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 investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain typically refers to the pain caused by somatosensory system injury or diseases, which is usually characterized by ambulatory pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. Nitric oxide produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the spinal dorsal cord might serve a predominant role in regulating the algesia of neuropathic pain. The high efficacy and safety, as well as the plausible ability in providing comfort, entitle dexmedetomidine (DEX) to an effective anesthetic adjuvant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DEX on the expression of nNOS in spinal dorsal cord in a rat model with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into three groups: sham operation group (sham), (of the sciatic nerve) operation (CCI) group, and dexmedetomidine (DEX) group. Chronic neuropathic pain models in the CCI and DEX groups were established by sciatic nerve ligation. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) was measured on day 1 before operation and on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 after operation. Six animals were sacrificed after TWL measurement on day 7, and 14 days after operation, in each group, the L4–6 segment of the spinal cords was extracted for determination of nNOS expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham group, the TWL threshold was significantly decreased and the expression of nNOS was up-regulated after operation in the CCI and DEX groups. Compared with the CCI grou[, the TWL threshold was significantly increased and the expression of nNOS was significantly down-regulated on day 7 and 14 days after operation in the DEX group. Conclusion Down-regulated nNOS in the spinal dorsal cord is involved in the attenuation of neuropathic pain by DEX.

Resumo Antecedentes A dor neuropática refere-se tipicamente à dor causada por lesões ou doenças do sistema somatossensorial. De modo geral, é caracterizada por dor à ambulação, alodinia e hiperalgesia. O óxido nítrico produzido pela enzima óxido nítrico sintase neuronal (nNOS) na medula espinhal dorsal pode ter um papel predominante na regulação da dor neuropática. A alta eficácia e segurança, bem como a plausível capacidade de proporcionar conforto, faz com que a dexmedetomidina (DEX) seja um adjuvante anestésico eficaz. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da DEX na expressão de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal em um modelo de ratos com dor neuropática crônica. Métodos Ratos Sprague Dawley (SD) machos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo de cirurgia simulada (sham), grupo de cirurgia (do nervo ciático; CCI) e grupo dexmedetomidina (DEX). Os modelos de dor neuropática crônica nos grupos CCI e DEX foram estabelecidos por ligadura do nervo ciático. A latência de retirada térmica (TWL) foi medida no dia 1 antes da cirurgia e nos dias 1, 3, 7 e 14 após o procedimento. Seis animais de cada grupo foram eutanasiados após a medida de TWL nos dias 7 e 14 após a cirurgia e o segmento L4-6 da medula espinhal foi extraído para determinação da expressão de nNOS por imuno-histoquímica. Resultados Em comparação ao grupo sham, o limiar de TWL diminuiu significativamente e a expressão de nNOS foi regulada de maneira positiva após a cirurgia nos grupos CCI e DEX. Comparado ao grupo CCI, o limiar de TWL aumentou de forma significativa e a expressão de nNOS caiu significativamente diminuída nos dia 7 e 14 após a cirurgia no grupo DEX. Conclusão A regulação negativa de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal está envolvida na atenuação da dor neuropática pela DEX.

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized for its beneficial role in postharvest fruit and vegetable preservation. Postharvest goji berries are easy to mildew and rot which reduce the nutritional value, flavor, and shelf life. Hydrogen sulfide treatment could improve the quality attributes of postharvest goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.); however, it is not clear that the effects of H2S at the transcriptional level in postharvest goji berries. Our data revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of fresh goji fruits after H2S treatment were different with different storage time. There were 523 DEGs in the three comparison groups after H2S treatment on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of storage. In the pathway of KEGG metabolic function, most of the DEGs were conserved in carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, the metabolic pathways of terpenoids and polyketones. The genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, starch, and sucrose metabolism pathway were selected and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Our results provide insights into the effect of H2S on postharvest goji berries at the transcriptional level and provide the basis for application of H2S as gas regulator for preservation of goji berry.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the role and mechanism of curcumin (Cur) in reducing oxidative stress damage in rats with nephrolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol (EG). Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into normal control, model, positive (10% potassium citrate), Cur-10 (10 mg/kg curcumin) and Cur-20 (20 mg/kg curcumin) groups. Results: The results of kidney tissue section stained by hematoxylin-eosin and von Kossa showed that curcumin treatment can inhibit the formation of kidney stones. The biochemical test results showed that the urea (Ur), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), inorganic phosphorus and Ca2+ concentrations in urine decreased after being treated with curcumin. There were significant differences between different doses of curcumin (P < 0.05). Compared with the Cur-10 group, Cur-20 had a more significant inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). In addition, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and immunohistochemical results indicated that the osteopontin (OPN) in the kidney was significantly reduced after curcumin treatment. Conclusions: Curcumin could reduce the oxidative stress damage caused by EG-induced kidney stones.

