Abstract This study was aimed at explanation of evolution process of bound phenolics from IDF through structural modifications after alkaline hydrolysis along with free phenolics and functional characteristics. SEM results depicted that IDF with bound phenolics exhibited denser, more compact and tubular shape whereas, the surface features of alkali-hydrolyzed residue exhibited clear fragmentation, wrinkling and porosity on outside surfaces. Microstructure changes due to alkaline hydrolysis caused disintegration of linkages among hemicellulose and cellulose microfibers. As evident from the FTIR spectra, both IDF samples (with phenolic) and alkali-soluble residue (IDF without phenolics) exhibited resemblance in FTIR spectral features and characteristics bonds. Overall, the peak positions of IDF samples and alkali-hydrolyzed residue did not show any significant change, which was indicative of the fact that no major alterations were occurred in crystalline structures of IDF due to alkali-hydrolysis treatment. IDF-bound phenolic complexes showed the highest TPC, ABTS and FRAP than SDF. In IDF alkaline extracts, total 6 phenolic compounds were detected through HPLC. The identified phenolic compounds were as; salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, epigallocatechin, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. These results demonstrated that higher antioxidant activity of dietary fiber would be related to bound phenolics.

The thermomechanical stability of majority precipitates formed by conventional alloying elements in magnesium alloys is generally poor. Hence the morphology and structure of these precipitates are highly susceptible to the welding thermal cycle, which results in the softening of the heat-affected zone (HAZ). Rare-earth (RE) precipitates are generally thermodynamically stable. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth discussion on whether RE precipitates reduce the softening of the HAZ. In this paper, Ce-containing magnesium alloy was successfully welded by fiber laser welding. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and micro-hardness tester were employed to analyze the welded joints. Consequently, the distribution characteristics of RE precipitates in both fusion zone (FZ) and HAZ were revealed. Moreover, based on the solution experiments of the welded joints, the evolution mechanism of the precipitates in welded joints during the thermal cycle was deduced, and the softening mechanism of the HAZ was clarified. Thereafter, the relative intrinsic mechanism of RE precipitates in reducing the softening of the HAZ and improving the mechanical properties of FZ was explored. The results showed that the HAZ was narrow, with a width of only 100-200 μm. The morphology and distribution of the less thermally stable Mg17Al12 precipitated in HAZ changed significantly after the thermal cycle. In contrast, RE precipitates remained stable, which is extremely important for reducing the softening of the HAZ. In addition, the precipitates in FZ were transformed into micron-sized particles and precipitated at the edge of dendrites, resulting in a hardness improvement of the FZ.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of medical nutritional therapy (MNT) combined with low glycaemic index (LGI) formula at breakfast for 4 weeks on the glycaemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-six participants were recruited and randomly equally divided into two groups. The intervention group was offered with 40g LGI formula at breakfast adjusted according to MNT, and the control group with regular MNT. After 4 weeks, fasting blood glucose, glycated albumin (GA), insulin, C-peptide levels and metabolic index were compared between the two groups. Compared to the intervention group, the total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the change of FBG (–0.64 ± 1.4 vs. 0.3 ± 2.2; p < 0.05) and 2h-PBG (–1.8 ± 3.6 vs.0.8 ± 3.2; p < 0.01) in the control group were significantly decreased. The LGI formulations, having a significant effect on controlling glucose and lipid metabolism, could be used as a non-pharmacological intervention for T2DM self-management.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the main cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children. However, there is no effective treatment for RSV infection. Here, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers to aid in the treatment of RSV infection. Children in the acute and convalescence phases of RSV infection were recruited and proteomic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Subsequently, promising candidate proteins were determined by functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analysis, and underwent further validation by western blot both in clinical and mouse model samples. Among the 79 DEPs identified in RSV patient samples, 4 proteins (BPGM, TPI1, PRDX2, and CFL1) were confirmed to be significantly upregulated during RSV infection. Functional analysis showed that BPGM and TPI1 were mainly involved in glycolysis, indicating an association between RSV infection and the glycolysis metabolic pathway. Our findings provide insights into the proteomic profile during RSV infection and indicated that BPGM, TPI1, PRDX2, and CFL1 may be potential therapeutic biomarkers or targets for the treatment of RSV infection.

