Different dose aspirin plus immunoglobulin (DAPI) for prevention of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: Study protocol for a multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end-point, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease is a pediatric acute systemic vasculitis that specifically involves the coronary arteries. Timely initiation of immunoglobulin plus aspirin is necessary for diminishing the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs). The optimal dose of aspirin, however, remains controversial. The trial aims to evaluate if low-dose aspirin is noninferior to moderate-dose in reducing the risk of CAAs during the initial treatment of Kawasaki disease. METHODS: This is a multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, noninferiority trial to be conducted in China. The planned study duration is from 2023 to 2026. Data will be analyzed according to intention-to-treat principles. Participants are children and adolescents under the age of 18 with Kawasaki disease, recruited from the inpatient units. A sample size of 1,346 participants will provide 80% power with a one-sided significance level of 0.025. Qualifying children will be randomized (1:1) to receive either intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg) plus oral moderate-dose aspirin (30-50 mg·kg-1·d-1) until the patient is afebrile for at least 48 hours, or immunoglobulin plus low-dose aspirin (3-5 mg·kg-1·d-1) as initial treatment. The primary outcome will be the occurrence of CAAs at 8 weeks after immunoglobulin infusion. Independent blinded pediatric cardiologists will assess the primary endpoint using echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: There is a shortage of consensus on the dose of aspirin therapy for Kawasaki disease due to the lack of evidence. The results of our randomized trial will provide more concrete evidence for the efficacy and adverse events of low- or moderate-dose aspirin in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2300072686.

Exploring the impact of prenatal perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure on blood pressure in early childhood: A longitudinal analysis.

Previous research investigating the correlation between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and subsequent blood pressure (BP) in offspring has yielded limited and contradictory findings. This study was conducted to investigate the potential relationship between maternal PFAS levels during pregnancy and subsequent BP in early childhood. A total of 129 expectant mothers from the Shanghai Birth Cohort were included in the study. Using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, we measured ten PFAS compounds in maternal plasma throughout the pregnancy. When the children reached the age of 4, we examined their systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), along with mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP). Data interpretation employed multiple linear and logistic regression models, complemented by Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).We found that the majority of PFAS concentrations remained stable during pregnancy. The linear and BKMR models indicated a positive relationship between the PFAS mixture in maternal plasma and offspring's DBP and MAP, with perfluorohexanesulphonic acid (PFHxS) having the most significant influence (PFHxS and DBP [first trimester:ß=3.03, 95%CI: (1.01,5.05); second trimester: ß=2.35, 95%CI: (0.94,3.75); third trimester: ß=2.57, 95%CI:(0.80,4.34)]; MAP [first trimester:ß=2.55, 95%CI: (0.64,4.45); second trimester: ß=2.28, 95%CI: (0.95,3.61); third trimester: ß=2.35, 95%CI:(0.68,4.01)]). Logistic regression highlighted an increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension in offspring with higher maternal PFHxS concentrations during all three trimesters [first trimester: OR=2.53, 95%CI:(1.11,5.79), second trimester: OR=2.05, 95%CI:(1.11,3.78), third trimester: OR=3.08, 95%CI:(1.40,6.79)]. A positive correlation was identified between the half-lives of PFAS and the odds ratio (OR) of prehypertension and hypertension in childhood (ß=0.139, P=0.010). In conclusion, this research found maternal plasma PFAS concentrations to be positively associated with BP in offspring, with PFHxS showing the most significant influence. This correlation remained consistent throughout pregnancy, and this effect was proportional to the half-lives of PFAS.

Hanging Photothermal Fabric Based on Polyaniline/Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Solar Water Evaporation.

Solar-driven water evaporation is essential to provide sustainable and ecofriendly sources of fresh water. However, there are still great challenges in preparing materials with broadband light absorption for high photothermal efficiency as well as in designing devices with large evaporation areas and small heat dissipation areas to boost the water evaporation rate. We designed a hanging-mode solar evaporator based on the polyaniline/carbon nanotube (PANI/CNT) fabric, in which the photothermal fabric acts as the solar evaporator and the micropores on the cotton fabric act as the water transfer channels. The hanging mode provides efficient evaporation at both interfaces by greatly reducing the heat dissipation area. The hanging mode PANI/CNT fabric solar evaporator can achieve an evaporation rate of 2.81 kg·m-2·h-1 and a photothermal efficiency of 91.74% under a solar illumination of 1 kW·m-2. This high-performance evaporator is designed by regulating the photothermal material and evaporation device, which provides a novel strategy for sustainable desalination.

