Creation of memory-memory entanglement in a metropolitan quantum network.

Towards realizing the future quantum internet1,2, a pivotal milestone entails the transition from two-node proof-of-principle experiments conducted in laboratories to comprehensive multi-node set-ups on large scales. Here we report the creation of memory-memory entanglement in a multi-node quantum network over a metropolitan area. We use three independent memory nodes, each of which is equipped with an atomic ensemble quantum memory3 that has telecom conversion, together with a photonic server where detection of a single photon heralds the success of entanglement generation. The memory nodes are maximally separated apart for 12.5 kilometres. We actively stabilize the phase variance owing to fibre links and control lasers. We demonstrate concurrent entanglement generation between any two memory nodes. The memory lifetime is longer than the round-trip communication time. Our work provides a metropolitan-scale testbed for the evaluation and exploration of multi-node quantum network protocols and starts a stage of quantum internet research.

E93 is indispensable for reproduction in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects.

Ecdysone-induced protein 93 (E93), known as the 'adult-specifier' transcription factor in insects, triggers metamorphosis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects. Although E93 is conserved in ametabolous insects, its spatiotemporal expression and physiological function remain poorly understood. In this study, we first discover that, in the ametabolous firebrat Thermobia domestica, the previtellogenic ovary exhibits cyclically high E93 expression, and E93 mRNA is broadly distributed in previtellogenic ovarioles. E93 homozygous mutant females of T. domestica exhibit severe fecundity deficiency due to impaired previtellogenic development of the ovarian follicles, likely because E93 induces the expression of genes involved in ECM (extracellular matrix)-receptor interactions during previtellogenesis. Moreover, we reveal that in the hemimetabolous cockroach Blattella germanica, E93 similarly promotes previtellogenic ovarian development. In addition, E93 is also essential for vitellogenesis that is necessary to guarantee ovarian maturation and promotes the vitellogenesis-previtellogenesis switch in the fat body of adult female cockroaches. Our findings deepen the understanding of the roles of E93 in controlling reproduction in insects, and of E93 expression and functional evolution, which are proposed to have made crucial contributions to the origin of insect metamorphosis.

Development of a TMErisk model based on immune infiltration in tumour microenvironment to predict prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has created the opportunity of improved outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only a minority of HCC patients benefit from ICI treatment owing to poor treatment efficacy and safety concerns. There are few predictive factors that precisely stratify HCC responders to immunotherapy. In this study, we developed a tumour microenvironment risk (TMErisk) model to divide HCC patients into different immune subtypes and evaluated their prognosis. Our results indicated that virally mediated HCC patients who had more common tumour protein P53 (TP53) alterations with lower TMErisk scores were appropriate for ICI treatment. HCC patients with alcoholic hepatitis who more commonly harboured catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) alterations with higher TMErisk scores could benefit from treatment with multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The developed TMErisk model represents the first attempt to anticipate tumour tolerance of ICIs in the TME through the degree of immune infiltration in HCCs.

SOX9 promotes hypoxic pulmonary hypertension through stabilization of DPP4 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR), primarily due to the excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). This study aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of SOX9 in hypoxic PH in rats. The findings revealed that SOX9 was upregulated in the pulmonary arteries and PASMCs of hypoxia-exposed rats. SOX9 knockdown inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration of PASMCs, reduced PVR, and subsequently alleviated hypoxia-induced PH in rats, suggesting that SOX9 plays a critical role in PH. Further investigation demonstrated that SOX9 interacted with DPP4, preventing its ubiquitin degradation in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs. DPP4 knockdown inhibited hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation and migration, and administration of the DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced PVR and alleviated hypoxia-induced PH in rats, indicating that SOX9 contributes to PH by stabilizing DPP4. The results also showed that hypoxia induced YAP1 expression and dephosphorylation, leading to YAP1 nuclear localization. YAP1 knockdown promoted the degradation of HIF-1α in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs and inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Additionally, HIF-1α, as a transcription factor, promoted SOX9 expression by binding to the SOX9 promoter in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs. In conclusion, hypoxia promotes the proliferation and migration of PASMCs through the regulation of the YAP1/HIF-1α/SOX9/DPP4 signaling pathway, leading to PH in rats. These findings suggest that SOX9 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for PH.

