Multi-Omics Reveals the Effects of Spirulina platensis Powder Replacement of Fish Meal on Intestinal Metabolism and Stress in Zig-Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus).

The booming aquaculture industry has created a strong demand for fishmeal and increased environmental pressures. Spirulina, as a potential alternative to fishmeal, has been shown to have growth-promoting and animal health-enhancing properties. In this study, 600 large spiny loaches, divided into five experimental groups, F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4, were reared for 10 weeks using Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) as a substitute for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of fishmeal, respectively. The results of intestinal physiological indexes showed that superoxide dismutase was lower than F0 in all treatment groups, and the activity of F3 was significantly lower than F0 (p < 0.05). The activity of malondialdehyde was significantly higher than that of F0 in all groups except F3 (p < 0.05). The addition of SPP also led to a decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase in the intestine, which was significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to the F0 group (p < 0.05). The results of serum physiology showed that the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum gradually increased with the increase in the percentage of SPP addition, and the F3 group produced a significant difference from the F0 group (p < 0.05). The transcriptomics results showed that DEGs in the low percentage substitution group (<15%) were mostly enriched in metabolism-related pathways, such as bile secretion; DEGs in the high percentage substitution group (>15%) were mostly enriched in inflammation-related pathways, such as complement p and coagulation cascades. Metabolomics confirmed that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the two pathways that were significantly enriched in the treatment groups of fishmeal replacement by SPP. The present study demonstrated that a low percentage (<15%) of fishmeal replacement by SPP in feed mobilized MA digestive metabolism, whereas a high percentage (>15%) of replacement induced intestinal stress. Considering the health and farm efficiency aspects, the proportion of SPP in feed formulation for MA should be less than 15%.

Reconstruction of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Acid Synthesis Pathways in Marine Red Microalga Porphyridium cruentum Using Lipidomics and Transcriptomics.

The marine red microalga Porphyridium can simultaneously synthesize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, EPA) and arachidonic acid (C20:4, ARA). However, the distribution and synthesis pathways of EPA and ARA in Porphyridium are not clearly understood. In this study, Porphyridium cruentum CCALA 415 was cultured in nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-limited conditions. Fatty acid content determination, transcriptomic, and lipidomic analyses were used to investigate the synthesis of ARA and EPA. The results show that membrane lipids were the main components of lipids, while storage lipids were present in a small proportion in CCALA 415. Nitrogen limitation enhanced the synthesis of storage lipids and ω6 fatty acids while inhibiting the synthesis of membrane lipids and ω3 fatty acids. A total of 217 glycerolipid molecular species were identified, and the most abundant species included monogalactosyldiglyceride (C16:0/C20:5) (MGDG) and phosphatidylcholine (C16:0/C20:4) (PC). ARA was mainly distributed in PC, and EPA was mainly distributed in MGDG. Among all the fatty acid desaturases (FADs), the expressions of Δ5FAD, Δ6FAD, Δ9FAD, and Δ12FAD were up-regulated, whereas those of Δ15FAD and Δ17FAD were down-regulated. Based on these results, only a small proportion of EPA was synthesized through the ω3 pathway, while the majority of EPA was synthesized through the ω6 pathway. ARA synthesized in the ER was likely shuttled into the chloroplast by DAG and was converted into EPA by Δ17FAD.

