Spatial Dissection of the Distinct Cellular Responses to Normal Aging and Alzheimer's Disease in Human Prefrontal Cortex at Single-Nucleus Resolution.

Aging significantly elevates the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), contributing to the accumulation of AD pathologies, such as amyloid-ß (Aß), inflammation, and oxidative stress. The human prefrontal cortex (PFC) is highly vulnerable to the impacts of both aging and AD. Unveiling and understanding the molecular alterations in PFC associated with normal aging (NA) and AD is essential for elucidating the mechanisms of AD progression and developing novel therapeutics for this devastating disease. In this study, for the first time, we employed a cutting-edge spatial transcriptome platform, STOmics® SpaTial Enhanced Resolution Omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq), to generate the first comprehensive, subcellular resolution spatial transcriptome atlas of the human PFC from six AD cases at various neuropathological stages and six age, sex, and ethnicity matched controls. Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptional alterations across six neocortex layers, highlighted the AD-associated disruptions in laminar architecture, and identified changes in layer-to-layer interactions as AD progresses. Further, throughout the progression from NA to various stages of AD, we discovered specific genes that were significantly upregulated in neurons experiencing high stress and in nearby non-neuronal cells, compared to cells distant from the source of stress. Notably, the cell-cell interactions between the neurons under the high stress and adjacent glial cells that promote Aß clearance and neuroprotection were diminished in AD in response to stressors compared to NA. Through cell-type specific gene co-expression analysis, we identified three modules in excitatory and inhibitory neurons associated with neuronal protection, protein dephosphorylation, and negative regulation of Aß plaque formation. These modules negatively correlated with AD progression, indicating a reduced capacity for toxic substance clearance in AD subject samples. Moreover, we have discovered a novel transcription factor, ZNF460, that regulates all three modules, establishing it as a potential new therapeutic target for AD. Overall, utilizing the latest spatial transcriptome platform, our study developed the first transcriptome-wide atlas with subcellular resolution for assessing the molecular alterations in the human PFC due to AD. This atlas sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying the progression from NA to AD.

Ethanolic extract from Sophora moorcroftiana inhibit cell proliferation and alter the mechanical properties of human cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Previous studies have shown that the ethanol extract of Sophora moorcroftiana seeds (EESMS) possesses an antiproliferative effect on several tumors in vitro. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the impact of EESMS on human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell proliferation. METHODS: The proliferation and apoptotic effects of HeLa cells treated with EESMS were evaluated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Single-cell level atomic force microscopy (AFM) was conducted to detect the mechanical properties of HeLa cells, and proteomics and bioinformatics methods were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of EESMS. RESULTS: EESMS treatment inhibited HeLa cell proliferation by blocking the G0/G1 phase, increasing the expression of Caspase-3 and affecting its mechanical properties, and the EESMS indicated no significant inhibitory effect on mouse fibroblasts L929 cell line. In total, 218 differentially expressed proteins were identified using two-dimensional electrophoresis, and eight differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The differentially expressed proteins were involved in various cellular and biological processes. CONCLUSION: This study provides a perspective on how cells change through biomechanics and a further theoretical foundation for the future application of Sophora moorcroftiana as a novel low-toxicity chemotherapy medication for treating human cervical cancer.

Intensive chemotherapy with dual induction and ALL-like consolidation for childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a respective report from multiple centers in China.

