Search

Abstract A new rapid dual detection method was established to distinguish Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. (BS) and Bupleurum chinense DC. (BC) simultaneously using the proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage coupled with ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (proofman–LMTIA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of BS and BC were selected as targets for designs of proofman–LMTIA primers and proofman fluorescence probes labeled with FAM or JOE. The reaction temperature optimization, repeatability and reliability assessment, specificity assessment and sensitivity assessment of the proofman–LMTIA performed for dual detection of BS and BC and its application. The results showed that the optimal reaction temperature of the proofman–LMTIA method was at 63℃, which had strongly specificity, repeatability and reliability, as well as sensitivity, and the detection was completed within 20 min with a detection sensitivity of 1 pg/μL. The proofman–LMTIA method realized dual rapid detection of BS and BC, which showed a strong practical value. The 4 kinds were BC, 1 kind was BS, and 2 kinds were counterfeit in the detection of 7 kinds of BS or BC samples from different habitats. Our study successfully established a new approach for dual rapid detection of BS and BC using the proofman–LMTIA, which will provide an effective technique or method for the authenticity detection of authentic Chinese medicinal materials and present a very important practical significance. Graphical Abstract

Objective: Integrated stress response (ISR) is activated to promote cell survival by maintaining the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α). We investigated whether Sephin1 enhances ISR and attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) injury. Methods: Male C57BL/6 J mice were injected with Sephin1 (2 mg/kg,i.p.) 30 min before surgery to establish a model of MIR with 45 min ischemia and 180 min reperfusion. In vitro, the H9C2 cell line with hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) was used to simulate MIR. Myocardial injury was evaluated by echocardiography, histologic observation after staining with TTC and H&E and electron microscopy. ISR, autophagy and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro were evaluated by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry, respectively. Global protein synthesis was determined using a non-radioactive SUnSET Assay based on the puromycin method. Autophinib, an autophagy-specific inhibitor, was used to investigate the correlation between autophagy and apoptosis in the presence of Sephin1. Results: In vivo, Sephin1 significantly reduced myocardial injury and improved the cardiac function in MIR mice. Sephin1 administration prolonged ISR, reduced cell apoptosis, and promoted autophagy. In vitro, Sephin1 increased the number of stress granules (SGs) and autophagic vesicles, enhanced ISR and related protein synthesis suppression, and reduced cell apoptosis. Autophinib partly reversed autophagosome formation and apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Conclusions: Sephin1 enhances ISR and related protein synthesis suppression, ameliorates myocardial apoptosis, and promotes autophagy during MIR stress. Sephin1 could act as a noval ISR enhancer for managing acute myocardial ischemia disease.

AbstractHoney adulteration has been on the rise with the increasing demand for high-quality honey, and the authentication of A. cerana honey is a major problem that the current bee industry needs to solve. The aim of this research was to establish the proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage combined with ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (Proofman-LMTIA) method for the authentication of Apis cerana honey. The LMTIA primers were designed to target the specific 18S rRNA sequence of A. cerana, and the conditions for Proofman-LMTIA amplification were optimized. The specificity and sensitivity of the method were determined and compared with that of the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The optimal temperature of the established Proofman-LMTIA method was 62 °C. The method can specially to detect the A. cerana gene without cross-reactivity with the genomes from other animal and plant species, and the amplification reaction can be finished within 20 min with the sensitivity of 10 pg A. cerana genomic DNA, which was more sensitive than the droplet digital PCR method. The obtained results demonstrate that the established Proofman-LMTIA procedure was specific, sensitive, and rapid, and can be used for authentication of A. cerana honey.

ABSTRACTHoney adulteration has been on the rise with the increasing demand for high-quality honey. The ladders-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) was a newly developed nucleic acid amplification technique, and the aim of this study was to establish a method combining the LMTIA with the proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage (Proof-man probe) for detecting the thaumatin-like protein (TLP) genes of Brassica rapa var. oleifera in honey. The LMTIA primers was selected as a target to be designed, the temperature of the Proof-man LMTIA reaction was optimized, and the specificity, sensitivity, and applicability to the honey samples were determined. The results showed that the Proof-man LMTIA method was highly specific with a detection sensitivity of 30-40 copies genomic DNA/reaction at the optimal temperature of 60°C, and the amplification could be completed within 20 min. This method can detect the adulteration of low-price B. rapa honey into high-price honey.

