OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect of Orychophragmus violaceus(OV)seed against acute hepatotoxicity induced by the traditional Chinese Medicine Cortex Dictamni in mice. METHODS Twenty-five mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,Cortex Dictamni group(70 g · kg-1)and OV seed groups(36,54 and 72 g · kg-1). OV Seed groups were orally adminis?tered with the aqueous extract of OV seed for 4 consecutive days while the other groups were ig given water. On the 4th day,Cortex Dictamni group and OV seed groups were ig given the aqueous extract of Cortex Dictamni,and normal control group was ig given water. Twenty-four hours later,all the mice had their blood and liver samples taken after anesthesia. The serum chemical parameters were measured, including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT),glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),as well as malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)and oxidized glutathione(GSSG)levels in the liver. GSH/GSSG ratio was calculated. Histopathologic changes in the liver were observed and the area was calculated after HE staining. RESULTS Compared with normal control group,Cortex Dictamni(70 g · kg-1)increased the serum GOT,GPT and LDH levels by 500, 140 and 40 fold(P<0.01). OV seed reduced serum GOT,GPT and LDH levels increased by Cortex Dictamni(P<0.05,P<0.01),by as much as 62%,75% and 99% for GPT,70%,82% and 98% for GOT,and 55%,75%and 96%for LDH,respectively. The level of MDA and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in Cortex Dictamni group were 1.39 ± 0.58 and(3.53 ± 1.27)μmol · g-1,a 10-fold increase and 40%decline compared with normal control group(P<0.01). OV seed of 72 g·kg-1 lowered the level of MDA by 22%(P<0.05),and OV seed(36,54 and 72 g · kg-1)increased the GSH/GSSG ratio by 47%,42%and 54%(P<0.05). Histopathologic results showed that OV seed alleviated the liver damage induced by Cortex Dictamni from(64.1±8.5)%to(37.5±7.1)%and (20.0±0.8)%(P<0.01). CONCLUSION OV seed can effectively protect mice from the acute hepatotoxicity induced by Cortex Dictamni.

Objective To explore the methodology of reconstruction of a three-dimensional model of lid/cheek junction through continuous paraffin sections and stained lid/cheek junction three-dimensional visualization,and to further explore the feasibility and reliability to provide anatomical basis for clinical teaching of plastic and reconstructive surgery.Methods The full size of lid/cheek junction was cut from the specimens,the size of 25 mm× 15 mm× 10 mm,and then embedded in paraffin,and sectioned in thickness of 15 μm for 200 slices;the experimental HE staining and Masson staining were conducted,Sony camera photos using Adobe Photoshop CS 5.1 image processing software for image registration and 3D-Docter software image segmentation were used to give different colors for establishment of complete three-dimensional model.Results Histologically the LOT of the fascia area,the existence of reconstruction and the LOT model were confirmed.It showed the histological characteristics:the Masson stain displayed red,blue and white tissues in color;fascia tissue staining infered intertexture of elastic fibers and collagen fibers in LOT.LOT was the bottom edge of the triangle toward the orbital base with length of 26 mm,31 mm in high,0.8 mm in thick,and area of approximately 4.03 cm2 in size.Layers of skin,orbicularis oculi muscle,orbicularis retaining ligament,middle temporal fascia,periosteum and LOT were visible in the 3D model.By the three-dimensional model of lid/cheek junction,adjacent relationship could be rotated to any angle.Conclusions This initial establishment of a three-dimensional model of the lid/cheek junction confirms that the histological characteristics of lid/cheek junction and the feasibility of the fine structure of soft tissue within the three-dimensional model can be used as a new method for further research.

