Evaluation of Exercise Program for Overweight and Obese Pediatric Participants in a Single Tertiary Center in Singapore.

PURPOSE: Pediatric obesity is rising in prevalence. We audited the results of an exercise program for overweight and obese pediatric participants in a tertiary pediatric hospital. The main aim was to determine the program's effectiveness, with the main outcome of change in body mass index (BMI). METHOD: Retrospective review of data from all pediatric participants attending the program between January 2017 and December 2022. Inclusion criteria for analysis were BMI ≥90th centile, ages 6-15, attendance in at least 2 sessions and for at least 1 week. Statistical analysis was done using Generalized Additive Modeling. RESULTS: One hundred thirty seven participants were included. The average duration in the program was 16 months (min = 1 wk, max = 57 mo). Majority (66%, n = 94) attended at intervals of >4 weeks. Only 7% (n = 9) attended weekly. The shorter the visit intervals, the more likely the BMI loss. The greatest decrease in BMI (-0.275; 95% confidence interval, -0.381 to -0.17) was in 15-year-old obese participants with visit intervals of <1 week. At the last visit, 84.7% maintained, 12.4% improved and 2.9% worsened in BMI category, respectively. CONCLUSION: Participants who attended an exercise program at least weekly demonstrated the best outcomes. Most did not adhere to the recommended frequency and thus had poorer outcomes. We have since made improvements to our program to increase visit frequency.

Pectolinarigenin alleviates calcium oxalate-induced renal inflammation and oxidative stress by binding to HIF-1α.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are the main constituents of renal crystals in humans and induce tubular lumen damage in renal tubules, leading to renal calcium deposition and kidney stone formation. Oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in regulating calcium oxalate-induced injury. Here, we evaluated the efficacy in inhibiting oxidation and inflammation of pectinolinarigenin, a biologically active natural metabolite, in CaOx nephrocalcinosis and further explored its targets of action. First, we developed cellular and mouse models of calcium oxalate renal nephrocalcinosis and identified the onset of oxidative stress and inflammation according to experimental data. We found that pectolinarigenin inhibited this onset while reducing renal crystal deposition. Network pharmacology was subsequently utilized to screen for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a regulator involved in the body's release and over-oxidation of inflammatory factors. Finally, molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay, and other experiments to detect HIF-1α expression showed that pectolinarigenin directly combined with HIF-1α and prevented downstream reactive oxygen species activation and release. Our results indicate that pectolinarigenin can target and inhibit HIF-1α-mediated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress damage and be a novel drug for CaOx nephrocalcinosis treatment.

Correlates of lifestyle patterns among children in Singapore aged 10 years: the growing up in Singapore towards healthy outcomes (GUSTO) study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise lifestyle patterns (comprising dietary and movement behaviour aspects) of children in Singapore and examine the correlates of these patterns. DESIGN: An observational study approach was used. Children recorded their diet and activities over two weekdays and two weekend days on a validated web-based assessment, My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL). Lifestyle patterns were derived using principal component analysis, and the correlations of these with multiple known determinants organised by distal, intermediate, and proximal levels of influence were studied. SETTING: Children of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort. PARTICIPANTS: Ten-year-old children (n = 397). RESULTS: Three lifestyle patterns, "high snacks and processed food", "balanced" and "mixed", were identified. We focused on the more health-promoting "balanced" pattern, characterised by lower screen-viewing and higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and dairy. Among the distal factors, girls were more adherent to the "balanced" pattern compared to boys, and children of parents with lower education levels were less adherent to this pattern. Among intermediate factors, children of mothers with higher diet quality were more adherent to the "balanced" pattern. Among the proximal factors, engagement in active transport, leisure sports, and educational activities outside of school were positively associated with the "balanced" pattern, whereas screen-viewing while travelling was negatively associated with this pattern. Having siblings, pet ownership, mother's physical activity, parenting style, parental bonding, child's outdoor time, and breakfast consumption were not associated with children's lifestyle patterns. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide direction for future interventions by identifying vulnerable groups and contexts that should be prioritised.

