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JMIR Research Protocols Jun 2024Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) persistently impairs cognition and the ability to perform activities of daily living, seriously compromising patients' quality of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) persistently impairs cognition and the ability to perform activities of daily living, seriously compromising patients' quality of life. Previous studies have reported that disorders of serum iron metabolism and iron deposition in the brain can lead to inflammation, abnormal protein aggregation and degeneration, and massive neuronal apoptosis in the central nervous system, which in turn leads to a progressive decline in cognitive processes. Our previous clinical studies have found acupuncture to be a safe and effective intervention for treating VCI, but the specific mechanisms require further exploration.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture and to investigate whether it can improve VCI by regulating brain iron deposition and body iron metabolism.
METHODS
In total, 42 patients with VCI and 21 healthy individuals will participate in this clinical trial. The 42 patients with VCI will be randomized into acupuncture and control groups, while the 21 healthy individuals will be in the healthy control group. Both the control and acupuncture groups will receive conventional medical treatment and cognitive rehabilitation training. In addition, the acupuncture group will receive electroacupuncture treatment with Tongdu Xingshen for 30 minutes each time, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, the healthy control group will not receive any intervention. All 3 groups will undergo baseline assessments of brain iron deposition, serum iron metabolism, and neuropsychological tests after enrollment. The acupuncture and control groups will be evaluated again at the end of 4 weeks of treatment, as described earlier. By comparing neuropsychological test scores between groups, we will examine the efficacy of Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture in treating VCI. Additionally, we will test the correlations between neuropsychological test scores, brain iron deposition, and body iron metabolism indexes to explore the possible mechanisms of Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture in treating VCI.
RESULTS
Participants are currently being recruited. The first participant was enrolled in June 2023, which marked the official start of the experiment. As of the submission of the paper, there were 23 participants. The recruitment process is expected to continue until June 2025, at which point the processing and analysis of data will begin. As of May 15, 2024, up to 30 people have been enrolled in this clinical trial.
CONCLUSIONS
This study will provide data on the effects of Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture on cerebral iron deposition as well as somatic iron metabolism in patients with VCI. These results will help to prove whether Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture can improve VCI by regulating brain iron deposition and body iron metabolism, which will provide the clinical and theoretical basis for the wide application of acupuncture therapy in VCI rehabilitation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
China Clinical Registration Agency ChiCTR2300072188; https://tinyurl.com/5fcydtkv.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/56484.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Iron; Brain; Cognitive Dysfunction; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38885500
DOI: 10.2196/56484 -
PloS One 2024In this study, a simple calcination route was adopted to prepare hausmannite Mn3O4 nanoparticles using rice powder as soft bio-template. Prepared Mn3O4 was characterized...
In this study, a simple calcination route was adopted to prepare hausmannite Mn3O4 nanoparticles using rice powder as soft bio-template. Prepared Mn3O4 was characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Solid state UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. Mn-O stretching in tetrahedral site was confirmed by FTIR and Raman spectra. % of Mn and O content supported Mn3O4 formation. The crystallinity and grain size was found to be 68.76% and 16.43 nm, respectively; tetragonal crystal system was also cleared by XRD. TEM clarified the planes of crystal formed which supported the XRD results and BET demonstrated mesoporous nature of prepared Mn3O4 having low pore volume. Low optical band gap of 3.24 eV of prepared Mn3O4 nanoparticles indicated semiconductor property and was used as cathode material to fabricate CR-2032 coin cell of Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Ion Battery (ARZIB). A reversible cyclic voltammogram (CV) showed good zinc ion storage performance. Low cell resistance was confirmed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The coin cell delivered high specific discharge capacity of 240.75 mAhg-1 at 0.1 Ag-1 current density. The coulombic efficiency was found to be 99.98%. It also delivered excellent capacity retention 94.45% and 64.81% after 300 and 1000 charge-discharge cycles, respectively. This work offers a facile and cost effective approach for preparing cathode material of ARZIBs.
Topics: Oryza; Manganese Compounds; Electric Power Supplies; Zinc; Oxides; Powders; Nanoparticles; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38885268
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305611 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to develop a novel Gelatin silver oxide material for releasing nitric oxide bionanocomposite wound dressing with enhanced mechanical, chemical, and...
