Abstract Background and purpose: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has multifunctional health benefits. We evaluated the effects of low-sodium salt applied to Chinese modified DASH diet on arterial stiffness in older patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Methods: sixty-one older adults with hypertension and type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to low sodium salt group (n = 31) or normal sodium salt group (n = 30). They were given the Chinese modified DASH diet plus low-sodium salt (52 % sodium chloride) or same diet plus regular salt (99 % sodium chloride) for eight weeks, respectively. Brachial and ankle pulse wave conduction velocity, ankle brachial index and atherosclerosis-related indices were measured at baseline and week 8. In addition, 24-hour urine and blood samples were measured at baseline, the 4th week and the end of the intervention. Results: as compared with the baseline, the low sodium salt group significantly decreased in ankle brachial index (-0.09 ± 0.11, p < 0.001) and brachial and ankle pulse wave conduction velocity (-133.07 ± 265.99 cm/s, p = 0.010) at week 8 while the normal sodium salt group only decreased significantly in ankle brachial index (-0.06 ± 0.12, p = 0.010) at week 8. Conclusion: the low-sodium salt applied to Chinese modified DASH diet may improve arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Further research with an extended follow-up is needed.

Resumen Antecedentes y propósito: la dieta DASH (del inglés Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) tiene beneficios multifuncionales para la salud. Evaluamos los efectos de una sal baja en sodio aplicada a la versión modificada china de la dieta DASH sobre la rigidez arterial en pacientes mayores con hipertensión y diabetes tipo 2. Métodos: sesenta y un adultos mayores con hipertensión arterial y diabetes tipo 2 fueron asignados al azar al grupo de sal baja en sodio (n = 31) o al grupo de sal con contenido normal de sodio (n = 30). Se les administró la versión china modificada de la dieta DASH más sal baja en sodio (52 % de cloruro de sodio) o la misma dieta más sal con la cantidad normal de sodio (99 % cloruro de sodio) durante ocho semanas, respectivamente. Se midieron la velocidad de onda de pulso brazo-tobillo, el índice brazo-tobillo y los índices relacionados con la aterosclerosis al inicio del estudio y a la semana 8. Se recogieron muestras de orina y sangre de 24 horas al inicio, a la cuarta semana y al final de la intervención. Resultados: en comparación con el estado inicial, el grupo de sal baja en sodio disminuyó significativamente el índice brazo-tobillo (-0,09 ± 0,11, p < 0,001) y la velocidad de onda de pulso brazo-tobillo (-133,07 ± 265,99 cm/s, p = 0,010) en la semana 8, mientras que el grupo de sal con contenido normal de sodio solo disminuyó significativamente en el índice brazo-tobillo (-0,06 ± 0,12, p = 0,010) en la semana 8. Conclusión: la sal baja en sodio aplicada a la versión china modificada de la dieta DASH puede mejorar la rigidez arterial en pacientes con hipertensión y diabetes tipo 2. Se necesitan más investigaciones con un seguimiento prolongado.

