Abstract Introduction: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease in which there is excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes due to hepatoprotective factors. Objectives: to assess the association of the triglyceride-glucose index with the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and mortality in elderly inpatients. To identify the TyG index as a predictive factor of NAFLD. Methods: this prospective observational study included elderly inpatients admitted to the Department of Endocrinology at the Linyi Geriatrics Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong Medical College, between August 2020 and April 2021. The TyG index was calculated according to an established formula: TyG = Ln [triglycerides (TG) (mg/dl) × Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dl) / 2]. Result: a total of 264 patients were enrolled, with 52 (19.7 %) cases occurred NAFLD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TyG (OR = 3.889; 95 % CI: 1.134-11.420; p = 0.014) and ALT (OR = 1.064; 95 % CI: 1.012-1.118; p = 0.015) were independently associated with the occurrence of NAFLD. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of TyG was 0.727, with sensitivity = 80.4 % and specificity = 57.8 % at cut off = 8.71. A Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes TyG > 8.71 (HR = 3.191; 95 % CI: 1.347 to 7.560; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for mortality in the elderly. Conclusions: the TyG index can predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and mortality in elderly Chinese inpatients.

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) es una enfermedad en la que una cantidad excesiva de grasa se acumula en los hepatocitos debido a factores hepatoprotectores. Objetivos: evaluar la asociación entre el índice glucemia-triglicéridos con la presencia de hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) y mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados de avanzada edad. Identificar el índice TyG como factor predictivo de la EHGNA. Métodos: este estudio observacional y prospectivo incluyó a pacientes de avanzada edad hospitalizados en el Departamento de Endocrinología del Hospital de Geriatría de Linyi, Afiliado al Colegio Médico de Shandong, entre agosto de 2020 y abril de 2021. El índice TyG se calculó según una fórmula establecida: TyG = Ln [triglicéridos (TG) (mg/dl) × Glucosa en sangre en ayunas (FPG) (mg/dl) / 2]. Resultado: se incluyeron 264 pacientes, con 52 (19,7 %) casos de EHGNA. El análisis de regresión logística multivariante mostró que el TyG (razón de momios (OR) = 3,889; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,134-11,420; p = 0,014) y ALT (razón de momios (OR) = 1,064; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,012-1,118; p = 0,015) se asociaban de forma independiente con la aparición de EHGNA. Además, el análisis de la curva de características operativas del receptor (ROC) mostró que el área bajo la curva (AUC) de TyG era de 0,727, con una sensibilidad del 80,4 % y una especificidad del 57,8 % en el punto de corte de 8,71. El modelo de regresión de riesgos proporcionales de Cox mostró que, tras ajustar por edad, sexo, tabaquismo, consumo de alcohol, hipertensión y diabetes tipo 2, un TyG > 8,71 (HR = 3,191; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,347 a 7,560; p < 0,001) era un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad para los paciente de edad avanzada. Conclusiones: el índice TyG puede predecir la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico y la mortalidad en pacientes chinos hospitalizados de avanzada edad.

Abstract Objective To compare the clinical features, risk factors, distribution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning between geriatric and non-geriatric patients with BPPV. Methods A total of 400 patients with BPPV were enrolled. Canalith repositioning was performed according to the semicircular canals involved. Patients were divided by age into a geriatric group (≥60 years) and a non-geriatric group (20-59 years). Clinical characteristics, potential age-related risk factors, distribution of subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning were compared between the groups. Results Female sex was significantly more common in all age groups, with a peak female-to-male ratio of 5.1:1 in the group aged 50-59 years. There was a higher proportion of men in the geriatric group. A history of disease associated with atherosclerosis was significantly more common in the geriatric group (p< 0.05). Migraine was significantly more common in the non-geriatric group (p= 0.018), as was posterior canal BPPV. The horizontal canal BPPV (especially horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis), and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common in the geriatric group, whereas anterior canal BPPV was more common in the non-geriatric group. Two canalith repositioning sessions were effective in 58.0% of the geriatric cases and in 72.6% of the non-geriatric cases (p= 0.002). There was a tendency for the effectiveness of canalith repositioning to decrease with increasing age. Conclusion BPPV was more common in women. However, the proportion of men with BPPV increased with age. Elderly patients often had a history of diseases associated with atherosclerosis (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). The horizontal canal BPPV (particularly horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis) and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common and the anterior canal BPPV subtype was less common in elderly patients. The effectiveness of canalith repositioning may decrease with age. Therefore, older patients should receive more comprehensive medical treatment. Level of evidence: 4.

