Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5’end or 3’end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5’ end or 3’ end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

Abstract Background Migraine underdiagnosis and undertreatment are so widespread, that hence is essential to diagnose migraine sufferers in nonclinical settings. A systematic review of validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools applicable to nonclinical settings can help researchers and practitioners in tool selection decisions. Objective To systematically review and critically assess published validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools for use in nonclinical settings, as well as to describe their diagnostic performance. Methods A multidisciplinary workgroup followed transparent and systematic procedures to collaborate on this work. PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for studies up to January 17, 2022. The QUADAS-2 was employed to assess methodological quality, and the quality thresholds adopted by the Global Burden Disease study were used to tail signaling questions. Results From 7,214 articles identified, a total of 27 studies examining 19 tools were eligible for inclusion. There has been no high-quality evidence to support any tool for use of migraine diagnosis in nonclinical settings. The diagnostic accuracy of the ID-migraine, structured headache and HARDSHIP questionnaires have been supported by moderate-quality evidence, with sensitivity and specificity above 70%. Of them, the HARDSHIP questionnaire has been the most extensively validated. The remaining 16 tools have provided poor-quality evidence for migraine diagnosis in nonclinical populations. Conclusions Up till now, the HARDSHIP questionnaire is the optimal choice for diagnosing migraine in nonclinical settings, with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy supported by moderate methodological quality. This work reveals the crucial next step, which is further high-quality validation studies in diverse nonclinical population groups.

Resumo Antecedentes O sub-diagnóstico e o subtratamento da enxaqueca são tão difundidos que, portanto, é essencial para diagnosticar os portadores de enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos. Uma revisão sistemática dos estudos de validação das ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca aplicáveis a ambientes não-clínicos pode ajudar os pesquisadores e profissionais nas decisões de seleção de ferramentas. Objetivo Revisar sistematicamente e avaliar criticamente estudos de validação publicados sobre ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca para uso em ambientes não-clínicos, bem como descrever seu desempenho diagnóstico. Métodos Um grupo de trabalho multidisciplinar seguiu procedimentos transparentes e sistemáticos para colaborar neste trabalho. PubMed, Medline e Web of Science foram pesquisados por estudos até 17 de janeiro de 2022. O QUADAS-2 foi empregado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica, e os limites de qualidade adotados pelo estudo da Global Burden Disease foram usados para responder a questões de sinalização. Resultados De 7.214 artigos identificados, um total de 27 estudos examinando 19 ferramentas foram elegíveis para inclusão. Não houve evidência de alta qualidade para apoiar qualquer ferramenta para o uso de diagnóstico de enxaqueca em ambientes não clínicos. A precisão diagnóstica do ID-Migraine, questionário de dor de cabeça estruturada e questionário HARDSHIP foram apoiados por evidências de qualidade moderada, com sensibilidade e especificidade acima de 70%. Deles, o questionário HARDSHIP foi o mais amplamente validado. As 16 ferramentas restantes forneceram provas de má qualidade para o diagnóstico de enxaqueca em populações não-clínicas. Conclusões Até agora, o questionário HARDSHIP é a escolha ideal para o diagnóstico da enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos, com precisão diagnóstica satisfatória apoiada por uma qualidade metodológica moderada. Este trabalho revela o próximo passo crucial, que é a realização de mais estudos de validação de alta qualidade em diversos grupos populacionais não-clínicos.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of eugenol (Eu) at different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μM/g protein) on the gel properties and chemical structure changes of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP). The results showed that Eu inhibited the increase of surface hydrophobicity and carbonyl content but did not prevent the oxidation-induced loss of thiol groups. Moreover, Eu intensified the loss of the α-helical conformation as well as the tertiary structure of MP under oxidative stress. The physicochemical changes at 10 and 50 μM/g Eu resulted in a significant enhancement of the gelling ability of MP and enhanced the positive role of oxidation in building elastic gel networks. Conversely, Eu at the concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 μM/g was not conducive to gelling ability, especially at 300 μM/g, and these concentrations were associated with Eu-induced protein conformational changes.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the sex-specific association between hyperuricemia and the risk of hypertension and whether obesity mediates this association. METHODS: This study included 31,395 (47.0% women) adults without hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline who completed at least one follow-up annual examination between 2009 and 2016. Cox regression models were performed to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Mediation analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of body mass index on the association between hyperuricemia and hypertension. RESULTS: During a median 2.9-year follow-up, hyperuricemia was significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension (HR 1.15, 95%CI 1.07-1.24 for all participants; HR 1.12, 95%CI 1.03-1.22 for men; and HR 1.23, 95%CI 1.02-1.48 for women) after adjustment for potential confounders. Additional adjustment for body mass index attenuated this association (HR 1.09, 95%CI 1.08-1.10 for all participants; HR 1.07; 95%CI 0.98-1.16 for men; HR 1.18; 95%CI 0.96-1.44 for women). Mediation analysis showed that BMI partially mediated the relationship between hyperuricemia and incident hypertension (indirect effect HR 1.09, 95%CI 1.08-1.10; direct effect: HR 1.08, 95%CI 1.02-1.15). The percentage of the mediation effect was 53.2% (95%CI 37.9-84.5). CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia is associated with a risk of hypertension in both sexes, and BMI partially mediates hyperuricemia-related incident hypertension.

