Associations of 24-hour movement behaviors with depressive symptoms in rural-dwelling older adults: a compositional data analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the association of sleep duration with depressive symptoms among rural-dwelling older adults in China, and to estimate the impact of substituting sleep with sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) on the association with depressive symptoms. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study included 2001 rural-dwelling older adults (age ≥ 60 years, 59.2% female). Sleep duration was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We used accelerometers to assess SB and PA, and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale to assess depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using restricted cubic splines, compositional logistic regression, and isotemporal substitution models. RESULTS: Restricted cubic spline curves showed a U-shaped association between daily sleep duration and the likelihood of depressive symptoms (P-nonlinear < 0.001). Among older adults with sleep duration < 7 h/day, reallocating 60 min/day spent on SB and PA to sleep were associated with multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78-0.84) and 0.79 (0.76-0.82), respectively, for depressive symptoms. Among older adults with sleep duration ≥ 7 h/day, reallocating 60 min/day spent in sleep to SB and PA, and reallocating 60 min/day spent on SB to PA were associated with multivariable-adjusted OR of 0.78 (0.74-0.84), 0.73 (0.69-0.78), and 0.94 (0.92-0.96), respectively, for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a U-shaped association of sleep duration with depressive symptoms in rural older adults and further shows that replacing SB and PA with sleep or vice versa is associated with reduced likelihoods of depressive symptoms depending on sleep duration.

High-Frequency Hearing Loss, Hippocampal Volume, and Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome in Older Adults in China: A Population-Based Study.

Background: Little is known about the associations of hearing loss, hippocampal volume, and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) in older adults. Objective: We aimed to investigate the associations of hearing loss with MCR and hippocampal volume; and the interaction of hearing loss with hippocampal volume on MCR. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 2,540 dementia-free participants (age≥60 years; 56.5% women) in the baseline examination of the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in rural China. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. Hearing function was assessed using pure tone audiometry test. In the subsample (n = 661), hippocampal volume was assessed on structural magnetic resonance images. Data were analyzed with logistic regression models. Results: In the total sample, MCR was diagnosed in 246 persons (9.7%). High-frequency hearing loss was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of MCR and slow gait. In the subsample, the restricted cubic spline plots indicated an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship between high-frequency hearing performance and hippocampal volume. Moreover, greater hippocampal volume was significantly associated with a deduced likelihood of MCR and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). In addition, there were statistical interactions of high-frequency hearing loss with hippocampal volume on MCR and slow gait (p for interaction < 0.05), such that the associations were statistically significant only among participants free of high-frequency hearing loss. Conclusions: High-frequency hearing loss was associated with an increased likelihood of MCR in older adults. The hippocampus might play a part in the relationship of high-frequency hearing loss and MCR.

Association of lifestyle with sleep health in general population in China: a cross-sectional study.

The concept of a healthy lifestyle is receiving increasing attention. This study sought to identify an optimal healthy lifestyle profile associated with sleep health in general population of China. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to July 2022. Six healthy lifestyle factors were assessed: healthy diet, regular physical exercise, never smoking, never drinking alcohol, low sedentary behavior, and normal weight. Participants were categorized into the healthy lifestyle (5-6 factors), average (3-4 factors), and unhealthy lifestyle groups (0-2 factors). The study's primary outcome was sleep health, which included sleep quality, duration, pattern, and the presence of any sleep disorder or disturbance, including insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive apnea syndrome, and narcolepsy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to explore lifestyles associated with the selected sleep health outcomes. 41,061 individuals were included, forming 18.8% healthy, 63.8% average, and 17.4% unhealthy lifestyle groups. After adjusting for covariates, participants with healthy lifestyle were associated with a higher likelihood of good sleep quality (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.46-1.68), normal sleep duration (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.49-1.72), healthy sleep pattern (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 2.00-2.31), and lower risks of insomnia (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.61-0.71), excessive daytime sleepiness (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.60-0.73), and obstructive apnea syndrome (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.37-0.43), but not narcolepsy (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.83-1.03), compared to those with unhealthy lifestyle. This large cross-sectional study is the first to our knowledge to quantify the associations of a healthy lifestyle with specific aspects of sleep health. The findings offer support for efforts to improve sleep health by modulating lifestyle.

