Abstract Background stewart-treves syndrome (STS) is an angiosarcoma associated with chronic lymphedema. Objectives This article analyses the characteristics of twenty-two patients and proposes active intervention in lymphedema and the early diagnosis of STS. Methods Twenty-two patients with STS were diagnosed at the centre over an 11-year period. Clinical manifestations, a series of conventional analyses, and histopathology were used to study these cases retrospectively. Results The age range of 22 patients with STS was 15 to 78 years. The main clinical manifestations included multiple skin and subcutaneous nodules and scattered red or purplish-red rashes in the lymphoedematous limbs. These patients often showed clinical symptoms such as lymphedema, weakness, emaciation, pain, mass, lymphadenopathy and so on. The positive rates of ultrasonography, MRI and radionuclide imaging were 66.7% (6/9), 92.3% (12/13) and 18.2% (2/11), respectively. The main points regarding active intervention in lymphedema and early diagnosis of STS were summarized. Study limitations Since this was a retrospective study, the main points summarized by the author need to be further quantified in clinical work to guide the diagnosis of this kind of disease more conveniently. In addition, further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the role of lymphedema in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. Conclusions STS can appear in lymphoedematous tissue many years after lymphedema onset. To avoid delays in the diagnosis and therapy of STS, physicians should actively look for signs or symptoms of malignant lymphedema during the follow-up period and promptly manage patients developing problems.

Abstract Sesame oil is one of the most commonly used oils in life. It contains a special antioxidant substance called sesame lignans, which has high nutritional value and pharmacological activity. Chromatographic methods are accurate and reliable but not suitable for quality control due to time-consuming. Near-infrared (NIR) quantitative models for quickly determining sesamin, sesamolin and sesame lignans in sesame oil were built using a portable NIR spectrometer combined partial least squares(PLS) algorithm, and the optimal PLS models were developed by comparing the performance of the models with different spectral pretreatment methods and bands selection, the correlation coefficients (R2) were RC2 = 0.98, 0.99, 0.99, RP2 = 0.99, 0.97, 0.94, and the root mean square error (RMSEP) was 2.69 μg/mL, 3.73 μg/mL, and 7.96 μg/mL, respectively. The acceptable results demonstrated that portable NIR spectrometer could be used for monitoring the contents of sesamin, sesamolin, and sesame lignans in sesame oil during the production process to carry out quality control.

ABSTRACT Knowledge networks have become a critical factor in the development of innovation. However, most studies focus on the innovation benefits derived from network embedding, and there are fewer studies on firms’ knowledge networks from the perspective of feature attributes. This study analyzes the direct and interactive effects of knowledge diversity and the combination of knowledge potential on innovation performance. The research also explores how the complementarity of ambidextrous learning affects the relationship between knowledge networks and innovation performance. The empirical analysis is based on panel data from 116 firms in China’s automotive manufacturing industry from 2010-2018. The results processed by the fixed effects negative binomial regression model indicate that the combinatorial potential of knowledge has an inverted U-shaped relationship with firm innovation performance, and knowledge diversity has a positive effect on firm innovation performance. There is an interactive effect between knowledge combination potential and knowledge diversity, and their mutual coordination improves firm innovation performance. The complementarity of ambidextrous learning significantly and positively moderates the positive relationship between the combination potential of knowledge and firm innovation performance.

RESUMEN Las redes de conocimiento se han convertido en un factor crítico en el desarrollo de la innovación. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los estudios se han centrado en los beneficios de la innovación derivados de la incorporación de redes, pero hay menos estudios sobre las redes de conocimiento de las empresas desde la perspectiva de los atributos de las características. Este estudio analiza los efectos directos e interactivos de la diversidad del conocimiento y el potencial de la combinación de conocimientos sobre el rendimiento de la innovación, y cómo la complementariedad del aprendizaje ambidiestro afecta a la relación entre las redes de conocimiento y el rendimiento de la innovación. El análisis empírico se basa en datos de panel de 116 empresas de la industria automotriz de China entre 2010 y 2018. Los resultados procesados por el modelo de regresión binomial negativa de efectos fijos indican que el potencial combinatorio del conocimiento tiene una relación en forma de U invertida con el rendimiento de la innovación de las empresas, y la diversidad del conocimiento tiene un efecto positivo en el rendimiento de la innovación de las empresas. Existe un efecto interactivo entre el potencial combinatorio del conocimiento y la diversidad del conocimiento, y su coordinación mutua mejora conjuntamente el rendimiento de la innovación empresarial. La complementariedad del aprendizaje ambidiestro modera significativa y positivamente la relación positiva entre el potencial de combinación de conocimientos y el rendimiento de la innovación empresarial.

