We investigated the value of plasma cytokine levels as markers of pathogenesis and treatment response in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary disease. Plasma cytokine levels were measured and compared among patients with NTM pulmonary disease (n=111), tuberculosis (TB) patients (n=50), and healthy individuals (n=40). Changes during treatment were monitored at 3 and 6 months after treatment. According to the treatment response, NTM patients were classified as ‘resistance' or ‘sensitivity' responders. The results revealed that five out of twelve cytokines exhibited significantly higher levels in NTM patients compared to controls. Among these, interleukin (IL)-6 demonstrated the strongest discriminating capacity for NTM. Furthermore, when combined with IL-1β, they efficiently distinguished between NTM drug-resistant and drug-sensitive patients, as well as between NTM and TB groups. Additionally, IL-6 levels initially rose and then decreased in the NTM drug-resistant group during the six months of treatment, similar to the behavior of IL-1β in the NTM drug-sensitive group. Subgroup analyses of the sensitive group with differential treatment responses revealed an increase in IL-10 levels in the six-month treatment responders. A high IL-6/IL-10 ratio was associated with increased disease severity of NTM and TB. Collectively, combinations of various plasma cytokines, specifically IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, effectively distinguished NTM patients with varying mycobacterial burdens, with IL-6 and IL-10 emerging as potential biomarkers for early treatment response. The combination of IL-6 and IL-1β demonstrated the highest discriminatory value for distinguishing between NTM-resistant and NTM-sensitive groups as well as between NTM and TB groups. nontuberculous non tuberculous (NTM n=111, n111 n n=111 , 111 (n=111) (TB n=50, n50 n=50 50 (n=50) n=40. n40 n=40 . 40 (n=40) ‘resistance resistance ‘sensitivity sensitivity responders controls these IL6 IL (IL)- Furthermore IL1β, IL1β ILβ 1β, 1β β drugresistant drug resistant drugsensitive Additionally IL- IL10 10 IL-1 sixmonth month IL6/IL10 IL6IL10 ILIL 6/IL IL-6/IL-1 Collectively IL6, 6, IL10, 10, burdens NTMresistant NTMsensitive n11 n=11 11 (n=111 n5 n=5 5 (n=50 n4 n=4 4 (n=40 (IL) IL1 1 IL6/IL1 IL6IL1 6IL IL-6/IL- n1 n=1 (n=11 n= (n=5 (n=4 (IL IL6/IL IL6IL IL-6/IL (n=1 (n= (n

Abstract Objective The association between Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) and coexistent Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) was controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of HT exerts any influence on the aggressiveness of PTC, and to establish a nomogram for predicting the possibility of aggressiveness in PTC. Methods 373 consecutive PTC patients with/without coexistent HT from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospective reviewed. Patients’ clinicopathologic and sonographic characteristics were collected for univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram was established based on the risk factors for aggressiveness in PTC. Results Male (p= 0.001), tumor size >1.0 cm (p= 0.046) and lymph node metastasis (p= 0.018) were negatively associated with PTC coexisted with HT, while it was significantly positively associated with the frequence of multifocality (p= 0.010). Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that age ≥55 years (p= 0.000), male (p= 0.027), HT (p= 0.017), tumor size >1.0 cm (p= 0.015), multifocality (p= 0.041), distance to capsular ≤0 cm (p= 0.050) and blood flow (Grade I: p= 0.044) were independent risk factors for predicting the aggressiveness in PTC. A nomogram according to these predictors was further developed and validated. The receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC = 0.734 and 0.809 for training and validation cohorts, respectively) and decision curve analyses indicated that the nomogram model was clinically useful. The calibration curve revealed that the nomogram exhibited an excellent consistency. Conclusions In this study, the coexistent HT might play a protective role in preventing the proliferation of PTC. Dispensable aggressive treatment may be reduced in PTC by pre-operative identification of sonographic and clinical characteristics and incorporating with the predicted nomogram model. (PTC Hashimotos Hashimoto s (HT controversial 37 withwithout without 201 202 reviewed Patients p (p 0.001, 0001 0.001 , 0 001 0.001) 10 1 >1. 0.046 0046 046 0.018 0018 018 0.010. 0010 0.010 . 010 0.010) 55 ≥5 0.000, 0000 0.000 000 0.000) 0.027, 0027 0.027 027 0.027) 0.017, 0017 0.017 017 0.017) 0.015, 0015 0.015 015 0.015) 0.041, 0041 0.041 041 0.041) ≤ 0.050 0050 050 Grade I 0.044 0044 044 validated AUC 0734 734 0.73 0809 809 0.80 cohorts respectively useful consistency preoperative pre operative 3 20 0.00 00 >1 0.04 004 04 0.01 01 5 ≥ 002 0.02 02 0.05 005 05 073 73 0.7 080 80 0.8 2 0.0 > 07 7 0. 08 8

