Computational Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Mutations and Nirmatrelvir Efficacy: The Effects of P132H and P132H-A173V.

Nirmatrelvir, a pivotal component of the oral antiviral Paxlovid for COVID-19, targets the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a covalent inhibitor. Here, we employed combined computational methods to explore how the prevalent Omicron variant mutation P132H, alone and in combination with A173V (P132H-A173V), affects nirmatrelvir's efficacy. Our findings suggest that P132H enhances the noncovalent binding affinity of Mpro for nirmatrelvir, whereas P132H-A173V diminishes it. Although both mutants catalyze the rate-limiting step more efficiently than the wild-type (WT) Mpro, P132H slows the overall rate of covalent bond formation, whereas P132H-A173V accelerates it. Comprehensive analysis of noncovalent and covalent contributions to the overall binding free energy of the covalent complex suggests that P132H likely enhances Mpro sensitivity to nirmatrelvir, while P132H-A173V may confer resistance. Per-residue decompositions of the binding and activation free energies pinpoint key residues that significantly affect the binding affinity and reaction rates, revealing how the mutations modulate these effects. The mutation-induced conformational perturbations alter drug-protein local contact intensities and the electrostatic preorganization of the protein, affecting noncovalent binding affinity and the stability of key reaction states, respectively. Our findings inform the mechanisms of nirmatrelvir resistance and sensitivity, facilitating improved drug design and the detection of resistant strains.

Galactagogue Food Consumption, Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply, and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Chinese Postpartum Women: An Analysis of Repeated Measures.

INTRODUCTION: Little research has explored galactagogue food consumption in China. This study aims to investigate consumption patterns and how they relate to perceived insufficient milk supply and exclusive breastfeeding. METHODS: Data were collected from postpartum women in China at six time points: baseline demographic questionnaire before hospital discharge (T0), galactagogue food questionnaire at 1 month postpartum (T1), Hill and Humenick Lactation Scale at 6 weeks postpartum (T2), and breastfeeding practices at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postpartum (T1, T3, T4, T5). RESULTS: Of 218 participants who completed the galactagogue food questionnaire, 64.68% were consumers. No association was found between galactagogue food consumption and perceived insufficient milk supply. Consumers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively. DISCUSSION: Future research should emphasize a deeper understanding of consumer behaviors and family support in providing professional guidance on postpartum nutrition that considers not only social and cultural experiences but also broader medical aspects.

Identification of and Mechanistic Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Non-Covalent Inhibitors: An In-Silico Study.

The indispensable role of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) in the viral replication cycle and its dissimilarity to human proteases make Mpro a promising drug target. In order to identify the non-covalent Mpro inhibitors, we performed a comprehensive study using a combined computational strategy. We first screened the ZINC purchasable compound database using the pharmacophore model generated from the reference crystal structure of Mpro complexed with the inhibitor ML188. The hit compounds were then filtered by molecular docking and predicted parameters of drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics. The final molecular dynamics (MD) simulations identified three effective candidate inhibitors (ECIs) capable of maintaining binding within the substrate-binding cavity of Mpro. We further performed comparative analyses of the reference and effective complexes in terms of dynamics, thermodynamics, binding free energy (BFE), and interaction energies and modes. The results reveal that, when compared to the inter-molecular electrostatic forces/interactions, the inter-molecular van der Waals (vdW) forces/interactions are far more important in maintaining the association and determining the high affinity. Given the un-favorable effects of the inter-molecular electrostatic interactions-association destabilization by the competitive hydrogen bond (HB) interactions and the reduced binding affinity arising from the un-compensable increase in the electrostatic desolvation penalty-we suggest that enhancing the inter-molecular vdW interactions while avoiding introducing the deeply buried HBs may be a promising strategy in future inhibitor optimization.

Mechanistic Origin of Different Binding Affinities of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBDs to Human ACE2.

