Derazantinib (DZB), a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, exhibits potent activity against FGFR1-3 kinases and has been clinically approved for antitumor therapy. However, its anti Show more
Derazantinib (DZB), a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, exhibits potent activity against FGFR1-3 kinases and has been clinically approved for antitumor therapy. However, its antibacterial properties remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that DZB displays broad-spectrum activity against Show less
Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profil Show more
Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of death anxiety in Chinese youth and examine the predictive roles of self-esteem, perceived social support, and security. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 623 young adults ( Three latent death anxiety profiles emerged, High Death Anxiety (56.2%), Moderate Cognition and Low Death Anxiety (8.8%), and Low Cognition and Moderate Death Anxiety (35%). Higher self-esteem ( Death anxiety among young adults is heterogeneous, influenced by distinct psychological profiles and demographic factors. Interventions should prioritize enhancing self-esteem, social support networks, and security to mitigate death anxiety, especially in high-risk subgroups. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and cross-cultural samples to validate causal pathways and refine targeted strategies. Show less
As global population aging intensifies, mental health issues in older adults are increasingly prominent, with depression being particularly prevalent and detrimental. The study investigated how substi Show more
As global population aging intensifies, mental health issues in older adults are increasingly prominent, with depression being particularly prevalent and detrimental. The study investigated how substituting sedentary behavior (SB) and sleep (SLP) with physical activity (PA) affects depression risk in this population. Meta-analysis was conducted by searching four databases: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTdiscus, and PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost platform) for relevant studies published until January 2025. Regression coefficients (Ξ²) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for depressive symptoms were estimated. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's tests, and heterogeneity was evaluated using Q tests and the I Among 18,912 participants (53.45% female, β₯60β―years) across nine studies, replacing SB with MVPA significantly reduced depression (Ξ²β―=β―-0.12, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.04), subgroup analyses indicated that reallocating 10, 30 and 60β―min/day of SB to MVPA ( Substituting SB and SLP with MVPA is significantly associated with a reduction in depression, whereas no significant association is observed when replaced by LPA. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=546666, identifier CRD42024546666. Show less
Despite the high morbidity and mortality, the effective therapies for heart failure with preserved fraction (HFpEF) are limited as the poor understand of its pathophysiological basis. This study was a Show more
Despite the high morbidity and mortality, the effective therapies for heart failure with preserved fraction (HFpEF) are limited as the poor understand of its pathophysiological basis. This study was aimed to characterize the cellular heterogeneity and potential mechanisms of HFpEF at single-cell resolution. An HFpEF mouse model was induced by a high-fat diet with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Cells from the hearts were subjected to single-cell sequencing. The key protein expression was measured with Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. In HFpEF hearts, myocardial fibroblasts exhibited higher levels of fibrosis. Furthermore, an increased number of fibroblasts differentiated into high-metabolism and high-fibrosis phenotypes. The expression levels of genes encoding certain pro-angiogenic secreted proteins were decreased in the HFpEF group, as confirmed by bulk RNA sequencing. Additionally, the proportion of the endothelial cell (EC) lineages in the HFpEF group was significantly downregulated, with low angiogenesis and high apoptosis phenotypes observed in these EC lineages. Interestingly, the fibroblasts in the HFpEF heart might cross-link with the EC lineages via over-secretion of ANGPTL4, thus displaying an anti-angiogenic function. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining then revealed the downregulation of vascular density and upregulation of ANGPTL4 expression in HFpEF hearts. Finally, we predicted ANGPTL4as a potential druggable target using DrugnomeAI. In conclusion, this study comprehensively characterized the angiogenesis impairment in HFpEF hearts at single-cell resolution and proposed that ANGPTL4 secretion by fibroblasts may be a potential mechanism underlying this angiogenic abnormality. Show less
Neural hyperexcitability has been clinically associated with amyloid-Ξ² (AΞ²) pathology and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we show that decreased GABA
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including omega-3 and omega-6 are obtained from diet and can be measured objectively in plasma or red blood cells (RBCs) membrane biomarkers, representing different Show more
