[Mutation of the envelope stress-responsive protein CpxA capable of regulating the antimicrobial resistance and virulence of bacteria].

CpxA is a key member of the envelope stress-responsive Cpx two-component system ubiquitous in Gram-negative bacteria. It is responsible for signal sensing and has dual activities of phosphatase and kinase. CpxA has been revealed to participate in the regulation of physiological processes such as virulence and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria. In recent years, the development of novel antimicrobials targeting CpxA has attracted much attention. Drugs developed based on inhibition of the phosphatase activity of CpxA have shown effectiveness in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli. This review introduces the structure and functional domains of CpxA and the activation of Cpx pathways by CpxA. Furthermore, it summarizes the roles of CpxA in the development of antimicrobial resistance and the regulation of bacterial virulence and reviews the latest progress in the development of new antimicrobials targeting this protein. It is expected to assist in the exploration of CpxA-targeting anti-infection strategies for severely antimicrobial-resistant bacteria whose clinical infections are of urgent need to be controlled.

Protective Effect of Silibinin on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemia by Inhibiting Caspase-11-Dependent Cell Pyroptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of silibinin (SIB), one of the active compounds from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn in endotoxemia. METHODS: Mouse peritoneal macrophage were isolated via intraperitoneally injection of BALB/c mice with thioglycolate medium. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8, while cytotoxicity was determined through lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay. The protein expressions of interleukin (IL)-1 α, IL-1 ß, and IL-18 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intracellular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels were measured by employing both the limulus amoebocyte lysate assay and flow cytometry. Additionally, proximity ligation assay was employed for the LPS and caspase-11 interaction. Mice were divided into 4 groups: the control, LPS, high-dose-SIB (100 mg/kg), and low-dose-SIB (100 mg/kg) groups (n=8). Zebrafish were divided into 4 groups: the control, LPS, high-dose-SIB (200 εmol/L), and low-dose-SIB (100 εmol/L) groups (n=30 for survival experiment and n=10 for gene expression analysis). The expression of caspase-11, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and N-GSDMD was determined by Western blot and the expressions of caspy2, gsdmeb, and IL-1 ß were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. Histopathological observation was performed through hematoxylineosin staining, and protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were quantified using the bicinchoninicacid protein assay. RESULTS: SIB noticeably decreased caspase-11 and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and suppressed the secretion of IL-1 α, IL-1 ß, and IL-18 induced by LPS (P<0.05). Moreover, SIB inhibited the translocation of LPS into the cytoplasm and the binding of caspase-11 and intracellular LPS (P<0.05). SIB also attenuated the expression of caspase-11 and N-terminal fragments of GSDMD, inhibited the relative cytokines, prolonged the survival time, and up-regulated the survival rate in the endotoxemia models (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SIB can inhibit pyroptosis in the LPS-mediated endotoxemia model, at least in part, by inhibiting the caspase-11-mediated cleavage of GSDMD. Additionally, SIB inhibits the interaction of LPS and caspase-11 and inhibits the LPS-mediated up-regulation of caspase-11 expression, which relieves caspase-11-dependent cell pyroptosis and consequently attenuates LPS-mediated lethality.

Development of a fluorescence immunochromatography method for quantitative measurement of matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Objective: Abnormal serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels are closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. This study aimed to establish a fluorescence immunochromatography (FIC) method using the lanthanide fluorescent element europium(III) (Eu3+) for the quantitative measurement of MMP-9 in serum. Design & Methods: The FIC method for quantifying MMP-9 was optimized and established, and the FIC test strips (FICTS) were assembled and subsequently evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and precision. Furthermore, the reference interval and clinical sensitivity/specificity were estimated using clinical healthy/positive serum samples, and a commercial ELISA was used for comparison. Results: We successfully established an FIC method and prepared FICTS. The analytical sensitivity of the FICTS was 0.92 ng/mL, with a linearity range of 0-1000 ng/mL. The cross-reactivity of the 7 common serum interferents was less than 1.56%. All recoveries of the intra-array and inter-array samples ranged from 102.50% to 110.99%, and all CVs were less than 5%. The reference interval of the FICTS was >161.15 ng/mL. The clinical sensitivity was 96.00%, and the specificity was 97.5%. The results of 270 clinical serum samples were highly coincident with the clinical diagnostic results. Pearson correlation analysis and Bland‒Altman plots indicated that the FICTS and commercial ELISA results were consistent with the quantitative MMP-9 concentration. Conclusions: The designed FIC method and test strips may be suitable for point-of-care quantitative measurement of MMP-9, which provides a new method for screening for atherosclerosis, xerophthalmia, etc.

