Sports injuries in professional soccer players / Lesões esportivas em jogadores profissionais de futebol / Lesiones deportivas en futbolistas profesionales

ABSTRACT Introduction Sports injuries in soccer are hardly avoided due to the characteristics of battles, such as intense conflict and high-level competitiveness related to soccer. Objective Investigate the most common sports injuries in professional soccer players. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out with 365 valid returns, including 198 male and 177 female professional soccer players. Data were collected and distributed using Excel software. Results Among sports injuries in professional soccer athletes, minor injuries are more frequent, and the lower limbs are the most affected. The subjective cause of these injuries is mainly overwork. Among the objective causes, many injuries caused by the sports characteristics of soccer are inevitable, having a strong connection with the intrinsic factors of the sport. Treating injuries combines traditional Chinese medicine with the advantages of Western medicine. Conclusion It is recommended that athletes focus constantly on their injuries while playing the sport. Coaches should verify the safety of the athletes, taking precautions to reduce injuries as much as possible and improve the athlete's competitive level, prolonging his professional activity. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução As lesões esportivas do futebol dificilmente são evitadas devido as características de batalhas como o intenso conflito e a competitividade de alto nível relacionadas ao futebol. Objetivo Investigar as lesões esportivas mais acometidas nos jogadores profissionais de futebol. Métodos Efetuou-se uma pesquisa por questionário com 365 retornos válidos, incluindo 198 homens e 177 mulheres profissionais do esporte. Os dados foram coletados e distribuídos através do software Excel. Resultados Entre as lesões esportivas de atletas profissionais de futebol, as lesões de menor grau são mais frequentes, sendo os membros inferiores os mais afetados. A causa subjetiva dessas lesões é principalmente o excesso de trabalho. Entre as causas objetivas, muitas lesões causadas pelas características esportivas do futebol são inevitáveis, possuindo uma forte conexão com os fatores intrínsecos do esporte. Atualmente, o tratamento das lesões tende a combinar a medicina tradicional chinesa com as vantagens da medicina ocidental. Conclusão Recomenda-se aos atletas um foco constante durante a prática o esporte. Os treinadores devem verificar a segurança dos atletas, tomando precauções para reduzir ao máximo as lesões e melhorar o nível competitivo do atleta, prolongando sua atividade profissional. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Las lesiones deportivas en el fútbol son difícilmente evitables debido a las características de las batallas como el intenso conflicto y la alta competitividad relacionada con el fútbol. Objetivo Investigar las lesiones deportivas más comunes en los futbolistas profesionales. Métodos Se llevó a cabo una encuesta con 365 respuestas válidas, incluyendo 198 jugadores y 177 jugadoras de fútbol profesional. Los datos se recogieron y distribuyeron mediante el programa informático Excel. Resultados Entre las lesiones deportivas en los atletas de fútbol profesional, las lesiones menores son más frecuentes, y los miembros inferiores son los más afectados. La causa subjetiva de estas lesiones es principalmente el exceso de trabajo. Entre las causas objetivas, son inevitables muchas lesiones provocadas por las características deportivas del fútbol, que tienen una fuerte relación con los factores intrínsecos del deporte. Actualmente, el tratamiento de las lesiones tiende a combinar la medicina tradicional china con las ventajas de la medicina occidental. Conclusión Se recomienda a los atletas una concentración constante durante la práctica del deporte. Los entrenadores deben verificar la seguridad de los deportistas, tomando precauciones para reducir al máximo las lesiones, y mejorar el nivel competitivo del deportista, prolongando su actividad profesional. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Kinematic analysis of lower extremity movement techniques in soccer training / Análise cinemática das técnicas de movimento dos membros inferiores no treinamento de futebol / Análisis cinemático de las técnicas de movimiento de los miembros inferiores en el entrenamiento de fútbol

