ABSTRACT: Acute liver injury (ALI) is an important medical problem that requires effective therapy. Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid, and the beneficial effects of astaxanthin, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities, have been identified. The present study was designed to elucidate the protective effects of astaxanthin against ALI and their underlying mechanisms. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide combined with different doses of astaxanthin for 12 h. Mice were fed with or without astaxanthin for up to 7 days. LPS was administered to induce inflammation. We assessed histopathology, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis .The results indicated that astaxanthin attenuated LPS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that astaxanthin down regulated the nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathways, inhibiting the LPS-induced inflammatory response, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, and alleviating LPS-induced ALI in mice.

RESUMO: A lesão hepática aguda (ALI) é um problema médico importante que requer terapia eficaz. A astaxantina (AST) é um carotenóide, e os efeitos benéficos da astaxantina, incluindo atividades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e antitumorais, foram identificados. O presente estudo foi desenhado para elucidar os efeitos protetores da astaxantina contra ALI e seus mecanismos subjacentes. Macrófagos RAW264.7 foram tratados com dimetil sulfóxido combinado com diferentes doses de astaxantina por 12 h. Os camundongos foram alimentados com ou sem astaxantina por até sete dias. O LPS foi administrado para induzir a inflamação. Histopatologia, estresse oxidativo, inflamação e apoptose foram avaliados. Os resultados indicaram que a astaxantina atenuou o estresse oxidativo induzido por LPS, inflamação e apoptose celular in vivo e in vitro. Experimentos in vivo e in vitro mostraram que a astaxantina regulou negativamente as vias de sinalização do fator nuclear-kappa beta (NF-κB), fator nuclear 2 relacionado ao eritróide 2 (Nrf2) e domínio de pirina da família NLR contendo 3 (NLRP3), inibindo o LPS- resposta inflamatória induzida, estresse oxidativo e apoptose celular e alívio da ALI induzida por LPS em camundongos.

Abstract Backgroud Homocitrulline (Hcit), is involved in the pathological processes of some diseases. However, the role and function of Hcit (CBL) in human skin remains largely obscure. Objective To investigate the correlation of the level of Hcit in seborrheic keratosis, skin aging, and its clinical significance. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the level of Hcit in skin lesions of seborrheic keratosis (SK), unaffected skin (distant 0.5 centimeters from SK lesion), and normal skin of healthy subjects in the control group. ELISA test was used to detect the serum level of CBL in SK patients and healthy subjects of different ages. Results Hcit was mainly localized in the nucleus of epidermal cells. In healthy control skin, the expression of Hcit increased with age and showed a positive correlation with age (the correlation coefficient was 0.806, p = 0.0002). The expressional level of Hcit in SK lesions was higher than that in healthy control skin (Z = −3.703, p = 0.0002). The serum level of CBL in healthy subjects and in SK patients increased with age (the correlation coefficient were 0.5763, p = 0.0032; 0.682, p = 0.004. respectively). The serum level of CBL in SK patients was higher than that in healthy subjects (Z = −2.19, p = 0.030). Study limitations The small serum sample size in the study. Conclusion The high expressional level of Hcit is correlated with seborrheic keratosis and skin aging. HCit may be one of the potential biomarkers of skin aging.

ABSTRACT Introduction: According to the American Heart Association guideline for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), female patients undergoing on-pump CABG (ONCAB) are at higher risk of short-term adverse outcomes than male patients. However, whether off-pump CABG (OPCAB) can improve the short-term outcome of female patients compared to ONCAB remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis to study the effect of the female sex on short-term outcomes of OPCAB vs. ONCAB. A total of 31,115 patients were enrolled in 12 studies, including 20,245 females who underwent ONCAB and 10,910 females who underwent OPCAB. Results: The in-hospital mortality in female patients who underwent OPCAB was significantly lower than in those in the ONCAB group with (2.7% vs. 3.4%; odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.89) and without (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.52-0.89) adjustment for cardiovascular risk factor. The incidence of postoperative stroke in female patients who underwent OPCAB was lower than in those in the ONCAB group (1.2% vs. 2.1%; OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.48-0.73) before cardiovascular risk factor adjustment but was not significant (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0,66-1.16) after adjustment. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction between women who underwent OPCAB and those in the ONCAB group (1.3% vs. 2.3%; OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.54-1.43). Conclusion: In contrast to the American Heart Association CABG guideline, female patients who had OPCAB don’t have unfavorable outcomes compared with the ONCAB group.

