Comprehensive assessment of drought resistance and recovery in kiwifruit genotypes using multivariate analysis.

As global climate change persists, ongoing warming exposes plants, including kiwifruit, to repeated cycles of drought stress and rewatering, necessitating the identification of drought-resistant genotypes for breeding purposes. To better understand the physiological mechanisms underlying drought resistance and recovery in kiwifruit, moderate (40-45% field capacity) and severe (25-30% field capacity) drought stresses were applied, followed by rewatering (80-85% field capacity) to eight kiwifruit rootstocks in this study. We then conducted a multivariate analysis of 20 indices for the assessment of drought resistance and recovery capabilities. Additionally, we identified four principal components, each playing a vital role in coping with diverse water conditions. Three optimal indicator groups were pinpointed, enhancing precision in kiwifruit drought resistance and recovery assessment and simplifying the evaluation system. Finally, MX-1 and HW were identified as representative rootstocks for future research on kiwifruit's responses to moderate and severe drought stresses. This study not only enhances our understanding of the response mechanisms of kiwifruit rootstocks to progressive drought stress and recovery but also provides theoretical guidance for reliable screening of drought-adaptive kiwifruit genotypes.

Aerobic fitness as a moderator of acute aerobic exercise effects on executive function.

This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of aerobic fitness on the effect of acute exercise on improving executive function from both behavioral and cerebral aspects. Thirty-four young individuals with motor skills were divided into high- and low-fitness groups based on their maximal oxygen uptake. Both groups completed 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a power bike. Executive function tests (Flanker, N-back, More-odd-shifting) were performed before and after exercise and functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor prefrontal cerebral blood flow changes during the tasks. The results indicated significant differences between the two groups regarding executive function. Participants with lower aerobic fitness performed better than their higher fitness counterparts in inhibitory control and working memory, but not in cognitive flexibility. This finding suggests that the aerobic fitness may moderate the extent of cognitive benefits gained from acute aerobic exercise. Furthermore, the neuroimaging data indicated negative activation in the frontopolar area and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in response to three complex tasks. These findings underscore the importance of considering individual aerobic fitness when assessing the cognitive benefits of exercise and could have significant implications for tailoring fitness programs to enhance cognitive performance.

Pattern Recognition of Alkaloids by Inhibiting the Catalytic Activity of Dopzymes for Dopamine.

Exploiting the specific recognition probe for all of the biomolecules is difficult in "lock-and-key" biosensors. The cross-reaction or the semispecific probe in pattern recognition mode is an alternative strategy through extracting a multidimensional signal array from recognition elements. Here, we design a pattern recognition sensor array based on the alkaloid-inhibited catalytic activity of dopzymes for the discrimination and determination of six alkaloids. In this sensor array, three different G-rich sequences, i.e., G-triplex (G3), G-quadruplex (GQ1), and the G-quadruplex dimer (2GQ1) possessing various peroxidase activities, conjugated with a dopamine aptamer and the dopzymes (G3-d-apt, GQ1-d-apt, and 2GQ1-d-apt) were obtained with an enhanced catalytic performance for the substrate. Through the interactions between six target alkaloids and G3, GQ1, and 2GQ1 regions, the pattern signal (6 alkaloids × 3 dopzymes × 5 replicates) was obtained from the diverse inhibited effect for the dopzyme activity. In virtue of the statistical method principal component analysis (PCA), the data array was projected into a new dimensional space to acquire the three-dimensional (3D) canonical scores and grouped into their respective clusters. The sensor array exhibited an outstanding discrimination and classification capability for six alkaloids with different concentrations with 100% accuracy. In addition, the nonspecific recognition elements of the sensor array showed high selectivity even though other alkaloids with similar structures to targets existed in the samples. Importantly, the levels of the six targets can be analyzed by the most influential discrimination factor, which represented the vector with the highest variance, evidencing that the sensor array has potential in drug screening and clinical treatment.

Strengthened Interficial Adhesive Fracture Energy by Young's Modulus Matching Degree Strategy in Carbon-Based HTM Free MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cell with Enhanced Mechanical Compatibility.

