Discrimination and prediction of Qingzhuan tea storage year using quantitative chemical profile combined with multivariate analysis: Advantages of MRMHR based targeted quantification metabolomics.

The duration of storage significantly influences the quality and market value of Qingzhuan tea (QZT). Herein, a high-resolution multiple reaction monitoring (MRMHR) quantitative method for markers of QZT storage year was developed. Quantitative data alongside multivariate analysis were employed to discriminate and predict the storage year of QZT. Furthermore, the content of the main biochemical ingredients, catechins and alkaloids, and free amino acids (FAA) were assessed for this purpose. The results show that targeted marker-based models exhibited superior discrimination and prediction performance among four datasets. The R2Xcum, R2Ycum and Q2cum of orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis discrimination model were close to 1. The correlation coefficient (R2) and the root mean square error of prediction of the QZT storage year prediction model were 0.9906 and 0.63, respectively. This study provides valuable insights into tea storage quality and highlights the potential application of targeted markers in food quality evaluation.

Revealing the chemical differences and their application in the storage year prediction of Qingzhuan tea by SWATH-MS based metabolomics analysis.

It's generally believed that the longer the storage, the better the quality of dark tea, but the chemical differences of Qingzhuan tea (QZT) with different storage years is still unclear. Herein, in this work, an untargeted metabolomic approach based on SWATH-MS was established to investigate the differential compounds of QZT with 0-9 years' storage time. These QZT samples were roughly divided into two categories by principal component analysis (PCA). After orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), 18 differential compounds were putatively identified as chemical markers for the storage year variation of QZT. Heatmap visualization showed that the contents of catechins, fatty acids, and some phenolic acids significantly reduced, flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoids, and 8-C N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavan-3-ols (EPSFs) increased with the increase of storage time. Furthermore, these chemical markers were verified by the peak areas corresponding to MS2 ions from SWATH-MS. Based on the extraction chromatographic peak areas of MS and MS2 ions, a duration time prediction model was built for QZT with correlation coefficient R2 of 0.9080 and 0.9701, and RMSEP value of 0.85 and 1.24, respectively. This study reveals the chemical differences of QZT with different storage years and provides a theoretical basis for the quality evaluation of stored dark tea.

[Analysis of risk factors for readmission in elderly patients with hip fractures undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence and risk factors of readmission of elderly patients with hip fracture after hip hemiarthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 237 elderly hip fracture patients who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty from February 2015 to October 2020 were performed. According to the readmission status of the patients at 3 months postoperatively, the patients were divided into readmission group (39 cases)and non-readmission group(198 cases). In readmission group, there were 7 males and 32 females with an average age of(84.59±4.34) years old, respectively, there were 34 males and 164 females with average age of (84.65±4.17) years old in non-readmission group. The general information, surgical status, hip Harris score and complications of patients in two groups were included in univariate analysis, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze independent risk factors of patients' readmission. RESULTS: The proportion of complications(cerebral infarction and coronary heart disease) in readmission group was significantly higher than that of non-readmission group (P<0.05), and intraoperative blood loss in readmission group was significantly higher than that of non-readmission group(P<0.05). Harris score of hip joint was significantly lower than that of non-readmission group(P<0.05). The proportion of infection, delirium, joint dislocation, anemia and venous thrombosis in readmission group were significantly higher than that of non-readmission group (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for readmission of elderly patients with hip fracture after hip hemiarthroplasty included cerebral infarction, infection, delirium, dislocation, anemia and venous thrombosis (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The complications of the elderly patients who were readmission after hip hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures were significantly higher than those who were non-readmission. Cerebral infarction, infection, delirium, dislocation, anemia and venous thrombosis are risk factors that lead to patient readmission. Corresponding intervention measures can be taken clinically based on these risk factors to reduce the incidence of patient readmissions.

Earth's youngest banded iron formation implies ferruginous conditions in the Early Cambrian ocean.

