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Mitophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of intervertebral disc (IVD). Early Growth Response 1 (EGR1), a conservative transcription factor, is commonly upregulated under oxidative stress conditions and participates in regulating cellular senescence, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. However, the specific role of EGR1 in nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence and mitophagy remains unclear. In this study, through bioinformatics analysis and validation using human tissue specimens, we found that EGR1 is significantly upregulated in IVD degeneration (IDD). Further experimental results demonstrate that knockdown of EGR1 inhibits TBHP-induced NP cell senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction while promoting the activation of mitophagy. The protective effect of EGR1 knockdown on NP cell senescence and mitochondrion disappears upon inhibition of mitophagy with mdivi1. Mechanistic studies reveal that EGR1 suppresses NP cell senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction by modulating the PINK1-Parkin dependent mitophagy pathway. Additionally, EGR1 knockdown delays acupuncture-induced IDD in rats. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that under TBHP-induced oxidative stress, EGR1 knockdown mitigates NP cell senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction through the PINK1-Parkin dependent mitophagy pathway, thereby alleviating IDD. [Display omitted] • Knocking down EGR1 inhibits TBHP-induced nucleus pulposus cell senescence. • Knocking down EGR1 promotes mitophagy. • Knocking down EGR1 inhibits nucleus pulposus cell senescence by activating PINK1-Parkin-regulated mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A current challenge in the area of food emulsion is the design of microstructure that provides controlled release of volatile compounds during storage and consumption. Here, a new strategy addressed this problem at the fundamental level by describing the design of organogel-based emulsion from the self-assembly of β -sitosterol and γ -oryzanol that are capable of tuning volatile release. The results showed that the release rate ( v 0 ), maximum headspace concentrations ( C max ) and partition coefficients ( k a / e ) above structured emulsions were significantly lower than unstructured emulsions and controlled release doing undergo tunable though the self-assembled interface and core fine microstructure from internal phase under dynamic and static condition. This result provides an understanding of how emulsions can behave as delivery system to better design novel food products with enhanced sensorial and nutritional attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little evidence exists concerning the associations of greenspace with childhood lipid profiles and dyslipidemias, especially in developing countries and regions. We aimed to investigate the associations of greenspace surrounding schools with lipid levels and dyslipidemia prevalence among Chinese children and teenagers. We obtained baseline information and health data of 10,408 children and teenagers (aged 6–18 years) who studied from 94 schools in China. We measured levels of four blood lipids: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Dyslipidemias were defined using standard recommendations. Greenness surrounding schools were assessed using two satellite-based greenness indices, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) at 300-, 500-, and 1000-m circular buffers based on each school's latitude and longitude. We used random forest model combined with meteorological and remote sensing data to estimate air pollution levels surrounding each school. We used generalized linear mixed models to estimate the associations of greenness with lipid levels and dyslipidemias prevalence. We also performed sub-group and mediation analyses. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI 500m was significantly associated with a 0.064 mmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.083, −0.045) and 0.049 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.065, −0.033) decreased TC and LDL-C levels, respectively, as well as a 0.13-fold (95% CI: 0.01, 0.23) and 0.17-fold (95% CI: 0.01, 0.30) decreased odds of hypercholesterolemia and hyperbetalipoproteinemia, respectively. Associations were stronger in students aged ≤12 years and born to parents having lower education levels compared to their counterparts. Particle with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM 2.5) mediated 61.5% and 16.7% of the association of greenness with TG and LDL-C levels, respectively. In summary, higher school-based greenness exposure was beneficially associated with lipid levels among Chinese children and adolescents, and part of the association can be explained by lowed PM 2.5 levels. [Display omitted] • Higher school-based greenspace exposure was associated with lower levels of blood lipids. • Higher school-based greenspace exposure was associated with lower odds of types of dyslipidemia. • PM 2.5 mediated the association between school-based greenspace and blood lipids partially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to review a 7-year operative experience of anterior perineal fistulectomy in repairing H-type rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus in female children. From January 2007 to December 2013, 105 female children with H-type rectovestibular fistula and a normal anus underwent anterior perineal fistulectomy in the Department of General Surgery, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ age ranged from 6 months to 13 years 10 months, with an average age 5 years 2 months. The clinical feature of this disease was a definite history of vestibular infection at about 30 days after birth and leakage of gas or loose stool through vestibular fistular