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Abstract Objective Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT perfusion may provide diagnostic information for intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) administration in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We aimed to compare the clinical features and perfusion deficits of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)-negative and DWI-positive AIS patients. Methods This retrospective and observational study included thrombolysis-treated AIS patients undergoing multimodel CT imaging before treatment and DWI after treatment between 2021 and 2022. Two experienced neuroradiologists blindly and independently examined the images to identify perfusion deficits in AIS patients. The patients were divided into DWI-positive and DWI-negative groups based on visible hyperintense lesions on DWI. A modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of ≤ 2 indicated good functional outcomes at discharge. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether CT perfusion was an independent predictor of positive DWI imaging on follow-up. Results This study included 151 patients, of whom 35 (23.2%) patients were DWI-negative on follow-up. These DWI-negative patients were less likely to have a medical history of atrial fibrillation; they had lower triglyceride levels, a shorter admission time, lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores after IV t-PA and lower mRS scores at discharge, and had better functional outcomes. A total of 37.1% of DWI-positive and 25.7% of DWI-negative patients had vascular stenosis (P = 0.215). A total of 47.4% of DWI-positive and 37.1% of DWI-negative patients had CT perfusion deficits (P = 0.284). A total of 73.5% of patients with normal CT perfusion had positive DWI, while 19.1% of patients with perfusion deficits had negative DWI. The sensitivity and specificity of NCCT were 14.8% and 97.1% (Kappa = 0.061, P = 0.074), CTP was 47.4% and 62.9% for predicting DWI lesion (Kappa = 0.069, P = 0.284). Conclusions About 23.2% of AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis treatment did not have a relevant DWI-MRI lesion on follow-up. Over one-third of patients in the DWI-MRI negative group showed CT perfusion deficits, with a sensitivity of 47.4% for predicting DWI lesions in non-mechanical thrombectomy patients.

Abstract Background Due to drought stress, the growth, distribution, and production of mungbean is severely restricted. Previous study combining physiological and transcriptomic data indicated different genotypes of mungbean exhibited variable responses when exposed to drought stress. Aside from the genetic variation, the modifications of environmentally induced epigenetics alterations on mungbean drought-stress responses were still elusive. Results In this study, firstly, we compared the drought tolerance capacity at seedling stage by detecting physiological parameters in two contrasting genotypes wild mungbean 61 and cultivar 70 in response to drought stress. We found that wild mungbean 61 showed lower level of MDA and higher levels of POD and CAT, suggesting wild mungbean 61 exhibited stronger drought resistance. Transcriptomic analysis indicated totally 2859 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected when 70 compared with 61 (C70 vs C61), and the number increased to 3121 in the comparison of drought-treated 70 compared with drought-treated 61 (D70 vs D61). In addition, when drought-treated 61 and 70 were compared with their controls, the DEGs were 1117 and 185 respectively, with more down-regulated DEGs than up-regulated in D61 vs C61, which was opposite in D70 vs C70. Interestingly, corresponding to this, after drought stress, more hypermethylated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in 61 were detected and more hypomethylated DMRs in 70 were detected. Further analysis suggested that the main variations between 61 and 70 existed in CHH methylation in promoter. Moreover, the preference of methylation status alterations in D61 vs C61 and D70 vs C70 also fell in CHH sequence context. Further analysis of the correlation between DMRs and DEGs indicated in both D61 vs C61 and D70 vs C70, the DMRs in gene body was significantly negatively correlated with DEGs. Conclusions The physiological parameters in this research suggested that wild mungbean 61 was more resistant to drought stress, with more hypermethylated DMRs and less hypomethylated DMRs after drought stress, corresponding to more down-regulated DEGs than up-regulated DEGs. Among the three DNA methylation contexts CG, CHG, and CHH, asymmetric CHH contexts were more dynamic and prone to be altered by drought stress and genotypic variations.