Perfluoroalkyl substances in umbilical cord blood and blood pressure in offspring: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Humans are widely exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been found to be associated with various adverse birth outcomes. As blood pressure (BP) is an important parameter reflecting cardiovascular health in early life, it is necessary to investigate the association of PFAS exposure during early lifetime and BP in childhood. Therefore, we investigated the potential association between PFAS levels in umbilical cord blood and BP of the offspring at 4 years of age in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: PFAS in umbilical cord blood samples after birth were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in the Shanghai Birth Cohort. BP was measured at 4 years of age in the offspring. Multiple linear regression model was used to investigate the association between individual PFAS level and BP of the offspring. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to analyze the relationship between the PFAS mixture and BP of the offspring, while weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: A total of 129 mother-child pairs were included in our analysis. In multiple linear regressions, we observed that long-chain PFAS, mainly including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA), was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). BKMR showed that an increase in umbilical cord blood PFAS mixture levels was significantly associated with a decrease in SBP, DBP and MAP [Estimated differences (SD): -0.433 (0.161); -0.437 (0.176); -0.382 (0.179), respectively]. The most important component in the association with SBP, DBP, and MAP was PFUA. PFDoA was found to be positively associated with SBP, DBP and MAP in both models. Sensitivity analysis with WQS regression showed consistent results. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that umbilical blood PFAS exposure was negatively associated with BP in offspring at 4 years of age, including SBP, DBP, and MAP.

Associated congenital heart disease with Hirschsprung's disease: a retrospective cohort study on 2,174 children.

Objective: To examine the incidence and phenotypes of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a large cohort of patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Study design: Retrospective data review of children with HSCR between 2003 and 2020 was conducted at the Provincial Key Laboratory for Structural Birth Defects in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. HSCR was confirmed by pathological diagnosis. CHD was defined as a gross structural abnormality of the heart or intrathoracic great vessels that is of functional significance. Results: A total of 2,174 HSCR patients (84.7% males) were studied and 306 of them underwent echocardiography. Overall, 27 children (1.2%) had associated CHD. Among them, CHDs mostly presented as atrial and ventricular septal defects (n = 5 and 12 respectively) and patent ductus arteriosus (n = 4). Three patients (1.4‰) presented as a severe CHD including complete atrioventricular canal, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and double-outlet of right ventricle. Among 14 patients carrying a chromosomal abnormality, CHD was detected in 4 infants (28.6%), all being mild forms of septal defects. Conclusions: Some new and severe types of CHD were found in patients with HSCR. Patients with syndromic features had higher incidence of CHD.

Association of Maternal Glucose Concentrations During Pregnancy With Cardiovascular Alterations in Early Childhood: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal hyperglycemia has been associated with cardiovascular disease risks in offspring. Previous studies were mostly conducted to test this association in pregnancies with (pre)gestational diabetes mellitus. However, the association may not be limited to populations with diabetes only. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the association between gestational glucose concentrations in women without (pre)gestational diabetes mellitus and childhood cardiovascular alterations at the age of 4 y. METHODS: Our study was based on the Shanghai Birth Cohort. Briefly, among 1016 nondiabetic mothers (age: 30.8 ± 3.42 y; BMI: 21.3 ± 2.94) and their offsprings (age: 4.41 ± 0.22 y; BMI: 15.0 ± 1.56; 53.0% males), results of maternal 1-h oral OGTT between 24 and 28 gestational weeks were obtained. Childhood blood pressure (BP) measurement, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound were performed at 4 y old. Linear regression and binary logistic regression were conducted to test the association between maternal glucose and childhood cardiovascular outcomes. RESULTS: Compared with children from mothers with glucose concentrations in the lowest quartile, children from mothers in the highest quartile had higher BP (systolic: 97.0 ± 7.41 compared with 98.9 ± 7.82 mmHg, P = 0.006; diastolic: 56.8 ± 5.83 compared with 57.9 ± 6.03 mmHg, P = 0.051) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (92.5 ± 9.15 compared with 90.8 ± 9.16 %, P = 0.046). Also, higher maternal OGTT 1-h glucose concentrations across the full range were associated with higher childhood BP (systolic: ß: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.93; diastolic: ß: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.66). Logistic regression showed, compared with children from mothers in the lowest quartile, children from mothers in the highest quartile had a 58% (OR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.47) higher odds of elevated systolic BP (≥90th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: In a population without (pre)gestational diabetes mellitus, higher maternal OGTT 1-h glucose were associated with childhood cardiovascular structure and function alterations. Further studies are needed to assess whether interventions to reduce gestational glucose will mitigate subsequent cardiometabolic risks in offspring.

