Application of virtual reality to enhance therapeutic Tai Chi for depression in elderly people.

The battle against depression in the elderly is crucial due to its significant impact on their quality of life, physical and cognitive health, increased risk of social isolation and suicide, as well as the associated higher healthcare costs. This research investigates the effects of traditional and augmented reality Tai Chi, using the virtual environment "Managed Tai Chi," on depression in elderly individuals. The study involved 300 participants aged over 60 from the Beijing Medical Center, with an experimental period lasting six months and sessions held once a week. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was utilized as a diagnostic tool at the pre-test and post-test stages. The findings revealed that the VR group exhibited a more substantial reduction in depression compared to the traditional and control groups (p ≤ 0.05), indicating the enhanced efficacy of Tai Chi with VR augmentation in treating depression in the elderly.

Analysis of the integrated role of the Yangtze River Delta based on the industrial economic resilience of cities during COVID-19.

The enhancement of regional comprehensive development ability is significantly impacted by the study on the implementation effect of regional integration strategies. The integration strategy's impact on urban development during COVID-19 in the Yangtze River Delta(YRD) is unclear. According to prior industrial transfer theory, Hefei, Anhui's capital, is difficult to transfer industries, and other YRD cities push industry integration in Anhui. This study employs the theory of economic and land resource use to examine the resilience of the industrial economy during an epidemic by using industrial land as a representation of industrial economic development. The three cities in Anhui-Wuhu, Maanshan, and Chuzhou (Wu-ma-Chu) were selected as the research area. The study employed the UNet deep learning method to detect the land use types in Wu-ma-Chu. The land transfer matrix and the standard deviation ellipse were utilised to research the alterations in industrial land use and the spatial distribution of industrial output value, respectively. The results showed that the industrial land in Machu continued to grow during the outbreak, highlighting the resilience of the region's industrial economy. During 2019-2022, the elliptical ring of industrial output value is distributed in Nanjing, revealing the radiating role of Nanjing in integrating into the integration of the YRD. This confirms China's YRD integration strategy, strengthens regional economic resilience, and encourages coordinated regional economic development.

[Oral panorama reconstruction method based on pre-segmentation and Bezier function].

For patients with partial jaw defects, cysts and dental implants, doctors need to take panoramic X-ray films or manually draw dental arch lines to generate Panorama images in order to observe their complete dentition information during oral diagnosis. In order to solve the problems of additional burden for patients to take panoramic X-ray films and time-consuming issue for doctors to manually segment dental arch lines, this paper proposes an automatic panorama reconstruction method based on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). The V-network (VNet) is used to pre-segment the teeth and the background to generate the corresponding binary image, and then the Bezier curve is used to define the best dental arch curve to generate the oral panorama. In addition, this research also addressed the issues of mistakenly recognizing the teeth and jaws as dental arches, incomplete coverage of the dental arch area by the generated dental arch lines, and low robustness, providing intelligent methods for dental diagnosis and improve the work efficiency of doctors.

Transcriptomic analysis of wheat reveals possible resistance mechanism mediated by Yr10 to stripe rust.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a catastrophic disease that threatens global wheat yield. Yr10 is a race-specific all-stage disease resistance gene in wheat. However, the resistance mechanism of Yr10 is poorly characterized. Therefore, to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism mediated by Yr10, transcriptomic sequencing was performed at 0, 18, and 48 h post-inoculation (hpi) of compatible wheat Avocet S (AvS) and incompatible near-isogenic line (NIL) AvS + Yr10 inoculated with Pst race CYR32. Respectively, 227, 208, and 4050 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 0, 18, and 48 hpi between incompatible and compatible interaction. The response of Yr10 to stripe rust involved various processes and activities, as indicated by the results of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Specifically, the response included photosynthesis, defense response to fungus, metabolic processes related to salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), and activities related to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ten candidate genes were selected for qRT-PCR verification and the results showed that the transcriptomic data was reliable. Through the functional analysis of candidate genes by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system, it was found that the gene TaHPPD (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase) negatively regulated the resistance of wheat to stripe rust by affecting SA signaling, pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression, and ROS clearance. Our study provides insight into Yr10-mediated resistance in wheat.

