Discovery of an immunosuppressive functional metabolite from the insect-derived endophytic Aspergillus taichungensis SMU01.

Three p-terphenyl metabolites (1-3), three indole-diterpenoids (4-6), an herbicide sesquiterpene (7), a flavonoid (8), and five other small molecules containing nitrogen (9-13) were isolated from the medicinal insect (Periplaneta americana)-derived endophytic Aspergillus taichungensis SMU01. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and quantum chemical computational methods. Biological activity of these isolates in the differentiation of mouse CD4+ T cell subsets was evaluated. Importantly, metabolites 2 targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathway could hold potential benefits in maintaining peripheral immune homeostasis and alleviating the progression of autoimmune diseases.

Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cell therapy has been explored as a new regenerative treatment for osteoarthritis in the field of regenerative medicine. However, the efficacy of stem cell transplantation from different sources for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains controversial. This study integrates and evaluates the previously published data of stem cell transplantation for KOA to explore the curative effect of different stem cells. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on stem cell therapy for KOA. Measures of efficacy included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lequesne index, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS), and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Joint injury was evaluated through the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) system. We analyzed 16 studies involving 875 KOA patients. The stem cell treatment showed significant VAS reduction from the third month onwards. Subgroup analysis suggested the most significant pain relief at different postoperative months came from adipose-derived and umbilical cord-derived stem cells. Autologous adipose tissue resulted in better pain alleviation compared with allogenic. However, autologous bone marrow stem cells did not show increased pain relief over allogeneic ones. Combination therapy (HA and/or PRP) showed no effect. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells demonstrate the most effective recovery of knee joint function. In WORMS assessment, there was no significant difference between the stem cell group and control. Stem cell transplantation proved safe and effective for KOA treatment. Different sources stem cells have a good effect on alleviating knee joint pain, restoring knee joint function, and minimizing patient trauma.

Subcutaneous fat thickness and abdominal depth are risk factors for surgical site infection after gastric cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications after gastric cancer (GC) surgery. The occurrence of SSI can lead to a prolonged postoperative hospital stay and increased medical expenses, and it can also affect postoperative rehabilitation and the quality of life of patients. Subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and abdominal depth (AD) can be used as predictors of SSI in patients undergoing radical resection of GC. AIM: To explore the potential relationship between SFT or AD and SSI in patients undergoing elective radical resection of GC. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and pre- and intraoperative information of 355 patients who had undergone elective radical resection of GC were retrospectively collected from hospital electronic medical records. Univariate analysis was performed to screen out the significant parameters, which were subsequently analyzed using binary logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of SSI was 11.27% (40/355). Multivariate analyses revealed that SFT [odds ratio (OR) = 1.150; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.090-1.214; P < 0.001], AD (OR = 1.024; 95%CI: 1.009-1.040; P = 0.002), laparoscopic-assisted surgery (OR = 0.286; 95%CI: 0.030-0.797; P = 0.017), and operation time (OR = 1.008; 95%CI: 1.001-1.015; P = 0.030) were independently associated with the incidence of SSI after elective radical resection of GC. In addition, the product of SFT and AD was a better potential predictor of SSI in these patients than either SFT or AD alone. CONCLUSION: SFT and AD are independent risk factors and can be used as predictors of SSI in patients undergoing radical resection of GC.

Multifunctional Crystalline Coordination Polymers Constructed from 4,4'-Bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide: Photochromism, White-Light Emission, and Photomagnetism.

Multifunctional photochromic coordination polymers (CPs) have shown great potential in many areas, like molecular switches, anticounterfeiting, magnetics, and optoelectronics. Although multifunctional photochromic CPs can be obtained by introducing photoresponsive functional units or by exploiting the synergy effect of each component, relatively limited photochromic ligands hinder the development of various multifunctional photochromic CPs. In this work, we reported two multifunctional coordination polymers {[Zn(bpdo)(fum)(H2O)2]}n (1) and {[Mn(bpdo)(fum)(H2O)2]}n (2) based on an easily accessible but underestimated photoactive molecule 4,4'-bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide (bpdo). Compound 1 exhibits photochromism and white-light emission with an ultra-high color rendering index (CRI) of 92.1. Interestingly, compound 1 could emit intrinsic white light in the crystalline state upon UV irradiation both before and after photochromism. Meanwhile, compound 2 displays photochromic and photomagnetic properties, induced by the photogenerated radicals via a photoinduced electron transfer mechanism.

