Abstract Flos Sophorae (FS) is medicinal and edible, while fresh FS is highly perishable. Thus, this study investigated the effects of different drying methods (hot air drying, HAD; vacuum drying, VD; freeze drying, FD) after steaming on the bioactive components and sensory quality of FS. The results indicated steaming for 1 min maximally retained the contents of total flavonoids, rutin, and quercetin in thermal drying (HAD and VD), meanwhile, the freeze-dried FS without steaming also had higher total flavonoids and rutin contents. Moreover, FD samples had the highest protein content and organoleptic properties, with closer color parameters to fresh FS, followed by the VD group. Considering comprehensively all data with processing cost, the sample of VD after steaming for 1 min was chosen to measure the antioxidant activity, which showed that FS extract was superior to Vc in ABTS• and •OH scavenging rates, and its DPPH• scavenging rate was stronger than Vc in the low concentration. These results demonstrated that vacuum drying after steaming for 1 min was suitable postharvest processing for fresh FS, which was beneficial to maintaining higher flavonoids, rutin, and sensory characteristics of FS, and its flavonoid extract had better antioxidant activity than Vc.

Abstract Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) from fetal tissues have become a valuable source of cell regeneration therapy due to their low immunogenicity, high plasticity and antimicrobial peptides. Most researches about UMSCs mainly focused on humans, mice, rabbits and other mammals, but it is still unknown in broiler. To the best of our knowledge, we first established a broiler-derived UMSCs line from noncontroversial Wharton's jelly of umbilical cord. The detection of biological characteristics showed UMSCs showed the morphological characteristics of fibroblasts and could be cultured to 26 generations in vitro, and maintained diploid chromosomes (2n=78) by G-banding analysis. Cell cycle of UMSCs showed the rate of G0/G1 was about 76.7-80.9%. Moreover, UMSCs could express mesenchymal markers (CD29, CD90, CD71, and CD44), but not hematopoietic marker (CD34) and endothelial marker (CD31). Additionally, UMSCs could be efficiently induced to transdifferentiate into three germ layer cells, such as adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, hepatocytes, epithelia, and neurogenic cells. These results demonstrated UMSCs have the essential characteristics of MSCs, and can be used as an attractive candidate for cell regenerative therapy and the study of regulatory mechanisms associated with selective differentiation.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower body perfusion (LBP) is a technique used to provide blood perfusion to distal organs and spinal cord during circulatory arrest. However, the effect of LBP on the prognosis of aortic arch surgery, especially on postoperative renal function, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 304 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation between May 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into LBP group (group L, n=85) and non-LBP group (group NL, n=219). Routine lower body circulatory arrest was applied during operation in group NL, and antegrade LBP combined was applied during operation in group L. Perioperative data were recorded. Propensity score matching was used for statistical analysis. Results: After propensity score matching, 85 pairs of patients were successfully matched. Two groups significantly differed in circulatory arrest time (six minutes vs. 30 minutes, P=0.000), cross-clamping time (101 minutes vs. 92 minutes, P=0.010), minimum nasopharyngeal temperature (29.4ºC vs. 27.2ºC, P=0.000), and highest lactate value during cardiopulmonary bypass (2.3 μmol/L vs. 4.1 μmol/L, P=0.000). Considering the postoperative indicators, the drainage volume (450 mL vs. 775 mL, P=0.000) and the incidence of level I acute kidney injury (23.5% vs. 32%, P=0.046) in group L was lower than those in group NL. Conclusion: LBP resulted as a safe and feasible approach in aortic arch surgery, as it could significantly shorten the circulatory arrest time, which might reduce the incidence of postoperative level I acute kidney injury.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chinese sports dance has occupied a prominent place worldwide due to its rapid development and the exchange between countries has gradually increased, requiring studies on the improvement in the training of these athletes. Objective: Study the particular characteristics of physical fitness and its insertion methods in the training of sport dancers. Methods: The author used the method of literature data, questionnaire survey and mathematical statistics to take the students specializing in sports dance in the School of Physical Education as research volunteers, performing a series of fitness index tests to check the most relevant characteristics to the fitness of their training. Results: The body shape training and special strength training, including special flexibility training is organized according to the demand standards. As for the physical training specific to dancers, the basic ballet training reaches 32 exercises, the strength training of the costal muscles, waist and abdomen 32 exercises, and the flexibility of the groin and