Abstract The objective and accurate evaluation of wheat quality is the key to ensuring the safety of wheat storage. Due to the complexity and variability of wheat quality, traditional methods, such as the evaluation of single physical and chemical index, have the problems of insufficient information and poor differentiation of fuzzy intervals. Based on grey systems theory, this paper proposes a new comprehensive wheat quality grading model. Firstly, eight physical and chemical indices are selected as the factor set of the evaluation model, and the key quality indices are analyzed and screened by principal component analysis (PCA). The entropy weight method (EWM) is then used to measure the importance of the contribution of selected indices to wheat quality information. Finally, the grey evaluation model is then used to determine the grey correlation of the evaluation levels of different batches of wheat, and to rank the superiority and inferiority. The model is applied to the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of wheat samples, verifying the feasibility and validity of the model and providing some theoretical guidance for the evaluation of wheat quality.

SUMMARY: This study aimed to compare the clinical value of carotid ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for carotid artery stenosis in patients with cerebral infarction. Sixty patients with cerebral infarction underwent carotid ultrasound and DSA. Carotid artery stenosis, degree of stenosis (mild, moderate, severe, and occlusion), and carotid artery plaques were recorded and compared. Carotid stenosis rate was 96.67 % (58/60) and 91.67 % (55/60) on DSA and carotid ultrasound, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant. Mild, moderate, and severe carotid artery stenosis and occlusion were diagnosed in 35, 28, 20, and 17 arteries, respectively, with DSA, and in 39, 25, 10, and 9 arteries, respectively, with carotid ultrasound. There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of carotid stenosis between the two methods (p<0.05). The kappa value of carotid plaques detected by carotid ultrasound and DSA was 0.776, indicating good consistency. Both carotid ultrasound and DSA are effective for screening carotid artery stenosis and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. While carotid ultrasound is faster and more convenient, DSA can more accurately detect the degree of stenosis and presence of occlusion. Thus, our recommendation is a combination of carotid ultrasound and DSA in clinical settings to improve the convenience and accuracy of diagnosis.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el valor clínico de la ecografía carotídea y la angiografía por sustracción digital (DSA) para la estenosis de la arteria carótida en pacientes con infarto cerebral. Sesenta pacientes con infarto cerebral fueron sometidos a ecografía carotídea y DSA. Se registraron y compararon la estenosis de la arteria carótida, el grado de estenosis (leve, moderada, grave y oclusión) y las placas de la arteria carótida. La tasa de estenosis carotídea fue del 96,67 % (58/60) y del 91,67 % (55/60) en DSA y ecografía carotídea, respectivamente, y la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. Se diagnosticaron estenosis y oclusión de la arteria carótida leve, moderada y grave en 35, 28, 20 y 17 arterias, respectivamente, con DSA, y en 39, 25, 10 y 9 arterias, respectivamente, con ecografía carotídea. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el grado de estenosis carotídea entre los dos métodos (p<0,05). El valor kappa de las placas carotídeas detectadas por ecografía carotídea y DSA fue de 0,776, lo que indica una buena consistencia. Tanto la ecografía carotídea como la DSA son eficaces para detectar la estenosis de la arteria carótida y las placas ateroscleróticas carotídeas. Si bien la ecografía carotídea es más rápida y conveniente, la DSA puede detectar con mayor precisión el grado de estenosis y la presencia de oclusión. Por lo tanto, nuestra recomendación es una combinación de ecografía carotídea y DSA en entornos clínicos para mejorar la conveniencia y precisión del diagnóstico.

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between physical education classes and PA among adolescents from 50 lowand middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A self-reported questionnaire from the Global School-based Student Survey (GSHS) was used to collect information on participation frequency of physical education classes and being physically active over the last week, as well as other control variables (e.g., sex, age, country, sedentary behavior). Multivariable logistic regression and a pooled meta-analysis were performed to explore the association and compared country-wise differences. Results: Included adolescents aged from 13 to 17 years (n = 187,386, %boys = 51.7; mean age = 14.6 years), the prevalence of sufficient PA (meeting the PA guidelines) was 14.9%. The prevalence of 5 days or more to engage in physical education classes was 16.5%. Compared with adolescents who had 0 days for physical education classes, higher participation frequency was more likely related to sufficient PA (OR: 1 day = 1.34, 2 days = 1.66, 3 days = 1.67, 4 days = 1.79, 5 days or more = 2.46), these findings were also observed in both sexes. A moderate inconsistency on the association across the included countries was found (I2 = 53%, p < 0.01), although the pooled OR was 1.50 (95% CI: 1.36–1.65). Conclusions: Participating in more physical education classes may be an effective approach to increase physical activity levels among adolescents in LMICs. However, promoting physical activity levels among adolescents in LMICs through physical education classes should consider more country-specific factors.

