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Two new eudesmane sesquiterpenoids [(−)-(1 R ,5 S ,6 R ,8 S)−1-hydroxy- nor -eudesm-11-ene-2-one (1) and (−)-(1 S ,5 S ,6 R ,8 R)−6-hydroxyeudesm-11-ene-2-one (2)] were isolated from the aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin. Compound 1 is an unusual 1- nor -eudesmane, and its skeleton structure is similar to that of compound 2. The molecular structures and absolute conformations of the two new sesquiterpenoids were determined by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, NMR data calculations and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The neuroprotective activity of the isolates in an H 2 O 2 -induced PC12 cell model was also assessed, and the results show that both compounds exhibit good neuroprotective effects. [Display omitted] • Two new eudesmane sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Pogostemon cablin. • Their absolute configurations were elucidated by NMR data, X-ray diffraction, NMR data calculations and ECD calculations. • Compounds 1 and 2 may play a role in reducing the cytotoxicity of H 2 O 2 on PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to increased severity and incidence of airway diseases, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Airway remodeling is an important event in both COPD and asthma, and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are key cells which directly involved in airway remodeling. However, it was unclear how PM2.5 affected ASMCs. This study investigates the effects of PM2.5 on airway smooth muscle and its mechanism. We first showed that inhaled particulate matter was distributed in the airway smooth muscle bundle, combined with increased airway smooth muscle bundle and collagen deposition in vivo. Then, we demonstrated that PM2.5 induced up-regulation of collagen-I and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in rat and human ASMCs in vitro. Next, we found PM2.5 led to rat and human ASMCs senescence and exhibited senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) by autophagy-induced GATA4/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling, which contributed to collagen-I and α-SMA synthesis as well as airway smooth muscle remodeling. Together, our results provided evidence that SASP induced by PM2.5 in airway smooth muscle cells prompted airway remodeling. [Display omitted] • Inhaled particular matter induced airway smooth muscle remodeling. • PM2.5 led to ASMCs senescence and exhibited senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). • SASP contributed to collagen-I and α-SMA synthesis as well as airway smooth muscle remodeling. • Inhibition of SASP prevented PM2.5-induced airway remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) and some of its alloys are considered promising biodegradable metallic biomaterials for bone implant applications. The osteogenesis effect of Mg alloys is widely reported; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. In this study, pure Mg, Mg-3Zn, and Mg-2Zn-1Mn were prepared, and their degradation behavior, biocompatibility, and osteogenesis effect were systematically assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Primary rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the prepared Mg alloys, and a rat femur fracture model was used to assess the stimulating effect of these alloys on bone-tissue formation. Mg-2Zn-1Mn showed higher corrosion resistance and more stable degradation behavior than pure Mg and Mg-3Zn. Extracts of the three materials showed significant stimulating effects on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs along with non-cytotoxicity. Implantation of Mg-2Zn-1Mn wires into the femur of rats demonstrated superior histocompatibility, stable degradation, and notable promotion of osteogenesis without systemic toxicity. Moreover, the results of both in vitro and in vivo assessments demonstrated that bone morphogenetic proteins and fibroblast growth factor receptors are involved in the stimulating effect of Mg alloys. This work reports the degradation behavior, biocompatibility, and osteogenic effect of pure Mg and Mg-3Zn and Mg-2Zn-1Mn alloys in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Mg-2Zn-1Mn showed higher corrosion resistance and more stable degradation behavior than pure Mg and Mg-3Zn. The extracts of the three materials showed a significant stimulating effect on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) along with non-cytotoxicity. Mg-2Zn-1Mn wires implanted into the femur of rats showed good histocompatibility, stable degradation, and notable promotion of osteogenesis without systemic toxicity. The results of the present study suggest that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are involved in the stimulating effect of Mg alloys on osteogenesis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in access to hip and knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and postoperative outcomes have wide-reaching implications for patients and the health care system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ethnicity on clinical outcomes and complications following revision hip and knee TJA.Methods: A single-institution, retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 4424 revision hip and knee TJA patients was evaluated. Student's t-test and chi-squared analysis were used to identify significant differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes between Caucasians and various ethnic minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.Results: When compared with white patients, African American patients demonstrated a significantly higher BMI (P = .04), ASA score (P = .04), length of hospital stay (P = .06), and postoperative infection rates (P = .04). Hispanics demonstrated a significantly higher BMI (P = .04), when compared with white patients, alongside a significantly higher risk for postoperative infection (P < .01). African American demonstrated a significantly higher ASA score (P = .02; P = .03), when compared with Hispanics and Asians, alongside a significantly increased length of stay (P = .01) and higher risk for postoperative infection (P = .02).Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate an underutilization of revision TJA by ethnic minority groups, suggesting that disparities in access to orthopedic surgery increase from primary to revision surgery despite higher failure rates of minority ethnic groups reported after primary TJA surgery. In addition, inferior postoperative outcomes were associated with African Americans and Hispanics, when compared to white patients, with African Americans demonstrating the highest risk of postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Idiopathic stiff total knee arthroplasty (TKA) represents one of the most challenging subsets of the stiff TKA, as the etiology is unknown and there is no consensus on the most appropriate surgical treatment modality. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report on postoperative outcomes of revision surgery for idiopathic stiff TKA.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 189 consecutive patients (202 knees) who underwent revision TKA for stiffness: (1) 101 knees in the idiopathic stiffness cohort and (2) 88 in the non-idiopathic stiffness cohort. In the idiopathic stiffness cohort, 42 knees underwent isolated tibial insert exchange and 59 knees underwent component revision. Perioperative knee range of movement and complications were analyzed.Results: The overall revision surgery outcomes of the idiopathic stiffness cohort were worse than those of the non-idiopathic stiffness cohort with regard to maximum flexion (91.7° vs 100.1°, P = .02) and flexion range of motion (ROM) (87.6° vs 97.1°, P = .01). In the idiopathic stiffness cohort, isolated tibial insert exchange demonstrated greater maximum flexion (96.8° vs 88.4°, P = .06) and flexion ROM (93.2° vs 83.9°, P = .07). In terms of re-revision rates, the isolated tibial insert exchange idiopathic stiffness cohort demonstrated lower re-revision rates compared to the component revision idiopathic stiffness cohort (16.7% vs 31.0%, P = .01).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the overall revision surgery outcome of idiopathic stiff TKA is worse than non-idiopathic TKA stiffness. In idiopathic stiffness cohorts, isolated tibial insert exchange was associated with lower re-revision rates than component revision, with similar efficacy in improving ROM, suggesting that isolated tibial insert exchange may be a preferred surgical treatment option in TKA patients with idiopathic stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients with a periprosthetic fracture can be challenging due to concerns regarding the reliability of commonly used serum and synovial fluid markers. This study aimed at determining the diagnostic performance of serum and synovial fluid markers for diagnosing PJI in patients with a periprosthetic fracture of a total joint arthroplasty.Methods: A total of 144 consecutive patients were included: (1) 41 patients with concomitant PJI and periprosthetic fracture and (2) 103 patients with periprosthetic fracture alone. Serum markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and synovial markers white blood cell (WBC) count and polymorphonuclear percentage were assessed.Results: ESR demonstrated 87% sensitivity and 48% specificity at the Musculoskeletal Infection Society threshold, area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74, and optimal threshold of 45.5 mm/h (76% sensitivity, 68% specificity). CRP showed 94% sensitivity and 40% specificity, AUC of 0.68 with optimal threshold of 16.7 mg/L (84% sensitivity, 51% specificity). Synovial WBC count demonstrated 87% sensitivity and 78% specificity, AUC of 0.90 with optimal threshold of 4552 cells/μL (86% sensitivity, 85% specificity). Polymorphonuclear percentage showed 79% sensitivity and 63% specificity, AUC of 0.70 with optimal threshold of 79.5% (74% sensitivity, 63% specificity). The AUC of all combined markers was 0.90 with 84% sensitivity and 79% specificity.Conclusion: The diagnostic utility of the serum and synovial markers for diagnosing PJI was lower in the setting of concomitant periprosthetic fracture compared to PJI alone. Using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society thresholds, ESR, CRP, and WBC count showed high sensitivity, yet low specificity, thus higher thresholds and utilizing all serum and synovial markers in combination should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosing a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be challenging and often requires a combination of clinical and laboratory findings. Monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet/mean platelet volume ratio (PVR) are simple predictors for inflammation that can be readily obtained from complete blood count. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of these markers in predicting PJI in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients.Methods: A total of 538 patients who underwent revision TKA with calculable marker ratios prerevision in 2 groups were evaluated: (1) 206 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of PJI (group I) and (2) 332 patients treated for revision TKA for aseptic failures (group II). The diagnostic abilities of the markers were assessed via receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.Results: The optimal threshold of PVR at 30.82 had the highest sensitivity of 87.7%, while the optimal threshold of PLR at 234.13 had the highest specificity of 82.5%. Both PLR and PVR, when combined with Musculoskeletal Infection Society thresholds for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, synovial WBC, and PMN%, achieve significantly higher sensitivity and specificity rates for PJI at or above 97% (PLR: 99.03%; 98.80%; PVR: 98.54%;97.89%).Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that PVR and PLR, which are readily available and inexpensive to obtain from complete blood counts, when combined with serum and synovial fluid markers have increased sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of alpha defensin. This suggests that PVR and PLR can be used together with other hematologic and aspirate markers to increase the accuracy of PJI diagnosis in TKA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-stage revision is an alternative to the standard 2-stage revision, potentially minimizing morbidities and improving functional outcomes. This study aimed at comparing single-stage and 2-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with regard to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complication rates.Methods: A total of 185 consecutive revision TKA patients for chronic PJI with complete preoperative and postoperative PROMs were investigated. A total of 44 patients with single-stage revision TKA were matched to 88 patients following 2-stage revision TKA using propensity score matching, yielding a total of 132 propensity score-matched patients for analysis. Patient demographics and clinical information including reinfection and readmission rates were evaluated.Results: There was no significant difference in preoperative PROMs between propensity score-matched single-stage and 2-stage revision TKA cohorts. Postoperatively, significantly higher PROMs for single-stage revision TKA were observed for Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score physical function (62.2 vs 51.9, P < .01), physical function short form 10A (42.8 vs 38.1, P < .01), PROMIS SF Physical (44.8 vs 41.0, P = .01), and PROMIS SF Mental (50.5 vs 47.1, P = .02). There was no difference between propensity score-matched single-stage and 2-stage revision TKA cohorts for clinical outcomes including reinfection rates (25.0% vs 27.2%, P = .78) and 90-day readmission rates (22.7% vs 25.0%, P = .77).Conclusion: This study illustrated that single-stage revision TKA for chronic PJI may be associated with superior patient-reported outcomes compared to 2-stage revision for the infected TKA using a variety of PROMs. Improved PROMs were not accompanied by differences in complication rates between both cohorts, suggesting that single-stage revision TKA may provide an effective alternative to 2-stage revision in patients with chronic TKA PJI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is often challenging to decide whether to revise only the bearing or femoral acetabular component in the setting of progressive osteolysis without component loosening in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we aimed to (1) compare the survivorship of isolated bearing exchange and single/both component revision for patients with periprosthetic osteolysis without component loosening, and (2) identify potential risk factors associated with failures of isolated bearing exchange.Methods: A total of 228 consecutive cases of revision THA for progressive osteolysis without component loosening was evaluated in 2 groups: (1) 124 component revision and (2) 104 isolated bearing exchange. The primary outcome was survival, with failure defined as repeat revision or reoperation for any reason. Patient risk factors, such as demographics and medical comorbidities, were also analyzed.Results: There was no significant difference in survivorship between the component revision group and the bearing exchange group at 10 years (85% vs 82%; P = .89). There was no progression of osteolysis on radiographs at last follow-up for patients with isolated bearing change. Univariate regression modeling demonstrated that renal disease was associated with failure of isolated bearing exchange after revision THA.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that isolated bearing exchange is associated with similar outcomes compared with component revision for aseptic osteolysis without loosening, demonstrating that isolated bearing exchange is a viable option for selected patients with osteolysis in the setting of well-fixed THA components. This provides clinically useful information for surgeons in the surgical treatment of THA patients with wear and osteolysis without component loosening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Phytochemical study on Penthorum chinense yielded 3 new 2,4′-epoxy-8,5′/8,3′-neolignans. • 2,4′-Epoxy-8,3′-neolignan glycosides are reported for the first time. • 2,4′-Epoxy-8,5′/8,3′-neolignans were only found in P. chinense. Abstract Three new neolignans (1 − 3), including one 2,4′-epoxy-8,5′-neolignan and two 2,4′-epoxy-8,3′-neolignan glycosides, were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble portion of the water decoction of Penthorum chinense Pursh. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Notably, the unusual 2,4′-epoxy-8,3′-neolignan glycosides are reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The hypoglycemic extracts and compounds in different medicinal parts of mulberry were systematically reviewed. • Mulberry has broad prospects in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus. • The hypoglycemic compounds in mulberry are mainly flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. • Their hypoglycemic effects involve the regulation of glucose metabolism, protection of pancreatic β-cells, and antioxidation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the main chronic diseases severely threatening human health, of which type 2 DM (T2DM) is the most common type. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of T2DM. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a medicinal and edible plant that is well known for its rich nutrition and medicinal values. The medicinal parts of mulberry include leaf, twig, root bark, and fruit, all of which have remarkable hypoglycemic effects. In this paper, the extracts and compounds with hypoglycemic effects from four medicinal parts of mulberry are reviewed. It is found that the hypoglycemic compounds in mulberry are mainly flavonoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, stilbenes, and Diels-Alder compounds. Their mechanisms of action are mainly related to the regulation of lipid profiles and glucose metabolism, protection of pancreatic β-cells, promotion of insulin secretion, antioxidation, inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and α-glycosidase activities. In addition, mulberry treatment could change intestinal microbiota of mice, which are associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. This review provides reference for further research and development of different medicinal parts of mulberry for the treatment of DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse effects of lead exposure on children's health have been demonstrated. While studies have examined the relationship between iron status and low-level lead exposure in children with blood lead levels (BLLs) < 100 μg/L, few have investigated the association between blood lead and other trace elements and anemia in children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L. This study aimed to assess the levels of lead, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium in children aged 0–14 with BLLs≥ 100 μg/L between 2009 and 2021, and to examine the relationship between blood lead, trace elements and anemia. A total of 11,541 children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L were included in this study. Venous blood samples were collected to measure blood lead levels, hemoglobin levels, and trace element levels. According to the World Health Organization standard, outpatients with hemoglobin levels < 110 g / L were defined as having anemia. The study results found that high BLLs and blood calcium had a negative influence on Hb with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.411(1.208, 1.649) and 1.219(1.043, 1.424). High blood iron had a positive influence on Hb with odds ratios of 0.421(0.355, 0.499). The results suggest that the risk of anemia rose significantly with higher BLLs, blood copper, and blood calcium levels, and decreases considerably with higher blood iron levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Pulmonary cryptococcosis is typically identified as a single mass or as multiple nodules, while endobronchial lesions are quite rare. Here we report an uncommon case of pulmonary cryptococcosis presenting as endobronchial lesion in an immunocompetent patient. A 49-year-old male patient complained of intermittent cough with hemoptysis for two years. Computerized tomography of the chest showed a filling defect in the basal segment of the right lower lobe bronchus. A flexible bronchoscopic examination revealed a white smooth-surfaced polypoid lesion completely occluding the medial basal segment of the right lower lobe bronchus. The diagnosis was confirmed by bronchial biopsy under bronchoscopy, and the histopathologic findings showed the organisms were Cryptococcal neoforman s. The patient was treated with fluconazole at a dose of 400 mg daily. The endobronchial lesion was found rapidly diminished after 18 days of therapy, and disappeared after 6.5 months of therapy by repeated fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Then the patient continued fluconazole for another 2.5 months. During the total 16 months' follow-up visits, the patient repeated CT scanning for five times, the results of which were all normal. The patient's symptoms disappeared as well, and now he is still under follow-up. This case highlights the fact that pulmonary cryptococcosis can present as endobronchial lesions even in immunocompetent subjects, mimicking lung tumor. Pathological confirmation is important to establish the definite diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventeen polyoxygenated Δ 22 -ergosteroids ( 1 – 17 ), including two new compounds ( 1 and 15 ), were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of a 95% ethanol extract of Omphalia lapidescens Schroet. According to the oxidation degree and the oxidation positions of A and B rings, the isolates could be divided into three subtypes: 3,5,6-trioxygenated Δ 7 -ergosteroids ( 1 – 9 ), 3,5,6,7-tetraoxygenated ergosteroids ( 10 – 14 ), and conjugated Δ 4,6,8 -3-one ergosteroids ( 15–17 ). The cytotoxic effects were studied using a human gastric cancer cell line, HGC-27, in vitro and the relationships between structure and cytotoxicity of the three subtypes were investigated. Among these subtypes, (3 