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Paeonia rockii has been a traditional medicinal material from time immemorial. It is an important plant resource of ethnic medicine and chinese herbal medicine. It has unique effects on heat and cool blood, promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis, analgesia and promoting menstruational flow. It is also a first-class protected plant. With the increasing demand for the bark and roots of P. rockii in China's medicinal market, the continuous high-intensity and disorderly excavation has led to a sharp decline in wild resources. P. rockii is in imminent danger and needs to be saved and protected urgently. In this study, the distribution records of P. rockii in China, combined with environmental factors, are used to simulate the current potential distribution area of P. rockii through MaxEnt model. The environmental factors affecting the distribution of P. rockii are obtained by using the contribution rate of environmental factors and a jackknife test analysis, and the appropriate value of environmental factors is determined by using the response curve. The results show that the AUC value of test set data is 0.985 and that of training set data is 0.987. The prediction accuracy of the Maxent model is extremely high and the simulation effect is very good. At present, the high suitable areas of P. rockii are mainly distributed in the shape of cake in Southern Ningxia, southern Gansu and southern Shanxi, accounting for 15.58% of the total suitable areas. The most important environmental factor affecting the geographical distribution of P. rockii is the altitude; Under the future climate change scenario, the total suitable area of P. rockii shows a decreasing trend, among which the area of high suitable area shows an obvious decreasing trend, the mass center of high suitable area of P. rockii generally tends to migrate to the northwest, and the migration range is large under the scenario of high concentration emission. The research results can provide scientific data support for P. rockii to to cope with the changes in suitable areas caused by climate change and the establishment of effective protection, clarify the change and heterogeneity of P. rockii in different regions of China in the future, and clarify its ecological needs, which has certain practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alien invasive algae along with ship ballast water have posed a serious threat to China's marine ecological security. A clear understanding of the geographical distribution of invasive species and their response to climate change can provide a scientific basis for their prevention and control. In this study, combined with environmental variables and distribution data, MaxEnt was used to predict the potential geographical distribution and change trend of Alexandrium in the four major sea areas of China currently, 2040s (2040-2050) and 2090s (2090-2100), reveal the dominant environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution, analyze the migration trends of centroids the highly suitable area, and clarify the key control sea areas. The results showed that: 1) The AUC values of all models were significantly higher than random models, and the Kappa statistics of all models were higher than "general", demonstrated that the prediction results were available. 2) The most important environmental variable affecting the geographical distribution of Alexandrium was the Temperature. Range (bio24), and its suitable range was 23.43-31.52°C. 2) At present, in the corresponding sea areas of Nantong, Yancheng, Ningbo, Jiaxing, Dongying, Binzhou, Cangzhou, Tianjin, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan, special attention should be paid to the control of Alexandrium. 3) Under the future climate change scenarios, excepted in the South China Sea, the total and highly suitable area of Alexandrium showed an increasing trend. 4) Under climate change scenarios, in the Yellow Sea, the centroids of the highly suitable area would move to the southeast. In the Bohai Sea and the East China Sea, the centroid showed a trend of moving to different latitudes and directions. In the South China Sea, the centroids of of the highly suitable area and total suitable area of Alexandrium would both move to the southwest. Our results can provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of Alexandrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Retraction Notice. No Difference Between One-shot Co-injection of Corticosteroids and Hyaluronic Acid in a Three-injection Regimen for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial" has been retracted due to concerns about inconsistencies in the data. The authors, along with the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Editor for methodology and statistics, conducted re-analyses but were unable to confirm the integrity of the dataset. While it is believed to be an honest error rather than misconduct, the decision to retract the article was made due to persistent questions about errors in the dataset. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • The ultrathin RhIr NSs/NF was prepared by a simple and mild one-pot aqueous strategy at room temperature. • The unique sheet-like architectures provided large ECSA and exposed high-density active sites. • The self-supported RhIr NSs/NF had excellent HER activity and stability for the HER over a wide pH range. The development of low-cost and high-efficiency electrocatalysts is very important for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting system. Herein, ultrathin rhodium-iridium nanosheets were facilely in-situ grown on nickel foam (RhIr NSs/NF) by a one-pot aqueous strategy at room temperature. The sheet-like structures with the film thickness of 78 nm were identified by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The catalyst showed greatly high HER features in both 1.0 M KOH and 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with the overpotentials of 15 and 14 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2, respectively, surpassing most Pt-free catalysts. Also, the RhIr NSs/NF exhibited amazing catalytic stability during the long-term operation. This study offers a facile and rational pathway for design and synthesis of advanced HER electrocatalysts for energy conversion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of global maritime transport, the carriage of foreign organisms by vessels is inciting ecological catastrophes such as red tides, posing a grave threat to China's marine environmental security. Clarifying the geographical distribution of invasive species and their relationship with climate change can provide scientific basis for their prevention and control. In this discourse, the study centers on the typical alien microalgae, Nitzschiella closterium. By integrating environmental variables and distribution data and employing an optimized Maxent model, we delve into its potential distribution in current and future ecological conditions in the coastal waters of China, as well as the response relationship to environmental variables. After model optimization, the results reveal that the Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of the training dataset for Nitzschiella closterium stands at 0.993, denoting a high degree of model accuracy and bestowing credibility upon the simulated outcomes. Currently, the high suitability area constitutes 0.74% of the total suitability area, with an area of 0.44×104 km², and is mainly distributed in the sea area corresponding to Jiangsu Province, Shanghai City, and Zhejiang Province. The most significant environmental factor affecting the geographical distribution of Nitzschiella closterium is the annual temperature variation range (bio24). In the context of future climate changes, there is an overall trend of substantial expansion in the high suitability area for Nitzschiella closterium, which is profoundly affected by climate change, suggesting that