[A survey on the current situation of serum vitamin A and vitamin D levels among children aged 2-<7 years of 20 cities in China]

Objective: To investigate serum vitamin A and vitamin D status in children aged 2-<7 years in 20 cities in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 2 924 healthy children aged 2-<7 years were recruited from September 2018 to September 2019 from 20 cities in China, categorized by age groups of 2-<3 years, 3-<5 years, and 5-<7 years. The demographic and economic characteristics and health-related information of the enrolled children were investigated. Body weight and height were measured by professional staff members. The serum vitamin A and vitamin D levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Chi-square test and Logistic regression were applied to analyze the association between vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as well as their underlying impact factors. Results: The age of the 2 924 enrolled children was 4.33 (3.42, 5.17) years. There were 1 726 males (59.03%) and 1 198 females (40.97%). The prevalences of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency in enrolled children were 2.19% (64/2 924) and 3.52% (103/2 924), respectively, and the insufficiency rates were 29.27% (856/2 924) and 22.20% (649/2 924), respectively. Children with both vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies or insufficiencies were found in 10.50% (307/2 924) of cases. Both vitamin A (χ2=7.91 and 8.06, both P=0.005) and vitamin D (χ2=71.35 and 115.10, both P<0.001) insufficiency rates were higher in children aged 3-<5 and 5-<7 years than those in children aged 2-<3 years. Vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation in the last 3 months was a protective factor for vitamin A and D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively (OR=0.68 and 0.22, 95%CI 0.49-0.95 and 0.13-0.40, both P<0.05). The rates of vitamin A and D insufficiency was higher in children with annual household incomes <60 000 RMB than in those with annual household incomes ≥60 000 RMB (χ2=34.11 and 10.43, both P<0.01). Northwest and Southwest had the highest rates of vitamin A and vitamin D insufficiency in children aged 2-<7 yeas, respectively (χ2=93.22 and 202.54, both P<0.001). Conclusions: Among 20 cities in China, children aged 2-<7 years experience high rates of vitamin A and vitamin D insufficiency, which are affected by age, family economic level, vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation, and regional economic level. The current results suggest that high level of attention should be paid to vitamin A and vitamin D nutritional status of preschool children.

Vitamin A ameliorates valproic acid-induced autism-like symptoms in developing zebrafish larvae by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been reported to induce ASD-like symptoms in human and rodents. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD have not been well elucidated. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors using zebrafish model and investigated whether vitamin A could prevent VPA-induced neurotoxicity. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 25 and 50 μM VPA from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and the neurotoxicity was assessed. Our results showed that VPA affected the normal development of zebrafish larvae and induced ASD-like behaviors, including reduced locomotor activity, decreased distance near conspecifics, impaired social interaction and repetitive swimming behaviors. Exposure to VPA decreased the GFP signal in transgenic HuC:egfp zebrafish according to the negative effect of VPA on the expression of neurodevelopmental genes. In addition, VPA enhanced oxidative stress by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and inhibiting the activity of superoxide dismutase, then triggered apoptosis by upregulation of apoptotic genes. These adverse outcomes were mitigated by vitamin A, suggesting that vitamin A rescued VPA-induced ASD-like symptoms by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Overall, this study identified vitamin A as a promising strategy for future therapeutic regulator of VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors.

Association between Dietary Intake of Live Microbes and Chronic Constipation in Adults

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation (CC) is a common gut health problem, and the role of live dietary microbes in CC is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary live microbes consumption and CC.

METHODS

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2005-2010), 11,170 adults who completed the 24-h face-to-face dietary recall and bowel health questionnaire were identified. CC was defined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Dietary live microbes intake was classified as low, medium, and high. Additionally, combined medium and high categories (MedHi) were analyzed. Multivariate regression models were constructed to assess the association between dietary intake of live microbes and CC.

RESULTS

In the weighted sample, the age-adjusted CC prevalence was 7.06% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.45, 7.67). In multivariate regression models, after controlling for potential confounders race/ethnicity, sex, body mass index, education, poverty, depression, caffeine intake, and alcohol intake, a significant inverse association between dietary live microbes consumption and CC was observed (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.97, P-trend = 0.061).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a high dietary live microbes consumption may be associated with lower odds of CC. However, further prospective studies are essential to confirm its effectiveness in reducing CC occurrence.

Holistic Prediction of AuNP Aggregation in Diverse Aqueous Suspensions Based on Machine Vision and Dark-Field Scattering Imaging

The localized surface-plasmon resonance of the AuNP in aqueous media is extremely sensitive to environmental changes. By measuring the signal of plasmon scattering light, the dark-field microscopic (DFM) imaging technique has been used to monitor the aggregation of AuNPs, which has attracted great attention because of its simplicity, low cost, high sensitivity, and universal applicability. However, it is still challenging to interpret DFM images of AuNP aggregation due to the heterogeneous characteristics of the isolated and discontinuous color distribution. Herein, we introduce machine vision algorithms for the training of DFM images of AuNPs in different saline aqueous media. A visual deep learning framework based on AlexNet is constructed for studying the aggregation patterns of AuNPs in aqueous suspensions, which allows for rapid and accurate identification of the aggregation extent of AuNPs, with a prediction accuracy higher than 0.96. With the aid of machine learning analysis, we further demonstrate the prediction ability of various aggregation phenomena induced by both cation species and the concentration of the external saline solution. Our results suggest the great potential of machine vision frameworks in the accurate recognition of subtle pattern changes in DFM images, which can help researchers build predictive analytics based on DFM imaging data.

Multi-scale structures of the mammalian radial spoke and divergence of axonemal complexes in ependymal cilia

Radial spokes (RS) transmit mechanochemical signals between the central pair (CP) and axonemal dynein arms to coordinate ciliary motility. Atomic-resolution structures of metazoan RS and structures of axonemal complexes in ependymal cilia, whose rhythmic beating drives the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, however, remain obscure. Here, we present near-atomic resolution cryo-EM structures of mouse RS head-neck complex in both monomer and dimer forms and reveal the intrinsic flexibility of the dimer. We also map the genetic mutations related to primary ciliary dyskinesia and asthenospermia on the head-neck complex. Moreover, we present the cryo-ET and sub-tomogram averaging map of mouse ependymal cilia and build the models for RS1-3, IDAs, and N-DRC. Contrary to the conserved RS structure, our cryo-ET map reveals the lack of IDA-b/c/e and the absence of Tektin filaments within the A-tubule of doublet microtubules in ependymal cilia compared with mammalian respiratory cilia and sperm flagella, further exemplifying the structural diversity of mammalian motile cilia. Our findings shed light on the stepwise mammalian RS assembly mechanism, the coordinated rigid and elastic RS-CP interaction modes beneficial for the regulation of asymmetric ciliary beating, and also facilitate understanding on the etiology of ciliary dyskinesia-related ciliopathies and on the ependymal cilia in the development of hydrocephalus.