RESUMEN Introducción: El voleibol exige que los atletas tengan una alta capacidad deportiva global. Los ejercicios compuestos requieren más de un grupo muscular trabajando en conjunto para completar un movimiento determinado, siendo ideal para el desarrollo del salto en el deporte del voleibol por replicar la forma en que el cuerpo del atleta se mueve naturalmente. Sin embargo, los atributos relevantes para esta técnica no se conocen del todo. Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos del ejercicio compuesto sobre la capacidad de salto de los jugadores de voleibol. Métodos: Se utilizó el método de experimento controlado en 30 voluntarios distribuidos equitativamente en dos grupos, con una duración de 8 semanas. El grupo de control recibió formación tradicional. El grupo experimental recibió sesiones de entrenamiento dirigidas por ejercicios compuestos. Las sesiones se aplicaron dos veces por semana, con una duración de 80 minutos por sesión, incluidos 15 minutos de calentamiento y 10 minutos de enfriamiento. Los indicadores se recogieron individualmente antes y después del experimento, se analizaron los datos y se confrontaron estadísticamente. Resultados: El grupo experimental mostró mejores resultados en la altura de salto vertical de pie, la altura de toque y la altura de bloqueo tras el ejercicio compuesto. Conclusión: El ejercicio compuesto propuesto puede mejorar la calidad física de los jugadores, repercutiendo en la calidad profesional, con la premisa de garantizar el interés deportivo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción global determinado naturalmente embargo todo Objetivo Métodos 3 grupos semanas tradicional semana sesión 1 enfriamiento estadísticamente Resultados pie Conclusión profesional deportivo II tratamiento

RESUMO Introdução: O voleibol exige que os atletas tenham alta capacidade esportiva global. Os exercícios compostos requerem mais de um grupo muscular trabalhando em conjunto para completar um determinado movimento, sendo ideal para o desenvolvimento de salto no esporte do voleibol por replicar a maneira como o corpo do atleta move-se naturalmente. Porém, os atributos relevantes para essa técnica não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Objetivo: Estudar os efeitos do exercício composto na capacidade de salto dos jogadores de voleibol. Métodos: Utilizou-se o método de experimento controlado em 30 voluntários igualmente distribuídos em dois grupos, com duração de 8 semanas. O grupo controle recebeu o treinamento tradicional. Treinamentos direcionados foram direcionados por exercícios compostos ao grupo experimental. A sessões foram aplicadas duas vezes por semana, com duração de 80 minutos por sessão, incluindo 15 minutos de aquecimento e 10 minutos resfriamento. Os indicadores forem coletados individualmente antes e depois do experimento, os dados foram analisados e confrontados estatisticamente. Resultados: O grupo experimental apresentou melhores resultados sobre a altura do salto vertical em pé, altura de toque e altura de bloqueio após o exercício composto. Conclusão: O exercício composto proposto pode melhorar a qualidade física dos jogadores, impactando na qualidade profissional, com a premissa de garantir o interesse esportivo. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução global movimento movese move se naturalmente Porém esclarecidos Objetivo Métodos Utilizouse Utilizou 3 grupos semanas tradicional semana sessão 1 resfriamento estatisticamente Resultados pé Conclusão profissional esportivo II tratamento