the future control will be more severe. This research comprehensively understands the response relationship of the invasive species Nitzschiella closterium to leading environmental variables and its potential geographical distribution in the context of climate change through macro prediction and proposes control countermeasures. It will provide a scientific basis for preventing and controlling Nitzschiella closterium invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing earth-rich and high-efficiency nonprecious metal catalysts is critical but extremely challenging for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a simple room-temperature sulfuration method was developed for in situ synthesis of walnut kernel-like iron-cobalt-nickel sulfide nanosheets on nickel foam (FeCoNiS x /NF). The unique nanosheets exposed abundant active sites and provided large electrochemically active surface area. The as-built FeCoNiS x /NF exhibited high OER performances with the small overpotentials of 231 and 268 mV to afford 10 and 50 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, respectively, coupled with a small Tafel slope of 55 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the FeCoNiS x /NF acted as the anode towards overall water electrolysis with acceptable results, where commercial Pt/C dropped on the NF worked as the cathode. This study provides some valuable insights for rational construction of nonprecious electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing cost-effectiveness and superior electrocatalysts is crucial to improve the efficiency of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting system. Hence, flower-like phosphorus doped Ni 3 S 2 /CoFe 2 O 4 arrays (P-Ni 3 S 2 /CoFe 2 O 4 /NF) were generated on three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam (NF) via the two-step hydrothermal treatment and subsequent phosphorization. Additionally, a series of control experiments were conducted to investigate the formation mechanism. By virtue of the unique 3D configurations and multi-compositions, the as-prepared catalyst exhibited greatly improved OER performance in 1.0 M KOH solution, with the overpotential of only 254 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slope of 54.43 mV dec−1. This study provides a feasible approach for preparing advanced electrocatalyst in energy conversion and storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring advanced nanocatalysts are of importance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte (e.g. 1.0 M KOH). Herein, porous iridium-palladium-plumbum wire-like nanonetworks (IrPdPb WNNs) were prepared by a facile one-pot aqueous method with octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (NP-40) as the structure-director. The resultant IrPdPb WNNs exhibited superior HER performance in the alkaline electrolyte, such as ultra-low overpotential (21 mV) to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope (66 mV dec−1), and high exchange current density (4.87 mA cm−2), surpassing commercial Pt/C. This study provides a simple strategy for synthesis of advanced multi-metallic electrocatalysts in energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is regarded as a feasible strategy for producing high-purity hydrogen from abundant water. It is significant yet challenging for synthesis of Pt-based pH-universal HER electrocatalysts by substantially reducing the Pt loading without any decay in the activity. Herein, bimetallic PtRh alloyed dendritic nanoassemblies (DNAs) were efficiently prepared by a facile one-pot solvothermal strategy in oleylamine (OAm), coupling with the aid of glycine and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). By virtue of the unique branch-like structures and compositions advantages, the PtRh DNAs catalyst showed steeply enhanced HER activity with small overpotentials (i.e. 28 mV in 1.0 M KOH, 23 mV in 1.0 M phosphate buffer solution and 27 mV in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4) at the current density of 10 mA cm−2, surpassing those of commercial Pt/C under such conditions. This work provides a facile and rational strategy to construct advanced Pt-based bimetallic electrocatalyst for energy-correlated applications. Image 1 • PtRh DNAs were synthesized by a one-pot glycine- and CTAC-assisted solvothermal method. • The dendritic nanoassemblies with open structures had highly enlarged specific surface area. • The as-obtained catalyst showed dramatically boosted catalytic performances for HER in a wide pH range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Inefficient arsenic methylation capacity has been associated with developmental delay in preschool children. Selenium has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect experimental animals from chemically induced neurotoxicity. The present study was designed to explore whether plasma selenium levels affects arsenic methylation capacity related to developmental delay in preschool children. A case-control study was conducted from August 2010 to March 2014. All participants were recruited from the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Teaching Hospital. In total, 178 children with a developmental delay and 88 children without a delay were recruited. High-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry were used to determine urinary arsenic species, including arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV). Plasma selenium levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. As results, plasma selenium concentration was significantly inversely associated with the odds ratio (OR) of developmental delay. Plasma selenium concentration was positively associated with arsenic methylation capacity [percentage of inorganic arsenic and percentage of MMAV (MMAV%) decreased, and percentage of DMAV (DMAV%) increased]. High plasma selenium concentration and high DMA% significantly and additively interacted to decrease the OR of developmental delay; the OR and 95% confidence interval were 0.40 (0.18–0.90). This is the first study to show a combined dose-response effect of plasma selenium concentration and that efficient arsenic methylation capacity decreased the OR of developmental delay in preschool children. Highlights • Plasma selenium concentration was significantly inversely associated with the odds ratio of developmental delay. • Increases in plasma selenium concentration increased the arsenic methylation capacity. • High plasma selenium concentration and high DMA% significantly and additively interacted to decrease the OR of developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim is usually used as traditional Chinese medicine and functional tea. In present work, the change of its phenolics profiles and antioxidant activities during drying processes were investigated. Nineteen main bioactive analytes of C. dahurica were simultaneously quantified by HPLC-DAD to assess the effect of drying method. Meanwhile, the influence of different drying processes on antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS [2,2′-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate)], FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and hydroxyl radical scavenging method. Results showed that drying method had significant effects on the contents of phenolics and antioxidant properties. The appropriate drying method was oven-dried at 110 °C. Moreover, the content of phenolic acids and antioxidant activity showed significant correlation coefficient. And the most effective constituents contributing to antioxidant activity were isoferulic acid ( 8 ), cimicifugic acid B ( 14 ) and 2 - isoferuloyl piscidic acid ( 16 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Berberine showed non-cytotoxicity ranges from 0.5 to 4 μM in HT22 cells. • Berberine reduced apoptosis induced by Aβ 25–35 protected HT22 cells from the neurotoxicity. • ROS inhibition of Berberine. • Berberine inhibited ROS production and protected mitochondria via inhibition of ΔΨmt loss