Objective To discuss the effects and the possible mechanismof curcumin on pulmonary functions and expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats.Methods SPF Wistar rats were randomly (random number) divided into three groups:paraquat-poisoned group (PQ group,with PQ 50 mg/kg by gavage),Curcumin-treatment group (PC group after 30,with curcumin (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection),and Blank group (B group,with same volume of sterile saline at the same time).After 14 d,the lung function of rats was observed,and the expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB protein were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The survival rates of mice significant difference in the PC and PQ groups with (70.83％ vs.41.67％,P ＜0.05).Compared with the B group,lung function index (Te,PIF,PEF,EF50,TV,F) of PQ group significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).Compared with the PQ group,lung function index (Te,PEF,TV,F) of PC group significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).There are some expression of lung tissues of rats with TGF-β1,NF-κB in B group.Compared with B group,PQ group significantly enhanced (P ＜0.01or P ＜0.05).Compared with the PQ,PC group significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Curcumin can relieve paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the over expression of TGF-β1,NF-κB in lung tissue of rats.

Objective To observe the effects of curcumin on the lung collagen area and the expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and NE in paraquat-poisoning rats at different intervals,and discuss the possible mechanism of curcumin antagonizing paraquat poisoning.Methods A total of 108 SPF Wistar rats were divided into three groups (random number):blank group (B group) for control,paraquat poisonin group (PQ group) and curcumin-treatment group (PC group).The rats of PQ group and PC group were given paraquat (50 mg/kg) by gavage,and the rats of B group were given equal volume of sterile saline solution at the same time.Thirty minutes later,the rats of PC group were given curcumin (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection,and rats of B group and PC group were given equal volume of sterile saline solution instead.At 3 d,7 d and 14 d after modeling,the distribution and pathological changes of lung tissue and collagen fiber were observed by HE and Masson staining.The concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme-immunoassay.The lung neutrophil elastase (NE)expression was observed by immuno-histochemical method.Result Compared with B group,PQ group had pulmonary alveolitis in different degrees at different intervals,and the most serious pulmonary alveolitis was observed at 7 d after modeling.Diffused pulmonary fibrosis of the lung tissue and a large area of collagen fiber deposition were observed especially at 14 d after modeling,as well as the expression of NE was observed obviously,especially at 14 d after modeling.The concentration of TNF-α,IL-6 in serum were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).Compared with PQ group,the pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis obviously in PC group with obvious reduction in the expression of NE and significant descrease in the concentrations of TNF-o and IL-6 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Inhabiting inflammatory factors to alleviate the seriousness of alveolar inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis might be one of the mechanism of treatment with curcumin for paraquat poisoning rats.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging for detecting renal changes after iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) development in a diabetic rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two rabbits were randomized into 2 groups: diabetic rabbits with the contrast agent (DCA) and healthy rabbits with the contrast agent (NCA). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent IVIM and BOLD imaging at 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days after an iohexol injection while 5 rabbits were selected to undergo blood and histological examinations at these specific time points. Iohexol was administrated at a dose of 2.5 g I/kg of body weight. Further, the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*), average pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. RESULTS: The D and f values of the renal cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) were significantly decreased compared to baseline values in the 2 groups 1 day after the iohexol injection (p < 0.05). A marked reduction in the D* values for both the CO and OM was also observed after 1 hour in each group (p < 0.05). In the OM, a persistent elevation of the R2* was detected for 4 days in the DCA group (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were prominent, and the pathological features of CI-AKI aggravated in the DCA group until day 4. The D, f, and R2* values significantly correlated with the histological damage scores, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α expression scores, and serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION: A combination of IVIM and BOLD imaging may serve as a noninvasive method for detecting and monitoring CI-AKI in the early stages in the diabetic kidney.