[Effect of early off-bed mobility on diaphragm function in intensive care unit patients undergoing mechanical ventilation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the improvement of diaphragm function after early off-bed mobility intervention in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 147 adult patients undergoing mechanical ventilation admitted to ICU of Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from October 2019 to March 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by convenient sampling. Except for the different intervention programs of early mobility, other treatment and nursing of the patients in the two groups were carried out according to ICU routine. Progressive early activities were performed in the control group, while early off-bed mobility was performed in the observation group. The changes of diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiratory (DTei), diaphragm thickness at the end of expiratory (DTee) and diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) before and 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of intervention, and the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay and 24-hour re-intubation rate after intervention were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the 147 patients, there were 4 cases of detachment in the control group and 5 cases of detachment in the observation group. Finally, 138 patients were enrolled, 69 cases in the control group and 69 cases in the observation group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, diagnosis of ICU, sedatives, muscle strength, ventilator model, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score and DTei, DTee, DTF before intervention between the two groups. The DTei, DTee and DTF in both groups were increased gradually with the extension of intervention time, especially in the observation group [DTei (cm) at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of intervention in the observation group were 0.247±0.014, 0.275±0.016, 0.300±0.013 and 0.329±0.013, while in the control group were 0.242±0.015, 0.258±0.013, 0.269±0.014, and 0.290±0.017, effect of time: F = 993.825, P = 0.000, effect of intervention: F = 82.304, P = 0.000, interaction effect between intervention and time: F = 84.457, P = 0.000; DTee (cm) of the observation group were 0.213±0.014, 0.227±0.013, 0.243±0.016, 0.264±0.010, while in the control group were 0.213±0.016, 0.218±0.013, 0.224±0.013, 0.234±0.014, effect of time: F = 385.552, P = 0.000, effect of intervention: F = 28.161, P = 0.000, interaction effect between intervention and time: F = 45.012, P = 0.000; DTF of the observation group were (15.98±4.23)%, (21.35±4.67)%, (24.09±4.44)% and (25.24±3.74)%, while in the control group were (14.17±4.66)%, (18.11±3.92)%, (20.22±4.19)% and (20.98±4.12)%, effect of time: F = 161.552, P = 0.000, effect of intervention: F = 49.224, P = 0.000, interaction effect between intervention and time: F = -4.507, P = 0.000]. The duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group [duration of mechanical ventilation (hours): 112.68±12.25 vs. 135.32±22.10, length of ICU stay (days): 7.84±1.78 vs. 10.23±2.43, both P < 0.01]. However, there was no significant difference in 24-hour re-intubation rate between the observation group and the control group (0% vs. 2.90%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both early off-bed mobility and progressive early activities can prevent diaphragm weakness in ICU patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, and the effect of early off-bed mobility is better. Early off-bed mobility can significantly shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay, and it is safe and feasible.

Rapid Screening of Microalgae as Potential Sources of Natural Antioxidants.

In order to rapidly screen microalgae species as feedstocks for antioxidants, extracts were obtained from 16 microalgae strains (under 11 genera, 7 classes) using two methods: a one-step extraction with ethanol/water and a three-step fractionating procedure using hexane, ethylacetate, and water successively. Measuring the total phenol content (TPC), total carotenoid content (TCC), and antioxidant activity of the extracts, indicating TPC and TCC, played an important role in determining the antioxidant activity of the microalgae. A weighted scoring system was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity, and the scores of microalgal samples from two extraction methods were calculated using the same system. Among the investigated microalgae, Euglena gracilis SCSIO-46781 had the highest antioxidant score, contributing to high TPC and TCC, followed by Arthrospira platensis SCSIO-44012, Nannochloropsis sp. SCSIO-45224, Phaeodactylum tricornutum SCSIO-45120, and Nannochloropsis sp. SCSIO-45006, respectively. Additionally, the above-mentioned five strains are currently being applied in commercial production, indicating this system could be effective not only for screening microalgal antioxidants, but also for screening microalgal species/strains with strong adaptation to environmental stress, which is a critical trait for their commercial cultivation.

Inhibition of H1N1 by Picochlorum sp. 122 via AKT and p53 signaling pathways.

Influenza viruses cause a severe threat to global health, which can lead to annual epidemics and cause pandemics occasionally. However, the number of anti-influenza therapeutic agents is very limited. Polysaccharides, extracted from Picochlorum sp. (PPE), seaweed Polysaccharides, have exhibited antiviral activity and were expected to be used for influenza treatment. In our research, the capability of PPE to inhibit H1N1 infection was proved in MDCK cells. PPE could make MDCK cells avoid being infected with H1N1 and inhibited nuclear fragmentation and condensation of chromatin. PPE evidently inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in MDCK cells. Mechanism study revealed that PPE prevented MDCK cells from H1N1 infection through induction of apoptosis by stimulating AKT signaling pathway and suppressing p-p53 signaling pathway. In conclusion, PPE turns out to act as a prospective antiviral drug for H1N1 influenza.

ICU quasi-speciality nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding early mobilization: A cross-sectional survey.

AIM: Early mobilization (EM) improves critical illness survivors' clinical outcomes. This study examines ICU quasi-specialty nurses' EM-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a provincial ICU specialty nurse training site from 2019 to 2021. KAP data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. METHODS: Participants were registered nurses enrolled in the training programme; 485 nurses from 188 hospitals completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the participants, 37.7% had EM training, and 30.7% reported their wards performed EM. Median (IQR) scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices were 14.0 (4.0), 47.0 (9.0) and 37.0 (8.0), belonging to medium, high and medium levels. Scores were lowest for EM scope, implementation indicators and out-of-bed mobilization. There were significant deviations in KAP scores amongst nurses at different levels of hospitals with EM training and whose departments performed EM. Significant positive correlations between knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice were identified.

