Abstract Cordyceps militaris stromata on Antheraea pernyi pupae contain various active components, including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the liquid culture conditions for C. militaris before its injection into A. pernyi pupae. A pH of 7.56 ± 0.02, a culture temperature of 20.5 ± 0.1 °C, a culture time of 110.5 ± 0.5 h, and a KH2PO4 concentration of 1.11 ± 0.01 g l−1 resulted in a C. militaris dry weight of 1.0226 g l−1. Experimental and predicted values were similar. The RSM optimization increased the number of fruiting bodies (17 to 22) and the average fruiting body length (6.9 cm to 7.9 cm), while also deepening the yellow colouration of the fruiting bodies. The adenosine, cordycepin, polysaccharide, carotenoid, and cordycepic acid contents increased by 12.52%, 7.67%, 3.03%, 14.93%, and 0.02%, respectively, after the optimization. However, the optimization did not alter the number of different amino acids (18) or the total amino acid content, even though the contents of certain amino acids changed somewhat. These finding may be useful for increasing the yield of C. militaris stromata on A. pernyi pupae, which will increase the profitability of C. militaris production.

Abstract Selenium (Se) is a nutritionally important micronutrient for humans. The use of Se fertilizers is often the most feasible approach to precisely increase Se contents in rice grains, but the effects of common commercial Se fertilizers on producing Se-rich rice remain to be investigated. In this study, we compared the effects of liquid and granular Se fertilizers on the accumulation of Se and heavy metals in rice grains of four different varieties in field. Results showed that Se accumulation in rice grains was affected by the form of fertilizers, applied concentrations of Se fertilizers, and rice varieties. Liquid fertilizer displayed significantly higher Se transfer efficiency than granular fertilizer, whereas the granular fertilizer had a slightly higher effect on organic Se accumulation. More than 95.5% Se in grains were organic Se, with selenomethionine (SeMet) being the dominant one. The proportion of organic selenocysteine (SeCys2) in grains was significantly higher in treatments with liquid fertilizer. Both forms of fertilizers significantly reduced the accumulation of cadmium, lead, and arsenic. Collectively, our study provides a reference for producing Se-rich rice in a more competitive manner in practice.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effect of genistein on inflammation and mitochondrial function of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Diabetic nephropathy model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats. Automatic biochemical analyzer was employed to detect the kidney function index, serum creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, and 24 h-urine protein and blood glucose. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and periodic acid Schiff staining were used to observe renal morphology. Mitochondrial changes and podocyte integrity were monitored by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of mfn2, NOX4, P53, MAPK, and NF-κB were detected by Western blotting. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by JC-1. The level of mfn2 was assessed by immunofluorescence assay. Results: Genistein ameliorated the kidney function with reduced Scr and blood glucose. The expressions of NOX4, MAPK, p65 and p53 were downregulated, while the expression of mnf2 was the opposite in genistein-treated kidneys. Further investigations revealed that genistein reduced expansion of mesangial matrix and oxidative stress, protected podocyte integrity and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusions: Genistein could alleviate diabetic nephropathy through inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathway, improving mitochondrial function and anti-inflammatory.

Abstract The bacterial diversity on the surface of the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) affects the storage tolerance of the fruit. We analyzed the bacterial diversity on the surfaces of eight varieties of Chinese wolfberries using high-throughput sequencing before and after storage. A total of 737 OTUs, including 584 species, 423 genera, 243 families, 153 orders, and 62 classes, were identified by bioinformatic analysis of the OTUs at the 97% similarity level. There were no significant differences among fruit varieties just after picking (O period). The dominant genera during the O period were Massilia and Pseudomonas. However, after a 144-hour storage period (S period), there were significant changes in both the decay rate and surface bacterial compositions. The Z1 variety showed the highest rate of decay, and its surface microbiota was dominated by Pantoea (84.34%), while the variety with the lowest decay rate was O, dominated by both Pantoea (69.06%) and Rosenbergiella (16.99%).