The association of gestational age and birthweight with blood pressure, cardiac structure, and function in 4 years old: a prospective birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence relating birthweight and gestational age to cardiovascular risk is conflicting. Whether these factors have independent or interactive impacts on cardiovascular parameters during early childhood remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore whether there were any independent and interactive effects of gestational age and birthweight on blood pressure, left ventricle (LV) structure, and function in 4 years old. METHODS: This study included 1194 children in the Shanghai Birth Cohort from 2013 to 2016. Information about the mothers and children was recorded at time of birth using a questionnaire. Follow-up measurements, including anthropometric, blood pressure, and echocardiography, were taken between 2018 and 2021, when the children were 4 years old. Multiple linear or logistic regressions and restricted cubic spline were used to explore the association of birthweight and gestational age with cardiovascular measurements. RESULTS: Gestational age had a significant negative correlation with both systolic blood pressure [ß = - 0.41, 95% CI: (- 0.76, - 0.07)] and mean arterial pressure [ß = - 0.36, 95%CI: (- 0.66, - 0.07)]. The risk of prehypertension decreased with increased gestational age [OR = 0.54, 95% CI: (0.32, 0.93)]. The relationship between birthweight with blood pressure was U-shape (P for non-linear < 0.001). The wall thickness, volume, mass, and cardiac output of LV increased with birthweight, though the ejection fraction [ß = - 1.02, 95% CI: (- 1.76, - 0.27)] and shorten fraction [ß = 0.72, 95% CI: (- 1.31, - 0.14)] decreased with birthweight. The risk of LV hypertrophy was not associated with birthweight [OR = 1.59, 95% CI: (0.68, 3.73)]. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found different associations of birthweight and gestational age with cardiovascular measurements in the offspring at 4 years old. Gestational age influenced blood pressure independent of birthweight. Heart size and function at 4 years old was influenced mostly by birthweight and not by gestational age.

Fractal Growth of Quasi Two-Dimensional Copper Dendrites by Template-free Electrodeposition.

Fractal dendrites are extensively observed in industry, especially in the electrochemical deposition process. The fractal dendrite electrodeposition behavior of quasi-two-dimensional Cu (Q2D-Cu) metal based on the wire is examined via direct electrodeposition using a thin layer reactor. Here, to explain the fractal growth mechanism, the directional migration and random walking of ions are introduced in the traditional diffusion-limited aggregation model, and fractal patterns consistent with the experimental results are successfully simulated. In addition, the Cu fractal dendrite structure is finely adjusted by varying electrodeposition conditions, demonstrating its great potential for further optimization. The CuO/Q2D-Cu fractal dendrite photothermal device fabricated through in situ assembly of CuO nanowires on Cu fractal dendrite has good photothermal conversion ability. Therefore, metal fractal dendrites, which are considered harmful in the electroplating industry, have application prospects in the photothermal field.

