WRKY22 Transcription Factor from Iris laevigata Regulates Flowering Time and Resistance to Salt and Drought.

Iris laevigata Fisch. is an excellent ornamental plant in cold regions due to its unique ornamental ability and strong cold resistance. However, the flowering period of the population is only about 20 days, greatly limiting its potential uses in landscaping and the cutting flower industry. In addition, I. laevigata is often challenged with various abiotic stresses including high salinity and drought in its native habitats. Thus, breeding novel cultivars with delayed flowering time and higher resistance to abiotic stress is of high importance. In this study, we utilized sequencing data from the I. laevigata transcriptome to identify WRKYs and characterized IlWRKY22, a key transcription factor that modulates flowering time and abiotic stress responses. IlWRKY22 is induced by salt and drought stress. We cloned IlWRKY22 and found that it is a Group IIe WRKY localized in the nucleus. Overexpressing IlWRKY22 in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. and Nicotiana tabacum L. resulted in a delayed flowering time in the transgenic plants. We created transgenic N. tabacum overexpressing IlWRKY22, which showed significantly improved resistance to both salt and drought compared to the control plants. Thus, our study revealed a unique dual function of IlWRKY22, an excellent candidate gene for breeding novel Iris cultivars of desirable traits.

Mindfulness, self-efficacy, and self-regulation as predictors of psychological well-being in EFL learners.

Introduction: Mindfulness, self-efficacy, and self-regulation play vital roles in shaping the psychological well-being of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This study investigates the interconnections among these constructs and their implications for the psychological well-being of 527 Chinese EFL learners. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Chinese EFL learners enrolled in a university in China. Participants were recruited through a non-probability convenience sampling method from English language courses. They completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing mindfulness, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and psychological well-being. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and mediation analysis were employed to explore the relationships among these constructs. Results: The study found that mindfulness and self-efficacy independently and directly predicted psychological well-being among Chinese EFL learners. Additionally, self-regulation emerged as a significant mediator in the relationship between mindfulness and psychological well-being, suggesting that mindfulness enhances well-being indirectly through improved self-regulation skills. Discussion: These findings underscore the critical roles of mindfulness practices, self-efficacy beliefs, and self-regulation skills in promoting psychological well-being among EFL learners. The implications of this study extend to mindfulness-based interventions and programs designed. However, the study's cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the use of self-report measures may introduce biases. Moreover, the sample's limited diversity and homogeneous demographic profile, attributed to the convenience sampling from a single university, may constrain the generalizability of the findings. Future research could adopt longitudinal designs and diverse participant samples to further elucidate these relationships and enhance the robustness of the findings.

Gut microbiota regulates host melatonin production through epithelial cell MyD88.

Melatonin has various physiological effects, such as the maintenance of circadian rhythms, anti-inflammatory functions, and regulation of intestinal barriers. The regulatory functions of melatonin in gut microbiota remodeling have also been well clarified; however, the role of gut microbiota in regulating host melatonin production remains poorly understood. To address this, we studied the contribution of gut microbiota to host melatonin production using gut microbiota-perturbed models. We demonstrated that antibiotic-treated and germ-free mice possessed diminished melatonin levels in the serum and elevated melatonin levels in the colon. The influence of the intestinal microbiota on host melatonin production was further confirmed by fecal microbiota transplantation. Notably, Lactobacillus reuteri (L. R) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) recapitulated the effects of gut microbiota on host melatonin production. Mechanistically, L. R and E. coli activated the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to promote expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT, a rate-limiting enzyme for melatonin production), and MyD88 deficiency in colonic epithelial cells abolished the influence of intestinal microbiota on colonic melatonin production. Collectively, we revealed a specific underlying mechanism of gut microbiota to modulate host melatonin production, which might provide novel therapeutic ideas for melatonin-related diseases.

