Proteomic Profiling of Muscular Adaptations to Short-Term Concentric Versus Eccentric Exercise Training in Humans.

The molecular mechanisms underlying muscular adaptations to concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) exercise training have been extensively explored. However, most previous studies have focused on specifically selected proteins, thus, unable to provide a comprehensive protein profile and potentially missing the crucial mechanisms underlying muscular adaptation to exercise training. We herein aimed to investigate proteomic profiles of human skeletal muscle in response to short-term resistance training. Twenty young males were randomly and evenly assigned to two groups to complete a 4-week either ECC or CON training program. Measurements of body composition and physiological function of the quadriceps femoris were conducted both before and after the training. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis of randomly selected participants (five in ECC and four in CON) of both before and after the training were analyzed using the liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in combination with bioinformatics analysis. Neither group presented a significant difference in body composition or leg muscle mass; however, muscle peak torque, total work, and maximal voluntary contraction were significantly increased after the training in both groups. Proteomics analysis revealed 122 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs; p value < 0.05 & fold change >1.5 or <0.67) in ECC, of which the increased DAPs were mainly related to skeletal muscle contraction and cytoskeleton and enriched specifically in the pentose phosphate pathway, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, whereas the decreased DAPs were associated with the mitochondrial respiratory chain. One hundred one DAPs were identified in CON, of which the increased DAPs were primarily involved in translation/protein synthesis and the mitochondria respiratory, whereas the decreased DAPs were related to metabolic processes, cytoskeleton, and de-ubiquitination. In conclusion, the 4-week CON and ECC training resulted in distinctly different proteomic profiles, especially in proteins related to muscular structure and metabolism.

Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise Regulates GSK3α/ß Activity in the Cortex and Hippocampus of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. METHODS: Six-month-old Amyloid precursor protein/Presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic (Tg) mice and wild-type (Wt) mice were randomly assigned to either a sedentary group (Tg-Sed, Wt-Sed) or an exercise group (Tg-Ex, Wt-Ex) undertaking a 12-week, moderate-intensity treadmill running program. Consequently, all mice were tested for memory function and amyloid ß (Aß) levels and phosphorylation of tau and protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) were examined in tissues of both the cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS: Tg-Sed mice had severely impaired memory, higher levels of Aß, and increased phosphorylation of tau, GSK3α tyrosine279, and GSK3ß tyrosine216, but less phosphorylation of GSK3α serine21, GSK3ß serine9, and Akt serine473 in both tissues than Wt-Sed mice in respective tissues. Tg-Ex mice showed significant improvement in memory function along with lower levels of Aß and less phosphorylation of tau (both tissues), GSK3α tyrosine279 (both tissues), and GSK3ß tyrosine216 (hippocampus only), but increased phosphorylation of GSK3α serine21 (both tissues), GSK3ß serine9 (hippocampus only), and Akt serine473 (both tissues) compared with Tg-Sed mice in respective tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is highly effective in improving memory function in 9-month-old APP/PS1 mice, most likely through differential modulation of GSK3α/ß phosphorylation in the cortex and hippocampus.

Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique versus Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Large Macular Holes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of macular holes (MHs). However, there is a possibility of poor postoperative anatomical closure with conventional ILM peeling for MHs larger than 400 µm. Therefore, a novel inverted ILM flap technique was developed for such cases. OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis study was performed to evaluate and compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of the inverted ILM flap technique and ILM peeling in large MHs. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The trial eligibility and risk of bias were assessed according to Cochrane review methods. The primary outcome measures included MH closure rate and postoperative visual acuity (VA). Subgroup analysis of postoperative VA based on follow-up time was also conducted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Five RCTs with a total of 155 eyes in the inverted ILM flap group and 161 eyes in the ILM peeling group were included in this meta-analysis. Statistical meta-analysis revealed that the overall MH closure rate in the inverted ILM flap group was significantly higher than that in the ILM peeling group (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.25-7.66; p = 0.01). The postoperative VA was significantly better in the inverted ILM flap group than the ILM peeling group (WMD = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.21 to -0.07; p = 0.0002). The subgroup meta-analysis indicated that the postoperative VA was significantly better in the inverted ILM flap group than the ILM peeling group (WMD = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.26 to -0.08; p = 0.0004) at the 3-month follow-up. However, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups at the 6-month follow-up (WMD = -0.09; 95% CI: -0.20 to 0.02; p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique showed a higher anatomical closure rate as well as visual gain - although only in the short term as no difference in visual recovery was found at the 6-month follow-up - than did ILM peeling in large MHs. The inverted ILM flap technique should be considered as a preferred and routine procedure for the treatment of patients with MHs larger than 400 µm.

