Sesquiterpenoids and steroids from Eupatorium fortunei and their inhibitory effects on NO production

Two heterodimers including a clovane-phenylpropanoid hybrid (1) and a clovane-menthane hybrid (2), five linear sesquiterpenoids incorporating a tetrahydrofuran ring (3-6 & 8), and four steroids (7 & 9-11), were separated from the ethanolic extract of a well-known aromatic and medicinal herb Eupatorium fortunei. Their structures were characterised by detailed analyses of spectroscopic data and comparison with known analogues, with seven (1-7) of them being described for the first time. The hybrids 1 and 2 represent the first examples of clovane type sesquiterpenoids hybridising with other class of natural products, and compounds 3-6 and 8 are first linear sesquiterpenyl constituents reported from the title species. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on the NO production induced by LPS in murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells, and 1, 7, 10 and 11 exhibited moderate activity with IC50 values in the range of 24.4-43.5 µM.

Bioactive monoterpenoids and acetophenones from the aerial parts of Eupatorium fortunei

Thirty-nine thymol and acetophenone derivatives, including eight pairs of enantiomers, were isolated from the aerial parts of Eupatorium fortunei. Their structures were assigned by detailed analyses of spectroscopic data and NMR calculations based on density functional theory, with 18 ones (1a/1b-14) being previously undescribed compounds. While the absolute configurations of 1a/1b, 2a/2b, 4, 6a/6b, 7, 11a/11b and 15a/15b-18a/18b were established by calculations of electronic circular dichroism data, that of 14 was determined by modified Mosher's method. Compounds 1a/1b and 2a/2b represent a previously unreported type of monoterpenoid dimers via an amide linkage, and compound 3 is a monoterpene-phenylpropanoid hybrid connected through an ester bond. Among the known molecules, the formerly mis-assigned structures of 15a/15b and 22 were revised, and pure natural enantiomers of 16a/16b-18a/18b were reported for the first time. Selective compounds showed antiradical and NO production inhibitory activities in the preliminary biological screening. Compound 31 was further demonstrated to alleviate oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway.

[Analysis of the complete genome characterization of 11 human astrovirus strains in Shandong Province]

Objective: To study the complete genome characterization of Human Astrovirus (HAstV) in Shandong Province. Methods: Stool samples from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in Shandong Province from 2020 to 2022 were collected, and HAstV nucleic acid was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted for the positive samples to obtain complete genome sequences and identify the genotype. Homology comparison and phylogenetic analysis were performed by using BioEdit and Mega software. Results: A total of 667 samples were examined by qPCR, of which 14 were HAstV-positive (2.1%), including HAstV-1 (n=6), MLB1 (n=6), MLB2 (n=1), and VA2 (n=1). The complete genome sequences were obtained from 11 samples. The six HAstV-1 sequences of this study had 98.2% to 99.9% nt similarities with each other and 87.6% to 98.6% with those from other regions. The four MLB1 sequences of this study had 99.1% to 99.9% nt similarities with each other and 92.2% to 99.4% with those from other regions. The VA2 sequence of this study had 96.0% to 96.3% nt similarities with those from other regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on ORF2 region showed that the local HAstV-1 sequences were most closely related to Japanese strains, and had distinct topology with phylogenies based on ORF1a and ORF1b regions. Conclusion: The complete genome sequences of 11 HAstV strains are obtained, and the VA2 complete genome is found.

Chemical constituents from Eupatorium fortunei and their anti-inflammatory evaluation by in silico and experimental approaches

The well-known aromatic and medicinal plant Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. is widely cultivated in China, and previous studies on its bioactive constituents mainly focus on the essential oil ingredients especially thymol derivatives. However, reports on other type of constituents and the potential application are lacking. In the present project, an intensive chemical fractionation on the aerial part extract of E. fortunei led to the isolation and identification of a series of fatty acid derivatives (lipids, 1a/1b-19) including seven pairs of previously undescribed enantiomers (1a/1b-7a/7b), as well as a lignan (brachangobinan A (BBA), 20) and two monoterpenes (8S/8R-9-hydroxythymol, 21a/21b). A preliminary biological evaluation of these compounds in a NO production inhibitory assay model demonstrated compound BBA as the most active one. Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict and explore the possible anti-inflammatory targets and mechanism of BBA, which revealed some potential inflammation-related proteins and signaling pathways. Further experimental investigations validated that the anti-inflammatory effect of BBA could be achieved by suppressing pro-inflammatory factors and blocking the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, our work shows that E. fortunei can serve as a potential resource of lipids and anti-inflammatory agents.

[Analysis of influencing factors and clinical value of anterior peritoneal reflection for patients with rectal cancer]

Objectives: To investigate the factors influencing the height of anterior peritoneal reflection (APR) for patients with rectal cancer, and to analyze the relationship between the APR and the lateral lymph node metastasis. Methods: Clinical data of 432 patients with tumor located within and below APR were retrospectively collected from the rectal cancer database at the Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2020 to September 2022. Ninty-eight non-rectal cancer patients were also enrolled as a control group. There were 308 males and 124 females in the tumor group, aged (M(IQR)) 62 (16) years (range: 24 to 85 years) and 53 males and 45 females in the control group, aged 60 (22) years (range: 27 to 87 years). The APR height, pelvis, and tumor-related parameters were measured by MRI. A multifactor linear regression model was established to analyze the dependent correlation factors of APR height. These factors of the two groups were matched by propensity score matching and their APR heights were compared after matching. An ordinal Logistic regression model was established to explore the relationship between APR-related parameters and radiographic lateral lymph node metastasis. Results: The APR height of the tumor group was (98.7±14.4) mm (range: 43.3 to 154.0 mm) and the control group was (95.1±12.7) mm (range: 68.0 to 137.9 mm). Multivariable linear regression revealed that the greater the weight (B=0.519, 95%CI: 0.399 to 0.640, P<0.01), the anterior pelvic depth (B=0.109, 95%CI: 0.005 to 0.213, P=0.039) and the smaller the bi-ischial diameter (B=-0.172, 95%CI:-0.294 to -0.049, P=0.006), the higher the APR height. The tumor group had a higher APR height than the control group after propensity score matching ((98.3±14.2) mm vs. (95.1±12.7) mm, t=-1.992, P=0.047). Ordinal Logistic regression indicated that the longer segment of the tumor invade the nonperitoneal rectum was an independent influencing factor of radiographic lateral lymph node metastasis (OR=1.016, 95%CI: 1.002 to 1.030, P=0.021), while the distance between the anal verge and the tumor was not (OR=0.986, 95%CI: 0.972 to 1.000, P=0.058). Conclusions: The higher the weight, the deeper and narrower the pelvis, the higher the APR height. There is a certain relationship between APR and lateral lymph node metastasis on imaging.

