complex crosstalk between the TME and immunotherapeutic responses in HCC,emphasizing how combination regimens may overcome immune resistance.Furthermore,we discuss the remaining hurdles,including therapeutic resistance and immune-related adverse events,and propose future directions involving TME-associated biomarkers and individualized treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.展开更多
The study aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding tourism development in the Sharr Mountains Region.In the Sharr Mountains Region,sustainable tourism is another opportunity ...The study aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding tourism development in the Sharr Mountains Region.In the Sharr Mountains Region,sustainable tourism is another opportunity for economic growth,cultural integrity,and environmental conservation.Public investments are vital in enhancing this investment as they help to develop infrastructure,promote businesses,and even promote environment-friendly activities.The research seeks to understand the relationship between public investments and investments in sustainable tourism in the Sharr Mountains region,focusing on the direct and indirect relational aspects of the economy,conservation,and the people.Key questions,address their expectations from public investment,infrastructure improvements,involvement of local authorities and the community,as well as concerns regarding the potential negative impact of tourism on the natural environment and local culture.The methodology of this study includes in-depth research through the quantitative method.Based on the results of data analysis,recommendations include improving tourism infrastructure,increasing awareness of environmental impact,and developing environmental education programs for tourists.Among the proposed actions is the improvement of cooperation between local authorities,the local community,and the private sector for the sustainable development of tourism in the Sharr Mountains Region.Finally,this study provides an essential contribution to the understanding of the expectations,evaluations,and impacts of tourists in this region,defining the key points of sustainable tourism development.展开更多
Human-derived tumor models are essential for preclinical development of new anti-cancer drug entities.Generating animal models bearing tumors of human origin,such as patient-derived or cell line-derived xenograft tumo...Human-derived tumor models are essential for preclinical development of new anti-cancer drug entities.Generating animal models bearing tumors of human origin,such as patient-derived or cell line-derived xenograft tumors,is dependent on immuno-deficient strains.Tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice are susceptible to develop-ing unwanted disorders primarily irrelevant to the tumor nature;and if get involved with such disorders,reliability of the study results will be undermined,inevitably con-founding the research in general.Therefore,a rigorous health surveillance and clinical monitoring system,along with the establishment of a strictly controlled barrier facility to maintain a pathogen-free state,are mandatory.Even if all pathogen control and biosafety measures are followed,there are various noninfectious disorders capable of causing tissue and multiorgan damage in immunodeficient animals.Therefore,the re-searchers should be aware of sentinel signs to carefully monitor and impartially report them.This review discusses clinical signs of common unwanted disorders in experi-mental immunodeficient mice,and how to examine and report them.展开更多
This paper investigates the adhesive nanocontact behavior of an elastic halfplane indented by a rigid cylindrical indenter,incorporating the simultaneous effects of surface elasticity,couple stresses,and adhesion.The ...This paper investigates the adhesive nanocontact behavior of an elastic halfplane indented by a rigid cylindrical indenter,incorporating the simultaneous effects of surface elasticity,couple stresses,and adhesion.The free surface of the half-plane is modeled by the Steigmann-Ogden surface elasticity theory,while the bulk material behavior is described by the classical couple-stress elasticity theory.The adhesion at the contact interface is characterized by the Maugis-Dugdale(MD)adhesive contact model.Building on the fundamental nonclassical Flamant solution,the governing equations and boundary conditions of the nanocontact problem are reformulated into a system of triple integral equations.These equations are solved numerically by the Gauss-Chebyshev quadratures in combination with an iterative algorithm.The validation against the existing literature confirms the accuracy and robustness of the proposed solution methodology.Comprehensive parametric studies are performed to elucidate the critical roles of surface elasticity and couple stresses in adhesive nanocontact.The numerical results provide insights into the complex interactions among surface,couple-stress,and adhesive effects.Specifically,the interplay between the surface and adhesive effects is predominantly competitive,while the interaction between the couple stresses and adhesion exhibits an intricate nature.The findings highlight the necessity of simultaneously considering surface elasticity,couple stresses,and adhesion in nanoindentation analyses to achieve accurate predictions of material responses.展开更多
Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyp...Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.展开更多
The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given th...The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Adult neurogenesis,the process of creating new neurons,involves the coordinated division,migration,and differentiation of neural stem cells.This process is restricted to neurogenic niches located in two distinct areas...Adult neurogenesis,the process of creating new neurons,involves the coordinated division,migration,and differentiation of neural stem cells.This process is restricted to neurogenic niches located in two distinct areas of the brain:the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle,where new neurons are generated and then migrate to the olfactory bulb.Neurogenesis has been thought to occur only during the embryonic and early postnatal stages and to decline with age due to a continuous depletion of neural stem cells.Interestingly,recent years have seen tremendous progress in our understanding of adult brain neurogenesis,bridging the knowledge gap between embryonic and adult neurogenesis.Here,we discuss the current status of adult brain neurogenesis in light of what we know about neural stem cells.In this notion,we talk about the importance of intra cellular signaling molecules in mobilizing endogenous neural stem cell prolife ration.Based on the current understanding,we can declare that these molecules play a role in targeting neurogenesis in the mature brain.However,to achieve this goal,we need to avoid the undesired proliferation of neural stem cells by controlling the necessary checkpoints,which can lead to tumorigenesis and prove to be a curse instead of a blessing or hope.展开更多
Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)employ P2-type layered transition metal oxides as promising cathode materials,primarily due to their abundant natural reserves and environmentally friendly characteristics.However,structural ...Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)employ P2-type layered transition metal oxides as promising cathode materials,primarily due to their abundant natural reserves and environmentally friendly characteristics.However,structural instability and complex phase transitions during electrochemical cycling pose significant challenges to their practical applications.Employing cation substitution serves as a straightforward yet effective strategy for stabilizing the structure and improving the kinetics of the active material.In this study,we introduce a Ni-rich honeycomb-layered Na_(2+x)Ni_(2)TeO_(6)(NNTO)cathode material with variable sodium content(x=0,0.03,0.05,0.10).Physicochemical characterizations reveal that excess sodium content at the atomic scale modifies the surface and suppresses phase transitions,while preserving the crystal structure.This results in enhanced cyclic performance and improved electrochemical kinetics at room temperature.Furthermore,we investigate the performance of the NNTO cathode material containing 10%excess sodium at a relatively high temperature of 60℃,where it exhibits 71.6%capacity retention compared to 60%for the pristine.Overall,our results confirm that a preconstructed surface layer(induced by excess sodium)effectively safeguards the Ni-based cathode material from surface degradation and phase transitions during the electrochemical processes,thus exhibiting superior capacity retention relative to the pristine NNTO cathode.This study of the correlation between structure and performance can potentially be applied to the commercialization of SIBs.展开更多
Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis eval...Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.展开更多
基金supported by ANR(ANR-21CE16-0008-01)ANR(ANR-21-CE16-0008-02 and ANR-23CE52-0007)+1 种基金UNADEV(A22018CS)(to HN)UNADEV(A22020CS)(to SB)。
文摘The mature central nervous system(CNS,composed of the brain,spinal cord,olfactory and optic nerves)is unable to regenerate spontaneously after an insult,both in the cases of neurodegenerative diseases(for example Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease)or traumatic injuries(such as spinal cord lesions).In the last 20 years,the field has made significant progress in unlocking axon regrowth.
基金Supported by the Special Project for Supporting the Development of Biomedicine and Health Industry in Hangzhou City,No.2022WJC123Zhejiang Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Plan Project,No.2022ZA143.
