Background Increasing evidence supported the possible neuro-invasion potential of SARS-CoV-2. However, no studies were conducted to explore the existence of the micro-structural changes in the central nervous system after infection. We aimed to identify the existence of potential brain micro-structural changes related to SARS-CoV-2. Methods In this prospective study, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and 3D high-resolution T1WI sequences were acquired in 60 recovered COVID-19 patients (56.67% male; age: 44.10 ± 16.00) and 39 age- and sex-matched non-COVID-19 controls (56.41% male; age: 45.88 ± 13.90). Registered fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were quantified for DTI, and an index score system was introduced. Regional volumes derived from Voxel-based Morphometry (VBM) and DTI metrics were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Two sample t-test and Spearman correlation were conducted to assess the relationships among imaging indices, index scores and clinical information. Findings In this follow-up stage, neurological symptoms were presented in 55% COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients had statistically significantly higher bilateral gray matter volumes (GMV) in olfactory cortices, hippocampi, insulas, left Rolandic operculum, left Heschl's gyrus and right cingulate gyrus and a general decline of MD, AD, RD accompanied with an increase of FA in white matter, especially AD in the right CR, EC and SFF, and MD in SFF compared with non-COVID-19 volunteers (corrected p value <0.05). Global GMV, GMVs in left Rolandic operculum, right cingulate, bilateral hippocampi, left Heschl's gyrus, and Global MD of WM were found to correlate with memory loss ( p value <0.05). GMVs in the right cingulate gyrus and left hippocampus were related to smell loss ( p value <0.05). MD-GM score, global GMV, and GMV in right cingulate gyrus were correlated with LDH level ( p value <0.05). Interpretation Study findings revealed possible disruption to micro-structural and functional brain integrity in the recovery stages of COVID-19, suggesting the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2. Funding Shanghai Natural Science Foundation, Youth Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Sailing Program, Shanghai Science and Technology Development, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project and ZJ Lab.

Protein interactions involving intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) comprise a variety of binding modes, from the well-characterized folding upon binding to dynamic fuzzy complexes. To date, most studies concern the binding of an IDP to a structured protein, while the interaction between two IDPs is poorly understood. In this study, NMR, smFRET, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation are combined to characterize the interaction between two IDPs, the C-terminal domain (CTD) of protein 4.1G and the nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein. It is revealed that CTD and NuMA form a fuzzy complex with remaining structural disorder. Multiple binding sites on both proteins were identified by molecular dynamics and mutagenesis studies. This study provides an atomic scenario in which two IDPs bearing multiple binding sites interact with each other in dynamic equilibrium. The combined approach employed here could be widely applicable for investigating IDPs and their dynamic interactions.

Artificial aquaporins are synthetic molecules that mimic the structure and function of natural aquaporins (AQPs) in cell membranes. The development of artificial aquaporins would provide an alternative strategy for treatment of AQP-related diseases. In this report, an artificial aquaporin has been constructed from an amino-terminated tubular molecule, which operates in a unimolecular mechanism. The artificial channel can work in cell membranes with high water permeability and selectivity rivaling those of AQPs. Importantly, the channel can restore wound healing of the cells that contain function-lost AQPs.

Background and Purpose— High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging is a promising technique for assessing wall structures of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). However, the relationship between aneurysmal high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging features and their histopathologic mechanism remains poorly understood. Methods— From February 2016 to February 2018, a total of 19 men and 28 women with 54 UIAs treated surgically were prospectively enrolled. The intraoperative observed gross pathology of the aneurysmal wall was compared with the enhancement features on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Specimens of the UIAs were harvested for histopathologic and immunohistochemistry analysis. Results— An irregular shape and large size was significantly related to UIA wall enhancement. Both uniform and focal wall enhancement may demonstrate the inflammation processes of UIA walls, although the latter may indicate more atherosclerotic plaque formation. Conclusions— Different high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging enhancement features may represent variable inflammation status of a UIA wall, which may provide new insights into assessing the UIA wall structure and optimizing treatment.