[Discussion on the history of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum(Fa banxia) Processing]

Before the Song Dynasty, the main processing method of Pinelliae Rhizoma was soup washing. The "new method" in Taiping Huimin Heji JuFang is a processing method that concocted with Ginger,white alum and starter-making.The "Fa Banxia" in the Yuan Dynasty's Yuyuan Yaofang comes from the Taiping Huimin Heji JuFang, and the Fa Wen Banxia, Fa Bai Banxia, and Fa Hong Banxia are the processing methods of patent medicine with a variety of other herbs.Fa Banxia appeared in the Ming Dynasty, and its auxiliary materials were ginger and white alum, and medical formulary began to include formulas containing Fa Banxia. Bencao Gangmu abbreviates the Yuan Dynasty's Fabai Banxia as "Fa Banxia", and is elaborated under the item attached "prescription" item instead of the "treatment". In the literature of Materia Medica, it is recorded that the preparation of auxiliary materials in Fa Banxia increased, including lime, licorice, soap horn, and simple nitro.After Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty, the Fa Banxia in famous medical cases was more used, and at that time, Fa Banxia was Xian Banxia. There are two recipes for Xian Banxia: one is made with seven processes, and the other is soaked in alum licorice water. During the Republican period, Zhang Cigong also pointed out that Fa Banxia was sliced Xian Banxia after rinsing and boiling, while the preparation method of Xian Banxia was Banxia made of ginger and white alum.Ye Juquan pointed out that the so-called "fa" is neither an ancient method nor a new method, questioning the process of repeated immersion in Banxia. After 1949, the questioning of Fa Banxia continued unceasing.Influenced by this, the 1960 edition Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Slice Cutting Experience included the method of soaking alum, licorice ,lime water, and was included in the 1963 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.The 1985 version reduced the soaking time and eliminated the soaking process of alum based on the 1963 version, and this method is still used today.

Prediction model of stress ulcer after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer established by machine learning algorithm

BACKGROUND

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are prone to stress ulcer after laparoscopic surgery. The analysis of risk factors for stress ulcer (SU) in patients with CRC is important to reduce mortality and improve patient prognosis.

AIM

To identify risk factors for SU after laparoscopic surgery for CRC, and develop a nomogram model to predict the risk of SU in these patients.

METHODSThe clinical data of 135 patients with CRC who underwent laparoscopic surgery between November 2021 and June 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into two categories depending on the presence of SUs: The SU group (n = 23) and the non-SU group (n = 112). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen for factors associated with postoperative SU in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, and a risk factor-based nomogram model was built based on these risk factors. By plotting the model's receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve, a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was performed.

RESULTS

Among the 135 patients with CRC, 23 patients had postoperative SU, with an incidence of 17.04%. The SU group had higher levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 70, HSP90, and gastrin (GAS) than the non-SU group. Age, lymph node metastasis, HSP70, HSP90, and GAS levels were statistically different between the two groups, but other indicators were not statistically different. Logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years, lymph node metastasis, and increased levels of HSP70, HSP90 and GAS were all risk factors for postoperative SU in patients with CRC (P < 0.05). According to these five risk factors, the area under the ROC curve for the nomogram model was 0.988 (95%CI: 0.971-1.0); the calibration curve demonstrated excellent agreement between predicted and actual probabilities, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test revealed that the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.753, P = 0.999), suggesting that the nomogram model had good discrimination, calibration, and stability.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CRC aged ≥ 65 years, with lymph node metastasis and elevated HSP70, HSP90, GAS levels, are prone to post-laparoscopic surgery SU. Our nomogram model shows good predictive value.

[Analysis of WRKY transcription factor family based on full-length transcriptome sequencing in Polygonatum cyrtonema]

WRKY transcription factor family plays an important role in plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. The present study performed full-length transcriptome sequencing of Polygonatum cyrtonema by virtue of the PacBio SMRT high-throughput platform, identified the WRKY family by bioinformatics methods, and analyzed the physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, phylogeny, and conserved motifs. The results showed that 30.69 Gb nucleotide bases and 89 564 transcripts were obtained after redundancy removal. These transcripts had a mean length of 2 060 bp and an N50 value of 3 156 bp. Based on the full-length transcriptome sequencing data, 64 candidate proteins were selected from the WRKY transcription factor family, with the protein size of 92-1 027 aa, the relative molecular mass of 10 377.85-115 779.48 kDa, and the isoelectric point of 4.49-9.84. These WRKY family members were mostly located in the nucleus and belonged to the hydrophobic proteins. According to the phylogenetic analysis of WRKY family in P. cyrtonema and Arabidopsis thaliana, all WRKY family members were clustered into seven subfamilies and WRKY proteins from P. cyrtonema were distributed in different numbers in these seven subgroups. Expression pattern analysis confirmed that 40 WRKY family members had distinct expression patterns in the rhizomes of 1-and 3-year-old P. cyrtonema. Except for PcWRKY39, the expression of 39 WRKY family members was down-regulated in 3-year-old samples. In conclusion, this study provides abundant reference data for genetic research on P. cyrtonema and lays a foundation for the in-depth investigation of the biological functions of the WRKY family.

[Clinical efficacy and safety of endobronchial one-way valves for the treatment of bronchopleural fistula]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of interventional endobronchial one-way valves (EBV) for the treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Methods: A total of 33 patients with peripheral BPF who underwent EBV implantation in Endoscopy Center of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from August 2017 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. All the patients were diagnosed with peripheral BPF before the implantation surgery. The detailed medical records of the patients were collected, and the etiology, lesion location, treatment method and operation process, treatment efficacy and postoperative complications were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EBV implantation. Results: Of the 33 patients in our study, 26 were male and 7 were female. The median age was 54.7 (28-86) years. There were 18 cases of BPF after thoracic surgery (54.5%), 6 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with spontaneous pneumothorax (18.2%), and 12 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection with spontaneous pneumothorax (36.4%). A total of 63 valves were inserted in the 33 cases, and a maximum of valves and at least one were inserted in a single case. The lesions were located in the right lower lobe in 16 cases (48.5%) and the left upper lobe in 12 cases (36.4%). Of the 33 patients undergoing EBV placement, 22 (66.7%) were successful, with chest drainage tube indwelling duration of (88.5±36.6) days and (29.6±11.4) days, respectively, before and after EBV treatment. The time from EBV placement to successful withdrawal of EBV was (102.2±31.3) days. During a postoperative follow-up of 6 months after EBV treatment, the main complications were 29 cases with attachment of secretions to the EBV (90.6%) and 13 cases (40.6%) with mild granulation proliferation. In addition, there were five patients with moderate to severe granulation proliferation (15.6%), one with valve displacement or shedding (3.1%), and one with bleeding (3.1%). Conclusions: In this study, the success rate of EBV placement and occlusion was 66.7%. Transbronchoscopic EBV placement in the treatment of peripheral BPF is a effective treatment with relatively minor complications.

