Enhanced cadmium phytoremediation capacity of poplar is associated with increased biomass and Cd accumulation under nitrogen deposition conditions.

Nitrogen (N) deposition plays a significant role in soil cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation, and poplar has been considered for the remediation of contaminated soil because of its enormous biomass and strong Cd resistance. To reveal the underlying physiological and root phenotypic mechanisms of N deposition affecting Cd phytoextraction in poplar, we assessed root phenotypic characteristics, Cd absorption and translocation, chlorophyll fluorescence performance, and antioxidant enzyme activities of a clone of Populus deltoides × P. nigra through combined greenhouse Cd and N experiments. Our results showed that Cd significantly changed the root phenotype by reducing root length, tip number, and diameter. Cd also caused the peroxidation of lipids, damaged the photosystem II (PSII) reaction centre, and reduced photosynthetic capacity, resulting in a decrease in biomass accumulation in poplar. The N60 (60 kg N·ha-1·yr-1) and N90 (90 kg N·ha-1·yr-1) treatments promoted the net photosynthetic rate of poplar by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and proline content and repairing the PSII reaction centre, thus increasing the biomass accumulation of poplar exposed to Cd stress. Simultaneously, the N60 and N90 treatments might have increased Cd uptake from the soil by upregulating total root length, root tips, and fine root length. Cd mainly accumulated in roots and stems but not in leaves. The N30 (30 kg N·ha-1·yr-1) treatment had no obvious effects on these parameters compared with the single Cd treatment. Consequently, our study suggested that adequate N can improve biomass and Cd accumulation to enhance the phytoremediation capacity of poplar for Cd, which might be related to the improvement of leaf physiological defence and the change in root phenotypic characteristics.

Analysis of low sexual desire in Chinese women: a national population-based epidemiological survey in mainland China.

Background Low sexual desire is the most prevalent female sexual health problem; however, national epidemiologic data on female sexual desire in China are absent. Understanding factors related to low sexual desire are essential in preparing educational and consultative programs and policies to improve women's sexual health. METHODS: A national epidemiological survey on female sexual function was conducted from February 2014 to January 2016 in mainland China. Women were randomly selected using multistage, stratified, cluster sampling. The sexual functioning was assessed by using the Chinese version of the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire on sexual dysfunction was completed by 25446 women who were aged 20-70 years. The prevalence of low sexual desire was 21.6% (domain score ≤4.28), and the declines in sexual desire started as early as 25-29 years. Sexual arousal was most closely related to sexual desire (Pearson's correlation = 0.760). Higher educational attainment was associated with a decreased risk of low sexual desire. Diabetes, non-gynaecological cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic pain had negative effects on sexual desire (OR = 1.44, 99% CI = 1.11-1.87; OR = 1.92, 99% CI = 1.18-3.13; OR = 1.32, 99% CI = 1.07-1.63; OR = 1.77, 99% CI = 1.13-2.76 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of low sexual desire in females in China was modest. Low sexual desire is correlated with sexual arousal disorder. Biopsychosocial factors have overlapping effects on sexual desire.

A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Female Sexual Dysfunction Risk in Mainland China: Prevalence and Predictors.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic data on female sexual dysfunction in China are sparse. AIM: To assess the prevalence of risk of female sexual dysfunction in mainland China and its regional and sociodemographic variations and physiologic, pathologic, and behavioral risk factors. METHODS: A survey of the general female population was conducted in mainland China from February 2014 through January 2016. Women were randomly selected using multistage, stratified, cluster sampling. The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index and a score lower than 23.45 as the cutoff threshold, was determined. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to examine the effects of sociodemographic, physiologic, pathologic, and behavioral factors on women's risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction and domain-specific sexual problems. OUTCOMES: The questionnaire on sexual dysfunction was completed by 25,446 women 20 to 70 years old. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women 20 to 70 years old in mainland China was estimated at 29.7% (99% CI = 28.9-30.4), with large regional variations. The prevalence rates of potential domain-specific sexual problems were 21.6% (99% CI = 20.9-22.2) for low desire, 21.5 (99% CI = 20.8-22.2) for arousal disorder, 18.9% (99% CI = 18.3-19.6) for lubrication disorder, 27.9% (99% CI = 27.2-28.7) for orgasm disorder, and 14.1% (99% CI = 13.6-14.7) for sexual pain. Higher educational attainment and urban residency were associated with a decreased risk of sexual dysfunction. Women of ethnic minorities (or non-Han ethnicity) had fewer reports of sexual dysfunction than women of Han ethnicity (odds ratio = 0.67, 99% CI = 0.47-0.97). Diabetes, cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pelvic organ prolapse significantly increased the reports of sexual dysfunction. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: This survey provided the prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction in China, information that could be useful for potential prevention and clinical treatment. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first large-scale, nationally based epidemiologic study of female sexual dysfunction in mainland China. The limitations of the study design included an overpowered study caused by the large sample, the under-representation of younger and unmarried women, and no information on the women's partners, their values and knowledge, and detailed medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of female sexual dysfunction in mainland China was modest overall, although variations existed across regions and social groups. Zhang C, Tong J, Zhu L, et al. A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Female Sexual Dysfunction Risk in Mainland China: Prevalence and Predictors. J Sex Med 2017;14:1348-1356.

