Total Synthesis of Ganoderma Meroterpenoids Cochlearol B and Its Congeners Driven by Structural Similarity and Biological Homology.

Secondary metabolites that have the same biological origin must share some relationship in their biosynthesis. Exploring this relationship has always been a significant task for synthetic biologists. However, from the perspective of synthetic chemists, it is equally important to propose, prove, or refute potential biosynthetic pathways in order to elucidate and understand the biosynthesis of homologous secondary metabolites. In this study, driven by the high structural similarity between the homologous Ganoderma meroterpenoids cochlearol B and ganocin B, two chemically synthetic strategies were designed and investigated sequentially for the synthesis of cochlearol B from ganocin B. These strategies include intramolecular metal-catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) and intramolecular photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition. The aim was to reveal their potential biosynthetic conversion relationship using chemical synthesis methods. As a result, a highly efficient total synthesis of cochlearol B, cochlearol T, cochlearol F, as well as the formal total synthesis of ganocins A-B, and ganocochlearins C-D, has been achieved. Additionally, a novel synthetic approach for the synthesis of 6,6-disubstituted 6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran and its analogues has been developed through palladium(II)-catalyzed Wacker-type/cross-coupling cascade reactions.

A novel network-based adaptive fault-tolerant control of switched nonlinear systems subject to multiple faults under prescribed performance.

It is the first report about fault-tolerant-based prescribed performance control of switched nonlinear systems under multiple faults. The concerned faults include not only external faults but also actuator faults. In the process of backstepping control design, prescribed performance control is fully considered, and the combination of unknown nonlinear functions is estimated by multi-dimensional Taylor network. Finally, the developed adaptive fault-tolerant control strategy guarantees the boundedness of all controlled signals while prescribed tracking performance is satisfied. In an effort to further manifest the validity of the fault-tolerant controller, a numerical simulation and a practical simulation are introduced.

Adaptive finite-time control for switched nonlinear systems subject to multiple objective constraints via multi-dimensional Taylor network approach.

The finite-time control of switched nonlinear systems subject to multiple objective constraints is investigated in this article. Firstly, with the aim of dealing with the major challenge brought by multiple objective constraints, the time-varying and asymmetric barrier function is designed, which transforms multiple objective constrained systems into unconstrained systems. Secondly, the dynamic surface control technique is introduced into the backstepping design process, and the error generated in the filtering process is reduced by constructing the error compensation systems. Then, an adaptive finite-time controller based on multi-dimensional Taylor network (MTN) is proposed. The controller proposed in this article can avoid the "singularity" problem and ensure that the objective functions never violate constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of the finite-time control strategy proposed in this article is verified by the aircraft system simulation.

Gliadin interacted with tea polyphenols: potential application and action mechanism.

The effect of tea polyphenols (TPs) on noodles quality was investigated, and the interaction mechanism between catechins and gliadins was explored. With TPs addition, noodles showed the significant changes in physicochemical and sensory properties. The water absorption, tensile strength and elasticity increased by 1.35%, 4.98%, 28.51% with 0.5% of TPs, and then decreased with the increasing of TPs. According to the determinations of surface hydrophobicity, spatial structure, thermal properties, amidogen and sulfhydryl content, the structure and properties of gliadin were affected by catechins. Esterified catechins tended to disrupt gliadin structures and non-esterified catechins polymerised gliadin molecules. Furthermore, molecular docking results indicated that catechins interacted with gliadin mainly by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic action. The reactivity of catechins with gliadin was in the sequence as: epigallocatechin gallate > epicatechin gallate > epigallocatechin > epicatechin, which was based on the account of gallate and B-ring hydroxyl number discrepancy. All results suggested that catechins affected greatly on gliadin, and TPs were potentially used to improve the quality of flour products.

Effect of tea polyphenols on the quality of Chinese steamed bun and the action mechanism.

