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To conduct an in-depth exploration of the specific impacts of probiotics and prebiotic supplements on cognitive impairment, it is imperative to also investigate pertinent factors, including the optimal dosage of probiotics for enhancing cognitive function. This investigation is essential for optimizing probiotic interventions to prevent and treat cognitive decline, aimed at preventing and aiding in the treatment of cognitive decline among patients with cognitive impairment. A comprehensive computerized search was conducted across the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang and WeiPu Data. Studies targeting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. This search covered a timeframe extending from the inception of each database to September 2024. Following an independent process of literature screening, data extraction, and rigorous quality assessment conducted by two investigators, a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software. A total of ten studies, involving 778 patients, were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that probiotics were effective in enhancing cognitive function among patients with cognitive impairment, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.98; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis further demonstrated that the largest effect size was observed for studies utilizing the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale as the outcome measure (SMD = 0.88). Additionally, the greatest efficacy was associated with single-strain probiotics (SMD = 0.81), and interventions lasting ≤12 weeks exhibited the most pronounced effect (SMD = 0.61). Probiotics have been shown to enhance cognitive function, with a probiotic intervention program featuring a single probiotic strain and a duration of ≤12 weeks demonstrating particularly robust efficacy in improving cognitive function, as assessed by the MMSE scale.

Job burnout is widely associated with health professionals’ mental and physical health, social functions, and career development. Psychological questionnaires are well-established and widely applied in assessing burnout syndromes in medical settings, for example, the Maslach burnout inventory-human services survey (MBI-HSS). Granted its long format and inconsistent psychometric performances, little is known about the core syndromes of in MBI-HSS, therefore, this study adopted a network analysis to address this research gap. The purpose of this study was to revisit the psychometric performance of the MBI-HSS and to explore its core features in Chinese healthcare settings. All staffs (1925 in total) of a local comprehensive hospital were invited to respond to a battery of surveys containing the translated Chinese MBI-HSS, and demographic and occupational characteristics. The original sample (n = 1196; response rate = 62.13%) was randomly divided into two subgroups by assigning random numbers (0 vs. 1). The first subgroup ( n 1  = 596) was used for psychometric tests while the second subgroup ( n 2  = 600) was used for scale cross-validation. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) was performed using the total sample for model invariance test. Finally, Network analysis was adopted to explore the core item(s) of MBI-HSS. All analyses were conducted in SPSS 26.0, SPSS AMOS 26.0 and R (version 4.4.1). The translated and revised Chinese MBI-HSS consisted of three factors (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement) with 20 items (with items 12 and 16 excluded), and exhibited acceptable reliability and validity. Furthermore, the MCFA results established structural invariance for the three-factor 20-item model. In the item-level network analysis, item 13 (i.e., “I feel frustrated by my job”) exhibits greater expected influence, closeness, and betweenness centrality, while item 10 (i.e., “I have become more callous”) demonstrates stronger expected influence and closeness centrality. Additionally, item 8 (i.e., “I feel burned out from my work”) has the highest predictability. This study added the psychological properties of the Chinese MBI-HSS and enriched the existing knowledge of job burnout in the Chinese healthcare populations. Despite its pervasive usage, a revised version of the MBI-HSS with 20 items in three dimensions were recommended. Most importantly, network analysis identified frustration and (social or emotional) insensitivity as the most critical syndromes of job burnout for Chinese healthcare professionals, which could inspire new intervention and practice directions. Implications for instrumental refinement was discussed as well.

As inspired by the Mn 4 CaO 5 oxygen evolution center in nature, Mn-based electrocatalysts have received overwhelming attention for water oxidation. However, the understanding of the detailed reaction mechanism has been a long-standing problem. Herein, homologous KMnPO 4 and KMnPO 4 •H 2 O with 4-coordinated and 6-coordinated Mn centers, respectively, are prepared. The two catalysts constitute an ideal platform to study the structure-performance correlation. The presence of Mn(III), Mn(IV), and Mn(V) intermediate species are identified during water oxidation. The Mn(V)=O species is demonstrated to be the substance for O−O bond formation. In KMnPO 4 •H 2 O, the Mn coordination structure did not change significantly during water oxidation. In KMnPO 4 , the Mn coordination structure changed from 4-coordinated [MnO 4 ] to 5-coordinated [MnO 5 ] motif, which displays a triangular biconical configuration. The structure flexibility of [MnO 5 ] is thermodynamically favored in retaining Mn(III)−OH and generating Mn(V)=O. The Mn(V)=O species is at equilibrium with Mn(IV)=O, the concentration of which determines the intrinsic activity of water oxidation. This study provides a clear picture of water oxidation mechanism on Mn-based systems. Understanding water oxidation on Mn-based catalysts remains a long-standing challenge. Here, the authors use homologous KMnPO 4 and KMnPO 4 •H 2 O as model catalyst to show that Mn(V)=O is responsible for O−O bond formation and its concentration determines the intrinsic activity.

