Abstract Background Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) poses a major threat to both physical and mental health; however, there is still a lack of effective drugs to treat the disease. Recently, novel biological therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their products, namely, exosomes, are showing promising therapeutic potential due to their low immunogenicity, few ethical concerns, and easy accessibility. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived exosomes remain unclear. Results Exosomes derived from MSCs reduced hearing and hair cell loss caused by neomycin-induced damage in models in vivo and in vitro. In addition, MSC-derived exosomes modulated autophagy in hair cells to exert a protective effect. Mechanistically, exogenously administered exosomes were internalized by hair cells and subsequently upregulated endocytic gene expression and endosome formation, ultimately leading to autophagy activation. This increased autophagic activity promoted cell survival, decreased the mitochondrial oxidative stress level and the apoptosis rate in hair cells, and ameliorated neomycin-induced ototoxicity. Conclusions In summary, our findings reveal the otoprotective capacity of exogenous exosome-mediated autophagy activation in hair cells in an endocytosis-dependent manner, suggesting possibilities for deafness treatment. SNHL (SNHL health however disease Recently therapies (MSCs products namely immunogenicity concerns accessibility Nevertheless MSCderived MSC unclear neomycininduced neomycin induced vitro addition effect Mechanistically formation survival ototoxicity summary exosomemediated exosome mediated endocytosisdependent endocytosis dependent manner treatment