In recent years, the global incidence of liver damage has increased. Despite the many known health benefits of red-fleshed apple flavonoids, their potential liver-protective effects have not yet been investigated. In this study, we analyzed the composition of red-fleshed apple flavonoid extract (RAFE) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We then induced liver damage in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and performed interventions with RAFE to analyze its effect on liver damage, using bifendate as a positive control. The results showed that catechin was the most abundant flavonoid in ‘XJ4’ RAFE (49.346 mg/100 g). In liver-injured mice, the liver coefficients converged to normal levels following RAFE intervention. Moreover, RAFE significantly reduced the enzymatic activity levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (ALT), glutamic alanine transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in mouse serum. Furthermore, RAFE significantly increased the content or enzyme activity level of total glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase, and significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde in the liver of mice. In parallel, we performed histopathological observations of mouse livers for each group. The results showed that RAFE restored the pathological changes caused by CCl4 around the central hepatic vein in mice and resulted in tightly bound hepatocytes. The recovery effect of RAFE was dose-dependent in the liver tissue. Regarding intestinal microorganisms, we found that RAFE restored the microbial diversity in liver-injured mice, with a similar microbial composition in the RAFE intervention group and normal group. RAFE reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, increased the levels of probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Clostridium, and reduced the levels of harmful bacteria, such as Erysipelothrix Rosenbach. Therefore, RAFE ameliorated CCl4-induced liver damage by modulating the abundance and composition of intestinal microorganisms in mice. In conclusion, RAFE alleviated CCl4-induced liver damage in mice, with H-RAFE (5 mg kg–1) significantly improving liver damage in mice but M-RAFE (1 mg kg–1) significantly improving the imbalance of intestinal microorganisms in mice. Our research suggests that RAFE could be employed for the adjuvant treatment and prevention of liver damage, and may have important applications in food and medicine.

Busulfan is currently an indispensable anti-cancer drug, but the side effects on male reproductive system are so serious. Meanwhile, red-fleshed apples are natural products with high anthocyanin content. In this research, we analyzed the effect of red-fleshed apple anthocyanin extract (RAAE) on busulfan-treated mice. Compared with the busulfan group, main plasma biochemical indicators were significantly improved after RAAE treatment. Compared with BA0 (busulfan without RAAE) group, total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione catalase (GSH-Px) in RAAE treatment groups were obviously increased, while the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased in the RAAE groups. In addition, we found RAAE alleviated busulfan-disrupted spermatogenesis through improving genes expression which are important for spermatogenesis, such as DDX4, PGK2, and TP1. Furthermore, we found that RAAE increased beneficial bacteria Akkermansia and Lactobacillaceae, and significantly depleted harmful bacteria Erysipelotrichia. The correlation studies indicated that RAAE ameliorated busulfan-induced rise in LysoPC levels through regulating gut microbial community and their associated metabolites. In conclusion, this study extends our understanding of the alleviated effect of RAAE on busulfan-induced male reproductive dysfunction through regulating the relationships between gut microbiota and metabolites.

Affordable housing is an effective approach for relieving the residential stress of moderate and low-income citizens; it is not only a macro study but also a micro one in the processive phase focusing on site selection and so on. From this view, the site selection of affordable housing in the direct management district under Jiangbei New District in Nanjing is analyzed, including summarizing the status quo and construction models of affordable housing’s site selection; quantifying the influential elements of site selection by the AHP method and GIS spatial analysis. The final result shows that the site of Jiangbei’s new district in Nanjing, with a score ranging from 2.7792 to 3.8572, is recommended for affordable housing. According to this result, the optimization strategy of affordable housing planning and location is put forward to ensure the balance of work and housing and the interests of low-income groups.

In this research, we analyzed the effect of an intragastrical oral administration of red-fleshed apple anthocyanin extract (RAAE) on busulfan-treated mice. First, we showed that the most abundant component in RAAE was cyanidin 3-O-galactoside. To determine the effect of the RAAE, the mice were divided into control and four other different concentrations of RAAE feeding treatment groups (BA0, no RAAE; BA.1, 0.1 mg/kg; BA1, 1 mg/kg; and BA5, 5 mg/kg) following busulfan injection. We observed that RAAE treatments displayed ameliorative effects on male reproductive system dysfunction caused by busulfan, such as recovering the irregular arrangements of seminiferous tubules, increasing the number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, improving sperm concentration by 3-fold in BA.1, and improving sperm motility by 2-fold in BA1. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed significant up- or downregulation of certain metabolites, such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), L-arginine, glycine, anandamide, and L-carnitine, which could contribute to the positive effects of RAAE, especially in PBA1 (plasma of BA1) and PBA5 (plasma of BA5). Taken together, the results indicate that 1 mg/kg of RAAE is a suitable concentration for rescuing spermatogenesis in mice. The research suggests that RAAE could be a potential nutraceutical for protecting spermatogenesis after busulfan therapy in cancer.

