ABSTRACT: Rhododendron fortune belongs to a scented Rhododendron species native to China, which produces fragrant flowers of great ornamental and environmental values for landscaping or indoor beautification. However, the scents in Rhododendron fortuneihave not yet been investigated, let alone the mechanism of the formation of these fragrance in the flowers. In this study, we measured the scents in terms of its volatile components and contents (VOC) in Rhododendron fortuneiat four different flowering stages and in different tissues of the plant by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction combined (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then the characteristic aromatic values, which reflects the degree of scent perception by human, of each VOC in the plant was calculated according to its respective aromatic thresholds. Results showed that three main VOCs measured from highest to lowest are methyl benzoates, terpenes and fatty acid derivatives. Their content increased after the flower bud opening and reached the highest at half to full blossom. In a flower most VOC contents were measured in petals and only trace amount in other tissues such as stamen, pistil. A small amount of VOCs was determined in leaves as well.All aromatic values were almost corresponded to the contents of three main VOCs, indicating that the flower fragrance arises truly from these VOC components. S-adenosyl-L-methionine: benzoic acid carboxyl methyl transferase (BAMT) catalyzes the final step to form methyl benzoates. To understand the mechanism of the formation of this main type fragrance and its regulation, we firstly isolate a gene of RfBAMT from petal of Rhododendron fortuneiby using homologous cloning and RACE technology. The full length of its cDNA was 1383 bp，with an open reading frame of 1104 bp, encoding a total of 368 amino acids. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that RfBAMT was the closest to the BSMT of Camellia japonica, belonging to methyltransferases family. Then we measured the expression level of RfBAMT again at four flower developmental stages and in different flower tissues and leaves. The results showed that the expression level of this gene was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowering, implying that RfBAMT plays a pivotal role in the formation and regulation of methyl benzoates in Rhododendron fortune.Thisresearchshowed that the RfBAMT was cloned and identified in our study and its expression level was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowers and leaves, which indicated this gene may play an important role on regulation of methyl benzoate synthesis in Rhododendron fortunei.

RESUMO: Rhododendron fortunei pertence a uma espécie de rododendro perfumada nativa da China, que produz flores perfumadas de grande valor ornamental e ambiental para paisagismo ou embelezamento de interiores. No entanto, os aromas em Rhododendron fortunei ainda não foram investigados, muito menos o mecanismo de formação dessas fragrâncias nas flores. Neste estudo, medimos os aromas em termos de seus componentes e conteúdos voláteis (VOC) em Rhododendron fortunei em quatro diferentes estágios de floração e em diferentes tecidos da planta por microextração em fase sólida headspace combinada com cromatografia gasosa-espectrometria de massa. Em seguida, foram calculados os valores aromáticos característicos, que refletem o grau de percepção olfativa pelo ser humano, de cada VOC na planta de acordo com seus respectivos limiares aromáticos. Os resultados mostraram que três COVs principais medidos do mais alto ao mais baixo são benzoatos de metila, terpenos e derivados de ácidos graxos. Seu conteúdo aumentou após a abertura do botão floral e atingiu o máximo na metade da floração total. Em uma flor, a maioria dos teores de COV foram medidos em pétalas e apenas traços em outros tecidos, como estame, pistilo. Uma pequena quantidade de COVs foi determinada nas folhas também. Todos os valores aromáticos foram quase correspondentes aos teores de três COVs principais, indicando que a fragrância da flor surge verdadeiramente desses componentes de COV. Para entender o mecanismo de formação deste tipo principal de fragrância e sua regulação, primeiramente isolamos um gene de RfBAMT da pétala de Rhododendron fortunei usando clonagem homóloga e tecnologia RACE. O comprimento total de seu cDNA era de 1383 bp, com um quadro de leitura aberto de 1104 bp, codificando um total de 368 aminoácidos. A análise da árvore filogenética mostrou que RfBAMT foi o mais próximo do BSMT de Camellia japonica, pertencente à família das metiltransferases. Em seguida, medimos o nível de expressão de RfBAMT novamente em quatro estágios de desenvolvimento da flor e em diferentes tecidos e folhas de flores. Os resultados mostraram que o nível de expressão deste gene foi altamente correlacionado positivamente com o conteúdo emitido de benzoatos de metila na floração, implicando que RfBAMT desempenha um papel fundamental na formação e regulação de benzoatos de metila em Rhododendron fortune foi clonado e identificado em nosso estudo e seu nível de expressão foi altamente correlacionado positivamente com o conteúdo emitido de benzoatos de metila nas flores e folhas, o que indicou que este gene pode desempenhar um papel importante na regulação da síntese de benzoato de metila em Rhododendron fortunei.

