ABSTRACT Knowing the proliferative capacity of herbicide-resistant weeds is the basis for the integrated management. We collected seeds of two Echinochloa glabrescens Munro ex Hook. f. populations (TS and WH) from rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields in eastern China (F0 populations), and those from individuals surviving the initial metamifop treatment (F1 lines) were tested for their responses to metamifop, and common garden experiments were conducted to compare their productivities. We found that TS was highly resistant to metamifop, and WH was susceptible. After treated with metamifop at the label dose (120 g ai ha-1), averagely 56% and 16% of TS and WH F1 lines contained surviving seedlings, and averagely 24% and 1% F1 seedlings survived among total seedlings of the same population, respectively. After treated with metamifop at a dose of 0, 60, 120 or 240 g ai ha-1, surviving F0 plants escaped from higher doses reproduced higher proportions of metamifop-resistant F1 progenies in both populations. At 120 d after sowing (DAS), TS individuals surviving 2 × label dose of metamifop showed nonsignificant difference in plant heights, biomass and seed production, compared with relative control treatment; while WH plants surviving the label dose of metamifop decreased seed production by 25%-39%. One WH and TS plant individual surviving metamifop treatment at the label dose may generate 10-21 and 490-701 progenies resistant to the label dose of metamifop, respectively.

Abstract Objective Our study aimed to elucidate the effect of PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1) and t-PA (Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator) in tissue remodeling in nasal polyps patients. Methods Samples were streamed as early Nasal Polyps (eNP, n = 10) and inferior tissue from the same patient, mature Nasal Polyps (mNP, n = 14), and Control group (n = 15), respectively. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were applied to detect localization. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to measure different levels among three groups. The mNP tissue was cultured in vitro and treated with TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1) activator, TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB431542), and PAI-1 inhibitor (TM5275); then Western blot, qRT-PCR, and ELISA were used to assess changes. Results The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that PAI-1 expression decreased in eNP and mNP, mainly in epithelium and glands. The transcriptional expression and protein level of TGF-β1/t-PA/PAI-1/Collagen1 were lower in eNP than IT while mNP group demonstrated lower mRNA expression and protein level of TGF-β1/t-PA/PAI-1/Collagen1 than Control group. In mNP tissue culture in vitro, TGF-β1 activator elevated t-PA, PAI-1, and Collagen1 with higher release of PAI-1 and Collagen1 in supernatant, whereas SB431542 suppressed above reactions; TM5275 lowered transcriptional and protein level of Collagen1 in supernatant. Conclusion Early Nasal polyps’ formation in middle meatus mucous is related with fibrillation system PAI-1/t-PA and tissue remodeling; moreover, nasal polyps’ development is regulated by TGF-β1-mediated PAI-1 reduction. Level of evidence 3b.

ABSTRACT Objectives To compare the dusting efficiency and safety with basketing for treating renal stones ≤ 2 cm during flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). Materials and methods This study included 218 patients with renal stones ≤ 2 cm treated with fURS. Among them, 106 patients underwent dusting, and 112 patients underwent fragmentation with basket extraction. All patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. The operating time, lasing time, stone-free rate (SFR) and complication rate were compared. Results The mean stone size in the dusting group was 1.3 cm, whereas 1.4 cm in the basketing group. The mean operative time was significantly lower in the dusting group than in the basketing group (43.1±11.7 minutes VS 60.5±13.4 minutes, P <0.05), but the lasing time was significantly longer for the dusting group than for the basketing group (17.7±3.9 minutes VS 14.1±3.6 minutes, P <0.05). SFR was significantly higher in the basketing group immediately after the operation and follow-up after 1 month (76.8% vs 55.7%, P= 0.001 and 88.4% vs 78.3%, P = 0.045). However, the SFR was similar for both groups (88.8% in the dusting group vs. 90.2% in the basketing group) after 3 months postoperatively. There was no statistical difference in the complication rates between the two groups. Conclusions Dusting has advantages in shortening the operation time and reducing the operation cost, but the lasing time was longer compared with the basketing. Although there is no difference in long-term effect, basketing is superior to dusting in terms of short-term SFR. Moreover, dusting should be avoided in some special cases and basketing a better choice. Both techniques are effective for the treatment of renal stones ≤ 2 cm and choice depends on patient demographic and stone characteristics.

RESUMO Introdução O futebol é um esporte abrangente que integra habilidades coletivas, táticas, emocionais e racionais, dependendo não apenas de habilidades e táticas individuais, mas também um senso de luta diligentemente compartilhada, a capacidade de unidade e cooperação, e o espírito de dividir conquistas e derrotas. Objetivo Estudar as diferenças entre a cultura esportiva chinesa e a ocidental, explorando o método de treinamento do futebol baseado no trabalho em equipe. Métodos A altura, peso, tempo de experiência e idade de 6 jogadores de futebol foram sorteados e categorizados antes do experimento, uma bateria de testes físicos foi efetuada antes do experimento. Os atletas foram sujeitados à treinamento de força funcional por 6 semanas. Após a conclusão do treinamento, os dados foram aferidos novamente e catalogados para análise. Resultados O treinamento funcional de força pode efetivamente melhorar a qualidade física e o desempenho basal dos atletas, de modo a melhorar seu desempenho competitivo. Conclusão Atualmente, o treinamento de força funcional desempenha um bom papel na promoção das equipes de futebol universitário, portanto, os treinadores devem fornecer o exercício físico funcional para as equipes de futebol universitário. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Soccer is a comprehensive sport that integrates collective, tactical, emotional, and rational skills, depending not only on individual skills and tactics but also on a sense of diligently shared struggle, the ability for unity and cooperation, and the spirit of sharing achievements and defeats. Objective Study the differences between Chinese and Western sports culture, exploring the soccer training method based on teamwork. Methods The height, weight, experience, and age of 6 soccer players were drawn and categorized before the experiment, and a battery of physical tests was performed before the experiment. The athletes were subjected to functional strength training for six weeks. After the training was completed, the data was re-measured and cataloged for analysis. Results Functional strength training can effectively improve athletes’ physical quality and baseline performance to improve their competitive performance. Conclusion Currently, functional strength training plays a good role in promoting college soccer teams. Therefore, coaches should provide functional strength training for college soccer teams. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigating treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción El fútbol es un deporte integral que integra habilidades colectivas, tácticas, emocionales y racionales, y que depende no sólo de las habilidades y tácticas individuales, sino también del sentido de la lucha diligentemente compartida, de la capacidad de unidad y cooperación, y del espíritu de compartir los logros y las derrotas. Objetivo Estudiar las diferencias entre la cultura deportiva china y la occidental, explorando el método de entrenamiento de fútbol basado en el trabajo en equipo. Métodos Se extrajeron y clasificaron la altura, el peso, la antigüedad y la edad de 6 jugadores de fútbol antes del experimento, y se realizó una batería de pruebas físicas antes del experimento. Los atletas fueron sometidos a un entrenamiento de fuerza funcional durante 6 semanas. Una vez finalizado el entrenamiento, se volvieron a medir los datos y se catalogaron para su análisis. Resultados El entrenamiento de la fuerza funcional puede mejorar eficazmente la calidad física y el rendimiento de base de los deportistas para mejorar su rendimiento competitivo. Conclusión En la actualidad, el entrenamiento de fuerza funcional desempeña un buen papel en la promoción de los equipos de fútbol universitario, por lo tanto, los entrenadores deberían proporcionar ejercicios de fuerza funcional a los equipos de fútbol universitario. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract This study was investigated the effects of hot-air temperature and slice thickness on drying characteristics of Crabapple slices. Drying experiments were carried out in the ranges of 60-90 °C. The thickness conditions of Crabapple slices for thin layer drying were 3mm and 5mm. The increase in the temperature of the hot-air and the decrease in the thickness of the slicing causes the drying time to be significantly shortened. Fick’s diffusion model was applied to describe the water transfer of the Crabapple slices, and the effective diffusion coefficients varied from 0.6142 × 10-8m2/s to 1.9867 × 10-8m2/s in a given range of drying temperature. The effective diffusivity increases with increasing temperature. The activation energy values of Crabapple were 17.46 and 23.82 kJ/mol for the thickness of 3 and 5 mm, respectively. The Page model was revealed to be a better fit to describe the drying curve of Crabapple compared to other models.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the possible impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Patients with AF who underwent coronary computed tomography and catheter ablation were enrolled. The presence of stenotic severity and plaque, characteristics of coronary arteries, clinical data, and adverse outcomes of catheter ablation were analysed. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled, 100 (41%) patients with CAD. The CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, and sex category) score of AF patients with CAD was significantly (P<0.001) higher than of those without CAD. Presence of stenotic artery and plaques increased significantly with increase of CHA2DS2-VASc score (P<0.05). There was no significant (P=0.342) difference in AF recurrence between patients with and without CAD (30% versus 24%). Age, AF type, duration of AF, heart failure, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial diameter were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with AF recurrence in univariant analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed that duration of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.769), heart failure (HR 1.821), and left atrial diameter (HR 1.487, P=0.022) remained significant independent predictors of AF recurrence. Patients with AF and concomitant CAD were significantly (P=0.030) associated with a worse outcome. Conclusion: CAD concomitant with AF may be associated with a worse clinical outcome even though CAD does not significantly affect the risk of AF recurrence after ablation therapy.

