Isolation, culture, characterization and the functional study of testicular Leydig cells from Hezuo pig.

Testosterone, an important sex hormone, regulates sexual maturation, testicular development, spermatogenesis and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in males. Testicular Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone production in the body. Hezuo pigs, native to the southern part of Gansu, China, are characterized by early sexual maturity, strong disease resistance and roughage tolerance. This study employed type IV collagenase digestion combined with cell sieve filtration to isolate and purify Leydig cells from the testicular tissue of 1-month-old Hezuo pigs. We also preliminarily investigated the functions of these cells. The results indicated that the purity of the isolated and purified Leydig cells was as high as 95%. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the isolated cells specifically expressed the 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase antibody. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the testosterone secretion of the Leydig cells cultured in vitro (generations 5-9) ranged between 1.29-1.67 ng/mL. Additionally, the content of the cellular autophagy signature protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 was measured at 230-280 pg/mL. Through this study, we established an in vitro system for the isolation, purification and characterization of testicular Leydig cells from 1-month-old Hezuo pigs, providing a reference for exploring the molecular mechanism behind precocious puberty in Hezuo pigs.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies with Antiphospholipid Antibodies Positivity: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of twin pregnancies with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity, a rare and complex clinical condition that remains a huge challenge for management. Methods: This study enrolled twin-pregnant women at our hospital between January 2018 and August 2023. Women with and without aPL positivity were selected using propensity score matching (PSM). Clinical features and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups in the PSM cohort. To analyze the effect of aPL positivity on pregnancy outcomes, multivariate logistic models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among the 773 women with twin pregnancies, aPL positivity was found in 26 women (3.36%). In the PSM cohort, there were 24 twin-pregnant women with positive aPL, and 48 women without aPL were selected as controls. Twin-pregnant women with aPL positivity had a higher proportion of abortion (8.33% vs 0, P = 0.043), preterm birth < 34 weeks (33.33% vs 8.33%, P = 0.007) and very low birthweight (<1500 g) (20.83% vs 4.17%, P = 0.016) than the control group. In addition, stillbirth of one fetus was observed in one twin-pregnant woman with positive aPL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that twin pregnancy with aPL positivity was associated with preterm birth < 34 weeks (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 0.83-4.70, P = 0.005), very low birthweight (<1500 g) (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 0.18-4.67, P = 0.034) and small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.22-3.10, P =0.024). Conclusion: Twin pregnancies with aPL positivity were correlated with obstetric complications, including abortion, preterm birth < 34 weeks and very low birthweight (<1500 g). The detection of aPL may be of clinical significance for women with twin pregnancies and should be considered in future studies.

Mapping the intellectual structure and emerging trends for the application of nanomaterials in gastric cancer: A bibliometric study.

BACKGROUND: Recent reviews have outlined the main nanomaterials used in relation to gastrointestinal tumors and described the basic properties of these materials. However, the research hotspots and trends in the application of nanomaterials in gastric cancer (GC) remain obscure. AIM: To demonstrate the knowledge structure and evolutionary trends of research into the application of nanomaterials in GC. METHODS: Publications related to the application of nanomaterials in GC were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for this systematic review and bibliometric study. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used for bibliometric and visualization analyses. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2022, the application of nanomaterials in GC developed rapidly. The keyword co-occurrence analysis showed that the related research topics were divided into three clusters: (1) The application of nanomaterials in GC treatment; (2) The application and toxicity of nanomaterials in GC diagnosis; and (3) The effects of nanomaterials on the biological behavior of GC cells. Complexes, silver nanoparticles, and green synthesis are the latest high-frequency keywords that represent promising future research directions. CONCLUSION: The application of nanomaterials in GC diagnosis and treatment and the mechanisms of their effects on GC cells have been major themes in this field over the past 23 years.

