Abstract Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with multiple algorithms was used to determinate the tea polyphenols content in Chongzhou new loquat tea lines quickly and nondestructively. Samples of 26 Chongzhou new loquat tea lines were collected, then scanning NIRS, pretreating spectral noise information, screening characteristic spectral intervals by backward interval partial least squares, proceeding principal component analysis. Finally, the artificial neural network (BP-ANN) method with three kinds of transfer functions was applied to establish models. The best pretreated method was the combination of standard normal variation (SNV) and first derivative, and the characteristic spectral regions selected were 4381.5-4755.6 cm–1, 4759.5-5133.6 cm–1, 6266.6-6637.8 cm–1 and 7389.9-7760.2 cm–1, respectively. The cumulative contribution rate of the first three principal components of the selected characteristic spectra was 95.24%. When the BP-ANN calibration set model was established with the logistic function, NIRS model had the best results, whose root mean square error and determination coefficient of the cross validation were 0.975 and 0.372%, respectively. The root mean square error and the determination coefficient of the prediction set model were 0.962 and 0.400%, respectively. The results showed NIRS can predict the tea polyphenols content in Chongzhou new loquat tea lines quickly and accurately.

RESUMO Introdução: A Quinta Conferência Internacional de Bioquímica Esportiva, define a fadiga esportiva como o processo fisiológico de disfunção em um determinado nível ou incapacidade de manter uma intensidade de exercício predeterminada. Quando não tratada, pode causar efeitos adversos ao sistema musculoesquelético. Há alternativas naturais para o controle da fadiga esportiva na cultura chinesa, mas pesquisas científicas são necessárias afim de descobrir a real efetividade desses tratamentos. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito do banho medicinal tradicional da medicina chinesa na fadiga muscular de atletas. Métodos: 100 atletas com fadiga muscular induzida por exercícios foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos. O grupo controle recebeu injeção de gangliosideo combinada com protocolos de exercícios terapêuticos enquanto o grupo experimental recebeu o banho medicinal baseado na medicina tradicional chinesa. Foi avaliado o tônus de adutores, isquiotibiais, gastrocnêmios além da função motora dos membros inferiores. Resultados: A taxa efetiva total (90,8%) do grupo de observação foi superior à do grupo controle (72,3%) e a diferença foi estatisticamente significante (P<0,05). Após o tratamento, a tensão muscular adutores, jarrete e gastrocnêmio no grupo de observação foi menor que o grupo controle (P<0,05). O escore bruto de avaliação da função motora (GMFM-88), escore de escala de balanço de Berg (BBS), velocidade de caminhada de 10m em uma passarela de 20cm de largura (MWS) no grupo de observação foram maiores do que os do grupo controle (P<0,05). Conclusão: A loção de lavanda de ervas chinesas combinada com o exercício de suspensão pode melhorar efetivamente a força muscular do corpo após os exercícios, acelerar a recuperação da força muscular e reduzir significativamente a fadiga muscular induzida pelo exercício. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Fifth International Conference on Sports Biochemistry defines sports fatigue as the physiological process of dysfunction at a certain level or inability to maintain predetermined exercise intensity. When left untreated, it can cause adverse effects to the musculoskeletal system. Natural alternatives for controlling sports fatigue exist in Chinese culture, but scientific research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments. Objective: This study aimed to verify the effect of traditional Chinese medicinal baths on athletes’ muscle fatigue. Methods: 100 athletes with exercise-induced muscle fatigue were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received ganglioside injection combined with therapeutic exercise protocols, while the experimental group received the medicinal bath based on traditional Chinese medicine. Tonus of adductors, ischiotibials, gastrocnemius, in addition to lower limb motor function, was evaluated. Results: The total effective rate (90.8%) of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (72.3%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, adductor, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle tension in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Gross motor function assessment score (GMFM-88), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10m walking speed on a 20cm wide walkway (MWS) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Chinese herbal lavender lotion combined with suspension exercise can effectively improve the body's muscle strength after exercises, accelerate the recovery of muscle strength, and significantly reduce exercise-induced muscle fatigue. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

