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Abstract The objective of this research was to explore the potential association between lipid accumulation product (LAP) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adult population of United States (US). Using cross-sectional data from the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we explored the association of LAP with CKD, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albuminuria. This analysis encompassed multivariate logistic regression analyses, smoothed curve fitting, subgroup analyses, and interaction tests. We found a significant positive association between higher ln-transformed LAP (LAP was transformed using a natural logarithm) and the prevalence of CKD, low-eGFR and albuminuria. Notably, this association of ln-transformed LAP with CKD and albuminuria was significantly influenced by diabetes status and sex (P for interaction 0.05). Additionally, in model 3 (adjusted for all included covariates except eGFR and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR)), a nonlinear relationship was identified between ln-transformed LAP and the presence of both CKD and albuminuria, with inflection points of 4.57 and 4.49, respectively. This indicates that this correlation is more pronounced on the right of the inflection point. In conclusion, the findings indicate a significant association between LAP and the prevalence of CKD in US adults.

ObjectiveTo develop a guideline for selecting biomarkers in the diagnosis and assessment in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).MethodA joint effort was carried out by the core team, the literature review team and the multidisciplinary voting panel to formulate recommendations regarding biomarkers in axSpA, using an evidence-based and consensus-based strategy. Certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation were determined, and levels of agreement within the voting panel were calculated.ResultsA total of 20 recommendations were formulated in this guideline, with levels of agreement ranging from 6.48 to 9.71. The two strong recommendations, HLA-B27 testing in patients suspected of axSpA and regular-interval monitoring of CRP/ESR represent the status quo of axSpA evaluation, while the 13 conditional recommendations represent the promising biomarkers with clinical utility in diagnosis, disease activity assessment, prediction of radiographic progression and therapeutic responses. This guideline does not dictate clinical choices of tests on axSpA, and decisions should be made based on comprehensive consideration of costs, accessibility, patients’ values and willingness as well as the objective of testing in the local context.ConclusionThis guideline addresses the interpretation of the clinical significance of biomarkers in axSpA, and the biomarkers endorsed in this guideline composed a clinical toolkit for healthcare professionals to choose from.

Treating kidney diseases from the perspective of spleen is an important clinical method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for anti-renal fibrosis (RF). Si-jun-zi decoction (SJZD), a classic formula for qi-invigorating and spleen-invigorating, has been reported to alleviate RF. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism by which SJZD attenuates RF. The results demonstrated notable improvements in renal function levels, inflammation and fibrosis indices in UUO-mice following SJZD intervention. The main active ingredients identified were Quercetin, Kaempferol, Naringenin and 7-Methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone. Furthermore, STAT3, MAPK3, MYC were confirmed as key targets. Additionally, GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that SJZD delayed RF primarily by regulating oxidative stress and other biological mechanisms. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of pathways such as Lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and other pathways in the reno-protective effects of SJZD. The molecular docking results revealed that the active ingredients of SJZD were well-bound and stable to the core targets. The experiments results revealed that Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Naringenin not only improved the morphology of TGF-β-induced HK-2 cells but also reversed the expression of α-SMA, COL1A1 and MAPK, thereby delaying the progression of RF. The anti-RF effects of SJZD were exerted through multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways.

This paper aims to comprehensively define village social capital, assess its multifaceted dimensions in relation to farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making, and investigate the mediating role of rural development. The research sample consists of 14,133 farmers selected through a multi-stage proportional-to-size unequal probability sampling method. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires as part of the “Chinese Thousand Village Survey” project. Empirical analysis was conducted using binary logit and basic linear regression models, supplemented by probit models and other robustness testing methods. The findings indicate that village social capital exerts a significant and favorable influence on farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. Controlling for other variables, a unit increment in farmers’ village social network, village social participation, and village social trust is associated with a respective increase in farmers’ odds of entrepreneurial decision-making by 3.96, 5.42, and 16.28%. Village social trust emerges as the most influential factor. Additionally, rural harmony and rural economy partially mediate the relationship between village social capital and farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between village social capital and farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making, offering valuable guidance for farmers looking to leverage village social capital in their entrepreneurial endeavors. It lays a theoretical foundation for relevant entities to strengthen village social capital and cultivate a supportive environment for rural entrepreneurship. To our knowledge, this paper is among the earlier studies that investigate farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. Besides, the relationship between village social capital and rural development is rarely studied in the literature as two determinants of farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making.