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBDCoV2) has a higher binding affinity to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) than the SARS-CoV RBD (RBDCoV). Here, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, binding free energy (BFE) calculations, and interface residue contact network (IRCN) analysis to explore the mechanistic origin of different ACE2-binding affinities of the two RBDs. The results demonstrate that, when compared to the RBDCoV2-ACE2 complex, RBDCoV-ACE2 features enhanced dynamicsand inter-protein positional movements and increased conformational entropy and conformational diversity. Although the inter-protein electrostatic attractive interactions are the primary determinant for the high ACE2-binding affinities of both RBDs, the significantly enhanced electrostatic attractive interactions between ACE2 and RBDCoV2 determine the higher ACE2-binding affinity of RBDCoV2 than of RBDCoV. Comprehensive comparative analyses of the residue BFE components and IRCNs between the two complexes reveal that it is the residue changes at the RBD interface that lead to the overall stronger inter-protein electrostatic attractive force in RBDCoV2-ACE2, which not only tightens the interface packing and suppresses the dynamics of RBDCoV2-ACE2, but also enhances the ACE2-binding affinity of RBDCoV2. Since the RBD residue changes involving gain/loss of the positively/negatively charged residues can greatly enhance the binding affinity, special attention should be paid to the SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying such mutations, particularly those near or at the binding interfaces with the potential to form hydrogen bonds and/or salt bridges with ACE2.

Efficacy and Safety of Domperidone and Metoclopramide in Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domperidone and metoclopramide used by breastfeeding women. Methods: A systematic literature search retrieved citations from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Medline, EBSCO, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov (from inception to January, 2021) and bibliographies of known articles. Randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of domperidone and metoclopramide in breastfeeding women with term and preterm infants experiencing adequate or low milk supply were identified. Human milk volume and maternal side effects were presented as mean difference (MD) or relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Sixteen trials involving 729 women were included in the qualitative analysis and 14 trials involving 607 women were included in the meta-analysis. In mothers of preterm infants with low milk supply, domperidone demonstrated a significant increase in daily human milk volume (MD = 90.53 mL/day, 95% CI [65.42 to 115.64], I2 = 9%). However, metoclopramide did not show significant difference in daily human milk volume in women with preterm infants (MD = -1.14 mL/day, 95% CI [-31.42 to 29.14], I2 = 0%). No differences in maternal side effects were noted with domperidone (RR = 1.20, 95% CI [0.74 to 1.97], I2 = 0%) or metoclopramide (RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.52 to 2.11], I2 = 27%) in women with preterm infants. Regarding the women with term infants, there were insufficient data in the current review. Conclusions: Domperidone can be used to treat low milk supply in women with preterm infants without significant side effects based on the current review. More evidence exploring the efficacy and safety of domperidone and metoclopramide are still needed for breastfeeding women in the future.

Retrospective analysis on incidence and risk factors of early onset acute kidney injury after lung transplantation and its association with mortality.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after lung transplantation (LTx) which is closely related to the poor prognosis of patients. We aimed to explore potential risk factors and outcomes associated with early post-operative AKI after LTx. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 136 patients who underwent LTx at our institution from 2017 to 2019. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors related to AKI. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI after LTx. Secondary outcomes were associations between AKI and short-term clinical outcomes and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 136 patients analyzed, 110 developed AKI (80.9%). AKI was associated with higher baseline eGFR (odds ratio (OR) 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.03)) and median tacrolimus (TAC) concentration (OR 1.15 (95% CI: 1.02-1.30)). Patients with AKI suffered longer mechanical ventilation days (p = .015) and ICU stay days (p = .011). AKI stage 2-3 patients had higher risk of 1-year mortality (HR 16.98 (95% CI: 2.25-128.45)) compared with no-AKI and stage 1 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested early post-operative AKI may be associated with higher baseline eGFR and TAC concentrations. AKI stage 1 may have no influence on survival rate, whereas AKI stage 2-3 may be associated with increased mortality at 1-year.

Periplaneta americana extract promotes intestinal mucosa repair of ulcerative colitis in rat.