Short time-series expression transcriptome data reveal the gene expression patterns and potential biomarkers of blood infection with LPS and poly (I:C) in Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi).

Blood transcriptomics has emerged as a vital tool for tracking the immune system and supporting disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and research. The present study was conducted to analyze the gene expression profile and potential biomarker candidates using the whole blood of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) infected with LPS or poly (I:C) at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h. Our data suggest that 310 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among each comparison group after LPS infection, and 137 shared DEGs were identified after poly (I:C) infection. A total of 62 shared DEGs were differentially expressed in all compared groups after LPS or poly (I:C) infection. Pathways analysis for DEGs in all different compared groups showed that cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction was the most enrichment pathway. The expression levels of genes C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2-like (cxcr2), chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 9a (ccr9a), chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 9b (ccr9b), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4b (cxcr4b), and interleukin 10 receptor alpha (il10ra) were significantly different in all compared groups and most enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. The protein-protein interactions analysis among all shared DEGs showed that cxcr4 was the hub gene with the highest degree. The biomarker candidates discovered in this study may, following validation, prove effective as diagnostic tools in monitoring mandarin fish diseases.

SUBSTANDARD STARCH GRAIN7 regulates starch grain size and endosperm development in rice.

Starch is synthesized as insoluble, semicrystalline particles within plant chloroplast and amyloplast, which are referred to as starch grains (SGs). The size and morphology of SGs in the cereal endosperm are diverse and species-specific, representing a key determinant of the suitability of starch for industrial applications. However, the molecular mechanisms modulating SG size in cereal endosperm remain elusive. Here, we functionally characterized the rice (Oryza sativa) mutant substandard starch grain7 (ssg7), which exhibits enlarged SGs and defective endosperm development. SSG7 encodes a plant-specific DUF1001 domain-containing protein homologous to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CRUMPLED LEAF (AtCRL). SSG7 localizes to the amyloplast membrane in developing endosperm. Several lines of evidence suggest that SSG7 functions together with SSG4 and SSG6, known as two regulators essential for SG development, to control SG size, by interacting with translocon-associated components, which unveils a molecular link between SG development and protein import. Genetically, SSG7 acts synergistically with SSG4 and appears to be functional redundancy with SSG6 in modulating SG size and endosperm development. Collectively, our findings uncover a multimeric functional protein complex involved in SG development in rice. SSG7 represents a promising target gene for the biotechnological modification of SG size, particularly for breeding programs aimed at improving starch quality.

Stem cell recruitment polypeptide hydrogel microcarriers with exosome delivery for osteoarthritis treatment.

With the accelerated aging tendency, osteoarthritis (OA) has become an intractable global public health challenge. Stem cells and their derivative exosome (Exo) have shown great potential in OA treatment. Research in this area tends to develop functional microcarriers for stem cell and Exo delivery to improve the therapeutic effect. Herein, we develop a novel system of Exo-encapsulated stem cell-recruitment hydrogel microcarriers from liquid nitrogen-assisted microfluidic electrospray for OA treatment. Benefited from the advanced droplet generation capability of microfluidics and mild cryogelation procedure, the resultant particles show uniform size dispersion and excellent biocompatibility. Moreover, acryloylated stem cell recruitment peptides SKPPGTSS are directly crosslinked within the particles by ultraviolet irradiation, thus simplifying the peptide coupling process and preventing its premature release. The SKPPGTSS-modified particles can recruit endogenous stem cells to promote cartilage repair and the released Exo from the particles further enhances the cartilage repair performance through synergistic effects. These features suggest that the proposed hydrogel microcarrier delivery system is a promising candidate for OA treatment.