Abstract Background Alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1) is a master regulator in inflammation and has been proved to promote renal fibrosis by promoting the production of IL-1β in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice. Pyroptosis is involved in high glucose (HG)-induced tubular cells injury, characterized by activation of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the release of IL-1β and IL-18, resulting in inflammatory injury in DN. It is reasonable to assume that ALPK1 is involved in pyroptosis-related tubular injury in DN. However, the mechanism remains poorly defined. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to detect the expression of pyroptosis- and fibrosis-related proteins in renal sections of DN patients and DN mice. DN models were induced through injection of streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Protein levels of ALPK1, NF-κB, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18 and α-SMA were detected by Western blot. HK-2 cells treated with high-glucose (HG) served as an in vitro model. ALPK1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into HK-2 cells to down-regulate ALPK1. The pyroptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry. The concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were evaluated by ELISA kits. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe translocation of NF-κB and GSDMD. Results The heat map of differentially expressed genes showed that ALPK1, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were upregulated in the DN group. The expression levels of ALPK1, Caspase-1, GSDMD and CD68 were increased in renal biopsy tissues of DN patients by IHC. ALPK1expression and CD68+ macrophages were positively correlated with tubular injury in DN patients. Western blot analysis showed increased expressions of ALPK1, phospho-NF-κB P65, GSDMD-NT, and IL-1β in renal tissues of DN mice and HK-2 cells, accompanied with increased renal fibrosis-related proteins (FN, α-SMA) and macrophages infiltration in interstitial areas. Inhibition of ALPK1 attenuated HG-induced upregulation expressions of NF-κB, pyroptosis-related proteins Caspase-1, GSDMD-NT, IL-1β, IL-18, α-SMA, and pyroptosis level in HK-2 cells. Also, the intensity and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and membranous translocation of GSDMD were ameliorated in HG-treated HK-2 cells after treatment with ALPK1 siRNA. Conclusions Our data suggest that ALPK1/NF-κB pathway initiated canonical caspase-1-GSDMD pyroptosis pathway, resulting in tubular injury and interstitial inflammation of DN.

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 Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the possible impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Patients with AF who underwent coronary computed tomography and catheter ablation were enrolled. The presence of stenotic severity and plaque, characteristics of coronary arteries, clinical data, and adverse outcomes of catheter ablation were analysed. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled, 100 (41%) patients with CAD. The CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, and sex category) score of AF patients with CAD was significantly (P<0.001) higher than of those without CAD. Presence of stenotic artery and plaques increased significantly with increase of CHA2DS2-VASc score (P<0.05). There was no significant (P=0.342) difference in AF recurrence between patients with and without CAD (30% versus 24%). Age, AF type, duration of AF, heart failure, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial diameter were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with AF recurrence in univariant analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed that duration of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.769), heart failure (HR 1.821), and left atrial diameter (HR 1.487, P=0.022) remained significant independent predictors of AF recurrence. Patients with AF and concomitant CAD were significantly (P=0.030) associated with a worse outcome. Conclusion: CAD concomitant with AF may be associated with a worse clinical outcome even though CAD does not significantly affect the risk of AF recurrence after ablation therapy.