PURPOSE: To investigate the mechanism of Periplaneta americana extract promoting intestinal mucosal repair of OXZ-induced colitis in rat. METHODS: All experiments used an equal number of male and female SD rats (n=48). We injected OXZ into the colon to induce UC rat model. To determine the optimal concentration of P. Americana's extract (PA-40), it was classified into low (L), medium (M), and high (H) doses. After OXZ treatment, each drug was administered by enema for 7 consecutive days. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups: (1) Saline treatment group (NC), (2) OXZ treatment UC model group (MC), (3) OXZ + budesonide group (BUN), (4) OXZ + PA-40 L group, (5) OXZ + PA-40 M group, (6) OXZ + PA-40 H group. Disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, histopathological score, serum cytokine level (IL-4, IL-10, iNOS, tNOS), and amount of MPO, EGF, IL-13 in colonic mucosa were measured. RESULTS: PA treatment had a significant healing effect on the OXZ-colitis model and significantly reduced the lesioned area, especially in the PA-40H groups. PA treatment did not alter the expression of IL-10 and MPO level, but increased EGF (epidermal growth factor) and decrease IL-13 in the colonic tissue. PA inhibited the rise of NOSs (nitric oxide synthase) and decreased the serum IL-4 level. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that Periplaneta americana extract may be a potential compound for the treatment of colonic lesions. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of IL-13 and promoting the formation of EGF.

Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Dietary Intake of Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin among Chinese Adults in 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between three B-vitamin intakes and sociodemographic factors among adults in China. METHODS: We derived our data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) among 12,241 individuals aged 18-64 years. Log binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios for factors associated with the inadequate intake of B-vitamins. RESULTS: Females with low incomes and living in the north had a higher prevalence of inadequate riboflavin intake than those with high incomes and living in the south. Both males and females living in a village had a higher prevalence of inadequate riboflavin intake than adults living in a city. Adults with low income, low education, and living in the north or in a village had a higher prevalence of inadequate niacin intake than adults with a high income, high education, and living in the south or in a city. CONCLUSION: We found that income, region, and area of residence were associated with riboflavin intake. Education, income, region, and area of residence were associated with niacin intake. Well-tailored strategies and policies are needed to improve nutritional status in China.

4-1BB Agonism Combined With PD-L1 Blockade Increases the Number of Tissue-Resident CD8+ T Cells and Facilitates Tumor Abrogation.

Although the milestone discovery of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has been translated into clinical practice, only a fraction of patients can benefit from it with durable responses and subsequent long-term survival. Here, we tested the anti-tumor effect of combining PD-L1 blockade with 4-1BB costimulation in 3LL and 4T1.2 murine tumor models. Dual treatment induced further tumor regression and enhanced survival in tumor-bearing mice more so than PD-L1 and 4-1BB mAb alone. It was demonstrated that dual anti-PD-L1/anti-4-1BB immunotherapy increased the number of intratumoral CD103+CD8+ T cells and altered their distribution. Phenotypically, CD103+CD8+ T cells expressed a higher level of 4-1BB and PD-1 than their CD103- counterparts. Administration of PD-L1 mAb and 4-1BB mAb further increased the cytolytic capacity of CD103+CD8+ T cells. In vivo, CD103-CD8+ T cells could differentiate into CD103+CD8+ progeny cells. In a human setting, more CD8+ T cells differentiated into CD103+CD8+ T cells in the peripheral tumor region of lung cancer tissues than in the central tumor region. Collectively, infiltrated CD103+CD8+ T cells served as a potential effector T cell population. Combining 4-1BB agonism with PD-L1 blockade could increase tumor-infiltrated CD103+CD8+T cells, thereby facilitating tumor regression.

Role of spinal adenosine A1 receptors in the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of spinal adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) in the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) for neuropathic pain. METHODS: We performed EA for 30 minutes at the zusanli acupoint in the legs of rats with previously induced chronic constriction injuries and observed the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds 1 hour later. We also examined adenosine levels by high-performance liquid chromatography and A1R expression in the L4-6 spinal cord by western blot analysis. We then injected A1R short interfering RNA (AV-shA1RNA) into the L4-6 spinal cord to downregulate A1R expression and re-examined the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds. RESULTS: Adenosine levels and A1R expression in the L4-6 spinal cord were increased at 1 hour after EA. In addition, EA exhibited an analgesic effect that was reversed by AV-shA1RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that EA at the zusanli acupoint elicits an analgesic effect against neuropathic pain, mediated by A1Rs in the spinal cord.