Serum cytokines and creatinine/cystatin C ratio as prognostic biomarkers in advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), specifically targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 or its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1), have been extensively used in the treatment of a spectrum of malignancies, although the predictive biomarkers remain to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the association between baseline circulating levels of cytokines and the creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR) with the treatment outcomes of ICIs in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The pre-treatment circulating levels of 10 cytokines (PD-L1, CTLA4, CXCL10, LAG3, HGF, CCL2, MIG, GRANB, IL-18, and IL-6) were measured via automated capillary-based immunoassay platform in the serum of 65 advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based systemic therapy and 10 healthy volunteers. The levels of cytokines and CCR were quantified and categorized into high and low groups based on the median value. The associations of serum cytokines and CCR with response to treatment, survival, and immune-related adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: Elevated circulating levels of 6 cytokines (PD-L1, CXCL10, HGF, CCL2, MIG, and IL-6) were observed in cancer patients compared with that in healthy volunteers. The correlation coefficients between cytokines, CCR and nutritional risk index were also calculated. In the cancer cohort (N = 65), low circulating HGF (P = 0.023, P = 0.029), low IL-6 (P = 0.002, P < 0.001), and high CCR (P = 0.031, P = 0.008) were associated with significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Multi-variable COX analyses adjusted for clinicopathological factors revealed that low HGF, low IL-6, and high CCR were independent favorable prognostic factors for PFS (P = 0.028, P = 0.010, and P = 0.015, respectively) and OS (P = 0.043, P = 0.003, and P = 0.026, respectively). Grade 2 irAEs occurred more frequently in patients with low levels of circulating CCL2 and LAG3. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment circulating levels of serum IL-6, HGF, and CCR may serve as independent predictive and prognostic biomarkers in advanced cancer patients treated with ICIs-based systemic therapy. These findings might help to identify potential patients who would benefit from these therapies.

[The role of Th17 cells and IL-17 in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Review].

Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis had increased numbers of Th17 cells in serum and thyroid tissue, significantly elevated levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17), and an imbalance in the ratio of Th17 cells to regulatory T cells (Tregs). The reduced Tregs' ratio leads to a reduction in immunosuppressive function within the thyroid gland, while Th17 cells are involved in the development of HT by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the thyroid gland and mediating thyroid tissue fibrosis through the secretion of IL-17.

MYC and NCAPG2 as molecular targets of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer in nursing.

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor in intestinal tract, the early symptoms are not obvious. Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the gastric mucosal epithelium. However, the role of MYC and non-SMC condensin II complex subunit G2 (NCAPG2) in colorectal cancer and gastric cancer remains unclear. The colorectal cancer datasets GSE49355 and gastric cancer datasets GSE19826 were downloaded from gene expression omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed. Functional enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune infiltration analysis was performed. Construction and analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPI) network. Survival analysis and comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) were performed. A heat map of gene expression was drawn. A total of 751 DEGs were obtained. According to the gene ontology (GO) analysis, in Biological process (BP) analysis, they are mainly enriched in cell differentiation, cartilage development, and skeletal development. In cellular component (CC) analysis, they are mainly enriched in the cytoskeleton of muscle cells and actin filaments. In molecular function (MF) analysis, they are mainly concentrated in Rho GTPase binding, DNA binding, and fibronectin binding. In Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, they are mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, and cancer pathways. The soft threshold power for WGCNA analysis was set to 9, resulting in the generation of 40 modules. Ultimately, 2 core genes (MYC and NCAPG2) were identified. The heatmap of core gene expression showed high expression of MYC and NCAPG2 in colorectal cancer tissue samples and low expression in normal tissue samples, while they were core molecules in gastric cancer. Survival analysis indicated that MYC and NCAPG2 were risk factors, showing an upregulation trend with increasing risk scores. CTD analysis revealed associations of MYC and NCAPG2 with colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, inflammation, and immune system diseases. MYC and NCAPG2 are highly expressed in colorectal cancer. The higher the expression of MYC and NCAPG2, the worse the prognosis. MYC and NCAPG2 are core molecules in gastric cancer.

