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Abstract Background Some research indicates that unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in the diet could enhance reproductive outcomes in infertile women. However, other research holds different views, possibly due to differences in the conversion rates of UFAs from various foods and bioavailability in the body. Therefore, this research examined the link between serum UFAs and infertility issues. Methods This research included reproductive-age women participating in the 2013–2014 American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum levels of four UFAs, including palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7), vaccenic acid (18:1n-7), oleic acid (18:1n-9), and linoleic acid (18:2n-6) were measured through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Infertility data was collected by affirmative responses to targeted questionnaire items. Associations between serum UFA levels and infertility were evaluated utilizing Poisson regression models and smooth curve fitting methods. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted. Results This study included 535 women, aged between 18 and 45. Poisson regression analysis, both adjusted and unadjusted for confounders, revealed no associations between palmitoleic acid, vaccenic acid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid and female infertility (all P > 0.05). However, four UFAs all showed non-linear relationships with infertility in smooth curve fitting analysis. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the findings. Conclusion This research established non-linear associations between serum UFAs and infertility in American women. Specifically, maintaining appropriate serum levels of these UFAs may lower infertility risk. These findings offer new insights and practical dietary recommendations for improving female fertility.

Abstract Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with high heritability, characterized by positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive abnormalities. Dysfunction in glutamate synapse is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, the precise role of the perturbed glutamatergic system in contributing to the cognitive abnormalities of schizophrenia at the synaptic level remains largely unknown. Although our previous work found that Opcml promotes spine maturation and Opcml-deficient mice exhibit schizophrenia-related cognitive impairments, the synaptic mechanism remains unclear. By using whole-cell patch clamp recording, we found that decreased neuronal excitability and alterations in intrinsic membrane properties of CA1 PNs in Opcml-deficient mice. Furthermore, Opcml deficiency leads to impaired glutamatergic transmission in hippocampus, which is closely related to postsynaptic AMPA/NMDA receptors dysfunction, resulting in the disturbances of E/I balance. Additionally, we found that the aripiprazole which we used to ameliorate abnormal cognitive behaviors also rescued the impaired glutamatergic transmission in Opcml-deficient mice. These findings will help to understand the synaptic mechanism in schizophrenia pathogenesis, providing insights into schizophrenia therapeutics with glutamatergic disruption.

Abstract Background The ratio (E/Ea) of mitral Doppler inflow velocity to annular tissue Doppler wave velocity by transthoracic echocardiography and diaphragmatic excursion (DE) by diaphragm ultrasound have been confirmed to predict extubation outcomes. However, few studies focused on the predicting value of E/Ea and DE at different positions during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), as well as the effects of △E/Ea and △DE (changes in E/Ea and DE during a SBT). Methods This study was a reanalysis of the data of 60 difficult-to-wean patients in a previous study published in 2017. All eligible participants were organized into respiratory failure (RF) group and extubation success (ES) group within 48 h after extubation, or re-intubation (RI) group and non-intubation (NI) group within 1 week after extubation. The risk factors for respiratory failure and re-intubation including E/Ea and △E/Ea, DE and △DE at different positions were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of E/Ea (septal, lateral, average) and DE (right, left, average) were compared with each other, respectively. Results Of the 60 patients, 29 cases developed respiratory failure within 48 h, and 14 of those cases required re-intubation within 1 week. Multivariate logistic regression showed that E/Ea were all associated with respiratory failure, while only DE (right) and DE (average) after SBT were related to re-intubation. There were no statistic differences among the ROC curves of E/Ea at different positions, nor between the ROC curves of DE. No statistical differences were shown in △E/Ea between RF and ES groups, while △DE (average) was remarkably higher in NI group than that in RI group. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that △DE (average) was not associated with re-intubation. Conclusions E/Ea at different positions during a SBT could predict postextubation respiratory failure with no statistical differences among them. Likewise, only DE (right) and DE (average) after SBT might predict re-intubation with no statistical differences between each other.