Association of polygenic risk scores with Alzheimer's disease and plasma biomarkers among Chinese older adults: A community-based study.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the associations of polygenic risk score (PRS) with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and plasma biomarkers in the Chinese population. METHODS: This population-based study used baseline data from MIND-China (2018; n = 4873) and follow-up data from dementia-free individuals (2014-2018; n = 2117). We measured AD-related plasma biomarkers in a subsample (n = 1256). Data were analyzed using logistic and Cox regression models. RESULTS: We developed PRS with (PRSAPOE) and without (PRSnon- APOE) apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. In the longitudinal analysis, PRSAPOE was associated with a multivariable-adjusted hazards ratio of 1.91 (95% CI = 1.13-3.23) for AD. PRSAPOE in combination with demographics yielded discriminative (area under the curve [AUC]) and predictive(C-statistic) accuracy of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77-0.84) and 0.80 (0.77-0.82), respectively. PRSnon- APOE showed an association with AD risk similar to PRSAPOE. PRSAPOE, but not PRSnon- APOE, was associated with reduced plasma Aß42/Aß40 ratio and increased Neurofilament light chain (NfL) (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The PRS with and without APOE gene, in combination with demographics, shows good discriminative and predictive ability for AD. The AD-related pathologies underlie AD risk associated with PRSAPOE. HIGHLIGHTS: The PRSAPOE and PRSnon- APOE were associated with AD risk in the Chinese population. The PRSAPOE and PRSnon- APOE, in combination with demographics, showed good discriminative and predictive ability for AD. The AD-related pathologies underlie the AD risk associated with PRSAPOE but not PRSnon- APOE.

Synergistic associations of CD33 variants and hypertension with brain and cognitive aging among dementia-free older adults: A population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: CD33 rs3865444 and hypertension (HTN) are related to cognitive impairment, individually. However, little is known about their combined effects on cognitive function in older adults. METHODS: This population-based study included 4368 dementia-free participants (age ≥65 years) in the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China (MIND-China), with data available in 1044 persons for gray matter volume and 85 persons for cerebral blood flow (CBF). We used general linear regression and mediation models to examine the associations of rs3865444 and HTN with cognition, brain atrophy, and CBF. RESULTS: Among rs3865444 CC carriers, HTN and late-life HTN were significantly associated with impaired cognition. Midlife and late-life HTN were correlated with brain atrophy. CD33 rs3865444 CC moderated the mediation effect of gray matter volume on the association between HTN and global cognition. HTN was correlated with low CBF in rs3865444 CC carriers. DISCUSSION: There are synergistic associations of CD33 rs3865444 and HTN with brain and cognitive aging in dementia-free older adults.

Development and validation of a diagnostic model for cerebral small vessel disease among rural older adults in China.

Objectives: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) visible on MRI can be asymptomatic. We sought to develop and validate a model for detecting CSVD in rural older adults. Methods: This study included 1,192 participants in the MRI sub-study within the Multidomain Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China. Total sample was randomly divided into training set and validation set. MRI markers of CSVD were assessed following the international criteria, and total CSVD burden was assessed on a scale from 0 to 4. Logistic regression analyses were used to screen risk factors and develop the diagnostic model. A nomogram was used to visualize the model. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis. Results: The model included age, high blood pressure, white blood cell count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and history of cerebral infarction. The AUC was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.67-0.76) in the training set and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.63-0.76) in the validation set. The model showed high coherence between predicted and observed probabilities in both the training and validation sets. The model had higher net benefits than the strategy assuming all participants either at high risk or low risk of CSVD for probability thresholds ranging 50-90% in the training set, and 65-98% in the validation set. Conclusion: A model that integrates routine clinical factors could detect CSVD in older adults, with good discrimination and calibration. The model has implication for clinical decision-making.

Association of enlarged perivascular spaces with cognitive function in dementia-free older adults: A population-based study.

