The eight stacked Ge 0.75 Si 0.25 nanosheets, the seven stacked Ge 0.95 Si 0.05 nanowires, and the six stacked Ge 0.95 Si 0.05 nanowires without parasitic channels are demonstrated. These highly ...stacked channels are made from 18 epilayers consisting of a Ge buffer, nine heavily P-doped Ge sacrificial layers, and eight GeSi channel layers with the low growth temperature (350 °C and 375 °C) to ensure the entire epilayers metastable without dislocations in the channels. The isotropic wet etching by H 2 O 2 and NH 4 OH + H 2 O 2 is used for the channel release and the removal of the parasitic channels, respectively. The delicate interplay between epilayer design and wet etching is implemented to fabricate the highly stacked GeSi channels. High inter-channel uniformity of the eight stacked Ge 0.75 Si 0.25 nanosheets is obtained due to the superior etching selectivity. High <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{I}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}} </tex-math></inline-formula> per stack and per footprint of the seven stacked Ge 0.95 Si 0.05 nanowires and the six stacked Ge 0.95 Si 0.05 nanowires without parasitic channels are achieved due to the high mobility <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{L}_{4} </tex-math></inline-formula> valleys and nanowire conduction. The reduced subthreshold slope (SS) and improved <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{I}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}} / {I}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}} </tex-math></inline-formula> are obtained by parasitic channel removal. The record <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{I}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}} </tex-math></inline-formula> of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">120~\boldsymbol \mu \text{A} </tex-math></inline-formula> per stack (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">4600~\boldsymbol \mu \text{A} / \boldsymbol \mu \text{m} </tex-math></inline-formula> per channel footprint) at <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{V}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OV}} = {V}_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle DS}} = 0.5 </tex-math></inline-formula> V is reached among reported Ge/GeSi 3-D nFETs.
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an increasing threat to human health and is regarded as an important public issue. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of DN are complicated. The initiating molecular events ...triggering the loss function in mesangial cells (MCs) in DN are not well known. In this cross-disciplinary study, transcriptome analysis of high glucose (HG)-treated mouse MCs (MMCs) using next-generation sequencing and systematic bioinformatics analyses indicated that miR-15b-5p and its downstream target B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) contribute to HG-induced apoptosis in MMCs. HG elevated miR-15b-5p expression, which in turn decreased the translation of BCL-2, leading to MMC apoptosis under HG. Apoptosis of MCs was enhanced in the presence of extracellular vesicles isolated from the urine of type 2 diabetic patients with high levels of miR-15b-5p. Furthermore, increased levels of urinary miR-15b-5p were found in db/db mice and type 2 diabetic patients, and such levels correlated with low baseline kidney function and rapid decline in kidney function during a mean of follow-up period of 2.4 ± 0.1 years. Therefore, miR-15b-5p induced mesangial cells apoptosis by targeting BCL-2 under HG. miR-15b-5p has the potential to predict kidney injury in DN. Blocking the miR-15b-5p epigenetic regulatory network could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent mesangial apoptosis in DN.
High glucose elevates miR-15b-5p expression, which induces mesangial cell apoptosis by targeting BCL-2. Increased urinary miR-15b-5p levels are correlated with rapid kidney progression and have the potential to predict kidney injury in type 2 diabetic patients, implying that miR-15b-5p could be a therapeutic target for preventing diabetic nephropathy.
Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in the treatment of various cancers. However, cisplatin can induce nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, limiting its dosage and usage. Galangin, a ...natural flavonol, has been found to exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Here, we investigated the effects of galangin on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and its molecular mechanisms in mice. Galangin administration reduced the cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by decreasing renal MDA and 3-NT formations. Galangin administration also increased renal anti-oxidative enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, and CAT) and GSH levels depleted by cisplatin. Furthermore, galangin administration inactivated stress-induced Nrf2 protein and its downstream products, HO-1 and GCLC. In terms of the inflammatory response, galangin administration reduced IκBα phosphorylation, NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, and then inhibited cisplatin-induced secretions of pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. In addition, cisplatin-induced ERK and p38 phosphorylations were inhibited by galangin administration. In terms of cell death, galangin administration reduced levels of p53, pro-apoptotic Bax and activated caspase-3 to inhibit the cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Galangin administration also reduced the expression levels of RIP1 and RIP3 to inhibit cisplatin-induced RIP1/RIP3-dependent necroptosis. Therefore, galangin administration significantly ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death through inhibitions of ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Galangin might be a potential adjuvant for clinical cisplatin therapy.
•Galangin alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through ERK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.•Galangin reduces cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response.•Galangin suppresses cisplatin-induced cell death, apoptosis and necroptosis.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity and the fourth leading malignancy and cause of cancer-related death in the male population of Taiwan. Most ...cases are detected at advanced stages, resulting in poor prognosis. Therefore, improved detection of early oral health disorders is indispensable. The involvement of oral bacteria in inflammation and their association with OSCC progression provide a feasible target for diagnosis. Due to the nature of oral neoplasms, the diagnosis of epithelial precursor lesions is relatively easy compared with that of other types of cancer. However, the transition from an epithelial precursor lesion to cancer is slow and requires further and continuous follow-up. In this study, we investigated microbiota differences between normal individuals, epithelial precursor lesion patients, and cancer patients with different lifestyle habits, such as betel chewing and smoking, using next-generation sequencing. Overall, the oral microbiome compositions of five genera, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, and Slackia, revealed significant differences between epithelial precursor lesion and cancer patients and correlated with their classification into two clusters. These composition changes might have the potential to constitute a biomarker to help in monitoring the oral carcinogenesis transition from epithelial precursor lesion to cancer.