Effect of aerobic exercise associated with resistance training on body composition of middle-aged and elderly women / Efeito do exercício aeróbio associado ao treinamento de força sobre a composição corporal de mulheres de meia-idade e idosas / Efecto del ejercicio aeróbico asociado al entrenamiento de fuerza sobre la composición corporal de mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lack of exercise negatively impacts physical condition and quality of life among middle-aged and elderly women. Objective: Study the effects of aerobic exercise combined with strength training on the body composition of middle-aged and elderly women. Methods: The exercise was performed once every other day from 5 pm to 6 pm. 20 middle-aged and elderly women formed an experimental group. The exercise consisted of aerobic exercise combined with strength training, while the control group practiced aerobic walking. The entire experiment lasted two months, having a total of 30 sessions. Results: Body fat percentage in the experimental group decreased from 35.10±3.436% to 30.07±3.104 %; BMI decreased from 24.98±2.870 kg/m² to 24.25±3.251 kg/m²; the mean bone mineral density increased from 1.20±0.284 g/cm3 to 1.21±0.278 g/cm3. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and resistance training can improve physical function in middle-aged and elderly women. It may also improve bone density, optimize sports practice, and promote women's physical health. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigating treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A inobservância do exercício tem um impacto negativo sobre a condição física e a qualidade de vida entre as mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Objetivo: Estudar os efeitos do exercício aeróbico combinado ao treinamento de força sobre a composição corporal de mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Métodos: O exercício físico foi realizado uma vez a cada dois dias das 17h às 18h, 20 mulheres de meia-idade e idosas formaram um grupo experimental. O conteúdo do exercício consistia em exercício aeróbico combinado ao treinamento de força, enquanto o grupo de controle praticava caminhada aeróbica. Todo o experimento durou dois meses, com um total de 30 sessões. Resultados: A porcentagem de gordura corporal no grupo experimental diminuiu de 35,10±3,436 % para 30,07±3,104 %; o IMC reduziu de 24,98±2,870 kg/m² para 24,25±3,251 kg/m²; a densidade mineral óssea média aumentou de 1,20±0,284 g/cm3 para 1,21±0,278 g/cm3. Conclusão: O exercício aeróbico combinado com o treinamento de resistência pode melhorar a função física nas mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Também pode melhorar a densidade óssea, otimizar a prática esportiva, promovendo a saúde física da mulher. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La inobservancia del ejercicio repercute negativamente en la condición física y la calidad de vida de las mujeres de mediana y avanzada edad. Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos del ejercicio aeróbico combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza sobre la composición corporal de mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas. Métodos: El ejercicio físico se realizó una vez cada dos días de 17:00 a 18:00, 20 mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas formaron un grupo experimental. El contenido del ejercicio consistió en ejercicio aeróbico combinado con entrenamiento de fuerza, mientras que el grupo de control practicó marcha aeróbica. El experimento duró dos meses, con un total de 30 sesiones. Resultados: El porcentaje de grasa corporal en el grupo experimental disminuyó de 35,10±3,436 % a 30,07±3,104 %; el IMC se redujo de 24,98±2,870 kg/m² a 24,25±3,251 kg/m²; la densidad mineral ósea media aumentó de 1,20±0,284 g/cm3 a 1,21±0,278 g/cm3. Conclusión: El ejercicio aeróbico combinado con el entrenamiento de resistencia puede mejorar la función física en mujeres de mediana y avanzada edad. También puede mejorar la densidad ósea, optimizar la práctica deportiva y promover la salud física de las mujeres. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos -investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Effects of integrated sports games on motor training of children / Efeitos dos jogos esportivos integrados no treinamento motor de crianças / Efectos de los juegos deportivos integrados en la formación motriz de los niños

