Association between Serum Uric Acid and the Early Marker of Kidney Function Decline among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population:Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Objective To evaluate the association between serum uric acid(SUA)and kidney function decline.Methods Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis.The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)decrease by>3 mL/min per 1.73 m^(2).Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline.The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines.Results A total of 7,346 participants were included,of which 1,004 individuals(13.67%)developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years.A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.03-1.27),as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14%per 1 mg/d L increase in SUA.In the subgroup analyses,such a relation was only recorded among women(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.03-1.45),those aged<60 years(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.05-1.42),and those without hypertension and without diabetes(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.06-1.41).Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men,the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline(OR 1.83,95%CI 1.05-3.17).The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA>5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline.Conclusion The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline.An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Evaluation and Effect of Eggplant Consumption on Anthropometric and Hematologic Parameters in Wistar Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of green and purple eggplant, their antioxidant activity and their nutritional efficacy on Wistar rats. For nutritional quality, the parameters measured are dry matter, protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and energy content. For antioxidant activity, the parameters measured are 50% DDPH free radical inhibition concentration and total polyphenol content. Nutritional efficacy was evaluated in rats fed the control diet and in rats fed the three treated diets containing eggplant meal obtained by replacing 5%, 10%, and 15% of the control diet. The parameters measured are the amount consumed, the weight of the animal and target organs, and hematologic parameters. The results of the nutritional analysis show the following values: 13.31% protein, 2.66% lipids, 0.84% calcium, 0.12% magnesium, 0.43% phosphorus for the Solanum aethiopicum L. species and 13.47% protein, 3.66% lipids, 0.36% calcium, 0.22% magnesium, 0.35% phosphorus for the Solanum melongena L. species. In terms of antioxidant activity, we obtained DDPH inhibition percentages of 40.28 mg/ml for Solanum aethiopicum L. and 12.42 mg/ml for Solanum melongena L., respectively. Finally, hematologic and anthropometric tests showed that for the different diets used, weight loss and an increase in hematologic parameters were observed in the rats tested. This study showed that eggplant has interesting nutritional characteristics and antioxidant activity, contributing to an increase in weight and anthropometric parameters.

Development of diabetic complications and influencing factors among 32653 type 2 diabetes patients:retrospective cohort study using a multi-state Markov

Background:Patients with type 2 diabetes are at high risk for developing multiple chronic complications.However,there is a lack of studies of the cumulative number of diabetic complications in China.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed from 2009 to 2021.Type 2 diabetes patients who were first diagnosed after the age of 35 years between January 1,2009,and December 31,2017,were included.Five states were defined according to the number of chronic complications:no(S0),one(S1),two(S2),three(S3),and four or more complications(S4).A multi-state Markov model was constructed to estimate transition probability,transition intensity,mean sojourn time,and the possible factors for each state.Results:The study included 32653 type 2 diabetes patients(mean age,59.59 years;15929(48.8%)male),and mean follow-up time of 7.75 years.In all,4375 transitions were observed.The 12-year transition probability of from state S0 to S1 was the lowest at 16.4%,while that from S2 to S3 was the highest,at 45.6%.Higher fasting blood glucose,lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,higher total cholesterol,and an unhealthy diet were associated with higher risk of progression from S0 to S1.Being female,less than 60 years old,weekly physical activity,and vegetarian diet decreased this risk.Being female and less than 60 years old reduced the likelihood of transition from S1 to S2,whereas lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased this likelihood.Conclusions:Following the occurrence of two complications in type 2 diabetes patients,the risk for accumulating a third complication within a short time is significantly increased.It is important to take advantage of the stable window period when patients have fewer than two complications,strengthen the monitoring of blood glucose and blood lipids,and encourage patients to maintain good living habits to prevent further deterioration.

A Comparative Study of the Hydroxyl and Saponification Values of Polysorbate 60 in International Food Additive Specifications

We investigated the hydroxyl and saponification values of 27 samples of Polysorbate 60 products that were commercially available worldwide. We observed that the values of most of the studied samples were not within the range established at the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), while they did agree with the specifications described in the USA, the EU and Japan. We believe that purities of the new commercial Polysorbate 60 samples are higher than those of the older products which were available when the JECFA specifications were discussed (around 1973). The present study suggests that the hydroxyl and saponification values of the current JECFA specifications for Polysorbate 60 should be re-evaluated.

