Feasibility study of use of desflurane combined with dexmedetomidine in inhibiting postoperative neurocognitive disorders in elderly patients under general anesthesia: A perspective study.

This study aimed to explore whether the combined application of desflurane and dexmedetomidine (Dex) reduces the occurrence of postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in patients. We selected patients in our hospital who underwent surgery under general anesthesia, and divided them into two groups: Dex and desflurane (Dex + Des) and desflurane (Des) groups. The data of patients were collected and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was used to assess cognitive status. The blood cell counts were determined preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 6, and the percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes were also recorded. The statistical methods used were the independent-samples t-test and the χ 2 test. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the correlation between PND and inflammation. The incidence of PND in the Dex + Des group was lower than that in the Des group. The postoperative MMSE scores in the Dex + Des group were higher than those in the Des group (p = 0.032). The percentage of neutrophils in the Dex + Des group was significantly lower than that in the Des group on the first and third days after surgery (p = 0.007; p = 0.028). The MMSE scores on the first day after surgery were negatively correlated with the multiple changes in white blood counts and the percentage of neutrophils (r = -0.3038 and -0.3330). Dex combined with Des reduced the incidence of PND and reduced the postoperative inflammatory cell counts.

Pathogenesis-Related 1 (PR1) Protein Family Genes Involved in Sugarcane Responses to Ustilago scitaminea Stress.

Plant resistance against biotic stressors is significantly influenced by pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1) proteins. This study examines the systematic identification and characterization of PR1 family genes in sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum Np-X) and the transcript expression of selected genes in two sugarcane cultivars (ROC22 and Zhongtang3) in response to Ustilago scitaminea pathogen infection. A total of 18 SsnpPR1 genes were identified at the whole-genome level and further categorized into four groups. Notably, tandem and segmental duplication occurrences were detected in one and five SsnpPR1 gene pairs, respectively. The SsnpPR1 genes exhibited diverse physio-chemical attributes and variations in introns/exons and conserved motifs. Notably, four SsnpPR1 (SsnpPR1.02/05/09/19) proteins displayed a strong protein-protein interaction network. The transcript expression of three SsnpPR1 (SsnpPR1.04/06/09) genes was upregulated by 1.2-2.6 folds in the resistant cultivar (Zhongtang3) but downregulated in the susceptible cultivar (ROC22) across different time points as compared to the control in response to pathogen infection. Additionally, SsnpPR1.11 was specifically upregulated by 1.2-3.5 folds at 24-72 h post inoculation (hpi) in ROC22, suggesting that this gene may play an important negative regulatory role in defense responses to pathogen infection. The genetic improvement of sugarcane can be facilitated by our results, which also establish the basis for additional functional characterization of SsnpPR1 genes in response to pathogenic stress.

Rare taxa mediate microbial carbon and nutrient limitation in the rhizosphere and bulk soil under sugarcane-peanut intercropping systems.

Introduction: Microbial carbon (C) and nutrient limitation exert key influences on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient cycling through enzyme production for C and nutrient acquisition. However, the intercropping effects on microbial C and nutrient limitation and its driving factors between rhizosphere and bulk soil are unclear. Methods: Therefore, we conducted a field experiment that covered sugarcane-peanut intercropping with sole sugarcane and peanut as controls and to explore microbial C and nutrient limitation based on the vector analysis of enzyme stoichiometry; in addition, microbial diversity was investigated in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. High throughput sequencing was used to analyze soil bacterial and fungal diversity through the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene at a phylum level. Results: Our results showed that sugarcane-peanut intercropping alleviated microbial C limitation in all soils, whereas enhanced microbial phosphorus (P) limitation solely in bulk soil. Microbial P limitation was also stronger in the rhizosphere than in bulk soil. These results revealed that sugarcane-peanut intercropping and rhizosphere promoted soil P decomposition and facilitated soil nutrient cycles. The Pearson correlation results showed that microbial C limitation was primarily correlated with fungal diversity and fungal rare taxa (Rozellomycota, Chyltridiomycota, and Calcarisporiellomycota) in rhizosphere soil and was correlated with bacterial diversity and most rare taxa in bulk soil. Microbial P limitation was solely related to rare taxa (Patescibacteria and Glomeromycota) in rhizosphere soil and related to microbial diversity and most rare taxa in bulk soil. The variation partitioning analysis further indicated that microbial C and P limitation was explained by rare taxa (7%-35%) and the interactions of rare and abundant taxa (65%-93%). Conclusion: This study indicated the different intercropping effects on microbial C and nutrient limitation in the rhizosphere and bulk soil and emphasized the importance of microbial diversity, particularly rare taxa.