Background: Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has poor prognosis and high rate of relapse and mortality, and exploration of new treatment options is still critically needed. Objectives: To summarize the outcome of our new treatment strategies for pediatric AML, which is characterized by dual induction and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) elements consolidation. Design: Retrospective, single-arm study. Methods: From July 2012 to December 2019, an intensive chemotherapy protocol was used for newly diagnosed children with AML, which contains dual induction, three courses of consolidations based on high-dose cytarabine, and two courses of consolidations composed of high-dose methotrexate, vincristine, asparaginase, and mercaptopurine (ALL-like elements). Blasts were monitored by bone marrow smears at intervals, and two lumbar punctures were performed during chemotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of this study. The last follow-up was on 26 May 2023. Results: A total of 70 pediatric AMLs were included. The median age at diagnosis was 6.7 (0.5-16.0) years. The median initial WBC count was 23.74 × 109/L, 11 of whom ⩾100 × 109/L. After dual induction, there were 62 cases of complete remission (CR), 5 cases of partial remission, and 3 cases of nonremission. The CR rate was 88.57%. The median follow-up time was 5.8 (0.2-9.4) years, the 5-year overall survival was 78.2% ± 5%, the event-free survival (EFS) was 71.2% ± 5.6%, and the cumulative recurrence rate was 27.75%. The 5-year EFS of patients with initial WBC < 100 × 109/L (n = 59) and ⩾100 × 109/L (n = 11) were 76.4% ± 5.7% and 45.5% ± 15% (p = 0.013), respectively. A total of 650 hospital infections occurred. The main causes of infection were respiratory tract infection (26.92%), septicemia (18.46%), stomatitis (11.85%), and skin and soft-tissue infection (10.46%). Conclusion: This intensive treatment protocol with dual induction and ALL-like elements is effective and safe for childhood AML. Initial WBC ⩾ 100 × 109/L was the only independent risk factor in this cohort. Trial registration: It is a retrospective study, and no registration on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genomes of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in Northeast China.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) plants are major sources of health food and medicines. Twenty species and seven variations of Crataegus are present in China. A variety of unique Crataegus species was found in their natural distribution in northeast China. In the present study, we assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of five Crataegus species from northeastern China. The sizes of the newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes ranged from 245,907 bp to 410,837 bp. A total of 45-55 genes, including 12-19 transfer RNA genes, three ribosomal RNA genes, and 29-33 protein-coding genes (PCGs) were encoded by these mitochondrial genomes. Seven divergent hotspot regions were identified by comparative analyses: atp6, nad3, ccmFN, matR, nad1, nad5, and rps1. The most conserved genes among the Crataegus species, according to the whole-genome correlation analysis, were nad1, matR, nad5, ccmFN, cox1, nad4, trnQ-TTG, trnK-TTT, trnE-TTC, and trnM-CAT. Horizontal gene transfer between organellar genomes was common in Crataegus plants. Based on the phylogenetic trees of mitochondrial PCGs, C. maximowiczii, C. maximowiczii var. ninganensis, and C. bretschneideri shared similar maternal relationships. This study improves Crataegus mitochondrial genome resources and offers important insights into the taxonomy and species identification of this genus.

Potential planting regions of Pterocarpus santalinus (Fabaceae) under current and future climate in China based on MaxEnt modeling.

This study modeled the habitat distribution of Pterocarpus santalinus, a valuable rosewood species, across China under current and future climate scenarios (SSPs126, SSPs245, and SSPs585) using MaxEnt. Our findings reveal that the current suitable habitat, spanning approximately 409,600 km2, is primarily located in the central and southern parts of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Yunnan, as well as in the Hainan provinces, along with the coastal regions of Taiwan, and the Sichuan-Chongqing border. The habitat's distribution is significantly influenced by climatic factors such as temperature seasonality (bio4), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), annual mean temperature (bio1), and annual precipitation (bio12), while terrain and soil factors play a lesser role. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable habitat for P. santalinus is projected to expand, with a northeastward shift in its distribution center. This research not only sheds light on the geoecological characteristics and geographical distribution of P. santalinus in China but also offers a scientific basis for planning its cultivation areas and enhancing cultivation efficiency under changing climate conditions.

From pill to pain: Alendronate-induced esophageal injury-A case report and review.

Background: Alendronate is used to treat Paget's bone disease, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and postmenopausal osteoporosis because it suppresses osteoclast activity to stop bone resorption. Case report: We present an exceptional case of esophagitis caused by alendronate. Blood tests and other data were normal when the patient was taken to the hospital, but an endoscopic examination revealed significant esophageal redness, erosion, and ulceration, along with pseudomembrane. The patient was given medicine after receiving a diagnosis of alendronate pill-induced esophagitis based on the pathological findings. Conclusion: This case report is a timely reminder of the importance of thorough pharmacovigilance, patient education, and smart therapeutic decision-making in the context of alendronate use. To properly treat and prevent problems with the esophagus caused by alendronate, additional research is required.

Basiliximab Treatment for Patients With Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Following Matched Sibling Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Basiliximab is an important treatment for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD). We performed this retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of basiliximab treatment in SR-aGVHD patients following matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (MSD-HSCT) (n = 63). Overall response rate (ORR) was 63.5% and 54% at any time and at day 28 after basiliximab treatment. Grade III-IV aGVHD before basiliximab treatment predicted a poor ORR after basiliximab treatment. The rates of virus, bacteria, and fungi infections were 54%, 23.8%, and 3.1%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 730 (range, 67-3,042) days, the 1-year probability of overall survival and disease-free survival after basiliximab treatment were 58.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 47.6%-72.2%) and 55.4% (95% CI = 44.3%-69.2%), respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality after basiliximab treatment were 18.9% (95% CI = 8.3%-29.5%) and 33.8% (95% CI = 21.8%-45.7%), respectively. Comorbidities burden before allo-HSCT, severity of aGVHD and liver aGVHD before basiliximab treatment showed negative influences on survival. Thus, basiliximab was safe and effective treatment for SR-aGVHD following MSD-HSCT.

