Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5’end or 3’end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5’ end or 3’ end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

RESUMO Introdução A correta compreensão e implementação das tarefas definidas pelo treinador para o jogador é alcançada através de uma ampla variedade de sessões de treinamento. Até hoje, a questão da eficácia do treinamento e a preparação dos jogadores profissionais de futebol para os jogos não foi suficientemente estudada. Objetivo Estudar os meios e métodos utilizados no treinamento de futebol e, por comparação, descobrir qual dos métodos é mais eficaz para obter um resultado positivo durante o jogo e manter a saúde dos jogadores. Métodos O estudo utilizou métodos matemáticos e físicos, assim como análise comparativa. No decorrer do estudo, foram considerados os principais métodos de treinamento em uma equipe. Foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre dois tipos de treinamento individual de jogadores de futebol, objetivando melhorar parâmetros físicos e técnicos. Resultado Foram estabelecidos quais parâmetros influenciam a escolha do esquema de treinamento. A eficácia de ambos os sistemas de treinamento é comprovada pelos indicadores estatísticos dos jogadores de futebol que treinam de acordo com estes métodos. Conclusão A eficácia da metodologia de treinamento escolhida por um jogador de futebol depende de suas habilidades físicas iniciais e habilidades profissionais. O significado prático do estudo é determinado pelo fato de que os métodos propostos podem ser utilizados no treinamento de atletas profissionais. Evidência nível II; Estudos terapêuticos – pesquisa de resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction The correct understanding and implementation of the tasks set by the coach for the player are achieved through a wide variety of training sessions. To date, the question of training effectiveness and the preparation of professional soccer players for matches has not been sufficiently studied. Objective Study the means and methods used in soccer training. By comparison, find out which method is most effective in achieving a positive result during the game and maintaining the players’ health. Methods The study used mathematical and physical methods and comparative analysis. In the study, the main training methods in a team were considered. A comparative analysis was made between two types of individual soccer players’ training to improve physical and technical parameters. Result We established which parameters influence the choice of the training scheme. The effectiveness of both training systems is proven by the statistical indicators of soccer players who train according to these methods. Conclusion The effectiveness of the training methodology chosen by a soccer player depends on his initial physical abilities and professional skills. The study’s practical significance is determined by the fact that the proposed methods can be used in training professional athletes. Evidence level II; Therapeutic studies - outcomes research.

RESUMEN Introducción La correcta comprensión y ejecución de las tareas establecidas por el entrenador para el jugador se consigue a través de una amplia variedad de sesiones de entrenamiento. Hasta hoy, la cuestión de la eficacia del entrenamiento y la preparación de los futbolistas profesionales para los partidos no se ha estudiado suficientemente. Objetivo Estudiar los medios y métodos utilizados en el entrenamiento de fútbol y, por comparación, averiguar qué método es más eficaz para conseguir un resultado positivo durante el juego y mantener la salud de los jugadores. Métodos El estudio utilizó métodos matemáticos y físicos, así como análisis comparativos. En el transcurso del estudio, se consideraron los principales métodos de formación en un equipo. Se realizó un análisis comparativo entre dos tipos de entrenamiento individual de jugadores de fútbol, con el objetivo de mejorar los parámetros físicos y técnicos. Resultado Se estableció qué parámetros influyen en la elección del esquema de entrenamiento. La eficacia de ambos sistemas de entrenamiento queda demostrada por los indicadores estadísticos de los futbolistas que entrenan según estos métodos. Conclusión La eficacia de la metodología de entrenamiento elegida por un futbolista depende de sus capacidades físicas iniciales y de sus habilidades profesionales. La importancia práctica del estudio viene determinada por el hecho de que los métodos propuestos pueden utilizarse en el entrenamiento de atletas profesionales. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados.

