Research on the Impact of the Strength of Channel Conflict on Cross-Channel Integration: The Mediating Effect of Channel Fluency and Stability.

Based on event system theory, we explore the effect of the strength of channel conflict on cross-channel integration from the perspective of manufacturers, and then analyzes the mediating effect of channel fluency and channel stability. Taking manufactures who implement cross-channel integration as research samples, and basing the data collected from 229 respondents, the study uses multiple regression analysis and Bootstrap method to test the research hypotheses. The empirical research findings show that: the strength of channel conflict plays a negative role on channel fluency and channel stability; the strength of channel conflict has a double-edged sword effect on cross-channel integration: it can reduce cross-channel integration by destroying channel fluency, and at the same time can improve cross-channel integration by destroying and reducing channel stability.

An empirical study on impulse consumption intention of livestreaming e-commerce: The mediating effect of flow experience and the moderating effect of time pressure.

Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, this paper studies the impulsive consumption mechanism of consumers participating in livestreaming e-commerce from the perspectives of information source characteristics and social presence and examines the mediating effect of flow experience and the moderating effect of time pressure. Based on the consumption data of 268 live shoppers, multiple regression analysis and Bootstrap method were used to test the research hypothesis. The empirical results show that the credibility, professionalism, attractiveness, and interactivity of live information sources have significant positive impacts on consumers' flow experience and impulsive consumption intention. Furthermore, coexistence, communication and emotional presence of social presence have a significant positive impact on consumers' flow experience and impulsive consumption intention. Flow experience plays part of the mediating role in the process of the characteristics of livestreaming information sources and social presence affecting consumers' impulsive consumption intention, while time pressure has a positive moderating effect in the relationship between livestreaming information source characteristics and coexistence presence and flow experience. The higher the time pressure, the stronger the promotion of live information source characteristics and coexistence presence on flow experience. This study enriches the research literature on the consumption driving mechanism of livestreaming e-commerce and offers practical enlightenment and reference to improve the effectiveness of livestreaming e-commerce anchors. It is also one of the first studies to apply the theory of flow and social presence to the impulsive consumption intention of livestreaming e-commerce.

Percutaneous mastoid electrical stimulator improves Poststroke depression and cognitive function in patients with Ischaemic stroke: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke depression can lead to functional dependence, cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a percutaneous mastoid electrical stimulator (PMES) plus antidepressants on poststroke depression and cognitive function. METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled study. A total of 258 clinically depressed ischaemic stroke patients within 14 days of index stroke were randomly assigned to the PMES plus antidepressant (PMES group, N = 125) and sham plus antidepressant (sham group, N = 133) groups. All patients underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) test at 2 weeks (baseline), and 6 months(M6) after ischaemic stroke. Primary outcomes were the percentage of patients showing a treatment response (≥50% reduction in HRSD score) and depression remission (HRSD score ≤ 9) at 6 months. The secondary outcome was the percentage of patients with a MoCA score < 26. RESULTS: The percentages of patients showing a treatment response and depression remission were significantly higher in the PMES group than in the sham group (57.60% vs 41.35%, P = 0.009; 44.00% vs 29.32%, P = 0.014 respectively). The mean value of the HRSD score change [M (month)6-baseline] was significantly higher in the PMES group than in the sham group at 6 months (- 11.93 ± 5.32 vs - 10.48 ± 6.10, P = 0.036, respectively). The percentage of patients with MoCA scores < 26 was lower in the PEMS group than in the sham group (12.0% vs 24.06%, P = 0.012,respectively), and the mean value of the MoCA score change (M6-baseline) was higher in the PMES group than in the sham group (3.50 ± 2.55 vs 2.72 ± 2.52, P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that PMES adjunctive to antidepressant therapy is effective in reducing depression, achieving remission in the short term, and improving cognition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered (registration number: ChiCTR1800016463) on 03 June 2018.