文摘BACKGROUND Long-term antipsychotic therapy in psychiatric patients carries significant cardiovascular risks,including QT interval prolongation,myocardial injury,and functional impairment.Guanxinning,a traditional Chinese medicine formulation,has demonstrated cardioprotective potential in preclinical studies,but clinical evidence in this population remains limited.AIM To evaluate the cardioprotective effects of Guanxinning against antipsychotic-induced cardiac injury in long-term hospitalized psychiatric patients.METHODS A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 120 psychiatric inpatients receiving chronic antipsychotic therapy.Participants were allocated to:Intervention group:Conventional antipsychotics+Guanxinning tablets(0.38 g×4 tablets,ter in die);Control group:Conventional antipsychotics+identical placebo;Cardiac assessments at baseline and 12 months included:Electrocardiography(corrected QT interval),echocardiography(left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter),serum biomarkers(cardiac troponin I,B-type natriuretic peptide,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein).RESULTS Compared to controls,the Guanxinning group showed:Electrophysiological improvement:Corrected QT shortening(438±25 milliseconds vs 465±30 milliseconds,P<0.01).Functional enhancement:Left ventricular ejection fraction increase(58.5%±5.2%vs 53.8%±4.8%,P<0.05),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter reduction(49.8±3.5 mm vs 52.6±3.8 mm,P<0.05),Biochemical modulation:Reduced myocardial injury markers(cardiac troponin I:0.009 ng/mL vs 0.014 ng/mL;B-type natriuretic peptide:52 pg/mL vs 78 pg/mL,P<0.001),improved oxidative stress(superoxide dismutase:↑13.3 U/mL;malondialdehyde:↓0.9 nmol/mL,P<0.001),attenuated inflammation(high-sensitivity C-reactive protein:2.0 mg/L vs 3.2 mg/L,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Guanxinning significantly mitigates antipsychotic-induced cardiac injury in psychiatric patients,demonstrating:Normalization of electrophysiological parameters,Preservation of systolic/diastolic function,suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.These findings support its clinical application as an adjunctive cardioprotective therapy,potentially through inhibition of myocardial apoptosis and antioxidant upregulation.
文摘IBC Advanced Technologies’ Molecular Recognition Technology(MRT) SuperLig products selectively and rapidly bind with target species enabling their selective removal from solutions.The MRT process can produce a high purity separation product of maximum added value at a competitive cost.SuperLig products have high selectivity for many target species which can include metal ions,anions,and neutral molecules.In operation,the SuperLig product is first placed in a packed column.A solution containing a mixture of the target species and other chemical species is then passed through the column.The target species is removed selectively by the SuperLig product,the column is washed to remove residual feed solution,and the target species is recovered by a minimal quantity of eluent.The result is a pure and concentrated species that can be kept for its value or disposed of safely.The process is environmentally and ecologically friendly with no organic solvents being used.This paper provides a review of some examples of applications of MRT to separations of interest to the Chinese metallurgical industry.Included are several applications of MRT,including Pd separations from Pt metal refinery streams and low-grade spent catalyst wastes,Rh recovery from spent auto catalyst and other feeds,Re removal from selected impurity ions,Cd removal from Co electrolyte,Bi removal from Cu electrolyte,In and Ge separations from difficult matrices,and removal of bivalent first transition series and other metal ions from acid mine drainage(Berkeley Pit,Montana).Finally,the potential application of MRT to separations involving the recovery of rare earth metals and Li from low-level waste solutions and end-of-life products is discussed.
文摘Traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease are three distinct neurological disorders that share common pathophysiological mechanisms involving neuroinflammation. One sequela of neuroinflammation includes the pathologic hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, an endogenous microtubule-associated protein that protects the integrity of neuronal cytoskeletons. Tau hyperphosphorylation results in protein misfolding and subsequent accumulation of tau tangles forming neurotoxic aggregates. These misfolded proteins are characteristic of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease and can lead to downstream neuroinflammatory processes, including assembly and activation of the inflammasome complex. Inflammasomes refer to a family of multimeric protein units that, upon activation, release a cascade of signaling molecules resulting in caspase-induced cell death and inflammation mediated by the release of interleukin-1β cytokine. One specific inflammasome, the NOD-like receptor protein 3, has been proposed to be a key regulator of tau phosphorylation where it has been shown that prolonged NOD-like receptor protein 3 activation acts as a causal factor in pathological tau accumulation and spreading. This review begins by describing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Next, we highlight neuroinflammation as an overriding theme and discuss the role of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in the formation of tau deposits and how such tauopathic entities spread throughout the brain. We then propose a novel framework linking traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease as inflammasomedependent pathologies that exist along a temporal continuum. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic targets that may intercept this pathway and ultimately minimize long-term neurological decline.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2019YFC1804501)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42122056 and U1901210)+2 种基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2021B1515020063)the Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province(No.2021B1111380003)the Local Innovative and Research Teams Project of Guangdong Pearl River Talents Program(No.2017BT01Z032).