IntroductionThe demand for fresh–cut water chestnuts, a convenient and nutritive vegetable, is increasing in market. However, the slicing of water chestnuts can cause mechanical damage to tissue, which results in quality deterioration. We aimed to select the optimal treatment through a comprehensive comparison of the preservation effect of acetic acid, which could prolong the shelf life of fresh–cut water chestnuts and improve their storage quality.MethodsA comprehensive evaluation was conducted using the gray–correlation method based on the variation–coefficient weight to observe the treatment of 0, 2 and 5% acetic acid. Their effects on color, weight loss rate, and the content of ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, soluble protein, and free amino acid were determined.ResultsThe color, weight loss rate, and nutritional content of fresh–cut chestnuts varied under different processing and storage times. When stored for more than 4 days, the b* value, and the content of total sugar and soluble protein in CK were higher than those in 2% or 5% acetic acid, but the weight loss rate, and the content of ascorbic acid and free amino acid in CK were less than those in acetic acid treatments. Considering various indicators, it was difficult to determine which treatment to choose for fresh–cut water chestnut preservation. The gray–correlation analysis results indicated that when stored for 8, 12, or 16 days, the gray–correlation degree of 5% acetic acid was the highest, while that of the control was the lowest. It could be directly concluded by the gray–correlation degree that when the storage time exceeded 4 days, acetic acid could be used to improve storage quality, and 5% acetic acid had a better preservation effect than 2%. Fresh–cut water chestnuts can be stored for 4 days without the need for acetic acid treatment.ConclusionThese findings could provide information and comprehensive evaluation methods for the preservation of fresh–cut fruits and vegetables. The next step is to evaluate the preservation effect of acetic acid by measuring its effects on other indicators of fresh–cut water chestnuts (e.g., flavonoids, and microorganisms), providing ideas for the research of preservatives.

The ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) is a newly developed technology, and the objective of this study is to establish the LMTIA assay for detection of pork in beef. The LMTIA primers were designed with the prolactin receptor gene of Sus scrofa as the target. The LMTIA reaction system was optimized, and the performance of the LMTIA assay in specificity, sensitivity and detection limit (LOD) was determined. Our results showed that the LMTIA assay was able to specifically detect 10 ng genomic DNA (gDNAs) of Sus scrofa, the sensitivity of the LMTIA assay was 1 ng genomic DNA of Sus scrofa, and the LMTIA assay was able to detect the pork adulterated in beef with 0.1% LOD, which was the same as that of reported PCR assay or LAMP assay. This study holds a promise for facilitating the surveillance of the commercial adulteration of pork in beef.

AbstractThe ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) is a newly developed technique with advantages of simple mechanism, easy primer design, quick turn-around time, high specificity, high sensitivity and short target sequence compared to the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. The objective of this research was to establish the LMTIA assay for detection of chicken in beef. The LMTIA primers targeting the prolactin receptor gene of Gallus gallus were designed, the LMTIA reaction system was optimized, the specificity and the sensitivity of the LMTIA assay were determined. Our results showed that the LMTIA assay was able to specifically detect 100 ng genomic DNA of Gallus gallus, without detecting the 100 ng genomic DNA of Anas platyrhynchos, Felis catus, Sus scrofa, Canis lupus familiaris, Bos taurus or Capra hircus. The sensitivity of the LMTIA assay was 100 pg genomic DNA of G. gallus. Furthermore, the LMTIA assay was able to detect the chicken adulterated in beef with ≥0.1% (w/w) detection limit (LOD). This study holds a promise for facilitation of the surveillance of the commercial adulteration of chicken in beef.

Abstract Soluble amyloid-β-protein (Aβ) oligomers, a major hallmark of AD, trigger the integrated stress response (ISR) via multiple pathologies including neuronal hyperactivation, microvascular hypoxia, and neuroinflammation. Increasing eIF2α phosphorylation, the core event of ISR, facilitates metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD), and suppressing its phosphorylation has the opposite effect. Having found the facilitation of mGluR5-LTD by Aβ in live rats, we wondered if suppressing eIF2α phosphorylation cascade would protect against the synaptic plasticity and cognitive disrupting effects of Aβ. We demonstrate here that the facilitation of mGluR5-LTD in a delayed rat model by single i.c.v. injection of synthetic Aβ1–42. Systemic administration of the small-molecule inhibitor of the ISR called ISRIB (trans-isomer) prevents Aβ-facilitated LTD and abrogates spatial learning and memory deficits in the hippocampus in exogenous synthetic Aβ-injected rats. Moreover, ex vivo evidence indicates that ISRIB normalizes protein synthesis in the hippocampus. Targeting the ISR by suppressing the eIF2α phosphorylation cascade with the eIF2B activator ISRIB may provide protective effects against the synaptic and cognitive disruptive effects of Aβ which likely mediate the early stage of sporadic AD.

