Abstract Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) plays a key role in tea processing. It catalyzes the conversion of tea polyphenols into theaflavin and its derivatives. PPO was partially purified and characterized in both its soluble form (sPPO) and membrane-bound form (mPPO) from tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves. Both forms were purified by three-phase partitioning and membrane ultrafiltration. sPPO and mPPO showed high activity against diphenols as substrate and had the highest affinity for catechol and caffeic acid. The optimum temperatures and pH for enzyme activity were different. mPPO was more stable than sPPO in the acidic pH range. Among the chemical inhibitors studied, oxalic acid exerted the highest inhibitory effect on mPPO, whereas EDTA showed the highest inhibitory effect on sPPO. Both sPPO and mPPO showed similar enzymatic synthesis rates in the formation of theaflavin-3'-gallate and theaflavin-3,3'-gallate. At high concentrations of the substrate, the synthesis of theaflavins was inhibited due to the presence of high levels of ester catechins. However, mPPO showed stronger stability against inhibition by ester catechins than sPPO.

Abstract Pain is a significant problem worldwide that affects the quality of life of patients. Dezocine is a non-addictive analgesic drug with kappa-opioid antagonist activity and has been successfully used to alleviate of postoperative pain. In addition, dezocine has an analgesic effect similar to that of morphine, alleviating moderate to severe pain. Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (RAPGEF3) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for GTPases Rap1 and Rap2, which could enhance the activity of Rap1 to promote cell adhesion and axon regeneration, as well as promote neurite extension by interacting with nerve growth factors. Here, we first observed that overexpression of RAPGEF3 increased cell viability, as shown by a CCK-8 assay, and recovered brain function in rats. The expression of inflammation-related factors at the mRNA level was detected using qPCR, and the concentration of these factors in a cultured cell medium and rat serum samples were decreased as shown by ELISA after RAPGEF3 overexpression. Through western blotting, we further found that pro-inflammatory proteins were decreased, and these effects might be mediated by inhibition of the Ras/p-38 MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, we speculated that RAPGEF3overexpression enhances the therapeutic effect of dezocine on neuropathic pain by inhibiting the inflammatory response through inhibition of the Ras/p-38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Abstract We recently demonstrated that a co-culture system of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) could enhance angiogenesis ability in vitro. However, whether tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) could promote blood vessel formation during pulp regeneration remained unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TNF-α on the formation of endothelial tubules and vascular networks in a co-culture system of hDPSCs and HUVECs. hDPSCs were co-cultured with HUVECs at a ratio of 1:5. The Matrigel assay was performed to detect the total tubule branching lengths and numbers of branches, and the Cell-Counting Kit 8 assay was performed to examine the effect of TNF-α on cell proliferation. Real-time polymerase chain reactions and western blot were used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expression. The Matrigel assay showed significantly greater total branching lengths and numbers of branches formed in the experimental groups treated with different concentrations of TNF-α compared with the control group. The decomposition times of the tubule structures were also significantly prolonged (P < 0.05). Treatment with 50 ng/ml TNF-α did not significantly change the proliferation of co-cultured cells, but it significantly increased the VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels (p < 0.05). In addition, the migration abilities of HUVECs and hDPSCs increased after co-culture with TNF-α (p < 0.05). TNF-α enhanced angiogenic ability in vitro in the co-culture system of hDPSCs and HUVECs.