Ethnopharmacological relevance:As a representative classical prescription, Sijunzi decoction has powerful therapeutic effects on spleen–stomach qi insufficiency. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, diffuse, and non-specifically inflammatory disorder, the etiology of which still remains unclear. In the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, splenic asthenia is the primary cause of UC. Based on this, Sijunzi decoction has been extensively used in TCM clinical practice to alleviate UC in recent years. However, the pharmacological mechanism of Sijunzi decoction in modern medicine is still not completely clear, which limits its clinical application.Aim of the study:The purpose of this study was to investigate the Sijunzi decoction’s curative effect on acute UC mice and probe into its potential pharmacological mechanism.Materials and methods:The UC mouse model was set up by freely ingesting a 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution. The relieving role of Sijunzi decoction on UC in mice was analyzed by evaluating the changes in clinical parameters, colon morphology, histopathology, inflammatory factor content, intestinal epithelial barrier protein expression level, and gut microbiota balance state. Finally, multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to elucidate the relationship between inflammatory factors, intestinal epithelial barrier proteins, and gut microbiota.Results:First, the research findings revealed that Sijunzi decoction could visibly ease the clinical manifestation of UC, lower the DAI score, and attenuate colonic damage. Moreover, Sijunzi decoction could also significantly inhibit IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α while increasing occludin and ZO-1 expression levels. Subsequently, further studies showed that Sijunzi decoction could remodel gut microbiota homeostasis. Sijunzi decoction was beneficial in regulating the levels of Alistipes, Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and other bacteria. Finally, multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated that key gut microbes were closely associated with inflammatory factors and intestinal epithelial barrier proteins.Conclusion:Sijunzi decoction can significantly prevent and treat UC. Its mechanism is strongly associated with the improvement of inflammation and intestinal epithelial barrier damage by regulating the gut microbiota.

IntroductionOsteoporosis, a disease of reduced bone mass and microstructural deterioration leading to fragility fractures, is becoming more prevalent as aging progresses, significantly increasing the socioeconomic burden. In past studies, there has been a growing awareness of the harmful effects of heavy metals on bone, with cadmium being a significant exposure factor. The purpose of this study was to look into the association between adult bone mineral density(BMD) and blood cadmium levels.MethodsBased on information from the 2013–2014, 2017–2018 NHANES, weighted multiple regression, generalized weighted modeling, and smoothed curve fitting were utilized to investigate the association between blood cadmium and femur BMD. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate any differences in the associations between age, sex, race, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes.ResultsIn 2,146 participants, blood cadmium levels and total femur [-0.02 (-0.03, -0.01), 0.0027], femoral neck [-0.01 (-0.02, -0.00), 0.0240], femoral trochanter [-0.01 (-0.02, -0.00), 0.0042], and intertrochanteric femoral trochanter [-0.02 (-0.03, -0.00), 0.0101] BMD were negatively correlated. Subgroup analyses showed that this association was more pronounced in women, non-Hispanic white people and other Hispanics, and those with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Our results pointed to a negative relationship between femoral BMD and blood cadmium. This negative association varied by age, sex, race, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. In particular, bone mineral density was more significantly negatively affected by blood cadmium levels in groups with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated a significant negative association between blood cadmium levels and bone mineral density in a population of U.S. adults.

Summary: Here, we present a protocol for inducing fibrosis in human kidney-2 (HK2) cells followed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis of fibrosis-related genes. We describe steps for growing and expanding cells, inducing HK2 fibrosis, and collecting cells for downstream applications. Given the limited cell quantity in culture flasks and the challenges of cell collection, we utilized 10-cm Petri dishes for cell harvesting, with each experimental group comprising five replicate samples.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

