Behavioral counseling for cardiovascular disease prevention in 36 low-income and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Given the substantial prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), evaluation of behavioral counseling for prevention of CVD is important. METHODS: We pooled nationally representative cross-sectional surveys from 36 LMICs between 2013 and 2020. The population was divided into three groups according to CVD risk: the potential risk group, the risk group and the CVD group. We estimated the prevalence of six types of behavioral counseling among the three groups separately: smoking, salt reduction, fruit and vegetable intake, dietary fat reduction, physical activity and body weight. RESULTS: There were 16,057 (25.4%) in the potential risk group, 43,113 (49.9%) in the risk group, and 7796 (8.6%) in the CVD group. The prevalence of receiving at least four types of counseling in the three groups was 15.6% (95% CI 13.9 to 17.5), 14.9% (95% CI 14.0 to 15.9), and 19.8% (95% CI 17.7 to 22.2), respectively. The lowest prevalence was for tobacco use counseling: 24.5% (95% CI 22.5 to 26.4), 23.2% (95% CI 22.1 to 24.3), and 32.1% (95% CI 29.5 to 34.8), respectively. The prevalence of counseling was higher in upper-middle-income countries than in lower-middle-income countries. Women, older people, those with more education, and those living in urban areas were more likely to receive counseling. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of behavioral counseling for CVD is low in LMICs, especially among potentially at-risk populations and in low-income countries. These findings highlight the current urgent need to improve CVD prevention and management systems to enhance behavioral counseling and intervention.

miR-21-5p Modulates Airway Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Processes in a Mouse Model of Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) is a concurrent allergic symptom of diseases of allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, the mechanism of CARAS remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the impact of microRNA-21 (miR-21) on CARAS via targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. METHODS: The levels of miR-21-5p and PARP-1 in CARAS patients were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An ovalbumin-sensitized mouse model of CARAS was established. And knock down of miR-21-5p was constructed by intranasally administering with miR-21-5p shRNA-encoding adeno-associated virus vector. Airway resistance and airway inflammatory response were detected. ELISA was used to evaluate IL-4/IL-5/IL-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Expression levels of E-cadherin, fibronectin, and α-SMA were determined using Western blotting. The levels of PARP-1 and the activation of PI3K/AKT were assayed. RESULTS: Downregulation of miR-21-5p relieved pathophysiological symptoms of asthma including airway hyperreactivity and inflammatory cell infiltration. Downregulation of miR-21-5p significantly reduced the levels of IL4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF. Additionally, downregulation of miR-21-5p inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in CARAS mice. Furthermore, miR-21-5p regulated PARP-1 and was involved in PI3K/AKT activation in CARAS mice. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of miR-21-5p ameliorated CARAS-associated lung injury by alleviating airway inflammation, inhibiting the EMT process, and regulating PARP-1/PI3K/AKT in a mouse model of CARAS.

MiR-4454 in Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome (CARAS): Clinical significance and mechanistic insights into airway inflammation.

Abnormal expression of non-coding microRNA is associated with the development of combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS). However, the function of miR-4454 in CARAS is unknown. Our study aimed to reveal the clinical significance and related mechanism of miR-4454 in CARAS. Blood samples from 38 cases of CARAS and 43 cases of healthy subjects were collected to detect the expression of miR-4454. House dust mite (HDM) sensitization and challenge-induced bronchial epithelial cells to simulate the asthma state model in vitro, miR-4454 mimics and inhibitor transfection to detect the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell survival rate and migration ability, flow cytometry and western blot (WB) Detection of cell cycle, apoptosis and inflammation-related protein levels. Compared with healthy controls, the expression of miR-4454 in the blood of CARAS patients was significantly up-regulated, and IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly up-regulated in the HDM treatment group, indicating that the model induction was successful. After overexpression of miR-4454, cell proliferation and migration in the HDM-treated group were significantly inhibited, and the levels of early apoptosis and inflammation-related proteins (IL-17, IL-17RD, TNF-α, GCSF and NF-κB) were increased High; after inhibiting miR-4454, cell proliferation and migration were significantly enhanced, and the levels of apoptosis and inflammation-related proteins were decreased. This study found that inhibiting the expression of miR-4454 can improve HDM-induced cell injury, which may be related to miR-4454 regulating the activation of IL-17/NF-кB inflammatory axis.