ABSTRACT Introduction: Volleyball requires athletes to have high global sport capacity. Compound exercises require more than one muscle group to complete a given movement. They are ideal for jump development in volleyball because they replicate how the athlete's body moves naturally. However, the attributes relevant to this technique are not fully understood. Objective: Study compound exercise's effects on volleyball players’ jumping ability. Methods: The controlled experiment method was used in 30 volunteers equally distributed in two groups, with a duration of 8 weeks. The control group received traditional training. The experimental group received training sessions directed by compound exercises. The sessions were applied twice a week, lasting 80 minutes per session, including 15 minutes of warm-up and 10 minutes of cool-down. The indicators were collected individually before and after the experiment, and the data were analyzed and statistically confronted. Results: The experimental group showed better results on standing vertical jump height, touch height, and blocking height after the compound exercise. Conclusion: The proposed compound exercise can improve players’ physical quality, impacting their professional quality, to ensure sporting interest. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction capacity movement athlete s naturally However understood Objective players ability Methods 3 groups weeks week session 1 warmup warm up cooldown. cooldown cool down. down cool-down confronted Results Conclusion quality interest II outcomes

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento físico específico ha demostrado una gran influencia en muchas cualidades exigidas a los jugadores de voleibol, pero el entrenamiento específico de extremidades superiores está aún poco documentado. Objetivo: Estudiar las repercusiones del entrenamiento físico en la fuerza de los miembros superiores y los impactos funcionales durante los lanzamientos de balón de los jugadores de voleibol. Métodos: Veinte estudiantes de voleibol fueron divididos aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y de control para un experimento de 6 semanas. El grupo experimental realizó principalmente un protocolo de entrenamiento que incluía lanzamientos de balón, mientras que el grupo de control continuó con los métodos de entrenamiento tradicionales. Se recogieron y compararon estadísticamente los datos relativos a la cinemática funcional y el rendimiento físico. Resultados: En el grupo experimental, la fuerza flexora del hombro evidenció un aumento de 0,41±0,19 J/kg a 1,29±0,19 J/kg; la fuerza flexora del codo se elevó de 0,38±0,23 J/kg a 1,61±0,02 J/kg. Respecto al rendimiento funcional específico, la puntuación máxima aumentó de 4,84±1,44 a 7,47±1,43; la puntuación global aumentó de 9,05±1,70 a 13,31±1,72. Se observó que el índice de aumento de cada índice fue más significativo que el del grupo de control. Conclusión: El entrenamiento físico dedicado puede mejorar la fuerza de las extremidades superiores y el efecto de golpeo de los jugadores de voleibol, y se recomienda su combinación con un entrenamiento especial de fuerza para mejorar las habilidades generales de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción documentado Objetivo Métodos semanas tradicionales Resultados 041019 0 41 19 0,41±0,1 Jkg J kg 129019 1 29 1,29±0,1 038023 38 23 0,38±0,2 161002 61 02 1,61±0,0 484144 4 84 44 4,84±1,4 7,47±1,43 747143 7 47 43 905170 9 05 70 9,05±1,7 1331172 13 31 72 13,31±1,72 Conclusión atletas II tratamiento 04101 0,41±0, 12901 2 1,29±0, 03802 3 0,38±0, 16100 1,61±0, 48414 8 4,84±1, 7,47±1,4 74714 90517 9,05±1, 133117 13,31±1,7 0410 0,41±0 1290 1,29±0 0380 0,38±0 1610 1,61±0 4841 4,84±1 7,47±1, 7471 9051 9,05±1 13311 13,31±1, 041 0,41± 129 1,29± 038 0,38± 161 1,61± 484 4,84± 7,47±1 747 905 9,05± 1331 13,31±1 04 0,41 12 1,29 03 0,38 16 1,61 48 4,84 7,47± 74 90 9,05 133 13,31± 0,4 1,2 0,3 1,6 4,8 7,47 9,0 13,31 0, 1, 4, 7,4 9, 13,3 7, 13,

