Wearable near-infrared spectroscopy: reliability and sensitivity among different endurance cycling exercise intensities

The present study investigated the reliability and sensitivity of a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (wNIRS) device in moderate and heavy exercise intensity domains. On three separate days, eleven males performed an incremental test to exhaustion, and in the following visits, four submaximal constant-load bouts (i.e., test and retest) were performed in the moderate-intensity domain (100 and 130 W) and heavy-intensity domain (160 and 190 W). The local tissue oxygen saturation index (SmO2) and pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2) were measured continuously. The absolute SmO2 and V̇O2 values and the change (Δ) from the 3rd to 6th min of exercise were calculated. There was good reliability for SmO2 measurements, as indicated by the high intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (ICC ≥0.84 for all) and low coefficient of variation between the two trials (CV ≤4.1% for all). Steady-state responses were observed for SmO2 and V̇O2 from the 3rd to the 6th min in the two moderate-intensity bouts (P>0.05), whereas SmO2 decreased and V̇O2 increased from the 3rd to the 6th min in the two heavy-intensity bouts (P<0.05). Together, these findings suggested that the SmO2 measured with a wNIRS device is reliable and sensitive to track local metabolic changes provoked by slight increments in exercise intensity.

Effects of high-intensity interval training with different intervention durations on cognitive function in older adults:a Meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

OBJECTIVE:With the increasing aging population,the decline of cognitive ability in older adults has received widespread attention.High-intensity interval training(HIIT)has been applied as an emerging exercise intervention to improve cognitive ability in older adults,but its efficacy is still controversial.This study aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT intervention on cognitive ability in older adults,in order to provide a theoretical basis for its application in improving cognitive ability in older adults. METHODS:Randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of HIIT on cognitive ability in older adults were retrieved from databases including CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science,from the database inception to November 2022.The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized controlled trials was used to evaluate the methodological quality,and RevMan 5.3 software was used for the Meta-analysis of outcome indicators in the included literature. RESULTS:A total of 8 randomized controlled trials,including 4 high-quality and 4 low-quality studies with 369 participants,were included in the Meta-analysis.Meta-analysis showed that(1)compared with moderate-intensity continuous training(MICT),HIIT could effectively improve the maximal oxygen uptake of older adults[weighted mean difference(WMD)=3.78,95%confidence interval(CI):2.79,4.77,P＜0.000 01].Subgroup analysis showed that with long-term intervention(intervention period≥6 weeks),compared with the MICT group,the HIIT group could significantly improve the executive function[standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.36,95%CI:0.20-0.52,P＜0.000 1)and its sub-function inhibition ability(SMD=0.35,95%CI:0.17-0.52,P＜0.000 1)of older adults.(2)Compared with the control group,the HIIT group could effectively improve the maximal oxygen uptake of older adults(WMD=6.75,95%CI:4.20-9.29,P＜0.000 01),memory(SMD=0.20,95%CI:0.03-0.37,P=0.02),executive function(SMD=0.87,95%CI:0.52-1.22,P＜0.000 01),and its sub-function inhibition ability(SMD=0.89,95%CI:0.46-1.33,P＜0.000 1).Subgroup analysis showed that with long-term intervention(intervention period≥6 weeks),compared with the control group,the HIIT group could effectively improve the executive function(SMD=0.75,95%CI:0.41-1.09,P＜0.000 1),its sub-function inhibition ability(SMD=0.50,95%CI:0.19-0.81,P=0.002),and switching ability(SMD=1.65,95%CI:0.86-2.44,P＜0.000 1).(3)With a single intervention,compared with the control group,the HIIT group could effectively improve the executive function(SMD=1.25,95%CI:0.39-2.11,P=0.004)and its sub-function inhibition ability(SMD=2.40,95%CI:0.87-3.92,P=0.002). CONCLUSION:HIIT can effectively improve the executive function and its sub-function inhibition ability of older adults,but has no improvement effect on memory ability.At the same time,long-term HIIT intervention is superior to MICT in improving aerobic capacity and executive function of older adults.

