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Central obesity and hypertension are common risk factors for the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular and renal diseases. Studies have shown that it is more difficult to control blood pressure and prevent end-organ damage in obese individuals with hypertension compared to their non-obese counterparts, especially among women. Obese females have a 6 times higher risk of developing hypertension than non-obese females while obese males are at a 1.5 times higher risk of developing hypertension, compared to their non-obese counterparts. Indeed, the inter-relationship between obesity and hypertension is unclear. Adipokines have been proposed to play a mediating role in the relationship between obesity and hypertension and are involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Therefore, this study sought to determine the role of adipokines (adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in hypertensive Hong Kong Chinese women with central obesity. A total of 387 women aged 58 ± 11 years who were examined with a 2 × 2 factorial design for central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 80 cm) and hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg), were recruited from a pool of 1,492 Hong Kong Chinese adults who were previously screened for metabolic syndrome. Subjects with hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia were excluded to eliminate confounding effects. Our findings revealed that hypertensive women with central obesity had a lower anti-inflammatory status (adiponectin) and a higher pro-inflammatory status (TNF-α) than obese alone or hypertensive alone women. Also, women with central obesity had higher circulatory PAI-1 and leptin concentrations than their non-obese counterparts. We conclude that obesity may shift toward a more pro-inflammatory state and may become more severe in the presence of hypertension or vice versa.

Background Capsular contracture of breast implants is a major complication in breast surgery. Clinically, covering a breast implant with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or autologous tissue is considered to be the most effective technique to prevent capsular contracture. This study was designed to compare the protective effects of ADM and latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap placement on capsular contracture by increasing the rate of capsular contracture through controlled radiation exposure in a rabbit model.

Abstract Animal age at maturity can be used as a universal and simple predictor of species extinction risk. At present, methods to estimate age at maturity are typically species-specific, limiting comparisons among species, or are infeasible due to practical constraints. To overcome this, here we develop a universal predictor of species-level age at maturity for vertebrates. We show that modelling the frequency of ‘CG’ sequences (CpG sites) in gene promoter regions yields rapid predictions of vertebrate age at maturity. Our models predict age at maturity with remarkable accuracy and generalisability, with median error rates of 30% (less than 1 year) and are robust to genome assemblies of varying quality. We generate predictions for 1912 vertebrate species for which age at maturity estimates were previously absent from public databases. The predictions can be used to help to inform management decisions for the many species for which more detailed population information is currently unavailable.

The optimal intensity of physical activity for alleviating depression in middle-aged and older adults remains unclear. The World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines recommend adults and older adults to accumulate at least 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous aerobic-type physical activity weekly or an equivalent combination of both for health benefits including reduced risk of depression. This parallel, assessor-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial preliminarily compared the effectiveness of the minimal volume of aerobic-type physical activity at different intensities as recommended by WHO (150 minutes of moderate walking exercise and 75 minutes of vigorous walking exercise weekly) on alleviating depression in middle-aged and older adults. Thirty-five participants were randomized to the control group (CON), moderate walking exercise group (MOD), or vigorous walking exercise group (VIG). The exercise frequency was three times a week and the intervention duration was 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the severity of depression assessed by Beck Depression Inventory. Secondary outcomes included severity of anxiety, sleep quality, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Thirty participants completed the study (CON: n = 10, MOD: n = 10, VIG: n = 10). Participants in both MOD and VIG had significantly decreased depression severity after the intervention compared to CON (both p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between MOD and VIG (p = 0.92). Both MOD and VIG interventions also mitigated anxiety severity, improved quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness. The minimum volume of walking exercise at either moderate or vigorous intensity was found to alleviate depression in middle-aged and older adults. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04403373. Highlights The 12-week 150-minute moderate walking exercise and 75-minute vigorous walking exercise (the minimal weekly volumes of aerobic-type physical activity recommended by WHO guidelines) similarly reduced the severity of depression in middle-aged and older adults. The 12-week walking exercise interventions significantly reduced anxiety severity concomitant with improved quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness in middle-aged and older adults with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background As South Korea grapples with a declining birthrate, maternity care accessibility has become challenging. This study examines the association with labour intervention and pregnancy complication, specifically focusing on C-section and dystocia in maternity disparities. Methods Data from the South Korean NHIS-NID was used to analyze 1,437,186 women with childbirths between 2010 and 2015. The research defines 50 specific districts as Obstetrically Underserved Areas produced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2011. C-Section were assessed through using medical procedure and DRG codes, while dystocia was defined using ICD-10 code. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the significance of the association. Results Among the population residing in underserved areas, 42,873 out of a total of 1,437,186 individuals were identified. For nationwide cases, the odds ratios (ORs) for C-Section were 1.11 (95% CI: 1.08–1.13) and dystocia were 1.07 (95% CI: 1.05–1.09). In relatively accessible urban areas, the ORs for C-Section and dystocia, based on whether they were obstetrically underserved areas, were 1.16 (95% CI: 1.13–1.18) and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.08–1.19), respectively. Conclusion Poor accessibility to maternity care facilities is closely linked to high-risk pregnancies, including an increased incidence of dystocia and a higher rate of C-sections. Insufficient access to maternity care not only raises the risk of serious pregnancy complications. Consequently, there is a pressing need for multi-faceted efforts to bridge this disparity.