ABSTRACT Introduction: The sensorial integration exercise has the goal of stimulating and restoring the disordered perception system, improving proprioception, tactile, audiovisual, and vestibular sensory stimulation, and helping children to improve their perception impairments. The period between three and six is decisive for developing basic motor skills necessary for future sports skills. Objective: Studies the impacts of integrated sports game training on children. Methods: In a controlled experimental process, 120 children between three and six years old were selected and divided into experimental and control groups The experimental group was trained in integrated sports games, while the control group did not undergo any intensity training. Their body data were collected and compared before and after the intervention. Results: The running index of the experimental group increased from 4.49±1.63 to 4.65±1.53, the single leg jump increased from 4.39±0.48 to 4.26±0.45, the step jump increased from 4.28±1.64 to 4.29±1.61, and the standing jump increased from 4.85±1.74 to 4.84±1.62, while the data of the control group did not change significantly. Conclusion: The training of basic motor skills in children aged 3-6 can be positively impacted by playing sports games integrated into basic motor skills training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O objetivo do exercício de integração sensorial é estimular e restaurar o sistema de percepção desordenado, melhorar a propriocepção, a estimulação sensorial tátil, audiovisual e vestibular, ajudando as crianças a melhorarem as suas deficiências de percepção. O período compreendido entre os três e seis anos é decisivo para o desenvolvimento de habilidades motoras básicas necessárias a habilidades esportivas futuras. Objetivo: Estudar os impactos do treinamento de jogos esportivos integrados em crianças. Métodos: No processo experimental controlado, foram selecionadas 120 crianças entre 3 a 6 anos de idade, divididas em grupo experimental e controle. O grupo experimental foi treinado em jogos esportivos integrados, enquanto o grupo de controle não foi submetido a nenhum treinamento de intensidade. Seus dados corporais foram coletados e comparados antes e após a intervenção. Resultados: O índice da corrida do grupo experimental aumentou de 4,49±1,63 para 4,65±1,53, o salto de perna única elevou-se de 4,39±0,48 para 4,26±0,45, o salto de passo aumentou de 4,28±1,64 para 4,29±1,61, e o salto em pé subiu de 4,85±1,74 para 4,84±1,62, enquanto os dados do grupo de controle não sofreram alterações significativas. Conclusão: O treinamento de habilidades motoras básicas em crianças de 3-6 anos de idade pode ser impactado positivamente através da realização de jogos esportivos integrados no treinamento de habilidades motoras básicas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El objetivo del ejercicio de integración sensorial es estimular y restaurar el sistema de percepción desordenado, mejorar la propiocepción, la estimulación sensorial táctil, audiovisual y vestibular, ayudando a los niños a mejorar sus deficiencias perceptivas. El período comprendido entre los tres y los seis años es decisivo para el desarrollo de las habilidades motrices básicas necesarias para las futuras capacidades deportivas. Objetivo: Estudiar los impactos del entrenamiento con juegos deportivos integrados en los niños. Métodos: En un proceso experimental controlado, se seleccionaron 120 niños de entre 3 y 6 años, divididos en grupo experimental y grupo de control. El grupo experimental fue entrenado en juegos deportivos integrados, mientras que el grupo de control no fue sometido a ningún entrenamiento de intensidad. Se recogieron sus datos corporales y se compararon antes y después de la intervención. Resultados: El índice de carrera del grupo experimental aumentó de 4,49±1,63 a 4,65±1,53, el salto con una sola pierna aumentó de 4,39±0,48 a 4,26±0,45, el salto de paso aumentó de 4,28±1,64 a 4,29±1,61, y el salto de pie aumentó de 4,85±1,74 a 4,84±1,62, mientras que los datos del grupo de control no cambiaron significativamente. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de las habilidades motrices básicas en niños de 3 a 6 años puede tener un impacto positivo mediante la realización de juegos deportivos integrados en el entrenamiento de las habilidades motrices básicas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Exploiting the gut microbiota to predict the origins and quality traits of cultured sea cucumbers.

Nowadays, the true economic and nutritional value of food is underpinned by both origin and quality traits, more often expressed as increased quality benefits derived from the origin source. Gut microbiota contribute to food metabolism and host health, therefore, it may be suitable as a qualifying indicator of origin and quality of economic species. Here, we investigated relationships between the gut microbiota of the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus), a valuable aquaculture species in Asia, with their origins and quality metrics. Based on data from 287 intestinal samples, we generated the first biogeographical patterns for A. japonicus gut microbiota from origins across China. Importantly, A. japonicus origins were predicted using the random forest model that was constructed using 20 key gut bacterial genera, with 97.6% accuracy. Furthermore, quality traits such as saponin, fat and taurine were also successfully predicted by random forest models based on gut microbiota, with approximately 80% consistency between predicted and true values. We showed that substantial variations existed in the gut microbiota and quality variables in A. japonicus across different origins, and we also demonstrated the great potential of gut microbiota to track A. japonicus origins and predict their quality traits.

