Abstract Objective: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by a rich infiltration of macrophages in the intestines, which is derived from monocytes in the blood. The authors aimed to explore the changing trend of absolute monocyte counts (AMC) over time in NEC infants and to verify whether the reduction of AMC correlates with the severity of NEC and whether it can be used to identify infants who need surgery. Method: The authors collected the clinical data of 66 control and 222 NEC infants. The NEC infants were divided into medical NEC (M-NEC) and surgical NEC (S-NEC). The counting of mono-cyte and their percentage change were compared at the time of birth, before NEC (baseline), the onset of NEC and after NEC (recovery). In addition, the same comparison was made among stages 1, 2 and 3 of Bell’s staging, respectively. Results: The authors found that the AMC in NEC infants decreased sharply at the onset. Further comparison was made between 172 cases of M-NEC and 50 cases of S-NEC. It was discovered that the AMC reduced more in S-NEC infants at onset, but it increased more at recovery. In addition, the authors found that among stage 1,2 and 3, stage 3 had the lowest AMC and the largest percentage decrease at the onset. Conclusion: The AMC decreases sharply in NEC infants at onset, and the degree of decline is associated with the severity of NEC. AMC is expected to be a marker of NEC and provide a reference for clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of NEC.

ABSTRACT To solve the problems of a large number of clods remaining in potatoes after mechanized harvesting in northern heavy clay soil planting areas in China and requiring much labor to separate clods from potatoes, which leads to a heavy workload, inefficiency and a low cleaning rate, an RGB-D-based Mask R-CNN dynamic potato identification model is established by using acquired RBG-D image data of untreated potatoes after mechanized harvesting, and a potato cleaning method is presented in this paper. This makes it possible to automatically separate clod impurities from potatoes. The experimental results showed that the prediction accuracy of the identification model is more than 97%. With the increase in cleaning conveyance speed, the prediction accuracy of the model and the actual cleaning precision show a downward trend. Comprehensively considering the potato cleaning efficiency and accuracy, when the speed is set to 0.4 m·s−1, the cleaning precision reaches as high as 96.35%. This research provides a method and theoretical reference for the further study of intelligent potato cleaning systems.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the nutritional value of qamgur (Brassica rapa L., a characteristic crop in Xinjiang). The fresh qamgur was processed with hot air drying and freeze drying and then sliced into FD qamgur slices and ground into qamgur powders. The results show that qamgur powders and FD qamgur slices are rich in the nutrients essential for human health, such as total sugar (41.4 and 44.8 g/100 g), polysaccharide (16.3 × 103 and 20.4 × 103 g/100 g), Vitamin C (39.3 and 46.5 g/100 g), flavonoids (45.0 and 33.0 g/100 g) and total saponins (46.0 and 30.0 g/100 g) compared with the fresh qamgur. Moreover, major elements and micro elements analysis were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and the results showed that an abundant number of mineral elements (e.g. K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) were found in qamgur. The content of Ca was 4.5×103 mg/kg, 15.7 mg/kg for Zn, and 81.1 mg/kg for Fe. Similarly, the highest protein value was observed in the qamgur powders (12.4 g/100 g), whereas the fresh samples contained only 2.78 g/100 g. In addition, the proportion of essential amino acids (EAA) and nonessential amino acids (NEAA) of the powders were 59.7% and 40.3%, whereas for the FD slices, they were 61.0% and 39.0%. Overall, the nutritional value of qamgur was significantly improved through processing. So, in this paper, we provide the theoretical basis for the study on the nutritional value of qamgur and the development of medicinal foods and functional foods.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex, multisystem disease, affecting large populations worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex polygenic disease that causes hyperglycemia and accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes mellitus cases. We conducted a randomized, controlled single-blind study to observe how dietary care with restriction of carbohydrate absorption affects glucose and lipid metabolism in elderly patients with T2DM. Participants in the control group (Group C) received usual care and in the experimental group (Group E) white common bean extract (WCBE) was given before meals. The trial was divided into two periods: intensive and maintenance intervention periods. Glucose and lipid metabolic parameters of both groups were monitored over the study period. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Group E was lower than in Group C at the end of the 2- and 4-month, and significantly decline from baseline. The area under curve of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose after 2- and 4-month intervention than baseline in Group E and were all significantly lower than in Group C after the intervention. Both High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) also improved in group E (P < 0.05). In the clinical management of elderly patients with T2DM, this individualized model of care without restricting carbohydrate intake can effectively improve patients' glucose metabolism. The effect of this care model is similar to that of a low-carbohydrate diet care model. Therefore, this regimen could be a novel antidiabetic approach for patients with T2DM who are unwilling to restrict their carbohydrate intake.

