Association between body stature and prevalence of reduced visual acuity in high school graduates in Hangzhou, China.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The association between myopia and body stature is of great significance for understanding prevention and control of myopia. It has been extensively studied in previous studies but without consistent conclusions. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between body stature and prevalence of reduced visual acuity in high school graduates in Hangzhou, China. METHODS: 50,620 high school graduates who finished the physical examination of the national college entrance examination in 2020 were included. Data were derived from the database of physical examination of the national college entrance examination. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated according to the general formula. Visual acuity was measured by the standard logarithmic visual acuity chart. RESULTS: The prevalence of reduced visual acuity was 90.38% in high school graduates. Girls had a higher prevalence of reduced visual acuity than boys (93.07% vs 87.60%, P < 0.001). Boys with normal visual acuity were significantly taller (P < 0.001) and heavier (P < 0.001) than those with reduced visual acuity. Girls with normal visual acuity were significantly taller than those with reduced visual acuity (P < 0.001). The prevalence of reduced visual acuity was significantly inversely associated with height in both boys (P < 0.001) and girls (P < 0.001). The risk of reduced visual acuity was the lowest in the fourth quartile of height. The prevalence of reduced visual acuity was significantly associated with BMI only in boys (P < 0.001). The risk of reduced visual acuity was the lowest in the third quartile of BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of reduced visual acuity was inversely associated with height in both boys and girls, and there was a U-shaped association with BMI only in boys.

Comprehensive assessment of the ecological risk of exposure to triphenyl phosphate in a bioindicator tadpole.

The toxicity of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) to aquatic organisms in surface waters has been demonstrated; However, an understanding of toxicity profiles of TPhP in amphibians is limited. Therefore, the adverse effects and threshold concentrations of TPhP on metamorphosis, growth, locomotion, and hepatic antioxidants of Gosner stage 25 Polypedates megacephalus tadpoles under long-term (35 d) exposure to six TPhP concentrations until complete metamorphosis were assessed. Additionally, the overall effect of using integrated multiple biomarkers were determined to demonstrate the potential ecological risks of waterborne TPhP at environmentally relevant concentrations in amphibian tadpoles. With increasing TPhP concentrations, physical parameters (snout-vent length, body mass, condition factor, and hepatic somatic index), jumping distance, hepatic catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities decreased, whereas metamorphosis time and malondialdehyde content increased. The threshold concentration of TPhP that affected the tadpole biomarker, except for metamorphosis rate and jumping distance, was 50-400 µg/L. Furthermore, the standardized scores of the examined integrated biomarkers in the six TPhP concentrations were visualized using radar plots and calculated as the integrated biomarker responses (IBRs). The varying TPhP concentrations had different scores in the radar plots, and the threshold for affecting the IBR value was 10 µg/L, which was close to the TPhP concentration in surface waters. Additionally, IBR values were strongly positively correlated with the TPhP concentrations. These findings indicate that environmentally relevant exposure to waterborne TPhP can pose an ecological risk to amphibian tadpoles. This study can serve as a reference and assist in the formulation of relevant policies and strategies to control TPhP pollution in water bodies.

Trends in growth and nutritional status of high school graduates in Hangzhou, China, 2011-2020.

BACKGROUND: During past decades, there was a positive trend in growth and nutrition status of adolescents in China, but there was significant regional disparity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the trends in growth and nutritional status of high school graduates in Hangzhou between 2011 and 2020. METHODS: High school graduates (Grade 12) who finished the physical examination of the national college entrance examination between 2011 and 2020 (n=481,353)were included in this study. Data were obtained from the database of physical examination of the national college entrance exam. Height and weight were measured; body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight. Thinness, overweight and obesity were defined according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. For the vast majority of the high school graduates were 18 years old or nearly 18 years old, the cutoffs of 18 years were adopted. Those are 18.5, 25 and 30 kg/m2, for thinness, overweight and obesity respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant growth trend in height, weight and BMI in both sexes (P < 0.001). Height increased by 1.80 cm in boys and 1.45 cm in girls. Weight increased by 4.62 kg in boys and 2.51 kg in girls. BMI increased by 1.09 kg/m2 in boys and 0.60 kg/m2 in girls. An increase trend was found in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in both sexes (P < 0.001). Overweight increased by 7.43% (from 9.05 to 16.48%) among boys and 4.05% (from 4.57 to 8.62%) among girls. Obesity increased by 3.85% (from 2.29 to 6.14%) among boys and 1.76% (from 0.64 to 2.40%) among girls. The prevalence of thinness fluctuated in both boys and girls, 12.42-15.59% among boys and 18.97-23.68% among girls. Boys had higher odds of overweight and obesity and lower odds of thinness than girls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive trend in growth and nutritional status of high school graduates in Hangzhou. However, there is still a considerable prevalence of thinness, it indicates a double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition.

TRPC5 mediates TMZ resistance in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells via NFATc3-P-gp pathway.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) acts as a pump to transport cytotoxic drugs out of cells and is upregulated in cancer cells. Suppressing the expression of P-gp is an effective strategy to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the recommended drug for the standard treatment of patients with glioblastoma, but its clinical application is restricted due to drug resistance. Transient receptor potential channel-5 (TRPC5), a Ca2+-permeable channel, has been attributed to a different drug resistance mechanism except DNA repair system; therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism regarding the role of TRPC5 in TMZ resistance. TRPC5 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are upregulated in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cell lines. The downregulation of TRPC5 inhibited P-gp expression and led to a significant reversal of TMZ resistance in TMZ-resistant cell lines. TRPC5-siRNA restricted the growth of tumour xenografts in an athymic nude mouse model of TMZ-resistant cells. In specimens from patients with recurrent glioblastoma, TRPC5 was found to be highly expressed, accompanied by the upregulation of P-gp expression. The nuclear factor of activated T cell isoform c3 (NFATc3), which acts as a transcriptional factor, bridges TRPC5 activity to P-gp induction. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the functional role of the TRPC5-NFATc3-P-gp signalling pathway in TMZ resistance in glioblastoma cells.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Red Keelback (Pseudagkistrodon rudis Boulenger, 1906).

The Red Keelback (Pseudagkistrodon rudis Boulenger, 1906) is widely distributed in the southern of China. The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. rudis was determined for the first time by using next-generation sequencing. The size of assembled mitogenome for P. rudis was 19,150 bp, which included 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs and two control regions (d-loop1 and d-loop2). The Bayesian tree showed that P. rudis and Rhabdophis tigrinus have a closed relationship. These results can provide data for phylogeny and molecular classification of the genus.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Bingzhi's stout newt (Pachytriton granulosus Chang, 1933) and its phylogenetic placement.

The Bingzhi's stout newt (Pachytriton granulosus Chang, 1933) is distributed in mountainous areas of Zhejiang, China. The first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. granulosus was determined by next-generation sequencing. The size of the assembled mitogenome for P. granulosus was 16,293 bp, which included 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, a non-coding region, and a control region (D-loop). The phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian Inference validated the taxonomic status of P. granulosus, showing the close relationship with the other two species from the genus Pachytriton.

Scenario simulation of the EU carbon price and its enlightenment to China.

Through exploring price characteristics of carbon futures products in EU ET, this paper aims to provide China's policy makers with meaningful materials and references for understanding how a carbon trading market can be established and well regulated. Based on the dataset comprising of multiple sources including Euro stoxx600 index, coal and crude oil prices, natural gas prices and European clean energy company stock prices, etc., this paper uses BP neural network model to simulate the long-term trends of carbon futures prices in six scenarios that represent the typical features of a carbon trading market. The results show that: (1) the magnitude of economic development's effect on carbon price is the largest among other factors, with the shortest duration; (2) in comparison, the effect of black energy consumption is weaker, but its lasting duration is the longest; (3) the impact of clean energy development on carbon price is similar to that of black energy, but the effect magnitude and lasting duration are relatively smaller. These findings suggest three viable directions for the development of China's carbon trading market in future i.e. adjusting total quotas in accordance with economic development, establishing market price stabilization mechanism, and developing clean energy. The novelty of this paper is to simulate the long-term trend of carbon prices by constructing a carbon price prediction system.

Histological and functional outcomes in a rat model of hemisected spinal cord with sustained VEGF/NT-3 release from tissue-engineered grafts.

Microvascular disturbance, excessive inflammation and gliosis are key pathophysiologic changes in relation to functional status following the traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Continuous release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to the lesion site was proved be able to promote the vascular remodelling, whereas the effects on reduction of inflammation and gliosis remain unclear. Currently, aiming at exploring the synergistic roles of VEGF and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) on angiogenesis, anti-inflammation and neural repair, we developed a technique to co-deliver VEGF165 and NT-3 locally with a homotopic graft of tissue-engineered acellular spinal cord scaffold (ASCS) in a hemisected (3 mm in length) SCI model. As the potential in secretion of growth factors (GFs), bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were introduced with the aim to enhance the VEGF/NT-3 release. Our data demonstrate that sustained VEGF/NT-3 release from ASCS significantly increases the local levels of VEGF/NT-3 and angiogenesis, regardless of whether it is in combination with BMSCs transplantation that exhibits positive effects on anti-inflammation, axonal outgrowth and locomotor recovery. This study verifies that co-delivery of VEGF/NT-3 reduces inflammation and gliosis in the hemisected spinal cord, promotes axonal outgrowth and results in better locomotor recovery, while the BMSCs transplantation facilitates these functions limitedly.

Exosomes and pancreatic diseases: status, challenges, and hopes.

Pancreatic disease, including pathologies such as acute pancreatitis (AP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and pancreatic cancer (PC), is a complicated and dangerous clinical condition involving the disruption of exocrine or endocrine function. PC has one of the highest mortality rates among cancers due to insufficient diagnosis in early stages. Furthermore, efficient treatment options for the disease etiologies of AP and CP are lacking. Thus, the identification of new therapeutic targets and reliable biomarkers is required. As essential couriers in intercellular communication, exosomes have recently been confirmed to play an important role in pancreatic disease, but the specific underlying mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of exosomes in pancreatic disease with respect to diagnosis, molecular mechanisms, and treatment, proposing new ideas for the study of pancreatic disease.

Protective Effects of Hydrogen Gas on Experimental Acute Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease mediated by damage to acinar cells and pancreatic inflammation. In patients with AP, subsequent systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organs dysfunction commonly occur. Interactions between cytokines and oxidative stress greatly contribute to the amplification of uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a potent free radical scavenger that not only ameliorates oxidative stress but also lowers cytokine levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of H2 gas on AP both in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro assessment, AR42J cells were treated with cerulein and then incubated in H2-rich or normal medium for 24 h, and for the in vivo experiment, AP was induced through a retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatobiliary duct (0.1 mL/100 g body weight). Wistar rats were treated with inhaled air or 2% H2 gas and sacrificed 12 h following the induction of pancreatitis. Specimens were collected and processed to measure the amylase and lipase activity levels; the myeloperoxidase activity and production levels; the cytokine mRNA expression levels; the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels; and the cell survival rate. Histological examinations and immunohistochemical analyses were then conducted. The results revealed significant reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of H2 gas were associated with reductions in AR42J cell and pancreatic tissue damage. In conclusion, our results suggest that H2 gas is capable of ameliorating damage to the pancreas and AR42J cells and that H2 exerts protective effects both in vitro and in vivo on subjects with AP. Thus, the results obtained indicate that this gas may represent a novel therapy agent in the management of AP.

Escin augments the efficacy of gemcitabine through down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB and nuclear factor-κB-regulated gene products in pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy, which generally develops resistance to chemotherapy. Agents that are safe and can sensitize cancer to chemotherapy are urgently needed. Escin, a natural mixture of triterpene saponins isolated from Aesculus wilsonii Rehd, has been demonstrated to possess anti-cancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. The anti-cancer activity of escin could be, in part, due to the inactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In contrast, chemotherapy including gemcitabine could activate NF-κB and lead to chemoresistance. Here, for the first time, we investigated whether escin, via the inactivation of NF-κB, would potentiate the antitumor activity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Cell viability and proliferation, apoptosis, NF-κB activity and the expression of NF-κB-linked genes were all examined in vitro. The antitumor effect of escin with or without gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer was also assessed using BxPC-3 xenografts subcutaneously established in BALB/c nude mice. RESULTS: Escin not only potentiated the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effect of gemcitabine in both BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cell lines in vitro, but also dramatically enhanced its suppressive effect on tumor growth in nude mice. The mechanism is at least partially due to the inhibition of NF-κB activity and consequent inhibition of c-Myc, COX-2, Cyclin D1, Survivin, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and the activation of caspase-3. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that escin, via inactivation of NF-κB, could potentiate the efficacy of gemcitabine in combating pancreatic cancer, which could be a novel and potentially important therapeutic approach for the treatment for pancreatic cancer.