The treatment efficacy of bone tissue engineering strategy for repairing segmental bone defects under diabetic condition.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a systematic disease which exert detrimental effect on bone tissue. The repair and reconstruction of bone defects in diabetic patients still remain a major clinical challenge. This study aims to investigate the potential of bone tissue engineering approach to improve bone regeneration under diabetic condition. Methods: In the present study, decalcified bone matrix (DBM) scaffolds were seeded with allogenic fetal bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and cultured in osteogenic induction medium to fabricate BMSC/DBM constructs. Then the BMSC/DBM constructs were implanted in both subcutaneous pouches and large femoral bone defects in diabetic (BMSC/DBM in DM group) and non-diabetic rats (BMSC/DBM in non-DM group), cell-free DBM scaffolds were implanted in diabetic rats to serve as the control group (DBM in DM group). X-ray, micro-CT and histological analyses were carried out to evaluate the bone regenerative potential of BMSC/DBM constructs under diabetic condition. Results: In the rat subcutaneous implantation model, quantitative micro-CT analysis demonstrated that BMSC/DBM in DM group showed impaired bone regeneration activity compared with the BMSC/DBM in non-DM group (bone volume: 46 ± 4.4 mm3 vs 58.9 ± 7.15 mm3, *p < 0.05). In the rat femoral defect model, X-ray examination demonstrated that bone union was delayed in BMSC/DBM in DM group compared with BMSC/DBM in non-DM group. However, quantitative micro-CT analysis showed that after 6 months of implantation, there was no significant difference in bone volume and bone density between the BMSC/DBM in DM group (199 ± 63 mm3 and 593 ± 65 mg HA/ccm) and the BMSC/DBM in non-DM group (211 ± 39 mm3 and 608 ± 53 mg HA/ccm). Our data suggested that BMSC/DBM constructs could repair large bone defects in diabetic rats, but with delayed healing process compared with non-diabetic rats. Conclusion: Our study suggest that biomaterial sacffolds seeded with allogenic fetal BMSCs represent a promising strategy to induce and improve bone regeneration under diabetic condition.

Characterization of the Aroma Profile of Ginger Powder Produced by a Split-Stream Spray-Drying Process.

Freeze-dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) is renowned for its high quality, but it is expensive. As an alternative, spray drying can be explored for producing ginger powder. However, sugar rich feed solutions can lead to stickiness development during the process. Adding carrier materials increases costs and labeling. Accordingly, a split-stream spray-drying process was developed, where ginger fibers in their natural composition were reintroduced as a carrier material into the spray-drying process. The inlet and outlet temperatures were set at 220 and 80 °C, respectively, for optimal aroma retention. Using a stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry, the results revealed that reintegrating ginger fibers significantly increased the concentration of eight key odorants. Although freeze-dried ginger retains more aroma, the total concentration of twenty-seven odorants in the developed spray-dried ginger was 1.9 times higher compared to frozen ginger.

Safety and benefit of modified mesohepatectomy in the treatment of bilobar involvement congenital biliary dilatation.

BACKGROUND: The diseased bile duct in bilobar congenital biliary dilatation is extensive and often requires major hepatectomy or liver transplantation associated with a higher risk. We aimed to evaluate the safety and benefit of modified mesohepatectomy, in comparison with trisectionectomy, to treat bilobar congenital biliary dilatation. METHODS: This study included 28 patients with type IV and V bilobar congenital biliary dilatation. An innovative mesohepatectomy comprising the hepatectomy technique beyond the P/U point and bile duct shaping was applied to 14 patients to address the extensively diseased bile duct and difficulty in hepaticojejunostomy. Another 14 patients received trisectionectomy. The perioperative and long-term outcomes of these patients were compared. RESULTS: The ratio of residual liver volume to standard liver volume in the mesohepatectomy group was higher (78.68% vs. 40.90%, p = 0.005), while the resection rate of the liver parenchyma was lower (28.25% vs. 63.97%, p = 0.000), than that in trisectionectomy group. The mesohepatectomy group had a lower severe complication (>Clavein III, 0% vs. 57.70%, p = 0.019) and incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure (7.14% vs. 42.86%, p = 0.038). No significant difference was observed in blood loss and bile leakage (p > 0.05). All the patients in the mesohepatectomy group achieved optimal results in the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: mesohepatectomy provides an efficient treatment option for bilobar congenital biliary dilatation and can achieve radical resection, retain more liver parenchyma, and reduce the difficulty of hepaticojejunostomy, especially for patients that are not eligible for major hepatectomy and liver transplantation.

