Abstract Objective: To investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Abstract Background Early risk stratification with simple biomarkers is essential in patients with non-ST segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma big endothelin-1 (ET-1) level and the SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with NSTEMI. Methods A total of 766 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: low SS (≤22), intermediate SS (23-32), and high SS (>32). Spearman correlation, smooth curve fitting, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the association between plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There was a significant correlation between the big ET-1 and the SS (r=0.378, p<0.001). The smoothing curve indicated a positive correlation between the plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.695 (0.661-0.727) and the optimal cutoff of plasma big ET-1 level was 0.35pmol/l. Logistic regression showed that elevated big ET-1 was an independent predictor of intermediate-high SS in patients with NSTEMI, whether entered as a continuous variable [OR (95% CI): 1.110 (1.053-1.170), p<0.001] or as a categorical variable [OR (95% CI): 2.962 (2.073-4.233), p<0.001]. Conclusion In patients with NSTEMI, the plasma big ET-1 level was significantly correlated with the SS. Elevated plasma big ET-1 level was an independent predictor for intermediate-high SS.

Resumo Fundamento A estratificação de risco precoce com biomarcadores simples é essencial em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST). Objetivo Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a associação entre nível de big endotelina-1 plasmática (ET-1) e o escore SYNTAX (SS) em pacientes com IAMSSST. Métodos Foram recrutados 766 pacientes com IAMSSST que passaram por angiografia coronária. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: SS baixo (≤22), SS intermediário (23-32), e SS alto (>32). A correlação de Spearman, o ajuste de curva suave, a regressão logística, e a análise de curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foram realizados para avaliar a associação entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. Um p-valor <0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Foi identificada uma correlação significativa entre a big ET-1 e o SS (r=0,378, p<0,001). A curva suavizada indicou uma correlação positiva entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. A análise de curva ROC demonstrou que a área sob a curva foi de 0,695 (0,661-0,727) e o ponto de corte ideal do nível de big ET-1 plasmática foi de 0,35 pmol/l. A regressão logística demonstrou que a big ET-1 elevada era um preditor independente de SS intermediário a alto em pacientes com IAMSSST, seja como variável contínua [RC (IC 95%: 1,110 (1,053-1,170), p<0,001] ou como variável categórica [RC (IC 95%: 2,962 (2,073-4,233), p<0,001]. Conclusão Em pacientes com IAMSSST, o nível de big ET-1 plasmática estava significativamente correlacionado ao SS. O nível de big ET-1 plasmática elevado foi um preditor independente para SS intermediário a alto.

Abstract Objective The study explored improvements in pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in a bovine type II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease mouse model after treatment with baricitinib and the possible mechanism of action. Methods A rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease mouse model was established, siRNA Jak2 and lentiviral vectors were transfected with human embryonic lung fibroblast cells. And the levels of relevant proteins in mouse lung tissue and human embryonic lung fibroblasts were detected by Western blotting. Results The levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, p-SMAD3, SMA, TGFβR2, FN and COL4 were increased in the lung tissues of model mice (P < 0.5) and decreased after baricitinib intervention (P < 0.05). The expression levels of p-STAT3, p-SMAD3, SMA, TGFβR2, FN and COL4 were reduced after siRNA downregulation of the JAK2 gene (P < 0.01) and increased after lentiviral overexpression of the JAK2 gene (P < 0.01). Conclusion Baricitinib alleviated fibrosis in the lung tissue of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease mice, and the mechanism of action may involve the downregulation of Smad3 expression via inhibition of the Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathway, with consequent inhibition of the profibrotic effect of transforming growth factor-β1.

Abstract Immature Litsea mollis fruits (ILMFs) are widely used as cold appetizers and seasonings in China. The free and bound volatile components of ILMFs from five distinct regions of China were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) in the present work. The results reveal sixty six free-form volatiles and fifty two bound-form volatiles in ILMFs and terpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated terpenes are the dominate components. In addition, sixty-seven volatile compounds are found in Litsea mollis fruit for the first time. The free α-pinene, eucalyptol, linalool, α,β-citral, geraniol and citronellal, and bound β-myrcene, α-citral, geraniol, citronellal and eugenol are the major odor contributors of ILMFs. Multivariate statistical analysis indicates that the free and bound volatiles profiles of ILMFs of Fujian and Guangxi in southern China are similar and those of Yunnan and Sichuan in southwestern China are similar. The odor profiles of all of the ILMFs are floral, fruity and herbaceous.