Indoor air pollution and respiratory health of children in the developing world

Indoor air pollution(IAP) is a key contributor to the global burden of disease mainly in developing countries. The use of solid fuel for cooking and heating is the main source of IAP in developing countries, accounting for an estimated 3.5 million deaths and 4.5% of Disability-Adjusted Life Years in 2010. Other sources of IAP include indoor smoking, infiltration of pollutants from outdoor sources and substances emitted from an array of human utilities and biological materials. Children are among the most vulnerable groups for adverse effects of IAP. The respiratory system is a primary target of air pollutants resulting in a wide range of acute and chronic effects. The spectrum of respiratory adverse effects ranges from mild subclinical changes and mild symptoms to life threatening conditions and even death. However, IAP is a modifiable risk factor having potential mitigating interventions. Possible interventions range from simple be-havior change to structural changes and from shifting of unclean cooking fuel to clean cooking fuel. Shifting from use of solid fuel to clean fuel invariably reduces the household air pollution in developing countries, but such a change is challenging. This review aims to summarize the available information on IAP exposure during childhood and its effects on respiratory health in developing countries. It specifically discusses the common sources of IAP, susceptibility of children to air pollution, mechanisms of action, common respiratory conditions, preventive and mitigating strategies.

Preliminary assessment of the data appropriateness of electronic health records for real-world studies:A survey of hospitals in a developing region in China

To the Editor:Assessment of data appropriateness is a process to answer whether electronic health records(EHRs)from routine healthcare practices couldt intended study purposes,for example,available to be proceeded,with enough individual records,with relevant information able to be extracted from records,etc.[1-3]This has been increasingly underscored as a prerequisite when using EHRs(one important type of real-world data[RWD])for scientic purposes.[4-6]Although controversies remain on the denitions,types and assessment methods of the dimensions of RWD appropriateness,the latest ofcial guidelines(i.e.,from the U.S.Food and Drug Administration[FDA][4]and China National Medical Products Administration[NMPA][6])suggest that the assessment start from a preliminary stage on variable existence,and subsequently deepen into the issue of data value(such as missing value,outliers,etc.),as the preliminary assessment is the foundation of the overall RWD appropriateness.[7]Little is known about the appropriateness of EHRs in developing regions,which feature high visit volumes and a great number of hospitals.Therefore,this study aimed to preliminarily investigate RWD appropriateness from hospitals in developing regions from the perspective of core variables’comparison.

Heat exposure and hospitalizations for chronic kidney disease in China: a nationwide time series study in 261 major Chinese cities

Background:Climate change profoundly shapes the population health at the global scale.However,there was still insufficient and inconsistent evidence for the association between heat exposure and chronic kidney disease(CKD).Methods:In the present study,we studied the association of heat exposure with hospitalizations for cause-specific CKD using a national inpatient database in China during the study period of hot season from 2015 to 2018.Standard time-series regression models and random-effects Meta-analysis were developed to estimate the city-specific and national averaged associations at a 7 lag-day span,respectively.Results:A total of 768,129 hospitalizations for CKD was recorded during the study period.The results showed that higher temperature was associated with elevated risk of hospitalizations for CKD,especially in sub-tropical cities.With a 1℃ increase in daily mean temperature,the cumulative relative risks(RR)over lag 0-7 d were 1.008[95% confidence interval(CI)1.003-1.012]for nationwide.The attributable fraction of CKD hospitalizations due to high temperatures was 5.50%.Stronger associations were observed among younger patients and those with obstructive nephropathy.Our study also found that exposure to heatwaves was associated with added risk of hospitalizations for CKD compared to non-heatwave days(RR=1.116,95%CI 1.069-1.166)above the effect of daily mean temperature.Conclusions:Short-term heat exposure may increase the risk of hospitalization for CKD.Our findings provide insights into the health effects of climate change and suggest the necessity of guided protection strategies against the adverse effects of high temperatures.

Regulation of CTNNB1 signaling in gastric cancer and stem cells

Recent research has shown that the alteration of combinations in gene expression contributes to cellular phenotypic changes. Previously, it has been demonstrated that the combination of cadherin 1 and cadherin 2 expression can identify the diffuse-type and intestinal-type gastric cancers. Although the diffuse-type gastric cancer has been resistant to treatment, the precise mechanism and phenotypic involvement has not been revealed. It may be possible that stem cells transform into gastric cancer cells, possibly through the involvement of a molecule alteration and signaling mechanism. In this review article, we focus on the role of catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1 or &beta;-catenin) and describe the regulation of CTNNB1 signaling in gastric cancer and stem cells.

