DDB2 promotes melanoma cell growth by transcriptionally regulating the expression of KMT2A and predicts a poor prognosis.

Identification of potential key targets of melanoma, a fatal skin malignancy, is critical to the development of new cancer therapies. Lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) promotes melanoma growth by activating the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) signaling pathway; however, the exact mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to reveal new molecular targets that regulate KMT2A expression and melanoma growth. Using biotin-streptavidin-agarose pull-down and proteomics, we identified Damage-specific DNA-binding protein 2 (DDB2) as a KMT2A promoter-binding protein in melanoma cells and validated its role as a regulator of KMT2A/hTERT signaling. DDB2 knockdown inhibited the expression of KMT2A and hTERT and inhibited the growth of melanoma cells in vitro. Conversely, overexpression of DDB2 activated the expression of KMT2A and promoted the growth of melanoma cells. Additionally, we demonstrated that DDB2 expression was higher in tumor tissues of patients with melanoma than in corresponding normal tissues and was positively correlated with KMT2A expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a poor prognosis in patients with high levels of DDB2 and KMT2A. Overall, our data suggest that DDB2 promotes melanoma cell growth through the transcriptional regulation of KMT2A expression and predicts poor prognosis. Therefore, targeting DDB2 may regulate the effects of KMT2A on melanoma growth and progression, providing a new potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma.

Prediction of lymph node metastasis in T1 colorectal cancer based on combination of body composition and vascular invasion.

OBJECTIVES: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is not only associated with the tumor's local pathological characteristics but also with systemic factors. This study aims to assess the feasibility of using body composition and pathological features to predict LNM in early stage colorectal cancer (eCRC) patients. METHODS: A total of 192 patients with T1 CRC who underwent CT scans and surgical resection were retrospectively included in the study. The cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat at the L3 vertebral body level in CT scans were measured using Image J software. Logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the risk factors for LNM. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the indicators were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Delong test was applied to compare area under different ROC curves. RESULTS: LNM was observed in 32 out of 192 (16.7%) patients with eCRC. Multivariate analysis revealed that the ratio of skeletal muscle area to visceral fat area (SMA/VFA) (OR = 0.021, p = 0.007) and pathological indicators of vascular invasion (OR = 4.074, p = 0.020) were independent risk factors for LNM in eCRC patients. The AUROC for SMA/VFA was determined to be 0.740 (p < 0.001), while for vascular invasion, it was 0.641 (p = 0.012). Integrating both factors into a proposed predictive model resulted in an AUROC of 0.789 (p < 0.001), indicating a substantial improvement in predictive performance compared to relying on a single pathological indicator. CONCLUSION: The combination of the SMA/VFA ratio and vascular invasion provides better prediction of LNM in eCRC.

[Applicability of H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF Scores in Chinese Patients Suffering From Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Complicated With Atrial Fibrillation].

Objective To analyze the diagnostic values of H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HFpEF complicated with atrial fibrillation (HFpEF-AF) in Chinese patients and explore the related factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted.A total of 835 consecutive HFpEF patients treated in the Department of Geriatric Cardiology,the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from 2009 to 2020 were selected and assigned to a HFpEF-AF group (n=267) and a HFpEF group (n=568) according to the presence of AF or not.HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores were used for retrospective diagnosis and the diagnostic consistency of the two scores was assessed.One hundred and thirty-six healthy volunteers with age and sex matching the patients during the same period were selected as healthy controls.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established for H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores in diagnosing HFpEF-AF and HFpEF,on the basis of which the diagnostic performance of the two scores was evaluated. Results There was no difference in the HFA-PEFF score between the two groups (P=0.070).However,the HFpEF-AF group had higher mean H2FPEF score and higher proportion of patients with the score no less than 6 than the HFpEF group (P<0.001).According to the ROC curves,HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores demonstrated high performance in diagnosing all HFpEF patients,with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.892 and 0.922 and the optimal cut-offs of 4 and 4,respectively.The HFA-PEFF score showed similar performance in diagnosing HFpEF and HFpEF-AF,with the AUC of 0.899 and 0.911,respectively.The H2FPEF score had higher performance in diagnosing HFpEF-AF (AUC of approximately 1.000) and low performance in diagnosing HFpEF (AUC of 0.885). Conclusions The HFA-PEFF score is applicable in the diagnosis of both HFpEF and HFpEF-AF.The H2FPEF score may underestimate HFpEF in Chinese patients,and its applicability in the Chinese patients with HFpEF alone remains to be investigated.