ABSTRACT Introduction The improvement of soccer sports skills depends on many training efforts and is closely related to intrinsic scientific methods. Attention to the integral quality of the lower limb muscles and the performance of specific exercises of technical movements is essential to reach the optimal state of physical performance in players. Objective Analyze the kinematic effect of lower limb movement techniques in soccer training. Methods 10 athletes were marked with reflective spheres and submitted to the kinematic training method of the lower limbs designed by the coaches in 60 minutes, three times a week, for six weeks. Before and after the experiment, data captured by reflective spheres were captured, compared, classified, and analyzed. Results Kinematic training can effectively optimize movement time, swing amplitude, swing angle, and other aspects of lower limb mechanical structure, thus improving energy expenditure and making the movement concise, conveying strength and precision. Conclusion Trainers should seriously study the principles of applied kinematic analysis and optimize the training program from a scientific point of view because the athletic level of athletes is significantly improved with this real-time feedback. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução O aprimoramento das habilidades esportivas do futebol depende de muitos esforços de treinamento e está intimamente relacionado com métodos científicos intrínsecos. Atenção na qualidade integral dos músculos dos membros inferiores e a realização de exercícios específicos de movimentos técnicos é essencial para atingir o estado ótimo da performance física nos jogadores. Objetivo Analisar o efeito cinemático das técnicas de movimento dos membros inferiores no treinamento de futebol. Métodos 10 atletas foram marcados com esferas reflexivas e submetidos ao método de treinamento cinemático dos membros inferiores desenhado pelos treinadores num período de 60 minutos, três vezes por semana, durante 6 semanas. Antes e depois do experimento, os dados capturados por esferas reflexivas foram capturados, comparados, classificados e analisados. Resultados O treinamento cinemático pode otimizar efetivamente o tempo de movimento, amplitude de balanço, ângulo de balanço e outros aspectos da estrutura mecânica dos membros inferiores, melhorando assim o dispêndio energético e tornando o movimento conciso, transmitindo força e precisão. Conclusão Os treinadores devem estudar seriamente os princípios da análise cinemática aplicada, otimizar o programa de treinamento do ponto de vista científico, pois o nível esportivo dos atletas é melhorado significativamente com a adição desse feedback em tempo real. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos desfechos do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción La mejora de las capacidades deportivas en el fútbol depende de muchos esfuerzos de entrenamiento y está estrechamente relacionada con métodos científicos intrínsecos. La atención sobre la calidad integral de los músculos de los miembros inferiores y la realización de ejercicios específicos de movimientos técnicos es esencial para alcanzar el estado óptimo del rendimiento físico en los jugadores. Objetivo Analizar el efecto cinemático de las técnicas de movimiento del miembro inferior en el entrenamiento de fútbol. Métodos 10 atletas fueron marcados con esferas reflectantes y sometidos al método de entrenamiento cinemático de los miembros inferiores diseñado por los entrenadores en un período de 60 minutos, tres veces por semana, durante 6 semanas. Antes y después del experimento, se capturaron, compararon, clasificaron y analizaron los datos captados por las esferas reflectantes. Resultados El entrenamiento cinemático puede optimizar eficazmente el tiempo de movimiento, la amplitud del balanceo, el ángulo de balanceo y otros aspectos de la estructura mecánica de las extremidades inferiores, mejorando así el gasto de energía y haciendo que el movimiento sea conciso, transmitiendo fuerza y precisión. Conclusión Los entrenadores deberían estudiar seriamente los principios del análisis cinemático aplicado, optimizar el programa de entrenamiento desde un punto de vista científico, ya que el nivel atlético de los deportistas mejora significativamente con la incorporación de esta información en tiempo real. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapêuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Maternal A90V mutation in the PreS1 gene of sub-genotype C2 hepatitis B virus is associated with intrauterine transmission

