Upregulation of collagen type X alpha 1 promotes the progress of triple-negative breast cancer via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a malignant tumor with high degree of malignancy and lack of effective target treatment. The research aims to explore the role and mechanism of X collagen alpha-1 chain protein (COL10A1 gene) in TNBC. UALCAN and Kaplan-Meier were used to detect the expression of COL10A1 and its role in the prognosis of breast cancer patients. The cells with stably expressing high levels of COL10A1 were obtained by recombinant lentivirus infection. The expression of COL10A1 in cells was temporarily downregulated by siRNA interference fragments. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were utilized to detect the changes of COL10A1 mRNA and protein expression. The biological functions of the cells were evaluated by colony formation, cell counting kit-8, cell invasion and wound healing experiments. In addition, the effect of COL10A1 on angiogenesis was investigated by tube formation assay. Xenograft tumor model was used to confirm the effect of COL10A1 on tumorigenicity in vivo and multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry to detect multiple proteins simultaneously. The possible molecular mechanism of the function of COL10A1 was speculated through the detection of proteins in functionally related pathways. COL10A1 is highly expressed and is significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in TNBC. Overexpression of COL10A1 increased the clone formation rate and cell migration capacity of TNBC cells. In the COL10A1 overexpression group, the clone formation rates of MD-MB-231 and BT-549 cells (21.5 ± 0.62, 27.83 ± 3.72)% were significantly higher than those in the control group(15.23 ± 2.79, 19.4 ± 1.47)%, and the relative migration ratio (47.40 ± 3.09, 41.26 ± 4.33)% were higher than those in the control group (34.48 ± 2.03, 21.80 ± 1.03)%. When the expression of COL10A1 was downregulated, the ability of clone formation and wound-healing migration capacity in TNBC cells was weakened. Upregulated COL10A1 in TNBC cells generated more junctions and longer total segments between vascular endothelial cells, and promoted angiogenesis of the cells, and thus enhanced the tumorigenesis. In TNBC, it was found that COL10A1 might affect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the cells through Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway by the detection of the related pathway proteins. COL10A1 is highly expressed in TNBC, and its high expression leads to poor OS and RFS. COL10A1 may enhance TNBC cell proliferation, migration and tumor-related angiogenesis, and promote tumorigenesis in vivo via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Electrochemical Decarboxylation Coupling Reactions.

Carboxylic acids are attractive synthetic feedstocks with stable, non-toxic, and inexpensive properties that can be easily obtained from natural sources or through synthesis. Carboxylic acids have long been considered environmentally friendly coupling agents in various organic transformations. In recent years, electrochemically mediated decarboxylation reactions of decarboxylic acids and their derivatives (NHPI) have emerged as effective new methods for constructing carbon-carbon or carbon-heterocarbon chemical bonds. Compared with transition metal and photochemistry-mediated catalytic reactions, which do not require the addition of oxidants and strong bases, electrochemically-mediated decarboxylative transformations are considered a sustainable strategy. In addition, various functional groups tolerate the electrochemical decarboxylation conversion strategy well. Here, we summarize the recent electrochemical decarboxylation reactions to better elucidate the advantages of electrochemical decarboxylation reactions.

Longitudinal relationship between pre-exposure prophylaxis motivation and change in adherence among men who have sex with men in Western China.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly dependent on adherence, and adherence behavior is influenced by motivation. The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal relationship between PrEP motivation and change in adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western China. METHODS: From November 2019 to June 2021, we conducted a PrEP prospective cohort study. Motivation to take medicine was measured by the PrEP Motivation Scale at baseline, and was grouped into different levels of latent categories by Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to explore the longitudinal relationship between change in adherence (improvement, decline, no change) and different levels of PrEP motivation. RESULTS: MSM were divided into two categories of PrEP motivation, a "high motivation group" (n = 506, 69.89%) and a "low motivation group" (n = 218, 30.11%). High PrEP motivation had no significant effect on the change in short-term adherence, however, it contributed to the improvement in long-term adherence [odds ratio (OR) = 3.028 (1.100-8.332), p = 0.031]. The predictive power of the adherence model was significantly enhanced with the addition of the PrEP motivation factor. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between high PrEP motivation at baseline and an improvement in long-term adherence. Surveillance and intervention of PrEP motivation in MSM can increase their adherence, and then promote PrEP efficacy.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a new student-centred laboratory training strategy in clinical biochemistry teaching.