Abstract Background In recent years, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been identified as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in gliomas. Nevertheless, the clinical and prognostic significance of COX-2 in glioma patients remains controversial. Objective To evaluate the correlation of COX-2 with the prognosis in glioma patients. Methods Eligible studies on this subject were included, and pooled odd ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots, and heterogeneity and sensitivity were analyzed as well. Results In the present study, 11 articles with a total of 641 patients were included. The high expression of COX-2 in glioma patients was negatively associated with overall survival (OS) (n = 11; HR = 2.26; 95%CI = 1.79–2.86), and the subgroup analysis showed no differences in OS between Asian (n = 5; HR = 2.16; 95%CI = 1.57–2.97) and non-Asian (n = 6; HR = 2.39; 95%CI = 1.69–3.38) glioma patients. The Begg funnel plots test indicated that there was no evident risk of publication bias in the meta-analysis. Conclusion The present study suggests that COX-2 could be recommended as a useful pathological and prognostic biomarker in the clinical practice.

Resumo Introdução Nos últimos anos, a ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) foi identificada como um marcador de células-tronco cancerígenas (CSC) em gliomas. No entanto, o significado clínico e prognóstico da COX-2 em pacientes com glioma permanece controverso. Objetivo Avaliar a correlação da COX-2 com o prognóstico em pacientes com glioma. Métodos Estudos elegíveis sobre este assunto foram incluídos e foram estimadosodds ratios (ORs) ehazard ratios (HRs) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). O viés de publicação foi avaliado por meio de gráficos de funil, e a heterogeneidade e a sensibilidade também foram analisadas. Resultados No presente estudo foram incluídos 11 artigos com um total de 641 pacientes. A alta expressão de COX-2 em pacientes com glioma foi negativamente associada à sobrevida global (OS) (n = 11; HR = 2,26; IC 95% = 1,79-2,86), e a análise de subgrupo não mostrou diferenças na OS entre asiáticos (n = 5; HR = 2,16; IC 95% = 1,57–2,97) e não asiáticos (n = 6; HR = 2,39; IC 95% = 1,69–3,38) pacientes com glioma. O teste de gráficos de funil de Begg indicou que não havia risco evidente de viés de publicação na metanálise. Conclusão O presente estudo sugere que a COX-2 pode ser recomendada como um biomarcador patológico e prognóstico útil na prática clínica.

Abstract Background: diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease and its pathogenesis is still inconclusive. Current evidence suggests an association between intestinal flora and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this paper, we summarized the current research, determining whether intestinal flora may become a new method to treat T2DM, and providing a theoretical basis and literature references for the prevention of T2DM based on the regulation of intestinal flora. Method: we carried out a review based on 13 published clinical trials to determine the correlation between T2DM and intestinal flora, and between changes in clinical outcomes and in intestinal flora in the development of T2DM; to assess the pathological mechanisms; and to discuss the treatment of diabetes based on intestinal flora. Results: we found that intestinal flora is involved in the occurrence and development of T2DM. Several pathological mechanisms may be involved in the process, including improving the gut barrier, alleviating inflammation, increasing glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1 and GLP 2, increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and so on. Several measures based on intestinal flora, including exercise, food, specific diets, drugs and probiotics, would be used to treat and even prevent T2DM. Conclusions: high-quality studies are required to better understand the clinical effects of intestinal flora in T2DM.

Resumen Antecedentes: la diabetes mellitus (DM) es una enfermedad crónica cuya patogénesis no está clara. La evidencia actual sugiere una asociación entre la flora intestinal y la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 (DMT2). Este artículo revisa la investigación actual para determinar si la flora intestinal puede ser un nuevo método de tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 y proporciona la base teórica y las referencias de la literatura para la prevención de la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 basada en la regulación de la flora intestinal. Métodos: se revisaron 13 ensayos clínicos publicados para determinar la correlación entre la DMT2 y la flora intestinal, los cambios en los resultados clínicos y los cambios en la flora intestinal durante el desarrollo de la DMT2; para resumir su mecanismo patogénico; y, desde el punto de vista de la flora intestinal, para explorar el tratamiento de la diabetes. Resultados: se encontró que la flora intestinal estaba involucrada en el desarrollo de la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2. Este proceso puede implicar una variedad de mecanismos patológicos, incluyendo la mejora de la barrera intestinal, la reducción de la inflamación, el aumento del péptido similar al glucagón (GLP) 1 y GLP 2, y el aumento del rendimiento de los ácidos grasos de cadena corta (SCFA). Algunas medidas basadas en la flora intestinal, como el ejercicio, los alimentos, las dietas especiales, los medicamentos y los probióticos, se utilizarán para tratar e incluso prevenir la DMT2. Conclusión: se necesitan estudios de alta calidad para comprender mejor los efectos clínicos de la flora intestinal en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus de tipo 2.

