New aporphine alkaloids with antitumor activities from the roots of Thalictrum omeiense.

Two new aporphine alkaloids, 6aR-2'-(3-oxobutenyl)-thaliadin (1) and N-methylthalisopynine (2), along with ten known analogs (3-12), were isolated from the roots of Thalictrum omeiense W. T. Wang et S. H. Wang. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses. Compounds 1-7 and 9-12 were tested for their antiproliferative effects in vitro against two human cancer cell lines (A549 and MCF-7). Among them, compounds 1, 3, and 7 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against the tested cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 23.73 to 34.97 µM.

A prediction model of cognitive impairment risk in elderly illiterate Chinese women.

Objective: To establish and validate a targeted model for the prediction of cognitive impairment in elderly illiterate Chinese women. Methods: 1864 participants in the 2011-2014 cohort and 1,060 participants in the 2014-2018 cohort from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were included in this study. The Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive function. Demographics and lifestyle information were collected to construct a risk prediction model by a restricted cubic spline Cox regression. The discrimination and accuracy of the model were assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) and the concordance index, respectively. Results: A total of seven critical variables were included in the final prediction model for cognitive impairment risk, including age, MMSE score, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), psychological score, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental abilities of daily living (IADL), and frequency of tooth brushing. The internal and external validation AUCs were 0.8 and 0.74, respectively; and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated good performance ability of the constructed model. Conclusion: A feasible model to explore the factors influencing cognitive impairment in elderly illiterate women in China and to identify the elders at high risk was successfully constructed.

Insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) positively correlates with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is involved in both reproductive and metabolic processes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between INSL5 and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted in a university-based reproductive centre between December 2019 and January 2021. We included 117 women with PCOS and 100 healthy subjects from Zhejiang Province. All subjects were divided into four groups (1st-4th) based on quartiles of serum INSL5 levels. Serum INSL5 concentration was assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant direct association was observed between serum INSL5 and AMH levels in women with PCOS. The mean AMH level in the 1st-4th INSL5 level quartiles were 4.64, 5.20, 6.46, and 9.48 ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, body mass index, metabolic indices, and serum levels of oestradiol and total testosterone, AMH levels remained positively and significantly associated with INSL5 levels (P for trend < 0.001). The diagnostic value of AMH was better than that of INSL5. CONCLUSIONS: INSL5 and AMH levels were significantly correlated and elevated in women with PCOS. INSL5 and AMH might be associated with increased androgen secretion and chronic anovulation in PCOS.

Zebrafish larvae acute toxicity test: A promising alternative to the fish acute toxicity test.

Aquatic toxicity is a mandatory component in risk assessment of chemicals. The currently recommended used acute fish toxicity (AFT) test requires a large test system, bringing onerous experimental operation and discharge of much experimental wastewater. In this study, we established a more convenient and efficient test defined as the zebrafish larvae acute toxicity (FLT) test, which employed zebrafish larvae at four days post fertilization as the test organisms and implemented a 48-hour exposure in 6-well plates. Based on validated reproducibility, we applied this test to evaluate the acute toxicity of 35 chemicals. By comparing the results with the existing acute toxicity data reported in the literature, we found that most chemicals exhibited highly positive correlated LC50 in the FLT and the AFT test, with the same or similar toxicity grade. The FLT test showed more comparable sensitivity with the current AFT test than the previously recommended fish embryo acute toxicity test (FET). Moreover, the FLT test is easier to implement than the FET test which requires microscopic observation to identify the fertilization and development status of the embryos. Despite a limitation similar to the FET test in terms of detecting neurotoxicants, the FLT test could be a more promising alternative to the AFT test relative to the FET test.

Effects of Self-Selected Passive Recovery Time in Interval Exercise on Perceptual and Heart Rate Responses in Older Women: A Promissory Approach.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of passive recovery with self-selected time on affect, ratings of perceived exertion, and heart rate in self-selected interval exercises (SSIE). Fifteen older women (68.1 ± 3.8 years), weekly practitioners of functional activities participated in three SSIE with self-selected recovery time (SSRT) and one self-selected continuous exercise session, all at 24 min approximately. The SSIE had the following configurations: 1'/SSRT, 1.5'/SSRT, and 2'/SSRT. The results showed that at the beginning of stimulus heart rate in 1.5'/SSRT (107.9 ± 16.5) and 2'/SSRT (114.6 ± 17.1) were significantly greater (p < .05) compared with self-selected continuous exercise (102.8 ± 14.5). The ratings of perceived exertion in self-selected continuous exercise (2.4 ± 0.4; p < .05) were higher compared with SSIE in recovery. No significant differences were found in affect. The SSIE provided similar responses based on recoveries manipulations.

