Curcumin Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis via Improving Hepatic Endothelial Function with Microbial Biotransformation in Rats

Hepatic endothelial function is central to the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Curcumin (Cur) is reportedly hepatoprotective, however, it remains unknown whether Cur improves hepatic endothelial function in NASH. Additionally, the poor bioavailability of Cur renders it difficult to elucidate its hepatoprotective effect, hence, its biotransformation should be considered. Herein, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Cur and its bioconversion on hepatic endothelial function against high-fat diet-induced NASH in rats. The results revealed that Cur improved hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathways, however, these effects were weakened via antibiotic addition, which was closely related to reduced tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) produce in the liver and intestinal content. Moreover, THC exerted a better effect than Cur on restoring liver sinusoidal endothelial cells function to attenuate steatosis and injury in L02 cells. Thus, these findings indicate that the effect of Cur on NASH is closely related to hepatic endothelial function improvement with intestinal microbial biotransformation.

[Hereditary pulmonary hypertension family with BMPR2 gene variation: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, genetic features and treatment of hereditary pulmonary hypertension complicated with suspected hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Methods: Firstly, we summarized and analyzed the clinical data of two cases of suspected HHT admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Secondly, the genes of peripheral blood of patients and their families were completely sequenced and sanger sequencing was performed to verify the variation sites, and then the mRNA deletion caused by the variation was further verified. Thirdly, "HHT" "FPAH" and "BMPR2 gene variation" were used as keywords,and the related literatures of Wanfang database and PubMed database from January 2000 to November 2021 were searched and reviewed. Results: We found two patients in a family from Yiyang, Hunan province, who had symptoms of hemoptysis or pulmonary hypertension without epistaxis or other clinical features of HHT. However, both patients had pulmonary vascular abnormalities and pulmonary hypertension in their lungs. We found that BMPR2 gene variation (NM_001204.7:c.1128+1G>T) was positive and ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 genes were negative. Family analysis and Sanger verification were carried out on 16 individuals in 4 generations of the family (7 of whom were found to carry the mutant gene), and then transcriptional level mRNA sequencing further confirmed that the variation resulted in the deletion of exon 8 and exon 9, and amino acid sequence estimation revealed that the amino acids of the protein from 323 to 425 were deleted. We thought that the incomplete translation of BMPR2 gene could lead to BMPRⅡ dysfunction. Therefore, it was diagnosed as hereditary pulmonary hypertension with suspected HHT. Both patients were suggested to reduce the pulmonary artery pressure, and at the same time, the whole-body imaging examination should be performed to screen other arteriovenous malformations, and the annual cardiac color Doppler ultrasound should be reviewed to evaluate the changes of pulmonary artery pressure. Conclusions: Hereditary pulmonary hypertension (HPAH) is a group of diseases with increasing pulmonary vascular resistance caused by genetic factors, including familial PAH and simple PAH. Variation in the BMPR2 gene is an important pathogenic factor of HPAH. Therefore, we should pay attention to the inquiry of family history when we clinically encounter young patients with pulmonary hypertension. If the cause is unknown, genetic testing is recommended. HHT is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease. The possibility of this disease should be considered in clinical manifestations such as familial pulmonary vascular abnormality, pulmonary hypertension and recurrent epistaxis. There is no effective specific treatment for HPAH and HHT, which are treated symptomatically (including blood pressure reduction and hemostasis, etc.). It is suggested for these patients that pulmonary artery pressure should be dynamically monitored and have genetic counseling before giving birth.

The performance of whole genome bisulfite sequencing on DNBSEQ-Tx platform examined by different library preparation strategies

Background

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) technology can provide comprehensive DNA methylation at a single-base resolution on a genome-wide scale, and is considered to be the gold standard for the detection of 5-methylcytosine (5 mC). However, the International Human Epigenome Consortium propose a full DNA methylome should have at least 30 fold redundant coverage of the reference genome from a single biological replicate. Therefore, it remains cost prohibitive for large-scale studies. To find a solution, the DNBSEQ-Tx sequencing was developed that can generate up to 6 Tb data in a single run for projects involving large-scale sequencing.