and Cyt C permeation. • Berberine showed antioxidant effect in Aβ 25–35 -induced HT22 cells via activating Nrf2/HO‐1 and inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways. Neuronal apoptosis has been found to have a pivotal role in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Berberine (BBR), a potent antioxidant, occurs in plants such as Berberis , Phellodendron chinense , and Hydrastis canadensi s. In this study, a neuronal apoptotic model was established in vitro using HT22 cells induced by Aβ 25-35 to explore whether BBR contributes to protecting neurons against Aβ 25-35 -induced neurotoxicity, as well as its potential mechanisms. BBR was applied to HT22 cells for 1 h prior to exposing the cells to Aβ 25-35 for 24 h. A CCK-8 assay was utilized to assess cell viability, and Annexin V − fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 fluorescence staining were used to measure the rate of cell apoptosis. Existing scientific literature was also reviewed to further determine the effects of BBR on ROS production and mitochondrial function in HT22 cells. Furthermore, the expressions of proteins, including cytochrome C , cleaved caspase-3, p-p65, p65, and Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant axis were assessed by Western blotting. The data indicated that BBR markedly improved cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels, improved mitochondrial membrane potentials, decreased the rate of p-p65/p65, cytochrome C , and cleaved caspase-3, and intensified the activity of Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidants in HT22 cells. Overall, the findings indicated that BBR provides a certain level of neuroprotectiveness in HT22 cells exposed to Aβ 25–35 via relieving oxidative stress, as well as by restraining the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis. In addition, the restraint of NF-κB activity and sensitization of the Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant axis, which together are intimately involved in the neuroprotection of BBR, may be possible mechanisms accounting for its effectiveness against Aβ 25–35 in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inefficient arsenic methylation capacity has been associated with developmental delay in children. The present study was designed to explore whether polymorphisms and haplotypes of arsenic methyltransferase ( AS3MT ), glutathione-S-transferase omegas ( GSTOs ), and purine nucleoside phosphorylase ( PNP ) affect arsenic methylation capacity and developmental delay. A case-control study was conducted from August 2010 to March 2014. All participants were recruited from the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Teaching Hospital. In total, 179 children with developmental delay and 88 children without delay were recruited. Urinary arsenic species, including arsenite (As III ), arsenate (As V ), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA V ), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA V ) were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry. The polymorphisms of AS3MT , GSTO , and PNP were performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform with iPLEX Gold chemistry. Polymorphisms of AS3MT genes were found to affect susceptibility to developmental delay in children, but GSTO and PNP polymorphisms were not. Participants with AS3MT rs3740392 A/G + G/G genotype, compared with AS3MT rs3740392 A/A genotype, had a significantly lower secondary methylation index. This may result in an increased OR for developmental delay. Participants with the AS3MT high-risk haplotype had a significantly higher OR than those with AS3MT low-risk haplotypes [OR and 95% CI, 1.59 (1.08–2.34)]. This is the first study to show a joint dose-response effect of this AS3MT high-risk haplotype and inefficient arsenic methylation capacity on developmental delay. Our data provide evidence that AS3MT genes are related to developmental delay and may partially influence arsenic methylation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective, randomized controlled study investigated the effects of short-term interactive video game playing among children with developmental delays participating in traditional rehabilitation treatment at a rehabilitation clinic. One hundred and one boys and 46 girls with a mean age of 5.8 years (range: 3 to 12 years) were enrolled in this study. All patients were confirmed to suffer from developmental delays, and were participating in traditional rehabilitation treatment. Children participated in two periods of 4 weeks each, group A being offered intervention of eight 30-minute sessions of interactive video games in the first period, and group B in the second, in addition to the traditional rehabilitation treatment. The physical, psychosocial, and total health of the children was periodically assessed using the parent-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Generic Core Scales (PedsQL); and the children’s upper extremity and physical function, transfer and basic mobility, sports and physical functioning, and global functioning were assessed using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument. Parental impact was evaluated using the PedsQL-Family Impact Module for family function, PedsQL-Health Satisfaction questionnaire for parents’ satisfaction with their children’s care and World Health Organization-Quality of Life-Brief Version for quality of life. Compared with the baseline, significant improvements of physical function were observed in both groups (5.6 ± 19.5, p = 0.013; 4.7 ± 13.8, p = 0.009) during the intervention periods. No significant improvement of psychosocial health, functional performance, or family impact was observed in children with developmental delays. Short-term interactive video game play in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation treatment improved the physical health of children with developmental delays. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the data of arms exports of the top 20 largest arms exports countries in 1993–2012, an arms exports network is constructed to study the relationship of the exporters. Then the topological properties of the network and its minimal spanning tree are calculated to weigh the influence and importance of a country in all exporters, and the time evolution of the properties. It turns out that the properties fluctuate with the time. Consequently, the correlations of the arms exporters are discussed with the recipients during and after the wars. Besides, a time delayed network is constructed. The correlations of the exporters with time lag are discussed by filtering the time delayed network in different ways. The interactions between the exporters are visualized after filtering. This study may shed new light on how arms exports reflect foreign policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Environmental exposure to lead or mercury can cause neurodevelopmental damage. Arsenic is another neurotoxicant that can affect intellectual function in children. This study was designed to explore the difference of arsenic methylation capacity indices between with and without developmental delay in preschool children. We also aimed to identify whether blood levels of lead or mercury modify the effect of arsenic methylation capacity indices. A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2010 to March 2012. All participants recruited from the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Teaching Hospital. In all, 63 children with developmental delay and 35 children without developmental delay were recruited. Urinary arsenic species, including arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) were measured with a high-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead and mercury levels of red blood cells were measured by inductively coupled mass spectrometry. All participants underwent developmental assessments to confirm developmental delays, including evaluations of gross motor, fine motor, speech-language, cognition, social, and emotional domains. Urinary total arsenic and MMAV percentage were significantly positively associated and DMAV percentage was negatively associated with the risk of developmental delay in a dose-dependent manner after adjustment for blood lead or mercury levels and other risk factors. A multivariate regression analysis indicated that blood lead level and arsenic methylation capacity each independently contributed to the risk of developmental delay. This is the first study to show that arsenic methylation capacity is associated with developmental delay, even without obvious environmental arsenic exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine the correlation of function, quality of life (QOL), and parental impact on developmental delayed children. Methods: Sixty parents of children with developmental delays ( M: F = 36:24, mean age 4 years and 2 months) and 56 parents of age-sex matched typical development children were included. Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument and Child Health Questionnaire for children, World Health Organization-QOL, Impact on Family Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for parents were assessed. Results: Functional performance was correlated with physical component of QOL in children (correlation coefficients: 0.7-0.9; p < 0.01), age of children (0.3-0.4; p < 0.05) and parents (0.3; p < 0.05), maternal employment (0.3-0.4; p < 0.05), parental QOL (0.3-0.4; p < 0.01), family impact (−0.3 to −0.5; p < 0.01), and parental emotion (−0.3 to −0.4; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Children who exhibited higher levels of function had higher QOL, as did their parents, and less parental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of short-term 890-nm light therapy in patients with chronic low back pain in a rehabilitation clinic. Thirty-eight women and 22 men with chronic low back pain (mean age, 60.3 years; range, 32-80 years) received 40-min sessions of hot-pack therapy combined with active or placebo 890-nm light therapy (wavelength = 890 nm, radiant power output = 6.24 W, power density = 34.7 mW/cm for 40 min, total energy = 83.2 J/cm) over the lower back three times weekly for 2 weeks. Participants were assessed before and after treatment by using a range of motion measurements, a visual analog scale evaluation of pain, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, the Biodex Stability System, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, repeated chair-rising times, the Frenchay Activity Index, the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), and the Osteoarthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire. The severity of disability based on the ODQ score was used as the primary clinical outcome measurement. Compared to the baseline measurements, participants in the treatment group reported significant reductions in fear-avoidance beliefs regarding physical activity ( P = 0.040) and work ( P = 0.007) and in the severity of disability ( P = 0.021). Treatment with hot-pack therapy and 890-nm light therapy was associated with reductions in the severity of disability and fear avoidance beliefs in patients with chronic low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate possible correlations between the incidence and severity of Bell's palsy and seasonal variations in Taiwan. Methods: We studied data on the incidence of Bell's palsy over a 3-year period in Taiwan. The electroneurographic quotient was used as an index for the severity of nerve involvement. A higher electroneurographic quotient indicates less severe disease. Results: Data were collected from 775 patients. We analyzed the data using the chi-square goodness-of-fit test, and the results showed that seasonality was significantly associated with the incidence of Bell's palsy among men, with the incidence increasing during the cold months ( p = 0.012). A significant association was evident between age and incidence, with a higher incidence among patients aged 50 years or younger ( p = 0.027). By contrast, no significant relationship was found between seasonality and either female sex or older age. No statistical association was found between the degree of nerve involvement and season of onset in patients with Bell's palsy. Conclusion: Bell's palsy increased among men and among younger patients during the cold seasons in Taiwan. No association emerged between the severity of Bell's palsy and the season of onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of the chemical reaction of H2O with three stabilized Criegee intermediates (stabCI-OO, stabCI-CH3-OO and stabCIx-OO) produced via the limonene ozonolysis reaction has been investigated using ab initio and DFT (Density Functional Theory) methods. It has been shown that the formation of the hydrogen-bonded complexes is followed by two different reaction pathways, leading to the formation of either OH radicals via water-catalyzed H migration or of α-hydroxy hydroperoxide. Both pathways were found to be essential sources of atmospheric OH radical and H2O2 making a significant contribution to the formation of secondary aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere. The activation energies at the CCSD(T)/6-31G(d) + CF level of theory were found to be in the range of 14.70-21.98 kcal mol-1 . The formation of a-hydroxy hydroperoxide for the reaction of stabCIx-OO and H2O with the activation energy of 14.70 kcal mol-1 is identified as the most favorable pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The study aims to evaluate the quality of life ( QOL) and health of children with unclassified developmental delays and the impacts this had on the family. Methods In total, 60 parents of pre-school children with unclassified developmental delays and 56 parents of age and gender-matched children with typical development were recruited. We administered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory ( PedsQL)- Generic Core Scale and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument to parents to evaluate the QOL and health status of their children. Parents were evaluated by World Health Organization- Quality of Life- Brief Version, PedsQL- Family Impact Module, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and PedsQL- Health satisfaction to assess the impacts of this situation on the family. Variables related to QOL and functions of children with unclassified developmental delays were analysed by stepwise regression analysis. Results Comparing children with typical development, children with unclassified developmental delays had a significantly lower QOL (including both psychosocial and physical components) and health status. Their parents had a significantly lower QOL, family function and health satisfaction, and higher psychological distress than parents of children with typical development. Gross-motor delay impacts on QOL of these children (regression coefficient: −9.59, P < 0.05), global functioning is related to cognition delay (regression coefficient: −20.22, P < 0.01) and physical health of their parents (regression coefficient: 0.87, P < 0.01). Conclusions Children with unclassified developmental delays had lower QOL and health status, and their condition had greater impacts on the family than children with typical development. Gross motor and cognition development related to the QOL and global functioning in these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared (IR) therapy is used for pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, IR's effects on the cardiovascular system remain uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the local and systemic cardiovascular effects of monochromatic IR therapy on patients with knee OA in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Seventy-one subjects with knee OA received one session of 40 min of active or placebo monochromatic IR treatment (with power output of 6.24W, wavelength of 890 nm, power density of 34.7mW/cm2 