Alteration of Lipid Profile Between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Well-Matched Controls: A Meta-Analysis.

In previous studies, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with altered lipid profiles. However, since the discrepancy between these study results may reside in the great heterogeneity of the populations studied, this relationship is controversial. This study aimed to explore the changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and well-matched euthyroid (EU) groups. Multiple databases were searched for publications before December 1, 2021, including cross-sectional studies on the association between SCH and lipid profile matched by age, gender, and BMI. Twenty-five articles with 3347 participants were included for meta-analysis. The results showed that the TC, TG, and LDL-c levels of the SCH groups were higher than the EU groups (TC, SMD=0.49, 95% CI 0.27, 0.71, p<0.001) (TG, SMD=0.43, 95% CI 0.21, 0.64, p<0.05 ) (LDL-c, SMD=0.75, 95% CI 0.46, 1.03, p<0.001 ). The HDL-c levels of the SCH group were lower than the control group (SMD=-0.53, 95% CI -0.81, -0.25, p<0.05). SCH has a larger impact on LDL-c than the other three indicators. After subgroup analyses, there was a larger impact on lipid alteration in the subgroup of TSH>10 µIU/ml, especially on LDL-c. This study found that SCH was associated with altered lipid profiles. Appropriate clinical treatment may be needed to prevent dyslipidemia and related diseases.

Effects of different iodine levels on the DNA methylation of intrinsic apoptosis-associated genes and analysis of gene-environment interactions in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Iodine is an essential nutrient that may change the occurrence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Apoptosis and DNA methylation participate in the pathogenesis and destructive mechanism of AIT. We detected the methylation and the expression of mRNA of intrinsic apoptosis-associated genes (YWHAG, ING4, BRSK2 and GJA1) to identify the potential interactions between the levels of methylation in these genes and different levels of iodine. 176 adult patients with AIT in Shandong Province, China, were included. The MethylTargetTM assay was used to verify the levels of methylation. We used PCR to detect the mRNA levels of the candidate genes. Interactions between methylation levels of the candidate genes and iodine levels were evaluated with multiplicative and addictive interaction models and GMDR. In the AIT group, YWHAG_1 and six CpG sites and BRSK2_1 and eight CpG sites were hypermethylated, whereas ING4_1 and one CpG site were hypomethylated. A negative correlation was found between methylation levels of YWHAG and mRNA expression. The combination of iodine fortification, YWHAG_1 hypermethylation and BRSK2_1 hypermethylation was significantly associated with elevated AIT risk. A four-locus model (YWHAG_1 × ING4_1 × BRSK2_1 × iodine level) was found to be the best model of the gene-environment interactions. We identified abnormal changes in the methylation status of YWHAG, ING4 and BRSK2 in patients with AIT in different iodine levels. Iodine fortification not only affected the methylation levels of YWHAG and BRSK2 but also interacted with the methylation levels of these genes and may ultimately increase the risk of AIT.

The effect and mechanism of excessive iodine on the endothelial function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Iodine excess (IE) can cause thyroid dysfunction, thyroid diseases can adversely affect cardiovascular function. Accordingly, this study was to explore the direct and indirect effects of IE on endothelial function. Nthy-ori 3-1 and HUVECs cells were treated with potassium iodide (KI). CCK-8, LDH leakage, Elisa, RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect relevant indicators. Results showed that a certain level of KI can directly and indirectly reduce the viability of HUVECs and increase cytotoxicity. KI decreased the expression of ET-1 and VWF in HUVECs, inhibited the secretion of ET-1 in culture medium, and increased the expression of IL-6 and TNFα in HUVECs or Nthy-ori 3-1 cells alone. In the co-culture system, KI decreased the expression of ET-1 and THBD and increased the expression of TNFα and IL-6. Collectively, IE can directly and indirectly inhibit endothelial function of endothelial cells, which may be related to its induced inflammatory response.

