Differentiated genomic footprints suggest isolation and long-distance migration of Hmong-Mien populations.

BACKGROUND: The underrepresentation of Hmong-Mien (HM) people in Asian genomic studies has hindered our comprehensive understanding of the full landscape of their evolutionary history and complex trait architecture. South China is a multi-ethnic region and indigenously settled by ethnolinguistically diverse HM, Austroasiatic (AA), Tai-Kadai (TK), Austronesian (AN), and Sino-Tibetan (ST) people, which is regarded as East Asia's initial cradle of biodiversity. However, previous fragmented genetic studies have only presented a fraction of the landscape of genetic diversity in this region, especially the lack of haplotype-based genomic resources. The deep characterization of demographic history and natural-selection-relevant genetic architecture of HM people was necessary. RESULTS: We reported one HM-specific genomic resource and comprehensively explored the fine-scale genetic structure and adaptative features inferred from the genome-wide SNP data of 440 HM individuals from 33 ethnolinguistic populations, including previously unreported She. We identified solid genetic differentiation between HM people and Han Chinese at 7.64‒15.86 years ago (kya) and split events between southern Chinese inland (Miao/Yao) and coastal (She) HM people in the middle Bronze Age period and the latter obtained more gene flow from Ancient Northern East Asians. Multiple admixture models further confirmed that extensive gene flow from surrounding ST, TK, and AN people entangled in forming the gene pool of Chinese coastal HM people. Genetic findings of isolated shared unique ancestral components based on the sharing alleles and haplotypes deconstructed that HM people from the Yungui Plateau carried the breadth of previously unknown genomic diversity. We identified a direct and recent genetic connection between Chinese inland and Southeast Asian HM people as they shared the most extended identity-by-descent fragments, supporting the long-distance migration hypothesis. Uniparental phylogenetic topology and network-based phylogenetic relationship reconstruction found ancient uniparental founding lineages in southwestern HM people. Finally, the population-specific biological adaptation study identified the shared and differentiated natural selection signatures among inland and coastal HM people associated with physical features and immune functions. The allele frequency spectrum of cancer susceptibility alleles and pharmacogenomic genes showed significant differences between HM and northern Chinese people. CONCLUSIONS: Our extensive genetic evidence combined with the historical documents supported the view that ancient HM people originated from the Yungui regions associated with ancient "Three-Miao tribes" descended from the ancient Daxi-Qujialing-Shijiahe people. Then, some have recently migrated rapidly to Southeast Asia, and some have migrated eastward and mixed respectively with Southeast Asian indigenes, Liangzhu-related coastal ancient populations, and incoming southward ST people. Generally, complex population migration, admixture, and adaptation history contributed to the complicated patterns of population structure of geographically diverse HM people.

Long term survival outcomes of surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for perforated low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) are very rare, accounting for approximately 0.2%-0.5% of gastrointestinal tumors. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to explore the impact of different surgical procedures combined with HIPEC on the short-term outcomes and long-term survival of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data of 91 LAMN perforation patients from 9 teaching hospitals over a 10-year period, and divided them into HIPEC group and non-HIPEC group based on whether or not underwent HIPEC. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients with LAMN, 52 were in the HIPEC group and 39 in the non-HIPEC group. The Kaplan-Meier method predicted that 52 patients in the HIPEC group had 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of 82.7% and 76.9%, respectively, compared with predicted survival rates of 51.3% and 46.2% for the 39 patients in the non-HIPEC group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 10.622, p = 0.001; χ2 = 10.995, p = 0.001). Compared to the 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates of 75.0% and 65.4% in the HIPEC group, respectively, the 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates of 48.7% and 46.2% in the non-HIPEC group were significant different between the two outcomes (χ2 = 8.063, p = 0.005; χ2 = 6.775, p = 0.009). The incidence of postoperative electrolyte disturbances and hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in the HIPEC group than in the non-HIPEC group (p = 0.023; p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that surgery combined with HIPEC can significantly improve 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates and relapse-free survival rates of LAMN perforation patients, without affecting their short-term clinical outcomes.

