Genomic and phenotypic-based safety assessment and probiotic properties of Streptococcus thermophilus FUA329, a urolithin A-producing bacterium of human milk origin.

Streptococcus thermophilus FUA329, a urolithin A-producing bacterium, is isolated from human breast milk. The complete genome sequence of FUA329 did not contain any plasmids and at least 20 proteins were related to extreme environment resistance. Phenotypic assay results demonstrated that FUA329 was susceptible to 12 kinds of antibiotics and did not exhibit any hemolytic or nitrate reductase activity. Three free radical scavenging assays revealed that FUA329 have high antioxidant capability. FUA329 exhibited a cell surface hydrophobicity of 52.58 ± 1.17% and an auto-aggregation rate of 18.69 ± 2.48%. Moreover, FUA329 demonstrated a survival rate of over 60% in strong acid and bile salt environments, indicating that FUA329 may be stable colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, we firstly found 3 potential proteins and 11 potential genes of transforming ellagic acid to urolithins in FUA329 genome. The above results indicate that FUA329 has credible safety and probiotic properties, as well as the potential to be developed as a new generation of urolithin A-producing probiotics.

Microglia and macrophages in the neuro-glia-vascular unit: From identity to functions.

Although both are myeloid cells located surrounding cerebral vasculature, vessel-associated microglia (VAM) and perivascular macrophages (PVMs) can be distinguished by their distinct morphologies, signatures and microscopic location. As key component of neuro-glia-vascular unit (NGVU), they play prominent roles in neurovasculature development and pathological process of various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including phagocytosis, angiogenesis, vessel damage/protection and blood flow regulation, therefore serving as potential targets for therapeutics of a broad array of CNS diseases. Herein, we will provide a comprehensive overview of heterogeneity of VAM/PVMs, highlight limitations of current understanding in this field, and discuss possible directions of future investigations.

ASK1-K716R reduces neuroinflammation and white matter injury via preserving blood-brain barrier integrity after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant worldwide public health concern that necessitates attention. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a key player in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, has garnered interest for its potential neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke and epilepsy when deleted. Nonetheless, the specific impact of ASK1 on TBI and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Notably, mutation of ATP-binding sites, such as lysine residues, can lead to catalytic inactivation of ASK1. To address these knowledge gaps, we generated transgenic mice harboring a site-specific mutant ASK1 Map3k5-e (K716R), enabling us to assess its effects and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms following TBI. METHODS: We employed the CRIPR/Cas9 system to generate a transgenic mouse model carrying the ASK1-K716R mutation, aming to investigate the functional implications of this specific mutant. The controlled cortical impact method was utilized to induce TBI. Expression and distribution of ASK1 were detected through Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The ASK1 kinase activity after TBI was detected by a specific ASK1 kinase activity kit. Cerebral microvessels were isolated by gradient centrifugation using dextran. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. BBB ultrastructure was visualized using transmission electron microscopy, while the expression levels of endothelial tight junction proteins and ASK1 signaling pathway proteins was detected by Western blotting. To investigate TBI-induced neuroinflammation, we conducted immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry analyses. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining and electrophysiological compound action potentials were conducted to evaluate gray and white matter injury. Finally, sensorimotor function and cognitive function were assessed by a battery of behavioral tests. RESULTS: The activity of ASK1-K716R was significantly decreased following TBI. Western blotting confirmed that ASK1-K716R effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of ASK1, JNKs, and p38 in response to TBI. Additionally, ASK1-K716R demonstrated a protective function in maintaining BBB integrity by suppressing ASK1/JNKs activity in endothelial cells, thereby reducing the degradation of tight junction proteins following TBI. Besides, ASK1-K716R effectively suppressed the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain parenchyma, decreased the number of proinflammatory-like microglia/macrophages, increased the number of anti-inflammatory-like microglia/macrophages, and downregulated expression of several proinflammatory factors. Furthermore, ASK1-K716R attenuated white matter injury and improved the nerve conduction function of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers after TBI. Finally, our findings demonstrated that ASK1-K716R exhibited favorable long-term functional and histological outcomes in the aftermath of TBI. CONCLUSION: ASK1-K716R preserves BBB integrity by inhibiting ASK1/JNKs pathway in endothelial cells, consequently reducing the degradation of tight junction proteins. Additionally, it alleviates early neuroinflammation by inhibiting the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain parenchyma and modulating the polarization of microglia/macrophages. These beneficial effects of ASK1-K716R subsequently result in a reduction in white matter injury and promote the long-term recovery of neurological function following TBI.