Adherence to 24-hour integrated activity guidelines among infants, toddlers and preschool children in Singapore.

This study examined children's adherence to the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood in infants, toddlers and preschoolers aged 0-6 years. A total of 901 caregivers, comprising 219 infants, 379 toddlers, and 303 preschoolers, provided information regarding their children's physical activity (PA), screen viewing time (SVT), and sleep durations on both weekdays and weekends. Meeting the 24-hour integrated activity guidelines was defined as follows: for infants ≥ 30 minutes per day of tummy time or floor-based play; zero SVT; total sleep of 14-17 hours per day for ages 0-3 months, 12-16 hours per day for ages 4-11 months; for toddlers ≥ 180 minutes of total PA per day; zero SVT under 2 years; <1 hour for ages 2 to less than 3 years; and a total sleep of 11-14 hours per day; for preschoolers ≥ 180 minutes of total PA per day; SVT <1 hour per day; total sleep of 10-13 hours per day for those aged 3-5 years, and 10-11 hours per day for 6-year-olds. Chi-squared tests were used to examine the differences in guideline adherence between weekdays and weekends. Compared to weekdays, during weekends there was a higher proportion of toddlers and preschoolers adhering to the PA guidelines (68.9% vs 50.1%; 78.9% vs 55.4%, respectively, p<0.05), and a lower proportion of toddlers adhering to SVT (38.8% vs 21.8%; p = 0.001). There was a declining adherence to all three activity guidelines as age groups progressed from infants (44.7%) to toddlers (15.8%) and then to preschoolers (9.4%). Concurrently, there was a decrease in adherence to SVT recommendations across the age groups, with adherence rates being highest among infants (83.1%), followed by toddlers (15.8%), and preschoolers (9.4%). Decreasing compliance with all three guidelines, coupled with a corresponding decline in adherence to SVT guidelines as children transition from toddlerhood to preschool age, is a cause for concern. This underscores the need for proactive efforts to educate caregivers about reducing or eliminating SVT among infants and young children.

Adherence to the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines by Infants and Toddlers and Its Association With Well-Being.

BACKGROUND: This study estimated the prevalence of Singapore infants and toddlers who met the new Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood and examined its association with well-being. METHODS: A total of 267 parents of children aged between 0 and 2 years completed an online questionnaire that consists of the Singaporean Children Lifestyle Questionnaire and either the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory Infant Scale or the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Well-being of infants was measured through parent responses to PedsQL and that of toddlers was measured through Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were benchmarked against age-specific guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep in the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood. RESULTS: A higher percentage of infants (37.3%) than toddlers (20.6%) had met 3 guidelines. In contrast, a lower percentage of infants than toddlers met at least one or did not meet any guidelines (3.8% and 0% for infants vs 22.4% and 1.8% for toddlers, respectively). Infants who met more guidelines had significantly higher parent-reported PedsQL total scale score than infants who met fewer guidelines (P < .05). However, the present study found that the number of guidelines met was not associated to infants' PedsQL scale score and toddlers' total difficulty score (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Adherence to this set of local guidelines should be widely publicized, so parents will have greater awareness and knowledge on cultivating good physical activity, screen time, and sleep habits for their child from a young age.