This study aimed to develop a novel Gelatin silver oxide material for releasing nitric oxide bionanocomposite wound dressing with enhanced mechanical, chemical, and antibacterial properties for the treatment of diabetic wounds. The gelatin- silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O-NP) bio nanocomposite was prepared using chitosan and gelatin polymers incorporated with silver oxide nanoparticles through the freeze-drying method. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Results showed that the Ag2O-NP nanoparticles increased porosity, decreased pore size, and improved elastic modulus. The Ag2O-NP wound dressing exhibited the most effective antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Among the samples, the wound dressing containing silver oxide nanoparticles demonstrated superior physical and mechanical properties, with 48% porosity, a tensile strength of 3.2 MPa, and an elastic modulus of 51.7 MPa. The fabricated wound dressings had a volume ratio of empty space to total volume ranging from 40% to 60%. In parallel, considering the complications of diabetes and its impact on the vascular system, another aspect of the research focused on developing a per2mediated wound dressing capable of releasing nitric oxide gas to regenerate damaged vessels and accelerate diabetic wound healing. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was selected as the substrate for the wound dressing, and beta-glycerophosphate (GPβ), tripolyphosphate (TPP), and per2mediated alginate (AL) were used as crosslinkers. The chitosan-alginate (CS-AL) wound dressing exhibited optimal characteristics in terms of hole count and uniformity in the scanning electron microscope test. It also demonstrated superior water absorption (3854%) and minimal air permeability. Furthermore, the CS-AL sample exhibited an 80% degradation rate after 14 days, indicating its suitability as a wound dressing. The wound dressing was loaded with S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) powder, and the successful release of nitric oxide gas was confirmed through the grease test, showing a peak at a wavelength of 540 nm. Subsequent investigations revealed that the treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with high glucose led to a decrease in the expression of PER2 and SIRT1, while the expression of PER2 increased, which may subsequently enhance the expression of SIRT1 and promote cell proliferation activity. However, upon treatment of the cells with the modified materials, an increase in the expression of PER2 and SIRT1 was observed, resulting in a partial restoration of cell proliferative activity. This comprehensive study successfully developed per2-mediated bio-nanocomposite wound dressings with improved physical, mechanical, chemical, and antibacterial properties. The incorporation of silver oxide nanoparticles enhanced the antimicrobial activity, while the released nitric oxide gas from the dressing demonstrated the ability to mitigate vascular endothelial cell damage induced by high glucose levels. These advancements show promising potential for facilitating the healing process of diabetic wounds by addressing complications associated with diabetes and enhancing overall wound healing.
Topics: Gelatin; Wound Healing; Nitric Oxide; Bandages; Silver Compounds; Humans; Escherichia coli; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcus aureus; Chitosan; Metal Nanoparticles; Porosity; Diabetic Foot; Nanoparticles; Oxides
PubMed: 38885218
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298124 -
Research Square Jun 2024The synthesis of water-soluble nanoparticles is a well-developed field for ferrite-based nanoparticles with the majority consisting of iron oxide or mixed metal iron...
The synthesis of water-soluble nanoparticles is a well-developed field for ferrite-based nanoparticles with the majority consisting of iron oxide or mixed metal iron oxide nanoparticles. However, the synthesis of non-agglomerated non-ferrite metal/metal oxide NPs is not as well established. The synthesis and characterization of uniform 20 nm, biologically compatible cobalt oxide (CoO) nanoparticles (NPs) is described. These nanoparticles have two principle components: 1) a CoO core of suitable size to contain enough cobalt atoms to be visualized by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and 2) a robust coating that inhibits NP aggregation as well as renders them water-soluble and biocompatible (i.e. stealth coatings). Stable cobalt oxide NPs are obtained with octadecyl amine coatings as reported by Bhattacharjee. Two strategies for solubilizing these NPs in water were investigated with varying degrees of success. Exchanging the octadecyl amine coating for a nitrodopamine anchored PEG coating yielded the desired water-soluble NPs but in very low yield. Alternately, leaving the octadecyl amine coating on the NP and interdigitating this with a maleic anhydride-vinyl copolymer with different hydrophobic sidechains followed by opening the maleic anhydride ring with amine substituted PEG polymers (the water solubilizing component), yielded the desired water soluble NPS were obtained in good yield. Characterization data for the nanoparticles and the components of the coatings required for bioorthogonal reactions to ligate them with biotargeting agents are also described.