LINC00158 modulates the function of BEAS-2B cells via targeting BCL11B and ameliorates OVA-LPS-induced severe asthma in mice models.

Persistent type (T) 2 airway inflammation plays an important role in the development of severe asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to T2 severe asthma have yet to be fully clarified. Human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells) were transfected with LINC00158/BCL11B plasmid/small interfering RNA (siRNA). Levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers were measured using real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the targeting relationship between LINC00158 and BCL11B. The effects of LINC00158-lentivirus vector-mediated overexpression and dexamethasone on ovalbumin (OVA)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced severe asthma were investigated in mice in vivo. Our study showed that overexpression of LINC00158/BCL11B inhibited the levels of EMT-related proteins, apoptosis, and promoted the proliferation of BEAS-2B cells. BCL11B was a direct target of LINC00158. And LINC00158 targeted BCL11B to regulate EMT, apoptosis, and cell proliferation of BEAS-2B cells. Compared with severe asthma mice, LINC00158 overexpression alleviated OVA/LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation, including reductions in T helper 2 cells factors in lung tissue and BALF, serum total- and OVA-specific IgE, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cells hyperplasia. In addition, LINC00158 overexpression alleviated airway remodeling, including reduced plasma TGF-ß1 and collagen fiber deposition, as well as suppression of EMT. Additionally, overexpression of LINC00158 enhanced the therapeutic effect of dexamethasone in severe asthmatic mice models. LINC00158 regulates BEAS-2B cell biological function by targeting BCL11B. LINC00158 ameliorates T2 severe asthma in vivo and provides new insights into the clinical treatment of severe asthma.

Effects of straw returning combined with blended controlled-release urea fertilizer on crop yields, greenhouse gas emissions, and net ecosystem economic benefits: A nine-year field trial.

Although straw returning combined with blended controlled-release urea fertilizer (BUFS) has been shown to improve wheat-maize rotation system productivity, their effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, carbon footprints (CF), and net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) are still unknown. Life cycle assessment was used to investigate a long-term (2013-2022) wheat-maize rotation experiment that included straw combined with two N fertilizer types [BUFS and (conventional urea fertilizer) CUFS] and straw-free treatments (BUF and CUF). The results showed that BUFS and CUFS treatments increased the annual yield by 13.8% and 11.5%, respectively, compared to BUF and CUF treatments. The BUFS treatment increased the yearly yield by 13.8% compared to the CUFS treatment. Since BUFS and CUFS treatments increased soil organic carbon (SOC) sink sequestration by 25.0% and 27.0% compared to BUF and CUF treatments, they reduced annual GHG emissions by 7.1% and 4.7% and CF per unit of yield (CFY) by 13.7% and 9.6%, respectively. BUFS treatment also increased SOC sink sequestration by 20.3%, reduced GHG emissions by 10.7% and CFY by 23.0% compared to CUFS treatment. It is worth noting that the BUFS and CUFS treatments increased the annual ecological costs by 41.6%, 26.9%, and health costs by 70.1% and 46.7% compared to the BUF and CUF treatments, but also increased the net yield benefits by 9.8%, 6.8%, and the soil nutrient cycling values by 29.2%, 27.3%, and finally improved the NEEB by 10.1%, 7.3%, respectively. Similar results were obtained for the BUFS treatment compared to the CUFS treatment, ultimately improving the NEEB by 23.1%. Based on assessing yield, GHG emissions, CF, and NEEB indicators, the BUFS treatment is recommended as an ideal agricultural fertilization model to promote sustainable and clean production in the wheat-maize rotation system and to protect the agroecological environment.

Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in diagnosing pneumonia of adults.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate identification of pathogens that cause pulmonary infections is essential for effective treatment and hastening recovery in adults diagnosed with pneumonia. At present, despite metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology has been widely used in clinical practice for pathogen identification, the clinical significance and necessity of detecting pathogen in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for pneumonia-stricken adults remain ambiguous. METHODOLOGY: In this study, 80 patients suffering from pulmonary infection were enrolled, who were admitted to the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and September 2022. The diagnostic performances of mNGS and conventional methods (CM) were systematically analyzed based on BALF samples, and we further investigated the influence of mNGS and CM in diagnosis modification and treatment. RESULTS: We found a significantly higher positive rate for the mNGS method in contrast to CM. Bacteria were the most common pathogens, and Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most commonly identified pathogen. Candida albicans and Epstein-Barr virus were the most frequently identified fungus and virus. Atypical pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, virus Nontuberculous mycobacteria, and Chlamydia psittaci were also identified. A total of 77 patients were identified with mixed infections by mNGS. As the disease progressed and recurrent antibiotic treatment persisted, significant dynamic changes in the clinical manifestation from the BALF samples could be found by mNGS. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the efficacy of mNGS in detecting pathogens in BALF samples from patients suffering pulmonary infections. Compared with the CM, mNGS significantly enhanced the positive diagnosis ratio, particularly in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis, atypical pathogens, and viral or fungal infections.

Hsa_circ_0043603 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-1178-3p and regulating AADAC expression.

This study aims to investigate the regulatory impact of hsa_circ_0043,603, a circular RNA, on the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which ranks as the sixth leading cause of global mortality. We evaluated the expression, origin, and localization of hsa_circ_0043,603 in ESCC tumors using qRT-PCR, bioinformatics, and FISH analysis. Functional studies were conducted by manipulating the hsa_circ_0043,603 expression in Eca109 cells through overexpression and silencing plasmids. Additionally, xenografts derived from circ_0043,603-overexpressing Eca109 cells enabled us to investigate tumor growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Through Starbase analysis, we identified miR-1178-3p as a target of circ_0043,603, which was validated using RIP and luciferase assays. Furthermore, we predicted arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC) as a target of miR-1178-3p and examined its expression in ESCC tissues using Western blot. Lastly, we performed AADAC silencing and overexpression in Eca109 cells to study their impact on cellular phenotypic features, apoptosis, and their interaction with miR-1178-3p mimics and inhibitors. The low expression of hsa_circ_0043,603 in ESCC tissue was associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0043,603 inhibited ESCC growth, invasion, migration, and proliferation, while promoting apoptosis in vitro and suppressing tumor growth in vivo. hsa_circ_0043,603 achieved these effects by targeting the oncogenic miR-1178-3p. Furthermore, AADAC was identified as a target of miR-1178-3p, and its reduced expression was confirmed in ESCC tissues. Overexpression of AADAC in Eca109 cells resulted in suppressed cell growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating miR-1178-3p. hsa_circ_0043,603 acts as a sponge for miR-1178-3p, leading to the regulation of AADAC expression and inhibition of ESCC development. These results suggest the potential of hsa_circ_0043,603 as a therapeutic and diagnostic target for ESCC.

Triple Amplification Ratiometric Electrochemical Aptasensor for CA125 Based on H-Gr/SH-ß-CD@PdPtNFs.

A triple-amplified and ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor for CA125 was designed based on hemin-graphene/SH-ß-cyclodextrin@PdPt nanoflower (H-Gr/SH-ß-CD@PdPtNF) composites and an exonuclease I (Exo I)-assisted strategy. In the nanocomposite, hemin acts as an internal reference signal owing to the reversible heminox/heminred pair. PdPtNFs can significantly improve the electron transfer rate. SH-ß-CD can efficiently enrich quercetin probes through host-guest recognition and increase the second indicator signal. In the presence of CA125, due to the specific binding between the aptamer and CA125, the conformational change of dsDNA (designed by the CA125 aptamer and its complementary DNA) results in the release of quercetin embedded in dsDNA. Subsequently, the free quercetin and DNA fragments are enriched on the H-Gr/SH-ß-CD@PdPtNF-modified electrode. Thus, an enhanced oxidation peak from quercetin (IQ) and a reduced peak from hemin (Ihemin) can indicate the same biological identification event. In addition, the recycling amplification of CA125 by Exo I can effectively assist the increase of the quercetin signal. The value of IQ/Ihemin is linear with the concentration of CA125 in the range from 6.0 × 10-4 to 1.0 × 103 ng/mL, and the limit of detection is 1.4 × 10-4 ng/mL. The recovery of CA125 in human blood serum samples was from 99.2 to 104.4%. The proposed sensor is sensitive and reliable, which provides an avenue for the development of triple amplification and ratiometric signal strategies for detecting tumor markers in clinical diagnostics.

