Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, fetal thyroid function, and intelligence quotient at 7 years of age: Findings from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) influences neurodevelopment. Thyroid homeostasis disruption is thought to be a possible underlying mechanism. However, current epidemiological evidence remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on the intelligence quotient (IQ) of school-aged children and assess the potential mediating role of fetal thyroid function.

METHODS

The study included 327 7-year-old children from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS). Cord serum samples were analyzed for 12 PFAS concentrations and 5 thyroid hormone (TH) levels. IQ was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Chinese Revised (WISC-CR). Generalized linear models (GLM) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) were used to evaluate the individual and combined effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on IQ. Additionally, the impact on fetal thyroid function was examined using a GLM, and a mediation analysis was conducted to explore the potential mediating roles of this function.

RESULTS

The molar sum concentration of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (ΣPFCA) in cord serum was significantly negatively associated with the performance IQ (PIQ) of 7-year-old children (β = -6.21, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -12.21, -0.21), with more pronounced associations observed among girls (β = -9.57, 95 % CI: -18.33, -0.81) than in boys. Negative, albeit non-significant, cumulative effects were noted when considering PFAS mixture exposure. Prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid was positively associated with the total thyroxine/triiodothyronine ratio. However, no evidence supported the mediating role of thyroid function in the link between PFAS exposure and IQ.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased prenatal exposure to PFASs negatively affected the IQ of school-aged children, whereas fetal thyroid function did not serve as a mediator in this relationship.

Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) as a grouping imaging biomarker combined with a decision-tree mode to preoperatively predict the pathological grade of bladder cancer

AIM

To investigate whether the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) could be used to develop a new non-invasive preoperative grade-prediction system to partially predict high-grade bladder cancer (HG-BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study enrolled 89 primary BC patients prospectively from March 2022 to June 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the entire group. In the low VI-RADS (≤2) group, the decision tree-based method was used to obtain significant predictors and construct the decision-tree model (DT model). The performance of the DT model and low VI-RADS scores for predicting HG-BC was determined using ROC, calibration, and decision curve analyses.

RESULTS

At a cut-off of ≥3, the specificity and positive predictive value of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC in the entire group was 100%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.697. Among 65 patients with low VI-RADS scores, the DT model showed an AUC of 0.884 in predicting HG-BC compared to 0.506 for low VI-RADS scores. Calibration and decision curve analyses showed that the DT model performed better than the low VI-RADS scores.

CONCLUSION

Most VI-RADS scores ≥3 correspond to HG-BCs. VI-RADS could be used as a grouping imaging biomarker for a pathological grade-prediction procedure, which in combination with the DT model for low VI-RADS (≤2) populations, would provide a potential preoperative non-invasive method of predicting HG-BC.

[Construction of a model based on multipoint full-layer puncture biopsy for predicting pathological complete response after neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer]

Objective: To investigate the value of transanal multipoint full-layer puncture biopsy (TMFP) in predicting pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and to establish a predictive model for providing clinical guidance regarding the treatment of LARC. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, cohort study, we collected data on 110 LARC patients from four hospitals between April 2020 and March 2023: Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University (50 patients), Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University (41 patients), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (16 patients), and Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (three patients). The patients had all received TMFP after completing standard nCRT. The variables studied included (1) clinicopathological characteristics; (2) clinical complete remission (cCR) and efficacy of TMFP in determining pCR after NCRT in LARC patients; and (3) hospital attended, sex, age, clinical T- and N-stages, distance between the lower margin of the tumor and the anal verge, baseline and post-radiotherapy serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 concentrations, chemotherapy regimen, use of immunosuppressants with or without radiotherapy, radiation therapy dosage, interval between surgery and radiotherapy, surgical procedure, clinical T/N stage after radiotherapy, cCR, pathological results of TMFP, puncture method (endoscopic or percutaneous), and number and timing of punctures. Single-factor and multifactorial logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors affecting pCR after NCRT in LARC patients. A prediction model was constructed based on the results of multivariat analysis and the performance of this model evaluated by analyzing subject work characteristics (ROC), calibration, and clinical decision-making (DCA) curves. pCR was defined as complete absence of tumor cells on microscopic examination of the surgical specimens of rectal cancer (including lymph node dissection) after NCRT, that is, ypT0+N0. cCR was defined according to the Chinese Neoadjuvant Rectal Cancer Waiting Watch Database Study Collaborative Group criteria after treatment, which specify an absence of ulceration and nodules on endoscopy; negative rectal palpation; no tumor signals on rectal MRI T2 and DWI sequences; normal serum CEA concentrations, and no evidence of recurrence on pelvic computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Of the 110 patients, 45 (40.9%) achieved pCR after nCRT, which was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in 34 (30.9%). cCR was diagnosed before puncture in 38 (34.5%) patients, 43 (39.1%) of the punctures being endoscopic. There were no complications of puncture such as enterocutaneous fistulae, vaginal injury, prostatic injury, or presacral bleeding . Only one (2.3%) patient had a small amount of blood in the stools, which was relieved by anal pressure. cCR had a sensitivity of 57.8% (26/45) for determining pCR, specificity of 81.5% (53/65), accuracy of 71.8% (79/110), positive predictive value 68.4% (26/38), and negative predictive value of 73.6% (53/72). In contrast, the sensitivity of TMFP pathology in determining pCR was 100% (45/45), specificity 66.2% (43/65), accuracy 80.0% (88/110), positive predictive value 67.2% (45/67), and negative predictive value 100.0% (43/43). In this study, the sensitivity of TMFP for pCR (100.0% vs. 57.8%, χ2=24.09, P<0.001) was significantly higher than that for cCR. However, the accuracy of pCR did not differ significantly (80.0% vs. 71.8%, χ2=2.01, P=0.156). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a ≥4 cm distance between the lower edge of the tumor and the anal verge (OR=7.84, 95%CI: 1.48-41.45, P=0.015), non-cCR (OR=4.81, 95%CI: 1.39-16.69, P=0.013), and pathological diagnosis by TMFP (OR=114.29, the 95%CI: 11.07-1180.28, P<0.001) were risk factors for pCR after NCRT in LARC patients. Additionally, endoscopic puncture (OR=0.02, 95%CI: 0.05-0.77, P=0.020) was a protective factor for pCR after NCRT in LARC patients. The area under the ROC curve of the established prediction model was 0.934 (95%CI: 0.892-0.977), suggesting that the model has good discrimination. The calibration curve was relatively close to the ideal 45° reference line, indicating that the predicted values of the model were in good agreement with the actual values. A decision-making curve showed that the model had a good net clinical benefit. Conclusion: Our predictive model, which incorporates TMFP, has considerable accuracy in predicting pCR after nCRT in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This may provide a basis for more precisely selecting individualized therapy.