Prokaryotic Expression, Purification, and Antibacterial Activity of the Hepcidin Peptide of Crescent Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus cinctus).

The hepcidin peptide of crescent sweetlips (Plectorhinchus cinctus) is a cysteine-rich, cationic antimicrobial peptide that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system's defense against invading microbes. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal parameters for prokaryotic expression and purification of this hepcidin peptide and characterize its antibacterial activity. The recombinant hepcidin peptides were expressed in Escherichia coli strain Arctic Express (DE3), with culture and induction conditions optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The obtained hepcidin peptides were then purified before tag cleavage, and their antibacterial activity was determined. The obtained results revealed that induction temperature had the most significant impact on the production of soluble recombinant peptides. The optimum induction conditions were determined to be an isopropylthio-ß-galactoside (IPTG) concentration of 0.21 mmol/L, induction temperature of 18.81 °C, and an induction time of 16.01 h. Subsequently, the recombinant hepcidin peptide was successfully purified using Ni-IDA affinity chromatography followed by SUMO protease cleavage. The obtained hepcidin peptide (without His-SUMO tag) demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity in vitro against V. parahaemolyticus, E. coli, and S. aureus. The results showed prokaryotic (E. coli) expression is a feasible way to produce the hepcidin peptide of crescent sweetlips in a cost-effective way, which has great potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent in aquaculture.

Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibodies and Clinical Prognosis in Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is the most common form of primary nephrotic syndrome in adults. Antibodies against the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R-ab) are considered as diagnostic biomarkers of IMN. OBJECTIVE: Here, we performed an updated meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic value of PLA2R-ab for clinical remission in IMN patients. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies published before September 2022. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were determined using a fixed or random effects model. The heterogeneity among studies was explored by subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen studies involving 1,761 IMN participants were included. There were significant differences between PLA2R-ab (+) and PLA2R-ab (-) patients in terms of complete remission (CR) and spontaneous remission. The rates of partial remission (PR) and relapse were similar between the two groups. Patients with PLA2R-ab (-) were at a higher CR rate when treated with a calcineurin inhibitor or a treatment course for 3 months and 6 months, while the spontaneous remission rate was higher in PLA2R-ab seronegative patients from Asia. However, the CR and spontaneous remission rate only significantly declined in IMN patients with the highest titer, but not a middle titer, when compared to those with the lowest titer. CONCLUSION: In contrast with previous meta-analyses, our results verified that PLA2R-ab can likely predict CR and spontaneous remission in IMN patients, instead of PR and relapse. Race, immunosuppressive agents, and duration of treatment may affect the prognostic value of PLA2R-ab. Considering that the remission rate of IMN patients with a middle level of PLA2R-ab was not different from that of patients with the lowest level, a proper cut-off value of PLA2R-ab for prognosis should be clarified.

Restorative effects and mechanisms of neural stem cell transplantation on ischemic brain injury based on the Wnt signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the restorative effects and mechanisms of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation on ischemic brain injury based on the Wnt signaling pathway. METHODS: Out of 102 male KM mice, 15 were randomly selected as the control group without any intervention, while the remaining 87 underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using the Zea-Longa suture method. Seven mice that did not successfully model MCAO were excluded, leaving 80 mice that successfully underwent MCAO, randomized into two groups: the Ischemic Brain Injury group (n = 40) receiving 10 µL of sterile PBS solution injected into the lateral ventricle, and the Ischemic Brain Injury + NSCs Transplantation group (n = 40) receiving 10 µL of NSCs suspension injected into the lateral ventricle. RESULTS: Compared to the ischemic brain injury group, mice in the Ischemic Brain Injury + NSCs Transplantation group exhibited significantly alleviated edema in the middle cerebral artery supply area, with neurons displaying more normal morphological characteristics and fewer signs of degeneration and necrosis. The mice with NSC transplantation had significantly smaller infarct volume than those in the ischemic brain injury group (p < 0.05). The mice with NSC transplantation showed significantly lower Zea-Longa scores and a lower proportion of TUNEL-positive cells compared to those in the ischemic brain injury group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NSC transplantation can significantly inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the ischemic region of mice with ischemic brain injury, alleviate brain tissue edema, reduce infarct volume, and improve neurological function. The mechanism may be related to Wnt signaling pathway activation.

