Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Alligator Weed Leaves Reveals That Cationic Peroxidase 1 Plays Vital Roles in the Potassium Deficiency Stress Response.

Alligator weed is reported to have a strong ability to adapt to potassium deficiency (LK) stress. Leaves are the primary organs responsible for photosynthesis of plants. However, quantitative proteomic changes in alligator weed leaves in response to LK stress are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the physiological and proteomic changes in leaves of alligator weed under LK stress. We found that chloroplast and mesophyll cell contents in palisade tissue increased, and that the total chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and net photosynthetic rate (PN) increased after 15 day of LK treatment, but the soluble protein content decreased. Quantitative proteomic analysis suggested that a total of 119 proteins were differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). KEGG analysis suggested that most represented DAPs were associated with secondary metabolism, the stress response, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and degradation pathway. The proteomic results were verified using parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (PRM-MS) analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)assays. Additional research suggested that overexpression of cationic peroxidase 1 of alligator weed (ApCPX1) in tobacco increased LK tolerance. The seed germination rate, peroxidase (POD) activity, and K+ content increased, and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content decreased in the three transgenic tobacco lines after LK stress. The number of root hairs of the transgenic line was significantly higher than that of WT, and net K efflux rates were severely decreased in the transgenic line under LK stress. These results confirmed that ApCPX1 played positive roles in low-K+ signal sensing. These results provide valuable information on the adaptive mechanisms in leaves of alligator weed under LK stress and will help identify vital functional genes to apply to the molecular breeding of LK-tolerant plants in the future.

Applications of excipients in the field of 3D printed pharmaceuticals.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of varying excipient content on the formation and physical properties of 3 D printed tablets. Fifteen different excipient preparations were formed into tablets with radii of 5 mm and thickness of 2 mm, using binder jetting (BJ). The tablets were analyzed by assessing visual and microstructural appearance, friability, hardness, and disintegration time. We found that filling agents with high water solubility (e.g. D-sucrose), binding agents with a high viscosity in solution (e.g. polyethylene glycol 4000) and moistening agent with higher water content can increase the bonding strength and hardness of the 3 D printed tablets and prolonged their disintegration time. This work has demonstrated that the type of excipient and its concentration affects the properties of the 3 D printed tablet. This article may be used as a guide for elucidation of the effects of using conventional tablet excipients in the field of 3 D printed pharmaceuticals. The present work should enable the identification of excipients that satisfy requirements, reduce analysis time, and improve efficiency.

[Visual analysis of research theme and capability of real world research].

As a new concept in clinical research,the real world research(RWR) has attracted the attention of researchers in the world with its unique advantages. This research mainly analyzed it through visual methods,the specific steps were as follows. Firstly,the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wan Fang Database,Medline and EMbase were searched and RWS were included,414 articles in Chinese and 2 158 articles in English were included in this research after layer-bylayer screening; secondly,the main information was extracted and sorted by BICOMS 2 software and generated its co-occurrence matrix; the network relationship diagram was drawn by Net Draw software; the cluster analysis was carried out by using g CLUTO software;finally,this research results show that the numbers of domestic and foreign literatures have shown an overall growth trend,but compared with foreign countries,China's research on the real world started late,the overall strength of research was not as good as abroad;and the domestic and foreign research on the real world was uneven in the region,the research in China was mainly distributed in developed provinces and cities,such as Beijing,Guangdong,Shanghai,etc,and there was a lack of close cooperation between provinces and cities; the foreign research are mainly distributed in developed countries such as the United States,the United Kingdom,Germany,et al; the cooperation between countries was relatively close. And the hotspots and core directions of domestic and foreign research were also different. This research was intended to provide reference for the further research of Chinese researchers through the current description of the themes and capability of the real world research in the world.

Oral disintegrating patient-tailored tablets of warfarin sodium produced by 3D printing.

