Diagnostic Value of Nutritional Risk Index and Other Indices for Predicting Sarcopenia in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Population of China Without Cancer: A ROC Curve Analysis.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that systemic inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, along with derived indices, could serve as predictors for sarcopenia in cancer population. This study aimed to compare these predictors, focusing on the nutritional risk index (NRI) and evaluate its diagnostic value, for sarcopenic patients without cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study included 1674 participants. Sarcopenia is defined by skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Laboratory data reflected the values of systemic inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, from which the derived indices were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis, ROC curve analysis, and the Youden index were utilized to assess the association between these markers and sarcopenia and determine the cutoff value for predicting sarcopenia. Results: Among all participants (1110 men and 564 women, mean age 61.97 ± 9.83 years), 398 individuals were diagnosed with sarcopenia, indicating a prevalence of 23.78% in China's middle-aged and elderly population without cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between all biomarkers and derived indices with sarcopenia. Following adjustment for potential confounders, lower NRI values were significantly associated with a higher incidence of sarcopenia. For sarcopenia diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) for NRI was 0.769 ([95% CI, 0.742, 0.796], P < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 106.016, sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 66.1%. NRI demonstrated greater predictive advantage for sarcopenia incidence in men compared to women. Conclusion: A lower NRI value was associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia. NRI shows promise for early, rapid, and effective sarcopenia screening, particularly in China's middle-aged and elderly male population without cancer.

Tumor microenvironment characteristics association with clinical outcome in patients with resected intestinal-type gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics including tumor stroma ratio (TSR), tumor budding (TB), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were examined in resected gastric cancer. These TME features have been shown to indicate metastatic potential in colon cancer, and intestinal-type gastric cancer (IGC) has pathological similarities with that malignancy. METHODS: TSR, TB, and TILs were quantified in routine histological sections from 493 patients with IGC who underwent radical resection at 2 university hospitals in China from 2010 to 2016. TME variables were dichotomized as follows: TSR (50%), TILs (median), TB per international guidelines (4 buds/0.785mm2), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) per survival ROC. Association of TME features with patient clinicopathological characteristics, time-to-recurrence (TTR), and cancer-specific-survival (CSS) were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis, including a relative contribution analysis by Cox regression. RESULTS: Patients whose tumors showed high TSR or high TB or low TILs were each significantly associated with increased T and N stage, higher histological grade, and poorer TTR and CSS at 5 years. Only TSR and N stage were independently associated with TTR and CSS after adjustment for covariates. PLR was only independently associated with TTR after adjustment for covariates. Among the variables examined, only TSR was significantly associated with both TTR (HR 1.72, 95% CI, 1.14-2.60, P = .01) and CSS (HR 1.62, 95% CI, 1.05-2.51, P = .03) multivariately. Relative contribution to TTR revealed that the top 3 contributors were N stage (45.1%), TSR (22.5%), and PLR (12.9%), while the top 3 contributors to CSS were N stage (59.9%), TSR (14.7%), and PLR (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Among the examined TME features, TSR was the most robust for prognostication and was significantly associated with both TTR and CSS. Furthermore, the relative contribution of TSR to patient TTR and CSS was second only to nodal status.

[Analysis of chemical compositions in different parts of Isodon japonicus using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique combined with chemometrics].

In order to analyze the similarities and differences of chemical compositions between the roots and stems and leaves of Isodon japonicus(IJ), this study utilized UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology to systematically characterize its chemical compositions, analyzed and identified the structure of its main compounds, and established a method for simultaneous determination of its content by refe-rence substance. A total of 34 major compounds in IJ, including 14 reference compounds, were identified or predicted online. Moreover, an UPLC-UV content determination method was developed for 11 compounds [danshensu, caffeic acid, vicenin-2,(1S,2S)-globoidnan B, rutin,(+)-rabdosiin,(-)-rabdosiin,(1S,2S)-rabdosiin, shimobashiric acid C, rosmarinic acid, and pedalitin]. The method exhibited excellent separation, stability, and repeatability, with a wide linear range(0.10-520.00 µg·mL~(-1)) and high linearity(R~2>0.999). The average recovery rates ranged from 94.72% to 104.2%. The principal component analysis(PCA) demonstrated a clear difference between the roots and stems and leaves of IJ, indicating good separation by cluster. Furthermore, the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) model was employed, and six main differentially identified compounds were identified: rosmarinic acid, shimobashiric acid C, epinodosin, pedalitin, rutin, and(1S,2S)-rabdosiin. In summary, this study established a strategy and method for distinguishing different parts of IJ, providing a valuable tool for quality control of IJ and a basis for the ratio-nal utilization and sustainable development of IJ.

Intrinsically Microporous Polyimides Derived from 2,2'-Dibromo-4,4',5,5'-bipohenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydride for Gas Separation Membranes.

This work aims to expand the structure-property relationships of bromo-containing polyimides and the influence of bromine atoms on the gas separation properties of such materials. A series of intrinsically microporous polyimides were synthesized from 2,2'-dibromo-4,4',5,5'-bipohenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (Br-BPDA) and five bulky diamines, (7,7'-(mesitylmethylene)bis(8-methyldibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxin-2-amine) (MMBMA), 7,7'-(Mesitylmethylene)bis(1,8-dimethyldibenzo[b,e][1,4] dioxin-2-amine) (MMBDA), 4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine-2,8-diamine (TBDA1), 4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine-3,9-diamine (TBDA2), and (9R,10R)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-[1,2]benzenoanthracene-2,6-diamine (DAT). The Br-BPDA-derived polyimides exhibited excellent solubility, high thermal stability, and good mechanical properties, with their tensile strength and modulus being 59.2-109.3 MPa and 1.8-2.2 GPa, respectively. The fractional free volumes (FFVs) and surface areas (SBET) of the Br-BPDA-derived polyimides were in the range of 0.169-0.216 and 211-342 m2 g-1, following the order of MMBDA > MMBMA > TBDA2 > DAT > TBDA1, wherein the Br-BPDA-MMBDA exhibited the highest SBET and FFV and thus highest CO2 permeability of 724.5 Barrer. Moreover, Br-BPDA-DAT displayed the best gas separation performance, with CO2, H2, O2, N2, and CH4 permeabilities of 349.8, 384.4, 69.8, 16.3, and 19.7 Barrer, and H2/N2 selectivity of 21.4. This can be ascribed to the ultra-micropores (<0.7 nm) caused by the high rigidity of Br-BPDA-DAT. In addition, all the bromo-containing polymers of intrinsic microporosity membranes exhibited excellent resistance to physical ageing.

Phellintremulins A-C, antinociceptive sesquiterpenoids from the medicinal fungus Phellinus tremulae.

Phellintremulin A (1), a rearranged sesquiterpenoid with an unprecedented bicyclic backbone, and two previously unreported illudane-type sesquiterpenoids, namely phellintremulin B (2) and phellintremulin C (3), together with two known analogues (±)‒4 and (±)‒5, were isolated from cultures of the medicinal fungus Phellinus tremulae. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by means of spectroscopic data and HRESIMS analyses, as well as ECD and NMR calculations. A plausible biogenesis for 1 was discussed. The electrophysiological experiments showed that phellintremulins (A‒C) can inhibit Nav current in DRG neuron cells at 10 µM, with percentage inhibitions of 23.2%, 49.3%, and 31.7%, respectively. The antinociceptive activities of phellintremulins (A‒C) were evaluated via the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice at a dose of 3 mg/kg. They showed significant antinociceptive effects with percentages of inhibition of 43.8%, 54.4%, and 50.6%, respectively, and phellintremulin B and C expressed more potent analgesic effect than lidocaine.

Chromones from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines.

Eight previously undescribed chromones eleusineketones A-H (1-8), as well as eight known compounds (9-16), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines. These planar structures were created using an in-depth analysis of their spectral data, which included 1D, 2D, and HRESIMS data. Furthermore, the absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, and 6 were determined by spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical computational approaches, and compound 5 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The cytotoxic activity assay revealed that compounds 1 and 5 both inhibited MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 14.48 µM and 17.99 µM, respectively.

Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning in hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Animal experiments have confirmed that remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can reduce hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injuries (HIRIs), significantly improving early tissue perfusion and oxygenation of the residual liver after resections, accelerating surgical prognoses, and improving survival rates. However, there is still controversy over the role of RIPC in relieving HIRI in clinical studies, which warrants clarification. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects and applicability of RIPC in hepatectomy and to provide evidence-based information for clinical decision-making. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of RIPC interventions were collected, comparing RIPC to no preconditioning in patients undergoing hepatectomies. This search spanned from database inception to January 2024. Data were extracted independently by two researchers according to the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and albumin (ALB) levels. The secondary outcomes assessed included duration of surgery and Pringle, length of postoperative hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss and transfusion, indocyanine green (ICG) clearance, hepatocyte apoptosis index, postoperative complications, and others. RESULTS: Ten RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 865 patients (428 in the RIPC group and 437 in the control group). ALT levels in the RIPC group were lower than those in the control group on postoperative day (POD) 1 (WMD = - 59.24, 95% CI: - 115.04 to - 3.45; P = 0.04) and POD 3 (WMD = - 27.47, 95% CI: - 52.26 to - 2.68; P = 0.03). However, heterogeneities were significant (I2 = 89% and I2 = 78%), and ALT levels on POD 3 were unstable based on a sensitivity analysis. AST levels on POD 1 in the RIPC group were lower than those in the control group (WMD = - 50.03, 95% CI: - 94.35 to - 5.71; P = 0.03), but heterogeneity was also significant (I2 = 81%). A subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in ALT and AST levels on POD 1 between groups, regardless of whether the Pringle maneuver or propofol was used for anesthesia (induction only or induction and maintenance, P > 0.05). The remaining outcome indicators were not statistically significant or could not be analyzed due to lack of sufficient data. CONCLUSION: RIPC has some short-term liver protective effects on HIRIs during hepatectomies. However, there is still insufficient evidence to encourage its routine use to improve clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022333383).

Prediction of a two-dimensional high Curie temperature Weyl nodal line kagome semimetal.

Kagome lattices may have numerous exotic physical properties, such as stable ferromagnetism and topological states. Herein, combining the particle swarm structure search method with first-principles calculations, we identify a two-dimensional (2D) kagome Mo2Se3 crystal structure with space group P6/mmm. The results show that 2D kagome Mo2Se3 is a 100% spin-polarized topological nodal line semimetal and exhibits excellent ambient stability. The band crossing points form two nodal loops around the high-symmetry points Γ and K. On the other hand, Mo2Se3 shows intrinsic ferromagnetism with a large magnetic moment of 3.05 µB per Mo atom and magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) of 4.78 meV. Monte Carlo simulations estimate that Mo2Se3 possesses a high Curie temperature of about 673 K. In addition, its ferromagnetic ground state can be well preserved under external strain, and the MAE can be improved by increasing the strain. More importantly, the position of each nodal line can be adjusted to the Fermi level through hole doping. This multifunctional 2D magnetic material that combines spin and topology has great potential in the field of nanoscale spintronic devices.

Impact of nurse-led education on the prognosis of heart failure patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the effect of nurse-led education on death, readmission, and quality of life in patients with heart failure. BACKGROUND: The evidence of the effectiveness of nurse-led education in heart failure patients from randomized controlled trials is limited, and the results are inconsistent. Therefore, the impact of nurse-led education remains poorly understood, and more rigorous studies are needed. INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a syndrome associated with high morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmission. Authorities advocate nurse-led education to raise awareness of disease progression and treatment planning, as this could improve patients' prognosis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to May 2022 to retrieve relevant studies. The primary outcomes were readmission rate (all-cause or HF-related) and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was quality of life, evaluated by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and visual analog scale for quality of life. RESULTS: Although there was no significant association between the nursing intervention and all-cause readmissions [RR (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.79, 1.06), P = 0.231], the nursing intervention decreased HF-related readmission by 25% [RR (95% CI) = 0.75 (0.58, 0.99), P = 0.039]. The e nursing intervention reduced all-cause readmission or mortality as a composite endpoint by 13% [RR (95% CI) = 0.87 (0.76, 0.99), P = 0.029]. In the subgroup analysis, we found that home nursing visits reduced HF-related readmissions [RR (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.37, 0.84), P = 0.005]. In addition, the nursing intervention improved the quality of life in MLHFQ and EQ-5D [standardized mean differences (SMD) (95% CI) = 3.38 (1.10, 5.66), 7.12 (2.54, 11.71), respectively]. DISCUSSION: The outcome variation between studies may be due to reporting methods, comorbidities, and medication management education. Patient outcomes and quality of life may also vary between different educational approaches. Limitations of this meta-analysis stem from the incomplete reporting of information from the original studies, the small sample size, and the inclusion of English language literature only. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led education programs significantly impact HF-related readmission rates, all-cause readmission, and mortality rates in patients with HF. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND NURSING POLICIES: The results suggest stakeholders should allocate resources to develop nurse-led education programs for HF patients.

