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Background The effective evaluation of scientific and technological achievements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance in promoting the innovative development of TCM. Previous evaluations of scientific and technological achievements in TCM often used a generalized evaluation method, leading to problems such as inappropriate indicators and limited dimensions, which is not conducive to reflecting the multiple values of achievements in a scientific and comprehensive way. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish categorized and multi-dimensional evaluation index system for the evaluation of scientific and technological achievements in TCM in the new period. Objective To establish a scientific, categorized, reliable and comprehensive evaluation index system that reflects the principles of TCM and highlights its unique advantages aiming at the scientific and technological achievements in TCM, in accordance with the contemporary requirements for scientific and technological evaluation in China. Methods This study began in November 2022 and was completed in May 2023. A preliminary index framework was developed through literature review and focus group discussions. Delphi expert consultation was then conducted over two rounds to determine the evaluation indexes and points. The hierarchical analysis method was used to calculate the weight of each index. Results The final evaluation index system of scientific and technological achievements in TCM clinical research comprised 10 threshold indicators, 4 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 17 evaluation points. After testing, the positive coefficient of experts in both rounds of Delphi method implementation was 100%, the authority coefficient was 0.94 and 0.93, respectively. The Kendall's W consistency test for each level of indicators yielded two-tailed significance (P

Objective·To explore the effect of continuous nursing based on EMS [environment management (E), medicine direction (M) and self monitoring (S)] management mode on the preschool children with asthmatic diseases.Methods·A total of 67 children aged 0 to 6 years with asthmatic diseases admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from December 2019 to November 2020 were selected and divided into observation group (33 cases) and control group (34 cases) according to the random number table method, with 3 cases lost, and finally 32 cases in each group. The observation group received continuous nursing care based on EMS management mode, while the control group received routine care and discharge follow-up through the telephone. The children in the two groups were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge to evaluate the results of Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK) and wheezing recurrence; Medication Adherence Report Scale for Asthma (MARS-A) and Nursing Job Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to evaluate medication adherence and nursing job satisfaction 6 months after discharge.Results·There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and clinical baseline characteristics between the two groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that effects of time, groups and the interaction of groups×time on the total score of TRACK were statistically significant. The total scores of TRACK in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge (P=0.000). The total scores of TRACK in the two groups gradually increased with time (P=0.000). The recurrence rates of wheezing in the observation group were 25.0%, 18.7%, and 9.4% at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (50.0%, 43.7%, and 31.3%, respectively, P

旨在为可可脂生产提供新的基料油，同时为高油酸花生油的高值化利用提供研究基础，以高油酸花生油和棕榈酸乙酯为原料，脂肪酶NS40086为催化剂，在无溶剂体系下酶法合成1,3-二棕榈酸-2-油酸甘油三酯（POP）。采用单因素实验研究反应条件对POP含量、酰基位移、sn-2位油酸相对含量的影响，并采用响应面法进行优化。结果表明：高油酸花生油酶促酯交换制备POP的最佳反应条件为反应时间3 h、底物（棕榈酸乙酯与高油酸花生油）物质的量比11∶ 1、酶添加量（以底物总质量计）3%、反应温度50 ℃，在此条件下POP含量为86.48%，酰基位移为3.25%，sn-2位油酸相对含量为72.88%。In order to provide new base oil for the production of cocoa butter and research basis for the high-value utilization of high-oleic peanut oil, with high-oleic peanut oil and ethyl palmitate as raw materials, NS40086 lipase as catalyst, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP) was synthesized by enzymatic transesterification in a solvent-free system. The effects of reaction conditions on the POP content, acyl migration and the relative content of sn-2 oleic acid were studied by single factor experiment, and response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal reaction conditions. The results showed that the optimal reaction conditions were obtained as follows: reaction time 3 h, molar ratio of ethyl palmitate to high-oleic peanut oil 11∶ 1, dosage of enzyme 3% (based on total substrates mass), reaction temperature 50 ℃. Under these conditions, the POP content, acyl migration and the relative content of sn-2 oleic acid were 86.48%, 3.25% and 72.88%, respectively.

