Interaction of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A with the blood-brain barrier

The functional and structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the brain microenvironment;however,the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of the blood-brain barrier remain poorly understood.The major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A has been identified as a key regulator of blood-brain barrier function.It plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining the formation and functional stability of the blood-brain barrier,in addition to the transport of lipids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,across the blood-brain barrier.Furthermore,an increasing number of studies have suggested that major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A is involved in the molecular mechanisms of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in a variety of neurological diseases;however,little is known regarding the mechanisms by which major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A affects the blood-brain barrier.This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the close relationship between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins and the blood-brain barrier,including their basic structures and functions,cross-linking between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A and the blood-brain barrier,and the in-depth studies on lipid transport and the regulation of blood-brain barrier permeability.This comprehensive systematic review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the important role of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins in maintaining the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier and the research progress to date.This will not only help to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,improve the accuracy of laboratory diagnosis,and optimize clinical treatment strategies,but it may also play an important role in prognostic monitoring.In addition,the effects of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A on blood-brain barrier leakage in various diseases and the research progress on cross-blood-brain barrier drug delivery are summarized.This review may contribute to the development of new approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Impact of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP)implementation on agricultural sector in regional countries:A global value chain perspective

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP)has created favorable conditions for building deeply integrated agricultural value chains(AVC)in Asia-Pacific.Based on the RCEP agreement,this study employed the global trade analysis project(GTAP)model to evaluate the impact of RCEP on AVC of member countries in terms of time,tariff reduction,and reduction of non-tariff barriers(NTB).The results indicate that(1)the implementation of RCEP boosts the value-added to agricultural exports for most member countries,particularly in competitive industries;(2)the increase in domestic production and processing capacity,reflected in domestic value-added(DVA),is the primary factor driving the rise in the value-added of agricultural exports across various industries of member countries;(3)RCEP enhances the participation of most regional countries in AVC,with varying impacts on AVC positioning,thereby fostering regional AvC development;and(4)RCEP has a positive effect on AVC indicators both in the short and long term,with the effect becoming more pronounced over time.Additionally,reducing NTB enhances the positive effects of tariff reductions on AVC indicators.Based on the analyses,the following recommendations are proposed:(1)Leverage the development opportunities arising from RCEP implementation to enhance the agricultural DVA;(2)capitalize on cooperative opportunities created by RCEP to build cohesive regional AVC;and(3)prioritize the effective implementation of RCEP'shigh-qualityrules.

A major facilitator superfamily transporter PlMFS1 contributes to growth,oosporogenesis,and pathogenesis of Peronophythora litchii

Major facilitator superfamily(MFS)transporters are secondary active membrane transporters that play an important role in solute interchange and energy metabolism.Peronophythora litchii causes the most destructive disease on lichi,litchi downy blight.PlM90 was reported as a key oosporogenesis regulator.Here,we identified an MFS transporter gene PlMFS1,which is up-regulated during oospore formation at the late infection stage,while down-regulated in the PlM90 mutant.To investigate PlMFS1 function,we generated PlMFS1knockout mutants using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology.Compared with the wild-type strain SHS3,PlMFS1 deletion impaired mycelium growth,zoospore release,oospore production and pathogenicity.Furthermore,PlMFS1 deletion significantly affected P.litchii utilization of fructose,lactose and maltose,and may be the PlMFS1 mechanism involved in mycelial growth.PlMFS1 gene deletion also led to deceased laccase activity,laccase-encoding gene downregulation and impaired P.litchii pathogenicity.To our knowledge,this is the first report of an MFS transporter involved in sugar utilization,sexual reproduction,asexual reproduction and pathogenesis in oomycetes.

Sex-specific facilitation and reproduction of the gynodioecious cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides on the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains,SW China

When benefiting other beneficiaries,cushion plants may reciprocally receive feedback effects.The feedback effects on different sex morphs,however,remains unclear.In this study,taking the gynodioecious Arenaria polytrichiodes as a model species,we aimed to assess the sex-specific facilitation intensity of cushion plant by measuring the beneficiary cover ratio,and to assess the potential costs in cushion reproductive functions by measuring the flower and fruit cover ratios.The total beneficiary cover ratio was similar between females and hermaphrodites.Females produced much less flowers but more fruits than hermaphrodites.These results suggested that females and hermaphrodites possess similar facilitation intensity,and female cushion A.polytrichoides may allocate more resources saved from pollen production to seed production,while hermaphrodites possibly allocate more resources to pollen production hence reducing seed production.The surface areas covered by beneficiaries produced less flowers and fruits than areas without beneficiaries.In addition,strong negative correlations between beneficiary cover and flower cover were detected for both females and hermaphrodites,but the correlation strength were similar for these two sex morphs.However,the correlation between beneficiary cover and fruit cover was only significantly negative for females,suggesting that beneficiary plants negatively affect fruit reproduction of females while have neutral effects on hermaphrodites.All the results suggest that to facilitate other beneficiaries can induce reproductive costs on cushion A.polytrichoides,with females possibly suffering greater cost than hermaphrodites.Such differentiation in reproductive costs between sex morphs,in long-term perspective,may imply sex imbalance in population dynamics.

