Atractylenolide I Alleviates Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, a traditional Chinese medicine, contains atractylenolide I (ATR-I), which has potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of ATR-I for indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric mucosal lesions and its underlying mechanisms. Noticeable improvements were observed in the histological morphology and ultrastructures of the rat gastric mucosa after ATR-I treatment. There was improved blood flow, a significant decrease in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, and IL-18, and a marked increase in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression in ATR-I-treated rats. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the mRNA and protein expression levels of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in rats treated with ATR-I. The results show that ATR-I inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and effectively alleviates local inflammation, thereby improving the therapeutic outcomes against IND-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

A potential-controlled electrochromic visual biosensor based on distance readout for zearalenone detection.

In this work, a potential-controlled electrochromic visual biosensor was developed for detecting zearalenone (ZEN) using a distance readout strategy. The sensor chip includes a square detection area and a folded signal output area created with laser etching technology. The detection area is modified with graphene oxide and ZEN aptamer, while Prussian blue (PB) is electrodeposited onto the signal output channel. When an appropriate voltage is applied, PB in the signal output area is reduced to colorless Prussian white (PW). The target ZEN molecules have the capability to release aptamers from graphene oxide (GO) surface in the detection area, resulting in a subsequent change in the potential of the visual signal output channel. This change determines the length of the channel that changes from blue to colorless, with the color change distance being proportional to the ZEN concentration. Using this distance readout strategy, ZEN detection within the range of 1 ng/mL to 300 ng/mL was achieved, with a detection limit of 0.29 ng/mL.

Global trends in oxidative stress in the Retina: A bibliometric analysis of 2013-2023.

Background: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many retinal diseases. However, only a few systematic bibliometric studies have been conducted. This study aims to visualize research hotspots and developmental trends in oxidative stress in the retina from 2013 to 2023 by analyzing bibliometric data. Methods: We retrieved papers on oxidative stress in the retina published between 2013 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data were visually analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. Results: The total number of 2100 publications were included in the analysis. An overall increasing trend in the number of publications is observed between 2013 and 2023. Chinese publications were the most contributive, but United States publications were the most influential. Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the most active and prolific institution. Antioxidants was the most productive journal, while Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity were the journals with the most-cited articles. Kaarniranta K, from Finland, was the most productive and influential author. Examination of co-cited references revealed that researchers in the field are primarily focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms, preventive strategies, and utilization of antioxidants to address retinal oxidative damage. Diabetic retinopathy, endothelial growth factor, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal degeneration, antioxidant response, retinal ganglion cells, and genes are the research hotspots in this field. Metabolism, sodium iodate, and system are at the forefront of research in this field. Conclusion: Attention toward retinal oxidative stress has increased over the past decade. Current research focuses on the mechanisms of retinal diseases related to oxidative stress and the experimental study of antioxidants in retinal diseases, which may continue to be a trend in the future.

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of eicosane on glutamate and NMDA-induced retinal ganglion cell injury.

AIM: To investigate the protective effects, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of eicosane on glutamate-induced cell damage and on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury in a mouse model of glaucoma. METHODS: The protective effects of eicosane on the rat R28 retinal precursor cell line were assessed using cell counting kit-8 assays and Hoechst-propidium iodide staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the fluorescent probe 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and flow cytometry. The protective role of eicosane on NMDA-induced RGC injury in a mouse glaucoma model was determined by immunostaining of frozen sections of retina. The effects of eicosane on the metabolome of the retina in mice with NMDA-induced RGC damage were evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and untargeted metabolomics analyses. RESULTS: Eicosane treatment significantly attenuated glutamate-induced damage to R28 cells in vitro. Eicosane also protected RGCs against NMDA-induced injury in a mouse glaucoma model. Untargeted metabolomics analyses showed that eicosane increased multiple metabolites, including L-arginine and L-carnitine, in the retina. CONCLUSION: Eicosane has protective effects, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory properties in an in vitro model of glutamate-induced cell damage and in an in vivo model of NMDA-induced RGC injury in mouse glaucoma through modulation of L-arginine and/or L-carnitine metabolism.

High-throughput quantum photonic devices emitting indistinguishable photons in the telecom C-band.