Metal chloride cathodes for next-generation rechargeable lithium batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have prospered a rechargeable world, predominantly relying on various metal oxide cathode materials for their abilities to reversibly de-/intercalate lithium-ion, while also serving as lithium sources for batteries. Despite the success of metal oxide, issues including low energy density have raised doubts about their suitability for next-generation lithium batteries. This has sparked interest in metal chlorides, a neglected cathode material family. Metal chlorides show promise with factors like energy density, diffusion coefficient, and compressibility. Unfortunately, challenges like high solubility hamper their utilization. In this review, we highlight the opportunities for metal chlorides in the post-lithium-ion era. Subsequently, we summarize their dissolution challenges. Furthermore, we discuss recent advancements, encompassing liquid-state electrolyte engineering, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) cooperation, and LiCl-based cathodes. Finally, we provide an outlook on future research directions of metal chlorides, emphasizing electrode fabrication, electrolyte design, the application of SSEs, and the exploration of conversion reactions.

Simultaneous determination of twelve neonicotinoids and six metabolites in human urine with isotope-dilution UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS

The extensive global use of neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) has led to widespread human exposure, necessitating the development of effective methods for large-scale biomonitoring. However, current methods are inadequate in simultaneously and accurately detecting various NNIs or their metabolites (m-NNIs). In this study, we aimed to establish a robust method using solid-phase extraction (SPE)-ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem Q-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) for the simultaneous determination of 12 NNIs and 6 m-NNIs in human urine. Samples were prepared using Oasis HLB 96 well plate with Isopropanol: methanol (7:3, v/v) as the elution solvent. The target compounds were separated using the Accucore RP-MS column and subsequently analyzed under parallel reaction monitoring mode. NTN32692 (m/z = 255.06433) was confirmed to be the specific metabolite of cycloxaprid for the further detection. Satisfactory recoveries (81.6-122.4 %) of the NNIs and m-NNIs were observed, with intra- (n = 3) and inter-day (n = 9) relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 0.8 % to 13.7 % and from 1.1 % to 18.6 %, respectively. Good linearity (R2 > 0.99) was achieved for all analytes. The limits of detection (LODs) for all target analytes ranged from 0.01 ng/mL to 0.65 ng/mL. This method was applied to urine samples collected from 10 children recruited from an agricultural area in China. Our study provides an effective method to identify and assess human exposure to NNIs and their metabolites.

MRI-based bone marrow radiomics for predicting cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma

AIM

To develop a radiomics signature applied to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-images to predict cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed MM were enrolled retrospectively from March 2019 to September 2022. They were categorised into the high-risk cytogenetics (HRC) group and standard-risk cytogenetics (SRC) group. The patients were allocated randomly at a ratio of 7:3 into training and validation cohorts. Volumes of interest (VOI) was drawn manually on fat suppression T2-weighted imaging (FS-T2WI) and copied to the same location of the T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) sequence. Radiomics features were extracted from two sequences and selected by reproducibility and redundant analysis. The least absolute shrinkage selection operation (LASSO) algorithm was applied to build the radiomics signatures. The performance of the radiomics signatures to distinguish HRC with SRC was evaluated by ROC curves. The area under the curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity were also calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 105 MM patients were enrolled in this study. The four and 11 most significant and relevant features were selected separately from T1WI and FS-T2WI sequences to build the radiomics signatures based on the training cohort. Compared to the T1WI sequence, the radiomics signature based on the FS-T2WI sequence achieved better performance with AUCs of 0.896 and 0.729 in the training and validation cohorts respectively. A sensitivity of 0.833, specificity of 0.667, and Youden index of 0.500 were achieved for the FS-T2WI radiomics signature in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics signature based on MRI provides a non-invasive and convenient tool to predict cytogenetic abnormalities in MM patients.

Research progress in the degradation of printing and dyeing wastewater using chitosan based composite photocatalytic materials

The surge in economic growth has spurred the expansion of the textile industry, resulting in a continuous rise in the discharge of printing and dyeing wastewater. In contrast, the photocatalytic method harnesses light energy to degrade pollutants, boasting low energy consumption and high efficiency. Nevertheless, traditional photocatalysts suffer from limited light responsiveness, inadequate adsorption capabilities, susceptibility to agglomeration, and hydrophilicity, thereby curtailing their practical utility. Consequently, integrating appropriate carriers with traditional photocatalysts becomes imperative. The combination of chitosan and semiconductor materials stands out by reducing band gap energy, augmenting reactive sites, mitigating carrier recombination, bolstering structural stability, and notably advancing the photocatalytic degradation of printing and dyeing wastewater. This study embarks on an exploration by initially elucidating the technical principles, merits, and demerits of prevailing printing and dyeing wastewater treatment methodologies, with a focal emphasis on the photocatalytic approach. It delineates the constraints encountered by traditional photocatalysts in practical scenarios. Subsequently, it comprehensively encapsulates the research advancements and elucidates the reaction mechanisms underlying chitosan based composite materials employed in treating printing and dyeing wastewater. Finally, this work casts a forward-looking perspective on the future research trajectory of chitosan based photocatalysts, particularly in the realm of industrial applications.

Associations of cord serum polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mixture with birth outcomes and mediating role of thyroid function: Evidence from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a series of worldwide applied flame retardants, may influence fetal growth and interfere with thyroid function. The study intended to explore the relationship between in-utero exposure to PBDE mixture and newborn anthropometric indexes and to further examine the potential mediating role of thyroid function.

METHODS

Demographics and laboratory measures of 924 mother-infant pairs were obtained from the database of the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study. We applied gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to measure nine PBDE congeners and seven thyroid function parameters in umbilical cord serum samples, respectively. We fitted generalized linear models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to evaluate associations of lipid-adjusted cord serum PBDEs, as individuals and as a mixture, with newborn anthropometric and cord serum thyroid function parameters. We applied causal mediation analysis to test our hypothesis that thyroid function parameters act as a mediator between PBDEs and birth outcomes.

RESULTS

The molarity of cord serum ∑9PBDE had a median value of 31.23 nmol/g lipid (IQR 19.14 nmol/g lipid, 54.77 nmol/g lipid). BDE-209 was the most dominant congener. Birth length was positively associated with both single exposure to BDE-28 and cumulative exposure to PBDEs. Correspondingly, ponderal index (PI) was negatively associated with BDE-28 and the total effects of PBDE mixture. Free triiodothyronine had a negative trend with BDE-209 and PBDE mixture. In the sex-stratified analysis, BDE-153 concentrations were positively correlated with PI among males (β = 0.03; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.05; P = 0.01) but not among females. Cord serum thyrotropin mediated 14.92% of the estimated effect of BDE-153 on PI.

CONCLUSIONS

In-utero mixture exposure to PBDEs was associated with birth outcomes and thyroid function. Thyroid function might act as a mediator in the process in which PBDEs impact the growth of the fetus.

Promoting high-voltage stability through local lattice distortion of halide solid electrolytes

Stable solid electrolytes are essential to high-safety and high-energy-density lithium batteries, especially for applications with high-voltage cathodes. In such conditions, solid electrolytes may experience severe oxidation, decomposition, and deactivation during charging at high voltages, leading to inadequate cycling performance and even cell failure. Here, we address the high-voltage limitation of halide solid electrolytes by introducing local lattice distortion to confine the distribution of Cl-, which effectively curbs kinetics of their oxidation. The confinement is realized by substituting In with multiple elements in Li3InCl6 to give a high-entropy Li2.75Y0.16Er0.16Yb0.16In0.25Zr0.25Cl6. Meanwhile, the lattice distortion promotes longer Li-Cl bonds, facilitating favorable activation of Li+. Our results show that this high-entropy halide electrolyte boosts the cycle stability of all-solid-state battery by 250% improvement over 500 cycles. In particular, the cell provides a higher discharge capacity of 185 mAh g-1 by increasing the charge cut-off voltage to 4.6 V at a small current rate of 0.2 C, which is more challenging to electrolytes|cathode stability. These findings deepen our understanding of high-entropy materials, advancing their use in energy-related applications.

