Calcium-sensitive protein MLC1 as a possible modulator of the astrocyte functional state

Astrocytes,the main population of glial cells in the central nervous system(CNS),exert essential tasks for the control of brain tissue homeostasis,supporting neuron and other glial cell activity from the developmental stage to adult life.To maintain the optimal functionality of the brain,astroglial cells are particularly committed to reacting to every change in tissue homeostatic conditions,from mild modifications of the physiological environment,a process called astrocyte activation,to the more severe alterations occurring in pathological situations causing astrocyte reactivity or reactive astrogliosis(Escartin et al.,2021).During these reactive states,astrocytes mount an active,progressive response encompassing morphological,molecular,and interactional remodeling,leading to the acquisition of new functions and the loss of others,whose intensity,duration,and reversibility are dependent on the nature of the stimulus and regulated in a context-specific manner.

Apolipoprotein E elicits targetdirected miRNA degradation to maintain neuronal integrity

Apolipoprotein E has diverse functions in neurons:Apolipoprotein E(ApoE)is a glycoprotein that primarily regulates lipid metabolism and transport in the central nervous system.There are three predominant human ApoE protein isoforms with cysteine and arginine substitutions at amino acid positions 112 and 158 that impact their lipidation and related functions(Flowers and Rebeck,2020).ApoE2 is characterized by Cys112 and Cys158,ApoE3 by Cys112 and Arg158,whereas ApoE4 contains Arg112 and Arg158.

A Chinese Festival for the World

If you are to choose an event that can best represent China’s culture,undoubtedly,it will be the Spring Festival,or the Chinese Lunar New Year.It is a cherished occasion for families to get together,extend best wishes to the people around them,and maintain friendships.

Forging Partners in Development

China-Africa relations maintained their upward trajectory in 2024,with new plans for future cooperation taking shape.Chinese President Xi Jinping described the China-Africa partnership as being at its best in history.The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC),held in September 2024,elevated bilateral ties between China and African countries with diplomatic relations with China to a strategic level.It also redefined China-Africa relations as an“all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”This signifies that China and Africa will remain steadfast friends and close development partners,regardless of changes in the international landscape.

Reviewer Acknowledgements

The editors of International Journal of Ophthalmology gratefully acknowledge the members of IJO Editorial Board and reviewers from 54 countries and regions who participated in the peer-reviews and provided their valuable comments between Nov.1st,2023 and Oct.31st,2024.They volunteer their valuable time and expertise,and without them we would not maintain the necessary quality expected of the journal.We apologize if we have inadvertently missed a reviewer’s name off this list.

New pharmacological tools:the use of diterpenes to promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis

Tissue regeneration maintains homeostasis and preserves the functional features of each tissue.However,not all tissues show a strong repairing capacity.This is the case of the central nervous system.It is now well established that the generation of new functional neurons from stem cells in the adult brain occurs in specific regions of the brain of different species such as rodents,birds,primates,and humans(Eriksson et al.,1998).

Cellular Chemical Field and Cellular Homeostasis

1.Introduction Cell structure and function are controlled by a complex regulatory networking process,in which molecular adaptation and interaction are essential to maintain cellular homeostasis following dynamic multi-omics rules and multi-systematic changes.This complex chemical process is an important mechanism for stabilizing the cell microenvironment.

MWCNT Doped Reverse-Mode Polymer Network Liquid Crystals with Frequency Response Property

Polymer-liquid crystals(PLCs)are common materials for smart windows.However,PLC smart windows usually require high driving voltage to maintain transparency.We synthesized a novel PLC smart film by doping multi-wall carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)into a reverse-mode polymer network liquid crystal(R-PNLC).

Aging impairs the osteocytic regulation of collagen integrity and bone quality

Poor bone quality is a major factor in skeletal fragility in elderly individuals.The molecular mechanisms that establish and maintain bone quality,independent of bone mass,are unknown but are thought to be primarily determined by osteocytes.We hypothesize that the age-related decline in bone quality results from the suppression of osteocyte perilacunar/canalicular remodeling(PLR),which maintains bone material properties.We examined bones from young and aged mice with osteocyte-intrinsic repression of TGFβsignaling(TβRII^(ocy−/−))that suppresses PLR.The control aged bone displayed decreased TGFβsignaling and PLR,but aging did not worsen the existing PLR suppression in male TβRII^(ocy−/−)bone.This relationship impacted the behavior of collagen material at the nanoscale and tissue scale in macromechanical tests.The effects of age on bone mass,density,and mineral material behavior were independent of osteocytic TGFβ.We determined that the decline in bone quality with age arises from the loss of osteocyte function and the loss of TGFβ-dependent maintenance of collagen integrity.

Effects of a periodic intermittent theta burst stimulation in Alzheimer's disease

Background Previous studies havedemonstrated that excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)can improve the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Intermittent theta burst stimulation(iTBS)is a novel excitatory rTMS protocol for brain activity stimulation with the ability to induce long-term potentiation-like plasticity and represents a promising treatment for AD.However,the long-term effects of iTBS on cognitive decline and brain structure in patients with AD areunknown.Aims We aimed to explore whether repeating accelerated iTBS every three months could slow down the cognitive decline in patients with AD.Methods In this randomised,assessor-blinded,controlled trial,iTBS was administered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)of 42 patients with AD for 14days every 13weeks.Measurements included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),a comprehensive neuropsychological battery,and the grey matter volume(GMV)of the hippocampus.Patients were evaluated at baseline and after follow-up.The longitudinal pipeline of the Computational Anatomy Toolbox for SPM was used to detect significant treatment-related changes over time.Results The iTBS group maintained MoCA scores relative to the control group(t=3.26,p=0.013)and reduced hippocampal atrophy,which was significantly correlated with global degeneration scale changes.The baseline Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)score,apolipoprotein E genotype and Clinical Dementia Rating were indicative of MoCA scores at follow-up.Moreover,the GMV of the left(t=0.08,p=0.996)and right(t=0.19,p=0.977)hippocampus were maintained in the active group but significantly declined in the control group(left:t=4.13,p<0.001;right:t=5.31,p<0.001).GMV change in the left(r=0.35,p=0.023)and right(r=0.36,p=0.021)hippocampus across the intervention positively correlated with MoCA changes;left hippocampal GMV change was negatively correlated with global degeneration scale(r=-0.32,p=0.041)changes.Conclusions DLPFC-iTBS maybe a feasible and easy-to-implement non-pharmacological intervention to slow down the progressive decline of overall cognition and quality of life in patients with AD,providing a new AD treatment option.Trial registration number NCT04754152.

Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor signaling to facilitate cortical injury repair?

The existence of neural stem cells(NSC)in specific areas of the adult mammalian brain leads to the generation of new neurons involved in homeostatic mechanisms.This is the case of the NSC of the subventricular zone(SVZ)that produces olfactory bulb(OB)neurons.These neurons integrate into circuits to modulate sensory information and participate in olfactory processing(Bragado Alonso et al.,2019).A series of hierarchical events need to take place to produce OB neurons from NSC of the SVZ.First,the activation of quiescent NSC is necessary to produce intermediate transit amplifying progenitors(TAP),which will generate neuroblasts.The latter are cells that maintain a proliferative phenotype while in an immature phase.However,once they initiate migration toward the OB,they progressively undergo their differentiation into neurons(Kjell et al.,2020).

AGRIS

AGRIS(The Agricultural Sciences and Technology)is a booklist-style international agricultural database which is established by the international agricultural technology information system subordinate to FAO.It embodies continued publications,documents,corpuses,books,technology reports,patents,maps,meeting papers,and other literatures,which are collected by 135 countries and regions,146 branches of AGRIS,and 22 international organizations.Its content comprises all the agricultural fields in the world,as well as forestry,economy,aquatic sciences,fishery,human dietetics,and so on.This database is an international intelligence communication system maintained by FAO,which updates quarterly and increases by 0.13 million records annually,with large data amount.

Evolution of United States Technology Alliance Strategy and Reshaping of International Strategic Landscape

Building a technology alliance is the main strategy for the United States to maintain its scientific and technological hegemony under its technopolitical strategic framework.After Joe Biden took office,the United States implemented“small yard with high fences”strategy for scientific and technological competition,as the first step toward building a technology alliance.The main goal is to restrict the flow of strategic emerging technologies and factors of innovation to rival countries.