FasL -844T/C and Fas -1377G/A: mutations of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in South China and their clinical significances.

Apoptosis is an important mechanism of malignant tumor formation and progression. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within cell death genes may influence cancer risk. We explored the relationship between FasL -844T/C and/or Fas -1377G/A SNPs and pulmonary adenocarcinoma (AD). Two hundred seventy-five patients with pulmonary AD of South China admitted into Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from July 2007 to October 2011 were randomly selected, and their clinicopathological data were collected at the same time. Two hundred ninety-seven cases of healthy individuals were selected as control. FasL -844T/C and Fas -1377G/A SNPs were detected by PCR-RFLP technique to evaluate the relationships between these two SNPs and pulmonary AD. Age, FasL -844 and Fas -1377 SNPs were associated with increased risk of pulmonary AD susceptibility in main effect analysis. FasL -844CC and Fas -1377 AA were associated with an increased risk for the development of pulmonary AD only in age <60 years people, but not in those ≥60 years. FasL -844CC genotype was associated with an increased risk for pulmonary AD (adjusted OR = 2.010, 95 % CI 1.196-3.379, P = 0.008) compared with TT genotype. However, Fas -1377 AA was a risk factor only when FasL -844 genotype was CC. Fas -1377 genotypes showed significant effect modification of pulmonary AD risk by FasL -844 genotype with test of the interaction term adjusting for age, gender, and FasL -844 SNP. Fas -1377G/A was not associated with the clinicopathological factors, while FasL -844C/T was associated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis in age ≥60 years people and tumor stage in those <60 years. In conclusion, FasL -844 SNP is associated with the susceptibility of pulmonary AD in age <60 years people. Fas -1377 SNP may modify the association of FasL -844 SNP with the risk of pulmonary AD. FasL -844 genotype plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of pulmonary AD.

Prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia among middle-aged and elderly people in rural southern China.

To estimate the prevalence of dynapenia and examine potential risk factors for dynapenia using a sample of rural middle-aged and elderly Chinese. A cross-sectional study of 253 Chinese adults aged 50 years and older was conducted from June to August in 2022 in Nanjing. A questionnaire was used to collect data on all socioeconomic variables. Body weight, height, body fat percentage, grip strength, waist circumference, calf circumference, and gait speed were measured. The prevalence of dynapenia was 69.6 %, 62.3 % in men and 72.7 % in women respectively. Binary logistic regressions indicated significant associations between dynapenia and age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.63, 4.12; p < 0.001), educational level (OR = 0.55; 95 % CI 0.38, 0.80; p = 0.002). Dynapenia was prevalent among rural middle-aged and elderly people in southern China. Age and lower education level were both associated with dynapenia. Nutrition and physical activity should be strongly recommended as important strategies to maintain and improve muscle strength.

Multiple factor assessment for determining resting metabolic rate in young adults.

Existing formulas cannot fully explain the variation of resting metabolic rate (RMR). This study aims to examine potential influencing factors beyond anthropometric measurements and develop more accurate equations using accessible parameters. 324 healthy adults (230 females; 18-32 years old) participated in the study. Height, fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and RMR were measured. Menstrual cycle, stress levels, living habits, and frequency of consuming caffeinated foods were collected. Measured RMR were compared with predictive values of the new equations and previous 11 equations. Mean RMR for men and women was 1825.2 ± 248.8 and 1345.1 ± 178.7 kcal/day, respectively. RMR adjusted for FFM0.66FM0.066 was positively correlated with BMI. The multiple regression model showed that RMR can be predicted in this population with model 1 (with FFM, FM, age, sex and daily sun exposure duration) or model 2 (with weight and height replacing FFM and FM). The accuracy was 75.31% in the population for predictive model 1 and 70.68% for predictive model 2. The new equations had overall improved performance when compared with existing equations. The predictive formula that consider daily sun exposure duration improve RMR prediction in young adults. Additional investigation is required among individuals in the middle-aged and elderly demographic.