A study of programmed death-1/programmed death ligand and iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD.H-2h4 mice.

Excess iodine will trigger the occurrence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), and programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand (PD-L) will also contribute to the development of AIT. The purpose of this study was to explore the role that negative regulatory signals mediated by PD-1/PD-L play in the development of spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT) in NOD.H-2h4 mice when they are exposed to iodine. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody was administered intraperitoneally to NOD.H-2h4 mice. The relevant indicators were determined by flow cytometry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, pathological hematoxylin and eosin staining, and arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Results showed that the level of urinary iodine, the level of thyroid lymphocyte infiltration, the level of thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and interferon (IFN-γ)/tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)/interleukin (IL-2)/IL-17, and the relative expression of PD-1/PD-L1/programmed death-2 (PD-L2) increased with the intervention of excess iodine. After the intervention of the PD-L1 antibody, the expression of PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 in different degrees was inhibited, but the level of thyroid lymphocyte infiltration and serum TgAb/IFN-γ/TNF-α/ IL-2/IL-17 did not decrease. Collectively, although PD-1/PD-L participates in the occurrence of SAT and induces inflammation, administration of the PD-L1 antibody does not effectively improve the pathological process of SAT. More research is needed to determine whether PD-1/PD-L intervention can treat autoimmune thyroid disease.

Collective Coupling of 3D Confined Optical Modes in Monolithic Twin Microtube Cavities Formed by Nanomembrane Origami.

We report the monolithic fabrication of twin microtube cavities by a nanomembrane origami method for achieving collective coupling of 3D confined optical modes. Owing to the well-aligned twin geometries, two sets of 3D confined optical modes in twin microtubes are spectrally and spatially matched, by which both the fundamental and higher-order axial modes are respectively coupled with each other. Multiple groups of the coupling modes provide multiple effective channels for energy exchange between coupled microcavities illustrated by the measured spatial optical field distributions. The spectral anticrossing and changing-over features of each group of coupled modes are revealed in experiments and calculations, indicating the occurrence of strong coupling. In addition, the simulated 3D mode profiles of twin microcavities confirm the collective strong coupling behavior, which shows good agreement with experiments. The collective coupling of 3D confined resonant modes promises broad applications in multichannel optical signal processing, nanophotonics, and 3D non-Hermitian systems.

The Whole Blood DNA Methylation Patterns of Extrinsic Apoptotic Signaling Pathway Related Genes in Autoimmune Thyroiditis among Areas with Different Iodine Levels.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) has a complex etiology and the susceptibility to it is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although these are not yet fully understood. The present research aimed to explore the DNA methylation patterns in whole blood of extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway related genes in AIT among areas with different iodine levels. We selected the iodine-fortification areas (IFA), iodine-adequate areas (IAA) and water-based iodine-excess areas (IEA) from Shandong Province of China as survey sites. Totally 176 AIT cases and 176 controls were included. MethylTargetTM and QT-PCR technology were used to detect candidate genes' DNA methylation levels and mRNA expression levels, respectively. We found that DAPK1 DNA methylation levels in AIT cases (especially in female) were significantly higher than controls (t=2.7715, P=0.0059; t=2.4638, P=0.0143 in female). There were differences in DAPK1(t=2.5384, P=0.0121), TNFSF8(t=2.1667, P=0.0334) and TNFAIP8(t=2.5672, P=0.0121) genes methylation between cases and controls with different water iodine levels. The mRNA expression of DAPK1(t=4.329, P<0.001) and TNFAIP8(t=3.775, P<0.001) in the cases were increased. We identified the differences in the DNA methylation status of the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway related genes between AIT and controls and in different iodine levels areas. The results were verified at the mRNA level. The environmental iodine may affect DNA methylation to some extent.

