Integrative Analysis and Validation of a Cancer-associated Fibroblasts Senescence-related Signature for Risk Stratification and Therapeutic Prediction in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Cellular senescence is closely associated with cancer development and progression. There is ample evidence that tumor stromal cells, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) undergo senescence in response to various stimuli. However, the possible biological roles and prognostic significance of senescent CAFs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unexplored. In this study, we found that CAFs exhibited a significantly higher level of cellular senescence than other cell clusters at the single-cell level. Then, we constructed a CAFs senescence-associated risk model with 7 genes (GEM, SLC2A6, CXCL14, STX11, EFHD2, PTX3, and HCK) through Cox regression and LASSO analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the risk model was significantly correlated with worse prognosis in training and validation cohorts. Subsequent analysis indicated that the risk model was an independent prognostic factor. In addition, the signature showed a distinct negative correlation with immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy responses. In vitro experiments showed remarkably higher mRNA and protein levels of prognosis-related genes (STX11 and EFHD2) in senescent CAFs than control group, consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results. Moreover, senescent CAFs significantly promoted ESCC cell proliferation and migration as shown by CCK-8 and scratch assays. In conclusion, our study identified a novel CAFs senescence-based classifier that may help predict prognosis of ESCC, and a thorough characterization of the signature could also be helpful in evaluating the response of ESCC to anti-tumor therapies and provide meaningful clinical options for cancer treatment.

The impact of prenatal mental health on birth outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, China.

Adverse birth outcomes remain challenging public health problems in China. Increasing evidence indicated that prenatal depression and anxiety are associated with adverse birth outcomes, highlighting the importance and severity of prenatal depression and anxiety in China. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to further exacerbate prenatal mental health problems and increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the impacts of prenatal mental health issues on birth outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Participants in this study were women who visited local maternal and child health hospitals in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Two independent sets of individual maternal data (npre-pamdemic = 1148; npandemic = 2249) were collected. Prenatal depression and anxiety were measured online using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Adverse birth outcomes were determined using hospital-recorded infant birth weight and gestational age at delivery. In this study, we found that the pandemic cohort had lower mean EPDS and GAD-7 scores than the pre-pandemic cohort. The prevalence of prenatal depression (14.5%) and anxiety (26.7%) among the pandemic cohort were lower than the pre-pandemic cohort (18.6% and 36.3%). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes comparing the two cohorts. Prenatal depression was associated with small gestational age only in the pandemic cohort (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.19, p = 0.042). Overall, this study highlighted an association between prenatal depression and small for gestational age in Anhui, China. Addressing prenatal depression may thus be key in improving birth outcomes. Future studies could focus on potential causal relationships.

Smart hydrogel composite for microenvironmental humidity regulation in cigar storage.

Environmental humidity profoundly influences various life activities, especially for plants that depend heavily on optimal humidity for growth. The humidity index is particularly crucial for preserving the functionality of plant leaves, notably in economically valuable plants such as cigar tobacco. This paper introduces a novel dual-layer moisturizing material, a PAS-PDMS composite, based on polyacrylamide/solketal (PAS) hydrogel and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This material features a unique hierarchical water release mechanism. Comprehensive analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, and dynamic water adsorption studies, confirm the water migration and humidity control mechanisms of the PAS-PDMS composite. This smart hydrogel composite regulates microenvironmental humidity bidirectionally. When applied to cigar boxes for storage, it stabilizes internal humidity at approximately 65%, maintaining this level for over 20 days. Furthermore, the PAS-PDMS composite exhibits superior mechanical properties and light transmittance, achieving an exceptional transmittance of 84%. In conclusion, the PAS-PDMS composite offers intelligent humidity control, providing a novel approach to the storage and preservation of cigars.

Cathepsin B-Activatable Bioactive Peptide Nanocarrier for High-Efficiency Immunotherapy of Asthma.

