RESUMO Introdução A taxa máxima de consumo de oxigênio (VO2max) pode refletir diretamente o metabolismo aeróbico corporal e o sistema de fornecimento de oxigênio. Esta é uma medida da capacidade aeróbica empregada para monitorar o nível do nadador, e seu desempenho em força e velocidade. Objetivo Verificar as alterações de VO2max ao incorporar o treinamento com exercícios aeróbicos no treino padrão dos nadadores. Métodos 12 nadadores voluntários foram divididos em duas categorias: grupo de treinamento de força e grupo de treinamento regular. Ambos os grupos realizaram um teste de aptidão física na pista de 200 metros antes de iniciar o treinamento. O VO2 máximo foi mensurado e trabalhado estatisticamente para verificar os resultados desta competição. Os efeitos do exercício aeróbico sobre a força e o status competitivo dos atletas foi investigado segundo uma revisão bibliográfica atualizada. Resultados Houve uma mudança significativa na ingestão máxima de oxigênio dos atletas após o protocolo experimental. Os atletas do grupo de treinamento de força aumentaram seu VO2 máximo quando comparados ao grupo de treinamento regular. Os resultados mostraram uma diferença significativa no índice VO2max antes e depois do treinamento de força (P<0,05). Isto sugere que o treinamento de força tem um efeito significativo no consumo máximo de oxigênio. Conclusão As intervenções de treinamento de força afetam significativamente a intensidade máxima de consumo de oxigênio e a capacidade de exercício dos atletas. A intervenção do exercício aeróbico demonstrou evidencias em melhorar o nível competitivo dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction The maximal oxygen consumption rate (VO2max) can directly reflect the body's aerobic metabolism and oxygen delivery system. This is a measure of aerobic capacity used to monitor swimmers’ levels and their strength and speed performance. Objective Verify the changes in VO2max when incorporating aerobic exercise training into swimmers’ regular training. Methods 12 volunteer swimmers were divided into two categories: strength training group and regular training group. Both groups performed a fitness test on the 200-meter track before starting the training. VO2 maximal was measured and worked out statistically to verify the results of this competition. The effects of aerobic exercise on the strength and competitive status of the athletes were investigated according to an updated literature review. Results There was a significant change in the maximal oxygen uptake of the athletes after the experimental protocol. The athletes in the strength training group increased their VO2 max compared to the regular training group. The results showed a significant difference in the VO2max index before and after strength training (P<0.05). This suggests that strength training has a significant effect on maximal oxygen consumption. Conclusion Strength training interventions significantly affect athletes’ maximal oxygen consumption intensity and exercise capacity. The aerobic exercise intervention showed evidence of improving the competitive level of athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies -investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción La tasa máxima de consumo de oxígeno (VO2máx) puede reflejar directamente el metabolismo aeróbico del cuerpo y el sistema de suministro de oxígeno. Se trata de una medida de la capacidad aeróbica que sirve para controlar el nivel del nadador y su rendimiento en fuerza y velocidad. Objetivo Verificar los cambios en el VO2máx al incorporar el entrenamiento de ejercicio aeróbico en el entrenamiento habitual de los nadadores. Métodos 12 nadadores voluntarios fueron divididos en dos categorías: grupo de entrenamiento de fuerza y grupo de entrenamiento regular. Ambos grupos realizaron una prueba de aptitud física en 200 metros de pista antes de comenzar el entrenamiento. Se midió el VO2 máximo y se trabajó estadísticamente para verificar los resultados de esta competición. Se investigaron los efectos del ejercicio aeróbico en la fuerza y el estado competitivo de los atletas según una revisión bibliográfica actualizada. Resultados Hubo un cambio significativo en el consumo máximo de oxígeno de los atletas después del protocolo experimental. Los atletas del grupo de entrenamiento de fuerza aumentaron su VO2 máximo en comparación con el grupo de entrenamiento regular. Los resultados mostraron una diferencia significativa en el índice VO2max antes y después del entrenamiento de fuerza (P<0,05). Esto sugiere que el entrenamiento de fuerza tiene un efecto significativo en el consumo máximo de oxígeno. Conclusión Las intervenciones de entrenamiento de fuerza afectan significativamente a la intensidad del consumo máximo de oxígeno y a la capacidad de ejercicio de los atletas. La intervención de ejercicio aeróbico mostró evidencia de mejorar el nivel competitivo de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the role of puerarin on renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) model. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with puerarin (50 or 100 mg/kg) per day for one week before renal I/R. The level of renal collagen deposition and interstitial fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The ferroptosis related factors and TLR4/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Puerarin was observed to alleviate renal collagen deposition, interstitial fibrosis and the α-SMA expression induced by I/R. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) level were decreased in I/R and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ level increased. However, puerarin reversed SOD, MDA, GSH and Fe2+ level changes induced by I/R and H/R. Besides, Western blot indicated that puerarin inhibited the expression of ferroptosis related factors in a dose-dependent manner, which further demonstrated that puerarin had the effect to attenuate ferroptosis. Moreover, the increased expression of TLR/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were observed in I/R and H/R group, but puerarin alleviated the elevated TLR/Nox4 expression. Conclusions: Our results suggested that puerarin inhibited oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by I/R and, thus, delayed the progression of renal fibrosis, providing a new target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Abstract Improving vaccine immunity and reducing antigen usage are major challenges in the clinical application of vaccines. Microneedles have been proven to be painless, minimally invasive, highly efficient, and have good patient compliance. Compared with traditional transdermal drug delivery, it can effectively deliver a large-molecular-weight drug into the skin, resulting in a corresponding immune response. However, few studies have examined the relationship between microneedle loading dose and immune effects. In this study, the hyaluronic acid (HA) conical and pyramidal dissolving microneedles were prepared by the two-step vacuum drying method, respectively. The model drug ovalbumin (OVA) was added to HA to prepare dissolving microneedles with different loading amounts. The mass ratios of HA to OVA were 5:1, 5:3, and 5:5. The mechanical properties of the dissolving microneedles were characterized using nanoindentation and in vitro puncture studies. The immune effects of the matrix and drug content were studied in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Finally, the diffusion behavior of OVA and the binding mode of HA and OVA in the microneedles were simulated using Materials Studio and Autodocking software. The experimental results showed that the conical microneedles exhibited better mechanical properties. When the mass ratio of HA to OVA was 5:3, the immune effect can be improved by 37.01% compared to subcutaneous injection, and achieved a better immune effect with relatively fewer drugs. This conclusion is consistent with molecular simulations. This study provides theoretical and experimental support for the drug loading and efficacy of microneedles with different drug loadings.