为促进高油酸花生油的高值化利用，在无溶剂体系中以高油酸花生油为原料，棕榈酸乙酯、硬脂酸乙酯为酰基供体，酶促酯交换合成类可可脂。以目标甘三酯1,3-二棕榈酸-2-油酸（POP）、1-棕榈酸-2-油酸-3-硬脂酸（POS）、1,3-二硬脂酸-2-油酸（SOS）含量，硬脂酸指数和酰基位移率为评价指标，在单因素实验的基础上采用响应面法对酶促酯交换合成类可可脂的工艺条件进行优化。结果表明：酶促酯交换合成类可可脂的最佳工艺条件为硬脂酸乙酯与棕榈酸乙酯物质的量比1.3∶ 1、酰基供体与高油酸花生油物质的量比12∶ 1、加酶量2.7%(以底物质量计)、反应温度60 ℃、反应时间7 h，在该条件下产物甘三酯中POP、POS、SOS的含量分别为1455%、48.87%、25.17%，硬脂酸指数为0.56，酰基位移率为7.35%。产物的目标甘三酯组成和脂肪酸组成与可可脂相近，可作为可可脂替代品应用。In order to promote the high value utilization of high oleic acid peanut oil, cocoa butter equivalent was synthesized by enzymatic transesterification using high oleic acid peanut oil as raw material, ethyl palmitate and ethyl stearate as acyl donors in a solvent-free system. Taking the contents of target triglycerides POP,POS and SOS, stearic index and acyl migration rate as evaluation indexes, the process conditions of enzymatic synthesis of cocoa butter equivalent were optimized by response surface methodology on the basis of single factor experiment. The results showed that the optimal reaction conditions were obtained as follows: molar ratio of ethyl stearate to ethyl palmitate 1.3∶ 1, molar ratio of acyl donors to high oleic acid peanut oil 12∶ 1, enzyme loading amount 2.7%(based on the mass of substrate), reaction temperature 60 ℃ and reaction time 7 h. Under these conditions, the contents of POP, POS and SOS were 14.55%, 48.87% and 25.17% respectively, the stearic index was 0.56, and the acyl migration rate was 7.35%. The triglyceride and fatty acid composition of the product are similar to those of cocoa butter, and it can be applied as the cocoa butter equivalent.

Objective To determine the effect of overworking on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in rats. Methods Clean SD rats were randomly divided into control group (CON), overworking group (OW) and overworking and sleep deficiency group (OW+SD). The rat model of overworking was established by exhaustive swimming in the latter 2 groups, and the rats of the last group was subjected to sleep deprivation with an underwater platform. In 15 d later, the abdominal aorta of rats was collected for pathological observation by HE staining, and the thickness of media was measured with aid of Image J software. The intracellular ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The apoptotic rate of VSMC was detected by TUNEL, the mRNA expression of Caspsae-3, Bax, Bcl-2 and Ki67 in the VSMC were detected by RT-qPCR, and the content of apoptotic protein Caspase-3 was measured by immunohistochemical assay. Results ① The results of HE staining showed that VSMC were in disordered arrangment and formed vacuole-like cells in the OW and OW+SD groups, and the vascular intima-media thickness was significantly thicker in the OW and OW+SD groups than the CON group (P < 0.05). ② Electron microscopy displayed the apoptotic bodies in the VSMC of the OW and OW+SD groups. ③TUNEL results showed that the apoptotic rate of VSMC was significantly higher in the OW and OW+SD groups than the CON group (P < 0.05). ④RT-qPCR showed that the expression levels of Bax and Ki67 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while those of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were not obviously changed in OW and OW+SD groups (P>0.05) when compared with the CON group. ⑤ Immunohistochemical results showed that the protein content of Caspase-3 in vascular middle membrane of the OW and OW+SD groups was increased significantly than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Overworking aggravates the apoptosis of VSMC and induces the proliferation and repair of VSMC, which form the pathological basis of early arterial lesions. During the experimental time, sleep could not alleviate the injury of VSMC caused by overworking.

