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"Chu, Shan-Shan"
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Environmental exposure during pregnancy and the risk of childhood allergic diseases
Background
Allergic diseases are one of the most common and important diseases that can exert hazardous effects on children's health. The prevalence of allergic diseases in childhood is gradually increasing all over the world in recent decades. Known causes of these diseases include anomalous immune responses and allergic inflammatory reactions, but the causes of allergic diseases in childhood are complex.
Data sources
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science were searched for articles focusing on environmental exposure during pregnancy and the risk of childhood allergic diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis, and the possible underlying mechanism.
Results
In terms of environmental factors, allergic diseases in childhood are closely related to environmental chemical exposure during pregnancy, including bisphenols, phthalates acid esters, perfluorochemicals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated biphenyls. However, allergic diseases in childhood are also closely associated with maternal dietary nutrition, maternal intake of drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), paracetamol and antibiotics, and maternal lifestyle.
Conclusions
Several harmful environmental factors during pregnancy can result in the interruption of the function of helper T cells (Th1/Th2), cytokines and immunoglobulins and may activate allergic reactions, which can lead to allergic diseases during childhood.
Journal Article
General Pathways of Pain Sensation and the Major Neurotransmitters Involved in Pain Regulation
Pain has been considered as a concept of sensation that we feel as a reaction to the stimulus of our surrounding, putting us in harm’s way and acting as a form of defense mechanism that our body has permanently installed into its system. However, pain leads to a huge chunk of finances within the healthcare system with continuous rehabilitation of patients with adverse pain sensations, which might reduce not only their quality of life but also their productivity at work setting back the pace of our economy. It may not look like a huge deal but factor in pain as an issue for majority of us, it becomes an economical burden. Although pain has been researched into and understood by numerous researches, from its definition, mechanism of action to its inhibition in hopes of finding an absolute solution for victims of pain, the pathways of pain sensation, neurotransmitters involved in producing such a sensation are not comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, this review article aims to put in place a thorough understanding of major pain conditions that we experience—nociceptive, inflammatory and physiologically dysfunction, such as neuropathic pain and its modulation and feedback systems. Moreover, the complete mechanism of conduction is compiled within this article, elucidating understandings from various researches and breakthroughs.
Journal Article
Tissue-Specific Metabolite Profiling on the Different Parts of Bolting and Unbolting Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Qianhu) by Laser Microdissection Combined with UPLC-Q/TOF–MS and HPLC–DAD
Background: Qianhu is a traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought that Qianhu roots will harden after bolting and not be suitable for medicinal purposes. Bolting Qianhu and unbolting Qianhu are referred to as “Xiong Qianhu” and “Ci Qianhu,” respectively. In this study, the properties, microscopic and chemical characteristics of Ci Qianhu and Xiong Qianhu roots were compared using fluorescence microscopy, laser microdissection coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection. Results: Microscopy results showed that the area of secondary xylem in the root increased after bolting, with the cork and secretory canals showing strong fluorescence intensity. A total of 34 peaks, mostly pyranocoumarins, were identified in the tissues of Ci Qianhu and Xiong Qianhu. The secretory canals contained the highest variability of coumarins, whereas the secondary xylem contained the least coumarins. Moreover, seven coumarins, especially the pyran- coumarin, decreased after bolting. Generally, both before and after bolting, coumarin level was the highest in the bark, followed by the middle part, and the lowest in the inner part. Conclusion: Thus, it was indicated that the area of secondary xylem increased after bolting, however the coumarin variant and content decreased in the secondary xylem of Qianhu. The result shows that the quality of Qianhu decreases after bolting, which supports the viewpoint that Xiong Qianhu is not suitable for medicinal use.
Journal Article
Outcomes of hip arthroplasty in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Purpose
Hip arthroplasty in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is considered to be associated with higher mortality, perioperative complications, and worse clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroplasty in PD.
Methods
The PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for all available studies comparing the outcomes of hip arthroplasty in PD and non-PD patients. The quality of the studies was scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software.
