Unraveling the chemosensory characteristics dependence of sauce-flavor baijiu on regionality using descriptive sensory analysis and quantitative targeted flavoromics.

Descriptive sensory analysis, headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and multivariate statistical analysis were used to elucidate the regional dependence of sauce-flavor baijiu (SFB). Although SFB samples from different regions couldn't be clearly classified by sensory profiles, they could be clearly divided into 5 groups in principal component analysis plot based on quantitative targeted flavoromics analysis. And then, the relationship between sensory attributes and volatile compounds were investigated by network analysis. Twenty regional aroma markers were identified by multivariate statistical analysis to distinguish SFB samples from different regions. Furthermore, the influence of manufacturing operation on SFB in Guizhou region was further analyzed. Thirty-eight potential compounds were significant different in Guizhou SFB samples with different manufacturing operations. This study not only provides a better understanding of regional dependence on SFB flavor, but also further clarifies the inheritance importance of manufacturing operation in traditional SFB production.

Using in situ untargeted flavoromics analysis to unravel the empty cup aroma of Jiangxiang-type Baijiu: A novel strategy for geographical origin traceability.

"Empty cup aroma" is an important characteristic and quality evaluation standard of Jiangxiang-type Baijiu (JXB). In this study, an in situ detection method for the empty cup aroma of JXB was established, and the authenticity and origin information of JXB were identified with an untargeted flavoromics strategy. The complex composition of JXB leads to slow ethanol volatilization, which is a potential method for identifying artificial JXB. The results of the sensory analysis showed that acidic, sauce, burnt and qu in the empty cup of JXB were the strongest at the 45 min stage. A total of 155 compounds were detected in the empty cups of 15 JXB from different regions during 45 min of standing, and 34 compounds were identified as key aroma compounds in the empty cups of JXB. Eleven potential markers were screened (VIP > 1), which can be used to distinguish JXB produced in Guizhou/Sichuan and other regions.

Constructing Molybdenum Phosphide@Cobalt Phosphide Heterostructure Nanoarrays on Nickel Foam as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Overall Water Splitting.

The construction of multi-level heterostructure materials is an effective way to further the catalytic activity of catalysts. Here, we assembled self-supporting MoS2@Co precursor nanoarrays on the support of nickel foam by coupling the hydrothermal method and electrostatic adsorption method, followed by a low-temperature phosphating strategy to obtain Mo4P3@CoP/NF electrode materials. The construction of the Mo4P3@CoP heterojunction can lead to electron transfer from the Mo4P3 phase to the CoP phase at the phase interface region, thereby optimizing the charge structure of the active sites. Not only that, the introduction of Mo4P3 will make water molecules preferentially adsorb on its surface, which will help to reduce the water molecule decomposition energy barrier of the Mo4P3@CoP heterojunction. Subsequently, H* overflowed to the surface of CoP to generate H2 molecules, which finally showed a lower water molecule decomposition energy barrier and better intermediate adsorption energy. Based on this, the material shows excellent HER/OER dual-functional catalytic performance under alkaline conditions. It only needs 72 mV and 238 mV to reach 10 mA/cm2 for HER and OER, respectively. Meanwhile, in a two-electrode system, only 1.54 V is needed to reach 10 mA/cm2, which is even better than the commercial RuO2/NF||Pt/C/NF electrode pair. In addition, the unique self-supporting structure design ensures unimpeded electron transmission between the loaded nanoarray and the conductive substrate. The loose porous surface design is not only conducive to the full exposure of more catalytic sites on the surface but also facilitates the smooth escape of gas after production so as to improve the utilization rate of active sites. This work has important guiding significance for the design and development of high-performance bifunctional electrolytic water catalysts.

Enabling Stable Zn Anodes by Molecularly Engineering the Inner Helmholtz Plane with Amphiphilic Dibenzenesulfonimide Additive.

