Short-term exposures to PM2.5, PM2.5 chemical components, and antenatal depression: Exploring the mediating roles of gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: PM2.5 and its chemical components increase health risks and are associated with depression and gut microbiota. However, there is still limited evidence on whether gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) mediate the association between PM2.5, PM2.5 chemical components, and antenatal depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of maternal gut microbiota in correlations between short-term exposure to PM2.5, short-term exposure to PM2.5 chemical components, and antenatal depression. METHODS: Demographic information and stool samples were collected from 75 pregnant women in their third trimester. Their exposure to PM2.5 and PM2.5 chemical components was measured. Participants were divided into the non-antenatal depression group or the antenatal depression group according to the cut-off of 10 points on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The gut microbiota were analyzed using the 16 S rRNA-V3/V4 gene sequence, and the concentration of PM2.5 and its chemical components was calculated using the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) database. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze SCFAs in stool samples. In order to assess the mediating effects of gut microbiota and SCFAs, mediation models were utilized. RESULTS: There were significant differences between gut microbial composition and SCFAs concentrations between the non-antenatal depression group and the antenatal depression group. PM2.5 and its chemical components were positively associated with EPDS scores and negatively associated with genera Enterococcus and Enterobacter. Genera Candidatus_Soleaferrea (ß = -7.21, 95%CI -11.00 to -3.43, q = 0.01) and Enterococcus (ß = -2.37, 95%CI -3.87 to -0.87, q = 0.02) were negatively associated with EPDS scores, indicating their potential protective effects against antenatal depression. There was no significant association between SCFAs and EPDS scores. The mediating role of Enterococcus between different lagged periods of PM2.5, PM2.5 chemical component exposure, and antenatal depression was revealed. For instance, Enterococcus explained 29.23% (95%CI 2.16-87.13%, p = 0.04) of associations between PM2.5 exposure level at the day of sampling (lag 0) and EPDS scores. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that Enterococcus may mediate the associations between PM2.5, PM2.5 chemical components, and antenatal depression. The mediating mechanism through which the gut microbiota influences PM2.5-induced depression in pregnant women still needs to be further studied.

Does PM1 exposure during pregnancy impact the gut microbiota of mothers and neonates?

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollutant exposure can change the composition of gut microbiota at 6-months of age, but there is no epidemiological evidence on the impacts of exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤1 µm (PM1) during pregnancy on gut microbiota in mothers and neonates. We aimed to determine if gestational PM1 exposure is associated with the gut microbiota of mothers and neonates. METHODS: Leveraging a mother-infant cohort from the central region of China, we estimated the exposure concentrations of PM1 during pregnancy based on residential address records. The gut microbiota of mothers and neonates was analyzed using 16 S rRNA V3-V4 gene sequences. Functional pathway analyses of 16 S rRNA V3-V4 bacterial communities were conducted using Tax4fun. The impact of PM1 exposure on α-diversity, composition, and function of gut microbiota in mothers and neonates was evaluated using multiple linear regression, controlling for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). Permutation multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was used to analyze the interpretation degree of PM1 on the sample differences at the OTU level using the Bray-Curtis distance algorithm. RESULTS: Gestational PM1 exposure was positively associated with the α-diversity of gut microbiota in neonates and explained 14.8% (adj. P = 0.026) of the differences in community composition among neonatal samples. In contrast, gestational PM1 exposure had no impact on the α- and ß-diversity of gut microbiota in mothers. Gestational PM1 exposure was positively associated with phylum Actinobacteria of gut microbiota in mothers, and genera Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Streptococcus, Faecalibacterium of gut microbiota in neonates. At Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway level 3, the functional analysis results showed that gestational PM1 exposure significantly down-regulated Nitrogen metabolism in mothers, as well as Two-component system and Pyruvate metabolism in neonates. While Purine metabolism, Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Pyrimidine metabolism, and Ribosome in neonates were significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first evidence that exposure to PM1 has a significant impact on the gut microbiota of mothers and neonates, especially on the diversity, composition, and function of neonatal meconium microbiota, which may have important significance for maternal health management in the future.