It has been proposed that anoxic and iron-rich (ferruginous) marine conditions were common through most of Earth history. This view represents a major shift in our understanding of the evolution of marine chemistry. However, thus far, evidence for ferruginous conditions comes predominantly from Fe-speciation data. Given debate over these records, new evidence for Fe-rich marine conditions is a requisite if we are to shift our view regarding evolution of the marine redox landscape. Here we present strong evidence for ferruginous conditions by describing a suite of Fe-rich chemical sedimentary rocks-banded iron formation (BIF)--deposited during the Early Cambrian in western China. Specifically, we provide new U-Pb geochronological data that confirm a depositional age of ca. 527 Ma for this unit, as well as rare earth element (REE) data are consistent with anoxic deposition. Similar to many Algoma-type Precambrian iron formations, these Early Cambrian sediments precipitated in a back-arc rift basin setting, where hydrothermally sourced iron drove the deposition of a BIF-like protolith, the youngest ever reported of regional extent without direct links to volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits. Their presence indicates that marine environments were still characterized by chemical- and redox-stratification, thus supporting the view that-despite a dearth of modern marine analogues-ferruginous conditions continued to locally be a feature of early Phanerozoic seawater.

Effects of Pore Size on the Osteoconductivity and Mechanical Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cement in a Rabbit Model.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) porous scaffold is widely used as a suitable bone substitute to repair bone defect, but the optimal pore size is unclear yet. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different pore sizes on the processing of bone formation in repairing segmental bone defect of rabbits using CPC porous scaffolds. Three kinds of CPC porous scaffolds with 5 mm diameters and 12 mm length were prepared with the same porosity but different pore sizes (Group A: 200-300 µm, Group B: 300-450 µm, Group C: 450-600 µm, respectively). Twelve millimeter segmental bone defects were created in the middle of the radius bone and filled with different kinds of CPC cylindrical scaffolds. After 4, 12, and 24 weeks, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), histological assessment, and mechanical properties evaluation were performed in all three groups. After 4 weeks, ALP activity increased in all groups but was highest in Group A with smallest pore size. The new bone formation within the scaffolds was not obvious in all groups. After 12 weeks, the new bone formation within the scaffolds was obvious in each group and highest in Group A. At 24 weeks, no significant difference in new bone formation was observed among different groups. Besides the osteoconductive effect, Group A with smallest pore size also had the best mechanical properties in vivo at 12 weeks. We demonstrate that pore size has a significant effect on the osteoconductivity and mechanical properties of calcium phosphate cement porous scaffold in vivo. Small pore size favors the bone formation in the early stage and may be more suitable for repairing segmental bone defect in vivo.

[Brand-New Ge20Ga5Sb10S65 Prism Biosensor Based on Inverted SPR].

Based on inverted surface plasmon resonance (ISPR) a novel biosensor consisting of Ge20Ga5Sb10S65-palladium-graphene layer-biomolecule layer is proposed. The refractive index of biomolecule layer alters as biomolecule experience interactions, thus leading to a shift of ISPR angle. On this basis, the spectrum output of sensor is derived by transfer matrix method. The sensitivity, the resolution, the dynamic detection range and the signal to noise ratio of the presented sensor are discussed and compared with the performance of traditional sensors. Moreover, the influences of grapheme layer thickness on sensors are analyzed with comparative study. Finally, near infrared is used as the incident light of the presented sensor. The results show that, the best thickness of grapheme layer is monolayer; the peak intensity of the ISPR reflection is about 80%~90% of intensity of incident light, guaranteeing a high signal to noise ratio; In the visible light, when λ = 632.8 nm, the presented sensor is 1.9 times the resolution of the sensor based on SiO2 coupling inverted surface plasmon resonance, is 3. 5 times the resolution of the sensor based on surface plasmon resonance(SPR), and is 2 times the dynamic detection range of pre-existing biosensor based on SPR. The application of Ge20Ga5Sb10S65 prism extends the detection light wavelength from the visible region to the near infrared region. When λ = 1,000 nm, the sensor is 3-4 times of the sensor in visible region. The research greatly contributes to the realization and application of biosensor based on inverted surface plasmon resonance.