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Body Weight ; Creatinine ; Diffusion ; Iohexol ; Kidney ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Methods ; Oxygen ; Perfusion ; Rabbits ; Relaxation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Objective To observe the effects of curcumin on pulmonary fibrosis and functions on paraquat (PQ)-challenged rats, and investigate the possible mechanism. Methods 108 SPF Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to random number sheet: normal saline (NS) control group, PQ model group and curcumin-treatment group. The rats in each group were subdivided into three subgroups according to different time points (3, 7, 14 days), with 12 rats in each subgroup. PQ-challenged models were reproduced by intragastrical administration of PQ solution 50 mg/kg, and those in NS control group were given the equal volume of NS. After 30 minutes, the rats in curcumin-treatment group were given 200 mg/kg of curcumin by intraperitoneal injection, and those in NS control group and PQ model group were given the equal volume of NS. At 3, 7, 14 days, the tidal volume (VT) was examined, and the blood was drawn from femoral artery for blood gas analysis. Then the rats were sacrificed and the lung tissues were harvested, the hydroxyproline (Hyp) content was measured by alkaline hydrolysis; the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was determined by immuno-histochemistry; the distribution and the change of the pulmonary collagen fiber were observed after Masson staining. Results After exposure to PQ, the VT and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were decreased gradually, and the levels of Hyp and TGF-β1 were increased gradually, reaching the trough or the peak at 14 days, which were significantly lower or higher than those in NS control group [14-day VT (mL):1.52±0.33 vs. 2.81±0.47, 14-day PaO2(kPa): 5.87±0.95 vs. 14.15±1.02, 14-day Hyp (μg/mg): 3.12±0.06 vs. 1.14±0.05, 14-day TGF-β1 (integral A value): 29.72±4.27 vs. 4.15±0.52, all P < 0.01]. After intervene of curcumin, the parameters were significantly improved as compared with those of PQ model group [14-day VT (mL): 2.34±0.19 vs. 1.52±0.33, 14-day PaO2(kPa): 10.23±1.01 vs. 5.87±0.95, 14-day Hyp (μg/mg): 2.31±0.04 vs. 3.12±0.06, 14-day TGF-β1 (integral A value): 15.46±2.89 vs. 29.72±4.27, all P < 0.01]. It was shown by Masson staining that in PQ model group, with the PQ-poisoned time prolonging, diffused pulmonary fibrosis and a large number of collagen deposition were observed gradually, and the most serious collagen deposition was observed at 14 days; after intervene of curcumin, pulmonary fibrosis was alleviated significantly at different time points as compared with the PQ model group. Conclusion Curcumin can enhance the pulmonary function by reducing the deposition of collagen fiber and inhabiting pulmonary fibrosis of PQ-poisoned rats.

Objective: The method of compositional data analysis was used to explore the relationship between 24 hour movement behavior and obesity indicators, and to examine the difference of quantitative effect on obesity indicators when one behavior replaced another behavior, so as to provide specific movement behavior advice for weight control in children and adolescents. Methods: In June 2021, 231 students from eight classes in a primary school and a middle school in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province were voluntarily recruited by using random cluster sampling. ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to measure 24 hour movement behavior and Inbody J20 body composition analyzer was used to measure body composition. The relationship between each component and obesity indicators was analyzed by compositional multivariate linear regression model. In addition, 30 minutes of one behavior was used to replace another behavior to predict the effect difference of the outcomes. Results: After adjusting for covariates such as height, weight, age, and sex, compared with time spent in sedentary behavior(SB), sleep (SLP) and light physical activity (LPA), time spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was positively correlated with fat free mass index (FFMI) ( β= 0.40, P ＜0.05), negatively correlated with waist circumference (WC) ( β=-2.50, P ＜0.05) and waist hip ratio (WHR) ( β= -0.04 , P ＜0.05). Compared with SB, SLP and MVPA, time spent on LPA was positively correlated with WHR ( β=0.06, P < 0.05 ). If MVPA of 30 min/d replaces SLP, SB, and LPA respectively, WC and WHR decrease 1.10,1.10,1.34 cm and 0.02, 0.02 ,0.02 respectively, and FFMI increases 0.19,0.19,0.15 kg/m 2 respectively. Conclusion In 24 h movement behavior, with consistent level of sedentary behavior, sleep or low intensity movement behavior, maintaining a high level of MVPA and replacing sedentary with active activities are crucial for optimal abdominal fat and fat free mass in children and adolescents.

