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 Objective: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by high heterogeneity and postoperative recurrence rate. This study aims to explore the clinical significance of tissue Leukocyte-Specific Transcript 1 (LST1) in predicting CRSwNP recurrence. Methods: We enrolled 62 CRSwNP patients including 30 primary CRSwNP and 32 recurrent CRSwNP patients, and 40 Healthy Controls (HC). Tissue samples were collected. Tissue LST1 expression was assessed by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Western Blotting (WB) and Immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The predictive values of LST1 expression for CRSwNP postoperative recurrence were assessed through the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The tissue levels of LST1 were significantly increased in the CRSwNP group than the HC group, especially in the recurrent group, and the elevated LST1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with the peripheral eosinophil percentages, tissue eosinophil counts and percentages. IF staining results showed that the LST1 protein levels were higher in CRSwNP patients, especially in the recurrent patients than in the HC group. ROC curves highlighted that tissue LST1 levels were associated with recurrent CRSwNP and exhibited a higher predictive ability for postoperative CRSwNP recurrence. Conclusion: This was the first report suggesting that LST1 expression was upregulated and associated with mucosal eosinophil infiltration and CRSwNP recurrence. Tissue LST1 could be a promising biomarker for predicting postoperative recurrence in CRwNP patients.

RESUMO Introdução Os dançarinos devem ter as qualidades de força necessárias para completar as técnicas de movimento de dança, a capacidade de coordenar os movimentos e o corpo, além de conferir total capacidade de execução às qualidades como força muscular, poder explosivo e controle em movimento acelerado. Objetivo Verificar a principal morfologia muscular dos membros inferiores dos bailarinos esportivos. Métodos 24 alunos de graduação foram selecionados de uma escola de esportes de uma universidade, especializados em dança esportiva, divididos em três grupos para experimento de aptidão física. Resultados Diferentes pressões do treinamento responderam com efeitos diferentes sobre a espessura dos principais músculos dos membros inferiores. Em comparação com a espessura do reto femoral no estado de repouso antes da experiência, a espessura muscular imediatamente após o exercício foi significativamente aumentada nos grupos de 250 e 300 (P<0,05). Conclusão O treinamento a um nível de pressão moderado - valor de pressão de 200 mmHg a 250 mmHg - pode alcançar melhores resultados. O protocolo apresentado resultou numa melhora funcional do músculo esquelético. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos -investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction The dancers must have the necessary strength qualities to complete the dance movement techniques and coordinate the body movements, besides giving full capacity of execution to the qualities such as muscular strength, explosive power, and control in accelerated movement. Objective Verify the main muscular morphology of the lower limbs of sports dancers. Methods 24 undergraduate students were selected from a sports school of a university, specialized in sports dance, and divided into three groups for a physical fitness experiment. Results Different training pressures responded with different effects on the thickness of major lower limb muscles. Compared to the thickness of the rectus femoris in the resting state before the experiment, muscle thickness immediately after exercise was significantly increased in the 250 and 300 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Training at a moderate pressure level - pressure value of 200 mmHg to 250 mmHg - can achieve better results. The presented protocol resulted in a functional improvement of the skeletal muscle. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción Los bailarines deben tener las cualidades necesarias de fuerza para completar las técnicas de movimiento de la danza, la capacidad de coordinar los movimientos y el cuerpo, además de dar total capacidad de ejecución a las cualidades como fuerza muscular, potencia explosiva y control en el movimiento acelerado. Objetivo Verificar la principal morfología muscular de los miembros inferiores de los bailarines deportivos. Métodos Se seleccionaron 24 estudiantes de grado de una escuela de deportes de una universidad, especializada en danza deportiva, divididos en tres grupos para el experimento de aptitud física. Resultados Las diferentes presiones de entrenamiento respondieron con diferentes efectos sobre el grosor de los principales músculos de las extremidades inferiores. En comparación con el grosor del recto femoral en estado de reposo antes del experimento, el grosor del músculo inmediatamente después del ejercicio aumentó significativamente en los grupos 250 y 300 (P<0,05). Conclusión El entrenamiento a un nivel de presión moderado - valor de presión de 200 mmHg a 250 mmHg - puede lograr mejores resultados. El protocolo presentado dio lugar a una mejora funcional del músculo esquelético. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of endoscopic and open resection of sinonasal malignancies. Methods: The search was performed using PubMed (1950–2020), Embase (1974–2020), the Cochrane library, and the website clinicaltrials.gov. The hazard ratio, HR, 95% confidence interval, CI, of the rates of overall survival and disease-free survival and the demographic characteristics of the included studies were extracted and analyzed. Pooled analysis was conducted with the studies’ individual patient data, using log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier survival, and Cox regression analysis. Results: Of 1939 articles retrieved, 23 articles were included. Overall, 1373 cases were incorporated into the final analysis, 653 (47.56%) of which underwent the surgery through an endoscopic approach, whereas 720 (52.44%) cases utilized the open approach. The overall survival was comparable between endoscopic and open resection (HR = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.65–1.07], p = 0.16; random effects analysis). Pooled analysis with Cox regression revealed significant differences in overall survival (HR = 0.568 [95%CI:0.380-0.849], p = 0.006) and disease-free survival (HR = 0.628 [95%CI:0.424-0.929], p = 0.02) between endoscopic and open approaches. Conclusion: The aggregated evidence suggests the survival outcome of endoscopic resection is comparable or greater than that of open resection of sinonasal malignancies.