[Determination of three plant growth regulators in Dendrobium officinale and Anoectochilus roxburghii by three-phase hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction- high performance liquid chromatography].

Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) and Anoectochilus roxburghii (A. roxburghii) are precious raw materials for traditional Chinese medicine. The growing demand for D. officinale and A. roxburghii cannot be met by current production techniques. Hence, the widespread artificial cultivation of D. officinale and A. roxburghii using substantial amounts of plant growth regulators (PGRs) has emerged. The excessive use of PGRs not only affects the quality and efficacy of medicinal materials but also causes a series of safety issues. Therefore, expanding research on residual PGRs in valuable Chinese medicinal materials is important to avoid the health hazards caused by these substances. Unfortunately, the identification of PGRs is challenging because of their trace and complex matrices. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has become one of the mainstream analytical methods for PGR determination. An important consideration in the application of this technique to the detection of trace acidic PGRs is how to improve its accuracy and sensitivity. Three-phase hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction (3P-HF-LPME) has the advantages of a high enrichment factor, complex sample purification ability, low reagent consumption, low cost, and easy integration with chromatographic systems. Thus, the 3P-HF-LPME method overcomes the many shortcomings of traditional sample pretreatment methods. In this study, a novel, simple, and effective analytical method based on 3P-HF-LPME combined with HPLC was developed to extract, purify, enrich, and detect three trace acidic PGRs (indole-3-acetic acid, naphthyl acetic acid and indolebutyric acid) in D. officinale and A. roxburghii. The chromatographic separation conditions and 3P-HF-LPME model parameters were systematically optimized for this purpose. First, the sample solution was prepared by ultrasonication and low-temperature standing, and then adjusted to pH 3.0 using dilute hydrochloric acid. The sample solution (10 mL) and NaCl (1.50 g) were stored in a 15 mL brown extraction bottle with a built-in magnetic stirrer. Next, 30 µL of NaOH solution (pH 11.0) as the inner phase solution was injected into the inner cavity of a hollow fiber tube, which was subsequently sealed at both ends. The hollow fiber tube was soaked in n-octanol for 5 min and dried naturally to remove excess extraction solvent from its surface. Finally, the fiber tube was placed in a brown extraction bottle and stirred using a thermostatic magnetic stirrer at 40 ℃ and 1600 r/min for 2 h. After extraction, the three target analytes were separated on a Welch Ultimate XB-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm) under isocratic elution conditions using acetic acid aqueous solution and methanol (45∶55, v/v) as the eluent. The results indicated that the three PGRs showed good linearity in the range of 0.5-100.0 µg/L (coefficients of determination (r2)=0.9999), with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.02-0.15 µg/L. The method recoveries were 88.5-102.2%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 3.7% (n=3). The extraction efficiencies and enrichment factors of the three PGRs in 15 batches of fresh D. officinale and A. roxburghii products were found to be 42.0%-86.8% and 140-289. Full-scan mass spectrometry was used to further identify positive samples to avoid false-positive results and enhance the reliability of the experimental method. In summary, the proposed method is sensitive, accurate, reliable, environment friendly, and capable of high enrichment. It could be used to determine the residues of three acidic PGRs in D. officinale and A. roxburghii. Moreover, it can provide technical support for the residue detection of PGRs in other Chinese medicinal materials.

Bioactive Aspergteroids G-J from Soft-Coral-Associated Symbiotic and Epiphytic Fungus Aspergillus terreus EGF7-0-1.

Two new disubstituted maleimides, aspergteroids G-H (1-2), and two trisubstituted butenolides aspergteroids I-J (3-4), along with four known analogs, were isolated and structurally identified from the fermentation extract of soft-coral-associated symbiotic and epiphytic fungus Aspergillus terreus EGF7-0-1. The structures of the new compounds were established mainly via spectroscopic data analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined via X-ray diffraction analysis and comparison of the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism. Myocardial protection assays showed that compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 possess protective effects against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced H9c2 (rat myocardial cells) apoptosis at low concentrations. Based on the analyses of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Western blotting, compound 1 may inhibit the apoptosis and inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes after TBHP induction and improve the antioxidant capacity of cardiomyocytes. We speculate that the anti-inflammatory response of compound 1 is suppressed by the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3ß), downregulated by the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and suppressed by the expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (caspase-3) and B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (Bax).

New Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from Soft Coral-Associated Epiphytic Fungus Aspergillus versicolor CGF 9-1-2.

Two new indole diketopiperazine alkaloids (IDAs), (+)19-epi-sclerotiamide (1) and (-)19-epi-sclerotiamide (2), along with 13 known analogs (3-15), were isolated from a soft coral-associated epiphytic fungus Aspergillus versicolor CGF 9-1-2. The structures of two new compounds were established based on the combination of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, optical rotation measurements and quantum chemical 13 C-NMR, the absolute configurations were determined by experimental and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The results of molecular docking showed that all the compounds had a good binding with TDP1, TDP2, TOP1, TOP2, Ache, NLRP3, EGFR, EGFR L858R, EGFR T790M and EGFR T790/L858. Biological evaluation of compounds 3, 6, 8, 11 showed that 3 exerted a strong inhibitory effect on TDP2 with a rate of 81.72 %.

Two new alkaloids produced by Dothideomycetes sp. BMC-101 isolated from the Magnolia grandiflora.

AbstactA total of 16 fungal strains were isolated from fresh leaves and flowers of Magnolia grandiflora and the EtOAc extracts of them were assayed for antitumor activities. Among these, the fungus Dothideomycetes sp. BMC-101 with broad spectrum inhibition was selected for further study. Four alkaloids (1-4) including two new compounds (2-(hydroxyimino)-3-phenylpropanoyl)-L-phenylalanine (1) and 8-Acetyl-bisdethiobis(methylsulfanyl)apoaranotin (4)) were isolated from Dothideomycetes sp. BMC-101. The structure of 1 was characterized with an oxime moiety formed by the condensation of two phenylalanines. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a fungal phenylalanine derivative with an oxime moiety.

Derivative Matrix-Isopotential Synchronous Spectrofluorimetry and Hantzsch Reaction: A Direct Route to Simultaneous Determination of Urinary δ-Aminolevulinic Acid and Porphobilinogen.

Early and sensitive detection of δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG) is the cornerstone of diagnosis and effective treatment for acute porphyria. However, at present, the quantifying strategies demand multiple solvent extraction steps or chromatographic approaches to separate δ-ALA and PBG prior to quantification. These methods are both time-consuming and laborious. Otherwise, in conventional spectrofluorimetry, the overlapping spectra of the two analytes cause false diagnosis. To overcome this challenge, we present a two-step approach based on derivative matrix-isopotential synchronous fluorescence spectrometry (DMISFS) and the Hantzsch reaction, realizing the simple and simultaneous detection of δ-ALA and PBG in urine samples. The first step is chemical derivatization of the analytes by Hantzsch reaction. The second step is the determination of the target analytes by combining MISFS and the first derivative technique. The proposed approach accomplishes following advantages: 1) The MISFS technique improves the spectral resolution and resolves severe spectral overlap of the analytes, alleviating tedious and complicated pre-separation processes; 2) First derivative technique removes the background interference of δ-ALA on PBG and vice versa, ensuring high sensitivity; 3) Both the analytes can be determined simultaneously via single scanning, enabling rapid detection. The obtained detection limits for δ-ALA and PBG were 0.04 µmol L-1 and 0.3 µmol L-1, respectively. Within-run precisions (intra and inter-day CVs) for both the analytes were <5%. Further, this study would serve to enhance the availability of early and reliable quantitative diagnosis for acute porphyria in both scientific and clinical laboratories.

Regional Neural Activity Abnormalities and Whole-Brain Functional Connectivity Reorganization in Bulimia Nervosa: Evidence From Resting-State fMRI.

The management of eating behavior in bulimia nervosa (BN) patients is a complex process, and BN involves activity in multiple brain regions that integrate internal and external functional information. This functional information integration occurs in brain regions involved in reward, cognition, attention, memory, emotion, smell, taste, vision and so on. Although it has been reported that resting-state brain activity in BN patients is different from that of healthy controls, the neural mechanisms remain unclear and need to be further explored. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analyses are an important data-driven method that can measure the relative contribution of low-frequency fluctuations within a specific frequency band to the whole detectable frequency range. The fALFF is well suited to reveal the strength of interregional cooperation at the single-voxel level to investigate local neuronal activity power. FC is a brain network analysis method based on the level of correlated dynamics between time series, which establishes the connection between two spatial regions of interest (ROIs) with the assistance of linear temporal correlation. Based on the psychological characteristics of patients with BN and the abnormal brain functional activities revealed by previous neuroimaging studies, in this study, we investigated alterations in regional neural activity by applying fALFF analysis and whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) in patients with BN in the resting state and to explore correlations between brain activities and eating behavior. We found that the left insula and bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), as key nodes in the reorganized resting-state neural network, had altered FC with other brain regions associated with reward, emotion, cognition, memory, smell/taste, and vision-related functional processing, which may have influenced restrained eating behavior. These results could provide a further theoretical basis and potential effective targets for neuropsychological treatment in patients with BN.

Allyl Isothiocyanate Induces DNA Damage and Impairs DNA Repair in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ally lisothiocyanate (AITC), a constituent of naturally occurring isothiocyanates (ITCs) found in some Brassica vegetables, has been previously demonstrated to have anti-carcinogenic activity. However, there is no available information showing that AITC induces DNA damage and alters DNA damage repair proteins in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we investigated the effects of AITC on DNA damage and repair responses in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro. Cell viability was measured by flow cytometric assay. DNA condensation (apoptotic cell death) and DNA fragmentation (laddered DNA) were assayed by DAPI staining and DNA gel electrophoresis assays, respectively. Furthermore, DNA damage (comet tail) was measured by the comet assay. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of DNA damage- and repair-associated proteins. RESULTS: AITC decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent and induced apoptotic cell death (DNA condensation and fragmentation) and DNA damage in MCF-7 cells. AITC increased p-ATMSer1981, p-ATRSer428, p53, p-p53Ser15, p-H2A.XSer139, BRCA1, and PARP at 10-30 µM at 24 and 48 h treatments. However, AITC decreased DNA-PK at 24 and 48 h treatment, and decreased MGMT at 48 h in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION: AITC induced cytotoxic effects (decreased viable cell number) through induction of DNA damage and condensation and altered DNA damage and repair associated proteins in MCF-7 cells in vitro.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medication among Haikou residents.

BACKGROUND: Our study aims to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and its influencing factors of medication among residents in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan Province, and inform the development of interventions to reduce residents' medication errors. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the KAP of medication among Haikou residents and its influencing factors from March to September 2019. RESULTS: A total of 471 valid questionnaires were collected (245 online and 226 offline), with an effective recovery rate of 94.2%. The average score of KAP of medication were 52.2±13.08, 27.34±8.14, and 51.54±9.22, respectively. The knowledge score reached "good" in the evaluation criteria of the questionnaire, and the attitude and practice scores were "fair". Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the medication knowledge increased with age; a lower education degree was associated with less knowledge and more medication errors, and a higher education level was associated with more access to medication knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Education on rational drug use should be performed via multiple ways to promote rational drug use and reduce risky medication behaviors, particularly among residents with low education degrees, e.g., drug counseling and guidance, regularly push medication science popularization, public welfare lecture on rational drug use, organize and compile popular science books.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection After Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Study in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection after liver transplantation (LT). Improved understanding of the risk factors and outcomes of CRE infections can help us to develop effective preventive strategies and even guide early treatment of high-risk LT patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving all Chinese adult patients who underwent LT between December 2017 and September 2019 in our center. We analyzed the possible risk factors and outcomes associated with CRE infections in the first 30 days post-LT. RESULTS: A total of 387 patients underwent LT. Among them, 26 patients (6.7%) developed CRE infections within 30 days after transplantation. Patients with CRE infections had significantly lower 30-day and 180-day survival rates (80.8% vs 96.4%, p<0.001; 51.5% vs 92.4%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified that intraoperative blood loss equal to or more than 1500 mL (odds ratio [OR], 3.666; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.407-9.550; p=0.008), CRE rectal carriage within 30 days post-LT (OR, 5.516; 95% CI, 2.113-14.399; p=0.000), biliary complications (OR, 3.779; 95% CI, 1.033-13.831; p=0.045) and renal replacement therapy for more than 3 days (OR, 3.762; 95% CI, 1.196-11.833; p=0.023) were independent risk factors for CRE infections within 30 days post-LT. CONCLUSION: CRE infections within 30 days post-LT were associated with worse outcomes. Intraoperative blood loss equal to or more than 1500 mL, CRE rectal carriage within 30 days post-LT, biliary complications and renal replacement therapy for more than 3 days were independent risk factors of CRE infections after LT.

[FOXO4 maintains senescence in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by repressing apoptosis].

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of forkhead box O4 (FOXO4) on the senescence of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). The hUC-MSCs were induced to senescence by natural passage, and FOXO4 expression was inhibited by lentiviral shRNA transfection. The hallmark of cell senescence was analyzed by ß-galactosidase staining, and the cell viability was assayed by CCK-8 method. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the apoptosis of hUC-MSCs. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, FOXO4, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect FOXO4 expression. The amount of IL-6 secreted by hUC-MSCs was detected by ELISA. The results showed that, compared with the passage 1, senescent hUC-MSCs showed up-regulated expression levels of Bax and FOXO4, down-regulated expression levels of Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3, and increased IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion. FOXO4 inhibition in senescent hUC-MSCs promoted cell apoptosis, reduced cell viability, and inhibited the mRNA expression and secretion of IL-6. These results suggest that FOXO4 maintains viability and function of senescent hUC-MSCs by repressing their apoptosis response, thus accelerating senescence of the whole cell colony.

Failure of enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Enhanced recovery after surgery programs has been applied extensively in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. However, several studies have found that some patients fail from ERAS programs. It is important to identify these patients so that remedial action can be taken in a timely manner. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of ERAS failure and related risk factors following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, and Cochrane databases was performed. The search strategy involved terms related to ERAS, failure, and colorectal surgery. The main outcomes were definitions of ERAS failure and related risk factors. RESULTS: Seven studies including 1463 patients were analyzed. The definition of ERAS failure was mostly associated with a prolonged postoperative length-of-stay (poLOS). Twenty-four kinds of identified risk factors were divided into three parts, the operative part, the pathophysiological part, and the ERAS elements, of which operative factors including more intraoperative blood loss and longer operative duration were the most frequently identified. CONCLUSIONS: ERAS failure was mostly related to a prolonged poLOS, and operative factors were the most frequently identified risk factors for ERAS failure following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. These findings will help physicians to take remedial action in a timely manner. Nonetheless, high-quality randomized controlled trials following a standardized framework for evaluating ERAS programs are needed in the future.

Comparison of Single-Incision and Conventional Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: a Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SILSG) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (CLSG) in obese patients. This study aims to compare the surgical outcomes of these two techniques. METHODS: A meta-analysis of existing literature obtained through a systematic literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases from 2009 to 2019 was conducted. RESULTS: Eleven articles including 1168 patients were analyzed. Patients in the SILSG group reported greater satisfaction with cosmetic scar outcomes than those in the CLSG group (SMD = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.10 to 3.83, P = 0.00). There was no significant difference between the SILSG group and the CLSG group regarding operative time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, conversion rate, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, postoperative analgesia, postoperative complications, excess weight loss (EWL), and improvements in comorbidities (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to CLSG, SILSG resulted in improved cosmetic satisfaction and showed no disadvantages in terms of surgical outcomes; thus, SILSG can serve as an alternative to CLSG for obese patients. Nonetheless, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with large study populations and long follow-up periods are needed.

