Biochemical Indices Research Articles

Medial orbitofrontal cortex structure, function, and cognition associates with weight loss for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

The objective of this study was to investigate underlying mechanisms of long-term effective weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and effects on the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) and cognition. A total of 18 individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) underwent LSG. Clinical data, cognitive scores, and brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were evaluated before LSG and 12 months after LSG. We employed voxel-based morphometry analysis and seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis to assess LSG-induced structural and functional changes in mOFC. Partial correlation analysis and univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to explore associations among biochemical indexes, neuroimaging, cognition, and weight loss. No significant improvement in general cognition was found after LSG. Decreases in gray matter volume of the bilateral mOFC and increases in RSFC of the right mOFC were observed 12 months after LSG. Weight loss was associated with RSFC, general cognitive scores, and triglyceride changes. Multivariate linear regression model revealed gray matter volume of the left mOFC and working memory scores at baseline explained 55.2% of the variation in weight loss. These findings suggest that mOFC imaging and cognitive scores could serve as biomarkers for predicting persistent weight loss after LSG, which provides a solid foundation for a potential target for neuromodulation research.

Combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that SNAC4 and SNAC9 are negative regulators of the resistance to Botrytis cinerea in tomato.

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) is a transcription factor which contributes to the response for both biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the regulatory effects and potential mechanisms of SNAC4/9 on resistance to Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) were investigated by the differences in physiological and biochemical indices as well as transcriptional and metabolic profiles between SNAC4/9 overexpressed (OE-SNAC4/9) and wild-type (WT) tomato fruit inoculated with B. cinerea. The results showed that OE-SNAC4/9 accelerated the infection to tomato fruit by B. cinerea. Specifically, OE-SNAC4/9 mediated the differential expression of genes related to defense signaling such as ROS, phytohormones (SA and JA) and MAPK cascade, and inhibited the activities of PAL, CHI and GLU. Additionally, SNAC4/9 altered the metabolic flux redirection in each branch pathway of phenylpropane metabolism by regulating the expression of 4CL, CHS1/2, FLS and F3H, with overexpression of SNAC4/9 leading to a decrease in the accumulation of rutin, quercetin, naringenin chalcone and naringenin in tomato fruit. In conclusion, SNAC4/9 may inhibit tomato fruit resistance to B. cinerea by modulating signaling, inhibiting PRs (pathogenesis related proteins) synthesis, and altering metabolic flux flow.

Non-bioartificial artificial liver support system in acute liver failure: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Acute liver failure (ALF) poses a significant threat to patient health with high mortality rates. While Non-Bioartificial Artificial Liver Support system (NBALSS) has been utilized as a transitional intervention to liver transplant, its efficacy remains uncertain, It is also used as a last-line treatment for patients who are not candidates for liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of NBALSS in treating acute liver failure (ALF). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcome focused on inflammatory factor levels. We conducted a comprehensive search across various databases, including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, Wanfang Database, VIP database, and CNKI database. The search spanned from the inception of the databases to July 2023. Two independent reviewers screened literature, extracted data, assessed bias risk in the selected studies and used GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to rate the certainty of evidence. Random and fixed effects meta-analyses were used to determine the average effect of the interventions on ALF. The sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out test. Additionally, subgroup analyses were carried out based on a singular NBALSS treatment or combined treatment of two NBALSS and follow-up duration. Twelve RCTs involving 824 patients were identified. The use of NBALSS was associated with a significantly improved overall survival (OS) [RR = 1.42, 95 %CI (1.26, 1.61), low certainty] and notable reductions in total bilirubin (TBIL) [MD = -57.60, 95 %CI (-79.60, -35.59), moderate certainty], alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [MD = -48.28, 95 %CI (-76.57, -19.98), low certainty], tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) [MD = -1.49, 95 %CI (-2.24, -0.73), very low certainty], and interleukin 6 (IL-6) [MD = -178.72, 95 %CI (-277.37, -80.06), very low certainty]. However, the effects of NBALSS on interleukin-2 (IL-2) [MD = 1.33, 95 %CI (-0.33, 3.00), very low certainty], interleukin-8 (IL-8) [MD = -44.75, 95 %CI (-163.04, 73.55), very low certainty], and Sequential Organ Failure Score (SOFA) [MD = -4.06, 95 %CI (-8.92, 0.80), very low certainty] remained uncertain. Moderate to very low certainty of evidence indicates that NBALSS may improve OS and biochemical indexes, cytokines in patients with ALF. However, the certainty of evidence is limited by risk of bias, incositency and imprecision. High-quality and larger trials are needed to better determine the effect of NBALSS on patient-important outcomes.