Anti-inflammatory labdane diterpenoids from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus

Twenty-two labdane-type diterpenoids, including ten pairs of 15-epimers and a pair of 13,15-epimers, were obtained from the aerial parts of a well-known medicinal plant Leonurus japonicus Houtt. While these epimers were separated by chiral HPLC, their structures were established mainly via spectroscopic methods especially NMR, X-ray crystallography and ECD techniques. Among them, seventeen compounds, encompassing three pairs of solvolysis artefacts likely due to the use of ethanol as extracting solvent, were reported for the first time in the current work. Our preliminary anti-inflammatory screening demonstrated that seven diterpenoids displayed noteworthy inhibitory effect on the NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the release of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins, was also suppressed by the unreported 15,16-epoxy-6β-hydroxy-15α-methoxy-7,16-dioxolabd-8,13-diene. Further investigation into the preliminary anti-inflammatory mechanism of this compound indicated that it could block the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Should ocular Demodex be checked and treated in refractory keratitis patients without blepharitis?

AIM

To evaluate the correlation between Demodex infestation and keratitis, and to assess demodicosis using a simple approach.

METHODS

A modified slit lamp illumination (at 40× magnification) was used to observe Demodex tails in 40 patients with refractory keratitis and 80 healthy controls. Bacterial smear and culture of the conjunctival sac and corneal lesion were performed to identify the pathogen. Tea tree oil ointment (TTOO) was added as a Demodex killing agent for lid scrubs to the treatment when Demodex infestation was confirmed.

RESULTS

Demodex tails were found in all patients compared to 42/80 of the controls (P<0.01). Seventeen patients presented blepharitis, while 23 were free of scales and inflammation at the lid margin. The demodicosis was mild, moderate, and severe in 8, 19, and 13 patients, respectively, compared to mild in 42 controls (P<0.01). The keratitis was mild, moderate, and severe in 13, 19, and 8 patients, respectively. The severity of Demodex infestation was not correlated to the severity of keratitis (P=0.126). The growth of Staphylococcus was revealed in nine patients who did not react to antibiotic eye drops prior to the TTOO treatment. Patients' signs and symptoms got resolved after the lid scrub with TTOO.

CONCLUSION

Ocular Demodex needs to be checked and treated in refractory keratitis patients with or without blepharitis. A slit-lamp illumination under high magnification favors the judgment of the severity of Demodex infestation.

Inhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via regulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms associated with autistic spectrum disorder. The essential oil of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson, usually known as ylang-ylang oil (YYO), is often used in aromatherapy as a mood-regulating agent, sedative, or hypotensive agent. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of YYO in alleviating anxiety, social and cognitive behaviors in autism-like rats were investigated.

METHODS

The prenatal valproic acid (VPA) model was used to induce autism-like behaviors in offspring rats. The effectiveness of prenatal sodium valproate treatment (600 mg/kg) on offspring was shown by postnatal growth observation, and negative geotaxis, olfactory discrimination and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Then three treatment groups were formed with varying exposure to atomized YYO to explore the effects of YYO on the anxiety, social and cognitive behaviors of the autistic-like offspring through the elevated plus-maze test, three-chamber social test, and MWM test. Finally, the monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and their metabolites, in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the rats were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Offspring of VPA exposure rats showed autism-like behaviors. In the VPA offspring, medium-dose YYO exposure significantly elevated the time and entries into the open arms in the elevated plus-maze test, while low-dose YYO exposure significantly enhanced the social interaction time with the stranger rat in session 1 of the three-chamber social test. VPA offspring treated with YYO exposure used less time to reach the platform in the navigation test of the MWM test. YYO exposure significantly elevated the metabolism of serotonin and dopamine in the PFC of VPA offspring.

CONCLUSION

YYO exposure showed the effects in alleviating anxiety and improving cognitive and social abilities in the offspring of VPA exposure rats. The role of YYO was related to the regulation of the metabolism of serotonin and dopamine. Please cite this article as: Zhang N, Wang ST, Yao L. Inhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via regulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.

Integrated spatially resolved metabolomics and network toxicology to investigate the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of component D of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The liver toxicity of Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke. (Polygonaceae) (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, PM) has always attracted much attention, but the related toxicity materials and mechanisms have not been elucidated due to multi-component and multi-target characteristics. In previous hepatotoxicity screening, different components of PM were first evaluated and the hepatotoxicity of component D [95% ethanol (EtOH) elution] in a 70% EtOH extract of PM (PM-D) showed the highest hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the main components of PM-D were identified and their hepatotoxicity was evaluated based on a zebrafish embryo model. However, the hepatotoxicity mechanism of PM-D is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work is to explore the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of PM-D by integrating network toxicology and spatially resolved metabolomics strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hepatotoxicity interaction network of PM-D was constructed based on toxicity target prediction for eight key toxic ingredients and a hepatotoxicity target collection. Then the key signaling pathways were enriched, and molecular docking verification was implemented to evaluate the ability of toxic ingredients to bind to the core targets. The pathological changes of liver tissues and serum biochemical assays of mice were used to evaluate the liver injury effect of mice with oral administration of PM-D. Furthermore, spatially resolved metabolomics was used to visualize significant differences in metabolic profiles in mice after drug administration, to screen hepatotoxicity-related biomarkers and analyze metabolic pathways.

RESULTS

The contents of four key toxic compounds in PM-D were detected. Network toxicology identified 30 potential targets of liver toxicity of PM-D. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the hepatotoxicity of PM-D involved multiple biological activities, including cellular response to endogenous stimulus, organonitrogen compound metabolic process, regulation of the apoptotic process, regulation of kinase, regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic process and signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, AMPK, MAPK, mTOR, Ras and HIF-1. The molecular docking confirmed the high binding activity of 8 key toxic ingredients with 10 core targets, including mTOR, PIK3CA, AKT1, and EGFR. The high distribution of metabolites of PM-D in the liver of administrated mice was recognized by mass spectrometry imaging. Spatially resolved metabolomics results revealed significant changes in metabolic profiles after PM-D administration, and metabolites such as taurine, taurocholic acid, adenosine, and acyl-carnitines were associated with PM-D-induced liver injury. Enrichment analyses of metabolic pathways revealed tht linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, carnitine synthesis, oxidation of branched-chain fatty acids, and six other metabolic pathways were significantly changed. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the hepatotoxicity caused by PM-D was closely related to cholestasis, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of PM-D were comprehensively identified through an integrated spatially resolved metabolomics and network toxicology strategy, providing a theoretical foundation for the toxicity mechanisms of PM and its safe clinical application.

