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Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder syndrome caused by purine metabolism dysregulation, and its prevalence increases year by year. The development and progression of HUA are accompanied by significant alterations in the composition of intestinal microbiota, making probiotics a potential and safe method to reduce serum uric acid. Probiotics ameliorate HUA through three pathways: competing with intestinal epithelial cells for purine absorption to decrease uric acid synthesis, inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity through modulation of inflammatory cytokines to reduce the conversion of purine to uric acid, as well as restoring and maintaining an orderly state of the gut microbiota to facilitate normal uric acid excretion. This article reviews the role of probiotics in ameliorating HUA, so as to provide the reference for the application of probiotics in the prevention and intervention of HUA.

Background: The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been controversial. This study focused on the relationship between the prevalence of MetS and serum vitamin D levels in middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: This study included middle-aged and older adults who participated in the 2023 Zhejiang Provincial Nutrition and Health Survey, which was conducted in 90 districts and counties in Zhejiang Province, China. Results: A total of 11,305 participants were included in this study. MetS was prevalent in 31.7% of participants. Vitamin D and vitamin D3 concentrations were inversely associated with MetS prevalence (Ptrend<0.05), but not with vitamin D2, regardless of whether logistic regression models were adjusted for confounding factors. After adjusting for age, sex, physical activity level, smoking status, education level, annual per capita household income, and body mass index residuals, the highest tertile (Q3) of vitamin D (odds ratio [OR], 0.779; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.702–0.865) and vitamin D3 (OR, 0.787; 95% CI, 0.709–0.875) concentrations had a lower risk of MetS than the lowest tertile (Q1). We found that vitamin D and D3 levels were correlated with age (Pinteraction<0.05). When age-stratified analyses were performed, vitamin D and vitamin D3 levels were significantly negatively associated with MetS in older adults but not in middle-aged adults. Conclusions: Low total serum vitamin D and vitamin D3 levels were associated with a higher risk of MetS in adults aged 60 years and older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Sex differences in nutrition-related determinants of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exist among the elderly. This study aimed to explore sex-specific influencing factors of MCI. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 2020 involving 1086 elderly people aged 55 years and above from four sites in Zhejiang Province, China. Data on demographics, cognitive assessment, depression scale, daily food intake, and physical examinations were collected. The assessment of plant-based diet patterns depended on an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and an unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess the determinants of MCI in females and males. Results: Among 571 females, 141 (24.7%) had MCI, and 126 (24.5%) had MCI among 514 male participants. In females, the multivariate analysis revealed that being unmarried/divorced/widowed (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.10–3.45), having depression (OR = 6.06, 95% CI: 1.87–19.66), and having a uPDI score ≥ 55 (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.50–3.89) were associated with a significantly elevated risk of MCI. Conversely, a cereal consumption of ≥300 g/d (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19–0.53) was linked to a significantly reduced risk. In males, vegetable consumption ≥ 150 g/d (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.23–0.66), vegetable oil consumption ≥ 22 g/d (OR = 0.502, 95% CI: 0.307–0.820), and cereal consumption ≥ 300 g/d (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27–0.71) were associated with a lower MCI risk. Meanwhile, rural residence (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.12–3.25) and advanced age, especially 75 years old and above (OR = 4.71, 95% CI: 2.44–9.12), were also risk factors in males. Notably, the Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) model showed that females with a uPDI score < 55 had a lower prevalence of MCI, while those with a score ≥ 55 faced a higher risk. Conclusions: This study indicates potential sex disparities in the risk factors for MCI. Future research should prospectively establish causal relationships. Additionally, precise intervention strategies are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whiteness of rice grains (WRG) is a key indicator of appearance quality, directly impacting its commercial value. The trait is quantitative, influenced by multiple factors, and no specific genes have been cloned to date. In this study, we first examined the correlation between the whiteness of polished rice, cooked rice, and rice flour, finding that the whiteness of rice flour significantly correlated with both polished and cooked rice. Thus, the whiteness of rice flour was chosen as the indicator of WRG in our QTL analysis. Using a set of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSL) with japonica rice Koshihikari as the recipient and indica rice Nona Bokra as the donor, we analyzed QTLs for WRG across two growth environments and identified six WRG QTLs. Notably, qWRG9 on chromosome 9 displayed stable genetic effects in both environments. Through chromosomal segment overlapping mapping, qWRG9 was narrowed to a 1.2 Mb region. Additionally, a BC4F2 segregating population confirmed that low WRG was a dominant trait governed by the major QTL qWRG9, with a segregation ratio of low to high WRG approximating 3:1, consistent with Mendelian inheritance. Further grain quality analysis on the BC4F2 population revealed that rice grains carrying the Indica-type qWRG9 allele not only exhibited lower WRG but also had significantly higher protein content. These findings support the fine mapping of the candidate gene and provide an important QTL for improving rice grain quality through genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo analyze sugar-sweetened beverages(SSB) consumption among school-age children in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide scientific basis for its control.MethodsIn 2015—2016, multistage stratified random cluster and probability proportionate sampling method was used, the research objects were included 8 counties(cities) in Zhejiang Province. The Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for collecting information on SSB.ResultsSSB drinking rate was 73.01%(males was 75.87%, females was 70.12%).The drinking rate of SSB was the highest among school-age children from the mountainous area of southern Zhejiang, accounting for 84.28%(P0.05).ConclusionThe rate of SSB drinking was high among school-age children in Zhejiang Province. The drinking frequency and consumption was high in male. Education should be strengthened according to the result of the survey.

