Abstract Objectives: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, which is the main sedative in the intensive care unit. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and adverse events of DEX in maintaining hemodynamic stability in pediatric cardiac surgery. Sources: Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, WANFANG STATA and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for articles about the application of DEX in maintaining hemodynamic stability during and after pediatric cardiac surgery up to 18th Feb. 2021. Only randomized controlled trials were included and random-effects model meta-analysis was applied to calculate the standardized mean deviation (SMD), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Summary of the findings: Fifteen articles were included for this meta-analysis, and 9 articles for qualitative analysis. The results showed that preoperative prophylaxis and postoperative recovery of DEX in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery were effective in maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and reducing heart rate (HR) (SBP: SMD = -0.35,95% CI: -0.72, 0.01; MAP: SMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.87,0.21; DBP: SMD = -0.79,95% CI: -1.66,0.08; HR: SMD = -1.71,95% CI: -2.29, -1.13). In addition, the frequency of Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in the DEX treatment group was lower than that in the placebo group. Conclusions: The application of DEX for preoperative prophylaxis and postoperative recovery in pediatric cardiac surgery patients are effective in maintaining hemodynamic stability, and the clinical dose of DEX is not significantly related to the occurrence of pediatric adverse events which may be related to individual differences.

Abstract In this study, lotus root polysaccharide was taken as raw material. The preparation technology of its polysaccharide selenium was established by response surface design, and its antioxidant activity in vitro was studied. Selenium content was taken as the detection index, and the effects of reaction time, the ratio of sodium selenite to the polysaccharide, and the volume fraction of nitric acid on selenium content were investigated. Through the response surface method, the optimal synthesis conditions of lotus root polysaccharide selenium were obtained as follows: reaction time of 5.36h, the ratio of sodium selenite and lotus root polysaccharide is 0.78, the volume fraction of nitric acid 0.47%, the selenium content of lotus root polysaccharide selenium 0.1106%. Selenium, a polysaccharide from lotus root, had a scavenging effect on ABTS radical and superoxide ion, and the maximum scavenging rate was 52.17% and 85.23%, respectively. Aa shows that the synthesized lotus root polysaccharide selenium can be used as an antioxidant or functional food.

Abstract In this study, we extracted lotus root polysaccharide (LRP) and synthesized carboxymethylated lotus root polysaccharide (CM-LRP) using response surface methodology (RSM). The monosaccharide component of LRP was analyzed by pre-column derivatization high performance liquid chromatography (PCD-HPLC). The polysaccharide was characterized by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy scan, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism spectrometer (CD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the main monosaccharide component of LRP was glucose, accounting for more than 98% of the total polysaccharide component. RSM analyses revealed that the optimal conditions for CM-LRP synthesis were a reaction duration of 2.22 h, the chloroacetic acid dosage is 2.02 g, and a temperature of 46.87 °C. Under these conditions, the predicted degree of substitution (DS) was determined to be 0.5101. The superoxide anion, ferrous ion and hydroxyl radical antioxidant system were constructed to study the antioxidant activity of LRP and CMLRP. The activity of CMLRP to remove ferrous ions and hydroxyl radicals were significantly stronger than that of LRP, and it also showed a certain concentration-dependent. LRP has a better scavenging ability than CMLRP in scavenging superoxide anion free radicals. Our data revealed that CM-LRP is a promising natural antioxidant with potential value as a food supplement.

Abstract To investigate the effects of quercetin on the expression of microRNA-155 (miR-155) and the functions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated extravillous trophoblast cells. Cell apoptosis significantly increased and invasion cell number and wound healing rate significantly decreased in the model group compared with the NC group (P < 0.001). Quercetin supplement significantly improved the cell apoptosis rate, invasion cell number and wound healing rate (P < 0.05, respectively) compared with the model group. However, after miR-155 transfection, the cell apoptosis rate, invasion cell number and wound healing rate were similar to those in the model group. RT-qPCR and WB assays showed that quercetin decreased miR-155 gene expression and p-JunB and p-FosB protein expression levels. Quercetin pretreatment can protect extravillous trophoblast cells from apoptosis and loss of migratory and invasive abilities through down-regulating the expression of miR-155, which may be a mechanism that inhibits the development of preeclampsia by in vitro study.