The Effect of Impact Seizure on the Recovery of Children and Adolescents With Concussion: A Matched Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Management of sport-related and recreation-related concussions (SRCs) in children and adolescents is challenging as brain maturation affects prognosis. However, impact seizure was removed as a prognosis modifying factor in children and adolescents with SRCs in the 2017 consensus statement on concussion in sport, based mostly on adult literature. Therefore, this study evaluates the association of impact seizure on the recovery in children and adolescents with SRCs. DESIGN: Retrospective matched case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric sports medicine service, from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2022. PATIENTS: A cohort of 452 patients, aged 7 to 18 years, with new episode of SRC was seen. From this cohort, 396 patients were included in the analysis, including 22 with impact seizures. Controls were generated using the propensity score matching approach. Patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or incomplete treatment were excluded. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Impact seizure during SRC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was recovery duration in number of days. RESULTS: The median recovery duration was longer in the cases (73 days, interquartile range [IQR] = 38-143 days) as compared with controls (49.5 days, IQR = 30.5-93.5 days). There was no difference in patients with prolonged recovery (ie >28 days) between both groups (OR 1.6, 95% CI, 0.4-6.6, P = 0.505). CONCLUSIONS: Impact seizures prolonged the recovery duration in children and adolescents with SRCs and have a potential concussion modifying prognostic role. These findings could help provide evidence-based management principles for children and adolescents with SRCs in subsequent concussion consensus statements.

24 h Activity Guidelines in Children and Adolescents: A Prevalence Survey in Asia-Pacific Cities.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of adherence to 24 h activity guidelines in children and adolescents from Asia-Pacific cities. In 1139 children aged 5-18 years, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen viewing time (SVT), sleep duration, child weight, height, sex, and age were parent-reported. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the number of guidelines met, and prevalence of adherence to activity guidelines by city and child sex. Prevalence of meeting all three 24 h activity guidelines was low across all countries (1.8-10.3%) (p < 0.05). Children from Thiruvananthapuram, India had the highest [10.3% (95% CI: 6.0-17.0)], while those from Tokyo, Japan had the lowest prevalence [1.8% (95% CI: 0.5-7.0)] of meeting all three guidelines. The highest prevalence of meeting individual MVPA, SVT and sleep guidelines was found in India [67.5% (95% CI: 58.8-75.1)], Kelaniya, Sri Lanka [63.2% (95% CI: 58.7-67.4)] and Kowloon, Hong Kong [59.4% (95% CI: 51.1-65.3)], respectively. Overall, a higher prevalence of boys met all three guidelines, compared to girls [5.9% (95% CI: 4.1-8.1) vs. 4.7% (3.1-6.6), p = 0.32]. The prevalence of adhering to all three activity guidelines was low in all five participating cities, with a higher proportion of boys meeting all guidelines.

Asia-Pacific consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years.

Background: Early childhood is a vital period for development and growth. Promoting beneficial lifestyle behaviours in early childhood can help optimise children's health, development and learning, shape their behaviours in adulthood and offer the best protection against future non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the Asia-Pacific region, NCDs are significant causes of healthcare burden and mortality. Furthermore, there is also a high prevalence of adverse metabolic risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours among these children. Method: Representatives from 19 Asia-Pacific nations and/or jurisdictions developed a consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT framework. Findings: These guidelines apply to all infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers below 5 years of age. The guidelines aim to provide a holistic and practical approach to lifestyle activities by framing physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep within a 24-hour period. Dietary patterns were included as they play an integral role in metabolic health and energy balance. Interpretation: Aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs through health promotion interventions in early life, through cultivating healthy lifestyle behaviours in the children's early years, we aim to provide children with the best start in life and reduce the burden of future NCDs in the Asia-Pacific region. Funding: Funded by Integrated platform for research in advancing metabolic health outcomes of women and children.

Consensus statement on Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for early childhood.

Introduction: Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development. Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours during this period forms the foundation for future well-being and offers the best protection against non-communicable diseases. Singapore studies have shown that many young children are not achieving the recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. A workgroup was set up to develop recommendations for caregivers of infants, toddlers and preschoolers (aged <7 years) on how to integrate beneficial activities within a daily 24-hour period for optimal development and metabolic health. Method: The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)- ADOLOPMENT approach was employed for adoption, adaption or de novo development of recommendations. International and national guidelines were used as references, and an update of the literature reviews up to September 2021 was conducted through an electronic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. Results: Four consensus statements were developed for each age group: infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The statements focus on achieving good metabolic health through regular physical activity, limiting sedentary behaviour, achieving adequate sleep and positive eating habits. The 13th consensus statement recognises that integration of these activities within a 24-hour period can help obtain the best results. Conclusion: This set of recommendations guides and encourages caregivers of Singapore infants, toddlers and preschoolers to adopt beneficial lifestyle activities within each 24-hour period.

