Aim: The aim of our study was to explore the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) on the exposure of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and its influence. Materials & methods: To understand the mechanism of NP-induced oxidative stress, the involvement of oxidative-stress-responding transcription factors and the Nrf2/antioxidant reactive element (ARE) signaling pathway in the toxicity of SiO2 NPs’ exposure was investigated via in vivo and in vitro models. Results: A549 cells showed a significant cytotoxic effect while A549-shNrf2 cells showed decreased cell viability after nm-SiO2 exposure. SiO2 NPs’ exposure activated the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Nrf2−/− exposed mice showed increased reactive oxygen species, 8-hydroxyl deoxyguanosine level and decreased total antioxidant capacity. Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway activation disrupted, leading inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 and upregulation of PKR-like endoplasmic-reticulum-regulated kinase. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that Nrf2 cou...

Context and Objective This case control study was designed to investigate the association between mutation of 10 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci (rs1132506, rs5780218, rs192636495, rs4889, rs184749, rs12985070, rs708910, rs932491, rs8074995, and rs2306877) in all 5 genes (KISS1, GPR54, PLCB1, PRKCA, and ITPR1) in the kisspeptin/GPR54 pathway and the risk of early puberty in Chinese Han girls. Design and Participants A total of 314 pairs of early puberty girls on their first visit to hospital and age-matched controls (± 3 months) were recruited. The genotypes of each SNP were determined and the effect of loci variation on early puberty was investigated. Results rs5780218 was significantly associated with early puberty in additive, dominant, and recessive models of inheritance after adjusting for confounding factors (P_r < .05). After stratification, rs5780218 variation (odds ratio [OR], 1.650, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.155-2.355 in additive models and OR, 2.116; 95% CI, 1.187-3.770 in recessive models) increased the risk of central precocious puberty (CPP); mutation in rs708910 (OR, 2.768; 95% CI, 1.305-5.872 in recessive model) had a positive association with the risk of CPP; and rs932491 variation was negatively associated with early and fast puberty (EFP) (OR, 0.309; 95% CI, 0.144-0.661 in additive models and OR, 0.317; 95% CI, 0.141-0.713 in dominant models). Conclusions Our study suggests that mutation in rs5780218 and rs708910 increases the risk of CPP. rs932491 variation may have a protective effect on the risk of EFP. Further studies in larger populations or with people from different regions are needed to verify our findings.

Background: Millions of people are bitten by animals each year, with approximately 90% of the injuries being caused by dogs and cats. However, few studies focus on risk factors of dog- and cat-induced injury in China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the rate of dog- and cat-induced injury and its potential risk factors. Methods: The data were from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2015, with a sample of 9380 children 6–19 years of age from two cities, Shenzhen (large city) and Shantou (mid-sized city), in southern China. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of injury by dogs and cats. Results: The total rates of dog and cat-induced injury were 15.1% and 8.7% during the lifetime, and 3.4% and 1.7% during the past year, respectively. Dog bites mostly occurred in the dog’s residence (49.4%). Cat scratches were more likely to be inflicted by one’s own cat (47.5%). Children living in suburban and island county had 2.83 times and 2.53 times more dog-related injuries than central urban children, respectively. After stratification by cities, injuries in Shantou were correlated with non-single child families (OR (odds ratios), 1.46; 95% CI (95% confidence interval), 1.09–1.96) and raising cats (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.88–7.35). Those who disliked animals (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45–0.88) or had good academic performance (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.35–0.60) had lower risk for injury. Injuries in Shenzhen were related to the mother’s educational level (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11–2.07) and mother being a migrant worker (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.12–3.94). Conclusions: Family factors were important to predict dog- and cat-induced injury among children from Shenzhen, and personal factors were closely associated with injury among children form Shantou.

Injuries impact adolescents and young adults in unique ways. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence rate of nonfatal injuries, and identify characteristics and risk factors for the injuries among adolescents and college students in Shenzhen, China.