SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the maxillary molar root canal morphology in individuals from the Shandong province, China, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and classify it based on Ahmed et al. (2017) classification system to obtain a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. From December 2020 to June 2021, we screened CBCT data of 1,619 patients at the Jinan Stomatological Hospital who had been indicated for CBCT because of various oral abnormalities. The root and root canal morphologies of all teeth were statistically analyzed, and the root canal morphology was classified based on Ahmed et al. (2017) classification system. In the maxillary molars, three roots were the most common, accounting for 99.24 % and 74.61 % of all maxillary first and second molars, respectively. Two roots were the second most common, accounting for 0.66 % and 17.29 % of all maxillary first and second molars, respectively. Root morphology variation, e.g., fusion or furcation defect, was present in 22 (0.76 %) maxillary first molars and 765 (25.39 %) maxillary second molars, with the most common being mesiobuccal and distobuccal root fusion. Detection rates of a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) in the maxillary first and second molars were 48.5 % and 26.5 %, respectively. Among age groups, the frequency of MB2 was the highest in the 15-24-year-old group and lowest in the 55-64-year-old group. Bilateral MB2 root canals were present in 64.8 % and 48.4 % of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. Men and women accounted for 60.6 % and 67.8 % of the maxillary first molars, respectively, and 51.7 % and 45.6 % of the maxillary second molars, respectively. According to Ahmed et al. (2017) classification of root canal morphology, 18 and 22 root canal configurations were found in 1,453 right maxillary first molars and 1,444 left maxillary first molars, respectively. The right maxillary first molars showed three two-rooted, 14 three-rooted, and one four-rooted type. The left maxillary first molars showed two one-rooted, six two-rooted, and 14 three-rooted types. According to Ahmed et al. (2017) classification of root canal morphology, 43 and 45 root canal configurations were found in 1,507 right maxillary second molars and 1,506 left maxillary second molars, respectively. The right maxillary second molars showed 17 one-rooted, 16 two- rooted, eight three-rooted, and two four-rooted types. The left maxillary second molars showed 19 one-rooted, 13 two-rooted, 12 three- rooted, and one four-rooted type. This study showed that the maxillary molar root canal morphology is diverse in the Shandong province. Ahmed et al. (2017) classification system provides a clear description of the root canal morphology. CBCT can be used to study complex root and root canal morphologies.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la morfología del conducto radicular del molar superior en individuos de la provincia de Shandong, China, utilizando tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) y clasificarla con base en el sistema de clasificación de Ahmed et al. (2017) para obtener una referencia para diagnóstico clínico y tratamiento. Desde diciembre de 2020 hasta junio de 2021, analizamos los datos de CBCT de 1619 pacientes en el Hospital Estomatológico de Jinan a quienes se les indicó CBCT debido a diversas anomalías orales. Las morfologías de la raíz y del conducto radicular de todos los dientes se analizaron estadísticamente, y la morfología del conducto radicular se clasificó según el sistema de clasificación de Ahmed et al. (2017). En los molares superiores, tres raíces fueron las más comunes, representando el 99,24 % y el 74,61 % de todos los primeros y segundos molares superiores, respectivamente. Dos raíces fueron las segundas más comunes, representando el 0,66 % y el 17,29 % de todos los primeros y segundos molares