Optimal gestational weight gain in Chinese pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A large retrospective cohort study.

AIM: To examine the optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) for Chinese pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on the Chinese-specific body mass index (BMI) classification. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2017-2020 data from pregnant women with GDM in a tertiary hospital. A quadratic function model and the total predicted probability of adverse pregnancy outcomes were developed to obtain the optimal GWG. Differences in the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes between our optimal GWG recommendations and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 GWG guidelines were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 8103 pregnant women with GDM were analyzed. Based on the Chinese-specific BMI classification, the optimal GWG range was 11.0-17.5 kg for underweight women, 3.7-9.7 kg for normal-weight women, -0.6 to 4.8 kg for overweight women, and - 9.8 to 4.2 kg for obese women. Excessive GWG had a higher risk of large for gestational age (LGA) (OR: 2.99, 95% CI: 2.42-3.70), macrosomia (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.77-3.12), pre-eclampsia (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.37-2.65), gestational hypertension (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.24-2.19), cesarean section (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.15-1.44), postpartum hemorrhage (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.64); insufficient GWG had a higher risk of small for gestational age (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.20-2.75). Compared to the IOM 2009 GWG guidelines, the prevalence of macrosomia, LGA, and postpartum hemorrhage were significantly lower in pregnant women following the implementation of our recommended GWG range (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the IOM 2009 GWG recommendations, our optimal GWG recommendations for Chinese pregnant women were more sensitive.

[Vacuum sealing drainage as an adjuvant treatment of severe scrotal infectious disease: Clinical analysis of 9 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the treatment of severe scrotal infectious diseases and to summarize the practical experience obtained during its implementation. METHODS: Clinical data from 9 patients with severe scrotal infectious diseases were compiled. All patients underwent debridement assisted by a VSD device in addition to conventional treatment measures. RESULTS: Following debridement with VSD device, combined with systemic anti-infection treatment and nutritional support, all patients exhibited favorable therapeutic outcomes, with no fatalities. The average duration of debridement was 81±27 minutes. One patient necessitated secondary debridement and skin grafting, while another was transferred to the ICU due to septic shock. CONCLUSIONS: The application of VSD device can streamline the treatment process for severe scrotal infectious diseases, alleviate patient discomfort, and promote patient recovery.

An Independent Prognostic Model Based on Ten Autophagy-Related Long Noncoding RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer Patients.

Purpose: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common, highly lethal cancer with a low survival rate. Autophagy is involved in the occurrence and progression of PC. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using an autophagy-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature for assessing PC patient survival. Methods: We obtained RNA sequencing and clinical data of patients from the TCGA website. Autophagy genes were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database. The prognostic model, generated through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, included 10 autophagy-related lncRNAs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and forest plots were generated for univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, to examine the predictive feasibility of the risk model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to screen enriched gene sets. Results: Twenty-eight autophagy-related lncRNAs were filtered out through univariate Cox regression analysis (P < 0.001). Ten autophagy-related lncRNAs, including 4 poor prognosis factors and 6 beneficial prognosis factors, were further screened via multivariate Cox regression analysis. The AUC value of the ROC curve was 0.815. GSEA results demonstrated that cancer-related gene sets were significantly enriched. Conclusion: A signature based on ten autophagy-related lncRNAs was identified. This signature could be potentially used for evaluating clinical prognosis and might be used for targeted therapy against PC.

Glycine regulates mucosal immunity and the intestinal microbial composition in weaned piglets.