The Lysine Demethylase KDM7A Regulates Immediate Early Genes in Neurons

Lysine demethylase KDM7A removes histone modifications H3K9me1/2 and H3K27me1/2. KDM7A plays critical roles in gene expression and contribute to biological processes including tumorigenesis, metabolism, and embryonic development. However, the functions of KDM7A in mammalian nervous system are still poorly explored. In this study, functional roles of KDM7A are comprehensively investigated in neuronal cells by applying CUT&Tag-seq, RNA-seq and mice models. Knockdown of Kdm7a in N2A cells result in the alteration of histone modifications near transcription start sites (TSSs) and the expression changes of a large number of genes. In particular, the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs), a series of genes maintaining the function of the nervous system and associating with neurological disorders, are significantly decreased upon Kdm7a knockdown. Furthermore, in vivo knockdown of Kdm7a in dentate gyrus (DG) neuron of mice hippocampus, via Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based stereotaxic microinjection, led to a significant decrease of the expression of c-Fos, a marker of neuron activity. Behavior assays in mice further revealed that Kdm7a knockdown in hippocampus repress neuron activity, which leading to impairment of emotion and memory. Collectively, the study reveals that KDM7A affects neuron functions by regulating IEGs, which may provide new clues for understanding epigenetic mechanisms in neurological disorders.

The Modification and Applications of Nanopipettes in Electrochemical Analysis

Nanopipette, which is fabricated by glasses and possesses a nanoscale pore in the tip, has been proven to be immensely useful in electrochemical analysis. Numerous nanopipette-based sensors have emerged with improved sensitivity, selectivity, ease of use, and miniaturization. In this minireview, we provide an overview of the recent developments of nanopipette-based electrochemical sensors based on different types of nanopipettes, including single-nanopipettes, self-referenced nanopipettes, dual-nanopipettes, and double-barrel nanopipettes. Several important modification materials for nanopipette functionalization are highlighted, such as conductive materials, macromolecular materials, and functional molecules. These materials can improve the sensing performance and targeting specificities of nanopipettes. We also discuss examples of related applications and the future development of nanopipette-based strategies.

Human-murine chimeric autoantibodies with high affinity and specificity for systemic sclerosis

Scleroderma 70 (Scl-70) is commonly used in the clinic for aiding systemic sclerosis (SSc) diagnosis due to its recognition as autoantibodies in the serum of SSc patients. However, obtaining sera positive for anti-Scl-70 antibody can be challenging; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a specific, sensitive, and easily available reference for SSc diagnosis. In this study, murine-sourced scFv library were screened by phage display technology against human Scl-70, and the scFvs with high affinity were constructed into humanized antibodies for clinical application. Finally, ten high-affinity scFv fragments were obtained. Three fragments (2A, 2AB, and 2HD) were select for humanization. The physicochemical properties of the amino acid sequence, three-dimensional structural basis, and electrostatic potential distribution of the protein surface of different scFv fragments revealed differences in the electrostatic potential of their CDR regions determined their affinity for Scl-70 and expression. Notably, the specificity test showed the half-maximal effective concentration values of the three humanized antibodies were lower than that of positive patient serum. Moreover, these humanized antibodies showed high specificity for Scl-70 in diagnostic immunoassays for ANA. Among these three antibodies, 2A exhibited most positive electrostatic potential on the surface of the CDRs and highest affinity and specificity for Scl-70 but with least expression level; thus, it may provide new foundations for developing enhanced diagnostic strategies for SSc.

Features of Cognitive Ability and Central Auditory Processing of Preschool Children With Minimal and Mild Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the current status of cognitive development and central auditory processing development of preschool children with minimal and mild hearing loss (MMHL) in Nanjing, China.

METHOD

We recruited 34 children with MMHL and 45 children with normal hearing (NH). They completed a series of tests, including cognitive tests (i.e., Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and Continuous Performance Test), behavioral auditory tests (speech-in-noise [SIN] test and frequency pattern test), and objective electrophysiological audiometry (speech-evoked auditory brainstem response and cortical auditory evoked potential). In addition, teacher evaluations and demographic information and questionnaires completed by parents were collected.

RESULTS

Regarding cognitive ability, statistical differences in the verbal comprehensive index, full-scale intelligence quotient, and abnormal rate of attention test score were found between the MMHL group and the NH group. The children with MMHL performed poorer on the SIN test than the children with NH. As for the auditory electrophysiology of the two groups, the latency and amplitude of some waves of the speech-evoked auditory brainstem response and cortical auditory evoked potential were statistically different between the two groups. We attempted to explore the relationship between some key indicators of auditory processing and some key indicators of cognitive development.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with MMHL are already at increased developmental risk as early as preschool. They are more likely to have problems with attention and verbal comprehension than children with NH. This condition is not compensated with increasing age during the preschool years. The results suggest a possible relationship between the risk of cognitive deficit and divergence of auditory processing.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22670473.

NRXN1 depletion in the medial prefrontal cortex induces anxiety-like behaviors and abnormal social phenotypes along with impaired neurite outgrowth in rat

BACKGROUND

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of disorders induced by abnormal brain developmental processes. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays an essential role in executive function, and its role in NDDs has been reported. NDDs are associated with high-risk gene mutations and share partially overlapping genetic abnormalities.

METHODS

Neurexins (NRXNs) are related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NRXN1, an essential susceptibility gene for NDDs, has been reported to be associated with NDDs. However, little is known about its key role in NDDs.

RESULTS

NRXN1 downregulation in the medial PFC induced anxiety-like behaviors and abnormal social phenotypes with impaired neurite outgrowth in Sh-NRXN1 in prefrontal neurons. Moreover, tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis of rat brain samples showed that NRXN1 downregulation led to significant proteome alterations, including pathways related to the extracellular matrix, cell membrane, and morphologic change. Furthermore, full-automatic immunoblotting analysis verified the differently expressed proteins related to cell morphology and membrane structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed the association of NRXN1 with abnormal behaviors in NDDs and provided richer insights into specific prefrontal knockdown in adolescence, potentially expanding the NRXN1 interactome and contributing to human health.

Correction of multi-scale sunglint reflections from the water surface in airborne high-spatial resolution optical images

Airborne optical images (AOI) are often with complex sunglint reflections, which brings a certain influence to watercolor retrieval. This includes the sunglint reflection with water surface statistical distribution characteristics caused by imaging viewing angles differences, with high spatial resolution surface discrete characteristics sharing similar viewing angles, and the surface Fresnel reflection sunglint differences caused by the skylight difference during the flight of unmanned aerial vehicles. Aiming at the multiscale optical characteristics of sunglint reflection in high spatial resolution AOI, based on multi-path optical radiation transmission, the sunglint reflection interference from three different imaging processes is clarified. We developed a correction method to eliminate these different sunglint reflections on water surfaces and improve the reflectivity accuracy. The comparison with the in situ measured remote sensing reflectance of water indicated that the root mean square error (RMSE) was reduced from 0.0009 sr^-1 to 0.0004 sr^-1, and the mean relative error (MRE) decreased from 21.8% to 15.7%. This method has also been applied to correct the Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) images, showing good applicability. The method is fast, effective, and without auxiliary parameters, which provides a correction reference for different surface sunglint corrections of various AOI.