Abstract The numerical modelling for dynamic impact testing of end-anchored rockbolt is established in this paper. The dynamic response of rockbolt under impact loading condition is investigated considering the effects of different impact energy levels, anchoring length, bolt diameter, and material type. The results show that the stress characteristics of the anchoring section in end-anchored rockbolt could be divided into three stages with the impact time: impact initial stage, impact middle stage and impact final stage. The elongation of the rockbolt increases by about 30 mm for every 5kJ increase in impact energy. When the impact energy level increases, the energy absorption rate and maximum plastic strain both increase significantly. The impact energy is mainly dissipated by the plastic deformation of the free section and debonding section of end-anchored rockbolt. The free section plays a buffer role through its elastic deformation when the rockbolt is subjected to impact loading. It is remarkable that the energy absorption rate and anti-impact performance of the end-anchored rockbolt can be improved by increasing the bolt diameter and the bolt material strength.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Explorar o efeito do tratamento com uma abordagem anterior do intervalo neurovascular médio para fraturas de cisalhamento coronal da porção distal do úmero. METODOLOGIA: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu duas pacientes do sexo feminino de 30-64 anos de idade, com idade média de 47 anos. As fraturas foram causadas por quedas de bicicleta. O tempo entre a lesão e a operação foi de 1-2 dias, com um intervalo de tempo médio de 1,5 dias. Duas pacientes com cisalhamento coronal da porção distal do úmero foram tratadas com redução aberta e fixação interna utilizando a abordagem anterior do intervalo neurovascular. RESULTADOS: Não houve complicações neurológicas e vasculares intra e pós-operatórias, nem complicações ou infecções, e a fratura foi unida. Após 12 meses da cirurgia, as pacientes retornaram ao trabalho sem dor e com uma amplitude normal de movimento de rotação do antebraço e cotovelo. Os raios-X revelaram excelente união das fraturas, sem sinais de ossificação heterotópica e sem artrite traumática. De acordo com as diretrizes da clínica Mayo para avaliação da função do cotovelo, uma pontuação de 100 é considerada excelente. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação da abordagem anterior do intervalo neurovascular do cotovelo no tratamento de uma fratura de cisalhamento da superfície articular da porção distal do úmero, especificamente da tróclea do úmero, pode reduzir o desgaste do tecido mole.

SUMMARY OBJECT: To explore the treatment effect of the anterior medial neurovascular interval approach to coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus. METHODS: This prospective study included two female patients who were 30-64 years old, with a mean age of 47 years. Fractures were caused by falling from a bicycle. The time between the injury and operation was 1-2 days, with a mean time interval of 1.5 days. Two patients with coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using anterior neurovascular interval approach. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative and postoperative neurological and vascular complications or infections, and the fracture was united. At 12 months after the surgery, the patient returned to work without pain, and with a normal range of motion for elbow and forearm rotation. The X-rays revealed excellent fracture union, no signs of heterotopic ossification, and no traumatic arthritis. According to Mayo's evaluation standards for elbow function, a score of 100 is excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the anterior neurovascular interval approach of the elbow in the treatment of shear fracture of the articular surface of the distal humerus, particularly the trochlea of the humerus, can reduce the stripping of the soft tissue.

Abstract Background: Prunella vulgaris L. has been an important medicinal plant for the treatment of thyroid gland malfunction and mastitis in China for over 2000 years. There is an urgent need to select effective wavelengths for greenhouse cultivation of P. vulgaris as light is a very important factor in P. vulgaris growth. Here, we described the effects of natural light (control) and UV solar exclusion on the morphological and physiological traits, secondary metabolites contents and antioxidant activities of P. vulgaris. Results: The results showed that UV solar exclusion resulted in remarkable alterations to morphological and biomass traits; significantly reduced the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents; significantly enhanced the ratio of chlorophyll a to b; and significantly increased the carotenoid and anthocyanin contents in P. vulgaris. UV solar exclusion significantly increased the catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities and slightly decreased the glutathione (GSH) content. UV solar exclusion significantly increased the soluble sugar and H2O2 contents and increased the soluble protein content but significantly decreased the proline content and slightly decreased the MDA content. The secondary metabolite contents (total phenolics, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, hyperoside, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid) and in vitro antioxidative properties (DPPH· and ABTS·+scavenging activities) were significantly increased in P. vulgaris spicas under UV solar exclusion. Additionally, the total polysaccharide and total flavonoids contents were slightly increased by UV solar exclusion. The salviaflaside content was significantly reduced by UV solar exclusion. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that P. vulgaris activates several antioxidant defence systems against oxidative damage caused by UV solar exclusion.