Glycine is an amino acid with a diverse array of health benefits regarding metabolism, immunity, and development. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that glycine supplementation alters the intestinal microbial composition and improves the intestinal mucosal immunity of weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty-eight weaned piglets divided into 4 groups were fed with a corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1, or 2% glycine for 7 days. The intestinal microbiota and tissue samples from the control and the 2% glycine-supplemented piglets were collected for determination of the composition of microbial community and the intestinal mucosal barrier function. Piglets fed with diet containing 2% glycine, instead of 0.5% or 1% glycine, presented elevated average daily gain and feed conversion ratio, as compared with the control. 2% glycine enhanced the abundance of mucins in the jejunum and ileum and mRNA level of porcine ß-defensin (pBD) 2 and pBD-3, as well as the protein level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the jejunum. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6, and the protein level of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, and claudin-2 in the jejunum were lower in the 2% glycine group than that in the control. In addition, an elevated ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes was observed in the jejunum of piglets receiving diet supplemented with 2% glycine. The colon content of piglets fed with 2% glycine exhibited a reduction in abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium, and Burkholderiales) and an increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Blautia, Lachnospiraceae, Anaerostipes, and Prevotella) in comparison with the control. We conclude that dietary supplementation with 2% glycine improves the intestinal immunological barrier function and the microbial composition, therefore, contributing to the growth performance of weaned piglets.

Cell membrane-coated human hair nanoparticles for precise disease therapies.

Precision medicine is the ultimate goal for current disease therapies, including tumor and infection. The lack of specific targeted drugs for liver cancer and the lack of specific anti-infective drugs in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer with infection (DFI) are the representative obstacles in those 2 major diseases currently plaguing human beings. Inventing natural biocompatible polymers derived from natural materials is one of the main development directions of current bio-medical materials. Though previous studies have demonstrated the potential application values of human black hair-derived nanoparticles (HNP) in cancer, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, and thrombosis scenarios treatments, it still has not solved the problem of low local therapeutic concentration and general targeting ability. Here, we firstly modified the HNP with membrane encapsulations, which endowed these dual-pure natural bio-fabricated materials with better targeting ability at the disease sites with no reduction in photothermal therapy (PTT) effect. HNP coated by red blood cell membrane loaded with DSPE-PEG-cRGD peptide for the therapeutic application of liver cancer greatly prolonged in vivo circulation time and enhanced local targeting efficacy as well as low toxicity; HNP coated by the murine macrophage cell membrane (RAWM) for the DFIs treatment greatly promoted the adhesive ability of HNP on the bacteria and thereby improved the killing effect. Briefly, the appropriate cell membranes camouflaged HNP nanomedicine has the characteristics of excellent photothermal effect, an all-natural source with excellent biocompatibility and easy access, which is expected to have huge potential in both benign and malignant diseases.

Effects of thalassemia on pregnancy outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To explore the effect of thalassemia on pregnancy outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of women with GDM delivered at the Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Hospital in China between July 2017 and December 2020. The live singleton pregnancies with α or ß-thalassemia were identified as the thalassemia group, included α-thalassemia subgroup and ß-thalassemia subgroup, whereas pregnant women without thalassemia were randomly selected as the non-thalassemia group according to a control-to-case ratio of 10:1 by computerized randomization. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the potential association between thalassemia and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 223 pregnant women with GDM and thalassemia were analyzed, including women with α-thalassemia (n = 143) and ß-thalassemia (n = 80). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes such as preterm birth and low-birth weight among groups. However, among pregnancy complications, significant differences were detected in the incidence of placenta increta, polyhydramnios, and postpartum anemia between the thalassemia group and the non-thalassemia group. Logistic regression results indicated that ß-thalassemia increased the risk of polyhydramnios (odds ratio [OR] = 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-13.65, p = 0.030) and chorioamnionitis (OR = 3.61, 95%CI: 1.04-12.49, p = 0.043) compared with the non-thalassemia group. CONCLUSION: In our study, thalassemia did not increase adverse neonatal outcomes, but ß-thalassemia increased the risk of pregnancy complications, including polyhydramnios and chorioamnionitis.