Juvenile hormone signaling is indispensable for late embryogenesis in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile hormone (JH) is an insect-exclusive hormone involved in regulating diverse aspects of insect physiology, and the evolution of its diverse function is widely interesting. Studying embryogenesis in basal wingless insects is important to understand the functional evolution of JH; however, experimental studies in this regard are scarce. In this study, we conducted CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) of genes involved in JH biosynthesis and signaling cascades in the ametabolous firebrat, Thermobia domestica. Additionally, we investigated whether the primitive action of JH is conserved in the hemimetabolous cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. RESULTS: We observed that KO of JHAMT, CYP15A1, Met, and Kr-h1 resulted in embryonic lethality in T. domestica. Deprivation of JH or JH signaling arrested the progression of extraembryonic fluid resorption after dorsal closure and hatching, which is consistent with the gene expression pattern showing high Kr-h1 expression in the late embryos of T. domestica. The embryos deficient in JH signaling displayed wrinkled and weak legs. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that JH signaling promotes embryonic leg maturation through inducing energy supply and muscle activity, as validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, JH signaling exhibited similar embryonic effects in G. bimaculatus. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the indispensable role of JH signaling in facilitating the maturation of terminal tissues during late embryogenesis, as demonstrated by the regulation of leg development, in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects. These findings further indicate that the embryonic functions of JH evolved earlier than its anti-metamorphic functions during postembryonic development.

Engineering Plateau Phase Transition in Quantum Anomalous Hall Multilayers.

The plateau phase transition in quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators corresponds to a quantum state wherein a single magnetic domain gives way to multiple domains and then reconverges back to a single magnetic domain. The layer structure of the sample provides an external knob for adjusting the Chern number C of the QAH insulators. Here, we employ molecular beam epitaxy to grow magnetic topological insulator multilayers and realize the magnetic field-driven plateau phase transition between two QAH states with odd Chern number change ΔC. We find that critical exponents extracted for the plateau phase transitions with ΔC = 1 and ΔC = 3 in QAH insulators are nearly identical. We construct a four-layer Chalker-Coddington network model to understand the consistent critical exponents for the plateau phase transitions with ΔC = 1 and ΔC = 3. This work will motivate further investigations into the critical behaviors of plateau phase transitions with different ΔC in QAH insulators.

Coexistence of Superconductivity and Antiferromagnetism in Topological Magnet MnBi2Te4 Films.

The interface of two materials can harbor unexpected emergent phenomena. One example is interface-induced superconductivity. In this work, we employ molecular beam epitaxy to grow a series of heterostructures formed by stacking together two nonsuperconducting antiferromagnetic materials, an intrinsic antiferromagnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 and an antiferromagnetic iron chalcogenide FeTe. Our electrical transport measurements reveal interface-induced superconductivity in these heterostructures. By performing scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy measurements, we observe a proximity-induced superconducting gap on the top surface of the MnBi2Te4 layer, confirming the coexistence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in the MnBi2Te4 layer. Our findings will advance the fundamental inquiries into the topological superconducting phase in hybrid devices and provide a promising platform for the exploration of chiral Majorana physics in MnBi2Te4-based heterostructures.

Application of a single-cell-RNA-based biological-inspired graph neural network in diagnosis of primary liver tumors.

Single-cell technology depicts integrated tumor profiles including both tumor cells and tumor microenvironments, which theoretically enables more robust diagnosis than traditional diagnostic standards based on only pathology. However, the inherent challenges of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, such as high dimensionality, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), sparse and non-Euclidean nature, pose significant obstacles for traditional diagnostic approaches. The diagnostic value of single-cell technology has been largely unexplored despite the potential advantages. Here, we present a graph neural network-based framework tailored for molecular diagnosis of primary liver tumors using scRNA-seq data. Our approach capitalizes on the biological plausibility inherent in the intercellular communication networks within tumor samples. By integrating pathway activation features within cell clusters and modeling unidirectional inter-cellular communication, we achieve robust discrimination between malignant tumors (including hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, iCCA) and benign tumors (focal nodular hyperplasia, FNH) by scRNA data of all tissue cells and immunocytes only. The efficacy to distinguish iCCA from HCC was further validated on public datasets. Through extending the application of high-throughput scRNA-seq data into diagnosis approaches focusing on integrated tumor microenvironment profiles rather than a few tumor markers, this framework also sheds light on minimal-invasive diagnostic methods based on migrating/circulating immunocytes.