IntroductionAlcohol use disorder is a chronic disorder with significant limitations in pharmacological treatments, necessitating the exploration of non-pharmacological interventions.MethodsWe used a model of alcohol self-administration (10% v/v) to analyze behavioral, neurochemical, and signaling mechanisms.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that stimulation of the HT7 acupuncture point significantly decreased the frequency of active lever presses in rats self-administering alcohol (p

Abstract Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) contributes to reactive oxygen species production. We investigated the cytoprotective mechanisms of XOR inhibition against high glucose (HG)-induced glomerular endothelial injury, which involves activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Human glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) exposed to HG were subjected to febuxostat treatment for 48 h and the expressions of AMPK and its associated signaling pathways were evaluated. HG-treated GECs were increased xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase levels and decreased intracellular AMP/ATP ratio, and these effects were reversed by febuxostat treatment. Febuxostat enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK, the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α and PPAR-α and suppressed the phosphorylation of forkhead box O (FoxO)3a in HG-treated GECs. Febuxostat also decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox)1, Nox2, and Nox4 expressions; enhanced superoxide dismutase activity; and decreased malondialdehyde levels in HG-treated GECs. The knockdown of AMPK inhibited PGC-1α–FoxO3a signaling and negated the antioxidant effects of febuxostat in HG-treated GECs. Despite febuxostat administration, the knockdown of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1) also inhibited AMPK–PGC-1α–FoxO3a in HG-treated GECs. XOR inhibition alleviates oxidative stress by activating AMPK–PGC-1α–FoxO3a signaling through the HPRT1-dependent purine salvage pathway in GECs exposed to HG conditions.

Abstract Background Exposure to noxious particles, including cigarette smoke and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and promotes inflammation and cell death in the lungs. We investigated the combined effects of cigarette smoking and PM2.5 exposure in patients with COPD, mice, and human bronchial epithelial cells. Methods The relationship between PM2.5 exposure and clinical parameters was investigated in patients with COPD based on smoking status. Alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were monitored in the smoking-exposed emphysema mouse model. To investigate the mechanisms, cell viability and death and pyroptosis-related changes in BEAS-2B cells were assessed following the exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and PM2.5. Results High levels of ambient PM2.5 were more strongly associated with high Saint George’s respiratory questionnaire specific for COPD (SGRQ-C) scores in currently smoking patients with COPD. Combined exposure to cigarette smoke and PM2.5 increased mean linear intercept and TUNEL-positive cells in lung tissue, which was associated with increased inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine release in mice. Exposure to a combination of CSE and PM2.5 reduced cell viability and upregulated NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 transcription in BEAS-2B cells. NLRP3 silencing with siRNA reduced pyroptosis and restored cell viability. Conclusions PM2.5 aggravates smoking-induced airway inflammation and cell death via pyroptosis. Clinically, PM2.5 deteriorates quality of life and may worsen prognosis in currently smoking patients with COPD. Graphical Abstract

The pandemic disproportionately influenced marginalized communities in North America. However, the social and spatial inequalities impacting marginalized rare genetic disease communities – such as those living with cystic fibrosis – have not been heard in mainstream pandemic narratives. Sensitized by the social determinants of health, this qualitative study explored the experiences of 12 youth with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) during the pandemic. Content analysis revealed four themes. Youth with CF experienced changes across physical spaces, faced pandemic anxiety, and struggled with access to digital and medical spaces. Youth also reflected on being “used to” life-long physical distancing as a result of CF. Our findings show the complexity of environments for youth with CF during the pandemic while demonstrating how Covid-19 shaped the lives of rare disease communities. Our findings also illustrate spatial and social inequities among marginalized, rare genetic disease communities.