Compatible multilayer magnetic field system for quantum sensing with atoms.

Magnetic fields provide a valuable method to manipulate atomic energy levels and interactions in quantum precision measurements, but achieving precise measurements requires collaboration between the magnetic field system and the optical detection system. We propose a magnetic field system that incorporates a fast-switching magnetic field and an alternating magnetic field. Specifically, we enhance the switching speed by making structural improvements during the switching operation. An independent control approach is employed to reduce the switching time caused by electromagnetic induction across the coil using multilayer coils. The results demonstrate an inverse correlation between the rise and fall times of the magnetic field switch and the number of independently stacked coil layers, indicating the possibility of achieving further improvements in switching speed through structural enhancements. The system developed here has considerable potential for application to diverse quantum systems.

Comparative genomics analysis of pheophorbide a oxygenase (PAO) genes in eight pyrus genomes and their regulatory role in multiple stress responses in Chinese pear (Pyrus bretschneideri).

Pyrus (pear) is among the most nutritious fruits and contains fibers that have great health benefits to humans. It is mostly cultivated in temperate regions globally and is highly subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses which affect its yield. Pheophorbide a oxygenase (PAO) is an essential component of the chlorophyll degradation system and contributes to the senescence of leaves. It is responsible for opening the pheophorbide a porphyrin macrocycle and forming the main fluorescent chlorophyll catabolite However, this gene family and its members have not been explored in Pyrus genomes. Here we report a pangenome-wide investigation has been conducted on eight Pyrus genomes: Cuiguan, Shanxi Duli, Zhongai 1, Nijisseiki, Yunhong No.1, d'Anjou, Bartlett v2.0, and Dangshansuli v.1.1. The phylogenetic history, their gene structure, conservation patterns of motifs, their distribution on chromosomes, and gene duplication are studied in detail which shows the intraspecific structural conservation as well as evolutionary patterns of Pyrus PAOs. Cis-elements, protein-protein interactions (PPI), and the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses show their potential biological functions. Furthermore, their expression in various tissues, fruit hardening conditions, and drought stress conditions is also studied. Based on phylogenetics, the identified PAOs were divided into four groups. The expansion of this gene family in Pyrus is caused by both tandem and segmental duplication. Moreover, positive and negative selection pressure equally directed the gene's duplication process. The Pyrus PAO genes were enriched in hormones-related, light, development, and stress-related elements. RNA-seq data analysis showed that PAOs have varied levels of expression under diseased and abiotic stress conditions. The 3D structures of PAOs are also predicted to get more insights into functional conservation. Our research can be used further to get a deeper knowledge of the PAO gene family in Pyrus and to guide future research on improving the genetic composition of Pyrus to enhance stress tolerance.

Vibration-Dependent Dual-Phosphorescent Cu4 Nanocluster with Remarkable Piezochromic Behavior.

The dual emission (DE) characteristics of atomically precise copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) are of significant theoretical and practical interest. Despite this, the underlying mechanism driving DE in Cu NCs remains elusive, primarily due to the complexities of excited state processes. Herein, a novel [Cu4(PPh3)4(C≡C-p-NH2C6H4)3]PF6 (Cu4) NC, shielded by alkynyl and exhibiting DE, was synthesized. Hydrostatic pressure was applied to Cu4, for the first time, to investigate the mechanism of DE. With increasing pressure, the higher-energy emission peak of Cu4 gradually disappeared, leaving the lower-energy emission peak as the dominant emission. Additionally, the Cu4 crystal exhibited notable piezochromism transitioning from cyan to orange. Angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction results revealed that the reduced inter-cluster distances under pressure brought the peripheral ligands closer, leading to the formation of new C-H···N and N-H···N hydrogen bonds in Cu4. It is proposed that these strengthened hydrogen bond interactions limit the ligands´ vibration, resulting in the vanishing of the higher-energy peak. In situ high-pressure Raman and vibrationally resolved emission spectra demonstrated that the benzene ring C=C stretching vibration is the structural source of the DE in Cu4.