[Phenotypic and genomic characterization for Salmonella isolates recovered from meat products in Beijing wholesale markets, 2014-2015]

Objective: To analyze the phenotypic and genomic characteristics of Salmonella isolates recovered from meat products in Beijing wholesale markets. Methods: A total of 336 Salmonella strains from meat products collected from wholesale markets in Beijing were tested for antimicrobial resistance to 25 antimicrobial compounds by micro-broth dilution method; whole genome data were sequenced, followed by the serotype and ST type prediction by Seqsero2 and SISTR software, and the drug resistance genes and virulence factors were also predicted with CARD and VFDB databases of Abricate software; Salmonella serotyping assay kit and serum agglutination method were used for serotype confirmation of some isolates with different genome prediction results. Results: The resistance rates to Nalidixic acid and Ampicillin were 62.5% (210/336) and 55.1% (185/336), respectively, and all isolates were susceptible to Tigecyclin, Cefoxitin and Carbapenem antimicrobial compounds; 207 isolates (61.6%, 207/336) were multi-drug resistant, some could even be resistant to ten categories of drugs at the same time, and the most common antimicrobial resistance spectrum was NAL-AMP-SAM. A total of 24 serotypes were detected with predominant serotypes of Enteritidis (34.5%, 116/336), Derby (17.3%, 58/336) and Indiana (10.4%, 35/336). A total of 27 ST types were detected, the dominant type was ST11; ST types were in good consistency with serotypes; The detection rates of resistant genes referred to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, β-lactams, sulfonamides and tetracyclines are more than 48%, and the first two reached 100%. The prediction of drug resistance genes was consistent with the results of antimicrobial resistance phenotype. A total of 122 virulence genes were predicted, 74 of which existing among all isolates. Conclusion: Salmonella in meat from the wholesale markets of Beijing has a high proportion of multiple drug resistance, a complex drug resistance spectrum, a variety of serotypes and ST types, and a high carrying rate of drug resistance gene and virulence gene; drug resistance phenotype and genotype are relatively consistent.

[The making method of Shen Qu in Qi Min Yao Shu]

Shen Qu was distiller's yeast in Qi Min Yao Shu, the most completely preserved of the ancient Chinese agricultural texts in the North Dynasty. The making process of Shen Qu (medicated leaven) in this book had far-reaching influence on the processing of Liu Shen Qu. In terms of pharmaceutical composition, Flour-qu in Shen Qu, which developed into Whole-bran-wheat-qu and then Bran-qu, is still used up to this day. The use of polygonum, as a supplementary material from the buckwheat and knotweed family polygonaceae, was gradually narrowed to polygonum hydropiper and polygonum orientale. In terms of production and processing, fresh herbs were developed from boiling or boiling and juicing in parallel. Wheat processing was simplified from the method of raw wheat, steaming and frying together into the method of using raw wheat only. Psychrometrics of Qu-cake "Sou Yu Gang" is still taken as the measurement of production and processing today. The method of shaping Qu-cake evolved to hand kneading and moulding. The covering material of Qu-cake was developed from wheat straw and Artemisia annua to Vitex negundo. The wrapping material of Qu-cake were Ramie leaves, broussonetia papyrifera leaves and paper. Some techniques in the processing, such as Fan-qu, Ju-qu and Wengsheng, were lost in the historical development of the making method of Shen Qu. The drying method was developed from hanging clusters of Qu-cakes to hanging single paper wraped cakes alone. As a mainstream processing method, Yan-qu was then developed into the methods of Fengqu and Zao Jiang Huang. The making method Bao-qu, which outdated Qu was added, and is still the method of Yan-qu. In this sense, current production and processing technology of Yan-qu and Zao Jiang Huang came from Qi Min Yao Shu.The issues for further studies are: the use of Artemisia annua, Polygonum hydropiper and Xanthium sibiricum, Qu-cake moulding, single strain fermentation or dominant population fermentation, the Feng-qu method, the materials for covering and wrapping Qu-cake, and comparison between Flour-qu, Whole bran wheat- qu and Bran-qu.

Entropy-Assisted High-Entropy Oxide with a Spinel Structure toward High-Temperature Infrared Radiation Materials

Developing advanced materials with a high-entropy concept is one of the hot trends in materials science. The configurational entropy of high-entropy materials can be tuned by introducing different atomic species, which can also impart a result in excellent physical and chemical properties. In this work, we synthesized a solid-solution oxide (Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr)₃O₄ by a simple and scalable solid-phase synthesis method. We extensively investigated the microstructure and chemical composition, indicating that (Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr)₃O₄ has a single-phase spinel structure. Simultaneously, we reasonably evaluated the position occupied by the elements of (Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr)₃O₄ in a spinel structure as (Cu_0.75Fe_0.25)(Fe_0.25Cr_0.375Mn_0.375)₂O₄. Here, we first evaluated the infrared radiation performance of (Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr)₃O₄. The new, high-entropy oxide (HEO) (Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr)₃O₄ powder exhibits high infrared emissivity values of 0.879 and 0.848 in the wavelengths of 0.78-2.5 and 2.5-16 μm, respectively, and has excellent thermal stability. More importantly, the infrared emissivity values of as-prepared HEO coating reach 0.955 (0.78-2.5 μm) at room temperature and 0.936 (3-16 μm) at 800 °C. This work provides a viable strategy toward the laboratory mass production of this HEO for infrared radiation materials, which shows great potential in the energy-related applications.

Highly Enhanced Thermal Robustness and Photothermal Conversion Efficiency of Solar-Selective Absorbers Enabled by High-Entropy Alloy Nitride MoTaTiCrN Nanofilms

Recent advances in high-entropy alloys have spurred many breakthroughs in the fields of high-temperature materials and optical materials and they provide incredible application potentialities for photothermal conversion systems. Solar-selective absorbers (SSAs), as key components, play a vital role in photothermal conversion efficiency and service life. The most pressing problem with SSAs is their inconsistent optical performance, an instability constraint induced by thermal stress. A feasible method of improving performance stability is the introduction of high-entropy materials, such as high-entropy alloy nitrides. In this study, enabled by an intrinsic MoTaTiCrN absorption layer, the solar configuration achieves greatly enhanced, exceptional thermotolerance and optical properties, leading to the formation of a scalable, highly efficient, and cost-effective structure. Computational and experimental approaches are employed to achieve optimum preparation parameters for thicknesses and constituents. The crystal structure of high-entropy ceramic MoTaTiCrN is fully investigated, including thickness-dependent crystal nucleation. High-temperature and long-term thermal stability tests demonstrate that our proposed SSA is mechanically robust and chemically stable. Moreover, a low thermal emittance (15.86%) at 500 °C promotes the photothermal conversion efficiency. In addition, due to the exceptional spectral selectivity (α/ε = 92.3/6.5%), thermal robustness (550 °C for 168 h), and photothermal conversion efficiency (86.9% at 550 °C under 100 sun), it is possible for our proposed SSA to enhance the practical realization of large-area photothermal conversion applications, especially for concentrated solar power systems.