RESUMO A rede de conhecimento tornou-se um fator crítico para o desenvolvimento da inovação. No entanto, a maioria dos estudos têm se concentrado nos benefícios da inovação derivados da incorporação de redes, mas há menos estudos sobre a rede de conhecimento da empresa do ponto de vista dos atributos de características. Este estudo visa analisar os efeitos diretos e interativos da diversidade de conhecimento e do potencial combinatório de conhecimento no desempenho da inovação, e como a complementaridade da aprendizagem ambidestra afeta a relação entre as redes de conhecimento e o desempenho da inovação. A análise empírica baseia-se em dados de painel de 116 empresas da indústria automobilística da China de 2010 a 2018. Os resultados processados pelo modelo de regressão binomial negativa de efeitos fixos indicam que o potencial combinatório de conhecimento tem uma relação invertida em forma de U com o desempenho da inovação empresarial, e a diversidade de conhecimento tem um efeito positivo no desempenho dessa inovação. Existe um efeito interativo entre o potencial combinatório do conhecimento e sua diversidade, sendo que a coordenação entre eles melhora o desempenho das empresas em matéria de inovação. A complementaridade da aprendizagem ambidestra modera positivamente e de maneira significativa a relação positiva entre o potencial combinatório de conhecimento e o desempenho da inovação empresarial.

Abstract Oridonin was extracted and purified from Rabdosia rubescens and its protective effect on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced brain injury in rats was investigated. The rats were divided into sham, model, low-dose oridonin, middle-dose oridonin and high-dose oridonin groups. The ICH-induced brain injury model was established in latter four groups. After modeling, the low-, middle- and high-dose oridonin groups were treated with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg oridonin at 2h and 24 h after modeling, respectively. Results showed that, after 48 after modeling, compared with model group, in middle- and high-dose oridonin groups the modified Neurological Severity Score was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the brain water content was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the brain tissue tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 protein levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the brain tissue erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, oridonin from Rabdosia rubescens can mitigate the ICH-induced brain injury in rats. The mechanism may be related to its reduction of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by inhibiting NF-κB inflammatory pathway and promoting Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway in brain tissues.

Abstract To investigate the effect of corosolic acid treatment on erectile function in metabolic syndrome induced rat model. Fifty male 3-week-old SD rats were fed a high fat and high sugar diet. Six months later, metabolic variables were determined. Metabolic syndrome induced erectile function (MED) rats were confirmed by an apomorphine test. Then MED rats were treated with corosolic acid daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. To evaluate erectile function, intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) ratio was measured. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and dihydroethidium staining were used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Protein expressions of gp91phox and eNOS were examined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol and insulin were markedly increased in metabolic syndrome rats compared with those of the control rats (p < 0.05). The ratios of max ICP/MAP and area under curve (AUC)/MAP was markedly reduced in MED rats compared with the control rats (p < 0.05). The concentration of cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (cGMP) and the expression of eNOS were significantly decreased in MED rats compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, ROS level and the expression of gp91phox were significantly increased in MED rats. Treatment with corosolic acid reversed these changes (each p < 0.05). Corosolic acid reduces the level of ROS, ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and improvement of erectile function in MED rats.

Abstract Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is one of the main diseases leading to death and disability. Studying the role and mechanism of drugs in mitigating CIRI is of great significance. In the present study, the effect of formononetin from Trifolium pratense L. on oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment and inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in mice were investigated. Formononetin was extracted from Trifolium pratense L. and was purified. The mice were treated with formononetin for six days. Then, the CIRI model was established. After 24 h of reperfusion, compared with model group, in formononetin group, the neurological deficit score, cerebral water content and cerebral infarction rate were significantly decreased, the brain tissue nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased, the brain tissue superoxide dismutase level was significantly increased, the brain tissue Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities were significantly increased, and the brain tissue tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, formononetin from Trifolium pratense L. can reduce the oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment and inflammatory response in brain tissues, thus mitigating the CIRI in mice.

