Background: There is a controversy in terms of the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in improving asthma symptom control. Moreover, whether there is a difference in the treatment effect with respect to baseline vitamin D status remains unknown. This meta-analysis was to assess the correlations of vitamin D status with asthmarelated respiratory outcomes. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in patients with asthma. Primary outcomes were the rate of asthma exacerbation and predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV 1 %). Secondary outcomes were asthma control test (ACT) scores, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and adverse events. Results: A total of 14 randomized controlled trials (1421 participants) fulfilled the inclusion. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of asthma exacerbation by 27% (RR: 0.73 95%Cl (0.58-0.92)). In subgroup analysis, the protective effect of exacerbation was restricted in patients with vitamin D insufficiency (vitamin D < 30 ng/ml) (RR: 0.76 95%Cl (0.61-0.95)). An improvement of FEV 1 % was demonstrated in patients with vitamin D insufficiency and air limitation (FEV 1 % < 80%) (MD: 8.3 95%Cl (5.95-10.64). No significant difference was observed in ACT scores, FeNO, IL-10 and adverse events. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation reduced the rate of asthma exacerbation, especially in patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Additionally, the benefit of vitamin D had a positive effect on pulmonary function in patients with air limitation and vitamin D insufficiency.

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Background Cryptosporidium is an important zoonotic parasite that is commonly found in non-human primates (NHPs). Consequently, there is the potential for transmission of this pathogen from NHPs to humans. However, molecular characterization of the isolates of Cryptosporidium from NHPs remains relatively poor. The aim of the present work was to (i) determine the prevalence; and (ii) perform a genetic characterization of the Cryptosporidium isolated from captive Macaca fascicularis and M. mulatta on Hainan Island in southern China. Methods A total of 223 fresh fecal samples were collected from captive M. fascicularis ( n = 193) and M. mulatta ( n = 30). The fecal specimens were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the partial small subunit ( SSU ) rRNA gene. The Cryptosporidium -positive specimens were subtyped by analyzing the 60-kDa glycoprotein ( gp60 ) gene sequence. Results Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 5.7% (11/193) of M. fascicularis . All of the 11 Cryptosporidium isolates were identified as C. hominis . Subtyping of nine of these isolates identified four unique gp60 subtypes of C. hominis. These included IaA20R3a ( n = 1), IoA17a ( n = 1), IoA17b ( n = 1), and IiA17 ( n = 6). Notably, subtypes IaA20R3a, IoA17a, and IoA17b were novel subtypes which have not been reported previously. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first reported detection of Cryptosporidium in captive M. fascicularis from Hainan Island. The molecular characteristics and subtypes of the isolates here provide novel insights into the genotypic variation in C. hominis .

Multi-dimensional metallic nanostructures were fabricated by self-assembling silver nanoparticles on 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-modified glass substrate and using p-aminothiophenol molecule as a linker. Surface enhanced fluorescence was investigated for Rhodamine 6G fluorophore molecules on the prepared 2D and 3D substrates. The experimental observation showed that the 3D nanostructured substrate presented stronger fluorescence enhancement, comparing with what was observed on the 2D nanoparticle arrays. Higher intensity of local electric field and stronger coupling of surface plasmon resonance in 3D silver nanostructure enhanced the excitation and emission of fluorophore molecules more effectively, leading to a stronger fluorescence enhancement on 3D nanostructured substrate. The result suggests that a metallic substrate with 3D nanostructures can produce better fluorescence enhancement, which is important for studying the mechanism and expanding the potential applications of enhanced fluorescence effect.

Purpose To quantify financial toxicity of female patients with breast cancer in China and investigate its factors and patients’ coping strategies. Methods The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) is defined by using a structured questionnaire containing 12 items measuring perceived affordability of healthcare services, with the range of scoring of which being from 0 to 44 (higher score indicates lower financial toxicity). From January to March 2021, a total of 664 female patients diagnosed with stage 0–IV breast cancer were recruited from 33 public tertiary cancer hospitals located in 31 provinces of China. Multivariate linear regression models were used. Results The median age of patients was 48 years (range: 26–84 years), and 62.04% lived in urban areas. The median COST score was 21.00 (interquartile range: 15–26). Older age, higher household income, and better self-reported health status were associated with lower financial toxicity, while a bigger household size, being retired or unemployed, stage IV cancer, and a history of targeted therapy were associated with higher financial toxicity (all P < 0.05). Nearly half of the patients reported using at least one coping strategy, including considering quitting treatment, delaying treatment, and failing to take medicine or attend medical visits as instructed. The people with increased financial toxicity seem to adopt more coping strategies. Conclusions Financial toxicity and coping strategies are common among Chinese women with breast cancer. An understanding of the factors regarding financial toxicity may help oncologists and policy-makers identify at-risk patients and develop targeted interventions.