The lightly micro-polluted raw water of Yangtze River (YRW) in autumn was treated via enhanced coagulation by composite coagulants composed of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) and polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC), named PAC/PDMDAAC. Coagulation mechanism and removal efficiency were investigated by assessing the water quality parameters of the resulting supernatant, i.e. turbidity, COD Mn, and NH3-N, at the same dosage and supernatant turbidity (SDST) point as using PAC only, with controlled residual turbidity of 1.0-1.50 NTU to mimic drinking water production plant supernatant condition when using lightly micro-polluted water as raw water source . In addition, the zeta potential, floc morphology, and size analysis under the condition of SDST using PAC and composite coagulants PAC/PDMDAAC for getting insight about removal mechanism were done. The results showed that, firstly, most of the composite coagulants PAC/PDMDAAC with intrinsic viscosity [η] = 0.65, 1.60, and 2.6 dL/g; and mass ratio PAC:PDMDAAC of 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1 (mm)) could meet the requirements of controlled supernatant turbidity between 1.0 and 1.5 NTU to mimic drinking water production plant condition using YRW (Nanjing section) that comply with the new national drinking water standards. Secondly, the seven kinds of composite coagulants PAC/PDMDAAC can maintained the advantage of enhanced coagulation removal efficiency within the SDST point as using PAC only. The COD Mn and ammonia nitrogen removal rates using composite coagulants at SDST points were 0-6.19 %; 0-15.62%, respectively higher than using PAC only. Finally, this study deepened and expanded the existing research knowledge about composite coagulant PAC/PDMDAAC and offered the maximum limitations in removing the water quality parameters via enhanced coagulation treatment of lightly micro-polluted surface raw water in order to meet new national drinking water standards.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The cardiopulmonary function of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is significantly lower than that of patients with simple snoring and is significantly related to the severity of OSA. Currently, only a few studies have been conducted on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in overweight patients with OSA. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) indices and the condition of overweight patients with OSA. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. METHODS: This study included 73 hospitalized overweight patients. The patients were divided into no, mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups. Differences in the CPET indices among the four groups were compared. The correlation between the CPET indices and conditions was analyzed. RESULTS: No, mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups had 18 men and 5 women, 11 men and 3 women, 12 men and 2 women, and 21 men and 1 woman, respectively (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in resting pulmonary function among the four groups (P > 0.05). In the CPET, the anaerobic threshold, maximum oxygen uptake, and oxygen pulse were significantly lower in the severe OSA group than those in the normal OSA group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CPET indices negatively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index. CONCLUSION: Changes in CPET indices occurred earlier than changes in resting pulmonary function in patients with OSA. CPET might be a potential method for evaluating the severity of OSA combined with overweight status.

Abstract Background Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous scars, impede osteogenesis remains largely unknown. Results In this study, we found that fibroblasts compete with osteogenesis in both human bone nonunion tissues and BMP2-induced ectopic osteogenesis in a mouse model. Fibroblasts could inhibit the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via direct and indirect cell competition. During this process, fibroblasts modulated the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs. Knocking down YAP could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, while overexpression of nuclear-localized YAP-5SA could reverse the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of MSCs caused by fibroblasts. Furthermore, fibroblasts secreted DKK1, which further inhibited the formation of calcium nodules during the late stage of osteogenesis but did not affect the early stage of osteogenesis. Thus, fibroblasts could inhibit osteogenesis by regulating YAP localization in MSCs and secreting DKK1. Conclusions Our research revealed that fibroblasts could modulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs, thereby inhibiting their osteoblast differentiation. Fibroblasts could also secrete DKK1, which inhibited calcium nodule formation at the late stage of osteogenesis. failed However unknown study BMP2induced BMPinduced BMP2 induced BMP model (MSCs competition process nuclearcytoplasmic nuclear cytoplasmic nuclearlocalized localized YAP5SA YAPSA 5SA SA Furthermore DKK1 DKK Thus