Background Aimed to corroborate students' and faculty's experiences with e-learning during the current pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2020. Seven surveys were distributed electronically to all undergraduate students and the faculty (4 to students and 3 to teachers) at the Southern Medical University (China). Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was set at p  < .05. Results Most students had some exposure to e-learning prior to the all e-learning regiment, contrasted with close to 90% of teachers having no or very limited experience. Students' perceptions of the most helpful e-learning activities did not change significantly overall (Week 3 vs. Week 9). Approaching 60% of students (Week 9) did find online discussion/Q&A/forum helpful, an increase from less than 30% (Week 3). Among teachers, gaps emerged (Week 9) between e-teaching activities used and their perceived effectiveness. Despite pre-recorded lectures being the most frequently used method, the least gap was associated with live-stream lectures—the least used. Over time, teacher's perceived effectiveness of e-teaching vs. in-person teaching did not differ significantly overall. When the results among students (Week 7) and teachers (Week 9) were corroborated, a slightly higher percentage of teachers viewed online teaching to be less effective than in-person teaching and a slightly higher percentage of teachers viewed online teaching as far less effective. For preferred learning modes after the resumption of in-person learning, students' preferences did not differ significantly overall (Week 3 vs. week 9). Surveys conducted in Week 9 found that a slightly higher percentage of students (~ 70%) than teachers (~ 60%) preferred some forms of hybrid learning and a lower percentage of students preferred face-to-face learning only. Approximately three quarters of teachers responded that at least 50% of course materials could be mastered by students on their own. Conclusions Overall, the perceived effectiveness of e-learning among students and teachers has not changed significantly over time. Nor have students' preferences shifted significantly for various learning modes after the in-person learning resumed. However, informative directional trends have emerged. Our research illustrates empirically the need to corroborate students' and instructors' experiences over time to inform more holistic improvements of e-learning.

Climate change, population growth, and agricultural intensification are increasing nitrogen (N) inputs, while driving the loss of inland water bodies that filter excess N. However, the interplay between N inputs and water body dynamics, and its implications for water quality remain poorly understood. Analyzing data from 1995 to 2015 across China, here, we find a 71% reduction in the area of small (<10 4.5 m 2 ) water bodies (SWB), primarily in high-N-input agricultural regions. Preferential loss of SWBs, the most efficient nutrient filters, places 42% of China at high water quality risk due to increasing N inputs and declining SWB density. Currently, N removal by water bodies is 986 kilotonnes year −1 , but restoring 2.3 million hectares of SWB could increase removal by 21%, compared to just 5% for equivalent restoration of large water bodies. Targeted SWB restoration is crucial for improving water quality and mitigating N pollution in China. Small water bodies are crucial in global hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. This study reveals rapid losses of small water bodies in China and highlights their restoration as a cost-effective, sustainable solution to improve water quality.

Allopurinol (ALP) attenuates oxidative stress and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), but the mechanism is unclear. Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) following the disassociation with its repressor Keap1 under oxidative stress can maintain inner redox homeostasis and attenuate DCM with concomitant attenuation of autophagy. We postulated that ALP treatment may activate Nrf2 to mitigate autophagy over‐activation and consequently attenuate DCM. Streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic rats were untreated or treated with ALP (100 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks and terminated after heart function measurements by echocardiography and pressure‐volume conductance system. Cardiomyocyte H9C2 cells infected with Nrf2 siRNA or not were incubated with high glucose (HG, 25 mmol/L) concomitantly with ALP treatment. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase, 15‐F2t‐Isoprostane and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured with colorimetric enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. ROS, apoptosis, was assessed by dihydroethidium staining and TUNEL, respectively. The Western blot and qRT‐PCR were used to assess protein and mRNA variations. Diabetic rats showed significant reductions in heart rate (HR), left ventricular eject fraction (LVEF), stroke work (SW) and cardiac output (CO), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVVs) as compared to non‐diabetic control and ALP improved or normalized HR, LVEF, SW, CO and LVVs in diabetic rats (all P < .05). Hearts of diabetic rats displayed excessive oxidative stress manifested as increased levels of 15‐F2t‐Isoprostane and superoxide anion production, increased apoptotic cell death and cardiomyocytes autophagy that were concomitant with reduced expressions of Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and Keap1. ALP reverted all the above‐mentioned diabetes‐induced biochemical changes except that it did not affect the levels of Keap1. In vitro, ALP increased Nrf2 and reduced the hyperglycaemia‐induced increases of H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy, and enhanced cellular viability. Nrf2 gene silence cancelled these protective effects of ALP in H9C2 cells. Activation of Nrf2 subsequent to the suppression of Keap1 and the mitigation of autophagy over‐activation may represent major mechanisms whereby ALP attenuates DCM.