Is the Gestational Weight Gain Recommended by the National Academy of Medicine Guidelines Suitable for Chinese Twin-Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the applicability of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) interim guidelines for twin pregnancies to the specific population of gestational diabetes mellitus by exploring the relationship between gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Chinese twin-pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with diabetes in pregnancy between July 2017 and December 2020 at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Chongqing, China. The primary variable of interest was maternal total gestational weight gain. The primary outcomes were perinatal outcomes, which included: preeclampsia, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, low birth weight, neonatal pneumonia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal intensive unit admission, etc. The association between inappropriate gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes was estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 455 twin-pregnant women who had gestational diabetes mellitus were analyzed. Women with low gestational weight gain had reduced risk of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.32; 95% CI or confidence interval, 0.17-0.63; p = 0.001) and their infants had higher risks of small for gestational age (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.04-3.58; p = 0.037), low birth weight (aOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.32-3.90; p = 0.003), neonatal intensive unit admission (aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.10-5.78; p = 0.038), pneumonia (aOR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.08-5.33; p = 0.031), and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.10-4.78; p = 0.027); the infants of women with excessive gestational weight gain had a higher risk of large for gestational age (aOR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.42-9.96; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Gestational weight gain controlled within the range recommended by the NAM could reduce the risk of perinatal adverse outcomes. The 2009 NAM gestational weight gain recommendations can be used for Chinese twin-pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. KEY POINTS: · Inappropriate gestational weight gain can lead to adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.. · Gestational weight gain controlled within recommended range could reduce the risk of poor perinatal outcomes.. · The National Academy of Medicine recommendations are suitable for Chinese twin-pregnant women with GDM..

Pain and Self-Management Status Among Chinese Patients With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the pain and self-management status of patients with cancer and the influencing factors of pain and self-management status during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. Eighty-one Chinese patients with cancer were recruited in December 2020. The Brief Pain Inventory, the Pain Management Inventory, and the Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire were used to evaluate patients' pain and self-management status. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression models were conducted for the research aims. RESULTS: Two thirds of the participants experienced moderate to severe pain. Cancer pain had moderate to severe interference on 90.12% of patients' lives. Self-management of pain in these participants was low. The most commonly used methods of pain management included adjusting activity intensity to avoid fatigue, using distraction techniques, and massaging the sore area. The most effective methods to manage pain included taking analgesics prescribed by doctor, taking over-the-counter analgesics, and massaging the sore area. Fifteen patients (18.5%) believed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on pain management and 26 patients (32.1%) needed support. Pain education, pain interference on sleep, chemotherapy, and payment status were significantly associated with cancer patients 'pain self-management. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer had moderate to severe pain intensity with low levels of self-management and self-efficacy towards that pain.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic organic montmorillonite: efficient adsorption of hexavalent chromium.

This research compared two potential adsorbents for the efficient adsorption of toxic hexavalent chromium. The non-magnetic material STAC-Mt and the magnetic material FeSO4-STAC-Mt were synthesized by a simple impregnation method using montmorillonite (Mt), octadearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (STAC) and ferrous sulfate as raw materials. The structural and morphological characteristics of both adsorbents were investigated by BET, XRD, FTIR, Zeta, VSM, TEM, SEM and XPS techniques. SEM and TEM results clearly revealed that FeSO4-STAC-Mt had a more loosely curled structure than STAC-Mt and the existence of well dispersed diamond-shaped magnetic particles. The saturation magnetization intensity of 17.949 emu/g obtained by VSM further confirmed the presence of magnetite particles in FeSO4-STAC-Mt. Due to the superparamagnetic properties of magnetite, the adsorption performance of FeSO4-STAC-Mt was better than STAC-Mt. FeSO4-STAC-Mt adsorbed up to 43.98 mg/g of Cr(VI), meanwhile it was easily separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnetic field. Intermittent adsorption studies at pH, adsorbent dosage and time revealed a rapid Cr(VI) adsorption process. In combination with response surface optimization analysis, a removal rate of 98.03% of Cr(VI) was obtained at pH 5-6. The adsorption process was properly described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and the Langmuir equation, and the adsorption process was chemisorption and single molecular layer adsorption. In addition, the removal of Cr(VI) reached 72.68% after five cycles, demonstrating the good stability of the FeSO4-STAC-Mt.