First screening for tick-borne pathogens in Chinese Milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus).

Ticks are primary vectors for many tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and pose a serious threat to veterinary and public health. Information on the presence of TBPs in Chinese Milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is limited. In this study, a total of 102 Chinese Milu deer blood samples were examined for Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp., Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp., and three TBPs were identified: Anaplasma phagocytophilum (48; 47.1 %), Candidatus Anaplasma boleense (47; 46.1%), and Theileria capreoli (8; 7.8 %). Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA confirmed their identity with corresponding TBPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on Candidatus A. boleense and T. capreoli detection in Chinese Milu deer. A high prevalence of A. phagocytophilum with veterinary and medical significance was identified in endangered Chinese Milu deer, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. The identification of the TBPs in Chinese Milu deer provides useful information for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases.

The antifungal properties of terpenoids from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines.

A series of terpenoids (1-17), comprising six new compounds designated bipolariterpenes A-F (1-6) and eleven recognized compounds (7-17), were isolated from the wheat culture of the potato endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines. Their structures and stereochemistry were clarified by HRESIMS, NMR, DP4 + probability analyses, and computations for electronic circular dichroism (ECD). All compounds are made up of six meroterpenoids, four sesterterpenes and seven sesquiterpenes. Among them, four sesterterpenes (4, 5, 10, 11) were investigated for their antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties, and six meroterpenoids (1-3, 7-9) were evaluated for their antifungal properties. The compounds 7, 9, and 10 had substantial antifungal activity against Epidermophyton floccosum at a concentration of 100 µM. No antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were observed.

Boerelasins A-D, Four Unprecedented Cytochalasins from the Endophytic Fungus Boeremia Exigua.

Four undescribed cytochalasins (1-4) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Boeremia exigua. Structurally, boerelasin A (1) represents the first example of a cytochalasin with a rare 5/5 bicyclic carbon core. Boerelasin B (2) possesses an unprecedented 5/6/5/6/8 pentacyclic ring system. Boerelasin C (3), a derivative from the common biosynthetic intermediate to 1, is a macrocyclic ring-opening cytochalasin, and boerelasin D (4) contains an uncommon six-carbon alkyl acid side chain. The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods, electronic circular dichroism, spin-spin coupling constants, and calculated nuclear magnetic resonance with DP4+ analysis. These compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the tumor cells.

Analysis and prediction of improved SEIR transmission dynamics model: taking the second outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy as an example.

This study aimed to predict the transmission trajectory of the 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and analyze the impact of preventive measures on the spread of the epidemic. Considering that tracking a long-term epidemic trajectory requires explanatory modeling with more complexities than short-term predictions, an improved Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed (SEIR) transmission dynamic model is established. The model depends on defining various parameters that describe both the virus and the population under study. However, it is likely that several of these parameters will exhibit significant variations among different states. Therefore, regression algorithms and heuristic algorithms were developed to effectively adapt the population-dependent parameters and ensure accurate fitting of the SEIR model to data for any specific state. In this study, we consider the second outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy as a case study, which occurred in August 2020. We divide the epidemic data from February to September of the same year into two distinct stages for analysis. The numerical results demonstrate that the improved SEIR model effectively simulates and predicts the transmission trajectories of the Italian epidemic during both periods before and after the second outbreak. By analyzing the impact of anti-epidemic measures on the spread of the disease, our findings emphasize the significance of implementing anti-epidemic preventive measures in COVID-19 modeling.

[Effects of acupuncture on hemorrhagic transformation and motor function in stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA: a prospective cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the Xingnao Kaiqiao (regaining consciousness and opening orifices) acupuncture on hemorrhagic transformation and limb motor function after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 130 stroke patients after rt-PA thrombolytic were divided into an acupuncture group (58 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a non-acupuncture group (72 cases, 7 cases dropped off) according to whether they received acupuncture treatment. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match each group, with 38 patients in each group. The patients in the non-acupuncture group received rt-PA thrombolytic therapy and western medical basic treatment. In addition to the basic treatment, the patients in the acupuncture group received Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26), bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), and ipsilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Chize (LU 5), once a day for 14 days. The incidence of hemorrhagic transformation within 30 days after onset was compared between the two groups. The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score and activities of daily living (ADL) score were observed at baseline and 30 days, 6 months, 1 year after onset in the two groups. The disability rate at 6 months and 1 year after onset was recorded, and safety was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The incidence of hemorrhagic transformation in the acupuncture group was 5.3% (2/38), which was lower than 21.1% (8/38) in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.05). At 30 days, 6 month, and 1 year after onset, the FMA and ADL scores of both groups were higher than those at baseline (P<0.01), and the scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.01). The disability rate in the acupuncture group at 1 year after onset was 10.5% (4/38), which was lower than 28.9% (11/38) in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture method could reduce the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation in stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA, improve their motor function and daily living ability, and reduce the long-term disability rate.

N-Butanol Extract of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Inhibits Dengue Virus through Targeting Envelope Protein.

BACKGROUND: At present, about half of the world's population is at risk of being infected with dengue virus (DENV). However, there are no specific drugs to prevent or treat DENV infection. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, performs multiple pharmacological activities, including exerting antiviral effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-DENV effects of n-butanol extract from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome (GRE). METHODS: Compounds analysis of GRE was conducted via ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The antiviral activities of GRE were determined by the CCK-8 assay, plaque assay, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and the immunofluorescence assay. The DENV-infected suckling mice model was constructed to explore the antiviral effects of GRE in vivo. RESULTS: Four components in GRE were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS, including glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetnic acid, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin. GRE inhibited the attachment process of the virus replication cycle and reduced the expression of the E protein in cell models. In the in vivo study, GRE significantly relieved clinical symptoms and prolong survival duration. GRE also significantly decreased viremia, reduced the viral load in multiple organs, and inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in DENV-infected suckling mice. CONCLUSIONS: GRE exhibited significant inhibitory activities in the adsorption stage of the DENV-2 replication cycle by targeting the envelope protein. Thus, GRE might be a promising candidate for the treatment of DENV infection.

Transdermal administration of ibuprofen-loaded hexagonal liquid crystal gel for enhancement of drug concentration in the uterus: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common disease in women, and oral administration of Ibuprofen (IBU) is associated with first-pass effects and gastrointestinal irritation. Here, we developed ibuprofen-loaded hexagonal liquid crystal (IBU HLC) gel for transdermal administration. In this study, the structure of prepared IBU HLC was characterized using polarizing microscopey (PLM) and small angle X ray diffraction (SAXS). In vitro drug release behavior and percutaneous penetration were investigated, and drug transdermal behavior was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Finally, the pharmacokinetic profile and tissue distribution were investigated after transdermal administration. The PLM and SAXS results showed that the inner structure of IBU HLC was hexagonal phase. Moreover, in vitro release, skin permeation and CLSM demonstrated that IBU HLC had an excellent sustained-release effect, and a good transdermal penetration effect accompanied by the combination of multiple percutaneous routes. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that IBU entered the blood circulation through abdominal transdermal administration in small amounts, mainly entering the uterus, and had a certain targeting ability. In conclusion, the IBU HLC gel would be a promising sustained-release preparation for transdermal administration to relieve dysmenorrhea with a significant drug concentration in the uterus.

Study on Creepage Control for PLS-160 Wheel-Rail Adhesion Test Rig Based on LADRC.

Aiming at the problem of low control accuracy caused by nonlinear disturbances in the operation of the PLS-160 wheel-rail adhesion test rig, a linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) suitable for the wheel-rail adhesion test rig was designed. The influence of nonlinear disturbances during the operation of the test rig on the control accuracy was analyzed based on SIMPACK. The SIMAT co-simulation platform was established to verify the control performance of the LADRC designed in this paper. The simulation results show that the speed and creepage errors of the test rig under the control of the LADRC met the adhesion test technical indicators under four different conditions. Compared with the traditional PID controller, the creepage overshoot and response time with the LADRC were reduced by 1.27% and 60%, respectively, under the constant creepage condition, and the stability recovery time was shorter under the condition of a sudden decrease in the adhesion coefficient. The LADRC designed in this paper shows better dynamic and anti-interference performance; therefore, it is more suitable for a follow-up study of the PLS-160 wheel-rail adhesion test rig.

Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is reported to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in many vital organs by inhibiting a systemic inflammatory response. Inflammation also plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of prolonged post-operative ileus (PPOI) in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. However, the role of RIPC is unclear in reducing the incidence of PPOI in patients undergoing CRC surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized trial of RIPC vs. placebo-controlled in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic CRC surgery. Eighty patients were randomized to either a RIPC group or a control group (40 per arm), with computer-generated randomization. The aim was to determine whether RIPC improved the recovery of gut function. The primary outcomes assessed were time to gastrointestinal tolerance and incidence of PPOI. RESULTS: Median time to stool of the RIPC group was significantly lower than that of the control group [RIPC vs. control, 4.0 (3.0, 6.0) vs. 5.0 (4.0, 7.8) days, p = 0.027]. Median time to gastrointestinal tolerance and incidence of PPOI in the RIPC group were lower than the control group; however, there were no statistical differences between the two groups [RIPC vs. control: 5.0 (3.0, 7.0) vs. 6.0 (4.0, 8.8) days, p = 0.178; 15 vs. 30%, p = 0.108]. CONCLUSION: RIPC could shorten the median time to stool in patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC surgery, but did not improve the overall recovery time of gut function or reduce the incidence of PPOI. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100043313 (http://www.chictr.org.cn).Key pointsQuestion: In patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC surgery, does RIPC improve time to the overall recovery of gut function and reduce the incidence of PPOI?Findings: In this randomized clinical trial that included 80 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic CRC surgery, no significant difference was found between the RIPC group and the control group concerning median time to gastrointestinal tolerance and incidence of PPOI.Meaning: RIPC did not improve the time for overall recovery of gut function or reduce the incidence of PPOI in patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC surgery.

Maternally Expressed Gene 3 Negatively Regulated Decorin to Supresse Angiogenesis, Proliferation and Migration of Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis of tumor cells is highly associated with tumorsecreted factors and matrix proteins. However, the underlying mechanism of tumorsecreted factors and matrix proteins during angiogenesis is rarely discussed. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between the maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), a tumor-secreted growth factor, and Decorin, a tumor-secreted matrix protein, and evaluated their derivate roles in human endothelial cell development. METHODS: Human endothelial cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid expressing antisense of Decorin mRNA (shDecorin) and silencing mRNA of MEG3 (siMEG3) or MEG3 over-expressive vectors. A series of qPCR and Western blot analysis was applied to characterize the expressions of MEG3 and Decorin in all transfected cells. Moreover, scratch, Transwell, and Matrigel neovascularization assays were performed to examine three key processes of endothelial cells' angiogenesis, including tubulogenesis, proliferation, and migratory levels. In addition, the cell viability was evaluated at each step via the MTT test. RESULTS: The overexpression of MEG3 inhibited angiogenesis and migration of endothelial cells by preventing the expression of Decorin. At the same time, the inhibition of MEG3 via siRNA resulted in an increased expression of Decorin, enhanced tube formation levels, and promoted endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, Decorin's knockdown suppressed the angiogenesis and migration of endothelial cells without affecting the expression of MEG3. Importantly, the stimulation of HUVEC cells with exogenous Decorin protein alleviated most phenotypes induced by the upregulation of MEG3. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the anti-growth effects of MEG3 on vasculogenesis and migration of endothelial cells. Thus, by blocking the expression of Decorin in HUVECs, the overexpression of MEG3 repressed their development and might potentially alleviate the ischemic stroke.