ABSTRACT: Rhododendron fortune belongs to a scented Rhododendron species native to China, which produces fragrant flowers of great ornamental and environmental values for landscaping or indoor beautification. However, the scents in Rhododendron fortuneihave not yet been investigated, let alone the mechanism of the formation of these fragrance in the flowers. In this study, we measured the scents in terms of its volatile components and contents (VOC) in Rhododendron fortuneiat four different flowering stages and in different tissues of the plant by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction combined (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then the characteristic aromatic values, which reflects the degree of scent perception by human, of each VOC in the plant was calculated according to its respective aromatic thresholds. Results showed that three main VOCs measured from highest to lowest are methyl benzoates, terpenes and fatty acid derivatives. Their content increased after the flower bud opening and reached the highest at half to full blossom. In a flower most VOC contents were measured in petals and only trace amount in other tissues such as stamen, pistil. A small amount of VOCs was determined in leaves as well.All aromatic values were almost corresponded to the contents of three main VOCs, indicating that the flower fragrance arises truly from these VOC components. S-adenosyl-L-methionine: benzoic acid carboxyl methyl transferase (BAMT) catalyzes the final step to form methyl benzoates. To understand the mechanism of the formation of this main type fragrance and its regulation, we firstly isolate a gene of RfBAMT from petal of Rhododendron fortuneiby using homologous cloning and RACE technology. The full length of its cDNA was 1383 bp，with an open reading frame of 1104 bp, encoding a total of 368 amino acids. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that RfBAMT was the closest to the BSMT of Camellia japonica, belonging to methyltransferases family. Then we measured the expression level of RfBAMT again at four flower developmental stages and in different flower tissues and leaves. The results showed that the expression level of this gene was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowering, implying that RfBAMT plays a pivotal role in the formation and regulation of methyl benzoates in Rhododendron fortune.Thisresearchshowed that the RfBAMT was cloned and identified in our study and its expression level was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowers and leaves, which indicated this gene may play an important role on regulation of methyl benzoate synthesis in Rhododendron fortunei.

RESUMO: Rhododendron fortunei pertence a uma espécie de rododendro perfumada nativa da China, que produz flores perfumadas de grande valor ornamental e ambiental para paisagismo ou embelezamento de interiores. No entanto, os aromas em Rhododendron fortunei ainda não foram investigados, muito menos o mecanismo de formação dessas fragrâncias nas flores. Neste estudo, medimos os aromas em termos de seus componentes e conteúdos voláteis (VOC) em Rhododendron fortunei em quatro diferentes estágios de floração e em diferentes tecidos da planta por microextração em fase sólida headspace combinada com cromatografia gasosa-espectrometria de massa. Em seguida, foram calculados os valores aromáticos característicos, que refletem o grau de percepção olfativa pelo ser humano, de cada VOC na planta de acordo com seus respectivos limiares aromáticos. Os resultados mostraram que três COVs principais medidos do mais alto ao mais baixo são benzoatos de metila, terpenos e derivados de ácidos graxos. Seu conteúdo aumentou após a abertura do botão floral e atingiu o máximo na metade da floração total. Em uma flor, a maioria dos teores de COV foram medidos em pétalas e apenas traços em outros tecidos, como estame, pistilo. Uma pequena quantidade de COVs foi determinada nas folhas também. Todos os valores aromáticos foram quase correspondentes aos teores de três COVs principais, indicando que a fragrância da flor surge verdadeiramente desses componentes de COV. Para entender o mecanismo de formação deste tipo principal de fragrância e sua regulação, primeiramente isolamos um gene de RfBAMT da pétala de Rhododendron fortunei usando clonagem homóloga e tecnologia RACE. O comprimento total de seu cDNA era de 1383 bp, com um quadro de leitura aberto de 1104 bp, codificando um total de 368 aminoácidos. A análise da árvore filogenética mostrou que RfBAMT foi o mais próximo do BSMT de Camellia japonica, pertencente à família das metiltransferases. Em seguida, medimos o nível de expressão de RfBAMT novamente em quatro estágios de desenvolvimento da flor e em diferentes tecidos e folhas de flores. Os resultados mostraram que o nível de expressão deste gene foi altamente correlacionado positivamente com o conteúdo emitido de benzoatos de metila na floração, implicando que RfBAMT desempenha um papel fundamental na formação e regulação de benzoatos de metila em Rhododendron fortune foi clonado e identificado em nosso estudo e seu nível de expressão foi altamente correlacionado positivamente com o conteúdo emitido de benzoatos de metila nas flores e folhas, o que indicou que este gene pode desempenhar um papel importante na regulação da síntese de benzoato de metila em Rhododendron fortunei.

