ABSTRACT Introduction: Prednisolone causes pro-inflammatory impulses to be inhibited and anti-inflammatory signals to be promoted. As a result, it alters how the body's immune system reacts to certain diseases. The World Anti-Doping Agency, however, has banned SNP and other glucocorticosteroids. An electrochemical sensor can be developed using a gold nanocomposite, polypyrrole nanoparticles and synthesized carbon nanotubes (Au-PPy NPs@CNTs). Objective: Develop an electrochemical sensor to detect prednisolone. Method: Au-PPy NPs@CNTs nanocomposite was chemically synthesized with a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Results: According to SEM data, the nanocomposite was composed of amorphous Au NPs, and PPy NPs deposited in tubes strongly entangled in a CNTs network. The wide linear range and low detection limit of the Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE as prednisolone sensors were attributed to the combined catalytic performance of the Au and PPy NPs@CNTs nanostructures. Conclusion: The results of prednisolone detection in each specimen using the amperometric method indicated good accuracy. The accuracy and precision of Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE for prednisolone detection were explored in blood samples from 5 young athletes aged 20-24 years who used prednisolone tablets (RSD less than 4.25%). In addition to monitoring prednisolone concentrations in athletes’ serum, Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE can be used as a reliable prednisolone sensor. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigating treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: La prednisolona hace que se inhiban los impulsos proinflamatorios y se promuevan las señales antiinflamatorias. Como resultado, altera la forma en que el sistema inmunológico del cuerpo reacciona a ciertas enfermedades. Sin embargo, la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje ha prohibido el SNP y otros glucocorticosteroides. Utilizando un nanocompuesto de oro, nanopartículas de polipirrol y nanotubos de carbono sintetizados (Au-PPy NPs@CNTs), se puede desarrollar un sensor electroquímico. Objetivo: Desarrollar un sensor electroquímico para detectar la prednisolona. Método: Se sintetizó químicamente el nanocompuesto Au-PPy NPs@CNTs con una superficie de electrodo de carbono vítreo (GCE) modificada. Resultados: Según los datos del SEM, se comprobó que el nanocompuesto estaba compuesto de Au NPs y NPs de PP amorfo y depositados en tubos fuertemente enredados en una red de CNTs. El amplio rango lineal y el bajo límite de detección de Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE como sensores de prednisolona se atribuyeron al rendimiento catalítico combinado de las nanoestructuras de Au y PPy NPs@CNTs. Conclusión: Los resultados de la detección de prednisolona en cada muestra mediante el método amperométrico indicaron una buena precisión. Se exploró la exactitud y precisión de las Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE para la detección de prednisolona en muestras de sangre preparadas a partir de 5 jóvenes atletas de entre 20 y 24 años de edad que utilizaban tabletas de prednisolona (RSD inferior al 4,25%). Además de controlar las concentraciones de prednisolona en el suero de los deportistas, Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE puede utilizarse como un sensor fiable de prednisolona. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: A prednisolona faz com que os impulsos pró-inflamatórios sejam inibidos e os sinais anti-inflamatórios sejam promovidos. Como resultado, ela altera a forma como o sistema imunológico do corpo reage a certas doenças. A Agência Mundial Antidoping, no entanto, proibiu o SNP e outros glucocorticoesteroides. Usando um nanocomposto de ouro, nanopartículas de polipirrol e nanotubos de carbono sintetizados (Au-PPy NPs@CNTs), um sensor eletroquímico pode ser desenvolvido. Objetivo: Desenvolver um sensor eletroquímico para detectar a prednisolona. Método: O nanocompósito Au-PPy NPs@CNTs foi sintetizado quimicamente com uma superfície de eletrodo de carbono vítreo modificado (GCE). Resultados: De acordo com dados da SEM, o nanocomposto foi descoberto como sendo composto de Au NPs e NPs de PPy amorfo, depositados em tubos fortemente emaranhados em uma rede de CNTs. O amplo alcance linear e o baixo limite de detecção do Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE como sensores de prednisolona foram atribuídos ao desempenho catalítico combinado das nanoestruturas de Au e PPy NPs@CNTs. Conclusão: Os resultados da detecção de prednisolona em cada espécime usando o método de amperometria indicaram boa precisão. A precisão e a acurácia de Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE para a detecção de prednisolona foram exploradas em amostras de sangue preparadas de 5 atletas jovens de 20 a 24 anos que usaram comprimidos de prednisolona (RSD inferior a 4,25%). Além de monitorar as concentrações de prednisolona no soro dos atletas, Au-PPy NPs@CNTs/GCE pode ser usado como um sensor confiável de prednisolona. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chinese basketball players have poor lower limb strength, and their movements may be distorted due to insufficient explosive strength in hostile environments. This will cause basketball players to make mistakes. Objective: Evaluate the effect of resistance training on lower extremity explosive strength in basketball players. Methods: 18 basketball players were selected by random sampling. The volunteers were randomly divided into the experimental and the control group. The experimental group used the resistance and routine training protocol for 12 weeks. The data were analyzed employing mathematical statistics. Results: There was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding age, height, weight, and years of training (P>0.05). After explosive training, the standing jump performance of both groups of athletes improved, but the experimental group’s performance improved significantly (P<0.05). After explosive training, both groups significantly improved the vertical jump in situ, with higher intensity in the experimental group (P<0.05). The performance of the 30-meter start improved in both groups after explosive training. Conclusion: The presented protocol for resistance training on the lower extremity has a very significant effect in improving the performance of basketball players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: En la actualidad, los jugadores de baloncesto chinos tienen poca fuerza en los miembros inferiores y sus movimientos pueden estar distorsionados debido a la insuficiente fuerza explosiva en un entorno hostil. Esto hará que los jugadores de baloncesto cometan errores. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del entrenamiento de fuerza sobre la fuerza explosiva de los miembros inferiores en jugadores de baloncesto. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 18 jugadores de baloncesto por muestreo aleatorio. Los voluntarios se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y grupo de control. El grupo experimental utilizó el protocolo de entrenamiento de fuerza combinado con el entrenamiento de rutina, ejecutado durante 12 semanas. Los datos se analizaron empleando estadísticas matemáticas. Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas entre el grupo experimental y el de control en cuanto a la edad, la altura, el peso y los años de entrenamiento (P>0,05). Después del entrenamiento explosivo, el rendimiento de salto en pie de ambos grupos de atletas mejoró, pero el rendimiento del grupo experimental mejoró significativamente (P<0,05). Tras el entrenamiento explosivo, ambos grupos mejoraron significativamente el salto vertical in situ, con mayor intensidad en el grupo experimental (P<0,05). El rendimiento de la salida de 30 metros mejoró en ambos grupos después del entrenamiento explosivo. Conclusión: El protocolo presentado para el entrenamiento explosivo en los miembros inferiores tiene un efecto significativo en la mejora del rendimiento en los jugadores de baloncesto. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: Atualmente os jogadores de basquetebol chineses têm pouca força nos membros inferiores e seus movimentos podem ser falseados devido à insuficiente força explosiva em ambientes hostis. Isto fará com que os jogadores de basquetebol cometam erros. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do treinamento de força sobre a força explosiva dos membros inferiores nos jogadores de basquetebol. Métodos: 18 jogadores de basquetebol foram selecionados por amostragem aleatória. Os voluntários foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental e controle. O grupo experimental utilizou o protocolo de treinamento de força combinado ao treino de rotina, executado durante 12 semanas. Os dados foram analisados empregando estatísticas matemáticas. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre o grupo experimental e o grupo de controle em termos de idade, altura, peso e anos de treinamento (P>0,05). Após o treinamento explosivo, o desempenho de salto em pé dos dois grupos de atletas melhorou, porém o desempenho do grupo experimental melhorou significativamente (P<0,05). Após o treinamento explosivo, ambos os grupos melhoraram significativamente o salto vertical in situ, com maior intensidade no grupo experimental (P<0,05). O desempenho do arranque de 30 metros melhorou em ambos os grupos após o treinamento explosivo. Conclusão: O protocolo apresentado para treinamento explosivo nos membros inferiores tem um efeito significativo na melhoria do desempenho sobre os jogadores de basquete. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract The innate immune response plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, no drug has been proven to be beneficial in the management of ARDS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using combined sedatives on systemic inflammatory responses in patients with ARDS. A total of 90 patients with ARDS and an intubation time of > 120 h were randomly divided into the propofol group (group P), midazolam group (group M), and combined sedation group (group U). Patients in groups P and M were sedated with propofol and midazolam, respectively, whereas patients in group U were sedated with a combination of propofol, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine. The dosage of sedatives and vasoactive drugs, duration of mechanical ventilation, and incidence of sedative adverse reactions were documented. The dosage of sedatives and vasoactive drugs, as well as the incidence of sedative adverse reactions in group U, was significantly lower than those in groups P and M. Similarly, the duration of mechanical ventilation in group U was significantly shorter than that in groups P and M. Hence, inducing sedation through a combination of multiple drugs can significantly reduce their adverse effects, improve their sedative effect, inhibit systemic inflammatory responses, and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS.

