Structural characteristics of gut microbiota in longevity from Changshou town, Hubei, China.

The gut microbiota (GM) and its potential functions play a crucial role in maintaining host health and longevity. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between GM and longevity. We collected fecal samples from 92 healthy volunteers (middle-aged and elderly: 43-79 years old; longevity: ≥ 90 years old) from Changshou Town, Zhongxiang City, Hubei, China. In addition, we collected samples from 30 healthy middle-aged and elderly controls (aged 51-70 years) from Wuhan, Hubei. The 16S rDNA V3 + V4 region of the fecal samples was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. Diversity analysis results showed that the elderly group with longevity and the elderly group with low body mass index (BMI) exhibited higher α diversity. However, no significant difference was observed in ß diversity. The results of the microbiome composition indicate that Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota are the core phyla in all groups. Compared to younger elderly individuals, Akkermansia and Lactobacillus are significantly enriched in the long-lived elderly group, while Megamonas is significantly reduced. In addition, a high abundance of Akkermansia is a significant characteristic of elderly populations with low BMI values. Furthermore, the functional prediction results showed that the elderly longevity group had higher abilities in short-chain fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and xenobiotic biodegradation. Taken together, our study provides characteristic information on GM in the long-lived elderly population in Changshou Town. This study can serve as a valuable addition to the current research on age-related GM. KEY POINTS: • The gut microbiota of elderly individuals with longevity and low BMI exhibit higher alpha diversity • Gut microbiota diversity did not differ significantly between genders in the elderly population • Several potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia and Lactobacillus) are enriched in long-lived individuals.

Physician Empathy in Doctor-Patient Communication: A Systematic Review.

Physician empathy is at the heart of doctor-patient communication and significantly influences patient outcomes. However, the research on how physicians express their empathy and how physician empathy affects patient outcomes and doctor-patient communication has not been well summarized in the latest literature. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize existing studies on physician empathy and its value to patient outcomes and doctor-patient communication. The systematic review consisted of studies published in English peer-reviewed journals between January 2017 and October 2021. Following the PRISMA procedure, a total of 3055 articles were retrieved, and 11 articles were retained. The thematic analysis revealed three emergent themes: physicians' empathic expressions; patient outcomes (patient functional status, patient safety, and patient satisfaction); and empathy enhancing doctor-patient communication. This study highlighted the different ways empathy may be expressed by physicians and its positive effects on patient outcomes and doctor- patient communication. This study also suggested the under-researched areas that can be expanded in the future.

Association of physical activity with the incidence of atrial fibrillation in persons > 65 years old: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

AIMS: To evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) with atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence in an elderly population. METHODS: We studied 5166 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort examined in 2011-2013 free of AF. Self-reported PA was evaluated with a validated questionnaire. Weekly minutes of leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were calculated and categorized using the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (no activity [0 min/week], low [> 0- < 150 min/week], adequate [150- < 300 min/week], high [≥ 300 min/week]). Incident AF through 2019 was ascertained from hospital discharges and death certificates. Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for AF by levels of physical activity adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age for the sample was 75 (5) years (59% female, 22% Black). During a mean (SD) follow-up time of 6.3 (2.0) years, 703 AF events were identified. The association of MVPA with AF incidence showed a U-shaped relationship. Compared to those not engaging in MVPA, individuals with low MVPA had a 23% lower hazard of AF (HR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.61, 0.96), while those with adequate MVPA had a 14% lower hazard (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.69, 1.06). High levels of MVPA were not associated with AF risk (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.78, 1.20). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that being involved in low to moderate levels of MVPA is associated with lower AF risk, with no evidence of increased risk of AF in those with higher levels of MVPA.

