Search

The impact of pediatric body mass index (BMI) trajectories on the risk of adolescent hypertension (HTN) determined by three separate visits remains unclear. This longitudinal study aims to identify potential pediatric sex-specific BMI trajectories and to assess their associations with HTN and HTN subtypes.Based on the Health Promotion Program for Children and Adolescents (HPPCA) in Suzhou, China, a total of 24,426 participants who had initial normal blood pressure (BP) and had at least four BMI measurements during 2012-2020 were included. HTN was defined as simultaneously having three separate visits of elevated BP in 2020. Latent class growth models were used to explore sex-specific BMI trajectories, whose associations with HTN and HTN subtypes were further examined by logistic regression.The incidence of HTN determined through three separate visits was 3.34%. Four trajectories were identified for both sexes: low BMI increasing, medium BMI increasing, high BMI increasing, and highest BMI increasing. Compared to the medium BMI increasing group, the odds ratio (95% confidential interval) for developing adolescent HTN of the low, high, and highest BMI increasing groups among boys were 0.54 (0.39, 0.75), 1.90 (1.44, 2.51), and 2.89 (1.90, 4.39), respectively; and the corresponding values for girls were 0.66 (0.48, 0.90), 2.30 (1.72, 3.09), and 4.71 (3.06, 7.26). Similar gradually elevated associations between different trajectories with isolated systolic hypertension, systolic and diastolic hypertension were observed.Current results emphasized the adverse effects of stable high BMI on HTN and the benefits of maintaining normal weight throughout childhood.

This study divided a basin metropolitan area with high air pollution into three subareas, namely urban, suburban, and rural, on the basis of population density for a systematic analysis of the effects of local air pollutants on respiratory diseases. A panel data regression model was used to estimate the annual incidence growth rates (AIGRs) of the four respiratory diseases, namely lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pneumonia, resulting from exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5, diameter of 2.5 μm or less), odd oxygen (ODO), or nonmethane hydrocarbon (NMHC). The results indicate that the prevailing wind direction is not a major factor determining the distribution of air pollutants. The spatial distributions of ODO and NMHC differed from that of PM2.5. Three air pollutants contributed to positive AIGRs of the four diseases in the study area, but PM2.5 which had a negative AIGR for asthma in the rural subarea. The pollutants with the strongest effects on AIGR, in descending order, were NMHC, PM2.5, and ODO. The effect of ambient NMHC was significant and nonnegligible, especially in the urban subarea. A dimensionless potential AIGR (PAIGR) formula was established to quantitatively compare the effects of different air pollutants on the four respiratory diseases. The results indicate that ambient NMHC had the strongest effect on the incidences of the respiratory diseases, followed by that of ambient PM2.5. The effect of ambient NMHC was significant and nonnegligible, especially in the urban subarea. The PAIGR ratio ranges of PM2.5 to ODO and NMHC to ODO for the four diseases in urban subsarea were from 3 to 19 and from 289 to 920, respectively. This study also applied multivariate regression to assess the association among 5 aspects, namely air quality, point source, line source, area source, and socioeconomic status, and the incidences of the four respiratory diseases. The results indicate that the model has favorable fit and can thus reflect the associations of the 15 factors of 5 aspects with the four respiratory diseases in each subarea.

The Three Gorges Reservoir area (TGRA) has complex geological conditions and a fragile ecological environment. The construction of the Three Gorges Project triggered a series of ecological and environmental issues and social disputes, which have attracted much attention in recent years. However, it is still unclear how the temporal and spatial characteristics of ecosystem service value (ESV) in the TGRA changed in each stage of the Three Gorges Project along with the implementation of some ecological restoration projects. Based on four periods of land use data from 2000 to 2018, the changes in land use were studied and the ecosystem service values (ESVs) were estimated. Then, we analysed the spatial distribution and dynamic changes in ecosystem services. The results showed that from 2000 to 2018, grassland and construction land were the largest land use types showing area reductions and increases and the conversion of cropland to forestland, grassland and construction land represented the most important land type changes. In the past 18 years, due to the increase in forestland and water area, the ESVs increased by 2.7 billion yuan, with a growth rate of 3.46%. From the perspective of contribution rate, the conversion of cropland to forestland had the largest contribution rate to the increase in ESV. The ESV was higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest, and its changes have significant positive autocorrelation in spatial distribution. The hot spots of ESV change were mainly distributed in the main stream of the Yangtze River and the reservoir area. This research provides a reference for land resource allocation and experience for the ecological environment protection and sustainable development of the Yangtze River Basin.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of retropharyngeal steroid use during operation on bony fusion and dysphagia rate after ACDF. We searched the electronic literature database of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library published from January 1990 to February 2020. The size of each group, mean age, proportion of female patients, dysphagia events and fusion rate at one-year follow-up were extracted. RevMan 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. A total of eight studies including six RCTs and two case–control studies met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis showed that retropharyngeal steroids could achieve significantly lower dysphagia rates (p