Abstract Background Team-based learning (TBL) is a student-centered and teacher-directed teaching strategy. In contrast to the traditional lecture-based learning (LBL), TBL is committed to promoting self-directed learning and teamwork among students. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literatures was performed to compare the teaching effects between TBL and LBL in dental students. Methods: Literature review was conducted from electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid, Web of science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang Database up to January 12, 2020. Results: A total of 12 articles with 831 students were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that students in the TBL group performed better than those in the LBL group in terms of theoretical grades (SMD: 1.29, p=0.002, 95%CI: 0.46-2.13), case analysis (SMD: 2.50, p<0.05, 95%CI 1.44-3.55) and grades of practice ability (SMD: 1.90, p=0.002, 95%CI: 0.68-3.12). However, the results of each parameter followed a significantly high heterogeneity (I2=96%, 92%, 93%, respectively). The quality of included studies was mostly good. Conclusion: TBL might be more effective to increase the absorption of theoretical knowledge and improve the ability of case analysis and practice. More well-designed and rigorous studies are required to validate this conclusion.

Abstract Evaluation of volatile aroma compounds from Chinese wild grape species aimed to explore new grape species via fruit aroma. In this study, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from ten grape cultivars belonging to nine different grape species were detected, by using headspace solid-phase microextraction with GC-MS. Chinese wild grape species were studied along with table grape (Muscat Hamburg, Concord) and wine grape (Cabernet Sauvignon) cultivars belonging to different origins. Total forty-five volatile compounds were detected, upon which several VOCs including pentanoic acid, cyclobutyl ester, maltol, (+)-neoisomenthol, and 8-methyloctahydrocoumarin were detected in Chinese wild grapes that have not been detected in other Vitis species. The results revealed that C6 volatile compounds were pre-dominant VOCs. Esters were found abundant in V. labrusca (Concord) and terpenoids were dominant in V. vinafera (Hamburg Muscat). The principal component analysis showed that Chinese wild grape cultivars V. yeshanensis, V. facifolia, V. davidii, V. betulifolia V. heyneana, V. amurensis and V. adenoclada are correlated with wine grape cultivar ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, while table grape cultivars are distributed separately. These results can provide a reference for the utilization of new germplasm for specific purposes.

