Abstract Dried radish is a kind of pickled vegetable product with a unique taste made from radish via traditional solid-state spontaneous fermentation. In this study, the effects of variety on physicochemical indexes, texture properties, and taste substances of spontaneous fermented dried radish were investigated. As a result, processing and fermentation had similar trends for all radish varieties. The pH value decreased slightly, soluble solid increased with the decrease of moisture content, the hardness and chewiness decreased, while the content of organic acids and free amino acids increased. Furthermore, the variety of raw material is the key to affecting product quality and taste. The dried radish processed by the variety P21-25 presents the best texture, the highest content of sweet amino acids, the most abundant component of organic acids, while having the lowest salinity. These results indicated that radish varieties could significantly influence the quality and taste of dried radishes under the same processing and fermentation conditions. These findings reveal the importance of variety selection for the quality and taste of spontaneous fermented dried radish, and provide theoretical support for the processing and application of green radish varieties.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at the oral health problems of elderly patients with diabetes. A training course of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine was constructed, helping patients improve their oral health quality of life. METHODS: A randomized controlled prospective experimental study was conducted. A total of 190 elderly patients were divided randomly into an observation group and a control group with 95 cases in each. The control group received regular health education, while the observation group was based on the control group to implement the integrated experiential learning of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in small groups. The oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior, and blood glucose control status along with the oral health quality of life of the two groups were compared before the intervention and at 3-month postintervention. RESULTS: Three months after the intervention, the fasting blood glucose control and the 2-h postprandial blood glucose/glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the observation group were significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The oral health quality of life in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The small-group experiential learning model of integrated Chinese and Western medicine can promote the transformation of knowledge–beliefs–behaviors in elderly patients with diabetes, which is conducive to controlling blood sugar levels and improving the quality of oral health.

Abstract To study the failure modes, bearing capacity, ductility, and sleeve strain of grouted sleeve lapping connectors, 36 specimens were tested under uniaxial tensile load. The test results show that the sleeves are under longitudinal tension at the beginning, which changes to longitudinal compression in the late stage of loading, and the changing load increases gradually with the lap length. The force transmission path and mechanical mechanism of the connectors are analyzed. The distribution and development process of longitudinal sleeve stress is analyzed based on the constitutive model stress, and it is found that the sleeve changes from longitudinal tension to longitudinal compression at the late loading stage, which is consistent with the test results. Based on the test, the calculation formulas of the ultimate bond strength and critical lap length of the grouted sleeve lapping connector are proposed. The research results lay a theoretical foundation for the application of grouted sleeve lapping connectors.

ABSTRACT In this study, to meet the requirements of mechanized planting of the wide and narrow double-row ridging cassava cultivation mode, solve the problem of the real-time cutting cassava planter in which cassava stalk cutting length has poor uniformity, and improve the operation performance of the existing precut cassava planters, a rotary dibble-type cassava planter was designed. With its rotary dibble-type stalk metering device, transmission system and other components, the planter can complete the sowing, ditching, soil covering and suppression operations simultaneously. The results of a performance evaluation and an analysis of field trials showed that the variation coefficient of the planting distance was less than 30%, and the planting qualification rate was greater than 95%. The order of factors affecting the variation coefficient of the planting distance was determined to be transmission ratio followed by the forward speed. The order of factors affecting the planting qualification rate was determined to be transmission ratio followed by the forward speed. The results of the variance analysis showed that the influences of the transmission ratio and forward speed on the accuracy of planting distance and the planting qualified rate were significant. The forward speed of the planter operation was recommended to be 0.56 m/s.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed at investigating the role of isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase in the growth, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: To assess the role of isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, we silenced isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using lentiviral 2 specific short hairpin RNAs (short hairpin RNAs 1 and 2) and examined silencing efficiency using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Short hairpin RNAs 1-isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase had greater knockdown efficiency, it was used in the entire downstream analysis. Short hairpin RNAs 1- isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase silencing effects on cell proliferation, cell colony generation, cell migration, as well as angiogenesis were assessed using cell counting kit-8, colony development, cell migration, and angiogenesis tube formation assays, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, anti-isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase short hairpin RNAs significantly silenced isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and suppressed their proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity. To characterize the underlying mechanism, western blot analyses showed that isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase knockdown suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase ½ and protein-serine- threonine kinase, as well as expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, GSK-3β, and β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown, for the first time, the critical role of isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Our data show that isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase knockdown suppresses human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. We have also shown that isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase knockdown suppresses phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase ½ and protein-serine- threonine kinase, as well as expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, GSK-3β, and β-catenin. Together, these data highlight isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase as a potential antitumor anti-angiogenic target.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the clinical efficacy of VitalStim electrical stimulation combined with swallowing function training for patients with dysphagia following an acute stroke. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with dysphagia following an acute stroke were admitted to our hospital and were further divided into two groups using prospective research methods. There were 36 cases in each group according to the random number table method. The control group received conventional medical treatment and swallowing function training while the experimental group received conventional medical treatment and VitalStim electrical stimulation combined with swallowing function training. RESULTS: The overall response rate of the experimental group (94.44%) was higher than that of the control group (77.78%), and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the upward and forward movement speeds of the hyoid bone, anterior movement speed, the grading score of the Kubota drinking water test, Caiteng’s grading score, serum superoxide dismutase, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and norepinephrine levels, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, and multiple quality of life scores of the two groups showed improvement after treatment. While the standard swallowing assessment score, serum malondialdehyde level, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score decreased, the aforementioned indices showed a significant improvement in the experimental group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that VitalStim electrical stimulation combined with swallowing function is effective for treating dysphagia following an acute stroke. It can effectively improve swallowing, neurological, and limb motor functions, reduce complications, promote physical recovery, and improve overall quality of life of patients.

