Toward High Contrast and Noninvasive Fluorescence Switches via an O-Fused Ring 5,7-Dihydroxy-4-methyl-2,2,3-triphenylbenzofuran-6(2H)-one Strategy.

An unprecedented O-fused ring 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methyl-2,2,3-triphenylbenzofuran-6(2H)-one (3) was first time synthesized. Further, a series of novel dialkyl/fluoroalkyl derivatives of compound 3, 5,7-dialkoxy/fluoroalkoxy-4-methyl-2,2,3-triphenylbenzofuran-6(2H)-one, were obtained with noninvasive fluorescence switching characteristics and aggregation-induced emission properties. Compared with fluoroalkyl derivatives, the alkyl analogs exhibited a significant bathochromic shift in solid-state fluorescence emission. Notably, these noninvasive fluorescent molecular switches could be facilely tuned through light and heat stimulation, which successfully achieved high contrast and reversible fluorescent emission between orange and yellow endowing them with potential applications in data encryption materials. In addition, the single crystal data of compounds 3 and 7-CF3 displayed weak intermolecular interactions in different directions, resulting in twisted conformation and antiparallel slip stacking. Interestingly, the polymer dimethyl silicone film doped with 7-C3F7 also showed an evident light-responsive behavior, meeting the criterion for fluorescent materials in the optical field.

Microcystin-LR Induces Estrogenic Effects at Environmentally Relevant Concentration in Black-Spotted Pond Frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus): In Situ, In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Investigations.

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are frequent and intense worldwide, creating hazards for aquatic biodiversity. The potential estrogen-like effect of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a growing concern. In this study, we assessed the estrogenic potency of MC-LR in black-spotted frogs through combined field and laboratory approaches. In 13 bloom areas of Zhejiang province, China, the MC-LR concentrations in water ranged from 0.87 to 8.77 µg/L and were correlated with sex hormone profiles in frogs, suggesting possible estrogenic activity of MC-LR. Tadpoles exposed to 1 µg/L, an environmentally relevant concentration, displayed a female-biased sex ratio relative to controls. Transcriptomic results revealed that MC-LR induces numerous and complex effects on gene expression across multiple endocrine axes. In addition, exposure of male adults significantly increased the estradiol (E2)/testosterone (T) ratio by 3.5-fold relative to controls. Downregulation of genes related to male reproductive endocrine function was also identified. We also showed how MC-LR enhances the expression of specific estrogen receptor (ER) proteins, which induce estrogenic effects by activating the ER pathway and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In aggregate, our results reveal multiple lines of evidence demonstrating that, for amphibians, MC-LR is an estrogenic endocrine disruptor at environmentally relevant concentrations. The data presented here support the need for a shift in the MC-LR risk assessment. While hepatoxicity has historically been the focus of MC-LR risk assessments, our data clearly demonstrate that estrogenicity is a major mode of toxicity at environmental levels and that estrogenic effects should be considered for risk assessments on MC-LR going forward.

Serum zinc concentration and dietary zinc intake in relation to cognitive function: an analysis of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.

PURPOSE: There are several pathways by which zinc may be a modifiable factor to slow age-related cognitive decline. We investigated the associations between serum and dietary zinc and cognitive impairment in a longitudinal cohort. METHODS: We used data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Cohort (n = 30,239) and the REGARDS Trace Element Study (n = 2666). Baseline serum zinc concentrations (2003-2007) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Baseline dietary zinc intake was measured via the Block food frequency questionnaire. Serum zinc concentrations and dietary zinc intake were categorized into quartiles. The outcome of interest was impairment on the Six-Item Screener (SIS), a measure of global cognitive functioning administered annually. The Enhanced Cognitive Battery (ECB), a more comprehensive series of tests assessing memory and fluency, was administered every two years and considered a secondary outcome. Associations between zinc and incident impairment were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 2065 participants with serum zinc data, 184 individuals developed impairment over 10 years of follow-up. In adjusted models, there was no significant association between serum zinc and impairment as assessed by the SIS or the ECB. Among 18,103 participants who had dietary data, 1424 experienced incident impairment on the SIS. Dietary zinc intake was not significantly associated with impairment as assessed by the SIS or the ECB in adjusted models. CONCLUSION: Findings from this U.S. cohort did not support the hypothesis that serum zinc concentration or dietary zinc intake is associated with the risk of cognitive impairment.

A magnetically reusable Ce-MOF/GO/Fe3O4 composite for effective photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline.