Abstract Aiming to provide a new way that preserves more active components in Eucommia ulmoides (EU) leaves, this paper utilizes 4 methods, i.e., microwave, steam, air heating, and frying, to process EU leaves before drying, and their respective effects on the leaves were evaluated. The antioxidant activity of EU leaves in vitro was measured by the DPPH free radical method; the contents of total flavonoids (TFC) and total phenols (TPC) were analyzed by spectrophotometry; and the contents of main active components were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed the pre-process improved the quality of the EU leaves. As a simple and fast process, the microwave process is the most effective technique in the retention of flavonoids and four active ingredients except aucubin. High power (800 W) and short time (2.5 min) are more conducive to the retention of active ingredients, with high antioxidant activity. Appropriate steam and frying processes also exhibited benefits for the active components. In particular, the samples treated with steam for 10 minutes showed great potential for industrial application with the highest antioxidant activity and polyphenol content. Therefore, proper pre-processing before drying should be conducted to effectively protect the active components of EU leaves.

Abstract Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is the highest treatment goal recommended by the current guidelines for hepatitis B. Levels of antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) are strongly associated with HBsAg recurrence, but hepatitis B vaccination may increase the anti-HBs seroconversion rate and reduce recurrence. We conducted a retrospective clinical study to ascertain the effect of this vaccination on the seroconversion rate and levels of protective anti-HBs after HBsAg. In this retrospective study, we distributed a questionnaire through an online survey platform to collect information related to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with functional cure of hepatitis B with Interferon-α (IFNα) therapy. We enrolled 320 patients who achieved functional cure from IFNα therapy. Of these, 219 patients had received hepatitis B vaccination according to their personal preference and drug accessibility after HBsAg seroclearance, whereas the remaining 101 patients did not receive hepatitis B vaccination. The anti-HBs seroconversion rate of 78.1% in the vaccinated group was significantly greater than that in the unvaccinated group (41.6%) (p < 0.001). Stratified comparisons with anti-HBs of ≥ 100 IU/L and ≥ 300 IU/L showed that both proportions in the vaccinated group were greater than those in the unvaccinated group (71.2% vs. 32.7% and 56.2% vs. 17.8%, respectively, all p-values < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of vaccination was 4.427, which was the strongest influencing factor for anti-HBs, reaching 100 IU/L or higher. Hepatitis B vaccination in patients after HBsAg seroclearance not only increased the anti-HBs seroconversion rate but also significantly increased antibody levels, with good safety, indicating the clinical value of vaccine therapy for patients with functional cure.

Abstract Background Complete thrombosis of the false lumen facilitates remodeling of type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Morphological characteristics affect thrombosis in the false lumen. Objectives Discuss the factors present before admission that influence false lumen thrombosis in patients with TBAD. Methods We studied 282 patients diagnosed with TBAD in our hospital between January 2008 and December 2017. We divided the subjects into a thrombotic group and a non-thrombotic group based on whether any thrombus was detectable in the false lumen. We analyzed the differences between the two groups with respect to clinical data, the vertical length of the dissection, and the diameter of the aorta. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significantly different. Results Significant differences between the thrombotic group and non-thrombotic group were found with respect to age (53.92 ± 11.40 vs. 50.36 ± 10.71, p = 0.009) and proportion of patients with renal insufficiency (7.83% vs. 16.38%, p = 0.026). In zones 3–9, the true lumen diameter of the thrombotic group was significantly larger than in the non-thrombotic group (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that true lumen diameter in zone 5 and renal insufficiency were independent predictors of false lumen thrombosis. Conclusions Age and renal function were associated with thrombosis in the false lumen. Potentially, the difference between the diameter of the true lumen diameter and that of the false lumen may influence the thrombosis of the false lumen.

