Background: Whether there is a causal relationship between childhood obesity and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. This study sought to explore how body size in childhood and adulthood independently affects CKD risk in later life using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods: Univariate and multivariate MR was used to estimate total and independent effects of body size exposures. Genetic associations with early-life and adult body size were obtained from a genome-wide association study of 453,169 participants in the U.K. Biobank, and genetic associations with CKD were obtained from the CKDGen and FinnGen consortia. Results: A larger genetically predicted early-life body size was associated with an increased risk of CKD (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 1.41; P= 1.70E-05) and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (β=0.010; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.021; P=0.001). However, the association between the impact of early-life body size on CKD (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.31; P=0.173) and BUN level (β=0.001; 95% CI, –0.010 to 0.012;P= 0.853) did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for adult body size. Larger genetically predicted adult body size was associated with an increased risk of CKD (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.54; P= 4.60E-07), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (β=–0.011; 95% CI, –0.017 to –0.006; P=5.79E-05), and increased BUN level (β= 0.010; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.019; P= 0.018). Conclusion Our research indicates that the significant correlation between early-life body size and CKD risk is likely due to maintaining a large body size into adulthood.

Background: Whether there is a causal relationship between childhood obesity and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. This study sought to explore how body size in childhood and adulthood independently affects CKD risk in later life using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods: Univariate and multivariate MR was used to estimate total and independent effects of body size exposures. Genetic associations with early-life and adult body size were obtained from a genome-wide association study of 453,169 participants in the U.K. Biobank, and genetic associations with CKD were obtained from the CKDGen and FinnGen consortia. Results: A larger genetically predicted early-life body size was associated with an increased risk of CKD (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 1.41; P= 1.70E-05) and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (β=0.010; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.021; P=0.001). However, the association between the impact of early-life body size on CKD (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.31; P=0.173) and BUN level (β=0.001; 95% CI, –0.010 to 0.012;P= 0.853) did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for adult body size. Larger genetically predicted adult body size was associated with an increased risk of CKD (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.54; P= 4.60E-07), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (β=–0.011; 95% CI, –0.017 to –0.006; P=5.79E-05), and increased BUN level (β= 0.010; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.019; P= 0.018). Conclusion Our research indicates that the significant correlation between early-life body size and CKD risk is likely due to maintaining a large body size into adulthood.

Background: Whether there is a causal relationship between childhood obesity and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. This study sought to explore how body size in childhood and adulthood independently affects CKD risk in later life using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods: Univariate and multivariate MR was used to estimate total and independent effects of body size exposures. Genetic associations with early-life and adult body size were obtained from a genome-wide association study of 453,169 participants in the U.K. Biobank, and genetic associations with CKD were obtained from the CKDGen and FinnGen consortia. Results: A larger genetically predicted early-life body size was associated with an increased risk of CKD (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 1.41; P= 1.70E-05) and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (β=0.010; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.021; P=0.001). However, the association between the impact of early-life body size on CKD (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.31; P=0.173) and BUN level (β=0.001; 95% CI, –0.010 to 0.012;P= 0.853) did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for adult body size. Larger genetically predicted adult body size was associated with an increased risk of CKD (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.54; P= 4.60E-07), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (β=–0.011; 95% CI, –0.017 to –0.006; P=5.79E-05), and increased BUN level (β= 0.010; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.019; P= 0.018). Conclusion Our research indicates that the significant correlation between early-life body size and CKD risk is likely due to maintaining a large body size into adulthood.

Cataract is the world's leading cause of blindness, and surgery is the most effective treatment for cataract. With the development of femtosecond laser technology and ophthalmic surgical equipment, the application of femtosecond laser systems in cataract surgery is becoming increasingly widespread. It can be used in cataract surgery for corneal incisions, anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, arcuate incisions and other key operations. Compared to traditional surgery, femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery(FLACS)offers significant advantages in precision, safety and postoperative visual outcomes. Its clinical benefits have garnered growing recognition among ophthalmologists. However, the key technologies and high-precision equipment for FLACS remain predominantly controlled by Western countries. In China, the research in this field began later. This article reviews the technological advancements in FLACS, with a focus on femtosecond laser technology, optical coherence tomography(OCT), artificial intelligence, and clinical application progress. The objective is to provide theoretical foundations and practical insights for the development of ophthalmic medical technology in China.

