Abstract Aiming to provide a new way that preserves more active components in Eucommia ulmoides (EU) leaves, this paper utilizes 4 methods, i.e., microwave, steam, air heating, and frying, to process EU leaves before drying, and their respective effects on the leaves were evaluated. The antioxidant activity of EU leaves in vitro was measured by the DPPH free radical method; the contents of total flavonoids (TFC) and total phenols (TPC) were analyzed by spectrophotometry; and the contents of main active components were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed the pre-process improved the quality of the EU leaves. As a simple and fast process, the microwave process is the most effective technique in the retention of flavonoids and four active ingredients except aucubin. High power (800 W) and short time (2.5 min) are more conducive to the retention of active ingredients, with high antioxidant activity. Appropriate steam and frying processes also exhibited benefits for the active components. In particular, the samples treated with steam for 10 minutes showed great potential for industrial application with the highest antioxidant activity and polyphenol content. Therefore, proper pre-processing before drying should be conducted to effectively protect the active components of EU leaves.

Abstract The woody oil industry generates a large amount of seed shell waste during its production. Therefore, this paper employs a central composite design (CCD) methodology to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction process, thus utilizing the byproduct. The infrared spectrum and thermogravimetric analysis is adopted to explore the chemical structure and thermal stability of tannin. Besides, the tannin resin (TF) is prepared to elaborate its adsorbing performance for dyes in water. The results verify the role of ultrasonic-assisted extraction method in increasing yield rate. The optimal conditions are as follows: 60% ethanol as extraction solvent, the solid-liquid ratio of 1:25 (g/mL), ultrasonic power of 160 W, and extracted at 80oC for 60min. The yield rate of tannin under such conditions stands at 32.04% (w/w). Temperature is vital for the extraction rate. Acer truncatum tannin as a condensed tannin, performs favorable thermal stability, and TF effectively absorbs cationic dye in water. The maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue peaks at 176.13 mg/g. Acer truncatum shell serves as a resource of condensed tannin, and Acer truncatum tannin resin can be potentially developed into a new biomass adsorbent.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The characteristics of basketball require excellent players with athletic abilities such as high explosive strength for the instantaneous jump up, flexible movements and quick changes of direction, and accurate passing and shooting. These characteristics can also be found in beach games, and it is believed that the practice of these games can benefit the practice of basketball. Objective: Explore the effect of beach training on the physical fitness of basketball players. Methods: Through a randomized controlled trial, 24 basketball players were selected to analyze the explosive power of the lower extremity in the 40m sprint race and in the vertical jump, two representative indicators of the explosive power of the lower limbs. The group teaching experiment was conducted for 17 weeks, five times a week. Results: The comparison in the statistical test of the 40m sprint, and the vertical jump before and after the experiment proves that, compared with the traditional practice of basketball, the practice of beach games has a beneficial effect on improving the explosive power of the lower limbs. Conclusion: Beach sports training has benefits for basketball practice; the characteristics on the beach basketball court and the playing characteristics of the athletes determined this. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las características del baloncesto exigen jugadores excelentes con habilidades atléticas como una gran fuerza explosiva para el salto instantáneo, movimientos flexibles y rápidos cambios de dirección, así como pases y tiros precisos. Son características que también se pueden encontrar en los juegos de playa y se cree que la práctica de estos juegos puede aportar algún beneficio a la práctica del baloncesto. Objetivo: Explorar el efecto del entrenamiento en la playa sobre la aptitud física de los jugadores de baloncesto. Métodos: Mediante un ensayo controlado aleatorio, se seleccionaron 24 jugadores de baloncesto para analizar la potencia explosiva de la extremidad inferior en la carrera de velocidad de 40 metros y en el salto vertical, dos indicadores representativos de la potencia explosiva de las extremidades inferiores. El experimento de enseñanza en grupo se llevó a cabo durante 17 semanas, cinco veces por semana. Resultados: La comparación en la prueba estadística del sprint de 40 metros y del salto vertical antes y después del experimento demuestra que, en comparación con la práctica tradicional del baloncesto, la práctica de los juegos de playa tiene un efecto beneficioso en la mejora de la potencia explosiva de los miembros inferiores. Conclusión: El entrenamiento deportivo en la playa aporta beneficios a la práctica del baloncesto, esto fue determinado por las características en la cancha de baloncesto en la playa y las características de jugabilidad de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: As características do basquetebol exigem excelentes jogadores com habilidades atléticas como alta força explosiva para o salto instantâneo para cima, movimentos flexíveis e mudanças rápidas de direção, além de passes e tiros precisos. Essas são características que também podem ser encontradas nos jogos de praia e acredita-se que a prática desses jogos possa trazer algum benefício para a prática do basquetebol. Objetivo: Explorar o efeito do treinamento na praia sobre a aptidão física dos jogadores de basquetebol. Métodos: Através de um estudo randomizado controlado, foram selecionados 24 jogadores de basquetebol para analisar o poder explosivo da extremidade inferior no sprint de corrida de 40m e no salto vertical, dois indicadores representativos do poder explosivo dos membros inferiores, foram selecionados. O experimento de ensino em grupo foi realizado durante 17 semanas, cinco vezes por semana. Resultados: A comparação no teste estatístico dos 40m de sprint e do salto vertical antes e depois do experimento prova que, comparado com a prática tradicional do basquetebol, a prática dos jogos de praia tem um efeito benéfico na melhoria da potência explosiva dos membros inferiores. Conclusão: O treinamento com esporte de praia traz benefícios para a prática do basquetebol, isto foi determinado pelas características na quadra de basquetebol de praia e pelas características de jogabilidade dos esportistas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract Field muskmelon seeds contain plenty of oil. However, its potential as vegetable food oil has not been explored comprehensively. This study used three different processes, cold extrusion (CE), coasting followed by cold extrusion (R-CE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), for the extraction of field muskmelon seed oil (FMSO) and studied its quality characteristics such as color, fatty acid composition, and volatile components. The study found that FMSO is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and has a pleasant aroma. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that FMSO contains five main fatty acids, palmitic (11.85 ± 0.03 to12.52 ± 0.03%), linoleic (60.94 ± 1.31 to 64.78 ± 0.77%), oleic (16.64 ± 0.26 to 18.95 ± 0.47%), elaidic (0.85 ± 0.05 to 1.06 ± 0.03%), and stearic (5.67 ± 0.03 to 8.44 ± 0.06%) acids. The relative content of fatty acids showed significant variation depending on the extraction process (P < 0.05). Furthermore, volatile components were obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by GC-MS. In total, 42, 53, and 91 volatile components were identified in FMSO extracted by CE, R-CE, and SFE, respectively. R-CE extraction promoted pyrazines content (51.51 ± 3.15%) and reduced esters and acids, while SFE extraction promoted the contents of hydrocarbons (26.00 ± 2.10%) and aldehydes (26.00 ± 2.78%). Meanwhile, the contents of esters (13.43±0.6%), alcohols (12.81 ± 0.16%), and acids (11.41 ± 0.23%) were higher in CE extracted FMSO than that extracted by R-CE and SFE. These results suggest that FMSO with high UFA content and pleasant aroma could be a potential source of vegetable food oil.