Abstract Allium mongolicum Regel is a desert plant that shows great resistance to wind erosion, drought, and low temperatures and is widely distributed in the desert lands of China. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying its drought resistance is essential for uncovering drought resistance genes and improving its beneficial traits. Here, a de novo RNA-Seq assembly analysis was conducted using the roots of 1-month-old seedlings under drought stress. Using pairwise comparisons of untreated plants (CK), 48-hour drought plants (G48h), and 96-hour drought plants (G96h), in total, 2,211 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were obtained. Furthermore, using functional annotation, these DEGs were mainly involved in the plasma membrane, photosynthesis, and secondary carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, genes involved in the ABA-mediated signaling pathway and secondary metabolism were upregulated in the roots. These results suggest that desert plants may use signaling and secondary metabolic pathways as adaptive responses to drought stress. Collectively, this work could help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of A. mongolicum Regel to respond to drought stress and aid in the selection of novel drought tolerance genes.

Resumen Allium mongolicum Regel es un tipo de planta desértica que muestra una gran resistencia a la erosión eólica, la sequía y las bajas temperaturas; se distribuye ampliamente en las tierras desérticas de China. Comprender los mecanismos moleculares subyacentes a la resistencia a la sequía de A. mongolicum Regel es esencial para descubrir genes resistentes a la sequía y mejorar este rasgo beneficioso en otras plantas. Aquí, el análisis de ensamblaje de ARN-Seq de novo se llevó a cabo utilizando las raíces de plántulas de 1 mes de edad en respuesta al estrés por sequía. Utilizando comparaciones por pares de plantas no tratadas (CK), plantas de 48 horas (G48h) y plantas de 96 horas (G96h), se obtuvieron un total de 2.211 unigenes (DEGs) expresados diferencialmente. Mientras tanto, usando la anotación funcional, estos DEGs fueron implicados principalmente en la membrana de plasma, la fotosíntesis, y el metabolismo de carbohidrato secundario. Por otra parte, los genes implicados en el camino ABA-mediado de la señalización y en metabolismo secundario para arriba fueron regulados para arriba en raíces. Estos resultados sugieren que las plantas del desierto pueden utilizar la señalización y las vías metabólicas secundarias como respuestas adaptativas al estrés por sequía. Colectivamente, este trabajo ayudará a comprender los mecanismos moleculares subyacentes a la capacidad de A. mongolicum Regel para responder al estrés por sequía y ayudar en la selección de nuevos genes de tolerancia a la sequía.