Lipoprotein(a) and the risk of type I cardiorenal syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease: A retrospective clinical study

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the correlation between lipoprotein(a) (Lp-a) and coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated by type I cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with CAD admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Shaoxing Central Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022, with chief complaints of “chest distress and dyspnea.” Patient demographic data, biochemical indicators (including blood lipid levels and serum creatinine), cardiac function markers (such as pro-brain natriuretic peptide, pro-BNP), echocardiography, and coronary angiography results were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR): the CRS group (e-GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the simple heart failure group (SHF group, e-GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). A comparative analysis of baseline characteristics, lipid profiles, ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial size (LA), end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD) between the two groups was performed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp-a) levels and the occurrence of CRS. ResultsA total of 269 patients were included, comprising 149 males and 120 females with an average age of 76.0 ± 11.4 years. Significant differences were observed between the CRS and SHF groups in terms of age, history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, serum triglycerides, Lp-a, and creatinine (all P < 0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between Lp-a and e-GFR (r = -0.588, P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that Lp-a (OR = 1.980, 95 % CI: 1.269–2.992, P = 0.027) and age (OR = 1.584, 95 % CI: 0.955–1.913, P = 0.006) were positively associated with the development of CRS. ConclusionSerum Lp-a levels are positively correlated with the occurrence of CRS, potentially serving as an independent risk factor for CRS.

Mechanisms of immune responses in Acanthopagrus latus to Streptococcus agalactiae infection revealed by transcriptomic analysis.

Acanthopagrus latus (yellowfin seabream) is an economically important fish in the southeast coastal sea of China. Its slower growth rate makes it more prone to diseases in the cultivation period, leading to substantial economic losses. Epidemiological investigations have indicated that Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the most common Gram-positive pathogens, which have garnered increasing attention due to its high contagion and lethality rates in A. latus. In this work, an infection model of yellowfin seabream was established with an intraperitoneal injection of S. agalactiae. Clinical sign observations and various analyses, including histological examination, serum biochemical index assessment, immune-related enzyme level measurement, and transcriptome analysis of tissues (liver and intestine) with obvious clinical signs, were conducted for revealing the effects of S. agalactiae infection and immune response mechanisms in yellowfin seabream. The results indicate that evident clinical signs and multi-tissue damages with the notable changes in indices and significant increase in immune-related enzyme levels in the serum occurred in infected fish. RNA sequencing analysis identified 1130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver and 1218 DEGs in the intestine, which were involved in multiple immune- and metabolism-related pathways via KEGG enrichment analysis. The transcriptomic results were further corroborated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) tests of some specific immune-related genes. These findings provide new insights into the molecular immune mechanisms in yellowfin seabream following S. agalactiae infection and offer valuable reference data for disease prevention and molecular breeding (i.e., selective breeding through developing molecular markers of key genes).

Comparative analysis of the performance, egg quality and ovarian immune function of fast and slow feather strains in tianfu green shell laying hens at various stages of egg production.

This objective of this experiment was to compare and evaluate the performance, egg quality, and immune function of Tianfu green shell laying hens with varying feather growth rates, in order to provide a reference for their rational utilization. A total of 120 one-day-old healthy Tianfu green shell laying hens were classified into the early-feathering (EF) and late-feathering (LF) groups through phenotypic identification of feather length and qPCR molecular identification. Each group was subdivided into four replicates, with 30 chickens in each replicate. Under the identical feeding and management conditions, the live weight, tibial length, egg production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, immune protein content, and the expression of related genes in uterine and ovarian tissues were assessed and analyzed. The results indicated that LF hens exhibited significantly greater live weights at 4, 16, 27, and 43 weeks (P < 0.05) and longer tibia lengths at 4 and 16 weeks (P < 0.05) compared to EF hens, suggesting enhanced early growth performance. Conversely, EF hens demonstrated superior egg-laying performance, characterized by a higher laying rate during both peak (27 weeks) and late (43 weeks) laying periods (P < 0.05), despite their eggs being lighter in weight (P < 0.05). Furthermore, EF hens exhibited the production of eggs with significantly thicker and stronger shells during the peak laying period (P < 0.05), while no notable differences were observed in other egg quality parameters. Immunologically, EF hens demonstrated elevated peak serum levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM compared to LF hens. Additionally, the expression levels of IFN-γ and interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the ovaries were markedly higher in EF hens. These findings indicate that although LF hens excel in early growth stages, EF hens exhibit superior egg production capabilities and enhanced immune responses.