Encroachment drives facilitation at alpine shrublines

Ongoing encroachment is driving recent alpine shrubline dynamics globally,but the role of shrub-shrub interactions in shaping shrublines and their relationships with stem density changes remain poorly understood.Here,the size and age of shrubs from 26 Salix shrubline populations along a 900-km latitudinal gradient(30°-38°N)were measured and mapped across the eastern Tibetan Plateau.Point pattern analyses were used to quantify the spatial distribution patterns of juveniles and adults,and to assess spatial associations between them.Mean intensity of univariate and bivariate spatial patterns was related to biotic and abiotic variables.Bivariate mark correlation functions with a quantitative mark(shrub height,basal stem diameter,crown width)were also employed to investigate the spatial relationships between shrub traits of juveniles and adults.Structural equation models were used to explore the relationships among conspecific interactions,patterns,shrub traits and recruitment dynamics under climate change.Most shrublines showed clustered patterns,suggesting the existence of conspecific facilitation.Clustered patterns of juveniles and conspecific interactions(potentially facilitation)tended to intensify with increasing soil moisture stress.Summer warming before 2010 triggered positive effects on population interactions and spatial patterns via increased shrub recruitment.However,summer warming after2010 triggered negative effects on interactions through reduced shrub recruitment.Therefore,shrub recruitment shifts under rapid climate change could impact spatial patterns,alter conspecific interactions and modify the direction and degree of shrublines responses to climate.These changes would have profound implications for the stability of alpine woody ecosystems.

No effect of invasive tree species on aboveground biomass increments of oaks and pines in temperate forests

Prunus serotina and Robinia pseudoacacia are the most widespread invasive trees in Central Europe.In addition,according to climate models,decreased growth of many economically and ecologically important native trees will likely be observed in the future.We aimed to assess the impact of these two neophytes,which differ in the biomass range and nitrogen-fixing abilities observed in Central European conditions,on the relative aboveground biomass increments of native oaks Qucrcus robur and Q.petraea and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris.We aimed to increase our understanding of the relationship between facilitation and competition between woody alien species and overstory native trees.We established 72 circular plots(0.05 ha)in two different forest habitat types and stands varying in age in western Poland.We chose plots with different abundances of the studied neophytes to determine how effects scaled along the quantitative invasion gradient.Furthermore,we collected growth cores of the studied native species,and we calculated aboveground biomass increments at the tree and stand levels.Then,we used generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess the impact of invasive species abundances on relative aboveground biomass increments of native tree species.We did not find a biologically or statistically significant impact of invasive R.pseudoacacia or P.serotina on the relative aboveground,biomass increments of native oaks and pines along the quantitative gradient of invader biomass or on the proportion of total stand biomass accounted for by invaders.The neophytes did not act as native tree growth stimulators but also did not compete with them for resources,which would escalate the negative impact of climate change on pines and oaks.The neophytes should not significantly modify the carbon sequestration capacity of the native species.Our work combines elements of the per capita effect of invasion with research on mixed forest management.

Enhancing CO_(2) transport with plasma-functionalized ionic liquid membranes

The ionic liquid(IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate treated with radiofrequency plasma is proposed for functionalization and immobilization on polyethersulfone supports to form supported ionic liquid membranes for CO_(2) separation.The effects of treatment time and transmembrane pressure difference on CO_(2) permeance were evaluated.The best gas permeation performance was obtained with a treatment time of 10 min and the transmembrane pressure difference was 0.25 MPa.Characterization of the materials by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrates that the IL is grafted with carboxyl groups and deprotonated through plasma treatment.A preliminary mechanism for the plasma treatment and facilitated transport of CO_(2)has been proposed on this basis.

