Too Much Too Little: Clarifying the Relationship Between Maternal Iodine Intake and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Australian government mandated the fortification of bread salt with iodine. In 2010, pregnant and lactating women were also advised to take an iodine-containing supplement. Our assessment of this policy in an iodine-sufficient population showed that children whose mothers were in the highest and lowest quartiles of iodine intake performed more poorly on early childhood tests of cognition and language than those in the second quartile. However, we did not quantify the iodine intake associated with optimal neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to establish the iodine intake range in pregnancy associated with optimal child neurodevelopment. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of pregnant women and their young children (n = 699). Iodine intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire at 16 and 28 wk of gestation. Child neurodevelopment at 18 mo of age was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). The relationship between average iodine intake during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment was assessed using linear regression with fractional polynomials and adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: Mean (SD) iodine intake was similar at study entry and 28 wk, 308 (120) µg/d, with 82% of women taking iodine supplements at study entry. The relationship between iodine intake during pregnancy and Bayley-III cognitive and language scores was curvilinear (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively), with the lowest Bayley-III scores observed at lower and higher iodine intakes. The inflection point that drove the association between lower iodine intake in pregnancy and poorer child neurodevelopment scores was around 185 µg/d; for the higher pregnancy iodine intakes, language and cognitive scores were negatively affected from ∼350 µg/d to 370 µg/d, respectively. Higher iodine intakes were being driven by supplement use. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted, not blanket, iodine supplementation may be needed for pregnant women with low-iodine intake from food.

Plasma Sphingomyelins and Carnitine Esters of Infants Consuming Whole Goat or Cow Milk-Based Infant Formulas or Human Milk.

BACKGROUND: Infant formulas are typically manufactured using skimmed milk, whey proteins, and vegetable oils, which excludes milk fat globule membranes (MFGM). MFGM contains polar lipids, including sphingomyelin (SM). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was comparison of infant plasma SM and acylcarnitine species between infants who are breastfed or receiving infant formulas with different fat sources. METHODS: In this explorative study, we focused on SM and acylcarnitine species concentrations measured in plasma samples from the TIGGA study (ACTRN12608000047392), where infants were randomly assigned to receive either a cow milk-based infant formula (CIF) with vegetable oils only or a goat milk-based infant formula (GIF) with a goat milk fat (including MFGM) and vegetable oil mixture to the age ≥4 mo. Breastfed infants were followed as a reference group. Using tandem mass spectrometry, SM species in the study formulas and SM and acylcarnitine species in plasma samples collected at the age of 4 mo were analyzed. RESULTS: Total SM concentrations (∼42 µmol/L) and patterns of SM species were similar in both formulas. The total plasma SM concentrations were not different between the formula groups but were 15 % (CIF) and 21% (GIF) lower in the formula groups than in the breastfed group. Between the formula groups, differences in SM species were statistically significant but small. Total carnitine and major (acyl) carnitine species were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The higher total SM concentration in breastfed than in formula-fed infants might be related to a higher SM content in human milk, differences in cholesterol metabolism, dietary fatty acid intake, or other factors not yet identified. SM and acylcarnitine species composition in plasma is not closely related to the formula fatty acid composition. This trial was registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12608000047392.

Urinary Ferritin as a Noninvasive Means of Assessing Iron Status in Young Children.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency affecting young children. Serum ferritin concentration is the preferred biomarker for measuring iron status because it reflects iron stores; however, blood collection can be distressing for young children and can be logistically difficult. A noninvasive means to measure iron status would be attractive to either diagnose or screen for ID in young children. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the correlation between urinary and serum ferritin concentrations in young children; to determine whether correcting urinary ferritin for creatinine and specific gravity improves the correlation; and to determine a urine ferritin cut point to predict ID. METHODS: Validation study was conducted using paired serum and urine collected from 3-y-old children (n = 142) participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study: the ORIGINS project in Perth, Western Australia. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of urinary ferritin amount in identifying those with ID at the clinical cut point used by the World Health Organization (serum ferritin concentration of <12 ng/mL). RESULTS: Urine ferritin, corrected for creatinine, correlated moderately with serum ferritin [r = 0.53 (0.40-0.64)] and performed well in predicting those with ID (area under the curve: 0.85; 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.94). Urine ferritin <2.28 ng/mg creatinine was sensitive (86%) and specific (77%) in predicting ID and had a high negative predictive value of 97%; however, the positive predictive value was low (40%) owing to the low prevalence of ID in the sample (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Urine ferritin shows good diagnostic performance for ID. This noninvasive biomarker maybe a useful screening tool to exclude ID in healthy young children; however, further research is needed in other populations.