Carbon-based hole transport layer-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3 ) have become one of the research focus due to low cost, easy preparation, and good optoelectronic properties. However, instability of perovskite under vacancy defects and stress-strain makes it difficult to achieve high-efficiency and stable power output. Here, a soft-structured long-chain 2D pentanamine iodide (abbreviated as "PI") is used to improve perovskite quality and interfacial mechanical compatibility. PI containing CH3 (CH2 )4 NH3 + and I- ions not only passivate defects at grain boundaries, but also effectively alleviate residual stress during high temperature annealing via decreasing Young's modulus of perovskite film. Most importantly, PI effectively increases matching degree of Young's modulus between MAPbI3 (47.1 GPa) and carbon (6.7 GPa), and strengthens adhesive fracture energy (Gc ) between perovskite and carbon, which is helpful for outward release of nascent interfacial stress generated under service conditions. Consequently, photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of optimal device is enhanced from 10.85% to 13.76% and operational stability is also significantly improved. 83.1% output is maintained after aging for 720 h at room temperature and 25-60% relative humidity (RH). This strategy of regulation from chemistry and physics provides a strategy for efficient and stable carbon-based PSCs.

MADS-box protein PpDAM6 regulates chilling requirement-mediated dormancy and bud break in peach.

Bud dormancy is crucial for winter survival and is characterized by the inability of the bud meristem to respond to growth-promotive signals before the chilling requirement (CR) is met. However, our understanding of the genetic mechanism regulating CR and bud dormancy remains limited. This study identified PpDAM6 (DORMANCY-ASSOCIATED MADS-box) as a key gene for CR using a genome-wide association study analysis based on structural variations in 345 peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) accessions. The function of PpDAM6 in CR regulation was demonstrated by transiently silencing the gene in peach buds and stably overexpressing the gene in transgenic apple (Malus × domestica) plants. The results showed an evolutionarily conserved function of PpDAM6 in regulating bud dormancy release, followed by vegetative growth and flowering, in peach and apple. The 30-bp deletion in the PpDAM6 promoter was substantially associated with reducing PpDAM6 expression in low-CR accessions. A PCR marker based on the 30-bp indel was developed to distinguish peach plants with non-low and low CR. Modification of the H3K27me3 marker at the PpDAM6 locus showed no apparent change across the dormancy process in low- and non-low- CR cultivars. Additionally, H3K27me3 modification occurred earlier in low-CR cultivars on a genome-wide scale. PpDAM6 could mediate cell-cell communication by inducing the expression of the downstream genes PpNCED1 (9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1), encoding a key enzyme for ABA biosynthesis, and CALS (CALLOSE SYNTHASE), encoding callose synthase. We shed light on a gene regulatory network formed by PpDAM6-containing complexes that mediate CR underlying dormancy and bud break in peach. A better understanding of the genetic basis for natural variations of CR can help breeders develop cultivars with different CR for growing in different geographical regions.

miR171-targeted SCARECROW-LIKE genes CsSCL2 and CsSCL3 regulate somatic embryogenesis in citrus.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a key regeneration pathway in various biotechnology approaches to crop improvement, especially for economically important perennial woody crops like citrus. However, maintenance of SE capability has long been a challenge and becomes a bottleneck in biotechnology-facilitated plant improvement. In the embryogenic callus (EC) of citrus, we identified 2 csi-miR171c-targeted SCARECROW-LIKE genes CsSCL2 and CsSCL3 (CsSCL2/3), which exert positive feedback regulation on csi-miR171c expression. Suppression of CsSCL2 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) enhanced SE in citrus callus. A thioredoxin superfamily protein CsClot was identified as an interactive protein of CsSCL2/3. Overexpression of CsClot disturbed reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in EC and enhanced SE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and RNA-Seq identified 660 genes directly suppressed by CsSCL2 that were enriched in biological processes including development-related processes, auxin signaling pathway, and cell wall organization. CsSCL2/3 bound to the promoters of regeneration-related genes, such as WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 2 (CsWOX2), CsWOX13, and Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain 40 (LBD40), and repressed their expression. Overall, CsSCL2/3 modulate ROS homeostasis through the interactive protein CsClot and directly suppress the expression of regeneration-related genes, thus regulating SE in citrus. We uncovered a regulatory pathway of miR171c-targeted CsSCL2/3 in SE, which shed light on the mechanism of SE and regeneration capability maintenance in citrus.

