Human Body Research Articles

Perioperative Outcomes: Polycarbonate Polyurethane Artificial Blood Vessel Versus Polyester Artificial Blood Vessel.

The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative performance of the novel large-diameter composite polycarbonate polyurethane graft and the polyester graft. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 14 patients with thoracic aortic prosthesis replacement from 2016 to 2021. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of the 2 groups were assessed in detail. We defined the patients with polyester grafts as the control group and the patients with polycarbonate polyurethane grafts as the experimental group. The total operation time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group, which were 159.29±38.13 minutes and 252.57±64.40 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). The length of time from aortic opening to the end of operation in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group, which were 70.43±8.08 minutes and 124.71±37.59 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). The mean total drainage of pleural fluid was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (383.43±139.68 mL vs. 828.00±457.27 mL; p<0.05). The mean postoperative in-hospital time was shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (6.71±0.75 days vs. 9.43±2.82 days; p<0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence that the novel artificial blood vessel has good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and anti-seepage function in the human body. A multicenter randomized controlled trial is needed for further validation. The novel hybrid polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU)/polyester three-layered large-diameter artificial blood vessel simulates the internal, middle, and external layers of the human blood vessels. The inner and outer layer are made of PCU, and the middle reinforcing layer is woven by polyester. Because of the three-layered structure, this artificial blood vessel has excellent anti-seepage and anti-infection functions. the inner and outer layers of the blood vessel made of PCU let this artificial blood vessel has excellent blood compatibility, outstanding biocompatibility, high endothelialization rate, and 100% patency. By comparing the perioperative outcomes with the polyester artificial blood vessel, we find it has good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, hemocompatibility and anti-seepage function in the human body.

Axis "microbiota – gut – eye": a review

Every organ in the human body has its own microbiota, and the eye, a complex multi-component organ, is no exception. Due to the limitations of traditional methods, detailed study of the ocular microbiome began only in 2010 as part of the Eye Microbiome Project, when advances in research methods made it possible to obtain detailed data, although there had been debate previously about whether microorganisms were even able to attach to the ocular surface due to the layers of the tear film, which have antibacterial properties. The cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal glands and tear film, meibomian glands and microbiome form the microenvironment of the ocular surface, interacting together and resisting irritants, allergens and pathogens. Homeostasis of the ocular microbiota is critical for maintaining the health of the visual organ. Most microorganisms are found on the cornea and conjunctiva, and modern research methods, including 16S rRNA sequencing, have allowed us to establish the "core" of the ocular surface microbiota, identifying the most common types: Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium, and Streptococcus, although the exact composition of the “core” remains debatable. Many factors can influence the composition of the microbiome, including age, contact lens wear, ophthalmic medications, and antibiotics. Like the microbiome of many other organs, the ocular surface microbiome is influenced by the gut microbiome: this relationship has been called the "microbiota – gut – eye" axis. Within the "gut – eye" axis, healthy gut microbiota produce short-chain fatty acids, indoles, polyamines, and other substances that have a beneficial effect on the immune system and retinal health. The state of dysbiosis leads to disruption of homeostasis, and the increasing inflammatory reaction can contribute to damage to the optic nerve and progression of eye disease. Some ophthalmologic diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degradation, choroidal neovascularization, uveitis, primary open-angle glaucoma, Sjogren's syndrome, dry eye syndrome are associated with dysbiosis of the intestinal microbial composition. Correction of intestinal dysbiosis using various methods can lead to a decrease in the risk of eye diseases, although additional research is needed to discover new methods for treating ophthalmologic pathologies along the "microbiota – gut – eye" axis.