Association of cord blood vitamin D with child neurodevelopment at 7 years of age.

AIM: The role of fetal vitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)], one of the nuclear steroid transcription regulators, and brain development is unclear. We previously found a weak but persistent association between cord blood 25(OH)D and child language abilities at 18 months and 4 years of age, but no association with cognition or behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cord blood 25(OH)D and a range of neurodevelopmental outcomes in these same children at 7 years of age. METHODS: Cord blood samples from 250 Australian mother-child pairs were analysed for 25(OH)D by mass spectroscopy. Children underwent tests of cognition, language, academic abilities and executive functions with a trained assessor at 7 years of age. Caregivers completed questionnaires to rate their child's behaviour and executive functioning in the home environment. Associations between standardised 25(OH)D and outcomes were assessed using regression models, taking into account possible social and demographic confounders. RESULTS: Standardised 25(OH)D in cord blood was not associated with any test or parent-rated scores. Nor was there any association with the risk of having a poor test or parent-rated score. Likewise, cord blood 25(OH)D categorised as <25, 25-50 and >50 nmol/L was not associated with test scores or parent-rated scores. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that cord blood vitamin D concentration or deficiency was associated with cognition, language, academic abilities, executive functioning or behaviour at 7 years of age.

[The method of determination for 2, 3-Butanedione in the air of workplace by high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization].

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of 2, 3-Butanedione (BUT) in the air of workplace, which including the process of collection by absorption in phosphoric acid aqueous solution and the process of analysis and detection by high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization. Methods: In October 2022, a porous glass plate absorption tube containing 10 ml of 0.01% phosphoric acid solution was used to collect BUT in the air of the workplace at a flow rate of 0.2 L/min. The absorption solution was derived by 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine for 75 min and separated on a SB-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm) . At the column temperature of 30 ℃, the mixture of acetonitrile-water (V∶V, 1∶1) was eluted at the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. It was detected by UV detector (λ=365 nm) , qualitatived by retention time and quantitatived by external standard. Results: It showed that BUT in phosphoric acid aqueous solution could be stored for at least 7 d at 4 ℃. There was a linear relationship within the determination range of 0.05-6.00 µg/ml, the linear regression equation was y=89.610x+0.133, r=0.9999. The sampling absorption efficiencies were 98.33%-100.00%, the detection limit of the method was 0.005 µg/ml, the minimum detection concentration was 0.016 mg/m(3) (based on V(0)=3.0 L) . The recovery rates were 95.96%-102.44%, the intra batch precision were 4.36%-7.78%, and the inter batch precision were 4.96%-6.06%. Conclusion: The method has the advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity and good accuracy. It can prevent the loss and degradation of BUT. It can be used for the determination of BUT in the air of workplace.

[Application of entropy weight TOPSIS comprehensive method in the evaluation of students' physical health level].

Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the physical health level of students of different school-age segments in four regions of Anhui province using the entropy weight approximation ideal solution ranking method (TOPSIS), and to provide a scientific method and basis for conducting school health work evaluation. Methods: Using the physical fitness survey data of four regions in Anhui province, the entropy weight method was used to draw the weights of various indicators for different school-age segments of men and women. Then, the TOPSIS method was used to evaluate the school-age segments of men and women in the four regions. Finally, the physical health level of students in four regions was classified according to the results of entropy weight TOPSIS and the rank sum ratio method. Results: A total of 10 127 students were included in this study, with an average age of (11.85±3.82) years, including 5 050 males (49.8%) and 5 072 urban students (50.1%). The results of the entropy weight method showed that the weight of body mass index of boys was similar to that of girls in each school-age segment. According to the TOPSIS and rank sum ratio analysis, the physical health level of students in the four regions of Anhui province was different. The physical health score of Suzhou was 0.617 4 points, which was classified as the best grade. The scores of Hefei and Wuhu were 0.556 3 and 0.411 2, which were classified as middle. Jiju City scored 0.381 9 points, which was classified as poor. Conclusion: TOPSIS combined with rank sum ratio can reflect the level of students' physical health, which can be applied to the evaluation of students' physical health and provide a basis for monitoring students' physical health.

[Hepatitis B virus down-regulates the expression of inhibin and promotes the proliferation and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells].

Objective: To investigate the effect and role of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) on the expression of inhibin (PHB) in the proliferation and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods: The expression of PHB in 13 pairs of HBV-infected livers, normal livers and HepG2.2.15 and HepG2 cells was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot. Liver tissues were collected from seven patients with chronic hepatitis B before and after antiviral (tenofovir) treatment, and the expression of PHB was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. HepG2.2.15 cells were transfected with Pcmv6-AC-GFP-PHB, and control vectors were collected. DNA content was analyzed by flow cytometry. The proliferation level of each cell group was detected using the EdU cell proliferation assay. HepG2.2.15 cells transfected with Pcmv6-AC-GFP-PHB and the control vector were cultured in serum-free medium for 6 days. Apoptosis was measured at the indicated time points using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based Annexin-V/PI double staining. Results: Compared with normal liver tissue, the expression of PHB in HBV-infected liver tissue was down-regulated (P < 0.01). Compared with HepG2 cells, the expression of PHB in HepG2.2.15 cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The expression level of PHB in liver tissue after antiviral treatment (tenofovir) was significantly higher than that before treatment (P < 0.01). Compared with the control vector, the proliferation rate of HepG2.2.15 cells transfected with Pcmv6-AC-GFP-PHB was significantly lower than that of the control vector, and the apoptosis rate of HepG2.2.15 cells transfected with the Pcmv6-AC-GFP-PHB vector was significantly higher than the control vector (P < 0.01). Conclusion: HBV down-regulates the expression of inhibin to promote the proliferation and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

[Baseline survey of psychosocial factors levels and their health effects in a cohort study of natural gas field workers].

Objective: To investigate the level of psychosocial factors in workplace and their health effects among workers in a natural gas field. Methods: A prospective and open cohort of natural gas field workers was established to study the level of workplace psychosocial factors and their health effects, with a follow-up every 5 years. In October 2018, a cluster sampling method was used to conduct a baseline survey of 1737 workers in a natural gas field, including a questionnaire survey on demographic characteristics, workplace psychosocial factors and mental health outcomes, physiological indicators such as height and weight, and biochemical indicators such as blood routine, urine routine, liver function and kidney function. The baseline data of the workers were statistically described and analyzed. The psychosocial factors and mental health outcomes were divided into high and low groups according to the mean score, and the physiological and biochemical indicators were divided into normal and abnormal groups according to the reference range of normal values. Results: The age of 1737 natural gas field workers was (41.8±8.0) years old, and the length of service was (21.0±9.7) years. There were 1470 male workers (84.6%). There were 773 (44.5%) high school (technical secondary school) and 827 (47.6%) college (junior college) graduates, 1490 (85.8%) married (including remarriage after divorce), 641 (36.9%) smokers and 835 (48.1%) drinkers. Among the psychosocial factors, the detection rates of high levels of resilience, self-efficacy, colleague support and positive emotion were all higher than 50%. Among the mental health outcomes evaluation indexes, the detection rates of high levels of sleep disorder, job satisfaction and daily stress were 41.82% (716/1712), 57.25% (960/1677) and 45.87% (794/1731), respectively. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 22.77% (383/1682). The abnormal rates of body mass index (BMI), triglyceride and low density lipoprotein were 46.74% (810/1733), 36.50% (634/1737) and 27.98% (486/1737), respectively. The abnormal rates of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, uric acid, total cholesterol and blood glucose were 21.64% (375/1733), 21.41% (371/1733), 20.67% (359/1737), 20.55% (357/1737) and 19.17% (333/1737), respectively. The prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes were 11.23% (195/1737) and 3.45% (60/1737), respectively. Conclusion: The detection rates of high level psychosocial factors in natural gas field workers are high, and their effects on physical and mental health remain to be verified. The establishment of a cohort study of the levels and health effects of psychosocial factors provides an important resource for confirming the causal relationship between workplace psychosocial factors and health.