This study aims to establish a rapid identification method based on the Proofman-LMTIA technique for distinguishing between Panax quinquefolium and Panax ginseng. By targeting specific 18S rDNA sequences, suitable primers and Proofman probes labeled FAM or JOE were designed for LMTIA. Initially, single-species-primer Proofman-LMTIA assays were performed separately for each ginseng type to optimize reaction temperature, assess sensitivity and specificity, and determine the detection limit. Subsequently, both sets of primers and their corresponding probes were combined in the same reaction system to further optimize reaction conditions, evaluate sensitivity, and assess stability. Finally, the developed Proofman-duplex-LMTIA technique was employed to detect P. quinquefolium and P. ginseng slices available in the market. Single-plex Proofman-LMTIA assays revealed that the optimal reaction temperature for both P. quinquefolium and P. ginseng was 62 °C. The sensitivity was as low as 1 pg/μL, with a detection limit of 0.1%, and both showed excellent specificity. The optimal temperature for Proofman-duplex-LMTIA assays was 58 °C. This method could simultaneously identify P. quinquefolium and P. ginseng. Testing 6 samples of P. ginseng and 11 samples of P. quinquefolium from the market resulted in a 100% positive rate for all samples. This study successfully established a rapid, simple, sensitive, and specific Proofman-duplex-LMTIA identification method for P. quinquefolium and P. ginseng. It provides an effective means for quality control of P. quinquefolium, P. ginseng, and related products.

Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the major chronic metabolic diseases that threaten human health. In order to combat these epidemics, there remains a desperate need for effective, safe, and easily available therapeutic strategies. Recently, the development of natural product research has provided new methods and options for these diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of metabolic diseases, and natural products can improve lipid and glucose metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases by regulating the expression of miRNAs. In this review, we present the recent advances involving the associations between miRNAs and natural products and the current evidence showing the positive effects of miRNAs for natural product treatment in metabolic diseases. We also encourage further research to address the relationship between miRNAs and natural products under physiological and pathological conditions, thus leading to stronger support for drug development from natural products in the future.

Microbial factors, including bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, are significant contributors to foodborne illnesses, posing serious food safety risks due to their potential for rapid growth and contamination. Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most common types of foodborne bacteria that can cause serious foodborne diseases or even fatalities. In this study, a novel nucleic acid amplification method called Proofman-LMTIA was employed to detect Listeria monocytogenes contamination in food. This method combines proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage with ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification. A positive recombinant plasmid was used as a control to ensure the accuracy of the detection results, and primers and Proofman probes were specifically designed for the LMTIA. Genomic DNA was extracted, the reaction temperature was optimized, and the primers’ specificity was verified using foodborne pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella. The sensitivity was assessed by testing serial dilutions of genomic DNA, and the method’s applicability was confirmed by detecting artificially contaminated fresh pork. The established LMTIA method exhibited both high specificity and sensitivity. At the optimal reaction temperature of 63 °C, the primers specifically identified Listeria monocytogenes contamination in pork at a concentration of 8.0 ± 0.7 colony-forming units (CFUs) per 25 g. Furthermore, the Proofman-LMTIA method was applied to test Listeria monocytogenes DNA in 30 food samples purchased from a Chinese retail market, and reassuringly, all results indicated no contamination. Proofman-LMTIA can serve as a reliable and rapid method for detecting Listeria monocytogenes in food, contributing to public health by safeguarding consumers from foodborne illnesses, and strengthening food safety regulations.

This study aimed to improve the steaming process of black sesame seeds. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted using the grey-correlation method based on the variation-coefficient weight to observe the treatments of normal-pressure (NPS) and high-pressure (HPS) steaming (with/without soaking in water) for nine cycles. Their effects on the contents of water, protein, fat, ash, melanin, sesamin, and sesamolin of black sesame seeds, as well as the sensory score of the black sesame pill, were determined. We found that with varied steaming methods and increased steaming cycles, the contents of the nutritional and functional components of black sesame seeds and the sensory score of the black sesame pill differed. The results of the variation-coefficient method showed that water, protein, fat, ash, melanin, sesamin, sesamolin, and sensory score had different effects on the quality of black sesame seeds with weighting factors of 34.4%, 5.3%, 12.5%, 11.3%, 13.9%, 11.3%, 7.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. The results of two-factor analysis of variance without repeated observations indicated that the grey-correlation degree of HPS was the largest among the different steaming treatments, and the following sequence was HPS after soaking in water (SNPS), NPS, and SNPS. There was no significant difference between NPS and SNPS (p < 0.05). Moreover, with increased cycles, the value of the grey-correlation degree increased. The comprehensive score of the procedure repeated nine times was significantly higher than other cycles (p < 0.05). The results of the grey-correlation degree and grade analysis showed that the best steaming process of black sesame seeds was HPS for nine cycles, followed by HPS for eight cycles and NPS after soaking in water (SNPS) for nine cycles. These findings could provide a scientific basis for replacing SNPS with HPS to simplify steaming and realize the parametric steaming of black sesame seeds, and thus, ensure the quality of black-sesame products.

A novel method, termed ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA), was developed in this study. As a proof of concept, one pair of primers or two pairs of nested primers and a thermostable DNA polymerase were employed to amplify the internal transcribed spacer of Oryza sativa with the ladder-shape melting temperature curve. Our results demonstrated that the LMTIA assay with nested primers was 50-fold more sensitive than the LAMP assay with the same level of specificity. The LMTIA method has the potential to be used for the prevention and control of emerging epidemics caused by different types of pathogens.

The deposition energy and the peak overpressure of shockwaves are the leading engineering parameters of wire electric explosion technology applied to enhance oil recovery. The thicker Cu wire deposits more energy, which transforms into the shockwave efficiently. Therefore, the effects of three diameters (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mm) and hollow ratios (0, 0.5, and 0.7) on the electric explosion efficiency were studied by collecting pulse current, explosion products, and shockwaves during the test. All spatial structure designs of the wire depend on the skin effect parameters of the pulse discharge current. The results found that the peak overpressure of the shockwave soars with the increase of the hollow ratios when the diameter is constant. The range of the peak overpressure is 25.2~47.7 MPa. However, the correlation between shockwave and wire diameter changes from negative to positive with the increase of the hollow ratio from 0 to 0.7. The phase distribution deduced by the particle morphology and quantity distribution indicates that it is going to be uniform gradually with the hollow ratio rising from 0 to 0.7. When the extreme simplification is carried out without considering the magnetic diffusion process, it is indicated that the distribution of temperature and phase states along the wire radial is a Bessel function depending on the skin effect of the current density when three times the theoretical enthalpy drives the Cu wire. It means that the desired shockwave could be obtained efficiently by increasing the diameter and the hollow ratio of wire during a wire electric explosion.

Exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential diagnostic biomarkers. However, little is known about their effectiveness as diagnostic biomarkers of fulminant myocarditis (FM). This study aimed to explore serum exosomal miRNAs as potential biomarkers for FM diagnosis. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 99 patients with FM, 32 patients with nonfulminant myocarditis (NFM), and 105 healthy controls (HCs). The miRNA expression profiles of serum exosomes were determined using next-generation sequencing, and differentially expressed miRNAs were further analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A logistic regression model was constructed using a training cohort (n = 120) and then validated using an independent cohort (n = 106). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. In FM patients, hsa-miR-30a, hsa-miR-192, hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-155, and hsa-miR-320a were validated as significantly and differentially expressed candidates that could serve as potential markers for diagnosing FM. In addition, the miRNA panel (hsa-miR-155 and hsa-miR-320a) from the multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated high accuracy in the diagnosis of FM and was able to distinguish FM from HCs and NFM. Moreover, the diagnostic value of the miRNA panel was greater than that of CRP and cTn alone or together. The miRNA panel provided the excellent diagnostic capability for FM.

Food adulteration is a serious problem all over the world. Establishing an accurate, sensitive and fast detection method is an important part of identifying food adulteration. Herein, a sequence-specific ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) assay was reported to detect soybean-derived components using proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage (named Proofman), which could realize real-time and visual detection without uncapping. The results showed that, under the optimal temperature of 57 °C, the established Proofman–LMTIA method for the detection of soybean-derived components in dairy products was sensitive to 1 pg/μL, with strong specificity, and could distinguish soybean genes from those of beef, mutton, sunflower, corn, walnut, etc. The established Proofman–LMTIA detection method was applied to the detection of actual samples of cow milk and goat milk. The results showed that the method was accurate, stable and reliable, and the detection results were not affected by a complex matrix without false positives or false negatives. It was proved that the method could be used for the detection and identification of soybean-derived components in actual dairy products samples.

As a new type of riser connecting offshore platforms and submarine pipelines, steel catenary risers (SCRs) are generally subject to waves and currents for a long time, thus it is significant to fully evaluate the SCR structure’s safety. Aiming at the damage identification of the SCR, the acceleration time series signals at multiple locations are taken as the damage characteristics. The damage characteristics include spatial information of the measurement point location and time information of the acquisition signal. Therefore, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is employed to obtain spatial information. Considering the variable period characteristics of the acceleration time series of the SCR, a gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network is utilized to study these characteristics. However, neither a single CNN nor GRU model can simultaneously obtain temporal and spatial data information. Therefore, by combining a CNN with a GRU, the CNN-GRU model is established. Moreover, the hyperparameters of deep learning models have a significant influence on their performance. Therefore, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to solve the hyperparameter optimization problem of the CNN-GRU. Thus, the PSO-CNN-GRU (PCG) model is established. Subsequently, an SCR damage identification method based on the PCG model is presented to predict the damage location and degree by SCR acceleration time series. By analyzing the SCR acceleration data, the prediction performances of the PCG model and the PSO optimization capacity are verified. The experimental results indicate that the identification result of the proposed PCG model is better than that of several existing models (CNN, GRU, and CNN-GRU).

Background and ObjectivesSpinal cord stimulation can prevent myocardial ischemia and reperfusion arrhythmias, but the relevant neurons and mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, this study applied optogenetic techniques to selectively activate glutamatergic neurons at the thoracic spinal cord (T1 segment) for examining the anti-arrhythmia effects during acute myocardial ischemic-reperfusion.MethodsAdeno-associated viruses (AAVs) carrying channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2, a blue-light sensitive ion channel) CaMKIIα-hChR2(H134R) or empty vector were injected into the dorsal horn of the T1 spinal cord. Four weeks later, optogenetic stimulation with a 473-nm blue laser was applied for 30 min. Then, the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model was created by occlusion of the anterior descending coronary artery for ischemia (15 min) and reperfusion (30 min). Cardiac electrical activity and sympathetic nerve activity were assessed continuously.ResultsCaMKIIα-hChR2 viral transfection is primarily expressed in glutamatergic neurons in the spinal cord. Selective optical stimulation of the T1 dorsal horn in the ChR2 rat reduced the ventricular arrhythmia and arrhythmia score during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, preventing the over-activation of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity. Additionally, optical stimulation also reduced the action potential duration at the 90% level (APD90) and APD dispersion.ConclusionSelective optical stimulation T1 glutamatergic neurons of dorsal horn prevent ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmias. The mechanism may be associated with inhibiting sympathetic nervous system overexcitation and increasing APD dispersion during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

Abstract Background Recovery of motor dysfunction is important for patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). To enhance the recovery of muscle strength, both research and treatments mainly focus on injury of upper motor neurons at the direct injury site. However, accumulating evidences have suggested that SCI has a downstream effect on the peripheral nervous system, which may contribute to the poor improvement of the muscle strength after operation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical intervention on the lower motor neurons (LMNs) distal to the injury site in patients with incomplete cervical SCI. Methods Motor unit number index (MUNIX) was performed on the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) in 47 patients with incomplete cervical SCI (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 17 vs. 30) and 34 healthy subjects approximately 12 months after operation. All patients were further assessed by American spinal injury association (ASIA) motor scales and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales. Results There are no difference of both ASIA motor scores and MRC scales between the patients who accepted early and delayed surgical treatment (P > 0.05). In contrast, the patients undergoing early surgical treatment showed lower MUSIX values in both bilateral EDB and bilateral TA, along with greater MUNIX values in both right-side EDB and right-side TA, compared to the patients who accepted delayed surgical treatment (P

The objective of this study was to develop a reliable visual method for rapid detection of donkey components to protect consumers from commercial adulteration. Six specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers targeted at donkey mitochondrial cytochrome b gene were designed, the mitochondrial DNA extraction simplified, the LAMP reaction system optimized, the specificity verified with mitochondrial DNA of horse, pork, cow, sheep, chicken, duck, and rabbit as negative controls, the detection limit determined with gradient dilution of adulterated meat with donkey meat, and the visual LAMP method for detection of donkey-derived ingredient in common meat products established. The results showed that the modified mitochondrial DNA extraction method was simple and repeatable, and the visual LAMP method with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol sodium salt as indicator can accurately and specifically detect the donkey meat in common meat products, 1% detection limit. The study provided a promising solution for facilitating the surveillance of the commercial adulteration in processed meat.

The objective of this study was to establish a real-time LAMP assay for authentication of rape (Brassica napus) honey to protect consumers from commercial honey adulteration. The LAMP primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of Brassica napus were designed, and its specificity was tested. The LAMP reaction temperature was also optimized, and the detection limit of the LAMP assay was determined with a serial dilution of genomic DNA from the seeds of Brassica napus. The results showed that the real-time LAMP assay can accurately and specifically detect the rape component in honey, and the detection limit was 10 pg genomic DNA of Brassica napus. Data on monofloral honey samples indicate that the real-time LAMP assay was 100% in concordance with the reported TaqManTM PCR assay. This study provides a promising solution for facilitating the authentication of rape honey in food retail market.