An efficient method for rapid screening of triterpenoid saponins in three Glycyrrhiza species using rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with mass defect filtering.

Triterpenoid saponins, a major bioactive component of liquorice, possess high hydrophilicity and often co-occur with other impurities of similar polarity. Additionally, subtle structural differences of some triterpenoid saponins bring challenges to comprehensive characterisation. In this study, triterpenoid saponins of three Glycyrrhiza species were systematically analysed using rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with mass defect filtering (MDF). Firstly, comprehensive date acquisition was achieved using RRLC-Q-TOF-MS. Secondly, a polygonal MDF method was established by summarizing known and speculated substituents and modifications based on the core structure to rapidly screen potential triterpenoid saponins. Thirdly, based on the fragmentation patterns of reference compounds, an identification strategy for characterisation of triterpenoid saponins was proposed. The strategy divided triterpenoid saponins into three distinct classes. By this strategy, 98 triterpenoid saponins including 10 potential new ones were tentatively characterised. Finally, triterpenoid saponins of three Glycyrrhiza species were further analysed using principle component analysis (PCA) and orthogonality partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Among these, 18 compounds with variable importance in projections (VIP) > 1.0 and P values < 0.05 were selected to distinguish three Glycyrrhiza species. Overall, our study provided a reference for quality control and rational use of the three species.

IL-33 in patients with periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: A link between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been identified, and interleukin-33 (IL-33) may play an important role in the common inflammatory mechanisms of these diseases. This study analyzed the associations of the serum IL-33 level with the occurrence and severity of periodontitis and COPD. METHODS: A total of 161 participants were divided into four groups: healthy volunteers, periodontitis patients, COPD patients, and patients with both COPD and periodontitis. Associations between serum IL-33 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinical factors as well as the risks and severity of periodontitis and COPD were analyzed. RESULTS: Serum IL-33 levels were lower in all patient groups than in healthy controls. A trend toward lower IL-33 levels was observed among patients with both diseases compared with patients with either disease alone. The serum IL-33 level was also inversely associated with the severity of periodontitis and COPD. The serum IL-33 level was negatively associated with risks of periodontitis and COPD, indicating that IL-33 is likely involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of the relationship between COPD and periodontitis. CONCLUSION: This study advances our understanding of the association between COPD and periodontitis and provides new bases for COPD prevention and treatment.

Can oral microbiome predict low birth weight infant delivery?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the oral microbiota factors contributing to low birth weight (LBW) in Chinese pregnant women and develop a prediction model using machine learning. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted in a prospective cohort of 580 Chinese pregnant women, with 23 LBW cases and 23 healthy delivery controls matched for age and smoking habit. Saliva samples were collected at early and late pregnancy, and microbiome profiles were analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: The relative abundance of Streptococcus was over-represented (median 0.259 vs. 0.116) and Saccharibacteria_TM7 was under-represented (median 0.033 vs. 0.068) in the LBW case group than in controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.015 respectively). Ten species were identified as microbiome biomarkers of LBW by LEfSe analysis, which included 7 species within the genus of Streptococcus or as part of 'nutritionally variant streptococci' (NVS), 2 species of opportunistic pathogen Leptotrichia buccalis and Gemella sanguinis (all LDA score>3.5) as risk biomarkers, and one species of Saccharibacteria TM7 as a beneficial biomarker (LDA= -4.5). The machine-learning model based on these 10 distinguished oral microbiota species could predict LBW, with an accuracy of 82 %, sensitivity of 91 %, and specificity of 73 % (AUC-ROC score 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.75-1.0). Results of α-diversity showed that mothers who delivered LBW infants had less stable salivary microbiota construction throughout pregnancy than the control group (measured by Shannon, p = 0.048; and Pielou's, p = 0.021), however the microbiome diversity did not improve the prediction accuracy of LBW. CONCLUSIONS: A machine-learning oral microbiome model shows promise in predicting low-birth-weight delivery. Even in cases where oral health is not significantly compromised, opportunistic pathogens or rarer taxa associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes can still be identified in the oral cavity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the potential complexity of the relationship between oral microbiome and pregnancy outcomes, indicating that mechanisms underlying the association between oral microbiota and adverse pregnancy outcomes may involve complex interactions between host factors, microbiota, and systemic conditions. Using machine learning to develop a predictive model based on specific oral microbiota biomarkers provides a potential for personalized medicine approaches. Future prediction models should incorporate clinical metadata to be clinically useful for improving maternal and child health.