Mapping cross-variant neutralizing sites on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

The emergence of multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern threatens the efficacy of currently approved vaccines and authorized therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). It is hence important to continue searching for SARS-CoV-2 broadly neutralizing MAbs and defining their epitopes. Here, we isolate 9 neutralizing mouse MAbs raised against the spike protein of a SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain and evaluate their neutralizing potency towards a panel of variants, including B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.617.1, and B.1.617.2. By using a combination of biochemical, virological, and cryo-EM structural analyses, we identify three types of cross-variant neutralizing MAbs, represented by S5D2, S5G2, and S3H3, respectively, and further define their epitopes. S5D2 binds the top lateral edge of the receptor-binding motif within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) with a binding footprint centred around the loop477-489, and efficiently neutralizes all variant pseudoviruses, but the potency against B.1.617.2 was observed to decrease significantly. S5G2 targets the highly conserved RBD core region and exhibits comparable neutralization towards the variant panel. S3H3 binds a previously unreported epitope located within the evolutionarily stable SD1 region and is able to near equally neutralize all of the variants tested. Our work thus defines three distinct cross-variant neutralizing sites on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, providing guidance for design and development of broadly effective vaccines and MAb-based therapies.

The development, validity, reliability, and norm of a preschool auditory processing assessment scale in China

BACKGROUND

Children with auditory processing deficits may face problems with language, learning, and social communication.

AIMS

To develop a Chinese auditory processing assessment scale for preschool children and establish the norms of the scale.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The predictive version of the scale was formed by a literature review, qualitative interviews, expert consultation, and a pre-test with a small sample. Nine kindergartens in Nanjing were selected by a stratified cluster sampling plan. First, 734 children from two kindergartens were selected for the large sample pre-test of the scale. Then, 1526 children from four kindergartens and 1151 children from three kindergartens were selected for the reliability and validity analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. The standardized norm data of the scale were established based on the 3411 points of scale data of the nine kindergartens. Finally, the clinical usefulness of the scale was analyzed by comparing the results of objective auditory processing tests in children with normal and abnormal auditory processing prompted by the score on the scale.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The preschool auditory processing assessment scale includes 5 dimensions and 30 items. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale is greater than 0.9. The confirmatory factor analysis results verify that the scale structure is reasonable. The percentile norm of the scale was established. The results of electrophysiological tests of the normal and abnormal auditory processing groups were statistically different (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The developed preschool auditory processing assessment scale has good reliability and validity. The scale is suitable for clinical application.

Development, Reliability, and Validity of the Preschool Learning Skills Scale: A Tool for Early Identification of Preschoolers at Risk of Learning Disorder in Mainland China

Background

Early identification of children at risk of learning disorders (LD) may mitigate the adverse effects of delayed intervention by guiding children to receive preventive services at an earlier age. However, there is no assessment tool for the early identification of children at risk of LD in Mainland China. Therefore, this study aimed to create a Chinese version of the Preschool Learning Skills Scale and investigate its validity and reliability.

Methods

Firstly, a pilot scale was designed based on literature review and expert review. Secondly, a pre-survey of the pilot scale was conducted. In phase 3, a formal survey was carried out to test the reliability and validity of the scale by involving 2,677 preschool children from 7 kindergartens. Data were collected using a checklist for demographic characteristics, the preschool learning skills scale, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P), and Conners' Rating Scales.

Results

The final scale included 38 items under seven factors. The reliability and validity tests confirmed that the Cronbach's alpha, split-half reliability, and test–retest reliability coefficients of the scale were 0.946, 0.888, and 0.941, respectively. The Spearman correlations of factor-total score ranged from 0.685 to 0.876. The results of criterion-related validity showed a direct and significant association between the preschool learning skills scale with the BRIEF-P (r = 0.641, P &lt; 0.001) and the cognitive problems factor of Conners' Rating Scales (r = 0.564, P &lt; 0.001). The model had a good fit (χ2/df = 3.489, RMSEA = 0.047, RMR = 0.024, CFI = 0.912, TLI = 0.900, and IFI = 0.912). Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis supported the structural and measurement invariance on the preschool learning skills scale across gender and grade.

Conclusions

The developed preschool learning skills scale has good reliability and validity, indicating that the scale can be used to identify preschool children at risk of LD and can be recommended for use in clinical research and practice.

Development and Evaluation of Orthographic Knowledge Awareness Scale for Children Aged 6–12 Years

Objective

This study primarily aimed to develop an orthographic knowledge awareness scale in Mandarin for children aged 6–12 years. Related factors affecting orthographic knowledge awareness in children were analyzed, and a basis for individualized intervention was provided to improve reading and writing.

Methods

A conceptual framework for orthographic knowledge awareness in children aged 6–12 years was determined through a detailed reading of the literature on Chinese character orthography, combined with qualitative interviews of the target population and consultation with experts. The orthographic knowledge awareness scale initially consisted of three versions: for grades 1–2 (210 items), grades 3–4 (207 items), and grades 5–6 (220 items), accumulating a total of 637 items. The initial scale was then used for the study involving children aged 6–12 years in Maanshan City, Jiangsu Province. Various approaches to screening items were comprehensively used to determine the formal version of the orthographic knowledge awareness scale. The official scale was ultimately used to conduct the third round of surveys among 1,354 children aged 6–12 years in ordinary primary schools located in 5 cities in Jiangsu Province, namely, Changzhou, Lianyungang, Nantong, Xuzhou, and Yangzhou. The reliability, validity, and discriminating power of the formal scale were evaluated.

Results

A total of 360 items were included in the formal version of the orthographic knowledge awareness scale. The formal scale was divided into three versions for grades 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6. Each grade version consisted of 120 items. The scale was composed of the stroke awareness test, radical awareness test, and left–right reversal test. The cumulative variance contribution rates of grades 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6 were 82.47, 61.71, and 64.19%, respectively. The Cronbach's α coefficients of the three-grade version of the scale were 0.989, 0.946, and 0.938; the split-half reliability coefficients were 0.925, 0.766, and 0.847; and the test–retest reliability coefficients were 0.847, 0.895, and 0.8928, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed orthographic knowledge awareness scale for children aged 6–12 years exhibits good reliability and validity. The formal scale consisted of two dimensions: identification of left–right reversal at the stroke and radical levels and the left–right reversal at the whole character level. The two dimensions can more comprehensively reflect the ability of children to discriminate orthographic structures.

Vitamin A supplementation ameliorates prenatal valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviors in rats

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is reported to induce ASD in human and ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Unfortunately, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear.

METHODS

Pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA on E12.5 to construct the ASD rat model in offspring. The different expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA profiles in the hippocampus were determined by RNA sequencing to investigate potential mechanisms of VPA-induced ASD. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to predict the function of dysregulated lncRNAs. Co-expression network and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis were conducted to validate the potential regulatory lncRNA-mRNA network.