Abstract The study was the first to investigate the content and composition along with the antioxidant activities of polyphenols in the dark tea infusions. The effect of brewing conditions on total polyphenolic contents (TPC) in dark tea infusions was conducted by response surface methodology (RSM), and the composition of polyphenolic compounds was investigated using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS), and DPPH and ABTS assay were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of dark tea. Results showed that brewing at water/tea radio 50 : 1 mL/g, temperature 92 °C and time 27 min was the best condition to obtain the highest TPC (3.90 mg/mL). The composition of polyphenolic compounds in the infusions included 11 catechins and derivatives, 19 flavones and flavone glycosides, and 1 phenolic acid, and the concentrations of epigallocatechin gallate (91.32 mg/L) and epicatechin-3-O-gallate (23.10 mg/L) was the highest among the quantitative compounds. Moreover, the dark tea had good scavenging activities on DPPH (IC50 = 9.94 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 17.26 μg/mL) free radicals.

Abstract This study aimed to uncover transcription factors that regulate super-enhancers involved in glucose metabolism reprogramming in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism were significantly enriched in PDTC. Differentially expressed genes in PDTC vs. normal control tissues were located in key steps in TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism. A total of 23 upregulated genes localized in TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism were identified as super-enhancer-controlled genes. Transcription factor analysis of these 23 super-enhancer-controlled genes related to glucose metabolism was performed, and 20 transcription factors were obtained, of which KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA had a significant prognostic impact. Regulatory network of KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA controlled the expression of these four prognostic target genes (LDHA, ACLY, ME2 and IDH2). In vitro validation showed that silencing of KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA suppressed proliferation, glucose uptake, lactate production and ATP level, but increased ADP/ATP ratio in PDTC cells. In conclusion, KLF12, ZNF281 and RELA were identified as the key transcription factors that regulate super-enhancer-controlled genes related to glucose metabolism in PDTC. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms associated with glucose metabolism in PDTC, and advance the theoretical development of PDTC-targeted therapies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the most useful ultrasound (US) features associated with definite neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and their prognostic values, particularly the calculated markers combined with important features. METHODS: A total of 213 suspected NEC cases were collected from the neonatal department of our hospital from January 2015 to August 2017. Each infant received both X-ray and US examinations. RESULTS: No differences were found in sex composition and delivery modes between groups. NEC-positive neonates had poorer prognosis compared to negative ones. The NEC group showed a higher frequency of abnormal signals. US showed higher NEC-related frequencies in different parameters. A variable (named predictor in US [PUS]) with five features was constructed. For NEC diagnosis, this variable provided a much higher area under the curve Q2 (AUC) (0.965) than other parameters. In this model, PUS had a cutoff value of 0.376 with a 0.900 sensitivity and 0.922 specificity. In prognosis, the closest factors were selected to draw a receiver operating characteristic curve, as well as a novel calculated variable US prognostic (USPro) marker. USPro had a much higher AUC (0.86) than other single features and showed a cutoff value of 0.18145, with 0.75 sensitivity and 0.84 specificity. This variable had a weaker power in prognosis when compared with PUS in diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The application of abdominal color Doppler US can provide high accuracy and sensitivity in NEC diagnosis and also contribute to its prognosis, without induction of radiation. Suspected neonates should be examined using this technique as early as possible.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess brown rust resistance in 60 new sugarcane varieties bred by the China Sugarcane System in recent years and in 34 major varieties cultivated in sugarcane growing areas in China. The resistance of these sugarcane varieties to brown rust was investigated in the field, and molecular markers were used to detect the brown rust-resistance gene Bru1. The results of the field survey showed that 66 (70.21%) of the 94 sugarcane varieties were highly resistant to moderately resistant, and 28 (29.79%) were susceptible to highly susceptible. The Bru1 gene was detected in 54 (57.45%) of the 94 sugarcane varieties. Seven highly resistant varieties and five resistant varieties did not carry Bru1, suggesting that they carry other genes associated with brown rust resistance. This study provides a scientific basis and identifies disease-resistant germplasm for selection of plants for sugarcane production.