Abstract Effect of extrusion cooking using different corn starch contents on the physicochemical properties (expansion ratio, bulk density, color, hardness, protein in vitro digestibility, crude protein content, thermal properties and microstructure) of tuna meat-based extrudates was investigated. The results showed that the increased corn starch content led to darker, greener, yellower and lower crude protein content of extrudates, but no significant difference was observed in expansion ratio, bulk density and hardness. The lowest protein in vitro digestibility of 82.83±0.39% appeared when the corn starch content was 20 wt%. The results of DSC revealed that tuna meat with corn starch content of 30 wt% and 20 wt% had the highest and lowest denaturation temperature of 99.4oC and 81.9 oC, respectively. The results of SEM indicated that the extrudate with 30 wt% corn starch content possessed the more integrated and distinct muscle fibers. Besides, the acceptability of the extrudate with 30 wt% corn starch content was significant better than others (p˂0.05). These results revealed that the tuna meat-based extrudates using 30 wt% of corn starch exhibited desirable physicochemical properties.

Summary Diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of chronic kidney disease, and represents the most common and serious complication of diabetes. The exact pathogenesis is complex and not elucidated. Several factors and mechanisms contribute to the development and outcome of diabetic nephropathy. An early diagnosis and intervention may slow down disease progression. A variety of biological markers associated with diabetic nephropathy were found in recent years, which was important for predicting the occurrence and development of the disease. Therefore, this article provides an overview of early biomarkers that are associated with diabetic nephropathy.

RESUMEN El yacimiento de cobre y oro Ga'erqiong, que se ubica en el lado norte del cinturón Coqên-Xainzamagmatite, es un depósito tipo skarn a gran escala cuyo cuerpo mineral se formó en la zona Skarn, en la parte de contacto del cuarzo de diorita y mármol de la formación Duoai y de las grietas de cuarzo de diorita. Su mineralización está cercanamente relacionada a los cuarzos de diorita. La mena de molidbeno granítico relacionada a los pórfidos tiene presencia en estas zonas profundas. Actualmente, se presentan varias discusiones sobre el origen de las dinámicas metalogénicas de este yacimiento. Con base en trabajos previos, este estudio determinó la edad del circón uranio-plomo con la técnica LA-ICPMS y analizó la petrogeoquímica de cuarzos de diorita para el yacimiento Ga'erqiong. Los resultados del análisis indican que los cuarzos de diorita y los graníticos pórfidos se formaron en 88±2Ma y 83±1Ma, respectivamente, y pertenecen a la actividad magmática de la edad temprana del Cretácico Superior; los cuarzos de diorita y los graníticos pórfidos tienen características geoquímicas similares a aquellas de las rocas del arco insular en la zona de subducción e índice geoquímicos similares a la "adakita". En combinación con la evolución de la tectónica regional, se concluye que los cuarzos de diorita y los graníticos pórfidos se formaron en el ambiente extensivo tras la colisión de los bloques Lhasa y Qiantang. Los cuarzos de diorita son el resultado de la migmatización de fundición básica y fundición ácida suscitada por el material elevado a la astenosfera gracias a un deslaminado menor de la corteza; la formación de los graníticos pórfidos podría ser el resultado de la fundición parcial de material en el manto de la corteza debido a un deslaminado menor en la corteza. Además, el depósito Ga'erqiong corresponde a la respuesta metalogénica de la orogénesis colisional en el proceso de cierre del Mesotetis.