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical risk factors in patients diagnosed with incidental prostate cancer (IPC) during certain surgeries (transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP], open prostatectomy [OP], and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate [HoLEP]) after clinically suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: Literature search of the MEDILINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify eligible studies published before June 2021. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the prevalence and clinical risk factors of IPC were calculated using random or fixed-effect models. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Amongst the 94.783 patients, IPC was detected in 24.715 (26.1%). Results showed that the chance of IPC detection (10%, 95% CI: 0.07-4.00; P<0.001; I2=97%) in patients treated with TURP is similar to that of patients treated with HoLEP (9%, 95% CI: 0.07-0.11; P<0.001; I2=81.4%). However, the pooled prevalence estimate of patients treated with OP was 11% (95% CI: −0.03-0.25; P=0.113; I2=99.1%) with no statistical significance. We observed increased incidence of IPC diagnosis after BPH surgery amongst patients with higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23; P=0.004; I2=89%), whereas no effect of age (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.97-1.06; P=0.48; I2=78.8%) and prostate volume (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.03; P=0.686; I2=80.5%) were observed. Conclusions: The prevalence of IPC was similar amongst patients undergoing TURP, HoLEP, and OP for presumed BPH. Interestingly, increased PSA level was the only independent predictor of increasing risk of IPC after BPH surgery rather than age and prostate volume. Hence, future research should focus on predictors which accurately foretell the progression of prostate cancer to determine the optimal treatment for managing patients with IPC after BPH surgery.

Resumo Introdução: A proteína do grupo Box-1 de alta mobilidade participa da patogênese da rinite alérgica. A ativação do inflamassoma pode mediar a liberação de proteína do grupo Box-1 de alta mobilidade. O papel do inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2 na rinite alérgica permanece incerto. Objetivo: Investigar a função do inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2 em um modelo murino de rinite alérgica e a interação entre a proteína do grupo Box-1 de alta mobilidade e o inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2. Método: Um modelo murino de rinite alérgica foi estabelecido com 20 camundongos Balb/c. A expressão dos componentes do inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2, da proteína speck-like associada à apoptose com CARD (Asc), da caspase-1 p20 e do domínio de pirina da família NLR adicional com 3 (Nlrp3) foi detectada por western blotting durante a rinite alérgica. Alterações de inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2, na caspase-1 e na proteína do grupo Box-1 de alta mobilidade após o teste de provocação com ovalbumina foram demonstradas por imuno-histoquímica. O ensaio dUTP Nick-End Labeling mediado por TdT, TUNEL e clivagem de caspase-3 e PARP-1 foram usados para a observação de piroptose. Resultados: Eosinofilia e infiltração de células caliciformes foram observadas na mucosa nasal de camundongos do grupo rinite alérgica. Inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2, Asc e caspase-1 p20 aumentou após a exposição à ovalbumina, enquanto Nlrp3 não aumentou. A proteína do grupo Box-1 de alta mobilidade foi liberada na mucosa nasal de camundongos com rinite alérgica. As células TUNEL-positivas aumentaram no epitélio e na lâmina própria, enquanto a clivagem da caspase-3 e a PARP-1 não foram observadas. Conclusão: O inflamassoma ausente no melanoma 2 foi ativado e pode ocorrer piroptose na mucosa nasal após o tratamento com ovalbumina. Esses fatores podem contribuir para a translocação de proteína do grupo Box-1 de alta mobilidade e o desenvolvimento de rinite alérgica.