ABSTRACT The original two-order separating sieve has a good potato-soil separating ability, but it causes significant damage to potatoes while ensuring a high potato detection rate, which in turn affects the working effectiveness of the potato digger. Thus, it is necessary to improve the design of the original swing separation sieve with a two-order sieve surface to one with a three-order sieve surface to solve the contradiction between the potato detection and potato damage. On this basis, the movement characteristics of potatoes and the separation performance of the new sieve were experimentally investigated. The experiment was conducted in a test field in Wuchuan County using a completely randomized design in a single-factor scheme with three factors and five levels, with five crank speeds (140, 150, 180, 210 and 225 rpm), five machine forward speeds (1.41, 1.51, 1.70, 1.89 and 2.21 km h-1) and five boom-connecting rod length combinations (250-350-1,030, 250-370-1,040, 270-370-1,050, 290-370-1,060 and 310-370-1,070 mm). Each experiment was repeated three times at each level, and the average value was taken as the final result. The experimental results demonstrate that the new three-order separation sieve can ensure a high potato detection rate while maintaining a low potato skin breakage rate.

RESUMO A peneira de separação de duas ordens original tem uma boa capacidade de separação batata-solo, mas causa danos significativos às batatas ao mesmo tempo em que garante uma alta taxa de evidência de batatas, o que, por sua vez, afeta a eficácia do trabalho da escavadeira de batatas. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo aprimorar a peneira de separação de balanço original com uma superfície de peneira de duas ordens para uma nova peneira de separação com uma superfície de peneira de três ordens para resolver a contradição entre a taxa obvia de batatas e os danos às batatas na operação da peneira original. Com base nisso, as características de movimentação das batatas e o desempenho de separação da nova peneira foram investigados experimentalmente no campo. O experimento foi conduzido em um campo de teste no Condado de Wuchuan, utilizando um delineamento completamente aleatório em um esquema de fator único com três fatores e cinco níveis, com cinco velocidades de manivela (140, 150, 180, 210 e 225 rpm), cinco velocidades de avanço da máquina (1,41, 1,51, 1,70, 1,89 e 2,21 km h-1) e cinco combinações de comprimento da haste de ligação do braço (250-350-1.030, 250-370-1.040, 270-370-1.050, 290-370-1.060 e 310-370-1.070 mm). Cada experimento foi repetido três vezes em cada nível, e o valor médio foi considerado como o resultado final. Os resultados experimentais demonstram que a nova peneira de separação de três ordens pode garantir uma alta taxa de detecção de batatas enquanto mantém uma baixa taxa de danos à casca das batatas.

