Decoding potential targets and pharmacologic mechanisms of curcumin in treating non-small cell lung carcinoma via bioinformatics and molecular docking.

Emerging evidence demonstrates that curcumin has an inhibitory effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its targets and mechanism of action need further exploration. The goal of this study was to explore the potential targets and mechanism of curcumin against NSCLC by network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation, thereby providing more insight into combination treatment with curcumin for NSCLC in preclinical and clinical research. Curcumin targets against NSCLC were predicted based on HIT2.0, STD, CTD, and DisGeNET, and the core targets were analyzed via protein-protein interaction network construction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and molecular docking. The gene expression levels of samples in A549 cells, NCI-H460, and curcumin treated groups were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. A total of 67 common targets between curcumin and NSCLC were collected by screening public databases. GO and KEGG analysis suggested that curcumin treatment of NSCLC mainly involves cancer-related pathways, such as PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, Foxo signaling pathway, microRNAs, MAPK signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, etc. The targets with the highest degree were identified through the PPI network, namely CASP3, CTNNB1, JUN, IL6, MAPK3, HIF1A, STAT3, AKT1, TP53, CCND1, VEGFA, and EGFR. The results of the in vitro experiments showed that curcumin treatment of NSCLC down-regulated the gene expressions of CCND1, CASP3, HIF1A, IL-6, MAPK3, STAT3, AKT1, and TP53. Our findings revealed that curcumin functions as a potential therapeutic candidate for NSCLC by suppressing multiple signaling pathways and interacting with multiple gene targets.

Ethical assessment of privacy breaches in epidemiological investigations and information disclosure in the internet age: safeguarding identity information for infectious patients

While the Internet has brought convenience and speed to human life, it has also led to frequent privacy violations. In the context of epidemiological investigations and information disclosure regarding confirmed Covid-19 patients, many individuals have utilized the Internet as a means to disseminate information and engage in cyber manhunts, resulting in breaches of privacy for those involved. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent within the realm of the Internet, where the boundaries of privacy invasion become blurred. Various types of privacy infringements, both active and passive negligence, are evident on social networking platforms. The juxtaposition of the virtual world of the Internet with real-life scenarios presents novel challenges in the realm of privacy violations. The Internet era, coupled with the widespread use and integration of big data, has diminished the absolute right to privacy on the Internet. This paper examines the challenge of safeguarding the identity information of infectious patients through the lens of two theoretical frameworks -Kantianism and Utilitarianism- in an effort to address this ethical dilemma.

Aunque Internet ha aportado comodidad y rapidez a la vida humana, también ha dado lugar a frecuentes violaciones de la intimidad. En el contexto de las investigaciones epidemiológicas y la divulgación de información relativa a pacientes confirmados de covid-19, muchas personas han utilizado Internet como medio para difundir información y participar en cibercacerías, lo que ha dado lugar a violaciones en la intimidad de los implicados. Este fenómeno prevalece en el ámbito de Internet, donde los límites de la invasión de la intimidad se vuelven vagos. En las redes sociales, se manifiestan diversos tipos de violaciones de la intimidad, tanto por negligencia activa como pasiva. La yuxtaposición entre el mundo virtual de Internet con escenarios de la vida real plantea nuevos retos en el ámbito de las violaciones de la intimidad. La era de Internet, junto con el uso generalizado y la integración del bigdata, han mermado el derecho absoluto a la privacidad. Este artículo examina el reto de salvaguardar la información sobre la identidad de los pacientes infecciosos a través de la lente de dos marcos teóricos -el kantianismo y el utilitarismo- en un esfuerzo por abordar este dilema ético.

Enquanto a Internet trouxe conveniência e velocidade à vida humana, ela também levou a frequentes violações da privacidade. No contexto de investigações epidemiológicas e divulgação de informações em relação a pacientes confirmados de Covid-19, muitos indivíduos utilizaram a Internet como um meio para disseminar informação e participar de uma caçada cibernética, resultando em violações da privacidade para aqueles envolvidos. Esse fenômeno é particularmente prevalente no âmbito da Internet, onde os limites de invasão da privacidade se tornaram borrados. Vários tipos de infrações da privacidade, tanto negligências ativa como passiva, são evidentes em plataformas de redes sociais. A justaposição do mundo virtual da Internet com cenários da vida real apresenta novos desafios no âmbito das violações da privacidade. A era da Internet, juntamente com o amplo uso e integração de megadados (big data), diminuiu o direito absoluto à privacidade na Internet. Esse artigo examina o desafio de proteger a informação de identidade de pacientes infectantes através das lentes de dois enquadres teóricos -Kantianismo e Utilitarismo- em um esforço para abordar esse dilema ético.