Abstract Purpose The research is intended for clarification of the efficacy as well as the underlying mechanism of GSK-3β inhibitors on the advancement of acute lung injuries in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) in rats. Methods Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: (1)ANP-vehicle; (2)ANP-TDZD-8;(3)ANP-SB216763;(4)Sham-vehicle;(5)Sham-TDZD-8;(6)Sham-SB216763; Blood biochemical test, histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis of rats pancreas and lung tissues were performed. The protein expression of GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9), iNOS, ICAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-10 were detected in lung tissues by Western-blot. Results The outcomes revealed that the intervention of GSK-3β inhibitors alleviated the pathological damage of pancreas and lung (P<0.01), reduced serum amylase, lipase, hydrothorax and lung Wet-to-Dry Ratio, attenuated serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 (P<0.01), inhibited the activation of NF-κB, and abated expression of iNOS, ICAM-1 and TNF-α protein, but up-regulated IL-10 expression in lung of ANP rats (P<0.01). The inflammatory response and various indicators in ANP-TDZD-8 groups were lower than those in ANP-SB216763 groups. Conclusions Inhibition of GSK-3β weakens acute lung injury related to ANP via the inhibitory function of NF-κB signaling pathway. Different kinds of GSK-3β inhibitors have different effects to ANP acute lung injury.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the impact of Ramipril (RAM) on the expressions of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and renal mesangial matrix (RMM) in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods: The Sprague Dawley rats were divided into normal control (NC) group (n = 12), DN group (n = 11), and DN+RAM group (n = 12). The ratio of renal weight to body weight (RBT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, 24-h urine protein (TPU), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), renal pathological changes, the levels of IGF-1, fibronectin (FN), type IV collagen (Col-IV), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 were compared among the groups. Results: Compared with NC group, the RBT, FBG, HbA1c, TPU, BUN, Cr, and RMM in DN group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the IGF-1, FN, and Col-IV were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), while MMP was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with DN group, the indexes except for the FBG and HbA1c in DN+RAM group were significantly improved (P < 0.05), among which IGF-1 exhibited significant positive correlation with TPU(r=0.937), FN(r=0.896) and Col-IV(r=0.871), while significant negative correlation with MMP-2 (r=-0.826) (P<0.05). Conclusion: RAM may protect the kidneys by suppressing IGF-1 and mitigating the accumulation of RMM.

ABSTRACT In large-scale natural disasters and military supplies, multiple parafoils are more capable of performing actual tasks. The cooperative paths planning for multiple parafoils with different initial positions and headings is an important step in multiple parafoils airdrop, which has to satisfy multiple objectives, namely, parafoils can’t collide with each other, parafoils should rendezvous at same target area, most of parafoils need to keep alignment against wind, and planned paths should be in the range of maneuver performance constraints to ensure that every parafoil’s path is flyable. Due to more factors need to be considered, it is more difficult to plan paths for multiple parafoils than single parafoil. In this paper an improved genetic algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective cooperative paths planning problem of multiple parafoils system. Parafoils’ paths are encoded by real matrix, and the cooperative relationship between parafoils is realized by paths fitness function. The random single point crossover and Gaussian mutation are introduced to accelerate algorithm convergence rate. Finally, a simulation example is given, simulation results show that proposed method can plan feasible paths for all parafoils, meanwhile, it satisfies the requirements of anti-collision, rendezvous to target point, and keep alignment against the wind.

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the detrusor overactivity (DO) model induced by visceral hypersensitivity (VH) and investigate the relationship between mast cell (MC) infiltration and DO. Materials and Methods: Sixty rats are divided into 4 groups randomly: Group 1:Baseline group; Group 2: DO group; Group 3: CON group; Group 4: VH group. The colorectal distension (CRD) and abdominal withdral reflex (AWR) scores are performed to evaluate VH. The cystometric investigation and histological test of MC infiltration are assessed. Results: The threshold pressure of CRD in the VH group is significantly lower than that in the CON group (P<0.001). At the distension pressure ≥20 mmHg, the AWR scores of the VH group are significantly higher than those of the CON group (10 mmHg: P=0.33; 20 mmHg: P=0.028; 40 mmHg: P<0.001; 60 mmHg: P<0.001; 80 mmHg: P<0.001). DO model is successfully established in the VH group (DO rate=100%). Compared with the CON group, the numbers of MC infiltration are significantly increased in the VH group, including submucosa of bladder (P<0.001), mucosa lamina propria/mesentery of small intestine (P<0.001), and mucosa lamina propria/mesentery of large intestine (P<0.001). Furthermore, more MC activation as well as degranulation are observed in the VH group. Conclusions: It is indicated that DO model can be established in the VH rats. The MC infiltration may play an important role in DO induced by VH, and may be helpful to understand the mechanisms of DO in VH patients.

