The Effect of Salvianolic Acid A on Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization and Its Mechanisms in the Tumor Microenvironment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been identified as significant contributors to the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the secretion of various growth factors and chemokines. Salvianolic acid A (SAA) has been shown to have anti-cancer activities. However, the potential activity of SAA on re-polarized TAMs remains unclear. As there is a correlation between the TAMs and TNBC, this study investigates the effect of SAA on TAMs in the TNBC microenvironment. For that purpose, M2 TAM polarization was induced by two kinds of TNBC-conditioned medium (TNBC-TCM) in the absence or presence of SAA. The gene and protein expression of TAM markers were analyzed by qPCR, FCM, IF, ELISA, and Western blot. The protein expression levels of ERK and p-ERK in M2-like TAMs were analyzed by Western blot. The migration and invasion properties of M2-like TAMs were analyzed by Transwell assays. Here, we demonstrated that SAA increased the expression levels of CD86, IL-1ß, and iNOS in M2-like TAMs and, conversely, decreased the expression levels of Arg-1 and CD206. Moreover, SAA inhibited the migration and invasion properties of M2-like TAMs effectively and decreased the protein expression of TGF-ß1 and p-ERK in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as TGF-ß1 gene expression and secretion. Our current findings for the first time demonstrated that SAA inhibits macrophage polarization to M2-like TAMs by inhibiting the ERK pathway and promotes M2-like TAM re-polarization to the M1 TAMs, which may exert its anti-tumor effect by regulating M1/M2 TAM polarization. These findings highlight SAA as a potential regulator of M2 TAMs and the possibility of utilizing SAA to reprogram M2 TAMs offers promising insights for the clinical management of TNBC.

[Changes in mild cognitive impairment and sociodemographic disparity among adults aged 55 years and above in 4 provinces of China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in mild cognitive impairment(MCI) and sociodemographic disparity among adults aged 55 years and above in 4 provinces of China. METHODS: A total of 4687 adults aged 55 years and above from Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Disease who did not have Alzheimer's disease, participated in both rounds of the survey, and had complete baseline sociodemographic data and two rounds of data on cognitive function were selected. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyse the effect of sociodemographic factors on MCI. RESULTS: The detection rates of MCI in adults aged 55 years and above without Alzheimer's disease in 4 provinces of China in 2018 and 2020 were 48.56% and 42.56% respectively. MCI occurred in 30.11% of those with normal cognition(NC) at baseline, and 44.24% of those with MCI at baseline reverted to NC. The risk of MCI increased and the likelihood of MCI reversion decreased with increasing age and decreasing per capita monthly household income. In the baseline NC population, the risk of MCI in the junior high school and above group was 35% lower than that in the illiterate group(RR=0.65, 95%CI 0.53-0.80), the risk of MCI was lower in those living in rural areas(RR=0.56, 95%CI 0.49-0.65), and the risk of MCI was 1.17 times(95%CI 1.03-1.32) higher in those with a history of chronic diseases than in those without it. In the baseline MCI population, the likelihood of MCI reversion increased with education, the likelihood of MCI reversion was 1.04 times higher for workers than for non-workers(95%CI 1.00-1.08). CONCLUSION: The incidence and reversal rates of MCI were high in adults aged ≥55 years in four provinces of China. Advanced age, low education and low income level are risk factors for cognitive dysfunction.

Diet Mediate the Impact of Host Habitat on Gut Microbiome and Influence Clinical Indexes by Modulating Gut Microbes and Serum Metabolites.

The impact of external factors on the human gut microbiota and how gut microbes contribute to human health is an intriguing question. Here, the gut microbiome of 3,224 individuals (496 with serum metabolome) with 109 variables is studied. Multiple analyses reveal that geographic factors explain the greatest variance of the gut microbiome and the similarity of individuals' gut microbiome is negatively correlated with their geographic distance. Main food components are the most important factors that mediate the impact of host habitats on the gut microbiome. Diet and gut microbes collaboratively contribute to the variation of serum metabolites, and correlate to the increase or decrease of certain clinical indexes. Specifically, systolic blood pressure is lowered by vegetable oil through increasing the abundance of Blautia and reducing the serum level of 1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-GPC (16:0/16:1), but it is reduced by fruit intake through increasing the serum level of Blautia improved threonate. Besides, aging-related clinical indexes are also closely correlated with the variation of gut microbes and serum metabolites. In this study, the linkages of geographic locations, diet, the gut microbiome, serum metabolites, and physiological indexes in a Chinese population are characterized. It is proved again that gut microbes and their metabolites are important media for external factors to affect human health.