One-stage repair of proximal hypospadias by in situ tubularization of the transverse preputial island flap.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of modified transverse preputial island flap (TPIF) repair with the traditional TPIF procedure and Byar's two-stage procedure in proximal hypospadias repair, especially in the postoperative urethral stricture incidence rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted for proximal hypospadias treated with modified TPIF repair, the traditional TPIF procedure, or Byar's two-stage procedure at our institution from 2017 to 2021 were identified, and the incidence of postoperative complications among them was compared. RESULTS: In total, 142 patients were included (modified TPIF group, 43; traditional TPIF group, 37; and Byar's two-stage group, 62). The length of the neourethra was 4.21 ± 0.63 cm in the modified TPIF group, 4.18 ± 0.71 cm in the traditional TPIF group, and 4.20 ± 0.68 cm in the Byar's two-stage group. The rate of urethral stricture in the modified TPIF group (two cases, 4.65%) was significantly lower than that in the traditional TPIF group (four cases, 10.81%) (P = 0.008). Seven (16.28%) cases of urethrocutaneous fistula occurred in the modified TPIF group, six (16.22%) in the traditional TPIF group, and eight (12.90%) in the two-stage group. Additionally, one case (2.33%) of urethral diverticulum occurred in the modified TPIF group, one (2.70%) in the traditional TPIF group, and three (4.84%) in Byar's two-stage group. CONCLUSIONS: Modified TPIF repair can ensure a wedge anastomosis between the proximal urethral meatus and the neourethra, provide support and blood supply for the neourethra. Furthermore, it extended the urethral plate width at the anastomosis and urethral meatus, effectively reducing the incidence of urethral strictures.

The role of microglial/macrophagic salt-inducible kinase 3 on normal and excessive phagocytosis after transient focal cerebral ischemia.

Previous studies suggested that anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophages (Mi/MΦ) play a role in "normal phagocytosis," which promoted the rapid clearance of necrotic substances and apoptotic cells. More recently, a few studies have found that Mi/MΦ also play a role in "pathological phagocytosis" in the form of excessive or reduced phagocytosis, thereby worsening damage induced by CNS diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms and the Mi/MΦ subtypes related to this pathological phagocytosis are still unknown. Salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3), a member of the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family, has been shown to regulate inflammation in several peripheral diseases. Whether SIK3 also regulates the inflammatory response in CNS diseases is currently unknown. Therefore, in this study, we created a transgenic tamoxifen-induced Mi/MΦ-specific SIK3 conditional knockout (SIK3-cKO) mouse to examine SIK3's role in phagocytotic function induced by transient focal cerebral ischemia (tFCI). By single-cell RNA-seq, we found the pro-inflammatory Mi/MΦ phenotype performed an excessive phagocytotic function, but the anti-inflammatory Mi/MΦ phenotype performed a normal phagocytotic function. We found that SIK3-cKO caused Mi/MΦ heterogenization from the transitional phenotype to the anti-inflammatory phenotype after tFCI. This phenotypic shift corresponded with enhanced phagocytosis of both apoptotic and live neurons. Interestingly, SIK3-cKO enhanced normal phagocytosis of myelin debris but attenuating excessive phagocytosis of non-damaged myelin sheath, thereby protecting white matter integrity after tFCI. CD16, a pro-inflammation marker, was decreased significantly by SIK3-cKO and correlated with "excessive phagocytosis." SIK3-cKO promoted long-term recovery of white matter function and neurological function as assessed with electrophysiological compound action potential (CAPs) and behavioral analysis. This study is the first to show a role of SIK3 in Mi/MΦ phagocytosis in CNS diseases, and reveals that promoting Mi/MΦ anti-inflammatory heterogenization inhibits "excessive phagocytosis" of live cells and facilitates "normal phagocytosis" of apoptotic cells. Therefore, inhibition of SIK3 in Mi/MΦ may be a potential therapeutic target in stroke and other CNS diseases with accompanying white matter destruction. In the acute stage of tFCI, Mi/MΦ polarized into different phenotypes. The pro-inflammatory Mi/MΦ phenotype performed an excessive phagocytotic function. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory Mi/MΦ phenotype performed a normal phagocytotic function. After tFCI, SIK3-cKO promoted anti-inflammatory phenotypic heterogenization of Mi/MΦ. SIK3-cKO promoted Mi/MΦ phagocytosis of apoptotic (normal phagocytosis) and living neuronal cell bodies (excessive phagocytosis) in gray matter. Interestingly, SIK3-cKO specifically increased normal phagocytosis of myelin debris concurrent with an attenuation of excessive phagocytosis of myelin sheath in white matter. These changes induced by SIK3-cKO were associated with protection of white matter integrity and long-term neurofunctional recovery after tFCI.