Stem cell factor and erythropoietin-independent production of cultured reticulocytes.

Cultured reticulocytes can supplement transfusion needs and offer promise for drug delivery and immune tolerization. They can be produced from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), but the 45-day culture time and cytokine costs make large-scale production prohibitive. To overcome these limitations, we have generated IPSCs that express constitutive SCF receptor and jak2 adaptor alleles. We show that iPSC lines carrying these alleles can differentiate into self-renewing erythroblast (SRE) that can proliferate for up to 70 cell-doubling in a cost-effective, chemically-defined, albumin- and cytokine-free medium. These kitjak2 SREs retain the ability to enucleate at a high rate up to senescence. Kitjak2 derived cultured reticulocytes should be safe for transfusion because they can be irradiated to eliminate residual nucleated cells. The kitjak2 cells express blood group 0 and test negative for RhD and other clinically significant RBCs antigens and have sufficient proliferation capacity to meet global RBC needs.

Health-related quality of life in Chinese SLE patients: evidence from 1568 SLE patients and 2610 healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the relationship between disease activity and HRQOL, and potential factors affecting HRQOL in Chinese SLE patients. METHODS: This study recruited 1568 patients and 2610 controls to explore the effects of SLE on HRQOL. The association between disease activity and HRQOL, and the influencing factors of HRQOL were determined in 1568 patients. Then, we prospectively followed 1096 patients to explore the association between reduced disease activity and improved HRQOL, and the influencing factors of improved HRQOL. The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) were used to evaluate HRQOL and disease activity. RESULTS: Chinese SLE patients had lower HRQOL than controls in all domains (P < 0.001), especially in role-physical (RP) and role-emotional (RE). Compared with SLE patients from outside China, the HRQOL of Chinese patients appeared to be higher in mental component summary (MCS) but lower in RP and RE. SLEDAI was negatively correlated with HRQOL, which was validated using the results of a follow-up study, where SLEDAI reduction was positively associated with HRQOL improvements (P < 0.05). Furthermore, personality, life nervous and experiences of adverse life events may influence HRQOL and HRQOL improvements. CONCLUSION: SLE significantly affected the HRQOL of Chinese patients, especially in RP and RE. Disease activity was negatively correlated with HRQOL. We also found for the first time some factors affecting HRQOL, which can be regarded as the basis for improving the HRQOL of SLE patients.

LncRNA Osilr9 coordinates promoter DNA demethylation and the intrachromosomal loop structure required for maintaining stem cell pluripotency.

Nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells into a pluripotent status has the potential to create patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells for regenerative medicine. Currently, however, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this pluripotent reprogramming are poorly understood. To delineate this epigenetic regulatory network, we utilized a chromatin RNA in situ reverse transcription sequencing (CRIST-seq) approach to identify long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) embedded in the 3-dimensional intrachromosomal architecture of stem cell core factor genes. By combining CRIST-seq and RNA sequencing, we identified Oct4-Sox2 interacting lncRNA 9 (Osilr9) as a pluripotency-associated lncRNA. Osilr9 expression was associated with the status of stem cell pluripotency in reprogramming. Using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown, we showed that this lncRNA was required for the optimal maintenance of stem cell pluripotency. Overexpression of Osilr9 induced robust activation of endogenous stem cell core factor genes in fibroblasts. Osilr9 participated in the formation of the intrachromosomal looping required for the maintenance of pluripotency. After binding to the Oct4 promoter, Osilr9 recruited the DNA demethylase ten-eleven translocation 1, leading to promoter demethylation. These data demonstrate that Osilr9 is a critical chromatin epigenetic modulator that coordinates the promoter activity of core stem cell factor genes, highlighting the critical role of pluripotency-associated lncRNAs in stem cell pluripotency and reprogramming.