Digital measurement of deciduous tooth dimensions in China: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Crown dimensions data of deciduous teeth hold anthropological, forensic, and archaeological value. However, such information remains scarce for the Chinese population. This multi-center study aimed to collect a large sample of deciduous crown data from Chinese children using three-dimensional measurement methods and to analyze their dimensions. DESIGN: A total of 1592 children's deciduous dentition samples were included, and the sample size was distributed according to Northeast, North, East, Northwest, Southwest and South China. Digital dental models were reconstructed from plaster dental models. Independent sample t test, paired t test, principal component analysis (PCA), and factor analysis (FA) were used to analyze the tooth crown dimensions. RESULT: 18,318 deciduous teeth from 1592 children were included. Males exhibited slightly larger values than females. The range of sexual dimorphism percentages for each measurement was as follows: mesiodistal diameter (0.40-2.08), buccolingual diameter (0.13-2.24), and maxillogingival diameter (0.48-3.37). The FA results showed that the main trend of crown dimensions changes was the simultaneous increase or decrease in mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter and maxillogingival diameter in three directions. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale survey of deciduous tooth crown dimensions in China, which supplements the data of deciduous tooth measurement and provides a reference for clinical application.

Impact of income and financial subsidies on oral health care utilization among persons with disabilities in Singapore.

BACKGROUND/AIM(S): Globally, studies have shown that the dental disease burden among persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is high and can be attributed to lower utilization levels of dental services. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of income and financial subsidies on the utilization of dental care services among persons with IDD in Singapore. METHODS: Between August 2020 and August 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted via centres offering Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children, special education schools and adult associations in Singapore serving persons with IDD. A sample of 591 caregivers of children and adults with IDD completed the survey. Data on sociodemographic information, oral health behaviours and dental utilization were collected. Financial subsidy status was assessed by the uptake of a government-funded, opt-in Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) for low-income families that provided a fixed subsidy amount for dental services in the primary care setting. Statistical analysis was carried out using univariable, multiple logistic regression and modified Poisson regression. Propensity score matching was carried out in R version 4.0.2 to assess the impact of financial subsidies on oral health care utilization among persons with IDD. RESULTS: Compared to those with lower gross monthly household incomes, the adjusted prevalence ratios of having at least one dental visit in the past year, having at least one preventive dental visit in the past year, and visiting the dentist at least once a year for persons with IDD with gross monthly household incomes of above SGD$4000 were 1.28 (95% CI 1.08-1.52), 1.48 (95% CI 1.14-1.92) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.09-1.70), respectively. Among those who were eligible for CHAS Blue subsidies (247 participants), 160 (62.0%) took up the CHAS Blue scheme and 96 (35.4%) visited the dentist at least yearly. There was no statistically significant difference in the utilization of dental services among individuals enrolled in the CHAS Blue subsidy scheme among those eligible for CHAS Blue subsidies. CONCLUSION: Higher household income was associated with a higher prevalence of dental visits in the past year, preventive dental visits in the past year, and at least yearly dental visits. CHAS Blue subsidies alone had limited impact on dental utilization among persons with IDD who were eligible for subsidies.

