X-rays irradiation maintains redox homeostasis and regulates energy metabolism of fresh figs (Ficus carica L. Siluhongyu)

In this study, figs were irradiated with X-rays doses of 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 kGy and stored at 4 °C for 20 d to evaluate effects of X-ray on redox homeostasis and energy metabolism in figs. Non-irradiated figs were recorded as control group. Results indicated that 3.0 kGy X-rays delayed fig color discoloration by inhibiting the ΔE* values. The electrolyte leakage, MDA and O2-· levels of figs were significantly alleviated. Energy metabolism assay revealed that 3.0 kGy X-rays could significantly maintain higher activities of H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, SDH, CCO, G6PDH and 6PGDH of figs. 3.0 kGy X-rays also retained mitochondria membrane integrity of figs. Furthermore, 3.0 kGy X-rays resulted in 26.09 % higher NADK activity and 16.30 % lower NADH content than the control. The study proves that X-ray irradiation can be used as figs preservation means to maintain redox homeostasis and regulate energy metabolism, thus lengthening the shelf life of figs.

Evaluation of the Influence of Flavor Characteristics of Cooked Bacon with Different Sterilization Methods by GC-IMS Combined with HS-SPME-GC-MS and Electronic Nose

This study investigated the impact of high pressure and temperature (HTHP) and electron-beam irradiations (3, 5, 7, and 9 kGy) using differences in two sterilization methods on the volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of cooked bacon. It showed that 7 and 9 kGy of irradiation caused a significant reduction in species of volatile compounds and sensory features, but the concentration of total ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, acids and aromatic hydrocarbons significantly increased at 9 kGy. Samples treated with a dose of less than 5 kGy did not change volatile compounds and sensory properties. High-temperature-high-pressure conditions could greatly impact the concentrations of volatile compound species and sensory traits. The electronic nose effectively detected the flavor difference in different sterilization methods. Fingerprinting showed that HTHP and 9-kGy-treated groups were significantly different from other treatments. This study inferred that 5 kGy might be optimal for maintaining the original flavor and sensory properties of cooked bacon.

Long-term quality retention and decay inhibition of chestnut using thymol loaded chitosan nanoparticle

Thymol (TMO) was loaded into chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) to inhibit chestnuts decay during storage. Three chestnut treatments were evaluated, including the CK (uncoated control), CSNPs (coated with chitosan nanoparticles), and TMO-CSNPs (coated with thymol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles). Quality assessments of chestnuts were conducted periodically for up to 180 days, which included starch content, amylase activity, water content, respiration rate, weight loss rate, microbiological indicators, decay rate, and quality evaluation. Results indicated that TMO-CSNPs had significantly less nutrient loss in soluble sugar (10.61%) and starch content (27.72%) compared with CK, which was attributed to low metabolic activities as evident in low amylase activity and respiration rate. Moreover, TMO-CSNPs significantly inhibited the growth of mold and yeast (4.17 log CFU g^-1 on day 180) and kept the lowest decay rate (5.33%). This study demonstrates the potential of food nanomaterial as an alternative strategy to promote food security and supply chain resilience.

[Clinical analysis of peri-operative gastrointestinal complications after endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm]