legs 25 exercises, the latter being the key quality content for athletes. Conclusion: In-depth investigations and research are constantly being conducted into the content of special fitness training for students specializing in sports dance, and the factors influencing the particular fitness training have the potential to most effectively promote the development of sports dance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Resumen Introducción: La danza deportiva china ha ocupado un lugar destacado en todo el mundo por su rápido desarrollo y el intercambio entre países ha aumentado gradualmente, lo que exige estudios sobre la mejora en la formación de estos atletas. Objetivo: Estudiar las características particulares de la aptitud física y sus métodos de inserción en el entrenamiento de los bailarines deportivos. Métodos: El autor utilizó el método de datos bibliográficos, encuesta por cuestionario y estadística matemática para tomar a los alumnos especializados en danza deportiva de la Escuela de Educación Física como voluntarios de la investigación, realizando una serie de pruebas de índice de aptitud física para comprobar las características más relevantes para la aptitud de su entrenamiento. Resultados: El entrenamiento de la forma del cuerpo y el entrenamiento especial de la fuerza, incluido el entrenamiento especial de la flexibilidad, se organizan de acuerdo con las normas de la demanda. En cuanto a la formación física específica de los bailarines, el entrenamiento básico de ballet alcanza los 32 ejercicios, el entrenamiento de la fuerza de los músculos costales, la cintura y el abdomen 32 ejercicios, y la flexibilidad de la ingle y las piernas 25 ejercicios, siendo este último el contenido de calidad clave para los atletas. Conclusión: Se están actualizando constantemente las investigaciones y los estudios sobre el contenido de la preparación física especial para los estudiantes que se especializan en la danza deportiva y los factores que influyen en la preparación física particular tienen el potencial de promover el desarrollo de la danza deportiva con mayor eficacia. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: A dança esportiva chinesa tem ocupado um lugar de destaque mundial pelo seu rápido desenvolvimento e o intercâmbio entre países tem aumentado gradualmente, exigindo estudos sobre o aprimoramento no treino desses atletas. Objetivo: Estudar as características particulares de aptidão física e os seus métodos de inserção no treinamento dos dançarinos esportivos. Métodos: O autor utilizou o método de dados da literatura, levantamento de questionários e estatísticas matemáticas para levar os estudantes especializados em dança esportiva na Escola de Educação Física como voluntários de pesquisa, realizando uma série de testes de índice de aptidão física para verificar as características mais relevantes à aptidão física de seu treinamento. Resultados: O treinamento de forma corporal e o treinamento de força especial, incluindo o treinamento de flexibilidade especial e organizado conforme os padrões de exigência. Quanto ao treinamento físico específico aos dançarinos, o treinamento básico do balé atinge 32 exercícios, o treinamento de força da musculatura costal, cintura e abdômen 32 exercícios, e a flexibilidade da virilha e pernas 25 exercícios, sendo estes últimos o conteúdo chave de qualidade aos atletas. Conclusão: Investigações e pesquisas aprofundadas estão em constante atualização sobre o conteúdo do treinamento especial de aptidão física para estudantes especializados em dança esportiva e os fatores que influenciam o treinamento particular de aptidão física tem o potencial de promoverem de forma mais eficaz o desenvolvimento da dança esportiva. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower body perfusion (LBP) is a technique used to provide blood perfusion to distal organs and spinal cord during circulatory arrest. However, the effect of LBP on the prognosis of aortic arch surgery, especially on postoperative renal function, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 304 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation between May 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into LBP group (group L, n=85) and non-LBP group (group NL, n=219). Routine lower body circulatory arrest was applied during operation in group NL, and antegrade LBP combined was applied during operation in group L. Perioperative data were recorded. Propensity score matching was used for statistical analysis. Results: After propensity score matching, 85 pairs of patients were successfully matched. Two groups significantly differed in circulatory arrest time (six minutes vs. 30 minutes, P=0.000), cross-clamping time (101 minutes vs. 92 minutes, P=0.010), minimum nasopharyngeal temperature (29.4ºC vs. 27.2ºC, P=0.000), and highest lactate value during cardiopulmonary bypass (2.3 μmol/L vs. 4.1 μmol/L, P=0.000). Considering the postoperative indicators, the drainage volume (450 mL vs. 775 mL, P=0.000) and the incidence of level I acute kidney injury (23.5% vs. 32%, P=0.046) in group L was lower than those in group NL. Conclusion: LBP resulted as a safe and feasible approach in aortic arch surgery, as it could significantly shorten the circulatory arrest time, which might reduce the incidence of postoperative level I acute kidney injury.