Resumo Fundamento A trombose completa da falsa luz facilita a remodelação da dissecção aórtica tipo B (DATB). As características morfológicas afetam a trombose na falsa luz. Objetivos Discutir os fatores pré-admissão presentes, que influenciam a trombose da falsa luz em pacientes com DATB. Metodologia Ao todo, 282 pacientes diagnosticados com DATB em nosso hospital foram estudados, no período entre janeiro de 2008 e dezembro de 2017. Os indivíduos foram divididos em um grupo trombótico e um grupo não trombótico, com base na detecção de qualquer trombo na falsa luz. Analisamos as diferenças entre os dois grupos com relação aos dados clínicos, o comprimento vertical da dissecção e o diâmetro da aorta. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente diferentes de modo significativo. Resultados Diferenças significativas entre o grupo trombótico e o grupo não trombótico foram encontradas com relação à idade (53,92 ± 11,40 vs. 50,36 ± 10,71, p = 0,009) e proporção de pacientes com insuficiência renal (7,83% vs. 16,38%, p = 0,026). Nas zonas 3–9, o diâmetro da luz verdadeira do grupo trombótico foi significativamente maior do que no grupo não trombótico (p < 0,05). A análise de regressão logística binária mostrou que o diâmetro da luz verdadeira na zona 5 e a insuficiência renal foram preditores independentes de trombose da falsa luz. Conclusões A idade e a função renal estiveram associadas à trombose na falsa luz. Potencialmente, a diferença entre o diâmetro da luz verdadeira e o da falsa luz pode influenciar na trombose da falsa luz.

Abstract Introduction: Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation. LQT2 is the second most common subtype of LQTS caused by loss of function mutations in the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene. Although more than 900 mutations are associated with the LQTS, many of these mutations are not validated or characterized. Methods and results: Sequencing analyses of genomic DNA of a family with LQT2 identified a putative mutation. i.e., KCNH2(NM_000238.3): c.3099_3112del, in KCNH2 gene which appeared to be a definite pathogenic mutation. The family pedigree information showed a gender difference in clinical features and T-wave morphology between male and female patients. The female with mutation exhibited recurring ventricular arrhythmia and syncope, while two male carriers did not show any symptoms. In addition, T-wave in females was much flatter than in males. The female proband showed a positive reaction to the lidocaine test. Lidocaine injection almost completely blocked ventricular arrhythmia and shortened the QT interval by ≥30 ms. Treatment with propranolol, mexiletine, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators prevented the sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope, as assessed by a 3-year follow-up evaluation. Conclusions: A putative mutation c.3099_3112del in the KCNH2 gene causes LQT2 syndrome, and the pathogenic mutation mainly causes symptoms in female progeny.

Abstract The objective of this work was to establish and validate the dry matter distribution and yield prediction models based on physiological developmental timing, to compare the differences between the dry mass distribution index model and the dry mass distribution coefficient model, for the simulation of ear dry mass and to improve the accuracy of maize growth models for predicting yield. The experiments were conducted in three tropical sites (Longchuan, Mangshi, and Ruili) in the tropical region of Yunnan Province, China. The NRMS of ear dry mass and yield were generally less than 10. The dry mass distribution index method (NRMS = 5.44% and RMSE = 807.22 kg ha-1 for ear dry mass; and NRMS = 7.32% and RMSE = 707.67 kg ha-1 for grain yield) is better than the dry mass distribution coefficient method (NRMS = 7.52% and RMSE = 1115.31 kg ha-1 for ear dry mass; NRMS = 8.6% and RMSE = 830.76 kgha-1 for grain yield) to simulate maize ear dry mass and grain yield. The distribution index model improves the accuracy of the model, which is valuable for future maize production and management in Yunnan.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer e validar um modelo de previsão de distribuição de massa de matéria seca e de rendimento, com base no tempo de desenvolvimento fisiológico, para comparar as diferenças entre o modelo de índice de distribuição de matéria seca e o modelo de coeficiente de distribuição de matéria seca, para a simulação da massa de matéria seca da espiga e para melhorar a precisão de modelos de crescimento do milho para a previsão de rendimento. Os experimentos foram realizados em três locais (Longchuan, Mangshi e Ruili), na região tropical da província de Yunnan, China. O NRMS da massa de matéria seca e o rendimento da espiga foram geralmente menores que 10. O método do índice de distribuição da massa de matéria seca (NRMS = 5,44% e RMSE = 807,22 kg ha-1 para massa de matéria seca da espiga; e o NRMS = 7,32% e RMSE = 707,67 kg ha-1 para rendimento de grãos) é melhor do que o método do coeficiente de distribuição de massa de matéria seca (NRMS = 7,52% e RMSE = 1115,31 kg ha-1 para massa de matéria seca de espiga; NRMS = 8,6% e RMSE = 830,76 kg ha-1 para rendimento de grãos) para a simulação da massa de matéria seca de espiga e o rendimento de grãos de milho. O modelo do índice de distribuição melhora a precisão do modelo, o que é valioso para o futura produção de milho e seu manejo em Yunnan.

