Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications wit...Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.展开更多
Diamonds were formed in the mantle lithosphere,mostly at depths of 150~200km in the centres of Precambrian cratons,the buoyant ancient cores of continents.From there they were normally transported into the upper crust...Diamonds were formed in the mantle lithosphere,mostly at depths of 150~200km in the centres of Precambrian cratons,the buoyant ancient cores of continents.From there they were normally transported into the upper crust in kimberlite pipes whose diamonds are largely colourless and light yellow related to trace element N(Ia type),although brown,green,and more rarely blue-coloured diamonds are related to lattice defect and trace amounts of H,more rarely B and Ni.Pink diamonds are extremely rare in the approximately 90 diamondiferous pipes mined globally.Although small quantities have been discovered elsewhere,about 90%have been mined from the ca.1.3Ga Argyle diamond pipe in Western Australia,with the Arkhangelskaya diamond pipe in Russia the only other significant source.The pink colour at both Argyle and Arkhangelskaya is unrelated to trace elements and instead results from absorption of light from nanoscale(550nm)defects related to shear stress and plastic deformation.Macroscopically,defects are shown by glide planes,lamellae,and grain lines imposed on the originally colourless diamonds derived from their mantle source.The key question is why these defects were uniquely acquired in diamonds in the Argyle and Arkhangelskaya pipes.Unlike most diamondiferous pipes,Argyle is a rare diamondiferous volatile-rich lamproite pipe that was emplaced into the multiply deformed and rifted NNE-trending Halls Creek Orogen on the margin of the Kimberley Craton.Similarly,Arkhangelskaya in the Devonian Lomonosov kimberlite cluster is a volatile-rich low-Ti type kimberlite,a close relative to lamproite,that was emplaced into the multiply deformed Lapland-Kola Orogen on the rifted margin of the Kola Craton.These craton margins are underlain by subduction-induced volatile-enriched metasomatized mantle lithosphere in contrast to the more primeval mantle under craton centres.It is thus likely that shear stresses were exacerbated at Argyle and Arkangelskaya by rapid vertical emplacement of the anomalous volatile-enriched magmas at supercritical pressures and temperatures,that induced catastrophic phase separation of these volatiles and'mini seismic events'during rapid pressure drops during ascent from 200km depth to the surface.Such a mechanism is consistent with the presence of strongly resorbed and plastically deformed small brown industrial diamonds in the Argyle pipe.From a China perspective,it is potentially important that at 1.3Ga the alkaline Argyle pipe in northern Australia is placed adjacent to the North China Craton(NCC),with numerous world-class mineral deposits including the giant ca.1.4~1.2Ga alkaline Bayan Obo REE system on its margin.However,it is the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton and the Jiangnan Orogen with their lamproite pipes derived from metasomatized mantle lithosphere that present the most prospective regions for pink diamond occurrences.展开更多
The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves gl...The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves global alterations,making understanding plastic responses triggered by local damage difficult.One key feature of the dentate gyrus is that it contains a well-defined neurogenic niche,the subgranular zone,and beyond neurogenesis,newly born granule cells may maintain a“young”phenotype throughout life,adding to the plastic nature of the structure.Here,we present a novel experimental model of local brain damage in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures that results in the activation of adjacent newly born granule cells.A small piece of filter paper was placed on the surface of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus,which evoked a foreign body reaction of astrocytes,along with the activation of local young neurons expressing doublecortin.Forty-eight hours after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive cells increased in the subgranular zone in the direct vicinity of the foreign body,whereas overall increased doublecortin immunoreactivity was observed in the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.Foreign body placement in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region evoked a comparable local astroglial reaction but did not lead to an increase in doublecortin-immunoreactive in either the CA1 region or the adjacent dentate gyrus.Seven days after foreign body placement in the dentate gyrus,the increase in doublecortin-immunoreactivity was no longer observed,indicating the transient activation of young cells.However,7 days after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive granule cells coimmunoreactive for calbindin was lower than that under the control conditions.As calbindin is a marker for mature granule cells,this result suggests that activated young cells remain at a more immature stage following foreign body placement.Live imaging of retrovirally green fluorescent protein-labeled newly born granule cells revealed the orientation and growth of their dendrites toward the foreign body placement.This novel experimental model of foreign body placement in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures could serve as a valuable tool for studying both glial reactivity and neuronal plasticity,specifically of newly born neurons under controlled in vitro conditions.展开更多
Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinso...Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.展开更多
Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining brain function,cognitive performance,and overall health.Despite over a century of research,the mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis-the process by...Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining brain function,cognitive performance,and overall health.Despite over a century of research,the mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis-the process by which the need for sleep accumulates during wakefulness and dissipates during sleep-remain incompletely understood.This article explores the latest advancements in sleep research,focusing on the role of synaptic plasticity in sleep homeostasis,as illuminated by Sawada et al.(2024).展开更多