Introduction: Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease closely associated with inflammation, presents ongoing treatment challenges. IALLIPF (le-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ile-Pro-Phe) is one of millet prolamins peptides (MPP) which shows anti-oxidant bioactivity by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Tryptophan (Trp, W) is an amino acid that has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory effects. We introduce a novel cathepsin B-activatable bioactive peptides nanocarrier, PEG-IALLIPF-GFLG-W (MPP-Trp), designed for immunotherapy of asthma. Methods: MPP-Trp is synthesized, purified, and its characteristics are investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The yield of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß) are examined to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of IALLIPF, Trp and MPP-Trp. The immunomodulatory effects of IALLIPF, Trp and MPP-Trp on Th1/Th2 cell populations and cytokines are investigated by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. We explore the therapeutic effect of MPP-Trp in the mouse model of asthma by the analysis of lung histology and ELISA. It is necessary to study the biocompatibility of MPP-Trp by CCK8 assay and histopathologic analysis using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Results: In asthmatic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), IALLIPF, Trp and MPP-Trp are able to significantly alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the yield of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß), especially MPP-Trp. MPP-Trp significantly upregulates Th1 cell levels while notably reducing Th2 cell levels. Furthermore, MPP-Trp effectively elevates the expression and production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), an essential cytokine from Th1 cells. Additionally, MPP-Trp markedly diminishes the mRNA expression and levels of key asthma pathogenesis cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and interleukin-5 (IL-5), in asthma PBMCs. MPP-Trp ameliorates pulmonary pathological alterations and significantly inhibits OVA-induced inflammation in mice with asthma. It has little influence on the cell viability in Asthma-PBMCs treated with various concentrations or durations of MPP-Trp. No pathological changes, including in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney tissues, are observed in non-sensitized and non-challenged mice treated with MPP-Trp (20 mg/kg). Discussion: Our research demonstrates that MPP-Trp has immunomodulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cell populations, essential in managing asthma. It considerably alleviates OVA-induced asthma by shifting the immune response towards a Th1-dominant profile, thereby reducing Th2-driven inflammation. Therefore, this novel bioactive peptide nanocarrier, MPP-Trp, holds promise as a candidate for asthma immunotherapy.

Empagliflozin's role in early tubular protection for type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes often face early tubular injury, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on early tubular injury biomarkers in type 2 diabetes patients with normoalbuminuria. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical study comprising 54 patients selected based on specific criteria was conducted. Patients were divided into an intervention group (empagliflozin, n = 27) and a control group (n = 27) and treated for 6 weeks. Tubular injury biomarkers KIM-1 and NGAL were assessed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated comparable baseline characteristics. Post-treatment, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels decreased similarly in both groups. The intervention group exhibited better improvements in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and blood uric acid levels. Renal function indicators, including UACR and eGFR, showed greater enhancements in the intervention group. Significant reductions in KIM-1 and NGAL were observed in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with empagliflozin in type 2 diabetes patients with normoalbuminuria led to a notable decrease in tubular injury biomarkers KIM-1 and NGAL. These findings highlight the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors in early tubular protection, offering a new therapeutic approach.

Enhancement of non-covalent interaction between soy protein isolate and quercetin by sodium alginate.

Effects of sodium alginate (SA) on the non-covalent interaction between soybean protein isolate (SPI) and quercetin (Que) were investigated by multispectral technology, molecular docking and dynamics simulation technology. Structural alterations of the binary complexes were observed after SA addition, characterized by a red shift of maximum fluorescence emission wavelength. The introduction of 0.1% (w/v) SA led to a reduction of 12.3% in the α-helix and ß-sheet structures, accompanied by 12.6% increase in the ß-turn and random coil conformations. The binding of SA to SPI provided electrostatic interactions and facilitated the subsequent binding of SPI to Que. Molecular docking confirmed that hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic interactions were also the main driving force. Molecular dynamics simulation emphasized that the ternary complexes with SA exhibited greater stability compared to the binary ones. The foaming and emulsifying properties of SPI-Que complexes were enhanced by 33.76% and 68.28%, respectively, due to the addition of SA.