Comparison of Production and Fluorescence Characteristics of Phycoerythrin from Three Strains of Porphyridium.

Phycoerythrin, a special photosynthetic pigment, is widely used as fluorescent dye and has lots of underlying beneficial effects on health. A marine red microalga Porphyridium is considered as the potential feedstock for phycoerythrin production. However, the phycoerythrin-related properties of Porphyridium have not been systematically evaluated, especially between the species of P. cruentum and P. purpureum. The present study aimed to evaluate the production and fluorescence characteristics of phycoerythrin of three strains of Porphyridium. The results showed that P. purpureum SCS-02 presented the highest biomass, phycoerythrin content and yield were 6.43 g L-1, 9.18% DW and 0.288 g L-1, respectively. There was no significant difference between P. purpureum and P. cruentum in α and ß subunits amino acid sequences of phycoerythrin and in fluorescence characteristics. The high gene expression level of the key enzymes in phycoerythrobilin synthesis (porphobilinogen synthase and oxygen-dependent coproporphyrinogen-III oxidase) could be related to the high phycoerythrin content of Porphyridium. Based on systematic evaluation, P. purpureum SCS-02 was selected due to its high biomass and phycoerythrin yield. P. purpureum and P. cruentum were highly similar in the phylogenetic tree, as well as in fluorescence characteristics; therefore, it was speculated that they might be the same Porphyridium species.

Exopolysaccharides from the Energy Microalga Strain Botryococcus braunii: Purification, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity.

Botryococcus braunii, a prestigious energy microalga, has recently received widespread attention because it can secrete large amounts of exopolysaccharides (EPS) with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Unfortunately, the insufficiency of research on the bioactivity and structure-activity relationship of B. braunii EPS has impeded the downstream applications. In the present study, alcohol precipitation, deproteinization, and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography were used to extract and purify B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS. It was found that B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS were high-molecular-weight heteropolysaccharides containing uronic acid (7.43-8.83%), protein (2.30-4.04%), and sulfate groups (1.52-1.95%). Additionally, the EPS primarily comprised galactose (52.34-54.12%), glucose (34.60-35.53%), arabinose (9.41-10.32%), and minor amounts of fucose (1.80-1.99%), with the presence of a pyranose ring linked by a ß-configurational glycosidic bond. Notably, the antioxidant activity of crude exopolysaccharides (CEPS) was stronger, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for ABTS and hydroxyl radicals was significantly lower than that of deproteinized exopolysaccharides (DEPS). Overall, this study indicated a potential application of B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS as a natural antioxidant. In summary, B. braunii EPS could be used as a potential feedstock for the production of antioxidant health foods.

Extraction optimization, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Rhodosorus sp. SCSIO-45730.

Microalgal polysaccharides have been reported in many studies due to their uniqueness, biocompatibility, and high value, and Rhodosorus sp. SCSIO-45730 was an excellent source of polysaccharides and ß-glucans. However, the polysaccharides from the red unicellular alga Rhodosorus sp. SCSIO-45730 have barely been studied. In this work, hot water extraction of Rhodosorus sp. SCSIO-45730 polysaccharides (RSP) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD). The maximum RSP yield (9.29%) was achieved under the optimum extraction conditions: liquid-solid ratio of 50.00 mL g-1; extraction temperature of 84 °C; extraction time of 2 h; and extraction times of 5 times. The results of physicochemical characterization showed that RSP had high sulfate and uronic acid with content of 19.58% and 11.57%, respectively, rough layered structure, and mainly contained glucose, galactose, xylose, and galacturonic acid with mass percentages of 34.08%, 28.70%, 12.46%, and 12.10%. Furthermore, four kinds of antioxidant assays were carried out, and the results indicated that RSP had strong scavenging activities on ABTS and hydroxyl radical and moderate scavenging activities on DPPH and ferrous chelating ability. These results indicated that RSP showed potential as a promising source of antioxidants applied in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industry. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10811-021-02646-2.

Growth and Biochemical Composition Characteristics of Arthrospira platensis Induced by Simultaneous Nitrogen Deficiency and Seawater-Supplemented Medium in an Outdoor Raceway Pond in Winter.

