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Aim: To explore the link between the RBP4 rs3758539 genotype and metabolic syndrome risk factors and whether the impact of this genetic variation displays any potential race discrepancy. Materials and Methods: This meta‐analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42023407999). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Airiti Library and CINAHL databases were used for the study search until October 2023. We evaluated the methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and determined the correlation using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: The results indicated that individuals with the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype had a higher risk profile, including lower high‐density lipoprotein levels [correlation: −0.045, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.080 to −0.009, p =.015, I2 = 46.9%] and higher body mass index (correlation: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.036‐0.197, p =.005, I2 = 82.0%), body fat (correlation: 0.098, 95% CI: 0.004‐0.191, p =.041, I2 = 64.0%), and low‐density lipoprotein levels (correlation: 0.074, 95% CI: 0.010‐0.139, p =.024, I2 = 0%), of developing metabolic syndrome than those with the GG genotype. The subgroup analysis maintained a significantly positive correlation between the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and body mass index (correlation: 0.163, 95% CI: 0.031‐0.289, p =.016, I2 = 88.9%) but a negative correlation with high‐density lipoprotein levels (correlation: −0.047, 95% CI: −0.087 to −0.006, p =.025, I2 = 65.7%) in the Asian group only. Conclusion: The current meta‐analysis supports a significant link between the RBP4 rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expatriates play a critical role in the long‐term success of global organizations; however, expatriate assignments are risky endeavors, and not all employees are keen on such opportunities. Thus, it is critical that we examine the antecedents of employee willingness to expatriate. In this first such meta‐analysis, we drew on data from 55 studies (published in English and Traditional Chinese), and identified 22 antecedents. Results indicate that education, self‐efficacy, prior international experience, language skills, cultural intelligence, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience, the importance of assignment value, financial support and career support were positively related to employee willingness to expatriate. Some societal differences were identified. We then discuss implications and offer future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevailing bone metabolic disease. Morinda officinalis polysaccharide (MOP) has biological activities and medicinal potential. This study explored its mechanism in OP. Rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were pretreated with low/high concentrations of MOP and subjected to osteogenic differentiation (OD) or adipogenic differentiation (AD) induction. The protein markers of OD (RUNX2 and BMP2) and AD (CEBPα and PPARγ) and miR‐21 expression were detected. miR‐21 was overexpressed to study its effects on rBMSC OD and AD. rBMSCs were transfected with miR‐21 inhibitor and treated with high concentration of MOP for verification. The targeted relationship between miR‐21 and PTEN was verified by bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase assay. The PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway‐related proteins were detected. Ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced OP rats were treated with MOP. Rat bone mineral density (BMD), serum bone metabolism indexes bone‐derived alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and osteocalcin (BGP) levels were assessed by BMD detectors and ELISA kits. miR‐21 expression in rBMSCs was detected. After treatment with low/high concentrations of MOP, the OD of rBMSCs was increased and AD was inhibited and miR‐21 was upregulated. miR‐21 overexpression enhanced the OD of rBMSCs and inhibited AD. miR‐21 knockdown reversed the effect of high concentration of MOP on rBMSCs. miR‐21 targeted PTEN. After treatment with low/high concentrations of MOP, PI3K, and AKT phosphorylation were increased and the PI3K/AKT pathway was activated. BMD, BALP, BGP, and miR‐21 levels in OVX rats were decreased. MOP partially alleviated OP in OVX rats. Briefly, MOP enhanced rBMSC OD and inhibited AD via the miR‐21/PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mechanism of TDP‐43 gene expression on inflammatory factors and Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways in ischaemic hypoxic stress dependence was investigated. Sixty SD rats were selected and divided into the control group, the osteoarthritis (OA) model group, and the TDP‐43‐mMSCs+OA group. In the OA model group and the TDP‐43‐mMSCs+OA group, OA was established by collagenase injection. Western blotting assays were used to detect the expression of TDP‐43 in cartilage tissues of each rat. The secretion of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the serum of rats was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The formation of cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs) and the expression of receptor for activated c‐kinase 1 (RACK1) were detected by Western blotting assays in each group of rats. The expression of MTK1 and MAPKKK phosphorylation and changes in the JNK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways were detected by Western blotting assays. Compared with the control group, the expression of TDP‐43 in the cartilage tissue of rats in the OA model group was significantly decreased. The expression of TDP‐43 in the cartilage tissue of rats in the TDP‐43‐mMSCs+OA group was significantly higher than that of the control group and the OA model group, which indicates that TDP‐43‐mMSC transplantation was successful. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the plasma TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels in the OA model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01) when compared with the control group. However, the secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in the serum of the TDP‐43‐mMSCs+OA group was significantly lower than that of the model group (P < 0.01) but still higher than the control group. This indicates that overexpression of TDP‐43 reduces the inflammatory response induced by OA. Western blotting assays showed that the amount of cytoplasmic SGs in the cartilage tissue of rats in the OA model group was significantly decreased when compared with the control group. The amount of SGs in the cartilage of rats in the TDP‐43‐mMSCs+OA group was significantly higher than that of the model group. The expression of RACK1 in the cartilage tissue of rats in the OA model group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Overexpression of the TDP‐43 gene can interfere with the secretion of inflammatory factors and inhibit the activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways by ischaemic hypoxia stress. Thus, the molecular mechanism of chondrocytopathic lesions was reversed, which provided a new theoretical basis for the treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Despite the great interest in identifying protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in biological systems, only a few attempts have been made at large‐scale PPI screening in planta. Unlike biochemical assays, bimolecular fluorescence complementation allows visualization of transient and weak PPIs in vivo at subcellular resolution. However, when the non‐fluorescent fragments are highly expressed, spontaneous and irreversible self‐assembly of the split halves can easily generate false positives. The recently developed tripartite split‐GFP system was shown to be a reliable PPI reporter in mammalian and yeast cells. In this study, we adapted this methodology, in combination with the β‐estradiol‐inducible expression cassette, for the detection of membrane PPIs in planta. Using a transient expression assay by agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, we demonstrate the utility of the tripartite split‐GFP association in plant cells and affirm that the tripartite split‐GFP system yields no spurious background signal even with abundant fusion proteins readily accessible to the compartments of interaction. By validating a few of the Arabidopsis PPIs, including the membrane PPIs implicated in phosphate homeostasis, we proved the fidelity of this assay for detection of PPIs in various cellular compartments in planta. Moreover, the technique combining the tripartite split‐GFP association and dual‐intein‐mediated cleavage of polyprotein precursor is feasible in stably transformed Arabidopsis plants. Our results provide a proof‐of‐concept implementation of the tripartite split‐GFP system as a potential tool for membrane PPI screens in planta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In the general population, a higher Alternate Healthy Eating Index ( AHEI)-2010 score is related to decreased cardiovascular disease ( CVD) risk. Few studies have described the dietary patterns that reduce the risk of CVD or coronary heart disease ( CHD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) patients. In the present study, the association between the American Diabetes Association ( ADA)-recommended dietary pattern, AHEI-2010 , and CVD risk factors and the CVD incidence over 52 months in T2 DM patients was evaluated. Methods The ADA score was developed from the ADA dietary recommendations. In this prospective study, the 24-h dietary recall of 124 adult T2 DM patients without nephropathy or chronic kidney disease was collected. The CVD risk factors were collected at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Results Compared with lower ADA and AHEI-2010 score participants, the higher score participants exhibited a significantly lower waist circumference, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and 10-year risk of CHD. Participants with higher ADA dietary scores had a significantly reduced risk of central obesity and systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. Higher AHEI-2010 scores were significantly related to a reduced risk of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 100 mg dL-1. Seven participants had their first-ever CVD during the follow-up period, although neither ADA score, nor AHEI-2010 score could predict CVD incidence. Conclusions The ADA-recommended dietary pattern and a higher AHEI-2010 score might both exhibit reduced risk factors of CVD in T2 DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planar chiral metasurfaces have demonstrated their proficiency in manipulating chiral light‐matter interactions for diverse applications. Nevertheless, it proves arduous to simultaneously attain elevated quality