Exploring the mechanism of Semen Strychni in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on network pharmacology.

Semen Strychni (SS), known as an agonist of central nervous system, is a traditional herb widely used in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in small doses to relieve muscle weakness and improve muscle strength. However, the potential mechanisms and the main components of SS in treating ALS remain unclear. To explore the underlying mechanism of SS in treating ALS based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components of SS were obtained using TCMSP, Herb, ETCM, and BATMAN-TCM. The targets of SS were gained from PharmMapper. The targets of ALS were searched on Genecards, Drugbank, DisGeNET, OMIM, TTD and GEO database. After obtaining the coincidence targets, we submitted them to the STRING database to build a protein-protein interaction network. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed subsequently. The active components and targets were further investigated using molecular docking technology. 395 targets of SS and 1925 targets of ALS were obtained with 125 common targets. The protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that SRC, AKT1, MAPK1, EGFR, and HSP90AA1 received the higher degree value and were considered the central genes. The Ras, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathway could be involved in the treatment of ALS. Brucine-N-oxide obtained the lowest binding energy in molecular docking. This study explored the mechanism of SS in the treatment of ALS and provides a new perspective for future study. However, further experimental studies are needed to validate the therapeutic effect.

Piezoelectric Bioactive Glasses Composite Promotes Angiogenesis by the Synergistic Effect of Wireless Electrical Stimulation and Active Ions.

Insufficient angiogenesis frequently occurs after the implantation of orthopedic materials, which greatly increases the risk of bone defect reconstruction failure. Therefore, the development of bone implant with improved angiogenic properties is of great importance. Mimicking the extracellular matrix clues provides a more direct and effective strategy to modulate angiogenesis. Herein, inspired by the bioelectrical characteristics of the bone microenvironment, a piezoelectric bioactive glasses composite (P-KNN/BG) based on the incorporation of polarized potassium sodium niobate is constructed, which could effectively promote angiogenesis. It is found that P-KNN/BG has exceptional wireless electrical stimulation performance and sustained active ions release. In vitro cell experiments reveal that P-KNN/BG enhances endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation via activating the eNOS/NO signaling pathway, which might be contributed to cell membrane hyperpolarization induced by wireless electrical stimulation increase the influx of active ions into the cells. In vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane experiment demonstrates that P-KNN/BG shows excellent pro-angiogenic capacity and biocompatibility. This work broadens the current understanding of bioactive materials with bionic electrical properties, which brings new insights into the clinical treatment of bone defect repair.

pH-responsive cinnamaldehyde-TiO2 nanotube coating: fabrication and functions in a simulated diabetes condition.

Current evidence has suggested that diabetes increases the risk of implanting failure, and therefore, appropriate surface modification of dental implants in patients with diabetes is crucial. TiO2 nanotube (TNT) has an osteogenic nanotopography, and its osteogenic properties can be further improved by loading appropriate drugs. Cinnamaldehyde (CIN) has been proven to have osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects. We fabricated a pH-responsive cinnamaldehyde-TiO2 nanotube coating (TNT-CIN) and hypothesized that this coating will exert osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial functions in a simulated diabetes condition. TNT-CIN was constructed by anodic oxidation, hydroxylation, silylation, and Schiff base reaction to bind CIN, and its surface characteristics were determined. Conditions of diabetes and diabetes with a concurrent infection were simulated using 22-mM glucose without and with 1-µg/mL lipopolysaccharide, respectively. The viability and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, polarization and secretion of macrophages, and resistance to Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans were evaluated. CIN was bound to the TNT surface successfully and released better in low pH condition. TNT-CIN showed better osteogenic and anti-inflammatory effects and superior bacterial resistance than TNT in a simulated diabetes condition. These findings indicated that TNT-CIN is a promising, multifunctional surface coating for patients with diabetes needing dental implants. Graphical abstract.

CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism might contribute to coronary artery disease susceptibility in Chinese male: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Calmodulin 1 (CALM1) mutations are involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship of CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism with CAD is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the relationship of CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism with CAD susceptibility, CALM1 expression, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood coagulation and serum lipid levels of CAD patients. METHODS: 550 CAD patients and 550 control subjects were genotyped for CALM1 using Sequenom MassARRAY technology. CALM1 expression level was measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: CALM1 mRNA expression was higher in CAD patients than that in control subjects (P < 0.001). CAD patients with CC genotype had higher CALM1 mRNA expression level than control subjects with CC genotype (P = 0.006). Genotypic frequency of rs3179089 was different between male patients of CAD and control subjects (P = 0.045). Rs3179089 polymorphism was related to CAD risk of males in recessive model (P = 0.039). Moreover, rs3179089 polymorphism was associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and D-Dimer (D-D) level of patients with CAD in recessive model (P = 0.013 for SBP; P = 0.034 for DBP; P = 0.004 for FPG; P = 0.046 for D-D). In addition, rs3179089 polymorphism was correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) serum levels of patients with CAD in both addictive (P = 0.025 for LDL-C; P = 0.001 for TC) and recessive models (P = 0.001 for LDL-C; P = 0.001 for TC). CONCLUSION: CALM1 expression is associated with development of CAD. CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism affects CAD susceptibility in males, and blood pressure, blood glucose, blood coagulation and serum lipid of CAD patients.

[The safety and short-term efficacy of modified lateral pharyngoplasty combined with multilevel surgery for OSA].

Objective:To explore the safety and short-term efficiency of modified lateral pharyngoplasty combined with surgeries in other sites including nose and tongue. Methods:Thirty-five patients with OSA confirmed with polysomnography received modified lateral pharyngoplasty under general anesthesia. Some of the patients may also receive glossopharyngeal or nasal surgeries according to their physical examination, Müller test with electronic nasolaryngology and polysmnography. The postoperativepain, capacities of swallowing and speaking, and related postoperative complications after surgeries were recorded. And the changes of epworth sleep scale （ESS） snoring sore, apnea and hypopnea index （AHI） and lowest oxygen saturation （LSaO2） were compared before and after surgeries. Results:Among the 35 patients, 1 patient experienced experienced dyspnea after extubation and 2 patients experienced postoperative bleeding. The mean VAS after 1, 4 and 7 days of the surgery were 5.41±2.42, 2.93±1.80, 2.91±1.26, respectively. The mean pain visual analogue scale（VAS） was 5.41±2.42, 2.93±1.80 and 2.91±1.26 on the 1st, 4th and 7th day after operation. The mean time of starting to eat liquid and semi-liquid were （3.23±2.11） dand （5.55±2.67） d after surgery, respectively. Twenty-eight patients underwent 3-6 months follow-up, there was no significant difference in body mass index （BMI） before and after surgery, while mean ESS and snore index were significantly improved, ESS decreased from 11.33±4.91 to 6.19±4.45, and snore index decreased from 6.93±2.23 to 1.25±1.96. Among them, 23 of patients those patients received polysomnography after surgeries, AHI, LSaO2 and time with oxygen saturation below 90% （CT90） were significantly improvement. The mean AHI decreased from 45.05±27.90/h to 18.61±20.85/h，and mean SaO2 increased from 71.17% to 80.87%. Conclusion:Modified lateral pharyngoplasty combined with selective nasal and lingual plane surgery in the treatment of OSA is safe and can significantly improve ESS, snoring, AHI， LSaO2and other indicators.Modified lateral pharyngoplasty selectively with surgeries of nose or tongue is a kind of safe and effective surgery to treat OSA that ESS, snoring, AHI and SaO2can have satisfactory improvement.

Association of CHUK gene polymorphism and ischemic stroke in the Han Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the pivotal role of component of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase complex (CHUK) in lipid levels and blood pressure has been reported, and hypertension and hyperlipidemia are common risk factors of ischemic stroke (IS). However, the association between CHUK and IS has not yet been explored. This study aims at evaluating the relationship of CHUK polymorphisms (rs3808916, rs2230804 and rs3808917) and IS risk as well as IS-related risk factors. METHODS: CHUK mRNA expression was detected between 53 IS patients and 53 healthy controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A total of 816 IS patients and 816 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. RESULTS: CHUK mRNA was highly expressed in IS patients compared with healthy subjects (P＜0.001). No significant associations were observed between rs3808916, rs2230804, rs3808917 and IS susceptibility (P＞0.05). Moreover, haplotype analysis showed that no haplotype of CHUK polymorphisms was associated with IS (P > 0.05). However, rs2230804 was related to diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of IS patients (P = 0.035), while rs3808917 was associated with triglyceride (TG) levels (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The CHUK expression is involved in the development of IS. CHUK variants rs2230804, and rs3808917 may affect blood pressure and lipid levels of IS patients. However, CHUK rs3808916, rs2230804 and rs3808917 polymorphisms are not associated with IS risk.

Bioadaptation of implants to In vitro and In vivo oxidative stress pathological conditions via nanotopography-induced FoxO1 signaling pathways to enhance Osteoimmunal regeneration.

Varieties of pathological conditions, including diabetes, are closely related to oxidative stress (OS), but the osseointegration or bioadaptation of implants to OS and the related mechanism remain poorly explored. In this study, the antioxidation and osteoimmune regeneration of titanium implants with micro/nanotopographies were evaluated under H2O2-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and hyperglycemia-mediated cellular OS models and in diabetic rats as a representative animal model of OS. TiO2 nanotube (TNT) coating on titanium implants directly induced superior osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osseointegration compared with microscale sand blasted-acid etched topography (SLA) under OS, attributed to higher superoxide dismutase 2 activity, the neutralization of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and less apoptosis. Mechanistically, the oxidation resistance on TNT is driven by upregulated forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1), which is abolished after knockdown of FoxO1 via shRNA in MSCs. Indirectly, TNT also alleviates OS in macrophages, therefore inducing a higher portion of the M2 phenotype under OS with increased secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, further promoting the osseoimmunity capacity compared with SLA. The current study not only suggests the potential application of TiO2 nanotube-coated titanium implants in compromised conditions but also provides a systematic evaluation strategy for the future development of bone biomaterials.

Influence of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Geners3918242 Polymorphism on Development of Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene -1562C/T (rs3918242) polymorphism and the susceptibility of ischemic stroke (IS) has been investigated. However, results were ambiguous and inconsistent. Therefore, we performed this study to better assess the potential relationship between rs3918242 polymorphism and susceptibility risk of IS. METHODS: We included case-control studies concerning the relationship between the rs3918242 polymorphism and IS, and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the associations. Furthermore, meta-regression analyses, heterogeneity, cumulative analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were examined. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were included for analysis. Significant associations with the risk of IS were detected for the rs3918242 polymorphism in overall population, Asians, and whites. When available data were stratified by gender, we found a significant correlation with the risk of IS in both males and females. Further subgroup analysis by the subtypes of IS showed that the rs3918242 polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of patients with large artery atherosclerosis. When stratified by age, we found that the rs3918242 polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of IS in patients both aged ≥65 years and >65 years. Both the diabetes and the nondiabetes subgroups reached significant results, and in an analysis stratified by smoking status, an increased risk of IS was associated with smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The rs3918242 polymorphism may be a susceptible predictor of susceptibility of IS. Further large-scale studies are needed to verify the results of our findings.

Enzyme-Directed Biomineralization Coating on TiO2 Nanotubes and its Positive Effect on Osteogenesis.

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) have been reported to enhance osteogenesis. However, the nanoscale topography of TNTs usually vanishes due to the uncontrollable mineralization on the surface. In this study, TNTs with different diameters(small, 25 nm; medium, 55 nm; and large, 85 nm) were fabricated by anodization in 3 different voltages. Enzyme-directed biomineralization was adopted to deposit calcium phosphate on the above TNTs. The surface structures and properties of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The osteogenesis effect of the hybrid TNT/HA and the original TNTs were evaluated. The results showed that hydroxyapatite deposited homogeneously along the TiO2 nanotubes while preserving the intrinsic nanotopography. Mechanically, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) played a critical role in the mineralization and large nanotube size is more favorable for the mineralizing process because of more ALP absorption. Besides, the hybrid nanosurface TNT/HA coating was found to improve the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells compared to pure TNTs. Our study suggests that the hybrid TNT/HA coating constructed by enzyme-directed biomineralization on TiO2 nanotubes is a promising modification strategy for titanium implants.

