Search

Importance: Epidemiological evidences regarding the association between whole grain intake and the risk of new-onset hypertension are still controversial. Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between whole grain intake and new-onset hypertension and examine possible effect modifiers in the general population. Methods: A total of 10,973 participants without hypertension from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were enrolled, with follow-up beginning in 1997 and ending in 2015. Whole grain intake was assessed by 3 consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression model after adjusting for potential risk factors. Results: During a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 3,733 participants developed new-onset hypertension. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were as follows: for quartile 2 (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.47–0.57), quartile 3 (HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.42–0.51), and quartile 4 (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.31–0.38), compared with quartile 1. Different types of whole grain types, including wheat (adjusted HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.32–0.39), maize (adjusted HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.42–0.59), and millet (adjusted HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.30–0.48), showed significant associations with a reduced risk of hypertension. The association between whole grain intake and new-onset hypertension was stronger in individuals with older age (P for interaction < 0.001) and higher BMI (P for interaction < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher consumption of whole grains was significantly associated with a lower risk of new-onset hypertension. This study provides further evidence supporting the importance of increasing whole grain intake for hypertension prevention among Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To confirm the efficacy and safety of Ganyushu Granule (GYSG) in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in patients with Gan (Liver) depression and qi stagnation syndrome (GDQSS) and determine its effective dosage. Methods: From June 2018 to March 2021, a total of 240 PMS women with GDQSS were included and randomly divided into 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio using central block randomization: high-dose GYSG group (n=78, GYSG 2 packs/time), low-dose GYSG group (n=82, GYSG and its simulant 1 pack/time), and placebo group (n=80, GYSG simulant 2 packs/time). Treatment with GYSG or placebo was given thrice daily and for up to 3 menstrual cycles. Primary outcomes were PMS diary (PMSD) score and premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale (PMTS). Secondary outcomes were Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome efficacy. PMSD, PMTS, and efficacy of CM were evaluated with menstrual cycles during the treatment period. Outcome indicators were analyzed after each menstrual cycle. All analyses were performed using an intention-to-treat method, and clinical safety was assessed. Results: Of the 216 patients included in the effectiveness analysis, 70, 75, and 71 patients were in the high-, low-dose GYSG, and placebo groups, respectively. From the 2nd treatment cycle, the change in PMSD scores in the high- and low-dose groups was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). PMTS scores in the high-dose GYSG group after the 1st treatment cycle was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05), while after the 3rd treatment cycle, that in the low-dose group was lower than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). After the 2nd treatment cycle, the high-dose GYSG group had the best CM syndrome efficacy (P<0.05). No serious adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions: GYSG was safe and well-tolerated at both doses for treating PMS patients with GDQSS. High-dose GYSG might be the optimal dose for a phase III trial. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800016595) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colloidal borescope, using colloidal particle motion, is used to monitor the flow velocities and directions of groundwater. It integrates advanced techniques such as microscopy, high-speed photography, and big data computing and enjoys high sensitivity at the micron level. However, In the same well, the groundwater flow velocity monitored by colloidal hole mirror is varies greatly from that obtained by conventional hydrogeological monitoring, such as pumping test. In order to solve this problem, the stability catcher and stratified packer are designed to control the interference of the vertical flow in drilling, and to monitor the flow velocity and direction of groundwater velocity at the target aquifer and target fracture. Five wells with different aquifers and different groundwater types were selected for monitoring in south-central China. The instantaneous velocity and direction are converted into east–west component and north–south component, the average velocity and direction is calculated according to the time of 10 min, and the particle trajectory diagram is established. Based on these results, it proposed a concept of cumulative flow velocity. Using curve-fitting equations, the limits of cumulative flow velocities as the monitoring time tends to infinity were then calculated as the actual flow velocities of