Results

In this study, we provided two WGBS library construction methods DNB_PREBSseq and DNB_SPLATseq optimized for the DNBSEQ-Tx sequencer, and demonstrated the performance of these two methods on the DNBSEQ-Tx platform, using the DNA extracted from four different cell lines. We also compared the sequencing data from these two WGBS library construction methods with HeLa cell line data from ENCODE sequenced on Illumina HiSeq X Ten and WGBS data of two other cell lines sequenced on HiSeq2500. Various quality control (QC) analyses such as the base quality scores, methylation-bias (m-bias), and conversion efficiency indicated that the data sequenced on the DNBSEQ-Tx platform met the WGBS-required quality controls. Meanwhile, our data closely resembled the coverage shown by the data generated by the Illumina platform.

Conclusions

Our study showed that with our optimized methods, DNBSEQ-Tx could generate high-quality WGBS data with relatively good stability for large-scale WGBS sequencing applications. Thus, we conclude that DNBSEQ-Tx can be used for a wide range of WGBS research.

[Development and validation of prognostic nomogram for malignant pleural mesothelioma]

Objective: To development the prognostic nomogram for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Methods: Two hundred and ten patients pathologically confirmed as MPM were enrolled in this retrospective study from 2007 to 2020 in the People's Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the First and Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, and divided into training (n=112) and test (n=98) sets according to the admission time. The observation factors included demography, symptoms, history, clinical score and stage, blood cell and biochemistry, tumor markers, pathology and treatment. The Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the prognostic factors of 112 patients in the training set. According to the results of multivariate Cox regression analysis, the prognostic prediction nomogram was established. C-Index and calibration curve were used to evaluate the model's discrimination and consistency in raining and test sets, respectively. Patients were stratified according to the median risk score of nomogram in the training set. Log rank test was performed to compare the survival differences between the high and low risk groups in the two sets. Results: The median overall survival (OS) of 210 MPM patients was 384 days (IQR=472 days), and the 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 75.7%, 52.6%, 19.7%, and 13.0%, respectively. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that residence (HR=2.127, 95% CI: 1.154-3.920), serum albumin (HR=1.583, 95% CI: 1.017-2.464), clinical stage (stage Ⅳ: HR=3.073, 95% CI: 1.366-6.910) and the chemotherapy (HR=0.476, 95% CI: 0.292-0.777) were independent prognostic factors for MPM patients. The C-index of the nomogram established based on the results of Cox multivariate regression analysis in the training and test sets were 0.662 and 0.613, respectively. Calibration curves for both the training and test sets showed moderate consistency between the predicted and actual survival probabilities of MPM patients at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The low-risk group had better outcomes than the high-risk group in both training (P=0.001) and test (P=0.003) sets. Conclusion: The survival prediction nomogram established based on routine clinical indicators of MPM patients provides a reliable tool for prognostic prediction and risk stratification.

[Influence of muscle energy technology combined with Maitland joint mobilization surgery on the elbow joint flexion function in patients with deep burn of elbow joint]

Objective: To investigate the influence of muscle energy technology (MET) combined with Maitland joint mobilization surgery on the elbow joint flexion function in patients with deep burn of elbow joint. Methods: A retrospective controlled clinical trial was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2022, 53 patients with elbow joint flexion dysfunction after deep burns who met the inclusion criteria were treated in Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital, including 32 males and 21 females, aged (37±12) years. According to the treatment method used, the patients were divided into conventional treatment alone group (15 cases), conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery group (18 cases), and conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery+MET group (20 cases). Before treatment and 2 months after treatment, the patient's elbow joint range of motion was measured using a protractor, the Mayo elbow joint function score was used to evaluate elbow joint function, a portable muscle strength tester was used to measure elbow extensor muscle strength, and visual analogue scale was used to evaluate pain degree. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference test, paired sample t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: After two months of treatment, the elbow joint range of motion and elbow joint function scores of patients in conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery group and conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery+MET group ((103±12)° and 60 (50, 66), (131±14)° and 73 (65, 80)) were significantly larger and higher than those in conventional treatment alone group ((77±15)° and 45 (35, 50), P values all <0.05), respectively. The elbow joint range of motion and elbow joint function scores of patients in conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery+MET group were significantly larger and higher than those in conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery group (P values all <0.05), respectively. After two months of treatment, the elbow extensor muscle strength and pain score of patients in conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery+MET group were respectively significantly larger and lower than those in conventional treatment alone group and conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery group (P values all <0.05). The elbow extensor muscle strength and pain score of patients in conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery group were similar to those in conventional treatment alone group (P>0.05). The elbow joint range of motion and elbow extensor muscle strength (with t values of 9.37, 25.54, 28.71, 6.70, 7.20, and 7.01, respectively, P<0.05), elbow joint function scores and pain scores (with Z values of 3.15, 3.63, 3.93, 3.30, 3.52, and 3.84, respectively, P<0.05) of patients in conventional treatment alone group, conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery group, and conventional treatment+joint mobilization surgery+MET group after two months of treatment were significantly improved compared with those before treatment. Conclusions: The combination of MET and Maitland joint mobilization surgery can effectively improve elbow joint range of motion, elbow joint function, elbow extensor muscle strength, and pain of patients with deep elbow joint burns, therefore it is worthy of promotion.