Introduction: We sought to characterize cognitive profiles associated with enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) among Chinese older adults. Methods: This population-based study included 1191 dementia-free participants (age ≥60 years) in the MIND-China MRI Substudy (2018-2020). We visually evaluated EPVS in basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO), white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and cortical superficial siderosis. We used a neuropsychological test battery to assess cognitive function. Data were analyzed using general linear models. Results: Greater BG-EPVS load was associated with lower z-scores in memory, verbal fluency, and global cognition (p < 0.05); these associations became non-significant when controlling for other cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers (e.g., WMHs, lacunes, and mixed CMBs). Overall, CSO-EPVS load was not associated with cognitive z-scores (p > 0.05); among apolipoprotein E (APOE) -ε4 carriers, greater CSO-EPVS load was associated with lower verbal fluency z-score, even when controlling for other CSVD markers (p < 0.05). Discussion: The associations of BG-EPVS with poor cognitive function in older adults are largely attributable to other CSVD markers. HIGHLIGHTS: The association of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) with cognitive function in older people is poorly defined.The association of basal ganglia (BG)-EPVS with poor cognition is attributed to other cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers.In apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers, a higher centrum semiovale (CSO)-EPVS load is associated with poorer verbal fluency.

[Regulatory effect of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on asthmatic rats by urine metabolomics].

Urine metabolomics based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was utilized to investigate the metabolic regulation mechanism of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction(TLDZ) in rats with allergic asthma. SD male rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a dexamethasone group, and a TLDZ group. The allergic asthma model was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA) to induce allergy, combined with atomization excitation. Urine metabolites from all rats were collected by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The metabolic profiles of rats in each group were built by principal component analysis(PCA). Besides, the differential metabolites between the model group and the TLDZ group were selected by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), t-test(P<0.05), and variable importance in the projection(VIP) values of more than 3. The differential metabolites were identified through HMDB, METLIN, and other online databa-ses. Heat maps and clustering analysis for relative quantitative information of biomarkers in each group were drawn by MeV 4.8.0 software. Finally, MetaboAnalyst, MBRole, and KEGG databases were used to enrich related metabolic pathways and construct metabolic networks. The result demonstrated that TLDZ could effectively regulate the disordered urine metabolic profiles of asthmatic rats. Combined with multivariate statistical analysis and online databases, a total of 45 differential metabolites with significant changes(P<0.05) between the model group and the TLDZ group were screened out. Metabolic pathways including histidine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism were enriched. TLDZ could improve asthma by regulating related metabolic pathways and interfering with pathological processes such as immune homeostasis airway inflammation. The study investigates the molecular mechanism of anti-asthma of TLDZ from the perspective of urine metabolomics, and combined with previous pharmacological studies, it provides a scientific basis for the clinical development and application of TLDZ in the treatment of asthma.

Prolonged ventricular repolarization associated with mild cognitive impairment and white matter hyperintensities: a cross-sectional study.

Prolonged ventricular repolarization has been associated with cardiovascular disease. We sought to investigate the association of prolonged ventricular repolarization with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the potential underlying neuropathological mechanisms in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 4328 dementia-free participants (age ≥ 65 years; 56.8% female) in the baseline examination of the Multidomain INterventions to delay dementia and Disability in rural China; of these, 989 undertook structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. QT, QTc, JT, JTc, and QRS intervals were derived from 12-lead electrocardiograph. MCI, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI) were defined following the Petersen's criteria. Volumes of gray matter (GM), white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, total white matter hyperintensities (WMH), periventricular WMH (PWMH), and deep WMH (DWMH) were automatically estimated. Data were analyzed using logistic and general linear regression models. Prolonged QT, QTc, JT, and JTc intervals were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of MCI and aMCI, but not naMCI (p < 0.05). In the MRI subsample, QT, QTc, JT, and JTc intervals were significantly associated with larger total WMH and PWMH volumes (p < 0.05), but not with DWMH volume. Statistical interactions were detected, such that prolonged QT and JT intervals were significantly associated with reduced GM volume only among participants with coronary heart disease or without APOE ε4 allele (p < 0.05). Prolonged ventricular repolarization is associated with MCI and cerebral microvascular lesions in a general population of older adults. This underlies the importance of cognitive assessments and brain MRI examination among older adults with prolonged QT interval.

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity, peripheral biomarkers, and dementia in rural older adults: The MIND-China study.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence has emerged that cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is associated with dementia, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. METHODS: This population-based study included 5704 older adults. Of these, data were available in 1439 persons for plasma amyloid-ß (Aß), total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) and in 1809 persons for serum cytokines. We defined CMM following two common definitions used in previous studies. Data were analyzed using general linear, logistic, and mediation models. RESULTS: The presence of CMM was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) (p < 0.05). CMM was significantly associated with increased plasma Aß40, Aß42, and NfL, whereas CMM that included visceral obesity was associated with increased serum cytokines. The mediation analysis suggested that plasma NfL significantly mediated the association of CMM with AD. DISCUSSION: CMM is associated with dementia, AD, and VaD in older adults. The neurodegenerative pathway is involved in the association of CMM with AD. HIGHLIGHTS: The presence of CMM was associated with increased likelihoods of dementia, AD, and VaD in older adults. CMM was associated with increased AD-related plasma biomarkers and serum inflammatory cytokines. Neurodegenerative pathway was partly involved in the association of CMM with AD.

Both middle and large envelope proteins can mediate neutralization of hepatitis B virus infectivity by anti-preS2 antibodies: escape by naturally occurring preS2 deletions.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) expresses co-terminal large (L), middle (M), and small (S) envelope proteins containing preS1/preS2/S, preS2/S, and S domain alone, respectively. S and preS1 domains mediate sequential virion attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), respectively, which can be blocked by anti-S and anti-preS1 antibodies. How anti-preS2 antibodies neutralize HBV infectivity remains enigmatic. The late stage of chronic HBV infection often selects for mutated preS2 translation initiation codon to prevent M protein expression, or in-frame preS2 deletions to shorten both L and M proteins. When introduced to infectious clone of genotype C or D, both M-minus mutations and most 5' preS2 deletions sustained virion production. Such mutant progeny viral particles were infectious in NTCP-reconstituted HepG2 cells. Neutralization experiments were performed on the genotype D clone. Although remaining susceptible to anti-preS1 and anti-S neutralizing antibodies, M-minus mutants were only partially neutralized by two anti-preS2 antibodies tested while preS2 deletion mutants were resistant. By infection experiments using viral particles with lost versus increased M protein expression, or a neutralization escaping preS2 deletion only present on L or M protein, we found that both full-length L and M proteins contributed to virus neutralization by the two anti-preS2 antibodies. Thus, immune escape could be a driving force for the selection of M-minus mutations, and especially preS2 deletions. The fact that both L and M proteins could mediate neutralization by anti-preS2 antibodies may shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism.IMPORTANCEThe large (L), middle (M), and small (S) envelope proteins of hepatitis B virus (HBV) contain preS1/preS2/S, preS2/S, and S domain alone, respectively. The discovery of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as the low- and high-affinity HBV receptors could explain neutralizing potential of anti-S and anti-preS1 antibodies, respectively, but how anti-preS2 neutralizing antibodies work remains enigmatic. In this study, we found two M-minus mutants in the context of genotype D partially escaped two anti-preS2 neutralizing antibodies in NTCP-reconstituted HepG2 cells, while several naturally occurring preS2 deletion mutants escaped both antibodies. By point mutations to eliminate or enhance M protein expression, and by introducing preS2 deletion selectively to L or M protein, we found binding of anti-preS2 antibodies to both L and M proteins contributed to neutralization of wild-type HBV infectivity. Our finding may shed light on the possible mechanism(s) whereby anti-preS2 antibodies neutralize HBV infectivity.

Prognostic models for mucinous and non-specific adeno cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based retrospective study.

Background: Clinically, the diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma are generally different according to the location of occurrence, and the studies rarely consider the differences between different pathological types. Cholangiocarcinomas in large- and middle-sized intrahepatic bile ducts are mostly mucinous, while in small sized bile duct are not; mucinous extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are also more common than mucinous intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, it is unclear whether these pathological type differences are related to the prognosis. Methods: Data of total 22509 patients was analyzed from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database out of which 22299 patients were diagnosed with common adeno cholangiocarcinoma while 210 were diagnosed with mucinous cholangiocarcinoma. Based on the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, between these two groups' clinical, demographic, and therapeutic features were contrasted. The data were analyzed using Cox and LASSO regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Ultimately, overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) related prognostic models were established and validated in test and external datasets and nomograms were created to forecast these patients' prognosis. Results: There was no difference in prognosis between mucinous cholangiocarcinoma and adeno cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, we constructed prognostic model and nomogram that can be used for mucinous and adeno cholangiocarcinoma at the same time. By comparing the 9 independent key characteristics i.e. Age, tumor size, the number of primary tumors, AJCC stage, Grade, lymph node status, metastasis, surgery and chemotherapy, risk scores were calculated for each individual. By integrating these two pathological types in OS and CSS prognostic models, effective prognosis prediction results could be achieved in multiple datasets (OS: AUC 0.70-0.87; CSS: AUC 0.74-0.89). Conclusion: Age, tumor size, the number of primary tumors, AJCC stage, Grade, lymph node status, metastasis, surgery and chemotherapy are the independent prognostic factors in OS or CSS of the patients with mucinous and ordinary cholangiocarcinoma. Nomogram that can be used for mucinous and adeno cholangiocarcinoma at the same time is of significance in clinical practice and management of cholangiocarcinoma.

Macrophage GIT1 promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and remyelination after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in severe motor and sensory deficits, for which currently no effective cure exists. The pathological process underlying this injury is extremely complex and involves many cell types in the central nervous system. In this study, we have uncovered a novel function for macrophage G protein-coupled receptor kinase-interactor 1 (GIT1) in promoting remyelination and functional repair after SCI. Using GIT1flox/flox Lyz2-Cre (GIT1 CKO) mice, we identified that GIT1 deficiency in macrophages led to an increased generation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), reduced proportion of mature oligodendrocytes (mOLs), impaired remyelination, and compromised functional recovery in vivo. These effects in GIT1 CKO mice were reversed with the administration of soluble TNF inhibitor. Moreover, bone marrow transplantation from GIT1 CWT mice reversed adverse outcomes in GIT1 CKO mice, further indicating the role of macrophage GIT1 in modulating spinal cord injury repair. Our in vitro experiments showed that macrophage GIT1 plays a critical role in secreting TNFα and influences the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) after stimulation with myelin debris. Collectively, our data uncovered a new role of macrophage GIT1 in regulating the transformation of OPCs into mOLs, essential for functional remyelination after SCI, suggesting that macrophage GIT1 could be a promising treatment target of SCI.

Epigallocatechin gallate protects MC3T3-E1 cells from cadmium-induced apoptosis and dysfunction via modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active constituent of tea, is recognized for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the specific mechanism by which EGCG protects osteoblasts from cadmium-induced damage remains incompletely understood. Here, the action of EGCG was investigated by exposing MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts to EGCG and CdCl2 and examining their growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. It was found that EGCG promoted the viability of cadmium-exposed MC3T3-E1 cells, mitigated apoptosis, and promoted both maturation and mineralization. Additionally, CdCl2 has been reported to inhibit both the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathways. EGCG treatment attenuated cadmium-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts and restored their function by upregulating both signaling pathways. The findings provide compelling evidence for EGCG's role in attenuating cadmium-induced osteoblast apoptosis and dysfunction through activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. This suggests the potential of using EGCG for treating cadmium-induced osteoblast dysfunction.

Towards the implications of positive teacher interpersonal behaviors for Spanish learners' academic engagement: Voices from Chinese SFL learners.

With the advent of positive psychology in the area of language education, more focus has been placed on the consequences of favorable teacher communication behaviors in language classes. Nonetheless, the function of language instructors' interpersonal behaviors in raising learners' engagement is somehow unknown. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no research study has been carried out in Spanish language classes to explore the function of teacher communication behaviors in learners' engagement. To fill this lacuna, the current inquiry looked into the role of teachers' positive interpersonal factors in Chinese SFL learners' behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. For this purpose, a random sample of 32 SFL learners was chosen to participate in our online interview sessions. The answers of SFL learners to the interview questions were thematically analyzed via MAXQDA software. The thematic analysis findings pointed to the value of teacher communication behaviors in improving SFL learners' engagement. The analysis outcomes also demonstrated the potential of 11 positive interpersonal behaviors (rapport, care, clarity, credibility, confirmation, immediacy, closeness, praise, feedback, respect, and stroke) in increasing Spanish language learners' academic engagement. The practical implications that may emerge from the present study's outcomes are finally discussed.

Advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy and its applications in zeolite chemistry.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy (ssNMR) can provide details about the structure, host-guest/guest-guest interactions and dynamic behavior of materials at atomic length scales. A crucial use of ssNMR is for the characterization of zeolite catalysts that are extensively employed in industrial catalytic processes. This review aims to spotlight the recent advancements in ssNMR spectroscopy and its application to zeolite chemistry. We first review the current ssNMR methods and techniques that are relevant to characterize zeolite catalysts, including advanced multinuclear and multidimensional experiments, in situ NMR techniques and hyperpolarization methods. Of these, the methodology development on half-integer quadrupolar nuclei is emphasized, which represent about two-thirds of stable NMR-active nuclei and are widely present in catalytic materials. Subsequently, we introduce the recent progress in understanding zeolite chemistry with the aid of these ssNMR methods and techniques, with a specific focus on the investigation of zeolite framework structures, zeolite crystallization mechanisms, surface active/acidic sites, host-guest/guest-guest interactions, and catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Brain abnormalities in survivors of COVID-19 after 2-year recovery: a functional MRI study.

Background: A variety of symptoms, particularly cognitive, psychiatric and neurological symptoms, may persist for a long time among individuals recovering from COVID-19. However, the underlying mechanism of these brain abnormalities remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the long-term neuroimaging effects of COVID-19 infection on brain functional activities using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods: Fifty-two survivors 27 months after infection (mild-moderate group: 25 participants, severe-critical: 27 participants), from our previous community participants, along with 35 healthy controls, were recruited to undergo fMRI scans and comprehensive cognitive function measurements. Participants were evaluated by subjective assessment of Cognitive Failures Questionnaire-14 (CFQ-14) and Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), and objective assessment of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), N-back, and Simple Reaction Time (SRT). Each had rs-fMRI at 3T. Measures such as the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were calculated. Findings: Compared with healthy controls, survivors of mild-moderate acute symptoms group and severe-critical group had a significantly higher score of cognitive complains involving cognitive failure and mental fatigue. However, there was no difference of cognitive complaints between two groups of COVID-19 survivors. The performance of three groups was similar on the score of MoCA, N-back and SRT. The rs-fMRI results showed that COVID-19 survivors exhibited significantly increased ALFF values in the left putamen (PUT.L), right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG.R) and right pallidum (PAL.R), while decreased ALFF values were observed in the right superior parietal gyrus (SPG.R) and left superior temporal gyrus (STG.L). Additionally, decreased ReHo values in the right precentral gyrus (PreCG.R), left postcentral gyrus (PoCG.L), left calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex (CAL.L) and left superior temporal gyrus (STG.L). Furthermore, significant negative correlations between the ReHo values in the STG.L, and CFQ-14 and mental fatigue were found. Interpretation: This long-term study suggests that individuals recovering from COVID-19 continue to experience cognitive complaints, psychiatric and neurological symptoms, and brain functional alteration. The rs-fMRI results indicated that the changes in brain function in regions such as the putamen, temporal lobe, and superior parietal gyrus may contribute to cognitive complaints in individuals with long COVID even after 2-year infection. Funding: The National Programs for Brain Science and Brain-like Intelligence Technology of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality of China, and the National Key Research and Development Program of China.