Individualized medicine is a new direction in the field of modern pharmacy. In this study, we assessed the feasibility and accuracy of 3D printing techniques for the preparation of individualized doses of mouth-disintegrating tablets of warfarin. Warfarin sodium, D-sucrose, pregelatinized starch, povidone K30, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide (at a ratio of 1:42.45:46.15:5.1:4.9:0.4) were mixed and used as the printing powder in the 3D printer; preset parameters were used. The dosage of the tablet was controlled by the number of printing layers. The content, dose uniformity, dose accuracy, hardness, friability, disintegration time, dissolution, and the microstructural and overall appearance were determined to evaluate the printed tablets. For the doses of 3, 2, and 1 mg that were produced in the experiment, the disintegration times were 50.0 ± 5.2, 35.7 ± 4.3, and 11.0 ± 2.2 s, respectively, and the relative errors of the dose were -2.33, -1.50, and 0%, respectively. The other indicators were consistent with the preparation requirements of pharmaceutical tablets. It is possible to prepare tablets with excellent properties and controlled drug doses by using 3D printing techniques. This technology will be an important means to achieve individualized medicine.

JMJD2A promotes the Warburg effect and nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by transactivating LDHA expression.

BACKGROUND: Jumonji C domain 2A (JMJD2A), as a histone demethylases, plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and progression. But, its functions and underlying mechanisms of JMJD2A in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) metabolism are remained to be clarified. In this study, we investigated glycolysis regulation by JMJD2A in NPC and the possible mechanism. METHODS: JMJD2A expression was detected by Western blotting and Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Then, we knocked down and ectopically expressed JMJD2A to detect changes in glycolytic enzymes. We also evaluated the impacts of JMJD2A-lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) signaling on NPC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. ChIP assays were used to test whether JMJD2A bound to the LDHA promoter. Finally, IHC was used to verify JMJD2A and LDHA expression in NPC tissue samples and analyze their correlation between expression and clinical features. RESULTS: JMJD2A was expressed at high levels in NPC tumor tissues and cell lines. Both JMJD2A and LDHA expression were positively correlated with the tumor stage, metastasis and clinical stage. Additionally, the level of JMJD2A was positively correlated with LDHA expression in NPC patients, and higher JMJD2A and LDHA expression predicted a worse prognosis. JMJD2A alteration did not influence most of glycolytic enzymes expression, with the exception of PFK-L, PGAM-1, LDHB and LDHA, and LDHA exhibited the greatest decrease in expression. JMJD2A silencing decreased LDHA expression and the intracellular ATP level and increased LDH activity, lactate production and glucose utilization, while JMJD2A overexpression produced the opposite results. Furthermore, JMJD2A could combine to LDHA promoter region and regulate LDHA expression at the level of transcription. Activated JMJD2A-LDHA signaling pathway promoted NPC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS: JMJD2A regulated aerobic glycolysis by regulating LDHA expression. Therefore, the novel JMJD2A-LDHA signaling pathway could contribute to the Warburg effects in NPC progression.

[Based on in vivo fluorescence imaging technology, to extablish a fluorescence modification method for amphipathic block polymers].

Rhodamine B (Rh B) was used to decorate an amphipathic block polymers (ß-CD-[P(AA- co-MMA)-b-PVP](4)) in this study. First, after activated by 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride, rhodamine B was marked with hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) through ester exchange reaction. Second, the labeled amphipathic block polymers (ß-CD-[P(AA-(HEMA-RhB)-MMA)-b-PVP](4)) were synthesized after polymerization reaction of double bones between Rh B-HEMA and other reactants. Finally, the structure of product was measured by FT-IR spectra and fluorospectro photometer (FLUORO). The critical micelle concentration of Rh B-labeled and unlabeled amphipathic block polymers were 4.96×10(-3), 5.09×10(-3)mg·L(-1), respectively, indicating no change of their micellization behavior. In vivo tissue distribution and whole- body fluorescent imaging were studied by vinpocetine (VP)-loaded polymeric micelles which were prepared through a solvent evaporation method. Compared to the result of in vivo tissue distribution and whole-body fluorescence imaging, a similar bio-distribution behavior of VP-loaded polymeric micelles was found. Those proved the successful fluorescence modification with a labeling yield of 4.13%. With in vivo fluorescence imaging technology, we established a fluorescence method for modification of amphipathic block polymers.