Determination of blood biochemical indices and research of egg quality-related candidate gene CDH5 in Putian black duck

Improving egg quality and enhancing production efficiency are essential goals in poultry breeding. CDH5 encodes a cadherin involved in Ca2+ transport in endothelial cells. The role of CDH5 in regulating duck egg quality and its mechanisms affecting Ca2+ concentrations in duck uterine epithelial cells remain unclear. This study evaluated egg quality traits of the Putian black duck and conducted an association analysis with blood biochemical indices and single nucleotide polymorphisms in CDH5. Additionally, we constructed a CDH5 overexpression vector and synthesized specific siRNAs for transfection into Putian black duck uterine epithelial cells to assess Ca2+ concentrations. Our results revealed significant association between egg quality and five novel SNPs in CDH5, along with various blood biochemical indices. Further experiments demonstrated that CDH5 overexpression and knockdown reduced Ca2+ concentrations in the uterine epithelial cells of Putian black ducks.

Oxymatrine reduces hepatic lipid synthesis in rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating Sirt1/AMPK and LXR/Plin2/SREBP-1c pathways.

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease with limited treatment options. Oxymatrine (OMT) has been reported to treat liver diseases effectively. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of OMT in NASH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet and hepatocytes were stimulated with oleic acid (OA) to establish NASH models, then, NASH models were intervened with OMT. In vivo, liver injury and lipid accumulation extents were evaluated by serum and liver biochemical indexes, and histological analysis. In vitro, cell viability and lipid accumulation degrees were measured. Additionally, the relationships between perilipin 2 (Plin2) and liver X-activated receptor alpha (LXRα) as well as Plin2 and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)/adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway-, liver X-activated receptor (LXR)/Plin2/SREBP-1c pathway- and lipid synthesis-related proteins were detected both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, Sirt1 was knocked down in hepatocytes. OMT not only reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity and triglyceride content, liver triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in NASH rats, but also improved hepatic injury and lipid accumulation. In vitro, OMT enhanced viability, and downregulated lipid accumulation in OA-induced hepatocytes. Both in vivo and in vitro results revealed Plin2 directly interacted with LXRα and SREBP-1c, and OMT activated Sirt1/AMPK pathway but inhibited the expressions of LXR/Plin2/SREBP-1c pathway and lipid synthesis (acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1) related proteins in NASH models. Importantly, Sirt1 knockdown reversed the protective effects of OMT in OA-stimulated hepatocytes. OMT may reduce hepatic lipid synthesis in NASH by activating the Sirt1/AMPK pathway and inhibiting the LXR/Plin2/SREBP-1c pathway, suggesting that OMT may be a promising strategy for treating NASH.

Effects of graded levels Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, meat quality, and caecal microbiota and metabolite in yellow-feathered broilers.

The Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), is the aged peel of Citrus fruit, which contains phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. This study aims to investigate dietary CRP supplementation on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, meat quality, intestinal morphology, microbiota, and metabolite of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 yellow-feathered broilers (1.00 ± 0.22 kg, 9weeks old) were randomly allotted into 4 treatments feeding a basal diet (control), the basal diet containing antibiotics (positive control), and the control diet containing 1.5% and 3% CRP, respectively. At the end of a 56-day trial, one broiler from each replicate was selected, and samples of ileal tissue and cecal digesta were collected to analyze intestinal morphology, microbial composition, and metabolites. The results revealed that 3% CRP decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI), serum total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The CRP supplementation could increase serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and meat pH. Broilers fed CRP had elevated antioxidant and liquid-regulated metabolites. Together, the results suggested that incorporating a moderate level of CRP has a minor impact on growth performance and could benefit health to some extent by enhancing antioxidants, regulating serum liquid, and changing microbial composition and metabolites.

Adverse Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Increased Diurnal Salivary Cortisol in Girls With Turner Syndrome: An Exploratory Study.

