MG53/TRIM72: multi-organ repair protein and beyond.

MG53, a member of the tripartite motif protein family, possesses multiple functionalities due to its classic membrane repair function, anti-inflammatory ability, and E3 ubiquitin ligase properties. Initially recognized for its crucial role in membrane repair, the therapeutic potential of MG53 has been extensively explored in various diseases including muscle injury, myocardial damage, acute lung injury, and acute kidney injury. However, further research has revealed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase characteristics of MG53 also contribute to the pathogenesis of certain conditions such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the anti-tumor effects of MG53 in different types of cancer, such as small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer; these effects are closely associated with their E3 ubiquitin ligase activities. In summary, MG53 is a multifunctional protein that participates in important physiological and pathological processes of multiple organs and is a promising therapeutic target for various human diseases. MG53 plays a multi-organ protective role due to its membrane repair function and its exertion of anti-tumor effects due to its E3 ubiquitin ligase properties. In addition, the controversial aspect of MG53's E3 ubiquitin ligase properties potentially causing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome necessitates further cross-validation for clarity.

Association between exposure to a mixture of organochlorine pesticides and hyperuricemia in U.S. adults: A comparison of four statistical models.

The association between the exposure of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and serum uric acid (UA) levels remained uncertain. In this study, to investigate the combined effects of OCP mixtures on hyperuricemia, we analyzed serum OCPs and UA levels in adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2016). Four statistical models including weighted logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS), quantile g-computation (QGC), and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the relationship between mixed chemical exposures and hyperuricemia. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential modifiers. Among 6,529 participants, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 21.15%. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between both hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and trans-nonachlor and hyperuricemia in the fifth quintile (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08-2.19; OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05-2.39, respectively), utilizing the first quintile as a reference. WQS and QGC analyses showed significant overall effects of OCPs on hyperuricemia, with an OR of 1.25 (95% CI: 1.09-1.44) and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.06-1.37), respectively. BKMR indicated a positive trend between mixed OCPs and hyperuricemia, with HCB having the largest weight in all three mixture analyses. Subgroup analyses revealed that females, individuals aged 50 years and above, and those with a low income were more vulnerable to mixed OCP exposure. These results highlight the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations from OCPs and to properly evaluate the health effects of multiple exposures on hyperuricemia using mutual validation approaches.

Correlation between Ki-67 or Profilin-1 Expression Levels, Clinicopathological Characteristics and Postoperative Prognosis in Patients with Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the urinary system, and the search for new and reliable biomarkers has important clinical significance for the personalized treatment of bladder cancer. This study aims to explore the correlation between nuclear proliferation antigen (Ki-67) or Profilin-1 (PFN1) levels, clinicopathological characteristics, and postoperative prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. METHODS: Patients with bladder cancer who underwent transurethral resection of bladder cancer tumor in The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were selected as the study group (n = 60), and patients with benign lesions of bladder cancer during the same period were selected as the control group (n = 60). The expression of Ki-67 and PFN1 in tumor and bladder tissues of the two groups was analyzed. Ki-67 recorded the patient's pathological parameters and calculated the patient's postoperative prognosis. The correlation between Ki-67 and PFN1 expression levels, pathological parameters, and postoperative prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive expression rates of Ki-67 and PFN1 in the study group were 63.33% and 73.33%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the positive expression rates in the control group (χ2 = 14.803, 17.757, p < 0.001). The positive expression rates of Ki-67 and PFN1 were related to histological grade, clinical stage, infiltration, and lymph node metastasis, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Bladder cancer patients with non muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), high-grade histological grade, Ta~T1 clinical stage, invasive, and lymph node metastasis have a higher Ki-67 positive expression rate than bladder cancer patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), low-grade histological grade, T2~T4, non-invasive, and no lymph node metastasis. The high expression level of Ki-67 has little relationship with gender, age, tumor diameter, and vascular invasion (p > 0.05). The survival time and three-year survival rate of the Ki-67 positive expression group were significantly lower than those of the Ki-67 negative expression group (p < 0.05). The survival time and three-year survival rate of the PFN1 positive expression group were significantly lower than those of the PFN1 negative expression group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The positive expression rates of Ki-67 and PFN1 in bladder tumor tissue are significantly higher than those in bladder tissue, and pathological pattern, histological grade, clinical stage, infiltration, and lymph node metastasis are related to the positive expression rates of Ki-67 and PFN1, and different genders, ages, tumors diameter and vascular invasion are not related to the positive expression rates of Ki-67 and PFN1. The survival time and three-year survival rates of bladder cancer patients with Ki-67 positive and PFN1 positive expression are shorter.