The multi-generation heredity trait of hypertension in human has been reported, but the molecular mechanisms underlying multi-generational inheritance of hypertension remain obscure. Recent evidence shows that prenatal inflammatory exposure (PIE) results in increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. In this study we investigated whether and how PIE contributed to multi-generational inheritance of hypertension in rats. PIE was induced in pregnant rats by intraperitoneal injection of LPS or Poly (I:C) either once on gestational day 10.5 (transient stimulation, T) or three times on gestational day 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5 (persistent stimulation, P). Male offspring was chosen to study the paternal inheritance. We showed that PIE, irrespectively induced by LPS or Poly (I:C) stimulation during pregnancy, resulted in multi-generational inheritance of significantly increased blood pressure in rat descendants, and that prenatal LPS exposure led to vascular remodeling and vasoconstrictor dysfunction in both thoracic aorta and superior mesenteric artery of adult F2 offspring. Furthermore, we revealed that PIE resulted in global alteration of DNA methylome in thoracic aorta of F2 offspring. Specifically, PIE led to the DNA hypomethylation of G beta gamma (Gβγ) signaling genes in both the F1 sperm and the F2 thoracic aorta, and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling was implicated in the pathologic changes and dysregulated vascular tone of aortic tissue in F2 LPS-P offspring. Our data demonstrate that PIE reprogrammed DNA methylome of cells from the germline/mature gametes contributes to the development of hypertension in F2 PIE offspring. This study broadens the current knowledge regarding the multi-generation effect of the cumulative early life environmental factors on the development of hypertension.

Oxidative degradation of chitin, initiated by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), contributes to microbial bioconversion of crystalline chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer in nature. However, our knowledge of oxidative chitin utilization pathways, beyond LPMOs, is very limited. Here, we describe a complete pathway for oxidative chitin degradation and its regulation in a marine bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas prydzensis. The pathway starts with LPMO-mediated extracellular breakdown of chitin into C1-oxidized chitooligosaccharides, which carry a terminal 2-(acetylamino)−2-deoxy-D-gluconic acid (GlcNAc1A). Transmembrane transport of oxidized chitooligosaccharides is followed by their hydrolysis in the periplasm, releasing GlcNAc1A, which is catabolized in the cytoplasm. This pathway differs from the known hydrolytic chitin utilization pathway in enzymes, transporters and regulators. In particular, GlcNAc1A is converted to 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate 6-phosphate, acetate and NH3 via a series of reactions resembling the degradation of D-amino acids rather than other monosaccharides. Furthermore, genomic and metagenomic analyses suggest that the chitin oxidative utilization pathway may be prevalent in marine Gammaproteobacteria.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6). RESULTS Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P

Four new α-pyrone derivatives, named germicidins P-S (1-4) along with nine known analogues (5-13) were discovered from the sponge-associated Streptomyces sp. 18A01 guided by Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking, the LC-DAD-MS profile, and hexokinase II (HK2) inhibitory activity. The structures of 1-13 were elucidated by analysis of their HRMS, optical rotation, and NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of germicidin P (1) and germicidin Q (2) were determined on the basis of comparisons of experimental and theoretically calculated ECD spectra. Bioactivities of the isolated compounds were assayed against human HK2. The bioassay results showed that compounds 1-4 and 11-13 exhibited significant inhibitory activities against HK2, with IC50 values ranging from 5.1 to 11.0 μM. A molecular docking simulation demonstrated that these germicidins were docked in the inner active site tunnel of HK2. Interestingly, the amino residue Arg91 has a better binding affinity and efficacy than the amino residue Asn89 in the process of HK2 binding to the ligands, resulting in better hexokinase inhibitory activity. This result provided a valuable perspective for better understanding their HK2 inhibition activity.

