Fanlian Huazhuo Formula alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by modulating autophagy and lipid synthesis signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Fanlian Huazhuo Formula(FLHZF)has the functions of invigorating spleen and resolving phlegm,clearing heat and purging turbidity.It has been identified to have therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)in clinical application.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is frequently diagnosed in patients with T2DM.However,the therapeutic potential of FLHZF on NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms need further investigation.AIM To elucidate the effects of FLHZF on NAFLD and explore the underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.METHODS HepG2 cells were treated with free fatty acid for 24 hours to induce lipid accumulation cell model.Subsequently,experiments were conducted with the different concentrations of freeze-dried powder of FLHZF for 24 hours.C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8-week to establish a mouse model of NAFLD,and then treated with the different concentrations of FLHZF for 10 weeks.RESULTS FLHZF had therapeutic potential against lipid accumulation and abnormal changes in biochemical indicators in vivo and in vitro.Further experiments verified that FLHZF alleviated abnormal lipid metabolism might by reducing oxidative stress,regulating the AMPKα/SREBP-1C signaling pathway,activating autophagy,and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.CONCLUSION FLHZF alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism in NAFLD models by regulating reactive oxygen species,autophagy,apoptosis,and lipid synthesis signaling pathways,indicating its potential for clinical application in NAFLD.

COMPLETE KAHLER METRICS WITH POSITIVE HOLOMORPHIC SECTIONAL CURVATURES ON CERTAIN LINE BUNDLES(RELATED TO A COHOMOGENEITY ONE POINT OF VIEW ON A YAU CONJECTURE)

In this article,we study Kahler metrics on a certain line bundle over some compact Kahler manifolds to find complete Kahler metrics with positive holomorphic sectional(or bisectional)curvatures.Thus,we apply a strategy to a famous Yau conjecture with a co-homogeneity one geometry.

Loss of LBP triggers lipid metabolic disorder through H3K27 acetylation-mediated C/EBPβ-SCD activation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is associated with mutations in lipopolysaccharide-binding protein(LBP),but the underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain understudied.Herein,LBP^(-/-)rats with NAFLD were established and used to conduct integrative targetingactive enhancer histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation(H3K27ac)chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput and transcriptomic sequencing analysis to explore the potential epigenetic pathomechanisms of active enhancers of NAFLD exacerbation upon LBP deficiency.Notably,LBP^(-/-)reduced the inflammatory response but markedly aggravated high-fat diet(HFD)-induced NAFLD in rats,with pronounced alterations in the histone acetylome and regulatory transcriptome.In total,1128 differential enhancer-target genes significantly enriched in cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism were identified between wild-type(WT)and LBP^(-/-)NAFLD rats.Based on integrative analysis,CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteinβ(C/EBPβ)was identified as a pivotal transcription factor(TF)and contributor to dysregulated histone acetylome H3K27ac,and the lipid metabolism gene SCD was identified as a downstream effector exacerbating NAFLD.This study not only broadens our understanding of the essential role of LBP in the pathogenesis of NAFLD from an epigenetics perspective but also identifies key TF C/EBPβand functional gene SCD as potential regulators and therapeutic targets.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Experimental Investigation of the Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity of C/SiC Composite Thin Slab

Fiber-reinforced composites possess anisotropic mechanical and heat transfer properties due to their anisotropic fibers and structure distribution.In C/Si C composites,the out-of-plane thermal conductivity has mainly been studied,whereas the in-plane thermal conductivity has received less attention due to their limited thickness.

The influence of different types of satisfaction on loyalty on C2C online shopping platform:From the perspective of sellers and the platform

With the rise and development of major types of platforms,the competition for resources has become extremely fierce,and the market share of C2C platforms has been seriously threatened by the loss of resources.Therefore,building and maintaining buyers’satisfaction and loyalty to C2C platforms is critical to the survival and sustainability of C2C platforms in China.However,the current knowledge on how platform satisfaction and loyalty are constructed in the C2C e-commerce environment is incomplete.In this study,seller-based satisfaction and platform-based satisfaction are constructed separately.We further distinguish seller-based transaction satisfaction into economic and social satisfaction and explore their antecedents and consequences.To test our research hypotheses,we conduct a survey and collect data from a real online market(Taobao website).The results show that seller-based transaction satisfaction positively affects platform-based overall satisfaction and loyalty,and that perceived product quality,perceived assurance,and perceived price fairness all have a significant effect on economic satisfaction,whereas perceived relationship quality and perceived empathy significantly influence social satisfaction.These findings help us understand the literature related to customer satisfaction in the context of C2C in China and provide inspiration for online sellers and platforms.

Effect of cytochrome P4502C19(CYP2C19)gene polymorphism and clopidogrel reactivity on long term prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease after PCI

Objective To investigate the impact of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on clopidogrel reactivity and its association with longterm clinical outcome in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods In total,675 patients were enrolled.Based on the platelet inhibition rate,patients were categorized into two groups:clopidogrel low responsiveness(CLR)and normal clopidogrel responsiveness(NCR).The CLR group was divided into ticagrelor and clopidogrel group based on the antiplatelet drugs used in the follow-up treatment.Patients were classified into three groups(normal metabolizer,intermediate metabolizer,and poor metabolizer)based on the CYP2C19 genotype.We aimed to evaluate the impact of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on clopidogrel reactivity.The cumulative rates of 12-month all-cause deaths,major adverse cardiovascular events(MACCEs),and bleeding events were calculated.Results CLR was observed in 44.4%of the overall population.Significant differences were observed in the platelet inhibition rate of clopidogrel among the three metabolic genotypes(P<0.05).At the 12-month follow-up,13 patients(1.9%)died and 96 patients(14.2%)experienced MACCEs.Patients with CLR(9.6%vs.11.7%vs.22.1%,P<0.05)or poor metabolizer(10.7%vs.16.4%vs.22.6%,P=0.026)experienced a higher rate of MACCEs.A MACCEs risk score between zero and two was calculated.The highest incidence of MACCEs significantly increased with the 2-positive results,and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.712(95%CI:0.650-0.774,P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the group with a score of one and the occurrence of MACCEs(P>0.05).Conclusions Low response to clopidogrel in CHD patients is correlated with CYP2C19 gene polymorphism.CYP2C19 genotyping combined with platelet reactivity is an independent predictor of 12-months MACCEs in patients with clopidogrel treatment after PCI,which is better than either test alone.

Viral Hepatitis B and C: Epidemiological, Clinical and Paraclinical Aspects in the Internal Medicine Department of KARA University Hospital in Togo

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B and C constitute real public health problems worldwide. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of viral hepatitis B and c in the internal medicine department of Kara University Hospital. Method: this was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Internal Medicine department of Kara University Hospital, over a period of 3 years from March 2020 to April 2023. It included all patients seen in consultation or hospitalized for hepatitis viral B and/or C. Results: A total of 57 patients were included in our study. The average age was 44.30 years ± 16.75 and the M/F sex ratio was 1.38. Married people were in the majority 63.2%. The circumstances of the discovery of viral hepatitis B and C were dominated by abdominal pain in 35.1% of cases and hepatomegaly in 29.8% of cases and in 33.3% of cases, it was during screening voluntary. Patients with viral hepatitis B only accounted for 64.9% of cases;those with only viral hepatitis C represented 31.6% of cases and 3.5% of cases had HVB/HCV co-infection. We recorded 36.8% complications including 52.4% liver cirrhosis and 47.6% hepatocellular carcinomas. During the evolution, there were 03 deaths. Conclusion: the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus carriage in patients followed in internal medicine at Kara University Hospital is high. It is therefore essential to put in place treatment and prevention strategies against these viruses.

Insights into sensitizing and eliciting capacity of gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products of shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins in BALB/c mice

Shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins have been shown an allergenic potential;however,little information is available on the sensitizing and eliciting capacity of shrimp protein digestion products.In this study,a BALB/c mice model was used to explore the allergenicity of shrimp protein sample(SPS)and their gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products(GDS/GIDS).As compared with the SPS groups,the GDS/GIDS groups caused lower specific immunoglobulins(Ig E/Ig G1)levels(P<0.05),but higher than the control groups,indicating that the digestion products sensitized the mice.Meanwhile,spleen index,mouse mast cell protease-1(m MCP-1)concentration and proportion of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in the GDS/GIDS groups(P<0.05);simultaneously,allergic symptoms,vascular permeability and histopathological changes of tissues were alleviated.Nevertheless,the allergenicity of digestion products cannot be eliminated and still cause systemic allergic reactions in mice.The study showed that the digestion products of shrimp still had high sensitizing and eliciting capacity.

Global trends in hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma mortality:A public database analysis(1999-2019)

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and it significantly contributes to the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,there are marked variations in the incidence and mortality rates of HCC across different geographical regions.With the advent of new widely available treatment modalities,such as direct-acting antivirals,it is becoming increasingly imperative to understand the temporal and geographical trends in HCC mortality associated with Hepatitis C.Furthermore,gender disparities in HCC mortality related to Hepatitis C are a crucial,yet underexplored aspect that adds to the disease's global impact.While some studies shed light on gender-specific trends,there is a lack of comprehensive data on global and regional mortality rates,particularly those highlighting gender disparities.This gap in knowledge hinders the development of targeted interventions and resource allocation strategies.DISCUSSION The results of our study show an overall decline in the mortality rates of patients with hepatitis C-related HCC over the last two decades.Notably,females exhibited a remarkable decrease in mortality compared to males.Regionally,East Asia and the Pacific displayed a significant decline in mortality,while Europe and Central Asia witnessed an upward trend.Latin America and the Caribbean also experienced an increase in mortality rates.However,no significant difference was observed in the Middle East and North Africa.North America exhibited a notable upward trend.South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa significantly declined throughout the study period.This raises the hope of identifying areas for implementing more targeted resources.Despite some progress,multiple challenges remain in meeting the WHO 2030 goal of eliminating viral hepatitis[24].

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis C genotype 3 infection:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus(HCV)is a blood-borne virus which globally affects around 79 million people and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Chronic infection leads to cirrhosis in a large proportion of patients and often causes hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in people with cirrhosis.Of the 6 HCV genotypes(G1-G6),genotype-3 accounts for 17.9%of infections.HCV genotype-3 responds least well to directly-acting antivirals and patients with genotype-3 infection are at increased risk of HCC even if they do not have cirrhosis.AIM To systematically review and critically appraise all risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV-G3 in all settings.Consequently,we studied possible risk factors for HCC due to HCV-G3 in the literature from 1946 to 2023.METHODS This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing and published studies of risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3 and evaluate their strengths and limitations.We searched Web of Science,Medline,EMBASE,and CENTRAL for publications reporting risk factors for HCC due to HCV genotype-3 in all settings,1946-2023.RESULTS Four thousand one hundred and forty-four records were identified from the four databases with 260 records removed as duplicates.Three thousand eight hundred and eighty-four records were screened with 3514 excluded.Three hundred and seventy-one full-texts were assessed for eligibility with seven studies included for analysis.Of the seven studies,three studies were retrospective case-control trials,two retrospective cohort studies,one a prospective cohort study and one a cross-sectional study design.All were based in hospital settings with four in Pakistan,two in South Korea and one in the United States.The total number of participants were 9621 of which 167 developed HCC(1.7%).All seven studies found cirrhosis to be a risk factor for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3 followed by higher age(five-studies),with two studies each showing male sex,high alpha feto-protein,directly-acting antivirals treatment and achievement of sustained virologic response as risk factors for developing HCC.CONCLUSION Although,studies have shown that HCV genotype-3 infection is an independent risk factor for end-stage liver disease,HCC,and liver-related death,there is a lack of evidence for specific risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3.Only cirrhosis and age have demonstrated an association;however,the number of studies is very small,and more research is required to investigate risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3.

Multi-scale Modeling and Finite Element Analyses of Thermal Conductivity of 3D C/SiC Composites Fabricating by Flexible-Oriented Woven Process

Thermal conductivity is one of the most significant criterion of three-dimensional carbon fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites(3D C/SiC).Represent volume element(RVE)models of microscale,void/matrix and mesoscale proposed in this work are used to simulate the thermal conductivity behaviors of the 3D C/SiC composites.An entirely new process is introduced to weave the preform with three-dimensional orthogonal architecture.The 3D steady-state analysis step is created for assessing the thermal conductivity behaviors of the composites by applying periodic temperature boundary conditions.Three RVE models of cuboid,hexagonal and fiber random distribution are respectively developed to comparatively study the influence of fiber package pattern on the thermal conductivities at the microscale.Besides,the effect of void morphology on the thermal conductivity of the matrix is analyzed by the void/matrix models.The prediction results at the mesoscale correspond closely to the experimental values.The effect of the porosities and fiber volume fractions on the thermal conductivities is also taken into consideration.The multi-scale models mentioned in this paper can be used to predict the thermal conductivity behaviors of other composites with complex structures.

Mercury Levels Assessment in the Population of Aby and Frambo Villages in the Vinicity of Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. Considering age, the lowest concentrations were observed with children. However, when we take in account the age groups, data suggested that the most exposed sub-population of [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic assessment of the origin of NO_(3)^(−)and N-NH_(3)contents in the aquifer located in a closed lacustrine volcano-sedimentary basin in the metropolitan area of Mexico City

To explain the presence and spatial distribution of NO_(3)^(−)and N-NH_(3)in the Aquifer of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City(AMAMC),a hydrogeochemical and isotopic analysis using^(13)C DIC(as well as the stable isotopes^(18)O and^(2)H)in groundwater was conducted.This aquifer is located in an old closed lacustrine volcano-sedimentary basin;some wells hosted in the semi-confined zone contain high N-NH_(3)concentrations,while others present NO_(3)^(−)contents in the recharge zones(hosted in an oxidizing environment).In this study,a change in the isotopic signature(primarily in^(18)O and^(2)H)was observed from the recharge zones to the basin center in some of the wells with high NO_(3)^(−)concentrations,this behavior can be attributed to evaporation during the incorporation of recently infiltrated water.In addition,the results for^(13)C(along with ^(2) H)in wells with the highest N-NH_(3)concentrations exhibited an atypically broad range of values.Results indicated the occurrence of hydrogeochemical and/or biochemical processes in the aquifer(in an oxidizing or reducing environment),such as organic degradation,bacterial decomposition(primarily in the ancient Lake Texcoco and which acts as a natural sink for carbon,nitrogen,sulfur,and phosphorus),besides rock weathering and dissolution,which may be responsible for a very marked isotopic modification of the^(13)C(and,to a lesser extent,2 H).Methanotrophic bacterial activity and methanogenic activity may be related to N-NH_(3)removal processes by oxidation and residual water incorporation respectively,whereas the increase in the NO_(3)^(−)content in some wells is due to the recent contribution of poor-quality water due to contamination.

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition affects forest plant and soil system carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus stoichiometric flexibility:A meta-analysis

Background:Nitrogen(N)deposition affects forest stoichiometric flexibility through changing soil nutrient availability to influence plant uptake.However,the effect of N deposition on the flexibility of carbon(C),N,and phosphorus(P)in forest plant-soil-microbe systems remains unclear.Methods:We conducted a meta-analysis based on 751 pairs of observations to evaluate the responses of plant,soil and microbial biomass C,N and P nutrients and stoichiometry to N addition in different N intensity(050,50–100,>100 kg·ha^(-1)·year^(-1)of N),duration(0–5,>5 year),method(understory,canopy),and matter(ammonium N,nitrate N,organic N,mixed N).Results:N addition significantly increased plant N:P(leaf:14.98%,root:13.29%),plant C:P(leaf:6.8%,root:25.44%),soil N:P(13.94%),soil C:P(10.86%),microbial biomass N:P(23.58%),microbial biomass C:P(12.62%),but reduced plant C:N(leaf:6.49%,root:9.02%).Furthermore,plant C:N:P stoichiometry changed significantly under short-term N inputs,while soil and microorganisms changed drastically under high N addition.Canopy N addition primarily affected plant C:N:P stoichiometry through altering plant N content,while understory N inputs altered more by influencing soil C and P content.Organic N significantly influenced plant and soil C:N and C:P,while ammonia N changed plant N:P.Plant C:P and soil C:N were strongly correlated with mean annual precipitation(MAT),and the C:N:P stoichiometric flexibility in soil and plant under N addition connected with soil depth.Besides,N addition decoupled the correlations between soil microorganisms and the plant.Conclusions:N addition significantly increased the C:P and N:P in soil,plant,and microbial biomass,reducing plant C:N,and aggravated forest P limitations.Significantly,these impacts were contingent on climate types,soil layers,and N input forms.The findings enhance our comprehension of the plant-soil system nutrient cycling mechanisms in forest ecosystems and plant strategy responses to N deposition.

Stability analysis of intermittently jointed rock slopes based on the stepped failure mode

In practical engineering,due to the noncontinuity characteristics of joints in rock slopes,in addition to plane failure,stepped sliding failure may occur for intermittently jointed rock slopes.Especially for intermittently bedding jointed rock slopes,the correlation and difference in strength parameters between joints and rock bridges,along with the various failure modes and intermittency of rock bridges,contribute to the complexity of stepped failure modes and the unpredictability of failure regions.Based on the upper-bound limit analysis method and multi-sliders step-path failure mode,considering the shear and tensile failure of rock bridges and the weakened relationship between the strength parameters of rock bridges and jointed surfaces,by introducing the modified M-C failure criterion and the formula for calculating the energy consumption of tensile failure of rock bridges,two failure mechanisms are constructed to obtain the safety factor(F_(s))of intermittently jointed rock slopes.The sequential quadratic programming method is used to obtain the optimal upper-bound solution for F_(s).The influence of multiple key parameters(slope height H,horizontal distance L,Slope angleβ,shear strength parameters of the rock bridgeφr and cr,Dimensionless parameter u,weakening coefficients of the internal friction angle and cohesion between the rock bridges and joint surfaces Kφand Kc)on the stability analysis of intermittently jointed rock slopes under the shear failure mode of rock bridges as well as under the tensile failure mode is also explored.The reliability of the failure mechanisms is verified by comparative analysis with theoretical results,numerical results,and landslide cases,and the variation rules of F_(s)with each key parameter are obtained.The results show that F_(s) varies linearly withφr and cr of the rock bridge and with K_(φ)and K_(c),whereas F_(s)changes nonlinearly with H and L.In particular,with the increase in Kφand Kc,Fs increases by approximately 52.78%and 171.02%on average,respectively.For rock bridge tensile failure,F_(s) shows a nonlinearly positive correlation withφr,cr,Kφand Kc.In particular,with the increase in Kφand Kc,Fs increases by approximately 13%and 61.69%on average,respectively.Fs decreases rapidly with increasing slope gradientβand decreasing dimensionless parameterμ.When Kφand Kc are both less than 1.0,the stepped sliding surface occurs more easily than the plane failure surface,especially in the case of tensile failure of the rock bridge.In addition,rock slopes with higher strength parameters,taller heights,and greater weakening coefficients are prone to rock bridge tension failure with lower Fs,and more attention should be given to the occurrence of such accidents in actual engineering.

Epiphytic zooplankton community profiles in a typical urban wetland as revealed by DNA metabarcoding

Zooplankton,a crucial component of urban wetland,are one of the effective bioindicators for monitoring the feeding stocks of organisms at higher trophic levels and assessing the ecological quality of ecosystems.However,information about the characteristics of epiphytic zooplankton community structure resulted from traditional methods is limited and hindered by the large amount of detritus and sludge attached to the macrophytes.We investigated the epiphytic zooplankton communities associated with macrophytes(Vallisneria,Nymphaea,and Thalia dealbata)in a subtropical wetland using as DNA markers of the 18 S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI)gene.A total of 241 OTUs of zooplankton were obtained from COI amplicons,including 194 OTUs of Rotifera,22 of Cladocera,and 25 of Copepoda,while only 62 OTUs of zooplankton were obtained from 18 S rDNA amplicons including 34 OTUs of Rotifera and 28 of Copepoda.The zooplankton communities associated with the three macrophytes were similar,but they differed significantly from those in the open waters.However,there were no significant temporal differences among the zooplankton communities.Epiphytic zooplankton communities were dominated by littoral zooplankton such as Testudinella,Lecane,and Philodina.Microzooplankton,especially littoral species,utilize macrophytes as food sources and as refuges against predation.This further led to an increase inαandβdiversity of zooplankton communities in urban wetlands.Our result suggests that the joint use of multiple molecular markers could improve the taxonomic resolution and generate a comprehensive biodiversity profile of zooplankton.

Effect of viral hepatitis on type 2 diabetes:A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND The effects of viral hepatitis(VH)on type 2 diabetes(T2D)remain controversial.AIM To analyze the causal correlation between different types of VH and T2D using Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms of VH,chronic hepatitis B(CHB),chronic hepatitis C(CHC)and T2D were obtained from the BioBank Japan Project,European Bioinformatics Institute,and FinnGen.Inverse variance weighted,MREgger,and weighted median were used to test exposure-outcome associations.The MR-Egger intercept analysis and Cochran’s Q test were used to assess horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity,respectively.Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness of the MR analysis results.RESULTS The MR analysis showed no significant causal relationship between VH and T2D in Europeans[odds ratio(OR)=1.028;95%confidence interval(CI):0.995-1.062,P=0.101].There was a negative causal association between CHB and T2D among East Asians(OR=0.949;95%CI:0.931-0.968,P<0.001),while there was no significant causal association between CHC and T2D among East Asians(OR=1.018;95%CI:0.959-1.081,P=0.551).Intercept analysis and Cochran’s Q test showed no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity(P>0.05).Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.CONCLUSION Among East Asians,CHB is associated with a reduced T2D risk,but this association is limited by HBV load and cirrhosis.Although VH among Europeans and CHC among East Asians are not associated with the risk of T2D,focusing on blood glucose in patients with CHC is still relevant for the early detection of T2D induced by CHCmediated pathways of hepatic steatosis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis.

Hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin,doubase C,and QTc prolongation in congolese patients with COVID-19:Myth or reality?

BACKGROUND QTc interval prolongation with an increased risk of torsade de pointes(Tsd)has been described in coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients treated with hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)and azithromycin(AZI)in Western countries.In the DR Congo,few studies have evaluated the safety of this association or proposed new molecules.AIM To determine the incidence of QTc prolongation and Tsd in COVID-19 patients treated with HCQ-AZIs vs doubase C(new molecule).METHODS In present randomized clinical trial,we have included patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 treated with either HCQ-AZI or doubase C.Electrocardiogram(ECG)changes on day 14 of randomization were determined based on pretreatment tracing.Prolonged QTc was defined as≥500 ms on day 14 or an increase of≥80 ms compared to pretreatment tracing.Patients with cardiac disease,those undergoing other treatments likely to prolong QTc,and those with disturbed ECG tracings were excluded from the study.RESULTS The study included 258 patients(mean age 41±15 years;52%men;3.4%diabetics,11.1%hypertensive).Mild and moderate COVID-19 were found in 93.5%and 6.5%of patients,respectively.At baseline,all patients had normal sinus rhythm,a mean heart rate 78±13/min,mean PR space 170±28 ms,mean QRS 76±13 ms,and mean QTc 405±30 ms.No complaints suggesting cardiac involvement were reported during or after treatment.Only four patients(1.5%)experienced QTc interval prolongation beyond 500 ms.Similarly,only five patients(1.9%)had an increase in the QTc interval of more than 80 ms.QTc prolongation was more significant in younger patients,those with high viral load at baseline,and those receiving HCQ-AZI(P<0.05).None of the patients developed Tsd.CONCLUSION QTc prolongation without Tsd was observed at a lower frequency in patients treated with HCQ-AZI vs doubase C.The absence of comorbidities and concurrent use of other products that are likely to cause arrhythmia may explain our results.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diagnostic Challenges and Impact of Physical Activity

Introduction: Diabetes represents a major public health challenge, affecting over 463 million people according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Among its complications, diabetic retinopathy stands out as the leading cause of blindness in industrialized countries. Physical activity is now recognized as a cornerstone of diabetes management, and its impact on diabetic retinopathy is of growing interest. Observation: Mr. A.E, a 54-year-old man, presents with progressive deterioration of his vision. Family history of diabetes and hypertension is noted. He engages in one hour of physical activity daily, including treadmill running and indoor cycling. Despite recent optical correction, his visual acuity remains at 3/10 unimproved. Ocular imaging, notably fluorescein retinal angiography and optical coherence tomography, reveals proliferative diabetic retinopathy with bilateral macular edema. Blood tests, performed after physical activity, show normal values of blood glucose and HbA1c, delaying the initiation of treatment and promoting the progression of retinopathy. Despite appropriate management, no significant improvement in visual function is observed during follow-up. Conclusion: The management of diabetic retinopathy requires an approach integrating physical activity. A better understanding of the interaction between physical activity and diabetic retinopathy is needed to optimize prevention and treatment strategies.