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ObjectivesCranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be a crucial tool for the assessment for neurological symptoms in patients with Wilson’s disease (WD). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensity reflects the acute brain injuries, which mainly occur in specific brain regions. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a weighted cranial DWI scale for patients with WD, with special focus on specific brain regions.Materials and methodsIn total, 123 patients with WD were enrolled, 118 of whom underwent 1.5 T-MRI on admission. The imaging score was calculated as described previously and depended on the following sequences: one point was acquired when abnormal intensity occurred in the T1, T2, and fluid-attenuation inversion recovery sequences, and two points were acquired when DWI hyperintensity were found. Consensus weighting was conducted based on the symptoms and response to treatment.ResultsIntra-rater agreement were good (r = 0.855 [0.798–0.897], p < 0.0001). DWI hyperintensity in the putamen was a high-risk factor for deterioration during de-copper therapy (OR = 8.656, p < 0.05). The high-risk factors for readmission for intravenous de-copper therapies were DWI hyperintensity in the midbrain (OR = 3.818, p < 0.05) and the corpus callosum (OR = 2.654, p < 0.05). Both scoring systems had positive correlation with UWDRS scale (original semi-quantitative scoring system, r = 0.35, p < 0.001; consensus semi-quantitative scoring system, r = 0.351, p < 0.001.). Compared to the original scoring system, the consensus scoring system had higher correlations with the occurrence of deterioration (OR = 1.052, 95%CI [1.003, 1.0103], p < 0.05) and readmission for intravenous de-copper therapy (OR = 1.043, 95%CI [1.001, 1.086], p < 0.05).ConclusionThe predictive performance of the consensus semi-quantitative scoring system for cranial MRI was improved to guide medication, healthcare management, and prognosis prediction in patients with WD. For every point increase in the neuroimaging score, the risk of exacerbations during treatment increased by 5.2%, and the risk of readmission to the hospital within 6 months increased by 4.3%.

Improving grain yield (GY) and reducing grain moisture (GM) are urgent demands for directly harvesting kernels with combine harvesters in maize production. GY and GM are both related to leaf, stem and root characteristics, but the relationships are not fully understood. To better understand these relationships, we conducted a field trial involving 12 maize hybrids with two sowing dates in 2017 and 10 maize hybrids with one sowing date in 2019. GY ranged from 6.5–14.6 t ha–1 in early-sown varieties and 9.3–12.7 t ha–1 in late-sown varieties in 2017, and 5.9–7.4 t ha–1 in 2019, respectively, with corresponding GM variations of 29.8–34.9%, 29.4–34.5% and 31.9–37.1% at harvest. A large maximum leaf area contributed to a high yield, a fast leaf senescence rate accelerated grain dehydration in the late growth period, and a compact root structure resulted in both of high-yield and fast-grain dehydration. A strong stem improved lodging resistance but maintained a high GM at harvest, and it is challenging to combine high GY and low GM in maize. High GY co-existed with low GM in some varieties that should have a rapid grain filling, a relatively long grain-filling duration, and a rapid grain dehydration in the late growth period. A high daily temperature in the late growth period also improved GY and reduced GM by influencing grain filling and dehydration, suggesting that adjusting the sowing date should be an alternative strategy to combine high GY and low GM in kernel harvesting.

The novel coronavirus pneumonia COVID-19 is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is highly contagious, has a long incubation period, and can be detected in patients’ tears and conjunctival secretions. In this study, we describe our experience regarding the necessary protective measures that need to be taken during ophthalmic examination and treatment. The authors reviewed the clinical work arrangements during the epidemic situation at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in China and analyzed the prevention and control measures that were applied during the laser corneal refractive surgery process. The comprehensive protection protocol, which was established throughout the entire process, included both horizontal (medical staff-patient, medical staff-medical staff, and patient-patient) and vertical (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative transmission assessment) approach and was mainly focused on strengthening the protection against potential aerosol transmission that may occur during intraocular pressure measurements and laser ablation. The described and proposed protocol, along with the further guidelines followed by the medical personnel, proved to be efficacious and contributed significantly to the control of the COVID-19 outbreak and the protection of both the patients and the medical staff.

