This study examined the main effect of marital status on depressive symptoms and the interactions of marital status with subjective economic status and social support among Japanese family caregivers. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among 1,260 primary family caregivers aged 20 years or older, who provided care to their biological mother or father aged 65 or older and certified as requiring long-term care under Japan's long-term care insurance system. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Japanese version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between marital status and depressive symptoms, including interaction terms for subjective economic status and social support. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted by sex and age group to explore potential heterogeneity. Among the participants, 38.8% were unmarried. Unmarried caregivers initially exhibited significantly higher depressive symptoms; however, after adjusting for covariates, they demonstrated significantly lower depressive symptoms than married caregivers (B: -1.87; 95% CI: -3.44, -0.31). Interaction analyses indicated that depressive symptoms were significantly higher among unmarried caregivers who experienced greater economic hardship or lacked instrumental support (B: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.08, 2.48; B: -5.26; 95% CI: -9.48, -1.03, respectively). Stratified analyses suggested that these interactions were more evident among female caregivers and those aged < 60 years. Although unmarried caregivers experience lower depressive symptoms overall, those experiencing economic hardship and lacking instrumental support exhibited elevated depressive symptoms. These associations may be more pronounced in specific subgroups, particularly by sex and age. These findings highlight the importance of targeted financial and caregiving support for vulnerable caregivers.

Chitin-rich organic wastes in aquatic environments provide ecological niches for chitinolytic microorganisms capable of converting chitin into chitosan, a high-value biopolymer with applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental management. Microbial chitosan production represents a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical extraction; however, its efficiency is strongly influenced by environmental and physicochemical process parameters. This study investigated the occurrence, chitinolytic potential, and chitosan-producing capacity of indigenous microorganisms isolated from freshwater and sediment samples in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, and optimised production under controlled fermentation conditions. Physicochemical characteristics of water bodies were determined, followed by the isolation and characterisation of bacterial and fungal chitinolytic strains. Selected isolates were screened for chitinase activity and subjected to fermentation-based chitosan production. Process optimisation was performed using a five-factor central composite design to assess the effects of temperature, pH, glucose level (5-20g L⁻¹), nitrogen source concentration (1-5g L⁻¹), and incubation time, with response surface methodology applied for model development and interaction analysis. Low dissolved oxygen and moderate temperatures favoured chitinolytic genera, including Aspergillus, Bacillus, and Fusarium, with Aspergillus niger exhibiting the highest chitosan yield. Incubation time was the most significant factor (p < 0.001), while temperature, pH, and substrate concentration showed strong interaction effects. Initial batch fermentations yielded up to 0.20g L⁻¹ chitosan from selected isolates, while response surface optimisation with Aspergillus niger increased production to 1.46g L⁻¹ at 32.8°C, pH 5.12, 15.3g L⁻¹ glucose, 2.45g L⁻¹ yeast extract, and 5.2 days incubation. The optimised product exhibited a high degree of deacetylation, indicating suitability for agricultural and environmental applications. These findings highlight inland aquatic ecosystems as valuable reservoirs of chitinolytic microorganisms and provide an optimised, environmentally benign framework for scalable microbial chitosan production.

This study examined the independent and combined associations of handgrip strength weakness and asymmetry with incident stroke risk among adults aged ≥ 50 years. Data were derived from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Handgrip strength was objectively measured, while stroke was self-reported as physician-diagnosed. Asymmetry was defined using the ratio of left to right handgrip strength based on the "10% rule" and additionally assessed as the absolute difference between hands. Weakness was defined as < 16 kg for women and < 27 kg for men. Participants were further categorized into four groups according to weakness and asymmetry status. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate associations. Among 24 923 participants followed for a mean of 9.6 years, 1839 incident strokes occurred. Handgrip weakness was associated with higher stroke incidence (17.52 vs. 7.29 per 1000 person-years) and a 55% increased risk compared with no weakness. Handgrip asymmetry was linked to a higher incidence (8.15 vs. 7.17 per 1000 person-years) and a 13% increased risk. Each 1-SD increase in asymmetry corresponded to a 2% higher risk. The highest risk was observed in participants with both weakness and asymmetry (18.29 per 1000 person-years; HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.35-2.14). Interaction analyses indicated that the joint effect did not exceed the sum or product of individual effects. Handgrip weakness and asymmetry independently increased stroke risk, with the highest risk observed when both were present, yet their combined effect did not exceed what would be expected from each factor alone.