Ionic Liquid Interface as a Cell Scaffold.

In sharp contrast to conventional solid/hydrogel platforms, water-immiscible liquids, such as perfluorocarbons and silicones, allow the adhesion of mammalian cells via protein nanolayers (PNLs) formed at the interface. However, fluorocarbons and silicones, which are typically used for liquid cell culture, possess only narrow ranges of physicochemical parameters and have not allowed for a wide variety of cell culturing environments. In this paper, it is proposed that water-immiscible ionic liquids (ILs) are a new family of liquid substrates with tunable physicochemical properties and high solvation capabilities. Tetraalkylphosphonium-based ILs are identified as non-cytotoxic ILs, whereon human mesenchymal stem cells are successfully cultured. By reducing the cation charge distribution, or ionicity, via alkyl chain elongation, the interface allows cell spreading with matured focal contacts. High-speed atomic force microscopy observations of the PNL formation process suggest that the cation charge distribution significantly altered the protein adsorption dynamics, which are associated with the degree of protein denaturation and the PNL mechanics. Moreover, by exploiting dissolution capability of ILs, an ion-gel cell scaffold is fabricated. This enables to further identify the significant contribution of bulk subphase mechanics to cellular mechanosensing in liquid-based culture scaffolds.

Fossil and Nonfossil Sources of Winter Organic Aerosols in the Regional Background Atmosphere of China.

Carbonaceous aerosols (CA) from anthropogenic emissions have been significantly reduced in urban China in recent years. However, the relative contributions of fossil and nonfossil sources to CA in rural and background regions of China remain unclear. In this study, the sources of different carbonaceous fractions in fine aerosols (PM2.5) from five background sites of the China Meteorological Administration Atmosphere Watch Network during the winter of 2019 and 2020 were quantified using radiocarbon (14C) and organic markers. The results showed that nonfossil sources contributed 44-69% to total carbon at these five background sites. Fossil fuel combustion was the predominant source of elemental carbon at all sites (73 ± 12%). Nonfossil sources dominated organic carbon (OC) in these background regions (61 ± 13%), with biomass burning or biogenic-derived secondary organic carbon (SOC) as the most important contributors. However, the relative fossil fuel source to OC in China (39 ± 13%) still exceeds those at other regional/background sites in Asia, Europe, and the USA. SOC dominated the fossil fuel-derived OC, highlighting the impact of regional transport from anthropogenic sources on background aerosol levels. It is therefore imperative to develop and implement aerosol reduction policies and technologies tailored to both the anthropogenic and biogenic emissions to mitigate the environmental and health risks of aerosol pollution across China.

Efficient degradation of imidacloprid by surface discharge cold plasma: Mechanism of interaction between ROS and molecular structure and evaluation of residual toxicity.

Incorrect use of neonicotinoid pesticides poses a serious threat to human and pollinator health, as these substances are commonly present in bee products and even drinking water. To combat this threat, the study developed a new method of degrading the pesticide imidacloprid using surface discharge cold plasma oxidation technology. The study showed that this method achieved a very high efficiency of imidacloprid degradation of 91.4%. The main reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O3, ·OH, O2-, 1O2) effectively participated in the decomposition reaction of imidacloprid. Reactive oxygen species were more sensitive to the structure of the nitroimine group. Density functional theory (DFT) further explored the sites of reactive oxygen species attack on imidacloprid and revealed the process of energy change of attacking imidacloprid. In addition, a degradation pathway for imidacloprid was proposed, mainly involving reactive oxygen species chemisorption, a ring-opening intermediate, and complete cleavage of the nitroimine group structure. Model predictions indicated that acute oral and developmental toxicity were significantly reduced after cold plasma treatment, as confirmed by insect experiments. Animal experiments have shown that plasma treatment reduces imidacloprid damage to mice hippocampal tissue structure and inhibits the reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor content, thus revealing the detoxification mechanism of the body.

