Abstract The study aimed to improve polysaccharide-based packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh produce; a composite film with antimicrobial function was developed and tested. The packaging film is a blend of agar, a film-forming substrate; carrageenan, as a reinforcing agent; glycerol, as a plasticizer; and Nisin, an antimicrobial agent. The film was evaluated for its antibacterial, mechanical, and barrier properties at different humidity levels, using fresh-cut watermelon as the test food material. The film effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Under relative humidity of 20%, 50%, and 90%, the tensile strength of the antibacterial film containing 0.28% Nisin was 23.08 ± 0.65, 16.09 ± 1.73, and 6.52 ± 0.56 MPa, respectively, and the film also had excellent barrier and heat-sealing properties. The packaging test using fresh-cut watermelon sealed in the antibacterial film containing 0.28% Nisin, under controlled atmosphere storage at either 4 °C or 20 °C, effectively inhibited microbial colonization in the melon and slowed the deterioration of the fruit, as indicated by measures of hardness, weight loss, and soluble solids. This method can extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit and provide a reference for further research on polysaccharide-based protective film for fresh produce.

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium (MSC-CM) treating diabetic foot ulcers in rats. Methods: Models of T2DM rats were induced by a high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of STZ in SD rats. Models of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) were made by operation on hind limbs in diabetic rats. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 for each group), i.e., Normal Control group (NC), Diabetes Control group (DM-C), MSC-CM group and Mesenchymal Stem Cells group (MSCs). MSC-CM group was treated with an injection of conditioned medium derived from preconditioned rats’ bone marrow MSCs around ulcers. MSCs group were treated with an injection of rats’ bone marrow MSCs. The other two groups were treated with an injection of PBS. After the treatment, wound closure, re-epithelialization (thickness of the stratum granulosums of the skin, by H&E staining), cell proliferation (Ki67, by IHC), angiogenesis (CD31, by IFC), autophagy (LC3B, by IFC and WB; autoly-sosome, by EM) and pyroptosis (IL-1β, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD and GSDMD-N, by WB) in ulcers were evaluated. Results: After the treatment wound area rate, IL-1β by ELISA, and IL-1β, Caspase-1, GSDMD and GSDMD-N by WB of MSC-CM group were less than those of DM group. The thickness of the stratum granulosums of the skin, proliferation index of Ki67, mean optic density of CD31 and LC3B by IFC, and LC3B by WB of MSC-CM group were more than those of DM group. The present analysis demonstrated that the injection of MSC-CM into rats with DFUs enhanced the wound-healing process by accelerating wound closure, promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, enhancing cell autophagy, and reducing cell pyroptosis in ulcers. Conclusions: Studies conducted indicate that MSC-CM administration could be a novel cell-free therapeutic approach to treat DFUs accelerating the wound healing process and avoiding the risk of living cells therapy.

RESUMO Introdução O surfe depende principalmente da força motriz resultante das oscilações nas ondas. Os atletas precisam remar na zona de ondas e completar as ações da competição na seção mais forte nas paredes das ondas. Isso exige extrema habilidade de equilíbrio, que pode ser fortalecida com treinos específicos. Dentre eles, acredita-se que o treino de core poderia ser benéfico. Objetivo Estudar a influência do treino em plataforma estável e instável na regulação da postura ortostática do surfista sob perturbação do equilíbrio. Métodos Membros da Equipe Nacional de Treinamento de Surf de Hainan foram voluntários do experimento, foram analisados os seus métodos de treino físico, treino de memória e avaliação dos efeitos. Resultados 90% dos atletas conseguem completar o controle de equilíbrio em uma posição autônoma de curto prazo na prancha de equilíbrio em 1 semana, a velocidade de seu progresso também depende da duração do treino, tempos e intervalos, a regra da progressão encontra-se de acordo com a teoria literária do treino esportivo. Conclusão Com a extensão adicional do ciclo de treino da prancha de equilíbrio, acredita-se que a capacidade dos atletas no controle do equilíbrio e capacidades abrangentes de competição reais continuarão a aumentar, o nível técnico geral e a estabilidade de seu desempenho serão ainda mais aprimorados. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação de resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction Surfing depends mainly on the driving force resulting from wave oscillations. Athletes need to paddle in the wave zone and complete the competition actions in the most robust section on the wave walls. This requires extreme balance skills, which can be strengthened with specific training. Among them, it is believed that core training could be beneficial. Objective To study the influence of training on a stable and unstable platform on the regulation of the surfer’s orthostatic posture under balance disturbance. Methods Members of the Hainan National Surf Training Team were volunteers for the experiment; their physical training methods, memory training, and effects evaluation were analyzed. Results 90% of athletes manage to complete the balance control in a short-term autonomous position on the balance board in 1 week; their progress also depends on the training duration, times, and intervals; the progression rule lies according to the literary theory of sports training. Conclusion With the further extension of the balance board training cycle, it is believed that athletes’ ability to control balance and real competition comprehensive capabilities will continue to increase, the overall technical level and stability of their performance will be even greater. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