Effect of tea polyphenols (TP) on the quality of Chinese steamed bun (CSB) was investigated, while the interaction and action mechanism between TP and vital wheat gluten (VWG, constitutive proteins of flour) were further explored. With a low concentration (1%) of TP, CSB showed positive changes in quality, and the hardness of CSB decreased by 33.95%, while its specific volume, springiness, and resilience separately increased by 1.8%, 11.9%, and 5.5%, whereas the higher concentrations of TP (2% and 4%) caused an adverse impact. By observation of scanning electron microscope, VWG formed a fluffier structure with a low concentration of TP, while the structure deteriorated at high concentration of TP. In addition, the secondary and tertiary structures of VWG were both changed by TP. Along with the results of thermodynamic analysis (thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry measurements), TP could induce the structural rearrangement of VWG. Further, a lower amidogen and sulfhydryl contents of VWG were obtained in TP groups, which illustrated that peptide and disulfide bonds of VWG were not possibly interrupted by TP. Instead, hydrophobic residues of VWG were bonded to form a more hydrophilic structure. Moreover, according to molecular docking results, epigallocatechin-3-gallate interacted tightly with VWG by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic actions, and the action sites were mainly at hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues. All results suggested that the VWG structure was affected greatly by TP, and a low dose of TP might be potential to improve the quality of flour products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The physicochemical properties of gluten show the significant effects on the quality of flour products in food industry. In the present study, a low dose of tea polyphenols exhibited a strengthened effect on gluten, so as to ameliorate the texture of Chinese steamed bun (CSB) due to their tight interactions with gluten, while the color of CSB was changed to brown as tea polyphenols. All results suggested that a low dose of tea polyphenols could be potentially utilized to improve flour quality and enhance gluten strength in food industry.

Edible Bird's Nest Attenuates Menopause-Related Bone Degeneration in Rats via Increaing Bone Estrogen-Receptor Expression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanistic basis for the attenuation of bone degeneration by edible bird's nest (EBN) in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Forty-two female Sprage-Dawley rats were randomized into 7 groups (6 in each group). The ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX + 6%, 3%, and 1.5% EBN and OVX +estrogen groups were given standard rat chow alone, standard rat chow +6%, 3%, and 1.5% EBN, or standard rat chow +estrogen therapy (0.2mg/kg per day), respectively. The sham-operation group was surgically opened without removing the ovaries. The control group did not have any surgical intervention. After 12 weeks of intervention, blood samples were taken for serum estrogen, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin, as well as the measurement of magnesium, calcium abd zinc concentrations. While femurs were removed from the surrounding muscles to measure bone mass density using the X-ray edge detection technique, then collected for histology and estrogen receptor (ER) immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ovariectomy altered serum estrogen levels resulting in increased food intake and weight gain, while estrogen and EBN supplementation attenuated these changes. Ovariectomy also reduced bone ER expression and density, and the production of osteopcalcin and osteorotegerin, which are important pro-osteoplastic hormones that promote bone mineraliztion and density. Conversely, estrogen and EBN increased serum estrogen levels leading to increased bone ER expression, pro-osteoplastic hormone production and bone density (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EBN could be used as a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapys for managing menopausal complications like bone degeneration.

[Multi-dimensional mining and analysis of core prescriptions in launched Chinese patent medicine for treatment of influenza].

Through the multi-dimensional mining and analysis of launched anti-influenza proprietary Chinese medicines,this paper explores the study of the prescriptions and pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicines for influenza. We established a standardized database by collecting and excavating the launched Chinese patent medicines that clearly describe the treatment of influenza. Frequency analysis and association rules were used to analyze the frequency of Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of influenza in the aspects of dosage form,category and prescription drugs. The network module partitioning method was used to excavate the core drug combination for influenza. The relationship between functional nouns was used to construct a network of functional terminology and analyze the relationship between its main functions. The pharmacological characteristics quantitative method was used to analyze the pharmacological characteristics of three heat-clearing and detoxifying type Chinese patent medicines for influenza. This article shows the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation ideas and medication rules for influenza treatment in many aspects and from multiple perspectives,so as to provide a certain reference for the clinical application of proprietary Chinese medicines for influenza and the development of new influenza drugs.

Comparison of optical quality after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis.

AIM: To compare the optical quality after implantation of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (WG-LASIK). METHODS: The study included 40 eyes of 22 patients with myopia who accepted ICL implantation and 40 eyes of 20 patients with myopia who received WG-LASIK. Before surgery and three months after surgery, the objective scattering index (OSI), the values of modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, and the Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) values (OVs) were accessed. The higher order aberrations (HOAs) data including coma, trefoil, spherical, 2nd astigmatism and tetrafoil were also obtained. For patients with pupil size <6 mm, HOAs data were analyzed for 4 mm-pupil diameter. For patients with pupil size ≥6 mm, HOAs data were calculated for 6 mm-pupil diameter. Visual acuity, refraction, pupil size and intraocular pressures were also recorded. RESULTS: In both ICL and WG-LASIK group, significant improvements in visual acuities were found postoperatively, with a significant reduction in spherical equivalent (P< 0.001). After the ICL implantation, the OSI decreased slightly from 2.34±1.92 to 2.24±1.18 with no statistical significance (P=0.62). While in WG-LASIK group, the OSI significantly increased from 0.68±0.43 preoperatively to 0.91±0.53 postoperatively (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P=0.000). None of the mean MTF cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, OVs showed statistically significant changes in both ICL and WG-LASIK groups. In the ICL group, there were no statistical differences in the total HOAs for either 4 mm-pupil or 6 mm-pupil. In the WG-LASIK group, the HOA parameters increased significantly at 4 mm-pupil. The total ocular HOAs, coma, spherical and 2nd astigmatism were 0.12±0.06, 0.06±0.03, 0.00±0.03, 0.02±0.01, respectively. After the operation, these values were increased into 0.16±0.07, 0.08±0.05, -0.04±0.04, 0.03±0.01 respectively (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, all P<0.05). At 6 mm-pupil, the induction of total HOAs was not statistically significant in the WG-LASIK group. CONCLUSION: ICL implantation has a less disturbance to optical quality than WG-LASIK. The OQAS is a valuable complementary measurement to the wavefront aberrometers in evaluating the optical quality.