Sugarcane ScOPR1 gene enhances plant disease resistance through the modulation of hormonal signaling pathways.

KEY MESSAGE: Transgenic plants stably overexpressing ScOPR1 gene enhanced disease resistance by increasing the accumulation of JA, SA, and GST, as well as up-regulating the expression of genes related to signaling pathways. 12-Oxo-phytodienoate reductase (OPR) is an oxidoreductase that depends on flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and catalyzes the conversion of 12-oxophytodienoate (12-OPDA) into jasmonic acid (JA). It plays a key role in plant growth and development, and resistance to adverse stresses. In our previous study, we have obtained an OPR gene (ScOPR1, GenBank Accession Number: MG755745) from sugarcane. This gene showed positive responses to methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and Sporisorium scitamineum, suggesting its potential for pathogen resistance. Here, in our study, we observed that Nicotiana benthamiana leaves transiently overexpressing ScOPR1 exhibited weaker disease symptoms, darker 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining, higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and higher expression of hypersensitive response (HR) and SA pathway-related genes after inoculation with Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium solanacearum var. coeruleum. Furthermore, the transgenic N. benthamiana plants stably overexpressing the ScOPR1 gene showed enhanced resistance to pathogen infection by increasing the accumulation of JA, SA, and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as up-regulating genes related to HR, JA, SA, and ROS signaling pathways. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ScOPR1-OE were significantly enriched in hormone transduction signaling and plant-pathogen interaction pathways. Finally, a functional mechanism model of the ScOPR1 gene in response to pathogen infection was depicted. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of ScOPR1 and presents compelling evidence supporting its positive involvement in enhancing plant disease resistance.

Ubiquitin ligase RFWD2 promotes dendritic spine and synapse formation by activating the ERK/PEA3/c-Jun pathway in rat cerebral cortical neurons.

The regulation of protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system is essential for normal brain development, axon growth, synaptic growth and plasticity. The E3 ubiquitin ligase RFWD2 plays a key role in the onset and development of neurological diseases, including the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms controlling the homeostasis of neuronal synaptic proteins are still poorly understood. Here, we showed that the expression level of RFWD2 gradually decreased with the age of the rats and was negatively correlated with the development of cerebral cortical neurons and dendrites in vivo. RFWD2 was shown to localize to presynaptic terminals and some postsynaptic sides of both excitatory synapses and inhibitory synapses via colocalization with neuronal synaptic proteins (SYN, PSD95, Vglut1 and GAD67). Overexpression of RFWD2 promoted dendrite development and dendritic spine formation and markedly decreased the expression of synaptophysin and PSD95 by reducing the expression of ETV1, ETV4, ETV5 and c-JUN in vitro. Furthermore, the whole-cell membrane slice clamp results showed that RFWD2 overexpression resulted in greater membrane capacitance in neuronal cells, inadequate cell repolarization, and a longer time course for neurons to emit action potentials with decreased excitability. RFWD2 regulates dendritic development and plasticity, dendritic spine formation and synaptic function in rat cerebral cortex neurons by activating the ERK/PEA3/c-Jun pathway via a posttranslational regulatory mechanism and can be used as an efficient treatment target for neurological diseases.

Light People: Professor Che Ting Chan, curiosity drives to create the impossibilities.

EDITORIAL: "When something is said to be impossible, there are two points for researchers to initially clarify: whether it really is forbidden by the laws of nature; or whether it is simply that no material that currently exists in nature can do that." Metamaterials are such magical beings, which have physical properties like invisibility, negative refraction, super-resolution, and perfect absorption that are absent from natural materials. It has been rated by Science as one of the top ten scientific and technological breakthroughs affecting human beings in the 21st century.In this issue of Light People, we spoke with a "magic" creator, Professor Che Ting Chan, the Associate Vice-President (Research & Development) of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the American Physical Society. He has researched a number of theoretical problems in material physics, investigated the theory behind what they seek to achieve, and modulated light (electromagnetism) and acoustic waves through metamaterials. In the following, let's take a closer look at Professor Che Ting Chan's research life, and appreciate his style and the background of his accomplishment.