[Effects of manure combined with nitrogen fertilizer on yield and quality of winter wheat and soil biological characteristics in drylands of Northwest China]

We conducted an experiment with five treatments in winter wheat of the dryland of Northwest China, i.e. 30 t·hm^-2 cow dung (M) plus different doses of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg N·hm^-2), denoted by M+N₀, M+N₇₅, M+N₁₅₀, M+N₂₂₅, and M+N₃₀₀, respectively. After three years of treatment, wheat yield, grain quality, and soil biological characteristics were measured in two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). The results showed that the combination of manure with nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased wheat yield compared with the manure-only treatment (M+N₀). Compared with the manure-only treatment, the combined treatments significantly increased wheat grain protein content, wet gluten, sedimentation value, and extensibility, but not for starch content. Neither wheat yield nor grain quality had significant differences among the M+N₁₅₀, M+N₂₂₅, and M+N₃₀₀ treatments, but both were prominently higher than those of M+N₇₅. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) reached highest in M+N₁₅₀ for both years, which were distinctly higher than those of M+N₀, M+N₂₂₅, and M+N₃₀₀. In 2018, soil β-1, 4-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, L-leucine aminopeptidase, β-1,4-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in M+N₁₅₀ treatment were higher than those of other treatments. In 2019, soil enzyme activities (excluding L-leucine aminopeptidase) in M+N₁₅₀ were higher than those of M+N₀ and M+N₂₂₅. MBC significantly positively correlated with MBN, and both significantly positively correlated with the activities of cellobiohydrolase, β-1, 4-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, and alkaline phosphatase. MBN significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen content and negatively correlated with NO₃^-. Considering winter wheat yield, grain quality, and soil biological characteristics, M+N₁₅₀ was conducive to sustainable production of winter wheat in drylands of Northwest China.

Yin-Yang: Programming Abstractions for Cross-Domain Multi-Acceleration

FPGA accelerators offer performance and efficiency gains by narrowing the scope of acceleration to one algorithmic domain. However, real-life applications are often not limited to a single domain, which naturally makes Cross-Domain Multi-Acceleration a crucial next step. The challenge is, existing FPGA accelerators are built upon their specific vertically-specialized stacks, which prevents utilizing multiple accelerators from different domains. To that end, we propose a pair of dual abstractions, called Yin-Yang, which work in tandem and enable programmers to develop cross-domain applications using multiple accelerators on a FPGA. The Yin abstraction enables cross-domain algorithmic specification, while the Yang abstraction captures the accelerator capabilities. We also develop a dataflow virtual machine, dubbed XLVM, that transparently maps domain functions (Yin) to best-fit accelerator capabilities (Yang). With six real-world cross-domain applications, our evaluations show that Yin-Yang unlocks 29.4× speedup, while the best single-domain acceleration achieves 12.0×.

[Genetic characteristics of varicella zoster virus in Shandong province from 2020 to 2021]

Objective: To investigate the genetic characteristics of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in Shandong province from 2020 to 2021. Methods: From April 2020 to December 2021, 85 herpes fluid samples from suspected varicella patients in Shandong province were collected. The qPCR was used to detect viral DNA and screen suspected samples. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ORF22 fragment and ORF38 fragment in positive samples were examined via PCR and Sanger sequencing to identify the viral genotypes. Four SNPs of ORF38 and ORF62 were examined to identify the vaccine and wild-type strains. The sequences were analyzed with Sequencher and MEGA7 software, using the VZV reference strain sequences from GenBank. Results: In the 85 samples suspected of varicella, 80 were VZV positive and wild-type strains belonging to Clade 2. Compared with clade 2 representative strains, the nucleotide and amino acid similarities of ORF22 fragment were 99.5%-100% and 98.5%-100%, respectively. SD20-1, SD20-5, SD20-6, SD20-8, SD20-9, SD20-10, SD20-11, SD20-12, SD20-13, SD20-30 and SD20-31 had a A➝G nucleotide mutation at 37990, causing amino acid change from glutamine to arginine. SD21-1 had a C➝A nucleotide mutation at 38059, causing threonine to asparagine during coding. Conclusions: From 2020 to 2021, all VZV strains in Shandong province are the wild-type strains belonging to Clade 2.

Monochloropropanediol in edible vegetable oils from Hangzhou market in China: occurrence and exposure risk assessment

In this study, 241 vegetable-oil food samples were collected from the Hangzhou market in China and analysed for fatty acid esters of 3- and 2-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD and 2-MCPD) using non-derivative gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Food consumption data were taken from a food consumption survey of urban and rural residents in Hangzhou city performed in 2010-2011. Levels of 3-MCPD esters in edible oil ranged from not detected to 7.98 mg/kg, and the highest mean levels were found in tea seed oil, with concentrations of 2.94 mg/kg. Esters of 2-MCPD levels ranged from not detected to 4.03 mg/kg, and the highest mean levels were also found in tea seed oil, containing 1.49 mg/kg. The range of mean dietary intake of 3-MCPD esters in different groups of edible oil was from 0.096 to 1.54 μg/kg body weight (bw) per day, which is lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2 μg/kg bw/day). For people aged above 6 years old, the dietary intake of 3-MCPD from edible oil was 0.42 μg/kg bw per day (mean) and 1.22 μg/kg bw per day (P97.5). The range of mean dietary intake of 2-MCPD esters in different groups of edible oil was from 0.025 to 0.79 μg/kg bw/day, and 2-MCPD esters intake was 0.20 μg/kg bw per day (mean) and 0.60 μg/kg bw per day (P97.5). In addition, the dietary intake exposure to 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD esters for urban residents was lower than that for rural residents. The findings indicate that the potential health risks caused by dietary 3-MCPD esters from edible oils were of low concern for most of the Hangzhou residents. However, the exposure risk for consumers with excessive consumption of certain kind of edible oil calls for attention.

UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS assay for the quantification of dianthrones as potential toxic markers of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb: applications for the standardization of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with endogenous toxicity

BACKGROUND

The raw and processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) are commonly used in clinical practice to treat diverse diseases; however, reports of hepatotoxicity induced by Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (PMRP) have emerged worldwide. Thus, it is necessary for researchers to explore methods to improve quality standards to ensure their quality and treatment effects.

