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Rice storage proteins (RSPs) are plant proteins with high nutritional quality. As the second largest type of storage substance in rice, it is the main source of protein intake for people who consume rice as a staple food. The content and type of RSPs affect the appearance, processing quality and eating quality of rice. These effects involve the distribution of RSPs in rice grains as well as the interactions of RSPs with other components such as starch in rice grains. In the past two decades, some progress has been made in the genetic improvement of RSPs. However, the determination mechanism of protein content and composition in rice is still unclear, and the mechanism of the effect of RSPs on rice quality has not been elucidated. In this review, the composition, biosynthesis and distribution of RSPs, and quantitative trait loci mapping and cloning of RSP genes are summarized, the research progress of the influence of RSPs and their components on rice quality are reviewed, and the research directions in the future are proposed.

CuInSe2 (CISe) is a semiconductor compound used in photovoltaic applications. There are many ways to synthesize CISe, and the different synthesis methods result in CISe compounds with very different properties. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of a single-junction solar cell is predicted by Shockley and Queisser to be as high as 32%; however, the prediction only considers the semiconductor's bandgap value and the incident solar spectrum. In this study, a nearly cubic CISe supercell is constructed, and the influence of defects under different chemical potentials on the properties, especially the photovoltaic properties, is examined. The results show that p-type CISe is favorable in the stable chemical potential region when defect features are accounted for, but it has a photoelectric conversion efficiency of approximately 15%. The densities of the defects are calculated for the first time, revealing that the deep-level CuIn defect with a high density could be the limiting factor for efficiency. Notably, there is a narrow chemical potential range that allows a high carrier density and relatively low defect density. The efficiency of p-type CISe can reach 22.77% within this chemical potential with a deep-level defect density, n0, and p0 carrier densities of 1.119 × 1016, 1.295 × 102, and 9.827 × 1017 cm− 3, respectively. These findings help clarify defect-induced efficiency loss, which is crucial for improving the large-scale low-cost fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells with intrinsically high defect densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an improved wet spinning method was proposed to prepare high-tensile-strength carrageenan fibers by pre-crosslinking process. Pre-crosslinking was achieved by adding a small amount of Al3+ ions into the spinning solution. The properties of the carrageenan spinning solution were analyzed by polarizing microscope, dynamic light scattering, and viscosity, the results showed that the modified spinning solution pre-crosslinked with Al3+ ions was orderly and high-viscosity, and the average particle size of the spinning solution was increased. The properties of the carrageenan fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and tensile tests. The results showed that the new carrageenan fibers were formed by coordination and ionic bonds between Al3+, –OH and sulfate groups. The tensile strength was up to 1.77 cN/dtex of Al-3.0/CAF (the best of newly prepared carrageenan fiber in this work), which is the highest strength carrageenan fiber prepared at present. Compared with the traditional process, this method reduced the concentration of Al3+ ions in coagulation bath and stretch bath, thus saving the production cost and protecting the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Question. What is the incidence of de novo chromosome abnormalities (>4 Mb), and are they related to embryo parameters in preimplantation genetic testing for chromosome structural rearrangement (PGT-SR) cycles and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles? Design. In total, 456 PGT cycles, including 283 PGT-SR cycles and 173 PGT-A cycles, were assessed through comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) from January 2017 to June 2020 at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Trophectoderm (TE) biopsies were sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The incidence of de novo chromosome abnormalities was calculated, and the relationships between de novo chromosome abnormality rates and maternal age, number of oocytes retrieved, and parameters of cleavage-stage embryos and blastocyst-stage embryos were investigated. Results. The incidence of de novo chromosome abnormalities was 28.0% (318/1,135) in the PGT-SR cycles and 36.3% (214/590) in the PGT-A cycles, which increased with maternal age in both PGT-SR cycles (P = 0.018) and PGT-A cycles (P < 0.001). The incidence of de novo chromosome abnormalities was related to TE grade (P < 0.001), internal cell mass grade (P = 0.002), and development speed (day 5 vs. day 7: P < 0.001) of blastocyst-stage embryos. The incidence of de novo chromosomal abnormalities was irrelevant to the number of oocytes retrieved and the parameters of the embryo at the cleavage stage. Conclusion. Blastocysts with higher morphology