Patients with Turner Syndrome (TS) and those exposed to high concentrations of glucocorticoids have a number of characteristics in common, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Pediatric TS patients underwent studies of salivary cortisol (SC) and cortisone (SCn), body composition, continuous glucose monitoring, vascular function, and ambulatory blood pressure (BP). Biochemical indicators of cardiovascular risk were also measured. Data were compared to matched healthy controls (HCs) or interpreted according to reference populations. Ten patients, aged 14.1 ± 2.3 years participated. Mean SC was higher in girls with TS, although the early morning measurement was lower resulting in a flatter diurnal profile. Body mass index was > 1.0 SDS in five and muscle-to-fat ratio was low (< 0.8) in six participants. Four had proatherogenic lipid profiles and six had raised clotting and/or inflammatory markers. Mean glucose concentration was higher in TS than in HCs (109.8 vs. 102.6 mg/dL, p = 0.003). Loss of nocturnal dipping in BP was universal, and hypertension was present in three patients. TS participants had an adverse cardiovascular profile. The same cohort also exhibited increased cortisol exposure and the clinical significance of these dual findings warrants further investigation.

Childhood body size, adulthood adiposity, underlying mechanisms, and risk of incident hypertension: a prospective cohort study of 180,527 participants

BackgroundMechanisms underlying the association of life-course adiposity with incident hypertension in adulthood have not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential biochemical and metabolomic mechanisms underlying the association between adiposity and incident hypertension.MethodsA total of 180,527 participants from the UK Biobank aged 37 to 73 years were included. Associations of childhood body size or adulthood adiposity status as well as child–adult weight status change with incident adulthood hypertension were estimated by multivariate Cox proportional regression models.ResultsParticipants with childhood thinner body size and adulthood obesity had the highest risk of incident hypertension (hazard ratio, HR = 3.09, 95% CI = 2.88–3.32) compared with those with “average → normal” pattern, followed by those with “average → obese” pattern (HR = 2.45, 95% CI = 2.31–2.61) and “plumper → obese” pattern (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 2.62–3.02). Of note, those with “plumper → normal” pattern (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00–1.23) and “thinner → normal” pattern (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.10–1.24) had the second and third lowest risk of incident hypertension. Adulthood overweight (mediation proportion: 58.7%, 95% CI: 40.4–74.8%) or obesity (mediation proportion = 46.7%, 95% CI: 29.4–64.9%) largely mediated the association between childhood plumper body size and hypertension. The association between adiposity and hypertension was mediated by biochemical indices (e.g., liver function, immunometabolism) and metabolites (e.g., alanine aminotransferase, apolipoprotein A) (mediation proportions ranging from 3.2 to 23.4%).ConclusionsThinner or plumper body size in childhood increases the risk of incident adulthood hypertension, and adulthood adiposity partly mediated this association, suggesting the importance of maintaining normal weight across the life course. Several biochemical indices and metabolites mediated these associations providing clues to underlying biological mechanisms.

Relation among zootechnical performance, biochemical indicators, water quality, and small invertebrates (zooplankton) abundance reared in biofloc-supplemented systems

The present study was conducted to investigate the interaction of biofloc water supplementations and potential zooplankton abundance and structure in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus-rearing systems on zootechnical performance and biochemical indicators. Nile tilapia juveniles (13.30 g and 9.50 cm) were randomly distributed into 18 fiberglass tanks (500 L/tank with a stocking density of 40 fish/tank) to start the feeding experiment for 60 days. Fish weights were recorded weekly to adjust the feeding rate at 3% of their biomass using a commercial diet. Compared to the control group (T0, zero biofloc water supplementation), the influence of five biofloc supplementation levels was applied as follows: 14.2, 28.4, 42.6, 56.8, and 71 g L−1 (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively). The biofloc was prepared in an external fermentor fiberglass tank (300 L) and added to the fish tanks to keep the biofloc levels constant during the experiment. After 30 and 60 days of the experiment, the number of zooplankton was 46,501 and 24,537 Ind. L−1, respectively, which included four families (Rotifera, Copepoda, Cladocera, and free-living nematodes) with the domination of family Rotifera at 81.65% and 93.89%, respectively. The water quality indicated was within the standard values recommended for fish culture. Compared to those of the control group, the values of growth performance, whole-body biochemical composition, and blood biochemical indicators were significantly higher in biofloc groups than in the control group. Group T3 achieved the highest significant growth performance values. In comparison with the control group, T3 achieved the lowest number of cultures and the abundance of small invertebrate prey after 60 days of culture. The fish reared in groups T0 and T1 showed the highest significant urea content and the highest concentrations of liver function enzyme activities. Interestingly, compared to all groups, T3 achieved the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) value (1.68). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient confidence (PCCC) clarified a close positive relationship between T0 and T3 with the total individual, Rotifera abundance, and FCR. The highest PCCC value with T0 was in group T3 (0.947). In conclusion, biofloc supplementation (42.6 g L−1) showed a sustainable clean aquadiet strategy and significantly improved Nile tilapia growth and FCR with regard to the culture of small prey invertebrates for 60 days.