Abstract This study focused on exploring the neuroprotective role of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and miR-206 in H2O2-induced SK-N-SH cells. First, we dectected the cell viability, apotosis, oxidative stress and miR-206 expression in H2O2-treated SK-N-SH cells.Next, we examined above content in H2O2-induced SK-N-SH cells though DEX treatment. Besides, the level of cell viability, apotosis, oxidative stress were evaluated in H2O2-treated SK-N-SH cells transfected with miR-206 mimics and miR-206 inhibitor. Moreover, the target gene of miR-206 were predicted and verifed by binformatics tools and luciferase reporter assay. These data indicated that H2O2 evoked the apotosis, oxidative stress and inhibition of miR-206 expression in SK-N-SH cells in a dose manner. Besides, DEX attenuated H2O2-induced oxidative damage, apotosis and promoted miR-206 expression in SK-N-SH cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-206 augmented the cell viablity as well as suppressed apotosis and oxidative stress in H2O2-induced SK-N-SH cells, while down-expression of miR-206 showed opppsite effects. Further, Annexin A1 (ANXA1) was verified as a directly target of miR-206, and over-expression of ANXA1 could slack the neuroprotective effect of miR-206 in H2O2-induced SK-N-SH cells. DEX exerted neuroprotective effects on H2O2-treated SK-N-SH cells in vitro by negatively reguating ANXA1 expression via activation of miR-206.

Abstract MicroR-146 (miR-146) plays crucial roles in attenuating nerve injury during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of miR-146 against cerebral I/R injury. Rat model of cerebral I/R injury was established using 4-vessel occlusion and reperfusion. In this study, miR-146 expression was significantly decreased in neurons in cerebral I/R injury rat compared to sham group. In addition, miR-146+/+ significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, neuron cell apoptosis and the infarct size in cerebral I/R injury rats (p<0.05). Transfection of miR-146 reduced apoptosis, autophagy and autophagy-related proteins LC-3, Beclin-1 and increased p62 in the neuron cells compared to control group. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-146 was indicated to directly targeting NF-κB and activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR expression in neuron cells. In conclusion, these findings suggested that miR-146 could protect against rat ischemia-reperfusion injury by targeting NF-κB-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which offered a potential molecular for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Abstract Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, often affects different organs and tissues. It can be effectively managed using drugs; however, attention should be paid to the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SLE on female sexual function based on current literature. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies published up to November 9, 2021. This review included all English studies that compared the sexual function between women with SLE and healthy women. A meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 367 records were retrieved from 3 electronic databases. Five studies that involved 710 women with SLE and 2059 healthy women were finally included in this meta-analysis. The result indicated a significant decrease (mean difference =−1.74, 95% confidence interval −3.14 to −0.34, p =0.02) in the total scores of the Female Sexual Function Index in women with SLE, implying that healthy women had better sexual function than those with SLE. Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that SLE could negatively affect the quality of sexual life in terms of desire, arousal, and pain. Thus, close attention should be paid to the sexual function of women with SLE. Trial registration: This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42021290439).