No role of the third-trimester inflammatory factors in the association of gestational diabetes mellitus with postpartum cardiometabolic indicators.

BACKGROUND: The influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on postpartum cardiometabolic indicators is primarily restricted to glucose and lipid metabolism, however the indicators for liver and kidney function have been rarely explored, and the role of the third-trimester inflammatory factors in these associations has never been investigated. METHODS: Based on the Ma'anshan birth cohort (MABC), women with or without GDM history were selected and invited to participate in a 6-year postpartum follow-up. The fasting blood samples were collected to measure 16 comprehensive metabolic indicators during a 6-year postpartum follow-up: fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), etc. Seven inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-17 A, were measured with serum samples collected during the third trimester of pregnancy. Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between GDM and 6-year postpartum metabolic indicators, GDM and third-trimester inflammatory factors, and the third-trimester inflammatory factors and 6-year postpartum metabolic indicators. Mediating and moderating effect analyses were further performed to explore if the third-trimester inflammatory factors mediate or modify the association between GDM and postpartum cardiometabolic indicators. RESULTS: From July 2021 to August 2022, 307 participants have been followed up, with 99 women with a prior GDM history. Compared with those without GDM, individuals with a prior history of GDM had significantly elevated levels of FPG (ß = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.62, PFDR < 0.001), HbA1c (ß = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.34, PFDR = 0.009), TyG (ß = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.37, PFDR = 0.024) at 6 years postpartum, and the association between GDM and SCR (ß = 2.43, 95% CI: 0.02 to 4.85, PFDR = 0.144) reached nominal significance level. GDM history was associated with a decreased level of third-trimester IL-17 A (ß = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.18, PFDR = 0.035). No significant association between third-trimester inflammatory factors and 6-year postpartum metabolic indicators was observed. And no mediating or moderating effect of third-trimester inflammatory factors was observed in those associations. CONCLUSION: A prior history of GDM was significantly associated with elevated FPG, HbA1c, and TyG in women at 6 years postpartum, whereas third-trimester inflammatory factors had no role in mediating or moderating these associations.

Characterization of Flavor Profiles of Cigar Tobacco Leaves Grown in China via Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry Coupled with Multivariate Analysis and Sensory Evaluation.

Although cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs) have a high economic value, research regarding the flavor characteristics of CTLs is currently limited. A comprehensive study of the flavor characteristics of CTLs from different regions of China was conducted by identifying their volatile-flavor-containing compounds (VFCs) and flavors. The samples were analyzed via gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and sensory evaluation. Results revealed considerable differences in the VFC contents of CTLs from different regions of China, suggesting that the VFLs of CTLs could be influenced by geographical origin. Mainly, phenols, pyrazines, and aldehydes were present in the CTLs from Sichuan. High contents of esters and pyrazines were present in the CTLs from Hubei, while esters were the major components of the CTLs from Hainan. Multivariate analysis results showed the effective differentiation of samples from different geographical origins based on the GC-IMS results. Sensory evaluation revealed that the flavors of CTLs from different geographical origins were different. 1,8-Pinene, 3-methyl-3-butene-1-ol, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, and (E)-2-pentenal might serve as geographical marker compounds, indicating the geographical origin of CTLs based on the results of GC-IMS and sensory evaluation. This study may be beneficial for the trade of CTLs and the development of cigar products.

Enantiomeric analysis of γ(δ)-lactones by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography using amylose tris(5-chloro-2-methylphenylcarbamate) as stationary phase.