Posterior long-segment spinal fusion may lead to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). The present study sought to identify the appropriate fusion levels required in order to prevent PJK using finite element analysis. A finite element model was constructed based on the whole-spine computed tomography findings of a healthy adult. Nine commonly used posterior spinal fusion methods were selected. Stress on the annulus fibrosis fibers, the posterior ligamentous complex, and the vertebrae after various spinal fusions in the upright position were compared. This study was divided into two groups: non-fusion and fusion. In the former, the stress between the T10 and the upper thoracic vertebrae was higher. Comparing thoracic and lumbar segments in the fusion group, the peak stress values of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) were mainly observed in T2 and L2 whilst those of the UIV+1 were observed in T10 and L2. After normalization, the peak stress values of the UIV and UIV+1 were located in T2 and L2. Similarly, the peak stress values of the annulus fibrosus at the upper adjacent level were on T10 and L2 after normalization. However, the peak stress values of the interspinal/supraspinal complex forces were concentrated on T11, T12, and L1 after normalization whilst the peak stress value of the pedicle screw was on T2. Controversy remains over the fusion of T10, and this study simulated testing conditions with gravitational loading only. However, further assessment is needed prior to reaching definitive conclusions.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar a prevalência e fatores de impacto de tendências de somatização (TS) em adolescentes em três províncias do leste da China. Um estudo transversal multicêntrico baseado em escolas foi realizado nessas províncias de 2015 a 2016. A amostra incluiu 11.153 estudantes entre 13 e 18 anos que foram selecionados aleatoriamente usando uma técnica de amostragem estratificada por clusters multi-fase. Também elaboramos um estudo caso-controle multicêntrico baseado em escolas para avaliar o impacto ambiental potencial de fatores de TS nessa população. A taxa positiva geral de TS entre adolescentes do leste chinês foi de 12,1%. O escore de sintomas somáticos (SSS) e taxa positiva de TS foram mais altos entre mulheres do que homens. Adicionalmente, o SSS e taxa positiva de TS para o grupo de 18 anos foram significativamente mais altos do que em outros grupos etários. Em comparação com os habitantes de áreas urbanas, adolescentes de áreas rurais tiveram SSS e taxa positiva de ST significativamente mais altos. Análises de regressão múltipla condicional revelaram que o histórico de saúde da família; scores de ansiedade e depressão; crenças supersticiosas; adolescentes deixados para trás; apoio de professores a estudantes; conflito familiar; e independência familiar e orientação para sucesso estavam significativamente relacionadas a TS em adolescentes. O modelo também indicou que o histórico de saúde da família era o fator de impacto mais forte para TS em adolescentes, ainda que TS sejam prevalentes nas três províncias do leste da China estudadas. Gênero, idade e diferenças residenciais foram muito significativos para o SSS e taxa positiva de TS entre adolescentes. Este estudo conclui que TS entre adolescentes são influenciadas por múltiplos ambientes.

The aim of this study is at examining the prevalence and impact factors of adolescent somatization tendencies (ST) across three eastern Chinese provinces. A multicenter school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in these provinces from 2015 to 2016. The sample included 11,153 middle-school students aged 13-18 years, who were randomly selected using a multi-phase stratified cluster sampling technique. We also designed a multicenter school-based case-control study to evaluate the potential environmental impact of ST factors on this population. The overall positive rate of ST among the eastern Chinese adolescents was 12.1%. Somatic symptoms score (SSS) and positive ST rate were higher in females than males. Additionally, the SSS and positive ST rate for the 18-year-old group were significantly higher than in other age groups. In comparison to those in urban areas, adolescents in rural areas had significantly higher SSS and positive ST rate. Multiple conditional regression analyses revealed that family medical history, anxiety and depression scores; superstitious beliefs; left-behind adolescents; teacher-student support; family conflict; and family independence and achievement orientation were significantly linked to ST in adolescents. The models also indicated family medical history was the strongest impact factor to adolescent ST, even though ST were prevalent in the three studied eastern Chinese provinces. Gender, age, and dwelling differences were very significant in the SSS and positive ST rate in adolescents. This study concludes that adolescent ST are influenced by multiple environments.

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la prevalencia y factores de impacto de las tendencias de somatización adolescentes (TS) en tres provincias orientales chinas. Se realizó un estudio trasversal multicéntrico, basado en escolares de estas provincias de 2015 a 2016. La muestra incluyó a 11.153 estudiantes de secundaria, con edades comprendidas entre los 13-18 años, que fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente, usando a técnicas de muestreo multifase estratificado por conglomerados. También se diseñó un estudio multicéntrico escolar de caso-control para evaluar el potencial impacto ambiental de factores TS en esta población. La tasa positiva general de TS entre adolescentes chinos orientales fue un 12,1%. El marcador de síntomas somáticos (SSS, por sus siglas en inglés) y tasa positiva de TS fueron más altos en mujeres que en hombres. Asimismo, las tasas SSS y TS positiva para el grupo de 18 años de edad fueron significativamente más altas que en otros grupos de edad. En comparación con quienes vivían en áreas urbanas, los adolescentes en áreas rurales contaban con tasas significativamente más altas de SSS y TS positivas. Los análisis de regresión múltiple condicional revelaron que el historial médico familiar, los marcadores de ansiedad y depresión; creencias supersticiosas; adolescentes a la zaga respecto al resto del grupo; el apoyo profesor-estudiante; conflictos familiares; e independencia familiar, así como la orientación de logros estuvieron vinculados a las TS en adolescentes. Los modelos también indicaron que el historial médico familiar fue el impacto más fuerte para las TS en adolescentes, a pesar de que las TS fueron prevalentes en las tres provincias chinas estudiadas. El género, edad, y las diferencias de vivienda fueron muy significativas en la tasas de SSS y TS positivas en adolescentes. Este estudio llega a la conclusión de que las TS adolescentes estaban influenciadas por múltiples entornos.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar a prevalência e fatores de impacto de tendências de somatização (TS) em adolescentes em três províncias do leste da China. Um estudo transversal multicêntrico baseado em escolas foi realizado nessas províncias de 2015 a 2016. A amostra incluiu 11.153 estudantes entre 13 e 18 anos que foram selecionados aleatoriamente usando uma técnica de amostragem estratificada por clusters multi-fase. Também elaboramos um estudo caso-controle multicêntrico baseado em escolas para avaliar o impacto ambiental potencial de fatores de TS nessa população. A taxa positiva geral de TS entre adolescentes do leste chinês foi de 12,1%. O escore de sintomas somáticos (SSS) e taxa positiva de TS foram mais altos entre mulheres do que homens. Adicionalmente, o SSS e taxa positiva de TS para o grupo de 18 anos foram significativamente mais altos do que em outros grupos etários. Em comparação com os habitantes de áreas urbanas, adolescentes de áreas rurais tiveram SSS e taxa positiva de ST significativamente mais altos. Análises de regressão múltipla condicional revelaram que o histórico de saúde da família; scores de ansiedade e depressão; crenças supersticiosas; adolescentes deixados para trás; apoio de professores a estudantes; conflito familiar; e independência familiar e orientação para sucesso estavam significativamente relacionadas a TS em adolescentes. O modelo também indicou que o histórico de saúde da família era o fator de impacto mais forte para TS em adolescentes, ainda que TS sejam prevalentes nas três províncias do leste da China estudadas. Gênero, idade e diferenças residenciais foram muito significativos para o SSS e taxa positiva de TS entre adolescentes. Este estudo conclui que TS entre adolescentes são influenciadas por múltiplos ambientes.

The aim of this study is at examining the prevalence and impact factors of adolescent somatization tendencies (ST) across three eastern Chinese provinces. A multicenter school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in these provinces from 2015 to 2016. The sample included 11,153 middle-school students aged 13-18 years, who were randomly selected using a multi-phase stratified cluster sampling technique. We also designed a multicenter school-based case-control study to evaluate the potential environmental impact of ST factors on this population. The overall positive rate of ST among the eastern Chinese adolescents was 12.1%. Somatic symptoms score (SSS) and positive ST rate were higher in females than males. Additionally, the SSS and positive ST rate for the 18-year-old group were significantly higher than in other age groups. In comparison to those in urban areas, adolescents in rural areas had significantly higher SSS and positive ST rate. Multiple conditional regression analyses revealed that family medical history, anxiety and depression scores; superstitious beliefs; left-behind adolescents; teacher-student support; family conflict; and family independence and achievement orientation were significantly linked to ST in adolescents. The models also indicated family medical history was the strongest impact factor to adolescent ST, even though ST were prevalent in the three studied eastern Chinese provinces. Gender, age, and dwelling differences were very significant in the SSS and positive ST rate in adolescents. This study concludes that adolescent ST are influenced by multiple environments.