Zinc-Ion Anchor Induced Highly Reversible Zn Anodes for High Performance Zn-Ion Batteries.

Unstable Zn interface with serious detrimental parasitic side-reactions and uncontrollable Zn dendrites severely plagues the practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The interface stability was closely related to the electrolyte configuration and Zn2+ depositional behavior. In this work, a unique Zn-ion anchoring strategy is originally proposed to manipulate the coordination structure of solvated Zn-ions and guide the Zn-ion depositional behavior. Specifically, the amphoteric charged ion additives (denoted as DM), which act as zinc-ion anchors, can tightly absorb on the Zn surface to guide the uniform zinc-ion distribution by using its positively charged -NR4 + groups. While the negatively charged -SO3 - groups of DM on the other hand, reduces the active water molecules within solvation sheaths of Zn-ions. Benefiting from the special synergistic effect, Zn metal exhibits highly ordered and compact (002) Zn deposition and negligible side-reactions. As a result, the advanced Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers extraordinarily 7000 hours long lifespan (0.25 mA cm-2, 0.25 mAh cm-2). Additionally, based on this strategy, the NH4V4O10||Zn pouch-cell with low negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P ratio=2.98) maintains 80.4 % capacity retention for 180 cycles. A more practical 4 cm*4 cm sized pouch-cell could be steadily cycled in a high output capacity of 37.0 mAh over 50 cycles.

MRI spectrum of avascular necrosis of femoral head in patients treated for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in COVID-19 patients through MRI scans. The study examined the patterns of AVN in 110 individuals who had undergone conventional COVID-19 therapy and reported hip discomfort. This study highlights the importance of considering AVN as a potential complication of COVID-19 therapy, particularly in younger patients who experience hip discomfort. METHODS: Individuals who had corticosteroid treatment for COVID-19 and experienced hip discomfort during 6 months between January 2022 and August 2022 were included in this study, and an MRI scan was done to observe changes in the hip joint. RESULTS: The results were classified using the Ficat and Arlet classification system. The analysis revealed that AVN was not present in 91.81% of cases. However, Stage I AVN was detected in 4.54% of cases, Stage II AVN in 2.72% of cases, and Stage III AVN in 1.1% of cases. No cases of Stage IV AVN were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that AVN occurred in 6% of individuals who underwent conventional therapy for COVID-19 and experienced hip discomfort. In these settings (post COVID-19), normal MRI results were more typical, and mild AVN (Stage I) was a frequent finding in MRI scans that were positive.

Modulation of Dendritic Cell Function via Nanoparticle-Induced Cytosolic Calcium Changes.

Calcium nanoparticles have been investigated for applications, such as drug and gene delivery. Additionally, Ca2+ serves as a crucial second messenger in the activation of immune cells. However, few studies have systematically studied the effects of calcium nanoparticles on the calcium levels and functions within immune cells. In this study, we explore the potential of calcium nanoparticles as a vehicle to deliver calcium into the cytosol of dendritic cells (DCs) and influence their functions. We synthesized calcium hydroxide nanoparticles, coated them with a layer of silica to prevent rapid degradation, and further conjugated them with anti-CD205 antibodies to achieve targeted delivery to DCs. Our results indicate that these nanoparticles can efficiently enter DCs and release calcium ions in a controlled manner. This elevation in cytosolic calcium activates both the NFAT and NF-κB pathways, in turn promoting the expression of costimulatory molecules, antigen-presenting molecules, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In mouse tumor models, the calcium nanoparticles enhanced the antitumor immune response and augmented the efficacy of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy without introducing additional toxicity. Our study introduces a safe nanoparticle immunomodulator with potential widespread applications in cancer therapy.