In order to obtain a strawberry fruit wine with strong aroma and typical flavor, the non-fermentative yeast, Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td), was sequentially co-fermented with four commercial wine yeasts (D254, K1, F15, and Aq) at a 1:1 inoculation ratio.The effects of the four mixed fermentation combinations on the physicochemical properties, volatile aromatic compounds, and consumer preferences of strawberry wines were evaluated using SPME-GC-MS and a 9-point hedonic scale.The results show that the co-fermentation of Td with different wine yeasts significantly affects the color and aroma components of strawberry wine.Sequential inoculation with Td and Aq or D254 resulted in a wine with a higher redness and saturation.For aroma, a total of 67 volatile compounds, mainly esters, alcohols and acids, were identified in the four strawberry wines.Based on the Venn diagram analysis, 19 aroma compounds were common to all four wine samples, with the Td+D254 combination producing the highest number of aroma compounds (48).The principal component analysis of major aroma compounds (ROAV>0.1) revealed that the volatile active compounds produced by Td+K1 group and Td+D254 group were similar, and closely related to octanoic acid, nonanal, and S-(-) -2-methyl-1-butanol, etc.The consumer preference test showed that the Td+D254 group of strawberry wine had strong fruity, refreshing, and floral aromas, achieving the highest preference score 6.7±1.2.Overall, the findings suggest that the combined fermentation of Td and Saccharomyces cerevisiae D254 has the potential to enhance the aromatic qualities of strawberry wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the intensity-dependent effects of exercises to alleviate fear memory generalization in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Male C57 BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control group, PTSD group, high-intensity exercise (PTSD-High) group, and low-intensity exercise (PTSD-Low) group. PTSD model were created via using a combination of conditioned foot shock(CF) and single-prolonged stress (SPS). The contextual fear test was used to test the mice's ability to discriminate safety situations from fear condition. Immunofluorescence observed and quantified the newborn immature neurons in the DG area of the mice's hippocampus. ELISA was used to determine the secretion level of serum tissue adiponectin. RESULTS: (1) The immobility times for the PTSD-High and Control groups were significantly lower than those of the PTSD group. (2) Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the cell density, dendritic branching points and length of newborn immature neurons were elevated in High and Low groups compared to the PTSD group. (3) Adiponectin levels in the serum of the control and PTSD High group were significantly higher than those in the PTSD group and PTSD-Low group. CONCLUSION: Fear memory establishment in PTSD mice is associated with decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. High-intensity exercise ameliorated fear memory by enhancing adiponectin secretion and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis. High-intensity exercise exerted better improvement of brain functions to PTSD model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (PSMCI) is a common complication after stroke, which negatively affects patients' full recovery from stroke and imposes financial and emotional pressure on their families. Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion on Governor vessel on the cognitive function and TCM syndromes in PSMCI due to deficiency of kidney essence. Methods Eligible patients with PSMCI (n=60) who were treated in Rehabilitation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM from July 2020 to July 2021 were selected, and evenly randomized to a control group (routine basic treatment plus routine cognitive rehabilitation training) and a moxibustion group 〔routine basic treatment plus routine cognitive rehabilitation training and moxibustion on the Governor vessel acupoints (once daily, five times per week) 〕, received four consecutive weeks of treatment. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) , and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess the cognitive function. Symptoms of kidney essence deficiency was assessed by the Scale for the Differentiation of Syndromes of Vascular Dementia (SDSVD) . And quality of life was measured by the Specifications for Stroke-Quality of Life (SS-QOL) . The overall clinical efficacy and safety of the two treatments were evaluated. Results Pre- and post-treatment comparisons of scores of MMSE and MoCA, SDSVD, and SS-QOL revealed that moxibustion group patients group had greater improvements in cognitive function, symptoms of kidney essence deficiency, and quality of life than control group patients (P0.05) . Conclusion Moxibustion of the Governor vessel helps to better improve the cognitive function and TCM symptoms of PSMCI patients due to deficiency of kidney essence with good clinical efficacy and safety.