The notorious dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are considered as main barriers that hinder the stability of the Zn-metal anode. Herein, molecular engineering is conducted to optimize the inner Helmholtz plane with a trace of amphiphilic dibenzenesulfonimide (BBI) in an aqueous electrolyte. Both experimental and computational results reveal that the BBI- binds strongly with Zn2+ to form {Zn(BBI)(H2 O)4 }+ in the electrical double layer and reduces the water supply to the Zn anode. During the electroplating process, {Zn(BBI)(H2 O)4 }+ is "compressed" to the Zn anode/electrolyte interface by Zn2+ flow, and accumulated and adsorbed on the surface of the Zn anode to form a dynamic water-poor inner Helmholtz plane to inhibit HER. Meanwhile, the{Zn(BBI)(H2 O)4 }+ on the Zn anode surface possesses an even distribution, delivering uniform Zn2+ flow for smooth deposition without Zn dendrite growth. Consequently, the stability of the Zn anode is largely improved with merely 0.02 M BBI- to the common electrolyte of 1 M ZnSO4 . The assembled Zn||Zn symmetric cell can be cycled for more than 1180 h at 5 mA cm-2 and 5 mA h cm-2 . Besides, the practicability in Zn||NaV3 O8 ·1.5 H2 O full cell is evaluated, which suggests efficient storage even under a high mass loading of 12 mg cm-2 .

Analysis of the Effect of Mixed Fermentation on the Quality of Distilled Jujube Liquor by Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Flavor Sensory Description.

Distilled jujube liquor is an alcoholic beverage made from jujube, which has a unique flavor and a sweet taste. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of mixed fermentation on the quality of distilled jujube liquor by comparing the performance of mixed fermentation between S. cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris and Lactobacillus. The results showed that there were significant differences in the quality of the jujube liquor between the combined strains. Moreover, Lactobacillus increased and P. pastoris reduced the total acid content. The results from an E-nose showed that the contents of methyl, alcohol, aldehyde, and ketone substances in the test bottle decreased significantly after decanting, while the contents of inorganic sulfide and organic sulfide increased. Fifty flavor compounds were detected, including nineteen esters, twelve alcohols, seven ketones, six aldehydes, three alkenes, one furan, one pyridine, and one acid. There were no significant differences in the type or content of flavor compounds. However, PLS-DA showed differences among the samples. Eighteen volatile organic compounds with variable importance in projection values > 1 were obtained. There were sensory differences among the four samples. Compared with the sample fermented with only S. cerevisiae, the samples co-fermented with Lactobacillus or with P. pastoris had an obvious bitter taste and mellow taste, respectively. The sample fermented by all three strains had a prominent fruity flavor. Except for the sample fermented with only S. cerevisiae, the jujube flavor was weakened to varying degrees in all samples. Co-fermentation could be a valuable method to improve the flavor quality of distilled jujube liquor. This study revealed the effects of different mixed fermentation modes on the sensory flavor of distilled jujube liquor and provided a theoretical basis for the establishment of special mixed fermentation agents for distilled jujube liquor in the future.

Amorphous K-Buserite Microspheres for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries and Hybrid Supercapacitors.

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) and Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (AZHSCs) are considered promising energy-storage alternatives to Li-ion batteries due to the attractive merits of low-price and high-safety. However, the lack of suitable cathode materials always hinders their large-scale application. Herein, amorphous K-buserite microspheres (denoted as K-MnOx ) are reported as cathode materials for both AZIBs and AZHSCs, and the energy-storage mechanism is systematically revealed. It is found that K-MnOx is composed of rich amorphous K-buserite units, which can irreversibly be transformed into amorphous Zn-buserite units in the first discharge cycle. Innovatively, the transformed Zn-buserite acts as active materials in the following cycles and is highly active/stable for fast Zn-diffusion and superhigh pseudocapacitance, enabling the achievement of high-efficiency energy storage. In the AZIBs, K-MnOx delivers 306 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 with 102% capacity retention, while in the AZHSCs, it shows 515.0/116.0 F g-1 at 0.15/20.0 A g-1 with 92.9% capacitance retention at 5.0 A g-1 after 20 000 cycles. Besides, the power/energy density of AZHSCs device can reach up to 16.94 kW kg-1 (at 20 A g-1 )/206.7 Wh kg-1 (at 0.15 A g-1 ). This work may provide some references for designing next-generation aqueous energy-storage devices with high energy/power density.

Modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in patients with aortic root aneurysm / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base. Methods    We performed a retrospective review of 6 patients with aortic root aneurysm undergoing modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty from November 2017 to January 2019. There were 5 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.1±12.3 years. The preoperative cardiac function of 3 patients was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classⅡand the other 3 patients were in class Ⅲ. There were two patients with bicuspid aortic valve, and no Marfan syndrome. There was aortic regurgitation in the patients measured by the echocardiogram, 1 in mild aortic regurgitation, 1 in moderate aortic regurgitation, and 4 in severe aortic regurgitation. The diameter of aortic annular base was 27.8±1.9 mm, and the largest diameter of aortic root was 49.8±3.7 mm. Six patients underwent modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty, including 5 patients who underwent aortic cusp repair at the same time. Results    All 6 identified patients survived. There was no severe complication (bleeding, stroke, or acute renal failure). The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 204.6±13.5 min, aortic cross-clamping time 168.0±17.1 min, mechanical ventilation time 21.3±19.5 h, ICU stay time 67.8±62.2 h. The follow-up time ranged from 4 to 18 months with an average time of 12.8±4.7 months. Patients' cardiac function improved postoperatively with four patients in NYHA classⅠand two patients with classⅡ. Two patients had no aortic valve regurgitation, four patients had mild regurgitation. Left ventricular end diastolic volume decreased significantly (118.6±20.4 mL vs. 169.1±58.4 mL, P<0.05). Conclusion    The modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty is effective and safe for the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base, and the early- and mid-term outcomes are satisfactory.

Mesenchymal stem cells rejuvenate cardiac muscle through regulating macrophage polarization.

We have shown that the effects of transplantation of CD146+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI) exceeds the effects of transplantation of MSCs, likely resulting from reduction of aging-associated cellular reactive oxygen species in injured cardiac muscle cells (CMCs). Since the role of macrophages in the MSC-mediated recovery of heart function after MI remains unclear, this question was thus addressed in the current study. We found that transplantation of MSCs did not alter the total number of the macrophages in the injured heart, but induced their polarization towards a M2-phenotype. Moreover, administration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) into MSC-transplanted mice, which prevented M2-polarization of macrophages, abolished the effects of MSCs on recovery of heart function and on the reduction of infarcted cardiac tissue. Thus, our data suggest that MSCs may rejuvenate CMCs after ischemic injury at least partially through induction of M2-polarization of macrophages.

Mesenchymal stem cells rejuvenate cardiac muscle after ischemic injury.

Previous studies have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enhances myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI), primarily resulting from the production and release of trophic growth factors and cytokines by MSCs. However, effects of MSCs or a subtype of MSCs on the ageing of injured cardiac muscle cells (CMCs) are limitedly known. Here, we addressed this question. CD146+ MSCs were isolated from total MSCs (tMSCs), and their effects on injured CMCs were assessed. In vivo, transplantation of isogenic CD146+ MSCs into MI-mice increased the proliferation of CMCs and reduced apoptosis of CMCs in a significantly higher degree than transplantation of tMSCs, resulting in significant improvement of the heart function. In vitro, CMCs were co-cultured under hypoxia condition with CD146+MSCs or tMSCs. We found that CD146+MSCs increased the proliferation of CMCs and reduced apoptosis of CMCs in a significantly higher degree, compared to tMSCs, likely resulting from reduction of aging-associated cellular reactive oxygen species in CMCs. Together, these data suggest that MSCs rejuvenate CMCs after ischemic injury and a subtype of MSCs, CD146+ MSCs, appears to have higher potential in coordinating this process.

Mitral valve repair with the "respect" approach in dialysis-dependent patients: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality risks in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing mitral valve surgery are high; however, little is known regarding the risks and results of mitral valve repair in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of dialysis-dependent patients who underwent mitral valve repair with the "respect" approach between April 2012 and April 2015 in our institution. RESULTS: All five identified patients survived and their data were included in the analysis. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 48 months with a median of 24±8.9 months. Patients' cardiac function improved postoperatively with two patients in New York Heart Association class I and three patients in class II. Three patients had no or trivial mitral valve regurgitation, two patients had mild regurgitation, and none had moderate or higher regurgitation. Left ventricular end diastolic volume decreased significantly: from 166.2±32.7 mL preoperatively to 123.1±24.5 mL postoperatively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With the "respect" approach, mitral valve repair in dialysis-dependent patients with prolapse of the posterior leaflet provided good and stable results; however, appropriate perioperative management was critical in these patients.

Interleukin 18 promotes myofibroblast activation of valvular interstitial cells.