Decoding potential targets and pharmacologic mechanisms of curcumin in treating non-small cell lung carcinoma via bioinformatics and molecular docking

Emerging evidence demonstrates that curcumin has an inhibitory effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its targets and mechanism of action need further exploration. The goal of this study was to explore the potential targets and mechanism of curcumin against NSCLC by network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation, thereby providing more insight into combination treatment with curcumin for NSCLC in preclinical and clinical research. Curcumin targets against NSCLC were predicted based on HIT2.0, STD, CTD, and DisGeNET, and the core targets were analyzed via protein-protein interaction network construction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and molecular docking. The gene expression levels of samples in A549 cells, NCI-H460, and curcumin treated groups were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. A total of 67 common targets between curcumin and NSCLC were collected by screening public databases. GO and KEGG analysis suggested that curcumin treatment of NSCLC mainly involves cancer-related pathways, such as PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, Foxo signaling pathway, microRNAs, MAPK signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, etc. The targets with the highest degree were identified through the PPI network, namely CASP3, CTNNB1, JUN, IL6, MAPK3, HIF1A, STAT3, AKT1, TP53, CCND1, VEGFA, and EGFR. The results of the in vitro experiments showed that curcumin treatment of NSCLC down-regulated the gene expressions of CCND1, CASP3, HIF1A, IL-6, MAPK3, STAT3, AKT1, and TP53. Our findings revealed that curcumin functions as a potential therapeutic candidate for NSCLC by suppressing multiple signaling pathways and interacting with multiple gene targets.

Effect of load training on physical fitness in running athletes / Efeito do treinamento de corrida com carga sobre a aptidão física em atletas de corrida / Efecto del entrenamiento de carrera con carga sobre la aptitud física en corredores

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiopulmonary capacity and sports endurance are very important for running athletes. Objective: Study whether running with load training can improve physical fitness, focusing on running athletes' cardiopulmonary capacity and exercise endurance. Methods: 36 professional athletes were selected. One group was trained with normal running and the other group was trained with running with a weight load. Results: In the weight-bearing training group, FVC went from 5.13 ± 0.20 to 5.68 ± 1.25, FEV1 went from 4.38 ± 0.33 to 4.56 ± 0.35, PEF went from 8.27 ± 0.98 to 8.88 ± 1.02, ERV went from 1.44 ± 0.37 to 1.68 ± 0.34, IVC went from 4.91 ± 0.45 to 5.28 ± 1.46, VT went from 1.10 ± 0.25 to 1.42 ± 1.26, systolic blood pressure varied from 115.16 ± 8.18 to 117.02 ± 5.47, diastolic blood pressure varied from 78.58 ± 8.97 78.16 ± 7.42, BPM varied from 73.42 ± 9.27 to 73.52 ± 9.02, serum lactic acid was from 1.36 ± 0.28 to 1.31 ± 0.27, and serum creatine kinase was from 21.85 ± 59.02 to 208.11 ± 49.20. Conclusion: Load running training positively impacts athletes' physical fitness and may be added to improve athletes' cardiorespiratory capacity and exercise endurance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A capacidade cardiopulmonar e a resistência esportiva são muito importantes para os atletas de corrida. Objetivo: Estudar se o treinamento de corrida com carga pode melhorar a aptidão física, com enfoque na capacidade cardiopulmonar e a resistência ao exercício dos atletas de corrida. Métodos: Foram selecionados 36 atletas profissionais. Um grupo foi treinado com corrida normal e o outro grupo foi treinado com corrida com carga de peso. Resultados: No grupo de treinamento com rolamentos de peso, FVC passou de 5,13 ± 0.20 para 5,68 ± 1,25, FEV1 passou de 4,38 ± 0,33 para 4,56 ± 0,35, PEF passou de 8,27 ± 0,98 para 8,88 ± 1,02, ERV passou de 1,44 ± 0,37 para 1,68 ± 0,3431, IVC passou de 4,91 ± 0,45 para 5,28 ± 1,46, VT passou de 1,10 ± 0,25 para 1,42 ± 1,26, pressão arterial sistólica variou de 115,16 ± 8,18 para 117,02 ± 5,47, pressão arterial diastólica variou de 78,58 ± 8,97 78,16 ± 7,42, BPM variou de 73,42 ± 9,27 para 73,52 ± 9,02, o valor de ácido lático sanguíneo foi de 1,36 ± 0,28 para 1,31 ± 0,27, e a creatina quinase sérica foi de 219,85 ± 59,02 para 208,11 ± 49,20. Conclusão: O treinamento de corrida com carga impacta positivamente a aptidão física dos atletas, podendo ser acrescido para melhorar a capacidade cardiorrespiratória e a resistência ao exercício dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La capacidad cardiopulmonar y la resistencia al deporte son muy importantes para los atletas que corren. Objetivo: Estudiar si correr con entrenamiento de carga puede mejorar la forma física, centrándose en la capacidad cardiopulmonar y la resistencia al ejercicio en atletas corredores. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 36 atletas profesionales. Un grupo fue entrenado con carrera normal y el otro con carrera con carga de peso. Resultados: En el grupo de entrenamiento con carga de peso, la FVC pasó de 5,13 ± 0,20 a 5,68 ± 1,25, el FEV1 pasó de 4,38 ± 0,33 a 4,56 ± 0,35, el PEF pasó de 8,27 ± 0. 98 a 8,88 ± 1,02, ERV pasó de 1,44 ± 0,37 a 1,68 ± 0,34, IVC pasó de 4,91 ± 0,45 a 5,28 ± 1,46, VT pasó de 1,10 ± 0,25 a 1,42 ± 1. 2645, la presión arterial sistólica varió de 115,16 ± 8,18 a 117,021 ± 5,47, PPM varió de 78,58 ± 8,97 a 78,16 ± 7,42, las pulsaciones por minuto variaron de 73,42 ± 9,27 a 73,52 ± 9,02, el valor de ácido láctico en sangre fue de 1,36 ± 0,28 a 1,31 ± 0,27, y la creatina quinasa sérica fue de 219,85 ± 59,02 a 208,11 ± 49,20. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de carrera con carga influye positivamente en la forma física de los atletas, y puede añadirse para mejorar la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria y la resistencia al ejercicio de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Tai chi impacts on neuromuscular functions in the lower limbs of the elderly / Efeito do tai chi sobre as funções neuromusculares nos membros inferiores dos idosos / Efecto del tai chi en las funciones neuromusculares de los miembros inferiores de los ancianos