Objective: To investigate the etiology, treatment method and prevention of gastrointestinal complications(GCs) after endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: The clinical data of 716 cases who were diagnosed as AAA and underwent endovascular(EVAR) or open repair (OR) from Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University April 2009 to March 2017 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. There were 608 males (84.9%)and 108 females(15.1%), aging of 69.4 years (range: 52-86 years). There were 539 cases(75.3%) underwent EVAR and 177 cases(24.7%) underwent OR. The morbidity of GCs and mortality of GCs, such as acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ischemic colitis, intestinal obstruction and peptic ulcer, between EVAR and OR group were compared. The treatment of the GCs and the prognosis of the patients were reported. Results: The morbidity of GCs in EVAR and OR group were 4.6%(25/539)and 35.0%(62/177), respectively. There were 10 cases and 28 cases suffering from acute pancreatitis in EVAR and OR group, respectively; 4 cases and 6 cases suffering from cholecystitis in the two groups; 6 cases and 13 cases suffering from ischemic colitis in the two groups; 5 cases suffering from intestinal obstruction in OR group; 5 cases and 10 cases suffering from peptic ulcer in the two groups. Two patients died in EVAR group, and the peri-operative mortality was 0.37%, one died of ischemic colitis with acute myocardial infarction, the other died of ischemic colitis with septic shock. Six patients died in OR group, and the peri-operative mortality was 3.39%, two patients died of acute pancreatitis with intestinal necrosis, one patient died of cholangitis with peritonitis and septic shock, three patients died of ischemic colitis with acute renal failure or septicemia. Conclusions: The etiology of peri-operative GCs after AAA repair may include inferior mesenteric artery occlusion or ligation, pancreas injury, organ hypoperfusion and so on.

[Analysis of risk factors for cerebrovascular complications after carotid endarterectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the related risk factors of cerebrovascular complications after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to improve the efficacy of CEA in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Methods: The clinical data of 295 patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis who underwent CEA in the Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2013 to March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: As the results of the single-factor analysis of logistics, severe lower limb artery stenosis (RR=5.667, P=0.017), systolic blood pressure before the carotid artery clamping (RR=6.659, P=0.010), diastolic blood pressure before the carotid artery clamping (RR=3.981, P=0.046), stump pressure (RR=5.359, P=0.021), diastolic blood pressure after surgery (RR=9.550, P=0.002), diastolic blood pressure of the first day after surgery (RR=7.932, P=0.005) were influencing factors of postoperative cerebrovascular complications after CEA. The results of multi-factor analysis of logistic regression indicated that diastolic blood pressure before the carotid artery clamping (RR=0.953, P=0.024) and stump pressure to basic systolic blood pressure index (SSI)>0.25 (RR=0.086, P=0.049) were independent risk factors for postoperative cerebrovascular complications after CEA. Conclusion: Systolic blood pressure before carotid artery clamping and SSI>0.25 are independent risk factors for postoperative cerebrovascular complications after CEA. Close follow-up and drug treatment for patients after CEA might be beneficial to reduce postoperative carotid artery restenosis.

Real-time parallel 3D multiple particle tracking with single molecule centrifugal force microscopy

Real-time tracking of multiple particles is key for quantitative analysis of dynamic biophysical processes and materials science via time-lapse microscopy image data, especially for single molecule biophysical techniques, such as magnetic tweezers and centrifugal force microscopy. However, real-time multiple particle tracking with high resolution is limited by the current imaging processes or tracking algorithms. Here, we demonstrate 1 nm resolution in three dimensions in real-time with a graphics-processing unit (GPU) based on a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) parallel computing framework instead of only a central processing unit (CPU). We also explore the trade-offs between processing speed and size of the utilized regions of interest and a maximum speedup of 137 is achieved with the GPU compared with the CPU. Moreover, we utilize this method with our recently self-built centrifugal force microscope (CFM) in experiments that track multiple DNA-tethered particles. Our approach paves the way for high-throughput single molecule techniques with high resolution and efficiency. LAY DESCRIPTION: Particles are widely used as probes in life sciences through their motions. In single molecule techniques such as optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers, microbeads are used to study intermolecular or intramolecular interactions via beads tracking. Also tracking multiple beads' motions could study cell-cell or cell-ECM interactions in traction force microscopy. Therefore, particle tracking is of key important during these researches. However, parallel 3D multiple particle tracking in real-time with high resolution is a challenge either due to the algorithm or the program. Here, we combine the performance of CPU and CUDA-based GPU to make a hybrid implementation for particle tracking. In this way, a speedup of 137 is obtained compared the program before only with CPU without loss of accuracy. Moreover, we improve and build a new centrifugal force microscope for multiple single molecule force spectroscopy research in parallel. Then we employed our program into centrifugal force microscope for DNA stretching study. Our results not only demonstrate the application of this program in single molecule techniques, also indicate the capability of multiple single molecule study with centrifugal force microscopy.