RESULTS

VPA increased the total distance, time spent in the central zone and self-grooming (open field test) in rats. Meanwhile, VPA induced social impairment (three-chamber sociability test) and repetitive behaviors (marble burying test). A total of 238 lncRNAs and 354 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the VPA group. In addition, the dysregulated lncRNAs were involved in neural function and developmental processes of ASD. 5 lncRNAs and 7 mRNAs were differently expressed and included in the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of 4 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs, and identified a potential regulatory network of NONRATT021475.2 (lncRNA) and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). Moreover, VPA decreased the serum vitamin A (VA) levels in offspring rats on postnatal day (PND) 21 and 49. Importantly, VA supplementation significantly restored VPA-induced autism-related behaviors and upregulation of NONRATT021475.2 and Dhh in the hippocampus of ASD rats.

CONCLUSION

This study not only contributed to understand the importance of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the progression of ASD, but also identified VA as a potential therapy for the condition.

DATA AVAILABILITY

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author with reasonable request.

Noninvasive isolation of transcervical trophoblast cells for fetal identification

OBJECTIVE

To identify trophoblastic cells retrieved from the cervix at a gestational age (GA) of 5-9 weeks by a noninvasive modality in fetuses.

METHOD

Transcervical cells (TCCs) were noninvasively extracted by a cytobrush using the Papanicolaou sampling method. TCCs were immunostained with antihuman leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and anticytokeratin (CK)-7 antibodies to identify trophoblastic cells. Maternal finger blood, gestational sacs, and 20 trophoblastic cells collected by a laser-guided microscopic single-cell capture system were examined and compared by short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping.

RESULTS

Forty-nine pregnant women with GA of 5-9 weeks and six nonpregnant healthy women were included in the study. Trophoblastic cells were identified in 37 (75.5%) TCC samples, among which 34 (69.4%) were eligible for STR genotyping analysis. No trophoblastic cells were identified in nonpregnant healthy women. The STR genotyping analyses revealed 24 female and 10 male fetuses. TCC trophoblastic cells exhibited the same STR profiles as gestational sac and maternal blood in all samples, which indicated that the TCC trophoblastic cells originated from fetuses.

CONCLUSION

This primary study validated that trophoblastic cells from TCCs at GA 5-9 weeks originated from the fetus. Further studies are needed to verify whether this method can be used for early noninvasive prenatal diagnosis and paternity testing.

Establishing Normative Data for the Number Cancelation Test Among Children in Kindergartens and Primary Schools in China

This study aimed to suggest an attention assessment tool using a Digital Pen for measuring the temporal-spatial parameters during the Number Cancelation Test (NCT), and then to establish the normative data for the NCT among children in kindergartens and primary schools in China by recruiting a total of 989 children (496 males). Four measures, i.e., selective attention (SA), speed of cognitive processing (SpC), averaged time of circlings (ATC), and averaged circumference of circled curves (ACCC), were proposed to evaluate the NCT performance. They basically have a development trend with fast speed in the beginning before Grade 1 or 2 of primary schools, and then enter an extremely slow development period (with ceiling or floor effect). SA and SpC have gender and grade main effects, while ATC and ACCC have the grade main effect, only. In particular, females have higher SA scores than males in middle class of kindergarten, and Grade 2-Grade 5 of primary school, but no gender differences in other grades; females have higher SpC scores than males in middle class of kindergarten, and Grade 3-4 of primary school, but no gender differences in other grades. More importantly, in clinical practice, if SA or SpC measure of a child is below than the 5th centile (i.e., p5 level) of his/her grade-specific normative data, then this child may be predicted to have a high-risk of learning disabilities. Findings suggest that the proposed method can be used for early screening of learning disabilities by setting appropriate cut-off values.

Structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant recognition of ACE2 receptor and broadly neutralizing antibodies

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is currently the dominant circulating strain in the world. Uncovering the structural basis of the enhanced transmission and altered immune sensitivity of Delta is particularly important. Here we present cryo-EM structures revealing two conformational states of Delta spike and S/ACE2 complex in four states. Our cryo-EM analysis suggests that RBD destabilizations lead to population shift towards the more RBD-up and S1 destabilized fusion-prone state, beneficial for engagement with ACE2 and shedding of S1. Noteworthy, we find the Delta T478K substitution plays a vital role in stabilizing and reshaping the RBM loop^473-490, enhancing interaction with ACE2. Collectively, increased propensity for more RBD-up states and the affinity-enhancing T478K substitution together contribute to increased ACE2 binding, providing structural basis of rapid spread of Delta. Moreover, we identify a previously generated MAb 8D3 as a cross-variant broadly neutralizing antibody and reveal that 8D3 binding induces a large K478 side-chain orientation change, suggesting 8D3 may use an “induced-fit” mechanism to tolerate Delta T478K mutation. We also find that all five RBD-targeting MAbs tested remain effective on Delta, suggesting that Delta well preserves the neutralizing antigenic landscape in RBD. Our findings shed new lights on the pathogenicity and antibody neutralization of Delta.

Here the authors reveal conformational dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Delta spike and its complex with ACE2 receptor or broadly neutralizing Mab 8D3 by cryo-EM, shedding new insights into mechanisms of receptor recognition and antibody neutralization for the Delta variant.

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Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) decortication in patients presenting with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema. Methods: From August 2017 to July 2020, 158 patients of stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema underwent uniportal VATS decortication with partial rib resection and customized periosteal stripper in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. There were 127 males and 31 females, aged (M(IQR)) 32(28) years (range:14 to 78 years). Follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic or via social communication applications, at monthly thereafter. If there was no air leak and chest tube drainage was less than 50 ml/day, a chest CT was performed. If the lung was fully re-expanded, chest tubes were removed. All patients received a follow-up chest CT 3 to 6 months following their initial operations which was compared to their preoperative imaging. Results: There was one conversion to open thoracotomy. The operative time was 2.75 (2.50) hours (range: 1.5 to 7.0 hours), and median blood loss was 100 (500) ml (range: 50 to 2 000 ml). There were no perioperative mortalities. There were no major complications except 1 case of redo-VATS for hemostasis due to excessive drainage and 1 case of incision infection, The incidence of prolonged air leaks (>5 days) was 80.3%(126/157). The postoperative hospital stay was 5.00 (2.25) days (range:2 to 15 days). All patients were discharged with 2 chest tubes, and the median duration drainage was 21.00 (22.50) days (range: 3 to 77 days). Follow-up was completed in all patients over a duration of 20 (14) months (range: 12 to 44 months). At follow-up, 149 patients(94.9%) recovered to grade Ⅰ level, 7 patients to grade Ⅱ level, and 1 patient to grade Ⅲ level. Conclusion: Uniportal VATS decortication involving partial rib resection and a customized periosteal stripper is safe and effective for patients with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema.