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento dedicado de aptidão física tem mostrado grande influência sobre muitas qualidades requisitadas aos jogadores de voleibol, porém o treinamento específico em membros superiores ainda é pouco documentado. Objetivo: Estudar os impactos do treinamento de aptidão física sobre a força dos membros superiores e os impactos funcionais durante os arremessos de bola dos jogadores de voleibol. Métodos: Vinte estudantes de voleibol foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental e controle para uma experiência de 6 semanas. O grupo experimental realizou principalmente um protocolo de treinamento envolvendo arremessos de bola enquanto o grupo de controle prosseguiu com os métodos tradicionais de treinamento. Dados referentes a cinemática funcional e desempenho de aptidão física foram coletados e comparados estatisticamente. Resultados: No grupo experimental, a força do flexor do ombro evidenciou um aumento de 0,41±0,19 J/kg para 1,29±0,19 J/kg; a força do flexor do cotovelo elevou-se de 0,38±0,23 J/kg para 1,61±0,02 J/kg. Sobre o desempenho funcional específico, a pontuação do pico aumentou de 4,84±1,44 para 7,47±1,43; A pontuação geral aumentou de 9,05±1,70 para 13,31±1,72. Notou-se que a taxa de aumento de cada índice foi mais significativa do que a do grupo de controle. Conclusão: O treinamento dedicado de aptidão física pode melhorar a força dos membros superiores e o efeito de acertos dos jogadores de vôlei, sendo recomendada a sua combinação com o treinamento especial de força para melhorar as habilidades gerais dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução documentado Objetivo Métodos semanas estatisticamente Resultados 041019 0 41 19 0,41±0,1 Jkg J kg 129019 1 29 1,29±0,1 elevouse elevou se 038023 38 23 0,38±0,2 161002 61 02 1,61±0,0 484144 4 84 44 4,84±1,4 7,47±1,43 747143 7 47 43 905170 9 05 70 9,05±1,7 1331172 13 31 72 13,31±1,72 Notouse Notou Conclusão vôlei atletas II tratamento 04101 0,41±0, 12901 2 1,29±0, 03802 3 0,38±0, 16100 1,61±0, 48414 8 4,84±1, 7,47±1,4 74714 90517 9,05±1, 133117 13,31±1,7 0410 0,41±0 1290 1,29±0 0380 0,38±0 1610 1,61±0 4841 4,84±1 7,47±1, 7471 9051 9,05±1 13311 13,31±1, 041 0,41± 129 1,29± 038 0,38± 161 1,61± 484 4,84± 7,47±1 747 905 9,05± 1331 13,31±1 04 0,41 12 1,29 03 0,38 16 1,61 48 4,84 7,47± 74 90 9,05 133 13,31± 0,4 1,2 0,3 1,6 4,8 7,47 9,0 13,31 0, 1, 4, 7,4 9, 13,3 7, 13,

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dedicated fitness training has greatly influenced many qualities required of volleyball players, but specific upper limb training is still poorly documented. Objective: Study the impacts of fitness training on upper limb strength and functional impacts during volleyball players’ ball throws. Methods: Twenty volleyball students were randomly divided into experimental and control groups for a six-week experiment. The experimental group mainly performed a training protocol involving ball throws while the control group continued with traditional training methods. The data regarding functional kinematics and fitness performance were collected and statistically compared. Results: In the experimental group, shoulder flexor strength evidenced an increase from 0.41±0.19 J/kg to 1.29±0.19 J/kg; elbow flexor strength elevated from 0.38±0.23 J/kg to 1.61±0.02 J/kg. On the specific functional performance, the peak score increased from 4.84±1.44 to 7.47±1.43; The overall score increased from 9.05±1.70 to 13.31±1.72. It was noted that the rate of increase of each index was more significant than that of the control group. Conclusion: Dedicated fitness training can improve the upper limb strength and hitting effect of volleyball players, and its combination with special strength training is recommended to improve the overall skills of athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction players documented Objective Methods sixweek six week experiment methods compared Results 041019 0 41 19 0.41±0.1 Jkg J kg 129019 1 29 1.29±0.1 038023 38 23 0.38±0.2 161002 61 02 1.61±0.0 484144 4 84 44 4.84±1.4 7.47±1.43 747143 7 47 43 905170 9 05 70 9.05±1.7 1331172 13 31 72 13.31±1.72 Conclusion athletes II outcomes 04101 0.41±0. 12901 2 1.29±0. 03802 3 0.38±0. 16100 6 1.61±0. 48414 8 4.84±1. 7.47±1.4 74714 90517 9.05±1. 133117 13.31±1.7 0410 0.41±0 1290 1.29±0 0380 0.38±0 1610 1.61±0 4841 4.84±1 7.47±1. 7471 9051 9.05±1 13311 13.31±1. 041 0.41± 129 1.29± 038 0.38± 161 1.61± 484 4.84± 7.47±1 747 905 9.05± 1331 13.31±1 04 0.41 12 1.29 03 0.38 16 1.61 48 4.84 7.47± 74 90 9.05 133 13.31± 0.4 1.2 0.3 1.6 4.8 7.47 9.0 13.31 0. 1. 4. 7.4 9. 13.3 7. 13.