How can social needs impact on meaningful sports consumption?

The main goal of this study is to explore the drivers of meaningful sport consumption and its influence mechanism. In sports consumption, consumers not only seek hedonic value but also pursue to experience greater purpose and meaning in life, which is regarded as meaningful sports consumption. This study extends existing sports management literature by examining how social needs impact meaningful sports behavior with team affiliation, self-improvement, and self-esteem as mediators. Based on the questionnaire data collected from China, the empirical analysis results show that social needs have a significant positive impact on meaningful sports consumption behavior through the mediating effect of team affiliation and self-esteem motivation. However, self-improvement motivation does not have a mediating effect on the relationship between social needs and meaningful sports consumption. This study enriches the research content of sports consumption, adds research object of social needs, and expands the research scope of meaningful consumption by introducing meaningful sports consumption into the above domain.

Anti-tumor effects and mechanism of a novel camptothecin derivative YCJ100.

AIMS: In this study, we synthesized a 10-fluorine-substitution derivative of CPT (Camptothecin) YCJ100 and evaluated its antitumor activity and systemic toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Determination of in vitro antitumor activity and mechanism of YCJ100 by the MTT assay, Molecular docking, EdU staining, Cell cycle and apoptosis determination, Western blot analysis and Topoisomerase I activity assay. The antitumor effects of YCJ100 were evaluated in primary HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma), ICC (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) mouse models, and pancreatic cancer xenograft models. KEY FINDINGS: YCJ100 showed superior cytotoxic activity compared to Topotecan in SW480, SW1990, Hep3B, HepG2, A549, A2780, HeLa, and QBC cells. YCJ100 blocked the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in HepG2 and SW1990 cells. Mechanistically, YCJ100 inhibited topoisomerase I activity in both a cell-free system and a cellular system, similar to the mechanism of Topotecan. YCJ100 showed significant antitumor activity and was more potent than Topotecan in primary HCC and ICC mouse models, as well as a xenograft mouse model. Additionally, YCJ100 showed only minor toxicity to the mouse hematopoietic system, liver, and kidney. These findings indicate that YCJ100 has high antitumor activity and low systemic toxicity. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings demonstrate that YCJ100, as a Topoisomerase I inhibitor, has in vitro and in vitro antitumor activity. This study provides a new lead compound worthy of further preclinical evaluation and potential clinical development.

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): A retrospective observational study.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with endothelial damage and inflammation. In addition, von Willebrand factor (vWF) has been discovered as a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the association between vWF level and HFpEF. Moreover, we analyzed a potential correlation between vWF and inflammatory factors, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6. We recruited altogether 272 hospitalized patients from The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 88 of whom were HFpEF patients, 88 were non-heart failure patients, and 96 were healthy controls from the medical examination center of the hospital. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and double antibody sandwich immunochromatography were used for testing vWF, tissue plasminogen activator, galectin-3, nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP. The HFpEF group's levels of vWF, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, tissue plasminogen activator, galectin-3, and nitric oxide were statistically higher than those of non-heart failure and healthy control ones (F = 403.563, 21.825, 20.678, 39.609, 35.411, 86.407, 74.605; all P = .000). the highest level of vWF was observed in class IV (New York Heart Association) of HFpEF patients and the significant difference is <.05 (P < .001). An increasing level of vWF were shown in groups (CRP: CRP >3 mg/L group and CRP ≤3 mg/L group; IL-6: IL-6 <7.0 pg/mL group and IL-6 ≥7.0 pg/mL group; TNF-α: TNF-α <5.5 pg/mL group and TNF-α ≥5.5 pg/mL group) with higher level of IL-6, TNF-α, CRP. A multiple regression analysis regarding the relationship of vWF and inflammation markers was performed among the HFpEF patients. Further, statistical significance of the analysis remained after adjusting variables such as body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (ß = 0.406, t = 4.579, P < .001; ß = 0.323, t = 3.218, P < .001; ß = 0.581, t = 6.922, P < .001). Our study shows that elevated vWF levels are associated with HFpEF, and it may serve as a potential biomarker for HFpEF severity. We also found that increased vWF levels are positively correlated to IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, which may provide a clue for further researching the pathogenesis of HFpEF.