A Chiralpak AY-3R column was investigated for analytical enantiomeric separation of twelve racemic γ(δ)-lactones using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Main influence factors, including organic modifier, flow rate and column temperature, were optimized. Five kinds of γ(δ)-lactones were successfully enantioseparated using the established method: γ-nonanolactone, δ-decalactone, δ-undecalactone, δ-dodecalactone and δ-tetradecalactone. Under optimized conditions, enantiomeric peak resolution (Rs) for the five γ(δ)-lactones reached more than 1.09, 1.08, 1.54, 1.43, and 1.11, respectively. Their chromatographic elution behavior was investigated using Van't Hoff equation and Van Deemter equation. It was found that an exothermic process occurred during enantiomeric separation of γ(δ)-lactones using this chromatographic column, and it showed a typical Van Deemter curve. Finally, this method was applied in enantiomeric ratio analysis of γ(δ)-lactones contents for purchased butter samples, and results confirmed the predominant content of the (R)-configuration of δ-dodecalactone in natural animal butter, while in margarine, an equal proportion of (R/S)-configuration of δ-dodecalactone was detected.

Thermoelectric Performance Improvement in the ZrNiSn-Based Composite via Modulating Si Addition.

To ensure optimal performance, ZrNiSn is required to possess a low thermal conductivity and exhibit minimal bipolar effects under high-temperature conditions. This study demonstrates the integration of silicon (Si) at different doping levels into ZrNiSn. The composites consist of secondary phases of in situ ZrNiSi and Si. At a temperature of 873 K, the Seebeck coefficient experiences a 16% increase, despite the charge carrier concentration increasing three times as a result of the electron injection from ZrNiSi. The phenomenon can be elucidated by the introduction of Si, which causes energy filtering and inhibits the flow of minority charge carriers. When the doping levels in n- or p-type Si reach high levels (1019 to 1020 cm-3), the mixed interfaces ZrNiSn/ZrNiSi and ZrNiSn/Si reduce the thermal conductivity by 15%, resulting in a 50% increase in zT. These findings indicate that electron transfer in ZrNiSn can be regulated by precise doping in Si. They also demonstrate that incorporating an optimal p-type semiconductor can enhance the thermoelectric performance of n-type ZrNiSn. Additionally, a novel approach is proposed to separate electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient by designing unique secondary phase interfaces.

A hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of application-based tiered care (Mom's Good Mood) in treating perinatal anxiety within a primary health care system in China.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal anxiety (PNA) is a major public health concern. METHODS: A hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial was conducted in two antenatal clinics in Hefei, China, to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of application-based tiered care (Mom's Good Mood, MGM) in treating PNA and to understand how well it fits into routine practices. Pregnant women who scored at least 5 points on the 7-Item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) scale were successively assigned to the control group or the intervention group, which were given the usual care and MGM on usual care, respectively. At 6 months post partum, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction were assessed. Intention-to-treat analysis and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework were adopted. RESULTS: A total of 214 women were assigned to the control group and 341 to the intervention group. The mean changes in GAD-7 scores (Least-squares means, LSM, -1.42, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.66) and the risk of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.51) were decreased, and the anxiety remission rate (aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.40) were improved in the intervention group. Similar findings were observed regarding the change in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (LS -1.92, 95% CI -2.85 to -0.99), depression remission rate (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.63) and the risk of depression (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.98). MGM only costs ¥1.88 (US$0.27) per pregnant woman to boost the postpartum anxiety remission rate by 1% and was revealed to have a high reach rate of 78.3%, an adoption rate of 51.3%-80.8%. CONCLUSION: MGM is a cost-effective and accessible tool in coping with PNA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100053419.

Assessing early tubular protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin against type 2 diabetes mellitus using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

AIMS: To observe the alterations in functional magnetic resonance imaging parameters in normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients undergoing SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin treatment and investigate the early tubular protective effects of the inhibitor. METHODS: This study was performed in normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (UACR < 30 mg/g, eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). The patients were divided into the intervention group (empagliflozin) and the control group (27 cases each). The intervention group was treated with 10 mg/day empagliflozin tablets orally, while the control group had adjustments to their basic treatment stage. The patients were treated for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The baseline clinical data of the two groups were comparable (P˃0.05). The intervention group exhibited better improvements in blood lipid profiles and more significant reductions in blood uric acid levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The two groups had No significant difference in blood pressure changes (P˃0.05). Notably, the intervention group demonstrated a greater reduction in UACR and a more substantial decline in eGFR than the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding functional magnetic resonance imaging parameters, the MD value of the renal medulla region in the intervention group increased after treatment, while the MR2* value of the renal medulla region decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin can reduce UACR and eGFR levels in early type 2 diabetic patients with normal proteinuria. Moreover, empagliflozin therapy led to an increase in the MD value and a decrease in the MR2* value of the renal medulla, evidencing the early tubular protective effects of this therapy.

Comprehensive multicomponent characterization and quality assessment of Xiaoyao Wan by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS.

Xiaoyao Wan (XYW) is a prescription medicine of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the effects of "soothing the liver and relieving depression," and "strengthening spleen and nourishing blood". XYW has been widely concerned in the treatment of depression and has become one of the commonly used classic formulas in clinical practice. However, the pharmacodynamic substance basis and the quality control studies of XYW are hitherto quite limited. Here, we aim to fully utilize an advanced ultra - performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole - Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) technique to deep characterization of the pharmacological substance basis and quantitatively evaluate the quality of XYW. Firstly, 299 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized, including 198 non-volatile organic compounds (n-VOCs) and 101 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Secondly, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to analyze quality differences in XYW at different manufacturers. Thirdly, a parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) method was established and validated to quantify the fourteen major effective substances in different manufacturers of XYW, which were chosen as the benchmarked substances to evaluate the quality of XYW. In conclusion, this study shows that the strategy provides a useful method for quality control of TCM and offers a practical workflow for exploring the quality consistency of TCM.

Correlation Between Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Renal Tubular Injury Markers in Early Assessment Of Renal Tubular Injury in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: Both functional magnetic resonance imaging and renal tubular injury markers have been proved to be able to detect early renal damage in normoalbuminuric diabetic patients. This study mainly explored the functional magnetic resonance imaging parameters and renal tubular injury markers in the early evaluation of type 2 diabetes. Methods: A case observation study was established, and 62 patients with early-stage low-risk type 2 diabetes mellitus with normoalbuminuric (UACR<30 mg/g, eGFR≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were included for analysis. Urine kidney damage was determined by ELISA. Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) assessment of renal tubular injury, and use of intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance Imaging (intravoxel incoherent motion, IVIM) and blood oxygen level dependent magnetic resonance imaging (blood oxygen level dependent, BOLD) to evaluate renal cortex, medulla blood perfusion, water molecule diffusion, oxygenation level and other functional information, using linear correlation to analyze the correlation between functional magnetic resonance imaging parameters and markers of renal tubular injury. Results: The correlation analysis between IVIM parameters and renal tubular injury markers showed that KIM-1 was inversely correlated with the MD value of the renal medulla region parameter (r = -0.24, P = .03), and was closely related to the other IVIM cortex and medulla. There was no correlation between qualitative parameters (P > .05), and no correlation between NGAL and all parameters of IVIM (P > .05). The correlation analysis between BOLD parameters and renal tubular injury markers showed that KIM-1 was positively correlated with renal medulla region parameter MR2* value (r = 0.26, P = .04) and MCR value (r = 0.28, P = .03), respectively. There was also a positive correlation between NGAL and renal medulla region parameter MR2* value (r = 0.24, P = .04). Conclusion: In the early low-risk type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria, the more obvious the renal medullary water molecule diffusion disorder, the higher the renal tubular injury marker KIM-1, and the more severe renal medullary hypoxia, the renal tubular injury. The higher the markers KIM-1 and NGAL are, it is proved that the hypoxia and water diffusion disorder in the early renal medulla are related to renal tubular damage.

Sensory attributes, chemical and microbiological properties of cigars aged with different media.

Introduction: Aging is an important process to improve the quality of cigar, but the effect of aging with media on cigar has not been reported.Therefore, this study aimed to prepare different aging media and clarify the influence of media on cigar quality. Methods: Effective media were first screened by sensory evaluation, then the effects of aging media on the chemical composition and microbial community of cigar were investigated. Results: The results showed that: 1) As aging media, coffee formula and cocoa formula could optimize the smoke and aroma characteristics of cigar, and 30 days was the appropriate period for cigar aging. 2) Aging with coffee or cocoa media could increase the content of amino acids, non-volatile organic acids, malic acid and aroma components. Particularly, the content of aroma components increased from 2.48 mg g-1 (W-30) to 3.21 mg g-1 (C-30) and 3.70 mg g-1 (K-30), respectively. 3) Aging with coffee can improve the diversity of bacteria and fungi on the cigar surface and change the succession rule of bacterial community. In contrast, aging with cocoa had no significant effect on microbial diversity of cigar. Discussion: In this study, the influence of aging media on cigar quality was analyzed multidimensionally for the first time, which provided a reference for the development of new aging media and technologies to improve cigar quality.

Joint Association of Dietary Protein Intake and Eating Habits with the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study.

Because the associations between different dietary protein sources and the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are inconsistent, and those of eating habits with GDM have rarely been explored, we aimed to investigate the independent and joint association of major dietary protein sources and eating habits with GDM in a case-control study including 353 GDM cases and 718 controls in China. Dietary protein intake and eating habits prior to GDM diagnosis were collected through questionnaires at 24~28 gestational weeks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent and joint associations of dietary protein intake and eating habits with GDM. The Anderson model was used assess if there is an additive interaction between them. Animal protein, red meat protein and dairy products protein intake were significantly and positively associated with GDM. Among the eating habits, preferences for hot food, firm food and soft food were significantly associated with higher odds of GDM. Individuals with unhealthy eating habits and high dietary protein simultaneously had the highest odds of GDM, and the ORs were 2.06 (1.25, 3.41) for the total protein, 2.97 (1.78, 4.96) for animal meat, 3.98 (2.41, 6.57) for the red meat protein and 2.82 (1.81, 4.41) for the dairy protein; the p values for the trend were all significant (p < 0.001). However, no additive interaction was detected. In conclusion, our study found that dietary protein intake and eating habits prior to GDM diagnosis were both independently and jointly associated with the odds of GDM.

[Combined effect of active smoking history and passive smoking during pregnancy on postpartum depression and anxiety].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the independent and combined effects of smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy on maternal depression, anxiety and depressive anxiety comorbidities. METHODS: From August 2020 to February 2022, women who underwent 42-day postpartum examination in Changfeng Women's Center and Shuangfeng Hospital of Hefei were recruited. Their depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using EPDS Scale and GAD Scale, respectively, and smoking and passive smoking status during pregnancy were collected. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent and combined effects of smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy on postpartum depression, anxiety and depression and anxiety comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 2 447 parturients were included, whose mean age was(29.23±4.20) years old.58.6% of parturients lived in urban areas.97.2% parturients had unassisted reproduction and 73.5% pregnancy intention was spontaneous. Among them, 362(14.8%) had depression, 523(21.4%) had anxiety, and 270(11.0%) had depression and anxiety comorbidities. In an independent analysis of effects, maternal smoking during pregnancy was statistically associated with postpartum depression(OR=3.86, 95%CI 2.37-6.28), anxiety(OR =2.58, 95%CI 1.60-4.17) and depressive anxiety comorbidity(OR = 3.34, 95%CI 2.00-5.71). Maternal passive smoking during pregnancy was also positively associated with the risk of postpartum depression(OR = 1.56, 95%CI 2.00-5.71), anxiety(OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.24-2.37) and depression and anxiety comorbidities(OR = 1.52, 95%CI 1.02-2.28), and the higher the frequency of exposure to passive smoking, the higher risk of depression, anxiety, and depressive and anxiety comorbidities. No interaction between smoking during pregnancy and passive smoking exposure on postpartum depression(RERI = 0.69, 95%CI-4.62-6.00; AP = 10.84, 95%CI-73.37-95.04; S= 0.58, 95%CI 0.02-15.18), anxiety(RERI=0.27, 95%CI 0.05-0.49; AP=4.02, 95%CI-0.52-8.57; S=0.78, 95%CI 0.64-0.94) and depression and anxiety comorbidities(RERI = 0.07, 95%CI-0.25-0.39; AP=1.74, 95%CI-6.03-9.52; S=0.93, 95%CI 0.68-1.27)was observed. CONCLUSION: Both smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy were positively associated with the risk of postpartum depression, anxiety and depressive anxiety comorbidity.