AIM: To compare the characteristics of corneal wavefront aberrations following small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and Q-value-guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(Q-value-FS-LASIK), and to evaluate the impact of these two procedures on visual quality.METHODS:A total of 60 myopic patients(120 eyes)who underwent refractive surgery between January 2024 and June 2024 were enrolled and divided into two groups: the SMILE group(60 eyes)and the Q-value-FS-LASIK group(60 eyes). Preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 mo postoperatively, the following parameters were measured using the Pentacam HR and iTrace systems within a 6 mm corneal zone: root mean square of higher-order aberrations(RMS HOA), spherical aberration, vertical coma, horizontal coma, trefoil, Strehl ratio(SR), and modulation transfer function(MTF). Patient-reported outcomes(PROs)were used to assess subjective visual quality, and group differences were compared.RESULTS:The general data of the two groups were comparable. At 6 mo postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)was ≥1.0 in both groups, and the spherical equivalent(SE)remained within ±0.50 D. The total RMS HOA was significantly lower in the SMILE group(0.38±0.12 μm)than in the Q-value-FS-LASIK group(0.45±0.15 μm; P=0.012). Spherical aberration was higher in the Q-value-FS-LASIK group(0.52±0.18 μm)compared to the SMILE group(0.35±0.14 μm; P<0.001), while vertical coma was significantly greater in the SMILE group(0.21±0.09 vs 0.12±0.07 μm; P=0.003). No significant intergroup differences were observed in horizontal coma or trefoil(all P>0.05). The SR was superior in the SMILE group(0.26±0.05)compared to the Q-value-FS-LASIK group(0.22±0.04; P=0.008). PROs indicated a lower incidence of nighttime driving difficulties in the SMILE group(12% vs 21%; P=0.023).CONCLUSION:Q-value-FS-LASIK effectively controls spherical aberration by optimizing corneal asphericity but results in higher total higher-order aberrations. SMILE reduces total aberrations due to its flap-free design but induces greater vertical coma. The choice of procedure should be tailored to the patient's refractive status and visual demands.

Cognitive dysfunction often occurs in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular disease, or other neurodegenerative diseases, and can significantly impact the life quality of patients and create serious social, psychological, and economic burdens for individuals and their families. Numerous studies have confirmed that exercise can slow the decline in cognitive function through multiple pathways, in which fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) plays an important role. However, the current research on the modulation of FNDC5 by exercise and its ability to improve hippocampal cognitive function lacks a systematic and comprehensive understanding. Therefore, this review focuses on the latest research progress regarding the role of exercise-induced FNDC5 in cognitive function, systematically reviews the positive effects of FNDC5 on cognitive function impairment caused by various factors, and clarifies the specific mechanisms by which exercise-induced FNDC5 improves cognitive function by inhibiting neuroinflammation and improving hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Based on the existing literature, we also identify the areas that require further research in this field. Overall, this review provides a theoretical basis for exercise-based prevention and improvement of cognitive function impairment.
Humans ; Cognition/physiology* ; Fibronectins/physiology* ; Exercise/physiology* ; Hippocampus/physiology* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/prevention & control* ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Animals ; Neurogenesis

OBJECTIVES: To synthesize a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot (MMMR) using temperature and magnetic field-assisted microfluidic droplet technology to achieve targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release. METHODS: Microfluidic droplet technology was utilized to synthesize the MMMR by mixing gelatin with magnetic microparticles. The microrobot possessed a magnetic anisotropy structure to allow its navigation and targeted drug release by controlling the temperature field and magnetic field. In the experiment, the MMMR was controlled to move in a wide range along a preset path by rotating a uniform magnetic field, and the local circular motion was driven by a planar rotating gradient magnetic field of different frequencies. The MMMR was loaded with simulated drugs, which were released in response to laser heating. RESULTS: Driven by a rotating magnetic field, the MMMR achieved linear motion following a predefined path. The planar gradient rotating magnetic field controlled circular motion of the MMMR with an adjustable radius, utilizing the centrifugal force generated by rotation. The drug-loaded MMMR successfully reached the target location under magnetic guidance, where the gelatin matrix was melted using laser heating for accurate drug release, after which the remaining magnetic particles were removed using magnetic field. CONCLUSIONS The MMMR possesses multimodal motion capabilities to enable precise navigation along a predefined path and dynamic regulation of drug release within the target area, thus having great potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Temperature ; Drug Liberation ; Magnetic Fields ; Robotics ; Gelatin/chemistry* ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Microfluidics ; Motion