Microarray analysis of New Green Cocoon associated genes in silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Green cocoons in silkworm, Bombyx mori, are caused by flavonoids accumulation in the silk proteins, fibroin and sericin. Despite the economic value of natural green cocoon and medical value of flavonoids, there is limited understanding of the molecular mechanism regulating flavonoids uptake in silkworm, which is tightly associated with the trait of green cocoon. The purpose of this study is to perform a comprehensive analysis to understand the molecular mechanisms of flavonoids uptake in silkworm based on microarray analyses. The study subject was the New Green Cocoon from the silkworm strains, G200 and N100, a new spontaneous dominant green cocoon trait identified in the 2000s. The genes regulating this trait are independent of other green cocoon genes previously reported. Genome-wide gene expression was compared between the New Green Cocoon producing silkworm strains, G200 and N100, and the control sample, which is the white cocoon producing strain 872B. Among these strains, N100 and 872B are near-isogenic lines. The results showed that 130 genes have consistently changing expression patterns in the green cocoon strains when compared with the white cocoon strain. Among these, we focused on the genes related to flavonoids metabolism and absorption, such as sugar transporter genes and UDP-glucosyltransferase genes. Based on our findings, we propose the potential mechanisms for flavonoids absorption and metabolism in silkworm. Our results imply that silkworm might be used as an underlying model for flavonoids in pharmaceutical research.

[Progress and perspective of silkworm as a model of human diseases for drug screening].

As a typical representative of Lepidopteran insects, the silkworm, Bombyx mori, has numerous advantages, such as simple husbandry,highly prolific nature, short generation time, easily handled to be operated with moderate body size, clear genetic background and abundant mutation resources. Silkworm has not only been studied by the geneticists, but also been used as a new laboratory animal model of human disease and drug screening. There is a plenty of genetic resources in silkworm, some of which could be used as models of human genetic diseases, such as Phenylketonuria, Parkinson's disease, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and so on. Silkworm has also played a significant role in the study of pathogenesis of human pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, silkworm could be used to evaluate the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics properties and safety of a new drug comprehensively and systematically. At the same time, it can be used in the high throughput drug screening assays to shorten the period of the new drug research and development. This review summarizes that the silkworm is an excellent model in the drug screening assays, and has a potential in application to the large-scale drug screening.

[A Surface Plasmon Micro-Ring Sensor Suitable for Humidity Sensing].

Temperature is a very important parameter in scientific research, production and life. Almost all the properties of materials are related to temperature. The precise measurement of the temperature is a very important task, so the temperature sensor is widely used as a core part in the temperature measuring instrument. A novel surface plasmon micro-ring sensor suitable for humidity sensing is presented in this paper. The sensor uses a multi-layered surface plasmon waveguide structure and choosing Polyimide (Polyimide, PI) as the moisture material. We get the transfer function of surface plasmon micro-ring sensor by using transfer matrix method. Refractive indexes of Polyimide and the multilayer waveguide structure change as environment relative humidity changes, thus leading to an obvious peak drift of output spectrum. The paper mainly discusses the influence of the changes of the refractive index of humidity-sensing parts on the output spectrum, and the transmission characteristics of multilayer waveguide structure. Through the finite element method and the theoretical simulation of Matlab, We can draw: When the length between the two coupling points of the U-shaped waveguide is an integer multiple of circumference of the micro-ring, an obvious drift in the horizontal direction appears, the free spectral range (FSR) doubled and the sensitivity is 0.0005 µm/%RH; When the external environment relative humidity RH changes from 10% to 100% RH, scatter is change between including (including 0.005 m to 0.005 m, compared to other humidity sensor, the Sensitivity of sensor improves 10~50 times and the transmission is very stable. Results show that the design of surface plasma micro ring sensors has better sensitivity, stable performance and can be used in the humidity measurement, achieving a high sensitivity in the sense of humidity when the wide range of filter frequency selection is taken into account, and providing a theoretical basis for the preparation of micro-optics.

[A high sensitivity micro-ring humidity sensor based on U-shaped waveguide coupled single micro-ring structure].

