Background and objective
While the six-minute walk test (6MWT) is often used to assess exercise capacity, the less well-known two-minute walk test (2MWT) is more feasible for some patients. In ...previous studies, we developed reference equations for the two-minute walk distance (2MWD) for healthy Chinese adults. However, our study did not recruit people with obesity, and the reference equations did not apply to participants with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m
2
. The main objective of this study was to establish reference equations for the 2MWD among middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals with obesity.
Methods
A total of 295 individuals were recruited. The participants underwent two 2MWTs, with the longer of the two 2MWDs used for further analyses. The reference equations for the 2MWD were developed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The newly established equations for the 2MWD were then compared with the existing equations.
Results
The mean 2MWD of the participants was 176±20 m. Age and BMI were identified as independent factors that influenced the 2MWD and explained 28% and 32% of the variance in walking distance for the male and female groups, respectively. The reference equations for the 2MWD were as follows:
M
a
l
e
:
2
M
W
D
(
m
)
=
443.058
−
a
g
e
(
y
r
)
x
6.782
+
B
M
I
(
kg
/
m
2
)
x
0.847
;
r
2
=
0.283
F
e
m
a
l
e
:
2
M
W
D
(
m
)
=
300.160
−
a
g
e
(
y
r
)
x
0.841
−
B
M
I
(
kg
/
m
2
)
x
2.541
;
r
2
=
0.315
Conclusion
This study resulted in the development of reference equations for predicting 2MWD among middle-aged and elderly Chinese people with obesity. These equations will be a clinically valuable tool for evaluating functional capacity, determining prognoses and monitoring treatment in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people with obesity.
Abstract
Construction of two-dimensional nanosheets into three-dimensional regular structures facilitates the mass transfer and exploits the maximum potential of two-dimensional building blocks in ...applications such as catalysis. Here, we report the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks with an orthogonal nanosheet array. The assembly involves the epitaxial growth of single crystalline metal-organic framework nanosheets with a naturally non-preferred facet exposure as the shell on a cubic metal-organic framework as the core. The nanosheets, despite of two typical shapes and crystallographic orientations, also form a single crystalline orthogonally arrayed framework. The density and size of nanosheets in the core-shell-structured composite metal-organic frameworks can be well adjusted. Moreover, metal-organic frameworks with a single composition and hollow orthogonal nanosheet array morphology can be obtained. Benefiting from the unusual facet exposure and macroporous structure, the designed structure exhibits improved electrocatalytic oxygen evolution activity compared to conventional nanosheets.
Inducible regulatory T (iTreg) cells play a central role in immune suppression. As iTreg cells are differentiated from activated T (Th0) cells, cell metabolism undergoes dramatic changes, including a ...shift from fatty acid synthesis (FAS) to fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Although the reprogramming in fatty acid metabolism is critical, the mechanism regulating this process during iTreg differentiation is still unclear. Here we have revealed that the enzymatic activity of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) declined significantly during iTreg differentiation upon transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) stimulation. This reduction was due to CUL3-KLHL25-mediated ACLY ubiquitination and degradation. As a consequence, malonyl-CoA, a metabolic intermediate in FAS that is capable of inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme in FAO, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), was decreased. Therefore, ACLY ubiquitination and degradation facilitate FAO and thereby iTreg differentiation. Together, we suggest TGFβ1-CUL3-KLHL25-ACLY axis as an important means regulating iTreg differentiation and bring insights into the maintenance of immune homeostasis for the prevention of immune diseases.
Identifying meaningful brain activities is critical in brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. Recently, an increasing number of neural network approaches have been proposed to recognize EEG ...signals. However, these approaches depend heavily on using complex network structures to improve the performance of EEG recognition and suffer from the deficit of training data. Inspired by the waveform characteristics and processing methods shared between EEG and speech signals, we propose Speech2EEG, a novel EEG recognition method that leverages pretrained speech features to improve the accuracy of EEG recognition. Specifically, a pretrained speech processing model is adapted to the EEG domain to extract multichannel temporal embeddings. Then, several aggregation methods, including the weighted average, channelwise aggregation, and channel-and-depthwise aggregation, are implemented to exploit and integrate the multichannel temporal embeddings. Finally, a classification network is used to predict EEG categories based on the integrated features. Our work is the first to explore the use of pretrained speech models for EEG signal analysis as well as the effective ways to integrate the multichannel temporal embeddings from the EEG signal. Extensive experimental results suggest that the proposed Speech2EEG method achieves state-of-the-art performance on two challenging motor imagery (MI) datasets, the BCI IV-2a and BCI IV-2b datasets, with accuracies of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{89}.{5}\% </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">{84}.{07}\% </tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively. Visualization analysis of the multichannel temporal embeddings show that the Speech2EEG architecture can capture useful patterns related to MI categories, which can provide a novel solution for subsequent research under the constraints of a limited dataset scale.