Association of CALM1 rs3179089 Polymorphism with Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population.

A quantitative transcriptomics analysis has reported that Calmodulin 1 (CALM1) is highly expressed in human brain tissues. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism and ischemic stroke (IS) in Chinese Han population. A total of 550 patients with IS and 550 control subjects were recruited and genotyped using Sequenom MassArray technology. The mRNA expression of CALM1 was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. CALM1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in patients with IS than that in control subjects (P = 0.006). The genomic frequency distribution was significantly different between female patients with IS and female controls (χ2 = 6.043, P = 0.047). In recessive model, CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism was associated with the risk of IS in female patients. GG genotype significantly increased the risk of IS compared with the CC+GC genotype in females (OR 8.68, P = 0.042; adjusted OR 8.72, Padj = 0.042). Rs3179089 polymorphism was associated positively with plasmas D-Dimer of patients with IS in recessive model (ßa = 3.24, P = 0.018; ßb = 3.20, Padj = 0.019). Moreover, rs3179089 polymorphism was related positively to thrombin time of patients with IS in addictive (ßa = 2.32, P = 0.005, ßb = 2.26, Padj=0.006) and recessive model (ßa = 11.19, P = 0.001, ßb = 11.13, Padj = 0.001). CALM1 expression was involved in the development of IS. CALM1 rs3179089 polymorphism was associated with IS risk in Chinese females, and related to blood coagulation of IS patients.

TLR4 polymorphisms affect stroke risk and inflammatory response in Chinese ischemic stroke patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphisms rs1927914, rs10759932, and rs11536889 with susceptibility to ischemic stroke (IS) and the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. A total of 816 IS patients and 816 control subjects were genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY technology. The serum levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. rs1927914 was significantly associated with male IS patients in the additive model [odds ratio (OR) = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67-0.99; P = 0.039] and in the allele model (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.66-0.99; P = 0.037). In the dominant model, rs10759932 was significantly associated with the serum TNFα level of the male IS patients [regression coefficient (ß) = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.01-0.29; P adj = 0.042]. This polymorphism was also correlated with the serum IL-8 level of female IS patients in the additive model (ß = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.25-0.43; P adj = 0.021) and in the recessive model (ß = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.11-1.11; P adj = 0.026). The TLR4 gene rs1927914 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to IS in males. Moreover, the rs10759932 polymorphism may affect inflammatory response in IS patients.

Nanotubular topography enhances the bioactivity of titanium implants.

Surface modification on titanium implants plays an important role in promoting mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) response to enhance osseointegration persistently. In this study, nano-scale TiO2 nanotube topography (TNT), micro-scale sand blasted-acid etched topography (SLA), and hybrid sand blasted-acid etched/nanotube topography (SLA/TNT) were fabricated on the surfaces of titanium implants. Although the initial cell adherence at 60 min among TNT, SLA and TNT/SLA was not different, SLA and SLA/TNT presented to be rougher and suppressed the proliferation of MSC. TNT showed hydrophilic surface and balanced promotion of cellular functions. After being implanted in rabbit femur models, TNT displayed the best osteogenesis inducing ability as well as strong bonding strength to the substrate. These results indicate that nano-scale TNT provides favorable surface topography for improving the clinical performance of endosseous implants compared with micro and hybrid micro/nano surfaces, suggesting a promising and reliable surface modification strategy of titanium implants for clinical application.

Impact of TLR5 rs5744174 on stroke risk, gene expression and on inflammatory cytokines, and lipid levels in stroke patients.