C60 fullerene improves the contractile activity of the injured rat muscle gastrocnemius

The powerful antioxidant properties of C60fullerenes have been widely used in biomedical nanotechnology. Owing to the negative effects of free radicals in oxidative stress processes, antioxidants are required to protect injured muscles. Here, the effect of water-soluble C60fullerenes (daily oral dose 1 mg kg-1) on the process of restoration of contractile activity of skeletal muscle of rats (muscle gastrocnemius) 15 d after the initiation of open trauma of different severity was studied for the first time. The structural organization of C60fullerene nanoparticles in aqueous solution was analyzed by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy techniques. Such biomechanical parameters ofmuscle gastrocnemiuscontraction as integrated muscle power, levels of generation of its maximum and minimum force, and time interval until reaching 50% of the level of force response of the muscle were analyzed. Such biochemical indices as concentrations of c-reactive protein, creatinine, and lactate in the rat blood, as well as indices of pro- and antioxidant balance (activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, the concentration of reduced glutathione) in the blood and muscle tissue of experimental animals, were investigated. It was found that application of water-soluble C60fullerenes statistically significantly improves biomechanical parameters of contraction of injuredmuscle gastrocnemiusat the level of 30-45 ± 3%, which is confirmed by normalization of biochemical indices in the blood and muscle tissue of rats at the level of 35-50 ± 3% and 20-37 ± 3%, correspondingly, relative to the open injury group. These findings open the possibility of using C60fullerenes as potential therapeutic nanoagents capable of correcting pathological states of the muscular system during the physiological repair of open injuries.

Correlation of socioeconomic, nutritional, and hematological status in early childhood caries among pre-schoolers-a case-control study

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a widespread dental disease influenced by diet, nutritional status, and socioeconomic factors. Prevalence varies globally, with high rates in East Asia and India. There is limited research existing regarding ECC's link to nutritional assessments (e.g., BMI, biochemical indicators) and low iron levels and anemia. Psychosocial evaluations, such as socioeconomic status (SES), remain underutilized. This study compares these relationships among preschoolers in the Raichur district. Methods: The study involved 296 preschool children (2-5 years) equally divided into those with and without ECC. A trained pedodontist conducted clinical oral exams using Gruebbel’s deft index, with a deft score ≥1 indicating ECC. Nutritional status was assessed via BMI measurements, while socioeconomic status was evaluated using Kuppuswamy’s 2023 SES Scale. Hematological assessment involved measuring hemoglobin levels using a digital meter after finger-prick blood collection. Standardized tools ensured accuracy in all assessments for comprehensive data collection. Results: This study indicated that comparing BMI, SES, and hemoglobin levels between caries-free and ECC-affected children revealed significant differences. Children at risk of being overweight had higher ECC prevalence, while normal-weight children were mostly caries-free (p=0.001). Lower SES was strongly associated with ECC, with 75.7% of ECC cases in the lower class, while upper-class children were largely caries-free. Hemoglobin analysis showed ECC linked to lower hemoglobin levels (7-9 g/dl), whereas caries-free children had higher levels (12 g/dl). Conclusions: The current study found that ECC is significantly linked to lower socioeconomic status, poor nutrition, and reduced hemoglobin levels among Raichur preschool children.