Abstract Background Variations in hydraulic conductivity may arise from species-specific differences in the anatomical structure and function of the xylem, reflecting a spectrum of plant strategies along a slow-fast resource economy continuum. Spruce (Picea spp.), a widely distributed and highly adaptable tree species, is crucial in preventing soil erosion and enabling climate regulation. However, a comprehensive understanding of the variability in anatomical traits of stems and their underlying drivers in the Picea genus is currently lacking especially in a common garden. Results We assessed 19 stem economic properties and hydraulic characteristics of 17 Picea species grown in a common garden in Tianshui, Gansu Province, China. Significant interspecific differences in growth and anatomical characteristics were observed among the species. Specifically, xylem hydraulic conductivity (K s) and hydraulic diameter exhibited a significant negative correlation with the thickness to span ratio (TSR), cell wall ratio, and tracheid density and a significant positive correlation with fiber length, and size of the radial tracheid. PCA revealed that the first two axes accounted for 64.40% of the variance, with PC1 reflecting the trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and mechanical support and PC2 representing the trade-off between high embolism resistance and strong pit flexibility. Regression analysis and structural equation modelling further confirmed that tracheid size positively influenced K s, whereas the traits DWT, D_r, and TSR have influenced K s indirectly. All traits failed to show significant phylogenetic associations. Pearson’s correlation analysis demonstrated strong correlations between most traits and longitude, with the notable influence of the mean temperature during the driest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation during the wettest quarter, and aridity index. Conclusions Our results showed that xylem anatomical traits demonstrated considerable variability across phylogenies, consistent with the pattern of parallel sympatric radiation evolution and global diversity in spruce. By integrating the anatomical structure of the stem xylem as well as environmental factors of origin and evolutionary relationships, our findings provide novel insights into the ecological adaptations of the Picea genus.

Abstract Background Alterations in surface area (SA) in specific regions of the cortex have been reported in many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, the genetic background between ASD and SA is still unclear. This study estimated the genetic correlation and causal effect of ASD and cortical SA. Methods Summarized data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were separately downloaded from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (18,381 cases of ASD, and 27,969 controls) and the Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis Consortium (33,992 participants of Europeans). We used Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and Heritability Estimation from Summary Statistics (HESS) to calculate the heritability of each trait. As for the genetic correlation between ASD and SA, LDSC was used for global correlation and HESS was used to examine the local genetic covariance further. We used three Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, Inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median to estimate the causal relationship. Results LDSC observed a nominal significant genetic correlation (rg = 0.1229, P-value = 0.0346) between ASD and SA of the rostral anterior cingulate gyrus whereas analysis through HESS did not reveal any significant loci having genetic covariance. Based on MR results, statistically meaningful estimations were found in the following areas, postcentral cortex (β (SE) = 21.82 (7.84) mm, 95% CI: 6.46 to 37.19 mm, PIVW = 5.38 × 10− 3, PFDR = 3.09 × 10− 2), posterior cingulate gyrus (β (SE) = 6.23 (2.69) mm, 95% CI: 0.96 to 11.49 mm, PIVW = 2.05 × 10− 2, PFDR = 4.26 × 10− 2), supramarginal gyrus (β (SE) = 19.25 (8.43) mm, 95% CI: 29.29 to 35.77 mm, PIVW = 2.24 × 10− 2, PFDR = 4.31 × 10− 2). Conclusion Our results provided genetic evidence to support the opinion that individuals with ASD tend to develop differences in cortical SA of special areas. The findings contributed to understanding the genetic relationship between ASD and cortical SA.

Abstract Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disease caused by mutations in the PCCA or PCCB genes. Elevated propionylcarnitine, 2-methylcitric acid (2MCA), propionylglycine, glycine and 3-hydroxypropionate can be used to diagnose PA. Early-onset PA can lead to acute deterioration, metabolic acidosis, and hyperammonemia shortly after birth, which can result in high mortality and disability. Late-onset cases of PA have a more heterogeneous clinical spectra, including growth retardation, intellectual disability, seizures, basal ganglia lesions, pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, adaptive immune defects, rhabdomyolysis, optic atrophy, hearing loss, premature ovarian failure, and chronic kidney disease. Timely and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to saving patients’ lives and improving their prognosis. Recently, the number of reported PA cases in China has increased due to advanced diagnostic techniques and increased research attention. However, an overview of PA prevalence in China is lacking. Therefore, this review provides an overview of recent advances in the pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies, and treatment of PA, including epidemiological data on PA in China. The most frequent variants among Chinese PA patients are c.2002G > A in PCCA and c.1301C > T in PCCB, which are often associated with severe clinical symptoms. At present, liver transplantation from a living (heterozygous parental) donor is a better option for treating PA in China, especially for those exhibiting a severe metabolic phenotype and/or end-organ dysfunction. However, a comprehensive risk–benefit analysis should be conducted as an integral part of the decision-making process. This review will provide valuable information for the medical care of Chinese patients with PA.

Abstract Background Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have been associated with psychiatric disorders in observational studies; however, the causality of associations remains unestablished. Methods Specifically, cyclic nucleotide PDEs were collected from genome-wide association studies (GWASs), including PDEs obtained by hydrolyzing both cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) (PDE1A, PDE2A, and PDE3A), specific to cGMP (PDE5A, PDE6D, and PDE9A) and cAMP (PDE4D and PDE7A). We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the relationship between PDEs and nine psychiatric disorders. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method, MR-Egger, and weighted median were used to estimate causal effects. The Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR Steiger test, leave-one-out analyses, funnel plot, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) were used for sensitivity analyses. Results The PDEs specific to cAMP were associated with higher-odds psychiatric disorders. For example, PDE4D and schizophrenia (SCZ) (odds ratios (OR) = 1.0531, P IVW = 0.0414), as well as major depressive disorder (MDD) (OR = 1.0329, P IVW = 0.0011). Similarly, PDE7A was associated with higher odds of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (OR = 1.0861, P IVW = 0.0038). Exploring specific PDE subtypes and increase intracellular cAMP levels can inform the development of targeted interventions. We also observed PDEs (which hydrolyzes both cAMP and cGMP) was associated with psychiatric disorders [OR of PDE1A was 1.0836 for autism spectrum disorder; OR of PDE2A was 0.8968 for Tourette syndrome (TS) and 0.9449 for SCZ; and OR of PDE3A was 0.9796 for MDD; P

Abstract Objective To investigate the prevalence of hypertension in adolescents and children in the Taicang area and analyse related factors to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of hypertension in this region. Methods A total of 1,000 students who were visited and surveyed in primary schools in the Taicang area in 2021 were selected for statistical testing using a cluster random sampling method, and a survey was conducted on their dietary habits. dietary habits, such as the consumption of meals that included protein-rich animal products, beans and dairy products, vegetables and fruits, salty foods and fried food, was taken into consideration, along with physical fitness indices, waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference. Results Of the 1,000 adolescents and children surveyed, 222 were classified into the hypertensive group and 778 into the normotensive group. There were 138 boys (a prevalence rate of 6.3%) and 84 girls (a prevalence rate of 4.1%) in the hypertensive group. The physical fitness indices of the hypertensive group were significantly higher than those of the normotensive group. Concerning dietary structure, the frequency of cereal intake between the two groups was comparable, while the hypertensive group’s intake of vegetables, fruits, beans and dairy products was significantly lower than that of the normotensive group. Finally, a logistic multivariate regression analysis of related factors was carried out, and it was concluded that waist-to-height ratio, waist circumference and salty and fried food intake were positively correlated with the prevalence of hypertension. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension among adolescents and children in the Taicang area is high. Body weight and dietary structure can be used as reference indicators for the prevalence of hypertension in this age group.

Abstract Background The effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or rather polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on adjacent intervertebral discs is still controversial. The evidence from experimental study to clinical study presents bipolar conclusions. In this study, we investigated the effect of PKP on adjacent intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Methods The experimental group included adjacent intervertebral discs of vertebrae treated with the PKP procedure, and the control group included adjacent intervertebral discs of non-traumatized vertebrae. All measurements were taken by magnetic resonance imaging or X-ray. The intervertebral disc height, the modified Pfirrmann grading system (MPGS), and its differences with Klezl Z and Patel S (ZK and SP) classifications were compared. Results A total of 264 intervertebral discs from 66 individuals were selected for the study. The comparison of intervertebral disc height between the two groups pre and post-operatively resulted in a p-value of > 0.05. No significant change was observed in the adjacent discs in the control groups post-operatively. Post-operatively, the mean Ridit increased significantly from 0.413 to 0.587 in the upper disc and from 0.404 to 0.595 in the lower disc in the experimental group. The comparison of MPGS differences showed that the predominant value was 0 in the Low-grade leaks group and 1 in the Medium and high-grade leaks group. Conclusions The PKP procedure can accelerate adjacent IDD, but it does not cause disc height changes in the early stage. The quantity of cement leaking into the disc space positively correlated with the rate of disc degeneration progression.

