Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in neoadjuvant and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for refractory cervical cancer patients.

A platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for refractory cervical cancer (CC). However, the recurrence of disease and the occurrence of metastasis remain prevalent. We observed the long-term efficacy and safety of bevacizumab combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and CCRT in refractory CC. A total of 62 patients with refractory CC were enrolled in this study from January 2016 to December 2019. The NACT regimen included bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg), docetaxel (75 mg/m2), and cisplatin (75 mg/m2), administered tri-weekly for 2 cycles. The CCRT regimen included bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2), administered tri-weekly for 2 cycles. A dose of 45-50 Gy was prescribed for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), while 30-35 Gy in 4-5 fractions was prescribed for brachytherapy (BT). Among the patients, 21 patients (33.9%) were at stages IIB-IIIB, 8 patients (12.9%) were at stage IIIC1, 19 patients (30.6%) were at stage IIIC2, and 14 patients (22.6%) were at stage IVB. Pelvic, para-aortic, supraclavicular, and inguinal lymph node metastases were discovered in 41 patients (66.1%). The median follow-up was 49.8 months (12.3-82.7 months). The median tumor volumes pre-treatment, after NACT, and before BT were 84.64 ± 53.15 cm3, 1.64 ± 13.15 cm3, and 0 ± 1.5 cm3, respectively. Complete clinical response (cCR) rates after NACT and EBRT were 35.5% and 66.1%, respectively. Four years after the diagnosis, the overall survival (OS) rate was 78.6%, the local region-free survival (LRFS) rate was 91.3%, the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 70.6%, and the distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate was 81.4%. A total of 29 patients (46.8%) experienced grade 3/4 hematological toxicity, 3 patients (4.8%) experienced grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicities, and none experienced grade 5 adverse events. Bevacizumab combined with NACT and CCRT significantly improved cCR and OS in refractory CC with acceptable toxicity.

Leukocyte telomere length and sarcopenia-related traits: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Accumulating evidence indicated that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was related to sarcopenia. However, it is still not clear whether the association of changes in LTL with sarcopenia is likely to be causal, or could be explained by reverse causality. Thus, we carried on bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR analyses to identify the causal relationship between LTL and sarcopenia-related traits. Summary-level data and independent variants used as instruments came from large genome-wide association studies of LTL (472,174 participants), appendicular lean mass (450,243 participants), low grip strength (256,523 participants), and walking pace (450,967 participants). We identified suggestive association of longer LTL with larger appendicular lean mass [odds ratio (OR) = 1.053; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.009-1.099; P = 0.018], and causal association of longer LTL with a lower risk of low grip strength (OR = 0.915; 95% CI, 0.860-0.974; P = 0.005). In the reverse MR analysis, we also observed a positive causal association between walking pace and LTL (OR = 1.252; 95% CI, 1.121-1.397; P < 0.001). Similar results can be repeated in sensitivity analyses. While in the multivariable MR analysis, the estimate of the impact of walking pace on LTL underwent a transformation after adjusting for T2DM (OR = 1.141; 95%CI: 0.989-1.317; P = 0.070). The current MR analysis supported a causal relationship between shorter telomere length and both low muscle mass and strength. Additionally, walking pace may affect LTL through T2DM.

Angiotensin-(1-7) Improves Islet ß-cell Dedifferentiation by Activating PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Islet ß-cell dedifferentiation may be the main cause of reduced insulin secretion. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] can attenuate high glucose-induced apoptosis and dedifferentiation of pancreatic ß-cell, but the specific signal transduction pathway and mechanism are not yet clear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ang-(1-7) on high glucose-induced islet ß-cell dedifferentiation by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Protein kinase B/ Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (PI3K/Akt/FoxO1) signaling pathway. METHODS: The mouse islet ß-cell line MIN6 cells were passaged and cultured and randomly divided into five groups: control (Con) group, high glucose (HG) group, HG with Ang-(1-7) group, HG with Ang-(1-7) and specific MasR antagonist A-779 group, and HG with Ang-(1-7) and PI3K inhibitor LY294002 group. After 48 hours, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of ß-cell-specific factors (Pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1), v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A(MafA)) and endocrine progenitor cell-specific factors (Octamer binding transcription factor 4(Oct4), Nanog) were measured by Real Time-PCR and Western blot. The factors of protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway (Akt, p-Akt, Fox- O1, p-FoxO1) were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: We observed for the first time that high glucotoxicity can induce dedifferentiation of pancreatic islet ß-cell, causing a decrease in insulin secretion levels and expression of Pdx1, MafA, p-- FoxO1, and p-Akt and an increase in expression of Oct4 and Nanog. After Ang-(1-7) intervention, insulin secretion levels and expression of Pdx1, MafA, p-FoxO1 and p-Akt were increased, and the levels of Oct4 and Nanog were reduced. However, A-779 and LY294002 could reverse this effect. During these processes, the total Akt and total FoxO1 expression did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Ang-(1-7) may prevent high glucose-induced pathological dedifferentiation of pancreatic ß-cell by activating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Operative management of trigeminal schwannomas: based on a modified classification in a study of 93 cases.