Maternal plasma perfluoroalkyl substances concentrations in early pregnancy and cardiovascular development in offspring: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: High maternal plasma perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, but data on early childhood cardiovascular health is limited. This study aimed to assess the potential association between maternal plasma PFAS concentrations during early pregnancy and cardiovascular development in offspring. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cardiovascular development was assessed through blood pressure measurement, echocardiography and carotid ultrasound examinations among 957 children from the Shanghai Birth Cohort aged at 4 years old. Maternal plasma concentrations of PFAS were measured at mean gestational age of 14.4 (SD:1.8) weeks. The joint associations between PFAS mixture concentrations and cardiovascular parameters were analyzed using a Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). The potential association of individual PFAS chemicals concentrations was explored using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In BKMR analyses, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), interventricular septum thickness in diastole and systole, posterior wall thicknesses in diastole and systole, and relative wall thickness were significantly lower when all log10-transformed PFAS were fixed at 75th percentile in comparison to at their 50th percentile[Estimated overall Risk:-0.31 (95%CI: -0.42, -0.20), -0.09 (95%CI: -0.11, -0.07), -0.21 (95%CI: -0.26, -0.16), -0.09 (95%CI: -0.11, -0.07), -0.07 (95%CI: -0.10, -0.04) and -0.005 (95%CI: -0.006, -0.004)].Furthermore, maternal plasma concentrations of individual short-chain PFAS was associated with a decrease in left ventricular wall thickness, intraventricular septum thickness and enlarged chamber volume, and long-chain with a decrease in cIMT. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that maternal plasma PFAS concentrations during early pregnancy was adversely associated with cardiovascular development in offspring, including thinner cardiac wall thickness and cIMT.

External-Field-Independent Thermometric Sensitivity and Green Emission of Upconversion Phosphor Sr2InF7: Yb3+, Er3.

Based on luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) technology, the noncontact upconversion (UC) optical temperature sensor has aroused a great deal of interest due to its great application prospects in some extreme environments. However, most of the studies focused on improving its sensitivity due to the fact that the sensitivity can be influenced by many external field factors, such as the power density and pulse width of pumping sources or temperature. Herein, a green-emitting UC phosphor Sr2InF7: Yb3+, Er3+ was developed as a potential thermometer, which retained bright green emission under 980 nm excitation with different pulse widths and power densities or at different temperatures; the possible mechanisms are discussed in detail. Its sensitivity almost remained constant when using both continuous wave (c.w.) and pulsed laser or different power densities, which meant the sensitivity of Sr2InF7: Yb3+, Er3+ was independent of the characteristics of pumping laser. A flexible thin-film thermometer composed of Sr2InF7: 2%Yb3+, 2%Er3+ was also fabricated to detect the temperature of microelectronic components, which can not only accurately measure the temperature of the working electronic circuit board but also exhibit excellent repeatability. The results indicated that the present noncontact UC temperature sensor showed stable green emission and thermometric sensitivity as well as the possibility of replacing the traditional thermometers.

Different Associations of Systolic Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index With Cardiac Structure and Function in Young Children.

BACKGROUND: Both elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and excess weight can lead to early cardiovascular organ damage in children. In this study, we investigated whether there is a difference in the associations of SBP and body mass index (BMI) with cardiovascular structure and function in 4-year-old children. METHODS: In 1474 children (52.3% males) from the Shanghai Birth Cohort, physical examination and echocardiography were performed. Standardized linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations of BMI Z score and SBP Z score with cardiovascular parameters and to compare the strengths of these associations. RESULTS: The incidence of SBP elevation significantly increased in overweight children. SBP was positively related to heart rate, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and fraction shortening (ß=1.824 [95% CI, 1.014-2.634], 0.579 [0.294-0.864], and 0.480 [0.257-0.704], respectively). BMI Z score was positively associated with LV mass index (ß=1.225 [0.863-1.587]) and the risk of LV hypertrophy (odds ratio=1.428 [1.157-1.761]) but negatively related to measures of systolic function, including LV ejection fraction, LV fraction short, and global longitudinal strain (ß=-0.417 [-0.735 to -0.099], -0.302 [-0.551 to -0.053], and -0.392 [-0.621 to -0.163], respectively). No noteworthy additive or multiplicative interactions between BMI and SBP were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Elevations in both BMI and SBP were related to cardiac structure and function in children as young as 4 years old. Elevated SBP was associated with increased heart rate and LV ejection at the early stage of BP elevation. BMI showed a closer relationship with left heart diameters and geometry than SBP.

Associations of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus with alterations in cardiovascular system in early childhood.