Abstract To optimize the process technology of yogurt fortified with M. esculenta, first, the Plackett-Burman experimental design combined with the central composite design (CCD) were used to investigate the effects of four parameters on the sensory score. Then, artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to evaluate the process parameters of the fortified yogurt. Finally, the quality of the yogurt prepared under optimal conditions were observed. The results showed that the optimal parameters from ANN-GA were: 0.2 g of mycelia, 15 g milk powder, 6.4 g sucrose, and a fermentation temperature of 38 °C, with the highest predicted sensory score of 97.1 points, which was more accurate and reliable than CCD. Mycelia of M. esculenta gave the yogurt excellent quality, including good acidity (95 ± 2.85° T) and water holding capacity (64.32 ± 4.25%) after 21 days storage at 4 °C; firmness (12.98 ± 1.25) g, consistency (22.85 ± 0.92) g·sec, stickness (-6.16 ± 0.38) g, stringiness (3.53 ± 0.12) mm, and cohesion index (-6.62 ± 1.75) g·sec. Moreover, the living lactic acid bacteria of the yogurt with M. esculenta (6.23 ± 0.23) × 107 CFU/mL) were significantly higher than that of the control yogurt (5.65 ± 0.31) × 107 CFU/mL. This could provide a theoretical basis and parameter guidance for developing a new functional yogurt.

Abstract Macrophages benefit myelin debris removal, blood vessel formation, and Schwann cell activation following peripheral nerve injury. Identifying factors that modulate macrophage phenotype may advantage the repair and regeneration of injured peripheral nerves. microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of many physiological and pathological processes, including peripheral nerve regeneration. Herein, we investigated the regulatory roles of miR-140-3p, a miRNA that was differentially expressed in injured rat sciatic nerves, in macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Observations from EdU proliferation assay demonstrated that elevated miR-140-3p decreased the proliferation rates of RAW264.7 cells while suppressed miR-140-3p increased the proliferation rates of RAW264.7 cells. Transwell-based migration assay showed that up-regulated and down-regulated miR-140-3p led to elevated and reduced migration abilities, respectively. However, the abundances of numerous phenotypic markers of M1 and M2 macrophages were not significantly altered by miR-140-3p mimic or inhibitor transfection. Bioinformatic analysis and miR-140-3p-induced gene suppression examination suggested that Smad3 might be the target gene of miR-140-3p. These findings illuminate the inhibitory effects of miR-140-3p on the proliferation and migration of macrophages and contribute to the cognition of the essential roles of miRNAs during peripheral nerve regeneration.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of human esophageal fibroblast-derived exosomal miR-21 on cisplatin sensitivity against esophageal squamous EC9706 cells. EC9706 cells were co-cultured indirectly with human esophageal fibroblasts (HEF) or miR-21 mimics transfected-HEF in the transwell system. The exosomes in HEF-culture conditioned medium were extracted by differential ultracentrifugation. EC9706 cells were co-cultured with HEF-derived exosomes directly. The cisplatin sensitivity against EC9706 cells was revealed via half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values using MTT assay. The expressions of miR-21, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) mRNA, and gene of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) mRNA were determined by qRT-PCR. The changes of the protein level were detected using western blot assay. IC50 values of cisplatin against EC9706 cells were increased after EC9706 cells were co-cultured with either HEF or exosomes derived from miR-21 mimics-transfected HEF. Following the increased level of miR-21, the mRNA expression and protein levels of PTEN and PDCD4 were decreased in EC9706 cells. The cisplatin sensitivity to EC9706 cells was reduced by HEF-derived exosomal miR-21 through targeting PTEN and PDCD4. This study suggested that non-tumor cells in the tumor micro-environment increased the tumor anti-chemotherapy effects through their exosomes.

RESUMEN Estudios anteriores suelen basarse en el mecanismo de falla de un cuerpo deformable por deslizamiento de tierra en un túnel y en el monitoreo de seguridad y alerta temprana después de la finalización del túnel, mientras que hay menos investigación sobre la construcción del túnel. Para estudiar mejor el tratamiento integral del cuerpo deformable de un antiguo deslizamiento de tierra en un lecho de roca profunda gigante, se seleccionó el tratamiento del cuerpo deformable de deslizamiento de túnel del túnel JM para llevar a cabo el estudio empírico. Después de un análisis detallado de las consideraciones de deslizamiento por las características geológicas del túnel JM, se realizaron el análisis de estabilidad del deslizamiento de tierra y el cuerpo de deformación y el cálculo del valor de empuje basado en el modelo FLAC y en el monitoreo de información. Después de la construcción del modelo, los parámetros de intensidad de la deformación de la masa de deslizamiento y la zona de deslizamiento se obtuvieron del análisis posterior. Después de esto, se determinó el esquema de tratamiento integral para la parte posterior del antiguo cuerpo de deformación por deslizamiento de tierra, incluida la limpieza del movimiento de tierras, el soporte de nivelación y la contrapresión al abandonar el movimiento de tierra limpio en el borde delantero. El estudio es de gran importancia para el diseño de la construcción del túnel de deslizamiento de tierra bajo condiciones geológicas complicadas.