Interleukin 13 promotes long-term recovery after ischemic stroke by inhibiting the activation of STAT3.

BACKGROUND: Microglia/macrophages are activated after cerebral ischemic stroke and can contribute to either brain injury or recovery by polarizing microglia/macrophage into distinctive functional phenotypes with pro- or anti-inflammatory properties. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that regulates microglia/macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. However, it is not clear whether IL-13 is beneficial after ischemic stroke long-term and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remain unknown. Thus, we examined the effect of IL-13 on long-term recovery and microglia/macrophage polarization in mice with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model (tMCAO). METHODS: tMCAO was induced in adult male C57BL/6J mice. IL-13 (60 µg/kg) was administered intranasally starting 2 h after stroke and continued for seven consecutive days. Sensorimotor function, spatial learning and memory function, as well as brain infarct volume were assessed up to 35 days after stroke. White matter integrity was evaluated by electrophysiology, immunofluorescence staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Microglia/macrophage activation was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in immune cells in the brain and the periphery, and expression of IL-13 receptors in different brain cells were detected by flow cytometry. Primary neuron/microglia co-cultures and a STAT3 inhibitor were used for mechanistic studies. RESULTS: Post-treatment with IL-13 improved long-term neurofunctional recovery and decreased brain tissue atrophy after stroke. Intranasal delivery of IL-13 enhanced the structural and functional integrity of white matter after stroke. Furthermore, the neuroprotection afforded by IL-13 administration was not due to a direct effect on neurons, but by indirectly regulating the anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglia/macrophages. IL-13 treatment also had no effect on peripheral immune cells. Mechanistically, IL-13 improved the long-term outcome after ischemic stroke by promoting the polarization of microglia/macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory phenotype at least partially by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3. CONCLUSIONS: IL-13 promotes white matter repair and improves neurofunctional outcomes after ischemic stroke by modulating microglia/macrophages via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation.

Microglia-specific deletion of histone deacetylase 3 promotes inflammation resolution, white matter integrity, and functional recovery in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are believed to exacerbate traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on studies using pan-HDAC inhibitors. However, the HDAC isoform responsible for the detrimental effects and the cell types involved remain unknown, which may hinder the development of specific targeting strategies that boost therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Microglia are important mediators of post-TBI neuroinflammation and critically impact TBI outcome. HDAC3 was reported to be essential to the inflammatory program of in vitro cultured macrophages, but its role in microglia and in the post-TBI brain has not been investigated in vivo. METHODS: We generated HDAC3LoxP mice and crossed them with CX3CR1CreER mice, enabling in vivo conditional deletion of HDAC3. Microglia-specific HDAC3 knockout (HDAC3 miKO) was induced in CX3CR1CreER:HDAC3LoxP mice with 5 days of tamoxifen treatment followed by a 30-day development interval. The effects of HDAC3 miKO on microglial phenotype and neuroinflammation were examined 3-5 days after TBI induced by controlled cortical impact. Neurological deficits and the integrity of white matter were assessed for 6 weeks after TBI by neurobehavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and electrophysiology. RESULTS: HDAC3 miKO mice harbored specific deletion of HDAC3 in microglia but not in peripheral monocytes. HDAC3 miKO reduced the number of microglia by 26%, but did not alter the inflammation level in the homeostatic brain. After TBI, proinflammatory microglial responses and brain inflammation were markedly alleviated by HDAC3 miKO, whereas the infiltration of blood immune cells was unchanged, suggesting a primary effect of HDAC3 miKO on modulating microglial phenotype. Importantly, HDAC3 miKO was sufficient to facilitate functional recovery for 6 weeks after TBI. TBI-induced injury to axons and myelin was ameliorated, and signal conduction by white matter fiber tracts was significantly enhanced in HDAC3 miKO mice. CONCLUSION: Using a novel microglia-specific conditional knockout mouse model, we delineated for the first time the role of microglial HDAC3 after TBI in vivo. HDAC3 miKO not only reduced proinflammatory microglial responses, but also elicited long-lasting improvement of white matter integrity and functional recovery after TBI. Microglial HDAC3 is therefore a promising therapeutic target to improve long-term outcomes after TBI.