scores and faster progression had a lower incidence of de novo chromosome abnormalities, especially complex chromosome abnormalities. De novo chromosome abnormalities may negatively affect the morphological grading of blastocysts. Our findings will provide valuable information to the fertility doctor for embryo selection in non-PGT cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the association between high-normal preconception TSH levels and reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first fresh D3 embryo transfer. Methods. This was a retrospective study. Euthyroid patients undergoing the first fresh D3 embryo transfer from January 2018 to May 2019 were initially included. The patients were divided into a low-TSH (0.27–2.5 mIU/L) group and a high-normal TSH (2.5–4.2 Miu) group. The reproductive outcomes were compared between the groups. Results. A total of 1786 women were ultimately included, in which 1008 of whom had serum TSH levels between 0.27 and 2.5 mIU/L and 778 of whom had serum TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.2 mIU/L. The patients were highly homogeneous in terms of general characteristics. High-normal TSH levels had no adverse impact on the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, or live birth rate (respectively, aOR = 0.92, 1.30, and 0.88 and P = 0.416, 0.163, and 0.219). No significant differences were observed in terms of gestational age, single live birth rates, and birth weight, or birth length. Conclusion. High-normal TSH levels did not significantly influence reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first fresh D3 embryo transfer. Further studies are needed to test whether the results might be applicable to a wider population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the association between high-normal preconception TSH levels and reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first single fresh D5 blastocyst transfer. Methods. This was a retrospective study. Euthyroid patients undergoing the first single fresh D5 blastocyst transfer from January 2018 to May 2019 were initially included. The patients were divided into a low TSH (0.27–2.5 mIU/L) group and a high-normal TSH (2.5–4.2 mIU/L) group. The reproductive outcomes were compared between the groups. Results. A total of 824 women were ultimately included, 460 of whom had serum TSH levels less than 2.5 mIU/L and 364 of whom had serum TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.2 mIU/L. The patients were highly homogeneous in terms of general characteristics. High-normal TSH levels had no adverse impact on the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, or live birth rate (respectively, aOR = 0.84, 0.65, 0.61, and P = 0.234 , 0.145, 0.083). No significant differences were observed in terms of gestational age, single live birth rates, birth weight, or birth length. Conclusion. High-normal TSH levels did not significantly influence reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first single fresh D5 blastocyst transfer. Further studies are needed to test whether the results might be applicable to a wider population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations in the structure and activity of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPD) are causally related to two different metabolic disorders: recessively inherited tyrosinemia type III and dominantly inherited hawkinsinuria. The aim of this study was to provide a new perspective for the clinical understanding of the pathogenesis of tyrosinemia type III or hawkinsinuria. Case presentation: A full-term newborn baby born after a safe pregnancy and childbirth with a birth weight of 3200 g and another full-term baby born after a safe pregnancy and childbirth with a birth weight of 2800 g are reported and analysed. DNA extraction, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, Sanger sequencing and biochemical analysis were performed. One patient with a heterozygous HPD gene (NM_002150.2) c.460G > A mutation and one patient with a heterozygous HPD gene (NM_002150.2) c.248delG mutation showing elevated tyrosine levels upon newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) are reported. Conclusions: The HPD gene may not be a strictly autosomal recessive pathogenic gene, which provides a new perspective for the clinical understanding of the pathogenesis of tyrosinemia type III or hawkinsinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the impact of preconceptional serum TSH levels on the clinical outcomes of infertile patients undergoing their first IUI treatment cycle. Method. This was a retrospective study. Euthyroid patients undergoing the first cycle of IUI treatment from Jan 2017 to Aug 2018 were included. The patients were divided into a normal high TSH level (2.5–4.0 mIU/L) group and a low TSH level (0.4–2.5 mIU/L) group. Then, different factors were included separately to compare the outcomes between normal high and low TSH levels. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and miscarriage rates. The secondary outcomes were obstetric outcomes such as single live birth rates, birth length, birth weight, and duration of gestation. Results. Initially, 1856 patients were included, and 371 patients were excluded for different reasons. A total of 1485 patients were finally included in the analysis. The general parameters between normal high and low TSH levels were similar except for infertile duration and female BMI, which were, however, significantly different between AID-IUI patients and AIH-IUI patients (P = 0.005 and P = 0016). No significant differences were found in terms of either primary outcomes or secondary outcomes. Conclusion. Normal high-serum TSH levels within the reference range (0.4–4.0 mIU/L) measured before treatment seemed to have no adverse impact on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing their first IUI treatment cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy can influence biochemical parameters. Therefore, using reference intervals based on specimens from non-pregnant women to interpret laboratory results during pregnancy may be inappropriate. This study aimed to establish the essential reference intervals for a range of analytes during pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 13,656 healthy pregnant and 2634 non-pregnant women. Fifteen biochemical measurands relating to renal and hepatic function were analysed using an Olympus AU5400 analyzer (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). All the laboratory results were checked for outliers using Dixon's test. Reference intervals were established using a non-parametric method. Results Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, cholinesterase, creatinine, direct bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, total bile acid and total protein showed a decrease during the whole gestational period, while alkaline phosphatase and uric acid increased. Urea nitrogen, β2-microglobulin and cystatin-C fell significantly during the first trimester and then remained relatively stable until third trimester. Reference intervals of all the measurands during normal pregnancy have been established. Conclusions The reference intervals established here can be adopted in other clinical laboratories after appropriate validation. We verified the importance, for some measurands, of partitioning by gestational age when establishing reference intervals during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: miRNAs are stable and can be extracted from tissues, blood and other body fluid without degradation. miRNAs are abnormally expressed in the presence of a pathological status, including cancer. Therefore, miRNAs are ideal biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) suffer the worst prognosis, although great efforts have been made. Many studies have investigated the role of miRNAs in predicting the outcomes of TNBC patients for better adjustment of treatment. However, results were inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to summarize the published studies for conclusive results. Methods: Eligible studies from different database were retrieved from the online databases, and we used STSTA 12.0 to analysis the prognostic role of miRNAs in triple negative breast cancer. Results: Overall high miRNA expression indicated a worse survival with HR value of 1.78 (95% CI: 0.97–3.25). However, subtotal HRs of oncogenic miRNAs and tumor suppressive miRNAs were 2.73 (95% CI: 2.08–3.57; P<0.001) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.21–0.90; P = 0.024), respectively, and no heterogeneity was observed within the subgroups. Conclusions: The miRNAs showed a slightly stronger prognostic value for disease-free survival, relapse-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival compared to the overall survival of TNBC patients. Circulating miRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers for the prognosis of TNBC patients and need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three pretreatment methods enzymatic hydrolysis, microwave treatment, and soaking with soluble soybean polysaccharides (SSPS) were employed to improve the cooking and eating quality of black rice. Meanwhile, the effects of three pretreatments on polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of black rice were evaluated. The results indicated that three pretreatments improved the textural properties, cooking quality and sensory scores of black rice, especially the enzymatic hydrolysis treatment showed excellent effects in improving the textural properties and cooking quality of black rice: the hardness/adhesion ratio decreased from 107.72 (control group) to 26.03; the soaking water absorption (SWA) rate increased from 7.76% (control group) to 20.63% at 20 min and increased from 25.85% (control group) to 35.60% at 120 min, respectively; the optimal cooking time (OCT) decreased from 30.3 min (control group) to 23 min; the cooking water absorption (CWA) rate increased from 227% (control group) to 284%, The above parameters were significantly different from the control group (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, most of the antioxidant activity of black rice was retained. In addition, there was an obvious change in the surface microstructure observed by scanning electron microscopy. [Display omitted] • Three pretreatment methods improved the textural properties and sensory scores of black rice. • Complex plant hydrolase showed the best effects in improving black rice's quality. • The antioxidant activity of pretreated black rice was still largely retained. • The cooking conditions of black rice were optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommend an upper limit reference interval (RI) of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of 2.5 mIU/L in the first trimester of pregnancy and 3.0 mIU/L in subsequent trimesters, but some reported ranges in China are significantly higher. Our study aimed to establish trimester- and assay-specific RIs for thyroid hormones in normal pregnant Chinese women. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 2540 women with normal pregnancies (first trimester, n=398; second trimester, n=797; third trimester, n=1345) and 237 healthy nonpregnant control subjects were recruited. Serum TSH, free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels were determined by automated chemiluminescence with an Immulite 2000 system (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). After outliers were excluded, the 2.5–97.5th percentiles were used to define the RIs. Results. The RIs of thyroid function in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy and in nonpregnant controls were 0.07–3.96, 0.27–4.53, 0.48–5.40, and 0.69–5.78 mIU/L for TSH and 9.16–18.12, 8.67–16.21, 7.80–13.90, and 8.24–16.61 pmol/L for FT4, respectively. Conclusion. The trimester- and assay-specific RIs of thyroid function during pregnancy differed between trimesters, which suggests that it is advisable to detect and avoid misclassification of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy for women in Henan, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunophenotyping of blood lymphocytes has become an important tool in the diagnosis of immunologic and hematologic disorders such as immunodeficiencies, lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. Lymphocyte subsets include total T-cells (CD3+), TH (T helper, CD3+CD4+), TC (cytotoxic T cells, CD3+CD8+), B-cells (CD3- CD19+), and NK-cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+). Specific lymphocyte subset reference intervals should be locally established for meaningful comparison and to obtain an accurate interpretation of the results. Reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets for Chinese children are scarce. We performed dual-platform flow cytometry to determine the reference intervals of the percentages and absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets, including total T-cells, TH cells, TC cells, B-cells, and NK-cells in 1,027 ethnic Han children aged 4 months to 7 years in Henan, China. The children were divided into seven age groups. The percentages and absolute counts differed significantly with age, with the percentages of TH cells and B cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio peaking during the first year, while the percentages of total T cells, TC cells, and NK cells were obviously increased with age; girls showed a trend toward having a higher percentage of TH cells and a higher CD4/CD8 ratio than boys. The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets peaked during first year and then decreased steadily with age. The reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets among children from China differed from the reported values in Hong Kong, the United States, Cameroon, and Italy. The differences observed could be due to genetic and environmental factors, coupled with the methodology used. The reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets could be used as initial national reference ranges in guidelines for children aged 4 months to 7 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a highly conserved cellular stress protein, is produced in every organism from bacteria to man. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in Hsp70 concentrations between term and preterm deliveries. Methods: In total, 30 healthy term delivery and 99 preterm delivery (PD) women were recruited, including 46 women with preterm labor and intact membranes (PTL) with or without an intra-amniotic infection (IAI) and 53 women with a preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROMs) with or without IAI. The Hsp70 levels in the maternal and the umbilical cord sera were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the expression levels of Hsp70 in the placentas were determined by immunoblotting and real-time PCR. Results: In contrast to the expression levels in normal term controls, Hsp70 expression levels were upregulated in PD; similar changes in Hsp70 expression levels were detected in PD maternal and umbilical sera. Patients with IAI were associated with a higher Hsp70 concentration than those without IAI. Conclusion: These results suggest a probable contributing role of altered Hsp70 expression levels in the pathophysiology of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its receptor complex participate in a number of critical biological activities through several signaling pathways. Placental dysfunction and increased inflammation are believed to underlie the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia (PE), which may involve IL-6-induced signaling. We investigate whether the changes in the expression of IL-6 and its cognate receptors, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and glycoprotein (gp)130, occur between early and late onset severe PE. Methods: A total of 18 healthy gravidas and 41 severe preeclamptic women were recruited, including 20 pregnancies with early onset and 21 pregnancies with late onset. The IL-6, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) levels in maternal and umbilical cord sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the