Results
Six retrospective cohort studies with a total of 59,878 patients were included. Among them, there were 15,313 patients in the Parkinson’s group and 44,565 in the non-Parkinson’s group. Results showed that patients in the Parkinson’s group were more likely to have periprosthetic fracture (OR = 7.93, 95% CI, 1.96–32.04;
P
= 0.004), revision surgery (OR = 2.33, 95% CI, 1.37–3.98;
P
= 0.002), deep vein thrombosis (OR = 2.34, 95% CI, 1.56–3.49;
P
< 0.01), and urinary tract infection (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.20–1.49;
P
< 0.01) than those in the non-Parkinson’s group. The Parkinson’s group had a longer hospital stay (WMD = 0.38, 95% CI, 0.24–0.52;
P
< 0.01) and higher hospitalization costs (WMD = 2487.08, 95% CI, 225.99–4748.17;
P
= 0.03), but there was no significant difference in short-term postoperative mortality (OR = 1.07, 95% CI, 0.65–1.73;
P
= 0.80). Hip arthroplasty can significantly improve the function of patients with PD and reduce pain.
Conclusion
Although hip arthroplasty in patients with PD is associated with a higher revision rate and potential risk, it does not increase short-term mortality and can reduce pain, improve function, and improve quality of life. The periprosthetic fracture risk and revision rate are significantly higher and should be accounted for when deciding on operative treatment and communicated to patient with PD.
Journal Article
Biodegradable MXene‐Bamboo Cellulose Paper Electrodes for Green Wearable Sensing and Exoskeleton Control
The global rise in electronic waste highlights the urgent need for green electronics that minimize environmental impact through sustainable material selection and fabrication methods. In this work, multifunctional, biodegradable paper electrodes, designated as MXNx/B‐CP, are prepared via a simple vacuum‐assisted assembly of homogenized MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets within bamboo‐derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF). These freestanding paper electrodes offer tunable electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and low‐cost, scalable production. To enhance their stability, the electrodes are encapsulated in a breathable, porous Ecoflex layer, which imparts waterproofing while maintaining gas permeability. Strong hydrogen bonding at the MXene‐CNF interface facilitates continuous electron transport and structural integrity, yielding a nonlinear piezoresistive response with a gauge factor increasing from 3.7 to 11.42 at small strain range, alongside a strain‐adaptive Young's modulus ranging from 0.064 to 1.768 MPa. Benefiting from this synergistic design, the electrodes support a wide range of sensing applications, including bending strain detection, surface electromyography, and human‐machine interfaces for exoskeleton control while exhibiting excellent stability, low noise, and long‐term durability under repeated deformation. This innovation not only expands the potential of paper‐based electronics but also offers a scalable pathway toward sustainable, high‐performance solutions for next‐generation wearable and assistive technologies. A biodegradable, soft, and conductive MXene‐cellulose nanofiber paper electrode integrates Ti3C2Tx nanosheets into bamboo‐derived scaffolds, with a porous Ecoflex coating that imparts waterproofing and breathability. The freestanding dry electrode enables high‐fidelity EMG sensing, strain and pressure detection, and wireless control of a knee exoskeleton. Upon disposal, the material degrades oxidatively, offering a sustainable route toward scalable, eco‐friendly human‐machine interfaces.
Journal Article
Mechanism of vasorelaxation induced by 3′-hydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone in the rats aortic ring assay
Previous studies have demonstrated that 3′-hydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) content in Orthosiphon stamineus fractions correlate with its vasorelaxation activity. Even with the availability of previous studies, there is still very little information on the vasorelaxation effect of TMF, and few scientific studies have been carried out. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the vasorelaxation activity and mechanism of action of the TMF. The vasorelaxation activity and the underlying mechanisms of TMF were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Sprague Dawley rats. TMF caused the relaxation of aortic rings with endothelium pre-contracted with phenylephrine. However, the vasorelaxant effect of TMF was significantly decreased in PE-primed endothelium-denuded and potassium chloride-primed endothelium-intact aortic rings. In the presence of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, methylene blue, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, indomethacin, tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, barium chloride, atropine and propranolol, the relaxation stimulated by TMF was significantly reduced. TMF was also found to reduce Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (via IP3R) and block calcium channels (VOCC). The present study demonstrates the vasorelaxant effect of TMF involves NO/sGC/cGMP and prostacyclin pathways, calcium and potassium channels and muscarinic and beta-adrenergic receptors.
