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As essential micronutrients, metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, are required for a wide range of physiological processes in the brain. However, an imbalance in metal ions, whether excessive or insufficient, is detrimental and can contribute to neuronal death through oxidative stress, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, cell senescence, or neuroinflammation. These processes have been found to be involved in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the research history and milestone events of studying metal ions, including iron, manganese, copper, and zinc in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD), will be introduced. Then, the upstream regulators, downstream effector, and crosstalk of mental ions under both physiologic and pathologic conditions will be summarized. Finally, the therapeutic effects of metal ion chelators, such as clioquinol, quercetin, curcumin, coumarin, and their derivatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed. Additionally, the promising results and limitations observed in clinical trials of these metal ion chelators will also be addressed. This review will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of metal ions in disease development but also offer perspectives on their modulation for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Research on the evolutionary behavior of the particle breakage processes in coarse-grained soil under the action of train load is of practical significance for subgrade construction and maintenance. However, existing studies have not addressed the prediction of particle size distribution evolution. In this paper, the MTS loading system is used to simulate the dynamic train load effect on coarse-grained soil fillers. The study analyzes the influence of dynamic stress amplitude, loading frequency, and vibration times on both the macro-characteristics and micro-characteristics of particle breakage. The characteristics of particle fragmentation in coarse soil filler under high-speed train load are elucidated. Furthermore, a predictive model for the evolution of particle size distribution curves in relation to particle content and relative particle size is established using the ZHU continuous grading curve equation. This model captures the evolution process of particle breakage characteristics in coarse-grained soil fillers subjected to high-speed train loads. The applicability of this model has been verified. Based on the grading prediction model, an integral expression for the breakage rate index is derived, and the evolution characteristics of particle breakage in coarse-grained soil fillers under the action of train load are analyzed. The results indicate that during filling, the particle breakage mode of coarse-grained soil fillers during filling is primarily characterized by fracture and fragmentation; conversely, under dynamic cyclic loading conditions, it is predominantly characterized by fracture and grinding. The breakage rate aligns with the measured results, suggesting that the breakage rate index established in this study can effectively describe the evolution process of particle breakage in railway subgrade coarse-grained soil. After the reaching one million loading cycles, both deformation and particle breakage degree in coarse-grained soil fillers tend to stabilize. Under the action of dynamic stress amplitudes ranging from 10 to 200 kPa and loading frequencies between 2 and 12 Hz, the particle breakage index stabilizes below 1.1%. These research findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes affecting engineering characteristics of railway subgrade coarse-grained soils and provide a theoretical as well as experimental foundation for railway subgrade construction and maintenance.

The challenging problem of chlorine “poisoning” SnO2 for poorly recoverable detection of dichloromethane has been solved in this work. The materials synthesized by Ni or/and Mo doping SnO2 were spread onto the micro-hotplates (<1 mm3) to fabricate the MEMS sensors with a low power consumption (<45 mW). The sensor based on Mo·Ni co-doped SnO2 is evidenced to have the best sensing performance of significant response and recoverability to dichloromethane between 0.07 and 100 ppm at the optimized temperature of 310 °C, in comparison with other sensors in this work and the literature. It can be attributed to a synergetic effect of Mo·Ni co-doping into SnO2 as being supported by characterization of geometrical and electronic structures. The sensing mechanism of dichloromethane on the material is investigated. In situ infrared spectroscopy (IR) peaks identify that the corresponding adsorbed species are too strong to desorb, although it has demonstrated a good recoverability of the material. A probable reason is the formation rates of the strongly adsorbed species are much slower than those of the weakly adsorbed species, which are difficult to form significant IR peaks but easy to desorb, thus enabling the material to recover. Theoretical analysis suggests that the response process is kinetically determined by molecular transport onto the surface due to the free convection from the concentration gradient during the redox reaction, and the output steady voltage thermodynamically follows the equation only formally identical to the Langmuir–Freundlich equation for physisorption but is newly derived from statistical mechanics.

