Effects of depth of straw returning on maize yield potential and greenhouse gas emissions.

Appropriate straw incorporation has ample agronomic and environmental benefits, but most studies are limited to straw mulching or application on the soil surface. To determine the effect of depth of straw incorporation on the crop yield, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and greenhouse gas emission, a total of 4 treatments were set up in this study, which comprised no straw returning (CK), straw returning at 15 cm (S15), straw returning at 25 cm (S25) and straw returning at 40 cm (S40). The results showed that straw incorporation significantly increased SOC, TN and C:N ratio. Compared with CK treatments, substantial increases in the grain yield (by 4.17~5.49% for S15 and 6.64~10.06% for S25) were observed under S15 and S25 treatments. S15 and S25 could significantly improve the carbon and nitrogen status of the 0-40 cm soil layer, thereby increased maize yield. The results showed that the maize yield was closely related to the soil carbon and nitrogen index of the 0-40 cm soil layer. In order to further evaluate the environmental benefits of straw returning, this study measured the global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI). Compared with CK treatments, the GWP of S15, S25 and S40 treatments was increased by 9.35~20.37%, 4.27~7.67% and 0.72~6.14%, respectively, among which the S15 treatment contributed the most to the GWP of farmland. GHGI is an evaluation index of low-carbon agriculture at this stage, which takes into account both crop yield and global warming potential. In this study, GHGI showed a different trend from GWP. Compared with CK treatments, the S25 treatments had no significant difference in 2020, and decreased significantly in 2021 and 2022. This is due to the combined effect of maize yield and cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, indicating that the appropriate straw returning method can not only reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions but also improve soil productivity and enhance the carbon sequestration effect of farmland soil, which is an ideal soil improvement and fertilization measure.

The prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophages in glioma patients.

Glioma is a complex tumor composed of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, including tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs), and each cell type contributes to tumor formation and malignant progression. Among TILs, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are of great importance and play a key role in the immune response to cancer. In this study, 22 types of adaptive and innate TILs were evaluated in gliomas. TAMs, which account for 38.7% of all these cells, are the most abundant immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, we observed different immune cell patterns in low-grade glioma and glioblastoma. Our research indicated that there was a connection between TILs, and 13 of 22 TILs were significantly associated with patient outcomes. Finally, the prognosis and diagnostic value of TAMs were revealed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. We identified the optimal cutoff point of TAMs at an infiltrating level of 0.47 to predict patient prognosis, with a median overall survival of 448 days in patients with higher TAM infiltration levels and 2660 days in patients with lower TAM infiltration levels. These findings provide a new idea for glioma to regulate tumor-specific immunity, clarify the potential effects of TAMs on disease pathology, and provide a theoretical basis for immune intervention treatment of gliomas.

Effects of EEG burst suppression on cerebral oxygen metabolism and postoperative cognitive function in elderly surgical patients: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial determined the effects of electroencephalographic burst suppression on cerebral oxygen metabolism and postoperative cognitive function in elderly surgical patients. METHODS: The patients were placed into burst suppression (BS) and non-burst suppression (NBS) groups. All patients were under bispectral index monitoring of an etomidate target-controlled infusion for anesthesia induction and intraoperative combination sevoflurane and remifentanil for anesthesia maintenance. The cerebral oxygen extraction ratio (CERO2), jugular bulb venous saturation (SjvO2), and difference in arteriovenous oxygen (Da-jvO2) were measured at T0, T1, and T2. One day before surgery, and 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery, postoperative cognitive dysfunction was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). RESULTS: Compared with T0, the Da-jvO2 and CERO2 values were decreased, and SjvO2 was increased in the 2 groups at T1 and T2 (P < .05). There was no statistical difference in the SjvO2, Da-jvO2, and CERO2 values between T1 and T2. Compared with the NBS group, the SjvO2 value increased, and the Da-jvO2 and CERO2 values decreased at T1 and T2 in the BS group (P < .05). The MMSE scores on the 1st and 3rd days postoperatively were significantly lower in the 2 groups compared to the preoperative MMSE scores (P < .05). The MMSE scores of the NBS group were higher than the BS group on the 1st and 3rd days postoperatively (P < .05). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients undergoing surgery, intraoperative BS significantly reduced cerebral oxygen metabolism, which temporarily affected postoperative neurocognitive function.