Macular hole surgery recovery with and without face-down posturing: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: After pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade, patients are often required to remain in a face-down position (FDP) to allow the gas bubble to push against the macular hole (MH) to promote hole closure. However, this position may be uncomfortable and inconvenient for the elderly and those with medical comorbidities; it may also lead to certain postoperative complications. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of postoperative FDP and non-face-down position (nFDP) on the closure rate of MHs following MH surgery. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected through an electronic search of the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, and Embase databases. Trial eligibility and risk of bias were assessed according to Cochrane review methods. The primary measures included overall MH closure rate and subgroup analysis based on MH size. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software and Stata software 15.0. RESULTS: Five RCTs composed of a total of 183 eyes in the FDP group and 175 eyes in the nFDP group were included in this meta-analysis. Statistical meta-analysis revealed that the overall MH closure rate in the FDP group was significantly higher than that in the nFDP group (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.02 to 5.05, P = 0.04). For MH sizes smaller than 400 µm, the subgroup meta-analysis indicated that the closure rate of the FDP group was not significantly higher than that of the nFDP group (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.39 to 4.49, P = 0.66). However, when MH size was larger than 400 µm, there was a significantly higher closure rate in the FDP group (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.10 to 7.94, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that a face-down postoperative position seems to be unnecessary when MHs are smaller than 400 µm but may be highly recommended for MHs larger than 400 µm. Further RCTs with large sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings in future.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Changes in the Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with the pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and healthy controls. METHODS: Case-control studies were selected through an electronic search of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed, and Embase. Results were reviewed to ensure that the included studies met prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All included studies measured average and 4-quadrant (temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior) RNFL thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT). For the continuous outcomes, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Eight case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis involving 225 eyes of PXS patients and 208 eyes of healthy controls in total. Statistical analysis revealed that the average RNFL thickness in PXS patients was significantly reduced compared to healthy controls (WMD = -6.91, 95% CI: -9.99 to -3.82, p < 0.0001). Additionally, differences in RNFL thickness in the superior quadrant (WMD = -10.68, 95% CI: -16.40 to -4.95, p = 0.0003), inferior quadrant (WMD = -8.20, 95% CI: -10.85 to -5.55, p < 0.00001), nasal quadrant (WMD = -3.05, 95% CI: -5.21 to -0.90, p = 0.005), and temporal quadrant (WMD = -6.39, 95% CI: -9.98 to -2.80, p = 0.0005) were all significant between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that it is important to evaluate RNFL thickness and the optic nerve head through OCT in patients with PXS in order to determine early glaucomatous damage and start timely intervention prior to visual field loss.

Evaluation of biometry and corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery patients from Central China.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the distribution of biometric parameters and corneal astigmatism using the IOLMaster device before phacoemulsification in cataract patients in Central China. METHODS: Consecutive cataract patients were recruited at the Central Hospital of Wuhan between January 2015 and June 2016. Ocular axial length (AL), keratometry values, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and horizontal corneal diameter (white to white [WTW]) of each cataract-affected eye were measured with the IOLMaster device. RESULTS: The study evaluated 3209 eyes of 2821 cataract patients. The mean AL, ACD, and WTW were 24.38 ± 2.47 mm, 3.15 ± 0.48 mm, and 11.63 ± 0.43 mm, respectively. Corneal astigmatism of 0.51-1.00 diopters (D) was the most common range of values (34.96%). A total of 10.56% patients exhibited a corneal astigmatism greater than 2.0 D. The flat and steep keratometry values gradually increased with age. The mean ACD and WTW showed increasing trends as the AL increased (P < 0.001). When the AL was shorter than 26.0 mm, the keratometry decreased as AL increased. The against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism proportion increased with age and the with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism proportion decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of ocular biometric data and corneal astigmatism may help ophthalmologists improve their surgical procedures and make an appropriate IOL choice to gain a high quality of postoperative vision.