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including omega-3 and omega-6 are obtained from diet and can be measured objectively in plasma or red blood cells (RBCs) membrane biomarkers, representing different dietary exposure windows. In vivo conversion of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs from short- to long-chain counterparts occurs via a shared metabolic pathway involving fatty acid desaturases and elongase. This analysis leveraged genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for RBC and plasma PUFAs, along with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to estimate tissue-specific genetically predicted gene expression effects for delta-5 desaturase (FADS1), delta-6 desaturase (FADS2), and elongase (ELOVL2) on changes in RBC and plasma biomarkers. Using colocalization, we identified shared variants associated with both increased gene expression and changes in RBC PUFA levels in relevant PUFA metabolism tissues (i.e., adipose, liver, muscle, and whole blood). We observed differences in RBC versus plasma PUFA levels for genetically predicted increase in FADS1 and FADS2 gene expression, primarily for omega-6 PUFAs linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). The colocalization analysis identified rs102275 to be significantly associated with a 0.69% increase in total RBC membrane-bound LA levels (pβ=β5.4βΓβ10 Show less
Sleep Deprivation (SD) severely disrupts emotional regulation, predisposing individuals to mood disturbances and anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying anxiety triggered by sleep loss rem Show more
Sleep Deprivation (SD) severely disrupts emotional regulation, predisposing individuals to mood disturbances and anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying anxiety triggered by sleep loss remain elusive. In this study, a mouse model of chronic SD was established using a continuously running treadmill paradigm for 28Β days. SD induced anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal ApoE downregulation. Furthermore, SD downregulated the expression of the autophagy-related protein ATG5 and upregulated p62. In addition, SD inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and induced mTOR phosphorylation. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-Ξ±, IL-1Ξ², and IL-18, were markedly increased. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a notable increase in the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampi of SD mice. Either hippocampal overexpression of ApoE via bilateral AAV injection or rapamycin treatment significantly alleviated anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced autophagy, and reduced neuroinflammation in SD mice. Thus, SD induces anxiety by suppressing autophagy level. This effect is mediated through the inhibition of ApoE-dependent AMPK phosphorylation and the concomitant promotion of mTOR phosphorylation, revealing a potential therapeutic target. Show less
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain Ξ±-keto-ac Show more
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain Ξ±-keto-acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) has been implicated in promoting RCC metastasis, but its specific substrates and the mechanisms underlying its regulation of RCC progression remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby BCKDK-mediated AKT phosphorylation drives RCC tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Elevated BCKDK expression correlates with poor prognosis in RCC clinical samples. BCKDK deficiency inhibits RCC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations reveal that BCKDK directly binds to and regulates the phosphorylation of AKT. BCKDK-mediated phosphorylation of AKT decreases ubiquitin-mediated AKT protein degradation, and promotes tumorigenesis via activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RNA sequencing identifies BCKDK's involvement in the drug metabolism network and apoptotic signaling pathways. The BCKDK/AKT/ABCB1 axis mediates doxorubicin resistance. Targeting BCKDK/AKT inhibits the growth of RCC patient-derived organoids (PDOs), enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in RCC cells, and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. These findings identify a previously unrecognized phosphorylation substrate of BCKDK and highlight the critical role of the BCKDK/AKT signaling axis in RCC progression, offering a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
To identify the connections between lipid biomarkers and the anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelia Show more
To identify the connections between lipid biomarkers and the anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. The summary statistics for anti-VEGF nAMD treatment response included a total of 128 responders, 51 nonresponders, and 6Β 908Β 005 genetic variants available for analysis. The sample size of lipid biomarkers is 441Β 016 and 12Β 321Β 875 genetic variants available for analysis. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was conducted to exhaustively appraise the causalities among 13 lipid biomarkers and the risk of different anti-VEGF treatment responses (including visual acuity [VA] and central retinal thickness [CRT]) for nAMD subtypes. Thirteen lipid biomarkers, VA, and CRT. A positive causal relationship was identified between triglycerides (TGs), apolipoproteins (Apos) E2, ApoE3, total cholesterol (TC), and VA response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD, as confirmed by MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode models. The MR-Egger model yielded statistically significant results for TC, ApoA-I, ApoB, and ApoA-V in relation to the CRT response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with nAMD. In the reverse MR, the MR-Egger model identified significant causal relationships between ApoA-I, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), ApoE3, and ApoF and the VA response. However, this was not the case in the weighted median and weighted mode models. In the MR-Egger model, ApoB, LDL-c, ApoE3, and ApoM were identified as significantly influencing the CRT response. In the multisample MR analysis, TC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-c, and TG were found to be causally related to VA response, and TC was also identified as being causally related to the CRT response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD. This MR study suggests unidirectional causality between TG and ApoE3 and the response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with nAMD. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. Show less