ABSTRACT Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) is a major forage crop of arid and semiarid areas in China with yields much constrained by drought stress. Genetic improvement could benefit from a better understanding of drought effects on plant morphology and physiology. In this study, the morphophysiological traits of four triticale genotypes (line C31, varieties ‘Gannong No.1’, ‘Gannong No.2’, and ‘Shida No.1’) were determined on days 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, and 63 for treatments of the normal irrigation and drought stress, respectively. Rainfall of the drought stress treatments was controlled during the study using an anti-rain shed. Our findings suggest that drought stress had significant effects on all morphophysiological traits except for the relative number of leaves (RL) and catalase activities (RCAT). Among four genotypes, the averaged relative plant height (RH) of ‘Gannong No.2’ (0.90) was the highest, the averaged relative number of tillers (RT) of ‘Gannong No.1’ (0.77) was the highest, the averaged relative aboveground biomass yields (RAB) (0.53), relative leaf water content (RRWC) (0.96), and peroxidase activity (RPOD) (0.92) of C31 were the highest, respectively, and the averaged RCAT (1.06) of ‘Shida No.1’ was the highest. The interaction between genotype and drought stress days was significant for all morphophysiological traits except for the RT and RL. A comprehensive evaluation revealed that C31 was the most drought-tolerant genotype under persistent drought stress. These findings may be useful for the breeding and identification of drought-tolerant germplasms in the arid and semi-arid regions.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the design of a safflower picking robot control system and focuses on a navigation control subsystem based on multisensor fusion. A navigation subsystem, an identification and positioning subsystem, a picking subsystem, and a levelling subsystem are designed. The hardware and software of the navigation subsystem are designed in detail, and a multisensor fusion positioning method based on extended Kalman fusion technology is proposed. The accuracy and stability levels of different combined navigation methods are compared. To test the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method, an outdoor test is carried out. The test results show that the outdoor fusion positioning accuracy of the robot is less than 8 cm, and when the satellite signal is lost, the navigation control subsystem can still provide high positioning accuracy. The final positioning result obtained using the integrated positioning method of the wheel odometer + IMU + DGNSS is approximately 52% higher than that of the odometer, approximately 29% higher than that of the wheel odometer + IMU, and approximately 11% higher than that of the IMU + DGNSS.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The training should be performed according to the characteristics of basketball by establishing a scientific evaluation index system to fully exploit the potential of its players. Objective: Evaluate the index system for measuring physical training specific to basketball players. Methods: The physical training evaluation indexes of athletes were studied by checking the scientific literature and mathematical statistics, and an evaluation index for the physical training of young basketball players was designed and experimented. Results: The highest proportion of the special fitness score in athletic average was 46.25%; the proportion of the players’ general fitness score represented 15% above and 13.75% below. The specific fitness level of basketball players is mainly at the average level. Conclusion: The effects of training can be effectively evaluated by the experienced index system, and it is useful for athletes to find deficiencies, make full use of their potential, improve skills and adapt basketball tactics. It may also provide more reserve talent for professional basketball. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento debe realizarse de acuerdo con las características del baloncesto estableciendo un sistema de índices de evaluación científica para explotar plenamente el potencial de sus jugadores. Objetivo: Evaluar el sistema de índices de medición del entrenamiento físico específico para jugadores de baloncesto. Métodos: Se estudiaron los índices de evaluación del entrenamiento físico de los deportistas mediante la comprobación de la literatura científica y la estadística matemática, y se diseñó y experimentó un índice de evaluación del entrenamiento físico de los jóvenes jugadores de baloncesto. Resultados: La proporción más alta de la puntuación de la aptitud física especial en la media atlética fue del 46,25%; la proporción de la puntuación de la aptitud física general de los jugadores representó un 15% por encima y un 13,75% por debajo, el nivel de aptitud física específica de los jugadores de baloncesto está principalmente en el nivel medio. Conclusión: Los efectos del entrenamiento pueden evaluarse eficazmente mediante el sistema de índice de experiencia, y es útil para que los deportistas encuentren las deficiencias, aprovechen al máximo su propio potencial, mejoren las habilidades y adapten las tácticas de baloncesto. También puede proporcionar más talentos de reserva para el baloncesto profesional. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento deve ser realizado de acordo com as características do basquetebol estabelecendo um sistema de índice de avaliação científica para explorar plenamente o potencial de seus jogadores. Objetivo: Avaliar o sistema de índices de medição do treinamento físico específico para os jogadores de basquetebol. Métodos: Os índices de avaliação do treinamento físico dos atletas foram estudados verificando a literatura científica e estatísticas matemáticas, um índice de avaliação para o treinamento físico de jovens jogadores de basquetebol foi projetado e experimentado. Resultados: A maior proporção da pontuação da aptidão física especial na média atlética foi de 46,25%; a proporção da pontuação da aptidão física geral dos jogadores representou 15% acima e 13,75% abaixo, o nível de aptidão física específica dos jogadores de basquetebol está principalmente no nível mediano. Conclusão: Os efeitos do treinamento podem ser efetivamente avaliados pelo sistema de índice experimentado, sendo útil para que os atletas possam encontrar deficiências, aproveitar plenamente seu próprio potencial, melhorar as habilidades e adaptar as táticas do basquetebol. Também poderá fornecer mais talentos de reserva para o basquetebol profissional. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Top-quality pellets can significantly increase density and durability of agricultural residues, reducing logistic costs. However, these pellets depend on numerous parameters, including feedstock properties and production conditions. To ensure high-quality pellets, a single-factor experiment and the response surface methodology were used to investigate the effects of particle size, moisture content, molding pressure, pelleting time, ultrasonic power, and interaction effects between variables on density and durability of pellets for ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting of corn stover. The response surface models between variables and response were established. The results showed that all variables affect the density and durability of pellets. An optimal condition for density and durability was obtained, and a further experiment was conducted to validate the values. The results suggested that desirability (0.999) under optimal conditions confirmed the validation of models. The optimal combination of process parameters included particle size of 1.5 mm, moisture content of 10 %, molding pressure of 379 kPa, pelleting time of 80 s, ultrasonic power of 250 W, with values of 1,381.14 kg m–3 and 97.58 % for density and durability of pellets, respectively.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the Shikonin (SHI) induce autophagy of hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts (HSFs) and the mechanism of which in repairing hypertrophic scar. Methods: This study showed that SHI induced autophagy from HSFs and repaired skin scars through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Alamar Blue and Sirius red were used to identify cell activity and collagen. Electron microscopy, label-free quantitative proteomic analysis, fluorescence and other methods were used to identify autophagy. The differences in the expression of autophagy and AMPK/mTOR pathway-related proteins after SHI treatment were quantitatively analyzed by Western blots. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect the expression of LC3, AMPK and ULK after adding chloroquine (CQ) autophagy inhibitor. Results: After treatment with SHI for 24 hours, it was found that the viability of HSFs was significantly reduced, the protein expression of LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin1 increased, while the protein expression of P62 decreased. The expression of phosphorylated AMPK increased and expression of phosphorylated mTOR decreased. After the use of CQ, the cell autophagy caused by SHI was blocked. The key genes LC3 and P62 were then reexamined by immunohistochemistry using a porcine full-thickness burn hypertrophic scar model, and the results verified that SHI could induce autophagy in vivo. Conclusions: These findings suggested that SHI promoted autophagy of HSFs cells, and the potential mechanism may be related to the AMPK/mTOR signal pathway, which provided new insights for the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