This study was designed to investigate the impact of dietary lycopene (antioxidant extracted from tomato) supplementation on postmortem antioxidant capacity, drip loss and protein expression profiles of lamb meat during storage. Thirty male Hu lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups and housed in individual pens and received 0, 200 or 400 mg·kg−1 lycopene in their diet, respectively. All lambs were slaughtered after 3 months of fattening, and the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was collected for analyses. The results indicated that drip loss of LT muscle increased with storage days (P < 0.05). After storage for 7 days, significantly lower drip loss of meat was found in fed the lycopene-supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Dietary lycopene supplementation increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)) (P < 0.05) and decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and carbonyl contents (P < 0.05). During the storage period (days 0, 5 and 7), a number of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs), including oxidases, metabolic enzymes, calcium channels and structural proteins, were identified based on iTRAQ data, with roles predominantly in carbon metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, cardiac muscle contraction and proteasome pathways, and which contribute to decreased drip loss of lamb meat during storage. It can be concluded that dietary lycopene supplementation increased antioxidant capacity after slaughter, and the decreased drip loss during postmortem storage might occur by changing the expression of proteins related to enzyme activity and cellular structure in lamb muscle.

This study was performed to compare the differences in pH, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), total protein solubility (TPS), sarcoplasmic protein solubility (SPS), myofibrillar protein solubility (MPS), and the microstructure of seven beef muscles during aging. From the six beef carcasses of Xinjiang brown cattle, a total of 252 samples from semitendinosus (ST), longissimus thoracis (LT), rhomboideus (RH), gastrocnemius (GN), infraspinatus (IN), psoas major (PM), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were collected, portioned, and assigned to six aging periods (1, 3, 7, 9, 11, and 14 day/s) and 42 samples were used per storage period. IN muscle showed the highest pH (p < 0.05) from 1 to 14 days and the lowest TPS (p < 0.01) from 9 to 14 days with respect to the other muscles. Moreover, the changes in IN were further supported by transmission electron microscopy due to the destruction of the myofibril structure. The highest value of MFI was tested in ST muscle from 7 to 14 days. The total protein solubility in PM, RH, and GN muscles were not affected (p > 0.05) as the aging period increased. The lowest TPS was found in the RH muscle on day 1, 3, and 7 and in the IN muscle on day 9, 11, and 14. The pH showed negative correlations with the MFI, TPS, and MPS (p < 0.01). The results suggest that changes in protein solubility and muscle fiber structure are related to muscle location in the carcass during aging. These results provide new insights to optimize the processing and storage of different beef muscles and enhance our understanding of the biological characteristics of Xinjiang brown cattle muscles.

The purpose was to investigate the quality characteristics of dry-cured beef with different storage times under a high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) condition. The pH, moisture content, meat color, and volatile compounds of dry-cured beef samples treated with HVEF (3 kV) were compared with those of a common refrigerator (CON) at days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. The results showed that, compared with CON group, the decline rates of the pH and moisture content of beef and ∆E values were lower under HVEF storage condition. From the fingerprints, the 42 volatile compounds identified were mainly aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and esters. The benzaldehyde, trimethyl pyrazine, and maltol contents in the HVEF group exhibited a dramatic increase after 10 days of storage. Principal component analysis revealed clustering of compound classes, distributed in a separate time. Based on the above findings, we concluded that HVEF treatment could promote color stability and enhance characteristic flavor during the storage of dry-cured beef. These results suggested that HVEF might be applicable for dry-cured meat storage techniques.

To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of a double-pass instrument (OQASII, Visiomereics SL, Spain), which objectively measures overall optical quality of the human eyes.The right eye of 119 healthy subjects with best corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better was included in this prospective, comparative, observational study. Two separate tests with OQASII were conducted sequentially on the same day by two different examiners. A week later, the first examiner conducted the third measurement. All subjects underwent three consecutive tests during each session. The repeatability and reproducibility of the modulation transfer function cut off frequency (MTF cutoff), the Strehl ratio, the OQAS values (OVs) at contrasts of 100%, 20% and 9%, and the objective scatter index (OSI) were analyzed.For MTF cutoff, Strehl ratio, OV100%, OV20%, OV9%, and OSI, the mean values were 39.32±9.75cpd, 0.22±0.06, 1.31±0.33, 1.33±0.39, 1.33±0.41, 0.60±0.42, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility were good with a very low coefficient of variation and high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.88) for all parameters. Bland-Altman plots showed good correlation with 95% limits of agreement ranged from -6.04 to 6.78cpd, -0.05 to 0.05, -0.20 to 0.23, -0.29 to 0.32, -0.40 to 0.42, -0.23 to 0.21 in inter-observer, and -6.56 to 7.42cpd, -0.06 to 0.06, -0.22 to 0.24, -0.30 to 0.32, -0.35 to 0.34, -0.24 to 0.23 in inter-visit, respectively.The OQASII system yields excellent repeatability and good reproducibility for objective measurements of overall optical quality in clinic.