Effect of modified citrus pectin on glycolysis of rabbit articular chondrocytes / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of modified citrus pectin (MCP) on the glucose metabolism of rabbit articular chondrocytes.Methods:The third generation (P3) rabbit knee chondrocytes were extracted and cultured with 0 μg/ml (MCP0, control group) and 500 μg/ml of MCP (MCP500) for 3 days. Chondrocytes (P2-P7)were cultured continuously, and each generation of chondrocytes was treated with MCP0 and MCP500 medium for 3 days. Chondrocytes were treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) for 1 day and then treated with MCP0 and MCP500 medium for 3 days, respectively. Chondrocytes were treated with 2-deoxy-glucose (2DG) for 1 day and then treated with MCP0 and MCP500 medium for 3 days, respectively. After three days of culture, the proliferation of chondrocytes was calculated by CCK-8. Glucose uptake activity and lactate production of chondrocytes were measured by glucose and lactate detection kits. The synthesis of type Ⅱ collagen (COL2A1) in sequential chondrocytes was investigated by immunofluorescence staining. The gene expression of COL2A1, proteoglycan ( ACAN), SOX9, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α ( HIF-1α), glucose transporter-1 ( Glut-1), pyruvate kinase M2 ( PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase-A ( LDHA) and glucose transporter-1 ( Glut-3) were further detected by RT-qPCR. Results:Compared with the control group, MCP treatment could increase the glucose uptake activity and lactate production of chondrocytes, and enhance the gene expression ability of HIF-1α, Glut-1, PKM2 and ACAN. Besides, MCP treatment could stimulate chondrocyte proliferation, maintain chondrocyte phenotype, increase lactate production, and upregulate the expression of COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9, HIF-1α, Glut-1, PKM2 and LDHA. After the treatment with IL-1β, MCP treatment could increase glucose uptake activity and upregulate the expression of COL2A1, ACAN, HIF-1α and Glut-1. After treatment with 2DG, MCP treatment could increase glucose uptake activity and upregulate the expression of SOX9, HIF-1α, PKM2 and Glut-3 genes. Conclusions:MCP can enhance the glucose uptake capacity of chondrocytes and increase the level of chondrocyte glycolytic metabolism.

The role of iron-uptake factor PiuB in pathogenicity of soybean pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines / 生物工程学报

Iron is an essential element for living organisms that plays critical roles in the process of bacterial growth and metabolism. However, it remains to be elucidated whether piuB encoding iron-uptake factor is involved in iron uptake and pathogenicity of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines (Xag). To investigate the function of piuB, we firstly generated a piuB deletion mutant (ΔpiuB) by homologous recombination. Compared with the wild-type, the piuB mutant exhibited significantly reduced growth and virulence in host soybean. The mutant displayed markedly increased siderophore secretory volume, and its sensitivity to Fe3+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ was significantly enhanced. Additionally, the H2O2 resistance, exopolysaccharide yield, biofilm formation, and cell mobility of ΔpiuB were significantly diminished compared to that of the wild-type. The addition of exogenous Fe3+ cannot effectively restore the above characteristics of ΔpiuB. However, expressing piuB in trans rescued the properties lost by ΔpiuB to the levels in the wild-type. Taken together, our results demonstrated that PiuB is a potential factor for Xag to assimilate Fe3+, and is necessary for Xag to be pathogenic in host soybean.

Psycho-Social Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among University Students

Background: Students play a significant role in delivering effective messages for better uptake of health pro-moting behaviour. Understanding factors that are associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among students will help develop promising strategies in vaccine promotion of the pandemic. The present investigation was undertaken to look into psycho-social drivers of COVID-19 uptake among Indian students.Method: 587 students, aged 18-35 years participated in an online survey. Standardized measures targeting socio-demographic details, health anxiety, preventive health behaviour and constructs of health belief model were used for the present study. Results: The results showed that overall vaccine uptake among students was quite high with nearly 74% of the students reported being vaccinated against COVID-19. Factors like COVID-19 contact, level of education, belief in safety and efficacy of vaccine, social distancing, age, health worry and preoccupation were emerged as the significant drivers of COVID-19 vaccination behaviour increase the probability of vaccine uptake among students. Moreover, factors like Interference with life, Reassurance Seeking, irrational belief about preventive health measures and perceived barriers about vaccination had significant negative link with vaccination de-creasing the likelihood of vaccine uptake. Conclusion: Psychological and socio-demographic factors play vital role in the success of public health strate-gies of COVID-19 vaccine promotion in managing the pandemic.

Progress in application of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging in clinical practice / 中国辐射卫生

@#The combination of conventional single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) may display the morphological changes of lesions and distribution of imaging agents, which is effective to improve the imaging sensitivity and specificity of tumors and non-tumor diseases. SPECT/CT is feasible to analyze the anatomical structure and metabolic status through displaying multi-site lesions with single imaging, thereby improving differential diagnosis and diagnostic accuracy of diseases. In addition, the novel mixed SPECT/CT device shortens the duration of image acquisition and provides precise attenuation correction and fusion imaging, which provides a scientific basis for rational selection of treatment regimens in clinical practice. This review describes the advances in clinical application of SPECT/CT.

Respiratory gas kinetics in patients with congestive heart failure during recovery from peak exercise

Abstract Background Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPX) is essential for the assessment of exercise capacity for patients with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF). Respiratory gas and hemodynamic parameters such as Ventilatory Efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope), peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), and heart rate recovery are established diagnostic and prognostic markers for clinical populations. Previous studies have suggested the clinical value of metrics related to respiratory gas collected during recovery from peak exercise, particularly recovery time to 50% (T1/2) of peak VO2. The current study explores these metrics in detail during recovery from peak exercise in CHF. Methods Patients with CHF who were referred for CPX and healthy individuals without formal diagnoses were assessed for inclusion. All subjects performed CPX on cycle ergometers to volitional exhaustion and were monitored for at least five minutes of recovery. CPX data were analyzed for overshoot of respiratory exchange ratio (RER=VCO2/VO2), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2), end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen (PETO2), and T1/2 of peak VO2 and VCO2. Results Thirty-two patients with CHF and 30 controls were included. Peak VO2 differed significantly between patients and controls (13.5 ± 3.8 vs. 32.5 ± 9.8 mL/Kg*min−1, p < 0.001). Mean Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) was 35.9 ± 9.8% for patients with CHF compared to 61.1 ± 8.2% in the control group. The T1/2 of VO2, VCO2 and VE was significantly higher in patients (111.3 ± 51.0, 132.0 ± 38.8 and 155.6 ± 45.5s) than in controls (58.08 ± 13.2, 74.3 ± 21.1, 96.7 ± 36.8s; p < 0.001) while the overshoot of PETO2, VE/VO2 and RER was significantly lower in patients (7.2 ± 3.3, 41.9 ± 29.1 and 25.0 ± 13.6%) than in controls (10.1 ± 4.6, 62.1 ± 17.7 and 38.7 ± 15.1%; all p < 0.01). Most of the recovery metrics were significantly correlated with peak VO2 in CHF patients, but not with LVEF. Conclusions Patients with CHF have a significantly blunted recovery from peak exercise. This is reflected in delays of VO2, VCO2, VE, PETO2, RER and VE/VO2, reflecting a greater energy required to return to baseline. Abnormal respiratory gas kinetics in CHF was negatively correlated with peak VO2 but not baseline LVEF.