the groundwater. The permeability coefficient of aquifer is calculated by using the fissure ratio of aquifer, hydraulic slope and flow velocity, and compared with the permeability coefficient obtained by pumping test. The results are as follows: (1) The variation coefficient of the instantaneous flow velocity measured at the same depth in the same well at different times is greater than that of the time average flow velocity and greater than that of the cumulative flow velocity. The variation coefficient of the actual velocity is the smallest, indicating that the risk of using the actual flow velocity is lower. (2) The variation coefficient of the flow rate monitored at different depths in the same well is mainly controlled by the properties of the aquifer. The more uniform water storage space in the aquifer, the smaller the variation coefficient. (3) The comparison between the permeability coefficient obtained by monitoring and the permeability coefficient obtained by pumping test shows that the flow of structural fissure water controlled by planar fissure is more surface flow, and the results are consistent. When the groundwater flow is controlled by pores and solution gaps, the flow channel is complicated, which is easy to produce turbulent flow, and the result consistency is poor. (4) According to different research accuracy requirements, different monitoring and calculation methods can be selected for different aquifers and groundwater types. Researches show that, the permeability coefficient calculated for the actual flow velocity in well DR01 is the same as that calculated for the pumping test. The aquifer characteristics reflected by the coefficient of variation of the actual flow velocity in the same aquifer are more realistic. The pumping test method obtains the comprehensive parameters of a certain aquifer, and this method can be used to monitor a certain fissure. In this paper, the new technology developed for monitoring, and the new algorithm established for data processing, can accurately obtain the flow velocity and direction of groundwater, using capsule hole mirror monitoring method. The key parameters of hydrogeology can be obtained by using one well, which can reduce the time and cost input and improve the work efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new characteristic cembrane-type diterpenoids (olibacartiols A–E, 1 – 5) were acquired from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. The structures of these diterpenoids were characterized by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and compounds 1 – 3 were unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated using LPS-induced BV2 cell model and compounds 2 – 5 showed moderate NO inhibitory effects with IC 50 values of 8.84 ± 1.02, 9.82 ± 1.95, 9.75 ± 2.24, and 7.39 ± 1.24 μM, respectively. [Display omitted] • Five undescribed cembrane-type diterpenoids were acquired from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. • Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic analysis, ECD calculations, and X-ray diffraction experiments. • Compounds 2 – 5 showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced BV2 cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-positive, strictly aerobic, ivory-colored, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated RN3S43T, was isolated from saline–alkaline soil, in Tumd Right Banner, Inner Mongolia, China. Strain RN3S43T grew at 10–40 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum pH 9.0), and 0–12.5% NaCl (optimum 2–4%). It was positive to oxidase, catalase, urease, and nitrate reductase. The methyl red and Voges–Proskauer tests were negative. The phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences and genome both showed that strain RN3S43T clustered with Ruania alba YIM 93306 T and shared 95.5% and < 95.0% of 16S rRNA gene similarities with R. alba YIM 93306 T and all the other type strains. MK-8 was the major respiratory quinone. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and an unidentified lipid were the major polar lipids. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. The genome consisted of a 4,448,708-bp circular chromosome, with a G+C content of 68.2%, predicting 3,911 coding sequence genes, 44 tRNA genes and two rRNA operons. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of strain RN3S43T to R. alba YIM 93306T were 79.0%, 79.2%, and 23.4%, respectively. The results of phylogenetic, physiological, and phenotypic tests allowed the discrimination of strain RN3S43T from its phylogenetic relatives. Ruania alkalisoli sp. nov. is therefore proposed, and the type strain is RN3S43T (=CGMCC 1.18652T = KCTC 49471T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litostigma is a recently described small genus with two species confined to limestone karsts in southwestern China and adjacent Vietnam. During the course of field works on the limestone karsts of the China–Vietnam border area, two unknown species of Litostigma were collected. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS sequences strongly confirm the placements of the two new species in Litostigma. However, these two new species can be distinguished from the previously known species by distinct morphological characters. Thus, Litostigma pingbianense and L. napoense are recognized as two new species. This adds to the morphological variability of the genus. Most importantly, both simple and divided stigmas does occur in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-damo) was recently discovered and shown to be mediated by "Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera" (M. oxyfera). Here, evidence for n-damo in three different freshwater wetlands located in southeastern China was obtained using stable isotope measurements, quantitative PCR assays, and 16S rRNA and particulate methane monooxygenase gene clone library analyses. Stable isotope experiments confirmed the occurrence of n-damo in the examined wetlands, and the potential n-damo rates ranged from 0.31 to 5.43 nmol CO2 per gram of dry soil per day at different depths of soil cores. A combined analysis of 16S rRNA and particulate methane monooxygenase genes demonstrated that M. oxyfera- like bacteria were mainly present in the deep soil with a maximum abundance of 3.2 × 107 gene copies per gram of dry soil. It is estimated that ∼0.51 g of CH4 m-2 per year could be linked to the n-damo process in the examined wetlands based on the measured potential n-damo rates. This study presents previously unidentified confirmation that the n-damo process is a previously overlooked microbial methane sink in wetlands, and n-damo has the potential to be a globally important methane sink due to increasing nitrogen pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The final size of plant leaves is strictly controlled by environmental and genetic factors, which coordinate cell expansion and cell cycle activity in space and time; however, the regulatory mechanisms of leaf growth are still poorly understood. Ginkgo biloba is a dioecious species native to China with medicinally and phylogenetically important characteristics, and its fan-shaped leaves are unique in gymnosperms, while the mechanism of G. biloba leaf development remains unclear. In this study we studied the transcriptome of G. biloba leaves at three developmental stages using high-throughput RNA-seq technology. Approximately 4167 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, and a total of 12,137 genes were structure optimized together with 732 new genes identified. More than 50 growth-related factors and gene modules were identified based on DEG and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. These results could remarkably expand the existing transcriptome resources of G. biloba, and provide references for subsequent analysis of ginkgo leaf development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defluviimonas alba cai42 T , isolated from the oil-production water in Xinjiang Oilfield in China, has a strong ability to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). We hereby present its complete genome sequence information which consists of a circular chromosome and three plasmids. The strain characteristically contains various genes encoding for enzymes involved in EPS biosynthesis, modification, and export. According to the genomic and physiochemical data, it is predicted that the strain has the potential to be utilized in industrial production of microbial EPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Gram-negative coccus, strain 2B5, was isolated from the sea mud of the crude oil-polluted Donghai area in China and identified as Alcanivorax sp. based on its physiological characteristics and analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Strain 2B5 was able to degrade C13–C30 n-alkanes and branched alkanes (pristane and phytane) from crude oil as the sole carbon source. The optimal temperature and pH for strain 2B5 growth and octadecane degradation were 30–37°C and pH 6.0–7.0, respectively. NaCl is required for strain 2B5 growth and octadecane degradation were highest at NaCl concentrations of 20 to 90gL−1. A novel alkane hydroxylase gene (alkB), obtained by self-formed adaptor PCR (SEFA-PCR), displays 41.9% deduced amino acid sequence identity with alkB1 of Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2. Functional heterologous expression of the alkB gene was achieved in Pseudomonas fluorescens KOB2△1. Recombinant Pseudomonas containing the alkB gene of Alcanivorax sp. strain 2B5 recovered the ability to grow on C14 and C16 n-alkanes. RT-PCR analysis showed that expression of the alkB gene was induced by octadecane. There could be other alkane hydroxylases in Alcanivorax sp. 2B5 that could be involved in the degradation of short- and long-chain alkanes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An extremely thermophilic alkane-degrading bacterium, strain MH-1, was isolated from the deep subterranean petroleum reservoir in Shengli oil field, PR China. Based on its physiological characteristics and analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain MH-1 was identified as Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Strain MH-1 was able to grow at temperatures ranging from 50 to 72°C and effectively degraded hexadecane as the sole carbon source at 70°C. Strain MH-1 degraded alkanes with different length chains (C12–C31) in crude oil, but it preferentially degraded middle chain-alkanes. The alkane hydroxylase system of G. stearothermophilus MH-1 was characterized. It contained at least three alkane monooxygenase gene homologs (alkB-geo1, alkB-geo4, and alkB-geo6). The AlkB-geo6 cluster, which had a high sequence similarity to the alkB2 cluster of Rhodococcus strains NRRL B-16531 and Q15, contained alkB-geo6, two rubredoxins and a putative transcriptional regulatory protein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]