Effects of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 and pyruvate kinase M2 on metabolism and physiochemical changes in postmortem muscle.

The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK1) and pyruvate kinase-M2 (PKM2) activity on glycolysis, myofibrillar proteins, calpain system, and apoptosis pathways of postmortem muscle. The activity of PGK1 and PKM2 was regulated by their inhibitors and activators to construct the postmortem glycolysis vitro model and then incubated at 4 °C for 24 h. The results showed that compared to PGK1 and PKM2 inhibitors groups, the addition of PGK1 and PKM2 activators could accelerate glycogen consumption, ATP and lactate production, while declining pH value. Moreover, the addition of PGK1 and PKM2 activators could increase desmin degradation, µ-calpain activity, and caspase-3 abundance. Interestingly, troponin-T degradation was significantly increased both in PKM2 inhibitor and activator groups. It was suggested that PGK1 and PKM2 might be used as robust indicators to regulate meat quality by affecting the glycolysis, myofibrillar proteins, µ-calpain and apoptosis pathways in postmortem muscle.

Integrating identification and targeted proteomics to discover the potential indicators of postmortem lamb meat quality.

The aim of this study was to identify the potential indicators of lamb meat quality by TMT and PRM-based proteomics combined with bioinformatic analysis. Lamb muscles were divided into three different meat quality groups (high, middle and low) according to tenderness (shear force, MFI value), colour (a* value, R630/580), and water-holding capacity (cooking loss, drip loss) at 24 h postmortem. The results showed that the abundance of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), ß-enolase (ENO3), myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC1) and myosin regulatory light chain 2 (MYLPF) was significantly different in the three groups and could be used as potential indicators to characterize meat quality. Moreover, the postmortem processes of glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and muscle contraction remarkably changed in different groups, and were the key biological pathways influencing meat quality. Overall, this study depicted the proteomic landscape of meat that furthers our understanding of the molecular mechanism of meat quality and provides a reference for developing non-destructive detection technology for meat quality.

Management of an emergency sample collection team under the setting of whole-community severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid testing.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a nucleic acid test is frequently conducted to identify positive cases. Compared with a hospital-based strategy, whole-community nucleic acid testing displays a unique advantage in rapid screening of a massive population. Yet a management plan to ensure ample and contamination-free sample collection is lacking.The objective of the current study was to establish an efficient operational mode of whole-community nucleic acid testing by management of a sample collection team and to provide a reference for joint prevention work to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. METHODS: The efficient operation of nucleic acid testing within the community was implemented by urgent setting up of sample collection teams, efficient allocation of medical supplies, optimization of management procedures and coordination among multiple working departments. RESULTS: A total of 21 585 nucleic acid samples were collected within 3 d, while no one was missed or experienced a cross infection. No falls, heatstroke, disputes or other adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Under the emergency setting of nucleic acid testing of a large population, a management system with orderly organization, clear division of responsibilities and standardized operational procedures should be formulated.

Insights into the gel and electronic sense characteristics of meat batters made from Funiu white goat and Oula sheep meat in different rigor states.

To study the effect of rigor state on physicochemical characteristics of Funiu white goat and Oula sheep meat batters. In this study, the effect of rigor state of Funiu white goat and Oula sheep silverside muscle on meat batter quality and physicochemical properties was determined. Results indicated that meat batters obtained from post-rigor meat had less water holding capacity and lower immobilized water than that obtained from pre-rigor meat. The gel network of meat batters produced with Funiu white goat muscle appeared denser and smoother compared with Oula sheep meat batters. Furthermore, meat batters produced with pre-rigor meat had higher hardness compared to that produced with post-rigor meat. Differences in response values were found for CPS (sensitivity to sweet taste) of meat batters made with meat in the three rigor states. Collectively, both Funiu white goat and Oula sheep meat in pre-rigor state were more suitable to minced meat product production compared to post-rigor meat based on gel properties.