ABSTRACT PreS/S gene mutations could impact virus secretion, infection and immune evasion. However, the relationship between PreS/S mutations and intrauterine transmission has not yet been clarified. Thus, we aimed to explore the associations between PreS/S gene mutations of HBV isolated from mothers and intrauterine transmission. We analyzed the mutations of PreS/S regions of the HBV genome in mothers with HBV DNA levels ≥ 106 IU/mL whose neonates experienced HBV intrauterine transmission (transmission group, GT) and those whose neonates did not experience intrauterine transmission (control group, GC) analyzed using clone-based sequencing. In total, 206 sequences were successfully amplified, including 98 sequences (from 21 mothers) from GT and 108 sequences (from 20 mothers) from GC of genotype C for mutational analysis. Among the 1203 nucleotides of PreS/S regions, there were 219 (18.20%) base substitutions, of which 103 (47.03%) base mutations caused amino acid changes. F80S, A90V and I68T were mutation hotspots. Mothers in GT had a higher mutation rate of A90V in the PreS1 gene than mothers in GC. The A90V mutation increased the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission after adjusting the maternal age and the mode of delivery (OR = 6.23, 95% CI: 1.18-32.97). Moreover, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for intrauterine transmission due to A90V and a combination of A90V with the mode of delivery were 0.723 (95% CI: 0.575 to 0.891, P = 0.011) and 0.848 (95% CI: 0.723 to 0.972, P < 0.001), respectively. Mothers with the A90V mutation in the PreS1 gene may be a potential risk factor for HBV intrauterine transmission.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of limb spasticity following multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pilot trials have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may reduce limb spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). We carried out the current meta-analysis to synthesize currently available evidence regarding such correlation. Up to November 2022, five international electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and four Chinese electronic databases (CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP) were systematically searched to identify randomized trials comparing active rTMS and sham stimulation in patients with MS-related spasticity. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data on study design, quality, clinical outcomes, and time points measured. The primary outcome was clinical spasticity relief after intervention. Secondary outcomes included spasticity at the follow-up visit 2 weeks later and post-treatment fatigue. Of 831 titles found, we included 8 studies (181 participants) in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses showed that rTMS therapy was associated with significant spasticity relief in the early post-intervention period [standardized mean differences (SMD): -0.67; 95%CI: -1.12 to -0.21], but there was insufficient evidence for rTMS in reducing spasticity at the follow-up visit 2 weeks later (SMD: -0.17; 95%CI: -0.52 to 0.17) and fatigue (SMD: -0.26; 95%CI: -0.84 to 0.31). This evidence supports the recommendations to treat MS-related spasticity with rTMS, but underlines the need for further large randomized trials.

Core strengthening impact on soccer training of high school players / Impacto do fortalecimento do core no treino de futebol em jogadores colegiais / Impacto del fortalecimiento del core en el entrenamiento de fútbol en jugadores de secundaria

ABSTRACT Introduction The strengthening of the CORE is one of the essential methods for physical conditioning on elite soccer players, but there are no analyses on the impact of this method on young players. Objective Analyze the strength training impact on the CORE in high school soccer players. Methods This article uses mathematical statistics to study the application of strengthening of the CORE in soccer training for athletes. Based on these results, the role and influence of CORE strengthening training on skills in collegiate soccer training are analyzed. Results After implementing CORE strengthening, both athletes' fitness indicators and soccer skills were significantly improved. Conclusion Strengthening the CORE can improve players' stability and balance and contribute to greater effectiveness in physical training. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

RESUMO Introdução O fortalecimento do core é um dos principais métodos para condicionamento físico em jogadores de futebol de elite, porém não há analises sobre o impacto desse método em jovens jogadores. Objetivo Analisar Impacto do fortalecimento do core no treino de futebol em colegiais. Métodos Nesse artigo são utilizadas estatísticas matemáticas para estudar a aplicação do fortalecimento do core no futebol para atletas. Com base nesses resultados, analisa-se o papel e a influência do treino de fortalecimento do core sobre as habilidades no treino do futebol colegial. Resultados Após a implementação do fortalecimento do core, tanto os indicadores de aptidão física dos atletas quanto as habilidades no futebol foram significativamente melhorados. Conclusão O fortalecimento do core pode melhorar a estabilidade e o equilíbrio dos jogadores além de contribuir para a uma maior efetividade no treinamento físico. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción El fortalecimiento del core es uno de los principales métodos de acondicionamiento físico en los futbolistas de élite, pero no existen análisis sobre el impacto de este método en los jugadores jóvenes. Objetivo Analizar el impacto del fortalecimiento del core en el entrenamiento de fútbol en jugadores de secundaria. Métodos En este artículo se utiliza la estadística matemática para estudiar la aplicación del fortalecimiento del core en el fútbol para los atletas. A partir de estos resultados, se analiza el papel y la influencia del entrenamiento de fortalecimiento del core en las habilidades en el entrenamiento del fútbol universitario. Resultados Tras la aplicación del fortalecimiento del core, los indicadores de aptitud física y las habilidades futbolísticas de ambos atletas mejoraron significativamente. Conclusión El fortalecimiento del core puede mejorar la estabilidad y el equilibrio de los jugadores, además de contribuir a una mayor eficacia en el entrenamiento físico. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Characteristics of body load in physical training for football players / Características da carga corporal do treinamento físico em jogadores de futebol / Características de la carga corporal del entrenamiento físico en jugadores de fútbol