Resumo Mudanças nos padrões de acumulação de nutrientes minerais em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento do fruto refletem as exigências de plantas cítricas para diferentes nutrientes, e essa informação fornece uma referência essencial para a fertilização racional. Neste estudo, mudanças no conteúdo de 11 nutrientes no fruto inteiro, na polpa e na casca foram estudadas durante todo o período de desenvolvimento do fruto de laranjas-baía das cultivares “Seike” e “Newhall”. Descobriu-se que as duas cultivares mostraram mudanças muito semelhantes em relação aos nutrientes. Especificamente, os teores de N, P, Mg, S, Mn e Zn foram elevados no estágio de frutos jovens (abril), os teores de K e Fe foram elevados no estágio de expansão de frutos (julho e agosto) e o conteúdo de Ca foi elevado no estágio de maturação de frutos (outubro). À medida que os frutos se desenvolveram, os teores de N, P, Mg, S, Zn e B atingiram os menores teores no estágio de maturação dos frutos em novembro. Além disso, os teores de N, P, K, Fe, Zn e Cu foram classificados de forma decrescente como: polpa > fruto inteiro > casca, enquanto os teores de Ca, Mn e B foram classificados como: casca > fruto inteiro> polpa. N, P, K e Mg acumularam -se na fruta, em junho e julho, em contraste com o período de junho a setembro. Durante esses períodos de acumulação, recomenda-se que fertilizantes adequados sejam aplicados em tempo oportuno.

Abstract Changes in the accumulation patterns of mineral nutrients at different development stages of fruit reflect the requirements of citrus trees for different nutrients, and this information provides an essential reference for rational fertilization. In this study, changes in the contents of 11 nutrients in the whole fruit, fruit pulp, and peel were studied during the whole developmental period of the fruit of ‘Seike’ and ‘Newhall’ navel oranges. We found that the two navel orange cultivars showed very similar changes in nutrients. Specifically, the N, P, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn contents were high in the young fruit stage (April), the K and Fe contents were high in the fruit expansion stage (July and August), and the Ca content was high in the fruit maturation stage (October). As the fruit developed, the N, P, Mg, S, Zn, and B contents decreased to the lowest levels at fruit maturity in November. In addition, the contents of N, P, K, Fe, Zn, and Cu were ranked as fruit pulp > whole fruit > peel, while Ca, Mn, and B contents were ranked as fruit peel > whole fruit > fruit pulp. N, P, K, and Mg accumulated in the fruit in June and July, in contrast to the June to September period for the micro-elements. During these accumulation periods, it is recommended that suitable fertilizers be applied in a timely manner.

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer (CC) ranks third in the morbidity and mortality of female cancer around the world. Derlin1 has been found to be overexpressed in several human cancers. However, it is still unclear about its roles in CC. The research aims to explore the relationship between Derlin1 and CC. Methods: We purchased a human CC tissues microarray, which contained CC tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues from 93 patients with primary cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining was used to confirm the expression of Derlin1 in these tissues. And we detected the differential expression of Derlin1 in cervical cancer cell lines and normal cervical epithelial cells (H8). Further, the cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and C33A were used as an in vitro model, which was down-regulated the expression of Derlin1 using siRNA interference technology. The effects of Derlin1 down-regulating in CC cell lines on cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK8 assay and transwell assay, respectively. The effect of Derlin1 down-regulating on apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and apoptosis-related proteins were detected using western blotting. In-depth mechanisms were studied using western blotting. In addition, the effects of Derlin1 up-regulating in normal cervical epithelial cells also were exposed. Results: Derlin1 was significantly elevated in CC tissues (81.7%, 76/93), and the expression of Derlin 1 was positively correlated with the tumor size, pathological grade, and lymph node metastasis in CC patients. And Derlin 1 was high expressed in cervical cancer cell lines compared to H8 cells. Knockdown of Derlin 1 in cervical cancer cell lines inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, knockdown of Derlin 1 induced apoptosis and affected the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax, Bim, caspase3 and caspase9. Further experiments showed that AKT/mTOR signal pathway might be involve in this processes that knockdown of Derlin 1 inhibited the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR. Over-expression of Derlin 1 in H8 cells promoted cell proliferation and migration via up-regulated the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR. Conclusion: Derlin 1 is an oncogene in CC via AKT/mTOR pathway. It might be a potential therapeutic target for CC.