We aim to analyze the changes in dietary iodine intake and the contribution rates of various foods to it after the reduction in salt iodine concentration in Zhejiang. We used data from two cross-sectional nutrition surveillance surveys conducted by the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010 (9798 residents) and 2022 (5980 residents). In both surveys, multi-stage stratified and systematic sampling were adopted, and uniformly trained investigators conducted the dietary surveys using a 24 h dietary review and weighing record methods for 3 consecutive days. From 2010 to 2022, the median salt iodine concentration and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in Zhejiang households dropped from 28.80 to 22.08 mg/kg and from 76.65% to 64.20%, respectively. Moreover, the residents' median dietary iodine intake decreased from 277.48 to 142.05 μg/d. Significant interregional differences in dietary iodine intake were found in 2010 and 2022 (H = 639.175, p < 0.001; H = 588.592, p < 0.001, respectively); however, no significant differences existed between urban and rural areas (p > 0.05). From 2010 to 2022, the proportion of residents with dietary iodine intake below the estimated average requirement increased from 15.10% to 34.80%, while that of residents with intake above the tolerable upper limit decreased from 15.00% to 2.90%. The contribution rate of salt to dietary iodine intake among residents in Zhejiang decreased from 74.92% to 48.54%, showing an apparent overall downward trend despite the dietary intake being generally adequate (markedly inadequate in coastal regions). The salt iodine concentration and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in households in Zhejiang showed downward trends. Salt remained the main source of dietary iodine; however, its contribution decreased significantly. Zhejiang may need to reverse the trend of the continuous decline in the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt to protect the health of its residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iodine deficiency is a well-established cause of goiter, while the impact of lifestyle factors on goiter development remains underexplored. The study aims to explore the associations between iodine status, lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of goiter among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 using a stratified multistage sampling, involving 2261 children aged 6–17. Among these 1562 participants underwent both urinalysis and thyroid ultrasound. Lifestyle factors were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of goiter in the study population was 10.8%. A high urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (>300 μg/L) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of goiter (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.27–0.88). Excessive recreational screen time and a high frequency of dining out were associated with an increased Tvol, while adequate physical activity and sleep were inversely associated with goiter risk, while the combined effect of high UIC and healthy lifestyle showed a protective effect against goiter. Conclusion: Ensuring adequate iodine status and promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial for preventing goiter and enhancing thyroid health in children and adolescents, suggesting that public health strategies should integrate nutritional and lifestyle interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Yan Zou [sup.1] , Ronghua Zhang [sup.1] , Lichun Huang [sup.1] , Danting Su [sup.1] , Mengjie He [sup.1] , Yueqiang Fang [sup.1] , Dong Zhao [sup.1] , Wei [...], Objective To explore the sociodemographic disparity in the nutritional status including BMI, vitamin D and vitamin A status among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province. Methods Weight, height serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and serum retinol were assessed in 2818 children and adolescents (6-17 years of age), using ten investigation sites in Zhejiang Province including urban and rural areas data from the China National Nutritional Study 2016-2017, which is a nationally representative cross-sectional study, to form provincial representative sample of Zhejiang Province. Sociodemographic disparity was explored. Results The prevalence of low weight, eutrophic, overweight and obese were 6.7%, 70.4%, 11.6%, and 11.2%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on BMI between males and females (P < 0.05), and between urban and rural areas (P < 0.05). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, inadequacy, normal and appropriate were 1.8%, 34.9%, 46.4% and 16.9%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) both between genders and between living areas (P < 0.05). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, marginal deficiency and appropriate were 4.5%, 24.7%, and 70.9%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on the concentration of retinol between living area (P < 0.05). Conclusions Overweight and obesity, deficiency and inadequacy of vitamin D, deficiency and marginal deficiency of vitamin A were prevalent among children and adolescents. There were disparities between genders and between living areas on the nutritional status. Regional and sex-specific guidelines and public health policies for children and adolescent nutrition are needed.