ABSTRACT Purpose Shen-fu injection (SFI) was used to intervene in the resuscitation of porcine hemorrhagic shock (HS) model to study its protective effects on acute kidney injury. Methods After 60 min of HS, 28 animals were randomly assigned into four groups. The groups were as follows: hemorrhagic shock group (HS); HS resuscitation with shed-blood group (HSR); HS resuscitation with shed-blood and SFI (1 mL·kg–1) group (HSR-SFI); and the sham operation group (Sham). The bloods were analyzed for serum creatinine (sCr), cystatin C (CysC) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 protein expressions by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The renal tissues were removed and pathologic changes were observed. Results Mean aortic pressure (MAP) in HSR-SFI groups were higher than that in HSR groups after shock. At the 6th hour after shock, the urine volume per hour in the HSR-SFI groups was more than that in the HSR groups. The sCr, NGAL, CysC and cytokine levels of HSR-SFI groups were lower. The Bcl-2 expression was increased in the HSR-SFI groups. The BAX and caspase-3 expressions were reduced. The histopathologic score in the HSR-SFI was lower. Conclusions SFI may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following hemorrhagic shock by attenuating systemic inflammatory responses, and regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

Abstract Brucellosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is a systemic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Meanwhile, brucellosis often causes complications, such as osteoarticular involvement, and spondylitis is the most prevalent and important clinical form. Here, is a case of cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis in a middle-aged male. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, and supported by Brucella serology and magnetic resonance imaging. Quadruple antibacterial treatment continued for four weeks. In this case, the epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression resolved without surgery. In addition, the patient had recovered from most of the neurologic deficits.