BACKGROUND: The error-proneness in the preanalytical and postanalytical stages is higher than that in the analytical stage of the total testing process. However, preanalytical and postanalytical quality management has not received enough attention in medical laboratory education and tests in clinical biochemistry courses. METHODS/APPROACH: Clinical biochemistry teaching program aim to improve students' awareness and ability of quality management according to international organization for standardization 15,189 requirements. We designed a student-centred laboratory training program, according to case-based learning that included 4 stages: "establish an overall testing process based on the patient's clinical indicator, clarify principles, improve operational skills, and review process and continuous improvement". The program was implemented in our college during the winter semesters of 2019 and 2020. A total of 185 undergraduate students majoring in medical laboratory science participated in the program as a test group, and the other 172 students were set up as the control group and adopted the conventional method. The participants were asked to finish an online survey to evaluate the class at the end. RESULTS/OUTCOMES: The test group had significantly better examination scores not only in experimental operational skills (89.27 ± 7.16 vs. 77.51 ± 4.72, p < 0.05 in 2019 grade, 90.31 ± 5.35 vs. 72.87 ± 8.41 in 2020 grade) but also in total examination (83.47 ± 6.16 vs. 68.90 ± 5.86 in 2019 grade, 82.42 ± 5.72 vs. 69.55 ± 7.54 in 2020 grade) than the control group. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed that the students in the test group better achieved classroom goals than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The new student-centred laboratory training program based on case-based learning in clinical biochemistry is an effective and acceptable strategy compared with the conventional training program.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthetase Gene Family in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa) and Plasmodiophora brassicae during Their Interaction.

Trehalose is a nonreducing disaccharide that is widely distributed in various organisms. Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) is a critical enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of trehalose, which serves important functions in growth and development, defense, and stress resistance. Although previous studies have found that the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae can lead to the accumulation of trehalose in infected Arabidopsis organs, it has been proposed that much of the accumulated trehalose is derived from the pathogen. At present, there is very little evidence to verify this view. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the TPS gene family was conducted in Brassica rapa and Plasmodiophora brassicae. A total of 14 Brassica rapa TPS genes (BrTPSs) and 3 P. brassicae TPS genes (PbTPSs) were identified, and the evolutionary characteristics, functional classification, and expression patterns were analyzed. Fourteen BrTPS genes were classified into two distinct classes according to phylogeny and gene structure. Three PbTPSs showed no significant differences in gene structure and protein conserved motifs. However, evolutionary analysis showed that the PbTPS2 gene failed to cluster with PbTPS1 and PbTPS3. Furthermore, cis-acting elements related to growth and development, defense and stress responsiveness, and hormone responsiveness were predicted in the promoter region of the BrTPS genes. Expression analysis of most BrTPS genes at five stages after P. brassicae interaction found no significant induction. Instead, the expression of the PbTPS genes of P. brassicae was upregulated, which was consistent with the period of trehalose accumulation. This study deepens our understanding of the function and evolution of BrTPSs and PbTPSs. Simultaneously, clarifying the biosynthesis of trehalose in the interaction between Brassica rapa and P. brassicae is also of great significance.

Impact of dietary components on enteric infectious disease.