[Designing effective front-of-package warning labels for prepackaged food in China:based on Delphi method].

OBJECTIVE: To design front-of-package warning labels for prepackaged food adapted to the Chinese context. METHODS: Delphi method was used to evaluate the first graft of indicatorsof the front-of-package warning labels. The front-of-package warning labels suitable for China's national conditions was selected according to the direct scoring method. RESULTS: 4 sets of front-of-package warning labels for prepackaged food were selected after two rounds of Delphi expert method. CONCLUSION: The final draft of the front-of-package warning labels for prepackaged food is in line with expectations.

MiR-5189-3p Suppresses cell Proliferation, Invasion and Migration Through Targeting EIF5A2 in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

A growing body of evidence suggests that miR-5189-3p plays a critical role in multiple diseases. This study aimed to investigate the function of miR-5189-3p in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and explore its underlying mechanisms. qRT-PCR was designed to determine the expression levels of miR-5189-3p and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2), while CCK-8 assay was performed to measure the effects of miR-5189-3p on cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to evaluate cell invasion as well as migration, and wound healing assay was applied to demonstrate cell migratory ability. Target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay were developed to screen the possible target gene of miR-5189-3p, and Western blot was designed to measure EIF5A2 protein expression. MiR-5189-3p was down-regulated in LSCC tissues and cell lines. Up-regulation of miR-5189-3p notably inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in HEP2 and FADU cells. EIF5A2 was the potential downstream gene of miR-5189-3p, and overexpression of miR-5189-3p apparently reduced EIF5A2 expression. Moreover, reintroduction of EIF5A2 rescued the tumor suppressive effects of miR-5189-3p. MiR-5189-3p functions as a tumor inhibitor in LSCC progression via directly regulating EIF5A2 and may be a potential therapeutic target for LSCC.

Non-Blinking Luminescence from Charged Single Graphene Quantum Dots.

Photoluminescence blinking behavior from single quantum dots under steady illumination is an important but controversial topic. Its occurrence has impeded the use of single quantum dots in bioimaging. Different mechanisms have been proposed to account for it, although controversial, the most important of which is the non-radiative Auger recombination mechanism whereby photocharging of quantum dots can lead to the blinking phenomenon. Here, the singly charged trion, which maintains photon emission, including radiative recombination and non-radiative Auger recombination, leads to fluorescence non-blinking which is observed in photocharged single graphene quantum dots (GQDs). This phenomenon can be explained in terms of different energy levels in the GQDs, caused by various oxygen-containing functional groups in the single GQDs. The suppressed blinking is due to the filling of trap sites owing to a Coulomb blockade. These results provide a profound understanding of the special optical properties of GQDs, affording a reference for further in-depth research.

[Cardiovascular health status and related factors among adults aged 20-59 in 15 provinces of China in 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular health status of Chinese adults and explore the related influencing factors. METHODS: Adults aged 20-59 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey covering 15 provinces and cities in 2018 were selected as the study subjects. The average score of 8 health factors was calculated using the definition of the "Life's Essential 8" for cardiovascular health released by the American Heart Association in 2022. Cardiovascular health was classified according to the score. Multinomial logit model was used to analyze the impact of demographic characteristics on cardiovascular health. RESULTS: A total of 5977 subjects were included in this study. The total score of cardiovascular health was 73.62. The single factor analysis showed that sleep and physical activity scored higher(91.69 and 87.39, respectively), while blood pressure and diet scored lower(58.88 and 44.16, respectively). Clustering analysis found that only 0.45% of the people with full score of all eight indicators, The average number of full score indicators was 4.22, and the full score indicators were more among 20-44, female, college or above, and urban residents. In addition, the number of people with high, moderate and poor cardiovascular health status were 35.70%, 59.58% and 4.72%, respectively. Multinomial logit analysis showed that compared with low cardiovascular health status, the people with high in 45-59 were 66%(95% CI 0.25-0.45) lower than those in 20-44. Women with moderate and high were 9.93(95%CI 6.44-15.33) and 41.82(95% CI 26.87-65.08) times higher than men, respectively. The moderate cardiovascular health of the people with middle income was 1.47(95% CI 1.07-2.01) times higher than those with low income. People in the south with moderate and high were 31%(95% CI 0.53-0.91) and 38%(95% CI 0.46-0.82) lower than those in the north, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adults in our country were in the moderate cardiovascular health. People aged 20-44, female, people with higher income and living in the north had better cardiovascular health.