ABSTRACT Large amount of agriculturl wastewater containing high level nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 --N) is produced from modern intensive agricultural production management due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and livestock scale farming. The hydroponic experiment of water hyacinth was conducted for analyzing the content of NO3 --N, soluble sugar content, N-transported the amino acid content and growth change in water hyacinth to explore its purification ability to remove NO3 --N from agriculture eutrophic wastewater and physiological and biochemical mechanism of this plant to remove NO3 --N. The results showed that the water hyacinth could effectively utilize the NO3 --N from agriculture eutrophic wastewater. Compared with the control, the contents of NO3 -change to NO3 --N in the root, leaf petiole and leaf blade of water hyacinth after treatment in the wastewater for a week was significantly higher than that in the control plants treated with tap water, and also the biomass of water hyacinth increased significantly, indicating that the accumulation of biomass due to the rapid growth of water hyacinth could transfer some amount of NO3 --N.13C-NMR analysis confirmed that water hyacinth would convert the part nitrogen absorbed from agriculture eutrophic wastewater to ammonia nitrogen, which increased the content of aspartic acid and glutamic acid, decreased the content of soluble sugar, sucrose and fructose and the content of N-storaged asparagine and glutamine, lead to enhance the synthesis of plant amino acids and promote the growth of plants. These results indicate that the nitrate in agriculture eutrophic wastewater can be utilized by water hyacinth as nitrogen nutrition, and can promote plant growth by using soluble sugar and amide to synthesis amino acids and protein.

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Résumé Objectif Étudier le rapport coût-efficacité d'un programme global de lutte contre la tuberculose pharmacorésistante lancé en 2011 dans quatre régions chinoises. Méthodes En 2011-2012, nous avons analysé les dossiers de 172 patients atteints de tuberculose pharmacorésistante qui s'étaient inscrits à ce programme global et nous avons collecté des données administratives pertinentes auprès de différents hôpitaux et de l'agence de santé publique chinoise. À titre de comparaison, nous avons examiné une cohorte de 81 patients soignés pour une tuberculose pharmacorésistante entre 2006 et 2009. Nous avons réalisé une analyse coût-efficacité, sur le plan sociétal, qui incluait une incertitude probabiliste. Nous avons mesuré les résultats du traitement précoce en fonction de résultats de culture sur trois mois et modélisé les résultats à long terme pour faciliter l'estimation du coût du programme global par année de vie corrigée du facteur incapacité (AVCI) évitée. Résultats Le programme global coûte 8837 dollars des États-Unis (US$) par patient soigné. Le faible taux d'inscription signifiait que certains coûts fixes par patient étaient plus importants que prévu. Bien que ce programme global se soit révélé 30 fois plus cher que le précédent, il a débouché sur des avantages accrus en matière de santé. Le programme global, qui coûte 639 US$ (intervalle de crédibilité à 95 %: 112 à 1322) par AVCI évitée, satisfait au critère de l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé définissant une intervention très rentable. Conclusion Le programme global, qui incluait un dépistage rapide, des soins standardisés et une protection financière, a amélioré les résultats des patients atteints de tuberculose multirésistante en limitant les dépenses. Afin de soutenir les objectifs mondiaux pour l'après-2015 en matière de santé, le programme global devrait être élargi aux non-résidents et à d'autres régions de Chine.

