Periodontal conditions and salivary microbiota are potential indicators to distinguish silicosis: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Silicosis has always been a serious global occupational health problem. Oral microbiota plays important roles in the development of lung disease. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between periodontal conditions, oral bacteria and silicosis disease. METHOD: A single-center and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in Sichuan Province, China, including a small sample of silicosis patient group and healthy control group. Demographic data and periodontal examinations measured by clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontal pocket (PD) were collected from each participant. Phenotypic changes were detected by histopathological staining. Next-generation sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal RNA was targeted to decipher the salivary microbiome of the two groups. Random forest, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to find potential indicators to distinguish silicosis. RESULTS: In general, 29 male healthy controls and 24 male silicosis patients were included. The proportion of CAL ≥ 3 mm in silicosis group was greater than control group, while the proportion of BOP (+) and PD ≥ 4 mm was reduced in silicosis group. The α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin expression increased in gingiva of patients. The composition of salivary microbiota exhibited significant differences between the two groups, with silicosis patients demonstrating a lower diversity of salivary microbiota. Genus of Aggregatibacter [odds ratio (OR) = 0.000, p = 0.003] and Catonella (OR = 0.000, p = 0.049) were identified as biomarkers to distinguish silicosis. CONCLUSIONS: The silicosis group exhibited worse CAL, improved BOP and PD, which may be related to the gingival fibrosis found in this study. The composition of the oral microbiota underwent significant changes, accompanied by a decrease in diversity, in patients with silicosis. Our study indicates that respirable crystalline silica exposure affects oral health, and alterations of oral microbiota might be implicated in silicosis. We primarily identified Aggregatibacter and Catonella as the potential indicators to distinguish silicosis patients from healthy controls.

Windows Scanning Multiomics: Integrated Metabolomics and Proteomics.

Metabolomics and proteomics offer significant advantages in understanding biological mechanisms at two hierarchical levels. However, conventional single omics analysis faces challenges due to the high demand for specimens and the complexity of intrinsic associations. To obtain comprehensive and accurate system biological information, we developed a multiomics analytical method called Windows Scanning Multiomics (WSM). In this method, we performed simultaneous extraction of metabolites and proteins from the same sample, resulting in a 10% increase in the coverage of the identified biomolecules. Both metabolomics and proteomics analyses were conducted by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), eliminating the need for instrument conversions. Additionally, we designed an R-based program (WSM.R) to integrate mathematical and biological correlations between metabolites and proteins into a correlation network. The network created from simultaneously extracted biomolecules was more focused and comprehensive compared to those from separate extractions. Notably, we excluded six pairs of false-positive relationships between metabolites and proteins in the network established using simultaneously extracted biomolecules. In conclusion, this study introduces a novel approach for multiomics analysis and data processing that greatly aids in bioinformation mining from multiomics results. This method is poised to play an indispensable role in systems biology research.

A specific anti-cyclin D1 intrabody represses breast cancer cell proliferation by interrupting the cyclin D1-CDK4 interaction.

BACKGROUND: Cyclin D1 overexpression may contribute to development of various cancers, including breast cancer, and thus may serve as a key cancer diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. In our previous study, we generated a cyclin D1-specific single-chain variable fragment antibody (ADκ) from a human semi-synthetic single-chain variable fragment library. ADκ specifically interacted with recombinant and endogenous cyclin D1 proteins through an unknown molecular basis to inhibit HepG2 cell growth and proliferation. RESULTS: Here, using phage display and in silico protein structure modeling methods combined with cyclin D1 mutational analysis, key residues that bind to ADκ were identified. Notably, residue K112 within the cyclin box was required for cyclin D1-ADκ binding. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying ADκ anti-tumor effects, a cyclin D1-specific nuclear localization signal-containing intrabody (NLS-ADκ) was constructed. When expressed within cells, NLS-ADκ interacted specifically with cyclin D1 to significantly inhibit cell proliferation, induce G1-phase arrest, and trigger apoptosis of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Moreover, the NLS-ADκ-cyclin D1 interaction blocked binding of cyclin D1 to CDK4 and inhibited RB protein phosphorylation, resulting in altered expression of downstream cell proliferation-related target genes. CONCLUSION: We identified amino acid residues in cyclin D1 that may play key roles in the ADκ-cyclin D1 interaction. A nuclear localization antibody against cyclin D1 (NLS-ADκ) was constructed and successfully expressed in breast cancer cells. NLS-ADκ exerted tumor suppressor effects via blocking the binding of CDK4 to cyclin D1 and inhibiting phosphorylation of RB. The results presented here demonstrate anti-tumor potential of intrabody-based cyclin D1-targeted breast cancer therapy.

