Vegetable oils: Classification, quality analysis, nutritional value and lipidomics applications

Lipids are widespread in nature and play a pivotal role as a source of energy and nutrition for the human body. Vegetable oils (VOs) constitute a significant category in the food industry, containing various lipid components that have garnered attention for being natural, environmentally friendly and health-promoting. The review presented the classification of raw materials (RMs) from oil crops and quality analysis techniques of VOs, with the aim of improving comprehension and facilitating in-depth research of VOs. Brief descriptions were provided for four categories of VOs, and quality analysis techniques for both RMs and VOs were generalized. Furthermore, this study discussed the applications of lipidomics technology in component analysis, processing and utilization, quality determination, as well as nutritional function assessment of VOs. Through reviewing RMs and quality analysis techniques of VOs, this study aims to encourage further refinement and development in the processing and utilization of VOs, offering valuable references for theoretical and applied research in food chemistry and food science.

[Epidemiological characteristics of Yersinia enterocolitica in patients with diarrhea from 2013 to 2019 in Pudong New Area, Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Yersinia enterocolitica in patients with diarrhea in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Methods: Active surveillance of diarrhea was conducted in 14 sentinel hospitals (three tertiary-level hospitals, nine secondary-level hospitals, and two primary-level hospitals) from January 2013 to December 2019 in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China base on their location, catchment area, and patient volume. Cold enrichment method was used to isolate Y. enterocolitica and further detection of bioserotype, virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates were conducted. The difference of rates was determined using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 12 941 diarrhea cases were included, and 0.7% (88/12 941) cases were confirmed with Yersinia enterocolitica infection. 67.0% (59/88) cases were single infection, 33.0% (29/88) cases were mixed infections. Detection rates of Y. enterocolitica increased annually (0.3%-1.2%) and were highest in children<5 years of age (1.1%, 37/3 218) and in spring (1.1%, 32/2 998) (χ² were 18.64 and 9.76, respectively, P<0.05). 58.0% (51/88) cases had watery diarrhea, 15.9% (14/88) had fever and 14.8% (13/88) had vomiting. The predominant bioserotypes were 3/O:3 (53.4%, 47/88), followed by 1A/O:8 (15.9%, 14/88) and 1A/O:5(6.8%, 6/88), respectively. Bioserotype 3/O:3 counted for the highest proportions (89.2%, 33/37) in children <5 years of age. All the strains of bioserotype 3/O:3 harbored ail, ystA, yadA and virF genes, which encoded pathogenic Y. enterocolitica. 11/14 strain of 1A/O:8 and 4/6 strains of 1A/O:5 harbored ystB gene. Most strains were resistant to ampicillin (80.7%,71/88) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (71.6%,63/88), and 63.8% (56/88) strains were multidrug resistance (MDR). The difference of antimicrobial resistance rates between 3/O:3 and non 3/O:3 was statistically significant in ampicillin, cefoxitin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline and ampicillin/sulbactam (χ² was 14.68, 43.80, 41.86, 30.54 and 5.07, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusion: The detection rate of Yersinia enterocolitica was higher in children than in adults in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. The predominant bioserotype was pathogenic 3/O:3 with multidrug resistance.

[Analysis on serotype and antimicrobial resistance of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella]

Objective: To investigate the serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of seven invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) isolates. Methods: For 7 iNTS strains collected, serotype identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing were performed. We identified, annotated and analyzed the serotypes, MLST types, and antimicrobial resistance genes. Results: Among the 7 tested iNTS isolates, we found one Salmonella Typhimurium strain and two Salmonella Ⅰ 4, [5], 12: i:- strains whose MLST types were ST34, two Salmonella Enteritidis strains, one Salmonella Corvallis strain and one strain of unknown serotype with the antigenic formulae of Ⅰ 4, [5], 12: d:- (ST279 type). Six of seven strains were monophasic and the deletion or pseudogenization of Salmonella Flagellum gene might contribute to the enhancement of Salmonella invasiveness. None was found to be resistant to tigarcycline, aztreonam, amikacin, cephalosporins and carbapenem and one Salmonella Typhimurium strain was found to be co-resistant to eight classes of antimicrobials at the same time. Resistance genes were generally in accord with relative resistant phenotypes. Conclusion: The iNTS strains could show high level multi-drug resistance, indicating that close attention should be paid to the resistance of iNTS though the overall resistance might be relatively not high.

Nonequilibrium pattern formation in circularly confined two-dimensional systems with competing interactions

We numerically investigate the nonequilibrium behaviors of classic particles with competing interactions confined in a two-dimensional logarithmic trap. We reveal a quench-induced surprising dynamics exhibiting rich dynamic patterns depending upon confinement strength and trap size, which is attributed to the time-dependent competition between interparticle repulsions and attractions under a circular confinement. Moreover, in the collectively diffusive motions of the particles, we find that the emergence of dynamic structure transformation coincides with a diffusive mode transition from superdiffusion to subdiffusion. These findings are likely useful in understanding the pattern selection and evolution in various chemical and biological systems in addition to modulated systems, and add a new route to tailoring the morphology of pattern-forming systems.