Abstract Purpose The mixed Candida/bacterial bloodstream infections (mixed C/B-BSIs) is worthy of particular attention recently, and we analyzed the incidence, co-pathogens, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of mixed C/B-BSIs compared with monomicrobial candidemia (mono-candidemia) in adult patients in China. Methods All hospitalized adults with candidemia were recruited for this retrospective observational study from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019. Results Of the 296 patients with candidemia, 78 cases (26.3%) were mixed C/B-BSIs. Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most common Candida species among all candidemia, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) was the most concomitant bacteria (30.6%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) (12.9%) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) (11.8%) in mixed C/B-BSIs. In the multivariable analysis, prior β-lactams exposure [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–3.87], burn injury (aOR, 6.35; 95% CI 1.82–22.21) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (aOR, 3.00; 95% CI 1.46–6.17) were independent risk factors for mixed C/B-BSIs. Compared with mono-candidemia, patients with mixed C/B-BSIs developed with more proportion of septic shock (55.1% vs. 39.9%, P

Abstract Background Picea species are distributed and planted world-wide due to their great ecological and economic values. It has been reported that Picea species vary widely in growth traits in a given environment, which reflects genetic and phenotypic differences among species. However, key physiological processes underlying tree growth and the influencing factors on them are still unknown. Results Here, we examined needle structures, needle chemical components, physiological characteristics and growth traits across five Picea species in a common garden in Tianshui, Gansu province in China: Picea glauca, P. mariana, P. likiangensis, P. koraiensis, and P. crassifolia, among which P. glauca and P. mariana were introduced from North America, P. likiangensis was from Lijiang, Yunan province in China, P. koraiensis was from Yichun, Heilongjiang province in China, and P. crassifolia was native to the experimental site. It was found that nearly all traits varied significantly among species. Tissue-level anatomical characteristics and leaf mass per area (LMA) were affected by needle size, but the variations of them were not associated with the variations in photosynthetic and biochemical capacity among species. Variations in area-based maximum photosynthesis (Pnmax) were affected by stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyll conductance (gm) and biochemical parameters including maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax). The fraction of N allocated to different photosynthetic apparatus displayed contrasting values among species, which contributed to the species variations in photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) and Pnmax. Additionally, all growth traits were positively correlated with Pnmax and PNUE. Conclusion Needle structures are less important than needle biochemical parameters in determining the variations in photosynthetic capacity across the five Picea species. Pnmax and PNUE are closedly associated with the fraction of N allocated to photosynthetic apparatus (Pphoto) compared with leaf N content per area (Narea). The tremendous growth differences among the five Picea species were substantially related to the interspecies variation in Pnmax and PNUE.

Abstract Background Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a predicter of infections, cancer and diabetes. However, the relationship between RDW and β-cell function and insulin resistance remains unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between RDW and β-cell function in patients with T2DM. Methods A total of 559 T2DM patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into three groups according to RDW tertiles. Clinical and biochemical characteristics such as age, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, RDW, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-peptide and lipid profiles were collected. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA2%B) were assessed using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) based on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting C-peptide index (FCPI). Correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed to explore the association between RDW and islet function indexes in total population and in different gender subgroups. Results The HOMA2%B gradually increased according to RDW tertiles (lowest, second, highest RDW tertiles; 47.1(32.9–75.4), 54.05(34.1–81), and 57.9(38.65–95.4), respectively; P = 0.036). Correlation analysis indicated that there were significant correlations between RDW and age, diabetes duration, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), aspartate transaminase (AST), FBG, HbA1c and HOMA2%B in all subjects. In male subjects, RDW correlated positively with age, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and AST, and it correlated negatively with body mass index (BMI), DBP and TG. In female subjects, RDW correlated positively with age, duration, serum creatinine (Cr), FCPI and HOMA2%B, and it correlated negatively with alanine transaminase (ALT), FBG and HbA1c. Multiple linear regressions indicated that RDW was significantly correlated with HOMA2%B and HbA1c in the total population in both unadjusted and adjusted analysis. This finding could be reproduced in the subgroup of men for HOMA2%B only and in women for HbA1c only. Conclusions RDW is associated with β-cell function assessed by HOMA2%B after adjusting for covariates in male T2DM patients.