Non-invasive prediction of preeclampsia using the maternal plasma cell-free DNA profile and clinical risk factors.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication defined by new onset hypertension and proteinuria or other maternal organ damage after 20 weeks of gestation. Although non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been widely used to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy, its performance in combination with maternal risk factors to screen for PE has not been extensively validated. Our aim was to develop and validate classifiers that predict early- or late-onset PE using the maternal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) profile and clinical risk factors. Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed NIPT data of 2,727 pregnant women aged 24-45 years from four hospitals in China, which had previously been used to screen for fetal aneuploidy at 12 + 0 ~ 22 + 6 weeks of gestation. According to the diagnostic criteria for PE and the time of diagnosis (34 weeks of gestation), a total of 143 early-, 580 late-onset PE samples and 2,004 healthy controls were included. The wilcoxon rank sum test was used to identify the cfDNA profile for PE prediction. The Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables of clinical risk factors between PE samples and healthy controls, respectively. Machine learning methods were performed to develop and validate PE classifiers based on the cfDNA profile and clinical risk factors. Results: By using NIPT data to analyze cfDNA coverages in promoter regions, we found the cfDNA profile, which was differential cfDNA coverages in gene promoter regions between PE and healthy controls, could be used to predict early- and late-onset PE. Maternal age, body mass index, parity, past medical histories and method of conception were significantly differential between PE and healthy pregnant women. With a false positive rate of 10%, the classifiers based on the combination of the cfDNA profile and clinical risk factors predicted early- and late-onset PE in four datasets with an average accuracy of 89 and 80% and an average sensitivity of 63 and 48%, respectively. Conclusion: Incorporating cfDNA profiles in classifiers might reduce performance variations in PE models based only on clinical risk factors, potentially expanding the application of NIPT in PE screening in the future.

Helicid Alleviates Neuronal Apoptosis of Rats with Depression-Like Behaviors by Downregulating lncRNA-NONRATT030918.2.

Helicid (HEL) has been found to possess antidepressant pharmacological activity. The paper was to testify to the precise molecular mechanism through which HEL regulates lncRNA-NONRATT030918.2 to exert an antidepressant impression in depression models. A depression model stimulated using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was created in rats, and the depressive state of the rats was assessed through behavioral experiments. Additionally, an in vitro model of PC12 cells induced by corticosterone (CORT) was established, and cytoactive was tested using the CCK8. The subcellular localization of the NONRATT030918.2 molecule was confirmed through a fluorescence in situ hybridization experiment. The relationship between NONRATT030918.2, miRNA-128-3p, and Prim1 was analyzed using dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation assay, and RNA pull-down assay. The levels of NONRATT030918.2, miRNA-128-3p, and Prim1 were tested using Q-PCR. Furthermore, the levels of Prim1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase3 were checked through Western blot. The HEL can alleviate the depression-like behavior of CUMS rats (P < 0.05), and reduce the mortality of hippocampal via downregulating the level of NONRATT030918.2 (P < 0.05). In CORT-induced PC12 cells, intervention with HEL led to decreased expression of NONRATT030918.2 and Prim1 (P < 0.05), as well as increased expression of miRNA-128-3p (P < 0.05). This suggests that HEL regulates the expression of NONRATT030918.2 to upregulate miRNA-128-3p (P < 0.05), which in turn inhibits CORT-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by targeting Prim1 (P < 0.05). The NONRATT030918.2/miRNA-128-3p/Prim1 axis could potentially serve as a crucial regulatory network for HEL to exert its neuroprotective effects.

Global One Health index for zoonoses: A performance assessment in 160 countries and territories.

The One Health (OH) approach is used to control/prevent zoonotic events. However, there is a lack of tools for systematically assessing OH practices. Here, we applied the Global OH Index (GOHI) to evaluate the global OH performance for zoonoses (GOHI-Zoonoses). The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process algorithm and fuzzy comparison matrix were used to calculate the weights and scores of five key indicators, 16 subindicators, and 31 datasets for 160 countries and territories worldwide. The distribution of GOHI-Zoonoses scores varies significantly across countries and regions, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses in controlling or responding to zoonotic threats. Correlation analyses revealed that the GOHI-Zoonoses score was associated with economic, sociodemographic, environmental, climatic, and zoological factors. Additionally, the Human Development Index had a positive effect on the score. This study provides an evidence-based reference and guidance for global, regional, and country-level efforts to optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment.