Ulinastatin ameliorates the malignant progression of prostate cancer cells by blocking the RhoA/ROCK/NLRP3 pathway.

Prostate cancer is a male malignant tumor disease with high incidence and mortality. This study was designed to explore the effects of ulinastatin (UTI) on the malignant progression of prostate cancer and its relevant mechanism of action. Human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 was applied to investigate the anticancer activity of UTI. PC-3 cells were treated with increasing concentrations (400, 800, and 1600 U/ml) of UTI. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, wound-healing, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression level of corresponding proteins was detected by western blot. In addition, PC-3 cells were pretreated with RhoA agonist CN03 (1 µg/ml) or NLRP3 agonist nigericin (10 µM) before UTI treatment, and the cellular behaviors above were detected again. It was demonstrated that UTI significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted apoptosis in PC-3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, UTI could block RhoA/ROCK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in PC-3 cells, and the activation of RhoA or NLRP3 inflammasome partly weakened the impacts of UTI on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in PC-3 cells, respectively. In summary, our study demonstrated the antitumor activity of UTI against prostate cancer by regulating RhoA/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, providing a promising candidate drug for the therapeutic treatment of prostate cancer.

The No-Touch Saphenous Vein Harvesting Improves Graft Patency After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This single-center study of propensity-matched data was performed to assess the effect of the no-touch saphenous vein (NTSV) harvesting technique on early- and long-term outcomes of patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in China. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 767 patients who underwent OPCABG in the Beijing Anzhen Hospital (June 2017 to October 2021) was performed, and their data entered the conventional saphenous vein (CSV) harvesting technique group or the NTSV group. In-hospital and follow-up outcomes were evaluated by adjusting baseline characteristics using propensity score matching (1:1). Clinical outcomes and postoperative angiographic results were compared. RESULTS: The saphenous vein graft patency rates at postoperative three months and one year for the NTSV group vs. CSV group were 99.6% vs. 96.2% (P<0.001) and 97.3% vs. 93.1% (P<0.001), respectively. The two matched groups received a significantly different cumulative incidence function of saphenous vein graft occlusion for the longer follow-up period in Kaplan-Meier curves (χ=4.330, log-rank P=0.037). No difference in early- and long-term mortality or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were observed between the groups. The rate of MACCE was not statistically significant different between the groups, but there was a tendency favoring the no-touch technique (9.8% CSV vs. 4.8% NTSV; P=0.067). More patients in the NTSV group developed postoperative leg wound exudation (5.4% vs. 1.2%; P=0.032) and skin numbness (22.2% vs. 8.9%; P=0.001) than in the CSV group. CONCLUSION: The NTSV is an excellent conduit to be used in OPCABG. There remains a need to reduce leg wound complications.

[Retracted] MicroRNA­433 reduces cell proliferation and invasion in non­small cell lung cancer via directly targeting E2F transcription factor 3.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Figs. 2C, 4C and 5C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 18: 1155­1164, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9020].

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration as a diagnostic modality for schwannoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Schwannomas are the most common nerve sheath tumors in the paravertebral mediastinum. Although radiological imaging is helpful in diagnosing schwannomas, a definitive diagnosis is dependent on pathological features of a surgical specimen. For patients who require preoperative diagnosis, an incisional biopsy using minimally invasive surgery is preferred. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is less commonly used for suspected schwannomas. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 48-year-old woman presented to the clinic with complaints of productive cough for >1 month, expectorating yellow and mucoid sputum approximately 4 to 5 times per day. Chest computed tomography revealed a well-circumscribed, homogeneous, soft tissue mass lesion in right upper posterior mediastinum, measuring 55 mm × 44 mm. Vocal fremitus in the right upper lung was diminished, the percussion note was slightly dull, and breath sounds were slightly reduced on auscultation. The patient was a nondrinker and nonsmoker, with no other relevant medical history. There was no significant relevant family medical history. DIAGNOSIS: Complete blood count and blood biochemistry were within normal limits, except for an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (32 mm/h). EBUS-TBNA was performed and histopathological findings were consistent with schwannoma. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent schwannoma excision by thoracoscopy. Pathological findings from the surgical specimen were consistent with the EBUS-TBNA results. Based on EBUS-TBNA and postsurgical pathology, the patient was diagnosed with a right upper mediastinal schwannoma (Antoni B). OUTCOMES: The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery with no adjuvant therapy and was discharged on April 18, 2017. The patient has been followed up for 4 years and has not experienced any symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cell blocks obtained from EBUS-TBNA afford the possibility of cytological examination and immunocytochemical staining, which can confirm diagnosis of schwannoma.