[Weight gain rate in the first and second trimesters and risk of gestational diabetes:a prospective cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the rate of weight gain in the first and second trimesters and gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM). METHODS: A total of 1189 maternal cases were included at baseline from May to September 2019 when they first came to the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Ma'anshan for delivery and establishment of maternal health handbook(≤14 weeks+6). A total of 968 maternal cases were included in the final analysis, including 289 cases of GDM. Information on maternal socio-demographic characteristics, past history and lifestyle was collected through questionnaires. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed to screen for GDM at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Multi-factor logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the rate of weight gain in the first and second trimesters and GDM. RESULTS: After adjusting for pre-pregnancy BMI, age, occupation, number of births, number of pregnancies, type of residence, family history of diabetes, season of conception and mode of conception, an increased risk of GDM was found for rapid weight gain in early pregnancy compared with appropriate rate of gain(rapid group: aOR=1.92, 95%CI 1.20-3.07). No risk of GDM was found for rapid or slow weight gain in mid-pregnancy(rapid group : aOR=0.89, 95%CI 0.47-1.70)(slow group: aOR=1.57, 95%CI 0.85-2.90). Further stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, pre-pregnancy BMI <24-overly rapid growth rate in early pregnancy was a risk factor for GDM(rapid group; aOR=1.98, 95%CI 1.16-3.38) and no significant association was observed in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥24(slow group: aOR=0.79, 95%CI 0.29-2.12; rapid group: aOR=1.61, 95%CI 0.60-4.30). A multiplicative model showing no interaction between pre-pregnancy BMI and early pregnancy weight gain rate for GDM. CONCLUSION: Excessive growth rate in the first pregnancy can affect the risk of GDM.

Recent progress on chiral extractants for enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction.

As the demand for enantiopure compounds increases, chiral separation has become increasingly important in many fields. Enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction is an up-and-coming technology for enantiomeric separation because it is highly efficient and easy to be scaled up. The key factor for enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction is the development of novel chiral extractants with high enantiorecognition performance. With successful studies on catalytically active metal complexes as chiral extractants, novel chiral extractants can be screened and designed from the field of asymmetric catalysis. Chiral ionic liquids, sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrins bonded magnetic nanoparticles and 2,2',3,3'-tetrahydro-1,1'-spirobi[indene]-7,7'-diol (SPINOL) based phosphoric acid host show unique potential ability in enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction and they deserve further study. Brief principles, extraction equipment and solvent systems in enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction are presented in the present paper, and recent progress in development of new chiral extractants in the past decade is mainly reviewed, including metal complexes, cyclodextrins, ionic liquids, tartrate acids and crown ethers.

An Exploration of Dynamic Changes in the Mulberry Growth Process Based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and HS-GC-IMS.

This work was designed to investigate the dynamic changes process of non-volatile organic compounds (n-VOCs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in mulberries during different growth periods using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and HS-GC-IMS. A total of 166 compounds were identified, including 68 n-VOCs and 98 VOCs. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA), random forest analysis (RFA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze differences in mulberries at different ripening stages. A total of 74 compounds appeared or disappeared at different ripening periods and 24 compounds were presented throughout the growth process. Quantitative analysis and antioxidant experiments revealed that as the mulberries continued to mature, flavonoids and phenolic acids continued to increase, and the best antioxidant activity occurred from stage IV. Conclusively, an effective strategy was established for analyzing the composition change process during different growth periods, which could assist in achieving dynamic change process analysis and quality control.