Site-Specific Bone Differences and Energy Status in Male Competitive Runners and Road Cyclists.

The interaction between mechanical loading and energy availability on bone health in male endurance athletes merits further investigation. The purpose of this study was to compare bone status in male competitive runners and road cyclists and to investigate the influence of energy availability (EA) on bone mineral density (BMD). 18 competitive runners and 19 road cyclists (20-50 years) participated in this study. Areal BMD and body composition were assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Volumetric bone variables at the 4% and 66% tibia sites were assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Energy availability (EA, 7-day dietary and exercise logs) and resting metabolic rate (RMR, open circuit spirometry) were measured as indicators of energy status. Bone loading history, calcium intake, and training history were assessed by questionnaires. After adjusting for age, runners had significantly greater (p < 0.05) areal BMD (femoral neck, left total hip), Z-scores (total body, hips sites), total bone mineral content and trabecular variables (bone mineral content, volumetric BMD, bone strength index) at tibia 4% site, and total volumetric BMD at tibia 66% site than the cyclists (p ≤ 0.05). At the tibia 66% site, cyclists had significantly greater (p < 0.05) total area, periosteal circumference, endosteal circumference, and strength-strain index than runners. Energy variables were similar for runners and cyclists; however, RMR and RMR ratio (measured RMR/predicted RMR) were significantly lower in cyclists (p < 0.001). In conclusion, there were site-specific differences in hip and tibia bone characteristics between runners and cyclists. RMR was associated with several bone outcomes; however, EA was not related to bone health in runners or to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry bone variables in cyclists.

The Effect of Intensity, Frequency, Duration and Volume of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents on Skeletal Muscle Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Physical activity could improve the muscle fitness of youth, but the systematic analysis of physical activity elements and muscle fitness was limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the influence of physical activity elements on muscle fitness in children and adolescents. We analyzed literature in Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases from January 2000 to September 2020. Only randomized controlled studies with an active control group, which examined at least 1 muscle fitness evaluation index in individuals aged 5-18 years were included. Articles were evaluated using the Jaded scale. Weighted-mean standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models. Twenty-one studies and 2267 subjects were included. Physical activity had moderate effects on improving muscle fitness (SMD: 0.58-0.96, p < 0.05). Physical activity element subgroup analysis showed that high-intensity (SMD 0.68-0.99, p < 0.05) physical activity <3 times/week (SMD 0.68-0.99, p < 0.05), and <60 min/session (SMD 0.66-0.76, p < 0.01) effectively improved muscle fitness. Resistance training of ≥3 sets/session (SMD 0.93-2.90, p < 0.01) and <10 repetitions/set (SMD 0.93-1.29, p < 0.05) significantly improved muscle fitness. Low-frequency, high-intensity, and short-duration physical activity more effectively improves muscle fitness in children and adolescents. The major limitation of this meta-analysis was the low quality of included studies. The study was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42020206963 and was funded mainly by the Ministry of Education of Humanities and Social Science project, China.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and maternal-neonatal outcomes in women with established gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with a well-documented range of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and maternal-neonatal outcomes in women with established GDM. METHODS: Published literature was retrieved and screened from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang, and Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trails up to May 2020. RCTs of vitamin D supplementation on pregnant women with GDM were included. RESULTS: 19 RCTs (1550 participants) were eligible for meta-analyses. Overall, vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced serum fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (MD: -10.20 mg/dL, 95%CI: -13.43 to -6.96), insulin concentration (MD: -5.02 µIU/mL, 95%CI: -6.83 to -3.20) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD:-1.06, 95%CI: -1.40 to -0.72) in women with GDM. In addition, vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women with GDM significantly reduced adverse maternal outcomes including cesarean section (RR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.63 to 0.89), maternal hospitalization (RR: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.98) and postpartum hemorrhage (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.22 to 1.00). Several adverse neonatal complications including neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.33 to 0.67), giant children (RR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.89), polyhydramnios (RR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.72), fetal distress (RR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.24 to 0.90) and premature delivery (RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.72) were also significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggested that supplementation of GDM women with vitamin D may lead to an improvement in glycemic control and reduction of adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes.