PubMed: 38883752
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4312367/v1 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024The difficulties in attaining effective antibiotic therapy arising from the multidrug resistance of Gram-negative bacilli compel the exploration of new possibilities for...
BACKGROUND
The difficulties in attaining effective antibiotic therapy arising from the multidrug resistance of Gram-negative bacilli compel the exploration of new possibilities for synergistic interactions among existing antibiotics.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
An analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of two antibiotic therapy regimens in the treatment of infections caused by strains producing carbapenemases (MBL). Two patient groups were considered: Group A - individuals in whom the treatment of infection involved the application of ceftazidime-avibactam in combination with aztreonam. Group B comprised patients subjected to an alternative antibiotic therapy regimen.
RESULTS
In the group subjected to the treatment regimen involving ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam, as compared to alternative antibiotic combinations, a statistically lower mortality rate during the course of treatment and a faster clinical response to the administered therapy were evident.
CONCLUSION
The results obtained may be applicable to routine in vitro assays performed and serve as valuable guidance for the potential utilization of the positive effect of antibiotic therapy through the synergy between ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam. The selection of antibiotics employed in the therapy of invasive infections caused by influences the ultimate treatment outcome.
PubMed: 38882656
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S459695 -
Biochemia Medica Jun 2024This case report describes a case of pseudonormokalemia, true hypokalemia. Often, only laboratory values outside the normal range gain attention and false normal results...
This case report describes a case of pseudonormokalemia, true hypokalemia. Often, only laboratory values outside the normal range gain attention and false normal results are at risk of not being noticed. However, a disease state may be masked by another pathological process. Here, a 50-year old male was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine due to sepsis from a dental infection. Initially, serum potassium measurement revealed a normal value of 4 mmol/L (reference interval 3.8-5.1 mmol/L). Thrombocyte number was above 500x10/L. Due to our policy to recommend a repeated measurement of potassium in whole blood or heparin plasma if a patient has thrombocytosis, pseudonormokalemia was identified because the heparin plasma potassium value was only 2.9 mmol/L (reference interval 3.5-4.8 mmol/L). The physiological difference between serum and plasma concentration is no more than 0.3 mmol/L. In this case, potassium concentration were falsely elevated in the serum sample, probably caused by the high number of platelets releasing potassium during clotting. Interpretative comments in patients with thrombocytosis over 500x10/L recommending plasma potassium measurement are helpful. The best way to eliminate pseudohyperkalemia and pseudonormokalemia phenomena caused by thrombocytosis is to completely change towards heparin plasma as the standard material.
Topics: Humans; Male; Potassium; Middle Aged; Hypokalemia; Thrombocytosis
PubMed: 38882587
DOI: 10.11613/BM.2024.021002 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials resulting from the coordination of metal clusters or ions with organic ligands, merging macromolecular and... (Review)
Review
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials resulting from the coordination of metal clusters or ions with organic ligands, merging macromolecular and coordination chemistry features. Among these, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) stands out as a widely utilized MOF known for its robust stability in aqueous environments owing to the robust interaction between its constituent zinc ions (Zn) and 2-methylimidazole (2-MIM). ZIF-8 readily decomposes under acidic conditions, serving as a promising candidate for pH-responsive drug delivery systems. Moreover, biomimetic materials typically possess good biocompatibility, reducing immune reactions. By mimicking natural structures or surface features within the body, they enhance the targeting of nanoparticles, prolong their circulation time, and increase their bioavailability in vivo. This review explores the latest advancements in biomimetic ZIF-8 nanoparticles for drug delivery, elucidating the primary obstacles and future prospects in utilizing ZIF-8 for drug delivery applications.
Topics: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Humans; Biomimetic Materials; Zeolites; Nanoparticles; Drug Delivery Systems; Imidazoles; Animals; Zinc; Biomimetics; Drug Carriers; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38882544
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S462480 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024Cesium-based lead-free double perovskite materials (CsAgBiBr) have garnered significant attention in the X-ray detection field due to their environment friendly...