The response of grain yield and ear differentiation related traits to nitrogen levels in maize varieties with different nitrogen efficiency.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely distributed and important crops in China. Maize ear differentiation plays an important role grain yield formation. However, it is unclear if ear and root morphophysiology status affects yield formation by altering ear differentiation and development under different nitrogen (N) conditions. The aim of this study is to understand how the ear differentiation and development are affected by ear and root morphophysiology traits, as affected by the N rate. The experiment consisted of two N rates: high nitrogen (180 kg ha-1), and low nitrogen (60 kg ha-1). Two N-efficient varieties (NEVs) and two N-inefficient varieties (NIVs) were grown in the field. The results showed higher nitrogen accumulation and grain yield in NEVs than in NIVs, which was mainly attributed to the increased N uptake by the larger root system under both N conditions. Under high N conditions, among ear differentiation-related traits, only FR was significantly positively correlated with grain yield, and NEVs ensure FR through higher N concentration and ZR content in ear at the fertilization stage. Under low N conditions, NEVs obtained higher FP, SR and FR through higher N concentration and IAA in ear at the early stage of ear differentiation, maintained lower AR and BTL by higher RA, R-ZR and E-ZR at the late stage of ear growth. These results suggest that NEVs have a more complex mechanism for obtaining higher grain yield under low N conditions than N sufficiency, and that phytohormones play an important role in this process.

Association between miRNA-499 gene polymorphism and autoimmune diseases: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The association between miRNA-499 rs3746444 and a variety of autoimmune diseases has been reported. However, these results were contradictory and just focused on one or two autoimmune diseases. The present study aims to examine the possible association between rs3746444 polymorphism and the risk of autoimmune diseases. METHODS: The studies that evaluated the association between miRNA-499 gene polymorphism and autoimmune diseases were retrieved. Five different genetic models were used to evaluate the association. The random-effects model was used to pool the effect sizes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the associations. Stratification analyses were performed by ethnicity and type of autoimmune diseases. False-positive report probability (FPRP) was performed for determining noteworthy associations. RESULTS: Seventeen articles (twenty studies) involving 4,376 cases and 4,991 controls were identified and included in our meta-analysis. The pooled ORs of all eligible case-control studies indicated a significant association between miRNA-499 gene polymorphism and autoimmune diseases: (T vs. C: OR = 0.877; 95% CI: 0.774, 0.993; P = 0.039). Stratified analysis indicated a significant association across both Caucasian (TT vs. TC+CC: OR = 0.779; 95% CI: 0.622, 0.976; P = 0.030) and Asian (T vs. C: OR = 0.895; 95% CI: 0.808, 0.992; P = 0.035) populations. There was also a significant association in Behcet's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggested that the miRNA-499 rs3746444 polymorphism was associated with an elevated risk of autoimmune diseases in the overall analysis as well as Caucasian and Asian populations.

Dynamic evolvement of the de Winter ECG pattern.

The de Winter electrocardiograph (ECG) pattern in patients with chest pain is associated with occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. These patterns were once considered stable conditions, without dynamic evolution of ECG. Recently, several case reports have indicated that this ECG pattern may evolve into ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or may follow the ECG manifestations of STEMI. However, our case report reveals a dynamic evolution from the de Winter pattern to STEMI and then to a normal ECG pattern.