ABSTRACT The Ga'erqiong Cu-Au deposit, which sits on the north side of the Coqên-Xainzamagmatite belt, is a large-scale skarntype deposit, whose ore body has formed in the skarn zone in the contact part of quartz diorite and marble of Duoai formation or the cracks of quartz diorite. Its mineralization is closely related to quartz diorite. And granite porphyry-related molybdenum ore still exists in its deep part. Currently, there are disputes about the metallogenic dynamics background of this deposit. From previous studies, this paper carried out zircon LA-LCPMS U-Pb dating and petrogeochemistry study for quartz diorite of Ga'erqiong Cu-Au deposit. The testing result indicates: quartz diorite and granite porphyry were formed respectively in 88±2Ma and 83±1Ma, belonging to the magmatic activity of the early stage of Upper Cretaceous; quartz diorite and granite porphyry have geochemical characteristics similar to those of island arc rock of subduction zone and geochemical indexes similar to "adakite." Combining with the regional tectonic evolution, we think that quartz diorite and granite porphyry were all formed in the extension environment after the collision of Lhasa block and Qiangtang block. Quartz diorite is the result of the migmatization of basic melt and acid melt evoked by asthenosphere material raise caused by lower crustal delamination; the formation of granite porphyry may be crust-mantle material's partial melting results due to delaminated lower crustal. Therefore, Ga'erqiongskarn-type Cu-Au deposit belongs to the metallogenic response to the collisional orogeny in the closing process of Meso-Tethys.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes of childhood diffuse endocapillary proliferation Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (DEP-HSPN) in response to early diagnosis and prompt treatment. METHODS: Eleven cases of DEP-HSPN in children were investigated in comparison to HSPN without diffuse endocapillary proliferation (non-DEP-HSPN). RESULTS: DEP-HSPN had a higher prevalence of nephrotic syndrome but a lower prevalence of hematuria compared to non-DEP-HSPN. IgA, IgG and IgM antibody deposition was found in DEP-HSPN by histopathological examination. Proteinuria cleared in all 11 cases through treatment with steroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs. However, half of the DEP-HSPN patients continuously had hematuria after treatment. CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis and prompt initiation of immunosuppressive treatment based on renal biopsy are important for achieving favorable outcomes.

Abstract Objective There are a lot of disagreements in the studies on hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase mutation rate associated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This is the first study aimed to investigate the prevalence of spontaneous HBV resistance mutations in Central China. Methods This study included treatment-naive patients with CHB from June 2012 to May 2015 receiving care at the Institute of Liver Disease in Central China. All patients completed a questionnaire covering different aspects, such as family medical history, course of liver disease, medication history, alcohol use, among others. Mutations in HBV DNA polymerase associated with NAs resistance were detected using INNO-LiPA assay. Results 269 patients were infected with HBV genotype B (81.4%), C (17.9%), and both B and C (0.7%). Mutations in HBV DNA polymerase were detected in 24 patients (8.9%) including rtM204I/V (n = 6), rtN236T (n = 5), rtM250V (n = 2), rtL180M (n = 2), rtT184G (n = 1), rtM207I (n = 1), rtS202I (n = 1), rtM204V/I & rtL180M (n = 5), and rtM204I & rtM250V (n = 1). Conclusion Spontaneous HBV resistance mutations in HBV DNA polymerase were found in treatment-naive patients with CHB in Central China. These findings suggest that we should analyze HBV DNA polymerase resistance mutation associated with NAs before giving antiviral therapy such as lamivudine (LAM), adefovir (ADV), and telbivudine (LdT).

Background: WNT4 is a protein that plays a crucial role in ovarian differentiation and development in mammals, with a relatively well understood function in mammalian gonadal differentiation. The role of WNT4 in teleost fish; however, remains unclear. In the present study, cDNAs of Wnt4a and Wnt4b were cloned and characterized in the spotted scat. The expression patterns of two Wnt4 genes in the gonads at different stages of development and in fish after treatment with 17a-methyltestosterone (MT) were investigated. Results: The tissue distribution showed that Wnt4a was expressed in various tissues, including the gonads, gills, spleen, brain, and fin. Interestingly, Wnt4b not only was expressed in the gills, brain, and spleen, but also was obviously expressed in the ovary. During gonad development, Wnt4a was highly expressed in the testis at stage I and Wnt4b was mainly expressed in the ovary at stages II-III. After MT treatment, the mRNA expression of Wnt4a increased significantly up to 40 d, and the transcript level of Wnt4b decreased at 20 d. Conclusions: These results suggest that Wnt4a may be involved in gonad development and plays a role in the process of spermatogonial proliferation. Our results also demonstrate that Wnt4b is not only expressed in the nervous system, but also in the ovary and it may be involved in ovary development of the spotted scat.