Development and Validation of a Novel Diagnostic Model for Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on Ferroptosis-Related Genes

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly genetic heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, which is usually considered a heritable and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder and has caused a great burden to society and families. Emerging roles of ferroptosis have been observed in neurological disorders. This study aimed to construct a diagnostic model based on ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) to contribute to the early and precise diagnosis of childhood ASD. In the candidate FRGs, we identified 27 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ASD patients and typically developing (TD) controls. Four key FRGs were identified using the random forest analysis for further analysis. Utilization of the four gene expression, we constructed a diagnostic model and the AUC value in the training dataset (GSE18123) is 0.7002. We deem that a patient with a score less than 0.9904 is likely to have ASD. Three validation datasets (GSE111176, GSE113834, and GSE28521) were collected and the AUC value is 0.7442, 0.7444, and 0.6474, respectively. A multi-factor regulatory network based on four FRGs indicated that RORA, EAF1, NFYB, miR-4703-3p, and miR-6073 may play a role in the development of ASD. In addition, we found piperaquine may have the potential to be a promising drug for the treatment of ASD. Overall, we constructed a diagnostic model of childhood ASD, which could contribute to the precision diagnosis and timely treatment of childhood ASD.

Conformational dynamics of the Beta and Kappa SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins and their complexes with ACE2 receptor revealed by cryo-EM

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Kappa and Beta variants with enhanced transmissibility and resistance to neutralizing antibodies has created new challenges for the control of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the structural nature of Kappa and Beta spike (S) proteins and their association with ACE2 is of significant importance. Here we present two cryo-EM structures for each of the Kappa and Beta spikes in the open and open-prone transition states. Compared with wild-type (WT) or G614 spikes, the two variant spikes appear more untwisted/open especially for Beta, and display a considerable population shift towards the open state as well as more pronounced conformational dynamics. Moreover, we capture four conformational states of the S-trimer/ACE2 complex for each of the two variants, revealing an enlarged conformational landscape for the Kappa and Beta S-ACE2 complexes and pronounced population shift towards the three RBDs up conformation. These results implicate that the mutations in Kappa and Beta may modify the kinetics of receptor binding and viral fusion to improve virus fitness. Combined with biochemical analysis, our structural study shows that the two variants are enabled to efficiently interact with ACE2 receptor despite their sensitive ACE2 binding surface is modified to escape recognition by some potent neutralizing MAbs. Our findings shed new light on the pathogenicity and immune evasion mechanism of the Beta and Kappa variants.

Nanopipette-Based Nanosensor for Label-Free Electrochemical Monitoring of Cell Membrane Rupture under H2O2 Treatment

H₂O₂ is an essential signaling molecule in living cells that can cause direct damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, resulting in cell membrane rupture. However, current studies mostly focus on probe-based sensing of intracellular H₂O₂, and these methods usually require sophisticated probe synthesis and instruments. In particular, local H₂O₂ treatment induces cell membrane rupture, but the level of cell membrane destruction is unknown because the mechanical properties of the cell membrane are difficult to accurately determine. Therefore, highly sensitive and label-free methods are required to measure and reflect mechanical changes in the cell membrane. Here, using an ultrasmall quartz nanopipette with a tip diameter less than 90 nm as a nanosensor, label-free and noninvasive electrochemical single-cell measurement is achieved for real-time monitoring of cell membrane rupture under H₂O₂ treatment. By spatially controlling the nanopipette tip to precisely approach a specific location on the membrane of a single living cell, stable cyclic membrane oscillations are observed under a constant direct current voltage. Specifically, upon nanopipette advancement, the mechanical status of the cell membrane can be sensibly displayed by continuous current versus time traces. The electrical signals are collected and processed, ultimately revealing the mechanical properties of the cell membrane and the degree of cell apoptosis. This nanopipette-based nanosensor paves the way for developing a facile, label-free, and noninvasive strategy to assay the mechanical properties of the cell membrane during external stimulation at the single-cell level.

Electrophysiological Screening for Children With Suspected Auditory Processing Disorder: A Systematic Review

Objective: This research aimed to provide evidence for the early identification and intervention of children at risk for auditory processing disorder (APD). Electrophysiological studies on children with suspected APDs were systematically reviewed to understand the different electrophysiological characteristics of children with suspected APDs. Methods: Computerized databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for retrieval of articles since the establishment of the database through May 18, 2020. Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that evaluated the literature for the electrophysiological assessment of children with suspected APD were independently reviewed by two researchers for literature screening, literature quality assessment, and data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and 11 entries recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality were used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Results: In accordance with the inclusion criteria, 14 articles were included. These articles involved 7 electrophysiological testing techniques: click-evoked auditory brainstem responses, frequency-following responses, the binaural interaction component of the auditory brainstem responses, the middle-latency response, cortical auditory evoked potential, mismatch negativity, and P300. The literature quality was considered moderate. Conclusions: Auditory electrophysiological testing can be used for the characteristic identification of children with suspected APD; however, the value of various electrophysiological testing methods for screening children with suspected APD requires further study.

Transcriptomic Analyses of the Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence Identify Hallmarks Associated With the Onset of Colorectal Cancer

The concept of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in colorectal cancer (CRC) is widely accepted. However, the relationship between the characteristics of the transcriptome and the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in CRC remains unclear. Here, the transcriptome profiles of 15 tissue samples from five CRC patients were generated by RNAseq. Six specific dynamic expression patterns of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated by mFuzz. Weighted correlation network analysis showed that DEGs in cluster 4 were associated with carcinoma tissues, and those in cluster 6 were associated with non-normal tissues. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses identified metabolic dysregulation as a consistent finding throughout the transition process, whereas downregulation of the immune response occurred during normal to adenoma transition, and the upregulation of canonical pathways was associated with adenoma to carcinoma transition. Overall survival analysis of patients in cluster 6 identified TPD52L1 as a marker of poor prognosis, and cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays showed that high expression levels of TPD52L1 promoted malignant behaviors. In total, 70 proteins were identified as potential partners of hD53 by mass spectrometry. CRC formation was associated with three cancer hallmarks: dysregulation of metabolism, inactivation of the immune response, and activation of canonical cancer pathways. The TPD52L1 gene was identified as a potential marker to track tumor formation in CRC and as an indicator of poor patient prognosis.

Successful removal of a trapped epidural catheter facilitated by using a nickel/titanium alloy (nitinol) suture as a guidewire

Epidural catheters are often used in the provision of surgical anaesthesia and analgesia. These catheters need to be removed after a certain period, but difficulties may be encountered during this process. We present a case of difficult epidural catheter removal in an elderly woman who had undergone surgery for reduction and internal fixation of a comminuted intertrochanteric fracture at the left femur under combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was satisfactory during the operation; however, initial attempts to remove the catheter at the end of the procedure was met with significant resistance. Normal saline (5 ml) was injected through the catheter without difficulty, suggesting that the catheter was likely trapped and compressed but not obstructed. A nickel/titanium memory alloy suture was used as a guidewire to remove the catheter without damaging it. This case was analysed subsequently, and the management of future problematic removals is discussed herein. This article aims to raise awareness of, and to explore techniques for managing difficult epidural catheter removal.