β ,5α,6 β ,22 E )-6-methoxyergosta-7,22-diene-3,5-diol ( 5 ) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, with an IC 50 value of 4.17 ± 0.48 μM. Furthermore, Hoechst fluorescence 33342 staining demonstrated that compound 5 could induce HGC-27 cell apoptosis significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six sesquiterpenoids including three previously undescribed ones ( 1–3 ) were isolated from the essential oil of the aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin . Their structures were determined to be (+)-(1 S ,4 R ,6 S ,7 R ,10 S )-1-hydroxycadinan-12-ene-5-one ( 1 ), 11-dehydroxy-cinnamosin A ( 2 ), and 1-methoxy-senecrassidiol ( 3 ) by extensive spectroscopic analyses. This is the first report of cadinane-, cyperane-, and caryolane-type sesquiterpenoids from the genus Pogostemon . Particularly, compound 2 was a rare cyperane-type sesquiterpenoid, compound 3 was a caryolane-type sesquiterpenoid with an unusual cis fusion of A/B ring and an unusual α-methano bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four pairs of undescribed chromane and chromene meroterpenoid scalemic mixtures (1a/1b - 4a/4b), together with three pairs of known chromane meroterpenoid ones (5a/5b - 7a/7b) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Rhododendron dauricum L. Among them, 1a/1b - 3a/3b and 5a/5b - 7a/7b were the chromane ones derived from an intramolecular [2 + 2] cyclic addition of their respective chromene precursors, forming a 6/6/6/4 and 6/6/5/4 ring fused scaffold. The absolute configurations of the chiral center at C-15 of 2a / 2b were determined by Snatzke's method, and comparing the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds were tested against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 4a , 4b and 6a displayed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production, and compound 4b exhibited the obvious anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC 50 value of 6.91 ± 0.97 μM, by downregulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and reducing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. These results intimated that 4b could be used as a leading compound to develop anti-inflammatory drugs and is worthy of further investigated. • Eight undescribed meroterpenoid scalemic mixtures were isolated from R dauricum L. • The new structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data. • The absolute configuration of 2 was determined by Mo 2 -induced CD analyses. • Compound 4b exhibited the obvious anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of fuel ethanol from lignocellulosic feedstocks such as agricultural and forestry residues is receiving increasing attention due to the unsustainable supply of fossil fuels. Three key challenges include high cellulase production cost, toxicity of the cellulosic hydrolysate to microbial strains, and poor ability of fermenting microorganisms to utilize certain fermentable sugars in the hydrolysate. In this article, studies on searching of natural microbial strains for production of unique cellulase for biorefinery of agricultural and forestry wastes, as well as development of strains for improved cellulase production were reviewed. In addition, progress in the construction of yeast strains with improved stress tolerance and the capability to fully utilize xylose and glucose in the cellulosic hydrolysate was also summarized. With the superior microbial strains for high titer cellulase production and efficient utilization of all fermentable sugars in the hydrolysate, economic biofuels production from agricultural residues and forestry wastes can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic linkage maps provide excellent tools for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL) and understanding genome organization and evolution. By taking advantage of a large number of microsatellite markers isolated from the genome of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis in our previous study, here we constructed a first generation genetic linkage map for this species using 1300 microsatellite markers that genotyped a F1 full-sib family from an intercross between northern and southern populations in China. A total of 674 markers (52%) were informative and grouped on the two parental maps. The number of linkage groups is quite close to the actual number of the crab haploid chromosomes ( n = 73). The female linkage map contained 466 markers which mapped to 71 linkage groups, spanning a total genetic distance of 2430.9 cM with an average marker space of 6.2 cmd The male map contained 457 markers which mapped to 70 linkage groups, spanning 2658.4 cM with an average marker space of 6.9 cmd The crab genome length was estimated to be 3390.0 cM, covering 71.7% of genome for the female map, and 3678.8 cM covering 72.3% of genome for the male map. Furthermore, the linkage maps were used for preliminary detection of QTL. Nine growth-related QTL for body length, width and weight were mapped to seven linkage groups. Additionally, two QTL were identified to be associated with sexual precocity. The linkage maps and the identified QTL will be valuable for marker-assisted selection breeding programs of the mitten crab. Statement of relevance A first generation genetic linkage map of the Chinese mitten crab was created using 1300 microsatellite markers. Nine growth-related QTL and two sexual precocity-related QTL were identified, which will be valuable for further studies of the genetic mechanisms of development and sexual precocity, and marker-assisted selection breeding programs