Application of Ulva lactuca polysaccharide in the preservation of refrigerated of Lateolabrax maculatus fillets.

This study aimed to explore the use of Ulva lactuca polysaccharide (ULP) as a preservative for perch (Lateolabrax maculatus) fillets stored under refrigeration at 4 °C. Fresh perch fillets were treated with ULP (7-10 kDa) and potassium sorbate, respectively, to evaluate their effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth and maintain freshness. A 0.5% ULP solution significantly decreased the pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen value, thiobarbituric acid value, and total bacterial count of perch fillets. ULP solution delayed the changes in whiteness and texture of fillets, as well as protein degradation. The acute toxicity experiment further evaluates the safety and reliability of ULP. Simultaneously, utilizing 16S rRNA techniques, the ULP solution inhibited microorganisms known for their strong spoilage capabilities, such as Pseudomonas, Actinetobacter, and Shewanella. Microorganisms with a weaker ability to cause corruption became the dominant bacteria, such as Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium, thereby exerting a degree of inhibition against spoilage.

PPA1 promotes adipogenesis by regulating the stability of C/EBPs.

Adipogenesis significantly contributes to healthy adipose tissue expansion in obesity. Increasing adipocyte number or function to alleviate adipose tissue overload could serve as a therapeutic strategy for both lipodystrophy and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. Inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPA1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate (PPi) and is involved in many biochemical reactions, but its function in adipose tissue has not been studied previously. In this study, we demonstrated that adipose-specific PPA1 knockout (PPA1AKO) mice showed lipodystrophy and spontaneously developed hepatic steatosis and severe insulin resistance under normal chow diet feeding. PPA1 deficiency suppressed the differentiation of primary adipocyte precursors and 3T3-L1 cells. Notably, PPA1 overexpression can restore inhibited adipogenesis in preadipocytes isolated from db/db mice and type 2 diabetes patients. Mechanistic studies have revealed that PPA1 acts as a positive regulator of early adipocyte differentiation by promoting CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteinß and δ (C/EBPß and δ) protein stability. Moreover, the function of PPA1 in adipogenesis is independent of its PPi catalytic activity. Collectively, our in vivo and in vitro findings demonstrated that PPA1 is a novel critical upstream regulator of adipogenesis, controlling adipose tissue development and whole-body metabolic homeostasis.

Novel CCR3-targeted cyclic peptides as potential therapeutic agents for age-related macular degeneration via inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing retinal photoreceptor damage.

The prolonged intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs is prone to inducing aberrant retinal vascular development and causing damage to retinal neurons. Hence, we have taken an alternative approach by designing and synthesizing a series of cyclic peptides targeting CC motif chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3). Based on the binding mode of the N-terminal region in CCR3 protein to CCL11, we used computer-aided identification of key amino acid sequence, conformational restriction through different cyclization methods, designed and synthesized a series of target cyclic peptides, and screened the preferred compound IB-2 through affinity. IB-2 exhibits excellent anti-angiogenic activity in HRECs. The apoptosis level of 661W cells demonstrated a significant decrease with the escalating concentration of IB-2. This suggests that IB-2 may have a protective effect on photoreceptor cells. In vivo experiments have shown that IB-2 significantly reduces retinal vascular leakage and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) area in a laser-induced mouse model of CNV. These findings indicate the potential of IB-2 as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for AMD, warranting further development.

High-strength double-network silk fibroin based hydrogel loaded with Icariin and BMSCs to inhibit osteoclasts and promote osteogenic differentiation to enhance bone repair.

Large bone defects cause significant clinical challenges due to the lack of optimal grafts for effective regeneration. The tissue engineering way that requires the combination of biomaterials scaffold, stem cells and proper bioactive factors is a prospective method for large bone repair. Here, we synthesized a three-arm host-guest supramolecule (HGSM) to covalently crosslinking with the naturally derived polymer methacrylated silk fibroin (SFMA). The combination of HGSM and SFMA can form a high strength double-crosslinked hydrogel HGSFMA, that serve as the hydrogel scaffold for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) growing. Icariin (ICA) loaded in the HGSFMA hydrogel can promote the osteogenesis efficiency of BMSCs and inhibit the osteoclasts differentiation. Our findings demonstrated that the HGSFMA/ICA hydrogel effectively promoted the in vitro adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Rat femoral defects model show that this hydrogel can completely repair femoral damage within 4 weeks and significantly promote the secretion of osteogenesis-related proteins. In summary, we have prepared an effective biomimetic bone carrier, offering a novel strategy for bone regeneration and the treatment of large-scale bone defects.