Dysregulation of Histone Deacetylases Inhibits Trophoblast Growth during Early Placental Development Partially through TFEB-Dependent Autophagy-Lysosomal Pathway.

Dysregulated biological behaviors of trophoblast cells can result in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA)-whose underlying etiology still remains insufficient. Autophagy, a conserved intracellular physiological process, is precisely monitored throughout whole pregnancy. Although the exact mechanism or role remains elusive, epigenetic modification has emerged as an important process. Herein, we found that a proportion of RSA patients exhibited higher levels of autophagy in villus tissues compared to controls, accompanied with impaired histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression. The purpose of this study is to explore the connection between HDACs and autophagy in the pathological course of RSA. Mechanistically, using human trophoblast cell models, treatment with HDAC inhibitor (HDACI)-trichostatin A (TSA) can induce autophagy by promoting nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of the central autophagic regulator transcription factor EB (TFEB). Specifically, overactivated autophagy is involved in the TSA-driven growth inhibition of trophoblast, which can be partially reversed by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) or RNA interference of TFEB. In summary, our results reveal that abnormal acetylation and autophagy levels during early gestation may be associated with RSA and suggest the potential novel molecular target TFEB for RSA treatment.

Replacing chemical fertilizer with manure reduces N2O emissions in winter wheat - summer maize cropping system under limited irrigation.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agroecosystems are a major contributor to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion. However, knowledge concerning the hotspots and hot moments of soil N2O emissions with manure application and irrigation, as well as the underlying mechanisms remain incomplete. Here, a 3-year field experiment was conducted with the combination of fertilization (no fertilizer, F0; 100% chemical fertilizer N, Fc; 50% chemical N + 50% manure N, Fc + m; and 100% manure N, Fm) and irrigation (with irrigation, W1; and without irrigation, W0; at wheat jointing stage) for winter wheat - summer maize cropping system in the North China Plain. Results showed that irrigation did not affect annual N2O emissions of the wheat-maize system. Manure application (Fc + m and Fm) reduced annual N2O emissions by 25-51% compared with Fc, which mainly occurred during 2 weeks after fertilization combined with irrigation (or heavy rainfall). In particular, Fc + m reduced the cumulative N2O emissions during 2 weeks after winter wheat sowing and summer maize top dressing by 0.28 and 0.11 kg ha-1, respectively, compared with Fc. Meanwhile, Fm maintained the grain N yield and Fc + m increased grain N yield by 8% compared with Fc under W1. Overall, Fm maintained the annual grain N yield and lower N2O emissions compared to Fc under W0, and Fc + m increased the annual grain N yield and maintained N2O emissions compared with Fc under W1, respectively. Our results provide scientific support for using manure to minimize N2O emissions while maintaining crop N yield under optimal irrigation to support the green transition in agricultural production.

Diastereodivergent Aldol-Type Coupling of Alkoxyallenes with Pentafluorophenyl Esters Enabled by Synergistic Palladium/Chiral Lewis Base Catalysis.

As a fundamental and synthetically useful C-C bond formation reaction, the aldol reaction is one of the most versatile transformations in organic synthesis. However, despite extensive research on asymmetric versions of the reaction, a unified method for stereoselective access to the complementary syn and anti diastereomeric products remains to be developed. In this study, we developed a synergistic palladium/chiral Lewis base system that overcomes the inherent diastereoselectivity bias of aldol reactions and, as a result, allowed us to achieve the first diastereodivergent coupling reactions of alkoxyallenes with pentafluorophenol esters. Computational studies suggest a mechanism involving an intermolecular protonative hydropalladation pathway rather than a palladium-hydride migratory insertion pathway. The origin of the stereochemistry for this synergistic catalysis system is rationalized by DFT calculations.

New insights into the fine-scale history of western-eastern admixture of the northwestern Chinese population in the Hexi Corridor via genome-wide genetic legacy.