Although recent guidelines recommend endoscopic resection of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) ≤10 mm, there is no consensus on which endoscopic modality should be performed. We aimed to compare the ...safety and efficacy of modified cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (mEMR-C) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) methods for the treatment of rectal NET ≤10 mm.
A randomized noninferiority trial comparing mEMR-C and ESD was conducted. The primary outcome was the histological complete resection rate; the secondary outcomes included en bloc resection rate, operation time, complications, and so on. Subgroup analyses and follow-up were also performed.
Ninety patients were enrolled, and 79 patients with pathologically confirmed rectal NET were finally analyzed, including 38 cases of mEMR-C and 41 cases of ESD. Histological complete resection rate was 97.4% in the mEMR-C group and 92.7% in the ESD group. The noninferiority of mEMR-C compared with that of ESD was confirmed because the absolute difference was 4.7% (2-sided 90% confidence interval, -3.3% to 12.2%; P = 0.616). En bloc resection and successful removal of rectal NET were achieved in all patients. Advantages of mEMR-C over ESD included shorter operation time (8.89 ± 4.58 vs 24.8 ± 9.14 minutes, P < 0.05) and lower hospitalization cost ($2,233.76 ± $717.70 vs $2,987.27 ± $871.81, P < 0.05). Postoperative complications were recorded in 4 patients who received mEMR-C and 2 patients in the ESD group (11.5% vs 4.9%, P = 0.509), which were all well managed using endoscopy. Similar findings were observed when subgroup analysis was performed.
mEMR-C is noninferior to ESD with a similar complete resection rate. In addition, mEMR-C had shorter procedure duration time and lower hospitalization costs.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03982264.
High‐performance transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) as electrocatalysts for two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e‐ORR) in alkaline medium are promising for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ...production, but their synthesis remains challenging. In this work, a titanium‐doped zinc–cobalt sulfide hollow superstructure (Ti–ZnCoS HSS) is rationally designed as an efficient electrocatalyst for H2O2 electrosynthesis. Synthesized by using hybrid metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors after sulfidation treatment, the resultant Ti–ZnCoS HSS exhibits a hollow‐on‐hollow superstructure with small nanocages assembled around a large cake‐like cavity. Both experimental and simulation results demonstrate that the polymetallic composition tailors the d‐band center and binding energy with oxygen species. Moreover, the hollow superstructure provides abundant active sites and promotes mass and electron transfer. The synergistic d‐band center and superstructure engineering at both atomic and nanoscale levels lead to the remarkable 2e‐ORR performance of Ti–ZnCoS HSS with a high selectivity of 98%, activity (potential at 1 mA cm−2 of 0.774 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), a H2O2 production rate of 675 mmol h–1 gcat–1, and long‐term stability in alkaline condition, among the best 2e‐ORR electrocatalysts reported to date. This strategy paves the way toward the rational design of polymetallic TMCs as advanced 2e‐ORR catalysts.
Titanium‐doped zinc–cobalt sulfide hollow superstructure is rationally designed as an efficient two‐electron reduction reaction (2e‐ORR) electrocatalyst. Thanks to the synergistic d‐band center and superstructure engineering at atomic and nanoscale levels, remarkable 2e‐ORR performances with high selectivity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) yield, and stability are achieved.