A novel kinase subverts aluminium resistance by boosting ornithine decarboxylase-dependent putrescine biosynthesis.

Rice, as one of the most aluminium (Al)-resistant cereal crops, has developed more complicated Al resistance mechanisms than others. By using forward genetic screening from a rice ethyl methanesulfonate mutant library, we obtained a mutant showing specifically high sensitivity to Al. Through MutMap analysis followed by a complementation test, we identified the causal gene, Al-related Protein Kinase (ArPK) for Al-sensitivity. ArPK expression was induced by a relatively longer exposure to high Al concentration in the roots. The result of RNA-sequencing indicated the functional disorder in arginine metabolism pathway with downregulation of N-acetylornithine deacetylase (NAOD) expression and upregulation of Ornithine decarboxylase1 (ODC1) expression in arpk mutant. Al specifically and rapidly upregulated ODC1 expression and causes overaccumulation of putrescine (Put), whereas the ODC inhibitor difluoromethylornithine reverted Al-sensitive phenotype of arpk, suggesting that overaccumulation of endogenous Put might be harmful for root growth, and that ArPK seems to act as an endogenous inhibitor of ODC1 action to maintain suitable endogenous Put level under Al treatment. Overall, we identified ArPK and its putative repressive role in controlling a novel ODC-dependent Put biosynthesis pathway specifically affecting rice Al resistance, thus enriching the fundamental understanding of plant Al resistance.

Maternal metabolic factors and the association with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with several adverse outcomes for the mother and child. Higher levels of individual lipids are associated with risk of GDM and metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors also increases risk for GDM. Metabolic factors can be modified by diet and lifestyle. This review comprehensively evaluates the association between MetS and its components, measured in early pregnancy, and risk for GDM. Databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 5 May 2021. Eligible studies included ≥1 metabolic factor (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), measured at <16 weeks' gestation. At least two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 . Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 7213 articles identified, 40 unique articles were included in meta-analysis. In analyses adjusting for maternal age and body mass index, GDM was increased with increasing FPG (odds ratios [OR] 1.92; 95% CI 1.39-2.64, k = 7 studies) or having MetS (OR 2.52; 1.65, 3.84, k = 3). Women with overweight (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.89, 2.50, k = 12) or obesity (OR 4.34; 95% CI 2.79-6.74, k = 9) also were at increased risk for GDM. Early pregnancy assessment of glucose or the MetS, offers a potential opportunity to detect and treat individual risk factors as an approach towards GDM prevention; weight loss for pregnant women with overweight or obesity is not recommended. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020199225.

The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D(25-(OH)2D3) level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1021 patients with T2DM who underwent 25-(OH)2D3 level detections and sweat function tests was carried out. These individuals were divided into deficient groups (n = 154 cases), insufficient groups (n = 593 cases) and sufficient groups (n = 274 cases). Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis were implemented to determine the association of 25-(OH)2D3 level and sweat function. RESULTS: The total presence of sweating dysfunction was 38.59%. Patients with a lower level of serum 25-(OH)2D3 had more severe sweat secretion impairment (P < 0.05). As the decrease of serum 25-(OH)2D3 level, the presence of sweating dysfunction increased (P < 0.05). 25-(OH)2D3 level was positively correlated with sweat function parameters, age and duration of T2DM were negatively correlated with sweat function parameter (P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis explored a significant association between serum 25-(OH)2D3 level with sweat function (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25-(OH)2D3 level was positively correlated with sweat function in patients with T2DM.