The paper proposes a novel high sensitivity humidity sensor based on a U-shaped waveguide-coupled single micro-ring, Polyimide is used as the wet material, the refractive index of humidity-sensing part changes as relative humidity changes, thus leading to a obvious peak drift. The transfer function of the structure is derived basing on transfer matrix method and the paper mainly discusses the influence on the output spectrum with different humidity-sensing parts. Through the theoretical simulation of Matlab, the whole structure of U-shaped waveguide coupled single micro-ring is proved to be the best humidity-sensing part. The free spectral range (FSR) will be doubled compared to the traditional single micro ring structure while the length between the two coupling points of the U-shaped waveguide is an integer multiple of circumference of the micro-ring. When the relative humidity of external environment changes from 10% RH to 100% RH, the output spectrum appears a obvious drift from 0.027 to 0.191 microm and the sensitivity reaches up to 0.0018 microm/% RH. Compared to FBG humidity sensor with high sensitivity, the sensitivity in this article is increased by 10 to 100 times, achieving a high sensitivity in the sense of humidity when the wide range of filter frequency selection is taken into account.

[Spectral characteristics of novel accelerometer based on optical microring resonator].

A structure of an optical accelerometer based on an optical single ring resonator located onto the cantilever is proposed to meet the requirements of microminiaturization and economical applications in the present paper. The spectra of out port are obtained using transfer matrix method and theory of coupled modes. According to the measurement of intensity of drop port at the same wavelength, the influences of different structure parameters on the sensitivity of the whole acceleration sensor are analyzed. The results show that the cantilever length and thickness and the ring resonator position are all key factors which can influence the sensing property of acceleration sensor. Hence the sensitivity can be effectively improved by adjusting the factors mentioned above. The sensitivity reaches up to 2.112 g(-1) and the limit of detection can achieve 1.421 x 10(-3) at 1.515 µm with a cantilever of 180 µm in length and 3 in thickness for a 30 dB signal-noise system. Such structure has great potential to develop low-cost and easy made high sensitive acceleration meter.

[A new tunable SOI micro-ring resonator with three coupling points].

A new structure of tunable single micro-ring with three coupling points was proposed in the present paper based on the theory of coupled modes and transmission matrix. Also, the output optical spectrum was simulated by the aid of Matlab. In this new structure, we use silicon-on-insulator (SOI) as its material, so the output optical spectrum can be tuned when the length or temperature is changed in feedback waveguide. According to the outcome of simulation, when the coupling coefficient k is 0.018, the free spectral range (FSR) approaches 43.8 nm and the quality factor is 1.25 x 10(5). This resonator not only has narrow bandwidth, high quality factor and large FSR, but also can achieve the tunable output optical spectrum through modulating the properties of feedback waveguide. The corresponding curve was presented in this paper as well.

[Clinical study of 12 cases with obstetric mirror syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical features, management, pregnancy outcome and prognosis of obstetric mirror syndrome. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 cases with obstetric mirror syndrome at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from April 2008 to December 2010 were collected to retrospectively analyze the clinical features, management, pregnancy outcome and prognosis. RESULTS: (1) ETIOLOGY: 12 cases with obstetric mirror syndrome included 9 cases of Bart's hydrops fetalis, 2 cases with fetal complicated congenital cardiac anomalies, and 1 case of unknown etiology. (2) Gestational age at diagnosis and at delivery: gestational age at diagnosis ranged from 28 to 36 weeks [mean (31.5 ± 4.7) weeks], and gestational age at delivery ranged from 28(+3) to 38 weeks [mean (32.9 ± 2.9) weeks]. There were no significant differences between the gestational age at diagnosis and at delivery in consistence with severe preeclampsia group and mild preeclampsia group [(31.8 ± 2.3) weeks vs. (30.9 ± 7.2) weeks, (32.5 ± 2.3) weeks vs. (33.5 ± 3.9) weeks, P > 0.05]. (3) The patients with obstetric mirror syndrome can present a preeclampsia-like syndrome: maternal extremity edema in 12 cases, headache and visual disturbance in 1 case, proteinuria in 11 cases, elevated blood pressure in 5 cases, elevated uric acid in 9 cases, hypoproteinemia in 12 cases, elevated creatinine in 3 case, elevated liver enzyme in 1 case, thrombocytopenia in 2 cases. The major complications included 1 case of HELLP syndrome, acute pulmonary edema, placental abruption, amnionic fluid embolism, DIC respectively, 3 cases of acute kidney failure and 6 cases of postpartum hemorrhage. (4) Sonographic findings: 1) Hydrops fetalis: fetal ultrasound revealed pleural fluid, fetal ascites, skin edema, scalp edema, encephalocolele enlargement, hydropericardium and increased cardio-chest ratio. 2) Placenta megaly: the placental pathological examination revealed edematous and large in 12 cases. Placental thickness was beyond 4 cm in all cases [(6.3 ± 1.9) cm]. 3) Hydramnios: hydramnios could be found in 11 cases [amniotic fluid index (19.7 ± 3.1) cm]. (5) Postnatal conditions:all blood pressure and laboratory findings including urine protein normalized within 5 to 7 days after delivery. (6) Pregnancy outcome:all 12 patients survived, however the perinatal mortality rate was 100%. Two of 12 cases with mirror syndrome underwent cesarean section, and 10 were vaginal delivery, of which 1 need uterine artery embolisom due to postpartum hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric mirror syndrome seems to simulate preeclampsia although there are distinguishing features, such as hemodilution, placental edema, and polyhydramnios. When the specific cause of obstetric mirror syndrome can not be identified and corrected, the decision for delivery should be made as soon as possibly.

