ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is related to sepsis-related mortality. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome caused by severe infection, tumors, or autoimmunity without a specific diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between RDW and mortality in patients with HLH. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study conducted in a hospital in China. METHODS: A total of 101 inpatients with HLH from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 were divided into non-survivor (n = 52) and survivor (n = 49) groups. A non-parametric test was used to analyze demographic, clinical, and laboratory data between groups. Independent variables with P < 0.05 were analyzed using binary logistic regression to screen out mortality-related variables. Selected variables were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis, and those with strong correlations were screened. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of strongly correlated variables and area under curve (AUC) values were obtained. RESULTS: The APACHE II score, RDW, and platelet (PLT) and fibrinogen (FIB) levels (P < 0.05) different significantly. RDW, PLT, FIB were correlated with mortality. The AUC values of RDW, PLT, and FIB were 0.857, 0.797, and 0.726, respectively. RDW was associated with mortality in patients with HLH (P < 0.01, cut-off value: 16.9). The sensitivity and specificity of predicting mortality were 97.96% and 96.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Logistic regression analysis showed a correlation between RDW and patients’ mortality. Therefore, RDW can be used to predict mortality in patients with HLH.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is related to sepsis-related mortality. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome caused by severe infection, tumors, or autoimmunity without a specific diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between RDW and mortality in patients with HLH. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study conducted in a hospital in China. METHODS: A total of 101 inpatients with HLH from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 were divided into non-survivor (n = 52) and survivor (n = 49) groups. A non-parametric test was used to analyze demographic, clinical, and laboratory data between groups. Independent variables with P < 0.05 were analyzed using binary logistic regression to screen out mortality-related variables. Selected variables were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis, and those with strong correlations were screened. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of strongly correlated variables and area under curve (AUC) values were obtained. RESULTS: The APACHE II score, RDW, and platelet (PLT) and fibrinogen (FIB) levels (P < 0.05) different significantly. RDW, PLT, FIB were correlated with mortality. The AUC values of RDW, PLT, and FIB were 0.857, 0.797, and 0.726, respectively. RDW was associated with mortality in patients with HLH (P < 0.01, cut-off value: 16.9). The sensitivity and specificity of predicting mortality were 97.96% and 96.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Logistic regression analysis showed a correlation between RDW and patients’ mortality. Therefore, RDW can be used to predict mortality in patients with HLH.

Abstract Objective Abnormal complement activation is associated with periodontitis. W54011 is a novel non-peptide C5aR antagonist (C5aRA) that exhibits favorable anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory models. However, whether W54011 inhibits periodontitis has not yet been fully elucidated. To address this, we have investigated the probable anti-inflammatory mechanism of W54011 in LPS-treated inflammation in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methodology HGFs were isolated from healthy gingival tissue samples using the tissue block method and were identified with immunofluorescence staining. The CCK8 assay and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) were used to select the optimal induction conditions for Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and C5aRA (according to supplementary data S1, S2 and S3). The levels of inflammatory cytokines, C5aR, and the activation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways were determined by RT-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Results Immunofluorescence results showed that vimentin and FSP-1 were positive in HGFs and Keratin was negative in HGFs. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that C5aRA inhibited LPS-stimulated nuclear translocation of p-p65. RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that C5aRA reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, C5aR, p-p65, p-IκBα, p-JNK, p-c-JUN, and TLR4 in LPS-induced HGFs. Conclusion These findings suggested that C5aRA attenuated the release of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced HGFs by blocking the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and cathepsin K (catK) inhibitors on resistance to dentin erosion. Methodology A total of 96 dentin specimens (3×3×2 mm) were prepared and randomly assigned into four groups (n=24): deionized water (DW); 1 µM odanacatib (ODN, catK inhibitor); 1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN, MMP inhibitor); and 1 µM odanacatib + 1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline (COM). Each group was further divided into two subgroups for the application of treatment solutions before (PRE) and after erosive challenges (POST). All specimens were subjected to four daily erosive challenges for 5 d. For each erosive challenge, the specimens in subgroup PRE were immersed in the respective solutions before cola drinks, while the specimens in subgroup POST were immersed in the respective solutions after cola drinks (the immersion duration was 5 min in both cases). All specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C between erosive challenges. The erosive dentin loss (EDL) was measured by profilometry. The residual demineralized organic matrix (DOM) of specimens was removed using type VII collagenase and evaluated by profilometry. Both the EDL and thickness of the residual DOM were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni’s test (α=0.05). The surface topography and transverse sections of the specimens were observed using SEM. MMPs and catK were immunolabeled in the eroded dentin and in situ zymography was performed to evaluate the enzyme activity. Results Significantly lower EDL was found in the groups ODN, PHEN, and COM than in the control group (all p<0.05), while no significant difference in EDL was found among the groups ODN, PHEN, and COM (all p>0.05). The application sequence showed no significant effect on the EDL of the tested groups (p=0.310). A significantly thicker DOM was observed in the group ODN than in the control group regardless of the application sequence (both p<0.05). The treatment with ODN, PHEN, and COM inhibited the gelatinolytic activity by approximately 46.32%, 58.6%, and 74.56%, respectively. Conclusions The inhibition of endogenous dentinal MMPs and catK increases the acid resistance of human dentin but without an apparent synergistic effect. The inhibition of MMPs and catK is equally effective either before or after the acid challenge.