Single indistinguishable photons at telecom C-band wavelengths are essential for quantum networks and the future quantum internet. However, high-throughput technology for single-photon generation at 1550 nm remained a missing building block to overcome present limitations in quantum communication and information technologies. Here, we demonstrate the high-throughput fabrication of quantum-photonic integrated devices operating at C-band wavelengths based on epitaxial semiconductor quantum dots. Our technique enables the deterministic integration of single pre-selected quantum emitters into microcavities based on circular Bragg gratings. Respective devices feature the triggered generation of single photons with ultra-high purity and record-high photon indistinguishability. Further improvements in yield and coherence properties will pave the way for implementing single-photon non-linear devices and advanced quantum networks at telecom wavelengths.

Experimental demonstration of a nanobeam Fano laser.

Microscopic single-mode lasers with low power consumption, large modulation bandwidth, and ultra-narrow linewidth are essential for numerous applications, such as on-chip photonic networks. A recently demonstrated microlaser using an optical Fano resonance between a discrete mode and a continuum of modes to form one of the mirrors, i.e., the so-called Fano laser, holds great promise for meeting these requirements. Here, we suggest and experimentally demonstrate what we believe is a new configuration of the Fano laser based on a nanobeam geometry. Compared to the conventional two-dimensional photonic crystal geometry, the nanobeam structure makes it easier to engineer the phase-matching condition that facilitates the realization of a bound-state-in-the-continuum (BIC). We investigate the laser threshold in two scenarios based on the new nanobeam geometry. In the first, classical case, the gain is spatially located in the part of the cavity that supports a continuum of modes. In the second case, instead, the gain is located in the region that supports a discrete mode. We find that the laser threshold for the second case can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional Fano laser. These results pave the way for the practical realization of high-performance microlasers.

The GW5-WRKY53-SGW5 module regulates grain size variation in rice.

Grain size is a crucial agronomic trait that affects stable yield, appearance, milling quality, and domestication in rice. However, the molecular and genetic relationships among QTL genes (QTGs) underlying natural variation for grain size remain elusive. Here, we identified a novel QTG SGW5 (suppressor of gw5) by map-based cloning using an F2 segregation population by fixing same genotype of the master QTG GW5. SGW5 positively regulates grain width by influencing cell division and cell size in spikelet hulls. Two nearly isogenic lines exhibited a significant differential expression of SGW5 and a 12.2% increase in grain yield. Introducing the higher expression allele into the genetic background containing the lower expression allele resulted in increased grain width, while its knockout resulted in shorter grain hulls and dwarf plants. Moreover, a cis-element variation in the SGW5 promoter influenced its differential binding affinity for the WRKY53 transcription factor, causing the differential SGW5 expression, which ultimately leads to grain size variation. GW5 physically and genetically interacts with WRKY53 to suppress the expression of SGW5. These findings elucidated a new pathway for grain size regulation by the GW5-WRKY53-SGW5 module and provided a novel case for generally uncovering QTG interactions underlying the genetic diversity of an important trait in crops.

Global knowledge mapping and emerging trends in Helicobacter pylori-related precancerous lesions of gastric cancer research: A bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2023.

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is a crucial element in chronic gastritis progression towards precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) formation and, potentially, gastric cancer; however, screening for and eliminating H pylori has several challenges. This study aimed to assess the present research status, prominent themes, and frontiers of H pylori-related PLGC and to provide impartial evaluations of the developmental trends in this domain. This study extracted articles and review papers concerning H pylori-related PLGC published from 2013 to 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data was analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The study encompassed 1426 papers, with a discernible upward trend in publications between 2013 and 2023. China emerged as the most productive country, whereas the United States exerted the greatest influence. Baylor College of Medicine was the most prolific institution. World Journal of Gastroenterology featured the highest number of published papers, whereas Gastroenterology was the most frequently cited journal. Kim N. from South Korea was the most prolific author. Co-cited literature pertained to various aspects such as gastritis classification, H pylori infection management, gastric cancer prevention, and managing patients with PLGC. Future research will focus on the Kyoto classification, cancer incidence, and gastric intestinal metaplasia. The results of this study indicate a persistent increase in attention directed toward H pylori-associated PLGC. The research emphasis has transitioned from molecular mechanisms, epidemiology, monitoring, and diagnosis to clinical prevention and treatment methodologies. The forthcoming research direction in this area will concentrate on controlling and preventing malignant PLGC transformation.

