ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the protective effects of Shenkang injection (SKI) on adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF) in rat. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, model, and SKI groups (5, 10, 20 mL/kg). Rats in model and SKI groups were treated with adenine i.g. at a dose of 150 mg/kg every day for 12 weeks to induce CRF. Twelve weeks later, SKI was administered to the rat i.p. for four weeks. The effects of SKI on kidney injury and fibrosis were detected. Results: SKI inhibited the elevation of the urine level of N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase, kidney injury molecule-1, beta-2-microglobulin, urea protein in CRF rats. The serum levels of uric acid and serum creatinine increased and albumin decreased in the model group, which was prevented by SKI. SKI inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum. SKI inhibited the expression of transforming growth factor-β1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, collagen I, collagen III, endothelin-1, laminin in kidney of CRF rats. Conclusions: SKI protected against adenine-induced kidney injury and fibrosis and exerted anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in CRF rats.

Abstract Xuan-Mugua is a Chinese traditional fruit and is mainly preserved by air drying. To explore the effect of temperature on the drying property and quality of the fruits, they were sliced and dried at 60-90 °C. The results indicated that the drying time shortened from 150 to 80 min with the increasing temperature and the minimal time was found at 90 °C. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity generally decreased by 5.09-18.27% at higher temperature (90 °C) and their maximums respectively appeared at 60 and 80 °C. Compared with the medium temperatures (60 and 70°C), the phenolic profiles changed obviously at higher temperatures (80 and 90 °C), and a transformation of chlorogenic acid was detected; besides, with the increasing temperature, the main phenolics including catechin and chlorogenic acid respectively decreased by 29.3% and 18.4%. Taking the above findings together, 70 °C should be the proper temperature to dry Xuan-Mugua fruits.

SUMMARY: A comparative study of the morphology of suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS) using MRI and cast specimens was performed. The present retrospective study analysed the craniocervical magnetic resonance venography (MRV) imaging data of 61 patients. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed using Mimics 19.0. The SCS left-right diameter(d1), distance from the midline (d2), supero-inferior diameter(d3), anteroposterior diameter (d4), distance from posterior diameter to skin (d5), and diameter of the SCS at different parts (d6-d8) were measured. Comparison between MRV images and cast specimens, the SCS, marginal sinus, anterior condylar vein, and vertebral artery venous plexus were symmetrical and could be bilaterally displayed, whereas the presence of extra condylar vein and posterior condylar vein exhibited different types. The adjacency between the SCS and its communicating vessels and changes in its communicating vessels corresponded well with the MRV images and cast specimens. Many types of the presence of left and right lateral condylar and posterior condylar veins were found in the cast specimens, which could be divided into the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins, unilateral presence of posterior condylar veins, and unilateral presence of lateral condylar vein. A total of 61 cases analysed using MRV images revealed the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins (77.1 %), the unilateral presence of posterior condylar vein (18.0 %), and the unilateral presence of lateral condylar vein (9.8 %), of which the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins accounted for the largest proportion. MRV images and cast specimens of the SCS showed its normal morphological structure and adjacency, thus providing accurate and complete Three-dimensional imaging anatomical data of the SCS and its communicating vascular structures. This study enriches the Chinese SCS imaging anatomy data and may be valuable in clinical practice.

