Search

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs that mediate the fibrotic process by regulating multiple targets. MicroRNA-based therapy can restore or inhibit miRNA expression and is expected to become an effective approach to prevent and alleviate fibrotic diseases. However, the safe, targeted, and effective delivery of miRNAs is a major challenge in translating miRNA therapy from bench to bedside. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological process of fibrosis and the mechanism by which miRNAs regulate the progression of fibrosis. Additionally, we summarize the miRNA nanodelivery tools for fibrotic diseases, including chemical modifications and polymer-based, lipid-based, and exosome-based delivery systems. Further clarification of the role of miRNAs in fibrosis and the development of a novel nanodelivery system may facilitate the prevention and alleviation of fibrotic diseases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) is a highly conserved way of regulating intracellular protein balance. UPS mediates proteolysis and disruption of variation or misfolding, while finely regulating proteins involved in differentiation and other biological processes. Aims: The aim of this review is to systematically introduce UPS as a key regulator of melanin metabolism. Methods: Systematic search and retrospective review were performed on the published data. Results: Melanocyte‐inducing transcription factor (MITF) is a substrate of the ubiquitin ligase VCHL1 and acts as a transcription factor to regulate the expression of key enzymes in melanin synthesis such as tyrosinase (TYR). The rate‐limiting enzyme TYR is modified by the ubiquitin ligase Hrd1 during melanosynthesis. Melanin itself is also regulated by multiple ubiquitin ligases including Fbp1 and Vhl. By regulating the ubiquitination modification to target each link of melanin synthesis, it plays an important role in correcting the disorder of melanin metabolism. A number of chemical agents have been proven to inhibit the activity of ubiquitin ligase. Conclusions: Drugs targeting E3 ligase and deubiquitinating enzymes have great potential in the treatment of melanin metabolism disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Racial differences in adverse maternal and birth outcomes have been studied in other countries, however, there are few studies specific to the Canadian population. In this study, we sought to examine the inequities in adverse perinatal outcomes between Black and White pregnant people in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study that included all Black and White pregnant people who attended prenatal screening and had a singleton birth in any Ontario hospital (April 1st, 2012-March 31st, 2019). Poisson regression with robust error variance models were used to estimate the adjusted relative risks of adverse perinatal outcomes for Black people compared with White people while adjusting for covariates. Results: Among 412,120 eligible pregnant people, 10.1% were Black people and 89.9% were White people. Black people were at an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm birth (<37, <34, <32 weeks), spontaneous preterm birth, all caesarean sections, emergency caesarean section, low birth weight (<2500g, <1500g), small-for-gestational-age (<10th percentile, <3rd percentile) neonates, 5-minute Apgar score <4 and <7, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment but had lower risks of elective caesarean section, assisted vaginal delivery, episiotomy, 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears, macrosomia, large-for-gestational-age neonates, and arterial cord pH≤7.1, as compared with White people. No difference in risks of gestational hypertension and placenta previa were observed between Black and White people. Conclusion: There are differences in several adverse perinatal outcomes between Black and White people within the Ontario health care system. Findings might have potential clinical and health policy implications, although more studies are needed to further understand the mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on the effect of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) on maternal and neonatal outcomes are inconsistent and often limited by inadequate case definitions and other methodological issues. Our objective was to evaluate the trends, determinants and outcomes of CDMR using an intent-to-treat approach.Methods: We designed a population-based retrospective cohort study using data on low-risk pregnancies in Ontario, Canada (April 2012-March 2018). We assessed temporal trends and determinants of CDMR. We estimated the relative risks for component and composite outcomes used in the Adverse Outcome Index (AOI) related to planned CDMR compared with planned vaginal delivery using generalized estimating equation models. We compared the Weighted Adverse Outcome Score (WAOS) and the Severity Index (SI) across planned modes of delivery using analysis of variance.Results: Of 422 210 women, 0.4% (n = 1827) had a planned CDMR and 99.6% (n = 420 383) had a planned vaginal delivery. The prevalence of CDMR remained stable over time at 3.9% of all cesarean deliveries. Factors associated with CDMR included late maternal age, higher education, conception via in vitro fertilization, anxiety, nulliparity, being White, delivery at a hospital providing higher levels of maternal care and obstetrician-based antenatal care. Women who planned CDMR had a lower risk of adverse outcomes than women who planned vaginal delivery (adjusted relative risk 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33 to 0.53). The WAOS was lower for planned CDMR than planned vaginal delivery (mean difference -1.28, 95% CI -2.02 to -0.55). The SI was not statistically different between groups (mean difference 3.6, 95% CI -7.4 to 14.5).Interpretation: Rates of CDMR have not increased in Ontario. Planned CDMR is associated with a decreased risk of short-term adverse outcomes compared with planned vaginal delivery. Investigation into the long-term implications of CDMR is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately one in five pregnant women have obesity. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of antenatal, intrapartum, and perinatal complications, but many women with obesity have uncomplicated pregnancies. At a time where maternity services are advocating for women to make informed choices, knowledge of the chance of having an uncomplicated (healthy) pregnancy is essential. The objective of this study was to calculate the rate of uncomplicated pregnancy in women with obesity and evaluate factors associated with this outcome.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted using the Ontario birth registry dataset in Canada (703,115 women, April 2012-March 2017). The rate of uncomplicated or complicated composite pregnancy outcomes (hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, neonate small- or large- for gestational age at birth, congenital anomaly, fetal death, antepartum bleeding or preterm prelabour membrane rupture) were calculated for women with and without obesity. Associations between uncomplicated pregnancy and maternal characteristics were explored in a population of women with obesity but without other pre-existing co-morbidities (e.g., essential hypertension) or obstetric risks identified in the first trimester (e.g., multiple pregnancy), using log binomial regression analysis.Results: Of the studied Ontario maternity population (body mass index not missing) 17·7% (n = 117,236) were obese. Of these 20·6% had pre-existing co-morbidities or early obstetric complicating factors. Amongst women with obesity but without early complicating factors, 58·2% (n = 54,191) experienced pregnancy without complication; this is in comparison to 72·7% of women of healthy weight and no early complicating factors. Women with obesity and no early pregnancy complicating factors are more likely to have an uncomplicated pregnancy if they are multiparous, younger, more affluent, of White or Black ethnicity, of lower weight, with normal placental-associated plasma protein-A and/or spontaneously conceived pregnancies.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that over half of women with obesity but no other pre-existing medical or early obstetric complicating factors, proceed through pregnancy without adverse obstetric complication. Care in lower-risk settings can be considered as their outcomes appear similar to those reported for low-risk nulliparous women. Further research and predictive tools are needed to inform stratification of women with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel variable-aperture Fourier ptychography based on a 4- f optical correlator for reconstructing high-resolution images from a few captured low-resolution images. With various overlapping apertures filtering the spatial spectrum, the outputs of the correlator are captured as the low-resolution images for reconstructing object images. The simulations and the experiments with a DMD for providing the variable apertures demonstrate that, the reported scheme is tolerant to aperture's inaccurate positioning and shape error. Furthermore, rather than mechanical aperture-scanning, the scheme takes much less time for reconstructing object images. Compared with other Fourier ptychography methods, the reported scheme will be more prospective for wide applications in various imaging fields. • A novel variable-aperture Fourier ptychography. • Scheme is tolerant to aperture's inaccurate positioning and irregular shape. • 4-f optical correlator for reconstructing high-resolution object images. • Taking much less time for reconstructing better object images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several observational studies have found leukocyte telomere length (TL) to be associated with Alzheimer's diseases (AD) or dementia. However, these findings were based on small sample sizes and cannot clarify whether this relationship was causal. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants associated with TL, providing a valuable resource for examining the causal effect of TL on AD using Mendelian Randomization (MR) methods.Objective: To examine if TL was causally associated with AD using GWAS summary statistics.Methods: Using a genetic risk score comprised of seven variants associated with leukocyte TL as an instrumental variable, we tested whether shorter TL was associated with a higher risk of AD by applying an MR approach to the summarized genome-wide association study data.Results: The genetic risk score for TL was associated with higher risk of AD [log-odds ratio (OR) = 0.003 for per TL-decreasing allele; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.001, 0.005, p = 0.005]. Moreover, the MR analysis provided support for shorter TL to be causally associated with a higher risk of AD (log-OR = 0.04 per SD-decrease of TL; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.08, p = 0.01).Conclusion: We suggest that TL has a causal effect on the risk of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of death globally. Extreme temperatures may induce stroke, but evidence on the effects of heat on first-ever strokes is not clear. Low air pressure can lead to depression and an increase in blood pressure, and it may exacerbate the health impact of heat. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of heat on first-ever strokes, the possible sensitive populations, and the effect of modification of atmospheric pressure. Methods We collected data on 142,569 first-ever strokes during 2005–2016 in Shenzhen, a coastal city in southern China, with subtropical oceanic monsoon climate. We fitted a time-series Poisson model in our study, estimating the association between daily mean temperature and first-ever strokes in hot months, with a distributed lag non-linear model with 7 days of lag. We calculated strokes attributable to heat in various gender, age groups, household register types, stroke subtypes, and atmospheric pressure levels. Results Heat had a significant cumulative association with first-ever strokes, and the risk of strokes increased with the rise in temperature after it was higher than 30 °C (the 85th percentile). In total, 1.95% (95% empirical CI 0.63–3.20%) of first-ever strokes were attributable to high temperature. The attributable fraction and attributable number of heat were statistically significant in male, female, middle-aged and old patients, immigrant patients, and CBI patients. The fraction attributable to heat was 3.33% in the low atmospheric pressure group, and the number of estimated daily attributable strokes at low atmospheric pressure levels was higher than that of medium and high atmospheric pressure levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions High temperatures in hot months may trigger first-ever strokes, and low atmospheric pressure may exacerbate the effect. We mainly found associations between heat and first-ever strokes for intracerebral hemorrhage, middle-aged and old patients, as well as immigrant patients. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • High temperatures in hot months may trigger first-ever strokes. • Low atmospheric pressure may exacerbate the effects of heat on first-ever strokes. • Middle-aged and old patients, immigrants, as well as cerebral infarction patients were sensitive to heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to systematically review the published literature on the awareness, previous and current use, and harm perceptions of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among adults. Methods: A search of the most current literature using the PubMed and Scopus database to identify articles published since 2003 yielded a total of 28 relevant articles. Results: The pooled prevalence of awareness, previous use, current use of e-cigarettes and perceived healthier of e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes (healthier perception) among adults were 61.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 51.5–70.8%), 16.8% (95% CI: 14.0–19.6%), 11.1% (95% CI: 9.2–13.1%), and 52.6% (95% CI: 42.5–62.6%), respectively, using a random effects model. The subgroup analysis showed that pooled estimates were highest in the group of current smokers of regular cigarettes, except that the highest pooled rate of current use was seen in the group of former smokers of regular cigarettes (the corresponding rates were 71.9% (95% CI: 57.5–86.3%), 27.2% (95% CI: 18.8–35.6%), 16.8% (95% CI: 7.2–26.3%), and 63.1% (95% CI: 52.1–74.1%)), and the lowest pooled rates were in the group of non-smokers, except for the rate of healthier perception in the users of e-cigarettes (and the corresponding rates were 46.8% (95% CI: 26.8–66.8%), 2.5% (95% CI: 1.1–5.6%), 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4–2.1%), and 37.9% (95% CI: -0.5–76.3%)). The cumulative meta-analysis found that awareness increased over time, while the prevalence of previous use, current use, and healthier perception first experienced an increase followed by a decrease and remained stable thereafter. Conclusions: E-cigarette awareness has been increasing, and e-cigarette use and perceived health risks are nearly invariable between 2009 and 2014. Given the substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence rate estimates, there is a need for more accurate and comparable prevalence estimates for e-cigarettes across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective cohort study designed to assess the effect of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) took place in Ottawa, ON and Kingston, ON, Canada, from September 1, 2002 to August 31, 2008. Pregnant women, less than 20 weeks gestational age were recruited and delivered in the Ottawa region and the Kingston General Hospital. Demographic characteristics of the study participants and the patterns of supplementation of folic acid were described and occurrence of PE between women with folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and women without were compared. Multiple logistic regression was used in the estimation of the independent effect of supplementation of folic acid. Additional analyses assessing the effect of low RBC and serum folate and dose-response relationship were performed. Analyses were performed in all study participants, and then in high risk and low risk sub-groups, respectively. A total of 7,669 participants were included in the final analysis. Ninety five percent of the study participants were taking folic acid supplementation in early second trimester. The rate of PE was lower in the supplementation group than in the no supplementation group, and the difference was statistically significant in high risk women. Similar patterns of associations were observed in analysis by RBC and serum folate levels and in dose-response analysis. Folic acid supplementation in pregnancy may reduce PE risk in pregnant women, especially in those women with increased risk of developing PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fraction 18 (100%) was chromatographed on silica gel (petroleum ether-EtOAc, 10:1) followed by recrystallization and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography (methanol 100%) to give compounds B 8 b (24.9 mg) and B 9 b (4.9mg). A portion of the petroleum ether fraction (221.84 g) was subjected to silica gel column chromatography by a gradient-elution technique with a mobile phase of petroleum ether-EtOAc (1:0-1:1), and nine fractions (F1-F9) were obtained according to TLC results. All the nine compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from the fruiting bodies of I O. raphanipes. i Furthermore, the anticancer activity of the petroleum ether extract I in vitro i was studied by employing the CCK8 (cell counting Kit-8) assay method [[13]] (Table 1). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Objective: Labetalol and methyldopa are the two antihypertensive drugs most frequently used to control blood pressure for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess if labetalol is associated with poor infant outcomes. Study design: Retrospective population-based cohort study using the linked maternal/infant databases in the Province of Saskatchewan. Women with a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy who delivered a singleton in Saskatchewan from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2005 and who were dispensed only labetalol or only methyldopa were included in the study. Occurrences of small for gestational age (SGA)<10th percentile, SGA<3rd percentile, preterm birth, stillbirth, hospitalization for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis, and seizure during infancy, and infant death were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding. Results: A total of 1223 eligible women were included in the final analysis. Among them, 300 received labetalol only and 923 received methyldopa only during pregnancy. For women with chronic hypertension, the rate of hospitalization for RDS, sepsis, and seizure during infancy was significantly higher for infants born to mothers who were dispensed labetalol only as compared with infants born to mothers who were dispensed methyldopa only (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.22). Conclusion: Compared with methyldopa, the use of labetalol for chronic hypertension of pregnancy may be associated with increased rate of hospitalization during infancy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To describe trends in and patterns of antihypertensive drug use in a general obstetric population. Study design: Historical cohort study. A total of 18,117 women who gave birth in a Saskatchewan hospital between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2005 with a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were identified and included in the analysis. Results: The rate of treatment with antihypertensive drugs for pregnant women with chronic hypertension rose from 19.94% in 1980–1984 to 37.63% in 2000–2005. There were similar increases in antihypertensive drug use from 1.51% to 14.47% for gestational hypertension/non-severe preeclampsia, and from 1.56% to 20.86% for severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. Methyldopa was the most frequently used drug, followed by beta-blockers, with other antihypertensive drugs accounting for about 18.43% of total uses. The use of both methyldopa and labetalol has increased in recent years while the use of other antihypertensive drugs has decreased. Other antihypertensive drugs were more commonly prescribed in earlier gestation, while methyldopa and labetalol were generally prescribed in later gestation. Conclusion: The use of antihypertensive drugs in pregnancy is relatively common and is increasing, with the liberal use of methyldopa and (especially) labetalol contributing appreciably to this increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder of human pregnancy, affecting about 6% of all pregnancies worldwide, and is one of the leading causes of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Despite decades of research into the pathogenesis of this complex disease, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. As a result, the options for prevention and management of PE are limited. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence suggesting that folate deficiency is associated with PE, and folic acid supplementation may reduce the risk of developing PE in certain populations. Folate contributes to cell division and growth, and folate metabolism is involved in a large number of physiological and pathophysiological processes in human development. Sufficient supply of folate is therefore particularly important during pregnancy. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of folic acid deficiency increasing the risk of developing PE are still unclear. This article reviews what is understood about the aetiology of PE and the relationship between folate metabolism and PE so as to enhance further discussions on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of using transdermal nitroglycerin (GTN) for cases of preterm labor. Methods: The study included 153 women with clinical preterm labor, who were randomly allocated to either a GTN or placebo arm. All randomized cases were included in the final economic analysis. Differences between the two arms in gestational age at delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, length of NICU stay, and NICU cost were assessed. Costs for non-NICU cases were calculated using Ottawa Hospital data through the Ontario Case Costing Initiative (OCCI). Cost-effectiveness and sensitivity analyses using a hospital perspective were both conducted. Results: In the 153 randomized cases, 55 babies were admitted to NICU (GTN = 24; placebo = 31). We found no significant differences between the two arms in gestational age at delivery, NICU admission rate (32.4% vs. 39.2%), NICU length of stay (42.7 days vs. 52.8 days), or NICU cost (CAN $34,306 vs. CAN $44,326). Overall, (based on all randomized cases) the cost-effectiveness analyses showed that the GTN arm was the dominant strategy, with both lower cost (CAN $13,397 vs. CAN $18,427) and higher NICU admission avoided rate (67.6% vs. 60.8%) compared to the placebo arm. This dominance persisted in all sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: The use of GTN patch for preterm labor could reduce NICU costs, while improving important neonatal outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are strongly associated with glucose homeostasis, but their roles remain largely unknown. In this study, the potential role of lncRNA‐Snhg3 in glucose metabolism was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we found a positive relationship between Snhg3 and hepatic glycogenesis. Glucose tolerance improved in hepatocyte‐specific Snhg3 knock‐in (Snhg3‐HKI) mice, while it worsened in hepatocyte‐specific Snhg3 knockout (Snhg3‐HKO) mice. Furthermore, hepatic glycogenesis had shown remarkable increase in Snhg3‐HKI mice and reduction in Snhg3‐HKO mice, respectively. Mechanistically, Snhg3 increased mRNA and protein expression levels of PPP1R3B through inducing chromatin remodeling and promoting the phosphorylation of protein kinase B. Collectively, these results suggested that lncRNA‐Snhg3 plays a critical role in hepatic glycogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myxomycetes are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems, and in order to understand their diversity and phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic issues need to be addressed. In our 1985–2021 biodiversity investigations in Shaanxi Province, Jilin Province, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hubei Province, and Henan Province, China, Diderma samples were observed on rotten leaves, rotten branches, and dead wood. The samples were studied, based on morphological features coupled with multigene phylogenetic analyses of nSSU, EF-1α, and COI sequence data, which revealed two new species (Diderma shaanxiense sp. nov. and D. clavatocolumellum sp. nov.) and two known species (D. radiatum and D. globosum). In addition, D. radiatum and D. globosum were newly recorded in Henan Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, respectively. The paper includes comprehensive descriptions, detailed micrographs, and the outcomes of phylogenetic analyses for both the newly discovered and known species. Additionally, it offers morpho-logical comparisons between the new species and similar ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal obesity is associated with stillbirth, but uncertainty persists around the effects of higher obesity classes. We sought to compare the risk of stillbirth associated with maternal obesity alone versus maternal obesity and additional or undiagnosed factors contributing to high-risk pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) for singleton hospital births in Ontario between 2012 and 2018. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression and logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) class and stillbirth (reference was normal BMI). We treated maternal characteristics and obstetrical complications as independent covariates. We performed mediator analyses to measure the direct and indirect effects of BMI on stillbirth through major common-pathway complications. We used fully adjusted and partially adjusted models, representing the impact of maternal obesity alone and maternal obesity with other risk factors on stillbirth, respectively. Results: We analyzed data on 681 178 births between 2012 and 2018, of which 1956 were stillbirths. Class I obesity was associated with an increased incidence of stillbirth (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–1.78). This association was stronger for class III obesity (adjusted HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.44–2.24), and strongest for class II obesity (adjusted HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.83–2.57). Plotting point estimates for odds ratios, stratified by gestational age, showed a marked increase in the relative odds for stillbirth beyond 37 weeks' gestation for those with obesity with and without other risk factors, compared with those with normal BMI. The impact of potential mediators was minimal. Interpretation: Maternal obesity alone and obesity with other risk factors are associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. This risk increases with gestational age, especially at term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: This study was to explore the link between gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels during early‐middle pregnancy and subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: In a prospective cohort study, pregnant women enrolled prior to 16 weeks of gestation were followed up until