Iron Stress Affects the Growth and Differentiation of Toxoplasma gondii.

Iron is an indispensable nutrient for the survival of Toxoplasma gondii; however, excessive amounts can lead to toxicity. The parasite must overcome the host's "nutritional immunity" barrier and compete with the host for iron. Since T. gondii can infect most nucleated cells, it encounters increased iron stress during parasitism. This study assessed the impact of iron stress, encompassing both iron depletion and iron accumulation, on the growth of T. gondii. Iron accumulation disrupted the redox balance of T. gondii while enhancing the parasite's ability to adhere in high-iron environments. Conversely, iron depletion promoted the differentiation of tachyzoites into bradyzoites. Proteomic analysis further revealed proteins affected by iron depletion and identified the involvement of phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activator proteins in bradyzoite formation.

Causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A two-sample Mendelian randomized study.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). However, the genetic causality of this association remains unclear. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to explore the potential causal relationship between SLE and APO risk. Methods: We selected 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SLE from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). APO's statistics are obtained from the GWAS database. MR estimates were performed using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, the MR-Egger method, and the weighted median (WM) method. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, MR-pleiotropic residual and outlier method, stay-one analysis and funnel plot. Results: The results showed a causal relationship between SLE and pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.036, 95 % confidence interval 1.006 to 1.068, P = 0.019), and no significant causal relationship was found between SLE and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, spontaneous abortion, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress, gestational diabetes mellitus. These findings were robust in several sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: This MR study demonstrated the causal effect of SLE on preeclampsia. It provides important clues for identifying and early predicting risk factors for preeclampsia.

[Oral health and hygiene behavior in chronic renal failure patients].

PURPOSE: To investigate the oral health and hygiene behavior of chronic renal failure(CRF) patients in Shenzhen, so as to provide basis for formulating education for them. METHODS: The history of renal failure, oral health status and oral health care behavior of 336 patients with chronic renal failure(CRF) in the hemodialysis center of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital were investigated by questionnaire and oral examinations. RESULTS: At an average, dialysis was required for 3.2 years. The main cause of renal failure was glomerulonephritis in 49.11% of patients, hypertensive kidney lesion in 19.35% and diabetic nephropathy in 15.77% of patients; 77.8% of them kept brushing teeth two or more than two times every day; 72.9% patients suffered from oral problems such as toothache in recent 12 months. The rate of visiting a dentist when having complaints was 21.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The state of oral health of CRF is worse than the general population of comparable age in China, while their hygiene behavior is better than the corresponding reference general population. However, their consciousness of dental treatment is poor. Therefore, health education for CRF patients should include knowledge about oral diseases complicated with CRF and correct medical philosophy.