Assessment of disorders of metabolic process on the base of quantification of target proteins under aerogenic influence of aluminum oxide in children

Introduction. The study of the mechanisms of the occurrence of adverse events at the molecular level, followed by the study of biological processes at the cellular, tissue, and organ level, allows further investigating the mechanism of the toxic action of chemicals to predict the development of adverse effects in humans. The purpose of the study is to evaluate disturbances in the signal-transporter pathways of metabolic processes on the base of the quantification of identified target proteins under aerogenic exposure to aluminum oxide in children. Materials and methods. Using the methods of chemical-analytical, statistical, proteomic, biochemical, histological research, and bioinformation analysis, the adverse effects were assessed in 4–7 years children and Wistar rats exposed to aerogenic and inhalation exposure to aluminum oxide (Al2O3). A comparative analysis of the results obtained in the experiment and natural conditions was carried out. Results. In children under conditions of long-term aerogenic exposure to Al2O3 at the level of 0.1–1.0 RfC, the urine concentration of the studied substance was found to be up to 2 times higher than the average comparison value and the reference value. In the experiment with chronic inhalation of Al2O3 at a dose equivalent to the real one, the aluminum urine content in rats was 3.5 times higher than the control value. Comparative analysis of proteomic maps in children revealed 23 significantly different protein spots, 8 of which had a relationship between intensity changes and an increase in Al urine concentration. In rats, 15 significantly different protein spots were found between the groups, 13 of which had a reliable relationship with the exposure marker. In natural and experimental studies, only two identical proteins were found: apolipoprotein A-I and transthyretin; increased levels of ALAT, ASAT and alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, gamma-aminobutyric and glutamic acids, lipid hydroperoxide in the blood serum; increased MDA and decreased AOA in the blood plasma. Pathomorphological changes in the tissues of the brain, heart, and liver were confirmed in the experiment. Limitations. The research conducted allows drawing a conclusion about the effect of Al2O3 on the body only through the aerogenic route of entry. Conclusion. Based on the bioinformational analysis of the results obtained and assessment of the cause-and-effect relationships of the transformation of the proteomic profile of blood plasma under natural conditions, verified in the experiment, the leading molecular-cellular events in the development of adverse effects in the form of oxidation, imbalance of lipoprotein and neurotransmitter metabolism, and decreased neurogenesis activity were identified. Metabolic disorders are predicted in the tissues of the heart, blood vessels, liver, and brain under continued conditions of aerogenic exposure to Al2O3. The study of the cascade of events of adverse responses (from the molecular to the organ level) expands knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms of metabolic processes of dysregulation of signal-transporter pathways in the human body in response to the influence of a chemical factor, including Al2O3. This increases the effectiveness of early prediction of the occurrence of the disease and the development of targeted measures to prevent adverse consequences.

Appendectomy and inflammatory bowel disease: is there a link? A review

The appendix has historically been considered a rudimentary organ with an unknown function. Currently, its role in the human body has a special place. It has been proved that it is a "piggy bank" for commensal microorganisms and acts as an immunological organ. The impact of appendectomy on ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease has been debated for more than 30 years. Removal of the appendix at an early age has been reported to reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis but lead to a progressive course of Crohn’s disease. These observations led to the postulate that there may be an association between appendectomy and inflammatory bowel disease that can be explained by the immunomodulatory effect of surgery. There is still no definitive evidence of a protective or damaging role of the appendix in inflammatory bowel disease, which is a prospect for future research.

Omega-3 and Sports: Focus on Inflammation

Inflammation is expected in sports, especially when practiced at a high level. The human body is pushed toward its limit, and this is perceived as a “stressogenic agent”. Athletes, especially elite ones, desire it because their bodies can react with super-compensation, i.e., improve muscle mass, strength, speed, resistance, and, therefore, athletic performance. Thus, the inflammatory stimuli should be there during training but also counteracted to have the body placed in the optimal conditions for reacting with super-compensation. In this sense, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory biochemical activity. In this review, we will present the biochemical mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids through their mediators, specialized pro-resolving mediators, which have anti-inflammatory activity. A focus will be on studies on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in sports, and we will provide indications for possible practical applications and future studies, which are undoubtedly necessary to clarify the omega-3 fatty acids used in sports practice.