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 Objective: To characterize higher order corneal aberrations in patients with myopic ametropías and healthy emmetropic volunteers. Methods: A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out using a sample of 104 eyes of 104 adult patients with myopic ametropias and a control group of 104 eyes of 104 healthy emmetropic volunteers, who attended the refractive surgery office at Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología. Demographic and clinical variables were defined, as well as the mean square value of higher order for the quantification of corneal aberrations, providing the Pentacam HR aberrometric map. Results: There was a predominance of the female sex. The mean ages of emmetropes and patients with myopic ametropias were 27.85 ± 5.21 and 27.89 ± 5.14 years. The median spherical equivalent of patients with myopic ametropias was -3.25 D, sphere of -2.63 D and cylinder of -1.00 D, while 91 eyes (87.50 %) had compound myopic astigmatism. The mean square value of high order was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Among the coefficients of higher order corneal aberrations there was statistical significance only in the horizontal pentafoil. Conclusions: Higher order corneal aberrations have a significant influence on retinal image quality; hence the importance of their study, due to the deterioration of visual quality that they may cause. It has been demonstrated that there are no differences in high order aberrations between emmetropes and patients with myopic ametropias, as long as there is no other corneal alteration.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar las aberraciones corneales de alto orden en pacientes con ametropías miópicas y voluntarios sanos emétropes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal, con una muestra de 104 ojos de 104 pacientes adultos con ametropías miópicas y un grupo control de 104 ojos de 104 voluntarios sanos emétropes, que asistieron a consulta de Cirugía Refractiva del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología. Se definieron las variables demográficas, clínicas y para la cuantificación de las aberraciones corneales el valor cuadrático medio de alto orden, que aportó el mapa aberrométrico del Pentacam HR. Resultados: Hubo un predominio del sexo femenino. Las edades medias de los emétropes y los pacientes con ametropías miópicas fueron 27,85 ± 5,21 y 27,89 ± 5,14 años. La mediana del equivalente esférico de los pacientes de ametropías miópicas fue -3,25 D, esfera de -2,63 D y cilindro de -1,00 D y 91 ojos (87,50 %) tenían astigmatismo miópico compuesto. El valor cuadrático medio de alto orden fue similar en ambos grupos (p > 0,05). Entre los coeficientes de aberraciones corneales de alto orden solo hubo significación estadística en el pentafoil horizontal. Conclusiones: Las aberraciones corneales de alto orden tienen una influencia significativa sobre la calidad de la imagen retiniana, de aquí la importancia de su estudio, por el deterioro de la calidad visual que pueden ocasionar. Queda demostrado que no existen diferencias en las aberraciones de alto orden entre los emétropes y los pacientes con ametropías miópicas, mientras no exista otra alteración corneal.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the risk factors associated with adverse outcomes in patients with residual stones after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to establish a nomogram to predict the probability of adverse outcomes based on these risk factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 233 patients who underwent PCNL for upper urinary tract calculi and had postoperative residual stones. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether adverse outcomes occurred, and the risk factors for adverse outcomes were explored by univariate and multivariate analyses. Finally, we created a nomogram for predicting the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with residual stones after PCNL. Results: In this study, adverse outcomes occurred in 125 (53.6%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors for adverse outcomes were the diameter of the postoperative residual stones (P < 0.001), a positive urine culture (P = 0.022), and previous stone surgery (P = 0.004). The above independent risk factors were used as variables to construct the nomogram. The nomogram model was internally validated. The calculated concordance index was 0.772. The Hosmer– Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was performed (P > 0.05). The area under the ROC curve of this model was 0.772. Conclusions: Larger diameter of residual stones, positive urine culture, and previous stone surgery were significant predictors associated with adverse outcomes in patients with residual stones after PCNL. Our nomogram could help to assess the risk of adverse outcomes quickly and effectively in patients with residual stones after PCNL