Accession-specific flowering time variation in response to nitrate fluctuation in Arabidopsis thalian a

Flowering time, a key transition point from vegetative to reproductive growth, is regulated by an intrinsic complex of endogenous and exogenous signals including nutrient status. For hundreds of years, nitrogen has been well known to modulate flowering time, but the molecular genetic basis on how plants adapt to ever-changing nitrogen availability remains not fully explored. Here we explore how Arabidopsis natural variation in flowering time responds to nitrate fluctuation. Upon nitrate availability change, we detect accession- and photoperiod-specific flowering responses, which also feature a accession-specific dependency on growth traits. The flowering time variation correlates well with the expression of floral integrators, SOC1 and FT, in an accession-specific manner. We find that gene expression variation of key hub genes in the photoperiod-circadian-clock (GI), aging (SPLs) and autonomous (FLC) pathways associates with the expression change of these integrators, hence flowering time variation. Our results thus shed light on the molecular genetic mechanisms on regulation of accession- and photoperiod-specific flowering time variation in response to nitrate availability.

Genome-wide identification of WD40 genes reveals a functional diversification of COP1-like genes in Rosaceae

Genome-wide identification of WD40-like genes reveals a duplication of COP1-like genes, one of the key players involved in regulation of flowering time and photomorphogenesis, with strong functional diversification in Rosaceae. WD40 proteins play crucial roles in a broad spectrum of developmental and physiological processes. Here, we conducted a systematic characterization of this family of genes in Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush' (OB), a founder genotype for modern rose domestication. We identified 187 rose WD40 genes and classified them into 5 clusters and 15 subfamilies with 11 of RcWD40s presumably generated via tandem duplication. We found RcWD40 genes were expressed differentially following stages of vegetative and reproductive development. We detected a duplication of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1-like genes in rose (RcCOP1 and RcCOP1L) and other Rosaceae plants. Featuring a distinct expression pattern and a different profile of cis-regulatory-elements in the transcriptional regulatory regions, RcCOP1 seemed being evolutionarily conserved while RcCOP1L did not dimerize with RcHY5 and RcSPA4. Our data thus reveals a functional diversification of COP1-like genes in Rosacaeae plants, and provides a valuable resource to explore the potential function and evolution of WD40-like genes in Rosaceae plants.

[The method of boiling gelatin in Qimin Yaoshu and its contemporary value]

Qimin Yaoshu(, Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People), written in the Northern Wei Dynasty, had a specific record of process of boiling down gelatin, it involved 12 steps. Comparing with the methods of later generations, we find that the main differences lie in 6 aspects: shaving hair, adding accessories, duration and degree of heating for gel-forming, preventing gelatin from scorching, drying method, checking water quality. Especially, it is considered that the experience of no hair shaving and excipients adding is of great reference value to the cooking methods of modern donkey-hide gelatin and ox-hide gelatin.

[The drinking status and associated factors in adults in China]

Objective: To investigate the drinking status and associated factors in adults in China. Methods: Based on the 2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS), a total of 135 824 participants aged ≥18 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the associated factors for drinking status. Results: The overall drinking rate was 30.5% in Chinese adults, 53.8% in men, and 12.2% in women. The excessive drinking rate was 14.0% in men and 1.1% in women. The daily drinking rate was 25.7% in men and 10.9% in women. Men mainly consumed multi-type wines, but women preferred beer. The overall harmful drinking rate was 7.1%. The excessive drinking rate, daily drinking rate, and harmful drinking rate increased first but then declined with age. All the four rates were positively related with physical activity. Conclusions: The drinking rate, excessive drinking rate, daily drinking rate and harmful drinking rate were high in adults in China. Drinking status was associated with age, sex, marital status, education level, smoking status and physical activity.

[Mean blood pressure among the adults in China 2010-2012: based on the results of mercury sphygmomanometer and converted electronic sphygmomanometer]

Objective: To analyze the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among adults aged 18 years old and above in China between 2010 and 2012; and to compare the difference in the results measured by mercury sphygmomanometer and converted electronic sphygmomanometer. Methods: The data was collected from Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. 120 428 adults aged 18 years old and above were selected from 150 survey counties (districts) of 31 provinces in China Mainland, by multi-stage stratified and probability proportion to size (PPS) cluster randomization sampling method. The average blood pressure value was calculated from three systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings measured by mercury sphygmomanometer. The value of Electronic Sphygmomanometer was converted by regression formula. Age-standardized results were calculated incorporating a complex sample weighting using the population data from the National Bureau of Statistics in 2009. Results: The overall adjusted mean of SBP based on the value of mercury sphygmomanometer among Chinese adults aged 18 years old and above was 122 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), 124 mmHg in men and 120 mmHg in women. The average SBP value was separately 115, 127, and 137 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. The average SBP was 122 mmHg in urban and 122 mmHg in rural areas. Mean DBP was 78 mmHg, 79 mmHg in men and 76 mmHg in women. The average DBP was separately 75, 81, and 81 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. The average DBP was 78 mmHg in urban and 77 mmHg in rural areas. The overall adjusted mean of SBP based on converted electronic device was 129 mmHg,130 mmHg in men and 127 mmHg in women, respectively. The mean of SBP was separately122, 134, and 143 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. Mean SBP was both 129 mmHg in urban and in rural areas. Mean DBP was 76 mmHg, 78 mmHg in men and 75 mmHg in women, respectively. The average DBP was separately 74, 79, and 79 mmHg in groups of adults aging 18-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years old. The average DBP was both 76 mmHg in urban and rural areas. Conclusion: The average SBP and DBP was different between the mercury sphygmomanometer and converted electronic device. However, the results from both measures showed that the blood pressure was higher in men than in women, the blood pressure increased with the increase of age, and there was no difference between urban and rural areas.

[Epidemiological characteristics of waist circumference and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-17 years]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of waist circumference and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-17 years. Methods: Data was from the samples of aged 6-17 years in the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance program in 2010-2012. P(90) (the same age, the same sex) was used as the diagnostic value for abdominal obesity. Results: The overall waist circumference of children and adolescents in all the age groups appeared higher in males than that in females (P<0.000 1), higher in cities than that in the rural areas (P<0.05), and higher in children with high family income than those with middle or low family incomes (P=0.000 3). The rate of abdominal obesity in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years appeared as 11.2% on average and 10.7% and 11.8% for boys and girls, respectively but with no significant difference (P>0.05). Rates on abdominal obesity appeared as 13.2% and 8.5% for boys while as 12.3% and 11.2% for girls respectively, in urban or rural areas. As for the levels of family income, the abdominal obesity rates appeared as 15.8%, 11.5% and 8.8% respectively for boys while 13.5%, 11.9% and 11.6% respectively for girls, under high, middle and low levels of family income. Conclusion: The rate of abdominal obesity in boys seemed more responsive to the impact of income in urban or rural areas.

