Tracking Chinese Online Activity and Interest in Osteoporosis Using the Baidu Index.

Introduction China's most widely used online search engine, Baidu (Baidu, Inc., Beijing, China), has developed a data collection and analysis tool called the Baidu Index for tracking Internet search trends. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Baidu Index in tracking online osteoporosis information-seeking behavior and comprehending the traits and concerns of the Chinese population. Methods We used the search term "osteoporosis" for the Baidu Index for the years 2018-2022. The geographic and demographic distributions, search volumes, and demand maps were recorded. Results The popularity of the search term "osteoporosis" has increased over time. The search was mostly conducted among women aged 20-39 in northern China. The demand map revealed that the most significant concerns are related to the diagnosis, treatment, and etiology of osteoporosis. Conclusion The Baidu Index is a valuable tool for tracking online health information-seeking behavior among Chinese netizens. Online search trend data appears to reflect the geographic and demographic aspects of osteoporosis to a certain extent.

Decoding cardiovascular risks: analyzing type 2 diabetes mellitus and ASCVD gene expression.

Background: ASCVD is the primary cause of mortality in individuals with T2DM. A potential link between ASCVD and T2DM has been suggested, prompting further investigation. Methods: We utilized linear and multivariate logistic regression, Wilcoxon test, and Spearman's correlation toanalyzethe interrelation between ASCVD and T2DM in NHANES data from 2001-2018.The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) wereconducted to identify co-expression networks between ASCVD and T2DM. Hub genes were identified using LASSO regression analysis and further validated in two additional cohorts. Bioinformatics methods were employed for gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, along with the prediction of candidate small molecules. Results: Our analysis of the NHANES dataset indicated a significant impact of blood glucose on lipid levels within diabetic cohort, suggesting that abnormal lipid metabolism is a critical factor in ASCVD development. Cross-phenotyping analysis revealed two pivotal genes, ABCC5 and WDR7, associated with both T2DM and ASCVD. Enrichment analyses demonstrated the intertwining of lipid metabolism in both conditions, encompassing adipocytokine signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation and metabolism, and the regulation of adipocyte lipolysis. Immune infiltration analysis underscored the involvement of immune processes in both diseases. Notably, RITA, ON-01910, doxercalciferol, and topiramate emerged as potential therapeutic agents for both T2DM and ASCVD, indicating their possible clinical significance. Conclusion: Our findings pinpoint ABCC5 and WDR7 as new target genes between T2DM and ASCVD, with RITA, ON-01910, doxercalciferol, and topiramate highlighted as promising therapeutic agents.

Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation Modulates Cognitive Theory of Mind in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer others' mental state, is essential for social interaction among human beings. It has been widely reported that both cognitive (inference of knowledge) and affective (inference of emotion) components of ToM are disrupted in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies usually focused on the involvement of the prefrontal cortex. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the causal role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key hub of the fronto-basal ganglia loops, in ToM. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with idiopathic PD (15 women, aged 62.2 ± 8.3 years) completed a Yoni task with deep brain stimulation (DBS) ON and OFF. The Yoni task was designed to separate the cognitive and affective components of ToM. Volumes of tissue activated (VTA) were computed for three subregions of the STN. RESULTS: DBS showed insignificant effects on ToM inference costs at the group level, which may be due to the large interindividual variability. The associative VTA correlated with the cognitive inference cost change but not the affective inference cost change. Patients with greater associative STN stimulation infer more slowly on cognitive ToM. Stimulating associative STN can adversely affect cognitive ToM in PD patients, especially in patients with a wide range of stimulation (≥0.157) or cognitive decline (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26). CONCLUSIONS: The associative STN plays a causal role in cognitive ToM in patients with PD. However, stimulating the associative STN likely impairs cognitive ToM and potentially leads to social interaction deficits in PD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Research on the Shale Reservoir Sensitivity by Using the Mineral Analysis Method.