POLICIES

China to Maintain Supportive Monetary Policy in 2025 China’s central bank will maintain a supportive monetary policy stance and policy orientation in 2025,its governor said.The People’s Bank of China(PBOC)will utilize a variety of monetary policy tools and increase countercyclical regulation to maintain reasonable and ample liquidity,and to reduce the overall financing costs for enterprises and residents,PBOC governor Pan Gongsheng said while addressing a conference.Efforts will be made to effectively leverage structural monetary policy tools to promote the stable development of the real estate market and capital market,Pan said.The PBOC announced that starting from January 2025,a new statistical caliber of M1 money supply will be implemented,which will include personal demand deposits and non-bank payment institutions’customer reserves.The central bank will enhance its monitoring of the money supply at various levels and social liquidity,Pan noted.

AGRIS

AGRIS(The Agricultural Sciences and Technology)is a booklist-style international agricultural database which is established by the international agricultural technology information system subordinate to FA0.It embodies continued publications,documents,corpuses,books,technology reports,patents,maps,meeting papers,and other literatures,which are collected by 135 countries and regions,146 branches of AGRIS,and 22 international organizations.Its content comprises all the agricultural fields in the world,as well as forestry,economy,aquatic sciences,fishery,human dietetics,and so on.This database is an international intelligence communication system maintained by FAO,which updates quarterly and increases by 0.13 million records annually,with large data amount.

AGRIS

AGRIS(The Agricultural Sciences and Technology)is a booklist-style international agricultural database which is established by the international agricultural technology information system subordinate to FAO.It embodies continued publications,documents,corpuses,books,technology reports,patents,maps,meeting papers,and other literatures,which are collected by 135 countries and regions,146 branches of AGRIS,and 22 international organizations.Its content comprises all the agricultural fields in the world,as well as forestry,economy,aquatic sciences,fishery,human dietetics,and so on.This database is an international intelligence communication system maintained by FAO,which updates quarterly and increases by 0.13 million records annually,with large data amount.

Economic Security and Japan’s Economic Diplomacy Strategy in Southeast Asia

Japan is increasingly emphasizing its economic security strategy and has included shaping and maintaining economic rules and order in its newly revised national security strategy.It is carrying out economic diplomacy in Southeast Asia through maintaining the economic influence of the Japan-US alliance,weakening China’s economic influence,and shaping Japan’s strategic autonomy.However,there are notable difficulties reconciling some contradictions in Japan’s diplomatic drives,as its strategic capacity may be insufficient to maintain balanced relations among China,the United States and ASEAN.

Understanding the Dynamics of China’s Import Market in 2024

As a key player in global trade and innovation,China continues to adapt to changing circumstances,leveraging both domestic strengths and international partnerships to maintain steady growth.In particular,China’s import market stands out as a significant barometer of its economic resilience.Despite transformations in global trade dynamics,the enduring demand for a wide array of products spanning from cutting-edge technologies to sustainable goods underscores the adaptability of both Chinese consumers and enterprises,highlighting the expansive growth prospects within the nation’s trade landscape.As we look ahead to 2025,China’s import patterns offer important insights into its economic priorities and the forthcoming evolution of global trade.

EV Market in the Middle East and Africa Requires New Business Approach

The Middle East and Africa(MEA) appears to be a future crucial destination for China's carmakers as more than 10 Chinese EV brands have entered the market there.Changing geopolitics is not the only reason for this decision,nor is the potential profit,although the latter is a consideration for many Chinese investors.More broadly,the ongoing revolution in the automotive industry is leading to a global restructuring of markets and a consequent change in the game.Preemptive efforts to enhance strategic advantages are now a must for all stakeholders.In this context,the Middle East and Africa are a natural alternative for participants to maintain their resilience,given Africa's huge market,abundant raw materials for electric vehicles,and comfortable position in global power struggles.

Maintaining Resilience of Agricultural Supply Chain: International Cooperation is a Must

“Inf luenced by the slow recover y of the globa l economy,the continual impact of El Niño,growing local conflicts,the prevalence of trade protectionism and other factors,this year,the global supply and demand for agricultural products and trade is under pressure,and the world’s food security has been a serious challenge.Therefore,it is of great and far-reaching significance for all countries in the world to further develop international cooperation in agriculture from a strategic height,in order to maintain the resilience of the international supply chain of agriculture,and to promote mutual benefits and the common development of all parties.”Yu Jianlong,Vice President of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade(CCPIT)and Vice President of the China Chamber of International Commerce(CCIC),said at the 2024 China Agricultural Conference for International Economic and Trade Cooperation.