BackgroundA link between food-induced inflammation and common chronic diseases has been identified in studies. However, there was uncertainty about the influence of dietary inflammatory potential on the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among middle-aged and older groups. Our research aimed to examine the connection between dietary inflammatory index (DII) to CKD in people aged 40 years and older.MethodsThis study comprised ten cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. Linear associations of DII with CKD, low-eGFR, and albuminuria were examined using multiple logistic regression, whereas non-linear associations were assessed by smoothed curve fitting. Besides, we conducted subgroup analyses and interaction tests.ResultsOf the 23,175 middle-aged and older individuals, a total of 5,847 suffered from CKD, making up 25.23% of all participants. After adjustment for all covariates, we found that increased DII scores were positive with an increased hazard of CKD (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.10, p < 0.0001), and the same was shown between DII and low-eGFR (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.19, p < 0.0001). After further converting DII into categorical variables, the above relationship still existed. These relations were consistent in different ages, genders, BMI, whether smoking, whether suffering from hypertension, and whether suffering from diabetes, with no significant stratification differences (all P for interaction >0.05). Surprisingly, we did not find a statistically significant correlation of DII to albuminuria after complete adjustment for covariates (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.05, p = 0.0742). Even when DII was considered as a categorical variable, this relation was still not statistically significant. Furthermore, we found an association in the shape of a U between DII and low-eGFR in the fully adjusted model, with a turning point at a DII of 1.6.ConclusionOur findings indicated that middle-aged and older persons with greater levels of DII had a significantly higher risk of CKD.

IntroductionAccording to reports, obesity has a significant impact on bone health. And the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), superior to BMI and waist circumference (WC), is a new obesity indicator arising in recent years. This research investigated the relationship between WWI and total bone mineral density (BMD) for adults aged 20 to 59.MethodsUsing data from the 2011–2018 NHANES, we looked into the independent link between WWI and total BMD as well as its nonlinearity using weighted multiple linear regression and smooth curve fitting. Two-stage linear regression models were employed to calculate the threshold effects. There were additional subgroup analyses and testing for interactions.ResultsMultiple linear regression studies on a total of 10,372 individuals showed a significant inverse link between WWI and total BMD in adults between 20 and 59 [β = -0.04, 95% CI: (-0.04, -0.03), P0.05). In addition, we found a nonlinear relationship between WWI and total BMD in diabetic and CKD patients, for which the saturation point was 11.38 cm/√kg in the CKD patient group and 10.29 cm/√kg in the diabetic patient group.ConclusionOur analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between WWI and total BMD in adults aged 20-59.

Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disease that seriously endangers human health. However, the potential relationship between xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity and CKD remains unclear. In this study, we used clinical data, CKD datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and untargeted metabolomics to explain the relationship between XOR activity and CKD. First, XOR activity showed high correlation with the biomarkers of CKD, such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Then, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logical regression algorithm and random forest algorithm to screen CKD molecular markers from differentially expressed genes, and the results of qRT-PCR of XDH, KOX-1, and ROMO1 were in accordance with the results of bioinformatics analyses. In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the purine metabolism pathway was significantly enriched in CKD patients in the simulated models of kidney fibrosis.

At present, the clinical treatment of osteomyelitis and osteomyelitis-induced bone defects is challenging, easy to recur, drug toxic side effects, secondary or multiple surgeries, etc. The design of biodegradable composite biomaterials to improve antibiotics in the local precise anti-infection at the same time to complete the repair of bone defects is the current research hot spot. Herein, a composite hydrogel with a double bond at the end (FA-MA) was prepared by affinity addition reaction between fish collagen (FA) and methacrylic anhydride (MA) under photoinitiator initiation conditions, then, FA-MA was amino-activated by EDC/NHC, and vancomycin was attached to FA-MA via amide bonding to prepare FA-MA-Van hydrogels, and finally, the composite hydrogel microspheres were prepared by microfluidic technology. The structure of the hydrogel was confirmed by SEM (elemental analysis), optical microscopy, FTIR, and XPS to confirm the successful preparation. The composite hydrogel microspheres showed the better antimicrobial effect of hydrogel microspheres by bacterial coated plate experiments and SEM morphology results, with the antimicrobial class reaching 99.8%. The results of immunofluorescence staining and X-ray experiments showed that the hydrogel microspheres had a better effect on promoting bone repair. This engineered design of hydrogel microspheres provides clinical significance for treating osteomyelitis at a later stage.