Qi-Shen-Tang alleviates retinitis pigmentosa by inhibiting ferroptotic features via the NRF2/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Ferroptosis has been observed during retinal photoreceptor cell death, suggesting that it plays a role in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pathogenesis. Qi-Shen-Tang (QST) is a combination of two traditional Chinese medicines used for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases; however, its mechanism of action in RP and ferroptosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect and potential molecular mechanisms of QST on RP. QST significantly improved tissue morphology and function of the retina in the RP model mice. A significant increase in retinal blood flow and normalization of the fundus structure were observed in mice in the treatment group. After QST treatment, the level of iron and the production of malondialdehyde decreased significantly; the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione increased significantly; and the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), glutathione synthetase, solute carrier family 7 member 11, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) increased significantly. The molecular docking results demonstrated potential interactions between the small molecules of QST and the key proteins of NRF2/GPX4 signaling pathway. Our results indicate that QST may inhibit ferroptosis by inhibiting the NRF2/GPX4 signaling pathway, thereby reducing RP-induced damage to retinal tissue.

A double-quenching paperclip ECL biosensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of antibiotic resistance genes (mecA) based on Ti3C2 MXene-Au NPs as a coreactant accelerator.

The global spread of environmental biological pollutants, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), has emerged as a critical public health concern. It is imperative to address this pressing issue due to its potential implications for public health. Herein, a DNA paperclip probe with double-quenching function of target cyclic cleavage was proposed, and an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing platform was constructed using Ti3C2 MXene in-situ reduction growth of Au NPs (TCM-Au) as a coreactant accelerator, and applied to the sensitive detection of ARGs. Thanks to the excellent catalytic performance, large surface area and Au-S affinity of TCM-Au, the ECL performance of CdS QDs have been significantly improved. By cleverly utilizing the negative charge of the paperclip nucleic acid probe and its modification group, double-quenching of the ECL signal was achieved. This innovative approach, combined with target cyclic amplification, facilitated specific and sensitive detection of the mecA gene. This biosensing platform manifested highly selective and sensitive determination of mecA genes in the range of 10 fM to 100 nM and a low detection limit of 2.7 fM. The credible detectability and anti-interference were demonstrated in Yangtze river and Aeration tank outlet, indicating its promising application toward pollution monitoring of ARGs.

One-Step Purification of IgE Epitope-Specific Antibody Using Immunomagnetic Beads and Highly Sensitive Detection of Bovine ß-Lactoglobulin for the Prediction of Milk Allergenicity in Foods.

Bovine ß-lactoglobulin (BLG) is a common allergen found in milk, and the immunoglobulin E (IgE) epitope plays a crucial role in cow milk allergy. Therefore, targeting the IgE epitope could be useful in accurately detecting BLG and assessing its allergenicity. However, producing an IgE epitope-specific antibody (IgE-EsAb) through traditional methods requires complex and time-consuming procedures. Here, IgE-EsAb was purified from rabbit anti-BLG sera by immunomagnetic beads in one step. Then, a sandwich ELISA (sELISA) based on the IgE-EsAb was developed to detect BLG and predict the potential milk allergenicity in foods. The obtained IgE-EsAb could specifically recognize the target IgE epitope of BLG and exhibited high affinity and specificity. The developed IgE-EsAb-based sELISA demonstrated an ultra-wide linear range of 3.9-1.28 × 105 ng/mL, with a limit of detection of 0.49 ng/mL for BLG. Additionally, the proposed immunoassay showed high specificity and recoveries (91.24-109.61%). The ability of the IgE-EsAb-based sELISA to evaluate the potential milk allergenicity in foods was validated using sera from cow milk allergy patients. These results suggest that immunomagnetic beads are an effective tool for rapidly obtaining the IgE-EsAb, and our proposed sELISA could be a reliable and user-friendly method for monitoring trace amounts of BLG and predicting the potential milk allergenicity of food samples.

Single hormone or synthetic agonist induces Gs/Gi coupling selectivity of EP receptors via distinct binding modes and propagating paths.

