Differences in Gut Microbiota and Metabolites between Wrestlers with Varying Pre-Competition Weight Control Effect.

This study intended to analyze the effects of body weight control by the diet, training adaptation, gut microbiota metabolites of wrestlers in the week leading up to competition. According to the weight difference of wrestlers from the target weight one week prior to the competition, those whose weight control effectiveness is less than 2 kg were classified as the CW group, while more than 2 kg were classified as the CnW group. The body weight, body composition and diet of wrestlers were recorded; urine samples were taken for standard urine testing, and stool samples were collected for the analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites. The data showed that the relative values of carbohydrate and fat energy in the CnW group were significantly higher than those of the CW group, but the relative values of protein energy was significantly lower. The white blood cells, occult blood, and protein appeared in urine in the CnW group. The microbiota with higher abundance values in the CnW group were positively correlated with the relative value of carbohydrate energy, while the abundance value of Streptococcus was negatively correlated; and the functional prediction of differential bacteria was related to riboflavin and selencompound metabolism. The differential metabolites of CW/CnW group were functionally enriched in the processes of lipid and amino acid metabolism. Overall, the extent of weight control in wrestlers was correlated with sensible dietary patterns, adaptability to training load, and distinct gut microbiota and metabolites.

Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with self-(in)compatibility in goji berries (Lycium barbarum).

BACKGROUND: Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is a perennial deciduous shrub widely distributed in arid and semiarid regions of Northwest China. It is highly valued for its medicinal and functional properties. Most goji varieties are naturally self-incompatible, posing challenges in breeding and cultivation. Self-incompatibility is a complex genetic trait, with ongoing debates regarding the number of self-incompatible loci. To date, no genetic mappings has been conducted for S loci or other loci related to self-incompatibility in goji. RESULTS: We used genome resequencing to create a high-resolution map for detecting de novo single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in goji. We focused on 229 F1 individuals from self-compatible '13-19' and self-incompatible 'new 9' varieties. Subsequently, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on traits associated with self-compatibility in goji berries. The genetic map consisted of 249,327 SNPs distributed across 12 linkage groups (LGs), spanning a total distance of 1243.74 cM, with an average interval of 0.002 cM. Phenotypic data related to self-incompatibility, such as average fruit weight, fruit rate, compatibility index, and comparable compatibility index after self-pollination and geitonogamy, were collected for the years 2021-2022, as well as for an extra year representing the mean data from 2021 to 2022 (2021/22). A total of 43 significant QTL, corresponding to multiple traits were identified, accounting for more than 11% of the observed phenotypic variation. Notably, a specific QTL on chromosome 2 consistently appeared across different years, irrespective of the relationship between self-pollination and geitonogamy. Within the localization interval, 1180 genes were annotated, including Lba02g01102 (annotated as an S-RNase gene), which showed pistil-specific expression. Cloning of S-RNase genes revealed that the parents had two different S-RNase alleles, namely S1S11 and S2S8. S-genotype identification of the F1 population indicated segregation of the four S-alleles from the parents in the offspring, with the type of S-RNase gene significantly associated with self-compatibility. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the genetic mechanism underlying self-compatibility in goji berries. This highlights the importance of further positional cloning investigations and emphasizes the importance of integration of marker-assisted selection in goji breeding programs.

Connection of pre-competition anxiety with gut microbiota and metabolites in wrestlers with varying sports performances based on brain-gut axis theory.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection of pre-competition anxiety with gut microbiota and metabolites in wrestlers with different sports performances. METHODS: One week prior to a national competition, 12 wrestlers completed anxiety questionnaires. Faecal and urine samples were collected for the analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites through the high-throughput sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene in conjunction with untargeted metabolomics technology. The subjects were divided into two groups, namely, achievement (CP) and no-achievement (CnP) wrestlers, on the basis of whether or not their performances placed them in the top 16 at the competition. The relationship amongst the variations in gut microbiota, metabolites, and anxiety indicators was analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The CP group exhibited significantly higher levels of "state self-confidence," "self-confidence," and "somatic state anxiety" than the CnP group. Conversely, the CP group displayed lower levels of "individual failure anxiety" and "sports competition anxiety" than the CnP group. (2) The gut microbiota in the CP group was more diverse and abundant than that in the CnP group. Pre-competition anxiety was linked to Oscillospiraceae UCG_005, Paraprevotella, Ruminococcaceae and TM7x. (3) The functions of differential metabolites in faeces and urine of the CP/CnP group were mainly enriched in caffeine metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and VEGF and mTOR signaling pathways. Common differential metabolites in feces and urine were significantly associated with multiple anxiety indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Wrestlers with different sports performance have different pre-competition anxiety states, gut microbiota distribution and abundance and differential metabolites in faeces and urine. A certain correlation exists between these psychological and physiological indicators.