Abstract Background The role of Klotho as a multifunctional protein in anemia is unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between anemia and serum Klotho concentrations in middle-aged and elderly populations. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2016. A total of 13,357 individuals who received serum Klotho measurements, biochemical tests, and demographic surveys were analyzed. Multivariate linear regression models adjusting for covariates were used to investigate the associations between anemia and serum Klotho. Results Multivariable regression showed that serum Klotho correlates positively with hemoglobin and red blood cells and inversely with red cell distribution width. After adjusting for all covariates, compared with Q4, there was a significantly increased risk of anemia in serum Klotho quartiles 1 to 2 (OR=1.54, 95% CI:1.21-1.95, P=0.002; OR=1.30, 95% CI:1.02-1.64, P=0.042,respectively). Segmented regression showed that for every 100 pg/mL increase in serum Klotho

Abstract Background Although antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti‐SSA and anti‐Ro52, are present in immunoglobulin preparations, it is unknown whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy influences the testing of serum autoantibodies in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The present study aimed to investigate the dynamic change over time of serum ANA‐related autoantibodies in patients with CTDs receiving IVIG therapy. Methods Serum ANA‐related autoantibodies were monitored in two patients with CTD before IVIG therapy and at different times after therapy. These autoantibodies were tested in different batches of immunoglobulin preparations from seven pharmaceutical companies. Results One patient developed a new ANA pattern (cytoplasmic dense fine speckled pattern, AC‐19) just after IVIG therapy. Both patients developed de novo positivity for AMA‐M2 and anti‐SSA, but returned negative 1 month after IVIG therapy. The residual liquid in patients' immunoglobulin preparations showed positive ANAs with a high titer of AC‐19 (1:640), a low titer of the nuclear fine speckled pattern (AC‐4, 1:80), positive AMA‐M2, and positive anti‐SSA. ANA‐related autoantibodies were tested in 16 batches of immunoglobulin preparations and all had positive ANAs with two patterns: AC‐19 (1:640 or 1:320) and AC‐4 (1:80). AMA‐M2 and anti‐SSA were positive in 100% of the batches. Conclusion Our study highlights high‐titer AMA‐M2 autoantibodies in immunoglobulin preparations and suggests their transient transfer into a patient's circulation via IVIG therapy. To avoid incorrect clinical decisions based on postinfusion antibody titers, our data recommend retesting 1–2 months after high‐dose IVIG immunomodulatory treatment.

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common prerequisite of acute renal injury (AKI) that involves the entire system and induces critical illness. The C domain of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1C) plays an important role in promoting angiogenesis and enhancing the inflammatory response. However, given the shortcomings of its short half-life and poor stability, the application of IGF-1C is restricted. In the present study, IGF-1C nanoparticles (NP-IGF-1C) were constructed by combining 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[maleimide (polye thyleneglycol)](DSPE-PEG-MAL) and IGF-1C through a Michael addition reaction to evaluate the effects of NP-IGF-1C on preventing IRI. In vitro studies have shown that NP-IGF-1C is not cytotoxic and protects cells from oxidative damage. The renal enrichment and biocompatibility of NP-IGF-1C were determined in vivo by connecting fluorescent molecules to NP-IGF-1C for in vivo imaging and pathological staining of important organs. After IRI, renal function decreased, and inflammatory cell infiltration, oxidative stress and apoptosis increased. As expected, NP-IGF-1C reversed these changes, indicating that NP-IGF-1C played a protective role in the process of IRI, which may be mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activities.