IL-13 Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Promotes Functional Recovery after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Microglia play essential roles in neuroinflammatory responses after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our previous studies showed that phenotypes of microglia, as well as infiltrating macrophages, altered at different stages after CNS injury, which was correlated to functional outcomes. IL-13 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that has been reported to protect against demyelination and spinal cord injury through immunomodulation. The effects of IL-13 in microglia/macrophage-mediated immune responses after TBI remain unknown. In this study, we showed that intranasal administration of IL-13 in male C57BL/6J mice accelerated functional recovery in the controlled cortical impact model of TBI. IL-13 treatment increased the time to fall off in the Rotarod test, reduced the number of foot faults in the foot fault test, and improved the score in the wire hang test up to 28 d after TBI. Consistent with functional improvement, IL-13 reduced neuronal tissue loss and preserved white matter integrity 6 d after TBI. Furthermore, IL-13 ameliorated the elevation of proinflammatory factors and reduced the number of proinflammatory microglia/macrophages 6 d after TBI. Additionally, IL-13 enhanced microglia/macrophage phagocytosis of damaged neurons in the peri-lesion areas. In vitro studies confirmed that IL-13 treatment inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines in rat primary microglia in response to LPS or dead neuron stimulation and increased the ability of microglia to engulf fluorophore-labeled latex beads or dead neurons. Collectively, we demonstrated that IL-13 treatment improved neurologic outcomes after TBI through adjusting microglia/macrophage phenotypes and inhibiting inflammatory responses. IL-13 may represent a potential immunotherapy to promote long-term recovery from TBI.

Biphasic effects of typical chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants on Microcystis aeruginosa.

The potential accumulation of chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) in aquatic environments sparked interest in studying the effects of Cl-OPFRs on cyanobacterial blooms. In this work, two common Cl-OPFRs, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), induced dose-dependent biphasic effect on bloom-forming M. aeruginosa. The hormetic response to low-dose Cl-OPFRs was associated with the upregulation of the type I NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-1) complex and its mediated cyclic electron transfer (CET) pathway, as reflected by a transient post-illumination increase in chlorophyll fluorescence, the dark reduction of P700+ and the change of NDH-1-related gene expression. The increased CET activity and carotenoid content jointly reduced the intracellular ROS production, facilitating cyanobacterial growth. Conversely, a higher concentration of both Cl-OPFRs induced severe inhibition of growth and photosynthetic oxygen-evolving activity through an imbalance between PSII and PSI. Toxic-dose Cl-OPFRs inhibited state transition and fixed cells into the State I with a higher PSII/PSI ratio, as indicated by chlorophyll fluorescence induction, 77 K fluorescence emission spectra and photosystem stoichiometry. The elevated PSII/PSI ratio created an imbalance between the two photosystems and eventually lead to ROS overproduction, which generate adverse effects on cell growth. This work provides important insights into the hormetic mechanism of Cl-OPFRs on Microcystis aeruginosa and their potential roles in harmful cyanobacteria blooms.

Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethral plate in hypospadias.

Hypospadias is an abnormal ventral development of the penis caused by incomplete virilization of the male genital tubercle. This study investigated the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethral plate in hypospadias. The urethral corpus spongiosum tissue was collected for HE, Masson and α-SMA immunohistochemical staining. Spongiosum VSMCs were cultured and identified by α-SMA fluorescence. qRT-PCR and Western blotting and fluorescence were performed. The results showed that the vascular lumen of the corpus spongiosum around the urethral plate was larger and that the vascular smooth muscle layer was thicker in hypospadias. The expression of the contractile markers α-SMA and Calponin 1 in VSMCs was decreased, the expression of the synthetic marker OPN was increased, and the transcription of the phenotypic switching factors SRF and MYOCD was decreased. The expression of Ki67, PCNA and BAX was increased, and the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. The phenotype of corpus spongiosum VSMCs in hypospadias changed from the contractional type to the synthetic type. This phenotypic modulation was associated with increased proliferation and apoptosis rates. SRF and MYOCD may be the main factors mediating the phenotypic modulation of urethral corpus spongiosum VSMCs.