A Tailored Interface Design for Anode-Free Solid-State Batteries

Anode-free solid-state batteries (AFSSBs) are considered to be one of the most promising high-safety and high-energy storage systems. However, low Coulombic efficiency stemming from severe deterioration on solid electrolyte/current collector (Cu foil) interface and undesirable Li dendrite growth impede their practical application, especially when rigid garnet electrolyte is used. Here, an interfacial engineering strategy between garnet electrolyte and Cu foil is introduced for stable and highly efficient AFSSBs. By utilizing the high Li ion conductivity of LiC6 layer, interfacial self-adaption ability arising from ductile lithiated polyacrylic acid polymer layer and regulated Li deposition via Li-Ag alloying reaction, the garnet-based AFSSB delivers a stable long-term operation. Additionally, when combined with a commercial LiCoO2 cathode (3.1 mAh cm-2 ), the cell also exhibits an outstanding capacity retention due to the tailored interface design. The strategies for novel AFSSBs architecture thus offer an alternative route to design next-generation batteries with high safety and high density.

Constructing P2/O3 biphasic structure of Fe/Mn-based layered oxide cathode for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Fe/Mn-based layered oxide cathode is regarded as a competitive candidate for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity, earth abundance and low cost. However, its poor cycling stability still remains a major bottleneck. Herein, P2/O3 biphasic Na0.67Fe0.425Mn0.425Cu0.15O2 layered oxide is successfully synthesized via a sol-gel method. It is observed that Cu substitution can facilitate the conversion of P2 to O3 phase, and the P2/O3 composite structure can be obtained with an appropriate amount of Cu. Meanwhile, in-situ XRD reveals that constructing P2/O3 composite structure can realize the highly reversible phase transition process of P2/O3-P2/P3-OP4/OP2 and decrease the lattice mismatch during Na+ insertion/extraction. Consequently, the biphasic P2/O3-Na0.67Fe0.425Mn0.425Cu0.15O2 electrode exhibits 87.1 % capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1C, while the single phase P2-Na0.67Fe0.5Mn0.5O2 electrode has only 36.4 %. Therefore, the constructing biphasic structure is proved to be an effective strategy for designing high-performance Fe/Mn-based layered oxide cathodes.

[Anticancer effect of parasites and its underlying mechanisms: a review]

Both parasitic diseases and cancers are disorders that seriously threaten human health. A strong correlation has been recently found between parasitic infections and cancers, and multiple species of parasites and their derived products have shown effective to suppress cancer development, progression and metastasis. Therefore, deciphering the interaction among parasites, cancers and hosts not only provides new insights into the development of cancer therapy, but also provides the basis for screening of parasites-derived active anticancer molecules. This review summarizes the latest advances in the anticancer activity of parasites and underlying mechanisms.

Beneficial effects of flavonoids on animal models of atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases that seriously endanger human health. The existing treatment drugs are effective, but they have some side effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that flavonoids have attracted wide attention due to their multiple cardioprotective effects and fewer side effects. PubMed, Web of Science database, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the effects of flavonoids against atherosclerosis. 119 studies published from August 1954 to April 2023 were included. Random-effects models were performed for synthesis. Compared with the control group, flavonoids significantly reduced longitudinal and cross-sectional plaque area. The findings indicated that flavonoids significantly reduced the concentrations of serum TC, TG, and LDL-C and increased serum HDL-C concentrations. Besides, flavonoids reduced the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and increased the serum IL-10 level. This study provides evidence for the potential cardiovascular benefits of flavonoids.

Sex-specific associations of maternal and childhood urinary arsenic levels with emotional problems among 6-year-age children: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Arsenic exposure has been linked to neurobehavior development disorders among children in cross-sectional studies, but there is little information on the effects of prenatal and childhood arsenic exposure on childhood behavior problem, especially emotional problems.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between prenatal and childhood arsenic exposure and behavior problems among six-year-old children.

METHODS

389 mother-child pairs from a longitudinal birth cohort were enrolled in the study. The concentrations of arsenic in maternal and 6-year-old children's urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Neurobehavioral development in 6-year-old children was assessed by Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Generalized linear regression models were used to relate arsenic exposure to the score of different domains in CBCL.

RESULTS

The median concentrations of maternal and 6-year-old children's urinary arsenic were 22.22 and 33.86 μg/L, respectively. After adjusting for potential covariates, natural logarithm transformed concurrent urinary arsenic levels were significantly associated with scores of anxious and depressed problems in 6-year-old girls (β = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.12-1.31, p = 0.018). Furthermore, in terms of the trajectory of arsenic exposure, compared with the "consistently low" group, the "low to high" group (β = 2.73, 95% CI: -3.99 to 9.45, p = 0.425) had a greater effect on total score of CBCL than "high to low" group (β = -0.93, 95% CI: -7.22 to 5.36, p = 0.771) in girls, although insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that concurrent arsenic exposure might have an adverse effect of emotional status in girls. Further studies are needed to verify the findings and explore the mechanisms of the sex-specific association.

Discriminating minimal residual disease status in multiple myeloma based on MRI: utility of radiomics and comparison of machine-learning methods

AIM

To explore the possibility of discriminating minimal residual disease (MRD) status in multiple myeloma (MM) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and identify optimal machine-learning methods to optimise the clinical treatment regimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 83 patients were analysed retrospectively. They were divided randomly into training and validation cohorts. The regions of interest were segmented and radiomics features were extracted and analysed on two sequences, including T1-weighted imaging (WI) and fat saturated (FS)-T2WI, and then radiomics models were built in the training cohort and evaluated in the validation cohort. Clinical characteristics were calculated to build a traditional model. A combined model was also built using the clinical characteristics and radiomics features. Classification accuracy was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) and F1 score.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, only the bone marrow (BM) infiltrate ratio (p=0.005) was retained after univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. In T1WI, the linear support vector machine (SVM) achieved the best performance compared to other classifiers, with AUCs of 0.811 and 0.708 and F1 scores of 0.792 and 0.696 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Similarly, in FS-T2WI sequence, linear SVM achieved the best performance with AUCs of 0.833 and 0.800 and F1 score of 0.833 and 0.800. The combined model constructed by the FS-T2WI-linear SVM and BM infiltrate ratio outperformed the traditional model (p=0.050 and 0.012, Delong test), but showed no significant difference compared with the radiomics model (p=0.798 and 0.855).

CONCLUSION

The linear SVM-based machine-learning method can offer a non-invasive tool for discriminating MRD status in MM.