Low albumin levels are independently associated with neonatal acute kidney injury: a report from AWAKEN Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Data from adult and pediatric literature have shown an association between albumin levels and AKI. Whether hypoalbuminemia and neonatal AKI are associated has not been studied. METHODS: We evaluated the association of albumin with early (during the first postnatal week) and late (after the first postnatal week) AKI for 531 neonates from the Assessment of Worldwide AKI Epidemiology in Neonates (AWAKEN) database and for 3 gestational age (GA) subgroups: < 29, 29 to < 36, and ≥ 36 weeks GA. RESULTS: Low albumin levels were associated with increased odds of neonatal AKI; for every 0.1 g/dL decrease in albumin, the odds of late AKI increased by 12% on continuous analysis. After adjustment for potential confounders, neonates with albumin values in the lowest quartiles (< 2.2 g/dL) had an increased odds of early [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AdjOR) 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1-5.3, p < 0.03] and late AKI [AdjOR 13.4, 95% CI = 3.6-49.9, p < 0.0001] compared to those with albumin in the highest quartile (> 3.1 g/dL). This held true for albumin levels 2.3 to 2.6 g/dL for early [AdjOR 2.5, 95% CI = 1.2-5.5, p < 0.02] and late AKI [AdjOR 6.4, 95% CI = 1.9-21.6, p < 0.01]. Albumin quartiles of (2.7 to 3.0 g/dL) were associated with increased odds of late AKI. Albumin levels of 2.6 g/dL and 2.4 g/dL best predicted early (AUC = 0.59) and late AKI (AUC = 0.64), respectively. Analysis of albumin association with AKI by GA is described. CONCLUSIONS: Low albumin levels are independently associated with early and late neonatal AKI. Albumin could be a potential modifiable risk factor for neonatal AKI.

Low hemoglobin levels are independently associated with neonatal acute kidney injury: a report from the AWAKEN Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Studies in adults showed a relationship between low hemoglobin (Hb) and acute kidney injury (AKI). We performed this study to evaluate this association in newborns. METHODS: We evaluated 1891 newborns from the Assessment of Worldwide AKI Epidemiology in Neonates (AWAKEN) database. We evaluated the associations for the entire cohort and 3 gestational age (GA) groups: <29, 29-<36, and ≥36 weeks' GA. RESULTS: Minimum Hb in the first postnatal week was significantly lower in neonates with AKI after the first postnatal week (late AKI). After controlling for multiple potential confounders, compared to neonates with a minimum Hb ≥17.0 g/dL, both those with minimum Hb ≤12.6 and 12.7-14.8 g/dL had an adjusted increased odds of late AKI (aOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.44-6.96, p = 0.04) and (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.05-3.93; p = 0.04), respectively. This association was no longer evident after controlling for fluid balance. The ability of minimum Hb to predict late AKI was moderate (c-statistic 0.68, 95% CI 0.64-0.72) with a sensitivity of 65.9%, a specificity of 69.7%, and a PPV of 20.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Lower Hb in the first postnatal week was associated with late AKI, though the association no longer remained after fluid balance was included. IMPACT: The current study suggests a possible novel association between low serum hemoglobin (Hb) and neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI). The study shows that low serum Hb levels in the first postnatal week are associated with increased risk of AKI after the first postnatal week. This study is the first to show this relationship in neonates. Because this study is retrospective, our observations cannot be considered proof of a causative role but do raise important questions and deserve further investigation. Whether the correction of low Hb levels might confer short- and/or long-term renal benefits in neonates was beyond the scope of this study.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-AD hybrids with monoamine oxidase B inhibitory and iron-chelating effects.

A series of active hybrids combining 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-one and coumarin pharmacophores were designed and synthesized as potential agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). All the compounds exhibited excellent iron-chelating activities (pFe3+ = 14.8-19.2) and showed favorable monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitory effects compared to the reference drug Pargyline (IC50 = 86.9 nM). Among them, compound 11 g displayed the best MAO-B inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 99.3 nM. Molecular docking analysis showed that compound 11 g could enter the entrance cavity and substrate cavity of MAO-B. Furthermore, the compound 11 g had an excellent antioxidant effect and was capable of protecting from the amyloid-ß1-42 (Aß1-42) induced PC12 cell damage. In silico tools were applied for predicting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and compound 11 g was proved to overcome the brain exposure challenge. In the mice behavioral study, compound 11 g significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment induced by Scopolamine. More importantly, compound 11 g displayed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in a rat model. In summary, compound 11 g, with both anti-MAO-B and iron-chelating ability, was proved to be a promising potential anti-AD agent for further optimization.

Acute Kidney Injury and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Neonates Born Less than 32 Weeks' Gestation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants born <32 weeks of gestational age (GA). STUDY DESIGN: Present study is a secondary analysis of premature infants born at <32 weeks of GA in the Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney Injury Epidemiology in Neonates (AWAKEN) retrospective cohort (n = 546). We stratified by gestational age and used logistic regression to determine association between AKI and moderate or severe BPD/mortality. RESULTS: Moderate or severe BPD occurred in 214 of 546 (39%) infants, while death occurred in 32 of 546 (6%); the composite of moderate or severe BPD/death occurred in 246 of 546 (45%). For infants born ≤29 weeks of gestation, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of AKI and the primary outcome was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47-2.86; p = 0.76). Infants born between 29 and 32 weeks of gestation with AKI had four-fold higher odds of moderate or severe BPD/death that remained after controlling for multiple factors (adjusted OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.07-8.61; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Neonates born between 29 and 32 weeks who develop AKI had a higher likelihood of moderate or severe BPD/death than those without AKI. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and evaluate mechanisms of multiorgan injury.

Association of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) change with the risk of atrial fibrillation in the ARIC cohort.

BACKGROUND: Circulating N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predicts incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the association of longitudinal changes in NT-proBNP concentrations with incident AF has not been explored. METHODS: We studied 9705 individuals without prevalent AF in 1996-1998 and with available NT-proBNP measurements obtained in samples collected during two visits in 1990-1992 (visit 2) and 1996-1998 (visit 4) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Participants were followed through the end of 2013. AF was ascertained from electrocardiograms, hospital discharge codes, and death certificates. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of absolute change in log-transformed NT-proBNP [ln(NT-proBNP)] with incident AF. We also assessed the impact of adding ln(NT-proBNP) change as a predictor of AF by difference in the C-statistic and net reclassification improvement (NRI). RESULTS: Over a median follow up of 16 years, there were 1503 incident cases of AF. The means (SD) ln(NT-proBNP) at visit 2 and visit 4 were 3.83 (1.01) and 4.35 (0.94), respectively. There was a 0.52 (0.79) increase in ln(NT-proBNP) over the 6-year period. Greater increases in ln(NT-proBNP) were associated with higher risk of AF [hazard ratio, 2.82 (95% confidence interval 2.34, 3.39), comparing top to bottom quintiles, and 1.74 (1.61, 1.87) per 1-unit increase in ln(NT-proBNP)]. Adding ln(NT-proBNP) change to a model with multiple predictors including baseline NT-proBNP had relatively limited impact in the C-statistic (increase from 0.748, 95%CI 0.736-0.761, to 0.762, 95%CI 0.750, 0.774). Adding ln(NT-proBNP) change to initial predictive models resulted in a categorical NRI of 0.062 (95% CI 0.033, 0.092) and a continuous NRI of 0.092 (95%CI, 0.017, 0.182). CONCLUSION: Positive NT-proBNP change is associated with an increased incidence rate of AF. Adding NT-proBNP change into the prediction model modestly improved incident AF prediction. Future studies should assess the value of monitoring NT-proBNP concentration among individuals at high risk of developing AF.

Association of CRP gene polymorphisms with CRP levels, frailty and co-morbidity in an elderly Chinese population: results from RuLAS.

OBJECTIVES: to examine the associations of two common CRP gene polymorphisms with CRP levels, frailty and co-morbidity in an elderly Chinese population. DESIGN: a population-based cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: we obtained data on 1,723 elderly participants aged 70-84 from the ageing arm of the Rugao Longevity and Ageing study (RuLAS), a population-based observational cohort study conducted in Rugao, Jiangsu province, China. MEASUREMENTS: the genotyping of two common CRP gene polymorphisms (rs1205 and rs3093059) was performed. Items concerning the frailty index and co-morbidity were collected. RESULTS: the mean age of the study population was 75.3 ± 3.9 years, and 53.5% (n = 922) were women. The minor allele frequencies of rs1205 and rs3093059 were 42.4% (C allele) and 16.9% (C allele), respectively. The polymorphisms rs1205 and rs3093059 were significantly associated with CRP levels (ß = 0.113 and 0.222, all P < 0.001). Non-significant association between rs1205 and rs3093059 and frailty, as well as between rs3093059 and co-morbidity was observed. However, SNP rs1205 CC genotype had an increased odds of co-morbidity compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR):1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-2.02). Each additional copy of the C allele of SNP rs1205 was associated with 1.23 times (95% CI: 1.07-1.41) odds of co-morbidity. The significance remained after controlling for covariates such as education level, etc. CONCLUSIONS: among elderly Chinese individuals, two CRP gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with CRP levels. However, none of them was associated with frailty. The preliminary findings warrant further validations.

miR-720 inhibits tumor invasion and migration in breast cancer by targeting TWIST1.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among females, with tumor metastasis being primarily responsible for breast cancer-associated mortality. Current literatures have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in tumor metastasis. In this study, we found that the expression of miR-720 was significantly downregulated in primary breast cancer, with greater downregulation in metastatic tumors. Statistical analysis of 105 cases of primary human breast cancer demonstrated that decreased expression of miR-720 was correlated with lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, reexpression of miR-720 in breast cancer cells remarkably inhibited cell invasiveness and migration both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, downregulation of TWIST1, a promoter of metastasis that was identified as a direct functional target of miR-720, was attributed to the inhibition of metastasis. Consistent with the reduced TWIST1 levels in breast cancer, reexpression of miR-720 upregulated epithelial markers (E-cadherin and ß-catenin) and downregulated mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase-2). Expression of miR-720 was inversely associated with TWIST1 in human breast cancer tissues. Knockdown of TWIST1 expression by small interfering RNA exhibited similar effects to reintroduction of miR-720, whereas overexpression of TWIST1 (without the 3'-untranslated region) abrogated miR-720-mediated metastasis inhibition. Collectively, our data indicate that miR-720 is frequently decreased in breast cancer and manifests antimetastatic activity by downregulating TWIST1, presenting a novel mechanism of miRNA-mediated regulation of tumor metastasis.

Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure From 2021 to 2022: An Analysis of Real-World Data.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) has not been described. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the MarketScan databases for the period January 1, 2021 to July 30, 2022. Validated algorithms were used to identify patients with AF and HF, and to classify patients into HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We assessed the prevalence of SGLT2i and ARNi use overall and by HF type. Additionally, we explored correlates of lower use, including demographics and comorbidities. The study population included 60 927 patients (mean age, 75 years; 43% women) diagnosed with AF and HF (85% with HFpEF, 15% with HFrEF). Prevalence of ARNi use was 11% overall (30% in HFrEF, 8% in HFpEF), whereas the corresponding figure was 6% for SGLT2i (13% in HFrEF, 5% in HFpEF). Use of both medications increased over the study period: ARNi from 9% to 12% (22%-29% in HFrEF, 6%-8% in HFpEF), and SGLT2i from 3% to 9% (6%-16% in HFrEF, 2%-7% in HFpEF). Female sex, older age, and specific comorbidities were associated with lower use of these 2 medication types overall and by HF type. CONCLUSIONS: Use of ARNi and SGLT2i in patients with AF and HF is suboptimal, particularly among women and older individuals, though use is increasing. These results underscore the need for understanding reasons for these disparities and developing interventions to improve adoption of evidence-based therapies among patients with comorbid AF and HF.

Effect of an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Circulating Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation-Related Pathways among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Results from a Randomized Trial.

Background: Lifestyles influence atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Determining the effect of lifestyle interventions on blood concentrations of biomarkers of AF-related pathways could help understand AF pathophysiology and contribute to AF prevention. Methods: We studied 532 participants enrolled in the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a Spanish randomized trial conducted in adults (55-75 years) with metabolic syndrome and body mass index between 27-40 kg/m2. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to an intensive lifestyle intervention, emphasizing physical activity, weight loss, and adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet or to a control group. Serum biomarkers [carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and N-terminal propeptide of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] were measured at baseline, 3 and 5 years after randomization. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of intervention on changes in biomarkers through year 5. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the proportion mediated by each component of the intervention. Results: At baseline, participants' mean age was 65, 40% were female, and 50% were assigned to the intervention. After five years, mean changes in log-transformed biomarkers were -0.01 (PICP), 0.20 (hsTnT), -0.17 (hsCRP), 0.12 (3-NT), and 0.27 (NT-proBNP). Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group experienced greater decreases in hsCRP (-14%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26%, 0%) or smaller increases in 3-NT (-16%, 95% CI -25%, -5%) and NT-proBNP (-12%, 95% CI -23%, 1%). The intervention had minimal impact on hsTnT (-3%, 95% CI -7%, 2%) or PICP concentrations (-2%, 95% CI -9%, 6%). The effect of the intervention on hsCRP was primarily mediated by weight loss (89% at year 5). Conclusions: Over five years, a dietary and lifestyle intervention for weight-loss favorably affected concentrations of hsCRP, 3-NT, and NT-proBNP, pointing to specific mechanisms in pathways linking lifestyles and AF.

Associations of Alcohol Consumption With Left Atrial Morphology and Function in a Population at High Cardiovascular Risk.