ABSTRACT Introduction: Overtraining in football is caused by an imbalance between body load, stress, and recovery. High-volume non-scientific physical training and continuous high-intensity football matches are often the main reasons for the overtraining of athletes. Objective: This article explores the characteristics of the changes in physical function of football players during a complete training cycle. Methods: We use experimental methods to analyze the changes in the physical load characteristics of football players during high-intensity training. Results: Creatine kinase, urea nitrogen, and oxygen transport indicators did not change significantly during football training. Testosterone and cortisol will gradually increase with an increase of exercise load. Conclusion: In football training, we need to reasonably arrange the total exercise volume, exercise intensity, and exercise interval time of the athletes according to the trainer's physical adaptability and athletic ability, supplemented with nutrition and enthusiasm recovery measures. These methods can improve or enhance the physical function of football players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O treino excessivo no futebol é causado por um desequilíbrio entre a carga corporal, o estresse e a recuperação. O treinamento físico não científico de alto volume e as partidas contínuas de futebol de alta intensidade costumam ser as principais razões do treinamento excessivo dos atletas. Objetivo: Este artigo explora as características das mudanças de função física dos jogadores de futebol durante um ciclo completo de treinamento. Métodos: Usamos métodos experimentais para analisar as mudanças nas características de carga física de jogadores de futebol durante o treinamento de alta intensidade. Resultados: Os indicadores de creatina quinase, nitrogênio da ureia sanguínea e transporte de oxigênio não significativamente durante o treinamento de futebol. A testosterona e o cortisol aumentam gradualmente com o aumento da carga dos exercícios. Conclusões: No treinamento de futebol, precisamos organizar razoavelmente o volume total do exercício, sua intensidade e o tempo de intervalo dos atletas, de acordo com a adaptabilidade física e habilidade atlética do treinador, e com medidas de recuperação nutricional e de entusiasmo. Esses métodos podem melhorar ou aprimorar a função física dos jogadores de futebol. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El sobreentrenamiento en el fútbol es causado por un desequilibrio entre la carga corporal, el estrés y la recuperación. El entrenamiento físico de alto volumen no científico y los partidos de fútbol continuos de alta intensidad suelen ser las principales razones del sobreentrenamiento de los atletas. Objetivo: Este artículo explora las características de los cambios en la función física de los jugadores de fútbol durante un ciclo completo de entrenamiento. Métodos: Utilizamos métodos experimentales para analizar los cambios en las características de la carga física de los jugadores de fútbol durante el entrenamiento de alta intensidad. Resultados: Los indicadores de creatina quinasa, nitrógeno ureico en la sangre y transporte de oxígeno no fueron significativos durante el entrenamiento. La testosterona y el cortisol aumentan gradualmente con el aumento de la carga de ejercicios. Conclusiones: En el entrenamiento de fútbol, se debe organizar razonablemente el volumen total de ejercicios, la intensidad y el tiempo de intervalo de los atletas en función del acondicionamiento físico y la capacidad atlética del entrenador, y con medidas de recuperación nutricional y de entusiasmo. Estos métodos pueden mejorar o potenciar la función física de los jugadores de fútbol. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Synthetic berberine derivatives as potential new drugs

