Abstract It was determined if lipoxin A4 methyl ester (LXA4 ME) affects JAK2/STAT3 pathway following transient focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats. Adult male SD rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated, CIRI group, DMSO + CIRI, AG490 + CIRI, and LXA4 ME + CIRI. Neurologic deficit was evaluated in rats after 24 h reperfusion. IL-6 levels of brain tissue were determined 6 and 24 h post-reperfusion using an ELISA assay. STAT3 and SOCS3 mRNA levels were analyzed via real-time quantitative PCR. P-JAK2, p-STAT3, and SOCS3 were measured via Western blotting, and localized by fluorescent immunohitochemistry. Transient cerebral ischemia in rats caused a significantly elevated concentration of IL-6, levels of STAT3 and SOCS3 mRNA, phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, and immunoreactive glia of ipsilateral cortex 24 h post-reperfusion versus sham rats. The AG490 intervention downregulated cerebral ischemia-induced JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and their immunoreactive glia located in the ischemic cortex. LXA4 ME reduced the concentration of IL-6, increased SOCS3 expression, inhibited phosphorylation and immunoreactive glia of JAK2 and STAT3, as well as ameliorated neurologic dysfunction. In conclusions, LXA4 ME inhibited JAK2/STAT3 activation, perhaps via upregulating SOCS3, as well as suppressed IL-6 expression to ameliorate cerebral ischemic injury.

Abstract Objectives The mid-palatal expansion technique is commonly used to correct maxillary constriction in dental clinics. However, there is a tendency for it to relapse, and the key molecules responsible for modulating bone formation remain elusive. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation contributes to osteoblast-mediated bone formation during palatal expansion and relapse. Methodology In total, 30 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into Ctrl (control), E (expansion only), and E+Stattic (expansion plus STAT3-inhibitor, Stattic) groups. Micro-computed tomography, micromorphology staining, and immunohistochemistry of the mid-palatal suture were performed on days 7 and 14. In vitro cyclic tensile stress (10% magnitude, 0.5 Hz frequency, and 24 h duration) was applied to rat primary osteoblasts and Stattic was administered for STAT3 inhibition. The role of STAT3 in mechanical loading-induced osteoblasts was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alizarin red staining, and western blots. Results The E group showed greater arch width than the E+Stattic group after expansion. The differences between the two groups remained significant after relapse. We found active bone formation in the E group with increased expression of ALP, COL-I, and Runx2, although the expression of osteogenesis-related factors was downregulated in the E+stattic group. After STAT3 inhibition, expansive force-induced bone resorption was attenuated, as TRAP staining demonstrated. Furthermore, the administration of Stattic in vitro partially suppressed tensile stress-enhanced osteogenic markers in osteoblasts. Conclusions STAT3 inactivation reduced osteoblast-mediated bone formation during palatal expansion and post-expansion relapse, thus it may be a potential therapeutic target to treat force-induced bone formation.

Abstract We aimed to compare the effects of oxycodone hydrochloride and dezocine on hemodynamics and inflammatory factors in patients receiving gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. A total of 246 patients were divided into group A and B (n=123). Hemorheology indices were recorded 5 min after anesthesia (T0), 1 min after pneumoperitoneum (T1), when position was changed 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (T2), 15 min after pneumoperitoneum (T3), 1 min (T4) and 5 min (T5) after position was restored. Visual analogue scale scores 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were recorded. Postoperative adverse reactions and visceral pain were observed. The expression levels of inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 12 h after operation. Compared with group A, group B had higher heart rate and mean arterial pressure at T2, lower central venous pressure and cardiac output at T1-T3, and higher systemic vascular resistance at T1-T5 (P<0.05). The incidence rate of pain syndrome in group A was lower (P<0.05). Group A had lower tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 expression levels and higher interleukin-10 level than those of group B (P<0.05). For gynecological laparoscopic surgery, oxycodone preemptive analgesia has superior outcomes to those of dezocine.

ABSTRACT Two-stage harvesting is the main method for performing the mechanized harvesting of peanuts, and the picking device is a core part of the combined harvester in China. In order to solve the problem of pod loss caused by the "stacking", "impact" and "throwing up" of peanut plants by a traditional cam-slide spring-finger cylinder picking device, the shovel-finger and cylinder peanut-picking device was developed and used in a picking-up performance test based on the study of peanut-plant strip-picking characteristics. The mathematical model of the mechanism was established by analyzing the structure of the mechanism and the peanut-plant strip-picking characteristics, and the parameters of the mechanism were optimized using the objective function method. The prototype was developed and tested. The experiments in which the prototype was used to collect peanut plants indicated that the phenomenon of peanut plants being stacked and thrown disappeared. Through a response surface analysis and prototype test, the optimal working parameters of the picking device were obtained: the forward speed V was 48.0 m/minute, the rotational speed N was 45.3 r/minute and the ground height H was -18 mm. The peanut-plant picking rate was 98.9% and the fruit loss rate was 2.8% under two different harvesting conditions for which the peanut-plant moisture content was 15~17%.