Biological activities of metal complexes with Schiff base

Abstract Schiff bases are a class of synthetic compounds that form when primary amines combine with aldehydes or ketones. These compounds are incredibly important across various fields, such as biology, catalysis, and optics, due to their diverse features. One notable aspect is their ability to form complexes with transition metals, which opens up a wide range of potential uses, particularly in human systems. In the human body, Schiff base metal complexes display a range of biological actions, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antimalarial properties. The versatility of Schiff bases in reacting with different transition metals gives these complexes intriguing potential for addressing biological issues and treating diseases. This article explores various examples of Schiff bases, metal complexes, and their associated ligands, highlighting their usefulness in a variety of biological applications. The potential of Schiff base metal complexes as valuable agents in resolving medical difficulties and advancing biomedical research is emphasized.

Self-Powered Tactile Sensors Embedded with Self-Healing Electrodes for Multifunctional Applications.

Tactile-based sensing technology represents one of the most promising methods for interacting with their surrounding environment. Consequently, flexible tactile sensing has garnered significant attention from researchers worldwide. In this study, triboelectricity and piezoelectricity were combined to propose a multifunctional self-powered tactile sensor (MSPTS). Notably, new and innovative self-healing electrodes were embedded and synthesized from HPDMS (poly(dimethylsiloxane)) and boric acid in the MSPTS, MSPTS demonstrated a linear detection range of 0.25-5 kPa with a sensitivity of 246.28 mV/kPa, indicating substantial improvements in sensor sensitivity, output performance, and anti-interference capability. Our method of forming hydrogen bonds between a self-healing material (SHM) and a liquid metal (LM) effectively addressed the issue of LM leakage within the flexible matrix under pressure, thus preventing sensor failure. The borate dynamic bonding conferred self-healing properties to the electrode when it was damaged. The MSPTS was successfully applied to pressure detection, material identification, and human body movement detection, significantly broadening the application range of flexible electronic devices.

Mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdZnTe Quantum dots as Fluorescence Probe for Sensitive Detection of Cr(III) ions.

Although Cr(III) ions are essential for the human body, excessive amounts can lead to skin inflammation, allergic reactions, and genotoxicity. A highly sensitive fluorescence probe was developed using mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdZnTe quantum dots (QDs) synthesized via an aqueous solution heating method for precise detection of Cr(III) ions. The synthesized MPA-CdZnTe QDs had a size of 2.38 ± 0.13nm and exhibited a zinc-blende structure, with MPA molecules effectively capping the surface through Cd-S bonds. Investigation into the effects of reflux times and solution pH on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of MPA-CdZnTe QDs revealed the occurrence of Ostwald ripening during prolonged reflux processes. The quantum yield (QY) of the synthesized CdZnTe QDs could reach 89%, and the QY was higher under acidic conditions than alkaline. Leveraging the quenching effect of Cr(III) ions on MPA-CdZnTe QDs, a robust method for the quantitative detection of trace amounts of Cr(III) ions was established. Linear quenching behavior was observed within the concentration range of 3.33 × 10- 6 to 5.00 × 10- 4 mol L- 1 for Cr(III) ions, with the fluorescence quenching rate described by a linear regression equation: 1-F/F0 = 0.218 + 829.5268CCr(III). The limit of detection was determined to be 2.63 × 10- 6 mol L- 1. The mechanism of the fluorescence behavior of MPA capped CdZnTe QDs towards Cr(III) ions was photo-induced electron transfer.