RESUMO Introdução As lesões do músculo esquelético representam de 10% a 50% das lesões em esteira esportiva. O fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina (IGF) é uma família de polipeptídeos com efeitos anabólicos e de promoção do crescimento semelhantes à insulina. Os esportes desempenham um papel vital na recuperação de lesões musculares esqueléticas. Objetivo o artigo analisa a capacidade do fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 1 (IGF-1) em reparar lesões musculares esqueléticas causadas por exercícios em esteira. Método Injetamos drogas sob a ferida após lesão induzida por exercício em ratos. O grupo controle foi injetado com solução salina e o grupo experimental foi injetado com um fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina. Realizamos análises histológicas e microscópicas eletrônicas estruturais de ratos. Resultados Após a lesão, o grupo experimental formou um filme protetor da lâmina basal mais cedo do que o grupo controle, mioblastos ativados, miofilamentos formados, miotubos formados e fundidos em fibras musculares mais cedo do que o grupo controle. A qualidade da cura também foi melhor. O grupo experimental era endógeno. O conteúdo do sexo IGF-1 e IGF-2 mRNA aumentou mais cedo do que no grupo de controle. Conclusão A injeção local de fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 1 exógeno pode estimular a proliferação de mioblastos e acelerar o processo de reparo muscular esquelético pós-traumático causado por esportes em esteira. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos: investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Skeletal muscle injuries account for 10% to 50% of treadmill sports injuries. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is a family of polypeptides with both insulin-like anabolic and growth-promoting effects. Sports play a vital role in the recovery of skeletal muscle injuries. Objective The paper analyzes the ability of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to repair skeletal muscle injury caused by treadmill exercise. Method We injected drugs under the wound after exercise-induced injury in rats. The control group was injected with saline, and the experimental group was injected with an insulin-like growth factor. We conduct histological and electron microscopic structural analysis of rats, Results: After an injury, the experimental group formed a basal lamina protective film earlier than the control group, activated myoblasts, formed myofilaments, formed myotubes, and fused into muscle fibers earlier than the control group. The healing quality was also better. The experimental group was endogenous. The mRNA content of sex IGF-1 and IGF-2 both increased earlier than the control group. Conclusion Local injection of exogenous insulin-like growth factor-1 can stimulate the proliferation of myoblasts and accelerate the post-traumatic repair process of skeletal muscle caused by treadmill sports. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción Las lesiones del músculo esquelético representan del 10% al 50% de las lesiones deportivas en cinta. El factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina (IGF) es una familia de polipéptidos con efectos anabólicos y estimulantes del crecimiento semejantes a la insulina. Los deportes juegan un papel vital en la recuperación de las lesiones del músculo esquelético. Objetivo El artículo analiza la capacidad del factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina 1 (IGF-1) para reparar la lesión del músculo esquelético causada por el ejercicio en cinta. Método inyectamos drogas debajo de la herida después de una lesión inducida por el ejercicio en ratas. Al grupo de control se le inyectó solución salina y al grupo experimental se le inyectó un factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina. Realizamos análisis estructurales histológicos y microscópicos electrónicos de ratas, Resultados: Después de una lesión, el grupo experimental formó una película protectora de la lámina basal antes que el grupo de control, activó mioblastos, formó miofilamentos, formó miotubos y se fusionó en fibras musculares antes que el grupo de control. La calidad de curación también fue mejor. El grupo experimental fue endógeno. El contenido de ARNm de IGF-1 e IGF-2 de sexo aumentaron antes que en el grupo de control. Conclusión La inyección local de factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina 1 exógeno puede estimular la proliferación de mioblastos y acelerar el proceso de reparación postraumático del músculo esquelético causado por los deportes en cinta. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

A series of metal ion (M = Sn2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Co2+, Ag+, Cu2+) exchanged tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40; TPA) catalysts with tunable Brønsted/Lewis acidity were synthesized and exploited for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) to benzaldehyde (BzH) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as oxidant. The structure of these M-TPA composite salts was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe molecule method. Among these M-TPAs, the Sn1/2H2PW12O40 catalyst, which presented strong Brønsted acidity, the synergistic effect of Brønsted/Lewis and pseudo-liquid characteristic property, exhibited excellent catalytic activity and durability with 98.2% of BzH selectivity and 95.1% of BzH yield. The optimal conditions for the oxidation of BzOH optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) were as follows: n(BzOH)/n(H2O2) = 1:1.25, catalyst amount of 5.5 wt.% to BzOH, water amount of 17 mL, 3.3 h of reaction time, and temperature 393 K. Moreover, further kinetic study confirmed that the reaction order was 2.64 and the activation energy was 21.75 kJ mol-1.