Alterations in the expression of Hs1-associated protein X-1 in the rat retina after optic nerve crush.

HS-1-associated protein X-1 (Hax-1) has been suggested to be expressed in various rodent and human tissues. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Hax­1 exerts an anti­apoptotic effect in neurological diseases. Furthermore, it has also been reported that Hax­1 interacts with various apoptosis­associated proteins, including high temperature-regulated A2 (HtrA2) and caspase­3. Previous studies have indicated that abnormal expression of Hax­1 may be associated with the development of the nervous system and with the pathophysiology of neurological diseases, including traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia. The present study reported temporal­spatial patterns of Hax­1 in rat retina following optic nerve crush (ONC). Using western blotting and double­immunofluorescence, significant upregulation of Hax­1 was observed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the retina following ONC. Increased Hax­1 expression was demonstrated to be accompanied by upregulation of active­caspase­3 and HtrA2 following ONC. In addition, Hax-1 co­localized with active caspase­3 and HtrA2 in RGCs following ONC. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase­mediated biotinylated-dUTP nick­end labeling staining suggested that Hax­1 was involved in RGC apoptosis following ONC. Thus, these results suggested that Hax­1 may participate in regulating RGC apoptosis via interacting with caspase­3 and HtrA2 following ONC.

Bilateral traumatic hemorrhage of the basal ganglia.

Hemorrhage of the basal ganglia is common in hypertensive patients, and most of the cases are spon- taneous unilateral hemorrhage. Traumatic basal ganglia hemorrhage is uncommon, while bilateral hemorrhage of the basal ganglia after trauma is an extremely rare entity. This report described a rare case of bilateral hemorrhage of the basal ganglia after head trauma. We also analyzed the mechanisms and reviewed relative literatures.

Primary Thyroid Extranasal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Associated With Good Outcome: A Case Report and Literature Review: A Care-Compliant Article.

Most thyroid lymphomas are B-lineage, and T-cell lymphomas are rare. None of primary thyroid extranasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) has been reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of extranasal NKTCL exclusively arising in the thyroid in an 18-year-old Chinese.The patient presented with rapid anterior swelling at the neck and aggravated dyspnea for 2 months. Neck computer tomography scan revealed diffuse thyroid enlargement in the left lobe compressing the trachea. The thyroid function test was indicative of hypothyroidism. Gastroscopy demonstrated chronic nonspecific gastritis. Subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. Histological examination showed a diffuse infiltration of neoplastic lymphoid cells with an angiodestructive behavior. Immunophenotype is positive for CD2, CD56, CD43, and TIA-1, and typically negative for surface CD3. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNAs were detected in tumor cells. A diagnose of primary thyroid extranasal NKTCL-N lymphoma was confirmed by the findings.The patient was treated with CHOP-L combination chemotherapy followed by local radiotherapy, and tolerated the modality well. The patient has been in remission for 28 months so far.To our knowledge, this is the first case report of primary extranasal NKTCL exclusively arising in the thyroid. The case has a relatively good treatment outcome with timely diagnosis and multimodality approach.

Impact of an Information Leaflet on Knowledge of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis B among Chinese Youth.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effect of an information leaflet on the level of Chinese youth's knowledge about hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer (PLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 500 students, from two universities in the Chaoshan area of China, were randomly divided into an intervention group of 280 participants and a control group of 220. Baseline knowledge of HCC and hepatitis B was evaluated by questionnaire interview. Subsequently, only the intervention group was given an information leaflet of HCC and hepatitis B. Three months later, the two groups were contacted for a second interview. Changes in knowledge from baseline of HCC and hepatitis B were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in mean PRE-questionnaire scores between the intervention and control groups. However, the mean POST-questionnaire score was significantly higher in the intervention group after the intervention. The leaflet had the greatest effect on the participants' questionnaire score, and raised their level of knowledge about HCC and hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS: The information leaflet intervention is significantly effective in improving the knowledge of HCC and hepatitis B among the youth.