Study on association between height, weight, iodine supplementation and thyroid volume.

The policy of Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) could reduce population's thyroid volume (TVOL) in iodine deficiency areas. Conversely, the improved growth and developmental status of children might increase the TVOL accordingly. Whether the decreased TVOL by USI conceals the increase effect of height and weight on TVOL is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between height, weight, iodine supplementation and TVOL. Five national Iodine Deficiency Disorder surveys were matched into four pairs according to the purpose of analysis. County-level data of both detected by paired surveys were incorporated; 1:1 random pairing method was used to match counties or individuals. The difference of TVOL between different height, weight, different iodine supplementation measures groups and the association between TVOL and them were studied. The mean height and weight of children aged 8-10 years increased from 129·9 cm and 26·9 kg in 2002 to 136·2 cm and 32·1 kg in 2019, while the median TVOL decreased from 3·10 ml to 2·61 ml. Iodine supplementation measures can affect TVOL; after excluding iodine effects, the median TVOL was increased with the height and weight. On the other side, after excluding the influence of height and weight, the median TVOL remained decreased. Only age, weight and salt iodine were significantly associated with TVOL in multiple linear models. Development of height and weight in children is the evidence of improved nutrition. The decreased TVOL caused by iodised salt measures conceals the increase effect of height and weight on TVOL. Age, weight and salt iodine affect TVOL significantly.

Comparative Analysis of Five Correction Methods for Thyroid Volume by Ultrasound and Their Recommended Reference Values in Chinese Children Aged 8-10 Years.

Considering the influence of body's growth and development on thyroid volume (TVOL), whether five existed corrected methods could be applied to correct TVOL remains unclear, in terms of Chinese children's increased growth and development trends. This study aimed to compare the applicability of five correction methods for TVOL: Body Surface Area corrected Volume (BSAV), Body Mass Indicator corrected Volume (BMIV), Weight and Height corrected Volume Indicator (WHVI), Height corrected Volume Indicator 1 (HVI1) and Height corrected Volume Indicator 2 (HVI2); to establish the reference values for correction methods. The data of Iodine Nutrition and Thyroid Function Survey was used to analyse the differences in TVOL between normal and abnormal thyroid function children. Data of National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Survey were used to compare five correction methods and to establish their reference values. The median urinary iodine concentration of children surveyed were 256.1µg/L in 2009 and 192.6µg/L in 2019, respectively. No significant difference was found in TVOL and thyroid goitre rate between children with normal and abnormal thyroid function. In the determination of goitre, HVI1, HVI2, BSAV and BMIV all showed high agreement with TVOL, while the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of WHVI was relatively low for children aged 8(AUC=0.8993) and 9(AUC=0.8866). Most differences of TVOL between light and heavy weight, short and tall height children can be eliminated by BSAV correction. BSAV was the best method of TVOL correction in this research. Reference values were established for corrected thyroid volumes in Chinese children aged 8-10 years by sex.

Relationships between the serum TPOAb and TGAb antibody distributions and water iodine concentrations, thyroid hormones and thyroid diseases: a cross-sectional study of 2503 adults in China.

The aim of this study was to explore the status of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) in three areas with differing water iodine concentrations; and to discuss the relationships between these two thyroid antibodies and thyroid diseases in the three areas. We investigated 2503 adults from three areas. Urinary iodine concentrations, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), TPOAb, TGAb and thyroid volume (TV) were measured, and thyroid ultrasonography was performed. The positivity rates of TGAb(+), TPOAb(+) and TGAb(+) and TPOAb(+) or TGAb(+) were significantly higher in iodine fortification (IF) areas than iodine adequate (IA) areas (all P < 0·05). In IF and iodine excess areas, the positivity rates of TPOAb(+), TGAb(+) and TPOAb(+) or TGAb(+) significantly increased with age (all P for trend < 0·05). The levels of TSH, TV and the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and goitre were significantly elevated in the thyroid antibody-positive groups in the three areas, but the FT3 was diminished (all P < 0·010). Positivity for TPOAb and TGAb was associated with an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in the three areas. In areas with different median water iodine, positivity for both TPOAb and TGAb was associated with elevated TSH values. Notably, with the increased levels of TPOAb, the frequency of abnormally elevated TSH increased dramatically in the three areas.