orifice after the infection was controlled. All patients had a normal anus. Follow-up through telephone or outpatient visits from 6 months to 7 years (median, 5.2 years), showed that all the patients were continent and had regular bowel movements. Among the 105 patients, 97 (92.4%) gained primary healing with a satisfactory appearance; 8 (7.6%) patients relapsed, among which 5 healed after hip bathing treatment within 3 weeks, 2 required another anterior perineal fistulectomy 7 months later and were cured, and the last one had another anterior perineal fistulectomy 1 year 10 months later but relapsed again, which healed after hip bathing treatment within 3 weeks after the second surgery. Anterior perineal fistulectomy is a simple, safe and reliable surgical method to treat H-type rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present the management of idiopathic megaduodenum in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 4 cases of megaduodenum admitted from 2005 to 2011 was performed evaluating clinical features, radiologic data, treatment, pathologic findings, and prognosis. The corresponding literature was reviewed. Results: The diagnosis of nonobstructive megaduodenum was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal contrast study, ultrasonography, and exploratory laparotomy. Treatment consisted of either tapering duodenoplasty with pylorus division and closure of the proximal stump plus Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy or tapering duodenoplasty with closure of the proximal stump and end-to-side gastrojejunostomy. On pathologic evaluation, neural and vascular structures appeared normal in all sections. All symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, and nausea, had resolved on follow-up, and all patients experienced rapid weight gain after their operation. Conclusions: Idiopathic megaduodenum without organic obstruction is a rare clinical condition. Massive dilatation confined to the duodenum was shown by upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and ultrasonography and can also be identified on antenatal ultrasonography. In children with megaduodenum, satisfactory results can be obtained by tapering duodenoplasty with proximal stump closure and gastrojejunostomy with either Roux-en-Y or end-to-side anastomosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the study was to review a 10-year experience of operative procedures for rectovestibular fistula with normal anus (RVFNA) at one institution. Materials and Methods: From January 1999 to December 2008, 182 female patients of RVFNA were treated surgically in the Department of Surgery, Beijing Children''s Hospital, Capital Medical University, China. The patients'' age ranged from 4 months to 15 years, with a mean age of 3.4 years. Fourteen children had a failed previous operation in other institutions. One hundred fifty-six patients (85.71%) had a definite history of vulvar inflammation within 3 months after birth and fecal leakage thereafter. In 61 of the 156 patients, a perineal abscess appeared after an episode of diarrhea. Four cases (2.20%) had associated anomalies of the VACTERL type. One hundred seventy-three patients (95.05%) had 1 external opening, whereas 9 others (4.95%) had 2 external openings separated by a skin bridge. In all cases, the internal orifice opened above the dentate line. The fistula in 135 cases (74.18%) presented as an opening with a small diameter (<5 mm). In our series, vestibular-rectal pull-through procedure was performed in 98 cases, transanal procedure in 69 cases, and anterior perineal anorectoplasty in 15 cases. None had a diverting colostomy. Results: Recurrence of fistula occurred in 5 to 10 days after operation in 21 cases (11.54%). Eight of them healed spontaneously after daily sitz bath with 3% boric acid, whereas other 13 patients (7.14%) required reoperation. Follow-up was obtained by telephone or by personal visit in the outpatient department, from 3 months to 10 years (median, 5.7 years). All the patients were continent and had regular bowel movement. Conclusions: Most RVFNA was acquired after infection. Procedure requiring extensive perineal dissection and diverting colostomy are unnecessary in most RVFNA cases. We performed simple resection in most patients with satisfactory results. In the cases with a large external opening and abnormal perineal appearance, a more extensive perineal dissection might be necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Few studies have explored the links of air pollution and childhood lipid profiles and dyslipidemias. We aimed to explore this topic in Chinese children and adolescents. This study included 12,814 children aged 7–18 years who participated in a national survey in 2013. Satellite-based spatial-temporal model was used to predict 3-y (2011–2013) average particles with diameters ≤ 1.0 μm (PM 1), ≤2.5 μm (PM 2.5), ≤10 μm (PM 10), and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) concentrations. Generalized linear mixed models were employed to evaluate the relationships of air pollution and total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and dyslipidemias. Every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 was related to increases of 6.20% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.44, 10.10], 5.31% (95%CI: 0.41, 10.44), 3.49% (95%CI: 0.97, 6.08), and 5.25% (95%CI: 1.56, 9.07) in TC, respectively. The odds ratio of hypercholesterolemia associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and NO 2 was 2.15 (95%CI: 1.27, 3.65), 1.70 (95%CI: 1.12, 2.60), and 1.43 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.93), respectively. No associations were found for air pollution and other blood lipids. Long-term PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 exposures were positively associated with TC levels and risk of hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. Image 