Abstract There are many restrictions on topical medications for the oral cavity. Various factors affect the topical application of drugs in the oral cavity, an open and complex environment. The complex physical and chemical environment of the oral cavity, such as saliva and food, will influence the effect of free drugs. Therefore, drug delivery systems have served as supporting structures or as carriers loading active ingredients, such as antimicrobial agents and growth factors (GFs), to promote antibacterial properties, tissue regeneration, and engineering for drug diffusion. These drug delivery systems are considered in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, periodontal disease, periapical disease, the delivery of anesthetic drugs, etc. These carrier materials are designed in different ways for clinical application, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanofibers, films, and scaffolds. This review aimed to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of different carrier materials. We discuss synthesis methods and their application scope to provide new perspectives for the development and preparation of more favorable and effective local oral drug delivery systems.

RESUMO Introdução: A característica clínica principal da dor lombar crônica não especifica (CNLBP) é dor na região lombar. A terapia esportiva por suspensão tem um efeito específico neste caso. Objetivo: Investigar as mudanças do fenômeno flexão- relaxamento em pacientes com dor lombar após treinamento de controle core com terapia de exercícios de suspensão (SET). Métodos: 84 indivíduos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão e exclusão para dor lombar crônica neste experimento foram aleatoriamente divididos em um grupo experimental e um grupo de controle. O grupo experimental foi tratado com treinamento de suspensão. O grupo de controle recebeu apenas acupuntura. Determinamos então a tensão da fáscia muscular e a estabilidade core da região lombar. Resultados: Avaliações da escala visual analógica (EVA) e do índice de incapacidade Owestry (ODI) dos dois grupos de pacientes tiveram resultados diferentes. Conclusão: O treinamento de estabilização do core por suspensão tem efeito de longo prazo considerável na redução de dor lombar e a recuperação da função da cintura em pacientes com dor lombar não especifica crônica. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos – investigação de resultados de tratamento .

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main clinical feature of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is lower back pain, and suspension sports therapy has a specific effect in this case. Objective: To investigate the changes of flexion-relaxation phenomenon in patients with lower back pain after core control training of suspension exercise therapy (SET). Methods: 84 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of chronic low back pain in this experiment were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was treated with suspension training. The control group only received acupuncture. We then determined the muscle fascia tension and core stability of the lower lumbar region. Results: The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) evaluations of the two groups of patients were different. Conclusion: Suspended core stabilization training has a significant long-term effect in reducing lower back pain and improving waist function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results .

Resumen Introducción: La característica clínica principal del dolor lumbar crónico inespecífico (CNLBP) es dolor en la región lumbar. La terapia deportiva en suspensión tiene un efecto específico en este caso. Objetivo: Investigar los cambios del fenómeno flexión-relajamiento en pacientes con dolor lumbar tras el entrenamiento de control de core con terapia de ejercicios en suspensión (SET). Métodos: Se dividió aleatoriamente los 84 individuos que rellenaron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión para dolor lumbar crónico en este experimento en un grupo experimental y un grupo de control. El grupo experimental fue tratado con entrenamiento en suspensión. El grupo de control recibió apenas acupuntura. Determinamos, entonces, la tensión de la fascia muscular y la estabilidad core de la región lumbar. Resultados: Evaluaciones de escala visual analógica (EVA) y del índice de discapacidad Owestry (ODI) de los dos grupos tuvieron resultados diferentes. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de estabilización del core por suspensión tiene efecto de largo plazo considerable en la reducción de dolor lumbar y la recuperación de la función de la cintura en pacientes con dolor lumbar inespecífico crónico. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos – investigación de resultados de tratamiento .

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the relations of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and brain-type fatty acid-binding protein (B-FABP) with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five patients who underwent spinal surgery were enrolled in this study. According to whether patients had POCD within 5 days after surgery, the participants were divided into POCD group and non-POCD group. Before surgery and 6 h after surgery, the serum H-FABP and B-FABP contents were detected. RESULTS: There were 33 (26.4%) patients in POCD group, and 92 (73.60%) patients in non-POCD group. After surgery, the serum H-FABP and B-FABP contents in POCD group were significantly higher than those before surgery, respectively (p<0.05), and those in non-POCD group were significantly lower than those before surgery, respectively (p<0.05). After surgery, the serum H-FABP and B-FABP contents in POCD group were significantly higher than those in non-POCD group, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The serum H-FABP and B-FABP contents are positively related to the occurrence of POCD in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been indicated to be frequently dysregulated in various cancers and promising biomarkers for colon cancer. The present study aimed to assess the prognostic significance and biological function of miR-1273a in colon cancer. The expression levels of miR-1273a was estimated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-1273a in patients of colon cancer. The effects of miR-1273a on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated by cell experiments. The expression of miR-1273a was downregulated in colon cancer tissues and tumor cell lines compared with the normal controls (all P<0.001). The aberrant expression of miR-1273a was associated with vascular invasion (P=0.005), differentiation (P=0.023), lymph node metastasis (P=0.021), and TNM stage (P=0.004). The patients with low miR-1273a expression had low overall survival compared with the patients with high miR-1273a expression (log-rank P=0.002). miR-1273a was detected to be an independent prognostic biomarker for patients. Furthermore, the results of cell experiments revealed that miR-1273a downregulation promoted, while miR-1273a upregulation suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, all data indicated that a downregulated expression of miR-1273a predicted poor prognosis for colon cancer and enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Thus, we suggest that methods to promote miR-1273a expression may serve as novel therapeutic strategies in colon cancer.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the effect of ferulic acid (FA) on spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced motor dysfunction and to explore the possible pharmacological mechanisms. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were used in our study. SCI was achieved by clipping the spinal cord T9 of the rat by a vascular clip for 2 minutes. The motor function of the rat was evaluated by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scoring method (BBB) and inclined plane test. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, NISSL staining, and transmission electron microscopic examination were used to evaluate alterations at the histological level. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blots, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were employed in biochemical analysis. Results The BBB score and inclined plane test score significantly decreased after SCI surgery, whereas chronic FA treatment (dose of 90 mg/kg, i.g.) for 28 days improved SCI-induced motor dysfunction. HE staining showed that SCI surgery induced internal spinal cord edema, but the structural changes of the spinal cord could be reversed by FA treatment. NISSL staining and transmission electron microscopic examination confirmed the improvement of the effect of FA on the injury site. In the biochemical analysis, it could be found that FA inhibitedSCI-induced mRNA and protein overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), as well as iNOS and COX-2 via the modulation of NF-κB level in the spinal cord of SCI rat. Moreover, the SCI-induced decrease of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was also reversed by FA treatment. However, the effect of FA on the expression of Beclin-1 was not statistically significant. Conclusions FA showed a therapeutic effect on SCI, which may be associated with the regulation of neuroinflammation and apoptosis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the prognosis of pediatric patients with severe pneumonia. METHODS: Children diagnosed with severe pneumonia (n=76) were stratified into the survival (n=58) and non-survival groups (n=18) according to their 28-day survival status and into the non-risk (n=51), risk (n=17) and high-risk (n=8) categories based on the pediatric critical illness score (PCIS). Demographic data and laboratory results were collected. Serum CGRP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to determine the cutoff score for high CGRP levels. RESULTS: Serum CGRP levels were significantly higher in the survival group than in the non-survival group and were significantly higher in the non-risk group than in the risk and high-risk groups. The ROC curve for the prognostic potential of CGRP yielded a significant area under the curve (AUC) value with considerable sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that CGRP downregulation might be a diagnostic marker that predicts the prognosis and survival of children with severe pneumonia.

