Abstract Objectives To determine whether tinnitus negatively impacts the accuracy of sound source localization in participants with normal hearing. Methods Seventy-five participants with tinnitus and 74 without tinnitus were enrolled in this study. The accuracy of sound source discrimination on the horizontal plane was compared between the two participant groups. The test equipment consisted of 37 loudspeakers arranged in a 180° arc facing forward with 5° intervals between them. The stimuli were pure tones of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz at 50 dB SPL. The stimuli were divided into three groups: low frequency (LF: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kHz), 2 kHz, and high frequency (HF: 4 and 8 kHz) stimuli. Results The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) score of all the stimuli in the tinnitus group was significantly higher than that in the control group (13.45 ± 3.34 vs. 11.44 ± 2.56, p = 4.115, t < 0.001). The RMSE scores at LF, 2 kHz, and HF were significantly higher in the tinnitus group than those in the control group (LF: 11.66 ± 3.62 vs. 10.04 ± 3.13, t = 2.918, p = 0.004; 2 kHz: 16.63 ± 5.45 vs. 14.43 ± 4.52, t = 2.690, p = 0.008; HF: 13.42 ± 4.74 vs. 11.14 ± 3.68, t = 3.292, p = 0.001). Thus, the accuracy of sound source discrimination in participants with tinnitus was significantly worse than that in those without tinnitus, despite the stimuli frequency. There was no difference in the ability to localize the sound of the matched frequency and other frequencies (12.86 ± 6.29 vs. 13.87 ± 3.14, t = 1.204, p = 0.236). Additionally, there was no correlation observed between the loudness of tinnitus and RMSE scores (r = 0.096, p = 0.434), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and RMSE scores (r = −0.056, p = 0.648). Conclusions Our present data suggest that tinnitus negatively impacted sound source localization accuracy, even when participants had normal hearing. The matched pitch and loudness and the impact of tinnitus on patients’ daily lives were not related to the sound source localization ability. Level of evidence 4.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knockdown of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) can induce N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of m 6A RNA methylation on atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque by FTO knockdown. Methods: A total of 50 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into pure high-fat group, sham operation group, vulnerable plaque group, empty load group, and FTO knockdown group (10 rabbits/group). Results: Flow cytometry showed that helper T (Th) cells in the FTO knockdown group accounted for a significantly higher proportion of lymphocytes than in the vulnerable plaque group and empty load group (P<0.05). Th cells were screened by cell flow. The level of m 6A RNA methylation in the FTO knockdown group was significantly higher than in the vulnerable plaque group and empty load group (P<0.05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein C were higher at the 12th week than at the 1st week, but the high-density lipoprotein C level was lower at the 12th week than at the 1st week. At the 12th week, the interleukin-7 level was significantly lower in the adeno-associated virus-9 (AVV9)-FTO short hairpin RNA group than in the control and AVV9-green fluorescent protein groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: After successfully establishing a vascular parkinsonism rabbit model, m 6A RNA methylation can decrease Th cells and vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

RESUMO Introdução: A moderna teoria da fisiologia do exercício afirma que a força muscular do core desempenha um papel muito importante na conclusão das habilidades motoras dos atletas; o desempenho específico é estabilizar o centro de gravidade do atleta, a fonte de explosão e transmissão de potência além do seu centro de controle. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito dos métodos de um treinamento experimental sobre a força muscular do core em atletas de voleibol. Métodos: 24 atletas foram divididos em grupo experimental e grupo de controle, a fim de garantir que os indicadores basais dos dois grupos antes do experimento não apresentassem comparação significativa, usando teste t de amostra independente e teste t de amostra pareada. Resultados: O número médio de sit-ups dos dois grupos de estudantes foi de 58,15 e 70,52n, respectivamente, os cinco indicadores básicos de estabilidade dos dois grupos foram todos significativos, e os métodos de treinamento da força no grupo experimental foram melhores do que os do grupo controle. Conclusão: O método experimental apresentada ajuda a melhorar a taxa de sucesso no salto do atleta. Os métodos de treinamento da força do core usados no grupo experimental em salto foram superiores aos métodos tradicionais de treinamento usados no grupo de controle. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Modern exercise physiology theory states that abdominal core muscle strength plays a very important role in the completion of athletes’ motor skills; the specific performance is to stabilize the athlete’s center of gravity, the source of explosion and power transmission beyond his center of control. Objective: Verify the effect of an experimental training methods on the muscular strength of the abdominal core in volleyball athletes. Methods: 24 athletes were divided into an experimental group and a control group, in order to ensure that the baseline indicators of the two groups before the experiment did not show significant comparison, using independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test. Results: The average number of sit-ups of the two groups of students was 58.15 and 70.52n, respectively, the five baseline indicators of stability of the two groups were all significant, and the strength training methods in the experimental group were better than those in the control group. Conclusion: The presented experimental method helps to improve the success rate in athlete’s jump. The core strength training methods used in the experimental group in jumping were superior to the traditional training methods used in the control group. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: La teoría moderna de la fisiología del ejercicio afirma que la fuerza muscular del core desempeña un papel muy importante en la realización de las habilidades motrices de los atletas; la actuación específica consiste en estabilizar el centro de gravedad del atleta, la fuente de explosión y la transmisión de potencia más allá de su centro de control. Objetivo: Verificar el efecto de los métodos de un entrenamiento experimental sobre la fuerza muscular del core en atletas de voleibol. Métodos: 24 atletas fueron divididos en un grupo experimental y un grupo de control, con el fin de garantizar que los indicadores basales de los dos grupos antes del experimento no mostraran una comparación significativa, utilizando la prueba t de muestras independientes y la prueba t de muestras emparejadas. Resultados: El número medio de sentadillas de los dos grupos de estudiantes fue de 58,15 y 70,52n, respectivamente, los cinco indicadores de estabilidad de referencia de los dos grupos fueron todos significativos, y los métodos de entrenamiento de fuerza del grupo experimental fueron mejores que los del grupo de control. Conclusión: El método experimental presentado ayuda a mejorar la tasa de éxito en el salto del atleta. Los métodos de entrenamiento del core utilizados en el grupo experimental en los saltos fueron superiores a los métodos de entrenamiento tradicionales utilizados en el grupo de control. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract Lyophyllum decastes is a common macrofungi for both medicinal and economic value, and its polysaccharide has excellent development potential as a new immune regulator. In the present study, the bioactive component polysaccharide of L decastes was extracted, and its chain structure was characterized in detail by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HP-GPC), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). LDP-W had a molecular weight of 2.12 × 104 Da, highly branched β type pyranose. At the same time, it exhibited potential immunomodulatory activity, which can modulate the numbers of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ cells in the spleen; optimize the CD4+/CD8+ ratio; promoted T and B lymphocyte proliferation and it can elevate the levels of IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α in immunosuppressed mice by influencing the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling-related proteins. These studies fill the gap in the immune regulation mechanism of L decastes polysaccharide, providing a theoretical basis for the potential application of LDP-W as immunomodulatory drugs or functional foods.

As an important component of solid tumors, mast cells show specific phenotypes in various tumor microenvironments. However, the precise mechanism of mast cell accumulation and the phenotypic features of thyroid cancer (TC) remain largely unknown. Here, we found that mast cells were obviously recruited to tumor tissue by TC-derived stem cell factor (SCF). With tumor progression, mast cell levels increased gradually. In addition, intratumoral mast cells expressed higher levels of the immunosuppressive molecule galectin-9, which effectively suppresses CD8+ T-cell antitumor immunity in vitro. Blocking galectin-9 on tumor-infiltrating mast cells reversed the immunosuppression of CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, our data elucidated novel protumorigenic and immunosuppressive roles of mast cells in TC. In addition, our results indicated that blocking mast cells may impede tumor progression and ameliorate the prognosis of TC patients.