RESUMEN: Se realizó un estudio comparativo de la morfología del seno cavernoso suboccipital (SCS) mediante resonancia magnética y muestras de yeso. El presente estudio retrospectivo analizó los datos de imágenes de venografía por resonancia magnética (RNM) craneocervical de 61 pacientes. La reconstrucción tridimensional se realizó con Mimics 19.0. Se midió: el diámetro izquierdo-derecho del SCS (d1), la distancia desde la línea mediana (d2), el diámetro superoinferior (d3), el diámetro anteroposterior (d4), la distancia desde el diámetro posterior hasta la piel (d5) y el diámetro del SCS en diferentes partes (d6-d8). En la comparación entre las imágenes RNM y las muestras de yeso, el SCS, el seno marginal, la vena condilar anterior y el plexo venoso de la arteria vertebral eran simétricos y se observaron bilateralmente, mientras que la presencia de la vena extracondilar y la vena condilar posterior presentaba tipos diferentes. La proximidad del SCS y sus vasos comunicantes y los cambios en sus vasos comunicantes se correspondieron bien con las imágenes de RNM y los especímenes moldeados. Se encontraron muchos tipos de venas condilares laterales y condilares posteriores izquierda y derecha en las muestras de yeso, que podrían dividirse en presencia bilateral de venas condilares posteriores y condilares laterales, presencia unilateral de venas condilares posteriores y presencia unilateral de venas condilares laterales. Un total de 61 casos analizados mediante imágenes MRV revelaron la presencia bilateral de venas condilares posteriores y condilares laterales (77,1 %), la presencia unilateral de venas condilares posteriores (18,0 %) y la presencia unilateral de venas condilares laterales (9,8 %) de los cuales la presencia bilateral de las venas condilar posterior y condilar lateral representó la mayor proporción. Las imágenes de RNM y las muestras de yeso del SCS mostraron su estructura morfológica y adyacencia normales, lo que proporcionó datos anatómicos de imágenes tridimensionales precisos y completos del SCS y sus estructuras vasculares comunicantes. Este estudio enriquece los datos de anatomía de imágenes de SCS chino y puede ser valioso en la práctica clínica.

This research presents a fast, sensitive, and selective ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid phase microextraction technique for simultaneous preconcentration and determination of ultra-trace amount of carbamazepine and phenobarbital. Reduced graphene oxide sheets decorated with cadmium sulfide quantum dots was synthesized, characterized, and used as a high capacity adsorbent. A high performance liquid chromatography with UV detector (HPLC-UV) instrument with 58:42 composition of methanol:acetic acid/acetate buffer (pH = 5; 0.05 mol L-1) as the mobile phase and set on the wavelength of 230 nm was used to separate and quantify the analytes. In this regard, different parameters affecting adsorption and desorption of the analytes on the surface of the nanocomposite were studied and optimized to maximize the efficiency of the method. The method was linear in the ranges of 0.5-180 and 0.5-140 ng mL−1 (correlation coefficient (r) > 0.999) with limits of detection of 0.19 and 0.24 ng mL−1 for carbamazepine and phenobarbital, respectively. Eventually, to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method for the determination of pharmaceuticals in biological samples, different real samples including breast milk, urine and human plasma were tested. Obtained recoveries values were within the range of 96.3 ± 2 to 103.7 ± 3.3% which showed satisfactory efficiency.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the relationship between atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and CXC chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2). Methods Mouse AAA model was established by embedding angiotensin-II pump (1000 ng/kg/min) in ApoE-/- mice. Mice were received SB225002, a selective CXCR2 antagonist, for treatment. Blood pressure was recorded, and CXCR2+ macrophages were examined by flow cytometry analysis. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect cell apoptosis of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Macrophages were isolated from ApoE-/- mice and treated with Ang II and/or SB225002. Dihydroethidium staining was carried out to determine reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the production of IL-1β and TNF-α. The corresponding gene expressions were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results We found that Ang II activated the expression of CXCR2 in monocytes during the formation of AAA. Inhibition of CXCR2 significantly reduced the size of AAA, attenuated inflammation and phenotypic changes in blood vessels. Ang II-induced macrophages exhibited elevated ROS activity, and elevated levels of 1β and TNF-α, which were then partly abolished by SB225002. Conclusions CXCR2 plays an important role in AAA, suggesting that inhibiting CXCR2 may be a new treatment for AAA.