[Analysis on the trend of liver cancer morbidity and mortality in certain district, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 2017 to 2019].

Objective: To analyze the trend of liver cancer morbidity and mortality among residents with household registration in certain District, 2017 to 2019. Methods: The crude morbidity and mortality rate of males and females in the whole population were calculated by using the relevant data from the certain District Cancer Registry and Report System and the Cause of Death Surveillance System. The standardized morbidity and mortality rate were calculated according to the age structure of 2000 National Demographic Census and Segi's world population, respectively. Trend in liver cancer morbidity and mortality were evaluated using percent change (PC), annual percentage change, and case-number-weighted annual percent change. Age-specific rates were used to analyze the epidemic trend of liver cancer with age. Results: The crude morbidity rate of liver cancer in the whole population (male and female) of the certain district from 2017 to 2019 were 18.86/100 000, 26.05/100 000 and 11.90/100 000 respectively, and the crude mortality rates were 21.20/100 000, 29.29/100 000 and 13.38/100 000 respectively. The crude morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer among male showed a downward trend (PC=-16.77% and -20.15% respectively). The crude morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer among female showed inconsistent changes; however, the crude morbidity rate showed a downward trend, and the crude mortality rate first increased and then decreased (PC=-19.42% and -0.30% respectively). Liver cancer morbidity and mortality rate in male after the age of 30 were increased with age. The two key points of accelerated growth were around the age of 65 and 75, and the peak of morbidity (130.78/100 000) and mortality (201.96/100 000) were after the age of 80. The morbidity and mortality rate were significantly lower in female than those of male aged 60; however, after the age of 65, the morbidity rate was increased rapidly and gradually approached as that of male. After the age of 80 (the peak morbidity and mortality were 104.40/100,000 and 132.87/100,000, respectively), male were about twice as high as those female aged between 75 and 79. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer in the certain District showed an overall downward trend from 2017 to 2019, but it increased with age, and the disease burden was relatively high among the elderly population. Liver cancer mostly occurred in male, so the prevention and control of liver cancer epidemics in middle-aged and elderly should be actively monitored.

[Soft tissue reconstruction strategy for sacral tumor resection].

Objective: To investigate the clinical strategy and effect of soft tissue reconstruction after sacral tumor resection in different planes. Methods: The data of 27 consecutive patients who underwent primary or secondary sacral tumor resection and soft tissue reconstruction from June 2012 to June 2021 at Dongnan Hospital of Xiamen University (the 909th Hospital) were retrospectively analyzed. There were 11 males and 16 females, aged (M(IQR)) (46.2±23.6) years (range: 16 to 72 years). Sacrospinous muscle, gluteus maximus and vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap were selected for soft tissue reconstruction according to the tumor site and the size of tissue defect. the postoperative follow-up was performed. The operative methods, intraoperative conditions, complications and disease outcomes were summarized. Results: Among the 27 patients with sacral tumor, the tumor plane was located in S1 in 8 cases, S2 in 5 cases and S3 or below in 14 cases. There were 12 patients with tumor volume≤400 cm3 and 15 patients with tumor volume>400 cm3. Operation time was 100(90) minutes (range: 70 to 610 minutes), intraoperative blood loss was 800(1 600) ml (range: 400 to 6 500 ml). Soft tissue reconstruction was performed by transabdominal rectus abdominis transfer repair in 2 cases, extraperitoneal rectus abdominis transfer repair in 1 case, gluteus maximus transfer repair in 5 cases, gluteus maximus advancement repair in 13 cases, and sacrospinous muscle transfer repair in 6 cases. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 cases, including 1 case of incision infection, 4 cases of skin border necrosis, and 1 case of delayed infection due to fracture of internal fixator 3 years after operation, all of them were cured. The follow-up time was (35±21) months. Among the patients, 6 patients had recurrence, 2 patients with Ewing sarcoma died of lung metastasis 1 year after operation, 4 patients with metastatic cancer died of primary disease, and the remaining patients survived without disease. Conclusion: Choosing different soft tissue reconstruction strategies according to sacral tumor location and tissue defect size can effectively fill the dead space after sacral tumor resection, reduce postoperative complications and improve the prognosis of patients.