Abstract Background: Metastatic melanoma has a high mortality rate and poor survival. This is associated with efficient metastatic colonization, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer cells plays an important role in metastatic dissemination. Whether cancer stem cells can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells; and whether exosomal crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated in melanoma prior to this report. Results: The results revealed that exosomes secreted by highly metastatic melanoma CSCs (OL-SCs) promoted the invasiveness of the low metastatic melanoma cells (OL) and accelerated metastatic progression. miR-1268a was up-regulated in cells and exosomes of OL-SCs. Moreover, OL-SCs-derived exosomal miR-1268a, upon taking up by OL cells, promoted the metastatic colonization ability of OL cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the pro-metastatic activity of exosomal miR-1268a is achieved through inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that OL cells can acquire the “metastatic ability” from OL-SCs cells. OL-SCs cells achieves this goal by utilizing its exosomes to deliver functional miRNAs, such as miR-1268a, to the targeted OL cells which in turn augments metastatic colonization by inactivating the autophagy pathway in OL cells.

ABSTRACT: Apple yield estimation using a smartphone with image processing technology offers advantages such as low cost, quick access and simple operation. This article proposes distribution framework consisting of the acquisition of fruit tree images, yield prediction in smarphone client, data processing and model calculation in server client for estimating the potential fruit yield. An image processing method was designed including the core steps of image segmentation with R/B value combined with V value and circle-fitting using curvature analysis. This method enabled four parameters to be obtained, namely, total identified pixel area (TP), fitting circle amount (FC), average radius of the fitting circle (RC) and small polygon pixel area (SP). A individual tree yield estimation model on an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) was developed with three layers, four input parameters, 14 hidden neurons, and one output parameter. The system was used on an experimental Fuji apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Red Fuji) orchard. Twenty-six tree samples were selected from a total of 80 trees according to the multiples of the number three for the establishment model, whereby 21 groups of data were trained and 5 groups o data were validated. The R2 value for the training datasets was 0.996 and the relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) value 0.063. The RRMSE value for the validation dataset was 0.284 Furthermore, a yield map with 80 apple trees was generated, and the space distribution o the yield was identified. It provided appreciable decision support for site-specific management.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of warming yang and invigorating qi prescription on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction. 126 rats were randomly divided into model group, sham operation, warming yang, invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi, digoxin and captopril group for respective treatment. After intervention for 6, 8 and 10 weeks, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated, and the plasma renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels were measured. Results showed that, after 6, 8 and 10 weeks, LVEF in warming yang, invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi and captopril group was significantly higher than model group (P < 0.05), and the plasma renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels in warming yang, invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi and captopril groups were significantly lower than model group (P < 0.05). Renin angiotensin II and aldosterone levels in invigorating qi, warming yang+invigorating qi and captopril groups after 10 weeks was significantly lower than after 6 weeks (P < 0.05); aldosterone level in captopril groups after 10 weeks was significantly lower than after 6 weeks (P < 0.05). Warming yang and invigorating qi prescription can improve LVEF in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related with the inhibition of RAAS activation.

Objective: The ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes in peripheral blood could reflect an indi- vidual's immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes and clinical status of patients with active tuberculosis. Methods: This was a retrospective review of data collected from the clinical database of The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Medical College of Jiangnan University. A total of 419 patients who had newly diagnosed active tuberculosis and 108 cases from 419 patients with tuberculosis therapy either near completion or completed were selected. Controls were 327 healthy donors. Results: Median ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes was 0.36 (IQR, 0.22-0.54) in patients before treatment, and 0.16 (IQR, 0.12-0.20) in controls (p < 0.001). Ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes <9% or >25% was significant predictors for active tuberculosis (OR = 114.73, 95% CI, 39.80-330.71; OR = 89.81, 95% CI, 53.18-151.68, respectively). After treatment, the median ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes recovered to be nearly normal. Compared to other patients, patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis and of age >60 years were more likely to have extreme ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI, 1.08-6.09; AOR = 4.36, 95% CI, 1.43-13.29, respectively). Conclusions: Ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes <9% or >25% is predictive of active tuberculosis.