Abstract The modern process of new drug discovery and development is an exciting, yet a challenging, endeavor. Although it can result in significant financial income and meet the medical needs of patients, it ultimately may result in failure. To achieve a fast and successful new product discovery and development process, natural products which are evolutionarily optimized as drug-like molecules have gained great attention as better potential sources of new chemical entities. Historically, plant species containing berberine are used in various traditional phytotherapy. However, despite the various therapeutic effects it exerts, berberine is not yet developed into a drug product. Addressing the barriers that hinder its successful development and the efforts made to overcome them is thus crucial. The toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of berberine are the main barriers towards its development into a marketed drug product. It has low aqueous solubility, poor absorption, fast metabolism, and wide tissue distribution which lead to low bioavailability limiting its clinical application. Synthetic berberine derivatives with improved properties are suggested as better alternatives for further development and future therapeutic application. Hence, this paper summarizes the preclinical research studies conducted in the last decade to reveal the therapeutic potential of synthetic berberine derivatives for the treatment of various diseases and hence achieve successful berberine-based drug development in the future. To exploit the value of natural products as a source of leads for the development of effective drugs, collaboration among the different discovery and development scientists is essential.

Comparative stomach tissue distribution profiles of four major bio-active components of Radix Astragali in normal and gastric ulcer mice

Numerous studies have demonstrated that Radix Astragali can inhibit gastric ulcers in mice. Anhydrous ethanol (0.01 mL/g) administered to mice by intragastric infusion can induce gastric ulcer injury. This study was performed to compare the stomach tissue distribution profiles of four major bioactive constituents of Radix Astragali(calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside, calycosin, ononin and formononetin) after oral administration of extract of Radix Astragali (ERA)in normal and gastric ulcer mice. The abundance of Radix Astragali constituents was determined using an ultra-pressure liquid chromatograph with a photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA), after which histograms were drawn. In comparison with normal mice, the contents of calycosin- 7-O-ß-d-glucoside, calycosin, ononin and formononetin in the stomach tissue samples of gastric ulcer mice showed significant differences at the selected time points (P < 0.05).The abundance of each of the four tested constituents in the normal groups was higher than that of the gastric ulcer groups. This study provides an empirical foundation for future studies focused on developing clinical applications of Radix Astragali

Sports metabolism in improving national fitness / O metabolismo esportivo e a melhora no preparo físico nacional / El metabolismo deportivo y la mejoría en el preparo físico nacional

ABSTRACT Introduction: Exercise can invigorate the body's metabolism. There are very few people who know how sports promote people's physical and mental health. How to lead people to participate in physical exercise through sports is a question worth considering. Objective: We explore the effects of sports on human metabolism. Methods: The article analyzes athletes' physical and chemical indicators before and after exercise and during the recovery period. The indicators cover blood routine, urine routine, and blood testosterone content. Results: The blood and urine routines of athletes before and after training are different (P<0.05). After an expressive number of exercises, the urine testosterone content will be different due to the difference in genders (P<0.05). Conclusions: Physical exercise has a very significant impact on human metabolism. The body's hormone levels and metabolism are related to the amount of exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: o exercício pode fortalecer o metabolismo corporal. Poucas pessoas sabem o quanto o esporte promove a saúde física e mental de indivíduos. Como levar as pessoas a participar em exercícios físicos através dos esportes é uma questão que vale a pena considerar. Objetivo: Explorar os efeitos do esporte no metabolismo humano. Métodos: O artigo analisa indicadores físicos e químicos de atletas antes e depois do exercício e durante o período de recuperação. Os indicadores cobrem testes de sangue, de urina e conteúdo de testosterona no sangue. Resultados: Os resultados dos testes de sangue e urina dos atletas antes e depois de treinar são diferentes (P<0.05). Após muito exercício, o conteúdo de testosterona na urina será diferente devido a diferença entre os sexos (P<0.05). Conclusões: O exercício físico tem um impacto significativo no metabolismo humano. O nível hormonal e o metabolismo do corpo estão relacionados a quantidade de exercício. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El ejercicio puede fortalecer el metabolismo corporal. Pocas personas saben cuánto el deporte promueve la salud física y mental de individuos. Cómo llevar a las personas a participar en ejercicios físicos a través de los deportes es una cuestión que vale la pena considerar. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos del deporte en el metabolismo humano. Métodos: El artículo analiza indicadores físicos y químicos de atletas antes y después del ejercicio y durante el periodo de recuperación. Los indicadores abarcan análisis de sangre, urina y contenido de testosterona en la sangre. Resultados: Los resultados de los análisis de sangre antes y después de entrenar son distintos (P<0.05). Tras mucho ejercicio, el contenido de testosterona en la urina será diferente debido a la diferencia entre los sexos (P<0,05). Conclusiones: El ejercicio físico tiene un impacto significativo en el metabolismo humano. El nivel hormonal y el metabolismo del cuerpo están relacionados a la cantidad de ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