Abstract In this paper, negative poisson's ratio material is used to fill the interlayer of mine refuge chamber, and its characteristics such as light weight, thermal insulation, vibration isolation and impact resistance are used to improve the impact resistance and thermal insulation ability of mine refuge chamber. The equivalent density, elastic modulus and yield strength of negative poisson's ratio structure of material Q345 were obtained by simulation analysis. The negative poisson's ratio material was filled into the mine refuge chamber, and the impact energy absorption and explosion transient thermal analysis were carried out. The results show that compared with the prototype, the maximum inner skin temperature of the negative poisson's ratio refuge chamber is reduced by 44.86%, the transverse and longitudinal stiffeners temperature is reduced by nearly 46.77%, and the impact deformation is reduced by 35mm, which has better safety performance. The response surface optimization method was used to optimize the whole refuge chamber filled with negative poisson's ratio material, which was more secure than before.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi investigar os efeitos da atividade física (AF) na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em crianças e adolescentes. Realizamos uma pesquisa nas bases Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer-Link e EBSCO-host. A Escala Newcastle-Ottawa revisada foi utilizada para avaliar o risco de enviesamento. Um total de 21 estudos foi incluído. De forma geral, foram encontradas associações de médio porte entre AF e baixa frequência e alta frequência em crianças e adolescentes. O alto nível de AF teve um desvio padrão significativamente maior dos intervalos e raiz da média da soma dos quadrados de diferenças entre os intervalos RR adjacentes em crianças e adolescentes. Os efeitos de AF sobre VFC foram consistentes em crianças e adolescentes. Nossa revisão sistemática e meta-análise revelou que AF e VFC em crianças e adolescentes são de médio porte. Promover a participação de crianças e adolescentes em atividade física de moderada à vigorosa (AFMV) aumentará a atividade nervosa parassimpática e diminuirá a atividade nervosa simpática. Nossas descobertas apoiam a motivação de crianças e adolescentes a se envolverem mais na AFMV em suas vidas diárias para melhorar o funcionamento do sistema nervoso autônomo e promover a segurança cardiovascular.