Gray and white matter abnormalities in children with type 2 and 3 SMA: A morphological assessment.

This study investigated the changes in brain gray and white matter structure in SMA patients and their correlation with the severity of the disease. A total of 43 SMA patients (including 22 type II and 21 type III SMA patients) and 37 healthy controls were evaluated by MRI. The gray matter volume, gray matter thickness, gray matter surface area, and white matter volume of designated brain regions automatically segmented by FreeSurfer, were compared. We evaluate clinical characteristics of SMA and study the correlation between clinical characteristics and structural changes. SMA showed significant bilateral cortical superficial area loss in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes and global white matter volume decreases. Moreover, these patients were also found with an increased mean thickness of entire brain and right gray matter. An increased right postcentral gyrus superficial area, right central sulcus volume, and white matter volume of the right postcentral were associated with higher HFMSE scores. CONCLUSION: Type 2 and 3 children SMA had extensive, multifocal, symmetrical gray and white matter alterations. Postcentral gyrus degeneration of SMA was associated with the severity of muscular atrophy. The lack of SMN protein possibly interacted with cerebellar structural changes in somatosensory areas. WHAT IS KNOWN: • MRI has found brain changes in SMA patients, however, there is no unified conclusion and lack of correlation with clinical degree in children SMA with type 2-3. WHAT IS NEW: • Type II and II children SMA had extensive, multifocal, symmetrical gray and white matter alterations. Postcentral gyrus degeneration of SMA was associated with the severity of muscular atrophy. Cerebellar structural changes in somatosensory areas may attribute to the lack of SMN protein.

FANCD2 Facilitates Replication through Common Fragile Sites.

Common fragile sites (CFSs) are genomic regions that are unstable under conditions of replicative stress. Although the characteristics of CFSs that render them vulnerable to stress are associated mainly with replication, the cellular pathways that protect CFSs during replication remain unclear. Here, we identify and describe a role for FANCD2 as a trans-acting facilitator of CFS replication, in the absence of exogenous replicative stress. In the absence of FANCD2, replication forks stall within the AT-rich fragility core of CFS, leading to dormant origin activation. Furthermore, FANCD2 deficiency is associated with DNA:RNA hybrid formation at CFS-FRA16D, and inhibition of DNA:RNA hybrid formation suppresses replication perturbation. In addition, we also found that FANCD2 reduces the number of potential sites of replication initiation. Our data demonstrate that FANCD2 protein is required to ensure efficient CFS replication and provide mechanistic insight into how FANCD2 regulates CFS stability.

Short-term antiplatelet versus anticoagulant therapy after left atrial appendage closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of different antithrombotic regimens after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from their inception to March 2023. Patients were divided into short-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) group and antiplatelet therapy (APT) group. The incidence of events were performed using RevMan 5.4. The events including device-related thrombus (DRT), ischemic stroke/systemic embolization (SE), major bleeding, any bleeding, any major adverse event and all-cause mortality. Subgroup analysis were based on OAC alone or OAC plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in OAC group. Oral anticoagulants include warfarin and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Fourteen studies with 35,166 patients were included. We found that the incidence of DRT (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.36-0.66, P＜0.0001) and all-cause mortality (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.89, P = 0.002) were significantly lower in OAC group than APT group. However, there was no statistical differences in the incidence rates of ischemic stroke/SE (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.49-1.20, P = 0.25), major bleeding (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.55-1.27, P = 0.84), any bleeding (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.56-1.22, P = 0.34) and any major adverse event (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.30-1.03, P = 0.06) in the two groups. Subgroup analysis found that the incidence of DRT, all-cause mortality and any major adverse event in OAC monotherapy were lower than that in APT group (P＜0.05), but not statistically different from other outcome. The incidence of DRT, all-cause mortality, any major adverse event and any bleeding in DOAC were significantly better than APT group (P＜0.05). While warfarin only has better incidence of DRT than APT (P＜0.05), there was no statistical difference between the two groups in other outcome (P＞0.05). The incidence of DRT was significantly lower than APT group (P＜0.05), major bleeding were higher, and the rest of the outcome did not show any statistically significant differences(P＞0.05) when OAC plus SAPT. Based on the existing data, short-term OAC may be favored over APT for patients who undergo LAAC. DOAC monotherapy may be favored over warfarin monotherapy or OAC plus APT, when selecting anticoagulant therapies.