Three new methylated Δ8-pregnene steroids from the Polyalthia laui-derived fungus Stemphylium sp. AZGP4-2.

Three new methylated Δ8-pregnene steroids, stemphylisteroids A-C (1-3) were isolated from the medicinal plant Polyalthia laui-derived fungus Stemphylium sp. AZGP4-2. Their structures were elucidated by the detailed analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 1 show antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with the MIC value of 6.25 µg/mL, and 2 exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activities against six pathogenic bacteria with the MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 50 µg/mL. The discovery of three methylated Δ8-pregnene steroids 1-3 are a further addition to diverse and complex array of methylated steroids.

[Current status of neglect among children aged 3-6 years in rural areas of Urumqi, China and risk factors for child neglect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of neglect in children aged 3-6 years in the rural areas of Urumqi, China and risk factors for neglect. METHODS: Stratified random cluster sampling was performed to select 1 326 children, aged 3-6 years, from 6 kindergartens in the rural areas of Urumqi. A self-designed questionnaire and "Chinese Neglect Evaluation Questionnaire for Rural Children Aged 3-6 Years" were used for investigation. RESULTS: Of the 1 326 children, the neglect rate was 51.89% (688 cases), and the degree of neglect was 49±6. There were significant differences in the neglect rate and the degree of neglect between the children in different age groups (P<0.01). The single-parent families and the remarried families had significantly higher child neglect rate and degree of neglect than the families of three generations under one roof and the core families (P<0.01). The children in left-behind status had a significantly higher degree of neglect (P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that younger children, mothers with low education level, employment status of the mother as a migrant worker, single-parent and remarried families, low-income families, and left-behind status were risk factors for child neglect (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The neglect of children aged 3-6 years in the rural areas of Urumqi is serious, and more attention should be paid to younger children, children whose mothers with low education level, left-behind children, and children from single-parent families, remarried families and low-income families.

Comprehensive analysis of gene expression and DNA methylation for human nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most malignant head and neck carcinomas with unique epidemiological features. In this study, we aimed to identify the novel NPC-related genes and biological pathways, shedding light on the potential molecular mechanisms of NPC. METHODS: Based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, an integrated analysis of microarrays studies was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in NPC compared to normal control. The genes which were both differentially expressed and differentially methylated were identified. Functional annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction were used to uncover biological functions of DEGs. RESULTS: Two DNA methylation and five gene expression datasets were incorporated. A total of 1074 genes were up-regulated and 939 genes were down-regulated in NPC were identified. A total of 719 differential methylation CpG sites (DMCs) including 1 hypermethylated sites and 718 hypomethylated sites were identified. Among which, 11 genes were both DEGs and DMGs in NPC. Pathways in cancer, p53 signaling pathway and Epstein-Barr virus infection were three pathways significantly enriched pathways in DEmRNAs of NPC. The PPI network of top 50 DEGs were consisted of 191 nodes and 191 edges. CONCLUSIONS: Our study was helpful to elucidate the underlying mechanism of NPC and provide clues for therapeutic methods.

[Current status of social anxiety among primary school students with myopia in Urumqi, China and risk factors for myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of social anxiety among the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade primary school students with myopia in Urumqi, China and the risk factors for social anxiety. METHODS: Stratified cluster random sampling was used to select 552 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade primary school students with myopia from four primary schools in Urumqi. A self-designed questionnaire, a social anxiety scale for children and a self-esteem scale were used to investigate the general demographic data and the current status of social anxiety and self-esteem. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for social anxiety in primary school students with myopia. RESULTS: Of the 552 children, 173 (31.3%) were found to have social anxiety. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a higher grade, female sex, autocratic family, high myopia, low self-esteem and wearing glasses for more than 2 years were risk factors for social anxiety (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a serious problem of social anxiety among the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade primary school students with myopia in Urumqi. The development of social anxiety is associated with age, sex, degree of myopia, time of wearing glasses, parental education style and self-esteem level.