[Study on the relationship between family-related factors and obesity of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between family-related factors and the status of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in China. Methods: Data were collected from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012 program. A sample of 6 343 subjects aged 6-17 years was selected, with matched weight, education levels, household income and other family related factors of their parents. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between family factors and overweight and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents. Results: After adjusted for age, gender and region, results from the multivariate logistic regression showed that both the overweight and obesity of children and adolescents were associated with maternal BMI (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.63-2.05), paternal BMI (OR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.57-1.94), mother's educational level (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.12-1.37) and household income (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.15-1.46). Conclusion: Factors as overweight or obesity status of the parents, mother's educational level and household income were positively correlated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents.

[Prevalence and characteristics of overweight and obesity in Chinese children aged 0-5 years]

Objective: To study the prevalence and characteristics of overweight and obesity among Chinese children aged 0-5 years, in 2010-2013. Methods: Data was from the'China Nutrition and Health Surveillance-0-5-Years-Old Children and Lactating Women'project in 2013. Stratified multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 55 districts/counties from 30 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) with the sample size of children as 32 862. Definition of overweight and obesity were according to both the WHO 2006 growth standard in children less than 5-year-old and the WHO 2007 growth reference in children of 5-years-old. Results: were calculated by complex weight based on national census from the National Bureau of Statistics in 2010. Results The overall prevalence of overweight was 8.4% among the 0-5-year-old in 2013, with 9.4% in boys and 7.2% in girls. Both of the rates from urban and rural areas were the same, as 8.4%. The prevalence rates of overweight in the 0-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-71 months age groups appeared as 13.0%, 11.1%, 8.3%, 6.0%, 4.8%, 3.9% and 15.9%, respectively. The rates of overweight in low, medium and high income families were 8.0%, 8.8% and 8.9%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 3.1% among the 0-5-year-old, with 3.6% in boys and 2.5% in girls. There was no significant difference seen in urban (3.3%) and rural areas (2.9%). The prevalence rates for obesity in the 0-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-71 months age groups were 5.8%, 3.8%, 2.5%, 1.6%, 1.2%, 1.3% and 7.8%, respectively. The rates of obesity in low, medium and high income families were 2.8%, 3.3% and 3.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence rates of both overweight and obesity were increasing among the 0-5-year-olds in China, suggesting that it is necessary to timely conduct the surveillance and intervention programs on overweight and obesity in this target population.

[Epidemiological characteristics of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-17 years]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, and to provide scientific basis for the development of prevention strategies on obesity. Methods: Data was from children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2010-2012 program. In children aged 6 years, criteria of overweight and obesity were followed the WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents. In children and adolescents aged 7-17 years, overweight and obesity were defined by sex and age specific BMI, recommended by Guidelines for prevention and control of overweight and obesity among school-age children and adolescents according to the Chinese guidelines. Results: The overall rates on overweight and obesity were 9.6% and 6.4% among the Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, with 11.0% (12.8% for boys and 9.0% for girls) in urban and 7.7% (boys 9.7%, girls 5.5%) in rural areas. The rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents were 8.4% (boys 9.3%, girls 7.4%) and 5.2% (boys 6.2%, girls 4.1%) in the rural areas. According to the levels of household income, the overweight rates of children in high, middle and low incomes were 12.3%, 10.7% and 8.2%, with obesity as 8.6%, 7.2% and 5.7% respectively. Conclusions: In 2012, the prevalence rates of overweight and obese were 9.6% and 6.4% among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, respectively, higher in urban than in rural areas and higher boys than in girls. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity seemed to be related to the levels of household income.

[Antimicrobial susceptibility and drug-resistance genes of Yersinia spp. of retailed poultry in 4 provinces of China]

Objective: To monitor the antimicrobial resistance and drug-resistance genes of Yersinia enterocolitis, Y. intermedia and Y. frederiksenii recovered from retailed fresh poultry of 4 provinces of China. Methods: The susceptibility of 25 isolated Yersinia spp. to 14 classes and 25 kinds of antibiotics was determined by broth microdilution method according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute). The antibiotic resistance genes were predicted with antibiotic resistance genes database (ARDB) using whole genome sequences of Yersinia spp. Results: In all 22 Y. enterocolitis tested, 63.7% (14 isolates), 22.8% (5 isolates), 4.6% and 4.6% of 1 isolates exhibited the resistance to cefoxitin, ampicillin-sulbactam, nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, respectively. All the 25 isolates were multi-drug resistant to more than 3 antibiotics, while 64.0% of isolates were resistant to more than 4 antibiotics. A few Y. enterocolitis isolates of this study were intermediate to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Most Yersinia spp. isolates contained antibiotic resistance genes mdtG, ksgA, bacA, blaA, rosAB and acrB, and 5 isolates recovered from fresh chicken also contained dfrA1, catB2 and ant3ia. Conclusion: The multi-drug resistant Yersinia spp. isolated from retailed fresh poultry is very serious in the 4 provinces of China, and their contained many kinds of drug-resistance genes.

[Epidemiological characteristics of waist circumference and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults in 2010-2012]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of waist circumference (WC) and abdominal obesity (AO) among Chinese adults aged 18 and above. Methods: Data were collected from China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. Multi-stage stratifies proportion to the population cluster random sampling method was conducted to determine 120 265 subjects aged 18 and above at 150 counties in 31 provinces in China mainland. WC was determined for all subjects, and AO was judged according to the "Healthy Adult Weight Determination" (WS/T 428-2013). Using the demographic data published by the National Bureau of Statistics of China in 2009, we performed complex sampling weighted treatment to calculate the WC, AO rate and 95%CI. Results: The mean WC of Chinese men aged 18 and above was 82.8 cm, which of urban men (84.1 cm) was higher than that of rural men (81.4 cm) (P<0.001). The average WC of women was 78.5 cm. There was no statistical difference between urban (78.7 cm) and rural women (78.4 cm) (P=0.965). With the increase of education level, the mean WC of male increased gradually from 81.2 cm to 84.3 cm (P<0.001), and the mean WC of female decreased from 80.3 cm to 74.3 cm (P<0.001). With the family income rose, the mean WC of men increased gradually from 81.9 cm to 84.7 cm (P<0.001), and the mean of WC of women decreased from 78.8 cm to 77.6 cm (P<0.001). The AO rate was 25.7% (95% CI: 23.7%-27.7%) in adults aged 18 years and older. The AO rate in urban males (29.8% (95%CI: 26.5%-33.1%)) was significantly higher than that of rural males (22.3% (95%CI: 19.3%-25.2%)) (P=0.001). There was no significant difference in the female AO rate between urban (25.6% (95%CI: 22.8%-28.4%)) and rural areas (25.1% (95%CI: 22.2%-27.9%)) (P=0.772). With the increase of the educational level, the AO rate of men increased from 20.1% (95%CI: 18.0%-22.1%) to 32.6% (95%CI: 28.6%-36.6%) (P<0.001), the rate of women decreased gradually from 31.3% (95%CI: 28.7%-33.9%) to 13.5% (95%CI: 10.9%-16.1%) (P<0.001). With the increase of family income, the AO rate of male increased gradually from 23.3% (95%CI: 20.7%-25.9%) to 31.8% (95%CI: 27.6%-36.1%) (P<0.001), the rate of female decreased from 26.5% (95% CI: 24.2%-28.7%) to 20.0% (95% CI: 17.2%-22.8%) (P<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of AO among Chinese residents aged 18 years and above was high, and there were significant differences in WC and AO rate between men and women under different age, region, educational level and family income level.