ABSTRACT In utilizing a variable-structure multiple-model (VSMM) algorithm for kinematic state estimation, the core step is the model set design. This study aims to refine the existing expected-mode augmentation (EMA) algorithm, a method of model set design. First, the OTSU algorithm is employed to determine an adaptive threshold, which in turn allows for a reasonable partition of the basic model set. Next, a subset of possible models is preserved, reactivating models adjacent to the one with the highest prediction probability, eliminating improbable models, and yielding an augmented expected mode. Additionally, the study leverages the translation properties of radial functions and inverse trigonometric function formulas to derive a maneuvering model for star-convex extended targets under uniformly accelerated conditions. In order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and the validity of the established maneuvering model, simulation experiments were carried out in both fixed and random scenarios. The proposed algorithm demonstrates improved performance when compared to the interactive multiple-model algorithm and the unmodified EMA algorithm. variablestructure variable structure multiplemodel multiple VSMM (VSMM estimation design expectedmode mode (EMA First threshold Next preserved probability Additionally starconvex star convex conditions scenarios

Abstract Introduction: hypertension and diabetes are chronic disorders associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: to evaluate the effect of 52 % low-sodium salt applied to the Chinese-modified DASH (CM-DASH) diet on risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with hypertension and type-2 diabetes. Methods: the low-sodium salt group (LSSG) took 5 g/day of 52 % low-sodium salt plus CM-DASH diet for 8 weeks, while the normal-sodium salt group (NSSG) took the same dose of normal-sodium salt plus CM-DASH diet for 8 weeks. Blood tests, 24-hour urine tests, anthropometric measurements, and 10-year risk of ASCVD prediction were assessed. Results: compared with baseline, both LSSG and NSSG showed a significant reduction in 10-year risk of ASCVD, but we did not find any statistically significant differences in 10-year risk of ASCVD between LSSG and NSSG. Conclusions: our study shows that salt limits and DASH diets reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease whereas low-sodium salt containing 52 % sodium chloride did not significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to regular salt. Due to the limitations of the research, additional studies will be necessary to confirm our findings.

Resumen Introducción: la hipertensión y la diabetes son trastornos crónicos asociados a un mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivos: evaluar el efecto de la sal baja en sodio (52 %) aplicada a la dieta DASH modificada en China (CM-DASH) sobre los riesgos de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica (ECA) en pacientes con hipertensión arterial y diabetes de tipo 2. Métodos: el grupo de sal baja en sodio (LSSG) tomó 5 g/día de sal baja en sodio al 52 % más dieta CM-DASH durante 8 semanas, mientras que el grupo de sal normal en sodio (NSSG) tomó la misma dosis de sal normal en sodio más dieta CM-DASH durante 8 semanas. Se evaluaron los análisis de sangre, los análisis de orina de 24 horas, las mediciones antropométricas y los riesgos de predicción de ECVA a 10 años. Resultados: en comparación con el valor basal, tanto el LSSG como el NSSG mostraron una reducción significativa de los riesgos a 10 años de ECVA, mientras que no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los riesgos a 10 años de ECVA entre el LSSG y el NSSG. Conclusiones: nuestro estudio muestra que los límites de sal y las dietas DASH reducen el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular mientras que la sal baja en sodio con un 52 % de cloruro sódico no redujo significativamente el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en comparación con la sal normal. Debido a las limitaciones de la investigación, serán necesarios estudios adicionales para confirmar nuestros hallazgos

Abstract Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a polypeptide growth factor with various biological activities. Recent studies have shown that this growth factor and they receptors are expressed in human Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and sperm cells after birth, and are involved in the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis. However, there is no report on the expression of TGF-β in human embryonic testis. TGF-β1 is a peptide growth factor widely distributed in germ cells at various levels in the testis, regulating the function of the testes and maintaining the stability of the testis environment by acting on various cells. This review summarizes the research progress of TGF-β1 in human testis.