Development and validation of a prediction model for unsuccessful treatment outcomes in patients with multi-drug resistance tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization has reported that the treatment success rate of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis is approximately 57% globally. Although new drugs such as bedaquiline and linezolid is likely improve the treatment outcome, there are other factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome. The factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes have been widely examined, but only a few studies have developed prediction models. We aimed to develop and validate a simple clinical prediction model for unsuccessful treatment outcomes in patients with multi-drug resistance pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-PTB).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2017 and December 2019 at a special hospital in Xi'an, China. A total of 446 patients with MDR-PTB were included. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to select prognostic factors for unsuccessful treatment outcomes. A nomogram was built based on four prognostic factors. Internal validation and leave-one-out cross-validation was used to assess the model.

RESULTS

Of the 446 patients with MDR-PTB, 32.9% (147/446) cases had unsuccessful treatment outcomes, and 67.1% had successful outcomes. After LASSO regression and multivariate logistic analyses, no health education, advanced age, being male, and larger extent lung involvement were identified as prognostic factors. These four prognostic factors were used to build the prediction nomograms. The area under the curve of the model was 0.757 (95%CI 0.711 to 0.804), and the concordance index (C-index) was 0.75. For the bootstrap sampling validation, the corrected C-index was 0.747. In the leave-one-out cross-validation, the C-index was 0.765. The slope of the calibration curve was 0.968, which was approximately 1.0. This indicated that the model was accurate in predicting unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We built a predictive model and established a nomogram for unsuccessful treatment outcomes of multi-drug resistance pulmonary tuberculosis based on baseline characteristics. This predictive model showed good performance and could be used as a tool by clinicians to predict who among their patients will have an unsuccessful treatment outcome.

Deep Learning for the Detection of Multiple Fundus Diseases Using Ultra-widefield Images

INTRODUCTION

To design and evaluate a deep learning model based on ultra-widefield images (UWFIs) that can detect several common fundus diseases.

METHODS

Based on 4574 UWFIs, a deep learning model was trained and validated that can identify normal fundus and eight common fundus diseases, namely referable diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, pathologic myopia, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, vitreous opacity, and optic neuropathy. The model was tested on three test sets with data volumes of 465, 979, and 525. The performance of the three deep learning networks, EfficientNet-B7, DenseNet, and ResNet-101, was evaluated on the internal test set. Additionally, we compared the performance of the deep learning model with that of doctors in a tertiary referral hospital.

RESULTS

Compared to the other two deep learning models, EfficientNet-B7 achieved the best performance. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the EfficientNet-B7 model on the internal test set, external test set A and external test set B were 0.9708 (0.8772, 0.9849) to 1.0000 (1.0000, 1.0000), 0.9683 (0.8829, 0.9770) to 1.0000 (0.9975, 1.0000), and 0.8919 (0.7150, 0.9055) to 0.9977 (0.9165, 1.0000), respectively. On a data set of 100 images, the total accuracy of the deep learning model was 93.00%, the average accuracy of three ophthalmologists who had been working for 2 years and three ophthalmologists who had been working in fundus imaging for more than 5 years was 88.00% and 94.00%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

High performance was achieved on all three test sets using our UWFI multidisease classification model with a small sample size and fast model inference. The performance of the artificial intelligence model was comparable to that of a physician with 2-5 years of experience in fundus diseases at a tertiary referral hospital. The model is expected to be used as an effective aid for fundus disease screening.

Diabetes, Edentulism, and Cognitive Decline: A 12-Year Prospective Analysis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a recognized risk factor for dementia, and increasing evidence shows that tooth loss is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. However, the effect of the co-occurrence of DM and edentulism on cognitive decline is understudied. This 12-y cohort study aimed to assess the effect of the co-occurrence of DM and edentulism on cognitive decline and examine whether the effect differs by age group. Data were drawn from the 2006 to 2018 Health and Retirement Study. The study sample included 5,440 older adults aged 65 to 74 y, 3,300 aged 75 to 84 y, and 1,208 aged 85 y or older. Linear mixed-effect regression was employed to model the rates of cognitive decline stratified by age cohorts. Compared with their counterparts with neither DM nor edentulism at baseline, older adults aged 65 to 74 y (β = -1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.56 to -0.65; P < 0.001) and those aged 75 to 84 y with both conditions (β = -1.35; 95% CI, -2.09 to -0.61; P < 0.001) had a worse cognitive function. For the rate of cognitive decline, compared to those with neither condition from the same age cohort, older adults aged 65 to 74 y with both conditions declined at a higher rate (β = -0.15; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.10; P < 0.001). Having DM alone led to an accelerated cognitive decline in older adults aged 65 to 74 y (β = -0.09; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.05; P < 0.001); having edentulism alone led to an accelerated decline in older adults aged 65 to 74 y (β = -0.13; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.08; P < 0.001) and older adults aged 75 to 84 (β = -0.10; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.03; P < 0.01). Our study finds the co-occurrence of DM and edentulism led to a worse cognitive function and a faster cognitive decline in older adults aged 65 to 74 y.

Dexmedetomidine for adult cardiac surgery: a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

The effects of dexmedetomidine in adults undergoing cardiac surgery are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyse the effects of peri-operative dexmedetomidine in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. We searched MEDLINE via Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane for relevant randomised controlled trials between 1 January 1990 and 1 March 2022. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology checklist to assess study quality and the GRADE approach to certainty of evidence. We assessed the sensitivity of results to false data. We used random-effects meta-analyses to analyse the primary outcomes: durations of intensive care and tracheal intubation. We included 48 trials of 6273 participants. Dexmedetomidine reduced the mean (95%CI) duration of intensive care by 5.0 (2.2-7.7) h, p = 0.001, and tracheal intubation by 1.6 (0.6-2.7) h, p = 0.003. The relative risk (95%CI) for postoperative delirium was 0.58 (0.43-0.78), p = 0.001; 0.76 (0.61-0.95) for atrial fibrillation, p = 0.015; and 0.49 (0.25-0.97) for short-term mortality, p = 0.041. Bradycardia and hypotension were not significantly affected. Trial sequential analysis was consistent with the primary meta-analysis. Adjustments for possible false data reduced the mean (95%CI) reduction in duration of intensive care and tracheal intubation by dexmedetomidine to 3.6 (1.8-5.4) h and 0.8 (0.2-1.4) h, respectively. Binary adjustment for methodological quality at a Joanna Briggs Institute score threshold of 10 did not alter the results significantly. In summary, peri-operative dexmedetomidine reduced the durations of intensive care and tracheal intubation and the incidence of short-term mortality after adult cardiac surgery. The reductions in intensive care stay and tracheal intubation may or may not be considered clinically useful, particularly after adjustment for possible false data.

A Novel Glycolysis-Related Signature for Predicting the Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of Uveal Melanoma

INTRODUCTION

As the most common aggressive intraocular cancer in adults, uveal melanoma (UVM) threatens the survival and vision of many people. Glycolysis is a novel hallmark of cancer, but the role of glycolysis-related genes in UVM prognosis remains unknown. The purpose of the study was to establish a glycolysis-related gene signature (GRGS) to predict UVM prognosis.

METHODS

Raw data were obtained from TCGA-UVM and GSE22138 datasets. The GRGS was established by univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the GRGS. The relationships of the GRGS with infiltrating immune cell levels and mutations were analyzed with CIBERSORT and maftools.

RESULTS

A novel GRGS (risk score = 0.690861*ISG20 + 0.070991*MET - 0.227520*SDC2 + 0.690223*FBP1 + 0.048008*CLN6 - 0.128520*SDC3) was developed for predicting UVM prognosis. The GRGS had robust predictive stability in UVM. Enrichment annotation suggested that the high-risk group had stronger adaptive immune responses and that the low-risk group had more innate immune cell infiltration. Moreover, BAP1 mutation was related to high risk, and SF3B1 mutation was related to low risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed and validated a novel GRGS to predict UVM prognosis and immune infiltration. The signature revealed an association between glycolysis-related genes and the tumor microenvironment, providing new insights into the role of glycolysis in UVM.

Association between Elevated Magnesium Intake and Reduced Risk of Recurrent Falls and Frailty in Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this 8-year follow-up study was to investigate the relationship between magnesium intake and frailty, as well as recurrent falls, in individuals diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (OA) or those at a heightened risk for developing the condition.

METHODS

This study utilized data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database and conducted a prospective cohort study with a 8-year follow-up period. Total magnesium intake from both food sources and supplements was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), while frailty and recurrent falls were evaluated through established criteria and self-report, respectively. To account for potential confounding factors, various covariates were considered, and statistical analyses, including generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), were employed to examine the associations.

RESULTS

Among the 4,667 participants with OA, those with lower total magnesium intake were characterized by younger age, a higher proportion of African American individuals, higher body mass index (BMI), and lower dietary fiber intake (P<0.001). Notably, this group exhibited higher odds of experiencing recurrent falls and frailty (P = 0.034 and 0.006, respectively). Controlling for various factors, the GAMMs consistently revealed negative correlations between magnesium intake and the likelihood of frailty and recurrent falls, with each 1 mg/1000 kcal increase in magnesium intake associated with a 0.5% reduced frailty risk (p < 0.001) and a 0.2% decreased risk of recurrent falls (p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses suggested that increased total magnesium intake from both food sources and supplements may exert a more pronounced preventive effect on recurrent falls and frailty in men, older adults, individuals with normal BMI, and those with higher dietary fiber intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated total magnesium intake from both food sources and supplements was found to be associated with a decreased risk of recurrent falls and frailty in individuals diagnosed with OA or those at risk of developing the condition. These findings imply that increased total magnesium intake might be beneficial in managing the risk of these outcomes, particularly within specific subgroups, including men, older adults, those with a normal BMI, and those with higher dietary fiber intake.

Characteristics of macrophage-like cells in acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and the normal fellow eyes on en face optical coherence tomography

Purpose

To quantitatively analyze macrophage-like cells (MLCs) at the vitreoretinal interface (VRI) in acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) using en face swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Twenty-five acute NAION eyes and 25 normal fellow eyes from 25 patients were included in the study. MLCs were visualized in a 3 μm 6 mm×6 mm en face OCT slab above the VRI centered on the optic nerve head (ONH). After semiautomatic binarization and quantification, we evaluated the MLC density between the two groups. We also investigated the relationship between MLC density and other OCT parameters, including the increase in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and loss of vessel density (VD) in radical peripapillary capillary (RPC).

Results

The MLC density in the affected eye of the ONH was highly correlated with that in the fellow eye (r=0.612, p=0.001). The MLC density significantly increased in acute NAION eyes (NAION vs. normal, 11.97 ± 6.66 vs. 9.31 ± 6.10 cell/mm², p=0.028). In sectorial analysis, the increase in MLCs was mainly in the superior regions (4.13 ± 7.49 vs. 0.94 ± 5.21 cell/mm², p=0.001). The VD of RPC decreased significantly in the affected eyes (NAION vs. normal, 37.54 ± 5.25 vs. 40.56 ± 4.25, p=0.016), and the loss of RPC was predominantly in the superior sectors and the temporal sectors when compared to the inferior sectors and the nasal sectors, respectively (superior vs. inferior, -3.54 ± 6.71 vs. -0.37 ± 8.07, p=0.004; temporal vs. nasal, -2.69 ± 8.72 vs. -1.22 ± 6.06, p=0.005). The loss of RPC and the increase in MLC density were greater in affected sector corresponding to the visual field (VF) defect.

Conclision

MLCs located above the VRI increased significantly in acute NAION eyes, especially in subregions corresponding to VF defect, which provides clinical evidence supporting that the inflammatory response participates in the pathological process of NAION. The magnitude of the increase in MLCs corresponds to the RPC loss in the quadrant analysis.

[Comparison of the effects of self-made three-dimensional printed assistant tableware and traditional universal cuff assistant tableware in patients with upper limb dysfunction after burn injury]

Objective: To compare the effects of self-made three-dimensional (3D) printed assistant tableware (hereinafter referred to as 3D assistive device) and traditional universal cuff assistant tableware (hereinafter referred to as universal cuff) on the voluntary eating function of patients with upper limb dysfunction after burns. Methods: The prospective self-control study was conducted. From March 2020 to June 2021, 18 patients with upper limb dysfunction after moderate to severe burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital, including 15 males and 3 females, aged 21-58 (42±11) years. After using the 3D software and 3D printer to customize 3D assistive devices for patients, the patients were instructed to eat with the 3D assistive devices and the universal cuff on alternate days for 14 consecutive days, each for 7 days. During this time, the patients could also be fed by someone else without using the assistive device. The number of times the patients ate regular meals with each assistive device and the proportion of them to the total number of regular meals ate during the 7 days to which they belonged were counted. After the total use of two assistive devices for 14 days (hereinafter referred to as after use of 14 days), the amount and time of transferring liquid using the two assistive devices of patients were measured; the patients' feeding items in the modified Barthel index (MBI) were scored respectively when eating without the assistive device, with the 3D assistive device, or with the universal cuff; the satisfaction degree of feeding when eating without the assistive device, with the 3D assistive device, or with the universal cuff was evaluated using the 5-grade Likert scale. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test, Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, and chi-square test. Results: The number of the patients ate regular meals with the 3D assistive device during the 7 days was (18.1±2.0) times, which was significantly more than (4.0±2.0) times with the universal cuff (t=53.72, P<0.01). The proportion of the number of the patients ate regular meals with the 3D assistive device to the total number of regular meals ate during the 7 days to which it belonged was 72.4% (325/449), which was significantly higher than 16.7% (72/431) with the universal cuff (χ2=257.36, P<0.01). After use of 14 days, the patients' time and amount of transferring liquid using the 3D assistive device were respectively significantly shorter and more than using the universal cuff (with t values of 2.49 and 7.52, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The patients' MBI feeding scores when eating with the 3D assistive device and with the universal cuff were close (P>0.05), which were both significantly higher than the score when eating without the assistive device (with Z values of 3.90 and 3.86, respectively, P<0.01).The patients' satisfaction scores of feeding when eating with the 3D assistive device and with the universal cuff were close (P>0.05), which were both significantly higher than the score when eating without the assistive device (with Z values of 3.61 and 3.00, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: Both the 3D assistive device and the universal cuff can compensate the limb function of patients with upper limb dysfunction after burns and improve their self-feeding ability, but the 3D assistive device has more advantages in improving patients' willingness to eat and the efficiency of food transfer.

The interplay between the gut microbiota and metabolism during the third trimester of pregnancy

The gut microbiota undergoes dynamic changes during pregnancy. The gut microbial and metabolic networks observed in pregnant women have not been systematically analyzed. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolism during late pregnancy and investigate the associations between the gut microbiota and metabolism. A total of thirty healthy pregnant women were followed from 30 to 32 weeks of gestation to full term. Fecal samples were collected for microbiome analysis and untargeted metabolomic analysis. The characteristics of the gut microbiota were evaluated by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the V3-V4 regions. The plasma samples were used for untargeted metabolomic analysis with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The interplay between the gut microbiota and metabolism was analyzed further by bioinformatics approaches. We found that the relative abundances of Sellimonas and Megamonas were higher at full term, whereas that of Proteobacteria was lower. The correlation network of the gut microbiota tended to exhibit weaker connections from 32 weeks of gestation to the antepartum timepoint. Changes in the gut microbiota during late pregnancy were correlated with the absorbance and metabolism of microbiota-associated metabolites, such as fatty acids and free amino acids, thereby generating a unique metabolic system for the growth of the fetus. Decreasing the concentration of specific metabolites in plasma and increasing the levels of palmitic acid and 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid may enhance the transformation of a proinflammatory immune state as pregnancy progresses.