Manipulating the Dynamic Adaptivity of a Fluid Interface to Maintain the Multipotency of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

The native extracellular matrix is highly dynamic with continuous mutual feedback between cells being responsible for many important cell function regulators. However, establishing bidirectional interaction between complex adaptive microenvironments and cells remains elusive. Herein an adaptive biomaterial based on lysozyme monolayers self-assembled at a perfluorocarbon FC40-water interface is reported. The dynamic adaptivity of interfacially assembled protein nanosheets is modulated independently of bulk mechanical properties by covalent crosslinking. This provides a scenario to establish bidirectional interactions of cells with liquid interfaces of varying dynamic adaptivity. This is found that growth and multipotency of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are enhanced at the highly adaptive fluid interface. The multipotency retention of hMSCs is mediated by low cell contractility and metabolomic activity involving the continuous mutual feedback between the cells and materials. Consequently, an understanding of the cells' response to dynamic adaptivity has substantial implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

[Development and validation of the nutrient-rich food index for China].

OBJECTIVE: To select the nutrient-rich food(NRF) index applicable to the food characteristics of Chinese residents through population-based dietary quality validation. METHODS: Sixteen NRF indices were constructed based on the Chinese Food Composition Table and the Chinese Food Labelling Nutrient Reference Values, using 100 g as the base amount of food for calculation. The NRF indices were validated by the China Prime Diet Quality Score(CPDQS), a dietary quality assessment index, using food intake data collected from 14 068 adult residents in 15 provinces in 2018 under the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The CPDQS was used as the dependent variable and the dietary NRF index score was used as the independent variable. The multiple linear regression models were performed after adjusting the covariates and the NRF index with the largest coefficient of determination R~2 was used as the most appropriate index. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that the R~2 of NRF8.2 index was the largest, which was 0.16. Dried legumes, fungi and algae, nuts, vegetables, eggs and aquatic products scored higher on the NRF8.2 index. The high scoring subgroups had higher average daily intakes of cereals and potatoes, vegetables, fruits, soybeans and nuts, dairy, eggs and aquatic products, as well as lower consumption of livestock and poultry meat, beverages, salt and cooking oil, compared to the low scoring subgroup on the Dietary NRF8.2 Index. In terms of nutrient intake, the medium and high NRF8.2 subgroups had relatively high intakes of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals and relatively low intakes of fat and sodium. CONCLUSION: The NRF8.2 index explains the maximum variation in CPDQS and is a relatively suitable NRF index for the Chinese population.

[Analysis of differentiated regional dietary structures of adults aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China in 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status of energy and macronutrient intake among adults aged 18 to 64 years old in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) of China. METHODS: A sample of 9481 adults aged 18-64 years from the data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 was analyzed. Three consecutive days of 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings were used to collect information on food intake and condiment intake. Food consumption was converted into energy and various nutrient intakes by the China Food Composition Table. RESULTS: The median daily intakes of energy were 1942.28 kcal and 1951.14 kcal in urban and rural areas, 1796.94 kcal, 1972.89 kcal, 1989.61 kcal and 1908.98 kcal in northwest, southwest, southeast and northern regions, respectively. The energy supply ratio of protein and fat were 13.61% and 35.85%, respectively, higher than 12.31% and 34.45% in rural areas, while the energy supply ratio of carbohydrates in urban(49.62%) was lower than that in rural areas(52.18%). The energy supply ratios of fat in the southwest and southeast regions were 38.90% and 36.80%, respectively, while the energy supply ratios of carbohydrates were 47.70% and 47.93%. The main food sources of energy, protein, and fat are different in different regions. The percentage of energy, protein, and fat from animal foods decreased with increasing age groups. The adults with low-income levels had a high intake of carbohydrates but a low intake of protein, and the adults with high-income levels had high proportions of energy, protein and fat from animal food sources. CONCLUSION: The total energy intakes of residents in different regions are relatively ideal, but the dietary structures are still unreasonable, and the energy supply ratios of fat are relatively high, especially in the southwest and southeast regions. The intake and food sources of the three macronutrients are varied in different regions and urban and rural areas. Age and income level affect the food choices of residents.

[Analysis of differentiated regional dietary patterns of adults aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces( autonomous regions, municipalities) in 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dietary patterns of Chinese adults in 15 provinces and cities in China. METHODS: A total of 9208 adults aged 18-64 from the "China Health and Nutrition Survey" in 2018 were selected as subjects. Food consumption data were collected through 3 d-24 h dietary recalls and weighing household cooking oil and condiments, and the average daily dietary nutrient intake was calculated by the food composition table. Clustering analysis was used to analyze dietary patterns in different regions, and data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey were used for comparison. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns were obtained in this study, including northern pattern, coastal pattern and southern pattern. The analysis of demographic characteristics showed that the intake of cereals, vegetables and livestock were statistically different among different age groups, and livestock and poultry intake was higher in the 18-49 years; Fruit and milk were higher in women and other foods were higher in men; The intakes of cereals, tubers, legumes and vegetables were higher in rural areas, people with low income and low education levels, and other foods were higher in urban areas, people with high income and high education levels, especially milk. Compared with the dietary guidelines, it was found that the proportion of insufficient intake of dark vegetables, fruits and nuts in three patterns and milk, eggs in the southern pattern and aquatic products in the northern pattern was up to 80%, the other food intake was in 50%-80%; The proportion of excessive intake of livestock and poultry meat in the southern mode was significantly higher, reaching 78%. Nutrient analysis showed that the intake of carbohydrate, dietary fiber and carbohydrate energy ratio, vitamin E, magnesium and manganese were higher in the northern pattern; The intakes of protein, protein energy ratio, riboflavin, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, copper and selenium were higher in the coastal pattern; The southernpattern had a higher intake of energy, fat, fat energy ratio, niacin, retinol, zinc and vitamin C. In addition, the comparison between 2009 and 2018 showed that the intake of most foods except milk has decreased to varying degrees in the past decade, while the intake of some foods has increased. CONCLUSION: The 15 provinces in China were divided into three dietary patterns. Unbalanced intake of food and nutrients was common among them, and the intake was influenced by different demographic characteristics. In addition, most food intake has declined over the past decade.

[Double burden of malnutrition among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 15 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China in 1991-2015].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status and the trends of the double burden of malnutrition among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) of China in 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2015. METHODS: The data of China Health and Nutrition Surveys in 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2015 were used, children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected as the research objects. After excluding those with missing demographic, dietary data and physical measurement data, 2464, 2094, 929 and 1555 children and adolescents were included in the study in each year. The subjects were divided into lean, normal, overweight and obese groups. The dietary information was collected by 3-day 24-hour dietary recall, and edible oil and condiment intakes were collected by weighing method. The dietary micronutrient intake of children and adolescents was calculated according to the food composition table. The estimated average requirement(EAR) was used as the cut-offs of dietary micronutrient intake insufficiency to analyze the situation of micronutrient intake deficiency and double burden of malnutrition. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) during 1991-2015 showed a downward trend, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity showed an upward trend(all P<0.05). The prevalence of double burden of malnutrition increased from 6.5% in 1991 to 24.6% in 2015. In 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2015, 94.2%, 92.8%, 97.2% and 93.4% of children and adolescents had insufficient dietary micronutrient intake. In 1991 and 2000, 81.6% and 73.7% of children and adolescents had insufficient intake of 3-7 dietary micronutrients at the same time; In 2009 and 2015, 81.8% and 80.7% of children and adolescents had insufficient intake of 3-9 dietary micronutrients at the same time. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity of children and adolescents in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) of China was on the rise, the prevalence of insufficient intake of dietary micronutrients is higher, and the double burden of malnutrition was serious.

[Composition Characteristics and Sources of Non-polar Organic Compounds in PM2.5 in the Background Atmosphere of Yangtze River Delta].