Peripheral artery disease(PAD)remains a significant global health issue,with current treatments primarily focused on relieving symptoms and addressingmacrovascular issues.However,critical immunoinflammatory mechanisms...Peripheral artery disease(PAD)remains a significant global health issue,with current treatments primarily focused on relieving symptoms and addressingmacrovascular issues.However,critical immunoinflammatory mechanisms are often overlooked.Recent evidence suggests that monocyte phenotypic plasticity plays a central role in PAD development,affecting atherogenesis,plaque progression,ischemia-reperfusion injury,and chronic ischemic remodeling.This narrative review aims to summarize the latest advances(2023-2025)in understanding monocyte diversity,functional states,and their changes throughout different stages of PAD.We discuss both established and emerging biomarkers,such as circulating monocyte subset proportions,functional assays,immune checkpoint expression,and multi-omics signatures,highlighting their potential for prognosis and the challenges in translating them to clinical practice.We also present a stage-specific approach to mapping out potential therapies,linking monocyte phenotypes to molecular targets and possible interventions.Additionally,we address regulatory,economic,and implementation considerations for applying these findings in a clinical setting.The goal of this review is to facilitate the development of targeted immunomodulatory strategies to improve limb and cardiovascular outcomes in PAD by combining mechanistic understanding with therapeutic innovation.展开更多
The capacity of the central nervous system for structural plasticity and regeneration is commonly believed to show a decreasing progression from“small and simple”brains to the larger,more complex brains of mammals.H...The capacity of the central nervous system for structural plasticity and regeneration is commonly believed to show a decreasing progression from“small and simple”brains to the larger,more complex brains of mammals.However,recent findings revealed that some forms of neural plasticity can show a reverse trend.Although plasticity is a well-preserved,transversal feature across the animal world,a variety of cell populations and mechanisms seem to have evolved to enable structural modifications to take place in widely different brains,likely as adaptations to selective pressures.Increasing evidence now indicates that a trade-off has occurred between regenerative(mostly stem cell–driven)plasticity and developmental(mostly juvenile)remodeling,with the latter primarily aimed not at brain repair but rather at“sculpting”the neural circuits based on experience.In particular,an evolutionary trade-off has occurred between neurogenic processes intended to support the possibility of recruiting new neurons throughout life and the different ways of obtaining new neurons,and between the different brain locations in which plasticity occurs.This review first briefly surveys the different types of plasticity and the complexity of their possible outcomes and then focuses on recent findings showing that the mammalian brain has a stem cell–independent integration of new neurons into pre-existing(mature)neural circuits.This process is still largely unknown but involves neuronal cells that have been blocked in arrested maturation since their embryonic origin(also termed“immature”or“dormant”neurons).These cells can then restart maturation throughout the animal's lifespan to become functional neurons in brain regions,such as the cerebral cortex and amygdala,that are relevant to high-order cognition and emotions.Unlike stem cell–driven postnatal/adult neurogenesis,which significantly decreases from small-brained,short-living species to large-brained ones,immature neurons are particularly abundant in large-brained,long-living mammals,including humans.The immature neural cell populations hosted in these complex brains are an interesting example of an“enlarged road”in the phylogenetic trend of plastic potential decreases commonly observed in the animal world.The topic of dormant neurons that covary with brain size and gyrencephaly represents a prospective turning point in the field of neuroplasticity,with important translational outcomes.These cells can represent a reservoir of undifferentiated neurons,potentially granting plasticity within the high-order circuits subserving the most sophisticated cognitive skills that are important in the growing brains of young,healthy individuals and are frequently affected by debilitating neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders.展开更多
Atmospheric carbon dioxide(CO_(2))levels are escalating at an unprecedented rate,leading to the phenomenon of ocean acidification(OA).Parental exposure to acidification has the potential to enhance offspring resilienc...Atmospheric carbon dioxide(CO_(2))levels are escalating at an unprecedented rate,leading to the phenomenon of ocean acidification(OA).Parental exposure to acidification has the potential to enhance offspring resilience through cross-generation plasticity.In this study,we analyzed larval growth and transcriptomic profiles in the Pacific oyster,Crassostrea gigas,a species of significant ecological relevance,under both control and elevated CO_(2)conditions experienced by their parental generation.Our findings indicate that the oyster populations exposed to OA exhibited a higher incidence of abnormalities during the D-shaped larval stage,followed by accelerated growth at the eyed stage.Through a comparative transcriptomic investigation of eyed larvae(25 d after fertilization),we observed that parental exposure to OA substantially influenced the gene expression in the offspring.Genes associated with lipid catabolism and shell formation were notably upregulated in oysters with parental OA exposure,potentially playing a role in cross-generational conditioning and conferring resilience to OA stressors.These results underscore the profound impact of OA on oyster larval development via cross-generational mechanisms and shed light on the molecular underpinnings of cross-generation plasticity.展开更多
Chronic heart failure(CHF)impairs cognitive function.Xijiaqi Formula(XJQ),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used clinically to treat CHF,demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients.However,its prec...Chronic heart failure(CHF)impairs cognitive function.Xijiaqi Formula(XJQ),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used clinically to treat CHF,demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients.However,its precise mechanism in treating post-CHF cognitive dysfunction remains unclear.This study systematically investigates XJQ’s effects on post-CHF cognitive dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms.The components of XJQ were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.CHF was induced in rats via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by six weeks of XJQ treatment.Cardiac function was evaluated through echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters,while cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze(MWM)and open field tests(OFT).XJQ treatment enhanced both cardiac and cognitive functions in CHF rats.Network pharmacology identified 12 core active components of XJQ and indicated its effect on cognitive dysfunction involved regulating synapses,inflammation,and phosphodiesterase 4(PDE4)-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)signaling.XJQ inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation,decreased proinflammatory cytokines,and mitigated neuronal damage.Notably,XJQ promoted synaptic repair and dendritic growth by downregulating PDE4 and upregulating cAMP,protein kinase A(PKA),cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),PSD95,and synapsin I levels.Molecular docking and Bio-layer interferometry assays confirmed direct binding of quercetin,kaempferol,isorhamnetin,and darutoside to PDE4.In conclusion,XJQ alleviates neuroinflammation and enhances synaptic plasticity to improve cognitive dysfunction in CHF rats via the PDE4/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.These findings provide valuable insight into the heart-brain axis.展开更多