Work environment for Chinese nurses in different types of ICUs: a multisite cross-sectional survey.

AIM: To investigate the current nurse work environment, levels of job satisfaction and quality of patient care, and to identify intensive care units with a healthier work environment in mainland China. BACKGROUND: A healthy work environment is closely related to a higher nurse job satisfaction and a better patient care quality. The work environment has not been extensively explored among Chinese intensive care unit nurses. METHOD: The Chinese version of the Essentials of Magnetism II was used to measure the nurse work environment and another two 0-10 single-item scales were used to assess nurses' overall job satisfaction and nurse-assessed quality of care. RESULT: The study found that the eight essentials of Chinese version of the Essentials of Magnetism II were significantly correlated with each other and also correlated with overall job satisfaction and quality of care. Nurses from medical intensive care units had a healthier work environment with higher scores of overall job satisfaction and quality of care than other intensive care units, while surgical intensive care units showed the least healthy work environment with the lowest overall job satisfaction and quality of care scores identified. The essentials of Chinese version of the Essentials of Magnetism II, overall job satisfaction and quality of care were also correlated with nurses' work experience and their education level. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse administrators and health policy-makers should establish a healthy work environment for intensive care units nurses, especially for those from surgical intensive care units.

Age-specific differences in the association between prediabetes and cardiovascular diseases in China: A national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the global burden of which is rising. It is still unclear the extent to which prediabetes contributes to the risk of CVD in various age brackets among adults. To develop a focused screening plan and treatment for Chinese adults with prediabetes, it is crucial to identify variations in the connection between prediabetes and the risk of CVD based on age. AIM: To examine the clinical features of prediabetes and identify risk factors for CVD in different age groups in China. METHODS: The cross-sectional study involved a total of 46239 participants from June 2007 through May 2008. A thorough evaluation was conducted. Individuals with prediabetes were categorized into two groups based on age. Chinese atherosclerotic CVD risk prediction model was employed to evaluate the risk of developing CVD over 10 years. Random forest was established in both age groups. SHapley Additive exPlanation method prioritized the importance of features from the perspective of assessment contribution. RESULTS: In total, 6948 people were diagnosed with prediabetes in this study. In pre-diabetes, prevalences of CVD were 5 (0.29%) in the younger group and 148 (2.85%) in the older group. Overall, 11.11% of the younger group and 29.59% of the older group were intermediate/high-risk of CVD for prediabetes without CVD based on the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China equation in ten years. In the younger age group, the 10-year risk of CVD was found to be more closely linked to family history of CVD rather than lifestyle, whereas in the older age group, resident status was more closely linked. CONCLUSION: The susceptibility to CVD is age-specific in newly diagnosed prediabetes. It is necessary to develop targeted approaches for the prevention and management of CVD in adults across various age brackets.

A novel platform for sensing an amino acid by integrating hydrogel photonic crystals with ternary complexes.

A novel sensing platform based on the integration of hydrogel photonic crystals and ternary tetracycline-copper(II)-amino acid complexes has been proposed. Obvious and gradual diffraction wavelength shifts and color changes can be easily monitored during the stepwise coordination reaction process. This new strategy allows label-free detection and reversible sensing of glycine with high sensitivity.