METHODS

In the present study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) method was optimized and validated for the determination of dianthrones in PMR and PMRP using bianthronyl as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation with a gradient mobile phase [A: acetonitrile and B: water containing 0.1% formic acid (v/v)] at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C₁₈ column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 μm). The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TQMS) was operated in negative ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring for the quantitative analysis of six dianthrones. Moreover, compounds 5 and 6 were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity in HepaRG cells by CCK-8 assay.

RESULTS

The UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was first developed to simultaneously determine six dianthrones in PMR and PMRP, namely, polygonumnolides C1-C4 (1-4), trans-emodin dianthrones (5), and cis-emodin dianthrones (6). The contents of 1-6 in 90 batches of PMR were in the ranges of 0.027-19.04, 0.022-13.86, 0.073-15.53, 0.034-23.35, 0.38-83.67 and 0.29-67.00 µg/g, respectively. The contents of 1-6 in 86 batches of commercial PMRP were in the ranges of 0.020-13.03, 0.051-8.94, 0.022-7.23, 0.030-12.75, 0.098-28.54 and 0.14-27.79 µg/g, respectively. Compounds 1-4 were almost completely eliminated after reasonable processing for 24 h and the contents of compounds 5 and 6 significantly decreased. Additionally, compounds 5 and 6 showed inhibitory activity in HepaRG cells with IC₅₀ values of 10.98 and 15.45 μM, respectively. Furthermore, a systematic five-step strategy to standardize TCMs with endogenous toxicity was proposed for the first time, which involved the establishment of determination methods, the identification of potentially toxic markers, the standardization of processing methods, the development of limit standards and a risk-benefit assessment.

CONCLUSION

The results of the cytotoxicity evaluation of the dianthrones indicated that trans-emodin dianthrones (5) and cis-emodin dianthrones (6) could be selected as toxic markers of PMRP. Taking PMR and PMRP as examples, we hope this study provides insight into the standardization and internationalization of endogenous toxic TCMs, with the main purpose of improving public health by scientifically using TCMs to treat diverse complex diseases in the future.

[The diagnostic value of chromosome microarray analysis technique in the genetic causes of children with intellectual disability or global developmental delay]

Objective: To study the value of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) application in children with developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) were performed in 1 320 children with DD/ID, ASD, with or without epilepsy and MCA who were admitted to Peking University First Hospital from 2014 to 2019. The results of genetic etiology test of CMA in children with mental retardation or global DD was summarized. Results: Of 1 320 samples, there were 10 cases of aneuploid abnormality, 6 cases of uniparental disomy and one case of mosaicism, respectively. Pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) were found in 320 cases and pathogenic CNVs were detected in 23 cases, with a combined detection rate of 26% (343/1 320). CNVs of uncertain clinical significance occurred in 107 cases, accounting for 8.1% (107/1 320). There were 25 cases of possible benign CNVs, accounting for 2% (25/1 320), while benign CNVs were reported in 20 cases, accounting for 1.5% (20/1 320). The detection rate of MCA with DD/ID was 39.8% (130/327). Conclusions: CMA has the advantages of high resolution and covering the whole genome. It can detect the chromosomal abnormalities, microdeletions and duplications seen under the microscope, thus the genetic etiology of children with mental retardation or global DD can be diagnosed.

[Occurrence Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Groundwater in Wuxi-Changzhou]

The concentrations of 22 endocrine disrupting chemicals, including 4 categories of sex hormones, progesterones, glucocorticoids, and phenolic hormones, in groundwater of Wuxi-Changzhou were analyzed using solid-phase extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicated that 20 EDCs were detected, among which bisphenol A (BPA), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) were the main components with detection ratios greater than 90%, followed by estriol (E3) and methyl-prednisolonel (Meprednl), which had detection rates 67.7% and 48.4%, respectively. The average concentration of BPA was the highest (4.95 ng·L^-1), followed by that of Meprednl, E2, prednisolone (Prednl), testosterone propionate (TES-pro), and megestrol-acetate (MA; 2.84, 0.71, 0.64, 0.58, and 0.53 ng·L^-1, respectively). The total concentration in each site ranged from 0.38 to 147.35 ng·L^-1. The sites with higher concentration were mainly distributed in the Xinbei District, Liyang City, and the Zhonglou District of Changzhou City. The potential sources were analyzed by a principal component analysis (PCA) combining the point sources near sample sites. The results showed that domestic sewage, aquaculture, and industrial wastewater were the main sources, following by medical wastewater. A non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed a low risk of EDCs in the groundwater of the study area, and the risk of drinking water was greater than that of skin exposure. EE2 had the highest non-carcinogenic risk and is suggested to be monitored in priority.

In vivo hepatotoxicity screening of different extracts, components, and constituents of Polygoni Multiflori Thunb. in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used to treat a variety of diseases. However, the hepatotoxicity associated with PM hampers its clinical application and development. In this study, we refined the zebrafish hepatotoxicity model with regard to the following endpoints: liver size, liver gray value, and the area of yolk sac. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, albumin, and microRNAs-122 were evaluated to verify the model. Subsequently, this model was used to screen different extracts, components, and constituents of PM, including 70 % EtOH extracts of PM, four fractions from macroporous resin (components A, B, C, and D), and 19 compounds from component D. We found that emodin, chrysophanol, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, (cis)-emodin-emodin dianthrones, and (trans)-emodin-emodin dianthrones showed higher hepatotoxicity compared to other components in PM, whereas polyphenols showed lower hepatotoxicity. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify that dianthrones may account for the hepatotoxicity of PM. We believe that these findings will be helpful in regulating the hepatotoxicity of PM.

Simultaneous multi-slice accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging with higher spatial resolution for patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumours

AIM

To evaluate the imaging characteristics of simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with decreased section thickness, with and without motion correction, in comparison to conventional DWI (cDWI) for the detection of lesions in patients with neuroendocrine tumour (NET) liver metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with NET liver metastases underwent cDWI (section thickness [SL]=4 mm) and SMS-DWI (SL=2 mm). Non-linear motion-corrected (Moco)-SMS-DWI was generated in addition to the original series. Qualitative imaging characteristics (five-point Likert scale), the number of high signal lesions, and the detectability and delineation of lesions were evaluated and compared using the Friedman and the Dunn-Bonferroni tests. The test-retest variability (TRV) of the cDWI and SMS-DWI techniques was investigated among 11 healthy volunteers who underwent cDWI (SL=4 mm) and SMS-DWI (SL=4 mm) twice. The Friedman and the Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare the mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the TRV in different liver regions between the three series.