Prevalence of hypertension and related risk factors in older Chinese population: a meta-analysis.

Objective: Hypertension is the most challenging public health problem worldwide and seriously affects human health. To date, there are no epidemiological studies on the prevalence of and risk factors for hypertension among older people in mainland China. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among the older population in mainland China. We searched Chinese and English databases for Chinese and English literature on hypertension epidemiology published between 2000 and 2022, and hypertension data among the older population were extracted from the included literature. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model (I2 > 50%) with 95% confidence intervals for the forest plots. Data were processed using RevMan 5.3. Forty-nine publications (with data from 84,429 samples) met the evaluation criteria and were included in this study. Results: We found that the total prevalence of hypertension was 47%. The total prevalence rate of the older population in China from 2000 to 2010 was 50%, and the prevalence rate from 2011 to 2021 was 45%, with no significant differences. The total prevalence in Central China was the highest (59%). There was no significant correlation between the prevalence rate of the older population, sex, and urban or rural areas. Conclusion: Hypertension is common among the older population in China, and its control rate is low. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment measures, as well as education, should be formulated to improve the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in the older population.

GPNMB promotes peripheral nerve regeneration by activating the Erk1/2 and Akt pathways via binding Na+/K+-ATPase α1 in Schwann cells.

Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is ubiquitously expressed and has protective effects on the central nervous system. In particular, it is also expressed in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and upregulated after peripheral nerve injury. However, the role and underlying mechanism of GPNMB in the PNS, especially in peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR), are still unknown and need to be further investigated. In this study, recombinant human GPNMB (rhGPNMB) was injected into a sciatic nerve injury model. It was found that rhGPNMB facilitated the regeneration and functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve in vivo. Moreover, it was also confirmed that GPNMB activated the Erk1/2 and Akt pathways via binding with Na+/K + -ATPase α1 (NKA α1) and promoted the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells (SCs) and their expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors and neural adhesion molecules in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that GPNMB facilitates PNR through activation of the Erk1/2 and Akt pathways in SCs by binding with NKA α1 and may be a novel strategy for PNR.

EBUS-TBLC increase the diagnosis rate in different type of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Background and objective: Recently, endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath-guided (EBUS-GS) has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) from human natural orifice. However, the diagnostic rate is still largely dependent on the location of the lesion and the probe. Here, we reported a new procedure to improve the diagnostic rate of EBUS-transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (EBUS-TBLC), which performed under general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in all of the patients. This study retrospectively evaluated the diagnosis of PPLs with 'blind-ending' type (Type I) and 'pass-through' type procedures (Type II) of EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC respectively. Methods: Retrospective review of 136 cases performed by EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC for PPLs over 2 years. Results: A total of 126 cases EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC were performed during the study period. Among them, 66 (52.4%) were performed Type I and 60 (47.6%) were performed Type II. Clinical baseline characteristics did not differ between two groups. The overall diagnosis rate of 126 patients with EBUS-GS-TBLB or EBUS-TBLC was 73% (92/126), and different method type have significant influence on the diagnostic yield (P = 0.012, x2 = 4.699). Among them, diagnostic yields for Type I with forceps biopsy (n=34), Type I with cryobiopsy (n=32), Type II with forceps biopsy (n=30), and Type II with cryobiopsy (n=30) were 72.5%, 64.5%, 70.4% and 74.2% respectively (Figure 2A). The study further compared the outcomes of different procedures in concentric and eccentric lesion. Diagnostic yields for Type I with eccentric (n=30), Type I with concentric (n=36), Type II with eccentric (n=34), and Type II with concentric (n=26) were 58.2%, 76.9%, 60.2% and 74.8%, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in 126 patients was 2.6%. Conclusion: EBUS-GS-TBLB and EBUS-TBLC both are very safe and highly diagnostic technique; different method types have significant influence on the diagnostic yield. Moreover, Type II procedure has higher diagnostic yield. In addition, Type I with eccentric had the lowest diagnosis yield.