A new fluorescent detection route for chloride ion was designed with Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs), which were prepared by a traditional hydrothermal method with citric acid as carbon source and urea as nitrogen source. The prepared N-GQDs solution was light yellow, and the freeze-dried solid was black. It emitted blue light under ultraviolet light. Meanwhile, The N-GQDs were characterized by TEM, XRD, UV-Vis and fluorescence, the results indicated that the N-GQDs had good dispersibility, photostability and excitation independent emission fluorescence. After addition of Ag+ solution, Ag+ combined to the surface functional groups of N-GQDs, resulting in an obvious quenching of the fluorescence intensity of N-GQDs. Nevertheless, the fluorescence intensity recovered significantly with the addition of Cl- to the N-GQDs/Ag+ system, this was because of AgCl was formed due to the “soft hard acid base principle”. The change of fluorescence intensity had a linear response to the chloride ion concentration in the range of 8.5-300 μmol L-1, with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.1 μmol L-1. To authenticate the application, the proposed method has been successfully used for quantitative analysis of chloride ion in real samples, including artificial sweat and environmental water.

Abstract We aimed to evaluate the effect of red meat diet on gut microbiota in mice. Balb/c mice at weaning were randomized into control group and red meat groups with different proportions (25%, 50%, and 75%). Mice were fed with a standard pellet diet as control group, while those were fed with different proportions of red meat diet as red meat groups. After 8 weeks, they were sacrificed and their intestinal contents were obtained for 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Our results showed that there were significant-structural differences among the four groups. The top-two most abundant phylum were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In the red meat groups, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased, but the abundance of Firmicutes was decreased. At the family level, Bacteroidaceae and Family XIII were significantly higher in the high-dose group than those in the control group. There were also significant differences in abundance of many genera. In conclusion, different proportions of red meat diet may lead to changes in gut microbial flora in mice. These changes may be pathological and may be related to the frequent occurrence of many diseases.

Abstract Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide (SCP) is extracted from a well-known traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis (SC). We purified a new compound and would like to analyze the effect of SCP on oxidative stress (OS) in vitro. SCP was identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and infrared spectrum (IR). The effect of SCP on cell proliferation, activity of oxidative and anti-oxidative index superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), protein expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its down-stream factors expression, stability of Nrf2, and binding activity of Nrf2 with DNA were tested using different methods in 293T cells. The result showed that SCP enhanced the cell proliferation of 293T cells, the contents of GSH and CAT, and the activity of SOD, while decreased the content of MDA. In addition, SCP promoted the transfer of Nrf2 from cytoplasm to nucleus, the binding activity of Nrf2 with DNA, the stability of Nrf2 protein, and prolonged the half-life of Nrf2. SCP showed a strong anti-oxidative activity and activation of the Nrf2 pathway, indicating that SCP had the potential to be developed into the natural anti-oxidant in the future.

Abstract Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of neuropathologic damage induced by radiofrequency ablation at different temperatures. Methods This is basic research, and 36 SD rats were used to construct the neuropathological injury model. The rats were subjected to radiofrequency stimulation at different temperatures and were divided into 6 groups according to the temperature injury: 42°, 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C groups. Conduction time, conduction distance, and nerve conduction velocity were recorded after temperature injury. HE-staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of the sciatic nerve. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in sciatic nerve tissue were detected by western blot. Results With the increase in temperature, nerve conduction velocity gradually decreased, and neurons were damaged when the temperature was 67°C. HE-staining showed that the degrees of degeneration of neurons in rats at 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C were gradually increased. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups were much higher than that of NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. However, the expression of NFASC protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups was much lower than that of the NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. Conclusion There was a positive correlation between temperature caused by the radiofrequency stimulation to neuropathological damage. The mechanism is closely related to the expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in nerve tissue caused by heat transfer injury.

Abstract To explore the effects and mechanisms of benzoylaconitine and paeoniflorin on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Weight, paw swelling, arthritis index and joint pathologic changes were examined in each group after CIA induction. PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF, MMP-3, IgG and anti-CII Ab were assessed by ELISA; STAT1 and STAT3 expressions were analyzed immunohistochemically, and the ultrastructure of synovial cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Therapeutic effects were determined in CIA rats via injecting benzoylaconitine and paeoniflorin, which could alleviate the degree of swelling and arthritis index (AI) and pathological lesions of the sacroiliac gland; decrease the levels of PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α, VEGF and IgG in serum; reduce STAT1 and STAT3 expression in the membrane tissue; and inhibit the secretion and proliferation of synovial cells. These results showed that benzoylaconitine and paeoniflorin could significantly palliate the arthritic symptoms of CIA rats, and better therapeutic effects could be achieved if the two components were used in combination.