文摘Coking industry is a potential source of heavy metals(HMs)pollution.However,its impacts to the groundwater of surrounding residential areas have not been well understood.This study investigated the pollution characteristics and health risks of HMs in groundwater nearby a typical coking plant.Nine HMs including Fe,Zn,Mo,As,Cu,Ni,Cr,Pb and Cd were analyzed.The average concentration of total HMswas higher in the nearby area(244.27μg/L)than that of remote area away the coking plant(89.15μg/L).The spatial distribution of pollution indices including heavy metal pollution index(HPI),Nemerow index(NI)and contamination degree(CD),all demonstrated higher values at the nearby residential areas,suggesting coking activity could significantly impact the HMs distribution characteristics.Four sources of HMs were identified by Positive Matrix Factorization(PMF)model,which indicated coal washing and coking emission were the dominant sources,accounted for 40.4%,and 31.0%,respectively.Oral ingestionwas found to be the dominant exposure pathway with higher exposure dose to children than adults.Hazard quotient(HQ)values were below 1.0,suggesting negligible non-carcinogenic health risks,while potential carcinogenic risks were from Pb and Ni with cancer risk(CR)values>10−6.Monte Carlo simulation matched well with the calculated results with HMs concentrations to be the most sensitive parameters.This study provides insights into understanding how the industrial coking activities can impact the HMs pollution characteristics in groundwater,thus facilitating the implement of HMs regulation in coking industries.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.12072118 and12372029)。
文摘This paper presents the variational physics-informed neural network(VPINN)as an effective tool for static structural analyses.One key innovation includes the construction of the neural network solution as an admissible function of the boundary-value problem(BVP),which satisfies all geometrical boundary conditions.We then prove that the admissible neural network solution also satisfies natural boundary conditions,and therefore all boundary conditions,when the stationarity condition of the variational principle is met.Numerical examples are presented to show the advantages and effectiveness of the VPINN in comparison with the physics-informed neural network(PINN).Another contribution of the work is the introduction of Gaussian approximation of the Dirac delta function,which significantly enhances the ability of neural networks to handle singularities,as demonstrated by the examples with concentrated support conditions and loadings.It is hoped that these structural examples are so convincing that engineers would adopt the VPINN method in their structural design practice.
文摘This study aims to assess the potential of natural tourism in Kosovo,especially in the Dukagjin region as a case study.The main objective is to identify and analyze this region’s tourism potential to understand its impact and importance.180 respondents from the Dukagjin region participated in this study,and the quantitative method was used as a methodology.The measurement instrument consisted of 30 closed questions,which aimed to collect detailed information on the potential of natural tourism in this area.The study results showed that mountain,cultural,winter,healing,and rural tourism are especially important for developing the Dukagjin region.Furthermore,the analysis shows that 30%of the tourism potential is explained by rural tourism,underlining its importance in the local economy.Finally,the study’s findings are discussed,emphasizing their practical value for promoting and developing sustainable tourism in the region.
文摘In this article,we review our previous research for spatial and temporal characterizations of the San Andreas Fault(SAF)at Parkfield,using the fault-zone trapped wave(FZTW)since the middle 1980s.Parkfield,California has been taken as a scientific seismic experimental site in the USA since the 1970s,and the SAF is the target fault to investigate earthquake physics and forecasting.More than ten types of field experiments(including seismic,geophysical,geochemical,geodetic and so on)have been carried out at this experimental site since then.In the fall of 2003,a pair of scientific wells were drilled at the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth(SAFOD)site;the main-hole(MH)passed a~200-m-wide low-velocity zone(LVZ)with highly fractured rocks of the SAF at a depth of~3.2 km below the wellhead on the ground level(Hickman et al.,2005;Zoback,2007;Lockner et al.,2011).Borehole seismographs were installed in the SAFOD MH in 2004,which were located within the LVZ of the fault at~3-km depth to probe the internal structure and physical properties of the SAF.On September 282004,a M6 earthquake occurred~15 km southeast of the town of Parkfield.The data recorded in the field experiments before and after the 2004 M6 earthquake provided a unique opportunity to monitor the co-mainshock damage and post-seismic heal of the SAF associated with this strong earthquake.This retrospective review of the results from a sequence of our previous experiments at the Parkfield SAF,California,will be valuable for other researchers who are carrying out seismic experiments at the active faults to develop the community seismic wave velocity models,the fault models and the earthquake forecasting models in global seismogenic regions.
基金Supported by Provincial Key Research Project of Henan Province,No.232102310081.
文摘BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly understood.AIM To examine regional abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity among patients with MDD-OB comorbidity.METHODS This study adopted a regional homogeneity(ReHo)analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.The study included 149 hospital patients divided into four groups:Patients experiencing their first episode of drug-naive MDD with OB,patients with MDD without OB,and age-and sex-matched healthy individuals with and without OB.Whole-brain ReHo analysis was conducted using SPM12 software and RESTplus toolkits,with group comparisons via ANOVA and post-hoc tests.Correlations between ReHo values and behavioral measures were examined.RESULTS ANOVA revealed significant whole-brain ReHo differences among the four groups in four key regions:The left middle temporal gyrus(MTG.L),right cuneus,left precuneus,and left thalamus.Post-hoc analyses confirmed pairwise differences between all groups across these regions(P<0.05).OB was associated with ReHo alterations in the MTG.L,right cuneus,and left thalamus,whereas abnormalities in the precuneus suggested synergistic pathological mechanisms between MDD and OB.Statistically significant correlations were found between the drive and fun-seeking dimensions of the behavioral activation system,as well as behavioral inhibition and the corresponding ReHo values.CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence for the neuroadaptive mechanisms underlying the MDD-OB comorbidity.Further validation could lead to personalized interventions targeting MTG.L hyperactivity and targeting healthy food cues.
文摘Conventional methods to treat urinary stress incontinence, including the Sling, Burch, and Pereyra modification methods, are limited by several shortcomings due to disrupted nerve and vaginal wall integrity. The nerve-sparing Burch-Sling method represents a surgical advancement through the use of a nerve-sparing sling to treat genuine stress urinary incontinence. The procedure involves retropubic urethropexy using the FDA-approved Burch-Sling device. In this technique, the vagina is elevated bilaterally at the urethrovesical junction to the mid-urethra toward Cooper’s ligament above the base of the bladder. Then, the anterior vaginal wall and fascia are used as an endogenous suburethral sling without dissection. Two hundred twenty cases were included in this study;two hundred patients underwent the outpatient nerve-sparing sling method, and the other twenty underwent the novel abdominal Burch method. There were no major complications. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 months to eight years. All procedures were performed at the U.S. Women’s Institute at a 400-bed hospital in Fountain Valley, CA.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82004298Jiangsu Graduate Research and Practice Innovation Program,China,No.KYCX23_2090.
文摘BACKGROUND Recently,several endoscopic techniques have been used to improve the R0 resection rate of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(R-NENs).However,none of these methods can achieve 100%complete resection(CR),particularly in the vertical direction.Endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR)has proven to be an effective method for the treatment of submucosal tumors but is seldom utilized in the eradication of R-NENs.AIM To review cases of R-NENs removed using EFTR and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique.METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled 160 patients with pathologically confirmed R-NENs,including 132 who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and 28 who underwent EFTR.Lesions were categorized as<1 cm,1-2 cm,and>2 cm in size.CR rate,en bloc resection rate,operation time,and complications were evaluated.Subgroup analyses and follow-up were also performed.RESULTS EFTR achieved 100%CR rates for lesions<1 cm and 1-2 cm,compared with 67.0%and 50.0%,respectively,in the ESD group.En bloc resection and successful removal of the R-NENs were achieved in all patients.Meanwhile,EFTR showed performance comparable to ESD in terms of operation time,hospitalization cost,and postoperative adverse events,except for a one-day longer hospital stay.We also analyzed the invasion depth of R-NENs based on full-thickness specimens.The data showed that 80%of lesions(<1 cm)and 85.7%of lesions(1-2 cm)had invaded the SM3 level or deeper at the time of resection.For ESD specimens,46.6%(<1 cm)and 89.3%(1-2 cm)of lesions had infiltrated more than 2000μm beneath the muscularis mucosae.CONCLUSION EFTR has shown superior performance in the resection of small R-NENs compared with that of ESD.
基金supported by Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2024A1515012993)the Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission(No.D202303078877).
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a highly aggressive malignancy,largely driven by an immunosuppres-sive tumor microenvironment(TME)that facilitates tumor growth,immune escape,and resistance to therapy.Although immunotherapy—particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)—has transformed the therapeutic landscape by restoring T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses,their clinical benefit as monotherapy remains suboptimal.This limitation is primarily attributed to immunosuppressive components within the TME,including tumor-associated macrophages,regulatory T cells(Tregs),and myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs).To address these challenges,combination strategies have been explored,such as dual checkpoint blockade targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1),programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1),and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4(CTLA-4),as well as synergistic use of ICIs with anti-angiogenic agents or TME-targeted interventions.These approaches have shown encouraging potential in enhancing immune efficacy.This review outlines the complex crosstalk between the TME and immunotherapeutic responses in HCC,emphasizing how combination regimens may overcome immune resistance.Furthermore,we discuss the remaining hurdles,including therapeutic resistance and immune-related adverse events,and propose future directions involving TME-associated biomarkers and individualized treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
文摘The study aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding tourism development in the Sharr Mountains Region.In the Sharr Mountains Region,sustainable tourism is another opportunity for economic growth,cultural integrity,and environmental conservation.Public investments are vital in enhancing this investment as they help to develop infrastructure,promote businesses,and even promote environment-friendly activities.The research seeks to understand the relationship between public investments and investments in sustainable tourism in the Sharr Mountains region,focusing on the direct and indirect relational aspects of the economy,conservation,and the people.Key questions,address their expectations from public investment,infrastructure improvements,involvement of local authorities and the community,as well as concerns regarding the potential negative impact of tourism on the natural environment and local culture.The methodology of this study includes in-depth research through the quantitative method.Based on the results of data analysis,recommendations include improving tourism infrastructure,increasing awareness of environmental impact,and developing environmental education programs for tourists.Among the proposed actions is the improvement of cooperation between local authorities,the local community,and the private sector for the sustainable development of tourism in the Sharr Mountains Region.Finally,this study provides an essential contribution to the understanding of the expectations,evaluations,and impacts of tourists in this region,defining the key points of sustainable tourism development.
文摘Human-derived tumor models are essential for preclinical development of new anti-cancer drug entities.Generating animal models bearing tumors of human origin,such as patient-derived or cell line-derived xenograft tumors,is dependent on immuno-deficient strains.Tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice are susceptible to develop-ing unwanted disorders primarily irrelevant to the tumor nature;and if get involved with such disorders,reliability of the study results will be undermined,inevitably con-founding the research in general.Therefore,a rigorous health surveillance and clinical monitoring system,along with the establishment of a strictly controlled barrier facility to maintain a pathogen-free state,are mandatory.Even if all pathogen control and biosafety measures are followed,there are various noninfectious disorders capable of causing tissue and multiorgan damage in immunodeficient animals.Therefore,the re-searchers should be aware of sentinel signs to carefully monitor and impartially report them.This review discusses clinical signs of common unwanted disorders in experi-mental immunodeficient mice,and how to examine and report them.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12072072)。
文摘This paper investigates the adhesive nanocontact behavior of an elastic halfplane indented by a rigid cylindrical indenter,incorporating the simultaneous effects of surface elasticity,couple stresses,and adhesion.The free surface of the half-plane is modeled by the Steigmann-Ogden surface elasticity theory,while the bulk material behavior is described by the classical couple-stress elasticity theory.The adhesion at the contact interface is characterized by the Maugis-Dugdale(MD)adhesive contact model.Building on the fundamental nonclassical Flamant solution,the governing equations and boundary conditions of the nanocontact problem are reformulated into a system of triple integral equations.These equations are solved numerically by the Gauss-Chebyshev quadratures in combination with an iterative algorithm.The validation against the existing literature confirms the accuracy and robustness of the proposed solution methodology.Comprehensive parametric studies are performed to elucidate the critical roles of surface elasticity and couple stresses in adhesive nanocontact.The numerical results provide insights into the complex interactions among surface,couple-stress,and adhesive effects.Specifically,the interplay between the surface and adhesive effects is predominantly competitive,while the interaction between the couple stresses and adhesion exhibits an intricate nature.The findings highlight the necessity of simultaneously considering surface elasticity,couple stresses,and adhesion in nanoindentation analyses to achieve accurate predictions of material responses.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204610)Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)+1 种基金the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.
基金supported by a grant from the French Society of Sleep Research and Medicine(to LS)The China Scholarship Council(to HL)The CNRS,INSERM,Claude Bernard University Lyon1(to LS)。
文摘The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
文摘Adult neurogenesis,the process of creating new neurons,involves the coordinated division,migration,and differentiation of neural stem cells.This process is restricted to neurogenic niches located in two distinct areas of the brain:the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle,where new neurons are generated and then migrate to the olfactory bulb.Neurogenesis has been thought to occur only during the embryonic and early postnatal stages and to decline with age due to a continuous depletion of neural stem cells.Interestingly,recent years have seen tremendous progress in our understanding of adult brain neurogenesis,bridging the knowledge gap between embryonic and adult neurogenesis.Here,we discuss the current status of adult brain neurogenesis in light of what we know about neural stem cells.In this notion,we talk about the importance of intra cellular signaling molecules in mobilizing endogenous neural stem cell prolife ration.Based on the current understanding,we can declare that these molecules play a role in targeting neurogenesis in the mature brain.However,to achieve this goal,we need to avoid the undesired proliferation of neural stem cells by controlling the necessary checkpoints,which can lead to tumorigenesis and prove to be a curse instead of a blessing or hope.
基金Korea Institute of Science and Technology,Grant/Award Number:2E33270National Research Foundation of Korea,Grant/Award Number:2020M3H4A3081889。
文摘Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)employ P2-type layered transition metal oxides as promising cathode materials,primarily due to their abundant natural reserves and environmentally friendly characteristics.However,structural instability and complex phase transitions during electrochemical cycling pose significant challenges to their practical applications.Employing cation substitution serves as a straightforward yet effective strategy for stabilizing the structure and improving the kinetics of the active material.In this study,we introduce a Ni-rich honeycomb-layered Na_(2+x)Ni_(2)TeO_(6)(NNTO)cathode material with variable sodium content(x=0,0.03,0.05,0.10).Physicochemical characterizations reveal that excess sodium content at the atomic scale modifies the surface and suppresses phase transitions,while preserving the crystal structure.This results in enhanced cyclic performance and improved electrochemical kinetics at room temperature.Furthermore,we investigate the performance of the NNTO cathode material containing 10%excess sodium at a relatively high temperature of 60℃,where it exhibits 71.6%capacity retention compared to 60%for the pristine.Overall,our results confirm that a preconstructed surface layer(induced by excess sodium)effectively safeguards the Ni-based cathode material from surface degradation and phase transitions during the electrochemical processes,thus exhibiting superior capacity retention relative to the pristine NNTO cathode.This study of the correlation between structure and performance can potentially be applied to the commercialization of SIBs.
文摘Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.