Changes in Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase were screened using our key words. Results were carefully reviewed to ensure that the included studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All included studies categorized patients with OSAHS into 3 groups (mild, moderate, and severe), and measured average and 4-quadrant (temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior) RNFL thickness. All studies included a healthy control group. The weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the continuous outcomes. RESULTS: Ten case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis, consisting of a total of 811 OSAHS group and 868 healthy eyes. A meta-analysis of the data showed that the average RNFL thicknesses in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAHS groups were significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. Additionally, RNFL thickness was significantly reduced in all but the temporal quadrant in the moderate and severe OSAHS groups when compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, we suggest that peripapillary RNFL thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography could be a useful tool to monitor and assess the severity of OSAHS in patients. Further studies are required in order to differentiate these RNFL changes from glaucomatous changes. This has not been properly examined in any of the studies we were able to identify.

Inhibitors of endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme lead to an amplification of the morphological changes and an upregulation of the substance P system in a muscle overuse model.

BACKGROUND: We have previously observed, in studies on an experimental overuse model, that the tachykinin system may be involved in the processes of muscle inflammation (myositis) and other muscle tissue alterations. To further evaluate the significance of tachykinins in these processes, we have used inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), substances which are known to terminate the activity of various endogenously produced substances, including tachykinins. METHODS: Injections of inhibitors of NEP and ACE, as well as the tachykinin substance P (SP), were given locally outside the tendon of the triceps surae muscle of rabbits subjected to marked overuse of this muscle. A control group was given NaCl injections. Evaluations were made at 1 week, a timepoint of overuse when only mild inflammation and limited changes in the muscle structure are noted in animals not treated with inhibitors. Both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were examined morphologically and with immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). RESULTS: A pronounced inflammation (myositis) and changes in the muscle fiber morphology, including muscle fiber necrosis, occurred in the overused muscles of animals given NEP and ACE inhibitors. The morphological changes were clearly more prominent than for animals subjected to overuse and NaCl injections (NaCl group). A marked SP-like expression, as well as a marked expression of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) was found in the affected muscle tissue in response to injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors. The concentration of SP in the muscles was also higher than that for the NaCl group. CONCLUSIONS: The observations show that the local injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors led to marked SP-like and NK-1R immunoreactions, increased SP concentrations, and an amplification of the morphological changes in the tissue. The injections of the inhibitors thus led to a more marked myositis process and an upregulation of the SP system. Endogenously produced substances, out of which the tachykinins conform to one substance family, may play a role in mediating effects in the tissue in a muscle that is subjected to pronounced overuse.

Functional rehabilitation and long­term efficacy of rotationplasty in pediatrics: A retrospective study.

Rehabilitation plays a critical role in the functional recovery of pediatric patients following rotationplasty for lower extremity malignant bone tumors. However, due to the limited number of cases and the unique characteristics of the surgery, there is a paucity of studies that have longitudinally evaluated the effect of rehabilitation strategies on long-term functional recovery after rotationplasty. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify an effective rehabilitation approach for pediatric patients undergoing rotationplasty for malignant bone tumors of the lower limb. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the effect of rehabilitation on long-term functional recovery and quality of life. A total of 12 patients were included in the current study, with a mean age at surgery of 6.58±1.73 years (range, 4-10 years). These patients underwent rotationplasty for malignant bone tumors of the lower extremity at the Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (Beijing, China) between March 2014 and March 2019. After surgery, patients underwent a 6-month postoperative rehabilitation programme, either on an outpatient or inpatient basis, with exercise therapy as the key training modality. The follow-up outcomes at 3, 6 and 12 months and at 3 and 5 years were recorded and analyzed, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of long-term progress. The results demonstrated a gradual enhancement in functional performance and quality of life. Within a year of surgery, the patients displayed significant improvements in both functional recovery and quality of life, and all indicators remained stable 1 year later compared with those at 1 year post-surgery. More specifically, patients showed restored muscle strength and walking ability to normal levels, with a significant increase in muscle strength to 5/5. In addition, the study revealed that the mean distance covered in the 6-min walk test was 403.08±12.52 meters, while a duration of 8.83±0.72 sec was recorded in the timed up and go test. All patients have been continuously monitored up to date. The follow-up period for all patients ranged from 60 to 120 months, with a mean of 89.83±17.55 months. Overall, the findings indicated that the early postoperative period was a critical period for functional recovery, and that early postoperative rehabilitation interventions resulted in significant improvements to the rate and quality of functional recovery over time, thus further improving quality of life.