for 40min, total energy of 41.6 J/cm2 per knee per session) over the knee joints. Heart rate, blood pressure, and knee arterial blood flow velocity were periodically assessed at the baseline, during, and after treatment. Data were analyzed by repeated-measure analysis of covariance. Compared to baseline, there were no statistically significant group x time interaction effects between the 2 groups for heart rate (P = 0.160), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: P = 0.861; diastolic blood pressure: P = 0.757), or mean arterial blood flow velocity (P = 0.769) in follow-up assessments. The present study revealed that although there was no increase of knee arterial blood flow velocity, monochromatic IR therapy produced no detrimental systemic cardiovascular effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe a serious complication of acupuncture treatment in a high-risk patient with aplastic anemia. Design: A 44-year-old woman with aplastic anemia experienced right calf pain after running. After poor results with physical therapy, she received needle acupuncture for pain relief. However, aggravated pain with swelling of the right calf developed 2 days later. Results: On admission, she had a temperature of 38.8°C, a white blood cell count of 500/μL, and hemoglobin of 5.7 g/dL. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans showed swelling of the right calf muscle fascia, and aspiration drew out Staphylococcus infection. The symptoms improved after treatment with parenteral antibiotics. Conclusions: This case illustrates that necrotizing fasciitis must be considered as a possible complication of acupuncture in high-risk patients, and that early recognition and treatment of this life-threatening soft-tissue infection must be emphasized. Extreme caution should be employed when using acupuncture for high-risk patients, such as those with aplastic anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The P-Co 2 MnO 4 /NF was synthesized by hydrothermal treatment, oxidation and P-doping. • The unique straw-like nanoneedle arrays provided large ECSA and rich active sites. • P-doping had the greatly improved HER activities. • The P-Co 2 MnO 4 /NF exhibited excellent HER activities in wide pH range of electrolytes. Developing high-performance and cut-price non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is desirable yet challenging. Herein, straw-like phosphorus-doped Co 2 MnO 4 nanoneedle arrays supported on nickel foam (P-Co 2 MnO 4 /NF) were prepared by successive hydrothermal treatment, oxidation and P doping for high-efficiency HER. Benefiting from the unique needle-like arrays and compositions advantages, P-Co 2 MnO 4 /NF exhibited excellent HER activities with the overpotentials of 33, 43 and 102 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline, acidic and neutral media, respectively, coupled with the long-term electrochemical stability. This work affords an effective avenue for preparation of cost-effectiveness, high-efficiency and wide-pH HER catalysts for electrochemical energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We compared the effects of repeated co-injections of corticosteroids plus hyaluronic acid (HA) with the effects of HA injections alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted between October 2016 and July 2017 at a medical center. Patients (n = 57) who fulfilled the clinical and radiographic criteria for knee osteoarthritis established by the American College of Rheumatology with a Kellgren-Lawrence score of 2 or 3 were included. They were assigned to either the HA group (n = 29) or corticosteroids plus HA group (n = 28), and injections were administered under ultrasound guidance once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were the primary outcomes. Physical functional performance (10-m fast walking and chair-rising time) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were secondary outcomes. The assessment was performed prior to injections, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after injections. Data were analyzed through repeated-measures analysis of covariance.Results: Both groups experienced decreased pain and improved physical function and physical functional performance over time. We found significant group × time interaction effects favoring the corticosteroids plus HA group in WOMAC-pain (P = .005) and physical function (P = .005), chair-rising time (P = .032), and KOOS-pain (P = .001).Conclusions: Repeated co-injections of corticosteroids plus HA more effectively decreased pain and improved physical function and physical functional performance than injections of HA alone from 1 week through 6 months posttreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hierarchically multi-branched PdRuCu NAs were prepared by a one-step aqueous method. • NP-40 and NaBr as co-directing agents had synergistic effects in the formation of the specific architectures. • The hierarchically multi-branched nanostructures had the large ECSA. • The PdRuCu NAs showed the superior catalytic activity and stability towards EOR and EGOR. Shaped-controlled synthesis of high-efficiency electrocatalysts towards ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) and ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) is important for development of alcohol alkaline fuel cells. Herein, one-step aqueous method was developed for constructing hierarchically multi-branched PdRuCu nanoassemblies (NAs) under the guidance of octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (NP-40) and NaBr. The as-obtained PdRuCu NAs exhibited dramatically enhanced electrocatalytic activity and improved stability for EOR and EGOR in alkaline solution. The mass/specific activity of the as-prepared catalysts for EOR (1.16 A mg−1 Pd /3.78 mA cm−2) and EGOR (1.29 A mg−1 Pd /4.19 mA cm−2) were steeply higher than those of commercial Pd black (0.17 A mg−1 Pd /1.81 mA cm−2; 0.21 A mg−1 Pd /2.27 mA cm−2), respectively. This work would provide some valuable insights for synthesis of advanced polymetallic electrocatalysts in fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring high-performance and stable transition metal electrocatalysts is prerequisite for boosting overall water splitting efficiency. In this study, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) co-doped three-dimensional (3D) Ni 3 S 2 nanoflowers were in situ assembled by many inter-connected 2D nanosheets on nickel foam (NF) via hydrothermal and sulfuration treatment. By virtue of the introduced Fe and Mn elements and unique flower-like structures, the as-prepared catalyst displayed high activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), coupled with a small Tafel slope (63.29 mV dec−1) and a low overpotential of 216 mV to reach the current density of 30 mA cm−2. This study would shed some lights for facile synthesis of exceptional OER catalyst by tailoring the electronic structure and doping transition metal(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supervised therapeutic exercise has a beneficial effect in patients with knee osteoarthritis. • Active video game playing had the same effect as therapeutic exercise for pain. • Active video game playing improved balance, physical functional performance and physical health as compared with therapeutic exercise. • Active video game playing may be an alternative supplementary therapy to therapeutic exercise. Active video games (AVGs) have become popular and have been investigated for their therapeutic purposes. However, the effect of AVGs on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains uncertain. We aimed to compare the effects of AVGs with those of traditional therapeutic exercise on patients with knee OA. This was a prospective single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 80) with knee OA were allocated to the AVGs group (n = 40) or therapeutic exercise group (n = 40). Both groups received treatment 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and secondary