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)is a key material for marine applications owing to its outstanding self-lubrication and corrosion resistance.However,its long-term performance is compromised by plastic ...Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)is a key material for marine applications owing to its outstanding self-lubrication and corrosion resistance.However,its long-term performance is compromised by plastic deformation in seawater.In this study,we performed a comparative analysis of the UHMWPE dynamics under seawater and water conditions to investigate the plastic deformation of UHMWPE induced by seawater.The results show that the plastic deformation of UHMWPE is amplified in seawater relative to the water conditions.Under thin fluid conditions,frictional interfaces exhibit a higher interfacial friction force and interaction energy in seawater than in water.Compared to freely diffused water molecules,hydrated ions occupy larger interchain spaces within polyethylene.Furthermore,the diffusion of hydrated ions weakens the interchain interactions,promoting more severe polyethylene chain rearrangement and accelerating seawater-induced plastic deformation in UHMWPE during friction.Furthermore,the diffused seawater accelerated the disentangling of the polyethylene chains and enhanced the orderly orientation distribution of polyethylene.Compared to free water molecules,the water molecules of hydrated ions exhibit enhanced attraction to free-flowing water molecules,thereby accelerating seawater flow across submerged UHMWPE surfaces.This flow enhancement promotes surface polyethylene chain mobility in seawater.展开更多
Regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)is unevenly distributed among vertebrates.While most mammalian species including humans elicit limited repair following CNS injury or disease,highly regenerative...Regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)is unevenly distributed among vertebrates.While most mammalian species including humans elicit limited repair following CNS injury or disease,highly regenerative vertebrates including urodele amphibians and teleost fish spontaneously reverse CNS damage.Teletost zebrafish(danio rerio)are tropical freshwater fish that proved to be an excellent vertebrate model of successful CNS regeneration.Differential neuronal,glial,and immune injury responses underlie disparate injury outcomes between highly regenerative zebrafish and poorly regenerative mammals.This article describes complications associated with neuronal repair following spinal cord injury(SCI)in poorly regenerative mammals and highlights intersecting modes of plasticity and regeneration in highly regenerative zebrafish(Figures 1 and 2).Comparative approaches evaluating immunoglial SCI responses were recently reviewed elsewhere(Reyes and Mokalled,2024).展开更多
The S38C railway axle undergoes induction hardening,resulting in a gradient-distributed microstructure and mechanical properties.The accurate identification of gradient-distributed plastic parameters for the S38C axle...The S38C railway axle undergoes induction hardening,resulting in a gradient-distributed microstructure and mechanical properties.The accurate identification of gradient-distributed plastic parameters for the S38C axle remains a challenging task.To tackle this challenge,the present study proposes a novel approach for identifying the gradient-distributed plastic parameters for the S38C axle by integrating nano-indentation techniques with the machine learning method.Firstly,nano-indentation tests are conducted along the radial direction of the S38C axle to obtain the gradient-distributed load-displacement curves,nano-hardness,and elastic modulus.Subsequently,the dimensionless analysis is performed to obtain the representative stress,strain,and yield stress from load-displacement curves.These parameters are then incorporated into the machine learning method as physical information to identify the gradient-distributed plastic parameters of the S38C axle.The results indicate that the proposed method based on the physics-informed neural network and multi-fidelity neural network successfully identifies the gradient-distributed plastic parameters of the S38C axles and demonstrates superior prediction accuracy and generalization compared with the purely data-driven machine learning method.展开更多
With the increasing accumulation of plastic pollutants in various environments,research on microorganisms(including bacteria,fungi,and algae)with plastic degradation capabilities has gained significant attention.Howev...With the increasing accumulation of plastic pollutants in various environments,research on microorganisms(including bacteria,fungi,and algae)with plastic degradation capabilities has gained significant attention.However,only a limited number of microbial plastic-degrading enzymes have been identified to date.This highlights that the degradation mechanisms employed by many plastic-degrading microorganisms,particularly filamentous fungi,remain insufficiently explored.In this study,we utilized a versatile fungal plasmid(pCT74)to express green fluorescent protein(GFP)in a marine-derived fungus Alternaria alternata strain FB1 with plastic degradation capabilities.Upon evaluating the degradation effect of polyester-type polyurethane(PU)film,we observed that different transformants exhibited three kinds of activities(the same,reduced,or enhanced degradation capability)compared to the FB1 wild-type strain.Further analysis of the plasmid fragment insertion sites in different transformants revealed that pCT74 integrates randomly into the genome of the host fungus.Notably,a direct correlation was found between the plasmid insertion site and the degradation capability of the corresponding transformant.Our findings not only redefine the potential applications of plasmid pCT74 in filamentous fungi but also show a novel research approach to identifying key enzymes involved in plastic degradation by fungi.展开更多
Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglio...Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.展开更多