ABSTRACT Introduction: Exercise can retard the effects of aging and improve the physical function of the elderly. Tai Chi is a widespread exercise practice among the elderly in China. Although studies show the positive effects of Tai Chi practice, there is no consensus about compared studies. Objective: Evaluate the impact of regular Tai Chi exercise on neuromuscular stability in the lower limbs of elderly people, comparing the results of practitioners between sedentary and walking elderly groups. Methods: Twenty-two Tai Chi practitioners were selected, with a mean age of 59.3±3.5 years and a mean practice time of 18.4±13.2 years. This experiment mainly tests the balance ability compared to individuals practicing walking and other sedentary individuals. Results: The muscle strength of the knee flexors and extensors in the Tai Chi group was significantly greater than in the sedentary group (p=0.001 to 0.00160°/sec; P=0.002 to 60°/sec extensors; p=0.002 to 120°/sec; 120°/sec flexors, p=0.003). Similarly, there was a significant difference in muscle strength between the Tai Chi group and the walking group (the P values of the flexors and extensors at both speeds were less than 0.001). Conclusion: Tai Chi, as a regular exercise, can increase muscle strength of the general knee flexors and extensors and improve the neuromuscular stability of lower limbs in the elderly. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

RESUMO Introdução: Exercícios podem retardar os efeitos do envelhecimento e melhorar a função física dos idosos. O Tai Chi é uma prática popular de exercício entre os idosos na China. Embora haja estudos que evidenciem os efeitos positivos da prática de Tai Chi, ainda não há um consenso sobre os estudos comparados. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do exercício regular de Tai Chi sobre a estabilidade neuromuscular nos membros inferiores em idosos, comparando os resultados dos praticantes entre grupos idosos de sedentários e praticantes de caminhada. Métodos: Foram selecionados vinte e dois praticantes de Tai Chi, com idade média de 59,3±3,5 anos com tempo médio de prática de 18,4±13,2 anos. Este experimento testa principalmente a capacidade de equilíbrio comparando aos indivíduos que praticam caminhada e outros sedentários. Resultados: A força muscular dos flexores e extensores do joelho no grupo Tai Chi foi significativamente maior do que no grupo sedentário (p=0,001 a 0,00160°/s; P=0,002 a extensores de 60°/s; p=0,002 a 120°/s; flexores de 120°/seg, p=0,003). Similarmente, houve uma diferença significativa na força muscular entre o grupo Tai Chi e o grupo de caminhada (os valores P dos flexores e extensores em ambas as velocidades foram inferiores a 0,001). Conclusão: Exercícios regulares, como o Tai Chi, podem alterar a força muscular dos flexores e extensores gerais do joelho, e melhorar a estabilidade neuromuscular dos idosos nos membros inferiores. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los ejercicios pueden retrasar los efectos del envejecimiento y mejorar la función física de las personas mayores. El Tai Chi es una práctica de ejercicio muy popular entre las personas mayores de China. Aunque hay estudios que demuestran los efectos positivos de la práctica del Tai Chi, todavía no hay consenso sobre los estudios comparativos. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del ejercicio regular de Tai Chi en la estabilidad neuromuscular de las extremidades inferiores en ancianos, comparando los resultados de los practicantes entre grupos de ancianos sedentarios y caminantes. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 22 practicantes de Tai Chi, con una edad media de 59,3±3,5 años y un tiempo medio de práctica de 18,4±13,2 años. Este experimento pone a prueba principalmente la capacidad de equilibrio en comparación con los individuos que practican caminata y otros sedentarios. Resultados: La fuerza muscular de los flexores y extensores de la rodilla en el grupo de Tai Chi fue significativamente mayor que en el grupo sedentario (p=0,001 a 0,00160°/seg; p=0,002 a 60°/seg extensores; p=0,002 a 120°/seg; 120°/seg flexores, p=0,003). Del mismo modo, hubo una diferencia significativa en la fuerza muscular entre el grupo de Tai Chi y el grupo de caminantes (los valores P de los flexores y extensores a ambas velocidades fueron inferiores a 0,001). Conclusión: Los ejercicios regulares, como el Tai Chi, pueden modificar la fuerza muscular de los flexores y extensores generales de la rodilla y mejorar la estabilidad neuromuscular de los ancianos en las extremidades inferiores. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

The International Database of Central Arterial Properties for Risk Stratification: Research Objectives and Baseline Characteristics of Participants.

