The Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Satisfaction of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing among Chinese Pregnant Women under Different Payment Schemes: A Comparative Study

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidy screening has been widely applied across China, and costs can affect Chinese pregnant women's choices. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) and satisfaction regarding NIPT among pregnant women in China, and to further explore the relationship between payment schemes and women's acceptability of and satisfaction with NIPT. A questionnaire survey was performed in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou, China, which separately applied "insurance coverage" and "out-of-pocket" payment scheme for NIPT. The major differences between the two cities were compared using chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and propensity score matched analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to explore predictors for women's acceptability and satisfaction. Compared with Zhengzhou participants, a higher proportion of Shenzhen women had heard of NIPT (87.30% vs. 64.03%), were willing to receive NIPT (91.80% vs. 80.43%) and had taken NIPT (83.12% vs. 54.54%), while their satisfaction level was lower. Having NIPT-related knowledge was associated with higher acceptability, and receiving genetic counseling helped to improve satisfaction. Besides, women with higher annual household incomes were more likely to take and be satisfied with NIPT. In conclusion, more attention should be paid to health education, subsidies for NIPT, and genetic counseling

U-Th-Pb monazite and Sm-Nd dating of high-grade rocks from the Grove Mountains, East Antarctica: further evidence for a Pan-African-aged monometamorphic terrane

The Grove Mountains, 400 km south of the Chinese Antarctic Zhongshan Station, are an inland continuation of the Pan-African-aged (i.e., Late Neoproterozoic/Cambrian) Prydz Belt, East Antarctica. In this paper we carried out a combined U-Th-Pb monazite and Sm-Nd mineral-whole-rock dating on para- and orthogneisses from bedrock in the Grove Mountains. U-Th-Pb monazite dating of a cordierite-bearing pelitic paragneiss yields ages of 523 4 Ma for the cores and 508 6 Ma for the rims. Sm-Nd mineral-whole-rock isotopic analyses yield isochron ages of 536 3 Ma for a coarse-grained felsic orthogneiss and 507 30 Ma for a fine-grained quartzofeldspathic paragneiss. Combined with previously published age data in the Grove Mountains and adjacent areas, the older age of ~530 Ma is interpreted as the time of regional medium- to low-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism, and the younger age of ~510 Ma as the cooling age of the granulite terrane. The absence of evidence for a Grenville-aged (i.e., Late Mesoproterozoic/Early Neoproterozoic) metamorphic event indicates that the Grove Mountains have experienced only a single metamorphic cycle, i.e., Pan-African-aged, which distinguishes them from other polymetamorphic terranes in the Prydz Belt. This will provide important constraints on the controversial nature of the Prydz Belt

Progress of tumor-associated macrophages in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor

As a significant public health problem with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, tumor is one of the major diseases endangering human life. Moreover, metastasis is the most important contributor to the death of tumor patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential biological process in developing primary tumors to metastasis. It underlies tumor progression and metastasis by inducing a series of alterations in tumor cells that confer the ability to move and migrate. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the primary infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and they play an indispensable role in the EMT process of tumor cells by interacting with tumor cells. With the increasing clarity of the relationship between TAMs and EMT and tumor metastasis, targeting TAMs and EMT processes is emerging as a promising target for developing new cancer therapies. Therefore, this paper reviews the recent research progress of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition and briefly discusses the current anti-tumor therapies targeting TAMs and EMT processes

Effect of prenatal exposure to passive smoking on leptin of neonatal cord blood and birth weight in a rural area of Yunnan Province

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that active smoking during pregnancy can reduce the level of neonatal cord blood leptin, and thereby affect birth weight. However, few studies have studied the association of passive smoking during pregnancy with leptin in neonatal cord blood and birth weight.ObjectiveTo explore the effects of passive smoking in varied pregnancy stages and entire pregnancy on neonatal cord blood leptin level and birth weight in a certain rural area of Yunnan, and potential mediating role of cord blood leptin.MethodsBased on a prospective prenatal cohort study conducted in Xuanwei County, Yunnan Province, a total of 545 mother-infant pairs were included in this study from early pregnancy enrollment to delivery. The demographic information and reproductive history of the subjects were collected by questionnaire. The urine samples of pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy were collected during regular prenatal examinations. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from newborns at birth. The concentration of urine cotinine (UC) was measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). According to the results of UC level during pregnancy, the study subjects were divided into three groups: negative group (M). The level of leptin in cord blood was detected by ELISA. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the effect of passive smoking on umbilical cord blood leptin in newborns during pregnancy. Path analysis was used to explore the relationship among passive smoking during pregnancy, neonatal cord blood leptin, and birth weight.ResultsThe average exposure rate of passive smoking during pregnancy was 87.28%, and the exposure rate for entire pregnancy was 76.88%. The median concentration of leptin in neonatal cord blood was 4.17 μg·L−1. After adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, educational level, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, parity, annual household income, infant sex, and birth weight, we found that low level (b=−3.388, P=0.001) and high level (b=−2.738, P=0.006) of passive smoking in the first trimester of pregnancy had negative associations with leptin concentration of cord blood by multiple linear model. The path analysis results showed that passive smoking in the first trimester and pre-pregnancy BMI directly affected leptin levels, and the sizes of direct effects were −0.073 and −0.087 (both P<0.05) respectively. Passive smoking in late pregnancy, gestational weight gain, premature, newborn girls, parity, and pre-pregnancy BMI directly affected birth weight, and the sizes of direct effects were −0.063, 0.191, −0.301, −0.128, −0.121, and 0.167 (all P<0.05), respectively. No mediating role of leptin was found in the effect of passive smoking on neonatal birth weight. ConclusionPassive smoking exposure during pregnancy is common among rural women in Yunnan Province. Passive smoking in the first trimester may be key in decreasing the leptin level of neonatal cord blood. Passive smoking in third trimester may lead to a decrease in birth weight. No evidence shows that leptin mediates the relationship between passive smoking and birth weight