Features of the microbiome of burial soils

Introduction. On the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as worldwide, a large amount of space is allocated for burials. The soils found in the burial areas have their own characteristics. In the scientific literature there is a few works devoted to the problem of hygienic assessment of cemeteries from the point of view of their impact on the environment, as well as on the population living next to necrosols or working on them. Depending on the chemical and biological effects, the microbial composition of the soil changes. This process is influenced by many factors, including humidity, the initial content of organic and mineral substances, level of acidity, structure of the soil and peculiarities of the course of intra-soil gas-phase reactions. The key participants in the decomposition of organic material are bacteria and fungi, the diversity and dynamics of which directly depend on the degree of soil contamination with pollutants. The purpose of this study was to analyze the microbiota of cemetery soil in its various layers. Materials and methods. The cemeteries of Moscow (NikoloKhovanskoye, Nikolo-Arkhangelskoye, Perepechenskoye), Moscow (Mytishchenskoye, Domodedovo), Tula (Municipal Cemetery No. 1 of the Municipal State Enterprise of the Municipal Formation of the City of Tula Combine of Specialized Services), Kursk (old city cemetery Kurchatov), Krasnoyarsk (Zheleznogorsk) regions and Altai (Yarovoye) Krais were selected as research objects for assessing the microbiome of soils. Results. The most common bacterial pathogens were found to be Enterococcus spp. (81%), Bacillus spp. (75%) and E. coli (45.1%). Mushrooms of Penicillium spp.. were isolated from 61% of the samples. The revealed microbiota profiles of the samples of the studied cemetery soils reflect the microbial composition of humans, which allows substantiating the main methods and algorithm for identifying decomposition processes depending on the time frame of burials. Limitations. The limitation of the study is due to the risk of contact with cemetery soil was not assessed, since not all genera of isolated microorganisms could be identified by their biochemical properties. Conclusion. Studies conducted in cemetery areas have shown how diverse the soil microbiome is in burial sites and varies depending on the depth of sampling. The microbiota profiles of cemetery soil samples identified during the study reflect the lifetime microbial composition of the human body, which makes it possible to substantiate approaches to identifying decomposition processes depending on the time frame of burials.

Free-breathing qRF-MRF with pilot tone respiratory motion navigator for T1, T2, T2*, and off-resonance mapping of the human body at 3T.

Standard quantitative abdominal MRI techniques are time consuming, require breath-holds, and are susceptible to patient motion artifacts. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is naturally multi-parametric and quantifies multiple tissue properties, including T1 and T2. This work includes T2* and off-resonance mapping into a free-breathing MRF framework utilizing a pilot tone navigator. The new acquisition and reconstruction are compared to current clinical standards. Prospective. Ten volunteers. 3T scanner, Quadratic-RF MRF, Balanced SSFP, Inversion recovery spin-echo, LiverLab. MRI ROIs were evaluated in the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney (cortex and medulla), and paravertebral muscle by two abdominal imaging investigators for ten healthy adult volunteers for clinical standard, breath-Hold (BH) qRF-MRF, and free-breathing qRF-MRF with pilot-tone (PT) acquisitions. Bland-Altman analysis as well as Student's T tests were used to evaluate and compare the respective ROI analyses. Quantitative values between breath-Hold (BH) and free-breathing qRF-MRF with pilot-tone (PT) results show good agreement with clinical standard T1 and T2 quantitative mapping, and Dixon q-VIBE (acquired using the Siemens LiverLAB). In this work, we show free-breathing abdominal MRF (T1, T2) with T2* results that are quantitatively comparable to current breath-hold MRF and clinical techniques.

Study on non-destructive visualization identification of concrete internal cracks based on SH array ultrasound

Ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) technology was one of the most frequently used and fastest-developing NDT techniques in detection field. This method had high detection sensitivity, more accurate defect localization, and was harmless to the human body. With the development of ultrasonic testing technology, modern ultrasonic imaging technology generally had automatic data acquisition and processing functions, which allowed for intuitive and clear recognition of internal defects by the human eyes. The overall purpose of this study was to visualize the cracks in concrete by synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) and full-waveform inversion (FWI) algorithms on the basis of ultrasonic nondestructive testing technology. At present, there have been studies on the use of ultrasonic instruments to detect the internal defects of concrete. However, the accuracy and authenticity of this method have not been compared in previous studies. Therefore, in this experiment, four concrete specimens with different buried depths, angles, shapes, and thicknesses of cracks were designed. Based on SH ultrasonic wave NDT technology, two types of operations were performed on the collected ultrasonic wave data: one was the application of SAFT method, and the other was the first application of FWI method for detecting internal cracks in concrete. The study found that both algorithms were most accurate in determining the burial depth of cracks, with error results not exceeding 10 %. They also showed good recognition effects for the angle, shape, and thickness of the buried cracks. This proved that both identification methods had the capability to recognize internal cracks. The Introview software bundled with the ultrasonic instrument could identify cracks using SAFT directly and quickly. When FWI was used with MATLAB computation, the results were more precise and intuitive. The overall purpose of this study was to detect cracks in concrete by SAFT and FWI algorithms on the basis of ultrasonic nondestructive testing technology. Combining the two crack identification techniques could be of great significance for ensuring the long-term safety and stability of concrete structures, providing strong support for structural maintenance and reinforcement.