Transcriptome analysis on pulmonary inflammation between periodontitis and COPD.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of gene regulation, as well as the inflammatory pathways involved. Methods: Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, chronic periodontitis (CP) group, COPD group, and CP&COPD group. Lung tissue samples were selected for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) sequencing analysis, and differential genes were screened out. Gene enrichment analysis was carried out, and then crosstalk gene enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the pathogenesis related to periodontal disease and COPD. Results: Results of enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CP group were concentrated in response to bacterial origin molecules. The DEGs in the COPD group gene were enriched in positive regulation of B cell activation. The DEGs in the CP&COPD group were concentrated in neutrophil extravasation and neutrophil migration. The mice in the three experimental groups had 19 crosstalk genes, five of which were key genes. Conclusions: Lcn2, S100a8, S100a9, Irg1, Clec4d are potential crossover genes of periodontal disease and COPD. Lcn2, S100a8, S100a9 are correlated with neutrophils in both diseases. Irg1 and Clec4d may bind to receptors on the surface of lymphocytes to produce cytokines and activate inflammatory pathways, this requires further research.

Dimeric eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids from the peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia.

A continued phytochemical investigation guided by 1H NMR and LC-MS data on the ethanol extract from the peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. led to the isolation of 16 undescribed dimeric eremophilane sesquiterpenoids, namely syringenes R-Z (1-9) and A1-G1 (10-16). These structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data, including HRESIMS, NMR, quantum-mechanics-based computational analysis of NMR chemical shifts, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and a concise rule for determination of relative configuration of angular methyl was proposed. The results of the cardioprotective assay demonstrated that 3 exhibits a protective effect against hypoxia-induced injuries in H9c2 cells. This effect was observed at a concentration of 10 µM, with a protective rate of 28.43 ± 11.80%.

Analysis of factors related to thrombosis in patients with PICC placements.

This study aimed to investigate the conditions of patients with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements, analyze the risk factors influencing thrombosis in PICC-placed patients, and formulate more accurate and effective PICC management strategies. A total of 147 patients undergoing PICC placements were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and the patients were divided into thrombosis and non-thrombosis groups. Detect levels of bilirubin, white blood cells, venous pressure, heparin concentration, blood flow, citric acid, and platelets. Pearson chi-square test, Spearman correlation analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to analyze independent risk factors. Among the 147 patients with PICC placements, there were 84 males and 63 females. Thrombosis occurred in 116 cases, with an incidence rate of 78.91%. Pearson chi-square test showed a significant correlation between citric acid, blood flow, platelets and frailty (P < .001) with thrombosis formation. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between citric acid (ρ = -0.636, P < .001), blood flow (ρ = 0.584, P < .001), platelet count (ρ = 0.440, P < .001), frailty (ρ = -0.809, P < .001) and thrombosis in PICC placement patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between thrombosis formation and citric acid (OR = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.006-0.08, P < .001), blood flow (OR = 33.973, 95% CI = 9.538-121.005, P < .001), platelet count (OR = 22.065, 95% CI = 5.021-96.970, P < .001), frailty (OR = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.001-0.025, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed a significant correlation between thrombosis formation and citric acid (OR = 0.013, 95% CI = 0.002-0.086, P < .001), blood flow (OR = 35.064, 95% CI = 6.385-192.561, P < .001), platelet count (OR = 4.667, 95% CI = 0.902-24.143, P < .001), frailty (OR = 0.006, 95% CI = 0.001-0.051, P < .001). However, gender (OR = 0.544, 95% CI = 0.113-2.612, P = .447), age (OR = 4.178, 95% CI = 0.859-20.317, P = .076), bilirubin (OR = 2.594, 95% CI = 0.586-11.482, P = .209), white blood cells (OR = 0.573, 95% CI = 0.108-3.029, P = .512), venous pressure (OR = 0.559, 95% CI = 0.129-2.429, P = .438), and heparin concentration (OR = 2.660, 95% CI = 0.333-21.264, P = .356) showed no significant correlation with thrombosis formation. Patients with PICC placements have a higher risk of thrombosis, citric acid, blood flow, platelet count and frailty are the main risk factors.

9,9'-epoxylignans from Syringa pinnatifolia: A typical case of stereochemical assignment by a quantum chemical calculation with MAEΔΔδ parameter.

In the current study, twenty-two stereochemical 9,9'-epoxylignans including 19 undescribed ones were isolated from the ethanol extract of Syringa pinnatifolia in our continuing effort to understand the overall chemical spectrum of this species. These isolates were structurally elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis, X-ray diffraction, modified Mosher's method, and quantum chemical calculations. Meanwhile, the utilization of 13C NMR calculation and the MAEΔΔδ parameter facilitated the stereochemical assignment of groups of lignan stereoisomers. The 13C NMR data were corrected by the averaged errors at each corresponding carbon position in groups of lignan stereoisomers, which improved the theoretic 13C NMR calculation. The finding of the stereochemical structures of 9,9'-epoxylignans is significant. It is helpful to determine the absolute configurations of molecules with the similar core. In addition, these lignans exhibited potential cardioprotective activities on H9c2 cardiomyocytes in vitro and presented significant antioxidant effect.

Identification of Crosstalk Genes Between Lung Adenocarcinoma and Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents a significant global health issue. Smoking contributes to the development of periodontitis and LUAD. The connections between the two are still ambiguous. METHODS: Based on RNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Periodontitis and LUAD were collected. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were produced by mining genes intersecting with crossover DEGs. Genes in the subnetwork and the top 15 genes of the topology score were defined as the crosstalk gene. Feature selection and diagnostic model construction were conducted based on Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and support vector machines (SVM). additionally, we analyzed the immune cells and signaling pathways influenced by the crosstalk gene. RESULTS: A total of 29 crossover DEGs between Periodontitis and LUAD were filtered, with 20 genes interacting with them in the PPI network. Five subnetworks with similar interaction patterns in the PPI network were detected. Based on the network topology analysis, genes ranking in the top 15 were used to take the intersection with those genes in the 5 subnetworks. Twelve intersecting genes were identified. Based on RFE and SVM algorithms, FKBP11 and MMP13 were considered as the Crosstalk genes for both Periodontitis and LUAD. The diagnostic model composed of FKBP11 and MMP13 showed excellent diagnostic potential. In addition, we found that FKBP11 and MMP13 influenced Macrophages, M1, T cells, CD8 activity, immune-related pathways, and cell cycle pathways. CONCLUSION: We identified the crosstalk genes (FKBP11 and MMP13) between periodontitis and LUAD. The two genes affected the comorbidity status between the two diseases through immune cell activity.

Breed-Related Differential microRNA Expression and Analysis of Colostrum and Mature Milk Exosomes in Bamei and Landrace Pigs.

Breast milk, an indispensable source of immunological and nutrient components, is essential for the growth and development of newborn mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are present in various tissues and body fluids and are selectively packaged inside exosomes, a type of membrane vesicle. Milk exosomes have potential regulatory effects on the growth, development, and immunity of newborn piglets. To explore the differences in milk exosomes related to the breed and milk type, we isolated exosomes from colostrum and mature milk from domestic Bamei pigs and foreign Landrace pigs by using density gradient centrifugation and then characterized them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Furthermore, the profiles and functions of miRNAs in the two types of pig milk exosomes were investigated using miRNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. We identified a total of 1081 known and 2311 novel miRNAs in pig milk exosomes from Bamei and Landrace pigs. These differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) are closely associated with processes such as cell signaling, cell physiology, and immune system development. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DE-miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in endocytosis, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and the Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. The exosomal miRNAs in both the colostrum and mature milk of the two pig species showed significant differences. Based on related signaling pathways, we found that the colostrum of local pig breeds contained more immune-system-development-related miRNAs. This study provides new insights into the possible function of milk exosomal miRNAs in the development of the piglet immune system.