Beneficial effects of maintaining liver function during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with tyrosine kinase and programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors on the outcomes of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Combination therapy is the primary treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). The hepatic functional reserve is also critical in the treatment of HCC. In this study, u-HCC was treated with combined hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors to analyze the therapeutic response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. METHODS: One hundred sixty-two (162) patients with u-HCC were treated by combination therapy of HAIC, TKIs, and PD-1 inhibitors. PFS was assessed by Child-Pugh (CP) classification subgroups and the change in the CP score during treatment. RESULTS: The median PFS was 11.7 and 5.1 months for patients with CP class A (CPA) and CP class B (CPB), respectively (p = 0.013), with respective objective response rates of 61.1 and 27.8% (p = 0.002) and conversion rates of 16 and 0% (p = 0.078). During treatment, the CP scores in patients with CPA worsened less in those with complete and partial response than in those with stable and progressive disease. In the CP score 5, patients with an unchanged CP score had longer PFS than those with a worsened score (Not reached vs. 7.9 months, p = 0.018). CPB was an independent factor negatively affecting treatment response and PFS. Patients with CPA responded better to the combination therapy and had fewer adverse events (AEs) than those with CPB. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, triple therapy is more beneficial in patients with good liver function, and it is crucial to maintain liver function during treatment.

Vitamin B-6 Prevents Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Through Downstream of Kinase 3 in a Mouse Model.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to develop an efficient therapeutic strategy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which is mediated by phenotypic changes in cardiac macrophages. We previously reported that vitamin B-6 inhibits macrophage-mediated inflammasome activation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine whether the prophylactic use of vitamin B-6 prevents HFpEF. METHODS: HFpEF model was elicited by a combination of high-fat diet and Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester supplement in mice. Cardiac function was assessed using conventional echocardiography and Doppler imaging. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to detect changes in the macrophage phenotype and myocardial remodeling-related molecules. RESULTS: Co-administration of vitamin B-6 with HFpEF mice mitigated HFpEF phenotypes, including diastolic dysfunction, cardiac macrophage phenotypic shifts, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Echocardiographic improvements were observed, with the E/E' ratio decreasing from 42.0 to 21.6 and the E/A ratio improving from 2.13 to 1.17. The exercise capacity also increased from 295.3 to 657.7 min. However, these beneficial effects were negated in downstream of kinase (DOK) 3-deficient mice. Mechanistically, vitamin B-6 increased DOK3 protein concentrations and inhibited macrophage phenotypic changes, which were abrogated by an AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B-6 increases DOK3 signaling to lower risk of HFpEF by inhibiting phenotypic changes in cardiac macrophages.

A novel AP2/ERF transcription factor, NtERF10, positively regulates plant height in tobacco.

Ethylene response factors have been shown to be involved in the effects of plant developmental processes and to regulate stress tolerance. The aim of this study was to recognize the regulatory mechanisms of ethylene response factors on tobacco plant height. In this study, a gene-edited mutant (ERF10-KO) and wild type (WT) were utilized as experimental materials. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of NtERF10 gene editing on plant height in tobacco. Here, through the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 2051 genes were upregulated and 1965 genes were downregulated. We characterized the different ERF10-KO and WT plant heights and identified key genes for photosynthesis, the plant hormone signal transduction pathway and the terpene biosynthesis pathway. NtERF10 was found to affect the growth and development of tobacco by regulating the expression levels of the PSAA, PSBA, GLY17 and GGP3 genes. Amino acid metabolism was analyzed by combining analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). In addition, we found that members of the bHLH, NAC, MYB, and WRKY transcription factor families have vital roles in regulating plant height. This study not only provides important insights into the positive regulation of the ethylene response factor NtERF10 on plant height during plant growth and development but also provides new research ideas for tobacco molecular breeding.

Microbulbifer magnicolonia sp. nov., isolated from sediment of tidal flat located in Zhoushan, China.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile with flagella and rod- or ovoid-shaped bacterium, designated GG15T, was isolated from tidal flat sediment sampled in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province. Strain GG15T grew at 20-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and with 1.0-10.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.5 %). Colony diameters ranged from 1 to 3 mm within the first week, reaching a maximum of 6-7 mm after 15 days of cultivation. Strain GG15T exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Microbulbifer taiwanensis CCM 7856T (98.1 %), with similarity to other species within the genus Microbulbifer ranging from 97.8 to 93.8 %. Similarity values to other genera were below 93.8 %. Strain GG15T exhibited positive activity for ß-glucosidase, trypsin and chymotrypsin, whereas the reference strain showed negative activity. Chemotaxonomic analyses indicated that strain GG15T contained Q-8 as the sole respiratory quinone, C16 : 0 (9.1 %), iso-C15 : 0 (30.9 %) and iso-C11 : 0 3-OH (7.2 %) as the predominant fatty acids, and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified lipids, four unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified aminophospholipids as the main polar lipids. The genome of strain GG15T was 4 307 641 bp long, comprising 3861 protein-coding genes. The G+C content of strain GG15T was 61.5 mol% based on its genomic sequence. Strain GG15T showed low digital DNA-DNA hybridization (<70 %) and average nucleotide identity values (<95 %) with other Microbulbifer species. As a result, a novel species within the genus Microbulbifer, named Microbulbifer magnicolonia sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is GG15T (MCCC 1K08802T=KCTC 8210T).