Sacituzumab govitecan, a Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate, for patients with epithelial cancer: final safety and efficacy results from the phase I/II IMMU-132-01 basket trial

BACKGROUND

Sacituzumab govitecan (SG), a trophoblast cell surface antigen-2 (Trop-2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate, has demonstrated antitumor efficacy and acceptable tolerability in a phase I/II multicenter trial (NCT01631552) in patients with advanced epithelial cancers. This report summarizes the safety data from the overall safety population (OSP) and efficacy data, including additional disease cohorts not published previously.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with refractory metastatic epithelial cancers received intravenous SG (8, 10, 12, or 18 mg/kg) on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Endpoints for the OSP included safety and pharmacokinetic parameters with investigator-evaluated objective response rate (ORR per RECIST 1.1), duration of response, clinical benefit rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival evaluated for cohorts (n > 10 patients) of small-cell lung, colorectal, esophageal, endometrial, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

RESULTS

In the OSP (n = 495, median age 61 years, 68% female; UGT1A1∗28 homozygous, n = 46; 9.3%), 41 (8.3%) permanently discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs). Most common treatment-related AEs were nausea (62.6%), diarrhea (56.2%), fatigue (48.3%), alopecia (40.4%), and neutropenia (57.8%). Most common treatment-related serious AEs (n = 75; 15.2%) were febrile neutropenia (4.0%) and diarrhea (2.8%). Grade ≥3 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 42.4% and 5.3% of patients, respectively. Neutropenia (all grades) was numerically more frequent in UGT1A1∗28 homozygotes (28/46; 60.9%) than heterozygotes (69/180; 38.3%) or UGT1A1∗1 wild type (59/177; 33.3%). There was one treatment-related death due to an AE of aspiration pneumonia. Partial responses were seen in endometrial cancer (4/18, 22.2% ORR) and small-cell lung cancer (11/62, 17.7% ORR), and one castrate-resistant prostate cancer patient had a complete response (n = 1/11; 9.1% ORR).

CONCLUSIONS

SG demonstrated a toxicity profile consistent with previous published reports. Efficacy was seen in several cancer cohorts, which validates Trop-2 as a broad target in solid tumors.

Conformational dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike glycoprotein in complex with receptor ACE2 revealed by cryo-EM

The recent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 pose a global health emergency. The SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike (S) glycoprotein interacts with the human ACE2 receptor to mediate viral entry into host cells. We report the cryo-EM structures of a tightly closed SARS-CoV-2 S trimer with packed fusion peptide and an ACE2-bound S trimer at 2.7- and 3.8-Å resolution, respectively. Accompanying ACE2 binding to the up receptor-binding domain (RBD), the associated ACE2-RBD exhibits continuous swing motions. Notably, the SARS-CoV-2 S trimer appears much more sensitive to the ACE2 receptor than the SARS-CoV S trimer regarding receptor-triggered transformation from the closed prefusion state to the fusion-prone open state, potentially contributing to the superior infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. We defined the RBD T470-T478 loop and Y505 as viral determinants for specific recognition of SARS-CoV-2 RBD by ACE2. Our findings depict the mechanism of ACE2-induced S trimer conformational transitions from the ground prefusion state toward the postfusion state, facilitating development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and therapeutics.

Hand anthropometry and its relation to grip/pinch strength in children aged 5 to 13 years

Objective

To evaluate the development level of children’s physiological hand shape indicators and their relationship with grip/pinch strength.

Methods

Hand shape and grip/pinch strength in 1255 Chinese children aged 5 to 13 years were prospectively measured. Development curves of physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength were constructed.

Results

The physiological hand shape indicators (full length, middle finger length, width, and wrist thickness) and grip/pinch strength of boys and girls increased with age and showed statistically significant differences at different ages. In most age groups, hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength were larger in boys than in girls of the same age. After puberty, the physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength increased more rapidly in girls than in boys of the same age, and the differences gradually decreased thereafter. Moreover, a significant difference in pinch strength between the right and left hands was observed in most age groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the physiological hand shape indicators were significantly positively correlated with grip/pinch strength, height, weight, and body mass index.

Conclusions

This study revealed the relationship between physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength and provided reference ranges of physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength for children.

Sacituzumab govitecan in previously treated hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: final results from a phase I/II, single-arm, basket trial

BACKGROUND

Trophoblast cell-surface antigen-2 (Trop-2) is expressed in epithelial cancers, including hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Sacituzumab govitecan (SG; Trodelvy®) is an antibody-drug conjugate composed of a humanized anti-Trop-2 monoclonal antibody coupled to SN-38 at a high drug-to-antibody ratio via a unique hydrolyzable linker that delivers SN-38 intracellularly and in the tumor microenvironment. SG was granted accelerated FDA approval for metastatic triple-negative BC treatment in April 2020.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed a prespecified subpopulation of patients with HR+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) HR+/HER2- mBC from the phase I/II, single-arm trial (NCT01631552), who received intravenous SG (10 mg/kg) and whose disease progressed on endocrine-based therapy and at least one prior chemotherapy for mBC. End points included objective response rate (ORR; RECIST version 1.1) assessed locally, duration of response (DOR), clinical benefit rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

RESULTS

Fifty-four women were enrolled between 13 February 2015 and 1 June 2017. Median (range) age was 54 (33-79) years and all received at least two prior lines of therapy for mBC. At data cut-off (1 March 2019), 12 patients were still alive. Key grade ≥3 treatment-related toxicities included neutropenia (50.0%), anemia (11.1%), and diarrhea (7.4%). Two patients discontinued treatment due to treatment-related adverse events. No treatment-related deaths occurred. At a median follow-up of 11.5 months, the ORR was 31.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.5%-45.6%; 17 partial responses]; median DOR was 8.7 months (95% CI 3.7-12.7), median PFS was 5.5 months (95% CI 3.6-7.6), and median OS was 12 months (95% CI 9.0-18.2).

CONCLUSIONS

SG shows encouraging activity in patients with pretreated HR+/HER2- mBC and a predictable, manageable safety profile. Further evaluation in a randomized phase III trial (TROPiCS-02) is ongoing (NCT03901339).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01631552; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01631552.

The value of diffusion-weighted imaging based on monoexponential and biexponential models for the diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodules and masses

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to compare the efficacy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters of mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean and ADCmin) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in the differentiation of benign and malignant lung nodules and masses.

METHODS

Lung lesions measured larger than 1.5 cm on CT were included between August 2015 and September 2018. DWI (10 b-values, 0-1000 s/mm2) scans were performed, and the data were post-processed to derive the ADCmean, ADCmin and IVIM parameters of true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) and perfusion fraction (f). An independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare benign and malignant parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and a Z test was used.