The effect of alfalfa saponins (AS) supplementation on the meat quality especially the color for growing lamb was investigated. Fifty Hu male lambs with body weights (BW, 19.21 ± 0.45 kg) were divided into five groups and supplemented AS with 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg of dietary dry matter intake. After 90 days, all lambs were slaughtered. The longissimus thoracis muscle in lamb displayed significant changes in the content of intramuscular fat, especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and drip loss within AS treatment (p < .05) between control and treatments groups. Redness (a*) significantly improved in both 0-day and 7-day storage with the AS supplementation coupled with the percentage of met-myoglobin reduction (p < .05). The redness (a*) change may result from improved met-myoglobin reducing activity, antioxidant enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase (p < .05) by AS supplementation in muscle. These enzymes may help to protect mitochondria function and reduce met-myoglobin, which bring a bright and red meat color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the early clinical and radiographic results of arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using screw or suture‐button fixation in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods Twelve patients who underwent arthroscopic Latarjet procedure between January 2015 and December 2018 at our institution were retrospectively studied. Data of the patients' history, including age, gender, side of affected arm, body mass index (BMI), and the number of dislocations since fist dislocation were collected. Preoperative and postoperative clinical follow‐up data were evaluated using Walch–Duplay score, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, and modified Rowe score. Active external rotation and active internal rotation at 90° of abduction as well as active elevation were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The position and healing condition of the transferred coracoid bony graft were also assessed using computed tomography (CT) and Mimics 19.0 software. Results Mean follow‐up was 24.9 months (range, 13 to 53 months) of all patients. At final follow‐up, the average ASES score (preoperative vs postoperative values) had improved from 68.9 ± 7.9 to 91.1 ± 6.1 in screw fixation group and 68.9 ± 8.9 to 87.5 ± 6.7 in suture‐button fixation group; the average Rowe score (preoperative vs postoperative values) had improved from 25.0 ± 8.4 to 92.5 ± 4.2 in screw fixation group and 21.7 ± 13.7 to 93.3 ± 4.1 in suture‐button fixation group; the average of Walch–Duplay score (preoperative vs postoperative values) had improved from 12.5 ± 15.1 to 91.7 ± 4.1 in screw fixation group and 18.3 ± 20.7 to 88.3 ± 7.5 in button fixation group. The forward flexion was 175.0° ± 8.4° preoperatively and 178.3° ± 4.1° postoperatively in screw fixation group while 174.8° ± 10.2° preoperatively and 175.0° ± 5.5° postoperatively in suture‐button fixation group. The active external rotation was 77.5° ± 5.2° preoperatively and 71.7° ± 4.1° postoperatively in screw fixation group while 72.5° ± 6.9° preoperatively and 68.3° ± 7.5° postoperatively in suture‐button fixation group. The average of active internal rotation was 66.7° ± 6.1° preoperatively and 67.5° ± 6.1° postoperatively in screw fixation group while 68.3° ± 11.3° preoperatively and 66.7° ± 7.5° postoperatively in suture‐button fixation group. In postoperative CT scan, 91.7% grafts midline center were located at or under the equator in the en face view; 75% of the bone blocks were flush to the glenoid face in the axial view, with only two grafts exhibiting slight medial placement in screw fixation group (33.3%) and one graft exhibiting slight lateral placement in suture‐button fixation group (16.7%). All grafts achieved bone union. Graft absorption mostly occurred outside of the “best‐fit” circle. The average bony absorption rates of the coracoid grafts were 25.2% and 10.18% in screw fixation group and suture‐button fixation group, respectively, at 6 months postoperative follow‐up. Conclusion Both suture‐button fixation and screw fixation techniques in arthroscopic Latarjet procedure revealed excellent clinical outcomes with low complication rates in the early follow‐up. The suture‐button fixation exhibited a flexible fixation pattern that allowed for self‐correction to some extent, even slight lateralization could finally remodel over time.