delivery. GGT, AST and ALT levels were tested during weeks 14‐18 of gestation and oral glucose tolerance test was conducted during 24‐28 weeks to screen GDM. Results: The GDM rate was 8.1% (122/1512). Mean GGT level was higher in GDM than non‐GDM women (18.7 ± 13.0 vs 14.5 ± 7.0, P < .001). The higher GGT level was 26.9~74.0 U/L, which was significantly associated with increased risk of GDM. The adjusted RR (95% CI) comparing higher GGT level versus lower was 5.40 (3.36‐8.68). No significant correlation was found between ALT or AST levels and the risk of GDM. Conclusions: The results suggest that pregnant women with higher serum GGT during early‐middle pregnancy have higher risk of developing GDM. A GGT level >26.9 U/L may indicate an increased risk of developing GDM later and should be further concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation is trying to study the impact of the mixture of Chinese herbs Qi Wei Bai Zhu San (QWBZS) on bacterial lactase gene from antibiotics-induced diarrhea (AAD) mice, as the good curative effect of QWBZS on diarrhea. Mice (6 mice per group) were randomly selected as control, model and treatment groups. To induce diarrhea, mice in both model and treatment groups were intragastrically injected with mixture of gentamycin sulfate and cefradine (23.33 mL kg day) twice per day and continuously for totally 5 days. After the success of establishing diarrhea model, the mice in treatment group were gavaged with QWBZS for 3 days. Intestinal contents in all three groups were then collected and DNA was extracted in aseptic environment for the following sequencing. The results showed that mice from QWBZS treatment group had obviously detectable levels of intestinal bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, which produce phyla lactase specifically. In comparison with other groups, the mice in treatment group had more abundant expression of lactase gene from Acidovorax sp. KKs102, Stenotrophomonas sp. LMG11000, Pseudomonas oleovorans, Eggerthella and Burkholderia. Interestingly, the Shannon index decreased significantly after the treatment with QWBZS ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). 63.1% of lactase genes detected in the mice in treatment group were unclassified, and 32.8% of them were non-homologous to any fragments in the gene bank, which means that most of lactase-producing bacteria are novel. Our results indicate that treatment with QWBZS did not increase the diversity of bacterial lactase gene. Its curative effect on diarrhea may be relevant to its role in facilitating the growth of novel or some key lactase-producing strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phorbol esters (PEs) from Jatropha curcas L. (JC) seed oil using methanol as the extraction solvent was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Jatropha curcas L. seed oil is an excellent feedstock for biodiesel production, in which the presence of major toxic factor (phorbol esters) has limited its industrial applications. The aim of this work is to prepare the nontoxic oil from Jatropha curcas L. whole seeds with the first phorbol esters removal step and the second oil extraction step. The Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize three key parameters in the first phorbol esters removal step including temperature ( X 1 , °C), extraction time ( X 2 , min) and liquid-to-solid ratio ( X 3 , mL:g) for achieving a high extraction efficiency and minimal energy consumption. Ultimately, the optimized conditions were as follows: extraction temperature 36°C, extraction time 52 min and liquid-to-solid ratio 5.78:1. Among these three parameters, temperature had the most significant effect on phorbol esters extraction efficiency followed by extraction time and liquid-to-solid ratio. Maximum content of phorbol esters obtained were 0.33 mg/g Jatropha curcas L. seed in the first step and 89.20 ± 2.96% of seed oil could be recovered by n -hexane in the second step. A sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography method was also established to determine the phorbol esters content within 5 min, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 μg/g. Since the concentrations of phorbol esters were all below the limit of detection, most of the virtually phorbol ester-free (PE-free) oil was produced to extend the Jatropha biodiesel production chain for household chemicals, cosmetic or jet fuel preparation. Meanwhile, the phorbol esters enriched fraction (PEEF, 71.9 ± 0.3 mg/g) obtained from the first step can be utilized as value-added by-products in pharmaceutical and agro-pharmaceutical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although many individual studies have examined the association between temperature and blood pressure (BP), they used different methods and also their results were somewhat inconsistent. The aims of this study are to quantitatively summarize previous studies and to systematically assess the methodological issues to make recommendations for future research. Methods We searched relevant empirical studies published before January 2016 concerning temperature and BP among adults using the MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed databases. Mean changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) per 1 °C reduction in temperature were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results Of 23 studies included, 14 were used for meta-analysis. Consistent, statistically significant, inverse associations were observed between ambient temperature (mean, maximum, minimum outdoor temperature and indoor temperature) and BP. An 1 °C decrease in mean daily outdoor temperature was associated with an increase in SBP and DBP of 0.26 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.18–0.33) and 0.13 (95% CI: 0.11–0.16), respectively. The increase was greater in people with conditions related to cardiovascular disease. An 1 °C decrease in indoor temperature was associated with 0.38 mm Hg (0.18–0.58) increase in SBP, while the effects on DBP were not estimated due to limited studies. Among the previous studies on temperature-BP relationship, temperature and BP measurements are not accurate enough and statistical methods need to be improved. Conclusions Lower ambient temperatures seem to increase adults' BP and people with conditions related to cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to drops in temperature. Indoor temperature appeared to have a stronger effect on BP than outdoor temperature. To understand temperature-BP relationship well, a study combining repeated personal temperature exposure and ambulatory BP monitoring, applying improved statistical methods to examine potential non-linear relationship is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of alendronate (ALE) in biofluids using a low-cost instrument is potentially useful in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies. This study developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet method for ALE determination in rat plasma using precolumn derivatization with phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC). Inhibiting compounds in the samples were first eliminated using solid-phase extraction. ALE in the sample was subsequently allowed to react with PITC to form a phenylthiocarbamoyl derivative for further analysis. The assay was linear within the concentration range of 0.29–25.0 µg/mL. The precision and accuracy were less than 3.9% and 98.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.08 and 0.20 µg/mL, respectively. The method was successfully used to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of ALE in rats following a single oral administration (30.0 mg/kg). The results show that the peak plasma ALE concentration is 0.69 ± 0.18 µg/mL. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve value of ALE was 2.14 ± 0.68 µg/mL hr. This method can suitably evaluate the bioavailabilities of different ALE dosage forms in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The frequent detection of progestins in various aquatic environments and their potential endocrine disruptive effects in fish have attracted increasing attention worldwide. However, data on their effects on thyroid function and neurotoxicity in fish are limited, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the effects of gestodene (GES, a common progestin) on the thyroid endocrine and nervous systems of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were studied. Adult female fish were exposed to GES at environmentally relevant concentrations (4.4–378.7 ng/L) for 60 days. The results showed that exposure to 378.7 ng/L GES caused a significant decrease in fish growth compared with the control and a marked reduction in the total distance traveled (50.6%) and swimming velocity (40.1–61.9%). The triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly increased by GES in a dose-dependent manner, whereas those of tetraiodothyronine (T4) were significantly decreased only at the G500 concentration. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was decreased significantly in the 4.42 ng/L GES treatments, but increased significantly at 378.67 ng/L. In the brain, a strong increase in the transcriptional levels of bdnf , trh , and dio2 was observed in fish after the 378.7 ng/L treatment. In addition, chronic exposure to GES caused colloid depletion with a concentration-dependent manner in the thyroid, and angiectasis, congestion, and vacuolar necrosis in the brain. These findings provide a better understanding of the effects of GES and associated underlying mechanisms in G. affinis. [Display omitted] • The effects of gestodene exposure on thyroid endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity were investigated in G. affinis. • The levels of thyroid hormone T3 was increased, while T4 was decreased in G. affinis. • Gestodene caused colloid depletion in the thyroid, and angiectasis, congestion and vacuolar necrosis in the cerebellum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dose aspirin is recommended for pregnant individuals at high-risk of developing preeclampsia, but less is known about those that develop preeclampsia even while using prophylactic aspirin for preeclampsia prevention as the best course of treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate the risk factors with the highest risk of developing preeclampsia among pregnant individuals already using aspirin from high-risk obstetrical centers across five countries. This is a secondary analysis of pregnant individuals from the Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT) who were using prophylactic aspirin before 16 weeks gestation. The FACT randomized control trial took place in 70 high risk obstetrical centers in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Jamaica, and Argentina between 2011–2015. Participants were included if they had any of the risk factors for preeclampsia: diabetes, chronic hypertension, twin pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, and/or obesity (Body Mass Index ≥35). The outcomes of interest were preeclampsia and preterm preeclampsia (<37 weeks). Log binomial regressions assessed factors significantly associated with any preeclampsia or preterm-preeclampsia (<37 weeks) using adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). There were 2296 pregnant individuals with complete information on aspirin included in this study. At baseline, all patients were at high risk of preeclampsia and were eligible for aspirin prophylaxis, however, only 660 (28.7%) were taking aspirin. Among the 660 pregnant individuals taking aspirin, 132 (20%) developed preeclampsia and 60 (9.09%) preterm preeclampsia. Among pregnant individuals using aspirin, the risks of preeclampsia were highest for twins (ARR:2.62, 95% CI: 1.68–4.11), history of preeclampsia (ARR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.74–3.38), and hypertension (ARR:1.92, 95% CI: 1.37–2.69). Similar trends were found for preterm-preeclampsia for twins (ARR:4.10, 95% CI:2.15–7.82), history of preeclampsia (ARR:2.75, 95% CI:1.62–4.67), and hypertension (ARR:2.18, 95% CI:1.28–3.72). No significant differences were found for obesity or diabetes. These findings suggest that individuals with twin pregnancies, a history of preeclampsia, or hypertension may not benefit from aspirin to the same extent as those with other complications such as obesity or diabetes. Careful clinical monitoring for these risks factors is recommended and future research into the effectiveness in these populations would increase our understanding of the current best practice of prophylactic aspirin use to prevent preeclampsia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN23781770 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01355159 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on the risk of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Web of Science were searched from inception to December 2014.Results: Out of 1224 potentially relevant studies, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria (2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 10 cohort studies, and 1 case-control study). The pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the two RCTs were 0.62 (0.45-0.87) in the trial arm as compared with the placebo arm. The pooled RR was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.79-1.08) for nine cohort studies with available data on folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and gestational hypertension/preeclampsia. Pooled RR was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.76-1.02) for eight cohort studies with available data on folic acid supplementation and preeclampsia.Conclusion: Whether folic acid supplementation in pregnancy can prevent the occurrence of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia remains uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direction and magnitude of association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants across gestational windows and offspring risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the time-varying effects of prenatal air pollutant exposure on ASD. We conducted a matched case-control study of singleton term children born in Ontario, Canada from 1-Apr-2012 to 31-Dec-2016. Provincial birth registry data were linked with applied behavioural analysis services and ambient air pollutant datasets to ascertain prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ground-level ozone (O 3), fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), and ASD diagnoses. Covariate balance between cases and controls was established using coarsened exact matching. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the association between prenatal air pollutant exposure and ASD. Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) were used to examine the effects of single-pollutant exposure by prenatal week. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of exposure period on the observed findings. The final sample included 1589 ASD cases and 7563 controls. Compared to controls, cases were more likely to be born to mothers living in urban areas, delivered by Caesarean section, and assigned male sex at birth. NO 2 was a consistent and significant contributor to ASD risk after accounting for co-exposure to O 3 , PM 2.5 and covariates. The odds ratio per interquartile range increase was 2.1 (95%CI 1.8–2.3) pre-conception, 2.2 (2.0–2.5) for the 1st trimester, 2.2 (1.9–2.5) for the 2nd trimester, and 2.1 (1.9–2.4) for the 3rd trimester. In contrast, findings for O 3 and PM 2.5 with ASD were inconsistent. Findings from DLNM and sensitivity analyses were similar. Exposure to NO 2 before and during pregnancy was significantly associated with ASD in offspring. The relationship between prenatal O 3 and PM 2.5 exposure and ASD remains unclear. Further investigation into the combined effects of multi-pollutant exposure on child neurodevelopment is warranted. [Display omitted] • ASD cases were more likely to be male and born to mothers living in urban areas. • Prenatal exposure to NO 2 was a consistent and significant contributor to ASD risk. • The odds ratio per IQR (7.7 ppb) increase was 2.2 (2.0–2.5) for trimester 1. • No time-varying effect of NO 2 was found by trimester. • Prenatal exposure to O 3 and/or PM 2.5 was inconsistent contributor to ASD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortisone can enter aquatic ecosystems and pose a risk to organisms therein. However, few studies have explored the effects of cortisone on the gut microbiota of aquatic organisms. Here, we exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) to cortisone at environmentally relevant concentrations (5.0, 50.0, or 500.0 ng L−1) for 60 days to explore its toxicological effects and their association with gut microbiota changes. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP–biotin nick-end labeling assay revealed that exposure to 50 ng L−1 cortisone significantly increased the intestinal cell apoptosis rate, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine contents, and caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities. Moreover, the transcriptome analysis results demonstrated a notable downregulation in the expression of most differentially expressed genes associated with apoptosis pathways, as well as changes in DNA replication, oxidative stress, and drug metabolism pathways; these results indicated the occurrence of cortisone-induced stress response in zebrafish. Molecular docking analysis revealed that cortisone can bind to caspase-3 through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions but that no such interactions occur between cortisone and caspase-8. Thus, cortisone may induce oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis by activating caspase-3. Finally, the 16S rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that cortisone significantly affected microbial community structures and functions in the intestinal ecosystem. These changes may indicate gut microbiota response to cortisone-induced intestinal damage and inflammation. In conclusion, the current results clarify the mechanisms underlying intestinal response to cortisone exposure and provide a basis for evaluating the health risks of cortisone in animals. [Display omitted] • Cortisone alters gut microbiome structure and function in zebrafish. • It binds with caspase-3, but not caspase-8, causing DNA damage and apoptosis. • At 50 ng L−1, it raises 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and caspase-3/8 contents. • It downregulates apoptosis-related gene expression. • It