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The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) invaded Myanmar and China in 2018 and greatly impacted agricultural production and ecosystem balance in these areas. FAW is a migratory insect, but its seasonal migration pattern between the two countries has been largely unknown. From 2019 to 2021, we monitored the seasonal migration of FAW in the China-Myanmar border area using a searchlight trap, assessed the reproductive development status of female migrants and traced the migratory routes by trajectory simulation.FAW moths were trapped by the searchlight trap in Lancang County (Yunnan, China) all year, with obvious seasonal differences in the number caught. There were small-scale persistent trapping peaks in spring and summer, and obvious peaks in autumn; only a small number of moths were trapped in winter. Examination of the ovaries of female moths collected in different seasons showed that most females had matured, indicating that the moths were migrating and did not take off from the local area. In the migration trajectory simulation, FAW mainly migrated from Myanmar to Southwest China in spring and summer and back to Myanmar in autumn.Our findings indicate that FAW migrates between China and Myanmar according to the monsoon circulation, which will help guide cross-border regional monitoring and management strategies against this pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sesquiterpenes are one of the most diverse groups of secondary metabolites that have mainly been observed in terpenoids. It is a natural terpene containing 15 carbon atoms in the molecule and three isoprene units with chain, ring, and other skeleton structures. Sesquiterpenes have been shown to display multiple biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-feedant, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-malarial, and immunomodulatory properties; therefore, their therapeutic effects are essential. In order to overcome the problem of low-yielding sesquiterpene content in natural plants, regulating their biosynthetic pathways has become the focus of many researchers. In plant and microbial systems, many genetic engineering strategies have been used to elucidate biosynthetic pathways and high-level production of sesquiterpenes. Here, we will introduce the research progress and prospects of the biosynthesis of artemisinin, costunolide, parthenolide, and dendrobine. Furthermore, we explore the biosynthesis of dendrobine by evaluating whether the biosynthetic strategies of these sesquiterpene compounds can be applied to the formation of dendrobine and its intermediate compounds. KEY POINTS: • The development of synthetic biology has promoted the study of terpenoid metabolism and provided an engineering platform for the production of high-value terpenoid products. • Some possible intermediate compounds of dendrobine were screened out and the possible pathway of dendrobine biosynthesis was speculated. • The possible methods of dendrobine biosynthesis were explored and speculated.

Preparation of non-conjugated polymers with long-wavelength emission and high quantum yield (QY) is still a huge challenge. Herein, we report the first example of linear non-conjugated polyester exhibiting yellow-green clusteroluminescence (CL) and a high QY of 38 %. We discovered that the polyester P3 with balanced flexibility and rigidity showed the longest CL wavelength and highest QY. Systematically photophysical characterization unravel the key role of ester cluster in the CL and the cluster formation via the aggregate of ester units was visualized. Moreover, P3 was demonstrated to be a highly selective, quick-responsive (ca. 1.2 min) and sensitive detector (detection limit is 0.78 μM) for irons owing to the fast disassociation of clusters by irons. This work not only gains further mechanistic insight into CL but also provides a new strategy to design high-efficiency and long-wavelength CL, meanwhile, enlightens the glorious application prospect of luminescent polyester.

Background The tea leafhopper, Empoasca onukii Matsuda (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a major pest of tea plants in China. Here, we evaluated the repellent properties of eight volatile chemicals alone and in various combinations as tools for the management of this pest in tea gardens. These chemicals were from the Alliaceae and other aromatic plants, and are known to repel various insect species. Results Among the eight volatile compounds, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), 1,8-cineole and allyl methyl sulfide were significantly repellent towards E. onukii adults. DMDS and 1,8-cineole were mixed to formulate a binary repellent. Under field conditions, spraying and slow-release applications of the mixture significantly decreased the density of E. onukii adults. The repelling effect after spraying was very short, only ∼ 2 days, but the slow-release mixture had a longer term repelling effect on E. onukii adults. High emission of the slow-release mixture, which was achieved by increasing the number of slow-release bottles, had a stronger repellent effect than low emission. Moreover, when the amount emitted was sufficient, the slow-release mixture significantly decreased the number of leafhopper nymphs in a treated tea-plant line, and significantly decreased the number of leafhopper adults and nymphs in a tea-plant line adjacent to the treated area. Conclusion This study demonstrates the repellent action of a mixture of DMDS and 1,8-cineole applied by a slow-release method against E. onukii in a tea plantation. This mixture has potential applications in integrated pest management schemes. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