Consensus statement on Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Lifestyle activities, such as regular physical activity, are important for good metabolic health and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Epidemiological studies highlight an increase in the proportion of overweight children in Singapore. A workgroup was formed to develop recommendations to encourage children and adolescents (aged 7-17 years) to adopt a holistic approach towards integrating beneficial activities within a daily 24-hour period for good metabolic and general health. METHODS: The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Evidence to Decision framework was employed to formulate the public health question, assess the evidence and draw conclusions for the guide. The evidence for international 24-hour movement guidelines, and guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep and eating habits were reviewed. An update of the literature review from August 2018 to end of September 2020 was conducted through an electronic search of Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases. RESULTS: Ten consensus statements were developed. The statements focused on the overall aim of achieving good metabolic health through integration of these activities and initiatives: light and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity on a regular basis; muscle- and bone-strengthening activities; limiting sedentary behaviour; regular and adequate sleep; good eating habits and choosing nutritionally balanced foods and drinks; practise safety in exercise; and aiming to achieve more or all aforementioned recommendations for the best results. CONCLUSION: This set of recommendations provides guidance to encourage Singapore children and adolescents to adopt health-beneficial activities within a 24-hour period.

LncRNA NEAT1-associated aerobic glycolysis blunts tumor immunosurveillance by T cells in prostate cancer.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is nuclear-located and transcribed from chromatin 11. To date, little is known about the cellular functions and regulatory mechanisms of NEAT1 in prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, whole-genome RNA sequencing data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Biological information was used to analyze the different expressions of NEAT1. In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed to detect the expression of NEAT1 in PCa and paracarcinoma clinical samples. Then, NEAT1 was knocked down in PC3 cells through lentiviral infection with a plasmid construct. Bioinformatics and integrative analytical approaches were utilized to identify the relationships of NEAT1 with specific cancer-related gene sets. Cell proliferation assay and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate the cell proliferative ability. Glycolysis stress test, metabolism assay, and infiltrating T-cell function analysis were implemented to assess the changes in metabolism and immune microenvironment of PCa. We found that the expression of NEAT1 was higher in PCa than in non-neoplastic tissues. The cell proliferative capability of PCa cells was significantly reduced in the NEAT1 knockdown group. PCR array and bioinformatics analysis revealed that the enrichment of acidic substance-related gene sets was associated with NEAT1 expression. NEAT1 depletion inhibited PCa cell aerobic glycolysis accompanied by the reduction of lactate levels in the medium. Further, we found that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression was positively regulated by NEAT1. At last, co-culture systems indicated that NEAT1 or LDHA knockdown promoted the secretion of CD8+ T-lymphocyte factors, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, and Granzyme B, and enhanced the antitumor effects.