The 3d transition metal dichalcogenide MX2 (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; X=S, Se, Te) with pyrite structure has attracted widespread attention due to their novel physical properties. Among them, the CuX2 (X=S, Se, and Te) is the only known superconducting system, for which the superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) are 1.5 K (CuS2), 2.4 K (CuSe2) and 1.3 K (CuTe2), respectively. Because they can only be synthesized under high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) conditions, earlier reports on CuTe2 are based on the polycrystalline samples and the detailed physical properties have not been reported on single crystal so far. Here, we synthesized high-quality CuTe2 single crystals under HPHT conditions at 5 GPa and 900 °C using the Kawai type 6/8 two-stage multianvil apparatus and performed detailed crystal, transport, magnetism, and specific heat measurements on its physical properties. The results showed that it belongs to the weakly coupled type-II superconductor with Tc about 1.3 K. We systematically compared the relevant superconducting parameters of CuS2, CuSe2, and CuTe2 and further revealed the relationship between their density of state near the Fermi surface and superconducting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated Chinese and western medicine is a unique medical system in China, which has a strategic position in our country's medical and health care system and is a driving force in the future development of medical science. After nearly 70 years of development, the discipline of integrated Chinese and western medicine has formed a clinical system, a scientific research system, and a talent training system, but there are also shortcomings. In terms of scientific research and disciplinary development, there are relatively few funding projects and corresponding research result in this discipline, and a complete disciplinary system has not been formed. In terms of clinical service, the service scopes urgently need to be expanded, diagnosis and treatment protocols in this discipline need to be increased, and service models need to be improved. In terms of talent cultivation, there is still a serious shortage. One method to solve these problems is crossing innovation between traditional Chinese and western medicine. Clinical evidence is essential for the development of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine and for improving the accessibility of medical services. Interdisciplinary talent is the foundation for future development. We should strengthen the top-level design of interdisciplinary research between Chinese and western medicine to promote theoretical innovation, obtain high-level clinical evidence to improve the efficacy and expand the scope of clinical services in integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, and cultivate talent in various subdisciplines of integrated Chinese and western medicine through system and mechanism reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on the four components and structures of residue was investigated using Saudi vacuum residue in this paper. The results show that with the increasing of ultrasonic time, the content of saturate decreases first and then increases, the content of aromatic and resin increases first and then decreases, and the content of asphaltene decreases significantly. The optimal ultrasonic treatment time is 20 min. At this time, the saturate content decreases by 2.86 percent points, the aromatic content and resin content increase by 4.25 and 3.30 percent points respectively, and the asphaltene content decreases by about 5 percent points. Through simulated distillation and structural parameters analysis of four groups, it is found that ultrasonic treatment can cause asphaltene cracked, partial saturate and asphaltene fragment are adsorbed in aromatic and resin. But with the increasing of ultrasonic time, the adsorbed components desorbed from aromatic and resin. The resin can also cracked by ultrasonic treatment, which transformed the heavy components to light components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective·To investigate the potential risk factors of recurrent wheezing in preschool children. Methods·A casecontrol study was conducted in 370 children with wheezing admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine in a specialized hospital for children in Shanghai from December 2019 to December 2020. The children were