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The Macrophya formosana group is reviewed and six species are recognized from Europe and East Asia, among them two new species, M. brevispuralis Li, Liu & Wei sp. nov. and M. pseudoformosana Li, Liu & Wei sp. nov. from China, and four known species, M. crassula (Klug 1817), M. dolichogaster Wei & Ma, 1997, M. formosana Rohwer 1916 and M. liukiuana Takeuchi 1926. A key to all known species of the Macrophya formosana group is provided.

Fagineura Vikberg & Zinovjev, 2000 is recorded from China for the first time. Two species of Fagineura are described as new, F.flactoserrulasp. n. and F.xanthosomasp. n. A key to the species of Fagineura worldwide is provided, now including four species. In addition, a simple phylogenetic analysis of Fagineura species is provided, based on sequences of the COI and NaK genes.

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been considered a potential behavioral or non-substance addiction that requires further investigation. Recognition of the commonalities between IGD and Substance Use disorders (SUD) would be of great help to better understand the basic mechanisms of addictive behaviors and excessive Internet gaming. However, little research has targeted a straightforward contrast between IGD and SUD on neuropsychological aspects. The present study thus aimed to explore the associations of reward processing and inhibitory control with IGD and nicotine dependence (ND) in young adults. Fifty-eight IGD and 53 ND individuals, as well as 57 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, were assessed with a series of measurements including the Delay-discounting Test (DDT), Probability Discounting Test (PDT), the Stroop Color-Word Task, a revised Go/No Go Task, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Multivariate analysis of variance (mANOVA) models revealed that both IGD and ND groups scored higher than healthy controls on the BIS-11 attentional, motor, and non-planning impulsiveness (Cohen's d = 0.41–1.75). Higher degrees of delay discounting on the DDT were also found in IGD and ND groups compared to healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.53–0.69). Although IGD group did not differ from healthy controls on the PDT, ND group had a lower degree of probability discounting than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.55), suggesting a reduction in risk aversion. Furthermore, ND subjects showed a lower correct accuracy in the incongruent trials of the Stroop task than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.61). On the Go/No Go task, both IGD and ND groups had a lower correct accuracy in the No-Go trials than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 1.35–1.50), indicating compromised response inhibition. These findings suggested that IGD was linked to both anomalous reward discounting and dysfunctional inhibitory control, which was comparable with one typical SUD category (i.e., ND). This study might promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IGD as a potential addictive disorder similar to SUD.

Ferula ferulaeoides (Steud.) Korov. is a perennial herb that belongs to Umbelliferae (Apiaceae). Its resin and roots have extensive commercial and medicinal value in the Xinjiang region. However, the resin-secreting resin ducts (RDs) of F. ferulaeoides have not been studied in detail. This study used optical and transmission electron microscopy to explore the anatomical features, including the distribution, size, and structure, of the RDs among different organs of F. ferulaeoides. The microstructure data revealed that the RDs consisted of a round lumen, a layer of secretory cells, and multiple layers of sheath cells. Notably, the RDs in stem were arranged alternatively in a multilayered ring with vascular bundles of three distinct sizes. The ultrastructural analysis revealed that organelles in the secretory cells potentially play important roles in resin secretion. Those data may be of great significance to understanding the anatomy of the RDs in Ferula L. and Umbelliferae.

Background/Aims: To investigate the potential therapeutic effect of novel polysaccharide H-1-2 from pseudostellaria heterophylla against type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and elucidate the underling molecular mechanisms. Methods: Relative expression of HIF1α and Sirt1 in T2DM patients was determined via real-time PCR. The direct binding of HIF1α on Sirt1 promoter was validated by ChIP assay. The inhibitory regulation of Sirt1 by HIF1α was analyzed using luciferase reporter assay. The endogenous protein of HIF1α and Sirt1 in response to H-1-2 treatment was quantified by western blotting. The blood glucose, secreted insulin and serous lipid profiles were measured with ELISA kits. Results: We consolidated that HIF1α and Sirt1 was dysregulated in T2DM patients and subjected to H-1-2 modulation. H-1-2 significantly inhibited hypoxia and up-regulated Sirt1 expression in EndoC-βH1 cells. Accordingly, H-1-2 enhanced glucose-stimulation insulin secretion and improved blood glucose and lipid profiles in T2DM cells, and elevated the glucose and insulin tolerance simultaneously. Furthermore, we demonstrated that H-1-2 alleviated T2DM via inhibition of hypoxia and up-regulation of Sirt1 in isolated pancreatic β-cells from T2DM rats. Conclusion: Our data unambiguously demonstrated H-1-2 administration alleviated T2DM by enhancing Sirt1 expression through inhibition of hypoxia.