A recombined protein (rSj16) derived from Schistosoma japonicum induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of murine myeloid leukemia cells.

rSj16, a recombined protein from Schistosoma japonicum, has been identified as an anti-inflammatory molecule. In this study, we demonstrated that rSj16 strongly suppressed the growth of murine myeloid leukemia WEHI-3B JCS cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. rSj16 induced apoptosis by increasing the proportion of sub-G1 apoptotic cells as well as causing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The expressions of cyclin D1, D2, D3, and E, and Cdk 2, 4, and 6 genes in WEHI-3B JCS cells were significantly down-regulated at 24 h as measured by real-time PCR. Furthermore, apoptosis induced by rSj16 was confirmed by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole nuclear staining assay and annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. A reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential indicated an active involvement of mitochondria in the apoptosis process. rSj16 treatment induced an increase in the activity of caspase 3, 6, and 9, and expression of pro-apoptotic Bax. Meanwhile, the decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was observed after rSj16 treatment. Taken together, our results implied that rSj16 can inhibit proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of murine myeloid leukemia cells via activation of the caspase-mediated mechanism by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 family.

[Optimization of the extraction process of the effective components in fructus phyllanthi].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the extraction process of the effective components in Fructus Phyllanthi. METHODS: Using Fructus Phyllanthi from Puning, Guangdong as the raw materials, its extraction process was screened by the orthogonal design. The extraction rates of polyphenol from Fructus Phyllanthi under different extraction conditions were compared to determine the optimum extraction technology. The effects of the ratio of raw materials to liquid, extraction time, extraction temperature and extraction number on extraction rates of polysaccharose in Fructus Phyllanthi were also investigated. RESULTS: The optimum extraction conditions for polyphenol were as follows: 50% methanol as solvent, ratio of raw materials to liquid 1:10, extraction times 1, extraction time 90 min. The optimum extracting conditions for polysaccharose were as follows: ratio of raw materials to liquid 1:20, extraction time 3.0 h, extraction times 3, and extraction temperature 90 degrees C. CONCLUSION: The optimization of the extraction process for polyphenol and polysaccharide in Fructus Phyllanthi has a good reference guide for further developing a seris of health care products of Fructus Phyllanthi.

In vivo recognition of bioactive substances of Polygonum multiflorum for protecting mitochondria against metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a severe threat to human health. Polygonum multiflorum (PM) has been proven to remedy mitochondria and relieve MAFLD, but the main pharmacodynamic ingredients for mitigating MAFLD remain unclear. AIM: To research the active ingredients of PM adjusting mitochondria to relieve high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD in rats. METHODS: Fat emulsion-induced L02 adipocyte model and HFD-induced MAFLD rat model were used to investigate the anti-MAFLD ability of PM and explore their action mechanisms. The adipocyte model was also applied to evaluate the activities of PM-derived constituents in liver mitochondria from HFD-fed rats (mitochondrial pharmacology). PM-derived constituents in liver mitochondria were confirmed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (mitochondrial pharmacochemistry). The abilities of PM-derived monomer and monomer groups were evaluated by the adipocyte model and MAFLD mouse model, respectively. RESULTS: PM repaired mitochondrial ultrastructure and prevented oxidative stress and energy production disorder of liver mitochondria to mitigate fat emulsion-induced cellular steatosis and HFD-induced MAFLD. PM-derived constituents that entered the liver mitochondria inhibited oxidative stress damage and improved energy production against cellular steatosis. Eight chemicals were found in the liver mitochondria of PM-administrated rats. The anti-steatosis ability of one monomer and the anti-MAFLD activity of the monomer group were validated. CONCLUSION: PM restored mitochondrial structure and function and alleviated MAFLD, which may be associated with the remedy of oxidative stress and energy production. The identified eight chemicals may be the main bioactive ingredients in PM that adjusted mitochondria to prevent MAFLD. Thus, PM provides a new approach to prevent MAFLD-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial pharmacology and pharmacochemistry further showed efficient strategies for determining the bioactive ingredients of Chinese medicines that adjust mitochondria to prevent diseases.