Cepharanthine, a novel selective ANO1 inhibitor with potential for lung adenocarcinoma therapy.

Anoctamin-1 (ANO1), also known as transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A), is identified as a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel that is expressed in many organs and tissues. It is involved in numerous major physiological functions and especially in tumor growth. By screening 530 natural compounds, we identified cepharanthine as a potent blocker of ANO1 channels with an IC50 of 11.2 ± 0.9 µM and Emax of 92.7 ± 1.7%. The Lys384, Arg535, Thr539, and Glu624 in ANO1 are critical for the inhibitory effect of cepharanthine. Similar to its effect on ANO1, cepharanthine inhibits ANO2, the closest analog of TMEM16A. In contrast, up to 30 µM of cepharanthine showed limited inhibitory effects on recombinant ANO6 and bestrophin-1-encoded Ca2+-activated Cl- currents, but it showed no effects on endogenous volume-regulated anion currents (VRAC). Cepharanthine could also potently suppress endogenous ANO1 currents, significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and induce apoptosis in LA795 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, animal experiments have shown that cepharanthine can dramatically inhibit the growth of xenograft tumors in mice. The high specificity provided by cepharanthine could be an important foundation for future studies of the physiological role of ANO1 channels, and these findings may reveal a new mechanism of its anticancer effect.

Identification of evodiamine and rutecarpine as novel TMEM16A inhibitors and their inhibitory effects on peristalsis in isolated Guinea-pig ileum.

The transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A)-encoded Ca2+-activated Cl- channel (CaCC) is expressed in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and involved in the generation of the slow-wave currents of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscles. TMEM16A modulators have been shown to positively or negatively regulate the contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Therefore, targeting the pharmacological modulation of TMEM16A may represent a novel treatment approach for gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as constipation and diarrhoea. In this study, evodiamine and rutecarpine were extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Evodia rutaecarpa and identified as novel TMEM16A inhibitors with comparable inhibitory effects. Their effects on intestinal peristalsis were examined. Whole-cell patch clamp results show that evodiamine and rutecarpine inhibited TMEM16A Cl- currents in CHO cells. The half-maximal inhibition values (IC50) of evodiamine and rutecarpine on TMEM16A Cl- currents were 11.8 ± 1.3 µΜ and 9.2 ± 0.4 µM, and the maximal effect values (Emax) were 95.8 ± 5.1% and 99.1 ± 1.6%, respectively. The Lys384, Thr385, and Met524 in TMEM16A are critical for evodiamine and rutecarpine's inhibitory effects. Further functional studies show that both evodiamine and rutecarpine can significantly suppress the peristalsis in isolated guinea-pig ileum. These findings demonstrate that evodiamine and rutecarpine are new TMEM16A inhibitors and support the regulation effect of TMEM16A modulators on gastrointestinal motility.

Benzophenanthridine alkaloids suppress lung adenocarcinoma by blocking TMEM16A Ca2+-activated Cl- channels.

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A)-encoded Ca2+-activated Cl- channels play a crucial role in regulating tumorigenesis. Therefore, specific and potent TMEM16A inhibitors have been proposed to potentially be useful for the treatment of cancer. During drug screening, we found that benzophenanthridine alkaloids (sanguinarine, sanguinarium chloride, sanguinarine nitrate, ethoxysanguinarine, chelerythrine, and dihydrosanguinarine) potently inhibited the recombinant TMEM16A current. The IC50 and Emax values for TMEM16A inhibition of six tested benzophenanthridine alkaloids were 5.6-12.3 µM and 77-91%, respectively. These benzophenanthridine alkaloids also significantly inhibited the endogenous TMEM16A currents and proliferation, migration, and induced apoptosis in LA795 lung adenocarcinoma cells. These data demonstrate that benzophenanthridine alkaloids are novel TMEM16A inhibitors and are potentially useful in specific cancer therapies. These findings also provide new insight for the development of TMEM16A inhibitors.

Potential Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatic-Protective Effects of Danshensu on Iron Overload Mice.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of Danshensu on liver injury induced by iron overload. The mouse model was induced by injection of iron dextran intraperitoneally for 14 d. Danshensu significantly ameliorated liver injury by decreasing iron accumulation in the liver, possibly by down-regulating the expression of iron uptake-related proteins: divalent metal ion transporters-1 (DMT-1), transferrin receptor (TfR), and L-type calcium channel α1C subunit. Furthermore, Danshensu alleviated oxidative stress injury through potentiating glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities; Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that Danshensu reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß). Moreover, Danshensu prominently inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis through decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 and increasing Bcl-2 expression levels. The present results suggest that Danshensu possess significant hepatic-protection at least partly through inhibition of iron uptake, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Therefore, we believe that Danshensu could be used as a promising therapeutic agent for preventing and treating iron overload diseases.

Inhibition of TMEM16A Ca2+-activated Cl- channels by avermectins is essential for their anticancer effects.

Transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A) encoded Ca2+-activated Cl- channels were found to be involved in tumorigenesis. Previous studies suggest the effect of TMEM16A gene amplification on tumorigenic proliferation is exerted through its channel function. TMEM16A-specific and potent small molecule inhibitors have been proposed to potentially be useful for the treatment of cancer. Thus, we screened six analogues of avermectin for their inhibitory activities on TMEM16A mediated currents. A whole-cell patch technique was used to record the currents. The IC50 and Emax values for TMEM16A inhibition of five tested avermectins (avermectin B1, ivermectin, doramectin, selamectin, and moxidectin) were 0.15-1.32 µM and 65-87 %, respectively. In addition, these avermectins significantly inhibited endogenous TMEM16A mediated currents and thus, the proliferation, migration, inducing apoptosis of LA795 cancer cells. Eprinomectin (4"-(acetylamino)-4"-deoxy-avermectin B1) and two other important macrolides (erythromycin and azithromycin), which have minimal or no TMEM16A inhibitory effects, were used as negative control drugs. These drugs were found to have limited effects on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of LA795 cells. Finally, avermectin B1 and ivermectin dramatically inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in mice. These data demonstrate that avermectins are novel TMEM16A inhibitors and are potentially useful in specific cancer therapies. These findings also provide a new opportunity to develop TMEM16A modulators.

Proteomics reveals the gender differences in humoral immunity and physiological characteristics associated with reproduction in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.

Due to the importance of characteristics associated with the immunity and physiology of organisms, gender is always taken into account when improving the breeding efficiency of economically important animals. Protein variations in the cell-free ceolomic fluid (CCF) of male and female Apostichopus japonicus before and after spawning were investigated using a comparative proteomic approach, for the purpose of understanding the influence of gender and gender associated reproductive processes on humoral immunity and physiological characteristics of the sea cucumber, A. japonicus. A total of 6839 peptides were obtained and a set of 1466 proteins were identified in the CCF of male and female A. japonicus before and after spawning. Partial least squares discrimination analysis indicated that protein expression profiles in the CCF of A. japonicus were significantly affected by both gender and reproductive processes. In addition, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the CCF of different genders and reproductive stages of A. japonicus were determined and immune-related proteins in these DEPs were screened. Findings revealed that the alternative pathway of complement activation in both male and female A. japonicus before spawning might take precedence over that after spawning. Further KEGG enrichment analyses of DEPs suggested that the capacity of muscle contraction in A. japonicus females, and food digestion, nutrition absorption, epithelial differentiation as well as growth in A. japonicus males might be enhanced after spawning. Further, compared with A. japonicus females, males may have an advantage in growth in the stages following spawning. Besides, according to KEGG annotation related to metabolism, arginine biosynthesis and purine metabolism were dominant in the CCF of male and female A. japonicus, respectively, suggesting notable metabolic differences in female and male A. japonicus. Overall, our study provides new insight into the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying gender-determined immune and physiological differences in A. japonicus. SIGNIFICANCE: The current study aimed to reveal the gender differences in humoral immunity and physiological characteristics associated with reproduction in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proteomic study analyzing the differences in protein profile between male and female A. japonicus. By analyzing the expression differences of the proteome via label-free proteomic technology, we revealed that both gender and reproduction could alter the protein composition and abundance in the cell-free colemic fluid (CCF) of A. japonicus. Based on the recognition of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to immune function among the CCFs, shifts in humoral immunity of male and female A. japonicus that underwent reproduction were obtained. Moreover, according to the enrichment analyses of DEPs based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, a draft view of how the male and female A. japonicus affected by reproduction physiologically was drawn. The results suggested that the alternative pathway of complement activation in both male and female A. japonicus were weakened after spawning. In addition, after reproduction, the capacity of muscle contraction might be enhanced in female A. japonicus, and the nutrients consumption, epithelial differentiation and growth might be strengthened in males. Further, ipath analysis indicated that A. japonicus with different genders also had notable differences in metabolism that related to arginine biosynthesis and purine metabolism. The findings presented here will improve the cognition of researchers in the molecular mechanism underlying the gender-determined immune and phyisological differences of A. japonicus and contribute for the meticulous breeding of A. japonicus.