The focusing field effect excited by the cavity mode has a positive coupling effect with the metal localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, which can stimulate a stronger local electromagnetic field. Therefore, we combined the self-organizing process for component and array manufacturing with imprinting technology to construct a cheap and reproducible flexible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocavity array decorating with the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The distribution of the local electromagnetic field was simulated theoretically, and the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of the substrate was evaluated experimentally. The substrate shows excellent mechanical stability in bending experiments. It was proved theoretically and experimentally that the substrate still provides a stable signal when the excited light is incident from different angles. This flexible substrate can achieve low-cost, highly sensitive, uniform and conducive SERS detection, especially in situ detection, which shows a promising application prospect in food safety and biomedicine.

Furan is a volatile and carcinogenic heterocyclic chemical compound that occurs in a wide range of thermally processed food. It can be induced during food-preparing processes by high temperatures and UV-C light. In the present study, the degradation of furan content in ground coffee, Maillard model system, and not-from-concentrate (NFC) apple juice by red-fleshed apple anthocyanin extract (RAAE) was studied. The results demonstrated that RAAEs had different degrees of degradation of furan content in coffee powder, and the RAAE from ‘XJ3’ had the most significant effect, with a reduction rate of up to 20%. Moreover, by adding RAAE to the Maillard model system, we found the amounts of furan were significantly reduced. At the same time, RAAE from ‘XJ3’ could observably reduce the content of furan in pasteurized NFC juice, with ‘Fuli’ NFC juice furan content decreasing the most, which was 68%. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the use of RAAE could be a feasible way to reduce furan content in ground coffee, Maillard model system, and NFC apple juice.

In this research, we compared the phenotypical characters, total anthocyanins content, total phenols content, and antioxidant activity of red-fleshed apple cultivars ‘XJ4’, ‘QN-5’, ‘DH’ and ‘HX1’ at three fruit developmental stages. A further flavonoids metabolites study was conducted in ‘XJ4’ and ‘DH’. We found broader variation of total anthocyanins content in the peel of the four cultivars, which might result in larger differences of free radicals scavenging rate. The most significant difference in fruit phenotype, anthocyanins content, and DPPH scavenging rate was observed between ‘XJ4’ and ‘DH’ at mature stage. Therefore, the flavonoids metabolites of ‘XJ4’ and ‘DH’ at mature stage were compared to unveil the details of anthocyanins compounds. The unique compounds pelargonidin 3-O-β-d-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-malonylhexoside were detected only in peel and flesh of ‘XJ4’ but not in ‘DH’, which might contribute to the purple peel and dark-red flesh color of ‘XJ4’. Significantly decreased upstream metabolites in the early biosynthetic genes regulated domain were found only in ‘XJ4’ peel but not in the flesh. This might explain why the anthocyanins content in ‘XJ4’ peel was decreased largely at the mature stage. Taken together, our findings will give some insight into the metabolites study in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway of red-fleshed apple.

A highly sensitive Au-graphene structure D-type fiber surface plasmon resonance biosensor is presented in this study to specifically detect biomolecules. The method of growing graphene is employed directly on the copper, and then a gold film of optimum thickness is sputtered, and the copper foil is etched to obtain the structure. This method makes the contact closer between the gold layer and the graphene layer to improve surface plasmon resonance performance. The performance of this type of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor has been previously verified both theoretically and experimentally. With the proposed Au-graphene structure D-type fiber biosensor, the SPR behaviors are obtained and discussed. In the detection of ethanol solution, a red shift of 40 nm is found between the refractive index of 1.3330 and 1.3657. By calculation, the sensitivity of the sensor we designed is 1223 nm/RIU. Besides, the proposed sensor can detect the nucleotide bonding between the double-stranded DNA helix structures. Thus, our sensors can distinguish between mismatched DNA sequences.

Nine individuals of Apatidelia from Zhejiang Province, China were examined and their barcode sequences were generated and analyzed. A new species, A. morsei Xu & Sun sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The larva, male and female of A. acuminata Leng & Yang, 1998 and the male and female of A. morsei Xu & Sun sp. nov. are associated by mtCOI gene sequences. The male of A. acuminata Leng & Yang, 1998 is re-described and re-illustrated, and the female and the larva of the same species are also described and illustrated. Females and larvae of the genus are here reported for the first time.