Immunotherapy has brought unprecedented breakthroughs to advanced malignant tumors,yet the immune microenvironment shaped by the tumor stroma has often been underestimated in the traditional focus on the“immune check...Immunotherapy has brought unprecedented breakthroughs to advanced malignant tumors,yet the immune microenvironment shaped by the tumor stroma has often been underestimated in the traditional focus on the“immune checkpoint-T cell”axis.Collagen not only constitutes a mechanical barrier that distinguishes between the periphery and core of solid tumors but also systematically remodels the orientation of metabolism,vasculature,and immune cell phenotypic plasticity through its spatial density,fiber arrangement,and crosslinking patterns(F igure 1)[1,2].Abundant evidence suggests that over-accumulated types I and III collagen drive CD8+T cell exhaustion,NK cell functional inhibition,and tumor-associated macrophage polarization through ligand-receptor networks involving LAIR-1,DDR2,andβ1/β3 integrins[3-6].Mechanistically,collagen engagement of LAIR-1 delivers inhibitory signals in effector lymphocytes,promoting dysfunctional or exhausted states[7-9].In parallel,collagen-β1/β3 integrin signaling activates mechanotransduction pathways(e.g.,FAK/SRC),reducing T-cell motility and immune-tumor contact,while DDR2 activation supports matrix-remodeling programs that limit lymphocyte trafficking.展开更多
Variable stiffness composites present a promising solution for mitigating impact loads via varying the fiber volume fraction layer-wise,thereby adjusting the panel's stiffness.Since each layer of the composite may...Variable stiffness composites present a promising solution for mitigating impact loads via varying the fiber volume fraction layer-wise,thereby adjusting the panel's stiffness.Since each layer of the composite may be affected by a different failure mode,the optimal fiber volume fraction to suppress damage initiation and evolution is different across the layers.This research examines how re-allocating the fibers layer-wise enhances the composites'impact resistance.In this study,constant stiffness panels with the same fiber volume fraction throughout the layers are compared to variable stiffness ones by varying volume fraction layer-wise.A method is established that utilizes numerical analysis coupled with optimization techniques to determine the optimal fiber volume fraction in both scenarios.Three different reinforcement fibers(Kevlar,carbon,and glass)embedded in epoxy resin were studied.Panels were manufactured and tested under various loading conditions to validate results.Kevlar reinforcement revealed the highest tensile toughness,followed by carbon and then glass fibers.Varying reinforcement volume fraction significantly influences failure modes.Higher fractions lead to matrix cracking and debonding,while lower fractions result in more fiber breakage.The optimal volume fraction for maximizing fiber breakage energy is around 45%,whereas it is about 90%for matrix cracking and debonding.A drop tower test was used to examine the composite structure's behavior under lowvelocity impact,confirming the superiority of Kevlar-reinforced composites with variable stiffness.Conversely,glass-reinforced composites with constant stiffness revealed the lowest performance with the highest deflection.Across all reinforcement materials,the variable stiffness structure consistently outperformed its constant stiffness counterpart.展开更多
The remodeling of axonal connections following injury is an important feature driving functional recovery.The reticulospinal tract is an interesting descending motor tract that contains both excitatory and inhibitory ...The remodeling of axonal connections following injury is an important feature driving functional recovery.The reticulospinal tract is an interesting descending motor tract that contains both excitatory and inhibitory fibers.While the reticulospinal tract has been shown to be particularly prone to axonal growth and plasticity following injuries of the spinal cord,the differential capacities of excitatory and inhibitory fibers for plasticity remain unclear.As adaptive axonal plasticity involves a sophisticated interplay between excitatory and inhibitory input,we investigated in this study the plastic potential of glutamatergic(vGlut2)and GABAergic(vGat)fibers originating from the gigantocellular nucleus and the lateral paragigantocellular nucleus,two nuclei important for locomotor function.Using a combination of viral tracing,chemogenetic silencing,and AI-based kinematic analysis,we investigated plasticity and its impact on functional recovery within the first 3 weeks following injury,a period prone to neuronal remodeling.We demonstrate that,in this time frame,while vGlut2-positive fibers within the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei rewire significantly following cervical spinal cord injury,vGat-positive fibers are rather unresponsive to injury.We also show that the acute silencing of excitatory axonal fibers which rewire in response to lesions of the spinal cord triggers a worsening of the functional recovery.Using kinematic analysis,we also pinpoint the locomotion features associated with the gigantocellular nucleus or lateral paragigantocellular nucleus during functional recovery.Overall,our study increases the understanding of the role of the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei during functional recovery following spinal cord injury.展开更多
Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery ...Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group(10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.展开更多
The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmiss...The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to characterize the progressive transformation-induced plasticity process and associated fracture initiation mechanisms.These findings were discussed with the local strain measurements via digital image correlation.The results indicated that Lüders band formation in the steel was limited to 1.5%strain,which was mainly due to the early-stage martensitic phase transformation of a very small amount of the less stable large-sized retained austenite(RA),which led to localized stress concentrations and strain hardening and further retardation of yielding.The small-sized RA exhibited high stability and progressively transformed into martensite and contributed to a stably extended Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.The volume fraction of RA gradually decreased from 26.8%to 8.2%prior to fracture.In the late deformation stage,fracture initiation primarily occurred at the austenite/martensite and ferrite/martensite interfaces and the ferrite phase.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071383,82371392(to BN)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(Key Project),No.ZR2020KH007(to BN)+1 种基金“Taishan Scholar Distinguished Expert Program”of Shandong Province,No.tstp20231257(to BN)Health Commission Science and Technology Plan Project of Jinan,No.2023-1-8(to YZ).
文摘Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.