Preparation and cellular uptake study of anemoside B4 and PD-L1 siRNA co-delivered cRGD-modified targeting liposomes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To prepare anemoside B4 （AB4） and programmed cell death ligand 1 （PDL1） siRNA （siP） co- delivered cRGD-modified targeting liposomes （AB4/siP-c-L）， and to study the cellular uptake in vitro. METHODS The cRGD- modified AB4-loaded targeted liposomes （AB4-c-L） were prepared by ethanol injection. AB4-c-L was mixed with 20 nmol/L siP in the same volume and AB4/siP-c-L was obtained through electrostatic adsorption. The particle size， Zeta potential， morphology， encapsulation efficiency and drug content， in vitro release behavior and serum stability of AB4/siP-c-L were investigated by laser scattering particle size tester， transmission electron microscopy， ultrafiltration centrifugation， dialysis and agar-gel electrophoresis block test. Cellular uptake of AB4/siP-c-L by Lewis lung cancer cells LLC and its intracellular localization were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal laser scan technique. RESULTS The average particle size of AB4/siP-c-L was （187.4±3.1） nm， and the Zeta potential was （33.5±1.4） mV. AB4/siP-c-L was spheroidal in shape. The encapsulation efficiency and content of AB4 were （95.2±0.4） % and （1.0±0.2） mg/mL， respectively. AB4/siP-c-L could better package siP， and exhibited good serum stability， obvious pH sensitivity and sustained release property. The uptake rate of AB4/siP-c-L by LLC cells was significantly higher than that of free drug， and was able to accumulate in cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS AB4/siP-c-L can effectively realize the co-loading of AB4 and gene drug siP， which has certain in vitro targeting to LLC cells.

Role of melatonin receptor 1B gene polymorphism and its effect on the regulation of glucose transport in gestational diabetes mellitus / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Melatonin receptor 1B (MT2, encoded by the MTNR1B gene), a high-affinity receptor for melatonin, is associated with glucose homeostasis including glucose uptake and transport. The rs10830963 variant in the MTNR1B gene is linked to glucose metabolism disorders including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the relationship between MT2-mediated melatonin signaling and a high birth weight of GDM infants from maternal glucose abnormality remains poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the relationship between rs10830963 variants and GDM development, as well as the effects of MT2 receptor on glucose uptake and transport in trophoblasts. TaqMan-MGB (minor groove binder) probe quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used for rs10930963 genotyping. MT2 expression in the placenta of GDM and normal pregnant women was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and qPCR. The relationship between MT2 and glucose transporters (GLUTs) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was established by western blot, and glucose consumption of trophoblasts was measured by a glucose assay kit. The results showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10830963 were significantly different between GDM and normal pregnant women (P<0.05). The fasting, 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels of G-allele carriers were significantly higher than those of C-allele carriers (P<0.05). Besides, the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MT2 in the placenta of GDM was significantly higher than that of normal pregnant women (P<0.05). Melatonin could stimulate glucose uptake and GLUT4 and PPARγ protein expression in trophoblasts, which could be attenuated by MT2 receptor knockdown. In conclusion, the rs10830963 variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM. The MT2 receptor is essential for melatonin to raise glucose uptake and transport, which may be mediated by PPARγ.

Predictive value of net water uptake with respect to early neurological improvement after endovascular treatment in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of net water uptake (NWU) for predicting early neurological improvement (ENI) after endovascular treatment in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke.Methods:A case-control study. A total of 132 patients (80 men, 52 women, median age 68 years) with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke receiving endovascular treatment were retrospectively analyzed at Jinling Hospital from October 2014 to September 2019. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of ENI, which was defined as either an improvement of NIHSS score of ≥4 points, or an NIHSS score of 0 or 1 at 24 hours after endovascular treatment. The rank sum test, Chi square test, and other methods were used to compare differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of postoperative ENI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis used to assess the capacity of NWU to predict ENI.Results:Of the 132 patients in the study, ENI occurred in 47 and did not occur in 85. In multivariate logistic regression analysis age [odds ratio ( OR)=0.940, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.903-0.979, P=0.003], time from stroke onset to puncture ( OR=0.995, 95% CI 0.991-0.999, P=0.025), time from puncture to recanalization/end of operation ( OR=0.985, 95% CI 0.974-0.996, P=0.007), NWU ( OR=0.762, 95% CI 0.620-0.937, P=0.010), and mTICI ( OR=1.644, 95% CI 1.043-2.590, P=0.032) were predictive factors for ENI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that NWU could effectively predict ENI (area under the curve=0.642, 95% CI 0.543-0.741, P=0.007), and prediction accuracy was improved when it was combined with other clinical parameters. Conclusion:NWU is an independent predictor of ENI in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke undergoing endovascular treatment.