Endothelial Protein C Receptor and 3K3A-Activated Protein C Protect Mice from Allergic Contact Dermatitis in a Contact Hypersensitivity Model.

Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is a receptor for the natural anti-coagulant activated protein C (aPC). It mediates the anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective functions of aPC through the cleavage of protease-activated receptor (PAR)1/2. Allergic contact dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by inflammation and defective skin barrier. This study investigated the effect of EPCR and 3K3A-aPC on allergic contact dermatitis using a contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model. CHS was induced using 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in EPCR-deficient (KO) and matched wild-type mice and mice treated with 3K3A-aPC, a mutant form of aPC with diminished anti-coagulant activity. Changes in clinical and histological features, cytokines, and immune cells were examined. EPCRKO mice displayed more severe CHS, with increased immune cell infiltration in the skin and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and IgE than wild-type mice. EPCR, aPC, and PAR1/2 were expressed by the skin epidermis, with EPCR presenting almost exclusively in the basal layer. EPCRKO increased the epidermal expression of aPC and PAR1, whereas in CHS, their expression was reduced compared to wild-type mice. 3K3A-aPC reduced CHS severity in wild-type and EPCRKO mice by suppressing immune cell infiltration/activation and inflammatory cytokines. In summary, EPCRKO exacerbated CHS, whereas 3K3A-aPC could reduce the severity of CHS in both EPCRKO and wild-type mice.

EPCR deficiency ameliorates inflammatory arthritis in mice by suppressing the activation and migration of T cells and dendritic cells.

OBJECTIVES: Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is highly expressed in synovial tissues of patients with RA, but the function of this receptor remains unknown in RA. This study investigated the effect of EPCR on the onset and development of inflammatory arthritis and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: CIA was induced in EPCR gene knockout (KO) and matched wild-type (WT) mice. The onset and development of arthritis was monitored clinically and histologically. T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), EPCR and cytokines from EPCR KO and WT mice, RA patients and healthy controls (HCs) were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. RESULTS: EPCR KO mice displayed >40% lower arthritis incidence and 50% less disease severity than WT mice. EPCR KO mice also had significantly fewer Th1/Th17 cells in synovial tissues with more DCs in circulation. Lymph nodes and synovial CD4 T cells from EPCR KO mice expressed fewer chemokine receptors CXCR3, CXCR5 and CCR6 than WT mice. In vitro, EPCR KO spleen cells contained fewer Th1 and more Th2 and Th17 cells than WT and, in concordance, blocking EPCR in WT cells stimulated Th2 and Th17 cells. DCs generated from EPCR KO bone marrow were less mature and produced less MMP-9. Circulating T cells from RA patients expressed higher levels of EPCR than HC cells; blocking EPCR stimulated Th2 and Treg cells in vitro. CONCLUSION: Deficiency of EPCR ameliorates arthritis in CIA via inhibition of the activation and migration of pathogenic Th cells and DCs. Targeting EPCR may constitute a novel strategy for future RA treatment.

A recombinant signalling-selective activated protein C that lacks anticoagulant activity is efficacious and safe in cutaneous wound preclinical models.

Various preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the robust wound healing capacity of the natural anticoagulant activated protein C (APC). A bioengineered APC variant designated 3K3A-APC retains APC's cytoprotective cell signalling actions with <10% anticoagulant activity. This study was aimed to provide preclinical evidence that 3K3A-APC is efficacious and safe as a wound healing agent. 3K3A-APC, like wild-type APC, demonstrated positive effects on proliferation of human skin cells (keratinocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts). Similarly it also increased matrix metollaproteinase-2 activation in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Topical 3K3A-APC treatment at 10 or 30 µg both accelerated mouse wound healing when culled on Day 11. And at 10 µg, it was superior to APC and had half the dermal wound gape compared to control. Further testing was conducted in excisional porcine wounds due to their congruence to human skin. Here, 3K3A-APC advanced macroscopic healing in a dose-dependent manner (100, 250 and 500 µg) when culled on Day 21. This was histologically corroborated by greater collagen maturity, suggesting more advanced remodelling. A non-interference arm of this study found no evidence that topical 3K3A-APC caused either any significant systemic side-effects or any significant leakage into the circulation. However the female pigs exhibited transient and mild local reactions after treatments in week three, which did not impact healing. Overall these preclinical studies support the hypothesis that 3K3A-APC merits future human wound studies.