Shale reservoirs have diverse mineral types, and analyzing the sensitivity of the mineral composition to shale pores is of great scientific and engineering significance. In this paper, first, X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments on shale mineral compositions are carried out, and the characteristics of pore structure changes after shale mineral compositions interacted with external fluids (slick water and backflow fluid) are elucidated. Then, the effects of quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite on the pore structure and permeability of shale on the susceptibility to slick water are studied. The results show that (a) quartz and clay minerals are the dominant constituents of each core, with some cores containing minor amounts of plagioclase feldspar and rhodochrosite. (b) The composition of the shale changed significantly following the action of external fluids. The average quartz content of pure shale decreased from 31.62% to 29.1%. The average content of quartz in siliceous shale decreased from 36.53% to 33.5%. The average content of quartz in carbonaceous shale decreased from 9.15% to 8.05%. (c) Factors affecting the sensitivity of shale pore structure and permeability to slick water are mainly quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite. The contents of quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite decreased by an average of 5.1%, 4.6%, and 0.9%, respectively, after slick water action.

Parent-adolescent discrepancies in educational expectations, relationship quality, and study engagement: a multi-informant study using response surface analysis.

Whether parental educational expectations for adolescents serve as a source of motivation or stress depends on the extent to which adolescents hold expectations for themselves. Previous research on the discrepancies between parental and adolescent educational expectations and their impact on learning engagement has been limited by traditional statistical tests, and lacking an examination of the internal mediating mechanism of parent-child relational quality from both parental and adolescent perspectives. This cross-sectional study, utilizing a multi-informant design, examined the association between discrepancies in parents' and adolescents' reports of expectations, and adolescents' study engagement, as well as the mediating role of parent-child relational qualities perceived by both parties. The sample for this study consisted of 455 adolescents and their parents from 10 classes in a junior high school in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The adolescents had an average age of 12.8 years, and 51.6% of them were boys. Both parents and adolescents reported on their expectations and perceived relational quality, while adolescents also filled out questionnaires assessing their learning engagement. Data were analyzed using polynomial regressions with response surface analysis. The results revealed that when adolescents reported high expectations, regardless of whether their parents reported high or low expectations, adolescents reported satisfied relationships and high learning engagement. In contrast, parents reported satisfied relationships when both parties reported high expectations, or when parents reported higher expectations than adolescents. Lastly, the association between discrepancies in expectations and learning engagement was significantly mediated by adolescent-reported relationships but not parent-reported ones. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying the association between expectations and adolescent study engagement. This research advances our comprehension of the dynamics between parent-adolescent educational expectation discrepancies and adolescent learning engagement, offering insights for more nuanced and effective parenting strategies tailored to foster optimal educational outcomes.

Carotid Ultrasound Combined with Plasma Atherosclerosis Index (AIP) in the Severe Analysis of Coronary Heart Disease Treated with Atorvastatin.

Background: Atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD) stands as a paramount cardiovascular concern and the primary cause of mortality. To underscore the significance of our study, it is crucial to highlight the existing gaps in current diagnostic methods and prognostic assessments of CHD. By addressing these gaps, our research aims to contribute valuable insights and advancements in the understanding and management of this prevalent cardiovascular condition. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between carotid ultrasound, the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), and the severity of CHD. Methods: We enrolled 59 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease and categorized them into two groups (multi-vessel and single-vessel disease groups) based on disease severity. The study employed carotid ultrasound, which measures Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and carotid artery stenosis, among other indicators. Additionally, we calculated the AIP. This approach allowed us to thoroughly analyze the correlation between these key indicators and the severity of coronary heart disease lesions. Results: The study included 59 patients, 38 with single-vessel disease and 21 with multi-vessel disease. In the multivessel disease group, we observed significantly elevated levels of AIP, IMT, and carotid stenosis compared to the single-vessel disease group. Specifically, AIP, IMT, and carotid stenosis levels were higher in the multi-vessel group. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a positive correlation between AIP and IMT (r = 0.038, P = .003), while no significant correlation was found between AIP and carotid stenosis. Additionally, there was a moderate correlation between IMT and carotid stenosis. Conclusion: The combined assessment of AIP and carotid ultrasonography emerges as a promising approach for evaluating the severity of CHD. Notably, the multi-vessel disease group exhibited higher AIP levels compared to the single-vessel disease group, along with increased IMT and carotid artery stenosis. Our findings highlight a positive correlation between AIP and IMT, as well as between IMT and the degree of carotid stenosis. These associations underscore the potential of AIP, in conjunction with carotid ultrasonography parameters, as valuable indicators for gauging CHD severity. The clinical implications of these findings warrant further exploration, particularly in their potential integration into existing diagnostic or prognostic models for CHD. This integrated approach may offer enhanced precision in distinguishing between single-vessel and multi-vessel disease, contributing to more informed clinical decision-making.