[Diagnosis status and genetic characteristics analysis of Fanconi anemia in China]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and molecular diagnostic status of Fanconi anemia (FA) in China. Methods: The General situation, clinical manifestations and chromosome breakage test and genetic test results of 107 pediatric FA cases registered in the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CBMTRG) and the Chinese Children Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CCBMTRG) from August 2009 to January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Children with FANCA gene variants were divided into mild and severe groups based on the type of variant, and Wilcoxon-test was used to compare the phenotypic differences between groups. Results: Of the 176 registered FA patients, 69 (39.2%) cases were excluded due to lack of definitive genetic diagnosis results, and the remaining 107 children from 15 hospitals were included in the study, including 70 males and 37 females. The age at transplantation treatment were 6 (4, 9) years. The enrolled children were involved in 10 pathogenic genes, including 89 cases of FANCA gene, 7 cases of FANCG gene, 3 cases of FANCB gene, 2 cases of FANCE gene and 1 case each of FANCC, FANCD1, FANCD2, FANCF, FANCJ, and FANCN gene. Compound heterozygous or homozygous of loss-of-function variants account for 69.2% (72/104). Loss-of-function variants account for 79.2% (141/178) in FANCA gene variants, and 20.8% (37/178) were large exon deletions. Fifty-five children (51.4%) had chromosome breakage test records, with a positive rate of 81.8% (45/55). There were 172 congenital malformations in 80 children.Café-au-Lait spots (16.3%, 28/172), thumb deformities (16.3%,28/172), polydactyly (13.9%, 24/172), and short stature (12.2%, 21/172) were the most common congenital malformations in Chinese children with FA. No significant difference was found in the number of congenital malformations between children with severe (50 cases) and mild FANCA variants (26 cases) (Z=-1.33, P=0.185). Conclusions: FANCA gene is the main pathogenic gene in children with FA, where the detection of its exon deletion should be strengthened clinically. There were no phenotypic differences among children with different types of FANCA variants. Chromosome break test is helpful to determine the pathogenicity of variants, but its accuracy needs to be improved.

Modelling enzyme inhibition toxicity of ionic liquid from molecular structure via convolutional neural network model

Deep learning (DL) methods further promote the development of quantitative structure-activity/property relationship (QSAR/QSPR) models by dealing with complex relationships between data. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitory toxicity model of ionic liquids (ILs) was established using a convolution neural network (CNN) combined with support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP). A CNN model was proposed for feature self-learning and extraction of ILs. By comparing with the model results through feature engineering (FE), the model regression results based on the CNN model for feature extraction have been substantially improved. The results showed that all six models (FE-SVM, FE-RF, FE-MLP, CNN-SVM, CNN-RF, and CNN-MLP) had good prediction accuracy, but the results based on the CNN model were better. The hyperparameters of six models were optimized by grid search and the 10-fold cross validation. Compared with the existing models in the literature, the model performance has been further improved. The model could be used as an intelligent tool to guide the design or screening of low-toxicity ILs.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in umbilical cord serum and body mass index trajectories from birth to age 10 years: Findings from a longitudinal birth cohort (SMBCS)

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to low birth weight but higher childhood weight and obesity. However, little is known regarding the associations between PFAS exposure and dynamic body mass index (BMI) trajectories, particularly from birth through preadolescence.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the associations of cord serum PFAS concentrations with BMI trajectories from birth to age 10 years and longitudinal BMI in different periods.

METHODS

Based on 887 mother-child pairs in the longitudinal prospective birth cohort, we measured 12 PFAS congeners in cord serum and calculated BMI with anthropometric indicators at 9 follow-up time points from birth to age 10 years. The BMI trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory model (GBTM). To estimate the associations of cord serum PFAS levels with BMI trajectories and longitudinal changes in BMI, logistic regression models, linear mixed models, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile-based g-computation models (QGC) were used.

RESULTS

The median concentrations of 10 PFAS congeners included in statistical analysis ranged from 0.047 to 3.623 μg/L. Two BMI trajectory classes were identified by GBTM, characterized by high group and low group. In logistic regression models, five PFAS congeners (PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHpS, and PFDoDA) were associated with the higher probability of being in high BMI trajectory group (odds ratio, OR: 1.21 to 1.74, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, higher PFAS mixture were related to elevated odds for the high group in both BKMR models and QGC models, with PFHpA and PFHpS being the two most important drivers jointly. In the sex-stratified analysis, the positive associations remained significant exclusively among males. In the longitudinal analysis, PFUnDA and PFDoDA were associated with increased BMI from birth to age 10 years. Furthermore, PFBS and PFHpA were negatively related to BMI throughout infancy and toddlerhood (from birth to age 3 years), whereas PFDoDA confirmed a positive association with mid-childhood (from age 6 to 10 years) BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal PFAS exposure was positively associated with BMI trajectories from birth to preadolescence and longitudinal BMI in various periods. Future research could use better trajectory modeling strategies to shape more complete growth trajectories and explore the relationship between BMI trajectories and adulthood health.

[Cross - species regulation and underlying mechanisms of parasite - derived non-coding RNAs: a review]

Parasite-derived non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) not only contribute to life activities of parasites, and microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) may generate a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network with host miRNAs and mRNAs via extracellular vesicles, thereby participating in infection and pathogenic processes. This article presents an overview of characterizing ncRNAs derived from parasites and the cross-species regulatory role of parasite-derived ncRNAs in host gene expression and its underlying mechanisms.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia arising from malignant tumors]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, cytogenetics, molecular biology, treatment, and prognosis of patients with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/AML) secondary to malignancies. Methods: The clinical data of 86 patients with t-MDS/AML in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2010 and April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, primary tumor types, and tumor-related therapies were analyzed. Results: The study enrolled a total of 86 patients with t-MDS/AML, including 67 patients with t-AML, including 1 patient with M(0), 6 with M(1), 27 with M(2), 9 with M(3), 12 with M(4), 10 with M(5), 1 with M(6), and 1 with M(7). Sixty-two patients could be genetically stratified, with a median overall survival (OS) of 36 (95% CI 22-52) months for 20 (29.9%) patients in the low-risk group and 6 (95% CI 3-9) months for 10 (14.9%) in the intermediate-risk group. The median OS time was 8 (95% CI 1-15) months in 32 (47.8%) patients in the high-risk group. For patients with non-acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and AML, the median OS of the low-risk group was 27 (95% CI 18-36) months, which was significantly longer than that of the non-low-risk group (χ(2)=5.534, P=0.019). All 9 APL cases were treated according to the initial treatment, and the median OS was not reached, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 100.0%, (75.0±6.2) %, and (75.0±6.2) % respectively. Of the 58 patients with non-APL t-AML (89.7%), 52 received chemotherapy, and 16 achieved complete remission (30.8%) after the first induction chemotherapy. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates of the non-APL t-AML group were (42.0 ± 6.6) %, (22.9±5.7) %, and (13.4±4.7) %, respectively. The median OS of patients who achieved remission was 24 (95% CI 18-30) months, and the median OS of those who did not achieve remission was 6 (95% CI 3-9) months (χ(2)=10.170, P=0.001). Bone marrow CR was achieved in 7 (53.8%) of 13 patients treated with vineclar-containing chemotherapy, with a median OS of 12 (95% CI 9-15) months, which was not significantly different from that of vineclar-containing chemotherapy (χ(2)=0.600, P=0.437). In 19 patients with t-MDS, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were (46.8±11.6) %, (17.5±9.1) %, and (11.7±9.1) % with a median OS of 12 (95% CI 7-17) months, which was not significantly different from that in t-AML (χ(2)=0.232, P=0.630) . Conclusions: Breast cancer, bowel cancer, and other primary tumors are common in patients with t-MDS/AML, which have a higher risk of adverse genetics. Patients with APL had a high induction remission rate and a good long-term prognosis, whereas patients without APL had a low remission rate and a poor long-term prognosis.