•Green approach for nano-phase transformation from γ-Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 by tannic acid.•Gram-level yield and the high NIR photothermal conversion (η = 35.7%) in Fe3O4 NPs.•Improved absorption with the ...interfacial charge transfer between polyphenol and iron.•Efficient sterilization by heat through bacterial FimH adhesion.•Recyclable photothermal bactericide for medical/environmental microorganism control.
An iron oxide (Fe3O4)-mediated photothermal treatment has been revealed as the next generation of noninvasive and nontoxic theranostic nanoagents compared with other inorganic nanoparticles. Nevertheless, iron oxide with NIR-mediated activity is limited by its inability to be mass produced and its long-lasting photon-to-thermal conversion. Herein, we develop using a green reagent, tannic acid (TNA), which assisted hydrothermal reaction to generate black Fe3O4 nanoparticles by using commercially available nanoptical γ-Fe2O3 NPs as a starting material. The phase transformation from γ-Fe2O3 to the reduced form of Fe3O4 is assisted by TNA in the solution phase. Based on the formation of the interfacial TNA-Fe chelation and the delicate phase transformation from γ-Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 structures, the colloidal black Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit broad absorption that covers the visible and NIR wavelengths. Specific interfacial ligand-to-metal charge transfers between the TNA and iron ions at the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles, improves the absorbance and leads to the highest photon-to-thermal conversion (η = 35.7%) at 808 nm compared with other iron oxide nanomaterials. After modifying d-mannose (MA) onto the surface of the Fe3O4@TNA nanoparticles, the local heat can efficiently transfer from the Fe3O4@TNA nanoparticles to the vicinity of the bacterial FimH adhesion molecule, causing extensive photothermal injury to O157:H7 and ESBL strain bacteria with over 99% cell death at 200 ppmFe with 808 nm light at 2.25 mW/cm2. Based on its robust photostability, Fe3O4@TNA@MA shows photothermal bactericidal recyclability through magnetic collection, adhesion, and photothermal processes.
The Patient Right to Autonomy Act (PRAA), implemented in Taiwan in 2019, enables the creation of advance decisions (AD) through advance care planning (ACP). This legal framework allows for the ...withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (LST) or artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in situations like irreversible coma, vegetative state, severe dementia, or unbearable pain. This study aims to investigate preferences for LST or ANH across various clinical conditions, variations in participant preferences, and factors influencing these preferences among urban residents.
Employing a survey of legally structured AD documents and convenience sampling for data collection, individuals were enlisted from Taipei City Hospital, serving as the primary trial and demonstration facility for ACP in Taiwan since the commencement of the PRAA in its inaugural year. The study examined ADs and ACP consultation records, documenting gender, age, welfare entitlement, disease conditions, family caregiving experience, location of ACP consultation, participation of second-degree relatives, and the intention to participate in ACP.
Data from 2337 participants were extracted from electronic records. There was high consistency in the willingness to refuse LST and ANH, with significant differences noted between terminal diseases and extremely severe dementia. Additionally, ANH was widely accepted as a time-limited treatment, and there was a prevalent trend of authorizing a health care agent (HCA) to make decisions on behalf of participants. Gender differences were observed, with females more inclined to decline LST and ANH, while males tended towards accepting full or time-limited treatment. Age also played a role, with younger participants more open to treatment and authorizing HCA, and older participants more prone to refusal.
Diverse preferences in LST and ANH were shaped by the public's current understanding of different clinical states, gender, age, and cultural factors. Our study reveals nuanced end-of-life preferences, evolving ADs, and socio-demographic influences. Further research could explore evolving preferences over time and healthcare professionals' perspectives on LST and ANH decisions for neurological patients..
The pathophysiological mechanisms of renal function progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have still not been completely explored. In addition to well-known traditional risk factors, ...non-traditional risk factors, such as endothelial dysfunction, have gradually attracted physicians' attention. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) impairs endothelial function through preventing angiopoietin-1 from binding to Tie2 receptor. Whether Ang-2 is associated with renal function progression in CKD is unknown.
This study enrolled 621 patients with stages 3-5 CKD to assess the association of circulating Ang-2 with commencing dialysis, doubling creatinine and rapid decline in renal function (the slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 5 ml/min per 1.73 m2/y) over follow-up of more than 3 years.