Abstract Objects: Radiotherapy (RT) serves as the most effective treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) and can cause carotid stenosis. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of RT on carotid stenosis in NPC patients, as well as to explore the risk factors for significant carotid stenosis. Methods: Studies reporting the carotid stenosis in NPC patients who underwent RT were found on PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Outcomes of our interest included incidence of overall/significant stenosis, Common Carotid Artery (CCA) stenosis, External Carotid Artery (ECA) stenosis, Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) stenosis, and risk factors for significant carotid stenosis. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled estimate showed that RT was associated with a significantly higher incidence of overall stenosis (Risk Ratio [RR = 3.53], 95% CI: 2.32–5.37; p < 0.001) and significant stenosis (RR = 7.06, 95% CI: 3.61–13.79; p < 0.001) as compared with controls. Moreover, patients treated with RT had a significantly higher risk of stenosis in CCA (RR = 6.87, 95% CI: 4.08–11.58; p < 0.001), ICA (RR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.35–8.73; p= 0.010), ECA (RR = 9.37, 95% CI: 2.06–42.68; p = 0.004), and ECA/ICA (RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.52–3.13; p < 0.001). Meta-analysis indicated that age (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05–2.04; p = 0.024), smoking habit (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02–2.78; p = 0.045) and time interval from radiotherapy (RR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.07–2.28; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of significant carotid stenosis. Conclusion: Our results suggested that RT increased the risk of carotid stenosis in patients with NPC. Prevention and control measurements should be made for older NPC patients with longer interval from RT, especially those with smoking habit. Level of evidence: 3.