[The value of transanal multipoint full-layer puncture biopsy in determining the response degree of rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy: a prospective multicenter study]

Objective: To verify the feasibility and accuracy of the transanal multipoint full-layer puncture biopsy (TMFP) technique in determining the residual status of cancer foci after neoadjuvant therapy (nCRT) in rectal cancer. Methods: Between April 2020 and November 2022, a total of 78 patients from the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, the Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University, the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University with advanced rectal cancer received TMFP after nCRT participated in this prospective multicenter trial. There were 53 males and 25 females, aged (M(IQR)) 61 (13) years (range: 35 to 77 years). The tumor distance from the anal verge was 5 (3) cm (range: 2 to 10 cm). The waiting time between nCRT and TMFP was 73 (26) days (range: 33 to 330 days). 13-point transanal puncture was performed with a 16 G tissue biopsy needle with the residual lesion as the center. The specimens were submitted for independent examination and the complications of the puncture were recorded. The consistency of TMFP and radical operation specimen was compared. The consistency of TMPF with clinical remission rates for the diagnosis of complete pathological remission was compared by sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy. Statistical analysis between groups was performed using the χ2 analysis, and a paired χ2 test was used to compare diagnostic validity. Results: Before TMFP, clinical complete response (cCR) was evaluated in 27 cases. Thirty-six cases received in vivo puncture, the number of punctures in each patient was 13 (8) (range: 4 to 20), 24 cases of tumor residue were found in the puncture specimens. The sensitivity to judgment (100% vs. 60%, χ2=17.500, P<0.01) and accuracy (88.5% vs. 74.4%, χ2=5.125, P=0.024) of TMFP for the pathologic complete response (pCR) were significantly higher than those of cCR. Implement TMFP based on cCR judgment, the accuracy increased from 74.4% to 92.6% (χ2=4.026, P=0.045). The accuracy of the in vivo puncture was 94.4%, which was 83.3% of the in vitro puncture (χ2=1.382, P=0.240). Overall, the accuracy of TMFP improved gradually with an increasing number of cases (χ2=7.112, P=0.029). Conclusion: TMFP is safe and feasible, which improves the sensitivity and accuracy of rectal cancer pCR determination after nCRT, provides a pathological basis for cCR determination, and contributes to the safe development of the watch and wait policy.

Suppression of Interphase Dissolution Via Solvent Molecule Tuning for Sodium Metal Batteries

Solvent molecule tuning is used to alter the redox potentials of solvents or ion-solvent binding energy for high-voltage or low-temperature electrolytes. Herein, an electrolyte design strategy that effectively suppresses solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) dissolution and passivates highly-reactive metallic Na anode via solvent molecule tuning is proposed. With rationally lengthened phosphate backbones with ─CH2 ─ units, the low-solvation tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TOP) molecule effectively weakens the solvation ability of carbonate-based electrolytes, reduces the free solvent ratio, and enables an anion-enriched primary Na+ ion solvation sheath. The decreased free solvent and compact lower-solubility interphase established in this electrolyte prevent electrodes from continuous SEI dissolution and parasitic reactions at both room temperature (RT) and high temperature (HT). As a result, the Na/Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 cell with the new electrolyte achieves impressive cycling stability of 95.7% capacity retention after 1800 cycles at 25 °C and 62.1% capacity retention after 700 cycles at 60 °C. Moreover, the TOP molecule not only maintains the nonflammable feature of phosphate but also attains higher thermal stability, which endows the electrolyte with high safety and thermal stability. This design concept for electrolytes offers a promising path to long-cycling and high-safety sodium metal batteries.

Combining Solid Solution Strengthening and Second Phase Strengthening for Thinning Li Metal Foils

Thin lithium (Li) metal foils have been proved to be indispensable yet elusive for practical high-energy-density lithium batteries. Currently, the realization of such thin foils (<50 μm) is impeded by the inferior mechanical processability of metallic Li. In this work, we demonstrate that the combination of solid solution strengthening and second phase strengthening, achieved by the addition of silver fluoride (AgF) to Li metal, can substantially enhance both the strength and ductility of metallic Li. Benefiting from the improved machinability, we succeed in fabricating an ultrathin (down to 5 μm), freestanding, and mechanically robust Li-AgF composite foil. More interestingly, the in situ-formed LixAg-LiF skeleton in the composite facilitates Li diffusion kinetics and uniform Li deposition, where the thin Li-AgF electrode displays a prolonged cycle life over 500 h at 1 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2 in a carbonate electrolyte. Coupled with a commercial LiCoO2 cathode (3.4 mAh cm-2), the LiCoO2||Li-AgF cell delivers a notable capacity retention of ∼90% over 100 cycles at 0.5 C with a low negative/positive ratio of 2.5.

Enabling early detection of knee osteoarthritis using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging

AIM

To present a technique that enables detection of early stage OA of the knee using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five early osteoarthritis patients (OA, Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] score 1 to 2; mean age, 56.4 years) and 49 healthy volunteers (mean age, 56.7 years) were underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2-mapping and DR-CSI techniques. Maps of mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T2 relaxation time and volume fraction Vi for DR-CSI compartment i (A, B, C, D) sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR, NLR) were assessed to determine the diagnostic accuracy for detection of early-stage degeneration of knee articular cartilage. The structural abnormalities of articular cartilage were evaluated using modified Whole-Organ MR Imaging Scores (WORMS).

RESULTS

All intra- and interobserver agreements for DR-CSI compartment volume fractions and modified WORMS of cartilage were excellent. Early OA versus the controls had higher V_C, lower V_A and V_B (p<0.001), but comparable V_D (p>0.05). V_A, V_B and V_C had a moderate association with WORMS. No significant correlation was identified between V_D and WORMS. V_C had better ability than V_A,V_B, V_D, T2 and ADC to discriminate early OA patients from healthy controls (area under the curve, 0.898). Sensitivity, specificity, PLR, and NLR of V_C with a cut-off value of 29.9% were 81.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.1-90.9%), 95.9% (86-99.5%), 20.05% (5.13-78.34%), and 0.19% (0.11-0.33%).

CONCLUSIONS

DR-CSI compartment volume fractions may be sensitive indicators for detecting early-stage degeneration in knee articular cartilage.

Mediating effect of endocrine hormones on association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and birth size: Findings from sheyang mini birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been reported to affect fetus growth, but current results were inconsistent and their mechanism remained unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the associations of prenatal exposure to single and/or multiple PFAS with birth size and to elucidate whether thyroid hormones and reproductive hormones mediate these associations.

METHODS

A total of 1087 mother-newborn pairs from Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study were included in the present cross-sectional analysis. 12 PFAS, 5 thyroid hormones and 2 reproductive hormones were measured in cord serum. Multiple linear regression models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to examine the associations of PFAS with either birth size or endocrine hormones. One-at-a-time pairwise mediating effect analysis was applied to estimate the mediating effect of single hormone in the association between individual chemical and birth size. High-dimensional mediation approach including elastic net regularization and Bayesian shrinkage estimation were further performed to reduce exposure dimension and figure out the global mediation effects of joint endocrine hormones.

