Construction of Shanghai Diabetes Clinical Database and real-world study

Objective·To construct a clinical database of diabetes in Shanghai, mine the value of clinical data, and carry out real-world study.Methods·The data were extracted from Shanghai Link Healthcare Database. All original clinical data have undergone standard processes such as desensitization, encryption, cleaning, standardization, information extraction and structuring, and clinical data were analyzed by the method of medical statistics or machine learning according to different research contents.Results·The database has imported the clinical data of 150 million visits and treatment records of 2.12 million diabetic patients in 37 municipal hospitals over a ten-year period from 2013 to 2022. The overall analysis showed the basic characteristics and development trends of all aspects of diabetes disease in real-world settings, the potential risks of diabetes are discovered by constructing retrospective cohort, and the inherent patterns of the disease are revealed by using machine learning methods such as cluster analysis and network analysis.Conclusion·The establishment of Shanghai Diabetes Clinical Database can not only summarize and show the clinical status of diabetes, but also obtain more scientific achievements with realistic clinical value by real-world clinical data study

The lagged effect of air pollution on human eosinophils: a distributed lag non-linear model

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the lag between exposure to air pollutants and changes in human eosinophil counts.Material and MethodsThis was a retrospective study employing 246 425 physical examination records dated December 2013 – December 2016 from Chengdu, China. The authors determined the prevalence of individuals with eosinophil counts above the normal reference range each day. A distributed lag non-linear model was used to evaluate the lagged effect of each air pollutant on eosinophil counts. The lagged effects of each air pollutant were counted and presented with smoothing splines.ResultsThe effects of air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5, aerodynamic diameters <2.5 μm; PM10, aerodynamic diameters <10 μm), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) were evaluated. In women, the effects of PM2.5 (RR = 1.154, 95% CI: 1.061–1.255) and PM10 (RR = 1.309, 95% CI: 1.130–1.517) reached the maximum values on lag day 0. In men, there was no significant effect of PM2.5, but significant effects of PM10 were found for lag days 20–28. The effects of NO2 and O3 on eosinophils were not statistically significant for either gender.ConclusionsThe air pollutants of PM10 have a significant effect on human eosinophils for both women and men, but with different temporal patterns, with women showing a lag of 0–5 days and men showing a lag of 20–28 days. In addition, PM2.5 was significant for women with a lag of 0–3 days but it was not significant for men

Betaine Promotes Fat Accumulation and Reduces Injury in Landes Goose Hepatocytes by Regulating Multiple Lipid Metabolism Pathways

Betaine is a well-established supplement used in livestock feeding. In our previous study, betaine was shown to result in the redistribution of body fat, a healthier steatosis phenotype, and an increased liver weight and triglyceride storage of the Landes goose liver, which is used for foie-gras production. However, these effects are not found in other species and strains, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we studied the underpinning molecular mechanisms by developing an in vitro fatty liver cell model using primary Landes goose hepatocytes and a high-glucose culture medium. Oil red-O staining, a mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and a qRT-PCR were used to quantify lipid droplet characteristics, mitochondrial &beta;-oxidation, and fatty acid metabolism-related gene expression, respectively. Our in vitro model successfully simulated steatosis caused by overfeeding. Betaine supplementation resulted in small, well-distributed lipid droplets, consistent with previous experiments in vivo. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential was restored, and gene expression of fatty acid synthesis genes (e.g., sterol regulatory-element binding protein, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and 2) was lower after betaine supplementation. By contrast, the expression of lipid hydrolysis transfer genes (mitochondrial transfer protein and lipoprotein lipase) was higher. Overall, the results provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for the use of betaine in animal production

Microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates IL-1β release and contributes to central sensitization in a recurrent nitroglycerin-induced migraine model

