[Mechanism of action for oligomeric proanthocyaniclins in pava qnat-induced acute lung injury]

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) in mice exposed to paraquat (PQ) , and to explore the molecular mechanism. Methods: Four experimental groups were designed.

CONTROL GROUP

10 BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline) . PQ group: 10 BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with PQ (100 mg/kg) . PQ+OPC group: 10 BALB/c mice were administered with OPC (100 mg/kg) for 1 h before PQ (100 mg/kg) expo-sure. OPC group: 10 BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with OPC (100 mg/kg) . The peripheral blood samples or lung tissue samples were collected at the designed time points for measuring the levels of oxi-dative stress indicators, the related protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and nuclear fac-tor erythroid related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway. Results: Compared with the control group, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) , the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the PQ group were significantly induced, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the PQ group was decreased in the peripheral blood. As com-pared with the PQ group, the level of ROS and the content of MDA in the PQ+OPC group were significantly re-duced, the activity SOD in the PQ+OPC group was increased in the peripheral blood; the level of ROS and the content of MDA were also reduced in lung tissues in the PQ+OPC group. Moreover, compared with the con-trol group, the phosphorylation of IκBα and the expression of NF-κB p65 were increased in lung tissues in the PQ group. The phosphorylation of IκBα and the expression of NF-κB p65 were decreased in lung tissues in the PQ+OPC group as compared with the PQ group. In addition, compared with the control group, the expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 were increased in lung tissues in OPC group, and these were decreased in lung tissues in PQ groups. Furthermore, the expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 were also increased in lung tissues in PQ+OPC as com-pared with the PQ group. Conclusion: OPC could alleviate PQ-induced systemic toxicity in mice by regulating oxidative stress via NF-κB and Nrf2 pathway.

[Association between early pregnancy bisphenol A exposure and sleep problems among preschool children]

Objective: To analyze the association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep problems among preschool children. Methods: Research subjects were from one of the sub-cohorts(Ma'anshan Cohort) of the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) in Ma'anshan city. The basic situation of pregnant women and sleep information of preschool children were investigated. We selected preschool children whose mother's maternal serum bisphenol A concentrations of the first trimester had been already detected between December 2012 to Januray 2014. 1 259 pairs of mothers and children were included. The concentrations of bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy were divided into low, medium and high exposure groups according to 25(th) percentile (P(25)) and 75(th) percentile (P(75)) levels. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep-related problems in preschool children. Results: The P(50) (P(25)-P(75)) of serum bisphenol A exposure level during early pregnancy was 0.231 (0.106-0.512) ng/ml. The sleep-related problems scores of 1 259 preschool children were (16.43±3.82) points. The occasional sleep-related problems were detected about 47.8% (602 cases) and frequent sleep-related problems were detected about 18.3% (230 cases). After the adjustment of the confounding factors such as children's gender, age, BMI, sleep position (lying down, sleeping on one's back), the length of time to sleep and the length of sleep at night, in comparison with bisphenol A low exposure group, the OR (95%CI) value of preschool children with occasional sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A high exposure group during early pregnancy was 1.44 (1.01-2.06). After the gender stratification, the results showed that in comparison with bisphenol A low exposure group, the OR (95%CI) value of preschool girls with occasional sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A medium and high exposure group during early pregnancy were 1.61 (1.05-2.46) and 2.40 (1.42-4.04), respectively. The OR (95%CI) value of preschool girls with frequent sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A high exposure group during early pregnancy was 2.64 (1.34-5.17). However, in boys, there was no statistically significant association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep-related problems (P>0.05). Conclusion: Maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy might be related to sleep-related problems in preschool children.

Incidence of hepatitis B virus infection in young Chinese blood donors born after mandatory implementation of neonatal hepatitis B vaccination nationwide

This study was carried out to determine the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the young generation born after mandatory implementation of hepatitis B vaccination since 1992. Repeat blood donors born between 1992 and 1997 were enrolled, who gave blood at least twice during the past 3 years. Donors were tested for HBV infection markers of HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and viral DNA by immunoassays (EIAs) and nucleic acid tests (NAT). A total of 14 937 pre-donation screening qualified young repeat donors aged 18-23 years were tested with 9 (0.06%) being HBsAg by EIA and 10 (1:1494) HBV DNA positive by Ultrio NAT (10.4 IU/mL), respectively. HBV DNA was further detected in 1:192 (9/1732) anti-HBc+ repeat donors with Ultrio Plus NAT (3.4 IU/mL). Most cases were identified as occult HBV infection (OBI). Of 14 937 repeat donors, 20.9% were anti-HBc+ positive, while approximately 50% of 12 024 repeat donors were anti-HBs negative or had levels <100 IU/L. HBsAg+ or OBI strains were classified as wild type of genotype B or genotype C. Incident HBV infection in repeat donors was approximately 1:18.5 person-years (1.1%/year) but significantly less frequent in donors with confirmed HBV vaccination (2.4%-3.3%) than those unsure of vaccination status (10.5%; P = .0023). Hepatitis B virus vaccination appears largely protective of HBV infection, but incidence of infections increases in young adults with mostly undetectable or low anti-HBs or occasionally high anti-HBs. A boost of hepatitis B vaccine for adolescents prior to age 18 years may reduce HBV infection, and implementation of more sensitive NAT in blood donation screening may improve HBV safety in blood transfusion.

Marie M, Stickney K, VanBuecken D, Vellek B, Webber C, Allen L, Bollyk J, Hilderman N, Ismail H, Lamola S, Sanda S, Vendettuoli H, Tridgell D, Monzavi R, Bock M, Fisher L, Halvorson M, Jeandron D, Kim M, Wood J, Geffner M, Kaufman F, Parkman R, Salazar C, Goland R, Clynes R, Cook S, Freeby M, Gallagher MP, Gandica R, Greenberg E, Kurland A, Pollak S, Wolk A, Chan M, Koplimae L, Levine E, Smith K, Trast J, DiMeglio L, Blum J, Evans-Molina C, Hufferd R, Jagielo B, Kruse C, Patrick V, Rigby M, Spall M, Swinney K, Terrell J, Christner L, Ford L, Lynch S, Menendez M, Merrill P, Pescovitz M, Rodriguez H, Alleyn C, Baidal D, Fay S, Gaglia J, Resnick B, Szubowicz S, Weir G, Benjamin R, Conboy D, deManbey A, Jackson R, Jalahej H, Orban T, Ricker A, Wolfsdorf J, Zhang HH, Wilson D, Aye T, Baker B, Barahona K, Buckingham B, Esrey K, Esrey T, Fathman G, Snyder R, Aneja B, Chatav M, Espinoza O, Frank E, Liu J, Perry J, Pyle R, Rigby A, Riley K, Soto A, Gitelman S, Adi S, Anderson M, Berhel A, Breen K, Fraser K, Gerard-Gonzalez A, Jossan P, Lustig R, Moassesfar S, Mugg A, Ng D, Prahalod P, Rangel-Lugo M, Sanda S, Tarkoff J, Torok C, Wesch R, Aslan I, Buchanan J, Cordier J, Hamilton C, Hawkins L, Ho T, Jain A, Ko K, Lee T, Phelps S, Rosenthal S, Sahakitrungruang T, Stehl L, Taylor L, Wertz M, Wong J, Philipson L, Briars R, Devine N, Littlejohn E, Grant T, Gottlieb P, Klingensmith G, Steck A, Alkanani A, Bautista K, Bedoy R, Blau A, Burke B, Cory L, Dang M, Fitzgerald-Miller L, Fouts A, Gage V, Garg S, Gesauldo P, Gutin R, Hayes C, Hoffman M, Ketchum K, Logsden-Sackett N, Maahs D, Messer L, Meyers L, Michels A, Peacock S, Rewers M, Rodriguez P, Sepulbeda F, Sippl R, Steck A, Taki I, Tran BK, Tran T, Wadwa RP, Zeitler P, Barker J, Barry S, Birks L, Bomsburger L, Bookert T, Briggs L, Burdick P, Cabrera R, Chase P, Cobry E, Conley A, Cook G, Daniels J, DiDomenico D, Eckert J, Ehler A, Eisenbarth G, Fain P, Fiallo-Scharer R, Frank N, Goettle H, Haarhues M, Harris S, Horton L, Hutton J, Jeffrrey J, Jenison R, Jones K, Kastelic W, King MA, Lehr D, Lungaro J, Mason K, Maurer H, Nguyen L, Proto A, Realsen J, Schmitt K, Schwartz M, Skovgaard S, Smith J, Vanderwel B, Voelmle M, Wagner R, Wallace A, Walravens P, Weiner L, Westerhoff B, Westfall E, Widmer K, Wright H, Schatz D, Abraham A, Atkinson M, Cintron M, Clare-Salzler M, Ferguson J, Haller M, Hosford J, Mancini D, Rohrs H, Silverstein J, Thomas J, Winter W, Cole G, Cook R, Coy R, Hicks E, Lewis N, Marks J, Pugliese A, Blaschke C, Matheson D, Sanders-Branca N, Sosenko J, Arazo L, Arce R, Cisneros M, Sabbag S, Moran A, Gibson C, Fife B, Hering B, Kwong C, Leschyshyn J, Nathan B, Pappenfus B, Street A, Boes MA, Eck SP, Finney L, Fischer TA, Martin A, Muzamhindo CJ, Rhodes M, Smith J, Wagner J, Wood B, Becker D, Delallo K, Diaz A, Elnyczky B, Libman I, Pasek B, Riley K, Trucco M, Copemen B, Gwynn D, Toledo F, Rodriguez H, Bollepalli S, Diamond F, Eyth E, Henson D, Lenz A, Shulman D, Raskin P, Adhikari S, Dickson B, Dunnigan E, Lingvay I, Pruneda L, Ramos-Roman M, Raskin P, Rhee C, Richard J, Siegelman M, Sturges D, Sumpter K, White P, Alford M, Arthur J, Aviles-Santa ML, Cordova E, Davis R, Fernandez S, Fordan S, Hardin T, Jacobs A, Kaloyanova P, Lukacova-Zib I, Mirfakhraee S, Mohan A, Noto H, Smith O, Torres N, Wherrett D, Balmer D, Eisel L, Kovalakovska R, Mehan M, Sultan F, Ahenkorah B, Cevallos J, Razack N, Ricci MJ, Rhode A, Srikandarajah M, Steger R, Russell WE, Black M, Brendle F, Brown A, Moore D, Pittel E, Robertson A, Shannon A, Thomas JW, Herold K, Feldman L, Sherwin R, Tamborlane W, Weinzimer S, Toppari J, Kallio T, Kärkkäinen M, Mäntymäki E, Niininen T, Nurmi B, Rajala P, Romo M, Suomenrinne S, Näntö-Salonen K, Simell O, Simell T, Bosi E, Battaglia M, Bianconi E, Bonfanti R, Grogan P, Laurenzi A, Martinenghi S, Meschi F, Pastore M, Falqui L, Muscato MT, Viscardi M, Castleden H, Farthing N, Loud S, Matthews C, McGhee J, Morgan A, Pollitt J, Elliot-Jones R, Wheaton C, Knip M, Siljander H, Suomalainen H, Colman P, Healy F, Mesfin S, Redl L, Wentworth J, Willis J, Farley M, Harrison L, Perry C, Williams F, Mayo A, Paxton J, Thompson V, Volin L, Fenton C, Carr L, Lemon E, Swank M, Luidens M, Salgam M, Sharma V, Schade D, King C, Carano R, Heiden J, Means N, Holman L, Thomas I, Madrigal D, Muth T, Martin C, Plunkett C, Ramm C, Auchus R, Lane W, Avots E, Buford M, Hale C, Hoyle J, Lane B, Muir A, Shuler S, Raviele N, Ivie E, Jenkins M, Lindsley K, Hansen I, Fadoju D, Felner E, Bode B, Hosey R, Sax J, Jefferies C, Mannering S, Prentis R, She J, Stachura M, Hopkins D, Williams J, Steed L, Asatapova E, Nunez S, Knight S, Dixon P, Ching J, Donner T, Longnecker S, Abel K, Arcara K, Blackman S, Clark L, Cooke D, Plotnick L, Levin P, Bromberger L, Klein K, Sadurska K, Allen C, Michaud D, Snodgrass H, Burghen G, Chatha S, Clark C, Silverberg J, Wittmer C, Gardner J, LeBoeuf C, Bell P, McGlore O, Tennet H, Alba N, Carroll M, Baert L, Beaton H, Cordell E, Haynes A, Reed C, Lichter K, McCarthy P, McCarthy S, Monchamp T, Roach J, Manies S, Gunville F, Marosok L, Nelson T, Ackerman K, Rudolph J, Stewart M, McCormick K, May S, Falls T, Barrett T, Dale K, Makusha L, McTernana C, Penny-Thomas K, Sullivan K, Narendran P, Robbie J, Smith D, Christensen R, Koehler B, Royal C, Arthur T, Houser H, Renaldi J, Watsen S, Wu P, Lyons L, House B, Yu J, Holt H, Nation M, Vickers C, Watling R, Heptulla R, Trast J, Agarwal C, Newell D, Katikaneni R, Gardner C, Del Rio A, Logan A, Collier H, Rishton C, Whalley G, Ali A, Ramtoola S, Quattrin T, Mastrandea L, House A, Ecker M, Huang C, Gougeon C, Ho J, Pacuad D, Dunger D, May J, O’Brien C, Acerini C, Salgin B, Thankamony A, Williams R, Buse J, Fuller G, Duclos M, Tricome J, Brown H, Pittard D, Bowlby D, Blue A, Headley T, Bendre S, Lewis K, Sutphin K, Soloranzo C, Puskaric J, Madison H, Rincon M, Carlucci M, Shridharani R, Rusk B, Tessman E, Huffman D, Abrams H, Biederman B, Jones M, Leathers V, Brickman W, Petrie P, Zimmerman D, Howard J, Miller L, Alemzadeh R, Mihailescu D, Melgozza-Walker R, Abdulla N, Boucher-Berry C, Ize-Ludlow D, Levy R, Swenson Brousell C, Scott R, Heenan H, Lunt H, Kendall D, Willis J, Darlow B, Crimmins N, Edler D, Weis T, Schultz C, Rogers D, Latham D, Mawhorter C, Switzer C, Spencer W, Konstantnopoulus P, Broder S, Klein J, Bachrach B, Gardner M, Eichelberger D, Knight L, Szadek L, Welnick G, Thompson B, Hoffman R, Revell A, Cherko J, Carter K, Gilson E, Haines J, Arthur G, Bowen B, Zipf W, Graves P, Lozano R, Seiple D, Spicer K, Chang A, Fregosi J, Harbinson J, Paulson C, Stalters S, Wright P, Zlock D, Freeth A, Victory J, Maheshwari H, Maheshwari A, Holmstrom T, Bueno J, Arguello R, Ahern J, Noreika L, Watson V, Hourse S, Breyer P, Kissel C, Nicholson Y, Pfeifer M, Almazan S, Bajaj J, Quinn M, Funk K, McCance J, Moreno E, Veintimilla R, Wells A, Cook J, Trunnel S, Transue D, Surhigh J, Bezzaire D, Moltz K, Zacharski E, Henske J, Desai S, Frizelis K, Khan F, Sjoberg R, Allen K, Manning P, Hendry G, Taylor B, Jones S, Couch R, Danchak R, Lieberman D, Strader W, Bencomo M, Bailey T, Bedolla L, Roldan C, Moudiotis C, Vaidya B, Anning C, Bunce S, Estcourt S, Folland E, Gordon E, Harrill C, Ireland J, Piper J, Scaife L, Sutton K, Wilkins S, Costelloe M, Palmer J, Casas L, Miller C, Burgard M, Erickson C, Hallanger-Johnson J, Clark P, Taylor W, Galgani J, Banerjee S, Banda C, McEowen D, Kinman R, Lafferty A, Gillett S, Nolan C, Pathak M, Sondrol L, Hjelle T, Hafner S, Kotrba J, Hendrickson R, Cemeroglu A, Symington T, Daniel M, Appiagyei-Dankah Y, Postellon D, Racine M, Kleis L, Barnes K, Godwin S, McCullough H, Shaheen K, Buck G, Noel L, Warren M, Weber S, Parker S, Gillespie I, Nelson B, Frost C, Amrhein J, Moreland E, Hayes A, Peggram J, Aisenberg J, Riordan M, Zasa J, Cummings E, Scott K, Pinto T, Mokashi A, McAssey K, Helden E, Hammond P, Dinning L, Rahman S, Ray S, Dimicri C, Guppy S, Nielsen H, Vogel C, Ariza C, Morales L, Chang Y, Gabbay R, Ambrocio L, Manley L, Nemery R, Charlton W, Smith P, Kerr L, Steindel-Kopp B, Alamaguer M, Tabisola-Nuesca E, Pendersen A, Larson N, Cooper-Olviver H, Chan D, Fitz-Patrick D, Carreira T, Park Y, Ruhaak R, Liljenquist D. A Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score Predicts Progression of Islet Autoimmunity and Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Individuals at Risk

OBJECTIVE

We tested the ability of a type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic risk score (GRS) to predict progression of islet autoimmunity and T1D in at-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the 1,244 TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants (T1D patients' relatives without diabetes and with one or more positive autoantibodies) who were genotyped with Illumina ImmunoChip (median [range] age at initial autoantibody determination 11.1 years [1.2-51.8], 48% male, 80.5% non-Hispanic white, median follow-up 5.4 years). Of 291 participants with a single positive autoantibody at screening, 157 converted to multiple autoantibody positivity and 55 developed diabetes. Of 953 participants with multiple positive autoantibodies at screening, 419 developed diabetes. We calculated the T1D GRS from 30 T1D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used multivariable Cox regression models, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curve (AUC) measures to evaluate prognostic utility of T1D GRS, age, sex, Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) Risk Score, positive autoantibody number or type, HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 status, and race/ethnicity. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify cut points in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Higher T1D GRS significantly increased the rate of progression to T1D adjusting for DPT-1 Risk Score, age, number of positive autoantibodies, sex, and ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 for a 0.05 increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.6; P = 0.011). Progression to T1D was best predicted by a combined model with GRS, number of positive autoantibodies, DPT-1 Risk Score, and age (7-year time-integrated AUC = 0.79, 5-year AUC = 0.73). Higher GRS was significantly associated with increased progression rate from single to multiple positive autoantibodies after adjusting for age, autoantibody type, ethnicity, and sex (HR 2.27 for GRS >0.295, 95% CI 1.47-3.51; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1D GRS independently predicts progression to T1D and improves prediction along T1D stages in autoantibody-positive relatives.

[Analysis of 124 Suicide Cases in Wuhua District in Kunming]

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between the suicide method and the sex, age, education background and cause of suicide to provide reference for the forensic identification of suicide.

METHODS

After scene investigation, external body examination, autopsy and case investigation, 124 identified suicide cases which happened in recent three years in Wuhua district in Kunming were collected. Analytical methods as chi-square test and descriptive statistics were performed by SPSS 22.0.

RESULTS

In all the suicide cases, male to female ratio was 1.53∶1. The suicide methods were mainly fatal fall, hanging and drowning. The ratio of local to non-native residents was 1∶1. The suicide rate in the people with primary school or junior middle school education level was highest. The group of >10-50 years tended to choose fatal fall suicide and people over 60 years were more likely to choose hanging. People with different academic background tended to choose fatal fall suicide. The suicide methods as fatal fall and hanging were chosen because of mental and physical diseases and economic problems, while the suicides with emotional problems were more likely to choose fatal fall and poisoning.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicide belongs to a kind of complex cases. For the cases of suspected suicide, complete exploration and overall consideration should be done to determine the nature of cases based on comprehensive analysis of all the influence factors.

[High mechanical stretch stress promotes degeneration of the human nucleus pulposus cells through NF-κb signaling pathway]

Objective: To investigate the effect of high mechanical stretch stress(HMS)on human nucleus pulposus cells and its regulatory mechanism. Methods: The non-degenerated nucleus pulposus tissue (Pfirrmann<grade Ⅲ) removed from the patient's surgery was harvested and the human nucleus pulposus cells were isolated and cultured. In the presence or absence of pretreatment with the NF-κB specific blocker Bay11-7082, the cultured human nucleus pulposus cells were loaded cyclic mechanical stretch stress(CMS) with different parameters using the Flexercell system.The cell culture medium was collected and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines was detected by Elisa. The nucleus pulposus cells loaded with cyclic mechanical stretch stress(CMS) was collected, the changes of NF-κB/P65 signal pathway were detected, The mRNA and protein levels' expression changes were detected by RT-PCR and WB; after human nucleus pulposus cells were exposed to IL-1β, with or without Bay11-7082, the changes of P65 were detected by immunofluorescence. Results: Those mechanical stretch stress of high amplitude (9%, 19%), low frequency (0.01 Hz) and long duration (72 h) led to degeneration of human nucleus pulposus cells, while the mechanical stretch stress of low amplitude (3%), low frequency and long duration could not promote the degeneration process; the mechanical stretch stress of high amplitude(19%), low-frequency(0.01 Hz) could promote the release of inflammatory cytokines of human nucleus pulposus cells after 24 h duration; high-amplitude, low-frequency mechanical stretch stress could activate the NF-κB signaling pathway in human nucleus pulposus cells, Bay11-7082 could block the process; immunofluorescence showed that IL-1β could promote the phosphorylation of P65 in the cytoplasm of human nucleus pulposus cells and promote the entry of P65 into the cell nucleus process, Bay11-7082 could block those processes; Bay11-7082, the specific blocking agent of NF-κB signaling pathway, could block the degeneration process of human nucleus pulposus cells induced by high cyclic mechanical stretch stress(CMS) in a dose-dependent. Conclusions: High cyclic mechanical stretch stress promotes human nucleus pulposus cells degeneration through NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Association between pregnancy-related anxiety of pregnant women and autism-like behavior in their offspring at 18 months of age]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of pregnancy-related anxiety of pregnant women in second/third trimesters and autism-like behaviors in their offspring at 18 months of age. Methods: Based on a prospective cohort study design, we evaluated the situation of pregnancy-related anxiety of women during second and third trimesters through a Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire. Subjects under study were classified into three groups, 1) those with pregnancy- related anxiety during both trimesters, 2) those with pregnancy-related anxiety at one trimester and 3) those without pregnancy-related anxiety in either trimester. When their children were 18 months, autism-like behaviors (ALB) were evaluated, using the part A of Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-23, and then classified into three groups as non-ALB group, minor ALB group and major ALB group. Multi-nominal logistic Regression was used to analyze the relationship of pregnancy-related anxiety with autism-like behaviors. Results: Compared with non-ALB group, children whose mother with pregnancy-related anxiety during both trimesters presented significant higher risk on ALB than children whose mother without pregnancy-related anxiety in these two periods (relative risk, RR=2.43, 95% CI: 1.21-4.86, P=0.012), major factors as pregnant women's IQ and gestational diabetes mellitus, premature delivery and education levels of fosterers on these pregnant women were under control. Our results from the stratified analysis showed: when in the subgroup that mother was the main fosterer of the child, there was an significant increase of risk in children whose mothers with pregnancy-related anxiety during both trimesters (RR=4.22, 95%CI: 1.73-10.32, P=0.002). Conclusion: The association between pregnancy-related anxiety and autism-like behavior was not strong but influenced by the fosterer of the child.

Search for Boosted Dark Matter Interacting with Electrons in Super-Kamiokande

A search for boosted dark matter using 161.9 kt yr of Super-Kamiokande IV data is presented. We search for an excess of elastically scattered electrons above the atmospheric neutrino background, with a visible energy between 100 MeV and 1 TeV, pointing back to the Galactic center or the Sun. No such excess is observed. Limits on boosted dark matter event rates in multiple angular cones around the Galactic center and Sun are calculated. Limits are also calculated for a baseline model of boosted dark matter produced from cold dark matter annihilation or decay. This is the first experimental search for boosted dark matter from the Galactic center or the Sun interacting in a terrestrial detector.

