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Phytoliths of biogenic silica play a vital role in the silicon biogeochemical cycle and occlude a fraction of organic carbon. The location, chemical speciation, and quantification of this carbon within phytoliths have remained elusive due to limited direct experimental evidence. In this work, phytoliths (bilobate morphotype) from the sugarcane stalk epidermis are sectioned with a focused ion beam to produce lamellas (≈10 × 10 µm2 size, <500 nm thickness) and probed by synchrotron scanning transmission X-ray microspectroscopy (≈100-200 nm pixel size; energies near the silicon and carbon K-absorption edges). Analysis of the spectral image stacks reveals the complementarity of the silica and carbon spatial distributions, with carbon found at the borders of the lamellas, in islands within the silica, and dispersed in extended regions that can be described as a mixed silica-carbonaceous matrix. Carbon spectra are assigned mainly to lignin-like compounds as well as to proteins. Carbon contents of 3-14 wt.% are estimated from the spectral maps of four distinct phytolith lamellas. The results provide unprecedented spatial and chemical information on the carbon in phytoliths obtained without interference from wet-chemical digestion.

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may progress to more serious liver diseases and it is often accompanied by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD and CHB share risk factors for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, but the influence of NAFLD on fibrosis progression is controversial. This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with CHB and investigated associations between NAFLD and liver fibrosis in a large multi-center cohort of hepatitis B patients submitted to liver biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment-naïve patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust the confounders between patients with and without NAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 1496 CHB patients were included. Two hundred and ninety (19.4%) patients were diagnosed with NAFLD by liver biopsy. The proportions of significant liver fibrosis (52.8% vs. 63.9%, P<0.001), advanced liver fibrosis (27.2% vs. 36.5%, P=0.003), and cirrhosis (13.4% vs. 19.7%, P=0.013) was considerably lower in CHB patients with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD. 273 patients were included in each group after PSM adjusted for age, sex, hepatitis B envelope antigen status, and hepatitis B virus DNA. Liver fibrosis remained less severe in CHB patients with NAFLD than those without NAFLD (P<0.05) after PSM. The presence of NAFLD was considered an independent negative factor of significant liver fibrosis (odds ratio (OR) 0.692, P=0.013) and advanced liver fibrosis (OR 0.533, P = 0.002) in CHB patients. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD is not uncommon in CHB patients with the prevalence of 19.4%. The presence of NAFLD is associated with less severe liver fibrosis in CHB patients. OF THE STUDY/TRIAL: NCT03097952.

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BACKGROUND: Talaromyces Marneffei (TM) is a rare opportunistic pathogen that mostly infects patients with low immunity compared to those with normal immunity. It may be related to immune deficiency or genetic factors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gene mutation of a patient infected with TM in an endemic area with negative anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies, and negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS: Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from the patient's peripheral blood, detect the mutation gene by whole exome sequencing (WES), and carry out Sanger sequencing verification for the detected mutation gene. RESULTS: The authors detected a mutation in the IFNGR1 gene (NM_001363526.1) and validated the detected gene mutation using Sanger sequencing. The results showed a heterozygous mutation c.4C>T (p.L2F) located in the IFNGR1 gene (NM_001363526.1). STUDY LIMITATIONS: The mechanism of the IFNGR1 gene has not been further investigated in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The IFNGR1 gene mutation may be a potential risk factor for TM infection, and the presence of anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies can aggravate disease symptoms.

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Seroclearance of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is an important treatment goal for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study developed a nomogram for predicting HBeAg seroclearance in CHB patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred and sixty-nine CHB patients treated with NAs from two institutions between July 2016 to November 2021 were retrospectively included. One institution served as the training set (n = 374) and the other as the external validation set (n = 195). A predictive nomogram was established based on cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall HBeAg seroclearance rates were 27.3 and 21.5 % after the median follow-up of 100.2 weeks and 65.1 weeks in the training set and validation set, respectively. In the training set, baseline aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, HBeAg, and hepatitis B core antibody levels were independently associated with HBeAg seroclearance and were used to establish the HBEAg SeroClearance (ESC)-nomogram. The calibration curve revealed that the ESC-nomogram had a good agreement with actual observation. The ESC-nomogram showed relatively high accuracy for predicting 48 weeks, 96 weeks, and 144 weeks of HBeAg seroclearance in the training set (AUCs: 0.782, 0.734 and 0.671) and validation set (AUCs: 0.699, 0.718 and 0.689). The patients with high ESC-nomogram scores (≥ 79.51) had significantly higher cumulative incidence of HBeAg seroclearance and seroconversion than patients with low scores (< 79.51) in both sets (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The novel ESC-nomogram showed good performance for predicting antiviral efficacy in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with NAs treatment.

