Abstract Aplastic anemia (AA), a rare disorder, is associated with bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). Presently, AA treatment is of great difficulty. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) in AA. Busulfan was used to induce AA in BALB/c mice; blood cell count and Ray’s Giemsa staining were used to assess the severity of hematopoietic failure; HE was performed to assess the pathological state of the marrow cavity; ELISA was performed to assess IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, VEGF, and EPO; and WB was performed to evaluate the effects of RGP on the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Significant downregulation of hemocyte levels in the blood and nucleated cells in the bone marrow was reversed by RGP and Cyclosporine A (CA). Compared with the AA group, dilating blood sinusoids, inflammation, hematopoiesis, decreased bone marrow cells and megakaryocytes were alleviated by RGP and CA, and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling was inhibited too. Notably, RGP was more effective when used in combination with CA. In this study, we established a relationship between BMM and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and found that RGP regulates BMM by suppressing the activation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Thus, RGP exerts a pharmacological effect on AA.

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Infiltration between the Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the posterior Knee (IPACK) combined with an adductor canal block under the guidance of ultrasound on early motor function after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: A sample of 60 cases who were scheduled for elective unilateral TKA were divided into two groups using random number table method: a group with IPACK combined with an adductor canal block (I group, n = 30), and a group with femoral nerve block combined with superior popliteal sciatic nerve block (FS group, n = 30). Before anesthesia induction was completed, the patients in I group received an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block with 15 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and an IPACK block with 25 mL of ropivacaine, and the patients in FS group received a femoral nerve block and a superior popliteal sciatic nerve block with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine under ultrasound guidance. Post-operation, all the patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia combined with an oral celecoxib capsule to relieve pain and maintain a visual analogue scale score of ≤ 3. Results: The quadriceps femoris muscle strength score was significantly higher in I group than in FS group (p = 0.001), while the modified Bromage score were significantly lower and walking distance results were significantly higher in I group than in FS group (both p = 0.000). Conclusion: Compared with femoral nerve block combined with superior popliteal sciatic nerve block, IPACK combined with adductor canal block had a mild impact on early motor functions after TKA.

Abstract Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) plays a key role in tea processing. It catalyzes the conversion of tea polyphenols into theaflavin and its derivatives. PPO was partially purified and characterized in both its soluble form (sPPO) and membrane-bound form (mPPO) from tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves. Both forms were purified by three-phase partitioning and membrane ultrafiltration. sPPO and mPPO showed high activity against diphenols as substrate and had the highest affinity for catechol and caffeic acid. The optimum temperatures and pH for enzyme activity were different. mPPO was more stable than sPPO in the acidic pH range. Among the chemical inhibitors studied, oxalic acid exerted the highest inhibitory effect on mPPO, whereas EDTA showed the highest inhibitory effect on sPPO. Both sPPO and mPPO showed similar enzymatic synthesis rates in the formation of theaflavin-3'-gallate and theaflavin-3,3'-gallate. At high concentrations of the substrate, the synthesis of theaflavins was inhibited due to the presence of high levels of ester catechins. However, mPPO showed stronger stability against inhibition by ester catechins than sPPO.

Abstract Three extraction parameters including extraction time, material to solvent ratio, and extraction temperature for the extraction yield of Phyllanthus urinaria polysaccharides were optimized by response surface methodology. The results revealed that the optimal extraction process was extraction time of 5.3 h, extraction temperature of 93 °C, and material to solvent ratio of 1:47 g/mL, under which the polysaccharide yield was 6.40%; The three parameters had significant effect on the polysaccharide yield, and the influence of extraction time was the greatest and that of extraction temperature was the lowest. The antioxidant activity test indicated that the equivalent scavenging ability of Phyllanthus urinaria polysaccharides on DPPH and ABTS free radicals was 0.88 and 0.84 μg TBHQ/μg of polysaccharides, respectively; while the reducing power and total antioxidant capacity of Phyllanthus urinaria polysaccharides was equivalent to 93.62% and 93.55% of TBHQ, respectively. The Phyllanthus urinaria polysaccharides had good antioxidant activity.

Abstract Pain is a significant problem worldwide that affects the quality of life of patients. Dezocine is a non-addictive analgesic drug with kappa-opioid antagonist activity and has been successfully used to alleviate of postoperative pain. In addition, dezocine has an analgesic effect similar to that of morphine, alleviating moderate to severe pain. Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (RAPGEF3) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for GTPases Rap1 and Rap2, which could enhance the activity of Rap1 to promote cell adhesion and axon regeneration, as well as promote neurite extension by interacting with nerve growth factors. Here, we first observed that overexpression of RAPGEF3 increased cell viability, as shown by a CCK-8 assay, and recovered brain function in rats. The expression of inflammation-related factors at the mRNA level was detected using qPCR, and the concentration of these factors in a cultured cell medium and rat serum samples were decreased as shown by ELISA after RAPGEF3 overexpression. Through western blotting, we further found that pro-inflammatory proteins were decreased, and these effects might be mediated by inhibition of the Ras/p-38 MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, we speculated that RAPGEF3overexpression enhances the therapeutic effect of dezocine on neuropathic pain by inhibiting the inflammatory response through inhibition of the Ras/p-38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar quais fatores influenciam na lealdade dos usuários de sistemas inteligentes de compartilhamento de bicicletas sem estações. Metodologia: Um total de 374 indivíduos que tiveram experiência anterior com o uso de sistemas inteligentes de compartilhamento de bicicletas sem estações foi reunido e o método parcial de mínimos quadrados (PLS) foi utilizado para analisar os modelos de medição e estrutural. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que a lealdade do cliente era o construto final produzido pelo valor ecológico percebido, pela satisfação do cliente e pelo prazer percebido, que são avaliados como mediadores parciais entre a qualidade do serviço e a lealdade do cliente. Contribuições: Este estudo: 1) oferece uma nova perspectiva para se examinar o comportamento de lealdade do consumidor em um contexto de sistemas inteligentes de compartilhamento de bicicletas sem estações inteligentes; 2) identifica o papel da qualidade do serviço como um estímulo importante; 3) confirma o prazer percebido não apenas como um efeito sobre a lealdade do cliente, mas também como atuando como um excelente mediador; e 4) oferece evidência empírica para os prestadores do sistema inteligente de compartilhamento de bicicletas sem estações aprimorarem a adoção do transporte ecológico e fortalecerem a lealdade do cliente ao sistema inteligente.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate which factors influence users’ loyalty to smart dockless bike-sharing systems (DBSS). Design/methodology/approach: A sample of 374 subjects who had previously experienced smart DBSS was obtained and the partial least squares (PLS) method was performed to analyze the measurement and structural models. Findings: The results indicated that customer loyalty was the final construct produced by perceived green value, customer satisfaction, and perceived pleasure, which were found to be partial mediators between service quality and customer loyalty. Originality/value: This study (1) provides a new perspective from which to examine consumer loyalty behavior in a smart DBSS context, (2) it identifies the role of service quality as an important stimulus, (3) it confirms that perceived pleasure not only has an effect on customer loyalty, but also acts as an excellent mediator, and (4) it provides empirical evidence for smart DBSS providers to enhance the adoption of green transport and to strengthen customer loyalty to smart DBSS.

Lung cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and is characterized by rapid progression, aggressive behavior, frequent recurrence, and poor prognosis. The TCGA database indicates that chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) is overexpressed in human lung cancer tissues compared with normal tissues and this overexpression corresponds to shorter overall survival in lung cancer patients. In this study, to investigate the function of CHPF in lung cancer, lentiviral vectors expressing CHPF shRNA were stably transduced into A549 and H1299 cells. Compared to shCtrl cells, CHPF knockdown cells had significantly reduced proliferation. Furthermore, the silencing of CHPF in A549 and H1299 cells resulted in apoptotic induction, which led to decreased colony formation. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays revealed that CHPF could positively regulate the migration of lung cancer cells. The tumorigenic role of CHPF was also validated in nude mouse xenograft models. Affymetrix gene chip analysis indicated that CHPF regulated the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells through CDH1, RRM2, MKI67, and TNFRSF10B. We thus highlight CHPF as a novel target for lung cancer treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo se refere às teorias de suporte social e confiança para explorar que tipo de fatores afetam a intenção dos usuários de adotar o comércio social móvel (CSM). Metodologia: Um total de 207 indivíduos que já haviam experimentado ou conhecido o CSM foram identificados, e mínimos quadrados parciais foram realizados para analisar a medição e os modelos estruturais. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que as intenções de compra no CSM são afetadas significativamente por quatro outros fatores (suporte social, utilidade percebida, normas subjetivas e confiança) e a confiança, por sua vez, é afetada por três fatores (suporte social, utilidade percebida e normas subjetivas). Contribuições: Primeiro, este estudo examina o mecanismo de formação de confiança e ações no contexto do CSM. Segundo, contribui confirmando o importante papel dos fatores sociais no contexto do CSM. Terceiro, o estudo expande a teoria do suporte social. Por fim, nossa pesquisa fornece evidências empíricas para as empresas que adotaram o CSM para apoiar sua estratégia e programas de marketing.