OBJECTIVE: To address to what extent central hemodynamic measurements, improve risk stratification, and determine outcome-based diagnostic thresholds, we constructed the International Database of Central Arterial Properties for Risk Stratification (IDCARS), allowing a participant-level meta-analysis. The purpose of this article was to describe the characteristics of IDCARS participants and to highlight research perspectives. METHODS: Longitudinal or cross-sectional cohort studies with central blood pressure measured with the SphygmoCor devices and software were included. RESULTS: The database included 10,930 subjects (54.8% women; median age 46.0 years) from 13 studies in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The prevalence of office hypertension was 4,446 (40.1%), of which 2,713 (61.0%) were treated, and of diabetes mellitus was 629 (5.8%). The peripheral and central systolic/diastolic blood pressure averaged 129.5/78.7 mm Hg and 118.2/79.7 mm Hg, respectively. Mean aortic pulse wave velocity was 7.3 m per seconds. Among 6,871 participants enrolled in 9 longitudinal studies, the median follow-up was 4.2 years (5th-95th percentile interval, 1.3-12.2 years). During 38,957 person-years of follow-up, 339 participants experienced a composite cardiovascular event and 212 died, 67 of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: IDCARS will provide a unique opportunity to investigate hypotheses on central hemodynamic measurements that could not reliably be studied in individual studies. The results of these analyses might inform guidelines and be of help to clinicians involved in the management of patients with suspected or established hypertension.

Ethical dilemmas and principles in organ transplantation in China / Dilemas y principios éticos en el trasplante de órganos en China / Dilemas e princípios éticos no transplante de órgãos na China

Abstract In medical clinical practice, organ transplantation is mainly applied to patients with end-stage organ lesions and organ failure. However, with the development of organ transplantation, many ethical issues and controversies have arisen. From the perspective of bioethics, the article compares the relevant ethical and legal regulations of organ transplantation in various countries. Due to the complexity of the real situation, many ethical dilemmas arise in organ transplantation in China. The article analyzes and researches three aspects of organ donation, distribution, and trading, and finds that there are various ethical problems in these three aspects of organ transplantation in China, such as whether the principle of presumed consent is ethical, whether brain death is legalized, the selection and determination of transplant patients, and whether human organ trading is legalized, etc. With the help of the four principles of bioethics and the current development of organ transplantation in China, the article proposes that organ transplantation in China should follow four ethical principles: the principle of respect for life, the principle of do no harm/benefit, the principle of respect for autonomy, and the principle of justice, in order to provide a defense for the legitimacy of organ transplantation.

Resumen En la práctica clínica médica, el trasplante de órganos se aplica principalmente a los pacientes con lesiones orgánicas en fase terminal y con insuficiencia orgánica. Sin embargo, con el desarrollo del trasplante de órganos, han surgido muchas cuestiones éticas y controversias. Desde la perspectiva de la bioética, el artículo compara las normas éticas y jurídicas pertinentes del trasplante de órganos en varios países. Debido a la complejidad de la situación real, surgen muchos dilemas éticos en el trasplante de órganos en China. El artículo analiza e investiga tres aspectos de la donación, la distribución y el comercio de órganos, y constata que hay varios problemas éticos en estos tres aspectos del trasplante de órganos en China, como si el principio del consentimiento presunto es ético, si la muerte cerebral está legalizada, la selección y determinación de los pacientes de trasplante y si el comercio de órganos humanos está legalizado, etc. Con la ayuda de los cuatro principios de la bioética y el desarrollo actual del trasplante de órganos en China, el artículo propone que el trasplante de órganos en China debe seguir cuatro principios éticos: el principio de respeto a la vida, el principio de no hacer daño/beneficio, el principio de respeto a la autonomía y el principio de justicia, con el fin de proporcionar una defensa de la legitimidad del trasplante de órganos.

Resumo Na prática clínica médica, o transplante de órgãos é principalmente destinado a pacientes em estágio final de lesões e falência dos órgãos. Entretanto, com o desenvolvimento do transplante de órgãos, surgiram muitas questões e controvérsias éticas. O artigo compara, desde uma perspectiva bioética, as regulações éticas e legais relevantes sobre transplantes de órgãos em vários países. Devido à complexidade da situação real, muitos dilemas éticos surgiram no transplante de órgãos na China. O artigo analisa e investiga aspectos de doação, distribuição e comercialização de órgãos, e encontra que há vários problemas éticos nestes três aspectos do transplante de órgãos na China, tais como se o princípio do consentimento presumido é ético, se morte cerebral é legalizada, a seleção e determinação de pacientes que irão receber transplante, se a comercialização de órgãos humanos é legalizada, etc. O artigo propõe, com a ajuda de quatro princípios da bioética e o desenvolvimento atual de transplante de órgãos na China, que o transplante de órgãos na China deve seguir quatro princípios éticos: o princípio do respeito à vida, o princípio de beneficiar/não causar dano, o princípio do respeito pela autonomia e o princípio da justiça, de forma a possibilitar a defesa da legitimidade do transplante de órgãos.