preschool children aged 3-6 years. According to the frequency of wheezing, pediatric patients were divided into occasional wheezing group (1-2 attacks per year) and recurrent wheezing group (≥3 attacks per year). The face-to-face questionnaire was performed to the parents responding for basic information and recurrent wheezing risk factors including the children age, gender, gestational age, birth weight, history of eczema, history of allergic rhinitis, history of food allergy, history of inhalational pollen allergy, history of bronchiolitis, maternal age, production mode, feeding pattern, history of parental asthma, resident area (city/village), passive smoking, history of pet contact, seasonal factors, etc. Univariate analysis was used to compare risk factors of recurrent wheezing between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors associated with recurrent wheezing. Results·Three hundred and seventy cases were enrolled, including 204 cases (55.14%) in the occasional wheezing group and 166 cases (44.86%) in the recurrent wheezing group. A total of 10 risk factors were determined for recurrent wheezing, which included children's age (χ²= 36.608, P=0.000), gender (χ²=4.290, P=0.038), eczema (χ²=6.250, P=0.012), allergic rhinitis (χ²=10.787, P=0.001), inhaling pollen (χ²=8.868, P=0.003), history of bronchiolitis (χ²=27.898, P=0.000), gestational age (χ²=5.141, P=0.023), feeding pattern (χ²=4.316, P=0.038), parental asthma history (χ²=5.050, P=0.025) and resident area (χ²=31.013, P=0.000). The Logistic regression showed that allergic rhinitis (OR=4.759, 95%CI 1.665-13.603), bronchiolitis (OR=12.113, 95%CI 5.686-25.802), premature birth (OR=3.092, 95%CI 1.120-8.539) and living in city (OR=2.395, 95%CI 1.326-4.324) were the independent risk factors of recurrent wheezing. Conclusion·The independent risk factors for recurrent wheezing in preschoolers include allergic rhinitis, bronchiolitis, premature birth and living in city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt tolerance in sorghum is significantly differed among various germplasms, development periods and growth conditions, therefore, establishing a comprehensive, objective and accurate method for the evaluation of salt tolerance is of great interest to screen and identify salt resistant sorghum germplasms. To this end, 64 sorghum accessions from a broad genetics background were evaluated for salt tolerance under growth chamber condition. Subsequently, 36 sorghum accessions with different degree of salt resistance were selected for field test of salt tolerance performance at seedling stage. Eventually, 13 accessions were subjected to salt tolerance evaluation back in the growth chamber at seedling stage, again. Both in the field and growth chamber, the seedling height, stem diameter and other morphological indexes along with physiological and biochemical indexes such as superoxide dismutase, proline and malondialdehyde were analyzed by subordinate function method, principal component method and cluster method. So far, two salt-tolerant varieties and two salt-sensitive varieties were stood out for subsequent studies. This study established a comprehensive salt tolerance evaluation method based on multilevel phenotypic analysis, namely, enriched morphological indexes and physiological and biochemical assay indexes were used to systematically and accurately evaluate salt tolerance in sorghum at different development stages (germination and seedling stages) and different growth conditions (field and growth chamber) with various data analysis approaches. The establishment of this method not only provided a valuable reference for the evaluation of salt tolerance in sorghum germplasm resources, but also was beneficial and instructive to the breeding research on salt tolerant sorghum cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is an increasing interest in the use of Aloe Vera in the food industry, with it being used as a source of functional foods in drinks, beverages, and ice creams. In addition, there are several reports about the antifungal activity of Aloe Vera on human mycological diseases. However, little evidence exists on the effect of Aloe extracts on fruit postharvest diseases caused by fungi, either ex-vivo or in vitro. In recent years, there have been some reports on the effect of Aloe extracts applied at postharvest in controlling fruit spoilage by fungi. However, no in-depth information has been reported on the role of Aloe extracts in decay