RESUMEN Introducción: La Quinta Conferencia Internacional de Bioquímica del Deporte, define la fatiga deportiva como el proceso fisiológico de disfunción a un determinado nivel o incapacidad para mantener una intensidad de ejercicio predeterminada. Si no se trata, puede causar efectos adversos en el sistema musculoesquelético. Existen alternativas naturales para el control de la fatiga deportiva en la cultura china, pero se necesita una investigación científica para descubrir la eficacia real de estos tratamientos. Objetivo: Verificar el efecto del baño medicinal tradicional de la medicina china sobre la fatiga muscular de los atletas. Métodos: 100 atletas con fatiga muscular inducida por el ejercicio fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos. El grupo de control recibió una inyección de gangliósidos combinada con protocolos de ejercicio terapéutico, mientras que el grupo experimental recibió el baño medicinal basado en la medicina tradicional china. Se evaluó el tono de los aductores, los isquiotibiales y los gastrocnemios, además de la función motora de los miembros inferiores. Resultados: La tasa efectiva total (90,8%) del grupo de observación fue superior a la del grupo de control (72,3%) y la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (P<0,05). Tras el tratamiento, la tensión de los músculos aductores, jarretes y gastrocnemios en el grupo de observación fue inferior a la del grupo de control (P<0,05). La puntuación de la evaluación de la función motora gruesa (GMFM-88), la puntuación de la Escala de Equilibrio de Berg (BBS) y la velocidad de marcha de 10 m en una pasarela de 20 cm de ancho (MWS) en el grupo de observación fueron mayores que las del grupo de control (P<0,05). Conclusión: La loción de hierbas chinas de lavanda combinada con el ejercicio de suspensión puede mejorar eficazmente la fuerza muscular del cuerpo después de los ejercicios, acelerar la recuperación de la fuerza muscular y reducir significativamente la fatiga muscular inducida por el ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Abstract The incidence of paraspinal schwannoma of supraclavicular fossa is low, and its operative plan and complications have not been systematic reported. Here, we reported a case of supraclavicular paraspinal schwannoma in our center. The operative methods, intraoperative precautions and postoperative complications were illustrated. A 54 years old male patient was admitted to hospital due to pain in the left chest and back for 20 days. MRI showed 32 × 68 × 38 mm tumor adjacent to the spine of the left supraclavicular fossa. The patient underwent supraclavicular incision surgery, and the postoperative pathology showed schwannoma. After the operation, the nerve of the left upper limb was damaged, which was manifested as numbness in the skin above the joint of the left thumb, left index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger. The skin above the second finger joint of the little finger is numb and the grip strength is weakened. One month after operation, the symptoms were relieved. Surgery is the first choice for the treatment of supraclavicular tumors. It is necessary to review the anatomy of supraclavicular region in detail before the operation, and to protect important nerves and vessels during the operation.

Abstract In China, Scutellaria is used for treating inflammatory-related diseases. Baicalin is the main active component of Scutellaria and has protective effects on acute pancreatitis. However, the mechanism of Baicalin is still unclear. In this study, the protective effects of baicalin on acute pancreatitis induced by taurocholate and its mechanism are investigated. In this study, mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation, model, and treatment groups. Acute pancreatitis in mice was induced by intraperitoneal injection of taurocholate (35 mg/kg). The treatment group was given baicalin (100 mg/kg) 2 h before acute pancreatitis induction. The mRNA expression levels of miR-429, nuclear factor kappa B65(NF-kB65), toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), TNF receptor associated factor6 (TRAF6), NF-kappa-B inhibitor(IkB), Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) in the liver tissues 24 h after intraperitoneal injection were detected by RT-PCR. Then, the expression levels of NF-kB65, p-NF-κB65, TLR4, TRAF6, IkB, FSTL1, IRAK, p- IRAK, and p- IkB-а proteins were detected by Western blot. IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1 β in plasma were measured by ELISA, and histopathological changes in the pancreases of the mice were observed. The results showed that after baicalin treatment, miR-429 expression in the pancreatic tissues and the expression levels of NF-kB65, TLR4, TRAF6, p-IkB-а, FSTL1, and p-IRAK decreased. Similarly, pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-а, IL-12, IL-1β1, endotoxin, serum amylase, and lipase were reduced. Thus, the pancreatic injury induced by taurocholate was alleviated. The present study indicates that pretreatment with Baicalin can alleviate acute pancreatic injury induced by taurocholate in mice. The mechanism may be associated with the decreased miR-429 expression, reduced FSTL1 signaling pathway activity, TLR4 and TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway inhibition, and reduced pancreatic inflammation. FSTL1 is the regulatory target for miR-429.

Abstract This study aimed to uncover transcription factors that regulate super-enhancers involved in glucose metabolism reprogramming in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism were significantly enriched in PDTC. Differentially expressed genes in PDTC vs. normal control tissues were located in key steps in TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism. A total of 23 upregulated genes localized in TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism were identified as super-enhancer-controlled genes. Transcription factor analysis of these 23 super-enhancer-controlled genes related to glucose metabolism was performed, and 20 transcription factors were obtained, of which KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA had a significant prognostic impact. Regulatory network of KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA controlled the expression of these four prognostic target genes (LDHA, ACLY, ME2 and IDH2). In vitro validation showed that silencing of KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA suppressed proliferation, glucose uptake, lactate production and ATP level, but increased ADP/ATP ratio in PDTC cells. In conclusion, KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA were identified as the key transcription factors that regulate super-enhancer-controlled genes related to glucose metabolism in PDTC. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms associated with glucose metabolism in PDTC, and advance the theoretical development of PDTC-targeted therapies.

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to reveal the overall distribution pattern of the hand’s cutaneous nerves to provide a morphological basis for the selection and matching of the hand skin for sensory reconstruction during flap transplantation. The hands of 12 adult cadavers were used for the study. Palmar region and dorsum of the hand were divided into regions I-VI. The skin of the hand containing subcutaneous fat was removed close to the muscle surface. The modified Sihler’s staining method was used to visualize the overall distribution pattern of the cutaneous nerves and the areas they innervate. The median nerve, superficial branch of the ulnar nerve, and the superficial branch of the radial nerve innervated 59.27 % (containing 4.65 % of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve), 36.91 %, and 3.82 % of the palm area, respectively. The superficial branch of the radial nerve, the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, and the median nerve innervated 45.16 %, 47.25 %, and 7.59 % of the hand’s dorsal skin area, respectively. Communication was found between the arborized branches of these cutaneous nerves. Region III of the palm and region VI of the dorsum of the hand had relatively more dense nerve distribution. Except for region V, the density of the total nerve branches in each palm region was higher than that of the dorsum of the hand. The total number of nerve branches in the distal phalanx and dorsum decreased from the thumb to the digitus minimus. Our results provide morphological guidance when designing a reasonable matching flap to improve the hand’s sensory function reconstruction.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue revelar el patrón de distribución general de los nervios cutáneos de la mano y proporcionar una base morfológica para la selección y adaptación de la piel de la mano, para la reconstrucción sensorial durante el trasplante de colgajo. Para el estudio se utilizaron 12 manos de cadáveres adultos. Las regiones palmar y dorsal se dividieron en regiones I-VI. La piel de la mano que contiene grasa subcutánea se eliminó cerca de la superficie del músculo. Para visualizar el patrón de distribución general de los nervios cutáneos y las áreas que inervan se utilizó el método de tinción de Sihler modificado. El nervio mediano, la rama superficial del nervio ulnar y la rama superficial del nervio radial inervaban el 59,27 % (que contenía el 4,65 % de la rama cutánea palmar del nervio mediano), el 36,91 % y el 3,82 % del área de la palma, respectivamente. La rama super-ficial del nervio radial, la rama dorsal del nervio ulnar y el nervio mediano inervaban el 45,16 %, el 47,25 % y el 7,59 % del área dorsal de la mano, respectivamente. Se observó comunicación entre las ramas arborizadas de estos nervios cutáneos. La región III de la palma y la región VI del dorso de la mano tenían una distribución nerviosa relativamente más densa. A excepción de la región V, la densidad de las ramas nerviosas totales en cada región de la palma fue mayor que el dorso de la mano. El número total de ramas nerviosas en la falange distal y el dorso disminuyó desde el pulgar hasta el dedo mínimo. Nuestros resultados proporcionan una guía morfológica al diseñar un colgajo compatible razonable para mejorar la reconstrucción de la función sensorial de la mano.

Abstract Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current findings regarding plasma/serum homocysteine (HCY) levels in AS patients are inconsistent. This study aims to systematically evaluate the association between circulating HCY levels and AS. Methods: Online electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang data) were used to retrieve all relevant articles published up to May 7, 2020. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random-effect model, Stata16 software. Results: Nine articles containing 778 AS patients and 522 controls were included in this meta-analysis. No significant differences in HCY levels were found between AS and control groups (pooled SMD = 0.46, 95% CI = − 0.30 to 1.23, P = 0.23). However, subgroup analysis suggested that HCY levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the AS group treated with methotrexate (MTX) compared with the control group. In contrast, HCY levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the AS group receiving anti-TNF-α treatment compared with the control group. No significant differences were detected between HCY levels and disease activity scores (Bath AS disease activity index, BASDAI), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that HCY levels are similar between AS and controls, and do not correlate with disease activity. However, different medical treatments cause fluctuations of circulating HCY levels in AS patients. Further and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration: This study was registered at international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42020184426.

Sevoflurane (SEVO) is widely applied as an anesthetic, which exerts antitumor capacity in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies indicated that long non-coding RNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) was upregulated, while microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) was downregulated in HCC. Thus, we aimed to explore the roles of KCNQ1OT1 and miR-29a-3p in HCC cells exposed to SEVO. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. The levels of genes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-29a-3p and KCNQ1OT1 or chromebox protein homolog 3 (CBX3) was predicted by Starbase or Targetscan, and then confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. We found that the levels of KCNQ1OT1 and CBX3 were decreased, while miR-29a-3p was increased in SEVO-treated HCC cells. KCNQ1OT1 overexpression weakened the inhibitory effects of SEVO on HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Interestingly, KCNQ1OT1 bound to miR-29a-3p, and miR-29a-3p targeted CBX3. KCNQ1OT1 upregulated CBX3 level by repressing miR-29a-3p expression. Furthermore, KCNQ1OT1 exerted tumor promotion in HCC cells via suppressing miR-29a-3p to regulate CBX3 expression. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 regulated the antitumor effects of SEVO on HCC cells through modulating the miR-29a-3p/CBX3 axis, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of HCC.

Two 2,2’:6’,2”-terpyridine-based Schiff bases (TPySSB and TPySB) have been synthesized. The TPySSB shows remarkable selective ‘off-on’ fluorescence for Al3+ in combination with photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism and C=N isomerization mechanism. Chemosensor TPySSB binds Al3+ in a 1:2 ratio with an association constant 6.8 × 105 (correlation coefficient (R2) = 0.98) and this 1:2 stoichiometric model is established on Job’s plot and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Comparing TPySSB and TPySB, it is of great importance the existence of oxygen atom of hydroxyl group in salicylidene due to its strong binding abilities of both phenol and C=N structure to the Al3+.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the relationship between skipping breakfast and physical fitness in a group of school-aged adolescents in China. METHODS: This cross-sectional study from the Chinese National Surveillance on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) survey in Ningbo, China, used a standardized questionnaire to assess the frequency of breakfast consumption. Physical fitness was measured through standing long jump, 50-m sprint, 1,000 (or 800)-m run, and vital capacity tests. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the frequency of breakfast consumption and physical fitness. RESULTS: Our study included a total of 1,849 school-aged adolescents (aged 15.53±1.80 years). Among boys, non-breakfast-skippers had good scores for 50-m sprints, 1,000-m run, and vital capacity tests when compared with breakfast skippers (all p<0.05). Among girls, non-breakfast-skippers had a good scores for the standing long jump test compared with breakfast skippers (p=0.003). The multiple linear regression model showed that not skipping breakfast was positively associated with vital capacity (β=-173.78, p=0.004) and inversely associated with 50-m sprint (β=-0.12, p=0.018) and 1,000-m run times (β=-8.08, p=0.001) in boys. CONCLUSION: The results of this cross-sectional study revealed that skipping breakfast might be associated with lower physical fitness in Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years, especially boys. Breakfast consumption should be promoted among Chinese school-aged boys.

Abstract Histone methylation plays a crucial role in various biological processes, from heterochromatin formation to transcriptional regulation. Currently, no information is available regarding histone methylation modifiers in the important rubber-producing plant Hevea brasiliensis. Here, we identified 47 histone methyltransferase (HMT) genes and 25 histone demethylase (HDM) genes as possible members of the histone methylation modifiers in the rubber tree genome. According to the structural features of HMT and HDM, the HbHMTs were classified into two groups (HbPRMs and HbSDGs), the HbHDMs have two groups (HbLSDs and HbJMJs). Expression patterns were analyzed in five different tissues and at different phases of somatic embryogenesis. HbSDG10, 21, 25, 33, HbJMJ2, 18, 20 were with high expression at different phases of somatic embryogenesis. HbSDG10,14, 20, 21, 33 and HbPRMT4 were expressed highly in anther, HbSDG14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 33, 35 and HbPRMT1 HbJMJ7 and HbLSD1, 2, 3, 4 showed high expression levels in callus. HbSDG1, 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 35, HbPRMT1, 8, HbJMJ5, 7, 11, 16, 20 and HbLSD2, 3, 4 were expressed highly in somatic embryo. HbSDG10, 21, 25, 33, HbLSD2, 3 were expressed highly in bud of regenerated plant. The analyses reveal that HbHMTs and HbHDMs exhibit different expression patterns at different phases during somatic embryogenesis, implying that some HbHMTs and HbHDMs play important roles during somatic embryogenesis. This study provide fundamental information for further studies on histone methylation in Hevea brasiliensis.

Abstract Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract procyanidins (PC) from the perilla seed hull. Four independent variables, namely, liquid-to-solid ratio, ethanol concentration, UAE time, and UAE temperature were investigated. Response surface methodology was performed on the basis of results of single-factor tests. The optimal conditions for PC extraction were as follows: a liquid-to-solid ratio of 15:1, an ethanol concentration of 62%, a UAE time of 29 min, and a UAE temperature of 53 °C. Under these conditions, the experimental yield of PC was 2.185 mg/g (n = 3), which is correlated with the predicted value of 2.2 mg/g. The extracted and purified PC showed excellent antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals in vitro.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim was to characterize blood glucose fluctuations in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1DM) at the stable stage using continuous blood glucose monitoring systems (CGMSs). Subjects and methods: Ten patients with FT1DM and 20 patients with classic type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (the control group) were monitored using CGMSs for 72 hours. Results: The CGMS data showed that the mean blood glucose (MBG), the standard deviation of the blood glucose (SDBG), the mean amplitude glycemic excursions (MAGE), the blood glucose areas and the percentages of blood glucose levels below 13.9 mmol/L were similar between the two groups. However, the percentage of blood glucose levels below 3.9 mmol/L was significantly higher in the FT1DM group compared to the T1DM group (p < 0.05). The minimum (Min) blood glucose level in the FT1DM group was significantly lower than that of the T1DM group (p < 0.05). Patients with FT1DM had severe dysfunction of the islet beta cells and alpha cells compared to patients with T1DM, as indicated by lower C-peptide values and higher glucagon/C-peptide values. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with FT1DM at the stable stage were more prone to hypoglycemic episodes as recorded by CGMSs, and they had a greater association with severe dysfunction of both the beta and alpha islet cells compared to patients with T1DM.

ABSTRACT About 31 percent of deaths worldwide result from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Hyperlipidemia remains the major risk factor for this disease and therefore, it is necessary to identify antihyperlipidemic compounds for drug development. The crude ethanolic extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr., Apocynaceae, has demonstrated antihyperlipidemic properties. However, the chemical constituents responsible for this action are unknown. Hence, to identify chemical constituent(s) of C. sanguinolenta with anti-hyperlipidemic effect, five indoloquinoline alkaloids were isolated and evaluated in 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate labeled low density lipoprotein uptake assay using HepG2 cells. The minor alkaloid, isocryptolepine, showed strong activity in promoting low lipid lipoprotein uptake by 1.85-fold. Isocryptolepine may, therefore, serve as a lead compound for future studies in the development of novel antihyperlipidemic drugs.

ABSTRACT The Abernethy malformation is a rare congenital malformation defined by the presence of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Although most patients are asymptomatic, clinical encephalopathy is present in 15% of cases. We present a patient with type 2 Abernethy malformation, hyperammonemia, and encephalopathy. Shunt closure was performed successfully using interventional angiography; however, hyperammonemia recurred 3 months later. The diagnosis of Abernethy malformation can be made easily, but the ideal patient management strategy has not yet been established. This is the first reported patient with recurrence of hyperammonemia after interventional treatment; we discuss the therapeutic options for Abernethy malformation.