Abstract A Qingzhi compound-flavor Baijiu (QZCF Baijiu) was developed and the physiochemical factors and microbial community structure in Jiupei (fermented grains) during Baijiu fermentation were revealed. Physiochemical factors of ethanol, moisture and acidity significantly increased in the fermentation, while starch and reducing sugar decreased. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that Weissella, Pediococcus, Bacillus, Pantoea, Streptococcus, Sphingobacterium, Saccharomyces, Rhizopus, Issatchenkia and Wickerhamomyces were the dominant microorganisms in Jiupei. Moreover, correlation analysis between the physicochemical factors, the dominant microorganisms and the important flavor compounds in QZCF Baijiu production highlighted that the changes of physiochemical factors would lead to the corresponding changes of core microbiota and important flavor substances. Physiochemical factors of starch, reducing sugar and temperature could significantly affect the microbial community structure at the early stage of fermentation, while the influences of ethanol content and acidity became greater at the later stage, resulting in the differences of flavor compounds in Jiupei. Therefore, the growth and metabolism of microbial communities could be regulated by purposefully adjusting the physiochemical factors, thereby improving the flavor and quality of Baijiu. This work enriched the flavor types of Baijiu and provided a reference for the Baijiu-making industries to manage their production process.

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic safety and accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy (US-CNB) Axillary Lymph Nodes (ALNs) region in patients with Breast Cancer (BC). Methods: The authors searched the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for clinical trials about US-CNB for the detection of ALNs in breast cancer patients. The authors extracted and pooled raw data from the included studies and performed statistical analyses using Meta-DiSc 1.4 and Review Manager 5.3 software. A random effects model was used to calculate the data. At the same time, data from the Ultrasound-guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (US-FNA) were introduced for comparison with the US-CNB. In addition, the subgroup was performed to explore the causes of heterogeneity. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022369491). Results: In total, 18 articles with 2521 patients were assessed as meeting the study criteria. The overall sensitivity was 0.90 (95% CI [Confidence Interval], 0.87‒0.91; p = 0.00), the overall specificity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98‒ 1.00; p = 0.62), the overall area under the curve (AUC) was 0.98. Next, in the comparison of US-CNB and US-FNA, US-CNB is better than US-FNA in the diagnosis of ALNs metastases. The sensitivity was 0.88 (95% CI 0.84‒ 0.91; p = 0.12) vs. 0.73 (95% CI 0.69‒0.76; p = 0.91), the specificity was 1.00 (95% CI 0.99‒1.00; p = 1.00) vs. 0.99 (95% CI 0.67‒0.74; p = 0.92), and the AUC was 0.99 vs. 0.98. Subgroup analysis showed that heterogeneity may be related to preoperative Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) treatment, region, size of tumor diameter, and the number of punctures. Conclusion: US-CNB has a satisfactory diagnostic performance with good specificity and sensitivity in the preoperative diagnosis of ALNs in BC patients.

Abstract Due to the good functional characteristics and nutritional value, ovalbumin (OVA) has a widely ranges of applications in food industry. But the characteristics of being susceptible to external conditions, such as processing, storage conditions and food ingredients, makes it display a relative lower functional property and limits its applications. Glycosylation is a natural, green approach of protein modifications that has an impact on its functional properties. In this work, we prepared the OVA-pectin conjugates through wet-heating and ultrasound glycosylation to investigate the effects on the functional and structural properties of OVA. Both wet-heating and ultrasound treated OVA at present of pectin showed higher emulsify and foam properties than untreated OVA. The results of particle size, SDS-PAGE, FT-IR, and SEM indicated that the covalent binding of pectin with OVA molecule. This study suggests that wet-heating and ultrasound glycosylation with pectin are promising method to improve the functional properties of OVA.