[Determination of methyl isobutyl ketone in urine by headspace coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry].

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) in urine samples by headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methods: Automatic headspace sampling technique was adopted to optimize the headspace conditions (headspace bottle heating temperature and equilibration time) and gas chromatographic conditions. A total of 5 ml samples were taken and added with 3.0 g ammonium sulfate into a 20 ml headspace bottle. After heated at 60 ℃ for 30 mins, gas from the upper part of headspace bottle was injected into gas chromatography with an injection volume of 100 µl. The target was separated by HP-5MS UI (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 µm) capillary column and then detected by mass spectrometry detector. The retention time and external standard method were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of MIBK in samples, respectively. Results: The standard curve of MIBK showed significant linearity between 20.0-1 000.0 µg/L. The standard curve was y=62.9x-652.5, and the correlation coefficient r=0.9998. The detection limit of MIBK was 5.0 µg/L and the quantification limit of MIBK was 16.0 µg/L. The average recovery rate was 95.3%~100.2% at three spiked concentrations of low (50.0 µg/L) , medium (200.0 µg/L) and high (500.0 µg/L) . The intra-day and inter-day precisions were 1.7%~3.8% (n=6) and 1.2%~4.0% (n=6) respectively. This method was stable for the determination of MIBK, and the urine could be kept 14 d at -20 ℃ without significantly loss. Conclusion: This method is proved to be simple, practical and highly sensitive. It can satisfy the request for the determination of urine samples of workers exposed to MIBK.

[Meta-analysis on the contents of trace elements in workers with occupational exposure to lead].

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the content differences of trace elements in workers with occupational exposure to lead. Methods: In January 2021, relevant literatures on the contents of trace elements in workers with occupational exposure to lead published from 1990 to 2020 were searched through CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, web of science and Embase. Screened and extracted the literatures, and evaluated the quality of the included literatures with Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Meta analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3 software, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval were used as effect indicators. Results: A total of 20 literatures were included, and the quality scores were 5-7. The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the contents of blood zinc (SMD=-1.01, 95%CI: -1.53, -0.49) , hair zinc (SMD=-0.17, 95%CI: -0.33, -0.01) , hair copper (SMD=-0.50, 95%CI: -1.01, 0) , hair iron (SMD=-3.91, 95%CI: -5.80, -2.03) and hair manganese (SMD=-1.09, 95%CI: -2.02, -0.15) in occupational lead exposure group were significantly lower (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the content of cobalt in hair of occupational lead exposure group (SMD=1.41, 95%CI: 0.72, 2.10) was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . There was no significant difference in the contents of blood chromium, blood copper, blood iron, blood manganese, blood selenium and hair nickel between the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Workers with occupational exposure to lead have abnormal trace elements.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in postpartum women with suboptimal iodine and selenium and adequate iron status.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum women experience thyroid dysfunction at twice the prevalence of the general population. Adequate biosynthesis of thyroid hormones depends on three trace elements: iodine, selenium and iron. This study aimed to investigate thyroid dysfunction within a cohort of women at six months postpartum in relation to iodine, selenium and iron status. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was part of an observational longitudinal cohort Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation; data obtained at six months postpartum are reported. SUBJECTS: Mother-infant pairs (n = 87) were recruited at three months postpartum and followed up at six months postpartum (n = 78). MEASUREMENTS: Thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured. Urinary iodine concentration, breast milk iodine concentration, serum thyroglobulin, plasma selenium, serum ferritin and serum soluble transferrin receptors were determined. Nonparametric data were expressed as median (25th, 75th percentile). RESULTS: Thyroid dysfunction was found in 18% of women, and 4% of women had iron deficiency. Median urinary iodine concentration was 85 (43, 134) µg/L, median breast milk iodine concentration was 59 (39, 109) µg/L, and median serum thyroglobulin at 11.4 (8.6, 18.6) µg/L, indicating iodine deficiency. Median plasma selenium concentration was 105.8 (95.6, 115.3) µg/L. Women with marginally lower plasma selenium concentration were 1.12% times more likely to have abnormal TSH concentrations (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. Plasma selenium concentration was the only significant predictor of the likelihood that women had thyroid dysfunction within this cohort, who were iodine deficient and mostly had adequate iron status. Strategies are required to improve both iodine and selenium status to better support maternal thyroid function.