The effects of a set amount of regular maternal exercise during pregnancy on gut microbiota are diet-dependent in mice and do not cause significant diversity changes

Background

Diet and exercise can affect the gut microbiota (GM); however, the effects of the same amount of exercise on gut microbiota changes in people on a low-fat diet (LFD) and high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy are unknown. Do different nutritional conditions respond equally to exercise intervention? This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular maternal exercise during pregnancy on the GM in mice fed different diets during pregnancy.

Methods

Six-week-old nulliparous female KunMing mice were fed either a HFD or LFD before and during pregnancy. Each group of mice were then randomly divided into two groups upon confirmation of pregnancy: sedentary (HFD or LFD; n = 4 and 5, respectively) and exercised (HFDex or LFDex, n = 5 and 6, respectively). Mice were sacrificed on day 19 of gestation and their colon contents were collected. We then performed 16S rDNA gene sequencing of the V3 and V4 regions of the GM.

Results

The pregnancy success rate was 60% for LFDex and 100% for HFDex. Both Chao1 and Simpson indices were not significantly different for either LFD vs. LFDex or HFD vs. HFDex. Desulfobacterota, Desulfovibrionia Desulfovibrionales, Desulfovibrionaceae, Desulfovibrio, Coriobacteriia, Coriobacteriales, and Eggerthellaceae were markedly decreased after exercise intervention in LFDex vs. LFD, whereas Actinobacteria, Bifidobacteriales, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacterium, and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum were significantly increased in LFDex vs. LFD. Furthermore, decreased Peptostreptococcales-Tissierellales and Peptostreptococcaceae and increased Bacteroides dorei were identified in the HFDex vs. HFD group. p_Desulfobacterota, c_Desulfovibrionia, o_Desulfovibrionales, f_Desulfovibrionaceae and g_Desulfovibrio were markedly decreased in the LFDex group vs. HFDex group.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that quantitative maternal exercise during pregnancy resulted in alterations in GM composition, but did not significantly change the diversity of the GM. These findings may have important implications when considering an individual's overall diet when recommending exercise during pregnancy.

Experimental evaluation and structure-activity relationship analysis of bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives as novel Blattella germanica repellent

Cockroaches are urban pests that are very difficult to control. Using repellents is a green, safe and effective strategy for their control. In order to find novel cockroach repellents, the repellent activity of 45 bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives synthesized from β-pinene against Blattella germanica was tested. The relationship between the molecular structure of these bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives and their repellent activity against Blattella germanica was also analysed. The results show that some of the bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives exhibit good repellent activity against Blattella germanica, and six compounds (RR = 60.44-87.32%) show higher repellent activity against Blattella germanica than DEET (RR = 54.77%), making them promising for development as new cockroach repellents. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis revealed that the HOMO-1 energy, Kier and Hall index (order 2), Balaban index, and relative positive charged surface area of bridged-ring terpenoid derivatives have effects on repellent activity against Blattella germanica. The present study may provide a theoretical basis for the high-value use of β-pinene and can be helpful to the development of novel repellents against Blattella germanica.

Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy alters gut microbial networks of pregnant women and infants

BACKGROUND

Probiotic supplementation has been popular and widespread, yet we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how probiotic supplementation during pregnancy affects the gut microbial networks of pregnant women and infants. In this study, we firstly used network analysis to compare the gut microbiota of pregnant women with and without probiotic supplementation, as well as their infants.

METHODS

Thirty-one pairs of healthy pregnant women and infants were recruited and randomly divided into the probiotic group (15 mother-infant pairs) and the control group (16 mother-infant pairs). Pregnant women in the probiotic group consumed combined probiotics from 32 weeks to delivery. Fecal samples were collected from pregnant women and infants at several time points. Gut microbiota was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Intestinal microbial network and topological properties were performed using the molecular ecological network analysis.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the probiotic and control groups on the microbial alpha and beta diversity. As the gestational age increased, the total links, average degree, average clustering coefficient, robustness, and the proportion of positive correlations were increased in pregnant women with probiotics administration. In contrast, these indices were decreased in infants in the probiotic group.

CONCLUSION

Probiotic supplement does not change the microbial diversity of pregnant women and infants, but significantly alters the intestinal microbial network structure and properties. Although pregnant women have more complicated and stable networks after probiotic administration, their infants have less stable networks.