Cordycepin confers long-term neuroprotection via inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: The secondary injury caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially white matter injury (WMI), is highly sensitive to neuroinflammation, which further leads to unfavored long-term outcomes. Although the cross-talk between the three active events, immune cell infiltration, BBB breakdown, and proinflammatory microglial/macrophage polarization, plays a role in the vicious cycle, its mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been reported that cordycepin, an extract from Cordyceps militaris, can inhibit TBI-induced neuroinflammation although the long-term effects of cordycepin remain unknown. Here, we report our investigation of cordycepin's long-term neuroprotective function and its underlying immunological mechanism. METHODS: TBI mice model was established with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. Cordycepin was intraperitoneally administered twice daily for a week. Neurological outcomes were assessed by behavioral tests, including grid walking test, cylinder test, wire hang test, and rotarod test. Immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy, and electrophysiology recording were employed to assess histological and functional lesions. Quantitative-PCR and flow cytometry were used to detect neuroinflammation. The tracers of Sulfo-NHS-biotin and Evans blue were assessed for the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage. Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to analyze protein activity or expression. Neutrophil depletion in vivo was performed via using Ly6G antibody intraperitoneal injection. RESULTS: Cordycepin administration ameliorated long-term neurological deficits and reduced neuronal tissue loss in TBI mice. Meanwhile, the long-term integrity of white matter was also preserved, which was revealed in multiple dimensions, such as morphology, histology, ultrastructure, and electrical conductivity. Cordycepin administration inhibited microglia/macrophage pro-inflammatory polarization and promoted anti-inflammatory polarization after TBI. BBB breach was attenuated by cordycepin administration at 3 days after TBI. Cordycepin suppressed the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the neutrophil infiltration at 3 days after TBI. Moreover, neutrophil depletion provided a cordycepin-like effect, and cordycepin administration united with neutrophil depletion did not show a benefit of superposition. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term neuroprotective function of cordycepin via suppressing neutrophil infiltration after TBI, thereby preserving BBB integrity and changing microglia/macrophage polarization. These findings provide significant clinical potentials to improve the quality of life for TBI patients.

Neural Network Representation of Tensor Network and Chiral States.

We study the representational power of Boltzmann machines (a type of neural network) in quantum many-body systems. We prove that any (local) tensor network state has a (local) neural network representation. The construction is almost optimal in the sense that the number of parameters in the neural network representation is almost linear in the number of nonzero parameters in the tensor network representation. Despite the difficulty of representing (gapped) chiral topological states with local tensor networks, we construct a quasilocal neural network representation for a chiral p-wave superconductor. These results demonstrate the power of Boltzmann machines.

Effects of ultrasound on functional properties, structure and glycation properties of proteins: a review.

Protein is an indispensable part of life. It provides nutrition for human body and flavor for food. The role of protein depends largely on the functional properties of the protein. Therefore, the elucidation of protein structure and functional properties needs to be further explored. The effects of structural and functional properties of proteins under different ultrasonic treatment conditions were reviewed. The structural changes of protein were studied by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry combined with fluorescence spectrometry and proteomics, and the mechanism of action was determined. The glycation site, the glycation degree, and the glycation characteristics of different sugars were determined. The protein was modified by ultrasound, and the influence of protein structure, physicochemical properties, protein glycation characteristics, and the action mechanism were analyzed by biological mass spectrometry.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Attenuates Burn-Induced Denervated Muscle Atrophy.

Background: Neuronal apoptosis and inflammation in the ventral horn of the spinal cord contribute to denervated muscle atrophy post-burn. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) exerts anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. Furthermore, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α has been reported to promote inflammation and apoptosis. We investigated the therapeutic potential of HBOT and the role of HIF-1α post-burn. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a control group, an untreated burn group receiving burn and sham treatment, and a HBOT group receiving burn injury and HBOT. The burn injury was induced with 75ºC ± 5ºC at the right hindpaw. HBOT (100% oxygen at 2.5 atmosphere, 90 min/day) and sham HBOT (21% oxygen at 1 atmosphere, 90 min/day) was started on day 28 after burn injury and continued for 14 treatments (days 28-41). Incapacitance (hind limb weight bearing) testing was conducted before burn and weekly after burn. At day 42 post-burn, the gastrocnemius muscle and the spinal cord ventral horn were analyzed. Results: HBOT improved burn-induced weight bearing imbalance. At day 42 post-burn, less gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and fibrosis were noted in the HBOT group than in the untreated burn group. In the ventral horn, HBOT attenuated the neuronal apoptosis and glial activation post-burn. The increases in phosphorylated AKT/mTOR post-burn were reduced after HBOT. HBOT also inhibited HIF-1α signaling, as determined by immunofluorescence and western blot. Conclusions: HBOT reduces burn-induced neuronal apoptosis in the ventral horn, possibly through HIF-1α signaling.