Red-fleshed apple (Malus sieversii f. neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf) has attracted more and more attention due to its enriched anthocyanins and high antioxidant activity. In this study we extracted total anthocyanins and phenols from two types of red-fleshed apples—Xinjing No.4 (XJ4) and Red Laiyang (RL)—to study the stability and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins after encapsulation onto Corn Starch Nanoparticles (CSNPs). The results indicated the anthocyanins and total phenol levels of XJ4 were 2.96 and 2.25 times higher than those of RL respectively. The anthocyanin concentration and loading time had a significant effect on CSNPs encapsulation, and XJ4 anthocyanins always showed significantly higher loading capacity than RL. After encapsulation, the morphology of RL-CSNPs and XJ4-CSNPs was still spherical with a smooth surface as CSNPs, but the particle size increased compared to CSNPs especially for RL-CSNPs. Different stress treatments including UV light, pH, temperature, and salinity suggested that XJ4-CSNPs exhibited consistently higher stability than RL-CSNPs. A significantly enhanced free radical scavenging rate under stress conditions was observed, and XJ4-CSNPs had stronger antioxidant activity than RL-CSNPs. Furthermore, XJ4-CSNPs exhibited a slower released rate than RL-CSNPs in simulated gastric (pH 2.0) and intestinal (pH 7.0) environments. Our research suggests that nanocrystallization of anthocyanins is an effective method to keep the anthocyanin ingredients intact and active while maintaining a slow release rate. Compared to RL, encapsulation of XJ4 anthocyanins has more advantages, which might be caused by the significant differences in the metabolites of XJ4. These findings give an insight into understanding the role of nanocrystallization using CSNPs in enhancing the antioxidant ability of anthocyanins from different types of red-fleshed apples, and provide theoretical foundations for red-fleshed apple anthocyanin application.

Epigenetic inheritance was transmitted through selection over generations of extreme early, but not late flowering time phenotypic lines in F. vesca. Epigenetic variation was initially induced using the DNA demethylating reagent 5-azacytidine (5-azaC). It is the first report exploring epigenetic variant selection and phenotypic trait inheritance in strawberry, a model plant species for one of the most important temperate fruit crop families, Rosaceae. Transmission frequency of these traits was determined across generations. Early flowering (EF4) and late stolon (LS) phenotypic traits were successfully transmitted through meiosis across at least five and two generations, respectively. Stable mitotic transmission of the early flowering phenotype was also demonstrated using clonal daughters derived from the 4th Generation (S4) mother plant. In order to further explore the DNA methylation patterns underlying the early flowering trait, the standard MSAP method using isoschizomers Hpa II / Msp I, and a newly modified MSAP method using isoschizomers Tfi I / Pfe I which detected DNA methylation at CG, CHG, CHH sites were used in two early flowering lines, EF4 lines 1 (P2) and EF4 lines 2 (P3), and control lines (P1). A significant reduction in the number of fully-methylated bands was detected in P2 and P3 when compared to P1 using the novel MSAP method. In the standard MSAP, the symmetric CG and CHG methylation was maintained over generations in the early flowering lines based on the clustering in P2 and P3, while the novel MSAP approach revealed the asymmetric CHH methylation pattern was not maintained over generations. This study provides evidence of stable selection of phenotypic traits, particularly the early flowering phenotype through both meiosis and mitosis, which is meaningful to both breeding programs and commercial horticulture. The maintenance in CG and CHG methylation over generations suggests the early flowering phenotype might be related to DNA methylation alterations at the CG or CHG sites. Finally, this work provides a new approach for studying the role of epigenetics on complex quantitative trait improvement in strawberry, as well as providing a tool to expand phenotypic diversity and expedite potential new horticulture cultivar releases through either seed or vegetative propagation.

Age and metabolic syndrome are major risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, limited information is available regarding whether cigarette smoking, another major, modifiable risk factor, has synergistic effects with age and metabolic syndrome on subclinical atherosclerosis, particularly in young adults. This aspect was examined in 1,051 adults (747 whites and 304 blacks; aged 24-43 years) from the Bogalusa Heart Study. General linear models were used to examine the effects of cigarette smoking and its interactive effects with age and metabolic syndrome on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). After adjusting for age, race, and sex, current smokers had lower BMI (mean ± SE: 27.4 ± 0.4, 29.3 ± 0.5, and 29.9 ± 0.3 kg/m2 in current, former, and never smokers, respectively; p

Research discussing characteristics and modeling methods of quantum cascade long wavelength lasers is presented. It is demonstrated that the value of the lower state lifetime can be obtained from the curve reflecting the voltage current.