The offsetting relationship between hand grip strength and hypertension: A cross-sectional study from physically disabled over 50 years old in China.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and blood pressure in physically disabled individuals over 50 years old. METHODS: The research adopts a cross-sectional survey, and the data comes from the "2022-2023 Physical Health Monitoring and Scientific and Technological Services for Physical Disabilities" jointly carried out by Beijing Sport University and China Disabled Sports Management Center. Select physically disabled individuals over 50 years old and collect physical fitness measurement data. HGS was measured and adjusted based on body weight and waist circumference, with standard normal conversion. The relationship between HGS and blood pressure was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and further logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between standard HGS and the risk of abnormal blood pressure. RESULTS: 695 disabled individuals participated in the experiment, including 402 males (57.84%) and 293 females (42.16%). Multiple linear regression analysis found that for each standard deviation increase in the standardized Z-value of relative HGS, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of male individuals decreased by 2.391 mmHg (P = 0.008) and 1.229 mmHg (P = 0.025); decreased by 2.336 mmHg (P = 0.026) and 1.585 mmHg (P = 0.008), respectively, for female. The increase in HGS reduced the risk of hypertension in physical disabilities in males [OR = 0.820 95%CIs (0.670, 0.952)] (P = 0.003) and females [OR = 0.735 95%CIs (0.472, 0.986)] (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The HGS of middle-aged and elderly physically disabled individuals negatively correlates with blood pressure, indicating the importance of increasing muscle strength (HGS) in preventing blood pressure.

High-security multidimensional data protection system based on the Hartley algorithm-driven chaotic scheme.

This paper proposes a high-security multidimensional data protection system based on the Hartley algorithm-driven chaotic scheme. We utilize the fast Hartley algorithm instead of the fast fourier computation, and we employ chaotic sequences generated by the multi-winged chaotic system to achieve chaos-driven 3D constellation mapping, effectively integrating the chaotic system with the stochastic amplitude modulator. We reduce the signal's peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) by deploying a random amplitude modulator. Simultaneously, this approach enhances the security of the physical layer of the signal. The PAPR reduction can reach up to 2.6 dB, while the most robust and stable modulator scheme can gain 2 dB. Finally, in the Hartley frequency domain, the signal's frequency is disrupted, providing the entire system with a key space of 10131 to resist violent cracking and thus improving the system's overall security. To validate the feasibility of our scheme in comparison to conventional IFFT-based encrypted 3D orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, We achieved a transmission rate of 27.94 Gb/s over a 2 km multicore fiber. Experimental results show that since the random amplitude generator effectively reduces PAPR, our proposed encryption scheme increases the forward error correction threshold range by 1.1 dB, verifying that our proposed scheme has highly reliable security performance.

High-security space division multiplexing optical transmission scheme based on constellation grid selective twisting.

In this paper, we propose a high-security space division multiplexing optical transmission scheme based on constellation grid selective twisting, which adopts the Rossler chaos model for encrypting PDM-16QAM signals, being applied to a multicore, few-mode multiplexing system. The bitstream of the program is passed through XOR function before performing constellation grid selective twisting and rotation of the constellation map to improve the security of the system. The proposed system is verified experimentally by using 80-wave and 4-mode multiplexing in one of the 19-core 4-mode fibers. Based on the proposed encryption method, a net transmission rate of 34.13 Tbit/s, a transmission distance of 6000 km, and a capacity distance product of 204.8 Pb/s × km is achieved under encrypted PDM-QPSK modulation. Likewise, a net transmission rate of 68.27 Tbit/s, a transmission distance of 1000 km, and a capacity distance product of 68.27 Pb/s × km is achieved based on encrypted PDM-16QAM modulation. It is experimentally verified that the sensitivity of the initial value in Rossler's chaotic model is in the range of 10-16∼10-17. Meanwhile, the proposed encryption scheme achieves a large key space of 10101, which is compatible with the high-capacity distance product multicore and few-mode multiplexing system. It is a promising candidate for the next-generation highly-secured high-capacity transmission system.