superiores, respectivamente. La variación de la morfología de la raíz, por ejemplo, fusión o defecto de furcación, estuvo presente en 22 (0,76 %) primeros molares superiores y 765 (25,39 %) segundos molares superiores, siendo la fusión radicular mesiovestibular y distovestibular la más común. Las tasas de detección de un segundo canal mesiovestibular (MB2) en los primeros y segundos molares superiores fueron del 48,5 % y 26,5 %, respectivamente. Entre los grupos de edad, la frecuencia de MB2 fue más alta en el grupo de 15 a 24 años y más baja en el grupo de 55 a 64 años. Los conductos radiculares MB2 bilaterales estaban presentes en el 64,8 % y el 48,4 % de los primeros y segundos molares superiores, respectivamente. En los hombres y en las mujeres representaron el 60,6 % y el 67,8 % de los primeros molares superiores, respectivamente, y el 51,7 % y el 45,6 % de los segundos molares superiores, respec- tivamente. Según la clasificación de la morfología del conducto radicular de Ahmed et al. (2017) se encontraron configuraciones de conducto radicular 18 y 22 en 1453 primeros molares superiores derechos y 1444 primeros molares superiores izquierdos, respectivamente. Los primeros molares superiores derechos mostraron tres tipos de dos raíces, 14 de tres raíces y uno de cuatro raíces. Los primeros molares superiores izquierdos mostraron dos tipos de una raíz, seis de dos raíces y 14 de tres raíces. Según la clasificación de la morfología del conducto radicular de Ahmed et al. (2017) se encontraron configuraciones de conducto radicular 43 y 45 en 1507 segundos molares superiores derechos y 1506 segundos molares superiores izquierdos, respectivamente. Los segundos molares superiores derechos mostraron 17 tipos de una raíz, 16 de dos raíces, ocho de tres raíces y dos de cuatro raíces. Los segundos molares superiores izquierdos mostraron 19 de una raíz, 13 de dos raíces, 12 de tres raíces y uno de cuatro raíces. Este estudio mostró que la morfología del conducto radicular del molar superior es diversa en la provincia de Shandong. El sistema de clasificación de Ahmed y colaboradores proporciona una descripción clara de la morfología del conducto radicular. CBCT se puede utilizar para estudiar morfologías complejas de raíces y conductos radiculares.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation on jaundice in premature infants undergoing phototherapy. Methods In this article, the authors reviewed 100 hospitalized jaundiced premature infants under 35 weeks of gestational age. All infants were assigned to a control group (n= 45) and a treatment group (n= 55) randomly. The infants in the treatment group received S. boulardii supplementation by undergoing phototherapy and the infants in the control group were only treated by phototherapy. The total serum bilirubin levels were detected before and at the end of phototherapy, and transcutaneous bilirubin levels were measured on the 1st, 4th, 8th and 15th day of treatment. The duration of jaundice resolution and phototherapy, stool frequency, and characteristics were compared after phototherapy. Results The duration of jaundice resolution and phototherapy were shortened. Total serum bilirubin level was lower than the control group at the end of phototherapy (p < 0.05). Transcutaneous bilirubin levels decreased more significantly on the 8th and 15th day of treatment (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences on the post-treatment 1st and 4th day (p > 0.05). In addition, bowel movements including stool frequency and Bristol Stool Form Scale ratings of stools also improved after treatment. Conclusions S. boulardii in combination with phototherapy is effective and safe in reducing bilirubin levels and duration of phototherapy, accelerating jaundice resolution in premature infants with jaundice. The procedure also provided an ideal therapeutic effect of diarrhea induced by phototherapy to promote compliance and maternal-infant bonding.