Abstract Objectives: The degree of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere’s disease may be related to hearing loss. However, the results of prior studies have been inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the relationship between endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss characteristics in Meniere’s disease. Methods: This study included 54 patients (62 ears) with Meniere’s disease. Patients underwent three-dimensional real inversion recovery sequences for magnetic resonance imaging and puretone audiometry. Endolymphatic hydrops were assessed according to Gurkov’s criteria (2011). Correlations between different degrees of endolymphatic hydrops and pure-tone audiometry, as well as staging, were analysed. Results: Pure tone audiometry and staging were higher for vestibular endolymphatic hydrops complicated by cochlear ones than isolated cochlear or vestibular hydrops (both p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between vestibular endolymphatic hydrops and pure-tonal audiometry or staging (all p > 0.05). The degree of hydrops in the middle turn was correlated with the mid-frequency hearing threshold (p<0.05). The degree of cochlear hydrops was correlated with the audiometry, low-frequency hearing thresholds, mid-frequency hearing thresholds and staging (p<0.01). Conclusion: The types and sites of endolymphatic hydrops based on a 3D-real inversion recovery sequence can be used to indicate the degree of hearing loss in patients with Meniere's disease. Level of evidence: Level III.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize low-order corneal aberrations in patients with myopic ametropia. Methods: A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 104 eyes of 104 adult patients with myopic ametropia and a control group of 104 eyes of 104 emmetropic volunteers, who attended the Refractive Surgery Clinic of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology. Demographic and clinical variables were defined, and for the quantification of corneal aberrations, elevation-depression and average square value, provided by means of the Pentacam HR aberrometric map. Results: There was a predominance of female sex, the age range was between 18 and 39 years in both groups. The median spherical equivalent of myopic ametropia patients was -3.25 diopters, with uncorrected visual acuity of 0.10, sphere of -2.63 D and cylinder of -1.00 D, 91 eyes (87.50%) had compound myopic astigmatism. Elevation-depression values and low-order root average square value were higher in patients with myopic ametropes than emmetropes (p< 0.001). Vertical astigmatism, defocus and horizontal astigmatism showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Myopia with or without astigmatism should be studied and treated as a low-order aberration. The elevation-depression and average square values are higher in eyes with myopic ametropia than in emmetropic eyes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar las aberraciones corneales de bajo orden en pacientes con ametropías miópicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal, con una muestra de 104 ojos de 104 pacientes adultos con ametropías miópicas y un grupo control de 104 ojos de 104 voluntarios emétropes, que asistieron a consulta de Cirugía Refractiva del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología. Se definieron las variables demográficas, clínicas y para la cuantificación de las aberraciones corneales la elevación-depresión y el valor cuadrático medio, aportadas mediante el mapa aberrométrico del Pentacam HR. Resultados: Hubo un predominio del sexo femenino, el rango de edad estuvo comprendido entre 18 y 39 años en ambos grupos. La mediana del equivalente esférico de los pacientes de ametropías miópicas fue -3,25 dioptrías, con agudeza visual sin corrección de 0,10, esfera de -2,63 D y cilindro de -1,00 D, 91 ojos (87,50 %) tenían astigmatismo miópico compuesto. Los valores de elevación-depresión y el valor cuadrático medio de bajo orden fueron mayores en los pacientes con ametropías miópicas que los emétropes (p< 0,001). El astigmatismo vertical, desenfoque y el astigmatismo horizontal no presentaron diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La miopía con o sin astigmatismo se debe estudiar y tratar como una aberración de bajo orden. Los valores de elevación-depresión y cuadrático medio son superiores en los ojos con ametropías miópicas respecto a los emétropes.

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the role of probiotics in the treatment of asthma patients by meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and other databases were searched by computer, and the relevant literature on the treatment of asthma by probiotics that met the inclusion criteria was screened by manual retrieval. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 software and the combined effect was evaluated by odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Results: a total of ten references were included, all of which were randomized controlled studies, and a total of 1,101 people were investigated. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) (MD = -7.17, 95 % CI: -12.81, -1.54), asthma symptom severity (MD = -0.07, 95 % CI: -0.10, -0.04), Childhood Asthma Control Test (CACT) (MD = 2.26, 95 % CI: 1.14, 3.39), and the number of acute episodes of asthma (OR = 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.19, 0.47) in the probiotics group were better than those in the control group. There was no significant difference in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (MD = 0.11, 95 % CI: -0.05, 0.26) and FEV1/FVC (%) (MD = 0.32, 95 % CI: -1.48, 2.12). Conclusion: the use of probiotics in patients with asthma can improve lung inflammation and asthma symptoms, reduce the number of asthma attacks, and have no effect on lung function.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar el papel de los probióticos en el tratamiento de pacientes con asma mediante metaanálisis. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas informáticas en PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science y otras bases de datos, y se examinó la literatura relevante sobre el tratamiento del asma con probióticos que cumplía con los criterios de inclusión mediante recuperación manual. El metaanálisis se realizó con el software Revman 5.4 y el efecto combinado se evaluó mediante la razón de probabilidades (OR) o diferencia media (MD) y el intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 %. Resultados: se incluyó un total de diez referencias, todas ellas estudios controlados aleatorios, y se investigó un total de 1.101 personas. El óxido nítrico exhalado (FeNO) (MD = -7,17, IC 95 %: -12,81, -1,54), la gravedad de los síntomas del asma (MD = -0,07, IC 95 %: -0,10, -0,04), la Prueba de Control del Asma (CACT-ACT) (MD = 2,26, IC 95 %: 1,14, 3,39) y el número de episodios agudos de asma (OR = 0,30, IC 95 %: 0,19, 0,47) en el grupo de probióticos fueron mejores que en el grupo de control. No hubo diferencia significativa en volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (FEV1) (DM = 0,11, IC 95 %: -0,05, 0,26) y FEV1/FVC (%) (DM = 0,32, IC 95 %: -1,48, 2,12). Conclusión: el uso de probióticos en pacientes con asma puede mejorar la inflamación pulmonar y los síntomas del asma, reducir el número de ataques de asma y no tener efecto sobre la función pulmonar.