1 • We studied 12,814 Chinese children in a national cross-sectional study. • Associations between ambient air pollution and blood lipids were examined. • PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 were positively associated with total cholesterol. • PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and NO 2 were positively related to risk of hypercholesterolemia. Main findings: Long-term PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 exposures were positively associated with TC levels and risk of hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To suggest a reasonable consideration to avoid the maltreatment of splenogonadal fusion. Methods: A 6-year-old male patient (Case 1) underwent unilateral orchiectomy for a suspected tumor of the testis. A 12-year-old male patient (Case 2) underwent bilateral groin exploration and urethroplasty. Postoperative abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an oval-shaped mass in the lower pole of the left kidney and no abnormalities in the spleen. Laparoscopy was considered. Results: In Case 1, a red mass was found in the upper pole of the testis; the mass occupied one-third of the testis volume. No connection with the cord was found. In Case 2, a red testis-like mass in the lower pole of the left kidney was found and resected. Orchidopexy was performed for the right testis. Postoperative pathology confirmed splenogonadal fusion. Conclusion: Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital abnormality. Most patients undergo unnecessary orchiectomy because of suspicion of a primary testicular neoplasm. Common imaging examinations, negative serologic examinations, and 99mTc-sulphur colloid liver-spleen scans can help to achieve a diagnosis. Careful review of the chronicity of the lesion may suggest a benign growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Surface abrasion technology was firstly applied to develop buckwheat protein. • Polyphenol-enriched buckwheat protein was successful produced. • Hydrothermal treatment enhanced bioaccessibility of buckwheat polyphenols. • Enhanced buckwheat flavor by hydrothermal treatment. Abstract Buckwheat constitutes a good source of bioactive components. A dry fractionation of surface abrasion for polyphenol-enriched protein combined with hydrothermal treatment was evaluated as an alternative to conventional wet extraction from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench). The protein contents and the total polyphenol contents of both free and bound polyphenol gradually decreased in the order from the outer to the inner fractions. Polyphenol-enriched buckwheat protein flour was successfully enrichment with a maximum polyphenol content of 55 mg/g. Moreover, starch digestibility and polyphenols bioaccessibility of the buckwheat protein were increased with hydrothermal treatment time, while protein digestibility decreased slightly. Besides, most of the aroma compounds increased during the hydrothermal treatment. The assessment results demonstrate that the sustainability dry surface abrasion process in combination with hydrothermal treatment should be encouraged in processing functional protein fractions and improving both qualities of end use products and health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key constituent of anion exchange membrane fuel cells, anion exchange membrane (AEM) faces a tough challenge to withstand the nucleophilic (OH−) attack on central cation in alkaline atmosphere which causes a constant degradation and thus affects the long term performance of the AEM. Aromatic cations unlike aliphatic amine cations are resistant to Hofmann β-elimination, however due to planar geometry they are more vulnerable to nucleophilic substitution reaction. To understand the problem and to formulate a mechanism to protect the AEM, a series of cationic membranes was fabricated based on poly(arylene ether ketone) having pendant quaternized derivatives of pyrimidinium and pyridazinium cations employing DCC-coupling reaction. The chemical structure characterization of the target products was conducted by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Various physicochemical properties of the membranes were investigated including thermomechanical behavior, ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling ratio, ionic conductivity, fuel cell performance and oxidative and chemical stabilities. No serious swelling was observed with adequate water uptake at temperature between 20 °C and 80 °C. The membranes with both pyrimidinium and pyridazinium cations exhibited sufficient ionic conductivity. The highest recorded conductivity was 45.7 mS cm−1 and peak power density was 194 mW cm−2. The oxidative stability of all membranes was high (more than 90%) however, alkaline stability results suggest a different behavior. Pyridazinium cations with substituents simultaneously at C-3 and C-6 positions is thoroughly protected from OH− attack while pyrimidinium (simultaneously protected at C-4 and C-6 positions) degraded at accelerated rate with raising temperature. This work not only explores the possibility of utilizing aromatic cations that weren't used before but also provides a wider understanding of the relationship of aromatic cation structure and membrane stability and performance thus helping in designing stable anion exchange membranes for long-lasting fuel cells. [Display omitted] • Poly(arylene ether ketone) with pendant –COOH group was prepared. • DCC coupling was employed to functionalize the polymer. • Anion exchange membranes with pendant pyrimidinium and pyridazinium were fabricated. • Pyridazinium based AEM were stable in alkaline solution. • High ionic conductivity was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by high comorbidity. Treatment with psychotherapy is highly recommended, however, there exists limited available evidence on the use and the optimal psychotherapeutic