Abstract Inflammation-related immune responses and bone metabolism lead to extensive tooth loss in periodontitis. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha agonist anti-inflammatory treatment in vitro and in ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in vivo . Methodology: Splenocytes were isolated from C57BL/6J mice and cultured for 48 hours under the following conditions: control, P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/ml); experimental, LPS (1 µg/ml) + PPARα agonist (fenofibrate) at 1, 10, 50, 100 µM. MRNA and secreted protein levels of TNF-α expression were detected by RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Silk ligatures (7-0) were tied around maxillary second molars of C57BL/6J mice for two weeks. Optimized doses of fenofibrate (50 µM) and vehicle control were injected into the contralateral side of the palatal gingiva on days three, six, and nine. At day 14, bone resorption, osteoclastogenesis, and gingival mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and RANKL/OPG were measured by micro-computed tomography, Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and Real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: TNF-α expression in cultured spleen cells were significantly increased in the presence of LPS, when compared with the control group, and significantly reduced by fenofibrate treatment in a dose-dependent manner from 1-100 µM (p<0.05). Gingival mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and the ratio of RANKL/OPG, were significantly decreased after injection of fenofibrate, when compared to the control side (p<0.05). Periodontal bone loss and TRAP positive cell formation were significantly decreased on the side with an injection of fenofibrate, as compared to the control side (p<0.05). Conclusions: An anti-inflammatory treatment, PPARα agonist, inhibited inflammation and periodontal bone loss in ligature-induced experimental periodontitis.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate the pathogenic role of PPARα in periodontal antigen treated gingival cells in vitro and in experimental periodontitis in vivo . Methodology Gingival fibroblasts, gingival epithelial cells and splenocytes were isolated from C57BL/6J wild type (WT) mice and treated with fixed P. gingivalis at for 48 hours. The mRNA levels of PPARs, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-10 were detected by Real-time quantitative PCR. Silk ligatures after being soaked in the P.gingivalis suspension were tied around both maxillary second molars of WT mice or PPARα knock-out (KO) mice for two weeks. PPARα agonist fenofibrate and vehicle control were injected into the different side of the palatal gingiva on days 3, 6, and 9. At day 14, bone resorption and gingival mRNA expression levels of PPARs, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-10 were measured by micro-computed tomography and RT-qPCR respectively. Results P. gingivalis treatment downregulated the expression of PPARα, but not PPARβ or PPARγ, and increased the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in Gingival fibroblasts, gingival epithelial cells and splenocytes from WT mice. Gingival mRNA levels of PPARα were significantly decreased in experimental periodontitis in WT mice. The bone loss of PPARα KO mice in experimental periodontitis was significantly higher than WT mice and was not reduced by fenofibrate treatment. Gingival TNFα protein expressions were significantly increased by P. gingivalis associated ligation and decreased by fenofibrate treatment in WT mice but not in PPARα KO mice. Conclusion This study suggests that PPARα plays an essential role in periodontitis.