Exploring prognostic values of DNA ploidy, stroma-tumor fraction and nucleotyping in stage II colon cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the prognostic value of three novel biomarkers, DNA ploidy, stroma-tumor fraction, and nucleotyping, seeking for more accurate stratification in stage II colon cancer. METHODS: A total of 417 patients with complete follow up information were enrolled in this study and divided into three clinical risk groups. IHC was performed to examine MSI status. DNA ploidy, stroma and nucleotyping were estimated using automated digital imaging system. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazards regression models, and correlation analyses were carried out to process our data. RESULTS: In the whole cohort of stage II colon cancer, nucleotyping and DNA ploidy were significant prognostic factors on OS in univariate analyses. The combination of nucleotyping and DNA ploidy signified superior OS and DFS. Difference was not significant between low-stroma and high-stroma patients. In multivariable analyses, nucleotyping and the combination of nucleotyping and DNA ploidy were proven the dominant contributory factors for OS. In the low-risk group, we found the combination of nucleotyping and DNA ploidy as the independent prognostic factor statistically significant in both univariate and multivariable, while in the high-risk group, the nucleotyping. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has proven nucleotyping and the combination of DNA ploidy and nucleotyping as independent prognostic indicators, thus expanding the application of nucleotyping as a predictor from high risk stage II colon cancer to whole risks.

Integrating GWAS, RNA-Seq and functional analysis revealed that BnaA02.SE mediates silique elongation by affecting cell proliferation and expansion in Brassica napus.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) silique is the major carbohydrate source for seed development, and the final silique length has attracted great attention from breeders. However, no studies had focused on the dynamic character of silique elongation length (SEL). Here, the dynamic SEL investigation in a natural population including 588 lines over two years indicate that dynamic SEL during 0-20 days after flowering was the most essential stage associated with seed number per silique (SPS) and thousand seed weight (TSW). Then, nine loci were identified to be associated with SEL based on GWAS analysis, among which five SNPs (over 50%) distributed on the A02 chromosome within 6.08 to 6.48 Mb. Subsequently, we screened 5078 differentially expressed genes between two extreme materials. An unknown protein, BnaA02.SE, was identified combining with GWAS and RNA-Seq analysis. Subcellular localization and expression profiles analysis demonstrated that BnaA02.SE is a chloroplast- and nucleus-localized protein mainly expressed in pericarps and leaves. Furthermore, transgenic verification and dynamic cytological observation reveal that overexpressed BnaA02.SE can promote silique elongation by regulating JA and IAA contents, affecting cell proliferation and expansion, respectively, and finally enhance seed yield by influencing SPS and TSW. Haplotype analysis reveal that the homologs of BnaA02.SE may also be involved in silique elongation regulation. Our findings provided comprehensive insights into a newly SEL trait, and cloned the first gene (BnaA02.SE) controlling silique elongation in B. napus. The identified BnaA02.SE and its homologs can offer a valuable target for improving B. napus yield.

Mitral Geometry on the Mechanism of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is complex in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to evaluate the impact of mitral valve geometry on LVOTO by echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 177 consecutive patients with HCM. Morphological findings of left ventricular hypertrophy and LVOTO-related abnormalities were assessed by comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography. Aortomitral angle, mitral leaflet length, and coaptation height were measured and analyzed at rest. Multivariable stepwise forward logistic regression analysis was performed to identify geometric predictors of LVOTO. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven patients had an LVOT gradient ≥30 mm Hg. Multivariable logistic regression showed that aortomitral angle (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95, P < .001), coaptation height (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.41-2.72, P < .001), and accessory mitral valve chordae tendineae (OR, 13.1; 95% CI, 4.32-39.95; P < .001) were independently associated with LVOTO. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve of mitral coaptation height was higher (area under the curve = 0.815) than the other 2 indicators (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Mitral coaptation height, aortomitral angle, and accessory mitral valve chordae tendineae were important predictors of SAM and LVOTO in HCM independent of septal hypertrophy.

Sugarcane ScCAX4 is a Negative Regulator of Resistance to Pathogen Infection.

Calcium (Ca2+) is a second messenger in various physiological processes within plants. The significance of the Ca2+/H+ exchanger (CAX) has been established in facilitating Ca2+ transport in plants; however, disease resistance functions of the CAX gene remain elusive. In this study, we conducted sequence characterization and expression analysis for a sugarcane CAX gene, ScCAX4 (GenBank Accession Number: MW206380). In order to further investigate the disease resistance functions, this gene was then transiently overexpressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, which were subsequently inoculated with Fusarium solani var. coeruleum. Results showed that ScCAX4 overexpression increased the susceptibility of N. benthamiana to pathogen infection by regulating the expression of genes related to salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) pathways, suggesting its negative role in disease resistance. Furthermore, we genetically transformed the ScCAX4 gene into N. benthamiana and obtained three positive T2 generation lines. Interestingly, the symptomatology of transgenic plants was consistent with that of transient overexpression after pathogen inoculation. Notably, the JA content in transgenic overexpression lines was significantly higher than that in the wild-type. RNA-seq revealed that ScCAX4 could mediate multiple signaling pathways, and the JA signaling pathway played a key role in modulating disease resistance. Finally, a regulatory model was depicted for the increased susceptibility to pathogen infection conferred by the ScCAX4 gene. This study provides genetic resources for sugarcane molecular breeding and the research direction for plant CAX genes.

Red and far-red light improve the antagonistic ability of Trichoderma guizhouense against phytopathogenic fungi by promoting phytochrome-dependent aerial hyphal growth.

Light as a source of information regulates morphological and physiological processes of fungi, including development, primary and secondary metabolism, or the circadian rhythm. Light signaling in fungi depends on photoreceptors and downstream components that amplify the signal to govern the expression of an array of genes. Here, we investigated the effects of red and far-red light in the mycoparasite Trichoderma guizhouense on its mycoparasitic potential. We show that the invasion strategy of T. guizhouense depends on the attacked species and that red and far-red light increased aerial hyphal growth and led to faster overgrowth or invasion of the colonies. Molecular experiments and transcriptome analyses revealed that red and far-red light are sensed by phytochrome FPH1 and further transmitted by the downstream MAPK HOG pathway and the bZIP transcription factor ATF1. Overexpression of the red- and far-red light-induced fluffy gene fluG in the dark resulted in abundant aerial hyphae formation and thereby improvement of its antagonistic ability against phytopathogenic fungi. Hence, light-induced fluG expression is important for the mycoparasitic interaction. The increased aggressiveness of fluG-overexpressing strains was phenocopied by four random mutants obtained after UV mutagenesis. Therefore, aerial hyphae formation appears to be a trait for the antagonistic potential of T. guizhouense.

Pathogenesis related-1 proteins in plant defense: regulation and functional diversity.

Climate change-related environmental stresses can negatively impact crop productivity and pose a threat to sustainable agriculture. Plants have a remarkable innate ability to detect a broad array of environmental cues, including stresses that trigger stress-induced regulatory networks and signaling pathways. Transcriptional activation of plant pathogenesis related-1 (PR-1) proteins was first identified as an integral component of systemic acquired resistance in response to stress. Consistent with their central role in immune defense, overexpression of PR-1s in diverse plant species is frequently used as a marker for salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense responses. Recent advances demonstrated how virulence effectors, SA signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications modulate PR-1 expression in response to environmental stresses. We and others showed that transcriptional regulatory networks involving PR-1s could be used to improve plant resilience to stress. Together, the results of these studies have re-energized the field and provided long-awaited insights into a possible function of PR-1s under extreme environmental stress.

Low Concentration of Lipoprotein(a) is an Independent Predictor of Incident Type 2 Diabetes.

The aim of the study was to assess the association between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentration and incident type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis of qualified studies on the relationship of low levels of Lp(a) concentration with incident type 2 diabetes was conducted. PubMed and Cochrane libraries were searched for randomized controlled trials containing data on events. Seven randomized trials with 227178 subjects were included in this analysis. We found an inverse association of the levels of Lp(a) concentration with risk of type 2 diabetes with approximately 37% lower relative risk in the group with the highest concentration compared with group with the lowest concentration. The current available evidence from prospective studies suggests that there is an inverse association between the levels of Lp(a) concentration and risk of type 2 diabetes, with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes at low levels of Lp(a) concentration. Therefore, we believe that the low levels of Lp(a) concentration is an independent predictor of incident type 2 diabetes.

Transcriptional Regulation of SugarCane Response to Sporisorium scitamineum: Insights from Time-Course Gene Coexpression and Ca2+ Signaling.