Genetic architecture of routinely acquired blood tests in a British South Asian cohort

Understanding the genetic basis of routinely-acquired blood tests can provide insights into several aspects of human physiology. We report a genome-wide association study of 42 quantitative blood test traits defined using Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) of ~50,000 British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani adults. We demonstrate a causal variant within the PIEZO1 locus which was associated with alterations in red cell traits and glycated haemoglobin. Conditional analysis and within-ancestry fine mapping confirmed that this signal is driven by a missense variant - chr16-88716656-G-TT - which is common in South Asian ancestries (MAF 3.9%) but ultra-rare in other ancestries. Carriers of the T allele had lower mean HbA1c values, lower HbA1c values for a given level of random or fasting glucose, and delayed diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Our results shed light on the genetic basis of clinically-relevant traits in an under-represented population, and emphasise the importance of ancestral diversity in genetic studies.

Advancements of Biomacromolecular Hydrogel Applications in Food Nutrition and Health.

Hydrogels exhibit remarkable degradability, biocompatibility and functionality, which position them as highly promising materials for applications within the food and pharmaceutical industries. Although many relevant studies on hydrogels have been reported in the chemical industry, materials, and other fields, there have been few reviews on their potential applications in food nutrition and human health. This study aims to address this gap by reviewing the functional properties of hydrogels and assessing their value in terms of food nutrition and human health. The use of hydrogels in preserving bioactive ingredients, food packaging and food distribution is delved into specifically in this review. Hydrogels can serve as cutting-edge materials for food packaging and delivery, ensuring the preservation of nutritional activity within food products, facilitating targeted delivery of bioactive compounds and regulating the digestion and absorption processes in the human body, thereby promoting human health. Moreover, hydrogels find applications in in vitro cell and tissue culture, human tissue repair, as well as chronic disease prevention and treatment. These broad applications have attracted great attention in the fields of human food nutrition and health. Ultimately, this paper serves as a valuable reference for further utilization and exploration of hydrogels in these respective fields.

A speech-based convolutional neural network for human body posture classification

Abstract Problem In recent years, computing and sensing advances have helped to develop efficient human posture classification systems, which assist in creating health systems that contribute to enhancing elder’s and disable’s life quality in context-aware and ambient assistive living applications. Other applications of body posture classification include the simulation of human bodies into virtual characters, security applications such as kidnapping and the body position of the kidnapper or victim, which can provide useful information to the negotiator or the rescue team, and other sports applications. Aim This work aims to propose a body posture classification system based on speech using deep learning techniques. Methods All samples pass through the preprocessing phase. The Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) with 12 coefficients was used as features, and the best features were selected by the correlation-based feature selection method. Two supervised learning techniques called artificial hydrocarbon networks (AHN) and convolutional neural networks (CNN) were deployed to efficiently classify body postures and movements. This research aims to detect six human positions through speech, which include walking downstairs, sitting, walking upstairs, running, laying, and walking. The dataset used in this work was prepared by the authors, named the human activity speech dataset. Results The best performance gained was with the AHN classifier of 68.9% accuracy and 67.1% accuracy with the CNN. Conclusion It was concluded that the MFCC features are the most powerful features in body position classification, and the deep learning methods are powerful in classifying body positions.

Simultaneous Recognition and Detection of Adenosine Phosphates by Machine Learning Analysis for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectral Data.