outcome measures were the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Vision, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, physical functional performance (including time for 10-m walking and for ascending and descending stairs), Biodex Stability System, Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire, and Work Ability Index. The patients were evaluated at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, and 1 and 3 months after treatment completion. Both groups showed significant time effect in the pain subcategory of the WOMAC (P = 0.047). However, we found no significant group × time interaction effect between the groups at any follow-up assessments for pain (P = 0.066), stiffness (P = 0.284), or physical function (P = 0.179) for the WOMAC. Among the secondary outcomes, we found significant group × time effects favoring the AVG group in dynamic balance (P = 0.020), and physical functional performance including 10-m walking time (P = 0.002) and stair ascent time (P = 0.005), and the physical domain of health (P = 0.032). Therapeutic exercises and playing AVGs similarly improved the pain of patients with knee OA; however, playing AVGs improved dynamic balance, physical functional performance, and physical health more than therapeutic exercises did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether age has any impact on the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to objectively compare the risk of LN metastasis between elderly and young patients so as to justify for age-different extent of surgical resection for treating these patients. We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy with systematic hilar and mediastinal LN dissection for clinical stage IA peripheral NSCLC from January 2015 to December 2018. Both multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis were applied to compare the risk of LN metastasis between elderly (>65 years old) and young (≤65 years old) patients. We finally included a total of 590 patients for analysis (142 elderly patients and 448 young patients). In the analysis of unmatched cohorts, young patients tended to have higher rates of hilar/intrapulmonary LN (13.4% VS 9.2%) and mediastinal LN metastasis (10.5% VS 6.3%) than elderly patients. In the multivariate analysis, age was found to be an independent predictor of both hilar/intrapulmonary (Odds ratio(OR) = 2.065, 95%confidence interval(CI): 1.049–4.064, P = 0.036) and mediastinal (OR = 2.400, 95%CI: 1.083–5.316, P = 0.031) LN metastasis. Moreover, in the analysis of well-matched cohorts generated by PSM analysis, young patients had significantly higher rates of hilar/intrapulmonary (18.8% VS 9.4%, P = 0.039) and mediastinal LN metastasis (17.1% VS 6.0%, P = 0.008) than elderly patients. Therefore, age remains to be an independent predictor of LN metastasis in early-stage NSCLC and age-different extent of surgical resection may be justified for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. exerts significant antioxidative due to its high phenolic constituent content. In this study, the extraction condition of the phenolic constituents and antioxidant effect was optimized by the Box‐Behnken design and response surface methodology. Eleven main bioactive analytes of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. were simultaneously quantified by high‐performance capillary electrophoresis with diode‐array detector to assess the effect of extraction technology. The optimal extraction parameters were determined as: the concentration of ethanol 56.21%, liquid/solid ratio 14.65:1, and extraction time 1.64 h for 2.67 times. According to the results, a maximal value of total phenolic acids (3.67 mg/g) was obtained. Meanwhile, the influence of different extraction technology on antioxidant activities were evaluated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate), ferric reducing antioxidant power and hydroxyl radical scavenging method. The results presented here showed that the content of phenolic acid and antioxidant effect was much higher than the European Pharmacopoeia. Altogether, this method successfully applied response surface methodology to optimize the Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. extract with high antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family-centered workshops' effects on children with language developmental delay remain unknown. This study assessed the feasibility of workshops for children with language developmental delay. A total of 122 children aged 18-36 months with language developmental delays and their parents participated in six sessions of 2-h family-centered multidisciplinary workshops for 6 weeks. The Mandarin-Chinese Communicative Development Inventory, Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Emotional Competency Rating Scales, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument, Child Health Questionnaire, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Caregiver Strain Index, Impact on Family Scale, PedsQL Family Impact Module, and World Health Organization Quality of Life (QOL) were administered to the children and their parents before and after the workshop. We found improvement of emotion (P = 0.037), upper extremity and physical function (P = 0.038), and transfer and basic mobility (P = 0.019) in children and parental QOL related to children's conditions (P = 0.049), with no effect on communication ability and QOL in children and family strain and function. We also noted more significant improvement in children with pure developmental language delay than in children with nonpure developmental language delay concerning the success rates (from delayed to normal development) for expressive vocabulary (P < 0.001) and word combination (P = 0.002). Satisfaction levels toward the workshop were high. Family-centered workshops improved children's emotions, functional performance, and parental QOL. Although the samples were too small to test different conditions of the developmental delay, the workshops for children with language developmental delays are acceptable and feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Return to Work After Spinal Cord Injury: Is It Related To WheelChair Capacity At Discharge From Clinical Rehabilitation," by Z. M. van Velzen and colleagues.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cutaneous Electrical Stimulation Treatment in Unresolved Facial Nerve Paralysis" in the previous issue.

Chronic inflammation is the cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a vital role in the inflammation process and is associated with the regulatory effects of NLRP3 gene polymorphisms. This study evaluated the association between NLRP3 gene polymorphisms and CKD, and further explored whether the association of environmental metals with CKD varied by the NLRP3 genotypes. A total of 218 CKD patients and 427 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in this clinic-based case–control study. Patients were identified as having CKD if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and stage 3–5 for at least 3 months. We examined the genotypes of fifteen common ssingle-nucleotide polymorphisms in NLRP3 genes. Concentrations of total urinary arsenic were examined by summing of urinary inorganic arsenic species. Concentrations of selenium, cadmium, and lead were measured from blood samples. Associations between NLRP3 polymorphisms, environmental metals exposure, and CKD were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression while controlling for confounders. We observed that the odds of carrying NLRP3 rs4925650 GA/AA genotypes, NLRP3 rs1539019 CA/AA genotypes, and NLRP3 rs10157379 CT/TT genotypes were significantly higher among CKD cases compared to controls, with the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were 1.54 (1.01–2.36), 1.56 (1.04–2.33), and 1.59 (1.05–2.38), respectively. The significant multiplicative interactions were identified between high levels of blood lead and NLRP3 rs4925650 GA/AA