Background: Phenotypic variation is determined by a combination of genotype, environment and their interactions. The realization that allelic diversity can be both genetic and epigenetic allows the environmental component to be further separated. Partitioning phenotypic variation observed among inbred lines with an altered epigenome can allow the epigenetic component controlling quantitative traits to be estimated. To assess the contribution of epialleles on phenotypic variation and determine the fidelity with which epialleles are inherited, we have developed a novel hypomethylated population of strawberry (2n = 2x = 14) using 5-azacytidine from which individuals with altered phenotypes can be identified, selected and characterized. Results: The hypomethylated population was generated using an inbred strawberry population in the F. vesca ssp. vesca accession Hawaii 4. Analysis of whole genome sequence data from control and hypomethylated lines indicate that 5-azacytidine exposure does not increase SNP above background levels. The populations contained only Hawaii 4 alleles, removing introgression of alternate F. vesca alleles as a potential source of variation. Although genome sequencing and genetic marker data are unable to rule out 5-azacytidine induced chromosomal rearrangements as a potential source of the trait variation observed, none were detected in our survey. Quantitative trait variation focusing on flowering time and rosette diameter was scored in control and treated populations where expanded levels of variation were observed among the hypomethylated lines. Methylation sensitive molecular markers indicated that 5-azacytidine induced alterations in DNA methylation patterns and inheritance of methylation patterns were confirmed by bisulfite sequencing of targeted regions. It is possible that methylation polymorphisms might underlie or have induced genetic changes underlying the observable differences in quantitative phenotypes. Conclusions: This population developed in a uniform genetic background provides a resource for the discovery of new variation controlling quantitative traits. Genome sequence analysis indicates that 5-azacytidine did not induce point mutations and the induced variation is largely restricted to DNA methylation. Using this resource, we have identified new variation and demonstrated the inheritance of both variant trait and methylation patterns. Although direct associations remain to be determined, these data suggest epigenetic variation might be subject to selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the role played by the adult cardiologists in the prevention of heart diseases beginning in childhood. As reported, the prevention of these diseases has expanded significantly with the availability of drugs, new technologies and instrumentation to diagnose, and treat heart disease patients. It is important for the cardiologists to assume a leadership role and responsibility in prevention approaches which are based on currently available information. The involvement of adult cardiologists in primordial prevention is needed because they have the knowledge and background. They can encourage schools to incorporate health education into the general curriculum.

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to assess the impact of obesity on cardiometabolic risk in children but it does not always relate to central obesity and varies with growth and maturation. Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a relatively constant anthropometric index of abdominal obesity across different age, sex or racial groups. However, information is scant on the utility of WHtR in assessing the status of abdominal obesity and related cardiometabolic risk profile among normal weight and overweight/obese children, categorized according to the accepted BMI threshold values. Methods: Cross-sectional cardiometabolic risk factor variables on 3091 black and white children (56% white, 50% male), 4-18 years of age were used. Based on the age-, race- and sex-specific percentiles of BMI, the children were classified as normal weight (5th - 85th percentiles) and overweight/obese (≥ 85th percentile). The risk profiles of each group based on the WHtR (<0.5, no central obesity versus ≥ 0.5, central obesity) were compared. Results: 9.2% of the children in the normal weight group were centrally obese (WHtR ≥0.5) and 19.8% among the overweight/obese were not (WHtR < 0.5). On multivariate analysis the normal weight centrally obese children were 1.66, 2.01, 1.47 and 2.05 times more likely to have significant adverse levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin, respectively. In addition to having a higher prevalence of parental history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the normal weight central obesity group showed a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.0001). In the overweight/obese group, those without central obesity were 0.53 and 0.27 times less likely to have significant adverse levels of HDL cholesterol and HOMA-IR, respectively (p < 0.05), as compared to those with central obesity. These overweight/obese children without central obesity also showed significantly lower prevalence of parental history of hypertension (p = 0.002), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03) and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: WHtR not only detects central obesity and related adverse cardiometabolic risk among normal weight children, but also identifies those without such conditions among the overweight/obese children, which has implications for pediatric primary care practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