Alveolar ridge preservation of two-wall bone defects using mineralized dentin matrix: An experimental pre-clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To study bone healing of two-wall bone defects after alveolar ridge preservation using mineralized dentin matrix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After distal roots extraction of second and fourth premolars (P2, P4) on one lateral mandible in 12 beagles, two-wall bone defects (5 × 5 × 5 mm) were surgically created distally to the remaining mesial roots of P2 and P4. A total of 24 sites were randomly allocated to three groups (implant material- time of execution): mineralized dentin matrix (MDM)-3 m (MDM + collagen membrane; 3 months), MDM-6 m (MDM particles + collagen membrane; 6 months), and C-6 m (collagen membrane only; 6 months). Clinical, radiographic, digital, and histological examinations were performed 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The bone healing in MDM groups were better compared to Control group (volume of bone regenerated in total: 25.12 mm3 vs. 13.30 mm3, p = .046; trabecular volume/total volume: 58.84% vs. 39.18%, p = .001; new bone formation rate: 44.13% vs. 31.88%, p = .047). Vertically, the radiological bone level of bone defect in MDM-6 m group was higher than that in C-6 m group (vertical height of bone defect: 1.55 mm vs. 2.74 mm, p = .018). Horizontally, no significant differences in buccolingual bone width were found between MDM and C groups at any time or at any level below the alveolar ridge. The percentages of remaining MDM were <1% in both MDM-3 m and MDM-6 m groups. CONCLUSIONS: MDM improved bone healing of two-wall bone defects and might be considered as a socket fill material used following tooth extraction.

Jellyfish Stings: A Review of Skin Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Management.

With the surge in the human coastal population and the increasing frequency of human activities along the coast, cases of marine envenomation, particularly jellyfish envenomation, have notably risen. Jellyfish stings can induce a spectrum of symptoms that vary in severity, encompassing skin injuries, acute systemic venom effects, delayed indirect sequelae, and even fatality, causing significant distress to patients. Among these manifestations, the occurrence of skin lesions following jellyfish stings is prevalent and substantial. These lesions are characterized by evident blister formation, development of bullae, subcutaneous hemorrhage, erythema, papules, wheal, ecchymosis, and ulceration or skin necrosis. Local cutaneous manifestations may persist for several weeks or even months after the initial sting. Despite aggressive treatment, many skin injuries still result in significant pigmentation or scarring after recovery. To address this issue effectively, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive evidence-based medical research, elucidate various components within jellyfish venom, and elucidate its pathogenic mechanism to develop targeted treatment programs. This article aims to review the skin symptoms, pathophysiology, and management of jellyfish stings. Such considerations can provide comprehensive guidance to medical professionals and the public and minimize the harm caused by jellyfish stings.

Changes in Spectrum of Respiratory Pathogen Infections and Disease Severity Among Children in Hohhot, China: Impact of COVID-19 Prevention Measures.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study evaluated the effects of specific COVID-19 preventive measures, including the use of medical masks, nucleic acid testing, and patient isolation, on respiratory infections, disease severity, and seasonal patterns among children in Hohhot, located in northern China. Understanding these alterations is pivotal in developing effective strategies to handle pediatric respiratory infections within the context of continuous public health initiatives. MATERIAL AND METHODS At the First Hospital of Hohhot, throat swabs were collected from 605 children with community-acquired respiratory between January 2022 and March 2023 for pathogen infection spectrum detection using microarray testing. RESULTS Among the patients, 56.03% were male, and their average age was 3.45 years. SARS-CoV-2 infections were highest between October 2022 and January 2023. Influenza A peaked in March 2023, and other pathogens such as respiratory syncytial virus and influenza B virus disappeared after December 2022. The proportion of mixed infections was 41.94% among SARS-CoV-2 patients, while other pathogens had mixed infection rates exceeding 57.14%. Before December 2022, the mean WBC count for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae was 8.83×109/L, CRP was 18.36 mg/L, and PCT was 1.11 ng/ml. After December 2022, these values decreased significantly. Coughing, difficulty breathing, running nose, and lower respiratory tract infection diagnoses decreased in December 2022, except for SARS-CoV-2 infections. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 peaked around November 2022, influenza A peaked in March 2023, and other pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus and influenza B virus were greatly reduced after December 2022. Inflammatory markers and respiratory symptoms decreased after December 2022, except for SARS-CoV-2.

Vitrification cryo-foil method for shoot tip cryopreservation and virus eradication in apple.

Establishment of a new method for improved shoot tip cryopreservation is crucial to facilitate the long-term preservation of plant germplasm as well as the use of cryotherapy for pathogen eradication. The present study reported a vitrification (V) cryo-foil method for shoot tip cryopreservation and virus eradication in apple. Shoot tip regrowth levels after cryopreservation were comparable among V cryo-foil (53 %), V cryo-plate (46 %) and conventional droplet vitrification (Dr-vi, 48 %). The V cryo-foil is more efficient to perform than Dr-vi as more shoot tips can be cryopreserved by one person. In the histological study applying an image-overlaying strategy, shoot tips cryopreserved by V cryo-foil showed a higher survival chance in the youngest leaf primordia than in the apical dome. When V cryo-foil was tested for virus eradication, fifty-five percent (55 %) of cryo-derived shoots were free of the apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), while none and less than 10 % were free of the apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) and the apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), respectively. Thus, these two viruses were efficiently preserved by V cryo-foil cryopreservation. Noticeably, although the shoot regrowth level was reduced to 27 %, a higher frequency (81 %) of ASPV eradication was achieved when a reduced duration of cryoprotectant exposure was applied in V cryo-foil, supporting the use of insufficient cryoprotection for improved virus eradication.

Blessing or curse: the role of authoritarian filial piety and self-efficacy in caregiver gains among Chinese family caregivers caring for physically impaired older adults.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of authoritarian filial piety (AFP) and caregiver self-efficacy on the caregiving experience of adult children of physically impaired older adults. Socio-cultural stress and coping model was applied to test the influence of AFP on caregiver gains. METHODS: A total of 601 Chinese adult children caregivers and care-recipient dyads participated in this cross-sectional study in 2021. Four instruments were used to collect data: the 4-item Zarit Burden Interview, Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale, Caregiver Task Inventory Scale, and Authoritarian Filial Piety Scale. All mediation and moderated mediation effects were estimated using SPSS 26.0. RESULTS: Caregiver self-efficacy was found to not only mediate but also help family caregivers convert their burden into positive gains. AFP moderates the association between caregiver burden and self-efficacy, as well as between caregiver burden and caregiver gains. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into filial piety, elucidating AFP's comprehensive impact on cognitive appraisals of caregiving. Culturally sensitive psychoeducational therapy, addressing AFP expectations and boosting caregiver self-efficacy, is recommended to enhance positive caregiving outcomes.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by traumatic injury promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis through acetylation modification of GRP78.

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important cause of trauma-induced secondary cardiac injury (TISCI), in which the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway is known to be first activated, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, rat models of traumatic injury are established by using the Noble-Collip trauma device. The expression of glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78, a molecular chaperone of the cardiomyocyte ER), acetylation modification of GRP78 and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes are determined. The results show that ERS-induced GRP78 elevation does not induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the early stage of trauma. However, with prolonged ERS, the GRP78 acetylation level is elevated, and the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes also increases significantly. In addition, in the early stage of trauma, the expression of histone acetyl-transferase (HAT) P300 is increased and that of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is decreased in cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of HDAC function could induce the apoptosis of traumatic cardiomyocytes by increasing the acetylation level of GRP78. Our present study demonstrates for the first time that post-traumatic protracted ERS can promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis by increasing the acetylation level of GRP78, which may provide an experimental basis for seeking early molecular events of TISCI.