Cognitive Flexibility's Role in Reducing Academic Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Cognitive flexibility (CF) in the psychological literature has been described as an individual's ability to produce several solutions and retain control in novel situations. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be an ideal scenario that demanded the application of adaptive thinking by students to deal with several challenges of the pandemic. Aim: This study aimed to assess the role of CF in reducing academic stress among university students due to the sudden and strict implementation of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design and data collection was completed during the 2020-2021 academic year. The study sample comprised 328 university students from Saudi Arabia. The online survey method was used, and study tools comprises of reliable and valid psychological measures to assess CF, academic stress, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and emotional symptoms. IBMSPSS25 was used for statistical analysis of data. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine the role of CF in reducing academic stress after controlling for other factors such as gender, age, academic year, negative impact of COVID-19 on daily life, and unpleasant emotional experiences. Results: CF was significantly decreased the risk of experiencing academic stress (b = ‒0.196, t = ‒3.54; p < 0.001; 95% CI = ‒3.53 to ‒0.11) after controlling for the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life (b = 0.119, t = 2.09; p < 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02-0.63) and emotional repercussions (b = 0.109, t = 1.91; p < 0.05; 95% CI = ‒0.01-0.15). Conclusion: The current findings suggest that CF could be fostered among university students as a useful mental tool to cope with academic stress during less-structured educational and social circumstances that may impact their daily lives and emotional wellness.

Recent Advances in the Therapeutic Potential of Sinomenine for Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. Although modern medicine has made strides in treatment, a complete cure for cancer remains elusive. SUMMARY: Utilization of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer, is a well-established practice. Sinomenine is an alkaloid extracted from a medicinal plant and has a diverse range of biological properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Sinomenine exhibits inhibitory effects on various types of tumor cells, including breast, lung, and liver cancers. The anticancer properties of sinomenine are believed to involve stimulation of apoptosis and autophagy as well as suppression of cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. KEY MESSAGE: This review summarizes the current research on sinomenine's potential as an anticancer agent, which may contribute to the discovery of more effective cancer treatments.

Identifying the mechanism of action of the Kv7 channel opener, retigabine in the treatment of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures caused by high levels of neuronal excitability in the brain. Voltage-sensitive K+ channels (Kv) of the Kv7 (KCNQ) family encoded by the KCNQ gene are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, i.e., KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels mediate M-currents to inhibit neuronal excitability and reduce transmitter release throughout the nervous system. Thus, as a positive allosteric modulator (or opener) of KCNQ channels, retigabine has been the only clinically approved anti-seizure medication that acts on the KCNQ channels. This review discusses the biochemical mechanisms about how retigabine acts on Kv7 channels, significance in neuronal pathophysiology, preclinical efficacy, and clinical stage of development. Additional efforts are being made to emphasize the possible benefits and drawbacks of retigabine compared to currently available medications for treatment-resistant epilepsy.

Assessment of the Attitudes, Beliefs, and Potential Effects of Nutritional Phytoestrogenic Plant Consumption on Women's Health in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Phytoestrogens are plant-derived endocrine-disrupting chemicals known as estrogen-like compounds with health and preventive benefits. This study aimed to assess Saudi Arabian women's beliefs and attitudes toward phytoestrogen-rich plant consumption and its association with hormone-sensitive tumors and diseases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2022 and May 2023 in Saudi Arabia using an online self-administered questionnaire created via Google Forms (Appendix). The collected data were extracted, coded, and analyzed using the IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. RESULTS: The study included 702 females aged 18 years and older. 61.6% (n=432) of the participants consumed Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), whereas 45.7% (n=321) consumed soy products and flaxseeds. In addition, 44.7% (n=191) were diagnosed with breast tumors and other breast diseases. The association between the occurrence of breast conditions and the consumption of all the different types of phytoestrogen-rich plants in this study was significant, with a p-value of <0.001. (41.7%, n=187) diagnosed with uterine and ovarian-related conditions, the association with the consumption of fenugreek and fennel was significant with a p-value of <0.001, but for soy products and flaxseed consumption, the association was not significant with a p-value of 0.368. Regarding the consumer's attitudes and duration of consumption, most of them (41.0%, n=288) consume phytoestrogen-rich herbs and plants about every month during menstruation, and 55% (n=386) consumed phytoestrogen-rich plants a long time ago (for many years). About the purpose of consumption, 62.1% (n=436) answered to reduce pain and symptoms associated with menstruation. The majority of the participants (36.3%, n=255) have poor knowledge and don't know about the high estrogen levels' impact on their health. CONCLUSION: The study showed that there is a possible association between the consumption of some types of phytoestrogen-rich plants and the occurrence of several hormone-related tumors and diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible effects in consideration of the co-founding factors.