Abstract Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that predicts the onset of disability, morbidity and mortality in elderly people; it is a state of pre-disability and is reversible. This review aimed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation interventions in frail older adults. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed to collect randomized controlled trials of dietary supplements for the treatment of frailty in the elderly published before March 2022. The frailty score, muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance of the frail elderly were extracted for analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.4 and Stata version 15.0. Totally, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 1204 participants (603 experiment group vs. 601 control group). Compared to control group, multi-nutrient nutrition intervention can significantly improve the frailty score of the elderly (MD = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.01, P = 0.04, I2 = 0). Protein supplementation intervention significantly improved body weight (MD = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.21 to 8.52, P = 0.009), muscle mass [lean mass (MD = 2.73, 95% CI:1.26 to 4.20, P = 0.0003)], muscle strength (MD = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.68 to 3.12, P = 0.002), and physical performance [chair stand test (MD = -2.15, 95% CI: -3.21 to -1.10, P < 0.0001)] in frail older adults compared to control. This meta-analysis and systematic review suggests that dietary supplements interventions positively influence in older people with frailty.

Abstract In order to realize the rapid nondestructive detection of mildew peanut in the process of peanuts storage, hyperspectral imaging technology was proposed to detect mildew peanut. A total of 200 peanuts were selected from 5 kinds of peanuts purchased in the market for moldy treatment, and the remaining 400 peanuts were kept sterile. After completion, samples were collected with a hyperspectral instrument to obtain spectral data of the samples. According to the characteristics of the data, 10 pre-processing algorithms were used to de-noise the data, and Median Filtering (MF) had the best effect, with the recognition accuracy reaching 97.7%. GBDT, LightGBM, CatBoost and XGBoost algorithms were used to extract important feature bands in the spectral data pre-processed by MF. GBDT, LightGBM, CatBoost and XGBoost algorithms were used to model the extracted feature bands. The results showed that LightGBM is the best algorithm with a detection rate of 99.10%. Optuna algorithm was used to tune its parameters. Compared with the previous model, the running time of the optimized model was improved by about 0.25 s. The results showed that hyperspectral imaging provides an efficient and nondestructive method for detecting mildew in peanut storage.

Abstract The effects of micro comminution on the functional nutrients and antioxidant activity of quinoa cereal were investigated. The particle size distribution of quinoa cereal powder after micro comminution processing was investigated, as well as the nutritional and functional components and antioxidant characteristics. Simultaneously, correlations between antioxidant activity and product development and deep processing of quinoa cereal were investigated. The results indicate that: the fat, polysaccharide, and total phenol contents increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the total dietary fibre content decreased significantly (P < 0.05); the total antioxidant, DPPH, ABTS, and linoleic acid system contents of micro crushed quinoa oatmeal increased gradually, while the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and TBA value decreased; when the grain size of micro crushed quinoa oatmeal was decreased. Micro crushing technique has the potential to boost quinoa cereal's nutritional content and antioxidant activity.

Abstract Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by the formation of multiple benign cartilage-capped tumors, usually in the metaphyseal region of the long bones. Over 70% of HME cases arise from monoallelic mutations in either of the two genes encoding the heparan sulfate (HS) synthesis enzymes, ext1 and ext2. To identify more HME-associated mutations, genomic DNA from members of five independent consanguineous families with HME was sequenced with whole exome sequencing (WES). A novel heterozygous splice site mutation (c.1173+2T>A) in ext2 was detected in all three affected members of family V. Further study showed that the novel mutation caused exon 7 of ext2 mRNA to be skipped during splicing and caused a frameshift after the codon for Arg360, which results in the appearance of new 43 codons, followed by a termination codon. Although the resulting truncated protein was still localized to the Golgi, similar to the full-length EXT2, its HS synthesis activity decreased by 40%. In this study, a novel splice site mutation in ext2 was identified and suggested to be a pathogenic mutation of HME, which may expand the genetic etiology spectrum of HME and may be helpful for clinical genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.