WeChat-based education and rehabilitation program in unprotected left main coronary artery disease patients after coronary artery bypass grafting: an effective approach in reducing anxiety, depression, loss to follow-up, and improving quality of life

This study aimed to investigate the effect of WeChat-based education and rehabilitation program (WERP) on anxiety, depression, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events (MACCE)-free survival, and loss to follow-up rate in unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this randomized controlled study, 140 ULMCAD patients who underwent CABG were randomly assigned to WERP group (n=70) or control care (CC) group (n=70). During the 12-month intervention period, anxiety and depression (using hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)) and HRQoL (using 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12)) were assessed longitudinally. During the total 36-month follow-up period (12-month intervention and 24-month non-intervention periods), MACCE and loss to follow-up were recorded. During the intervention period, HADS-anxiety score at month 9 (M9) (P=0.047) and month 12 (M12) (P=0.034), anxiety rate at M12 (P=0.028), and HADS-D score at M12 (P=0.048) were all reduced in WERP group compared with CC group. As for HRQoL, SF-12 physical component summary score at M9 (P=0.020) and M12 (P=0.010) and SF-12 mental component summary score at M9 (P=0.040) and M12 (P=0.028) were all increased in WERP group compared with CC group. During the total follow-up period, WERP group displayed a trend of longer MACCE-free survival than that in CC group but without statistical significance (P=0.195). Additionally, loss to follow-up rate was attenuated in WERP group compared with CC group (P=0.033). WERP serves as an effective approach in optimizing mental health care and promoting life quality in ULMCAD patients after CABG.

7. 0T ultrahigh-field MRI directly visualized the pedunculopontine nucleus in Parkinson's disease patients

OBJECTIVES: The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is considered a promising new target for neurostimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with postural instability and gait disturbance that is refractory to other treatment modalities. However, the PPN is typically difficult to visualize with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at clinical field strengths, which greatly limits the PPN as a viable surgical target for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Thus, the aim of this study is to directly visualize the PPN based on 7.0T ultrahigh-field MRI. METHODS: Five PD patients were enrolled and scanned using the MP2RAGE sequence on a 7.0T ultrahigh-field MRI scanner. Then, the MP2RAGE sequences were imported into a commercially available navigation system. The coordinates of the directly localized PPN poles were recorded in the navigation system relative to the anterior commissure-posterior commissure plane. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the PPN presented intermediate signal intensity in the 7.0T ultrahigh-field MR images in comparison with the surrounding structure, such as the hypo-intensity of the periaqueductal gray and the hyperintensity of the neighboring white matter tracts, in PD patients. The mean coordinates for the rostral and caudal poles of PPN were 6.50 mm and 7.20 mm lateral, 1.58 mm and 2.21 mm posterior, and 8.89 mm and 13.83 mm relative to the posterior commissure. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide, for the first time, direct visualization of the PPN using the MP2RAGE sequence on a 7.0T ultrahigh-field MRI, which may improve the accuracy of stereotactic targeting of the PPN and improve the outcomes in patients undergoing DBS.

