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Calcium and iron are essential metal elements for human health, as they play important roles in various metabolic processes such as bone formation and oxygen transport. Their interactions may interfere with each other’s absorption and bioavailability; however, deficiencies of calcium and iron are common nutritional problems that may cause osteoporosis and anemia, respectively. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of the intestinal absorption of calcium and iron and their interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent or treat these nutritional diseases. Many studies have demonstrated that calcium could inhibit iron absorption on a short-term basis, while long-term calcium supplementation has no effect the overall iron homeostasis, perhaps because the effect of calcium intake on iron absorption is a transient and adaptive response. The molecular mechanisms involved may include modulation of iron transporters by calcium, but more research is needed to elucidate this process. Furthermore, there are few studies on how iron affects calcium absorption. High doses of iron may have a negative effect on calcium absorption and retention; however, the specific effect of iron on calcium absorption is not clear. In this article, the current understanding of the intestinal absorption mechanism of calcium and iron, their interactions during the absorption process, and the underlying molecular mechanisms governing their reciprocal effects on each other’s absorption are summarized, which is of guiding significance for formulating efficient strategies for improving calcium and iron intake and absorption as well as for preventing public health problems caused by nutritional deficiencies.

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Parenting experiences are a great challenge but also a meaningful achievement for mothers diagnosed with schizophrenia (MDWSs).Most previous studies focused on the parenting experiences of Chinese mothers diagnosed with depression rather than those diagnosed with schizophrenia, who usually experience psychiatric symptoms. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: Unlike in Western society, Chinese society is characterised by a family‐centred culture. This study insightfully explores MDWSs' parenting and family life experiences addressing their intrapersonal mindsets, interpersonal connections with family members across generations and extrapersonal roles such as traditional social expectations as a mother, wife and daughter‐in‐law.While Western studies have mainly focused on MDWSs' personal resilience, this study insightfully explored MDWSs' resilient dimensions including their personal, familial and cultural issues within the Chinese society. What are the implications for practice?: This study develops a comprehensive and professional understanding of the parenting experiences and family interactions of MDWSs who struggle to achieve their motherly role and re‐establish connections with intimate family members.The findings highlight the following important considerations when offering family‐based nursing cares: (1) assess power relationships, familial dynamics and cultural influences between MDWSs and their family members; (2) extend family members' involvement, such as parents‐in‐law, while offering psychoeducation to MDWSs and their family members. Introduction: In Chinese culture, raising the next generation is recognised as a crucial family matter involving intergenerational participation. Mothers diagnosed with schizophrenia (MDWSs) usually experience high stress due to psychiatric symptoms, different parenting values across generations and traditional expectations associated with motherly roles. MDWSs need urgent professional assistance. Aim: To explore MDWSs' parenting experiences and family life in Chinese cultural contexts. Method: In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 MDWSs. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analyses. Results: The superordinate theme was identified as 'You are not a qualified mother'. Three major themes were elicited: experiencing crises in parenting, family life and self‐stability; striving to be a good mother and wife under humiliation; and developing wisdom and courage to move forward. Discussion: A dehumanised attitude of family members in a paternalistic culture was found. While Western society focuses on personal resilience and family‐based nursing care for nuclear families, Chinese society intensively focuses on MDWSs' relationship with nuclear family members as well as extended family members such as parents‐in‐law. Implications for Practice: The results highlighted the significance of culturally sensitive nursing care for MDWSs and family‐centred psychoeducation that clarifies familial dynamics and improves effective communication between MDWSs and their family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the environmental vibrations induced by train loads, an analytical model for a track coupled with a layered transversely isotropic (TI) ground is developed. The model can consider the alternate distribution of TI elastic and poroelastic layers in the ground to describe soils and rocks under different moisture conditions compared with existing models comprising only one type of medium. Based on the analytical model, the governing equations of TI media are solved firstly using Fourier transform and a potential function method. Then the exact stiffness matrix method is adapted to derive solutions to the layered ground with different media. Finally, the dynamic response of the coupled system is obtained by using the governing equations of the track and inverse integral transformation. The influences of groundwater existence and transverse isotropy on the vibration of track and ground are investigated. It is found that the influence of the groundwater existence in the TI poroelastic layer on the track force amplification factor is significant at load frequency lower than 200 Hz. The ground surface vibration attenuates faster with the distance from the track center for a larger ratio of the horizontal elastic modulus to the vertical one. The maximum vertical stress magnitude occurs within 1 m from the ground surface. The critical speed of the displacement and stress increases with the increasing ratio of the horizontal elastic modulus to the vertical one.