Abstract This study aimed to explore the influences of cobalt-sourced irradiation on the meat quality and storage stability of Procambarus clarkii. Pieces of tail meat of P. clarkii were processed, boiled, and packed in transparentretort pouchs and then exposed to 60Co-γ-ray (0, 1.25, 3.32, 5.30, and 7.24 kGy). Changes in meat indices such as pH, total plate count, and total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N), texture properties, were investigated. After irradiation at the optimum irradiation dose, crayfish meats was stored at 0, 4 and 8 °C respectively, samples were collected for determinations at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. With increased irradiation dose, the total plate count in meat significantly decreased, whereas TVB-N greatly increased (P < 0.05). The irradiation dose of 3.32 kGy can realize both sterilization effect and maintain the quality of crayfish meat to the maximum extent. Total plate count and TVB-N in crayfish meat slowly grew at a storage temperature of 0 °C, their contents reached or approached the edible threshold by 9th day of storage, thereby prolonging the shelf life to 9d. Research demonstrates that 3.32 kGy cobalt-sourced irradiation and 0 °C storage can provide some bacteriostasis to some extent and prolong the shelf life of boiled crayfish.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento em artes marciais concentra-se na ciência, na metodologia e na prática. As artes marciais são um símbolo de aptidão física. A análise acadêmica da influência do treinamento de artes marciais na saúde física das crianças é de grande importância para a promoção da cultura tradicional chinesa e pode enriquecer os programas de intervenção esportiva para melhorar a saúde física infantil. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito do treinamento de qualidade sensitiva no treinamento de equilíbrio das artes marciais em crianças. Métodos: Selecionou-se crianças de 8 a 12 anos como objetos de pesquisa. Após repetidas deliberações, foi elaborado e implementado um conjunto de artes marciais infantis. O projeto piloto analisa a importância da qualidade sensitiva na etapa essencial do treinamento das artes marciais infantis. Resultados: Após o experimento, houve uma diferença significativa na qualidade do equilíbrio no grupo experimental (p<0,01). Após o experimento, a diferença no sentido de equilíbrio entre os grupos experimental e de controle foi significativa (p<0,01). Conclusão: Na fase de treinamento básico das artes marciais infantis, os treinadores devem exigir que os atletas dominem as habilidades básicas das artes marciais de forma mais abrangente. Todas as combinações de movimentos nas artes marciais exigem aptidão física e sensibilidade de equilíbrio abrangentes, incluindo velocidade, flexibilidade e coordenação. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Martial arts training focuses on science, methodology, and practice. Martial arts are a symbol of physical fitness. The academic analysis of the influence of martial arts training on children’s physical health is of great importance for promoting traditional Chinese culture. It can enrich sports intervention programs to improve children’s physical health. Objective: Analyze the effect of sensory quality training on martial arts balance training in children. Methods: Children aged 8 to 12 years were selected as research subjects. After repeated deliberations, a children’s martial arts set was designed and implemented. The pilot project analyzes the importance of sensory quality in the essential stage of children’s martial arts training. Results: After the experiment, there was a significant difference in balance quality in the experimental group (p<0.01). After the experiment, the difference in balance sense between the experimental and control groups was significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: In the basic training phase of children’s martial arts, coaches should require athletes to master basic martial arts skills more comprehensively. All movement combinations in martial arts require comprehensive physical fitness and balance sensitivity, including speed, flexibility, and coordination. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento de las artes marciales se centra en la ciencia, la metodología y la práctica. Las artes marciales son un símbolo de la condición física. El análisis académico de la influencia del entrenamiento de artes marciales en la salud física de los niños es de gran importancia para la promoción de la cultura tradicional china y puede enriquecer los programas de intervención deportiva para mejorar la salud física de los niños. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto del entrenamiento de la calidad sensorial en el entrenamiento del equilibrio en artes marciales en niños. Métodos: Se seleccionaron niños de 8 a 12 años como sujetos de la investigación. Tras repetidas deliberaciones, se diseñó y puso en marcha un conjunto de artes marciales para niños. El proyecto piloto analiza la importancia de la calidad sensorial en la etapa esencial del entrenamiento de artes marciales de los niños. Resultados: Después del experimento, hubo una diferencia significativa en la calidad del equilibrio en el grupo experimental (p<0,01). Tras el experimento, la diferencia en el sentido del equilibrio entre los grupos experimental y de control fue significativa (p<0,01). Conclusión: En la fase de formación básica de las artes marciales infantiles, los entrenadores deberían exigir a los deportistas un dominio más completo de las habilidades marciales básicas. Todas las combinaciones de movimientos en las artes marciales requieren una amplia aptitud física y sensibilidad al equilibrio, incluidas la velocidad, la flexibilidad y la coordinación. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract Tea polysaccharides was one of the active ingredients of Qingzhuan dark tea, which had antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immune-enhancing effects. The complexation of metal ions of tea polysaccharides was one of the current research hotspots. It can combine the advantages of tea polysaccharides and their complexed trace metal elements, and had great potential development. In this study, the trace element-copper required by the human body was used for complexation with Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides, and the structure was characterized by various chemical methods. The copper complexes of Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides were characterized by UV spectroscopy, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, AFM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The tests results show that it was successfully complexed with tea polysaccharides. Meanwhile, the Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides copper complex compound (termed TPS-Cu) showed higher scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical and ABTS free radical than the tea polysaccharides (termed TPS). Therefore, TPS-Cu can be used as a potentially effective and stable copper supplement and preventive agent.