Background: This study evaluates the association between vitamin A levels, AIP (the atherogenic index of plasma), and subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving a representative sample of 3530 Chinese adults. Linear and logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the associations between AIP and subclinical hypothyroidism, stratified by vitamin A levels. These analyses were further differentiated by sex and age groups to identify any demographic-specific associations. Results: In the vitamin A-sufficient group, an increase in AIP was associated with elevated total triiodothyronine (TT3) levels (β = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.41, p = 0.003). Conversely, in the group with severe vitamin A deficiency, higher AIP levels were linked to increased free triiodothyronine (fT3) and TT3 levels and decreased free thyroxine (fT4) levels (β = 0.12, 0.03, and −0.29, respectively). Additionally, severe vitamin A deficiency increased the risk associated with AIP and subclinical hypothyroidism (OR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.58, p = 0.025). This risk was notably more pronounced in women and older adults, with odds ratios of 2.44 (95%CI: 1.55, 3.86, p < 0.001) and 2.14 (95%CI: 1.36, 3.38, p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of the association between AIP and subclinical hypothyroidism, particularly among women and the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the development of high-resistant starch rice through the simultaneous editing of two genes, SS3a and SS3b, which encode soluble starch synthase. Resistant starch (RS) is beneficial for human health as it is not easily digested and can contribute to the prevention of blood sugar-related and intestinal-related diseases. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to create mutants of SS3a and SS3b in rice, resulting in increased RS content in the grains. The study found that SS3b mutation had a synergistic effect with SS3a mutation in increasing RS content. These findings provide a new strategy for breeding rice varieties with high RS content and contribute to understanding the functions of starch synthase-related genes in cereals. [Extracted from the article]

Coastal engineering poses a significant threat to the survival of migratory waterbirds worldwide. However, the mechanisms through which engineering affects waterbirds are still unclear. To gain a better understanding of this issue, we conducted a three‐year survey of waterbirds on Shanxinsha Island, which underwent restoration engineering, along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. We compared the seasonal migratory change among different species groups through and after the island restoration engineering. We observed a total monthly maximum count of 118,506 individuals from 61 waterbird species over the span of 38 months, including eight globally threatened species and five species that exceeded 1% of the flyway population. Throughout the survey periods, the average number of total waterbirds and small shorebirds observed during the migrating season decreased by 52.7 and 48.6%, respectively. The massive loss of high‐tide roosting areas was the primary factor contributing to this decline. The combined effects of increased vegetation and deeper water levels resulted in a 38.8% reduction in exposed tidal flat area, as determined through land cover verification and fractional vegetation cover calculations. While tourism activities exhibited fewer negative consequences compared to island restoration engineering, they had a greater impact on small breeding shorebirds. Our study showed that small shorebirds were particularly susceptible to island restoration engineering, whereas large shorebirds and swimming birds were more flexible in their use of roosting or foraging sites. We suggest that the impact of future coastal engineering requires more detailed assessment and monitoring, especially for small migratory shorebirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are widely distributed extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are currently a major research hotspot for researchers based on their wide range of sources, stable membrane structure, low immunogenicity, and containing a variety of biomolecules. A large number of literatures have shown that exosomes and exosome cargoes (especially microRNAs) play an important role in the activation of inflammation, development of tumor, differentiation of cells, regulation of immunity and so on. Studies have found that exosomes can stimulate the immune response of the body and participate in the occurrence and development of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, the potential of exosomes as therapeutic tools in various diseases has also attracted much attention. Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, mainly composed of Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which affects the health of many people and has a genetic predisposition, but its pathogenesis is still being explored. Starting from the relevant biological characteristics of exosomes, this review summarizes the current research status of exosomes and the association between exosomes and some diseases, with a focus on the situation of AITD and the potential role of exosomes (including substances in their vesicles) in AITD in combination with the current published literature, aiming to provide new directions for the pathogenesis, diagnosis or therapy of AITD. Supplemental data for this article is available online at [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]