Risk factors and intervention of caregiver burden in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study summarized characteristics and risk factors of caregiver burden in PD patients and used meta-analysis to verify the effectiveness of the intervention on caregiver burden. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Forty-nine articles that involved 5387 caregivers of patients with PD were included in this study. Results of systematic review indicated that Zarit burden Inventory (ZBI) was the most used scale to measure the caregiver burden. All scales revealed caregivers of PD patients had mild to moderate caregiver burden. For the PD patients with longer disease duration, severer disease severity, more negative emotion and cognition impairment, their caregivers intended to have higher caregiver burden. The caregiver with negative emotion and who spent more time on caregiving indicated higher caregiver burden than the others. The caregiver burden was not improved after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Meta-analysis showed that cognitive behavior therapy and palliative care had no significant effect to reduce caregiver burden in PD patients' caregiver. CONCLUSION: Caregivers of PD patients experienced mild to moderate caregiver burden. Demographic factor, diseased-related factor and negative emotional factor were the risk factors of caregiver burden. Health education and care support for long-term management after DBS surgery should be provided for patients and caregivers to decrease caregiver burden.

Preparation of Spherical δ-MnO2 Nanoflowers by One-Step Coprecipitation Method as Electrode Material for Supercapacitor.

Spherical δ-MnO2 nanoflower materials were synthesized via a facile one-step coprecipitation method through adjusting the molar ratio of KMnO4 to MnSO4. The influence of the molar ratio of the reactants on the crystal structure, morphology, and electrochemical performances was investigated. At a molar ratio of 3.3 for KMnO4 to MnSO4, the spherical δ-MnO2 nanoflowers composed of nanosheets with the highest specific surface area (228.0 m2 g-1) were obtained as electrode materials. In the conventional three-electrode system using 1 M Na2SO4 as an electrolyte, the specific capacitance of the spherical δ-MnO2 nanoflowers reached 172.3 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. Moreover, even after 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1, the GCD curves remained essentially unchanged, and the specific capacitance still retained 86.50% of the maximum value. The kinetics of the electrode reaction were preliminarily studied through the linear potential sweep technique to observe diffusion-controlled contribution toward total capacitance. For the spherical δ-MnO2 nanoflower electrode material, diffusion-controlled contribution accounted for 65.1% at low scan rates and still remained significant at high scan rates (100 mV s-1), indicating excellent utilization efficiency of the bulk phase. The as-fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor HFC-7//MnO2-3.3-ASC presented a prominent specific energy of 16.5 Wh kg-1 at the specific power of 450 W kg-1. Even when the specific power reached 9.0 kW kg-1, the energy density still retained 9.5 Wh kg-1.

Network analysis of smoking-related sleep characteristics in Chinese adults.

The associations between multiple sleep characteristics and smoking behavior are inconsistent, and it is unclear which sleep characteristics are most crucial for tobacco prevention. This study aimed to explore the associations between smoking status/intensity and multiple sleep characteristics and to identify the potential core domain of smoking-related sleep using network analysis. Data were obtained from a survey of cancer-related risk factors among Chinese adults. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the associations between sleep characteristics and smoking status/intensity. Network analyses were employed to identify the core sleep characteristics. A total of 5,228 participants with a median age of 44 years old were included in the study. Current smoking was significantly positively associated with long nap time, difficulty falling asleep, late bedtime, getting up after 7 am, and waking up earlier than expected. There was significant positive association between current smoking and short sleep duration in young adults under 45 years old. Late bedtime and getting up after 7 am were only associated with current heavy smoking, but not current light smoking. Network analyses showed that multiple smoking-related sleep characteristics were interconnected, with difficulty falling asleep and late bedtime as central characteristics in the network. The study found that the associations between sleep characteristics and smoking varied by age and smoking intensity and highlights the potential benefits of sleep health promotion in smoking cessation, with a particular focus on difficulty falling asleep and late bedtime.

