Intermedin attenuates macrophage phagocytosis via regulation of the long noncoding RNA Dnm3os/miR-27b-3p/SLAMF7 axis in a mouse model of atherosclerosis in diabetes.

Atherosclerosis in diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular complications. Intermedin (IMD) is a calcitonin peptide that is known to inhibit macrophage phagocytosis in atherosclerosis, but the exact mechanism is unclear. We investigate genes that are differentially expressed in response to IMD in hyperglycemic conditions and determine whether they delay the progression of atherosclerosis. An atherosclerotic and diabetic-murine model was generated in 8-week-old male ApoE-/- mice receiving streptozotocin and a high-fat diet. The mouse model was treated with IMD and the expression levels of NF-κB, Dnm3os, miR-27b-3p, and SLAMF7 were detected in plaque tissue and macrophages cultured with high glucose concentrations. Phagocytosis was determined by oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) uptake and the interactions among Dnm3os, SLAMF7 and miR-27b-3p were assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The expression of NF-κB, Dnm3os, and SLAMF7 was enhanced in atherosclerotic plaques but decreased by IMD. The suppression of Dnm3os reduced plaque formation in IMD-treated mice even further whereas increased by miR-27b-3p. Dnm3os and SLAMF7 were competitively bind to miR-27b-3p in vivo. In vitro, ox-LDL uptake is elevated in macrophages cultured in hyperglycemic conditions but reduced by IMD. Dual-luciferase assays indicate that Dnm3os positively regulates SLAMF7 through miR-27b-3p expression. In conclusion, Dnm3os is involved in macrophage phagocytosis through the competitive binding of SLAMF7 with miR-27b-3p. IMD induces the suppression of Dnm3os to inhibit macrophage phagocytosis and alleviate atherosclerosis in diabetes.

Ag2 S-CdS p-n Nanojunction-Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes.

Selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes under mild conditions is important for the synthesis of high-value-added organic intermediates but still very challenging. For most of the thermal and photocatalytic systems, noble metal catalysts or harsh reaction conditions are required. Herein, the synthesis and use of Ag2 S-CdS p-n nanojunctions as an efficient photocatalyst for selective oxidation of a series of aromatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes is reported. High quantum efficiencies (59.6% and 36.9% under 380 and 420 nm, respectively) are achieved in air atmosphere at room temperature. Photoluminescence and photo-electrochemical tests show that the excellent performance is mainly due to the p-n junction-enhanced charge separation and transfer for the activation of both O2 (in air) and substrates. This study demonstrates the potential of p-n junction in photocatalytic synthesis under mild conditions.

Enabled homolog shown to be a potential biomarker and prognostic indicator for breast cancer by bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human enabled homolog (ENAH; also known as human ortholog of mammalian enabled, hMENA) is a member of the enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphor protein family that regulates fibroblast movement and nervous system development. The ENAH over-expression promotes breast cancer (BC) cell invasion and metastasis. METHODS: We studied ENAH mRNA expression in various tumors and normal tissues using the ONCOMINE database, and in an array of cancer cell lines using Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia data. We also investigated the prognostic value of ENAH expression in patients with BC using Kaplan-Meier plots. RESULTS: Compared with normal tissues, ENAH expression levels were markedly elevated in BC. We identified a correlation between low ENAH and superior relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with BC; specifically, those with ER(-), HER-2(+), Grade 3 and wild-type TP53 subtypes. Additionally, a correlation was detected between low ENAH and prolonged overall survival of patients with luminal B disease. CONCLUSION: ENAH is a potential biomarker and important prognostic factor in BC.

Application of intraoperative limb-length measurement by a new osteotomy device in hemiarthroplasty for treating femoral neck fracture.

BACKGROUND: Limb length discrepancy is one of the most common complications after hip arthroplasty. We developed a device - intraoperative limb-length measurement and osteotomy device (ILMOD), and applied it to patients who were treated with hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture to improve limb length discrepancy by providing an accurate osteotomy during hemi-arthroplasty. METHODS: Between April 2012 and October 2013, 65 patients were treated with hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture at our trauma center. 31 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly enrolled into two groups ILMOD group and control group. Hemiarthroplasty in this study was performed with cement fixation. Treatment-related measurements such as the operation time, attempts of osteotomy, and the volume of intra-operative blood loss were collected. In both groups, postoperative (1 month) radiologic analysis on anteroposterior weight-bearing pelvic view was performed to evaluate limb length discrepancy. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvement in limb length discrepancy in ILMOD group, and analysis of postoperative radiographs found the mean length difference is 2.1 ± 1.9 mm in ILMOD group compared to 8.8 ± 5.1 mm in control group (P < 0.0001). No complications associated with the use of the device were reported, and none of the patients complained of the discomfort related to limb-length discrepancy after surgery. The average intra-operative time was significantly longer in ILMOD group (84.9 ± 9.2 min) compared to that in control group (70.9 ± 10.2 min) (P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: The ILMOD is an effective device that can be used easily for intraoperative limb length measurement and osteotomy during hemiarthroplasty. This method is applicable with Kocher-Langenbeck approach, and the technique could also be used in total hip arthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-OOC-15005904 . Registered 30 Junuary 2015.

Radiological study of the secondary reduction effect of early functional exercise on displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures after internal compression fixation.

PURPOSE: Early post-operative exercise and weight-bearing activities are found to improve the functional recovery of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). We hypothesized that early functional exercise after surgery might have a secondary reduction effect on the subtalar joint, in particular the smaller fracture fragments that were not fixed firmly. A prospective study was conducted to verify this hypothesis. METHODS: From December 2012 to September 2013, patients with unilateral DIACFs were enrolled and received a treatment consisting of percutaneous leverage and minimally invasive fixation. After surgery, patients in the study group started exercising on days two to three, using partial weight bearing starting week three, and full weight bearing starting week 12. Patients in the control group followed a conventional post-operative protocol of partial weight bearing after week six and full weight bearing after the bone healed. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed at post-operative day one, week four, week eight, and week 12 to reconstruct coronal, sagittal, and axial images, on which the maximal residual displacements of the fractures were measured. Function was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring scale at the 12th post-operative month. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients in the study group and 32 in the control group were followed up for more than 12 months; their data were collected and used for the final analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the maximal residual displacements of the fracture measured on CT images revealed significant differences between the study and the control groups. There were interaction effects between group and time point. Except for the first time point, the differences between the groups at all studied time points were significant. In the study group, the differences between all studied time points were significant. Strong correlations were observed between the AOFAS score at post-operative month 12 and the maximal residual displacement of the fractures on the CT images at postoperative week 12. CONCLUSIONS: Early functional exercise and weight bearing activity can smooth and shape the subtalar joint and reduce the residual displacement of the articular surface, improving functional recovery of the affected foot. Therefore, early rehabilitation functional exercise can be recommended in clinical practice.

Does axial view still play an important role in dealing with calcaneal fractures?

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to analyze the role of axial view in different phases of treatment and demonstrate whether axial view is still useful in evaluating the calcaneal fractures. METHODS: 156 patients with suspected unilateral calcaneal fractures were enrolled in the study, axial and lateral view of the affected foot and single axial view of the unaffected foot were gained. 16 were excluded due to unsatisfying axial radiograph. The remain 140 patients were eventually included into the study. Two separate assessments were conducted on two occasions with a three weeks interval to diagnose fractures. Lateral views were assessed firstly, and lateral combined with axial views were assessed three weeks later. Each of the 140 sets was evaluated by one of 6 surgeons randomly. Sensitivity and specificity value were compared between the two assessments. A new value Z which can directly reflect the degree of bulge on the calcaneal lateral wall on the axial view were introduced into the study. Z value of the 140 unaffected feet were measured. Data of another group of 31 patients who confirmed their lateral hindfoot pain caused by widening of calcaneus was reviewed. Liner regression was employed to analyze the relationship between angle Z and the severity of lateral pain. RESULTS: According to the two assessments, without axial view, specificity value will be significantly lower in diagnosing calcaneal fractures (p = 0.024) and sensitivity value will be significantly lower in distinguishing intra-articular fractures (p < 0.001). The normal threshold of angle Z was estimated from 98.06° to 100.64° (p <0.001). Liner regression shows that the lateral hindfoot pain will obviously aggravate along with the increasing of angle Z value (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Axial view is useful in diagnosing a patient with suspected calcaneal fracture especially for distinguishing intra-articular fractures and selection for CT scan. With the introduction of angle Z, axial view can get excellent performance in intra-operative assessment as well as in post-operative follow up procedure. Axial view can still play an irreplaceable role in assessing and evaluating calcaneal fractures, and can be employed as an essential reference during surgical procedure .

Bony destructive injuries of the calcaneus: long-term results of a minimally invasive procedure followed by early functional exercise: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Bony destructive injury of the calcaneus (BDIC) represents one of the most severe comminuted fractures of the calcaneus in which soft tissue coverage remains intact. The features of this injury include a collapsed articular surface, significant widening, severe loss of height and an unrecognisable outline of the calcaneus. This study aims to present the long-term outcomes of BDIC treated in a minimally invasive fashion followed by supervised early exercise. METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral BDICs were treated at our institution. The main surgical procedures included percutaneous traction and leverage reduction and internal compression fixation with anatomic plates and compression bolts. Early functional exercise was encouraged to mould the subtalar joint. The height, length and width of the calcaneus; Böhler's and Gissane's angles; reduction of the articular surfaces; and functional recovery of the affected feet were assessed. RESULTS: The height, length and width of the calcaneus were substantially restored. The mean Böhler's and Gissane's angles of the affected calcaneus were 24.5 and 122.8 degrees, respectively. Five patients regained anatomical or nearly anatomical reduction of their posterior facets. Residual articular displacement of more than 3 mm was noted in three patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 93.9 months. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 83.8. Nine patients showed excellent or good results. Radiographic evidence of post-traumatic subtalar arthritis was observed in four cases. However, no subtalar arthrodesis was required. CONCLUSIONS: BDICs can be treated effectively with percutaneous reduction and internal compression fixation followed by early active exercise. This protocol resulted in satisfactory radiological and functional outcomes.

Effects of different surgical approaches on health-related quality of life in pediatric and adolescent patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric and adolescent patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent bilateral or unilateral thyroidectomy. METHODS: This prospective observational study recruited children and adolescents diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma at low risk of recurrence. Participants were categorized into bilateral or unilateral thyroidectomy groups. They were asked to complete one questionnaire regarding basic information and three others regarding quality of life. HRQOL data from patients who underwent different procedures at various time points were compared. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent unilateral thyroidectomy and 54 bilateral thyroidectomy (median age = 14.27 years). HRQOL of the unilateral thyroidectomy group was higher than the bilateral group. CONCLUSION: For children and adolescents with papillary thyroid carcinoma at low risk of recurrence, bilateral thyroidectomy is associated with a lower HRQOL than unilateral thyroidectomy. Surgeons should consider tumor impact and HRQOL when selecting the most appropriate surgical method.

Analysis of BRAF Gene Mutation in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis With Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer (TC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor of the head and neck. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the primary pathological type of TC, accounting for more than 80% of all TCs. BRAF mutations are closely associated with PTC. However, the relationship among HT, PTC, and BRAF mutations has not yet been clarified. We aimed to investigate the BRAF mutation in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with PTC. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with multifocal PTC were included and grouped based on surgical pathology examination. Group A (n = 32) had pure multifocal PTC and Group B (n = 40) had HT with multifocal PTC. Various features were compared: BRAF mutation, multifactorial analysis of BRAF mutations, pathological features in patients with HT and multifocal PTC, and multifactorial analysis of factors affecting HT with multifocal PTC. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen in thyroid peroxidase antibody levels, central lymph node metastasis, extra-thyroidal invasion, main and non-main lesion diameters, and BRAF mutation positivity (P < 0.05). Patients with the BRAF mutation had significantly higher rates of extra-thyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis than those without the BRAF mutation (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that BRAF mutation and main lesion nodule diameter were independent risk factors affecting extra-thyroidal invasion and central lymph node metastasis in patients with HT and multifocal PTC (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: BRAF mutations were more prevalent and closely associated with extra-thyroidal invasion and central lymph node metastasis in patients with HT and multifocal PTC.

Bohler's angle's role in assessing the injury severity and functional outcome of internal fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exits over the role of Böhler's angle in assessing the injury severity of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures and predicting the functional outcome following internal fixation. This study aims to investigate whether a correlation exists between Böhler's angle and the injury severity of displaced calcaneal fractures, and between surgical improvement of Böhler's angle and functional outcome. METHODS: Patients treated operatively for unilateral closed displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures from January 1, 2004 to March 31, 2008 were identified. The Böhler's angles of both calcaneus were measured, and the measurement of the uninjured foot was used as its normal control. The difference in the value of Böhler's angle measured preoperatively or postoperatively between the angle of the injured foot and that of the contralateral calcaneus were calculated, respectively. The change in Böhler's angle by ratio was calculated by dividing the difference value of Böhler's angle between bilateral calcaneus by its normal control. The injury severity was assessed according to Sanders classification. The functional outcomes were assessed using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scores. RESULTS: 274 patients were included into the study with a mean follow-up duration of 71 months. According to Sanders classification, the fracture pattern included 105 type II, 121 type III and 48 type IV fractures. According to American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scoring system, the excellent, good, fair and poor results were achieved in 104, 132, 27, and 11 patients, respectively. The preoperative Böhler's angle, difference value of Böhler's angle between bilateral calcaneus, and change in Böhler's angle by ratio each has a significant correlation with Sanders classification (rs=-0.178, P=0.003; rs=-0.174, P=0.004; rs=-0.172, P=0.005, respectively), however, is not correlated with functional outcome individually. The three postoperative measurements were all found to have a significant correlation with American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scores (rs=0.223, P<0.001; rs=0.224, P<0.001; rs=0.220, P<0.001, respectively). However, these correlations were all weak to low. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between preoperative Böhler's angle and the injury severity of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, but only postoperative Böhler's angle parameters were found to have a significant correlation with the functional recovery.

Isolated unilateral vertebral pedicle fracture caused by a back massage in an elderly patient: a case report and literature review.

The vertebral pedicle injuries are clinically common. However, the isolated vertebral pedicle fracture with intact vertebral bodies is a rare lesion. We reported a case of a 66-year-old man who experienced a pedicle fracture after a back massage. The patient sustained osteoporosis, long-existing low back pain and nerve compression symptoms without antecedent major trauma. Imaging findings demonstrated an isolated unilateral L5 vertebral pedicle fracture with intact vertebral bodies, spinal canal stenosis at the L4-5 levels, bulging annulus fibrosus at the L4-S1 levels, bilateral spondylolysis and an L5/S1 spondylolisthesis. The patient underwent L4-S1 decompressive laminectomy, L5/S1 discectomy and neurolysis, and reduction and fixation of the L5 vertebral pedicle fracture and L5/S1 spondylolisthesis using the pedicle nail system. At follow-ups, the patient showed good recovery without pain or numbness in the low back and bilateral lower extremities. This study raises the awareness of a complication of alternative medicine and the possibility of a pedicle fracture caused by a low-energy trauma.

Age as a risk factor for orthostatic hypotension induced by the levodopa challenge test in patients with Parkinson's disease: Results from a single-center trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypotension can occur in patients receiving levodopa (L-dopa) treatment for parkinsonism. However, only few studies have focused on the characteristics of orthostatic hypotension (OH) induced by the L-dopa challenge test (LCT). This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of LCT-induced OH in a relatively large sample of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with PD without a previous diagnosis of OH underwent the LCT. Blood pressure (BP) in the supine and standing positions was measured before and 2 hours after the LCT. If diagnosed with OH, the patients' BP was monitored again 3 hours after the LCT. The clinical features and demographics of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients were diagnosed with OH 2 hours after the LCT (median dose of 375 mg L-dopa/benserazide; incidence = 10.3%). One patient without symptoms had OH 3 hours after the LCT. Compared with patients without OH, patients with OH had lower 1- and 3-minutes standing systolic BP and 1-minute standing diastolic BP at baseline and 2 hours after the LCT. Patients in the OH group were of older age (65.31 ± 4.17 years vs 59.74 ± 5.55years) and had lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (17.5 vs 24) and higher L-dopa/benserazide levels (375 [250, 500] mg vs 250 [125, 500] mg). Older age markedly increased the odds of having LCT-induced OH (odds ratio, 1.451; 95% confidence interval, 1.055-1.995; P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: LCT increased the odds of OH in non-OH PD, causing symptomatic OH in 10.3% of patients in our study, thereby raising safety concerns. Increase in age was observed to be a risk factor for LCT-induced OH in PD patients. A study with a larger sample size is warranted to confirm our results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials Registry under ChiCTR2200055707. DATE OF REGISTRATION: January 16, 2022.

Effects of different levodopa doses on blood pressure in older patients with early and middle stages of Parkinson's disease.

Objective: Levodopa is the first-line treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, only a few studies have focused on the tolerance of this drug in older patients with PD in the early and middle stages. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of different levodopa doses on blood pressure (BP) in this subpopulation. Methods: This cohort analysis enrolled 83 patients. The levodopa challenge test was used to evaluate drug responsiveness. After at least 12 h following anti-PD drug discontinuation, patients' BPs were measured in a lying position, after 1 min standing, and after 3 min standing, in "off state" and best "on state." Results: BP in the 250 mg and 375 mg levodopa/benserazide groups decreased significantly in the lying and standing positions. The 3-min standing-position systolic BP was significantly influenced by the dose of levodopa/benserazide. However, no statistical change was observed in the 125 mg group. The postural-mediated systolic BP disparity was significant at 3 min in the upright position. Nineteen (incidence, 22.9%) and Twenty-five patients (incidence, 30.1%) developed complications of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in the "off state" and best "on state," respectively. Mild cognitive impairment was a risk factor for OH occurrence in the "off state." The OH occurrence in the best "on state" was associated with OH in the "off state" and urinary incontinence. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that 250 mg or more of levodopa/benserazide could significantly reduce BP and orthostatic effect in older patients with PD in the early and middle stages. Therefore, they should routinely monitor their BP. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200055707.

Selection of operative approaches for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy by imageological score.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of the operative approaches for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) patients to establish an imageology scoring system and a prospective study to explore the clinical significance of the scoring system. OBJECTIVE: To develop and establish an imageology scoring system and explore its clinical significance for selecting the best surgical approach to treat MCSM. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: MCSM often requires surgical intervention. A number of surgical methods are available, including anterior, posterior, and posterior-anterior united approaches. The key issue is to select an appropriate surgical approach that optimizes clinical outcomes. However, the selection of a surgical approach for MCSM is still controversial. As there is a lack of high-quality quantitative data and a uniform standard for selecting the best surgical approach, the choice is usually based on surgeon experience in practice. METHODS: A total of 226 MCSM patients who underwent different surgical approaches with satisfactory clinical results (>60% recovery rates) from January 1998 to June 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the surgical approach they underwent: anterior, posterior, or posterior-anterior united approach. Six imageological indices closely related to MCSM were collected for each patient. The indices included the following: the stability of the cervical vertebra, the degree of spinal stenosis, the degree of spinal cord compression, hypertrophy of ligamentum flava, and the local (≤2 levels) or continuous (>2 levels) ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. The maximum likelihood method for discriminatory analysis was adopted to analyze the imageology indices, thus the imageology scores were obtained and the imageology scoring system was established. During the second stage of the study, 165 MCSM patients were prospectively analyzed between June 2005 and September 2008. The surgical approach with the maximum total score according to the imageology scoring system was regarded as the recommended surgical approach, but the actual surgical approach was determined by the surgeon's clinical experience. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the actual surgical approach. Patients underwent either an anterior approach, posterior-anterior united approach, or posterior approach in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The following criteria were evaluated: perioperative and postoperative complications, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and recovery rates. The correlation between the actual surgical approach and the recommended surgical approach by the imageology scoring system was analyzed. RESULTS: The postoperative JOA score improved significantly in all the 3 groups. There were no significant differences in JOA scores (group A: 13.10±1.47, group B: 12.89±1.26, group C: 12.98±1.69) or recovery rates (group A: 61.71%±11.41%, group B: 60.21%±9.35%, group C: 60.93%±15.20%) at a 1-year follow-up in all the 3 groups. The correlation between the actual surgical approach and the recommended surgical approach was 87.27%, 90.16%, and 82.05% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The imageological scoring system proved to be effective for selecting a surgical approach for MCSM, which can make surgical techniques more quantified and standardized.

Tibial fracture treated by minimally invasive plating using a novel low-cost, high-technique system.

PURPOSE: The less invasive stabilization system (LISS) can effectively treat tibial fractures. However, the LISS is technically demanding, has a long learning curve, and presents a heavy economic burden to patients. The U-grooved locking compression plate (U-LCP), characterized by a U-groove at each end, is designed to treat tibial fractures. This paper reports the outcomes of tibial fractures treated using the U-LCP compared with the LISS. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with unilateral tibial fractures treated with either the U-LCP (group I) or LISS (group II) were enrolled. In group I, a U-LCP was inserted subcutaneously with two Kirschner wires embedded into the U-grooves to temporarily secure the plate. A second identical plate was placed over the first to guide screw insertion. In group II, the LISS was used to fix the tibial fractures. Patient age, sex, fracture type, severity of soft tissue injury, operative time, fluoroscopic time, complications, and functional recovery of affected limbs were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in age, sex, fracture type, and severity of soft tissue injury (p > 0.05). The average operation and fluoroscopic times in group I were significantly less than those in group II (p < 0.05). At follow-up, all fractures healed. There were no significant differences between both groups in time to bony union, wound complication rate, or functional recovery of injured limbs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The U-LCP can yield good outcomes in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures, with less radiation exposure, a shorter operation time, and a sustainable price compared with the LISS.

[Epidemiological survey on pre-hypertension and hypertension prevalence among adolescents aged 11 to 17 years in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension as well as the association with overweight/obesity in Shanghai adolescents. METHODS: School children aged 11 - 17 years in four schools in Shanghai were included in this survey. All students were visited in May 2010 at school by trained nurses or physicians who administered a questionnaire and carried out anthropometric measurements. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, heart rate and blood pressure. Repeat measurements were performed in school children with elevated blood pressure within one month. The pre-hypertension and hypertension was defined on the basis of the 2004 National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group definitions. The overweight and obesity was defined using cutoff points recommended by Working Group of Obesity, China (WGOC). RESULTS: There were 4175 school children aged 11 - 17 years [mean (15.0 ± 1.9) years, 52.3% (n = 2183) girls and 47.7% (n = 1992) boys]. There were 72.5% (n = 3025) participants with normal blood pressure [ girls (n = 1666) 76.3% and boys (n = 1361) 68.3%], 18.0% (n = 750)participants with pre-hypertension [14.2% (n = 310) for girls and 22.1% (n = 440) for boys], 8.3% (n = 346) participants with stage 1 hypertension [8.2% (n = 179) for girls and 8.3% (n = 165) for boys] and 1.3% (n = 54) participants with stage 2 hypertension [1.3% (n = 28) for girls and 1.3% (n = 26) for boys]. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6.7% (n = 147) and 3.0% (n = 66) for girls and 13.7% (n = 273) and 6.3% (n = 125) for boys. After adjusting for gender, age, parental history of hypertension and physical activities, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the overweight [adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.42 (1.16 - 1.75)] and obesity [adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 2.35 (1.78 - 3.11)] were independent predictors of elevated blood pressure in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of elevated blood pressure is common in adolescents in Shanghai. Overweight and obesity are closely associated with the elevated blood pressure in this cohort.

Chemical and Flavor Characteristics of Enzyme-Modified Cheese Made by Two-Stage Processing.

(1) Background: to date, a clear description of the impact of specific enzymes on the enzyme-modified cheese (EMC) flavor is lacking. Moreover, comparative studies on the aroma compounds' intensity of EMC have been rarely investigated. Therefore, this study was done to determine the influence of incubating substrates with proteases and different lipases on cheese ripening index and aroma compounds. (2) Methods: two-stage processing was adopted; proteolysis followed by lipolysis. (3) Results: results showed that the usage of Flavourzyme may improve the value of pH 4.6-WSN/TN%. Butanoic acid and hexanoic acid have a significant influence on the overall flavor of EMCs. In particular, the ethenyl acetate compound was detected in all products and was perceived as a fruity and sweet aroma, which has not been reported in previous literature. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids of EMCs made by Lipase MER was higher than EMCs made by Palatase, while the total content of medium and long-chain fatty acids of EMCs made by Lipase MER was lower than EMCs made by Palatase. The percentage of esters compounds in EMCs made by Lipase AY 30G was higher than the other two lipases, except EMC1. (4) Conclusions: Flavourzyme may be used to speed up the ripening of cheeses that need extensive proteolysis. The ability of Lipase MER to hydrolyze short-chain fatty acids was stronger than that of Palatase, while the ability of Lipase MER to hydrolyze medium and long-chain fatty acids was weaker than that of Palatase. The use of Lipase AY 30G was accompanied by the production of some other flavor esters, which made the final hydrolysates more fragrant and may be a good choice to produce fruity cheese flavor EMC. While Lipase MER may barely contain ester activity. This study may provide a reference for the selection of incubated enzymes for specific flavor EMC.

A wide range of triglyceride levels is sufficient for fetal growth at gestational weeks 12-16, but higher triglyceride levels are associated with gestational hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: To learn whether and how lipid levels are associated with gestational hypertension and fetal growth in normal pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: In a case-control study course, 464 patients with gestational hypertension were pooled into a case group; a total of 1077 women with full-term pregnancies and no pregnancy complications were selected as controls. In a cross-sectional study, whether maternal lipid levels were associated with fetal growth were evaluated in 1077 healthy controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal lipids and glucose levels and fetal measurements. RESULTS: Maternal levels of triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in the case group than in controls at gestational weeks 12-16. Levels of TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low-densitylipoprotein (LDL-C) in control mothers increased gradually and significantly with increasing gestational week, however, these lipid concentrations lost these steady elevating trends with gestational week increases in the cases. Binary logistic regression showed that TG is a risk factor associated with hypertension at gestational weeks 12-16 and independent to maternal blood levels of LDL-C and glucose. Of the healthy mothers at gestational weeks 12-16, quantile regression showed that TG levels were not associated with real-time fetal growth measurements or final birthweight. The reference standards for maternal TG levels were estimated via the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles by gestational week. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal TG levels are associated with gestational hypertension, and a wide range of TG levels is sufficient for fetal growth within a given gestational week.

SOCS6 Promotes Mitochondrial Fission and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Is Negatively Regulated by Quaking-Mediated miR-19b.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal mitochondrial fission have been implicated in the complications associated with I/R injury as cardiomyocytes are abundant in mitochondria. SOCS6 is known to participate in mitochondrial fragmentation, but its exact involvement and the pathways associated are uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression of SOCS6 was analyzed by western blot in cardiomyocytes under a hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) model. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the direct interaction between miR-19b and the 3'-UTR of Socs6. In the present study, we found that Socs6 inhibition by RNA interference attenuated H/R-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. A luciferase assay indicated that Socs6 is a direct target of miR-19b. The overexpression of miR-19b decreased mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, the presence of miR-19b reduced the level of SOCS6 and the injury caused by I/R in vivo. There were less apoptotic cells in the myocardium of mice injected with miR-19b. In addition, we found that the RNA-binding protein, Quaking (QK), participates in the regulation of miR-19b expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the inhibition of mitochondrial fission through downregulating Socs6 via the QK/miR-19b/Socs6 pathway attenuated the damage sustained by I/R. The QK/miR-19b/Socs6 axis plays a vital role in regulation of mitochondrial fission and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and could form the basis of future research in the development of therapies for the management of cardiac diseases.