Background Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the role of amino acids in PAH-induced MS remains unclear. Objective To explore the impact of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS among coking workers, and to determine potential modifying effect of amino acid on this relationship. Methods Unmatched nested case-control design was adopted and the baseline surveys of coking workers were conducted in two plants in Taiyuan in 2017 and 2019, followed by a 4-year follow-up. The cohort comprised 667 coking workers. A total of 362 participants were included in the study, with 84 newly diagnosed cases of MS identified as the case group and 278 as the control group. Urinary levels of 11 PAH metabolites and plasma levels of 17 amino acids were measured by ultrasensitive performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between individual PAH metabolites and MS. Stratified by the median concentration of amino acids, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was employed to assess the mixed effects of PAHs on MS. Due to the skewed data distribution, all PAH metabolites and amino acids in the analysis were converted by natural logarithm ln (expressed as lnv). Results The median age of the 362 participants was 37 years, and 83.2% were male. Compared to the control group, the case group exhibited higher concentrations of urinary 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OHPhe), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPhe), and hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPhe) (P=0.005, P=0.049, and P=0.004, respectively), as well as elevated levels of plasma branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and aromatic amino acid (AAA) (P<0.05). After being adjusted for confounding factors, for every unit increase in lnv_2-OHPhe in urine, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.57 (1.11, 2.26), and for every unit increase in lnv_OHPhe, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.82 (1.16, 2.90). Tyrosine, leucine, and AAA all presented a significant nonlinear correlation with MS. At low levels, tyrosine, leucine, and AAA did not significantly increase the risk of MS, but at high levels, they increased the risk of MS. In the low amino acid concentration group, as well as in the low BCAA and low AAA concentration groups, it was found that compared to the PAH metabolite levels at the 50th percentile (P₅₀), the log-odds of MS when the PAH metabolite levels was at the 75th percentile (P₇₅) were 0.158 (95%CI: 0.150, 0.166), 0.218 (95%CI: 0.209, 0.227), and 0.262 (95% CI: 0.241, 0.282), respectively, However, no correlation between PAHs and MS was found in the high amino acid concentration group. Conclusion Amino acids modify the effect of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS. In individuals with low plasma amino acid levels, the risk of developing MS increases with higher concentrations of mixed PAH exposure. This effect is partly due to the low concentrations of BCAA and AAA.

In recent years, the spread of clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae infection has seriously affected the yield and quality of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.. The cascade of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), a highly conserved signaling pathway, plays an important role in plant responses to both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. To mine the MAPK genes related to clubroot disease resistance in B. juncea, we conducted a genome-wide analysis on this vegetable, and we analyzed the phylogenetic evolution and gene structure of the MAPK gene family in mustard. The 66 BjuMAPK genes identified by screening the whole genome sequence of B. juncea were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes. At the genomic scale, tandem repeats led to an increase in the number of MAPK genes in B. juncea. It was found that members of the same subfamily had similar gene structures, and there were great differences among different subfamilies. These predicted cis-acting elements were related to plant hormones, stress resistance, and plant growth and development. The expression of BjuMAPK02, BjuMAPK15, BjuMAPK17, and BjuMAPK19 were down-regulated or up-regulated in response to P. brassicae infection. The above results lay a theoretical foundation for further studying the functions of BjuMAPK genes in B. juncea in response to the biotic stress caused by clubroot disease.
Mustard Plant/parasitology* ; Plasmodiophorida/pathogenicity* ; Plant Diseases/genetics* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Disease Resistance/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Genome, Plant ; Plant Proteins/genetics*