Household and schooling rather than diet offset the adverse associations of height with school competence and emotional disturbance among Taiwanese girls.

OBJECTIVE: Short stature may reflect health in early life and be an enduring disability. How birth weight, gender, household, elementary schooling and diet play a role in associations between stature and overall school competence (OSC) have been assessed. DESIGN: The 2001-2002 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) for elementary schoolchildren (n 2274, 52·1 % boys) was linked to birth records. It provided sociodemographic, dietary quality, body compositional and school performance (as Scale for Assessing Emotional Disturbance, SAED; OSC as an SAED subscale) data. Lower birth weight was ≤15th percentile: 2850 g for boys and 2700 g for girls, and stature as z-scores for Taiwanese. Multivariable linear regression was used for relationships between OSC and stature. Trends in OSC by stature and school grade were assessed. SETTING: The 2001-2002 NAHSIT for elementary schoolchildren. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 2274 schoolchildren aged 6-13 years. RESULTS: Compared to normal height (-2< height for age z-score (HAZ) <2), shorter girls (HAZ ≤ -2) had a lower OSC (8·87 v. 10·5, P < 0·05) and taller girls (HAZ ≥ 2) had a better OSC (12·3 v. 10·5, P < 0·001). Maternal education and household income each contributed more than 5 % of OSC variance. OSC and HAZ among girls were positively associated and emotional disturbance negatively associated. Shortness-associated lower OSC underwent remediation with advancing school grade. Stature and OSC were not evidently related in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter stature can compromise OSC among school girls. The major determinants in shorter girls are less household income and limited parental education.

After-school nutrition education programme improves eating behaviour in economically disadvantaged adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an after-school nutrition education (ASNE) programme can improve the nutrition knowledge and healthy eating behaviour of adolescents from economically disadvantaged families. DESIGN: One-group pretest and posttest design. Nutrition knowledge and dietary intake were collected using a questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were measured before and after the intervention. Nine components of healthy eating behaviour were assessed with reference to the Dietary Guideline of Taiwan. Pretest and posttest differences were analysed using generalised estimating equations. SETTING: Three after-school programmes in central and southern Taiwan. The ASNE programme comprised three monthly 1-h sessions (20-30-min lecture and 30-40-min interaction). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 153 adolescents aged 10-15 years from economically disadvantaged families (seventy-eight elementary students and seventy-five junior high school students). RESULTS: Elementary and junior high school students' nutrition knowledge scores (range 0-6) increased by 0·28 (+ 5·7 %, P = 0·02) and 0·30 points (+ 6·18 %, P = 0·02), respectively, but their fruit intake decreased by 0·36 serving/d (-22·9 %, P = 0·02) and 0·29 serving/d (-18·9 %, P = 0·03), respectively. Junior high school students' mean snacking frequency and fried food intake dropped to 0·75 d/week (-21·3 %, P = 0·008) and 0·10 serving/d (-28·8 %, P = 0·01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term ASNE programmes can increase nutrition knowledge and reduce snacking frequency and fried food intake despite a decrease in fruit intake among adolescents from economically disadvantaged families.

Druggable negative allosteric site of P2X3 receptors.

Allosteric modulation provides exciting opportunities for drug discovery of enzymes, ion channels, and G protein-coupled receptors. As cation channels gated by extracellular ATP, P2X receptors have attracted wide attention as new drug targets. Although small molecules targeting P2X receptors have entered into clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis, cough, and pain, negative allosteric modulation of these receptors remains largely unexplored. Here, combining X-ray crystallography, computational modeling, and functional studies of channel mutants, we identified a negative allosteric site on P2X3 receptors, fostered by the left flipper (LF), lower body (LB), and dorsal fin (DF) domains. Using two structurally analogous subtype-specific allosteric inhibitors of P2X3, AF-353 and AF-219, the latter being a drug candidate under phase II clinical trials for refractory chronic cough and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, we defined the molecular interactions between the drugs and receptors and the mechanism by which allosteric changes in the LF, DF, and LB domains modulate ATP activation of P2X3. Our detailed characterization of this druggable allosteric site should inspire new strategies to develop P2X3-specific allosteric modulators for clinical use.