High-intensity interval training vs. yoga in improving binge eating and physical fitness in inactive young females.

Yoga is effective in binge eating disorder (BED) treatment, but it does not seem effective enough to improve low physical fitness. In contrast, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective in improving physical fitness but has never been studied in the context of BED. In the study, 47 young inactive females with mild to moderate BED were recruited and randomly assigned to a HIIT group (HIIT), a Yoga group (YG), or a control group (CG; age, 19.47 ± 0.74, 19.69 ± 0.874, and 19.44 ± 0.63 years; BMI, 21.07 ± 1.66, 21.95 ± 2.67, and 20.68 ± 2.61 kg/m2, respectively). The intervention groups participated in 8-week specific exercises, while the CG maintained their usual daily activity. Before and after the training, participants were evaluated for BED using the binge eating scale (BES) and for physical fitness. The obtained data were compared within groups and between groups, and a correlation analysis between BES and physical fitness parameters was performed. After the training, the YG presented significant improvements in BES (- 20.25%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.408), fat mass (FM, - 3.13%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.269), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, 11.51%, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.601), whereas the HIIT showed significant improvements in body weight (BW, - 1.78%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.433), FM (- 3.94%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.285), and BMI (- 1.80%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.428), but not in BES. Comparisons between groups revealed that both HIIT and YG had significantly higher VO2max levels than CG (HIIT 12.82%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.088; YG: 11.90%, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.088) with no difference between HIIT and YG. Additionally, YG presented significantly lower BES than both HIIT (15.45%, p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.03) and CG (11.91%, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.03). In conclusion, Yoga is an effective treatment for BED, but HIIT is not, despite its high efficacy in improving physical fitness.

Assessment of corneal biomechanical behavior under posterior and anterior pressure.

PURPOSE: To determine the biomechanical response of the rabbit cornea to inflation under posterior and anterior pressure. METHODS: Twelve Japanese white rabbits were included in the study. A randomly selected eye from each animal was subjected to posterior pressure in an inflation test rig, and the other eye was subjected to anterior pressure after manually reversing its curvature. Specimens were loaded by cycles of pressure up to 40 mmHg, and the experimentally obtained pressure-deformation data were used to derive the stress-strain behavior of each eye using an inverse modeling procedure. RESULTS: The differences between the two groups in corneal thickness, diameter, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were not statistically significant (P=.935, .879 and .368, respectively). Corneas tested under posterior pressure displayed significantly higher stiffness (as measured by the tangent modulus) than those inflated by anterior pressure (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cornea is a nonlinear viscoelastic tissue that presents different mechanical properties when tested under posterior and anterior pressure. The determination of the behavior under both forms of pressure could contribute to the construction of accurate finite element simulations of corneal behavior and the correction of tonometric IOP measurements. The difference in mechanical behavior between anteriorly and posteriorly loaded corneas in the study, although significant, could have been partly affected by the changes in microstructure possibly caused by changing corneal form to enable anterior loading.