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of physical activity (PA) on heart rate variability (HRV) in children and adolescents. We conducted a research of Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer-Link and EBSCO-host. The revised Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used in an investigative analysis to assess bias risk. A total of 21 studies were included. Overall, medium-sized associations were found between PA and low frequency and high frequency in children and adolescents. High PA level had significantly higher standard deviation of RR intervals and root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent RR intervals in children and adolescents. The effects of PA on HRV were consistent in children and adolescents. Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed medium-sized between PA and HRV in children and adolescents. Promoting children’s and adolescents’ participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) will increase parasympathetic nerve activity and decreased sympathetic nerve activity. Our findings support motivating children and adolescents to engage in more MVPA in their daily lives to improve autonomic nervous system function and promote cardiovascular safety.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi investigar os efeitos da atividade física (AF) na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em crianças e adolescentes. Realizamos uma pesquisa nas bases Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer-Link e EBSCO-host. A Escala Newcastle-Ottawa revisada foi utilizada para avaliar o risco de enviesamento. Um total de 21 estudos foi incluído. De forma geral, foram encontradas associações de médio porte entre AF e baixa frequência e alta frequência em crianças e adolescentes. O alto nível de AF teve um desvio padrão significativamente maior dos intervalos e raiz da média da soma dos quadrados de diferenças entre os intervalos RR adjacentes em crianças e adolescentes. Os efeitos de AF sobre VFC foram consistentes em crianças e adolescentes. Nossa revisão sistemática e meta-análise revelou que AF e VFC em crianças e adolescentes são de médio porte. Promover a participação de crianças e adolescentes em atividade física de moderada à vigorosa (AFMV) aumentará a atividade nervosa parassimpática e diminuirá a atividade nervosa simpática. Nossas descobertas apoiam a motivação de crianças e adolescentes a se envolverem mais na AFMV em suas vidas diárias para melhorar o funcionamento do sistema nervoso autônomo e promover a segurança cardiovascular.

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of physical activity (PA) on heart rate variability (HRV) in children and adolescents. We conducted a research of Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer-Link and EBSCO-host. The revised Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used in an investigative analysis to assess bias risk. A total of 21 studies were included. Overall, medium-sized associations were found between PA and low frequency and high frequency in children and adolescents. High PA level had significantly higher standard deviation of RR intervals and root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent RR intervals in children and adolescents. The effects of PA on HRV were consistent in children and adolescents. Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed medium-sized between PA and HRV in children and adolescents. Promoting children’s and adolescents’ participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) will increase parasympathetic nerve activity and decreased sympathetic nerve activity. Our findings support motivating children and adolescents to engage in more MVPA in their daily lives to improve autonomic nervous system function and promote cardiovascular safety.

Abstract Clove is a kind of food spice, which can be used as food flavoring additive. In this work, we looked at clove's impact and underlying mechanism on cognitive impairment in infected mice. By using the open field test, Morris water maze, ELISA technique, kit method, and qPCR method, the biochemical and molecular biological indices of mice were identified. Clove component composition was established using HPLC. The findings demonstrated that clove might enhance mouse survival rates in comparison to the model group and could also lengthen driving distances, standing and combing periods, target quadrant duration, and crossing periods. In the hippocampus of infected mice, clove can lower levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MDA while increasing SOD and CAT activity. In the hippocampus of infected animals, clove additionally increased the mRNA expression of SIRT1 and FOXO1 and decreased the mRNA expression of NF-B and p53. Animal studies revealed that clove's impact was comparable to dexamethasone in that it might help septic mice with cognitive impairment. The analysis revealed that rutin, isoquercitrin, ferulic acid, dihydroquercetin, and quercitrin were all present in clove. It is clear that clove can help septic mice with cognitive impairment by triggering SIRT1 through its active components.

Abstract Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to study the microbial community structure of medium-temperature Daqu produced via a digitally managed method and the traditional method. The relationship between the changes in physicochemical properties and microorganisms in Daqu during the fermentation process was analyzed. At the end of fermentation, the bacterial diversity of traditional medium-temperature Daqu was higher than that of digital medium-temperature Daqu, and there was no significant difference in the diversity of fungal communities. The dominant bacteria were Weissella, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Saccharopolyspora. The dominant fungi were Thermoascus, Issatchenkia and Candia. On the 25th day of fermentation, the bacterial community distribution in the digital Daqu was more even than that in the traditional Daqu, but the fungal community distribution was the opposite. The results of nonmetric multidimensional scale (NMDS) analysis and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) show that Daqu produced by the two fermentation methods had many similarities.