With the widespread application of pipelines in engineering, more and more accidents occur because of pipeline leakage. Therefore, it is particularly important to continuously monitor the pipeline pressure. In this study, a non-intrusive and high-sensitivity structure based on FBG (Fiber Bragg grating) sensor is proposed. Firstly, the basic sensing theory of FBG and the state of a pipeline wall under inner pressure are analyzed. Then, structural sensitivity is deduced based on the flexure hinge and mechanical lever. Subsequently, finite element simulation for the whole sensitization structure is carried out, and optimal parameters are determined to obtain the maximum sensitivity. Finally, laboratory experiments are conducted to verify the function of the designed sensitivity structure. The experimental results show a good agreement with the simulation results. In the experiment, it can be found that the designed structure has a strain sensitivity of 9.59 pm/με, which is 11.51 times the pipeline surface strain. Besides, the structure is convenient to operate and has a good applied prospect for the engineering practice.

Resiniferatoxin (RTX), a selective transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor agonist, can eliminate TRPV1+ primary sensory afferents and blunt cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex for a relatively long period. The present study determined the effects of intrathecal RTX administration on transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac dysfunction and cardiac remodeling in rats. Five days before TAC, RTX (2 μg/10 μl) was injected intrathecally into the T2/T3 interspace of rats. Cardiac sympathetic nerve activities (CSNAs) and cardiac structure and function were determined eight weeks after TAC. Intrathecal RTX administration abolished TRPV1 expression in the dorsal horn and reduced over-activated CSNA in the TAC rat model. Hemodynamic analysis revealed that RTX reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, indicating the improvement of cardiac compliance. Histologic analysis, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blots showed that RTX prevented TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac apoptosis and reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins and myocardial mRNAs. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that focal chemo-ablation of TRPV1+ afferents in the spinal cord protects the heart from pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling and cardiac dysfunction, which suggest a novel promising therapeutic method for cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.

Food authenticity has become increasingly important as a result of food adulteration. To identify the authenticity of sweet potato starch noodles, the ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) method of determining cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) DNA in sweet potato starch noodles was used. A set of primers targeted at the internal transcription spacer (ITS) of cassava was designed, genomic DNA was extracted, the LMTIA reaction temperature was optimized, and the specificity of the primer was verified with the genomic DNAs of cassava, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.), Solanum tuberosum L., Zea mays L., Vigna radiate L., Triticum aestivum L., and Glycine max (L.) Merr. The sensitivity with the serially diluted genomic DNA of cassava and the suitability for the DNA extracted from sweet potato starch adulterated with cassava starch were tested. The LMTIA assay for identifying the cassava component in sweet potato starch noodles was established. At the optimal temperature of 52 °C, the primers could specifically distinguish a 0.01% (w/w) cassava component added to sweet potato starch. Additionally, the LMTIA method was applied to the cassava DNA detection of 31 sweet potato starch noodle samples purchased from retail markets in China. Of these, 14 samples were positive. The LMTIA assay could be a reliable method for the rapid detection of cassava components in sweet potato starch noodles, to protect the rights of consumers and to regulate the sale market order of starch noodles.

Doxorubicin (DXB) is one of the most commonly used anticancer agents for treating solid and hematological malignancies; however, DXB-induced cardiorenal toxicity presents a limiting factor to its clinical usefulness in cancer patients. Costunolide (COST) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone with excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. This study evaluated the effect of COST on DXB-induced cardiorenal toxicity in rats. Rats were orally treated with COST for 4 weeks and received weekly 5 mg/kg doses of DXB for three weeks. Cardiorenal biochemical biomarkers, lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were evaluated. DXB-treated rats displayed significantly increased levels of lipid profiles, markers of cardiorenal dysfunction (aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, troponin T, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine). In addition, DXB markedly upregulated cardiorenal malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 levels and decreased glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. COST treatment significantly attenuated the aforementioned alterations induced by DXB. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that COST ameliorated the histopathological features and reduced p53 and myeloperoxidase expression in the treated rats. These results suggest that COST exhibits cardiorenal protective effects against DXB-induced injury presumably via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Hydraulic fracturing has become one of the most popular techniques for exploring sustainable energy sources. However, friction is associated with the entire fracturing process, presenting significant challenges for development. Facing the huge friction challenges, this review is elaborated in the following three aspects: (1) the fundamentals of hydraulic fracturing, including three aspects of rock fracture mechanism, fracturing fluid, and proppant; (2) the friction challenges in hydraulic fracturing, which mainly exist in friction along the path and friction near wellbore; (3) hydraulic fracturing drag reduction technologies, which are considered proppant segment plug, fracturing fluid viscosity enhancement, and proppant surface modification technologies. Therefore, we should not only understand the challenges in hydraulic fracturing but also know how to mitigate them. Additionally, we call for a strong focus on environmentally friendly, green friction-reducing technologies for oil and gas fields in the future development of the fracturing industry.