Module-Designed Carbon-Coated Separators for High-Loading, High-Sulfur-Utilization Cathodes in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries have great potential as next-generation energy-storage devices because of their high theoretical charge-storage capacity and the low cost of the sulfur cathode. To accelerate the development of lithium-sulfur technology, it is necessary to address the intrinsic material and extrinsic technological challenges brought about by the insulating active solid-state materials and the soluble active liquid-state materials. Herein, we report a systematic investigation of module-designed carbon-coated separators, where the carbon coating layer on the polypropylene membrane decreases the irreversible loss of dissolved polysulfides and increases the reaction kinetics of the high-loading sulfur cathode. Eight different conductive carbon coatings were considered to investigate how the materials' characteristics contribute to the lithium-sulfur cell's cathode performance. The cell with a nonporous-carbon-coated separator delivered an optimized peak capacity of 1112 mA∙h g-1 at a cycling rate of C/10 and retained a high reversible capacity of 710 mA∙h g-1 after 200 cycles under lean-electrolyte conditions. Moreover, we demonstrate the practical high specific capacity of the cathode and its commercial potential, achieving high sulfur loading and content of 4.0 mg cm-2 and 70 wt%, respectively, and attaining high areal and gravimetric capacities of 4.45 mA∙h cm-2 and 778 mA∙h g-1, respectively.

Evaluation of seed nitrate assimilation and stimulation of phenolic-linked antioxidant on pentose phosphate pathway and nitrate reduction in three feed-plant species.

BACKGROUND: Soil and water pollution due to nitrate are becoming increasingly serious worldwide. The government also put forward relevant governance policies, and a large number of scholars studied chemical physics and other methods to remove nitrate in water, but the cost was substantial. Studies have found that planting systems including grasses have the potential to remove nitrates. However, there are few studies on nitrate linked pathway and nitrate assimilation during its early growth. RESULTS: We have evaluated three different feed-plant species with three levels of overnight seed nitrate treatments along with a control. The activity of different enzymes from 2 weeks old shoots was measured to get a comprehension of proline-associated pentose phosphate pathway coupled with nitrate assimilation and phenolic-linked antioxidant response system in these species under nitrate treatments. All three feed-plant species showed high nitrate tolerance during germination and early growth stages. It is perceived that the accumulation of total soluble phenolics and total antioxidant activity was high in all three feed-plant species under high nitrate treatments. In terms of high G6PDH activity along with low SDH activity in alfalfa, there may be a shift of carbon flux in this species under high nitrate treatments. Higher activity of these enzymes along with higher SOD and GPX activity was observed in alfalfa. The efficient mechanism of nitrate stress tolerance of alfalfa also correlated with higher photochemical efficiency. Perennial ryegrass also showed excellent potential under high nitrate treatments by adopting an efficient mechanism to counter nitrate-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Under the condition of nitrate treatment, the germination rates of the three feed-plant species are still ideal, and they have good enzyme activity and have the potential to remove nitrate.

Ball Tracking and Trajectory Prediction for Table-Tennis Robots.

Sports robots have become a popular research topic in recent years. For table-tennis robots, ball tracking and trajectory prediction are the most important technologies. Several methods were developed in previous research efforts, and they can be divided into two categories: physical models and machine learning. The former use algorithms that consider gravity, air resistance, the Magnus effect, and elastic collision. However, estimating these external forces require high sampling frequencies that can only be achieved with high-efficiency imaging equipment. This study thus employed machine learning to learn the flight trajectories of ping-pong balls, which consist of two parabolic trajectories: one beginning at the serving point and ending at the landing point on the table, and the other beginning at the landing point and ending at the striking point of the robot. We established two artificial neural networks to learn these two trajectories. We conducted a simulation experiment using 200 real-world trajectories as training data. The mean errors of the proposed dual-network method and a single-network model were 39.6 mm and 42.9 mm, respectively. The results indicate that the prediction performance of the proposed dual-network method is better than that of the single-network approach. We also used the physical model to generate 330 trajectories for training and the simulation test results show that the trained model achieved a success rate of 97% out of 30 attempts, which was higher than the success rate of 70% obtained by the physical model. A physical experiment presented a mean error and standard deviation of 36.6 mm and 18.8 mm, respectively. The results also show that even without the time stamps, the proposed method maintains its prediction performance with the additional advantages of 15% fewer parameters in the overall network and 54% shorter training time.