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la prevalencia y factores de impacto de las tendencias de somatización adolescentes (TS) en tres provincias orientales chinas. Se realizó un estudio trasversal multicéntrico, basado en escolares de estas provincias de 2015 a 2016. La muestra incluyó a 11.153 estudiantes de secundaria, con edades comprendidas entre los 13-18 años, que fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente, usando a técnicas de muestreo multifase estratificado por conglomerados. También se diseñó un estudio multicéntrico escolar de caso-control para evaluar el potencial impacto ambiental de factores TS en esta población. La tasa positiva general de TS entre adolescentes chinos orientales fue un 12,1%. El marcador de síntomas somáticos (SSS, por sus siglas en inglés) y tasa positiva de TS fueron más altos en mujeres que en hombres. Asimismo, las tasas SSS y TS positiva para el grupo de 18 años de edad fueron significativamente más altas que en otros grupos de edad. En comparación con quienes vivían en áreas urbanas, los adolescentes en áreas rurales contaban con tasas significativamente más altas de SSS y TS positivas. Los análisis de regresión múltiple condicional revelaron que el historial médico familiar, los marcadores de ansiedad y depresión; creencias supersticiosas; adolescentes a la zaga respecto al resto del grupo; el apoyo profesor-estudiante; conflictos familiares; e independencia familiar, así como la orientación de logros estuvieron vinculados a las TS en adolescentes. Los modelos también indicaron que el historial médico familiar fue el impacto más fuerte para las TS en adolescentes, a pesar de que las TS fueron prevalentes en las tres provincias chinas estudiadas. El género, edad, y las diferencias de vivienda fueron muy significativas en la tasas de SSS y TS positivas en adolescentes. Este estudio llega a la conclusión de que las TS adolescentes estaban influenciadas por múltiples entornos.

RESUMEN La influencia de la composición de lutitas en la capacidad de absorción del metano y el contenido de gas se analiza en este trabajo a partir de 14 muestras del pozo YS8 en la cuenca de Sichuan, al suroeste de China. Los resultados muestran que la capacidad de absorción Langmuir para las lutitas de Longmaxi es principalmente una función del contenido de Carbono Orgánico Total (TOC, del inglés Total Organic Carbon). Cuando el índice TOC es el 50 % del CH4 (capacidad máxima de absorción de la función Langmuir) es absorbido por la superficie de materia orgánica. El contenido mineral tiene un control limitado en la capacidad de absorción de las lutitas de Longmaxi. La materia orgánica también tiene un control mayor en el contenido de gas cuando el índice TOC es <1.0 %. Cuando el TOC es >1.0 %, el contenido del gas es constante, lo que indica que la preservación del gas es más importante que la generación del gas, y la capacidad de absorción de la roca. Diagramas de dispersión del TOC frente al contenido de Gas y de la capacidad de absorción Langmuir muestran que el TOC es <2.0 %, que el CH4 se alcanza tanto en gas libre como en gas absorbido y que este ocurre principalmente cuando el gas absorbido tiene un nivel TOC de >2.0 %.

ABSTRACT The influence of shale composition on methane adsorption capability and gas content is investigated using 14 samples from Well YS8 in the southern Sichuan Basin, China. The results show that the Langmuir adsorption capacity of the Longmaxi shale is mainly a function of the total organic carbon (TOC) content. When TOC is ~1.1%, 50% CH4 is adsorbed onto the surface of the organic matter. The mineral content has limited control on the adsorption capacity of the Longmaxi shales. Organic matter is also a major control on gas content when TOC content is <1.0%. When TOC is >1.0%, gas content remains constant, indicating that gas preservation is more important than gas generation and rock adsorption capacity. Scatter plots of TOC versus gas content and, Langmuir adsorption capacity shows that when TOC is <2.0%, CH4 occurs both as free and absorbed gas, and CH4 occurs mainly as absorbed gas when TOC is >2.0%.