Beaches play a crucial role in recreation and ecosystem habitats, and are central to Australia’s national identity. Precise mapping of beach locations is essential for coastal vulnerability and risk assessments. While point locations of over 11,000 beaches are documented from citizen science mapping projects, the full spatial extent and outlines of many Australian beaches remain unmapped. This study leverages deep learning (DL), specifically convolutional neural networks, for binary image segmentation to map beach outlines along the coast of Southeastern Australia. It focuses on Victoria and New South Wales coasts, each approximately 2000 to 2500 km in length. Our methodology includes training and evaluating the model using state-specific datasets, followed by applying the trained model to predict the beach outlines, size, shape, and morphology in both regions. The results demonstrate the model’s ability to generate accurate segmentation and rapid predictions, although it faces challenges such as misclassifying cliffs and sensitivity to fine details. Overall, this research presents a significant advancement in integrating DL with coastal science, providing a scalable solution of citizen science mapping efforts for comprehensive beach mapping to support sustainable coastal management and conservation efforts across Australia. Open access datasets and models are provided to further support beach mapping efforts around Australia.

Background: As of 2021, more than 6000 children and youth in Canada were living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), for which kidney transplantation is considered the preferred treatment by health professionals. Research shows that living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) has superior allograft and recipient survival compared to deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT). However, in a pediatric setting, the choice of LDKT or DDKT is a summative consideration of factors weighed carefully by the patient’s family, health care team, and patient. Decision-making surrounding transplantation may be more complex for racial and ethnic minorities as culturally specific values and beliefs are interwoven within dominant understandings and concepts of health and accepted models of health care. For example, Chinese Canadians have an increased risk of ESKD, yet reduced access to LDKT compared to White patients, despite being the largest visible minority population in Canada. Objective: The objective of this qualitative study is to deepen our understandings of the decision-making process surrounding DDKT versus LDKT among parents of Chinese Canadian pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design: Qualitative descriptive study design. Setting: The Nephrology Program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Participants: Caregivers of Chinese Canadian patients with CKD, 18 years of age or older, and who spoke English, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Methods: One-on-one, semistructured interviews were conducted virtually, by a member of the research team and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to explore participants’ shared experience. Results: Seven interviews were conducted with 6 mothers and 1 father of 6 Chinese Canadian pediatric patients with CKD: 4 patients had undergone a kidney transplant, and 2 were not yet listed for transplant. Analysis of data highlighted that cultural influences affected whether parents shared with others about their child’s illness and experience. The cultural understanding that it is inappropriate to burden others contributed to the creation of an isolating experience for participants. Cultural influences also impacted whether parents asked others to be a living donor as participants articulated this would place a physical burden on the living donor (e.g., potential risk to their health) and an emotional burden on the participant as they would be indebted to a willing donor. Ultimately, parents’ decision to choose DDKT or LDKT for their patient-child was a result of evaluating both options carefully and within an understanding that the ideal treatment choice reflected what was best for all family members. Limitations: Findings reflect experiences of a small sample from a single recruitment site which may limit transferability. Conclusions: Parents in this study felt that they had access to the necessary evidence-based information to make an informed decision about the choice of DDKT versus LDKT for their child. Participant narratives described feeling isolated within cultural communities of family and friends and participants’ suggestion of benefiting from increased support may guide future research directions. Practitioners can offer direct and indirect support to families, with recognition of the importance of cultural values and family-centered care on decision-making within families. Opportunities are needed for accessible, virtual social support platforms to increase parental feelings of culturally mediated peer support from parents who share similar experiences.

Abstract Background Cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSC-CMs) have been widely accepted as a promising cell source for cardiac drug screening and heart regeneration therapies. However, unlike adult cardiomyocytes, the underdeveloped structure, the immature electrophysiological properties and metabolic phenotype of PSC-CMs limit their application. This project aimed to study the role of the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel in regulating the maturation of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (ESC-CMs). Methods The activity and expression of TRPA1 in ESC-CMs were modulated by pharmacological or molecular approaches. Knockdown or overexpression of genes was done by infection of cells with adenoviral vectors carrying the gene of interest as a gene delivery tool. Immunostaining followed by confocal microscopy was used to reveal cellular structure such as sarcomere. Staining of mitochondria was performed by MitoTracker staining followed by confocal microscopy. Calcium imaging was performed by fluo-4 staining followed by confocal microscopy. Electrophysiological measurement was performed by whole-cell patch clamping. Gene expression was measured at mRNA level by qPCR and at protein level by Western blot. Oxygen consumption rates were measured by a Seahorse Analyzer. Results TRPA1 was found to positively regulate the maturation of CMs. TRPA1 knockdown caused nascent cell structure, impaired Ca2+ handling and electrophysiological properties, and reduced metabolic capacity in ESC-CMs. The immaturity of ESC-CMs induced by TRPA1 knockdown was accompanied by reduced mitochondrial biogenesis and fusion. Mechanistically, we found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), the key transcriptional coactivator related to mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism, was downregulated by TRPA1 knockdown. Interestingly, overexpression of PGC-1α ameliorated the halted maturation induced by TRPA1 knockdown. Notably, phosphorylated p38 MAPK was upregulated, while MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a calcium-sensitive MAPK inhibitor, was downregulated in TRPA1 knockdown cells, suggesting that TRPA1 may regulate the maturation of ESC-CMs through MKP-1-p38 MAPK-PGC-1α pathway. Conclusions Taken together, our study reveals the novel function of TRPA1 in promoting the maturation of CMs. As multiple stimuli have been known to activate TRPA1, and TRPA1-specific activators are also available, this study provides a novel and straightforward strategy for improving the maturation of PSC-CMs by activating TRPA1. Since a major limitation for the successful application of PSC-CMs for research and medicine lies in their immature phenotypes, the present study takes a big step closer to the practical use of PSC-CMs. Graphical abstract

Abstract In the biological nervous system, the integration and cooperation of parallel system of receptors, neurons, and synapses allow efficient detection and processing of intricate and disordered external information. Such systems acquire and process environmental data in real‐time, efficiently handling complex tasks with minimal energy consumption. Memristors can mimic typical biological receptors, neurons, and synapses by implementing key features of neuronal signal‐processing functions such as selective adaption in receptors, leaky integrate‐and‐fire in neurons, and synaptic plasticity in synapses. External stimuli are sensitively detected and filtered by “artificial receptors,” encoded into spike signals via “artificial neurons,” and integrated and stored through “artificial synapses.” The high operational speed, low power consumption, and superior scalability of memristive devices make their integration with high‐performance sensors a promising approach for creating integrated artificial sensory systems. These integrated systems can extract useful data from a large volume of raw data, facilitating real‐time detection and processing of environmental information. This review explores the recent advances in memristor‐based artificial sensory systems. The authors begin with the requirements of artificial sensory elements and then present an in‐depth review of such elements demonstrated by memristive devices. Finally, the major challenges and opportunities in the development of memristor‐based artificial sensory systems are discussed.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Many studies have reported an association between FGR and fetal Doppler indices focusing on umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus (DV). The uteroplacental-fetal circulation which affects the fetal growth consists of not only UA, MCA, and DV, but also umbilical vein (UV), placenta and uterus itself. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of large-scale cohort studies that have assessed the association between UV, uterine wall, and placental thickness with perinatal outcomes in FGR, in conjunction with all components of the uteroplacental-fetal circulation. Therefore, this multicenter study will evaluate the association among UV absolute flow, placental thickness, and uterine wall thickness and adverse perinatal outcome in FGR fetuses. This multicenter retrospective cohort study will include singleton pregnant women who undergo at least one routine fetal ultrasound scan during routine antepartum care. Pregnant women with fetuses having structural or chromosomal abnormalities will be excluded. The U-AID indices (UtA, UA, MCA, and UV flow, placental and uterine wall thickness, and estimated fetal body weight) will be measured during each trimester of pregnancy. The study population will be divided into two groups: (1) FGR group (pregnant women with FGR fetuses) and (2) control group (those with normal growth fetus). We will assess the association between U-AID indices and adverse perinatal outcomes in the FGR group and the difference in U-AID indices between the two groups.