Trans-Eurasian cultural and genetic exchanges have significantly influenced the demographic dynamics of Eurasian populations. The Hexi Corridor, located along the southeastern edge of the Eurasian steppe, served as an important passage of the ancient Silk Road in Northwest China and intensified the transcontinental exchange and interaction between populations on the Central Plain and in Western Eurasia. Historical and archeological records indicate that the Western Eurasian cultural elements were largely brought into North China via this geographical corridor, but there is debate on the extent to which the spread of barley/wheat agriculture into North China and subsequent Bronze Age cultural and technological mixture/shifts were achieved by the movement of people or dissemination of ideas. Here, we presented higher-resolution genome-wide autosomal and uniparental Y/mtDNA SNP or STR data for 599 northwestern Han Chinese individuals and conducted 2 different comprehensive genetic studies among Neolithic-to-present-day Eurasians. Genetic studies based on lower-resolution STR markers via PCA, STRUCTURE, and phylogenetic trees showed that northwestern Han Chinese individuals had increased genetic homogeneity relative to northern Mongolic/Turkic/Tungusic speakers and Tibeto-Burman groups. The genomic signature constructed based on modern/ancient DNA further illustrated that the primary ancestry of the northwestern Han was derived from northern millet farmer ancestors, which was consistent with the hypothesis of Han origin in North China and more recent northwestward population expansion. This was subsequently confirmed via excess shared derived alleles in f3/f4 statistical analyses and by more northern East Asian-related ancestry in the qpAdm/qpGraph models. Interestingly, we identified one western Eurasian admixture signature that was present in northwestern Han but absent from southern Han, with an admixture time dated to approximately 1000 CE (Tang and Song dynasties). Generally, we provided supporting evidence that historic Trans-Eurasian communication was primarily maintained through population movement, not simply cultural diffusion. The observed population dynamics in northwestern Han Chinese not only support the North China origin hypothesis but also reflect the multiple sources of the genetic diversity observed in this population.

C1QBP inhibits proliferation of porcine circovirus type 2 by restricting nuclear import of the capsid protein.

Complement component 1 Q subcomponent-binding protein (C1QBP) has been shown to interact with the porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) Cap protein. Here, using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and co-immunoprecipitation assays, as well as laser confocal microscopy, the interaction between C1QBP and Cap was confirmed. Furthermore, overexpression of C1QBP in cells altered the intracellular location of Cap, which was observed using confocal microscopy and verified by detection of Cap in nuclear protein extracts in a Western blot assay. By inhibiting nuclear transport of Cap, overexpression of C1QBP downregulated PCV2 proliferation in PK-15 cells, as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). As C1QBP plays a similar role in a fusion of green fluorescent protein (GFP) with the Cap nuclear localisation signal (NLS) sequence, (CapNLS-GFP), we propose that the target site for C1QBP in Cap is possibly located in the NLS region. Considering all the results together, this study demonstrated that C1QBP interacts with the Cap NLS region, resulting in changes in the intracellular localisation of the Cap protein. We confirmed that overexpression of C1QBP inhibits the proliferation of PCV2, and this is possibly related to the function of C1QBP in controlling nuclear transport of Cap.

Early versus delayed umbilical cord clamping on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

PURPOSE: Policies for timing of cord clamping varied from early cord clamping (ECC) in the first 30 s after birth, to delayed cord clamping (DCC) in more than 30 s after birth or when cord pulsation has ceased. DCC, an inexpensive method allowed physiological placental transfusion. The aim of this article is to review the benefits and the potential harms of early versus delayed cord clamping. METHODS: Narrative overview, synthesizing the findings of the literature retrieved from searches of computerized databases. RESULTS: Delayed cord clamping in term and preterm infants had shown higher hemoglobin levels and iron storage, the improved infants' and children's neurodevelopment, the lesser anemia, the higher blood pressure and the fewer transfusions, as well as the lower rates of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late-onset sepsis. DCC was seldom associated with lower Apgar scores, neonatal hypothermia of admission, respiratory distress, and severe jaundice. In addition, DCC was not associated with increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage and maternal blood transfusion whether in cesarean section or vaginal delivery. DCC appeared to have no effect on cord blood gas analysis. However, DCC for more than 60 s reduced drastically the chances of obtaining clinically useful cord blood units (CBUs). CONCLUSION: Delayed cord clamping in term and preterm infants was a simple, safe, and effective delivery procedure, which should be recommended, but the optimal cord clamping time remained controversial.