Objective:To explore the correlations of brain network functional connectivity (FC) alterations with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathological biomarkers in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:A total of 39 patients with cognitive impairment, admitted to Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University from January 2020 to December 2022 were recruited; 23 patients were with AD and 16 with non-AD. Clinical data were compared between the 2 groups. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data were collected, and FC differences between brain networks and FC differences within brain networks were compared by independent component analysis. Correlations of FC differences between brain networks and FC differences within brain networks with concentrations of β-amyloid protein 1-42 (Aβ 1-42) and Tau protein in CSF were analyzed. Results:Compared with the non-AD group, AD group had significantly lower Aβ 1-42 in CSF ( P<0.05). Compared with those in the non-AD group, FC alterations between the left frontoparietal network (lFPN) and anterior default mode network (aDMN) and between the visual network (VN) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), as well as FC alterations in lFPN, were significantly increased in AD group ( P<0.05). Compared with those in the non-AD group, FC alterations between lFPN and cerebellar network (CEN), and FC alterations in aDMN, sensorimotor network (SMN) and VN were significantly decreased in AD group ( P<0.05). In AD group, FC in SMN was positively correlated with total Tau and phosphorylated-Tau181 in CSF ( P<0.05); FC between VN and PCC was positively correlated with total Tau in CSF ( P<0.05). CSF Aβ 1-42 was positively correlated with FC alterations in aDMN and VN, but negatively correlated with FC in FPN ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In AD patients, characteristic changes in FC within and between multiple brain networks are noted, which are related to changes of Tau protein and Aβ 1-42 in CSF.

Objective:To analyze the genus, drug resistance/virulence and phylogenetic characteristics of Brucella strains isolated from brucellosis surveillance sentinels in Henan Province from 2013 to 2022, and provide baseline data for the surveillance, early warning and outbreak tracing of brucellosis. Methods:Blood samples were collected from patients with Brucella infection for strain isolation, culture and species identification, drug susceptibility test, whole genome sequencing, splicing and assembly, functional/virulence/resistance gene prediction analysis and phylogenetic tree drawing based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Results:In 36 brucellosis patients, the majority were men (86.11%, 31/36), young adults aged 18-50 (88.89%, 32/36) and farmers/herdsmen (72.22%, 26/36). A total of 36 strains of Brucella melitensis were isolated, and average 1 305 functional proteins of 21 categories were predicted by strain genome; all the strains carried four main virulence factors (pmm, VirB group, BtpA/BtpB, BvrS/BvrR). The drug sensitivity rate was 100.00% to six types of antibiotics including levofloxacin, rifampicin, doxycycline, streptomycin, tetracycline and gentamicin, they showed different resistances to three antibiotics including compound trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. The strains carried four types of resistance genes and two clusters of resistance genes, with four combinations of genotypes, the resistance mechanisms included antibiotic degradation/modification enzymes, resistant nodular cell differentiation (RND) efflux pumps, 16S/23S ribosomal rRNA binding site mutations, etc. The number of SNP differed in the genomes of 36 Brucellamelitensis strains ranged from 0 to 454 and phylogenetic tree was divided into three major branches, with relative branch distances between 0.000 0 and 0.498 6 for each strain. Conclusions:Human Brucellamelitensis strains isolated from surveillance sentinels in Henan from 2013 to 2022 carried multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance genes and had different drug resistance phenotypes. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis showed significant differences in phylogenetic relationships among different strains.