Diets impact host health in multiple ways and an unbalanced diet could contribute to the initiation or progression of a variety of diseases. Although a wealth of information exists on the connections between diet and chronic metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, etc., how diet influences enteric infectious disease still remain underexplored. The review summarizes the current findings on the link between various dietary components and diverse enteric infectious diseases. Dietary ingredients discussed include macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and other dietary ingredients (phytonutrients and probiotic supplements). We first describe the importance of enteric infectious diseases and the direct and indirect relationship between diet and enteric infectious diseases. Then we discuss the effects of different dietary components on the susceptibility to or progression of enteric infectious disease. Finally, we delineate current knowledge gap and highlighted future research directions. The literature review revealed that different dietary components affect host resistance to enteric infections through a variety of mechanisms. Dietary components may directly inhibit or bind to enteric pathogens, or indirectly influence enteric infections through modulating immune function and gut microbiota. Elucidating the unique repercussions of different diets on enteric infections in this review may help provide dietary guidelines or design dietary interventions to prevent or alleviate enteric infectious diseases.

PrEP risk perception and adherence among men who have sex with men: a prospective cohort study based on growth mixture model.

BACKGROUND: It can be considered that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) risk perception is the negative experiences or concerns about taking PrEP. The aim of this study is to explore the longitudinal trajectory of PrEP risk perception among men who have sex with men (MSM) and its impact on adherence. METHODS: Data related to PrEP risk perception and adherence were derived from a prospective cohort study in Western China from 2013 to 2015. Subjects were categorized into the time-driven, event-driven and blank control groups. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was administered to subjects in the time-driven and event-driven groups, and all subjects were followed up every 12 weeks. The PrEP risk perception scale was constructed, and the growth mixture model (GMM) was used to classify longitudinal PrEP risk perception. The effect of different levels of PrEP risk perception on drug adherence was explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The PrEP risk perception scale consists of 4 dimensions and 16 items with Cronbach's alpha = 0.828 and a good model fit. According to the GMM analysis, the subjects' PrEP risk perceptions were separated into two groups: a "high-risk perception group" (n = 133) and a "low-risk perception group" (n = 493), where the proportion of high levels of drug adherence were 57.89% and 68.35%, respectively (p = 0.024). High levels of PrEP risk perception in the MSM population hinder drug adherence (RR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.99, p = 0.046). The results of this study were validated in the subsequent PrEP projects conducted in 2019 to 2021. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that high levels of PrEP risk perception in the MSM population are an obstacle to drug adherence, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on PrEP risk perception in this population and the value of its application in the current context.

Analysis of the association between MICA gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been implicated in schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore the correlation between the major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA) polymorphisms and schizophrenia. METHODS: A total of 220 Han schizophrenia patients, 47 Han healthy controls, 155 Li schizophrenia patients, and 48 Li controls were selected from Hainan Province, China. The diagnosis was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria. Sequencing-based-typing (PCR-SBT) technology was used for MICA allele typing, and the correlation analyses of MICA gene polymorphism and schizophrenia were performed. RESULTS: In the Han group, the three allele frequencies of MICA*002:01, MICA*A4, and MICA*A9 in the schizophrenia group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant (pc < 0.05; pc values were 0.024, 0.030, and 0.031, respectively). Yet, there was no difference in the MICA gene between the schizophrenia group and the healthy controls group in the Li population. CONCLUSION: We found MICA*002:01, MICA*A4, and MICA*A9 may be susceptibility alleles for schizophrenia in the Han population, while the MICA allele polymorphism in the Li population is not associated with schizophrenia in Chinese.