Melanin-Targeting Radiotracers and Their Preclinical, Translational, and Clinical Status: From Past to Future.

Melanin is one of the representative biomarkers of malignant melanoma and a potential target for diagnosis and therapy. With advancements in chemistry and radiolabeling technologies, promising strides have been made to synthesize radiolabeled melanin-binding molecules for various applications. We present an overview of melanin-targeted radiolabeled molecules and compare their features reported in preclinical studies. Clinical practice and trials are also discussed to elaborate on the safety and validity of the probes, and expanded applications beyond melanoma are reviewed. Melanin-targeted imaging holds potential value in the diagnosis, staging, and prognostic assessment of melanoma and other applications. Melanin-targeted radionuclide therapy possesses immense potential but requires more clinical validation. Furthermore, an intriguing avenue for future research involves expanding the application scope of melanin-targeted probes and exploring their value.

The combination of berberine and isoliquiritigenin synergistically improved adipose inflammation and obesity-induced insulin resistance.

White adipose tissue accumulation and inflammation contribute to obesity by inducing insulin resistance. Herein, we aimed to screen the synergistic components of the herbal pair Coptidis Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the treatment of insulin resistance and explore the potential synergistic mechanisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative PCR were used to detect expression levels of inflammatory genes in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect protein levels of the insulin signaling pathway and macrophage markers. The effects on obesity-induced insulin resistance were verified using a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Interactions between macrophage and adipocyte were assessed using a cellular supernatant transfer assay. Berberine (BBR) and isoliquiritigenin (ISL) alleviated mRNA levels and secretion of inflammatory genes in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, BBR acted synergistically with ISL to ameliorate obesity and dyslipidemia in DIO mice. Meanwhile, the combination treatment significantly improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance and decreased M1-macrophage accumulation and infiltration in the adipose tissue. Mechanistically, co-treatment with BBR and ISL upregulated the protein expression of the IRS1-PI3K-Akt insulin signaling pathway, enhanced glucose uptake in adipocyte, and suppressed the interaction between macrophage and adipocyte. BBR and ISL were identified as the synergistic components of the herbal pair Coptidis Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for treating insulin resistance. The synergistic combination of BBR with ISL can be a promising and effective strategy for improving obesity-induced adipose inflammation and insulin resistance.

Single-structure 3-axis Lorentz force magnetometer based on an AlN-on-Si MEMS resonator.

This work presents a single-structure 3-axis Lorentz force magnetometer (LFM) based on an AlN-on-Si MEMS resonator. The operation of the proposed LFM relies on the flexible manipulation of applied excitation currents in different directions and frequencies, enabling the effective actuation of two mechanical vibration modes in a single device for magnetic field measurements in three axes. Specifically, the excited out-of-plane drum-like mode at 277 kHz is used for measuring the x- and y-axis magnetic fields, while the in-plane square-extensional mode at 5.4 MHz is used for measuring the z-axis magnetic field. The different configurations of applied excitation currents ensure good cross-interference immunity among the three axes. Compared to conventional capacitive LFMs, the proposed piezoelectric LFM utilizes strong electromechanical coupling from the AlN layer, which allows it to operate at ambient pressure with a high sensitivity. To understand and analyze the measured results, a novel equivalent circuit model for the proposed LFM is also reported in this work, which serves to separate the effect of Lorentz force from the unwanted capacitive feedthrough. The demonstrated 3-axis LFM exhibits measured magnetic responsivities of 1.74 ppm/mT, 1.83 ppm/mT and 6.75 ppm/mT in the x-, y- and z-axes, respectively, which are comparable to their capacitive counterparts.

Photoactivated disinfection procedure for denture stomatitis in diabetic rats.

Objective: To study the efficacy of PADTM Plus-based photoactivated disinfection (PAD) for treating denture stomatitis (DS) in diabetic rats by establishing a diabetic rat DS model. Methods: The diabetic rat DS model was developed by randomly selecting 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats and dividing them into four groups. The palate and denture surfaces of rats in the PAD groups were incubated with 1 mg/mL toluidine blue O for 1 min each, followed by a 1-min exposure to 750-mW light-emitting diode light. The PAD-1 group received one radiation treatment, and the PAD-2 group received three radiation treatments over 5 days with a 1-day interval. The nystatin (NYS) group received treatment for 5 days with a suspension of NYS of 100,000 IU. The infection group did not receive any treatment. In each group, assessments included an inflammation score of the palate, tests for fungal load, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemical detection of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) conducted 1 and 7 days following the conclusion of treatment. Results: One day after treatment, the fungal load on the palate and dentures, as well as the mean optical density values of IL-17 and TNF-α, were found to be greater in the infection group than in the other three treatment groups (P < 0.05). On the 7th day after treatment, these values were significantly higher in the infection group than in the PAD-2 and NYS groups (P < 0.05). Importantly, there were no differences between the infection and PAD-1 groups nor between the PAD-2 and NYS groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: PAD effectively reduced the fungal load and the expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in the palate and denture of diabetic DS rats. The efficacy of multiple-light treatments was superior to that of single-light treatments and similar to that of NYS.