Role of mesenchymal stem cells in cell life and their signaling

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have various roles in the body and cellular environment, and the cellular phenotypes of MSCs changes in different conditions. MSCs support the maintenance of other cells, and the capacity of MSCs to differentiate into several cell types makes the cells unique and full of possibilities. The involvement of MSCs in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition is an important property of these cells. In this review, the role of MSCs in cell life, including their application in therapy, is first described, and the signaling mechanism of MSCs is investigated for a further understanding of these cells.

Analysis of <i>N</i>-Nitrosamine Migration from Rubber Teats and Soothers

A testing method for N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances in rubber teats and soothers was modified. N-Nitrosamines are generally analyzed using either a nitrogen chemiluminescence detector (NCD) or a thermal energy analyzer (TEA). However, because few testing laboratories are equipped with these devices, it is difficult to conduct these tests. Therefore, an analysis method for N-nitrosamines using the more widespread gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was improved. In addition, EN 12868 was used to prepare the test solutions because of its worldwide use and compliance with EU regulations. Using GC-MS, EN 12868 method targeting ten kinds of N-nitrosamines was modified. The determination limits of the method were 1.0 -1.5 μg/kg for N-nitrosamines and 4 -6 μg/kg for N-nitrosatable substances. Quantification was possible at 1/5 or less and 1/15 or less, respectively, of the regulation values listed in EU Directive 93/11/EEC. In terms of application, there were no problems with the selectivity of the detector. The recoveries were 58% -109% for N-nitrosamines and 59% -102% for N-nitrosatable substances. Screening and verification were possible by measuring the amount of secondary amines in the boiled solution and migration solution.

Analysis of Residual Solvents in Annatto Extracts Using a Static Headspace Gas Chromatography Method

An analytical method for the quantification of residual solvents in annatto extracts, natural food colorants, was established using a static headspace gas chromatography (HSGC) coupled with a flame ionization detector (FID). As a sample diluent in a headspace sampling, dimethylformamide (DMF) was selected owing to its high capacity for dissolving both bixin-based and norbixin-based annatto extracts. The quantification of residual solvents was performed using the external standard method. The linearity of the calibration curves was assured with relative coefficients (R2) that were greater than 0.999. The recoveries of all standard solvents spiked in the annatto extracts were in the range from 95.1% to 107.1% to verify the accuracy and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) values (n = 3) were in the range from 0.57% to 3.31%. The quantification limits (QL) were sufficiently lower than the limits specified by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). With the established HSGC method, six residual solvents (methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane) in 23 commercial annatto-extract products that consist of seven bixin-based and 16 norbixin-based products were quantified. The levels of residual ethyl acetate and hexane in all products were lower than the specified limits of JECFA. However, three samples of bixin-based products showed higher levels of residual 2-propanol (approximately 313.9 - 427.7 ppm) than the specified limit. Other bixin products also showed higher concentrations of residual methanol (approximately 166.6 - 394.7 ppm) and residual acetone (approximately 75.2 - 179.8 ppm) than the limits of JECFA. In the case of norbixin-based products, nine samples showed higher levels of residual acetone (approximately 42.6 - 139.5 ppm) than the limits of JECFA. This is the first survey of residual solvents in annatto extracts using the validated HSGC method.

Improvement of the Assay Method for Steviol Glycosides in the JECFA Specifications

Steviol glycosides are natural sweetener constituents found in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae). The specifications for steviol glycosides were established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 2008, although there was a call in the following year for the modification of this assay method to enable the determination of nine steviol glycosides rather than just seven. In response, based on a proposed method by the Japan Stevia Association, we developed an improved method by changing the HPLC conditions and including the use of an octadecylsilyl column instead of an amino-bonded column to enable the rapid and reliable determination of the nine steviol glycosides by an isocratic HPLC-UV method. With the developed method, the nine steviol glycosides can be separately determined, and identified using individual reference chemicals as standards, unlike the previous identification method, which was based on the relative retention times. In addition, the single stevioside quantification standard was replaced with both stevioside and rebaudioside A quantification standards. Importantly, the validation of the developed method was successful. The limits of quantification for the nine steviol glycosides were between 0.2% and 0.6%. The developed assay method for the nine steviol glycosides was proposed to JECFA and adopted as the revised assay method for the steviol glycosides specifications at its 73rd meeting in 2010.

Electrocardiogram-based artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of heart failure:a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The electrocardiogram(ECG)is an inexpensive and easily accessible investigation for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure(HF).The application of artificial intelligence(AI)has contributed to clinical practice in terms of aiding diagnosis,prognosis,risk stratification and guiding clinical management.The aim of this study is to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published studies on the application of AI for HF detection based on the ECG.METHODS We searched Embase,PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify literature using AI for HF detection based on ECG data.The quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2(QUADAS-2)criteria.Random-effects models were used for calculating the effect estimates and hierarchical receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted.Subgroup analysis was performed.Heterogeneity and the risk of bias were also assessed.RESULTS A total of 11 studies including 104,737 subjects were included.The area under the curve for HF diagnosis was 0.986,with a corresponding pooled sensitivity of 0.95(95%CI:0.86–0.98),specificity of 0.98(95%CI:0.95–0.99)and diagnostic odds ratio of 831.51(95%CI:127.85–5407.74).In the patient selection domain of QUADAS-2,eight studies were designated as high risk.CONCLUSIONS According to the available evidence,the incorporation of AI can aid the diagnosis of HF.However,there is heterogeneity among machine learning algorithms and improvements are required in terms of quality and study design.

Can music improve the symptoms of stable angina? A randomized controlled trial

Worldwide, the leading cause of death is ischemic heart disease. Other than medical and surgical management, alternative therapy such as relaxing music has been identified as having an impact on reducing morbidity in ischemic heart disease. Although several studies have been conducted to find out the impact of music on pain, anxiety, heart rate and stress in myocardial ischaemia, literature on the long term impact of music on severity of symptoms associated with stable angina is very sparse. Therefore, the whole purpose of this study was to determine the long term effects of Indian music on severity of symptoms in patients with stable angina. Methodology: A single blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients of 45 to 65 years of age with stable angina. Intervention group (n = 30) listened to a music based on Indian classical system at home twice a day complementary to their regular treatment for a period of one month. Control group (n = 30) was only on their usual treatment. Both groups were assessed prior and one month after the study period for severity of symptoms based on Canadian classification of angina guidelines and their treatment. Results: Severities of symptoms (timing of the chest pain, chest pain during walking and climbing a staircase, the effect of chest pain in day to day physical activities, frequency and the number of GTN used per week and frequency of consultation a doctor for chest pain) were significantly improved in the study group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) after intervention. However, the control group did not show any significant changes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Systematically, regular listening of music based on Indian classical system significantly improves the severity of the stable angina symptoms. Hence music has a potential benefit in considering for use as complementary to angina treatment in reducing morbidity.

Effect of music on blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of asymptomatic individuals: A randomized controlled trial

A slight reduction of blood pressure and heart rate can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Maintenance of the respiratory rate within the normal range has also being identified as crucial for a healthy heart. Use of Indian and western music have been considered among many preventive programmes for long time in order to risk reduction associated with cardio vascular diseases. Therefore the aim of this study is to describe the effect of Indian classical music on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in asymptomatic individuals aged 45 to 65 years. Methodology: A community based randomized intervention study was conducted in 252 asymptomatic individuals. The study group (n = 127) listened to a music based on Indian classical system (entire track of 22 minutes). The control group (n = 125) was kept silent for a similar time period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of each study participant were monitored before and after the intervention. Results: Statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (8.53 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (5.8 mmHg), pulse rate (5.16 breaths per minute) and respiratory rate (2.55 per minute) were observed in the study group after listening to the music (p < 0.01). In the control group, changes observed during the period of intervention were not significant (p > 0.05). The reduction was independent of gender, age, education level, practicing a mind relaxation technique and preferred type of music of the participant. Conclusions: Listening to Indian classical music for about 22 minutes significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of asymptomatic individuals. Hence, music may have a potential benefit in cardio vascular disease preventive programmes.

Limitations of urease test in diagnosis of pediatric Helicobacter pylori infection

The diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection is usually based on the results of urease test and histology. The urease test known as a simple and cheap method does not need special skills to perform or to read the result. The time needed for the test to turn positive depends on the concentration of bacteria, and the accuracy is up to the density of H. pylori density in the biopsy sample, which is generally lower in children than adolescents and adults. Therefore, there are debates about the sensitivity of the urease test in children. The reason for lower sensitivity of the urease test in children was not identified, but might be related to the low density and patchy distribution of bacteria. In this review, we discuss the limitations of the urease test in children according to age, histology, number of biopsy samples, and biopsy site. In children under 5 years old, the differences in positivity rate when the urease test used one or three biopsy samples, and samples from the antrum or the gastric body, were larger than those in children aged 5-15 years. Thus, three or more biopsy samples from both the antrum and body would improve the sensitivity of H. pylori infection diagnosis in children under 5 years old.

Origin of cells and network information

All cells are derived from one cell, and the origin of different cell types is a subject of curiosity. Cells construct life through appropriately timed networks at each stage of development. Communication among cells and intracellular signaling are essential for cell differentiation and for life processes. Cellular molecular networks establish cell diversity and life. The investigation of the regulation of each gene in the genome within the cellular network is therefore of interest. Stem cells produce various cells that are suitable for specific purposes. The dynamics of the information in the cellular network changes as the status of cells is altered. The components of each cell are subject to investigation.

Perspectives of gene combinations in phenotype presentation

Cells exhibit a variety of phenotypes in different stages and diseases. Although several markers for cellular phenotypes have been identified, gene combinations denoting cellular phenotypes have not been completely elucidated. Recent advances in gene analysis have revealed that various gene expression patterns are observed in each cell species and status. In this review, the perspectives of gene combinations in cellular phenotype presentation are discussed. Gene expression profiles change during cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. In addition, epigenetic regulation increases the complexity of the gene expression profile. The role of gene combinations and panels of gene combinations in each cellular condition are also discussed.

Gene expression and pathway analysis of CTNNB1 in cancer and stem cells

AIM To investigate β-catenin(CTNNB1) signaling in cancer and stem cells, the gene expression and pathway were analyzed using bioinformatics.METHODS The expression of the catenin β 1(CTNNB1) gene, which codes for β-catenin, was analyzed in mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and gastric cancer(GC) cells. Beta-catenin signaling and the mutation of related proteins were also analyzed using the cB ioP ortal for Cancer Genomics and HOMology modeling of Complex Structure(HOMCOS) databases.RESULTS The expression of the CTNNB1 gene was up-regulated in GC cells compared to MSCs. The expression of EPH receptor A8(EPHA8), synovial sarcoma translocation chromosome 18(SS18), interactor of little elongation complex ELL subunit 1(ICE1), patched 1(PTCH1), mutS homolog 3(MSH3) and caspase recruitment domain family member 11(CARD11) were also shown to be altered in GC cells in the cB ioP ortal for Cancer Genomics analysis. 3D complex structures were reported for E-cadherin 1(CDH1), lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1(LEF1), transcription factor 7 like 2(TCF7L2) and adenomatous polyposis coli protein(APC) with β-catenin. CONCLUSION The results indicate that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related gene CTNNB1 plays an important role in the regulation of stem cell pluripotency and cancer signaling.

Prevalence and fuoroquinolone resistance of Campylobacter spp.isolated from beef cattle in Japan

Beef is a source of human Campylobacter infections.Antimicrobial treatment is needed when patients are immuno‑compromised or have other comorbidities.Therefore,we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp.in beef cattle in Japan.Rectal swab samples were collected from 164 beef cattle at an abattoir between March 2021 and August 2021,and Campylobacter spp.were isolated from 94(57.3%)cattle.C.jejuni and C.coli were isolated from 68 and 26 cattle,respectively.For Campylobacter jejuni,the resistant rates against ampicillin,tetracycline and ciprofoxacin were 20.6,75.0 and 64.7%,respectively.For C.coli,the resistant rates against ampicil‑lin,tetracycline and ciprofoxacin were 53.8,76.9 and 88.5%,respectively.No Campylobacter isolates were resistant to erythromycin.By multilocus sequence typing,C.jejuni and C.coli isolates were classifed into 22 and 2 sequence types(STs).The top three STs of C.jejuni were ST806(12 isolates),ST21(nine isolates),and ST459(eight isolates).The most frequent ST of C.coli was ST1068(23 isolates).The results suggest that Campylobacter spp.are prevalent in the gastrointestinal tract of beef cattle slaughtered at abattoirs.Furthermore,the administration of erythromycin is efec‑tive against human campylobacteriosis caused by beef consumption.Monitoring the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp.in beef cattle could be useful for managing the risk of human campylobacteriosis.