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This review aimed to determine the therapeutic effects and safety of oral curcumin compared with other comparators for human health and wellbeing outcomes. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to 18 June 2024. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 checklist, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system were used to assess the methodological and evidence quality for each meta-analysis, respectively. The results are presented in a narrative review. We included 25 studies. The overall methodological quality was relatively poor, and there is considerable room for improvement. The findings suggest that curcumin has potentially positive effects on lipid profiles, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, musculoskeletal diseases, emotional and cognitive function, ulcerative colitis, liver and kidney function, primary dysmenorrhea or premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, COVID-19, painful statues, and HR-QOL. However, for many diseases, the conclusions remain uncertain. The available evidence suggests that curcumin is a safe medicinal agent that improves multiple clinical outcomes; however, the scientific quality of published studies needs to be improved.

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of blindness worldwide, and its prevalence rate is constantly rising. More in-depth exploration of its risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms is needed. Methods This study systematically identified potential therapeutic targets for DR by evaluating causal effects of 16,989 genes and 2,923 proteins on DR/subtypes via two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), validated with colocalization/Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2010 cross-sectional data (weighted logistic/Restricted cubic spline (RCS)) pinpointed key risk factors; MR explored their links to DR subtypes. Bioinformatics (bulk and single-cell transcriptomics) analyzed molecular mechanisms of shared targets (gene expression, immune infiltration, pathway enrichment). Machine learning selected key targets for models. Finally, two-step mediation MR examined how targets regulate DR via risk factors. Results This study identified 64 core targets with causal links to DR. Subtype analysis revealed 2,128 causal genes and subtype-specific targets (e.g. 52 for background DR, 66 for proliferative DR). SMR validated these findings. NHANES data highlighted body mass index (BMI), stroke, hypertension (HBP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as key DR risk factors, confirmed by MR. Transcriptomics identified 29 differentially expressed genes associated with both risk factors and DR, linked to immune cell regulation. Machine learning selected core targets ( LY9 , WWP2 , etc.) and built a nomogram for DR risk prediction. Functional enrichment showed these targets enriched in chemokine/cytokine and immune-inflammatory pathways. Two-step mediation MR further revealed LY9, ARHGAP1, and WWP2 influence DR subtypes via regulating BMI, CRP, and HBP. Conclusion This study systematically elucidates the key risk factors, potential molecular mechanisms, and core regulatory targets of DR through multi-omics integration, causal inference, and bioinformatics approaches. The results indicate that inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic disorders play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DR. Key genes such as LY9, ARHGAP1, and WWP2 could serve as potential intervention targets, offering theoretical foundations and strategic support for early warning and precision treatment of DR.

Aiming at the salvo-attack problem of multiple missiles, a distributed cooperative guidance law based on the event-triggered mechanism is proposed, which enables missiles with large differences in spatial location and velocity to achieve simultaneous attacks with only a few dozen information exchanges. It effectively reduces the generation of control commands and communication frequency, thereby reducing channel load and improving communication efficiency and reliability. Compared to traditional periodic sampling communication, the number of communications has been reduced by over 90%. The guidance process is divided into two stages. The first stage is the cooperative guidance stage, where missiles achieve consensus of the time-to-go estimates through information exchange. In this stage, each missile is designed with an event-triggered function based on its own state error, and the missile only updates and transmits its information in the communication network when the error meets the set threshold, effectively reducing the occupancy rate of missile-borne resources during the cooperation process. The second stage is the independent guidance stage, where missiles can hit the target simultaneously while keeping the communication network silent. This is achieved by ensuring that the time-to-go estimates of missiles can represent the real time-to-go after achieving consensus. By the design of the two-stage guidance law and the replacement of the event-triggered function, the cooperative guidance system can be ensured to remain stable in scenarios where the leader missile is present and destroyed, and this excludes Zeno behavior. The stability of the cooperative guidance law is rigorously proved by algebraic graph theory, matrix theory, and the Lyapunov method. Finally, the numerical simulation results demonstrate the validity of the algorithm and the correctness of the stability analysis.

Several studies have established a clear link between serum selenium levels and various health outcomes. However, to date, only a few studies have found an association between serum selenium levels and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The exact link between them is unclear. We collected data from different patient populations. Data from 645 adults, collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2016, were analyzed. The association between serum selenium levels and the incidence of DR was assessed using binary logistic regression. Subgroup analysis, smoothed curve-fitting analysis, and propensity score weighting were used to investigate the association further. According to the multivariate analysis, there was no statistically significant linear association between serum selenium levels and the probability of developing DR (  > 0.05). Segmented regression analysis, however, showed that the chance of developing DR was considerably lower when selenium levels reached the threshold of 106.8 μg/L (OR = 0.88,  = 0.0107). A U-shaped curve represents the link between serum selenium levels and DR. The incidence of DR is elevated in individuals with serum selenium levels that are either higher or lower than the optimal range.