Effect of a Reminder System on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Prospective Cohort Study Based on WeChat Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly dependent on adherence, and one of the main reasons for poor adherence is forgetfulness. Therefore, it is important to explore how to remind users to take their medicine on time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the effect of a reminder system on PrEP adherence in men who have sex with men (MSM) to improve adherence. The main function of the reminder system based on the WeChat social media app is to send daily messages to PrEP users reminding them to take their medicine. METHODS: An open-label, multicenter, prospective cohort study of PrEP in HIV-negative MSM was conducted from November 2019 to June 2021. Study participants who met the criteria were randomly divided into 2 groups: no-reminder group and reminder group. Both groups received daily oral PrEP with follow-up every 3 months. Adherence was measured on the basis of self-report and was defined as the percentage of medications taken on time. Participants in the reminder group scanned a WeChat QR code and received a reminder message every day. Participants in the no-reminder group took daily oral medicines without reminders. The longitudinal trajectories of adherence for both groups were displayed to compare the variability in adherence at each time point. The association between the changes in adherence (no change, improvement, decline) at each time point and the use of the reminder system was analyzed by multinomial logistic regression models to further explore the effectiveness of the system. RESULTS: A total of 716 MSM were included in the analysis, that is, 372 MSM in the no-reminder group and 344 MSM in the reminder group. Adherence in the no-reminder group fluctuated between 0.75 and 0.80 and that in the reminder group gradually increased over time from 0.76 to 0.88. Adherence at each time point was not statistically different between the 2 groups. Further analysis showed that an improvement in adherence in the early stage was associated with the use of the reminder system (odds ratio [OR] 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.70; P=.04). An improvement in average adherence compared to initial adherence was positively associated with the use of the reminder system (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.10-3.01; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the reminder system on PrEP adherence in MSM was more significant in the early stage, which is related to the increased motivation of users and the development of medicine-taking habits. The reminder system is potentially effective for early-stage medicine management, encouraging users to develop healthy medicine-taking habits and to increase their adherence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial ChiCTR190026414; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=35077.

Red Phosphorus/P25 Nanophotosensitizers Coated with Platelet Membrane for Enhancing Cancer Cells Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses targeted photosensitizing drugs, has been regarded as a promising method for cancer therapy. In the present study, photosensitizer red phosphorus modified P25 nanophotosensitizers (P25-RP) were generated, which were coated with platelet membrane (P25-RP@PLT) extracted from platelet rich plasma. The biocompatibility of P25-RP was demonstrated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and optical microscope assay, more than 93 % cells in the concentration of 100 µg/ml of P25-RP suspension after co-incubation for 24 h were still kept alive. The antitumor performance of P25-RP@PLT was evaluated via CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and fluorescence staining of live/dead cells. The experiment results showed that P25-RP@PLT could ablate 55 % malignant tumor cells upon laser irradiation within 5 min, which was 10 % higher than P25-RP alone against cancer cells. Mechanistically, the cancer cell toxicity of P25-RP@PLT nanophotosensitizers was attributed to its heterojunction structure that broadens the absorption spectra, whereas PLT membrane coating technology allows for immune escape and selective adhesion capacity to cancer cells. This work provided a novel pathway on the design of novel visible-light-driven photosensitizer for cancer therapy.

Spatial and temporal variations of PM2.5 concentrations in Chinese cities during 2015-2019.

The study analyzed the current status and changing trends of PM2.5 pollution, and used Kriging spatial interpolation, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and scan statistics to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics and identify hotspots. The results showed that PM2.5 pollution during 2015-2019 displayed a downward trend year by year, with a pronounced seasonal difference of higher concentrations in winter and lower concentrations in summer. By 2019, there were still 110 cities (n = 194) failed to meet China's annual grade II air quality standard (35 µg/m3). The spatial distribution of PM2.5 was characterized by marked heterogeneity, with a significant spatial dependence and clustering characteristics. The pollution hotspots of PM2.5 were mainly concentrated in eastern and central China, especially in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding area. The results of this study will assist Chinese authorities in developing strategies for preventing and controlling air pollution, especially in hotspot regions and during peak periods.