RESULTS

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) exposure was positively associated to weight for length z score [WLZ, per log10-unit: regression coefficient (β) = 0.26, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.04, 0.47] and ponderal index (PI, β = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.09, 1.02), and PFAS mixture results fit by BKMR model showed consistent consequences. High-dimensional mediating analyses revealed that thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) explained 6.7% of the positive association between PFAS mixtures exposure and PI [Total effect (TE) = 1.499 (0.565, 2.405); Indirect effect (IE) = 0.105 (0.015, 0.231)]. Besides, 7.3% of the PI variance was indirectly explained by 7 endocrine hormones jointly [TE = 0.810 (0.802, 0.819); IE = 0.040 (0.038, 0.041)].

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal PFAS mixtures exposure, especially PFNA, was positively associated to birth size. Such associations were partly mediated by cord serum TSH.

[NKD1 promotes glucose uptake in colon cancer cells by activating YWHAE transcription]

OBJECTIVE

Bo investigate the regulatory relationship between NKD1 and YWHAE and the mechanism of NKD1 for promoting tumor cell proliferation.

METHODS

HCT116 cells transfected with pcDNA3.0-NKD1 plasmid, SW620 cells transfected with NKD1 siRNA, HCT116 cells with stable NKD1 overexpression (HCT116-NKD1 cells), SW620 cells with nkd1knockout (SW620-nkd1^-/- cells), and SW620-nkd1^-/- cells transfected with pcDNA3.0-YWHAE plasmid were examined for changes in mRNA and protein expression levels of YWHAE using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to detect the binding of NKD1 to the promoter region of YWHAE gene. The regulatory effect of NKD1 on YWHAE gene promoter activity was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and the interaction between NKD1 and YWHAE was analyzed with immunofluorescence assay. The regulatory effect of NKD1 on glucose uptake was examined in the tumor cells.

RESULTS

In HCT116 cells, overexpression of NKD1 significantly enhanced the expression of YWHAE at both the mRNA and protein levels, while NKD1 knockout decreased its expression in SW620 cells (P < 0.001). ChIP assay showed that NKD1 protein was capable of binding to the YWHAE promoter sequence; dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that NKD1 overexpression (or knockdown) in the colon cancer cells significantly enhanced (or reduced) the transcriptional activity of YWHAE promoter (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay demonstrated the binding of NKD1 and YWHAE proteins in colon cancer cells. NKD1 knockout significantly reduced glucose uptake in colon cancer cells (P < 0.01), while YWHAE overexpression restored the glucose uptake in NKD1-knockout cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NKD1 protein activates the transcriptional activity of YWHAE gene to promote glucose uptake in colon cancer cells.

[Dysphagia and respiratory rehabilitation in patients with Post-ICU Syndrome]

Post-ICU Syndrome (PICS) is a complex disease with multiple aspects, including physical, cognitive, and psychological health problems. Dysphagia persists in patients with PICS and is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes after discharge. With the development of the level of intensive care, dysphagia of PICS needs more attention. Although several risk factors related to dysphagia in PICS have been proposed, the exact mechanism is still unclear. Respiratory rehabilitation is an important non-pharmacological therapy, which offers short-and long-term rehabilitation in critical patients, but its application is insufficient in dysphagia of PICS. In view of the lack of consensus on the rehabilitation treatment of dysphagia after PICS currently, the article elaborates on the related concepts, epidemiology, potential mechanisms and the application of respiratory rehabilitation in patients with dysphagia of PICS, in order to provide a reference for the clinical development of respiratory rehabilitation in patients with dysphagia of PICS.

Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and neurodevelopment in toddlers: Findings from SMBCS

BACKGROUND

Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has been reported to affect offspring neurodevelopment, while epidemiological evidences were limited and inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the associations between cord serum PFAS concentrations and neurodevelopment in toddlers from 1 to 3 years of age.

METHODS

A total of 716 children from Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) were included in this study. 12 PFAS concentrations were quantified in cord serum. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Developmental Screen Test for Children Aged 0-6 Years at 1 year and the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) at 2 and 3 years, respectively. Development quotient (DQ) z-score was standardized from DQ to eliminate the difference caused by two methods. We used generalized linear model (GLM) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to explore the associations of single or mixture PFAS exposure with neurodevelopment measurements at each time point. Associations between PFAS exposure and longitudinal changes in DQ z-score were investigated through generalized estimating equation (GEE) and trajectory analysis.

RESULTS

In general, prenatal PFAS concentrations showed negative associations with neurodevelopment measurements at specific age. When accounting for longitudinal changes from 1 to 3 years of age, PFOA was negatively associated with DQ z-score (β = -0.212, 95% CI: -0.422, -0.003), the association was only found significant in boys after stratified by gender (β = -0.327, 95% CI: -0.616, -0.038). Meanwhile, increased PFBS (OR = 2.159, 95% CI: 1.177, 3.959) and PFHpA (OR = 1.700, 95% CI: 1.016, 2.846) exposure was associated with elevated odds for the low-score trajectory group. The results of mixture of PFAS further confirmed above findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that prenatal PFAS exposure may be associated with adverse neurodevelopment effects in the first 3 years of life. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Based on a Conductive 3D Sponge Network for Motion Sensing and Human-Machine Interface

Flexible sensors have attracted increasing attention owing to their important applications in human activity monitoring, medical diagnosis, and human-machine interaction. However, the rational design of low-cost sensors with desirable properties (e.g., high sensitivity and excellent stability) and extended applications is still a great challenge. Herein, a simple and cost-effective strategy is reported by immersing polyurethane (PU) sponge in graphene oxide solution followed by in situ chemical reduction to construct a reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-wrapped PU sponge sensor. Ascribed to the excellent compressive resilience of PU sponge and an electrically conductive RGO layer, the constructed flexible sensor exhibits satisfactory sensing performance with high sensitivity (17.65 kPa^-1) in a low-load range (0-3.2 kPa), a wide compression strain range (0-80%), and reliable stability (8000 cycles). In addition, these sensors can be successfully applied to monitor human movements and identify the weight of objects. Through the use of a sensor array integrated with a signal acquisition circuit, the reasonably designed sensors can realize tactile feedback via mapping real-time spatial distribution of pressure in complicated tasks and show potential applications in flexible electronic pianos, electronic skin, and remote real-time control of home electronics.

Associations of perfluoroalkyl substances with adipocytokines in umbilical cord serum: A mixtures approach

BACKGROUND

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a kind of emerging environmental endocrine disruptors, may interfere with the secretion of adipokines and affect fetal metabolic function and intrauterine development. However, the epidemiological evidence is limited and inconsistent. We examined the associations of single and multiple PFAS exposures in utero with adipocytokine concentrations in umbilical cord serum.

METHODS

This study included 1111 mother-infant pairs from Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS), and quantified 12 PFAS and two adipokine in umbilical cord serum. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were applied to estimate the associations of single- and mixed- PFAS exposure with adipokines, respectively. Furthermore, sex-stratification was done in each model to assess the sexually dimorphic effects of PFAS.

