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Astragali radix (AR, namded Huangqi in Chinese) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. As a widely used ethnomedicine, the biological activities of AR include immunomodulatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic effects, with minimum side effects. Currently, it is known that polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids are the indispensable components of AR. In this review, we will elaborate the research advancements of AR on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological practices, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, clinical uses, quality control, production developments, and toxicology. The information is expected to assist clinicians and scientists in developing useful therapeutic medicines with minimal systemic side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many hematologic malignancies, the adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has demonstrated notable success; nevertheless, further improvements are necessary to optimize treatment efficacy. Current CAR-T therapies are particularly discouraging for solid tumor treatment. The immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors affects CAR-T cells, limiting the treatment's effectiveness and safety. Therefore, enhancing CAR-T cell infiltration capacity and resolving the immunosuppressive responses within the tumor microenvironment could boost the anti-tumor effect. Specific strategies include structurally altering CAR-T cells combined with targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Overall, monitoring the tumor microenvironment and the status of CAR-T cells is beneficial in further investigating the viability of such strategies and advancing CAR-T cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mixed reality (MR) is helpful in hand training for patients with stroke, allowing them to fully submerge in a virtual space while interacting with real objects. The recognition of individual finger movements is required for MR rehabilitation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of updated MR-board 2, adding finger training for patients with stroke. Methods: Twenty-one participants with hemiplegic stroke (10 with left hemiplegia and 11 with right hemiplegia; nine female patients; 56.7 ± 14.2 years of age; and onset of stroke 32.7 ± 34.8 months) participated in this study. MR-board 2 comprised a board plate, a depth camera, plastic-shaped objects, a monitor, a palm-worn camera, and seven gamified training programs. All participants performed 20 self-training sessions involving 30-min training using MR-board 2. The outcome measurements for upper extremity function were the Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA) upper extremity score, repeated number of finger flexion and extension (Repeat-FE), the thumb opposition test (TOT), Box and Block Test score (BBT), Wolf Motor Function Test score (WMFT), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance and the post hoc test were applied for the measurements. MR-board 2 recorded the fingers' active range of motion (AROM) and Dunnett's test was used for pairwise comparisons. Results: Except for the FMA-proximal score (p = 0.617) and TOT (p = 0.005), other FMA scores, BBT score, Repeat-FE, WMFT score, and SIS stroke recovery improved significantly (p < 0.001) during MR-board 2 training and were maintained until follow-up. All AROM values of the finger joints changed significantly during training (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MR-board 2 self-training, which includes natural interactions between humans and computers using a tangible user interface and real-time tracking of the fingers, improved upper limb function across impairment, activity, and participation. MR-board 2 could be used as a self-training tool for patients with stroke, improving their quality of life. Trial registration number: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS: KCT0004167). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A knowledge of gouty arthritis could help in the primary prevention of the disease development and lead to an early diagnosis if it occurs. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward gouty arthritis in the general population > 30 years old. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population > 30 years old between January and March 2023 in Chengdu, Sichuan. The questionnaire was designed by the investigators based on the available guidelines (Cronbach's α = 0.846). A score above 70% indicated good knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice. Multivariable and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were performed to analyze the factors influencing KAP. Results: A total of 537 questionnaires were included. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were 13.12 ± 6.41, 25.28 ± 3.97, and 45.25 ± 5.77, respectively. Female (OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.31–0.71, P < 0.001), suburban living (OR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04–0.78, P = 0.022), heads of institution/organization and professional and technical staff (OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.23–3.39, P = 0.006), and an income of < 2,000 yuan (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.14–0.85, P = 0.021) were independently associated with knowledge. Female (OR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.43–3.30, P < 0.001), age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01–1.05, P = 0.001), college and above education (OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.16–4.41, P = 0.017), an income of 5,000–10,000 yuan (OR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.27–3.31, P = 0.003), and an income of > 10,000 yuan (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.12–3.81, P = 0.020) were independently associated with attitudes. Attitude (OR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.23–1.40, P < 0.001), female (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.01–2.58, P = 0.044), and age (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.04, P = 0.016) were independently associated with practices. The structural equation modeling analysis showed that knowledge directly influenced attitude (β=-0.10, P < 0.001) and indirectly influenced practice (β=-0.07, P < 0.001), and attitude directly influenced practice (β = 0.68, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The general population over 30 years old had inadequate knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and less proactive practices toward gouty arthritis. Targeted interventions should focus on enhancing knowledge about gout and promoting positive attitudes toward its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment efficacy may differ among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at similar tumor–node–metastasis stages. Moreover, end-of-treatment tumor regression is a reliable indicator of treatment sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate whether quantitative dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) parameters could predict sensitivity to neck–lymph node radiotherapy in patients with NPC. Methods: Overall, 388 lymph nodes were collected from 98 patients with NPC who underwent pretreatment DECT. The patients were divided into complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) groups. Clinical characteristics and quantitative DECT parameters were compared between the groups, and the optimal predictive ability of each parameter was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A nomogram prediction model was constructed and validated using univariate and binary logistic regression. Results: DECT parameters were higher in the CR group than in the PR group. The iodine concentration (IC), normalized IC, Mix-0.6, spectral Hounsfield unit curve slope, effective atomic number, and virtual monoenergetic images were significantly different between the groups. The area under the ROC curve of the DECT parameters was 0.73–0.77. Based on the binary logistic regression, a column chart was constructed using 10 predictive factors, including age, sex, N stage, maximum lymph node diameter, arterial phase NIC, venous phase NIC, λHU and spectral Hounsfield units at 70 keV. The area under the ROC curve value of the constructed model was 0.813, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85.6% and 81.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Quantitative DECT parameters could effectively predict the sensitivity of NPC to radiotherapy. Therefore, DECT parameters and NPC clinical features can be combined to construct a nomogram with high predictive power and used as a clinical analytical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent article in Military Medical Research explores the role of neutrophils in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the body's immune response. The study found that a specific subpopulation of neutrophils, characterized by high expression of the transcription factor FOXO1, has a dual role in TBI. In the acute phase, these neutrophils exacerbate cerebral damage, while in the chronic phase, they disrupt iron homeostasis and contribute to myelin loss and depression-like behaviors. The research also identified the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique characteristics of these neutrophils. The findings have implications for understanding neuroinflammation in various central nervous system disorders and may lead to the development of targeted therapies. However, there are still unanswered questions, and further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the safety and efficacy of potential therapies. The study has the potential to revolutionize TBI management, particularly in military contexts, by guiding personalized treatment protocols and facilitating early triage and treatment decisions. [Extracted from the article]