ABSTRACT Phytoene synthase (PSY) is the rate-limiting enzyme for carotenoid biosynthesis. To date, several studies focused on PSY genes in the context of abiotic stress responses. In this study, two phytoene synthase encoding genes, IbPSY1 and IbPSY2, were identified from a published transcriptome and bioinformatic analysis showed that they shared conserved domains with phytoene synthases from other plants. The IbPSY1 gene was cloned and carefully characterized. Digital gene expression profiling (DGE) showed that the highest transcription level of IbPSY1 was in young leaves, and the lowest level was in stems. In vivo expression levels of IbPSY1 under abiotic stress were observed to be highest in stems at day 11. Over-expression of IbPSY1 in Escherichia coli and yeast cells endowed the cells with better growth under salt and drought stress than the control cells. This study demonstrated that IbPSY1 not only played an important role in vivo, but also in E. coli and yeast to improve tolerance to salinity and drought stress. Thus, IbPSY1 may be aid in the development of transgenic plants with enhanced stress tolerance.

Abstract Wide compatibility and erect panicles are important traits for heterosis and ideal plant type breeding in rice and accordingly are targets for rice yield improvement. In this study, a multiplex PCR system based on functional markers was developed to simultaneously identify genotypes of the wide compatibility allele S5-n and the erect panicle allele dep1. Forty-nine rice varieties in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China were identified using this system. Thirty-three varieties contained the erect panicle allele dep1 and two varieties contained the wide compatibility allele S5-n. The frequency of dep1 was obviously higher than that of S5-n. The multiplex PCR method was also tested using an F2 segregating population and was found to be simple, efficient, and reliable. It will be useful in marker-assisted selection based on the wide compatibility allele S5-n and erect panicle allele dep1 to breed super rice varieties using indica and japonica heterosis.

Li doped bismuth oxide nanorods have been prepared using sodium bismuthate and Li acetate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the nanorods are composed of monoclinic Bi2O4 and cubic LiBi12O18.50 phases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation shows that the nanorods have the length and diameter of 1-5 µm and 50-350 nm, respectively. The formation of the Li doped bismuth oxide nanorods is closely relative to the hydrothermal conditions. The electrochemical performance for the determination of L-cysteine based on a Li doped bismuth oxide nanorods modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been developed. The CV peak current increases obviously and linearly with increasing the scan rate. Under the optimal conditions, Li doped bismuth oxide nanorods modified GCE exhibits good analytical performance with good reproducibility and stability. The linear range of L-cysteine is 0.0001-2 mM and the detection limit is 0.36 µM and 0.17 µM for cvp1 and cvp2, respectively.

El terremoto de Wenchuan, el 12 de mayo de 2008, generó una gran cantidad de material sólido suelto que puede producir flujos de detritos devastadores. En los años posteriores al terremoto han ocurrido deslizamientos a gran escala individuales y simultáneos que han causado daño a los habitantes reubicados y a los esfuerzos de reconstrucción. Las ciudades reconstruidas de Yingxiu, Yinxing y Miansi han sufrido flujos de detritos y otros desastres secundarios desde el terremoto, y no están exentas de eventos futuros. Un evento simultáneo de flujo de detritos afectó a cuatro localidades del condado de Wenchuan, a lo largo de la autopista de Duwen, parte de la carretera nacional 213, en la medianoche del 10 de julio de 2013, después de una lluvia extrema de 176,2 mm 24h-1. Los movimientos de detritos ocurrieron en siete pendientes. Un total de 1500 personas resultaron afectadas debido a la destrucción en áreas de reasentamiento, fábricas, estaciones eléctricas y viviendas. Debido a este devastador hecho, el tráfico de la autopista Duwen estuvo interrumpido durante el período del desastre y mientras se recuperaba la zona. Este estudio se enfoca en el deslizamiento del Puente Lianshan, donde se analizaron las características y las causas del flujo de detritos basados en investigaciones de campo, interpretación de detección remota y experimentos de laboratorio. Se calcularon y analizaron los parámetros dinámicos particulares del flujo de detritos como la densidad, velocidad, descarga, volumen total y fuerza de impacto. También se analizaron los procesos dinámicos y los cambios que ocurrieron en el flujo de detritos, al igual que se estudiaron las características de bloqueo y ruptura del flujo con base en cálculos estadísticos y análisis de los parámetros dinámicos característicos. Finalmente, se propone un programa para prevenir mayores movimientos de detritos de acuerdo con la investigación de campo y basado en los análisis de las características y procesos dinámicos del flujo de material sólido suelto.

The Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, 2008, generated a significant amount of loose solid material that can produce devastating debris flows. In the five years since the earthquake, there have been many large-scale individual and group catastrophic debris flows that have caused lots of damage to the resettled population and the reconstruction efforts. The reconstructed towns of Yingxiu, Yinxing and Miansi have suffered debris flows and other secondary disasters in the past five years and are still not out of danger in the future. A debris-flow catastrophic event hit four towns of Wenchuan County along the Duwen Highway, part of China's National Highway 213, at midnight on July 10, 2013, following a local extreme rainfall of 176.2mm 24h-1. The debris flows occurred simultaneously along seven gullies. A total of 15000 people were affected due to the destruction of resettlement areas, factories, power stations, and houses. Because of this devastating event, traffic along the Duwen highway was completely disrupted during the disaster and recovery period. The present study focuses on the Lianshan Bridge debris flow gully; the disaster characteristics and cause of the debris flow were analyzed based on field investigations, remote sensing interpretation, and laboratory experiments. The particular dynamic parameters of the debris flow were calculated and analyzed including density, velocity, discharge, total volume and impact force. Also, the dynamic processes and changes that occurred in the debris flow were examined, and the block and burst characteristics of debris flow were studied based on statistical calculation and analysis dynamic characteristic parameters of debris flow. Finally, a program to prevent further debris flow was proposed according to the on-site investigation and based on the analysis of the features and dynamic processes of the debris flow.

Background: Betatrophin is a novel adipokine that provokes pancreatic β-cell proliferation and is involved in lipid metabolism. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the role of serum betatrophin in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A hospital-based, age-/gender-matched case control study was conducted. The serum betatrophin level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum concentrations of 12 adipokines were measured to assess their associations with serum betatrophin, using commercial Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panel kits. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and multivariate stepwise linear regression. Results: Serum betatrophin showed a higher level in MetS patients (997.36 ± 475.92 pg/ml, p = 0.001) compared with controls (735.35 ± 526.51 pg/ml). Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of serum betatrophin level indicated an association with higher risk of MetS (adjusted odds ratio = 3.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.191-10.413], p = 0.023). ROC curve of betatrophin was developed to predict the presence of MetS (area under ROC = 0.682 [95% CI, 0.597-0.767], p < 0.001). Furthermore, betatrophin correlated with several parameters, e.g. age (r = 0.286, p < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.160, p = 0.046), waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.241, p = 0.002), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.167, p = 0.037), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.195, p = 0.015), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.266, p = 0.001), hemoglobin A1C (r = 0.314, p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.272, p = 0.001), and various adipokines, e.g. resistin (r = 0. 571, p < 0.001), interleukin-8 (r = 0.435, p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (r = 0.295, p = 0.011) and lipocalin-2 (r = 0.346, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study supports that serum betatrophin plays an important role in MetS, involving the regulations of glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Introducción: la betatrofina es una novedosa adipoquina que provoca la proliferación de células β pancreáticas e interviene en el metabolismo de los lípidos. Objetivos: el propósito de este estudio es evaluar el papel de la betatrofina en el síndrome metabólico. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio hospitalario de casos y controles según sexo y edad. El nivel de betatrofina en suero fue evaluado mediante ensayo por inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas. Se midieron las concentraciones en suero de 12 adipoquinas para evaluar las asociaciones con la betatrofina usando los kits comerciales Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panel. Los análisis estadísticos incluyeron correlación bivariada, análisis de curva ROC y análisis de regresión lineal multivariable. Resultados: el nivel de betatrofina en suero fue más elevado en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (997,36 ± 475,92 pg/ml, p = 0,001) que en los controles (735,35 ± 526,51 pg/ml). Frente al tercil más bajo, el tercil más alto del nivel de betatrofina mostró una asociación con mayor riesgo de síndrome metabólico (odds ratio ajustado = 3,521, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% [1,191-10,413], p = 0,023). Se desarrolló la curva ROC de betatrofina para pronosticar la presencia de síndrome metabólico (área bajo la curva ROC = 0,682 [95% IC, 0,597-0,767], p < 0,001). Además, la betatrofina mostró correlación con distintos parámetros, como edad (r = 0,286, p < 0,001), índice de masa corporal (r = 0,160, p = 0,046), índice cintura-cadera (r = 0,241, p = 0,002), lipoproteína de alta densidad (r = -0,167, p = 0,037), lipoproteína de baja densidad (r = -0,195, p = 0,015), glucosa plasmática en ayunas (r = 0,266, p = 0,001), hemoglobina A1C (r = 0,314, p < 0,001), índice de resistencia a la insulina mediante HOMA (r = 0,272, p = 0,001) y diversas adipoquinas, entre ellas resistina (r = 0,571, p < 0,001), interleucina-8 (r = 0,435, p < 0,001), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (r = 0,295, p = 0,011) y lipocalina-2 (r = 0,346, p = 0,003). Conclusiones: este estudio demuestra que la betatrofina en suero desempeña una importante labor en el síndrome metabólico, implicando la regulación del metabolismo de la glucosa y los lípidos y la inflamación.

The Ordovician carbonatites of the Maigaiti slope have formed the conditions for the development of large oil and gas fields with karst reservoirs. This study systematically analyzed the isotopic characteristics of carbon, oxygen, and strontium and enrichment trace elements regularity to examine the geochemical features of the paleo-karstification products, various periods of paleo-karstification, and paleoenvironmental conditions of the Ordovician. Affected by terrigenous clasts, the Lianglitage Formation is composed of limestone with a relatively high 87Sr/86Sr value and a frequently fluctuating sea level, which exhibits an overall increasing-to-decreasing trend variation. Of all samples affected by the atmospheric freshwater leaching effect, δ18O values were negative, and δ13C values varied greatly toward both ends. The fissure/cave infills were rich in Fe and Mn but poor in Sr, and the Sr/Ba value was considerably less than 1, which confirms the existence of ancient weathered crust and the development of an atmospheric freshwater karst environment. Four different paleo-karstification periods were identified according to the carbon and oxygen isotopic characteristics of calcite. Combined with the trace element characteristics of the infills, the paleo-karstification in the Yingshan Formation was subdivided based on three hydrological environment conditions. Erosion modification of buried acid compaction-released water from late-period corrosion pores, caves, and fissures formed by syndiagenetic paleo-karstification and weathered crust bare paleo-karstification due to atmospheric freshwater leaching can significantly improve the reserving and permeability characteristics of the karst reservoir to develop a large paleokarst reservoir.

Keratin, as one of the most abundant proteins, has been widely used for bio-related applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, keratin was extracted from human hair by sulphitolysis extraction method and then blended with poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) at different proportions. The keratin/PEO mixture was dissolved in distilled water, and finally electrospun into composite nanofibers. The viscosity of keratin/PEO solution reduced with the increase of keratin mixture ratio. The viscosities of the solutions at mixture ratios of 30/70 and 40/60 keratin/PEO showed flow curves comparable with that of 6 and 4wt% pure PEO solutions, respectively. The morphology, structure, and thermal property of the composite nanofibers were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), respectively. SEM analysis revealed that the morphologies of nanofibers were determined by the keratin content of keratin/PEO blend. Bead-free nanofibers could be found when the mixture ratio of keratin was below 70 wt% in the blend. FTIR analysis indicated that electrospinning process induced structural modifications in both the crystalline microstructure of pure PEO and keratin chains with a planar conformation with respect to the helical conformation. Thermal behavior of the keratin/PEO composite nanofibers showed that a high draw occurred in the electrospinning process causing the protein chains a less complex super-molecular reorganization that denatured at lower temperatures. The keratin/PEO composite nanofibers has potential for biomaterials such as cell culture substrate.