Abstract Purpose: This study refers to the social support and trust theories to explore what kind of factors affect the users’ intention to adopt MSC. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 207 subjects who had previously experienced or known about MSC were identified and partial least squares were performed to analyse the measurement and structural models. Findings: The results indicated that MSC purchase intentions are affected significantly by four other factors (social support, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, and trust) and trust, in turn, is affected by three factors (social support, perceived usefulness, and subjective norms). Originality/value: First, this study examines the mechanism of trust formation and actions in the MSC context. Second, this study contributes by confirming the important role of social factors in the MSC context. Third, the study expands the social support theory. Finally, our research provides empirical evidence for enterprises that have adopted MSC to support their marketing strategy and programmes.

Abstract The wampee seed protein (WSP) was extracted by the ultrasonic and alkaline solution. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction parameters for obtaining the highest protein yield, and the protein’s functional properties such as protein solubility, water and oil holding capacity, and emulsifying and foaming properties ware studied in comparison with soy protein isolate (SPI). The results showed that ultrasonic time and pH significantly influenced the yield, and the optimal extraction conditions were achieved when solid-solvent ratio, ultrasonic time and pH were 1:29 g/mL, 64 min and 12, respectively, under which the yield was 15.06%. The functional property tests revealed that the WSP’s solubility was higher than that of SPI and its isoelectric point was near 3.0. Compared with SPI, the oil holding capacity, emulsion activity index and emulsion stability index of WSP were significantly higher, but its water holding capacity, foaming capacity and foaming stability were significantly lower.

Abstract Ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique was used to extract phenolic compounds from Phyllanthus urinaria and response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction parameters including ultrasonic time (X1), ethanol concentration (X2) and solid-liquid ratio (X3). A mathematical model of the tree parameters for the high extraction yield (Y) was established. Antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds was investigated by DPPH free radicals, ABTS free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals and reducing power assay with vitamin C as a control. The results showed that the independent variables (X1, X2 and X3) and the interaction terms (X1X3 and X2X3) had a significant effect on the extraction yield. The effect of the variables on the extraction yield was in the order of X3, X1 and X2. The optimal extraction process was X1 of 34 min, X2 of 46.5% and X3 of 1:63 g/mL, and the extraction yield was 9.59%, which was well matched with the predicted value. The antioxidant activity assay indicated that the phenolic compounds from Phyllanthus urinaria have a good antioxidant activity.