Adenosine phosphates (adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)) play important roles in energy storage and signal transduction in the human body. Thus, a measurement method that simultaneously recognizes and detects adenosine phosphates is necessary to gain insight into complex energy-relevant biological processes. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful technique for this purpose. However, the similarities in size, charge, and structure of adenosine phosphates (APs) make their simultaneous recognition and detection difficult. Although approaches that combine SERS and machine learning have been studied, they require massive quantities of training data. In this study, limited AP spectral data were obtained using fabricated gold nanostructures for SERS measurements. The training data were created by feature selection and data augmentation after preprocessing the small amount of acquired spectral data. The performances of several machine learning models trained on these generated training data were compared. Multilayer perceptron model successfully detected the presence of AMP, ADP, and ATP with an accuracy of 0.914. Consequently, this study establishes a new measurement system that enables the highly accurate recognition and detection of adenosine phosphates from limited SERS spectral data.

Achieving High Thermoelectric Performance in Bi2(Te, Se)3 Thin Film with (00l)-Oriented by Incorporating Tellurization and Selenization Processes.

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) generators have received great attention as a sustainable and reliable option to convert heat from the human body and other ambient sources into electricity. This study provides a synthesis route that involves thermally induced diffusion to introduce Te and Se into Bi, fabricating an n-type Bi-Te-Se flexible thin film on a flexible substrate. This specific synthesis alters the crystal orientation (00l) of the thin film, improving in-plane electrical transportation and optimizing carrier concentration. Consequently, BixTeySe0.42 enhanced both the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity, achieving a power factor of 17.1 μW cm-1 K-2 at room temperature. The TE device assembled with p-type Sb2Te3 exhibited exceptional flexibility with only a 26.2% change in resistance after 1000 times of bending at a radius of about 6 mm. The resistance change was further reduced to 7.5% after the application of a vinyl laurate coating. The fabricated TE device generated an ultrahigh output power of 792 nW with a temperature difference of 30 K.

A comprehensive review on the role of Vitamin A on human health and nutrition

Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient that protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cellular components. Its antioxidant properties helps maintaining various physiological functions that depend on its presence, including vision, immune function and skin health. The human body can convert natural forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinal and retinoic acid) and provitamin A (β-carotene) into active forms, which interact with specific molecular targets, influencing gene expression, cell differentiation and cellular processes. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth examination of vitamin A, covering its dietary sources, physiological roles and consequences of deficiency. In this research review explored the metabolic pathways of vitamin A, including absorption, transport and storage, as well as its potential applications, offering a thorough understanding of this essential nutrient. Furthermore, we have decreased the latest research on vitamin A's role in, maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health, treating various diseases and conditions, such as retinal disorders, infectious diseases and cancer, mechanisms of action, including gene regulation, cell signaling, and antioxidant activity, relationships with other nutrients and health outcomes, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc, impact of deficiency on human health, including night blindness, impaired immunity, and skin disorders and emerging research on potential benefits and risks, including its role in chronic diseases and interactions with medications. Key words: Nutrition, retinyl ester, Nyctalopia, Rhodopsin, Vitamin A, β-carotene

Association between uric acid and the risk of depressive symptoms in US adults: results from NHANES 2005–2018

BackgroundThis study explores the relationship between serum uric acid(UA) levels and depression. UA is the final product of purine metabolism in the human body, possessing certain physiological functions such as blood pressure regulation, antioxidation, DNA protection, and anti-aging, thereby drawing attention for its potential role in preventing and treating depression.MethodsThis cross-sectional study includes 32,424 participants aged ≥ 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018, generating a nationally representative database. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Serum uric acid concentration was measured using the uricase-peroxidase coupled method, and participants were divided into quartiles of serum uric acid concentration. Weighted data were calculated according to analysis guidelines. The association between serum uric acid and depressive symptoms was analyzed using weighted multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression analyses. Subgroup analyses were also performed.ResultsAmong 32,424 participants, 3,421 were defined as having depressive symptoms. The crude prevalence of depressive symptoms was 10.5% (weighted prevalence: 9.086% [95% confidence interval: 9.032–9.139%]). Compared with the first quartile, individuals with higher UA levels had a decreased risk of depressive symptoms by 9% (OR: 0.910, 95% CI: 0.797–10.40), 14.6% (OR: 0.854, 95% CI: 0.741–0.983), and 20.5% (OR: 7795, 95% CI: 0.680–0.930), respectively. Further restricted cubic spline regression analysis revealed a nonlinear association between UA and depressive symptoms, with an inflection point of 319.72 µmol/L. Subgroup multivariable weighted logistic regression analysis found that the association between UA and the risk of depressive symptoms remained consistent across all subgroups, demonstrating high stability and reliability.ConclusionThis study emphasizes a significant nonlinear negative correlation between serum uric acid and depressive symptoms. This suggests that proper control of serum uric acid levels may play a role in preventing and treating depression.