Abstract Background High levels circulating saturated fatty acids are associated with diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia. In heart, the accumulation of saturated fatty acids has been determined to play a role in the development of heart failure and diabetic cardiomyopathy. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been reported to possess key atheroprotective biological properties, including cellular cholesterol efflux capacity, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to test whether HDL could protect palmitic acid (PA)-induced cardiomyocyte injury and explore the possible mechanisms. Results H9c2 cells were pretreated with HDL (50–100 μg/ml) for 2 h followed by PA (0.5 mM) for indicated time period. Our results showed that HDL inhibited PA-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HDL rescued PA-induced ROS generation and the phosphorylation of JNK which in turn activated NF-κB-mediated inflammatory proteins expressions. We also found that PA impaired the balance of BCL2 family proteins, destabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, and triggered subsequent cytochrome c release into the cytosol and activation of caspase 3. These detrimental effects were ameliorated by HDL treatment. Conclusion PA-induced ROS accumulation and results in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation. However, HDL attenuated PA-induced lipotoxicity and oxidative dysfunction via ROS suppression. These results may provide insight into a possible molecular mechanism underlying HDL suppression of the free fatty acid-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death of death in Taiwan. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death. Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries to cause the ischemic heart disease which will enhance myocardial remodeling and also induce myocardial hypoxia. High density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to have cardio-protective effects. Under hypoxic conditions (1%O2 for 24hr), in H9c2 cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) is induced which leads to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, the present study described the protective effect of HDL on hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte damage. We investigated the NADPH oxidase-produced ROS-related signaling pathways and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under hypoxia conditions. Results showed that the ROS mediated cardiac damage might occur via AT1 and PKC activation. Furthermore, hypoxia downregulated the survival protein (p-AKTser473) and anti-apoptotic protein (BCL2), whereas pro-apoptotic protein, Bax and caspase 3 were upregulated. These detrimental effects by ROS and apoptosis were prevented by HDL pretreatment. Our findings revealed the underlying molecular mechanism by which HDL suppresses the hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Further, we elucidated the role of HDL on preventing hypoxia induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is mediated through the inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS.

Tau aggregates are a hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative diseases and can contain RNAs and RNA-binding proteins, including serine/arginine repetitive matrix protein 2 (SRRM2) and pinin (PNN). However, how these nuclear proteins mislocalize and their influence on the prion-like propagation of tau aggregates is unknown. We demonstrate that polyserine repeats in SRRM2 and PNN are necessary and sufficient for recruitment to tau aggregates. Moreover, we show tau aggregates preferentially grow in association with endogenous cytoplasmic assemblies--mitotic interchromatin granules and cytoplasmic speckles (CSs)--which contain SRRM2 and PNN. Polyserine overexpression in cells nucleates assemblies that are sites of tau aggregate growth. Further, modulating the levels of polyserine-containing proteins results in a corresponding change in tau aggregation. These findings define a specific protein motif, and cellular condensates, that promote tau aggregate propagation. As CSs form in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons under inflammatory or hyperosmolar stress, they may affect tau aggregate propagation in neurodegenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein demonstrate superparamagnetic [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] nanoparticles coated with nitrilotriacetic acid derivative (NTA) that can bind with different immobilized metal ions are capable of probing diverse target species. Immobilized Ni(II) on the surfaces of the NTA-magnetic nanoparticles have the capability of selectively trapping histidine (His)-tagged proteins such as a mutated streptopain tagged with 6 x His, i.e., C192S (MW ~42 kDa), from cell lysates. Enrichment was achieved by vigorously mixing the sample solution and the nanoparticles by pipetting in and out of a sample vial for only 30 s. After enrichment, the probe-target species could be readily isolated by magnetic separation. We also characterized the proteins enriched on the affinity probes using on-probe tryptic digestion under microwave irradiation for only 2 min, followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Using this enrichment and tryptic digestion, the target species can be rapidly enriched and characterized, reducing the time required for carrying out the complete analysis to less than 10 min. Furthermore, when either Zr(IV) or Ga (III) ions are immobilized on the surfaces of the NTA-magnetic nanoparticles, the nanoparticles have the capability of selectively enriching phosphorylated peptides from tryptic digests of [alpha]-, [beta]-caseins, and diluted milk. The detection limit for the tryptic digests of [alpha]- and [beta]-caseins is ~50 fmol.

This study described a rare case of necrotizing fasciitis presenting as neural dysfunction. The patient's serum ammonia level was significantly elevated; however, no liver function impairment was observed. Hyperammonemia is frequently related to the liver's ammonia metabolism failure. In literature reviews, infections also induce critical complications in specific circumstances. Herein, a rare case of Staphylococcus aureus necrotizing fasciitis with a hyperammonemic encephalopathy presentation was offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional model has been developed to investigate the dynamic response of pavement-embankment-subsoil system considering the rise of water table. The ground consists of pavement, embankment, topsoil, saturated soil under the natural water table and semi-infinite substratum. Above the natural water table, the material is assumed to be dry and viscoelastic. Below the natural water table, the soil is saturated and modelled as poroviscoelasitc material. The semi-infinite substratum is assumed to be water-resistant and taken as a viscoelastic half-space. When the water table rises, the submerged part is then saturated and taken as poroviscoelastic medium. Biot’s theory and Fourier transform are employed to describe the problem, and some improvements are made based on traditional stiffness matrix method to give semi-analytical solution to the problem. The solution has been verified using a simplified problem reported by existing research. The influences of load characteristics and rise of water table are investigated. Resonance load frequency exists, at which the maximum surface vertical displacement of the pavement reaches its largest value. The rise of water table decreases the resonance frequency and generally increases the maximum surface vertical displacement of the pavement. The pore water pressure and pore water velocity are also substantially affected by the rise of water table. In general, the rise of water table has an amplifying effect on the vibration of the pavement system and increases the damage risk, which needs to be considered in the design and maintenance of highways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]