[Clinical features and outcome of treatment for novel coronavirus pneumonia: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and outcome of treatment for novel coronavirus pneumonia. Methods: Literature on novel coronavirus pneumonia was retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE databases. The relevant data was extracted and a meta-analysis was performed using StatsDirect statistical software V.2.8.0 to calculate the combined odds ratio. Results: Seven studies were included, consisting of 1594 cases. The meta-analysis result showed that the most common clinical symptoms of the novel coronavirus pneumonia were fever (91.6%) and cough (64.5%), followed by dyspnea (32.8%) and sputum (28.1%). Headache (10.5%), sore throat (11.2%), hemoptysis (3.2%), diarrhea (6.6%) and the other symptoms were relatively rare. Aspartate aminotransferase (29%), alanine transaminase (22.7%), and total bilirubin (11.7%) levels were elevated, except for serum albumin levels (80.4%). The common therapeutic agents used were antibiotics (87.7%), antiviral drugs (75.5%), and glucocorticoids (26.6%), while antifungal agents (7.7%) were used in few. Mechanical ventilation (13.4%), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (1.9%), and continuous renal replacement therapy (3.8%) were used in severe cases. The rate of mortality in hospital was 7.7%, respectively. Heterogeneity between studies was significant; however, subgroup and sensitivity analysis had failed to identify clear sources of heterogeneity. Conclusion: Fever, cough and liver dysfunction are the main clinical manifestations of this disease and the mortality rate is low.

[The first identification of epidemic clone of enterotoxic Escherichia coli O∶6 serogroup highly associated with azithromycin resistance in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the molecular characterization of adult diarrhea cases caused by enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and explore the practical model of epidemiology for laboratory technique and data needs based on the surveillance network. Methods: Epidemiological design and sampling targeted adult cases ETEC caused diarrhea in epidemic season. The enterotoxin type, serogroup, resistance, colonization factor and molecular type of ETEC were identified. Multiple dynamic phenotypic characteristics of ETEC were indicated by multidimensional and multivariable data. Results: From 2016 to 2018, 84 eligible ETEC strains were detected. The dominant serums/toxins were O∶6 (STh), O∶25 (LT), O∶159 (STh), O∶153 (STh). O∶6 (STh+CS21), which replaced O∶25 and O∶159 as the popular clones in 2018. Six cases of O∶153 (STh+CFA/I+CS8+PT34) in outbreak in 2017 were imported ones. The resistance rates of ETEC strains detected in adults to sulfasoxazole, naproxinic acid, ampicillin and azithromycin were more than 30%, multidrug resistance (MDR) reached 58.3%. Serum/toxin types suggested that attenuated strains were more likely to become MDR. Molecular typing confirmed that the genetic similarity of the dominant clone of O∶6 serogroup (PT20-24) was higher than O∶25 and O∶159. There was a high correlation between the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of azithromycin and the resistant gene mphA (87.5%, 28/32). O∶6 (STh+CS21+mphA) resistant clone was first detected in 2016. Conclusion: A new epidemic clone in adult ETEC diarrhea cases in Shanghai was O∶6 (STh+CS21+mphA). For the first time the association between azithromycin resistance gene mphA and a serum group of ETEC was observed. Multidimensional and multivariate analysis techniques based on epidemiology can help reveal the potential transmission pattern of ETEC for the accurate surveillance and early warning of outbreaks.

[The hemodynamic study of internal jugular vein in patients with pulsatile tinnitus by color doppler sonography]

Objective:To investigate the hemodynamic changes of internal jugular vein（IJV） in patients with pulsatile tinnitus（PT） detected by color doppler sonography（CDS）. To explore the correlation of PT with IJV drainage dominance and the value of CDS in the diagnosis of PT. Method:Two hundred and twenty-one patients with PT were examined with the CDS and IJV compression test. The hemodynamic data of the upper, middle and lower IJV were compared with both PT side and unaffected side. The correlation of the PT with the IJV drainage dominance was analyzed. Result:A total of 125 cases（56.6%） of 221 patients with PT underwent ultrasonic IJV compression test with positive results, 96 cases（43.3%） with negative results. In the positive compression test group, the tinnitus disappeared after IJV being completely compressed in 109 cases（87.2%）, and in 16 cases（12.8%） after IJV being partial closure. The extent of sectional area reduction was: upper jugular vein（75.41 ±9.39）%, middle jugular vein（80.25±13.16）%, lower jugular vein（86.58± 7.53）%. The blood flow volume on the tinnitus side was obviously higher than that on the unaffected side（P=0.001）. In the negative compression test group, there was no significant difference in blood flow volume between tinnitus side and unaffected side. In the IJV positive compression test group, 54 cases（43.2%） were IJV drainage dominance combined, and 71 cases（56.8%） were non-dominant combined. In the IJV negative compression test group, 24 cases（25%） were IJV drainage dominance combined, and 72 cases（75%） were non-dominant combined. Conclusion:The positive result of IJV compression test using CDS and the flow volume of IJV on the affected side significantly higher than that on the unaffected side contributed to the diagnosis of venous PT. In this study, the IJV non-dominant side was more common in the venous PT.

[The study of pleural effusion supernatant cell-free tumor DNA in tumor mutational burden assessment of advanced lung cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of cell-free tumor DNA in pleural effusion supernatant for assessing the tumor mutational burden (TMB) of advanced lung cancers. Methods: From December 2016 to August 2018, 34 lung cancer patients (19 males and 15 females) with pleural effusion were enrolled at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. The median age of the patients was 65 (range, 34-85) years. Before systemic or local antitumor therapy, tumor specific mutations in tumor tissue, pleural effusion supernatant, pleural effusion sediment, and plasma samples from these patients were examined using targeted next-generation sequencing, and TMB levels were calculated respectively. Subgroup analysis was based on smoking history and driver mutation status. Statistical differences were determined using SPSS 16.0 software, and individual groups were compared using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD-t test. Results: The median TMB level of pleural effusion supernatant was 6.23 mutations/Mb, similar to that of tumor tissue (6.23 vs 6.86 mutations/Mb, t=1.174, P=0.245), but significantly higher than that of pleural effusion sediment (2.49 mutations/Mb, t=3.044, P=0.003) and plasma (2.49 mutations/Mb, t=2.464, P=0.016). Compared with tumor tissue in TMB assessment, pleural effusion supernatant had a positive percentage agreement of 52% (9/17), and a negative percentage agreement of 65% (11/17). Subgroup analysis showed that the TMB level was higher in smokers (n=11) than that in non-smokers (n=23, 14.4 vs 5.4 mutations/Mb, t=3.238, P=0.003). Conclusion: For advanced lung cancer patients with pleural effusion, pleural effusion supernatant is a promising substitute to tumor tissue for TMB assessment, which is a potential biomarker for immunotherapy.