RESULTS

Moco-SMS-DWI demonstrated significantly superior overall image quality (p<0.001) with significantly fewer artefacts (p=0.003) than cDWI. The number of lesions detected by cDWI, SMS-DWI, and Moco-SMS-DWI were 348, 504, and 523, respectively. The detectability and delineation of the lesions and the ADC values were significantly higher on the SMS-DWI and Moco-SMS-DWI images than on the cDWI images (all p<0.001). Moco-SMS-DWI showed significantly higher TRV than cDWI in regions near the liver edge (p=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

SMS-DWI achieves higher spatial resolution than cDWI within the same acquisition time, detects more lesions, and provides better lesion delineation. By applying motion correction, the TRV of DWI could be enhanced in regions near the liver edge.

Fully automated identification and quantification of five polar pesticides in groundwater by isotope dilution-online solid phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry

A fully automated method for identification and quantification of five polar pesticides in groundwater by isotope dilution-online solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed. After one step of filtration, an aliquot of a 7.5-ml water sample was automatedly preconcentrated and purified on a turbulent Cyclone SPE column. The analytes were eluted in backflush mode, then separated on an analytical column and acquired by full MS/dd-MS2 scan in negative and positive ions mode. The major parameters for sample loading, cleanup, and elution were optimized in detail. Preconcentration and ionization efficiency were highly improved by using 0.1% acid solution in the mobile phase. The method provided good linearity of calibration coefficients (R2 > 0.995), sensitive method limits of detection (0.5-10.0 ng/L), accurate mass spectra (within 5 ppm error), satisfactory matrix spiking recoveries (98.4% to 109%), and high precision (intraday/interday relative standard deviations 1.57-8.90%). The method was successfully applied to analyze large batch groundwater of National Groundwater Monitoring Project and suspect screening of potential pesticides in groundwater. The study provided a practical alternative for a simple, robust, sensitive, and accurate identification and qualification of five polar pesticides in groundwater.

Estradiol-17β regulates proliferation and apoptosis of sheep endometrial epithelial cells by regulating the relative abundance of YAP1

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) transcription regulator of the Hippo protein kinase pathway, serves as a key regulator of tissue growth and organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Effects of YAP1 on proliferation and apoptosis of sheep endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) as a result of estradiol-17β (E₂) treatment, however, remain unclear. In the present study, the abundance of YAP1 protein in the uterine horn was greater than that in the uterine body or cervix. The YAP1 protein was primarily localized in the endometrial luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the uterine horn of ewes on day 2 of the estrous cycle. Compared with control samples, there was a lesser abundance of YAP1 mRNA transcript that was associated with a lesser proliferation and greater apoptosis of EEC. There were also lesser concentrations of epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 in the spent culture medium when there was a lesser abundance of YAP1 mRNA in EEC compared with those in the control group. When there was a greater abundance of YAP1 mRNA transcript, there were greater concentrations of epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 in the spent media. Furthermore, with estradiol-17β treatment the abundance of YAP1 mRNA transcript was similar to that of the control samples. Taken together, estradiol-17β may function as an essential regulator of EEC proliferation and apoptosis by modulation of concentrations of YAP1 protein in the sheep uterus. These results indicate there are molecular mechanisms of estradiol-17β and YAP1 in EEC proliferation and apoptosis of ewes.

Rapid Zeeman atomic absorption determination of copper in serum and urine

In this simple, quick procedure for determining copper in human serum and urine, the serum and urine specimens were analyzed directly after dilution with a solution of HNO3 and Triton X-100, 1 mL/L each. We calibrated with aqueous standards for quantitation in Zeeman background atomic absorption spectrometry. By modifying the drying and pyrolysis stages of the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer, we reduced the analytical time to 30 s per determination. The within-run imprecision (CV) is 2.6% and 3.4% and the between-run imprecision is 0.9% and 2.5% for serum and urine copper at concentrations of 30.4 and 2.70 mumol/L, respectively. The accuracy of this fast method was verified by analyzing the National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Materials SRM 1598 bovine serum and SRM 2670 urine (agreement with certified values within 0.1 mumol/L for serum and within 0.02 mumol/L for urine), by analytical recovery studies (98% recovered in serum, 100% recovered in urine), and by comparison with our normal routine method. We also used the Quebec Interlaboratory Comparison Program to validate the analytical performance. From the precision and accuracy studies, we conclude that this fast-furnace program is a rapid, simple, and reliable method for determining copper in serum and urine.

[Etiologic surveillance and analysis of acute meningitis and encephalitis syndrome in Jinan city in 2013-2016]

Objective: To characterize the etiology and epidemiological characteristics of the acute meningitis and encephalitis syndrome (AMES) in Jinan city in 2013-2016. Methods: The epidemiological data, clinical diagnosis, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were collected from 3 577 AMES cases in 6 sentinel hospitals in Jinan city in 2013-2016. Samples of all cases were made sero-diagnosis for Immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibody to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and negative cases of JEV for enterovirus (EV), mumps virus (MuV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Virus isolation and molecular identification were performed. Positive rates were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: In 2013-2016, the positive rates of JEV, EV, MuV and HSV were 9.0% (322/3 577 cases), 22.1% (643/2 916 cases), 9.9% (289/2 916 cases), 26.9% (783/2 916), respectively. Of these, the positive rates of JEV were 32.9% (261/794), 1.2% (14/1 175), 1.0% (8/807) and 4.9% (39/801 cases); EV: 19.5% (91/466), 35.1% (342/974 cases), 15.5% (115/743) and 13.0% (95/733); MuV: 9.2% (43/466), 14.4% (140/974), 9.0% (67/743) and 5.3% (39/733). HSV: 35.4% (165/466), 38.5% (375/974), 25.7% (191/743) and 7.1% (52/733). There were significant differences in positive rates of 4 kinds of viruses in 2013-2016 (P<0.001). A total of 81 EV strains belonging to 8 serotypes were isolated from 1 020 CSF specimens. The positive rates were 4.8% (6 cases), 13.1% (55 cases), 4.1% (7 cases) and 4.2% (13 cases) from 2013 to 2016. Coxsackievirus (CV) B5, echovirus (E) 6 and E30 accounted for 46% (37 isolates), 22% (18 isolates) and 21% (17 isolates) of all strains. Conclusion: The AMES cases in Jinan city in 2013-2016 were mainly caused by HSV, EV, MuV, JEV. CVB5, E6 and E30 were the dominant serotypes of EV associated with AMES cases in Jinan city.