[Study on self-similarity relationship between decoction pieces property and component property].

OBJECTIVE: To predict part of medicinal properties of traditional Chinese medicine components and traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces by using the traditional Chinese medicinal property data prediction platform, in order to establish the relationship between properties of traditional Chinese medicine components and traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. METHOD: The properties of traditional Chinese medicine components were predicted by using the medicinal property data prediction platform based on the pharmacological effects of the components. RESULT: The total sum of identical or similar results of the prediction for the properties of traditional Chinese medicine components and traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces accounted for over 75%. CONCLUSION: The self-similarity exists between properties of traditional Chinese medicine components and traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, which reflects the inheritance, additivity and emergence among different properties of traditional Chinese medicines.

Inpatients' knowledge about primary liver cancer and hepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of an inpatient population's awareness about hepatitis and primary liver cancer (PLC), the most common type of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and then to initiate education of this group. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 1300 participants within the inpatient unit in representative tertiary hospitals in the Chaoshan area of China. Structured questionnaires contained demographic data and statements about different aspects of liver cancer and hepatitis. The questionnaires were completed by trained medical practitioners after they had conducted the interviews. RESULTS: One way ANOVA showed that the sample population lacked adequate knowledge about HCC and hepatitis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the participant's level of education had the greatest impact on their total knowledge score when other variables remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated: a general lack of awareness amongst the participants about the preventative strategies, and the management options available for people with primary liver cancer and hepatitis; education level was an important factor affecting knowledge levels. The demonstrated deficiencies in people's knowledge about hepatitis and HCC, and their lack of subsequent protective behaviours are likely to play an important role in HCC and hepatitis transmission or prevention.

[Expression and clinical significance of Survivin and Livin in DukesoB colorectal cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Survivin and Livin, members of the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), are specially expressed in embryonic cells and tumor cells, but are seldom expressed in normal adult cells. Some studies showed that they are correlated to poor prognosis of some tumors. This study was to detect the expression of Survivin and Livin in DukesoB colorectal cancer, and analyze the clinical significance. METHODS: The expression of Survivin and Livin in 81 specimens of DukesoB colorectal cancer and 12 specimens of normal colorectal tissues was detected by SP immunohistochemistry. Their correlations to clinical features and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rates of Survivin and Livin were significantly higher in colorectal cancer than in normal colorectal tissues (58.0% vs. 16.7%, 45.7% vs. 8.3%,P < 0.05). No relationship was found between the expression of Survivin and Livin(P > 0.05). The expression of Survivin and Livin was not correlated to sex, tumor location, primary size, T stage, pathologic category, and degree of differentiation(P> 0.05). The positive rate of Survivin was significantly higher in the patients older than 50 years than in the patients younger than 50 years (70.6% vs. 36.7%, P < 0.05). Both Survivin and Livin were correlated to tumor recurrence and/or metastasis (P = 0.02, P = 0.001), and shorter survival (P = 0.039, P = 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis showed stage T4 and positive Livin expression were independent prognostic factors of DukesoB colorectal cancer (P = 0.002, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Survivin and Livin are overexpressed in DukesoB colorectal cancer. Livin is closely related to recurrence and/or metastasis and poor prognosis of DukesoB colorectal cancer after curative resection.

[Establishment of a rat model of severe heatstroke complicated with endotoxemia].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a rat model of heatstroke complicated by endotoxemia for studying the pathogenesis of severe heatstroke. METHODS: Male specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, namely normothermic saline group (group C), heat exposure saline group (group H), normothermic LPS group (group L), and heat exposure LPS group (group HL). The rectal temperature (Tr), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and respiratory rate (RR) of the rats receiving different treatments were continually monitored and their white blood cell count (WBC) and histology of the lungs were observed at 0, 40, 80 and 120 min after the treatments. RESULTS: The rats in HL-Group displayed significantly higher Tr (43.04+/-0.11 degrees C), HR (660+/-42 beats/min), and RR (150+/-11/min) but lower MAP (49.0+/-3.5 mmHg) as compared with the C Group. There were significant differences in the values of Tr, HR, RR and MAP between HL and group L and in HR and MAP between H groups HL and. The rats in group H displayed significantly higher WBC than group C. In contrast, the rats in L groups HL and had significantly lower WBC. LPS injection and heat stress induced pulmonary edema and features characteristic of acute microvascular lung injury in the rats. CONCLUSION: The rat model established by LPS injection and heat stress can successfully mimic the development of severe heatstroke after LPS challenge and heat stress, and provides a suitable model for studying the primordial role of the lungs in the pathogenesis of severe heatstroke.