A Small-Molecule Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Dye for in†vivo NIR-IIa Fluorescence Bioimaging.

Organic small-molecule fluorophores with near-infrared IIa (NIR-IIa) emission have great potential in pre-clinical detection and inoperative imaging due to the high-spatial resolution and deep penetration. However, developments of the NIR-IIa fluorophores are still facing considerable challenges. In this work, a series of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based fluorophores were designed and synthesized. Subsequently, nanomaterial T25@F127 with significant NIR-IIa emission properties was rationally prepared by encapsulating DPP-based fluorophore T25, and was selected for fluorescence angiography and cerebral vascular microscopic imaging with nearly 800 µm penetrating depth and excellent signal-background ratio of 4.07 and 2.26 (at 250 and 400 µm), respectively. Furthermore, the nanomaterial T25@cRGD with tumor targeting ability can image tiny metastatic tumor on intestine with a small size of 0.3 mm×1.0 mm and high-spatial resolution (SBR=3.84). This study demonstrates that the nanomaterials which encapsulated T25 behave as excellent NIR-IIa fluorescence imaging agents and have a great potential for in vivo biological application.

[Research progress on terpenes and pharmacological effects of Saussurea lappa].

Saussurea lappa originates in India, and now mainly grow in Yunnan, Sichuan and other places in China. It is one of the commonly used traditional herbal medicines in Tibet and other minority regions, with effects in regulating qi to relieve pain and invigo-rating spleen to promote food. It has been used in clinic for gastrointestinal diseases, such as Qi stagnation syndrome of spleen and stomach, diarrhea and tenesmus. More than 200 compounds have been identified from S. lappa. Among them, sesquiterpenoids attracted much attention. In terms of the number of compounds, eudesmanetype is dominant, guaiane and germacranetypes have also been reported frequently. Pharmacological studies have involved extracts, volatile oils and monomeric components represented by dehydrocostus lactone. Anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects on digestive system have attracted great attention. However, due to the complex sources of S. lappa and widely used in clinical practice, there is few research progress on relevant chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. This paper systematically summarizes terpenes and the pharmacological effects of S. lappa, in order to provide basis for further studies and clinical applications.

l-Glutamine Represses the Unfolded Protein Response in the Small Intestine of Weanling Piglets.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) results in apoptosis, inflammation, and enhanced proteolysis in the small intestine of humans and animals. l-Glutamine (Gln) is required for intestinal mucosal homeostasis in piglets. However, a functional role of the ER in the enterocytes of weanling piglets and its contribution to intestinal mucosal integrity remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that preweaning administration of Gln alleviates the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) in the small intestine of weanling piglets. METHODS: Eighteen sow-reared piglets aged 7 d from 3 litters (6 piglets/litter) were assigned randomly into 1 of 3 treatment groups. Piglets were reared by sows until age 24 d, or were reared by sows and orally administered either l-alanine [1.84 g · kg body weight (BW)-1 · d-1] or Gln (1.52 g · kg BW-1 · d-1) twice daily between 7 and 21 d of age, and then weaned to a corn- and soybean meal-based diet. The small-intestinal samples were collected at 24 d of age for analyses of abundance of proteins related to ER stress and apoptosis, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, and mRNA abundance for genes implicated in protein degradation. RESULTS: Compared with age-matched suckling piglets, weaning stress increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation in the jejunum. The abundance of proteins related to ER stress [binding immunoglobulin protein, activating transcription factor 6α, phosphorylated (p)-inositol-requiring kinase 1α, and p-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α] was elevated by 200% to 320%, and that of apoptotic proteins (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, p-Jun-N-terminal kinase, caspase-12, cleaved caspase-3, and Bcl-2-associated X) was augmented by 100% to 350% in the jejunum of weanling piglets. The protein abundance for IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-8 was increased by 100% to 230% in the jejunum of weanling piglets. These alterations in gene and protein expression were markedly abrogated by Gln supplementation. The mRNA concentration of F-Box protein 32 in the jejunum of weanling piglets was increased by 70%, compared with the control group, and was not affected by Gln supplementation. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that preweaning administration of Gln to nursing piglets alleviates the weaning-activated UPR.