Abstract Bacteria play the most important role in the fermentation process of Dongcai. At present, the flora in the fermentation process of Dazu Dongcai have not been detected. The physicochemical indexes association with microbiota changes during fermentation have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, it is necessary to explored the correlations between microbial communities and physicochemical indexes during Dazu Dongcai fermentation. Dazu Dongcai samples including five time points were prepared for four year during the spontaneous fermentation process. Microbial community dynamics and associated biochemical changes were characterized using metagenomics sequencing technology and physiochemical properties determination to identify associations between microorganisms and fermentation characteristics. These results indicated that Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Terrisporobacter, Blautia, Romboutsia, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus dominated the whole fermentation process, which were strongly correlated with the physical and chemical indexes. These flora have promoting function during fermentation and may affect the quality of Dongcai. This study provides new detailed insights into the succession of microbial communities and their potential roles in Dazu Dongcai fermentation, so as to establish a correlation analysis model of key factors in the pickling process of Dazu Dongcai, which can lay a foundation for the standardized production of Dazu Dongcai.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to observe the regularity of blood glucose changes in hemodialysis patients with diabetes, time of onset of hypoglycemia and blood glucose level during dialysis, and to explore the sensitive early warning indicators of hypoglycemia in dialysis patients. BACKGROUND: Diabetes patients have a high incidence of hypoglycemia during hemodialysis. METHODS: A total of 124 maintenance hemodialysis patients with diabetes were selected for this study. Before dialysis, one, two, and three h after dialysis, and when hypoglycemia symptoms occurred, the blood glucose changes were monitored, the blood glucose drop range was observed when hypoglycemia symptoms occurred, and the correlation between the two was analyzed. RESULTS: After the start of the dialysis, the patient’s blood glucose showed a downward trend. The symptoms of hypoglycemia were most obvious within one-two hours, with an incidence rate of 57.9%. When the blood glucose drop percentage reached 37.7%, the specificity and sensitivity of early warning hypoglycemia symptoms were 84.6 and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For hemodialysis patients with diabetes, attention should be paid to the symptoms of hypoglycemia during dialysis, and blood glucose should be monitored before dialysis and after 1-2 h of dialysis. If the blood glucose drop percentage is greater than 37.7%, the timely measures should be taken.

Abstract This study optimized using a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method for extracting volatile aroma compounds, terpenoids in particular, from Litsea mollis Hemsl. immature fruit (LMIF). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify volatile terpenoids in LMIF. The types of SPME fiber coating, salt addition, and desorption time were optimized by single factor-experiments to determine the range of extraction temperature. Built on insights from the single factor-experiments, the response surface methodology was further used to optimize the extraction temperature, extraction time, and equilibrium time of HS-SPME. The results showed that the optimal HS-SPME conditions for extracting volatile terpenoids from LMIF were: 50/30 μm of DVB/CAR/PDMS SPME fiber, 2.0 g of added sodium chloride, desorption at a temperature of 250 °C for 3 min, extraction and equilibrium temperature of 46 °C, extraction time of 36 min, and equilibrium time of 20 min. Under the above conditions, the predicted value of extraction was 66.92, while the experimental value was 65.78. The prediction value matched well with the experimental value with good repeatability. The designed model was proven to be valid, which can be applied for future extraction of aroma compounds from IMIF.

ABSTRACT At present, most large machinery and vehicle engines are electronically controlled but their electronic control systems are too expensive to be popularised and applied in small gasoline engines with relatively low prices. Therefore, small gasoline engines still use mechanical speed regulators. Mechanical speed regulators not only have the defects of inertia lag, friction resistance, inherent speed regulation and the like, but also have the disadvantage that dynamic performance and steady performance cannot be combined, which is not suitable for the increasingly improved speed regulation performance of gasoline engines. This paper describes the design of an electronically controlled intelligent governor for small gasoline engines. Starting from a low cost, it adopts the idea of “replacing part of the hardware with an intelligent sensing algorithm” and proposes an intelligent sensing algorithm scheme. It combines the “coarse tuning” of MAP and the “fine tuning” of adaptive expert PID. The system is proved experimentally and it not only overcomes the inherent defects of a mechanical governor and realises programmable speed regulation, but it also obtains good dynamic and steady performance, improves the power output of the engine, relieves the trouble of engine travelling and improves the freedom of carburetor matching.