BACKGROUND: Advances in microscopic and endoscopic surgical techniques have outpaced traditional classification and transcranial surgical strategies, especially with reference to the treatment of trigeminal schwannomas (TSs). A modified TS classification is proposed and appropriate surgical strategies are discussed. METHODS: The cases of 93 patients who underwent surgical treatment in Beijing Tiantan Hospital in the previous 6 years were analyzed retrospectively, and a literature review was conducted. RESULTS: Classification is based on surgical direction. Tumors were classified as follows: type A, backward orientation, located in the orbit or orbit and middle cranial fossa (8 cases, 8.6%); type B, upward orientation, located in the pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa or pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa, and middle cranial fossa (23 cases, 24.7%); type C, forward and backward orientations, located in the middle cranial fossa, posterior cranial fossa or both (58 cases, 62.4%); and type D, located in multiple regions (4 cases, 4.3%). 91.40% of patients underwent gross total resection (GTR) with 29 cases receiving endoscopic resection of whom 93.10% (27/29) experienced GTR. CONCLUSION: The 93 cases were satisfactorily divided into four types, according to tumor location and surgical orientation, enabling safe and effective removal by appropriate surgery.

Angiotensin (1-7) reverses glucose-induced islet ß cell dedifferentiation by Wnt/ß-catenin/FoxO1 signalling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have shown that a decline in isletß cells quality is due to ß-cell dedifferentiation, not only ß-cell apoptosis. Angiotensin (1-7) [Ang(1-7)] could attenuate high glucose-induced apoptosis and dedifferentiation of pancreaticß cells by combining with MAS receptors. However, the mechanism of such action has not been elucidated. Recent studies have revealed that Wnt/ß-catenin and forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) are associated with ß-cell dedifferentiation. Our study aims to explore whether the effects of Ang(1-7)on islet b cell dedifferentiation are mediated through the Wnt/ß-catenin/FoxO1 pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Isletß cells were divided into 6 groups: a control group, a high-glucose group, high glucose with Ang(1-7) group, high-glucose with Ang(1-7) and A779 group, high-glucose with angiotensin(1-7) and CHIR99021 group, and high-glucose with CHIR99021 group. A779 is a kind of MAS receptor antagonist that blocks the action of Ang(1-7), and CHIR99021 is a Wnt pathway activator. The morphology of pancreaticß cells was observed in each group after 48 hours of intervention. ß-cell insulin secretory function and expressions of relevant factors were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the cell morphology became degraded in the high-glucose group and the capability of insulin secretion was reduced. Meanwhile, the expressions of matureß cells markers [pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) and MAF BZIP transcription factor A (MafA)] were reduced, while the expressions of endocrine progenitor cells makers [octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and Nanog] were increased. The addition of CHIR99021 resulted in profound deep destruction ofß cells compared with the high-glucose group. However, such changes were dramatically reversed following the treatment of Ang(1-7). The addition of A779 significantly inhibited the improvement caused by Ang(1-7). CONCLUSION: Ang(1-7) can effectively reverseß cell dedifferentiation through Wnt/ß-catenin/FoxO1 pathway. It might be a new strategy for preventing and treating diabetes.