Patterns of Caudate Lobe Invasion of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Panoramic Histologic Study of Liver.

BACKGROUND: At present, caudate lobectomy (CL) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) was controversial. Our study was designed to investigate the features of caudate lobe invasion (CLI) by whole-mount histologic large sections (WHLS). METHODS: A total of 46 HCCA patients underwent hemihepatectomy or trisectionectomy combined with CL were included. Serial WHLS (120 mm × 100 mm) were collected, and the relationship between caudate lobe and tumor was retained to determine the incidence of CLI. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were completed to further explore the pathway of CLI. RESULTS: The whole region of the Glisson system in caudate lobe and hilar area can be clearly displayed by WHLS, and 32 (32/46 69.6%) patients were identified with CLI. There were three different pathways of CLI with panoramic IHC staining. The most common pathway is through the fibrous connective tissue along Glisson system (20/32 62.5%, without carcinoma in bile ducts). The Bismuth type, tumor size, vascular invasion, pathological type, and hepatic invasion were related to the CLI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and distribution of CLI provided histologic evidence for CL in HCCA. Based on the invasion pathway, it is necessary to assess the fibrous connective tissue in Glisson system of caudate lobe in pathological research and practice.

Differences in eating quality and electronic sense of meat samples as a function of goat breed and postmortem rigor state.

Understanding the pre- and post-rigor meat quality characteristics is crucial for the development of featured goat meat products. To evaluate the quality characteristics of goat meat in different rigor states, knuckle muscle in pre-rigor, rigor, and post-rigor states of Taihang and Huanghuai goats were used to analyze chemical characteristics, water mobility, and electronic sense. Results indicated that Taihang and Huanghuai goat meat samples were rich in protein and essential amino acids, especially Lys. Pre-rigor goat meat samples had lower content of free moisture and higher water holding capacity than post-rigor goat meat samples. Furthermore, Taihang and Huanghuai goat meat samples exhibited different odour characteristics. Aromatic constituents content of post-rigor goat meat samples were greater than those of pre-rigor goat meat samples. The sweetness and bitterness of post-rigor goat meat samples were higher than those of pre-rigor goat meat samples. In conclusion, Taihang and Huanghuai goat meat samples have different quality characteristics, which were regulated by rigor state through different texture and flavor profiles.

Impact of Chilling Rate on the Evolution of Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds in Raw Lamb Meat during Refrigeration.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chilling rate (1.44, 22.2, and 32.4 °C/h) on the evolution of volatile and non-volatile compounds in raw lamb meat during refrigeration (1, 24, 72, and 120 h). Through orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis, the calculation of odor activity values (OAV > 1) and taste activity values (TAV > 1) analysis, 1-octen-3-ol, (E, E)-2,4-decadienal, nonanal, hexanal, nona-3,5-dien-2-one, 2,3-octanedione, hexanoic acid, 1-nonen-4-ol, aspartate (Asp), Glutamic Acid (Glu), 5'-GMP, 5'-IMP, and 5'-AMP were regarded as differential flavor or taste compounds for raw meat undergone different chilling rates. With a rapid chilling rate at 24 h after slaughter, the contribution of 1-octen-3-ol decreased, but (E, E)-2,4-decadienal increased. Moreover, at 24 h post-mortem, the equivalent umami concentration of Asp, Glu, 5'-GMP, 5'-IMP and 5'-AMP in raw meat were significantly lower at a chilling rate of 1.44 °C/h than 32.4 °C/h (p < 0.05). Conclusively, under the rapid chilling rate, more fatty odor and umami compounds accumulated in 24 h aged meat.

Realization of an ideal Weyl semimetal band in a quantum gas with 3D spin-orbit coupling.

Weyl semimetals are three-dimensional (3D) gapless topological phases with Weyl cones in the bulk band. According to lattice theory, Weyl cones must come in pairs, with the minimum number of cones being two. A semimetal with only two Weyl cones is an ideal Weyl semimetal (IWSM). Here we report the experimental realization of an IWSM band by engineering 3D spin-orbit coupling for ultracold atoms. The topological Weyl points are clearly measured via the virtual slicing imaging technique in equilibrium and are further resolved in the quench dynamics. The realization of an IWSM band opens an avenue to investigate various exotic phenomena that are difficult to access in solids.

Observing Topological Charges and Dynamical Bulk-Surface Correspondence with Ultracold Atoms.

Quantum dynamics induced in quenching a d-dimensional topological phase across a phase transition may exhibit a nontrivial dynamical topological pattern on the (d-1)D momentum subspace, called band inversion surfaces (BISs), which have a one-to-one correspondence to the bulk topology of the postquench phase. Here we report the experimental observation of such dynamical bulk-surface correspondence through measuring the topological charges in a 2D quantum anomalous Hall model realized in an optical Raman lattice. The system can be quenched with respect to every spin axis by suddenly varying the two-photon detuning or phases of the Raman couplings, in which the topological charges and BISs are measured dynamically by the time-averaged spin textures. We observe that the total charges in the region enclosed by BISs define a dynamical topological invariant, which equals the Chern number of the postquench band and also characterizes the topological pattern of a dynamical field emerging on the BISs, rendering the dynamical bulk-surface correspondence. This study opens a new avenue to explore topological phases dynamically.

Graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with an amine-terminated ionic liquid for determination of (Z)-3-(chloromethylene)-6-fluorothiochroman-4-one in urine.

A new type of amine-terminated-ionic-liquid-functionalized graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes hybrid material (IL-G/MWCNTs) was synthesized and used as an adsorbent in miniaturized pipette tip solid-phase extraction (PT-SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography for the isolation and determination of (Z)-3-(chloromethylene)-6-fluorothiochroman-4-one (CMFT) in urine. Parameters for the preparation of IL-G/MWCNTs and the PT-SPE procedure, including the mass ratio of graphene oxide and oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes, the mass ratio of graphene oxide and the ionic liquid, and the type and volume of washing and elution solvents were optimized to achieve higher extraction efficiency. Good linearity of the method was achieved in the range 0.03-5.0µgmL-1 with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.9999. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.009 and 0.030µgmL-1, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions, expressed as relative standard deviations (RSDs), were evaluated by performing replicate analyses of samples spiked at 0.1µgmL-1 on the same day (n=6) and over three consecutive days, and were 4.8 and 5.5%, respectively. Recoveries between 73.9 and 93.9% were obtained at three spiking levels, with RSDs≤7.9%. Five batches of the adsorbent were investigated to confirm the reliability of the preparation method.

[Assessment of hepatic reserve function of cirrhosis liver using dynamic SPECT (99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic SPECT (99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) scintigraphy on the assessment of reserve function of cirrhosis liver. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2011, 55 patients with cirrhosis liver were enrolled in this study. The case numbers of male and female were 43 and 12 respectively and the age was (51 ± 9) years (ranging from 35 to 69 years). After routine biochemistry test, CT scan and (99m)Tc-GSA dynamic SPECT scan were performed in turn using a juxtaposed SPECT/CT system. Then the morphologic volume of liver parenchyma (MLV), functional liver volume (FLV) and the hepatic cell absorption rate constant (GSA-K) were calculated. The correlations between GSA-K and routine biochemistry test, Child-Pugh score, indocyanine green clearance rate (ICG-K) were analyzed. The patients were further divided into 3 groups according to whether there was occlusion or stenosis in the main branch of left portal vein (group 1, n = 5), right portal vein (group 2, n = 13) or not (group 3, n = 37) and the regional hepatic functions index of the 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: The value of FLV of the whole, left and right liver was (594 ± 152) ml, (244 ± 119) ml and (356 ± 171) ml, respectively. There were correlations between GSA-K and total bilirubin, prothrombintime, Child-Pugh score and ICG-K (r = -0.730--0.298, P < 0.05). The FLV and MLV ratios of involved hemiliver to uninvolved hemiliver were 0.09 ± 0.06 and 0.30 ± 0.14 in group 1, 0.57 ± 0.43 and 1.08 ± 0.63 in group 2, 0.71 ± 0.30 and 0.71 ± 0.48 in group 3. The difference in MLV-FLV ratio was signifcant between group 1 and group 3, between group 2 and group 3 (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The dynamic SPCECT (99m)Tc-GSA scintigraphy can not only assess the whole liver function of cirrhosis liver effectively, but also evaluate the variation of regional liver function accurately.

[Spatial distribution and evaluation of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter in surface sediments from western lakeside belt of Lake Taihu].

The surface sediments in western lakeside belt of Taihu Lake were collected. The spatial distribution of nutrients and pollution evaluation were studied. The results showed that concentration of the nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter in the surface sediments had an increasing tendency from inshore to the far shore. The concentration of organic matter in the sediments ranged from 2261.78 mg x kg(-1) to 11963.10 mg x kg(-1), with the average of 7 124.00 mg x kg(-1). Total nitrogen concentration in the sediments ranged from 343.20 mg x kg(-1) to 1 390.12 mg x kg(-1), with the average of 819.20 mg x kg(-1). The total phosphorus concentration in the sediments ranged from 197.46 mg x kg(-1) to 570.85 mg x kg(-1), with the average of 379.39 mg x kg(-1). The C/N ratio in the lake sediment was 9.5. Organic matter and nutrient were from alga and aquatic plant in lake. Based on the organic index and organic nitrogen, we can concluded that the surface sediments in western lakeside belt of Taihu Lake still belong to less clean category. The average values of organic index and organic nitrogen were 0.037% and 0.044%, respectively. The organic index and organic nitrogen in offshore were high, which indicated the risk of organic pollution.

[Calculation of environmental dredging depth of heavy sediments in Zhushan Bay of Taihu Lake metal polluted].

Horizontal distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments of Zhushan Bay was investigated, and core sediment samples were collected in the representative area. Core sediments were divided into oxide layer (A), polluted layer (B), upper polluted transition layer(C1), lower polluted transition layer(C2) and normal mud layer(D) from top to bottom. The change of total contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and contents of biological available Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb with depths were analyzed. Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments was done by potential ecological risk index method. At last, environmental dredging depth was calculated. The results shows that the contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb are 30.56-216.58, 24.07-59.95, 16.71-140.30, 84.31-193.43, 3.39-22.30, 0.37-1.59, 0.00-0.80 and 9.67-99.35 mg x kg(-1), respectively. The average concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb are 79.74, 37.74, 44.83, 122.39, 10.39, 0.77, 0.14 and 40.08 mg x kg(-1), respectively. Heavy metals in the surface sediments of Zhushan Bay mainly distribute in the west bank and the estuaries of Taige canal, Yincun Port, and Huanshan River,and Cd pollution is relatively serious. There is an accumulative effect of heavy metals in Zhushan Bay, and the contents of biological available metals decrease with depths. Ecological risk grades of Cd in layer A and B are high, and the comprehensive potential ecological risk grades of each layer are in middle or low. The environmental dredging layers are A and B, and the average dredging depth is 0.39 m.

[Effects of sediment on the growth of Microcystis and Anabaena in Yanghe reservoir].

Batch culture experiments were used to study the effect of leachate from sediment of Yanghe reservoir on the growth of Microcystis and Anabaena isolated from Yanghe reservoir. The results showed that the growth of Microcystis was significantly inhibited when the addition of anaerobic leachate from sediment in M11 culture medium was high (> or = 20% V/V). The maximum biomass of Microcystis was lower than that grown in pure M11 culture medium. But there was an obvious promotion on the growth of Anabaena when anaerobic leachate from sediment was added. The growth rate of Anabaena increased 36.6%, 47.2% and 36.0%, respectively, compared to M11 culture medium when adding 2%, 20% and 50% (V/V) anaerobic leachate. Compared to adding anaerobic leachate, aerobic leachate had no influence on the growth of Microcystis, while the growth rate of Anabaena was promoted by aerobic leachate. The growth rate of Anabaena increased 37.2% compared with M11 when adding 20% (V/V) of aerobic leachate. But after addition of Fe-citrate to the mixed culture medium (50% M11 culture medium +50% anaerobic leachate), the maximum biomass of Microcystis significantly increased. The results suggest that high organic matter concentration decreases iron availability for Microcystis.