Mediating effect of coping styles on the association between psychological capital and psychological distress among Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Studies show that psychological capital (PsyCap) is a protective factor against psychological distress, such as depressive symptoms. However, few have attempted to address the role of coping styles in the relationship between PsyCap and psychological distress. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Our study found moderate levels of PsyCap among nurses in China. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Psychological distress was positively associated with negative coping and negatively associated with positive coping. This study confirmed the partial mediating effect of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. In other words, this study found direct and indirect effects of PsyCap on psychological distress mediated via coping styles. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The significant mediating effect of negative and positive coping styles between PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, and alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be emphasized in PsyCap investment. Different styles of coping are influenced and modified by teaching and experience. Therefore, it is essential that nurse managers organize educational and training programmes to provide nurses with relative coping knowledge and techniques, and improve their coping ability. Several studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress.

ABSTRACT

Introduction PsyCap includes four categories namely self-efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience. Research has demonstrated that PsyCap and coping styles affect current psychological distress. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the role of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress. Aim This study investigated the role of coping styles as a mediator in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. Methods Participants included 538 nurses who completed self-report questionnaires assessing PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the role of coping styles. Results PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress were significantly correlated. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Coping styles is a partial mediator of PsyCap and psychological distress. Implications for mental health nursing The significant role of negative and positive coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, to alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be the focus of the improvement. Different styles of coping are developed from education and experience. Therefore, it is necessary for nurse managers to organize educational and training programmes to improve coping skills among nurses. Studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should also assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress.

Identification and functional study of novel PLP1 mutations in Chinese patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease

PURPOSE

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a rare X-linked recessive hypomyelination disorder characterized by nystagmus, ataxia, impaired motor development, and progressive spasticity. Identification of proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) mutations in Chinese patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) and confirmation of the biological impacts of the identified mutations are the aims of this study.

METHODS

An analysis of clinical materials and a follow-up study were conducted for the patients with PMD. Sequencing and immunofluorescence were applied for molecular analysis of the causative gene PLP1.

RESULTS

We identified PLP1 mutations in seven male patients with PMD. Three novel missense mutations (c.353C>G, p.T118R; c.623G>T, p.G208V; c.709T>G, p.F237V) and three reported missense mutations (c.467C>T, p.T156I; c.517C>T, p.P173S; c.646C>T, p.P216S) of PLP1 were identified from seven Chinese PMD patients. The three mutations (F237V in patient 2, P216S in patient 5 and T156I in patient 6) were de novo. Mutant proteins were trapped in the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum.

CONCLUSION

We have identified six pathogenic mutations, enriching the specific spectrum of missense mutations in the patients with PMD. The six PLP1 mutations are probably pathogenic. By reviewing the known PLP1 mutations, we have preliminarily revealed the position of missense mutation may be associated with the severity of PMD.

Metabolomic assessment reveals an elevated level of glucosinolate content in CaCl₂ treated broccoli microgreens

Preharvest calcium application has been shown to increase broccoli microgreen yield and extend shelf life. In this study, we investigated the effect of calcium application on its metabolome using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The data collected were analyzed using principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structural discriminate analysis. Chemical composition comparison shows that glucosinolates, a very important group of phytochemicals, are the major compounds enhanced by preharvest treatment with 10 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2). Aliphatic glucosinolates (glucoerucin, glucoiberin, glucoiberverin, glucoraphanin, pentyl glucosinolate, and hexyl glucosinolate) and indolic glucosinolates (glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, and 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin) were increased significantly in the CaCl2 treated microgreens using metabolomic approaches. Targeted glucosinolate analysis using the ISO 9167-1 method was further employed to confirm the findings. Results indicate that glucosinolates can be considered as a class of compounds that are responsible for the difference between two groups and a higher glucosinolate level was found in CaCl2 treated groups at each time point after harvest in comparison with the control group.