[Study on pathological characteristics of eutopic endometrium in endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the pathologic characteristics of eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis. METHODS: Pathologic characteristics of eutopic endometrium were studied in 176 patients with endometriosis in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2007 to December 2008 retrospectively. RESULTS: About 72.2% (127/176) of eutopic endometrium were in proliferative phase, 19.9% (35/176) of were observed as endometrial polyp, including 32 cases with simple endometrial polyp and 3 cases with abnormal hyperplasia combined with endometrial polyp. And 4.0% (7/176) showed abnormal hyperplasia. The incidence of pathologic changes in eutopic endometrium was 22.2% (39/176). Among 53 endometriosis patients combined with infertility, the incidence of pathologic changes of eutopic endometrium was 35.9% (19/53), which was significantly higher than 16.3% in non-infertile patients (χ(2) = 8.24, P = 0.004). Among 65 cases with irregular menstruation, the incidence of endometrial polypus and endometrial hyperplasia were 20.0% (13/65) and 10.8% (7/65), which were significantly higher than 17.1% (19/111) and 0 in normal menstruation patients (χ(2) = 13.839, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The eutopic endometrium of endometriosis were in proliferative phase state. The pathologic changes of eutopic endometrium were more in patients combined with infertility and irregular menstruation.

Improving Electrochemical Performance of Thick Silicon Film Anodes with Implanted Solid Lithium Source Electrolyte.

Silicon is a potential next-generation anode material for a lithium-ion battery. However, the large-scale application of silicon is restricted by poor electrical conductivity, large volume change, and high irreversible capacity during the charge/discharge process. Here, we proposed a simple strategy by preimplanting a solid lithium source electrolyte (Li2CO3 and Li2O) into Si thick film to improve the electrochemical properties of Si materials. The implanted solid lithium source electrolyte participates in and induces the formation of SEI not only on the top surface of Si film but also in the interface of Si particles. The thick Si film with the implanted solid lithium electrolyte (a thickness of ∼10 µm) delivers above 2000 mAh g-1 specific capacity, >92% initial Coulombic efficiency, and ∼87% capacity retention over 150 cycles at 400 mA g-1. The present work sheds light on the design of high capacity and long cycle life electrode materials for other batteries.

Comprehensive identification of terpene synthase genes and organ-dependent accumulation of terpenoid volatiles in a traditional medicinal plant Angelica archangelica L.

Angelica archangelica L. is a traditional medicinal plant of Nordic origin that produces an unusual amount and variety of terpenoids. The unique terpenoid composition of A. archangelica likely arises from the involvement of terpene synthases (TPSs) with different specificities, none of which has been identified. As the first step in identifying TPSs responsible for terpenoid chemodiversity in A. archangelica, we produced a transcriptome catalogue using the mRNAs extracted from the leaves, tap roots, and dry seeds of the plant; 11 putative TPS genes were identified (AaTPS1-AaTPS11). Phylogenetic analysis predicted that AaTPS1-AaTPS5, AaTPS6-AaTPS10, and AaTPS11 belong to the monoterpene synthase (monoTPS), sesquiterpene synthase (sesquiTPS), and diterpene synthase clusters, respectively. We then performed in vivo enzyme assays of the AaTPSs using recombinant Escherichia coli systems to examine their enzymatic activities and specificities. Nine recombinant enzymes (AaTPS2-AaTPS10) displayed TPS activities with specificities consistent with their phylogenetics; however, AaTPS5 exhibited a strong sesquiTPS activity along with a weak monoTPS activity. We also analyzed terpenoid volatiles in the flowers, immature and mature seeds, leaves, and tap roots of A. archangelica using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; 14 monoterpenoids and 13 sesquiterpenoids were identified. The mature seeds accumulated the highest levels of monoterpenoids, with ß-phellandrene being the most prominent. α-Pinene and ß-myrcene were abundant in all organs examined. The in vivo assay results suggest that the AaTPSs functionally identified in this study are at least partly involved in the chemodiversity of terpenoid volatiles in A. archangelica.

Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes in vaginal tissues in postmenopausal women. The role of stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to explore gene expression and their regulatory mechanisms in etiology of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Tissue samples were taken from the paraurethral vaginal wall from three pairs of postmenopausal, age/body mass index/parity-matched SUI, and continent women and subjected to microarray analysis using the Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 oligonucleotide chip set. The significantly differentially expressed genes and their protein expression were confirmed by quantitative PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Seventy-five differentially expressed genes were listed; 31 genes were upregulated in SUI group, while 44 were downregulated. Gene metabolic pathway analysis showed that solutable N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor signaling pathway and neurodegenerative disorder pathway were the most predominant. CONCLUSIONS: Apolipoprotein E, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2, Golgi SNAP receptor complex member 1, and glucosidase, beta, acid may play a neurodegenerative role in SUI development.