The effect of hinge location on corneal sensation and dry eye after LASIK: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the possible effect of hinge location on corneal sensation and dry eye syndrome after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register to identify potentially relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of comparing the effects of horizontal-hinge flaps and vertical-hinge flaps on corneal sensation and dry eye after LASIK. Meta-analyses were performed for corneal sensation, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's I test and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Eight RCTs (657 eyes) investigating the effects of hinge location on the corneal sensation and dry eye syndrome after LASIK were identified. The results showed that the horizontal-hinge group causes less loss of sensation than the vertical-hinge group, and the difference was significant at 3-month postoperative (p = 0.01). The TBUT value was significantly larger and a lower percentage of patients with CFS in the horizontal-hinge group than in the vertical-hinge group at 1-month postoperative (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01, respectively) and 3-month (p = 0.03 and p = 0.009, respectively); Schirmer's I test values were also higher in the horizontal-hinge group, but the difference did not reach statistically significance at each postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: According to the available data, we suggest that hinge location may have some effect on corneal sensation and dry eye syndrome after LASIK at the early postoperative period. However, there was no significant difference between the groups at 6 months after surgery. Further well-organized, prospective, randomized studies involving more patients are warranted.

Bilateral increase in expression and concentration of tachykinin in a unilateral rabbit muscle overuse model that leads to myositis.

BACKGROUND: Tachykinins can have pro-inflammatory as well as healing effects during tissue reorganization and inflammation. Recent studies report an up-regulation in the expression of the substance P (SP)-preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor, in marked muscle inflammation (myositis). There is, however, only very little information on the expression patterns and levels of tachykinins in this situation. METHODS: The tachykinin system was analyzed using a rabbit experimental model of muscle overuse, whereby unilateral muscle exercise in combination with electrical stimulation led to muscle derangement and myositis in the triceps surae muscle (experimental length 1-6 weeks). Evaluations were made for both parts of the muscle (soleus and gastrocnemius muscles) in experimental and non-experimental (contralateral) sides. Morphologic evaluation, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analyses were applied. RESULTS: Myositis and muscle derangement occurred focally not only in the experimental side but also in the non-experimental side. In the inflammatory areas (focal myositis areas), there were frequent nerve fibers showing tachykinin-like immunoreactivity and which were parts of nerve fascicles and which were freely dispersed in the tissue. Cells in the inflammatory infiltrates showed tachykinin-like immunoreactivity and tachykinin mRNA expression. Specific immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were noted in blood vessel walls of both sides, especially in focally affected areas. With increasing experimental length, we observed an increase in the degree of immunoreactivity in the vessel walls. The EIA analyses showed that the concentration of tachykinin in the tissue on both sides increased in a time-dependent manner. There was a statistical correlation in the concentration of tachykinin and the level of tachykinin immunoreactivity in the blood vessel walls between experimental and non-experimental sides. CONCLUSIONS: The observations show an up-regulation of the tachykinin system bilaterally during muscle derangement/myositis in response to pronounced unilateral muscle overuse. This up-regulation occurred in inflammatory areas and was related not only to increased tachykinin innervation but also to tachykinin expression in blood vessel walls and inflammatory cells. Importantly, the tachykinin system appears to be an important factor not only ipsilaterally but also contralaterally in these processes.

Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap versus Internal Limiting Membrane Insertion Technique for Large Macular Holes: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSES: This meta-analysis aimed to compare and evaluate the morphological and functional outcomes between the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap and ILM insertion techniques in the treatment of large macular holes (MHs). METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies comparing the two techniques for the treatment of large MHs. The primary outcome measures included the MH closure rate, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), MH closure patterns, and external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials and four retrospective studies were included in this meta-analysis. The MH closure rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = .93). Postoperative BCVA was not significantly different between the two groups at 3 months (P = .20) or 6 months (P = .51). ELM and EZ recovery were also similar between the two groups. However, the results for postoperative BCVA and outer retinal structure recovery tended to favor the ILM flap group based on the forest plot. There was no significant difference between the two groups for the U-shape (P = .26), V-shape (P = .65), and W-shape closure types (P = .38). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis provides evidence that the MH closure rate and visual function outcomes are similar between the ILM flap and ILM insertion techniques in large MHs. However, based on the forest plot, postoperative BCVA and outer retinal layer reconstruction tended to favor the ILM flap technique. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the superiority of the ILM flap to the ILM insertion technique.

Targeted Lipidomics and Inflammation Response to Six Weeks of Sprint Interval Training in Male Adolescents.