[Value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging in evaluating the microstructure changes in white matter hyperintensities]

Objective: To investigate the value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM DWI) in evaluating microstructure changes in elderly white matter hyperintensities (WMH) patients and to analyze the correlation between IVIM parameters and severity grading and cognitive scores. Methods: Sixty-two WMH patients in Zhejiang Hospital were collected from December 2014 to March 2018 and underwent conventional magnetic resonance (MR) plain scan and diffusion weighted imaging with different b values. The age was 60-92(74±10) years with 37 males, 25 females. The severity of WMH was assessed by T(2) fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence and Fazekas score,which were divided into two subgroups. Slow diffusion coefficient (D), fast diffusion coefficient (D(*)) and perfusion fraction (f) from IVIM parameters of double exponential model were compared between regions of WMH (deep WMH (DWMH) and periventricular WMH (PWMH)) and surrounding normal white matter (NWM).The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for normality tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) procedure were used for the comparison among these parameters. Furthermore, Wilcoxon two-sample test was used for the comparisons between different severity. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine whether these D, D(*), f values were correlated with the mini mental state examination (MMSE) scores. Results: D(D)WMH (0.83(0.72,0.99)×10(-3) mm(2)/s), D(PWMH)((1.13±0.25)×10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly higher than D(NWM) ((0.71±0.05)×10(-3) mm(2)/s)(P<0.01). f (DWMH) ((8.94%(7.46%,11.67%)), f (PWMH)(8.34%(6.73%,9.96%)) were significantly higher than f (NWM)(6.71%±1.72%)(P<0.01).D in DWMH were significantly lower than that in PWMH(P<0.01), there's no statistically difference between other groups. D in severe WMH (both DWMH and PWMH) were significantly higher than that in mild WMH (P=0.000 1, P=0.04). Only f in PWMH were positively associated with the MMSE scores (r=0.326 5,P<0.05). Conclusions: IVIM DWI can noninvasively assess the variation of microstructure diffusion and perfusion in WMH in one sequence,which may objectively reflect the severity of these lesions. This method has important clinical significance for better assessment and management of this disease.

[Antimicrobial resistance and molecular epidemiology of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica in Pudong New District, Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial resistance and molecular epidemiology of foodborne Yersinia (Y.) enterocolitica in Pudong New District of Shanghai. Methods: Four kinds of raw food samples were collected in retail circulation sites in Pudong from 2012 to 2016. Cold enrichment method was used to isolate Y. enterocolitica and further detection of biotype, serotype, virulent genes, antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were conducted. Results: A total of 3 900 raw food samples were collected during this period, including poultry product (n=590), livestock product (n=1 074), aquatic product (n=1 488), vegetable (n=748), in which 111 (2.8%) were contaminated by Y. enterocolitica. The detection rates of Y. enterocolitica in poultry product samples (5.3%, 31/590) and livestock product samples (4.5%, 48/1 074) were higher than those in aquatic product samples (1.6%, 24/1 488) and vegetable samples (1.1%, 8/748). The predominant biotype was 1A (95.5%) and predominant serotype was O∶8 (42.3%). All the strains lacked ail, ystA, yadA and virF genes, which encoded pathogenic Y. enterocolitica. Seventy six (68.5%) strains harbored ystB gene, in which 35 (31.5%) belonged to 1A/O∶8/ystB pattern. Most strains were resistant to ampicillin (74.8%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (70.3%), and non-sensitive rate to Cefoxitin was over 50.0%. No third generation cephalosporin or fluoroquinolone resistant strains were detected, but 38.7% (43/111) strains were multidrug resistant (MDR). Serotype O∶8 and O∶5 strains had 44 and 18 PFGE patterns, respectively. Conclusions: The main foodborne exposure sources of Y. enterocolitica in raw food were poultry and livestock products in Pudong New District. 1A/O∶8/ystB was the predominant pattern with potential pathogenicity despite lacks of typical pathogenic virulent genes. The antimicrobial resistant rates of Y. enterocolitica were at a low level, but MDR strains still existed. Molecular types of the isolates showed highly genetic diversity.