The Relationship between PTPN22 R620W Polymorphisms and the Susceptibility to Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: An Updated Meta-analysis.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 (PTPN22) R620W polymorphism has been related to susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) with inconsistent results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was designed to assess a more accurate association between the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism and AITD susceptibility. A systematic search of the EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, and WanFang databases was performed to determine relevant publications. Statistical analyses of the odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p values were performed using STATA software. Our meta-analysis included 18 separate studies comprised of 4,726 cases and 4,220 controls. In the allele and all genetic models, PTPN22 R620W polymorphism and Graves' disease (GD) (allele model TvsC: OR = 1.573; 95% CI = 1.378-1.795; P < .001) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (allele model TvsC: OR = 1.737; 95% CI = 1.230-2.454; P = .002) susceptibility was positively associated. A racial subgroup analysis showed that the T allele significantly increased AITD susceptibility in all genetic models involving Caucasians, but not in Asians. This meta-analysis showed that the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is associated with the risk of GD and HT in the overall study population. In addition, the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is associated with elevated AITD risk in Caucasians, but not in Asians.

Effect of different iodine levels on the DNA methylation of PRKAA2, ITGA6, THEM4 and PRL genes in PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and population-based validation from autoimmune thyroiditis patients.

PURPOSE: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is one of the most common autoimmune endocrine diseases. The currently recognized causes are genetic susceptibility, environmental factors and immune disorders. It is important to clarify the pathogenesis for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of AIT and scientific iodine supplementation. This study analyzed the DNA methylation levels of PRKAA2, ITGA6, PRL and THEM4 genes related to PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, compared the DNA methylation levels between cases and controls from different water iodine levels in Shandong Province of China, and evaluated the contribution of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway-related genes in AIT. METHODS: A total of 176 adult AIT patients were included from three different water iodine areas, and 176 healthy controls were included according to gender, age and BMI. According to the results of the Illumina Methylation 850 K BeadChip in our previous research, the significant methylation differences of genes on the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway related to AIT were determined. The MethylTarget™ assay was used to detect the methylation levels of the target genes, and real-time PCR experiments were used to verify the mRNA expression levels. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, PRKAA2_3 and 15 CpG sites were hyper-methylated. ITGA6 gene and 2 CpG sites were hypo-methylated in AIT cases. The mRNA expression of ITGA6 gene was negatively correlated with the DNA methylation levels of ITGA6 gene and 2 CpG sites. Compared with cases and controls in areas with different water iodine levels, methylation differences were mainly in PRKAA2 and ITGA6 genes. The methylation levels of PRKAA2_1 and PRKAA2_3 were positively correlated with age. The methylation levels of PRL and THEM4 genes were negatively correlated with age. The methylation level of PRKAA2_3 was positively correlated with FT4. CONCLUSION: In summary, we identified aberrant DNA methylation levels of PRKAA2 and ITGA6 genes related to PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the blood of AIT patients. Both iodine supplementation after long-term iodine deficiency and iodine excess can affect the DNA methylation levels of PRKAA2 and ITGA6 genes, and the former affects more obviously. In ITGA6 gene, this aberrant epigenetic modification is associated with the increased mRNA expression.

Iodine nutrition status of women after 10 years of Lipiodol supplementation: a cross-sectional study in Xinjiang, China.