Giardia duodenalis is a major gastrointestinal parasite found globally in both humans and animals. This work examined the occurrence of G. duodenalis in coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China. Multi-locus analysis was conducted to evaluate the level of genetic variation and the potential zoonotic role of the isolates. In total, 308 fecal samples were collected from seven farms in China and subjected to PCR screening to reveal G. duodenalis. Notably, G. duodenalis was detected in 38 (12.3%) specimens from assemblages A (n = 2) and B (n = 36). Positive samples were further characterized by PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta giardin (bg), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. Multi-locus genotyping yielded 10 novel multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) (one MLG and nine MLGs for assemblages A and B, respectively). Based on the generated phylogenetic tree, AI–novel 1 clustered more closely with MLG AI-2. Furthermore, within the assemblage B phylogenetic analysis, the novel assemblage B MLGs were identified as BIV and clustered in the MLG BIV branch. This is the first report of G. duodenalis in coypus in China. The presence of zoonotic genotypes and subtypes of G. duodenalis in coypus suggests that these animals can transmit human giardiasis.

The technique of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) utilizes 4 (5 or 6) primers targeting 6 (7 or 8) regions within a fairly small genome segment for amplification. This technique has a potential for greater specificity than two-primer methods, such as polymerase chain reaction. There are still no reports for primer–template mismatch of LAMP. In this study, a set of LAMP primers was designed, targeting the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region of Streptococcus dysgalactiae. The selectivity of the LAMP method was tested with 25 bacterial strains. There was a non-specific amplification when the genomic DNA of Streptococcus agalactiae was used as a template and it was indicated by a nucleotide basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) in GenBank. There were three false priming sites on backward inner primer and the internal primer–template mismatches extended the detection time from 21 min to 47 min. This study would be of great reference value for targeting sequence selection, primer design of LAMP and detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with LAMP.

The subsea tree is one of the critical pieces of equipment in the subsea production system, and its installation is related to the safe production of offshore oil and gas. Due to the differences in the form of the structures, the speed of entering the water, the marine environment, and other factors, the process of the structure entering the water is exceedingly complicated. During the engineering installation, the most dangerous phase involves the structure passing through the splash zone. Based on the theory of the movement of the subsea tree passing through the splash zone, Lingshui 17-2 subsea tree installation was analyzed with the marine engineering software OrcaFlex, and a sensitivity analysis of the lowering of the subsea tree was performed. During the splash zone phase, the wave height had the highest impact on the subsea tree, affecting the horizontal offset and cable load, which may lead to the oil tree capsizing and cable breakage. Furthermore, the velocity only affected the horizontal offset, and the overall effect was not noticeable. The operational safety window for the subsea tree installation was established according to the operational safety standards. Therefore, the recommended lowering speed was 0.50 m/s, while the flow velocity should not exceed 1.50 m/s, and the wave height should not be higher than 4.5 m.

Objective. Donepezil, a widely used cholinesterase inhibitor for treating Alzheimer’s disease, has been reported to induce bradyarrhythmias and torsade de pointes. In this study, we aimed at determining electrocardiogram changes of donepezil administration in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease, who tend to suffer from cognitive disorders. Methods. Sixty patients with ischemic heart disease and mild cognitive impairment were treated with donepezil (5 mg/day) and followed up for at least four weeks. A twenty-four-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram was performed for the analysis of heart rate variability. The ECG parameters including heart rate (HR), PR and RR intervals, QT interval, and QRS duration were recorded at the baseline and after donepezil administration. Results. Donepezil administration resulted in significant reduction in mean HR and the lowest HR and prolongation of PR and RR intervals, whereas it had no significant effects on QRS duration and QT parameters including QT, corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, and Tpeak-end interval. HRV analysis showed that donepezil administration significantly improved parasympathetic function, indicated by decreased low/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio and high frequency (HF) components and oscillation of RR intervals. Conclusions. These data demonstrated that donepezil administration decreased HR, prolonged PR interval, and increased parasympathetic function without affecting QRS duration and QT intervals, suggesting that it can be used safely in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease.