ABSTRACT During the first weeks of 2020, cases of SARS-CoV-2 began to be reported outside of China, with a rapid increase in cases and deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive single-stranded RNA virus, encased in a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane and consists of four structural proteins (S, M, E and N), plus a haemagglutinin-sterase. The binding of the S protein to the ECA2 receptor allows the entry of the virus into the host cell and is a potential therapeutic target. 81% of patients develop mild symptoms, 14% have severe symptoms and 5% require intensive care management. Fever is the most frequent symptom, followed by cough and dyspnea. Most patients do not present leukocytosis, but they do present lymphopenia with sputum cultures that do not show other pathogens. In lung biopsies of severe patients, the most noticeable finding is diffuse alveolar damage. Radiologically, ground glass and alveolar patterns are observed; the lesions being predominantly basal, subpleural, and posterior, with a multifocal peripheral distribution, more affecting the right lower lobe. There is a marked inflammatory response, up to the cytokine storm, in which anti-inflammatory treatment with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone would be indicated. Although there are no large-scale studies regarding the use of chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine, due to the global situation, its use has been authorized for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory effect, which can be potentiated with the use of azithromycin.

RESUMEN Durante las primeras semanas de 2020 se comenzaron a informar casos de personas con SARS-CoV-2 fuera de China, con un rápido aumento de casos y muertes en todo el mundo. El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus ARN monocatenario positivo, envuelto en una bicapa lipídica derivada de la membrana celular del huésped y constituido por cuatro proteínas estructurales (S, M, E y N), además de una hemaglutinina-esterasa. La unión de la proteína S con el receptor de enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ECA2) permite la entrada del virus a la célula huésped y es una potencial diana terapéutica. El 81% de los enfermos hace cuadro leve; el 14%, grave; y el 5% requiere cuidados intensivos. La fiebre es el síntoma más frecuente, seguido de tos y disnea. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentan leucocitosis pero sí linfopenia, con cultivos de esputo que no muestran otros patógenos. En las biopsias de pulmón de pacientes graves el hallazgo más llamativo es el daño alveolar difuso. Radiológicamente se aprecian patrones de vidrio esmerilado y alveolar, siendo las lesiones de predominio basal, subpleural y posterior, con una distribución periférica multifocal, afectando más el lóbulo inferior derecho. Hay una marcada respuesta inflamatoria, que llega hasta la tormenta de citoquinas, en la que el tratamiento antiinflamatorio con terapia de pulso con metilprednisolona estaría indicado. Aunque no existan estudios en gran escala respecto al uso de cloroquina/hidroxicloroquina, debido a la situación mundial se ha autorizado su uso por su efecto anti SARS-CoV-2 y anti-inflamatorio, el cual puede ser potenciado con el uso de azitromicina.

ABSTRACT During the first weeks of 2020, cases of SARS-CoV-2 began to be reported outside of China, with a rapid increase in cases and deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive single-stranded RNA virus, encased in a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane and consists of four structural proteins (S, M, E and N), plus a haemagglutinin-sterase. The binding of the S protein to the ECA2 receptor allows the entry of the virus into the host cell and is a potential therapeutic target. 81% of patients develop mild symptoms, 14% have severe symptoms and 5% require intensive care management. Fever is the most frequent symptom, followed by cough and dyspnea. Most patients do not present leukocytosis, but they do present lymphopenia with sputum cultures that do not show other pathogens. In lung biopsies of severe patients, the most noticeable finding is diffuse alveolar damage. Radiologically, ground glass and alveolar patterns are observed; the lesions being predominantly basal, subpleural, and posterior, with a multifocal peripheral distribution, more affecting the right lower lobe. There is a marked inflammatory response, up to the cytokine storm, in which anti-inflammatory treatment with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone would be indicated. Although there are no large-scale studies regarding the use of chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine, due to the global situation, its use has been authorized for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory effect, which can be potentiated with the use of azithromycin.