RESUMO Introdução A escalada em rocha é uma atividade física que exige excelente condicionamento físico. Além de melhorar a aptidão física e a coordenação motora, a escalada requer aperfeiçoamentos constantes no treinamento de habilidade em coordenação muscular para aprimoramento de suas táticas modernas. Objetivo Explorar o treinamento da capacidade de coordenação muscular de escaladores em rocha. Métodos Uma amostragem aleatória composta de 8 atletas foi designada para o experimento envolvendo a mensuração da composição corporal dos atletas, níveis séricos de creatina quinase e ureia sanguínea além de outros biomarcadores coletados antes e após o ensaio. Resultados Houve uma correlação negativa significativa entre o equilíbrio dinâmico e a capacidade de coordenação motora após o treinamento em esportes radicais de escalada em rocha. No segundo dia após o exercício de escalada em rocha, o peso corporal e o conteúdo de gordura dos voluntários mostrou uma redução significativa, e a concentração de creatina quinase (CK) e ureia sanguínea (BU) aumentaram significativamente. Conclusão A exploração do efeito dos esportes radicais na melhoria da capacidade de coordenação muscular dos atletas evidenciou que a força e a coordenação devem ser reforçadas no processo de escalada em rocha. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Rock climbing is a physical activity that requires excellent physical conditioning. In addition to improving physical fitness and motor coordination, rock climbing requires constant improvements in muscle coordination skill training to enhance its modern tactics. Objective Explore the muscular coordination skill training of rock climbers. Methods A random sample of 8 athletes were assigned to the experiment involving the measurement of athletes’ body composition, serum creatine kinase and blood urea levels, and other biomarkers collected before and after the trial. Results There was a significant negative correlation between dynamic balance and motor coordination ability after training in extreme rock climbing sports. On the second day after the rock climbing exercise, the volunteers’ body weight and fat content significantly reduced, and the concentration of creatine kinase (CK) and blood urea (BU) increased significantly. Conclusion The exploration of extreme sports’ effect on improving athletes’ muscle coordination ability showed that strength and coordination should be enhanced in rock climbing. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción La escalada en roca es una actividad física que exige una excelente condición física. Además de mejorar la forma física y la coordinación motriz, la escalada requiere una mejora constante en el entrenamiento de las habilidades de coordinación muscular para optimizar su táctica moderna. Objetivo Explorar el entrenamiento de las habilidades de coordinación muscular de los escaladores de roca. Métodos Se asignó una muestra aleatoria compuesta por 8 atletas al experimento que incluía la medición de la composición corporal de los atletas, los niveles de creatina quinasa sérica y de urea en sangre, además de otros biomarcadores recogidos antes y después de la prueba. Resultados Se observó una correlación negativa significativa entre el equilibrio dinámico y la capacidad de coordinación motriz tras el entrenamiento en deportes extremos de escalada. El segundo día después del ejercicio de escalada en roca, el peso corporal y el contenido de grasa de los voluntarios mostraron una reducción significativa, y la concentración de creatina quinasa (CK) y de urea en sangre (BU) aumentó significativamente. Conclusión La exploración del efecto de los deportes extremos en la mejora de la capacidad de coordinación muscular de los atletas puso de manifiesto que la fuerza y la coordinación deben mejorarse en el proceso de escalada en roca. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a eficácia e segurança do febuxostat na função renal em pacientes com DRC estágio 3, com nefropatia diabética. Métodos: Foram recrutados pacientes em nosso hospital com nefropatia diabética (DN) estágio 3 de doença renal crônica (DRC) complicada por ácido úrico sérico alto (360 µmol/L). Os pacientes foram então divididos em grupo de tratamento e grupo controle, de acordo com o método da tabela de números aleatórios. Todos os pacientes receberam dieta pobre em purinas, inibidores do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (RAAS) e tratamento hipoglicêmico de rotina. O Febuxostat foi empregado apenas no grupo de tratamento. Os níveis de ácido úrico no sangue (AIU), creatinina sérica (Scr), cistatina C (cys-c), TFGe, quantificação de proteínas na urina em 24 horas, razão albumina e creatinina (ACR) foram avaliados em todos os pacientes antes e após o tratamento às 4, 8, 12 e 24 semanas. Resultados: Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada antes do tratamento entre os dois grupos. Após o tratamento nas 4, 8, 12 e 24 semanas, os níveis de sUA, SCr, cys-c e TFGe entre os dois grupos foram significativamente diferentes (P <0,05). Não houve diferença na quantificação de proteínas na urina em 24 horas, albuminúria e razão de creatinina entre dois grupos antes do tratamento, e diferenças significativas foram observadas após o tratamento. Cinquenta por cento dos pacientes do grupo de tratamento atingiram a meta de tratamento com 20 mg de febuxostat em 4 semanas. Marcadores tubulares também foram reduzidos com o tratamento. Conclusões: O Febuxostat pode reduzir o ácido úrico e melhorar a função renal efetivamente em pacientes com nefropatia diabética estágio com DRC no estágio 3, sendo bem tolerado. No entanto, a conclusão ainda é incerta devido ao curto prazo do estudo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of febuxostat on renal function in CKD stage 3 diabetic nephropathy patients. Methods: Patients in our hospital with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 diabetic nephropathy (DN) complicated by high serum uric acid (360 µmol/L) were recruited. Patients were then divided into treatment group and control group according to the random number table method. All the patients received low purine diet, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, and adequate routine hypoglycemic treatment. Febuxostat was employed only in the treatment group. The levels of blood uric acid (sUA), serum creatinine (Scr), cystatin C (cys-c), eGFR, 24-hour urine protein quantification, albuminuria, and creatinine ratio (ACR) were evaluated in all patients before and after treatment at 4, 8, 12, and 24 week. Results: No difference was found before treatment between the two groups. After treatment at 4, 8, 12, and 24 week, the levels of sUA, SCr, cys-c, and eGFR between the two groups were significant different (P<0.05). There was no difference in 24-hour urine protein quantification, albuminuria, and creatinine ratio between two groups before treatment, and significant differences were observed after treatment. Fifty percent of patients from the treatment group achieved the treatment goal with 20 mg febuxostat at 4 weeks. Tubular markers were also decreased with the treatment. Conclusions: Febuxostat can reduce uric acid and improve renal function effectively in patients with CKD stage 3 diabetic nephropathy, while being well tolerated. However, the conclusion is still uncertain due to the short term of the study.