Abstract This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanism of circ 0006282 in Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in vitro and in vivo. 6-week-old male db/db mice were induced by intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of STZ (50 mg/kg, S0130, Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) for five consecutive days. HK-2 cells was incubated with high glucose for vitro model. Western blotting, immunostaining, and biochemical assays were used to obtain that inflammatory factor and protein expressions. The current study demonstrated that the serum circ 0006282 expression were reduced, and serum miR-155 expression in patients with DN were increased. Circ 0006282 reduced inflammation in kidney cell by high glucose. MiR-155 promoted inflammation in kidney cell by high glucose. Circ 0006282 reduced inflammation via activation of SIRT1/NLRP3 signaling pathway by suppression of miR-155 expression. MiR-155 regulated the anti-inflammation effects of circ 0006282 on inflammation in kidney cell by high glucose by SIRT1/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that circ 0006282 may represent promising strategy for the therapy of DN.

Abstract The contents of total phenol and flavonoid of 27 edible plants as well as their antioxidative and digestive enzymes inhibitory activities were evaluated. The total phenol content of the 27 plants ranged from 1.28-46.80 mg gallic acid equivalent/g. DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assay explored that Rubus idaeus Linn, Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. and Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. exhibited stronger antioxidant capacity among the 27 plants. 4 plants showed inhibitory percentage more than 50% on pancreatic lipase. 10 plants showed inhibitory percentage more than 50% on α-glucosidase. 3 plants simultaneously possess significant inhibitory activities on pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase, which were Alpinia officinarum Hance, Ginkgo biloba Linn. leaves and Vitis vinifera Linn. Seeds. Strong positive correlation between total phenol content and antioxidative capacity were found. However, digestive enzymes inhibitory activity was less correlated with total phenol and total flavonoids content.

Abstract γ-Oryzanol, which is rich in rice seeds, is natural phytonutrition with many functions such as antioxidant. However, γ-oryzanol has a large loss in the traditional processing, resulting in a huge waste of available resources. In this study, the rice seeds highest content of γ-oryzanol during the development of rice seeds was selected and separated processes by nanofiltration. Several nanofiltration membranes were dramatically applied to condensing phytonutrition under 0.5 Mpa pressure and the flux ranged from 5.8 to 7.7 kg•m-2•h-1. The first processing supplied the separation improving ethanol-extraction system enrichment in γ-oryzanol. In the second, refining ethanol-extraction dramatically reduced the content of free fatty acids, while γ-oryzanol in the retention solution was further significantly increased. Moreover, the isolated γ-oryzanol added in the soybean oil, notably improved antioxidant ability of oil. Our founding can be widely used in the functional food manufacturing and also provides as an available method.

Abstract To explore the effects and mechanisms of benzoylaconitine and paeoniflorin on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Weight, paw swelling, arthritis index and joint pathologic changes were examined in each group after CIA induction. PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF, MMP-3, IgG and anti-CII Ab were assessed by ELISA; STAT1 and STAT3 expressions were analyzed immunohistochemically, and the ultrastructure of synovial cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Therapeutic effects were determined in CIA rats via injecting benzoylaconitine and paeoniflorin, which could alleviate the degree of swelling and arthritis index (AI) and pathological lesions of the sacroiliac gland; decrease the levels of PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α, VEGF and IgG in serum; reduce STAT1 and STAT3 expression in the membrane tissue; and inhibit the secretion and proliferation of synovial cells. These results showed that benzoylaconitine and paeoniflorin could significantly palliate the arthritic symptoms of CIA rats, and better therapeutic effects could be achieved if the two components were used in combination.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the active ingredients of walnut ointment (WO) and its mechanism in repairing wounds. Methods: The ingredients of WO were detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The effect of linoleic acid (LA) was tested by in vitro Alamar Blue (AB) reagent. Image J software, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were used to confirm the healing effect of LA in the porcine skin model. The animals were euthanized after the experiment by injection of pentobarbital sodium. Results: LA, 24% in WO, promotes keratinocytes and fibroblasts proliferation, which were 50.09% and 15.07% respectively higher than control (p < 0.05). The healing rate of the LA group (96.02% ± 2%, 98.58% ± 0.78%) was higher than the saline group (82.11% ± 3.37%, 88.72% ± 1.73%) at week 3 and week 4 (p < 0.05). The epidermal thickness of the LA was 0.16 ± 0.04 mm greater and the expression of the P63 and CK10 proteins was stronger in the LA group than the control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: LA, which is the main components in WO can promote full-thickness burning wounds (FBWs) by stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation.