Resumen Objetivo: Este caso clínico presentó casos con hemoperitoneo espontáneo durante el embarazo. Reporte del caso: El caso 1 presentó dolor abdominal agudo con signos de shock, los casos 2 y 3 se presentaron ambos con signos vitales estables y la disminución repentina de la frecuencia cardíaca fetal. La cesárea se realizó a las 27, 36 + 4 y 34 semanas de gestación, respectivamente. Los sitios de sangrado se encontraron en la superficie del útero o el parametrio. Conclusión: Un control estricto de los signos vitales y una intervención quirúrgica oportuna son fundamentales para mejorar el pronóstico.

Abstract Objectives: This case report presented cases with spontaneous hemoperitoneum during pregnancy. Case report: Case 1 presented with acute abdominal pain with signs of shock. Cases 2 and 3 both presented with stable vital signs and the sudden decline of fetal heart rate. Cesarean section was performed at 27, 36+4, and 34 gestational weeks, respectively. Bleeding sites were founded on the surface of the uterus or the parametrium. The perinatal outcome was stillbirth, live birth, and neonatal severe asphyxia. Conclusion: Careful physical examination, strict monitoring of vital signs, and timely surgical intervention are critical for improving the prognosis.

ABSTRACT Dwarf mutants are valuable materials for investigating plant gene function and developing new crop varieties. In the present study, dwarf mutant (D-CK) and wild-type (W-CK) Sophora davidii (Franch.) Skeels plants foliarly sprayed with distilled water were used as controls, and dwarf mutants were treated with different concentrations of gibberellin A3 (GA3; 20, 40 and 60 mg L-1), brassinosteroid (BR; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1); and auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1) to study the changes in plant height at 20, 40 and 60 d after exogenous hormone spraying. The changes in endogenous contents of IAA, GA3, BR, abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) and IAA:ABA ratio in the dwarf mutant plants were also measured at 20, 40 and 60 d after exogenous hormone application. The dwarf mutants reverted to the W-CK height phenotype after 60 d of exogenous spraying with different concentrations of GA3 and BR (except 50 mg·L-1), but after exogenous spraying with IAA, dwarf mutants did not revert to the W-CK height phenotype. Compared with D-CK plants, endogenous GA3, BR and IAA contents in dwarf mutant plants increased to some extent with exogenous spraying of GA3, BR and IAA. The results indicated that exogenous spraying of different concentrations of GA3 and BR regulated S. davidii plant height by promoting the secretion of endogenous GA3, BR, IAA and SA and inhibiting endogenous ABA secretion in dwarf mutant. The height of mutants was sensitive to exogenous GA3 and BR but not to exogenous IAA.

Abstract Under the influence of the COVID-19, people's awareness of physical health and immunity has increased significantly. Chitooligosaccharide is an oligomer of β-(1, 4)-linked D -glucosamine, furthermore, is one of the most widely studied immunomodulators. Chitooligosaccharide can be prepared from the chitin or chitosan polymers through enzymatically, chemically or physically processes. Chitooligosaccharide and its derivatives have been proven to have a wide range of biological activities including intestinal flora regulation, immunostimulant, anti-tumor, anti-obesity and anti-oxidation effects. This review summarizes the latest research of the preparation methods, biological activities in immunity and safety profiles of Chitooligosaccharide and its derivatives. We recapped the effect mechanisms of Chitooligosaccharide basing on overall immunity. Comparing the effects of Chitooligosaccharide with different molecular weights and degree of aggregation, a reference range for usage has been provided. This may provide a support for the application of Chitooligosaccharide in immune supplements and food. In addition, future research directions are also discussed.