TMSOTf-Catalyzed C2-Sulfenylation of Indole Alkaloids Using N-Sulfenylsuccinimides: An Approach for the Total Synthesis of Isatindigotindolosides.

A TMSOTf-catalyzed C2-sulfenylation of indole alkaloids with N-sulfenylsuccinimides has been developed. This straightforward, metal-free, and cost-effective catalytic system produces valuable 2-thioindole derivatives with yields ranging from moderate to excellent. The synthetic applicability demonstrated includes the total syntheses of isatindigotindolosides I-IV.

A Method for the Synthesis of Thioindoles through Copper-Catalyzed C-S Bond Coupling Reaction.

We herein report the copper-catalyzed C-S bond coupling reaction of indoles with N-thiosuccinimides, resulting in moderate to excellent yields of mono- and bis-sulfenylated compounds such as arylthioindoles, alkylthioindoles, selenylated indoles, and cysteine-substituted indoles. Thioarylation and thioglycosylation at the C2 position of indole alkaloids in the Radix Isatidis were achieved via structural modification. The first total syntheses of isatindigotindolosides III and IV have been successfully carried out. The electrophilic sulfenyl bromides generated in situ can play an important role in the catalytic cycle.

Photomediated Hydro(deutero)acylation of Olefins by Decarboxylative Addition of α-Oxocarboxylic Acids.

Acyl radicals have been generated from the decarboxylation of α-oxocarboxylic acids by using a readily accessible organic pyrimidopteridine photoredox catalyst under ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light irradiation. These reactive acyl radicals were smoothly added to olefins such as styrenes and diverse Michael acceptors, with the assistance of H2O/D2O as hydrogen donors, enabling easy access to a diverse range of ketones/ß-deuterio ketones. A wide range of α-oxocarboxylic acids are compatible with this reaction, which shows a reliable, atom-economical, and eco-friendly protocol. Furthermore, postsynthetic diversifications and applications are presented.

Longitudinal patient-reported outcomes after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and high complication rate, resulting in a heavy symptom burden and poor health-related quality of life (QOL). We evaluated longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to analyze the correlations between symptoms and QOL and their changing characteristics during postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: We investigated patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 2019 and December 2019. Longitudinal data of the clinical characteristics and PROs were collected. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires were used to assess symptoms and QOL and compare the trajectories of PROs during the investigation. RESULTS: A total of 244 patients with ESCC were enrolled in this study. Regarding QOL, role and emotional functions returned to baseline at 1 month after surgery, and cognitive and social functions returned to baseline at 3 months after surgery. However, physical function and global QOL did not return to baseline at 1 year after surgery. At 7 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the main symptoms of the patients were negatively correlated with physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functions and the overall health status (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with ESCC experience reduced health-related QOL and persisting symptoms after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy, but a recovery trend was observed within 1 month. The long-term QOL after esophagectomy is acceptable.

Correlation between tumor budding and the long-term follow-up outcomes after endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The effect of tumor budding (TB) on the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains unclear. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of patients with superficial ESCC after ESD and the risk factors of TB for the long-term prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in a Chinese hospital. All patients with ESCC treated by ESD and reported TB were included consecutively. Comparative analyses were conducted in three parts: specimen analysis, follow-up analyses of unmatched patients, and propensity score-matched (PSM) patients. Cox proportional hazard regression models were constructed to identify risk factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: A total of 437 patients were enrolled [154 TB and 283 no tumor budding (NTB)], and 258 patients (52 TB and 206 NTB) were included in the follow-up analysis. Results showed that the invasion depth, differentiation type, and positive vascular invasion (all p < 0.001) of the TB group were significantly different from the NTB group. The all-cause mortality and the median RFS time between the two groups were comparable. RFS rate at 5 years were 84.6% and 80.6%, respectively (p = 0.43). Cox analyses identified that having other cancers but not TB, as a risk factor independently associated with overall survival and RFS after ESD. CONCLUSION: TB tends to be associated with invasion depth, differentiation type, and positive vascular invasion. However, it might not affect the long-term outcomes of patients with superficial ESCC after ESD when other high-risk factors are negative.

Draconibacterium aestuarii sp.nov., a Glycolipid-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment and Emended Description of the Genus Draconibacterium.

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative, curved rod-shaped bacterium (4.0-17.0 µm long, 0.6-0.9 µm wide), designated Z1-6T, was obtained from tidal flat sediment collected from YueAo village in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. Strain Z1-6T occurred at 15-45 °C (optimum 28-32 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum 7.0-7.5), and in the presence of 1-5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1-2%). The strain contained iso-C15:0 and antesio-C15:0 as the major fatty acids. An unsaturated menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) was the predominant respiratory quinone. The polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one aminophospholipid (APL), two phospholipids (PL1 and PL2), three glycolipids (GL1, GL2, and GL3), and two unidentified lipids (L1 and L2). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Z1-6T was 39.2%, and the genome size was 6.4 Mb. The strain showed the highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 73.5-74.6%, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 19.3-20%, average amino acid identity (AAI) value of 72.0-73.1% with the members of genus Draconibacterium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genome revealed that strain Z1-6T formed a distinct branch in the clade of the genus Draconibacterium. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic analyses and genomic data, strain Z1-6T represents a novel species of the genus Draconibacterium, for which the name Draconibacterium aestuarii sp. nov. (The type strain Z1-6T = MCCC 1K07533T = KCTC 92310T) is proposed.

Marinobacter albus sp. nov., Isolated from Sand Sediment in a Coastal Intertidal Zone.

A Gram-stain-negative bacterium with a rod-to-ovoid shape, named strain M216T, was isolated from sand sediment from the coastal intertidal zone of Huludao, Liaoning Province, China. Growth was observed at 8-40 °C (optimal, 30 °C), pH 5.5-9.5 (optimal, pH 6.5) and 0.5-14.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimal, 6%). Strain M216T possessed ubiquinone-9 as its sole respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phosphoglycolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified glycolipids as the main polar lipids. C12:0, C16:0, C12:0 3-OH, C16:1 ω9c, C18:1 ω9c and summed features 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) were the major fatty acids (> 5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain M216T exhibited high similarity to those of 'Marinobacter arenosus' CAU 1620T and Marinobacter adhaerens HP15T (99.3% and 98.5%, respectively) and less than 98.5% similarity to those of the other type strains. The ANI and dDDH values between the strain M216T and 'Marinobacter arenosus' CAU 1620T were 87.4% and 33.3%, respectively; these values were the highest among the other type strains but lower than the species threshold. The G+C content of strain M216T was 58.3%. Genomic analysis revealed that strain M216T harbors the major CAZymes of GH13, GH23, GH73, and PL5, which are responsible for polysaccharide degradation and the potential ability to reduce nitrate to ammonia. Through phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic analyses, we proposed the name Marinobacter albus sp. nov., a novel species in the genus Marinobacter, with its type strain M216T (= MCCC 1K08600T = KCTC 82894T).

An intelligent process analysis method for rapidly evaluating the quality of Chinese medicine with near-infrared non-contact hyperspectral imaging: A case study of Weifuchun concentrate.

INTRODUCTION: The quality of Chinese medicine preparations can be greatly influenced by the quality of the intermediates such as extracts or concentrates. However, it is highly challenging to evaluate the quality in a rapid and non-contact manner during manufacturing. Here, we introduce an intelligent hyperspectral analysis method integrating a self-built abnormal region removal algorithm with machine learning and demonstrate its utility using the concentrate of Weifuchun (WFC), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation made from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra, Rabdosia Amethystoides, and Aurantii Fructus. OBJECTIVE: To rapidly and non-destructively detect quality attributes of the intermediates in the manufacturing processes of Chinese medicine, an intelligent hyperspectral analysis method was developed for simultaneously quantifying the contents of naringin, neohesperidin, rosmarinic acid, and relative density of WFC concentrates. METHODOLOGY: Samples were evenly spread on solid white flat bottom containers, which were batch placed on a horizontal sample stage. Subsequent to the acquisition of near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral images, abnormal pixels such as large/small bubbles and fine solids were first removed according to the differential pixel values in the binary grayscale map and the Mahalanobis distance metric. Then, partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were used to construct hyperspectral quantitative calibration models for quality attributes. The hyperspectral images were reconstructed based on these models to visually evaluate the quality of the concentrates during manufacturing. RESULTS: As a case study, quality attributes of the WFC concentrates including contents of naringin, neohesperidin, rosmarinic acid, and relative density were determined simultaneously, and coefficients of determination of these quantitative correction models were 0.900, 0.891, 0.851, and 0.920, respectively. CONCLUSION: The method proposed in this study favors real-time determination of multiple attributes in viscous samples with industrial application prospects.

Myxoid Liposarcoma Metastasizing to the Parotid Gland.

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLPS) of the parotid gland is very rare, and only a few cases have been reported worldwide. It can be difficult to diagnose this disease when there is only a single lesion in the patient's body. A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with an MLPS in the left calf and was treated with wide resection. Two months after the surgery, a painless mass appeared in the man's left parotid gland area. Both fine-needle aspiration biopsy before surgery and intraoperative frozen sections suggested that the tumor was likely to be a pleomorphic adenoma. Both parotid ultrasound and CT indicated the same result. However, this mass was confirmed to be metastasis of MLPS through immunohistochemistry and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization. The authors report a case in which an MLPS metastasized to the parotid gland; this type of lesion is extremely rare and highly worthy of consideration because the authors misdiagnosed it.

[Preparation of hybrid exosomes based on bovine milk exosomes and liposomes and pharmacodynamic study of sinomenine loaded exosomes in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of hybrid exosomes loaded with sinomenine(SIN) obtained by membrane fusion of milk exosomes with liposomes in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats. Exosomes were isolated from fresh bovine milk by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, while liposomes were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation-low temperature curing method. Hybrid exosomes were characterized after membrane fusion through co-incubation: The morphology was detected by transmission electron microscopy, the particle size and potential by nanoparticle size potentiostat, and the expressions of surface characteristic proteins CD63 and TSG101 before and after fusion by Western blot(WB). The drug loading capacity and encapsulation rate of sinomenine were measured after the loading of sinomenine on exosomes by ultrasonic method. The CIA rat model was induced by collagen antibody. The efficacy experiment consisted of the control group, model group, SIN group, SIN-liposome group, SIN-milk exosome group, SIN-hybrid exosome group and positive drug(dexamethasone) group. The changes in body mass of rats during administration were recorded. Besides, the foot swelling, immune organ index, arthritis index, microcirculation index, synovial histopathology, and serum inflammatory factor levels detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were observed for pharmacodynamical study. Under transmission electron microscopy, both hybrid exosomes and milk exosomes showed saucer-like appearance. After co-incubation, the exosome particle size increased from(97.92±3.42)nm to(132.70±4.07)nm, and the Zeta potential changed from(-2.01±0.33)mV to(-17.90±2.13)mV. WB assay showed that CD63 and TSG101 proteins were normally expressed in milk exosomes and hybrid exosomes. The encapsulation rate of milk exosomes was 31.64%±2.48%, with a drug loading of 2.35%±0.52%, while the hybrid exosomes exhibited an encapsulation rate of 48.21%±3.12% and drug loading of 3.17%±0.36%, as determined by the microplate reader. Pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, the general condition, swelling degree of foot, arthritis index and immune organ index of all drug administration groups were significantly improved(P<0.05, P<0.01); microvascular comprehensive score and vascular resistance were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01); serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 inflammatory factors were significantly decreased(P<0.01); and the lesions of synovial tissue were improved to some extent. Meanwhile, compared with the SIN group, SIN-liposome group and SIN-milk exosome group, the SIN-hybrid exosome group had a more stable and durable drug effect. The hybrid exosomes obtained by co-incubation of milk-derived exosomes with liposomes successfully improved the drug carrying capacity of exosomes and biocompatibility of liposomes. The hybrid exosomes loaded with sinomenine have good efficacy on CIA model rats, and can effectively solve the problems of TCM such as sinomenine, which have good efficacy but short biological half-life. The study provides new insights for the development of TCM and the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.