outcome is debatable. We performed a systematic search on several bibliographic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of psychotherapy treatment in TS patients, from inception to August 1st, 2020, and without language restrictions. Outcome measures were measured by the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) to determine the efficacy of psychotherapy. Data were pooled as Standard mean difference (SMD) in the Bayesian analysis of the random effect model. A total of 17 RCTs with 9 treatments and 1042 participants were included from an initial 4901 records. The primary outcome including, Comprehensive behavioral intervention (CBIT) [SMD = −1.43, 95%Credible interval (CrI): −2.39, −0.44], Exposure with response prevention (ERP) [SMD = −1.37, 95%CrI: −2.62, −0.13], Habit reversal therapy (HRT) [SMD = −0.93, 95%CrI: 1.83, −0.05], and Behavior therapy (BT) [SMD = −0.85, 95%CrI: 1.51, −0.18], were found to be significantly lower in the TS group compared with the control group (including wait-list, treatment-as-usual or other named control group). Based on the Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), CBIT (SUCRA value = 86.97%, 95%CrI: 44%, 100%) was found to be a suitable psychotherapeutic treatment for TS patients. High-quality RCTs on psychotherapy are needed to perform for establishing the foundation of the generation of evidence-based guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Few studies have explored the effects of air pollution on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children. • We studied 9,897 Chinese children in a national cross-sectional study. • Long-term exposures to PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 were positively associated with MetS. • PM 1 and NO 2 were related to elevated risk of fasting blood glucose and abdominal obesity. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) rapidly increased over the past decades. However, little evidence exists about the effects of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on MetS in children and adolescents. This study aims to assess the association between long-term ambient air pollution and the prevalence of MetS in a large population of Chinese children and adolescents. In 2013, a total of 9,897 children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years were recruited from seven provinces/municipalities in China. MetS was defined based on the recommendation by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Satellite based spatio-temporal models were used to estimate exposure to ambient air pollution (including particles with diameters ≤1.0 µm (PM 1), ≤2.5 µm (PM 2.5), and ≤10 µm (PM 10), and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2)). Individual exposure was calculated according to 94 schools addresses. After adjustment for a range of covariates, generalized linear mixed-effects models were utilized to evaluate the associations between air pollutants and the prevalence of MetS and its components. In addition, several stratified analyses were examined according to sex, weight status, outdoor physical activity time, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) intake. The prevalence of MetS was 2.8%. The odds ratio of MetS associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 and NO 2 was 1.20 (95%CI: 0.99, 1.46), 1.31 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.64), 1.32 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.62), and 1.33 (95%CI: 1.03, 1.72), respectively. Regarding the MetS components, we observed associations between all pollutants and abdominal obesity. In addition, long-term PM 1 and NO 2 exposures were associated with the prevalence of elevated fasting blood glucose. Stratified analyses detected that the associations between air pollutants and the prevalence of MetS were stronger in boys (P interaction < 0.05). We found that long-term exposure to PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and NO 2 were positively associated with the prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents. Our findings may have certain public health implications for some comprehensive strategy of environment improvement and lifestyles changes in order to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, self-crosslinked sulfonated polyether etherketone membrane (C-SPEEK) was synthesized by Friedel-Crafts alkylation at 130 °C with chloromethylated sulfonated polyether etherketone (SPEEK-Cl). The water uptake (WU) of the C-SPEEK was 47.75% with a 8.69% swelling rate (SR) at 60 °C, compared with the sulfonated polyether etherketone membrane (SPEEK) with WU of 110.60% and SR of 57.99%. The contradiction between dimensional stability and proton conductivity under high sulfonation degree was overcome. The self-crosslinking composite membranes were prepared by doping with carbon nanomaterials (Graphite oxide, GO; reduced graphene oxide, rGO and carbon nanotubes, CNTs) and phosphotungstic acid (HPW). Since HPW and carbon nanomaterials incorporated in membrane facilitate protons conduction via both Grotthuss and Vehicle mechanisms, the hybrid membranes demonstrated the improved conductivities. At 80 °C, C-SPEEK/HPW/GO showed proton conductivity as high as 119.04 mS/cm, which was 2.4 folds higher than that of the C-SPEEK. Furthermore, the superior performance of C-SPEEK/HPW/GO was further validated through H 2 /O 2 single cell test. The C-SPEEK/HPW/GO produced a higher power output of 876.80 mW/cm2, whereas only 776.72 mW/cm2 for C-SPEEK was recorded. Thus, C-SPEEK/HPW/GO and C-SPEEK may be promising membrane materials for potential applications in fuel cells. Image 1 • Crosslinked SPEEK membrane was synthesized by Friedel-Crafts alkylation. • C-SPEEK doped 2D layered GO exhibited better performance than 2D CNTs. • C-SPEEK/HPW/GO exhibited high power density in Fuel Cell Performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]