L-Ascorbic acid (AsA) plays an important role in plants and animals. In plants, GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP) is essential in the AsA biosynthetic pathway. However, little is known about the genes encoding GMP in soybean and here we report genetic and functional analysis of the GmGMP1 (Glycine max GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase 1) gene in this species. GmGMP1 encoded a GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase and exhibited higher transcript levels in the leaf than in the root, stem, flower, and seed. Transcript of this gene was ubiquitous in the vegetative and reproductive organs, and was induced by abiotic stress and light. Increasing expression of GmGMP1 in Arabidopsis and soybean through an overexpressing approach caused pronounced enhancement of AsA content, and was implicated in lowering the superoxide anion radical content and lipid peroxidation levels in Arabidopsis, and conferring tolerance to osmotic and high salt stresses during seed germination. The present study represents the first systematic determination of soybean genes encoding GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase and provides useful evidence for the functional involvement of GmGMP1 in control of AsA content and conferring tolerance to osmotic and salt stress.

Abstract Background Critically evaluation and summarization for the outcomes between autografts and artificial grafts using in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have not been performed currently. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes between artificial ligaments and autografts at a short- to mid-term follow-up. Methods A computerized search of the databases was conducted including Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library. Only prospective or retrospective comparative studies with a minimum 2-year follow-up and a minimum sample size of 15 for each group were considered for inclusion. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and methodological quality assessment. A Mantel-Haenszel analysis was used for pooling of results. Sensitivity analysis was performed in order to maintain the stability of results. Results Seven studies were included in this study. The total sample size was 403 (autograft group: 206 patients; synthetic graft group: 197 patients). Four studies were randomized controlled trials. Two studies were retrospective comparative studies and one study was non-randomized prospective comparative study. In terms of instrumented laxity, patient-oriented outcomes and complications, no significant difference was occurred between new artificial ligaments and autografts. But the results of IKDC grades and instrumented laxity were worsen in early artificial ligaments compared to autografts. Conclusions The outcomes of new generation of artificial ligaments are similar to autografts at a short- to mid-term follow-up. However, the early artificial ligaments are not suggested for ACL reconstruction compared to autografts.

The proline transporter protein (ProT) plays an important role in protective stress responses in various plants. However, its function in abiotic stress responses in soybean (Glycine max) remains obscure. In the present study, two soybean ProT genes, namely GmProT1 and GmProT2, were isolated by homologous cloning. GmProT1 and GmProT2 encode polypeptides of 435 and 433 amino acids, respectively. The GmProT1 and GmProT2 proteins showed high similarity to other ProT proteins. GmProT1 and GmProT2 transcripts were detected in different soybean tissues including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and developmental seeds, and during diverse developmental stages. GmProT1 was strongly expressed in seeds 35 days after flowering. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the two genes were highly expressed in leaves and could be strongly induced in response to salt and drought conditions and ABA treatment. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing the two genes were generated, which showed that GmProT genes attenuate damage from salt and drought stress. In addition, transgenic Arabidopsis plants accumulated proline in response to salt and osmotic stress. Transcription levels of salinity-responsive gene (RD29B and S0S3) and drought-induced gene (CDPK1) were higher in the transgenic lines than that of wild type plants. Our work provides evidence that GmProT genes function in the response to abiotic stresses and may affect the synthesis and response system of proline.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of crimson snapper scale peptides (CSSPs) on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in Caco-2 cells. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the cell supernatant, the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes, the release of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2) were measured. The antioxidant effects of CSSPs in intestinal cells were elucidated from the aspects of cellular redox state and apoptosis. Results showed that CSSPs mitigated H2O2-induced oxidative damage in Caco-2 cells through the antioxidant defense system. This effect involved increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and consequent inhibition of LDH release, intracellular ROS accumulation, and MDA and IL-8 production. Furthermore, CSSPs inhibited oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, which significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulated the mRNA expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bax, and up-regulated the mRNA expression of Bcl-2. In conclusion, CSSPs can effectively reduce the degree of cell damage by maintaining redox homeostasis and inhibiting apoptosis.

The purpose of this study was to optimize hot water extraction conditions for white mulberry fruit polysaccharides (WMFPs) and analyze their antioxidant activity. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize extraction conditions and DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity experiments were then used to confirm the antioxidant activity of WMFPs. The RSM results revealed optimum extraction conditions of 85°C, 5 h, and a 40:1 (mL/g) ratio of water to raw material, with a yield reaching 5.70% under these conditions. The extracted WMFPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity by scavenging both DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in vitro. This study on WMFPs extraction and antioxidant activity will promote the development and utilization of WMFPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]