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The relationship between reproductive factors and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is controversial; therefore, we explored the causal relationship of age at menarche (AAM), age at natural menopause (ANM), with the risk of T2D and glycemic traits using two-sample Mendelian randomization. We used publicly available data at the summary level of genome-wide association studies, where AAM (N = 329,345), ANM (N = 69,360), T2D (N = 464,389). The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was employed as the primary method. To demonstrate the robustness of the results, we also conducted various sensitivity analysis methods including the MR-Egger regression, the weighted median (WM) and the MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) test. After excluding IVs associated with confounders, we found a causal association between later AAM and reduced risk of T2D (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.75, 0.87]; P = 2.20 × 10−8), lower levels of FI (β −0.04 [95% CI -0.06, −0.01]; P = 2.19 × 10−3), FPG (β −0.03 [95% CI -0.05, −0.007]; P = 9.67 × 10−5) and HOMA-IR (β −0.04 [95% CI -0.06, −0.01]; P = 4,95 × 10−3). As for ANM, we only found a causal effect with HOMA-IR (β −0.01 [95% CI -0.02, −0.005]; P = 1.77 × 10−3), but not with T2D. Our MR study showed a causal relationship between later AAM and lower risk of developing T2D, lower FI, FPG and HOMA-IR levels. This may provide new insights into the prevention of T2D in women. • This was a Mendelian randomization study with a large sample size. • The results of the study were validated by various sensitivity analysis methods. • Later menarche is causally associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. • Prematurely menopausal women are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Murine myeloid cells are developed from hemopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Different types of progenitor cells have variable differentiation potentials. Among the ten main types of cells differentiated from lymphoid progenitor cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), an important cell subpopulation regulating immune and inflammatory responses, arise from the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Tregs then differentiate into T lymphocytes and migrate to the thymus and finally generate Treg subsets, which are subsequently activated and regulated by inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood. Tregs also have different phenotypes and immunomodulatory functions. The cytokine interleukin-2/interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2/IL-2R) pathway is an important regulatory signaling pathway of Tregs. Besides, different types of CD4+ and CD8+ cells have different immune effects in the absence of IL-2. IL-2R consists of three subunits, α chain (CD25), β chain (CD122), and γ chain (CD132). Different subunit combinations have different effects on the activation of immune cells. Multiple studies have shown that IL2RA deficiency has various effects on the immune function in mice. This article reviews the subunit composition and signaling pathway of IL-2R, the classification of Tregs in a murine myeloid cell line and the regulatory effect of IL-2/IL-2R on them, the regulatory impact and signaling mechanism of IL-2/IL-2R on CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte differentiation, the primary manifestations and molecular mechanism of immune dysfunction in IL-2- and IL-2R-deficient mice, soluble IL-2Rα as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of treatment in immune system disorders, and the development and clinical application of IL-2 mutants. [Display omitted] • Cytokine IL-2/IL-2R pathway is an important regulatory signaling pathway of Tregs, CD4+ and CD8+. • The subunits of IL-2R shares the same binding site yet still impacting immune cells by differents combination forms. • This article reviews immune dysfunction's primary manifestations and molecular mechanism in IL-2- and IL-2R-deficient mice. • sIL-2Rα is a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment efficacy in immune system disorders. • This article reviews the latest development and clinical application of IL-2 mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3 M syndrome is first reported in 1975，which characterized by severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation, skeletal malformation and facial dysmorphism. These three genes (CUL7, OBSL1 and CCDC8) have been identified to be respond for 3 M syndrome, of which CUL7 is accounting for approximately 70%. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of 3 M syndrome remains poorly understood. Previous studies showed that no Cul7-/- mice could survive after birth, because of growth retardation at late gestational stage and respiratory distress after birth. The establishment of the animal model of cartilage specific Cul7 knockout mice (Cul7fl/fl;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice) has confirmed that Cul7fl/fl;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice can be selective in a time- and tissue-dependent manner, which can provide an experimental basis for further research on severe genetic diseases related to growth plates. To establish a model of Cul7fl/fl;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice based on Cre/LoxP system, and to further observe its phenotype and morphological changes in growth plate. The Cul7fl/fl;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice were taken as the experimental group, while the genotype of Cul7fl/+;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice were used as the control group. The gross morphological features and X-ray films of limbs in the two groups were observed every week for 3–6 consecutive weeks, and the length of the mice from nose to the tail, the length of femur and tibia were recorded. In the meantime, The histological morphology of tibial growth plates was compared between the two groups. A preliminary model of Cul7fl/fl;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice was established. The Cul7fl/fl;Col2a1-CreERT2 mice had abnormally short and deformed limbs (P<0.05), increased thickness of growth plate, the disorderly arranged chondrocyte columns, decreased number of cells in the proliferation zone, changes in the shape from flat to round, obviously expanded extracellular matrix, and disordered arrangement, thickening and loosening of bone trabecula at the proximal metaphysis of the femur. The knockout of Cul7 gene may affect both the proliferation of chondrocytes and the endochondral osteogenesis, confirming that Cul7 is essential for the normal development of bone in the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Real enterprises' financialization will weaken the stock price collapse risk. • Corporate financialization reduces the risk of stock price collapse by alleviating financing constraints. • Financialization reduces the risk of stock price collapse by improving investment efficiency. In this paper, A-share listed companies are selected as data samples from 2009 to 2022 to explore the impact of the degree of corporate financialization on the risk of stock price collapse and its transmission mechanism. It is found that actual firms holding a certain amount of financial assets can reduce the risk of stock price collapse in the future; corporate financialization can reduce the risk of stock price collapse by alleviating financing constraints and enhancing investment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal polyphenol compound Fe-TA (TA is tannin) was applied for surface modification to improve the selective adsorption capacity of UiO-67 on cationic dyes. The modified material UiO-67@Fe-TA, which named UFT-X, exhibited significantly selective adsorption of cationic dye. Then the Freundlich isotherm model and quasi second-order kinetics model were employed to characterize the adsorption of UiO-67@Fe-TA, and the maximum adsorption quantity was 1415.56 mg/g. Furthermore, the adsorption efficiency remained above 80% after 6 cycles. The research provided a strategy of materials design and modification for selective adsorption on mixed dyes. UiO-67 was modified with Fe-TA and the surface of the modified material was negatively charged. It was used for adsorbing cationic dyes and repelling anionic dyes. The modified material UiO-67@Fe-TA exhibited significant selective adsorption of cationic dye. [Display omitted] • The surface of UiO-67 was successfully modified by Fe-TA. • The modification has the advantages of simple, fast and low cost. • The modified material significantly enhanced the selective adsorption of UiO-67 to cationic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The present study was conducted to explore the stratified and joint effects of age at menopause and body mass index (BMI) with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese rural adults.Methods and Results: A total of 15,406 postmenopausal Chinese women were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the stratified and joint effects of age at menopause and BMI on T2DM. Overall, the mean age at menopause and BMI was 48.8 ± 4.7 years and 25.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2, respectively. In general, data suggest that: 1) women with BMI ≥ 24 had a higher risk of T2DM, irrespective of age at menopause; 2) in women with BMI < 24, later menopause had a higher risk of T2DM (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-2.01); 3) the risk of T2DM was higher only in patients with early or normal age at menopause and BMI ≥ 24, with 0R (95% CI) of (1.58, 1.28-1.94) and (1.48, 1.31-1.67), respectively.