Intracellular bacterial pathogens exhibit heterogeneous replication rates within host macrophages, but the mechanisms by which they manipulate host factors for survival remain incompletely understood. Using a fluorescence-dilution reporter system in Salmonella Typhimurium ( Salmonella )-infected macrophages, we found that Protein Phosphatase 6 (Pp6) was downregulated in macrophages harboring growing bacteria. Conditional knockout of Pp6 elevated host susceptibility to Salmonella -mediated lethality due to compromised antimicrobial defenses. MicroRNA-31 (miR-31) was identified as a negative regulator of Pp6, and its conditional ablation enhanced bacterial clearance. Yeast two-hybrid screening identified 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 1 (Pfkfb1), a metabolic regulator, as a substrate of Pp6. Pp6 deficiency resulted in significantly elevated expression of Pfkfb1, which was highly expressed in macrophages containing replicating Salmonella . Pfkfb1 deletion restricted bacterial proliferation by promoting nitric oxide (NO) production while concurrently suppressing arginase-1 (Arg-1) expression and impairing arginine metabolism in macrophages. Collectively, these results establish the Pp6-Pfkfb1 axis as a key regulator of host metabolic adaptation and intracellular bacterial survival, offering potential therapeutic targets against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

We studied here the short-term toxicity effects of Cd on the oxidative state and cell death in the gill of freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. Crabs were exposed to Cd that resulted in Cd accumulation and a significant increase in the metallothionein (MT) level in the gill, but MT level increased disproportionally compared to the Cd accumulation with an extension of exposure time. Significant changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were observed. An increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was detected that will cause oxidative stress. Histological abnormalities of the gills were discovered, including the expansion of gill cavity, a decrease in the numbers of connection of the upper and the lower of the gill lamellae and epithelial cells, and an increase in the number of hemocytes. The results of a TUNEL test and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that more gill cells had apoptotic characteristics after 48 h of Cd treatment compared to the control, but epithelial cell necrosis and inflammatory response appeared only after 72 h. It was concluded that (1) Cd induced the ROS production and accumulation through inhibiting antioxidant enzyme activities and exceeding the saturation values of MT binging; (2) Cd led to lipid peroxidation and histopathological alternations; and (3) Cd induced apoptotic response at short time exposure, followed by necrotic features and inflammatory reaction after longer time exposure.

To play a role effectively, biocontrol fungi must fight against plant immune response and establish a symbiotic interaction with their host. After successfully colonizing the host plant, the biocontrol fungi may deliver beneficial effects related to plant health and resistance against phytopathogens. These fungi use a variety of tactics to bypass the host immune response, including the production of effector proteins, miRNA interference, manipulation of host defense mechanisms, and others. In this review article, we discussed these strategies of biocontrol fungi based on recent findings. These methods enable the fungi to escape the plant’s intrinsic immunity and finely adjust the plant’s defense signaling cascades. Additionally, we discussed the importance of the physical barrier in the form of host cell walls and elucidated how biocontrol fungi use a combination of mechanical and enzymatic tactics to overcome this obstacle. Given the evolving comprehensions from molecular biology, genomics, and ecology, this review article highlights the prospective for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to improve our understanding of the biocontrol mechanism.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) exhibits heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. However, the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the DLBCL tumor microenvironment remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the heterogeneity of TAMs in DLBCL to identify critical TAM-associated prognostic biomarkers. Transcriptome data from DLBCL patients were obtained from online database. The CIBERSORT algorithm was applied to quantify TAM abundance across samples. Consensus clustering was used to stratify DLBCL into distinct clusters based on TAM subtype enrichment. Differential gene expression analysis, LASSO regression, univariate/multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were employed to identify key prognostic biomarkers. Validation of VSIG4+TAM subpopulation was performed using flow cytometry and multiplex immunohistochemistry. A local cohort of 375 DLBCL patients was investigated to explore the correlation between VSIG4 expression and various genetic and pathological characteristics including prognostic outcomes. Four distinct DLBCL clusters, each enriched with specific TAM subtypes were found. The cluster dominated by M2 TAMs exhibited the worst prognosis. Differential analysis identified VSIG4 as a critical prognostic factor, with high expression in the M2 TAM-enriched cluster. Flow cytometry and mIHC confirmed VSIG4+ TAMs as a subpopulation within CD68+/CD163+ M2 macrophages. VSIG4 expression correlated with adverse genetic features (PIM1, ETV6, CD70 mutations) and aggressive pathological characteristics (non-GCB phenotype, MYC+/BCL-2 double-expression). Multivariate Cox regression confirmed VSIG4 as an independent prognostic factor for poor survival. Survival analysis suggested that VSIG4's prognostic impact operates independently of regulating lymphocyte infiltration, highlighting its unique role in DLBCL tumor microenvironment. This study identifies VSIG4 as a TAM-associated marker of adverse prognosis of DLBCL and the expression of VSIG4 is related to high-risk genetic and pathological features. These findings position VSIG4 as a promising therapeutic target for immune checkpoint intervention in DLBCL.