To accomplish concerted physiological reactions, nature has diversified functions of a single hormone at at least two primary levels: 1) Different receptors recognize the same hormone, and 2) different cellular effectors couple to the same hormone-receptor pair [R.P. Xiao, Sci STKE 2001, re15 (2001); L. Hein, J. D. Altman, B.K. Kobilka, Nature 402, 181-184 (1999); Y. Daaka, L. M. Luttrell, R. J. Lefkowitz, Nature 390, 88-91 (1997)]. Not only these questions lie in the heart of hormone actions and receptor signaling but also dissecting mechanisms underlying these questions could offer therapeutic routes for refractory diseases, such as kidney injury (KI) or X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Here, we identified that Gs-biased signaling, but not Gi activation downstream of EP4, showed beneficial effects for both KI and NDI treatments. Notably, by solving Cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) structures of EP3-Gi, EP4-Gs, and EP4-Gi in complex with endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)or two synthetic agonists and comparing with PGE2-EP2-Gs structures, we found that unique primary sequences of prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP) receptors and distinct conformational states of the EP4 ligand pocket govern the Gs/Gi transducer coupling selectivity through different structural propagation paths, especially via TM6 and TM7, to generate selective cytoplasmic structural features. In particular, the orientation of the PGE2 ω-chain and two distinct pockets encompassing agonist L902688 of EP4 were differentiated by their Gs/Gi coupling ability. Further, we identified common and distinct features of cytoplasmic side of EP receptors for Gs/Gi coupling and provide a structural basis for selective and biased agonist design of EP4 with therapeutic potential.

Research on antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori: a bibliometric analysis of the past decade.

Resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to antibiotics has reached alarming levels worldwide, and the efficacy of the H. pylori eradication treatment has decreased dramatically because of antibiotic resistance. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the development status, research hotspots, and future trends related to H. pylori antibiotic resistance, we conducted a thorough retrospective analysis via the bibliometrics method. We searched the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection for all pertinent articles on H. pylori antibiotic resistance from 2013 to 2022. R-bibliometrix, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer tools were utilized to depict statistical evaluations in order to provide an unbiased presentation and forecasts in the field. We incorporated a total of 3,509 articles related to H. pylori antibiotic resistance. Publications were inconsistent prior to 2017, but steadily increased after 2017. China generated the most papers and the United States of America received the most citations and the highest H-index. Baylor College of Medicine was the most influential institution in this field, with the highest number of publications and citations, as well as the highest H-index. Helicobacter was the most productive journal, followed by the World Journal of Gastroenterology and Frontiers in Microbiology. The World Journal of Gastroenterology had the highest citation. Graham, David Y was the most productive and cited author. Clarithromycin resistance, prevalence, gastric cancer, quadruple therapy, sequential therapy, 23S rRNA, whole genome sequencing, bismuth, and probiotics appeared with a high frequency in the keywords. The top keywords with the highest citation bursts were vonoprazan, RdxA, biofilm formation, and fatty acid chain. Our research illustrated a multi-dimensional facet and a holistic knowledge structure for H. pylori antibiotic resistance research over the past decade, which can serve as a guide for the H. pylori research community to conduct in-depth investigations in the future.

How relative deprivation affects the sleep quality of Chinese college students: testing an integrated model of social anxiety and trait mindfulness.

Although previous studies have confirmed the association between relative deprivation and individual health, the relationship between and underlying mechanisms of relative deprivation and sleep quality have rarely been explored. Therefore, the present study investigated how relative deprivation affected sleep quality by testing an integrated model and examining the roles of social anxiety and trait mindfulness. We surveyed 568 college students using the Relative Deprivation Scale, Interaction Anxiousness Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and PROCESS macro for SPSS. We found that a high relative deprivation score predicted poor sleep quality, and social anxiety partially mediated this relationship. Our model also indicated that the relationship between relative deprivation and sleep quality via social anxiety was moderated by mindfulness. Specifically, increasing trait mindfulness may decrease the indirect effect of relative deprivation on sleep quality through social anxiety. The current study expands our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, paths, and conditions of the effects of relative deprivation on sleep quality. Furthermore, we provide additional evidence that trait mindfulness can mitigate the adverse effects of negative events. College students should consciously use trait mindfulness techniques to consider problems, reduce anxiety, and improve their sleep quality.

Observation of multiple bulk bound states in the continuum modes in a photonic crystal cavity.

