Alterations in spatiotemporal characteristics of dynamic networks in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is characterized by altered patterns of brain functional connectivity (FC). However, the nature and extent of alterations in the spatiotemporal characteristics of dynamic FC in JME patients remain elusive. Dynamic networks effectively encapsulate temporal variations in brain imaging data, offering insights into brain network abnormalities and contributing to our understanding of the seizure mechanisms and origins. METHODS: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were procured from 37 JME patients and 37 healthy counterparts. Forty-seven network nodes were identified by group-independent component analysis (ICA) to construct the dynamic network. Ultimately, patients' and controls' spatiotemporal characteristics, encompassing temporal clustering and variability, were contrasted at the whole-brain, large-scale network, and regional levels. RESULTS: Our findings reveal a marked reduction in temporal clustering and an elevation in temporal variability in JME patients at the whole-brain echelon. Perturbations were notably pronounced in the default mode network (DMN) and visual network (VN) at the large-scale level. Nodes exhibiting anomalous were predominantly situated within the DMN and VN. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between the severity of JME symptoms and the temporal clustering of the VN. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that excessive temporal changes in brain FC may affect the temporal structure of dynamic brain networks, leading to disturbances in brain function in patients with JME. The DMN and VN play an important role in the dynamics of brain networks in patients, and their abnormal spatiotemporal properties may underlie abnormal brain function in patients with JME in the early stages of the disease.

Early postnatal moderate catch­up growth in rats with nutritional intrauterine growth restriction preserves pulmonary vascular and cognitive function in adulthood.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with rapid postnatal catch-up growth is strongly associated with pulmonary vascular dysfunction in adulthood, whereas IUGR with delayed growth in early postnatal life results in long-term brain deficits. In the present study, it was hypothesized that IUGR with early moderate catch-up growth may alleviate pulmonary vascular remodeling in adulthood without affecting memory function. An IUGR model was established by restricting maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Different growth patterns were achieved by adjusting the litter size in each group during lactation. Rats meeting the weight requirement at weaning were selected for subsequent studies at three time points (3, 9 and 13 weeks). Cognitive function was evaluated using a Y-maze. Invasive hemodynamic measurements were conducted to measure the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP). In addition, primary pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) were cultured to investigate their role in the increase in mPAP following rapid catch-up growth. The results showed that memory function deficits in the rats in the delayed growth group were associated with reduced proliferation of neural stem cells in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus. Furthermore, moderate catch-up growth at the three time points improved memory function while maintaining a normal mPAP. In adult IUGR rats experiencing rapid catch-up growth, although memory function improved, elevated mPAP and medial thickening of pulmonary arterioles were observed. Additionally, PASMCs exhibited excessive proliferation, migration and anti-apoptotic activity in the rapid catch-up group, and PVECs also displayed excessive proliferation. These results suggested that moderate catch-up growth after IUGR is a better strategy for optimal cognition and cardiovascular health in adulthood compared with rapid catch-up growth or delayed growth.

Ddx5 Targeted Epigenetic Modification of Pericytes in Pulmonary Hypertension After Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have a higher likelihood of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adulthood. Although there is increasing evidence suggesting that pericytes play a role in regulating myofibroblast transdifferentiation and angiogenesis in malignant and cardiovascular diseases, their involvement in the pathogenesis of IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. To address this issue, a study was conducted using a Sprague-Dawley rat model of IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension. Our investigation revealed increased proliferation and migration of pulmonary microvascular pericytes in IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension, accompanied by weakened endothelial-pericyte interactions. Through whole-transcriptome sequencing, Ddx5 (DEAD-box protein 5) was identified as one of the hub genes in pericytes. DDX5, a member of the RNA helicase family, plays a role in the regulation of ATP-dependent RNA helicase activities and cellular function. MicroRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PAH, and microRNA-205 (miR-205) regulates cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The results of dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the specific binding of miR-205 to Ddx5. Mechanistically, miR-205 negatively regulates Ddx5, leading to the degradation of ß-catenin by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Gsk3ß at serine 9. In vitro experiments showed the addition of miR-205 effectively ameliorated pericyte dysfunction. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-205 agomir could ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. Our findings indicated that the downregulation of miR-205 expression mediates pericyte dysfunction through the activation of Ddx5. Therefore, targeting the miR-205/Ddx5/p-Gsk3ß/ß-catenin axis could be a promising therapeutic approach for IUGR-related pulmonary hypertension.

Association between dietary diversity, sedentary time outside of work and depressive symptoms among knowledge workers: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low-diversity diets and sedentary status are risk factors for depressive symptoms, while knowledge workers were ignored before. The purpose of this current study was to examine the relationship between dietary diversity, sedentary time spent outside of work, and depressive symptoms among knowledge workers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a multicenter and cross-sectional design that included 118,723 knowledge workers. Participants self-reported online between January 2018 and December 2020. Demographic information, the Dietary Diversity Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, dietary habits (which included eating three meals on time, midnight snacking, overeating, social engagement, coffee consumption, sugary drink consumption, smoking and alcohol use), sedentary time spent outside of work and physical activity were investigated. RESULTS: The relationships between demographic information, dietary habits and dietary diversity, and depressive symptoms were estimated. Compared with the first and second levels of dietary diversity, the third level of dietary diversity (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.98) reduced the risk of depressive symptoms. Knowledge workers with different degrees of sedentary status (2-4 h (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.07-1.14), 4-6 h (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.17-1.26), and > 6 h (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.43-1.56), presented a progressively higher risk of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: High amounts of sedentary time spent after work and low levels of dietary diversity are risk factors for depressive symptoms. In addition, an irregular diet and overeating are also major risk factors for knowledge workers.

Single-shot 3D photoacoustic computed tomography with a densely packed array for transcranial functional imaging.

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) is emerging as a new technique for functional brain imaging, primarily due to its capabilities in label-free hemodynamic imaging. Despite its potential, the transcranial application of PACT has encountered hurdles, such as acoustic attenuations and distortions by the skull and limited light penetration through the skull. To overcome these challenges, we have engineered a PACT system that features a densely packed hemispherical ultrasonic transducer array with 3072 channels, operating at a central frequency of 1 MHz. This system allows for single-shot 3D imaging at a rate equal to the laser repetition rate, such as 20 Hz. We have achieved a single-shot light penetration depth of approximately 9 cm in chicken breast tissue utilizing a 750 nm laser (withstanding 3295-fold light attenuation and still retaining an SNR of 74) and successfully performed transcranial imaging through an ex vivo human skull using a 1064 nm laser. Moreover, we have proven the capacity of our system to perform single-shot 3D PACT imaging in both tissue phantoms and human subjects. These results suggest that our PACT system is poised to unlock potential for real-time, in vivo transcranial functional imaging in humans.

Impact of the teach-back method on caregiver outcomes using the "Timing it Right" framework for hemodialysis patients.

Background: The caregivers play vital roles in the health care of hemodialysis patients. Ineffective education strategy for the caregivers negatively affects the care ability of caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the teach-back method based on the "Timing it Right" framework on the caregivers' care ability, emotions and health-related quality of life for hemodialysis patients. Methods: The study involved 78 caregivers of 78 hemodialysis patients. Participants in the control group received routine nursing care and traditional oral health education, while those in the intervention group received health education through the teach-back method based on the "Timing it Right" framework. All participants were followed for 6 months. The degree of anxiety and depression of caregivers was evaluated through the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. The care ability of caregivers was assessed by the Family Caregiver Task Inventory (FCTI). The health-related quality of life of hemodialysis patients was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: Compared to baseline (T0), the SAS, SDS and FCTI scores of the intervention group were significantly reduced at the time of discharge (T1), three (T2) and 6 months (T3) (all p < 0.001). Besides, at T1, T2, and T3, the FCTI scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than that in control group (all p < 0.001). The SAS and SDS scores were also significantly lower in the intervention group at T1, T2, and T3 compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). For SF-36 scores, all domains of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group at T1, T2 and T3, including physical functioning (p < 0.001), role physical (p = 0.007), bodily pain (p < 0.001), general health (p = 0.002), vitality (p = 0.043), social functioning (p = 0.016), role emotional (p = 0.002), and mental health(p = 0.025). Conclusion: The application of teach-back method based on the "Timing it Right" framework could obviously alleviate the anxiety and depression of caregivers for hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, it could significantly improve the care ability of caregivers and the quality of life of patients.

The role of sleep quality and perceived stress on depressive symptoms among tertiary hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nurses in tertiary hospitals are at high risk for depression. Understanding sleep quality and perceived stress may contribute to nurses' mental health and health-related nursing productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sleep quality and perceived stress on depressive symptoms among nurses in tertiary hospitals. METHODS: A total of 2,780 nurses (overall response rate = 91.1%) were recruited through a cross-sectional survey in 23 tertiary hospitals in China. Questionnaires included the Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale. Variables that were significant in Chi-square tests were further entered into binary logistic stepwise regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 60.3% (n = 1,676), of which 97.4% (n = 1,633) were female, and 77.8% were younger than 35 years (n = 1,304). Nurses who had moderate, poor, severe sleep quality and poor perceived pressure were more likely to be depressed. Master's degree, 6-10 years of work, and physical activity were protective factors, while the opposite was the case for shift work and high dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of nurses working in tertiary care hospitals reported depressive symptoms, and lower sleep quality and higher perceived stress were more associated with this. Perceived stress is an interesting concept, which may provide a new entry point for the well-known idea that there is a relationship between poor sleep quality and depression. It is possible to reduce depressive symptoms among public hospital nurses by providing information on sleep health and stress relief.

The influences of finite aperture size in photoacoustic computed tomography.

In photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), the "finite aperture effect" is often characterized as a tangential resolution that increases proportionally with the distance from the rotation center. However, this conclusion is based on the inaccurate point-detector assumption used in image reconstruction. In this study, we appropriately modeled the finite size of the acoustic detector in the back-projection (BP) based image reconstruction to improve the accuracy of the time delay calculation and systematically investigated its effects. Our results showed that the main effect of the finite aperture size is the creation of a limited high-quality imaging region (HQIR) around the scanning center, due to the directional sensitivity of the detector. We also demonstrated that the "finite aperture effect" can reduce the optimal number of detectors required for spatial anti-aliasing. These new findings provide novel perspectives for optimizing PACT systems and corresponding reconstruction methods.

Relationships between depression, self-efficacy, and professional values among Chinese oncology nurses: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Many factors are related to oncology nurses' professional values. However, the evidence on the relevance of professional values among oncology nurses in China remains sparse. This study aims to investigate the relationship between depression, self-efficacy, and professional values among Chinese oncology nurses and analyze the mediating effect of self-efficacy on this association. METHODS: It was a multicenter cross-sectional study designed with the STROBE guidelines. An anonymous online questionnaire recruited 2530 oncology nurses from 55 hospitals in six provinces of China between March and June 2021. Measures included self-designed sociodemographic and fully validated instruments. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to explore the associations between depression, self-efficacy, and professional values. Bootstrapping analysis by the PROCESS macro was used to examine the mediating effect of self-efficacy. RESULTS: The total scores of depression, self-efficacy, and professional values of Chinese oncology nurses were 52.75 ± 12.62, 28.39 ± 6.33, and 101.55 ± 20.43, respectively. About 55.2% of Chinese oncology nurses were depressed. Chinese oncology nurses' professional values were generally intermediate. Their professional values were negatively related to depression and positively correlated with self-efficacy, while depression was negatively related to self-efficacy. Moreover, self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between depression and professional values, accounting for 24.8% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS: Depression negatively predicts self-efficacy and professional values, and self-efficacy positively predicts professional values. Meanwhile, depression in Chinese oncology nurses has an indirect effect on their professional values through self-efficacy. Nursing managers and oncology nurses themselves should develop strategies aimed at relieving depression and improving self-efficacy to strengthen their positive professional values.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual healthcare and its influencing factors among oncology nurses: a multicenter study.

Background: The provision of sexual healthcare plays an integral role in the field of oncology nursing. However, limitations in the knowledge, attitude, and practice perspectives of oncology nurses require detailed study. Aim: In this study the authors sought to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oncology nurses regarding sexual healthcare from a nationwide perspective and to explore the factors that influence them. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using stratified random sampling of certified oncology nurses from 55 hospitals in 6 provinces in Central South China. In total, 2530 nurses participated and completed the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questionnaire of Sexual Health Care (KAP of SHC), the Nurses Clinic Communication Competency Scale, the Nurses Professional Values Scale, and the General Self-efficacy Scale. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore influencing factors. Outcomes: The primary variable was the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual healthcare provision. Secondary variables included professional value, clinical communication competency, self-efficacy, and demographic factors. Results: The median KAP of SHC score was 139 (possible range 72 to 288). Attitude of SHC scored highest, followed by knowledge and practice scores. Professional values were positively associated with knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.023-0.091; P < .01) and attitude (OR = 0.319; 95% CI: 0.268-0.370, P < .01) of SHC. Clinical communication competency was only positively related to the attitude of SHC (OR = 3.960; 95% CI: 2.701-5.218, P < .01). Self-efficacy was positively related to KAP and the knowledge (OR = 0.616; 95% CI: 0.506-0.725, P < .01), attitude (OR = 0.187; 95% CI: 0.052-0.322, P < .01), and practice (OR = 0.840; 95% CI: 0.735-0.944, P < .01) of SHC. Clinical Implications: Knowledge assistance, attitude training, and practice coaching resources must be on the agenda to optimize professional practice for oncology nurses. Strengths and Limitations: This study provides data based on the Knowledge, Attitude, Belief and Practice (KABP) model in a nationwide sample of oncology nurses. In addition, the relationship between self-efficacy and KAP of SHC has been explored for the first time. The limitations are that this study may have some bias and did not take into account mediating relationships. Conclusions: Oncology nurses exhibit moderate levels of KAP of SHC. It is noteworthy that self-efficacy and position are the only 2 factors that influenced all aspects of KAP of SHC.

Intelligent physical activity versus modified behavioral activation in adolescent and young adult cancer patients with psychological distress: A randomized, controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: More than 80% of adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYACPs) experienced psychological distress. Physical activity and behavioral activation are effective to relieve the psychological distress in AYACPs. METHODS: Participants aged 15-39 years diagnosed with malignant tumors were included. A total of 143 eligible AYACPs were randomly assigned to three groups. The treatment-as-usual group (N = 48) received routine care, the physical activity group (N = 47) received 8 weeks of physical activity program based on intelligent wearable devices, and the behavioral activation group (N = 48) received an internet-based modified behavioral activation program for 8 weeks. Objective outcome measures included salivary cortisol and testosterone. RESULTS: Linear mixed-model analyses showed significant differences between treatment-as-usual, physical activity and behavioral activation in salivary cortisol, as well as total scores on depression and anxiety, physical activity, self-efficacy, and social support. Significantly stronger effect sizes for physical activity group compared with behavioral activation group were found on physical activity (d = 0.53) (1 week after intervention), moderate activity (d = 0.61), and walking activity (d = 0.57) (3-month follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: Intelligent, wearable, device-based physical activity program is more effective in alleviating anxiety and depression, reducing saliva cortisol, and improving physical activity in AYACPs than internet-based modified behavioral activation program. Intelligent, wearable, device-based physical activity program can reduce the time cost of AYACPs to ensure that the intervention is carried out.

PVECs-Derived Exosomal microRNAs Regulate PASMCs via FoxM1 Signaling in IUGR-induced Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is closely related to systemic or pulmonary hypertension (PH) in adulthood. Aberrant crosstalk between pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) that is mediated by exosomes plays an essential role in the progression of PH. FoxM1 (Forkhead box M1) is a key transcription factor that governs many important biological processes. Methods and Results IUGR-induced PH rat models were established. Transwell plates were used to coculture PVECs and PASMCs. Exosomes were isolated from PVEC-derived medium, and a microRNA (miRNA) screening was proceeded to identify effects of IUGR on small RNAs enclosed within exosomes. Dual-Luciferase assay was performed to validate the predicted binding sites of miRNAs on FoxM1 3' untranslated region. FoxM1 inhibitor thiostrepton was used in IUGR-induced PH rats. In this study, we found that FoxM1 expression was remarkably increased in IUGR-induced PH, and PASMCs were regulated by PVECs through FoxM1 signaling in a non-contact way. An miRNA screening showed that miR-214-3p, miR-326-3p, and miR-125b-2-3p were downregulated in PVEC-derived exosomes of the IUGR group, which were associated with overexpression of FoxM1 and more significant proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Dual-Luciferase assay demonstrated that the 3 miRNAs directly targeted FoxM1 3' untranslated region. FoxM1 inhibition blocked the PVECs-PASMCs crosstalk and reversed the abnormal functions of PASMCs. In vivo, treatment with thiostrepton significantly reduced the severity of PH. Conclusions Transmission of exosomal miRNAs from PVECs regulated the functions of PASMCs via FoxM1 signaling, and FoxM1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in IUGR-induced PH.

Dietary diversity and determinants of young adults in central China: A cross-sectional study from 2015 to 2020.

Background: Early adulthood is a vulnerable period for improved nutrition at all phases of the life cycle. However, there is limited research on diversity information in young adults from middle-income countries undergoing an apparent nutritional transition. The purpose of this study was to explore dietary diversity and determinants among young adults aged 18-35 years in central China. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2020, a cross-sectional survey of 49,021 young adults in a health management center of central China was conducted through report and phone-assisted self-report for information. The outcome variable was the Dietary Diversity Score. Independent variables included age, sex, race, material status, education, BMI, taste preference, regular meals, midnight snacks, sugared beverage/coffee consumption, and smoking/drinking status. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results: Of 49,021 young adults, 38,374 (78.3%) reported insufficient dietary diversity, and 422 (0.9%) reported sufficient dietary diversity. Light taste preference [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.325; 95% CI: 1.779, 3.039] and those who had meals regularly (aOR = 1.241; 95% CI: 1.018, 1.513) and consumed coffee (aOR = 2.765; 95% CI: 2.257, 3.387) were more likely to be associated with sufficient dietary diversity. Midnight snacks (aOR = 0.728; 95% CI: 0.588, 0.901) and sugary beverages (aOR = 0.666; 95% CI: 0.535, 0.829) were less likely to be associated with sufficient dietary diversity. Higher BMI (aOR = 1.092; 95% CI: 1.061, 1.125) was associated with higher odds of sufficient dietary diversity. Additionally, participants who were 18-30 years old, with master or above degree and away from cigarette/alcohol were more likely to report better dietary diversity. Conclusion: Our results painted a less than ideal nutritional condition affecting young adults. High-fat/sugar/salt dietary practices can lead to low dietary diversity, while high dietary diversity might have adverse BMI outcomes in youth. This study highlighted the importance of increasing the diversity of healthy and selective food items before wide recommendation for dietary diversity.

Association of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Salt Intake and Dietary Diversity in Chinese Medical Examination Adults Aged 18-59 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Given the significance of dietary factors in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association of NAFLD with salt intake and dietary diversity in a medical examination population aged 18-59 years. Methods: Data from two Chinese health management centers were utilized between January 2017 and December 2019. The general information, laboratory tests, lifestyle habits, and diet of the participants were all evaluated. Based on alcohol consumption and abdominal ultrasound results, a total of 23,867 participants were divided into the NAFLD (n = 7,753) and control (n = 16,114) groups. Salt intake and dietary diversity were calculated separately for study participants using the spot urine method and dietary diversity scores (DDS). The multilevel logistic model and subgroup analysis were used to analyze the relationship between salt intake, dietary diversity, and NAFLD. Results: We found that the prevalence of NAFLD was 32.48%. Salt intake was associated with increased NAFLD (Q2 vs. Q1: OR = 1.201, 95% CI 1.094-1.317, P < 0.001; Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 1.442, 95% CI 1.316-1.580, P < 0.001; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.604, 95% CI 1.465-1.757, P < 0.001), whereas sufficient dietary diversity was a protective factor for NAFLD (Sufficient DDS vs. Insufficient DDS: OR: 0.706, 95% CI 0.517-0.965, P < 0.05). The effects of salt intake and dietary diversity on NAFLD were equally stable in the subgroup analysis. Conclusions: We can conclude that NAFLD is highly prevalent in medical examination adults aged 18-59 years in China. Furthermore, the risk of salt intake for NAFLD and the protective effect of dietary diversity on NAFLD should be taken into account in the management of NAFLD.

[Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide reduces the injury of IL-1ß-induced chondrocyte by inhibiting NF-κB pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide on the injury of interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß)-induced chondrocyte and its possible mechanism. METHODS: ATDC5 was treated with 10 µg/ml IL-1ß to establish osteoarthritis chondrocyte inflammation model, mouse chondrocyte ATDC5 were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into blank group, model group, model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide low concentration group, model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide medium concentration group and model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide high concentration group. The cells in the blank group were cultured with conventional medium;the cells in the model group cells were cultured with a medium containing 10 ?g/ml IL-1ß, and the cells in the model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide low concentration group, model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide medium concentration group and model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide high concentration group were co-cultured with medium containing 100, 200, 400 µg/ml Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide and 10 µg/ml IL-1ß. After the cells of each group were cultured for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability. After the cells of each group were cultured for 48 h, flow cytometry and DAPI staining were used to detect cell apoptosis;ELISA method was used to detect the expression of TNF-α, NO, IFN-γ and IL-6 in cells; DCFH-DA method was used to detect the content of ROS in cells;Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TIMP-1, MMP-13 and NF-κB signaling pathway-related P65 and p-P65;Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the localization of NF-κB P65 cells. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the ATDC5 cell viability and the protein expression of TIMP-1 in the model group reduced (P<0.05), while apoptosis rate, the levels of TNF-α, NO, IFN-γ and IL-6, the content of ROS, the protein expression of MMP-13 and p-P65, and the number of P65+ in the nucleus increased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ATDC5 cell viability and the protein expression of TIMP-1 in the model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide low concentration group, model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide medium concentration group and model+Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide high concentration group increased (P<0.05), while apoptosis rate, the levels of TNF-α, NO, IFN-γ and IL-6, the content of ROS, the protein expression of MMP-13 and p-P65, and the number of P65+ in the nucleus reduced (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that Eucommia ulmoides Oliv polysaccharide could promote proliferation of IL-1ß-induced chondrocyte ATDC5 and inhibit its apoptosis, inflammatory response and matrix degradation. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of NF-κB pathway.

Metabolomics of bronchoalveolar lavage in children with persistent wheezing.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated the important role of metabolomics in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the role of lung metabolomics in childhood persistent wheezing (PW) or wheezing recurrence remains poorly understood. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we performed a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolomic survey on bronchoalveolar lavage samples collected from 30 children with PW and 30 age-matched infants (control group). A 2-year follow-up study on these PW children was conducted. RESULTS: Children with PW showed a distinct characterization of respiratory metabolome compared with control group. Children with PW had higher abundances of choline, oleamide, nepetalactam, butyrylcarnitine, L-palmitoylcarnitine, palmitoylethanolamide, and various phosphatidylcholines. The glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was the most relevant pathway involving in PW pathophysiologic process. Additionally, different gender, prematurity, and systemic corticoids use demonstrated a greater impact in airway metabolite compositions. Furthermore, for PW children with recurrence during the follow-up period, children who were born prematurely had an increased abundance of butyrylcarnitine relative to those who were carried to term. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the alterations of lung metabolites could be associated with the development of wheezing, and this early alteration could also be correlated with wheezing recurrence later in life.

Symptoms of depression are related to sedentary behavior and sleep duration in elderly individuals: A cross-sectional study of 49,317 older Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is a common mental disorder in older adults. This study aimed to determine the incidence of depression and the relationship between sedentary behavior and sleep duration in elderly individuals. METHOD: A total of 49,317 elderly adults from eight health centers in six Chinese provinces completed an online self-reported health questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and depression symptoms. RESULTS: Symptoms of depression were present in 20.1% of older adults. Sedentary behaviors for >6 h/day (OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 2.90-3.44; p < 0.001) were a greater risk factor for depressive symptoms in older adults than sedentary behaviors for less than 3 h/day. Elderly individuals with short sleep durations (<7 h/day) were more likely to experience depression (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 2.07-2.34; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that sedentary behavior and short sleep duration in older Chinese adults are associated with depressive symptoms. In China, further improvement of the mental health and lifestyle of elderly individuals may be warranted.