[The epidemic status of metabolic syndrome among Chinese adolescents aged 10-17 years in 2010-2012]

Objective: To invesigate the epidemic status of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among mainland Chinese adolescents aged 10-17 in 2010-2012. Methods: Data were collected from Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. Multi-stage stratified proportion to the population cluster random sampling method was conducted to determine 16 872 adolescents in 150 counties from 31 provinces in mainland China. The epidemic status of metabolic syndrome was analyzed by China criterion (defined by Chinese Pediatric Society, Chinese Medical Association) and Cook criterion, respectively. The prevalence of MS and 95%CI were calculated through weighted complex sampling processing by population data released by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2009. Results: Based on China criterion, the weighted prevalence of MS was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.1%-2.6%) among Chinese adolescents aged 10-17. Prevalence in urban was higher than in rural (2.8%, 95%CI: 2.4%-3.2% and 1.9%, 95%CI:1.6%-2.3%, respectively). Prevalence in boys and girls were 2.7% (95% CI: 2.3%-3.0%), and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7%-2.4%), respectively. Based on Cook criterion, the weighted prevalence was 4.3% (95% CI: 4.0%-4.7%) . The highest weighted prevalence of the components of the metabolic syndrome was low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (26.8%, 95% CI: 26.0%-27.5%), followed by high fasting glucose (11.5%, 95% CI: 11.0%-12.0%), abdominal obesity (11.1%, 95%CI: 10.6%-11.7%) , hypertriglyceridemia (8.8%, 95%CI: 8.4%-9.3%) , and high blood pressure (6.4%, 95% CI: 6.0%-6.8%). Conclusion: Among the five indicators of metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of central obesity and hypertriglyceridemia were relative high in Chinese adolescents aged 10-17 years, though the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not high.

Recognition of Core- and Polymerase-derived immunogenic peptides included in novel therapeutic vaccine by T cells from Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the major public health challenges in the world. Due to a strong interplay between specific T-cell immunity and elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV), efforts to develop novel immunotherapeutics are gaining attention. TG1050, a novel immunotherapy, has shown efficacy in an animal study. To support the clinical development of TG1050 in China, specific immunity to the fusion antigens of TG1050 was assessed in Chinese patients. One hundred and thirty subjects were divided into three groups as CHB patients, HBV spontaneous resolvers, and CHB patients with HBsAg loss after antiviral treatment. HBV-specific T-cell responses to pools of HBV Core or Polymerase genotype D peptides included in TG1050 were evaluated. HBV Core- or Polymerase-specific cells were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the different cohorts. The frequencies and intensities of HBV Core-specific immune responses were significantly lower in CHB patients than in HBsAg loss subjects. In CHB patients, a dominant pool derived from Polymerase (Pol1) was the most immunogenic. CHB patients with low viral loads (<10⁶ IU/mL) were more likely to have a positive response specific to the Core peptide pool. Overall, genotype D-derived peptides included in TG1050 could raise broad and functional T-cell responses in PBMCs from Chinese CHB patients infected with genotype B/C isolates. Core-specific immunogenic domains appeared as "hot spots" with the capacity to differentiate between CHB vs HBsAg loss subjects. These observations support the extended application and associated immune monitoring of TG1050 in China.

[Risk factors for prevalence of folic acid deficiency in Chinese lactating women in 2013]

Objective: The study aimed to assess the folic acid status of lactating women in China and to analyze factors related to folic acid deficiency in these subjects. Methods: The data on lactating women were extracted from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. By a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, 10 331 lactating women were selected for the study. The lactating women, 0-24 months postpartum, were from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China, excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain general information and dietary intake during the previous one month period was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 20% of the total number of lactating women were randomly selected to analyze serum folic acid. Finally, 1 894 lactating women, with questionnaire results and serum folic acid data, were included in the study. Serum folic acid concentrations were analyzed using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Folic acid deficiency was defined as a serum folic acid level <2 ng/ml. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with folic acid deficiency in these women. Results: After excluding abnormal values, 1 894 lactating women were included in the study. Based on our findings, the prevalence of folate deficiency was 3.0% (56/1 894) in lactating women in China. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 0.3% (1/388), 1.3% (7/550), 6.0% (38/639) and 3.2% (10/317) in larger, medium or small cities, general rural counties and poor rural counties, respectively. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 6.3% (17/269) and 2.4% (39/1 623) for minority and Han ethnic groups, respectively, and was 6.3% (52/823) and 0.4% (4/1 071) for subjects in northern and southern areas of China, respectively. Binary unconditionally logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with folic acid deficiency in the lactating women. The results showed that, compared with those living in the south and those in the Han ethnic group, those living in the north and belonging to the minority ethnic group had a greater risk of folic acid deficiency, with (OR=3.63, 95% CI: 1.64-8.05) and (OR=5.42, 95% CI: 1.75-16.74), respectively. With each month of age during childhood, the prevalence of folic acid deficiency decreased by 10% (OR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.85-0.96). Compared with low income subjects, those with middle incomes had OR (95%CI) of 0.25 (0.10-0.60) for folic acid deficiency. A lesser intake of cereal was associated with a greater risk of folic acid deficiency in lactating women (OR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.18-7.79). A lesser intake of tubers was a protective factor for folic acid deficiency in lactating women (OR=0.29, 95% CI:0.12-0.70). Conclusion: The folic acid status of Chinese lactating women has, in general, recently improved. However, living in northern areas, during early lactating periods, belonging to an ethnic minority, living in rural areas, having a low income, lower intake of cereal and excessive intake of tubers were risk factors for folic acid deficiency in lactating women. In these women, folic acid intervention should be considered a priority.

Anti-tumor efficiency of paclitaxel and DNA when co-delivered by pH responsive ligand modified nanocarriers for breast cancer treatment

CONTEXT

Combination of chemotherapy and nucleic acid therapy generally take advantage of drugs anti-tumor activity together with DNA capacity to transfect cancer cells, showing great promise in cancer treatment. However, effective co-delivery of drugs and DNA in a single carrier for cancer treatment remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design a tumor targeted, pH sensitive nanocarriers for the co-delivery of gene and drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hyaluronic acid - acid sensitive linker - 1,2-distearoyl phosphatideylethanolamine copolymers (HA-as-DSPE) were synthesized. HA-as-DSPE modified, paclitaxel and pDNA loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (HA-PTX/pDNA SLN) was prepared. The physicochemical properties like morphology, size, and zeta potential as well as release properties were evaluated. The ability and therapeutic effects of the novel system for the co-delivery of PTX and pDNA were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments and in vivo animal studies both confirmed that the HA-PTX/pDNA SLN system could promote the inhibition of tumor, at the same time deliver and transfect gene into the cancer cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Highest efficiency achieved by HA-PTX/pDNA SLN might result from the HA ligands that targeted the receptors on the cancer cells, the enhanced cellular uptake by the SLN formulations and also the pH sensitive bound of the carriers let the drug release more in the tumor cells. It could be concluded that HA-PTX/pDNA SLN could be used as a promising delivery system for drug and gene combination therapy.