Scientific sports medicine in preventing sports injuries of college students / A medicina do esporte científica na prevenção de lesões por esporte em estudantes universitários / La medicina del deporte científica en la prevención de lesiones por deporte en estudiantes universitarios

ABSTRACT Introduction: As the frequency and intensity of school sports activities continue to increase, accidental injuries occur from time to time during sports activities. Objective: This article discusses the positive role of science and technology in sports medicine in promoting sports development. At the same time, the advantages of medical sports to sports injuries are analyzed. Methods: This article uses mathematical statistics to understand the current situation of college students' sports injuries and risk prevention and control, and discusses the effect of sports medicine on sports injuries. Results: There is a significant difference between the student's sports injury and the number of times, the time, and the amount of exercise they participate in each week. The longer the participation in sports, the more minor the sports injuries are. Conclusion: Strengthening physical education and strengthening awareness of sports risk prevention and control in student teaching can help students avoid sports injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: À medida que a frequência e a intensidade de atividades esportivas escolares continuam a aumentar, lesões acidentais podem ocorrer periodicamente durantes essas atividades. Objetivo: Este artigo discute o papel positivo da ciência e da tecnologia na medicina do esporte ao promover o desenvolvimento de esportes. Concomitantemente, as vantagens da medicina do esporte para as lesões do esporte são analisadas. Métodos: Este artigo utiliza estatísticas matemáticas para compreender a situação atual das lesões por esporte de estudantes universitários e a prevenção e o controle de riscos, e discute o efeito da medicina do esporte nas lesões do esporte. Resultados: Há uma diferença considerável entre a lesão por esporte dos estudantes e o número de vezes, a hora e a quantidade de exercício que eles praticam a cada semana. Quanto mais participam em esportes, menores serão as lesões. Conclusão: O fortalecimento da educação física e da conscientização sobre a prevenção e o controle de risco no esporte na formação dos estudantes pode ajuda-los a evitar lesões no esporte. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: En la medida que la frecuencia y la intensidad de actividades deportivas escolares continúan a aumentar, lesiones accidentales pueden ocurrir periódicamente durante esas actividades. Objetivo: Este artículo discute el papel positivo de la ciencia y tecnología en la medicina del deporte al promover el desarrollo de deportes. Simultáneamente, se analizan las ventajas de la medicina del deporte para las lesiones del deporte. Métodos: Este artículo utiliza estadísticas matemáticas para comprender la situación actual de las lesiones por deporte de estudiantes universitarios y la prevención y control de riesgos, y discute el efecto de la medicina del deporte en las lesiones del deporte. Resultados: Hay una diferencia considerable entre la lesión por deporte de los estudiantes y el número de veces, la hora y la cantidad de ejercicio que practican a cada semana. Cuánto más participan en deportes, menores serán las lesiones. Conclusión: El fortalecimiento de la educación física y de la concientización sobre la prevención y el control de riesgo en el deporte en la formación de los estudiantes puede ayudarles a evitar lesiones en el deporte. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Artificial liver support system in pediatric acute liver failure due to mushroom poisoning: Case series.

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) due to mushroom poisoning is a rare and life-threatening disease. There is no specific treatment. Plasma exchange (PE) is often used as a bridge to the regeneration of the liver or transplantation. However, PE is limited due to an inadequate plasma supply and transfusion-related risks. The double plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS) can adsorb toxins, including bilirubin and inflammatory mediators. However, the DPMAS cannot improve coagulation disorders. Combining PE and the DPMAS could compensate for the shortcomings of the two techniques. A previous study showed that the combination might be more effective than using PE or the DPMAS alone in patients with mild acute-on-chronic liver failure. To the best of our knowledge, few studies combined PE and the DPMAS for the treatment of PALF due to mushroom poisoning. Here, we specifically describe our experience with PE and the DPMAS in PALF. In conclusion, our study shows that the DPMAS and PE are safe and effective in reducing the bilirubin level and improving blood coagulation in PALF due to mushroom poisoning as a bridge to transplantation or recovery.

Analysis of the Clinical Effects of the Combination of Mycophenolate Mofetil with Either Tacrolimus or Cyclophosphamide.

OBJECTIVES: Here, we aimed to compare the clinical effects of mycophenolate mofetil combined with either tacrolimus or with cyclophosphamide on lupus nephritis (LN) and to analyze their influence on the expression of cystatin C and on transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-ß1). METHODS: A total of 234 patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A, for mycophenolate mofetil combined with tacrolimus (n=117) and group B, for mycophenolate mofetil combined with cyclophosphamide (n=117). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to detect the expression levels of serum TGF-ß1 and cystatin C before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effectiveness rate in group A was much higher than that in group B. The times of effectiveness and effect validity in group A were much lower than those in group B. The expression levels of serum TGF-ß1 and cystatin C decreased slightly after treatment in the two groups, and those of group A were much lower than those of group B. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus showed better clinical efficacy on LN and was safer than that of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. Moreover, the drug combination of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus greatly reduced the expression levels of serum TGF-ß1 and cystatin C.

Analysis of the clinical effects of the combination of mycophenolate mofetil with either tacrolimus or cyclophosphamide

OBJECTIVES: Here, we aimed to compare the clinical effects of mycophenolate mofetil combined with either tacrolimus or with cyclophosphamide on lupus nephritis (LN) and to analyze their influence on the expression of cystatin C and on transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-β1). METHODS: A total of 234 patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A, for mycophenolate mofetil combined with tacrolimus (n=117) and group B, for mycophenolate mofetil combined with cyclophosphamide (n=117). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to detect the expression levels of serum TGF-β1 and cystatin C before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effectiveness rate in group A was much higher than that in group B. The times of effectiveness and effect validity in group A were much lower than those in group B. The expression levels of serum TGF-β1 and cystatin C decreased slightly after treatment in the two groups, and those of group A were much lower than those of group B. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus showed better clinical efficacy on LN and was safer than that of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. Moreover, the drug combination of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus greatly reduced the expression levels of serum TGF-β1 and cystatin C.

Evaluation of Reference Genes for Quantitative PCR in Four Tissues from Rabbits with Hypercholesterolaemia

Abstract Rabbit with hypercholesterolaemia is an important model for studying cholesterol metabolism disease. This study aimed to evaluate the expression stability of nine reference genes for quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis in adrenal gland, liver, spleen, and kidney tissue from rabbits with hypercholesterolaemia. In total, 30 male Harbin Large White (HLW) rabbits were fed a normal feed (n = 15) or a high cholesterol feed (n = 15) for 8 weeks to induce hypercholesterolaemia. Nine reference genes were verified by qPCR using cDNA extracted from rabbit tissue samples. For qPCR analysis, reference genes were evaluated using the RefFinder and GeNorm algorithms. Overall, seven rabbits with hypercholesterolaemia were identified based on body weight and total cholesterol measurements. Combining the results of the RefFinder and GeNorm algorithms, the most stable reference genes were hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (Hprt1) and eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (Eef1a1) in the adrenal gland, β-2-microglobulin (B2m) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) in the liver, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (Ywhaz) and Gapdh in the spleen, and peptidylprolyl isomerase (Ppia), β-actin (Actb), succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A flavoprotein (Sdha), and B2m in the kidney. Taken together, our results confirmed that Hprt1 and Eef1a1, B2m and Gapdh, Ywhaz and Gapdh, and Ppia, Actb, Sdha, and B2m were the best reference genes for qPCR analyses in adrenal gland, liver, spleen, and kidney tissue, respectively, of rabbits with hypercholesterolaemia.

An epidemiological study of drug resistance and resistance genes in bovine Escherichia coli isolates in Heilongjiang Province of China

Background: To explore the epidemiology of bovine multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates and resistance genes in Heilongjiang province of China. This study examined the prevalence of genes in bovine E. coli isolates, which confer resistance to antibiotics that are commonly used in the clinic, in regions of Baiquan, Shangzhi, and Songbei of Harbin. The purpose of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of the main resistance genes of bovine E. coli isolates in clinical veterinary medicine, and to provide a theoretical basis for preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, as well as for rational drug use.Materials, Methods & Results: The sensitivity of 105 isolates to 22 antibiotics was determined using the KirbyBauer disk diffusion method, and the distribution of 19 kinds of common drug resistance genes was investigated using Polymerase Chain Reaction. The results showed that the resistance rate to nine antibiotics was over 50%, including rifampin (84.76%), ampicillin (73.58%), tetracycline (69.52%), and sulfisoxazole (59.05%). In total, 105 strains of bovine E. coli presented 21 spectra of drug resistance, including eight strains (7.62%, 8/105) that were resistant to one antibiotic and four strains (3.81%, 4/105) that were resistant to 21 antibiotics. The resistance gene detection results showed that the streptomycin-resistance gene strA was found in 73 isolates, accounting for 69.52% of the isolates, followed by the sulfanilamide-resistance genes sul3/sul2 and the aminoglycoside-resistance gene aphA, which accounted for 57.14%, 51.43%, and 50.48%, respectively, of the isolates.[...](AU)

An epidemiological study of drug resistance and resistance genes in bovine Escherichia coli isolates in Heilongjiang Province of China

Background: To explore the epidemiology of bovine multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates and resistance genes in Heilongjiang province of China. This study examined the prevalence of genes in bovine E. coli isolates, which confer resistance to antibiotics that are commonly used in the clinic, in regions of Baiquan, Shangzhi, and Songbei of Harbin. The purpose of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of the main resistance genes of bovine E. coli isolates in clinical veterinary medicine, and to provide a theoretical basis for preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, as well as for rational drug use.Materials, Methods & Results: The sensitivity of 105 isolates to 22 antibiotics was determined using the KirbyBauer disk diffusion method, and the distribution of 19 kinds of common drug resistance genes was investigated using Polymerase Chain Reaction. The results showed that the resistance rate to nine antibiotics was over 50%, including rifampin (84.76%), ampicillin (73.58%), tetracycline (69.52%), and sulfisoxazole (59.05%). In total, 105 strains of bovine E. coli presented 21 spectra of drug resistance, including eight strains (7.62%, 8/105) that were resistant to one antibiotic and four strains (3.81%, 4/105) that were resistant to 21 antibiotics. The resistance gene detection results showed that the streptomycin-resistance gene strA was found in 73 isolates, accounting for 69.52% of the isolates, followed by the sulfanilamide-resistance genes sul3/sul2 and the aminoglycoside-resistance gene aphA, which accounted for 57.14%, 51.43%, and 50.48%, respectively, of the isolates.[...]

Changes in serum cardiac myosin light chain 1 levels in children with fulminant myocarditis during continuous blood purification.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in serum cardiac myosin light chain 1 (CMLC-1) levels in children with fulminant myocarditis (FM) during continuous blood purification (CBP), as well as to analyze its correlation with other laboratory indexes. METHOD: Twenty-four (24) children with FM who underwent CBP were enrolled. Before and during treatment (48 and 72 hours after treatment, or death), the optical density value of serum CMLC-1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and then the serum CMLC-1 concentration was calculated. The correlations between CMLC-1 OD value change and laboratory indexes including creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin, myohemoglobin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were analyzed. RESULTS: The serum CMLC-1 concentration significantly increased in the children with FM and decreased obviously during CBP therapy. In the same period, the change of CMLC-1 concentration were positively correlated with creatine kinase-MB (r=0.528), troponin (r=0.726), myohemoglobin (r=0.702), and NT-proBNP levels (r=0.589). CONCLUSION: The serum CMLC-1 concentration increases significantly in children with FM, but CBP therapy can effectively control this increase.

Fruit sphere microenvironments and berry phenolic content of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivated under rain-shelter systems with coloured plastic film

Abstract Rain-shelter cultivation has been proven an important cultivation method for grape-plantings in continental monsoon climate zones, of which white plastic films are the most common shelter material. However, while this method and material reduces the occurrence of the disease, it can also decrease the grape berry quality. Five colours (including red, yellow, blue, purple, and white) of plastic films were covered above Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grapevine rows before veraison. Rain-shelter cultivation reduced air temperature, wind speed, and total solar radiation and enhanced relative humidity in the fruit sphere of grapevines. For each particular colour plastic film, the irradiance of its corresponding spectrum band in the canopy of vines was higher than with other colour plastic films. Meanwhile, the blue plastic film treatment significantly promoted the accumulation of total phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids more than the other colours of plastic films. Blue plastic films are more beneficial for berry quality promotion of wine grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, under rain-shelter cultivation in continental monsoon climate zones.

Changes in serum cardiac myosin light chain 1 levels in children with fulminant myocarditis during continuous blood purification

Summary Objective: To investigate the changes in serum cardiac myosin light chain 1 (CMLC-1) levels in children with fulminant myocarditis (FM) during continuous blood purification (CBP), as well as to analyze its correlation with other laboratory indexes. Method: Twenty-four (24) children with FM who underwent CBP were enrolled. Before and during treatment (48 and 72 hours after treatment, or death), the optical density value of serum CMLC-1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and then the serum CMLC-1 concentration was calculated. The correlations between CMLC-1 OD value change and laboratory indexes including creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin, myohemoglobin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were analyzed. Results: The serum CMLC-1 concentration significantly increased in the children with FM and decreased obviously during CBP therapy. In the same period, the change of CMLC-1 concentration were positively correlated with creatine kinase-MB (r=0.528), troponin (r=0.726), myohemoglobin (r=0.702), and NT-proBNP levels (r=0.589). Conclusion: The serum CMLC-1 concentration increases significantly in children with FM, but CBP therapy can effectively control this increase.

Photosynthetic production of wheat under precision planting patterns in northern china / Produção fotossintética de trigo através de padrões de plantação de precisão no norte da china

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) is cultivated across a wide region; however, water is scarce during the growing season of wheat in the Northern Plain of China. Therefore, winter wheat should be irrigated to maintain a stable and high grain yield. The aim of this field study was to develop a water-conserving precision planting pattern for winter wheat that is grown in the Northern China Plain with the purpose of exploring the benefits in maintaining water and effects on wheat productivity. To accomplish this, several production variables and photosynthetic indexes were measured, including the number of stems, the leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), net photosynthetic rate, and grain yield. The study was carried out during the 2011­2012 and 2012­2013 winter wheat growing seasons. The experiment included a double-row planting pattern (DRPP) and a single-row planting pattern (SRPP), both of which were either irrigated or rainfed. The area of each plot was 9 m2, and the experimental design was a randomized blocks design with three replicates. All results were analyzed with an ANOVA, the F test, and the LSD (p 0.05) for means comparison. PAR capture ratios in the DRPP were higher than those in the SRPP at 50­120 cm above the ground. The photosynthetic traits of flag leaves under irrigated conditions were not significantly influenced by the respective planting pattern. However, at a growth stage of 80 under the rainfed conditions, the mean photosynthetic rate within flag leaves in the DRPP was higher than that in the SRPP. Furthermore, the DRPP under rainfed conditions was more likely to increase the apparent quantum yield (AQY) of flag leaves than the yield obtained under irrigation. These results suggest that DRPP optimizes the canopy PAR distribution in winter wheat and contributes to the maintenance of a higher photosynthetic capacity in the flag leaves under water stress (the rainfed condition). This relationship may be applied in demonstration trials to encourage winter wheat farmers to incorporate the use of DRPP in the drought-prone areas, which are subjected to insufficient precipitation during the growing stage of wheat in Northern China.