Abstract Objectives: The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. Methods: This retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Pearson r test Conclusions: The lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence: Level 4 according to OCEBM.

Abstract Objective To compare the analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block (INB) with ropivacaine when given preventively or at the end of the operation in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods A total of 50 patients undergoing VATS were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the preventive analgesia group (PR group) were given INB with ropivacaine before the intrathoracic manipulation combined with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The patients in the post-procedural block group (PO group) were administered INB with ropivacaine at the end of the operation combined with PCA. To evaluate the analgesic effect, postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and Prince Henry Pain Scale (PHPS) scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Results At 6 h and 12 h post-surgery, the VAS at rest and PHPS scores in the PR group were significantly lower than those in the PO group. There were no significant differences in pain scores between two groups at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery. Conclusion In patients undergoing VATS, preventive INB with ropivacaine provided a significantly better analgesic effect in the early postoperative period (at least through 12 h post-surgery) than did INB given at the end of surgery.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to detect the volatile components in co-fermented fruit wines made by Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) and wine grapes using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 52 kinds of volatile components were detected in the co-fermented fruit wines, more than those detected in commercially available Changyu dry red wine (30 kinds) and 0# wine (26 kinds) made by wine grapes in the laboratory. Esters (22 kinds) and alcohols (17 kinds) constituted a major proportion of co-fermented fruit wines, then followed by volatile acids, phenols, aldehydes and ketones. The relative intensity of aroma in the co-fermented fruit wines was greater than that of the Changyu wine and 0# wine, exhibiting a comprehensive fruit and floral aroma profile. Additionally, grape wines (containing Changyu wine and 0# wine) were distinguished from the co-fermented fruit wines (1#–9#), 1# wines distinguished from the other co-fermented fruit wines (2#–8#) in second layer of clustering, indicating that the composition of raw material and fermentation conditions were the main influencing factor in the attributes of volatile components. Overall, co-fermented fruit wines possess more advantages in composition of volatile components and aromas, which showed a richer volatile and aroma structures.