Objective:To explore the feasibility of expectant management in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 28 weeks of gestation.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 92 pregnant women diagnosed with PPROM before 28 weeks and delivered in Peking University First Hospital from January 2015 to March 2023. These women were divided into the termination group or expectant management group, and the latter was further divided based on whether the rupture of membranes occurred before 24 weeks or after. Clinical data of the women and neonates between the two groups and the two subgroups were analyzed. Additionally, all the subjects were divided based on the presence or absence of severe neonatal complications and clinical data of the mothers and their neonates were also analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests, or Fisher's exact tests. Results:(1) Among the 92 women with PPROM, 53 (57.6%) chose to terminate the pregnancy, while 39 (42.4%) chose expectant management including ten twins and 29 singletons. (2) Compared to the termination group, the expectant management group had a smaller percentage of multiparous women [7.7% (3/39) vs. 32.1% (17/53), Fisher's exact test, P=0.019], greater gestational age at membrane rupture [24 +6 weeks (18-27 +6) weeks vs.21 +3weeks (14 +2-27 weeks), Z=53.14, P=0.042], and a lower incidence of oligohydramnios after membrane rupture [46.2% (18/39) vs. 84.9% (45/53), χ2=6.56, P=0.031]. (3) All of the 39 women in the expectant group gave birth before 37 weeks with the mean gestational age at delivery of 28 +1weeks (25 +1-36 +1 weeks) and 49 live born babies, among which four neonates died giving the survival rate of 91.8%(45/49). There were no statistically significant differences in gestational age at delivery or neonatal outcomes between women with membrane rupture before 24 weeks and those ruptured between 24 and 27 weeks and 6 days of gestation (all P>0.05), but the expectant duration was significantly longer in the former group [55.0 d (20.0-96.0 d) vs. 9.0 d (0.5-52.0 d ), Z=－4.95, P<0.001]. (4) The 49 neonates were further divided into with ( n=9, including the death) or without ( n=40) severe complication subgroups. Those neonates in the non-severe complication subgroup had a significantly greater gestational age at birth compared to those in the other subgroup [30 +6 weeks (27 +5-36 +4 weeks) vs. 27 +5 weeks (25 +1-31 +5 weeks), Z=－3.42, P=0.001], a longer expectant duration [42.0 d (3.0-80.0 d) vs. 19.0 d (0.5-59.0 d), Z=－2.31, P=0.021], a higher birth weight [(1 630±544) g vs. (1 069±272) g, t=4.56, P=0.009], a lower incidence of neonatal asphyxia [2/9 vs. 70.0% (28/40), Fisher's exact test, P=0.012], a shorter hospital stay [37.5 d (3.0-54.0 d) vs. 67.0 d (60.0-105.0 d), Z=－3.01, P=0.003] and a higher proportion of pregnancies completing two courses of fetal lung maturation [5/9 vs. 17.5% (7/40), Fisher's exact test, P=0.029]. (5) Among the ten twin pregnancies, all the 20 babies developed severe complication resulting a higher proportion of twins in the severe complication group than in the non-severe complication group [50% (20/40) vs. 0/9, Fisher's exact test, P=0.005]. Conclusions:For pregnant women with PPROM before 28 weeks, under the premise of informed consent and thorough evaluation, expectant management can be considered if there are no indications for immediate termination of pregnancy, to achieve a higher neonatal survival rate. However, the incidence of severe complications related to preterm infants remains high in the short term, with most having a good prognosis after treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Twin pregnancies and lower gestational age at birth are risk factors for severe complications in preterm infants.