Lipids play an important role in coordinating and regulating metabolic and inflammatory processes. Sprint interval training (SIT) is widely used to improve sports performance and health outcomes, but the current understanding of SIT-induced lipid metabolism and the corresponding systemic inflammatory status modification remains controversial and limited, especially in male adolescents. To answer these questions, twelve untrained male adolescents were recruited and underwent 6 weeks of SIT. The pre- and post-training testing included analyses of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), biometric data (weight and body composition), serum biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, testosterone, and cortisol), inflammatory markers, and targeted lipidomics. After the 6-week SIT, the serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß significantly decreased (p < 0.05), whereas IL-6 and IL-10/TNF-α significantly increased (p < 0.05). In addition, the targeted lipidomics revealed changes in 296 lipids, of which 33 changed significantly (p < 0.05, fold change > 1.2 or <1/1.2). The correlation analysis revealed that the changes in the inflammatory markers were closely correlated with the changes in some of the lipids, such as LPC, HexCer, and FFA. In conclusion, the 6-week SIT induced significant changes in the inflammatory markers and circulating lipid composition, offering health benefits to the population.

Exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation: re-evaluation by proteomics.

Using proteomics combined with immunohistochemistry (IHC), we re-evaluated our previous hypothesis that voluntary eccentric exercise does not result in inflammation or necrosis while it does lead to muscular adaptation/remodeling through Z-band related proteins. Muscle biopsies from m. vastus lateralis were taken from five control and five exercised subjects 48 h after 45 min of downhill running. General muscle morphology was examined using histology and histochemistry. Proteomics was used to reveal protein profiles and novel proteins. IHC with specific antibody against three Z-band related proteins identified by proteomics was also performed. General morphology showed no muscle degeneration or inflammation in any exercised biopsy. Proteomics revealed that out of 612 individual protein spots, the exercised biopsy presented three proteins with significant (p < 0.05) higher expression ratio and four proteins of lower ratio compared to controls. Four of the proteins desmin, actin, Rab-35 and LDB3 are Z-band related; the former two have long been the focus of interest and were found to be up-regulated in the study; the latter two are Z-band assembly/stabilization protein and were for the first time observed to be down-regulated in exercised muscles. The other three proteins are related with either cellular metabolism or calcium homeostasis and none is related with muscle necrosis or inflammation. IHC observations that both desmin and actin were increased whereas LDB3 was completely absent in some focal areas are consistent with proteomic results and with our previous observations. The results of the study confirmed our previous findings and therefore strengthened the hypothesis that voluntary eccentric exercise does not cause human muscle necrosis or inflammation; instead, muscular remodeling occurs specifically through Z-band related proteins.

Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis versus Phacoemulsification Alone in Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL) with those of phacoemulsification alone (Phaco-alone) in patients with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected through a search of electronic databases. Trial eligibility and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane review methods. Primary measures included the intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, peripheral anterior adhesion (PAS) extent, and their pre- and postoperative changes. For continuous parameters, we calculated weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were included, where 224 and 236 eyes were in the Phaco-GSL and Phaco-alone groups, respectively. Both postoperative IOP and number of medications were not significantly different between the study groups at the six- and twelve-month follow-up. However, the 12-month postoperative PAS extent was significantly smaller in the Phaco-GSL group than in the Phaco-alone group. Similarly, changes from the preoperative to 12-month postoperative PAS extent were significantly greater in the Phaco-GSL group than in the Phaco-alone group, but IOP and the number of medication changes were not different. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that Phaco-GSL provides advantages over Phaco-alone treatment regarding PAS reduction. In terms of IOP and medication reduction, both groups were comparable. Thus, Phaco-GSL can be considered for the treatment of patients with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract due to its ease, safety, and potential benefit for the anterior chamber angle.