Arthrospira platensis, a well-known cyanobacterium, is widely applied not only in human and animal nutrition but also in cosmetics for its high amounts of active products. The biochemical composition plays a key role in the application performance of the Arthrospira biomass. The present study aimed to evaluate the growth and biochemical composition characteristics of A. platensis, cultured with a nitrogen-free and seawater-supplemented medium in an outdoor raceway pond in winter. The results showed that the biomass yield could achieve 222.42 g m-2, and the carbohydrate content increased by 247% at the end of the culture period (26 d), compared with that of the starter culture. The daily and annual areal productivities were 3.96 g m-2 d-1 and 14.44 ton ha-1 yr-1 for biomass and 2.88 g m-2 d-1 and 10.53 ton ha-1 yr-1 for carbohydrates, respectively. On the contrary, a profound reduction was observed in protein, lipid, and pigment contents. Glucose, the main monosaccharide in the A. platensis biomass, increased from 77.81% to 93.75% of total monosaccharides. Based on these results, large-scale production of carbohydrate-rich A. platensis biomass was achieved via a low-cost culture, involving simultaneous nitrogen deficiency and supplementary seawater in winter.

A Novel Three-Step Extraction Strategy for High-Value Products from Red Algae Porphyridium purpureum.

The microalga Porphyridium accumulates high-value compounds such as phycoerythrin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides, and thus, the extraction of these compounds could significantly expand the value of Porphyridium biomass. In the present study, a novel fractional extraction strategy based on the characteristics of these compounds was established using cold water, 95% ethanol, and hot water. The yield of phycoerythrin, lipids, and polysaccharides was 63.3, 74.3, and 75.2%, respectively. The phycoerythrin exhibited excellent fluorescence characteristics but had low purity. The crude lipid was dark with poor fluidity. Digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol containing C20:5 and C20:4 were the most abundant glycerolipids, while glucose, xylose, and galactose constituted the intracellular polysaccharides that had covalently bound to proteins (8.01%), uronic acid (4.13%), and sulfate (8.31%). Compared with polysaccharides and crude lipids, crude phycoerythrin showed the best antioxidant activity. Overall, the three-step fractional extraction process was feasible for Porphyridium; however, further purification is necessary for downstream applications.

Inhibition of enterovirus 71 infection by polysaccharides extracted from Picochlorum sp. 122 via the AKT and ATM/ATR signaling pathways.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) poses a major threat to public health globally due to severe and even fatal hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). However, no effective antiviral agents are available to treat HFMD caused by this virus. Polysaccharides have been shown to exhibit antiviral activity, and polysaccharides extracted from Picochlorum sp. 122 (PPE) could potentially be used to treat HFMD, but reports on their antiviral activity are limited. In this study, the antiviral activity of PPE against EV71 was verified in Vero cells. PPE was shown to limit EV71 infection, as demonstrated using an MTT assay and by observing the cellular cytopathic effect. In addition, a decrease in VP1 RNA and protein levels indicated that PPE effectively inhibits proliferation of EV71 in Vero cells. An annexin V affinity assay also indicated that PPE protects host cells from apoptosis through the AKT and ATM/ATR signalling pathways. These results demonstrate that PPE has potential as an antiviral drug to treat HFMD caused by EV71.

Selenium-containing protein from selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis antagonizes oxygen glucose deprivation-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting ROS-mediated oxidative damage through regulating MPTP opening.

CONTEXT: Selenium-containing protein from selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis (Se-SP) (syn. Arthrospira platensis [Microcoleaceae]) showed novel antioxidant activity. However, the protective effect of Se-SP against oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced neural apoptosis has not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether Se-SP can inhibit OGD-induced neural apoptosis and explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary hippocampal neurons were separated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. 95% N2 + 5% CO2 were employed to establish OGD model. Neurons were treated with 5 and 10 µg/mL Se-SP under OGD condition for 6 h. Neurons without treatment were the control group. Neural viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT, immunofluorescence and western blotting methods. RESULTS: Se-SP significantly improved neuronal viability (from 57.2% to 94.5%) and inhibited apoptosis in OGD-treated primary neurons (from 45.6% to 6.3%), followed by improved neuronal morphology and caspases activation. Se-SP co-treatment also effectively suppressed OGD-induced DNA damage by inhibiting ROS accumulation in neurons (from 225.6% to 106.3%). Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction was also markedly improved by Se-SP co-treatment via balancing Bcl-2 family expression. Moreover, inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) by CsA (an MPTP inhibitor) dramatically attenuated OGD-induced ROS generation (from 100% to 56.2%), oxidative damage, mitochondrial membrane potential (MPP) loss (from 7.5% to 44.3%), and eventually reversed the neuronal toxicity and apoptosis (from 57.4% to 79.6%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Se-SP showed enhanced potential to inhibit OGD-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis by inhibiting ROS-mediated oxidative damage through regulating MPTP opening, indicating that selenium-containing protein showed broad application in the chemoprevention and chemotherapy against human ischaemic brain injury.