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that: 1) women with BMI ≥ 24 had a higher risk of T2DM, irrespective of age at menopause; 2) in women with BMI < 24, a higher risk of T2DM was found only in those with later menopause; 3) women with later menopause had a higher risk of T2DM, irrespective of BMI; 4) in patients with early or normal age at menopause, a higher risk of T2DM was found only in patients with BMI ≥ 24.the Chinese Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-OOC-1500669(URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To assess the associations of sedentary time, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 DNA methylation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and further identify the role of SOCS3 methylation in mediating the association of sedentary time with T2DM in a Chinese rural population.Methods and Results: A case-control study including 1032 participants from the Henan Rural Cohort study was conducted. Restricted cubic spline analysis and logistic regression model were performed to evaluate the associations between sedentary time, SOCS3 methylation and T2DM. The mediation effect of SOCS3 methylation on the association between sedentary time and T2DM was assessed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding individuals with diagnosed T2DM. Linear dose-response relationships were found between sedentary time, methylation level of Chr17:76356190 (one novel site on SOCS3) and T2DM. Compared with the first quartile (less than 5 h/d) of sedentary time, the adjusted odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval, 95%CI) for those in the third (7-10 h/d) and fourth (≥10 h/d) quartiles were 1.87 (1.22-2.85) and 3.54 (2.14-5.85), respectively. Participants in the fourth quartile of methylation level of Chr17:76356190 had lower risk of T2DM than those in the first quartile (OR (95%CI): 0.23 (0.14-0.38)). Mediation analysis showed 9.66% (6.38%-14.80%) of the association between sedentary time and T2DM was attributable to Chr17:76356190. The comparable effect estimates were observed between sedentary time, methylation level of Chr17:76356190 and undiagnosed T2DM.Conclusion: Sedentary time and methylation level of Chr17:76356190 were both independently associated with T2DM in the Chinese rural population. Furthermore, Chr17:76356190 appeared to partially mediate the effect of sedentary time on T2DM.Chinese Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disease with numerous risk factors, including a growing number of genetic susceptibility variants. The TCF7L2 gene is closely associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but the association of TCF7L2 with weight-related traits in humans is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if TCF7L2 variants and body mass index/waist circumference (BMI/WC) act synergistically to influence the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population. This is a large sample, case–control study. We recruited 1842 Chinese type 2 diabetes patients and 7777 healthy controls and collected demographic and anthropometric characteristics and blood samples. We extracted DNA and genotyped the TCF7L2 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs7903146 and rs290487 in all participants. There were significant linear interactions between rs7903146 and BMI/WC and elevated blood glucose (P < 0.001); rs290487 and BMI/WC also showed a linear interaction with blood glucose levels (P < 0.001). The interaction was stronger at higher BMI (>21.02) and higher WC (>66.77 cm). The additive interaction of rs 290487 and overweight/obesity variables yielded a significant increase in the risk for T2D. RERI (relative excess risk of interaction) was 2.949 (95%CI: 1.700–4.198), AP (attributable proportion due to interaction) was 0.391 (95%CI: 2.281–0.502), and SI (synergy index) was 1.822 (95%CI: 1.463–2.268). Additionally, there was a significant interaction between rs 290487 and abdominal obesity on the risk of T2D (RERI: 2.642, 95%CI: 1.384–3.900; AP: 0.350, 95%CI: 0.231–0.468; SI: 1.675, 95%CI: 1.348–2.083). These results show that a TCF7L2 gene-BMI interaction or gene–WC interaction may play an important role in the risk for T2D in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-2) has been investigated in different populations, but with limited evaluation in the Chinese population. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of GAD-2 for identifying GAD through a validation study along with an updated meta-analysis. We recruited 694 adults in 2015 from "the Henan Rural Cohort study" where the GAD-7 questionnaire was adopted as the gold standard diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and Cronbach's α were determined. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the GAD-2. In this study, 37 patients [5.33%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.78–7.27%] met the criteria for current GAD. The GAD-2 showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.806 and an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.954 (95% CI: 0.936–0.968). At a cutoff of 3, GAD-2 had highest Youden's index of 0.845, with a sensitivity of 0.865 and a specificity of 0.980. A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 0.80, 0.82 and 17.81, respectively, at the optimal cutoff of 3. GAD-2 has acceptable properties for identifying GAD at a cutoff of 3 in the Chinese rural population. • The study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the GAD-2 questionnaire among a Chinese rural population. • The Chinese version of GAD-2 questionnaire performed very well to screen for GAD with an optimal cutoff of 3. • An additional meta-analysis also validated the diagnostic accuracy of GAD-2 questionnaire for GAD. • Further multi-site studies were encouraged to maximize sample size and promote the generalizability of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic growth is relevant to the enrichment of local space charge, which largely resulting from weak connection between the deposited potassium metal and substrate. Here we illustrate the original growth mechanism of K metal by combining the tested over potential , the calculation of Gibbs free energies of K metal nucleate-grow on different substrates and Simulation models of electric field values. This mechanism suggests NiO nanoparticles as induced nuclear sites are implanted in puffed millet (PM) and can form well-knit root structures for large volume potassium metal deposition. Depending on this novel design, the PM/NiO/K electrode exhibits tiny voltage hysteresis in symmetric cells and the full battery (Potassium Prussian blue as cathode) reveals improved electrochemical performance. This work proposes a fabrication to achieve stable high-energy density anodes and suggests that the initial nucleation process is a crucial factor of dendritic growth. Original growth model of K metal on different substrates was established by combining the tested over potential, the calculation of Gibbs free energies of K metal nucleate-grow on different substrate and Simulation models of electric field values. Ultra-stable dendrite free Potassium metal electrodes were realized guiding by this mechanism. Image 1 • Original growth model of K metal on different substrates is establish. • Elucidating the key role of NiO in K nucleation and growth process. • The mass loading content of K metal in PM/NiO/K electrodes can reach 99.1 wt %. • PM/NiO/K electrodes exhibit excellent structure stability and outstanding electrochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the association between poor sleep quality and hypertension, and evaluated how the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score correlates with blood pressure and prevalent hypertension.Methods: A total of 27, 912 participants aged 18-79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included into the current study. PSQI score was classified as <3, 3-, 6-, ≥9. Multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline with hypertension as a dependent variable were conducted. A meta-analysis was conducted to validate the result of the cross-sectional study.Results: Altogether, 6,085 (21.80%) were poor sleepers and 9,056 (32.44%) suffered from hypertension. The odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) of participants with sleep quality of 3-, 6-, ≥9 were 1.16(1.07-1.26), 1.35(1.21-1.50) and 1.62 (1.39-1.88) compared to the participants with a score of less than 3 among participants excluding undiagnosed hypertension. ORs and 95% CIs per 3 increment score were higher for hypertension (1.16, 1.11-1.21) among total population, (1.18, 1.10-1.27) among men and (1.13, 1.08-1.19) among women. Compared to reference, poor sleep quality was associated with a higher odd of hypertension (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17) for total population, (1.14, 1.00-1.30) for men and (1.04, 0.95-1.13) for women. Moreover, the odds of hypertension were increased with increment of PSQI score after fitting restricted cubic splines (Ptrend <0.01). The meta-analysis showed that pooled OR of hypertension was significantly higher for poor sleepers (1.62, 1.03-2.56, I2 = 97.3%, P < 0.001).Conclusions: Higher PSQI score was associated with increased odds of prevalent hypertension in both genders. In addition, poorer sleepers might suffer from hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and identify related factors by gender in the Chinese rural population.Methods: Overall, 27424 subjects (10881 males and 16543 females) aged 18-79 years were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Sleep quality was evaluated by the standard Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and global score>5 was classified as poor sleep quality. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A meta-analysis including 14 studies was used to validate the result of the cross-sectional study.Results: The average PSQI score was 3.78 ± 2.72 in total, and the score of females (4.10 ± 2.90) was significantly higher than males (3.29 ± 2.33). The crude and age-standardized prevalences of poor sleep quality were 21.62% and 15.80%, respectively. The crude prevalence in females (25.73%) was significantly higher than males (15.38%). The results of meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality was 25.0% (18.8%-31.2%) in total sample, 31.7% (24.9%-38.5%) in male, and 38.2% (29.7%-46.7%) in females. Multivariate logistic regression identified that older age, being female, unmarried/divorced/widowed, low education level, low income, drinking, depression and dyslipidemia could increase the odds of poor sleep quality.Conclusions: More than one fifth of the participants in a rural area of China slept poorly and the prevalence in females was significantly higher than males. Effective interventions are urgently needed to improve the sleep quality in resource limited areas.Clinical Trial Registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]