Neutrophil extracellular traps: a catalyst for atherosclerosis.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are network-like structures released by activated neutrophils. They consist mainly of double-stranded DNA, histones, and neutrophil granule proteins. Continuous release of NETs in response to external stimuli leads to activation of surrounding platelets and monocytes/macrophages, resulting in damage to endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Some clinical trials have demonstrated the association between NETs and the severity and prognosis of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, experimental findings have shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which NETs contribute to atherogenesis. NETs play a significant role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This review focuses on recent advancements in the understanding of the relationship between NETs and atherosclerosis. It explores various aspects, including the formation of NETs in atherosclerosis, clinical trials investigating NET-induced atherosclerosis, the mechanisms by which NETs promote atherogenesis, and the translational implications of NETs. Ultimately, we aim to propose new research directions for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Novel Type of Slowly Digested Starch Complex with Antioxidant Properties.

With the increasing number of diabetic patients in the world, there is an urgent requirement to reduce the incidence of diabetes. It is considered that a viable prophylactic treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus is to reduce starch digestibility and oxidative stress. In this study, a novel type of slowly digested starch [pea starch (PS)-gingerol complex] was fabricated to evaluate its in vitro enzymatic digestibility and antioxidant activities. Theoretical and experimental analyses showed that PS can encapsulate gingerols with long alkyl chains to form starch-gingerol complexes, which are further stacked into a mixture of V6- and V7-crystallites. These complexes, in particular the PS-10-gingerol complex, showed high resistance to amylolysis and good antioxidant activities. This study demonstrates that these novel starch-gingerol complexes have the potential to deliver antioxidants encapsulated in starch with slow-digesting properties and reduce oxidative stress. Moreover, this new type of slowly digested starch with antioxidant properties showed great potential in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Novel Defluorination Pathways of Perfluoroether Compounds (GenX): α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticle Layer Retains Higher Concentrations of Effective Hydrated Electrons.

The development of efficient defluorination technology is an important issue because the kind of emerging pollutant of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) as an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has the higher environmental risks. In the UV/bisulfite system, we first developed a hydrophobic confined α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle layer rich in oxygen vacancies, which accelerated the enrichment of HSO3- and GenX on the surface and pores through electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic interaction, retaining more hydrated electrons (eaq-) and rapidly destroying GenX under UV excitation. Especially, under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, the degradation percentage of GenX obtain nearly 100%, defluorination of GenX to 88 and 57% respectively. It was amazed to find that the three parallel H/F exchange pathways triggered by the rapid reactions of eaq- and GenX, which were unique to anaerobic conditions, improved the efficiency of fluoride removal and weaken the interference of dissolved oxygen and H+. Therefore, this study provided an available material and mechanism for sustainable fluoride removal from wastewater in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Genome-wide profiling of long non-coding RNA following ozone exposure: A randomized, controlled exposure trial.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ambient ozone has been associated with extrapulmonary health, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be understood. LncRNAs are involved in the regulation of gene expression, but their regulatory mechanisms in ozone-related health effects are scarcely explored. OBJECTIVE: To investigate genome-wide lncRNA changes after short-term ozone exposure and their regulatory roles in ozone exposure and gene expression. METHOD: We conducted a randomized, crossover, controlled exposure trial in 32 healthy college students in Shanghai, China. Each participant received both 200-ppb ozone exposure and filtered air exposure for 2 h in a random order with a 14-day washout period. Blood samples were collected after each exposure and used for lncRNA sequencing. Differentially expressed lncRNAs between the two exposures were identified using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and linear regression analysis. LncRNAs-targeted mRNAs were mapped and subjected to enrichment analyses. We also constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. RESULTS: A total of 90 lncRNAs were differentially expressed after exposure to ozone, with 49 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated. Enrichment analyses suggested that these dysregulated lncRNAs were involved in a variety of biological processes, including those related to oxidative stress, inflammation response, and cell proliferation, development, and differentiation. Multiple pathways such as IL-17 signaling, NF-kB signaling, and Rho GTPases signaling were also enriched. Furthermore, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network revealed that specific lncRNAs may regulate the expression of inflammation- and angiogenesis-related genes by interacting with miRNAs, such as NEAT1/hsa-miR-500a-3p/SIGLEC8, NEAT1/hsa-miR-6835-3p/SLC16A14, OIP5-AS1/miR-183-5p/EGR1, and SNHG25/hsa-miR-663a/FOSB axes. CONCLUSION: This study characterized a thorough profile of human lncRNAs following short-term ozone exposure and suggested the regulatory roles of these lncRNAs in ozone-induced inflammatory responses and angiogenesis, providing novel epigenetic insights into the mechanisms of the health effects of ozone exposure.

Perinatal exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate and the risk of hepatic inflammation in rat offspring: Perturbation of gut-liver crosstalk.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure is associated with harmful hepatic outcomes. Growing evidence indicates that crosstalk between the gut microbiome, immune system, and liver plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PFOS exposure during pregnancy and lactation on hepatic inflammation in rat offspring. Features of hepatic inflammation and increased levels of aspartate-amino transferase (AST) were found in pups on postnatal day 28 (PND28) in PFOS-exposed groups. Gut microbiota analysis identified Chitinophaga, Ralstonia, and Alloprevotella as the key genera in distinguishing the PFOS-exposed group from the control group. Metabolic and transcriptomic analyses found that PFOS exposure resulted in 48 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the serum, 62 DEMs in the liver, and 289 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver of PND28 pups. The immune response is significantly enriched in PFOS-exposed liver on PND28; multi-omics analysis indicated that PFOS might lead to immune response perturbation by disturbing the metabolic profiling in the liver. The changed gut microbiota was significantly related to the serum level of the liver function index. Specifically, Alloprevotella, Chitinophage, Ruminococcus, and Allobaculum were significantly associated with the metabolic abundance changes of 4-Hydroxydebrisoquine, L-Norvaline, and Eremopetasinorol, and the gene expression changes of Acat211, Msmol, Idi1, Sqle, and Gadd45b in the liver. These findings suggest that early-life PFOS exposure may be associated with adverse hepatic inflammation in young offspring via disruption of the gut-liver crosstalk, which may provide mechanistic clues for clarifying the hepatotoxicity in offspring associated with perinatal PFOS exposure.

Risk factors associated with hospital mortality in non-surgical patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement treatment: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The prognosis-predicting factors for non-surgical patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains limited. In this study, we aim to analyze prognosis-predicting factors in the non-surgical patients receiving these two therapies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from non-surgical patients with ECMO treatment from December 2013 until April 2023. Hospital mortality was primary endpoint of this study. The area under the curve and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of mortality. The independent risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression. The prediction model was a nomogram, and decision curve analysis and the calibration plot were used to assess it. Using restricted cubic spline curves and Spearman correlation, the correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The model that incorporated CRRT duration and age surpassed the two variables alone in predicting hospital mortality in non-surgical patients with ECMO therapy (AUC value = 0.868, 95% CI = 0.779-0.956). Older age, CRRT implantation, and duration were independent risk factors for hospital mortality (all p < 0.05). The nomogram predicting outcomes model containing on CRRT implantation and duration was developed, and the consistency between the predicted probability and observed probability and clinical utility of the models were good. CRRT duration was negatively associated with hemoglobin concentration and positively associated with urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION: Hospital mortality in non-surgical ECMO patients was found to be independently associated with older age, longer CRRT duration, and CRRT implantation.

Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and newborn anogenital distance: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Considerable attention has been paid to reproductive toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the relationship between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and anogenital distance (AGD) has not been well studied. We aim to investigate the potential effects of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 on newborn AGD. METHODS: Prenatal PM2.5 exposure of 2332 participates in Shanghai (2013-2016) was estimated using high-performance machine learning models. Anoscrotal distance (AGDas) in male infants and anofourchette distance (AGDaf) in female infants were measured by well-trained examiners within 3 days after birth. We applied multiple linear regression models and multiple informant models to estimate the association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and AGD. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression models showed that a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during full pregnancy, the second and third trimesters was inversely associated with AGDas (adjusted beta = - 1.76, 95% CI: - 2.21, - 1.31; - 0.73, 95% CI: - 1.06, - 0.40; and - 0.52; 95% CI: - 0.87, - 0.18, respectively) in males. A 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during the full pregnancy, the first, second, and third trimesters was inversely associated with AGDaf (adjusted beta = - 4.55; 95% CI: - 5.18, - 3.92; - 0.78; 95% CI: - 1.10, - 0.46; - 1.11; 95% CI: - 1.46, - 0.77; - 1.45; 95% CI: - 1.78, - 1.12, respectively) in females after adjusting for potential confounders. Multiple informant models showed consistent but slightly attenuated associations. CONCLUSION: Our study observed a significant association between gestational PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and shortened AGD in newborns, and provided new evidence on potential reproductive toxicity of prenatal PM2.5 exposure.

Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the fetus: A prospective cohort study.

Maternal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy has been associated with impaired neurobehavioral development in children. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important growth factor in the nervous system. We evaluated the associations of maternal PM2.5 exposures with fetal BDNF in the umbilical cord blood in a prospective cohort study. A total of 711 eligible mother-infant pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort were included in the current study. Daily maternal exposures to ambient PM2.5 were assessed with a gap-filling approach at 1 * 1 km2 resolution based on self-reported home addresses. The concentrations of BDNF in the cord blood were measured by ELISA. A linear regression model was applied to evaluate the association of maternal ambient PM2.5 exposure with fetal BDNF level at birth. The median concentration of BDNF was 13,403 pg/ml. Vaginal deliveries and female infants had higher BDNF levels than cesarean deliveries and male infants. One natural log (ln) unit increase in maternal PM2.5 exposure during the second trimester was significantly associated with - 0.20 (95% CI: -0.36, -0.05) ln-unit decrease in BDNF level in all births. These effects were stronger and more significant in vaginal deliveries and in male infants. Our study suggests that BDNF in the cord blood may serve as a potential biomarker in assessing the neurodevelopmental effects of maternal PM2.5 exposure.

Associations of Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Its Chemical Constituents with Birth Weight for Gestational Age in China: A Nationwide Survey.

This study examined the associations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical constituents with risks of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). Based on the China Labor and Delivery Survey, we included 70,206 birth records from 24 provinces in China. Concentrations of PM2.5 mass and six main constituents were estimated using satellite-based models. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and time trends. We found that an interquartile range increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was associated with 16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3-30%) and 11% (95% CI: 1-22%) higher risk of SGA and LGA, respectively. Elevated risk of SGA was associated with exposure to black carbon [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00-1.32], ammonium (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01-1.25), and sulfate (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21); while increased risk of LGA was associated with exposure to black carbon (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26), ammonium (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24), sulfate (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15), and nitrate (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.27). Our findings provide evidence that PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased risks of SGA and LGA, and constituents related to emissions from anthropogenic sources may play important roles in these associations.

Working memory capacity, mental rotation, and visual perspective taking: A study of the developmental cascade hypothesis.

The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the development of level 2 visual perspective taking (VPT2). Specifically, we examined the role of working memory capacity (WMC) and mental rotation (MR) in the developmental change of VPT2 among early school-aged children. Children aged between 6 and 8 years (N = 150) completed measures to assess WMC, MR, and VPT2. Results showed that WMC, the ability of MR, and VPT2 developed progressively from 6 to 8 years old. The ability of VPT2 was significantly correlated with WMC and MR, even when age was statistically controlled for. Mediation analyses further revealed that both age-related changes in WMC and MR partially mediated the development of VPT2. Furthermore, age-related development in MR mediated the relationship between changes of WMC and VPT2. Our findings suggest the importance of WMC and MR in the early development of VPT2 and provide preliminary support for the developmental cascade hypothesis. That is, as children grow up, their WMC increases, leading to better capability of MR, which in turn results in the improvement of VPT2.

LncRNA-HOTAIR Inhibits H9c2 Apoptosis After Acute Myocardial Infarction via miR-206/FN1 Axis.