Relationship between peri-coronary inflammation and coronary vascular function in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Background: In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the attenuation of peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and the assessment of coronary vascular functions using coronary flow reserve (CFR). Methods: We included 364 patients who underwent 13N-NH3 positron emission tomography/computed tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We determined the relationship between fat attenuation index (FAI), PCAT volume, and other qualitative CT-derived anatomic parameters with CFR. Results: We detected a decrease in CFR (<2.5) in 206 (57%) patients. At the patient level, those with reduced CFR showed a significantly higher prevalence of diffused atherosclerosis (41% vs. 23%; P < 0.001) and higher FAI (-75.5 HU vs. -77.1 HU; P = 0.014). In patients without obstructive CAD, FAI was significantly higher in those with reduced CFR (-75.5 HU vs. -77.7 HU, P = 0.026). On the vessel level, 1,092 vessels were analyzed, and 642 (59%) exhibited reduced CFR. The vessels with reduced CFR presented a significantly higher prevalence of obstructive CAD (37% vs. 26%; P < 0.001), diffused atherosclerosis (22% vs. 11%; P < 0.001), low-attenuation plaque (6% vs. 3%; P = 0.030), and positive remodeling (7% vs. 2%; P = 0.001). FAI was higher in vessels with reduced CFR (-80.8 HU vs. -81.8 HU; P = 0.045) than in normal CFR. In the patient-level analysis, obstructive CAD, diffused atherosclerosis, and FAI were independently linked with CFR. FAI was still associated with global CFR after adjusting for traditional risk factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking). FAI remained independently associated with reduced CFR in patients without obstructive CAD. Conclusions: Coronary perivascular inflammation evaluated by CCTA was independently associated with coronary vascular function. In patients without obstructive CAD, FAI was higher in the presence of reduced CFR. Altogether, FAI can help reveal microcirculatory damage in patients who do not exhibit epicardial artery stenosis.

Bilateral versus unilateral orchidopexy: IVF/ICSI-ET outcomes.

Introduction: Cryptorchidism is a common genital disorder. Approximately 20% of azoospermic or infertile men reported having histories of cryptorchidism. Bilateral cryptorchidism may have been more condemned than unilateral cryptorchidism. Early treatment by orchidopexy is the definitive procedure for cryptorchid patients with cryptorchidism. However, fertility potency after orchidopexy may be adversely affected and assisted reproduction techniques will be required for infertile patients. Objective: To compare the reproductive outcomes between unilateral and bilateral orchidopexy groups. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital, including a total of 99 infertile men who underwent orchidopexy to treat cryptorchidism and subsequently underwent their first IVF/ICSI-ET cycle. Men were grouped according to the laterality of their cryptorchidism and orchidopexy surgeries they received. Fertilization rate and live birth rate were chosen as parameters for evaluating outcomes. Results: The sperm concentration and viability were significantly higher in unilateral orchidopexy group than in bilateral orchidopexy group (28.09 ± 27.99 vs 7.99 ± 14.68, P=0.001; 33.34 ± 22.52 vs 11.95 ± 17.85, P=0.001). Unilateral orchidopexy group showed lower demand for ICSI (66.07% vs 95.35%, P<0.001). Interestingly, both groups exhibited similar rates of fertilization, clinical pregnancy, live birth and birth defect. Boy birth ratio was lower in bilateral orchidopexy group as compared to unilateral orchidopexy group (27.27% vs 58.62%, P=0.026). Conclusion: A history of bilateral orchidopexy surgery correlates with a worsened sperm parameter and a higher demand for ICSI as compared to patients with history of unilateral orchidopexy. However, this does not influence the final live birth rate.

The Role of the Trace Element Selenium in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

One set of chronic gastrointestinal disorders called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined by persistent, non-specific inflammation. Abdominal pain, hematochezia, diarrhea, and other symptoms are among its clinical signs. Currently, managing and treating IBD remains a significant challenge. Patients with IBD frequently have deficits in trace elements. Selenium (Se) is one of the necessary trace elements for normal organismal function. It has several regulatory effects, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and defensive properties, via inducing the synthesis of selenoproteins. Patients with IBD have been shown to have lower Se levels in epidemiologic research studies. Several experimental models of IBD suggest that Se or selenoproteins play a key role in microinflammation. We discuss the relationship between Se and IBD in this review, with an emphasis on a summary of potential mechanisms of action and applications of Se in IBD.

