Visceral fat area is more strongly associated with arterial stiffness than abdominal subcutaneous fat area in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the correlation between visceral fat area (VFA) and abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA) with arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, there is currently controversy regarding the correlation between VFA and SFA with AS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between VFA and SFA with AS in patients with T2D. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1475 Chinese T2D patients with an average age of 52.32 ± 10.96 years were included. VFA and SFA were determined by a dual bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and AS was determined by measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave conduction velocity (baPWV). Atherosclerosis was deemed present in study participants with baPWV values higher than 75th percentile (1781 cm/s). Independent correlations of logVFA and logSFA with AS were assessed using multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The baPWV was linked with VFA, waist circumference, and women's SFA in a general linear correlation study (P < 0.05), but not with body mass index (P = 0.3783) or men's SFA (P = 0.1899). In both men and women, VFA and SFA were positively correlated with AS, according to the generalized additive model (GAM). After fully adjusting for confounders, multiple linear regression analyses showed that for every 1-unit increase in logVFA, the beta coefficient of baPWV increased by 63.1 cm/s (95% CI: 18.4, 107.8) (P < 0.05). logSFA did not correlate significantly with baPWV (P = 0.125). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of elevated baPWV was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1, 3.1) (P = 0.019) per 1-unit increase in logVFA. logSFA did not correlate significantly with AS (P = 0.091). In the subgroup analysis, the correlation between logVFA and baPWV did not interact across subgroups (P-interaction > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SFA, VFA had a stronger independent positive correlation with AS in Chinese T2D patients. Patients with T2D should pay more attention to monitoring VFA and lowering it to minimize cardiovascular events.

Effector enrichment by Candidatus Liberibacter promotes Diaphorina citri feeding via Jasmonic acid pathway suppression.

BACKGROUND: Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) that affects the citrus industry. In nature, CLas relies primarily on Diaphorina citri Kuwayama as its vector for dissemination. After D. citri ingests CLas-infected citrus, the pathogen infiltrates the insect's body, where it thrives, reproduces, and exerts regulatory control over the growth and metabolism of D. citri. Previous studies have shown that CLas alters the composition of proteins in the saliva of D. citri, but the functions of these proteins remain largely unknown. RESULTS: In this study, we detected two proteins (DcitSGP1 and DcitSGP3) with high expression levels in CLas-infected D. citri. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis showed that the two proteins were highly expressed in the salivary glands and delivered into the host plant during feeding. Silencing the two genes significantly decreased the survival rate for D. citri, reduced phloem nutrition sucking and promoted jasmonic acid (JA) defenses in citrus. By contrast, after overexpressing the two genes in citrus, the expression levels of JA pathway-associated genes decreased. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CLas can indirectly suppress the defenses of citrus and support feeding by D. citri via increasing the levels of effectors in the insect's saliva. This discovery facilitates further research into the interaction between insect vectors and pathogens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Positive correlation between lipid accumulation product index and arterial stiffness in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Many studies have confirmed that lipid accumulation products (LAP) predict arterial stiffness (AS) in hypertensive patients. But there is little research on the use of LAP in identifying early atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the LAP index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Chinese patients with T2DM. Methods: A total of 1471 Chinese participants with T2DM, ranging in age from 18 to 80, were included in this cross-sectional study. BaPWV measurements were used to calculate the AS. A baPWV greater than the 75th percentile (1700 cm/s) was defined as indicating increased AS. The LAP index was calculated from the combination of waist circumference (WC) and triglycerides (TG). Results: According to the quartiles of the LAP index, baPWV tended to increase after adjusting for sex and age. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the beta coefficient (ß) of baPWV increased by 31.0 cm/s for each unit of lnLAP that was increased, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was (6.5, 55.5) cm/s. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, after fully adjusting for confounders, the risk of elevated baPWV increased with each unit increase in lnLAP, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.8). According to the generalized additive model (GAM), we found that lnLAP was positively correlated with baPWV and baPWV elevation. The results were the same for males and females. Subgroup analyses showed that the positive correlation between lnLAP and elevated baPWV did not interact across all subgroups. Conclusions: In Chinese patients with T2DM, LAP was strongly and positively correlated with baPWV and elevated baPWV.

First Record of Aspergillus fijiensis as an Entomopathogenic Fungus against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is the most widespread and devastating pest species in citrus orchards and is the natural vector of the phloem-limited bacterium that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Thus, reducing the population of D. citri is an important means to prevent the spread of HLB disease. Due to the long-term use of chemical control, biological control has become the most promising strategy. In this study, a novel highly pathogenic fungal strain was isolated from naturally infected cadavers of adult D. citri. The species was identified as Aspergillus fijiensis using morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis and assigned the strain name GDIZM-1. Tests to detect aflatoxin B1 demonstrated that A. fijiensis GDIZM-1 is a non-aflatoxin B1 producer. The pathogenicity of the strain against D. citri was determined under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The results of the laboratory study indicated that nymphs from the 1st to 5th instar and adults of D. citri were infected by A. fijiensis GDIZM-1. The mortality of nymphs and adults of D. citri caused by infection with A. fijiensis increased with the concentration of the conidial suspension and exposure time, and the median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal time (LT50) values gradually decreased. The mortality of D. citri for all instars was higher than 70%, with high pathogenicity at the 7th day post treatment with 1 × 108 conidia/mL. The results of the greenhouse pathogenicity tests showed that the survival of D. citri adults was 3.33% on the 14th day post-treatment with 1 × 108 conidia/mL, which was significantly lower than that after treatment with the Metarhizium anisopliae GDIZMMa-3 strain and sterile water. The results of the present study revealed that the isolate of A. fijiensis GDIZM-1 was effective against D. citri and it provides a basis for the development of a new microbial pesticide against D. citri after validation of these results in the field.

Analysis of genetic diversity and selection characteristics using the whole genome sequencing data of five buffaloes, including Xilin buffalo, in Guangxi, China.

Buffalo is an economically important livestock that renders useful services to manhood in terms of meat, milk, leather, and draught. The Xilin buffalo is among the native buffalo breeds of China. In the present study, the genetic architecture and selection signature signals of Xilin buffalo have been explored. Correlation analysis of the population structure of Xilin buffalo was conducted by constructing NJ tree, PCA, ADMIXTURE and other methods. A total of twenty-five (n = 25) Xilin buffalo whole genome data and data of forty-six (n = 46) buffaloes published data were used. The population structure analysis showed that the Xilin buffalo belong to the Middle-Lower Yangtze. The genome diversity of Xilin buffalo was relatively high. The CLR, π ratio, F ST, and XP-EHH were used to detect the candidate genes characteristics of positive selection in Xilin buffalo. Among the identified genes, most of the enriched signal pathways were related to the nervous system and metabolism. The mainly reported genes were related to the nervous system (GRM5, GRIK2, GRIA4), reproductive genes (CSNK1G2, KCNIP4), and lactation (TP63). The results of this study are of great significance for understanding the molecular basis of phenotypic variation of related traits of Xilin buffalo. We provide a comprehensive overview of sequence variations in Xilin buffalo genomes. Selection signatures were detected in genomic regions that are possibly related to economically important traits in Xilin buffalo and help in future breeding and conservation programs of this important livestock genetic resource.

INSR novel mutations identified in a Chinese family with severe INSR-related insulin resistance syndromes: A case report.

RATIONALE: Severe insulin receptor gene (INSR)-related insulin resistance syndromes (SIR) include Donohue syndrome (DS), Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome (RMS), and type A insulin resistance. The incidence of DS is about 1 in 4 million births. We identified novel INSR mutations (c.2246delG and c.2646 + 5G > A) in a patient with SIR, which expanded the variant spectrum and helped to improve the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 10-year-old Chinese boy was admitted to the hospital for deepening skin color. He presented with growth retardation, peculiar facial features, acanthosis nigricans, hypertrichosis, extremely high insulin levels, fasting hypoglycemia, and postprandial hyperglycemia, Whole-exome gene testing suggested compound heterozygous mutations in INSR (c.2246delG and c.2646 + 5G > A). DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis was SIR. What's more, based on the phenotypic and biographical results, this child did not present typical RMS and DS but rather an intermediate phenotype between the 2 conditions. INTERVENTIONS: On the basis of a sensible diet and exercise, the patient was prescribed metformin (250 mg) at breakfast and lunch, which was increased to 500 mg after 1 month. OUTCOMES: After 2 months of treatment, the patient's glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels decreased to 6% but his insulin resistance did not improve significantly. LESSONS: In children who are not obese but with severe insulin resistance, growth retardation, hirsutism, and hyperglycemia, genetic testing should be performed for early diagnosis, active treatment, and follow-up.

Recurrent pancreatitis and sepsis in glycogen storage disease type Ia caused by complex heterozygous mutations in 2 sisters: Case report.

RATIONALE: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a glycogen metabolism disorder caused by congenital enzyme defects, with type I being the most common. Owing to the rarity of glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) and the involvement of diverse systems, patients are prone to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Additional studies are required to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of GSD Ia. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report 2 cases of GSD Ia that occurred in 2 sisters. The elder sister also had recurrent pancreatitis, and the pancreatic pseudocyst rupture resulted in sepsis, portal hypertension, and splenic infarction. The younger sister had the same mutation site, but the clinical phenotypes were not identical. DIAGNOSIS: Abdominal computed tomography and laboratory examinations revealed regional portal hypertension, splenic infarction, and sepsis in the elder sister; diagnosis was confirmed by whole exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm that the younger sister and their parents also had the mutation site. INTERVENTIONS: The elder sister was treated with corn starch therapy, and medication for antiinfection and reducing hypertriglyceridemia, inhibiting trypsin activity, relieving hyperuricemia. The younger sister was treated with raw cornstarch-based nutritional therapy and sodium bicarbonate. OUTCOMES: The elder sister's infection was controlled and she gradually returned to a normal diet. After discharge, hyperlipidemia was not controlled satisfactorily, but hypoglycemia, hyperuricemia, hyperlactatemia, and anemia improved. LESSONS: GSD should be considered in childhood patients with hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperlactatemia. Gene sequencing can enable quick identification of GSD subtypes. This case report highlights the common clinical manifestations can be linked to rare diseases. Clinical work requires careful observation of the correlations between patient history, physical examinations, and laboratory examinations.

Analysis of SO2 Physisorption by Edge-Functionalized Nanoporous Carbons Using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo Methods and Density Functional Theory: Implications for SO2 Removal.

Nanoporous carbons (NPCs) are ideal materials for the dry process of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) due to their rich pore structure and high specific surface area. To study the effect of edge-functionalized NPCs on the physisorption mechanism of sulfur dioxide, different functional groups were embedded at the edge of NPCs, and the physisorption behavior was simulated using the grand canonical Monte Carlo method (GCMC) combined with density functional theory (DFT). The results indicated that the insertion of acidic oxygenous groups or basic nitrogenous groups into NPCs could enhance the physisorption of SO2. The influence of edge functionalization on the pore structure of NPCs is also analyzed. To further explore the interaction in the adsorption process, the van der Waals (vdW) interaction and electrostatic interaction between the SO2 molecule and the basic structural unit (BSU) were investigated. Simulated results showed that edge functionalization had limited influence on vdW interaction and did not significantly change the distribution characteristics of vdW interaction. According to the study on electrostatic interaction, edge functionalization was found to promote inhomogeneity of the surface charge of the adsorbent, enhance the polarity of the adsorbent, and thus enhance the physisorption capacity of SO2. More importantly, we provide an idea for studying the difference in adsorption capacity caused by different functional groups connected to carbon adsorbents.

Adaptability and 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' titres of Diaphorina citri adults on three weed species in China.

BACKGROUND: Diaphorina citri is a vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), which is associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB). In this study, the adaptability and CLas titres of D. citri adults on three weed species, namely, Ageratum conyzoides, Solanum nigrum and Praxelis clematidea, which are widely distributed in citrus orchards in China, were determined. RESULTS: D. citri selected S. nigrum preferentially over the other weed species. The longest survival times of D. citri adults on A. conyzoides, S. nigrum and P. clematidea were 48, 41 and 11 days, respectively. On S. nigrum, the survivorship of females was significantly higher than that of males. The CLas titres of D. citri adults feeding on the three weeds for 1 week increased significantly during autumn but did not change significantly during spring. Conversely, the titres of adults on citrus increased significantly during spring but did not change significantly during autumn. CONCLUSION: D. citri exhibited different adaptabilities to the three weed species, but the CLas titres of D. citri adults did not decrease on any of the weeds. These results suggested that the three weed species could help dispersing of D. citri and transmission of CLas while ideal host conditions were scarce or absent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy of neurointervention combined with intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease and its influence on neurological function and prognosis of patients.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of neurointervention combined with intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD) and its influence on the neurological function and prognosis of patients. A total of 119 patients with ICD admitted to Xinxiang Central Hospital (Xinxiang, China) from May 2013 to September 2015 were selected. Among them, 65 patients were enrolled in the control group and treated with intravenous thrombolysis, whereas the other 54 patients were enrolled in the observation group and were treated with intravenous thrombolysis combined with neurointervention. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) system was used to evaluate the neurological function of patients after treatment. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was carried out to assess the survival of patients. The total effective rate, complications, vascular recanalization and the hospitalization time after treatment were compared between the two groups. The NIHSS scores at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment were statistically lower in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate and total vascular recanalization in the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was statistically lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, neurointervention combined with intravenous thrombolysis can not only effectively improve the diseased blood vessels of patients and restore the damaged nerve function, but also reduce the incidence of complications. Moreover, neurointervention combined with intravenous thrombolysis is safe and can ensure a better quality of life of patients.

Alkaline amendments improve the health of soils degraded by metal contamination and acidification: Crop performance and soil bacterial community responses.

Soil degradation due to heavy metal contamination and acidification has negative effects on soil health and crop growth. Many previous studies have tried to improve the growth of crops and decrease their metal uptake. The recovery of soil health, however, has rarely been focused in soil remediation. In this study, a pot trial was conducted with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growing in heavy metal contaminated and acidic soils, to examine the effects of alkaline amendments (limestone, LS; calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, Pcm) and organic amendments (cow manure compost, CMC; biochar, BC) on the growth of lettuce and on the availability of heavy metals, enzyme activities, and bacterial community structures in the soils. The results showed that, in comparison with the CMC and BC treatments, LS and Pcm were more effective at improving lettuce growth and reducing metal concentrations in shoots. Urease and catalase activities in LS and Pcm amended soils were consistently higher than in those with CMC and BC. Additionally, the alkaline amendments dramatically improved the bacterial diversity and shaped more favorable bacterial community structures. Proteobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes were predominant in soils amended with alkaline treatments. The beneficial bacterial genera Gemmatimonas and f_Gemmatimonadaceae, which are vital for phosphate dissolution, microbial nitrogen metabolism, and soil respiration, were also enriched. The results suggest that alkaline amendments were superior to organic amendments, and thus may be useful for the future recovery of soil functions and health under heavy metal contamination and low pH.

Transformations of 2-line ferrihydrite and its effect on cadmium adsorption.

In this study, 2LFh was synthesized, and the effects of 2LFh synthesis in the laboratory as well as its synthetic products' mineral crystal phase changes during high temperature aging process caused by Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl- were also studied. In addition, the Cd2+ adsorption effects of the products above with different pH values and different Cd2+ concentrations were studied in this experiment. The results showed that the existence of Ca2+ had no significant effect on the synthesis and aging of 2LFh. However, in the presence of Mg2+ and Cl-, the akaganeite could be found in the synthetic material, and with the increase of the ion concentration, the crystallinity of the formed akaganeite was higher. And akaganeite had a significant inhibitory effect on the aging of 2LFh, causing the Cd2+adsorption effect of 2LFh after aging was better than that of pure 2LFh. The adsorption and removal rates of Cd2+ in Fh2 series and Fh2-200 series were increased with the increase of initial concentration. With the increase of pH, the adsorption capacity and removal rate were increased, and the removal rate reached nearly 100% when pH value is ranging from 10 to 11. The isothermal adsorption experiment showed that the isothermal adsorption process of Cd2+ in Fh2 series and Fh2-200 series was in accordance with the Freundlich model. The affinity coefficient (Kf) of the Freundlich model of Fh2-200 series arranged in descending order is Fh2-200-Mgs> Fh2-200-Cas> Fh2-200s, showing that the Cd2+ adsorption capacity of Fh2-200 was relatively weak, while that of Fh2-200-Ca series and Fh2-200-Mg series was relatively strong, which was confirmed by the experimental results.