Although previous studies showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles in the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the underlying molecular mechanism that lncRNAs participate in MI remains unclear. Herein, we explored the expression of lncRNA HOX antisense non-coding RNA (HOTAIR) in the serum of MI patients and mouse model of AMI. Biological functions of HOTAIR in hypoxic H9c2 cells, the in vitro model of MI, were also assessed. RT-qPCR results showed that HOTAIR expression was downregulated in the serum of AMI patients and AMI mice. HOTAIR overexpression promoted H9c2 cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Mechanically, HOTAIR was regulated by miR-206 and FN1 was the direct target of miR-206. More importantly, miR-206 overexpression or FN1 knockdown reversed the effect of HOTAIR overexpression on H9c2 cell viability and apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Therefore, targeting the HOTAIR/miR-206/FN1 axis may be a promising therapeutic method for MI.

Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether mediated photodynamic therapy inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating the P53-miR-21-PDCD4 axis via singlet oxygen.

The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism and effect of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Human OSCC CAL-27 cells were randomly divided into four groups: control group, HMME group, laser group, and HMME-PDT group. Cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 method. Cell cycle distribution was evaluated by flow cytometry. GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs), and TCGA database was performed to verify DEM expression in OSCC and normal tissues. The effects of HMME-PDT on DEM expression were assayed by real-time PCR, and the expressions of miRNAs target genes were measured by western blot. Fluorescence probes were used to determine the production of singlet oxygen (1O2). Compared with the other three groups, HMME-PDT dramatically inhibited CAL-27 cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 cycle arrest. The expressions of miR-21 and miR-155 were significantly upregulated in OSCC. HMME-PDT downregulated the expression of miR-21 but had no obvious effect on miR-155. HMME-PDT remarkably upregulated the levels of P53 and miR-21 target proteins, such as PDCD4, RECK, and SPRY2. 1O2 was generated during HMME-PDT, and inhibition of 1O2 production could reverse the regulation of HMME-PDT on P53, miR-21, and its target proteins, thus restoring cell viability. HMME-PDT can significantly inhibit the growth of OSCC cells, and the mechanism of this effect is related to the regulation of the P53-miR-21-PDCD4 axis via 1O2 induced by HMME-PDT.

M2b macrophages stimulate lymphangiogenesis to reduce myocardial fibrosis after myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

CONTEXT: Therapeutic lymphangiogenesis is a new treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study showed M2b macrophages can alleviate myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). However, the relation between M2b macrophages and lymphangiogenesis is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of M2b macrophages on lymphangiogenesis after MI/RI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into Sham operation group (control, n = 8), MI/RI group (n = 16) and M2b macrophage transplantation group (n = 16). M2b macrophages (1 × 106) in 100 µL of normal saline or the same volume of vehicle was injected into the cardiac ischaemic zone. Two weeks later, echocardiography and lymphatic counts were performed, and the extent of myocardial fibrosis and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR3) were determined. In vitro, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were cultured with M2b macrophages for 6-24 h, and the proliferation, migration and tube formation of the LECs were assessed. RESULTS: In vivo, M2b macrophage transplantation increased the level of lymphangiogenesis 2.11-fold, reduced 4.42% fibrosis, improved 18.65% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and upregulated the expressions of VEGFC and VEGFR3. In vitro, M2b macrophage increased the proliferation, migration, tube formation and VEGFC expression of LECs. M2b macrophage supernatant upregulated VEGFR3 expression of LECs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that M2b macrophages can promote lymphangiogenesis to reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve heart function, suggesting the possible use of M2b macrophage for myocardial protection therapy.

The acute effects of temperature variability on heart rate variability: A repeated-measure study.

BACKGROUND: The impacts of temperature variability on cardiac autonomic function remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the short-term associations between daily temperature variability and parameters of heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: This is a repeated-measure study among 78 eligible participants in Shanghai, China. We defined temperature variability as diurnal temperature range (DTR), the standard-deviation of temperature (SDT) and temperature variability (TV). We evaluated 3 frequency-domain HRV parameters (VLF, LF and HF) and 4 time-domain parameters (SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD and pNN50). We used linear mixed-effect models to analyze the data after controlling for environmental and individual confounders. RESULTS: Temperature variability was significantly associated with decreased HRV, especially on the concurrent day. The exposure-response relationships were almost inversely linear for most parameters. Every one interquartile range (IQR) increase of DTR was associated with a decrease of 3.92% for VLF, 6.99% for LF, 5.88% for HF, 3.94% for rMSSD and 1.30% for pNN50. Each IQR increase of SDT was associated with a decline of 6.48% for LF, 5.91% for HF, 4.26% for rMSSD and 1.87% for pNN50. Every IQR increase of SDT was associated with a decrease of 4.39% for VLF, 7.67% for LF, 6.52% for HF, 3.22% for SDNN, 2.98% for SDANN, 4.05% for rMSSD, and 1.41% for pNN50. The decrements in HRV associated with temperature variability were more prominent in females. CONCLUSION: Temperature variability on the concurrent day could significantly decrease cardiac autonomic function, especially in females.