Of all patients, 224 patients (36.1%) progressed to commencing dialysis and 165 (26.6%) reached doubling creatinine. 85 subjects (13.9%) had rapid decline in renal function. Ang-2 quartile was divided at 1494.1, 1948.8, and 2593.1 pg/ml. The adjusted HR of composite outcomes, either commencing dialysis or doubling creatinine was 1.53 (95% CI: 1.06-2.23) for subjects of quartile 4 compared with those of quartile 1. The adjusted OR for rapid decline in renal function was 2.96 (95% CI: 1.13-7.76) for subjects of quartile 4 compared with those of quartile 1. The linear mixed-effects model shows a more rapid decrease in eGFR over time in patients with quartile 3 or more of Ang-2 than those with the lowest quartile of Ang-2.
Ang-2 is an independent predictor of adverse renal outcome in CKD. Further study is needed to identify the pathogenic role of Ang-2 in CKD progression.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•Vaccine-associated myocarditis, fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches are potential adverse effects (AEs) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.•Vulnerability of children with neurodevelopmental disorders ...(ND) to AEs of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were investigated.•This is the first longitudinal study to investigate the adverse outcomes of children with ND after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination within 180 days.•No specific ND diagnosis or medication use clearly increased the risk of AEs associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
The BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccines have been approved for children and adolescents for protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This longitudinal study aimed to compare adverse outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ADHD, autism spectrum disorder ASD, communication disorders, intellectual disability, and tic disorders) and healthy control children.
A total of 1335 children who received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (762 children with ND and 573 healthy controls) were recruited. All subjects were followed-up for 180 days, and outcome events were defined as outpatient department (OPD) or emergency department (ER) visits during follow-up. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify the potential differences in outcomes between the propensity score-matched ND group (n = 311) and the control group (n = 311), and to explore the factors associated with outcomes among all children with ND (n = 762).
Compared with the control group, children with ND exhibited a higher likelihood of subsequent OPD or ER visits and paediatric neurology OPD visits after the first dose of vaccination. However, we found that only a small proportion of the children visited the OPD or ER because of adverse vaccination-related effects. Among all children with ND, those with communication disorders showed a higher likelihood of any OPD or ER visit. Paediatric neurology OPD visits were associated with communication disorders, intellectual disability, and methylphenidate and aripiprazole prescriptions. ADHD and ASD were not associated with adverse outcomes.
No specific ND diagnosis or medication use clearly increased the risk of adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Children with ND can be reassured that the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is a safe regimen to protect themselves.
Abstract
Background
The timing to start passive or active range of motion (ROM) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated early versus ...delayed passive and active ROM protocols following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the outcomes of early active/passive versus delayed active/passive postoperative arthroscopic rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocols.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2022 comparing early motion (EM) versus delayed motion (DM) rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial and full-thickness tear was conducted. The primary outcome was range of motion (anterior flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, abduction) and the secondary outcomes were Constant-Murley score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test Score (SST score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Results
Thirteen RCTs with 1,082 patients were included in this study (7 RCTs for early passive motion (EPM) vs. delayed passive motion (DPM) and 7 RCTs for early active motion (EAM) vs. delayed active motion (DAM). Anterior flexion (1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–2.25) and abduction (2.73, 95%CI, 0.74–4.71) were higher in the EPM group compared to DPM. Similarly, EAM showed superiority in anterior flexion (1.57, 95%CI, 0.62–2.52) and external rotation (1.59, 95%CI, 0.36–2.82), compared to DAM. There was no difference between EPM and DPM for external rotation, retear rate, CMS and SST scores. There was no difference between EAM and DAM for retear rate, abduction, CMS and VAS.
Conclusion
EAM and EPM were both associated with superior ROM compared to the DAM and DPM protocols. EAM and EPM were both safe and beneficial to improve ROM after arthroscopic surgery for the patients with small to large sized tears.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is suggested to actively utilize its ebv-microRNAs (miRNAs) to manipulate viral and cellular functions during neoplasia transformation. A systemic profiling of ebv-miRNAs ...expressed in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVa GC) helps understand its epigenetic regulation of carcinogenesis.
A total of 1039 patients with gastric cancer were screened for EBVa GC using EBV-encoded RNAs in situ hybridization. A comprehensive profiling of ebv-miRNAs expressed in EBVa GC was constructed using stem-loop quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Functional assay of specific ebv-miRNA was conducted. Expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers among EBVa GC and non-EBVa GC was compared.
The prevalence of EBVa GC was 5.0% (52 out of 1039) in our series. The most abundant ebv-miRNAs of EBVa GC were Bart4, followed by Bart11, Bart2, Bart6, Bart9, and Bart18, in the decreasing order. Of them, Bart9 exhibited the same seed sequence as to hsa miR-200a and miR-141. Expression of E-cadherin of EBV-positive SNU-719 was increased after BART9 knockdown. Depleting endogenous Bart9 of SNU-719 induced a surged expression of miR-200a and miR-141, accompanied by decreased proliferative and invasive ability. Expression of mesenchymal markers in EBVa GC was increased compared with those of non-EBVa GC, albeit the two cohorts exhibited a comparable long-term survival.
We constructed a comprehensive profiling of ebv-miRNAs in EBVa GC. BART9 plays an important role during carcinogenesis through EMT. Inherent mesenchymal phenotype of EBVa GC represents a unique virus-induced morphology and microenvironment rather than being able to predict the prognosis.