BACKGROUND: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. An enlarged left atrium and impaired left atrial function may lead to atrial fibrillation. The association of alcohol consumption with structural and functional left atrial measures, however, has received limited attention. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 503 participants from the PREDIMED-Plus (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial, a randomized trial testing intensive weight loss intervention with an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and physical activity promotion in preventing cardiovascular disease in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, year 3, and year 5 of the study. Outcomes of interest included volume index and reservoir, conduit, and contractile strains of the left atrium. Alcohol consumption was calculated through food frequency questionnaires and presented as drinks consumed per day. Multiple linear regression and mixed models estimated the association of alcohol consumption with left atrial measurements at baseline and through follow-up. Cross-sectionally, higher alcohol consumption (per 1 drink/day increases) was associated with larger left atrial volume (0.65 mL/m2 [95% CI, 0.18-1.11]) and lower left atrial reservoir and contractile strain (-0.44% [95% CI, -0.87 to -0.01]; and -0.44% [95% CI, -0.75 to -0.14]). Baseline alcohol consumption was not associated with changes in left atrial measurements, but increases in alcohol consumption (per 1 drink/day increase) during follow-up were associated with left atrial enlargement (0.71 mL/m2 [95% CI, 0.17-1.26]). CONCLUSIONS: In a population at high cardiovascular risk, increased alcohol consumption was associated with left atrial enlargement and worsening atrial function. REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com; Unique identifier: ISRCTN89898870.

The anti-hyperlipidemia effect of Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizome increased HDL via reverse cholesterol transfer.

Aim: Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizome (AM) has been used to treat hyperlipidemia for centuries, but its functional components and mechanisms are not clear. This research aimed to investigate the active components in AM and the mechanisms that underlie its anti-hyperlipidemia effect. Methods: SD rats were fed a high-sucrose high-fat diet in conjunction with alcohol (HSHFDAC) along with different AM extracts (AMW, AMO, AME, and AMP) for 4 weeks. AM's active components were analyzed using multiple databases, and their mechanisms were explored through network pharmacology. The relationship between AM's effect of enhancing serum HDL-c and regulating the expression of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT)-related proteins (Apo-A1, LCAT, and SR-BI) was further validated in the HSHFDAC-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The kidney and liver functions of the rats were measured to evaluate the safety of AM. Results: AMO, mainly comprised of volatile and liposoluble components, contributed the most significant anti-hyperlipidemia effect among the four extracts obtained from AM, significantly improving the blood lipid profile. Network pharmacology analysis also suggested that volatile and liposoluble components, comprise AM's main active components and they might act on signaling pathways associated with elevated HDL-c. Validation experiments found that AMO substantially and dose-dependently increased HDL-c levels, upregulated the expression of Apo-A1, SR-BI, and LCAT, improved the pathological changes in the kidney and liver, and significantly reduced the serum creatinine levels in rats with hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: The main anti-hyperlipidemia active components of AM are its volatile and liposoluble components, which may enhance serum HDL-c by increasing the expression of the RCT-related proteins Apo-A1, LCAT, and SR-BI.

Fabrication and evaluation of magnetic/hollow double-shelled imprinted sorbents formed by Pickering emulsion polymerization.

Magnetic/hollow double-shelled imprinted polymers (MH-MIPs) were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization. In this method, attapulgite (ATP) particles were used as stabilizers to establish a stable oil-in-water emulsion, and a few hydrophilic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were allowed to be magnetic separation carriers. The imprinting system was fabricated by radical polymerization in the presence of the functional and polymeric monomers in the oil phase. The results of characterization indicated that MH-MIPs exhibited magnetic sensitivity (Ms = 4.76 emu g(-1)), thermal stability (especially below 200 °C), and hollow structure and were composed of exterior ATP shells and interior imprinted polymers shells. Then MH-MIPs were evaluated as sorbents for the selective binding of λ-cyhalothrin as a result of their magnetism, enhanced mechanical strength, hydrophilic surface, and recognition ability. The kinetic properties of MH-MIPs were well described by the pseudo-second-order equation, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process for λ-cyhalothrin. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of MH-MIPs was 60.06 µmol g(-1) at 25 °C, and the Langmuir isotherm model gave a better fit to the experimental data, indicating the monolayer molecular adsorption for λ-cyhalothrin. The selective recognition experiments also demonstrated the high affinity and selectivity of MH-MIIPs toward λ-cyhalothrin over fenvalerate and diethyl phthalate.

Selective separation of lambdacyhalothrin by porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization.

Porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (PM-MIPs) were prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The reaction was carried out in an oil/water emulsion using magnetic halloysite nanotubes as the stabilizer instead of a toxic surfactant. In the oil phase, the imprinting process was conducted by radical polymerization of functional and cross-linked monomers, and porogen chloroform generated steam under the high reaction temperature, which resulted in some pores decorated with easily accessible molecular binding sites within the as-made PM-MIPs. The characterization demonstrated that the PM-MIPs were porous and magnetic inorganic-polymer composite microparticles with magnetic sensitivity (M(s) = 0.7448 emu/g), thermal stability (below 473 K) and magnetic stability (over the pH range of 2.0-8.0). The PM-MIPs were used as a sorbent for the selective binding of lambdacyhalothrin (LC) and rapidly separated under an external magnetic field. The Freundlich isotherm model gave a good fit to the experimental data. The adsorption kinetics of the PM-MIPs was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption of LC. The selective recognition experiments exhibited the outstanding selective adsorption effect of the PM-MIPs for target LC. Moreover, the PM-MIPs regeneration without significant loss in adsorption capacity was demonstrated by at least four repeated cycles.

"Should We Donate Organs After Death?": Exploring Chinese University Students' Knowledge and Perception Toward Cadaveric Organ Donation : A Narrative Analysis.

Background: University students who possess an open-minded attitude and are receptive to new concepts represent a significant potential donor group. Their knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation have a considerable impact on the advancement of organ transplantation. Methods: Using the method of content analysis, this qualitative study examine the knowledge and attitude of Chinese university students concerning cadaveric organ donation. Results: The research identified five themes, including cadaveric organ donation as a commendable act, disincentives to cadaveric organ donation, ways to understand cadaveric organ donation, strategies to increase donation rates, and cultural influences regarding cadaveric organ donation. Conclusion: The findings revealed that some participants lacked adequate knowledge of cadaveric organ donation and were unwilling to donate organs after their death due to traditional Chinese family values and culture. Therefore, it is necessary to implement effective measures to enhance death education among Chinese university students and encourage their understanding and acceptance of cadaveric organ donation.

Circulating Magnesium and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in the ARIC Cohort.

Background: Serum magnesium (Mg) has been reported to be inversely associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The association between serum Mg and the risk of MACE, heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality among patients with AF has not been evaluated. Objective: We aim to examine whether higher serum Mg is associated with a lower risk of MACE, heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality among patients with AF. Methods: We evaluated prospectively 413 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with a diagnosis of AF at the time of Mg measurement participating in visit 5 (2011-2013). Serum Mg was modeled in tertiles and as a continuous variable in standard deviation units. Endpoints (HF, MI, stroke, cardiovascular (CV) death, all-cause mortality, and MACE) were identified and modeled separately using Cox proportional hazard regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results: During a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, there were 79 HFs, 34 MIs, 24 strokes, 80 CV deaths, 110 MACEs, and 198 total deaths. After adjustment for demographic and clinical variables, participants in the second and third tertiles of serum Mg had lower rates of most endpoints, with the strongest inverse association for the incidence of MI (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07, 0.61) comparing top to bottom tertile. Serum Mg modeled linearly as a continuous variable did not show clear associations with endpoints except MI (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31, 0.80). Due to the limited number of events, the precision of most estimates of association was relatively low. Conclusions: Among patients with AF, higher serum Mg was associated with a lower risk of developing incident MI and, to a lesser extent, other CV endpoints. Further studies in larger patients with AF cohorts are needed to evaluate the role of serum Mg in preventing adverse CV outcomes in these patients.

Gellan gum-gelatin scaffolds with Ca2+ crosslinking for constructing a structured cell cultured meat model.

As an emerging technology to obtain protein by culturing animal-derived cells in vitro, it is crucial to construct 3D edible scaffolds to prepare structured cell cultured meat products. In this study, a scaffold based on gellan gum (GG)-gelatin (Gel) was prepared and further cross-linked with Ca2+. FTIR confirmed the electrostatic interaction between GG and Gel and the ionic cross-linking of Ca2+ and carboxyl groups, and SEM images showed the porous structure of the scaffolds. The staining results showed that scaffolds with high concentrations of Ca2+ had higher biocompatibility than scaffolds with low concentrations of Ca2+ and non-crosslinked scaffolds, and scaffolds Ca2+-GG2-Gel3-0.5 adhered to more cells and were more conducive to cell spreading. The immunofluorescence staining, SEM images, Western blot, and RT-qPCR showed that the scaffolds supported the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells (CSMSCs) and myotubes were formed on the scaffolds. Finally, the scaffolds were stained and fried after culturing. The results of the textural and chromatic analysis showed that the texture and color of the scaffolds were similar to fresh meat and meat products. These results showed that ionically crosslinked GG-Gel scaffolds are biocompatible and stable for structured cell cultured meat models.