Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.

Background: The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Methods: MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function. Results: Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores. Conclusion Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.

Background: The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Methods: MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function. Results: Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores. Conclusion Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.

Background: The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Methods: MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function. Results: Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores. Conclusion Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.

Background: The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Methods: MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function. Results: Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores. Conclusion Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.

At present, there is no cure for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) due to HIV-1 latent reservoirs. Therefore, it urgently requires novel HIV-1 latency-regulating agents with high potency, low toxicity and favorable drug-like properties to achieve a functional cure for AIDS. Herein, we reviewed the advances in HIV-1 latency-regulating agents since 2019, including the drug discovery strategies, bioactivities, and mechanisms of these compounds. It is of great guiding significance in the development of latency-regulating agents with clinical value.

ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effects of Qishao Huoxue prescription on patients with lumbar disc herniation due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis and the effects of this prescription on hemorheological parameters and serum levels of inflammatory mediators. MethodA total of 86 patients with lumbar disc herniation due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis treated in the Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2023 to February 2024 were selected and assigned according to the random number table into observation and control groups （n=43）. Patients in both groups received lumbar traction treatment. In addition， the observation group was orally treated with Qishao Huoxue prescription and the control group with celebrex for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale （VAS） score， Oswestry disabilitiy index （ODI） score， 12-item Short-Form Survey （SF-12） score， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom score， hemorheological parameters ［whole blood high shear viscosity， middle shear viscosity， low shear viscosity， plasma viscosity （PV）， and fibrinogen （FIB）］， and the serum levels of inflammatory mediators ［tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）］ were determined before and after treatment. In addition， the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups. ResultAfter treatment， both groups showed declined VAS， ODI， and TCM symptom scores （P<0.05）， increased SF-12 physical component summary （PCS） and mental component summary （MCS） scores （P<0.05）. After treatment， the whole blood high shear viscosity， middle shear viscosity， low shear viscosity， PV， and FIB decreased in the observation group （P<0.05）， while they did not show significant variations in the control group. After treatment， both groups of patients showed reductions in TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β levels and an elevation in the TGF-β₁ level （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group showed decreases in VAS， ODI， TCM symptom scores and main symptom scores （P<0.05）， no significant differences in the secondary symptom scores， increased PCS and MCS scores （P<0.05）. The observation group outperformed the control group in terms of recovering whole blood high shear viscosity， middle shear viscosity， low shear viscosity， PV， FIB， TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β， and TGF-β₁ （P<0.05）. The total response rate in the observation group was 97.5% （40/41）， which was higher than that （88.1%， 37/42） in the control group （P<0.05）. No serious adverse reaction was observed in the two groups during the observation period. One case in the observation group showed subcutaneous bruising on the lower limbs， which gradually disappeared after withdrawal. ConclusionQishao Huoxue prescription demonstrated definite effect in treating lumbar disc herniation due to qi stagnation and blood stasis by recovering hemorheological parameters and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators in the serum without inducing adverse reactions. It is worth applying in clinical practice.

Objective To screen differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the liver of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum during the chronic pathogenic stage and identify their functions, so as to provide insights into unravelling the role of lncRNAs in S. japonicum infection-induced liver disorders. Methods Twenty 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups, of 10 animals each group. Each mouse in the experimental group was infected with (15 ± 2) S. japonicum cercariae via the abdomen for modeling chronic S. japonicum infection in mice, and distilled water served as controls. All mice were sacrificed 70 days post-infection, and mouse liver specimens were sampled for RNA extraction and library construction. All libraries were sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. Data cleaning was performed using the fastp software, and reference genome alignment and gene expression (FPKM) calculation were performed using the HISAT2 software. Potential lncRNA sequences were predicted using the software CNIC, CPC, Pfam, and PLEK, and potential lncRNAs were screened. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened with the DESeq2 software and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses to identify biological processes and metabolic pathways involved in target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs. Results A total of 333 potential lncRNAs were screened, and 67 were identified as differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 49 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated lncRNAs. A total of 53 target genes were predicted for differentially expressed lncRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that these target genes were mainly enriched in biological process and molecular function, among which Sema7a, Arrb1, and Ccl21b genes may be hub target genes for positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 cascades and may participate in the regulation of collagen expression. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Conclusions This study identifies differentially expressed lncRNAs and functional enrichment of their target genes in the liver of mice during the chronic pathogenic stage of S. japonicum infection. Up-regulated lncRNAs may affect biological processes of ERK1/2 cascades and chemokine signaling pathways via target genes Sema7a, Arrb1, and Ccl21b, thereby affecting collagen expression and inflammatory signal pathways, ultimately affecting the development of liver disorders.

Objective To analyze the molecular markers of various nuclei in the human basal ganglia and the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)among different nuclei,gender,and Parkinson's disease(PD),followed by the biological function annotations of the DEGs.Methods Forty-five specimens of basal ganglia from 10 human postmortem brains were divided into control and PD groups,and the control group was further categorized into female and male groups.RNA from each sample was extracted for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing.Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify molecular markers of each nuclei in the control group,nuclei-specific,gender-specific,and PD-specific DEGs,followed by gene enrichment analysis and functional annotation.Results Sequencing analysis revealed top DEGs such as DRD1,FOXG1,and FAM183A in the caudate;SLC6A3,EN1,SLC18A2,and TH in the substantia nigra;MEPE and FGF10 in the globus pallidus;and SLC17A6,PMCH,and SHOX2 in the subthalamic nucleus.In them,putamen showed some overlapping DEGs with caudate,such as DRD1 and FOXG1.A significant number of DEGs were identified among different nuclei in the control group,with the highest number between caudate and globus pallidus(9321),followed by putamen and globus pallidus(6341),caudate and substantia nigra(6054),and substantia nigra and subthalamic nucleus(44).Gene enrichment analysis showed that downregulated DEGs between caudate and globus pallidus were significantly enriched in processes like myelination of neurons and cell migration.Upregulated DEGs between putamen and globus pallidus were enriched processes like chemical synaptic transmission and regulation of membrane potential,while downregulated DEGs were enriched in myelination and cell adhesion.Upregulated DEGs between caudate and substantia nigra were enriched in processes like chemical synaptic transmission and axonal conduction,while downregulated DEGs were enriched in myelination of neurons.Totally 468,548,1402,333,and 341 gender-specific upregulated DEGs and 756,988,2532,444,and 1372 downregulated DEGs were identified in caudate,putamen,substantia nigra,globus pallidus,and subthalamus nucleus.Gene enrichment analysis revealed upregulated DEGs mostly enriched in pathways related to immune response and downregulated DEGs in chemical synaptic transmission.At last,709,852,276,507,and 416 PD-specific upregulated DEGs and 830,2014,1218,836,and 1730 downregulated DEGs were identified in caudate,putamen,substantia nigra,globus pallidus,and subthalamus nucleus.Gene enrichment analysis revealed upregulated DEGs mostly enriched in apoptotic regulation and downregulated DEGs in chemical synaptic transmission and action potential regulation.Conclusion We identified and analysed the molecular markers of different human basal ganglia nuclei,as well as DEGs among different nuclei,different gender,and between control and PD.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.