Associations between gut microbiota and thyroidal function status in Chinese patients with Graves' disease.

OBJECTIVE: The imbalance of gut microbiota has been linked to manifold endocrine diseases, but the association with Graves' disease (GD) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between human gut microbiota and clinical characteristics and thyroidal functional status of GD. METHODS: 14 healthy volunteers (CG) and 15 patients with primary GD (HG) were recruited as subjects. 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing was performed on IlluminaMiSeq platform to analyze the characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with GD. Among them, the thyroid function of 13 patients basically recovered after treatment with anti-thyroid drugs (oral administration of Methimazole for 3-5 months). The fecal samples of patients after treatment (TG) were sequenced again, to further explore and investigate the potential relationship between dysbacteriosis and GD. RESULTS: In terms of alpha diversity index, the observed OTUs, Simpson and Shannon indices of gut microbiota in patients with GD were significantly lower than those in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05).The difference of bacteria species was mainly reflected in the genus level, in which the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Streptococcus increased significantly in GD. After the improvement of thyroid function, a significant reduction at the genus level were Blautia, Corynebacter, Ruminococcus and Streptococcus, while Phascolarctobacterium increased significantly (P < 0.05). According to Spearman correlation analysis, the correlation between the level of thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus was positive, while Synergistetes and Phascolarctobacterium showed a negative correlation with TRAb. Besides, there were highly significant negative correlation between Synergistetes and clinical variables of TRAb, TPOAb and TGAb (P < 0.05, R < - 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that functional status and TRAb level in GD were associated with composition and biological function in the gut microbiota, with Synergistetes and Phascolarctobacterium protecting the thyroid probably, while Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus may be novel biomarkers of GD.

[Finite element analysis of the graft stresses after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the stress distribution characteristics of the graft after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, so as to provide theoretical reference for the surgical plan of ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Based on 3D MRI and CT images, finite element models of the uninjured knee joint and knee joint after ACL reconstruction were established in this study. The uninjured knee model included femur, tibia, fibula, medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament, ACL and posterior cruciate ligament. The ACL reconstruction knee model included femur, tibia, fibula, medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament, ACL graft and posterior cruciate ligament. Linear elastic material properties were used for both the uninjured and ACL reconstruction models. The elastic modulus of bone tissue was set as 17 GPa and Poisson' s ratio was 0.36. The material properties of ligament tissue and graft were set as elastic modulus 390 MPa and Poisson's ratio 0.4. The femur was fixed as the boundary condition, and the tibia anterior tension of 134 N was applied as the loading condition. The stress states of the ACL of the intact joint and the ACL graft after reconstruction were solved and analyzed, including tension, pressure, shear force and von Mises stress. RESULTS: The maximum compressive stress (6.34 MPa), von Mises stress (5.9 MPa) and shear stress (1.83 MPa) of the reconstructed ACL graft were all at the anterior femoral end. It was consistent with the position of maximum compressive stress (8.77 MPa), von Mises stress (8.88 MPa) and shear stress (3.44 MPa) in the ACL of the intact knee joint. The maximum tensile stress of the graft also appeared at the femoral end, but at the posterior side, which was consistent with the position of the maximum tensile stress of ACL of the uninjured knee joint. More-over, the maximum tensile stress of the graft was only 0.88 MPa, which was less than 2.56 MPa of ACL of the uninjured knee joint. CONCLUSION: The maximum compressive stress, von Mises stress and shear stress of the ACL graft are located in the anterior femoral end, and the maximum tensile stress is located in the posterior femoral end, which is consistent with the position of the maximum tensile stress of the ACL of the uninjured knee joint. The anterior part of ACL and the graft bore higher stresses than the posterior part, which is consistent with the biomechanical characteristics of ACL.