Rice farming threatens freshwater resources, while also being increasingly vulnerable to drought due to climate change. Rice farming needs to become more sustainable and resilient to climate change by improving irrigation drainage systems. Small water bodies, used to store drainage water and supply irrigation in traditional rice farming systems have gradually been abandoned in recent decades. This has resulted in a higher water footprint (WF) associated with rice farming due to increased freshwater usage and wastewater release, also leaving rice production more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Here, we propose how protecting and reactivating small water bodies for rice irrigation and drainage can decrease rice production WF in China by 30%, save 9% of China’s freshwater consumption, increase irrigation self-sufficiency from 3% to 31%, and alleviate yield loss in dry years by 2–3%. These findings show that redesigning rice irrigation drainage systems can help meet water scarcity challenges posed by climate change. Ponds played an important role in ancient rice-growing regions such as China and India. Here, the authors find that reviving small water bodies to recycle drainage water for irrigation can reduce China’s rice production water footprint by 9% and alleviate 2-3% yield loss in dry years.

Traditionally, the nervous system has been perceived primarily as a complex network predominantly composed of neurons. Nevertheless, ongoing developments in the field of neuroscience have brought to light the significant contributions of non-neuronal cells, highlighting their importance 1,2 . Getting a profound insight into their functional traits and the mechanisms that govern them is essential for developing innovative approaches to treating and preventing neurological disorders.Recently, there has been significant progress in the investigation of non-neuronal cells within the nervous system. The primary emphasis lies in uncovering the intricate network of interactions that connect these cells to neurons and to each other. As an illustration, recent studies in the field of neurovascular coupling have begun to elucidate the intricate relationship between brain activity and the modulation of blood flow within the cerebral system [3][4][5][6] . Investigations into neuroimmunology have introduced novel insights into the critical roles that immune cells play in both inflammatory response in the nervous system and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders 7,8 . Investigating the interactions between glial cells serves as a burgeoning area of study, focusing on unraveling the complexities of communication and the exchange of information among astrocytes, other glial cells, and neurons, along with their significant influence on neural operations 2,9,10 .Microglia, the primary resident immune cells found within the nervous system, act as the initial barrier against invasive pathogens and play an essential role in upholding the immune balance of the neural environment 11 . These cells play a significant part in essential processes such as the elimination of excess synapses throughout neural maturation and are capable of rapidly triggering protective immune mechanisms when faced with injury or pathological conditions in the nervous system [12][13][14] . Astrocytes play a vital role not only in offering critical structural support for neurons but also in expertly managing the intricate balance of neurotransmitter absorption and release 15,16 , meticulously maintaining ion equilibrium 17,18 , and influencing synaptic adaptability 19 . Cells within the neurovascular unit, including the endothelial and pericyte populations, are essential for maintaining the stability and integrity of the blood-brain barrier while ensuring the accurate and suitable regulation of cerebral perfusion 20,21 .In the field of neurological disorders, the unnormal functioning of glial cells is commonly identified. In conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the involvement of immune cells and astrocytes in the inflammatory response has become a characteristic feature of these disorders [22][23][24] . Additionally, impairments in the mechanisms that link neural function with vascular responses and disruptions to the integrity of the neural barrier are also critical factors in the development of numerous neurological disorders, including stroke and multiple sclerosis [25][26][27] . Consequently, a thorough exploration of the functions and mechanisms of non-neuronal cells throughout the disease progression is anticipated to yield novel perspectives and strategic avenues for identifying new therapeutic targets.This special issue provides an examination of important aspects regarding non-neuronal cells within the nervous system. Non-neuronal cells (mainly glial cells) play roles in supporting, protecting, and nourishing neurons in the nervous system. Their ability to divide makes them prone to mutation and malignant transformation. Most of malignant tumors in the central nervous system originate from non-neuronal cells. Ji et al reported the discovery of Gap Junction Protein, Gamma 1(GJC1) as a prognostic biomarker in glioma cells 28 . GJC1 is located on human chromosome 17 and encodes the gap junction gamma -1 protein (connexin 45, Cx45), which participates in intercellular communication. The expression of Cx45 is decreased in colorectal cancer and has a tumor-suppressive role in melanoma cells, but its function in gliomas remains unclear. The study of Ji et al systematically investigated the influence of clinicopathological features, molecular subclasses, and prognosis of gliomas on GJC1 expression patterns. They analyzed the biological processes and markers associated with GJC1 in tumor cells and further performed drug correlation analysis. Moreover, all the specific mechanisms of drug action obtained from the drug correlation analysis were related to the cell cycle, further supporting the influence of GJC1 on cell-cycle regulation.The review article of Zhao et al comprehensively stated olfactory system's complexity and the pivotal roles glial cells play in both health and disease conditions 29 . This review discussed the diverse functions and dynamics of glial cells in the mammalian olfactory bulb, mainly focused on astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, and radial glia cells. Each type of glial contributes uniquely to the olfactory bulb 's functionality, influencing many processes from synaptic modulation and neuronal survival to immune defense and axonal guidance. The review features their roles in maintaining neural health, their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, and their potential therapeutic applications for neuroregeneration.Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical global health concern characterized by elevated rates of both morbidity and mortality. The pathological and physiological changes after TBI are closely related to microglia. Microglia, the primary immune cells in the brain, are closely linked to the mechanisms and treatment of TBI. Zhang et al published a bibliometric analysis and visualization study to identify current research hotspots and predict future 30 . In this study, the authors meticulously discussed the mechanism of action of non-neuronal cells in ischemic stroke from two aspects: the repair of the blood-brain barrier and the immune infiltration following TBI and post-TBI peripheral immunosuppression and inflammation.Ischemic stroke accounts for 75% to 80% of all stroke events, making it the leading cause of cerebrovascular diseases and related deaths worldwide 31 . Following ischemic stroke, non-neuronal cells within the nervous system play a crucial role in maintaining neurovascular unit functions, regulating metabolic and inflammatory processes of the nervous system. Wang et al. systemically explored the global research trends and prospects of immune-related therapy in ischemic stroke 32 .To summarize, the field of research focused on non-neuronal cells within the nervous system is currently experiencing a significant growth. This dedicated Research Topic is intended to significantly support the advancement of this area by establishing a platform for academic discussions and for the demonstration of research achievements.