In order to explore the composition and source characteristics of non-polar organic compounds (NPOCs) in atmospheric fine particulate matter in the Yangtze River Delta region, 129 PM2.5 samples were collected at the Regional Atmospheric background station in Lin'an from December 2019 to November 2020. Including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), n-alkanes, and hopanes, the main sources of organic aerosols were investigated using molecular tracers, eigen ratios, and orthogonal matrix factorization models. The results showed that the average annual mass concentration of PM2.5 in Lin'an was approximately (32.36±20.44) µg·m-3, and the average annual mass concentration of NPOCs was approximately (59.05±40.39) ng·m-3, showing the seasonal characteristics of being high in winter and low in summer. n-alkanes mainly came from fossil fuels and biomass (grass, wood, etc.) burning, followed by cuticle wax emission from higher plants. PAHs mainly came from the mixed contribution of non-fossil sources such as coal burning motor vehicle emissions and biomass combustion. Hopanes were mainly derived from motor vehicle emissions, which were also affected by coal burning in winter. Backward trajectory cluster analysis and potential source analysis showed that Lin'an was mainly affected by external air mass transport. Combined with the orthogonal matrix-factor decomposition model, NPOCs observed during the sampling period were analyzed, and non-fossil sources such as coal burning sources, transportation emission sources, and biomass combustion were obtained. In winter, transportation sources were the main source, accounting for 59%. In spring and summer, coal burning was the main source, accounting for 58% and 57%, respectively. In autumn, biomass combustion and other non-fossil sources dominated, accounting for 64%.

Association between Micronutrient-Related Dietary Pattern and Cognitive Function among Persons 55 Years and Older in China: A Longitudinal Study.

Appropriate dietary patterns for preserving cognitive function in China remains unknown. This study explored the association between dietary pattern and cognitive function in the Chinese population. A total of 6308 adults aged 55 and above who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey at least two waves from 1997 to 2018 were selected. The dietary pattern was determined using the reduced rank regression method with responses regarding vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium intakes. We used a three-level random coefficient model to evaluate the association. A "vegetable-pork" dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of Legume products, vegetables, fruits, nuts, pork, fish, and plant oil was identified. Compared to the first quartile (Q1) of dietary scores, the regression coefficients (p value) for the global cognitive score across Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 0.27 (p = 0.030), 0.45 (p < 0.001), and 0.50 (p < 0.001), respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor cognition across Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 0.82 (0.73 to 0.93), 0.79 (0.69 to 0.91), and 0.74 (0.63 to 0.86), respectively. The relationship appeared to be stronger among people who were 65 years and older, women, people from the south, and smokers. Higher adherence to the "vegetable-pork" diet is associated with better cognitive function among Chinese elders.

Multiple Trajectories of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference and Their Associations with Hypertension and Blood Pressure in Chinese Adults from 1991 to 2018: A Prospective Study.

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have been suggested to be involved in the etiology of hypertension. The present study aimed to determine multiple trajectories of BMI and WC, then examined their associations with the risks of hypertension and high blood pressure in Chinese adults. The study used China Health and Nutrition Survey data from 1991 to 2018. The sample included 9651 adults aged 18 years or older. We used group-based multi-trajectory modeling to identify trajectories. We estimated the relationships between the trajectories and the risks of hypertension with a Cox proportional hazards regression model and the trajectories' relationships with blood pressure levels with a generalized linear model. We identified four trajectories for each gender: low stable BMI, low increasing WC (group 1); medium increasing BMI, medium increasing WC (group 2); increasing BMI to overweight, increasing WC to central obesity (group 3), increasing BMI to obesity, increasing central obesity WC (group 4). Group 1 was the reference group. Among males in groups 2, 3, and 4, the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of hypertension were 1.30 (1.15-1.48), 1.86 (1.58-2.18), and 2.60 (2.02-3.34), respectively. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of males in group 4 increased by 11.90 mm of mercury (mmHg) and 7.75 mmHg, respectively. Among females in groups 2, 3, and 4, the HR and 95% CI of hypertension were 1.35 (1.18-1.54), 1.92 (1.62-2.26), and 2.37 (1.85-3.03), respectively. The SBP and DBP of females in group 4 increased by 8.84 mmHg and 5.79 mmHg, respectively. These data indicated that increases in BMI and WC were associated with unfavorable hypertension risks. Attention to both BMI and WC trajectories has the potential to prevent hypertension.