Abstract Background Central sensitization is an important mechanism of chronic migraine (CM) and is related to the inflammatory response of microglia. The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome may regulate the inflammatory process of microglia in several neurological diseases, but its role in CM is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the precise role of microglial NLRP3 in CM. Methods An experimental CM mouse model was established by repeated intraperitoneal (i.p) injection with nitroglycerin (NTG). We evaluated the expression levels of NLRP3 and its downstream interleukin (IL)-1β protein in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC; which is a central area relevant to migraine pain) at different time points. To further examine the effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway on central sensitization of CM, we examined MCC950, an NLRP3 inflammasome-specific inhibitor, and IL-1ra, an IL-1β antagonist, whether altered NTG-induced mechanical hyperalgesia of the periorbital area and hind paw. The effect of MCC950 and IL-1ra on c-Fos, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the TNC were also analyzed. The cell localization of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the TNC was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Results Repeated NTG administration induced acute and chronic mechanical hyperalgesia and increased expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β. Blockade of NLRP3 or IL-1β reduced NTG-induced hyperalgesia, and this effect was accompanied by a significant inhibition of the NTG-induced increase in p-ERK, c-Fos and CGRP levels in the TNC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that NLRP3 and IL-1β were mainly expressed in microglia in the TNC, and the IL-1β receptor, IL-1R, was mainly expressed in neurons in the TNC. Conclusions These results indicate that NLRP3 activation in the TNC participates in the microglial-neuronal signal by mediating the inflammatory response. This process contributes to the central sensitization observed in CM

Differentiation proliferative capacity of skeletal muscle satellite cells from Dapulian and Landrace pigs

Previously, we found there were significant differences in the development of skeletal muscle, myofiber characteristics between Chinese pig breed Dapulian and Landrace. Furthermore, the development of skeletal muscle is related to the proliferation of satellite cells (SCs). Thus, our aim was to compare the differences of proliferative abilities and expression of key genes related to proliferation between the SCs isolated from Dapulian and Landrace in this study. We isolated skeletal muscle SCs with collagenase digestion from the longissimus dorsi muscles of 1-day-old male Dapulian and Landrace piglets. After successful culture of SCs in vitro, proliferative capacity was estimated at different time points. Meanwhile, the expression of key genes related to SCs proliferation was detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Proliferation results showed a significantly greater number of viable SCs from Dapulian pigs compared to that from Landrace pigs at 72–120 h of culture (p < .05). The mRNA expression of MYOD, MYF5 and MYOG in SCs from Dapulian pigs was higher (p < .05) compared with Landrace pigs. Whereas the mRNA levels of MSTN, MTOR, S6K, EIF4E and 4EBP1 were significantly lower in SCs from Dapulian than those from Landrace (p < .05). Protein levels of MSTN, S6K, MTOR and EIF4E were consistent with corresponding mRNA expression. In summary, these findings indicated that SCs isolated from the two breeds exhibit different proliferative capacities, and the proliferative potential of SCs from Dapulian pigs was greater than those from Landrace pigs.Highlights There were significant differences in the development of skeletal muscle, myofibre number and myofibre size between Chinese indigenous pig breed Dapulian and commercial pig breed Landrace. The proliferative capacity of satellite cells (SCs) from Dapulian pigs was greater than that from Landrace pigs. The expression of key genes related to proliferation between the SCs isolated from Dapulian and Landrace was different

An outbreak of tuberculosis in a middle school in Henan, China: Epidemiology and risk factors.

BackgroundIn 2013, a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak occurred in a middle school in Henan province of China. An outbreak survey was carried out in the school.ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to investigate the detection rate of TB cases and those with strong Mantoux positive (SMP), defined as tuberculin skin test (TST) indurations of 15mm or larger and/or blisters, necrosis or lymphangitis, and to identify their risk factors.MethodsThe TST, chest x-ray/radiography, and TB-suspicious symptoms interview were used to screen for TB cases. Their diagnosis was made by sputum smear microscopy, liquid culture, computed tomography (CT), and diagnostic therapy if necessary. We retrospectively analyzed the outbreak survey data of 4082 students and 278 staff in the school. Logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors associated with SMP and TB disease.ResultsApproximately 3.55% of students and 16.55% of staff were SMP. SMP rate in students was significantly lower than that in staff (pConclusionSame dormitory-floor, same classroom, same teaching-floor and same teaching-building with the index case were all risk factors for both TB infection and disease for students in the outbreak, and the closer the contact was with the index case, the higher the risk was observed. Attention should also be paid to students with TST indurations <15mm, as well as to those with that ≥15mm for the index class in dealing with the outbreak