MicroRNA-877-5p Inhibits Cell Progression by Targeting FOXM1 in Lung Cancer.

Background: Many researches revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) function as potential oncogene or tumor suppressor gene. As an antioncogene, miR-877-5p was reduced in many tumors. Objective: This research aimed to explore the biological role and mechanisms of miR-877-5p, which may help patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) find effective therapeutic targets. Methods: The downstream targets of miR-877-5p were predicted by Bioinformatics software. RT-qPCR and western blot were employed to analyze the gene levels. The impacts of miR-877-5p and FOXM1 were assessed by cell function experiments. Results: The miR-877-5p was reduced in NSCLC. In addition to this, it also inhibited cell progression of NSCLC cells in vitro. Moreover, the upregulation of FOXM1 expression restored the inhibitory effect of enhancement of miR-877-5p. Conclusions: Taken together, miR-877-5p inhibited cell progression by directly targeting FOXM1, which may provide potential biomarkers for targeted therapy of NSCLC.

Modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in China: a PURE substudy.

AIMS: To examine the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in China and in key subpopulations, and to estimate the population-level risks attributable to 12 common modifiable risk factors for each outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective cohort of 47 262 middle-aged participants from 115 urban and rural communities in 12 provinces of China, it was examined how CVD incidence and mortality rates varied by sex, by urban-rural area, and by region. In participants without prior CVD, population-attributable fractions (PAFs) for CVD and for death related to 12 common modifiable risk factors were assessed: four metabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, and lipids), four behavioural risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, diet quality, and physical activity), education, depression, grip strength, and household air pollution. The mean age of the cohort was 51.1 years. 58.2% were female, 49.2% were from urban areas, and 59.6% were from the eastern region of China. The median follow-up duration was 11.9 years. The CVD was the leading cause of death in China (36%). The rates of CVD and death were 8.35 and 5.33 per 1000 person-years, respectively, with higher rates in men compared with women and in rural compared with urban areas. Death rates were higher in the central and western regions of China compared with the eastern region. The modifiable risk factors studied collectively contributed to 59% of the PAF for CVD and 56% of the PAF for death in China. Metabolic risk factors accounted for the largest proportion of CVD (PAF of 41.7%), and hypertension was the most important risk factor (25.0%), followed by low education (10.2%), high non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (7.8%), and abdominal obesity (6.9%). The largest risk factors for death were hypertension (10.8%), low education (10.5%), poor diet (8.3%), tobacco use (7.5%), and household air pollution (6.1%). CONCLUSION: Both CVD and mortality are higher in men compared with women, and in rural compared with urban areas. Large reductions in CVD could potentially be achieved by controlling metabolic risk factors and improving education. Lowering mortality rates will require strategies addressing a broader range of risk factors.

Personal and household PM2.5 and black carbon exposure measures and respiratory symptoms in 8 low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from cooking with solid fuels has been associated with adverse respiratory effects, but most studies use surveys of fuel use to define HAP exposure, rather than on actual air pollution exposure measurements. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between household and personal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) measures and respiratory symptoms. METHODS: As part of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology Air Pollution study, we analyzed 48-h household and personal PM2.5 and BC measurements for 870 individuals using different cooking fuels from 62 communities in 8 countries (Bangladesh, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe). Self-reported respiratory symptoms were collected after monitoring. Associations between PM2.5 and BC exposures and respiratory symptoms were examined using logistic regression models, controlling for individual, household, and community covariates. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of household and personal PM2.5 was 73.5 (119.1) and 65.3 (91.5) µg/m3, and for household and personal BC was 3.4 (8.3) and 2.5 (4.9) x10-5 m-1, respectively. We observed associations between household PM2.5 and wheeze (OR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.46), cough (OR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.06, 1.39), and sputum (OR: 1.26; 95%CI: 1.10, 1.44), as well as exposure to household BC and wheeze (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.39) and sputum (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.36), per IQR increase. We observed associations between personal PM2.5 and wheeze (OR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.50) and sputum (OR: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.41). For household PM2.5 and BC, associations were generally stronger for females compared to males. Models using an indicator variable of solid versus clean fuels resulted in larger OR estimates with less precision. CONCLUSIONS: We used measurements of household and personal air pollution for individuals using different cooking fuels and documented strong associations with respiratory symptoms.