Abstract Introduction: Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation. LQT2 is the second most common subtype of LQTS caused by loss of function mutations in the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene. Although more than 900 mutations are associated with the LQTS, many of these mutations are not validated or characterized. Methods and results: Sequencing analyses of genomic DNA of a family with LQT2 identified a putative mutation. i.e., KCNH2(NM_000238.3): c.3099_3112del, in KCNH2 gene which appeared to be a definite pathogenic mutation. The family pedigree information showed a gender difference in clinical features and T-wave morphology between male and female patients. The female with mutation exhibited recurring ventricular arrhythmia and syncope, while two male carriers did not show any symptoms. In addition, T-wave in females was much flatter than in males. The female proband showed a positive reaction to the lidocaine test. Lidocaine injection almost completely blocked ventricular arrhythmia and shortened the QT interval by ≥30 ms. Treatment with propranolol, mexiletine, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators prevented the sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope, as assessed by a 3-year follow-up evaluation. Conclusions: A putative mutation c.3099_3112del in the KCNH2 gene causes LQT2 syndrome, and the pathogenic mutation mainly causes symptoms in female progeny.

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.

RESUMO Objetivos: Explorar sistematicamente as mudanças dinâmicas e a sequência temporal no processo de apoptose de células epiteliais corneanas após excesso de irradiação com ultravioleta B. Métodos: A radiação ultravioleta B (144 mJ/cm2) foi utilizada para irradiar células epiteliais da córnea de rato durante 2h. A morfologia celular foi observada por meio de microscópio de contraste de interferência diferencial, e os números de diferentes tipos de células apoptóticas foram contados e registrados pelo software ImageJ. A viabilidade celular foi medida pelo método brometo de 3- (4, 5-dimetil-2-tiazolil) -2, 5-difenil-2-H-tetrazólio. A taxa apoptótica celular e a perda do potencial da membrana mitocondrial foram detectadas por meio de análises citométricas de fluxo. Os níveis de expressão de três genes apoptóticos foram medidos por reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real em diferentes momentos dentro de 0-24 h após a irradiação. Resultados: Após 144 mJ/cm2 de irradiação com ultravioleta B por 2h, os níveis de expressão de caspase-8 e Bax foram maiores em 0h; o potencial da membrana mitocondrial diminuiu a 0h e permaneceu constante por 6h na cultura subsequente. Às 6h, a caspase-3 foi ativada. A diminuição da viabilidade celular e o aumento da taxa apoptótica atingiu o pico em 6h. A expressão de caspase-3 diminuiu dentro de 12 - 24 h, levando a um declínio na taxa apoptótica e alteração no estágio apoptótico. Conclusões: As células epiteliais da córnea apresentaram uma apoptose rápida após excesso de irradiação com ultravioleta B, e esse processo foi associado tanto à via extrínseca como à via intrínseca.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To systematically examine the dynamic changes and time sequence in corneal epithelial cell apoptosis after excessive ultraviolet B irradiation. Methods: Ultraviolet B (144 mJ/cm2) was used to irradiate rat corneal epithelial cells for 2 h. Cell morphology was observed on differential interference contrast microscopy, and the numbers of the different kinds of apoptotic cells were counted using the ImageJ software. Cell viability was measured with the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5- diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide method. Cell apoptotic rate and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected using flow cytometric analyses. The expression levels of 3 apoptotic genes were measured with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction at different time points within 0-24 h after irradiation. Results: After 144-mJ/cm2 ultraviolet B irradiation for 2 h, the expression levels of caspase-8 and Bax were highest at 0 h; furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased at 0 h and remained constant for 6 h in a subsequent culture. At 6 h, caspase-3 was activated. The decrease in cell viability and increase in apoptotic rate peaked at 6 h. The caspase-3 expression level decreased within 12-24 h, which led to a decline in apoptotic rate and change in apoptotic stage. Conclusions: The corneal epithelial cells exhibited rapid apoptosis after ultraviolet B irradiation, which was associated with both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the mechanism and effects of Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice following sevoflurane anesthetic. Mice of SAP group were placed in box with oxygen and anesthetic gas (60 mg/kg, pentobarbital), 2.5% Sevoflurane was pumped into the box for 1 h. H9C2 cells were treated by 3% sevoflurane for 6 h and a mixture of 95% O2 + 5% CO2 for 24 h. Fgl2 mRNA expression was up-regulated in mice of I/R injury following sevoflurane. Fgl2 protein reduced HR, LVDP, dp/dtmax (+) and dp/dtmax (-), increased LVEDP levels, myocardial infarct size and AI in mice of I/R injury following sevoflurane. Fgl2 suppressed PPAR signaling pathway, and promoted ROS production in vivo or vitro model. The activation of PPAR signaling pathway reduced the function of Fgl2 in vivo and vitro model. Fgl2 might serve as a therapeutic target in the treatment of I/R injury following sevoflurane. We hope that our findings will pave a way for future therapies against I/R injury following sevoflurane.

Abstract Quinoa starch microparticles (QSMs) fabricated with unhydrolyzed quinoa starch (QS) by inverse microemulsion technology could be used as medicine delivery and cosmetic accessories. The size distribution of QSMs was uniform at 28.5 μM, and the adsorption capacity of methylene blue was 0.82 mg/ g. The optimum preparation process was as follows: a QS mass fraction of 9%, an epoxy chloropropane content of 1%, an amount of oil phase of 100 mL, a span 80 of 3 mg/mL, and a stirring speed of 400 r/min for 3 h at room temperature and pressure. The QSMs were spherical, ellipsoidal in shape with the specific surface area of 1.676 m2/g. The crystallinity of the QSMs increased from 1.24% to 16.8% after crosslinking. The maximum thermal degradation temperature of the QSMs rose slightly than QS. It will be a promising material for application as a drug carrier and in cosmetics.

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a widespread mycotoxin found in food, poses a significant threat to the food industry and production. The primary target of AFB1 is the liver. Probiotic-mediated antitoxicity has been proposed to overcome aflatoxin toxicity. In the present study, to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Lactobacillus plantarum SCS2 (L. plantarum SCS2) against HepG2 cells oxidative stress induced by AFB1. HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of AFB1 (0-10 μmol/L) to induce oxidative stress and L. plantarum SCS2 (total protein, 0.4 mg/mL) was pretreated HepG2 for 2 h and then supplemented with AFB1 (10 μmol/L) for 22 h to observe cellular oxidative stress. The cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, activities and mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway were measured. The results showed that AFB1 exposure caused oxidative stress in HepG2. Supplementation of L. plantarum SCS2 prevented AFB1-induced HepG2 cells activity decreased and activated antioxidant enzymes activity by inhibiting Nrf2 over expression. The results of in vitro experiments revealed that L. plantarum SCS2 evidently protected against AFB1-induced oxidative stress.

Abstract It has been determined that Lycium barbarum L. leaves are a vital source of bioactive chemicals and have good potential for creating nutritious formulations. In this work, gavage injections of Lycium barbarum L. leaves flavonoids (LBLF) at various doses – 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg BW – were administered to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Four main LBLFs (rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin) were assessed for stability and antioxidant activity in vivo. The findings demonstrated that within 4 h of the LBLF intervention, the plasma levels of rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin were significantly dose-dependent. The rutin content peaked at 762.16 ± 36.63 μg/g at 1 h after the intervention, while the other three peaked at 383.07 ± 3.19 μg/g, 29.44 ± 1.95 μg/g and 18.511 ± 1.99 μg/g, at 3 h after the intervention respectively. Additionally, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly lower, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were all considerably higher than those of the control group. This will establish a basis for elucidating the LBLF metabolic pathway in vivo, additional research into techniques to increase its stability, and investigation into its therapeutic activity.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the impact of one-time high load exercise on skeletal muscle injury and analysis its mechanism in different genders. Methods: Twenty-four male and 24 female rats were divided randomly into four groups respectively: control, 0 h, 6 h, and 24 h after exercise. The activities of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and myohemoglobin (MYO) in serum, the expression level of oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme, and the apoptosis related protein in quadriceps were detected. Results: The results showed that the activities of CK, LDH and MYO in serum increased immediately after exercise and restored faster in female rats. More obvious structural disorder and apoptosis in male rats were showed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased while catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were decreased in male rats. SOD, CAT and GSH were increased in female rats. Mitochondrial complex enzyme activity was decreased in males and increased in females. Conclusions: The skeletal muscle injury in both genders of rat could be induced by one-time high load exercise due to the mitochondrial respiratory enzyme dysfunction and oxidative stress, which was relatively mild and recovered quicker in female rats.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigated the effects of oral administration of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) on inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut flora in rats with hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI). Methods: The rats from C. butyricum group were given C. butyricum for 5 days. Then, hepatic ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 6 h were performed in all the rats. After the animals were sacrificed, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota composition in feces, and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65) and histological analysis in the liver were performed. Results: The rats given C. butyricum showed decreased ALT, AST, LPS, and MDA; improved GSH and histological damage; changes in SCFAs; declined TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, and pNF-κBp65/NF-κBp65; and changes in the gut microbial composition, which decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased the relative abundance (RA) of probiotics. Conclusions: C. butyricum supplementation protected against HIRI by regulating gut microbial composition, which contributed to the decreased LPS and attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress. These indicate C. butyricum may be a potent clinical preoperative dietary supplement for HIRI.

ABSTRACT The quick adjustments of leaf traits are critical for keeping the survival of plants under dehydration. In this study, we examined the hypotheses that plants would adapt to dehydration by shrinking its mesophyll cells to offset the water loss, or triggering water regulation mechanism caused by enzymes. Leaf structure, elastic modulus (Em), leaf tensity (LT) and leaf density (LD) were determined with detached leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. and Morus alba L. at each water loss moment (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h). The coupling model between gripping force and LT was established using the Gibbs free energy equation, and the initial LT was determined. The intracellular water availability of M. alba decreased at 4 h, which was earlier than that of B. papyrifera. The intracellular water availability of M. alba was more sensitive than B. papyrifera. Broussonetia papyrifera adapted to dehydration by shrinking its mesophyll cells to offset the water loss, or triggering water regulation mechanism caused by enzymes, i.e., carbonic anhydrase. The sponge parenchyma of B. papyrifera at 3 h decreased by 25.73% of that at control. Morus alba maintained intracellular water availability just by changing the leaf structure. The offset effects through shrinking cells differed between B. papyrifera and M. alba, because the elastic-plastic behavior of their leaves and cells were different. The Em of M. alba was over five-fold higher than that of B. papyrifera. The investigations of water status were more accurate in terms of leaf physical traits instead of water content.

RESUMO Introdução: As lesões musculares são fenômenos comuns no esporte e a maioria são causadas por exercícios intensos praticados por um longo período. Objetivo: O efeito do treinamento de resistência de velocidade de alta intensidade (AI) nas lesões musculares de atletas. Métodos: 14 corredores foram recrutados; os índices de lesão muscular dos indivíduos foram testados 15 minutos antes e 24h, 48h e 72h após o treino de resistência de velocidade em AV e AI (modos alto volume e alta intensidade, respectivamente). Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo mostram que tanto os treinamentos de resistência de velocidade nos modos alto volume e AI causaram certo grau de lesão aos músculos dos indivíduos, mas a lesão ao músculo por treino de resistência de velocidade no modo AI foi mais severa do que aquela no modo alto volume (P < 0.05). Conclusões: O treinamento de resistência de velocidade no modo AI causa certo grau de lesão aos músculos dos indivíduos, mas causa danos mais sérios do que o treino de resistência de velocidade no modo alto volume. Nível de evidência II; estudos terapêuticos – investigação de resultados de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sports muscle injury is a common phenomenon in sports, and most of it is caused by intense exercise done for a long time. Objective: The effect of high intensity mode (HI) speed endurance training on the muscle injury of athletes. Methods: 14 sprinters were recruited; the muscle injury indexes of the subjects were tested 15 min before and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after speed endurance training in HV mode and HI mode (high volume mode and high intensity mode, respectively). Results: The results of this study showed that both high amount and HI mode speed endurance training caused a certain degree of injury to the subjects’ muscles, but the injury caused by HI mode speed endurance training to the muscles was more serious than that caused by high amount (P < 0.05). Conclusions: HI mode speed endurance training causes a certain degree of injury to the subjects’ muscle, but it causes more serious injury than high volume mode speed endurance training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las lesiones musculares son fenómenos comunes en el deporte y la mayoría es causada por ejercicios intensos practicados por un largo periodo. Objetivo: El efecto del entrenamiento de resistencia de velocidad de alta intensidad (AI) en las lesiones musculares de atletas. Métodos: Se reclutaron 14 corredores; se testaron los índices de lesión muscular de los individuos 15 minutos antes y 24h, 48h y 72h después del entrenamiento de resistencia de velocidad en AV y AI (modos alto volumen y alta intensidad, respectivamente). Resultados: Los resultados de este estudio muestran que tanto los entrenamientos de resistencia de velocidad en los modos alto volumen y AI causaron cierto grado de lesión a los músculos de los individuos, pero la lesión al músculo por entrenamiento de resistencia de velocidad en el modo AI fue más severa que aquella en el modo alto volumen (P<0.05) Conclusiones: El entrenamiento de resistencia de velocidad en el modo AI causa cierto grado de lesión a los músculos de los individuos, pero causa daños más serios que el entrenamiento de resistencia de velocidad en el modo alto volumen. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos – investigación de resultados de tratamiento.