Association Between Pretreatment Serum Apolipoprotein A1 and Prognosis of Solid Tumors in Chinese Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serum apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) has been reported to be abnormally expressed in several malignancies. However, the prognostic role of apoA1 in solid tumors is still controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to obtain a more accurate evaluation of prognostic significance of apoA1 in Chinese patients with solid tumors. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases was carried out up to August 2018. We included studies investigating the association between pretreatment serum apoA1 level and clinicopathological features, including survival outcomes, in solid tumors. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied as effect size estimates. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies and 8052 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Elevated level of pretreatment serum apoA1 was markedly associated with an improved OS (pooled HR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.557 - 0.665, P < 0.001). The statistical significances were observed in all cancer types, including digestive system malignancies (pooled HR = 0.633; 95% CI = 0.550-0.727; P < 0.001), urinary system cancers (pooled HR = 0.471; 95% CI = 0.352-0.630; P < 0.001), nasopharyngeal cancer (pooled HR = 0.642; 95% CI = 0.538-0.766; P < 0.001) and non-small cell lung cancer (pooled HR = 0.526; 95% CI = 0.329-0.841; P = 0.007), but not in breast cancer (pooled HR = 0.573; 95% CI = 0.266-1.246; P = 0.155). Meanwhile, cancer patients with a low level of serum apoA1 suffered an unfavorable DFS (pooled HR = 0.714, 95% CI = 0.603 - 0.845, P < 0.001). Moreover, abnormal serum apoA1 was significantly correlated to tumor size (pooled OR = 0.640, 95% CI = 0.475 - 0.863, P = 0.003), tumor differentiation (pooled HR = 0.724, 95% CI = 0.565 - 0.929, P = 0.011), and tumor stage (pooled HR = 0.493, 95% CI = 0.384 - 0.633, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Elevated level of pretreatment serum apoA1 was significantly associated with longer survival in patients with solid tumors. Pretreatment serum apoA1 could serve as a novel positive factor for malignant patient prognosis in Chinese population.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation has been regarded as one of the causes of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Several individual studies have reported the association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and ISSHL. However, the findings have been inconsistent, and these data have not been systematically evaluated. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to further explore the predictive value of NLR on formation and prognosis of ISSHL. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify eligible studies based on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The Standardized mean deviation (SMD) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to be the effect size estimate. RESULTS: A total 10 papers with 15 retrospective case-control studies, which included 1029 ISSHL patients (the case group) and 1020 healthy people (the control group), were selected for the meta-analysis of the relationship between NLR and onset of ISSHL. The NLR levels in the case group were observed to be higher than the control group (SMD = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.20-2.09, P < .001). The pooled results did not significantly change by the subgroup analyses based on study region, baseline matching, and laterality. Moreover, 9 publications with 12 retrospective cohort studies, which included 590 recovered ISSHL patients and 438 unrecovered ISSHL patients, explored the association between NLR and ISSHL prognosis, and the combined data showed that the NLR value was much higher in unrecovered patients rather than recovered patients (SMD = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.62-1.92, P < .001). The subgroup analyses based on study region, laterality, type of steroid, medication administration, maintenance treatment, follow-up period, and definition of "recovered" further supported these results. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that NLR might be a useful biomarker to determine the onset and prognosis of ISSHL.