The role of epithelial cells in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment.

Fibrosis is a pathological process that affects multiple organs and is considered one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases, resulting in an enormous disease burden. Current studies have focused on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which directly lead to imbalance in generation and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the role of epithelial cells in fibrosis. In some cases, epithelial cells are first exposed to external physicochemical stimuli that may directly drive collagen accumulation in the mesenchyme. In other cases, the source of stimulation is mainly immune cells and some cytokines, and epithelial cells are similarly altered in the process. In this review, we will focus on the multiple dynamic alterations involved in epithelial cells after injury and during fibrogenesis, discuss the association among them, and summarize some therapies targeting changed epithelial cells. Especially, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key central step, which is closely linked to other biological behaviors. Meanwhile, we think studies on disruption of epithelial barrier, epithelial cell death and altered basal stem cell populations and stemness in fibrosis are not appreciated. We believe that therapies targeted epithelial cells can prevent the progress of fibrosis, but not reverse it. The epithelial cell targeting therapies will provide a wonderful preventive and delaying action.

Analysis of Key Genes and miRNA-mRNA Networks Associated with Glucocorticoids Treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) benefit from glucocorticoid (GC) treatment, but its mechanism is unclear. Objective: With the help of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the key genes and miRNA-mRNA related to the treatment of COPD by GCs were discussed, and the potential mechanism was explained. Methods: The miRNA microarray dataset (GSE76774) and mRNA microarray dataset (GSE36221) were downloaded, and differential expression analysis were performed. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein interaction network of the DEGs in the regulatory network was constructed with the STRING database, and the key genes were screened through Cytoscape. Potential downstream target genes regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were predicted by the miRWalk3.0 database, and miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were constructed. Finally, some research results were validated. Results: ① Four DEMs and 83 DEGs were screened; ② GO and KEGG enrichment analysis mainly focused on the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, ECM receptor interaction, etc.; ③ CD2, SLAMF7, etc. may be the key targets of GC in the treatment of COPD; ④ 18 intersection genes were predicted by the mirwalk 3.0 database, and 9 pairs of miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were identified; ⑤ The expression of miR-320d-2 and TFCP2L1 were upregulated by dexamethasone in the COPD cell model, while the expression of miR-181a-2-3p and SLAMF7 were downregulated. Conclusion: In COPD, GC may mediate the expression of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway through miR-181a-2-3p, miR-320d-2, miR-650, and miR-155-5p, targeting its downstream signal factors. The research results provide new ideas for RNA therapy strategies of COPD, and also lay a foundation for further research.

Synthesis of Fe-N doped porous carbon/silicate composites regulated by minerals in coal gasification fine slag for synergistic electrocatalytic treatment of phenolic wastewater.

Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS), as a difficult-to-dispose solid waste in the coal chemical industry, consists of minerals and residual carbon. Due to the aggregate structure of minerals blocking pores and encapsulating active substances, the high-value utilization of CGFS still remains a challenge. Based on the intrinsic characteristics of CGFS, this study synthesized Fe-N doped porous carbon/silicate composites (Fe-NC) by alkali activation and pyrolysis for electrocatalytic degradation of phenolic wastewater. Meanwhile, minerals were utilized to regulate the surface chemical and pore structure, turning their disadvantages into advantages, which caused a sharp increase in m-cresol mineralization. The positive effect of minerals on composite properties was investigated by characterization techniques, electrochemical analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It was found that the mesoporous structure of the mineral-regulated composites was further developed, with more carbon defects and reactive substances on its surface. Most importantly, silicate mediated iron conversion through strong interaction with H2O2, high work function gradient with electroactive iron, and excellent superoxide radical (•O2-) production capacity. It effectively improved the reversibility and kinetics of the entire electrocatalytic reaction. Within the Fe-NC311 electrocatalytic system, the m-cresol removal rate reached 99.55 ± 1.24%, surpassing most reported Fe-N-doped electrocatalysts. In addition, the adsorption and electrooxidation experiment confirmed that the synergistic effect of Fe-N doped porous carbon and silicate simultaneously promoted the capture of pollutants and the transformation of electroactive molecules, and hence effectively shortened the diffusion path of short-lived radicals, which was further supported by molecular dynamics simulation. Therefore, this research provides new insights into the problem of mineral limitations and opens an innovative approach for CGFS recycling and environmental remediation.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes: A neglected path to skeletal muscle atrophy.