The present study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that are involved in neuropathic pain and predict their corresponding roles in the pathogenesis and development process of neuropathic pain. The rat model of neuropathic pain caused by spared nerve injury (SNI) was established in Sprague-Dawley male rats, followed by small RNA sequencing of the L3–L6 dorsal root ganglion. Real-time PCR was performed to validate the differently expressed miRNAs. Functional verification was performed by intrathecally injecting the animals with miRNA agomir. A total of 72 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the SNI rats, including 33 upregulated and 39 downregulated miRNAs. The results of qPCR further verified the expression levels of rno-miR-6215 (P=0.015), rno-miR-1224 (P=0.030), rno-miR-1249 (P=0.038), and rno-miR-488-3p (P=0.048), which were all significantly downregulated in the SNI rats compared to the control ones. The majority of differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with phosphorylation, intracellular signal transduction, and cell death. Target prediction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses suggested that these differentially expressed miRNAs targeted genes that are related to axon guidance, focal adhesion, and Ras and Wnt signaling pathways. Moreover, miR-1224 agomir significantly alleviated SNI-induced neuropathic pain. The current findings provide new insights into the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.

Summary Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect and safety of using local incision analgesia to treat acute postoperative pain in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method: A cohort of 60 patients undergoing liver cancer resection was randomly divided into three groups (n=20 per group): local incision analgesia (LIA) group, which received local infiltration with ropivacaine combined with a postoperative analgesia pump; intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) group, which received fentanyl intravenous analgesia postoperatively; and the control group, which received tramadol hydrochloride injection postoperatively according to the NRS scoring system. The postoperative analgesic effect in each group was compared and tumor recurrence (survival) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: NRS scores, rate of analgesic usage, ambulation time (h) and intestinal function recovery time (h) were significantly reduced in LIA group compared with the control group at each postoperative time point (6, 12, 24 and 48 hours; p<0.05). Additionally, the NRS scores of LIA patients at 12 hours post-surgery was significantly reduced compared with PCA group (p<0.05), and the occurrence of postoperative adverse events in LIA group was significantly lower than that in PCA group (p<0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated that the mean survival time (tumor recurrence) was significantly increased in LIA group compared with the control group (χ2=4.749; p=0.029). Conclusion: Local incision analgesia improves the analgesic effect, causes fewer adverse reactions and increases postoperative survival time. Our study demonstrated that local incision analgesia is a safe and effective method of postoperative pain management following hepatectomy.

A series of HPW/Zn-Ti layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were prepared by immobilizing phosphotungstic acid (HPW) on the Zn-Ti LDHs. Systematically characterizations were performed to elucidate their structure. These HPW/Zn-Ti LDHs hybrids were used as heterogeneous catalysts in the epoxidation of fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) with H2O2. The HPW/Zn-Ti LDHs showed higher activity than bulk HPW and Zn-Ti LDHs. The conversion of FAMEs and the selectivity to epoxy fatty acid methyl ester (EFAME) were up to 90.6 and 86.0%, respectively. (PO4[WO2(O2)]4)3- was presumed to be the active site for the epoxidation in this work. The formed oxygen-donating intermediate Ti-OOH transferred oxygen free radicals to (PO4[WO2(O2)]4)3- in the catalytic process, accelerating the transfer of oxygen free radicals. Therefore, high catalytic activity of HPW/Zn-Ti LDHs is related to the potential synergistic interactions of Ti-OOH and PW anions.

Abstract Background: Phosphoinositide-3-kinase, regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) could regulate cancer cell proliferation important for cancer cell proliferation; however, its role in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of PIK3R1 in HCC and examined the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The expression of PIK3R1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR in a series of HCC tissues. The mRNA and protein expression of PIK3R1 was used by qRT-PCR and western blot assays in a series of human HCC cell lines, and then we choose MHCC97H and HCCLM3 cells as a model to investigate the effect of PIK3R1 on HCC progression. The effects of PIK3R1 knowdown on cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis of HCC were assessed by the MTT assay, clonogenic assays, wound healing assay and flow cytometry in vitro. Western blot assay was performed to assess the expression changes of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Results: Our results found that PIK3R1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Knockdown of PIK3R1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and promoted apoptosis of HCC cell lines. In addition, we proved that knockdown of PIK3R1 downregulated p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR expressions in MHCC97H and HCCLM3 cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, PIK3R1 providing potential novel targets for the treatment of HCC.