ABSTRACT Background: The diagnostic value and suitability of prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) have been inconsistent in previous studies. Thus, the aim of the present meta-analysis was performed to systematically evaluate the diagnostic value of PCA3 for PCa. Materials and Methods: A meta-analysis was performed to search relevant studies using online databases EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science published until February 1st, 2019. Ultimately, 65 studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis with 8.139 cases and 14.116 controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios (LR+), negative likelihood ratios (LR−), and other measures of PCA3 were pooled and determined to evaluate the diagnostic rate of PCa by the random-effect model. Results: With PCA3, the pooled overall diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR−, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predicting significant PCa were 0.68 (0.64-0.72), 0.72 (0.68-0.75), 2.41 (2.16-2.69), 0.44 (0.40-0.49), respectively. Besides, the summary diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and 95% CIs for PCA3 was 5.44 (4.53-6.53). In addition, the area under summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves and 95% CIs was 0.76 (0.72-0.79). The major design deficiencies of included studies were differential verification bias, and a lack of clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggested that PCA3 was a non-invasive method with the acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of PCa, to distinguish between patients and healthy individuals. To validate the potential applicability of PCA3 in the diagnosis of PCa, more rigorous studies were needed to confirm these conclusions.

Resumo Introdução: Perda auditiva induzida por ruído é uma das principais doenças ocupacionais causadas pela interação gene-ambiente. O Grainy Like 2, ou GRHL2 é um gene que tem sido considerado como candidato. Nesse sentido, muitos estudos avaliaram a associação entre o GRHL2 e perda auditiva induzida por ruído, embora os resultados sejam ambíguos e conflitantes. Objetivo: Identificar uma estimativa precisa da associação entre o polimorfismo rs3735715 no gene GRHL2 e a suscetibilidade à perda auditiva induzida por ruído. Método: Uma pesquisa abrangente foi feita para coletar dados até 8 de julho de 2018. No fim, quatro artigos elegíveis foram incluídos nesta metanálise, abrangeram 2.410 indivíduos. As odds ratios agrupadas com intervalos de confiança de 95% foram usadas para avaliar a força da associação. Resultados: Uma associação significante foi encontrada na população geral no modelo de dominância (GA/AA vs. GG, odds ratio = 0,707, intervalo de confiança 95% = 0,594-0,841) e modelo de alelo (alelo G vs. alelo A; odds ratio = 1,189, intervalo de confiança 95% = 1,062 a 1,333). Quando estratificados pelo local de trabalho dos indivíduos, também encontramos associação entre rs3735715 e risco de perda auditiva induzida por ruído no modelo de dominância (GA/AA vs. GG, odds ratio = 0,634, intervalo de confiança 95% = 0,514 ± 0,783) e modelo de alelo (alelo G vs. alelo A; odds ratio = 1,206, intervalo de confiança 95% = 1,054- 1,379). Conclusão: O polimorfismo Rs3735715 no gene GRHL2 pode influenciar a suscetibilidade à perda auditiva induzida por ruído. Estudos adicionais, amplos, bem desenhados e funcionais são necessários para confirmar essa associação em diferentes populações.

Abstract Instruction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a leading occupational disease caused by gene-environment interaction. The Grainy Like 2, GRHL2, is a candidate gene. In this regard, many studies have evaluated the association between GRHL2 and noise-induced hearing loss, although the results are ambiguous and conflicting. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify a precise estimation of the association between rs3735715 polymorphism in GRHL2 gene and susceptibility of noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed to collect data up to July 8, 2018. Finally, 4 eligible articles were included in this meta-analysis comprising 2410 subjects. The pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the strength of the association. Results: Significant association was found in the overall population in the dominant model (GA/AA vs. GG, odds ratio = 0.707, 95% confidence interval = 0.594-0.841) and allele model (G allele vs. A allele, odds ratio = 1.189, 95% confidence interval = 1.062-1.333). When stratified by source of the subjects, we also found association between rs3735715 and noise-induced hearing loss risk in the dominant model (GA/AA vs. GG, odds ratio = 0.634, 95% confidence interval = 0.514-0.783) and allele model (G allele vs. A allele, odds ratio = 1.206, 95% confidence interval = 1.054-1.379). Conclusion: Rs3735715 polymorphism in GRHL2 gene may influence the susceptibility of noise-induced hearing loss. Additional large, well-designed and functional studies are needed to confirm this association in different populations.

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) topical gel and dexamethasone topical ointment in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) in children. This retrospective observational study included 104 patients who had more than two episodes of oral aphthous ulcers per year and were treated with HA (n=52) or dexamethasone (n=52) from August 15, 2014 to September 3, 2018. Therapy efficacy was evaluated based on the ulcer size and pain score before versus 7 days after either therapy. The paired t-test, chi-squared test, and independent t-test were utilized for statistical analyses. There was no significant difference in ulcer size or pain score between the HA and dexamethasone groups, on day 1 or day 7. Both treatments were tolerated well and no side effects were reported. No significant differences in body temperature, respiration rate, pulse, or systolic/diastolic blood pressure were observed between the start (day 1) and end of treatment (day 7), for either treatment. HA and dexamethasone showed similar efficacy in reducing ulcer size and pain scores, and were tolerated equally well in children with RAU. Future high-quality studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

Abstract Background: Kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common pathophysiological phenomenon in the clinic. A large number of studies have found that the tyrosine protein kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is involved in the development of a variety of kidney diseases and renal protection associated with multiple drugs. Edaravone (EDA) is an effective free radical scavenger that has been used clinically for the treatment of postischemic neuronal injury. This study aimed to identify whether EDA improved kidney function in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the JAK/STAT pathway and clarify the underlying mechanism. Methods: Histomorphological analysis was used to assess pathological kidney injury, and mitochondrial damage was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick endlabeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect tubular epithelial cell apoptosis. The expression of JAK2, P-JAK2, STAT3, P-STAT3, STAT1, P-STAT1, BAX and Bcl-2 was assessed by western blotting. Mitochondrial function in the kidney was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) measurement. Results: The results showed that EDA inhibited the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3 and p-STAT1, accompanied by downregulation of the expression of Bax and caspase-3, and significantly ameliorated kidney damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Furthermore, the JC-1 dye assay showed that edaravone attenuated ischemia-reperfusion-induced loss of kidney ΔΨm. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that EDA protects against kidney damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion through JAK/STAT signaling, inhibiting apoptosis and improving mitochondrial injury.

Abstract Background: Non-canonical Wnt pathways play important roles in liver fibrosis. Notum is a newly discovered inhibitor to Wnt proteins. This study was to investigate anti-fibrotic effects of Notum. Methods: 53 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as well as a cell co-culture system of LX-2 and Hep AD38 cells were engaged in this study. Clinical, biological and virological data of each patient were analyzed. Cell viability was detected at different time points. mRNA and protein levels of NFATc1 (Nuclear factor of activated T-cells), Jnk, α-SMA, Col1A1 and TIMP-1 were detected both in LX-2 and liver tissue. Protein levels of NFATc1 and Jnk in liver tissue and their correlations with fibrosis score were analyzed. Results: Hepatitis B virus replication up-regulated Wnt5a induced NFATc1 and Jnk activity in Hep AD38. Notum suppressed NFATc1, Jnk and fibrosis genes expression, reduced cell viability in co-cultured LX-2 cells induced by HBV. Interestingly, Patients with HBV DNA > 5log copies/ml had higher mRNA levels of NFATc1 and fibrosis genes than patients with HBV DNA < 5log copies/ml. Most importantly, protein expressions of NFATc1 and pJnk have positive correlations with liver fibrosis scores in HBV-infected patients. Conclusions: Our data showed that Notum inhibited HBV-induced liver fibrosis through down-regulating Wnt 5a mediated non-canonical pathways. This study shed light on anti-fibrotic treatment.

A series of Cu-MCM-41 catalysts were synthesized through in-situ hydrothermal preparation method, calcinated at different temperatures and characterized by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FI-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and hydrogen temperature-programmed (H2-TPR). The effect of calcination temperature on the structural properties and selective oxidation of dimethoxymethane (DMM) to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) were discussed in detail. The results showed that the calcination temperature played important role on the microstructure and catalytic activity of the Cu-MCM-41 catalysts. At the calcination temperature 550 °C, the Cu-MCM-41 catalyst possessed higher surface area, smaller pore diameter, stronger metal-support interaction, and better CuO dispersion compared the other catalysts, and the corresponding catalyst exhibited excellent activity and stability for the DMC synthesis. Under the reaction conditions at 2.0 MPa and 130 °C, the highest DMM conversion was 99.47% with the best DMC selectivity of 85.01%. In addition, the catalyst was reused four times without significant loss of performance.

Abstract Wide compatibility and erect panicles are important traits for heterosis and ideal plant type breeding in rice and accordingly are targets for rice yield improvement. In this study, a multiplex PCR system based on functional markers was developed to simultaneously identify genotypes of the wide compatibility allele S5-n and the erect panicle allele dep1. Forty-nine rice varieties in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China were identified using this system. Thirty-three varieties contained the erect panicle allele dep1 and two varieties contained the wide compatibility allele S5-n. The frequency of dep1 was obviously higher than that of S5-n. The multiplex PCR method was also tested using an F2 segregating population and was found to be simple, efficient, and reliable. It will be useful in marker-assisted selection based on the wide compatibility allele S5-n and erect panicle allele dep1 to breed super rice varieties using indica and japonica heterosis.