RESUMO Introdução A intervenção de oxigênio hiperbárico tem um efeito importante na função do sistema oxidativo-antioxidante do corpo. Objetivo Verificar os efeitos de uma intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico de 4 semanas na função do sistema oxidante-antioxidante em atletas de skeleton. Métodos O grupo de teste foi submetido a uma intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico a 1,3 ATA de 4 semanas, 4 vezes por semana e o grupo controle passou por recuperação natural. Os níveis de malondialdeído (MDA), proteína carbonila (PC), superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa peroxidase (GSH-PX), capacidade antioxidante total (T-AOC), uréia sanguínea (BU), creatina quinase (CK), testosterona (T) e cortisol (C) foram medidos na semana 0, semana 2 e semana 4 para ambos os grupos de atletas. Resultados MDA, PC e CK do grupo de teste foram significativamente menores do que os valores do grupo controle (p <0,05) na semana 4. SOD, CAT e T-AOC foram significativamente maiores no grupo de teste na semana 4 do que na semana 0 (p < 0,05) e significativamente maiores do que os valores para o grupo controle (p < 0,05). Conclusão A intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico de 4 semanas a 1,3 ATA reduziu significativamente os níveis de estresse oxidativo, aumentou a atividade enzimática antioxidante e reduziu os níveis de fadiga relacionada ao exercício nos atletas de skeleton. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Hyperbaric oxygen intervention has an important effect on the function of the body’s oxidation-antioxidant system. Objective To verify the effects of a 4-week micro-hyperbaric oxygen intervention on oxidation-antioxidation system function in skeleton athletes. Methods The experimental group underwent a 1.3 ATA HBO intervention for 4 weeks and the control group underwent natural recovery. The levels of MDA, PC, SOD, CAT, GSH-PX, T-AOC, BU, CK, T, and C of the two groups were measured at Week 0, Week 2, and Week 4. Results The MDA, PC, and CK of the Exp group were significantly lower than Con group (P < 0.05) in Week 4. The SOD, CAT, and T-AOC of the Exp group were significantly higher in Week 4 than in Week 0 (P < 0.05) and significantly higher than the Con group values (P < 0.05). Conclusions A four-week 1.3 ATA HBO intervention decreased the level of oxidative stress, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the degree of exercise fatigue in skeleton athletes. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción La intervención con oxígeno hiperbárico tiene un efecto importante en la función del sistema oxidación-antioxidación del organismo. Objetivo Verificar los efectos de una intervención con oxígeno micro-hiperbárico durante 4 semanas en la función del sistema oxidación-antioxidación en atletas de skeleton. Métodos El grupo de prueba se sometió a una intervención con oxígeno micro-hiperbárico a 1,3 ATA durante 4 semanas, 4 veces a la semana, y el grupo de control se sometió a una recuperación natural. Se midieron los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA), carbonilo proteico (PC), superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT), glutatión peroxidasa (GSH-PX), capacidad antioxidante total (T-AOC), urea en sangre (BU), creatina quinasa (CK), testosterona (T), y cortisol (C) en la semana 0, en la semana 2 y en la semana 4 para ambos grupos de atletas. Resultados Los valores de MDA, CP y CK del grupo de prueba fueron significativamente inferiores a los del grupo de control (p <0,05) en la semana 4. Los valores de SOD, CAT y T-AOC fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de prueba en la semana 4 que en la semana 0 (p < 0,05) y significativamente mayores que los valores del grupo de control (p < 0,05) Conclusión: La intervención con oxígeno hiperbárico a 1,3 ATA durante 4 semanas redujo significativamente los niveles de estrés oxidativo, aumentó la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes y redujo los niveles de fatiga relacionada con el ejercicio en los atletas de skeleton. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapêuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the suboptimal health status or subhealth status and their relationship with mental health and smartphone addiction among Chinese medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Wannan Medical College of China in Wuhu. RESULTS: A total of 2,741 students were surveyed in October 2020. Of 2,741 Chinese medical students who completed the survey, 904 (33%) participants reported to have had subhealth status. Anxiety status (p<0.001), depression status (p<0.001), and smartphone addiction status (p<0.001) have strong association with subhealth status. CONCLUSION: This survey shows that the detection rate of subhealth status in Chinese medical students was 33%. Anxiety, depression, and smartphone addiction students had a higher detection rate of subhealth status. The anxiety, depression, and smartphone addiction of Chinese medical students are associated with subhealth status.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the attitudes of Chinese residents toward COVID-19 vaccines and explore the potential drivers for Chinese residents' vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 16 to March 16, 2021, by administering an online questionnaire to the Chinese residents. RESULTS: Of 5240 residents who completed the survey, 464 (8.9%) participants reported to have had one shot, and 348 (6.6%) reported to have had 2 shots. At the time the questionnaire was administered, 2298 (43.9%) participants reported they wanted to get vaccinated, while 2255 (43.0%) declared that they still did not know, and 687 (13.1%) respondents declared vaccine refusal. Overall, 2255 (43%) participants were categorized as vaccine hesitancy. Female participants (p=0.000), <20 years old (p=0.000), have low risk of COVID-19 (p=0.000) infection and strong associations of vaccine hesitancy. eHealth literacy was a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show high rates of vaccine hesitancy in China. This could pose a serious threat to the preventive measures that aimed at controlling COVID-19 spread in the country. The government and different media platforms should encourage the dissemination of correct information about vaccines, the communities and medical staff to improve residents' knowledge about vaccines, and strive to improve residents' electronic health literacy.

Abstract The object of this study was to investigate the influence of bagging or the combination of umbrella and bags on berry composition, especially anthocyanin accumulation, in ‘Kyoho’ (V. labruscana) berry skins. Five different colors and bag materials commonly used in production were chosen for this study: white, green, yellow, nonwoven and transparent, and the umbrellas were made of plastic material. The composition and content of anthocyanins in the berry skin of ‘Kyoho’ were analyzed by HPLC-MS. The results showed that bagging or a combination of umbrella and bags on anthocyanin concentration in ‘Kyoho’ grapes showed inconsistent effects that depended on the colors and materials of the bags and the use of an umbrella or not. Compared with the control, the inhibition effects of white, green and yellow bags on the soluble solids content and the total and individual anthocyanin concentrations in ‘Kyoho’ grapes reached significant levels; effects of green and yellow bags were the most significant among them. The plastic umbrella used in this study also presented a lower relative light intensity and produced more even-colored clusters. White, green, and yellow bags and combinations of umbrella and bags significantly increased some stable anthocyanin proportions to varying degrees, such as coumaroylated and methylated anthocyanins, compared to the control.