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the factors affecting short-term prognosis of circulatory failure patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment. Methods: A total of 136 patients undergoing VA-ECMO were enrolled in this study and subsequently divided into the death group (n=35) and the survival group (n=101) based on whether death occurred during hospitalisation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) running time, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, costs, and ECMO complications were then compared between the two groups. Results: The average age of all patients undergoing ECMO was 47.64±16.78 years (53.2±16.20 years in the death group and 45.713±16.62 years in the survival group) (P=0.022). Patients in the survival group exhibited a clear downward trend in lactic acid value following ECMO treatment compared to those in the death group. Total hospitalisation stay was longer in the survival group (35 days) than in the death group (15.5 days) (P<0.001). In the analysis of ECMO complications, the incidence of neurological complications, renal failure, limb complications, and infection were higher in the death group than in the survival group (P<0.05 for all). Specifically, as a risk factor for patient survival and discharge, the occurrence of infection will lead to increased hospitalisation stays and costs (P<0.05 for both). Conclusion: Complications such as kidney failure and infection are associated with in-hospital death, and ECMO-related complications should be actively prevented to improve the survival rate of VA-ECMO treatment.

ABSTRACT In order to estimate the adaptability of Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM)-Maize model under the special climate environment in tropic, 10 field experiments were conducted at different seasons in three sites (Longchuan, Mangshi and Ruili) of tropic in Yunnan Province, China. The parameters of APSIM model were calibrated and its adaptability was validated. The results showed that the days from sowing to flowering and sowing to maturity were predicted accurately for all sites with mean errors of 2.0 ± 0.4, and 3.2 ± 0.7 d respectively. The normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE) of the model for yield prediction were 2%, 3% and 5% for each of three sites, respectively, which indicated that the APSIM model had good accuracy and sensitivity in predicting phenological phases and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in different seasons, and the model had good adaptability in the tropic of Southwest China. This study provided the basis and technical support for evaluating maize production potential based on the model.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the predictive value of SYNTAX score,SYNTAX score II and coronary artery calcium score on the prognosis of patients after PCI. The SYNTAX score, SYNTAX score II and coronary artery calcium score were calculated. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). 195 patients were included, 182 patients were followed up and the median follow-up time was 34.5 months. The MACCE occurred in 30 patients. The incidence of MACCE of lower risk, medium risk and high risk were: SYNTAX score: 6.7%, 18.3%, 24.2%; coronary artery calcium score: 9.7%, 18.3%, 21.7%; SYNTAX score II: 6.6%, 16.4%, 26.7%; new combined risk score: 7.7%, 8.1%, and 35.8%. ROC analysis showed that SYNTAX score (AUC: 0.641, 95%CI: 0.540-0.743), coronary artery calcium score (AUC: 0.597, 95%CI: 0.490 -0.704), SYNTAX score II (AUC: 0.662, 95%CI: 0.561 - 0.763), new combined risk score (0.711, 95%CI: 0.606 - 0.816). The new combined risk score tended to be superior compared to other risk score (p<0.01). The results suggested that SYNTAX score, SYNTAX score II and new combined risk score can predict the occurrence of MACCE after PCI, new combined risk score provides superior prediction.

