The aroma active compounds of three Tuber fruiting bodies (i.e., Tuber himalayense, Tuber indicum, and Tuber sinense) were firstly systematically evaluated by instrumental gas chromatography-olfactometry combining with quantitative analysis, aroma reconstitution, and omission tests. Twelve aroma active compounds were characterized by aroma extract dilution analysis, and 3-(methylthio) propanal, 3-methylbutanal, and 1-octen-3-ol with the highest flavor dilution (FD) factor (i.e., 1,024-2,048) were suggested as key contributors to the aroma. Odor activity value (OAV) was employed to determine the relative contribution of each compound to the aroma, and the compound with the highest FD factor also had the highest OAV (i.e., 10,234-242,951). Then, the synthetic blends of odorants (aroma reconstitution) were prepared with OAV larger than 15, and their aromas were very similar to the originals. Omission tests were carried out to verify the significance of 3-(methylthio) propanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 3-methylbutanal as key compounds in the aroma of tested Tuber fruiting bodies.

Most of the species in the family Planctomycetaceae are of interest for their eukaryotic-like cell structures and characteristics of resistance to extreme environments. Here, we report draft genome sequences of three aquatic parasitic species of this family, Singulisphaera acidiphila (DSM 18658T), Schlesneria paludicola (DSM 18645T), and Zavarzinella formosa (DSM 19928T).

Currently there is no consensus on treating anemia in pregnant thalassemia patients. In China, Colla corii asini (CCA) has been widely used for treating anemia for more than 2000 years. However, its clinical application in the thalassemia population is limited by a lack of quantitative evidence. The present study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of CCA in increasing hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and improving abnormal hemoglobin compositions in pregnant patients with β-thalassemia. Seventy-two pregnant patients who met inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the treatment group or control group. Patients in the treatment group were given 15 g of CCA, while the control group were observed and followed up without any treatment. Levels of Hb, serum iron (SI), serum ferritin (SF) and three types of Hb components [adult hemoglobin (HbA), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), minor adult hemoglobin (HbA2)] were measured before and after treatment. Treatment with CCA led to a significant increase of Hb. The major Hb component induced by CCA was HbA, while levels of both HbA2 and HbF dropped after treatment. CCA treatment significantly increased SI, while SF remained unaffected. Our data suggest that CCA can improve anemia and optimize Hb components in pregnant patients with thalassemia without affecting iron reserves.

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Herein, we report the first case of successful term delivery of twins in a patient with bicorporeal septate uterus via natural conception. The patient had been diagnosed with complete septate, didelphys and bicornuate uterus during different phases of her three pregnancies. Based on follow-up data at six weeks and then six months post-partum of the last pregnancy, we found that the abnormalities presented in our case did not fit the criteria of any categories following American Fertility Society and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology-European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy classification systems. After comprehensive review of the uterine morphologic characteristics, embryology and pregnancy outcome, we considered 'bicorporeal septate uterus' the most appropriate diagnosis. This case emphasized the atypical changes of uterine shape as twin pregnancy advances and its influence on productive performance and pregnancy outcome in uterine malformation. It also raised concern regarding the usability and comprehensiveness of the two most popular classification systems.

Tuber melanosporum is highly appreciated in culinary contexts due to its unique and characteristic aroma. T. melanosporum fermentation has been established as a promising alternative for fruiting bodies to produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this work, a technique using a combination of chromatographic fingerprint similarity analysis, head-space solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography was developed to rank the significance of fermentation conditions on the VOCs profile during T. melanosporum fermentation. Omission tests indicated that the absence of major carbon source (i.e., sucrose) in the fermentation media had the most significant effect on the profile of VOCs, followed by the absence of yeast extract or peptone. Consideration of the culture conditions revealed that VOCs produced was the most significantly affected by temperature. These results indicated that it is possible to adjust the aroma of truffles via fermentation process control.

BackgroundBreastfeeding is recommended worldwide but not fully practiced. The first week after childbirth is regarded as a critical period for increasing breast milk production. The aim of the study was to investigate whether Chinese herbal medicine Zengru Gao would result in more women breastfeeding in the first week after childbirth.MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted of 588 mothers considering breastfeeding in China. Among the mothers of the intervention group, the intervention included Chinese herbal medicine Zengru Gao; among those of the control group, it did not. Primary outcomes were the percentages of fully and partially breastfeeding mothers. Secondary outcome was baby’s daily formula intake.ResultsAt 3 d and 7 d after delivery, significant differences were found in favour of Zengru Gao group on the percentage of full/ partial breastfeeding (Z = − 3.0037, p = 0.0027). At day 7, the percentage of full/ partial breastfeeding of the active group increased to 71.48%/20.70% versus 58.67%/30.26% in the control group, the differences remained significant (Z = − 3.0037, p = 0.0027). No statistically significant differences were detected on primary measures at 1 d. While intake of formula differed between groups at 1 d and 3 d, this difference did not achieve statistical significance, but this difference was apparent by 7 d (55.45 ± 115.39 ml/day vs 90.66 ± 153.89 ml/day).ConclusionIn conclusion, Chinese Herbal medicine Zengru Gao enhanced breastfeeding success during one week postpartum. The approach is acceptable to participants and merits further evaluation.Trial registrationChiCTR-IPR-15007376, December 11, 2015.

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