Effects of nitric oxide on steroidogenesis and apoptosis in goat luteinized granulosa cells

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of nitric oxide (NO) on steroidogenesis and apoptosis in goat luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs). We cultured goat LGCs from healthy follicles in culture medium supplemented with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or the NO synthase inhibitor N_ω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME), then examined steroid synthesis, oxidative stress and apoptosis in vitro. The results showed that SNP treatment significantly increased the cGMP concentration in the LGCs (P < 0.05), whereas the l-NAME treatment significantly decreased cGMP concentration (P < 0.05). Then Inhibition of NO production significantly inhibited the expression of CYP19A1, a key gene that is involved in sex steroid hormones synthesis and is responsible for the decrease of E₂. Inhibition of NO production resulted in an increased percentage of apoptosis, which was accompanied by upregulating expression levels of apoptosis-related markers BAX, CASP3 and CASP9. These data indicate that NO is required for goat LGCs steroidogenesis and cell survival. Furthermore, Inhibition of NO production decreased the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis related genes and proteins (PPARGC1A, NRF-1 and TFAM) and the mtDNA copy number. Simultaneously, inhibition of NO production suppressed the transcription and translation of SOD, GPX1, and CAT, and decreased the glutathione level and increased the 8-OHdG level. However, SNP treatment increased the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial function and biogenesis, and elevated the anti-oxidant stress system and steroid synthesis. Together, our results indicate that NO may up-regulate the expression of PPARGC1A and its downstream factors through the cGMP pathway, thereby decreasing granulosa cell apoptosis, and may participate in the regulation of granulocyte steroid production through the mitochondrial-dependent pathway.

Circ-ITCH regulates triple-negative breast cancer progression through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Recent studies indicate that circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in tumorigenesis, but its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of circ-ITCH in TNBC and found that circ-ITCH was significantly down-regulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines and closely associated with poor prognosis. We therefore constructed the MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 TNBC cell lines stably expressing circ-ITCH by lentiviral vectors to determine its underlying mechanisms in TNBC progression. Most importantly, over-expression of circ-ITCH remarkably inhibited TNBC proliferation, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that circ-ITCH acts as a sponge for miR-214 and miR-17 to increase expression of its ITCH linear isoform, thereby inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our combined results show for the first time that circ-ITCH is a tumor suppressor, a promising prognostic biomarker in TNBC and that its restoration could well be a successful strategy in TNBC.

Detection of 20 Phthalate Esters in Different Kinds of Food Packaging Materials by GC-MS/MS with Five Internal Standards

>Background: Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a group of chemical compounds widely used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility of plastics that are used in the manufacturing of kitchen utensils and food containers. Objective: In this study, a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the determination of 20 PAEs in different kinds of food packaging materials has been developed. Methods: Samples injected with five internal standards were extracted with acetonitrile saturated with n-hexane and then detected by GC-MS/MS without a purification step. Results: The standard calibration curves were linear for all analytes over the concentration range of 5-500 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9913 to 0.9999. The LODs and LOQs were in the ranges of 1.7-62.5 and 5.5-208.3 μg/kg, respectively. The accuracy of this method was evaluated by measuring the recovery from spiked samples. The recoveries of all 20 phthalates from samples spiked at three different concentrations were measured, and the recovery was in the range of 82.1-110.8% and the relative standard deviation range of recovery result (n = 6) was 0.3-9.7%. Conclusions: The method presented here is simple, rapid, and sensitive and can be applied to large-scale detection of PAEs in plastic materials. Highlights: Instead of only one solvent, acetonitrile saturated with n-hexane was used as the extraction solvent. Samples were pretreated without a purification step. Five internal standards were used for quantitative determination.

[Particle Size Distribution and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Atmospheric Particles from Beijing and Xinxiang During Summer]

Under a condition of good air quality (AQI:55-90, PM₁₀:37-97 μg·m^-3, PM_2.5:17-76 μg·m^-3), six groups of 54 samples were collected using an Andersen cascade impactor from both the indoor and outdoor stations in Beijing and Xinxiang from June to August in 2016. The samples were digested by microwave digestion, and nine heavy metal elements (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Mn, and Co) in the atmospheric particles were determined with an inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that the enrichment index (0-3) of most elements were low in both cities except for Cd[15.0 (Beijing) and 8.47 (Xinxiang)]. Cr, Co, Cu, and Mn in the atmospheric particles from Beijing park, Cd, Pb, and Mn in the atmospheric particles from the Beijing office, Cr, Co, Ni, and As in the atmospheric particles from Xinxiang park, and all nine heavy metal elements in the atmospheric particles from roads in both cities were found to be more concentrated in the coarse fractions; however, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, and As in the atmospheric particles from Beijing park, Co, Zn, Ni, Cr, As, and Cu in the atmospheric particles from the Beijing office, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Mn in the atmospheric particles from Xinxiang park, and all nine metal elements in the atmospheric particles from the Beijing office showed the opposite pattern. The result of a human health risk assessment indicated that the carcinogenic risk of the five carcinogenic elements were all less than 10^-4, but a lower potential cancer risk would also occur under long term exposure. For the four non-carcinogenic elements (Pb, Zn, Mn, and Cu), the non-carcinogenic health risk values of Pb, Zn, Mn, and Cu in the atmospheric particulates in Beijing were all far less than 1, which means the corresponding non-carcinogenic risk was negligible; and, except for Mn, there was no obvious non-carcinogenic risk from Pb, Zn, and Cu in the atmospheric particles of Xinxiang.

Differential effects of citric acid on cadmium uptake and accumulation between tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass

Organic acids play an important role in cadmium availability, uptake, translocation, and detoxification. A sand culture experiment was designed to investigate the effects of citric acid on Cd uptake, translocation, and accumulation in tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. The results showed that two grass species presented different Cd chemical forms, organic acid components and amount in roots. The dormant Cd accumulated in roots of tall fescue was the pectate- and protein- integrated form, which contributed by 84.85%. However, in Kentucky bluegrass, the pectate- and protein- integrated Cd was only contributed by 35.78%, and the higher proportion of Cd form was the water soluble Cd-organic acid complexes. In tall fescue, citric acid dramatically enhanced 2.8 fold of Cd uptake, 3 fold of root Cd accumulation, and 2.3 fold of shoot Cd accumulation. In Kentucky bluegrass, citric acid promoted Cd accumulation in roots, but significantly decreased Cd accumulation in shoots. These results suggested that the enhancements of citric acid on Cd uptake, translocation, and accumulation in tall fescue was associated with its promotion of organic acids and the water soluble Cd-organic acid complexes in roots.