for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the research in triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) textiles has seen a rapid development recently, their integrated and mass fabrication process is still challenging, which hinders its further applications for wearable sensors. Herein, highly integrated and scalable manufacturing conductive composite fibers for weaving TENGs are presented, which might overcome the major problems. The fibers possess liquid alloy/silicone rubber core/shell structures made by simultaneously injecting liquid alloy and silicone rubber into the separate input ports of a coaxial needle, followed by automatically assembled from the output. The liquid alloy/silicone rubber core/shell fiber (LCF) has both good pliability and high resistance-strain sensitivity, which is beneficial for serving as strain sensors directly, and for incorporating with woven for textile-TENGs (t-TENGs)-based self-powered sensoring application. As a result, the open-circuit voltage (V oc), short-circuit current (I sc), short-circuit transferred charge (Q sc) and maximum power density of 4 × 4 cm2 t-TENG are 175 V, 15 μA, 66 nC and 469 mW/m2, respectively. Additionally, the t-TENG is mechanically robust, chemically stable and easy-cleaning for daily use. The wearable t-TENG devices can be used to detect human motions. This work provides a novel method of scalable manufacturing LCFs for weaving wearable t-TENGs, contributing to the development of t-TENGs and wearable self-powered sensors. [Display omitted] • Highly integrated conductive fibers are manufactured for weaving TENGs. • Silicone rubber and liquid alloy are in-situ integrated into composite fibers. • The method is one-step, scalable manufacturing, low-cost and integrated. • The fiber has good pliability and high resistance-strain sensitivity. • The fiber is served as strain sensors and weaving TENGs based self-powered sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-idiotypic antibodies (AIds) can mimic antigen molecules and can thus offer an alternative to conventional antigens in immunoassays. In this study, citrinin (CIT) was chosen as a target analyte, and an anti-idiotypic single-domain antibody (VHH) was selected from a naïve alpaca VHHs library to serve as a surrogate for CIT hapten. The phage-displayed VHH was used as a signal-amplification carrier to develop an indirect competitive phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P-ELISA) for the sensitive detection of CIT. The half-inhibition concentration (IC 50 ) of P-ELISA was 10.9 μg/kg, which was 9-fold better than that of conventional ELISA (IC 50 = 102.1 μg/kg). Results on P-ELISA analysis of naturally contaminated samples were also consistent with those obtained by conventional ELISA. In conclusion, the proposed P-ELISA demonstrates the potential use of phage-displayed anti-idiotypic VHH as surrogate for small molecules and signal-amplification carrier to improve assay performance for more sensitive analyte detection in food safety monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new steroids, (24 S )-stigmast-4,28-diene-24-ol-3-one ( 1 ) and mono-β-sitosteryl azelate ( 2 ), along with ten known analogues ( 3 – 12 ), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis using anomalous scattering of Cu Kα radiation. Compounds 3 , 4 , and 9 showed significant inhibitory activities against ADP-induced platelet aggregation, while compound 1 had a weak cytotoxic activity against acute myeloid leukemia cell line MV4-11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four nor -β-patchoulene sesquiterpenoids including three new compounds ( 1 – 3 ) and a new natural product ( 4 ) were isolated from the essential oil of the leaves and stems of Pogostemon cablin . Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis, using 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. This is the first report of 4- nor -β-patchoulenes from plants. All isolates were evaluated for the cytotoxic activities on human cancer cells in vitro . Compound 3 showed weak cytotoxic activities against NCI-H1975 and HePG-2 with IC 50 values of 49.9 μg/mL and 56.0 μg/mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six bis-spirolabdane diterpenoids along with four known analogues were isolated from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus . Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and a modified Mosher's method. The inhibitory activity of the compounds against the abnormal increase in platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate was investigated. Only the (13 R )-bis-spirolabdane diterpenoids exhibited a significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Preparations of cesium ion sieve based on zirconium molybdopyrophosphate. [•] Characterization of the pore structure, surface composition and morphology. [•] Investigation of cesium exchange property of cesium ion sieve. [•] A considerable selectivity for cesium and strontium in acidic solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By virtue of trace rule in the phase space, we investigate the time evolution of fidelity and purity for some quantum states (including Fock state, coherent state, squeezed state, and thermal state) in dissipative channel. All the relations are calculated by directly applying the Wigner function evolution formula in channel. The method is more convenient and concise than other method such as density operators’ trace. It is found that the dissipation induces all the quantum state eventually to vacuum state (a pure Gaussian state). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]