Glycine supplementation to breast-fed piglets attenuates post-weaning jejunal epithelial apoptosis: a functional role of CHOP signaling.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that preweaning  glycine supplementation to breast-fed piglets alleviated the post-weaning  apoptosis of jejunal epithelium through CHOP signaling. Seven-day-old sow-reared piglets were orally administrated with 0, 50, 100, or 200% of glycine intake from sow's milk twice daily for 14 days and then were weaned at 21 days of age. Tissue samples were collected at 28 days of age for determining intestinal morphology, serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, abundances of proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis. Glycine (100-200%) administration increased villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum. Glycine supplementation (200%) enhanced average daily weight gain during the first 2 weeks post-weaning. Serum DAO activity and jejunal epithelium apoptosis were decreased, but the number of goblet cells in the jejunum was increased. Western blot analysis showed that 100-200% glycine enhanced the protein levels of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 without affecting those of claudin-3, ZO-2, and ZO-3. Further studies showed that protein abundances of glucose-regulated protein 78 (BiP/GRP78) and p-IRE1α, instead of ATF6α, were reduced by glycine. Among the proteins related to apoptosis, abundances of CHOP and p53 were reduced, whereas those of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were enhanced in the jejunum of 100-200% glycine-supplemented piglets. Collectively, our results indicated that preweaning glycine supplementation improved the intestinal development of post-weaning piglets. The beneficial effect of glycine was associated with improved intestinal mucosal barrier and reduced apoptosis of enterocytes through CHOP signaling.

Fibrin glue versus staple for mesh fixation in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of mesh fixation using fibrin glue versus staple in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of inguinal hernia. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Database searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Cochrane databases until February 2016 using specific search terms. Studies which compared fibrin glue and staple for mesh fixation in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia were enrolled. Outcomes, including inguinal hernia recurrence, chronic inguinal pain, seroma or hematoma formation and operating time, were measured. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs, 430 patients) and six non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs, 8637 patients) were analyzed. Meta-analysis of the four RCTs showed no significant difference in hernia recurrence (OR 2.10, 95 % CI 0.61, 7.22), seroma or hematoma formation (OR 0.55, 95 % CI 0.27, 1.14) and operating time (SMD 0.80, 95 % CI -0.34, 1.94). Similarly, there was no significant difference in most of the outcomes of the six non-RCTs. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis and systematic review shows that the use of fibrin glue fixation may provide an alternative approach to staple fixation in TAPP inguinal hernia repair without increasing the postoperative morbidity. Large-scale RCTs with long-term follow-up are still needed to further assess postoperative outcomes such as chronic pain and disease recurrence.

Clinical significance of CDH13 promoter methylation as a biomarker for bladder cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Methylation of the tumor suppressor gene H-cadherin (CDH13) has been reported in many cancers. However, the clinical effect of the CDH13 methylation status of patients with bladder cancer remains to be clarified. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify eligible studies in the PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, CKNI and Wanfang databases. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was calculated and summarized. RESULTS: Nine eligible studies were included in the present meta-analysis consisting of a total of 1017 bladder cancer patients and 265 non-tumor controls. A significant association was found between CDH13 methylation levels and bladder cancer (OR = 21.71, P < 0.001). The results of subgroup analyses based on sample type suggested that CDH13 methylation was significantly associated with bladder cancer risk in both the tissue and the urine (OR = 53.94, P < 0.001; OR = 7.71, P < 0.001; respectively). A subgroup analysis based on ethnic population showed that the OR value of methylated CDH13 was higher in Asians than in Caucasians (OR = 35.18, P < 0.001; OR = 8.86, P < 0.001; respectively). The relationships between CDH13 methylation and clinicopathological features were also analyzed. A significant association was not observed between CDH13 methylation status and gender (P = 0.053). Our results revealed that CDH13 methylation was significantly associated with high-grade bladder cancer, multiple bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer (OR = 2.22, P < 0.001; OR = 1.45, P = 0.032; OR = 3.42, P < 0.001; respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that CDH13 methylation may play an important role in the carcinogenesis, development and progression of bladder cancer. In addition, CDH13 methylation has the potential to be a useful biomarker for bladder cancer screening in urine samples and to be a prognostic biomarker in the clinic.