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Abstract Background Talaromyces Marneffei (TM) is a rare opportunistic pathogen that mostly infects patients with low immunity compared to those with normal immunity. It may be related to immune deficiency or genetic factors. Objective To evaluate the gene mutation of a patient infected with TM in an endemic area with negative anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies, and negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from the patient's peripheral blood, detect the mutation gene by whole exome sequencing (WES), and carry out Sanger sequencing verification for the detected mutation gene. Results The authors detected a mutation in the IFNGR1 gene (NM_001363526.1) and validated the detected gene mutation using Sanger sequencing. The results showed a heterozygous mutation c.4C>T (p.L2F) located in the IFNGR1 gene (NM_001363526.1). Study limitations The mechanism of the IFNGR1 gene has not been further investigated in this study. Conclusions The IFNGR1 gene mutation may be a potential risk factor for TM infection, and the presence of anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies can aggravate disease symptoms.

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Abstract Objective: To determine whether peripheral blood parameters have any predictive value for all-frequency Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). Methods: We chose 78 individuals with all-frequency SSNHL who had been admitted to our department. They were divided into two groups: the effective group and the ineffective group. In patients with all-frequency SSNHL, the prognostic variables, including peripheral blood tests and clinical traits, were examined by a logistic regression analysis. In addition, the predictive value was carried out. Results: The effective rate of all-frequency SSNHL was 61.5%. Pre-treatment hearing level and the proportion of patients with diabetes were both significantly lower in the effective group than in the ineffective group (p = 0.024 and 0.000, respectively). The levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein were also significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Pre-treatment hearing level and fibrinogen level both significantly impacted the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL (p = 0.032 and 0.002, respectively), according to a logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the prognosis was significantly predicted by both fibrinogen level and pre-treatment hearing level (p = 0.001 and 0.0002, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the fibrinogen level had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 60.0% for predicting the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL. Conclusion: For the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL, the fibrinogen level can be regarded as a useful predictor. The level of C-reactive protein, however, does not have a significant prognostic effect on predicting all-frequency SSNHL. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to the level of fibrinogen in the acute period of all-frequency SSNHL. Level of Evidence: 4.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine whether peripheral blood parameters have any predictive value for all-frequency Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). METHODS: We chose 78 individuals with all-frequency SSNHL who had been admitted to our department. They were divided into two groups: the effective group and the ineffective group. In patients with all-frequency SSNHL, the prognostic variables, including peripheral blood tests and clinical traits, were examined by a logistic regression analysis. In addition, the predictive value was carried out. RESULTS: The effective rate of all-frequency SSNHL was 61.5%. Pre-treatment hearing level and the proportion of patients with diabetes were both significantly lower in the effective group than in the ineffective group (p = 0.024 and 0.000, respectively). The levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein were also significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Pre-treatment hearing level and fibrinogen level both significantly impacted the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL (p = 0.032 and 0.002, respectively), according to a logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the prognosis was significantly predicted by both fibrinogen level and pre-treatment hearing level (p = 0.001 and 0.0002, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the fibrinogen level had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 60.0% for predicting the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL. CONCLUSION: For the prognosis of all-frequency SSNHL, the fibrinogen level can be regarded as a useful predictor. The level of C-reactive protein, however, does not have a significant prognostic effect on predicting all-frequency SSNHL. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to the level of fibrinogen in the acute period of all-frequency SSNHL.

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SUMMARY: This study collected 3D models of the left and right feet from 317 Chinese youth (155 females and 162 males) under half weight-bearing and no weight-bearing conditions. Thirteen dimensions and one angle were taken for each sample. By measuring 13 foot dimensions and 1 angle, this study comprehensively investigated the differences in foot shape between genders and the bilateral differences, as well as the foot shape differences under different conditions. The results showed that regardless of the condition, male foot dimensions were significantly larger than those of females. However, female foot shape was not simply a scaled-down version of male foot shape. On the contrary, the average angle of female feet was greater than that of males under both conditions, indicating a higher prevalence of hallux valgus in females. Both males and females exhibited significant correlation in foot dimensions between the left and right feet, with minimal differences. Under the half weight-bearing condition, the average foot length, width, and circumference were significantly larger than the corresponding measurements under the no weight-bearing condition, while the average height and angle were significantly smaller. Therefore, when designing footwear and foot-related medical rehabilitation aids, it is important to consider foot shape and dimensions under different conditions as a reference. The results of this study provide manufacturers of foot- related products with more detailed data support and are of significant value to the field of medical foot morphology research.