The accuracy of predicting fracture conductivity is very important in hydraulic fracturing. However, most models pay more attention to the solution of fracture conductivity value, without considering the distribution of the fracture conductivity. It is also important to couple the proppant embedment depth and fracture conductivity, especially for the coal bed and shale formations with strong plasticity. In this paper, analytical models were derived to compute fracture conductivity considering the proppant transport and embedment. The proppant transport model is coupled with the fracture propagation model, which describes the distribution of fracture conductivity. The calculation of proppant embedment depth considering the rock plasticity is derived from the underground stress equilibrium, which provides a calculation basis of the propped fracture width. The proppant-pack permeability is calculated based on the Carman-Kozeny formula. Finally, fracture conductivity is defined as the product of fracture width and permeability. Based on the comparison with the previously established models, the proposed model is employed for sensitivity studies of parameters influencing the fracture conductivity. The effects of closure pressure, proppant size, rock plasticity, fluid viscosity, proppant concentration, and proppant carrying liquid volume on fracture conductivity are analyzed. Analysis results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of related factors on fracture conductivity. The new and more accurate model for calculating the fracture conductivity considering proppant transport and embedment is of great significance for fracturing design and helps to achieve high fracture conductivity and high oil and gas production in conventional and unconventional reservoirs.

Background With the continuous emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that feature increased transmission and immune escape, there is an urgent demand for a better vaccine design that will provide broader neutralizing efficacy. Methods We report an mRNA-based vaccine using an engineered “hybrid” receptor binding domain (RBD) that contains all 16 point-mutations shown in the currently prevailing Omicron and Delta variants. Results A booster dose of hybrid vaccine in mice previously immunized with wild-type RBD vaccine induced high titers of broadly neutralizing antibodies against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). In naïve mice, hybrid vaccine generated strong Omicron-specific neutralizing antibodies as well as low but significant titers against other VOCs. Hybrid vaccine also elicited CD8+/IFN-γ+ T cell responses against a conserved T cell epitope present in wild type and all VOCs. Conclusions These results demonstrate that inclusion of different antigenic mutations from various SARS-CoV-2 variants is a feasible approach to develop cross-protective vaccines.

Rocky landslides on river banks can result in the generation of ultra-high waves, which may destroy structures on the opposite bank. Existing methods to calculate the pressure on bank slopes under the effect of impulse waves generated by landslides are, however, few and of low precision. Therefore, in this study, a three-dimensional physical model test was conducted by taking into account factors such as landslide geometry parameters and the bank slope angle. The model test section was generalized on the basis of a certain section of the Three Gorges reservoir area as a prototype, after which the wave parameters and wave pressure acting on the bank slope were measured. Subsequently, the magnitude, acting point, and distribution of the pressure of the impulse waves generated by the rocky landslide upon the bank slope were determined. The distribution curve of the impact pressure was similar to that calculated using the CHиП II 57–75 formula, and the experimental pulsating pressure value was close to the value calculated using the Subgrade formula. Based on the test results, a power function of the relative pulsating pressure steepness with respect to the reciprocal of the wave steepness, relative water depth, and slope ratio was proposed. The acting point of the maximum pulsating pressure was found to be located near the still water level. Finally, an empirical formula for calculating the envelope of the maximum pulsating pressure distribution curve was proposed. These formulas can serve as a theoretical basis for the prediction of impulse wave pressure generated owing to landslides on bank slopes.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant epigenetic modification of RNA, and its dysregulation drives aberrant transcription and translation programs that promote cancer occurrence and progression. Although defective gene regulation resulting from m6A often affects oncogenic and tumor-suppressing networks, m6A can also modulate tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses. Understanding this counterintuitive concept can aid the design of new drugs that target m6A to potentially improve the outcomes of cancer immunotherapies. Here, we provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of how m6A modifications intrinsically affect immune cells and how alterations in tumor cell m6A modifications extrinsically affect immune cell responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We also review strategies for modulating endogenous anti-tumor immunity and discuss the challenge of reshaping the TME. Strategies include: combining specific and efficient inhibitors against m6A regulators with immune checkpoint blockers; generating an effective programmable m6A gene-editing system that enables efficient manipulation of individual m6A sites; establishing an effective m6A modification system to enhance anti-tumor immune responses in T cells or natural killer cells; and using nanoparticles that specifically target tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to deliver messenger RNA or small interfering RNA of m6A-related molecules that repolarize TAMs, enabling them to remodel the TME. The goal of this review is to help the field understand how m6A modifications intrinsically and extrinsically shape immune responses in the TME so that better cancer immunotherapy can be designed and developed.