Induction of Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells for Retinal Regeneration by Using Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor in Diabetic Rats.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common cause of blindness all over the world. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been considered as a promising strategy for retinal regeneration in the treatment of DR. However, the poor viability and low levels of BMSCs engraftment limit the therapeutic potential of BMSCs. The present study aimed to examine the direct induction of BMSCs differentiation into the cell types related to retinal regeneration by using soluble cytokine ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). We observed remarkably increased expression of cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) and retinoid isomerohydrolase (RPE65) in BMSCs treated with CNTF in vitro, indicating the directional differentiation of BMSCs into the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are crucial for retinal healing. In vivo, the diabetic rat model was established by use of streptozotocin (STZ), and animals treated with BMSCs+CNTF exhibited better viability and higher delivery efficiency of the transplanted cells than those treated with BMSCs injection alone. Similar to the in-vitro result, treatment with BMSCs and CNTF combined led to the differentiation of BMSCs into beneficial cells (RPE cells), and accelerated retinal healing characterized by the activation of rod photoreceptor cells and phagocytosis function of RPE cells. In conclusion, CNTF contributes to the differentiation of BMSCs into RPE cells, which may help overcome the current stem cell therapy limitations in the field of retinal regeneration.

Potential effects of long-term abuse of anabolic androgen steroids on human skeletal muscle.

BACKGROUND: We have previously evaluated muscle functions and morphology in power athletes of long term (5 to15 years) abuse of anabolic androgen steroids (AAS; Doped) and in clean power athletes (Clean), and observed significant improvements in both muscle morphology and muscle functions in Doped. To our knowledge, the effects of long term AAS abuse on human muscle protein profile have never been studied. METHODS: The study examined further the muscle biopsies using a two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) for proteomic screening and protein expression. Cellular localization/distribution of specific proteins identified by proteomic analysis was examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: Different protein profiles were observed between Doped and Clean, and a valid orthogonal projection of latent structure discriminant analysis model was built (N.=16, x=5, R2=0.88/Q2=0.84, P=0.0005), which separated Doped from Clean. Liquid chromatography followed by tandem spectrometry identified 14 protein spots (representing nine different proteins) of significant difference in relative quantity (P<0.05), of which nine spots were down-regulated in Doped compared with Clean. IHC revealed no significant alteration in cellular localization in phosphoglucomutase-1 and heat shock protein beta-1, but indeed in two reference proteins desmin and F-actin in Doped. CONCLUSIONS: Long term abuse of AAS in combination with training is potentially associated with alterations in skeletal muscle protein profile and protein expression, and structural proteins rather than non-structural proteins are preferentially affected in cellular localization/distribution.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene D/I Polymorphism in Relation to Endothelial Function and Endothelial-Released Factors in Chinese Women.

Many studies have investigated the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) D/I polymorphism and cardiovascular disease or endothelial dysfunction; however, hardly any of these studies has taken aging or menopause into consideration. Furthermore, despite that many studies have examined the regulatory effects of endothelial-released factors (ERFs) on endothelial function, no study has evaluated the relationship between ERFs and endothelial function with respect to ACE D/I polymorphism and menopause status. To answer these questions, 391 healthy Chinese women over a wide range of ages (22-75 years) were enrolled and divided into pre-menopause group and post-menopause group. After ACE D/I genotype being identified, the women were then classified into either DI/II or DD genotype. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial endothelium and plasma levels of ERFs: nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and angiotensin II (Ang II) were measured. The results showed that frequencies of ACE D/I genotypes were in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and the frequency of I allele was higher than D allele. In pre-menopause group, FMD was significantly higher in women of DI/II than DD (P = 0.032), and age-dependent in both genotypes (DD, P = 0.0472; DI/II, P < 0.0001). In post-menopause group, FMD was similar between women of DI/II and DD, and age-dependent only in women of DI/II (P < 0.0001). In pre-menopause group, Ang II level was significantly higher in women of DD than DI/II (P = 0.029), and FMD was significantly correlated with all ERFs in women of DD (NO, P = 0.032; ET-1, P = 0.017; Ang II, P = 0.002), but only with Ang II in women of DI/II (P = 0.026). In post-menopause group, no significant difference was observed in any ERF between women of DI/II and DD, and FMD was only significantly correlated with ET-1 in women of DD (P = 0.010). In summary, FMD in women of DI/II was superior to DD in pre-menopause and more age-dependent than DD in post-menopause, and FMD was closely associated with ERFs. In conclusion, Chinese women of DI/II seem to have lower risk than DD in pre-menopause, but similar risk as DD in post-menopause in developing cardiovascular disease.