Abstract The inhibitory effects of ginger essential oil (GEO) on chemically-induced cutaneous inflammation were investigated. Three kind of experimental murine models, such as xylene-induced ear edema model, carrageenan-induced paw edema model and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) model were exploited to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of GEO. Results showed that GEO lowered the ear swelling rate induced by xylene and decreased paw edema rate induced by carrageenan of mice with cutaneous inflammation significantly. Treatment with GEO significantly inhibited DNFB-induced ear swelling degree and rate, and alleviated the inflammatory symptoms of ear skin lesions of ACD model mice markedly. Treatment with GEO decreased the gene expression of the inflammatory cytokines of auricular tissues such as TLR-2, TLR-4, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, and increased the gene expression of cytokine IL-4 significantly. In conclusion, GEO has anti-inflammatory and protective effect on chemically-induced cutaneous inflammation.

Abstract Purpose: To establish a new rat model, the pathogenesis of which is closer to the clinical occurrence of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis. Methods: 90 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A common bile duct ligation, group B common bile duct injection compont and group C injection saline. The serum of three groups was extracted, and the liver function was detected by ELISA. HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect liver pathology. Results: Group B showed a fluctuant development of jaundice, obstructive degree reached a peak at 2 weeks, and decreased from 3 weeks. HA, LA and PCIII were significantly higher than control group. 3 weeks after surgery, liver tissue fibrosis occurred in group B, and a wide range of fiber spacing was formed at 5 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed that hepatic stellate cells were more active than the control group. Conclusion: Intra-biliary injection of Compont gel is different from the classic obstructive jaundice animal model caused by classic bile duct ligation, which can provide an ideal rat model of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis.

Abstract With the opening of the Northern Sea for international shipping routes, various vessels prefer to use this option to reach Europe as distance is significantly reduced if a ship is sailing through this route. In the same time, the demand to ensure ship safety rises as impact phenomenon between ship structures and ice causes numerous casualties. This work presented a numerical study with a concentration on contact between ship structures and levels. The double side skin of a chemical tanker was modelled with a shell element while a deformable characteristic was implemented on the ice as an indenter. Several target areas on the side structure were set as impact points based on its stiffener component. Different models of indenter were taken into account in order to observe structural responses and influences of external parameters, namely ice topology, while the described location parameters were taken as the ship's internal parameters. Impact force was presented with total energy, as well as the ratio between kinetic and internal energy. The deformation pattern was used as a verification of the collision process and its subsequent results. Finally, the behavior of the inner walls subjected to type indenters was observed as this component is the final component that maintains liquid cargo and resists an impact load.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of 3-Bromopyruvate (3BP) in mice. METHODS: Fifteen nude mice were grafted subcutaneously in the left flank with MDA-MB-231 cells, then all mice were divided into control group (PBS), 3BP group (8 mg/kg), positive group (DNR: 0.8 mg/kg) when tumor volume reached approximately 100 mm3. 28 days later, tumors, livers and kidneys were stored in 4 % formalin solution and stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The Kunming mice experiment included control group (PBS), 3BP group (4mg/kg; 8mg/kg; 16mg/kg), positive group (DNR: 0.8 mg/kg). 24 hours later, the blood were used for the determination of hepatic damage serum biomarkers. Livers were stored in 4 % formalin solution for the later detection. RESULTS: 3BP at the dose of 8mg/kg had a good effect on inhibiting tumor growth in nude mice and did not damage liver and kidney tissues. Kunming mice experiment showed 3BP at the dose of 16mg/kg did damage to liver tissues. CONCLUSION: 3-Bromopyruvate at the dose of suppressing tumor growth did not exhibit hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in nude mice, and the effect on liver was confirmed in Kunming mice.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to determine the effects of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adults. METHOD: Literature searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, the CNKI database, Wanfang Data, and the Weipu Journal database were performed up to August 2013. Only randomized and quasi-randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the use of percutaneous plates and interlocking intramedullary nails for tibial shaft fractures were included. Data collection and extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane standards. RESULTS: Eleven trials were included. Compared with interlocking intramedullary nailing, minimally invasive percutaneous plates shortened fracture healing time and resulted in lower rates of postoperative delayed union and pain. There was no significant difference between the two methods with regard to the rates of excellent and good Johner-Wruh scoring, the rate of reoperation, and other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, insufficient evidence exists regarding the effects of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adults. Low-quality evidence suggests that minimally invasive percutaneous plates could shorten fracture healing time, decrease the rate of postoperative delayed union, and decrease pain levels compared with interlocking intramedullary nailing. There is no significant difference between the two groups in terms of functional recovery scores, reoperation, and other complications. Further research that includes high-quality randomized controlled, multicenter trials is required to compare the effects of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adults.