That plasma homocysteine is elevated markedly in renal dysfunction is well recognized. But whether the increased homocysteine is an independent correlate of glomerular filtration rate, a marker of renal function, in asymptomatic younger individuals is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between plasma homocysteine and renal function in a biracial (black–white) community-based cohort of asymptomatic young adults. Plasma homocysteine along with cardiovascular disease risk factor variables were measured in 805 white and 330 black subjects, ages 24–44 years, enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study. Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation was used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from serum creatinine level. Males versus females showed higher homocysteine levels (8.83 ± 3.16 vs. 7.35 ± 2.84 μmol/L, p < 0.0001) and lower eGFR (99.1 ± 17.6 vs. 102.5 ± 21.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.024). Whites versus blacks had lower eGFR (97.3 ± 18.0 vs. 110.0 ± 20.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate regression analysis that included age, race, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, lipoprotein variables, insulin resistance index and homocysteine, white race, age and homocysteine, in that order, were independently and negatively associated with eGFR. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of individuals in the homocysteine quintiles II, III, IV and V vs. I for having the risk of impaired eGFR defined as <10th percentile was 2.28 (0.95–5.50, p = 0.065), 2.97 (1.24–7.12, p = 0.015), 3.32 (1.45–7.60, p = 0.005) and 6.99 (3.06–15.94, p < 0.0001), respectively. Homocysteine is an independent correlate of renal function in asymptomatic black and white young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have linked low birth weight to adverse levels of cardiovascular risk factors and related diseases. However, information is sparse at a community level in the U.S. general population regarding the effects of low birth weight on the longitudinal trends in cardiovascular risk factor variables measured concurrently from childhood to adolescence. Methods: Longitudinal analysis was performed retrospectively on data collected from the Bogalusa Heart Study cohort (n = 1141; 57% white, 43% black) followed from childhood to adolescence by repeated surveys between 1973 and 1996. Subjects were categorized into low birth weight (below the race-specific 10th percentile; n = 123) and control (between race-specific 50-75th percentile; n = 296) groups. Results: Low birth weight group vs control group had lower mean HDL cholesterol (p = 0.05) and higher LDL cholesterol (p = 0.05) during childhood (ages 4-11 years); higher glucose (p = 0.02) during adolescence. Yearly rates of change from childhood to adolescence in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.05), and glucose (p = 0.07) were faster, and body mass index (p = 0.03) slower among the low birth weight group. In a multivariate analysis, low birth weight was related independently and adversely to longitudinal trends in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.004), triglycerides (p = 0.03), and glucose (p = 0.07), regardless of race or gender. These adverse associations became amplified with age. Conclusions: Low birth weight is characterized by adverse developmental trends in metabolic and hemodynamic variables during childhood and adolescence; and thus, it may be an early risk factor in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: About 400 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent studies have demonstrated an interaction between hepatitis B virus replication and autophagy activity of hepatocytes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-141 in regulating autophagy and hepatitis B virus replication. Methods: The expression of HBV-DNA, miR-141 and Sirt1 mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The expression of HBsAg and HBeAg was determined by ELISA. Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. The LC3 puncta was determined by immunofluorescence. To test whether miR-141 directly regulate the expression level of Sirt1 mRNA, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed. Results: In vitro studies showed that miR-141 mimic inhibited the autophagic response, hepatitis B virus and the expression of Sirt1 in hepatocytes. And transfection with miR-141 inhibitor enhanced autophagic response and Sirt1 expression. The autophagy induced by overexpression of Sirt1 was inhibited by miR-141 mimic. In addition, miR-141 mimic also decreased the expression of Sirt1 mRNA. Sirt1 was predicted as a potential miR-141 target by bioinformatic analysis of its 3'-UTR, and confirmed by luciferase reporter assays which analyzing the interaction of miR-141 with the wild- type or the mutated Sirt1 3’-UTR. Conclusion: We have therefore demonstrated a role of miR-141 in regulating autophagy-mediated hepatitis B virus inhibition by targeting Sirt1, and may provide potential targets for drug development.

Background & Aims: The high expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-inducible genes correlate positively with liver diseases. The present study aimed to explore the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on the expression of genes induced by IFN-γ in vitro, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: HepG2 and L02 cells were divided into control, ISL, IFN-γ, and IFN-γ plus ISL groups. The cytotoxicity of compounds to cells was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay; the expression levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9), CXCL10, CXCL11, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cells and supernatant were measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and ELISA, respectively. Moreover, western blot was used to examine the phosphorylated levels of janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), nuclear factor (NF)-γB, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (Akt) in HepG2 and L02 cells exposed to ISL, IFN-γ and IFN-γ plus ISL. Results: The results showed that IFN-γ treatment induced the expression of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and IL-6 in HepG2 and LO2 cells, which could be significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by ISL treatment (P Conclusion: We demonstrate that ISL inhibits IFN-γ-induced inflammation in hepatocytes via influencing the activation of JAK1/STAT1, IRF3/MyD88, ERK/MAPK, JNK/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Background: Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a protein primarily produced by hepatocytes, is highly upregulated under various conditions that induce cellular stress, such as intoxication, infection or inflammation. However, the precise biological functions and underlying mechanisms of LCN2 in hepatocytes remains unknown. Methods: Hepatocyte stress was successfully induced by treating Huh7 cells with interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and LCN2 levels were measured in IL-1β treated Huh7 cells and supernatant. Additionally, microarray analysis was conducted to identify genes differentially expressed in LCN2-silenced and control Huh7 cells. Results: TNF-α, IL-6 and LCN2 were significantly elevated in Huh7 cells after IL-1β) treatment. In LCN2-silenced Huh7 cells, expression of IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly increased when compared with the expression levels of control Huh7 cells. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes were observed between the LCN2-silenced and control cells. Microarray analysis indicated that LCN2 acted by influencing genes involved in protein metabolism, stress response, cell cycle and proliferation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that LCN2 upregulation protects hepatocytes from IL-1β-induced stress. Additionally, our microarray analysis of LCN2-silenced and control cells provides a better understanding of the mechanisms that may be influenced by LCN2 induction.