Prevalence of kidney disease in patients with different types of cancer or hematological malignancies: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cancer patients with the aim of providing guidance for clinical treatment of cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all cancer and hematological malignancy patients admitted to Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to July 2023. The study population included patients aged 18-80 years with a confirmed cancer or malignancy diagnosis. Chi-square tests, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationships between demographic factors, comorbidities, cancer types, antitumor drugs and the prevalence of AKI/CKD. RESULTS: Among the 2438 participants, the prevalence rates of AKI and CKD were 3.69% and 7.88%, respectively. Patients with diabetes had higher prevalence of AKI/CKD than those without diabetes (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.01-2.68, p = 0.040; OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.10-2.31, p = 0.012, respectively). In addition, a higher prevalence of CKD was observed in patients with hypertension (OR = 3.49, 95% CI 2.43-5.06, p < 0.001). Underweight patients were more likely to develop AKI (OR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.03-6.08, p = 0.029). Anthracyclines may contribute to a higher risk of AKI, and antimetabolites and immunomodulators may be associated with the development of CKD. Overall, patients with hematological malignancies had significantly higher rates of AKI/CKD than those with solid tumors. Among solid tumor patients, the prevalence of AKI/CKD was low in patients with lung and breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: AKI and CKD prevalence varies across cancer types, influenced by factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, body weight, and antitumor drugs. Tailored treatment plans are essential for improving cancer patient outcomes.

Handgrip strength is associated with cognitive function in older patients with stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease: results from the NHANES.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and cognitive performance in stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients aged ≥ 60 years. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2011-2014. Three tests were used to assess the cognitive performance, including consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD), animal fluency test (AFT), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST). The multivariate linear regression analyses adjusting for confounding factors were utilized to evaluate the association of HGS with cognitive performance. A total of 678 older stage 3-5 CKD patients were included in this study. After adjusting for multiple factors, a higher HGS was positively associated with a higher CERAD-delayed recall and DSST score. In addition, our analysis indicated that HGS probably correlated with better performance of immediate learning ability in male, while working memory, sustained attention, and processing speed in female. HGS may be an important indicator for cognitive deficits in stage 3-5 CKD patients, especially for learning ability and executive function. Further research to explore the sex-specific and domain-specific and possible mechanisms are required.

MUC16 can Predict the Pregnancy Outcomes in Human and Intraperitoneal Administration of MUC16 can Rescue Pregnancy Losses in Mouse Models.

Mucin 16 (MUC16) participates in the process of embryo implantation, but few studies have examined the association between MUC16 and pregnancy loss. To investigate this association, the expression of MUC16 in serum and decidua was compared between women with pregnancy loss and ongoing pregnancies. In vitro experiments and animal models were used to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of MUC16 in pregnancy loss. In human study, the expression of MUC16 in serum and decidua was both consistently lower in the women with pregnancy loss compared with those in women with ongoing pregnancies. In vitro experiments revealed the interaction of MUC16 with peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells. MUC16 changed the phenotype and reduced the pro-inflammation ability of pNK cells. MUC16 also inhibited the cytotoxicity of pNK cells through the Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (SHP-ERK) pathway. Furthermore, MUC16 promoted the migration, invasion and tube formation of trophoblast cells by co-culturing together with pNK cells. In vivo experiments, the mouse model of abortion was used to further confirm that intraperitoneal administration of MUC16 could rescue the pregnancy loss. This study reveals the still-unknown connection between MUC16 and pNK cells and indicates that MUC16 provides a novel method for future prediction and treatment of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.