Abstract Objective MicroRNA-29a-3p has been reported in a variety of cancers, but its role in hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear. This study was to determine the role of microRNA-29a-3p in the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from April 2013 to November 2017 were selected for this study. The cancer tissue samples of the patients were collected, and the patients were followed up for three years. The expression of microRNA-29a-3p in tissue samples was detected by in situ hybridization with fluorescent probe, and the relationships among microRNA-29a-3p and clinicopathological factors, postoperative recurrent-metastasis, survival time were studied. Immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin in tissue samples. Results Combined with HE staining results showed that microRNA-29a-3p expression was relatively high in non-cancer tissue cells (red blood cells and fibroblasts in tumor interstitial vessels), but was relatively low in cancer tissue and cells. According to the follow-up data of 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, tumor size, T-stage, tumor differentiation, postoperative recurrent-metastasis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients were significantly negatively correlated with microRNA-29a-3p (p< 0.05). Immunohistochemica results further confirmed that microRNA-29a-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin. The survival time of patients positively related with microRNA-29a-3p expression (p< 0.05). Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the combined detection of miRNA-29a-3p+Ki67+E-cadherin was larger than that of the single detection of the three indexes. Conclusions The expression of microRNA-29a-3p is closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, and it affects the proliferation and invasion. This indicates that microRNA-29a-3p serves as a therapeutic target for the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. The evidence of study designs of this study is IV using “Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence”.

Abstract Using UPLC and PDA detector, the fingerprints of Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale produced in the Longling area of Yunnan Province, China were obtained quickly and efficiently, and 26 common peaks in Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale samples were obtained by automatic peak matching through the “Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System”. The relative peak areas of the common peaks were analyzed by PCA using R, and the results showed that Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale could be well distinguished by PCA, which was consistent with the analysis results of OPLS-DA. The results fully demonstrate that Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale grown in the same area can be effectively distinguished by using the method of common peaks combined with stoichiometry. The VIP value of the 13 common peaks is greater than 1.0, which has a significant contribution to the difference and it was differential marker in Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale. At the same time, normal-phase silica gel column chromatography was used to separate and purify the compounds that are related to the common peaks, and a total of 7 compounds were identified, among which eupatolide and isoschaftoside belong to differential markers and characteristic compounds in Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale, which have good biological health care activity. The successful identification of Dendrobium devonianum and Dendrobium officinale in Longling area of Yunnan Province and the discovery of related differential markers play an important role in the further research and development of Dendrobium devonianum as a new food raw material and its products.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Contemporary table tennis teaching lacks attention to global abilities; some studies suggest that functional training can supply the demands of the high level of sport competition. Objective: Study the effect of functional training on teaching table tennis to college students. Methods: A controlled random selection was carried out (n=40), in which the experimental group (n=20) chose a functional training program. In contrast, the control group (n=20) participated in the teaching of traditional table tennis skills. The training frequency was one hour daily, three times a week, lasting six weeks. Table tennis-specific fitness was assessed before and after the experiment. Data were cataloged and statistically analyzed. Results: On the manual skills index, the experimental group's score increased from 63,194 to 79,683 points after the experiment, and the control group's score increased from 64,788 to 68,775 points after the experiment. In the regression index, the experimental group score increased from 63.645 to 78.614, and the control group score increased from 64.152 to 70.574. Conclusion: The functional training mode proposed in this paper can rapidly improve the competitive level of table tennis and improve the competitive performance of its practitioners. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enseñanza contemporánea en tenis de mesa carece de atención en habilidades globales, algunos estudios sugieren que el entrenamiento funcional puede suplir las demandas requeridas por el alto nivel de competición deportiva. Objetivo: Estudiar el efecto del entrenamiento funcional en la enseñanza del tenis de mesa en estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: Se realizó una selección aleatoria controlada (n=40), en la que el grupo experimental (n=20) eligió un programa de entrenamiento funcional, mientras que el grupo de control (n=20) participó en la enseñanza de las habilidades tradicionales del tenis de mesa. La frecuencia del entrenamiento fue de una hora diaria, tres veces por semana, con una duración de seis semanas. Se evaluó la forma física específica del tenis de mesa antes y después del experimento. Los datos se catalogaron y analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: En el índice de habilidades manuales, la puntuación del grupo experimental aumentó de 63,194 a 79,683 puntos después del experimento, y la del grupo de control aumentó de 64,788 a 68,775 puntos después del experimento. En el índice de regresión, la puntuación del grupo experimental aumentó de 63,645 a 78,614, y la del grupo de control, de 64,152 a 70,574. Conclusión: El modo de entrenamiento funcional propuesto en este artículo puede mejorar rápidamente el nivel competitivo del tenis de mesa y mejorar el rendimiento competitivo de sus practicantes. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O ensino contemporâneo no tênis de mesa carece de atenção em habilidades globais, alguns estudos sugerem que o treinamento funcional possa suprir as demandas requisitadas pelo alto nível de competição esportiva. Objetivo: Estudar o efeito do treinamento funcional sobre o ensino do tênis de mesa nos estudantes universitários. Métodos: Foi realizada uma seleção randômica controlada (n=40), na qual o grupo experimental (n=20) escolheu um programa de treinamento funcional, enquanto o grupo de controle (n=20) participou do ensino das habilidades tradicionais do tênis de mesa. A frequência do treinamento foi de uma hora diária, três vezes por semana, com duração de seis semanas. A aptidão física específica do tênis de mesa foi avaliada antes e depois do experimento. Os dados foram catalogados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: No índice de habilidades manuais, a pontuação do grupo experimental aumentou de 63.194 para 79.683 pontos após o experimento, e a pontuação do grupo de controle aumentou de 64.788 para 68.775 pontos após o experimento. No índice de retrocesso, a pontuação do grupo experimental aumentou de 63.645 para 78.614, e a pontuação do grupo de controle aumentou de 64.152 para 70.574. Conclusão: O modo de treinamento funcional proposto neste artigo pode melhorar rapidamente o nível competitivo do tênis de mesa e melhorar o desempenho competitivo de seus praticantes. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Volleyball is a team sport where winning the confrontation at the net largely determines characteristics. Volleyball players must constantly strive to improve team cooperation, defensive ability, and speed skills to improve their ability to perform over the net. Objective: Establish a fixed intensity load model for speed training on the athlete's visual response in volleyball. Methods: This paper selected several volleyball players as research subjects, randomly divided into two groups (regular training and experimental groups). The experimental group was subjected to a visual response speed training protocol based on routine training. Mathematical statistics were employed to analyze the athletes’ reaction speed and defensive ability against the net. Results: The qualities analyzed, mainly movement speed, swing speed, agility, and endurance for fast swing and fast movement, showed a significant differential after the intervention. The speed response was concentrated in the center of body balance. The lower limbs increased the endurance for speed. After visual reaction speed training, the experimental group's ability to cope with attacks on the net was statistically superior (P<0.05). Conclusion: The proposed protocol can improve the reaction speed training of volleyball players. Volleyball players should reinforce reaction speed training daily to perform better close to the net. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El voleibol es un deporte de equipo y sus características ganadoras están determinadas en gran medida por el enfrentamiento en la red. Los jugadores de voleibol deben esforzarse constantemente por mejorar la cooperación en equipo, la capacidad defensiva y las habilidades de velocidad para mejorar su capacidad de actuación sobre la red. Objetivo: Establecer un modelo de carga de intensidad fija para el entrenamiento de velocidad sobre la respuesta visual del deportista en el voleibol. Métodos: Este trabajo selecciona a varios jugadores de voleibol como sujetos de investigación, divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos (grupos de entrenamiento regular y grupos experimentales). El grupo experimental tuvo el diferencial de ser sometido a un protocolo de entrenamiento de la velocidad de respuesta visual basado en el entrenamiento rutinario. Se emplearon estadísticas matemáticas para analizar la velocidad de reacción y la capacidad defensiva de los atletas contra la red. Resultados: Las cualidades analizadas, principalmente la velocidad de movimiento, la velocidad de balanceo, la agilidad y la resistencia para el balanceo rápido y el movimiento rápido mostraron un diferencial significativo después de la intervención. La velocidad de respuesta se concentró en el centro de equilibrio del cuerpo. La resistencia para la velocidad se incrementó en los miembros inferiores. Tras el entrenamiento de la velocidad de reacción visual, la capacidad del grupo experimental para afrontar los ataques sobre la red fue estadísticamente superior (P<0,05). Conclusión: El entrenamiento de la velocidad de reacción de los jugadores de voleibol puede mejorar con el protocolo propuesto. Los jugadores de voleibol deben reforzar el entrenamiento de la velocidad de reacción en su formación diaria para mejorar su capacidad de actuación cerca de la red. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O voleibol é um esporte coletivo e suas características de vitória são determinadas em grande parte pelo confronto em rede. Os jogadores de vôlei devem se esforçar constantemente para melhorar a cooperação da equipe, a capacidade defensiva e habilidades de velocidade para melhorar a capacidade de atuarem pela a rede. Objetivo: Estabelecer um modelo de carga de intensidade fixa para o treinamento de velocidade na resposta visual do atleta em voleibol. Métodos: Este trabalho seleciona vários jogadores de vôlei como objetos de pesquisa, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (grupos de treinamento regular e grupos experimentais). O grupo experimental teve o diferencial de ser submetido a um protocolo treinamento de velocidade de resposta visual baseado no treinamento de rotina. Estatísticas matemáticas foram empregadas para analisar a velocidade de reação dos atletas e a capacidade defensiva contra a rede. Resultados: As qualidades analisadas, principalmente velocidade de movimento, velocidade de balanço, agilidade e resistência para balanço rápido e movimento rápido mostraram um diferencial significativo após a intervenção. A velocidade de resposta concentrou-se no centro de equilíbrio corporal. A resistência para a velocidade foi incrementada pelos membros inferiores. Após o treinamento da velocidade de reação visual, a capacidade do grupo experimental de enfrentar os ataques sobre a rede foi estatisticamente superior (P<0,05). Conclusão: O treinamento da velocidade de reação dos jogadores de vôlei pode ser aprimorado com o protocolo proposto. Os jogadores de vôlei devem reforçar o treinamento da velocidade de reação em seu treinamento diário afim de uma melhor capacidade de atuação próxima à rede. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract Background Currently, only a few studies have described the general characteristics of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) who tested negatives for anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. We aimed to further investigate the clinical characteristics of these patients in a large sample. Methods Data from patients with pSS who were treated at a tertiary hospital in China between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics of the patients were compared between those with and without anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibody negativity. Factors associated with anti-SSA and anti-SSB negativity were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results Overall, 934 patients with pSS were included in this study, among whom 299 (32.0%) tested negative for anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. Compared with patients testing positive for anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, that testing negative for the two antibodies had a lower proportion of females (75.3% vs. 90.6%, p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (6.7% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.002), but a higher proportion of abnormal Schirmer I tests (96.0% vs. 89.1%, p = 0.001) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) (59.2% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.001). Anti-SSA and anti-SSB negativity was positively associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 3.31), abnormal Schirmer I tests (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.24, 6.53), and ILD (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.67, 3.85). However, it was negatively related to thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.95). Conclusion Approximately one third of pSS patients had anti-SSA and anti-SSB negativity. pSS patients testing negative for anti-SSA and anti-SSB showed a higher risk of abnormal Schirmer I tests and ILD, but a lower risk of thrombocytopenia.

