The Chinese National Twin Registry: a ‘gold mine’ for scientific research

The Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) currently includes data from 61 566 twin pair from 11 provinces or cities in China. Of these, 31 705, 15 060 and 13 531 pairs are monozygotic, same‐sex dizygotic and opposite‐sex dizygotic pairs, respectively, determined by opposite sex or intrapair similarity. Since its establishment in 2001, the CNTR has provided an important resource for analysing genetic and environmental influences on chronic diseases especially cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the CNTR has focused on collecting biologic specimens from disease‐concordant or disease‐discordant twin pairs or from twin pairs reared apart. More than 8000 pairs of these twins have been registered, and blood samples have been collected from more than 1500 pairs. In this review, we summarize the main findings from univariate and multivariate genetic effects analyses, gene–environment interaction studies, omics studies exploring DNA methylation and metabolomic markers associated with phenotypes. There remains further scope for CNTR research and data mining. The plan for future development of the CNTR is described. The CNTR welcomes worldwide collaboration.     

Dexmedetomidine enhances ropivacaine-induced sciatic nerve injury in diabetic rats

Background

Previous studies suggest that dexmedetomidine has a protective effect against local anaesthetic-induced nerve injury in regional nerve blocks. Whether this potentially protective effect exists in the context of diabetes mellitus is unknown.

Disparity between recent graduates’ and experienced surgeons' assessment of time to operative independence

Background

In cardiothoracic surgery, little data exist on the transition to operative independence. We aimed to compare current perceptions of operative autonomy of junior cardiothoracic surgeons and senior colleagues who oversee transitional years.

Simultaneous measurement of patient dose and distribution of indoor scattered radiation during digital breast tomosynthesis

Introduction

Breast cancer incidence increases from the age of 30 years. As this age range coincides with that in which women usually pursue pregnancy, undergoing medical examinations for conditions such as breast cancer is a concern, especially when pregnancy is uncertain during the first eight weeks. Moreover, in this age range, breast often exhibits a high density, thus compromising diagnosis. For such density, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) provides a more accurate diagnosis than 2D mammography given its higher sensitivity and specificity. However, radiation exposure increases during DBT, and it should be determined.

Impact of food pantry donations on diet of a low-income population

Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the effect of food donations on total nutrient intake of clients of a food pantry in Central Texas.

Methods: Nutrient intakes of total, base and food donation diets were estimated for 112 food pantry recipients using specific questionnaires; and then compared to the dietary reference intakes (DRI) and 2015–2020?US Dietary Guidelines.

Results: Food donations accounted for more than half of the client’s daily intake of energy, carbohydrates, vitamin B₆, phosphorus, copper and selenium. Yet, daily total intake remained less than their DRIs for carbohydrates, poly-unsaturated fats, dietary fiber, fat soluble vitamins and vitamin C, and was even lower for calcium, magnesium and potassium. Total food intake of clients almost met the US Dietary Guidelines for refined grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat; however, the amount of whole grains and dairy was inadequate.

Conclusions: Supplemental foods offered at food pantries are an important resource for improving nutrient intake of low-income populations.     

参芪复方对2型糖尿病GK大鼠胰岛β细胞功能的影响

目的:以自发性2型糖尿病GK大鼠为研究对象,应用全基因组表达谱芯片技术,旨在探讨参芪复方调节胰岛细胞功能的分子机制,为中医药防治2型糖尿病提供理论依据。方法:GK大鼠每日给予高脂饲料喂养,连续4周,随机从GK大鼠中选取大鼠检测随机血糖,验证2型糖尿病模型成功。实验分为4组,空白组,模型组,参芪复方组(1.44 g?kg~(-1)),西格列汀组(16 mg·kg~(-1)),于灌胃前、灌胃4周、灌胃8周测早上8:00各组大鼠尾尖血糖;灌胃8周后,运用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测大鼠血清胰岛素(INS)水平;采用原位末端标记(TUNEL)荧光法定量检测并观察胰岛β细胞凋亡情况;运用全基因组表达谱芯片技术对各组大鼠胰腺组织进行差异基因检测;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(Real-time PCR)检测关键差异基因的mRNA转录水平。结果:与空白组比较,灌胃前、灌胃4周、灌胃8周,GK大鼠各组血糖显著升高(P0.01);灌胃4,8周,与模型组比较,各药物干预组大鼠血糖均显著较低(P0.01)。灌胃8周,与空白组比较,模型组大鼠INS水平显著较低(P0.01);与模型组比较,参芪复方组具有INS水平更高的趋势,西格列汀组INS水平显著较高(P0.01)。灌胃8周,与空白组比较,模型组大鼠胰岛β细胞凋亡数明显升高(P0.05);与模型组比较,参芪复方组、西格列汀组大鼠胰岛β细胞凋亡数均明显较低(P0.05,P0.01)。基因芯片及Real-time PCR检测均显示磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶受体1(PIK3R1)在参芪复方组/模型组中表达上调,在西格列汀组/模型组、模型组/空白组中表达下调;蛋白激酶B1(Akt1)在参芪复方组/模型组、西格列汀组/模型组中表达上调,在模型组/空白组中表达下调。结论:参芪复方可减少胰岛β细胞凋亡,增加胰岛素分泌,上调基因PIK3R1,Akt1的表达,推测具有养阴益气活血功效的参芪复方可能通过上调基因PIK3R1,Akt1的表达,抑制胰岛β细胞凋亡,改善胰岛β细胞功能,调节胰岛素分泌,从而防治2型糖尿病。