Effects of Platycodonis Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on oral nanoparticle uptake and in vitro inhibition against breast cancer metastasis / 中国中药杂志

This study combined the herbal pair Platycodonis Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(PR-CR) possessing an inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and metastasis with the active component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) silibinin-loaded nanoparticles(NPs) with a regulatory effect on tumor microenvironment based on the joint effect on tumor cells and tumor microenvironment to inhi-bit cell metastasis. The effects of PR-CR on the cellular uptake of NPs and in vitro inhibition against breast cancer proliferation and metastasis were investigated to provide an experimental basis for improving nanoparticle absorption and enhancing therapeutic effects. Silibinin-loaded lipid-polymer nanoparticles(LPNs) were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The NPs were spherical or quasi-spherical in shape with obvious core-shell structure. The mean particle size was 107.4 nm, Zeta potential was-27.53 mV. The cellular uptake assay was performed by in vitro Caco-2/E12 coculture cell model and confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM), and the results indicated that PR-CR could promote the uptake of NPs. Further, in situ intestinal absorption assay by the CLSM vertical scanning approach showed that PR-CR could promote the absorption of NPs in the enterocytes of mice. The inhibitory effect of NPs on the proliferation and migration of 4T1 cells was analyzed using 4T1 breast cancer cells and co-cultured 4T1/WML2 cells, respectively. The results of the CCK8 assay showed that PR-CR-containing NPs could enhance the inhibition against the proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer cells. The wound healing assay indicated that PR-CR-containing NPs enhanced the inhibition against the migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells. This study enriches the research on oral absorption of TCM NPs and also provides a new idea for utilizing the advantages of TCM to inhibit breast cancer metastasis.

Diagnostic value of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT combined with prostate specific antigen derived indicators in gray area prostate cancer / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing every year,and precision diagnosis and treatment can help reduce unnecessary prostate punctures for prostate cancer patients in the gray area.This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of 18F-prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA)imaging combined with prostate specific antigen(PSA)-derived indicators for gray zone prostate cancer. Methods:A total of 107 patients who underwent 18F-PSMA PET/CT imaging for suspicious prostate cancer with tPSA of 4 to 10 μg/L(PSA gray zone)in a hospital were retrospectively included,and were divided into a prostate cancer group and a non-prostate cancer group based on pathological findings.Patients underwent PSA testing,18F-PSMA,and abdominal ultrasound,and age,tPSA,fPSA,f/tPSA,prostate volume,PSA density(PSAD),maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax),and molecular imaging prostate specific membrane antigen(miPSMA)score were compared between the 2 groups.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors the diagnosis of gray zone prostate cancer.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were constructed to evaluate the efficacy of PSAD and SUVmax alone and in combination in diagnosing gray zone prostate cancer. Results:The volume of the prostate cancer group[42.00(34.00,58.00)cm3 vs 49.00(41.27,60.41)cm3]was smaller than that of the non-prostate cancer group(Z=-2.376,P=0.017),and the PSAD[(0.18±0.06)μg/(L·cm3)vs 0.15±0.05 μg/(L·cm3)]and SUVmax[18.63(8.03,28.57)vs 9.33(5.90,13.52)]were higher than those in the non-prostate cancer group(both P<0.05).The percentage of miPSMA score≥2 in the prostate cancer group was higher than that in the non-prostate cancer group(χ2=40.987,P<0.001).PSAD(OR= 22.154,95%CI 1.430 to 873.751,P=0.042)and SUVmax(OR=1.301,95%CI 1.034 to 1.678,P=0.009)were independent influential factors for the diagnosis of prostate cancer in the gray zone.The optimal cut-off values of PSAD and SUVmax were 0.22 μg/(L·cm3)and 8.02,respectively,and the AUCs for the diagnosis of prostate cancer in the gray zone alone and in combination were 0.628(95%CI 0.530 to 0.720,P<0.05)and 0.806(95%CI 0.718 to 0.876,P<0.05),0.847(95%CI 0.765 to 0.910,P<0.05),with sensitivities of 41.03%,76.92%,and 74.36%and specificities of 79.41%,89.71%,and 92.65%,respectively. Conclusion:PSAD and SUVmax are increased in patients with gray zone prostate cancer,and the combination of PSAD and SUVmax is of high value in diagnosing gray zone prostate cancer.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of mouse short interspersed nuclear element B1 antisense RNA / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the biological distribution of B1 antisense RNA(Blas RNA) of mouse short interspersed nuclear element in blood and tissues of normal mice after vein injection and detect the cell uptake efficiency of B1 as RNA using cultured normal mouse embryo cells after transfection.Methods Six 8～12-week-old BALB/c mice,three males and three females,were injected with 20 μg Blas RNA via tail vein,and blood samples were collected at different times after injection.54 BALB/c mice of 8～12-weeks were injected with 20 μg Blas RNA via tail vein,of which six mice,three males and three females,were euthanized at different times after injection,and various tissues,including the heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney and thymus were harvested.Blas RNA was transfected into cultured mouse embryonic cells,and a certain amount of cells were taken at different time after transfection.The biological distribution of B1as RNA in mouse blood and different tissues and the persistence of Blas RNA in cultured embryo cells were detected by RT-qPCR.30naturally senescent BALB/c mice(≥ 14 months old) were divided into three groups:treatment group(20 μg Blas RNA injected via tail vein,once a week),irrelevant RNA control group(20 μg LacZ3F3R RNA injected via tail vein,once a week) and saline control group(injected with the same volume of saline),with 10 mice in each group,and a young control group(normal young 8～12-week-old BALB/c mice,five males and five females) was set.Four weeks after administration,mice in each group were euthanized,the liver tissues were taken,and the expression levels of aging-related genes(Sirtl,p21,p16~(Ink4a),p15~(Ink4b),p19~(Arf)) were detected by RT-qPCR.Results After tail vein injection,Blas RNA was available in the blood of mice for approximately 30 min,persisted for approximately 2～4 h in most detected tissues and persisted for approximately 48 h in lungs.The efficiency of cellular uptake of Blas RNA was approximately 400 molecules per mouse embryo culture cell 45 min after transfection with B1as RNA.Compared with the saline control group,Blas RNA treatment significantly down-regulated the mRN A expression of p21,p16~(In4a),p15~(In4b) and p19~(Arf) genes(t=10.01,4.461,4.420 and 5.309 respectively,each P <0.05),and significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of Sirt1 gene(t=4.579,P <0.05).Conclusion Blas RNA was efficiently taken up by cells after transfection.After intravenous injection,Blas RNA stayed in the blood and tissues for a certain period of time and regulated the expression of aging-related genes in aged mice so as to make them approach to the expression level of young normal mice.

Cellular Uptake of Catharanthus roseus-Silver Nanoparticles in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

@#Introduction: Nanoparticles exhibit unique features and currently at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most promising and widely commercialised nanoproducts in various fields. The interaction of these AgNPs with cells remain unclear to connect with its toxicological endpoints. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular uptake of C. roseus-AgNPs in hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2. Methods: The HepG2 cells were treated with the mean IC50 value of C. roseus-AgNPs which was 4.95±0.26 µg/mL for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The effects were compared with the untreated cells and other treatments which include camptothecin, C. roseus-aqueous extract, and AgNO3 . Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to quantify the intracellular Ag+ and Ca2+, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging was used to visualise the nanoparticle distribution. Results: The HepG2 cells have significantly taken up Ag+ from C. roseus-AgNPs with at least six times higher compared to Ag+ from AgNO3 . The intracellular Ca2+ detected in HepG2 cells for all treatments were significantly higher than the untreated cells, in time-dependent manner. TEM images indicated the endocytosis of C. roseus-AgNPs with the presence of endosomes and exocytic vesicles. Conclusion: The significant accumulation of intracellular Ag+ demonstrated the efficiency of the C. roseus-AgNPs uptake while the increased Ca2+ indicated the early sign of cell injury. The cellular uptake was mainly through endocytosis. These findings are crucial to correlate the physicochemical properties of C. roseus-AgNPs with the anticancer mechanisms towards the development of liver cancer therapy.

Effect of smoking habit on cardiopulmonary function in patients with myocardial infarction -A study based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing- / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between smoking and cardiopulmonary function, and the effect of smoking habit on exercise tolerance after discharge from the hospital, focusing on CPX test data of patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction, and on CPX test data at 6 months after discharge. A total of 123 male patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction between April 2014 and December 2020 were included. Laboratory and CPX data were compared between smokers and non-smokers. CPX data of smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers were also compared in 24 patients who underwent CPX examination 6 months after discharge. HDL-C was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and τON was significantly prolonged (p < 0.05) during hospitalization in smokers. τON was significantly shorter only in ex-smokers (p < 0.05) 6 months after discharge compared to during hospitalization. These results suggest that τON, which reflects the oxygen uptake kinetics of peripheral tissues, is shortened by smoking cessation.

The effects and mechanisms of trimethylamine-N-oxide on insulin sensitivity in insulin target cells / 药学学报

Gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Decreased insulin sensitivity is a significant etiological factor of T2DM. Adipocytes, myocytes, and hepatocytes are the three major target cells for insulin. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of TMAO on the insulin sensitivity of these target cells. Research results indicate that in different ages of db/db diabetic mice, plasma TMAO levels were increased. TMAO significantly inhibits the insulin signaling pathways in these three major insulin target cells, reduces glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myocytes and downregulates genes related to gluconeogenesis in primary mouse hepatocytes. Furthermore, in mice with normal insulin sensitivity, elevating plasma TMAO levels to those seen in db/db mice using a minipump results in impaired glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. All animal experiments were carried out with approval of the Experimental Animal Welfare Ethics Committee of the Institute of Materia Medica (Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College). Mechanistic studies suggest that TMAO exposure increases the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins in these three major insulin target cells. In summary, TMAO directly attenuates insulin sensitivity in insulin target cells, and its mechanism of action may involve enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Immunisation services in North-Eastern Nigeria: perspectives of critical stakeholders to improve uptake and service delivery

We investigated the perspectives of parents, health workers (HWs) and traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) on immunisation advocacy, knowledge, attitudes and immuni sation practice and ways of improving immunisation uptake in Borno State, North eastern Nigeria. A cross sectional study analysing quantitative data from the three stakeholders' categories. It was conducted across 18 local government areas of Borno State. A representative sample of 4288 stakeholders (n=1763 parents, n=1707 TMPs, and n=818 HWs aged 20 to 59years, had complete data. The sample has more males: 57.8% (Parents); 71.8% (TMPs) and 57.3% (HWs). The awareness of immunisation schedule among the stakeholders ranged from 87.2 to 93.4%. The study showed that 67.9% of the parent and 57.1% of the health workers had participated in immunisation except the TMPs (27.8%). Across the stake holders' categories, between 61.9 and 72.6% have children who had Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI). The most common AEFI was fever. Safety concerns, preference for herbs and charm, culture and religions, and vaccination perception as a western culture were the major barriers to immunisation uptake. While 63.6 to 95.7% of respondents indicated that community leaders, religious and spiritual leaders and TMPs should be involved in immunisation advo cacy, 56.9 70.4% of them reported that community leaders should be involved in immunisation policy. Upscaling the critical stakeholders' involvement in advocacy, policy devel opment and implementation of immunization activities may improve acceptance, create demand and engender ownership in vulnerable communities of Borno State, Nigeria. AEFI could be detrimental to immunisation access and utilization. Consequently, health education by health workers needs strengthening to minimise vaccine hesitancy.

Perception and willingness to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among household-heads in a rural community of South-Western Nigeria

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccine have been met with varying perceptions that may have both negative and positive effects on the willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. The study is set to determine the perception and willingness of the household heads to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in a rural community in Southwestern, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 409 household heads selected through a multistage sampling technique. The instrument of data collection was a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaireusing the Health Belief model constructs. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21.0 and Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association between perception and willingness to uptake vaccine. P<0.05 was taken as significant at 95% confidence interval.Results:The majority of the unvaccinated respondents in the study were not willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine (60.1%). There was a poor perception of the susceptibility/severity of unvaccinated respondents to COVID-19 infection and a poor perception of the benefit/barrier to the uptake of the COVID-19vaccine. Perception of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection were statistically related to the willingness to uptake the COVID-19vaccine.Conclusion:There should be an increase in awareness campaigns to change the perception of people positively to COVID-19 infection and uptake of the COVID-19vaccine.

Uptake of HIV voluntary counseling and testing and associated factors among students in the Higher Institutions of Learning in Kigali, Rwanda: A cross-sectional study

Background HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health challenge with youth bearing the brunt of the burden. One essential method for preventing and accessing AIDS care is through Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Regardless of this, youth population continues to have low utilization of VCT services. Objective To assess the uptake of HIV VCT services and associated factors among university students in Kigali. Methods A cross-sectional study among 374 students recruited using stratified sampling was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent factors associated with VCT uptake. Results The prevalence of VCT uptake was 59.9%. The logistic regression revealed that being Catholic (AOR = 11.99, 95%CI: 5.44-26.41) and Moslem (AOR = 37.34, 95%CI: 2.67-128.36) compared to Protestant, as well as availability of VCT services (AOR = 5.15, 95%CI: 3.11 - 8.541) favored the use VCT. On the other hand, being aged 20 to 24 years (AOR = 0.112, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.29) had low likelihood of using VCT than those more than 24 years of age. Conclusion VCT uptake was significantly positively associated with religion and VCT services availability, and negatively associated with age 20-24 years in the campus. Therefore, targeted actions of disseminating information on benefits of VCT and enhancing accessibility of VCT services among students are necessary for the increased VCT uptake to be attained.

Role of Iron Uptake Systems in Coordinating Iron Homeostasis in NaCl-resistant Mutant of the Cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum

Aims: To investigate the effect of NaCl stress on parent Nostoc muscorum and its spontaneously occurring mutant clone showing resistance to growth inhibitory action of NaCl in terms of various physiological parameters. We have further analyzed the role of iron uptake systems in providing a resistant phenotype. Place and Duration of Study: Division of Microbiology, Department of Botany, Government Motilal Science College, Bhopal 462008 (M.P.) India. This work was carried out between August 2021 to May 2022. Methodology: We have examined the various physiological parameters viz. growth, specific growth rate, photosynthetic O2 evolution, and nitrogenase activity as per the prescribed protocol. Further, DNA microarray analysis was carried out using the Agilent platform. Results: NaCl stress adversely affected growth, photosynthetic O2 evolution, and nitrogenase activity of the wild-type Nostoc muscorum, while NaCl-resistant mutant remains unaffected under a given stress. Microarray data analysis identified 24 ORF related to the uptake of iron with fold regulation ?2 in the mutant strain. These ORFs belonging to the ABC-type ferric iron transporter that plays a significant role in the iron acquisition were identified in the mutant strain. Conclusion: The mechanism of iron homeostasis in the NaCl-resistant mutant has been explained. The results presented are essential to explain the regulatory role of the iron uptake system in stressed conditions.