OBJECTIVES: Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) might predict the all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between GNRI and all-cause mortality in patients with HF. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for clinical trials investigating the association between GNRI and all-cause mortality in patients with HF, having the primary endpoint as all-cause mortality. RESULTS: In total, nine studies involving 7,659 subjects were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results indicated that major risk and moderate risk GNRI (GNRI<92) was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in elderly patients with HF (hazard ratios [HR] 1.59, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.37-1.85). Low risk GNRI (GNRI<98) group predicted all-cause mortality in elderly HF patients (HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.12-2.18) when compared with the high GNRI value group. A subgroup analysis indicated that the relationship between GNRI and HF might differ based on the subtype of heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: GNRI is a simple and well-established nutritional assessment tool to predict all-cause mortality in patients with HF.

RESUMO Introdução: A maioria dos estudos sobre extrato de chá verde (ECV) em combinação com atividade física relata efeito preventivo em doenças cardiovasculares; entretanto, os achados sobre os efeitos sobre lípides séricos são controversos. Objetivo: Esta metanálise tem como objetivo examinar as evidências dos efeitos do ECV em combinação com atividade física sobre o teor de lípides séricos no ser humano. Métodos: Em junho de 2017, realizamos pesquisas eletrônicas nos bancos de dados PubMed, Web of Science e Cochrane Library para identificar estudos pertinentes; foram incluídos os que tinham período experimental superior a duas semanas, estudos clínicos randomizados (ECRs) e que avaliaram apenas ECV com atividade física. Neste trabalho, empregamos o modelo de metanálise de efeitos aleatórios. Resultados: Um total de 271 citações foi recuperado em nossa busca, e sete ECRs foram identificados, totalizando 608 indivíduos incluídos. No geral, não houve redução significativa nos níveis da lipoproteína de baixa densidade do colesterol (LDL-C) (DMP: -0,169; 95% de intervalo de confiança [IC]: -0,414 a 0,076; I2 = 22,7%; p = 0,177) ou no colesterol total (CT) entre o ECV e placebo combinados com o Grupo atividade física. Resultados semelhantes foram observados também para a lipoproteína de alta densidade do colesterol (HDL-C) e para os triglicérides (TG). No subgrupo e nas análises de sensibilidade de cinco estudos, os níveis de CT dos indivíduos que receberam dose mais baixa de epigalocatequina-3-galato (EGCG) em combinação com atividade física foram significativamente reduzidos. Conclusão: A evidência atual sugere que o chá verde em combinação com atividade física não melhora os níveis de lípides e lipoproteínas no ser humano. Nível de Evidência I; Revisão sistemática.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Most studies of green tea extract (GTE) combined with physical activity have reported a preventative effect for cardiovascular disease; however, the findings regarding the effects on serum lipids are controversial. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to examine the evidence of the effects of GTE combined with physical activity on the serum lipid content in humans. Methods: In June 2017, we conducted electronic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify pertinent studies: those with an experiment period exceeding two weeks, human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and those that only assessed GTE with physical activity were included. A random effects model meta-analysis was used in this review. Results: A total of 271 citations were retrieved in our search of the electronic literature, and 7 RCTs, which included 608 individuals, were identified. Overall, there was no significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD:-0.169; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-0.414 to 0.076; I2=22.7%; p=0.177) or total cholesterol (TC) levels between the GTE and placebo combined with the physical activity group. Similar results were also observed for high density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). In the subgroup and sensitivity analyses of the five studies, the TC levels of the subjects who received a lower dose of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) together with performing physical activity were significantly decreased. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that green tea combined with physical activity does not improve the lipid and lipoprotein levels in humans. Level of evidence I; Systematic review.