Comparison of revascularization and conservative treatment for hemorrhagic moyamoya disease in East Asian Countries: a single-center case series and a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objective: The optimal treatment approach for hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (HMMD) remains a topic of debate, particularly regarding the comparative efficacy of revascularization versus conservative treatment. Our study, which included a single-center case series and a systematic review with meta-analysis, aimed to determine whether surgical revascularization is associated with a significant reduction in postoperative rebleeding, ischemic events, and mortality compared to conservative treatment among East Asian HMMD patients. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Wanfang Med Online (WMO), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The outcomes of surgical revascularization and conservative treatment, including rebleeding, ischemic events and mortality, were compared. The authors' institutional series of 24 patients were also included and reviewed in the analysis. Results: A total of 19 East Asian studies involving 1,571 patients as well as our institution's retrospective study of 24 patients were included in the study. In the adult patients-only studies, those who underwent revascularization had significantly lower rates of rebleeding, ischemic events, and mortality compared to those who received conservative treatment (13.1% (46/352) vs. 32.4% (82/253), P < 0.00001; 4.0% (5/124) vs. 14.9% (18/121), P = 0.007; and 3.3% (5/153) vs. 12.6% (12/95), P = 0.01, respectively). In the adult/pediatric patients' studies, similar statistical results of rebleeding, ischemic events, and mortality have been obtained (70/588 (11.9%) vs. 103/402 (25.6%), P = 0.003 or <0.0001 in a random or fixed-effects model, respectively; 14/296 (4.7%) vs. 26/183 (14.2%), P = 0.001; and 4.6% (15/328) vs. 18.7% (23/123), P = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: The current single-center case series and systematic review with meta-analysis of studies demonstrated that surgical revascularization, including direct, indirect, and a combination of both, significantly reduces rebleeding, ischemic events, and mortality in HMMD patients in the East Asia region. More well-designed studies are warranted to further confirm these findings.

Combination algorithms applied to source reconstruction for neutron coded images and restoration for incomplete coded images.

The neutron emission of compressed capsules filled with fuels in inertial confinement fusion implosions can be measured by neutron imaging systems. Source reconstruction is an important method in coded-aperture imaging. In this paper, we use a combination algorithm to reconstruct the neutron source image. This method can improve the resolution and signal-noise ratio of the reconstructed image. In addition, the ray tracing method is used to obtain the point spread functions of the whole field of view (250 µm), and thus, the system response can be obtained. The edge gray interpolation method is used to restore the missing portion of incomplete coded images. The method can maintain a good performance when the missing-data angle is limited to less than 50°.

Cystic lesions in giant intraventricular meningioma: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Giant meningioma stemming from the intraventricular zone has been reported to be extremely few. Two cases of supersize (>8 cm) intraventricular meningiomas presenting with cystic lesions and their clinical characteristics were collected in our study. PATIENT CONCERNS: One patient was a 56-year-old man who was hospitalized for blunt headache and weakness of the right lower limb along with a defect of the right visual field for 12 months. The other patient is a 22-year-old lady who presented with a slight headache accompanied by right facial numbness for 1 week. None of them had a significant past medical history. DIAGNOSES: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of both patients revealed a giant heterogeneous, enhancing tumor mainly in the left trigonum with low-density or hypointense cystic lesions located within or around the tumor. The pathological and immunohistochemical staining indicated fibroblastic meningioma (case 1) and atypical meningioma (case 2) respectively, thus the patients' diagnoses were confirmed. INTERVENTIONS: Total microsurgical resection, including the cystic wall, was performed via a transcortical (transtemporoparietal occipital) approach in both patients, and a ventricular drainage tube was placed for 24 to 48 hours routinely after removed the tumor. OUTCOMES: Postoperatively, both patients recovered free from episodes of symptoms, and imaging examinations confirmed no evidence of regrowth of the meningioma during an average 24 months follow-up. LESSONS: Cystic lesions may indicate the histopathologic malignancy of intraventricular meningioma. Transcortical approach through the posterior temporal lobe or the parieto-occipital lobe is an effective technology for giant intraventricular meningiomas.

[Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy improves symptoms of erectile dysfunction: A preliminary study].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effect and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) in improving the symptoms of ED, and provide some reference for further related large-scale clinical trials. METHODS: Twenty-six patients diagnosed with ED received Li-ESWT with an energy of 0.09 mJ/mm2 for 20 minutes once a week for 6 four-week courses. Before and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment, we obtained the IIEF-5 and Erectile Hardness Scale (EHS) scores of the patients using questionnaires, recorded the incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions, compared the erectile function of the patients before and after treatment, and evaluated the effect and safety of Li-ESWT in improving ED-related symptoms. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the IIEF-5 scores of the patients were significantly increased (P < 0.01) while the EHS scores slightly increased at 3 months after Li-ESWT treatment (P > 0.05), both IIEF-5 and EHS scores were dramatically increased at 6 months (P < 0.01), and both significantly higher than at 3 months. At 9 months, EHS scores remained remarkably higher than the baseline (P < 0.01) although IIEF-5 scores slightly lower than at 6 months. At 12 months, however, IIEF-5 scores decreased, though still significantly higher than the baseline (P < 0.01), and EHS scores became lower than at 6 and 9 months (P < 0.05) but still markedly higher than before treatment (P < 0.05). Adverse reactions observed during the intervention mainly included pruritus (4.35%), pain (2.90%), paresthesia (2.17%), and petechiae/ecchymosis (2.90%). CONCLUSION: Li-ESWT can increase the IIEF-5 and EHS scores and improve the clinical symptoms of ED patients, with a low incidence of adverse reactions during the treatment.

Automated Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Response in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Using Hybrid Model-Based MRI Radiomics.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a model that automatically predicts the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) response for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) based on T2-weighted MR images and clinical parameters. METHODS: A total of 138 patients were enrolled, and T2-weighted MR images and clinical information of the patients before treatment were collected. Clinical information included age, stage, pathological type, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) level, and lymph node status. A hybrid model extracted the domain-specific features from the computational radiomics system, the abstract features from the deep learning network, and the clinical parameters. Then, it employed an ensemble learning classifier weighted by logistic regression (LR) classifier, support vector machine (SVM) classifier, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier, and Bayesian classifier to predict the pathologic complete response (pCR). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), true positive rate (TPR), true negative rate (TNR), and precision were used as evaluation metrics. RESULTS: Among the 138 LACC patients, 74 were in the pCR group, and 64 were in the non-pCR group. There was no significant difference between the two cohorts in terms of tumor diameter (p = 0.787), lymph node (p = 0.068), and stage before radiotherapy (p = 0.846), respectively. The 109-dimension domain features and 1472-dimension abstract features from MRI images were used to form a hybrid model. The average AUC, ACC, TPR, TNR, and precision of the proposed hybrid model were about 0.80, 0.71, 0.75, 0.66, and 0.71, while the AUC values of using clinical parameters, domain-specific features, and abstract features alone were 0.61, 0.67 and 0.76, respectively. The AUC value of the model without an ensemble learning classifier was 0.76. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed hybrid model can predict the radiotherapy response of patients with LACC, which might help radiation oncologists create personalized treatment plans for patients.

Development of a flat-field-response, four-channel x-ray imaging instrument for hotspot asymmetry studies.

Here, we describe a flat-field-response, four-channel x-ray imaging instrument developed to study hotspot asymmetries in inertial-confinement fusion experiments. We discuss the details of its design and optical characterization, the diagnostic deployment of the device, and experiments with it. We achieved a spatial-response flatness better than ∼8.4% within a ±200 µm field of view (FOV), with a spatial resolution of ∼4 µm at the center of the FOV. We used the system to characterize the low-order asymmetry of the implosion hotspot, and we obtained improved results after adjustments to improve the irradiation symmetry. Due to the flat-field-response characteristic, the versatile instrument also has the potential to be applied to diagnostics for the hotspot electron temperature and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Quality of Camellia semiserrata Seed Oils from Various Harvest Dates.

The ripening degree of camellia fruit is one of the key factors affecting the quality of camellia seed oil. In this study, taking Camellia semiserrata as the research object, the oil content, physicochemical indexes, nutritional indexes, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds of camellia seed oils from various harvest dates (from September to October) were determined. The results showed that with the increase of the ripening degree of camellia fruit, the oil content of camellia seed increased at first and then decreased and reached the highest (58.74%) on September 30, while the acid value, peroxide value, ß-sitosterol, α-tocopherol, and polyphenols of camellia seed oil showed a downward trend. Among them, the highest contents of ß-sitosterol, α-tocopherol, and polyphenols were observed on September 2, which were 6881.60, 311.34, and 78.08 mg/kg, respectively. In terms of the fatty acid composition of camellia seed oils, the content of oleic acid increased at first and then decreased, the content of linoleic acid and palmitic acid decreased gradually, while the content of stearic acid increased gradually. A total of 37 volatile compounds were identified in different samples, including 12 aldehydes, 5 ketones, 12 alcohols, 2 acids, 5 esters, and 1 other. With the increase of the ripening degree, the concentration of aldehydes and alcohols increased at first and then decreased, the concentration of ketones and esters decreased gradually, but the concentration of acid compounds had no obvious rule. In addition, the camellia seed oils from various harvest dates were classified and comprehensively evaluated by principal component analysis and grey relation analysis. The results showed that different camellia seed oils could be divided into three groups, and the comprehensive score of camellia seed oils on September 30 was the highest. In general, this work can provide theoretical guidance for the harvest date of Camellia semiserrata.

Angiotensin(1-7) Improves Islet Function in Diabetes Through Reducing JNK/Caspase-3 Signaling.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether Angiotensin (1-7), the physiological antagonist of Angiotensin II (AngII), has antidiabetic activity and the possible mechanism. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group fed the normal diet, DM group fed high-fat diet and injected with STZ, and Angiotensin (1-7) group receiving injection of STZ followed by Angiotensin (1-7) treatment. Serum Ang II, fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-beta were determined in control, diabetes and Angiotensin (1-7) groups. The increased AngII and insulin resistance in diabetes group were accompanied by changes in islet histopathology. However, Angiotensin (1-7) improved the islet function and histopathology in diabetes without affecting the level of AngII. Western blot confirmed that Angiotensin (1-7) decreased the cleaved caspase 3 levels in pancreas of DM. The increased expression of JNK, Bax, and Bcl2 genes under diabetic conditions were partially reversed after Angiotensin (1-7) administration in pancreas. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that p-JNK was markedly increased in islet of DM rats, which was markedly alleviated after Angiotensin (1-7) treatment. Furthermore, Angiotensin (1-7) reversed high glucose(HG) induced mitochondrial apoptosis augments. Finally, Angiotensin (1-7) attenuated the apoptosis of INS-1 cells through reducing JNK activation in diabetes, which was blocked by anisomycin (a potent agonist of JNK). Our findings provide supporting evidence that Angiotensin (1-7) improved the islet beta-cells apoptosis by JNK-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, which might be a novel target for the treatment and prevention of beta-cells dysfunction in DM.

Design of the scintillator imaging lens for the neutron imaging system at the 100 kJ-level laser facility.

Deuterium-tritium neutron yield has reached up to about 1013 at the 100 kJ-level laser facility, which makes measurement of neutron emission images possible with the neutron imaging system. There are two methods to collect neutron images from the scintillator array, optical fiber taper and the lens system. Here, we report a design of the lens system for the neutron imaging system at the 100 kJ-level laser facility. The lens system, which consists of a nine-element collecting lens, with a spatial resolution of 20 µm and a light-collection efficiency of 5.9% has been designed.

[Prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted drug delivery system for prostate cancer].

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a most common malignancy in the genitourinary system, which imposes a huge burden on the patients and society. Various traditional medication methods fail to achieve satisfactory effects, and therefore it is imperative to develop innovative and effective routes of administration. Drug delivery systems have the characteristics of both delivery and controlled release and are widely used clinically. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is one of the most characteristic and highly selective biomarkers of PCa with a good PCa-targetability. Many drug delivery systems targeting PSMA have been explored, including drug-ligand conjugates and nano-drug delivery systems (polymer nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, and biological nanoparticles, etc.). This article reviews the recent studies on the role of the PSMA-targeting drug delivery system in PCa, in order to provide some reference for the precise and effective treatment of the malignancy.

LncRNA LncHrt preserves cardiac metabolic homeostasis and heart function by modulating the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway.

Metabolic modulation is a promising therapeutic approach to prevent adverse remodeling of the ischemic heart. Because little is known about the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating cardiac metabolism, we used unbiased transcriptome profiling in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). We identified a novel cardiomyocyte-enriched lncRNA, called LncHrt, which regulates metabolism and the pathophysiological processes that lead to heart failure. AAV-based LncHrt overexpression protects the heart from MI as demonstrated by improved contractile function, preserved metabolic homeostasis, and attenuated maladaptive remodeling responses. RNA-pull down followed by mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) identified SIRT2 as a LncHrt-interacting protein involved in cardiac metabolic regulation. Mechanistically, we established that LncHrt interacts with SIRT2 to preserve SIRT2 deacetylase activity by interfering with the CDK5 and SIRT2 interaction. This increases downstream LKB1-AMPK kinase signaling, which ameliorates functional and metabolic deficits. Importantly, we found the expression of the human homolog of mouse LncHrt was decreased in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Together, these studies identify LncHrt as a cardiac metabolic regulator that plays an essential role in preserving heart function by regulating downstream metabolic signaling pathways. Consequently, LncHrt is a potentially novel RNA-based therapeutic target for ischemic heart disease.

Camellia nitidissima Chi leaf as pancreatic lipase inhibitors: Inhibition potentials and mechanism.

In this study, Camellia nitidissima Chi leaf extract was investigated for its compounds and pancreatic lipase inhibitory potentials. The interaction was determined using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy (FS), and molecular docking to understand the inhibiton, kinetic, and conformation of extraction-pancreatic lipase complex. C. nitidissima Chi leaf extraction inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity in a dose-dependent manner at the concentration of 1-12 mg/ml. The Lineweaver-Burk plots indicated that the inhibition on pancreatic lipase by extraction was noncompetitive. In addition, the decrease in α-helix contents, increase in ß-sheet and ß-turn, and decrease in fluorescence intensity after extraction treatment indicated that the conformation of pancreatic lipase was changed. This work revealed that C. nitidissima Chi leaf extraction played a significant role in inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity and brought out a solution of delay fat accumulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study reports the components in the extract of C. nitidissima Chi leaf and its inhibitory effect and mechanism of pancreatic lipase. C. nitidissima Chi leaf is a good source of bioactive components, including multiflorin B, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, vicenin-2, apigenin-6-C-pentosyl-8-C-hexosyl, vitexin, kaempferol, and other ingredients. It can inhibit pancreatic lipase and be used to control obesity and treat hyperlipidemia. This study also revealed the structure changes of C. nitidissima Chi leaf extract on pancreatic lipase, and further revealed the inhibitory mechanism of C. nitidissima Chi leaf extract on lipase, which provides a theoretical basis for C. nitidissima Chi leaf as a lipase inhibitor.

A checklist of Scoliidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from China.

A checklist of all confirmed species of the family Scoliidae (Hymenoptera) from China is made based on the Chinese specimens in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (RMNH, Leiden) and on additional specimens from the Chinese Academy of Insect Science (IOZ, Beijing), the Zhejiang University (ZJUH, Hangzhou), and the Sun Yat-sen University (SYSUBM, Guangzhou). The Scoliid species from China belong to one subfamily, two tribes, 11 genera and 52 species. Two species are deleted from the fauna of China: Campsomeriella ilanensis (Tsuneki, 1972) and Scolia (Discolia) quadripustulata Fabricius, 1782. One subspecies, i.e., Carinoscolia vittifrons nipponensis Uchida, 1933, status nov., is elevated to species rank. Scolia (Discolia) formosicola Betrem, 1928, status nov. and S. (D.) inouyei Okamoto, 1924 are re-instated valid species.

Taxonomy of Bethylus (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from China with description of nine new species.

Nine new species as well as a known species of Bethylus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from China are described and illustrated: B. crassicapitis sp. nov., B. convexus sp. nov., B. gansensis sp. nov., B. glabricarinatus sp. nov., B. hunanensis sp. nov., B. incurvus sp. nov., B. ningxicus sp. nov., B. prolatus sp. nov., B. quadraticapitis sp. nov., and B. sinensis Xu, He Terayama. A key to the known Chinese species is provided.

Microwave pretreatment of camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) seeds: Effect on oil flavor.

Microwave is a new pretreatment technology, and microwave processing time of camellia seeds is a factor affecting the flavor of camellia seed oil (CSO). Therefore, this study on the characteristic volatile compounds of CSO from microwaved seeds with different processing time was carried out by electronic nose (E-nose), headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). The results of E-nose show that W1W, W2W and W5S were the main sensors to distinguish the flavor profile of CSOs. Through HS-SPME-GC-MS and odor activity value analysis, 80 volatile compounds were detected and 22 key aroma compounds were screened in CSOs. Compared with HS-SPME-GC-MS, 44 volatile compounds were detected by HS-GC-IMS, including 9 identical compounds and 35 different compounds. In general, the volatile compounds of 0, 2 and 3 min CSOs were mainly alcohols and esters, while the 4, 5 and 6 min CSOs were mainly heterocycles and aldehydes.