Luteal phase support of intramuscular progesterone associated with lower hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as compared to vaginal progesterone: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) risk between vaginal and intramuscular (IM) progesterone in programmed frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital, and only women who achieved ongoing pregnancy after programmed FET between January 2018 and June 2022 were included. Women with chronic hypertension before pregnancy or with history of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies were excluded. All women were divided into IM progesterone or vaginal progesterone groups according to the route of progesterone supplementation. Follow-up information on obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes were obtained by telephonic interviews. The primary outcome was HDP. Association between routes of progesterone supplementation and HDP was assessed by subgroup analysis and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 5891 programmed FET cycles (3196 IM progesterone cycles and 2695 vaginal progesterone cycles) were included in the analysis. The prevalence of HDP in the IM progesterone group was significantly lower than that of the vaginal progesterone group (6.54% vs 9.17%, P < 0.001). Therein, the prevalence of gestational hypertension (3.57% vs 4.94%, P = 0.009) and pre-eclampsia (2.97% vs 4.23%, P = 0.009) in the IM progesterone group were all significantly lower as compared to the vaginal progesterone group. According to subgroup analysis, IM progesterone was associated with lower HDP risk in all subgroups. The logistic regression analysis showed that the IM progesterone cycles were associated with lower risk of HDP compared to vaginal progesterone cycles (adjusted odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI: 0.54-0.80, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among women undergoing programmed FET cycles, progesterone supplementation with IM progesterone was associated with reduced HDP risk compared to vaginal progesterone.

Determination of viable myocardium through delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging combined with 18F-FDG PET myocardial perfusion/metabolic imaging before CABG.

PURPOSE: Study aims to investigate the consistency of delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DE-CMR) and 18F-FDG PET myocardial imaging in evaluating myocardial viability before CABG. METHODS: The study analyzed data from 100 patients who were examined with DE-CMR, PET imaging, and echocardiography before and after CABG. All subjects were followed up for 6-12 month post- CABG. RESULTS: DE-CMR and PET imaging have high consistency (90.1%; Kappa value = 0.71, p < 0.01) in determining myocardial viability. The degree of delayed enhancement was negatively correlated with the improvement in myocardial contractile function in this segment after revascularization (P < 0.001). The ratio of scarred myocardial segments and total DE score was significantly lower in the improvement group than non-improvement group. Multivariate regression identified that hibernating myocardium (OR = 1.229, 95%CI: 1.053-1.433, p = 0.009) was influencing factor of LVEF improvement after CABG. CONCLUSION: Both imaging techniques are consistent in evaluating myocardial viability. Detecting the number of hibernating myocardium by PET is also important to predict the left heart function improvement after CABG.

The moderating effect of gender equality consciousness on environmental concern among males and females.

BACKGROUND: In the discourse on the heterogeneity of gender and environmental concern, gender equality awareness can further illuminate the complexity of gender and environmental concern across different cultural backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: Differing from prior research, our study focuses on exploring the relationship between different genders, gender equality awareness, and environmental concern, as well as investigating whether gender equality awareness has distinct effects on environmental concern among different genders. METHODS: Utilizing data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS), we conducted a theoretical investigation into gender differences in environmental concern. First, we used descriptive statistics to observe the differences between the samples. Secondly, in order to compare the influence of gender equality awareness on different genders, we conducted t-tests on gender subgroups. Subsequently, an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was employed to examine the effects of gender and gender equality awareness on environmental issues. Finally, gender equality awareness was introduced as a moderating variable to explore its potential interaction with gender and investigate whether a moderation mechanism exists between gender and environmental concern. RESULTS: Findings indicate that 1) male respondents in China exhibit greater concern for the environment compared to female respondents; 2) higher levels of gender equality awareness are positively correlated with higher levels of environmental concern; 3) the influence of gender on environmental concern is moderated by the degree of gender equality awareness. Specifically, when gender equality awareness is strengthened, female respondents exhibit a higher degree of environmental concern. CONCLUSION: Enhancing gender equality awareness contributes to improving both social gender equality and equitable concern for the environment. The findings could provide insights for similar developing countries like China.