Prevalence of cognitive impairment and its predictors among chronic kidney disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is associated with a poor prognosis. We assessed the prevalence and associated factors of CI in patients with CKD. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science through December 1, 2023. Random effects models were performed with subgroup analyses to further explore the heterogeneity. RESULTS: 50 studies involving 25,289 CKD patients were included. The overall prevalence of CI was 40% (95% confidence interval 33-46). The pooled prevalence of CI was relatively higher in CKD patients from Africa (58%), Asia (44%) and America (37%). Attention and executive dysfunction appeared to be the most common manifestations. The prevalence of CI was higher among patients with hemodialysis (53%) and peritoneal dialysis (39%) than those without dialysis (32%) and post-kidney transplanted (26%). In addition, advanced age, the presence of diabetes and hypertension might increase the risk of CI in CKD patients. CONCLUSIONS: People with CKD have a high prevalence of CI, especially in patients with hemodialysis. An early and comprehensive screening for CI in CKD patients is needed to improve clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42023412864).

Efficient Glucose Isomerization to Fructose using Photoregenerable MgSnO3 Catalyst with Cooperative Acid-Base Sites.

The isomerization of glucose to fructose plays a crucial role in the food industry and the production of biomass-derived chemicals in biorefineries. However, the catalyst used in this reaction suffers from low selectivity and catalyst deactivation due to carbon or by-product deposition. In this study, MgSnO3 catalyst, synthesized via a facile two-step process involving hydrothermal treatment and calcination, was used for glucose isomerization to fructose. The catalyst demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance, achieving a fructose equilibrium yield of 29.8 % with a selectivity exceeding 90 % under mild conditions owing to its acid-base interaction. Notably, spent catalysts can be regenerated by photoirradiation to remove surface carbon, thereby avoiding the changes in properties and subsequent loss of activity associated with conventional calcination regeneration method. This novel approach eliminates the energy consumption and potential structural aggregation associated with traditional calcination regeneration methods. The acid-base active sites of the catalyst, along with their corresponding catalytic reaction mechanism and photoregeneration mechanism were investigated. This study presents a demonstration of the comprehensive utilization of catalytic material properties, i. e., acid-base and photocatalytic functionalities, for the development of a green and sustainable biomass thermochemical conversion system.

[A cohort study of longer-term impact of melamine contaminated formula on infant health].

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the health status of infants with exposure to melamine-contaminated milk formula prior to September 2008. METHODS: The cohort study was conducted in an area close to the manufacturer of Sanlu dairy products. There were three groups (n = 47 each). In September 2008, the exposure group I included infants with exposure to melamine and a diagnosis of renal abnormalities, the exposure group IIhad exposure to melamine but there was no diagnosis of renal abnormalities and the non-exposure group had no exposure to melamine. The exposure II and non-exposure groups were matched with those of exposure group I by birthplaces, gender and date of birth ( ± 3 months). Kidney function tests (urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid, serum albumin, ß2-microglobulin and cystatin C), liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), growth and development assessment and urinary system ultrasonography were implemented between November 2011 and June 2012. The analysis of covariance (least significant difference method) was performed to compare the differences of relevant variables among three groups. RESULTS: The urinary system ultrasonography showed that all abnormalities disappeared in exposure group I and all infants of another two groups had normal ultrasonography. There were statistically significant differences in serum uric acid and albumin of kidney function in exposure group I, exposure group II and non-exposure group ((344 ± 75) and (338 ± 98) and (282 ± 69) µmol/L , (47 ± 5) and (47 ± 6) and (43 ± 5) g/L, all P < 0.05) among three groups. However the differences in the remaining markers of kidney function, markers of liver function and Z scores of weight-for-age and height-for age were all statistically insignificant (all P > 0.05). Further pair-wise comparisons showed that the levels of serum uric acid and albumin in exposure group I were higher than those in non-exposure group (P = 0.001 and 0.010). And the levels of serum uric acid and albumin in exposure group II were also higher than those in non-exposure group (P = 0.003 and 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: All affected infants have recovered from kidney abnormalities. Early infant exposure to melamine-contaminated milk formula appears to have no obvious impact on liver function and growth. But its potential impact on kidney function should be further assessed.