Pararcticibacter amylolyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., Isolated from a Rotten Hemp Rope, and Reclassification of Pedobacter tournemirensis as Pararcticibacter tournemirensis comb. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated FJ4-8T, was isolated from a rotten hemp rope in Chongqing City, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate was closely related to members of the family Sphingobacteriaceae, with the highest similarity to Pedobacter tournemirensis TF5-37.2-LB10T (95.3%) and low similarities to all other species of the genus Pedobacter (90.4-93.9%). Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that strain FJ4-8T formed a stable subclade with Pedobacter tournemirensis TF5-37.2-LB10T. The clade with these two strains branched adjacent to a clade containing three species of the genus Arcticibacter. MK-7 was detected as the only respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids composed iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed feature three. Phosphatidylethanolamine, three aminophospholipids and one unidentified lipid were found as the major polar lipids. The major polyamine was identified as sym-homospermidine. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain FJ4-8T and Pedobacter tournemirensis TF5-37.2-LB10T was 42.0 ± 2.5%. Based on its phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, the novel strain and TF5-37.2-LB10T were found to be different from members of genera Pedobacter and Arcticibacter. FJ4-8T and TF5-37.2-LB10T represented different species. Therefore, FJ4-8T should be classified as a novel species of a novel genus in the family Sphingobacteriaceae, for which the name Pararcticibacter amylolyticus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FJ4-8T (= KCTC 62640T = CCTCC AB 2018052T). The draft genome sequence is 6290, 449 bp in length, the genomic DNA G+C content was 44.4 mol%. Pedobacter tournemirensis TF5-37.2-LB10T should be transferred to the novel genus as Pararcticibacter tournemirensis comb. nov. (The type strain is TF5-37.2-LB10T (= DSM 23085T = CIP 110085T = MOLA 820T).

Comprehensive circRNA/miRNA/mRNA analysis reveals circRNAs protect against toxicity induced by BPA in GC-2 cells.

Aim: To identify the circRNAs expression pattern and roles in bisphenol A (BPA) induced germ cell apoptosis. Materials & methods: We performed circRNA/miRNA/mRNA-Seq in 120 µM BPA treated and nontreated GC-2 cells. Bioinformatic analysis, qPCR, apoptosis assays, luciferase report were done in the function analysis. Results: A large number of apoptosis related circRNAs/miRNAs/mRNAs were differentially expressed with competing endogenous RNA network constructed. Interestingly, most investigated upregulated circRNAs, including circDcbld2, circMapk1, circMpp6 and circTbc1d20 showed protective effects in antagonizing BPA toxicity, with the effects individually and synergistically observed. CircMapk1 may take its role by sponging miR-214-3p. Conclusion: circRNAs can play protective roles via sponging miRNAs in toxicity. Some circRNAs may serve as novel targets for BPA toxicity intervention or as biomarkers.

Metabolite profiling of ginsenosides in rat plasma, urine and feces by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Panax ginseng extract.

Panax ginseng is widely consumed as a functional food in the form of tea, powder, capsules, among others, and possesses a range of pharmacological activities including adaptogenic, immune-modulatory, anti-tumor, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the major ginsenosides and their metabolites in rat plasma, urine and feces after administration of P. ginseng extract using LC-MS/MS. We collected rat plasma samples at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h, and the amounts of urine and fecal samples accumulated in 24 h. Fourteen major ginsenosides and their metabolites were observed in fecal samples at high levels; however, low levels of 11 ginsenosides were detected in urine samples. The pharmacokinetics of the major ginsenosides and their metabolites was investigated in plasma. The results indicated that the maximum plasma concentration, time to maximum concentration and area under the curve of compound K were significantly greater than those of other ginsenosides. This study thus provides valuable information for drug development and clinical application of P. ginseng.

Chitinophaga salinisoli sp. nov., isolated from saline soil.

A novel aerobic bacterium, designated strain LAM9153T, was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Lingxian County, Shandong Province, China. Cells of strain LAM9153T were observed to be Gram-stain negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. The new isolate grew optimally at 30-35 °C, pH 7.0 and 0.5% of NaCl concentration (w/v). According to the phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain LAM9153T shares high similarity with Chitinophaga terrae Gsoil 238T (96.9%) and Chitinophaga niabensis JS 13-10T (95.9%), forming a subcluster with C. terrae Gsoil 238T, Chitinophaga cymbidii R156-2T, C. niabensis JS 13-10T and Chitinophaga soli Gsoil 219T in the phylogenetic tree. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed features 3 (C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c). The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipid, three unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 53.2 ± 1.6 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain LAM9153T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophaga salinisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM9153T (= ACCC 19960T = JCM 30847T).

Biotransformation of Panax ginseng extract by rat intestinal microflora: identification and quantification of metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: In general, after Panax ginseng is administered orally, intestinal microbes play a crucial role in its degradation and metabolization process. Studies on the metabolism of P. ginseng by microflora are important for obtaining a better understanding of their biological effects. METHODS: In vitro biotransformation of P. ginseng extract by rat intestinal microflora was investigated at 37°C for 24 h, and the simultaneous determination of the metabolites and metabolic profile of P. ginseng saponins by rat intestinal microflora was achieved using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: A total of seven ginsenosides were detected in the P. ginseng extract, including ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd. In the transformed P. ginseng samples, considerable amounts of deglycosylated metabolite compound K and Rh1 were detected. In addition, minimal amounts of deglycosylated metabolites (ginsenosides Rg2, F1, F2, Rg3, and protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides) and untransformed ginsenosides Re, Rg1, and Rd were detected at 24 h. The results indicated that the primary metabolites are compound K and Rh1, and the protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides were more easily metabolized than protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the identification and quantification of the metabolism and metabolic profile of P. ginseng extract in rat intestinal microflora using LC-MS/MS. The current study provided new insights for studying the metabolism and active metabolites of P. ginseng.

Endothelial damage effects of circulating microparticles from patients with stable angina are reduced by aspirin through ERK/p38 MAPKs pathways.

INTRODUCTION: Platelet activation participates in the development of both coronary artery disease (CAD) and circulating microparticles (MPs). As a commonly used medicine for coronary heart disease, whether aspirin affects the function of MPs remains unclear. AIMS: This study was designed to test MPs from healthy subjects, and stable angina (SA) patients before and after aspirin administration were obtained. MPs origins were tested by flow cytometry. Rat thoracic aortas were incubated with MPs (with or without aspirin) to determine the effects of MPs on expression of ERK1/2, JNKs, and p38 MAPK. Affect on levels of NF-κB, VCAM-1, NO, and O2-. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects, MPs concentrations increased in SA patients, but decreased after aspirin administration. According to flow cytometry, aspirin mainly decreased platelet-derived MP. MPs from SA patients decreased the expression of ERK1/2, increased expression of p38 MAPKs, JNKs. Increased NF-κB, VCAM-1, and (O2-) levels decreased NO content. Aspirin therapy significantly inhibited function of MPs from SA patients, and pathway inhibitors (ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, p38 MAPKs inhibitor SB203580, NF-kB inhibitor PDTC) show similar effects with aspirin. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the pro-inflammatory, oxidative stress, procoagulant, and adhesion properties of MPs can be partly blocked by aspirin via the ERK-NO/O2- and p38 -NF-κB-VCAM-1 signal pathway, which clarified other functions beyond anti-atherothrombotic of aspirin.

Arenimonas alkanexedens sp. nov., isolated from a frozen soil sample.

A novel facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain LAM-WHM-D11T, was isolated from a frozen soil sample of China. Cells of strain LAM-WHM-D11T were observed to be Gram-stain negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. Colonies were yellowish, and circular with convex shape. Strain LAM-WHM-D11T was found to be able to grow at 4-40 °C (optimum 15 °C), pH 7.5-2.0 (optimum 9.5) and 0-2.5% NaCl (w/v) (optimum 1.5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain LAM-WHM-D11T is closely related to Arenimonas metalli CF5-1T (98.0%), Arenimonas aquaticum NA-09T (97.9%), Arenimonas donghaensis HO3-R19T (95.6%) and Arenimonas aestuarii S2-21T (95.3%). The DNA-DNA hybridization values between the isolate and A. metalli CGMCC 1.10787T, A. aquaticum KACC 14663T, A. donghaensis KACC 11381T were 41.0 ± 1.7, 44.7 ± 1.4 and 42.8 ± 1.2%, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was found to be 66.5 mol% as determined by the T m method. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. The major isoprenoid quinone was identified as ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The major polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidyglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, two phospholipids and five unidentified lipids. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain LAM-WHM-D11T is concluded to represent a novel species within the genus Arenimonas, for which the name Arenimonas alkanexedens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM-WHM-D11T (ACCC 19750T = JCM 30464T).

Comparative Analysis of the Rats' Gut Microbiota Composition in Animals with Different Ginsenosides Metabolizing Activity.

Following oral intake of Panax ginseng, major ginsenosides are metabolized to deglycosylated ginsenosides by gut microbiota before absorption into the blood. As the composition of gut microbiota varies between individuals, metabolic activities are significantly different. We selected 6 rats with low efficiency metabolism (LEM) and 6 rats with high efficiency metabolism (HEM) from 60 rats following oral administration of Panax ginseng extract, and analyzed their gut microbiota composition using Illumina HiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The components of gut microbiota between the LEM and HEM groups were significantly different. Between the 2 groups, S24-7, Alcaligenaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae occupied most OTUs of the HEM group, which was notably higher than the LEM group. Furthermore, we isolated Bifidobacterium animalis GM1 that could convert the ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd. The result implies that these specific intestinal bacteria may dominate the metabolism of Panax ginseng.

Identification and characterization of human testis derived circular RNAs and their existence in seminal plasma.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as novel molecules of interest in gene regulation as other noncoding RNAs. Though they have been explored in some species and tissues, the expression and functions of circRNAs in human reproductive systems remain unknown. Here we revealed the expression profiles of circRNAs in human testis tissue using high-throughput sequencing. The conformation of these testis-derived circRNAs in seminal plasma was also investigated, aiming to provide a non-invasive liquid biopsy surrogate for testicular biopsy. We predicted >15,000 circRNAs in human testis, with most of them (10,792; 67%) new. In all the 5,928 circRNA forming genes, 1,017 are first reported by us to generate circRNAs. Interestingly, these genes are mostly related to spermatogenesis, sperm motility, fertilization, etc. The sequence feature, chromosome location, alternative splicing and other characteristics of the circRNAs in human testis were also explored. Moreover, we found that these testis-derived circRNAs could be stably detected in seminal plasma. Most of them were probably bound with proteins in seminal plasma and were very stable at room temperature. Our work has laid the foundations to decipher regulation mechanisms of circRNAs in spermatogenesis and to develop circRNAs as novel noninvasive biomarkers for male infertile diseases.

Cloning and Characterization of Ginsenoside-Hydrolyzing ß-Glucosidase from Lactobacillus brevis That Transforms Ginsenosides Rb1 and F2 into Ginsenoside Rd and Compound K.

The ginsenoside-hydrolyzing ß-glucosidase gene (bgy2) was cloned from Lactobacillus brevis. We expressed this gene in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), isolated the resulting protein, and then utilized the enzyme for the biotransformation of ginsenosides. The bgy2 gene contains 2,223 bp, and encodes a protein of 741 amino acids that is a member of glycosyl hydrolase family 3. ß-Glucosidase (Bgy2) cleaved the outer glucose moieties of ginsenosides at the C-20 position, and the inner glucose at the C-3 position. Under optimal conditions (pH 7.0, 30°C), we used 0.1 mg/ml Bgy2 in 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer (PBS) for enzymatic studies. In these conditions, 1.0 mg/ml ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside F2 were converted into 0.59 mg/ml ginsenoside Rd and 0.72mg/ml compound K, with molar conversion productivities of 69% and 91%, respectively. In pharmaceutical and commercial industries, this recombinant Bgy2 would be suitable for producting ginsenoside Rd and compound K.

Biotransformation of gypenoside XVII to compound K by a recombinant ß-glucosidase.

OBJECTIVE: To study the ß-glucosidase gene (bgy1) from Lactobacillus brevis that was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and then using it for the biotransformation of gypenoside XVII. RESULTS: The bgy1 gene consists of 2283 bp encoding 761 amino acids, with homology to the glycosyl hydrolase family-3 protein domain. The enzyme (Bgy1) hydrolyzed the glucose moieties at the C-3 position and the outer glucose moieties at the C-20 position of gypenoside XVII. Using 0.1 mg enzyme ml(-1) in 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer at 30 °C and pH 6.0, 1 mg gypenoside XVII ml(-1) was transformed into 0.58 mg compound K ml(-1) within 6 h, with a corresponding molar conversion yield of 89 %. CONCLUSION: The recombinant Bgy1 is considered potentially useful for the practical preparation of compound K.

Paenibacillus salinicaeni sp. nov., isolated from saline silt sample.

A novel facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain LAM0A28(T), was isolated from a saline silt sample collected from the Chinese Sea of Death located in Suining city, Sichuan province, China. Cells of strain LAM0A28(T) were observed to be Gram-stain positive, motile, endospore-forming and straight-rod shaped. Strain LAM0A28(T) was found to be able to grow at 15-45 °C (optimum: 30-35 °C), pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum: 7.5) and 0-5 % NaCl (w/v) (optimum: 0.5 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain LAM0A28(T) is closely related to Paenibacillus jilunlii DSM 23019(T) (97.5 %) and Paenibacillus graminis DSM 15220(T) (97.2 %). The DNA-DNA hybridization values between the isolate and P. jilunlii DSM 23019(T), P. graminis DSM 15220(T) were 30.2 ± 1.6 % and 44.7 ± 2.1 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content was found to be 51.2 mol% as determined by the T m method. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C16:0 and C14:0. The major isoprenoid quinone was identified as MK-7. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminophospholipids and six unidentified lipids. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain LAM0A28(T) is concluded to represent a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus salinicaeni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM0A28(T) (=ACCC 00741(T) = JCM 30850(T)).

Effect of individualized diabetes education for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a single-center randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of individualized education for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 280 patients (158 males, mean age 63 ± 10 years) with T2DM were randomly divided into study and control group. Eysenck Personality questionnaire was used to assess the personality of the patients in the study group, which was provided us one-on-one counseling and individualized management plan. Group education was provided to the control group. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the body mass index (21.5±2.5 vs 23.6±1.6 kg/m2, P =0.002), waist circumference (83.7±6.4 vs 85.7±7.7 cm, P =0.03), fasting blood glucose (6.0±0.8 vs 6.9±2.1 mmol/L, P =0.004), HbA1c (6.2±0.6% vs 6.9±3.1%, P =0.03), systolic blood pressure (130.1±8.8 vs 135.1±8.4 mmHg, P =0.003),triglyceride (1.21±0.66 vs 1.46±0.58 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein (2.36±0.44 vs 2.84±0.64 mmol/L, P =0.03) in the study group was lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Individualized diabetes education is more effective than group education in facilitating the control of type 2 diabetes.

Pemetrexed induced a durable response in heavily pretreated metastatic extramammary Paget's disease.

PURPOSE: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare neoplasm with only a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Little was known about the availability of systemic chemotherapy for metastatic EMPD. METHODS: We report one case of heavily pretreated EMPD with multiple organ metastases and successfully treated by pemetrexed. RESULT: The tumor was progression after multi-line therapy including erlotinib, radiotherapy, combined chemotherapy and radioactive particles implantation. Pemetrexed monotherapy was applied and progression free survival of more than 5 months with partial remission (PR) response was achieved. Only 1 time of grade 3 neutropenia was observed during the pemetrexed chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Due to the significant response and tolerability in the present case, pemetrexed monotherapy was recommended as a potent candidate for patients with advanced EMPD.

Construction of a catsper1 DNA vaccine and its antifertility effect on male mice.

Cation channel of sperm 1 (CATSPER1) is a unique sperm cation channel protein, and essential for sperm function and male fertility. CATSPER1 exclusively expresses in meiotic and postmeiotic spermatogenic cells, thus belongs to the spermatogenesis-specific antigen that escape central tolerance. We have previously demonstrated the immunocontraceptive potential of its transmembrane domains and pore region, and reported the antifertility effects of its B-cell epitopes on male mice. Aiming to develop DNA vaccine targeting CATSPER1 for male contraception, here the whole open reading frame of mouse Catsper1 was cloned into the plasmid pEGFP-N1 to obtain a DNA vaccine pEGFP-N1-Catsper1. The vaccine was confirmed to be transcribed and translated in mouse N2a cell in vitro and mouse muscle tissue in vivo. Intramuscular injection with the vaccine on male mice induced specific immune reaction and caused significant inhibition on sperm hyperactivated motility and progressive motility (P<0.001 for both), and consequently reduced male fertility. The fertility rate of experimental group was 40.9%, which was significant lower (P=0.012) than control group (81.8%). No significant change in mating behavior, sperm production and histology of testis/epididymis was observed. Given that Catsper1 exhibits a high degree of homology among different species, Catsper1 DNA vaccine might be a good strategy for developing an immunocontraceptive vaccine for human and animal use.

Electrical stimulation of cerebellar fastigial nucleus: mechanism of neuroprotection and prospects for clinical application against cerebral ischemia.

For around two decades, electrical fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) has been demonstrated to induce neuroprotection involving multiple mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the protective effects of FNS against cerebral ischemia through the inhibition of electrical activity around the lesion, excitotoxic damage on neurons, and brain inflammatory response, as well as apoptosis. Moreover, FNS has been reported to promote nerve tissue repair, reconstruction, and neurological rehabilitation and improve stroke-related complications including poststroke cognitive dysfunction, depression, and abnormal heart rate variability. We thus further discuss the potential of FNS for clinical applications. Given the absence of any risk of inducing sublethal damage, FNS may offer a new approach to preconditioned neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia.

Analysis on the characteristics and prognosis of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review the clinical characteristics and analyze the prognostic factors of Chinese patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 176 patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors in Chinese PLA General Hospital from Mar., 2000 to Oct., 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis, including the gender, age, smoking history, family history, TNM staging, localization (central or peripheral), tumor size, nodal status, histological subtype and treatment (operation or non-operation). RESULTS: There were 23 patients with typical carcinoids (TC) (13.1%), 41 with atypical carcinoids (AC) (23.3%), 10 with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) (5.7%) and 102 with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (57.9%). The median follow-up time was 64.5 months for AC, 38 months for LCNEC and 27 months for SCLC. The typical carcinoid censored data was 18 (more than 50% of the patients), so the median follow-up time was not obtained, and actuarial 5-year survivals for TC, AC, LCNEC and SCLC were 75.1%, 51.7%, 26.7% and 38.8%, respectively. COX univariate analysis revealed that the age (P=0.001), histological subtype (P=0.005), nodal status (P=0.000), treatment (P=0.000) and TNM staging (P=0.000) were the prognostic factors of the patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, whereas its multivariate analysis showed that only the age(P=0.001), TNM staging (P=0.002) and treatment (P=0.000) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Radical surgery remains the treatment of choice, and is the only curative option. The age, TNM staging and treatment are confirmed to be the independent prognostic factors in multivariable models for pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.