Simultaneous Enhancement of Mechanical and Magnetic Properties in Extremely-Fine Nanograined Ni-P Alloys

Exploring structural effects that influence both the mechanics and magnetism in nanocrystalline materials, particularly extremely-fine nanograined ones with grain sizes down to several nanometers, is of high interest for developing multifunctional materials combining superior mechanical and magnetic performances. We found in this work that electrodeposited extremely-fine nanograined Ni-P alloys exhibit a significant enhancement of magnetization, simultaneously along with an increase in hardness, after low-temperature annealing. The relaxation of non-equilibrium structures, precipitation of the second phase and the segregation of P atoms to grain boundaries (GBs) during annealing have then been sequentially evidenced. By systematically comparing the variations in macroscopic and microstructural investigation results among several Ni-P alloys with different P contents, we suggest that the second phase has little effect on magnetization enhancement, and essentially both the structural relaxation and GB segregation can play important roles in hardening by governing GB stability, and in the improvement of magnetization by enhancing Ni&ndash;Ni atom exchange interactions

Case series of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3: Characterization of variants in ABCB4 in China

ObjectiveTo improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of familial progressive intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3, https://www.omim.org/entry/602347).Materials and methodsBetween September 2019 and March 2021, we recruited four patients with PFIC3 from two liver centers in East China. Molecular genetic findings of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4 [ATP binding cassette transporter A4 (ABCB4), https://www.omim.org/entry/171060] were prospectively examined, and clinical records, laboratory readouts, and macroscopic and microscopic appearances of the liver were analyzed.ResultsFour patients experienced cholestasis, mild jaundice, and elevated levels of serum direct bilirubin, γ-glutamyltransferase, or total bile acids. All patients had moderate-to-severe liver fibrosis or biliary cirrhosis, and their liver biopsy specimens stained positive with rhodamine. Molecular immunohistochemistry revealed reduced or absent MDR3 expression in all liver specimens. A novel mutation of ABCB4 (c.1560 + 2T &gt; A) was identified in patients with PFIC3, which is of high clinical significance and may help understand mutant ABCB4 pathogenesis.ConclusionMDR3 immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic analyses of ABCB4 are essential for the accurate diagnosis of PFIC3

The Tapes Complex (Nico Pérez Terrane, Uruguay): Constraining the Mesoproterozoic evolution of the Río de la Plata Craton

The Tapes Complex crops out in the southeastern Nico Pérez Terrane (NPT) of the Río de la Plata Craton and forms part of a NE-trending Mesoproterozoic belt together with the Calymmian (1.48–1.43 Ga) Parque UTE and Mina Verdún groups. The complex is characterized by interbedded/tectonically interleaved metasedimentary (mainly siliciclastic) and metaultramafic rocks, with subordinate intercalations of metabasites, carbonate and chert, all metamorphosed in the greenschist facies. The age of the Tapes Complex is constrained by: (i) a U–Pb SIMS age of 1360 ± 12 Ma for the youngest detrital zircon, (ii) the K–Ar age of 1253 ± 32 Ma for synkinematic muscovite of the Zapicán thrust, which affects the unit, and (iii) an Sm–Nd isochronic age of 1403 ± 150 Ma for ultramafic and mafic rocks. The intruding Tapes Chico Syenite yielded a much younger U–Pb SIMS age of 601 ± 5 Ma, associated with Brasiliano-Pan African tectonism, negative εHf values (mean = −31), δ18O zircon ratios ranging between 5.45 and 6.68‰ V-SMOW and inherited zircons dated at 1774-1756 Ma. The best preserved mafic and ultramafic samples yielded Nd model ages (TDM) between 1.55 and 1.68 Ga, close to the assumed crystallization age, and positive εNd(t). Nd model ages of metasedimentary rocks vary between 1.8 and 3.1 Ga, which is interpreted as reflecting two contrasting sources: Archean units of the NPT and Mesoproterozoic mafic and ultramafic rocks, including fragments of oceanic crust. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of metasedimentary rocks are characterized by LREE enrichment and lack of an Eu anomaly, similar to REE patterns of co-occurring metabasalts. High MgO concentrations, high Cr/V and low Y/Ni and Th/Sc ratios imply the involvement of ultramafic rocks in the source area, which is also supported by whole-rock Pb isotope data. A geodynamic evolution is envisaged, from an extensional tectonic setting between 1.48–1.43 Ga (rift or retroarc basin) into a compressional, retroarc foreland basin at ca. 1.25–1.20 Ga, the latter being probably related to the Kibaran Orogeny in the Namaqua-Natal Belt. It is proposed that the corresponding arc granites and high-grade metamorphic rocks are likely to be found in one of the several terranes in the Namaqua sector of the belt. The Apiaí Terrane (Ribeira Belt, Brazil) shows a similar geological record and evolution as the NPT, and maybe a fragment of the latter displaced to the NW by the Ibaré Shear Zone. The Tapes Complex is a key unit for understanding the assembly of the Río de la Plata and Kalahari cratons, and their incorporation into the Rodinia supercontinent.Fil: Gaucher, Claudio. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Frei, Robert. Universidad de Copenhagen; DinamarcaFil: Samaniego, Lucía. Centro Regional para la Gestión de Aguas Subterráneas; Uruguay. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Will, Thomas M.. Universität Würzburg; AlemaniaFil: Chemale, Farid. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; BrasilFil: Gargiulo, Maria Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Geológico del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología. Instituto Geológico del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Poire, Daniel Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; ArgentinaFil: Ling, Xiaoxiao. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Institute of Geology and Geophysics. State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution; ChinaFil: Li, Xian Hua. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Institute of Geology and Geophysics. State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution; ChinaFil: Li, Qiu Li. Universidad de Copenhagen; Dinamarc

Screening and evaluating of long noncoding RNAs in the puberty of goats

GO analysis of predicted targets of lncRNAs in trans. (XLS 1551 kb

Wearable multi-channel microelectrode membranes for elucidating electrophysiological phenotypes of injured myocardium

Understanding the regenerative capacity of small vertebrate models has provided new insights into the plasticity of injured myocardium. Here, we demonstrate the application of flexible microelectrode arrays (MEAs) in elucidating electrophysiological phenotypes of zebrafish and neonatal mouse models of heart regeneration. The 4-electrode MEA membranes were designed to detect electrical signals in the aquatic environment. They were micro-fabricated to adhere to the non-planar body surface of zebrafish and neonatal mice. The acquired signals were processed to display an electrocardiogram (ECG) with high signal-to-noise-ratios, and were validated via the use of conventional micro-needle electrodes. The 4-channel MEA provided signal stability and spatial resolution, revealing the site-specific electrical injury currents such as ST-depression in response to ventricular cryo-injury. Thus, our polymer-based and wearable MEA membranes provided electrophysiological insights into long-term conduction phenotypes for small vertebral models of heart injury and regeneration with a translational implication for monitoring cardiac patients

Changes in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at different times among residents in Guangzhou, China

BackgroundVaccination as a fundamental pillar of promoting public health and interest is critical to limiting the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many citizens are still hesitant about this epidemic prevention measure. This article aimed to understand the COVID-19 vaccination and hesitancy rates among Guangzhou residents at different points in time as well as to explore the relevant factors that cause vaccination hesitancy.MethodsWe conducted a total of nine cross-sectional surveys by enrolling 12,977 questionnaires among Guangzhou residents through the online survey software called “WenJuanXing” between April 2021 and December 2022, and residents made their choices by judging their willingness to vaccinate. These surveys collected data on the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, vaccine hesitancy, and factors influencing this hesitancy. The Chi-squared test was used for univariate analysis and the multivariate logistic regression model was used to further adjust the influence of the confounding factors to evaluate the main factors affecting the hesitancy of the COVID-19 vaccine at different periods.ResultsOver the course of 2021–2022, a total of 12,977 residents in the study area were surveyed. The vaccine hesitancy rates fluctuated over time. From April to June 2021, the vaccine hesitancy rate decreased from 30% to 9.1% and then increased to 13.7% in November. However, from April to December 2022, the hesitancy rate continued to rise from 13.4% to 30.4%. Vaccination rates, the epidemic waves of COVID-19, and changes in policies may all be possible factors that contributed to these fluctuations in vaccine hesitancy rates. We found statistically significant correlations between factors, such as residence, education, and occupation, and vaccine hesitancy at certain points of time. The results of the surveys in April and June 2021 showed that rural residents showed higher vaccine hesitancy rate than urban residents. Their lower education level was associated with higher vaccine hesitancy. Workers and farmers are more likely to have vaccine hesitancy than people with other occupations. The univariate analysis showed that people with underlying medical conditions and lower perceived health status were more likely to experience vaccine hesitation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the health status of individuals is the most important factor leading to vaccine hesitancy, and residents' underestimation of domestic risks and overconfidence in personal protection measures were also contributing factors. At different stages, vaccine hesitancy among residents was related to vaccine side effects, safety and efficacy, convenience fluctuation, and various factors.ConclusionIn the present study, we found that vaccine hesitancy did not display a consistent downward trend but it fluctuated over time. Higher education, residing in urban areas, lower perceived disease risk, and concerns about the vaccine's safety and side effects were risk factors for vaccine hesitancy. Implementing appropriate interventions and educational programs tailored to address these risk factors may prove to be effective in enhancing public confidence on vaccination