Huazhong University of Science and Technology Hospital

Since its discovery, cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) has emerged as a promising non-invasive molecular marker for disease diagnosis and prognosis. However, the biological origins of cf-mtDNA remain incompletely understood, which limits its clinical applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the molecular characteristics, release mechanisms, and diagnostic applications of cf-mtDNA. By discussing standardization of cf-mtDNA detection methods, this review aims to provide theoretical foundations for clinical translation of this emerging biomarker.

3-D printing technology is utilized to develop a synchronous reluctance rotor tailored for axial-flux motors that feature a 3-D-patterned flux path, which cannot be manufactured by traditional lamination or thermosetting processing. Accordingly, a novel axial-flux synchronous reluctance machine with a 3-D-printed rotor (3D-AF-SynRM) is proposed. The innovative axial-flux topology offers unique performance advantages, including a high saliency ratio, substantial torque density, and mechanical stability, surpassing the radial-flux counterparts. The article focuses on outlining the development framework and additive manufacturing considerations for the proposed motor. This includes topology design, parameter optimization, performance evaluation, and the 3-D printing process. Particularly, to overcome the challenge of crafting the complex 3-D flux barriers in the rotor, a comprehensive electromagnetic-structural codesign methodology will be introduced, including three models for simulation accuracy, rapid computation, and practical manufacturability. Additionally, a prototype of the proposed 3D-AF-SynRM has been fabricated and tested, validating the theoretical performance merits of this machine.

This article presents how maternal exposure to BPA causes a detrimental impact on fetal brain development and neurological health.

Plastics are widely used in various fields such as food packaging, textile fibers, building materials, and transportation. Although the relationship between plastic additives and diseases has been reported, there is limited research on the association between plastic monomers (PM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aims to investigate the link between environmental PM and GDM. By employing advanced network toxicology and molecular docking techniques, we successfully elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which PM may induce GDM. Utilizing databases such as PubChem, SEA, Super-PRED, SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, Gene Cards, and OMIM, we identified potential targets associated with the disease. Further analysis using STRING and Cytoscape software helped determine the core targets most significantly related to these metabolic disorders. Additionally, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the David database to characterize these core targets. Finally, molecular docking with CB-Dock2 was used to validate the binding affinity of PM to these target proteins. Our findings suggest that PM may potentially induce GDM by modulating the insulin signaling pathway through STAT3, AKT1, and TP53. In summary, this work provides novel insights into the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants may trigger GDM, thereby laying a theoretical foundation for disease prevention and treatment. It offers valuable references for the safety evaluation of plastics, urging food safety regulatory agencies to strengthen oversight and encouraging the public to reduce plastic usage.

Abstract Background The rapid growth of aging populations and chronic disease prevalence has increased demand for hospital-at-home (HaH) services, which offer home-based alternatives to traditional inpatient care. However, the policy impact on HaH service development in China remains understudied. Objective To evaluate the effects of two major policy reforms on HaH services in Shanghai from 2007 to 2022. Methods A two-stage interrupted time series (ITS) analysis with a control group was conducted. Data from Shanghai Statistical Yearbooks were used to assess changes in institutional capacity, home-based medical services, and HaH beds across hospitals and community health service centers. Eleven outcome indicators were analyzed. Results Following the first policy in 2010, the number of HaH service providers increased significantly, particularly in community health service centers (β1 + β3 + β5 + β7 = 8.200, P < 0.001). HaH beds per 10,000 population also rose (β1 + β3 + β5 + β7 = 0.406, P < 0.001). However, home-based medical visits declined after both policies (β1 + β3 + β5 + β7 = −90,214.350, P < 0.01), likely due to workforce shortages and service delivery risks. After the second policy in 2020, hospital-based HaH beds decreased (β1 + β3 + β9 = −76.500, P < 0.01). Conclusion While policy reforms expanded HaH service capacity, challenges remain in sustaining home-based medical visits and ensuring workforce supply. Future policies should prioritize multidisciplinary care teams and address barriers to home-based geriatric healthcare to meet the needs of China’s aging population.