Associations between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphisms and risk of ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Many studies investigated the association between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphisms and risk of ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. However, the results were inconsistent. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang databases for appropriate studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the associations. Heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias were conducted to measure the robustness of our findings.All analyses were based on previous published studies, thus, no ethical approval and patient consent are required. RESULTS: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphisms and risk of ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. A total of 26 related studies involving 11,602 cases and 14,016 controls were identified and included in our meta-analysis. After considering the heterogeneity of the global analysis, we inferred that rs2910164 polymorphisms were associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly in all genetic models. In addition, it was also found that the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphisms were associated with the low risk of ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases in large sample size subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphisms were significantly associated with a lower risk of ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular. The miR-146a rs29101164 might be recommended as a predictor for susceptibility of ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00341 promotes the vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration via miR-214/FOXO4 feedback loop.

Increasing evidences have indicated the vital roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the atherosclerosis. However, whether lncRNA LINC00341 play pivotal roles in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is still unclear. This work presents the authentic functions of LINC00341 on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and unveils the underlying mechanism. Functional experiment data demonstrated that LINC00341 expression was increased in the ox-LDL induced VSMCs with dose-dependent and time-dependent mode. Moreover, the knockdown of LINC00341 suppressed the proliferation and migration ability of VSMCs. Mechanically, we found that LINC00341 promoted the FOXO4 protein expression via sponging miR-214, which, in return, resulting in the transcription activation of LINC00341. In conclusion, the results conclude that LINC00341 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and confirm the positive feedback loop of LINC00341/miR-214/FOXO4 axis.

Effects of perioperative statins on patient outcomes after noncardiac surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular complications are strongly correlated with a higher risk of mortality during follow-up after noncardiac surgery. However, controversy remains regarding whether perioperative administration of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) has a beneficial effect on patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis to validate the hypothesis that perioperative statins improve patient outcomes after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 10 November 2017. RCTs were eligible for inclusion if they compared perioperative statin treatment with control treatment in patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery and reported data pertaining to clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs involving 4707 patients (2371 in the perioperative statin group and 2336 in the control group) were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The incidences of postoperative myocardial infarction, composite of death/myocardial infarction/stroke and new cases of atrial fibrillation were all lower in patients treated with statins than in control group patients, as shown by the fixed-effects model (odds ratio (OR) = 0.460, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.324-0.653, p = 0 for myocardial infarction; OR = 0.617, 95% CI = 0.476-0.801, p = 0 for composite of death/myocardial infarction/stroke; OR = 0.406, 95% CI = 0.247-0.666, p = 0 for new atrial fibrillation). No significant differences in the incidences of stroke or transient ischemic attack, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were observed between the statin and control arms. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that perioperative statins effectively reduce the incidences of postoperative myocardial infarction, composite of death/myocardial infarction/stroke and new cases of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Key Messages Cardiovascular complications are strongly correlated with a higher risk of mortality during follow-up after noncardiac surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to confirm the hypothesis that perioperative statins improve patient outcomes after noncardiac surgery.

Influence of crocetin on high-cholesterol diet induced atherosclerosis in rats via anti-oxidant activity together with inhibition of inflammatory response and p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of action of crocetin on the high cholesterol diet (HCD) induced atherosclerosis rat. The Wistar rats were used in the current investigation. The rats were divided into following group, Group I: control, Group II: HCD induced AS, Group III: AS + crocetin (25 mg/kg), Group IV: AS + crocetin (50 mg/kg) and Group V: AS + Simvastatin, respectively. AS was induced in the rats using the vitamin D3 and HCD. The rats received the pre-determined treatment for the 10 weeks. After the study period, the level of lipid profile, malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also estimated. The proinflammatory cytokines viz., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were scrutinized using the ELISA kits. We also estimated the expression of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) MAPK using the Western blot techniques. The results revealed that the AS was successfully induced in the rats. The AS control group rats showed the modulated level of lipid profile, and decreased the level of the SOD and boost the level of the MDA as compared with the normal control. However, crocetin thrived in enhancing the lipid profile toward the standard value in the normal control group rats. The crocetin and simvastatin group rats significantly inhibited the expression of the p-p38 MAPK as compared to the AS group rats. In conclusion, the current investigation revealed that the crocetin reduced the HCD induced dyslipidemia in the Wistar rats, the possible mechanism of action may be connected to the antioxidative, down regulating of p-p38 MAPK and antiinflammatory effect by crocetin.