[The 453rd case: diarrhea, weight loss and diabetes mellitus]

Chronic diarrhea is a common complaint in gastroentology department, which is classified into a variety of types. While as eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare cause. A 50-year-old male patient was admitted with a 2-year history of diarrhea worsened for 10 months. Fasting could alleviate the diarrhea. Laboratory findings demonstrated anemia, low vitamins and minerals, fat malabsorption and abnormal D-xylose absorption test, delayed gastric emptying. According to the endoscopic biopsy of gastrointestinal mucosa, the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was made. Diabetic neuropathy may aggravate the symptom. The diarrhea resolved after the administration of steroids.

Chlorogenic acid protects D-galactose-induced liver and kidney injury via antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects in mice

CONTEXT

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the aging process and its related hepatic and renal function decline. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant polyphenol compounds in the human diet. Recently, CGA has shown in vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties.

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigates the effects of protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on D-galactose-induced liver and kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatic and renal injuries were induced in a mouse model by subcutaneously injection of D-galactose (D-gal; 100 mg/kg) once a day for 8 consecutive weeks and orally administered simultaneously with CGA included in the food (200 mg/kg of diet). The liver and renal functions were examined. Histological analyses of liver and kidney were done by haematoxylin and eosin staining. The oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and the kidney were measured. Results CGA significantly reduced the serum aminotransferase, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in D-gal mice (p <0.05). CGA also restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels and decreased glutathione content in the liver and kidney in D-gal mice (p <0.05). Improvements in liver and kidney were also noted in histopathological studies. CGA reduced tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein levels in the liver and kidney in D-gal mice (p <0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that CGA attenuates D-gal-induced chronic liver and kidney injury and that this protection may be due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Screening of the residual normal ovarian tissue adjacent to orthotopic epithelial ovarian carcinomas in nude mice

The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility and methods of screening the residual normal ovarian tissue adjacent to orthotopic ovarian carcinomas in nude mice. Human epithelial ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR3) were subcutaneously implanted for a tumor source and ovarian orthotopic transplantation. The cancer tissue, proximal paraneoplastic tissue, middle paraneoplastic tissue, remote paraneoplastic tissue, and normal ovarian tissue were removed. CK-7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We obtained 35 paraneoplastic residual ovarian tissues with normal biopsies from 40 cases of an orthotopic epithelial ovarian carcinoma model (87.5%). CK-7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 expression was lower in proximal paraneoplastic tissue than in cancer tissue (P < 0.05) and higher than in middle and remote paraneoplastic tissue (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the expression of these genes in middle and proximal paraneoplastic tissue as well as among residual normal ovarian tissues with different severity (P > 0.05). In ovarian tissues of 20 normal nude mice, the expression of CK- 7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 was negative. Overall, the expression levels of CK-7, CA125, p53, survivin, MMP-2, TIMP-2, and other molecular markers showed a decreasing trend in the non-cancer tissue direction. The expression levels can be used as standards to screen residual normal ovarian tissue. We can obtain relatively safe normal ovarian tissues adjacent to epithelial ovarian cancer.

Mass measurements of the neutron-deficient 41Ti, 45Cr, 49Fe, and 53Ni nuclides: first test of the isobaric multiplet mass equation in f p-shell nuclei

Isochronous mass spectrometry has been applied to neutron-deficient 58Ni projectile fragments at the HIRFL-CSR facility in Lanzhou, China. Masses of a series of short-lived T(z)=-3/2 nuclides including 41Ti, 45Cr, 49Fe, and 53Ni have been measured with a precision of 20-40 keV. The new data enable us to test for the first time the isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) in fp-shell nuclei. We observe that the IMME is inconsistent with the generally accepted quadratic form for the A=53, T=3/2 quartet. We perform full space shell model calculations and compare them with the new experimental results.

Characterization of a chiral phase in an achiral bent-core liquid crystal by polarization studies of resonant x-ray forbidden reflections

The chiral antiferroelectric structure of an achiral bent-core liquid crystal is characterized by resonant x-ray scattering at chlorine K edge. The "forbidden" reflections resulting from the glide or screw symmetry elements are restored by the anisotropy of the tensor structure factor, which we calculate for two possible structural models. A careful analysis of the polarization states of the restored "forbidden" reflections enables an unambiguous identification of a chiral structure (i.e., the so-called anticlinic, antiferroelectric smectic-C or Sm-C(A)P(A)) coexisting with the achiral synclinic antiferroelectric smectic-C or Sm-C(S)P(A). The method proves to be quite powerful as it identifies the chiral structure within coexisting phases despite an imperfect orientation of the sample. The volume fraction of the chiral phase and the distribution of alignment are extracted from the data.

Effect of enantiomeric excess on the phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystals

Null transmission ellipsometry and resonant x-ray diffraction are employed to study the effect of enantiomeric excess (EE) on the phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystal 10OTBBB1M7. Phase sequence, layer spacing, and pitch of the helical structures of the smectic-C(α)* and smectic-C* phases are studied as a function of temperature and EE. Upon reducing EE, a liquid-gas-type critical point of the smectic-C(α)* to smectic-C* transition is observed, as well as the disappearance of the smectic-C(d4)* and the smectic-C(d3)* phases. Results are analyzed in a mean-field model.

Direct mass measurements of short-lived A=2Z-1 nuclides (63)Ge, (65)As, (67)Se, and (71)Kr and their impact on nucleosynthesis in the rp process

Mass excesses of short-lived A=2Z-1 nuclei (63)Ge, (65)As, (67)Se, and (71)Kr have been directly measured to be -46,921(37), -46,937(85), -46,580(67), and -46,320(141)  keV, respectively. The deduced proton separation energy of -90(85)  keV for (65)As shows that this nucleus is only slightly proton unbound. X-ray burst model calculations with the new mass excess of (65)As suggest that the majority of the reaction flow passes through (64)Ge via proton capture, indicating that (64)Ge is not a significant rp-process waiting point.

Evolution of a rare sequence of surface transitions with temperature and film thickness

In free-standing smectic films, layers near the surfaces of the film often contain molecules tilted away from the layer normal, while in the bulk of the film the magnitude of the tilt decays exponentially with distance from the surface. We have identified the detailed molecular tilt orientations in the surface layers of films for one antiferroelectric liquid crystal compound. A series of five surface structures exists with different nonplanar tilt arrangements for each structure. The molecular orientations in the surface layers evolve with temperature. The polarization of the film also evolves with temperature, corresponding to the tilt arrangements. Using ellipsometric data, we reconstruct the changes in the magnitude and azimuthal direction of the tilt as functions of temperature. We have also studied films of several different thicknesses. We present a phase diagram for the five surface structures showing the dependence on temperature and film thickness.