IntroductionGiven the importance of parent involvement to students' academic achievement, researchers have used a variety of methods to investigate the relationship between the two, but few focus on the relationship between parental homework involvement and students' achievement in a specific subject by using meta-analysis. This meta-analysis investigated the relationship between parent homework involvement and students' mathematics achievement from two dimensions: supportive (SPI) and intrusive parent homework involvement (IPI), along with their moderators.MethodsAccessed through Web of Science, Taylor and Francis Online, EBSCO, Springer Link, Elsevier, and ProQuest databases, a total of 20 empirical studies between 2005 to 2022, 41 independent effect sizes were included (N = 16,338). Effect size estimations were obtained by transforming Fisher's correlation coefficient. This study has conducted the heterogeneity tests of the magnitudes grouped according to different moderators, and investigated the publication bias that affects meta-analysis studies.Results and discussionThe results showed an overall positive link between SPI and students' mathematics achievement (r = 0.076, 95% CI = [0.037, 0.114]) and a negative link between IPI and students' mathematics achievement (r = −0.153, 95% CI = [−0.226, −0.079]). For the link of SPI and students' mathematics achievement, the effect sizes were (a) strongest when SPI was measured by autonomy support, followed by content support and provision of structure respectively; (b) stronger when students' mathematics achievement indicated by non-standardized measurement than standardized measurement. For the link of IPI and students' mathematics achievement, the effect sizes varied across grade level, strongest in high school, followed by middle school and lowest in primary school. These findings provide important implications for how to improve parental homework involvement practice to increase students' mathematics achievement.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can colonize plant root surfaces or form biofilms to promote plant growth and enhance plant resistance to harsh external environments. However, plant–PGPR interactions, especially chemical signaling molecules, are poorly understood. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the rhizosphere interaction mechanisms between PGPR and tomato plants. This study found that inoculation with a certain concentration of Pseudomonas stutzeri significantly promoted tomato growth and induced significant changes in tomato root exudates. Furthermore, the root exudates significantly induced NRCB010 growth, swarming motility, and biofilm formation. In addition, the composition of the root exudates was analyzed, and four metabolites (methyl hexadecanoate, methyl stearate, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and n-hexadecanoic acid) significantly related to the chemotaxis and biofilm formation of NRCB010 were screened. Further assessment showed that these metabolites positively affected the growth, swarming motility, chemotaxis, or biofilm formation of strain NRCB010. Among these, n-hexadecanoic acid induced the most remarkable growth, chemotactic response, biofilm formation, and rhizosphere colonization. This study will help develop effective PGPR-based bioformulations to improve PGPR colonization and crop yields.

Abstract Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) causes the vast proportion of excess mortality for patients with diabetes. Novel therapeutic approaches slowing down its incidence is still lacking. Psoralen is the major active ingredient of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (PCL), which was used to treat a number of diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether psoralen could alleviate DN using in vitro model. Methods Cell viability assay and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the effect of psoralen on high glucose (HG)-stimulated human kidney HK-2 cells (48 h). RT-qPCR was used to detect the expressions of miRNA in cells. Cell transfection, apoptosis assay, inflammatory cytokines detection and Western blot were further performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results HG-induced toxicity of HK-2 cells was alleviated by psoralen. Meanwhile, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation induced by HG in HK-2 cells were also decreased by psoralen. In addition, the expression of miR-874 in HK-2 cells was significantly upregulated by psoralen. Western blot assays indicated that psoralen could reverse HG-induced increase of TLR-4/NF-κB and Smad2 via upregulation of miR-874. Conclusion This study demonstrated that psoralen could significantly alleviate HG-induced HK-2 cell injury via upregulation of miR-874. In addition, HG-induced increase of TLR-4/NF-κB and Smad2 was revered by psoralen. Therefore, psoralen might serve as an agent for the treatment of DN.

Abstract Background In patients with diabetes mellitus, the urinary microalbumin-to-urine creatinine ratio (UACR) can not only predict the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy but also can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and renal function damage. Current studies on subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and UACR are mainly cross-sectional studies, and the results suggest that SCH is an independent risk factor for UACR. To further explore the longitudinal effect of SCH on UACR, we carried out this study. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including 46 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and SCH in the Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2013 to April 2018. At the same time, 96 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and euthyroid were chosen according to 1:2 approximately matched with age, sex and duration of diabetes mellitus. Univariate analysis, stratified analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to investigate the effect of SCH on ΔUACR(ΔUACR = UACR after 1 year - baseline UACR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results There was no significant difference between the baseline UACR, (p > 0.05). However, the ΔUACR was significantly higher in SCH group than euthyroid group, as shown by univariate analysis, stratified analysis and multiple linear regression analysis (β:-1.071, 95% CI: − 1.713--0.428), and the difference was statistically significant (all p