Mean ADC values and arterial phase hyperintensity discriminate small (≤ 3 cm) well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma from dysplastic nodule.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This research endeavor sought to distinguish small (≤ 3 cm) well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (WD-HCC) from dysplastic nodules (DN) by employing traditional imaging features and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (mADC) values derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we assessed a cohort of ninety patients with confirmed dysplastic nodules (DNs) (n = 71) or well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (WD-HCC) (n = 41) who had undergone dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging between March 2018 and June 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed to pinpoint characteristics that can effectively differentiate histologic grades. A region-of-interest (ROI) encompassing all lesion voxels was delineated on each slice containing the mass in the ADC map. Subsequently, the whole-lesion mean ADC (mADC) were computed from these delineations. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to assess the discriminatory efficacy of the mADC values in distinguishing between WD-HCC and DN. RESULTS: Among the histopathological types from benign to malignant, mADC showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001). The mADCs were effective in distinguishing WD-HCC from DN [AUC, 0.903 (95% CI 0.849-0.958)]. The best cutoffs for the Youden index were 0.0012 mm2/s for mADC, with moderate sensitivity (70.7%) and high specificity (94.4%). MRI features including hyperintensity at arterial phase (odds ratio, 21.2; P = 0.009), mADC < 0.0012 mm2/s (odds ratio, 52.2; P < 0.001) were independent predictors for WD-HCC at multivariable analysis. The AUC value of hyperintensity at arterial phase was 0.857 (95% CI 0.786-0.928). The composite diagnostic criterion of arterial hyperintensity + mADC < 0.0012 mm2/s showed good performance [AUC, 0.926 (95% CI 0.878-0.975)], displaying increased sensitivity compared to individual assessments involving arterial hyperintensity (P = 0.013), mADC < 0.0012 mm2/s (P = 0.004), or LR-5 (P < 0.001), with similar specificity compared to LR-5 (P = 0.193). CONCLUSION: DN and WD-HCC displayed contrasting diffusion characteristics, attainable to distinguish with satisfactory accuracy. The utilization of arterial phase hyperintensity and mADC < 0.0012 on MRI facilitated the differentiation of WD-HCC from DN.

Identification of prognostic risk score of disulfidptosis-related genes and molecular subtypes in glioma.

Background: Programmed cell death is closely related to glioma. As a novel kind of cell death, the mechanism of disulfidptosis in glioma remains unclear. Therefore, it is of great importance to study the role of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in glioma. Methods: We first investigated the genetic and transcriptional alterations of 15 DRGs. Two consensus cluster analyses were used to evaluate the association between DRGs and glioma subtypes. In addition, we constructed prognostic DRG risk scores to predict overall survival (OS) in glioma patients. Furthermore, we developed a nomogram to enhance the clinical utility of the DRG risk score. Finally, the expression levels of DRGs were verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Results: Most DRGs (14/15) were dysregulated in gliomas. The 15 DRGs were rarely mutated in gliomas, and only 50 of 987 samples (5.07 %) showed gene mutations. However, most of them had copy number variation (CNV) deletions or amplifications. Two distinct molecular subtypes were identified by cluster analysis, and DRG alterations were found to be related to the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The DRG risk score model based on 12 genes was developed and showed good performance in predicting OS. The nomogram confirmed that the risk score had a particularly strong influence on the prognosis of glioma. Furthermore, we discovered that low DRG scores, low tumor mutation burden, and immunosuppression were features of patients with better prognoses. Conclusion: The DRG risk model can be used for the evaluation of clinical characteristics, prognosis prediction, and TIME estimation of glioma patients. These DRGs may be potential therapeutic targets in glioma.

An alkaloid from Menispermum dauricum, dauricine mediates Ca2+ influx and inhibits NF-κB pathway to protect chondrocytes from IL-1ß-induced inflammation and catabolism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dauricine (DA) is a natural plant-derived alkaloid extracted from Menispermum dauricum. Menispermum dauricum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a classic remedy for rheumatoid arthropathy and is believed to be effective in alleviating swelling and pain in the limbs. AIM OF THE STUDY: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a classic degenerative disease involving chondrocyte death, and there is still a lack of effective therapeutic agents that can reverse the progression of the disease. Here we explored the therapeutic effects of DA against OA and further explored the mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of DA on cell viability was assessed by CCK-8. IL-1ß-treated mouse chondrocytes were used as an in vitro model of OA, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. QRT-PCR, western blotting, cell staining, and immunofluorescence were used to detect relevant inflammatory factors and cartilage-specific expression. RNA sequencing was used to identify pertinent signaling pathways. The therapeutic effect of DA was verified by micro-CT, histological analysis and immunohistochemical analysis in a mouse OA model. RESULTS: DA demonstrated a high safety profile on chondrocytes, significantly reversing the inflammatory response induced by IL-1ß, and promoting factors associated with cartilage regeneration. Moreover, DA exhibited a significant protective effect on the knee joints of mice undergoing ACLT-DMM, effectively preventing cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone tissue destruction. These positive therapeutic effects were achieved through the modulation of the NF-κB pathway and the Ca2+ signaling pathway by DA. CONCLUSION: Being derived from a traditional herb, DA exhibits remarkable therapeutic potential and safety in OA treatment, presenting a promising option for patients dealing with osteoarthritis.