Obtaining bound states in the continuum (BICs) in photonic crystals gives rise to the realization of resonances with high quality factors for lasing and nonlinear applications. For BIC cavities in finite-size photonic crystals, the bulk resonance band turns into discrete modes with different mode profiles and radiation patterns. Here, photonic-crystal BIC cavities encircled by the photonic bandgap of lateral heterostructures are designed. The mirror-like photonic bandgap exhibits strong side leakage suppression to confine the mode profile in the designed cavity. Multiple bulk quantized modes are observed both in simulation and experiment. After exciting the BIC cavity at different positions, different resonance peaks are observed. The physical origin of the dependence between the resonance peak and the illuminating position is explained by analyzing the mode profile distribution and further verified by numerical simulations. Our findings have potential applications regarding the mode selectivity in BIC devices to manipulate the lasing mode in photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers or the radiation pattern in nonlinear optics.

Association between prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse birth outcomes, and inflammatory response at birth.

Prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with inflammation in mid- to late-life, yet whether a pro-inflammatory phenotype is present at birth and the role of adverse birth outcomes in this pathway remains unclear. We utilized data on prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage at the individual- (i.e., mother's and father's education level, insurance type, marital status, and Women, Infants, and Children benefit receipt) and census-tract level as well as preterm (< 37 weeks gestation) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (i.e., < 10th percentile of sex-specific birth weight for gestational age) birth status, and assessed inflammatory markers (i.e., C-reactive protein, serum amyloid p, haptoglobin, and α-2 macroglobulin) in archived neonatal bloodspots from a Michigan population-based cohort of 1000 neonates. Continuous latent variables measuring individual- and combined individual- and neighborhood-level prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage were constructed and latent profile analysis was used to create a categorical inflammatory response variable (high versus low) based on continuous inflammatory marker levels. Structural equation models were used to estimate the total and direct effect of prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage on the inflammatory response at birth as well as indirect effect via preterm or SGA birth (among term neonates only), adjusting for mother's age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, comorbidities, and antibiotic use/infection as well as grandmother's education level. There was a statistically significant total effect of both individual- and combined individual- and neighborhood-level prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage on high inflammatory response among all neonates as well as among term neonates only, and a positive but not statistically significant direct effect in both groups. The indirect effects via preterm and SGA birth were both negative, but not statistically significant. Our findings suggest prenatal socioeconomic disadvantage contributes to elevated neonatal inflammatory response, but via pathways outside of these adverse birth outcomes.

OsMBTB32, a MATH-BTB domain-containing protein that interacts with OsCUL1s to regulate salt tolerance in rice.

MATH-BTB proteins are involved in a variety of cellular processes that regulate cell homeostasis and developmental processes. Previous studies reported the involvement of BTB proteins in the development of various organs in plants; however, the function of BTB proteins in salt stress is less studied. Here, we found a novel MATH-BTB domain-containing OsMBTB32 protein that was highly expressed in leaf, root, and shoot. The up-regulation of the OsMBTB32 transcript in 2-week-old seedlings under salt stress suggests the significant role of the OsMBTB32 gene in salinity. The OsMBTB32 transgenic seedlings (OE and RNAi) exhibited significant differences in various phenotypes, including plumule, radical, primary root, and shoot length, compared to WT seedlings. We further found that OsCUL1 proteins, particularly OsCUL1-1 and OsCUL1-3, interact with OsMBTB32 and may suppress the function of OsMBTB32 during salt stress. Moreover, OsWRKY42, a homolog of ZmWRKY114 which negatively regulates salt stress in rice, directly binds to the W-box of OsCUL1-1 and OsCUL1-3 promoters to promote the interaction of OsCUL1-1 and OsCUL1-3 with OsMBTB32 protein in rice. The overexpression of OsMBTB32 and OsCUL1-3 further confirmed the function of OsMBTB32 and OsCUL1s in salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Overall, the findings of the present study provide promising knowledge regarding the MATH-BTB domain-containing proteins and their role in enhancing the growth and development of rice under salt stress.MATH-BTB proteins are involved in a variety of cellular processes that regulate cell homeostasis and developmental processes. Previous studies reported the involvement of BTB proteins in the development of various organs in plants; however, the function of BTB proteins in salt stress is less studied. Here, we found a novel MATH-BTB domain-containing OsMBTB32 protein that was highly expressed in leaf, root, and shoot. The up-regulation of the OsMBTB32 transcript in 2-week-old seedlings under salt stress suggests the significant role of the OsMBTB32 gene in salinity. The OsMBTB32 transgenic seedlings (OE and RNAi) exhibited significant differences in various phenotypes, including plumule, radical, primary root, and shoot length, compared to WT seedlings. We further found that OsCUL1 proteins, particularly OsCUL1-1 and OsCUL1-3, interact with OsMBTB32 and may suppress the function of OsMBTB32 during salt stress. Moreover, OsWRKY42, a homolog of ZmWRKY114 which negatively regulates salt stress in rice, directly binds to the W-box of OsCUL1-1 and OsCUL1-3 promoters to promote the interaction of OsCUL1-1 and OsCUL1-3 with OsMBTB32 protein in rice. The overexpression of OsMBTB32 and OsCUL1-3 further confirmed the function of OsMBTB32 and OsCUL1s in salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Overall, the findings of the present study provide promising knowledge regarding the MATH-BTB domain-containing proteins and their role in enhancing the growth and development of rice under salt stress.