文摘Diamonds were formed in the mantle lithosphere,mostly at depths of 150~200km in the centres of Precambrian cratons,the buoyant ancient cores of continents.From there they were normally transported into the upper crust in kimberlite pipes whose diamonds are largely colourless and light yellow related to trace element N(Ia type),although brown,green,and more rarely blue-coloured diamonds are related to lattice defect and trace amounts of H,more rarely B and Ni.Pink diamonds are extremely rare in the approximately 90 diamondiferous pipes mined globally.Although small quantities have been discovered elsewhere,about 90%have been mined from the ca.1.3Ga Argyle diamond pipe in Western Australia,with the Arkhangelskaya diamond pipe in Russia the only other significant source.The pink colour at both Argyle and Arkhangelskaya is unrelated to trace elements and instead results from absorption of light from nanoscale(550nm)defects related to shear stress and plastic deformation.Macroscopically,defects are shown by glide planes,lamellae,and grain lines imposed on the originally colourless diamonds derived from their mantle source.The key question is why these defects were uniquely acquired in diamonds in the Argyle and Arkhangelskaya pipes.Unlike most diamondiferous pipes,Argyle is a rare diamondiferous volatile-rich lamproite pipe that was emplaced into the multiply deformed and rifted NNE-trending Halls Creek Orogen on the margin of the Kimberley Craton.Similarly,Arkhangelskaya in the Devonian Lomonosov kimberlite cluster is a volatile-rich low-Ti type kimberlite,a close relative to lamproite,that was emplaced into the multiply deformed Lapland-Kola Orogen on the rifted margin of the Kola Craton.These craton margins are underlain by subduction-induced volatile-enriched metasomatized mantle lithosphere in contrast to the more primeval mantle under craton centres.It is thus likely that shear stresses were exacerbated at Argyle and Arkangelskaya by rapid vertical emplacement of the anomalous volatile-enriched magmas at supercritical pressures and temperatures,that induced catastrophic phase separation of these volatiles and'mini seismic events'during rapid pressure drops during ascent from 200km depth to the surface.Such a mechanism is consistent with the presence of strongly resorbed and plastically deformed small brown industrial diamonds in the Argyle pipe.From a China perspective,it is potentially important that at 1.3Ga the alkaline Argyle pipe in northern Australia is placed adjacent to the North China Craton(NCC),with numerous world-class mineral deposits including the giant ca.1.4~1.2Ga alkaline Bayan Obo REE system on its margin.However,it is the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton and the Jiangnan Orogen with their lamproite pipes derived from metasomatized mantle lithosphere that present the most prospective regions for pink diamond occurrences.
基金funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftungsupported by DFG (SCH W534/6-1 to SWS)
文摘The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves global alterations,making understanding plastic responses triggered by local damage difficult.One key feature of the dentate gyrus is that it contains a well-defined neurogenic niche,the subgranular zone,and beyond neurogenesis,newly born granule cells may maintain a“young”phenotype throughout life,adding to the plastic nature of the structure.Here,we present a novel experimental model of local brain damage in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures that results in the activation of adjacent newly born granule cells.A small piece of filter paper was placed on the surface of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus,which evoked a foreign body reaction of astrocytes,along with the activation of local young neurons expressing doublecortin.Forty-eight hours after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive cells increased in the subgranular zone in the direct vicinity of the foreign body,whereas overall increased doublecortin immunoreactivity was observed in the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.Foreign body placement in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region evoked a comparable local astroglial reaction but did not lead to an increase in doublecortin-immunoreactive in either the CA1 region or the adjacent dentate gyrus.Seven days after foreign body placement in the dentate gyrus,the increase in doublecortin-immunoreactivity was no longer observed,indicating the transient activation of young cells.However,7 days after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive granule cells coimmunoreactive for calbindin was lower than that under the control conditions.As calbindin is a marker for mature granule cells,this result suggests that activated young cells remain at a more immature stage following foreign body placement.Live imaging of retrovirally green fluorescent protein-labeled newly born granule cells revealed the orientation and growth of their dendrites toward the foreign body placement.This novel experimental model of foreign body placement in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures could serve as a valuable tool for studying both glial reactivity and neuronal plasticity,specifically of newly born neurons under controlled in vitro conditions.
基金financially supported by King Abdulaziz University,Deanship of Scientific Research(DSR)。
文摘Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
基金supported by Japan Society forthe Promotion of Science(JSPS)Grants-in-Aidfor Scientific Research(KAKENHI)(20H05894,20H05903,21K15136,22K21351,23H02518A,23H02663,and 23K18147 to SS),JST-CREST(JPMJCR24T4 to SS),the World PremierInternational Research Center Initiative(WPI)fromthe Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Scienceand Technology(MEXT)to SS(WPI-IIIS),the TopRunners in Strategy of Transborder AdvancedResearches(TRiSTAR)by the MEXT to SSJapanAgency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)(JP21zf0127005 to SS),Cell ScienceResearch Foundation Grant to YI,38th Brain ScienceFoundation Research Grant to YI,Research Granton Biogenic Amines and Neurological Diseases(Sumitomo pharma)to YI.
文摘Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining brain function,cognitive performance,and overall health.Despite over a century of research,the mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis-the process by which the need for sleep accumulates during wakefulness and dissipates during sleep-remain incompletely understood.This article explores the latest advancements in sleep research,focusing on the role of synaptic plasticity in sleep homeostasis,as illuminated by Sawada et al.(2024).