AIMS: The association of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with childhood cardiovascular alterations is not well established. This study aims to test the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to GDM is associated with vascular and cardiac alterations in early childhood. METHODS: In a population-based prospective cohort among 1094 mothers and their offspring, GDM was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Childhood blood pressure (BP) measurement, echocardiography and vascular ultrasound were performed using standardised methods at 4 years old. The associations between maternal GDM and childhood cardiovascular outcomes were modelled using linear regression and binary logistic regression. Mediation analysis was conducted to test the potential mediators. RESULTS: Maternal GDM was associated with higher systolic BP (SBP; ß, 1.20; [0.11, 2.28]), lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD; ß, -0.36; [-0.71, -0.01]), lower end-diastolic volume (EDV; ß, -1.42; [-2.71, -0.13]) and increased risk of high blood pressure (HBP, OR = 1.522; 95% CI, 1.023 to 2.264) in offspring at the age of 4 years. After stratification by sex, the association remained strong only in male offspring (SBP: ß, 1.94; [0.37, 3.51]; LVEDD: ß, -0.60; [-1.09, -0.12]; EDV: ß, -2.09; [-3.86, -0.31]; HBP: OR = 1.797; 95% CI, 1.063 to 3.037) and was independent of maternal and child characteristics. However, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was not associated with maternal GDM. Mediation analysis showed that the effects on childhood cardiovascular alterations were attributable mostly to the direct effects of maternal GDM. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that maternal GDM is associated with offspring cardiovascular adaptations at preschool age. Further studies are needed to replicate our results and the long-term effect of these adaptations on later cardiovascular risks needs further investigation.

Curcumin inhibits the invasion and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer via Hedgehog/Gli1 signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a long history that curcuma longa L is used to treat distending pain of chest and belly, arthralgia of shoulder and arm aggravated by cold. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that breast cancer is caused by cold congelation, stagnation of qi and blood stasis. It is usually treated with some pungent and warm Chinese herbs, such as Curcuma longaL and Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Rosc, which are effective in promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis, activating qi-flowing and relieving pain. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, is the main pharmacological component extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Modern pharmacological studies have found that curcumin has many kinds of pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis and anti-multidrug resistance. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the mechanism of curcumin and Glioma-associated oncogene homolod-1 (Gli1) on invasion and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through the Hedgehog (Hh)/Gli signaling pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of curcumin on TNBC cells was detected by colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) were cultured in serum-free medium and its stemness was detected by flow cytometry and subcutaneous xenografted tumor assay. The formation of mammospheres was used to detect the effect of curcumin and GANT61 (Gli inhibitor)on the formation ability of BCSCs. Gli1 overexpressed was conducted in MDA-MB-231 cells by lentivirus vector HBLV-h-Gli1-3xflag-ZsGreen-PURO. RT-qPCR and Western blot were detected the mRNA and protein level of genes of Hh pathway, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. The nuclear localization and expression of Gli1 was observed by laser confocal microscope scanning. Co-IP was investigated the key genes interacted with Gli1. RESULTS: The abilities of proliferation, invasion, migration and the formation of mammospheres in TNBC cells were inhibited by curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the invasion and migration abilities in stable Gli1-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cell. Moreover, curcumin down-regulated the expression of genes related Hh pathway, EMT and stemness in MDA-MB-231 mammospheres. Observation of laser confocal microscope showed that Gli1 were expressed mainly in nucleus in MDA-MB-231 adherent cells and completely in nucleus in BCSCs, which was significantly reduced in the nucleus and cytoplasm after curcumin treatment. Besides, our results suggested that vimentin was interacted with Gli1. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC cells, EMT and characteristics of BCSC by Hedgehog/Gli1 pathway.

Curcumin Administered in Combination with Glu-GNPs Induces Radiosensitivity in Transplanted Tumor MDA-MB-231-luc Cells in Nude Mice.