Autonomic dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), and autonomic symptoms are independent contributors to MS fatigue. Aerobic training (AT) has been shown to reduce fatigue severity and to promote functional network reorganization in MS. We explored resting-state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) of the central autonomic network (CAN) in MS, its relationship with fatigue severity, and its modifications after AT vs non-AT. Seventy-five patients with MS (38 with relapsing-remitting [RR] and 37 with progressive [P]) underwent 3T RS functional MRI at baseline and at the end of AT (24 training sessions, 2-3 times per week for 2-3 months) or non-AT of equivalent duration. Sixty-seven matched healthy controls (HCs) served as a reference for baseline RS FC. At both visits, all patients were assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Seed-based RS FC used core CAN modulatory regions: left/right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), mid-cingulate cortex (MCC), amygdala, hypothalamus, and anterior and posterior insula. Compared with HCs, patients with MS showed increased baseline RS FC of the right amygdala, anterior insula, and vmPFC with superior frontal gyri, precentral gyri and right precuneus. Considering disease phenotype, we found a divergent behavior of baseline RS FC in the interaction analysis (p < 0.05, corrected), with patients with RRMS showing predominantly increased RS FC of the amygdala, anterior insula, and MCC with supplementary motor areas (SMAs) and deep gray matter, whereas patients with PMS showed widespread baseline RS FC decrease, particularly involving posterior insula connections with the cerebellum and parietal regions, and MCC connections with frontotemporal areas. In patients with RRMS, increased baseline CAN RS FC inversely correlated with fatigue severity (r = range -0.33/-0.54, p range = 0.046/0.001), while no significant correlations were found in patients with PMS. In patients who underwent AT, decreased hypothalamic network RS FC at follow-up vs baseline was observed (p < 0.001, significant time-by-treatment interaction vs non-AT), with more prominent changes in patients with RRMS compared with patients with PMS. No correlations were found between longitudinal RS FC modifications and concomitant fatigue changes. CAN dysregulation is present in MS, with distinct RS FC abnormalities characterizing patients with RRMS and PMS and correlating with fatigue severity. AT modulates CAN RS FC, particularly in patients with RRMS.

Association between the estimated glucose disposal rate and new-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in United States adults.

We sought to evaluate the association between the timing of new-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) development (ie, antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum) and the risk of incident hypertension 2-7 years after delivery in nuMoM2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be) and nuMoM2b-HHS (the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study). This is a secondary analysis of a multisite prospective observational cohort study conducted at eight clinical sites that enrolled nulliparous individuals with singleton pregnancies in their first trimester who were followed during pregnancy and subsequently underwent a cardiovascular screening visit 2-7 years after delivery. For this analysis, we excluded individuals with prepregnancy chronic hypertension in their nuMoM2b pregnancy. We compared rates of stage 1 hypertension (blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg or higher or use of antihypertensive medications) at the 2-7 year postpartum study visit based on the timing of the onset of HDP (categorized as antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum) with no HDP (referent). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for baseline covariates (age, insurance, tobacco use, diabetes, and early pregnancy body mass index [BMI]) were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CIs. Interaction analysis was performed to evaluate effect modification by the presence of severe features of HDP. P <.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 4,342 individuals included in this analysis (mean age 27.0 years [SD 5.6 years]), 23.2%% (n=1,007) had new-onset HDP. Among those with HDP, 53.6% (n=540) were diagnosed antepartum, 42.4% (n=427) were diagnosed intrapartum, and 4.0% (n=40) were diagnosed postpartum. At a mean follow-up of 3.2±0.9 years after delivery, the frequency of incident hypertension was elevated regardless of whether HDP occurred antepartum (37.6%, n=203), intrapartum (26.0%, n=111), or postpartum (40.0%, n=16) (compared with no HDP [16.5%, n=550]). After adjustment for maternal age, insurance type, tobacco use, prepregnancy diabetes, and early pregnancy BMI, the risk of chronic hypertension remained elevated regardless of when HDP was diagnosed, although the risk was higher when it developed antepartum (aOR 2.40, 95% CI, 1.95-2.95) or postpartum (aOR 2.90, 95% CI, 1.49-5.64) compared with when it developed intrapartum (aOR 1.55, 95% CI, 1.21-1.97; referent no HDP, P <.01 for all). New-onset HDP, regardless of whether it is diagnosed antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum, is associated with an increased risk of incident hypertension 2-7 years after delivery, compared with individuals without HDP during their first birth. Greater awareness of cardiovascular disease risk after HDP-even when HDP is diagnosed during labor or postpartum-is needed to appropriately risk stratify and help prevent hypertension after delivery. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02231398.

Association between adverse childhood experiences and intrinsic capacity impairment among middle-aged and older adults in China: A nationwide cross-sectional survey from CHARLS.

Daidzein alleviates knee osteoarthritis via activation of the EGFR/Raf-1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Mediating effect of sex hormones and modification of lifestyle: Association between pyrethroid exposure and hypertension.

LY96-CCNT1-IFI44L core molecular features characterize VTE-associated inflammatory prothrombotic risk in elderly cancer patients.

Sex-specific gene expression signatures of calcific aortic valve stenosis in a large collection of human tissues.