A Non-destructive method to assess freshness of raw bovine milk using FT-NIR spectroscopy

A non-destructive method to analyze the freshness of raw milk was developed using a FT-NIR spectrometer and a fiber optic probe. Diffuse transmittance spectra were acquired in the spectral range 833 ~ 2,500 nm from raw milk samples collected from Northwest A&F University Animal Husbandry Station. After each spectral acquisition, quality parameters such as acidity, pH, and lactose content were measured by traditional detection methods. For all milk samples, PLS (partial least square regression), MLR (multiple linear regression), and ANN (artificial neural networks) analyses were carried out in order to develop models to predict parameters that were indicative of freshness. Predictive models showed R(2) values up to 0.9647, 0.9876 and 0.8772 for acidity, pH, and lactose content, respectively (validation set validations). The similarity analysis and classification between raw milk freshness during storage was also conducted by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. Over an 8 day storage period, the highest heterogeneity was evident between days 1 and 2.

Variability in lipid profile among patients presented with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina and stable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVE

Despite the amply evidence and guidelines in treating coronary artery disease (CAD) with lipid-lowering therapy, physicians still have concerns in treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who have the low serum lipid level. We explored the adequacy of lipid-lowering therapy in treating AMI patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over 3000 CAD lipid profile data were collected, their data were divided into 3 groups (AMI; stable angina pectoris (SAP) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group) based their clinical characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to compare their baseline lipid levels and clinical feature.

RESULTS

The total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level in AMI patients were the lowest, followed by UAP patient group and SAP patient group. There were significant differences in white blood count (WBC) and ejection fraction (EF) between 3 groups. A good correlation was confirmed between EF% and the lipid parameters of TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, non-HDL-c. WBC did not correlate with the lipid except HDL-c. AMI is an acute inflammatory reaction that is accompanied with the change of lipid level.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the level of TC, LDL-c and HDL-c are lower in AMI, but it is related with acute inflammatory reaction during the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Lipid-lowering therapy should not be delayed in treating AMI patients with lower lipid level.

Functional studies of MLC1 mutations in Chinese patients with megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC, MIM# 604004) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease mostly resulting from MLC1 mutations. In this study, we finished the functional analysis of MLC1 mutations identified recently in Chinese patients, including five newly described missense mutations (R22Q, A32V, G73E, A275T, Y278H), one known nonsense mutation (Y198X), and two known missense mutations (S69L, T118M). We found MLC1^wt was localized to the cell periphery, whereas mutant R22Q, A32V, G73E, S69L and T118M were trapped in the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when we transfected the wild-type and mutant MLC1 in U373MG cells. Compared to wild type, the mutant G73E, T118M, Y198X and A275T transcript decreased and all mutants except R22Q had lower protein expression in transfected U373MG cells. Therefore, we propose that all these eight MLC1 mutations had functional effect either on their protein/mRNA expression, or on their intracellular protein localization, or both.

Bifidobacterium longum as a delivery system of TRAIL and endostatin cooperates with chemotherapeutic drugs to inhibit hypoxic tumor growth

In our previous study, we have shown that vector pBV22210 containing a chloramphenicol resistance and a cryptic plasmid pMB1 from Bifidobacterium longum strain could stably replicate and did not significantly affect the biological characteristics of B. longum. In this study, B. longum was transfected by electroporation with pBV22210 encoding the extracellular domain of TRAIL (B. longum-pBV22210-TRAIL) and its carbohydrate fermentation and growth curve were determined, and its location and inhibitory effect on tumor xenografts in mice were also examined. The results further proved that gene transfection did not change the main biochemical characteristics of B. longum. The results also showed that B. longum-pBV22210-TRAIL resulted in selective location in tumors and exhibited a definite antitumor effect on S180 osteosarcoma. In addition, when a low dosage of Adriamycin (5 mg kg(-1)) or B. longum-pBV22210-endostatin was combined, the antitumor effect was significantly enhanced. The successful inhibition of S180 tumor growth suggested a stable vector in B. longum for transporting anticancer genes combined with low-dose chemotherapeutic drugs or other target genes is a promising approach in cancer gene therapy.