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Youngsters are an important source of reserve strength among short-speed skaters, so it is necessary to perform special strength training for young lower limb muscles while improving athletes’ endurance and physical function. Objective: Study the systematic development of physical training of speed skating athletes. Methods: The author uses the method of experimentation and mathematical statistics, the first level male athletes were selected as experimental objects, and the double-blind test method was used to conduct a comparative study through experiments. Results: Statistically, the T-test considerations of the control and experimental groups in the unipodal take-off stand and bilateral sliding jump tests showed statistical differences (P>0.05). The comparison of the experimental group pre and post-intervention indicates that the experimental group's performance in this test item increased significantly after training(P<0.05). Conclusion: The adaptation of the entry-level trainers to the scientific training concept played an auxiliary role in the results by increasing the emphasis on small muscle group training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los jóvenes son una importante fuente de reserva de fuerza entre los patinadores de velocidad corta, por lo que es necesario realizar un entrenamiento de fuerza especial para los músculos de las extremidades inferiores de los jóvenes, mejorando al mismo tiempo la resistencia y la función física de los atletas. Objetivo: Estudiar el desarrollo sistemático de la preparación física de los atletas de patinaje de velocidad. Métodos: El autor utiliza el método de la experimentación y la estadística matemática, se seleccionaron atletas masculinos de primer nivel como objetos experimentales, y se utilizó el método de prueba de doble ciego para realizar un estudio comparativo a través de experimentos. Resultados: Estadísticamente, las consideraciones de la prueba T del grupo de control y del grupo experimental en la prueba de despegue unipodal y de salto deslizante bilateral mostraron diferencias estadísticas (P>0,05). La comparación del grupo experimental antes y después de la intervención indica que el rendimiento del grupo experimental en este ítem de la prueba aumentó significativamente después del entrenamiento (P<0,05). Conclusión: La adaptación de los entrenadores de nivel inicial al concepto de entrenamiento científico desempeñó un papel auxiliar en los resultados al aumentar el énfasis en el entrenamiento de los grupos musculares pequeños. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: Os jovens são uma importante fonte de força de reserva entre os patinadores de velocidade curta, portanto é necessário realizar um treinamento de força especial para os jovens músculos dos membros inferiores, melhorando ao mesmo tempo a resistência e a função física dos atletas. Objetivo: Estudar o desenvolvimento sistemático do treinamento físico dos atletas de patinação de velocidade. Métodos: O autor utiliza o método de experimentação e estatística matemática, foram selecionados como objetos experimentais os atletas do primeiro nível masculino, e o método de teste duplo-cego foi utilizado para conduzir um estudo comparativo através de experimentos. Resultados: Estatisticamente, as considerações do teste T do grupo de controle e do grupo experimental no suporte de decolagem unipodal e teste bilateral de salto deslizante apresentaram diferença estatística (P>0,05). A comparação do grupo experimental pré e pós intervenção indica que o desempenho do grupo experimental neste item de teste aumentou significativamente após o treinamento(P<0,05). Conclusão: A adaptação dos treinadores de nível básico para o conceito de treinamento científico desempenhou um papel auxiliar nos resultados, aumentando a ênfase no treinamento dos pequenos grupos musculares. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) regulates T helper (Th) cell differentiation and is related to psychological disorders. This study aimed to assess the correlation between blood CDC42 and Th cells, and their association with mental issues in stroke patients. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 264 stroke patients and 50 controls. Then, serum CDC42 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied to patients. CDC42 was decreased (P<0.001), Th1 (P=0.013) and Th17 (P<0.001) cells were elevated, while Th2 cells (P=0.108) showed no difference in stroke patients compared to controls. In addition, CDC42 was negatively associated to Th1 (P=0.013) and Th17 (P<0.001) cells in stroke patients but were not associated with Th2 cells (P=0.223). Interestingly, CDC42 was negatively associated with HADS-anxiety (P<0.001) and HADS-depression scores (P=0.034) and positively associated with MMSE score (P<0.001) in stroke patients. Lower CDC42 was associated to lower occurrence of anxiety (P=0.002), depression (P=0.001), and cognitive impairment (P=0.036) in stroke patients. Furthermore, increased Th17 cells were positively correlated with HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores and inversely correlated with MMSE score, which were also associated with higher occurrence of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment in stroke patients (all P<0.05). Blood CDC42 and Th17 cells were correlated, and both of them were linked to the risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. However, the findings need further large-scale validation, and the implicated mechanism needs more investigation.

Early and accurate diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is crucial for the prognosis of patients. This study identified a potential biomarker for the severity of aGVHD after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT). We included 20 healthy subjects and 57 patients who underwent haplo-PBSCT. Of these patients, 22 developed aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT. The results showed that patients with aGVHD had significantly increased levels of Tim-3+/Perforin+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells, but significantly decreased Galectin-9. The differences in Galectin-9 and Tim-3+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells between grade I-II aGVHD and III-IV aGVHD were also significant. In vitro, the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells from aGVHD patients was significantly increased after Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway activation, which decreased Granzyme B secretion. As revealed by univariate analysis, the level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells was a risk factor for severe aGVHD. ROC analysis demonstrated that high levels of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells had a significant diagnostic value for severe aGVHD, with an area under the curve of 0.854 and cut-off value of 14.155%. In conclusion, the binding of Tim-3 with exogenous Galectin-9 can promote apoptosis of CD8+ T cells and affect the secretion of Granzyme B. Tim-3+CD8+ T cells have the potential to serve as immunological markers for assessing the severity of aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT and identifying patients at a higher risk for severe aGVHD.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Suanzaoren decoction on stress response of horses in transportation. A total of six male Ili horses were equally divided into Suanzaoren decoction treatment group (n = 3; basal diet supplemented with Suanzaoren decoction, three times/day) and control group (n = 3; basal diet, three times/day). After feeding for five days, all horses were transported for 8 h to simulate stress. Blood and serum samples were obtained before transport (BT), during transport (T), and after transport (AT). Results showed that there was significant interaction between road transport and dietary Suanzaoren decoction supplementation for the white blood cells (WBC), intermediate cell ratio (MID%), granulocyte ratio (GRAN%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose (GLU), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine (CK), cortisol (COR), human growth hormone (HGH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and arginine vasopressin content, insulin (INS), and thyronine 4 (T4) in blood and serum. The highest WBC was found in T group. The highest GRAN%, ALT, GLU, AST, CK, T4, ACTH, and INS contents were observed in serum from AT groups, which was decreased by treatment. In conclusion, dietary Suanzaoren decoction supplementation did relieve horse transportation stress. This study provides a useful clinical therapy for relieving transportation stress of horses.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the absolute number of serum T lymphocytes and cytokine levels and the characteristics of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess their effect on the immune status of these patients and their diagnostic and predictive value for tuberculosis. Methods: We included 1,069 patients with active tuberculosis, 51 patients with latent tuberculosis infection, and 600 health individuals. Absolute serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels were quantified. Results: T lymphocytes were significantly reduced in patients with active tuberculosis when compared with healthy individuals. The immune function of patients gradually decreased with age and was stronger in female patients than in males. Th1 cells expressed higher levels of cytokines than did Th2 cells. Logistic regression analysis showed that reduced CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cell counts, as well as reduced IL-4 and IFN-g expression, were independent influencing factors for active tuberculosis. ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of absolute CD3+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and combined factors were significantly higher than were those of IL-4 and IFN-g for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Conclusions: Serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels can assess the immune status of tuberculosis patients; they are also useful biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing tuberculosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o número absoluto de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas, bem como as características, de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa e avaliar o efeito desses no estado imunológico desses pacientes e seu valor diagnóstico e preditivo para tuberculose. Métodos: Foram incluídos 1.069 pacientes com tuberculose ativa, 51 pacientes com tuberculose latente e 600 indivíduos saudáveis. Foram realizadas a contagem absoluta de linfócitos T séricos e a quantificação de citocinas séricas. Resultados: Os linfócitos T estavam significativamente reduzidos nos pacientes com tuberculose ativa em comparação com os indivíduos saudáveis. A função imunológica dos pacientes diminuiu gradativamente com a idade e mostrou-se mais forte nas mulheres do que nos homens. As células Th1 expressaram maiores níveis de citocinas do que as células Th2. A análise de regressão logística mostrou que contagens reduzidas de células T CD3+, T CD8+ e NK e expressão reduzida de IL-4 e IFN-g foram fatores de influência independentes para tuberculose ativa. A análise ROC mostrou que a sensibilidade e especificidade dos valores absolutos de linfócitos T CD3+ e T CD8+ e de fatores combinados foram significativamente maiores do que as da IL-4 e do IFN-g para o diagnóstico da tuberculose ativa. Conclusões: A contagem de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas podem avaliar o estado imunológico de pacientes com tuberculose; também são biomarcadores úteis na predição e diagnóstico da tuberculose.

Abstract This study focused on the effect and mechanism of Notch signal on pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) following acute lung injury. PMVECs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into eight groups. Grouping was based on whether cells were co-cultured with T cells (splenic CD4+T cells were isolated using MACS microbeads) and the level of Notch expression: Normal group and Normal+T cells group, Model group and Model+T cells group, Notch low-expression group and Notch low-expression+T cells group, and Notch overexpression group and Notch overexpression+T cells group. Except for the Normal group and Normal+T cells group, all other groups were treated with 500 μL lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/mL). The expression of VE-cadherin and Zo-1 protein in the Model group (with or without T cells) was lower than that in the normal group (with or without T cells), their expression in the Notch low-expression group (with or without T cells) was significantly increased, and their expression in the Notch overexpression group (with or without T cells) was significantly decreased. Compared with the normal+T cells group, the number of Treg cells in the Notch low-expression+T cells group decreased significantly (P<0.01). The number of Th17 cells in the Notch overexpression+T cells group was higher than that in the Model+T cells group (P<0.01), while the number of Treg cells decreased (P<0.01). Our results demonstrated that activated Notch signal can down-regulate the expression of the tight junction proteins VE-Cadherin and Zo-1 in PMVECs and affect Th17/Treg immune imbalance. Autophagy was discovered to be involved in this process.

Abstract Background The defect of B cell self-tolerance and the continuous antigen presentation by T cells (TCs) mediated by autoreactive B cells (BCs) play a key role in the occurrence and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis negatively regulates the immune response of TCs after activation and maintains immune tolerance. However, the effect of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis on the interaction between CD19+B/CD4+TCs in the peripheral blood of patients with SLE has not been studied in detail. Methods PD-1/PD-L1 and Ki-67 levels in peripheral blood (PB) of 50 SLE patients and 41 healthy controls (HCs) were detected through flow cytometry, and then the expression of PD-1+/−cells and PD-L1+/−cells Ki-67 was further analyzed. CD19+B/CD4+TCs were separated for cell culture and the supernatant was collected to determine proliferation and differentiation of TCs. IL-10 and IFN-γ secretion in the supernatant was also determined using ELISA. Results The PD-1, PD-L1, and Ki-67 levels on CD19+B/CD4+TCs in patients with SLE were higher than HCs. In CD19+B/CD4+TCs of SLE patients, the proliferative activity of PD-L1+ cells was higher than that of PD-L1− cells, and the proliferative activity of PD-1+ cells was higher than that of PD-1− cells. In the system co-culturing CD19+B/CD4+TCs from HCs/SLE patients, activated BCs promoted TCs proliferation and PD-L1 expression among TCs. Addition of anti-PD-L1 to co-culture system restored the proliferation of TCs, and inhibited IL-10/IFN-γ level. The addition of anti-PD-L1 to co-culture system also restored Tfh and downregulated Treg in HCs. Conclusions Axis of PD-1/PD-L1 on CD19+B/CD4+TCs in PB of SLE patients is abnormal, and cell proliferation is abnormal. In CD19+B/CD4+TCs of SLE patients, the proliferative activity of PD-L1+ and PD-1+ cells compared with PD-L1− and PD-1− cells in SLE patients, respectively. CD19+B/CD4+TCs in SLE patients can interact through PD-1/PD-L1.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine independent predictors of inguinal lymph node (ILN) metastasis in patients with penile cancer. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with penile cancer who underwent surgery at our medical center in the last ten years (n=157). Using univariate and multivariate logistic-regression models, we assessed associations with age, medical-history, phimosis, onset-time, number and maximum diameter of involved ILNs measured by imaging, pathological T stage, degree of tumor differentiation and/or cornification, lymphatic vascular infiltration (LVI), nerve infiltration, and ILN metastases. Interaction and stratified analyses were used to assess age, phimosis, onset time, number of ILNs, cornification, and nerve infiltration. Results: A total of 110 patients were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were significantly correlated with ILN metastasis: maximum diameter of enlarged ILNs, T stage, pathological differentiation, and LVI. Among patients with a maximum ILN diameter ≥1.5cm, 50% had lymph node metastasis whereas 30.6% patients with a maximum ILN diameter <1.5cm showed LNM. Among 44 patients with stage Ta/T1, 10 showed ILN metastases, while 47.0% patients with stage T2 showed ILN metastases. Among 40 patients with highly differentiated penile-cancer, eight showed ILN metastasis, while 47.1% patients with low-to-middle differentiation showed ILN metastases. The rate of LNM was 33.3% in the LVI-free group and 64.3% in the LVI group. Conclusion: Our single-center results suggested that maximum ILN diameter, pathological T stage, pathological differentiation, and LVI were independent risk factors for ILN metastases.