Posterior C1–C2 pedicle screw fixation is a reliable technique used in treatment of type II odontoid fracture. However, the loss of cervical range of rotation motion (RORM) was inevitable. There were few studies focusing on the influence of short-term C1–C2 fixation with nonfusion technique to preserve cervical function in patients younger than 60 years. The purpose of this study was to compare cervical RORM which was measured by an improved goniometer, and the clinical outcomes between short-term and long-term C1–C2 fixation techniques in the treatment of Grauer type 2B and 2C odontoid fracture. This study represents a retrospective analysis, including patients who underwent primary C1–C2 fixation surgery. These patients were divided into short-term and long-term groups based on whether underwent a fixation removal operation. The clinical results were collected and compared between the two groups. Independent T test and Chi-square analyses were used to identify significant differences between the two groups and dependent T test was used within each group. Statistical significance was set at p

This study proposes a novel best-first search algorithm, called Valuation Increment Search Algorithm (VIS), which applies the increment of exploratory value change to predict the valuation and guide the selection of the game tree. The proposed method can effectively use node valuation and game tree size information to solve the game tree by fewer exploration steps. The relevant assumptions and search principles of the proposed algorithm are detailed. Moreover, comparative experiments with Alpha–Beta Search (α–β search), Proof-Number Search (PNS) and Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) in the domain of Dou Dizhu has been performed to verify the performance. Result demonstrate that VIS is superior to α–β search, PNS and MCTS algorithm in solving the game tree and finding the best move for some game scenarios by consuming less time and few memory resources. The improvement effect of the average Increment, magnitude of Increment, and the number of visits to node on the original VIS was validated. Also, a new selection strategy is defined for the improved VIS algorithm combined with these factors. The experimental comparison results show that improved VIS has a better performance in solving game tree with less nodes generated and expanded than original VIS.

To evaluate the diagnostic value of spleen stiffness (SS) via magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in predicting esophageal varices. From January 2016 to September 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 263 patients with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) records and available spleen and liver stiffness (LS) values from MRE. Clinical information including the underlying diseases, endoscopic grade of esophageal varices (EV) and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. In cirrhotic patients, MRE-SS was higher in those with EV than in those without. MRE-SS also showed significant association with EV in the multivariate analysis, whereas MRE-LS did not. The diagnostic performance of MRE-SS for EV in cirrhotic patients was demonstrated by the area under curve of 0.853 (cut-off value: 9.53 kPa, P

The effects of the side chain and polymer backbone on the retention mechanisms of four polysaccharide-based sorbents, namely amylose 3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate (Chiralpak IA), cellulose 3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate (Chiralpak IB), amylose 3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate (Chiralpak IE), and cellulose 3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate (Chiralpak IC), were investigated using simple achiral molecules with distinct functional groups as probes. The thermodynamic properties of solute retention behaviors were investigated using retention factor data, van’t Hoff plots, adsorption isotherms, and retention models. Frontal analysis was used to obtain the adsorption isotherms of acetone (AC) and isopropanol (IPA). The results revealed that the adsorptions of AC on the four sorbents followed Langmuir isotherms, whereas heterogeneous adsorption mechanisms more accurately fit the adsorptions of IPA. For solutes associated with hydrogen-bonding groups, the retention factors and enthalpy changes suggest that cellulose sorbents may have more binding sites available than the amylose sorbents. The van’t Hoff analysis indicated that sorbents with Cl-substituted phenyl groups enhanced the binding strength of sorbent NH groups with the solutes. For aromatic solutes, larger retention factors and stronger adsorption energies were found for the cellulose sorbents. The results suggested that side chains with Cl-substituted phenyl groups weakened the π interactions. The inferences obtained from these sorbents were used for the interpretation of the chiral recognition mechanisms of pantolactone enantiomers.