Abstract Drought is one of the most severe abiotic factors restricting plant growth and yield. Numerous genes functioning in drought response are regulated by abscisic acid (ABA) dependent and independent pathways, but knowledge of interplay between the two pathways is still limited. Here, we integrated transcriptome sequencing and network analyses to explore interplays between ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways responding to drought stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified 211 ABA-dependent differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1,118 ABA-independent DEGs under drought stress. Functional analysis showed that ABA-dependent DEGs were significantly enriched in expected biological processes in response to water deprivation and ABA stimulus, while ABA-independent DEGs were preferentially enriched in response to jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and gibberellin (GA) stimuli. We found significantly enriched interactions between ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways with 94 genes acting as core interacting components by combining network analyses. A link between ABA and JA signaling mediated through a direct interaction of the ABA responsive elements-binding factor ABF3 with the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor MYC2 was validated by yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Our study provides a systematic view of the interplay between ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways in response to drought stress.

The aim of this study was to find related pathogenic genes in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy in (CADASIL)-like patients. The direct sequencing and high-throughput multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen for related genes. The clinical and imaging data of a CADASIL-like patient (the pro-band) and his family members were collected. At first, the known hereditary cerebral vascular genes of the pro-band were screened with direct sequencing to find candidate gene mutations. High-throughput multiplex PCR was then used to analyze the single nucleotide polymorphism of the candidate gene in the family members. The results showed that there was missense mutation of the high temperature requirement protease A1 (HTRA1) gene in the pro-band, which may be a pathogenic factor according to the biological software analysis. The following SNP results revealed that the other family members also had the HTRA1 gene mutation. Thus, the CADASIL-like family disease may be caused by heterozygous HTRA1 gene mutation, which leads to autosomal dominant hereditary cerebral small vessel disease.

Abstract To investigate the mass transfer behavior of a liquid-liquid system with high density difference (∆ρ≈500 kg/m3), single drop experiments were performed by using the ternary chloroform-ethanol-water system. The mass transfer direction was from the dispersed phase to the continuous phase, while the aqueous phase was dispersed in chloroform to generate drops. The influences of drop diameter, initial solute concentration and temperature on the mass transfer were investigated. The effects of the drop diameter and initial solute concentration on interfacial instability of droplets hanging in the continuous phase were also observed. For the purpose of correlation, a mass transfer enhancement factor F was introduced and then correlated as a function of dimensionless variables. The modified correlation from the mass transfer coefficient model was found to fit well with the experimental values.

FUNDAMENTO: Poucos estudos de autópsia relacionam locais de fibroateromas de capa fina (FCF) a locais de ruptura aguda de placas em artérias responsáveis, e locais de estreitamento máximo em artérias não responsáveis. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi quantificar e localizar a frequência de FCF em relação aos locais de estenose máxima em placas ateroscleróticas. MÉTODOS: Estudamos 88 corações em vítimas de morte súbita devido a um tromo coronariano sobreposta a ruptura aguda da placa. Fibroateromas de capa fina foram definidos como capa fibrosa < 65 mícrons sobrepostos a um núcleo necrótico. O percentual de estreitamento luminal foi determinado nos locais de ruptura de placa e fibroateromas de capa fina. RESULTADOS: O estudo foi composto por 81 homens e 7 mulheres com idade média de 50 anos ± 9 DP. A ruptura da placa se deu no local de estreitamento luminal máximo em 47% das artérias responsáveis. Observou-se a presença de FCFs em 67 corações (83%). Desse número, 49 (73%) demonstravam FCFs na artéria responsável; 17 (25%) apenas na artéria responsável, 32 (48%) na artéria responsável e na artéria não responsável, e 18 (27%) apenas em uma artéria não responsável. Em artérias não responsáveis, os FCFs representaram o local máximo da estenose em 44% das artérias. O local da ruptura aguda foi o local do estreitamento luminal máximo nos vasos envolvidos em 47% de corações de pacientes próximos do óbito devido à ruptura da placa. CONCLUSÃO: Esses dados podem sugerir que o estreitamento luminal não é um marcador confiável para FCF.