Genetic Research Progress: Heat Tolerance in Rice.

Heat stress (HS) caused by high-temperature weather seriously threatens international food security. Indeed, as an important food crop in the world, the yield and quality of rice are frequently affected by HS. Therefore, clarifying the molecular mechanism of heat tolerance and cultivating heat-tolerant rice varieties is urgent. Here, we summarized the identified quantitative trait loci (Quantitative Trait Loci, QTL) and cloned rice heat tolerance genes in recent years. We described the plasma membrane (PM) response mechanisms, protein homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and photosynthesis under HS in rice. We also explained some regulatory mechanisms related to heat tolerance genes. Taken together, we put forward ways to improve heat tolerance in rice, thereby providing new ideas and insights for future research.

Natural variation of HTH5 from wild rice, Oryza rufipogon Griff., is involved in conferring high-temperature tolerance at the heading stage.

Global warming is a major abiotic stress factor, which limit rice production. Exploiting the genetic basis of the natural variation in heat resistance at different reproductive stages among diverse exotic Oryza germplasms can help breeding heat-resistant rice cultivars. Here, we identified a stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) for heat tolerance at the heading stage on chromosome 5 (qHTH5) in O. rufipogon Griff. The corresponding gene, HTH5, pertains to the pyridoxal phosphate-binding protein PLPBP (formerly called PROSC) family, which is predicted to encode pyridoxal phosphate homeostasis protein (PLPHP) localized to the mitochondrion. Overexpression of HTH5 increased the seed-setting rate of rice plants under heat stress at the heading stage, whereas suppression of HTH5 resulted in greater susceptibility to heat stress. Further investigation indicated that HTH5 reduces reactive oxygen species accumulation at high temperatures by increasing the heat-induced pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) content. Moreover, we found that two SNPs located in the HTH5 promoter region are involved with its expression level and associated with heat tolerance diversity. These findings suggest that the novel gene HTH5 might have great potential value for heightening rice tolerance to heat stress to the on-going threat of global warming.

[Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Jingfang Granules in treatment of common cold(wind-cold syndrome)].

Jingfang Granules have the effects of inducing sweating to releasing exterior, dispersing wind and dispelling dampness. Modern studies have demonstrated that it has antipyretic and antiviral activities. Therefore, this trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jingfang Granules in the treatment of common cold(wind-cold syndrome). A total of 138 common cold(wind-cold syndrome) patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned into the experimental group(n=92) and the placebo group(n=46) at a ratio of 2∶1 and respectively received Jingfang Granules and Jingfang Granules simulation agent. The treatment lasted for 5 d, and the follow-up time was 8 d. Recovery time was employed as the main indicator of efficacy. The median reco-very time of the experimental group was 3.33 d, shorter than that 7.00 d of the placebo group. The efficacy of the experimental group was better than that of the placebo group(P<0.000 1). The major symptom severity score-time AUC of the experimental group was 489.90±206.95, which was smaller than that of the placebo group(763.50±339.53). The recovery rate and marked effective rate of the experimental group were higher than those of the placebo group, The above outcomes were statistically significant between the two groups(P<0.05). The disappearance time and rate of single symptoms including aversion to cold, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, headache, pharyngeal itching/pain, white sputum, and somatalgia also had significant differences between the two groups(P<0.05), indicating that Jingfang Granules had good performance in alleviating the above symptoms. During the study period, one case of the experimental group had a slight increase in serum creatinine, which returned to the normal level after re-examination. The incidence of adverse reactions was 1.10%, and no serious adverse reaction was found. The two groups had no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions. In conclusion, Jingfang Granules can significantly shorten the course of common cold(wind-cold syndrome) and quickly alleviate the clinical symptoms, demonstrating good safety and clinical advantages.