Trends in Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among the Labor Force Population - China, 2010-2018.

Introduction: This research investigates trends pertaining to the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption among the labor force population in China. The study considered data derived from four nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. Methods: The data under review for this study was derived from the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (CCDRFS) carried out in 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2018, correspondingly. We utilized a food frequency questionnaire to evaluate the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption. The estimated prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated for each survey, while considering factors such as sex, age, location, and socioeconomic status (SES). Participants' SES was ascertained via latent class analysis, serving to identify distinct classes based on criteria such as education, occupation, and household income per capita. Logistic regression was deployed to determine the statistical significance of trends. Results: From 2010 to 2018, there was a notable increase in the average daily consumption of vegetables and fruits among the working population, rising from 418.6 g/day to 491.8 g/day (P<0.01 for trend). During the same period, the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable intake declined from 51.1% to 43.5% [P<0.001 for trend; -1.6% average annual percent change (AAPC)]. This downward trend was prevalent across genders, however, certain subgroups of adults (e.g., those living in rural areas or those of low SES) saw stable consumption levels throughout this period (P>0.05 for trend). Conclusion: Over the past nine years, there has been a notable decline in the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption among the labor force population in China. Moreover, the comparatively deficient intake of fruits and vegetables evident among individuals of lower SES warrants further attention.

Low-intensity ultrasound ameliorates brain organoid integration and rescues microcephaly deficits.

Human brain organoids represent a remarkable platform for modeling neurological disorders and a promising brain repair approach. However, the effects of physical stimulation on their development and integration remain unclear. Here, we report that low-intensity ultrasound significantly increases neural progenitor cell proliferation and neuronal maturation in cortical organoids. Histological assays and single-cell gene expression analyses reveal that low-intensity ultrasound improves the neural development in cortical organoids. Following organoid grafts transplantation into the injured somatosensory cortices of adult mice, longitudinal electrophysiological recordings and histological assays reveal that ultrasound-treated organoid grafts undergo advanced maturation. They also exhibit enhanced pain-related gamma-band activity and more disseminated projections into the host brain than the untreated groups. Finally, low-intensity ultrasound ameliorates neuropathological deficits in a microcephaly brain organoid model. Hence, low-intensity ultrasound stimulation advances the development and integration of brain organoids, providing a strategy for treating neurodevelopmental disorders and repairing cortical damage.

Optical enhancement mode 2 improves the detection rate of gastric neoplastic lesion in high-risk populations: A multicenter randomized controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: Detection of early neoplastic lesions is crucial for improving the survival rates of patients with gastric cancer. Optical enhancement mode 2 is a new image-enhanced endoscopic technique that offers bright images and can improve the visibility of neoplastic lesions. This study aimed to compare the detection of neoplastic lesions with optical enhancement mode 2 and white-light imaging (WLI) in a high-risk population. METHODS: In this prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly assigned to optical enhancement mode 2 or WLI groups. Detection of suspicious neoplastic lesions during the examinations was recorded, and pathological diagnoses served as the gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 1211 and 1219 individuals were included in the optical enhancement mode 2 and WLI groups, respectively. The detection rate of neoplastic lesions was significantly higher in the optical enhancement mode 2 group (5.1% vs. 1.9%; risk ratio, 2.656 [95% confidence interval, 1.630-4.330]; p < 0.001). The detection rate of neoplastic lesions with an atrophic gastritis background was significantly higher in the optical enhancement mode 2 group (8.6% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). The optical enhancement mode 2 group also had a higher detection rate among endoscopists with different experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Optical enhancement mode 2 was more effective than WLI for detecting neoplastic lesions in the stomach, and can serve as a new method for screening early gastric cancer in clinical practice. CLINICAL REGISTRY: United States National Library of Medicine (https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov), ID: NCT040720521.