RESULTS

10 PFAS were detected with median concentrations (μg/L) ranging from 0.04 to 3.97, (except 2.7% for PFOSA and 1.7% for PFDS, which were excluded). In GLMs, for each doubling increase in PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFUnDA and PFDoDA, leptin decreased between 14.04% for PFBS and 22.69% for PFHpS (P < 0.05). PFAS, except for PFNA, were positively associated with adiponectin, and for each doubling of PFAS, adiponectin increased between 3.27% for PFBS and 12.28% for PFHxS (P < 0.05). In addition, infant gender modified the associations of PFAS with adipokines, especially the associations of PFBS, PFOA and PFHxS with adiponectin. Similarly, significant associations of PFAS mixtures with leptin and adiponectin were observed in the BKMR models. PFDA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHpS were identified as important contributors. In the sex-stratified analysis of BKMR models, the associations between PFAS mixtures and adipokines were more pronounced in males.

CONCLUSIONS

PFAS levels were significantly associated with adipokines in cord serum, suggesting that intrauterine mixture of PFAS exposure may be related to decreased fetal leptin level but increased fetal adiponectin level and the associations may be sex-specific.

Famine Exposure during Early Life and Risk of Cancer in Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Emerging evidences have explored the association between famine exposure during early life and cancer risk in adulthood, but the results remain controversial and inconsistent. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive evidence on the relation of famine exposure to later cancer risk.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Relevant reports published up to March, 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of sciences and Medline databases. Pooled relative ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the effect famine exposure on cancer risk.

RESULTS

Totally, 18 published articles with 6,061,147 subjects were included in this study. Compared with unexposed group, early life famine exposure dramatically increased the risk of cancer in adulthood (RR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22). The pooled RRs were different in terms of sex, exposure severity, exposure period, famine type, study design type and cancer location. A remarkably elevated risk for cancer was discerned in women exposed to famine (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18), severe exposure (RR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.22) and adolescence exposure (RR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.02-2.50), Chinese famine exposure (RR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.29-1.82) and cohort studies (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.13-1.42). Moreover, a significant association of early-life famine exposure with increased risk of breast (RR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.27) and stomach cancers (RR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.24-2.54) was observed.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that exposure to famine during early life may increase the risk of cancer in adulthood. The above-mentioned association is pronounced in women exposed to famine, severe exposure, adolescence exposure, Chinese famine, cohort studies, breast and stomach cancers. It is essential for decision-makers to take targeted measures for improving population awareness regarding the long-term effect of early life nutritional status.

Multiple mediation effects on association between prenatal triclosan exposure and birth outcomes

BACKGROUND

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, and was thought to affect intrauterine development, but the mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between prenatal triclosan exposure and birth outcomes.

METHODS

Based on 726 mother-child pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS), we used the available (published) data of triclosan in maternal urines, the hormones including thyroid-related hormones, gonadal hormones in cord blood, and adipokines, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors in cord blood to explore possible health effects of triclosan on birth outcomes through assessing different hormones and parameters, using Bayesian mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Maternal triclosan exposure was associated with ponderal index (β = 0.317) and head circumference (β = -0.172) in generalized linear models. In Bayesian mediation analysis of PI model, estradiol (β = 0.806) and trimethylamine (TMA, β = 0.164) showed positive mediation effects, while total thyroxine (TT4, β = -0.302), leptin (β = -2.023) and TMAO (β = -0.110) showed negative mediation effects. As for model of head circumference, positive mediation effects were observed in free thyroxine (FT4, β = 0.493), TMA (β = 0.178), and TMAO (β = 0.683), negative mediation effects were observed in TT4 (β = -0.231), testosterone (β = -0.331), estradiol (β = -1.153), leptin (β = -2.361), choline (β = -0.169), betaine (β = -0.104), acetyl-L-carnitine (β = -0.773).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated triclosan can affect intrauterine growth by interfering thyroid-related hormones, gonadal hormones, adipokines, TMAO and its precursors.

[Influence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication treatment on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth]

Objectives: To analyze the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and eradication therapy on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Methods: From September to December 2021, patients with abdominal symptoms who received ¹³C urea breath test at the Department of Gastroenterology in Peking University First Hospital were enrolled.¹³C urea breath test was used to detect H. pylori infection and patients were divided into H. pylori positive and negative groups accordingly. Lactulose hydrogen methane breath test was performed to determine SIBO. H. pylori positive patients were treated with quadruple therapy including amoxicillin, metronidazole, rabeprazole and bismuth potassium citrate. ¹³C urea breath test and lactulose hydrogen methane breath test were reexamined 6 weeks after the treatment. Results: A total of 102 patients (49 males and 53 females) were enrolled, with a mean age of (42.1±9.9) years. Among them, 49 patients were H. pylori negative and 53 were H. pylori positive. Moreover, 47 patients were SIBO positive and 55 were SIBO negative. There was no significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, abdominal symptoms and the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis between H. pylori positive and negative patients at the enrollment (all P>0.05). The detection rate of SIBO in H. pylori infected patients was higher than that in uninfected patients, and the difference was statistically significant (60.4% vs 30.6%, P=0.003). Patients with SIBO had significantly more frequent abdominal distension (36.2% vs 10.9%, P=0.002) and constipation (27.7% vs 1.8%, P<0.001) than patients without SIBO. The rate of SIBO after H. pylori eradication treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (20.8% vs 60.4%, P<0.001). The remission rate of SIBO after eradication therapy was 66.7% (20/30). Besides, patients had obvious improvement of constipation (6.0% vs 18.9%, P=0.008), and the incidence of other abdominal symptoms decreased to various degrees including diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distention and poor appetite. Conclusion: H. pylori infection increases the risk of SIBO, and the quadruple regimen containing amoxicillin and metronidazole has a therapeutic effect for patients with H.pylori infection and concomitant SIBO.

Ultralight type I transvaginal mesh: an alternative for recurrent severe posterior vaginal prolapse

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the medium-term outcomes of ultralight type I mesh for postmenopausal women with recurrent severe posterior vaginal prolapse (PVP).

METHODS

All participants underwent transvaginal ultralight type I mesh repair between April 2016 and April 2021 and were followed until May 2022. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) staging, mesh-related complications, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale and quality of life questionnaire responses were evaluated. The primary outcome was composite surgical success rate at the last follow-up, composite success being defined as no vaginal bulge symptoms, no POP-Q point at or beyond the hymen and no re-treatment for POP. Secondary outcomes included anatomic outcomes (POP-Q score), symptomatic relief and complications.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 37.3 months. At the last follow-up, the composite success rate was 75%, and POP-Q scores for the vault and posterior wall and quality of life questionnaire scores were significantly improved (p < 0.01). The subjective satisfaction (PGI-I ≤ 2) rate was 83.3%. There were no mesh-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultralight mesh can achieve good clinical outcomes and substantially improve the quality of life of patients with severe recurrent PVP in the medium term, and may thus be a viable alternative for treating this condition.