Serine synthesis sustains macrophage IL-1ß production via NAD+-dependent protein acetylation.

Serine metabolism is involved in the fate decisions of immune cells; however, whether and how de novo serine synthesis shapes innate immune cell function remain unknown. Here, we first demonstrated that inflammatory macrophages have high expression of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH, the rate-limiting enzyme of de novo serine synthesis) via nuclear factor κB signaling. Notably, the pharmacological inhibition or genetic modulation of PHGDH limits macrophage interleukin (IL)-1ß production through NAD+ accumulation and subsequent NAD+-dependent SIRT1 and SIRT3 expression and activity. Mechanistically, PHGDH not only sustains IL-1ß expression through H3K9/27 acetylation-mediated transcriptional activation of Toll-like receptor 4 but also supports IL-1ß maturation via NLRP3-K21/22/24/ASC-K21/22/24 acetylation-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, mice with myeloid-specific depletion of Phgdh show alleviated inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation. This study reveals a network by which a metabolic enzyme, involved in de novo serine synthesis, mediates post-translational modifications and epigenetic regulation to orchestrate IL-1ß production, providing a potential inflammatory disease target.

Pre-gravid body mass index is associated with a higher risk of gestational hypertension in singleton pregnancy following frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Introduction: Although it is well-known that obesity increases the risk of gestational hypertension (GH) in both spontaneous and assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies. Recent data show that, in ART pregnancies, frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is associated with an even higher risk of GH compared with fresh transfer. However, the relationship between pre-gravid body mass index (BMI) and GH in FET pregnancies has seldom been reported. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of pre-gravid BMI on GH in singleton pregnancy following FET. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital, including a total of 7,502 women who achieved singleton pregnancy after FET, was included. All patients were enrolled only once. On the basis of the BMI definitions of the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) and the World Health Organization, the women were divided into normal BMI, overweight, and obese groups. The main outcome was GH, and the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on GH was assessed by generalized linear model. Results: The risk of GH in our study population was 6.15%. According to the BMI definitions of the WGOC, the risk of GH in the obese group (15.55%) was significantly higher than that of the overweight group (8.26%, P < 0.001) and the normal BMI group (4.68%, P < 0.001). Pre-gravid overweight and obesity were associated with higher GH risk (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.41-2.20; P < 0.001; OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.77-4.91; P < 0.001). A non-linear relationship between pre-gravid BMI and GH was observed. The risk of GH decreased with pre-gravid BMI level up to the turning point of BMI = 28.6 kg/m2 (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12-1.21; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-gravid overweight and obesity are associated with higher GH risk among singleton pregnancy following FET. Before the turning point of BMI = 26.8 kg/m2, the risk of GH may increase 16.4% with each one-unit increment of maternal BMI. Women preparing for FET should maintain a normal BMI to lower the chances of GH.

Prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in pancreatic cancer: evidence from an updated meta-analysis.

Recent studies revealed that programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with unfavorable prognosis in various solid tumors, but its clinical relevance for pancreatic cancer has not yet been well established. This meta-analysis summarizes the potential prognostic value of PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed by a systematic search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Scopus and Ovid for eligible studies on the prognostic significance of PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the link between PD-L1 expression and clinical prognosis of patients. Seventeen eligible studies with 2669 patients were included in our study. A significant association was observed between PD-L1 abundance and poor overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic cancers, with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 1.902, 95% CI: 1.657-2.184. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability of our results. Subgroup analysis shows that differences in regions and detection methods of PD-L1 did not change the overall predictive value of PD-L1 for poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. This meta-analysis indicated that the expression of PD-L1 is associated with a worse OS in pancreatic cancer patients. Additionally, PD-L1 may act as a potential parameter for predicting poor prognosis and thus providing a promising target for anticancer therapy in pancreatic cancer.