Herein, we report a novel 1/GO/Fe3O4 photocatalyst, comprising Ce(BTB)(H2O) (MOF-1, H3BTB = 1,3,5-benzenetrisbenzoic acid), graphene oxide (GO), and iron oxide (Fe3O4) for photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline (CTC). This design enables the effective transfer of electrons from the MOF to GO, thereby reducing the photoelectron-hole recombination rate. Therefore, the optimized 1/GO/Fe3O4 photocatalyst with H2O2 shows the highest photocatalytic activity toward CTC. The kinetic constant is 5.4 times that in the system of MOF-1 and hydrogen peroxide, which usually acted as efficient electron acceptors to improve the photocatalytic performance of MOFs. More importantly, light absorption is extended from the ultraviolet to the visible region. Furthermore, 1/GO/Fe3O4 can be quickly recycled under an applied magnetic field and displays outstanding stability and reusability. According to the radical trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance results, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes all contribute to excellent photocatalytic activity. The possible catalytic mechanism of 1/GO/Fe3O4 is tentatively proposed. This work aims to explore the synergistic effect between metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and GO, and provide a theoretical basis for MOF-based composites to remove antibiotic contaminants in the environment.

The association between lead exposure and dental caries ─ a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries has declined over the years, but it remains a major public health issue. This review aimed to investigate the association between lead and caries experience in either deciduous or permanent teeth. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published up until December 2022. Included were human observational studies that investigated the association between lead exposure and dental caries. The review adhered to the PRISMA guideline. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in this review, with nine focusing on deciduous teeth, thirteen on permanent teeth, and six examining both types of teeth. Most of the studies (5 of 6) found a positive association between blood lead (PbB) levels and caries in deciduous teeth, while the findings for permanent teeth were less conclusive, with only 3 of 10 studies finding an association. One of the two studies assessing salivary lead (PbSa) levels found a weak association for permanent teeth. All four studies that examined lead (Pb) concentration in teeth found a positive association for both deciduous and permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: Many published studies indicated a positive association between Pb exposure and caries experience in deciduous dentition. Children with elevated PbB level should be considered as having higher caries experience. Due to lack of consensus on measurement and examination technique, there remains insufficient evidence to make any definitive conclusions especially in permanent teeth, and so more studies are warranted.

Paternal p,p'-DDE exposure and pre-pubertal high-fat diet increases the susceptibility to fertility impairment and sperm Igf2 DMR2 hypo-methylation in male offspring.

The hypothesis of paternal origins of health and disease (POHaD) indicates that paternal exposure to adverse environment could alter the epigenetic modification in germ line, increasing the disease susceptibility in offspring or even in subsequent generations. p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) is an anti-androgenic chemical and male reproductive toxicant. Gestational p,p'-DDE exposure could impair reproductive development and fertility in male offspring. However, the effect of paternal p,p'-DDE exposure on fertility in male offspring remains uncovered. From postnatal day (PND) 35 to 119, male rats (F0) were given 10 mg/body weight (b.w.) p,p'-DDE or corn oil by gavage. Male rats were then mated with the control females to generate male offspring. On PND35, the male offspring were divided into 4 groups according whether to be given the high-fat diet (HF): corn oil treatment with control diet (C-C), p,p'-DDE treatment with control diet (DDE-C), corn oil treatment with high-fat diet (C-HF) or p,p'-DDE treatment with high-fat diet (DDE-HF) for 35 days. Our results indicated that paternal p,p'-DDE exposure did not affect the male fertility of male offspring directly, but decreased sperm quality and induced testicular apoptosis after the high-fat diet treatment. Further analysis demonstrated that paternal exposure to p,p'-DDE and pre-pubertal high-fat diet decreased sperm Igf2 DMR2 methylation and gene expression in male offspring. Hence, paternal exposure to p,p'-DDE and pre-pubertal high-fat diet increases the susceptibility to male fertility impairment and sperm Igf2 DMR2 hypo-methylation in male offspring, posing a significant implication in the disease etiology.