Periplaneta americana extract promotes intestinal mucosa repair of ulcerative colitis in rat

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of Periplaneta americana extract promoting intestinal mucosal repair of OXZ-induced colitis in rat. Methods: All experiments used an equal number of male and female SD rats (n=48). We injected OXZ into the colon to induce UC rat model. To determine the optimal concentration of P. Americana's extract (PA-40), it was classified into low (L), medium (M), and high (H) doses. After OXZ treatment, each drug was administered by enema for 7 consecutive days. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups: (1) Saline treatment group (NC), (2) OXZ treatment UC model group (MC), (3) OXZ + budesonide group (BUN), (4) OXZ + PA-40 L group, (5) OXZ + PA-40 M group, (6) OXZ + PA-40 H group. Disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, histopathological score, serum cytokine level (IL-4, IL-10, iNOS, tNOS), and amount of MPO, EGF, IL-13 in colonic mucosa were measured. Results: PA treatment had a significant healing effect on the OXZ-colitis model and significantly reduced the lesioned area, especially in the PA-40H groups. PA treatment did not alter the expression of IL-10 and MPO level, but increased EGF (epidermal growth factor) and decrease IL-13 in the colonic tissue. PA inhibited the rise of NOSs (nitric oxide synthase) and decreased the serum IL-4 level. Conclusions: The data suggest that Periplaneta americana extract may be a potential compound for the treatment of colonic lesions. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of IL-13 and promoting the formation of EGF.

[Effect of acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery in patients with radical thyroidectomy under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery in patients with radical thyroidectomy under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). METHODS: A total of 62 patients with radical thyroidectomy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 31 cases in each one. In both of the two groups, general anesthesia with tracheal intubation was applied, the same anesthesia induction and maintenance medication were given. In the observation group, auricular point pressing with magnetic beads was adopted at bilateral shenmen (TF4) and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 6 to 12 mA) was performed at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of the anesthesia. In the control group, medical adhesive plaster was pasted at bilateral shenmen (TF4) and the electrodes were plastered at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) with no corresponding stimulation. In both of the two groups, visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) score was observed to evaluate the anxiety severity before anesthesia induction; the total intraoperative dosages of sufentanil, remifentanil and propofol were recorded; the numerical rating scale (NRS) score was used to assess the pain severity of instant time (T0) and 30 min (T1) of entering post-anesthesia recovery room (PACU), motor and static mode at 2 h (T2), 6 h (T3), 12 h (T4), 24 h (T5) after surgery; time of first anal exhaust, time of getting out of bed after surgery, total hospitalization time and the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting were observed; the quality of recovery was assessed by the 40-item quality of recovery score (QoR-40). RESULTS: The VAS-A score and the total intraoperative dosage of remifentanil in the observation group were reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05). The NRS scores at T0-T4 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the difference between the two groups in NRS score at T5 was not significant (P>0.05). The time of first anal exhaust and getting out of bed after surgery in the observation group were advanced than those in the control group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the two groups in total hospitalization time and incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the QoR-40 score was increased in the observation group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint stimulation can improve the preoperative anxiety in patients with radical thyroidectomy, reduce the intraoperative anesthetic dosage and postoperative pain, advance the time of anal exhaust and getting out of bed, improve the quality of postoperative recovery and enhance the recovery process.

A Scan of Obesogenic Environments and a Spatial Inference of Obesity Prevalence in Chinese Children and Adolescents: Based on the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey 2011 Data.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of Chinese obesogenic environments at a provincial level, infer a spatial distribution map of obesity prevalence in 31 provinces, and provide a foundation for development of policy to reduce obesity in children and adolescents. METHODS: After scanning obesity data on subjects aged 7-17 years from 12 provinces in the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2011 and environmental data on 31 provinces from the China Statistical Yearbook 2011 and other sources, we selected 12 predictors. We used the 12 surveyed provinces as a training sample to fit an analytical model with partial least squares regression and prioritized the 12 predictors using variable importance in projection. We also fitted a predictive model with Bayesian analysis. RESULTS: We identified characteristics of obesogenic environments. We fitted the predictive model with a deviance information criterion of 61.96 and with statistically significant (P < 0.05) parameter estimates of intercept [95% confidence interval (CI): 329.10, 963.11], log(oil) (CI: 13.11, 20.30), log(GDP) (CI: 3.05, 6.93), log(media) (CI: -234.95, -89.61), and log(washing-machine) (CI: 0.92, 5.07). The total inferred average obesity prevalence among those aged 7-17 was 9.69% in 31 Chinese provinces in 2011. We also found obvious clustering in occurrences of obesity in northern and eastern provinces in the predicted map. CONCLUSION: Given complexity of obesity in children and adolescents, concerted efforts are needed to reduce consumption of edible oils, increase consumption of vegetables, and strengthen nutrition, health, and physical activity education in Chinese schools. The northern and eastern regions are the key areas requiring intervention.