Abstract Under the conditions of weak basis and the reaction temperature range of 110-150 °C, lysine, arginine and histidine were reacted with L-ascorbic acid at equal amount for 30-150 min, respectively and the formation of browning products was monitored with UV–vis spectrometry. The kinetic characteristics of their non-enzymatic browning reaction were investigated. The study results indicated that the non-enzymatic browning reaction of these three amino acids with L-ascorbic acid to form browning products was zero-order reaction. The apparent activation energies for the formation of browning products from L-ascorbic acid/lysine, L-ascorbic acid/arginine and L-ascorbic acid/histidine systems were 54.94, 50.08 and 35.31kJ/mol. The activation energy data indicated the degree of effects of reaction temperature on non-enzymatic browning reaction. Within the temperature range of 110-150 °C, the reaction rate of L-ascorbic acid/lysine system was the fastest one, followed by that of the L-ascorbic acid/arginine system. The reaction rate of L-ascorbic acid/histidine system was the slowest one. Based on the observed kinetic data, the formation mechanisms of browning products were proposed.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on the content of triglyceride (TG), as well as on the gene and protein expressions of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the liver of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) so as to provide theoretical basis for exploring the mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates TG. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=25), with different treatments and detected the gene and protein expressions of AdipoR2, p38MAPK, and LPL in the liver tissue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Meanwhile, the content of TG in the liver tissue was detected by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The expression of AdipoR2, p38MAPK, LPL gene and protein in the liver of VitD intervention group was significantly higher than that in T2DM group (P <0.05), while the TG content was significantly lower than that in T2DM group (P <0.05). Conclusion: 1,25(OH)2D3 can decrease the content of TG in the liver, and its mechanism may be achieved by upregulating the expressions of AdipoR2, p38MAPK, and LPL in the liver.

This study aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) in the expression of tight junction proteins and permeability alterations in rat glomerular endothelial cells (rGENCs) under hypoxia conditions. The expression level of HIF-2α and tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) in rGENCs were examined following 5% oxygen density exposure at different treatment times. HIF-2α lentivirus transfection was used to knockdown HIF-2α expression. Cells were divided into four groups: 1) control group (rGENCs were cultured under normal oxygen conditions), 2) hypoxia group (rGENCs were cultured under hypoxic conditions), 3) negative control group (rGENCs were infected with HIF-2α lentivirus negative control vectors and cultured under hypoxic conditions), and 4) Len group (rGENCs were transfected with HIF-2α lentivirus and cultured under hypoxic conditions). The hypoxia, negative control, and Len groups were kept in a hypoxic chamber (5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2) for 24 h and the total content of occludin and ZO-1, and the permeability of rGENCs were assessed. With increasing hypoxia time, the expression of HIF-2α gradually increased, while the expression of occludin decreased, with a significant difference between groups. ZO-1 expression gradually decreased under hypoxia conditions, but the difference between the 24 and 48 h groups was not significant. The permeability of cells increased following 24-h exposure to hypoxia compared to the control group (P<0.01). The knockdown of HIF-2α expression significantly increased occludin and ZO-1 content compared with hypoxia and negative control groups (P<0.01), while permeability was reduced (P<0.01). Hypoxia increased HIF-2α content, inducing permeability of rGENCs through the reduced expression of occludin and ZO-1.

Resumo Introdução: O papel da ativação de plaquetas na inflamação alérgica recebeu atenção crescente. A imunoterapia sublingual para rinite alérgica pode modificar o processo imunológico a um alérgeno, em vez de tratar os sintomas simplesmente. Objetivo: Explorar o papel da ativação plaquetária durante a imunoterapia sublingual em crianças com rinite alérgica. Método: Quarenta e duas crianças com rinite alérgica sensibilizadas por ácaros de poeira domiciliar (APD) foram inscritas e receberam extrato de alérgeno de APD para imunoterapia sublingual ou placebo. O soro de diferentes pontos no tempo durante o tratamento foi recolhido e usado para a detecção de fator 4 plaquetário e concentração de beta-tromboglobulina por ensaio imunoenzimático. Resultados: Nossos dados mostraram diminuição da expressão de fator 4 plaquetário e proteína beta-tromboglobulina após imunoterapia sublingual de um ano. Além disso, a diminuição dos escores de sintomas e o fator 4 plaquetário sérico e concentrações de proteína beta-tromboglobulina foram relacionados de maneira positiva. Conclusão: Durante imunoterapia sublingual, a ativação plaquetária foi inibida significativamente. Os nossos resultados podem indicar que a inibição da ativação de plaquetas dentro da circulação sistêmica é um mecanismo importante durante imunoterapia sublingual.