[Effects of laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and tension-free vaginal tape in treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a comparative study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Thirty patients underwent laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 67 age, BMI, parity, and grading-matched patients underwent TVT because of moderate to severe hypermotility urodynamic SUI from 2002 to 2006. Follow-up was conducted for (9 +/- 10) months. The clinical characteristics, mean operation time, hospital stay, peri-operative complications, and late complications were compared. RESULTS: The mean operative time and the hospital stay of the TVT group was (29.57 +/- 8.23) min and (3.0 +/- 2.1) d, both significantly shorter than those of the Burch operation group [(87 +/- 23) min and (4.8 +/- 1.9) d respectively, P < 0.001 and P < 0.01]. The blood loss of the TVT group was (27 +/- 12) ml, significantly less than that of the Burch operation group [(59 +/- 30) ml, P < 0.001]. The subjective cure rate of the Burch operation group was 86.5%, not significantly different from that of the TVT group (95.5%, P > 0.05). Short-term complications included 1 case of bladder injury and 1 case of circumflex iliac vein injuring, both occurring in the Burch colposuspension group. The postoperative urine retention rate of the Burch colposuspension group was 23.5%, not significantly different from that of the TVT group (14.9%, P > 0.05), and the postoperative fever rate of the Burch colposuspension group was 16.2%, significantly higher than that of the TVT group (4.5%, P < 0.05). Three cases of erosion of sling were found in the TVT group as late complications. CONCLUSION: Both Burch colposuspension and TVT are effective in the treatment of female SUI. The mean operative time of Burch operation and the hospital stay thereafter are longer; however, the cost of TVT is much higher than that of the Burch operation.

New classification of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Uterus didelphys and blind hemivagina associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis are collectively known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS). In the literature, the syndrome often appears as a single case report or as a small series. In our study, we reviewed the characteristics of all HWWS patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and suggested a new classification for this syndrome because the clinical characteristics differed significantly between the completely and incompletely obstructed vaginal septum. This new classification allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: From January 1986 to March 2013, all diagnosed cases of HWWS at PUMCH were reviewed. A retrospective long-term follow-up study of the clinical presentation, surgical prognosis, and pregnancy outcomes was performed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 15.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Between-group comparisons were performed using the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, and the t-test. The significance level for all analyses was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The clinical data from 79 patients with HWWS were analyzed until March 31, 2013. According to our newly identified characteristics, we recommend that the syndrome be classified by the complete or incomplete obstruction of the hemivagina as follows: Classification 1, a completely obstructed hemivagina and Classification 2, an incompletely obstructed hemivagina. The clinical details associated with these two types are distinctly different. CONCLUSIONS: HWWS patients should be differentiated according to these two classifications. The two classifications could be generalized by gynecologists world-wide.

Endometriosis in association with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) and explore the relationship between an obstructive genital abnormality and pelvic endometriosis. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): A total of 94 women with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS). INTERVENTION(S): Retrospectively reviewed charts of patients diagnosed with HWWS and follow-up contact. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Data for each patient regarding demographics, presenting symptoms, concomitant complications, and anatomic variations were obtained from operation notes and clinical records. RESULT(S): The occurrence of pelvic endometriosis was 19.15% (18/94) in patients with HWWS. All ovarian endometrial cysts (100%) occurred ipsilateral to the vaginal septum. Pelvic endometriosis was significantly more frequent in patients with complete hemivaginal obstructions (10/27, 37.0%) than those with incomplete obstructions (8/67, 11.9%). CONCLUSION(S): One-fifth of patients with HWWS were susceptible to pelvic endometriosis, and all of the ovarian endometriotic cysts were ipsilateral to the vaginal septum. Pelvic endometriosis in adolescents appeared to be related to the obstructed genital abnormality. Vaginal septum resection should be the first step in treatment and surgery has an important role in the treatment of endometriosis and pelvic adhesion.

Clinical characteristics of 70 patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome. METHODS: Seventy patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HWW syndrome admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1995 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed, and long-term follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: The lateral distribution of hemivaginal obstruction and renal agenesis favored the right side in 42 patients (60.0%). Age at onset of symptoms was significantly different between patients with complete and those with incomplete hemivaginal obstruction (12.86 ± 1.84 vs 20.68 ± 7.43 years; P<0.05). The primary gynecologic complaint was dysmenorrhea, which occurred in 45 (64.3%) patients. Endometriosis was observed in 12 (17.1%) patients, and 14 (20.0%) patients with hemivaginal obstruction had acute pelvic inflammation history. All patients underwent vaginal septectomy. There were 52 pregnancies among 28 (84.8%) of the 33 women who wished to conceive. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of patients with HWW syndrome was significantly different between those with complete and those with incomplete hemivaginal obstruction. Full resection of the vaginal septum resulted in good outcomes.