Curcumin is a type of plant polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa L. rhizome, which demonstrates antitumor activity in breast cancer cells in vitro. To investigate the combined effect and possible mechanism of curcumin and glucose-gold nanoparticles (Glu-GNPs), the radiosensitivity of breast carcinoma xenografts was assessed in nude mice. MDA-MB-231 cells labeled with firefly luciferase were inoculated into the mammary fatty pads of nude mice to establish a transplantation tumor model of human breast cancer. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with different drugs (curcumin, Glu-GNPs, and cisplatin) for 3 weeks prior to radiotherapy. The body weights and tumor volumes of the mice were measured in regular intervals. Tumor bioluminescence intensity was determined in real-time using an in vivo bioluminescence imaging system to monitor tumor growth. Transplanted tumor tissue samples were taken for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the expression of VEGF, HSP90, HIF-1α, and MMP9 was evaluated via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR or immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that the breast tumor-bearing nude mouse model was successfully established, as evidenced by a stable expression of luciferase. Curcumin inhibited the growth of tumors without causing significant weight loss in mice. Furthermore, additive inhibition was demonstrated when curcumin was administered in combination with Glu-GNPs and irradiation. Tumor bioluminescence intensity was decreased in the model group following curcumin, Glu-GNPs, and irradiation treatment. HE staining demonstrated that transplanted tumors were malignant, with necrotic tissue exhibited centrally. It was concluded that curcumin administered in combination with Glu-GNPs and X-ray irradiation could reduce the protein expression of VEGF, HSP90, HIF-1α, and MMP9 in tumor tissue when compared with the model group. Curcumin and Glu-GNPs administered with X-ray irradiation significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced radiosensitivity, which may be associated with the inhibition of angiogenesis in tumor tissue.

Sex-Disparity in the Association Between Birthweight and Cardiovascular Parameters in 4-Year-Old Children: A Chinese Cohort Study.

Background: Sex-related differences in cardiovascular parameters have been well documented in adults, and the impact of birthweight on cardiovascular health in later life has been acknowledged. However, data was limited regarding the association between birthweight and cardiovascular outcomes at an early age, and the sex-disparity in the association remained unclear. Objective: To investigate the association between birthweight and cardiovascular parameters in 4-year-old children. Furthermore, to explore whether sex-disparity exist in this association or in cardiovascular risk. Methods: Follow-up data from the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) was analyzed. Detailed perinatal information including both maternal and offspring datum were recorded. Blood pressure, echocardiography, and anthropometry assessment were conducted during the follow-up of 4-year-old children. Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between birthweight and left ventricle (LV) structure and function changes in each sex and birthweight category. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in different birthweight subgroups. Results: Overall, macrosomia was significantly associated with thickened LV posterior wall thickness in systole [LVPWs, (ß = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.45)] and diastole [LVPWd, (ß = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.30)], and thickened interventricular septal thickness in diastole [IVSd, (ß = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.28)]. Boys with macrosomia showed a higher left ventricle mass index [LVMI, (ß = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.14, 2.43)], thickened LVPWs (ß = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.56) and LVPWd (ß = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.36), and thickened IVSd (ß = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.36). However, no significant association of structural changes was found in girls. Furthermore, an increased risk of LVH was found solely in macrosomic boys (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.17, 6.63). Conclusion: Children with macrosomia developed cardiovascular changes as early as 4 years of age. Macrosomia was associated with LV structural changes and higher LVH risk in pre-school-aged boys, while no association was found in girls.

Growth patterns in early childhood and cardiovascular structure and function at 4 years old: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Childhood overweight and obesity are lifetime risk factors for cardiovascular disease but the relationship between dynamic body mass index (BMI) change and cardiovascular structure and function in early childhood remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cohort study consisted 525 participants with 6 distinct representative growth patterns to examine the associations between BMI growth patterns and subsequent cardiovascular structure and function at age 4. BMIs were obtained at birth, 2 and 4 years old. Cardiovascular assessments were performed, including blood pressure (BP), cardiac geometric parameters, left ventricular (LV) function, speckle-tracking, integrated backscatter analysis and carotid intima-media thickness. Compared to the stable normal BMI pattern, children with the stable overweight (OW) pattern had significantly greater LV anatomic parameters in fully adjusted models. Children with the catch-up (CU) pattern revealed a uniform trend and had poorer strain. LV diameters and integrated backscatter signals were larger for those with BMI gain and lose pattern. Children with BMI lose pattern showed improved tendency involving LV mass index and BP. Both OW and CU patterns were associated with high systolic BP [odds ratio (95% CI): OW: 3.67 (1.08, 12.47); CU: 4.24 (1.75, 10.28)]. Compared to static BMI measurements at birth, 2 and 4 years old, dynamic BMI growth patterns were more predictive of cardiovascular structure and function at 4. CONCLUSIONS: Children with overweight-related BMI growth patterns in early childhood experienced undesirable cardiovascular functional or structural changes as early as 4 years old, indicating that early intervention is needed and potentially beneficial.

Association of Maternal Gestational Weight Gain With Left Ventricle Geometry and Function in Offspring at 4 Years of Age: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study.