Sugarcane response to Sporisorium scitamineum is determined by multiple major genes and numerous microeffector genes. Here, time-ordered gene coexpression networks were applied to explore the interaction between sugarcane and S. scitamineum. Totally, 2459 differentially expressed genes were identified and divided into 10 levels, and several stress-related subnetworks were established. Interestingly, the Ca2+ signaling pathway was activated to establish the response to sugarcane smut disease. Accordingly, two CAX genes (ScCAX2 and ScCAX3) were cloned and characterized from sugarcane. They were significantly upregulated under ABA stress but inhibited by MeJA treatment. Furthermore, overexpression of ScCAX2 and ScCAX3 enhanced the susceptibility of transgenic plants to the pathogen infection, suggesting its negative role in disease resistance. A regulatory model for ScCAX genes in disease response was thus depicted. This work helps to clarify the transcriptional regulation of sugarcane response to S. scitamineum stress and the function of the CAX gene in disease response.

Nickel-Catalyzed Chemoselective Carbomagnesiation for Atroposelective Ring-Opening Difunctionalization.

There is a pressing need for methods that can connect enantioenriched organic compounds with readily accessible building blocks via asymmetric functionalization of unreactive chemical bonds in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Herein, the asymmetric chemoselective cleavage of two unactivated C(Ar)-O bonds in the same molecule is disclosed for the first time through an unusual nickel-catalyzed carbomagnesiation. This reaction facilitates the evolution of a novel atroposelective ring-opening difunctionalization. Utilizing readily available dibenzo bicyclic substrates, diverse valuable axially chiral biaryls are furnished with high efficiencies. Synthetic elaborations showcase the application potential of this method. The features of this method include good atom-economy, multiple roles of the nucleophile, and a simple catalytic system that enables the precise magnesiation of an α-C(Ar)-O bond and arylation of a ß-C(Ar)-O bond.

Effects of Acute Ingestion of Caffeine Capsules on Muscle Strength and Muscle Endurance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to explore the effects of acute ingestion of caffeine capsules on muscle strength and muscle endurance. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and EBSCO databases. Data were pooled using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval. Fourteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The acute ingestion of caffeine capsules significantly improved muscle strength (WMD, 7.09, p < 0.00001) and muscle endurance (WMD, 1.37; p < 0.00001), especially in males (muscle strength, WMD, 7.59, p < 0.00001; muscle endurance, WMD, 1.40, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses showed that ≥ 6 mg/kg body weight of caffeine (WMD, 6.35, p < 0.00001) and ingesting caffeine 45 min pre-exercise (WMD, 8.61, p < 0.00001) were more effective in improving muscle strength, with the acute ingestion of caffeine capsules having a greater effect on lower body muscle strength (WMD, 10.19, p < 0.00001). In addition, the acute ingestion of caffeine capsules had a greater effect in moderate-intensity muscle endurance tests (WMD, 1.76, p < 0.00001). An acute ingestion of caffeine capsules significantly improved muscle strength and muscle endurance in the upper body and lower body of males.

Metagenomic insights into jellyfish-associated microbiome dynamics during strobilation.

Host-associated microbiomes can play key roles in the metamorphosis of animals. Most scyphozoan jellyfish undergo strobilation in their life cycles, similar to metamorphosis in classic bilaterians. The exploration of jellyfish microbiomes may elucidate the ancestral mechanisms and evolutionary trajectories of metazoan-microbe associations and interactions during metamorphosis. However, current knowledge of the functional features of jellyfish microbiomes remains limited. Here, we performed a genome-centric analysis of associated microbiota across four successive life stages (polyp, early strobila, advanced strobila, and ephyra) during strobilation in the common jellyfish Aurelia coerulea. We observed shifts in taxonomic and functional diversity of microbiomes across distinct stages and proposed that the low microbial diversity in ephyra stage may be correlated with the high expression of the host-derived antimicrobial peptide aurelin. Furthermore, we recovered 43 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes and determined the nutritional potential of the dominant Vibrio members. Interestingly, we observed increased abundances of genes related to the biosynthesis of amino acids, vitamins, and cofactors, as well as carbon fixation during the loss of host feeding ability, indicating the functional potential of Aurelia-associated microbiota to support the synthesis of essential nutrients. We also identified several potential mechanisms by which jellyfish-associated microbes establish stage-specific community structures and maintain stable colonization in dynamic host environments, including eukaryotic-like protein production, bacterial secretion systems, restriction-modification systems, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas systems. Our study characterizes unique taxonomic and functional changes in jellyfish microbiomes during strobilation and provides foundations for uncovering the ancestral mechanism of host-microbe interactions during metamorphosis.