Microglia P2X4 receptor contributes to central sensitization following recurrent nitroglycerin stimulation

Abstract Background The mechanism underlying migraine chronification remains unclear. Central sensitization may account for this progression. The microglia P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) plays a pivotal role in the central sensitization of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, but there is no information about P2X4R in migraine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the precise role of microglia P2X4R in chronic migraine (CM). Methods We used an animal model with recurrent intermittent administration of nitroglycerin (NTG), which closely mimics CM. NTG-induced basal and acute mechanical hypersensitivity were evaluated using the von Frey filament test. Then, we detected Iba1 immunoreactivity (Iba1-IR) and P2X4R expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). To understand the effect of microglia and P2X4R on central sensitization of CM, we examined whether minocycline, an inhibitor of microglia activation, and 5-BDBD, a P2X4R antagonist, altered NTG-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. In addition, we also evaluated the effect of 5-BDBD on c-Fos and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression within the TNC. Results Chronic intermittent administration of NTG resulted in acute and chronic basal mechanical hyperalgesia, accompanied with microglia activation and upregulation of P2X4R expression. Minocycline significantly decreased basal pain hypersensitivity but did not alter acute NTG-induced hyperalgesia. Minocycline also reduced microglia activation. 5-BDBD completely blocked the basal and acute hyperalgesia induced by NTG. This effect was associated with a significant inhibition of the NTG-induced increase in c-Fos protein and CGRP release in the TNC. Conclusions Our results indicate that blocking microglia activation may have an effect on the prevention of migraine chronification. Moreover, we speculate that the P2X4R may be implicated in the microglia-neuronal signal in the TNC, which contributes to the central sensitization of CM

Safety of Autologous Cord Blood Cells for Preterms: A Descriptive Study

Background. Preterm birth complications are one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years of age. Despite advances in medical care, many survivors face a lifetime of disability, including mental and physical retardation, and chronic lung disease. More recently, both allogenic and autogenic cord blood cells have been applied in the treatment of neonatal conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Objective. To assess the safety of autologous, volume- and red blood cell- (RBC-) reduced, noncryopreserved umbilical cord blood (UCB) cell infusion to preterm infants. Method. This study was a phase I, open-label, single-arm, single-center trial to evaluate the safety of autologous, volume- and RBC-reduced, noncryopreserved UCB cell (5 × 107cells/kg) infusion for preterm infants <37 weeks gestational age. UCB cell characteristics, pre- and postinfusion vital signs, and laboratory investigations were recorded. Clinical data including mortality rates and preterm complications were recorded. Results. After processing, (22.67 ± 4.05) ml UCB cells in volume, (2.67 ± 2.00) × 108 cells in number, with (22.67 ± 4.05) × 106 CD34+, (3.72 ± 3.25) × 105 colony forming cells (CFU-GM), and (99.7 ± 0.17%) vitality were infused to 15 preterm infants within 8 hours after birth. No adverse effects were noticed during treatment. All fifteen patients who received UCB infusion survived. The duration of hospitalization ranged from 4 to 65 (30 ± 23.6) days. Regarding preterm complications, no BPD, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was observed. There were 1/15 (7%) infant with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), 5/15 (33.3%) infants with ventilation-associated pneumonia, and 10/15 (66.67%) with anemia, respectively. Conclusions. Collection, preparation, and infusion of fresh autologous UCB cells to preterm infants is feasible and safe. Adequately powered randomized controlled studies are needed