Characterization and expression analysis of four members genes of flavanone 3-hydroxylase families from Chamaemelum nobile

Chamaemelum nobile is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, whose secondary metabolites used in the pharmacology of Chinese medicine. Among them, the flavonoids have great research value. Flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) is one of the core enzymes in the early steps of flavonoid biosynthesis. This study aimed to elucidate the structures, functions, and expression levels of F3H families from C. nobile. Four members of the F3H family were screened from C. nobile transcriptome data and performed bioinformatics analysis. Results showed that CnF3H1~4 had a high similarity with the other F3H plants, and all genes contained two conserved isopenicillin N synthase-like and oxoglutarate/iron-dependent dioxygenase domains. Further analysis revealed that the four CnF3H proteins contained some differences in binding sites. The results of secondary and 3-D structures displayed that the composition and proportion of the four CnF3H secondary structures were basically the same, and their 3D structures were consistent with the secondary structures. The phylogenetic tree displayed that CnF3H2, CnF3H3, and CnF3H4 were grouped with Asteraceae. The expression patterns of CnF3Hs in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of C. nobile were evaluated using the value of RPKM. The results indicated that CnF3Hs had significant difference in the expression of different tissues. Especially, CnF3H1~3 and CnF3H4 had the highest expression levels in the flowers and roots, respectively. Hence, CnF3Hs played a significant role in the flavonoid metabolism

Associations between pregnancy loss and common mental disorders in women: a large prospective cohort study

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that pregnancy loss can lead to negative emotional outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, for women. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term risk of mental disorders among individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between pregnancy loss and the risk of common mental disorders.MethodsIn the UK Biobank, a total of 218,990 women without any mental disorder at baseline were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and followed until October 2022. Information on the history of pregnancy loss was obtained through self-reported questionnaires at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between pregnancy loss and common mental disorders.ResultsDuring a median follow-up time of 13.36 years, there were 26,930 incident cases of common mental disorders. Incidence rates of common mental disorders were elevated among women with a history of stillbirth (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07–1.23), miscarriage (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.10), or pregnancy termination (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.17–1.25) compared to those without such experiences. Furthermore, the risk of common mental disorders significantly increased in women with two or more miscarriages (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.19) or two or more pregnancy terminations (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.30–1.48).ConclusionsPregnancy loss is associated with an increased risk of common mental disorders in women later in life. These findings may contribute to the enhancement of long-term monitoring and prevention of common mental disorders for women with such a history

Osteocalcin has a muscle-protective effect during weight loss in men without metabolic syndrome: a multicenter, prospective, observational study

ObjectiveWeight reduction often accompanies muscle loss. Existing studies highlight the involvement of osteocalcin (OC) in energy metabolism and its potential to prevent age-related muscle loss. Nevertheless, these studies predominantly involve individuals with hyperglycemia, yielding conflicting research outcomes. This study investigated the protective role of OC against muscle loss during weight reduction in individuals without metabolic syndrome (MetS).MeasuresWe enrolled 130 overweight or obese individuals without MetS in a 4-month high-protein, energy-restricted dietary weight management program conducted at two clinic centers. Body composition and laboratory tests were assessed both before and after weight loss. Correlation and regression analysis were made between the changes in metabolic indicators and muscle mass during weight loss.ResultsFollowing weight loss, there was a decrease in body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), visceral fat area (VFA), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile, and increase in the percentage of skeletal muscle (PSM) and vitamin D. There was no change in osteocalcin (OC) during the intervention. Correlation analysis of the relative changes in all metabolic indicators revealed a positive correlation between OC and PSM (r=0.383, p=0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis found that OC has a significant protective effect on muscles during weight loss in males after adjusting for confounding factors (β=0.089, p=0.017).ConclusionHigh-protein, energy-restricted diets demonstrate efficacy in enhancing metabolic indicators within the weight-loss population. Furthermore, OC exhibits a protective effect on muscle mass during weight reduction in individuals without MetS, with this effect being particularly evident in males

Neurocognitive function across different phases of bipolar disorder: an evaluation using the B-CATS