Abstract Objective To investigate the cost-effectiveness of a comprehensive programme for drug-resistant tuberculosis launched in four sites in China in 2011. Methods In 2011-2012, we reviewed the records of 172 patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis who enrolled in the comprehensive programme and we collected relevant administrative data from hospitals and China's public health agency. For comparison, we examined a cohort of 81 patients who were treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis in 2006−2009. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis, from a societal perspective, that included probabilistic uncertainty. We measured early treatment outcomes based on three-month culture results and modelled longer-term outcomes to facilitate estimation of the comprehensive programme's cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted. Findings The comprehensive programme cost 8837 United States dollars (US$) per patient treated. Low enrolment rates meant that some fixed costs were higher, per patient, than expected. Although the comprehensive programme appeared 30 times more costly than the previous one, it resulted in greater health benefits. The comprehensive programme, which cost US$ 639 (95% credible interval: 112 to 1322) per DALY averted, satisfied the World Health Organization's criterion for a very cost-effective intervention. Conclusion The comprehensive programme, which included rapid screening, standardized care and financial protection, improved individual outcomes for MDR tuberculosis in a cost-effective manner. To support post-2015 global heath targets, the comprehensive programme should be expanded to non-residents and other areas of China.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar la costoeficacia de un programa integral para la tuberculosis farmacorresistente lanzado en cuatro localizaciones de China en 2011. Métodos En 2011-2012, se revisaron los informes de 172 pacientes con tuberculosis farmacorresistente que se habían inscrito en el programa integral y se recogieron datos administrativos relevantes de hospitales y la agencia de salud pública de China. Como término de comparación, se examinó un cohorte de 81 pacientes que habían sido tratados para la tuberculosis farmacorresistente en 2006−2009. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de costoeficacia desde una perspectiva societaria que incluía la incertidumbre probabilística. Se midieron los resultados de los tratamientos tempranos basados en los resultados de un cultivo de tres meses y se modelaron resultados a largo plazo para facilitar la estimación del coste del programa integral de años de vida en función de la discapacidad (AVAD) evitada. Resultados El programa integral costó 8.837 dólares estadounidenses (USD) por paciente tratado. Las bajas tasas de inscripción significaban que algunos de los costes fijos eran mayores por paciente que lo esperado. A pesar de que el programa integral parecía 30 veces más costoso que el anterior, tuvo como resultado unos mejores beneficios para la salud. El programa integral, que costó 639 USD (intervalo de credibilidad del 95%: de 112 a 1.322) por AVAD evitado, satisfizo el criterio de la Organización Mundial de la Salud en cuanto a intervenciones muy costoefectivas. Conclusión El programa integral, que incluía un examen rápido, cuidados estándar y protección financiera, mejoró los resultados individuales de la tuberculosis multirresistente (MR) de una manera costoefectiva. Para apoyar los objetivos de salud globales posteriores a 2015, el programa integral debería expandirse a no residentes y otras áreas de China.

Porous asphalt pavements have been used as an effective technique to overcome road runoff challenges, and to improve efficiency of rainwater utilisation in urban areas. Using porous asphalt pavements with reservoir storage and harvesting facilities is an important consideration for the future. This study monitored changes in water quality indicators, such as pH, conductivity, and concentrations of lead and zinc, for water stored in porous asphalt pavement models with basalt-, limestone- and 'basalt+limestone'-filled reservoir structures. The research discusses findings over a 696-h storage period following artificial rainfall. Total lead and zinc concentrations were remarkably reduced throughout the initial flush, showing, on average, reductions of 90% and 80.5%, respectively. This pattern was consistent throughout the storage period, producing average reductions in lead and zinc of 99.98% and 79%, respectively, over 696 h. Conductivity and pH levels increased in all pavement models after the 696-h storage. The results obtained confirmed the potential of using porous asphalt pavements with reservoir structures to remove heavy metals from road runoff. This can be applied to future research on the removal mechanisms of porous asphalt pavements in relation to heavy metals in road runoff.

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is an excellent material for studying the formation of flower colour because of its abundant colour. The full-length cDNA of a UDP-glucose: Flavonoid 5-O-glucosyltransferase gene (UF5GT) containing 1629 bp nucleotides was obtained from P. lactiflora. The expression patterns of nine related anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (PlPSY, PlCHS, PlCHI, PlF3H, PlF3'H, PlDFR, PlANS, PlUF3GT and PlUF5GT) in diurnal variation petals showed that their expression peaks were basically at 15:00 and the expression patterns were consistent with the trend of sampling conditions except individual gene. And the highest expression levels were in PlCHS, PlDFR and PlUF3GT, which could be the candidates to regulate P. lactiflora flower colour by means of genetic engineering.