NiAl composite coating strengthened by ZrC and ZrB2 phases is synthesized by the plasma cladding process. The influence of cladding speed on microstructrue and properties of coatings is studied. The main phases of coatings are NiAl, γ-(Fe,Ni), ZrC and ZrB2 phases. ZrC is in the shape of points and small blocks, ZrB2 shows long strips and needle bar. The slower the cladding speed, the larger the size of the reinforcing phases. With the increase of cladding speed, the wear resistance of the coatings improves. Coating with the cladding speed of 10mm/s has excellent wear-resistance property owing to high hardness and low friction coefficient. ZrC and ZrB2 strengthening phases play an important role. The main wear mechanism of NiAl composite coating is adhesive wear.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of RNA-binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1) in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), the role of RNPS1 knockdown in UCEC development in vitro and in vivo, and the relationship between RNPS1 and mismatch repair (MMR) in UCEC. METHODS: We predicted the potential function of RNPS1 using bioinformatics systems. The expression of RNPS1 in tissues and cell lines was analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression of RNPS1 in MMR was assessed using bioinformatics and western blotting. The proliferation and apoptosis of UCEC cells were assessed under RNPS1 knockdown conditions, and RNPS1 regulation in MMR was detected by suppressing Notch signaling. Associations between RNPS1 and gene mutations in UCEC and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The RNPS1 level was higher in UCEC tumors than in normal tissues and tumors or RL952 cells. Prognostic outcomes were worse when UCEC showed abundant RNPS1 expression. Lentiviral RNPS1 knockdown weakened tumor cell proliferation and suppressed biomarker expression, reduced the tumor volume, promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited UCEC development. Increased MutS homolog 2 (MSH2) and MutS homolog 6 (MSH6) levels in MMR after RNPS1 knockdown were reversed by inhibiting Notch signaling. Furthermore, RNPS1 was associated with mutations in NAA11, C2orf57, NUPR1, and other genes involved in UCEC prognosis. CONCLUSION: RNPS1 may regulate the expression levels of MSH2 and MSH6 in MMR, enhancing the proliferation, development, and prognosis of UCEC through a Notch signaling pathway in UCEC. Our study offers a new method and strategy for delaying UCEC development through modulating MMR.

SUMMARY: Lumbar disc herniation is considered to be the main pathological factor for the common clinical disease of low back pain. Biomechanical factor is an important cause of lumbar disc herniation, so it is urgent to analyze the stress/strain behavior of intervertebral disc under different loading condition. Slow repetitive loading is considered to be an important factor of spine and disc injuries, and the effect of fatigue load on internal displacement in the intervertebral disc was investigated by applying the optimized digital image correlation technique in this study. The first finding was that fatigue load had a significant effect on the displacement distribution in the intervertebral disc under compression. Superficial AF exhibited the largest axial displacements before fatigue load, while it exhibited the smallest axial displacements after fatigue load. Inner AF exhibited slightly smaller radial displacements than outer AF before fatigue load, while it exhibited significantly greater radial displacements than outer AF displacements after fatigue load. The second finding was that fatigue load had a certain effect on the internal displacement distribution in the flexed intervertebral disc under compression. Middle AF exhibited the smallest axial displacements before fatigue load, while deep AF exhibited the smallest axial displacements after fatigue load. The radial displacement distribution did not change before and after fatigue load, as the radial displacement in outer AF was the smallest, while the radial displacement in inner AF was the largest. The third finding was that with the increase in fatigue time and amplitude, the Young's modulus of the intervertebral disc increased significantly. This study can provide the basis for clinical intervertebral disc disease prevention and treatment? and is important for mechanical function evaluation of artificial intervertebral disc as well.