Analysis of Bioactive Compounds Produced by Bacillus mojavensis ZA1 and Their Antagonistic Effect on Colletotrichum coccodes by GC-MS.

The plant disease Colletotrichum coccodes, which lowers potato yields, poses a severe danger to the booming potato industry. Isolated plant endophytic bacteria from highland pasture can produce a variety of metabolites that lessen the risk that the pathogen C. coccodes poses to plant growth and development. Therefore, the objective of our work was to assess substances with antipathogenic properties made by the endophytic bacteria Bacillus mojavensis ZA1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used in our investigation to accomplish a thorough structural elucidation of the antipathogenic compounds produced by the endophytic bacterial strain B. mojavensis ZA1. The results showed that the metabolites extracted from ethyl acetate as an extractant were the most effective in inhibiting the pathogen C. coccodes, with 60.95% inhibition. Thirty-five distinct chemicals, including acids, esters, ketones, alcohols, amino acid ammonium salts, cyclic ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, and heterocyclic compounds, were among the metabolites that may inhibit C. coccodes. Further analysis of the chemical groups in the compound structures revealed the potential of driving groups, such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, ester, benzene, carbon-carbon double bonds, and carbon rings, that prevent C. coccodes from performing its function. This study opens up new opportunities for plant protection programs by demonstrating that natural chemicals produced by B. mojavensis ZA1 can be used as candidates for cutting-edge plant disease management treatments.

Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Containing a High Density of Pendant Phenylboronic Acid Groups for Dopamine Detection.

A fluorescent sensing system based on a conjugated polyelectrolyte was constructed to detect dopamine (DA) in complex samples. The conjugated polymer PFPE-PBA with poly[fluorenyl-alt-p-phenyleneethynylene] (PFPE) as the backbone and carrying four pendant phenylboronic acid (PBA) groups in each repeat unit was synthesized. PFPE-PBA was found to have good solubility in polar solvents. After optimization, glycine-NaOH at pH 10 was selected as the buffer, and the solvent composition of the system was set to methanol/water (9/1 by volume). Titration experiments showed that DA could effectively quench the fluorescence of the polymer solution with a response time within 60 s and a limit of detection of 23 nM. Polyols, cations, and other possible interfering substances do not significantly affect the fluorescence of the polymer, thereby allowing for the highly selective detection of DA. Furthermore, quantitative determination of DA in spiked serum and artificial urine samples was successfully demonstrated, with recoveries ranging from 96.7 to 104%. Preliminary mechanism studies suggest that the pedant PBAs capture DA via reaction with the catechol group, and the fluorescence quenching is most likely due to the photoinduced electron transfer between the aromatic part of DA and the conjugated backbone. This study provides a general strategy for the future design of conjugated polyelectrolyte-based sensing systems.