Current Landscape and Emerging Opportunities of Gene Therapy with Non-viral Episomal Vectors.

Gene therapy has proven to be extremely beneficial in the management of a wide range of genetic disorders for which there are currently no or few effective treatments. Gene transfer vectors are very significant in the field of gene therapy. It is possible to attach a non-viral attachment vector to the donor cell chromosome instead of integrating it, eliminating the negative consequences of both viral and integrated vectors. It is a safe and optimal express vector for gene therapy because it does not cause any adverse effects. However, the modest cloning rate, low expression, and low clone number make it unsuitable for use in gene therapy. Since the first generation of non-viral attachment episomal vectors was constructed, various steps have been taken to regulate their expression and stability, such as truncating the MAR element, lowering the amount of CpG motifs, choosing appropriate promoters and utilizing regulatory elements. This increases the transfection effectiveness of the non-viral attachment vector while also causing it to express at a high level and maintain a high level of stability. A vector is a genetic construct commonly employed in gene therapy to treat various systemic disorders. This article examines the progress made in the development of various optimization tactics for nonviral attachment vectors and the future applications of these vectors in gene therapy.

KCa-Related Neurological Disorders: Phenotypic Spectrum and Therapeutic Indications.

Although potassium channelopathies have been linked to a wide range of neurological conditions, the underlying pathogenic mechanism is not always clear, and a systematic summary of clinical manifestation is absent. Several neurological disorders have been associated with alterations of calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa channels), such as loss- or gain-of-function mutations, post-transcriptional modification, etc. Here, we outlined the current understanding of the molecular and cellular properties of three subtypes of KCa channels, including big conductance KCa channels (BK), small conductance KCa channels (SK), and the intermediate conductance KCa channels (IK). Next, we comprehensively reviewed the loss- or gain-of-function mutations of each KCa channel and described the corresponding mutation sites in specific diseases to broaden the phenotypic-genotypic spectrum of KCa-related neurological disorders. Moreover, we reviewed the current pharmaceutical strategies targeting KCa channels in KCa-related neurological disorders to provide new directions for drug discovery in anti-seizure medication.

Prevalence and determinants of second-hand tobacco smoking in Pakistan.

Background: Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is a public health problem in countries with high prevalence of active smoking such as Pakistan. However, few studies have assessed the prevalence and risk factors for exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Aims: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in Pakistan. Methods: This study used data from the 2017-2018 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey to calculate the prevalence and determinants of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure. Sociodemographic characteristics, family size and exposure to media by the respondents were the independent variables. The chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and the independent variables.hy9. Results: The survey included 61 940 adults, of which 30 027 (48.5%) were males and 31 913 (51.5%) females. The overall prevalence of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke was 34.3%: 35.6% among males and 33.2% among females. Higher education level and rural residence were significantly positively associated with exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke among both sexes. Having a radio was inversely associated with exposure while having a television was positively associated with exposure among both sexes. Large family size was inversely associated with exposure. Currently and previously married females had significantly greater risk of exposure than never-married females. Conclusion: Tailored health interventions and policies are needed that target populations at high-risk of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Strict smoking bans in public places should be implemented to limit exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in Pakistan.

Early-Onset of Gestational Diabetes vs. Late-Onset: Can We Revamp Pregnancy Outcomes?