RESULTS

121 patients were finally enrolled, each with one lesion. Examined 121 lesions were malignant in 88 (72.7%) and benign in 33 (27.3%). The ADCmean of malignant pulmonary nodules was significantly lower than that of benign pulmonary nodules (t = 3.156, p = 0.006), whereas the other parameters revealed no significant differences (p = 0.162-0.690). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that an ADCmean threshold value of 1.43 × 10-3 mm2/s yielded 88.57% sensitivity and 64.29% specificity. While for lung masses, the ADCmean, ADCmin, D and D* values in malignant pulmonary masses were significantly lower (P﹤0.001-0.011). Among them, the D value exhibited the best diagnostic performance when the threshold of D was 1.23 × 10-3mm2/s, which yielded a sensitivity of 90.57% and a specificity of 89.47% (Z = 2.230, 3.958, 2.877 and p = 0.026, ﹤0.001 and 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

ADC is the most robust parameter to differentiate benign and malignant lung nodules, whereas D is the most robust parameter to differentiate benign and malignant lung masses.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This is the first study to compare all the quantitative parameters of DWI and IVIM mentioned in the literatures for assessing lung lesions; Second, we divided the lesions into lung nodules and lung masses with the size of 3 cm as the boundary.

Hemodynamic Profiles and Their Prognostic Relevance in Cardiac Amyloidosis

This study sought to characterize cardiac amyloidosis (CA) patients with respect to hemodynamic parameters and asses their prognostic impact in different CA cohorts. Intracardiac and pulmonary arterial pressures (PAPs) are among the strongest predictors of outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Despite that, the hemodynamic profiles of patients with CA and their relation to prognosis have rarely been investigated. Invasive hemodynamic, clinical, and laboratory assessment, as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed in our CA cohort. A total of 61 patients, 35 (57.4%) with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) and 26 (42.6%) with light-chain amyloidosis (AL) were enrolled. ATTRwt patients had lower N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide values and were less frequently in New York Heart Association class ≥ III. Intracardiac and PAPs were elevated, but hemodynamic parameters did not differ between CA groups. Whereas in ATTRwt, the median mean PAP (hazard ratio (HR): 1.130, p = 0.040) and pulmonary vascular resistance (HR: 1.010, p = 0.046) were independent predictors of outcome, no hemodynamic parameter was associated with outcome in the AL group. Cardiac ATTRwt and AL patients feature elevated intracardiac and PAPs and show similar hemodynamic profiles. However, hemodynamic parameters are of greater prognostic relevance in ATTRwt, potentially providing a new therapeutic target.

Effects of Aberrant miR-384-5p Expression on Learning and Memory in a Rat Model of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It may be accompanied by learning difficulties and working memory deficits. Few studies have examined the role of miRNAs in cognitive dysfunction in ADHD. This study investigated the effects of aberrant miR-384-5p expression on learning and memory in a widely used ADHD rat model. Lentiviral vectors were injected into the lateral ventricles of the rats to increase or decrease miR-384-5p level. To determine whether aberrant miR-384-5p expression affects learning and memory, spontaneous activity and cognitive function were assessed with the open field and Morris water maze tests. In the place navigation experiment of the Morris water maze test, time, and total swimming distance to reach the platform decreased compared to the control group when miR-384-5p was overexpressed, whereas down-regulation of miR-384-5p had the opposite effect. There were no obvious changes in brain tissue morphology following miR-384-5p overexpression or inhibition; however, dopamine (DA) receptor D1 (DRD1) level has decreased and increased, respectively, in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The luciferase activity of the wild-type DRD1 group has decreased in luciferase reporter assay. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation has increased, and DA transporter (DAT) level has decreased in the PFC of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by miR-384-5p overexpression. On the other hand, miR-384-5p suppression increased DRD1 and decreased DAT and CREB protein levels relative to control rats. These findings suggest that miR-384-5p may play a critical role in learning and memory impairment in ADHD.

Expression and significance of miR - 20b in retinal photoreceptor cells exposed to PCB1254

Previous studies have shown that PCB₁₂₅₄ has an adverse effect on zebrafish retinal development, but the basic mechanism behind it is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of PCB-induced retinal dysplasia. RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, HE staining and immunofluorescence were adopted to detect the expression at mRNA and protein level. Functional experiments were carried out in 661w cells including CCK-8 assay, caspase-3 assay, and the flow cytometry, while the functional role of miR - 20b was further investigated by using the zebrafish model. The result showed that PCB₁₂₅₄ exposure inhibited cell proliferation and increased the apoptosis of the 661w cells, and the dose–response relationship between the retinal development-related genes (SWS1, CRX, Rho), miR-20b expression and PCB₁₂₅₄ exposure was also discovered. We confirmed that miR-20b targeted FGF2 and GRB2 by constructing a dual luciferase reporter gene and suppressed the cell function as well as PCB₁₂₅₄. In the miR-20b overexpression zebrafish model, we found abnormal retinal morphology characterized by sparse and irregular photoreceptor cells and the thick photoreceptor cell layers. Our results demonstrate for the first time that PCBs target the MAPK/ERK signaling through miR-20b, affecting retinal cell development and leading to visual impairment.

The sonic hedgehog signaling pathway is suppressed following PCB1254 exposure during retinal development

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) has been reported to have detrimental effects on retinal development. In order to explore the role of Shh signaling in retinal development after PCB₁₂₅₄ exposure in vivo and in vitro, zebrafish and RGC-5 retinal cell line were used. Compared with the controls, PCB exposure inhibited proliferation and increased the apoptosis levels. The expression of Shh mRNA decreased in the PCB₁₂₅₄ -treated groups both in vivo and in vitro compared with that of the controls. The ptch2 mRNA expression increased in the experimental groups. The expression of gli2 mRNA decreased in the PCB₁₂₅₄ -treated groups. Immunofluorescence and western blotting assays confirmed that the expression of Shh proteins decreased in PCB₁₂₅₄ -treated groups compared with control groups. Moreover, ptch2 protein levels increased in the PCB₁₂₅₄ -treated groups as well as the decreased protein expressions of gli1 and gli2. These results demonstrated that Shh signaling pathway may participate in the damage of retinal development caused by PCB₁₂₅₄ exposure, providing evidence that eye diseases could be caused by environmental pollutants.

[The research on the application of uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in the digestive reconstruction after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and flexibility of uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). Methods: Between July 2016 to November 2016, 15 patients received totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy plus uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in the Sir Run Run Shaw hospital. Clinical data of those patients, including operative indexes, post-operative indexes and fellow-up data, were analyzed respectively. Results: A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this study, ten were corpus carcinoma and five were esophagogastric junction carcinoma. The total operative time and anastomosis time was (25.0±4.3) min and (25.0±4.3) min, the blood loss during operation was (133.3±121.2) ml. All the operations were performed successfully, and no one was transferred to open surgery. All the patients were encouraged to off-bed activity at first day after surgery. The first time to flatus, the first time to liquid food intake and the length of stay in hospital were (4.1±0.8) days, (5.1±0.9) days and (9.3±1.6) days, respectively. The pathological staging of these patients was stage Ⅰb in 1 case, stage Ⅱa in 3 cases, stageⅡb in 2 cases, stage Ⅲb in 3 cases, stage Ⅲc in 6 cases. The lymph node harvest was (36.0±12.3). Cutting margins in all patients were negative. Pulmonary infection occurred in one patient postoperatively and recovered after antibiotic treatment. No death and severe complication was found. Liver metastasis occurred in one patient eight months after operation. One patient was found recurrence in anastomotic site. No Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome was found. Conclusions: Uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in TLTG is safe and flexible.