Molecular detection of bacterial pathogens based on LAMP methods is a faster and simpler approach than conventional culture methods. Although different LAMP-based methods for pathogenic bacterial detection are available, a systematic comparison of these different LAMP assays has not been performed. In this paper, we compared 12 in-house real-time LAMP assays with a commercialized kit (Isothermal Master Mix) for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157, E. coli O26, E. coli O45, E. coli O103, E. coli O111, E. coli O121, E. coli O145 and Streptococcus agalactiae. False-positive results were observed in all 12 in-house real-time LAMP assays, while all the negative controls of Isothermal Master Mix remained negative after amplification. The detection limit of Isothermal Master Mix for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157, E. coli O26, E. coli O45, E. coli O103, E. coli O111, E. coli O121 and Streptococcus agalactiae was 1 pg, whereas the sensitivity of the commercialized kit for E. coli O145 was 100 pg. In conclusion, the 12 in-house real-time LAMP assays were impractical to use, while the commercialized kit Isothermal Master Mix was useful for the detection of most bacterial pathogens.

Graphene, as the earliest discovered two-dimensional (2D) material, possesses excellently physical and chemical properties. Vast synthetic strategies, including chemical vapor deposition, mechanical exfoliation, and chemical reduction, are proposed. In this paper, a method to synthesize multilayer graphene in a semi-opened environment is presented by introducing arc-discharge plasma technology. Compared with previous technologies, the toxic gases and hazardous chemical components are not generated in the whole process. The synthesized carbon materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectra technologies. The paper offers an idea to synthesize multilayer graphene in a semi-opened environment, which is a development to produce graphene with arc-discharge plasma.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) noodles are a traditional Chinese food with a high nutritional value; however, starch adulteration is a big concern. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable method for the rapid detection of cassava (Manihot esculenta) components in sweet potato noodles to protect consumers from commercial adulteration. Five specific Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of cassava were designed, genomic DNA was extracted, the LAMP reaction system was optimized, and the specificity of the primers was verified with genomic DNA of cassava, Ipomoea batatas, Zea mays, and Solanum tuberosum; the detection limit was determined with a serial dilution of adulterated sweet potato starch with cassava starch, and the real-time LAMP method for the detection of the cassava-derived ingredient in sweet potato noodles was established. The results showed that the real-time LAMP method can accurately and specifically detect the cassava component in sweet potato noodles with a detection limit of 1%. Furthermore, the LAMP assay was validated using commercial sweet potato noodle samples, and results showed that 57.7% of sweet potato noodle products (30/52) from retail markets were adulterated with cassava starch in China. This study provides a promising solution for facilitating the surveillance of the commercial adulteration of sweet potato noodles from retail markets.

Backgrounds and Objective. During the procession of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), transthoracic electrical cardioversion (ECV) is required to terminate AF. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of additional ECV on cardiac function and recurrence of AF. Methods and Results. Persistent AF patients received extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and additional line ablation. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they need transthoracic electrical cardioversion to terminate AF: electrical cardioversion (ECV group) and nonelectrical cardioversion (NECV group). Among 111 subjects, 35 patients were returned to sinus rhythm after ablation by ECV (ECV group) and 76 patients had AF termination after the ablation processions (NECV group). During the 12-month follow-ups, the recurrence ratio of patients was comparable in ECV group (15/35) and NECV group (34/76) (44.14% versus 44.74%, P=0.853). Although left atrial diameters (LAD) decreased significantly in both groups, there were no significant differences in LAD and left ventricular cardiac function between ECV group and NECV group. Conclusions. This study revealed that ECV has no significant impact on the maintenance of SR and the recovery of cardiac function. Therefore, ECV could be applied safely to recover SR during the procedure of catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation.

In this study, the filled nitrile rubber (NBR) was prepared with micro glass flake (GF). The tribological behaviors of filled NBR were tested by a ball-on-disk tribometer. Material properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), fracture energy, tensile strength and dispersity of GF filler were also investigated. The results showed that the coefficient of friction (COF) of NBR reduced and the wear-resistant enhanced with the GF filler. Compared to unfilled NBR, the COF of filled NBR suffered a maximal drop percent (about 21.1%) at a rotation speed of 100 rpm and normal load of 1.5 N. Mechanical and wear behaviors were dependent on the interfacial performance of filler in the rubber matrix. Filler with smaller size was more conducive to enhance the interfacial strength of the polymer matrix. That can increase the interfacial strength of filler and benefits to improve the anti-wear behavior of rubber.