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the visual results of correction of high myopia with ACR-128 phakic lens implantation. Methods: An observational descriptive longitudinal prospective study was conducted of 60 eyes of 32 patients with myopia corrected with the ACR-128 phakic lens. Determination was made of the expected and observed spherical component, the keratometric cylinder, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity in the pre- and postoperative periods, and induced astigmatism. Statistical analysis was based on the paired T-test with a significance level of 95 %. Results: Mean age was 27.41 ± 5.91 years, preoperative spherical equivalent was -11.54 ± 3.20 diopters, and 68.75 % of the patients were female. Spherical component in diopters expected (-0.53 ± 0.37) and observed (-0.42 ± 0.47) without differences (p= 0.0742). Between ± 1.00 diopters 91.67 % and between ± 0.50 diopter 70 %. No eye was above +0.50D. Keratometric cylinder in diopters, preoperative (1.44 ± 0.76) and postoperative (1.49 ± 0.84) without induced astigmatism (p=0.6377). In 100 % visual acuity without correction ≤ 0.1 preoperative and ≥ 0.3 postoperative. After surgery 10 % reached 1.0 and 71.6% ≥ 0.5. Only 28.33% had the unit corrected in the preoperative period and 70 % in the postoperative period (98.33 % ≥ 0.7). Conclusions: ACR-128 phakic lens implantation provides patients with favorable refractive correction and predictability. This is achieved by reducing the spherical component to desired values, not inducing astigmatism and improving visual acuity, all of which leads to an adequate visual result.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir los resultados visuales en la corrección de la alta miopía con implante de lente fáquica ACR-128. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional longitudinal y prospectivo en 60 ojos de 32 pacientes con miopía corregida con lente fáquica ACR-128. Se determinó el componente esférico esperado y observado, el cilindro queratométrico, las agudezas visuales sin corrección y mejor corregidas en el pre y en el posoperatorio y el astigmatismo inducido. El análisis estadístico se realizó con la Prueba T para datos pareados, con una significación del 95 %. Resultados: La edad media fue 27,41 ± 5,91 años, el equivalente esférico preoperatorio -11,54 ± 3,20 dioptrías y el 68,75 % eran femeninas. El componente esférico en dioptrías esperado (-0,53 ± 0,37) y observado (-0,42 ± 0,47) sin diferencias (p= 0,0742). Entre ± 1,00 el 91,67 % y entre ± 0,50 el 70 %. Ningún ojo quedó por encima de +0,50 dioptrías. El cilindro queratométrico en dioptrías, pre (1,44 ± 0,76) y posoperatorio (1,49 ± 0,84) sin astigmatismo inducido (p= 0,6377). El 100 % tenía agudeza visual sin corrección preoperatoria ≤ 0,1 y posoperatoria ≥ 0,3. Después de la cirugía el 10 % alcanzaba 1,0 y 71,6 % ≥ 0,5. Solo el 28,33 % tenía la unidad en el preoperatorio, y el 70 % en el posoperatorio (98,33 % ≥ 0,7). Conclusiones: El implante de lente fáquica ACR-128 proporciona corrección refractiva y predictibilidad favorables para el paciente, al reducir el componente esférico al deseado, no inducir astigmatismo y mejorar la agudeza visual, todo lo que se traduce en un adecuado resultado visual.

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the effects of ACR-128 phakic lens implantation for high myopia correction on ocular tension and the corneal endothelium. Methods: An observational descriptive longitudinal prospective study was conducted of 60 eyes of 32 patients with myopia corrected with the ACR-128 phakic lens. Determination was made of intra- and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density, variability and hexagonality quotient, and lens position. Statistical analysis was based on the paired T-test with a significance level of 95 %. Results: Mean age was 27.41 ± 5.91 years and 68.75 % of the patients were female. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -11.54 ± 3.20 diopters. Complications were none in the intraoperative period, 93.33 % in the immediate postoperative period and 95.00 % mid- or long-term. No significant differences were found between the pre- and postoperative periods concerning ocular tension (p= 0.2570). Endothelial cell density was p= 0.0928, the variability quotient p= 0.889 and hexagonality p= 0.0957. Conclusions: ACR-128 phakic lens implantation for correction of high myopia is a safe procedure causing few complications and minimal effects on ocular tension and the corneal endothelium.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir los efectos sobre la tensión ocular y el endotelio corneal con el implante de la lente fáquica ACR-128 para la corrección de la alta miopía. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo en 60 ojos de 32 pacientes con miopía corregida con lente fáquica ACR-128. Se determinaron las complicaciones trans y posoperatorias, la presión intraocular, la densidad de las células endoteliales, el coeficiente de variabilidad y la hexagonalidad, así como la posición de la lente. El análisis estadístico se realizó con la Prueba T para datos pareados, con una significación del 95 %. Resultados: La edad media fue de 27,41 ± 5,91 años y el 68,75 % correspondió al sexo femenino. El equivalente esférico preoperatorio promedio fue de -11,54 ± 3,20 dioptrías. Resultó sin complicaciones transoperatorias el 100 %; las posoperatorias inmediatas fueron de 93,33 % y las mediatas y tardías del 95,00 %. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el pre y el posoperatorio en la tensión ocular (p=0,2570); la densidad endotelial fue p= 0,0928; el coeficiente de variación p= 0,889 y la hexagonalidad (p= 0,0957). Conclusiones: El implante de la lente fáquica ACR-128 para la corrección de las altas miopías es un procedimiento seguro, al ofrecer escasas complicaciones y mínimos efectos en la tensión ocular y en el endotelio corneal.