Cancer is one of the major diseases threatening human health in the world. According to the latest global cancer statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were appr Show more
Cancer is one of the major diseases threatening human health in the world. According to the latest global cancer statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths worldwide. Amidst this global health concern, branched chain amino acids have emerged as key players, playing an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. In certain malignancies like colorectal cancer, the average level of BCAA in tumor tissues is twice that in normal tissues. BCAA metabolism is intricately associated with the progression of multiple tumors and is modulated by diverse enzymes, including BCAT, BCKDH, and BCKDK. The metabolism of BCAA involves multiple enzymes and biochemical processes via signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR, etc. In addition, mTOR inhibitors show potential value in cancer treatment by regulating the metabolism and signaling pathways of tumor cells, which provides a new direction for anticancer efforts. Simultaneously, BCAAs are closely associated with tumor immunity, including NK cells, CD4 Show less
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study wa Show more
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of SEC on antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens. A total of 450 sixty-five-wk-old Roman laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatments: a basal diet (without Se supplementation, CON) and basal diets supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), 0.3 mg/kg Se from Se-enriched yeast (SEY), 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC (SEC), or 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC and 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEY (SEC + SEY). The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that dietary SEC + SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) triglyceride (in the plasma and liver) and total cholesterol levels (in the plasma), and increased (P < 0.05) HDL-C concentration in plasma compared to CON diet. Compared with CON diet, SEC and/or SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of hepatic ACC, FAS and HMGCR, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARΞ±, VTG-II, Apo-VLDL II and ApoB expression. Dietary SEC + SEY and SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) Se content in egg yolk and breast muscle compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC, SEY or SEC + SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-PX, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the plasma and liver and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA content in the plasma compared to CON diet. Dietary Se supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Nrf2 in the liver. In contrast, dietary SEY and SEC supplementation resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) of hepatic Keap1 mRNA expression compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC + SEY and/or SEC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Selenof, GPX1 and GPX4 in the liver compared with CON diet. In conclusion, dietary SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) or SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) + SEY (0.3 mg/kg Se) improved the antioxidant capacity and the lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens, which might be associated with regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Show less
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-se Show more
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-serving as promising reservoirs of such inhibitors. Nevertheless, comprehensive screening and mechanistic characterization of their inhibitory potential remain limited. This study sought to identify potent AChE inhibitors from YGE, investigate their mechanisms of action, and assess their therapeutic prospects for AD. Methodologically, an integrated approach was employed, combining ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography (UF-LC) for rapid inhibitor screening, molecular docking and dynamics simulations for mechanistic insight, two-stage high-speed countercurrent chromatography for compound isolation, enzyme kinetics to delineate inhibition modalities, and network pharmacology to uncover relevant AD-related targets. The findings identified seven active constituents with notable AChE inhibition, among which parishins A and G were obtained at high purity (98.26% and 97.26%, respectively) and exhibited mixed-type inhibition with low IC Show less
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understandin Show more