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and non-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but its morbidity shows an increasing trend year by year. The pathogenesis of UC may be related to the genetic susceptibility, immune factor and intestinal microflora. In the last few years, an increasing number of studies have examined the relationship between the expression levels of peripheral CircRNA and UC. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CircRNA MFHAS1 in colitis and its possible mechanism. The expression of CircRNA MFHAS1 was reduced in colitis, and miR-486-5p expression was also increased in citrobacter rodentium-induced murine colitis. In vitro model, over-expression of CircRNA MFHAS1 reduced inflammatory responses, induced SIRT1 protein expression, and suppressed NF-κB protein expression. However, miR-486-5p CircRNA MFHAS1 suppressed SIRT1 protein expression, and induced NF-κB protein expression in vitro model. The inactivation of SIRT1 reduced the anti-inflammation effects of CircRNA MFHAS1 on inflammatory responses in vitro model. Over-expression of miR-486-5p also reduced the anti-inflammation effects of CircRNA MFHAS1 in vitro model. Our results demonstrated that CircRNA MFHAS1 reduces inflammatory responses in Colitis via SIRT1/NF-κB by miR-486-5p.

ABSTRACT Here we reported the outbreak of measles cases caused by the genotype D8 measles virus for the first time in Jiangsu province in China, which was possibly imported by a foreign student from Laos. Throat swab specimens were collected, and used to isolate virus. 634-bp fragment of the N gene and 1854-bp fragment of H gene were amplified by reverse transcription-PCR and sequenced, respectively. Phylogenetic results indicated that they belonged to genotype D8 measles virus. Further epidemiology investigation showed that the adults with D8 measles virus infection did not receive measles vaccine before having measles. In China, almost all D8 genotype MeV only infected those population without receiving measles vaccine immunization. Therefore, it is still necessary to implement the supplement activity of measles immunization target adult with immunity gap.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the prognostic value of 17 platelet-based prognostic scores in patients with malignant hepatic tumors after TACE therapy. Methods: In total, 92 patients were divided into death group and survival group according to long-term follow-up results. The AUC was calculated to determine the optimal cut-off values for predicting prognosis. To determine better prognostic models, platelet-based models were analyzed separately after being showed as binary according to cut-off values. Cumulative survival rates of malignant hepatic tumors were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and differences were analyzed by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify platelet-based prognostic scores associated with overall survival. Results: Univariate analysis showed that APGA, APRI, FIB-4, FibroQ, GUCI, King's score, Lok index, PAPAS, cirrhosis, number of tumors, vascular cancer embolus, AFP, ALP and APTT were significantly related to prognosis. A multivariate analysis showed that the APGA, number of tumors, ALP and APTT were independently associated with overall survival. Conclusion: This study showed that the APGA, a platelet-based prognostic score, was an independent marker of prognosis in patients with malignant hepatic tumors after TACE and was superior to the other platelet-based prognostic scores in terms of prognostic ability.

Resumo Introdução A abordagem tradicional de Caldwell-Luc precisa de modificações para os cistos odontogênicos que se introduzem no seio maxilar, para preservar a mucosa sinusal e o contorno ósseo. Recentemente, a tecnologia digital tem sido amplamente aplicada ao campo da cirurgia maxilofacial, orienta o plano cirúrgico e melhora sua precisão. Objetivo Esse estudo teve como objetivo apresentar e avaliar a cirurgia funcional de cistos odontogênicos intrusivos no seio maxilar utilizando um desenho pré-cirúrgico assistido por computador. Método Foram recrutados pacientes consecutivos com cistos odontogênicos intrusivos na parte posterior do seio maxilar. O método I, "método de reimplante de parede óssea", foi feito em lesões grandes que excediam a crista zigomático-alveolar, mas sem destruição óssea aparente da parede anterior do seio, enquanto o método II, "método de remoção óssea", foi mais conveniente para pequenas lesões próximas à crista zigomático-alveolar. O espaço foi preenchido com um retalho pediculado do corpo adiposo bucal após a remoção da lesão e todos os casos foram feitos sem antrostomia meatal inferior. Resultados Um total de 45 casos foram incluídos no estudo. Vinte e dois foram submetidos à cirurgia utilizando-se o método I, enquanto que 23 foram submetidos ao método II. As operações foram concluídas em 20 minutos. A dor desapareceu em média após 3,62 dias, e o edema, depois de 6,47 dias. Hemorragia nasal ocorreu em 8 pacientes com duração de 1 a 3 dias. Processo supurativa foi observado em 1 paciente ocorrendo após a reposição óssea. Outros retalhos reposicionados livres da parede óssea não mostraram reabsorção em imagens de TC. Conclusões A mucosa sinusal e a parede óssea devem ser preservadas; o desenho digital pré-operatório pode orientar a osteotomia de forma eficaz durante a cirurgia; a reposição óssea não é adequada em processos supurativos. O retalho pediculado de corpo adiposo bucal é suficiente para a drenagem e antrostomia meatal inferior não é necessária.

Abstract Introduction Traditional Caldwell-Luc approach needs modifications for odontogenic cysts intruding into the maxillary sinus, to preserve sinus mucosa and bony contour. Recently, digital technology has been widely applied to the field of maxillofacial surgery, guiding the surgical plan and improving its accuracy. Objective This study attempted to present and evaluate the functional surgery of odontogenic cysts intruding into the maxillary sinus using a computer-assisted pre-surgical design. Methods Consecutive patients with odontogenic cysts intruding into the posterior part of the maxillary sinus were enrolled. Method I "Bony wall reimplantation method" was performed for large lesions exceeding the zygomatic alveolar crest but without apparent bone destruction of the anterior wall of the sinus, while Method II "bone removal method" was more convenient for small lesions near to the zygomatic alveolar crest. The gap was filled with a pedicled buccal fat pad after lesion removal and all cases were without inferior meatal antrostomy. Results A total of 45 cases were included in the study. 22 were operated using method I while 23 were operated with method II. Operations were completed in 20 min. Pain disappeared in 3.62 days on average, and swelling 6.47 days. Nasal bleeding occurred in 8 patients lasting 1-3 days. Suppurative inflammation was observed in 1 patient, and infection occurred after bone reposition. Other repositioned free bony wall was without resorption in CT images. Conclusions Sinus mucosa and bony wall should be conserved. Preoperative digital design can guide osteotomy effectively during the surgery. Bone reposition is not suitable for suppurative inflammation. The pedicled buccal fat pad is enough for drainage and inferior meatal antrostomy is not necessary.