This study examined the contribution of long-term use of Lipiodol capsules, as a supplement to iodised salt to the control of iodine deficiency disorders among women in Xinjiang of China. A total of 1220 women across Kashgar, Aksu, Turpan and Yili Prefectures were surveyed in 2017. Lipiodol capsules were administered twice yearly in Kashgar and once yearly in Aksu and Turpan, but not in Yili. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid volume values were assessed. All the women in the four areas were in a state of non-iodine deficiency by UIC. The UIC were higher than adequate in Kashgar and Aksu (619·4 v. 278·6 µg/l). Thyroid hormone levels differed significantly in Turpan and Yili (FT3: 4·4 v. 4·6 pmol/l, FT4: 13·8 v. 14·2 pmol/l, TSH: 2·0 v. 2·7 mIU/l), but did not differ significantly in Kashgar, Aksu and Yili. The four areas did not differ significantly with regard to thyroid nodules, autoimmune thyroiditis or goitre. However, the detection rates of subclinical hypothyroidism (16·6 %) and total thyroid dysfunction (25·4 %) were higher among women in Yili. The supplementation with Lipiodol capsules had improved the iodine nutrition status of women in iodine-deficient areas of Xinjiang since 2006. To avoid negative effects of excess iodine, we suggest a gradual discontinuation of Lipiodol capsules in women with special needs based on the existing iodine nutrition level of local women.

The relationship of severity in diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Diastasis of rectus abdominis (DRA) refers to a separation of the rectus abdominis from the linea alba. This study aimed to investigate the association with the severity of DRA for developing pelvic floor dysfunction among women during the first year postpartum. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study which collected data from 229 postpartum women. DRA was defined as a separation of ≥ 20 mm at any point 4.5 cm above, at and 4.5 cm below the umbilicus. The data for analysis includes pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q), medical history of urinary incontinence (UI), the strength of rectus abdominis muscle and pelvic floor muscle. The differences in women with and without DRA were compared with independent samples t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Prevalence of DRA was 82.6% during the first postpartum year. Cesarean section and multiple parturitions are recognized as risk factors for DRA due to the odds ratio in our study were 3.48 (95% CI 1.42-8.56), 3.20 (95% CI 1.59-6.45) respectively. There was no difference in the occurrence of UI and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) comparing women with and without DRA, even changing the cut-off values (inter-rectus distance = 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm) for determining DRA. The women with weak rectus abdominis muscle and pelvic floor muscle have no statistical difference in two group. CONCLUSION: The relationship of the diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction has no connection, even with the severity of inter-rectus distance increasing.

Associations between water iodine concentration and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study.

Iodine is important in both thyroid function and lipid metabolism. Some studies have explored the effect of thyroid hormones (THs) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) on serum lipid levels. However, the association between iodine intake and dyslipidemia has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between water iodine concentration (WIC) and dyslipidemia, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 409, 390 and 436 adults (≥18 years) from the iodine-deficient (median water iodine, MWI < 10 µg/L), iodine-adequate (MWI between 40 and 100 µg/L) and iodine-excess (MWI > 100 µg/L) areas, respectively. WIC, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TRIG), HDL-C and LDL-C were measured. The prevalence of dyslipidemia were calculated based on the level of WIC using the chi-square method. To further explore whether prevalence was associated with WIC, simple linear regressions and multiple logistic regression models were used. Compared to those with WIC of 40-100 µg/L, a WIC of >100 µg/L was found to be protective associated with against the occurrence of hypertriglyceridemia [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.649, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.455-0.924] and low HDL-C (AOR = 0.429, 95% CI: 0.264-0.697). The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C and high LDL-C as a function of WIC was found to be an inverted U-shaped association with a zenith at a WIC of 40-100 µg/L. Collectively, our research showed that serum lipid levels are related to WIC. The benefit effect association between WIC and dyslipidemia appears in cases of iodine excess (>100 µg/L).

Relationship between excess iodine, thyroid function, blood pressure, and blood glucose level in adults, pregnant women, and lactating women: A cross-sectional study.