Meat quality parameters of descendants by grading hybridization of Boer goat and Guanzhong Dairy goat

Chemical composition, cholesterol levels, fatty acid profile, meat taste, and quality parameters were evaluated in 48 buck kids from goats of the Guanzhong Dairy breed (Group G) and their crosses (Group F1: 1/2 Boermale symbolx1/2 Guanzhong Dairyfemale symbol; Group F2: 3/4 Boermale symbolx1/4 Guanzhong Dairyfemale symbol; Group F3: 7/8 Boermale symbolx1/8 Guanzhong Dairyfemale symbol) at different ages of slaughter (6, 8 and 10 months). Results indicated that grading hybridization (P<0.05) affected meat nutritive value. The muscle of hybrid goats had lower crude fat and cholesterol, higher crude protein, and greater proportion of C18:2 and C18:3 than that of Group G at each age. Group F1 goats had better (P<0.05) desirable fatty acid (DFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) to saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratios and greater (C18:0+C18:1/C16:0) ratios (P<0.01) than those of the other genotypes. Furthermore, the muscles of hybrid goats were tenderer and juicier compared to Group G. In all four groups, cholesterol levels increased (P<0.01), muscle color became redder (P<0.05) and tenderness decreased (P<0.05) with increasing age. The low level of lipids and cholesterol, good meat quality, and the higher ratio of unsaturated to SFA in Group F1 indicate better quality for human consumption.

Effects of mild heat treatment on microbial growth and product quality of packaged fresh-cut table grapes

The changes in packaged fresh-cut grape quality and microbial growth as affected by mild heat treatments and the retention of grape cap stems during 5 degrees C storage were evaluated. Each individual grape was either manually pulled off (stemless) from the stems, or cut (cut stem) to allow for a 1- to 2-mm cap stem remaining on the berry. The samples were sanitized in 100 mg/L chlorine solution for 1 min, followed by a mild heat treatment in a water bath (45 degrees C, 8 min) or an oven (55 degrees C, 5 min). After cooling, the berries were packaged in rigid trays sealed with a gas permeable film and stored at 5 degrees C. Product quality and decay rate were evaluated periodically during storage. The results indicate that in the package headspace for hot water treatment of stemless grapes, partial pressures of O(2) declined significantly (P < 0.05) less and C(2)H(4) increased significantly (P < 0.001) less than for the control and hot air treatment. Stem removal and heat treatment had significant (P < 0.05) effects on the decay rate of grapes during storage. Hot water treatment maintained a significantly lower decay rate than the control and hot air treatment throughout the entire storage. Color and texture were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by either heat treatment or stem removal. Grapes that retained the cap stems and received hot water treatment had the lowest decay rate and lowest microbial growth with the absence of any negative impact on grape color, texture, and flavor.

Refractive indices of water and ice in the 0.65- to 2.5-µm spectral range

New accurate values of the imaginary part, k, of the refractive index of water at T = 22 °C, supercooled water at T = -8 °C and polycrystalline ice at T = -25 °C are reported. The k spectrum for water in the spectral region 0.65-2.5 µm is found to be in excellent agreement with those of previous studies. The k values for polycrystalline ice in the 1.44-2.50-µm region eliminate the large uncertainties existing among previously published conflicting sets of data. The imaginary part of refractive index of supercooled water shows a systematic shift of absorption peaks toward the longer wavelengths compared with that of water at warmer temperatures.