RESUMEN Introducción El surf depende principalmente de la fuerza motriz resultante de las oscilaciones de las olas. Los deportistas necesitan remar en la zona de la ola y completar las acciones de la competición en la sección más robusta de las paredes de la ola. Para ello, es necesario contar con habilidades de equilibrio extremas, que pueden reforzarse con un entrenamiento específico. Entre ellas, se cree que el entrenamiento del núcleo podría ser beneficioso. Objetivo Estudiar la influencia del entrenamiento en una plataforma estable e inestable sobre la regulación de la postura ortostática del surfista bajo una perturbación del equilibrio. Métodos Los miembros del Equipo Nacional de Entrenamiento de Surf de Hainan fueron voluntarios para el experimento; se analizaron sus métodos de entrenamiento físico, el entrenamiento de la memoria y la evaluación de los efectos. Resultados El 90% de los atletas consiguen completar el control del equilibrio en una posición autónoma a corto plazo en la tabla de equilibrio en 1 semana; su progreso también depende de la duración del entrenamiento, los tiempos y los intervalos; la regla de progresión se encuentra según la teoría literaria del entrenamiento deportivo. Conclusión Con la ampliación del ciclo de entrenamiento en la tabla de equilibrio, se cree que la capacidad de los atletas para controlar el equilibrio y las capacidades integrales de la competición real seguirán aumentando, el nivel técnico general y la estabilidad de su rendimiento serán aún mayores. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for failure of subclavian vein catheterization. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1562 patients who underwent subclavian vein puncture performed by the same experienced operator at Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019 was conducted. The success or failure of subclavian vein catheterization was registered in all cases. Various patient characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative hematocrit, preoperative mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), preoperative albumin, preoperative serum creatinine, puncture needles from different manufacturers and previous history of subclavian vein catheterization were assessed via univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: For the included patients, landmark-guided subclavian vein puncture was successful in 1476 cases and unsuccessful in 86 cases (success rate of 94.5%). Successful subclavian vein catheterization was achieved via right and left subclavian vein puncture in 1392 and 84 cases, respectively. In univariate analyses, age and preoperative hemoglobin were associated with failure of subclavian vein catheterization. In a multivariate analysis, aged more than 60 years was a risk factor while the central venous access with Certofix® was associated with an increased rate of success (p-values of 0.001 and 0.015, respectively). Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that patient aged more than 60 years was a risk factor for failure of subclavian vein catheterization while the central venous access with Certofix® was associated with an increased rate of success.

Abstract This study aimed to prepare the total saponins from Panax japonicus (TSPJ), and investigate their protective effects on learning and memory ability of aging mice induced by D-galactose. The TSPJ product with content of 81.03% was obtained. Fifty mice were randomly divided into control, model, and low-, middle- and high-dose TSPJ groups. The D-galactose-induced aging model was established in model, and low-, middle- and high-dose TSPJ groups. Then, the low-, middle- and high-dose TSPJ groups were treated with 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg TSPJ by gavage, respectively, for 8 weeks. At the end of treatment, compared with model group, in 40 and 80 mg/kg TSPJ groups the brain aging symptoms were obviously moderated, the step-down latency was increased, the frequency of mistake was decreased, the brain index was increased, the brain tissue SOD and GSH-Px levels were increased, the brain tissue MDA level was decreased, and the brain tissue Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities were increased. In conclusion, TSPJ can reduce the brain tissue oxidative stress injury and protect the cell membrane transport capacity, thus improving the learning and memory ability in aging mice.