Background: We assessed risk factors, antenatal and intrapartum complications associated with early-onset Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in comparison with late-onset GDM. Methods: This retrospective study included 161 GDM women having singleton pregnancies, without previous medical disorder and delivered at a tertiary care Hospital in Ha'il City, KSA from Dec 2020 till Jun 2021. Women diagnosed at < 24 weeks of pregnancy were grouped as early-onset GDM (n=71) and those diagnosed at ≥ 24 weeks as late-onset GDM (n=90). Both groups were matched for background variables. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were applied with P-value significance at 0.05. Results: Past history of GDM, macrosomia and stillbirth were significant predictors for early-onset GDM (P value 0.000, 0.002 and 0.040 respectively). Regression analysis showed early-onset GDM significantly increases the risk for recurrent urinary tract infections (AOR 2.35), polyhydramnios (AOR 2.81), reduced fetal movements (AOR 2.13), intrauterine fetal demise (AOR 8.06), macrosomia (AOR 2.16), fetal birth trauma (2.58), low APGAR score at birth (AOR 8.06), and neonatal ICU admissions (AOR 2.65). Rate of preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, labor onset (natural vs. induced) and cesarean section and intrapartum maternal complications were same in both groups. Conclusion: Early-onset GDM significantly increases certain maternal (recurrent urinary tract infections, polyhydramnios and reduced fetal movements) and fetal complications (intrauterine fetal demise, macrosomia fetal birth trauma, low APGAR score at birth and neonatal ICU admissions). Most of these adverse pregnancy outcomes can be prevented through early registration and screening, close follow up, growth ultrasounds, and provision of efficient emergency and neonatal care services.

Effect of physical activity and sedentary sitting time on psychological quality of life of people with and without disabilities; A survey from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Mental and psychological health issues are on the rise globally. People with disabilities are at greater risk of poor psychological quality of life especially after covid-19 pandemic. Along with other factors physical activity (PA) may have a significant effect on mental health. This study aims to analyze the difference of PA participation and sitting time among people with and without disabilities and their association with psychological quality of life. Methods: A standard questionnaire was used to collect the data from disabled and non-disabled participants above 15 years of age. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to yield statistical results. Results: Total study sample consisted of 359 participants (67.7% without disability and 32.3% with disability). Participants without disabilities reported a significantly better psychological quality of life (QOL) (Mean score = 68) as compared to the ones with disabilities (Mean score = 61), (p < 0.01). There was significant difference between the sitting time of two groups with longer sitting time among people with disabilities (6.1 h/day) as compared to non-disabled (5.3 h). Optimum level of PA was strongly associated with better psychological quality of life among individuals without disabilities (p = 0.00). Younger age (p = 0.00) and being single (p = 0.01) were significant predictors of poor psychological health among non-disables. Increase in sedentary sitting time was significantly associated with poor psychological quality of life among both groups. Conclusions: Tailored health policies to encourage PA and reduce sitting hours should be formulated to improve psychological health with special focus on individuals with disabilities. Future studies with large sample size are recommended to validate the current results and further explore the difference in association of PA and psychological wellbeing in people with and without disabilities.

Quality of Life and Adherence to Healthcare Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Purpose: To determine the relationship of various domains of quality of life (QoL) with healthcare adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study sample comprised 795 participants among which 203 had a current diagnosis of any major NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic pulmonary diseases, and chronic psychiatric illnesses and a control group of 592 participants who had no NCD. Participants completed an online survey questionnaire which obtained data on socio-demographic variables, types of NCDs, and healthcare adherence during the year 2020, the period during which Saudi Arabia underwent the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessed the QoL in four domains physical, psychological, social and environmental and used standard scores in the analysis. GraphPad Prism 5 and SPSS 25V were employed for the statistical analysis. Bar graphs and frequency distribution tables present descriptive data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed to determine the significance of the relationship between QoL and healthcare adherence. Results: Almost equal proportions of participants with NCDs (n=109/203; 54%) and without NCDs (n=327/592; 55%) demonstrated nonadherence to their regular healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2=0.14; p=0.71). Patients with NCDs experienced lower quality of life in the psychological, social and environmental domains of QoL (p<0.05). Results from the multivariate regression analysis showed that female gender (AOR=1.52; p<0.05) psychological QoL (AOR=1.99; p<0.05), social QoL (AOR=1.98; p<0.05) and environmental QoL (AOR=1.95; p<0.05) significantly relate with adherence to healthcare. Conclusion: Psychological, social and environmental may influence healthcare adherence among patients with NCDs during pandemics and should be focused on while devising future healthcare policy and interventions.

Understanding the Physiological Role of Electroneutral Na+-Coupled HCO3- Cotransporter and Its Therapeutic Implications.

Acid-base homeostasis is critical for proper physiological function and pathology. The SLC4 family of HCO3- transmembrane cotransporters is one of the HCO3- transmembrane transport carriers responsible for cellular pH regulation and the uptake or secretion of HCO3- in epithelial cells. NBCn1 (SLC4A7), an electroneutral Na+/HCO3- cotransporter, is extensively expressed in several tissues and functions as a cotransporter for net acid extrusion after cellular acidification. However, the expression and activity level of NBCn1 remain elusive. In addition, NBCn1 has been involved in numerous other cellular processes such as cell volume, cell death/survival balance, transepithelial transport, as well as regulation of cell viability. This review aims to give an inclusive overview of the most recent advances in the research of NBCn1, emphasizing the basic features, regulation, and tissue-specific physiology as well as the development and application of potent inhibitors of NBCn1 transporter in cancer therapy. Research and development of targeted therapies should be carried out for NBCn1 and its associated pathways.

Nephroprotective effects of polyherbal extract via attenuation of the severity of kidney dysfunction and oxidative damage in the diabetic experimental model.

In view of many complications of diabetes, kidney failure is considered as one of the main complications. The oxidative stress-induced due to persistent hyperglycemic conditions is the major cause of kidney disease. The present study was designed to explore the nephroprotective efficacy of polyherbal (PH) extract in a diabetic model induced by streptozotocin (STZ). STZ (55 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) was injected in overnight fasting rats to develop the diabetic experimental model. Effect on kidney injury was evaluated by investigating biochemical and histological evidences in renal tissue after 56 days of treatment of PH extract. Results showed the high glucose level in STZ treated rats that suggested hyperglycemia persistence along with the successful establishment of nephropathy in diabetic rats with altered renal function, inflammatory cytokines level as well as oxidative and nitrosative stress. Administration of PH extract significantly improved the glycemic condition, glomerular function and proximal reabsorptive markers. Further, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and disturbed redox status were restored. Moreover, findings were fostered and substantiated by histopathological examinations. Our work strongly proposes that the nephroprotective effect of the PH extract on renal damage could be attributed due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, PH extract could have potential as a pharmaceutical drug for diabetes mellitus (DM). Additional long-term study or clinical trial is required for further investigations.

Na+/H+ Exchanger 1, a Potential Therapeutic Drug Target for Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure.

Cardiac hypertrophy is defined as increased heart mass in response to increased hemodynamic requirements. Long-term cardiac hypertrophy, if not counteracted, will ultimately lead to heart failure. The incidence of heart failure is related to myocardial infarction, which could be salvaged by reperfusion and ultimately invites unfavorable myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are membrane transporters that exchange one intracellular proton for one extracellular Na+. The first discovered NHE isoform, NHE1, is expressed almost ubiquitously in all tissues, especially in the myocardium. During myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, NHE1 catalyzes increased uptake of intracellular Na+, which in turn leads to Ca2+ overload and subsequently myocardial injury. Numerous preclinical research has shown that NHE1 is involved in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, but the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the potential role of NHE1 in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Shared Etiology in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy with Functional Disability.

Autism spectrum disorders and epilepsies are heterogeneous human disorders that have miscellaneous etiologies and pathophysiology. There is considerable risk of frequent epilepsy in autism that facilitates amplified morbidity and mortality. Several biological pathways appear to be involved in disease progression, including gene transcription regulation, cellular growth, synaptic channel function, and maintenance of synaptic structure. Here, abnormalities in excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance ratio are reviewed along with part of an epileptiform activity that may drive both overconnectivity and genetic disorders where autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy frequently co-occur. The most current ideas concerning common etiological and molecular mechanisms for co-occurrence of both autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy are discussed along with the powerful pharmacological therapies that protect the cognition and behavior of patients. Better understanding is necessary to identify a biological mechanism that might lead to possible treatments for these neurological disorders.

Quality of Infertility Care Services and Emotional Health of South Asian Women.

Background: Treatment tolerability and treatment environment are two major spheres of infertility care that may associate with women's emotional health and coping mechanisms. Aim: The present study aimed at assessing the relationship between infertility treatment quality and various aspects of emotion-focus coping, problem-focus coping, and avoidance coping mechanisms. Method: The study was completed by using standardized tools and data from this descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study were collected from 350 women undergoing infertility treatments in private reproductive healthcare centers in Quetta, Pakistan. Findings: Treatment tolerability was found to be positively associated with positive reframing (p < 0.02) and negatively associated with the use of emotional support (p < 0.03); acceptance (p < 0.01); humor (p < 0.03); behavioral disengagement (p < 0.01) and venting (p < 0.01). The quality of the treatment environment demonstrated a negative correlation between religious coping (p < 0.02) and behavioral disengagement (p < 0.01), whereas it showed a positive correlation with active coping (p < 0.03) and planning (p < 0.02). The linear regression analysis demonstrated that treatment tolerability significantly increased with positive reframing (R2 = 0.118, F(304) = 2.22, p < 0.03). Behavioral disengagement significantly decreased with better treatment environment (R2 = 0.111, F(304) = 2.09, p < 0.02). Discussion: We discussed the findings keeping in view the role of social, cultural, and economic factors related to infertility care in the context South-Asian culture, and recommendations are made to promote women's mental health and coping by improving some specific aspects of infertility treatment quality. Conclusions: High treatment tolerability may associate with some useful aspects of emotion-focus coping, such as positive reframing, whereas low treatment tolerability may associate with avoidance coping, such as behavioral disengagement and venting. Besides, the quality of the infertility treatment environment enables women to use problem-focus coping mechanisms, such as planning and active coping.

Role of Environmental Quality of Life in Physical Activity Status of Individuals with and without Physical Disabilities in Saudi Arabia.

The promotion of physical activity (PA) in various subgroups of the population such as people with physical disabilities has been spotlighted in the revised guidelines of The World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland. In order to update public health interventions, there is a need to identify factors that may promote or prevent engagement in PA for special subgroups of the population. This study aims to calculate the PA levels of individuals with and without physical disabilities in Saudi Arabia, their assessment of the environmental (EQoL), and the predictive role of EQoL in PA. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the EQoL domain in standardized WHOQoL Questionnaire were administered on both groups of the population. The study sample comprised 116 individuals with physical disabilities and 243 individuals without any form of disability as a control group. A regression analysis was performed to analyze the predictors of PA in both groups. Findings showed that among the individuals with disabilities, older people were more likely to engage in PA as compared to the younger age group (p < 0.05) and males were significantly less likely to meet the PA criteria. Some of the EQoL features such as safety increased the likelihood of PA up to 2.3 times (p < 0.05) in individuals with physical disabilities. In addition, opportunities for leisure activities were a significant predictor of PA among both groups of individuals with and without physical disabilities (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that upcoming public health interventions should focus on improving various dimensions of EQoL for the promotion of physical activity among individuals with physical disabilities. Additional studies are needed to further explore various sociodemographic and environmental factors which can affect the PA status of disabled groups.

Prenatal exposure of citalopram elicits depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors and alteration of morphology and protein expression of medial prefrontal cortex in young adult mice.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of major depression disorder with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (CTM), during pregnancy effects on the neurological trajectory of the offspring and induces enduring consequences, notably emotional and cognitive impairment. The associations between prenatal exposure to SSRIs and neurological underpinnings of these atypical behaviors in offspring are contentious and poorly understood. METHODS: We examined modifications in physiological, morphological, and biochemical characteristics in male and female offspring of C57BL/6 exposed to CTM during the third trimester of gestation. We utilized different behavior procedures to observe depression and anxiety-like behavior in 1~2 month old CTM-exposed mouse offspring. We employed Golgi-Cox staining to examine the neuronal structure of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in CTM-exposed mice following protein expression levels by utilizing biochemical techniques. RESULTS: Our results indicate an impaired behavior such as anxiety and altered locomotion along with the substantial reduction in dendritic length and the number of dendritic branches in CTM-exposed mice. We observed differentially increase c-Fos expression in the mPFC following altered protein expression levels relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding supports the function of CTM as a prenatal modulator of susceptibility to depressive-like behavior in offspring. We indicate that prenatal CTM exposure elicits a negative impact on the central nervous system, especially those regions involved in cognition and drug reinforcement. Furthermore, genetic, chemo-genetic, and optogenetic methods should be used to explain the function of SSRIs such as CTM during pregnancy in the regulation of mood and emotion-related behaviors in children.

Pregnancy related complications due to obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus among women in Saudi Arabia.

Gestational Diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the major maternal health problems in Middle East countries. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence rates of GDM fall in the range of 16.2% to 24.2%. The study determined the antenatal complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with GDM among a sample of Obese/GDM and Non-Obese/GDM women. A record based retrospective study was conducted including females who received obstetric care in a tertiary care hospital in Ha'il city of Saudi Arabia from December 2020 to June 2021. We gathered data from the medical records of 376 pregnant females who were registered and delivered at Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH). Multinomial regression analysis was applied to determine independent association of GDM and Obesity with pre-postnatal health outcomes. Out of 376 pregnant women 29.2% were identified as (Non-Obese/Non-GDM); 37.1% of women as having both conditions (GDM/Obesity); 19.2% as (Non-Obese/GDM) and 14.1% as (Obese/Non-GDM). The proportion of underweight and overweight babies were high in women with both conditions (Obese/GDM). Findings from our regression analysis demonstrated that Non-Obese/GDM women were 2.7 times more likely to have high child birthweight (p <0.001) when compared to Non-Obese/Non-GDM. Obese/GDM women were more likely to have low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores (p <0.001) and increase neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (p<0.01). Healthcare policy makers and professionals should revisit gaps in existing obstetrical care to prevent adverse impact on women and newborn health. Non-Obese women at risk of GDM should also be given due attention for early screening, timely diagnosis, and appropriate pre-postnatal care.

The Ventilation Efficiency of Urban Built Intensity and Ventilation Path Identification: A Case Study of Wuhan.

Urban ventilation is being hampered by rough surfaces in dense urban areas, and the microclimate and air quality of the urban built environment are not ideal. Identifying urban ventilation paths is helpful to save energy, reduce emissions, and improve the urban ecological environment. Wuhan is the capital city of Hubei, and it has a high urban built intensity and hot summers. Taking Wuhan city, with a size of 35 km ×50 km, as an example, the built environment was divided into grids of 100 m × 100 m and included the building density, floor area ratio, and average building height. The ventilation mechanism of the urban built intensity index has previously been explained. The decrease in building density is not the sole factor causing an increase in wind speed; the enclosure and width of the ventilation path and the height of the front building are also influential. Twelve urban built units were selected for CFD numerical simulation. The ventilation efficiency of each grid was evaluated by calculating the wind speed ratio, maximum wind speed, average wind speed, and area ratio of strong wind. The relationship between the urban built intensity index and ventilation efficiency index was established using the factor analysis method and the Pearson correlation coefficient; building density and average building height are the most critical indexes of ventilation potential. In addition, the layout of the building also has an important impact on ventilation. A suitable built environment is that in which the building density is less than 30%, the average building height is greater than 15 m, and the floor area ratio is greater than 1.5. The urban built intensity map was weighted to identify urban ventilation paths. The paper provides a quantitative reference for scientific planning and design of the urban spatial form to improve ventilation.

Understanding the Functional Expression of Na+-Coupled SLC4 Transporters in the Renal and Nervous Systems: A Review.

Acid-base homeostasis is crucial for numerous physiological processes. Na+/HCO3- cotransporters (NBCs) belong to the solute carrier 4 (SLC4) family, which regulates intracellular pH as well as HCO3- absorption and secretion. However, knowledge of the structural functions of these proteins remains limited. Electrogenic NBC (NBCe-1) is thought to be the primary factor promoting the precise acid-base equilibrium in distinct cell types for filtration and reabsorption, as well as the function of neurons and glia. NBC dysregulation is strongly linked to several diseases. As such, the need for special drugs that interfere with the transmission function of NBC is becoming increasingly urgent. In this review, we focus on the structural and functional characteristics of NBCe1, and discuss the roles of NBCe1 in the kidney, central nervous system (CNS), and related disorders, we also summarize the research on NBC inhibitors. NBCe1 and the related pathways should be further investigated, so that new medications may be developed to address the related conditions.