Abstract Objectives: Isoflurane (ISO) is widely used in the clinic and research. The authors aimed to explore whether Neobaicalein (Neob) could protect neonatal mice from ISO-induced cognitive damage. Method: The open field test, Morris water maze test, and tail suspension test was performed to assess the cognitive function in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate inflammatory-related protein concentrations. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Ionized calcium-Binding Adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1) expression. Hippocampal neuron viability was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Double immunofluorescence staining was employed to confirm the interaction between proteins. Western blotting was used to assess protein expression levels. Results: Neob notably improved cognitive function and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects; moreover, under isotreatment, it exhibited neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Neob suppressed interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels and upregulated interleukin-10 levels in ISO-treated mice. Neob significantly mitigated iso-induced increases in IBA-1 – positive cell numbers of the hippocampus in neonatal mice. Furthermore, it inhibited ISO-induced neuronal apoptosis. Mechanistically, Neob was observed to upregulate cAMP Response Element Binding protein (CREB1) phosphorylation and protected hippocampal neurons from ISO-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, it rescued ISO-induced abnormalities of synaptic protein. Conclusions: Neob prevented ISO anesthesia-induced cognitive impairment by suppressing apoptosis and inflammation through upregulating CREB1.

ABSTRACT The advancement of neuroimaging technology offers a pivotal reference for the early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a significant area of focus in contemporary cognitive function research. Structural MRI scans present visual and quantitative manifestations of alterations in brain tissue, whereas functional MRI scans depict the metabolic and functional state of brain tissues from diverse perspectives. As various magnetic resonance techniques possess both strengths and constraints, this review examines the methodologies and outcomes of multimodal magnetic resonance technology in MCI diagnosis, laying the groundwork for subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for MCI.

RESUMO O avanço da tecnologia de neuroimagem oferece uma referência fundamental para a detecção precoce do comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL), uma área significativa de foco na pesquisa contemporânea da função cognitiva. A ressonância magnética estrutural apresenta manifestações visuais e quantitativas de alterações no tecido cerebral, enquanto a ressonância magnética funcional retrata o estado metabólico e funcional dos tecidos cerebrais sob diversas perspectivas. Como várias técnicas de ressonância magnética possuem pontos fortes e restrições, esta revisão examinou as metodologias e os resultados da tecnologia de ressonância magnética multimodal no diagnóstico de CCL, estabelecendo as bases para intervenções diagnósticas e terapêuticas subsequentes para CCL.

Abstract Objective The authors investigated the expression of IgG4 and IgG in cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease (CRDD) to further improve the understanding of this disease. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological features of 23 CRDD patients. The authors diagnosed CRDD by the presence of emperipolesis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of histiocytes consisting of S-100(+)/CD68(+)/CD1a(-) cells. The expressions of IgG and IgG4 in cutaneous specimens were assessed by IHC (EnVision) and quantitatively calculated by a medical image analysis system. Results All 23 patients, including 14 males and 9 females, were confirmed to have CRDD. Their ages ranged from 17 to 68 years (mean 47.91 ± 14.16). The most frequently affected skin regions were the face, followed by the trunk, ears, neck, limbs, and genitals. In 16 of these cases, the disease presented as a single lesion. IHC staining of sections showed that IgG was positive (≥ 10 cells/High-Power Field [HPF]) in 22 cases, while IgG4 was positive (≥ 10 cells/HPF) in 18 cases. Moreover, the IgG4/IgG proportion ranged from 1.7% to 85.7% (mean 29.50 ± 24.67%, median 18.4%) in the 18 cases. Study limitations In the majority of studies, as well as in the current study, the design. RDD is a rare disease, so the sample size is small. In the next studies to come, the authors will expand the sample for multi-center verification and in-depth study. Conclusion The positive rates of IgG4 and IgG and the IgG4/IgG ratio assessed through IHC staining may be important in understanding the pathogenesis of CRDD.