Nursing students' educational preferences for integrated teaching methods: A best-worst scaling study.

Multiplexed biosensing: A review of surface plasmon resonance platforms for biomarker analysis.

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy has recently gained significant attention as a powerful tool for biomacromolecule detection due to its exceptional sensitivity in capturing molecular fingerprints, attributed to its unique wavelength range. THz biosensing platforms offer distinct advantages in identifying molecular rotational and vibrational states, making them effective for high-sensitivity, high-precision biomacromolecule analysis. This review highlights recent advancements in THz biosensing platforms, focusing on their spectroscopy interpretation and practical applications. We begin by introducing commonly used THz equipment and various metamaterials, followed by an overview of the key spectroscopy interpretation strategies for THz spectral analysis, including refractive index sensing and molecular fingerprint recognition. We also summarize the machine learning (ML) methods applied to enhance spectral analysis in THz biosensing platforms. Lastly, we provide an integrated perspective on the spectroscopy interpretation, clinical applications, and recent technological advancements in THz biosensing platforms, with an emphasis on how to construct a standardized THz-based biosensing workflow. We believe THz biosensing platforms hold immense potential to revolutionize molecular detection by enabling precise, label-free, and highly sensitive analysis of biomacromolecule interactions, paving the way for breakthroughs in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biochemical research.

Driving safety excellence: A multifaceted analysis of leading indicators across industries

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) protein triggers adaptive immune responses by presenting antigens on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to be recognised by CD4+ T cells. Recombinant MHC II proteins are effective for the analysis of peptide-binding interaction, detection of antigen-specific T-cells and clinical testing for donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody for organ transplantation. However, Escherichia coli-based production is limited due to difficulty in obtaining properly folded protein complexes. In this study, we utilised the expression machinery of Nicotiana benthamiana via the Tsukuba System to produce the soluble extracellular domains of MHC II proteins. Thirteen different MHC II proteins of the three isotypes (HLA-DR, DQ and DP) conjugated with peptides (pMHC II) were successfully expressed. The HLA-DRA*01:01/DRB1*01:01 covalently linked to a class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) or influenza hemagglutinin (HA, 306-318) was further analysed as a model. The resultant proteins were detectable in soluble fractions and purified using metal affinity purification and ion exchange chromatography, yielding 4.37 and 2.81 μg/gFW, respectively. pMHC II were also biotinylated invitro using commercial BirA, enabling future construction of tetramers or multimers. The purified proteins were confirmed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using anti-HLA antibodies. Furthermore, Surface plasmon resonance biosensor (Biacore) verified glycosylation-dependent recognition of MHC II-HA complex by cognate T-cell receptor (HA1.7 TCR), resulting in an equilibrium dissociation constant of KD = 3.62 ± 1.59 μM. Overall, this plant-based system offers a promising scalable and economical alternative for large-scale production of functional MHC II proteins for basic and clinical applications.

This study aimed to explore the dental applications of AG73, a laminin-derived adhesive peptide, by examining its effects on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs), particularly in cell adhesion and mineralization. It also sought to identify the key functional residue of AG73 and the signaling pathways involved in its pro-mineralization activity. We compared AG73's pro-mineralization activity with peptides derived from LAMA5 using alizarin red staining. Immunofluorescence staining assessed its cell adhesion properties. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis was performed to identify key residues for AG73's adhesion activity. Finally, we used p38 and JNK MAPK inhibitors to determine which signaling pathways were involved in AG73-induced mineralization. AG73 exhibited superior pro-mineralization activity compared to other peptides derived from LAMA5 in hDPCs. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed AG73's strong cell adhesive ability within 20 minutes. Alanine-scanning identified isoleucine at the tenth position as crucial for adhesion. AG73 was the most effective peptide in inducing mineralization, with no mutated versions outperforming it. p38 signaling was found to play a positive role in AG73-induced mineralization, while JNK inhibition enhanced mineralization, suggesting JNK inhibitors as potential inducers. AG73 has strong pro-mineralization activity and significant cell adhesive properties in hDPCs. The isoleucine at the tenth amino acid position was identified as a critical residue for AG73's adhesive ability. Additionally, p38 was found to be involved in AG73-regulated mineralization, while JNK inhibition promoted the process. This is the first study to explore AG73's effects in hDPCs and provides a foundation for its potential use as a dental-pulp regenerative material.

HPLC-PDA and LC-HRMS/MS-based quantitative and qualitative analysis of Glycosmis pentaphylla alkaloids, and investigation of their anticancer potential through network pharmacology.

Mechanistic DFT insights into the formation of high valent non-heme iron-oxo oxidants: Identifying the active oxidant for the epoxidation of alkene.

Transcriptomic and network analysis reveal methionine sulfoxide reductases dependent regulation of flagellar motility in Salmonella Typhimurium.