The composition of skeletal muscle fiber types is a crucial determinant of meat quality in livestock. While the transition from embryonic to mature fiber types is known to occur during late gestation, the precise temporal dynamics and molecular mechanisms underlying this process in sheep remain poorly understood. A comprehensive, multi-technique approach is needed to elucidate the critical developmental transitions in myofiber specification. We systematically investigated muscle fiber type differentiation in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of sheep fetuses at 85, 105, 115, and 135 days of gestation (D85-D135) using an integrated approach combining histological (ATPase staining), protein biochemical (SDS-PAGE and Western blotting), and transcriptomic (RNA-seq) analyses. This multi-omics strategy enabled comprehensive characterization of fiber type composition, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression, and associated molecular pathways. Our findings revealed distinct stage-specific developmental patterns. Prior to D105, the number of muscle fibres increased progressively, with fibres predominantly expressing embryonic (MHC-emb) and neonatal (MHC-neo) isoforms. After D105, fibre numbers stabilized and underwent maturation, transitioning to predominantly type I, IIA, and IIB fibres, with type IIA fibres becoming the most abundant (61.2%) by D135. Transcriptome analysis identified D105 as a critical transition point, characterized by the significant downregulation of MYH3 (MHC-emb) and MYH8 (MHC-neo), and the upregulation of mature fibre genes (MYH7, MYH2, and MYH4). Concurrently, we observed increased expression of oxidative metabolism genes (COX7A1, NDUFB6) and enhanced aerobic metabolic capacity in maturing fibers. This study provides the first integrated multi-omics characterization of muscle fiber type development in late-gestation sheep, identifying D105 as a pivotal transition point in myofiber specification. Our findings reveal coordinated molecular and metabolic changes underlying the transition from embryonic to mature fibre types, with significant implications for understanding ruminant muscle development. These results establish a scientific foundation for improving meat quality through targeted molecular breeding strategies and prenatal nutritional interventions in sheep production systems.

In the present study, a magnetic adsorbent, rhein-coated magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle (RMNP), for Pb 2+ and Mg 2+ had been developed, and adsorption mechanism was studied via low-field NMR. RMNP was characterized by TEM, FTIR, and XRD. RMNP could adsorb and remove Pb 2+ and Mg 2+ from water and was successfully applied to remove Pb 2+ and Mg 2+ from wastewater, with satisfactory recovery rates and high adsorption capacities. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity for Mg 2+ and Pb 2+ was approximately 69.3 and 64.9 mg g −1 of RMNP, respectively, which was better than some results reported. Low-field NMR results showed that Pb 2+ or Mg 2+ enhanced the T 2 relaxation time of RMNP, which suggested that RMNP selectively coordinated with Pb 2+ or Mg 2+ and led to the aggregation of RMNP, furthermore removal of Pb 2+ or Mg 2+ from water. The standard curves for △T 2 -cation concentration exhibited good line correlation. The linear ranges were from 4.2 × 10 −6 to 2.0 × 10 −4 mol L −1 for Pb 2+ and from 5.0 × 10 −6 mol L −1 to 1.0 × 10 −4 mol L −1 for Mg 2+ , respectively. The limits of detection were 1.4 × 10 −6 mol L −1 for Pb 2+ and 2.1 × 10 −6 mol L −1 for Mg 2+ , respectively. In short, low-field NMR could clearly display the interaction between RMNP and Pb 2+ or Mg 2+ , even be used to detect Pb 2+ or Mg 2+ in suitable condition. Besides, this method could be expanded to study the interaction between other magnetic adsorbents and analytes.