Background: Maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) may be associated with cardiovascular diseases in the offspring from childhood to adulthood. We aimed to investigate the association between maternal GWG and the left ventricle (LV) geometry and function in the offspring, and explore the influence of the intrauterine environment on early childhood cardiac change. Methods: Data of 981 mother-offspring pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort was used. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight and height, weight in the first trimester (≤ 12 weeks), and before delivery were measured. The echocardiography, blood pressure, and anthropometry assessment were evaluated in the offspring at 4 years of age. Results: Interventricular septal thickness during diastole had a significantly positive correlation with total GWG [ß = 0.009, (0.001, 0.017)]. In the second and third trimesters, LV mass index [ß = 0.149, (0.015,0.282)], interventricular septal thickness in systole [ß = 0.027, (0.011,0.043)], and in diastole [ß = 0.014, (0.005,0.023)] were positively associated with GWG. The risks of eccentric [OR = 1.115, (1.232, 1.010)] and concentric hypertrophy [OR = 1.133, (1.259,1.018)] increased with the elevation of maternal GWG. Conclusions: This study suggested that the excessive maternal GWG was associated with the thickening of the interventricular septum in the offspring, especially during the second and third trimesters. Excessive GWG in the second and third trimesters was a risk factor for LV eccentric and concentric hypertrophy in the offspring.

Enhancing Hydrodeoxygenation of Bio-oil via Bimetallic Ni-V Catalysts Modified by Cross-Surface Migrated-Carbon from Biochar.

Aromatics from selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass-derived bio-oil are an ideal feedstock for replacing industrial fossil products. In this study, biochar-modified Hß/Ni-V catalysts were prepared and tested in the atmospheric HDO of guaiacol and bio-oil to produce aromatics. Compared with unmodified Hß/Ni-V, higher HDO activity was achieved in catalysts with all kinds of biochar modifications. Especially, the pine nut shell biochar (PB)-modified PB-Hß-8/Ni-V showed the highest selectivity to aromatics (69.17%), mainly including benzene and toluene. Besides, under the conditions of 380 °C and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 0.5 h-1, the cleavage of CAr-OH (CAr means the carbon in the benzene ring) was promoted to form more aromatics. Moreover, great recyclability (58.77% aromatics for the reactivated run-3 test) and efficient HDO of bio-oil (44.9% aromatic yield) were also achieved. Based on the characterization results, the enhanced aromatic selectivity of PB-Hß-8/Ni-V was attributed to the synergetic effect between PB and Hß/Ni-V. In detail, a stable surface migrated-carbon layer was formed on Hß/Ni-V via the metal catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process of the pyrolysis PB volatiles. Simultaneously, a carbothermal reduction driven by the migrated-carbon took place to decorate the surface metals, obtaining more Ni0 and V3+ active sites. With this synergism, increased Ni0 sites promoted H2 adsorption and dissociation, which improved the hydrogenation activity. Furthermore, the higher affinity of the reactant and increased oxygen vacancies both contributed to enhancing the selective surface adsorption of oxygenous groups and the cleavage of the CAr-OH bond, thus improving the deoxygenation activity. Therefore, the HDO activity was improved to form more target aromatics over biochar-modified catalysts. This work highlighted a potential avenue to develop economic and environmental catalysts for the upgrading of bio-oil.

Hippo/TEAD4 signaling pathway as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. The Hippo signaling pathway is strongly associated with cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and resistance to breast cancer treatment. The upstream factors involved in the Hippo signaling pathway, including mammalian Ste20 kinases 1/2, large tumor suppressor kinases 1/2 and transcription coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), have been extensively studied as they are considered therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Recently, it has been suggested that the transcriptional enhancer factor domain (TEAD) family of transcription factors, particularly TEAD4, plays an important role in breast cancer. TEADs interact with YAP/TAZ to act as transcription factors. Notably, recent studies have demonstrated that TEAD4 may also function in a YAP/TAZ-independent manner and serve as a prognostic marker for breast cancer. The present review summarizes the current research on the effect of the aberrant activation of the Hippo signaling pathway on breast cancer progression. Furthermore, the latest advances on the role of the TEAD family in breast cancer are highlighted, and the role of TEAD4 as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer is discussed.