In vitro inhibition of proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells by fasudil.

AIM: To study the potential role of fasudil as a treatment for posterior capsular opacification (PCO) of the human crystalline lens. METHODS: Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs; line SRA01/04) was exposed to transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2) to induce the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Fasudil was applied to the cell samples. Its effect on overall HLECs proliferation and migration was studied, as was its influence on EMT induction by TGF-ß2 using cell migration assay, MTT colorimetric assay and Western blot assay. RESULTS: Fasudil inhibited the proliferation of SRA01/04. Its effect was time- and concentration-dependent. The migration of SRA01/04 cells was significantly reduced 24-72h after fasudil treatment, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 22.37 µmol/mL at 72h. Reversal of the elongated, fibroblast-like shape changes induced by TGF-ß2 in SRA01/04 cells was observed. Fasudil up-regulated the expression of Connexin43 protein and down-regulated the expression of α-SMA protein compared with the cells treated with TGF-ß2. Furthermore, when exposed to fasudil, the phosphorylation of Rho-associated protein kinase (Rock) and myosin light chain (MLC) could not be activated in the cell preparations. CONCLUSION: Fasudil suppresses the proliferation and migration of SRA01/04 cells, and inhibits the process of EMT induced by TGF-ß2. These results suggest that fasudil may serve as a therapeutic agent for PCO.

Dietary Zinc Intake and Its Association with Metabolic Syndrome Indicators among Chinese Adults: An Analysis of the China Nutritional Transition Cohort Survey 2015.

The dietary zinc consumed in Chinese households has decreased over the past decade. However, the national dietary zinc intake in the last five years has seldom been investigated. Using data from 12,028 participants 18 to 64 years old (52.9% male) in the China Nutritional Transition Cohort Survey (CNTCS) 2015, we describe the intake of dietary zinc and the contributions of major foods and we examine the relationship between the level of dietary zinc intake and metabolic syndrome indicators, including blood pressure, fasting glucose, and triglycerides (TG), in Chinese adults. We assessed dietary zinc intake using 24 h recalls on three consecutive days. The mean daily dietary zinc intake for all participants was 10.2 milligrams per day (males 11.2 mg/day, females 9.4 mg/day, p < 0.001). The mean daily dietary zinc density for all participants was 5.2 mg/day per 1000 kilocalories. Among all participants, 31.0% were at risk of zinc deficiency, with dietary zinc intakes of less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) (males 49.2%, females 14.8%, p < 0.050), and 49.9% had adequate dietary zinc intakes, equal to or greater than the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) (males 30.7%, females 67.0%, p < 0.050). We found substantial gender differences in dietary zinc intake and zinc deficiency, with nearly half of the men at risk of zinc deficiency. Males of younger age, with higher education and incomes, and who consumed higher levels of meat, had higher zinc intakes, higher zinc intake densities, and higher rates of meeting the EAR. Among all participants, grains, livestock meat, fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood were the top five food sources of zinc, and their contributions to total dietary zinc intake were 39.5%, 17.3%, 8.9%, 6.4%, and 4.8%, respectively. The groups with relatively better dietary zinc intakes consumed lower proportions of grains and higher proportions of livestock meat. For males with adequate dietary zinc intake (≥RNI), TG levels increased by 0.219 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) compared with males with deficient dietary zinc intake (

Gender difference in the association between food away-from-home consumption and body weight outcomes among Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to explore the associations between food away-from-home (FAFH) consumption and body weight outcomes among Chinese adults. DESIGN: FAFH was defined as food prepared at restaurants and the percentage of energy from FAFH was calculated. Measured BMI and waist circumference (WC) were used as body weight outcomes. Quantile regression models for BMI and WC were performed separately by gender. SETTING: Information on demographic, socio-economic, diet and health parameters at individual, household and community levels was collected in twelve provinces of China. SUBJECTS: A cross-sectional sample of 7738 non-pregnant individuals aged 18-60 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2011 was analysed. RESULTS: For males, quantile regression models showed that percentage of energy from FAFH was associated with an increase in BMI of 0·01, 0·01, 0·01, 0·02, 0·02 and 0·03 kg/m2 at the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th quantile, and an increase in WC of 0·04, 0·06, 0·06, 0·04, 0·06, 0·05 and 0·07 cm at the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th quantile. For females, percentage of energy from FAFH was associated with 0·01, 0·01, 0·01 and 0·02 kg/m2 increase in BMI at the 10th, 25th, 90th and 95th quantile, and with 0·05, 0·04, 0·03 and 0·03 cm increase in WC at the 5th, 10th, 25th and 75th quantile. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that FAFH consumption is relatively more important for BMI and WC among males rather than females in China. Public health initiatives are needed to encourage Chinese adults to make healthy food choices when eating out.

[Effects of drought stress at the bud stage on quality of cut lily.] / 蕾期干旱胁迫对百合切花品质的影响.

Under the climatic conditions of the central Yunnan, with oriental lily cultivar 'Sorbonne' as material, the influences of different degrees of drought stress on physiological and biochemical changes of leaf and on quality of cut flowers after re-watering during the growth of bud were studied. The results showed that as the period of drought stress extended, the levels of leaf relative water content and chlorophyll content decreased significantly, while the stomatal density, MDA and proline content increased. Under mild drought, MDA increased slowly while it rose rapidly in the later stage of moderate drought stress, indicating that severe drought aggravated harm to the plasma membrane and ultimately affect the synthesis of MDA. Proline only experienced some slight changes in early period of mild drought, however, it increased sharply under severe drought conditions, which indicated that the sensitivity of proline to water deficit was lower than that to MDA. From re-watering to flowering, the effects of drought during bud growth reflected abnormal flowering traits. Compared with the normal group, there were significant differences in shoot growth, plant height, flower diameter, length and width of petal and flower pigment content. All indicators were in verse relation with the length of drought stress period because a longer drought period resulted in shorter plants, smaller flowers, shallower color. The differences among seven treatments during the flowe-ring stage of leaf morphology (length and width) were not significant. The drought during bud stage resulted in the delay of the flowering time, and the flowering quality of plants experiencing severe drought stress could not return to the normal levels even after re-watering. Overall, mild drought during early period had small influence on the quality of lily cut flowers as well as the grade of flo-wering branches. Under moderate or severe drought, the quality of cut flowers declined dramatically and even lost their commercial values.

[Trend in meat consumption patterns among Chinese children in nine provinces(autonomous region) aged 6 to 17 years between 1991 and 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the trend in meat consumption patterns between 1991 and 2011 in Chinese children in nine provinces(autonomous region) aged 6 to 17 years. METHODS: A multistage, random cluster sampling process was used to investigate 2720, 2702, 2525, 2405, 1509, 1238, 1085, and 936 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011 respectively in 9 provinces (autonomous region) in China. Their consecutive 3 d 24 h dietary recall data were analyzed to compare meat intake pattern in children and adolescents with different characteristics and different years. RESULTS: The consumption rate increased from 60.9% (1657/2720) in 1991 to 87.2% (816/936) in 2011 for livestock meat (χ(2) = 458.23, P < 0.01), from 9.4% (257/2720) to 33.3% (312/936) for poultry (χ(2) = 446.07, P < 0.01) and from 27.3% (743/2720) to 40.6% (380/936) for seafood (χ(2) = 89.89, P < 0.01). The median of total meat intake increased from 47.4 g/d in 1991 to 100.0 g/d in 2011 (χ(2) = 516.77, P < 0.01), poultry intake from 33.3 g/d to 60.0 g/d (χ(2) = 420.13, P < 0.01), pork intake from 26.7 g/d to 50.0 g/d (χ(2) = 380.50, P < 0.01). The percentage of children whose livestock meat and poultry intakes higher than the recommended amount increased from 32.9% (896/2720) in 1991 to 59.8% (560/936) in 2011 (χ(2) = 392.97, P < 0.01); the percentage of children whose seafood intakes meeting the recommended amount increased from 6.9% (187/2720) in 1991 to 8.8% (82/936) in 2011 (χ(2) = 21.52, P < 0.01). The consumption rates of livestock meat in urban and rural children increased from 81.2% (536/660) and 54.4% (1121/2060) in 1991 to 94.7% (234/247) (χ(2) = 38.34, P < 0.01) and 84.5% (582/689) (χ(2) = 429.26, P < 0.01) in 2011. The intakes of livestock meat in rural children increased from 16.7 g/d in 1991 to 56.7 g/d in 2011 (χ(2) = 472.46, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The overall pattern of meat consumption in Chinese children in nine provinces(autonomous region) was unreasonable between 1991 and 2011. There was a significant improvement in meat consumption in rural children over time.

[Trend in vegetable and fruit intake among Chinese children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years from 1991 to 2009 and related socio-demographic factors].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term shifts in fruit and vegetable intakes in Chinese children and adolescents between 1991 and 2009 and related impact from socio-economic factors on such dynamics. METHODS: Data was from the seven waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. 12 596 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with full data of 3-day-24-hour dietary recall, together with related demographic and socioeconomic factors were chosen as the study subjects. RESULTS: The consumption rates of fruits and vegetables showed an significant increasing trend, from 58.3% in 1991 to 82.4%, on dark-color vegetables(χ(2) = 213.2, P < 0.01), from 94.4% to 96.9% on light-color vegetable(χ(2) = 11.6, P < 0.0001)and from 12.6% to 45.4% for fruits(χ(2) = 571.2, P < 0.0001)in 2009. The median intake of total vegetables decreased from 250.0 g/d in 1991 to 225.8 g/d in 2009(χ(2) = 72.4, P < 0.0001) and the light-color vegetable decreased by 36.6 g/d. However, among the corresponding consumers, the fruit intake increased about 50.0 g/d (χ(2) = 104.2, P < 0.01)and the dark-color vegetable intake decreased about 40.0 g/d (χ(2) = 92.8, P < 0.0001 ). The proportion of children who reached the minimum intake of vegetable(300 g/d)recommended by Dietary Guidelines for Chinese 2007 decreased from 38.9% in 1991 to 26.8% in 2011 and the proportion of children who had met the minimum intake(200 g/d)increased from 2.0% to 13.9% . 25.1% of the children consumed dark-color vegetables more than half of the total vegetable intake. Schooling of the mother and family income had important impact on fruit consumption of the children. CONCLUSION: Rates on fruit and vegetable consumption showed an increasing trend among Chinese children and adolescents over the past 20 years. However, the vegetable intake significantly decreased and the fruit intake increased slightly. Chinese Children posed a greater risk on insufficient intake on both vegetables and fruits. Comprehensive and effective programs should be taken to increase vegetable and fruit intakes in order to improve the nutritional status of children.

[Trend in dietary calcium intake among Chinese children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years in nine provinces from 1991 to 2009].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the daily calcium intake, food sources and the trends among Chinese children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years from 1991 to 2009. METHODS: Consecutive 3-day-24-hour dietary recall data from the seven waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey(CHNS)was used to describe the status and trends of daily calcium intake and related food sources. RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2009, the daily intake of calcium in Chinese children and adolescents showed an increasing trend. In 2009, the average intakes of calcium in Chinese boys and girls were 311.2 mg/d and 294.6 mg/d, respectively. 81.5%-87.6% of boys and 87.0%-91.0% of girls had their calcium intakes less than half of the recommended amount of adequate intakes. Only 0.2%-0.8% of boys and 0.1%-0.8% of girls had their calcium intakes equal or higher than the recommended amount of adequate intakes. The sources of dietary calcium were mainly from vegetables, legumes, cereals and milk products for Chinese children and adolescents, accounting for more than 70% of the average daily intakes. CONCLUSION: During the past two decades, the dietary calcium intake of Chinese children and adolescents still remained at lower level, suggesting that the optimal food sources of calcium were under-consumed.