Abstract Introduction: High mobility group box 1 protein participates in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Activation of the inflammasome can mediate the release of high mobility group box 1. The role of the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome in allergic rhinitis remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the function of absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome in murine allergic rhinitis and the interaction between high mobility group box 1 and the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome. Methods: A murine allergic rhinitis model was established using twenty Balb/c mice. Expression of the components of the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome: absent in melanoma 2, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (Asc), caspase-1 p20, and additional nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) were detected by western blotting during allergic rhinitis. Alterations of absent in melanoma 2, caspase-1, and high mobility group box 1 after ovalbumin challenge were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick end labeling, TUNEL assay, and cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1 were used for the observation of pyroptosis. Results: Eosinophilia and goblet cell infiltration were observed in the nasal mucosa of mice in the allergic rhinitis group. Absent in melanoma 2, Asc, and caspase-1 p20 increased after ovalbumin exposure while Nlrp3 did not. High mobility group box 1 was released in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice. TUNEL-positive cells increased in the epithelium and laminae propria, whereas cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1 was not observed. Conclusions: The absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome was activated and pyroptosis may occur in the nasal mucosa after ovalbumin treatment. These may contribute to the translocation of high mobility group box 1 and the development of allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common type of sustained cardiac arrhythmia in humans and confers a significantly increased risk for thromboembolic stroke, congestive heart failure and premature death. Aggregating evidence emphasizes the predominant genetic defects underpinning AF and an increasing number of deleterious variations in more than 50 genes have been involved in the pathogenesis of AF. Nevertheless, the genetic basis underlying AF remains incompletely understood. In the current research, by whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing analysis in a family with autosomal-dominant AF and congenital patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a novel heterozygous variation in the PRRX1 gene encoding a homeobox transcription factor critical for cardiovascular development, NM_022716.4:c.373G>T;p.(Glu125*), was identified to be in co-segregation with AF and PDA in the whole family. The truncating variation was not detected in 306 unrelated healthy individuals employed as controls. Quantitative biological measurements with a reporter gene analysis system revealed that the Glu125*-mutant PRRX1 protein failed to transactivate its downstream target genes SHOX2 and ISL1, two genes that have been causally linked to AF. Conclusively, the present study firstly links PRRX1 loss-of-function variation to AF and PDA, suggesting that AF and PDA share a common abnormal developmental basis in a proportion of cases.

Abstract The infants who cannot be breastfeed need to obtain energy and nutrition from other sources, such as formula. In this study, a human milk fat substitute (HMFS) rich in structured triglycerides (STG) and with a variety of fatty acids was prepared by one-step transesterification reaction. The optimum conditions for the lipase-catalyzed transesterification between basa catfish oil solid fraction, Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil, linseed oil, microbial oil and algae oil were studied and the in vitro digestibility of the constructed HMFS was investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the obtained HMFS contained 58.86% STG and 39.73% sn-2 palmitic acid (PA). Fatty acid composition analysis showed that HMFS was composed of capric acid (Ca), lauric acid (La), oleic acid (O), linoleic acid (L), linolenic acid (Ln), arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). LC-MS/MS analysis found that 142 new triglycerides were generated, such as Ca-P-ARA, Ca-P-Ln, La-P-ARA, La-P-L and P-O-ARA. Moreover, compared with physical mixture (PM), HMFS had better melting and crystallization temperature and the fatty acid release rate of HMFS was significantly improved. These results suggested that HMFS may have a great application in infant food as a nutritional ingredient.

Abstract Effects of NaHCO3 addition (0.2-0.8%) on the colour, shear force, and water distribution of raw and cooked marinated beef were investigated. The pH and cooking yield were found to be significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the shear force, L* and b* values were significantly decreased with increasing NaHCO3 amounts, except for samples with 0.6% and 0.8% NaHCO3, for which the cooking yield and shear force remained unaffected. Furthermore, the initial relaxation times T21 and T22 of marinated beef were, and the mobility of water in the raw marinated beef was reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing NaHCO3 content. This was due to the carbon dioxide production disrupting the beef structure during heating process. The mobility of water in the cooked marinated beef was found to be improved. In conclusion, NaHCO3 addition improved the water holding capacity and tenderness of marinated beef.