Factors influencing HIV testing and counselling services among men who have sex with men in Western China: a cross-sectional study based on Andersen's Behavioral Model.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM), as a marginal population, has been largely ignored by health service projects. We assessed the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services and its influencing factors based on Andersen's Behavioral Model, so as to provide a theoretical basis for future infectious disease prevention and control strategies and health services policy formulation for these population. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. A sample survey was conducted in Western China, and an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among MSM. Based on Andersen's Behavioral Model, the questionnaire divided the influencing factors into predisposing factor, enabling factor and need factor. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the utilization of HIV testing and counselling. RESULTS: There were 3184 valid questionnaires. In the survey of HIV health services, 82.85% MSM had HIV testing and 64.98% MSM had HIV counselling, respectively. Among the predisposing factor, age 25 years old and over was a facilitator of HIV testing and counselling, and ethnicity was a factor associated with HIV testing. Among the enabling factor, MSM living in urban were more likely to have access to testing and counselling services, and income was also linked to HIV testing. Among the need factor, a high level of HIV knowledge could promote testing and counselling, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was a facilitator of testing. CONCLUSIONS: HIV testing is widespread in Western China and higher than counselling service. MSM with high-risk characteristics should be identified as a priority in the future public health services.

Cesarean delivery on maternal request and its influencing factors in Chongqing, China.

BACKGROUND: A high rate of cesarean delivery has become a cause of global concern. Although the rate of cesarean delivery has declined over recent years, it remains at a high level largely because of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR). Unnecessary cesarean delivery has limited significance in benefiting maternal and infant physical health; in some ways, it might pose potential risks instead. With the implementation of the "Two-child Policy" in China, an increasing number of women plan to have a second child. Accordingly, how to handle the CDMR rate in China remains an important issue. METHODS: Data were collected from a longitudinal follow-up study conducted in Chongqing, China, from 2018 to 2019. A structured questionnaire was administered to subjects for data collection. Basic information, including demographic characteristics, living habits, medical history, and follow-up data of pregnant women, as well as their families and society, was collected. Additionally, delivery outcomes were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the factors influencing CDMR. RESULTS: The rate of cesarean delivery in Chongqing, China was 36.01 %, and the CDMR rate was 8.42 %. Maternal request (23.38 %), fetal distress (22.73 %), and pregnancy complications (9.96 %) were the top three indications for cesarean delivery. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age (OR = 4.292, 95 % CI: 1.984-9.283) and being a primiparous woman (OR = 6.792, 95 % CI: 3.230-14.281) were risk factors for CDMR. In addition, CDMR was also associated with factors such as the tendency to choose cesarean delivery during late pregnancy (OR = 5.525, 95 % CI: 2.116-14.431), frequent contact with mothers who had undergone vaginal deliveries (OR = 0.547, 95 % CI: 0.311-0.961), and the recommendation of cesarean delivery by doctors (OR = 4.071, 95 % CI: 1.007-16.455). CONCLUSIONS: "Maternal request" has become the primary indication for cesarean delivery. The occurrence of CDMR is related to both the personal factors of women during pregnancy and others. Medical institutions and obstetricians should continue popularizing delivery knowledge among pregnant women, enhancing their own professional knowledge about delivery, adhering to the standard indications for cesarean delivery, and providing pregnant women with adequate opportunities for attempting vaginal delivery.

Using an interactive web application to identify pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence among men who have sex with men.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk for HIV infection. While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective oral preventive strategy, its success is largely dependent on consistent medication adherence. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop the machine learning web application and evaluate the performance in predicting PrEP adherence. Methods: The PrEP prospective cohort study of the MSM population conducted in Western China from 2019 to 2023, and we collected adherence data and personal characteristics data from 747 MSM. Predictor variables were screened and the performance of several machine learning methods in predicting nonadherent behaviors were compared. Results: A total of 11 candidate variables were screened that predicted nonadherent behaviors. We developed and evaluated five machine learning models that performed well in predicting adherence. Attitudes of male sexual partners, self-efficacy, HIV testing, number of male sexual partners, and risk perception were the most important predictors of adherence. The optimal prediction model was displayed in a shiny web application for online calculation of the probability of occurrence of nonadherent behaviors among MSM. Conclusions: Machine learning performed well in predicting nonadherent behaviors among MSM. An interactive and intuitive web application can help identify individuals who may have nonadherent behaviors, resulting in improved medication adherence and increased prevention efficacy.