Abstract Objectives: To analyze and summarize the clinical features and image characteristics of Meniere’s Disease (MD) patients with Endolymphatic Hydrops (EH) confirmed by enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Methods: 252 MD patients with EH confirmed by MRI were enrolled. All patients met the diagnostic criteria forMD and underwent intravenous gadolinium injection. After 4 h, MR examinations were performed. The Nakashima grading standard was used to classify EH and evaluate its correlation with clinical features. Results: Different degrees of EH were shown in all MD patients, and 157 of the 252 (62.3%) patients showed significant EH, 95 of the 252 (37.7%) patients showed mild EH. Only 89 (35.3%) met the diagnostic criteria for definite MD, and the remaining 163 (64.7%) patients met the diagnostic criteria for probable MD. Compared with patients with unilateral EH, the symptoms of the first affected ear of patients with bilateral EH were more serious. The degree of EH was related to the degree of hearing loss (p< 0.05). Conclusion: MRI with intravenous gadolinium injection can provide a better assessment of EH in MD patients. The clinical features of MD patients with EH confirmed by enhanced MRI did not fully meet the existing diagnostic criteria for definite MD. Including the diagnosis of EH in the diagnostic criteria of MD can increase the diagnosis rate of MD. The degree and distribution of EH may be related to the degree of hearing loss. Level of evidence: 4.

Abstract The modified atmosphere packages (MAP) was used to preserve the fresh noodles and the effect of atmosphere ratio (N2: CO2 = 0:100, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 or 50:50) on noodle quality was investigated with normal packages as control. The results showed that the MAP could significantly extend the shelf life of fresh noodles up to at least 7 d, compared with the control. On the 7th day of storage, the elasticity and hardness gradually decreased with the increase of N2: CO2 ratio (P > 0.05) even if the MAP group were poor than the control (P > 0.05). In terms of water content, on the 7th day of storage, the decrease of 0:100 group and 20:80 group was less than that of control group (P < 0.05), and the effect of water retention was better. On the 7th day of storage, pH in the MAP group decreased less than that in the control group (P < 0.05). During the same storage period, the inhibition effect of the 0:100 group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), while the L* values decreased less in the 0:100 and 30:70 groups than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a widespread mycotoxin found in food, poses a significant threat to the food industry and production. The primary target of AFB1 is the liver. Probiotic-mediated antitoxicity has been proposed to overcome aflatoxin toxicity. In the present study, to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Lactobacillus plantarum SCS2 (L. plantarum SCS2) against HepG2 cells oxidative stress induced by AFB1. HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of AFB1 (0-10 μmol/L) to induce oxidative stress and L. plantarum SCS2 (total protein, 0.4 mg/mL) was pretreated HepG2 for 2 h and then supplemented with AFB1 (10 μmol/L) for 22 h to observe cellular oxidative stress. The cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, activities and mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway were measured. The results showed that AFB1 exposure caused oxidative stress in HepG2. Supplementation of L. plantarum SCS2 prevented AFB1-induced HepG2 cells activity decreased and activated antioxidant enzymes activity by inhibiting Nrf2 over expression. The results of in vitro experiments revealed that L. plantarum SCS2 evidently protected against AFB1-induced oxidative stress.

Abstract Background: Relapse and metastasis of patients with Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the major obstacle to the long-term life of patients. Its mechanisms remain defined. Methods: A total of 48 CRC patients were enrolled and 68 samples were obtained from the peripheral blood of patients before or after treatments in this study. Twenty non-cancer patients were also detected as a negative control. Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), including Epithelial CTCs (eCTCs), Mesenchymal (MCTCs), and epithelial/ mesenchymal mixed phenotypes (mixed CTCs), were identified by CanPatrolTM CTC enrichment and RNA in situ hybridization. The relationship between CTCs number and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) or Overall Survival (OS) was evaluated. Results: Thirty-four of 48 patients (70.8%) were found to have positive CTCs. Total CTCs and MCTCs in the post-treatment had a significant correlation PFS and OS. When total CTCs or MCTCs in 5 mL blood of patients were more than 6 CTCs or 5 MCTCs, PFS of the patients was significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than that in patients with less than 6 CTCs or 5 MCTCs. The patients with > 5 CTCs count changes were found to exhibit poor PFS and OS rates (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Total CTCs and MCTCs number detection in patients with colorectal cancer was very useful biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients. Higher CTCs or MCTCs had poorer PFS and OS rates.