Reproductive concerns among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review of current research situations.

Fertility is a significant concern among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their caregivers, especially after their completion of cancer treatment programs. Concerns about fertility affect not only cancer patients' psychological well-being, but also all aspects of their medical treatments, including treatment protocol, decision-making, and treatment adherence. In this scoping review, the PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang electronic databases were searched according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. The searches identified 669 articles, 54 of which met the inclusion criteria. Reviewers extracted the data on the study characteristics, measurements, positive factors, negative factors, and additional themes. This scoping review included studies from 10 countries. Most studies were quantitative using a cross-sectional design. The prevalence of reproductive concerns among AYA cancer survivors ranged from 44% to 86%, and 28% to 44% of the survivors experienced moderate to severe concerns. The specific implementation of fertility consultation, including timing, consult frequency, and content, deserves ongoing exploration.

The efficacy of live music for adolescent and young adult patients during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Music therapy can improve mood in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, live music (LM) delivered by professional music therapists is not common in developing countries owing to the shortage of professional music therapists. Thus, in this study, we explored the effects of a multidisciplinary collaborative intervention based on LM on physical and psychological well-being of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients undergoing HSCT with a quasi-experimental design. METHODS: A total of 62 AYA patients agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to the intervention group receiving 4-week LM therapy (n = 31) or control group receiving usual care (n = 31). Depression, salivary cortisol, fatigue, and quality of life were the main outcome indicators measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up. The intervention effects were analyzed by generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Significant decrease in HADS-D scores occurred in the intervention group compared with wait-list controls at immediately after intervention (p < 0.05). Participants in the LM group had greater improvement in quality of life and lower salivary cortisol level than those in the wait-list control group at immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after intervention (p < 0.05). However, the interaction effects of the BFI scores were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: LM therapy significantly alleviated depression and salivary cortisol levels as well as improved quality of life of AYA patients undergoing HSCT.

The Impact of Dietary Diversity, Lifestyle, and Blood Lipids on Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Carotid atherosclerosis is a common arterial wall lesion that causes narrowing and occlusion of the arteries and is the basis of cardiovascular events. Dietary habits, lifestyle, and lipid metabolism should be considered integrally in the context of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). However, this area has been investigated less often in China. To understand the prevalence of CAS in China and the impact of dietary diversity and habits, lifestyle, and lipid metabolism on CAS as well as its predictive factors, a cross-sectional study was performed in two northern and southern Chinese tertiary hospitals from 2017 to 2019. Included participants underwent carotid artery color Doppler ultrasonography, blood lipid examination and dietary evaluation. In total, 11,601 CAS patients and 27,041 individuals without carotid artery lesions were included. The prevalence of CAS was 30.0% in this group. High BMI (OR: 1.685, 95% CI [1.315-2.160]), current (1.148 [1.077-1.224]) or ex-smoking (1.349 [1.190-1.529]), abstinence from alcohol ((1.223 [1.026-1.459]), social engagement (1.122 [1.050-1.198]), hypertension (1.828 [1.718-1.945]), and total cholesterol (1.438 [1.298-1.594]) were risk factors for CAS, while higher dietary diversity according to DDS-2 (0.891 [0.805-0.989]), HDL-C (0.558 [0.487-0.639]), sugar-sweetened beverages (0.734 [0.696-0.774]), and no midnight snack consumption (0.846 [0.792-0.903]) were protective factors. This current study demonstrated that higher dietary diversity was a protective factor against CAS in a healthy population. In addition, current recommendations of healthy lifestyle and dietary habits for preventing CAS should be strengthened. In addition, dietary diversity should concentrate on food attributes and dietary balance, rather than increased quantities.