RESUMEN Durante las primeras semanas de 2020 se comenzaron a informar casos de personas con SARS-CoV-2 fuera de China, con un rápido aumento de casos y muertes en todo el mundo. El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus ARN monocatenario positivo, envuelto en una bicapa lipídica derivada de la membrana celular del huésped y constituido por cuatro proteínas estructurales (S, M, E y N), además de una hemaglutinina-esterasa. La unión de la proteína S con el receptor de enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ECA2) permite la entrada del virus a la célula huésped y es una potencial diana terapéutica. El 81% de los enfermos hace cuadro leve; el 14%, grave; y el 5% requiere cuidados intensivos. La fiebre es el síntoma más frecuente, seguido de tos y disnea. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentan leucocitosis pero sí linfopenia, con cultivos de esputo que no muestran otros patógenos. En las biopsias de pulmón de pacientes graves el hallazgo más llamativo es el daño alveolar difuso. Radiológicamente se aprecian patrones de vidrio esmerilado y alveolar, siendo las lesiones de predominio basal, subpleural y posterior, con una distribución periférica multifocal, afectando más el lóbulo inferior derecho. Hay una marcada respuesta inflamatoria, que llega hasta la tormenta de citoquinas, en la que el tratamiento antiinflamatorio con terapia de pulso con metilprednisolona estaría indicado. Aunque no existan estudios en gran escala respecto al uso de cloroquina/hidroxicloroquina, debido a la situación mundial se ha autorizado su uso por su efecto anti SARS-CoV-2 y anti-inflamatorio, el cual puede ser potenciado con el uso de azitromicina.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O estresse psicológico é um importante problema de saúde mental entre estudantes universitários. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o estresse psicológico e seus fatores de risco associados entre os estudantes na província de Anhui. MÉTODOS Um estudo transversal foi realizado entre uma amostra de 1.304 indivíduos. Nesse estudo, foi preenchido um questionário autoaplicável que consiste na demografia geral e no Questionário Geral de Saúde (GHQ-12). O problema psicológico foi avaliado utilizando o questionário GHQ de 12 itens. Uma divisão dicotômica de categoria foi imposta ao GHQ-12 para efeito de análise. Uma pontuação de quatro ou mais no GHQ-12 mostrava que um indivíduo tem problemas psicológicos. Os dados foram analisados pelo software SPSS 20.0. RESULTADOS Um total de 1.304 amostras foi analisado neste estudo. Os resultados indicaram que o nível de educação do pai e da mãe estava associado com estudantes em estresse psicológico (P<0,001). Foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre o exercício de alta intensidade e o exercício de baixa intensidade com o estresse psicológico. No entanto, não foi identificada qualquer diferença significativa entre o gênero e o estresse psicológico (P=0,173). CONCLUSÃO O nível de educação dos pais, exercícios de alta intensidade e exercícios de baixa intensidade foram associados com estresse psicológico. Nossos resultados sugerem que é indispensável aumentar a sensibilização para as perturbações psicológicas e para os fatores de risco associados aos estudantes universitários. São necessários mais estudos para desenvolver intervenções adequadas para grupos de alto risco.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Psychological distress is an important mental health problem among university students. The goal of this study was to determine psychological distress and its associated risk factors among students in the Anhui province. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 1304 students. In this study, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of the general demography and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was completed. Psychological distress was assessed using the GHQ-12-item questionnaire. A dichotomous category split was imposed on the GHQ-12 for the purpose of analysis. A GHQ-12 score of 4 or higher indicated psychological distress. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 system. RESULTS A total of 1304 samples were analyzed in this study. The results indicated that the education level of the father and mother was associated with the students’ psychological distress (P<0.001). A significant association was found between high-intensity exercise and low-intensity exercise and psychological distress. However, no significant difference was identified between gender and psychological distress (P=0.173). CONCLUSION The education level of parents, high-intensity exercise, and low-intensity exercise were associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that it is indispensable to raise awareness of psychological disorders and its associated risk factors among university students. Further studies are required to develop appropriate interventions for high-risk groups.

Abstract Studies have demonstrated that miRNA-378 is expressed in various malignant tumors. In the present study, we aimed to explore the expression of serum miRNA-378 and its clinical significance in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. A total of 75 RCC patients, 63 renal cysts (RC) patients and 75 healthy controls were selected. The miRNA-378 level in RCC and RC groups was significantly higher than in healthy control group, with RCC group having the highest level. The miRNA-378 levels were significantly decreased within the same group after surgery. When compared with healthy controls, RC group had higher levels but not significantly (p > 0.05) while levels in RCC group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). miRNA-378 expression was correlated with clinical stage and differentiation degree, but not correlated with patient's age, gender, surgical strategy and tumor diameter. The AUC of miRNA-378 was 0.896, 95% confidence interval was 0.847 to 0.945, and AUC hypothesis testing was statistically significant (p < 0.001, RCC vs healthy control). miRNA-378 shows potential in the diagnosis and prediction of postoperative curative effect of renal cell carcinoma, but further studies with lager samples are needed.