Background: The anti-tumor effects of quercetin have been reported, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of present study was to explore the role of miRNA in the anticancer effects of quercetin. Methods: The differential miRNAs expression between the HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated by quercetin were detected by microarray. The xCELLigence, Flow cytometry, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, anti-tumor genes, and protein expression. Results: miR-34a was up-regulated in HepG2 cells treated by quercetin exhibiting wild-type p53. When inhibiting the miR-34a, the sensitivity of the cells to quercetin decreased and the expression of the SIRT1 was up-regulated, but the acetylation of p53 and the expression of some genes related to p53 down-regulated. Conclusion: miR-34a plays an important role in the anti-tumor effects of querctin in HCC, miR-34a may be a tiemolecule between the p53 and SIRT1 and is composed of a p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 signal feedback loop, which could enhance apoptosis signal and significantly promote cell apoptosis.

Background/Aims: To investigate the effects of emodin on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis in mice and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: A fulminant hepatitis model was established successfully by the intravenous administration of Con A (20 mg/kg) to male Balb/c mice. Emodin was administered to the mice by gavage before and after Con A injection. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, numbers of CD4+ and F4/80+ cells infiltrated into the liver, and amounts of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-γB in mouse livers and RAW264.7 and EL4 cells were measured. Results: Pretreatment with emodin significantly protected the animals from T cell-mediated hepatitis, as shown by the decreased elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as reduced hepatic necrosis. In addition, emodin pretreatment markedly reduced the intrahepatic expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-12, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), integrin alpha M (ITGAM), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) and chemokine (CXC motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2). Furthermore, emodin pretreatment dramatically suppressed the numbers of CD4+ and F4/80+ cells infiltrating into the liver as well as the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-γB in Con A-treated mouse livers and RAW264.7 and EL4 cells. Conclusion: The results indicate that emodin pretreatment protects against Con A-induced liver injury in mice; these beneficial effects may occur partially through inhibition of both the infiltration of CD4+ and F4/80+ cells and the activation of the p38 MAPK-NF-γB pathway in CD4+ T cells and macrophages.

OBJECTIVE -- To examine the association between white blood cell (WBC) count and metabolic syndrome (MetS) by growth periods in black versus white individuals in the general population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- The study cohort consisted of 4,184 black and white preadolescents, adolescents, and adults. In this cohort, 743 adults were followed for 8.1-20.8 years longitudinally. RESULTS- White versus black subjects had a significantly higher WBC count in all age-groups. WBC count was associated with more MetS components in whites than in blacks. Mean values of WBC increased significantly with increasing number of MetS components with adverse levels in adolescents and adults, with a stronger trend in whites. WBC count was longitudinally associated with MetS in whites only (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS-- The findings on the association between higher WBC count and MetS beginning in childhood, particularly in whites, underscore a potentially mechanistic link between systemic inflammation, MetS, and cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the relationship between the corrosion behavior of steel rails and the concentration and corrosion time of NaCl solution, U71Mn steel rails were taken as the object, and the initial corrosion behavior and mechanism of steel rail materials immersed in neutral NaCl solutions (different concentrations of 1.0%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.0% and 5.0%) for 144 h, and in neutral 3.5% NaCl solutions for various immersion times (12, 48, 96, 144, 192, 288 h) were investigated by full immersion test and electrochemical tests.Results showed that the average corrosion rate of initial steel rail materials was positively correlated with NaCl concentration and immersion time.With the increase of NaCl concentration, the Ecorr of the steel rail specimen moved negatively from－0.651 V to－0.717 V, and the Jcorr increased from 5.71 μA/cm2 to 67.48 μA/cm2.With the increase of corrosion time, the Ecorr of the steel rail specimen moved negatively from－0.692 V to－0.720 V, and the Jcorr increased from 7.54 μA/cm2 to 74.59 μA/cm2.Furthermore, the reduction of corrosion products γ-FeOOH could destroy the original stable rust layer structure, and finally causing the acceleration of corrosion.