Abstract Background Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a tumor thrombus (TT) extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC)/right atrium (RA) is generally regarded as a terminal-stage condition and there is no worldwide consensus on the proper management of this situation. In the present study, we report the efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) as a salvage treatment for recurrent HCC with IVC/RA TT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 75 HCC patients with an IVC/RA TT who were referred for HFRT at three institutions between 2008 and 2016. 57 cases had a TT located in the IVC (IVC group), and 18 cases had a TT located in the IVC and RA (IVC + RA group). HFRT was designed to focus on the TT with or without the primary intrahepatic tumors. Results In all cases, the TT completely disappeared (CR) in 17 patients (22.7%), 55 patients (73.3%) had a partial response (PR), and 3 patients (4.0%) had a stable disease (SD). There were no cases of progressive disease (PD). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates of the 75 patients were 38.7% (29/75), 13.3% (10/75) and 5.3% (4/75), respectively. The overall median survival time was 10 months. The mean survival times for the IVC group and IVC+ RA group were 13.8 ± 1.1 and 11.6 ± 2.5 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups (p = 0.205). Log-rank test revealed that factors predicting poor survival were Child-Pugh B liver function classification, AFP ≥ 400 μg/L, intrahepatic multiple tumors, distant metastases, only the TT as the target, a biological effective dose (BED)

Abstract Background Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with high heritability. Zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) was suggested to play important roles in neurodevelopment. Previous studies indicated that single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1344706 in ZNF804A was strongly associated with schizophrenia and might influence social interaction. Only one study explored the significance of ZNF804A polymorphisms in autism, which discovered that rs7603001 was nominally associated with autism. Moreover, no previous study investigated the association between ZNF804A and autism in a Han Chinese population. Here, we investigated whether these two SNPs (rs1344706 and rs7603001) in ZNF804A contribute to the risk of autism in a Han Chinese population. Methods We performed a family-based association study in 640 Han Chinese autism trios. Sanger sequencing was used for sample genotyping. Then, single marker association analyses were conducted using the family-based association test (FBAT) program. Results No significant association was found between the two SNPs (rs1344706 and rs7603001) in ZNF804A and autism (P > 0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggested that rs1344706 and rs7603001 in ZNF804A might not be associated with autism in a Han Chinese population.

Abstract Background Cervical spondylosis adversely affects life quality for its heavy disease burden. The report on the community-based prevalence and associated factors of cervical spondylosis is rare, especially in Chinese population. Whether prevention is needed and how to prevent it is not clear. This study aims to explore its prevalence and related lifestyle factors and provide evidence on prevention of cervical spondylosis. Methods A community-based multistage cross-sectional survey of six communities from the Chinese population was conducted. A face-to-face interview was conducted to obtain individual information, and prevalence was calculated. Single-factor analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore the associated factors in total and subgroup populations. Results A total of 3859 adults were analyzed. The prevalence of cervical spondylosis was 13.76%, although it differed significantly among the urban, suburban, and rural populations (13.07%, 15.97%, and 12.25%, respectively). Moreover, it was higher in females than in males (16.51% vs 10.49%). The prevalence among different age groups had an inverted U shape. The highest prevalence was in the age group from 45 to 60 years old. The associated factors differed by subgroups. There were positive associations between engaging in mental work, high housework intensity, and sleep duration of less than 7 h/day with cervical spondylosis. Going to work on foot was a negative factor of cervical spondylosis in the total population. For people aged less than 30 years, keeping the same work posture for 1–2.9 h/day was a special related factor. Exposure to vibration was an associated factor for females aged 45–60 years. Menopause was a special related factor for women. Conclusions Prevalence of cervical spondylosis was high in Chinese population. People younger than 60 years were the focus of prevention for cervical spondylosis. Moreover, the characters between male and female and among different age groups were different and required targeted interventions.