Asia-Pacific Consensus Statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for children and adolescents.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitute a significant public health challenge and pose a great burden on health and social systems throughout the world. The Asia-Pacific region is in a vulnerable position as the prevalence of NCDs will inevitably increase with rapid socioeconomic transitions; yet it is ill prepared for this public health challenge as Asian children are among the most physically inactive in the world. Aligned with the WHO's global strategy to control NCDs via preventive measures and health promotion policies, representatives from the Asia-Pacific region came together to develop consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for children and adolescents. These guidelines apply to children and adolescents, aged 5-18 years, in the Asia-Pacific region, regardless of gender, cultural background or socioeconomic status. These guidelines aim to provide the latest evidence-based recommendations, taking a holistic approach to lifestyle activities and adopting a practical perspective by framing these activities within a 24-hour period. Eating and dietary elements were incorporated as they closely influence the energy balance of the movement behaviours and vice versa. By investing in the younger generations through advocacy for healthier lifestyles, we aim to reduce the burden of NCDs in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Integration of the Pre-Treatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in the Eighth Edition of the AJCC Staging System for Nasopharynx Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the role of integrating the pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) into the eighth edition of the AJCC staging system for nasopharynx cancer in an endemic region. METHODS: Between May 2007 and December 2012, a total of 713 cases with NPC were retrospectively analyzed. The separation ability in terms of overall survival (OS), local failure-free survival (LFFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and failure-free survival (FFS) was evaluated. The discriminatory ability was assessed using Harrell's concordance index (c-index). Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was conducted and incorporated with pretreatment NLR. RESULTS: When integrated with NLR, the separate and discriminatory abilities for N classifications were improved in terms of OS and DMFS, but not for T categories. By using Recursive partitioning analysis, five subgroups were generated. Compared with the overall stage, the integration of NLR could not enhance the separate and discriminatory abilities. However, patients in the RPA 4 group gained significant benefits in terms of OS (HR 0.390 (95%CI 0.212-0.716), P = 0.002) and FFS (HR 0.548 (95%CI 0.314-0.958), P = 0.032) from the additional adjuvant chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The integration of NLR into the 8th edition of the AJCC staging system could enhance the separation and discriminatory abilities for N classifications, but not for T categories. In addition, patients in the RPA 4 group could benefit from the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Parental perception and guideline awareness of children's lifestyle behaviours at ages 5 to 14 in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data on the descriptive lifestyle behaviour of school-age children in Singapore. METHODS: A total of 100 parents of children ages 5 to 14 participated in a parents' proxy-reported survey. Frequency of moderate physical activity (PA) and vigorous PA was assessed, while t-tests or chi-square test was used to examine differences between weekdays and weekends for sleep, screen viewing time (SVT) and sedentary behaviour (SB). RESULTS: Of the 100 children (68% of Chinese ethnicity, 59% boys, mean age 9.1±2.9 years), 31% were overweight or obese, with body mass index z-score of >1. For moderate and vigorous PA participation in a typical week, 32.0% and 43.0%, respectively, did not participate, while median (interquartile range) days of participation were 3 (2-3) days/week and 2 (1-3) days/week for a duration of 60 (interquartile range 30-120) minutes/session. When comparing weekends with weekdays, the means (standard deviation) of both SVT and sleep duration were higher on weekends (SVT: 4.1 [2.9] versus 3.3 [3.1] hours/day, P=0.07; sleep: 8.8 [1.5] vs 8.3 [1.3] hours/day, P=0.02), while there were no significant differences for SB. A higher proportion of children had SB of ≥10 hours/day and slept <8 hours/day on weekdays compared with on weekends (SB: 23.5% vs 20.6%, P>0.05; sleep:18.8% vs 2.1%, P<0.05), while the proportion exceeding SVT of 2 hours/day were higher on weekends than on weekdays (63.8% vs 45.4%, P=0.03). Overall, there was higher parental awareness of sleep guidelines (80.0%), but lower awareness of PA (51.0%) and SVT (59.0%) guidelines. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle behaviours were suboptimal in Singapore children compared with existing overseas guidelines, indicating a need for an integrated guideline with greater dissemination.