Resumo Fundamento: A melatonina é um hormônio neuroendócrino sintetizado principalmente pela glândula pineal que é indicado para prevenir efetivamente a lesão de reperfusão miocárdica. Não está claro se a melatonina protege a função cardíaca da lesão de reperfusão através da modulação da homeostase do cálcio intracelular. Objetivo: Demonstrar que a melatonina protege contra a lesão de reperfusão miocárdica através da modulação de IP3R e SERCA para manter a homeostase de cálcio por meio da ativação de ERK1 em cardiomiócitos. Métodos: Foram realizados experimentos in vitro usando células H9C2 submetidas a indução de hipoxia / reoxigenação simulada (H/R). O nível de expressão de ERK1, IP3R e SERCA foi avaliado por Western Blots. A apoptose de cardiomiócitos foi detectada por TUNEL. A coloração de faloidina foi utilizada para avaliar a alteração da organização de filamentos de actina dos cardiomiócitos. Fura-2 / AM foi utilizado para medir a concentração intracelular de Ca2+. Realizando experiências in vivo, a expressão miocárdica de IP3R e SERCA foi detectada por coloração com imunofluorescência usando modelo de isquemia miocárdica / reperfusão (I/R) em ratos. Resultados: resultados in vitro mostraram que a melatonina induz a ativação de ERK1 em cardiomiócitos contra H/R que foi inibida por PD98059 (inibidor de ERK1). Os resultados mostraram que a melatonina inibe a apoptose dos cardiomiócitos e melhora a organização do filamento de actina em cardiomiócitos contra H/R, pois ambas poderiam ser revertidas pela PD98059. A melatonina mostrou reduzir a sobrecarga de cálcio, além de inibir a expressão de IP3R e promover a expressão de SERCA através da via ERK1 em cardiomiócitos contra H/R. A melatonina induziu menor IP3R e maior expressão de SERCA no miocárdio que foram revertidas pela PD98059. Conclusão: a cardioproteção induzida pela melatonina contra lesão de reperfusão é pelo menos parcialmente através da modulação de IP3R e SERCA para manter a homeostase de cálcio intracelular via ativação de ERK1.

Resumo Background: Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone synthesized primarily by the pineal gland that is indicated to effectively prevent myocardial reperfusion injury. It is unclear whether melatonin protects cardiac function from reperfusion injury by modulating intracellular calcium homeostasis. Objective: Demonstrate that melatonin protect against myocardial reperfusion injury through modulating IP3R and SERCA2a to maintain calcium homeostasis via activation of ERK1 in cardiomyocytes. Methods: In vitro experiments were performed using H9C2 cells undergoing simulative hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induction. Expression level of ERK1, IP3R and SERCA2a were assessed by Western Blots. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. Phalloidin-staining was used to assess alteration of actin filament organization of cardiomyocytes. Fura-2 /AM was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Performing in vivo experiments, myocardial expression of IP3R and SERCA2a were detected by immunofluorescence staining using myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) model in rats. Results: In vitro results showed that melatonin induces ERK1 activation in cardiomyocytes against H/R which was inhibited by PD98059 (ERK1 inhibitor). The results showed melatonin inhibit apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and improve actin filament organization in cardiomyocytes against H/R, because both could be reversed by PD98059. Melatonin was showed to reduce calcium overload, further to inhibit IP3R expression and promote SERCA2a expression via ERK1 pathway in cardiomyocytes against H/R. Melatonin induced lower IP3R and higher SERCA2a expression in myocardium that were reversed by PD98059. Conclusion: melatonin-induced cardioprotection against reperfusion injury is at least partly through modulation of IP3R and SERCA2a to maintain intracellular calcium homeostasis via activation of ERK1.