ABSTRACT: Biological degumming is an eco-friendly, efficient, high-quality and low-cost method that has become the leading bast fiber degumming technology. However, bacterial strains with short degumming cycles, high gum removal rates and small fiber damage are few. To screen high quality microbial resources with bast-fiber biological degumming function, soil samples were collected from a continuously cultivated banana plantation and then used to be enriched by ramie and kenaf materials in turn. A selective pectin-degrading medium was used to screen for excellent bacteria. A dominant bacterial strain was identified by phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, and its biological degumming effects on ramie and kenaf were verified by a comprehensive evaluation system. Results showed that seven bacterial strains secreting pectinase were obtained and the largest hydrolysis circle with a diameter ratio H/C of 2.4 was produced by the bacterial strain hn1-1, which was preliminarily identified as the Bacillus cereus by colony morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence (GenBank accession number: KX013542) cluster analysis. The fiber production of ramie and kenaf degummed by B. cereus hn1-1 for 10 h were 72 % and 76 %, the residual gum rates were 4 % and 5 %, respectively. These values satisfied the textile industry requirement of < 6 % residual gum rate. Therefore, an effective biological degumming bacterium, B. cereus, was identified using a pectin-hydrolysis selective medium through a simple, economical, and time-saving method. Furthermore, the biological degumming technology by B. cereus for ramie and kenaf had a short cycle, ideal removal gum rate, and high-quality and productive fiber output.

Abstract To study the influence of a foundation structure on the ground, the finite layer method of composite ground is derived based on the finite layer method (FLM) theory of the semi-analytic numerical method and the force method principle of elastic material, which is used to analyze a layered ground including multiple internal constraint planes. By simplifying a pile body as a solid constraint composed of four side plane constraints, the composite ground FLM is applied to solve the displacement and stress field of the ground. The change of the ground displacement and stress caused by the addition of a single pile constraint are then discussed, and the influence rules of a pile position on the ground displacement are also determined. Finally, the necessity, rationality and validity of the composite ground FLM are demonstrated by the model test examples of a single pile and pile raft foundation.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to discover the distribution and the primary influence factors of Cu in the soil-rice systems of tropical farmland. Soil samples of farmland and rice plant (stalk and polished rice) from the western region of Hainan Island were collected and studied. The results showed that the average Cu content in the topsoil of the study area was 15.75 mg kg-1; the highest Cu content (45.92 mg kg-1) was found in the rice fields of the northern area, where pyroclastic parent material is distributed. Thus, there is a potential for Cu contamination of the rice grown in this region. The average contents of Cu in the rice stalks and polished rice were 16.9 and 5.68 mg kg-1, respectively, indicating that the stalks had a larger capacity for Cu bioaccumulation than the polished rice. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Cu in rice was found to decrease with increased Cu contents in the soil. In regards to the northern farmlands with high Cu contents in the soil derived from pyroclastic deposits, an alkaline fertilizer should be used to prevent the risk of Cu pollution in the polished rice, as soil acidification can promote the uptake and accumulation of Cu to some extent.

AbstractBackground BmK I, a site-3-specific modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), causes pain and hyperalgesia in rats, while BmK IT2, a site-4-specific modulator of VGSCs, suppresses pain-related responses. A stronger pain-related effect has been previously attributed to Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) venom, which points out the joint pharmacological effect in the crude venom.Methods In order to detect the joint effect of BmK I and BmK IT2 on ND7-23 cells, the membrane current was measured by whole cell recording. BmK I and BmK IT2 were applied successively and jointly, and the synergistic modulations of VGSCs on ND7-23 cells were detected.Results Larger peak I Na and more negative half-activation voltage were elicited by joint application of BmK I and BmK IT2 than by application of BmK I or BmK IT2 alone. Compared to the control, co-applied BmK I and BmK IT2 also significantly prolonged the time constant of inactivation.Conclusions Our results indicated that site-4 toxin (BmK IT2) could enhance the pharmacological effect induced by site-3 toxin (BmK I), suggesting a stronger effect elicited by both toxins that alone usually exhibit opposite pharmacological effects, which is related to the allosteric interaction between receptor site 3 and site 4. Meanwhile, these results may bring a novel perspective for exploring the underlying mechanisms of scorpion sting-induced pain.