文摘Peripheral artery disease(PAD)remains a significant global health issue,with current treatments primarily focused on relieving symptoms and addressingmacrovascular issues.However,critical immunoinflammatory mechanisms are often overlooked.Recent evidence suggests that monocyte phenotypic plasticity plays a central role in PAD development,affecting atherogenesis,plaque progression,ischemia-reperfusion injury,and chronic ischemic remodeling.This narrative review aims to summarize the latest advances(2023-2025)in understanding monocyte diversity,functional states,and their changes throughout different stages of PAD.We discuss both established and emerging biomarkers,such as circulating monocyte subset proportions,functional assays,immune checkpoint expression,and multi-omics signatures,highlighting their potential for prognosis and the challenges in translating them to clinical practice.We also present a stage-specific approach to mapping out potential therapies,linking monocyte phenotypes to molecular targets and possible interventions.Additionally,we address regulatory,economic,and implementation considerations for applying these findings in a clinical setting.The goal of this review is to facilitate the development of targeted immunomodulatory strategies to improve limb and cardiovascular outcomes in PAD by combining mechanistic understanding with therapeutic innovation.
基金supported by Progetto Trapezio,Compagnia di San Paolo(67935-2021.2174),to LBFondazione CRT(Cassa di Risparmio di Torino,RF=2022.0618),to LBPRIN2022(grant 2022LB4X3N),to LB。
文摘The capacity of the central nervous system for structural plasticity and regeneration is commonly believed to show a decreasing progression from“small and simple”brains to the larger,more complex brains of mammals.However,recent findings revealed that some forms of neural plasticity can show a reverse trend.Although plasticity is a well-preserved,transversal feature across the animal world,a variety of cell populations and mechanisms seem to have evolved to enable structural modifications to take place in widely different brains,likely as adaptations to selective pressures.Increasing evidence now indicates that a trade-off has occurred between regenerative(mostly stem cell–driven)plasticity and developmental(mostly juvenile)remodeling,with the latter primarily aimed not at brain repair but rather at“sculpting”the neural circuits based on experience.In particular,an evolutionary trade-off has occurred between neurogenic processes intended to support the possibility of recruiting new neurons throughout life and the different ways of obtaining new neurons,and between the different brain locations in which plasticity occurs.This review first briefly surveys the different types of plasticity and the complexity of their possible outcomes and then focuses on recent findings showing that the mammalian brain has a stem cell–independent integration of new neurons into pre-existing(mature)neural circuits.This process is still largely unknown but involves neuronal cells that have been blocked in arrested maturation since their embryonic origin(also termed“immature”or“dormant”neurons).These cells can then restart maturation throughout the animal's lifespan to become functional neurons in brain regions,such as the cerebral cortex and amygdala,that are relevant to high-order cognition and emotions.Unlike stem cell–driven postnatal/adult neurogenesis,which significantly decreases from small-brained,short-living species to large-brained ones,immature neurons are particularly abundant in large-brained,long-living mammals,including humans.The immature neural cell populations hosted in these complex brains are an interesting example of an“enlarged road”in the phylogenetic trend of plastic potential decreases commonly observed in the animal world.The topic of dormant neurons that covary with brain size and gyrencephaly represents a prospective turning point in the field of neuroplasticity,with important translational outcomes.These cells can represent a reservoir of undifferentiated neurons,potentially granting plasticity within the high-order circuits subserving the most sophisticated cognitive skills that are important in the growing brains of young,healthy individuals and are frequently affected by debilitating neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders.
基金Supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Shandong(No.2022LZGC015)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFD2401400)+1 种基金the Taishan Scholars Program,the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFD2400304)the Agricultural Seed Project of Shandong Key R&D Program(No.2024LZGCQY003)。
文摘Atmospheric carbon dioxide(CO_(2))levels are escalating at an unprecedented rate,leading to the phenomenon of ocean acidification(OA).Parental exposure to acidification has the potential to enhance offspring resilience through cross-generation plasticity.In this study,we analyzed larval growth and transcriptomic profiles in the Pacific oyster,Crassostrea gigas,a species of significant ecological relevance,under both control and elevated CO_(2)conditions experienced by their parental generation.Our findings indicate that the oyster populations exposed to OA exhibited a higher incidence of abnormalities during the D-shaped larval stage,followed by accelerated growth at the eyed stage.Through a comparative transcriptomic investigation of eyed larvae(25 d after fertilization),we observed that parental exposure to OA substantially influenced the gene expression in the offspring.Genes associated with lipid catabolism and shell formation were notably upregulated in oysters with parental OA exposure,potentially playing a role in cross-generational conditioning and conferring resilience to OA stressors.These results underscore the profound impact of OA on oyster larval development via cross-generational mechanisms and shed light on the molecular underpinnings of cross-generation plasticity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82430116 and 82574622)the Special Fund of Central Committee High Level Chinese Medicine Hospital(Nos.DZMG-LJRC-0014,DZMG-ZJXY-23013)+1 种基金Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation“Thousand Million”Talents Project(Qihuang Project 2021)Qihuang Scholarsthe Medical and Health Industry Development Project of Tongzhou District(2023).
