Abstract Cordyceps militaris is a commonly used edible and medicinal fungus in East Asia. Preparation of the mycelium and fermentation liquid by submerged fermentation using additives such as Panax ginseng for skin whitening applications has attracted wide attention. In the present study, we screened traditional Chinese medicines as additives to the liquid fermentation medium for C. militaris and performed systematical research on the changes of bioactivity and ginsenoside levels during the fermentation process. Total polysaccharide contents, cordycepin content, and polysaccharide molecular weight in the fermentation products were measured by UV spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC/DAD), and gel permeation chromatography-multi angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), respectively. In addition, the ginsenosides Rb1, Re, Rd, Rg1, and pseudoginsenoside F11 in the fermentation products were quantitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS). Panax ginseng significantly increased the cordycepin and total sugar contents, and the average molecular weight of polysaccharides in the fermentation liquid and the mycelium of C. militaris. At the same time, C. militaris enhanced the production of ginsenoside pseudoginsenoside F11, which is a unique component of Panax quinquefolium. The research provides scientific evidence for the application of C. militaris and P. ginseng as raw materials for food and medicines.

Abstract Ginkgo biloba leaves are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Owing to its wide distribution across China with varying geographical environments and climatic characteristics, G. biloba leaf products have different active ingredients and degrees of activities, which poses a challenge for quality control and standardization. We aimed to identify the key factors contributing to the quality of G. biloba based on assessment of anti-aging and antioxidative components. G. biloba leaf samples collected from 14 different regions in China were analyzed for antioxidant activities by the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging assay, and the levels of terpene lactones and flavonoids were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography. Correlation analysis attributed the antioxidant activity of G. biloba leaf samples of different origins to isoginkgetin and ginkgetin, which also affected the matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels of fibroblasts, determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, appropriate quality control of a collected G. biloba sample could be achieved by determining the levels of isoginkgetin and ginkgetin as anti-aging and antioxidant components. The results further provide a foundation for the application of G. biloba leaves as an antioxidant raw material.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effect of second toe-to-hand transfer on the plantar pressure distribution of the donor foot. Methods: Twelve normal fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were subjected to an axial load of 600 N. An F-Scan plantar pressure analysis system was used to measure the forefoot plantar pressure. The testing was performed under the conditions of intact second toe, second toe removal with the second metatarsal head reserved, and second toe removal in combination with the distal one-third of the second metatarsal, respectively. Results: The peak pressure of the second metatarsal head was greater than other four forefoot plantar regions. There was no statistically significant change in the forefoot plantar pressure distribution after the second toe was removed (p > 0.05). When the second toe and the distal one-third of the second metatarsal were removed, the forefoot plantar pressure distribution changed significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions: An intact second metatarsal is essential for the normal distribution of plantar pressure. Removal of the second toe with the second metatarsal head reserved had little influence on the plantar pressure distribution of the donor foot. Removal of the second toe and distal one-third of the second metatarsal resulted in abnormal plantar pressure distribution. Level of Evidence II, Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 39 (USP39) is a 65 kDa SR-related protein involved in RNA splicing. Previous studies showed that USP39 is related with tumorigenesis of human breast cancer cells. RESULTS: In the present study, we investigated the functions of USP39 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721. We knocked down the expression of USP39 through lentivirus mediated RNA interference. The results of qRT-PCR and western blotting assay showed that both the mRNA and protein levels were suppressed efficiently after USP39 specific shRNA was delivered into SMMC-7721 cells. Cell growth was significantly inhibited as determined by MTT assay. Crystal violet staining indicated that colony numbers and sizes were both reduced after knock-down of USP39. Furthermore, suppression of USP39 arrested cell cycle progression at G2/M phase in SMMC-7721cells. In addition, Annexin V showed that downregulation of USP39 significantly increased the population of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: All our results suggest that USP39 is important for HCC cell proliferation and is a potential target for molecular therapy of HCC.

A composição e atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais obtidos de madeira de ágar originária de Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg induzido por agente biológico da madeira de ágar, Lasiodiplodia theobromae (F), foram caracterizadas e comparadas com madeira de ágar selvagem (W) e árvores saudáveis não inoculadas (H) como controles positivo e negativo, respectivamente. A composição química de F foi investigada usando cromatografia gasosa-espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). O óleo essencial de F mostrou uma composição similar de W, sendo rico em sesquiterpenos e constituintes aromáticos. No entanto, o óleo essencial de H era abundante em alcanos. Os óleos essenciais de F e W mostraram ser inibidores mais potentes de L. theobromae, Fusariumoxysporum, e Candida albicans do que o óleo essencial de H. Nossas descobertas demonstram pela primeira vez que o óleo essencial obtido da madeira de ágar originado de A. sinensis induzido por L. theobromae teve uma alta similaridade com o óleo essencial da madeira de ágar selvagem, tanto em composição química como em atividade antimicrobiana. Além disso, a estratégia de madeira de ágar induzida por fungos pode ser potencialmente aplicada em madeira de ágar e produção de óleo essencial em árvores do gênero Aquilaria.

The composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils obtained from agarwood originating from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg induced by a biological agent of agarwood, Lasiodiplodia theobromae (F), were characterized and compared to those from wild agarwood (W) and uninoculated healthy trees (H) as positive and negative control, respectively. The chemical composition of F was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil of F showed a similar composition to that of W, being rich in sesquiterpenes and aromatic constituents. However, the essential oil of H was abundant in alkanes. Essential oils of F and W were more potent inhibitors of L. theobromae, Fusarium oxysporum, and Candida albicans than the essential oil of H. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the essential oil obtained from the agarwood originating from A. sinensis induced by L. theobromae had a high similarity to that of the essential oil of wild agarwood, both in chemical composition and in antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the strategy of agarwood induced by fungi could be potentially applied in agarwood and essential oil production in Aquilaria trees.