immunoactivities of IL-6, IL-6R and gp130 in the placentas were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Results: We found that (1) maternal serum IL-6 and sIL-6R levels were increased, whereas sgp130 was decreased in women with early onset severe PE compared with those with late onset severe PE and normal controls. In contrast to normal controls, IL-6 and sIL-6R expression was up-regulated in late onset severe PE, and similar alterations of IL-6 and its soluble receptors were detected in early and late onset severe PE umbilical sera and (2) compared with late onset severe PE, reduced IL-6 and IL-6R but not gp130 expression was observed in early onset severe PE placentas. Conclusion: These results suggest a probable contributing role of alterations in IL-6 and its corresponding receptors to the pathophysiology of early and late onset severe PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Beta-catenin is a key nuclear effector of Wnt signaling which could be antagonized by dickkopf-1 (DKK1). Beta-catenin and DKK1 are involved in a variety of biological processes; however, their expression in the placenta with severe preeclampsia (PE) has not been elucidated. This study was aimed to detect the localization and compare the expression of beta-catenin and DKK1 in normal and preeclamptic placenta. Methods: Sixty pregnant women who underwent cesarean section were enrolled in this study, including 30 healthy pregnant women in the control group and 30 preeclamptic women in the severe PE group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time-PCR) and western blot were employed to detect the beta-catenin and DKK1 mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, and their locations were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Our results indicated that beta-catenin and DKK1 were expressed predominantly in the syncytiotrophoblast and the extravillous trophoblast (EVT). The beta-catenin mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased, whereas the DKK1 significantly increased in preeclamptic placental tissues compared to normal placental controls. Conclusions: In conclusion, decreased beta-catenin expression, as well as DKK1 over-expression might be associated with the process of the pathogenesis of PE. Further studies would elucidate their exact roles in the pathogenesis of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peroxisome biogenesis disorder 14B (PBD14B) is an autosomal recessive peroxisome biogenesis disorder characterized clinically by mild intellectual disability, congenital cataracts, progressive hearing loss, and polyneuropathy peroxisome biogenesis disorders are genetically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by biallelic mutations in peroxin (PEX) genes. Methodology/Laboratory Examination: DNA of the family was extracted and sequenced by whole exome sequencing. The results were validated with Sanger sequencing analyzed with Bioinformatics software. Results: Sequencing result showed that the patient has carried a homozygous variant of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene. The patient's brother has carried a homozygous variant of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene and their variants of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene were inherited, respectively, from his mother and father. Discussion and Conclusion: The homozygous variant of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene probably underlie the disease in this child and her brother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypermethioninemia is an inborn error of metabolism with elevated plasma methionine (Met) caused by methionine adenosyltransferase deficiency. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) I/III deficiency is the most common cause of hypermethioninemia. Except for increased blood Met, most patients have no symptoms, but a small number have nervous system complications, including cognitive impairment and mental retardation. To investigate the gene variation of patients with hypermethioninemia in newborns in Henan province. 9 cases of hypermethioninemia were screened for amino acids profile and acyl carnitine by tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) among 245 054 newborns. We performed whole-exome sequencing on 9 families of infants with hypermethioninemia. We identified mutated genes under different models of inheritance and further assessed these mutations through Sanger sequencing and association analysis. The incidence of neonatal hypermethioninemia was 1:27 228 in Henan province. A total of ten mutations in the MAT1A gene in the 9 patients were identified, including nine reported mutations (c.1070C > T, c.895C > T, c.100 T > A, c.315C > A, c.529C > T, c.623A > C, c.407G > T, c.1066C > T, 867G > T) and one novel mutations (c.772G > C). c.772G > C was detected in 2 families and is the most common variant. 