Ni-Co alloy and ZrO2 micron particles were codeposited on 45 carbon steel by electrodeposition. The composition and microstructure of the composite coating were characterized. The high temperature tribological properties were carried out by a pin-on-disk tribo-tester. Additionally, the oxidation resistance was evaluated via high temperature circulating oxidation test. The results indicated that the deposited composite coating showed dispersed ZrO2 particles and continuous Ni-Co matrix, and there were no obvious pores, cracks and other defects at the interface between the composite coating and the substrate. The embedded ZrO2 particles changed the friction mechanism from adhesive wear to abrasive wear, the wear loss rate and friction coefficient of Ni-Co-ZrO2 composite coating were lower in comparison with that of Ni-Co alloy coating and carbon steel substrate. In addition, the embedded ZrO2 particles exerted a reactive-phase effect on the growth of nickel oxide and cobalt oxide, and effectively reduced the oxidation rate of the substrate at high temperature. Therefore, the Ni-Co-ZrO2 composite coating presents better oxidation resistance, when compared with Ni-Co coating.

Abstract The effects of allelochemicals and aqueous extracts from different Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth., Lamiaceae, parts and rhizosphere soil on growth parameters, leaf membrane peroxidation and leaf antioxidant enzymes were investigated in patchouli. P. cablin seedlings were incubated in solutions containing allelochemicals and aqueous extracts from different patchouli parts and its rhizosphere soil at several concentrations. Firstly, the growth parameters were significantly reduced by the highest concentration of leaves, roots and stems extracts (p < 0.05). As compared to the control, plant height was reduced by 99.8% in the treatment with leaves extracts (1:10). The malondialdehyde content increased greatly when patchouli seedlings were subject to different concentrations of leaves, roots and stems extracts; meanwhile, the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities showed an increase trend at the low concentration, followed by a decline phase at the high concentration of roots and leaves extracts (1:10). What's more, leaves and roots extracts had a more negative effect on patchouli growth than stems extracts at the same concentrations. Secondly, the total fresh mass, root length and plant height were greatly reduced by the highest strength of soil extracts. Their decrements were 22.7, 74.9, and 33.1%, respectively. Thirdly, growth parameters and enzymatic activities varied considerably with the kinds of allelochemicals and with the different concentrations. Plant height, root length and total fresh weight of patchouli were greatly reduced by p-hydroxybenzoic acid (200 μM), and their decrements were 77.0, 42.0 and 70.0%, respectively. Finally, three useful measures on reducing the autotoxicity during the sustainable patchouli production were proposed.

Sesquiterpenes Essential oil produced by patchouli was one of the most important naturally occurring base materials used in the perfume industry, containing various sesquiterpenes. Three different parts (leaves, stems and roots) of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth., Lamiaceae, were profiled in relation to different maturation phases in this paper, evaluating the variations in content of the major sesquiterpenes in the essential oil. Twelve sesquiterpenes were analyzed by GC-MS throughout the maturity of P. cablin. Patchouli alcohol (37.54%-51.02% in leaves, 28.24%-41.96% in stems and 14.55%-35.12% in roots) was the major sesquiterpene during the maturation of the plant. The average content of several other sesquiterpenes (α-bulnesene, α-guaiene, seychellene, β-humulene and caryophyllene) were higher than 3% among leaves, stems and roots. The content of essential oil, patchouli alcohol, α-bulnesene and several other compounds were highly accumulated at 210 days of maturation after cultivation of P. cablin. Thus, this period was the best moment to exploit the maximum level of these high value-added compounds in P. cablin. Furthermore, our results indicated that the essential oil extracted from leaves of P. cablin has the highest potential to be used in the perfume industry.