Abstract The power of computed tomography (CT) radiomics for preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) demonstrated in current research is variable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the value of CT radiomics for MVI prediction in HCC, and to investigate the methodologic quality in the workflow of radiomics research. Databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. The methodologic quality of included studies was assessed. Validation data from studies with Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement type 2a or above were extracted for meta-analysis. Eleven studies were included, among which nine were eligible for meta-analysis. Radiomics quality scores of the enrolled eleven studies varied from 6 to 17, accounting for 16.7%-47.2% of the total points, with an average score of 14. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the summary receiver operator Characteristic Curve (AUC) were 0.82 (95% CI 0.77-0.86), 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.83), and 0.87 (95% CI 0.84-0.91) for the predictive performance of CT radiomics, respectively. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses showed radiomics model based on 3D tumor segmentation, and deep learning model achieved superior performances compared to 2D segmentation and non-deep learning model, respectively (AUC: 0.93 vs. 0.83, and 0.97 vs. 0.83, respectively). This study proves that CT radiomics could predict MVI in HCC. The heterogeneity of the included studies precludes a definition of the role of CT radiomics in predicting MVI, but methodology warrants uniformization in the radiology community regarding radiomics in HCC.

A series of novel betulin-28-hydrazone derivatives (7a-7o) were synthesized. All compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicities in four human carcinoma cells (HepG2, MCF-7, HCT-116 and A549). Among them, compound 7l displayed the most potent cytotoxicity with an IC50 (concentration of the tested compound that inhibits 50% of cell growth) value of 7.37 ± 0.38 μM against MCF-7 cells. The preliminary cellular mechanism studies indicated that compound 7l could induce MCF-7 cells apoptosis. The above findings indicated that compound 7l may be used as a lead compound for antitumor agents with improved efficacy.

Abstract Triptolide is a natural active compound that has significant neuroprotective properties and shows promising effects in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that autophagy occurs in AD. In this study, we determined whether autophagy regulated by triptolide ameliorates neuronal death caused by amyloid-Beta1-42 (Aβ1-42). We examined the effects of triptolide on cell viability, autophagy, apoptosis, and the protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamysin/70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (Akt/mTOR/p70S6K) signaling pathway in PC12 cells. The results indicated that triptolide treatment exhibited a cytoprotective effect against cell injury induced by Aβ1-42. Triptolide also reduced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival by decreasing autophagosome accumulation and inducing autophagic degradation. Furthermore, our results also showed that activating the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K mechanism was one reason for the protection of triptolide. Triptolide treatment protected against Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing autophagosome accumulation, and inducing autophagic degradation in PC12 cells. These findings also suggest that the reduction of autophagosome accumulation observed in triptolide-treated cells was Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway dependent. Overall, triptolide exhibits a neuron protective effect and this study provides new insight into AD prevention and treatment.

Abstract Paeonia ostii is the representative of oil-utilized peony, its roots (PR) and leaves (PL) are discarded as by-products, resulting in a waste of resources. The exploration of extraction process of active ingredients from PR/PL is beneficial to the comprehensive utilization. In this work, the optimum process of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAEo) of total flavonoids content (TFC) from PR and PL was determined by single factor and response surface methodology. The results showed that UAEo was 80 min, 1:5 g/mL, 250 W, 33.83 mg Rutin/g dw for PR and 60 min, 1:10 g/mL, 250 W, 25.85 mg Rutin/g dw for PL. Then, Homogenization-Assisted Extraction (HAE), Homogenization-Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (HUAEo) and Ultrasound-Homogenization-Assisted Extraction (UHAEo) were further analyzed. The highest PR(PL)-TFC by HUAEo at homogenization 5 min was 49.58 ± 0.25 mg/g with an increase of 46.6% (33.02 ± 0.04 mg/g with an increase of 27.7%). The highest PR/PL-total phenolic content by the HUAEo reached 77.84 ± 0.52 mg/g dw and 146.62 ± 2.77 mg/g dw for homogenization 3 min. However, there was no significant difference between HUAEo and UHAEo. In conclusion, the TFC increased with the extension of HAE time, and the combined extraction was higher yield than the single extraction.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major public health problem with a huge economic burden worldwide. Ulinastatin (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, has been reported to be anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, and organ protection by reducing reactive oxygen species production, and inflammation. Necroptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism that plays a vital role in neuronal cell death after ICH. However, the neuroprotection of UTI in ICH has not been confirmed, and the potential mechanism is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotection and potential molecular mechanisms of UTI in ICH-induced EBI in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Methods: The neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, and neuronal damage were evaluated. The anti-inflammation effectiveness of UTI in ICH patients also was evaluated. Results: UTI treatment markedly increased the neurological score, alleviate the brain edema, decreased the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β), IL‑6, NF‑κB levels, and RIP1/RIP3, which indicated that UTI-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation, and necroptosis alleviated neuronal damage after ICH. UTI also can decrease the inflammatory cytokine of ICH patients. The neuroprotective capacity of UTI is partly dependent on the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: UTI improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural neuroinflammation, and necroptosis.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still a major public health problem, with high mortality and disability. Ulinastatin (UTI) was purified from human urine and has been reported to be anti-inflammatory, organ protective, and antioxidative stress. However, the neuroprotection of UTI in ICH has not been confirmed, and the potential mechanism is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotection and potential molecular mechanisms of UTI in ICH-induced early brain injury in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Methods: The neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative stress levels, and neuronal damage were evaluated. Results: UTI treatment markedly increased the neurological score, alleviated brain edema, decreased the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and NF-κB, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and upregulated the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Nrf2. This finding indicated that UTI-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress alleviated neuronal damage after ICH. The neuroprotective capacity of UTI is partly dependent on the ROS/MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Conclusions: UTI improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Abstract Objectives: Depression is common after both lacunar stroke and non-lacunar stroke and might be associated with lesion locations as proven by some studies. This study aimed to identify whether lesion location was critical for depression after both lacunar and non-lacunar strokes. Methods: A cohort of ischemic stroke patients was assigned to either a lacunar stroke group or a non-lacunar stroke group after a brain MRI scan. Neurological deficits and treatment response was evaluated during hospitalization. The occurrence of depression was evaluated 3 months later. Logistic regressions were used to identify the independent risk factors for depression after lacunar and non-lacunar stroke respectively. Results: 83 of 246 patients with lacunar stroke and 71 of 185 patients with non-lacunar stroke developed depression. Infarctions in the frontal cortex, severe neurological deficits, and a high degree of handicap were identified as the independent risk factors for depression after non-lacunar stroke, while lesion location was not associated with depression after lacunar stroke. Conclusion: The main determinants for depression after lacunar and non-lacunar stroke were different. Lesion location was critical only for depression after non-lacunar stroke.

ABSTRACT Objective: This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the associations of circulating and dietary intake of vitamin D with risk of risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our findings showed that higher circulating vitamin D level and dietary vitamin D intake were associated with a reduced risk of RCC. The possible explanation might be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell differentiation and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from their inception points through December 2018 for observational studies. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: A total of 9 publications were included in this meta-analysis. An overall analysis of the highest versus lowest intake levels revealed that circulating vitamin D level was protectively associated with risk of RCC 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64-0.89, P=0.001), with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2=38.8%, P=0.162). In addition, dietary vitamin D intake was associated with a reduced risk of RCC (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 75-0.99, P=0.030). Statistical heterogeneity was not identified (I2=28.8%, P=0.199). Subgroup analyses results showed the gender differences, and the associations were significant in results with women participants (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.55-0.88) and case-control studies (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95). Conclusion: Higher circulating vitamin D level and higher dietary vitamin D intake both might be associated with a reduced risk of RCC. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required in the future to confirm our results.

Abstract Superoxide dismutase proteins (SODs) are antioxidant enzymes with important roles in abiotic stress responses. The SOD gene family has been systematically analyzed in many plants; however, it is still poorly understood in maize. Here, a bioinformatics analysis of maize SOD gene family was conducted by describing gene structure, conserved motifs, phylogenetic relationships, gene duplications, promoter cis-elements and GO annotations. In total, 13 SOD genes were identified in maize and five members were involved in segmental duplication. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that SODs from maize and other plants comprised two groups, which could be further classified into different subgroups, with most members in the same subgroup having the same subcellular localization. The ZmSOD promoters contained 2-10 stress-responsive cis-elements with different distributions. Heatmap analysis indicated that ZmSODs were expressed in most of the detected tissues and organs. The expression patterns of ZmSODs were investigated under drought and salt treatments by qRT-PCR, and most members were responsive to drought or salt stress, especially some ZmSODs with significant expression changes were identified, such as ZmCSD2 and ZmMSD2, suggesting the important roles of ZmSODs in abiotic stress responses. Our results provide an important basis for further functional study of ZmSODs in future study.