Objective: Posterior pilon fractures are rare injuries and have not yet gained well recognition. The purpose of this study was to present the treatment outcome for patients with posterior pilon fractures treated with buttress plate. Method: In this retrospective study we identified patients with posterior pilon fractures of the distal tibia who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation at our institute. Between January 2007 and December 2009, 10 patients (mean age, 46.5 years) who had undergone buttress plating via either a posterolateral approach or a dual posterolateral-posteromedial approach, were selected. All 10 patients were available for follow-up. The clinical outcome was evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the visual analogue scale (VAS). The radiological evaluation was performed using the osteoarthritis-score (OA-score). Results: Satisfactory reduction and stable fixation were accomplished in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 36.2 months, all patients had good radiological results and showed satisfactory clinical recovery. The mean AOFAS sore was 87.8, the mean OA-score was 0.6, and the mean VAS scores during rest, active motion, and weight-bearing walking were 0.6, 0.8, and 1.4, respectively. Conclusion: Buttress plating for posterior pilon fractures gave satisfactory clinical outcomes. It also ensured rigid fixation which in turn enabled earlier postoperative mobilization. Level of Evidence IV, Retrospective Study.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar nossas experiências no tratamento de más uniões ou não consolidações talares. MÉTODO: Entre janeiro de 2000 e setembro de 2009, 26 pacientes com má união ou não-união depois de fraturas do tálus foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de acordo com os diferentes tipos de deformidade talar. Os desfechos do tratamento foram avaliados pela escala tornozelo-retropé da AOFAS, assim como por radiografias simples. RESULTADOS: 20 pacientes ficaram disponíveis para acompanhamento por 30 (24 a 60) meses. Não houve problema de cicatrização ou infecção das feridas e foram obtidas uniões sólidas em todos os pacientes. As uniões radiológicas foram atingidas em tempo médio de 14 (faixa de 12 a 18) semanas. O tempo médio para concluir o apoio de carga foi 16 (faixa de 14 a 20) semanas. O escore AOFAS médio aumentou significantemente de 36,2 (27 a 43) para 85,8 (74 a 98). CONCLUSÃO: as intervenções cirúrgicas das fraturas mal-unidas ou não consolidadas dos tálus podem produzir resultados satisfatórios e o procedimento apropriado deve ser adotado, de acordo com diferentes tipos de deformidades pós-traumáticas. Nível de Evidência: IV, Estudo retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experiences of treating talar malunions and nonunions. METHOD: Between January 2000 and September 2009, 26 patients with malunions or nonunions after talar fractures underwent surgical treatment according to different types of talar deformities. The treatment outcomes were evaluated using AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale as well as plain radiographs. RESULTS: 20 patients were available for follow-up for 30 (range, 24 to 60) months. No wound healing problems or infections occurred and solid unions were achieved in all patients. Radiological unions were achieved at a mean time of 14 (range, 12 to 18) weeks. The mean time to complete weight-bearing was 16 (range, 14 to 20) weeks. The mean AOFAS score increased significantly from 36.2 (range, 27 to 43) to 85.8 (range, 74 to 98). CONCLUSION: Surgical interventions for malunions and nonunions after talar fractures can bring about satisfactory outcomes, and the appropriate procedure should be adopted according to different types of posttraumatic deformities. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Study.

Microbial lipids, which are also known as single cell oils (SCO), are produced by oleaginous microorganisms including oleaginous bacteria, yeast, fungus and algae through converting carbohydrates into lipids under certain conditions. Due to its unique environment having extremely low temperature and anoxia, the Tibetan Plateau is amongst the regions with numerous rare ecotypes such as arid desert, salt marsh, alpine permafrost, hot spring, and lawn. By using a rapid, convenient screening method, we identified 31 strains of oleaginous microorganisms from different habitats in the Tibetan Plateau, which include wetlands, lawn, hot spring, alpine permafrost, and saline-alkali soil. Molecular identity analysis showed that they belong to 15 different species, 7 of which are reported for the first time as lipid-producing microorganisms, that is, Cladosporium sp., Gibberella fujikuro, Ochrobactrum sp., Plectosphaerella sp., Tilletiopsis albescens, Backusella ctenidia, and Davidiella tassiana. The distribution of the oleaginous microorganisms varies with habitats. 11 strains were found in hot spring (35.5%), 10 in farmland (32.3%), 6 in lawn (19.4%), 2 in sand (6.4%), 1 in wetland (3.2%), and 1 in permafrost (3.2%). Carbon utilization analysis indicated that most of these filamentous fungi can use xylose and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as carbon source, where Backusella ctenidia, Fusarium sp. and Gibberella fujikuroi have the strongest capability.

The effectiveness of tool integration in software development environments is ultimately measured by its ability in improving the productivity of the user. Traditionally, issues related to tool integration are often classified according to aspects of such mechanisms as user interface, control, and data integration which are purely from the viewpoint of the environment developer. This mechanism-based classification has worked well in analysing the relevant issues of tool integration. However, its usefulness as a guide to achieving effective tool integration is limited. In this paper, we introduce an alternative classification scheme aimed at gradual improvement to the effectiveness of tool integration. As such, this classification scheme provides a guide to tool integration along the line of improving the user's productivity. In terms of this classification, we compare and experiment in depth a variety of integration techniques using a uniform tool interfacing architecture as well as discuss the issues of the potential user productivity gains.