Natural and synthetic flavonoids, novel blockers of the volume-regulated anion channels, inhibit endothelial cell proliferation.

Natural flavonoids are ubiquitous in dietary plants and vegetables and have been proposed to have antiviral, antioxidant, cardiovascular protective, and anticancer effects. Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), which are essential for cell volume regulation, have been proposed to play a key role in cell proliferation and migration, apoptosis, transepithelial transport, and cancer development. In this study, we screened a group of 53 structurally related natural flavonoids and three synthetic flavonoids for their inhibitory activities on VRAC currents. A whole-cell patch technique was used to record VRAC currents in the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. The 5'-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay technique was used to investigate cell proliferation. At 100 µM, 34 of 53 compounds significantly inhibited hypotonic extrasolution-induced VRAC currents by > 50% in HEK293 cells. Among these compounds, luteolin, baicalein, eupatorin, galangin, quercetin, fisetin, karanjin, Dh-morin, genistein, irisolidone, and prunetin exhibited the highest efficacy for VRAC blockade (the mean inhibition > 80%) with IC50s of 5-13 µM and Emaxs of about 87-99%. We also studied the effects of three synthetic flavonoids on VRAC currents in HEK293 cells. Flavoxate showed high inhibition efficacy toward VRAC currents (IC50 = 2.3 ± 0.3 µM; Emax = 91.8% ± 2.7%). Finally, these flavonoids inhibited endogenous VRAC currents and cell proliferation in endothelial cells. This study demonstrates that natural and synthetic flavonoids are potent VRAC current inhibitors, and VRAC inhibition by flavonoids might be responsible for their anti-angiogenic effects.

Development and validation of the nasopharyngeal cancer scale among the system of quality of life instruments for cancer patients (QLICP-NA V2.0): combined classical test theory and generalizability theory.

OBJECTIVES: This research was designed to develop a nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) scale based on quality of life (QOL) instruments for cancer patients (QLICP-NA). This scale was developed by using a modular approach and was evaluated by classical test and generalizability theories. METHODS: Programmed decision procedures and theories on instrument development were applied to create QLICP-NA V2.0. A total of 121 NPC inpatients were assessed using QLICP-NA V2.0 to measure their QOL data from hospital admission until discharge. Scale validity, reliability, and responsiveness were evaluated by correlation, factor, parallel, multi-trait scaling, and t test analyses, as well as by generalizability (G) and decision (D) studies of the generalizability theory. RESULTS: Results of multi-trait scaling, correlation, factor, and parallel analyses indicated that QLICP-NA V2.0 exhibited good construct validity. The significant difference of QOL between the treated and untreated NPC patients indicated a good clinical validity of the questionnaire. The internal consistency (α) and test-retest reliability coefficients (intra-class correlations) of each domain, as well as the overall scale, were all >0.70. Ceiling effects were not found in all domains and most facets, except for common side effects (24.8 %) in the domain of common symptoms and side effects, tumor early symptoms (27.3 %) and therapeutic side effects (23.2 %) in specific domain, whereas floor effects did not exist in each domain/facet. The overall changes in the physical and social domains were significantly different between pre- and post-treatments with a moderate effective size (standard response mean) ranging from 0.21 to 0.27 (p < 0.05), but these changes were not obvious in the other domains, as well as in the overall scale. Scale reliability was further confirmed by G coefficients and index of dependability, with more exact variance components based on generalizability theory. CONCLUSIONS: QLICP-NA V2.0 exhibited reasonable degrees of validity, reliability, and responsiveness. However, this scale must be further improved before it can be used as a practical instrument to evaluate the QOL of NPC patients in China.