The time interval between laparoscopic tubal ligation and frozen-thawed embryo transfer does not affect the reproductive outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hydrosalpinx may decrease implantation and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. Laparoscopic tubal ligation after embryo freeze and before frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is effective at improving reproductive outcomes for hydrosalpinx patients. This study is to find out the optimal interval between laparoscopic tubal ligation and FET. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 259 infertile women who performed laparoscopic tubal ligation for embryo freeze and FET. Participants were divided into three groups, based on the interval between laparoscopic tubal ligation and FET. Group I: <30 days; Group II: 31- 60 days; Group III: >60 days. Outcomes of cleavage-stage and blastocyst-stage embryo FET were analyzed respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and preterm birth rate among the three groups, in both cleavage-stage and blastocyst-stage embryo FET cycles. In cleavage-stage embryo FET cycle, singleton gestational age was significantly younger in group III (38.11 ± 2.28 weeks) compared with group I (39.29 ± 1.06 weeks, P = 0.001) and group II (38.96 ± 1.05, P = 0.026). Singleton birth weight was significantly heavier in group II (3.65 ± 0.32 Kg) compared with group I (3.38 ± 0.29 Kg, P = 0.001) and group III (3.35 ± 0.60 Kg, P = 0.004). Twin birth weight was significantly heavier in group III (2.72 ± 0.43 Kg) compared to group I (2.23 ± 0.67 Kg, P = 0.002). In blastocyst-stage embryo FET cycles, twin gestational age was significantly younger in group II (34.07 ± 3.18 weeks) compared with group I (35.56 ± 2.27 weeks, P = 0.049) and group III (36.50 ± 1.47 weeks, P = 0.005). Twin birth weight was significantly heavier in group III (2.71 ± 0.39 Kg) compared to group II (2.39 ± 0.67 Kg, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of the interval between laparoscopic tubal ligation and FET does not affect the reproductive outcomes; however, it may affect the neonate outcomes to some extent.

Scutellarin attenuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) seriously threatens human life and health. Scutellarin (Scu) exhibits neuroprotective effects, but little is known about its underlying mechanism. Therefore, we explored its protective effect on CIRI and the underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that Scu rescued HT22 cells from cytotoxicity induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Scu also showed antioxidant activity by promoting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, upregulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vitro. Additionally, Scu reduced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors. Interestingly, these effects were abolished by Nrf2 inhibition. Furthermore, Scu reduced infarct volume and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, improved sensorimotor functions and depressive behaviors, and alleviated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). Mechanistically, Scu-induced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and inactivation of NF-κB were accompanied by an enhanced level of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) both in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacologically inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway blocked Scu-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and inactivation of NF-κB, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In summary, these results suggest that Scu exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in CIRI through Nrf2 activation mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Perceived stress, social support, and insomnia in hemodialysis patients and their family caregivers: an actor-partner interdependence mediation model analysis.

Objectives: Patients' and caregivers' physical and mental health may interact. The theory of dyadic illness management holds that patients and caregivers should be regarded as a whole in health management. Previous studies have found that hemodialysis patients and their family caregivers experience poor sleep quality. Perceived stress and social support have effects on insomnia. However, the dyadic interaction between perceived stress, social support, and insomnia among hemodialysis patients and caregivers is unclear. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of social support in the association between perceived stress and insomnia in hemodialysis patient-caregiver dyads. Methods: A total of 259 hemodialysis patient-caregiver dyads completed the Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (CPSS), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) in Lanzhou, China, from May 2022 to July 2022. The actor-partner interdependence mediation model analysis was used for data analysis. Results: In the actor effect, there was a significant positive correlation between perceived stress and insomnia in hemodialysis patients (ß = 0.091, p = 0.001) and their family caregivers (ß = 0.588, p < 0.001). Patient's and caregiver's social support played partial mediating roles in the relationship between caregiver's perceived stress and insomnia (ß = 0.135, p < 0.001 and ß = 0.111, p < 0.001). In the partner effect, caregiver's perceived stress was positively connected with patient's insomnia (ß = 0.915, p < 0.001), and the mediating effect of patient's social support on the relationship between caregiver's perceived stress and patient's insomnia was statistically significant (ß = -0.040, p = 0.046). Conclusion: The perceived stress, social support and insomnia of hemodialysis patients and their family caregivers had interactive effects. Effective dyadic-based interventions should be developed to improve hemodialysis patients' and caregivers' sleep quality.

Gut microbiota bridges dietary nutrients and host immunity.

Dietary nutrients and the gut microbiota are increasingly recognized to cross-regulate and entrain each other, and thus affect host health and immune-mediated diseases. Here, we systematically review the current understanding linking dietary nutrients to gut microbiota-host immune interactions, emphasizing how this axis might influence host immunity in health and diseases. Of relevance, we highlight that the implications of gut microbiota-targeted dietary intervention could be harnessed in orchestrating a spectrum of immune-associated diseases.