O trigo de inverno (Triticum aestivum) é cultivado em uma vasta região; no entanto, a água é escassa durante a estação de crescimento do trigo na Planície do Norte da China. Assim, o trigo de inverno deve ser irrigado para manter um rendimento de grãos estável e elevado. O objetivo deste trabalho de campo foi o de desenvolver um padrão de plantação de precisão que conserve a água para o trigo de inverno que é cultivado na Planície do Norte da China com o propósito de explorar os benefícios da retenção de água e os efeitos na produtividade do trigo. Para isso, diversas variáveis de produção e índices fotossintéticos foram medidos, incluindo o número de hastes, o índice de área da folha (do inglês, LAI - leaf area index), a radiação fotossinteticamente disponível (do inglês, PAR - photosynthetically available radiation), taxa fotossintética líquida e o rendimento de grãos. O estudo foi conduzido durante as estações de crescimento do trigo de inverno em 2011-2012 e 2012-2013. O experimento incluiu um padrão de plantação em fila dupla (do inglês, DRPP - double-row planting pattern) e um padrão de plantação em fila única (do inglês, SRPP - single-row planting pattern), em ambos os casos ou foram irrigados artificialmente ou através da chuva (regadio e sequeiro). A área de cada lote de terra foi de 9 m2, e o delineamento experimental foi um de blocos aleatórios com três repetições. Todos os resultados foram analisados com uma ANOVA, um teste F, e um LSD (p 0.05) para a comparação das médias. As taxas de captura de PAR no DRPP foram maiores do que aquelas no SRPP a 50-120 cm acima do solo. As características fotossintéticas das folhas-bandeira (do inglês, flag leaves) sob condições de irrigação artificial não foram significativamente influenciadas pelo respectivo padrão de plantação. No entanto, num estágio de crescimento de 80% abaixo das condições de irrigação pela chuva, a taxa fotossintética média dentre as folhas-bandeira no DRPP foi maior que aquela observada no SRPP. Além disso, o DRPP sob condições de irrigação pela chuva foi mais suscetível ao aumento do rendimento quântico aparente (do inglês, AQY - apparent quantum yield) das folhas-bandeira do que o rendimento obtido através da irrigação artificial. Estes resultados sugerem que o DRPP otimiza a distribuição PAR do dossel no trigo de inverno e contribui para a manutenção de uma maior capacidade fotossintética nas folhas bandeira sob estresse hídrico (a condição de sequeiro). Esta relação pode ser aplicada em ensaios de demonstração para encorajar os agricultores de trigo de inverno a incorporar o uso do DRPP em áreas propensas à seca, que estão submetidas a precipitação insuficiente durante a fase de crescimento do trigo no Norte da China.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the widespread invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) was first determined. The mitochondrial genome is 16 098 bp in length, and encodes one D-loop region, two ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and 18 transfer RNA genes. Average GC content of this genome is 19.68%. nad6 and cob genes were overlapped by 4 bp. The phylogenetic tree involving 13 available closely related species further validated the new determined sequences and phylogeny of L. humile.

Lymph Node Burden as a Predictive Factor for Selective Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer After a D2 Dissection: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The role of adjuvant radiation in locally advanced gastric cancer after a D2 lymph node dissection is not well defined. The Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy in Stomach Cancer trial demonstrated a benefit in selected patients with positive lymph nodes. This study further defines lymph node burden as a predictive factor for adjuvant radiation in locally advanced gastric cancer after radical D2 lymph node dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-six patients with locally advanced gastric cancer and D2 dissections were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into 2 equal and well-balanced groups based on clinicopathologic characteristics, with half receiving chemoradiation and the other half chemotherapy alone. Clinical outcomes and recurrence patterns were compared. Lymph node ratio (LNR) was defined as ratio of positive to examined nodes. Chemotherapies were fluorouracil-based regimens. Radiation was prescribed to 45 Gy (range, 45 to 50.4 Gy) using 3-dimensional conformal or intensity-modulated radiation therapy techniques. RESULTS: There was no difference between patients treated with or without radiation in 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) (57.0% vs. 62.0%, P=0.30) or 3-year overall survival (72.8% vs. 77.4%, P=0.23). However, patients with LNR>0.65 or 3 to 6 positive nodes (N2) had improved 3-year DFS and 3-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in the chemoradiation group (LNR>0.65 vs. LNR≤0.65: 3-y DFS: 35.8% vs. 0%, P=0.052, 3-y DMFS: 75.2% vs. 0%, P=0.026; N2 vs. non-N2: 3-y DFS: 84.7% vs. 57.1%, P=0.046, 3-y DMFS: 100.0% vs. 65.3%, P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: N2 or LNR>0.65 may be indications for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Further randomized studies are needed for validation.