Cyanobacteria-From the Oceans to the Potential Biotechnological and Biomedical Applications.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms which represent a significant source of novel, bioactive, secondary metabolites, and they are also considered an abundant source of bioactive compounds/drugs, such as dolastatin, cryptophycin 1, curacin toyocamycin, phytoalexin, cyanovirin-N and phycocyanin. Some of these compounds have displayed promising results in successful Phase I, II, III and IV clinical trials. Additionally, the cyanobacterial compounds applied to medical research have demonstrated an exciting future with great potential to be developed into new medicines. Most of these compounds have exhibited strong pharmacological activities, including neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against HCMV, HSV-1, HHV-6 and HIV-1, so these metabolites could be promising candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Therefore, the effective large-scale production of natural marine products through synthesis is important for resolving the existing issues associated with chemical isolation, including small yields, and may be necessary to better investigate their biological activities. Herein, we highlight the total synthesized and stereochemical determinations of the cyanobacterial bioactive compounds. Furthermore, this review primarily focuses on the biotechnological applications of cyanobacteria, including applications as cosmetics, food supplements, and the nanobiotechnological applications of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds in potential medicinal applications for various human diseases are discussed.

Production, immobilization and characterization of beta-glucosidase for application in cellulose degradation from a novel Aspergillus versicolor.

Beta-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) catalyzes the hydrolysis of cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides containing (1 â†’ 4)-beta-glycosidic bonds to glucose, which is crucial in cellulosic ethanol production. In this study, Aspergillus versicolor, a novel highly productive beta-glucosidase strain, was first isolated from Camptotheca acuminata seeds. The highest beta-glucosidase activity with 812.86 U/mL was obtained by using the response surface methodology, and a 14.4-fold has increased compared to the control. The beta-glucosidase was then purified to homogeneity with recovery yield and specific activity of 25.98% and 499.15 U/mg, respectively. To enhance its stability and recyclability, the purified beta-glucosidase was first immobilized onto magnetic MnO2 by electrostatic adsorption. The immobilized materials were characterized by FR-IT, TEM and FE-SEM. Compared with the free beta-glucosidase, the immobilized enzyme exhibited enhanced thermal stability (1.5-fold raise in half-life at 50 °C), and reusability (holding over 60% activity after eight cycles), besides, the optimum pH has increased to 6.0. Substrate specificity research suggested that the enzyme had high hydrolytic activity on cellobiose. It also had a hydrolysis effect on (1 â†’ 3) and (1 â†’ 6)-beta-glycosidic linkages. Application trials in cellulose hydrolysis revealed that the immobilized enzyme was comparatively more effective. Our results suggested this novel immobilized beta-glucosidase makes a promising alternative for the cellulosic ethanol production.

The prognostic value of routine coagulation tests for patients with heat stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of routine coagulation tests for patients with heat stroke. METHODS: This was a multi-center retrospective study. Patients who arrived at the hospital <24 h after the onset of Heat Stroke (HS) were included. The routine coagulation variables were detected within 24 h after the onset, including the lowest platelet count (PLC). RESULTS: 60-day mortality rate was 20.9%. The median Prothrombin Time-International Normalized Ratio (PT-INR) of the non-surviving patients was significantly higher than that of the survivors (P < 0.01). The median Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) in non-surviving patients was significantly higher than in the surviving patients (P < 0.01). A Cox regression analysis revealed that 60-day mortality was associated with PT-INR (P = 0.032) and APTT (P = 0.004). The optimal PT-INR point for predicting 60-day mortality rate was 1.7. The optimal APTT point for predicting 60-day mortality was 51.45. Patients with increased PT-INR (≥1.7) levels had, overall, a significantly reduced survival time (P < 0.01). Patients with elevated APTT (≥51.45) also had a decrease in survival time (P < 0.01). The prognostic scoring, with increased PT-INR (≥1.7) and prolonged APTT (≥51.45) at one point each, was also demonstrated to be useful in predicting 60-day mortality. Patients whose temperature fell to 38.9 °C within 30 min had significantly lower levels of PT-INR and APTT within 24 h than those who took longer to cool down. CONCLUSIONS: A prolonged APTT and elevated PT-INR within 24 h are independent prognostic factors of 60-day mortality in HS.