[The concomitant gene alterations impact the therapeutic efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with epidermal growth factor receptor sensitive mutation]

Objective: To investigate if concomitant gene alterations impact the therapeutic efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) sensitive mutation. Methods: From November 2016 to December 2017, 51 patients (19 males and 32 females, age 37-85 years) with histology or cytology diagnosed,locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC from Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University were prospectively recruited in the study. All patients harboring EGFR sensitive mutation detected by a 123 lung cancer specific gene panel of next-generation sequencing(NGS) analysis were under treatment of EGFR-TKIs. Multi-factors analysis of the correlation between EGFR-TKIs efficacy and concomitant gene alterations were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression model. Results: 82% of the NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation presented concomitant gene alterations with an average number of 2.1. Patients not harboring concomitant gene alterations had a longer median progression free survival (mPFS: not reached vs 8.8 m, P=0.008). Those who had less than 2 concomitant genes had a higher objective response rate[ORR: 52% (17/33) vs 33% (6/18) , P=0.251]and better mPFS (13.8 vs 8.0 m, P=0.003). The top 3 concomitant gene alterations were TP53 gene mutation(55%, 28/51), EGFR gene amplification (26%, 13/51) and RB1 gene mutation (18%,9/51) respectively. The mPFS of EGFR-TKI treatment in patients with either one of these 3 concomitant genes was 8.0, 8.0, and 6.0 months respectively, significantly shorter than those without one of the 3 gene alterations (13.8, 13.1, and 10.8 months respectively). Multivariate Cox regression revealed that concomitant gene abnormalities (P=0.036) and accompanied by RB1 gene mutation (P=0.025) were independent risk factors for the survival benefit of EGFR-TKI in the treatment of advanced NSCLC with EGFR-sensitive mutation. Conclusions: The efficacy of EGFR-TKI decreased significantly in advanced NSCLC with EGFR-sensitive mutation who had concomitant gene abnormalities, especially accompanied by more than 2 of the 3 gene alterations (TP53 gene mutation, EGFR gene amplification or RB1 gene mutation). This study suggested that the concomitant gene alterations should be an important issue for consideration when applying a personalized combination therapy for advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR sensitive mutation.

The Prevalence of Sleep Disturbance and Its Socio-demographic and Clinical Correlates in First-episode Individuals With Schizophrenia in Rural China

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the socio-demographic and clinical correlates of sleep disturbance in first-episode individuals with schizophrenia in rural China and the factors that impact sleep among individuals with schizophrenia.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 104 first-episode individuals with schizophrenia were randomly selected in rural areas in Ningxia, China, in 2015 as the study sample.

FINDINGS

In first-episode individuals with schizophrenia, the prevalence of sleep disturbance was 78.8% (82/104). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with economic status, living situation, educational level, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Sleep disturbance is common in first-episode individuals with schizophrenia in rural China and more attention should be paid in clinical practice to improve the sleep quality for individuals with schizophrenia.

[Treatment of single one-stage posterior atlantoaxial fixation in Chiari malformation]

Objective: To explore the effects of surgical technique of single one-stage posterior C(1-2) screw rod fixation of Chiari malformation (CM) associated with occipitalization and without atlantoaxial dislocation. Methods: A total of 23 patients with CM treated between January 2014 and October 2015 in Department of Neurosurgery of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital were retrospective reviewed. All of them were diagnosis with CM associated with occipitalization and without atlantoaxial dislocation, including 8 males and 15 females, aging from 11 to 57 years (mean (35.5±10.52) years). Single one-stage posterior C(1-2) screw rod fixation with bone grafting fusion was performed. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and Odom rating were used to evaluate the clinical effects at pre- and post-operative. Regression of the cerebellar tonsillar was measured by MRI. The results were analyzed by paired samples t test. Results: Twenty-three patients were implanted screws successfully, the vertebral artery injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage were not found. The mean operation time was (172.7±19.9) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (153.9±49.3) ml. Compared to preoperative, the JOA score increased (13.7±1.6 vs. 11.5±1.4) and the tonsillar herniation decreased ((0.8±0.6)cm vs. (1.9±0.6) cm) in the last follow-up, there were statistical difference (t=13.386, P<0.01; t=17.995, P<0.01). The results of the postoperative Odom grading were as follows: 6 cases were perfect (26.1%), 13 cases were good (56.5%), 4 cases were moderate (17.4%) and no case was poor.No signs of instrument loosen or screw broken was noticed. 100% bony fusion rate was achieved. The follow-up time was 6 to 23 months (mean (10.5±3.2) months). One case developed internal fixator related discomfort, the symptom was relieved by internal fixator removal surgery performed 4 months after the operation when osseous fusion had already been achieved. No new neurologic symptoms were observed in other 22 patients. Conclusions: The results of the study substantiates the effectiveness of single one-stage posterior fixation strategy for CM, which is associated with occipitalization and without atlantoaxial dislocation. This technique could be an alternative choice for this type of CM.

[Study of epidemic area on Tsutsugamushi disease in Taizhou from 2013 to 2014]

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease, and to confirm the existence of the disease's epidemic foci in Taizhou. Methods: From 2013 to 2014, Dongxing town hospital and Xingqiao town hospital were selected as specimen collection sites in Jingjiang city. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from 40 patients with acute tsutsugamushi disease. A total of 59 rodents were captured with cage night method in the survey sites at 5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 months in 2013, from which, the spleen, liver, and kidney specimens were selected. Chigger mites were captured by small blackboard method and from the ears of the captured rodents. A total of 226 small blackboards were laid, 27 mites were captured, and the samples were grounded into suspension. Nested-polymerase chain reaction and cell and tissue culture techniques were used to test the specimen from the probable patients, host animals and chigger mites. Results: Among the 40 acute tsutsugamushi disease blood samples, 29 were found to meet the test requirements, 17 were positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid with 59% of the positive rate, and 1 stran orientia tsutsugamushi was isolated. 59 rats were captured and the density of mice was 5.5%. Among them, there were 26 Mus musculus (2.4%), 18 Rattus flavipectus (1.7%) and 15 Smelly shrew (density 1.4%). 1 Smelly shrew was tested positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid, and the negative results were found in the other rodent specimens. 27 Chigge mites were collected by small blackboard method and the density of mites was 0.12 for each blackboard, among which 3 larvae and 24 nymphs were found. 33 Chigger mites were collected from the ears of 3 Smelly shrew, and the density of the mite was 11 per mouse. All the captured Chigger mites were identified as Leptotrombidium scutellare and 1 group of specimens of Chigger mites from the external environment were positive for orientia tsutsugamushi nucleic acid. Conclusion: There was a high density of mice in the epidemic area from May to November and the species of the chigger mites were Chigger mites in Taizhou. The nucleic acid of the oriental tsutsugamushi was detected in the patients with acute scrub typhus, rodents and vectors. According to the above-mentioned results, it was considered that the scrub typhus epidemic area of Taizhou city has the natural foci of scrub typhus.