Chlorella vulgaris has the gene of n-3 fatty acid desaturase (CvFad3), which can synthesize the precursor of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or convert n-6 to n-3 PUFAs. The objective of the present study was to examine whether the CvFad3 gene from C. vulgaris can be functionally and efficiently expressed in human breast cancer cells and whether its expression can exert a significant effect on cell fatty acid composition. We inserted the CvFad3 gene into the plasmid pEGFP-C3 to construct the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C3-n-3 and to express the n-3 Fad gene in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells). Transfection of MCF-7 cells with the recombinant vector resulted in a high expression of n-3 fatty acid desaturase. Lipid analysis indicated that the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs was decreased from 6:1 in the control cells to about 1:1 in the cells expressing the n-3 fatty acid desaturase. Accordingly, the CvFad3 gene significantly decreased the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs of the MCF-7 cell membrane. The expression of the CvFad3 gene can decrease cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. This study demonstrates that the CvFad3 gene can dramatically balance the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs and may provide an effective approach to the modification of the fatty acid composition of mammalian cells, also providing a basis for potential applications of its transfer in experimental and clinical settings.

YKL-40 has been identified as a growth factor in connective tissue cells and also a migration factor in vascular smooth muscle cells. To a large extent, the increase of serum YKL-40 is attributed to liver fibrosis and asthma. However, the relationship of the expression and clinical/prognostic significance of YKL-40 to the splenomegaly of patients with portal hypertension is unclear. In the present study, the expression of YKL-40 was studied by immunohistochemistry in 48 splenomegaly tissue samples from patients with portal hypertension and in 14 normal spleen specimens. All specimens were quickly stored at -80°C after resection. Primary antibodies YKL-40 (1:150 dilution, rabbit polyclonal IgG) and MMP-9 (1:200 dilution, rabbit monoclonal IgG) and antirabbit immunoglobulins (HRP K4010) were used in this study. The relationship of clinicopathologic features with YKL-40 is presented. The expression of YKL-40 indicated by increased immunochemical reactivity was significantly up-regulated in splenomegaly tissues compared to normal spleen tissues. Overexpression of YKL-40 was found in 68.8% of splenomegaly tissues and was significantly associated with Child-Pugh classification (P = 0.000), free portal pressure (correlation coefficient = 0.499, P < 0.01) and spleen fibrosis (correlation coefficient = 0.857, P < 0.01). Further study showed a significant correlation between YKL-40 and MMP-9 (correlation coefficient = -0.839, P < 0.01), indicating that YKL-40 might be an accelerator of spleen tissue remodeling by inhibiting the expression of MMP-9. In conclusion, YKL-40 is an important factor involved in the remodeling of spleen tissue of portal hypertension patients and can be used as a therapeutic target for splenomegaly.

High performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was developed for the simultaneous determination of three bioactive components - chlorogenic acid, baicalin and forsythin - in traditional Chinese medicinal Shuanghuanglian preparations. The analytes were extracted successfully using 80% aqueous methanol for 15 min in an ultrasonic bath. The optical chromatographic separation conditions were performed on a Finnigan Surveyor HPLC system with an Agilent Zorbax ODS C18 (4.6x150 mm, particle size 5 ìçé ) at 30 ºC using a gradient elution program with a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.2% phosphoric acid (v/v) as mobile phase within 25 min. Method validation results were obtained through the generation of calibration curves with the mixed standard solutions and a standard addition method, regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients 0.9965-0.9985) between the peak area and concentration of the three analytes. The average recoveries were 90-106% (n= 6) with standard deviation below 3.37%. The developed HPLC assay was specific and could be readily utilized for comprehensive evaluation of Shuanghuanglian preparations.

The mitogenic effects of periodic mechanical stress on chondrocytes have been studied extensively but the mechanisms whereby chondrocytes sense and respond to periodic mechanical stress remain a matter of debate. We explored the signal transduction pathways of chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis under periodic mechanical stress. In particular, we sought to identify the role of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis following cyclic physiologic mechanical compression. Under periodic mechanical stress, both rat chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and were associated with increases in the phosphorylation of Src, PLCγ1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 selective inhibitor, PD98059, and shRNA targeted to ERK1/2 reduced periodic mechanical stress-induced chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation levels of Src-Tyr418 and PLCγ1-Tyr783 were not inhibited. Proliferation, matrix synthesis and phosphorylation of MEK1/2-Ser217/221 and ERK1/2-Thr202/Tyr204 were inhibited after pretreatment with the PLCγ1 inhibitor U73122 in chondrocytes in response to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation site of Src-Tyr418 was not affected. Inhibition of Src activity with PP2 and shRNA targeted to Src abrogated chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P < 0.05) and attenuated PLCγ1, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activation in chondrocytes subjected to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that periodic mechanical stress promotes chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis in part through the Src-PLCγ1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which links these three important signaling molecules into a mitogenic cascade.