Smoking Modifies the Association Between Radon Exposure and Incident Ischemic Stroke: The REGARDS Study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to radon has been linked to lung cancer and other lung diseases. Although biologically plausible, research of residential radon exposure in relation to stroke risk is scarce. METHODS: Study participants were from the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) cohort (n=30 239), which consisted of male and female non-Hispanic Black and White adults aged 45 and older. After excluding participants with baseline stroke and transient ischemic attack, and missing information on exposure and outcome of interest, the final sample size was 26 950. The primary outcome was time to the first ischemic stroke through September 30, 2020. County-level radon measures from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory were linked to each participant based on their geocoded residential history. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models with a time-dependent exposure to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CIs for the association. RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounding factors including demographic, lifestyle, clinical variables, and PM2.5, radon exposure was significantly associated with incident ischemic stroke among never-smokers (hazard ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.01-1.90]) but not ever-smokers. The results were generally consistent in the sensitivity analysis when using radon measures from state/Environmental Protection Agency residential radon survey. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study suggest that the association between residential radon exposure and incidence of ischemic stroke varies by smoking status and may be prominent in never-smokers. Further studies incorporating indoor-radon measures are needed to confirm these findings.

Angiogenic Activity and Mechanism for Bisphenols on Endothelial Cell and Mouse: Evidence of a Structural-Selective Effect.

Increased epidemiological evidence indicates the association of bisphenol exposure with human vascular disorders, while the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Here, we sought to unveil the potential angiogenic effect and the underlying mechanism of bisphenols with different structural features using endothelial cells treated with an environmentally relevant concentration of bisphenols (range: 1 nM to 10 µM) and a C57BL/6 mouse model fed with doses of 0.002, 0.02, 2, and 20 mg/kg BW/day for 5 weeks. Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) at a 1 nM level significantly increased tube formation by 45.1 and 30.2% and induced the microvessel sprouting, while tube length and microvessel sprouting were significantly inhibited by 37.2 and 55.7% after exposure to tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS) at 1 µM, respectively. Mechanistically, TBBPA and TBBPS significantly inhibited the interaction between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and thyroid receptor (TR), while BPA and BPS favored the interaction between PI3K and estrogen receptor (ER), resulting in abnormal PI3K signaling with consequent distinct angiogenic activity. BPA- and BPS-induced pro-angiogenic effects and TBBPS showed anti-angiogenic effects due to their distinct disruption on the TR/ER-PI3K pathway. Our work provided new evidence and mechanistic insight on the angiogenic activity of bisphenols and expanded the scope of endocrine disruptors with interference in vascular homeostasis.

Automated and fast online method for simultaneously determining a broad spectrum of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a small volume of cerebrospinal fluid.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are potentially neurotoxic compounds. Levels of PFASs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could directly reflect their potential harm to the central nervous system. Because of the variety of PFASs and the rarity of CSF, there is an urgent need to establish a rapid online method to detect a broad spectrum of PFASs accurately and simultaneously by consuming a small amount of CSF. In this study, we developed a fast and automated method to analyze 52 PFASs in human CSF samples using online TurboFlow ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Our method offered excellent matrix-matched standard curve linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.99), good limits of quantitation (MLOQs) (0.01 to 0.08 ng mL-1), satisfactory accuracy (recoveries of 74.6%-119.1%) and precision (relative standard deviations of 1.4%-13.2%), small sample amount consumption (50 µL), and fast analysis time (18 min per sample) without complex sample pretreatment procedures. These are advantageous for the high throughput screening of PFASs in environmental epidemiology studies. Repeated freeze-thaw experiments showed that it was better to perform the analytical process soon as possible after sample collection. The established method was used to analyze PFASs in 60 people. Short-chain PFASs, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), and novel PFASs [sodium 2-(N-ethylperfluorooctane-1-sulfonamido)ethyl phosphate (SAmPAP), perfluoroethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS), and perfluoro-3, 7-dimethyloctanoic acid (P37DMOA)] were reported in CSF for the first time. PFBA and PFPeA were detected in all samples with mean concentrations of 0.24 and 0.22 ng mL-1, respectively. We also calculated the blood-brain barrier transmission efficiency of PFASs (RPFAS), and the mean RPFBA value was above 1, which indicated that PFBA might transfer from serum to CSF.

Sensitive electrochemical measurement of nitric oxide released from living cells based on dealloyed PtBi alloy nanoparticles.