Nonplanar tilts in very thin smectic films of one liquid-crystal compound

Surface effects cause tilted molecular arrangements in smectic layers near the surface of a free-standing liquid-crystal film in which the bulk of the film is in the smectic- A phase. One recent work has shown that the tilt directions in adjacent surface layers may be nonplanar. In this paper we study films with thicknesses of two to six smectic layers. Surface effects dominate in these very thin films. We show that the molecular tilts are nonplanar even in these very thin films.

Recovery of a reversed phase sequence in one ternary liquid-crystal-mixture system

The nOHFBBB1M7 (n=10) compound, 10OHF, shows a reversed SmC{FI2}-SmC phase sequence, unique among all known antiferroelectric liquid crystals. This reversed phase sequence is stabilized when 10OHF is doped with 9OTBBB1M7(C9) or 11OTBBB1M7(C11). In contrast, doping of the homologous members ( n=9 , 11, or 12) eliminates the SmC{FI2} phase. One 10OHF/11OHF mixture without the SmC{FI2} phase was selected for further studies. By adding C9 into this particular mixture, the reversed phase sequence is revived. To our surprise, even though 11OHF destabilizes the SmC_{FI2} phase in binary mixtures with 10OHF, it significantly increases the SmC_{FI2} temperature range in the 10OHF/11OHF/C9 ternary mixtures.

Effects of doping on an unusual smectic- C*alpha-smectic-C*FI2-smectic-C* phase sequence

The compound 10OHF has a partially inverted phase sequence, unique among the series of nOHF homologous compounds and all other known liquid crystals, with the smectic-C*FI2 (SmC*FI2) phase occurring at higher temperature than the smectic-C* (SmC*) phase. We present ellipsometric data to identify the phase sequences of 9OHF, 10OHF, 11OHF, and 12OHF. Binary mixtures of 10OHF with C11, a compound with the typical phase sequence among the smectic phases, show that the unusual phase sequence of 10OHF stabilizes upon mixing and that SmC*FI2 predominates over SmC* throughout the entire mixing phase diagram. In thin films of some mixtures, surface interactions induce a reentrant SmC*FI2-SmC*-SmC*FI2 transition in the rest of the film.

In situ x-ray reflectivity studies on the formation of substrate-supported phospholipid bilayers and monolayers

We conducted time-dependent, in situ x-ray reflectivity measurements on the formation of substrate-supported lipid monolayers and bilayers at solid-liquid interfaces, buried under an aqueous buffer with various concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 microg/ml ) of lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). The DOPC bilayer is formed on the hydrophilic surface of a bare Si substrate, while the DOPC monolayer is formed on a hydrophobic octadecylthricholorsilane (OTS) monolayer-coated Si substrate. The evolution of the reflectivity curves from the lipid bilayers is well described by lateral growth of bilayer islands, consistent with the rupture and fusion model for the adsorption of lipid vesicles to solid-liquid interfaces. By contrast, the formation of the lipid monolayer on OTS-coated Si occurs through a relatively fast coverage of the entire interfacial area, followed by an increase in the monolayer thickness. For both monolayers and bilayers, the rate of lipid layer growth increases with increasing lipid concentration in the buffer solution.

Polarization studies of resonant forbidden reflections in liquid crystals

We report the results of resonant x-ray diffraction experiments performed on thick films of a biaxial liquid crystal made of achiral bent-core molecules. Polarization properties of forbidden reflections are observed as a function of the sample rotation angle phi about the scattering vector Q for the first time on a fluid material. The experimental data are successfully analyzed within a tensor structure factor model by taking the nonperfect alignment of the liquid crystal into account. The local structure of the B2 mesophase is hence determined to be SmC_{S}P_{A}.

Unique pitch evolution in the smectic-C+alpha phase

Employing resonant x-ray diffraction, we observed unique pitch evolutions in the smectic-C*(alpha) phase in mixtures of two antiferroelectric liquid crystals. Our results show that the pitch in this phase continuously evolves across 4 layers, contradicting a theoretical model that predicts that the smectic-C*(FI2) phase intervenes in the smectic-C*(alpha) phase. The phase sequences we found can be explained by another model that includes one type of long-range interaction among smectic layers.

[Clinical analysis of maxillofacial patients with diabetes on perioperative period]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment of perioperative period on maxillofacial patients with diabetes.

METHODS

The retrospective analysis was taken on clinical data of 24 cases of maxillofacial patients with diabetes.

RESULTS

All patients recovered without severe complications by controlling blood sugar during whole stage and preventing infection with antibiotics after surgery. The wounds in 21 cases healed in 10-14 days after the operations and that didn't in 3 cases. With the treatment on local wounds, the wounds in 3 cases healed in 14-28 days after the operations.

CONCLUSION

It's the treatment principle of maxillofacial surgical patients with diabetes to monitor the levels of blood glucose on time, to control the levels of blood glucose rigorously at the whole stage and to prevent complication.

Smectic-C*alpha phase with two coexistent helical pitch values and a first-order smectic-C*alpha to smectic-C* transition

Previous results from Kundu using dielectric relaxation have suggested a reentrant antiferroelectric-ferroelectric-antiferroelectric transition in the compound LN36. Our comprehensive studies of this compound using differential optical reflectivity, nonadiabatic scanning calorimetry, null transmission ellipsometry, and resonant x-ray diffraction show that in fact LN36 exhibits the usual phase sequence for chiral smectic liquid crystals: SmA*-SmC*alpha-SmC*-SmC*FI1-SmC*A . Moreover, the SmC*alpha-SmC* transition is a first-order transition, characterized by a discontinuous change in the helical pitch. At temperatures just above the SmC*alpha-SmC* transition, two different values for the helical pitch are simultaneously observed for the first time.

Optical studies on the surface-induced tilted layers in freestanding films of two no-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal compounds

Null transmission ellipsometry has been employed to study the molecular arrangements in freestanding films of two no-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal homologous compounds above the bulk smectic A-smectic C* (Sm C*) transition temperature. An unusual nonplanar-parallel or nonplanar-antiparallel-parallel transition has been observed in both compounds under a proper electric field. With the addition of one CH2 group, while the SmC* phase is more stable thermally, the magnitude of the critical field needed to induce a parallel-antiparallel transition decreases dramatically.