An Au film/graphene D-shaped plastic optical fiber (D-POF) functionalized with dopamine-binding aptamer (DBA) was proposed to achieve a sensitive and specific detection of the small molecule dopamine. The surface plasmon resonance sensor combines the virtues of a D-shaped fiber, the transfer of graphene via gold film, and the amplification of the refractive index with the conformational transformation of DBA. The sensitivity of the Au film/graphene D-POF sensor (1539 nm/RIU) is higher than that without graphene in ethanol solution. The dopamine concentrations of 10−10 M to 10−6 M were measured. And the decoration of DBA onto graphene for dopamine detection with a good linearity was verified in experiments. The proposed sensor possesses high sensitivity and specificity, which will provide good application prospects for the development of biosensing in disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few-layer tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheet film on a YAG substrate was fabricated and used as saturable absorber in a passively Q-switched Er:SrF2 laser operating at 2.79 µm. Under an absorbed power of 2.42 W, a stable Q-switched laser operation was realized with an average output power of 428 mW and a pulse duration of 679 ns at a repetition rate of 38 kHz, corresponding to a pulse energy of 11.26 µJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hemorrhoids are a highly prevalent disease, which have been a health challenge to people for a long time, seriously affecting the life, work, study, and the quality of life. The development of hemorrhoids is closely related to the imbalance of the mucosal barrier function of the anal cushion and the destruction of the mucus barrier and the mucosal barrier. How to treat hemorrhoids simply and efficiently has become a concern of clinicians. Objective To comprehensively assess the clinical efficacy of mussel adhesive protein (MAP) with fumigation and sitz bath with Tongyangxiao Lotion (a traditional Chinese medicine) in the treatment of grades 1 and 2 mixed hemorrhoids. Methods A prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled study design was used. 298 anorectal outpatients with grades 1 and 2 hemorrhoids were selected from Hebei University of Chinese Medicine in 2021, and equally randomized into an experimental group and a control group. All patients were given general treatment such as diet and life guidance, and a 10-day fumigation and sitz bath with Tongyangxiao Lotion. The experimental group additionally received a 10-day treatment with topical use of MAP concurrently. The primary efficacy indicators include the response level (cure, marked response, response, non-response) and recurrence rate. The secondary efficacy indicators include the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, clinical symptom score, quality of life score, and safety index. Results 276 patients actually completed this study, including 140 in the experimental group and 136 in the control group; 135 males and 141 females, with a median age of 38 (29, 48) years. There were no significant differences between two groups in gender ratio, mean age, distribution of course, and grade of mixed hemorrhoids, VAS score, clinical symptom score, anal mean canal resting pressure, hemorrhoid disease and the Crohn's Anal Fistula Quality of Life (CAF-QoL) score and past history (P>0.05). The VAS score, clinical symptom score, hematochezia score, rectal tenesmus score, hemorrhoid mucosa score, hemorrhoid nucleus size score of the two groups differed between two groups on the 4th, 7th or 10th day of follow-up (P0.05) . Conclusion MAP combined with sitz bath with Tongyangxiao Lotion acted rapidly, which had better performance in repairing the barrier function of the anal cushion, improving the clinical symptoms, reducing the tension of the internal anal sphincter, and improving the quality of life in patients with grades 1 and 2 mixed hemorrhoids.

Clustering of long-term rates of change in metabolic syndrome variables (body mass index, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and mean arterial pressure) from childhood to adulthood was evaluated longitudinally (1982–2003) in a cohort of 389 Blacks and 631 Whites who were examined 3–6 times both as children (ages 4–17 years) and as adults (ages 18–38 years) over an average of 16 years (3,874 observations). The incremental area under the growth curve was used as a measure of long-term rates of change in risk variables since childhood. Intraclass correlations, a measure of the degree of clustering, among the four variables were significant (p < 0.001) for childhood, adulthood, and incremental area values and were higher in adulthood than in childhood. Blacks showed a higher degree of clustering of long-term rates of change in risk variables than did Whites. Adjustment for body mass index reduced the degree of clustering by approximately 50%. These results show that metabolic syndrome variables coexist in terms not only of their levels in childhood and adulthood but also of long-term rates of change. Obesity is of critical importance in the development of metabolic syndrome, and its prevention beginning in childhood needs to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]