Three fully optimized structures of 3,6-diamino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,4-dioxide (LAX-112) dimers have been obtained with the density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6-311++G level. Vibrational frequency calculations were carried out to ascertain that each structure is a minimum (no imaginary frequencies). The intermolecular interaction energy is calculated with the basis set superposition error (BSSE) correction and zero point energy (ZPE) correction. The greatest corrected binding energy among the three dimers is -42.38 kJ mol-1. The charge redistribution mainly occurs on the adjacent O(N)......H atoms between submolecules and the charge transfer between two subsystems is very small. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was performed to reveal the origin of the interaction. Based on the vibrational analysis, the standard thermodynamic functions (heat capacities (cºp), entropies (S°m) and enthalpies (H°m)) and the changes of thermodynamic properties from the monomer to dimer with the temperature ranging from 200.00 K to 800.00 K have been obtained using statistical thermodynamics. The results show that the strong hydrogen bonds dominantly contribute to the dimers, while the bonding energies are not only determined by the hydrogen bonding. The dimerization process of dimer II can occur spontaneously at room temperature.

N-benzoyl-3,3-dinitroazetidine(BDNAZ) is a derivative of 3,3-dinitroazetidine (DNAZ). Its thermal behaviour was studied by DSC methods. The results show that there are one melting process and two exothermic decomposition processes. The kinetic parameters of the intense exothermic decomposition process were obtained from the analysis of the DSC curves. The apparent activation energy, pre-exponential factor and the mechanism function are 170.77 kJ mol-1,10(14.12) s-1 and f(α) = (1-a)-1/2, respectively. The specific heat capacity of BDNAZ was determined with a continuous Cp mode of a micro-calorimeter. The standard mole specific heat capacity of BDNAZ was 286.31 J mol¹ K-1 at 298.15 K. Using the relationship between Cp and T with the thermal decomposition parameters, the time of the thermal decomposition from initialization to thermal explosion (adiabatic time-to-explosion, tTIAD), the self-accelerating decomposition temperature (TSADT), thermal ignition temperature (T TIT), critical temperatures of thermal explosion (Tb) and period of validity (t0.9) were obtained to evaluate its thermal safety. The detonation velocity (D) and pressure (P) of BDNAZ were estimated by using the nitrogen equivalent equation according to the experimental density.

Background: Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most devastating disease in peanut. Planting resistant peanut cultivars is deemed as the sole economically viable means for effective control of the disease. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying resistance and facilitate breeding process, differences in gene expression between seeds of Rihua 1 (a Virginia type peanut variety resistant to bacterial wilt) inoculated with the bacterial pathogen suspension (10(9) cfu ml-1) and seeds of the same cultivar treated with water (control), were studied using the GenefishingTM technology. Results: A total of 25 differentially expressed genes were isolated. Expression of genes encoding cyclophilin and ADP-ribosylation factor, respectively, were further studied by real time RT-PCR, and full length cDNAs of both genes were obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Conclusions: The study provided candidate genes potentially useful for breeding peanut cultivars with both high yield and bacterial wilt resistance, although confirmation of their functions through transgenic studies is still needed.

To isolate differentially expressed peanut genes responsive to chilling, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library was constructed for a chilling tolerant peanut cultivar A4 with mRNAs extracted from the seeds imbibed at 2ºC and 15ºC, respectively, for 24 hrs. A total of 466 cDNA clones were sequenced, from which 193 unique transcripts (73 contigs and 120 singlets) were assembled. Of these unique transcripts, 132 (68.4%) were significantly similar to the sequences in GenBank non-redundant (nr) protein database, which belonged to diverse functional categories including metabolism, signal transduction, stress response, cell defense and transcriptional regulation. The remaining 61 (31.6%) showed no similarity to either hypothetical or known proteins. Six differentially expressed transcripts were further confirmed with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

Microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), in expressed sequence tags (ESTs) provide an opportunity for low cost SSR development. We looked for EST-SSRs in 403,511 ESTs (generated by 454 sequencing and representing 70,654 contigs and 52,082 singletons) from soybean globular stage embryos. Among 122,736 unique ESTs, 3,729 contained one or more SSRs. In total, 3,989 SSRs were identified including 304 mono, 1,374 di, 2,208 tri, 70 tetra, 13 penta and 20 hexanucleotide SSRs. Thirty three EST-SSRs were selected for primer design and polymorphism analysis using twenty soybean cultivars and one wild-type soybean. Successful amplification was obtained using 21 of these primer pairs, 11 of which detected polymorphisms in these soybean cultivars. These results demonstrated that 454 high throughput sequencing is a powerful tool for molecular marker development. From the 3,989 identified SSRs we expect to obtain a large number of makers with polymorphism among different soybean cultivars, which would be useful for analysis of genetic diversity and maker assisted selection in the soybean breeding programs.