An oscillating vertical movement of the undersurface water layers has been verified off the coast of Zhiban, Taitung, southeast Taiwan. It was first suspected to exist by significant variations of CTD temperature profiles observed on Cruises OR3-1769 and OR3-1792 in 2014. A frequency of 12.5 hr-1 was estimated from temperature record by a subsurface ADPC moored at a depth of 110 m. Further proofs were obtained in 2016 by chemical measurements of silicate and phosphate in an industrial pipeline which takes up continuously the deep ocean water at a depth of 319 m. The nutrient concentrations varies hour by hour during a 36-hr period (0.88 - 1.11 μM for phosphate and 19.0 - 26.2 μM for silicate), showing a semi-diurnal cycle which matched well with that of the surface tide reported at a near-by tidal station. An amplitude of 60 - 100 m that occurs in a semidiurnal cycle can be commonly observed in this area at depths between 100 and 300 m.

This study proposes a hydraulic fracture extension model based on the phase field method. In this approach, the rock poroelasticity parameter (Biot’s coefficient and modulus) changes with the evolution of rock damage; therefore, a phase field evolution equation is derived. When compared with the results obtained from the standard phase field evolution model (the poroelasticity parameter is regarded as constant), the fracture length calculated using the proposed model is shorter, fracture width is larger, and pressure at the injection point calculated using the standard model is approximately 1.9 times that predicted by the proposed model. Based on the proposed model, certain formation and engineering factors may affect the vertical extension of the hydraulic fracture; the corresponding change in the pressure characteristics at the injection point in layered formation was investigated. The simulation results indicate that the hydraulic crack temporarily stops extending when extending towards the interface, resulting in an increase in the pressure at the injection point. The pressure slowly drops only when the hydraulic crack penetrates the barrier layer. The greater the minimum horizontal stress difference between the barrier and center layers, the greater the strength of the barrier layer. Similarly, the smaller the elastic modulus of the barrier layer, the smaller the viscosity of the fracturing fluid and more difficult it is for the hydraulic crack to extend to the barrier layer. Poisson’s ratio of the barrier layer and injection rate had little impact on the vertical extension of the hydraulic crack.

To compare the risk angle and safety angle of needling Yamen (GV 15) between the atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) patients and healthy subjects. A total of 177 AAD patients diagnosed and treated at the Center of Upper Cervical Vertebra of Beijing China-Japan Friendship Hospital between January 2010 and January 2018 were included in the AAD group. Another 207 healthy subjects were included in the normal group. There were totally 191 males and 193 females. The MRI scan was performed for the cervical vertebrae to measure the risk angle and safety angle of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) on the sagittal image. In the AAD group, the risk angle was (13.14±3.99)° and the relative safety angle was (10.31±3.23)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (9.09±3.09)° for the male; the risk angle was (12.12±2.74)° and the relative safety angle was (10.56±2.09)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (9.70±2.95)° for the female. In the normal group, the risk angle was (7.89±1.59)° and the relative safety angle was (10.21±3.55)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (16.07±1.77)° for the male; the risk angle was (6.93±1.45)° and the relative safety angle was (10.70±2.94)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (14.89±2.18)° for the female. The perpendicular needling risk angles for the males and females in the AAD group were larger than those in the normal group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P 0.05); however, the perpendicular needling risk angle for the male was larger than the female, and the difference was statistically significant in the normal group (P 0.05). For the inner-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the relative safety angle between the male and the female (P>0.05). The oblique needling risk angles for both the males and females were smaller in the AAD group than those in the normal group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P 0.05); in the normal group, the oblique needling risk angle for the male was larger than that for the female, and the difference was statistically significant (P

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is one of the most important cytokines that regulate the biology of natural killer (NK) cells1. Here we identified a signaling pathway-involving the serine-threonine kinase AKT and the transcription factor XBP1s, which regulates unfolded protein response genes2,3-that was activated in response to IL-15 in human NK cells. IL-15 induced the phosphorylation of AKT, which led to the deubiquitination, increased stability and nuclear accumulation of XBP1s protein. XBP1s bound to and recruited the transcription factor T-BET to the gene encoding granzyme B, leading to increased transcription. XBP1s positively regulated the cytolytic activity of NK cells against leukemia cells and was also required for IL-15-mediated NK cell survival through an anti-apoptotic mechanism. Thus, the newly identified IL-15-AKT-XBP1s signaling pathway contributes to enhanced effector functions and survival of human NK cells.