miR-381-3p suppresses breast cancer progression by inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in multiple cellular functions and participate in various cancer development and progression, including breast cancer. METHODS: We aimed to investigate the role of miR-381-3p in breast cancer. The expression level of miR-381-3p and EMT transcription factors was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of miR-381-3p on breast cancer proliferation and invasion were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and transwell assays. The regulation of miR-381-3p on its targets was determined by dual-luciferase analysis, qRT-PCR, and western blot. RESULTS: We found that the expression of miR-381-3p was significantly decreased in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-381-3p inhibited breast cancer proliferation and invasion, whereas knockdown of miR-381-3p promoted cell proliferation and invasion in MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR-381-3p inhibited breast cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Both Sox4 and Twist1 were confirmed as targets of miR-381-3p. Moreover, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) could reverse the effects of miR-381-3p on breast cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS: Our observation suggests that miR-381-3p inhibits breast cancer progression and EMT by regulating the TGF-ß signaling via targeting Sox4 and Twist1.

Particulate matter air pollution and reduced heart rate variability: How the associations vary by particle size in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear which size of particles has the strongest effects on heart rate variability (HRV). OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between HRV parameters and daily variations of size-fractionated particle number concentrations (PNCs). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal repeated-measure study among 78 participants with a 24-h continuous ambulatory Holter electrocardiographic recorder in Shanghai, China, from January 2015 to June 2019. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to evaluate the changes of HRV parameters associated with PNCs of 7 size ranges from 0.01 to 10 µm after controlling for environmental and individual confounders. RESULTS: On the concurrent day, decreased HRV parameters were associated with increased PNCs of 0.01-0.3 µm, and smaller particles showed greater effects. For an interquartile range increase in ultrafine particles (UFP, those < 0.1 µm, 2453 particles/cm3), the declines in very-low-frequency power, low-frequency power, high-frequency power, standard deviation of normal R-R intervals, root mean square of the successive differences between R-R intervals and percentage of adjacent normal R-R intervals with a difference ≥ 50 ms were 5.06% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.09%, 7.94%], 7.65% (95%CI: 2.73%, 12.32%), 9.49% (95%CI: 4.64%, 14.09%), 5.10% (95%CI: 2.21%, 7.91%), 8.09% (95%CI: 4.39%, 11.65%) and 24.98% (95%CI: 14.70%, 34.02%), respectively. These results were robust to the adjustment of criteria air pollutants, temperature at different lags, and the status of heart medication. CONCLUSIONS: Particles less than 0.3 µm (especially UFP) may dominate the acute effects of particulate air pollution on cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of two contrasting wolfberry genotypes during fruit development and ripening and characterization of the LrMYB1 transcription factor that regulates flavonoid biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Lycium barbarum and L. ruthenicum have been used as traditional medicinal plants in China and other Asian counties for centuries. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit development and ripening, as well as the associated production of medicinal and nutritional components, have been little explored in these two species. RESULTS: A competitive transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the regulators and pathways involved in the fruit ripening of red wolfberry (L. barbarum) and black wolfberry (L. ruthenicum) using an Illumina sequencing platform. In total, 155,606 genes and 194,385 genes were detected in red wolfberry (RF) and black wolfberry (BF), respectively. Of them, 20,335, 24,469, and 21,056 genes were differentially expressed at three different developmental stages in BF and RF. Functional categorization of the differentially expressed genes revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and sugar metabolism were the most differentially regulated processes during fruit development and ripening in the RF and BF. Furthermore, we also identified 38 MYB transcription factor-encoding genes that were differentially expressed during black wolfberry fruit development. Overexpression of LrMYB1 resulted in the activation of structural genes for flavonoid biosynthesis and led to an increase in flavonoid content, suggesting that the candidate genes identified in this RNA-seq analysis are credible and might offer important utility. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of Lycium fruit development and ripening and will be of value to novel gene discovery and functional genomic studies.