Functionalized lipid nanoparticles modulate the blood-brain barrier and eliminate α-synuclein to repair dopamine neurons

The challenge in the clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease lies in the lack of disease-modifying therapies that can halt or slow down the progression. Peptide drugs, such as exenatide (Exe), with potential disease-modifying efficacy, have difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) due to their large molecular weight. Herein, we fabricate multi-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNP) Lpc-BoSA/CSO with BBB targeting, permeability-increasing and responsive release functions. Borneol is chemically bonded with stearic acid and, as one of the components of Lpc-BoSA/CSO, is used to increase BBB permeability. Immunofluorescence results of brain tissue of 15-month-old C57BL/6 mice show that Lpc-BoSA/CSO disperses across the BBB into brain parenchyma, and the amount is 4.21 times greater than that of conventional LNP. Motor symptoms of mice in Lpc-BoSA/CSO-Exe group are significantly improved, and the content of dopamine is 1.85 times (substantia nigra compacta) and 1.49 times (striatum) that of PD mice. α-Synuclein expression and Lewy bodies deposition are reduced to 51.85% and 44.72% of PD mice, respectively. Immunohistochemical mechanism studies show AKT expression in Lpc-BoSA/CSO-Exe is 4.23 times that of PD mice and GSK-3β expression is reduced to 18.41%. Lpc-BoSA/CSO-Exe could reduce the production of α-synuclein and Lewy bodies through AKT/GSK-3β pathway, and effectively prevent the progressive deterioration of Parkinson's disease. In summary, Lpc-BoSA/CSO-Exe increases the entry of exenatide into brain and promotes its clinical application for Parkinson's disease therapy.

Impact of BRICS Trade Facilitation on China's Exports Using Cross-Border E-Commerce

With the rapid growth of the global digital economy, cross-border e-commerce, as an emerging form of trade, has gradually become a powerful engine to promote the development of global trade. BRICS is an important force in the global economy, and the progress of the BRICS countries' trade facilitation level has an important impact on the global trade environment. This paper conducts an in-depth study of the dynamic changes in BRICS trade facilitation from 2013 to 2022, and uses an extended gravity model to analyze the specific impact of this change on China's exports using cross-border e-commerce. The results show that although the BRICS countries have made some progress in trade facilitation, the overall level still needs to be improved, and there are obvious differences among member countries. However, the improvement of trade facilitation among BRICS countries has undoubtedly brought significant positive effects to China's exports using cross-border e-commerce.

Fuel of the Future

Lawmakers call for stepping up hydrogen power production to facilitate China’s clean and low-carbon energy transformation and create a new engine of growth.

Barriers and Facilitators to Evidence-Based Practice among Physiotherapists Practicing in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is vital for high-quality patient care, yet its implementation among physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces significant challenges. This scoping review explores the barriers and facilitators of EBP in this region. Objectives: To identify barriers and facilitators of EBP at individual, organisational, and extra organisational levels among physiotherapists in SSA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Sabinet, BioMed Central, and Google Scholar. Seven studies from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa met the inclusion criteria. Results: Key barriers at the practitioner level included lack of time, insufficient knowledge of EBP, limited access to information resources, and inadequate research skills. Facilitators comprised positive attitudes toward EBP and a desire for further knowledge. At the organisational level, resource unavailability emerged as a major barrier. Notably, no studies addressed extra organisational factors. Conclusion: This review highlights critical barriers and facilitators of EBP among SSA physiotherapists and emphasises the need for further research on extra organisational influences. Addressing systemic challenges is essential for enhancing physiotherapist engagement in EBP, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Influence of the Implementation of Trade Facilitation Systems on the Time Required for Creating Delivery Orders: A Case Study of Tema Port

This study evaluated the impact of Ghana’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), implemented within the National Single Window initiative, on the efficiency of issuing Delivery Orders (DO) at Tema Port. Filling a gap in the existing literature, the research employed a quantitative approach to assess a specific time-related aspect of the cargo clearance process. Employing an Independent t-test on a dataset spanning 2026 Delivery Orders (924 pre-ICUMS and 1102 post-ICUMS) from July 2020 to July 2023, the study investigated ICUMS’s effectiveness in reducing DO issuance time. Results indicate a noteworthy decrease in average DO issuance time, from 11 days pre-implementation to approximately 9 days post-implementation, a reduction validated by statistical analysis through the independent t-test. In light of these findings, the study recommends ongoing refinement of the implementation, reinforcement of trade facilitation measures, and the adoption of best practices from successful global ports. Continuous stakeholder training and regular assessments of ICUMS performance are also endorsed. The study’s implications support the theoretical framework for Single Window systems and carry significant policy implications, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to streamline trade facilitation processes driven by Information Technology. Practically, the results serve as a management tool for stakeholders, highlighting areas for targeted interventions to reduce DO issuance times. Methodologically, this research contributes by applying robust statistical analysis to a specific component within the Time Release Study framework, offering a nuanced understanding of trade facilitation systems’ effectiveness in improving cargo clearance processes.