Abstract Objectives To explore the role and possible mechanisms of action of apolipoprotein O (APOO) in autophagy in Myocardial Infarction (MI) in vivo and in vitro. Methods Differential gene expression and single Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to evaluate MI-related candidate genes. Animal and cell MI models were established. Sh-APOO, si-APOO, and SB203580 were used to inhibit the expression of APOO or p38MAPK. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the expression levels of the target protein or mRNA. Apoptosis was observed using the TUNEL assay. The plasma concentrations of CK-MB and cTn-I in humans and mice were determined. Results In the GSE23294 dataset, APOO mRNA was highly expressed in the left ventricle of mice with MI; GSEA revealed that APOO was positively correlated with p38MAPK, autophagy, and apoptosis. The plasma concentration of APOO in patients with MI was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects. The expression of APOO, Beclin-1, LC3, and Bax in mouse and AC16 cell MI models increased, while the level of Bcl-2 decreased. After silencing the APOO gene, the expression of APOO was downregulated; meanwhile, changes in autophagy, apoptosis and myocardial cell injury were reversed in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, autophagy was alleviated after AC16 cells were treated with SB203580. Conclusions The increased APOO expression in mouse and cell MI models may activate autophagy and apoptosis by regulating the p38MAPK signaling pathway, thus aggravating the myocardial injury. HIGHLIGHTS APOO was highly expressed in the left ventricle of mice with myocardial infarction. Increasing of APOO may activate autophagy and apoptosis in myocardial infarction. The regulation of APOO in autophagy and apoptosis was regulated by p38MAPK signaling pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on the cardiac function of beagle dogs after prolonged ventricular fibrillation. Twenty-four adult male beagles were randomly divided into control and EECP groups. Ventricular fibrillation was induced in the animals for 12 min, followed by 2 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They then received EECP therapy for 4 h (EECP group) or not (control group). The hemodynamics was monitored using the PiCCO2 system. Blood gas and hemorheology were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 4 h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The myocardial blood flow (MBF) was quantified by 18F-flurpiridaz PET myocardial perfusion imaging at baseline and 4 h after ROSC. Survival time of the animals was recorded within 24 h. Ventricular fibrillation was successfully induced in all animals, and they achieved ROSC after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Survival time of the control group was shorter than that of the EECP group [median of 8 h (min 8 h, max 21 h) vs median of 24 h (min 16 h, max 24 h) (Kaplan Meyer plot analysis, P=0.0152). EECP improved blood gas analysis findings and increased the coronary perfusion pressure and MBF value. EECP also improved the cardiac function of Beagles after ROSC in multiple aspects, significantly increased blood flow velocity, and decreased plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index, and hematocrit levels. EECP improved the hemodynamics of beagle dogs and increased MBF, subsequently improving cardiac function and ultimately improving the survival time of animals after ROSC.

ABSTRACT: Yellowing is a key stage in the curing of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) as much of the chemical transformation occurs during this period. This study examined the effect of different yellowing degrees on the value of flue-cured tobacco leaves at the farm level for both processing and manufacturing. The study was conducted in the counties of Chuxiong, Dali, and Yuxi in Yunnan, China over two years. Yellowing treatments have been designed to have either a mild or a regular yellowing degree. Yield, value, appearance, suction property, smoking characteristics, and physical resistance to further processing were investigated to evaluate the effect of degree of yellowing on the industrial utilization of flue-cured tobacco leaves. The regular yellowing degree enhanced yield, value, and appearance compared to the mild yellowing degree, regardless of cultivar or location; however, physical resistance to further processing and the suction property of the mild yellowing degree treatment were better than with the regular yellowing degree regardless of cultivar or location. Furthermore, although the regular yellowing degree recorded higher smoking characteristic scores than the mild yellowing degree immediately after flue-curing, the scores of mild yellowing degree leaves could be further augmented by increasing intensity in the re-drying stage. The smoking characteristic score in the regular yellowing degree can only be increased by low intensity re-drying, and significantly decreased by mild and high intensity re-drying. Therefore, in terms of industrial utilization, mild yellowing is the better choice for flue-curing tobacco. This study also suggested that the current regular yellowing stage in Yunnan should be shortened to meet the demands of the traditional tobacco industry.