Over the course of several decades, robust research has firmly established the significance of mitochondrial pathology as a central contributor to the onset of skeletal muscle atrophy in individuals with diabetes. However, the specific intricacies governing this process remain elusive. Extensive evidence highlights that individuals with diabetes regularly confront the severe consequences of skeletal muscle degradation. Deciphering the sophisticated mechanisms at the core of this pathology requires a thorough and meticulous exploration into the nuanced factors intricately associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Clinical features, disease progression, and nuclear imaging in ATXN2-related parkinsonism in a longitudinal cohort.

BACKGROUND: Spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2) with a low range of CAG repeat expansion of ATXN2 gene can present with predominant or isolated parkinsonism that closely resembles Parkinson's disease (PD). This study is aimed at comparing clinical features, disease progression, and nuclear imaging between ATXN2-related parkinsonism (ATXN2-P) and PD. METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-seven clinically diagnosed PD with family history were screened by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, whole-exome sequencing or target sequencing, and dynamic mutation testing of 10 SCA subtypes. The baseline and longitudinal clinical features as well as the dual-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) imaging were compared between ATXN2-P and genetically undefined familial PD (GU-fPD). RESULTS: Fifteen ATXN2-P patients from 7 families and 50 randomly selected GU-fPD patients were evaluated. Significantly less resting tremor and more symmetric signs were observed in ATXN2-P than GU-fPD. No significant difference was found in motor progression and duration from onset to occurrence of fluctuation, dyskinesia, and recurrent falls between the two groups. Cognitive impairment and rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder were more common in ATXN2-P. During follow-up, olfaction was relatively spared, and no obvious progression of cognition dysfunction evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination scores was found in ATXN2-P. PET results of ATXN2-P demonstrated a symmetric, diffuse, and homogenous dopamine transporter loss of bilateral striatum and a glucose metabolism pattern inconsistent with that in PD. CONCLUSIONS: Symmetric motor signs and unique nuclear imaging might be the clues to distinguish ATXN2-P from GU-fPD.

Cerebral pulsatility in relation with various imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease: a longitudinal community-based study.

Background: Cerebral pulsatility is thought to reflect arterial stiffness and downstream microvascular resistance. Although previous studies indicated cerebral pulsatility might closely relate to development of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), yet evidence remain controversial and longitudinal data are rare. Objective: We aimed to explore relationships of cerebral pulsatility with severity and progression of various SVD imaging markers among the community-dwelling elderly. Design: A longitudinal cohort study. Methods: As part of the prospective community-based Shanghai Aging Study cohort, dementia- and stroke-free elderly were recruited for baseline assessment of cerebral pulsatility and SVD severity during 2010-2011 and traced for SVD progression during 2016-2017. Cerebral pulsatility was quantified for both anterior and posterior circulation with transcranial Doppler ultrasound. SVD imaging markers were measured with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS), lacunes, and microbleeds. The cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between cerebral pulsatility and SVD were analyzed by univariable and multivariable regression models. Results: Totally, 188 eligible subjects were included at baseline and out of them, 100 (53.19%) returned for a 7-year follow-up. At baseline, increased pulsatility of posterior circulation was independently associated with more periventricular WMH (PWMH) and ePVS in basal ganglia (BG-ePVS) but not with other SVD markers. Longitudinally, higher posterior pulsatility predicted greater PWMH progression in participants with hypertension (ß = 2.694, standard error [SE] = 1.112, p = 0.020), whereas pulsatility of anterior circulation was shown to prevent BG-ePVS progression among followed-up elderly (ß = -6.737, SE = 2.685, p = 0.012). However, no significant relationship was found between cerebral pulsatility and burden of lacunes or cerebral microbleeds. Conclusion: Higher pulsatility of posterior circulation could worsen PWMH progression, especially for participants with hypertension. But for development of ePVS, increased cerebral pulsatility could play a compensatory role among several healthy elderly. The distinct relationships between cerebral pulsatility and various SVD markers emphasized the importance of individualized SVD management.

Structural characterization of an inulin neoseries-type fructan from Ophiopogonis Radix and the therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo.

Ophiopogonis Radix is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine and functional food that is rich in polysaccharides and has fructan as a characteristic component. In this study, an inulin neoseries-type fructan designated as OJP-W2 was obtained and characterized from Ophiopogonis Radix, and its potential therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo were investigated. Structural studies revealed that OJP-W2 had a molecular weight of 5.76 kDa and was composed of glucose and fructose with a molar ratio of 1.00:30.87. Further analysis revealed OJP-W2 has a predominantly lineal (1-2)-linked ß-D-fructosyl units linked to the glucose moiety of the sucrose molecule with (2-6)-linked ß-D-fructosyl side chains. Pharmacological studies revealed that OJP-W2 exerted a marked hepatoprotective effect against liver fibrosis, the mechanism of action was involved in regulating collagen deposition (α-SMA, COL1A1 and liver Hyp contents) and TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway, alleviating liver inflammation (IL-1ß, IL-6, CCL5 and F4/80) and MAPK signaling pathway, and inhibiting hepatic apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, ATF4 and Caspase 3). These data provide evidence for expanding Ophiopogonis Radix-acquired fructan types and advancing our understanding of the specific role of inulin neoseries-type fructan in liver fibrosis therapy.

Effects of Tannic Acid Supplementation of a High-Carbohydrate Diet on the Growth, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Antioxidant Capacity, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Liver and Intestinal Health of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides.

We investigated the effects of dietary tannic acid (TA) supplementation of a high-carbohydrate diet on growth, feed utilization, whole-body proximate composition, serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzyme activity, and liver and intestinal health of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (initial mean weight: 8.08 ± 0.08 g). Five diets were prepared, including a positive control (dietary carbohydrate level, 16%, LC0), a negative control (dietary carbohydrate level, 21%, HC0), and three TA-supplementation diets based on the negative control diet with TA addition at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. After 8 weeks of feeding, the results showed that compared with the LC0 diet, 400-800 mg/kg dietary TA significantly improved the survival rate of largemouth bass (P < 0.05) while significantly reducing its weight-gain rate and specific growth rate (P < 0.05). Compared with the HC0 diet, 400 mg/kg dietary TA significantly increased serum catalase activity (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased serum malondialdehyde, liver glycogen, lightness (L ∗), and yellowness (b ∗) (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the HC0 diet, 200-400 mg/kg dietary TA effectively improved the vacuolation of hepatocytes caused by the high-carbohydrate diet and reduced the occurrence of intestinal epithelial cell vacuolation and necrosis. In turn, 800 mg/kg dietary TA significantly inhibited protease activity in the pyloric caecum and intestine (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with TA inhibited protease activity, which resulted in decreased growth performance in largemouth bass. However, it was also found that 200-400 mg/kg TA enhanced the antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass in the case of the high-carbohydrate diet, reduced liver glycogen levels, and improved liver and intestinal health. Finally, it should be noted that, when the dietary TA level exceeded 800 mg/kg, TA appeared to play a pro-oxidation role in the liver, which may cause oxidative stress in the liver.

CTRP13 Mitigates Endothelial Cell Ferroptosis via the AMPK/KLF4 Pathway: Implications for Atherosclerosis Protection.