Este estudio recolectó modelos 3D de los pies izquierdo y derecho de 317 jóvenes chinos (155 mujeres y 162 hombres) en condiciones de carga media de peso y sin carga de peso. Para cada muestra se tomaron trece dimensiones y un ángulo. Al medir 13 dimensiones del pie y 1 ángulo, se investigó exhaustivamente las diferencias en la forma del pie entre ambos sexos y sus diferencias bilaterales, así como las diferencias en la forma del pie en diferentes condiciones. Los resultados mostraron que, independientemente de la condición, las dimensiones del pie de los hombres, estos eran significativamente más grandes que los de las mujeres. Sin embargo, la forma del pie femenino no era simplemente una versión reducida de la forma del pie masculino. Por el contrario, el ángulo promedio de los pies de las mujeres fue mayor que el de los hombres en ambas condiciones, lo que indica una mayor prevalencia de hallux valgus en las mujeres. Tanto hombres como mujeres exhibieron una correlación significativa en las dimensiones del pie, entre el pie izquierdo y el derecho, con diferencias mínimas. Bajo la condición de medio soporte de peso, la longitud, el ancho y la circunferencia promedio del pie fueron significativamente mayores que las medidas correspondientes bajo la condición sin soporte de peso, mientras que la altura y el ángulo promedio fueron significativamente más pequeños. Por lo tanto, al diseñar calzado y dispositivos médicos de rehabilitación relacionados con los pies, es importante tener en consideración la forma y las dimensiones del pie en diferentes condiciones como referencia. Los resultados de este estudio, brindan a los fabricantes de productos relacionados con los pies un soporte de datos más detallado y son de gran valor para el campo de la investigación médica de la morfología del pie.

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Assessment of liver inflammation plays a vital role in the management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We aimed to establish and validate a nomogram to predict severe liver inflammation in AIH patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: AIH patients who underwent liver biopsy were included and randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. Independent predictors of severe liver inflammation were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression from the training set and used to conduct a nomogram. Receiver characteristic curves (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were adopted to evaluate the performance of nomogram. RESULTS: Of the 213 patients, female patients accounted for 83.1% and the median age was 53.0 years. The albumin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, red cell distribution width, prothrombin time, and platelets were independent predictors of severe inflammation. An online AIHI-nomogram was established and was available at https://ndth-zzy.shinyapps.io/AIHI-nomogram/. The calibration curve revealed that the AIHI-nomogram had a good agreement with actual observation in the training and validation sets. The area under the ROCs of AIHI-nomogram were 0.795 in the training set and 0.759 in the validation set, showing significantly better performance than alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin G in the training and validation sets, as well in AIH patients with normal ALT in the training set. DCA indicated that the AIHI-nomogram was clinically useful. CONCLUSIONS: This novel AIHI-nomogram provided an excellent prediction of severe liver inflammation in AIH patients and could be used for the better management of AIH.

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OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by articular cartilage degradation. The increased expression of ß1,4-Galactosyltransferase-I (ß1,4-GalT-I) in the articular cartilage of osteoarthritis patients was related to an inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of ß1,4-GalT-I in osteoarthritis. This study aimed to determine the function of 1,4-GalT-I in osteoarthritis. METHODS: The osteoarthritis mouse model with the destabilization of the medial meniscus was established by microsurgical technique. Pathological changes in articular cartilage were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and safranin O-fast green staining. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to observe mRNA and protein expression, respectively. RNA interactions were verified by a luciferase reporter assay. SA-ß-Gal staining was used to assess chondrocyte senescence. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to observe the localization of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κB). RESULTS: ß1,4-GalT-I and microRNA-15a (miR-15a) show high and low expression in the articular cartilage of osteoarthritis, respectively. MiR-15a inhibits the mRNA translation of ß1,4-GalT-I. ß1,4-GalT-I promotes extracellular matrix degradation, senescence, and NF-κB activation in IL-1ß-stimulated chondrocytes, which can be reversed by overexpression of miR-15a. Intra-articular injection of microRNA-15a ameliorates cartilage degeneration by inhibiting ß1,4-GalT-I and phosphorylation of NF-κB in vivo. CONCLUSION: The authors clarified that the miR-15a/ß1,4-GalT-I axis inhibits the phosphorylation of NF-κB thereby inhibiting extracellular matrix degradation and senescence in chondrocytes to alleviate cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis. MiR-15a and ß1,4-GalT-I may serve as potentially effective targets for the future treatment of osteoarthritis.