7 infants (7/9) with hypermethioninemia were genetically autosomal dominant, and 2 infants (2/9) with hypermethioninemia were genetically autosomal recessive. Our findings expand the mutational spectrum of hypermethioninemia, with the description of one new mutation. They improve the understanding of the genetic background and clinical manifestation of MAT1A in Chinese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The expression of Wnt2b and β-catenin mRNA were significantly decreased in sPE group than in control group. • There was no significant difference in WIF-1 mRNA expression between the two groups. • The expression of WNT2B and β-catenin protein were weaker in PE group compared with control group. • The expression of WIF-1 protein was greater in PE group compared with control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the prevalence of ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), mycoplasma hominis (MH), and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among infertile and fertile men and to study the effects of these infections on semen quality. Methods: A total of 621 infertile and 615 fertile men were enrolled in this study in our hospital between January 2011 and June 2013. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. Semen analysis was performed using the methods outlined by the World Health Organization. UU and MH were detected using culture, and CT was detected using polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were no significant differences between infertile and fertile men in terms of the prevalences of UU, MH, and CT. The presence of UU was related, in infected compared with uninfected men, to lower mean sperm concentration and lower vitality. The differences in semen parameters associated with MH or CT between infected and uninfected men did not attain statistical significance. Conclusion: During the infertility assessment, the clinician should consider evaluating for the presence of UU in men with oligospermia or decreased sperm vitality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia brain damage (HIBD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates, and there is currently no effective therapy for HIBD. Carnosine plays a neuroprotective role in adult brain damage. We have previously demonstrated that carnosine pretreatment protects against HIBD in a neonatal rat model. Therefore, we hypothesized that treatment with carnosine would also have neuroprotective effects. Hypoxia-ischemia was induced in rats on postnatal days 7–9 (P7–9). Carnosine was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 250mg/kg at 0h, 24h, and 48h after hypoxia-ischemia was induced. The biochemical markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis were evaluated at 72h after hypoxia-ischemia was induced, Brain learning and memory function performance were observed using the Morris water maze test on postnatal days 28–33 (P28–33). Treatment with carnosine post-HIBD significantly reduced the concentration of 8-iso-prostaglandinF2alpha in brain tissue and decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells in the hippocampus CA1 region and cortex as well as the mitochondria caspase-3 protein expression. Furthermore, carnosine also improved the cognitive function of P28–33 rats, whose cognitive function decline was due to HIBD. These results demonstrate that carnosine treatment after HIBD can reduce the brain injury, improving brain function. Carnosine could be an attractive candidate for treating HIBD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the blood copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in women of ≤12 (group I), 13–20 (group II), 21–27 (group III), 28–35 (group IV), and 36–42 (group V) weeks of gestation and compare them with those in nonpregnant women. Design and methods: The cross-sectional study was performed in 2380 pregnant women [group I (n =550); group II (n =552); group III (n =600); group IV (n =553); and group V (n =125)] and 552 nonpregnant women as controls. Blood seven element concentrations, including Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pd, and Cd, were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results: Compared with the nonpregnant women group, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb, and Cd at ≤12, 13–20, 21–27, 28–35, and 36–42weeks of gestation, on the whole, were significantly different. Blood Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Pb, and Cd concentrations were correlated with weeks of gestation (P <0.05). The gestational age-specific reference intervals were established for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pd, and Cd. Conclusions: The established reference intervals for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Fe can provide important guidance for the reasonable supplementation of essential elements in pregnancy. And the reference intervals for Pd and Cd can play an important part in the surveillance and diagnosis of environmental overexposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: Reference intervals for clinically important elements in infants and children are rarely reported, despite their importance for accurate clinical decision-making. The exploration of such reference intervals is essential. Design and Methods: Seven elements, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), were analyzed on BOHUI 5100 and 2100 analyzers using blood samples from 4044 healthy infants and children. Results: Age- and sex-specific reference intervals were established for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb, and Cd. Conclusions: Established reference intervals for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg and Fe can provide important guidance for the reasonable supplementation of trace elements and other essential elements in infants and children. Reference intervals for Pb and