This article examines the artistic and political implications of Femi Osofisan's All for Catherine, an adaptation of Cao Yu's play Thunderstorm. Although the dialogue remains largely faithful to the original, the characters, settings, and historical contexts are artfully shifted to the Nigerian cultural context. The original play by Cao Yu primarily offers a profound critique of capitalist society, a sentiment Osofisan carries forward in his adaptation. By analysing the play's postcolonial narrative and its portrayal of China's image, this article provides a literary and textual analysis of African perspectives on Sino-African relations. While China may intend to play a supportive role in Africa, extending its influence and contributing to economic growth, Osofisan's adaptation suggests a more nuanced perspective. It raises concerns about the potential for neocolonialism, where China' s investments might sometimes prioritise its own interests over the genuine development of African nations. Osofisans Catherine Yus Thunderstorm characters settings context society plays Chinas image SinoAfrican Sino relations Africa growth perspective neocolonialism nations

Abstract Introduction: Nutritional status can affect the treatment of hospitalized patients, and Malnutrition can even lead to death. However, the Nutritional status of patients with aplastic anemia (AA) is unclear. Objective: to assess the Nutritional status of aplastic anemia patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 (high BMI group) and BMI < 24 kg/m2 (low BMI group), and to compare the consistency between different Nutritional screening tools. Methods: patients with aplastic anemia hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2020 were collected. We used the combined index generated by Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Control Nutritional Status (CONUT) and Instant Nutritional Assessment (INA) to assess Nutritional status of patients with aplastic anemia. Kappa index was used to measure the consistency between different Nutritional screening tools. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of different Nutritional screening tools. Results: one hundred and ninety-five patients with aplastic anemia were enrolled. The overall prevalence of Malnutrition calculated by the combined index in patients with aplastic anemia was 51.3 %. The Malnutrition rates of patients in the low BMI group and high BMI group were 60.9 % and 38.8 %, respectively. The Malnutrition rates of very severe aplastic anemia (VSAA) patients, severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients and ordinary patients were 76 %, 63.8 % and 45.1 %, respectively. Compared with the combined index, NRI had the highest consistency and area under the curve. Conclusions: the Nutritional status of patients with aplastic anemia was very poor; the more serious the disease, the worse the Nutritional status. Although the Malnutrition rate in the low-BMI group was higher than in the high BMI group, the Nutritional status of overweight or obese patients can not be ignored. NRI is the best tool for assessing the Nutritional status of patients with aplastic anemia.

Resumen Introducción: el estado nutricional puede afectar el tratamiento de los pacientes hospitalizados y la malnutrición puede incluso causar la muerte. Sin embargo, el estado nutricional de los pacientes con anemia aplásica (AA) no está claro. Objetivo: evaluar el estado nutricional de pacientes con anemia aplásica con índice de masa corporal (IMC) ≥ 24 kg/m2 (grupo de IMC mayor) e IMC < 24 kg/m2 (grupo de IMC inferior), y comparar la consistencia entre diferentes herramientas de cribado nutricional. Métodos: se recogieron datos de pacientes con anemia aplásica hospitalizados entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2020. El estado nutricional de los pacientes con anemia aplásica se evaluó utilizando un índice compuesto por el índice de riesgo nutricional (NRI), el índice de pronóstico nutricional (PNI), el índice de estado nutricional controlado (CONUT) y la evaluación nutricional instantánea (INA). El índice Kappa se utilizó para medir la coherencia entre los diferentes instrumentos de detección nutricional. Las curvas de características operativas de los sujetos (ROC) se utilizaron para evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las diferentes herramientas de detección nutricional. Resultados: un total de 195 pacientes con anemia aplásica fueron incluidos en el estudio. La prevalencia global de desnutrición calculada por el índice combinado en pacientes con anemia aplásica fue del 51,3 %. Las tasas de desnutrición de los pacientes en el grupo de bajo IMC y el grupo de alto IMC fueron 60,9 % y 38,8 %, respectivamente. Las tasas de desnutrición en pacientes con anemia aplásica muy grave (VSAA), anemia aplásica grave (SAA) y pacientes comunes fueron del 76 %, 63,8 % y 45,1 %, respectivamente. En comparación con el índice compuesto, NRI tiene la mayor consistencia y área bajo la curva. Conclusiones: el estado nutricional de los pacientes con anemia aplásica es muy deficiente; a mayor gravedad de la enfermedad, peor estado nutricional. Aunque la tasa de malnutrición en el grupo con bajo IMC es mayor que en el grupo con alto IMC, no se puede pasar por alto el estado nutricional de los pacientes con sobrepeso u obesidad. El NRI es la mejor herramienta para evaluar el estado nutricional de los pacientes con anemia aplásica.