文摘Chronic heart failure(CHF)impairs cognitive function.Xijiaqi Formula(XJQ),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used clinically to treat CHF,demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients.However,its precise mechanism in treating post-CHF cognitive dysfunction remains unclear.This study systematically investigates XJQ’s effects on post-CHF cognitive dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms.The components of XJQ were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.CHF was induced in rats via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by six weeks of XJQ treatment.Cardiac function was evaluated through echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters,while cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze(MWM)and open field tests(OFT).XJQ treatment enhanced both cardiac and cognitive functions in CHF rats.Network pharmacology identified 12 core active components of XJQ and indicated its effect on cognitive dysfunction involved regulating synapses,inflammation,and phosphodiesterase 4(PDE4)-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)signaling.XJQ inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation,decreased proinflammatory cytokines,and mitigated neuronal damage.Notably,XJQ promoted synaptic repair and dendritic growth by downregulating PDE4 and upregulating cAMP,protein kinase A(PKA),cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),PSD95,and synapsin I levels.Molecular docking and Bio-layer interferometry assays confirmed direct binding of quercetin,kaempferol,isorhamnetin,and darutoside to PDE4.In conclusion,XJQ alleviates neuroinflammation and enhances synaptic plasticity to improve cognitive dysfunction in CHF rats via the PDE4/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.These findings provide valuable insight into the heart-brain axis.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51909023 and 51775077)the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province(No.2021-MS-140)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.3132025114)。
文摘Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)is a key material for marine applications owing to its outstanding self-lubrication and corrosion resistance.However,its long-term performance is compromised by plastic deformation in seawater.In this study,we performed a comparative analysis of the UHMWPE dynamics under seawater and water conditions to investigate the plastic deformation of UHMWPE induced by seawater.The results show that the plastic deformation of UHMWPE is amplified in seawater relative to the water conditions.Under thin fluid conditions,frictional interfaces exhibit a higher interfacial friction force and interaction energy in seawater than in water.Compared to freely diffused water molecules,hydrated ions occupy larger interchain spaces within polyethylene.Furthermore,the diffusion of hydrated ions weakens the interchain interactions,promoting more severe polyethylene chain rearrangement and accelerating seawater-induced plastic deformation in UHMWPE during friction.Furthermore,the diffused seawater accelerated the disentangling of the polyethylene chains and enhanced the orderly orientation distribution of polyethylene.Compared to free water molecules,the water molecules of hydrated ions exhibit enhanced attraction to free-flowing water molecules,thereby accelerating seawater flow across submerged UHMWPE surfaces.This flow enhancement promotes surface polyethylene chain mobility in seawater.
文摘Regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)is unevenly distributed among vertebrates.While most mammalian species including humans elicit limited repair following CNS injury or disease,highly regenerative vertebrates including urodele amphibians and teleost fish spontaneously reverse CNS damage.Teletost zebrafish(danio rerio)are tropical freshwater fish that proved to be an excellent vertebrate model of successful CNS regeneration.Differential neuronal,glial,and immune injury responses underlie disparate injury outcomes between highly regenerative zebrafish and poorly regenerative mammals.This article describes complications associated with neuronal repair following spinal cord injury(SCI)in poorly regenerative mammals and highlights intersecting modes of plasticity and regeneration in highly regenerative zebrafish(Figures 1 and 2).Comparative approaches evaluating immunoglial SCI responses were recently reviewed elsewhere(Reyes and Mokalled,2024).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan(Grant No.2022YFB3401901)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12192210,12192214,12072295,and 12222209)+1 种基金Independent Project of State Key Laboratory of Rail Transit Vehicle System(Grant No.2023TPL-T03)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.2682023CG004).
文摘The S38C railway axle undergoes induction hardening,resulting in a gradient-distributed microstructure and mechanical properties.The accurate identification of gradient-distributed plastic parameters for the S38C axle remains a challenging task.To tackle this challenge,the present study proposes a novel approach for identifying the gradient-distributed plastic parameters for the S38C axle by integrating nano-indentation techniques with the machine learning method.Firstly,nano-indentation tests are conducted along the radial direction of the S38C axle to obtain the gradient-distributed load-displacement curves,nano-hardness,and elastic modulus.Subsequently,the dimensionless analysis is performed to obtain the representative stress,strain,and yield stress from load-displacement curves.These parameters are then incorporated into the machine learning method as physical information to identify the gradient-distributed plastic parameters of the S38C axle.The results indicate that the proposed method based on the physics-informed neural network and multi-fidelity neural network successfully identifies the gradient-distributed plastic parameters of the S38C axles and demonstrates superior prediction accuracy and generalization compared with the purely data-driven machine learning method.
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Project of Laoshan Laboratory(Nos.2022QNLM030004-3,LSKJ202203103)the NSFC Innovative Group Grant(No.42221005)+5 种基金the Key Collaborative Research Program of the Alliance of International Science Organizations(No.ANSO-CR-KP-2022-08)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.ZR2021ZD28)the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation(No.92351301)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA22050301)the Taishan Scholars Program(No.tstp20230637)the Qingdao Natural Science Foundation(No.23-2-1-182-zyyd-jch)。
文摘With the increasing accumulation of plastic pollutants in various environments,research on microorganisms(including bacteria,fungi,and algae)with plastic degradation capabilities has gained significant attention.However,only a limited number of microbial plastic-degrading enzymes have been identified to date.This highlights that the degradation mechanisms employed by many plastic-degrading microorganisms,particularly filamentous fungi,remain insufficiently explored.In this study,we utilized a versatile fungal plasmid(pCT74)to express green fluorescent protein(GFP)in a marine-derived fungus Alternaria alternata strain FB1 with plastic degradation capabilities.Upon evaluating the degradation effect of polyester-type polyurethane(PU)film,we observed that different transformants exhibited three kinds of activities(the same,reduced,or enhanced degradation capability)compared to the FB1 wild-type strain.Further analysis of the plasmid fragment insertion sites in different transformants revealed that pCT74 integrates randomly into the genome of the host fungus.Notably,a direct correlation was found between the plasmid insertion site and the degradation capability of the corresponding transformant.Our findings not only redefine the potential applications of plasmid pCT74 in filamentous fungi but also show a novel research approach to identifying key enzymes involved in plastic degradation by fungi.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82271115(to MY).