Abstract Xuan-Mugua is a Chinese traditional fruit and is mainly preserved by air drying. To explore the effect of temperature on the drying property and quality of the fruits, they were sliced and dried at 60-90 °C. The results indicated that the drying time shortened from 150 to 80 min with the increasing temperature and the minimal time was found at 90 °C. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity generally decreased by 5.09-18.27% at higher temperature (90 °C) and their maximums respectively appeared at 60 and 80 °C. Compared with the medium temperatures (60 and 70°C), the phenolic profiles changed obviously at higher temperatures (80 and 90 °C), and a transformation of chlorogenic acid was detected; besides, with the increasing temperature, the main phenolics including catechin and chlorogenic acid respectively decreased by 29.3% and 18.4%. Taking the above findings together, 70 °C should be the proper temperature to dry Xuan-Mugua fruits.

Abstract To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the postharvest physiology and storage quality of Lycium barbarum, fruits were treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which was used as NO donor. Results showed that SNP soaked at 0.6 mmol/L for 20 min could inhibit the changes during storage of L. barbarum. Particularly, the decay rate and weight loss rate were reduced, and the quality parameters of the fruit were increased. By comparing the above indicators, it was found that 0.6 mmol/L soaking for 20 min was more effective in preserving freshness than other concentrations. It was found that total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were increased, soluble solids and solid acid ratio contents were decreased, ascorbic acid, total phenols and flavonoids contents were increased, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2-), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were increased. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities were decreased, and it was concluded that NO treatment improved the freshness of L. barbarum fruit and NO could be used as a postharvest preservative for L. barbarum fruit.

Abstract Background: Excitotoxicity-induced in vivo injury models are vital to reflect the pathophysiological features of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans. The duration and concentration of chemical treatment controls the extent of neuronal cell damage. The extent of injury is explained in relation to locomotor and behavioural activity. Several SCI in vivo methods have been reported and studied extensively, particularly contusion, compression, and transection models. These models depict similar pathophysiology to that in humans but are extremely expensive (contusion) and require expertise (compression). Chemical excitotoxicity-induced SCI models are simple and easy while producing similar clinical manifestations. The kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity model is a convenient, low-cost, and highly reproducible animal model of SCI in the laboratory. The basic impactor approximately cost between 10,000 and 20,000 USD, while the kainic acid only cost between 300 and 500 USD, which is quite cheap as compared to traditional SCI method. Methods: In this study, 0.05 mM KA was administered at dose of 10 μL/100 g body weight, at a rate of 10 μL/min, to induce spinal injury by intra-spinal injection between the T12 and T13 thoracic vertebrae. In this protocol, detailed description of a dorsal laminectomy was explained to expose the spinal cord, following intra-spinal kainic acid administration at desired location. The dose, rate and technique to administer kainic acid were explained extensively to reflect a successful paraplegia and spinal cord injury in rats. The postoperative care and complication post injury of paraplegic laboratory animals were also explained, and necessary requirements to overcome these complications were also described to help researcher. Results: This injury model produced impaired hind limb locomotor function with mild seizure. Hence this protocol will help researchers to induce spinal cord injury in laboratories at extremely low cost and also will help to determine the necessary supplies, methods for producing SCI in rats and treatments designed to mitigate post-injury impairment. Conclusions: Kainic acid intra-spinal injection at the concentration of 0.05 mM, and rate 10 μL/min, is an effective method create spinal injury in rats, however more potent concentrations of kainic acid need to be studied in order to create severe spinal injuries.

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 For different populations, the association studies between the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) Arg16Gly mutation and asthma are conflict. This study was designated to evaluate ADRB2 Arg16Gly polymorphism and asthma in Chinese population. Systemic assessment was performed based on the data from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to January 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using STATA software. This meta-analysis included 6143 asthma patients and 5919 healthy persons from 34 studies. Overall, ADRB2 Arg16Gly polymorphism showed no significant influence on asthma in China. However, subgroup analyses according to geographic areas, age group and HWE in controls, only found a borderline significant effect for southern Chinese under the homozygotes genetic model (OR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.68-1.00, P = 0.046). This meta-analysis suggests that ADRB2 Arg16Gly polymorphism is not be related to the development of asthma in China.