Abstract In this work, Ag doped NaSbO3 (ANS) was successfully synthesized and applied an efficient visible light photocatalyst. The properties of catalyst were fully characterized, and DFT (the density functional theory) computation was utilized to investigate the photocatalytic mechanism. The various characterization findings proved that Ag atoms were perfectly doped into NaSbO3 crystals, which greatly reduced the band gap, and made ANS catalyst exhibit excellent visible light absorption performance. In addition, ANS appeared great photocatalytic activities and remarkable stability. Also, electrochemical characterizations illustrated that ANS possessed stronger ability of generating and transferring electrons and holes under visible light, and the doping of Ag atoms reduced the resistance of charge transfer, thus effectively accelerated the photocatalysis reaction. Moreover, through ESR characterization and scavengers coexistent experiments, •OH and •O2- were considered to be active radicals that played a crucial role in the photodegradation process. Furthermore, DFT calculation demonstrated that ANS displayed obvious visible light excitation performance via reducing the band gap. The improvement of work function enhanced the oxidation ability of photogenerated holes, forming more hydroxyl radicals, thus boosted the photodegradation of pollutants.

ABSTRACT A novel inclusion complexes nanofibrous membrane fluorescent sensor was prepared for recognizing F- via electrospinning and host–guest interaction. The host α-cyclodextrin on the surface of the electrospun nanofiber membrane is assembled into the guest azobenzene molecule which modified with F- fluorescent probe, and the formation of the inclusion complex is fixed on the surface of the nanofibrous membrane without external force, to prepare a novel surface controllable composite nanofiber membrane for F- detection. The inclusion complexes nanofibrous membrane exhibited favourable sensitivity and selectivity for F-. The introduction of F- would result in notable fluorescent decreasing of the membrane, but the other most common anions would not disturb the detection of F-. Moreover, this nanofibrous membrane was not only a fluorescent sensor for detecting F-, but also a good adsorbent for F- in solution.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Jagged 1 and gamma delta T17 (γδT17) cells in asthmatic mice. An asthma mouse model was established through immunization with ovalbumin (OVA). Gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) was used to block the Notch signaling pathway. M. vaccae was used to treat asthma, and related indicators were measured. Blocking Notch signaling inhibited the production of γδT17 cells and secretion of cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, which was accompanied by a decrease in Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression in the treated asthma group compared with the untreated asthma group. Similarly, treatment with M. vaccae inhibited Jagged1 expression and γδT17 cell production, which was associated with decreased airway inflammation and reactivity. The Notch signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma through the induction of Jagged1 receptor. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of M. vaccae on Jagged1 receptor in γδT17 cells could be used for the prevention and treatment of asthma.

RESUMO Desde o aparecimento de um aglomerado de doentes com pneumonia de causa desconhecida em Wuhan, província de Hubei, China, em dezembro de 2019, a doença foi mais tarde oficialmente nomeada doença do coronavírus 2019 (Covid-19), causada pelo novo vírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave coronavírus (Sars-CoV-2), que rapidamente se espalhou em nível mundial. As mulheres grávidas e as crianças são particularmente vulneráveis durante catástrofes e emergâncias. A preparação e a resposta de emergência abrangentes e aplicáveis são métodos definitivamente importantes para prevenir e conter a pandemia de Covid-19. A alocação racional dos recursos farmacêuticos desempenha um papel importante no plano de emergência médica. Este documento objetivou compartilhar experiências para a alocação de recursos farmacêuticos em hospitais focando principalmente mulheres e crianças durante a pandemia de Covid-19.

SUMMARY Since the outbreak of a cluster of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019, the disease was later officially named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), quickly spreading globally. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable during disasters and emergencies. Comprehensive and applicable emergency preparedness and response are definitely important methods to prevent and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The rational allocation of pharmaceutical resources plays an important role in the medical emergency plan. This paper aimed to share experiences for the allocation of pharmaceutical resources in hospitals focusing primarily on women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale – Second Edition (Y-BOCS-II). Method: A total of 86 adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ranging in age from 15 to 78 years, participated in the study. Participants were administered the Y-BOCS-II by a trained clinician who also rated overall illness severity on two additional measures. Patients completed the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Results: Results indicated high internal consistency and fair 1-week test retest reliability. The Y-BOCS-II scales correlated strongly with clinician-rated obsessive-compulsive severity and modestly with self-reported obsessive-compulsive symptom frequency and distress. The relationship between Y-BOCS-II total score and depressive and anxiety symptoms was strong, which may reflect high rates of comorbid conditions in this sample or the linkage between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and distress. Factor analysis demonstrated a two-factor structure consisting of obsession and compulsion factors, with interference due to obsessions cross-loading. Conclusions: Overall, these results support the use of the Y-BOCS-II among individuals from China. Future study by an independent group is necessary to replicate these findings, as well as investigate interrater reliability and treatment sensitivity.