BACKGROUND C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 13 (CTRP13) preserves endothelial function and possesses anti-oxidation activity. However, its effects on ferroptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) remain unclear. We investigated the effects of CTRP13 on HUVEC ferroptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and explored the underlying mechanisms of CTRP13 against ferroptosis via the AMPK/KLF4 pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to evaluate cell viability. Lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde content analysis were performed to evaluate the cell membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation. Mito-Tracker, JC-1, and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein di-acetate were used to evaluate the biological activity of mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells. The ferroptosis indicator expressions, recombinant solute carrier family 7, member 11, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 were examined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining detected GPX4 location in endothelial cells. RESULTS The results demonstrate that CTRP13 (450 ng/mL) prevented HUVEC ferroptosis by inhibiting ROS overproduction and mitochondrial dysfunction, and CTRP13 accelerated antioxidant enzyme expression levels, such as heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase 1, and superoxide dismutase 2, compared with the ox-LDL (100 µg/mL) group for 48 h. Additionally, CTRP13 treatment increased p-AMPK/AMPK expression by 47.65% (P<0.05) while decreasing Krüppel-like factor 4 expression by 37.43% (P<0.05) in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs and elucidated the protective effect on endothelial dysfunction from ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights for understanding the effects and mechanism of CTRP13 on preventing endothelial cell ferroptosis.

Exploring the importance of m5c in the diagnosis and subtype classification of COPD using the GEO database.

BACKGROUND: 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is an mRNA modifier that is associated with the occurrence and development of viral infection, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and other diseases. However, the role of m5C regulators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown. METHODS: In this study, by analysing the GSE42057 dataset, the differential expression of m5c regulators in the COPD group and control group was obtained, and a correlation analysis was conducted. The random forest model and support vector machine model were used to predict the occurrence of COPD. A nomogram model was also constructed to predict the prevalence of COPD. The COPD patients were divided into subtypes by consistent cluster analysis based on m5c methylation regulators. Immune cell infiltration was performed on the m5c methylation subtypes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between m5c methylation subtypes were screened, and the DEGs were analysed by Gene Ontology (GO) Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, we verified the expression of several m5C regulators and related pathways using a COPD cell model. RESULTS: Seven m5c methylation regulators were differentially expressed. The random forest model based on the above genes was the most accurate for predicting the occurrence of COPD. A nomogram model based on the above genes could also accurately predict the prevalence of COPD, and the implementation of these models could benefit COPD patients. The consistent cluster analysis divided the COPD patients into two subtypes (Cluster A and Cluster B). The main component analysis algorithm determined the m5c methylation subtypes and found that patients in Cluster A had a higher m5c score than those in Cluster B. GO analysis of the DEGs between the m5c methylation COPD patient subtypes revealed that DEGS were mainly enriched in leukocyte-mediated immunity and regulation of T-cell activation. KEGG analysis revealed that DEGS were mainly enriched in Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and the NF-κB signalling pathway. Immunocyte correlation analysis revealed that Cluster B was associated with neutrophil- and macrophage-mediated immunity, while Cluster A was associated with CD4 + T-cell- and CD8 + T-cell-mediated immunity. Cell experiments have also verified some of the above research results. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and subtype classification of COPD patients based on m5c regulators may provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD.

Exercise may not just be good for sleep; It can also help lower cardiovascular event risk.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) stand at the forefront of global mortality, presenting an immense and urgent public health challenge on a global scale. Effectively addressing the associated risk factors is pivotal in not only preventing but also stabilizing and potentially reversing the progression of these conditions. Emerging research illuminates a compelling correlation between sleep disorders and CVD. Clinically, individuals afflicted with existing CVD or those possessing risk factors frequently grapple with sleep disturbances, exacerbating their conditions, particularly in severe cases where disease progression is accelerated. Even among ostensibly healthy individuals, chronic sleep deprivation exacts a toll on cardiovascular function. The strategic implementation of exercise interventions emerges as a potent tool in enhancing sleep quality, surpassing the efficacy of pharmaceutical treatments. Furthermore, the maintenance of optimal sleep patterns significantly contributes to lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This comprehensive review delves deeply into the intricate relationship between exercise and the amelioration of cardiovascular disease risk associated with sleep. Moreover, it meticulously elucidates the complex mechanisms through which exercise operates, effectively reducing cardiovascular disease risk from the unique perspective of sleep science.