Abstract As one of the most promising formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs, nanocrystals have been attracting increasing attention in recent years. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid with a chalcone structure, and possesses many biological activities. However, its clinical application is significantly limited mainly due to its low oral bioavailability caused by poor hydrophilicity. To address this, ISL nanocrystals were developed in this study to improve its oral bioavailability. Three types of nanocrystals with differing particle size; R1, R2, and R3, were prepared by anti- solvent precipitation or anti-solvent precipitation combined with sonication, which was optimized by single-factor experiments. These nanocrystals were characterized based on their physical properties, in vitro release, and in vivo absorption performance. The mean particle size of R1, R2, and R3 was 555.7, 271.0, and 46.2, respectively. The dissolution ratio of ISL in the nanocrystals was significantly improved, with the quickest rate recorded in R2. Peak concentration and area under the concentration-time curve of R2 after oral administration in rats was 5.83- and 2.72-fold higher than that of the ISL solution, respectively. These findings indicate that the dissolution and absorption of ISL can be significantly enhanced by nanocrystals, and the dissolution behavior and pharmacokinetic properties of nanocrystals is significantly influenced by particle size.

Abstract This study aims to develop a batter system with natural purple and functional quality for vacuum fried breaded shrimp. Purple sweet potato flour (PSPF), soy protein isolate (SPI), and xanthan gum were used as coating materials. The effect of the ratio of SPI and xanthan gum on the rheological properties, coating pick-up, color, moisture content, oil content, texture, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were investigated. Compared with the control group, it was observed that the batter system with PSPF, SPI and xanthan gum had better rheological properties. The result showed that a ratio of 2:1 for SPI to xanthan gum had the highest coating pick-up value (49.83%), the more attractive purple (a* = 3.07), less oil content (20.55%) and retained higher anthocyanin content (51.71 mg/100 g). Based on the results of anthocyanin content, vacuum fried shrimps were analyzed for antioxidant activity. In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (•DPPH), hydroxyl (•OH) radical-scavenging assay test, PSPF vacuum fried shrimps showed high free-radical scavenging activity (60.19% for •DPPH and 35.97% for •OH). Therefore, the batter system with PSPF, SPI and xanthan gum is a promising coating material, which is widely used for vacuum fried breaded products, such as pork chop, steak, chicken nuggets and fish fingers.

Resumo Fundamento A relação direta entre a doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e o câncer de pulmão não é bem conhecida. Objetivo Investigar a associação entre a gravidade anatômica da DAC e do câncer de pulmão. Métodos Trezentos pacientes, incluindo 75 recém-diagnosticados com câncer de pulmão e 225 pacientes correspondentes sem câncer, foram submetidos à angiografia coronária durante a internação, sem intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) prévia nem enxerto de bypass da artéria coronária (CABG). O escore SYNTAX foi utilizado para avaliar a gravidade da DAC. Uma pontuação alta no escore foi definida como > 15 (o maior quartil do escore SYNTAX). O teste de tendência de Cochran-Armitage foi utilizado para verificar a distribuição dos escores dos pacientes. Uma análise de regressão logística foi utilizada para avaliar a associação entre a gravidade da DAC e o câncer de pulmão. Os valores de p foram estabelecidos quando o nível de significância era 5%. Resultados A tendência de distribuição dos escores SYNTAX dos pacientes por quartis foi diferente entre aqueles com câncer de pulmão e controles (do quartil mais baixo ao mais alto: 20,0%; 20,0%; 24,0%; 36,0% vs. 26,7%; 26,2%; 25,8%; 21,3%; p=0,022). A pontuação no escore SYNTAX foi mais alta em pacientes com câncer do que nos pacientes controle (36,0% vs. 21,3%, p=0,011).O maior quartil do escore demonstrou mais riscos de desenvolver câncer de pulmão em comparação ao quartil mais baixo (OR: 2.250, IC95%: 1.077 a 4.699 ; P -trend= 0,016). Após ajustes, os pacientes no maior quartil do escore SYNTAX tinham mais risco de desenvolver câncer de pulmão (OR: 2.1o49, IC95%: 1.008 a 4.584; P -trend= 0,028). Pacientes com escores SYNTAX alto (> 15) tinham 1.985 mais chances de ter câncer de pulmão (IC95%: 1.105–3.563, P= 0,022). Conclusão A gravidade anatômica da DAC está associada ao risco de câncer de pulmão, o que indica que um rastreamento completo deste tipo de câncer possa ser mais significativo entre pacientes com DAC.