BACKGROUND: There have been few autopsy studies relating sites of thin cap atheroma (TCFA) to sites of acute plaque rupture in culprit arteries, and sites of maximal narrowing in non-culprit arteries. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify and locate the frequency of TCFA related to the sites of maximal stenosis in atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS: We studied 88 hearts in victims of sudden death dying with coronary thrombus overlying acute plaque rupture. Thin cap atheromas were defined as fibrous cap < 65 microns overlying a necrotic core. Percent luminal narrowing was determined at the sites of plaque rupture and thin cap atheromas. RESULTS: There were 81 men and 7 women, mean age 50 years ± 9 SD. The plaque rupture was the site of maximal luminal narrowing in 47% of culprit arteries. TCFAs were present in 67 hearts (83%). Of these, 49 (73%) demonstrated TCFAs in the culprit artery; 17 (25%) in the culprit artery only, 32 (48%) in the culprit artery and in a non-culprit artery, and 18 (27%) only in a non-culprit artery. In non-culprit arteries, TCFAs represented the maximal site of stenosis in 44% of arteries. The acute rupture site is the site of maximal luminal narrowing in the involved vessel in 47% of hearts from patients dying with acute plaque rupture. CONCLUSION: These data may suggest that luminal narrowing is not a reliable marker for TCFA.

FUNDAMENTO: Pocos estudios de autopsia relacionan locales de fibroateromas de capa fina (FCF) a locales de ruptura aguda de placas en arterias responsables, y locales de estrechamiento máximo en arterias no responsables. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue cuantificar y localizar la frecuencia de FCF con relación a los locales de estenosis máxima en placas ateroscleróticas. MÉTODOS: Estudiamos 88 corazones en víctimas de muerte súbita debido a un trombo coronario sobrepuesto a ruptura aguda de la placa. Fibroateromas de capa fina fueron definidos como capa fibrosa < 65 micrones sobrepuestos a un núcleo necrótico. El porcentaje de estrechamiento luminal fue determinado en los locales de ruptura de placa y fibroateromas de capa fina. RESULTADOS: El estudio estuvo compuesto por 81 hombres y 7 mujeres con edad promedio de 50 años ± 9 SD. La ruptura de la placa se dio en el local de estrechamiento luminal máximo en el 47% de las arterias responsables. Se observó la presencia de FCFs en 67 corazones (83%). De ese número, 49 (73%) mostraban FCFs en la arteria responsable; 17 (25%) sólo en la arteria responsable, 32 (48%) en la arteria responsable y en la arteria no responsable, y 18 (27%) sólo en una arteria no responsable. En arterias no responsables, los FCFs representaron el local máximo de la estenosis en el 44% de las arterias. El local de la ruptura aguda fue el local del estrechamiento luminal máximo en los vasos involucrados en el 47% de corazones de pacientes próximos al óbito debido a la ruptura de la placa. CONCLUSIÓN: Estos datos pueden sugerir que el estrechamiento luminal no es un marcador confiable para FCF.

In spite of the fact that since the 1970s China has passed domestic regulations and has signed several international treaties in connection with intellectual property, that country has not been able to provide effective protection to said kind of property. In this way, the author explains the causes of this situation and the possible alternatives. After explaining that the problem has its origins in the lack of efficiency of Chinese authorities, more than in cultural factors, the author examines the limitations of judicial and administrative authorities related to this matter. Moreover, she explains how it is that such authorities allow the violation of intellectual property rights, in order to protect the Chinese economy. Finally, she argues that the World Trade Organization can play an important role in the consolidation of effective protection of intellectual property in China.

Si bien es cierto que a partir de los años setenta China ha desarrollado una regulación interna y ha suscrito diversos tratados en materia de propiedad intelectual, no ha podido proveer de una protección efectiva a tal tipo de propiedad. De esta forma, la autora explica cuáles son las causas de esta situación y las posibles alternativas. Luego de determinar que el problema tiene su origen en la ineficiencia de algunas autoridades, más que en cuestiones culturales, la autora analiza las limitaciones de las autoridades judiciales y administrativas en esta materia. Asimismo, explica cómo es que las autoridades permiten la violación a la propiedad intelectual en aras de la protección de la economía nacional. Finalmente, destaca que la Organización Mundial de Comercio puede desempeñar un papel importante en la consolidación de una protección efectiva de la propiedad intelectual en China.