Accuracy of Presepsin in Sepsis Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: It's difficult to differentiate sepsis from non-sepsis, especially non-infectious SIRS, because no good standard exists for proof of infection. Soluble CD14 subtype (sCD14-ST), recently re-named presepsin, was identified as a new marker for the diagnosis of sepsis in several reports. However, the findings were based on the results of individual clinical trials, rather than a comprehensive and overall estimation. Thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled accuracy of presepsin in patients with sepsis suspect. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search was performed via internet retrieval system up to 15 December 2014. Methodological quality assessment was applied by using the QUADAS2 tool. The diagnostic value of presepsin in sepsis was evaluated by using the pooled estimate of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio, as well as summary receiver operating characteristics curve. RESULTS: Nine studies with 10 trials and 2159 cases were included in the study. Only two trials had low concerns regarding applicability, whereas all trials were deemed to be at high risk of bias. Heterogeneity existed in the non-threshold effect, but not in the threshold effect. The pooled sensitivity of presepsin for sepsis was 0.78 (0.76-0.80), pooled specificity was 0.83 (0.80-0.85), pooled positive likelihood ratio was 4.63 (3.27-6.55), pooled negative likelihood ratio was 0.22 (0.16-0.30), and pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 21.73 (12.81-36.86). The area under curve of summary receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.89 (95%CI: 0.84 to 0.94) and Q* index was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.77 to 0.87). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that presepsin had some superiority in the management of patients, and may be a helpful and valuable biomarker in early diagnosis of sepsis. However, presepsin showed a moderate diagnostic accuracy in differentiating sepsis from non-sepsis which prevented it from being recommended as a definitive test for diagnosing sepsis in isolation, but the results should be interpreted cautiously.

[Isolation of the promoter region of HAK gene from Aeluropus littoralis and functional analysis in rice].

The AlHAK1 gene encoding a high-affinity K+ transporter was isolated from Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan) Parl, a graminaceous halophyte, and plays a crucial role in nutrition and ion homeostasis in plant cell. To investigate the regulation role of AlHAK1 on the transcriptional level, an about 1.3 kb 5'-flanking region of the AlHAK1 gene containing a putative promoter was cloned by genome walking method. Cis-regulatory elements analysis showed AlHAK1-promoter region contained typical TATA and CAAT boxes, and some growth and development relative motifs, as well as environmental re-sponsive elements. To reveal the function and regulating role, the AlHAK1 promoter was fused to the ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in the pCAMBIA1301 vector and introduced into rice via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Histo-chemical staining indicated that the GUS expression directed by AlHAK1 promoter was observed in leaves, stems, roots, anther, lemma, and palea. GUS quantitative fluorometric analysis indicated that GUS activity directed by AlHAK1 promoter was lower than CaMV35S and Ubiquitin constitutive promoters; however, in the roots and stems the GUS activity was rela-tively high and displayed a tissue-specific expression pattern. Under ABA, high temperature or drought stress, the GUS activity directed by AlHAK1 promoter was inducible in the roots and stems, suggesting the elements of HSE (-682 bp) and MybBS (-1 268 bp) might play a role in the inducible regulation.

Identification of ATP synthase beta subunit (ATPB) on the cell surface as a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) associated antigen.

BACKGROUND: Antibody-based immunotherapy has achieved some success for cancer. But the main problem is that only a few tumor-associated antigens or therapeutic targets have been known to us so far. It is essential to identify more immunogenic antigens (especially cellular membrane markers) for tumor diagnosis and therapy. METHODS: The membrane proteins of lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 were used to immunize the BALB/c mice. A monoclonal antibody 4E7 (McAb4E7) was produced with hybridoma technique. MTT cell proliferation assay was carried out to evaluate the inhibitory effect of McAb4E7 on A549 cells. Flow cytometric assay, immunohistochemistry, western blot and proteomic technologies based on 2-DE and mass spectrometry were employed to detect and identify the corresponding antigen of McAb4E7. RESULTS: The monoclonal antibody 4E7 (McAb4E7) specific against A549 cells was produced, which exhibited inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A549 cells. By the proteomic technologies, we identified that ATP synthase beta subunit (ATPB) was the corresponding antigen of McAb4E7. Then, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the localization of the targeting antigen of McAb4E7 was on the A549 cells surface. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that the antigen of McAb4E7 mainly aberrantly expressed in tumor cellular membrane in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but not in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The rate of ectopic expressed ATPB in the cellular membrane in lung adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma and their adjacent nontumourous lung tissues was 71.88%, 66.67% and 25.81% respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we identified that the ectopic ATPB in tumor cellular membrane was the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) associated antigen. ATPB may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the immunotherapy of NSCLC.