Abstract Background The direct relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and lung cancer is not well known. Objective To investigate the association between the anatomical severity of CAD and lung cancer. Methods Three-hundred study patients, including 75 recently diagnosed lung cancer patients and 225 matched non-cancer patients, underwent coronary angiography during hospitalization without previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The SYNTAX score (SXscore) was used to assess the severity of CAD. A high SXscore (SXhigh) grade was defined as SXscore > 15 (the highest quartile of the SXscore). The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to assess the distribution of patients’ SXscores. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the severity of CAD and lung cancer. P-values were set when significance level was 5%. Results The distribution trend of patients’ SXscore by quartiles was different between lung cancer patients and control patients (from the lowest to the highest quartile: 20.0%, 20.0%, 24.0%, 36.0% vs. 26.7%, 26.2%, 25.8%, 21.3%, p=0.022). The SX high rate was higher in lung cancer patients than in control patients (36.0% vs. 21.3%, p=0.011).The highest quartile of the SXscore showed higher risk of lung cancer in comparison to the lowest quartile (OR: 2,250, 95%CI: 1,077 to 4,699 ; P-trend= 0.016). After adjustment, patients in the highest quartile of the SXscore had higher risk of lung cancer (OR: 2,149, 95%CI: 1,008 to 4,584; P-trend= 0.028). Patients with high SXscore (> 15) had 1,985 times more chances of having lung cancer (95%CI: 1,105–3,563, P= 0.022). Conclusions The anatomical severity of CAD is associated with the risk of lung cancer, which indicates that a thorough lung cancer screening may be significant among severe CAD patients.

Abstract Aroma attributes are one of the most important criteria that affect the flavor quality of dried shrimp, but the dynamic changes of aroma attributes remain largely unknown during the drying process. The present study investigated aroma attributes change during the hot-air-drying process of shrimp using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electronic nose (E-nose) and sensory analysis. The potential correlations among volatile compounds, sensory attributes and E-nose data were analyzed by partial-least-squares regression (PLSR). Results showed that the aroma characteristic of shrimps changed significantly during processing. The odor in the fresh shrimp was very light, and the key aroma compounds mainly consisted of trimethylamine and three aldehydes. The aroma characteristics mainly consisted of roasted and meat-like odors had come into being gradually with the decrease of water activity (Aw), and the aroma attributes were the most acceptable at about Aw 0.274 (hot-air drying for 7 h). Four kinds of aroma-active compounds (pyrazines, amines, aldehydes and heterocyclic compounds) made important contributions to the formation of aroma characteristics. The PLSR result showed a good correlation between most variables of volatile compounds, E-nose data and sensory attributes.

Abstract Background: Metastatic melanoma has a high mortality rate and poor survival. This is associated with efficient metastatic colonization, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer cells plays an important role in metastatic dissemination. Whether cancer stem cells can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells; and whether exosomal crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated in melanoma prior to this report. Results: The results revealed that exosomes secreted by highly metastatic melanoma CSCs (OL-SCs) promoted the invasiveness of the low metastatic melanoma cells (OL) and accelerated metastatic progression. miR-1268a was up-regulated in cells and exosomes of OL-SCs. Moreover, OL-SCs-derived exosomal miR-1268a, upon taking up by OL cells, promoted the metastatic colonization ability of OL cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the pro-metastatic activity of exosomal miR-1268a is achieved through inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that OL cells can acquire the “metastatic ability” from OL-SCs cells. OL-SCs cells achieves this goal by utilizing its exosomes to deliver functional miRNAs, such as miR-1268a, to the targeted OL cells which in turn augments metastatic colonization by inactivating the autophagy pathway in OL cells.