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Background: Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) presents antitumor effects against melanoma cells. It is known that various circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the development of melanoma. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ISL and circ_0002860. Methods: Circ_0002860, microRNA-431-5p (miR-431-5p) and member RAS oncogene family (RAB9A) were detected through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Cell viability was examined via cell counting kit-8 assay. The proliferation ability was assessed using colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used for detection of migration and invasion. Western blot was conducted for protein analysis. Target binding was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. In vivo research was performed through xenograft tumor assay. Results: Circ_0002860 was downregulated by ISL in melanoma cells. ISL-induced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion were alleviated by circ_0002860 overexpression. MiR-431-5p was a target of circ_0002860. Circ_0002860 eliminated the ISL-induced tumor inhibition via sponging miR-431-5p in melanoma cells. Circ_0002860 elevated the RAB9A level by targeting miR-431-5p. The function of ISL was related to miR-431-5p/RAB9A axis in melanoma progression. Tumor growth was reduced by ISL in vivo through downregulating circ_0002860 to regulate miR-431-5p and RAB9A levels. Conclusion: The current data indicates that ISL suppressed cell malignant progression of melanoma via targeting the circ_0002860/miR-431-5p/RAB9A pathway.

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Abstract Objective Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by articular cartilage degradation. The increased expression of β1,4-Galactosyltransferase-I (β1,4-GalT-I) in the articular cartilage of osteoarthritis patients was related to an inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of β1,4-GalT-I in osteoarthritis. This study aimed to determine the function of 1,4-GalT-I in osteoarthritis. Methods The osteoarthritis mouse model with the destabilization of the medial meniscus was established by microsurgical technique. Pathological changes in articular cartilage were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and safranin O-fast green staining. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to observe mRNA and protein expression, respectively. RNA interactions were verified by a luciferase reporter assay. SA-β-Gal staining was used to assess chondrocyte senescence. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to observe the localization of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Results β1,4-GalT-I and microRNA-15a (miR-15a) show high and low expression in the articular cartilage of osteoarthritis, respectively. MiR-15a inhibits the mRNA translation of β1,4-GalT-I. β1,4-GalT-I promotes extracellular matrix degradation, senescence, and NF-κB activation in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes, which can be reversed by overexpression of miR-15a. Intra-articular injection of microRNA-15a ameliorates cartilage degeneration by inhibiting β1,4-GalT-I and phosphorylation of NF-κB in vivo. Conclusion The authors clarified that the miR-15a/β1,4-GalT-I axis inhibits the phosphorylation of NF-κB thereby inhibiting extracellular matrix degradation and senescence in chondrocytes to alleviate cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis. MiR-15a and β1,4-GalT-I may serve as potentially effective targets for the future treatment of osteoarthritis.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: The physical condition of soccer players in sports competitions has improved over the years. The optimal performance of their professional skills in competitive conditions has become essential for victory in soccer matches. Objective: This paper explores the effects of different methods employing strength training on soccer kicking techniques aiming at the set that best enables the accuracy of hits through its stability. Methods: 36 soccer players were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups, with no statistical difference in fitness and the comprehensive ability characteristics of the players. Both subjects were trained for 12 weeks; only the experimental group received the special strength training intervention for stability. The passing score of the curve ball in 20-meter dribbling was measured before and after training. The data were statistically treated. Results: The kicking accuracy of soccer players in the experimental group differed from before the test (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference in kicking accuracy in the control group (P<0.05). The 20-meter arc dribbling scores in the experimental group were statistically significant compared to those before the test (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the control group and the test scores on curve ball passing scores in 20-meter dribbling (P>0.05). Conclusion: Functional strength methods to achieve the goal of improving kicking accuracy in athletes have been developed. Coaches should pay attention to physical training, an attitude that encourages players to achieve sufficient physical strength for soccer games with their kicking skills. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A condição física dos jogadores de futebol nas competições esportivas tem se aprimorado ao longo dos anos e o desempenho ótimo de suas habilidades profissionais em condições competitivas tornou-se um fator essencial para a vitória nas partidas de futebol. Objetivo: Este artigo explora os efeitos de diferentes métodos empregando o treinamento de força sobre as técnicas de chute de futebol visando o conjunto que melhor capacita a precisão de acertos através de sua estabilidade. Métodos: 36 jogadores de futebol foram divididos aleatoriamente, sem diferença estatística de aptidão física e as características de capacidade abrangente dos jogadores, em grupo experimental e controle. Ambos os grupos de sujeitos foram treinados durante 12 semanas, somente o grupo experimental recebeu a intervenção especial de treinamento de força para estabilidade. A pontuação de passe da bola curva em drible de 20 metros foi medida antes e depois do treino. Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente. Resultados: A precisão do chute dos jogadores de futebol no grupo experimental foi diferente daquela antes do teste (P<0,01). Também houve uma diferença significativa na precisão de chutes no grupo de controle (P<0,05). As pontuações dos dribles de arco de 20 metros no grupo experimental foram estatisticamente significativas em comparação com aquelas antes do teste (P<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa entre o grupo de controle e os resultados do teste na pontuação de passe da bola curva em drible de 20 metros (P>0,05). Conclusão: Métodos de força funcional para alcançar o objetivo de melhorar a precisão de chute nos atletas foram desenvolvidos. Os treinadores devem prestar atenção ao treinamento físico, atitude que incentiva aos jogadores atingirem a força física suficiente para os jogos de futebol com suas habilidades de chute. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La condición física de los futbolistas en las competiciones deportivas ha ido mejorando a lo largo de los años y el rendimiento óptimo de sus habilidades profesionales en condiciones competitivas se ha convertido en un factor esencial para la victoria en los partidos de fútbol. Objetivo: Este trabajo explora los efectos de diferentes métodos que emplean el entrenamiento de la fuerza en las técnicas de pateo de fútbol con el objetivo de encontrar el conjunto que mejor permita la precisión de los golpes a través de su estabilidad. Métodos: Se dividieron aleatoriamente 36 jugadores de fútbol, sin diferencias estadísticas en cuanto a la aptitud física y las características de capacidad integral de los jugadores, en grupo experimental y grupo de control. Ambos grupos de sujetos fueron entrenados durante 12 semanas, sólo el grupo experimental recibió la intervención especial de entrenamiento de fuerza para la estabilidad. Se midió la puntuación del pase de la pelota curva en el regateo de 20 metros antes y después del entrenamiento. Los datos fueron tratados estadísticamente. Resultados: La precisión de las patadas de los futbolistas del grupo experimental fue diferente a la de antes de la prueba (P<0,01). También hubo una diferencia significativa en la precisión de las patadas en el grupo de control (P<0,05). Las puntuaciones del regateo en arco de 20 metros en el grupo experimental fueron estadísticamente significativas en comparación con las anteriores a la prueba (P<0,05). No hubo diferencias significativas entre el grupo de control y las puntuaciones de la prueba en las puntuaciones de los pases de balón curvo en el regateo de 20 metros (P>0,05). Conclusión: Se han desarrollado métodos de fuerza funcional para lograr el objetivo de mejorar la precisión de las patadas en los atletas. Los entrenadores deben prestar atención a la preparación física, una actitud que anima a los jugadores a conseguir la fuerza física suficiente para los partidos de fútbol con sus habilidades de pateo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Currently, compound rapid stretching training has been explored by sports researchers. However, most research focuses on soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other sports that require vertical jump fitness, but little attention is paid to badminton. Objective: Study the influence of compound rapid stretching training on fitness in professional badminton athletes. Methods: By experimental and statistical methods, 16 outstanding college badminton players were randomly divided into composite training and control groups. The sports performance test (T-shaped run) and short-distance mobility test (5-10-5), were evaluated and compared before and after the intervention, adding a specific rapid stretching training protocol to the composite group. Results: Comparatively, the T-run and hexagonal jump tests were significantly improved in the composite group (P<0.01). The time required to complete the 5-10-5 moving test progressed from 3.980s to 3.763s, significantly longer than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: 6-week training with rapid stretching was shown to significantly improve the fitness of college badminton athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: Atualmente, o treinamento composto de alongamento rápido tem sido explorado por pesquisadores esportivos, no entanto, a maioria das pesquisas se concentra no futebol, basquete, vôlei e outros esportes que exigem aptidão física de salto vertical, porém pouca atenção é dada ao badminton. Objetivo: Estudar a influência do treinamento composto de alongamento rápido sobre a aptidão física nos atletas profissionais de badminton. Métodos: Pelos métodos experimental e estatístico, um total de 16 jogadores de badminton universitários de destaque foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupos de treinamento composto e controle. O teste de desempenho esportivo (corrida em forma de T) e de mobilidade de curta distância (5-10-5), foram avaliados e comparados antes e após a intervenção, que consistiu na adição de um protocolo específico de treinamento de alongamento rápido ao grupo composto. Resultados: Comparativamente, os testes de corrida em T e de salto hexagonal foram significativamente aprimorados no grupo composto (P<0,01). O tempo necessário para completar o teste móvel de 5-10-5 progrediu de 3.980s para 3.763s, o que foi significativamente maior que o do grupo controle (P<0.05). Conclusão: O treinamento de 6 semanas com alongamento rápido demonstrou melhorar significativamente a aptidão física dos atletas universitários de badminton. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: En la actualidad, el entrenamiento compuesto de estiramiento rápido ha sido explorado por los investigadores deportivos, sin embargo, la mayoría de las investigaciones se centran en el fútbol, el baloncesto, el voleibol y otros deportes que requieren la aptitud de salto vertical, sin embargo, se presta poca atención al bádminton. Objetivo: Estudiar la influencia del entrenamiento de estiramientos rápidos compuestos en la condición física de los atletas profesionales de bádminton. Métodos: Mediante métodos experimentales y estadísticos, un total de 16 destacados jugadores universitarios de bádminton fueron divididos aleatoriamente en grupos de entrenamiento compuesto y de control. La prueba de rendimiento deportivo (carrera en forma de T) y la prueba de movilidad en distancias cortas (5-10-5), fueron evaluadas y comparadas antes y después de la intervención, que consistió en añadir un protocolo específico de entrenamiento de estiramiento rápido al grupo compuesto. Resultados: Comparativamente, las pruebas de carrera en T y de salto hexagonal mejoraron significativamente en el grupo compuesto (P<0,01). El tiempo requerido para completar la prueba de movimiento 5-10-5 pasó de 3,980s a 3,763s, lo que fue significativamente mayor que el del grupo de control (P<0,05). Conclusión: Se demostró que un entrenamiento de 6 semanas con estiramientos rápidos mejora significativamente la forma física de los atletas universitarios de bádminton. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

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Background: Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) presents antitumor effects against melanoma cells. It is known that various circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the development of melanoma. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ISL and circ_0002860. Methods: Circ_0002860, microRNA-431-5p (miR-431-5p) and member RAS oncogene family (RAB9A) were detected through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Cell viability was examined via cell counting kit-8 assay. The proliferation ability was assessed using colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used for detection of migration and invasion. Western blot was conducted for protein analysis. Target binding was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. In vivo research was performed through xenograft tumor assay. Results: Circ_0002860 was downregulated by ISL in melanoma cells. ISL-induced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion were alleviated by circ_0002860 overexpression. MiR-431-5p was a target of circ_0002860. Circ_0002860 eliminated the ISL-induced tumor inhibition via sponging miR-431-5p in melanoma cells. Circ_0002860 elevated the RAB9A level by targeting miR-431-5p. The function of ISL was related to miR-431-5p/RAB9A axis in melanoma progression. Tumor growth was reduced by ISL in vivo through downregulating circ_0002860 to regulate miR-431-5p and RAB9A levels. Conclusion: The current data indicates that ISL suppressed cell malignant progression of melanoma via targeting the circ_0002860/miR-431-5p/RAB9A pathway.(AU)

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ABSTRACT Introduction: The exercise of functional strength in a sprinter can play an essential performance gain to propulsion. Functional training can significantly affect the sprinter, preventing injury and making better use of physical training. The sprint interval training method has been widely recognized and applied. Objective: This paper explores the effect of functional strength training by the sprint interval training method on the strength quality of sprinters. Methods: This paper uses random sampling to select 30 male college sprinters as research subjects. The volunteers were divided into two groups according to the performance of the 100-meter speed project: All the essential data of the subjects who passed the T-test were without statistical difference P>0.05. Both groups perform daily training. Functional strength training was added to the experimental group by interval start training with a full 12-week cycle. The strength data of the athletes were measured before and after the experiment, measured, and discussed statistically. Results: The indicators showed significant differences, except for the normal left supine position support test, unchanged by the presented intervention(P<0.01). After the experiment, all indicators were statistically significant compared to the control group (P<0.01). The performance of the groups in the ball exercise, static jump, and vertical jump was significantly improved (P<0.01). Conclusion: Functional strength exercise can improve sprinters' body control and stability. The sprint interval method can also improve the speed of upward force transmission. This conclusion is significant for formulating the strength training plan designed for sprinters. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O exercício da força funcional no velocismo pode desempenhar um ganho de performance essencial à propulsão. O treinamento funcional pode afetar significativamente o velocista, tanto na prevenção de lesões quanto ao melhor aproveitamento do treinamento físico. O método de treinamento intervalado de arranque tem sido amplamente reconhecido e aplicado. Objetivo: Este artigo explora o efeito do treinamento de força funcional pelo método de treinamento intervalado de arranque sobre a qualidade da força dos velocistas. Métodos: Este artigo usa amostragem aleatória para selecionar 30 velocistas universitários masculinos como objetos de pesquisa. Os voluntários foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o desempenho do projeto de 100 metros de velocidade: Todos os dados essenciais dos sujeitos que passaram no teste T foram sem diferença estatística P>0,05. Ambos os grupos realizam um treinamento diário. Ao grupo experimental foi acrescentado o treinamento de força funcional pelo treinamento intervalado de arranque com ciclo completo de 12 semanas. Os dados de força dos atletas foram mensurados antes e após o experimento, mensurados e discutidos estatisticamente. Resultados: Os indicadores demonstraram diferenças significativas, exceto para o teste normal de apoio à posição supina esquerda, inalterado pela intervenção apresentada (P<0,01). Após o experimento, todos os indicadores foram estatisticamente significativos em comparação com o grupo controle (P<0,01). O desempenho dos grupos em exercício de bola, salto estático e salto vertical foram significativamente aprimorados (P<0,01). Conclusão: O exercício de força funcional pode melhorar o controle e a estabilidade corporal dos velocistas. O método de treinamento intervalado de arranque também pode melhorar a velocidade de transmissão de força ascendente. Essa conclusão é significativa para a formulação no plano de treinamento de força destinado à velocistas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El ejercicio de la fuerza funcional en los velocistas puede suponer una ganancia de rendimiento esencial para la propulsión. El entrenamiento funcional puede afectar significativamente al velocista, tanto en la prevención de lesiones como en el mejor aprovechamiento del entrenamiento físico. El método de entrenamiento por intervalos de sprint ha sido ampliamente reconocido y aplicado. Objetivo: Este artículo explora el efecto del entrenamiento de fuerza funcional mediante el método de entrenamiento de intervalos de sprint en la calidad de la fuerza de los velocistas. Métodos: Este artículo utiliza un muestreo aleatorio para seleccionar 30 velocistas universitarios como sujetos de investigación. Los voluntarios se dividieron en dos grupos según el rendimiento del proyecto de velocidad de 100 metros: Todos los datos básicos de los sujetos que superaron el test-T fueron sin diferencia estadística P>0,05. Ambos grupos realizan un entrenamiento diario. Al grupo experimental se le añadió el entrenamiento de fuerza funcional por intervalos de sprint con un ciclo completo de 12 semanas. Los datos de fuerza de los atletas se midieron antes y después del experimento, y se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Los indicadores mostraron diferencias significativas, a excepción de la prueba normal de apoyo a la posición supina izquierda, no modificada por la intervención presentada (P<0,01). Tras el experimento, todos los indicadores fueron estadísticamente significativos en comparación con el grupo de control (P<0,01). El rendimiento de los grupos en el ejercicio con balón, el salto estático y el salto vertical mejoró significativamente (P<0,01). Conclusión: El ejercicio de fuerza funcional puede mejorar el control corporal y la estabilidad de los velocistas. El método de entrenamiento por intervalos de sprint también puede mejorar la velocidad de transmisión de la fuerza ascendente. Esta conclusión es significativa para la formulación en el plan de entrenamiento de fuerza para los velocistas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

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PM2.5 samples at Haitian and Songyu container terminals in Xiamen Port were collected in summer and autumn/winter in 2020 and analyzed for 20 elements to investigate their temporal-spatial distribution features, sources, and health risk. The results showed that the levels of PM2.5 were relatively low and did not show significant spatial and diurnal differences. Ca and Si were the main crustal elements, and Zn and Mn were the main heavy metals in PM2.5. Compared with GB 3095-2012 guidelines, Cr(Ⅵ) was in the range of 27.4-28.6 times above the standard. Under the influence of monsoon and port throughput, the concentrations of some elements in summer were higher than those in autumn/winter. Significant diurnal variations were observed for Cu, Zn, SO2, and NO2 but not for V and Ni. Industrial sources were identified as the primary contributor (55.2%-59.4%), followed by traffic (28.7%-31.3%), ship emissions (7.1%-7.7%), and sea salt plus construction dust (4.8%-5.8%). The results of health risk assessment showed that heavy metals in PM2.5in Xiamen Port had potential carcinogenic risk (ECR>1(10-5) to people living near the port, and Cr(Ⅵ), V, and As together accounted for 97.3%-97.5% of the total risks; however, the non-carcinogenic risk was negligible (HI<1), and the major contributors were V, Mn, Ni, and As (89.6%-91.2%). The relative contributions of each contributor to ECR was in the order of traffic (47.2%-49.4%)>industrial (23.8%-24.2%)>ship emissions (16.9%-20.8%)>sea salt plus construction dust (5.7%-12.1%), and the relative contribution to HI was in the order of traffic (38.7%-42.3%)>industrial (24.5%-28.2%)>ship emissions (24.1%-27.2%)>sea salt plus construction dust (5.4%-9.6%).

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic imperiled the global health system. We aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the care continuum of HCV-infected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-six patients who were prescribed a course of DAA therapy at three tertiary medical centers in the US and China between January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 were included. We assessed the proportions of patients who completed DAA therapy and had HCV RNA testing during and after the end of therapy. We also assessed the impact of utilization of telemedicine. RESULTS: The proportion of patients undergoing HCV RNA testing during DAA treatment decreased from >81.7% before pandemic to 67.8% during the pandemic (P=0.006), with a more prominent decrease in the US. There were significant decreases in HCV RNA testing >12 (P<0.001) and >20 weeks (P<0.001) post-treatment during COVID-19 era. Compared to pre-COVID period, post-treatment clinic encounters during COVID-19 era decreased significantly in China (Xi'an: 13.6% to 7.4%; Nanjing: 16.7% to 12.5%) but increased in the US (12.5% to 16.7%), mainly due to the use of telemedicine. There was a 4-fold increase in utilization of telemedicine in the US. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic carried profound impact on care for HCV patients in both the US and China. HCV cure rate assessment decreased by half during COVID era but the proportion of patients finishing DAA therapy was not significantly affected. Increased utilization of telemedicine led to increased compliance with DAA therapy but did not encourage patients to have their laboratory assessment for HCV cure.

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Biosynthesis is the only source of potato starch which is an important raw material for food processing, modified starch and biomass energy. However, it is not clear about the evolution of starch synthesis with tuber development in potato. The present study evaluated the differences of starch synthesis and gelatinization properties of potato tubers with different starch content. Relative to cultivars of medium and low starch content, cultivars of high starch content showed significantly higher SBEII gene expression, AGPase and SSS enzyme activity, and total starch content after middle stage of starch accumulation, and had smaller average starch granule size during whole process of tuber development, and had higher pasting temperature before late stages of tuber growth, and had lower pasting temperature after middle stage of starch accumulation. Path analysis showed that, after middle stage of starch accumulation, effects on starch gelatinization of cultivars with high, medium and low starch content represented starch synthesis enzyme activity > starch accumulation > starch granule distribution > starch synthesis enzyme gene expression, starch synthesis enzyme gene expression > starch synthesis enzyme activity > starch accumulation > starch granule distribution, starch synthesis enzyme gene expression > starch granule distribution > starch synthesis enzyme activity > starch accumulation, respectively. In the study, phases existed in the starch biosynthesis of potato tuber, and the starch quality and its formation process were different among varieties with different starch content. The findings might contribute to starch application and potato industries.

A biossíntese é a única fonte de amido de batata que é uma importante matéria-prima para o processamento de alimentos, amido modificado e energia de biomassa. No entanto, não está claro sobre a evolução da síntese do amido com o desenvolvimento do tubérculo na batata. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenças nas propriedades de síntese e gelatinização do amido de tubérculos de batata com diferentes teores de amido. Em relação às cultivares de médio e baixo teor de amido, as cultivares de alto teor de amido apresentaram expressão do gene SBEII, atividade enzimática AGPase e SSS e teor de amido total significativamente maiores após o estágio intermediário de acúmulo de amido, bem como menor tamanho médio dos grânulos de amido durante todo o processo de desenvolvimento do tubérculo, maior temperatura de colagem antes dos estágios finais de crescimento do tubérculo e menor temperatura de colagem após o estágio intermediário de acúmulo de amido. A análise de trilha mostrou que, após o estágio intermediário de acúmulo de amido, os efeitos na gelatinização do amido de cultivares com alto, médio e baixo teor de amido representaram a atividade da enzima de síntese de amido> acúmulo de amido> distribuição de grânulos de amido> expressão gênica de enzima de síntese de amido; expressão gênica de enzima de síntese de amido > atividade da enzima de síntese de amido> acúmulo de amido> distribuição de grânulos de amido; expressão gênica da enzima de síntese de amido> distribuição de grânulos de amido> atividade de síntese de amido> acúmulo de amido, respectivamente. No estudo, as fases existentes na biossíntese do amido do tubérculo de batata, e a qualidade do amido e seu processo de formação foram diferentes entre as variedades com diferentes teores de amido. As descobertas podem contribuir para a aplicação de amido e as indústrias de batata.

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In this study, we evaluated the effect of complexation and microencapsulation with pea protein on the antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates from bycatch in Brazil. The zeta potential values of complexes changed from negative to positive with the increase of pea protein as a result of positively charged complexes formation. The increase in the ratio of pea protein/hydrolysates also resulted in increased turbidity in all samples. Particle size measurements indicated that the complexes tended to form larger aggregates (ranged from 61.5 ± 1.7 µm to 183 ± 2.8 µm). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the pea protein/fish protein hydrolysate complexes was higher than that of the protein hydrolysates alone. Moreover, increasing levels of pea protein did not affect the antioxidant activity of fish protein hydrolysates. The complexes of the Paralonchurus brasiliensis were chosen for the microencapsulation process by spray-drying. The results revealed that spray-drying did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on the protein hydrolysate antioxidant activity when they were complexed with pea protein. Thus, this work suggests that the complexation with pea protein and subsequent microencapsulation by spray-drying is an efficient way to protect the biological activity of protein hydrolysates obtained from bycatch. This study provides evidence for the potential use of bycatch from shrimp fisheries as functional ingredients or nutraceuticals.

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