Abstract Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating genetic muscular disorder with no effective treatment that is caused by the loss of dystrophin. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer a promising unlimited resource for cell-based therapies of muscular dystrophy. However, their clinical applications are hindered by inefficient myogenic differentiation, and moreover, the engraftment of non-transgene hiPSC-derived myogenic progenitors has not been examined in the mdx mouse model of DMD. Methods: We investigated the muscle regenerative potential of myogenic progenitors derived from hiPSCs in mdx mice. The hiPSCs were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) vector and defined as EGFP hiPSCs. Myogenic differentiation was performed on EGFP hiPSCs with supplementary of basic fibroblast growth factor, forskolin, 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime as well as horse serum. EGFP hiPSCs-derived myogenic progenitors were engrafted into mdx mice via both intramuscular and intravenous injection. The restoration of dystrophin expression, the ratio of central nuclear myofibers, and the transplanted cells-derived satellite cells were accessed after intramuscular and systemic transplantation. Results: We report that abundant myogenic progenitors can be generated from hiPSCs after treatment with these three small molecules, with consequent terminal differentiation giving rise to mature myotubes in vitro. Upon intramuscular or systemic transplantation into mdx mice, these myogenic progenitors engrafted and contributed to human-derived myofiber regeneration in host muscles, restored dystrophin expression, ameliorated pathological lesions, and seeded the satellite cell compartment in dystrophic muscles. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the muscle regeneration potential of myogenic progenitors derived from hiPSCs using non-transgenic induction methods. Engraftment of hiPSC-derived myogenic progenitors could be a potential future therapeutic strategy to treat DMD in a clinical setting.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: A endometriose ovariana afeta seriamente a qualidade de vida das mulheres, e o carcinoma urotelial 1 de urcélio de RNA não codificador longo 1 (UCA1) desempenha um papel crucial na patogênese de várias doenças ovarianas. No entanto, o envolvimento do lncRNA UCA1 na endometriose ovariana permanece desconhecido até o momento. Portanto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo estudar o papel do UCA1 na endometriose ovariana. Métodos: Um total de 98 pacientes com endometriose ovariana e de 28 mulheres saudáveis foi incluído. A expressão de lncRNA UCA1 em tecidos de endométrio ectópico e eutópico de pacientes com endometriose ovariana e controles foi detectada por qRT-PCR. A análise da curva ROC foi realizada para avaliar os valores diagnósticos do lncRNA UCA1 sérico para endometriose ovariana. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por dois anos após a alta, e a recorrência da endometriose ovariana foi registrada. RESULTADOS: O nível de expressão do lncRNA O UCA1 foi significativamente maior nos tecidos do endométrio ectópico do que nos tecidos do endométrio eutópico pareados para a maioria dos pacientes. O nível sérico de UCA1 foi diminuído com a progressão da endometriose ovariana. O soro UCA1 pode ser usado para diagnosticar com precisão a endometriose ovariana. O nível sérico de UCA1 não apresentou correlações significativas com a idade ou com os hábitos de vida dos pacientes. Após o tratamento, o nível sérico do lncRNA UCA1 foi aumentado, e os níveis séricos de lncRNA UCA1 no dia da alta foram significativamente menores nos pacientes com recidiva do que naqueles sem recorrência. CONCLUSÃO: A regulação negativa do lncRNA UCA1 está envolvida na patogênese da endometriose ovariana e pode servir como um promissor biomarcador diagnóstico e prognóstico para a doença.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Ovarian endometriosis seriously affects the quality of life of females, and long non-coding RNA lncRNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) plays pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of various ovarian diseases. However, the involvement of lncRNA UCA1 in ovarian endometriosis remains unknown to date. Therefore, the present study aims to study the role of UCA1 in ovarian endometriosis. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with ovarian endometriosis and 28 healthy females were included. The expression of lncRNA UCA1 in ectopic and eutopic endometrium tissues of ovarian endometriosis patients and controls was detected using qRT-PCR. A ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic values of serum lncRNA UCA1 for ovarian endometriosis. Patients were followed up for 2 years after discharge, and the recurrence of ovarian endometriosis was recorded. RESULTS: The expression level of lncRNA UCA1 was significantly higher in ectopic endometrium tissues than in paired eutopic endometrium tissues for most of the patients. The serum lncRNA UCA1 level showed no significant correlations with either patients’ age or living habits. After the treatment, the serum lncRNA UCA1 level increased, and serum levels of lncRNA UCA1 on the day of discharge were significantly lower in patients with recurrence than those in patients without recurrence. Conclusion: The downregulation of lncRNA UCA1 is involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis and may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the disease.

ABSTRACT To seek a simple, rapid and sensitive Coprinus cinereus Peroxidase (CIP) activity assay, a convenient one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method and a response surface methodology (RSM) were used. The recombinant CIP expressed in Pichia pastoris was purified with the Ni-NTA spin column. Based on the results of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) analysis, 2,2'-azinobis (ethylbenzthiazoline -6-sulfonate) (ABTS) was selected as the optimal enzyme substrate. Results of the OFAT method showed that enzymatic reaction performed in 0.1 mol/L sodium acetate (pH 5.0) buffer in a 200-µl reaction mixture containing 0.5 mmol/L ABTS, 10 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 49.7 ng CIP at 25°C gave an average CIP activity of 88 U/mL. The ABTS and H2O2 concentrations were then further optimized to improve the sensitivity of the assay. To do that, RSM was conducted through central composite design, and a reduced quadratic model with good fit regression equation was generated. ANOVA analysis of this model indicated that the concentrations of ABTS and H2O2 and their interaction had significant impact on the assay sensitivity. The optimal reaction mixture was determined to include an initial ABTS concentration of 0.82 mmol/L 49.7 ng CIP and 16.36 mmol/L H2O2, and the activity under this condition was determined to be 138.89 U/mL.

The genetic diversity and genetic structure of three Chinese silkworm species Bombyx mori L., Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Meneville and Samia cynthia ricini Donovan were comparatively assessed based on RAPD markers. At the species level, A. pernyi and B. mori showed high levels of genetic diversity, whereas S. cynthia ricini showed low level of genetic diversity. However, at the strain level, A. pernyi had relatively highest genetic diversity and B. mori had lowest genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggested that 60% and 72% of genetic variation resided within strains in A. pernyi and S. cynthia ricini, respectively, whereas only 16% of genetic variation occurred within strains in B. mori. In UPGMA dendrogram, individuals of A. pernyi and B. mori formed the strain-specific genetic clades, whereas those of S. cynthia ricini were distributed in a mixed way. The implications of these results for the conservation and utilization in breeding programs of three silkworm species are discussed.

Self-healing of ECC (Engineered Cementitious Composites) subjected to cyclic wetting and drying regimes is investigated in this paper. ECC structures subjected to outdoor environmental conditions such as wind and rain runoff can be simulated by accelerated test method of wetting and drying cycles. Uniaxial tensile tests of ECC M45 and ECC 2.8FA specimen are conducted respectively. It is found that crack width of ECC 2.8FA is around 10 μm with increased amount of fly ash, while the crack width of ECC M45 is around 100 μm. New insights about the microstructure and chemical composition analysis of ECC specimens initially cracked to 2% strain and then self-healed under wet-dry cycles are presented.

To address whether there are differences of variation among repeat motif types and among taxonomic groups, we present here an analysis of variation and correlation of dinucleotide microsatellite repeats in eukaryotic genomes. Ten taxonomic groups were compared, those being primates, mammalia (excluding primates and rodentia), rodentia, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, insects, molluscs, plants and fungi, respectively. The data used in the analysis is from the literature published in the Journal of Molecular Ecology Notes. Analysis of variation reveals that there are no significant differences between AC and AG repeat motif types. Moreover, the number of alleles correlates positively with the copy number in both AG and AC repeats. Similar conclusions can be obtained from each taxonomic group. These results strongly suggest that the increase of SSR variation is almost linear with the increase of the copy number of each repeat motif. As well, the results suggest that the variability of SSR in the genomes of low-ranking species seem to be more than that of high-ranking species, excluding primates and fungi.