Background: The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score is commonly used for prognosis prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The CLIP includes the Child-Pugh grade, which is relatively subjective, for hepatic encephalopathy assessment. A newly developed scoring system called albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI grade), consists of albumin and bilirubin to assess liver function reserve objectively. Here, we substituted the ALBI grade for the Child-Pugh grade to establish the ALBI-CLIP scoring system and validated its prognostic value in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients treated with trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed HBV-related HCC patients who received TACE therapy. Baseline characteristics were collected and evaluated to classify patients according to ALBI-CLIP, CLIP and TNM systems. Univariate analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test, as well as multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, were conducted to detect independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and a likelihood ratio test (LRT) were both utilized to compare the values of ALBI-CLIP, CLIP and TNM staging systems in predicting survival. Results: With a total of 389 patients included in the current study, 301 (77.4%) and 88 (22.6%) were classified as Child-Pugh grade A and B, respectively. However, 152 (39.1%), 227 (58.4%) and 10 (2.5%) patients were correspondingly classified into ALBI grade 1, 2 and 3. The areas under the curves of ALBI-CLIP, CLIP and TNM systems were 0.804, 0.778 and 0.734, respectively, for predicting 3-month survival; 0.796, 0.778 and 0.733, respectively, for 6-month survival; 0.697, 0.687 and 0.644, respectively, for 1-year survival; and 0.618, 0.612 and 0.569, respectively, for 2-year survival. The LRT indicated that the ALBI-CLIP and the CLIP had similar values of χ2 and Akaike information criterion (AIC) while the TNM system had the smallest χ2 value (χ2 = 12.1, 11.9, 10.5; AIC = 2620.2, 2620.5, 2621.1 for ALBI-CLIP, CLIP and TNM, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, our present study suggested that the ALBI-CLIP scoring system retained the prognostic value of the CLIP in HBV-related HCC treated with TACE therapy.

Summary Background & aims The Potential benefits and possible risks of perioperative supplementation with probiotics/synbiotics in surgical patients are not fully understood. Recent evidence has rapidly evolved and conveys conflicting results. Thus, we undertook a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to valuate the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and quality of life of perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library through October 2015 to identify RCTs that assessed the effects of perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics in surgical patients. The predefined primary efficacy outcome was surgical site infection (SSI). Random-effects model was applied to pool outcome data accounting for clinical heterogeneity. Results Our meta-analysis included data from 34 trials comprising 2634 participants, of whom 1300 received perioperative pro-/synbiotics intervention and 1334 received valid control treatment. Compared with the control group, patients in the pro-/synbiotics group had a lower risk of SSI (relative risk: 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.84; P = 0.0007). Trial sequential analysis confirmed the evidence was sufficient and conclusive. Subgroup analyses indicated the findings were consistent in all subgroup analyses except for the probiotics, enteral feeding, pre-/postoperative and live transplantation subgroups. Pro-/synbiotics also reduced the incidence of other infectious complications (including any infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection and sepsis); shortened antibiotic therapy, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay; and promoted earlier first defecation and first bowel movement. Pro-/synbiotics further reduced the incidence of abdominal side effects, lowered hospital costs and improved the Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life. Conclusions For surgical patients, perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics is effective in preventing or controlling SSI and other infectious complications. Perioperative pro-/synbiotics might also be associated with fewer side effects, lower hospital cost and better quality of life. Current evidence indicated that perioperative synbiotics supplementation is preferred and recommended as an adjunct in surgical patients.

This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether prophylactic probiotics in combination with antibiotics are superior to antibiotics alone in the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery. Fourteen trials involving 1524 participants were included. Compared with antibiotics alone, prophylactic probiotics in combination with antibiotics reduced the risk of SSI as well as other complications, shortened the cumulative duration of antibiotic therapy. Current evidence suggested that probiotics in combination with antibiotics could be recommended.

Background: We have previously reported the prognostic value of the albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who are not receiving any standard anticancer therapy. However, the prognostic value of the AAPR for HCC patients treated with trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization therapy (TACE) was not investigated. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 372 HCC patients treated with TACE (the training cohort) and applied receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) to identify the best cut-off value for the AAPR in this cohort. Then, univariate analyses by the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis by a Cox proportional hazards regression model were conducted. Both comparisons of the ROC curves and the likelihood ratio test (LRT) were employed to evaluate the abilities of different factors in predicting the survival of patients in this cohort. Finally, the prognostic value of the AAPR was validated in two cohorts: one included 202 HCC patients treated with supportive care (validation cohort I), and the other included 82 HCC patients treated with TACE (validation cohort II). Results: We identified 0.439 as the best cut-off value of the AAPR by ROC curve analysis. An AAPR > 0.439 was significantly correlated with a lower frequency of Child-Pugh grade B, portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT), T3-4 and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The median overall survival (OS) of the patients with an AAPR > 0.439 was significantly longer than that of those with an AAPR ≤ 0.439 (58.4 m vs 17.8 m, respectively, P < 0.001). The AAPR was identified as an independent prognostic factor after univariate and multivariate analyses (HR = 0.636, P = 0.003). The independent prognostic value of the AAPR was also confirmed in validation cohorts I and II. Additionally, we substituted the AAPR for the Child-Pugh grade in the CLIP system and integrated the AAPR into the TNM system. We found that the area under the curve (AUC) of the AAPR-CLIP system was significantly larger than that of the CLIP and the TNM when predicting 3-month, 6-month, 1-year and 2-year survival (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the AUCs for the AAPR-CLIP and the AAPR-TNM. The LRT suggested that both AAPR-CLIP and AAPR-TNM had significantly larger χ2 values and smaller AIC values than that of their corresponding primary system (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The AAPR was an independent prognostic index for the HCC patients treated with TACE. Both AAPR-CLIP and AAPR-TNM outperformed their corresponding primary system in predicting OS in the current study.

Background Globally, coronary heart disease (CHD) is a primary cause of morbidity leading to disabilities and mortality. Modern clinical practice adopts several pharmacological methods to treat CHD. Angina pectoris refers to sever chest pain due to CHD, it has a profound impact on the wellbeing of patients. Moreover, angina pectoris is a crucial prognosis predictor. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safeness of using combined rosuvastatin and atorvastatin to treat CHD patients. Methods A systematic literature search for articles will be conducted on several electronic databases from their inception to May 2021. The search will include all randomized controlled trials examining the use of rosuvastatin in combination with atorvastatin to treat CHD patients. The databases are as follows: MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, WanFang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and EMBASE. A couple of authors will independently assess the eligibility, extract study data, and assess the possibility of bias. Moreover, depending on the type of data and heterogeneity of the included studies, either the Mantel-Haensel fixed-effect model or the DerSimonian-Laird random-effect model will be used to estimate the relative risk, mean differences, or standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. All differences in opinion shall be decided by involving an additional author in the discussion. Lastly, the RevMan software (version: 5.3) will be used to perform sensitivity analysis, data synthesis, and risk of bias assessment. Results The effectiveness and security of using rosuvastatin in combination with atorvastatin to treat CHD patients will be systematically evaluated. Conclusion This study will provide evidence to evaluate the efficacy and security of using a combination of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin to treat CHD patients. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval will not be required since it is based on already published data. Registration number DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VYBDR (https://osf.io/vybdr/).

Genes encoding thaumatin-like protein (TLPs) are frequently found in fungal genomes. However, information on TLP genes in Polyporus umbellatus is still limited. In this study, three TLP genes were cloned from P. umbellatus. The full-length coding sequence of PuTLP1, PuTLP2 and PuTLP3 were 768, 759 and 561 bp long, respectively, encoding for 256, 253 and 187 amino acids. Phylogenetic trees showed that P. umbellatus PuTLP1, PuTLP2 and PuTLP3 were clustered with sequences from Gloeophyllum trabeum, Trametes versicolor and Stereum hirsutum, respectively. The expression patterns of the three TLP genes were higher in P. umbellatus with Armillaria mellea infection than in the sclerotia without A. mellea. Furthermore, over-expression of three PuTLPs were carried out in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain, and high quality proteins were obtained using Ni-NTA resin that can be used for preparation of specific antibodies. These results suggest that PuTLP1, PuTLP2 and PuTLP3 in P. umbellatus may be involved in the defense response to A. mellea infections., Graphical abstract For the first time, we have cloned, expressed, and characterized three new PuTLPs from P. umbellatus. These PuTLPs genes contain N-terminal cleavable signal sequence and are rich in Cys 8—16 residues. Changes in TLP protein levels after A. mellea infection in P. umbellatus indicated that TLP did play a role in the defense action. The discovery of genes encoding the three TLP in P. umbellatus will shed light on further investigations of defense reactions in P. umbellatus. The purified protein with high quality will be the raw material for the production of antibodies to further define the specific function of PuTLPs.fx1

Background: Lymphocytes were reported to play a significant part in host anticancer immune responses and influence tumour prognosis. Few studies have focused on the prognostic values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to lymphocyte ratio (ALRI), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet count ratio index (APRI) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with palliative treatments. Methods: Five hundred and ninety-eight HCC patients treated with palliative therapies were retrospectively analysed. We randomly assigned patients into the training cohort (429 patients) and the validation cohort I (169 patients). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the best cut-off values for the ALRI, APRI and SII in the training cohort and the values were further validated in the validation cohort I. Correlations between ALRI and other clinicopathological factors were also analysed. A prognostic nomogram including ALRI was established. We validated the prognostic value of the ALRI, SII and APRI with two independent cohorts, the validation cohort II of 82 HCC patients treated with TACE and the validation cohort III of 150 HCC patients treated with curative resection. In the training cohort and all the validation cohorts, univariate analyses by the method of Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazards regression model were carried out to identify the independent prognostic factors. Results: The threshold values of ALRI, APRI and SII were 86.3, 1.37 and 376.4 respectively identified by ROC curve analysis in the training cohort. Correlation analysis showed that ALRI>86.3 was greatly associated with higher rates of Child-Pugh B&C, portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and ascites (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, ALRI level of HCC patients with Child-Pugh B&C, PVTT and ascites was evidently higher than that of HCC patients with Child-Pugh A, without PVTT and without ascites (P < 0.001). In the training cohort and the validation cohort I, II, III, the OS of patients with ALRI >86.3 was obviously shorter than patients with ALRI ≤86.3 (P

Rodent populations are known to be reservoirs of viruses with the potential to infect humans. However, a large number of such viruses remain undiscovered. In this study, we investigated the shedding of unknown viruses in long-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus undulatus) feces by high-throughput sequencing. A novel and highly divergent virus related to members of the genus Hepacivirus was identified in ground squirrel liver. This virus, tentatively named RHV-GS2015, was found to have a genome organization that is typical of hepaciviruses, including a long open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 2763 aa. Sequence alignment of RHV-GS2015 with the most closely related hepaciviruses yielded p-distances of the NS3 and NS5B regions of 0.546 and 0.476, respectively, supporting the conclusion that RHV-GS2015 is a member of a new hepacivirus species, which we propose to be named "Hepacivirus P". Phylogenetic analysis of the NS3 and NS5B regions indicated that RHV-GS2015 shares common ancestry with other rodent hepaciviruses (species Hepacivirus E, and species Hepacivirus F), Norway rat hepacivirus 1 (species Hepacivirus G), and Norway rat hepacivirus 2 (species Hepacivirus H). A phylogenetic tree including the seven previously identified rodent hepaciviruses revealed extreme genetic heterogeneity among these viruses. RHV-GS2015 was detected in 7 out of 12 ground squirrel pools and was present in liver, lung, and spleen tissues. Furthermore, livers showed extremely high viral loads of RHV-GS2015, ranging from 2.5 × 106 to 2.0 × 108 copies/g. It is reasonable to assume that this novel virus is hepatotropic, like hepatitis C virus. The discovery of RHV-GS2015 extends our knowledge of the genetic diversity and host range of hepaciviruses, helping to elucidate their origins and evolution.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with t(6;11) translocation has been characterized by the fusion of the Alpha gene with the TFEB gene. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain greatly uncharacterized and effective targeted therapy has yet to be identified. In this study, we examined the role of the Alpha gene in this tumor entity and the function of the fusion gene Alpha-TFEB product in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that the luciferase activity of Alpha1, Alpha2, Alpha3, Alpha4 and Alpha5 significantly increased compared with that of the pGL3-Basic group (P

A20 (TNFAIP3), known to inhibit NF-κB function by deubiquitinating-specific NF-κB signaling molecules, has been found in many cell types of the immune system. Recent findings suggest that A20 is essential for the development and functional performance of dendritic cell, B cell, T cell and macrophage. A number of studies further demonstrate that these cells are crucial in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. In this article, we focus on the recent advances on the roles of A20 in autoimmune diseases and discuss the therapeutic significance of these new findings.

Prospective studies reported inconsistent findings on the relationship between daytime napping and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Categorized and dose-response meta-analyses were performed to quantify this relation. Potentially eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase databases. Dose-response effects were assessed by the generalized least squares trend estimation and study-specific summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed with a random-effects model. Seven prospective studies including one US, four European, and two Chinese cohorts involving 249,077 participants and 13,237 cases of T2D were included. The overall analyses showed a 17% increased risk of T2D when comparing habitual nappers with non-nappers (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.08–1.27). By region, the summary RR was 1.21 (95% CI 1.17–1.26), 1.15 (95% CI 1.03–1.30) and 1.23 (95% CI 0.87–1.73) for the US, European, and Chinese studies, respectively. Limiting to five studies that excluded subjects with known major chronic disorders yielded a summary RR of 1.16 (95% CI 1.03–1.30). A dose-response analysis suggested an 11% (95% CI 7–16%) increased T2D risk for each increment in daytime napping of 30 min/day and, despite no evidence for nonlinearity (P nonlinearity = 0.65), the increased risk of T2D for short nap (

Background Gastrodia elata is a well-known medicinal orchid. In nature, the germination rate of G. elata is extremely poor, because there is no endosperm within the mature seed. It is crucial for G. elata to obtain nutrition from mycorrhizal fungi (Mycena) at the early-stage of germination. After germination, the seed gives rise to a protocorm. However, there are no “omic” studies on understanding the interaction between Gastrodia and Mycena. Here, we used transcriptomic approaches to explore changes in seed germination of G. elata. Results Based on RNA-Seq, a total of ~221 million clean reads were assembled denovo into 139,756 unigenes, including 42,140 unigenes that were annotated in public databases. Meanwhile, 1750 unigenes were identified as differentially expressed genes. Most of these differentially expressed genes were putatively involved in energy metabolism, plant defense, molecular signaling, and secondary metabolism. Additionally, numerous genes involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis were identified from our data. Most of these genes (e.g., clathrin, adaptor protein, dynamin, HSC70) were basally expressed in seeds and highly expressed in protocorms. Conclusions Our data suggested that clathrin-mediated endocytosis could play important roles in symbiotic seed germination of G. elata with Mycena infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-017-0185-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To obtain insight into potential mechanisms underlying the influence of rootstock on scion growth, we performed a comparative analysis of 'Shatangju' mandarin grafted onto 5 rootstocks: Fragrant orange (Citrus junons Sieb. ex. Tanaka), Red tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco), 'Shatangju' mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush) and Canton lemon (Citrus limonia Osbeck). The tree size of 'Shatangju' mandarin grafted onto Canton lemon and Rough lemon were the largest, followed by self-rooted rootstock trees, and the lowest tree sizes correspond to ones grafted on Red tangerine and Fragrant orange rootstocks. The levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) were significantly and positively related to growth vigor. The differences of gene expression in leaves of trees grafted onto Red tangerine, Canton lemon and 'Shatangju' mandarin were analyzed by RNA-Seq. Results showed that more differentially expressed genes involved in oxidoreductase function, hormonal signal transduction and the glycolytic pathway were enriched in 'Red tangerine vs Canton lemon'. qRT-PCR analysis showed that expression levels of ARF1, ARF8, GH3 and IAA4 were negatively correlated with the growth vigor and IAA content. The metabolism of GA was influenced by the differential expression of KO1 and GA2OX1 in grafted trees. In addition, most of antioxidant enzyme genes were up-regulated in leaves of trees grafted onto Red tangerine, resulting in a higher peroxidase activity. We concluded that different rootstocks significantly affected the expression of genes involved in auxin signal transduction pathway and GA biosynthesis pathway in the grafted plants, and then regulated the hormone levels and their signal pathways.

Background Radiotherapy is commonly used for abdominal or pelvic cancer, and patients receiving radiotherapy have a high risk developing to an acute radiation-induced diarrhea. Several previous studies have discussed the effect of probiotics on prevention of radiation-induced diarrhea, but the results are still inconsistent. Objective We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for prevention the radiation-induced diarrhea. Methods Relevant RCTs studies assessing the effect of probiotic supplementation on clinical outcomes compared with placebo were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases (up to March 30 2016). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and H2, and publication bias was evaluated using sensitive analysis. Results Six trials, a total of 917 participants (490 participants received prophylactic probiotics and 427 participants received placebo), were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, probiotics were associated with a lower incidence of radiation-induced diarrhea (RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34-0.88; P = 0.01; I2: 87%; 95% CI: 75%-94%; H2: 2.8; 95% CI: 2.0-4.0). However, there is no significant difference in the anti-diarrheal medication use (RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.40-1.14; P = 0.14) or bristol scale on stool form (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.35-1.17; P = 0.14). Conclusion Probiotics may be beneficial to prevent radiation-induced diarrhea in patients who suffered from abdominal or pelvic cancers during radiotherapy period.

IntroductionJoint arthroplasty is a particularly complex orthopaedic surgical procedure performed on joints, including the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist and even digit joints. Increasing evidence from volume–outcomes research supports the finding that patients undergoing joint arthroplasty in high-volume hospitals or by high-volume surgeons achieve better outcomes, and minimum case load requirements have been established in some areas. However, the relationships between hospital/surgeon volume and outcomes in patients undergoing arthroplasty are not fully understood. Furthermore, whether elective arthroplasty should be restricted to high-volume hospitals or surgeons remains in dispute, and little is known regarding where the thresholds should be set for different types of joint arthroplasties.Methods and analysesThis is a protocol for a suite of systematic reviews and dose–response meta-analyses, which will be amended and updated in conjunction with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Electronic databases, including PubMed and Embase, will be searched for observational studies examining the relationship between the hospital or surgeon volume and clinical outcomes in adult patients undergoing primary or revision of joint arthroplasty. We will use records management software for study selection and a predefined standardised file for data extraction and management. Quality will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed using Stata statistical software. Once the volume–outcome relationships are established, we will examine the potential non-linear relationships between hospital/surgeon volume and outcomes and detect whether thresholds or turning points exist.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required, because these studies are based on aggregated published data. The results of this suite of systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017056639.

We determined the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Anoectochilus roxburghii, a well-known medicinal orchid. The total genome size was 156,252 bp in length, containing a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,591 bp, a large single copy (LSC) of 84,665 bp and a small single copy (SSC) of 18,405 bp. The overall GC content of the genome was 37.71%. The cp genome of A. roxburghii contained 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Of these 18 genes, one or two contained introns. A maximum parsimony phylogenetic tree revealed that the cp genome of A. roxburghii was closely related to that of the orchid within the Orchidoideae subfamily.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 integrase (IN), which mediates integration of viral cDNA into the cellular chromosome, is a validated antiviral drug target. Three IN inhibitors, raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir, have been clinically approved since 2008. However, drug resistance have emerged in infected patients receiving treatment using these drugs which share the same mechanism of action and have a low genetic barrier for resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs with novel mechanism. IN requires a precise and dynamic equilibrium between several oligomeric species for its activities. The modulation of the process which is termed as IN oligomerization, presents an interesting allosteric target for drug development. In this research, we developed a magnetic beads based approach to assay the IN dimerization. Then, using the assay we screened a library of 1000 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for IN dimerization inhibitors and identified dexlansoprazole as a potential IN dimerization inhibitor. In conclusion, the assay presented here has been proven to be sensitive and specific for the detection of IN dimerization as well as for the identification of antiviral drugs targeting IN dimerization. Moreover, a FDA-approved proton-pump inhibitors, dexlansoprazole, was identified as a potential inhibitor for IN dimerization.