Urinary para-nitrophenol levels of pregnant women and cognitive and motor function of their children aged 2 years: Evidence from the SMBCS (China)

BACKGROUND

Urinary para-nitrophenol (PNP), an exposure biomarker of ethyl parathion (EP) and methyl parathion (MP) pesticides, was still pervasively detected in the general population even after global restriction for years. And the concern whether there is an association of PNP level with child development of the nervous system is increasing. The current study aimed to evaluate the maternal urinary PNP concentrations during late pregnancy and the associations of PNP levels with cognitive and motor function of their children at the age of 2 years.

METHODS

323 mother-child pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study were included in the current study. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure concentrations of PNP, the specific metabolite of EP and MP, in maternal urine samples during pregnancy. Developmental quotients (DQs) scores measured with Gesell Developmental Scales were employed to evaluate cognitive and motor function of children aged 2 years. Generalized linear models were performed to analyze the associations of PNP concentrations in pregnant women's urine samples with cognitive and motor function of their children.

RESULTS

Maternal PNP was detected in all urine samples with a median of 4.11 μg/L and a range from 0.57 μg/L to 109.13 μg/L, respectively. Maternal urinary PNP concentrations showed a negative trend with DQ of motor area [regression coefficient (β) = - 1.35; 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): - 2.37, - 0.33; P < 0.01], and the children whose mothers were in the fourth quartile exposure group performed significantly worse compared to the reference group (β = - 1.11; 95 %CI: - 1.80, - 0.42; P < 0.01). As for average DQ score, children with their mothers' urinary PNP concentrations in the third quartile group had higher scores than those in the first quartile group (β = 0.39; 95 %CI: 0.03, 0.75; P = 0.04). In sex-stratified analyses, a negative trend between maternal urinary PNP concentrations and DQ scores in motor area of children was only observed in boys (β = - 1.62; 95 %CI: - 2.80, - 0.43; P < 0.01). Boys in the third quartile group had higher DQ average scores than those in the lowest quartile as reference (β = 0.53; 95 %CI: 0.02, 1.04; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The mothers from SMBCS may be widely exposed to EP and/or MP, which were associated with the cognitive and motor function of their children aged 2 years in a sex-specific manner. Our results might provide epidemiology evidence on the potential effects of prenatal exposure to EP and/or MP on children's cognitive and motor function.

[Role of alternative activation of macrophages in hookworm therapy for inflammatory diseases: a review]

As a type of highly plastic innate immune cells, macrophages may be differentiated into M1 and M2 macrophages upon different stimuli, and M2 macrophages are involved in immune regulation, tissue remodeling and regeneration, and wound healing. Previous epidemiological studies have shown a significant negative correlation between the prevalence of helminth infections and the incidence of inflammatory diseases, such as allergy and autoimmune diseases. As a common type of intestinal helminths, hookworm infection may trigger high levels of type II host immune responses, with alternative activation of macrophages, which are effective to inhibit the development and progression of inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the advances in alternative activation of macrophages in hookworm therapy for inflammatory diseases.

Prenatal exposure to parabens in association with cord serum adipokine levels and offspring size at birth

BACKGROUND

Paraben exposure is linked to the release of adipokine such as leptin and adiponectin, and both paraben and adipokine may affect fetal growth. The present study aimed to explore the associations among maternal paraben exposure, adipokine level and offspring size.

METHODS

942 mother-newborn pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) were enrolled. Data of birth weight, length, head circumference and ponderal index (PI) were obtained from medical records. Maternal urinary parabens were determined by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Cord serum leptin and adiponectin were measured using ELISA assay. Generalized linear regression was applied to explore the associations among parabens, adipokines and offspring size.

RESULTS

The median levels of leptin and adiponectin were 13.13 μg/L and 161.82 μg/mL. Benzylparaben level was positively associated with leptin (regression coefficient (β) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.09; p < 0.01). Leptin level was positively associated with neonatal weight (β = 84.11, 95% CI: 63.22-105.01; p < 0.01), length (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14-0.37; p < 0.01), head circumference (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.22; p < 0.01) and PI (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.39; p < 0.01). Adiponectin was positively associated with neonatal weight (β = 75.94, 95% CI: 29.65-122.23; p < 0.01) and PI (β = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.09-0.77; p = 0.01). Urinary propylparaben concentration (β = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.02; p = 0.01) was negatively associated with head circumference. Sex-stratified analyses indicated the negative association of propylparaben and head circumference was only remained in male neonates.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal paraben exposure might affect cord serum leptin levels. Both paraben and adipokine levels may affect fetal growth, and sex-specific differences may exist.

Fourfold Anisotropic Magnetoresistance of L1_{0} FePt Due to Relaxation Time Anisotropy

Experimental measurements show that the angular dependence of the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in L1_{0} ordered FePt epitaxial films on the current orientation and magnetization direction is a superposition of the corresponding dependences of twofold and fourfold symmetries. The twofold AMR exhibits a strong dependence on the current orientation, whereas the fourfold term only depends on the magnetization direction in the crystal and is independent of the current orientation. First-principles calculations reveal that the fourfold AMR arises from the relaxation time anisotropy due to the variation of the density of states near the Fermi energy under rotation of the magnetization. This relaxation time anisotropy is a universal property in ferromagnetic metals and determines other anisotropic physical properties that are observable in experiment.

First live birth in China after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first live birth after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

A patient with myelodysplastic syndrome received ovarian tissue cryopreservation before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and six ovarian cortex strips were thawed and transplanted into her peritoneal pocket 2 years later.

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting, and a healthy girl was born at 38 weeks gestation. Until now, the child has developed normally without any major diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first live birth resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Brain functional changes in individuals with bulimia nervosa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder with high health and socioeconomic burdens that typically arises in late adolescence and early adulthood. Previous neuroimaging studies have found functional brain changes in patients with BN. This study aims to review the latest neurobiological evidence from studies of individuals with BN, examine the consistency of these findings and evaluate the food addiction hypothesis of the disease.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be performed using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to 30 November 2021. Two researchers will be responsible for study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. The anisotropic effect size version of the signed differential mapping method will be used to conduct a coordinate-based meta-analysis. Publication bias will be examined with the Egger test. The quality of studies will be evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethics approval is required for this is a systematic review protocol and does not require the collection of primary data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal or related conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022307233.

Selective biosorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution by ion-imprinted honeycomb-like chitosan/kaolin clay composite foams

The radioactive pollution caused by the discharge of radioactive wastewater poses a serious threat to public health and ecosystem stability owing to its long-term detriments. Herein, the ion-imprinted honeycomb-like chitosan/kaolin clay (ICK) composite foams were successfully fabricated and applied to the selective biosorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution. It was found that the ICK-2 was the best among various ICK foams owing to its well-developed honeycomb-like structure and the presence of abundant functional groups. As compared to the non-imprinted sorbent (NICK-2), the ion-imprinted sorbent (ICK-2) presents higher sorption and better selectivity since it can smartly recognize the target ions. The sorption isotherms was well-fitted with Langmuir model, and the maximum sorption capacity of ICK-2 was evaluated as 286.85 mg/g for U(VI) at 298 K and pH 5.0. The kinetic data could be described by pseudo-second order model. The FTIR and XPS results suggest that both amine and hydroxyl groups are responsible for U(VI) coordination. The ICK-2 presents high sorption capacity, good selectivity and fast kinetic rate, and thus it has potential application for U(VI) separation from radioactive wastewater.