Developing a facile and environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of nanostructured Ni(OH)2 electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor applications is a great challenge. In this work, we report an extremely simple route to prepare a Ni(OH)2 nanopetals network by immersing Ni nanofoam in water. A binder-free composite electrode, consisting of Ni(OH)2 nanopetals network, Ni nanofoam interlayer and Ni-based metallic glass matrix (Ni(OH)2/Ni-NF/MG) with sandwich structure and good flexibility, was designed and finally achieved. Microstructure and morphology of the Ni(OH)2 nanopetals were characterized. It is found that the Ni(OH)2 nanopetals interweave with each other and grow vertically on the surface of Ni nanofoam to form an “ion reservoir”, which facilitates the ion diffusion in the electrode reaction. Electrochemical measurements show that the Ni(OH)2/Ni-NF/MG electrode, after immersion in water for seven days, reveals a high volumetric capacitance of 966.4 F/cm3 at a current density of 0.5 A/cm3. The electrode immersed for five days exhibits an excellent cycling stability (83.7% of the initial capacity after 3000 cycles at a current density of 1 A/cm3). Furthermore, symmetric supercapacitor (SC) devices were assembled using ribbons immersed for seven days and showed a maximum volumetric energy density of ca. 32.7 mWh/cm3 at a power density of 0.8 W/cm3, and of 13.7 mWh/cm3 when the power density was increased to 2 W/cm3. The fully charged SC devices could light up a red LED. The work provides a new idea for the synthesis of nanostructured Ni(OH)2 by a simple approach and ultra-low cost, which largely extends the prospect of commercial application in flexible or wearable devices.

Abstract We present a randomly disordered silica-air optical fiber featuring a 28.5% air filling fraction in the structured region, and low attenuation below 1 dB per meter at visible wavelengths. The quality of images transported through this fiber is shown to be comparable to, or even better than, that of images sent through commercial multicore imaging fiber. We demonstrate robust high-quality optical image transfer through 90 cm-long fibers with disordered silica-air structure, more than an order of magnitude improvement compared to previous disordered fiber imaging distances. The effects of variations of wavelength and feature size on transported image quality are investigated experimentally.

Background/Aims: Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a potentially life-threatening condition that results from the breakdown of muscle and consequent release of toxic compounds into circulation. The most common and severe complication of RM is acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (Cur-NP) for treatment of RM-induced AKI. Methods: Curcumin-NP was synthesized using the nanocarrier distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG) to achieve a prolonged and constant drug release profile compared with the curcumin-free group. The anti-AKI effects of Curcumin-NP were examined both in vitro (myoglobin-treated renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells) and in vivo (glycerol-induced AKI model). Results: Our results indicated that Curcumin-NP reversed oxidative stress, growth inhibition and cell apoptosis accompanied with down-regulation of apoptotic markers Caspase-3 and GRP-78 in vitro. In vivo studies revealed enhanced AKI treatment efficacy with Curcumin-NP as characterized by reduced serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatinine (Cr) and urea and less severe histological damage in renal tubules. In addition, kidney tissues from Curcumin-NP-treated AKI rats exhibited reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cleaved Capase-3 and GRP-78 expression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nanoparticle-loaded curcumin enhances treatment efficacy for RM-induced AKI both in vitro and in vivo.

To explore the pharmacological mechanism of naringin (NRG) in renal fibrosis (RF) based on network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation. We used databases to screen for the targets of NRG and RF. The “drug-disease network” was established using Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of targets were performed using Metascape, and molecular docking was performed using Schrödinger. We established an RF model in both mice and cells to validate the results of network pharmacology. After screening the database, we identified 222 common targets of NRG and RF and established a target network. Molecular docking showed that the target AKT had a good interaction with NRG. We found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway was enriched by multiple targets and served as a target for experimental validation through GO and KEGG. The results revealed that NRG ameliorated renal dysfunction, reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines, decreased the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and Fn, and recovered the expression of E-cad by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our study used pharmacological analysis to predict the targets and mechanisms of NRG against RF. Furthermore, experiments proved that NRG inhibited RF effectively by targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]