Objective To study the protective effect of helium preconditioning (HPC) on rats with acute transient focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its possible mechanism.Methods Healthy adult SD rats were divided into 3 groups:sham-operated group,I/R group and HPC group; the rat models of focal cerebral I/R in the later two groups were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO,2 h) and reperfusion (24 h).Rats in the HPC group were exposed to the helium for 5 min×3 times (5 min interval) 24 h before MCAO.Neurological deficit scale was performed; the degrees of cerebral injury (infarct volume) were evaluated; BCA protein quantification was used to measure the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content.The morphological changes of the brain were observed by Nissl staining.Results As compared with those in the I/P group,the neurological deficit scale scores were deceased,infracted volume and content of MDA were decreased,and SOD activity was increased in HPC group,with significant differences (P＜ 0.05); the number of surviving neurons in the brain cortex and hippocampus of HPC group was increased as compared with that in the I/R group.Conclusion HPC has a protective effect against acute focal cerebral I/R injury,whose mechanism may be related to scavenging of flee radicals by spermine.

Objective:To investigate the analysis of postoperative death in patients with Stanford B acute aortic dissection (AAD) by XGBoost model.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 226 patients with Stanford type B AAD diagnosed in Yunnan Wenshan People′s Hospital from February 2012 to June 2019, including 126 males and 100 females, with an average age of (61.24±4.25) years. According to the outcome of discharge, the patients were divided into survival group ( n=129) and death group ( n=97), in which those who automatically gave up treatment and left the hospital were regarded as the death group. If the patients were admitted to Yunnan Wenshan People′s Hospital for many times during the study period, only the clinical data diagnosed as Stanford B AAD for the first time were selected for the study. The clinical data and hematological indexes of the subjects were collected, and the XGBoost model was used to predict the rapid diagnosis of postoperative death in patients with Stanford B AAD, and compared with the traditional Logistic regression model. Results:In the XGBoost model, the influencing factors were ranked according to the degree of importance. The top 6 factors were hypertension, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte(NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count(WBC), D-dimer and heart rate. Hypertension and NLR had the greatest influence on postoperative death in patients with Stanford B AAD. Using receiver operator charateristic curve to compare the prediction performance of the two models, it was found that the prediction efficiency of the XGBoost algorithm was significantly stronger than that of the Logistic regression model in the training set, while the two models were equivalent in the verification set. The prediction models constructed by the two methods eventually included independent variables such as hypertension, NLR, CRP, WBC, D-dimer, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, surgical treatment and so on.Conclusions:XGBoost model can be used to predict the postoperative death of patients with Stanford B AAD. Its diagnostic performance is better than Logistic regression model in training set and equivalent to the latter in verification set. Hypertension and NLR are the most important predictors of postoperative mortality in patients with Stanford B type AAD.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) strategies in COVID-19 patients differ from those in patients suffering from cardiogenic cardiac arrest. During CPR, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers who provide resuscitation are at risk of infection. The Working Group for Expert Consensus on Prevention and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest in COVID-19 has developed this Chinese Expert Consensus to guide clinical practice of CPR in COVID-19 patients. Main recommendations: 1) A medical team should be assigned to evaluate severe and critical COVID-19 for early monitoring of cardiac-arrest warning signs. 2) Psychological counseling and treatment are highly recommended, since sympathetic and vagal abnormalities induced by psychological stress from the COVID-19 pandemic can induce cardiac arrest. 3) Healthcare workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). 4) Mouth-to-mouth ventilation should be avoided on patients suspected of having or diagnosed with COVID-19. 5) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression are recommended. 6) Tracheal-intubation procedures should be optimized and tracheal-intubation strategies should be implemented early. 7) CPR should be provided for 20-30 min. 8) Various factors should be taken into consideration such as the interests of patients and family members, ethics, transmission risks, and laws and regulations governing infectious disease control. Changes in management: The following changes or modifications to CPR strategy in COVID-19 patients are proposed: 1) Healthcare workers should wear PPE. 2) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression can be implemented to reduce or avoid the spread of viruses by aerosols. 3) Both the benefits to patients and the risk of infection should be considered. 4) Hhealthcare workers should be fully aware of and trained in CPR strategies and procedures specifically for patients with COVID-19.