RESUMO Introdução: A velocidade e qualidade da recuperação funcional após a reconstrução de ligamentos cruzados do joelho diretamente afetam o efeito do treinamento e resultados de competição de atletas. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da reabilitação sistemática precoce após a reconstrução de rupturas dos ligamentos em atletas de esportes ao ar livre. Métodos: Neste estudo, Liu Mou, um excepcional jogador do time masculino nacional de rúgbi, foi escolhido como objeto do experimento. Um programa de treino de reabilitação foi adotado e a reabilitação começou de 2 a 5 semanas após a reconstrução. Resultados: Após a recuperação da primeira fase por 4 semanas, o ângulo de extensão do joelho do membro lesado na posição sentada alcançou 180 graus. Na segunda fase de reabilitação por treino físico, o teste de composição corporal mostrou que a gordura corporal havia diminuído de 20,8% antes da reabilitação para 16,3%. Ao final da terceira fase de treino físico, Liu pode completar um high flip. Conclusões: Através das diferentes fases de treinamento físico de reabilitação pós-operatório, a condição física de Liu foi completamente recuperada a um nível elevado. Ele pode então participar de treinos normais no rúgbi e voltar a jogar, o que indica que o treino de reabilitação de Liu após a reconstrução ligamentar cruzada foi eficaz. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos – investigação de resultados de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The speed and quality of functional recovery after knee cruciate ligament reconstruction directly affect the training effect and competition results of athletes. Objective: To evaluate the effect of early systematic rehabilitation after reconstruction of ligament tears in outdoor sports athletes. Methods: In this study, Liu Mou, an outstanding player of the national men's rugby team, was selected as the experimental object. A rehabilitation training program was adopted, and rehabilitation began from 2 to 5 weeks after reconstruction. Results: After the recovery of the first stage for 4 weeks, the knee extension Angle of the injured limb in Liu's sitting position reached 180 degrees. In the second stage of rehabilitation physical training, the body composition test showed that body fat decreased from 20.8% before rehabilitation to 16.3%. At the end of the third stage of physical training, he could complete the high flip. Conclusions: Through different stages of postoperative rehabilitation physical training, Liu's physical condition fully recovered to a higher level. He could then participate in normal football training and return to the game, indicating that Liu's rehabilitation training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is effective. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Resumen Introducción: La velocidad y calidad de la recuperación funcional tras la reconstrucción de ligamentos cruzados de la rodilla derecha afectan el efecto del entrenamiento y resultados de competición de atletas. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la rehabilitación sistemática temprana tras la reconstrucción de roturas de los ligamentos en atletas de deportes al aire libre. Métodos: En este estudio, Liu Mou, un excepcional jugador del equipo masculino nacional de rugby, fue elegido como objeto del experimento. Un programa de entrenamiento de rehabilitación se adoptó y la rehabilitación empezó de 2 a 5 semanas tras la reconstrucción. Resultados: Tras la recuperación de la primera fase por 4 semanas, el ángulo de extensión de la rodilla del miembro lesionado en la posición sentada alcanzó 180 grados. En la segunda fase de rehabilitación por entrenamiento físico, el test de composición corporal mostró que la grasa corporal había disminuido de 20,8% antes de la rehabilitación para 16,3%. Al fin de la tercera fase de entrenamiento físico, Liu ha podido completar un high flip. Conclusiones: Por medio de las diferentes fases de entrenamiento físico de rehabilitación postoperatorio, la condición física de Liu fue completamente recuperada a un nivel elevado. Él pudo, entonces, participar de entrenamientos normales en el rugby y volver a jugar, lo que indica que el entrenamiento de rehabilitación de Liu tras la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado fue eficaz. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos – investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency in comparison with standard-voltage pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of elderly patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia. METHODS: Sixty-four elderly acute herpes zoster neuralgia patients were randomly assigned to the standard-voltage pulsed radiofrequency group (i.e., group S, 32 cases) and the high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency group (i.e., group H, 32 cases), which received the standard-voltage and high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency treatment, respectively. The doses of gabapentin and tramadol for analgesia were adjusted based on pain degree of patients. The therapeutic effectiveness were assessed using the numeric rating scale and the sleep quality scale. The doses of gabapentin and tramadol before pulsed radiofrequency and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after pulsed radiofrequency were measured. The incidence of clinically meaningful postherpetic neuralgia (pulsed radiofrequency) 12 weeks after pulsed radiofrequency was noted. RESULTS: After pulsed radiofrequency, the numeric rating scale score and the doses of gabapentin and tramadol in group H were significantly lower than those in group S, respectively (p<0.05). The sleep quality scale score in group H was significantly higher than that in group S (p<0.05). The incidence of clinically meaningful pulsed radiofrequency in group H was significantly lower than that in group S (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: For the treatment of elderly patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia, when compared with the standard-voltage pulsed radiofrequency, the high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency can rapidly and steadily reduce the pain degree, improve the sleep quality, reduce the doses of anticonvulsants and analgesics, and decrease the incidence of clinically meaningful postherpetic neuralgia.

ABSTRACT Background: Climate warming has caused substantial changes in temporal and spatial environmental patterns. The study on hot spots of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China under predicted climate change can provide a scientific reference for the restoration and reconstruction of those degraded habitats, as well as the improvement of the protection system in Northwest China. Results: Based on MaxEnt algorithm, 813 effective distribution records and 11 environmental factor variables of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China, this study identified the changes of biodiversity hotspots of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China under predicted climate change. The results showed that: (1) the prediction accuracy of MaxEnt model is high, the area under the curve (AUC) is 0.876, and the total suitable area for potential geographical distribution of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China is 137.96×104km2, mainly including Western and Southwestern Xinjiang, Southern Gansu, parts of Eastern and Southern Qinghai Province, and Southern Shaanxi Province; (2) altitude, temperature and precipitation are the main environmental factors affecting the hot spots of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China; (3) under four climate change scenarios in the future, with the increase of emission scenarios from low to high forcing, Xinjiang would have the most obvious loss of hot spots of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China, and the most obvious increase of which would occur in Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Conclusion: Under the climate change scenario in the future, with the emission scenario increasing from low forcing to high forcing, the most obvious loss of the hot spots of rare and endangered plants in Northwest China happens in Xinjiang Province, and that of the most obvious increase occurs in Qinghai and Gansu provinces.

AZ31B magnesium alloy/AA6061 aluminium alloy welded structures have been widely used in the lightweight design of automobile bodies. To improve the joint strength, the ultrasonic spot welding (USW) solid state connection method is used in this paper. The results show that at a welding energy of 1540 J, there is evidence of melting in the weld joint. As the welding energy increases, the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) grow rapidly and form a reaction layer approximately 17 μm thick. The IMCs are mainly composed of the γ-Mg17Al12+β-Mg2Al3 phase, where the β-Mg2Al3 phase hardness is as high as 6.5 GPa and shows a typical pop-in phenomenon and the average hardness of the γ-Mg17Al12 cubic structure phase is 3.4 GPa. When the welding energy reaches 1540 J, the β phase rapidly grows, and the joint performance decreases rapidly. The fracture morphology indicates a cleavage fracture and is accompanied by a large number of secondary cracks.

ABSTRACT To investigate the genetic variation and molecular epidemiology characteristics of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) in Guizhou Province, nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, from December 2017 to March 2018, and inoculated to Hep-2 cells to isolate HRSV. Cells that showed cytopathic effect (CPE) were then confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay and reverse transcription. The sequence of the PCR products was determined for HRSV isolates, and the genetic variation was analyzed. Out of 196 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, HRSV were isolated in 39. The second hypervariable region at the 3' terminal of glycoprotein gene (HVR2) sequence analysis showed that subgroup A was dominant. Seventy-nine percent of the isolates belonged to subgroup A, ON1 genotype, and 21 % belonged to subgroup B, BA9 genotype, which indicates that the dominant HRSV circulating in Guizhou Province was subgroup A, genotype ON1, co-circulating with a less prevalent subgroup B, genotype BA9.

Abstract Flavones have the potential of being used as a dietary supplement for bone health promotion beyond calcium and vitamin D. Recent studies have showed that flavones enhanced bone formation and inhibited bone resorption by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation through various cell signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the effects of a new flavone (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate, isolated from the metabolites of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. FJ-1 of Acanthus ilicifolius L., Acanthaceae, on osteoblast differentiation by using MC3T3-E1 cells. It was observed that (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate promoted osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by increased mineralization process and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as expression of genes encoding the bone differentiation. Moreover (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate treatment upregulated the gene expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family, bone morphogenetic protein and runt-related transcription factor 2, and protein expression of phosphor-Smad1/5/8, β-catenin and runt-related transcription factor 2 in MC3T3-E1 cells. The osteoblast differentiation effects induced by (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate were attenuated by the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist Noggin, and wingless-type MMTV integration site family signaling pathway inhibitors Dickkopf-1. Co-treatment with adenosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate pathway inhibitors, H89 and KT5823, respectively, reversed the (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate-induced activations of p-Smad1/5/8, β-catenin, and runt-related transcription factor 2. Our data demonstrated that (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate promoted the osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, at least partially through the adenosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate signaling pathways, providing the scientific rational to develop (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate against bone loss-associated diseases.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the differences in learning style preferences among bachelor degree nursing students at Central South University and associate degree nursing students at the Vocational Health School in China. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the VARK questionnaire to assess preferred learning styles: 159 enrolled bachelor degree nursing students and 199 enrolled associate degree nursing students completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 96.8%. Results The bachelor degree nursing students tend to prefer a multimodal learning style (58.49%), which significantly differed from that of associate degree nursing students (45.77%). The kinaesthetic modality was the predominant unimodal learning style among the bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students (18.20% and 33.67%), and the read-write modality was the least popular modality (2.5% and 4.02%). Conclusion There are both differences and similarities between the learning style preferences of bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students. Educational background is one of the most critical factors that influence the learning style preference of nursing students. This finding may be necessary and beneficial for carrying out future curricula reform. In addition, further comprehensive research should be conducted to examine the relationships between learning style preferences and academic performance, as well as learning style preferences and teaching methods.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the differences in learning style preferences among bachelor degree nursing students at Central South University and associate degree nursing students at the Vocational Health School in China. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the VARK questionnaire to assess preferred learning styles: 159 enrolled bachelor degree nursing students and 199 enrolled associate degree nursing students completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 96.8%. Results The bachelor degree nursing students tend to prefer a multimodal learning style (58.49%), which significantly differed from that of associate degree nursing students (45.77%). The kinaesthetic modality was the predominant unimodal learning style among the bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students (18.20% and 33.67%), and the read-write modality was the least popular modality (2.5% and 4.02%). Conclusion There are both differences and similarities between the learning style preferences of bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students. Educational background is one of the most critical factors that influence the learning style preference of nursing students. This finding may be necessary and beneficial for carrying out future curricula reform. In addition, further comprehensive research should be conducted to examine the relationships between learning style preferences and academic performance, as well as learning style preferences and teaching methods.

Pre-compression 3% and pre-stretch 3% subsequent annealing at 200ºC for 2h are conducted on AZ31 magnesium alloys, then inverse tensile and compressive deformation are carried out at room temperature, respectively. During inverse tension 3% deformation on 1st pre-compression samples, detwinning behavior happens; after 2nd pre-compression 3%, the volume fraction of {10-12} extension twins decreases comparing with 1st pre-compression. Due to the interaction of dislocation and induced twinning lamellas, strain hardening rate (θ) increases on 1st and 2nd pre-compression samples. {10-12} tensile twinning is restrained during inverse compressive deformation by pre-stretch process. Owing to the decreasing amount of twins, the texture strengthening in compressive deformation weakens. So the slop of stage III in strain hardening rate sustaining reduces after 1st pre-stretch 3% and 2nd pre-stretch 3% deformation during inverse compression deformation.

A new polymeric silver(I) complex, [Ag2(L¹)2(L²)(OH2)]n, was obtained by the reaction of 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (HL¹), 2-amino-5-methylpyridine (L²) and silver oxide in aqueous ammonia. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray determination. The smallest repeat unit contains a [Ag2(L¹)2(L²)(OH2)] moiety. The Ag···Ag distance is 7.490(2) Å. One Ag atom is coordinated by three pyrazine N and two carboxylate O atoms from four L¹ ligands, forming a square pyramidal coordination, and the other one is coordinated by one pyrazine N and one carboxylate O atoms from a L¹ ligand, one pyridine N atom from a L² ligand, and one water O atom, forming a square planar geometry. In the crystal structure of the complex, the dinuclear silver moieties are linked through L¹ ligands, to form 1D chains along the x-axis direction. The chains are further linked through intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the y- and z-axis directions, forming a 3D network. In addition, there are π···π interactions among the chains. The complex showed effective cytotoxic property on human lung cancer cell line A549.