Background Jatropha curcas is a rich reservoir of pharmaceutically active terpenoids. More than 25 terpenoids have been isolated from this plant, and their activities are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, insecticidal, rodenticidal, cytotoxic and molluscicidal. But not much is known about the pathway involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids. The present investigation describes the cloning, characterization and subcellular localization of isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPI) gene from J. curcas. IPI is one of the rate limiting enzymes in the biosynthesis of terpenoids, catalyzing the crucial interconversion of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). Results A full-length JcIPI cDNA consisting of 1355 bp was cloned. It encoded a protein of 305 amino acids. Analysis of deduced amino acid sequence predicted the presence of conserved active sites, metal binding sites and the NUDIX motif, which were consistent with other IPIs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a significant evolutionary relatedness with Ricinus communis. Southern blot analysis showed the presence of an IPI multigene family in J. curcas. Comparative expression analysis of tissue specific JcIPI demonstrated the highest transcript level in flowers. Abiotic factors could induce the expression of JcIPI. Subcellular distribution showed that JcIPI was localized in chloroplasts. Conclusion This is the first report of cloning and characterization of IPI from J. curcas. Our study will be of significant interest to understanding the regulatory role of IPI in the biosynthesis of terpenoids, although its function still needs further confirmation.

In this paper, we examine the influencing factors of inflation persistence in China's economy using the DSGE approach. Two monetary DSGE models are estimated, namely, a standard CIA model and a CIA model with a Taylor rule. This article uses the Bayesian method to estimate the model, and the estimated and inferred results are credible due to the Markov chain reaching convergence. The results show that the augmented model outperforms the standard CIA model in terms of capturing inflation persistence. Further studies show that inflation persistence mainly comes from the persistence of the money supply, while money supply uncertainty, the reaction coefficient of monetary growth to productivity, productivity persistence and productivity uncertainty have a smaller impact on inflation persistence. Changes of monetary policy have little effect on inflation persistence.

Dois novos quinenóides chiritalona A and B, e uma nova neolignina 7'E-4,9-dihidroxi-3,3',5'-trimethoxi-8,4'-oxineolign-7'-en-9'-al, além dos conhecidos (-)-8-hidroxi-α-dunniona, digiferruginol, 2,5-dimetoxi-1,4-benzoquinona e hederagenina, foram isolados do caule de Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao. As estruturas dos novos compostos foram elucidadas por análise detalhada de dados obtidos pela técnicas de NMR (ressonância magnética nuclear) e MS (espectrometria de massas), e a configuração absoluta de chiritalona A foi determinada por análise de difração de raios X de monocristal utilizando o parâmetro Flack. A atividade inibitória dos compostos com relação ao vírus da síndrome respiratória e reprodutiva suína (PRRSV) foi medida pelo método do efeito citopático (CPE). Digiferruginol e hederagenina apresentaram efeito fraco com relação ao PRRSV com valor IC50 de 80,5 ± 16,9 µmol L-1 (SI = 19,9) e 43,2 ± 7,4 µmol L-1 (SI = 13,1), respectivamente.

Two new quinonoids chiritalone A and B, and a new neolignan 7'E-4,9-dihydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-8,4'-oxyneolign-7'-en-9'-al, along with known (-)-8-hydroxy-α-dunnione, digiferruginol, 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and hederagenin, were isolated from the stems of Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed analysis from NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and MS (mass spectrometry) data, and the absolute configuration of chiritalone A was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using the Flack parameter. The inhibitory activity of compounds against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) was measured by the cytopathic effect (CPE) method. Digiferruginol and hederagenin showed weak effect on PRRSV with an IC50 value of 80.5 ± 16.9 µmol L-1 (SI = 19.9) and 43.2 ± 7.4 µmol L-1 (SI = 13.1), respectively.