Resumo Os astrócitos são os subtipos de células mais abundantes no sistema nervoso central. Estudos anteriores acreditavam que os astrócitos são células de suporte no cérebro, que apenas fornecem nutrientes para os neurônios. No entanto, estudos recentes descobriram que os astrócitos têm funções mais cruciais e complexas no cérebro, como neurogênese, fagocitose e tolerância isquêmica. Após um acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico, os astrócitos ativados podem exercer efeitos neuroprotetores ou neurotóxicos através de uma variedade de vias. Nesta revisão, discutiremos os mecanismos neuroprotetores dos astrócitos na isquemia cerebral, e focaremos principalmente na astrocitose reativa ou cicatriz glial, neurogênese, fagocitose e tolerância isquêmica cerebral, para fornecer novas estratégias para o tratamento clínico do acidente vascular cerebral. central cérebro neurônios entanto neurogênese isquêmico vias revisão glial

Abstract Astrocytes are the most abundant cell subtypes in the central nervous system. Previous studies believed that astrocytes are supporting cells in the brain, which only provide nutrients for neurons. However, recent studies have found that astrocytes have more crucial and complex functions in the brain, such as neurogenesis, phagocytosis, and ischemic tolerance. After an ischemic stroke, the activated astrocytes can exert neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects through a variety of pathways. In this review, we will discuss the neuroprotective mechanisms of astrocytes in cerebral ischemia, and mainly focus on reactive astrocytosis or glial scar, neurogenesis, phagocytosis, and cerebral ischemic tolerance, for providing new strategies for the clinical treatment of stroke. system brain neurons However neurogenesis phagocytosis tolerance stroke pathways review ischemia scar

ABSTRACT A study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the factors (initial height, tuber mass, tuber temperature and impact material) and the impact characteristic variables (impact velocity and bruise volume) as determined by pendulum impact test-rig. It was verified that bruise volume and maximum velocity significantly increased with increasing initial height, while its minimum velocity and time of reaching the maximum velocity decreased during the same impact process. With increment of tuber mass, its impact velocities and time of reaching the maximum velocity presented linear change, but the bruise volume nonlinearly changed. The relationships among tuber temperature and impact characteristic parameters were in accordance with linear relationships. The 65 Mn-rubber rod can notably reduce potato impact damage because of its cushioning effect. Potato bruise volume can be predicted based on the maximum and minimum velocity.