Expression, purification and characterisation of a human anti-CDK4 single-chain variable fragment antibody.

BACKGROUND: Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) when hyperactivated drives development and maintenance of most tumour types, thus prompting its use as an essential cancer treatment target and a diagnostic tool. Target-binding molecules, such as single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies, hold tremendous potential for use in a wide range of cancer diagnostic and therapeutic applications. RESULTS: A human anti-CDK4 scFv antibody (AK2) derived from a human phage display library was expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli and shown to be secreted into the culture supernatant. Next, soluble AK2 within culture supernatant was successfully purified using affinity chromatography then was shown, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, to bind to recombinant human CDK4 with high affinity and specificity. Further analyses of AK2 interactions with intracellular components demonstrated that AK2 recognised and interacted specifically with endogenous CDK4 and thus could be useful for detection of CDK4 within tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: A novel anti-CDK4 scFv antibody that can recognise and interact specifically with recombinant human CDK4 and endogenous CDK4 in tumour cells was expressed and purified successfully. These results suggest that the anti-CDK4 scFv antibody may serve as a new and promising tool for achieving CDK4-targeted diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of numerous types of cancers.

Influence of Distance and Near Visual Impairment on Self-Reported Near Visual Functioning in a Multinational Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of distance and near visual impairment on self-reported near visual functioning (VF) in a multinational study. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Participants aged 35 years or older were selected randomly with cluster sampling at 7 sites: rural sites in Nepal (Kaski) and India (Madurai), a semirural site in China (Shunyi), semiurban sites in South Africa (Durban) and Niger (Dosso), and urban sites in the United States (Los Angeles) and China (Guangzhou). METHODS: Binocular presenting distance and near visual acuity (VA) were measured with a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution tumbling E chart at 4 m and 40 cm, respectively. A 12-item near VF questionnaire interview was administered by trained local interviewers, with responses scored from 100 to 0 as visual disability increased. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association of age, gender, education, and VA with overall eyesight, difficulty with activities, and social functioning subscale scores. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual functioning subscale scores. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 6851 questionnaire respondents. The VF subscale scores decreased significantly with worse distance and near VA, and even mildly impaired VA could result in reduced VF. Lower VF subscale scores were associated with older age at 4 sites, female gender at 3 sites, and greater education at 2 sites. The influence of near VA was greater than distance VA at 3 sites, and at 1 site, distance VA was more influential than near VA. With study site included in the regression modeling, lower scores for the overall eyesight subscale (compared with the Shunyi reference site) were found in Guangzhou, Kaski, and Durban; lower difficulty in activities scores were found in Kaski and Durban, but better scores were found in Guangzhou and Madurai; and social functioning scores were lower in Kaski, Durban, and Dosso. CONCLUSIONS: Along the entire VA spectrum, lower levels of distance and near VA led to significant reductions in VF subscale scores, with wide variation both within and between study sites. The impact of near vision on VF should receive greater emphasis with further investigation in various socioeconomic and cultural settings.

A predictive nomogram: a cross-sectional study on a simple-to-use model for screening 12-year-old children for severe caries in middle schools.

BACKGROUND: A nomogram is a tool that transforms complex regression equations into simple and visual graphs and enables clinicians and patients to conveniently compute output probabilities without needing medical knowledge and complex formulas. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive nomogram to screen for severe caries among 12-year-old children based on risk factors in Sichuan Province, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 4573 12-year-olds was conducted up to May 2016 in middle schools from three districts and three counties in Sichuan Province, China. All the children underwent oral examinations and completed questionnaires to assess general information, oral impacts on daily performance, dietary habits, subjective health conditions, history of dental trauma, frequency of toothache, dental visits, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours toward oral hygiene. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine which variables were significantly associated with severe caries (operationalized as DMFT ≥ 3). A nomogram was developed and validated by using the 'rms' package and two cross-validation methods. RESULTS: Severe caries was found in 537 of the 4573 children (11.74%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following variables predicted a higher risk of severe caries: 'female' [odds ratio (OR) = 1.985, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.63-2.411], 'urban' (OR = 2.389, 95% CI: 1.96-2.91), 'non-only child' (OR = 1.317, 95% CI: 1.07-1.625), 'very poor self-assessment of oral health status' (OR = 2.157, 95% CI: 1.34-3.467) and 'visited a dentist less than 6 months' (OR = 1.861, 95% CI: 1.38-2.505). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also indicated that the following variables predicted a lower risk of severe caries: 'middle level of urbanization' (OR = 0.395, 95% CI: 0.32-0.495) and 'high level of urbanization' (OR = 0.466, 95% CI: 0.37-0.596). Both the fivefold and leave-one-out cross-validation methods indicated that the nomogram model built by these 6 variables displayed good disease recognition ability. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram was a simple-to-use model to screen children for severe caries. This model was found to facilitate non-dental professionals in assessing risk values without oral examinations and making referrals to dental professionals.

[Prevalence and risk factors of mild vision loss in patients with type 2 diabetes in Beixinjing Community of Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of mild vision loss in adult patients with type 2 diabetes in Beixinjing Community, Shanghai, China. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional survey among 2 216 Chinese Han adult patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted from October 2014 to January 2015.Random cluster sampling was used to enroll diabetic patients based on the local Chronic Diseases Prevention and Control System data.The survey was preceded by a pilot study in which operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out.Eligible participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination, including the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test using the logarithm of the minimum angle resolution charts.Mild vision loss was defined as BCVA <20/32 to ≥20/63 following the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) 2002 definitions.The primary causes of visual impairment and blindness were determined.The prevalence and causes of monocular and binocular mild vision loss were investigated.Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related risk factors of binocular mild vision loss. RESULTS: Among 2 582 patients, 2 216 were examined, and the response rate was 85.8%.Monocular mild vision loss was found in 591 patients with a prevalence rate of 26.7%.Binocular mild vision loss was detected in 650 patients, with a prevalence rate of 29.3%.Totally 1 891 eyes were confirmed as mild vision loss.Diabetic retinopathy (27.3%, 517/1 891) were the second leading cause of mild vision loss, after cataract (31.3%, 591/1 891). Binocular mild vision loss of unknown reasons happened in 201 persons.Old age, female gender, lower educational level, higher glycosylated hemoglobin A1c level and longer duration of diabetes were associated with the prevalence of total binocular mild vision loss and binocular mild vision loss of unknown reasons. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mild vision loss is higher among adult patients with type 2 diabetes in Beixinjing Community.Intensive glucose control is recommended to prevent and slow mild vision loss in Chinese Han patients with type 2 diabetes.

Heat shock protein 47 is up-regulated in conjunctival bleb scarring after filtration surgery in rats.

BACKGROUND: Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, is involved in the biosynthesis and secretion of procollagen. Recent studies have shown a close association between increased HSP47 and excessive accumulation of collagens in various fibrotic diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate whether HSP47 plays a role in conjunctival bleb scarring after filtration surgery in rats. METHODS: Trabeculectomy of the right eye was performed in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Eight rats were euthanized at 2, 5, 8 and 11 days after surgery. Four rats were used to extract mRNA and the other four were used to extract protein. Blebs and normal control conjunctival tissues were collected. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot methods were used to evaluate alterations in HSP47 levels and type I and type III collagen. RESULTS: Bleb formation was observed in all eyes. Both the expression of HSP47 mRNA and protein in conjunctival blebs increased at 2, 5, 8 and 11 days postoperatively compared with that in normal control conjunctival tissues. The differences of both the mean mRNA and protein levels of HSP47 in blebs at each time point and in the normal control conjunctiva were statistically significant (mRNA level: F = 175.811, p < 0.001; protein level: F = 68.356, p < 0.001). Type I and type III collagen levels in blebs were raised at different time points both at mRNA and at protein levels. The differences between mean mRNA and protein levels of both type I and type III collagen in blebs at 2, 5, 8 and 11 days after surgery and in the normal control conjunctiva were statistically significant (mRNA level: FI = 182.210, p I < 0.001; FIII = 125.490, p III < 0.001; protein level: FI = 160.092, p I < 0.001; FIII = 62.374, p III < 0.001 ). The amount of HSP47 in bleb positively correlated with that of both type I and type III collagens (mRNA level: rsI = 0.688, p I = 0.003; rsIII = 0.900, p III < 0.001; protein level: rsI = 0.688, p I = 0.003; rsIII = 0.832, p III < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HSP47 is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of conjunctival bleb scarring and may play a role in the process of conjunctival bleb fibrosis.

[Change to "prevention of the avoidable blindness and visual impairment" from "prevention of blindness"].

The formulation on the eye health by WHO had an obvious change in recent years. Before 2006, WHO and WHA solutions clearly put forward the prevention of blindness. After 2006, WHO and WHA solutions on the eye health emphasized the elimination of the avoidable blindness and visual impairment. This change extends the scope of eye health, reflects the important progress on the global eye health, and also reflects the social progress and the increase to the need on eye health by the public. This change conforms to the actual situation in China. It is necessary to adopt elimination of the avoidable blindness and visual impairment as the priorities in eye health in making the 13th national plan of blindness prevention. This change is not merely a matter of wording, but also a great change in the working content in eye health. The change demonstrates the deep development on the eye health, and may benefit more people and promote the further development of eye health and ophthalmology in China.

[Early clinical evaluation of contrast visual acuity in patients with age- related cataract].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes of the contrast visual acuity (CVA) in early agerelated cataract patients. METHODS: Case-controlled study. One hundred and four eyes of 52 age-related cataract patients, with the best corrected visual acuity equal to or more than 0.8, equivalent spherical diopters of -3.00 to 3.00 DS and astigmatic diopters of -1.50 to 1.50 DC, were selected as the cataract group. Another 104 eyes of 52 normal adults, with the best corrected visual acuity equal to or more than 0.8, equivalent spherical diopters of -3.00 to 3.00 DS and astigmatic diopters of -1.50 to 1.50 DC, were selected as the control group. They were paired according to sex, the similar age and the best corrected visual acuity. After eye and refractive examinations, all examinees received the CVA measurements in different contrast levels between the optotypes and background (100%, 25%, 10% and 5%) in the dark room by the multifunction visual acuity chart. SPSS 18.0 software package was used for paired t test. RESULTS: In the cataract group, CVA decreased more significantly than the control group. OD: 0.99 ± 0.26, 0.59 ± 0.23, 0.38 ± 0.19, 0.23 ± 0.12. OS: 0.98 ± 0.28, 0.59 ± 0.18, 0.38 ± 0.14, 0.23 ± 0.10. OU: 1.15 ± 0.26, 0.73 ± 0.20, 0.49 ± 0.16, 0.30 ± 0.10 (OD: t = -6.49, -7.25, -7.57, -5.45. OS: t = -5.78, -7.51, -6.41, -7.16. OU: t = -4.33, -7.60, -7.53, -9.75, P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in different degrees of cortical cataract (F100% = 50.18, P = 0.000. F25% = 23.08, P = 0.000. F10% = 20.17, P = 0.000. F5% = 13.42, P = 0.000). There was a significant decrease in different degrees of cortical cataract compared with the control group (C1: t = -6.49, -7.25, -7.57, -5.45, P < 0.05. C2: t = -5.78, -7.51, -6.41, -7.16, P < 0.01. C3: t = -4.33, -7.60, -7.53, -9.75, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CVA was more reliable than the best corrected visual acuity in evaluating vision function in patients with early age-related cataract.

Spectrum of rhodopsin gene mutations in Chinese patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: This study was to analyze the spectrum and frequency of rhodopsin gene (RHO) mutations in Chinese patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Patients were given physical examinations, and blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. The RHO mutations were screened with direct sequencing. RESULTS: Eight heterozygous nucleotide changes were detected in eight of 300 probands with RP, including six novel mutations and two known mutations. p.R21C, p.C110S, p.G182V, p.C187G, c.409-426delGTGGTGGTGTGTAAGCCC, and p.P347L were found in six autosomal dominant families. p.T92I and p.Y178C were found in two isolated cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the spectrum and frequency of RHO mutations in Chinese patients with different forms of RP and demonstrate that RHO mutations account for a high proportion of autosomal dominant RP (adRP) cases.

Age-related prevalence and met need for correctable and uncorrectable near vision impairment in a multi-country study.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence, potential determinants, and proportion of met need for near vision impairment (NVI) correctable with refraction approximately 2 years after initial examination of a multi-country cohort. DESIGN: Population-based, prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: People aged ≥35 years examined at baseline in semi-rural (Shunyi) and urban (Guangzhou) sites in China; rural sites in Nepal (Kaski), India (Madurai), and Niger (Dosso); a semi-urban site (Durban) in South Africa; and an urban site (Los Angeles) in the United States. METHODS: Near visual acuity (NVA) with and without current near correction was measured at 40 cm using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution near vision tumbling E chart. Participants with uncorrected binocular NVA ≤20/40 were tested with plus sphere lenses to obtain best-corrected binocular NVA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of total NVI (defined as uncorrected NVA ≤20/40) and NVI correctable and uncorrectable to >20/40, and current spectacle wearing among those with bilateral NVA ≤20/63 improving to >20/40 with near correction (met need). RESULTS: Among 13 671 baseline participants, 10 533 (77.2%) attended the follow-up examination. The prevalence of correctable NVI increased with age from 35 to 50-60 years and then decreased at all sites. Multiple logistic regression modeling suggested that correctable NVI was not associated with gender at any site, whereas more educated persons aged >54 years were associated with a higher prevalence of correctable NVI in Nepal and India. Although near vision spectacles were provided free at baseline, wear among those who could benefit was <40% at all but 2 centers (Guangzhou and Los Angeles). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of correctable NVI is greatest among persons of working age, and rates of correction are low in many settings, suggesting that strategies targeting the workplace may be needed.

[To promote universal eye health to push forward sustaining development of the prevention of blindness in China].

Action plan for the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment for 2014-2019 endorsed by 66(th) World Health Assembly is an important document for promoting the global prevention of blindness. This action plan summarized the experiences and lessons in the global prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment from 2009 to 2013, raised the global goal for the prevention of blindness-the reduction in prevalence of avoidable visual impairment by 25% by 2019 from the baseline of 2010, set up the monitoring indicators for realizing the global goal. This document can be served as a roadmap to consolidate joint efforts aimed at working towards universal eye health in the world. This action plan must give a deep and important impact on the prevention of blindness in China.We should implement the action plan for the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment for 2014-2019 to push forward sustaining development of the prevention of blindness in China.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Shuangcheng City of Heilongjiang Province: the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Shuangcheng City of Heilongjiang Province, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study. Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5 841 individuals aged 50 years or above in 28 basic sample units in Shuangcheng City from September to December 2006. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands four hundreds and eighty-one individuals were enumerated and 5 047 persons were examined, the response rate was 92.08%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 1.72% (87/5 047) and 4.69% (237/5 047) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 1.90% (96/5 047) and 7.23% (365/5 047) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2)=674.44, P < 0.01), female (χ(2)=39.61, P < 0.01) and illiterate (trend χ(2)=142.82, P < 0.01) persons. Cataract (52.70%) was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. The percentage of the retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, high myopic retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy was 11.31% among the eyes with blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment. Un-corrected refractive error(13.38%) also was the main cause of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment in Shuangcheng City is relatively higher in China Nine Province Survey. Cataract, retinal diseases and un-corrected refractive error are the main causes of the blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Yangxi County of Guangdong Province: the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Yangxi County of Guangdong Province, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study.Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5 531 individuals aged 50 years or above in Yangxi County from September 2006 to January 2007. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated using village registers followed by door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands five hundreds and thirty-one individuals were enumerated and 4 589 persons were examined, the response rate was 82.97%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 2.38% (109/4 589) and 9.44% (433/4 589) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 2.68% (123/4 589) and 18.15% (833/4 589) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2) = 1 239.34, P < 0.01) , female (χ(2) = 37.88, P < 0.01) and illiterate (trend χ(2) = 235.11, P < 0.01) persons. Cataract was the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment is higher among older adults aged 50 years or above in Yangxi County. Cataract remains as the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment.

Multi-omics revealed anti-fatigue property of polyphenol from areca nut.

BACKGROUND: Areca nut polyphenols (AP) that extracted from areca nut, have been demonstrated for their potential of anti-fatigue effects. However, the underlying mechanisms for the anti-fatigue properties of AP has not been fully elucidated to date. Previous studies have predominantly concentrated on single aspects, such as antioxidation and anti-inflammation, yet have lacked comprehensive multi-dimensional analyses. PURPOSE: To explore the underlying mechanism of AP in exerting anti-fatigue effects. METHODS: In this study, we developed a chronic sleep deprivation-induced fatigue model and used physiological, hematological, and biochemical indicators to evaluate the anti- fatigue efficacy of AP. Additionally, a multi-omics approach was employed to reveal the anti-fatigue mechanisms of AP from the perspective of microbiome, metabolome, and proteome. RESULTS: The detection of physiology, hematology and biochemistry index indicated that AP markedly alleviate mice fatigue state induced by sleep deprivation. The 16S rRNA sequencing showed the AP promoted the abundance of probiotics (Odoribacter, Dubosiella, Marvinbryantia, and Eubacterium) and suppressed harmful bacteria (Ruminococcus). On the other hand, AP was found to regulate the expression of colonic proteins, such as increases of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and mitochondrial function related proteins, including ATP5A1, ATP5O, ATP5L, ATP5H, NDUFA, NDUFB, NDUFS, and NDUFV. Serum metabolomic analysis revealed AP upregulated the levels of anti-fatigue amino acids, such as taurine, leucine, arginine, glutamine, lysine, and l-proline. Hepatic proteins express levels, especially tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (CS, SDHB, MDH2, and DLST) and redox-related proteins (SOD1, SOD2, GPX4, and PRDX3), were significantly recovered by AP administration. Spearman correlation analysis uncovered the strong correlation between microbiome, metabolome and proteome, suggesting the anti-fatigue effects of AP is attribute to the energy homeostasis and redox balance through gut-liver axis. CONCLUSION: AP increased colonic ATP production and improve mitochondrial function by regulating gut microbiota, and further upregulated anti-fatigue amino acid levels in the blood. Based on the gut-liver axis, AP upregulated the hepatic tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidoreductase-related protein expression, regulating energy homeostasis and redox balance, and ultimately exerting anti-fatigue effects. This study provides insights into the anti-fatigue mechanisms of AP, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Multiomics analysis revealed the mechanism of the anti-diabetic effect of Salecan.

Salecan, a natural ß-glucan compromising nine residues connected by ß-(1 â†’ 3)/α-(1 â†’ 3) glycosidic bonds, is one of the newly approved food ingredients. Salecan has multiple health-improving effects, yet its mechanism against Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains poorly understood. In this study, the hypoglycemic effect and underlying mechanism of Salecan intervention on STZ-induced diabetic model mice were investigated. After 8 weeks of gavage, Salecan attenuated insulin resistance and repaired pancreatic ß cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Salecan supplement remodel the structure of the gut microbiota and altered the level of intestinal metabolites. Serum metabolites, especially unsaturated fatty acids, were also affected significantly. In addition, tight junction proteins in the colon and autophagy-related proteins in the pancreas were upregulated. Multiomics analysis indicated that Lactobacillus johnsonii, Muribaculaceae, and Lachnoclostridium were highly associated with fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) levels in the colon, accordingly enhancing arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in serum, and promoting GLP-1 release in the intestine and insulin secretion in the pancreas, thus relieving insulin resistance and exhibiting hypoglycemic effects. These findings provide a novel understanding of the anti-diabetic effect of Salecan in mice from a molecular perspective, paving the way for the wide use of Salecan.