Objective: To evaluate the global physical activity level of patients with cardiovascular risk factors, using IPAQ. Material and methods: Serial cases type. We included patients with arterial hypertension, obesity, diabetes between 35 to 69 years old. We used IPAQ, to measure physical activity level. Results: From 180 interviewed patients, 122 (67.8%) were female. The media age was 56.9 ± 8.8 years, the average BMI was 29.0 ± 5.2 (18.6 - 48.5). 109 (60.5%) presented one cardiovascular risk factor, 59 (32.8%) two risk factors and 12 (6.7%) three risk factors. The media diagnostic time in months was 34.6 (hypertensive patients) and 51.1 (diabetic patients). 30 (16.7%) patients had low level, 80 (44.4%) moderate and 70 (38.9%) high. There was no statistical difference between level of physical activity and sex or age. Hypertensive patients presented predominantly moderate level of physical activity (p = 0.02) and patients with hypertension + obesity showed predominantly high level of activity (p = 0.07). Conclusion: The level of global physical activity of patients with selected cardiovascular risk factors of our study was predominantly moderate and high.(Rev Med Hered 2011;22:115-120).

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de actividad física global de los pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular, mediante el cuestionario IPAQ. Material y métodos: Estudio tipo serie de casos. La población estuvo compuesta por pacientes con hipertensión arterial, obesidad y diabetes mellitus entre 35 y 69 años de edad. Se utilizó el IPAQ para medir el nivel de actividad física. Resultados: De 180 entrevistados, 122 (67,8%) fueron del sexo femenino. La edad media fue 56,9 ± 8,8 años, el IMC promedio fue 29,0 ± 5,2 (18,6 - 48,5). Ciento nueve (60,5%) pacientes tenían un solo factor de riesgo cardiovascular modificable por medio de actividad física, 59 (32,8%) dos factores y 12 (6,7%) tres factores. El tiempo promedio de diagnóstico en meses fue 34,6 (hipertensos) y 51,1 (diabéticos). El nivel de actividad física fue trabajo en 30 (16,7%) pacientes, en 80 (44,4%) moderado y en 70 (38,9%) alto. No hubo diferencias en el nivel de actividad física según la edad y sexo. Se encontró diferencia significativa en los pacientes con hipertensión quienes tenían actividad moderada (p=0,02) en los hipertensos obesos quienes tenían actividad físca alta (p=0,07). Conclusión: El nivel de actividad física global de los pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular seleccionados fue predominantemente moderado y alto.(Rev Med Hered 2011;22:115-120).

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) oil supplementation on the growth performance and lipid metabolism in geese and the fatty acid concentrations in their liver and muscle tissues. One hundred and ninety two one-day old geese were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The diet in Group A, the control, contained 2.5% soyabean oil, that in Group B 2.0% soyabean oil and 0.5% CLA, that in Group C 1.0% soybean oil and 1.5% CLA and that in Group D 2.5% CLA. The birds were fed for 56 days. No significant effects were observed in body weight and body weight gain between Groups B, C and the control, but these parameters were significantly lower in Group D compared to the control. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and abdominal fat percentage (AFP) were significantly lower in the groups receiving CLA in their diets compared with the control. Dietary CLA altered serum lipid concentrations by decreasing total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, the atherogenic index and activity of lipoprotein lipase, and increased serum concentration of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The fatty acid composition of the liver and muscle tissues showed significant increases in the biologically active cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers in the geese fed increasing levels of CLA. The supplementation of CLA to the geese led to significant increases in saturated fatty acid concentrations and significant reductions in the monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations in liver and muscle tissues. The results clearly demonstrated that geese can successfully incorporate CLA in their liver and muscle tissues, thus producing a healthy food for humans.