Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Although pharmacological treatments are widely used, their effects are often limited, and nearly half of patients show resistance to current antidepressants, including those unresponsive to all available therapies. These challenges highlight the need to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms driving MDD and to develop novel therapeutic strategies, especially those involving natural compounds with multitarget actions. Baicalin, a bioactive flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties and has recently gained attention for its potential to improve cognitive deficits and mood disorders. In this study, we investigated baicalin's antidepressant potential and its underlying mechanisms across multiple experimental levels. We found that oral administration of baicalin produced antidepressant-like effects in both naïve mice and those subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS). CRS impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), whereas baicalin restored these synaptic deficits. Importantly, intra-dorsal hippocampal microinjection of the TrkB receptor antagonist ANA-12 abolished baicalin's antidepressant effects, indicating the involvement of BDNF-TrkB signaling. Baicalin also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS)/H2O2 production in a BDNF-associated manner, demonstrating clear antioxidant activity. Molecular docking further suggested that baicalin binds more effectively to the TrkB receptor than ANA-12, supporting its capacity to activate TrkB-mediated signaling. By integrating in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches, our study shows that baicalin exerts robust antioxidant in vitro and antidepressant effects in vivo. These benefits are primarily mediated through activation of BDNF-TrkB signaling, leading to reduced ROS/H2O2 accumulation and alleviation of CRS-induced depression-like behaviors.
This study presents a high-performance flexible dual-layer sensor integrating piezoelectric and piezoresistive functionalities within a monolithic graphene/Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) structure. Fabricated using near-field electrospinning (NFES), fibers were fabricated with controlled graphene concentrations to spatially separate sensing mechanisms. The piezoelectric layer (5 wt% graphene/PVDF) achieved high voltage output, while the 11 wt% layer delivered a piezoresistive response of 602 mV under 80 kPa pressure. Electrical conductivity increased from 18.8 mu S/cm (pure PVDF) to 115 mu S/cm (11 wt% graphene). The structural and morphological analyses using OM, XRD, and FTIR confirmed excellent fiber uniformity and crystallinity. Unlike conventional single-layer composite sensors, this work introduces a novel NFES-fabricated dual-layer sensor that spatially separates and independently optimizes each sensing mechanism. Uniform Design (UD) and Kriging optimization were employed to fine-tune fabrication parameters, ensuring fiber uniformity and phase enhancement. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, flexibility, and dual-mode capability, making it suitable for wearable electronics and IoT applications.
The study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) versus levofloxacin monotherapy in patients with monomicrobial Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) bacteremia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult inpatients with monomicrobial S. maltophilia bacteremia at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan from January 2004 to June 2025. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison based on antibiotic treatment: TMP/SMX and levofloxacin monotherapy. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, clinical response, microbiological eradication, non-susceptible strains emergence, recurrent bacteremia, and adverse drug reactions. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score analysis were performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Among 226 patients, 129 received levofloxacin and 97 received TMP/SMX. The levofloxacin-treated group was associated with lower 30-day mortality (17.8
Background: Military underwater operations personnel are repeatedly exposed to hyperbaric environments and increased respiratory workload, which may influence pulmonary function over time. However, the association between years of diving service and detailed pulmonary function parameters remains unclear in military diving populations. Aim: To investigate the association between years of diving service and pulmonary function among military underwater operations personnel. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled personnel of the Underwater Operations Unit who underwent comprehensive pulmonary function testing, including spirometry and body plethysmography. Participants were categorized as either shorter-service (<10 years of diving service) or longer-service (≥10 years of diving service) divers. Pulmonary function parameters included static lung volumes and flow–volume loop-derived indices. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, and correlations between years of diving service and pulmonary function parameters were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Results: Most of the lung volumes and conventional spirometric indices did not differ significantly between shorter-service and longer-service divers. However, longer-service divers exhibited significantly lower functional residual capacity and reduced residual volume/total lung capacity expressed as a percentage of measured/predicted values. The forced expiratory volume in 1s/forced vital capacity ratio was also significantly lower in longer-service divers. Conclusion: Among military underwater operations personnel, longer diving service duration is associated with specific alterations in lung volume distribution and expiratory flow ratios, whereas overall ventilatory capacity remains preserved. These findings are consistent with functional respiratory adaptations rather than pulmonary impairment.
The journal retracts the article, “Adenine Inhibits the Invasive Potential of DLD-1 Human Colorectal Cancer Cell via the AMPK/FAK Axis” [...]
