Association between childhood obesity and gut microbiota:16S rRNA gene sequencing-based cohort study

BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify characteristic gut genera in obese and normal-weight children(8-12 years old)using 16S rDNA sequencing.The research aimed to provide insights for mechanistic studies and prevention strategies for childhood obesity.Thirty normal-weight and thirty age-and sex-matched obese children were included.Questionnaires and body measurements were collected,and fecal samples underwent 16S rDNA sequencing.Significant differences in body mass index(BMI)and body-fat percentage were observed between the groups.Analysis of gut microbiota diversity revealed lowerα-diversity in obese children.Differences in gut microbiota composition were found between the two groups.Prevotella and Firmicutes were more abundant in the obese group,while Bacteroides and Sanguibacteroides were more prevalent in the control group.AIM To identify the characteristic gut genera in obese and normal-weight children(8-12-year-old)using 16S rDNA sequencing,and provide a basis for subsequent mechanistic studies and prevention strategies for childhood obesity.METHODS Thirty each normal-weight,1:1 matched for age and sex,and obese children,with an obese status from 2020 to 2022,were included in the control and obese groups,respectively.Basic information was collected through questionnaires and body measurements were obtained from both obese and normal-weight children.Fecal samples were collected from both groups and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform for gut microbiota diversity analysis.RESULTS Significant differences in BMI and body-fat percentage were observed between the two groups.The Ace and Chao1 indices were significantly lower in the obese group than those in the control group,whereas differences were not significant in the Shannon and Simpson indices.Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences in unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances between the gut microbiota of normal-weight and obese children(P<0.01),suggesting substantial disparities in both the species and quantity of gut microbiota between the two groups.Prevotella,Firmicutes,Bacteroides,and Sanguibacteroides were more abundant in the obese and control groups,respectively.Heatmap results demonstrated significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between obese and normal-weight children.CONCLUSION Obese children exhibited lowerα-diversity in their gut microbiota than did the normal-weight children.Significant differences were observed in the composition of gut microbiota between obese and normal-weight children.

Hydraulic properties and drought response of a tropical bamboo (Cephalostachyum pergracile)

Bamboo plants are an essential component of tropical ecosystems,yet their vulnerability to climate extremes,such as drought,is poorly understood due to limited knowledge of their hydraulic properties.Cephalostachyum pergracile,a commonly used tropical bamboo species,exhibited a substantially higher mortality rate than other co-occurring bamboos during a severe drought event in 2019,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study investigated the leaf and stem hydraulic traits related to drought responses,including leaf-stem embolism resistance(P50leaf;P50stem) estimated using optical and X-ray microtomography methods,leaf pressure-volume and water-releasing curves.Additionally,we investigated the seasonal water potentials,native embolism level(PLC) and xylem water source using stable isotope.We found that C.pergracile exhibited strong resistance to embolism,showing low P50leaf,P50stem,and turgor loss point,despite its rapid leaf water loss.Interestingly,its leaves displayed greater resistance to embolism than its stem,suggesting a lack of effective hydraulic vulnerability segmentation(HVS) to protect the stem from excessive xylem tension.During the dry season,approximately 49% of the water was absorbed from the upper 20-cm-deep soil layer.Consequently,significant diurnal variation in leaf water potentials and an increase in midday PLC from 5.87±2.33% in the wet season to 12.87±4.09%in the dry season were observed.In summary,this study demonstrated that the rapid leaf water loss,high reliance on surface water,and a lack of effective HVS in C.pergracile accelerated water depletion and increased xylem embolism even in the typical dry season,which may explain its high mortality rate during extreme drought events in 2019.