Proteomic analysis reveals the mechanisms of Mycena dendrobii promoting transplantation survival and growth of tissue culture seedlings of Dendrobium officinale

AIMS

Dendrobium officinale is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Its seedlings generally show low survival and growth when transferred from in vitro tissue culture to a greenhouse or field environment. In this study, the effect of Mycena dendrobii on the survival and growth of D. officinale tissue culture seedlings and the mechanisms involved was explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mycena dendrobii were applied underneath the roots of D. officinale tissue culture seedlings. The seedling survival and growth were analysed. The root proteins induced by M. dendrobii were identified using two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF-MS). Mycena dendrobii treatment significantly enhanced survival and growth of D. officinale seedlings. Forty-one proteins induced by M. dendrobii were identified. Among them, 10 were involved in defence and stress response, two were involved in the formation of root or mycorrhizae, and three were related to the biosynthesis of bioactive constituents.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that enhancing stress tolerance and promoting new root formation induced by M. dendrobii may improve the survival and growth of D. officinale tissue culture seedlings.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides a foundation for future use of M. dendrobii in the large-scale cultivation of Dendrobiums.

Wet deposition of acidifying substances in different regions of China and the rest of East Asia: modeling with updated NAQPMS

The traditional way to study Sources-Receptor Relationships (SRRs) of wet deposition is based on sensitivity simulation, which has weakness in dealing with the non-linear secondary formation pollutants (e.g. ozone and nitrate). An on-line source tracking method has been developed in the Nested Air Quality Prediction Modeling System (NAQPMS) coupled with cloud-process module for the first time. The new model can not only quantify the total volume of the sulfate, nitrate and ammonium wet deposition with more accuracy, but also trace these acidic species to their emitted precursors. Compared with previous studies, our result clearly shows: (1) East China and Central China, which are the two primary export regions, have 15-30% and 10% effect on wet deposition in other areas, respectively; (2) Besides the above two regions, the total acid deposition in Southwestern and Northeastern China have reached or exceeded the critical loads under their own environmental conditions.

Simulation of the phase diagram of magnetic vortices in two-dimensional superconductors: evidence for vortex chain formation

We study the superconducting vortex states induced by the interplay of long-range Pearl repulsion and short-range intervortex attraction using Langevin dynamics simulations. We show that at low temperatures the vortices form an ordered Abrikosov lattice both in low and high fields. The vortices show distinctive modulated structures at intermediate fields depending on the effective intervortex attraction: ordered vortex chain and kagome-like vortex structures for weak attraction; bubble, stripe and antibubble lattices for strong attraction. Moreover, in the regime of the chain state, the vortices display structural transitions from chain to labyrinthine (or disordered chain) and/or to disordered states depending on the strength of the disorder.

Model for human milk fat substitute evaluation based on triacylglycerol composition profile

Being the dominant components in human milk fat (HMF), triacylglycerol (TAG) composition might be the best approximation index to represent the composing characteristics of HMF. In this study, TAG composition of HMF from different lactation stages was analyzed by RP-HPLC-APCI-MS, and the establishment of a model for the precise evaluation of human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) based on TAG composition was indirectly realized by employment of fatty acid composition and distribution and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and TAG compositions. The model was verified by the selected fats and oils with specific chemical compositions, and the results revealed the degrees of similarity of these fats and oils in different evaluation aspects reflected their differences in corresponding chemical composition with HMF. The newly established evaluation model with TAG composition as a comparison base could provide a more accurate method to evaluate HMFSs and might have some inspirations for HMFS production in the future.

Human milk fat globules from different stages of lactation: a lipid composition analysis and microstructure characterization

The physicochemical properties of human milk fat globules (MFG) at different lactation stages from Danish mothers and the microstructure changes of MFG membrane (MFGM) at varied temperatures were investigated, and the relationship between chemical composition and the microstructure of MFGM was elucidated. The fat content in MFG was found to be significantly increased as lactation progressed, and colostrum MFG had the largest mean diameter of 5.75 ± 0.81 μm and the lowest ζ potential of -5.60 ± 0.12 mV. Chemical composition analyses of MFG revealed the following: (i) Colostrum milk fat constituted higher content in PUFAs (ω-6, and long-chain ω-6 and ω-3) than transitional and mature milk fats, with the corresponding lower content of SFA in its sn-2 position. (ii) The content of polar lipids among total lipids varied during lactation course (maximized at transitional stage); however, in terms of subclasses of polar lipids, no significant change of the relative content of sphingomyelin was observed, while the content of phosphatidycholine in mature milk was higher than that in colostrum and transitional milk. (iii) Inspection of fatty acid composition in phospholipids from different lactation milk revealed no remarkable and regular changes could be generalized; and no obvious difference of the morphologies of MFGM at different lactation stages can be visualized. An investigation of the microstructure change of MFGM vs temperature demonstrated that the segregated domains became larger as temperature decreased to 4 °C, while it became smaller when increased to 37 °C. This phenomenon indicated that, in addition to sphingimyelin and cholesterol, phospholipids might also contribute to increasing the segregated domains at lower temperature, while, at elevated temperature, these domains could be diminished, most likely due to a restructuring or distributing of sphingimyelin and cholesterol.

Injection of frozen-thawed porcine first polar bodies into enucleated oocytes results in fertilization and embryonic development

The objective was to determine whether enucleated oocytes injected with frozen porcine first polar bodies (pPB1s) could be fertilized and developed into viable embryos in vitro. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes with pPB1s were frozen (vitrified) and stored for 2 mo. The pPB1s were isolated from thawed MII oocytes and injected into enucleated recipient oocytes by micromanipulation. All recipients injected with thawed pPB1s were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the resulting recombinant zygotes were incubated to assess their developmental competence in vitro. Furthermore, double-antibody immunohistochemistry was used to verify that the nucleus of the pPB1 participated in fertilization and supported embryonic development. Porcine embryos (2- to 8-cell stage) were obtained from the recombinants. The average in vitro cleavage rate of 2-, 4-, and 8-cell stage recombinant embryos was 25.3, 17.7, and 9.3% (P < 0.05), respectively. Chromosomes in the labeled pPB1 participated in the formation of the two blastomere nuclei of 2-cell stage embryos derived from recombinant oocytes. In conclusion, nuclear materials of frozen-thawed pPB1 supported oocyte fertilization and subsequent embryonic development, thereby providing a new way to use frozen PB1s for preservation and reproduction of mammals.

Monodispersed NiO nanoflowers with anomalous magnetic behavior

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoflowers, prepared by thermal decomposition, exhibit anomalous magnetic properties far below the blocking temperature, i.e., a cusp in both the zero-field-cooled and field-cooled curves at about 21 K. Detailed characterization discloses that the individual NiO nanoflower consists of porous crystals with holes (1.0-1.5 nm in size) inside. We believe that the low temperature magnetic feature observed here could be a new kind of spin transition for the uncompensated spins around the holes and will trigger more studies in other nanostructured antiferromagnetic materials.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the soil of typical industrial city

Linfen is generally recognized as one of the most polluted industrial cities in China. Indeed, Linfen is affected by heavy polluting industries and faces pollution by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). For this study, ten surface soil samples covering all of Linfen were collected and analyzed for 42 BDE congeners. The total PBDEs concentration ranged from 0.064 to 136.1 ng g−1. Moreover, source analysis indicated that PBDEs may be associated with the prevalent use of Deca-BDE in the industrial area of the city. Furthermore, higher levels of PBDE contamination were observed in south Linfen due to the distribution of industrial plants.

Composition, distribution, and characterization of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sandstorm depositions in Beijing, China

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of 8 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sandstorm depositions in Beijing, China. The PBDE concentrations in 10 samples collected in Beijing ranged from 8.47 to 29.02 ng g(-1), with BDE-209 as the predominant congener (>85%). Principal component analysis revealed that the major source of PBDEs in Beijing may be potentially associated with deca-BDE. Furthermore, increasing PBDE contamination was observed from northwest to east Beijing. Finally, possible factors affecting contamination of the sandstorm depositions were subsequently explored revealing a significant correlation between SigmaPBDEs and the minimum particle size of the sandstorm deposition samples.

Composition, distribution, and characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil in Linfen, China

A total of 10 surface soil samples representing the entire area of Linfen City were collected and analyzed for the presence of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration ranged from 1.1 to 63.7 microg g(-1). Analysis of the sources of contamination revealed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the soil were derived from combustion sources. Specifically, the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was coal combustion, but the samples were also effected to varying degrees by traffic emissions. Furthermore, increased levels of contamination were observed in northeast Linfen due to the distribution of industrial plants.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in mudsnails (Cipangopaludina cahayensis) and sediments from an electronic waste recycling region in South China

Mudsnails and sediments from an electronic waste recycling region in South China were chosen to study the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) bioavailability of mudsnail in different ambient levels. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations of biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) versus the reciprocal of PBDE concentration in sediment (1/Sed) occurred in all quantitative PBDE congeners except BDE-209, showed that the BSAFs of PBDEs in mudsnails were increased with reciprocal increasing ambient levels. The BDE-183 correlation of mudsnail versus sediment (r = 0.580) was much lower than the correlation of BDE-209 versus BDE-183 in mudsnails (r = 0.812), indicated the main source of BDE-183 in mudsnails was from the debromination of higher brominated PBDEs.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons residues in sandstorm depositions in Beijing, China

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sandstorm depositions in Beijing, China. The PAH concentrations in 13 samples collected in Beijing ranged from 0.18 to 3.52 microg g(-1). Analysis of the sources of contamination revealed that the PAHs were derived from a coal combustion source, although various effects of traffic emissions were also observed. Furthermore, the PAH levels in Beijing tended to be higher in the southeast. Finally, the nemerow composite index revealed that the degree of pollution in the sandstorm depositions varied widely among sampling sites.

Composition, distribution and characterization of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the soil in Taiyuan, China

A total of 21 surface soil samples covering the whole territory of Taiyuan city were collected for analysis the 39 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The total PBDEs concentration ranged from 0.016 to 211.416 ng g(-1) in urban soils and 5.961 to 144.162 ng g(-1) in industrial plant soils. PBDE homologues analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the major source of PBDEs in Taiyuan might be potentially associated with the prevalent use of deca-BDE as a flame retardant. Furthermore, increasing PBDEs contamination was observed in north Taiyuan because of the degree of urbanization and the distribution of industrial plants.