Aims To understand the experiences of parents of preterm infants as their babies transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home. Design A qualitative meta‐synthesis. Review Methods This review followed the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) checklist, focusing on studies exploring parental experiences during NICU‐to‐home transitions. A thematic synthesis approach was applied to analyse and interpret findings. Data Sources Five English‐language databases (PubMed, Embase, CHNAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) were searched from inception until January 2024. Selected studies were critically appraised for quality. Results The synthesis identified five major themes based on the Meleis Transition Theory: (1) Nature of Transition: challenges in environmental and role changes, (2) Transition Conditions: Support Systems: the need for diverse and sustained support; Unmet Needs: a lack of spiritual, emotional, and informational support, (3) Patterns of Response: growth and adaptation alongside the infant, and (4) Nursing Therapeutics: reliance on healthcare teams for support and guidance. Conclusion Parents of preterm infants experience significant emotional challenges and unmet needs during the transition from hospital to home. In particular, spiritual support, emotional guidance, and diverse support structures are essential yet often overlooked. Implication for the Profession and/or Patient Care Healthcare professionals should recognise parents' unique spiritual and emotional needs when transitioning their preterm infants from the NICU to home. Providing targeted guidance, resources, and support can reduce parental distress and promote a more positive adaptation process. Impact What problem did the study address?: The transition from NICU hospitalisation to home is an emotional and uncertain process for parents of preterm infants. This study synthesises qualitative data to explore the parents' experiences during this transition and to understand their coping styles and needs. What were the main findings?: The review emphasises the difficulties parents encounter when transitioning to caring for preterm infants and the significance of spiritual care during the peri‐discharge phase. It recommends that NICUs offer discharge preparation services and ongoing support to facilitate parental adaptation and promote the healthy development of preterm infants post‐discharge. Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: These findings will help clarify the needs of parents of patients in NICUs, enhance the home care transition for infants in NICUs, promote neonatal health outcomes, improve the quality of life for infants and their families, and ensure high‐quality home care. Reporting Method This study follows the PRISMA reporting guidelines in EQUATOR for research. Patient or Public Contribution No Patient or Public Contribution. Registration PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024541018.

Magnolia sinica is a critically endangered species and considered a “plant species with extremely small populations” (PSESP). It is an endemic species in southeastern Yunnan Province, China, with reproductive barriers. Rhizosphere fungi play a crucial role in plant growth and health. However, the composition, diversity, and function of fungal communities in wild and reintroduced M. sinica rhizospheres remain unknown. In this study, Illumina sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region was used to analyze rhizospheric soil samples from wild and reintroduced M. sinica. Thirteen phyla, 45 classes, 105 orders, 232 families, and 433 genera of fungi were detected. Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were dominant across all samples. The fungal community composition was similar between the wild and reintroduced rhizospheres, but the fungal taxa relative abundances differed. The fungal community richness was higher in the reintroduced rhizosphere than in the wild rhizosphere, but the diversity showed the opposite pattern. Soil nutrients and leaf litter significantly affected the fungal community composition and functional diversity. Here, the composition, structure, diversity, and ecological functions of the fungal communities in the rhizospheres of wild and reintroduced M. sinica were elucidated for the first time, laying a foundation for future research and endangered species protection.

To achieve the actual situation of water pressure stabilization during underground and tunnel water inrush disasters, the team independently developed a stable water pressure test system and conducted fracture and failure tests on fissured rock masses under the coupling effect of 1MPa stable water pressure and stress and without water pressure. Combined with data collected by acoustic emission instruments, the mechanical characteristics of fracture and failure, crack propagation mechanism, and acoustic emission response mechanism of fissured rock masses under the coupling effect of stable hydraulic pressure and stress were studied. The results showed that throughout the entire experimental process, the hydraulic pressure remained continuously stable, with a decrease of only 0.14%; The variation pattern of peak strength of fissured rock mass with increasing crack inclination angle under stable hydraulic pressure changes from a decrease and then an increase in the absence of hydraulic pressure to an increasing trend; The crack propagation length of low angle fissured rock mass is generally higher than that of high angle fissured specimens. The longer propagation path increases the range and effect of hydraulic pressure, and the initial crack propagation length of fissured rock mass under hydraulic pressure is also significantly longer than that of specimens without hydraulic pressure; During the loading process, both the acoustic emission ringing count and damage variable can be divided into four stages. From the cumulative total number of acoustic emission ringing counts, it can be seen that during the loading process, the total number of acoustic emission ringing in fissured rock masses subjected to hydraulic pressure is significantly lower than that of specimens without hydraulic pressure, and the trend is also relatively stable.