Developing and validating a predictive model of delivering large-forgestational-age infants among women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND The birth of large-for-gestational-age(LGA)infants is associated with many shortterm adverse pregnancy outcomes.It has been observed that the proportion of LGA infants born to pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is significantly higher than that born to healthy pregnant women.However,traditional methods for the diagnosis of LGA have limitations.Therefore,this study aims to establish a predictive model that can effectively identify women with GDM who are at risk of delivering LGA infants.AIM To develop and validate a nomogram prediction model of delivering LGA infants among pregnant women with GDM,and provide strategies for the effective prevention and timely intervention of LGA.METHODS The multivariable prediction model was developed by carrying out the following steps.First,the variables that were associated with LGA risk in pregnant women with GDM were screened by univariate analyses,for which the P value was<0.10.Subsequently,Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression was fit using ten cross-validations,and the optimal combination factors were se-lected by choosing lambda 1se as the criterion.The final predictors were deter-mined by multiple backward stepwise logistic regression analysis,in which only the independent variables were associated with LGA risk,with a P value<0.05.Finally,a risk prediction model was established and subsequently evaluated by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve and decision curve analyses.RESULTS After using a multistep screening method,we establish a predictive model.Several risk factors for delivering an LGA infant were identified(P<0.01),including weight gain during pregnancy,parity,triglyceride-glucose index,free tetraiodothyronine level,abdominal circumference,alanine transaminase-aspartate aminotransferase ratio and weight at 24 gestational weeks.The nomogram’s prediction ability was supported by the area under the curve(0.703,0.709,and 0.699 for the training cohort,validation cohort,and test cohort,respectively).The calibration curves of the three cohorts displayed good agreement.The decision curve showed that the use of the 10%-60%threshold for identifying pregnant women with GDM who are at risk of delivering an LGA infant would result in a positive net benefit.CONCLUSION Our nomogram incorporated easily accessible risk factors,facilitating individualized prediction of pregnant women with GDM who are likely to deliver an LGA infant.

醛糖还原酶抑制剂对屋尘螨诱导的人支气管上皮细胞炎症因子的影响

目的测定醛糖还原酶抑制剂对屋尘螨诱导的人支气管上皮细胞NF-κB及细胞因子表达水平的影响,探索气道炎症的新干预措施。方法将人支气管上皮细胞分为空白对照组(空白对照)、屋尘螨组(屋尘螨)、屋尘螨+Zopol组[屋尘螨+醛糖还原酶抑制剂唑泊司他(Zopol)]及Zopol组(醛糖还原酶抑制剂Zopol),检测各组细胞NF-κB/p65 mRNA的相对表达量、NF-κB/p65核蛋白、上清液中IL-29及IL-6的蛋白含量。结果屋尘螨+Zopol组经屋尘螨及醛糖还原酶抑制剂共同作用24 h后,人支气管上皮细胞的NF-κB/p65 mRNA、NF-κB/p65核蛋白相对表达量、IL-6及IL-29蛋白水平均低于屋尘螨组(P <0.05),但高于空白对照组(P<0.05),Zopol组与空白对照组之间,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论醛糖还原酶抑制剂Zopol调控了NF-κB介导的炎症信号,减少人支气管上皮细胞炎症因子的表达。

Assessment of liver fibrosis by Fibroscan as compared to liver biopsy in biliary atresia

AIM: To evaluate liver stiffness measurement(LSM)using non-invasive transient elastography(Fibroscan)in comparison with liver biopsy for assessment of liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: Thirty-one children with BA admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2012 to February 2013 were included in this study. Their preoperative LSM, liver biopsy findings, and laboratory results were studied retrospectively.RESULTS: The grade of liver fibrosis in all 31 patients was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, which showed that 4 cases were in group F2, 20 in group F3 and 7 in group F4. There were 24non-cirrhosis cases(F2-F3) and 7 cirrhosis cases(F4).In groups F2, F3 and F4, the mean LSM was 9.10 ±3.30 kPa, 11.02 ± 3.31 kPa and 22.86 ± 12.43 kPa,respectively. LSM was statistically different between groups F2 and F4(P = 0.002), and between groups F3 and F4(P = 0.000), however, there was no statistical difference between groups F2 and F3(P = 0.593). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LSM for ≥ F4 was 0.866. The cut-off value of LSM was 15.15 kPa for ≥ F4, with a sensitivity, specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.857, 0.917, 0.750 and 0.957, respectively.CONCLUSION: Fibroscan can be used as a noninvasive technique to assess liver fibrosis in children with BA. The cut-off value of LSM(15.15 kPa) can distinguish cirrhotic patients from non-cirrhotic patients.

Stability of a rat model of prehepatic portal hypertension caused by partial ligation of the portal vein

AIM： To study the stability of portal hypertension （PHT） caused by partial ligation of the portal vein ligation （PVL） in a rat model.METHODS： Thirty male adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups： 10 in Group Ⅰ received a sham operation; and 20 in Group Ⅱreceived partial PVL. Portal vein pressure （PVP） was measured at four time periods： before ligation, 2 wk, 6 wk and 10 wk postsurgery. Portal venography, blood sampling and liver and spleen pathological examinations were conducted at 10 wk after surgery.RESULTS： The PVP was 9.15± 0.58 cmH2O before ligation, and increased to 17.32 ±0.63 cmH2O 2 wk after PVL. By repeat measurement of the PVP in each rat, it was shown to remain elevated for 10 wk. There were no significant differences in the pressure measurements at 2 wk, 6 wk and 10 wk. Varices were found mainly in the mesenteric vein 2 wk after PVL, which were more obvious later, while these manifestations were similar at week 6 and week 10. Portal venography demonstrated the varices and collaterals. There was no significant change in liver pathology. The volume of the spleen was enlarged 2-fold after ligation, and the sinus of the spleen was enlarged due to congestion. Significant sinus endothelial cell proliferation was observed, but no evidence of hypersplenia was found on hemogram and biochemical examination.CONCLUSION： These findings suggest that a satisfactory prehepatic PHT rat model can be obtained by partial ligation of the portal vein, and this PHT rat model was stable for at least 10 wk.

Soil microbes alleviate allelopathy of invasive plants

Soil microbes are one of the most important determinants of allelopathic effects in the field. However, most studies testing the role of allelopathy in biological invasions did not consider the roles of soil microbes. Here we tested the hypothesis that soil microbes which can degrade allelochemicals may accumulate in soils over time by adaptation and therefore increase the degradation of allelochemicals and alleviate the allelopathic effects in biological invasions. As expected, soil microbes signifi- cantly decreased the allelopathic effects of leaf leachates of eight in the nine invasive plant species studied. In addition, Ageratina adenophora showed lower allelopathic effects in soil with long or intermediately invasion history than those in soil with short invasion history. The two main allelo- chemicals of the invader were degraded more rapidly with increasing invasion history in the soil. Correspondingly,biomass and activity of the soil microbes were higher in the soils with long invasion history than in that with short invasion history. Our results indicate that soil microbes may graduaUy adapt to the allelochemicals of Ageratina and alleviate its allelopathic effects and thus support the above hypothesis. It is necessary to consider the effects of soil microbes when testing the roles of allelopathy or the novel weapons hypothesis in biological invasions.

Surgical management of newborns with combined tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, and duodenal obstruction

To the Editor: The incidence of esophageal atresia (EA) along with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is approximately 1/3000 in newborns.[1] A large population study revealed that 46% of patients with TEF/EA had at least one of the other vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheal, esophageal, renal, and limb (VACTERL) malformations.[2] Duodenal obstruction has an incidence of 1/7000 live births and can be caused by duodenal atresia (DA) or annular pancreas (AP).[3] AP is an uncommon congenital anomaly, and duodenal obstruction most commonly presents in the infancy or early childhood of patients.[4] The incidence of DA combined with EA varies between 3% and 6%,[5] and DA combined with EA is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality.[6]

Advances of Long Noncoding RNAs-mediated Regulation in Reproduction

Objective： Advances in genomics and molecular biology have led to the discovery of a large group of uncharacterized long noncoding RNAs （lncRNAs）. Emerging evidence indicated that many lncRNAs function in multiple biological processes and its dysregulation otten causes diseases. Recent studies suggested that almost all regulatory lncRNAs interact with biological macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein. LncRNAs regulate gene expression mainly on three levels, including epigenetic modification, transcription, and posttranscription, through DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. LncRNAs can also affect the development of diseases and tllerefore be used to diagnose and treat diseases. With new sequencing and microarray techniques, hundreds oflncRNAs involved in reproductive disorders have been identified, but their functions in these disorders are undefined. Data Sources： This review was based on articles published in PubMed databases up to July 10, 2017, with the tbllowing keywords： ＂long noncoding RNAs＂, ＂＇LncRNA＂, ＂placentation＂, and ＂＇reproductive diseases＂. Study Selection： Original articles and reviews on the topics were selected. Results： LncRNAs widely participate in various physiological and pathological processes as a new class of important regulatory/＇,actors. In spermatogenesis, spermatocytes divide and differentiate into mature spermatozoa. The whole process is elaborately regulated by the expression of phase-specific genes that involve many strains of lncRNAs. Literature showed that IncRNA in reproductive cumulus cells may contribute to the regulation of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development. Conclusions： LncRNA has been found to play a role in the development of reproduction. Meanwhile, we reviewed the studies on how lncRNAs participate in reproductive disorders, which provides a basis fbr the study of [ncRNA in reproduction regulation.