Machine learning-based estimation and mitigation of nitric oxide emissions from Chinese vegetable fields.

High fertilizer input and nitric oxide (NO) emissions characterize the intensive vegetable production system. However, the amount, geographic distribution, and effective mitigation strategies of NO emissions over Chinese vegetable fields remain largely uncertain. In this study, we developed a data-driven estimate of NO emissions and their spatial pattern in Chinese vegetable fields based on the Random Forest (RF) model. Additionally, we conducted a field experiment in a subtropical vegetable field to investigate the effect of climate-smart practices on NO emissions. The RF model results showed that soil NO emissions from Chinese vegetable fields were sensitive to nitrogen application amount, soil clay content, and pH. The total NO emission from Chinese vegetable fields in 2018 was estimated to be 75.9 Gg NO-N. The urgency to reduce NO emissions in vegetable fields was higher in northern than in southern China. Our meta-analysis and field experiment results suggested that biochar amendment and replacing chemical fertilizers with bio-organic fertilizers were win-win climate-smart management practices for mitigating NO emissions while improving vegetable production. Overall, our study provided new insights into NO emissions in vegetable soil ecosystems and can facilitate the development of regional NO emission inventories and effective mitigation strategies. These findings highlight the importance of adopting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices to reduce NO emissions and mitigate their adverse environmental impacts.

Comparative Transcriptome Sequencing and Endogenous Phytohormone Content of Annual Grafted Branches of Zelkova schneideriana and Its Dwarf Variety HenTianGao.

Zelkova schneideriana is a fast-growing tree species endemic to China. Recent surveys and reports have highlighted a continued decline in its natural populations; therefore, it is included in the Red List of Threatened Species by The International Union for Conservation of Nature. A new variety "HenTianGao" (H) has been developed with smaller plant height, slow growth, and lower branching points. In this study, we attempted to understand the differences in plant height of Z. schneideriana (J) and its dwarf variety H. We determined the endogenous hormone content in the annual grafted branches of both J and H. J exhibited higher gibberellic acid (GA)-19 and trans-Zeatin (tZ) levels, whereas H had higher levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) catabolite 2-oxindole-3-acetic acid (OxIAA), IAA-Glu conjugate, and jasmonic acid (JA) (and its conjugate JA-Ile). The transcriptome comparison showed differential regulation of 20,944 genes enriched in growth and development, signaling, and metabolism-related pathways. The results show that the differential phytohormone level (IAA, JA, tZ, and GA) was consistent with the expression of the genes associated with their biosynthesis. The differences in relative OxIAA, IAA-Glu, GA19, trans-Zeatin, JA, and JA-Ile levels were linked to changes in respective signaling-related genes. We also observed significant differences in the expression of cell size, number, proliferation, cell wall biosynthesis, and remodeling-related genes in J and H. The differences in relative endogenous hormone levels, expression of biosynthesis, and signaling genes provide a theoretical basis for understanding the plant height differences in Z. schneideriana.

The trends of disease burden due to high temperature in Mainland China from 1990 to 2019 and its prediction to 2030.