An updated meta-analysis of 23 case-control studies on the association between miR-34b/c polymorphism and cancer risk.

The association between in microRNA-34b/c gene rs4938723 polymorphisms and cancer risk remains inconclusive. This meta-analysis was performed to analyze the association between microRNA-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism and risk for cancer development. In total, 304 studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were examined, and 23 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The 23 selected studies involved 10,812 cancer cases and 11,719 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to measure the strength of the association. Our results indicate a significant association between the rs4938723 polymorphism and cancer risk in the overdominant model (P heterogeneity = 0.018, OR = 1.093, and 95% CI = 1.015-1.177 for CT vs. CC/TT). Using a stratified subgroup analysis, rs4938723 polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, but decreased risk for colorectal, gastric, and esophageal squamous cell cancer. These findings indicate that the rs4938723 gene is a susceptible locus for cancer.

Associations between erythropoietin polymorphisms and risk of diabetic microvascular complications.

We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between erythropoietin (EPO) polymorphisms and diabetic microvascular complications. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for appropriate studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the associations. Ultimately, eight studies consisting of 2,861 cases and 2,136 controls were identified and included in our meta-analysis. Results with our genotype model indicated an association between rs1617640 polymorphisms and diabetic microvascular complications (TT vs. GG: OR = 1.544, 95% CI = 1.089-2.189, P = 0.015). No clear associations between the rs1617640 and rs507392 polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy were observed. By contrast, rs551238 polymorphisms were associated with increased diabetic retinopathy risk (allele model: OR = 0.774, 95% CI = 0.658-0.911, P = 0.002; genotype model: AC vs. CC: OR = 0.598, 95% CI = 0.402-0.890, P = 0.011; dominant model: OR = 0.561, 95% CI = 0.385-0.817, P = 0.003; recessive model: OR = 0.791, 95% CI = 0.643-0.973, P = 0.026). These results indicate that EPO polymorphisms are a risk factor for diabetic microvascular complications.

Associations of MMP-2, BAX, and Bcl-2 mRNA and Protein Expressions with Development of Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND To examine changes of mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-2, Bcl-2, and BAX in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, and investigate the correlations among these 3 biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rheumatic heart disease patients (n=158) undergoing cardiac surgical procedures for mitral valve repair or replacement were included as the AF group (n=123), containing paroxysmal AF (n=42), persistent AF (n=36), and permanent AF (n=45). Rheumatic heart disease patients with sinus rhythm (SR) (n=35) were enrolled as the SR group (control group). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were applied to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-2, Bcl-2, and BAX. Apoptosis was observed with light and electron microscopes and detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS Compared with the SR group, the left atrial diameters (LADs), protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-2 and BAX, apoptotic index (AI), and Bcl-2/BAX ratio were evidently increased in the 3 AF groups, but protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 decreased in the AF groups (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis found that MMP-2 protein expression levels was positively correlated with BAX expression, but negatively correlated with Bcl-2 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study results suggest that elevated MMP-2 expression and disturbance balance of Bcl-2/BAX expressions may be associated with the development and maintenance of AF. MMP-2 may be involved in the development of AF through promoting BAX expressions and inhibiting Bcl-2.