Cd can play a role in the surveillance and diagnosis of environmental overexposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Many individuals diagnosed with lung cancer suffer from tremendous pain, and it is crucial to implement more effective measures to assist these patients in alleviating their pain. The present study utilizes a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture combined with opioids for treating lung cancer-related pain in patients., Methods: We have searched 8 electronic databases: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and SinoMed. We included all randomized controlled trials of acupuncture combined with opioids for lung cancer-related pain in adults. We observed the main outcome indicators, including pain relief rates, numeric rating scale scores, and adverse events. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, literature data extraction, and assessment of bias risk in the literature quality. Any disagreements were resolved through discussions between the 2 researchers or consultations with a third researcher. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the revised risk of bias assessment tool. The overall quality of evidence for each outcome was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations., Results: We retrieved 812 lung cancer patients from 11 trials. The study showed that compared to opioids alone, the combination of acupuncture and opioids significantly reduced numeric rating scale scores, increased pain relief rates, and decreased the occurrence of side effects., Conclusion: The current evidence indicates that combining acupuncture with opioid analgesics is superior to using opioid analgesics alone for managing lung cancer-related pain. Additionally, this combination therapy has fewer adverse reactions., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Recently, novel algorithms and enhanced computational capabilities have created unprecedented opportunities to precisely determine the geometric structures of clusters through theoretical calculations. In this study, we extensively investigated and characterized the geometric arrangements of the carbon clusters C n ( n = 2-60), employing the efficient ABCluster algorithm in conjunction with the gradient-corrected PBE and higher-accuracy B3LYP hybrid functional in density functional theory (DFT). New structures and a discernible structural growth pattern have been discovered. We observed a distinct preference in carbon clusters that transform from the linear chains ( n = 2-9) to closed single-ring and planar structures ( n = 10-27) and finally evolve to carbon cages ( n = 28-60). A shortcut to construct the cage clusters was unveiled by inserting or rotating specific atoms within a distinct structural unit. The research results obtained from combining ABCluster with DFT calculations offer valuable new insights into the growth mechanisms and evolutionary trajectories of carbon clusters, providing a crucial theoretical framework for the development of innovative carbon-based materials and their potential applications.

Background: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC), a highly aggressive subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mostly transforms from classical hepatocellular carcinoma (cHCC). The study intended to explore the role of C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1) in sarcomatoid transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma., Methods: Western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry were used to confirm the expression of CtBP1 and other proteins in HCC cells, xenografts and clinical tissue samples. CtBP1 shRNA-expressing lentivirus was used to infect HepG2 cells to construct CtBP1 knockdown cells. Cell migration was determined by scratch wound assays and Transwell assays. Immunofluorescence was used to label the a-tubulin cytoskeleton to evaluate cell morphology. HepG2 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice to construct xenografts and beneath the liver capsule to evaluate in vivo metastasis., Results: Compared to that in the cHCC area, CtBP1 expression was significantly upregulated in the sHCC area, as shown by immunohistochemistry. HE staining showed that cells in the sHCC area were spindle-shaped, while those in the cHCC area were polygonal. Immunohistochemically, the epithelial markers pancytokeratin (CK) and E-cadherin were partially or completely lost, while the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin was upregulated in the sHCC area. Moreover, HepG2, an HCC cell line with high expression of CtBP1, autonomously underwent sarcomatoid transformation, showing a sarcomatoid morphology and phenotype. HIF1a expression was upregulated in epithelial cells adjacent to the sHCC area. Hypoxia upregulated CtBP1 protein expression and induced an EMT phenotype with increased migration and a spindle-shaped morphology in HepG2 cells. Knockdown of CtBP1 partially reversed the EMT phenotype induced by hypoxia. Silencing CtBP1 completely blocked the sarcomatoid transformation of subcutaneous xenografts and decreased lung metastasis in subcapsular xenografts of the liver in nude mice., Conclusion: CtBP1 plays a key role in hypoxia-induced EMT and sarcomatoid transformation in HCC and could be a candidate target for the management of sHCC., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2022 Zhang et al.)

Background: Beta-catenin is a key nuclear effector of Wnt signaling which could be antagonized by dickkopf-1(DKK1). Beta-catenin and DKK1 are involved in a variety of biological processes; however, their expression in the placenta with severe preeclampsia (PE) has not been elucidated. This study was aimed to detect the localization and compare the expression of beta-catenin and DKK1 in normal and preeclamptic placenta., Methods: Sixty pregnant women who underwent cesarean section were enrolled in this study, including 30 healthy pregnant women in the control group and 30 preeclamptic women in the severe PE group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time-PCR) and western blot were employed to detect the beta-catenin and DKK1 mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, and their locations were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC)., Results: Our results indicated that beta-catenin and DKK1 were expressed predominantly in the syncytiotrophoblast and the extravillous trophoblast (EVT). The beta-catenin mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased, whereas the DKK1 significantly increased in preeclamptic placental tissues compared to normal placental controls., Conclusions: In conclusion, decreased beta-catenin expression, as well as DKK1 over-expression might be associated with the process of the pathogenesis of PE. Further studies would elucidate their exact roles in the pathogenesis of PE.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of erythropoietin in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), by using a randomized, prospective study design., Methods: A total of 167 term infants with moderate/severe HIE were assigned randomly to receive either erythropoietin (N = 83) or conventional treatment (N = 84). Recombinant human erythropoietin, at either 300 U/kg (N = 52) or 500 U/kg (N = 31), was administered every other day for 2 weeks, starting <48 hours after birth. The primary outcome was death or disability. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 18 months of age., Results: Complete outcome data were available for 153 infants. Nine patients dropped out during treatment, and 5 patients were lost to follow-up monitoring. Death or moderate/severe disability occurred for 35 (43.8%) of 80 infants in the control group and 18 (24.6%) of 73 infants in the erythropoietin group (P = .017) at 18 months. The primary outcomes were not different between the 2 erythropoietin doses. Subgroup analyses indicated that erythropoietin improved long-term outcomes only for infants with moderate HIE (P = .001) and not those with severe HIE (P = .227). No negative hematopoietic side effects were observed., Conclusion: Repeated, low-dose, recombinant human erythropoietin treatment reduced the risk of disability for infants with moderate HIE, without apparent side effects.

To analyze the polymorphism of TAP gene and the shared rates of alleles between mothers and their infants in Chinese patients with pre-eclampsia, TAP1 and TAP2 genotyping was performed by the amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) in 42 patients, 106 normal pregnant women, and their neonates. The allelic frequency of TAP and the alleles shared in maternal-fetus were compared and analyzed in the two groups. Our results showed that, with totally eight alleles of TAP1 and TAP2 examined in the samples, no significant difference was found in allelic frequencies between pre-eclampsia group and control group, as well as between mothers and their neonates. Similar finding was obtained in the comparison with shared alleles. In conclusion, our results do not support a role for the polymorphisms of TAP in the etiology of pre-eclampsia.

The activity of the NK cells in patients with preeclampsia was studied to investigate the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. By using MTT and 51Cr releasing technique, the proliferation and killing ability of the NK cells in maternal and umbilical blood from preeclampsia patients (n = 18) and normal third trimester pregnant women (n = 18) were detected. The NK-92 cell line was as the positive control. The results showed that the NK cell counts of umbilical blood in preeclampsia patients and normal third trimester pregnant women were significantly greater than those of maternal blood (both P<0.05). Compared with that in normal third trimester pregnant women, the proliferative ability of the NK cells in preeclampsia patients was apparently increased (P<0.05). Compared with that in maternal blood, the proliferative ability of the NK cells in umbilical blood from both preeclampsia patients and normal third trimester pregnant women was dramatically increased. The killing ability of the NK cells in preeclampsia patients was significantly higher than that in normal third trimester pregnant women (P <0.05). It was suggested that both number and function of the NK cells in preeclampsia women were increased, and that in umbilical blood was greater than that in maternal blood, speculating that the function of the NK cells may affect the maintenance of the maternal and fetal immune tolerance during pregnancy.