RESUMO Um estudo foi realizado para investigar a relação entre os fatores (altura inicial, massa de tubérculo, temperatura de tubérculo e impacto material) e as variáveis características do impacto (velocidade e volume da lesão), determinado através do equipamento de teste de impacto de pêndulo. Verificou-se que o volume de contusão e a velocidade máxima aumentaram significativamente com o aumento da altura inicial, enquanto a velocidade mínima e o tempo de atingir a velocidade máxima diminuíram durante o mesmo processo de impacto. Com o incremento da massa do tubérculo, suas velocidades de impacto e tempo de atingir a velocidade máxima apresentaram alteração linear, mas o volume de contusão mudou não linearmente. Enquanto isso, as relações entre temperatura do tubérculo e parâmetros característicos de impacto foram de acordo com relações lineares. A haste de borracha de 65 Mn pode reduzir notavelmente os danos causados pelo impacto da batata devido ao seu efeito amortecedor. O volume de contusões de batata pode ser previsto com base na velocidade máxima e mínima.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine corneal aberrations in patients indicated for excimer laser refractive surgery. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out with 161 eyes of 81 adult patients of both sexes with indication of excimer laser surgery for the correction of their refractive defect. Age, sex, defocus, astigmatism, coma, trefoil and spherical aberration were defined as variables, determined by routine topographic study with the KeratronTM Scout topographer, Optikon. Results: The following average values were obtained: defocus of -4.17 ± 0.29 D (-16.15 to 8.5 D) and absolute of 4.94 ± 0.199 (10 to 16.5 D), astigmatism of -1.56 ± 0.09 D (-9.44 to -0.09 D), coma of 0.25 ± 0.016 (0.01 to 1.5 D), trefoil of 0.204 ± 0.016 (0.01 to 1.18 D) and spherical aberration of 0.316 ± 0.018 D (0.0 to 1.27D). In 75 % of the cases, the absolute values for defocus were lower than 6.56; for astigmatism, lower than 0.33 D; for coma, lower than 0.33; for trefoil, lower than 0.25; and for spherical aberrations, lower than 0.32 D. Conclusions: The average values of corneal aberrations for defocus, astigmatism, coma, trefoil and spherical aberration are in the range of values reported in the scientific literature, while the distribution of corneal aberrations values present displacement of most of the cases towards the lower values of the determination range.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar las aberraciones corneales en pacientes con indicación de cirugía refractiva con láser de excímeros. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo, con 161 ojos de 81 pacientes adultos, de ambos sexos con indicación de cirugía con láser de excímeros para la corrección de su defecto refractivo. Se definieron como variables edad, sexo, desenfoque, astigmatismo, coma, trefoil y aberración esférica, las que se determinaron por el estudio topográfico de rutina con el topógrafo KeratronTM Scout, Optikon. Resultados: Se obtuvieron los siguientes valores promedios: desenfoque -4,17 ± 0,29 D (-16,15 a 8,5 D) y absoluto 4,94 ± 0,199 (10 a 16,5 D), astigmatismo -1,56 ± 0,09 D (-9,44 a -0,09 D), coma 0,25 ± 0,016 (0,01 a 1,5 D), trefoil 0,204 ± 0,016 (0,01 a 1,18 D) y aberración esférica 0,316 ± 0,018 D (0,0 a 1,27D). En el 75 % de los casos los valores absolutos de desenfoque fueron inferiores a 6,56, de astigmatismo inferior a 0,33 D, de coma menor que 0,33, trefoil inferior a 0,25 y aberraciones esféricas menores que 0,32 D. Conclusiones: Los valores promedio de las aberraciones corneales desenfoque, astigmatismo, coma, trefoil y aberración esférica se encuentran en el rango de los valores reportados en la literatura científica y la distribución de los valores de las aberraciones corneales presentan desplazamiento de la mayoría de los casos hacia los valores más bajo del rango de determinación.

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 Dwarf mutants are valuable materials for investigating plant gene function and developing new crop varieties. In the present study, dwarf mutant (D-CK) and wild-type (W-CK) Sophora davidii (Franch.) Skeels plants foliarly sprayed with distilled water were used as controls, and dwarf mutants were treated with different concentrations of gibberellin A3 (GA3; 20, 40 and 60 mg L-1), brassinosteroid (BR; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1); and auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1) to study the changes in plant height at 20, 40 and 60 d after exogenous hormone spraying. The changes in endogenous contents of IAA, GA3, BR, abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) and IAA:ABA ratio in the dwarf mutant plants were also measured at 20, 40 and 60 d after exogenous hormone application. The dwarf mutants reverted to the W-CK height phenotype after 60 d of exogenous spraying with different concentrations of GA3 and BR (except 50 mg·L-1), but after exogenous spraying with IAA, dwarf mutants did not revert to the W-CK height phenotype. Compared with D-CK plants, endogenous GA3, BR and IAA contents in dwarf mutant plants increased to some extent with exogenous spraying of GA3, BR and IAA. The results indicated that exogenous spraying of different concentrations of GA3 and BR regulated S. davidii plant height by promoting the secretion of endogenous GA3, BR, IAA and SA and inhibiting endogenous ABA secretion in dwarf mutant. The height of mutants was sensitive to exogenous GA3 and BR but not to exogenous IAA.