The role of rcpA gene in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a common seafood-borne pathogen that can colonize the intestine of host and cause gastroenteritis. Biofilm formation by V. parahaemolyticus enhances its persistence in various environments, which poses a series of threats to food safety. This work aims to investigate the function of rcpA gene in biofilm formation and virulence of V. parahaemolyticus. Deletion of rcpA significantly reduced motility, biofilm biomass, and extracellular polymeric substances, and inhibited biofilm formation on a variety of food and food contact surfaces. In mice infection model, mice infected with ∆rcpA strain exhibited a decreased rate of pathogen colonization, a lower level of inflammatory cytokines, and less tissue damage when compared to mice infected with wild type strain. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 374 genes were differentially expressed in the rcpA deletion mutant, which include genes related to quorum sensing, flagellar system, ribosome, type VI secretion system, biotin metabolism and transcriptional regulation. In conclusion, rcpA plays a role in determining biofilm formation and virulence of V. parahaemolyticus and further research is necessitated to fully understand its function in V. parahaemolyticus.

Psychological Status of Men Who Have Sex with Men during COVID-19: An Online Cross-Sectional Study in Western China.

Background: The psychological status of men who have sex with men (MSM) as a vulnerable population during COVID-19 is worthy of attention. However, studies of Chinese MSM are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological status and influencing factors of MSM population and to provide a scientific basis for this group to actively respond to public health emergencies. Methods: From June to September 2020, we conducted an online survey. MSMs were recruited through collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and peer recommendations. The variables we collected included four aspects: demographic and HIV-related characteristics; COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; COVID-19-related risk perception; epidemic exposure. The psychological status was assessed by the Psychological Questionnaire for Emergent Events of Public Health (PQEEPH), which defined the psychological status as five primary disorders: depression, neurasthenia, fear, anxiety, and hypochondria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the influences of COVID-19-related factors on the psychological status. Results: We surveyed 412 MSM online during COVID-19. The five psychological status of high-risk states accounted for 16.99% (depression), 14.08% (neurasthenia), 16.75% (fear), 16.50% (anxiety), and 18.20% (hypochondria), respectively. Not being well-informed about the causes of COVID-19 (p = 0.020) and having experienced epidemic exposure (p = 0.006) were able to promote the occurrence of depression. Lack of knowledge of the curative effect of COVID-19 has a higher risk of occurrence neurasthenia (p < 0.001). Being afraid of the novel coronavirus (p < 0.001) promoted fear. The perceived prevalence of the epidemic (p = 0.003), being more susceptible to COVID-19 (p < 0.001), and not being well-informed about the causes of COVID-19 (p = 0.005) had a positive effect on anxiety. Considering that the epidemic was not effectively controlled (p = 0.017), being more susceptible to COVID-19 (p < 0.001) was a contributing factor to the hypochondria. Conclusions: The incidence of psychological disorders in Chinese MSM was higher than that in other groups during COVID-19. Factors associated with COVID-19 may cause a range of mental health problems in this population. Greater attention should be paid to the mental health status of special populations during the epidemic, and effective preventive education and intervention measures should be taken.

Latent Trajectories and Risk Factors of Prenatal Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Southwestern China-A Longitudinal Study.

(1) Background: Few studies have explored the heterogeneity of trajectories of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the trajectory groups of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in women during pregnancy and the risk factors associated with those groups. (2) Methods: Data came from pregnant women recruited from January to September 2018 in four hospitals in Chongqing Province, China. A structured questionnaire was given to pregnant women, which collected basic information, including personal, family, and social information. The growth mixture model was applied to identify potential trajectory groups, and multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyze factors of trajectory groups. (3) Results: We identified three stress trajectory groups, three anxiety trajectory groups, and four depression trajectory groups. Less developed regions, inadequate family care, and inadequate social support were associated with a high risk of stress; residence, use of potentially teratogenic drugs, owning pets, family care, and social support were strongly associated with the anxiety trajectory group; family care and social support were the most critical factors for the depression trajectory group. (4) Conclusions: The trajectories of prenatal stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms are dynamic and heterogeneous. This study may provide some critical insights into the characteristics of women in the high-risk trajectory groups for early intervention to mitigate worsening symptoms.