Abstract Introduction: The role of platelet activation in allergic inflammation is receiving increasing attention. Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis can modify the immunological process to an allergen, rather than simply treating symptoms. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the role of platelet activation during sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis. Methods: Forty-two House Dust Mite - sensitized children with allergic rhinitis were enrolled and received House Dust Mite allergen extract for sublingual immunotherapy or placebo. Serum of different time points during treatment was collected and used for detection of Platelet Factor-4 and Beta-Thromboglobulin concentration by Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. Results: Our data showed decreased expression of Platelet Factor-4 and Beta-Thromboglobulin protein after one year's sublingual immunotherapy. In addition, the decrease of symptom scores and serum Platelet Factor-4 and Beta-Thromboglobulin protein concentrations was positively related. Conclusion: During sublingual immunotherapy, platelet activation was inhibited significantly. Our results might indicate that inhibition of platelet activation within the systemic circulation is an important mechanism during sublingual immunotherapy.

ABSTRACT Quantifying the effects of environmental conditions on grain quality of foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv.) is critical for large-scale promotion of high-quality foxtail millet according to local conditions. We analyzed quantitative correlation between grain quality of foxtail millet and environmental factors during the growing season (May-September) using multivariate statistical analysis under different ecological conditions at five representative locations across Shanxi Province, China. Based on the results of principal component analysis, the first principal component, which explained 58.22% of total variance in grain quality, was selected to represent the comprehensive quality of foxtail millet. The results of gray relational analysis showed that the difference in grain quality across different locations was mainly affected by altitude (grey relational grade [GRG] = 0.8137), followed by precipitation (GRG = 0.7744), diurnal temperature range (GRG = 0.6816), latitude (GRG = 0.5417), sunshine hours (GRG = 0.5052), and ≥ 20 °C accumulated temperature (GRG = 0.4517). The precipitation of July and diurnal temperature range of July-September had the greatest effect on grain quality of foxtail millet. Stepwise regression and path analyses revealed that altitude, precipitation, and ≥ 20 °C accumulated temperature were the major environmental factors affecting grain quality of foxtail millet, which determined 99% of total variance in grain quality. Altitude and precipitation exhibited a significant positive effect, while ≥ 20 °C accumulated temperature showed a significant negative effect. The regression equation proposed in this study (P = 0.0048, R2 = 0.99) can be used to predict and forecast grain quality of foxtail millet.

ABSTRACT Objective: Enterococcus faecalis is the dominant microbial species responsible for persistent apical periodontitis with ability to deeply penetrate into the dentin. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) contribute to the pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of E. faecalis. Our aim was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide (CH), camphorated parachlorophenol (CMCP), and chlorhexidine (CHX) against E. faecalis in dentinal tubules. Material and Methods: Decoronated single-canal human teeth and semicylindrical dentin blocks were incubated with E. faecalis for 3 weeks. Samples were randomly assigned to six medication groups for 1 week (n=10 per group): CH + 40% glycerin-water solution (1:1, wt/vol); CMCP; 2% CHX; CH + CMCP (1:1, wt/vol); CH + CMCP (2:3, wt/vol); and saline. Bacterial samples were collected and assayed for colony-forming units. After dentin blocks were split longitudinally, confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess the proportion of viable bacteria and EPS production in dentin. Results: CMCP exhibited the best antimicrobial activity, while CH was the least sensitive against E. faecalis (p<0.05). CHX showed similar antimicrobial properties to CH + CMCP (1:1, wt/vol) (p>0.05). CH combined with CMCP inhibited EPS synthesis by E. faecalis, which sensitized biofilms to antibacterial substances. Moreover, increasing concentrations of CMCP decreased EPS matrix formation, which effectively sensitized biofilms to disinfection agents. Conclusion: The EPS matrix dispelled by CH paste with CMCP may be related to its bactericidal effect; the visualization and analysis of EPS formation and microbial colonization in dentin may be a useful approach to verify medicaments for antimicrobial therapy.

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential role of CAMK II pathway in the compression-regulated OPG expression in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). Material and Methods The PDL tissue model was developed by 3-D culturing human PDLCs in a thin sheet of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffolds, which was subjected to static compression of 25 g/cm2 for 3, 6 and 12 h, with or without treatment of KN-93. After that, the expression of OPG, RANKL and NFATC2 was investigated through real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Results After static compression, the NFATC2 and RANKL expression was significantly up-regulated, while partially suppressed by KN-93 for 6 and 12 h respectively. The OPG expression was significantly down-regulated by compression in 3 h, started to elevate in 6 h, and significantly up-regulated in 12 h. The up-regulation after 12 h was significantly suppressed by KN-93. Conclusions Long-term static compression increases OPG expression in PDLCs, at least partially, via the CAMK II pathway.