As an effective technology, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be widely applied to analysis of active ingredients in medicinal fungi. Multiple regression methods are used to compute the relationship between spectral vectors and ingredient contents. In this paper, an autonomous feature extraction method by using attention based residual network (ABRN) to model original NIRS vectors is introduced. Attention module in ABRN is employed to enhance feature wave bands and to decay noise. Different from traditional NIRS analysis methods, ABRN does not require any preprocessing of artificial feature selections which rely on expert experience. The experiments test ABRN by analyzing original spectrums of medicinal fungi (Antrodia Camphorata and Matsutake), which are from 800 nm to 2500 nm, and predicting active ingredients within them. We compare ABRN with other popular NIRS analysis methods. The root mean square error of Antrodia Camphorata training set (RMSET) and validation set (RMSEV) are 0.0229 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ and 0.0349 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ for polysaccharide, and 0.0173 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ and 0.0189 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ for triterpene. The RMSET and RMSEV of Matsutake are 0.1343 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ and 0.2472 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ for polysaccharide, and 0.0328 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ and 0.0445 $\mathcal{g}·\mathcal{g}^{-1}$ for ergosterol. The (coefficient of determination) of these four ingredients are 0.711, 0.753, 0.847 and 0.807. The results indicate that ABRN has better performance in autonomously extracting feature wave bands from original NIRS vectors, which can decrease the loss of tiny feature peaks.

Ectropis grisescens Warren 1894 (Lepidopotera: Geometridae) and Ectropis obliqua Prout 1915 (Lepidopotera: Geometridae) are the most destructive chewing pests in China's tea plantations. Ectropis grisescens sex pheromone lures and E. obliqua nucleopolyhedrosis virus (EoNPV) are two species-specific and effective bio-control technologies to control these pests. Because these two species are morphologically similar, tea growers are unable to discriminate them by visual inspection. Hence, determining whether to use E. grisescens sex pheromone lures or EoNPV is difficult without knowledge on the geographical distribution of these two Ectropis species in China. In this study, we developed an efficient identification method, which is considerably cheaper and faster than sequencing the cytochrome c oxidase I gene. Overall, 2,588 E. grisescens and E. obliqua samples, collected from 13 provinces and municipalities in China covering the major regions where these pests have been reported, were identified. All insect samples from southern Jiangsu Province were identified as E. obliqua. Both Ectropis species were mix-distributed at the Anhui-Zhejiang Province border areas, whereas E. grisescens was mostly collected from the other sampling sites. Thus, E. obliqua might be mainly distributed at the junction of Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang Provinces. In contrast, E. grisescens has a considerably wide distribution area and is the main lepidopteran pest in the tea plantations of China. Our results contribute to improve the management of E. grisescens and E. obliqua populations and provide new insights for further studies on these two species.

Objective To study effectiveness of quality improvement interventions in reducing hypothermia in preterm infants on admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Design Quality improvement methodologies including multidisciplinary planning and implementation of evidence-based interventions. Data during and post-implementation were collected. Setting and participants In total, 84 preterm infants with birth weights ≤ 1500 g delivered during implementation period (October 2008-April 2009) were compared with 168 historical controls and 947 infants in the subsequent 4 years. Intervention(s) In addition to routine interventions, delivery room temperatures were increased, and use of full-body polyethylene wraps and woollen caps were implemented during initial stabilization. Education and training were provided to reinforce the new interventions. Main Outcome Measure(s) Primary outcome was incidence of hypothermia and mean admission temperature. Secondary outcomes were rates of intraventricular haemorrhage and mortality. Results Incidence of admission hypothermia decreased from 79.4 to 40.5% (P < 0.001), constituting a 49% improvement (OR = 0.177, 95% CI: 0.099-0.316). Mean admission temperature increased from 35.8 ± 0.8°C to 36.5 ± 0.7°C (P < 0.001). Hyperthermia incidence was higher at 6% compared to baseline of 1.3% (P = 0.049). The incidence of admission hypothermia remained stable at 47.4% in the 4 years post-implementation. Rates of intraventricular haemorrhage and mortality remained unchanged. Small for gestation, low 5-min Apgar score and singleton delivery were factors found to be associated with admission hypothermia. Conclusion The implementation of evidence-based best practices resulted in significant reduction in admission hypothermia in preterm infants, which persisted for 4 years post-implementation. The practices have since become standard of care in our institution.