Distribution of LIM domain kinase 1 in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of the App/PS+/- mice

LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), an actin-binding kinase, can phosphorylate and inactivate its substrates, and can regulate long-term memory and synaptic plasticity. Both β-amyloid precursor protein (App) and presenilin (PS) are functional degeneration factors during early neuronal development, and are considered as potential factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, hardly any information is available about the distribution and expression of LIMK1. Thus, using the App and PS deficient mice, the role of LIMK1 was demonstrated in the absence of App and PS. Our results showed that LIMK1 was present in the nerve fiber layer and external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb, as well as in the mitral cells and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum in App and PS deficient mice. Additionally, LIMK1 was concentrated in the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb and cerebellum and LIMK1 positive cells were located in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Our study indicates that there is a connection between LIMK1 and AD in the mouse model of AD. This might explain neurological problems such as cerebellar ataxia, impaired long-term memory, and impaired synaptic plasticity observed in AD.

Role of the Toll‑like receptor 3 signaling pathway in the neuroprotective effect of sevoflurane pre‑conditioning during cardiopulmonary bypass in rats

The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and possible molecular mechanism of the alleviating effect of sevoflurane pre‑treatment on the extracorporeal circulation and to investigate the possible involvement of the Toll‑like receptor (TLR3) signaling pathway. A total of 64 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: The sham operation group (H group; n=8), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) group (C group; n=24) and sevoflurane pre‑conditioning group (S group; n=32). The C group was subjected to tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, vessel puncture and catheter placement in the right femoral artery and right internal jugular vein, while no CPB was performed in the H group. The S group was pre‑treated with 2.4% sevoflurane for 1 h prior to establishing the CPB model. The CPB in the C and S groups was performed for 1 h. Blood of the rats was analyzed and clinical parameters were detected prior to, during and at various time‑points after CPB. In addition, eight rats from the C and S groups each were sacrificed at these time‑points and brain tissue samples were analyzed. The levels of the brain damage‑specific protein S100‑β as well as IL‑6 and IFN‑β in the serum were detected by ELISA; furthermore, the expression levels of TLR3 and TIR‑domain‑containing adapter‑inducing interferon‑β (TRIF) in the left hippocampus were assessed by ELISA and/or western blot analysis. The right hippocampus was assessed for neuronal apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate and hematocrit were significantly decreased following CPB (P<0.05), while there was no significant changes in any other clinical parameters. The serum levels of S100‑β and IL‑6 in the C group were significantly increased compared with those in the H group (P<0.05), which was attenuated by sevoflurane‑pre‑treatment. Compared with the H group, the serum levels of IFN‑β as well as hippocampal protein levels of TLR3 and TRIF were significantly increased in the C group during and after CPB (P<0.05), which was markedly aggravated in the S group (P<0.05). The number of apoptotic hippocampal neurons, although being generally low, was significantly increased in the C group compared with that in the H group (P<0.05), while apoptosis was significantly attenuated by sevoflurane‑pre‑treatment (P<0.05). The present study therefore concluded that 2.4% sevoflurane pre‑treatment has a protective effect on the rat brain against CPB‑induced injury, which may be mediated via the TLR3 signaling pathway through upregulating the expression levels of anti‑inflammatory and downregulating pro‑inflammatory proteins.

Protective effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in rat

We aimed to observe the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury in rats and expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided randomly (N = 10) into control group (C), LPS group (LPS), low-dose PHC group (L-PHC), and high-dose PHC group (H-PHC). All rats, except C group, received a vena caudalis injection of 5.0 mg/kg LPS; after 30 min, rats in L-PHC and H-PHC groups received a vena caudalis injection of 0.3 and 0.9 mg/kg PHC. After 24 h, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, serum creatinine (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected. Histopathological changes and expression of ZO-1 and occludin were observed in renal tissues. Versus levels of TNF-α (38.5 ± 9.0), IL-1β (46.3 ± 12.7), Scr (37.2 ± 9.3), and BUN (6.5 ± 1.1) in control group, those in LPS group, TNF-α (159.0 ± 21.3), IL-1β (130.8 ± 18.7), Scr (98.5 ± 18.2), and BUN (12.8 ± 1.8), increased obviously (P < 0.05), with significantly structural changes and decreases of ZO-1 and occludin. However, TNF-α (111.3 ± 11.6), IL-1β (78.4 ± 14.3), Scr (51.3 ± 12.5), BUN (8.1 ± 1.2) in H-PHC group, and TNF-α (120.8 ± 14.3), IL-1β (92.5 ± 19.0), Scr (56.7 ± 14.7), BUN (9.7 ± 1.6) in L-PHC group were obviously decreased (P < 0.05). PHC has protective effects on acute kidney injury in sepsis, including abatement of renal tissue inflammation and functional improvement, potentially by upregulating ZO-1 and occludin.

RNA-protein distance patterns in ribosomes reveal the mechanism of translational attenuation

Elucidating protein translational regulation is crucial for understanding cellular function and drug development. A key molecule in protein translation is ribosome, which is a super-molecular complex extensively studied for more than a half century. The structure and dynamics of ribosome complexes were resolved recently thanks to the development of X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, and single molecule biophysics. Current studies of the ribosome have shown multiple functional states, each with a unique conformation. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-protein distances of ribosome (2.5 MDa) complexes and compared these changes among different ribosome complexes. We found that the RNA-protein distance is significantly correlated with the ribosomal functional state. Thus, the analysis of RNA-protein binding distances at important functional sites can distinguish ribosomal functional states and help understand ribosome functions. In particular, the mechanism of translational attenuation by nascent peptides and antibiotics was revealed by the conformational changes of local functional sites.

Effectiveness of goal-setting on glycemic control in poor outpatients with diabetes

The aim was to study the impact of goal-setting on glycemic control in poor outpatients. Participants were provided glucometers for self-monitoring at no cost, while goal-setting on glycemic control was drafted for the experimental group. A reduction in HbA1c of 1.16% indicated that the goal-setting program was feasible and cost-effective.

Study of the efficacy of combination therapy of SiRNAs in HepG2.2.15 cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a world-wide health problem. The major obstacles for current anti-HBV therapy are the low efficacy and the occurrence of drug resistant HBV mutations. Recent studies have demonstrated that combination therapy can enhance antiviral efficacy and overcome the shortcomings. Here, the inhibitory effect mediated by combination of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting different sites of HBV nuclear localization signal (NLS) was monitored in HepG2.2.15 cells.