High water iodine concentration in drinking water can lead to excessive iodine, which will affect normal thyroid function, blood glucose, and blood pressure, especially among pregnant and lactating women. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between iodine, thyroid function, blood pressure, and blood glucose level among adults, and pregnant and lactating women in areas that are iodine-adequate (IA) and iodine-excess (IE) with respect to iodine concentrations in drinking water. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 144 pregnant and 237 lactating women in Shanxi Province, and 828 adults in Shandong Province. Water iodine, urinary iodine, thyroid function, blood pressure, and blood glucose were measured. Compared with the IA area, the water iodine concentration (WIC) in the IE area was higher (adults, 325.00 µg/L vs. 71.40 µg/L; pregnant and lactating women, 464.80 µg/L vs. 57.50 µg/L). For adults, and pregnant and lactating women, in the IE area, the urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free thyroxine (FT4 [except for lactating women]), and systolic blood pressure (only adults 18-40 years of age) were significantly higher, while the blood glucose level and the prevalence of hyperglycemia (except for adults) was lower, and the free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and hypertension-positive rates of the three populations were not significantly different. For adults, systolic and diastolic pressure were positively correlated with FT3 and FT4, respectively, while the blood glucose level were inversely associated with the WIC. For pregnant women, systolic pressure and the WIC, diastolic pressure and FT4, blood glucose level and FT3 were all positively correlated, while the blood glucose level was inversely associated with TSH, WIC and UIC. For lactating women, systolic pressure was positively correlated with WIC and UIC, while blood glucose level were inversely associated with WIC and UIC. Pregnant and lactating women in the IE area were at lower risk for an association with hyperglycemia. Collectively, our research showed that long-term exposure to high water iodine is a high-risk factor for abnormal blood pressure and a low-risk factor for abnormal blood glucose level, especially for special populations such as pregnant and lactating women. Moreover, enhanced monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose level in people with abnormal thyroid function in areas with high water iodine is important.

Stress-Actuated Spiral Microelectrode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Microbatteries.

Miniaturization of batteries lags behind the success of modern electronic devices. Neither the device volume nor the energy density of microbatteries meets the requirement of microscale electronic devices. The main limitation for pushing the energy density of microbatteries arises from the low mass loading of active materials. However, merely pushing the mass loading through increased electrode thickness is accompanied by the long charge transfer pathway and inferior mechanical properties for long-term operation. Here, a new spiral microelectrode upon stress-actuation accomplishes high mass loading but short charge transfer pathways. At a small footprint area of around 1 mm2 , a 21-fold increase of the mass loading is achieved while featuring fast charge transfer at the nanoscale. The spiral microelectrode delivers a maximum area capacity of 1053 µAh cm-2 with a retention of 67% over 50 cycles. Moreover, the energy density of the cylinder microbattery using the spiral microelectrode as the anode reaches 12.6 mWh cm-3 at an ultrasmall volume of 3 mm3 . In terms of the device volume and energy density, the cylinder microbattery outperforms most of the current microbattery technologies, and hence provides a new strategy to develop high-performance microbatteries that can be integrated with miniaturized electronic devices.

Visible-NIR Photodetectors Based on Low-Dimensional GeSe Micro-Crystals: Designed Morphology and Improved Photoresponsivity.

GeSe micro-sheets and micro-belts have been synthesized by a facile one-pot wet chemical method in 1-octadecene solvent and oleic acid solvent, respectively. The adsorption of more oleic acid molecules on the (002) plane promoted growth along [010] direction of the GeSe micro-belts and limited carrier transport in this direction, resulting in higher carrier concentration and mobility of the GeSe micro-belts. The performance of the photodetectors based on the single GeSe micro-sheet and the single GeSe micro-belt was investigated under illumination at 532 nm, 980 nm and 1319 nm. Both, photodetectors based on a single GeSe micro-sheet and a single GeSe micro-belt, exhibit a high photoresponse, short response/recovery times, and long-term durability. Moreover, the photodetector based on a single GeSe micro-belt displays a broadband response with a high responsivity (5562 A/W at 532 nm, 1546 A/W at 980 nm) and detectivity (3.01×1012 Jones at 532 nm, 8.38×1011 Jones at 980 nm). These excellent characteristics render single GeSe micro-belts very interesting for use as highly efficient photodetectors, especially in the NIR region.