Revolutionizing sphincter preservation in ultra-low rectal cancer: exploring the potential of transanal endoscopic intersphincteric resection (taE-ISR): a propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: With the optimization of neoadjuvant treatment regimens, the indications for intersphincteric resection (ISR) have expanded. However, limitations such as unclear surgical field, impaired anal function, and failure of anal preservation still exist. Transanal total mesorectal excision can complement the drawbacks of ISR. Therefore, this study combined these two techniques and proposed transanal endoscopic intersphincteric resection (taE-ISR), aiming to explore the value of this novel technique in anal preservation for ultra-low rectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four high-volume centres were involved. After 1:1 propensity score-matching, patients with ultra-low rectal cancer underwent taE-ISR ( n =90) or ISR ( n =90) were included. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, pathological results, and follow-up were compared between the two groups. A nomogram model was established to assess the potential risks of anal preservation. RESULTS: The incidence of adjacent organ injury (0.0% vs. 5.6%, P =0.059), positive distal resection margin (1.1% vs. 8.9%, P =0.034), and incomplete specimen (2.2% vs. 13.3%, P =0.012) were lower in taE-ISR group. Moreover, the anal preservation rate was significantly higher in taE-ISR group (97.8% vs. 82.2%, P =0.001). Patients in the taE-ISR group showed a better disease-free survival ( P =0.044) and lower cumulative recurrence ( P =0.022) compared to the ISR group. Surgery procedure, tumour distance, and adjacent organ injury were factors influencing anal preservation in patients with ultra-low rectal cancer. CONCLUSION: taE-ISR technique was safe, feasible, and improved surgical quality, anal preservation rate and survival outcomes in ultra-low rectal cancer patients. It held significant clinical value and showed promising application prospects for anal preservation.

Predictive biomarkers of response and survival following immunotherapy with a PD-L1 inhibitor benmelstobart (TQB2450) and antiangiogenic therapy with a VEGFR inhibitor anlotinib for pretreated advanced triple negative breast cancer.

In our phase Ib trial (ClinialTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03855358), benmelstobart (TQB2450), a novel humanized IgG1 antibody against PD-L1, plus antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor, anlotinib, demonstrated promising antitumor activities in pretreated triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. We conducted explorative analyses of genomic biomarkers to explore the associations with treatment response and survival outcomes. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was undertaken toward circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) collected from peripheral blood samples prior to the start of treatment and after disease progression. A total of 31 patients received targeted NGS and functional driver mutations in 29 patients were analyzed. The most frequent mutations were TP53 (72%), MLL3 (28%), and PIK3CA (17%). At a blood-based tumor mutational burden (bTMB) cutoff of 6.7 mutations per megabase, patients with low bTMB showed better response to anlotinib plus TQB2450 (50% vs. 7%, P = 0.015) and gained greater PFS benefits (7.3 vs. 4.1 months, P = 0.012) than those with high bTMB. At a maximum somatic allele frequency (MSAF) cutoff of 10%, a low MSAF indicated a better objective response (43% vs. 20%) as well as a significantly longer median PFS (7.9 vs. 2.7 months, P < 0.001). Patients with both low MSAF and low bTMB showed a notably better objective response to anlotinib plus TQB2450 (70% vs. 11%, P < 0.001) and a significantly longer median PFS (11.0 vs. 2.9 months, P < 0.001) than patients with other scenarios. Our findings support future studes and validation of MSAF and the combined bTMB-MSAF classification as predictive biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based regimens in advanced TNBC patients.

Anterolateral approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.

The posterolateral tibial plateau fracture is an uncommon intra-articular injury and mostly needed surgery. However, its surgical approach remains controversial. This manuscript describes an anterolateral approach to treat posterolateral tibial plateau fractures and evaluates the patient's functional outcomes. From June 2018 to July 2021 seventeen patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures were surgically treated through an anterolateral approach. The intraoperative and postoperative follow-up indicators were recorded. The reduction quality of fractures was assessed using Rasmussen radiological score, and postsurgical functional recovery was estimated using Rasmussen clinical score and Lysholm score. The mean follow-up interval was 28.71 ± 9.61 months (range 18-44). The surgery time and blood loss were 111.06 ± 15.62 min (range 85-140) and 118.12 ± 38.45 mL (range 80-250) separately. Postoperatively, the Rasmussen radiological score was 16.24 ± 2.33 (range 12-18). The average time of bone union was 14.29 ± 1.53 weeks (range 12-18). At the final follow-up, the average PTS and MPTA were 9.71 ± 2.76° (range 5-14°) and 86.82 ± 2.04° (range 84-90°) separately. A satisfactory articular reduction was achieved in 16 patients (94.1%). The final ROM was 123.29 ± 19.70° (range 60-142°). The Rasmussen clinical score and Lysholm score were 25.71 ± 5.74 (range 10-30) and 91.47 ± 6.50 (range 75-98) separately. Anterolateral approach has minimal risk of intraoperative neurovascular injuries in the popliteal fossa with satisfactory results. The hardware removal was also facilitated. This approach is feasible, safe and efficient.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair for Female Patients: Experience from a High-volume Center in 20 years.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) is widely performed worldwide, few studies have focused on the procedure in female patients. This study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of female patients with inguinal hernias who underwent LIHR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 7380 patients with inguinal hernia admitted to the General Surgery Department of Ruijin Hospital and underwent LIHR from January 2001 to December 2020. The clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 572 female patients were enrolled in this study. The proportion of femoral hernias in female patients was higher in women than in male patients (17.4% vs. 0.3%, respectively). Mesothelial cysts of the round uterine ligament (MCURL) were noted in 74 patients. The mean age of patients with MCURL was lower than that of patients without MCURL (46.4 vs. 55.6, P =0.018). Seventy cases (93.3%) of MCURL were resected laparoscopically, and 5 cases were resected through an auxiliary small incision. The round ligament was cut off in 335 patients and preserved in 237. No significant differences were observed in the number of hospitalization days, recurrence rates, or complications between the transection and preservation groups. None of the cases were converted to laparotomy, and no recurrence was noted during follow-up. CONCLUSION: LIHR is safe and feasible in female patients. Treatment of femoral hernia, MCURL, and the round ligament of the uterus should be carefully considered during LIHR in female patients.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. reuteri on bone mass and gut microbiota in ovariectomized mice.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is widely used as a food additive or medication in our daily lives. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L. acidophilus and L. reuteri on bone mass in OVX mice and their associated mechanisms. Fifty 6-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to five different treatments: sham surgery, OVX surgery, OVXandL. reuteri fed, OVXandL. acidophilus fed, OVXandboth L. reuteri and L. acidophilus co-fed, respectively. Serum samples were collected, and IL-1ß,IL-6,TNF-α, and OCN levels were determined. The bone volume fraction and trabecular number, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, and cortical thickness of the mice were analyzed by micro-CT in both femurs. Mice feces were taken for Illumina high-throughput sequencing to analyze the microbial composition and characteristics. After probiotic feeding, the bone volume fraction, the trabecular number, and the trabecular thickness increased, and the trabecular separation decreased in OVX mice. IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the blood significantly decreased. The observed Chao1 and ACE indexes increased significantly. Changes in intestinal microorganisms occurred in all groups of mice. The change of index in the gut microbes, may indicate that the bone mass of OVX mice is changing. L. acidophilus shares the same role as L. reuteri in preventing bone loss in OVX mice. The mechanism of action may be through inhibition of the activation of inflammatory factors in the osteoclast activation pathway in bone metabolism, modulation of gut microbial diversity, and alteration of the richness of specific microorganisms that lead to attenuation of bone loss.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Risk of Overweight or Obesity in Chinese Adults: Chinese Food Consumption Survey 2017-2020.

Overweight and obesity have increased rapidly in the past few decades in China, and less research has focused on the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and overweight or obesity in Chinese adults. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of UPF consumption with the risk of overweight or obesity in Chinese adults. Residents aged 18 years and above who participated in the nationally representative survey Chinese Food Consumption Survey in 2017-2020 were included in this study. Dietary intake data were collected via non-consecutive three-day 24 h dietary recalls and weighing household foods and condiments. According to the NOVA food classification system, UPFs were classified depending on the purpose and extent of food processing. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate-adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) regressions were performed to estimate the association between UPF consumption (categorized into quartiles: quartile 1 (Q1), quartile 2 (Q2), quartile 3 (Q3), and quartile 4 (Q4)) and risk of overweight or obesity. A total of 38,658 adults aged 18 years and above participated in the present study. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults was 33.0% (95% CI: 32.91-33.10) and 9.6% (95% CI 9.55-9.67), respectively. After a multivariable adjustment, the risk of overweight or obesity was increased by 10% in Q3 (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17) compared to Q1 as a reference. Women (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20) and adults living in small and medium-sized cities (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01-1.26) with higher UPF consumption had higher odds of overweight or obesity. Nevertheless, the effect of higher UPF consumption on the risk of overweight or obesity was relatively weak for overall adults in China. The top three categories of subgroups consumption of UPFs were 1: sugar-sweetened beverages; 2: sauces, cheeses, spreads, and gravies; and 3: ultra-processed breads and breakfast cereals. These findings provide evidence that higher UPF consumption was positively associated with overweight or obesity, which was defined based on Chinese criteria among women and adults living in small and medium-sized cities in China. Further studies, such as intervention trials, are needed to identify the mechanism of correlation between the consumption of UPFs and health-related outcomes in Chinese adults. From a public health perspective, with the prevalence of overweight and obesity growing and the increase in UPF consumption in Chinese adults, it is necessary to promote healthy food intake and a balanced diet through active nutritional education actions for overweight and obesity prevention and control.

Suppressive effects of bilobalide on depression-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice.

Background: Depression is a psychiatric disorder with depressed mood and even suicide attempts as the main clinical symptoms, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. Purpose: The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and reveal the potential mechanisms of bilobalide (BB) intervention in alleviating depression-like behaviors by using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice via mediating the BDNF pathway. Methods: Behavioral assessments were carried out by using the sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST). CUMS mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: CUMS + solvent, CUMS + BB low, CUMS + BB medium, CUMS + BB high and CUMS + fluoxetine. Total serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Expression of TNF-α, IL-6, AKT, GSK3ß, ß-catenin, Trk-B and BDNF in the mouse hippocampus was assessed by western blotting. Results: BB treatment reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and increased the protein expression of BDNF in the hippocampus region of the CUMS mice. Moreover, BB treatment enhanced the AKT/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway which is downstream of the BDNF receptor Trk-B in the hippocampus of these mice. Conclusions: Overall, the experimental results indicated that BB reverses CUMS-induced depression-like behavior. BB exerts antidepressant-like effects by inhibiting neuroinflammation and enhancing the function of neurotrophic factors.

The occurrence and probabilistic risk assessment of 3-MCPDEs and GEs in infant formulas from Chinese market employing Monte Carlo simulation technique.

3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDEs) and glycidyl esters (GEs) are food contaminants and have arisen continuous attention due to their toxicity, especially towards infants. Current risk assessment of these contaminants was mostly employing deterministic approaches, lacking quantitative characterization of the likelihood, incidence, or severity of the risks involved. Herein, 3-MCPDE and GE levels in 46 representative infant formulas (IFs) from Chinese market were determined by GC-MS/MS. Then, combining the occurrence data and consumption data from China National Food Consumption Survey, the Monte Carlo simulation-based probabilistic model for risk assessment of 3-MCPDEs and GEs in IFs from Chinese market was established. The results showed that all P90 (90th percentiles) hazard quotient values were below 1, demonstrating 3-MCPDEs didn't pose health risks to most populations aged 0-36 months old. However, for 0-12 months old groups, P10 (10th percentiles) margin of exposure values were all below 25000, indicating GEs may pose potential risks to 10% of this group. Uncertainty analysis revealed that the probabilistic model had considered uncertainties of model input and distribution, and realized refined assessment. This study is the first report on probabilistic assessment of 3-MCPDEs and GEs in IFs, which also provided references for the formulation of related regulatory limits in China.