The ternary amorphous CuSeP2 was designed and prepared as the anode material of potassium ion battery for the first time, and its electrochemical performance was also investigated. After ball-milling with commercial graphene powder, it is used as the anode material for potassium ion battery with reversible specific capacity up to 300 mAh g-1, and the corresponding initial coulombic efficiency is close to 60%. What’s more, the specific capacity remains above 150 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1. When increasing the current density to 1000 mA g-1, the CuSeP2/graphene composites still has a potassium storage specific capacity of 100 mAh g-1. Our results show that the potassium storage mechanism of the ternary CuSeP2 anode material is a typical conversion reaction and the introduction of Cu can not only buffer the volume expansion during the subsequent electrochemical reaction, but also effectively enhance the electrochemical reversibility of potassium ion.

Abstract Owing to the high mineralization and high treatment cost, Ordovician limestone water is often regarded as a mine wastewater. In order to make rational use of mine water with high mineralization and turn waste into treasure. In this work, the natural water quality of Ordovician mine water in the Weibei coalfield had been tested, and the suspended matter and trace elements of Ordovician mine water in the selected deep detained area had been further tested. As a contrast, the water quality of Ordovician mine water after heating and concentration had been tested. The mechanical and hydraulic parameters of concentrated mine water-loess and concentrated mine water-cement slurry had been tested and compared with conventional slurry. The results showed characteristics of deep detained Ordovician limestone mine water is high salinity, certain suspended matters, limited special material and high permanent hardness. However, compressive strength of loess samples increased, while the permeability reduced. The initial setting-time of the modified material was short, while it showed an increased compressive strength. In practical terms, the quantity of grouting produced in engineering applications can be reduced by 16%, whereas the discharge of high-mineralized mine water can be decreased by about 40,000 m3/a.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effects of Periplaneta americana L. on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by a combination of chronic stress (CS) and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema (TNBS) in rats. Methods: The experiment UC model with CS was established in rats by a combination of chronic restraint stress, excess failure, improper, and TNBS. The body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal injury index (CMDI), histopathological score (HS) and pro-inflammatory mediators were measured. The content of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosteroids (CORT) in plasma were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proportion of T lymphocyte subsets was detected by flow cytometry, and gut microbiota was detected by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Results: Weight loss, DAI, CMDI, HS and proinflammatory mediators were reversed in rats by P. americana L. treatment after UC with CS. Increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) was observed in P. americana L. groups. In addition, P. americana L. could reduce the content of CRH and ACTH and regulate the ratio of CD3+, CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD4+CD25+/CD4+ in spleen. Comparably, P. americana L. changes composition of gut microbiota. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of Periplaneta Americana L. improves UC induced by a combination of CS and TNBS in rats.

Abstract Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of neuropathologic damage induced by radiofrequency ablation at different temperatures. Methods This is basic research, and 36 SD rats were used to construct the neuropathological injury model. The rats were subjected to radiofrequency stimulation at different temperatures and were divided into 6 groups according to the temperature injury: 42°, 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C groups. Conduction time, conduction distance, and nerve conduction velocity were recorded after temperature injury. HE-staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of the sciatic nerve. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in sciatic nerve tissue were detected by western blot. Results With the increase in temperature, nerve conduction velocity gradually decreased, and neurons were damaged when the temperature was 67°C. HE-staining showed that the degrees of degeneration of neurons in rats at 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C were gradually increased. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups were much higher than that of NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. However, the expression of NFASC protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups was much lower than that of the NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. Conclusion There was a positive correlation between temperature caused by the radiofrequency stimulation to neuropathological damage. The mechanism is closely related to the expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in nerve tissue caused by heat transfer injury.

Abstract The moisture content, distribution and state changes of White gourd were studied during hot air-drying process using Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). The transverse relaxation time (T2) inversion spectrum of White gourd was measured at different temperatures during drying process, and the characteristics of internal moisture state and change were analyzed using the LF-NMR. The results showed that T2 was changed and the moisture of liquidity was reduced during drying process. In addition, the moisture with high degree of freedom changed to the moisture with low degree of freedom during drying. The amplitude of total NMR signal and the moisture content of drying base were a linear relationship during drying. The kinetics of the percentage of bound water and free water were based on exponential function and polynomial function respectively with drying time and different drying temperatures.