The application of serum cystatin C in estimating the renal function in women with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Serum cystatin C (Cys-C) is known to reflect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) more precisely in native kidney diseases and renal dysfunctions secondary to other diseases. This study investigated the serum Cys-C in estimating the renal function in preeclamptic women. METHODS: A total of 96 patients with normal pregnancy (controls) and 48 cases of severe preeclampsia were recruited in this study. We measured the 24-hour creatinine clearance (CrCl), serum creatinine, Cys-C, uric acid (UA), and beta trace protein (BTP) concentrations on all the pregnant women in the second trimester and third trimester and in the postpartum of the patients with severe preeclampsia. Multiple comparisons and correlation analysis were used to analyze the indexes estimating the GFR. RESULTS: In the normal pregnancies, the concentrations of serum creatinine, UA, and BTP were significantly higher in the third trimester compared to the second trimester, however with no significant differences in the serum Cys-C levels. Comparison between the second and third trimester in patients with severe preeclampsia indicated that significant difference existed in the serum Cys-C, with higher concentration in third trimester. Correlation analyses demonstrated that significant negative correlations could be detected between Cys-C and 24-hour CrCl in the second trimester and third trimester of all the 144 pregnant women and in the postpartum of the patients with severe preeclampsia, and better correlations in normal participants than in participants with preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Serum Cys-C seems to reflect the GFR precisely in women with severe preeclampsia and can be a good marker to monitor the renal function from antepartum to postpartum.

[Construction and identification of recombinant adenovirus vector containing Tet-on adjustable NT3 and BDNF genes].

AIM: To construct Tetracycline(tet) inducible recombinant adenovirus vectors containing human neurotrophin 3(NT3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) genes, respectively and perform PCR and restrictive enzyme digestion analysis. METHODS: Full length NT3 and BDNF cDNAs were subcloned into pIND vector, followed by being cloned into pTRE-shuttle2 vector. The NT3 and BDNF gene fragments resulted from the pTRE-shuttle2-NT3 and pTRE-shuttle2-BDNF digested with I-Ceu I and PI-Sce I were linked to the linear adeno-X virus DNA. The recombinant adenovirus vectors were confirmed by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion analysis. RESULTS: The PCR identification showed that a given band with 312 bp, and predictive fragments proved by restriction enzyme digestion analysis were exhibited. All the above results indicated that human NT3 and BDNF genes had been connected with pAdeno-X vectors correctly. CONCLUSION: Tet inducible recombinant adenovirus vector of Human NT3 and BDNF genes have been constructed successfully, which upon packaged in HEK293 cells, will be used to introduce the target genes into Schwann's cells in-vitro or in-vivo.