Does short preoperative statin therapy prevent infectious complications in adults undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery? A meta-analysis of 5 randomized placebo-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of preoperative statin therapy on the incidence of postoperative infection.  METHODS: This systematic review of the literature was carried out in August 2015. Studies were retrieved via PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (1980 to 2015), and the reference files were limited to English-language articles. We used a standardized protocol, and a meta-analysis was performed for data abstraction.  RESULTS: Five studies comprising 1,362 patients qualified for the analysis. The incidence of postoperative infections in the statin group (1.1%) was not significantly lower than that in the placebo group (2.4%), with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-1.33, p=0.19). Patients of 3 studies underwent cardiac surgery. The aggregated results of these studies failed to show significant differences in postoperative infection when a fixed effects model was used (RR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.08-1.97, p=0.26].   CONCLUSIONS: We failed to find sufficient evidence to support the association between statin use and postoperative infectious complications. The absence of any evidence for a beneficial effect in available randomized trials reduces the likelihood of a causal effect as reported in observational studies.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Protects Myocardial Cells from Apoptosis via the Janus-Activated Kinase 2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 Pathway in Rats with Epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and carbamylated EPO (CEPO) against myocardial cell apoptosis in epilepsy. METHODS: Rats were given an intra-amygdala injection of kainic acid to induce epilepsy. Groups of rats were treated with rhEPO or CEPO before induction of epilepsy, whereas additional rats were given a caudal vein injection of AG490, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). At different time points after seizure onset, electroencephalogram changes were recorded, and myocardium samples were taken for the detection of myocardial cell apoptosis and expression of JAK2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), caspase-3, and bcl-xl mRNAs and proteins. RESULTS: Induction of epilepsy significantly enhanced myocardial cell apoptosis and upregulated the expression of caspase-3 and bcl-xl proteins and JAK2 and STAT5a at both the mRNA and protein levels. Pretreatment with either rhEPO or CEPO reduced the number of apoptotic cells, upregulated bcl-xl expression, and downregulated caspase-3 expression in the myocardium of epileptic rats. Both myocardial JAK2 and STAT5a mRNAs, as well as phosphorylated species of JAK2 and STAT5a, were upregulated in epileptic rats in response to rhEPO-but not to CEPO-pretreatment. AG490 treatment increased apoptosis, upregulated caspase-3 protein expression, and downregulated bcl-xl protein expression in the myocardium of epileptic rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that myocardial cell apoptosis may contribute to myocardial injury in epilepsy. EPO protects myocardial cells from apoptosis via the JAK2/STAT5 pathway in rats with experimental epilepsy, whereas CEPO exerts antiapoptotic activity perhaps via a pathway independent of JAK2/STAT5 signaling.

Effect of statins on preventing infectious complications after surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: *These authors contributed equally to this work.A meta-analysis to investigate the association between preoperative statin use and the risk of postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing surgery. METHODS: PubMed(®) and Embase(®) databases were searched for relevant studies. Data were extracted using a standardized data collection form. The primary effect measure was the odds ratio (OR) of postoperative infectious complications. Summary OR were calculated. RESULTS: The analysis included 10 cohort studies with a total of 147 263 participants. Statin use was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative infectious complications in all studies (summary OR 0.917, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.862, 0.975, fixed-effects model; summary OR 0.731, 95% CI 0.584, 0.870, random-effects model); cardiac surgery (summary OR 0.673; 95% CI 0.535, 0.847); treatment in the USA (summary OR 0.678; 95% CI 0.597, 0.770); retrospective cohort studies (summary OR 0.664; 95% CI 0.521, 0.846). CONCLUSION: Preoperative statin use is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative infectious complications.

Mild hypothermia for treatment of diffuse axonal injury: a quantitative analysis of diffusion tensor imaging.

Fractional anisotropy values in diffusion tensor imaging can quantitatively reflect the consistency of nerve fibers after brain damage, where higher values generally indicate less damage to nerve fibers. Therefore, we hypothesized that diffusion tensor imaging could be used to evaluate the effect of mild hypothermia on diffuse axonal injury. A total of 102 patients with diffuse axonal injury were randomly divided into two groups: normothermic and mild hypothermic treatment groups. Patient's modified Rankin scale scores 2 months after mild hypothermia were significantly lower than those for the normothermia group. The difference in average fractional anisotropy value for each region of interest before and after mild hypothermia was 1.32-1.36 times higher than the value in the normothermia group. Quantitative assessment of diffusion tensor imaging indicates that mild hypothermia therapy may be beneficial for patients with diffuse axonal injury.