Association of maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in second and third trimester with risk of macrosomia

Whether the maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with infant birth weight is still an argument. Here, we performed a nested case-control study (545 women who subsequently delivered infant with macrosomia and 1090 controls) to evaluate the association of the maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with risk of macrosomia. We measured the serum 25(OH)D concentrations by enzyme immunoassays. Logistic regression analysis, receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis and graphical nomogram were used for the statistical analyses. Among women who delivered infant with macrosomia, 71.2% of the women had serum 25(OH)D concentrations <50.0 nmol/L compared with 61.1% of the control women (P < 0.001). For women with concentrations <50.0 nmol/L, they had a 33% increased risk of macrosomia compared with women whose 25(OH)D ranged from 50.0 to 74.9 nmol/L. The risk of macrosomia was significantly increased with the decreasing concentrations of serum 25(OH)D in a dose-dependent manner (P for trend = 0.001). We also observed a threshold for 25(OH)D of 50.0 nmol/L for delivering infant with macrosomia and a predictive accuracy of the 25(OH)D concentrations included panel, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.712 for delivering infant with macrosomia. In conclusion, maternal serum 25(OH)D <50.0 nmol/L is associated with delivering a macrosomic infant, and vitamin D deficiency should be monitored in pregnant women.

Association of Maternal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations with Risk of Gestational Anemia

Background/Aims: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be associated with a greater prevalence of anemia in various healthy and diseased populations by a great deal of observational studies. However, less work has been done to explore this association in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and risk of gestational anemia in a large, nested case-control study. Methods: The serum 25(OH)D concentrations was measured by enzyme immunoassay in 775 pregnant women affected with anemia and 1550 controls. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of 25(OH)D concentrations with risk of gestational anemia. Results: We found the 25(OH)D concentrations was significantly lower in women affected with anemia than in controls. Logistic regression analyses showed that women with 25(OH)D concentrations < 25.0 nmol/L, from 25.0 to 37.4 nmol/L and from 37.5 to 49.9 nmol/L all had increased risk of anemia when compared with women with concentrations from 50.0 to 74.9 nmol/L. And the risk of anemia was significantly increased with the decreasing concentrations of the serum 25(OH)D in a dose-dependent manner (P for trend = 0.012). For women with concentrations < 50.0 nmol/L, they had an 80% increase in anemia risk (95% CI = 1.45-2.25) after adjustment for confounders. We also observed a nonlinear relationship between the serum 25(OH)D and anemia, with a threshold for 25(OH)D of 50.0 nmol/L existed for anemia. Conclusion: Maternal serum 25(OH)D < 50.0 nmol/L may be a risk factor for gestational anemia, and it should be monitored for the high-risk pregnant women.

Screening of adjunct cultures and their application in ester formation in Camembert-type cheese

The ethanol content and esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activities are the limiting factors in the synthesis of ethyl esters in Camembert-type cheeses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol, esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activities on ethyl ester formation in Camembert-type cheeses. Five experimental cheeses were prepared with three adjunct cultures with different enzyme activities and two levels of ethanol content (400 or 800 μg/g). The cheeses were aged for 4 weeks and analysed weekly for basic physicochemical, textural, volatile and sensory properties. The results showed that both the enzyme activity and ethanol content were limiting factors in the synthesis of ethyl esters in the Camembert-type cheeses. Variation in the esterase synthesis activity was observed among lactic acid bacteria, and the starter culture Lactococcus lactis MA 14 LYO distinguished itself through its high acidifying and esterase hydrolysis abilities. The addition of CCFM 12, a lactic acid bacteria strain with high esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activity, along with 400 or 800 μg/g of ethanol, notably enhanced the generation of ethyl esters and the corresponding fruity flavour, without causing dramatic changes in the basic physicochemical indices and microbial profile. In addition, cohesiveness was influenced by the addition of 400 and 800 μg/g of ethanol, and more resilience with 800 μg/g of ethanol had been found. The results showed that the addition of CCFM12 with 400 and 800 μg/g of ethanol may be applied in the production of Camembert cheese to enhance its fruity flavour.

Degradation of methomyl by the combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp. MDW-3

Methomyl (S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate) is a kind of oxime carbamate insecticide. It is considered to be extremely toxic to nontarget organism. To date, no pure culture or consortium has been reported to have the ability to degrade methomyl completely. In this study, a methomyl-degrading enrichment E1 was obtained by using the sludge from the wastewater-treating system of a pesticide manufacturer as the original inoculant. Two bacterial strains named MDW-2 and MDW-3 were isolated from this enrichment, and they were preliminarily identified as Aminobacter sp. and Afipia sp. respectively. Strains MDW-2 and MDW-3 could coexist and degrade 50 mg l^-1 methomyl completely within 3 days by the cooperative metabolism. Methomyl was first converted to methomyl oxime and methylcarbamic acid by strain MDW-2, and the latter could be used as the carbon source for the growth of strain MDW-2. But methomyl oxime could not be sequentially degraded by strain MDW-2. However, it could be degraded and used as the carbon source by strain MDW-3.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study presents a bacterial combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp. MDW-3, which could degrade methomyl completely by biochemical cooperation. This study also proposes the biodegradation pathway of methomyl for the first time and highlights the application potential of a bacterial combination in the remediation of methomyl-contaminated environments.

[Application of lymph node labeling with carbon nanoparticles by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the application value of carbon lymph node tracing technique by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: From June 2013 to February 2015, seventy eight patients with gastric cancer were enrolled and randomly divided into trial group and control group. Subserosal injection of carbon nanoparticles around the tumor was performed by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection one day before the operation in trial group, while the patients routinely underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy in control group. Results of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Carbon nanoparticle-related side effect was also evaluated. Results: The average number of harvested lymph node in trial group was significantly higher than that in control group (35.5±8.5 vs 29.5±6.5, P<0.05). The rate of overall black-dyed harvested lymph node was 74.7% (1 035/1 386) in trial group, the black-dyed lymph node rate in D1 lymph node was 80.1%, which was significantly higher than that in D2 lymph node (69.8%, χ²=19.38, P<0.01). When comparing the lymph node with and without black-dyed in trial group, the rate of metastasis lymph node was significantly higher in lymph node with black-dyed (17.3% vs 4.0%, χ²=38.67, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications rate between two group (trial group 10.2%; control group 12.8%, χ²=0.00, P>0.05), and no carbon nanoparticle-related side effect was observed. Conclusion: Given a higher harvested lymph node number and a similar rate of complications, preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection of carbon nanoparticles was safe and feasible.