BACKGROUND: Calcific aortic valve disease is the main heart valve disease in the elderly. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) play an important role in the process of valve calcification. Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is expressed in stenosis aortic valves and is positively related with the clinical severity of aortic stenosis. However, the role of IL-18 in aortic valve calcification remains unclear. This study examined whether IL-18 promotes myofibroblast and/or osteoblast transdifferention of VICs. Porcine VICs were isolated and treated with recombinant porcine IL-18. METHODS: Porcine VICs were cultured and treated with IL-18. Gene and protein expression of myofibroblastic and osteoblastic markers were tested and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) phosphorylation was also analyzed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity assay were also performed. RESULTS: Our experiments demonstrated that IL-18 significantly enhanced alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) gene and protein expression. IL-18 treatment also promoted the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) mRNA, although OPN and Runx2 protein expressions were not changed. IL-18 could induce ALP activity in the presence of conditioning medium. We also demonstrated that IL-18 markedly enhanced NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in VICs. CONCLUSIONS: Together these results suggest that IL-18 promotes the myofibroblast differentiation of VICs and accelerates calcification in the presence of conditioning medium via the NF-κB pathway.

Development of decellularized aortic valvular conduit coated by heparin-SDF-1α multilayer.

BACKGROUND: Decellularization can reduce the immune response to aortic valve allograft tissue, but the thrombogenicity and in vivo remolding of these grafts remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to modify the surface of decellularized valvular conduits with heparin-stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) polyelectrolyte multilayer film and to test the thrombogenicity and biocompatibility in vitro and recellularization in vivo. METHODS: The donor aortic valvular conduits were decellularized with a combination of different detergents and were coated with heparin and SDF-1α alternately to form a polyelectrolyte multilayer. Platelet adhesion and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to evaluate the antiplatelet property. The adhesion, growth, and migration of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to the scaffolds were assessed. For in vivo studies, the grafts were anastomosed to the infrarenal aorta, without or with heparin and SDF-1α multilayer. Functional assessment was performed by Doppler echography and micro-computed tomography at 2-week and 4-week time points after implantation. Explanted grafts were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In vitro studies demonstrated that the heparin-SDF-1α multilayer film improved hemocompatibility with respect to a substantial reduction of platelet adhesion. BMSCs also achieved better adhesion, proliferation, and migration on the modified graft. For in vivo studies, the grafts in both groups remained patent after 4 weeks, but it was demonstrated that the modified decellularized grafts had better self-endothelialization and recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that heparin-SDF-1α multilayer film can be used to cover the decellularized aortic valvular graft to decrease platelet adhesion while precipitating regeneration of the decellularized aortic valve allograft in vivo.

MicroRNA-92a inhibition attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced myocardiocyte apoptosis by targeting Smad7.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a lot of physiological and pathological processes, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Recent studies reported that knockdown of miR-92a could attenuate ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury. In the present study, we examined the potential anti-apoptotic effects of miR-92a in a rat myocardiocyte cell line, and the possible role of Smad7 in such actions. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: In a preliminary bioinformatic analysis, we identified SMAD family member 7 (Smad7) as a potential target for miR-92a. A luciferase reporter assay indeed demonstrated that miR-92a could inhibit Smad7 expression. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion was simulated in rat H9c2 cells with 24-h hypoxia followed by 12-h reoxygenation. Prior to hypoxia/reoxygenation, cells were transfected by miR-92a inhibitor. In some experiments, cells were co-transfected with siRNA-Smad7. The miR-92a inhibitor dramatically reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase and malonaldehyde, and attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The miR-92a inhibitor increased SMAD7 protein level and decreased nuclear NF-κB p65 protein. Effects of the miR-92a inhibitor were attenuated by co-transfection with siRNA-Smad7. CONCLUSION: Inhibiting miR-92a can attenuate myocardiocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation by targeting Smad7.

Comparison of graft patency between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ONCAB) are 2 well-established therapeutic strategies for patients with coronary artery disease, and debate regarding which strategy provides superior graft patency is ongoing. The current study is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the graft patency between OPCAB and ONCAB. METHODS: Data sources were PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Knowledge (1966-2013). We identified studies comparing graft patency after the 2 procedures as the primary intervention for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on graft patency. RESULTS: A literature search yielded 12 randomized controlled trials, for a total of 3,894 and 4,137 grafts performed during OPCAB and ONCAB procedures, respectively. Meta-analysis of these studies showed an increased risk of occlusion of all grafts (risk ratio [RR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.57) and saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.24-1.60) in the OPCAB group, whereas there was no significant difference in graft occlusion of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.83-1.59) and radial artery (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.76-2.47) grafts between OPCAB and ONCAB. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis of currently available randomized controlled trials on graft patency shows that ONCAB reduces the incidence of SVG graft occlusion significantly but does not affect LIMA and radial artery graft patency compared with OPCAB.