Association between blood test indicators and atrial fibrillation in elderly patients aged 65 and above in the Central Jiangsu region: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the correlation between blood test indicators and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Individuals Aged 65 and Older in Yangzhou, Jiangsu.MethodsFrom January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2023, an epidemiological cross-sectional survey was conducted among the elderly population undergoing health check-ups at Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital in Jiangsu Province. Patients diagnosed with AF after a 12-lead electrocardiogram were included in the case group, and non-AF individuals matched by age and gender in a 1:4 frequency ratio were included in the control group. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to select important variables from routine blood tests and biochemical indicators and their derived indicators (such as TyG, TyG-BMI, TG/HDL-c, RAR, NLR, MHR). Based on the selected variables, participants were divided into four groups (Q1 ~ Q4), and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline regression, gender subgroup analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve were used to explore the relationship between the relevant variables and AF.ResultsA total of 5,879 elderly individuals over the age of 65 were included in the study, with a prevalence of AF of 2.96% (174/5,879). The prevalence of AF in the overall population, as well as in male and female populations, showed a continuous increasing trend with age (P for trend < 0.001). A total of 696 individuals without AF after matching served as the control group, and LASSO regression identified albumin, direct bilirubin, and uric acid as three significant indicators. After adjusting for relevant confounding factors, lower levels of albumin, and higher levels of direct bilirubin and uric acid were significantly associated with the occurrence of AF (P < 0.05). Gender subgroup analysis revealed that in the elderly female population, albumin was not significantly associated with AF (P > 0.05), while direct bilirubin and uric acid were significantly associated with AF (P < 0.05). In the male population, albumin, direct bilirubin, and uric acid were significantly associated with AF (P < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline regression analysis showed a significant nonlinear relationship between direct bilirubin and AF (P for nonlinear < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis indicates that albumin, direct bilirubin, and uric acid all have good association strength with AF in elderly patients, with direct bilirubin showing the strongest association effect (AUC (95% CI) = 0.728 (0.686, 0.769)).ConclusionsLow levels of albumin, high levels of direct bilirubin, and uric acid are all significantly associated with AF in the elderly population of the Central Jiangsu region. The conclusions of this study need further validation with a larger sample size.

Associations of the triglyceride-glucose index and remnant cholesterol levels with the prevalence of Carotid Plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been identified as an alternative biomarker for insulin resistance (IR), while residual cholesterol (RC) is a simple, cost-effective, and easily detectable lipid metabolite. However, the associations of these two markers with carotid plaque presence remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to explore their associations with carotid plaque presence.MethodsParticipants were chosen from patients with T2DM admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from October 2023 to April 2024, and they were separated into two groups (patients without carotid plaque and patients with carotid plaque) based on their carotid ultrasound results. By comparing the general information and biochemical indicators of the two groups, we employed multivariate logistic regression models and RCS regression models to investigate the associations of the TyG index and RC levels with carotid plaque presence, and made adjustments based on multiple confounding factors to identify the differences between subgroups.ResultsThis study comprised 278 patients with T2DM in total, including 165 males and 113 females. A multivariate logistic regression study indicated that, after adjusting statistically significant variables screened in LASSO regression, TyG index [OR (95% CI): 1.810 (1.077, 3.113)] and RC [OR (95% CI): 1.988 (1.034, 3.950)] remained the risk factors for carotid plaque presence. According to restricted cubic splines (RCS), RC levels increased linearly with carotid plaque presence (P - nonlinear > 0.05). Conversely, the TyG index and carotid plaque presence did not associate linearly (P - nonlinear < 0.05). Results of subgroup analyses showed no grouping variables exhibited association with TyG index or RC (p for interaction > 0.05).ConclusionsIn patients with T2DM, both TyG index and RC levels were strongly linked to carotid plaque presence, and could serve as independent risk factors for this presence. Monitoring the TyG index and RC levels can help gain a better understanding and knowledge of carotid plaque presence in patients with T2DM, offering guidance for the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) in patients with T2DM.

Foliar application of nano biochar solution elevates tomato productivity by counteracting the effect of salt stress insights into morphological physiological and biochemical indices

Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions. In future, studies on nano biochar interactions with soil microbiota, surface modifications, long-term environmental impacts, reduced methane gas emissions, and biocompatibility could provide insights into optimizing its use in sustainable agriculture.

Unveiling the Dark Side of Flavonoid: Rutin Provokes Hepatotoxicity in Low-Dose 2-Amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f] Quinoline-Exposed Mice via Regulating Gut Microbiota and Liver Metabolism.