Nitric oxide (NO), as a vital signaling molecule related to different physiological and pathological processes in living systems, is closely associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, the detection of NO in real-time remains a difficulty. Here, PtBi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, dealloyed, and then fabricated to NP-based electrodes for the electrochemical detection of NO. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and nitrogen physical adsorption/desorption show that dealloyed PtBi alloy nanoparticles (dPtBi NPs) have a porous nanostructure. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry results exhibit that the dPtBi NP electrode possesses unique electrocatalytic features such as low charge transfer resistance and large electrochemically active surface area, which lead to its excellent NO electrochemical sensing performance. Owing to the higher density of catalytical active sites formed PtBi bimetallic interface, the dPtBi NP electrode displays superior electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of NO with a peak potential at 0.74 V vs. SCE. The dPtBi NP electrode shows a wide dynamic range (0.09-31.5 µM) and a low detection limit of 1 nM (3σ/k) as well as high sensitivity (130 and 36.5 µA µM-1 cm-2). Moreover, the developed dPtBi NP-based electrochemical sensor also exhibited good reproducibility (RSD 5.7%) and repeatability (RSD 3.4%). The electrochemical sensor was successfully used for the sensitive detection of NO produced by live cells. This study indicates a highly effective approach for regulating the composition and nanostructures of metal alloy nanomaterials, which might provide new technical insights for developing high-performance NO-sensitive systems, and have important implications in enabling real-time detection of NO produced by live cells.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) Impair Lipid Metabolism in Rana nigromaculata: A Field Investigation and Laboratory Study.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, causing environmental threats and public health concerns, but information regarding PFAS hepatotoxicity remains elusive. We investigated the effects of PFASs on lipid metabolism in black-spotted frogs through a combined field and laboratory study. In a fluorochemical industrial area, PFASs seriously accumulate in frog tissues. PFAS levels in frog liver tissues are positively related to the hepatosomatic index along with triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) contents. In the laboratory, frogs were exposed to 1 and 10 µg/L PFASs, respectively (including PFOA, PFOS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA). At 10 µg/L, PFASs change the hepatic fatty acid composition and significantly increase the hepatic TG content by 1.33 to 1.87 times. PFASs induce cross-talk accumulation of TG, TC, and their metabolites between the liver and serum. PFASs can bind to LXRα and PPARα proteins, further upregulate downstream lipogenesis-related gene expression, and downregulate lipolysis-related gene expression. Furthermore, lipid accumulation induced by PFASs is alleviated by PPARα and LXRα antagonists, suggesting the vital role of PPARα and LXRα in PFAS-induced lipid metabolism disorders. This work first reveals the disruption of PFASs on hepatic lipid homeostasis and provides novel insights into the occurrence and environmental risk of PFASs in amphibians.

Magnesium intake is inversely associated with risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among American adults.

PURPOSE: Human data are limited linking magnesium (Mg) intake to the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to examine the association between Mg intake and the risk of NAFLD among young adults in the US with a 25-year follow-up. METHODS: This study included 2685 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult (CARDIA) study. Diet and dietary supplements were assessed at baseline (1985-1986) and exam years 7 and 20 using an interview-based dietary history. NAFLD, defined as liver attenuation ≤ 51 Hounsfield Units excluding secondary causes of liver fat accumulation, was identified by non-contrast-computed tomography scanning at exam year 25. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between cumulative average total intake of Mg (dietary plus supplemental) and NAFLD odds. RESULTS: A total of 629 NAFLD cases were documented. After adjustment for potential confounders, an inverse association between total Mg intake and NAFLD odds was observed. Compared to participants in the lowest quintile of total Mg intake, the odds of NAFLD was 55% lower among individuals in the highest quintile [multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.23, 0.85), p for trend = 0.03]. Consistently, whole-grain consumption, a major dietary source of Mg, was inversely associated with NAFLD odds (p for trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that higher cumulative intake of Mg throughout adulthood is associated with lower odds of NAFLD in midlife. Future studies are needed to establish a possible causal relationship.

Does protracted radon exposure play a role in the development of dementia?

Radon is a ubiquitous radioactive gas that decays into a series of solid radioactive decay products. Radon, and its decay products, enter the human body primarily through inhalation and can be delivered to various tissues including the brain through systemic circulation. It can also reach the brain by neuronal pathways via the olfactory system. While ionizing radiation has been suggested as a risk factor of dementia for decades, studies exploring the possible role of radon exposure in the development of Alzheimer's Diseases (AD) and other dementias are sparse. We systematically reviewed the literature and found several lines of evidence suggesting that radon decay products (RDPs) disproportionally deposit in the brain of AD patients with selective accumulation within the protein fractions. Ecologic study findings also indicate a significant positive correlation between geographic-level radon distribution and AD mortality in the US. Additionally, pathologic studies of radon shed light on the potential pathways of radon decay product induced proinflammation and oxidative stress that may result in the development of dementia. In summary, there are plausible underlying biological mechanisms linking radon exposure to the risk of dementia. Since randomized clinical trials on radon exposure are not feasible, well-designed individual-level epidemiologic studies are urgently needed to elucidate the possible association between radon (i.e., RDPs) exposure and the onset of dementia.

Combined association of early exposure to long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mercury and selenium with cognitive performance in 1-year-old infants.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFAs) and infant neurodevelopment did not consider effect modifications of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se). OBJECTIVES: To examine the joint association of prenatal LCn3PUFAs, Hg and Se with infant cognitive performance, and to explore whether DNA methylation may explain this potential association. METHODS: A total of 484 newborns were enrolled from the Shanghai Birth Cohort with available data on cord blood LCn3PUFA, nail Hg and Se during 2015-2016. Cord blood LCn3PUFA concentrations were assessed by gas chromatography, and nail Hg and Se concentrations were measured using clippings collected within 6 months of birth by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Five aspects of infant neurodevelopment (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills) were assessed using the Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ) at ages 6 and 12 months. Multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equations models were performed to examine the associations between cord blood LCn3PUFA concentrations and ASQ test scores, and these associations were stratified by nail Hg and Se levels. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation in cord blood was compared in a random subgroup consisting of 19 infants from the highest and 21 from the lowest decile of LCn3PUFA concentrations. RESULTS: LCn3PUFAs were not significantly associated with any ASQ test scores. However, in the subgroup with lower Hg (

Cadmium Exposure in Young Adulthood Is Associated with Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Midlife.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that cadmium (Cd) may be involved in the etiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but available data in human is sparse. AIMS: We aimed to examine Cd exposure in young adulthood in relation to prevalent NAFLD in midlife among American adults. METHODS: This study included 2446 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study with toenail Cd measurement at exam year 2 (baseline) and computed tomography quantification of liver fat at exam year 25. Toenail Cd concentrations were considered as a reliable marker of long-term exposure. NAFLD was defined if liver attenuation < 51 Hounsfield units after excluding other possible causes of liver fat. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio of NAFLD by Cd exposure. RESULTS: Median toenail Cd concentration was 8.2 ppb (inter-quartile range 4.3-18.6 ppb). After 23 years from baseline, 580 participants with prevalent NAFLD (24% prevalence) in midlife were identified. Compared with individuals in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of toenail Cd had a significantly higher odds of NAFLD (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.99, P for trend: 0.04) after adjustment for demographics, socioeconomics, major lifestyle factors, and baseline levels of body mass index, lipids, and fasting insulin. The association was not significantly modified by race, sex, BMI, or smoking status at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Toenail Cd concentration was associated with a higher odds of prevalent NAFLD23 years later in life in this cohort of US general population.

High precision even-power phase modulation method for a self-mixing displacement sensor under the weak feedback regime.

A novel method called even-power phase modulation is proposed in a self-mixing displacement sensor to improve measuring accuracy, to the best of our knowledge, which is realized by combining the even-power fast algorithm with the sinusoidal phase-modulation method. By performing the even-power fast algorithm in the self-mixing interference system, the spectrum of harmonic components is broadened. In this case, the extracted first and second harmonic components in the frequency domain contain rich information, and the displacement of the target can be accurately reconstructed. The principle and signal processing approach are introduced in detail, and the simulation results show that the reconstruction error can be effectively reduced compared with the electro-optic modulator phase modulation method. A series of experiments at different vibration amplitudes is conducted to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. An amplitude of 120 nm is proved to be measurable, and the absolute error is 10 nm, which shows great potential in the field of non-contact nanometer vibration measurement sensors.

Accuracy of Non-Contrast MRI for the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-contrast MRI is used for identifying patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially among high-risk patients with cirrhosis or chronic viral hepatitis. The accuracy of non-contrast MRI has been investigated with varying results. We performed this meta-analysis to consolidate the evidence on the accuracy of non-contrast MRI for the detection of HCC. We conducted a systematic search in the databases of PubMed Central, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane from inception till November 2020. We used the STATA software "Midas" package for meta-analysis. We included 15 studies with 3,756 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of non-contrast MRI for HCC detection were 84% (95%CI, 78%-88%) and 94% (95%CI, 91%-97%). The positive likelihood ratio was 14.9 (95% CI, 9.0-24.7) and the negative one 0.17 (0.12-0.23). The overall quality of the studies was high. We found significant heterogeneity based on chi-square test results and I2 statistic > 75%. Deek's test showed the absence of publication bias. We found that non-contrast MRI has high sensitivity and specificity as a tool for detecting HCC. Studies exploring its accuracy in different ethnic populations are required to strengthen the evidence.