ABSTRACT Background: To investigate the effect of the personality traits on development of acute moun-tain sickness (AMS). Methods: One hundred and eighty-nine healthy male subjects transported from the plains (Chengdu, China) to high altitude area (Tibet, China) were enrolled in this study. Ninety-six sub-jects experienced AMS within two days after arriving at the Tibet plateau (AMS group). There were 93 subjects without AMS (healthy control without AMS group). The symptoms of AMS, state trait anxiety and personality traits of subjects were assessed using self-assessment and AMS questionnaire (Chinese criteria). Results: The AMS group had a significantly higher prevalence of self-assessed anxiety, compared with the healthy control group without AMS. Personality traits estimation based on data obtained by Eysenck personality questionnaire revealed higher neuroticism and extraversion scores in the AMS group. Neuroticism, extraversion and anxiety level expressed highly significant levels of mutual concordance. Conclusion: The anxiety level was the highest in patients with AMS and it corroborated with neuroticism and extraversion level from the Eysenck scale. Psychological disturbances and extra-version can affect the development of AMS in rapid entry population. It would be helpful for people with anxiety-trait or personality traits to deal with the stress, in order to decrease the risk of developing AMS.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar el efecto de los rasgos de personalidad en el desarrollo del mal agudo de montaña (MAM). Métodos: Ciento ochenta y nueve hombres sanos transportados desde las llanuras (Chengdu, China) al área de altitudes altas (Tíbet, China) fueron incluidos en este estudio. Noventa y seis sujetos experimentaron MAM dentro de dos días después de llegar a la meseta del Tíbet (grupo con MAM), mientras que 93 sujetos permanecieron sanos, sin MAM (grupo de control). Los síntomas de MAM, ansiedad de estado-rasgo, y los rasgos de la personalidad de los sujetos fueron evaluados utilizando la autoevaluación y el cuestionario MAM (criterios de China). Resultados: El grupo MAM tuvo una prevalencia significativamente mayor de ansiedad auto-evaluada, en comparación con el grupo de control sano sin MAM. La valoración de los rasgos de personalidad basada en datos obtenidos mediante el cuestionario de personalidad de Eysenck arrojó puntuaciones de mayor neuroticismo y extraversión en el grupo MAM. El nivel de neuroticismo, extraversión y ansiedad expresó un nivel de concordancia mutua altamente significativo. Conclusión: El nivel de ansiedad fue mayor en los pacientes con MAM y se correspondió con el nivel de neuroticismo y extraversión de la escala de Eysenck. La extraversión y los disturbios psicológicos pueden afectar el desarrollo de MAM en la población de entrada rápida. Sería útil para las personas con rasgos de ansiedad rasgo o rasgos de personalidad lidiar con el estrés, con el fin de disminuir el riesgo de desarrollo de MAM.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease. This study evaluated the value of hyperuricemia for predicting the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with relatively normal serum creatinine who were undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 788 patients with relatively normal baseline serum creatinine (<1.5 mg/dL) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively enrolled and divided into a hyperuricemic group (n = 211) and a normouricemic group (n = 577). Hyperuricemia is defined as a serum uric acid level>7 mg/ dL in males and >6 mg/dL in females. The incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury was significantly higher in the hyperuricemic group than in the normouricemic group (8.1% vs. 1.4%, p<0.001). In-hospital mortality and the need for renal replacement therapy were significantly higher in the hyperuricemic group. According to a multivariate analysis (adjusting for potential confounding factors) the odds ratio for contrast-induced acute kidney injury in the hyperuricemic group was 5.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.99-14.58; p = 0.001) compared with the normouricemic group. The other risk factors for contrast-induced acute kidney injury included age >75 years, emergent percutaneous coronary intervention, diuretic usage and the need for an intra-aortic balloon pump. CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with relatively normal serum creatinine after percutaneous coronary interventions. This observation will help to generate hypotheses for further prospective trials examining the effect of uric acid-lowering therapies for preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia reperfusion injury is partly responsible for the high mortality associated with induced myocardial injury and the reduction in the full benefit of myocardial reperfusion. Remote ischemic preconditioning, perconditioning, and postconditioning have all been shown to be cardioprotective. However, it is still unknown which one is the most beneficial. To examine this issue, we used adult male Wistar rat ischemia reperfusion models to compare the cardioprotective effect of these three approaches applied on double-sided hind limbs. METHODS: The rats were randomly distributed to the following five groups: sham, ischemia reperfusion, remote preconditioning, remote perconditioning, and remote post-conditioning. The ischemia/reperfusion model was established by sternotomy followed by a 30-min ligation of the left coronary artery and a subsequent 3-h reperfusion. Remote conditioning was induced with three 5-min ischemia/5-min reperfusion cycles of the double-sided hind limbs using a tourniquet. RESULTS: A lower early reperfusion arrhythmia score (1.50 + 0.97) was found in the rats treated with remote perconditioning compared to those in the ischemia reperfusion group (2.33 + 0.71). Meanwhile, reduced infarct size was also observed (15.27 + 5.19% in remote perconditioning, 14.53 + 3.45% in remote preconditioning, and 19.84+5.85% in remote post-conditioning vs. 34.47 + 7.13% in ischemia reperfusion, p<0.05), as well as higher expression levels of the apoptosis-relevant protein Bcl-2/Bax following global (ischemia/reperfusion) injury in in vivo rat heart models (1.255 + 0.053 in remote perconditioning, 1.463 + 0.290 in remote preconditioning, and 1.461 +0.541 in remote post-conditioning vs. 1.003 + 0.159 in ischemia reperfusion, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Three remote conditioning strategies implemented with episodes of double-sided hind limb ischemia/reperfusion have similar therapeutic potential for cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, and remote perconditioning has a greater ability to prevent reperfusion arrhythmia.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular septal defects resulting from post-traumatic cardiac injury are very rare. Percutaneous closure has emerged as a method for treating this disorder. We wish to report our experience in three patients who underwent percutaneous closure of a post-traumatic ventricular septal defect with a patent ductus arteriosus occluder. METHODS: We treated three patients with post-traumatic ventricular septal defects caused by stab wounds with knives. After the heart wound was repaired, patient examinations revealed ventricular septal defects with pulmonary/systemic flow ratios (Qp/Qs) of over 1.7. The post-traumatic ventricular septal defects were closed percutaneously with a patent ductus arteriosus occluder (Lifetech Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., LTD, Guangdong, China) utilizing standard techniques. RESULTS: Post-operative transthoracic echocardiography revealed no residual left-to-right shunt and indicated normal ventricular function. In addition, 320-slice computerized tomography showed that the occluder was well placed and exhibited normal morphology. CONCLUSION: Our experiences indicate that closure of a post-traumatic ventricular septal defect using a patent ductus arteriosus occluder is feasible, safe, and effective.