The mechanical properties, texture and microstructural evolution of a 6111 aluminum alloy during hot rolling and cold rolling deformation were systematically investigated in this article. The results show that cold rolling and hot rolling have significant effects on the tensile behaviors of the alloy. The shear texture and recrystallization texture mainly formed during the hot rolling deformation process, while the rolling texture mainly formed during the cold rolling deformation. The grain refinement mechanisms depend significantly on the rolling process. Movement of shear zone and recrystallization are the main grain refinement mechanisms during the hot rolling process, while dislocations tangling is the main grain refinement mechanism during the cold rolling process. The recrystallization textures and shear textures affect the anisotropy in elongation but the rolling textures affect significantly the anisotropy in yield strength.

Abstract Under the background of climate change, the increase of atmospheric CO2 and drought frequency have been considered as significant influencers on the soil microbial communities and the yield and quality of crop. In this study, impacts of increased ambient CO2 and drought on soil microbial structure and functional diversity of a Stagnic Anthrosol were investigated in phytotron growth chambers, by testing two representative CO2 levels, three soil moisture levels, and two soil cover types (with or without Glycine max). The 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA fragments were amplified to analyze the functional diversity of fungi and bacteria. Results showed that rhizosphere microbial biomass and community structure were significantly affected by drought, but effects differed between fungi and bacteria. Drought adaptation of fungi was found to be easier than that of bacteria. The diversity of fungi was less affected by drought than that of bacteria, evidenced by their higher diversity. Severe drought reduced soil microbial functional diversity and restrained the metabolic activity. Elevated CO2 alone, in the absence of crops (bare soil), did not enhance the metabolic activity of soil microorganisms. Generally, due to the co-functioning of plant and soil microorganisms in water and nutrient use, plants have major impacts on the soil microbial community, leading to atmospheric CO2 enrichment, but cannot significantly reduce the impacts of drought on soil microorganisms.

Objective:To evaluate whether or not highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with carotid artery stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients in Henan Province, China.Method:Fifty human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with at least a 5-year history of highly active antiretroviral therapy use and 50 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients without a history of highly active antiretroviral therapy use were enrolled in this study. Carotid artery intima-media thickness and stiffness were determined by quantitative inter-media thickness and quantitative artery stiffness, respectively.Results:No statistically significant difference in carotid artery intima-media thickness and stiffness was observed between groups. A significant association between human immunodeficiency virus infection time and carotid artery stiffness was observed, but no significant association between human immunodeficiency virus infection time and intima-media thickness was found. No significant association between intima-media thickness, stiffness, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts were observed.Conclusion:The first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy currently used in China is not associated with carotid artery stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with good highly active antiretroviral therapy compliance. Human immunodeficiency virus may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis.

This paper discusses a new method for identification and simulation of the hydrocarbon expulsion history of Effective Source Rocks (ESR) in the Dongying Formation (Ed), Bohai sea area, Bohai Bay basin, eastern China. This new method enables us to reliably identify the distribution and quantitatively determine the hydrocarbon expulsion history of ESR in petroliferous basins. ESR are the material basis for hydrocarbon accumulation, having important implications for oil and gas exploration prospects. The Bohai Bay basin is one of the most petroliferous basins in China, with nearly one third of the total oil production of the country. However, insufficient research on the ESR in the Dongying Formation (Ed), Bohai sea area, Bohai Bay basin obstructs further exploration. In this paper, ESR of Ed are identified with the new "two-stage and three-step" method, and their planar distribution is predicted by combining well data with sedimentary facies, and structure distribution. On that basis, the hydrocarbon expulsion history of ESR in the 2nd Member (E3d2) and 3rd Member (E3d3) of Ed was systematically simulated by using the hydrocarbon generation potential method. The results show that the ESR of E3d2 are distributed in four sags of Bohai Sea area, while the ESR of E3d3 occur in seven sags. Hydrocarbon expulsion from the ESR of E3d2 began during the deposition period of the Minghuazhen Formation Nm) (12 Ma) with a hydrocarbon expulsion quantity of 42 x10(8) t. The hydrocarbon expulsion centers were located in the Bozhong, Huanghekou, Qikou and Bodong sags. Hydrocarbon expulsion from the ESR of E3d3 began around 16.6 Ma ago (hydrocarbon expulsion quantity of 84x10(8) t), and the hydrocarbon expulsion centers were located in the Bozhong, Qinnan, Huanghekou, Liaozhong, Nanpu and Qikou sags. In conclusion, the hydrocarbon expulsion centers of the ESR of E3d are mainly located in Bozhong, Huanghekou, Qikou and Bodong sags, with late-stage hydrocarbon expulsion (16.6-2 Ma), which is advantageous to hydrocarbon accumulation and preservation. The uplifts and slope belts around the hydrocarbon expulsion centers would be favorable exploration targets.

En este artículo se discute un nuevo método para la identificación y simulación de la historia de expulsión de hidrocarburos de la Roca Madre Efectiva (RME) en la Formación Dongying (E3d), área del Mar de Bohai, cuenca de la Bahía de Bohai, este de China. Este nuevo método permite identificar de manera confiable la distribución y determinar cuantitativamente la historia de expulsión de hidrocarburos de las RME en cuencas petrolíferas. Las RME son la base material para la acumulación de hidrocarburos y tienen implicaciones importantes para prospectos de exploración de petróleo y gas. La cuenca de la Bahía de Bohai es una de las más ricas en petróleo de China, con cerca de un tercio de la producción total de petróleo en el país. Sin embargo, la investigación de las RME de la Formación Dongying (E3d) en la cuenca de la Bahía de Bohai es aún insuficiente, lo que ha obstruido el avance de la exploración. En este trabajo, se indentifican las RME de E3d con el nuevo método de "dos etapas y tres pasos", y su distribución planar se predice por medio de la combinación de datos de pozos con facies sedimentarias y distribución de estructuras. Con base en lo anterior se simuló sistemáticamente la historia de expulsión de hidrocarburos de las RME en el 2°Miembro (E3d2) y el 3er Miembro (E3d3) de E3dpor medio de la aplicación del método de potencial de generación de hidrocarburos. Los resultados muestran que las RME de E3d2 están distribuidas en cuatro depresiones ("sags") del área del Mar de Bohai, mientras que las RME de E3d3 se presentan en siete depresiones. La expulsión de hidrocarburos de las RME de E3d2 inició en el periodo de depósito de la Formación Minghuazhen (N1m) (12 Ma) con la expulsión de 42x 10(8) t. Los centros de expulsión se localizan en las depresiones de Bozhong, Huanghekou, Qikou y Bodong. La expulsión de hidrocarburos de las RME de E3d3 inició a ~16.6 Ma con la expulsión de 84x10(8) t, y los centros de expulsión se localizaron en las depresiones Bozhong, Qinnan, Huanghekou, Liaozhong, Nanpu y Qikou. En conclusión, los centros de expulsión de hidrocarburos de las RME de E3d se localizan principalmente en las depresiones Bozhong, Huanghekou, Qikou y Bodong, con expulsión de hidrocarburos tardía (16.6-2 Ma), lo cual es ventajoso para la acumulación y preservación de hidrocarburos. Los levantamientos ("uplifts") y cinturones de talud que rodean a los centros de expulsión de hidrocarburos serían blancos de exploración favorables.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a preliminary assessment of in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as an alternative to the more costly commercial test for detection of asymptomatic infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and to provide much needed demographic data on infection indicators within the Trinidad and Tobago public health care system. METHODS: An inexpensive in-house nested-PCR with an Internal Amplification Control was used to detect C. trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in urine samples collected from 273 apparently healthy, pregnant women from March-September 2004 in Trinidad, West Indies. Demographic information on participants was collected and subjected to statistical analyses. RESULTS: C. trachomatis was detected in 57/273 (21%) samples, of which 5 (2%) were also positive for N. gonorrhoeae. Infection correlated well with certain demographic parameters, with the highest incidence of C. trachomatis infection found among pregnant women that were single or of African descent. CONCLUSIONS: Given the lack of commercial tests in Trinidad, in-house PCR is an inexpensive alternative that can be used to detect asymptomatic infections of C. trachomatis and to provide demographic information needed for interventions by the public health care system.

OBJETIVOS: Hacer una evaluación preliminar de un sistema autóctono para la detección de la infección asintomática por Chlamydia trachomatis mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP), como alternativa a los costosos sistemas comerciales, y ofrecer datos demográficos muy necesarios relacionados con los indicadores de esta infección en el sistema de salud pública de Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODOS: Se empleó un sistema autóctono y económico de RCP anidada con control interno de la amplificación para la detección de C. trachomatis y Neisseria gonorrhoeae en muestras de orina de 273 mujeres embarazadas asintomáticas, entre marzo y septiembre de 2004 en Trinidad y Tobago, Indias Occidentales. Se obtuvo la información demográfica de las participantes y se sometió a análisis estadístico. RESULTADOS: Se detectó C. trachomatis en 57/273 (21%) muestras, de las cuales 5 (2%) fueron también positivas para N. gonorrhoeae. La infección se correlacionó bien con algunos parámetros demográficos; la mayor incidencia de la infección por C. trachomatis se observó en las mujeres embarazadas solteras o de ascendencia africana. CONCLUSIONES: Debido al déficit de sistemas de diagnóstico comerciales en Trinidad, la RCP autóctona es una alternativa económica que puede emplearse para detectar la infección asintomática por C. trachomatis y obtener la información demográfica necesaria para que el sistema de salud pública implemente intervenciones.