ABSTRACT In previous studies, most of the studies are based on the failure mechanism of the landslide deformable body on tunnel and the safety monitoring and early warning after the completion of the tunnel, while there is less research on tunnel construction. In order to study the comprehensive treatment of the deformable body of the ancient landslide in the giant deep rock bedding better, the treatment of JM tunnel landslide deformable body was selected to carry on the empirical study. After a detailed analysis of the geological characteristics of JM tunnel engineering landslide, the stability analysis of the landslide and the deformation body and the calculation of the thrust value based on the FLAC model were carried out on the basis of the monitoring data. After the construction of the model, the intensity parameters of the slip mass deformation and the sliding zone were obtained from the back analysis. On the basis of the above, the comprehensive treatment scheme for the rear side of the old landslide deformation body was determined, including earthwork cleanup, grading supporting, and the back pressure by abandoning the cleaned earthwork at the leading edge. The study is of great significance to the design of the construction of undercrossing tunnel of landslide under the complicated geological conditions.

Abstract SPLs are plant-specific transcription factors that play important regulatory roles in plant growth and development. Systematic analysis of the SPL family has been performed in numerous plants, such as Arabidopsis, rice, and Populus. However, no comparative analysis has been performed across different species to examine evolutionary features. In this study, we present a comparative analysis of SPLs in different species. The results showed that 84 SPLs of the four species can be divided into six groups according to phylogeny. We found that most of the SPL-containing regions in maize showed extensive conservation with duplicated regions of rice and sorghum. A gene duplication analysis in maize indicated that ZmSPLs showed a significant excess of segmental duplication. The Ka/Ks analysis indicated that 9 out of 18 duplicated pairs in maize experienced positive selection, while SPL gene pairs of rice and sorghum mainly evolved under purifying selection, suggesting novel evolutionary features for ZmSPLs. The 31 ZmSPLs were further analyzed by describing their gene structure, phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal location, and expression, Among the ZmSPLs, 13 were predicated to be targeted by miR156s and involved in drought stress response. These results provide the foundation for future functional analyses of ZmSPLs.

ABSTRACT In this study, a high salt-tolerant and glyphosate-degrading strain named BZ8 was isolated from activated sludge. According to 16S rDNA sequencing methods, morphological, physiological and biochemical analysis, strain BZ8 was identified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The growth and glyphosate-degrading capability of A. tumefaciens BZ8 were investigated and the results showed that the optimum conditions for glyphosate degradation under 6% of NaCl concentration were found as follows: inoculation size of 10% (v/v), incubation temperature 37℃ and initial pH of 5.0. Salt tolerance test showed that A. tumefaciens BZ8 grew well and could thoroughly degrade 2000 mg/L glyphosate in 36 h if the concentration of NaCl was lower than 6%, while the degradation rate decreased gradually with increasing NaCl concentration. But the glyphosate degradation rate could still reach 62% when the salt concentration was 8%. In addition, the kinetic parameters for A. tumefaciens BZ8 grown on 100-2800 mg/L glyphosate according to Haldane’s model could predict the cell growth tendency successfully. These results showed that A. tumefaciens BZ8 could be used to control glyphosate wastewater with high salt content. Therefore, it has potential application.

Background Natural 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) is an important flavoring that emits the aroma of roses. During biotransformation, the aroma quality of natural 2-PE is affected by its main by-products, which include butanol, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid. Thus, controlling undesirable by-product formation can reduce the effect of odor on 2-PE aroma quality. Results 2-PE was produced through biotransformation using l-phenylalanine as a substrate and glucose as a carbon source. Ascorbic acid was added to the system to improve the redox reaction and suppress the generation of by-products. Principal component analysis of the aroma quality of 2-PE was performed using an electronic nose. Similarity analysis revealed that the effects of four by-products on 2-PE aroma quality may be ranked in the following order: isovaleric acid > butyric acid > isobutyric acid > butanol. The sample that exhibited the best similarity to the standard 2-PE sample (99.19%) was the sample to which ascorbic acid had been added during glucose metabolism. Conclusions 2-PE produced through the addition of ascorbic acid exhibited the closest aroma similarity to the standard 2-PE sample.