downregulates DNA replication, oxidative stress, and drug metabolic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Compare to normal day, the risk of non-accidental mortality increased by 17.82 during CHDEs. • Females, the elderly, and people living in humid area were more vulnerable to CHDEs. • The CHDEs-related non-accidental mortality will substantially increase in the future. Global warming has provoked more co-occurrence of hot extreme and dry extreme, namely compound hot-dry events (CHDEs). However, their health impacts have seldom been investigated. This study aimed to characterize CHDEs and assess its mortality burden in China from 1990 to 2100. CHDEs were defined as a day when daily maximum temperature > its 90th percentile and Standardized Precipitation Index < its 50th percentile. A two-stage approach, including a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) and a multivariate meta -analysis, was used to estimate exposure–response associations of CHDEs with mortality in 358 counties/districts during 2006–2017 in China, which was then applied to assess the national mortality burden attributable to CHDEs from 1990 to 2100. We observed a significant increasing trend of CHDEs in China until mid-21st century, and then flatted, while the duration and intensity of CHDEs continuously increased across the 21st century. CHDEs were much riskier (ER=17.82 %, 95 %CI: 14.17 %-21.60 %) than independent hot events (ER=5.86 %,95 %CI: -0.04 %,12.45 %) or dry events (ER=0.07 %,95 %CI: -1.22 %, 1.38 %), and there was significantly additive interaction between hot events and dry events (AP=0.10,95 %CI: 0.04, 0.16). Females (ER=24.28 %, 95 %CI: 19.21 %-29.56 %), the elderly (ER=23.28 %, 95 %CI: 18.23 %-28.55 %), and people living in humid area (ER=18.98 %, 95 %CI: 15.08 %–23.02 %) had higher mortality risks than their counterparts. Mortality burden attributed to CHDEs significantly increased during historical observation and became stable since mid-21st century in China. CHDEs would significantly increase mortality with higher risk for females, the elderly and people living in humid areas. Mortality burden has significantly increased during historical observation and will keep relatively steady since mid-21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipose tissue, a key regulator of systemic energy homeostasis, can synthesize and store triglycerides to meet long-term energy demands. In response to nutrient overload, adipose tissue expands by hypertrophy or hyperplasia. As an oncogene, MDM2 has exerted diverse biological activities including human development, tissue regeneration, and inflammation, in addition to major oncogenic activities. Recently, some studies indicated that MDM2 plays an important role in adipose tissue function. However, the role of MX69, a MDM2 inhibitor, in adipose tissue function has not been fully elucidated. Here, we administered MX69 intraperitoneally to high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) wild type C57BL/6 mice and found that MX69 could promote the body weight and white adipose tissue weight of DIO mice. Moreover, MX69 had no effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in DIO mice. And MX69 treatment decreased the size of adipocytes and fat deposition in adipose tissue and inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation. Mechanistically, MX69 inhibited the protein levels of MDM2 and the mRNA levels of genes related to adipogenesis and differentiation. In summary, our results indicated that MDM2 has a crucial and complex role in regulating adipose tissue function. • MX69, a MDM2 inhibitor, promotes body weight increase in high-fat diet-induced mice. • MX69 has no effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. • MX69 promotes white adipose tissue weight increase in high-fat diet-induced mice. • MX69 inhibits adipose tissue adipogenesis and 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obstetrical patients are at risk of complications from COVID-19 and face increased stress due to the pandemic and changes in hospital birth setting. The objective was to describe the perinatal care experiences of obstetrical patients who gave birth during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological survey was administered to consenting patients who gave birth at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) between March 16th and June 16th, 2020. The participants reported on prenatal, in-hospital, and postpartum care experiences. COVID-19 pandemic related household stress factors were investigated. Frequencies and percentages are presented for categorical variables and median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables. Results: A total of 216 participants were included in the analyses. Median participants age was 33 years (IQR: 30–36). Collectively, 94 (43.5%) participants felt elevated stress for prenatal appointments and 105 (48.6%) for postpartum appointments because of COVID-19. There were 108 (50.0%) were scared to go to the hospital for delivery, 97 (44.9%) wore a mask during labour and 54 (25.0%) gave birth without a support person. During postpartum care, 125 (57.9%) had phone appointments (not offered prior to COVID-19), and 18 (8.3%) received no postpartum care at all. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic and public health protocols created a stressful healthcare environment for the obstetrical population where many were fearful of accessing services, experienced changes to standard care, or no care at all. As the pandemic continues, careful attention should be given to the perinatal population to reduce stress and improve continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipose tissue is a key regulator of systemic energy homeostasis and improving adipose tissue function provides a brand-new theoretical reference for the prevention and treatment of obesity. FLLL32, a curcumin analog, can hinder various carcinogenic processes, however, its role in adipose tissue has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we observed that FLLL32 treatment significantly improved cold intolerance and reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) adipocyte size in mice, but had no effect on body weight and adipose tissues weight. Furthermore, FLLL32 treatment upregulated the expression level of uncoupling protein 1 and downregulated the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in adipose tissue. Additionally, FLLL32 promoted the mRNA level of transferrin receptor protein 1, a key iron transporter on the cell membrane, and the lipid peroxidation in inguinal WAT. Finally, FLLL32 significantly inhibited the differentiation and maturation of preadipocytes. In summary, our results demonstrated that FLLL32 plays a crucial role in regulating adipose tissue function. • FLLL32, a curcumin analog, improves thermogenesis in mice. • FLLL32 reduces white adipocyte size and inhibits adipocyte differentiation. • FLLL32 involves in iron homeostasis in inguinal white adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies suggest maternal weight and weight gain during pregnancy may influence foetal immunological development. However, their role in the aetiology of allergic disease is unclear. Objectives: We sought to examine the impact of maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on the incidence of four common paediatric allergic diseases. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, population‐based cohort study of all singleton live births in Ontario, Canada between 2012 and 2014, using maternal‐newborn records from the provincial birth registry linked with health administrative databases. Neonates were followed up to 7 years for anaphylaxis, asthma, dermatitis and rhinitis, identified through validated algorithms based on healthcare encounters. We multiply imputed missing data and employed Cox proportional‐hazards models to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). To test the robustness of our findings, we also conducted several sensitivity analyses, including probabilistic bias analyses for exposure and outcome misclassification. All methods were prespecified in a published protocol. Results: Of the 248,017 infants followed, 52% were born to mothers with a pre‐pregnancy BMI in the normal range and only 19% were born to mothers with adequate weight gain during pregnancy. Incidence rates (per 100,000 person‐days) for anaphylaxis, asthma, dermatitis and rhinitis were 0.22, 6.80, 12.41 and 1.54, respectively. Compared with normal BMI, maternal obesity was associated with increased hazards of asthma in offspring (aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05, 1.11), but decreased hazards of anaphylaxis (aHR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69, 0.99) and dermatitis (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94, 0.99). In contrast, maternal underweight was associated with increased hazards of dermatitis (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.10). We found no associations between pre‐pregnancy BMI and rhinitis or GWG and any allergic outcome, and no evidence of effect measures modification by infant sex. Conclusions: These findings provide support for the involvement of maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI in paediatric allergic disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence and risk of tuberculosis (TB) among the elderly population have increased with the ageing population in China. This study aimed to assess the current status and associated factors of TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people in Shenzhen City, China, which may provide references for the development of TB prevention and treatment policies targeting elderly people. Methods: A multistage random sampling method was used to collect data with a self-designed questionnaire from 1078 elderly people (response rate, 90.66%) living in Bao'an District of Shenzhen between September and October 2019. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyse factors associated with TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people. Results: Among the respondents, 3.13% had previously been treated for TB, and 3.09% of respondents had family members or friends with a previous TB history. The percentages of elderly people who were aware of TB and had positive attitudes and practices regarding TB were 69.23%, 48.87%, and 42.62%, respectively. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that elderly people with a junior high school education or higher, a family annual income per capita of less than 100,000 RMB, a better self-perceived health status, and family members or friends with a previous TB history had higher TB knowledge scores (P < 0.05). Elderly people with medical insurance, a junior high school or higher education, a family annual income per capita of less than 100,000 RMB, and family members and friends with a previous TB history had higher TB attitude scores (P < 0.05). In addition, elderly people who were older, had medical insurance, had a junior high school education or higher, and had a family annual income per capita less than 100,000 RMB had higher TB practice scores (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Elderly people were aware of TB, but their positive attitudes and practices were at a low level. Corresponding prevention and treatment policies should be developed according to these influencing factors to reduce the incidence of TB among elderly people and improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ni–Al spinel catalyst prepared with glycine-nitrate combustion method and treated by DBD plasma in different atmospheres have been investigated for propane steam reforming (PSR). It is revealed by H 2 -TPR that compared with traditional calcination method, NiO/Ni particles have much stronger interaction with the supports on the plasma-treated Ni–Al spinel catalysts. Therefore, catalysts with smaller NiO/Ni grains sizes, higher metallic Ni active surface areas can be achieved, as evidenced by XRD and H 2 adsorption-desorption measurements. NH 3 -TPD results demonstrate that the plasma treatment led to a decrease of the acidity of the Ni–Al spinel catalyst. Furthermore, larger quantities of surface active oxygen sites are also formed after plasma treatment, as testified by the O 2 -TPD and XPS results. As a consequence, the plasma-treated catalysts show significantly improved catalytic activities and coke resistance. Plasma treatment in H 2 /Ar atmosphere after calcination process is considered to be the best route to prepare NiAl 2 O 4 catalysts, which could be employed to obtain PSR catalysts with the highest catalytic activity and best anti-coking performance. It is believed that the higher metallic Ni active surface area and much more surface active oxygen sites induced by plasma treatment are the inherent reasons accounting for the enhanced catalytic performance of the Ni–Al spinel catalysts. [Display omitted] • DBD plasma treatment enhanced the interaction between NiO and Al 2 O 3 support. • Plasma-treated catalysts own both rich oxygen species and highly active Ni surface. • Plasma treatment led to a decrease of the acidity of the Ni–Al spinel catalyst. • Plasma treatment in H 2 /Ar after calcination process is found to be the best condition. • Both the catalytic performance and coking resistance of the catalysts are improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence and risk of tuberculosis (TB) among the elderly population have increased with the ageing population in China. This study aimed to assess the current status and associated factors of TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people in Shenzhen City, China, which may provide references for the development of TB prevention and treatment policies targeting elderly people.Methods: A multistage random sampling method was used to collect data with a self-designed questionnaire from 1078 elderly people (response rate, 90.66%) living in Bao'an District of Shenzhen between September and October 2019. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyse factors associated with TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people.Results: Among the respondents, 3.13% had previously been treated for TB, and 3.09% of respondents had family members or friends with a previous TB history. The percentages of elderly people who were aware of TB and had positive attitudes and practices regarding TB were 69.23%, 48.87%, and 42.62%, respectively. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that elderly people with a junior high school education or higher, a family annual income per capita of less than 100,000 RMB, a better self-perceived health status, and family members or friends with a previous TB history had higher TB knowledge scores (P < 0.05). Elderly people with medical insurance, a junior high school or higher education, a family annual income per capita of less than 100,000 RMB, and family members and friends with a previous TB history had higher TB attitude scores (P < 0.05). In addition, elderly people who were older, had medical insurance, had a junior high school education or higher, and had a family annual income per capita less than 100,000 RMB had higher TB practice scores (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Elderly people were aware of TB, but their positive attitudes and practices were at a low level. Corresponding prevention and treatment policies should be developed according to these influencing factors to reduce the incidence of TB among elderly people and improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestodene (GES) is widely used in human therapy and animal husbandry and is frequently detected in aquatic environments. Although GES adversely affects aquatic organisms at trace levels, its effects on the reproductive biology of fish remain inconclusive. In this study, female zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to environmentally relevant levels of GES for the evaluation of the effects of GES on the reproductive system by using endpoints including gene expression, plasma steroid concentrations, histological and morphological analyses, copulatory behavior, and reproductive output. Adult female zebrafish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of GES (4.0, 40.2, and 372.7 ng/L) for 60 d demonstrated stagnant ovarian oocyte development, evidenced by an increase in the percentage of perinuclear and atretic oocytes and a decrease in the percentage of late vitellogenic oocytes. GES-exposed females were less attractive to males and had lower copulatory intimacy than females in control. Consequently, spawning (44.3–49.2 %) and egg fertilization rates (27.9–32.0 %) were decreased. The decreased survival of fertilized eggs and hatching rates were accompanied by increased malformations. These negative effects were associated with abnormal transcriptional levels of gonadal steroid hormones, which were regulated by genes (Hsd17β3 , Hsd11β2 , Hsd20β , Cyp19a1a , and Cyp11b). Overall, our findings suggest that GES impairs the reproductive system of zebrafish, which may threaten population stability. [Display omitted] • Maternal exposure to GES affects early development of zebrafish inter-generation. • GES inhibits oocyte maturation in female zebrafish. • Chronic GES exposure causes adult female zebrafish to stop ovulating. • GES can impact the population and health of the next generation of zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Racial disparities in adverse perinatal outcomes have been studied in other countries, but little has been done for the Canadian population. In this study, we sought to examine the disparities in adverse perinatal outcomes between Asians and Caucasians in Ontario, Canada.Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study that included all Asian and Caucasian women who attended a prenatal screening and resulted in a singleton birth in an Ontario hospital (April 1st, 2015-March 31st, 2017). Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the independent adjusted relative risks and adjusted risk difference of adverse perinatal outcomes for Asians compared with Caucasians.Results: Among 237,293 eligible women, 31% were Asian and 69% were Caucasian. Asians were at an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, placental previa, early preterm birth (< 32 weeks), preterm birth, emergency cesarean section, 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears, low birth weight (< 2500 g, < 1500 g), small-for-gestational-age (<10th percentile, <3rd percentile), neonatal intensive care unit admission, and hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment, but had lower risks of preeclampsia, macrosomia (birth weight > 4000 g), large-for-gestational-age neonates, 5-min Apgar score < 7, and arterial cord pH ≤7.1, as compared with Caucasians. No difference in risk of elective cesarean section was observed between Asians and Caucasians.Conclusion: There are significant differences in several adverse perinatal outcomes between Asians and Caucasians. These differences should be taken into consideration for clinical practices due to the large Asian population in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterochrony is known as a developmental change in the timing or rate of ontogenetic events across phylogenetic lineages. It is a key concept synthesizing development into ecology and evolution to explore the mechanisms of how developmental processes impact on phenotypic novelties. A number of molecular experiments using contrasting organisms in developmental timing have identified specific genes involved in heterochronic variation. Beyond these classic approaches that can only identify single genes or pathways, quantitative models derived from current next-generation sequencing data serve as a more powerful tool to precisely capture heterochronic variation and systematically map a complete set of genes that contribute to heterochronic processes. In this opinion note, we discuss a computational framework of genetic mapping that can characterize heterochronic quantitative trait loci that determine the pattern and process of development. We propose a unifying model that charts the genetic architecture of heterochrony that perceives and responds to environmental perturbations and evolves over geologic time. The new model may potentially enhance our understanding of the adaptive value of heterochrony and its evolutionary origins, providing a useful context for designing new organisms that can best use future resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of the one-child policy in China on maternal mortality.Methods: The present retrospective study included maternal death data from Guangdong, China, from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015; data from 2013 were excluded because they were not available. Maternal deaths were divided into legal and illegal pregnancies based on adherence to the one-child policy. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was compared between the groups, temporal trends in the MMR were examined, and comparisons were made of the causes of death and access to maternity care.Results: The final analysis included 847 520 live deliveries and 383 maternal deaths. The MMR among legal pregnancies declined moderately from 18.5 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries in 2006 to 12.2 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries in 2015 (P=0.029), whereas the MMR among illegal pregnancies declined dramatically from 1268.4 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries to 177.5 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries (P<0.001). The proportion of avoidable maternal deaths decreased and access to quality maternity care improved among illegal pregnancies during the study period.Conclusions: Maternal mortality among illegal pregnancies declined with relaxation of the one-child policy in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of Debaryomyces hansenii treatment on intestinal microorganisms in mice with antibiotics-induced diarrhea, mouse model of antibiotics-induced diarrhea was created by gavaging mice with mixed antibiotics (23.33 mL/kg/days) composed of gentamycin sulfate and cefradine for 5 days. Mice with the symptom of diarrhea were then treated with D. hansenii by intragastric administration. The control group mice were given with sterile water. After 4 day treatment, total DNA of intestinal microflora of treated and control mice was extracted, and their quantities were measured by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rDNA. The results showed that when compared to the control (sterile water), treatment with D. hansenii increased the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of intestinal bacteria. The Chao index in diarrhea treated group was higher than diarrhea control group and was similar to healthy control group, while all differences had no significance ( P > 0.05). D. hansenii treatment increased the Shannon index but not significantly ( P > 0.05). Moreover, there was not significant impact on density and diversity of intestinal bacterial population at phylum and genus levels ( P > 0.05). Interestingly, D. hansenii treatment recovered the population density of certain bacterium species, such as Bacteroidaceae (in family level) ( P < 0.05). Our results indicate that D. hansenii has potency of adjusting the density and diversity of intestinal bacteria and recovering the population density of Bacteroidaceae in family level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of Debaryomyces hansenii treatment on intestinal microorganisms in mice with antibiotics-induced diarrhea, mouse model of antibiotics-induced diarrhea was created by gavaging mice with mixed antibiotics (23.33 mL/kg/days) composed of gentamycin sulfate and cefradine for 5 days. Mice with the symptom of diarrhea were then treated with D. hansenii by intragastric administration. The control group mice were given with sterile water. After 4 day treatment, total DNA of intestinal microflora of treated and control mice was extracted, and their quantities were measured by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rDNA. The results showed that when compared to the control (sterile water), treatment with D. hansenii increased the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of intestinal bacteria. The Chao index in diarrhea treated group was higher than diarrhea control group and was similar to healthy control group, while all differences had no significance ( P > 0.05). D. hansenii treatment increased the Shannon index but not significantly ( P > 0.05). Moreover, there was not significant impact on density and diversity of intestinal bacterial population at phylum and genus levels ( P > 0.05). Interestingly, D. hansenii treatment recovered the population density of certain bacterium species, such as Bacteroidaceae (in family level) ( P < 0.05). Our results indicate that D. hansenii has potency of adjusting the density and diversity of intestinal bacteria and recovering the population density of Bacteroidaceae in family level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design considerations, the simulation results, and the test results for a C-band klystron design with a 360-MHz instantaneous bandwidth, which was developed from March 2005 to June 2008. Five klystrons were built and tested. Over 800 kW peak output power with a 400-MHz instantaneous bandwidth (constant RF input drive over frequency) was measured at a 0.525% RF duty cycle. The measured electron beam-to-RF conversion efficiency is 30%, and the output power fluctuation over frequency is less than \pm0.75 dB. The technological problems, including gain/power dip over frequency and low electron-beam transmission, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an increasing prevalence of women who tend to delay childbirth until a very advanced age. However, there is sparse data regarding very advanced maternal age (vAMA) and the interplay between vAMA and assisted reproductive technology (ART) on adverse perinatal outcomes. The study aimed to assess the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes of vAMA women (≥43 years), and to investigate the effect of maternal age on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in ART pregnancies.Methods: Data was obtained from a population-based retrospective cohort of women who delivered in Ontario, Canada, between April 1st, 2012 and March 31st, 2015. The adjusted relative risks (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were estimated by using multivariate log-binomial regression models among age groups. All models were stratified by the utilization of ART (ART and spontaneous conceptions).Results: Women at vAMA had a higher risk of composite outcome comprised of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, stillbirth, and placental abruption than the younger counterparts (ARR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.23-1.55 compared to mothers aged 20-34; ARR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12-1.42 compared to mothers aged 35-42). Increased risk of the primary outcome in ART compared to spontaneous conception was only observed in women aged 20-34 years (ARR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14-1.35). For women conceived with ART, the risk for the primary outcome significantly increased in women at vAMA (ARR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.65 compared to mothers aged 20-34; ARR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06-1.74 compared to mothers aged 35-42).Conclusion: Women at vAMA have higher risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although the utilization of ART may carry an independent role for adverse perinatal outcomes, it does not further enhance the adverse effect of vAMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]