The aromatic amino acid phenylalanine: a versatile tool for binding transition metal ions.

The human body contains many different types of transition metal ions, such as Zn2+, Cu2+, which are involved in many physiological processes. An excess or deficiency of these ions can cause diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, which is closely related to the levels of these ions in the body. In-depth understanding of various physiological and pathological mechanisms related to metal ions requires understanding the interaction between metal ions and nearby amino acids at the atomic level. This article selected four transition metal ions: Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ and the aromatic amino acid Phe, known for its strong coordination capability, as study subjects, comprehensively examining their binding situations. The results show that there are multiple binding modes between them and Phe, and most of the binding modes involve benzene ring coordination. The coordination strength order of the four metal ions with benzene ring, carbonyl O, hydroxyl O and amino N is different. For the lowest energy structure formed by each ion with Phe, all four ions are bound to N, carbonyl O, and benzene ring. Zn2+ is combined with two C's of the benzene ring, Cu2+ with four C's of the benzene ring, and Fe2+ and Mn2+ with the benzene ring as a whole. Part of the reason for this phenomenon may be derived from the tendency of transition metal ions to reach 18e stable structures when bound to ligands. There is a strong binding force between the four ions and Phe, and the binding trend is Cu2+(-294.9kcal/mol) > Zn2+(-261.3kcal/mol) > Fe2+(-247.5kcal/mol) > Mn2+(-220.2kcal/mol). Mayer bond order analysis and molecular orbital localization analysis found that there are very strong chemical interactions between transition metal ions and surrounding atoms, especially with N and carbonyl O. Several initial structures with different coordination modes to Phe were created according to chemical intuition for each divalent cation. Then semiempirical MD simulations at GFN2 level were run on these structures. The numerous generated structures were classified according to some criteria, then representative geometries were preliminarily optimized by TPSSh/6-31G*/LanL2DZ. To get more accurate electronic energies, high-precision quantum chemistry calculations at the level of TPSSh/def2TZVPP//TPSSh/def2QZVPP were carried out on the selected low-lying structures. All the optimized structures were confirmed to be minima without imaginary frequency by performing frequency analyses. Further electronic structure analyses such as IRI, Mayer bond order, IBSI etc. were performed to get more insights into the binding between the transition metal ions and Phe.

Thyrotoxic Effects of Mixed Exposure to Perfluorinated Compounds: Integrating Population-Based, Toxicogenomic, Animal, and Cellular Evidence to Elucidate Molecular Mechanisms and Identify Potential Effector Targets.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging environmental endocrine disruptors that may adversely affect the human endocrine system, particularly the thyroid gland, the largest endocrine gland in the human body. An epidemiologic survey was conducted involving 318 community residents in Shanghai, China, to assess PFAS exposure levels. The relationship between PFAS exposure and five thyroid function indicators was analyzed using Bayesian Kernel Regression (BKMR) and Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQS). Ten effector genes related to PFAS and thyroid diseases were identified through the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) for bioinformatics analysis and pathways involved were explored through mediation analysis. In vivo validation of these effector genes was conducted using PCR, complemented by in vitro cellular experiments involving transcriptome sequencing and the construction of animal models to simulate mixed PFAS exposure in the general population. Mixed PFAS exposure was found to impact thyroid health primarily through pathways related to lipid metabolism in toxicogenomic studies and resulted in the upregulation of key genes associated with lipid metabolism in animal models. Our results demonstrate that PFAS exposure could affect the expression of lipid metabolism pathways through the modulation of transcription factors, contributing to the development of thyroid disease.