RESUMEN: La hernia de disco lumbar se considera el principal factor patológico para la enfermedad clínica común del dolor lumbar. El factor biomecánico es una causa importante de hernia de disco lumbar, por lo que es urgente analizar el comportamiento de esfuerzo / tensión del disco intervertebral bajo diferentes condiciones de carga. La carga repetitiva lenta se considera un factor importante de lesiones de columna y disco, y en este estudio el efecto de la carga de fatiga sobre el desplazamiento interno en el disco intervertebral se investigó mediante la aplicación de la técnica de correlación de imagen digital optimizada. El primer hallazgo fue que la carga de fatiga tuvo un efecto significativo en la distribución del desplazamiento en el disco intervertebral bajo compresión. El AF superficial exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más grandes antes de la carga de fatiga, mientras que exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más pequeños después de la carga de fatiga. El AF interno exhibió desplazamientos radiales ligeramente más pequeños que el AF externo antes de la carga de fatiga, mientras que exhibió desplazamientos radiales significativamente mayores que los desplazamientos AF externos después de la carga de fatiga. El segundo hallazgo fue que la carga de fatiga tenía un cierto efecto sobre la distribución del desplazamiento interno en el disco intervertebral flexionado bajo compresión. El AF medio exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más pequeños antes de la carga de fatiga, mientras que el AF profundo exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más pequeños después de la carga de fatiga. La distribución del desplazamiento radial no cambió antes ni después de la carga de fatiga, ya que el desplazamiento radial en la FA externa fue el más pequeño, mientras que el desplazamiento radial en la FA interna fue el más grande. El tercer hallazgo fue que con el aumento del tiempo de fatiga y la amplitud, el módulo de Young del disco intervertebral aumentó significativamente. Este estudio puede proporcionar la base para la prevención y el tratamiento clínico de la enfermedad del disco intervertebral, y también es importante para la evaluación de la función mecánica del disco intervertebral artificial.

Data about the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic surgery under non-intubated anesthesia and regional block are limited. In this prospective study, 57 consecutive patients scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery were enrolled. Patients were sedated with dexmedetomidine and anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil. Ropivacaine was used for intercostal nerve and paravertebral block. Lidocaine was used for vagal block. The primary outcomes were mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (ETCO2) at T0 (pre-anesthesia), T1 (immediately after laryngeal mask/nasopharyngeal airway placement), T2 (immediately after skin incision), T3 (10 min after opening the chest), T4 (end of surgery), and T5 (immediately after laryngeal mask/nasopharyngeal airway removal). One patient required conversion to intubation, 15 developed intraoperative hypotension, and two had hypoxemia. MAP at T0 and T5 was higher than at T1–T4; MAP at T3 was lower (P<0.05 vs other time points). HR at T0 and T5 was higher (P<0.05 vs other time points). ETCO2 at T2 and T3 was higher (P<0.05 vs other time points). Arterial pH, PCO2, and lactic acid at T1 differed from values at T0 and T2 (P<0.05). The Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 h was lower (P<0.05). One patient experienced dysphoria during recovery. Thoracoscopic surgery with regional block under direct thoracoscopic vision is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional surgery under general anesthesia, intubation, and one-lung ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: Bilirubin is considered an important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory factor and immunomodulator. The current investigation aimed to explore the association between bilirubin and white blood cell (WBC) count in a large Chinese cohort. METHODS: A total of 61091 participants (29259 males, 31832 females) were recruited from a Chinese tertiary hospital. Data were sorted by sex, and the association between bilirubin and WBC count was analyzed after dividing bilirubin levels into quartiles. RESULTS: Most parameters (including age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides and WBC count) were significantly higher in men than in women. Bilirubin displayed significant negative relationships with most other measured variables. Linear logistic regression analysis further indicated their negative relationships. Females showed a significantly higher frequency of leucopenia than males. Significant associations of leucopenia with high bilirubin quartiles were shown in binary logistic regression models for both sexes, with a much closer association in men than in women. For instance, for men with bilirubin levels in quartile 4, the adjusted likelihood of leucopenia was 1.600-times higher than that of men with values in quartile 1. For women with bilirubin levels in quartile 4, the adjusted likelihood of leucopenia was 1.135-times higher than that of women with values in quartile 1. CONCLUSION: Bilirubin is negatively related to WBC count. Significant associations exist between leucopenia and high bilirubin quartiles, and these associations are more obvious in men than in women.