[Effect of early off-bed mobility on delirium in mechanical ventilated patients in intensive care unit: a prospective randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of early off-bed mobility in patients with mechanical ventilation and its effect on delirium and the duration of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Adult patients who were admitted to ICU of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from January 1st to December 31st 2020 for invasive mechanical ventilation and no early activity contraindication were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group conducted early off-bed mobility, such as using the shift machine off-bed sitting and walking aids to assist standing and walking, and the off-bed mobility is based on patient tolerance. The control group was given early bed activities, including conducting the joint range activity, limb movement, bed sitting, upper limb elastic belt movement, and lower limb cycling, once a day. Each joint moved 15-20 times, a total of 30 minutes. Both groups were treated with anti-infection, mechanical ventilation, analgesia and sedation, and nutrition therapy. After intervention, confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) was used to assess the onset and duration of delirium, physical restraint rate and duration of physical restraint, mechanical ventilation time, and the length of ICU stay. RESULTS: After excluding patients who died or gave up treatment during the intervention period, 266 patients were included, with 133 patients in the experimental group and 133 patients in the control group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, diagnosis, degree of illness, sedative drugs between the two groups. The incidence of the delirium in intervention group was significantly lower than that in control group [26.3% (35/133) vs. 42.1% (56/133), χ2 = 7.366, P = 0.007], the duration of delirium was shorter than that in control group (hours: 11.26±4.11 vs. 17.00±3.29, t = -4.157, P = 0.000), the rate of physical restraint was lower than that in control group [19.5% (26/133) vs. 45.1% (60/133), χ2 = 19.864, P = 0.000], the duration of physical restraint was shorter than that in control group (hours: 9.71±4.07 vs. 13.55±7.40, t = -5.234, P = 0.000), the mechanical ventilation time and the length of ICU stay were shorter than those in control group [mechanical ventilation time (hours) : 106.23±42.25 vs. 133.10±41.88, t = -3.363, P = 0.001; length of ICU stay (days) : 8.35±6.21 vs. 13.25±9.98, t =-4.190, P = 0.000]. CONCLUSIONS: Early off-bed mobility can reduce physical restraint rate and the incidence of delirium, and thus can accelerate rehabilitation in critically ill patients. Early off-bed mobility is safe and effective for patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU.

The inhibition of enterovirus 71 induced apoptosis by Durvillaea antarctica through P53 and STAT1 signaling pathway.

The infection of enterovirus 71 (EV71) resulted in hand, foot, and mouth disease and may lead to severe nervous system damage and even fatalities. There are no effective drugs to treat the EV71 virus and it is crucial to find novel drugs against it. Polysaccharide isolated from Durvillaea antarctica green algae has an antiviral effect. In this study, D. antarctica polysaccharide (DAPP) inhibited the infection of EV71 was demonstrated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and western blot. MTT assay showed that DAPP had no toxicity on Vero cells at the concentration 250 µg/ml. Furthermore, DAPP significantly reduced the RNA level of EV71 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DAPP inhibited the Vero cells apoptosis induced by EV71 via the P53 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and mammalian target of rapamycin were increased and the proinflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited by DAPP. Taken together, these results suggested that DAPP could be a potential pharmaceutical against the infection of EV71 virus.

Induction of Apoptosis in Human Glioma Cells by Fucoxanthin via Triggering of ROS-Mediated Oxidative Damage and Regulation of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT Pathways.

Fucoxanthin, a natural carotenoid derived from algae, exhibits novel anticancer potential. However, fucoxanthin with high purity is hard to prepare, and the anticancer mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, fucoxanthin with high purity was prepared and purified from the marine microalgae Nitzschia sp. by silica-gel column chromatography (SGCC), and the underlying mechanism against human glioma cells was evaluated. The results showed that fucoxanthin time- and dose-dependently inhibited U251-human-glioma-cell growth by induction of apoptosis (64.4 ± 4.8, P < 0.01) accompanied by PARP cleavage and caspase activation (244 ± 14.2, P < 0.01). Mechanically, fucoxanthin time-dependently triggered reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-mediated DNA damage (100 ± 7.38, P < 0.01), as evidenced by the phosphorylation activation of Ser1981-ATM, Ser428-ATR, Ser15-p53, and Ser139-histone. Moreover, fucoxanthin treatment also time-dependently caused dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways, as demonstrated by the phosphorylation activation of Thr183-JNK, Thr180-p38, and Thr202-ERK and the phosphorylation inactivation of Ser473-AKT. The addition of kinase inhibitors further confirmed the importance of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways in fucoxanthin-induced cell-growth inhibition (32.5 ± 3.6, P < 0.01). However, ROS inhibition by the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) effectively inhibited fucoxanthin-induced DNA damage, attenuated the dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways, and eventually blocked fucoxanthin-induced cytotoxicity (54.3 ± 5.6, P < 0.05) and cell apoptosis (32.7 ± 2.5, P < 0.05), indicating that ROS production, an early apoptotic event, is involved in the fucoxanthin-mediated anticancer mechanism. Taken together, these results suggested that fucoxanthin induced U251-human-glioma-cell apoptosis by triggering ROS-mediated oxidative damage and dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways, which validated that fucoxanthin may be a candidate for potential applications in cancer chemotherapy and chemoprevention.

[Effect of progressive early bed exercise on blood flow in lower limb of patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of progressive early bed physical activity on blood flow in lower limb of patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Adult patients with mechanical ventilation ≥ 72 hours admitted to ICU of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from February 22nd to November 30th, 2016 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into experimental group and control group by random number table method. Patients in the two groups were given the same basic treatment, including antibiotics, analgesia and sedation, mechanical ventilation, nutritional support, and routine ICU activities such as maintaining functional position of limbs and raising of bed head. On the basis of those, the experimental group was given early bed physical activity with gradual enhancement of grades I-III according to the nerve, circulation and respiration situations, such as passive/active exercise of the bicycle, straight leg lifting exercise, etc. The exercise intensity was evaluated with target heart rate, and the exercise was performed for 15-30 minutes at a time, twice a day. The control group was given intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), 30 minutes in each time, twice a day. Mean blood flow and blood volume were measured before and immediately, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after intervention on the 3rd day. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured at 5 minutes before intervention, during 5 minutes, and 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes after intervention on the 3rd day. RESULTS: 214 adult patients were selected, after excluding the patients who died during the intervention or gave up treatment, 160 patients were included in the data analysis, with 81 in the experimental group and 79 in the control group. The mean blood flow velocity and blood volume were increased in both groups, and the mean blood flow velocity and blood flow volume in the experimental group were significantly increased and lasted longer than those in the control group [mean blood flow velocity (mm/s) of the experimental group were 11.92±1.06, 18.19±0.17, 17.24±0.14, 15.48±0.12, 12.68±0.16, and that of the control group were 12.01±1.41, 15.65±0.18, 12.91±0.14, 12.13±0.12, 11.59±0.16, respectively, the time effect was F = 1 043.101, P = 0.000, the intervention effect was F = 151.001, P = 0.000, and the interaction effect between intervention and time was F = 224.830, P = 0.001; the blood volume (mL/min) of the experimental group were 3.39±0.96, 5.59±0.11, 5.16±0.12, 4.19±0.10. 3.35±0.09, and that of the control group were 3.28±0.82, 4.04±0.11, 3.40±0.12, 3.02±0.10, 3.00±0.10, respectively, the time effect was F = 680.405, P = 0.000, the intervention effect was F = 125.359, P = 0.000, and the interaction effect between intervention and time was F = 79.631, P = 0.012]. The heart rate and blood pressure of the two groups of patients in the course of intervention were increased first, then decreased and then slowly recovered to the change trend before intervention, but the index of the experimental group fluctuated greatly [heart rate (bpm) of the experimental group were 97.64±1.50, 113.91±1.36, 105.96±1.34, 98.52±1.48, 97.84±1.46, 97.54±1.48, and that of the control group were 97.03±1.57, 105.39±1.38, 96.76±1.35, 96.54±1.50, 97.22±1.48, 96.53±1.49, respectively, the time effect was F = 235.030, P = 0.000, the intervention effect was F = 39.473, P = 0.000, and the interaction effect between intervention and time was F = 3.494, P = 0.063; the systolic blood pressure (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) of the experimental group were 118.57±1.06, 133.05±1.01, 120.44±1.10, 117.78±1.07, 117.65±1.01, 118.14±1.00, and that of the control group were 118.10±1.08, 126.68±1.02, 118.23±1.11, 117.48±1.08, 118.04±1.03, 118.90±1.10, respectively, the time effect was F = 336.604, P = 0.000, the intervention effect was F = 26.350, P = 0.000, and the interaction effect between intervention and time was F = 0.948, P = 0.332; the diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) of the experimental group were 68.07±0.72, 72.79±0.73, 70.68±0.74, 69.30±0.72, 68.73±0.74, 67.80±0.73, and that of the control group were 68.51±0.73, 72.03±0.74, 70.05±0.75, 69.10±0.73, 68.41±0.75, 67.85±0.74, respectively, the time effect was F = 286.390, P = 0.000, the intervention effect was F = 4.812, P = 0.000, and the interactive effect between intervention and time was F = 0.055, P = 0.815]. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of progressive early bed physical activity on the mean blood flow velocity and blood volume of lower limbs in ICU patients with mechanical ventilation are better than those of IPC. Although the fluctuation of heart rate and blood pressure is large, it does not cause any harm to the patients.

Diagnostic accuracy of PCR for detecting ALK gene rearrangement in NSCLC patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusion has been reported in 3∼5% non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is commonly used to detecting the gene status, but the diagnostic capacity of it is still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the diagnostic accuracy of PCR for detecting ALK gene rearrangement in NSCLC patients. RESULTS: 18 articles were enrolled, which included 21 studies, involving 2800 samples from NSCLC patients. The overall pooled parameters were calculated: sensitivity was 92.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 82.2%-97.0%], specificity was 97.8% [95% CI: 95.1%-99.0%], PLR was 41.51 [95% CI: 18.10-95.22], NLR was 0.08 [95% CI: 0.03-0.19], DOR was 535.72 [95% CI: 128.48-2233.79], AUROC was 0.99 [95% CI: 0.98-1.00]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant articles were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Wan Fang databases and Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM). Diagnostic capacity of PCR test was assessed by the pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results from this review, PCR has good diagnostic performance for detecting the ALK gene fusion in NSCLC patients. Moreover, due to the poor methodology quality of the enrolled trials, more well-designed multi-center trials should be performed.

Butyratibacter algicola gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium from the culture broth of Picochlorum sp. 122.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain B15T, was isolated from the culture broth of a marine microalga, Picochlorum sp. 122. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain B15T forms a stable cluster with Lutibaculum baratangense KCTC 22669T (95.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Tepidamorphus gemmatus CB-27AT (94.9 %) and Microbaculum marinum HSF11T (94.6 %) in the family Rhodobiaceae. Optimal growth of strain B15T was observed at 33 °C, pH 8-9 and in the presence of 3 % (w/v) NaCl. The only detected ubiquinone of strain B15T was Q-10, and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 66.3 mol%. The major fatty acid profile comprised C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c and C17 : 1 iso I/anteiso B. The major polar lipids of strain B15T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, and one unidentified lipid. Comprehensive analyses based on polyphasic characterization of strain B15T indicated that it represents a novel species of a new genusin the family Rhodobiaceae, for which the name Butyratibacter algicola gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is B15T (=KCTC 52552T=MCCC 1K03221T).

Pelagibacterium lentulum sp. nov., a marine bacterium from the culture broth of Picochlorum sp. 122.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain B2T, was isolated from the culture broth of a marine microalga, Picochlorum sp. 122. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain B2T forms a robust cluster with members of the genus Pelagibacterium, and shares the highest sequence similarity of 96.80 % with Pelagibacterium halotolerans CGMCC 1.7692T. Optimal growth of strain B2T was observed at 33 °C, at pH 8 and in the presence of 1 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant ubiquinone of strain B2T was Q-10, and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 58.6 mol%. The major fatty acid profile comprised C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids of strain B2T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids and seven unidentified lipids. Comprehensive analyses based on a polyphasic characterization of strain B2T indicated that it represents a novel species of the genus Pelagibacterium, for which the name Pelagibacterium lentulum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B2T (=MCCC 1K03218T=CGMCC 1.15896T=KCTC 52551T).