Muscle-Bone Interactions in Chinese Men and Women Aged 18-35 Years.

To characterize bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, muscle and fat mass, and muscle strength and power in Chinese women (n = 25) and men (n = 28) classified as in the bone accrual phase (18-25 years) or in the peak bone mass phase (26-35 years). Calcium intakes, physical activity levels, and serum vitamin D were measured. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed body composition, lumbar spine, and hip areal BMD (aBMD) variables and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) assessed cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone strength. Muscle strength and power were assessed by grip strength, leg press, and vertical jump tests. Calcium, serum vitamin D, and physical activity levels were similar across age and sex groups. Significant sex differences (p < 0.05) were found for most body composition variables, hip aBMD, tibia variables, and muscle strength and power. Adjusting for height and weight eliminated most of the significant sex differences. Women showed stronger positive correlations between body composition and bone variables (r = 0.44 to 0.78) than men. Also, correlations between muscle strength/power were stronger in women vs. men (r = 0.43 to 0.82). Bone traits were better related to body composition and muscle function in Chinese women compared to Chinese men aged 18 to 35 years, and peak bone mass seems to be achieved by 25 years of age in both Chinese men and women since there were no differences between the two age groups.

Sex differences in bone density, geometry, and bone strength of competitive soccer players.

OBJECTIVES: To examine sex differences in bone characteristics in competitive soccer players. METHODS: 43 soccer players (male, n=23; female, n=20), and 43 matched controls (males, n=23; females, n=20), completed the study. Areal BMD (aBMD) of the total body, lumbar spine, and dual femur and tibiae volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone geometry, and bone strength variables (pQCT) were measured. Bone-specific physical activity and training history were assessed. RESULTS: Male soccer players had significantly greater (p≤0.05) total body and hip aBMD, hip strength indices and 4% and 38% tibia variables than females. Regression analyses determined that BFLBM, not sex, was the strongest predictor of bone variables. Female soccer players exhibited significantly greater percent differences from controls for tibiae variables than males (p≤0.05). Soccer players had greater aBMD and hip strength indices than controls (p≤0.040). Soccer-specific asymmetries were found for 38% total area (2.1%) and pSSI (3.8%), favoring the non-dominant leg (both p≤0.017). CONCLUSION: Bone characteristics adjusted for body size were greater in male versus female soccer players. However, body composition variables were more important predictors of bone characteristics than sex. There were no sex differences in the magnitude of limb asymmetries, suggesting skeletal responsiveness to mechanical loading was similar in males and females.

Bone and muscle specific circulating microRNAs in postmenopausal women based on osteoporosis and sarcopenia status.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that fine tune posttranscriptional protein expression. Aging is accompanied by progressive declines in muscle mass and strength, and in bone mineral density (BMD). Although miRNAs in pathology have been extensively studied, the role of circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) in osteoporosis and sarcopenia has to date not been well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in bone and muscle specific c-miRNAs in postmenopausal women based on their bone and muscle status, and to determine the associations between these specific c-miRNAs and muscle and bone variables. Seventy-five postmenopausal women aged 60 to 85 years old participated in this study. Body composition and BMD, functional performance tests (grip strength, gait speed, and countermovement jumps) were assessed. Levels of c-miRNAs (miR-1-3p, -21-5p, -23a-3p, -24-3p, -100-5p, -125b-5p, -133a-3p, -206) and bone turnover markers were analyzed. Statistically, there were no significant differences in specific c-miRNAs based on sarcopenia and osteoporosis status. However, fold changes of miR-21-5p (FC = 2.59) and -23a-3p (FC = 2.09) indicated upregulation and miR-125b-5p (FC = 0.46) indicated downregulation in the osteoporotic group compared to the non-osteoporotic group. The relative expression level of miR-125b-5p was significantly positively correlated with age (p < 0.05). The relative expression level of miR-21-5p was significantly negatively correlated with trochanter BMC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression level of miR-23a-3p was significantly positively correlated with TRAP5b levels (p < 0.05). Although no statistical differences were found in target c-miRNAs based on muscle and bone status, our results indicate that there are biological differential expressions in some c-miRNAs between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic individuals. Other circulating miRNAs need to be studied in the future.