[Analysis of a three-dimensional finite element model of atlas and axis complex fracture]

Objective: To explored the clinical application of the three-dimensional finite element model of atlantoaxial complex fracture. Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model of cervical spine (FEM/intact) was established by software of Abaqus6.12.On the basis of this model, a three-dimensional finite element model of four types of atlantoaxial complex fracture was established: C(1) fracture (Jefferson)+ C(2) fracture (type Ⅱfracture), Jefferson+ C(2) fracture(type Ⅲfracture), Jefferson+ C(2) fracture(Hangman), Jefferson+ stable C(2) fracture (FEM/fracture). The range of motion under flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation were measured and compared with the model of cervical spine. Results: The three-dimensional finite element model of four types of atlantoaxial complex fracture had the same similarity and profile.The range of motion (ROM) of different segments had different changes.Compared with those in the normal model, the ROM of C(0/1) and C(1/2) in C(1) combined Ⅱ odontoid fracture model in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation increased by 57.45%, 29.34%, 48.09% and 95.49%, 88.52%, 36.71%, respectively.The ROM of C(0/1) and C(1/2) in C(1) combined Ⅲodontoid fracture model in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation increased by 47.01%, 27.30%, 45.31% and 90.38%, 27.30%, 30.0%.The ROM of C(0/1) and C(1/2) in C(1) combined Hangman fracture model in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation increased by 32.68%, 79.34%, 77.62% and 60.53%, 81.20%, 21.48%, respectively.The ROM of C(0/1) and C(1/2) in C(1) combined axis fracture model in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation increased by 15.00%, 29.30%, 8.47% and 37.87%, 75.57%, 8.30%, respectively. Conclusions: The three-dimensional finite element model can be used to simulate the biomechanics of atlantoaxial complex fracture.The ROM of atlantoaxial complex fracture is larger than nomal model, which indicates that surgical treatment should be performed.

Molecular and functional characterization of the magnesium transporter gene ZmMGT12 in maize

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral element for normal plant growth and development, and the CorA/MRS2/MGT-type Mg transporters play a significant role in maintaining Mg homeostasis in plants. In total, 12 maize CorA-like Mg²⁺ transporters have been identified, but none of them had been functionally characterized. Accordingly, we cloned and functionally characterized ZmMGT12 from the maize CorA-like gene family. ZmMGT12 exhibited the structure typical of Mg²⁺ transporters, i.e., two conserved TM domains and a GMN tripeptide motif. ZmMGT12, Arabidopsis AtMGT6, and rice OsMRS2-6 shared high protein sequence identity and thus clustered in the same phylogenetic branch, suggesting that they could be homologs. A functional complementation assay in the Salmonella typhimurium MM281 mutant indicated that ZmMGT12 possessed Mg²⁺ transport ability. ZmMGT12 was expressed in roots, stems, and leaves, with the highest expression in leaves. Moreover, ZmMGT12 expression was induced by light and exhibited a circadian expression pattern. In addition, the expression level of ZmMGT12 in leaf tissue was related to chlorophyll synthesis. Overexpression of ZmMGT12 in Arabidopsis caused no phenotypic change in transgenic plants, including in fresh shoot weight, chlorophyll content, shoot Mg²⁺ content, and chloroplast Mg²⁺ content. Together, these results suggest that ZmMGT12 is a Mg²⁺ transporter and may play a role in Mg transport into chloroplasts.

[A clinical analysis of micafungin treatment of pulmonary invasive fungal infection in pediatric patients with acute leukemia or post hematopoietic stem cells transplantation]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of micafungin (MCF) for pulmonary invasive fungal disease (PIFD) in pediatric patients with acute leukemia or post hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Method: Twenty-five neutropenic PIFD children with acute leukemia or post hematopoietic stem cells transplantation in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were selected from January 2012 to June 2015, including 12 males and 13 females, age range 2-15 (average 6.2±2.0) years. There were 12 cases of acute leukemia (AL) after chemotherapy, 4 cases of acute leukemia (AL) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and 9 cases of β-thalassemia major after allo-HSCT. All children received MCM for the treatment of PIFD, the dosage of MCM was 3-4 mg/ (kg·d) , once a day. The children received 2 to 6 courses of treatment, individually with a course of 7 days. 1, 3-β-D glucan assay (G test), galactomannan antigen test (GM test), high-resolution CT and the biochemical indexes for organ functions were closely monitored. Result: Twenty-five cases were diagnosed as PIFD, including 2 patients diagnosed as proven, 6 as probable and 17 as possible. Of the 25 cases, 1 was confirmed aspergillus by biopsy pathology and 1 was candida albicans by blood culture. The G and GM test with positive results was 5 and 2 respectively. Chest CT scans of the 25 cases had obvious lesions: air crescent sign and cavitation in 4 cases, diffuse ground glass change in 9 cases, double lung scattered patchy, small nodules and cord like high density shadow in 7 cases, unilateral or bilateral chest wall wedge-shaped consolidation edge in 5 cases and pleural effusion in 5 patients. The effective rate of MCF in treatment of PIFD was 68% (17/25), including 13 cases cured, 4 cases improved, 4 cases were improved clinically and in 4 cases the treatment was ineffective. Eight cases were effective in MCF monotherapy group (12 cases) and nine were effective in MCF combined therapy group(13 cases), respectively. Side-effects including allergies, gastrointestinal side effects, electrolyte disturbances, impairment of liver and kidney function, and myelosuppression were not found in those children treated with MCF. Conclusion: Micafungin is effective and safe in the treatment of pulmonary invasive fungal disease in pediatric patients with acute leukemia or post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The impact of isolated maternal hypothyroxinaemia on the incidence of large-for-gestational-age infants: the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether isolated maternal hypothyroxinaemia (IMH) is associated with risks of small/large-for-gestational-age (SGA/LGA) infants.

DESIGN

Population-based prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinics, China.

POPULATION

Pregnant women with singleton births (n = 3178).

METHODS

Descriptive statistics were calculated for the demographic characteristics of the mothers and their newborns. Linear regression was applied to estimate the association between thyroid hormone levels and birthweight. Logistic regression was performed to calculate the association between IMH and SGA/LGA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcomes included SGA/LGA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IMH, defined as a free thyroxine value (FT4) lower than the 2.5th percentile with normal thyroid stimulating hormone, was 2.5% (78/3080) and 2.5% (74/2999) in the first and second trimesters, respectively. Additionally, 306 (9.6%) and 524 (16.5%) infants were defined as SGA and LGA, respectively. No evidence supported the notion that IMH is associated with an increased risk for SGA in either the first [odds ratio (OR): 1.762, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.759-4.089] or the second (OR: 0.763, 95% CI: 0.231-2.516) trimester. However, an increased risk of LGA was observed among IMH women in the second trimester (OR: 2.088, 95% CI: 1.193-3.654). Maternal TPO-Ab positivity in the second trimester increased the risk of SGA (OR: 2.094, 95% CI: 1.333-3.290).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that IMH is associated with LGA.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81330068).

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Isolated maternal hypothyroxinaemia may increase the risk of large-for-gestational-age infants.

Tempering-Drying Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Corn Kernel

In order to study the effect of corn kernel composition and physical structure on moisture distribution and transfer process and obtain the optimal tempering-drying parameters of corn kernel, a physical model was constructed with four different components as follows: seed coat, horny endosperm, farinaceous endosperm and embryo. The drying model was established based on the assumption of different diffusion coefficients and same thermal conductivity for the four components. The software of COMSOL Multiphysics was used to simulate the heat and mass transfer process inside the corn kernel during the thin-layer drying. The results showed that the least total drying time and the best drying quality were achieved under the multistage circulating drying of 10 min hot air drying and 60 min tempering, and the tempering degree was up to 0.9207.