Abstract Salted duck egg white was desalted and hydrolyzed to produce angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides. Single factor test and response surface design were performed to determine the best hydrolysis conditions: enzyme dosage 11875.99 U/g, substrate concentration 33.04 g/L and hydrolysis time 4 h. The fraction V (MW < 1 kDa), which exhibited the strongest ACE inhibitory activity, was characterized by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Eighty-three peptides were identified, and among them Ile-Leu-Lys-Pro, Ile-Asn-Ser-Trp, Ile-Arg and His-Pro-Ala were synthesized for further research. Ile-Leu-Lys-Pro exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity (IC50: 0.355 mM). The molecular docking studies revealed that nine amino acids contributed to stabilize the docking complex. The ACE inhibition of Ile-Leu-Lys-Pro and Ile-Asn-Ser-Trp were mainly attributed to Ile in N-terminal. The residues Glu362 and Ala332 were the important binding sites in molecular docking. This research expands the understanding of ACE inhibitory peptides from duck egg white as well as highlights an opportunity for recycling an otherwise discarded byproduct.

Abstract Deep fat frying is a common cooking procedure; however, its effects on food can produce carcinogenic compounds, namely heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) that are detrimental to the health of the consumer. The influence of frying process conditions (temperature, time, meat shape, oil type, oil oxidation) on the formation of HAAs in deep fat fried chicken meat was explored. The concentrations of HAAs increased with frying temperature and time, and higher amounts were found in samples with higher surface areas. The type of oil influenced the formation of HAAs, and more HAAs were found in the samples fried in peanut and rapeseed oils. Oxidation of frying oil also elevated HAAs in fried meat. Understanding how to reduce the formation of HAAs in deep fat frying is essential for reducing the health risks associated with consuming HAAs.

Abstract: A renewable tannin-based resin adhesive with enhanced bonding strength, good water resistance and long storage life has been prepared based on tannin, furfural and furfuryl alcohol coming from forest and agricultural products. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that furfuryl alcohol and furfural can react with tannin under acidic conditions, with the involvement of -CH2-O- groups in the cross-linking of tannin-furfuryl alcohol-furfural resin (TFF) adhesive. The gel time of TFF was longer than that of tannin-furfural resin (TF), while the shear strength of TFF-bonded plywood suggested that the cured TFF adhesive acquired a performance superior to that of tannin (T) and TF adhesives. Furthermore, water resistance of TFF adhesive could be further enhanced with respect to T and TF adhesives through cross-linking with 3 % epoxy resin (EPR).

Abstract Objectives Diabetes has been strongly associated with periodontal diseases. The periodontal ligament (PDL) has an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are closely associated with various diseases caused by abnormal ECM functions, however, the role of LOXs in periodontal diseases induced by diabetes remains unclear. Methodology In this study, 8-week-old Zucker diabetic fatty rats were used to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. After 9 and 16 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining were performed. Results After 9 weeks, loose collagen fibers were found in the interradicular area of the diabetic group, in opposition to the control group. There were no significant differences in LOX expression between the diabetic and control groups (p>0.05). However, after 16 weeks, the diabetic group presented a disordered arrangement of the PDL, showing decreased collagen content and significantly increased lysyl oxidase-like protein 3 (LOXL3) expression when compared with the control group (p<0.05). This suggests that LOXL3 plays a significant role in periodontal histopathological changes in diabetic rats. Conclusion Our study showed elevated LOXL3 expression in the PDL of diabetic rats after 16 weeks, suggesting that LOXL3 may be involved in the occurrence and development of periodontal histopathological changes in diabetic rats. LOXL3 could be further used as an indicator for the early diagnosis of diabetic periodontitis in T2DM patients in clinical settings.