ABSTRACT Herein, we examined the protective effect of metoprolol combined with atractylenolide I (Atr I) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by regulating the SIRT3 (silent information regulator 3)/β-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) signaling pathway. Briefly, 50 rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, model, metoprolol, Atr I, and combination metoprolol with Atr I groups (combined treatment group). The AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After treatment, infarct size, histopathological changes, and cell apoptosis were examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the TUNEL assay. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected by echocardiography. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Furthermore, we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme (CK-MB), and CK levels. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of SIRT3, β-catenin, and PPAR-γ. Herein, the combined treatment group exhibited increased levels of LVEF, LVFS, and NO, whereas LVMI, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, LDH, CK-MB, and CK levels were decreased. Importantly, the underlying mechanism may afford protection against AMI by increasing the expression levels of SIRT3, β-catenin, and PPAR-γ.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the predictive value of maternal White Blood Cells (WBC), neutrophils, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) for diagnosing Histological Chorioamnionitis (HCA) among women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) who underwent cervical cerclage. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among women with singleton pregnancy and PPROM, who underwent cervical cerclage during 2018-2020. Results: A total of 55 eligible women were included in the final analysis, including 36 (61.02%) cases with HCA and 19 (38.98%) without HCA. Women with HCA had higher WBC count (12.31 ± 2.80) × 109/L and neutrophil count (9.67 ± 2.90)×109/L than those without HCA (10.35 ± 2.53) × 109/L and 7.82 ± 2.82 × 109/L, respectively) (both p < 0.05). The cut-off value of WBC count at 10.15×109/L was found to be the most effective in identifying HCA, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.707 (95% CI: 0.56-0.86; p = 0.012), sensitivity of 86.11%, specificity of 57.90%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 79.49%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 68.75%, and Youden index of 0.44. The combination of WBC + neutrophil had a slightly higher (AUC = 0.711, 95% CI: 0.57–0.86; p = 0.011), specificity (68.42%), and PPV (81.25%), but lower sensitivity (72.22%), than the WBC count alone. A cut-off value of neutrophil at 7.46 × 109/L was effective in identifying HCA, with an AUC of 0.689 (95% CI: 0.53-0.84; p = 0.022). Discussion: Combination use of WBC+neutrophil was found to be the most accurate predictor of HCA among women with PPROM after surgery of cervical cerclage.

Abstract Background The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus is complex and incurable. A large number of systematic reviews have studied the risk factors of it. Mendelian randomization is an analytical method that uses genetic data as tool variables to evaluate the causal relationship between exposure and outcome. Objective To review the systematic reviews and Mendelian randomization studies that focused on the risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus and shed light on the development of treatments for its prevention and intervention. Methods From inception to January 2022, we systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Embase for related systematic reviews and Mendelian randomization studies. Extract relevant main data for studies that meet inclusion criteria. The quality of systematic reviews was assessed by using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2). Finally, the risk factors are scored comprehensively according to the results' quantity, quality, and consistency. Results Our study involved 64 systematic reviews and 12 Mendelian randomization studies. The results of systematic reviews showed that diseases (endometriosis, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis), lifestyle (smoking, drinking, vaccination), and gene polymorphism influenced the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus. The results of Mendelian randomization studies identified the role of disease (periodontitis, celiac disease), trace elements (selenium, iron), cytokines (growth differentiation factor 15), and gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Conclusion We should pay attention to preventing and treating systemic lupus erythematosus in patients with endometriosis, celiac disease, and periodontitis. Take appropriate dietary supplements to increase serum iron and selenium levels to reduce the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus. There should be no excessive intervention in lifestyles such as smoking and drinking.