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and no specific drugs are clinically available. We have previously demonstrated that inhibiting microsomal ...prostaglandin E synthase-2 (mPGES-2) alleviated type 2 diabetes by enhancing β cell function and promoting insulin production. However, the involvement of mPGES-2 in DKD remains unclear. Here, we aimed to analyze the association of enhanced mPGES-2 expression with impaired metabolic homeostasis of renal lipids and subsequent renal damage. Notably, global knockout or pharmacological blockage of mPGES-2 attenuated diabetic podocyte injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, thereby ameliorating lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity. These findings were further confirmed in podocyte- or tubule-specific mPGES-2-deficient mice. Mechanistically, mPGES-2 and Rev-Erbα competed for heme binding to regulate fatty acid binding protein 5 expression and lipid metabolism in the diabetic kidney. Our findings suggest a potential strategy for treating DKD via mPGES-2 inhibition.
Display omitted
•mPGES-2 is induced in diabetic kidneys, resulting in impaired lipolysis and renal damage•Blockade of mPGES-2 alleviates lipotoxicity and diabetic kidney disease (DKD)•Podocyte- or tubule-specific Ptges2 KO confirms the cell-specific role of mPGES-2 in DKD•mPGES-2 contributes to the pathogenesis of DKD by acting on heme/Rev-Erbα/FABP5 axis
Zhong et al. reported that induced mPGES-2 in diabetic kidney correlates with enhanced glomerular podocyte injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. mPGES-2 blockage inhibits FABP5 possibly via a heme-associated competition with Rev-Erbα, thereby attenuating lipotoxicity and renal injury, offering a potential target for treating diabetic kidney disease.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by abnormal blood vessel formation. When an abnormal vascular architecture affects the lungs and central ...nervous system, serious complications can occur. We report a missed case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and cerebral arteriovenous malformations. A 22-year-old Chinese female was taken to the emergency room because of unconsciousness. Emergency head contrast-enhanced computed tomography and transthoracic contrast echocardiography showed that she had cerebral arteriovenous malformations and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. The patient experienced multiple spontaneous epistaxis since childhood, for which she was treated at a local hospital for a brief period. Her mother also had pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. The patient was diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia according to the consensus Curaçao diagnostic criteria and eventually died of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Given that hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is frequently undiagnosed, increasing the physician’s awareness of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can play an important role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is a tool that plays a key role in evaluating the functional exercise capacity, prognosis and evaluation of treatment response of patients with various ...cardiopulmonary diseases. However, standard reference equations are currently unavailable for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) for people aged 60-85 years in China. The purpose of this study was to 1) measure the 6MWD of healthy Chinese people aged 60-85 years, 2) establish reference equations for predicting the 6MWD, and 3) compare our reference equations with equations reported in previously published studies.
We obtained informed consent from each participant prior to the test, and the research design was approved by the Ethics Committee of Wenzhou People's Hospital. The demographic and anthropometric data and the 6MWD of healthy Chinese subjects aged 60-85 years old were measured using a standardized protocol. Every subject completed two 6MWTs, and the longest 6MWD further analyzed.
Two hundred sixty-six subjects (128 males and 138 females) completed the 6MWT, and the mean walking distance was 518 ± 72 m. Males achieved a longer walking distance than females (518 ± 72 m vs. 487 ± 70 m; p < 0.0001), and active subjects achieved a longer walking distance than nonactive subjects (512 ± 76 m vs. 485 ± 63 m; p < 0.0001). According to the univariate analysis, the 6MWD was significantly associated with age, height, body mass index (BMI), heart rate and blood pressure after exercise and changes in heart rate before and after exercise. The stepwise multivariate regression analysis identified age, height and BMI as independent predictors of the 6MWD. The reference equations for Caucasians and South Americans tended to overestimate the 6MWD of our subjects, while the equations for Asian and African populations tended to underestimate the 6MWD.
This study is the first to describe the 6MWD of healthy Chinese people aged 60-85 years, and reference prediction equations were proposed. These findings will help to improve the evaluation of Chinese patients with diseases that affect exercise capacity.
RNA editing is a posttranscriptional phenomenon that includes gene processing and modification at specific nucleotide sites. RNA editing mainly occurs in the genomes of mitochondria and chloroplasts ...in higher plants. In recent years, pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, which may act as trans-acting factors of RNA editing have been identified, and the study of PPR proteins has become a research focus in molecular biology. The molecular functions of these proteins and their physiological roles throughout plant growth and development are widely studied. In this minireview, we summarize the current knowledge of the PPR family, hoping to provide some theoretical reference for future research and applications.
PDF