METHODOLOGY

Recombinant plasmid psil-HBV was constructed and transfected into HepG2.2.15 cells. At 48, 72 and 96h after transfection, culture media were collected and cells were harvested for HBV replication assay. HBsAg and HBeAg in the cell culture medium were detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. Intracellular viral DNA and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) was quantified by real-time PCR. HBV viral mRNA was measured by reverse-transcript PCR.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that the three used siRNAs showed marked anti-HBV effects. Combination of siRNAs, compared with individual use of each siRNA, exerted a stronger inhibition on antigen expression and viral replication, even though the final concentration of siRNA in the therapy was the same. More importantly, we showed that combination therapy significantly suppressed HBV cccDNA amplification.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that combination of siRNAs mediated a stronger inhibition on viral replication and antigen expression in HepG2.2.15 cells, especially, the amplification of cccDNA.

PEG-grafted chitosan nanoparticles as an injectable carrier for sustained protein release

The development of injectable nanoparticulate "stealth" carriers for protein delivery is a major challenge. The objective of this work was to investigate the possibility of achieving the controlled release of a model protein, insulin, from PEG-grafted chitosan (PEG-g-chitosan) nanoparticles (mean diameter 150-300 nm) prepared by the ion gelation method. Insulin was efficiently incorporated into the nanoparticles, and reached as high as 38%. In vitro release showed that it could control the insulin release by choosing the composition, loading and release temperature. We observed that the composition of the nanoparticle surface (C/O ratio) increased from 2.40 to 3.23, with an increase in the incubation time. Therefore, we concluded that during this time, insulin release from PEG-g-chitosan nanoparticles followed a diffusion mechanism in which erosion was negligible. The experiments also demonstrated that PEG-g-chitosan helped to maintain the natural structure of the protein entrapped in the nanoparticles.

Beta2-glycoprotein I inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor induced angiogenesis through its amino terminal domain

BACKGROUND

Beta-2 glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI) is a plasma glycoprotein which interacts with various proteins of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system. beta(2)GPI has recently been shown to have anti-angiogenic properties.

OBJECTIVES

We undertook this study to investigate the specific domain of beta(2)GPI involved in the anti-angiogenic function and its effect on downstream signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

METHODS

Various preparations of beta(2)GPI were used on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the absence or presence of VEGF and bFGF. The effect on HUVECs' proliferation, migration and tubule formation in Matrigel matrix was investigated. The effect of beta(2)GPI on the mRNA expression of VEGF receptors and phosphorylation of signaling molecules was also studied.

RESULTS

beta(2)GPI is shown in this study to be an anti-angiogenic molecule in vitro by inhibiting VEGF and bFGF-induced proliferation, migration and papillary-like tubule formation of HUVECs. This inhibition was achieved by native, proteolytically clipped and domain deletion mutants, domain I-IV (DI-IV) but not domain II-V (DII-V) of beta(2)GPI. Native beta(2)GPI was found to downregulate the expression of the VEGF receptor KDR/Flk-1 on endothelial cells and to block the phosphorylation of VEGF's downstream effector molecules in the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/GSK3beta pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that beta(2)GPI has anti-angiogenic functions which depend on the presence of domain I. This anti-angiogenic activity may have important implications for the therapeutic manipulation of angiogenesis in various disease states.

Correlation between birth defects and dietary nutrition status in a high incidence area of China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between birth defects and dietary nutrient intake in a high risk area of China.

METHODS

A dietary survey was performed and serum folic acid was measured in women whose pregnancy was affected by neural tube defects (NTDs) or unaffected by any birth defects (BDs) in Zhongyang and Jiaokou Counties in Shanxi Province of China.

RESULTS

The local average consumption of foods including dark green vegetables, fruits, fat and meat, and nutrient intake (e.g., energy, protein, retinol, riboflavin, vitamin E, and selenium) were lower than the national average level. In women of childbearing age, these regions, the intake of nutrients was much lower than the recommended nutrient intake (9%-77%). The case-control dietary nutrition study of women whose pregnancy was affected by BDs (including NTDs and congenital heart defects) demonstrated that, in early pregnancy, adequate nutrition (i.e., eating meat, fresh vegetables, fruit more than once a week) was a protective factor, while eating germinated potatoes was a risk factor. The geometrical mean (p5-p95) of serum folic acid in women with NTD birth defects was 9.6 nmol/L (3.6, 23.03), which was significantly lower than that in normal women (14.03 nmol/L).

CONCLUSION

Women of childbearing age in the two counties of Shanxi Province, China, have a marked insufficient intake of some nutrients, especially folic acid, zinc, vitamins A and B12. This nutrient deficiency may be an important risk factor for the high prevalence of birth defects in these regions. Therefore, adequate dietary nutrition in early pregnancy can prevent BDs.

[Incidence of low birth weight of neonates and the influencing factors in China]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence of low birth weight and identify the influencing factors in China in 2006.

METHODS

The national survey was performed by stratified random cluster sampling method in 43 cities and counties in 14 provinces. The subjects were all live neonates during May to October in 2006. Their body weight was measured according to the standardization conducted by the national research team, while the information of all infants was investigated by questionnaires. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.

RESULTS

Among 18 554 infants investigated, the incidence of low birth weight was 4.6% in 2006 in China, being 3.2%, 4.4%, and 6.3% in eastern middle and western areas respectively. The incidence of low birth weight were 3.9% in urban and 4.8% in rural. The results of logistic regression analysis suggested that maternal education (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.181 approximately 1.861), body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.229 - 1.876), body weight gain in gestation period (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.246 - 1.965), gestational weeks (OR = 20.16; 95% CI: 15.456 - 26.297), multiple birth (OR = 12.11; 95% CI: 9.229 - 15.893), gestation syndrome, and nutrition instruction (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.550 - 0.798) were associated with low birth weight significantly.

CONCLUSION

The main factors resulting in low birth weight in neonates are maternal education, BMI before pregnancy, body weight gain in gestation period, pregnancy age, multiple birth, gestation syndrome, and nutrition instruction.

[Study on undernutrition and overweight coexisting within the same household]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the phenomenon of undernutrition and overweight coexisting within the same household on the level of household among 9 provinces in 2000. To explore the likely factors related to the phenomenon.

METHODS

This is a cross sectional study. All households were categorized as four types: undernutrition, overweight, undernutrition/overweight and normal. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the statistical significance of the association of undernutrition/overweight with sociodemographic factors while controlling for confounders.

RESULTS

In 9 provinces of China, 6.9% of all households were found to have undernutrition and overweight members within the same household. The undernutrition/overweight households were more likely to be urban residence, have a motor vehical,own a washing machine, household head have a low energy occupation and more likely to consume a higher percentage of energy from animal fat. There were no significant differences between undernutrition/overweight and overweight households. There were 34.9% undernutrition/overweight households of all undernutrition households and 13.2% of all overweight households.