Abstract Spices play an important role in the formation of stewed meat flavor, and it is necessary to establish a rapid detection technology for flavor in stewed meat production. The aim of this work was to discover the variation of volatiles from Cinnamomum cassia Presl in different processing processes and to establish a real-time detection method during processing. The relative content of volatile components of Cinnamomum cassia Presl from powder to extract and from extract to beef was compared in different processes. The volatile compounds were analyzed by headspace sampling and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). A total of 20 components were detected in the cinnamon powder. In the marinade processing, the most volatile components was detected in marinade when marinating for 1 hour, such as cinnamic acid(4.39%), cinnamaldehyde (46.57%), anethole(8.05%), α-pinene(7.38%), naphthalene,1,2,4a,5,6,8a-hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-(0.93%), α-muurolene(8.99%), naphthalene,1,2,3,5,6,8a-hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-,(1S-cis)-(20.31%), naphthalene,1,2,3,4,4a,7-hexahydro-1,6-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-(3.03%) and α-calacorene(0.35%). In the bittern processing, the flavor components in the bittern when cooking for 15 minutes were the most and 7 components were detected which were cinnnamic acid(3.69%), cinnamaldehyde(70.67%), anethole(4.37%), α-pinene(1.62%), α-muurolene(3.69%), naphthalene,1,2,3,5,6,8a-hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-, (1S-cis)-(14.17%) and naphthalene,1,2,3,4,4a,7-hexahydro-1,6-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-(1.79%). The relative content of the volatile components in two bittern were slightly different. In two processes, only cinnamaldehyde was detected in the stewed beef, where a small amount of α-pinene was detected when marinating for 1 hour and bitterning for 45 minutes. Cinnamaldehyde can be used as the main indicator for the detection of processing. HS-GC-MS can be used as a real-time detection method in the marinade and bittern processing.

Abstract Study on the effects and mechanisms of different oils on spatial learning and memory in developing rats. Fifty-six Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with primary weaning were randomly divided into the 7 groups, DHA, walnut oil, perilla oil, safflower seed oil, α-linoleic acid, and Essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient and negative control. Morris water maze behavioral test was performed after 8 weeks of continuous feeding. Real-time fluorescence quantification and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate changes in the expression of NR1, CREB and c-Fos in rat hippocampus, qPCR detected the expression in hippocampal cells. The results showed that the rats fed various oils significant improvement in the Morris water maze test. The mRNA expression of NR1, CREB and c-Fos in the hippocampus of rats fed with various oils were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05 and P<0.01), and CREB and c-Fos proteins expression were up-regulated (P<0.05). The expression of genes and proteins in hippocampus of EFA-deficient control was not significantly different from negative control. It is suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids could significantly improve the learning and memory ability of rats, which may be through regulating the mRNA expression of cfos, CREB and NR1 in rat hippocampus and the synthesis of CREB and c-Fos proteins.

Abstract Vascular hypo-responsiveness to vasopressors in patients with obstructive jaundice (OJ) is a common anesthetic event, which leads to perioperative complications and increased mortality. The cause of this clinical issue remains unclear. In this study, we estimated the actin cytoskeleton and arterial protein level in the artery of OJ patients by proteomic analysis. Ten patients with OJ due to bile duct diseases or pancreatic head carcinoma were enrolled, while another ten non-jaundice patients with chronic cholecystitis or liver hemangioma as the control group. Vascular reactivity to noradrenaline was measured before anesthesia on the day of surgery. Artery samples in adjacent tissues of removed tumor were collected and evaluated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis. Proteins with differential expression were detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with immunoblot confirmation. The results confirmed the phenomenon of vascular hypo-reactivity in OJ patients as suppressed aortic response to noradrenaline were existed in these patients. We also found that actin cytoskeleton and several actin-binding proteins were up- or down-regulated in the artery of OJ patients. These proteins changed in OJ patents might be the basic mechanism of vascular hypo-reactivity, further studies to uncover the role of these proteins in OJ is critical for clinical treatment of these patients.

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. A previous genome-wide association study reports that rs72755295, a SNP locating at intron of EXO1 (exonuclease 1), is associated with breast cancer. Due to the complete linkage disequilibrium between rs72755295 and rs4149909, a nonsynonymous mutation for EXO1, rs4149909 is supposed to be the causal SNP. Since EXO1 is overexpressed in breast carcinoma samples, we hypothesized that the genetic variations in this locus might confer breast cancer risk by regulating EXO1 expression. To substantiate this, a functional genomics study was performed. The dual luciferase assay indicated that G of rs72755295 presents significantly higher relative enhancer activity than A, thus verifying that this SNP can influence gene expression in breast cell. Through chromosome conformation capture it was disclosed that the enhancer containing rs72755295 can interact with the EXO1 promoter. RNA-seq analysis indicated that EXO1 expression is dependent on the rs72755295 genotype. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, the transcription factor PAX6 (paired box 6) was recognized to bind the region spanning rs72755295. In electrophoretic mobility shift assay, G of rs72755295 displays obviously higher binding affinity with nuclear protein than A. Our results indicated that rs72755295 is a cis-regulatory variation for EXO1 and might confer breast cancer risk besides rs4149909.

Abstract A simple and selective liquid chromatography tandem with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ MS) method for quantification of lobetyolin in rat plasma was developed and validated. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Thermo ODS C18 reversed-phase column using 0.1% aqueous formic acid-methanol (50:50, v/v) in an isocratic elution mode at a flow rate of 0.4 mL.min-1. LC/MS performance was done in a positive ion ESI mode and the MS/MS transitions were monitored at m/z 419.3 [M+Na]+ → m/z 203.1 for lobetyolin and m/z 394.9 [M+Na]+ → m/z 231.9 for IS, respectively. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range over 1.0-500 ng.mL-1 for lobetyolin in plasma. Both the precision (%RSD) and accuracy (RE%) were within acceptable criteria (<15%). Recoveries ranged from 87.0% to 95.6%, and the matrix effects were from 91.0% to 101.3%. After oral administration, the peak plasma concentration of lobetyolin was obtained as 60.1 ng.mL-1 at 1.0 h. The proposed LC-MS/MS method could be applied to a pharmacokinetic study employing 66 samples from 6 Wistar rats.

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and non-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but its morbidity shows an increasing trend year by year. The pathogenesis of UC may be related to the genetic susceptibility, immune factor and intestinal microflora. In the last few years, an increasing number of studies have examined the relationship between the expression levels of peripheral CircRNA and UC. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CircRNA MFHAS1 in colitis and its possible mechanism. The expression of CircRNA MFHAS1 was reduced in colitis, and miR-486-5p expression was also increased in citrobacter rodentium-induced murine colitis. In vitro model, over-expression of CircRNA MFHAS1 reduced inflammatory responses, induced SIRT1 protein expression, and suppressed NF-κB protein expression. However, miR-486-5p CircRNA MFHAS1 suppressed SIRT1 protein expression, and induced NF-κB protein expression in vitro model. The inactivation of SIRT1 reduced the anti-inflammation effects of CircRNA MFHAS1 on inflammatory responses in vitro model. Over-expression of miR-486-5p also reduced the anti-inflammation effects of CircRNA MFHAS1 in vitro model. Our results demonstrated that CircRNA MFHAS1 reduces inflammatory responses in Colitis via SIRT1/NF-κB by miR-486-5p.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo do presente estudo é comparar a eficácia de duas técnicas diferentes para o bloqueio nervoso torácico durante cirurgia torácica vídeo-assistida (CTVA) e anestesia com ventilação espontânea. METODOLOGIA Cem pacientes foram incluídos no estudo e divididos em dois grupos. Em um (grupo P), foi utilizada a abordagem de BPVT e no outro (grupo I), a abordagem de BIC. Então, a taxa de eficácia clínica, duração do procedimento de bloqueio e suas complicações foram registradas para a comparação do efeito das duas abordagens. RESULTADOS Nenhuma diferença foi observada no efeito clínico do bloqueio nervoso torácico entre os dois grupos. Dois pacientes no grupo de BIC foram convertidos para anestesia geral devido a fibrilação mediastinal grave (grau três). O número de pacientes com fibrilação mediastinal de grau um no grupo de BPVT foi significativamente maior do que no grupo de BIC. Perfuração vascular foi detectada em quatro pacientes do grupo de BIC e em um do grupo de BPVT. Não foram observadas outras complicações. CONCLUSÃO Não houve diferença de eficácia clínica entre os dois grupos. No entanto, BPVT guiado por ultrassom foi superior ao BIC guiado por ultrassom durante CTVA para lobectomia pulmonar com anestesia em ventilação espontânea. Além disso, deve-se prestar mais atenção quanto à perfuração vascular.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy of two different techniques for blocking chest nerves during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) under spontaneous-ventilating anesthesia. METHODS One hundred patients were recruited in this study and divided into two groups. The first, P group, underwent the TPVB approach; the second, I group, underwent the ICNB approach. Then, the rate of clinical efficacy, duration of the block procedure, and its complications were recorded for comparison of the effect of the two approaches. RESULTS No difference was found in the clinical effect of chest nerve blocks between the two groups. Two patients in the ICNB group were converted to general anesthesia due to severe mediastinal flutter (grade three). The number of patients who had grade one mediastinal flutter in the TPVB group was significantly higher than in the ICNB group. Vascular puncture was detected in four patients in the ICNB group and in one patient in the TPVB group. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS No difference was found regarding the clinical efficacy in the two groups. However, ultrasound-guided TPVB was superior to ultrasound-guided ICBN during VATS for pulmonary lobectomy under spontaneous-ventilating anesthesia. Additionally, vascular puncture should receive more attention.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and repeatability of the flash-replenishment method in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) perfusion imaging and assess quantitatively microvascular perfusion in the liver. Twenty healthy New Zealand rabbits were submitted to CEUS perfusion imaging with continuous intravenous infusion. Using flash-replenishment kinetics, the dynamic process of depletion and refilling of microbubble contrast agent was recorded. The hepatic microvascular perfusion parameters were calculated, including region of interest, peak intensity (PI), area under the curve (AUC), and hepatic artery to vein transit time (HA-HVTT). A consistency test was performed for multiple measurements by the same operator and blind measurements by two different operators. The hepatic perfusion imaging of 3×108 bubbles/min had minimal error and the best imaging effect and repeatability. The variability of the perfusion parameter measured at 3 cm depth under the liver capsule was at a minimum with coefficient of variation of 3.9%. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of measurements taken by the same operator was 0.985, (95% confidence interval, CI=0.927-0.998). Measurements taken by two operators had good consistency and reliability, with the ICC of 0.948 (95%CI=0.853-0.982). The PI and AUC of liver parenchyma after reperfusion were lower than before blocking; and HA-HVTT was significantly longer than before blocking (P<0.05). The flash-replenishment method in CEUS perfusion imaging showed good stability and repeatability, which provide a valuable experimental basis for the quantitative assessment of hepatic microvascular perfusion in clinical practice.

In this paper, two low carbon microalloyed steels, named as steel A and steel B, were fabricated by ultra fast cooling (UFC). In both steels, the microstructures containing quasi polygonal ferrite (QF), acicular ferrite (AF) and granular bainite (GB) can be obtained by UFC process. The amount of AF in steel B is more than that in steel A. The size and distribution of precipitates (Nb/Ti carbonitrides) in steel B are finer and more dispersed than those of in steel A due to relatively low finish cooling temperature. The mechanical properties of both steels are effectively enhanced by UFC process. UFC process produces low-temperature transformation microstructures containing a significant amount of AF. The mechanical properties of steel B were more satisfactory than those of steel A due to the finer average grain size, the greater amount of the volume fractions and smaller size of secondary phases.

ABSTRACT Quantifying the effects of environmental conditions on grain quality of foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv.) is critical for large-scale promotion of high-quality foxtail millet according to local conditions. We analyzed quantitative correlation between grain quality of foxtail millet and environmental factors during the growing season (May-September) using multivariate statistical analysis under different ecological conditions at five representative locations across Shanxi Province, China. Based on the results of principal component analysis, the first principal component, which explained 58.22% of total variance in grain quality, was selected to represent the comprehensive quality of foxtail millet. The results of gray relational analysis showed that the difference in grain quality across different locations was mainly affected by altitude (grey relational grade [GRG] = 0.8137), followed by precipitation (GRG = 0.7744), diurnal temperature range (GRG = 0.6816), latitude (GRG = 0.5417), sunshine hours (GRG = 0.5052), and ≥ 20 °C accumulated temperature (GRG = 0.4517). The precipitation of July and diurnal temperature range of July-September had the greatest effect on grain quality of foxtail millet. Stepwise regression and path analyses revealed that altitude, precipitation, and ≥ 20 °C accumulated temperature were the major environmental factors affecting grain quality of foxtail millet, which determined 99% of total variance in grain quality. Altitude and precipitation exhibited a significant positive effect, while ≥ 20 °C accumulated temperature showed a significant negative effect. The regression equation proposed in this study (P = 0.0048, R2 = 0.99) can be used to predict and forecast grain quality of foxtail millet.