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of HF and more specific NICM subtype in the East Asian populations and evaluate the biological pathways underlying subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for all-cause HF in the East Asian populations (N casesβ~β13,385) and a more precise definition of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) subtype in multi-ancestry populations (N cases~3,603). We identified a low-frequency East-Asian enriched coding variant near MYBPC3 and a NICM specific locus. Follow up analyses demonstrated male-specific HF association at the MYBPC3 locus, and highlighted SVIL as a candidate causal gene for NICM. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVIL deficiency aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and impaired cell viability in phenylephrine (PE)-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, the gene expression level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) which was deemed as a hallmark for HF was further elevated by SVIL silencing in PE-stimulated H9C2 cells. RNA-sequencing analysis of H9C2 cells revealed that the function of SVIL might be mediated through pathways relevant to regulation and differentiation of heart muscle. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of HF in the East Asian populations, and provide important insight into the biological pathways underlying NICM and sex-specific relevance of the MYBPC3 locus that warrants further replication in another datasets. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the elderly population. The pathogenesis of AD involves the production of highly neurotoxic amyloid-Ξ² peptide 1 Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the elderly population. The pathogenesis of AD involves the production of highly neurotoxic amyloid-Ξ² peptide 1-42 (AΞ² Show less
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells ( Show more
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into CAFs in liver metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). POU6F2 expression was examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The functional roles of POU6F2 in GAC liver metastasis were investigated both cellular experiments in vitro and in vivo using a mouse model of subcutaneous splenic injection. ChIP and ELISA assays were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of POU6F2 in liver metastasis of GAC. Here we reported that POU6F2 was upregulated in GAC tissue with liver metastasis, which predicted poor early liver metastasis. Upregulating POU6F2 promoted EMT, invasion and migration of GAC cells in vitro, and the liver metastasis of GAC cells in vivo. Mechanic investigation further revealed that upregulating POU6F2 promoted the invasion and metastasis of GAC by transcriptional upregulation of EMT-inducer SNAI1, and promoting the conversion of HSCs into CAFs dependent on transcriptional upregulation of IGF2-induced activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Our findings uncover a novel dual mechanism by which POU6F2 promotes liver metastasis of GAC. Show less
To evaluate potential genetic causal relationships between chronic pain subtypes like migraine and multi-site chronic pain (MCP) and their impact on breast cancer occurrence and survival rates. The as Show more
To evaluate potential genetic causal relationships between chronic pain subtypes like migraine and multi-site chronic pain (MCP) and their impact on breast cancer occurrence and survival rates. The association between chronic pain and breast cancer was reported before, yet the causal nature between them remained uncertain. Data on chronic pain and breast cancer were sourced from publicly available European genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets. Genetic association between chronic pain and breast cancer phenotypes was assessed using linkage disequilibrium genetic correlation (LDSC). Colocalization analysis further identified potential shared causal variation. Based on Inverse variance weighted method, 2-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) was conducted to investigate causal associations between migraine, MCP, and breast cancer or breast cancer survival. Sensitive analysis was conducted to ensure the absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. LDSC demonstrated significant genetic correlations between migraine and both estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) and overall breast cancer, while also revealing a notable genetic association between MCP and ER- and ER+ breast cancer, as well as overall breast cancer. Through colocalization analysis, potential involvement of rs2183271, located in MLLT10 gene, in regulating MCP and ER+ breast cancer was identified. MR analysis revealed the association between migraine and elevated risk of ER- breast cancer (IVW, P = 4.95 Γ 10 Our results provided new insights into the role of migraine and MCP in breast cancer, paving the way for targeted preventive strategies and future investigations. Show less
Sepsis is a syndrome caused by an imbalance in the host's immune response to pathogen infection, which can lead to systemic multiple organ dysfunction. Its pathological mechanisms are complex, and the Show more
Sepsis is a syndrome caused by an imbalance in the host's immune response to pathogen infection, which can lead to systemic multiple organ dysfunction. Its pathological mechanisms are complex, and there are no specific biomarkers or targeted therapeutic drugs available. Recent investigations have revealed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class III (PIK3C3/VPS34), a key regulator of autophagy, plays a critical immunomodulatory role. Specifically, PIK3C3 influences the activation, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis of immune cells. However, the precise mechanistic contribution of PIK3C3 to the pathogenesis of sepsis remains incompletely understood, with existing studies largely emphasizing its autophagy-related functions. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of PIK3C3 expression and function in immune cells, focusing on elucidating the molecular signaling pathways through which it modulates cellular metabolism and function via autophagy. By integrating our current understanding of immune cell involvement in the pathophysiology of sepsis, we propose that targeting PIK3C3 may represent a promising immunotherapeutic strategy to restore immune homeostasis and improve clinical outcomes in sepsis. This approach may offer novel avenues for the prevention and management of this life-threatening condition. Show less