Following the publication of this article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 7 on p. 2757, sections of the data panels in Fig. 7A and B, showing the results of the non‑transfected HeLa cell (Pnon group) and pGenesil‑1‑transfected HeLa cell (P0 group) experiments respectively, were strikingly similar. Both the Pnon and the P0 groups were control groups; upon re‑examining their original data, the authors have realized that, when uploading the images, the data shown in Fig. 7B for the pGenesil‑1‑transfected HeLa cells (P0 group) were selected incorrectly. The authors were able to locate the data that were intended to have been shown in Fig. 7B; moreover, the text describing the number of migrated cells in the Results section also requires a correction. In the 'Downregulation of BDNF expression suppresses the migratory and invasive capabilities of HeLa cells' subsection, the text on lines 9‑11 of this paragraph should be changed to the following (changed text is highlighted in bold): 'Migrated cells/field in the PBDNF1 group (37±17) were significantly less than those in the Pnon (105±31) and P0 (86±27) groups'. Likewise, the same correction to the text has been made to the Figure legend, as shown opposite. The revised version of Fig. 7, showing the correct data for Fig. 7B, is shown opposite. The authors are grateful to the Editor of Oncology Reports for allowing them the opportunity to publish this Corrigendum, and all of the authors agree to the publication of this Corrigendum. The authors sincerely apologize for this mistake, and regret any inconvenience this mistake has caused. [the original article was published on Oncology Reports 37: 2751-2760, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5569].

Background Traumatic avulsion injuries to the anus, although uncommon, can result in serious complications and even death. Management of anal avulsion injuries remains controversial and challenging. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of treating large skin and subcutaneous tissue avulsion injuries in the perianal, sacral, and perineal regions with island flaps or skin graft combined with vacuum assisted closure. Methods Island flaps or skin graft combined with vacuum assisted closure, diverting ileostomy, the rectum packed with double-lumen tubes around Vaseline gauze, negative pressure drainage with continuous distal washing, wounds with skin grafting as well as specialized treatment were performed. Results The injuries healed in all patients. Six cases had incomplete perianal avulsion without wound infection. Wound infection was seen in four cases with annular perianal avulsion and was controlled, and the separated prowl lacuna was closed. The survival rate in 10 patients who underwent skin grafting was higher than 90%. No anal stenosis was observed after surgery, and ileostomy closure was performed at 3 months (six cases) and 6 months (four cases) after surgery, respectively. Conclusions Covering a wound with an island flap or skin graft combined with vacuum assisted closure is successful in solving technical problems, protects the function of the anus and rapidly seals the wound at the same time.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) can be accomplished with either the preservation or the resection of splenic vessels; the latter is also known as Warshaw technique. Our study is designed to investigate the operation selection strategy when proceeding LSPDP and to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing Warshaw surgery. The medical records and follow-up data of patients who underwent LSPDP in Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, were reviewed retrospectively. A total of thirty-five patients were involved in this study, including 17 cases of patients who were treated with Warshaw procedure (WT) while the other 18 cases had splenic vessels preserved (SVP). Compared with the SVP group, the operative time and intraoperative blood loss in WT group were improved significantly. The incidence of early postoperative splenic infarction was higher in WT group. However, there was no report of splenic abscess or second operation. Follow-up data confirmed that there was no significant difference in spleen phagocytosis and immune function compared with normal healthy population. Our study confirms that LSPDP-Warshaw procedure is a safe and efficient treatment for the benign or low grade malignant tumors in distal pancreas in selected patients. The long-term spleen function is normal after Warshaw procedure. Preoperative assessment and intraoperative exploration are recommended for the selection of operation approaches.