Various regulators coregulate muscle development in animals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators that participate in multiple aspects of myofiber formation. Method: To identify key miRNAs and target genes associated with muscle development, embryos or longissimus dorsi of Chinese Merino sheep were collected for whole-transcriptome sequencing across 11 gestation periods: 26 days (D26), D29, D32, D35, D40, D45, D55, D75, D85, D105, and D135. The functions of key miRNAs and target genes were determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and Immunofluorescence staining. A total of 284 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were screened by comparing the transcriptome data across all 11 periods. DE-miRNAs were divided into two developmental stages (stage A and stage B) based on heat map clustering analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DE-miRNAs in stage A were closely related to myofiber formation, whereas those in stage B were closely related to myofiber growth and maturation. Differential expression and functional enrichment analysis of target genes of DE-miRNAs obtained from stage A revealed the target relationships between 159 DE-miRNAs and 21 differentially expressed target genes associated with myofiber formation. In vitro assays revealed that myoblast differentiation and myotube formation were significantly inhibited by MYH3 knockdown via siMYH3 and that novel-miR-766 targets and decreases the expression of MYH3. In addition, the expression levels of marker genes related to myoblast differentiation and myofiber types were altered after the overexpression and inhibition of novel-miR-766 in sheep myoblasts. This research not only elucidates the core temporal expression patterns of miRNAs but also suggests that novel-miR-766 influences myoblast differentiation and myofiber-type formation. This provides an important theoretical foundation for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate myofiber development.

Background/Aims: Accumulating evidences have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play important roles in hepatic lipid metabolism in mammals. However, no systematic screening of the potential lncRNAs in the livers of laying hens has been performed, and few studies have been reported concerning the effects of the lncRNAs on lipid metabolism in the livers of chickens during egg-laying period. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in lncRNA expression in the livers of pre-laying and peak-laying hens at the age of 20 and 30 weeks old by transcriptome sequencing and to investigate the interaction networks among lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs. Moreover, the regulatory mechanism and biological function of lncLTR, a significantly differentially expressed lncRNA in the liver between pre- and peak-laying hens, was explored in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify the differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs between the two groups of hens. The target genes of the DE lncRNA were predicated for further functional enrichment. An integrated analysis was performed among the DE lncRNA datasets, DE mRNAs and DE miRNA datasets obtained from the same samples to predict the interaction relationship. In addition, in vivo and in vitro trials were carried out to determine the expression regulation of lncLTR, and polymorphism association analysis was conducted to detect the biological role of ncLTR. Results: A total of 124 DE lncRNAs with a P-value ≤ 0.05 were identified. Among them, 44 lncRNAs including 30 known and 14 novel lncRNAs were significant differentially expressed (SDE) with FDR ≤ 0.05. Thirty-two lncRNAs were upregulated and 12 were downregulated in peak-laying group compared with pre-laying group. The functional enrichment results revealed that target genes of some lncRNAs are involved in the lipid metabolism process. Integrated analysis suggested that some of the genes involved in lipid metabolism might be regulated by both the lncRNA and the miRNA. In addition, an upregulated lncRNA, designated lncLTR, was demonstrated to be induced by estrogen via ERβ signaling. The c242. G>A SNP in lncLTR was significantly associated with chicken carcass weight, evisceration weight, semi-evisceration weight, head weight, double-wing weight, claw weight traits, and blood biochemical index, especially for the blood triglyceride content. Conclusion: A series of lncRNAs associated with lipid metabolism in the livers of chickens were identified by transcriptome sequencing and functional analysis, providing a valuable data resource for further studies on chicken hepatic metabolism activities. LncLTR was regulated by estrogen via ERβ signaling and associated with chicken carcass trait and blood triglyceride content.

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) are serious eye blood vessel problems usually linked to heart health issues. In this case study, a patient with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) but no traditional thrombotic or atherosclerotic risk factors experienced a rare co-occurrence of CRVO and CRAO. A formerly healthy 42-year-old man came with dark shadows in his right eye and acute-onset blurred vision. A thorough ophthalmic exam verified simultaneous CRVO and CRAO. Later, polysomnography showed moderate hypoxemia and severe OSAS. The patient received integrated traditional Chinese medicine, perfusion enhancement, and intraocular pressure lowering as part of multimodal therapy. With notable retinal edema resolution, post-treatment visual acuity returned to 20/20. Especially in patients without conventional cardiovascular risks, this case implies that OSAS might be a separate risk factor for combined CRVO and CRAO. Intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic overactivity, and hypercoagulability are probably among the underlying mechanisms. Optimizing management plans in idiopathic retinal vascular occlusions seems to depend on early OSAS screening. Moreover, this case shows the possible therapeutic benefit of combining pharmacological and conventional treatments for complicated ocular vascular disorders.

The RC shear wall under monotonie loading was analyzed with a two -dimensional model of flexibility method based on fiber, considering the axial, bending and shear effects. The calculation program to simulate a shear wall's nonlinear performance under monotonie load was programmed. The model is validated by comparing calculated values with experimental data on laboratory RC shear wall. After verifying the feasibility and the validity of the model, the factors affecting the nonlinear performance of shear wall are analyzed, such as aspect ratio, axial compression ratio, reinforcement ratio, concrete strength.