[Effect of miR-186 targeting E-cadherin on proliferation and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the role of miR-186 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its molecular mechanism of miR-186 targeting E-cadherin to inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis of RCC. Methods: A total of 40 RCC samples which were collected in Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 and four RCC cell lines were measured the expression of miR-186 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The effect of miR-186 overexpression on the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of 786-O cells were detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8), colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assay and flow cytometric analysis. The effect of miR-186 on the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin) was analyzed by Western blot, and the dual luciferase reporter was used to verify the miR-186 targeting E-cadherin. Results: There were 26 males and 14 females with an age of (58.4±9.2) years. miR-186 expression levels decreased significantly in RCC tissues and cells (tissues: 0.005 2±0.000 4 vs 0.015 5±0.001 5, P<0.001; cells: 0.334 3±0.025 1, 0.457 0±0.026 6, 0.229 8±0.011 0, 0.741 1±0.091 0 vs 1.000 0±0.085 2, all P<0.001). The expression of miR-186 had a negative correlation with tumor size (≥4 cm: 0.003 2±0.003 4 vs<4 cm: 0.008 4±0.007 2, P<0.001), TNM staging (≤Ⅱ: 0.007 8±0.005 8 vs>Ⅱ: 0.002 7±0.002 3, P=0.021) and Fuhrman grade (<Ⅱ: 0.008 8±0.006 3 vs ≥Ⅱ: 0.004 6±0.003 0, P<0.001). The overexpression of miR-186 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis, and induced cell apoptosis. delivered.miR-186 overexpression can retard tumor growth in nude mice. Luciferase assay showed that E-cadherin was a direct target gene of miR-186. Conclusion: miR-186 may affect EMT of RCC and inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of RCC by directly regulating E-cadherin.

[Studies of the norm of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale(KPCS)among parents of infants in urban areas of China].

Objective: To establish the norm of the Chinese version of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) in urban areas of China. Methods: From August to December 2017, the parents of 2 216 children (<36 months old) were selected from 15 cities (Beijing, Lianyungang, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Changsha, Jinan, Guiyang, Ningbo, Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Maanshan, Chongqing and Wuhan) in 14 provinces by stratified random sampling. The general demographic characteristics and parents' parenting confidence were collected by a self-made questionnaire and KPCS Chinese version. The percentile norm was established. P3, P10 and P25 were used as the criteria to define the degree of lack of parenting confidence. Results: The age of mothers was (30.67±4.29). The age of the father was (32.50±4.99) years old. There were 726 (32.76%), 759 (34.25%) and 731 (32.99%) infants in 6-12, 12-23 and 24-35 months old groups. The total scores of P50, P25, P10 and P3 of KPCS (Chinese version) of infant parents in urban areas in China were 41, 38, 33, and 29 respectively. When the scores of parents were 34-37, 30-33, and ≤ 29, they were judged as mild, moderate, and severe lack of parenting confidence. There was no significant difference in the Chinese version of KPCS between parents of different age groups and parents of different gender (χ²=3.53, P=0.171; χ²=1.41, P=0.236). Each factor score≤P3 is defined as the boundary score, and the corresponding boundary scores of "parenting" "support" and "competence" were 13, 9, and 5 respectively. Conclusion: The Chinese version of KPCS can be used to assess the parenting confidence of infants in urban areas of China. It can used as one of the bases for scientific and objective evaluation of the parenting status of families.