Cesium-based lead-free double perovskite materials (CsAgBiBr) have garnered significant attention in the X-ray detection field due to their environment friendly characteristics. However, their substantial ion migration properties lead to large dark currents and detection limits in CsAgBiBr-based X-ray detectors, restricting the detection performance of the device. In terms of process technology, ultrasonic spraying is more suitable than a spin-coating method for fabricating large-area, micron-scale perovskite thick films, with higher cost-effectiveness, which is crucial for X-ray detection. This work introduces a BA (BA = CHCHCHCHNH , -butyl) source into the precursor solution and employs ultrasonic spraying to fabricate quasi-two-dimensional structured polycrystalline (BA)CsAgBiBr perovskite thick films, developing a low-cost, eco-friendly X-ray detector with low dark current density and low detection limit. Characterization results reveal that the ion migration activation energy of (BA)CsAgBiBr reaches 419 meV, approximately 17% higher than that of traditional three-dimensional perovskites, effectively suppressing perovskite ion migration and subsequently reducing the dark current. The (BA)CsAgBiBr-based X-ray detectors exhibit high resistivity (about 1.75 × 10 Ω cm), low dark current density (66 nA cm), minimal dark current drift (0.016 pA cm s V), and detection limit (138 nGy s), holding considerable promise for applications in low-noise, low-dose X-ray detection.
PubMed: 38882481
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02606c -
RSC Advances Jun 2024We investigated the effects of chitosan (CS) on the hydrogen adsorption and reversibility of hierarchical carbon scaffold (HCS) loaded with Ni nanoparticles. As...
We investigated the effects of chitosan (CS) on the hydrogen adsorption and reversibility of hierarchical carbon scaffold (HCS) loaded with Ni nanoparticles. As size-controllable, stabilizing, and shape-directing agents for the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles of CS, Ni nanoparticles with uniform distribution and shape are deposited onto HCS. The latter results in the superior specific surface area of Ni nanoparticles for hydrogen chemisorption. The best hydrogen adsorption capacities at room temperature under 20-70 bar H of 0.5-1.70 wt% H were obtained from 10 wt% Ni-doped HCS-CS. Although macropores of the HCS collapsed upon cycling due to hydrogen pressure applied during adsorption, average hydrogen capacities of 1.17 ± 0.05 wt% H ( = 25 °C and (H) = 50 bar) were maintained for 14 cycles. This is because not only uniform distribution and shape of Ni nanoparticles and microporous structures of the HCS were preserved upon cycling but also the interactions between Ni and heteroatoms (N and O) of the HCS and CS prevented particle agglomeration.
PubMed: 38882480
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02687j -
RSC Advances Jun 2024Developing new multifunctional two-dimensional (2D) materials with two or more functions has been one of the main tasks of materials scientists. In this work, defect...
Developing new multifunctional two-dimensional (2D) materials with two or more functions has been one of the main tasks of materials scientists. In this work, defect engineering is explored to functionalize PtSSe monolayer with feature-rich electronic and magnetic properties. Pristine monolayer is a non-magnetic semiconductor 2D material with a band gap of 1.52(2.31) eV obtained from PBE(HSE06)-based calculations. Upon creating single Pt vacancy, the half-metallic property is induced in PtSSe monolayer with a total magnetic moment of 4.00 . Herein, magnetism is originated mainly from S and Se atoms around the defect site. In contrast, single S and Se vacancies preserve the non-magnetic nature. However, the band gap suffers of considerable reduction of the order of 67.11% and 48.68%, respectively. The half-metallicity emerges also upon doping with alkali metals (Li and Na) with total magnetic moment of 1.00 , while alkaline earth impurities (Be and Mg) make new diluted magnetic semiconductor materials from PtSSe monolayer with total magnetic moment of 2.00 . In these cases, magnetic properties are produced mainly by Se atoms closest to the doping site. In addition, doping with P and As atoms at chalcogen sites is also investigated. Except for the half-metallic As system (As doping at Se site), the diluted magnetic semiconductor behavior is obtained in the remaining cases. Spin density results indicate key role of the VA-group impurities in magnetizing PtSSe monolayer. In these cases, total magnetic moments between 0.99 and 1.00 are obtained. Further Bader charge analysis implies the charge loser role of all impurities that transfer charge to the host monolayer. Results presented in this work may suggest promises of the defected and doped Janus PtSSe structures for optoelectronic and spintronic applications.
PubMed: 38882473
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02071e