Nitrogen fertilizer affects the cooking quality and starch properties of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

Nitrogen has a critical influence on the yield and quality of proso millet. However, the exact impact of nitrogen on the cooking quality of proso millet is not clear. In this study, the cooking quality and starch properties of two proso millet varieties (waxy-Shaanxi millet [wSM] variety and non-waxy-Shaanxi millet [nSM] variety) were compared and analyzed under nitrogen fertilizer treatment (N150, 150 kg/hm2) and a control group without nitrogen application (N0, 0 kg/hm2). Compared with the N0 group, the N150 treatment significantly increased protein content, amylose levels, and total yield. Employing rapid visco analyser and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, we observed that under the N150 treatment, the peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity of proso millet powder were diminished, while the setback viscosity and enthalpy values (ΔH) increased. In addition, nitrogen treatment increased the solids content in the obtained rice soup and significantly hardened the texture of the rice. At the same time, we noticed that the absorption capacity of starch in water and oil was enhanced. These results showed that nitrogen fertilizer had significant effects on the cooking quality and starch properties of proso millet.

Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia Among Neonates: A Prospective Cohort Study Among Pregnant People With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is the most frequent complication in neonates born to pregnant people with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and an important cause of brain damage and death of neonates. We explored the risk factors for NH in neonates of pregnant people with GDM. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 322 pregnant people with GDM at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre. Maternal sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical data, as well as general characteristics of neonates, were collected to analyze their associations with NH in neonates of pregnant people with GDM. RESULTS: The incidence of NH among neonates of pregnant people with GDM was 19.57% (63/322). After adjustment for confounders, the factors significantly associated with an increased risk of NH were cesarean delivery (relative risk [RR] = 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-6.45), red blood cell (RBC) count (RR = 2.19; 95% CI, 1.22-3.96), and 1-hour postprandial glucose (RR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.23-4.46) during pregnancy, whereas later gestational age (RR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42-0.80) and multiparity (RR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.66) were associated with a reduced risk of NH. CONCLUSION: Cesarean delivery, maternal 1-hour glucose of the oral glucose tolerance test, and increased RBC count of pregnant people with GDM are independent risk factors for NH, while later gestational age and multiparity are protective factors.

Acceptance of silver diamine fluoride use in community dwelling older adults, nursing home residents, and caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the level of acceptance of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment between different functional groups of older adults aged 65-years-old and above. METHODS: Three groups were recruited representing functionally-independent ("Community dwelling"), frail ("Nursing home"), and functionally-dependent older adults ("Caregiver": proxy respondent involved in caring for an older adult of all functional levels). Participants viewed a video on SDF and an interviewer-led questionnaire collected demographics, dental experience and perception on SDF use. RESULTS: The study recruited 201 participants (100 "Community dwelling", 51 "Nursing home", 50 "Caregiver"). Overall, 73 % of participants were accepting of SDF treatment. Those in the "Community dwelling" group were most accepting (85 %), followed by the "Nursing home" group (61 %) and "Caregiver" group (60 %) (p<0.001). Participants were more accepting of SDF use on posterior (73 %) compared to anterior teeth (46 %). They were more accepting when SDF was presented as a treatment to avoid infection and pain (87 %), and general anesthesia (78 %). In a regression analysis, "Nursing home" and "Caregiver" participants were three times less likely to accept SDF (OR 0.27 [95 % CI: 0.13 to 0.60], and OR 0.27 [95 % CI: 0.12 to 0.58] respectively) compared to "Community dwelling" participants. After adjusting for other factors, only the "Caregiver" group remained significant (Adjusted OR 0.32 [95 % CI: 0.13 to 0.78]). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults were accepting of SDF and this treatment modality has the potential to be a routine treatment option in dental caries management in this population. However, this was less certain among frail and functionally dependent older adults. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An SDF program to manage caries is likely to be well-received by functionally-independent older adults. However, the acceptance among frail and functionally-dependent older adults were lower even though SDF is mostly likely to benefit these populations. There is a need to investigate this relatively lower levels of acceptance.