Many studies reported that toll-like receptors (TLRs) played an important role in the process of ischemic stroke (IS). However, the impact of TLR5 rs5744174 on stroke risk, gene expression and on inflammatory cytokines, and lipid levels in ischemic stroke patients has not yet been reported and was therefore the subject of this study. In this case-control study, a total of 816 ischemic stroke patients and 816 healthy controls were genotyped using Sequenom MassArray technology. The mRNA expression of TLR5 was detected through quantitative real-time PCR among 52 ischemic stroke patients. The levels of IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα were measured by ELISA among 62 IS patients. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined among 816 IS patients using a Hitachi 7600 Automatic Biochemistry Analyzer. Our result showed TLR5 rs5744174 polymorphism was not associated with stroke risk, TLR5 mRNA expression and inflammatory cytokines of IS patients (P > 0.050), but was significantly associated with HDL-C (recessive model: ß = - 0.14, 95 % CI: -0.24 to -0.03, P = 0.009). TLR5 rs5744174 polymorphism may have no impact on the stroke risk, gene expression and inflammatory cytokines, but may influence the HDL-C serum level of IS patients in Chinese Han population.

Food insecurity and malnutrition in Chinese elementary school students.

It has been shown that food insecurity is associated with poor diet quality and unfavourable health outcomes. However, little is known about the potential effects of food insecurity on the overall malnutrition status among children. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of food insecurity among 1583 elementary school students, aged 6-14 years, living in Chinese rural areas and examined its association with four malnutrition signs, including rickets sequelae, anaemia, stunting and wasting. Information on food security was collected via questionnaires. Rickets sequelae were assessed by an experienced paediatrician during the interview. Anaemia was determined by the WHO Hb thresholds adjusted by the local altitude. Weight and height were measured during the interview. Stunting and wasting were then evaluated according to WHO child growth standards (2007). We examined the association between food insecurity and the number of malnutrition signs (total number = 4), and the likelihood of having severe malnutrition (presence of 3+ signs), after adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, social-economic status and dietary intakes. During the previous 12 months, the overall prevalence of food insecurity was 6.1% in the entire studied population and 16.3% in participants with severe malnutrition. Participants with food insecurity had a slightly higher number of malnutrition signs (1.14 v. 0.96; P=0.043) relative to those who were food secure, after adjusting for potential confounders. Food insecurity was also associated with increased likelihood of having severe malnutrition (adjusted OR 3.08; 95% CI 1.47, 6.46; P=0.003). In conclusion, food insecurity is significantly associated with malnutrition among Chinese children in this community.

[Investigation of nutritional status of pupils and dietary survey in primary schools in poor counties of Guangxi and Yunnan].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the nutritional status of pupils and to provide basic evidence for the nutritional interventions. METHODS: The subjects of the study were 2046 pupils from 9 primary schools in poor counties of Guangxi and Yunnan. The contents of the investigation included medical physical examination, haematoglobin determination and dietary survey. Nutritional Status was evaluated according to WHO growth standards. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting and wasting in children from 6 to 14 years old in poor areas of Guangxi and Yunnan were 34.3% and 6.5% respectively. The anemia prevalence of them was 20.5%. The diet provided by the canteens of local school was mainly composed of plant food. Animal food was deficient. The cooking oil in local school was most of lard oil. The per pupil average daily intake of energy, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C and calcium was 1491.29 kcal, 36.36 g, 179.15 ug, 0.57 mg, 0.37 mg, 53.67 mg and 163.14 mg respectively, which were lower than RNI or Al. CONCLUSION: The chronic malnutrition of pupils in poor areas is still serious. The variety of food provided by the canteens of local school is quite single, and the quality of the meals is low. Intakes of energy, protein and micronutrient from school diet are insufficient for pupils.

[Analysis of the kinematic parameters of hyperactivated Guinea pig spermatozoa].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of sperm kinematic parameters in the hyperactivation of Guinea pig spermatozoa, and to confirm the index of their hyperactivated motility. METHODS: Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) was used to describe the kinesis parameters of the Guinea pig spermatozoa incubated for 1, 3, 5 and 7 hours. RESULTS: The curvilinear velocity, average path velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement were increased with time and reached the peak at 5 hours, while the straight linear velocity, linearity, straightness and beat cross frequency were gradually decreased with time and hit the bottom at 5 hours. CONCLUSION: The sperm movement pattern changes greatly before hyperactivation during the capacitation of Guinea pig spermatozoa.