Objective:To investigate the factors influencing neonatal hypoglycemia in dichorionic twins.Methods:Clinical data of 304 dichorionic twin pregnancies and their neonates delivered at Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, were retrospectively collected. The cases were divided into a neonatal hypoglycemia group ( n=53) and a control group ( n=251) based on the occurrence of neonatal hypoglycemia. General conditions of the two groups were compared. Additionally, analysis was conducted based on the birth weight difference between the twins, with 18% as the threshold, dividing them into groups with birth weight differences≥18% (56 pregnant women and 112 newborns delivered) and<18% (248 pregnant women and 496 newborns delivered). Data comparisons between groups were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test. Paired t-test was used to compare the clinical features between the larger and smaller twins in different birth weight difference groups. Poisson regression analysis was applied to examine the association between maternal clinical characteristics and neonatal hypoglycemia. Results:In the groups with birth weight differences <18% and ≥18%, the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia in smaller and larger twins were 13.7% (34/248) and 13.3% (33/248), 8.9% (5/56) and 7.1% (4/56), respectively. The umbilical cord blood glucose levels were 3.1 mmol/L (2.7-3.6 mmol/L) and 3.1 mmol/L (2.7-3.6 mmol/L), 3.3 mmol/L (2.8-4.3 mmol/L) and 3.4 mmol/L (3.0-4.3 mmol/L), respectively, with no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). Poisson regression analysis showed that young gestational age at delivery, hyperglycemia in pregnancy, and fetal lung maturation promotion were risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia [ RR values (95% CI) were 1.024 (1.002-1.049), 1.707 (1.051- 2.782), and 1.744 (1.011-3.027), respectively, all P<0.05]. Conclusions:Regardless of weight difference, there is no significant difference in umbilical cord blood glucose and the risk of postnatal hypoglycemia between larger and smaller twins. Preterm birth, hyperglycemia in pregnancy and corticosteroid-induced fetal lung maturation are associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in dichorionic twins.

The course, progression, and prognosis of fetal congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) depend on the size of the mass, whether the mediastinum is displaced, changes in fetal hemodynamics, and the occurrence of fetal hydrops, with large CCAM being relatively rare. In this case, a fetus was suspected of having a large CCAM with fetal hydrops and cardiac insufficiency at 27 weeks of gestation. After multiple imaging evaluations and multidisciplinary consultations, a delivery plan and neonatal resuscitation plan were formulated. At 31 +4 weeks of gestation, in-utero thoracentesis and drainage were performed. Postoperatively, the fetal CCAM was reduced compared to before, and the maternal symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath were also improved. Three days after the procedure, the mother experienced premature rupture of membranes and delivered a male infant vaginally at 32 weeks of gestation. On the fifth day after birth, the newborn underwent resection of the pulmonary cystic adenomatoid malformation, confirming the diagnosis. Follow-up for two years post-birth showed good prognosis for both the mother and the child. Therefore, when CCAM is detected during pregnancy, thorough in-utero evaluation should be conducted, and a monitoring plan should be developed based on potential perinatal conditions to avoid unnecessary termination of pregnancy. If the pregnancy continues, multidisciplinary evaluation and preparation for perinatal surgery are necessary.

Objective:To review the literature and summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment methods of rectal buttonhole tears associated with vaginal delivery.Methods:Using the keywords "rectal tear and delivery" "rectal laceration and delivery" "rectal lesion and delivery", and "rectal buttonhole tear", we conducted a search for Chinese-language papers published on the Yiigle, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform. Additionally, using the same keywords in English, we searched for papers published on PubMed and Embase. The search period covers from the establishment of the databases up to November 15, 2023. Cases with a clear diagnosis of rectal buttonhole tears associated with vaginal delivery were included. Data on maternal age, parity, gestational weeks, neonatal birth weight, time of rectal tear discovery, whether episiotomy was performed, whether instrumental delivery was used, details of the rectal tear, management after discovering the tear, and prognosis were analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis was used.Results:A total of 30 papers were included, published from 1952 to 2023, encompassing 48 cases of vaginal delivery with rectal buttonhole tears. (1) Age and parity: The median age of patients was 28.0 years (range 21-44 years), with primiparas and multiparas accounting for 72.5% (29/40) and 27.5% (11/40), respectively. (2) Gestational weeks: The median gestational age at delivery was 39.0 weeks (range 36.0-41.0 weeks). (3) Neonatal birth weight: The median birth weight of the neonates was 3 595 g (range 2 320-4 250 g), with four cases of macrosomia (birth weight≥4 000 g), accounting for 9.5% (4/42) of singleton births. (4) Time at identification of rectal buttonhole tear: Rectal tears were discovered before fetal delivery in 26.7% (12/45) of cases and after delivery in 73.3% (33/45) of cases. (5) Location: Rectal buttonhole tears most commonly occurred at the midline of the posterior vaginal wall (65.6%, 21/32), followed by the right side of the episiotomy wound (12.5%, 4/32). (6) Relationship between rectal buttonhole tears and delivery mode: Rectal buttonhole tears can occur in spontaneous vaginal delivery, episiotomy, and instrumental vaginal delivery. They may occur during the first or second stage of labor. (7) Timing of rectal tear suturing and prognosis: 93.4% (45/48) of patients underwent primary rectal suturing, among whom, 93.3% (42/45) had good healing, while 6.7% (3/45) developed rectovaginal fistula postoperatively.Conclusions:Rectal buttonhole tear is a rare complication of vaginal delivery and should be recognized. If identified promptly and repaired with primary suturing, the prognosis is generally favorable.

Ferroptosis is a way of cell death with lipid peroxides as the core.Cells can reduce ferroptosis sensitivity by relying on glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)/glutathione(GSH)antioxidant systems.Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)cells are more dependent on the intracellular antioxidant mechanism than normal cells,thus induction of ferroptosis based on the GPX4/GSH system has shown bright anti-TNBC prospects.This paper reviews the recent research on TNBC treatment with ferroptosis in the background of GPX4/GSH,in order to provide references for the clinical treatment of TNBC.

Background Grassroots medical and health personnel are an important component of China's public health system, and guaranteeing their physical and mental health will have a profound impact on the development of China's health service. Objective To identify potential influencing factors of occupational stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia as well as their interactions. Methods In August 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among all the staff (2675 medical and health personnel) at 7 secondary public hospitals and 8 health institutions in Xiong’an New Area of Hebei Province by cluster sampling. Occupational stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were evaluated by the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). The bnlearn and gmodels packages of R4.2.1 software were used to construct Bayesian networks on work and personal factors-occupational stress- health effects. The Bayesian network model was visualized by Netica32.0. Results Among the 3018 questionnaires distributed, a total of 2675 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 88.63%. The positive rates of occupational stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were 51.48%, 62.13%, 62.50%, and 56.37%, respectively in the grassroots medical and health personnel. The positive rate of occupational stress among the medical and health workers varied by age, educational level, and organization type (P<0.05); the positive rate of anxiety varied by age, marital status, and daily working hours (P<0.05); and the positive rates of depression and insomnia varied by gender, educational level, and overcommitment (P<0.05). The final Bayesian network contained 14 nodes and 18 directed edges, and its prediction accuracy was 85.4%. .Job title, daily working hours, overcommitment and exercise directly associated with occupational stress, and other work and personal factors associated with occupational stress indirectly. Occupational stress associated with insomnia directly or indirectly via anxiety. Anxiety and insomnia associated with reporting depression. Conclusion Grassroots medical and health personnel of Xiong'an New Area, Hebei Province report high levels of occupational stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Occupational stress directly or indirectly associates with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Work and personal factors associate with occupational stress, and associate with anxiety, depression, and insomnia via occupational stress. Occupational stress may be an early warning factor of general work and personal factors affecting anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mental health problems. Attention should be paid to the assessment and intervention of occupational stress in medical and health personnel to prevent mental health problems.

This article presents a case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a pregnant woman caused by coronary artery dissection. The 41-year-old patient had undergone cardiac valve surgery at the age of 1 and had no risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, or a family history of coronary artery disease. At 31 +1 weeks of gestation, she experienced sudden chest pain for 4 hours and was emergently referred to Peking University First Hospital on June 1, 2021. Electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation in leads I, aVL, and V 2 to V 6. Biochemical assays showed elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB. Echocardiography indicated segmental ventricular wall motion abnormalities (apical) and reduced left ventricular function, confirming the diagnosis of acute anterior wall STEMI. The patient promptly underwent emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention and confirmed coronary artery dissection. Postoperative care included antiplatelet, anticoagulation, and supportive treatment. At 34 +3 weeks of gestation, with the condition of acute anterior wall STEMI being relatively stable, a cesarean section was successfully performed. Regular cardiology follow-ups were scheduled postpartum, and cardiac function was normal in two years after discharge.