Association between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome among Adults in China-Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing and the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and MetS remains uncertain in Chinese adults. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association of UPF consumption with the risk of MetS and its components in Chinese adults. Adults aged 18 years and above who participated in at least two waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2009, 2015, and 2018 were included in this analysis. Dietary intake data were collected by three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls and weighing household foods and condiments. Depending on the purpose and extent of food processing, UPFs were classified using the NOVA food classification system. A multivariate Cox proportional risk model was used to explore the association between UPF consumption (grouped by quartile: quartile 1 (Q1), quartile 2 (Q2), quartile 3 (Q3), and quartile 4 (Q4)) and risk of MetS and its components. A total of 5147 adults were included. During a median (IQR) 6.0 (3.0, 9.0) year follow-up with 31,878 person-years, 1712 MetS cases were identified, with an incidence of 33.26%. After multivariable adjustment, the risk of MetS was increased by 17% in the highest quartile with UPF consumption (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.35, p trend: 0.047), with the lowest quartile as a reference. For the components of MetS, the risk of central obesity, raised triglycerides (TG), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and raised blood pressure (BP) was increased by 33% (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18-1.51, p trend: <0.001), 26% (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.48, p trend: 0.003), 25% (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.46, p trend: 0.007), and 16% (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.32, p trend: 0.018) in the highest quartile with UPF consumption, respectively. Adults aged 45-59 years and living in urban areas with higher UPF consumption had higher odds of MetS. These results indicate that higher long-term UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of MetS in Chinese adults. Further studies such as intervention trials are needed to confirm the mechanism of correlation between UPF consumption and health-related outcomes. Nutritional education actions are warranted to promote a balanced diet and improve the overall dietary quality of residents to reduce the risk of MetS effectively.

Association between regional dietary patterns and cardiovascular health status among elderly in China.

Objectives: To evaluate the cardiovascular health (CVH) status of the elderly and analyze the effects of dietary patterns and demographic characteristics on CVH. Methods: A total of 4299 individuals aged 60 years and above from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 were selected as the research objects. Cluster analysis was used to analyze the dietary patterns. The definition of "Life's Essential 8" of CVH released by American Heart Association (AHA)in 2022 was used to evaluate CVH status. Finally, multinomial logit model was used to analyze the impact of demographic economic characteristics on CVH. Results: Three dietary patterns were obtained by cluster analysis. In pattern 1, the intake of wheat, other grains, tubers and legumes was higher. Pattern 2 was dominated by high intake of aquatic products, vegetables and fruits; Pattern 3 was dominated by higher intake of rice and livestock meat. The total CVH score was 68.50, and sleep and blood pressure had the highest and lowest scores (85.85 and 37.64). Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 have slightly higher CVH scores. There were 16%-18% of the elderly with high CVH, and there was no significant difference in the distribution of high, moderate and low CVH among the three patterns (p=0.29). More than 50% of the elderly have 3-4 ideal metrics, 0.2% of the elderly have all 8 metrics reached the ideal state only in pattern 1. Multinomial logit analysis showed that the elderly in pattern 2 had 6-8 ideal metrics, which was 1.81 times higher than that in pattern 1; The presence of 6-8 ideal metrics in female was 3.42 times higher than that in male; Those with a college degree and above have 6-8 ideal metrics, which was 1.99 times of those with a primary school degree and below. Compared with 60-69 years, the presence of 6-8 ideal metrics in 70 years and above was 35% lower (OR=0.65,95%=0.49-0.87). The presence of 6-8 ideal metrics in high income group were 31% lower than those in low income group (OR=0.69,95%=0.47-1.00). Conclusions: The elderly in China were in moderate CVH. Dietary pattern characterized by higher intake of aquatic products, vegetables and fruits were more likely to have more ideal CVH metrics. It is necessary to take targeted intervention measures for the elderly and health factors with low scores to promote the improvement of CVH status.