Journal Article
Vasorelaxant effect of sinensetin via the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway and potassium and calcium channels
Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (Lambiaceae) is an important traditional plant for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies have demonstrated that the sinensetin content in O. stamineus is correlated with its vasorelaxant activity. However, there is still very little information regarding the vasorelaxant effect of sinensetin due to a lack of scientific studies. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of sinensetin in vasorelaxation using an in vitro precontraction aortic ring assay. The changes in the tension of the aortic ring preparations were recorded using a force-displacement transducer and the PowerLab system. The mechanisms of the vasorelaxant effect of sinensetin were determined in the presence of antagonists. Sinensetin caused relaxation of the aortic ring precontracted with PE in the presence and absence of the endothelium and with potassium chloride in endothelium-intact aortic rings. In the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), methylene blue (cyclic guanosine monophosphate lowering agent), ODQ (selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), indomethacin (a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), tetraethylammonium (nonselective calcium activator K
channel blocker), 4-aminopyridine (voltage-dependent K
channel blocker), barium chloride (inwardly rectifying K
channel blocker), glibenclamide (nonspecific ATP-sensitive K
channel blocker), atropine (muscarinic receptor blocker), or propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor blocker), the relaxation stimulated by sinensetin was significantly reduced. Sinensetin was also active in reducing Ca
release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (via IP
R) and in blocking calcium channels (VOCC). The present study demonstrates the vasorelaxant effect of sinensetin, which involves the NO/sGC/cGMP and indomethacin pathways, calcium and potassium channels, and muscarinic and beta-adrenergic receptors.
Journal Article
The Association between Dapagliflozin Use and the Risk of Post-Contrast Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dapagliflozin in preventing post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who underwent an elective coronary procedure. Methods: Data of patients with T2DM and CKD undergoing an elective coronary procedure at Civil Aviation General Hospital from October 2020 to April 2023 were collected from the electronic medical records. Based on dapagliflozin usage, patients were classified as dapagliflozin users and nonusers. 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity matching was performed to compare dapagliflozin users with nonusers. The primary endpoint was the first PC-AKI observed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression models were used to determine the independent risk/preventive factors for PC-AKI. Thereafter, subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the interaction between subgroup and dapagliflozin usage. Changes in the serum creatinine (SCr) and cystatin C (CysC) levels were monitored at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the procedure. Results: 256 pairs (256 dapagliflozin users in the dapagliflozin group and 256 dapagliflozin nonusers in the control group) were identified in the cohort. The incidence of PC-AKI in dapagliflozin group (10.9%) was lower than that in control group (22.3%). COX regression analyses showed that dapagliflozin use was associated with a lower risk of PC-AKI (HR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.95, p = 0.01) after adjustment for covariates. In the subgroup analyses, similar HRs of the dapagliflozin usage on the PC-AKI outcome were observed in patients across different patients’ characteristics which revealed its consistent benefit of preventing PC-AKI. The estimated glomerular filtration rate levels at post-48 h and 72 h were significant higher in the dapagliflozin group than those in the control group, while levels of SCr (post-48 h and 72 h) and CysC (post-24 h and 48 h) in the dapagliflozin group were lower compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest dapagliflozin effectively decreases PC-AKI risk and exerts reno-protective effects in patients with T2DM and CKD undergoing an elective coronary procedure.
Journal Article
Peony-like magnetic graphene oxide/Fe3O4/BiOI nanoflower as a novel photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B and Methylene blue dyes
Novel peony-like magnetic graphene oxide (GO)/Fe
3
O
4
/BiOI nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through a facile method and characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, UV–Vis DRS, BET, FT-IR, and Raman spectra, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation potentiality of GO/Fe
3
O
4
/BiOI nanoflowers towards organic dyes Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB) was demonstrated under the visible-light illumination. Among these samples, GOFB-4 (
n
Fe
:
n
Bi
= 4:1) possessed the best photocatalytic activity, it could decompose nearly 99.2% of RhB within 80 min and 91.4% of MB within 170 min. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were the two mainly reactive species of GO/Fe
3
O
4
/BiOI to degrade RhB and MB under the visible-light irradiation. Furthermore, the photodegradation activity of GOFB-4 nanocomposites against RhB and MB exhibited little loss after five recycles, indicating the essential stability of the photocatalyst.
Journal Article