Association of neonatal blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with development of autism spectrum disorder:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Our goal was to evaluate the association between neonatal blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)level and autism spectrum disorder(ASD)diagnosis later in life.Methods MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until September 16,2020.Reference lists of all relevant articles also were reviewed.Mean blood BDNF concentrations,standard deviations,sample sizes,and other data needed for calculation of effect sizes were extracted by two independent investigators.The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control studies.Data were pooled using the random-effects model.Results Five case-control studies involving 1341 cases and 3395 controls were included in the meta-analysis.The meta-analysis of all included studies showed no significant difference in blood BDNF levels between neonates diagnosed with ASD later in life and healthy controls[standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.261;95%confidence interval(CI)-0.052 to 0.573;P=0.102],with high level of heterogeneity(Q=64.346;I2=93.784;P<0.001).A subgroup analysis by assay type showed decreased blood BDNF levels in ASDs compared to controls(SMD=—0.070;95%CI-0.114 to-0.026;P=0.002),with high level of homogeneity(Q=0.894;I2=0.000;P=0.827).No evidence of publication bias was observed.Conclusions Neonates diagnosed with ASD later in life have decreased blood levels of BDNF measured by double-antibody immunoassay.More studies are warranted to facilitate a more robust conclusion.

Redo pull-through in total colonic aganglionosis due to residual aganglionosis:a single center’s experience

Background Reoperation for total colonic aganglionosis(TCA)may be required for residual aganglionosis after an initial radical operation.We aimed to investigate the symptoms,management,and outcomes of patients who required a redo pullthrough(Redo PT).Methods Nine TCA patients underwent Redo PT at our center between 2007 and 2017.Their medical records were reviewed.Parental telephone interviews that included disease-specific clinical outcomes were conducted,and post-operative complications and long-termoutcomes(including height-for-age/weight-for-age and bowel-function score)were compared to those of single-pull-through(Single PT)patients(n=21).Results All the nine Redo PT patients suffered obstruction within 1 month after the initial operation that could not be alleviated by conservative treatment.All abdominal X-ray/contrast barium enemas showed proximal bowel dilatation,indicating residual aganglionosis.The median ages at the initial operation and Redo PT were 200 and 509 days,respectively.Reoperation consisted of an intraoperative frozen biopsy and a modified laparotomic Soave procedure in all patients.Postoperative complications included perianal excoriation(n=3),intestinal obstruction(n=2),enterocolitis(n=2),and rectovestibular fistula(n=1).Seven Redo PT patients were followed up for a mean time of 7.162.3 years;six(85.7%)had good growth and four(57.1%)had good bowel-function recovery.Post-operative complications and long-term outcomes were almost equal between the Redo PT and Single PT groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion TCA patients with recurrent obstructive symptoms and dilated proximal bowel may have residual aganglionosis after an initial operation.Redo PT is effective and provides good long-termoutcomes comparable to those of patients who benefited from Single PT.

中南半岛热带森林光合碳同化的季节动态

热带森林因其生物量巨大、结构复杂和生物多样而著称。然而,关于这些森林光合作用的季节动态及其少水期间的生态适应仍知之甚少。本文利用中南半岛上跨20个纬度(2°-22°N)的自然梯度带,探讨了季节性水分条件变化对中南半岛热带森林光合作用季节动态的影响及其机理。研究结果表明,对于气候季节性明显的热带森林,不论其为常绿、落叶还是半落叶,其雨季的森林冠层光合作用(或称总初级生产总值,GPP)明显高于旱季。缺乏气候季节性的常湿热带雨林,GPP呈现“双峰”季节格局;而且,这种季节格局与太阳辐射之间有较好的对应关系。旱季或者是短干旱期内,冠层导度(Gs)有明显下降,显示出水分对气孔开度的抑制作用。然而,这种气孔开度的降低,并未导致近赤道的常湿低地雨林GPP的下降。也就是说,常湿低地雨林GPP在季节尺度上,表现为光限制而非水分限制。气候季节性明显的3个站点,不论Gs还是GPP在旱季明显低于雨季,则表现出明显的水分限制。

Advantage of surgical intensive care unit(SICU)predominant by cardiothoracic surgeons in multiple trauma management in a primary hospital

Purpose It is a challenge for the primary hospitals to manage multiple trauma patients.In this article,we explored the advantage of establishing a surgical intensive care unit(SICU)predominant by cardiothoracic surgeons in the early management of multiple trauma.Methods This was a retrospective study and patients with multiple trauma in our hospital were collected and divided into two groups,based on time period and treat modes:group A(retrospective observation group)where patients were treated with the traditional treatment mode from January 2017 to December 2017 and group B(study group)where patients were treated in the SICU predominant by cardiothoracic surgeons from January 2018 to December 2018.Clinical data including demographics,injury severity score(ISS),causes of injury,time intervals from reception to entering SICU or operating room and mortality three days after injuries were collected.Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software.Categorical variables were presented as number and/or frequency and continuous variables as mean±SD.Results Altogether 406 patients were included in this study,including 217 patients in group A and 189 patients in group B.General data between the two groups revealed no significant difference:mean age(years)(35.51±12.97 vs.33.62±13.61,p=0.631),gender distribution(mean/female,130/87 vs.116/73,p=0.589)and ISS(15.92±7.95 vs.16.16±6.89,p=0.698).Fall from height were the dominant mechanism of injury,with 135 cases in group A(71.4%)and 121 cases in group B(55.8%),followed by traffic accidents.Injury mechanism showed no significant differences between two groups(p=1.256).Introduction of the SICU significantly improved the care of trauma patients,regarding speed and mortality.Time intervals between reception and entering SICU or operating room was(108.23±6.72)min and(45.67±7.96)min in group A and B,respectively(p=0.001).Mortality three days after injuries was 13.89%and 5.53%in group A and B,respectively(p=0.005).Conclusion Establishing a SICU predominant by cardiothoracic surgeons can reduce the early mortality rates in multiple trauma patients.

Evaluation of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for gynecological tumors

Circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA)is a DNA fragment released into the peripheral blood by apoptotic or necrotic tumor cells,which carry the basic genetic information after gene mutation.The detection and analysis of ctDNA can provide genomic information on the size and development of tumor;therefore,it is considered as an emerging and promising tumor biomarker for cancer progression,reoccurrence,and routine monitoring after surgery.Albeit the isolation method is relatively simple due to the stability of ctDNA,the abundance of ctDNA is extremely low,and result from the high content of background cell free DNA(cfDNA),the large difference between individuals,and the need of predicted detection sites,it is necessary to analyze ctDNA in a comprehensive way.At present,the main methods that meet the needs of ctDNA detection with sensitivity and specificity are amplification refractory mutation system PCR(ARMS-PCR),digital-PCR(dPCR)and high-throughput sequencing.Among them,dPCR has advantages in practicality,which can realize absolute quantification of single-molecule DNA,detect and trace DNA molecules and conduct quantitative analysis,providing a reliable basis for clinical monitoring of tumor recurrence and minimal residual diseases.The study reviews the detection and potential value of ctDNA in gynecologic tumors.

The Influence of Sperm DNA Damage and Semen Homocysteine on Male Infertility

Background:To explore the relationship of sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI),serum and seminal plasma homocysteine(Hcy),and semen parameters in patients with severe spermatogenetic dysfunction.Methods:A total of 77 infertile males treated in our hospital for severe spermatogenetic dysfunction from January 2016 to November 2017 were recruited.The involved patients were divided into two groups:oligozoospermia(SOM group,35 cases)and asthenozoospermia(OAT group,42 cases).The control group(NM group)contained 31 healthy males without reproductive dysfunctions.All the participants involved were tested in the items below:spermatozoa parameters,spermatozoa DFI,serum Hcy level and seminal plasma Hcy level,concentration of seminal plasma malondialdehyde(MDA),and total antioxidant capacity(TAC).Results:Between the SOM group and NM group,there were significantly difference in sperm concentration,motility and vitality,concentration of MDA,and TAC.The spermatozoa DFI and Hcy levels in SOM group were significantly higher than those of the NM group.Sperm DFI was positively correlated with serum Hcy level(r=0.083,P<0.05).Serum Hcy level was negatively correlated with sperm concentration(r=−0.186,P<0.05)and sperm vitality(r=−0.216,P<0.05).The serum Hcy level was not correlated with sperm Hcy level(r=0.103,P>0.05).Conclusions:The elevated Hcy level and spermatozoa DFI may be important factors of the severe spermatogenetic dysfunction,which can be used as semen index to evaluate sperm quality and male fertility.