Abstract Pristimerin (Pri) was a kind of extraction from natural plant, and it has anti- inflammation effects in previous studies, however, it has been unclear that Pri’s effect in renal fibrosis treatment. The purpose of this research was to evaluate pristimerin (Pri) treatment effects in renal fibrosis and relative mechanisms in vivo study. Using UUO and TGF-β1 to make renal fibrosis rats and HK-2 cell fibrosis model. Evaluating renal tissues pathological and fibrosis by HE and Masson staining; measuring Scr and BUN concentrations of serum, IL-1β, TNF-α, SOD and MDA concentrations by ELISA assay in serum and supernatant. Relative gene expressions were measured by RT-qPCR assay in renal tissues and cells and relative proteins expression by WB assay. Using Double luciferase assay to analysis correlation between miRNA-145-5p and TLR4. NF-κB(p65) nuclear volume were evaluated by cellular immunofluorescence. Scr, BUN, IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA concentrations were significantly increased and SOD concentration was significantly down-regulation (P < 0.001) in Model rats group; miRNA-145-5p gene expression was significantly depressed, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB(p65) gene expressions were significantly increased (P < 0.001, respectively); with Pri supplement, the renal pathological, masson region, Scr, BUN, IL-1β, TNF-α, SOD and MDA were significantly improved. In cell experiment, miRNA-145-5p play important role in Pri treatment of renal fibrosis by targeting TLR4. Pri could improve renal fibrosis by via regulation miRNA-145-5p to target TLR4.

Abstract Background: G protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the development of chronic pain. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy widely used for pain management. In this study, we investigated the role of spinal neuronal GRK2 in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia. Methods: The mice model of inflammatory pain was built by subcutaneous injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the plantar surface of the hind paws. The mechanical allodynia of mice was examined by von Frey test. The mice were subjected to EA treatment (BL60 and ST36 acupuncture points) for 1 week. Overexpression and down-regulation of spinal neuronal GRK2 were achieved by intraspinal injection of adeno associated virus (AAV) containing neuron–specific promoters, and microglial activation and neuroinflammation were evaluated by real–time PCR. Results: Intraplantar injection with CFA in mice induced the decrease of GRK2 and microglial activation along with neuroinflammation in spinal cord. EA treatment increased the spinal GRK2, reduced neuroinflammation, and significantly decreased CFA–induced mechanical allodynia. The effects of EA were markedly weakened by non–cell–specific downregulation of spinal GRK2. Further, intraspinal injection of AAV containing neuron–specific promoters specifically downregulated neuronal GRK2, and weakened the regulatory effect of EA on CFA–induced mechanical allodynia and microglial activation. Meanwhile, overexpression of spinal neuronal GRK2 decreased mechanical allodynia. All these indicated that the neuronal GRK2 mediated microglial activation and neuroinflammation, and subsequently contributed to CFA–induced inflammatory pain. Conclusion: The restoration of the spinal GRK2 and subsequent suppression of microglial activation and neuroinflammation might be an important mechanism for EA analgesia. Our findings further suggested that the spinal GRK2, especially neuronal GRK2, might be the potential target for EA analgesia and pain management, and we provided a new experimental basis for the EA treatment of pain.

Abstract Inflammation-related immune responses and bone metabolism lead to extensive tooth loss in periodontitis. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha agonist anti-inflammatory treatment in vitro and in ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in vivo . Methodology: Splenocytes were isolated from C57BL/6J mice and cultured for 48 hours under the following conditions: control, P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/ml); experimental, LPS (1 µg/ml) + PPARα agonist (fenofibrate) at 1, 10, 50, 100 µM. MRNA and secreted protein levels of TNF-α expression were detected by RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Silk ligatures (7-0) were tied around maxillary second molars of C57BL/6J mice for two weeks. Optimized doses of fenofibrate (50 µM) and vehicle control were injected into the contralateral side of the palatal gingiva on days three, six, and nine. At day 14, bone resorption, osteoclastogenesis, and gingival mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and RANKL/OPG were measured by micro-computed tomography, Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and Real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: TNF-α expression in cultured spleen cells were significantly increased in the presence of LPS, when compared with the control group, and significantly reduced by fenofibrate treatment in a dose-dependent manner from 1-100 µM (p<0.05). Gingival mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and the ratio of RANKL/OPG, were significantly decreased after injection of fenofibrate, when compared to the control side (p<0.05). Periodontal bone loss and TRAP positive cell formation were significantly decreased on the side with an injection of fenofibrate, as compared to the control side (p<0.05). Conclusions: An anti-inflammatory treatment, PPARα agonist, inhibited inflammation and periodontal bone loss in ligature-induced experimental periodontitis.