Despite the advancements in synthetic methods, it is still challenging to prepare white light‐emitting carbon dots for solid‐state white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, the synthesis and characterization of a carbonized polymer dot (CPD) that emits white light in the solid state are presented. The reaction of an oxygen‐rich precursor, trimethylolpropane tri(cyclic carbonate) ether, with nitrogen‐rich melamine in an alcohol via a single‐step solvothermal method affords CPDs with hydroxyurethane and CN groups. The morphology of the CPDs can be regulated by changing the reaction time. Transmission electron microscopy reveals structural evolution from flocculent polymers to dandelion‐like and spherical particles with an increase in the carbonization time from 6 to 12 and 18 h, respectively. The dandelion‐like CPDs exhibit a relatively high quantum yield of 7.5% in the solid state, which is ascribed to the abundant surface poly(hydroxyurethane) chains that restrict the aggregation‐caused quenching of luminescence. It is proposed that multiple coexistent clusters generate different emission sites, thereby leading to white light emission. Loose clusters formed from hydroxyurethane and CN bonds, which have a low degree of conjugation, emit blue light, whereas compact clusters generated through interactions between the hydroxyurethane and CN bonds of poly(hydroxyurethane) and carbon cores emit yellow light.

MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) is reportedly implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, its role in cerebral I/R injury is unclear and requires further investigation. In this study, cerebral I/R injury was established in mice via middle cerebral artery occlusion, and the expression of miR-146a was detected in the brain tissue via quantitative real-time PCR. We found that the expression of miR-146a was upregulated. Furthermore, the endogenous miR-146a was antagonized by its specific inhibitor. The results indicated that the inhibition of miR-146a deteriorated I/R-induced neurobehavioral impairment, exaggerated the infarct size, and exacerbated blood–brain barrier leakage. Cerebral I/R injury-induced generation of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, was further promoted by miR-146a inhibitor. The expression of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), a target of miR-146a, was upregulated upon miR-146a inhibition. In addition, the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway was over-activated when miR-146a was antagonized as manifested by the increased levels of phospho-NF-κB inhibitor α and nuclear p65. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the elevation of miR-146a may be one of the compensatory responses after the cerebral I/R injury and suggest miR-146a as a potential therapeutic target for cerebral I/R injury.

Aims Second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) have a high risk for serious metabolic side-effects including dyslipidemia. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of oral olanzapine treatment on the expression of genes for fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis in rats. Main methods Female Sprague–Dawley rats were treated orally with olanzapine (1 mg/kg, equivalent to a human clinical dose of 10 mg) via self-administration aimed to measure pharmacokinetics. Based on the pharmacokinetic analysis, the acute effects of olanzapine on sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-related fatty acid/cholesterol metabolism genes were investigated in the liver and perirenal white adipose tissue (WAT) by Real-time quantitative PCR. Key findings A pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that the maximum concentration of olanzapine in plasma (Cmax) occurred at 6 h with a peak concentration of 276.5 ng/ml after a single oral treatment and with a plasma elimination half-life of 3.5 h after peak. The mRNA expression of SREBP-2 and target genes for cholesterol synthesis and transport was increased 1.9 8.8 fold compared with the control at 6 h after olanzapine administration but returned to basal level at 12 h post-treatment, while the increased mRNA expression of SREBP-1c and its targeted fatty acid-related genes appeared at both 6 h and 12 h post-treatment. Significance The present study provided evidence that olanzapine at a clinically-relevant dose caused abnormal expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in the liver and WAT. These results suggest that olanzapine may cause dyslipidemia side-effects through direct effects on lipid biosynthesis and efflux genes associated with SREBP-stimulated transcriptional changes.

Embryo implantation is a crucial step in mammalian reproduction. However, little is known regarding the physiological roles of microRNAs in the regulation of embryo implantation. Here we show that a minimum uterine expression of miR-181 is essential for the onset of embryo implantation. Both transient and prolonged transgenic expression of miR-181 led to impaired implantation, which can be rescued by exogenous administration of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Mechanistically, miR-181 is able to directly target LIF and downregulate LIF expression, thereby inhibiting embryo implantation. We also show that miR-181 expression is regulated by the transcriptional factor Emx2, and the Emx2 – miR-181 axis plays an important role in regulating embryo implantation. Taken together, these results reveal a novel function of miR-181 in embryo implantation through the regulation of LIF, and also indicate a potential link between miR-181 dysregulation and human embryo implantation defects.

The title reaction affords optically active isatin-derived N,O-aminals (III) and (V) in good yields and with up to 92% e.e..

Deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) and their roles in cancer development have attracted much attention. Two miRNAs, miR-15a and miR-16, which act as putative tumor suppressor by targeting the oncogene BCL2, have been implicated in cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation. In this study, we investigated the possible role of miR-15a/16 in the angiogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). Using a stem-loop quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, we analyzed miR-15a/16 expressions in bone marrow samples from newly diagnosed MM patients and a panel of MM cell lines. miRNA transfection, western blotting analysis and assay of luciferase activity were used to examine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the target of miR-15a/16. The functional roles of miR-15a/16 on tumorigenesis and angiogenesis were examined by in vitro angiogenesis models and in vivo tumor xenograft model. We showed that miR-15a and miR-16 were significantly underexpressed in primary MM cells as well as in MM cell lines. The aberrant expression of miR-15a/16 was detected especially in advanced stage MM. In human MM cell lines and normal plasma cells, expression of miR-15a/16 inversely correlated with the expression of VEGF-A. Western blotting combined with the luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that VEGF-A was a direct target of miR-15a/16. Ectopic overexpression of miR-15a/16 led to decreased pro-angiogenic activity of MM cells. Finally, infection of lentivirus-miR-15a or lentivirus-miR-16 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis in nude mice. This study suggest that miR-15a/16 could play a role in the tumorigenesis of MM at least in part by modulation of angiogenesis through targeting VEGF-A.

Bone marrow (BM) neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in multiple myeloma (MM) correlate with disease progression. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is highly expressed by malignant plasma cells isolated from the majority of MM patients. Recently, BDNF was identified as a potential proangiogenic factor for the promotion of endothelial cell survival, induction of neoangiogenesis in ischemic tissues, and increase of VEGF expression in neuroblastoma. Since tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), the receptor of BDNF, is expressed by stromal cells within the BM milieu, here we sought to evaluate the involvement of BDNF/TrkB in myeloma-marrow stroma interaction and its effects on BM angiogenesis. TrkB was abundantly expressed by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) isolated from healthy donors. Stimulation of BMSCs with BDNF induced a time- and dose- dependent increase in VEGF secretion, which was completely abolished by K252alpha, an inhibitor of TrkB. BDNF triggered activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), whereas STAT3 was involved in mediating VEGF expression. We further delineated the biological significance of BDNF in MM by using lentiviral short-interfering RNA (shRNA). When myeloma cells were cocultured with BMSCs in a noncontact Transwell system, VEGF levels in supernatants were significantly decreased when BDNF expression was knocked down. Furthermore, silencing of BDNF expression significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth and angiogenesis, and prolonged survival in mouse model. Our studies demonstrate that BDNF, as a potential stimulator of angiogenesis, contributes to MM tumorgenesis; it mediates stromal-MM cell interactions via selective activation of specific receptor TrkB and downstream signal transducer STAT3, regulating VEGF secretion.

This study investigated the signaling pathways involved in the different biological effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in multiple myeloma (MM). The effects of BDNF on proliferation of MM cell lines and primary myeloma cells were examined by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation assay. The effects of BDNF on MM cells migration were studied by transwell migration assay. Stimulation by BDNF of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The signal-transduction pathways that are activated in response to BDNF were determined by Western blots. VEGF is induced by BDNF in a dose-dependent manner in MM cells. Stimulation of MM cells with BDNF led to the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the MEK-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathways. Using specific signal-transduction inhibitors, we demonstrated that MEK is required for BDNF-induced proliferation, whereas activation of PI3K is required for BDNF-stimulated migration and VEGF production. BDNF affects different cell signaling pathways mediating growth, migration, and VEGF secretion in MM cells. Our observations provided the framework for novel therapeutic strategies targeting BDNF signaling cascades in MM.

Background In multiple myeloma (MM),bone marrow angiogenesis parallels tumour progression and correlates with disease activity.Recent studies have proved resveratrol possesses antiangiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo.In this study,we examined the effects of resveratrol on myeloma cell dependent angiogenesis and the effects of resveratrol on some important angiogenic factors of RPMI 8226 cells. Methods RPMI 8226 cells were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) to evaluate the effects of myeloma cells on angiogenesis.The RPMI 8226 cells were treated with various concentrations of resveratrol (6.25-50.00 μmol/L) for different times (12-72 hours).Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to assay vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF),metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 mRNA.Gelatin zymography was used to analyze MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity.VEGF and bFGF proteins secreted by the cells in the medium were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Cell proliferation,migration and differentiation of HUVECs markedly increased by coculture with RPMI 8226 cells.Resveratrol inhibited proliferation,migration and tube formation of HUVECs cocultured with myeloma cells in a dose dependent manner.Treatment of RPMI 8226 cells with resveratrol caused a decrease in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Resveratrol inhibited VEGF and bFGF protein expression in a dose and time dependent manner.Furthermore, decreased levels of VEGF,bFGF,MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA from cells treated with various concentrations of resveratrol confirmed its antiangiogenic action at the level of gene expression. Conclusions Resveratrol inhibits multiple myeloma angiogenesis by regulating expression and secretion of VEGF, bFGF,MMP-2 and MMP-9.Resveratrol may be a potential candidate for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Chin Med J 2007;120(19):1672-1677

Decumbensine (I) and decumbendine (II) are isolated together with nine known compounds from the title seedling.