2-Amino-3-methylimidazole [4,5-f] quinoline (IQ) is a kind of heterocyclic amine (HCAs) with high carcinogenicity in hot processed meat. Rutin (Ru) is a flavonoid compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, whether Ru is scatheless under IQ-stimulated potential unhealthy conditions, especially liver function, in vivo, is unknown. In this study, we explored the effects and underlying mechanism of Ru on liver injury induced by a low dose of IQ in mice. Results showed that Ru supplement led to liver injury upon low-dose IQ alone administration, as shown by histological analysis, inflammatory, and serum biochemical indexes. Additionally, nontargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that coexposure of Ru and IQ disrupted liver metabolic balance, leading to significant changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways, hinting at a possible relationship with intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA sequencing data indicated that a combination of Ru and IQ caused gut microbiota dysbiosis and decreased the level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Correlation analysis between gut microbiota, SCFAs, liver metabolites, and liver damage markers highlighted the crucial role of the gut-liver axis in IQ and Ru coexposure-induced liver injury in vivo. In general, this study offers a valuable perspective on flavones and HCA compounds in the realms of food safety and human health.

Machine Learning-Based predictive model for adolescent metabolic syndrome: Utilizing data from NHANES 2007–2016

Metabolic syndrome (Mets) in adolescents is a growing public health issue linked to obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance, increasing risks of cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. Early detection and intervention are crucial but often hindered by complex diagnostic requirements. This study aims to develop a predictive model using NHANES data, excluding biochemical indicators, to provide a simple, cost-effective tool for large-scale, non-medical screening and early prevention of adolescent MetS. After excluding adolescents with missing diagnostic variables, the dataset included 2,459 adolescents via NHANES data from 2007–2016. We used LASSO regression and 20-fold cross-validation to screen for the variables with the greatest predictive value. The dataset was divided into training and validation sets in a 7:3 ratio, and SMOTE was used to expand the training set with a ratio of 1:1. Based on the training set, we built eight machine learning models and a multifactor logistic regression model, evaluating nine predictive models in total. After evaluating all models using the confusion matrix, calibration curves and decision curves, the LGB model had the best predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.969, a Youden index of 0.923, accuracy of 0.978, F1 score of 0.989, and Kappa value of 0.800. We further interpreted the LGB model using SHAP, the SHAP hive plot showed that the predictor variables were, in descending order of importance, BMI age sex-specific percentage, weight, upper arm circumference, thigh length, and race. Finally, we deployed it online for broader accessibility. The predictive models we developed and validated demonstrated high performance, making them suitable for large-scale, non-medical primary screening and early warning of adolescent Metabolic syndrome. The online deployment of the model allows for practical use in community and school settings, promoting early intervention and public health improvement.

Association of biochemical indicators with multimorbidity in 19,624 older adult individuals with chronic diseases: a study from Jindong District, Jinhua City, China

BackgroundChronic disease multimorbidity is influenced by multiple factors, but with little knowledge on the impact of biochemical indicators. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity of chronic diseases among older adult individuals in the community, as well as the factors related to biochemical indicators associated with chronic disease multimorbidity.MethodsThe study included 19,624 older adult individuals aged 60 and above in Jindong District, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, China. Participants completed a national standardized older adult health examination in the community. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were employed to evaluate the potential factors of biochemical indicators related to multimorbidity of chronic diseases.ResultsThe multimorbidity rate of chronic diseases in older adult patients is 70.3%. Each chronic disease coexists with one or more other chronic diseases in over 75% of cases. Among the biochemical indicators, hemoglobin (Hb) (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.13–1.90), white blood cell count (WBC) (OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.02–1.54), red blood cell count (RBC) (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.10–1.69), urinary protein (U-PRO) (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.02–1.19), urinary glucose (U-GLU) (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.23–1.67), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.39–2.10), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.05–1.41), creatinine (Cr) (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.16–1.42), uric acid (UA) (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.22–1.51), total cholesterol (TC) (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.59–1.95), triglycerides (TG) (OR = 2.63, 95%CI: 2.46–2.82), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.60–2.11), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 10.99, 95%CI: 8.12–14.90), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (OR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.74–2.05) are associated with the risk of multimorbidity of chronic diseases (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Among these, lipid parameters demonstrated the strongest associations with multimorbidity risk, with low HDL-C showing an 11-fold increase and elevated TG a 2.63-fold increase.ConclusionThis study found that the prevalence of multimorbidity among older adult individuals in this region reached 70.3%. Multiple biochemical indicators were significantly associated with multimorbidity, particularly lipid parameters (low HDL-C and elevated TG), glucose parameters (elevated FBG and positive U-GLU), liver function (elevated ALT), and hemoglobin levels. These findings provide important evidence for research on factors associated with multimorbidity in the older adult population.