Search

We conducted a community-based cohort study to predict the 3-year occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among population aged ≥60 years. Participants were selected from two communities through randomized cluster sampling in Jiading District of Shanghai, China. The two communities were randomly divided into a development cohort (n = 12012) and a validation cohort (n = 6248) with a 3-year follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors. A nomogram was established to predict the occurrence of CKD within 3 years. The area under the curve (AUC), the calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve were used to evaluate the model. At baseline, participants in development cohort and validation cohort were with the mean age of 68.24 ± 5.87 and 67.68 ± 5.26 years old, respectively. During 3 years, 1516 (12.6%) and 544 (8.9%) new cases developed CKD in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Nine variables (age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, exercise, previous hypertension, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and serum creatinine) were included in the prediction model. The AUC value was 0.742 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.728–0.756] in the development cohort and 0.881(95%CI, 0.867–0.895) in the validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curves and DCA curves demonstrate an effective predictive model. Our nomogram model is a simple, reasonable and reliable tool for predicting the risk of 3-year CKD in community-dwelling elderly people, which is helpful for timely intervention and reducing the incidence of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our pursuit of high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, we developed a hybrid electrospun membrane consisting of MoO3 nanorods (MoO3 NRs) integrated with carbon nanofibers (CNFs), termed MoO3@CNFs. Serving as an anode, this membrane boasts several advantages. Firstly, it capitalizes on the novel structure of MoO3@CNFs, enabling rapid ion/electron transport pathways. Secondly, due to the carbon skeleton, MoO3 is protected from coming into direct contact with the electrolyte. Thirdly, the consistent internal structure of MoO3@CNFs enhances conductivity. Experimental findings reveal that the anode with a relatively low MoO3 content, specifically 33%MoO3@CNFs (comprising 33%MoO3 NRs), achieves a reversible specific capacity of 657 mAh g−1 after 140 cycles at a low current density of 0.2 A g−1, demonstrating superior high-rate electrochemical kinetics and extended cycling life. Kinetic analysis indicates contributions from surface capacitance processes and diffusion-controlled insertion. Our approach not only facilitates the acquisition of various one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure composites but also propels novel research in ultrafast rechargeable lithium-ion battery electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Capillary glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may enhance screening for childhood prediabetes and diabetes, but variations in this parameter remain unclear. We aimed to develop percentiles of HbA1c and explore the influence of various variables on HbA1c level among Chinese children. Study Design and Methods. The data were derived from the Shanghai Children's Health and Nutrition Community‐based Epidemiologic Survey (CHANCE). A total of 4,615 children aged 3–12 years were included. The capillary HbA1c level was measured using point‐of‐care (POC) testing analyzers. Abnormal HbA1c level was identified as HbA1c (%) value equal to or above the 95th percentile of the nomograms. Results. The mean HbA1c value was 5.30% (SD = 0.50%). The age‐specific 95th percentile thresholds of HbA1c (%) ranged from 5.9 to 6.2 among all children. In the whole participants, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), outdoor activity frequency, and daily sleep duration were positively associated with high HbA1c. Among preschool‐aged children, TC and sleep duration ≥10 hr per day were associated with increased risk of being in the higher HbA1c (both P < 0.05). Among the school‐aged group, positive associations with HbA1c levels were identified for TC, living with grandparents, frequency of outdoor activity, and sleep duration (all P < 0.05). Conclusions. The present study established capillary HbA1c percentiles based on a large sample of Chinese children among aged 3–12 years. Daily sleep duration and frequency of outdoor activity, BMI, and TC were found to be associated with high HbA1c. Actions of successful public strategies that focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercise to reduce weight among children, are needed. Key Points. We used POC testing for capillary HbA1c with a finger‐stick sample which may offer an opportunity to enhance screening and early diagnosis for childhood and adolescent diabetes, which was suggested as an essential premise to determine the subject's glycemic status by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Capillary HbA1c levels fluctuate during childhood, while there has been no population‐based study on HbA1c reference values in Chinese youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have revealed a close correlation between the levels of apolipoproteins (Apos) (including lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in recent decades. However, clinically, lipid profiling remains limited to the conventional plasma levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, ApoA1, and ApoB, which brings the necessity to quantify more apolipoproteins in human plasma. In this study, we simultaneously quantified 13 apolipoproteins and Lp(a) in 5 μL of human plasma using the LC-MS/MS platform. A method was developed for the precise detection of Lp(a), ApoA1, A2, A5, B, C1, C2, C3, D, E, H, L1, M, and J. Suitable peptides were selected and optimized to achieve clear separation of each peak. Method validation consisting of linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision, recovery, and matrix effects was evaluated. The intra-day CV ranged from 0.58% to 14.2% and the inter-day CV ranged from 0.51% to 13.3%. The recovery rates ranged from 89.8% to 113.7%, while matrix effects ranged from 85.4% to 113.9% for all apolipoproteins and Lp(a). Stability tests demonstrated that these apolipoproteins remained stable for 3 days at 4 °C and 7 days at −20 °C. This validated method was successfully applied to human plasma samples obtained from 45 volunteers. The quantitative results of ApoA1, ApoB, and Lp(a) exhibited a close correlation with the results from the immunity transmission turbidity assay. Collectively, we developed a robust assay that can be used for high-throughput quantification of apolipoproteins and Lp(a) simultaneously for investigating related risk factors in patients with dyslipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable production of value-added N-heterocycles from available biomass allows to reduce the reliance on fossil resources and creates possibilities for economically and ecologically improved synthesis of fine and bulk chemicals. Herein, we present a unique Ru1CoNP/HAP surface single-atom alloy (SSAA) catalyst, which enables a new type of transformation from the bio-based platform chemical furfural to give N-heterocyclic piperidine. In the presence of NH3 and H2, the desired product is formed under mild conditions with a yield up to 93%. Kinetic studies show that the formation of piperidine proceeds via a series of reaction steps. Initially, in this cascade process, furfural amination to furfurylamine takes place, followed by hydrogenation to tetrahydrofurfurylamine (THFAM) and then ring rearrangement to piperidine. DFT calculations suggest that the Ru1CoNP SSAA structure facilitates the direct ring opening of THFAM resulting in 5-amino-1-pentanol which is quickly converted to piperidine. The value of the presented catalytic strategy is highlighted by the synthesis of an actual drug, alkylated piperidines, and pyridine. The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles from biomass is scarcely known. Here, the authors report a strategy for the N-heterocyclic piperidines synthesis by one-pot amination of the bio-based furfural utilizing a Ru1CoNP/HAP surface single-atom alloy catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln)—a newly discovered microbial metabolite produced by phenylalanine metabolism—is reportedly associated with cardiovascular events via adrenergic receptors. Nonetheless, its association with cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients remains unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to prospectively investigate the prognostic value of PAGln for HF. Methods: Plasma PAGln levels were quantified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. We first assessed the association between plasma PAGln levels and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in 3152 HF patients (including HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction) over a median follow‐up period of 2 years. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death or heart transplantation. We then assessed the prognostic role of PAGln in addition to the classic biomarker N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). The correlation between PAGln levels and β‐blocker use was also investigated. Results: In total, 520 cardiovascular deaths or heart transplantations occurred in the HF cohort. Elevated PAGln levels were independently associated with a higher risk of the primary endpoint in a dose‐response manner, regardless of HF subtype. Concurrent assessment of PAGln and NT‐proBNP levels enhanced risk stratification among HF patients. PAGln further showed prognostic value at low NT‐proBNP levels. Additionally, the interaction effects between PAGln and β‐blocker use were not significant. Conclusions: Plasma PAGln levels are an independent predictor of an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in HF. Our work could provide joint and complementary prognostic value to NT‐proBNP levels in HF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By analyzing the machining principles of helical milling and calculating the motion vectors in machining processes, an analytical model of cutting force in helical milling processes was established combined with the influences of side edges and bottom edges on cutting forces. The identification method of cutting force coefficient was put forward based on oblique cutting, and the constraint equations of friction angle, shear angle, and shear stress were derived according to the geometric relationships of oblique cutting processes. The experiments for identification of cutting force coefficient and helical milling of titanium alloys were carried out to verify the simulation values. The results show that the errors between the simulated and the experimental cutting forces are small, while the average error is as 9.55%, which verifies the validity of the oblique cutting coefficient identification method and the correctness of the cutting force model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common complication of alcohol abuse, while we lack safe and effective treatment for ALD. This study aimed to explore the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on lipid metabolism and gut microflora‐bile acid axis in alcohol‐exposed mice. NR significantly improved liver histopathological damage and abnormal liver function. NR as a provider of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) increased the NAD+/NADH ratio. Meanwhile, NR inhibited the activation of the protein phosphatase 1 signaling pathway, decreased the liver triglyceride and total bile acid levels, and reduced lipid accumulation. According to the results of gut microflora species analysis, NR intervention changed the microbial community structure at the phylum, family and genus levels, and the species abundances returned to a level similar to these of the normal control group. Besides, the results of high‐performance liquid chromatograph‐mass spectrometry showed that NR intervention resulted in fecal bile acid levels tending to be normal with decreased chenodeoxycholic acid level and increased deoxycholic acid and hyocholic acid levels. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a correlation between gut microflora and bile acids. Therefore, NR supplementation has the potential to prevent ALD, and its mechanism may be related to regulating lipid metabolism disorders and the gut microflora‐bile acid axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]