Pyroptotic macrophages promote proliferation and chemotherapy resistance of peripheral T-cell lymphoma via TLR4 signaling pathway.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a highly aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered procedural cell death mode, which has been implicated to occur in both tumor cells and immune cells. However, the occurrence and effect of pyroptosis on PTCL remain unclear. Here, we found that pyroptosis occurred in interstitial macrophages of PTCL rather than in tumor cells. In clinical specimens, macrophage pyroptosis was associated with a poor prognosis of PTCL. In vitro experiments and gene sequencing results showed that pyroptotic macrophages could upregulate the expression of TLR4 through secreting inflammatory cytokines IL-18. Upregulated TLR4 activated its downstream NF-κB anti-apoptotic signaling pathway, thus leading to malignant proliferation and chemotherapy resistance of tumor cells. Moreover, the expression of factors such as XIAP in the NF-κB anti-apoptotic pathway was downregulated after the knockdown of TLR4, and the malignant promotion effect of pyroptotic macrophages on PTCL cells was also reversed. Our findings revealed the mechanism of pyroptotic macrophages promoting the malignant biological behavior of PTCL and elucidated the key role of TLR4 in this process. In-depth analysis of this mechanism will contribute to understanding the regulatory effect of PTCL by the tumor microenvironment and providing new ideas for the clinical treatment of PTCL.

Emergence and Causality in Complex Systems: A Survey of Causal Emergence and Related Quantitative Studies.

Emergence and causality are two fundamental concepts for understanding complex systems. They are interconnected. On one hand, emergence refers to the phenomenon where macroscopic properties cannot be solely attributed to the cause of individual properties. On the other hand, causality can exhibit emergence, meaning that new causal laws may arise as we increase the level of abstraction. Causal emergence (CE) theory aims to bridge these two concepts and even employs measures of causality to quantify emergence. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in quantitative theories and applications of CE. It focuses on two primary challenges: quantifying CE and identifying it from data. The latter task requires the integration of machine learning and neural network techniques, establishing a significant link between causal emergence and machine learning. We highlight two problem categories: CE with machine learning and CE for machine learning, both of which emphasize the crucial role of effective information (EI) as a measure of causal emergence. The final section of this review explores potential applications and provides insights into future perspectives.

Exposure of Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:- to benzalkonium chloride leads to acquired resistance to this disinfectant and antibiotics.

AIMS: Disinfectants such as benzalkonium chloride (BC), extensively used in animal farms and food-processing industries, contribute to the development of adaptive and cross-resistance in foodborne pathogens, posing a serious threat to food safety and human health. The purpose of this study is to explore whether continuous exposure of Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:- (S. 1,4,[5],12:i:-) to sublethal concentrations of BC could result in acquired resistance to this agent and other environmental stresses (e.g. antibiotics, heat, and acid). METHODS AND RESULTS: BC tolerance increased in all tested strains after exposure to gradually increasing concentrations of BC, with increases in minimum inhibitory concentrations between two and sixfold. The survival rate of BC-adapted strains was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of their wild-type (non-adapted) counterparts in lethal concentrations of BC. In addition, significant reductions (P < 0.05) in zeta potential were observed in BC-adapted strains compared to wild-type ones, indicating that a reduction in cell surface charge was a cause of adaptative resistance. More importantly, two BC-adapted strains exhibited increased antibiotic resistance to levofloxacin, ceftazidime, and tigecycline, while gene mutations (gyrA, parC) and antibiotic efflux-related genes (acrB, mdsA, mdsB) were detected by genomic sequencing analysis. Moreover, the tolerance of BC-adapted strains to heat (50, 55, and 60°C) and acid (pH 2.0, 2.5) was strain-dependent and condition-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated exposure to sublethal concentrations of BC could result in the emergence of BC- and antibiotic-resistant S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- strains.

The percentage and clinical correlates of alexithymia in stable patients with schizophrenia.