In order to achieve hot processing products with expected microstructures, the construction of corresponding relationships between micro-evolution mechanisms and hot processing parameters is essential. In this study, such corresponding relationships of as-cast AlCu4SiMg alloy were constructed by double evaluating processing maps and Zener-Holloman (Z) parameter maps. Based on the stress-strain data obtained from a series of isothermal compression experiments, the processing maps of AlCu4SiMg alloy were constructed at the strain of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 s-1. The processing maps revealed that the optimal hot deformation parameter windows corresponding to dynamic recrystallization (DRX) micro-evolution mechanism mainly appear at high temperature and moderate strain rate. On the other hand, the response maps of Z parameter at discrete strains were constructed, and the ideal processing windows were calibrated at the domains with relatively low lnZ-value. A phenomenon was found that the optimal deformation parameter windows identified by Z parameter are more conservative than those identified by processing map. By integrating processing maps and Z parameter maps, the optimal processing parameter windows corresponding to DRX micro-evolution mechanism for AlCu4SiMg alloy were finally obtained.

ABSTRACT The N absorption and assimilation is critical for the rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield increase when overdose N was applied in rice production. Three different rice genotypes, 'Quanliangyou 1' (Q1), 'Quanliangyou 681' (Q681) and 'Huanghuazhan' (HHZ), were selected to investígate the effects of elevated N input on the N partitioning, plant growth, grain quality and key genes involved in glutamate biosynthesis. Under increasing N inputs (0, 120, 180, 250 kg ha-1), N content in leaf, culm, seed and root were increased significantly. The increased N was preferentially deposited in leaf and culm. Tiller number, panicle number and length were also proved to be significantly promoted, but plant height and 1000-grain weight were nonsignificantly affected under elevated N input. Under high N input, seed protein content was elevated, while fatty acid and amylose content remained unchanged in comparison to low N input, but amylopectin content decreased. For the key genes in N assimilation, glutamine synthetase (OsGS1;1) could be induced by increasing N input (0 to 180 kg ha-1) but higher N input (250 kg ha-1) inhibit its expression, which showed similar response pattern with the glutamine synthetase activity. Although different rice genotypes showed similar response pattern to elevated N input, each genotype varied a lot in certain phenotypic indexes. And the response pattern of all these phenotypic characteristics to elevated N input was independent of rice genotype. These findings suggest that elevated N input could promote rice growth, reallocate N content in different tissues, and have negative impact on grain quality. This study provided physiological and molecular foundation for rice breeding and cultivation under high N input.

Abstract Dynamic compressive tests of 3D braided composites with different braiding angle were carried out in the longitudinal, transverse and thickness directions respectively using the Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The results show that the compressive properties present obvious strain rate strengthening effects in all directions. The 20° and 45° braided composite are most sensitive to strain rates in the longitudinal direction. The composites present the features of brittle failure at high strain rates, especially in the longitudinal direction. The composites with larger braiding angle have weaker mechanical properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions but stronger mechanical properties in the through-thickness direction. The braid angle has the greatest impact on the longitudinal mechanical properties. The compressive stress-strain curves in the thickness direction were similar to the hysteresis curve for both the 30° and 45° braided composites. The compressive failure modes vary with the loading directions and strain rate.

Pirazóis foram preparados em excelentes rendimentos via reação de condensação entre várias 1,3-dicetonas (R¹COCHXCOCH3, R¹ = Me, Ph; X = H, Me, Cl) e hidrazinas, acilhidrazinas ou sulfonil hidrazinas, na presença de quantidades catalíticas de Sc(OTf)3, a temperatura ambiente, na ausência de solventes. Adicionalmente, o catalisador foi facilmente recuperado após as reações e reutilizado sem perda evidente na atividade.

Pyrazoles were prepared in excellent yields via solventless condensation of various 1,3-diketones (R¹COCHXCOCH3, R¹ = Me, Ph; X = H, Me, Cl) and hydrazines, acylhydrazines or sulfonyl hydrazines in the presence of a catalytic amount of Sc(OTf)3 at room temperature. Additionally, the catalyst could be recovered easily after the reactions and reused without evident loss in activity.