In plants, flowering time is controlled by environmental signals such as day-length and temperature, which regulate the floral pathway integrators, including FLOWERING LOCUS T ( FT ), by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we identify an H3K27me3 demethylase, JUMONJI 13 (JMJ13), which regulates flowering time in Arabidopsis. Structural characterization of the JMJ13 catalytic domain in complex with its substrate peptide reveals that H3K27me3 is specifically recognized through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Under short-day conditions, the jmj13 mutant flowers early and has increased FT expression at high temperatures, but not at low temperatures. In contrast, jmj13 flowers early in long-day conditions regardless of temperature. Long-day condition and higher temperature induce the expression of JMJ13 and increase accumulation of JMJ13. Together, our data suggest that the H3K27me3 demethylase JMJ13 acts as a temperature- and photoperiod-dependent flowering repressor. Jumonji domain-containing histone demethylases regulate flowering in plants. Here Zheng et al. show that Arabidopsis JMJ13 is an H3K27me3 demethylase that recognizes H3K27me3 via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions and affects both photoperiod and temperature-dependent flowering responses.

In recent years, measures proposed to address urban flooding caused by extreme rainfall often demand substantial investment, restricting their broad implementation. This study quantitatively assessed the inundation situations of 138 capital cities under both normal and extreme rainfall conditions. Using machine learning techniques, we found that grey infrastructure—closely commensurate with a city’s economic development—dominates flood reduction during normal rainfall events. However, during extreme precipitation, as rainfall intensity rises, the marginal effectiveness of grey infrastructure declines markedly. In contrast, green infrastructure and topography—less commensurate with economic development—play increasingly critical roles in mitigating urban flooding. These findings suggest that economic development has a limited impact on urban flooding during extreme rainfall events. Rationally utilizing topography and enhancing green spaces provides a cost-effective nature-based solution, which is particularly important for urban planning in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid urbanization. This study shows grey infrastructure (economy-linked) dominates flood control in normal rains. During extremes, its efficacy declines while green infrastructure/topography (less economy-aligned) become crucial for urban flood mitigation.