Characteristics of On-road Diesel Vehicles: Black Carbon Emissions in Chinese Cities Based on Portable Emissions Measurement.

Black carbon (BC) emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) are rarely continuously measured using portable emission measurement systems (PEMSs). In this study, we utilize a PEMS to obtain real-world BC emission profiles for 25 HDDVs in China. The average fuel-based BC emissions of HDDVs certified according to Euro II, III, IV, and V standards are 2224 ± 251, 612 ± 740, 453 ± 584, and 152 ± 3 mg kg(-1), respectively. Notably, HDDVs adopting mechanical pump engines had significantly higher BC emissions than those equipped with electronic injection engines. Applying the useful features of PEMSs, we can relate instantaneous BC emissions to driving conditions using an operating mode binning methodology, and the average emission rates for Euro II to Euro IV diesel trucks can be constructed. From a macroscopic perspective, we observe that average speed is a significant factor affecting BC emissions and is well correlated with distance-based emissions (R(2) = 0.71). Therefore, the average fuel-based and distance-based BC emissions on congested roads are 40 and 125% higher than those on freeways. These results should be taken into consideration in future emission inventory studies.

Recent trends in the birth prevalence of Down syndrome in China: impact of prenatal diagnosis and subsequent terminations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze recent trends in Down syndrome (DS) prevalence in China and evaluate the impact of prenatal diagnosis and subsequent terminations. DESIGN: A birth defects surveillance-based retrospective study was adopted. METHODS: On the basis of the 1996 to 2011 surveillance data for DS from Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network, we examined the total prevalence ratio (TPR), perinatal prevalence ratio (PPR) and percentages of prenatally identified cases and of terminations by periods (before and after 2003), birth area, gender and maternal-age classifications. RESULTS: Down syndrome TPR was 3.05 per 10 000 births during 2003 to 2011, with significant differences between urban-rural, gender and maternal-age groups. DS PPR during 1996 to 2011 was 1.99 per 10 000, presenting an increasing trend till 2003 but a decreasing tendency since then. The proportion of DS diagnosed prenatally increased from 7.55% during 1996 to 2002 to 47.70% during 2003 to 2011, varying by birth area and maternal age. During 2003 to 2011, the high termination rate led to 55% reduction in the overall DS PPR and 62% and 36% decreases in urban and rural PPRs. CONCLUSION: The important reduction in the PPR suggests that current strategies in China for the prenatal screening and diagnosis of DS are effective. However, significant urban-rural variations in TPR and PPR indicate an urgent need to strengthen prenatal care for DS in rural regions.

Rosavin extends lifespan via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Rosavin, a phenylpropanoid glycoside, is the specific index component and one of the main active components of Rhodiola rosea. Currently, there are few studies describing the antiaging effect of rosavin, and most of them are mainly based on in vitro antioxidant research. Our study aimed to investigate the antiaging activities and mechanisms of rosavin in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as the model, the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans under various stressors (heat and juglone) and normal conditions was studied, and the antioxidant activities of rosavin were discussed. To discover the underlying mechanisms, we analyzed daf-16 nuclear localization, the expression of the sod-3p::GFP fusion protein, mRNA levels, and loss-of-function mutants of IIS-associated genes. The results showed that rosavin significantly improved the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans under stress and normal conditions. Rosavin can increase the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes and suppress the generation of malondialdehyde and ROS in nematodes. Additionally, it promotes the nuclear localization of daf-16 and improves the expression of the sod-3 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans. The data revealed that rosavin activated the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway by downregulating the upstream components daf-2 and age-1. In summary, these results verify that rosavin could increase the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway.