Low-temperature plasma modification, structural characterization and anti-diabetic activity of an apricot pectic polysaccharide.

To fully research the anti-diabetic activity of apricot polysaccharide, low temperature plasma (LTP) was used to modify apricot polysaccharide. The modified polysaccharide was isolated and purified using column chromatography. It was found that LTP modification can significantly improve the α-glucosidase glucosidase inhibition rate of apricot polysaccharides. The isolated fraction FAPP-2D with HG domain showed excellent anti-diabetic activity in insulin resistance model in L6 cell. We found that FAPP-2D increased the ADP/ATP ratio and inhibited PKA phosphorylation, activating the LKB1-AMPK pathway. Moreover, FAPP-2D activated AMPK-PGC1α pathway, which could stimulated mitochondrial production and regulate energy metabolism, promoting GLUT4 protein transport to achieve an anti-diabetic effect. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showed that the LTP modification could increase the CH bond content while decreasing the C-O-C/C-O bond content, indicating that LTP destroyed the C-O-C/C-O bond, which enhanced the anti-diabetes activity of the modified apricot pectin polysaccharide. Our findings could pave the way for the molecular exploitation of apricot polysaccharides and the application of low-temperature plasma.

Association between depression and anxiety symptoms with physical activity among rural returning adolescents / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the symptoms of depression and anxiety among rural returning adolescents and to analyze their association with physical activity related factors, so as to provide reference for interventions targeting depression and anxiety symtoms in the population.@*Methods@#From April to June 2020, 3 495 middle school students were selected from 6 counties and districts of Shangrao City by random cluster stratified sampling sampling. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to evaluate the depressive and anxiety symptoms among middle school students. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess their physical activity levels during the past week. Chi square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to determine the strength of the association between depression and anxiety symptoms and physical activity related factors in returning and non returning adolescents as well as the overall population.@*Results@#Univariate analysis showed significant differences in the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between rural returning and non returning adolescents and the overall population in terms of "type of school" "family economic situation" "parental occupation" "number of sports classes per week" and "level of physical activity per week" ( χ 2=78.21, 16.56, 135.44, 107.75, 7.10, 8.62; 97.94, 24.26 , 124.07, 90.36, 9.60, 8.34, P <0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed a correlation between the occurrence of depression and the number of sports classes per week for rural returning and non returning adolescents and the overall population (number of sports classes per week for non returning was 2 times, OR=1.22, 95%CI =1.01-1.49; returning adolescents for 1 time, OR=1.85, 95%CI =1.06-3.23; the overall population for 1 time, OR=1.34, 95%CI =1.01-1.77 and 2 times, OR=1.20, 95%CI =1.01-1.43, P <0.05). There was a correlation between anxiety symptoms and the number of sports classes per week for returning adolescents (number of sports classes per week for returning adolescents was 1 time, OR=2.10, 95%CI=1.21-3.63, P < 0.05 ).@*Conclusion@#A low frequency of weekly sports classes may be a risk factor for depressive or anxiety symptoms in rural and returning adolescents. Rural primary and secondary schools should appropriately increase the number of physical education courses or arrange sports extended classes to promote the development of adolescent mental health.

Age-dependent alteration in metabolism of vitamin B6 , neurotransmitters, and amino acids after 4'-O-methylpyridoxine administration in rats.

4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN), a recognized antivitamin B6 compound, is a potentially poisonous substance found in Ginkgo biloba L. In this work, the effects of MPN on the metabolism of vitamin B6 , neurotransmitters, and amino acids were compared in the plasma and brain of young and adult rats under various administration times. Results showed that the contents of MPN residues in the plasma and brain of young rats were 12.72 and 14.76 µM higher than adult rats, respectively. Moreover, the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in the brain of young rats have decreased by 13.78% and 7.19%, respectively, compared with the control group, at 2 h after MPN administration. Furthermore, the principal component analysis revealed that MPN was an important contributor to the amino acid composition in the brain of young rats. These results suggest that age may lead to different toxic effects of MPN. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 4'-O-methylpyridoxine is primarily responsible for poisoning due to overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds. This study will provide an exploratory understanding of the age-dependent toxicity of 4'-O-methylpyridoxine.

In vivo toxicity assessment of 4'-O-methylpyridoxine from Ginkgo biloba seeds: Growth, hematology, metabolism, and oxidative parameters.

4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN), a recognized antivitamin B6 compound, is a potentially poisonous substance found in Ginkgo biloba seeds and leaves. In this work, the body weights, histopathological changes, plasma vitamin B6 (VB6), biochemical parameters, oxidative stress responses, and amino acids of rats were investigated after intragastric administration of MPN for 15 days. Results showed that intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg BW MPN caused pathological changes in the brain and heart tissues of rats. Administration of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg BW MPN can significantly increase VB6 analogs in the plasma of rats, such as pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, pyridoxal. Results of biochemical parameters indicated that MPN can damage brains and hearts by changing the enzyme activity of these organs. These results suggest that consumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds for the long term, even in a small quantity, may lead to poisoning.

Facile Synthesis of Polyethylene Glycol@Tannin-Amine Microsphere towards Cr(VI) Removal.

Herein, a synthetic strategy for a rough microsphere Cr(VI)-adsorbent via the reaction of tannic acid (TA) and 1,6-hexanediamine (HA) and using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as surface modifier was presented. This adsorbent was characterized by a Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermogravimetic analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. Certain factors, including contact time, PEG@poly(tannin-1,6-hexanediamine) (PEG@PTHA) dosage, initial concentration, and experimental temperature affecting the Cr(VI) adsorption performance of adsorbent were explored. PEG@PTHA can adsorb Cr and the Cr(VI) was reduced up to Cr(III) due to the existence of phenolic hydroxyl groups. Its adsorption capacity can reach up to 300 mg/g within 10 min and approximately 100% removal percentage below the initial concentration of 100 mg/L. Its behavior matched well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. A PEG@PTHA adsorbent with maximum adsorption capacity (450 mg/g) has great prospects in Cr(VI)-sewage treatment.

High-performance reversible aqueous zinc-ion battery based on iron-doped alpha-manganese dioxide coated by polypyrrole.

The development of zinc-ion storage cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is a necessary step for the construction of large-scale electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. Iron-doped alpha-manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) nanocomposites were achieved in this study via pre-intercalation of Fe3+ during the formation of α-MnO2 crystals. A polypyrrole (PPy) granular layer was fabricated on the surface of α-MnO2 using acid-catalyzed polymerization of pyrroles. The pre-intercalation of Fe3+ effectively enlarges the lattice spacing of α-MnO2 and consequently decreases the hindrance for Zn2+ insertion/extraction in the iron-doped α-MnO2 coated by PPy (Fe/α-MnO2@PPy) composite. Meanwhile, the PPy buffer layer can ameliorate electron and ion conductivity and prevent dissolution of α-MnO2during the charge/discharge process. This unique structure makes the Fe/α-MnO2@PPy composite an efficient zinc-ion storage cathode for AZIBs. The targeted Fe/α-MnO2@PPy cathode achieves superior performance with reversible specific capacity (270 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1) and exhibits highdiffusioncoefficientof 10-10-10-14 cm-2 s-1. Therefore, a feasible approach is implemented on advanced electrode materials using in AZIBs for practical applications.

Calixarene-Protected Titanium-Oxo Clusters and Their Photocurrent Responses and Photocatalytic Performances.

Three photosensitive tert-butylcalix[n]arene (TBC[n], n = 4, 6, 8)-protected titanium-oxo clusters (TOCs), formulated as [Ti4(µ3-O)2(TBC[4])2(OiPr)4(DEF)2]·DEF (1, TBC[4]-Ti4, DEF = N,N-diethylformamide), [Ti4(µ4-O)TBC[6](OCH3)9]·H2O (2, TBC[6]-Ti4), and [Ti4(µ3-O)2(OiPr)4TBC[8](DEF)2]·DEF (3, TBC[8]-Ti4), were successfully synthesized and characterized. Because of the generation of charge transfer from TBC[n] to the TiO core, the three TBC[n]-decorated TOCs show a broadened visible-light absorption and narrowed optical band gap based on the UV-visible spectra and density functional theory calculations. The corresponding photosensitive electrodes prepared using these three TOCs exhibit stable photocurrent responses. Furthermore, their photocatalytic performances for hydrogen evolution and methylene blue degradation were evaluated, and all of the materials display excellent photocatalytic activity and stability. The calixarene-Ti coordination is therefore an effective strategy to enlarge the visible-light absorption band of Ti-O materials and improve their photoelectric/photocatalytic performances.

4'-O-methylpyridoxine: Preparation from Ginkgo biloba Seeds and Cytotoxicity in GES-1 Cells.

Ginkgo biloba seeds are wildly used in the food and medicine industry. It has been found that 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) is responsible for the poisoning caused by G. biloba seeds. The objective of this study was to explore and optimize the extraction method of MPN from G. biloba seeds, and investigate its toxic effect on human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) and the potential related mechanisms. The results showed that the extraction amount of MPN was 1.933 µg/mg, when extracted at 40 °C for 100 min, with the solid-liquid ratio at 1:10. MPN inhibited the proliferation of GES-1 cells, for which the inhibition rate was 38.27% when the concentration of MPN was 100 µM, and the IC50 value was 127.80 µM; meanwhile, the cell cycle was arrested in G2 phase. High concentration of MPN (100 µM) had significant effects on the nucleus of GES-1 cells, and the proportion of apoptotic cells reached 43.80%. Furthermore, the Western blotting analysis showed that MPN could reduce mitochondrial membrane potential by increasing the expression levels of apoptotic proteins Caspase 8 and Bax in GES-1 cells. In conclusion, MPN may induce apoptosis in GES-1 cells, which leads to toxicity in the human body.

Patient blood management: application in complicated adult cardiothoracic surgery / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the effect of multi-disciplinary patient blood management(PBM) on perioperative blood transfusion in patients with cardiothoracic surgery of gradeⅢ~Ⅳ. 【Methods】 The blood transfusion data and relevant clinical information of adult patients underwent grade Ⅲ~Ⅳ cardiothoracic surgeries before and after PBM (from January 2016 to December 2018)in our hospital were collected using Hospital Information System and Management System of Blood Transfusion Department. Patients were grouped according to three separate12-month periods: 933 cases subjected to conventional blood transfusion practice from Jan. to Dec.2016 as the control group, 1 139 cases experienced initial implement PBM(started on Jan.1, 2017)from Jan. to Dec.2017 as the early PBM group, and 1 411 cases received improved PBM from Jan. to Dec.2018 as the improved PBM group. The perioperative autotransfusion rate, allogeneic transfusion rate, length of hospital stay and hospitalization expenses of the three groups were compared by χ2 test and variance analysis. 【Results】 The comparison results among control group, early PBM group and improved PBM group were as following: 1) The proportion of patients using iron and EPO to treat preoperative anemia were 15.12%(44/291)vs 19.73%(72/365)vs 26.65%(125/469)(P<0.01) and 10.31%(30/291)vs 12.33%(40/365)vs 15.57%(73/469)(P<0.05), respectively. 2) The incidence of autotransfusion were 57.98%(541/933)vs 44.76%(544/1 139)vs 37.00%(522/1 411)(P<0.01). The allogeneic transfusion volume per capita(U) were 351.91±35.85 vs 392.76±43.33 vs 421.75±73.84(P<0.05). The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion were 18.11%(169/933)vs 17.56%(200/1 139)vs 13.32%(188/1 411)(P<0.01). The allogeneic blood transfusion volume per capita (U) were 6.56±8.33 vs 5.52±6.28 vs 5.56±6.17(P<0.01). 3) The per capita hospital stay (d) and ICU stay (d) were19.54±16.56 vs 16.46±12.06 vs 15.11±10.18 and 4.45±9.31 vs 3.56±6.93 vs 3.26±5.29(P<0.05), respectively. The per capita hospitalization expenses (ten thousand yuan/person) were 10.76±8.39 vs 9.58±7.58 vs 9.13±5.9(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The application of PBM in perioperative blood transfusionfor adult cardiothoracic surgery Ⅲ ~ Ⅳcan significantly decrease the incidence of autologous and allogeneic blood transfusion, the length of hospitalstay and hospitalization expenses.

Adenosine A3 Receptor Mediates ERK1/2- and JNK-Dependent TNF-α Production in Toxoplasma gondii-Infected HTR8/SVneo Human Extravillous Trophoblast Cells

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes severe disease when the infection occurs during pregnancy. Adenosine is a purine nucleoside involved in numerous physiological processes; however, the role of adenosine receptors in T. gondii-induced trophoblast cell function has not been investigated until now. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the intracellular signaling pathways regulated by adenosine receptors using a HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell model of T. gondii infection. HTR8/SVneo human extravillous trophoblast cells were infected with or without T. gondii and then evaluated for cell morphology, intracellular proliferation of the parasite, adenosine receptor expression, TNF-α production and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways triggered by adenosine A3 receptor (A3AR). HTR8/SVneo cells infected with T. gondii exhibited an altered cytoskeletal changes, an increased infection rate and reduced viability in an infection time-dependent manner. T. gondii significantly promoted increased TNF-α production, A3AR protein levels and p38, ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation compared to those observed in uninfected control cells. Moreover, the inhibition of A3AR by A3AR siRNA transfection apparently suppressed the T. gondii infection-mediated upregulation of TNF-α, A3AR production and MAPK activation. In addition, T. gondii-promoted TNF-α secretion was dramatically attenuated by pretreatment with PD098059 or SP600125. These results indicate that A3AR-mediated activation of ERK1/2 and JNK positively regulates TNF-α secretion in T. gondii-infected HTR8/SVneo cells.

Influence of illumination on the greening and relative enzyme activity of garlic puree.

Garlic has attracted considerable attention because of its bactericidal and anticancer effects. However, the greening of garlic purees greatly affects the product quality. This study investigated the influence of light colors and power on the greening of garlic, and determined the key substances of garlic puree greening, including γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), thiosulfinate, and alliinase. Results showed that purple light source greatly affects greening power, γ-GT, and thiosulfinate. Illumination using a 3-W power lamp could reduce the production of thiosulfinate and alliinase and inhibit the green transformation reaction. Illumination using a 5-W power lamp greatly affected the thiosulfinate content and greening power, whereas that using a 7-W power lamp greatly influenced the γ-GT activity, porphobilinogen content, and alliinase content. Results showed that the green color of garlic puree is greatly affected by the illumination color and intensity, which provides theoretical support for the anti-greening of light garlic puree. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Because garlic puree easily turns green during processing, which affects the product quality and economic value, this study uses controllable light source radiation to influence the greening of garlic puree, hoping to delay or even solve this problem and provide a new simple method to prevent garlic puree from turning greening.

Influence of packaging materials on postharvest physiology and texture of garlic cloves during refrigeration storage.

This study aims to investigate the postharvest physiology and texture of garlic cloves packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), aluminized kraft paper (AKP), single kraft paper (SKP), and mesh bag. Germination rate, electrical conductivity, respiration intensity, water content, and texture were determined during 180 d storage at -2 °C. Results showed that the germination of garlic cloves packaged in PET, PE, and AKP was effectively inhibited during storage. PE effectively reduced the degree of damage to the cell membranes of the garlic cloves. PE and SKP significantly inhibited respiratory intensity during storage. Garlic cloves water content did not change significantly in 90 d storage which packaged in PE and SKP. PE exhibited better effect on the texture and freshness of garlic cloves than the other materials. In conclusion, PE is the best packaging material for maintaining the quality attributes and extending the shelf lives of garlic cloves.

Retinal and choroidal abnormalities identified by multispectral imaging in patients with uveitis: Three case reports.

INTRODUCTION: Multispectral imaging (MSI) shows increasing strengths in detection of retinal and choroidal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of javascript:void(0), detecting retinal and choroidal abnormalities of uveitis which have not been described previously. PATIENT CONCERNS: The first case was a 49-year-old male patient who presented with visual disturbance and metamorphopsia in both eyes for 5 days, companying by a history of headache and hearing loss recently. The second case was related to a 45-year-old female patient who complained of blurred vision and a dark shadow before her right eye for 3 months. The third case corresponded to a 36-year-old male patient who presented with blurred vision and slight pain in his left eye for >1 week, and his blood tested positive for syphilis. DIAGNOSIS: Three Chinese patients with representative kind of uveitis were described in the study, including Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, posterior uveitis with choroidal neovascularization, and syphilis-infected uveitis. Each affected eye had corresponding retinal and choroidal abnormalities evaluated by multiple ophthalmologic examinations. INTERVENTIONS: Case 1 was treated with oral prednisone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d started at the early stage and then slowed tapering of the prednisone dose based on follow-up examinations. Case 2 received anti-VEGF treatment. Case 3 received the standard treatment for neurosyphilis. OUTCOMES: Due to timely diagnosis and treatment, all patients had a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: MSI provides a novel way to view retinal and choroidal abnormalities of uveitis, and may provide a supplemental method to morphological changes.

Determination and Comparison of 4'- O-Methylpyridoxine Analogues in Ginkgo biloba Seeds at Different Growth Stages.

The antivitamin B6, 4'- O-methylpyridoxine (MPN); its glucoside, 4'- O-methylpyridoxine-5'-glucoside (MPNG); and vitamin B6 compounds, including pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxamine, pyridoxine, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), and pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate, exist in Ginkgo biloba seeds, which are widely used as food and medicine. This work aimed to determine the MPN analogues in G. biloba seeds at different growth stages in terms of cultivars and ages of trees. The highest total MPN contents of 249.30, 295.62, and 267.85 µg/g were obtained in the mature stages of three selected G. biloba samples. The total contents of vitamin B6 compounds decreased significantly in the entire growth period of the three samples. Principal-component analysis revealed that MPN and MPNG were important contributors in the MPN-analogue metabolism of G. biloba seeds. The influence of the cultivar on the content and composition of MPN analogues was greater than that of the age of the G. biloba tree.

Twenty-eight cases of patients with acute closed rupture of the achilles tendon of five years follow-up study / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To compare the curative effect of open and minimally invasive treatment of acute closed achilles tendon rupture with 5 years followed-up study.Methods From September,2010 to January,2012,28 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture in our hospital were followed up for 5 years.There were 21 males and 7 females.Minimally invasive percutaneous suture in 11 cases;open suture in the treatment of 17 cases.The patients were followed up at 6 months,1 year,2 years,3 years,4 years,and 5 years after AOFAS and ATRS score.Results The follow-up time ranged from 60 to 72 months.All incisions healed by first intention and no incision related complications occurred.2 groups of patients with ATRS score at 6 months after operation:the open group was 81.23±3.99,minimally invasive percutaneous group of 88.27±4.27,the difference between the two groups was statistically significantly.After 1 year,there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups.Two groups of patients with AOFAS score at 6 months after operation:the open group was 69.00±6.23,minimally invasive percutaneous group of 79.27±4.83,the difference between the two groups was statistically significantly.At one year after operation,the open group was 85.53±3.38,and the minimally invasive group was more than 89.90±3.38.The difference between the two groups was statistically significantly.After 2 years,there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups.Conclusion There is no significant difference between the 2 years after surgery in the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture or open surger.

[Influence of Reaction Time on Titanate Nanomaterials and Its Adsorptioi Capability for Lead in Aqueous Solutions].

Titanate nanomaterials (TNs) were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method using TiO2 (ST-01) and NaOH as the raw materials, and presented different morphologies by adjusting the reaction time. The physico-chemical properties of the as-prepared TNs, such as morphology, structure, surface area, and chemical composition were characterized by XRD, SEM and BET. The adsorption capability and rules of Pb(II) in aqueous solutions were tested in the static system. The results showed that the TNs prepared with 12-72 h reaction time were pure monoclinic phase titanate and their specific surface areas were in the range from 243.05 m2 x g(-1) to 286.20 m2 x g(-1). TNs with reaction time between 12-36 h mainly showed sheet structure, and those with reaction time higher than 48 h showed linear structure. The adsorption capacity of Pb(II) by TNs-12, TNs-24, TNs-36, TNs-48, TNs-60 and TNs-72 was 479.40, 504.12, 482.00, 388.10, 364.60 and 399.00 mg x g(-1), respectively. The sheet TNs had a better adsorption capacity than the linear TNs. TNs-24 had the highest adsorbing capacity. The adsorption kinetics of Pb(II) by TNs-24 followed the pseudo-second-order model, and the equilibrium data was best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model. The equilibrium adsorption time of TNs-24 was 120 min, and the adsorption was an exothermic process, with a high adsorption capacity at low temperature or room temperature; the optimal adsorption pH was 5.0. When pH was 1.0, the desorption rate of TNs-24 could reach 99.00%, and the removal efficiency of Pb(II) by regenerated TNs was still more than 97% after six times of usage. Therefore, TNs could efficiently remove Pb(II) in aqueous solutions, and the optimal reaction time should be controlled to 12-24 h. When Cd(II) or Ni(II) existed in the solution, the equilibrium adsorption capacity and removal rate of TNs-24 were decreased. The adsorption mechanism was mainly ion-exchanged between Pb(II) and H+/Na+ in TNs.

Comparison of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity in Three Bean Varieties Grown in Central Malawi.

The aims of the current work were: (1) to study the influence of variety and geographical production area on the total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, total flavonoid content, total carotenoid content and antioxidant activity in bean varieties (Dimeta, Napirira and Nanyati) from different growing areas in central Malawi, and (2) to evaluate the possibility of establishing a classification based on the geographical areas of the growing regions. A total of 47 bean samples were collected from Makowe, Mphathi, Chuma-Chitsala and Khulungira Zone. These four locations were segregated based on altitude, latitude and longitude. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to distinguish and classify among these samples. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in total phenolic content (2.92-4.97 mg/g), total anthocyanin content (14.52-152.31 µg/g), total flavonoid content (2.01-6.38 mg/g) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (16.75-24.51 µmol/g) were found among the different sampled villages, showing a significant effect of the producing region on these parameters. The beans in Makowe had lower polyphenols than in other locations. Results of principal component analysis indicate that phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity could serve as parameters to establish a bean classification according to the geographical area of production.

Allergic identification for ginkgo kernel protein in guinea pigs.

Ginkgo biloba L. can cause allergic reactions when consumed. In this paper, an allergy test to guinea pig was investigated. Guinea pigs were sensitized with 50 mg/mL of ginkgo kernel protein orally on days 1, 3, and 5, and intraperitoneally challenged with 100mg/mL of the protein on day 7 after the last sensitization. The volume of sensitization and challenge was 0.20mL/100 g weight. The results showed the average allergy grade for guinea pigs reached four and the allergy rate was 100%. The immunoglobulin G and E levels in sera were significantly higher than those in the controls. Footpads swelled distinctly, and the passive cutaneous allergy test manifested a positive response. There were inflammatory changes in the lungs and intestines. In conclusion, the present results may indicate that gingko kernel protein has an allergenic capacity.

Effects of leaves ofLycium barbarumon estrogen receptor in ovariectomized rats / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, the main active component of leaves of lycium barbarum, has a remarkable therapeutic effect on osteoporosis in adult ovariectomized female rats. OBJECTIVE:To explore effects of leaves ofLycium barbarum on serum estradiol and bone estrogen receptor expressions in adult oxariectomized female rats. METHODS: Thirty-two 6-month-od female rats were randomized into sham-surgery, model, and treatment groups, respectively. Rat models of postmenopausal osteoporosis were induced by ovariotomy folowed by oraly administration of water solution of leaves ofLycium barbarum (500 or 1 000 mg/kg) or distiled water once daily for consecutive 12 weeks in treatment and model groups, respectively. Serum estradiol level was detected by radiation immunoassaymethod. Estrogen receptor α, β immunoreactivities in bone tissue were determined by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Serum estradiol level in the model group was significantly decreased compared with the sham-surgery group (P < 0.01), but that was significantly increased in the treatment groups, particularly at high dose, compared with the model group (P< 0.01). Estrogen receptor α, βimmunoreactivities were weaker in the model group than the sham-surgery group (P < 0.01), and those were stronger in the treatment groups than the model group (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that leaves of Lycium barbarum treat osteoporosis through enhancing serum estradiol and estrogen receptor expressions in adult ovariectomized rats.

Decoding the non-stationary neuron spike trains by dual Monte Carlo point process estimation in motor Brain Machine Interfaces.

Decoding algorithm in motor Brain Machine Interfaces translates the neural signals to movement parameters. They usually assume the connection between the neural firings and movements to be stationary, which is not true according to the recent studies that observe the time-varying neuron tuning property. This property results from the neural plasticity and motor learning etc., which leads to the degeneration of the decoding performance when the model is fixed. To track the non-stationary neuron tuning during decoding, we propose a dual model approach based on Monte Carlo point process filtering method that enables the estimation also on the dynamic tuning parameters. When applied on both simulated neural signal and in vivo BMI data, the proposed adaptive method performs better than the one with static tuning parameters, which raises a promising way to design a long-term-performing model for Brain Machine Interfaces decoder.