文摘Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
文摘Immunotherapy has brought unprecedented breakthroughs to advanced malignant tumors,yet the immune microenvironment shaped by the tumor stroma has often been underestimated in the traditional focus on the“immune checkpoint-T cell”axis.Collagen not only constitutes a mechanical barrier that distinguishes between the periphery and core of solid tumors but also systematically remodels the orientation of metabolism,vasculature,and immune cell phenotypic plasticity through its spatial density,fiber arrangement,and crosslinking patterns(F igure 1)[1,2].Abundant evidence suggests that over-accumulated types I and III collagen drive CD8+T cell exhaustion,NK cell functional inhibition,and tumor-associated macrophage polarization through ligand-receptor networks involving LAIR-1,DDR2,andβ1/β3 integrins[3-6].Mechanistically,collagen engagement of LAIR-1 delivers inhibitory signals in effector lymphocytes,promoting dysfunctional or exhausted states[7-9].In parallel,collagen-β1/β3 integrin signaling activates mechanotransduction pathways(e.g.,FAK/SRC),reducing T-cell motility and immune-tumor contact,while DDR2 activation supports matrix-remodeling programs that limit lymphocyte trafficking.
基金funded by the American University of Sharjah.United Arab Emirates award number EN 9502-FRG19-M-E75。
文摘Variable stiffness composites present a promising solution for mitigating impact loads via varying the fiber volume fraction layer-wise,thereby adjusting the panel's stiffness.Since each layer of the composite may be affected by a different failure mode,the optimal fiber volume fraction to suppress damage initiation and evolution is different across the layers.This research examines how re-allocating the fibers layer-wise enhances the composites'impact resistance.In this study,constant stiffness panels with the same fiber volume fraction throughout the layers are compared to variable stiffness ones by varying volume fraction layer-wise.A method is established that utilizes numerical analysis coupled with optimization techniques to determine the optimal fiber volume fraction in both scenarios.Three different reinforcement fibers(Kevlar,carbon,and glass)embedded in epoxy resin were studied.Panels were manufactured and tested under various loading conditions to validate results.Kevlar reinforcement revealed the highest tensile toughness,followed by carbon and then glass fibers.Varying reinforcement volume fraction significantly influences failure modes.Higher fractions lead to matrix cracking and debonding,while lower fractions result in more fiber breakage.The optimal volume fraction for maximizing fiber breakage energy is around 45%,whereas it is about 90%for matrix cracking and debonding.A drop tower test was used to examine the composite structure's behavior under lowvelocity impact,confirming the superiority of Kevlar-reinforced composites with variable stiffness.Conversely,glass-reinforced composites with constant stiffness revealed the lowest performance with the highest deflection.Across all reinforcement materials,the variable stiffness structure consistently outperformed its constant stiffness counterpart.
基金supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG),TRR274(Project ID 408885537,Sy Nergy,EXC 2145/ID 390857198,to FMB)。
文摘The remodeling of axonal connections following injury is an important feature driving functional recovery.The reticulospinal tract is an interesting descending motor tract that contains both excitatory and inhibitory fibers.While the reticulospinal tract has been shown to be particularly prone to axonal growth and plasticity following injuries of the spinal cord,the differential capacities of excitatory and inhibitory fibers for plasticity remain unclear.As adaptive axonal plasticity involves a sophisticated interplay between excitatory and inhibitory input,we investigated in this study the plastic potential of glutamatergic(vGlut2)and GABAergic(vGat)fibers originating from the gigantocellular nucleus and the lateral paragigantocellular nucleus,two nuclei important for locomotor function.Using a combination of viral tracing,chemogenetic silencing,and AI-based kinematic analysis,we investigated plasticity and its impact on functional recovery within the first 3 weeks following injury,a period prone to neuronal remodeling.We demonstrate that,in this time frame,while vGlut2-positive fibers within the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei rewire significantly following cervical spinal cord injury,vGat-positive fibers are rather unresponsive to injury.We also show that the acute silencing of excitatory axonal fibers which rewire in response to lesions of the spinal cord triggers a worsening of the functional recovery.Using kinematic analysis,we also pinpoint the locomotion features associated with the gigantocellular nucleus or lateral paragigantocellular nucleus during functional recovery.Overall,our study increases the understanding of the role of the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei during functional recovery following spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the NIH (R01NS103481, R01NS111776, and R01NS131489)Indiana Department of Health (ISDH58180)(all to WW)。
文摘Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group(10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2017YFB0304402)。
文摘The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to characterize the progressive transformation-induced plasticity process and associated fracture initiation mechanisms.These findings were discussed with the local strain measurements via digital image correlation.The results indicated that Lüders band formation in the steel was limited to 1.5%strain,which was mainly due to the early-stage martensitic phase transformation of a very small amount of the less stable large-sized retained austenite(RA),which led to localized stress concentrations and strain hardening and further retardation of yielding.The small-sized RA exhibited high stability and progressively transformed into martensite and contributed to a stably extended Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.The volume fraction of RA gradually decreased from 26.8%to 8.2%prior to fracture.In the late deformation stage,fracture initiation primarily occurred at the austenite/martensite and ferrite/martensite interfaces and the ferrite phase.