genotypes; high levels of blood cadmium or low levels of plasma selenium and the NLRP3 haplotype (rs4925648, rs4925650, rs12048215, and rs10754555) C-A-A-C multiplicatively interacted to increase the risk of CKD. Our results imply that NLRP3 polymorphisms may play an important role in the development of environmental metals exposure related CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D Rh/Rh 2 P nano-flake assemblies have large active area and structure stability. • The P cooperation significantly facilitates water dissociation and hydrogen release. • The unique assembly has abundant interfaces with optimized electronic structures. • The catalyst exhibit improved performances for hydrogen evolution reaction. ga1 Nowadays, the application of electrochemical water splitting is seriously hindered by sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte. To overcome this issue, three-dimensional (3D) Rh/Rh 2 P nano-flake assemblies (Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs) were successfully synthesized via partial phosphating in this study. The efficient corporation of P effectively facilitated the adsorption and desorption processes of protons and thus created abundant Rh/Rh 2 P heterointerfaces in the Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs. By virtues of the large active area, fine-modulated electronic structures and improved electrical conductivity, the Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs only require the overpotentials of 19.5 mV and 13.4 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH and 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solutions, respectively, outperforming most of the previous electrocatalysts. Also, the Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs also exhibit amazing electrocatalytic stability during the long-term testing, making it a promising candidate for the HER in both alkaline and acidic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase (MTR) are related to cognitive dysfunction and mental disability. These genes, along with folate and vitamin B12 levels, are regulators of one-carbon metabolism, which synthesizes S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor for arsenic methylation. The aim of this study was to explore whether polymorphisms of MTHFR and MTR influence arsenic methylation capacity and plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels and if these influences cause developmental delay in preschool children. A total of 178 children with developmental delay and 88 without developmental delay were recruited from August 2010 to March 2014. A high-performance liquid chromatography–hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometer were used to determine urinary arsenic species. Plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were measured by SimulTRAC-SNB radioassay. Polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, and MTR A2756G were examined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length variation. The results show that MTHFR C677T C/T and T/T genotypes had a lower risk of developmental delay than the C/C genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.85). Subjects with the MTHFR C677T C/C genotype had significantly lower plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels than those with the MTHFR C677T C/T and T/T genotype. The MTHFR C677T C/C genotype combined with high total urinary arsenic and poor arsenic methylation capacity indices significantly increased the OR of developmental delay in a dose–response manner. This is the first study to show the combined effect of MTHFR C677T genotype and poor arsenic methylation capacity on developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental delay has been associated with inefficient arsenic methylation capacity in preschool children. Folate and vitamin B12 are important nutrients that produce s-adenosylmethionine during single-carbon metabolism and provide methyl groups for arsenic methylation. The aim of the present study was to explore whether plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels influence arsenic methylation capacity and in turn are related to developmental delay in preschool children. A case–control study was conducted in 178 children with developmental delay and 88 normal children, who were recruited from Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Teaching Hospital from August 2010 to March 2014. Arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) in the urine was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry. Plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels were measured using a SimulTRAC-SNB radioassay. The results show that the combination of high plasma folate and high vitamin B12 levels were correlated with efficient arsenic methylation capacity (low MMAV %, low InAs %, and high DMAV %). High MMAV % significantly increased and high DMAV % and secondary methylation index decreased the odds ratio (OR) of developmental delay in a dose-dependent manner in both low plasma folate and low vitamin B12 (low/low) groups; the multivariate OR and 95% confidence interval were 5.01 (0.83–30.06), 0.21 (0.04–1.23), and 0.20 (0.03–1.20), respectively. This is the first study to show that the combination of high plasma folate and high vitamin B12 levels increases arsenic methylation capacity and indirectly decreases the OR of developmental delay in preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the 70% EtOH extract of the rhizome ofAnemone amurensisled to the isolation of two new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins1and2. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR data, and HR–ESI–MS. Compounds1and2were tested for cytotoxicities against two human cancer cell lines (A549 and Hep-G2). Compound2showed potent cytotoxicity with IC50values of 38.53 and 66.17 μM, respectively, while compound1with IC50 > 100 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of the rhizome ofAnemone amurensis, they are oleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 23,27-dihydroxy oleanolic acid 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (2). The structures of1and2were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR data and HR-ESI-MS. Compounds1and2were tested for cytotoxicities against three human cancer cell lines (A549, Hep-G2, and MCF-7). Compound1showed potent cytotoxicity with IC50values of 34.76, 41.17, and 28.92 μM, respectively, while compound2with IC50>100 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nucleotide-binding domain-like receptors protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are associated with neuroinflammation and multiple NLRP3 genes regulate NLRP3 expression. Our study aimed to investigate the association of NLRP3 polymorphisms with developmental delay in preschool children. We also explored whether NLRP3 polymorphisms modified the effects of total urinary arsenic and blood cadmium and lead to developmental delays. A total of 178 children with developmental delays and 88 healthy children were analyzed for urinary arsenic concentrations and red blood cell lead and cadmium concentrations. We examined the genotypes of fifteen common single-nucleotide polymorphisms in NLRP3. We observed that levels of total urinary arsenic and blood lead were significantly associated with developmental delay. The NLRP3 rs10754555 CG versus CC/GG, NLRP3 rs12048215 AG versus AA/GG, and NLRP3 rs12137901 TC/TT versus CC genotype showed a lower odds of developmental delay, with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38 (0.19–0.75), 0.52 (0.27–0.99), and 0.33 (0.12–0.90), respectively. Children with the NLRP3 rs10754555 CC/GG genotype and high blood lead levels had a significant multiplicative interaction with developmental delay [OR (95% CI) = 9.74 (3.59–26.45)]. This study found evidence that suggested the joint effects of NLRP3 rs10754555 CC/GG genotype and high blood lead levels on developmental delays. [Display omitted] • Increment blood lead levels significantly increased the odds of developmental delay. • NLRP3 rs10754555, rs12048215, and rs12137901 were associated with developmental delay. • NLRP3 rs10754555 interacted with blood lead levels on developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotide-binding domain-like receptors protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are associated with neuroinflammation and multiple NLRP3 genes regulate NLRP3 expression. Our study aimed to investigate the association of NLRP3 polymorphisms with developmental delay in preschool children. We also explored whether NLRP3 polymorphisms modified the effects of total urinary arsenic and blood cadmium and lead to developmental delays. A total of 178 children with developmental delays and 88 healthy children were analyzed for urinary arsenic concentrations and red blood cell lead and cadmium concentrations. We examined the genotypes of fifteen common single-nucleotide polymorphisms in NLRP3. We observed that levels of total urinary arsenic and blood lead were significantly associated with developmental delay. The NLRP3 rs10754555 CG versus CC/GG, NLRP3 rs12048215 AG versus AA/GG, and NLRP3 rs12137901 TC/TT versus CC genotype showed a lower odds of developmental delay, with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38 (0.19–0.75), 0.52 (0.27–0.99), and 0.33 (0.12–0.90), respectively. Children with the NLRP3 rs10754555 CC/GG genotype and high blood lead levels had a significant multiplicative interaction with developmental delay [OR (95% CI) = 9.74 (3.59–26.45)]. This study found evidence that suggested the joint effects of NLRP3 rs10754555 CC/GG genotype and high blood lead levels on developmental delays. [Display omitted] • Increment blood lead levels significantly increased the odds of developmental delay. • NLRP3 rs10754555, rs12048215, and rs12137901 were associated with developmental delay. • NLRP3 rs10754555 interacted with blood lead levels on developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models are important vehicles for studying the effect of infectious elements such as Pertussis toxin (PTx) on disease processes related to acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or multiple sclerosis (MS). PTx has pleotropic effects on the immune system. This study was designed to investigate the effects of PTx administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) in preventing downstream immune cell infiltration and demyelination of the spinal cord. Methods and Findings: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice with MOG35-55. PTx icv at seven days post MOG immunization resulted in mitigation of clinical motor symptoms, minimal T cell infiltration, and the marked absence of axonal loss and demyelination of the spinal cord. Integrity of the blood brain barrier was compromised in the brain whereas spinal cord BBB integrity remained intact. PTx icv markedly increased microglia numbers in the brain preventing their migration to the spinal cord. An in vitro transwell study demonstrated that PTx inhibited migration of microglia. Conclusion: Centrally administered PTx abrogated migration of microglia in EAE mice, limiting the inflammatory cytokine milieu to the brain and prevented dissemination of demyelination. The effects of PTx icv warrants further investigation and provides an attractive template for further study regarding the pleotropic effects of infectious elements such as PTx in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common comorbidities in esophageal cancer patients who undergo esophagectomy. It is well established that DM has an unfavorable impact on short-term outcomes of patients with surgically treated esophageal cancer; however, whether DM has any impact on long-term survival of these patients remains unclear. We performed the first meta-analysis to investigate the impact of DM on survival of surgically treated esophageal cancer patients. We searched the following databases systematically to retrieve relevant studies on January 2, 2019: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The main outcome data consisting of 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates and hazard ratios (HRs) of OS were extracted to compare survival between patients with and without DM. We finally included for meta-analysis a total of eight cohort studies involving 5,044 esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy. We found no significant difference between 3-year (risk ratio [RR] = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.73–1.21; P  = 0.65) and 5-year (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.80–1.08; P  = 0.31) OS rates between patients with and without DM after esophagectomy. Moreover, DM was not found to be an independent predictor of OS for these patients (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.65–1.84; P  = 0.72). Our study suggests that DM appears to have no significant impact on long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients who undergo esophagectomy. To improve the prognosis of these patients, it may be more important to control glycemic level in patients with DM who undergo esophagectomy. However, further high-quality studies with appropriate adjustment for confounding factors are needed to verify this conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations with developmental delays and to explore the association of these concentrations with the health status of children. This study recruited 89 children with developmental delays and 89 age- and sex-matched children with typical development. Their health status was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for function. Family function was also evaluated. Blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The children with developmental delays had a considerably poorer HRQOL, lower functional performance and family function, and a higher blood lead concentration than those with typical development. The blood lead concentration had a significantly positive association with developmental delays [odds ratio (OR) = 1.54, p < 0.01] in a dose-response manner, and it negatively correlated with PedsQL scores (regression coefficient: −0. 47 to −0.53, p < 0.05) in all the children studied. The higher blood cadmium concentration showed a significantly positive association with developmental delays (OR = 2.24, for >1.0 μg/L vs. <0.6 μg/L, p < 0.05). The blood mercury concentration was not associated with developmental delays and health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case-control study identified the association between the arsenic methylation capacity and developmental delays and explored the association of this capacity with the health status of children. We recruited 120 children with developmental delays and 120 age- and sex-matched children without developmental delays. The health status of the children was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). The arsenic methylation capacity was determined by the percentages of inorganic arsenic (InAs%), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV%), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV%) through liquid chromatography and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Developmental delays were significantly positively associated with the total urinary arsenic concentration, InAs%, and MMAV%, and was significantly negatively associated with DMAV% in a dose-dependent manner. MMAV% was negatively associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL; −1.19 to −1.46, P < 0.01) and functional performance (−0.82 to −1.14, P < 0.01), whereas DMAV% was positively associated with HRQOL (0.33-0.35, P < 0.05) and functional performance (0.21-0.39, P < 0.01-0.05) in all children and in those with developmental delays. The arsenic methylation capacity is dose-dependently associated with developmental delays and with the health status of children, particularly those with developmental delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]