Abstract This paper deals with a deep circular tunnel excavated in infinite homogeneous and isotropic elasto-viscoplastic rock mass subjected to a hydrostatic initial stresses. The tunnel is divided into the initial plastic, viscoplastic, and elastic zones. By combining the generalized Bingham model with Mohr-Coulomb yield criteria, analytical solutions of the circular tunnel are derived with the consideration of non-associated flow rule and elasto-viscoplasticity. The initial plastic zone is defined as the instantaneous change of rock mass excavation. Based on the initial plastic zone, the stresses in viscoplastic zone are transferred to the deep surrounding rock with time due to the initial earth stresses. The results are compared with the elastic-brittle solution at static conditions, and the solutions of this paper are validated. Moreover, the presented results shows that the stress and displacement of the surrounding rock varies with time, and the solutions can be obtained at different instants of time.

Abstract Morchella esculenta (L) Pers. is a highly valued edible and medicinal fungus that remains underutilized. For this study, the effects of glycation treatment on antioxidant activity and characteristics of the M. esculenta protein isolate (MPI) were investigated via the Maillard reaction. Conjugation between MPI and xylose was proven via UV-vis, FT-IR, intrinsic fluorescence analysis, and SDS-PAGE. Amino acid analysis revealed involvement of lysine, arginine and tyrosine in MPI, forming a covalent cross-link with xylose. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that glycated MPI (MPIG) possesses a more favorable thermal stability compared to native MPI (MPIN), heated MPI (MPIH) and an unheated mixture of MPI and xylose (MPI-XM). MPIG exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant activity compared to MPIN, MPIH, and MPI-XM. These results indicate MPIG can serve as a promising novel source of nutraceutical and functional ingredients that exert antioxidant activity.

ABSTRACT This paper deals with a spherical cavity excavated in infinite homogeneous and isotropic strain-softening rock mass subjected to a hydrostatic initial stresses. By simplifying the strain-softening process of the post-failure region as a Multi-step Brittle-Plastic model (MBPM), analytical solutions of the spherical cavity are derived with the consideration of the deterioration of elastic parameters. Meanwhile, critical deterioration conditions of elastic parameters are established theoretically. Both Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) and Hoek-Brown (H-B) criteria are included in the analysis. The results are compared with those obtained by former numerical methods, and the solutions are validated. Moreover, the presented results show that deteriorated elastic parameters for post-failure rock mass only has a little influence on stresses, softening radius and residual radius, but influences the deformation significantly.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate tibial tunnel widening and knee instability after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft or irradiated soft tissue allograft. Methods: Eight-two patients were divided into two groups: autograft group and allograft group. Radiographic and clinical evaluations were performed. Results: Seventy patients were followed up with median of 36.3 months (range 36-38 months). Tibial tunnel widening was at or greater than 30% for nine patients in the autograft group and 15 patients in the allograft group (P = 0.0417). The average percentage of tibial tunnel widening was 26.7 ± 4.0 % and 29.7 ± 5.3 % in autograft and allograft groups, respectively (P = 0.0090). Knee range of motion was not affected by the reconstruction operation or different grafts. Thigh atrophy improved significantly within 24 months after ACL reconstructions in both groups. ACL reconstruction with the allograft leaded to less knee stability than that with the autograft from one year after operation (P = 0.0023). There was no significant difference between two groups with respect to Lysholm score (P = 0.1925) and Tegner score (P =0 .0918) at the final follow-up. Conclusion: The allograft group reported significantly more tibial tunnel widening and knee instability compared with the autograft group.

ABSTRACT To increase rice yield potential, field experiments were conducted in farmers’ paddies in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen applications on the yield and panicle components of three typical indica hybrid rice varieties in Sichuan Province. The number of grains per panicle resulting from late nitrogen application (LA) was 12 % greater than that obtained from traditional nitrogen application (TA); this increase was the main source of improvements in yield. The number of surviving and differentiated spikelets (NSS and NDiS) resulting from LA was significantly higher than that measured under TA, especially for the Fyou498 cultivar, where the NSS and NDiS increased by 15 % and 14 %, respectively. Compared with TA, the number of degenerated secondary branches and the percentage of degenerated secondary branches (NDeSB and PDeSB) were significantly reduced by 9 % and 11 %, respectively, by LA. This is the first study to demonstrate that an increase in NSS and a decrease in NDeSB lead to yield-improving effects attributable to LA. The grain yields of different varieties ranged from 9225.6 to 9408.7 kg ha−1, the PDeSB was as high as 31 %, and the number of surviving secondary branches (NSSB) was significantly and positively correlated with NSS. These data indicate that the yield of indica hybrid rice has considerable potential for being improved, and increasing NSSB is key to increasing NSS and improving the grain yield. These improvements should be pursued so as to increase the yield of hybrid rice to ensure both food security and sustainable agricultural development.