Low physical activity (LPA) significantly heightens the susceptibility of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal disease. Nearly half of population diagnosed with T2DM globally worsen Show more
Low physical activity (LPA) significantly heightens the susceptibility of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal disease. Nearly half of population diagnosed with T2DM globally worsen into diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Focusing on physically inactive populations, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the trends over time and regional changes in T2DM-associated DKD attributable to LPA burden. We utilized data of the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study to initially assess the worldwide effects of T2DM-associated DKD attributable to LPA by computing the numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs), categorized by subtypes in 2021. Linear regression model was applied to analyze the illness burden from 1990 to 2021. Furthermore, cluster analysis was performed to assess the regional differences in disease burden across GBD regions. Lastly, to forecast the illness burden for the next 25 years, we utilized the autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Excess Risk (ER) models. In 2021, the fatalities attributed to T2DM-related DKD attributable to LPA amounted to 30835 (95%UI: 12346-51646) cases, with 698484 (95%UI: 275039-1158032) DALYs. The ASRs of death and DALYs were 0.38 (95%UI: 0.15-0.63) and 8.19 (95%UI: 3.21-13.6) per 100000 individuals, respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, there was a notable escalation in deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs, as well as their ASRs. The highest burden was observed among males, older adults (aged 70 years and above), and middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Significant differences were noted in the disease burden among various regions and countries as defined by the GBD study. Predictive analyses indicate a continued escalation of this burden by the year 2050. The global impact of DKD attributable to LPA remains considerable, with significant disparities noted across different genders, ages, and regions. To mitigate this burden, it is crucial to implement effective interventions aimed at addressing physical inactivity, specifically designed for targeted demographic groups. Show less
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study Show more
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study analyzed cognitive function, gut microbiota changes, and inflammatory factor levels in 39 unmedicated MDD patients and 41 healthy controls, employing correlation and moderation effect analysis. MDD patients scored lower than controls in cognitive functions like information processing speed, attention/vigilance, verbal learning, visual learning and social cognition. They showed reduced gut microbiota diversity and increased levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-Ξ±, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-27, IL-33). Sellimonas abundance correlated negatively with attention/vigilance, moderated by TNF-Ξ±, IL-27, and IL-33. This relationship was stronger at lower inflammation levels. MDD patients exhibit multi-domain cognitive dysfunction alongside pro-inflammatory states and disrupted gut microbiota. The abundance of Sellimonas significantly predicts attention/vigilance deficits. Inflammatory factors modulate the impact of gut microbiota on cognitive function, suggesting chronic low-grade inflammation as a key risk factor for cognitive impairment in MDD. Show less
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-Ξ² (AΞ²), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by Ξ²-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and Ξ³-secretase, is a key pathogenic ev Show more
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-Ξ² (AΞ²), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by Ξ²-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and Ξ³-secretase, is a key pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) have shown great potential for disease treatment by specifically silencing target genes. However, the poor brain delivery efficiency of siRNAs limits their therapeutic efficacy against AD. We designed a simplified and effective BACE1 siRNA (siBACE1) delivery system, namely, dendritic polyamidoamine modified with the neurotropic virus-derived peptide RVG29 and polyethylene glycol (PPR@siBACE1). PPR@siBACE1 crossed the blood-brain barrier efficiently and entered brain parenchyma in large amount, with subsequent neurotropism and potential microglia-targeting ability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies validated the effective brain delivery of siBACE1 and strong BACE1 silencing efficiency. Treatment of AD mice with PPR@siBACE1 inhibited the production of AΞ², potentiated AΞ² phagocytosis by microglia, improved the memory deficits and reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice. This study provides a reliable delivery platform for gene therapies for AD. Show less
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensive Show more