Abstract Objective: To explore the effectiveness of oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking in treating premature infants with dysphagia. Methods: Sixty preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the present study’s hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control and intervention groups. The control group was given non-nutritive sucking intervention alone, while the intervention group was given oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking. The oral motor ability, milk sucking amount and sucking rate, feeding efficiency and outcomes, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were measured and compared. Results: Compared to first-day interventions, preterm infant oral feeding readiness assessment scale-Chinese version (PIOFRAS-CV) scores of the two groups significantly increased after 14 days of intervention, and this score was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Similarly, after 14 days of intervention, the intervention group's milk sucking rate and amount were significantly higher than the control group. Also, after the intervention, the intervention group's total oral feeding weeks were considerably lower, while the feeding efficiency and body weight were significantly higher than the control group. Moreover, the overall adverse reaction rate in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group. Conclusions: Oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking can significantly improve the oral motor ability of premature newborns, promote the process of oral feeding, improve the outcome of oral feeding, and reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. The combined intervention seems to have a beneficial effect on oral feeding proficiency in preterm infants.

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.

RESUMO Objetivos: Investigar a incidência, fatores de risco e desfechos visuais do desenvolvimento da membrana epirretiniana após reparo do descolamento regmatogênico da retina. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de 309 olhos submetidos à cirurgia inicial para descolamento regmatogênico da retina primário sem complicações. Os exames foram realizados no pré-operatório aos 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses pós-operatórios. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, dependendo da presença ou ausência de membrana epirretiniana. Resultados: A incidência de membrana epirretiniana pós-operatória foi de 28,5%; 42,7% desses pacientes apresentaram desenvolvimento grave da membrana epirretiniana e, portanto, foram submetidos à remoção desta membrana. A regressão logística mostrou que as lágrimas retinianas gigantes (RC: 2,66; 95% IC: 1,045 - 6,792, p=0,040) e lágrimas em ferradura (RC: 0,534; 95% IC: 0,295-0,967, p=0,039), foram preditores significativos de membrana epirretiniana pós-operatória. A coloração com acetonida de triancinolona foi significativamente associada à prevenção da membrana epirretiniana (p=0,022). Trinta e quatro pacientes apresentaram acuidade visual melhorada, ou igual, ou acuidade visual final melhor corrigida; 4 olhos foram avaliados na consulta final de acompanhamento e apresentaram redução da acuidade visual melhor corrigida. Conclusão: Nossa análise demonstra que as lágrimas de ferradura e as lágrimas retinianas gigantes representam fatores de risco para a membrana epirretiniana pós-operatória. A coloração com acetonida de triancinolona teve um efeito preventivo significativo na membrana epirretiniana no pós-operatório. Além disso, uma segunda rodada de vitrectomia pars plana, incluindo remoção da membrana, levou a uma melhora significativa da acuidade visual final melhor corrigida na última consulta de acompanhamento, embora a recuperação tenha sido limitada.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and visual outcomes of epiretinal membrane development following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 309 eyes that underwent initial surgery for primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Examinations were conducted preoperatively and then postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The study patients were categorized into two groups depending on the presence or absence of the epiretinal membrane. Results: The incidence of postoperative epiretinal membrane was 28.5%; 42.7% of these patients had severe epiretinal membrane development and therefore underwent the epiretinal membrane removal. Logistic regression analyses revealed that giant retinal tears (OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.045-6.792, p=0.040) and horseshoe tears (OR: 0.534; 95% CI: 0.295-0.967, p=0.039) were the significant predictors of postoperative epiretinal membrane. Triamcinolone acetonide staining was significantly associated with the prevention of epiretinal membrane (p=0.022). A total of 34 patients showed a better or an equal final best-corrected visual acuity; of which 4 eyes were evaluated at the final follow-up visit and exhibited a reduced best-corrected visual acuity. Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrated that horseshoe tears and giant retinal tears represent the risk factors for the postoperative epiretinal membrane. Triamcinolone acetonide staining had a significant preventive effect on the postoperative epiretinal membrane. Furthermore, a second round of pars plana vitrectomy, including membrane removal, led to a significant improvement in the final best-corrected visual acuity as per the last follow-up examination, albeit the recovery was limited.

Resumo A elevada carga da doença renal, disparidades globais no cuidado renal e desfechos ruins da insuficiência renal impõem uma sobrecarga crescente aos indivíduos afetados e suas famílias, cuidadores e a própria comunidade geral. Educação em saúde é o grau em que indivíduos e organizações têm, ou que igualmente permitem que indivíduos tenham, capacidade de encontrar, compreender e utilizar informações e serviços para tomar decisões e ações conscientes relacionadas à saúde para si e outros. Mais do que enxergar educação em saúde como um problema dos pacientes, a melhoria dessa educação depende principalmente da comunicação e educação efetiva dos profissionais em parceria com aqueles que apresentam doença renal. Para formuladores de políticas renais, educação em saúde é pré-requisito para que organizações migrem para uma cultura que coloque a pessoa no centro dos cuidados. A crescente capacidade e acesso à tecnologia oferecem novas oportunidades para melhorar educação e conscientização sobre doença renal para todas as partes interessadas. Avanços nas telecomunicações, incluindo redes sociais, podem ajudar a melhorar a educação de pessoas e provedores. O Dia Mundial do Rim declara 2022 como o ano da "Saúde dos Rins para Todos" promovendo trabalho em equipe global no avanço de estratégias para preencher a lacuna na educação e conhecimento em saúde renal. Organizações renais devem trabalhar para mudar a narrativa da educação em saúde como um problema de pacientes, para sendo responsabilidade dos profissionais e formuladores de políticas. Ao engajar-se e apoiar formulação de políticas centradas na saúde renal, planejamento de saúde comunitária e abordagens de educação em saúde para todos, comunidades renais esforçam-se para prevenir doenças renais e permitir viver bem com elas.

Abstract The high burden of kidney disease, global disparities in kidney care, and the poor outcomes of kidney failure place a growing burden on affected individuals and their families, caregivers, and the community at large. Health literacy is the degree to which individuals and organizations have, or equitably enable individuals to have, the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to make informed health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Rather than viewing health literacy as a patient deficit, improving health literacy lies primarily with health care providers communicating and educating effectively in codesigned partnership with those with kidney disease. For kidney policy makers, health literacy is a prerequisite for organizations to transition to a culture that places the person at the center of health care. The growing capability of and access to technology provides new opportunities to enhance education and awareness of kidney disease for all stakeholders. Advances in telecommunication, including social media platforms, can be leveraged to enhance persons’ and providers’ education. The World Kidney Day declares 2022 as the year of “Kidney Health for All” to promote global teamwork in advancing strategies in bridging the gap in kidney health education and literacy. Kidney organizations should work toward shifting the patient-deficit health literacy narrative to that of being the responsibility of health care providers and health policy makers. By engaging in and supporting kidney health-centered policy making, community health planning, and health literacy approaches for all, the kidney communities strive to prevent kidney diseases and enable living well with kidney disease.

Abstract To evaluate the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of normal people before and after diet using real-time shear wave elastography (SWE), and to explore the effect of diet on liver elasticity. Fifty-four healthy volunteers were selected and 480 mL of a standard diet containing 391 kcal were administrated. The LSM before diet and at 30 minutes after diet was significantly higher than baseline LSM. The LSM at 60 minutes after diet was significantly higher than that before diet. The LSM at 120 minutes after diet was significantly less than that before diet. 75% of the volunteers reached the peak of liver stiffness at 30 minutes or 60 minutes after diet. The LSM increased by more than 20% in 31% subjects, increased by less than 20% in 48%, and remained or decreased in 21%. The blood flow volume of portal vein was 692.02 ± 130.69 mL/min before diet, and it reached the maximum value of 776.41 ± 151.45 mL/min at 30 min after diet. Diet could affect the Young’s modulus measurement of liver. In order to avoid the effect, it is suggested to use real-time shear wave elastic imaging to measure the Young's modulus of liver on an empty stomach.

Abstract The present study aimed to determine whether oleanolic acid (Ole) could be used to treat psoriasis and its related underlying mechanism of action via in vitro analysis. HaCaT cells were stimulated with IL-22 to established an in vitro psoriasis cell model. MTT, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the cell ultrastructure. LC3B protein expression levels were analyzed using immunofluorescence, other protein expression levels were determined using western blotting. Cell viability was significantly increased, while the apoptotic rate was significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.001). In addition, Notch1, Hes1, beclin 1 and LC3B protein expression levels were significantly downregulated, while P62 protein expression levels were significantly upregulated in the model group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Supplementation of Ole, the increased levels of proliferation were significantly suppressed, while cell apoptosis was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, which was discovered to occur via Notch1 upregulation. Notably, the transfection with small interfering RNA-Notch1 significantly reversed the effect of Ole treatment (P < 0.001) and the levels of autophagy were also decreased. In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggested that Ole may relieve psoriasis via upregulating Notch1, which subsequently regulates cell autophagy.

Abstract Beef rump muscle samples were frozen by slow freezing (-20 °C) and fast freezing (-80 °C), and subjected to different thawing treatments: air thawing (AT), water immersion thawing (WIT) and high pressure assisted thawing (HPAT) at 50, 100, 150, 200 MPa. Temperature and duration of meat samples were monitored during freezing and thawing. The thawing time of AT, WIT and HPAT indicating that HPAT improved the thawing efficiency. HPAT treatment induced the thawing loss and color change, maintained the texture, moisture migration and thermal stability of myofibrillar protein of SF/FF samples. Meanwhile, FF preserved color and inhibited protein oxidation, and the lower protein oxidation were observed in FF-WIT samples. However, the thermal stability of MP depends only on thawing method regardless of SF/FF. High pressure thawing seems to be a complicated process, for which further studies are needed.

Abstract Most chronic kidney disease inevitably progress to renal fibrosis. Tubular epithelial- to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized to play major roles in renal fibrosis. Oxymatrine (OM) is a major alkaloid component found in a Chinese herb Sophora roots and has many effects. The aim is to investigate the effect of OM on renal tubular EMT and elucidate its mechanism. Mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) followed by intraperitoneal injection of OM (120 mg/kg) or control vehicle. Human kidney proximal tubular cell line (HK-2) was used and EMT was induced with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In vivo, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was induced and E-cadherin was down-regulated, while the expressions of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1 and its type I receptor (TGF-βRI) were up-regulated in UUO mice. In contrast, OM significantly ameliorated renal fibrotic lesions and attenuated the expressions of FN, α-SMA, TGF-β1 and TGF-βRI, but increased E-cadherin in the obstructed kidneys. In vitro, OM abolished TGF-β1-mediated E-cadherin suppression and FN, α-SMA and TGF-βRI induction in HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These observations strongly suggest that the renal protective effects of OM could be mediated by prevention of EMT and manifested as suppression of TGF-β1 and TGF-βRI expressions.

Abstract In this work, an immersion freezing system was proposed to shorten the total freezing time and improve the quality of frozen food. The thermal performance of the refrigerant liquid prepared for using in the immersion freezing system was evaluated. A three-dimensional model (3D) was developed to investigate the dynamic characteristics of food freezing process. The effects of the refrigerant liquid inlet flow rate, inlet temperature, total freezing time and freezing rate of chicken breast, velocity and temperature distribution in the immersion freezing system were investigated. In addition, the freezing rates of food using traditional air-blast freezing and the proposed immersion freezing were evaluated. The results showed that the freezing rate of food in immersion freezing was approximately 12.85 times higher than that of the traditional air-blast freezing. When the flow rate increased from 0.11 kg·s-1 to 0.63 kg·s-1, the total freezing time shortened by 36.9%. When the temperature decreased from -25 ºC to -40 ºC, the total freezing time shortened by 35.5%. However, the temperature of the refrigerant liquid should not be too low, which will lead to high viscosity of the liquid, thus resulting in increasing in the overall power consumption of the proposed system.