development in fruits previously inoculated with fungi responsible for postharvest diseases or defense-related enzyme activities and modulation of antioxidant system activities. Thus, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the protective effects of Aloe extracts on Red Fuji apple fruit decay caused by Botrytis cinerea, as well as the effect of Aloe extracts on the disease resistance ability in Red Fuji apple fruit. In order to search for an alternative to synthetic fungicides for the control of the postharvest decay of Red Fuji apple fruits, the potential of using Aloe extract flavonoid for the control of postharvest gray mold incidence of Red Fuji apple fruits was investigated. Red Fuji apple fruits were disinfected with 75%(v/v) ethanol for 2 min., rinsed with tap water, air-dried, and then divided randomly into four treatment groups, with 140 fruit in each group. Three groups were dipped into 0.020, 0.035 and 0.050 g/mL Aloe extract flavonoid solutions for 5 min. at room temperature (23±1)°C. Another group (the control) was treated with distilled water. A uniform wound (4mm deepx3 mm wide) was made at the equator of each fruit using a sterile dissecting needle, followed by the inoculation of a20 μL conidial suspension of B.cinerea (1×108spores/mL) into each wound site. Inoculated fruit were placed in covered plastic boxes with small holes, and stored at (23±1)°C and RH 85%-90%. The diameters of lesions caused by B.cinerea in the apple fruit were recorded each day after inoculation, and each treatment had three replicates. The remaining fruit with inoculations were used for determination of physio-biochemical parameters. The results showed that Aloe extract flavonoid significantly decreased the incidence of gray mold rot in Red Fuji apple fruits, and effectively suppressed the expansion of lesions in vivo. After four-day storage, the gray mold rot incidence of Red Fuji apple fruits that were treated with the concentration of Aloe extract flavonoid (0.035 g/L, 0.050 mg/L) was 73% and 53% respectively, which was significantly lower than that of the control (93%). Concurrently, Aloe extract flavonoid increased the activity of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia enzyme (PAL), chitinase (CHT), and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU). Phenolics content also increased significantly. These results indicated that increased disease resistance of Red Fuji apple fruit after Aloe extract flavonoid treatment during storage might be attributed to an elicitation of defense response involving the enhancement of defense-related enzyme activities and the modulation of antioxidant system activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bariatric surgery may cause intestinal microecological environment imbalance due to changes in gastrointestinal anatomy. Some patients may have compli-cations, even regain weight. Probiotics can act on intestinal mucosa, epithelium and gut-associated lymphoid tissue to improve the intestinal microecological environment of obese patients after bariatric surgery. Probiotics can promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, stimulate intestinal cells to release glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide tyrosine-tyrosine, insulin and other endocrine hormones, affect the function of the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, make patients after bariatric surgery feel full, and reduce blood sugar at the same time. Probiotics can produce lactic acid, acetic acid and lactase, to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and to improve gastrointestinal symptoms of patients after bariatric surgery. Probiotics can activate the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, improve lipid metabolism, and promote the recovery of symptom indicators of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after bariatric surgery. Probiotics can regulate the release of neurotransmitters or metabolites by the microbiota through the gut-brain axis to affect brain activity and behavior, thus helping patients improve negative emotions after bariatric surgery. This article describes the intestinal microecological environment of obese patients and mechanism of the change after bariatric surgery and summarizes the effects and possible mechanisms of probiotics in improving the intestinal microecological environment of obese patients after bariatric surgery, to provide references for promoting the clinical application of probiotics.