ObjectivesNeurocognitive dysfunction is a critical aspect of bipolar disorder (BD) and affected by multiple factors, which may serve as potential points for prevention and clinical intervention. This study aimed to compare the neurocognitive profiles of BD patients across different phases with those of healthy controls (HCs) via the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS) and explore the relationship between neurocognitive impairment and mood symptom severity, advancing the applicability of the B-CATS for BD patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 238 BD patients, of whom 80, 78, and 80 were in the depressive, manic/hypomanic, and euthymic phases, respectively, and 80 HCs. The participants’ neurocognitive profiles were evaluated using the B-CATS, which includes 3 tests: the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Trail Making Test (TMT). In addition, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were used to assess depression symptoms, anxiety, mania, and the degree of disability.ResultsAmong the four groups, the depressive group showed the most severe neurocognitive impairment, followed by the manic group, and the euthymic group was inferior to that of the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that in the depression group, depressive symptoms were inversely associated with AFT (r = -0.427, p < 0.001), DSST (r = -0.242, p = 0.030), and total scores (r = -0.248, p = 0.026). In the manic group, manic symptoms were inversely associated with B-CATS scores (r = -0.407, p < 0.001), and patients with current medication use had lower B-CATS total scores and TMT scores (r = -0.310, p = 0.006; r = -0.292, p = 0.010, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that B-CATS total score was closely related to SDS- Social life (p = 0.030) in depression, YMRS score (p < 0.001) and drugs (p < 0.001) in manic.ConclusionsNeurocognitive impairment in BD patients are present throughout the entire illness course, with the most severe deficits occurring during the depressive phase. B-CATS is a quick and simple tool for assessing neurocognitive function for BD patients

Concentrations and sociodemographic determinants of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in women pregnant using assisted reproduction technology in comparison with women pregnant naturally

BackgroundPer- and polyfuoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are categorized as persistent organic pollutants and commonly detected in humans, and their toxicity has attracted widespread attention. However, few studies have reported comparison of PFAS levels and potential factors between women pregnant using assisted reproduction technology (ART) and women pregnant naturally. ObjectiveTo analyze and compare serum concentrations and sociodemographic determinants of PFAS in pregnant women conceiving through ART and conceiving naturally from Shanghai. MethodsBased on the China National Birth Cohort (CNBC) in Shanghai from 2017 to 2019, 333 pregnant women conceiving through ART and 689 pregnant women conceiving naturally were recruited during the same period as study subjects. The concentrations of 32 PFAS were measured in early-pregnancy serum of all pregnant women, and four PFAS with the highest co-exposure levels in both groups were included in the subsequent analysis. Multiple linear regression models were performed to evaluate the associations of sociodemographic factors with serum PFAS concentrations in the two groups respectively. Beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were exponentiated to calculate the ratio of the geometric mean (GM) of PFAS concentrations after each unit change in the independent variable.ResultsPerfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 6∶2 chlorinated polyfluoroethersulfonic acid (6∶2 Cl-PFESA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) were four major PFAS in serum of pregnant women conceiving through ART and conceiving naturally, and the concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, and 6∶2 Cl-PFESA were higher in pregnant women conceiving through ART than in pregnant women conceiving naturally (P 300000 CNY had lower serum concentrations of PFOA [GM ratio (95%CI): 0.82 (0.72, 0.95) and 0.89 (0.81, 0.97), respectively] and PFHxS [GM ratio (95%CI): 0.66 (0.51, 0.86) and 0.77 (0.66, 0.90), respectively] than those women whose household annual income <200000 CNY. Additionally, pregnant women conceiving naturally with a graduate education or above had lower serum 6∶2 Cl-PFESA concentrations than women with an education below college (GM ratio: 0.81), and multiparous pregnant women conceiving naturally had higher serum concentrations of PFOS, 6∶2 Cl-PFESA, and PFHxS than primiparous pregnant women (GM ratio: 1.14, 1.25, and 1.27 respectively). ConclusionAlthough differences in serum PFAS levels are found between pregnant women conceiving through ART and women conceiving naturally in this study, maternal age and household income are common determinants of PFAS exposure levels in both populations. We find no special sociodemographic factors to affect PFAS concentrations of pregnant women conceiving through ART compared to pregnant women conceiving naturally. Further research is required to explore other potential factors

Licorice–wolfberry-derived nanomaterial improves the germination rate of wheat under salt stress by maintaining reactive oxygen species homeostasis

IntroductionThe research on improving the salt tolerance of crops through plant nanobiotechnology has been extensively reported. However, the mechanism by which plant - derived nanomaterials enhance the germination rate of wheat under salt stress remains elusive. Unveiling the mechanism by which plant - derived nanomaterials boost the salt tolerance of wheat is conducive to safeguarding food security.MethodsHerein, we used mesoporous self-assembly licorice and wolfberry-derived complex nanomaterial (LW-CNs) to soak wheat (Triticum aestivum L) seeds.ResultsThe size and zeta potential of LW-CNs were 42.2±8.2 nm and -19.6±1.5 eV, respectively. After 4 days of salt stress, LW-CNs-soaked wheat seeds presented a higher germination rate (78.4±8.3 vs 54.4±8.5%) and protein content (44.0±0.1 vs 39.1±0.2 mg g-1), but no significant effect was observed on fresh weight (2.6±0.4 vs 2.3±0.4 g). LW-CNs significantly increased the pigment content (chlorophyll a: 0.11±0.0 vs 0.03±0.0 mg g-1, chlorophyll b: 0.05±0.0 vs 0.02±0.0 mg g-1, and carotenoids: 10.3±0.0 vs 2.9±0.0 μg g-1). LW-CNs alleviated salt-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated through increase superoxide dismutase (917.4±8.7 vs 767.5±1.6 U g-1), peroxidase (2458.7±5.0 vs 2070.5±14.8 U g-1), and catalase (158.3±3.9 vs 112.0±3.2 μmol min-1 g-1) activity. Soaking in LW-CNs maintained ROS homeostasis also through the ascorbic acid–glutathione cycle. Furthermore, LW-CNs elevated the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio within wheat seeds and augmented the activities of nitrogen metabolism enzymes.ConclusionOverall, our study demonstrates that soaking seeds with plant - derived nanomaterials promotes the growth and nutrient absorption of wheat under salt stress by modulating the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio/

A combined association of obesity, alanine aminotransferase and creatinine with hyperuricemia in youth aged 13–20 years

BackgroundDespite extensive research on hyperuricemia (HUA) in adults, there remains a dearth of studies examining this condition in youth. Consequently, our objective was to investigate the prevalence of HUA among youth in the United States, as well as identify the corresponding risk factors.MethodsThis study employed a nationally representative subsample of 1,051 youth aged 13–20 from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between January 2017 and March 2020. Univariate and multivariate techniques were utilized to examine the association between HUA and obesity, dietary nutrients, liver and kidney function, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and other indicators in the adolescent population.ResultsThe study encompassed a cohort of 1,051 youth aged 13–20 years, comprising 538 boys and 513 girls. The overall prevalence of HUA was found to be 7% (74 out of 1,051). Univariate analysis revealed that the HUA group exhibited greater age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Additionally, the prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in the HUA group compared to the non- HUA group (all p &lt; 0.05). Regarding biochemical indicators, the levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamic oxalic aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and HS C reactive protein (Hs CRP) were found to be significantly higher in the HUA group compared to the non-HUA group (all p &lt; 0.05). Further analysis using binary logistics regression showed that BMI (p = 0.024, OR1.158, 95%CI1.019–1.316), ALT (p = 0.020, OR1.032, 95%CI1.005–1.059), and Cr (p = 0.016, OR1.028, 95%CI1.005–1.051) were identified as risk factors for HUA, after controlling for age, gender, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, ALT, AST, GGT, TG, TC, Cr, Hs CRP, and other indicators. Interestingly, neither univariate nor multivariate analysis found any association between dietary nutrients and the risk of HUA (all p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionHigh BMI remains a major risk factor for HUA in US youth aged 13–20 years, and ALT and Cr levels should be closely monitored along with serum uric acid

Sex ratio variation and the evolution of sex chromosomes in willows

Sexual reproduction is common and plays a fundamental role in evolutionary processes. Many organisms have separate sexes that are determined by sex chromosomes. However, processes driving the evolution of sex chromosomes, in particular recombination arrest, remain under debate and include sexually antagonistic selection and sex ratio selection. Based on theoretical studies, balanced sex ratios at birth or seed production are expected, while natural populations often have biased sex ratios among reproductive individuals. Uncovering the ecological and genetic mechanisms generating sex ratio bias is key to understanding the evolutionary significance of sex ratio selection. We investigated sex determination and sex ratio bias in willows (Salix), a dioecious genus with well-documented sex ratio bias and turnover of sex determination systems. We generated a haplotype-resolved reference genome of the arctic-alpine dwarf willow S. herbacea and identified ZW sex-determination on chromosome 15 using whole-genome resequencing. Our results suggest that the sex-linked region with suppressed recombination recently expanded nearly threefold due to a large inversion on the W-chromosome. We further identified a new candidate sex-determining gene (PISTILLATA) in Salix, that may be associated with sex chromosome turnover.  In a natural population and controlled crosses of S. herbacea, we detected strong and consistent female-biased population sex ratios, despite highly variable sex ratios among families, ranging from male-biased to female-only. Sex ratio bias among reproductive individuals increased slightly with elevation, but was not associated with intrinsic differences between sexes in germination, mortality or flowering. This suggests that sex ratio bias arises mainly through genetic mechanisms. In a three-generation pedigree, sex ratio bias was maternally inherited. We further investigated allele transmission in controlled crosses using Pool-Seq and found a dominant pattern of maternal autosomal alleles with biased transmission in the rare sex only, consistent with W-drive and autosomal restorers as a mechanism generating sex ratio bias. In one family, however, we detected evidence for flowering suppression underlying a male-biased sex ratio, as well as for structural variation on the sex chromosomes.  Together, this thesis provides insights into mechanisms generating sex ratio bias and how these might contribute to the highly dynamic evolution of sex chromosomes.