factors and potent chirality response. In this work, a planar chiral metasurface is proposed, that supports Brillouin zone folding‐induced bound states in the continuum (BZF‐BICs) featuring a high‐Q factor resonance and near‐perfect circular dichroism response. By introducing periodic perturbation and breaking symmetry, the BZF‐BICs exhibit a folded band structure and decreased radiative channels, leading to a superior quality factor relative to unfolded quasi‐BICs. Exploiting the topological nature of BZF‐BICs, the polarization singularity is eradicated, resulting in the appearance of two elliptical eigenstate polarizations. Consequently, an almost perfect circular dichroism response is demonstrated due to the selective coupling between the eigenstate and the incident light. Furthermore, it is revealed that the symmetry of the distribution of eigenstates in the BZF‐BICs lattice is determined by the perturbed cell, and the more intricate orthogonal polarization states can be distinguished through the Brillouin zone design, enabling the splitting of complex polarization state beams. This study presents an innovative method for creating easily fabricated chiral metasurfaces and holds promise for applications in biochemical sensing, emission, lasing, quantum optics, and nonlinear optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes the design of conductive bridge random access memory (CBRAM) using an indium electrode, which diffuses into hafnium oxide. The device is found to exhibit good operating characteristics, maintaining a large operation window, low set and reset voltages, and advantageous operation speed, thereby reducing operating power consumption. Electrical experiments, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy confirm that the device exhibits the characteristics of a CBRAM device. In addition, due to the large operation window of this In electrode device, a combination of two of these CBRAM can act as a complementary resistive switching (CRS) device with a large memory window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian rhythms and napping habits have been associated with cognitive function; however, little is known about the interaction effects on cognitive function. The present study examined the moderating effects of napping habits on the relationship between chronotypes and cognitive function decline in elderly adults. This cross‐sectional study analysed data from the 2009 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey. A total of 1,724 elderly adults (aged ≥65 years) were included. Cognitive function was determined by the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Participants' chronotypes were assessed using the midpoint of sleep. Napping habits were assessed by self‐report questions. Demographic data, health‐related factors and sleep characteristics of the participants were also assessed as potential confounding factors. A hierarchical regression will be used to test the moderating role of napping habits in the relationship between chronotype and cognitive function level after adjustment for potential confounders. A significant interaction effect between chronotype and napping habits was observed with the MMSE score (b = −0.29, SE = 0.14, p = 0.03). Morning‐type elderly patients with nap durations >60 min exhibited significantly higher MMSE scores than non‐nappers (F = 7.48; p = 0.00). This nationwide survey confirms that in morning‐type elderly adults, nap durations >60 min are associated with less cognitive decline; however, napping habits are not associated with cognitive function level in evening‐type and intermediate‐type elderly adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study focused on the mechanisms where icariin inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis and angiogenesis by regulating the TDP‐43 signaling pathway. Methods: A rat osteoarthritis (OA) model was established by collagenase injection. Histological examination of the articular cartilage and synovial tissue was performed 6 weeks after operation. Cartilage cell line overexpressing TDP‐43 and mesenchymal stem cell line (TDP43‐MSCs) of the rat TDP43 gene were established. Results: In OA rats transplanted with TDP43‐mMSCs, TDP43 was highly expressed in chondrocytes (TDP43‐HC), while TDP43 expression was low in HC and MSCs‐HC (p < 0.05). After the intervention of MSCs‐TDP43, high expression of TDP43 induced the apoptosis and death of chondrocytes. After the addition of icariin, late apoptosis and death of TDP43‐HC were significantly attenuated. Apoptosis and death of HC, MSCs‐HC, and TDP43‐HC cells were effectively controlled with icariin, and no apparent cell death was found. ELISA showed that the VEGF and HIF‐1 alpha were significantly higher in the rat OA model than the normal control rats. Conclusion: TDP43‐MSC transplantation interfered with the expression of TDP43 in the articular chondrocytes of OA rats, which may impact on inducing apoptosis of chondrocytes as well as inhibiting the proliferation of chondrocytes. Additionally, TDP43‐MSCs appeared to promote the formation of neovascularization in the synovial tissue, which could be significantly attenuated by icariin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations related to the enantioselective semipinacol rearrangement/Michael addition cascade reaction under rhodium/chiral urea relay catalysis condition published in the journal "Organic Letters" in 2013.