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  • Global trends in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: A comprehensive analysis of incidence, socio-demographic variations, and future projections

    by Ruixue Qin, Huijuan Zhao, Hui Gao, He Liu

    Background

    Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (ADRD) are significant global health concerns, with rising incidence rates and substantial social and economic implications due to population aging.

    Methods

    We investigated trends in ADRD incidence from 1992 to 2021 across age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 platform. An age-period-cohort (APC) model was employed to analyze the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on ADRD incidence, and a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict future trends.

    Results

    Globally, the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) remained relatively steady. However, the total number of ADRD cases witnessed a remarkable 141.25% increase, with 9,837,056 cases (95% UI: 8,620,519–11,163,700) in 2021. High SDI regions exhibited higher ASIR, whereas high-middle SDI regions showed the greatest growth, particularly among females. The net drift of ADRD incidence ranged from 0.43% per year in China to −0.68% per year in Denmark. Age effect was consistent across SDI regions, increasing exponentially with age. The 60–64 age group experienced the fastest annual incidence growth. High-middle SDI regions faced unfavorable period and cohort effects.

    Conclusion

    Although progress in ADRD globally, significant regional and sex disparities persist. Strengthened surveillance and management of adults over 60 are urgently needed. Targeted public health policies and interventions are essential to address the escalating global dementia burden.



  • Correction: Genomic and bioacoustic variation in a midwife toad hybrid zone: A role for reinforcement?

    by Johanna Ambu, Christophe Dufresnes



  • Correction: Spatial heterogeneity of microbial community structure and its environmental drivers in surface sediments of Erhai Lake

    by Hong Xiang, Cong-Gao Yang, Hao-Qin Xiong, Hao-Ran Bao, Jia-Zhuo Qu, Zhe-Xi Luan, Xiao-Long Sun, Zheng Li



  • Potential phosphorylation of Liprin-α1 at threonine 701 regulates integrin-mediated cell motility

    by Martina Ramella, Daniele Brambilla, Sara Surini, Diletta Tonoli, Lucrezia Maria Ribolla, Ivan de Curtis

    A dynamic protein network at the leading edge of motile cells is needed to coordinate events required for efficient cell motility. Previous work has shown that the Ser/Thr kinase DYRK3 affects the assembly of this network, and phosphorylates its component Liprin-α1, a scaffold protein regulating adhesion turnover and cell motility. We have looked for phospho-sites of Liprin-α1 relevant for the regulation of cell motility, by examining the role played by serine/threonine residues phosphorylated within the intrinsically disordered regions of Liprin-α1. Phospho-null mutations within either the amino-terminal or the carboxy-terminal disordered regions affect Liprin-α1 phosphorylation induced by DYRK3. Functional analysis shows that mutations within the amino-terminal region do not affect cell motility, while a set of carboxy-terminal mutations reduces the positive effects of Liprin-α1 on cell spreading on the extracellular matrix. Among several candidate phospho-sites in this protein region, we identify Thr701 as one of the potential main targets of DYRK3 activity in Liprin-α1. The phospho-null mutation of Thr701 specifically inhibits Liprin-α1–induced potentiation of cell spreading on fibronectin. Our findings contribute to highlight the complexity of the regulation of Liprin-αprotein functions by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events. Given the involvement of Liprin-α proteins in tumor cell motility and invasion, in-depth understanding of this regulatory complexity may highlight new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.

  • Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and the occurrence of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with sepsis: A retrospective study

    by Bing Wu, Pengli Wei, Jiaxiang Deng, Yuanyuan Rui

    Background

    The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a recognized marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between AIP and the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients with sepsis has not yet been investigated.

    Methods

    The data used in this study were derived from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database. The clinical outcome was the occurrence of AKI. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between AIP and the risk of AKI in sepsis patients. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was applied to explore potential non-linear relationships. Threshold analysis confirmed a turning point at this value. Subgroup analyses evaluated the consistency of the association across different strata. Mediation analysis was performed to explore potential intermediate variables.

    Results

    Among 1,874 sepsis patients, higher AIP levels were associated with increased AKI incidence. Logistic regression showed a significant association between AIP and AKI in unadjusted and partially adjusted models, but the association was no longer significant after full adjustment. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship with a peak AKI risk at AIP = 1.333. Threshold analysis confirmed a turning point at this value. Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations, while nonlinear effects were more evident in specific groups. Mediation analysis suggested that SOFA score, creatinine, WBC count, and respiratory rate partially mediated the AIP-AKI relationship.

    Conclusion

    AIP was nonlinearly associated with AKI in sepsis, with a clear threshold effect. This relationship was partially mediated by SOFA score, creatinine, WBC, and respiratory rate. AIP may serve as a useful marker for AKI risk assessment.