一个基于Mobile Agent的课件搜索系统的框架设计

本文主要介绍了ＤＯＬＴＲＩ－Ａｇｅｎｔ（ＤｉｓｔａｎｃｅａｎｄＯｐｅｎＬｅａｒｎｉｎｇＴｒａｉｎｉｎｇＲｅｓｏｕｒｃｅＩｎｆｏｒｍａｔｉｏｎｒｅ－ｔｒｉｅｖａｌＡｇｅｎｔ）运行环境ＭＡＦ（ＭｏｂｉｌｅＡｇｅｎｔＦａｃｉｌｉｔａｔｏｒ）的实现原理及其相关技术．ＤＯＬＴＲＩ－Ａｇｅｎｔ是将ＭｏｂｉｌｅＡｇｅｎｔ的概念引入网络信息搜索领域中来而设计的一个信息搜索系统，ＭＡＦ是ＭｏｂｉｌｅＡｇｅｎｔ的外部运行环境，包含如下组成模块：安全管理模块，移动智能体管理模块，移动智能体通信模块，移动智能体传输模块，移动智能体命名服务和移动智能体协作服务．

网格环境下一个基于Mobile Agent的数字图书馆资源发现的框架设计

网格资源发现技术为数字图书馆发现资源文件和其它存储于桌面机的大文件提供了一种高效的解决方案,本文主要介绍了Mobile Agent Facilitator在数字图书馆的实现原理及其相关技术。

名师发展与教学模式

不久前在人教社首届"全国名师发展学校"(兰州班)上,听了北京师范大学教育学部王本陆教授作的《中小学教学改进的四大模式》的讲座,很受启发,有些感想,记录下来,供老师们批评指正。一、名师要探索自己的教学模式任何一位教师都有其教学的套路或模式,无论你意识到还是没有意识到,也不管是自觉还是不自觉的。

Effects of primary PCI and facilitated PCI on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in acute myocardial infarction patients

Objective To evaluate short time effects of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and rtPA thrombolysis+PCI (rtPA+PCI) on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in AMI patients.Methods Eighty seven patients with first AMI were divided into two groups: group A ( n =42), pPCI group, the patients underwent PCI within 6h after onset of AMI; group B ( n =45), rtPA+PCI group, the patients underwent PCI after thrombolysis within 6h after onset of AMI; Myocardial viability was measured by 99m Tc MIBI SPECT. While, the parameters of cardiac function LVEF and ventricular systolic synchrony LVPS were measured by 99m Tc gated cardiac blood pool image on the first and the fourth weekend. Results (1) The peak CK MB was significantly lower in group A than that in group B( P <0.01 ). (2) Myocardial infarction area (MIA) was decreased and radioactivity counts in MIA was significantly increased in group A and B on the 4th weekend compared with that on the first weekend ( P <0.01 ), but there were no significant difference between group A and group B. (3) LVEF, LVPS were no significant difference between group A and group B.Conclusions (1)pPCI in acute myocardial infartion can limit infarct area, maintain ventricular systolic synchrony and improve ventricular function; (2) but, in those hospitals that there were no any condition for PCI, they should transfer the patients to central hospital for PCI after thrombolysis at the first time. It is beneficial to improve myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony of AMI patients in short time.

上海市实施整合式慢性病社区健康管理模式的促进和障碍因素

目的分析整合式慢性病社区健康管理模式实施的促进和障碍因素,区分模式服务量高覆盖率组和低覆盖率组在实施性研究的整合性理论框架(consolidated framework for implementation research,CFIR)上的结构差异,为政府部门提供政策建议。方法结合CFIR对22名专家进行半结构化访谈,采用定性结构评级法对13家社区卫生服务中心受访者评分,利用NVivo 12软件编码。结果高覆盖率组和低覆盖率组的相对优势、外部政策与激励、实施准备度、反思和评价、领导个人特质5个CFIR结构有差异。促进因素包括:测量数据更加精准,提高了高血压和糖尿病患者的异常检出率和控制率;模式实现了服务、技术、数据“三整合”,优化管理流程,提供管理抓手;基础性和个性化服务结合吸引患者到基层就诊;模式与我国政策背景,初级卫生保健工作和以患者为中心理念兼容;数字化工具的应用减轻医护人员工作负担;领导重视是基础,利益方间的通力合作是重要保障。障碍因素包括:宏观层面缺少卫生行政机构的支持性政策,组织架构和运行机制尚未建立,建设、投入主体以及具体工作规范和流程有待明确;缺乏监督管理机制和质量评估小组;模式推广目标模糊;缺乏规范化系统性的培训计划;为不同群体提供服务存在挑战,缺乏有效的社会面宣传;模式仍须提高需方获得感;社区布局限制了模式的服务提供。结论卫生行政部门应明确模式的建设、运行、投入主体,完善组织架构并明确各利益方的功能定位和职责分工,进一步制定工作规范和工作流程;建立信息反馈机制和质量控制小组并进行定期评估;制定清晰的目标;加大宣传教育,扩大宣传面;利用数字化工具形成良性医患互动机制。

Therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with neuromuscular joint facilitation in treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain

BACKGROUND Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease with high prevalence,mortality,and onset of disability.As a neurodevelopmental therapy,neuromuscular joint facilitation(NJF)is widely used in the treatment of orthopedic and neurological disorders in the clinical practice.It is mainly used for central nervous system diseases or orthopedic diseases,movement disorders,and pain rehabilitation.According to related studies,NJF can also be used as a rehabilitation treatment in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain(HSP).AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with NJF in patients with HSP.METHODS Forty patients with HSP were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group.The treatment group was treated with acupuncture combined with NJF and the control group was treated with acupuncture alone.All patients were assessed by using the visual analogue scale(VAS),Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA),Barthel index(BI),and passive range of motion(PROM)before and after the training.All the clinical data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software.RESULTS There was no statistical difference in the general characteristics between the two groups.In the terms of duration of treatment,age,and pre-treatment indicators,the two groups were comparable(P>0.05).After the treatment,VAS,PROM,BI,and FMA scores were significantly improved in the two groups of patients(P<0.05).The VAS,PROM and FMA scores were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in BI scores between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Both acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with NJF in the treatment of HSP are effective,and can improve the clinical symptoms of patients.Acupuncture combined with NJF can improve the upper limb motor function,relieve pain,and increase joint mobility in patients with HSP.The combination therapy is better than acupuncture alone.However,there is no significant difference in improving the score of patients’self-care ability.

The importance of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions in determining crop growth and advantages of peanut/maize intercropping

Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions between maize and peanut in field. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of interspecific interactions on plant growth and grain yield for a peanut/maize intercropping system under different nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) levels. The method of root separation was employed to differentiate belowground from aboveground interspecific interactions. We observed that the global interspecific interaction effect on the shoot biomass of the intercropping system decreased with the coexistence period, and belowground interaction contributed more than aboveground interaction to advantages of the intercropping in terms of shoot biomass and grain yield. There was a positive effect from aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions on crop plant growth in the intercropping system, except that aboveground interaction had a negative effect on peanut during the late coexistence period. The advantage of intercropping on grain came mainly from increased maize yield(means 95%) due to aboveground interspecific competition for light and belowground interaction(61%–72% vs. 28%–39% in fertilizer treatments). There was a negative effect on grain yield from aboveground interaction for peanut, but belowground interspecific interaction positively affected peanut grain yield.The supply of N, P, or N + P increased grain yield of intercropped maize and the contribution from aboveground interspecific interaction. Our study suggests that the advantages of peanut/maize intercropping for yield mainly comes from aboveground interspecific competition for maize and belowground interspecific facilitation for peanut, and their respective yield can be enhanced by N and P. These findings are important for managing the intercropping system and optimizing the benefits from using this system.

Unpalatable Weed Stellera chamaejasme L. Provides Biotic Refuge for Neighboring Species and Conserves Plant Diversity in Overgrazing Alpine Meadows on the Tibetan Plateau in China

Steller chamaejasme L. （S. chamaejasme for short） is one of the most noxious unpalatable weeds in China, which has been frequently reported its negative interaction （i.e. competition and allelopathy） with other herbaceous species in grasslands. This study compared species diversity, biomass and sexual reproduction of herbaceous plants in meadows with S. chamaejasme and in open meadows without S. ehamaejasme in overgrazing meadows on the Tibetan Plateau in China to determine whether positive facilitation exist between S. chamaejasme and other herbaceous species under livestock＇s overgrazing. The results showed that there are more herbaceous species in meadows with S. chamaejasme than those in open meadows （35s and30s, respectively）. Diversity index and above-ground biomass were also significantly higher in meadows with S. charnaejasme. There were 39% （11/28） of all species with sexual reproduction found in meadows with S. charnaejasme, which was 7 times more than those in open meadows. Our study showed that S. charnaejasme could provide biotic refuge for neighboring plants and preserve plant diversity from livestock＇s overgrazing in alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau. It also suggested that inter-specific facilitation between S. charnaejasme and other herbaceous species may play a key role in overgrazing alpine meadows.