Researchers explore how 6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ), an environmental contaminant derived from tire antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), affects the citric acid cycle in C. elegans at environmentally relevant concentrations. The research reveals significant reduction in the citric acid cycle intermediates and key enzyme gene expressions by 6-PPDQ exposure, highlighting the its potential exposure risk on citric acid cycle metabolism.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to assess the properties and feasibility of existing risk pre diction models for post-intensive care syndrome outcomes in adult survivors of critical illness. Methods: As of November 1, 2023, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed, Wanfang database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) were searched. Following the literature screening process, we extracted data encompassing participant sources, post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) outcomes, sample sizes, missing data, predictive factors, model development methodologies, and metrics for model per formance and evaluation. We conducted a review and classification of the PICS domains and predictive factors identified in each study. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was employed to assess the quality and applicability of the studies. Results: This systematic review included a total of 16 studies, comprising two cognitive impairment studies, four psychological impairment studies, eight physiological impairment studies, and two studies on all three domains. The discriminative ability of prediction models measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.68e0.90. The predictive performance of most models was excellent, but most models were biased and overfitted. All predictive factors tend to encompass age, pre ICU functional impairment, in-ICU experiences, and early-onset new symptoms. Conclusions: This review identified 16 prediction models and the predictive factors for PICS. Nonetheless, due to the numerous methodological and reporting shortcomings identified in the studies under review, clinicians should exercise caution when interpreting the predictions made by these models. To avert the development of PICS, it is imperative for clinicians to closely monitor prognostic factors, including the in ICU experience and early-onset new symptoms.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University performed an integrated multi-omics study to compare the effects of acute versus long-term exercise in healthy men. Acute exercise led to temporary responses, while repeated exercise caused adaptive changes, particularly reducing cellular senescence and inflammation and boosting betaine metabolism. The increase in betaine due to exercise, partly through renal biosynthesis, has anti-aging effects and improves age-related health decline in mice. Betaine binds to and inhibits TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), slowing the aging process. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular benefits of exercise and identify betaine as a potential exercise mimetic for promoting healthy aging.

This review explores the interplay between COVID-19 and malaria, with a focus on pregnant women. The concurrent infection of SARS-CoV-2 and malaria presents significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management due to overlapping symptoms and complex immune responses. Genetic factors, particularly variations in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, play a crucial role in determining disease susceptibility and severity. Malaria-induced immunomodulation may influence the clinical progression of COVID-19, though the precise impact remains uncertain. The review emphasizes the need for integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to effectively manage co-infections and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. It underscores the importance of timely intervention and enhanced diagnostic methods to better understand and address these interactions. This review aims to bridge gaps in current knowledge and pave the way for future research and targeted therapeutic interventions, addressing a significant yet often overlooked public health challenge.

Chirality is one of the essential attributes of nature. Chiral drugs refer to a class of drugs containing chiral centers, and the molecular stereo-structures of their enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Sixty percent of commonly used drugs, including those from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are chiral. Developing a single enantiomer with high efficiency and low toxicity has drawn considerable attention due to significant differences in pharmacological activities, metabolic processes, and toxicity exhibited by the enantiomers of chiral drugs. This review concisely summarizes chiral drugs, including their sources, absolute configuration identification, pharmacological applications, and future research trends, particularly in TCM.