Alexithymia is a common, but less-recognized affective deficit in patients with schizophrenia. To date, no definitive conclusions have been drawn about the relationship between alexithymia and the clinical symptoms or their clinical correlates, particularly in stable patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between alexithymia and psychopathological symptoms, as well as any associated correlates, in stable patients with schizophrenia. A total of 435 Chinese patients with schizophrenia were recruited. The Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate each patient's psychopathological symptoms. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to measure alexithymia. The percentage of alexithymia was 35.2% in stable patients with schizophrenia. Compared to non-alexithymia patients, patients with alexithymia had higher PANSS total scores, negative subscores, depressive subscores, and cognitive subscores (all p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the following variables were positively associated with TAS-20 total scores: PANSS negative subscores (ß = 0.274, t = 3.198, p = 0.001) and PANSS depressive subscores (ß = 0.366, t = 2.500, p = 0.013). Education years (ß = - 0.453, t = - 2.824, p = 0.005) was negatively associated with TAS-20 total scores. Our results suggest that the percentage of alexithymia was relatively higher in stable patients with schizophrenia. Education levels, negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms were independently associated with alexithymia in this specific population.

Astaxanthin delays brain aging in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10: inducing autophagy as a potential mechanism.

Brain aging is a complex biological process often associated with a decline in cognitive functions and motility. Astaxanthin (AST) is a strong antioxidant capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. The effect of AST on brain aging and its physiological and molecular mechanism are still unclear. The study aimed to investigate whether AST from AstaReal A1010 improved brain aging by inducing autophagy in SAMP10 mice. Different concentrations of AstaReal A1010 were intragastrically administered to 6-month-old SAMP10 mice for 3 months. The results demonstrated that AST delayed age-related cognitive decline, motor ability and neurodegeneration, upregulated the expression levels of autophagy-related genes beclin-1 and LC3 in the brain. It may induce autophagy by regulating IGF-1/Akt/mTOR and IGF-1/Akt/FoxO3a signaling. Treatment with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) partly reversed the anti-aging effect of AST. In conclusion, our findings suggest that AST may induce autophagy by regulating IGF-1/Akt/mTOR and IGF-1/Akt/FoxO3a signaling, thereby delaying age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in SAMP10 mice.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated Arabidopsis Gene Family in Pineapple (Ananas comosus).

The gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis (GASA) gene family plays a crucial role in growth, development, and stress response, and it is specific to plants. This gene family has been extensively studied in various plant species, and its functional role in pineapple has yet to be characterized. In this study, 15 AcGASA genes were identified in pineapple through a genome-wide scan and categorized into three major branches based on a phylogenetic tree. All AcGASA proteins share a common structural domain with 12 cysteine residues, but they exhibit slight variations in their physicochemical properties and motif composition. Predictions regarding subcellular localization suggest that AcGASA proteins are present in the cell membrane, Golgi apparatus, nucleus, and cell wall. An analysis of gene synteny indicated that both tandem and segmental repeats have a significant impact on the expansion of the AcGASA gene family. Our findings demonstrate the differing regulatory effects of these hormones (GA, NAA, IAA, MeJA, and ABA) on the AcGASA genes. We analyzed the expression profiles of GASA genes in different pineapple tissue parts, and the results indicated that AcGASA genes exhibit diverse expression patterns during the development of different plant tissues, particularly in the regulation of floral organ development. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of GASA family genes in pineapple. It serves as a valuable reference for future studies on the functional characterization of GASA genes in other perennial herbaceous plants.

The overall diet quality in childhood is prospectively associated with the timing of puberty.

PURPOSE: The influences of nutrition in childhood on puberty onset could have sustained consequences for health and wellbeing later in life. The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective association of diet quality prior to puberty with the timing of puberty onset. METHODS: We considered data from 3983 SCCNG (Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth) study participants with dietary data, anthropometric measurement, and information on potential confounders at their baseline assessment (mean age: 7.1 years for girls and 7.3 years for boys; mean length of follow-up was 4.2 years). Cox proportional hazard regression estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine the relationship between diet quality and puberty onset. Dietary intake at baseline was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was determined using the Chinese Children Dietary Index (CCDI) which measures adherence to current dietary recommendations (theoretical range: 0-160 points). Age at Tanner stage 2 for breast/genital development (B2/G2), menarche or voice break (M/VB) were used as pubertal markers. RESULTS: The CCDI score ranged from 56.2 to 136.3 for girls and 46.1-131.5 for boys. Pubertal markers consistently indicate that girls and boys with higher diet quality were more likely to enter their puberty later than their counterparts with lower CCDI scores (higher vs. lower CCDI tertiles: adjusted HR for age at B2: 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81-0.94), p for trend = 0.02; G2: 0.86 (95% CI,0.80-0.96), p for trend = 0.02; M: 0.86 (95% CI,0.80-0.95), p for trend = 0.02; VB: 0.86 (95% CI,0.79-0.98), p for trend = 0.03), after adjustment for paternal education level, baseline energy intake, and pre-pubertal body fat. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested a later puberty onset and later timing of progressed puberty stages in children with a high diet quality, which were independent of pre-pubertal body fat.

Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with arterial stiffness in community-dwelling Chinese aged 45 years and older.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that body composition has impact on arterial stiffness. However, evidence in Chinese are limited, and results remain controversial. The aim of our study is to investigate whether skeletal muscle mass is associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling men and women aged 45 years and older. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 20,477 participants (age range: 45-80 years, 68.8% women) were included in the analysis. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness was measured using a waveform device. Total muscle mass and muscle mass of arm, leg and trunk were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Height and weight were measured and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (sum of arm and leg muscle mass) divided by height square. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, ASMI was negatively associated with baPWV [ß (SE) for men: - 0.208 (0.016), p < 0.0001; for women: - 0.245 (0.012), p < 0.0001]. High ASMI was a protective factor for the presence of arterial stiffness (defined as baPWV) [OR (95%CI) for men: 0.730 (0.682, 0.782), p < 0.0001; women: 0.634 (0.593, 0.677), p < 0.0001]. Similar associations were found between quantity of muscle mass (total and appendicular muscle mass, muscle mass of arm, leg and trunk) and arterial stiffness in men and women after further adjustment for height (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with increased risk of arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older.

High protein intake along with paternal part-time employment is associated with higher body fat mass among girls from South China.

PURPOSE: Protein intake has been suggested to be associated with body composition among western children. Our aim was to determine whether protein intake is associated with body composition among Chinese children and to investigate whether parental socioeconomic status modifies these associations. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from the baseline survey of an ongoing population-based prospective open cohort study conducted in 2013. In this survey, 2039 children in South China were recruited using cluster random sampling. Information of 1704 children (47% girls), aged 7-12 years from three primary schools (42 classes), on diet and anthropometry was included finally. Their daily protein intake was obtained by 3-day 24-h dietary recalls. Skinfold thickness, body height, and weight were measured to calculate percent body fat (%BF), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Parental characteristics were collected by questionnaires. RESULTS: Among girls, protein intake was positively associated with %BF and FMI [estimate (SE) for %BF: 0.007 (0.003), p = 0.04; for FMI: 0.092 (0.002), p = 0.03], adjusted for pubertal stage, breast-feeding, maternal overweight, carbohydrate intake, energy intake, and physical activity level. Furthermore, there was interaction between paternal occupation and the relations of dietary protein with %BF and FMI (p for interaction ≤ 0.04). None of the associations between protein intake and %BF, FMI, or FFMI was found among boys. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that school-aged girls, but not boys, living in South China with higher dietary protein intake might have higher body fat mass, which could be modified by paternal occupation.

[Consumptions of Meat, Dietary Fat, and Fatty-acids and Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents-a Cross-sectional Survey in Chengdu].

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 7-15 years in Longquanyi District of Chengdu and its association with consumptions of meat, dietary fat and fatty-acids. METHODS: A total of 1 811 children and adolescents aged 7-15 years in Longquanyi District were selected using stratified cluster sampling strategy. Their body mass, height and waist circumference were measured. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was estimated based on body mass index (BMI), body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Daily consumptions of meat, dietary fat and fatty-acids were calculated using data collected through a food frequency questionnaire and 3-d 24 h dietary recall. The children with overweight/obesity were compared with those with normal body mass in food/nutrient consumptions using Wilcoxon tests. The BMI SDS, WHtR, and prevalence of overweight and obesity were also compared between those having low, moderate and high food/nutrient consumptions using Chi-square tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: About 10.34% and 6.59% of participants were found to be overweight and obese, respectively. Boys had higher prevalence of overweight (12.05%) and overweight/obesity (18.97%) than girls (8.55%, 14.80%) ( P<0.05). Girls consumed more meat (including red meat and white meat), saturated fatty-acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty-acid (MUFA) than boys ( P<0.05). The consumptions of meat (both red meat and white meat), SFA and MUFA increased with age ( P<0.05). Overweight/obese girls consumed more SFA, MUFA and fat (%EN) than those of normal weight. The BMI SDS and WHtR of girls increased with fat (%EN) consumptions ( P<0.05). The BMI SDS of girls also increased with MUFA consumptions ( P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Consumptions of red meat, dietary fat, SFA, and MUFA are associated with overweight/obesity of girls aged 7-15 years in Chengdu. Further studies are needed to understand the gender differences.

[Dietary Fiber and Pubertal Development among Children and Adolescents--a Cross-sectional Study in Chengdu, Sichuan].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between intake of dietary fiber and pubertal development among children and adolescents in Chengdu. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 1 340 children and adolescents aged 9-15 years. Data about dietary intake were collected through 24-h dietary self-recall. Pubertal development was measured by trained investigators using Tanner criteria. Consumptions of total fiber and fiber from different sources were compared among the participants with different stages of pubertal development. RESULTS: Data from 1 328 children and adolescents were analyzed. Boys (n = 667) at a later stage of pubertal development consumed less total fiber and fruit fiber than those at an earlier stage (P < 0.05). Similarly, girls (n = 651) at a later stage of pubertal development consumed less fruit fiber than those at an earlier stage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary fiber intake, especially fruit fiber, is lower in children and adolescents with early commencement of puberty development. Further studies are needed to establish the relationship between dietary fiber and pubertal development.

[Cross-sectional association between foods rich in protein and body composition among children and adolescents in Chengdu City].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between foods rich in protein and body composition among children and adolescents in Chengdu. METHODS: With cluster sampling, a total of 2029 children and adolescents aged 7 - 15 years were recruited in Chengdu as the participants. Information about consumption of foods rich in protein was collected from food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurement was conducted to calculate the indices of body composition, percentage of body fatness (BF%), fat mass index (FMI) and fat free mass index (FFMI). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare BF%/FMI/FFMI between food intake groups. RESULTS: Among boys, compared with moderate and higher intake group of red meat, BF% was higher in the low intake group (P <0. 05). FFMI was highest in the higher intake group of red meat and white meat, however, in the lower egg intake group, FFMI was highest (P < 0. 05). Among girls, BF% and FMI were higher in the lower intake group of bean, fish, egg, dairy and dairy product than the moderate and high intake group (P <0. 05). FFMI was positively associated with consumption of red meat and was highest in-the lower intake group of egg and dairy (P <0. 05). CONCLUSION: Red meat intake is positively associated with fat free mass in boys and girls. Only in girls, the consumption of bean/fish/egg/dairy and dairy product is primarily associated with fat mass. The different influence between genders needs to be further studied.

[Cross-sectional association between eating behaviors and overweight/obesity among children and adolescents in Chengdu city].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate eating behaviors of children and adolescents in Chengdu city, and to explore the associations between eating behaviors and overweight/ obesity among children. METHODS: A total of 2179 children and adolescents aged 7-15 years were recruited from Chengdu city by cluster random sampling method. A self-designed food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information on eating behaviors among children. Anthropometric data were measured to calculate percent body fat (PBF) and BMI Z-score. RESULTS: Obese girls consumed sugar-sweetened beverages less frequently than normal-weight girls and overweight girls (P = 0. 0406). Obese or overweight girls consumed snacks less frequently than normal-weight girls ( P = 0. 0304 ). Boys with higher consumption of snacks had lower BMI Z-score. Boys who often had dinner with their parents had higher PBF and BMI Z-score (P =0. 0010 and P =0. 0339, respectively). Moreover, PBF of boys who had extra meal was significantly higher than those who did not. However, similar results were not observed among girls. Girls who ate breakfast regularly and often had dinner with their parents had lower PBF (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Some of poor eating behaviors, like more frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, not eating breakfast regularly and not having dinner with parents often, may be risk factors of overweight and obesity among children.

[Cross-sectional association between overall diet quality and pubertal development among children and adolescents in Chengdu City].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between overall diet quality and pubertal development among children. METHODS: A total of 1713 children and adolescents aged 7 - 15 years in Chengdu were recruited by cluster sampling and surveyed using food frequency questionnaires to collect information on their intakes and frequency of all kinds of foods and drinks over the past year. Diet quality of participants was evaluated using Chinese Children Dietary Index. Pubertal development was assessed according to the Tanner method. RESULTS: The mean dietary index score of boys and girls were 57.57 ± 11.32 and 59.73 ± 11.50, respectively. The prevalence of spermarche or voice break was lowest among boys with higher diet quality. Similarly, girls with higher diet quality had a significantly lowest prevalence of menarche. Scores of Chinese Children Dietary Index for both boys and girls with higher degree of pubertal development were the lowest. CONCLUSION: The overall diet quality of children and adolescents was negatively associated with their pubertal development. Moreover, this association appeared to be stronger in girls than that in boys.

[Cross-sectional association between food rich in protein and pubertal development among children and adolescents in Chengdu City].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between food rich in protein and puberty development among children and adolescents in Chengdu city. METHODS: A total of 1669 children and adolescents aged 7 - 15 years were recruited in Chengdu with cluster sampling. Measurement of pubertal development was conducted among boys/girls and information about consumption of foods rich in protein was collected from food frequency questionnaire. Rank sum test was used to compare food intakes between different pubertal groups. RESULTS: Among boys, the consumption of red meat and white meat increased with increasing degree of testis volume (P < 0.05). Compared with boys who had spermarche, consumption of red meat, white meat and dairy and dairy products were lower in the boys who did not (P < 0.05). The consumption of red meat and white meat increased with increasing degree of pubertal group and consumption of dairy and dairy products was highest in the early pubertal group (P < 0.05). Among girls, bean intake was higher in the B1 and B5 group of breast development and consumption of dairy and dairy product was highest in the B1 group (P < 0.05). Compared with girls who had menarche, red meat intake was lower, however, consumption of dairy and dairy product were higher in the girls who did not (P < 0.05). The intake of red meat increased with increasing degree of pubertal group in girls, however, the consumption of bean, fish and shellfish, egg and dairy and dairy product decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The consumption of foods rich in protein were associated with pubertal development among children and adolescents in Chengdu. However, the different influence between genders needs to be further studied.

[Cross-sectional association between consumption of grain/tubers and pubertal development among children and adolescents in Chengdu City].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate association between the consumption of grain and tubers and pubertal development of children and adolescents in Chengdu city. METHODS: Cross-sectional valid data from 1902 children and adolescents aged 7 - 18 years in Chengdu were analyzed. Based on food frequency questionnaire, the daily consumption of grain and tubers was calculated. Measurements of pubertal development were conducted among boys/girls. RESULTS: The mean age of spermarche was 12.8, and that of menarche was 12.3. Boys who had spermarche consumed more grain than those had not yet (P < 0.0001), while girls who had menarche consumed less (P < 0.01). Consumption of grain was positively associated with pubertal development among boys (P < 0.0001). Both consumption of grain and tubers were associated with pubertal development among girls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Consumption of grain and tubers seem to be correlated with pubertal development among children and adolescents in Chengdu, and the association was not the same in each gender.

[Cross-sectional association between sedentary behaviors and anthropometric indexes among children and adolescents in Chengdu City].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the situation of sedentary behaviors and anthropometric indexes among children and adolescents in Chengdu city. METHODS: A total of 2164 children and adolescents aged 7 - 15 years old were recruited in Chengdu city by using cluster random sampling method. This study was a cross-sectional study, which aimed to collect data on anthropometry including height and weight etc. and information on sedentary behavior by using the self-designed questionnaire. RESULTS: The time spent on watching TV, using computer and doing homework was longer in boys than that in girls. After having been stratified by gender and age groups, the time spent on sedentary behaviors (including watching TV, using computer and doing homework) was longer in 13 - 15 age group than that in. 10 - 12 and 7 -9 age groups in boys. Similar results were obtained in girls. BMI z-scores and the percentage of body fat (BF%) were higher in girls than that in boys (P < 0.0001). BMI z-scores in boys decreased with increasing age after having been stratified by gender and age groups and BF% was higher in 10 - 12 age group. However, BF% in girls was increased with increasing age (P < 0.0001). As three sedentary behaviors were classified into low/high respectively, BF% increased with the time spent on watching TV and doing homework increasing in 10 - 12 age group in girls. The time spent on watching TV increased withthe BMI z-scores increasing. CONCLUSION: The time spending on watching TV, using computer and doing homework increased with increasing age among children and adolescents in Chengdu. Sedenatry behaviors in girls may be related to BMI z-scores and BF%.

[Consumptions of Meat and Dairy Products, Zinc Intake and Pubertal Development in Adolescents in Chengdu].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the associations between meat, dairy and zinc intake and pubertal development in adolescents in Chengdu. METHODS: A total of 1320 children and adolescents aged 9-15 years in Chengdu were recruited using a stratified cluster sampling strategy. Dietary intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 3-day 24-hour dietary recall. Pubertal development was evaluated through physical examinations. Consumptions of meat and dairy, and zinc intake were compared between groups with different levels of pubertal development according to the Tanner criteria. RESULTS: The median age of spermarche was 13. 00 years. The boys who had had spermarche consumed more meat (including red meat) and dairy products than those who had not yet (P<0. 05). Daily consumption of total meat was positively correlated with the level of pubertal development (P<0. 05). The median age of menarche was 12. 11 years. The girls who had had menarche consumed more meat and less diiry products than those who had not yet (P<0. 05). Daily consumption of dairy products was negatively associated with breast development and the level of pubertal development (P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Consumptions of meat, red meat and dairy products are associated with pubertal development in adolescents in Chengdu. However, the differences between boys and girls warrant further studies.

[Relationship between complementary feeding behaviors and anemia for infants and young children in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou province of China].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between complementary feeding behaviors (CFB) and anemia for infants and young children in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou province of China. METHODS: A total 3 410 children aged 6-24 months were recruited from 12 survey sites in the urban and rural areas of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces by stratified random cluster sampling in 3 age groups (6-8 months, 9-11 months and 12-24 months) from March to July in 2011. The information of CFB for them was collected through a specific questionnaire. According to the comprehensive evaluation method of CFB(including content of food preparation and selection, caregivers' behavior, infants' behavior, feeding environment and environmental hygiene), the scores of CFB were calculated and grouped as low ( < 60% of total score), moderate (60%-80% of total score) and high level ( > 80% of total score). Twenty microliter of fingertip blood was extracted to measure the hemoglobin concentration and anemia rate was calculated. Distribution of CFB level and rate of anemia were compared between urban/rural areas and different age groups. Difference of anemia rate for infants and young children between low/moderate/high CFB level groups was compared. RESULTS: 8.0% (273/3 410) of the children were in low CFB level group, and 56.9% (1 940/3 410) and 35.1% (1 197/3 410) in moderate and high CFB level group respectively. The difference of CFB levels between urban and rural areas was significant (Z = -21.17, P < 0.05), the proportion of high level in urban area was 53.0% (829/1 565) , which was higher than that in rural area (20.0% (368/1845) ). The difference of CFB levels between different age groups was also significant (H = 43.82, P < 0.05). The proportion of high level decreased by increasing age, which was 41.0% (417/1 017) and 29.9% (389/1 300) in 6-8 months and 12-24 months respectively. The average hemoglobin concentration for infants was (119.3 ± 13.8)g/L, and the total anemia rate was 22.4% (765/3 410) . The hemoglobin concentration for infants in urban area ( (123.3 ± 11.3) g/L) was higher than rural area ((115.9 ± 14.8) g/L) (t = 16.75, P < 0.05) and the rate of anemia in urban area (10.5% (165/1 565)) was lower than that in rural area (32.5% (600/1845) ) (χ² = 235.03, P < 0.05) significantly. The rate of anemia was decreased by increasing CFB level(χ² = 73.94, P < 0.05). The rate of anemia in the low CFB level group was the highest (33.7% (92/273) ) while in the high CFB level group was 14.5% (174/1 197), which was the lowest. CONCLUSION: The level of complementary feeding behavior for infants and young children in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou province of China is relatively low and their prevalence of anemia is relatively serious. Complementary feeding behavior is closely associated with anemia for infants and young children.

Gastric cancer prognosis: unveiling autophagy-related signatures and immune infiltrates.

Background: Autophagy played a crucial regulatory role in tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, we aimed to comprehensively analyze autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in gastric cancer, focusing on their expression, prognostic value, and potential functions. Methods: The gastric cancer gene chip datasets (GSE79973 and GSE54129) were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently, the Limma package was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the normal and disease groups. The selected ARGs were further authenticated using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and GSE19826 database. Results: A total of 15 autophagy-related DEGs, eight of which were upregulated [FKBP1A, IL24, PEA15, HSP90AB1, cathepsin B (CTSB), ITGB1, SPHK1, HIF1A], while seven were downregulated (DAPK2, EIF2AK3, FKBP1B, PTK6, NKX2-3, NFE2L2, PRKCD). Analysis revealed that CTSB was specifically associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showcased a significant enrichment of CTSB-related genes within immune-related pathways. Moreover, correlation analysis demonstrated a clear association between the expression of CTSB and immune infiltration. The upregulation of CTSB in gastric cancer was linked to poor survival and increased immune infiltration. Conclusions: We conjectured that CTSB likely played a critical role in regulating immunity and autophagy in gastric cancer.