A three-dimensional finite element model used to simulate the bolted joint is created using ABAQUS package. The stress concentration factors at the roots of the thread are first studied with a preload of 38.4 kN. Under harmonic transverse shear displacement, not only the stress variations at ten specified points of the first thread but also contact conditions between the contacting surfaces are studied. By changing the preload value, relative displacement, the coefficient of friction between the two clamped plates successively and the loading frequency, their effects on the hysteresis loops of the transverse load versus the relative displacement of the joint are then analyzed. Finally the hysteresis loops are produced by the Masing model. It is found that due to the greatest stress concentration factor, fatigue failure will occur at the root of the first thread. With the increase of preload value, the amplitude of displacement and the coefficient of friction, frictional energy dissipation of the joint increases. Very good agreement is achieved between the hysteresis loops produced from the fourth-order Masing model and the detailed ABAQUS model and therefore the fourth-order Masing model can replace the time-consuming finite element model.

An incompressible fully developed laminar flow in a helical rectangular duct having finite pitch and curvature with temperature-dependent viscosity under heating condition is studied in this work. Both the cases of one wall heated and four walls heated are studied. The cross-sectional dimensions of the rectangular duct are 2a and 2b. The aspect ratio n=2b/2a is 0.5. Water is used as the fluid and Reynolds number (Re) is varied in the range of 100 to 400. The secondary flow with temperature-dependent viscosity is enhanced markedly as compared to constant viscosity. An additional pair of vortices is obtained near the center of the outer wall at Re=400 for the model of four walls heated with temperature-dependent viscosity, y, while for constant viscosity, the appearance of two additional vortices near the outer wall cannot be found. Besides, the axial velocity decreases and the temperature increases at the central region of the rectangular duct when the temperature-dependent viscosity is considered. Due to the decrease of the viscosity near the walls, the friction factor obtained with temperature-dependent viscosity is lower than that of constant viscosity, while the convective heat transfer for temperature-dependent viscosity is significantly enhanced owing to the strengthened secondary flow. Especially for four heated walls, the effects of viscosity variation on the flow resistance and heat transfer are more significant.

OBJECTIVES: Familial steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is rare, and only approximately 3% of patients have affected siblings. METHODS: Herein, we report seven cases of patients with steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome from three Chinese families. Mutational screening of the Nphs2 gene was performed in all the patients. RESULTS: All seven of the familial steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome cases in our sample exhibited minimal change disease, and one case also presented with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, according to the renal pathology. No significant was associations were found between Nphs2 gene mutations and the onset of proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome in these familial cases. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of minimal change disease is important, but it is not an unusual finding in patients with familial steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, which appears to be clinically benign and genetically distinct from other types of nephrosis.

Four novel pleuromutilin derivatives with butyl amine group in the C-14 side-chain were designed, synthesized and confirmed by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR and HR-MS. The results of antibacterial activity showed that the antibacterial activity of pleuromutilin derivatives could be affected by the steric hindrance of their C-14 side-chain.

An efficient method for the rapid separation and purification of polyphenols from artichoke by polyamide column chromatography in combination with high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was successfully built. The crude ethanol extracts from dry artichoke were first pre-separated by polyamide column chromatography and divided in two parts as sample 1 and sample 2. Then, the samples were further separated by HSCCC and yielded 7.8 mg of chlorogenic acid (compound I), 24.5 mg of luteolin-7-O-β-D-rutinoside (compound II), 18.4 mg of luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (compound III), and 33.4 mg of cynarin (compound IV) with purity levels of 92.0%, 98.2%, 98.5%, and 98.0%, respectively, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The chemical structures of these compounds were identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).