The positive externalities of migrant-based TB control strategy in a Chinese urban population with internal migration: a transmission-dynamic modeling study.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale rural-to-urban migration has changed the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in large Chinese cities. We estimated the contribution of TB importation, reactivation of latent infection, and local transmission to new TB cases in Shanghai, and compared the potential impact of intervention options. METHODS: We developed a transmission dynamic model of TB for Songjiang District, Shanghai, which has experienced high migration over the past 25 years. We calibrated the model to local demographic data, TB notifications, and molecular epidemiologic studies. We estimated epidemiological drivers as well as future outcomes of current TB policies and compared this base-case scenario with scenarios describing additional targeted interventions focusing on migrants or vulnerable residents. RESULTS: The model captured key demographic and epidemiological features of TB among migrant and resident populations in Songjiang District, Shanghai. Between 2020 and 2035, we estimate that over 60% of TB cases will occur among migrants and that approximately 43% of these cases will result from recent infection. While TB incidence will decline under current policies, we estimate that additional interventions-including active screening and preventive treatment for migrants-could reduce TB incidence by an additional 20% by 2035. CONCLUSIONS: Migrant-focused TB interventions could produce meaningful health benefits for migrants, as well as for young residents who receive indirect protection as a result of reduced TB transmission in Shanghai. Further studies to measure cost-effectiveness are needed to evaluate the feasibility of these interventions in Shanghai and similar urban centers experiencing high migration volumes.

Calcium Intake Is Inversely Related to Risk of Obesity among American Young Adults over a 30-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Calcium (Ca) is an essential nutrient that may play an important role in weight maintenance through its involvement in energy or lipid metabolism. However, little is known about the long-term associations of Ca intake with obesity risk. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to prospectively examine the association between cumulative Ca intake and the incidence of obesity among American young adults over 30 y of follow-up. METHODS: Participants were from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study. A total of 4097 of 5115 black and white individuals aged 18-30 y at baseline in 1985-1986 were included in the current analysis. Dietary and supplemental Ca intake was assessed by the validated interview-based CARDIA diet history at baseline and exam years 7 and 20. Incident cases of obesity were identified when BMI was ≥30 kg/m2 for the first time since baseline. A survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the HRs and corresponding 95% CIs for obesity incidence during follow-up. RESULTS: During a 30-y follow-up (mean ± SD: 20 ± 10 y), 1675 participants developed obesity. Cumulative total Ca intake (dietary plus supplemental Ca) was inversely associated with incidence of obesity in multivariable-adjusted analysis [quintile (Q)5 (highest intake) compared with Q1 (lowest intake): HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.82; P-trend < 0.01]. This inverse association persisted among Ca supplement users (Q5 compared with Q1: HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.70; P-trend < 0.01), but was not seen among nonusers. CONCLUSIONS: Following a cohort of Americans from young adulthood to midlife, an inverse association between calcium intake and obesity incidence was observed. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Real-time effects of Cd(II) on the cellular membrane permeability.

Cell membrane permeability is one of the main indicators of cytotoxicity and related to many critical biological pathways. Here, we determined the Cd2+-induced membrane permeability of human MCF-7 cells using ferrocene methanol molecular probes based on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The cell height and topography were examined with an impermeable Ru(NH3)6Cl3 probe. The membrane permeability exhibited no significant changes when the Cd2+ incubation time was less than 2 h and its concentration was less than 40 µM. The permeability increased when the Cd2+ concentration was greater than 60 µM, or when the incubation time was longer than 3 h. From the combined 3-(4,5-di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and cytoskeleton imaging experiments, it was found that the changes occurred because the cells exhibited a defensive mode and their membranes contracted when treated with a low concentration of Cd2+ for a short time. However, the cell membranes were irreversibly damaged when the cytoskeleton structures were destroyed, and the cell activities decreased at high concentrations over long periods. Interestingly, through the comparison with an x-scan study, it was found that DPV technology shows a higher performance in the detection of changes in the membrane permeability. Using a combination of cytoskeleton fluorescence imaging and cell-viability tests, the effect of the cadmium metal on the cell membrane permeability can be explored deeper and more comprehensively. This study provides a new idea for exploring the changes in the cell membrane permeability and may be helpful for rapid evaluation of cytotoxicity.