NMR-based metabolomics to select a surgical method for treating papillary thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate differences in the metabolomic profiles of patients who received different surgeries for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: Two surgical methods, i.e., unilateral and total thyroidectomy, were employed according to different disease conditions. Sera from patients who were treated with levothyroxine sodium tablets before and after surgery was analyzed with a Bruker 500 Hz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. Data were analyzed via principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) with SIMCA-P+ 11.0 software, and metabolites were obtained and compared. The first and second principal components were selected from PCA, PLS-DA, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were significant differences in serum metabolomics before and after surgery. Compared with unilateral thyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy reversed some highly increased metabolite levels (e.g., taurine and betaine). More significant variations in abnormal metabolites were noted after total thyroidectomy than after unilateral thyroidectomy (e.g., alanine, choline, hippurate, and formic acid). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of surgical method for PTC patients should be based not only on the tumor condition but also on the potential consequences of metabolic variations. Total thyroidectomy reversed some increased metabolite levels but led to accumulation of some other metabolites due to the loss of thyroid function; thus, metabolic disturbances caused by thyroid hormone deficiency should be prevented in advance.

Oligomerization of Cry9Aa in solution without receptor binding, is not related with insecticidal activity

Background: Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins bind with different insect midgut proteins leading to toxin oligomerization, membrane insertion and pore formation. However, different Cry toxins had been shown to readily form high molecular weight oligomers or aggregates in solution in the absence of receptor interaction. The role of Cry oligomers formed in solution remains uncertain. The Cry9A proteins show high toxicity against different Lepidoptera, and no-cross resistance with Cry1A. Results: Cry9Aa655 protein formed oligomers easily in solution mediated by disulfide bonds, according to SDS-PAGE analysis under non-reducing and reducing conditions. However, oligomerization is not observed if Cry9Aa655 is activated with trypsin, suggesting that cysteine residues, C14 and C16, located in the N-terminal end that is processed during activation participate in this oligomerization. To determine the role of these residues on oligomerization and in toxicity single and double alanine substitution were constructed. In contrast to single C14A and C16A mutants, the double C14A-C16A mutant did not form oligomers in solution. Toxicity assays against Plutella xylostella showed that the C14A-C16A mutant had a similar insecticidal activity as the Cry9Aa655 protein indicating the oligomers of Cry9Aa formed in solution in the absence of receptor binding are not related with toxicity. Conclusions: The aggregation of Cry9Aa655 polypeptides was mediated by disulfide bonds. Cry9Aa655 C14 and C16C are involved in oligomerization in solution. These aggregate forms are not related to the mode of action of Cry9Aa leading to toxicity.

Etiologic and epidemiologic analysis of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Guangzhou city: a review of 4,753 cases

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to review etiological and epidemiological data for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases that occurred between 2008 and 2010 in Guangzhou City, to help develop and implement precautionary measures applicable for future outbreaks. METHODS: The characteristics of 4,753 HFMD episodes were retrospectively reviewed in 4,636 patients reported between 2008 and 2010 by the Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital, which is the national enterovirus monitoring agent and the designated hospital in China for treating severe HFMD. RESULTS: Out of 4,753 incident episodes reviewed, 525 patients were hospitalized; 60% were males. Most patients (93.8%) were children under 5 years old, with a median age at onset of 2.4 years. HFMD incidence peaked in April/May and September/October. From the total, 1,067 (22.4%) infections were positive for human enterovirus 71 (HEV71), 1,094 (23.0%) were positive for coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), and 941 (19.8%) were positive for other common enteroviruses. In contrast, 1,666 (35.0%) cases were negative to HEV71, CA16, and other common enteroviruses. Cross-correlation coefficients demonstrated associations between the number of cases, seasonal temperatures, and humidity. Among hospitalized cases, HEV71 was positive in 261 (24.5%), and 42 (3.9%) critical cases were positive for HEV71. CONCLUSION: Seasonal fluctuations and HEV71 and CA16 were the two key factors influencing the Guangzhou HFMD epidemic. The infection predominantly affected children younger than 5 years old.