Peak effect in the critical current of type II superconductors with strong magnetic vortex pinning

We perform 2D Langevin simulations studying the peak effect (PE) of the critical current taking into account the temperature dependence of the competing forces. We observe and report that the PE results from the competition of vortex-vortex interactions and vortex-pin interactions which have different temperature dependencies. The simulations reveal that the PE can take place only for certain pinning strengths, densities of pinning centers, and driving forces, which is in good agreement with experiments. No apparent vortex order-disorder transition is observed across the PE regime. In addition, the PE is a dynamical phenomenon, and thermal fluctuations can speed up the process for the formation of the PE.

Contamination status of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in sandstorm depositions from Beijing and the origination region

In China, sandstorms play an important role in the long-range atmospheric transport and deposition of hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Concentrations of HCB in sandstorm depositions sampled from Beijing and the origination region were measured to reveal HCB levels during atmospheric transport. The results suggested a constant level of HCB during atmospheric transport. The values were close to environmental background values indicating that no potential source of HCB existed along the transport route. A tendency for HCB levels in Beijing to increase from north to east was also observed, which was probably due to the influence of wind speed and industrial zone distribution.

Reducing oxidative stress in sweet cherry fruit by Pichia membranaefaciens: a possible mode of action against Penicillium expansum

AIMS

To investigate the effect of antagonistic yeast Pichia membranaefaciens on alleviating oxidative stress caused by Penicillium expansum in sweet cherry fruit.

METHODS AND RESULTS

At two maturity stages of sweet cherry fruit, P. membranaefaciens restrained blue mold rot caused by Pe. expansum. There was not any decay in yeast-treated fruit even at 5 days after inoculation. Carbonylated proteins accumulated to a lesser extent in yeast-treated fruit than in control fruit, particularly in non-full-matured stage fruit. Higher activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were observed in yeast-treated fruit, which consisted of the transcript expressions of CAT and GPX genes. In addition, yeast treatment also stimulated the transcript expression of Gns1 and activity of beta-1,3-glucanase.

CONCLUSION

Induction of antioxidant defence response may be an important mechanism of antagonistic yeast in mitigating pathogen-induced oxidative stress to postharvest fruit and controlling postharvest disease.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this study showed a potential mode of action of antagonistic yeast in postharvest fruit disease control, which may be an important development in the understanding of antagonists in postharvest biocontrol and may provide important guidance for their application in the future.

[Clinical observation on catgut implantation at Shu- and Mu-acupoints for treatment of premature ovarian failure]

OBJECTIVE

To observe clinical therapeutic effect of catgut implantation at Shu- and Mu-acupoints of liver, spleen and kidney on premature ovarian failure.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two cases of premature ovarian failure were randomly divided into a catgut implantation group and a medication group, 66 cases in each group. The catgut implantation group were treated by catgut implantation at She- and Mu-acupoints of liver, spleen and kidney, and the medication group were treated with oral administration of Estradiol Valerate 2 mg, qd, for 20 days, and 10 days later, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 4 mg was added, b. i. d, for 10 days, averaging 6 months of medication. The therapeutic effects and changes of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, serum FSH and E2 significantly improved in the two groups (P<0.01), with the serum E2 in the catgut implantation group increased more significantly than that in the medication group (P<0.01). The cured rate and the total effective rate were 84.9% and 97.0% in the catgut implantation group and 31.8% and 84.8% in the medication group, the cured rate in the catgut implantation group being better than that in the medication group (P<0.05). Ten month later, the therapeutic effect in the catgut implantation group was kept.

CONCLUSION

Catgut implantation at Shu- and Me-acupoints of liver, spleen and kidney has a good therapeutic effect on premature ovarian failure with no side effect.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in leaves and soil from typical electronic waste polluted area in South China

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in leaves and soil from typical e-waste polluted area in South China were investigated. The concentrations (ng/g dry weight) of PBDE congeners and summation operatorPBDE of five leaf samples were much lower than those in soil sample. The general patterns of summation di-BDEs to summation hepta-BDEs percentage distribution in leaf samples were similar to those of the soil sample, except the percentage of BDE209 which were lower than in soil. The percentages of summation di-BDEs to summation hepta-BDEs in soil were in the range of those in leaf samples. The results showed that the contamination of PBDEs in the leaf samples had good correlation with the soil around them.

Vertical distributions of SO(2) and NO(2) in the lower atmosphere in Beijing urban areas, China

Measurements of SO(2) and NO(2) were conducted from January to March 2001 and August 2003 at a 325 m meteorological tower in Beijing. The concentrations of SO(2) and NO(2) observed by passive samplers at ten heights showed complex vertical distributions in winter and summer. The vertical profiles of pollutants were influenced by source emissions, meteorological conditions, urban canopy and other factors. The comparison analysis of winter and summer pollutant concentrations suggests that the decrease in SO(2) concentration was significant in summer, and the reduction of NO(2) was relatively not distinctive. Domestic heating and industrial sources were major sources of SO(2) in urban areas of Beijing. Differing from SO(2,) urban NO(2) was closely related to traffic emission. Meteorological evidence suggests that strong temperature inversions influence vertical distribution of air pollutants over urban Beijing. The high levels of SO(2) and NO(2) concentrations were due to the accumulation of pollutants resulting from the stable atmosphere prevalent during the measurement period. The vertical distributions of air pollutants were controlled and affected by atmospheric dynamical characteristics.

MMP2 promoter polymorphism (C-1306T) and risk of recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transplantation

Genetic variants in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene may influence the biological function of these enzymes and change their role in carcinogenesis and progression. The effect of MMP2 C-1306T and MMP9 C-1562T polymorphisms on genetic susceptibility has been investigated in various kinds of cancer. However, the relationship between these polymorphisms and risk of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) has not been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the association of these two loci with the risk of HCC recurrence in 93 HCC patients treated with LT. Genotyping was performed using direct DNA sequencing. For MMP2 C-1306T variant, patients with CT heterozygous conferred a 58% reduction in recurrence risk (risk ratio: 0.419; 95% confidence interval: 0.177-0.994). The mean recurrence-free survival for CT genotype was significantly longer than that for homozygous CC patients (30.4 vs 19.3 months, p = 0.019). However, no association was found between MMP9 C-1562T polymorphisms and recurrence of HCC (p = 0.259). These findings suggest that MMP2 promoter polymorphisms may provide some predictive value for HCC recurrence after LT.

[Comparative observation on acupuncture and western medicine for treatment of minimal brain dysfunction]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and western medicine on minimal brain dysfunction (MBD) and to search for a clinically effective therapy for MBD.

METHODS

Sixty-eight cases were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a western medicine group, 34 cases in each group. The acupuncture group were treated by acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) and Shenque (CV 8), and the western medicine group by taking Haloperidol orally. One month constituted one course. After treatment, the total effective rate and scores of Connell's scale for diagnosis and behavior of MBD were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate and the score after treatment were 97.1% and 10 +/- 0.37 in the acupuncture group and 82.4% and 15 +/- 0.93 in the western medicine group, with a very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.000 5), the acupuncture group being better than the western medicine group. Follow-up survey for 2-10 months showed the effects of the acupuncture group still were kept.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) and Shenque (CV 8) can effectively cure MBD.

Menstrual-like changes in mice are provoked through the pharmacologic withdrawal of progesterone using mifepristone following induction of decidualization

BACKGROUND

Cyclic shedding of the endometrium is unique to menstruating species, and mouse menstruation models by physiologic progesterone withdrawal have been previously reported. Since progesterone action ablated pharmacologically may provide more insight into the mechanism of action, a mouse menstruation model using mifepristone was established.

METHODS

Mifepristone was administered following oil-induced decidualization in ovarectomized mice primed with hormones. Morphology, hormone levels, leukocytes and apoptosis were evaluated over a period of 48 h after treatment. Vaginal smears were used to monitor bleedings.

RESULTS

Mifepristone induced menstrual-like changes. Tissue breakdown was drastic by 16 h, and the decidual zone was shed by 24 h while the mice bled. The endometrium regenerated from 24 h onwards and became completely restored by 48 h. These results are consistent with previous reports. However, although progesterone levels remained constant, estradiol levels increased after the treatment. The CD45(+) cells showed two peaks of increase at 16 h (breakdown phase) and 32 h (regeneration phase) (Leukocyte levels also increased in the unstimulated horns, but no breakdown changes occurred there). Moreover, apoptosis drastically increased by 16 h concurrent with tissue destruction. These results differed from those of the physiologic withdrawal models.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacologic withdrawal of progesterone by mifepristone successfully provoked a menstrual-like process in mice after artificial decidualization.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface soils from outskirts of Beijing, China

Surface soils from the outskirts of Beijing were analyzed for 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The distribution map of total PAHs content was obtained as a contour plot. The concentration range of 16 PAHs varied by over two orders of magnitude from 0.016 microg g-1 in rural to 3.884 microg g-1 in suburban soils with the relatively standard deviation of 70.5%, showing large differences in the extent of PAHs pollution at the various sampling sites. It was notable that the concentration of BaP was 0.005-0.270 microg g-1 with a mean of 0.055 microg g-1. In general, the distribution of PAHs centered on the high molecular weight PAHs known to be carcinogenic. The 4-6 ring PAHs represented about 66% in rural samples and 70% in suburban soils of the total PAHs found. There was relatively good relationship among most of the individual PAHs and the compounds of Pyr, BaA, Flu, BbF, BaP, Chr and Ph gave strong correlation (r>0.8) with the sum of PAHs. The selected marked compounds, a principal component analysis (PCA) and special PAHs compound ratios (Ph/An vs Flu/Pyr; summation operator COMB/ summation operator EPA-PAHs) suggest the pyrogenic origins, especially traffic exhausts, are the dominant sources of PAHs in Beijing outskirts soils.

Organic contamination in the greenhouse soils from Beijing suburbs, China

Selected persistent organic pollutants including HCHs, DDTs and PAHs together with PAEs were determined in the greenhouse soils from Beijing suburbs. The total concentrations were 11.64-29.80 ng g(-1) for HCHs, 18.04-101.33 ng g(-1) for DDTs, 1.34-3.15 microg g(-1) for PAEs and 1.92-7.84 microg g(-1) for PAHs, respectively. Predominance of beta-HCH in all samples was obviously observed, suggesting a lack of new HCHs sources. High concentrations of DDE and DDD in comparison to their parents in the samples indicated that most of the DDT had been transformed into its metabolites. The contamination of PAHs was relatively serious and the most abundant compounds were 4-, 5- and 6-ring unsubstituted PAHs. The profiles reflect the important effect of traffic on the PAHs remaining in greenhouse soils. Three phthalate esters (DIBP, DnBP and DEHP) accounted for more than 97% of the phthalates studied. Analysis of n-alkanes was also performed in order to trace the natural or anthropogenic sources of hydrocarbons. Characterization and identification of these compounds in greenhouse soil may help in development of strategies to be used in monitoring organic pollutants in this region.