CONCLUSION

It's essential to explore the phenomenon. The results will suggest the nutrition intervention to consider both undernutrition and chronic disease.

Cloning, expression and chromosomal localization of a novel human dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV homolog, DPP8

Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV has roles in T-cell costimulation, chemokine biology, type-II diabetes and tumor biology. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been implicated in tumor growth and cirrhosis. Here we describe DPP8, a novel human postproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase that is homologous to DPPIV and FAP. Northern-blot hybridization showed that the tissue expression of DPP8 mRNA is ubiquitous, similar to that of DPPIV. The DPP8 gene was localized to chromosome 15q22, distinct from a closely related gene at 19p13.3 which we named DPP9. The full-length DPP8 cDNA codes for an 882-amino-acid protein that has about 27% identity and 51% similarity to DPPIV and FAP, but no transmembrane domain and no N-linked or O-linked glycosylation. Western blots and confocal microscopy of transfected COS-7 cells showed DPP8 to be a 100-kDa monomeric protein expressed in the cytoplasm. Purified recombinant DPP8 hydrolyzed the DPPIV substrates Ala-Pro, Arg-Pro and Gly-Pro. Thus recombinant DPP8 shares a postproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase activity with DPPIV and FAP. DPP8 enzyme activity had a neutral pH optimum consistent with it being nonlysosomal. The similarities between DPP8 and DPPIV in tissue expression pattern and substrates suggests a potential role for DPP8 in T-cell activation and immune function.

High level, tissue-specific expression of a modified calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide promoter in a human medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line

The efficient and high level expression of therapeutic genes in target cells is critical for effective gene therapy. We have developed a novel promoter by utilizing tandem repeats of a tissue-specific regulatory element from the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CT/CGRP) gene placed in close proximity to a basal promoter, thereby removing interstitial sequences. This promoter drives expression of reporter genes at much higher levels than the natural promoter while significantly improving specificity in thyroid C cells.

Antiproliferative effect of calcitriol on human prostatic cancer cell lines: unrelated to the expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)

BACKGROUND

In addition to its role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25-D3) demonstrates multiple effects on cell proliferation/differentiation by expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). It has recently been reported that 1,25-D3 inhibits the growth of prostatic cancer (PCa) cells. In this study we examined the effect of 1,25-D3 on both the growth and expression of HLA-ABC, HLA-DR and ICAM-1 antigens in PCa cells.

METHODS

Four human PCa cell lines (PC-3, PPC-1, ALVA-41 and ALVA-101) were examined. The cell numbers were enumerated, and the effects of interferon-y (IFN-gamma) and 1,25-D3 on the expression of HLA-ABC, HLA-DR and ICAM-1 were quantitated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A dose-dependent antiproliferative effect of 1,25-D3 was found in all PCa cells lines except ALVA-41.1,25-D3 was approximately 10 times as potent as its analogue 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in inhibiting the growth of PC-3 cells. Also, the relative inhibitory ability of these compounds paralleled the strength of their binding affinities for the 1,25-D3 receptor, indicating that the antiproliferative effect may require a receptor-ligand interaction. HLA-ABC was expressed in PC-3, ALVA-41 and ALVA-101, but not in PPC-1 cells, while HLA-DR was not expressed on any of the tested cells. IFN-gammacould enhance or induce HLA-ABC but not HLA-DR expression in the tested cells. ICAM-1 was expressed in all cells and slightly upregulated by IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSION

In this study 1,25-D3 had an antiproliferative effect on 3 of the 4 examined PCa cell lines.

The role of rheological properties in mucociliary transport by frog palate ciliated model

The effect of viscoelastic properties on mucociliary transport rate was investigated using the frog palate ciliated model. Mucociliary transportability of several hydrophilic polymeric gels with widely different viscoelastic characteristics were tested on the frog palate mucociliary model. An apparent negative relationship is observed between the relative transport rate (TR) and storage (G1) or loss (G2) modulus. However, a minimum in relative transport rate is observed at an apparent loss tangent (tan delta) value of between 0.7 and 0.9. A theoretical model for mucociliary transport is presented. The model predicted a minimum in transport rate at tan delta equal to 1.74 after adjustment for primary variation due to storage modulus (G1), which is in agreement with the observed frog palate transport rate. The model isolates the loss tangent (tan delta) and the magnitude of the complex modulus (magnitude of G*) as the important viscoelastic parameters for mucociliary transport. Optimum rheological characteristics with respect to slow transport rate can be achieved by using hydrophilic polymer gels with a large complex modulus and simultaneously with a loss tangent equal to 1.74.

Viscoelastic properties of poly(ethylene oxide) solution

The viscoelastic properties of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) solution were investigated using the dynamic oscillatory testing technique. With this technique, the effect of PEO molecular weight (MW), concentration, composition of mixed solvent systems consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol formal, and water, and the effect of NaCl salt on the viscoelastic properties of PEO solution were determined. Dynamic moduli (G1, G2), magnitude of complex viscosity (magnitude of eta*), and loss tangent (tan delta) were examined over a frequency range of 10(-3)-2.5 Hz at 30 degrees C. The results indicated that low MW PEOs show liquidlike behavior while high elasticity is exhibited by high MW PEOs due to entanglement formation. The complex viscosity, magnitude of eta*, exhibits shear thinning (power-law) characteristics under oscillatory measurements. The relationship between steady shear and complex viscosities follows the Cox-Merz rule over the shear rate and frequency region studied. Both the storage (G1) and loss (G2) modulus increase drastically as the proportion of water in the mixed solvent system increases. Similarly, both G1 and G2 are found to increase while the tan delta decreases with increasing concentration of PEOs. The addition of up to 2% w/w NaCl in an aqueous solution of 10% w/w 2 million MW PEO has no observed detrimental effect on the viscoelastic behavior.

Viscoelastic properties of polyacrylic acid gels in mixed solvents

The objective of this study is to investigate the viscoelastic properties of Carbopol 934P polymeric systems in a variety of mixtures of pharmaceutical solvents. Carbopol 934P neutralized with a 1:1 equivalent ratio of triethanolamine was dissolved in various binary or ternary solvent mixtures consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol formal, and water. Dynamic moduli G' and G'', complex viscosities, eta' and eta'', and loss tangent, tan delta, were examined over a frequency range of 10(-3) to 10 Hz using an oscillatory viscoelastic rheometer at 30 degrees C. The results indicated that for 0.5-1.5 wt% neutralized Carbopol in ternary mixtures, G' and G'' increased by 3-4 orders of magnitude and the phase angle decreased from 80 to 25 degrees when the water content in the solvent mixture increased from 10 to 80 wt%. These studies also indicated that the addition of water to nonaqueous Carbopol 934P polymer systems transforms them from low-viscosity solutions to gels with significant elastic behavior involving physical interaction and entanglement of polymer segments with solvents.