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensively assessed the toxicity and function of novel selenium nanoparticles and traditional sodium selenite fertilizers across cell, zebrafish, and murine models. Both fertilizers enhanced antioxidant pathways at low doses, but selenium nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant and ferroptosis-modulating effects with lower toxicity at a high dose. Sodium selenite increased total and lipid ROS production, leading to decreased viability of cells and increased distortion and mortality of zebrafish. In mice, sodium selenite induced hepatic toxicity and decreased GPX4. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sodium selenite downregulated c-JUN and APOA4, weakening the antioxidant defense, whereas selenium nanoparticles promoted ferroptosis resistance through FGF21. These findings suggest selenium nanoparticles as a safer alternative for Se biofortification, mitigating health risks while supporting food security and environmental sustainability. Show less
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regu Show more
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regulation of key RNA-binding protein (RBPs), rarely related to RNA structure. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are four-stranded RNA secondary structures involved in many different aspects of RNA metabolism. In this study, we have developed a low-input technique for rG4 detection (G4-LACE-seq) in mouse oocytes and found that rG4s were widely distributed in maternal transcripts, with enrichment in untranslated regions, and they underwent transcriptome-wide removal during meiotic maturation. The rG4-selective small-molecule ligand BYBX stabilized rG4s in the oocyte transcriptome and impaired spindle assembly and meiotic cell cycle progression. The proteomic spectrum results revealed that rG4 accumulation weakened the binding of a large number of RBPs to mRNAs, especially those associated with translational initiation. Ribosomal immunoprecipitation and translational reporter assays further proved that rG4s in the untranslated regions negatively affected the translational efficiency of key maternal mRNAs. Overexpression DEAH/RHA family helicase-36 partially reverses BYBX-induced oocyte developmental defects, suggesting its importance in rG4 regulation. Collectively, this study describes the distribution, dynamic changes, and regulation of rG4s in the mouse maternal transcriptome. Before meiosis resumption, a large number of rG4s in oocytes are necessary to maintain the translatome at a low level, and DHX36-mediated rG4 removal promotes a translational switch and is required for successful maternal-to-zygotic transition. Show less
The selective inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) presents a significant challenge due to the high degree of sequence and the close structural similarity of the subtypes. Herein, w Show more
The selective inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) presents a significant challenge due to the high degree of sequence and the close structural similarity of the subtypes. Herein, we designed selective dual FGFR2/3 inhibitors based on the in-depth understanding of protein-ligand interaction contributions. We efficiently identified ISM7594 ( Show less
The increasing global aging population presents significant challenges related to cognitive decline, mental health disorders, and social isolation. Martial arts exercise emerges as a multifaceted inte Show more
The increasing global aging population presents significant challenges related to cognitive decline, mental health disorders, and social isolation. Martial arts exercise emerges as a multifaceted intervention promoting mental health and cognitive vitality among older adults by integrating physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social interaction. This review synthesizes evidence on the neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of martial arts, highlighting their role in enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, neuroplasticity, and neural connectivity, which support improved executive functions, memory, and emotional regulation. Both hard martial arts and soft practices, such as Tai Chi, offer distinct advantages in addressing age-related cognitive and psychosocial challenges. Additionally, martial arts foster strong social support systems, reducing loneliness and enhancing emotional resilience through community engagement and shared achievement. Physical and functional benefits, including improved strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, further contribute to overall well-being. Despite promising results, current studies are limited by heterogeneity in martial arts styles, short intervention durations, and variable methodologies. Future research should focus on long-term, standardized interventions employing advanced neuroimaging and biomarker assessments to better elucidate mechanisms and optimize training protocols. Integrating martial arts into health promotion strategies holds substantial potential for enhancing mental health, cognitive resilience, and quality of life in aging populations. Show less
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreat Show more
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC). A retrospective cohort of 364 pathologically confirmed PC patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2019 and December 2022 was analyzed. The optimal cutoff for Lp(a) was identified using X-tile software, allowing categorization into high and low Lp(a) groups. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify independent prognostic variables affecting OS and PFS. Patients with high Lp(a) had significantly shorter OS and PFS both before and after PSM (post-PSM OS: 12.28 vs. 27.67 months, Pβ=β0.003; PFS: 7.00 vs. 11.30 months, Pβ=β0.002). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed high Lp(a) as an independent predictor of poor OS [HRβ=β2.11 (1.17-3.81), Pβ=β0.013] and PFS [HRβ=β2.14 (1.20-3.83), Pβ=β0.010]. In the surgical subgroup (nβ=β215), high Lp(a) was also associated with worse OS (16.43 vs. 35.47 months, Pβ=β0.02) and PFS (8.40 vs. 11.77 months, Pβ=β0.036). Multivariate analysis in this subgroup showed that high Lp(a) remained an independent risk factor for OS [HRβ=β2.82 (1.36-5.87), Pβ=β0.006] and PFS [HRβ=β2.01 (1.06-3.86), Pβ=β0.034]. Elevated serum Lp(a) is an independent predictor of reduced OS and PFS in patients with pancreatic cancer. In contrast to conventional lipid profiles, the genetic stability of Lp(a) makes it a reliable baseline prognostic marker. Show less
Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) face multiple health challenges due to the complication of chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders. Among these, cardiovascular comorbidities are the leading cause Show more
Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) face multiple health challenges due to the complication of chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders. Among these, cardiovascular comorbidities are the leading cause of their life expectancy being 15-20 years shorter than that of the general population. Identifying comorbidity patterns and uncovering differences in immune and metabolic function are crucial steps toward improving prevention and management strategies. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic medical records of inpatients discharged between 2015 and 2024 from a municipal psychiatric hospital in China. The study included patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Schizotypal, and Delusional Disorders (SSDs) (ICD-10: F20-F29). Comorbidity patterns were identified through latent class analysis (LCA) based on the 20 most common comorbid conditions among SSD patients. To investigate differences in peripheral blood metabolic and immune function, linear regression or generalized linear models were applied to 44 laboratory test indicators collected during the acute episode. The Benjamini-Hochberg method was used for p-value correction, and the false discovery rate (FDR) was calculated, with statistical significance set at FDRβ<β0.05. Among 3,697 inpatients with SSDs, four distinct comorbidity clusters were identified: SSDs only (Class 1), High-Risk Metabolic Multisystem Disorders (Class 2, nβ=β39), Low-Risk Metabolic Multisystem Disorders (Class 3, nβ=β573), and Sleep Disorders (Class 4, nβ=β205). Compared to Class 1, Class 2 exhibited significantly elevated levels of apolipoprotein A (ApoA; Ξ²β=β90.62), apolipoprotein B (ApoB; Ξ²β=β0.181), mean platelet volume (MPV; Ξ²β=β0.994), red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV; Ξ²β=β1.182), antistreptolysin O (ASO; Ξ²β=β276.80), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC; Ξ²β=β0.306), along with reduced apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI; Ξ²β=β-0.173) and hematocrit (HCT; Ξ²β=β-35.13). Class 3 showed moderate increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; Ξ²β=β0.113), MPV (Ξ²β=β0.267), white blood cell count (WBC; Ξ²β=β0.476), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC; Ξ²β=β0.272), with decreased HCT (Ξ²β=β-9.81). Class 4 was characterized by elevated aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI; Ξ²β=β81.07), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; Ξ²β=β0.465), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI; Ξ²β=β0.346), indicating a heightened inflammatory state. The comorbidity patterns of patients with SCZ can be distinctly classified. During the acute episode, those with comorbid metabolic disorders exhibit a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and immune system abnormalities, while patients with comorbid sleep disorders present a pronounced systemic inflammatory state and immune dysfunction. This study provides a basis for the chronic disease management and anti-inflammatory treatment, while also offering objective biomarker insights for transdiagnostic research. Show less
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Show more
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Our study aims to explore the heterogeneity of IA, identify bridge connectors, and compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness-based interventionΒ (CBT+MBI) versus CBT alone in reducing IA levels among Chinese college students. In study 1, 1,030 Chinese college students completed assessments of IA, automatic thoughts, self-control, and anxiety. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct symptom profiles of IA across individuals. Network analysis (NA) identified bridge connectors for targeted intervention. In study 2, 36 participants randomly selected from the high IA and low IA groups of study 1 were randomly assigned to CBT+MBI, CBT alone, or a control group. The CBT+MBI group received an 8-week dual-modality intervention and the CBT alone received an 8-week CBT intervention, both designed to target the bridge connectors identified via NA in Study 1, while the control group only completed basic questionnaires. In study 1, LPA identified four subgroups: regular, at-risk, low IA, and high IA groups.Β NA pinpointed automatic thoughts and anxiety as bridge connectors. In study 2, targeted interventions significantly reduced college students' levels of IA. CBT+MBI resulted in greater and more sustained improvements compared to CBT alone, with effects maintained for six-month post-intervention. Our study not only reinforces the I-PACE model but also provides actionable strategies for designing evidence-based, multidimensional interventions to reduce addictive behaviors among college students. Show less