Blueberries are rich in phenolic compounds including anthocyanins which are closely related to biological health functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of blueberry anthocyanins extracted from 'Brightwell' rabbiteye blueberries in mice. After one week of adaptation, C57BL/6J healthy male mice were divided into different groups that were administered with 100, 400, or 800 mg/kg blueberry anthocyanin extract (BAE), and sacrificed at different time points (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 h). The plasma, eyeball, intestine, liver, and adipose tissues were collected to compare their antioxidant activity, including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PX/GPX) content, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The results showed that blueberry anthocyanins had positive concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in vivo. The greater the concentration of BAE, the higher the T-AOC value, but the lower the MDA level. The enzyme activity of SOD, the content of GSH-PX, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Cu,Zn-SOD , Mn-SOD , and GPX all confirmed that BAE played an antioxidant role after digestion in mice by improving their antioxidant defense. The in vivo antioxidant activity of BAE indicated that blueberry anthocyanins could be developed into functional foods or nutraceuticals with the aim of preventing or treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

Objective To construct nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors family member X1 (NLRX1) lentivirus plasmid and stable NLRX1-overexpressing A549 cell line. Methods Full-length cDNA encoding human NLRX1 was amplified from pCMV3-NLRX1 plasmid and then was inserted into pCDH-CMV-MCS-EF1-Puro vector to obtain NLRX1-overexpressing plasmid pCDH-NLRX1. pCDH-NLRX1 lentivirus particles were obtained by co-transfecting pCDH-NLRX1 with packaging plasmids (pMD2 and pAX2) into HEK293T cells. A549 cells were infected with concentrated pCDH-NLRX1 lentivirus particles and then were screened by puromycin to obtain stable NLRX1-overexpressed A549 cell line. The mRNA transcription and protein expression of NLRX1 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Results The lentivirus plasmid pCDH-NLRX1 was successfully constructed. After pCDH-NLRX1 and packaging plasmids were co-transfected into HEK293T cells, we obtained NLRX1 lentivirus particles with the titer of 1×10 5 TU/mL. After A549 cells were infected with lentivirus particles and screened by puromycin, a stable over-expression cell line of NLRX1 was obtained. NLRX1 was obviously expressed in the lentivirus-infected A549 cells and its mRNA and protein levels significantly increased. Conclusion NLRX1 lentivirus plasmid and stable NLRX1-overexpressing A549 cell line have been successfully constructed.

Objective: To investigate the maturation of individual bones on the hand and wrist in children with central precocious puberty (CPP) and idiopathic short stature (ISS)., Methods: Hand and wrist films of 25 children with CPP, 29 children with ISS and 21 normal controls were evaluated by conventional Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas method and individual bone assessment method, in which all twenty bones of the hand and wrist were evaluated based on GP atlas, including 2 radius and ulna, 7 carpal bones, 11 metacarpal and phalangeal bones, the average bone age (BA) was calculated. The differences in groups were analyzed by independent samples t test. The differences between the two methods were analyzed by paired sample t test. The differences between BA and chronological age (CA) were analyzed by ROC with SPSS 17.0., Results: Compared with the normal control group, the advance of BA in the CPP group was 0.70-2.26 y (1.48 ±0.78) by the GP atlas method, while that was 0.28-2.00 y(1.14 ±0.86) by the individual bone evaluation method. In all twenty bones, the advance of metacarpal and phalangeal BA was the greatest [0.34-2.06 y(1.2±0.86)]. In the ISS group,the delay of BA was 0.47-2.91 y(-1.69±1.22) by the GP atlas method, while that was 0.48-2.50 y (-1.49±1.01) by individual bone evaluation method.The delay of carpal BA was the greatest [0.59-2.73 y(-1.66±1.07)] in all twenty bones. In the ISS group and the normal control group, there were no statistic differences between the two methods. In the CPP group, statistic difference was found between two methods. There were no statistic differences for the areas under ROC curves between two methods., Conclusion: The advance of metacarpal and phalangeal BA is the greatest in CPP group and the delay of carpal BA is the greatest in ISS group.Both methods provide diagnostic information for bone age in CPP and ISS children.

Incubation test and pot experiments were conducted with haplic luvisols and hydragric anthrosols to study the effects of neem seed extracts (N I, N II) on nitrification and immobilization of ammonium sulfate. N I could significantly inhibit the nitrification of N applied to the two soils. N II was effective in promoting the immobilization of NH4+(-)N. Pot experiments showed that N II could increase the use efficiency of chemical nitrogen significantly in fimic anthrosols.