Association of relative deprivation with loneliness and its underlying mechanisms: Evidence from Chinese migrant children.

Given the increase in the number of internal migrant children, the mental health problems (e.g., loneliness) of this population have received widespread attention. Relative deprivation is considered to be related to migrant children's loneliness. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear. Therefore, the present study tested the possible mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of belief in a just world in the association between relative deprivation and loneliness of migrant children. A total of 1,261 Chinese rural-to-urban migrant children (10-15 years old, M age = 12.34 years, SD = 1.67; 52.0% males, 48.0% females; 23.55% fourth grade students, 16.49% fifth grade students, 19.59% sixth grade students, 15.54% seventh grade students, 13.80% eighth grade students, and 10.86% ninth grade students) were recruited to complete measures of relative deprivation, self-esteem, belief in a just world, loneliness, and demographic variables. Relative deprivation was significantly and positively correlated with migrant children's loneliness, and this connection could be mediated by self-esteem. Moreover, the first part of the indirect effect of self-esteem on this link was moderated by belief in a just world. These effects were stronger for migrant children with higher levels of belief in a just world. This study reveals the potential mechanisms of relative deprivation affecting loneliness, while also providing insights into how to better help migrant children alleviate loneliness and improve their mental health.

Epiberberine regulates lipid synthesis through SHP (NR0B2) to improve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Epiberberine (EPI), extracted from Rhizome Coptidis, has been shown to attenuate hyperlipidemia in vivo. Herein we have studied the mechanism by which EPI is active against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using, mice fed on a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet and HepG2 cells exposed to free fatty acids (FFA). We show that small heterodimer partner (SHP) protein is key in the regulation of lipid synthesis. In HepG2 cells and in the livers of MCD-fed mice, EPI elevated SHP levels, and this was accompanied by a reduction in sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and FASN. Therefore, EPI reduced triglyceride (TG) accumulation in steatotic hepatocytes, even in HepG2 cells treated with siRNA-SHP, and also improved microbiota. Thus, EPI suppresses hepatic TG synthesis and ameliorates liver steatosis by upregulating SHP and inhibiting the SREBP1/FASN pathway, and improves gut microbiome.

The effect of a body shape index (ABSI) and its interaction with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on osteoporosis in elderly Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Both obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) contribute to osteoporosis risk, but the effect of a newly developed index (e.g., a body shape index, ABSI) of central obesity and its interaction with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on osteoporosis remains unknown. METHODS: A total of 2534 Chinese individuals were enrolled in our ongoing cohort study: Osteoporosis Preventive Project. ABSI and eGFR were calculated as obesity-related indexes and renal function markers, respectively. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between osteoporosis and related clinical parameters (e.g., ABSI, eGFR), and to assess the additive and multiplicative interactions between risk factors and osteoporosis. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI) were calculated to assess the additive interaction. RESULTS: High ABSI was significantly associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in participants compared with the lowest quartile of ABSI in both crude and adjusted models. Individuals in the lower quartiles of eGFR had a significantly increased risk of osteoporosis compared with those in the highest quartiles in crude models. After adding age and other variables in the model, the association was abolished. In addition, after adjusting for variables, high ABSI with low eGFR (RERI: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.15-0.75; AP: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.60) still displayed a noticeable interaction on the risk of osteoporosis. The multiplicative interactive effect between high ABSI with low eGFR on osteoporosis was statistically significant in the multivariable-adjusted model (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that higher ABSI increases the risk of osteoporosis independently and synergistically with low eGFR in Chinese elderly adults. The findings increase our understanding of the interactions of osteoporosis risk factors and may help provide potential interventions for osteoporosis.