RESUMEN Introducción: La mayoría de los estudios sobre extracto de té verde (ETV) en combinación con actividad física relata efecto preventivo en enfermedades cardiovasculares; entretanto, los hallazgos sobre los efectos sobre lípidos séricos son controvertidos. Objetivo: Este metaanálisis tiene como objetivo examinar las evidencias de los efectos del ETV en combinación con actividad física sobre el tenor de lípidos séricos en el ser humano. Métodos: En junio de 2017, realizamos búsquedas electrónicas en los bancos de datos PubMed, Web of Science y Cochrane Library para identificar estudios pertinentes; fueron incluidos los que tenían período experimental superior a dos semanas, estudios clínicos aleatorizados (ECAs) y que evaluaron sólo ETV con actividad física. En este trabajo, empleamos el modelo de metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: Un total de 271 citaciones fue recuperado en nuestra búsqueda, y siete ECAs fueron identificados, totalizando 608 individuos incluidos. En general, no hubo reducción significativa en los niveles de la lipoproteína de baja densidad del colesterol (LDL-C) (DPE: -0,169; 95% de intervalo de confianza [IC]: -0,414 a 0,076; I2 = 22,7%; p = 0,177) o en el colesterol total (CT) entre el ETV y placebo combinados con el Grupo actividad física. Fueron observados resultados semejantes también para la lipoproteína de alta densidad del colesterol (HDL-C) y para los triglicéridos (TG). En el subgrupo y en los análisis de sensibilidad de cinco estudios, los niveles de CT de los individuos que recibieron dosis más baja de epigalocatequina-3-galato (EGCG) en combinación con actividad física fueron significativamente reducidos. Conclusión: La evidencia actual sugiere que el té verde en combinación con actividad física no mejora los niveles de lípidos y lipoproteínas en el ser humano. Nivel de Evidencia I; Revisión sistemática.

Abstract This study was aimed to investigate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) combined with brisk walking on lipid profiles and the liver function in overweight and obese men. Twenty-four participants were randomized to either the GTE group or the placebo group for 12 weeks with a 4-week follow-up. The walking program consisted of four 60-min-sessions/week and all participants were asked to consume two GTE (150mg) or placebo tablets daily. After 12-week intervention, GTE group resulted in a significant difference in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels when compared to placebo group (P < 0.01). There was also a significant reduction in the aspartate aminotransferase levels (P < 0.01) in the GTE group, but no change in the placebo group (P >0.05). There was no change in the triglyceride or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the placebo group, but a significant reduction was noted in the HDL-C levels in the GTE group (P < 0.05). GTE combined with brisk walking resulted in a significant change in the LDL-C and TC levels, however, a significant reduce in HDL-C in the GTE group. The study has a more positive effect on the liver function than brisk walking alone.

The microstructure and texture distribution of a Ti-1023 forged disk were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction. The finite element method was used to simulate temperature and strain distribution in order to investigate the relationship of the α/β forging process with microstructure and texture distribution. A bimodal microstructure and rolling textures with large inhomogeneity were observed in the disk. A plate-like and a necklace-like morphology and volume fraction variations of the primary α phase were observed in different regions with different forging conditions, such as temperature, deformation, position, and high density of flow lines. Texture sharpness distribution of the β phase was in good agreement with the strain distribution, which suggests deformation may play the most important part in the texture inhomogeneity. A weak cube texture was obtained near the center of the disk, and fiber textures were found near the rim of the disk. The primary α phase also exhibited a transverse texture, which is favored by large deformation.

Abstract Based on RNA-seq analysis, we recently found that the bovine NCAPG (non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G) gene is differentially expressed during development of the longissimus muscle. In the present study, we validated this result and, using quantitative real-time PCR analysis, identified two adjacent genes, LCORL and DCAF16, that are more abundant in fetal muscle tissue; further analysis of tissue-specific expression patterns indicated high abundance of NCAPG in muscle. Since no polymorphisms were detected in a previous study of Qinchuan cattle, we extended our investigation to examine the occurrence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NCAPG gene. Three SNPs, i.e., one located in the intron region (g47747: T > G), a synonymous mutation (g52535: A > G) and a missense mutation (g53208: T > G) that leads to a change in the amino acid of interest (pIle442Met), were detected in a population of Qinchuan beef cattle (n = 300). Association analysis showed that these SNPs were significantly associated with the growth traits of Qinchuan beef cattle. Our results indicate that the bovine NCAPG gene may be involved in the development of the longissimus muscle. These polymorphisms in the NCAPG gene may be useful for marker-assisted selection of optimal body size in Qinchuan beef cattle.