Curcumol inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells by suppressing ERK/CREB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Curcumol, possessing antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, has been widely used in treating cancers and liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of curcumol on the progression of asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Curcumol was administrated to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-stimulated airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). The proliferation of ASMCs was assessed by MTT and EdU incorporation assays. The apoptosis of ASMCs was measured by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The migration of ASMCs was evaluated by Transwell migration assay and Western blotting. The regulatory effects of curcumol on extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway was evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: The proliferation and migration of ASMCs induced by PDGF-BB was suppressed, and the apoptosis of ASMCs was elevated by curcumol in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of ERK/CREB pathway induced by PDGF-BB was suppressed by curcumol. CONCLUSION: Curcumol could suppress ERK/CREB pathway to inhibit proliferation and migration and promote apoptosis of PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs. These findings suggest that curcumol may act as a potential drug for asthma treatment.

Highly active biostimulant Paecilomyces variotii extracts reduced controlled-release urea application while maintaining rice yield.

BACKGROUND: The high cost of controlled-release urea (CRU) has prompted this study to explore whether the amount of CRU can be reduced by adding biostimulants while maintaining or increasing rice yield. A 2 year field experiment was conducted with CRU at three levels (60%, 80%, and 100% of the recommended nitrogen (N) fertilizer) and a novel biostimulant Paecilomyces variotii extract (ZNC), to investigate their synergistic effects on yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and net profitability of rice. RESULTS: Controlled-release urea achieved a significantly higher gain yield and NUE than conventional urea with the same N level, which could be attributed to its N supply. Even if the N level of CRU was reduced by 40%, both rice yield and net profit were still significantly higher than for the full amount of urea. Paecilomyces variotii extract sprayed on the surface of CRU at a dose of only 87.5 mL ha-1 exhibited ultra-high effectiveness by increasing the panicles, the N accumulation, and the rice yield. Controlled-release urea enriched by ZNC achieved significantly higher gain yield than CRU alone, increasing the yield by 9.2% and 8.7%, respectively, in 2 years under the full recommended N rate. The combination of 80% CRU and ZNC showed no significant difference in rice yield from treatment with 100% CRU, indicating that the rate of CRU could be reduced by ZNC. The application of ZNC further increased NUE, N partial factor productivity, and net profit. CONCLUSION: The CRU and ZNC combination provided a feasible approach for reducing N input while maintaining rice yield and agricultural sustainability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The No-Touch Saphenous Vein Harvesting Improves Graft Patency After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: This single-center study of propensity-matched data was performed to assess the effect of the no-touch saphenous vein (NTSV) harvesting technique on early- and long-term outcomes of patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in China. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 767 patients who underwent OPCABG in the Beijing Anzhen Hospital (June 2017 to October 2021) was performed, and their data entered the conventional saphenous vein (CSV) harvesting technique group or the NTSV group. In-hospital and follow-up outcomes were evaluated by adjusting baseline characteristics using propensity score matching (1:1). Clinical outcomes and postoperative angiographic results were compared. Results: The saphenous vein graft patency rates at postoperative three months and one year for the NTSV group vs. CSV group were 99.6% vs. 96.2% (P<0.001) and 97.3% vs. 93.1% (P<0.001), respectively. The two matched groups received a significantly different cumulative incidence function of saphenous vein graft occlusion for the longer follow-up period in Kaplan-Meier curves (χ2=4.330, log-rank P=0.037). No difference in early- and long-term mortality or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were observed between the groups. The rate of MACCE was not statistically significant different between the groups, but there was a tendency favoring the no-touch technique (9.8% CSV vs. 4.8% NTSV; P=0.067). More patients in the NTSV group developed postoperative leg wound exudation (5.4% vs. 1.2%; P=0.032) and skin numbness (22.2% vs. 8.9%; P=0.001) than in the CSV group. Conclusion: The NTSV is an excellent conduit to be used in OPCABG. There remains a need to reduce leg wound complications.

Clinical metagenomic sequencing for rapid diagnosis of pneumonia and meningitis caused by Chlamydia psittaci.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is a gram-negative intracellular parasitic pathogenic bacterium that can infect avian and mammalian hosts, including humans. The detection of C. psittaci infections typically relies on traditional antigen-based immunoassays or serological testing that often lack sensitivity and/or specificity. Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) is an emerging tool for diagnosis. AIM: To demonstrate that mNGS represents a valuable tool for rapid, sensitive, and accurate pathogen detection including C. psittaci infections. METHODS: Four cases of psittacosis pneumonia and one case of pediatric psittacosis meningitis were diagnosed between December 2019 and May 2020 using mNGS at Changzhou Second People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University. Patients' clinical characteristics, manifestations, and treatment histories were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: All five patients had a history of exposure to wild (psittacine or other birds) or domesticated birds (chickens). All patients had a high fever (> 39℃) and three of them (60%) experienced organ insufficiency during the disease. The laboratory data showed normal to slightly increased leucocyte and neutrophil counts, and elevated procalcitonin levels in all five cases, and very high C-reactive protein levels in psittacosis pneumonia patients. mNGS identified a potential pathogen, C. psittaci, in patients' bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or cerebrospinal fluid. Computed tomography revealed lung air-space consolidation, pleural thickening, and effusion fluid buildup in psittacosis pneumonia cases, and an arachnoid cyst in the right temporal lobe of the pediatric psittacosis meningitis patient. All patients experienced complete recovery following the administration of targeted anti-chlamydia therapy. CONCLUSION: This study not only demonstrated that mNGS represents a valuable tool for rapid, sensitive, and accurate pathogen detection, but also raised public health concerns over C. psittaci infections.

Identifying modifiable risk factors of lung cancer: Indications from Mendelian randomization.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the major cause of mortality in tumor patients. While its incidence rate has recently declined, it is still far from satisfactory and its potential modifiable risk factors should be explored. METHODS: We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between potentially modifiable risk factors (namely smoking behavior, alcohol intake, anthropometric traits, blood pressure, lipidemic traits, glycemic traits, and fasting insulin) and lung cancer. Besides, a bi-directional MR analysis was carried out to disentangle the complex relationship between different risk factors. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was utilized to combine the estimation for each SNP. Cochrane's Q value was used to evaluate heterogeneity and two methods, including MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO, were adopted to detect horizontal pleiotropy. RESULTS: Three kinds of smoking behavior were all causally associated with lung cancer. Overall, smokers were more likely to suffer from lung cancer compared with non-smokers (OR = 2.58 [1.95, 3.40], p-value = 2.07 x 10-11), and quitting smoking could reduce the risk (OR = 4.29[2.60, 7.07], p-value = 1.23 x 10-8). Furthermore, we found a dose-response relationship between the number of cigarettes and lung cancer (OR = 6.10 [5.35, 6.96], p-value = 4.43x10-161). Lower HDL cholesterol could marginally increase the risk of lung cancer, but become insignificant after Bonferroni correction (OR = 0.82 [0.68, 1.00], p-value = 0.045). In addition, we noted no direct causal relationship between other risk factors and lung cancer. Neither heterogeneity nor pleiotropy was observed in this study. However, when treating the smoking behavior as the outcome, we found the increased BMI could elevate the number of cigarettes per day (beta = 0.139[0.104, 0.175], p-value = 1.99x10-14) and a similar effect was observed for the waist circumference and hip circumference. Additionally, the elevation of SBP could also marginally increase the number of cigarettes per day (beta = 0.001 [0.0002, 0.002], p-value = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Smoking behavior might be the most direct and effective modifiable way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Meanwhile, smoking behavior can be affected by other risk factors, especially obesity.