Regulators involved in trophoblast syncytialization in the placenta of intrauterine growth restriction.

Placental dysfunction refers to the insufficiency of placental perfusion and chronic hypoxia during early pregnancy, which impairs placental function and causes inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, affecting fetal development and health. Fetal intrauterine growth restriction, one of the most common outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertensions, can be caused by placental dysfunction, resulting from deficient trophoblast syncytialization, inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired vascular remodeling. During placental development, cytotrophoblasts fuse to form a multinucleated syncytia barrier, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to meet the metabolic demands for fetal growth. A reduction in the cell fusion index and the number of nuclei in the syncytiotrophoblast are found in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that the occurrence of IUGR may be related to inadequate trophoblast syncytialization. During the multiple processes of trophoblasts syncytialization, specific proteins and several signaling pathways are involved in coordinating these events and regulating placental function. In addition, epigenetic modifications, cell metabolism, senescence, and autophagy are also involved. Study findings have indicated several abnormally expressed syncytialization-related proteins and signaling pathways in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR, suggesting that these elements may play a crucial role in the occurrence of IUGR. In this review, we discuss the regulators of trophoblast syncytialization and their abnormal expression in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR.

The association between the number of oocytes retrieved and cumulative live birth rate in different female age strata.

To evaluate the association between the number of oocytes retrieved and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in different female age strata. 17,931 women undergoing their first IVF/ICSI-ET cycle in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University were grouped by age (A: ≤ 35 years; B: ≥ 36 years) as well as the number of oocytes retrieved (a: ≤ 5; b:6-9; c:10-14; d: ≥ 15). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the OR of CLBR for the variable 'age' and 'number of oocytes retrieved'. The group ≥ 36 years exhibited lower cumulative pregnancy rates (CPRs) and cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs), which are proportional to the number of oocytes retrieved but opposite to increasing age. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the age and number of oocytes retrieved remain significant independent predictive factors (P < 0.001). Age and number of oocytes retrieved are two independent factors affecting the CLBR. The discrepancy of the minimum number of oocytes retrieved for patients with different ages to achieve ideal CLBR is instructive for clinical practice. The practice of controlling the stimulation dose is feasible for patients ≤ 35 years who can achieve over 60% CLBR once the number of oocytes obtained is more than 6. However, additional stimulation cycles and accumulation of embryos are necessary for elderly group especially those ≥ 38 years old who need more than 14 oocytes to obtain higher live birth rate.

Feasibility study on evaluating right ventricular diastolic function by new Tei'-Index.

Objective: Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (Tei) has been used in the evaluation of right ventricular (RV) function. However, the usage in isolated diastolic dysfunction is limited.We sought to find a new Tei'-index that is more appropriate for evaluating isolated diastolic dysfunction (IDD) based on the symmetry of cardiac structure and function. Methods: 21 patients with impaired RV relaxation were compared to 44 control subjects. Tei and Tei' including their components, isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), the ejection time (ET), and RV rapid filling time (RFT) were measured from RV outflow and tricuspid inflow Doppler velocity profiles. Results: Tei-index have no change between IDD group and control subjects (0.21 ± 0.08 vs 0.23 ± 0.07 P[bond, double bond]NS). The Tei'-index was significantly shortened in IDD group(0.24 ± 0.09 vs 0.32 ± 0.12,p＜0.05).The decrease in Tei'-index was due to the prolongation of both IRT and RFT, and in the abbreviation of ICT. Tei'-index cutoff value of ≥0.31 identified impaired RV relaxation with a sensitivity of 50 % and specificity of 86 %.We also find that the Tei'-index correlated well with doppler measures of diastolic parameters like E/A, E/e', DT, which suggests its potential use as a noninvasive indicator of the right ventricular (RV) relaxation in patients with heart failure of different causes. Conclusion: New Tei's index is highly effective and specific in the evaluation of early diastolic dysfunction of right ventricle, and can be used as an indicator for the detection of IDD in clinic.