Postprandial glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion is associated with urinary albumin excretion in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria is an early and informative marker of diabetic nephropathy. Our study found that microalbuminuria developed in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). AIM: To investigate the association between glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. METHODS: In total, 760 patients were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The GLP-1 levels during a standard meal test and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) were determined. RESULTS: Patients with microalbuminuria exhibited lower GLP-1 levels at 30 min and 120 min during a standard meal test than patients with normal albuminuria (30 min GLP-1, 16.7 ± 13.3 pmol vs 19.9 ± 15.6 pmol, P = 0.007; 120 min GLP-1, 16.0 ± 14.1 pmol vs 18.4 ± 13.8 pmol, P = 0.037). The corresponding area under the curve for active GLP-1 (AUCGLP-1) was also lower in microalbuminuria patients (2257, 1585 to 3506 vs 2896, 1763 to 4726, pmol × min, P = 0.003). Postprandial GLP-1 levels at 30 min and 120 min and AUCGLP-1 were negatively correlated with the UACR (r = 0.159, r = 0.132, r = 0.206, respectively, P < 0.001). The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM was 21.7%, which decreased with increasing quartiles of AUCGLP-1 levels (27.4%, 25.3%, 18.9% and 15.8%). After logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, AUCglucose and AUCglucagon, patients in quartile 4 of the AUCGLP-1 presented a lower risk of microalbuminuria compared with the patients in quartile 1 (odds ratio = 0.547, 95% confidence interval: 0.325-0.920, P = 0.01). A consistent association was also found between 30 min GLP-1 or 120 min GLP-1 and microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION: Postprandial GLP-1 levels were independently associated with microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed Chinese T2DM patients.

Identifying priority PBT-like compounds from emerging PFAS by nontargeted analysis and machine learning models.

As traditional per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are phased out, emerging PFAS are being developed and widely used. However, little is known about their properties, including persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). Screening for emerging PFAS relies on available chemical inventory databases. Here, we compiled a database of emerging PFAS obtained from nontargeted analysis and assessed their PBT properties using machine learning models, including qualitative graph attention networks, Insubria PBT Index and quantitative EAS-E Suite, VEGA, and ProTox-II platforms. Totally 282 homologues (21.8% of emerging PFAS) were identified as PBT based on the combined qualitative and quantitative prediction, in which 140 homologues were detected in industrial and nonbiological/biological samples, belong to four categories, i.e. modifications of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluoroalkane sulfonamido substances, fluorotelomers and modifications of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids. Approximately 10.1% of prioritized emerging PFAS were matched to chemical vendors and 19.6% to patents. Aqueous film-forming foams and fluorochemical factories are the predominant sources for prioritized emerging PFAS. The database and screening results can update the assessment related to legislative bodies such as the US Toxic Substances Control Act and the Stockholm Convention. The combined qualitative and quantitative machine learning models can provide a methodological tool for prioritizing other emerging organic contaminants.

Applying sheet iron to enhance the treatment efficiency of digested effluent with continuous flow and the corresponding mechanism.

Because of the unstable wastewater quantity and quality, the biological treatment efficiency of digested effluent was not as expected. A convenient and effective way was eagerly required to improve the efficiency of biological treatment. By sheet iron addition (R1), the COD and TN removal efficiencies under continuous flow condition increased by 59% and 37% respectively. The bulk pH maintained at around 7.5 which benefited most bacteria, while in the control (R0, without sheet iron addition) the pH decreased to 5.0. Both chemical and bio-removal of COD existed in R1, but the chemical removal dominated (63.71%). The enhanced COD removal efficiency came from the chemical oxidation by Fe3+ (47.43%) and Fe0 (10.86%). For the TN removal, the enhancement mainly came from the improvement of anammox activity by Fe3+ (14.87%), the bio-oxidation of ammonium with Fe3+ as electron acceptor (8.78%), and the bio-reduction of nitrate/nitrite with Fe2+ and H2 as electron donor (35.76%). By the first-order kinetic fitting analysis, the COD and TN removal rate in R1 was higher than that in R0. Thus, for a quick and high COD and TN removal from digested effluent, the addition of Fe0/Fe2+/Fe3+ was suggested, and the best form should be Fe0 (e.g., sheet iron). The addition of sheet iron reduces the cost of nitrogen removal and improves the efficiency of COD and TN removal. Comparing with the combined processes, this novel approach has potential advantages with simple operation and high efficiency. It endows the biological process much broader application in digested effluent treatment.

Compatibility of Polygonati Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix enhance the alleviation of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by promoting fatty acid ß-oxidation.

Jiuzhuan Huangjing Pills (JHP) composed of Polygonati Rhizoma (PR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) remedied mitochondria to cure metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, a comparison of the anti-MAFLD ability between JHP prescription and PR and ASR single-medicines in MAFLD has not been performed, and the action mechanisms and substances remain unknown. Our results show that JHP, PR and ASR decreased serum and liver lipid levels. The effects of JHP were stronger than those of PR and ASR. JHP, PR and ASR afforded protection to mitochondrial ultrastructure, and regulated oxidative stress and energy metabolism in mitochondria. JHP also regulated the expression of ß-oxidation genes, which were not regulated by PR and ASR. JHP-, PR- and ASR-derived components in mitochondrial extracts regulated oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and ß-oxidation gene expression and alleviated cellular steatosis. Four, six and eleven compounds were identified in mitochondrial extracts from PR-, ASR- and JHP-treated rats, respectively. The data suggest that JHP, PR and ASR alleviated MAFLD by remedying mitochondria, while the ability of JHP was stronger than that of PR and ASR, which was involved with the ß-oxidation promotion. The compounds identified may be the main ingredients in the three extracts active in MAFLD improvement.

A molecularly imprinted photonic polymer sensor with high selectivity for tetracyclines analysis in food.

A molecularly imprinted photonic polymer (MIPP) sensor for respective detection of tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline is developed based on the combination of a colloidal crystal templating method and a molecular imprinting technique. Colloidal crystal templates are prepared from monodisperse polystyrene colloids. The molecularly imprinted polymer, which is embodied in the colloidal crystal templates, is synthesized with acrylic acid and acrylamide as monomers, N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide as a cross-linker and tetracyclines (TCs) as imprinting template molecules. After removal of the colloidal crystal template and the molecularly imprinted template, the resulted MIPP consists of a three-dimensional, highly ordered and interconnected macroporous array with a thin hydrogel wall, where nanocavities complementary to analytes in shape and binding sites are distributed. The response of MIPP to TCs stimulants in aqueous solution is detected through a readable Bragg diffraction red-shift, which is due to the lattice change of MIPP structures responding to their rebinding to the target TCs molecules. A linear relationship was found between the Δλ and the concentration of TCs in the range from 0.04 µM to 0.24 µM. With this sensory system, direct and selective detection of TCs has been achieved without using label techniques and expensive instruments. The developed method has been applied successfully to detect tetracycline in milk and honey samples.

[Empirical research of measuring elderly health utility in the outskirts of Beijing by using European quality of life 5-dimensions].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate health utility values of the elderly in the outskirts of Beijing by European quality of life 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) from the EuroQol Group, and to compare the health utility values by using different translation models. METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, EQ-5D was used to measure the quality of life for 65 to 79 year-old usual residents in the town of Qinglonghu and Zhoukoudian in Fangshan District of Beijing. The health index which represented the health utility was calculated by using the Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US) population-based time trade-off (TTO) models. Kruskal-Wallis H test was adopted to compare the health indexes calculated by the different models, and intraclass correlations coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plot were used to evaluate the consistency of the utility calculated by the three models. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the impacts of Cardio-vascular diseasel (CVD) on the 3 kinds of health index. The Spearman rho correlation coefficients between the 3 kinds of health index, EQ-VAS (visual analogue scales) score and age, gender, health status were also calculated. RESULTS: There were 2 406 participants in this analysis, with a mean age of 70.3 years, of whom 34.3% were male. The median and quantile range of Japan weights, US weights and UK weights health indexes were 1 (0.28), 1 (0.24) and 1 (0.29), respectively. The minimum and maximum of the three indexes were -0.06/1, -0.43/1 and -0.03/1, respectively. The US weights yielded the highest scores and the UK weights the lowest scores. The Japan, US and UK weight scores differed from each other (P<0.005). The Japan and US scores had the highest ICCs (0.987, 95%CI 0.986-0.988), followed by the US and UK scores (0.941, 95%CI 0.937- 0.946) and then the Japan and UK scores (0.921, 95%CI 0.915-0.927). The difference scores of 96.9%, 95.1% and 95.0% were found between the limits of agreement in Bland-Altmand plot. Negative correlations existed between the US/UK score and the number of CVDs, but not existed between the Japan score and the number of CVDs. CONCLUSION: The health indexes calculated by using the different EQ-5D TTO transform models were different for the elderly people in the Beijing suburban district, TTO model based on Chinese health preference should be developed.

[Serum changes of adiponectin, insulin resistance and their correlation in endometrial cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore changes of serum adiponectin and insulin resistance in patients with endometrial cancer and to evaluate the clinical significance and correlation. METHODS: The serum levels of adiponectin and fasting insulin were determined by ELISA, electro-chemilluminometry and radioimmunoassay in 35 patients with endometrial cancer [all patients divided into two groups, A1 group belonged to without postmenopausal when first visiting (n = 20), A2 group belonged to postmenopausal when first visiting (n = 15)] and 30 cases of health control. The result of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. RESULTS: The levels of adiponectin in A1 group was lower than that of health control group [(6.7 ± 1.1) versus (10.0 ± 1.4) ng/L, P < 0.05], and HOMA-IR was higher than that of health control group (3.5 ± 1.8 versus 1.1 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). While there were not significant difference between A2 group and health control group (P > 0.05). Adiponectin and insulin resistance was negatively correlated (r = -0.389, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adiponectin reducing and insulin resistance in reproductive age patients may be the independent factors to promote endometrial cancers.

Development and validation of a risk assessment model for prediabetes in China national diabetes survey.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes risk assessment models derived from large sample sizes are scarce. AIM: To establish a robust assessment model for prediabetes and to validate the model in different populations. METHODS: The China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study (CNDMDS) collected information from 47325 participants aged at least 20 years across China from 2007 to 2008. The Thyroid Disorders, Iodine Status and Diabetes Epidemiological Survey (TIDE) study collected data from 66108 participants aged at least 18 years across China from 2015 to 2017. A logistic model with stepwise selection was performed to identify significant risk factors for prediabetes and was internally validated by bootstrapping in the CNDMDS. External validations were performed in diverse populations, including populations of Hispanic (Mexican American, other Hispanic) and non-Hispanic (White, Black and Asian) participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States and 66108 participants in the TIDE study in China. C statistics and calibration plots were adopted to evaluate the model's discrimination and calibration performance. RESULTS: A set of easily measured indicators (age, education, family history of diabetes, waist circumference, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure) were selected as significant risk factors. A risk assessment model was established for prediabetes with a C statistic of 0.6998 (95%CI: 0.6933 to 0.7063) and a calibration slope of 1.0002. When externally validated in the NHANES and TIDE studies, the model showed increased C statistics in Mexican American, other Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, Asian and Chinese populations but a slightly decreased C statistic in non-Hispanic White individuals. Applying the risk assessment model to the TIDE population, we obtained a C statistic of 0.7308 (95%CI: 0.7260 to 0.7357) and a calibration slope of 1.1137. A risk score was derived to assess prediabetes. Individuals with scores ≥ 7 points were at high risk of prediabetes, with a sensitivity of 60.19% and specificity of 67.59%. CONCLUSION: An easy-to-use assessment model for prediabetes was established and was internally and externally validated in different populations. The model had a satisfactory performance and could screen individuals with a high risk of prediabetes.