RESUMEN La alta concentración de sal de cromo ha causado una grave contaminación al medio ambiente desde su producción. El residuo de cromo de larga data ha contaminado el suelo y la concentración total de cromo de algunos suelos contaminados ha alcanzado los 30000 mg / kg. Para la remediación de suelos contaminados con cromo se propuso el método electrodinámico mejorado. Para mejorar la eficiencia de la remediación electrocinética de suelos contaminados con cromo se propusieron dos tecnologías mejoradas de remediación electrocinética: Tecnología de remediación mejorada por oxidación electrocinética y tecnología de remediación mejorada por oxidación electrocinética. Cr (III) en el suelo fue contaminado por óxido de cromo oxidante para aumentar el contenido de Cr(VI) disuelto, para mejorar la eficiencia de la reparación eléctrica, para encontrar un medio PRB adecuado como un gran avance para mejorar la eficiencia de la reparación. Los resultados experimentales muestran que, en comparación con la tecnología electrodinámica tradicional, el método electrodinámico mejorado puede mejorar eficazmente la tasa de eliminación del cromo total en el suelo y proporcionar apoyo técnico para la remediación electrodinámica mejorada del suelo contaminado con cromo. El sistema de control de pH hace que el pH del electrolito del ánodo y del cátodo siempre se mantenga ácido, y la velocidad de migración del H+ es más rápida que la del OH-, y el pH del suelo cerca del ánodo es más bajo que el del cátodo.

ABSTRACT High concentration of chromium salt has caused serious pollution to the environment since its production. The long-standing chromium residue has polluted the soil, and the total chromium concentration of some polluted soil has reached 30000 mg / kg. For the remediation of chromium contaminated soil, the enhanced electrodynamic method was proposed. In order to improve the efficiency of electrokinetic remediation of chromium contaminated soil, two enhanced electrokinetic remediation technologies were proposed: Electrokinetic oxidation enhanced remediation technology and electrokinetic enhanced remediation technology. Cr(III) in soil was polluted by oxidant chromium oxide to increase the content of dissolved Cr(VI),so as to improve the efficiency of electric repair, in order to find a suitable PRB medium as a breakthrough to improve the repair efficiency. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional electrodynamic technology, the enhanced electrodynamic method can effectively improve the removal rate of total chromium in the soil, and provide technical support for the enhanced electrodynamic remediation of chromium contaminated soil. The pH control system makes the pH of anode and cathode electrolyte always maintain acidic, and the H+ migration speed is faster than that of OH-, and the pH of soil near the anode is lower than that near the cathode.

OBJECTIVE: In our organization, it has been necessary in our organization to calculate the risk categories according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology/Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (AACE/ACE/AME), and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TIRADS) classification systems for each patient, from the year 2019; these are also required to be registered in the database. This creates a barrier to medical collaboration in everyday radiological practice because using multiple rating systems can be confusing for both readers and patients. For the change in routine practice, this study aimed to compare diagnostic parameters of the ATA, AACE/ACE/AME, and ACR TIRADS classification systems for the detection of suspicious thyroid nodule(s) considering the results of fine-needle aspiration cytopathology as the reference standard. METHODS: Data on ultrasound characteristics (2,000 nodules) and fine-needle aspiration cytopathology (39 nodules) were included in the analysis. The decision making of fine-needle aspiration biopsies was evaluated from the ultrasound characteristics as per the ATA, AACE/ACE/AME, and ACR TIRADS classification systems. RESULTS: The ATA, AACE/ACE/AME, and ACR TIRADS recommended 26, 32, and 37 nodules for fine-needle aspiration biopsies, respectively. Considering the results of fine-needle aspiration cytopathology as the reference standard, the ATA, AACE/ACE/AME, and ACR TIRADS classification systems had 0.993, 0.996, and 0.998 sensitivity, respectively. The accuracies were 0.641, 0.795, and 0.923, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ACR TIRADS classification system is less invasive and can identify suspicious nodules more accurately than that of ATA and AACE/ACE/AME.