The risk of high-temperature-related diseases is increasing owing to global warming. This study aimed to assess the trend of disease burden caused by high temperatures in Mainland China from 1990 to 2019 and to predict the trend of disease burden over the next 10 years. The latest data were downloaded from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD) for analysis, and the disease burden related to high temperature was described by mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and stratified by etiology, sex, and age. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. In 2019, there were 13,907 deaths attributed to high temperatures in Mainland China, and this was 29.55% higher than the 10,735 deaths in 1990. Overall, the age-standardized mortality and DALYs attributed to high temperatures showed a downward trend from 1990 to 2019. We observed an etiological shift in high-temperature-related diseases. The age-standardized DALYs contribution attributed to high temperatures in 1990 was mainly from communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNND) (21.81/100,000), followed by injury (18.30/100,000) and non-communicable diseases (10.40/100,000). In 2019, the largest contribution shifted to non-communicable diseases (10.07/100,000), followed by injuries (5.21/100,000), and CMNND (2.30/100,000). The disease burden attributed to high temperatures was higher in males than in females and increased with age. In 2030, the mortality rate and DALYs due to high temperatures are predicted to decrease further, and the largest contribution will come from chronic non-communicable diseases, the occurrence of which will remain at a high level over the next 10 years. The burden of disease due to high temperatures in Mainland China is still heavy, mainly due to population aging and an increase in non-communicable diseases.

Naringin ameliorates liver fibrosis in zebrafish by modulating IDO1-mediated lipid metabolism and inflammatory infiltration.

Liver fibrosis (LF) is an important reparative process in response to acute or chronic hepatic injury, which has the potential to advance towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dietary naringin consumption contributes to protection against LF in animal studies, while the exact protective mechanism of naringin remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the potential protective effect of naringin against TAA-induced LF in zebrafish. In this study, we utilized zebrafish to create the LF model and investigate the therapeutic mechanism of naringin. Firstly, we evaluated the changes in hepatic fibrosis and lipid accumulation in the liver following naringin treatment with oil red O, Nile red, and Sirius red and immunohistochemistry. In addition, we employed an ROS probe to directly measure oxidative stress and monitor inflammatory cell migration in a zebrafish transgenic line. Morpholino was used in the knockdown of IDO1 in order to verify its vital role in LF. Our findings demonstrated that naringin exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic action in conjunction with a reversal in lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and suppression of macrophage infiltration and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, the results showed that the antifibrotic effect of naringin was removed upon IDO1 knockdown, proving that naringin exerts a protective effect by regulating IDO1. Naringin demonstrates remarkable protective effects against LF, effectively counteracting inflammation and hepatic steatosis in zebrafish liver. These findings suggest that naringin may function as an effective IDO1 inhibitor, holding the potential for clinical translation as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of LF.

The effects of different endometrial preparation regimens on pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a prospective randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of research have emerged to compare the pregnancy outcomes between the natural cycle and the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycle in preparing the endometrium for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), but the results are controversial. This prospective randomized controlled study was hence designed to obtain more solid evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, patients with regular menstrual cycle length (21-35 days) who underwent FET between January 2010 to December 2017 were recruited for this study. Upon further filtering with the selection criteria of patients being, a total of 405 patients were recruited and randomized. Finally, analysis was performed on 384 patients: 178 belonged to the natural cycle group whereas the remaining 206 were in the HRT group. The primary outcome was live birth rate, while the secondary outcomes were implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, late miscarriage rate, multiple birth rate and low birth weight rate. RESULTS: The live birth rate (37.6% vs 30.1%, p = 0.119) of natural cycle group were higher than those of the hormone replacement therapy group, although the difference was not significant. The secondary outcomes were not found to differ significantly between the two groups. Nonetheless, the endometrium was found to be thicker in the natural cycle group (10.75 mm) than the HRT group (9.00 mm) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No significant differences were observed between the pregnancy outcomes of the natural cycle group and the HRT group which comprised of patients with regular menstrual cycle length.

Improved Cell Properties of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) Isolated and Expanded in a GMP Compliant and Xenogeneic Serum-free Medium.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (hDPSCs) are considered to be a good cell source for cell-based clinical therapy, due to the advantages of high proliferation capacity, multilineage differentiation potential, immune regulation abilities, less ethnic concerns and non-invasive access. However, hDPSCs were traditionally isolated and expanded in medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is a barrier for clinical application due to the safety issues (virus transmission and allergy). Although many studies make efforts to screen out a suitable culture medium, the results are not promising so far. Therefore, a standard good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant culture system is urgently required for the large-scale cell production. This study aimed to find suitable culture conditions for producing clinical grade hDPSCs to meet the requirements for clinical cell-based therapy and further to promote the application of hDPSCs into tissue regeneration or disease cure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We derived hDPSCs from nine orthodontic teeth expanded in two different media: a GMP compliant and xenogeneic serum-free medium (AMMS) and a serum containing medium (SCM). Cell propterties including morphology, proliferation, marker expression, differentiation, stemness, senescence and cytokine secretion between these two media were systematically compared. RESULTS: hDPSCs cultured in both media exhibited the typical characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, we found that more cell colonies formed in the primary culture in AMMS, and the hDPSCs displayed higher proliferation capacity, differentiation potential and better stemness maintenance during sub-culturing in AMMS. CONCLUSION: Cell properties of hDPSCs could be improved when they were isolated and expanded in AMMS, which might provide a good candidate of culture medium for large-scale cell manufacturing.

Phosphorylation modification orchestrates the functionalities of peroxin 14 in filamentous entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

Peroxin 14 (Pex14) is a component of the receptor-docking complex at peroxisomal membrane. However, its post translation modification remains largely unknown in filamentous fungi. In this study, we characterized two phosphorylation sites (S54 and T262) in Beauveria bassiana Pex14 (BbPex14). Two phosphorylation sites are dispensable for the BbPex14 role as a peroxin. The BbPex14 roles in conidiation and blastospore formation are dependent on two phosphorylation sites, and blastospore formation is more dependent on phosphorylation modification of two sites. Two phosphorylation sites differentially contribute to pexophagy during conidiation and under stress, in which the site T262 is indispensable. Evidently, the phosphorylation modification expands the functionalities of BbPex14. This study improves our understandings of the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying organellar biology in the filamentous fungi.

The correlation between visceral fat/subcutaneous fat area ratio and monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and albuminuria.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to observe the correlation between the visceral fat/subcutaneous fat area ratio (VSR) and peripheral blood monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and albuminuria. METHODS: Based on the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), 89 T2DM patients were divided into normo-albuminuria group (n = 49, UACR <30 mg/g) and albuminuria group (n = 40, UACR ≥30 mg/g). Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), duration of T2DM, blood pressure, visceral fat area (VA), subcutaneous fat area (SA), biochemical indexes of blood serum and urinary were collected and compared between the two groups, and the relationship between VSR and MHR was analyzed in albuminuria group. RESULTS: No significant differences existed in gender, age, BMI, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, serum lipids, and hemoglobin Alc between the two groups. The levels of VA, VSR, MHR, and UACR were higher in the albuminuria group (P < 0.05). VSR was positively correlated with MHR (r = 0.39, P < 0.01), whereas VA was not significantly correlated with MHR in the albuminuria group. CONCLUSION: Compared with VA, VSR was significantly correlated with MHR, suggesting that VSR is more closely related to the occurrence of chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetics with albuminuria.

Uncovering the prevalence and drivers of antibiotic resistance genes in soils across different land-use types.

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil due to animal excreta and organic waste is a major threat to human health and ecosystems, and global efforts are required to tackle the issue. However, there is limited knowledge of the variation in ARG prevalence and diversity resulting from different land-use patterns and underlying driving factors in soils. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the profile of ARGs and mobile genetic elements and their drivers in soil samples collected from 11 provinces across China, representing three different land-use types, using high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our results showed that agricultural soil had the highest abundance and diversity of ARGs, followed by tea plantation and forest land. A total of 124 unique ARGs were detected in all samples, with shared subtypes among different land-use patterns indicating a common origin or high transmission frequency. Moreover, significant differences in ARG distribution were observed among different geographical regions, with the greatest enrichment of ARGs found in southern China. Biotic and abiotic factors, including soil properties, climatic factors, and bacterial diversity, were identified as the primary drivers associated with ARG abundance, explaining 71.8% of total ARG variation. The findings of our study demonstrate that different land-use patterns are associated with variations in ARG abundance in soil, with agricultural practices posing the greatest risk to human health and ecosystems regarding ARGs. Our identification of biotic and abiotic drivers of ARG abundance provides valuable insights into strategies for mitigating the spread of these genes. This study emphasizes the need for coordinated and integrated approaches to address the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.