A high-sucrose diet causes microbiota composition shift and promotes the susceptibility of mice to Salmonella Typhimurium infection.

A westernized diet characterized by high fat and sugar is tightly associated with the development of metabolic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease. Although a high-fat diet has been extensively studied for its involvement in various diseases, fewer studies have examined the impact of a high-sugar diet on the development of certain diseases, particularly enteric infections. This study aimed to explore the effect of a high sucrose diet on Salmonella Typhimurium-induced infection. C57BL/6 mice received a normal diet (Control) or a high sucrose diet (HSD) for eight weeks and then were infected by Salmonella Typhimurium. The high-sugar diet profoundly altered the relative abundance of certain microbial taxa. Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobiota were more abundant in normal diet-fed mice than in HSD-fed mice. Moreover, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) were significantly higher in mice from the control group than the HSD group. More S. Typhimurium counts in feces and other tissues were observed in HSD-fed mice after infection. Tight junction proteins and antimicrobial peptides were significantly decreased in HSD-fed mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) demonstrated that mice that received normal fecal microbiota had lower Salmonella Typhimurium burdens compared with mice that received HSD fecal microbiota, indicating that the altered microbial communities are associated with the severity of infection. Together, these findings suggest that the excessive intake of sucrose disturbs intestinal homeostasis and predisposes mice to Salmonella-induced infection.

Association between Serum Cys C and PTB Cavitation.

Background: Cystatin C (Cys C) not only regulates the body's immune defenses but also contributes to tissue degradation and destruction by causing an imbalance between protease and antiprotease in infectious diseases. Is Cys C involved in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection and cavitation? We therefore conducted a retrospective study on this question to provide a basis for further studies. Methods: Cavitary PTB patients, noncavitary PTB patients, and healthy controls were recruited in our study. Serum Cys C, CRP, BUN, UA, and CR were measured in all subjects, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare medians of these clinical parameters in different groups. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to determine correlations between variables. In addition, a multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with PTB cavitation. Results: In our study, elevated serum Cys C levels were found in cavitary PTB patients compared to healthy controls and noncavitary patients (p = 0.022). Serum Cys C levels were statistically correlated with serum BUN and CR concentrations (r = 0.278, p = 0.005; r = 0.281, p = 0.004) in PTB patients. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that elevated serum Cys C levels were correlated with pulmonary cavitation in PTB patients (OR = 1.426, 95% CI: 1.071-1.898). Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of Cys C are associated with pulmonary cavitation in PTB patients.

Anti-Biofilm Activity of Laurel Essential Oil against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a primary seafood-associated pathogen that could cause gastroenteritis. It can attach to various surfaces and form a biofilm, which poses serious threats to food safety. Hence, an effective strategy is urgently needed to control the biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus. Laurel essential oil (LEO) is used in food, pharmaceutical and other industries, and is commonly used as a flavoring agent and valuable spice in food industries. The potential antibiofilm effects of LEO against V. parahaemolyticus were examined in this study. LEO obviously reduced biofilm biomass at subinhibitory concentrations (SICs). It decreased the metabolic activity and viability of biofilm cells. Microscopic images and Raman spectrum indicted that LEO interfered with the structure and biochemical compositions of biofilms. Moreover, it also impaired swimming motility, decreased hydrophobicity, inhibited auto-aggregation and reduced attachment to different food-contact surfaces. RT-qPCR revealed that LEO significantly downregulated transcription levels of biofilm-associated genes of V. parahaemolyticus. These findings demonstrate that LEO could be potentially developed as an antibiofilm strategy to control V. parahaemolyticus biofilms in food industries.