Sclerostin and parathyroid hormone responses to acute whole-body vibration and resistance exercise in young women.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been shown to improve bone mineral density, and muscle strength and power. No studies to date have examined sclerostin and parathyroid hormone (PTH) responses to WBV combined with resistance exercise (RE). This randomized crossover study compared acute serum sclerostin and PTH responses to RE and WBV + RE in young women (n = 9) taking oral contraceptives. Participants were exposed to 5 1-min bouts of vibration (20 Hz, 3.38 peak-peak displacement, separated by 1 min of rest) before high intensity resistance exercise. Fasting blood samples were obtained before (PRE), immediately after WBV (POSTWBV), immediately post RE (IP) and 30 min post RE (30P). Pre-exercise sclerostin and PTH levels were not significantly different between conditions. Sclerostin levels significantly (p < 0.05) increased from PRE to IP for the WBV + RE condition, then decreased back to the pre-exercise level. PTH significantly decreased from PRE to 30P (p < 0.05) and IP to 30P (p < 0.01) for both conditions. Correcting for hemoconcentration eliminated the significant sclerostin responses, but the significant decrease in PTH remained (p < 0.05). There were no significant relationships found between sclerostin and PTH. In conclusion, sclerostin concentrations increased in response to the WBV + RE condition, which may have been mediated by plasma volume shifts. There was no transient PTH increase, but it showed a large decrease at 30P for both conditions. Based on these findings, the addition of WBV exposures prior to high intensity RE did not alter sclerostin and PTH responses to RE in young women.

Trophic transfer of hexabromocyclododecane in the terrestrial and aquatic food webs from an e-waste dismantling region in East China.

Trophic transfer of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was investigated in both the terrestrial and aquatic food webs from an e-waste dismantling region in East China. The mean Σ3HBCD concentrations in the terrestrial species varied from 0.91 (0.16-1.85) ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) in dragonflies (Pantala flavescens) to 40.3 (22.1-51.1) ng g-1 lw in rats (Rattus norvegicus). The isomeric profile indicated that α-HBCD presented a decreasing trend along the trophic level (TL) (from 97.2% to 16.3% of Σ3HBCDs), while γ-HBCD showed a reverse trend (from 2.8% to 73.6% of Σ3HBCDs). The trophic magnification factor (TMF) derived from the slope of the regression line between TLs and ln-transferred Σ3HBCDs was 0.10, suggesting a trophic dilution of HBCD in the terrestrial food web. By contrast, in the aquatic species, Σ3HBCD concentrations varied from 5.02 (3.5-6.55) ng g-1 lw in apple snails (Ampullaria gigas spix) to 45.9 (14.9-67.8) ng g-1 lw in grass carps (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). α-HBCD was the dominant isomer, followed by γ-HBCD in the majority of species. A positive linear relationship was observed in the plots of ln Σ3HBCDs versus TLs (R2 = 0.81, p = 0.06). The TMF for Σ3HBCDs was 6.36, indicating a trophic magnification of HBCD in the aquatic food web. Although these results demonstrated the distinct trophic transfer of Σ3HBCDs in different ecosystems, further research is needed to eliminate the uncertainty of the tendencies, due to the non-significant relationship and limited species.

Occurrence of chiral organochlorine compounds in the environmental matrices from King George Island and Ardley Island, west Antarctica.

Chiral organochlorine compounds (OCs) were measured in various environmental matrices (air, soil and vegetation) from west Antarctica using high resolution gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). They were generally detected at a global background level compared with the previous studies. α-HCH and PCB-183 was observed in all the matrices except PCB-183 in two soil samples, while PCB-95, -136, -149, -174, -176 and o,p'-DDT were detected in most air but only a few solid matrices. Enantiomeric fractions (EFs) indicated that nonracemic residues of chiral OCs occurred in all the matrices and a wide variation of the EF values was observed in the vegetation. There was significant discrepancy between the EF values of PCB-183 and the racemic values, indicating that stereoselective depletion of PCB-183 was probably associated with the water-air exchange. The EFs values of α-HCH were generally lower than the racemic values but no statistical difference was obtained in all the matrices except lichen, supporting the assumption that water-air exchange may make influence on long-range transport of α-HCH.

Occurrence of organochlorine pesticides in the environmental matrices from King George Island, west Antarctica.

Antarctica is considered as a final sink of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This work aims to investigate the levels, distributions and potential sources of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with HRGC/HRMS technique. Twenty-three OCPs were measured in various environmental matrices from King George Island, west Antarctica. The total concentrations (Σ23OCPs) were at quite low levels, ranging 93.6-1260 pg g(-1) dry weight (dw) in soil and sediment, 223-1053 pg g(-1) dw in moss and 373-812 pg g(-1) dw in lichen. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (especially p,p'-DDE) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were the main contaminants in all samples. Lower α-HCH/γ-HCH and higher p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT ratios compared with the technical products indicated long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) of recent lindane and aged technical DDT. Significant dependence of many OCPs concentrations on total organic carbon (TOC) was observed. Apart from LRAT, local biotic activities could also contribute and influence the spatial distribution of the contaminants.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in environmental samples from Ny-Ålesund and London Island, Svalbard, the Arctic.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in environmental samples collected from Ny-Ålesund and London Island, Svalbard, the Arctic. Total PCB concentrations (∑25PCBs) varied from 0.57 to 2.52 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) in soil, 0.30 to 1.16 ng g(-1) dw in plants and 0.56 to 0.98 ng g(-1) dw in reindeer dung. The non-Aroclor congener of CB-11 was predominant in most samples compared to other congeners, accounting for 16.0±9.8% to the ∑25PCBs. The ∑13PBDEs concentrations were 1.7-416, 36.7-495 and 28.1-104 pg g(-1) dw in soil, plants and reindeer dung, respectively. The signature of enantioselective biotransformation was observed in all samples for chiral CB-95, whereas in parts of samples for other chiral PCBs. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) in six plant species varied within individual contaminant congeners and plant species, with BAFs less than 1 for ∑PCBs and higher than 1 for ∑PBDEs. BAF values decreased with increasing soil concentrations, suggesting that high background levels in soil restricted the accumulation of these contaminants by plants.

Bioconcentration and trophic transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in aquatic animals from an e-waste dismantling area in East China.

Eight aquatic biota species were collected from an e-waste dismantling area in East China to investigate bioconcentration and trophic transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The mean concentrations of PCBs varied widely from 6.01 × 10(4) to 2.27 × 10(6) pg per g dry weight (dw). The ∑25PCB concentrations in eels were significantly higher than those in other species. The levels of PCDD/Fs changed from 8.13 pg per g dw in toads to 617 pg per g dw in stone snails. World Health Organization-toxic equivalents (WHO2005-TEQs) ranged from 2.57 to 2352 pg WHO-TEQ per g dw with a geometric mean value of 64.7 pg WHO-TEQ per g dw, which greatly exceeded the maximum levels of 4 pg per g ww set by the European Commission. The log-transferred bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of 25 PCB congeners ranged from 1.0 to 6.6, with the highest value for CB-205 in crucian carp and the lowest value for CB-11 in frog. A parabolic correlation was observed between log BCF and log Kow (R(2) = 0.53, p < 0.001), where the maximum value occurred at a log Kow of approximately 7. A similar correlation was also found in the plot of log BCF against the number of chlorine atoms of PCBs (R(2) = 0.57, p < 0.001), indicating that medium-halogenated congeners of PCBs are more easily accumulated by aquatic biota species. There were no significant correlations between the log-transferred concentrations and trophic levels of aquatic species, suggesting that trophic magnification for PCBs and PCDD/Fs was not observed in this study.

Fabrication of graphene-encapsulated porous carbon-metal oxide composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Porous carbons such as CMK-3 are commonly used as matrices to accommodate metal oxides for the improvement of their electrochemical performance. However, the mesostructure of CMK-3 may be destroyed gradually with the increase of metal oxide content and some particles are inevitably formed outside the pores of CMK-3, leading to a gradual decrease in capacity and poor cycling performance. Herein, graphene-encapsulated CMK-3-metal oxides (Fe3O4 and NiO) are synthesized through a stepwise heterocoagulation method and exhibit improved electrochemical performances compared to uncoated CMK-3-metal oxides. The core-shell structure of these novel composites can protect the metal oxide particles on the surface of CMK-3 and avoid the aggregation of porous carbon-metal oxides. Moreover, the introduction of graphene may stabilize the mesostructure of CMK-3 during lithiation and delithiation processes and improve the electronic conductivity of the composite, which are conducive to enhancing electrochemical performances of porous carbon-supported metal oxides.