It was found that bypass graft alone could achieve great effects in treating aortic dissection. In order to investigate the mechanical mechanism and the haemodynamic validity of the bypassing treatment for DeBakey III aortic dissection, patient-specific models of DeBakey III aortic dissection treated with different bypassing strategies were constructed. One of the bypassing strategies is bypassing between ascending aorta and abdominal aorta, and the other is bypassing between left subclavian artery and abdominal aorta. Numerical simulations under physiological flow conditions based on fluid-structure interaction were performed using finite element method. The results show that blood flow velocity, pressure and vessel wall displacement of false lumen are all reduced after bypassing. This phenomenon indicates that bypassing is an effective surgery for the treatment of DeBakey III aortic dissection. The effectiveness to cure through lumen is better when bypassing between left subclavian artery and abdominal aorta, while the effectiveness to cure blind lumen is better when bypassing between ascending aorta and abdominal aorta.

AIM: To compare ghrelin levels in plasma and gastric mucosa before and after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment in children with H. pylori-associated functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Children with H. pylori-associated functional dyspepsia were enrolled in this study. H. pylori infection was confirmed by positive bacterial culture results. All of the children received triple H. pylori eradication therapy (a 2 wk course of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin). The children were divided into two groups based on the success of the H. pylori treatment: group 1 (eradicated) - patients who had a negative 13C-urea breath test 2 mo after the end of therapy; and group 2 (non-eradicated) - patients who had a positive 13C-urea breath test. Plasma ghrelin, gastric ghrelin mRNA, and the body mass index were evaluated in both groups before and after the H. pylori treatment. The plasma ghrelin levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay. The expression of gastric ghrelin mRNA was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 50 children with H. pylori-associated functional dyspepsia were treated with triple H. pylori eradication therapy. The mean age of the children was 5.52 ± 0.83 years, and there were 28 males and 22 females. Among the 50 H. pylori-positive children, 30 successfully achieved eradication, and 20 did not. The mean plasma ghrelin levels of group 1 were 22.17 ± 1.73 ng/L and 26.59 ± 2.05 ng/L before and after the treatment, respectively, which was a significant increase (P = 0.001). However, the mean plasma ghrelin level of group 2 before and after the H. pylori treatment was 21.34 ± 2.40 ng/L and 22.24 ± 2.10 ng/L (P = 0.785). The plasma ghrelin levels increased substantially after treatment in group 1 but showed only minor changes in group 2. Similarly, the gastric ghrelin mRNA expression in group 1 before treatment was 2.84 ± 0.08. After treatment, the level was 3.11 ± 0.65, which was significantly different (P = 0.023). The gastric ghrelin mRNA expression in group 2 did not change significantly during the treatment (2.82 ± 0.44 vs 2.79 ± 0.31, P = 0.875). The plasma ghrelin and gastric ghrelin mRNA levels in group 1 increased substantially after the treatment but did not do so in group 2. In addition, the body mass index the two groups did not differ significantly 2 mo before and after the H. pylori treatment. CONCLUSION: H. pylori eradication increases the plasma and tissue ghrelin levels in children with H. pylori-associated functional dyspepsia.

One new bifuran derivative (1), together with fourteen known compounds, were isolated from Cordyceps cicadae X. Q. Shing. The known compounds included nine nucleosides, uracil (2), uridine (3), 2′-deoxyuridine (4), 2′-deoxyinosine (5), guanosine (6), 2′-deoxyguanosine (7), thymidine (8), adenosine (9), and 2′-deoxyadenosine (10); three amino acids tryptophan (11), phenylalanine (12), and tyrosine (13); and two dopamine analogues N-acetylnoradrenaline (14) and its dimer, trans–2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-( N-acetyl-2″-amino-ethylene)-1,4-benzodioxane (15). Their structures were decisively elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques.