Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of walnut protein yields anti-inflammatory peptides

The impact of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion process on walnut protein and the potential anti-inflammatory properties of its metabolites was studied. Structural changes induced by digestion, notably in α-Helix, β-Turn, and Random Coil configurations, were unveiled. Proteins over 10,000 Da significantly decreased by 35.6 %. Antioxidant activity in these metabolites paralleled increased amino acid content. Molecular docking identified three walnut polypeptides-IPAGTPVYLINR, FQGQLPR, and VVYVLR-with potent anti-inflammatory properties. RMSD and RMSF analysis demonstrated the stable and flexible interaction of these polypeptides with their target proteins. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in normal human colon mucosal epithelial NCM460 cells, these peptides decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, while mitigating cell apoptosis and inflammation. Our study offers valuable insights into walnut protein physiology, shedding light on its potential health benefits.

Associations of ambient temperature and total cloud cover during pregnancy with newborn vitamin D status

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to estimate the effects of temperature and total cloud cover before birth on newborn vitamin D status.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective birth cohort.

METHODS

This study included 2055 mother-newborn pairs in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The data of temperature and total cloud cover from 30 days before birth were collected, and cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were determined. Restricted cubic spline regression models, multiple linear regression models, and logistic regression models were applied to estimate the associations.

RESULTS

A "J" shaped curve was observed between temperature and vitamin D status, and an inverse "J" shaped curve was observed between total cloud cover and vitamin D status. Compared to the fourth quartile (75-100th percentile, Q4) of average temperature (30 days before birth), the odds ratio (OR) for Q1 (0-25th percentile) associated with the vitamin D deficiency occurrence (<20 ng/mL) was 3.63 (95% CI, 1.54, 8.65). Compared to Q1 of the average total cloud cover (30 days before birth), the OR associated with the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency was 2.38 (95% CI, 1.63, 3.50) for the Q4.

CONCLUSIONS

Low temperature and high cloud cover before delivery were significantly associated with an increased probability of vitamin D deficiency in newborns. The findings suggested that pregnancy women lacking sufficient sunlight exposure still need vitamin D supplement to overcome the potential vitamin D deficiency status.

Association of cord plasma metabolites with birth weight: results from metabolomic and lipidomic studies of discovery and validation cohorts

BACKGROUND

Birth weight is a good predictor of fetal intrauterine growth and long-term health. Although several studies have evaluated the relationship between metabolites and birth weight, no prior study has comprehensively investigated the metabolomic and lipidomic and further validated and quantified meaningful metabolites.

METHODS

Firstly, a pseudotargeted metabolomics approach was applied to detect 2418 metabolites in 504 cord blood samples in the discovery set enrolled from the Wuhan Healthy Baby Cohort (HBC), China. Metabolome-wide association scan (MWAS) analysis and pathway enrichment were applied to discover metabolites and metabolic pathways that were significantly associated with birth weight for gestational age (BWGA) z-score. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of metabolites in the most significantly associated pathways with small for gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight (LBW). Subsequently, 350 cord blood samples in a validation cohort were subjected to targeted analysis to validate the metabolites screened from the discovery cohort.

RESULTS

In the discovery set, 513 metabolites were significantly associated with BWGA z-score (PFDR <0.05), of which 298 KEGG-annotated metabolites were included in the pathway analysis. The primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway was the most relevant metabolic pathway associated with BWGA z-score in our study. Elevated cord plasma primary bile acids were associated with lower BWGA z-score and higher odds of SGA or LBW in the discovery and validation cohorts. In the validation set, a 2-fold increase in taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) and taurocholic acid (TCA) was associated with 0.10 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.20) and 0.18 (95 %CI: 0.04, 0.31) decrease in BWGA z-score, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. In addition, a 2-fold increase in cord plasma TCDCA and TCA was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.52 (1.00, 2.30) and 1.77 (1.05, 2.98) for SGA, respectively. The adjusted ORs for a 2-fold increase in TCDCA and TCA concentrations were 2.39 (95% CI 1.00, 5.71) and 3.21 (0.96, 10.74) for LBW, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a significant association between primary bile acids and lower BWGA z-score, as well as higher risk of SGA and LBW. Abnormalities of primary bile acid metabolism may play an important role in restricted fetal development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics model for predicting the degree of pathological differentiation in non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre study

AIM

To explore the value of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model for predicting the degree of pathological differentiation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical characteristics of 182 NSCLC patients from four centres were collected, and radiomics features were extracted from 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Three logistic regression prediction models were established: clinical model; radiomics model; and nomogram combining radiomics signatures and clinical features. The predictive ability of the models was assessed using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

RESULTS

Patients from centre 1 were assigned randomly to the training and internal validation cohorts (7:3 ratio); patients from centres 2-4 served as the external validation cohort. The area under the curve (AUC) values for the clinical model in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort were 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.84), 0.64 (95% CI = 0.46-0.81), and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.60-0.88), respectively. In the training (AUC: 0.84 [95% CI = 0.77-0.92]), internal validation (AUC: 0.81 [95% CI = 0.67-0.95]), and external validation cohorts (AUC: 0.74 [95% CI = 0.58-0.89]), the radiomics model showed good predictive ability for differentiation. Compared to the clinical and radiomics models, the nomogram has relatively better diagnostic performance, and the AUC values for nomogram in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.78-0.93), 0.83 (95% CI = 0.70-0.96), and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.62-0.92), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics model showed good ability for predicting the degree of differentiation of NSCLC. The nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical features has relatively better diagnostic performance.

Development of bio-based PLA/cellulose antibacterial packaging and its application for the storage of shiitake mushroom

This study presents the extraction of cellulose from water bamboo byproducts to prepare polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose antibacterial packaging material. The cellulose was modified using a silane coupling agent, which improved the interfacial compatibility between cellulose and PLA. Upon coating the PLA onto the modified cellulose sheet, the water contact angle of the composite material increased from 11.42° to 132.12° and the water absorption rate decreased from 182.52% to 55.71%, which improved the water resistance performance of the material. The addition of cinnamaldehyde in the PLA layer imparted antibacterial activity to the PLA/cellulose packaging material. This packaging material effectively inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum isolated from shiitake mushroom. Additionally, the study investigated the effects of the composite on the postharvest quality of shiitake mushroom. Overall, the packaging material contributed to shiitake mushroom storage and can be applied to other perishable food products.

[Topography-guided transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking by sequential ultraviolet A irradiation in different diameters for progressive keratoconus in adults]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel customized topography-guided transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking (TG-CXL) procedure by sequential ultraviolet A irradiation in different diameters and conventional transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking (TE-CXL) in adult patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. Adult patients diagnosed with progressive keratoconus in the Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University were continuously recruited and randomly assigned to receive the TG-CXL or TE-CXL procedure from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients in the TE-CXL group were irradiated in the central 9-mm zone of the cornea (total energy, 7.2 J/cm2; irradiance, 45 mW/cm2), while patients in the TG-CXL group were first irradiated with the protocol used in the TE-CXL group, and further irradiated in the central 6-mm zone (total energy, 3.6 J/cm2; irradiance, 9 mW/cm2). The subjective symptom of pain and corneal fluorescein sodium staining were scored within postoperative 3 days. Slit lamp examination, measurements of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal topography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, in vivo corneal confocal microscopy, corneal endothelial cell count, and non-contact tonometry were performed before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: A total of 66 patients were enrolled (mean age, 23.0±3.3 years old), with 33 patients (33 eyes) in each group. No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, and maximum keratometry (Kmax) between the two groups (P>0.05). On day 1 after surgery, the average pain score of the TG-CXL group (2.21±0.45) was significantly higher than that of the TE-CXL group (1.32±0.33) (P<0.05). The pain was rapidly alleviated in both groups on days 2 and 3. On days 1 and 2, the corneal fluorescein sodium staining scores in the TG-CXL group (4.15±0.83 and 2.21±0.60, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the TE-CXL group (1.76±0.56 and 0.85±0.51, respectively, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference between the two groups at day3 (P=0.184). The UCVA and BCVA of the TG-CXL group at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were significantly improved when compared with the baseline. At 3, 6, and 12 months, the BCVA (LogMAR) of the TG-CXL group (0.21±0.15, 0.22±0.16, and 0.22±0.16, respectively) were significantly improved when compared with those of the TE-CXL group(0.32±0.15, 0.34±0.15, and 0.36±0.16, respectively, P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in UCVA between groups at any time point after surgery (P>0.05). The spherical and cylindrical power values of the TG-CXL group were improved when compared with the baseline (P<0.05). However, no significant difference in spherical power values was found between the two groups at any time point after surgery (P>0.05). Meanwhile, there were significant differences in cylindrical power values between the two groups at 6 and 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). The Kmax in the TG-CXL group was improved at all of the time points after surgery when compared with the baseline (P<0.001), while no significant difference in Kmax was found at any time point after surgery in the TE-CXL group when compared with the baseline (P>0.05). At 6 and 12 months after surgery, the Kmax values in the TG-CXL group were significantly lower than the TE-CXL group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in flat keratomety, steep keratometry, the minimal thickness of the cornea, endothelial cell density, and intraocular pressure between the two groups at any time point after surgery (P>0.05). Within one month after surgery, optical coherence tomography revealed the increased density in the anterior stroma in both groups. In most patients in the TG-CXL group, a demarcation line was visible in the central and para-central corneal stroma, representing a clear and continuous, high-signal arc-shaped linear structure, which was deeper in the central cornea than the para-central cornea. In contrast, a demarcation line, fuzzy and focally discontinuous, was visible only in a few patients in the TE-CXL group, with an almost uniform depth in the central and the para-central cornea. Confocal microscopy demonstrated an apparent mesh-like cross-linked collagen structure in the superficial and intermediate corneal stroma at all time points after surgery in the TG-CXL group, with thickening stromal collagen fibers and an increased number of interconnections. In contrast, the mesh-like structure and number of interconnections in the superficial corneal stroma were significantly reduced at 12 months after surgery in the TE-CXL group, with no cross-linking structure in the intermediate corneal stroma at any time point after surgery. No serious complications such as corneal infection, sterile corneal ulcer, and persistent epithelial defect were observed in both groups during the follow-up of 12 months. Conclusions: The TG-CXL procedure by sequential irradiation in two different diameters with ultraviolet A light was effective and safe in the management of progressive keratoconus in adults, achieving significant refractive improvement. This might be a good technical alternative for refractive corneal cross-linking surgery.

CT radiomics model for predicting the Ki-67 proliferation index of pure-solid non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter study

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the computed tomography (CT) radiomics model for predicting the Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) of pure-solid non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included pure-solid NSCLC patients from five centers. The radiomics features were extracted from thin-slice, non-enhanced CT images of the chest. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to reduce and select radiomics features. Logistic regression analysis was employed to build predictive models to determine Ki-67-high and Ki-67-low expression levels. Three prediction models were established: the clinical model, the radiomics model, and the nomogram model combining the radiomics signature and clinical features. The prediction efficiency of different models was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 211 NSCLC patients with pure-solid nodules or masses were included in the study (N=117 for the training cohort, N=49 for the internal validation cohort, and N=45 for the external validation cohort). The AUC values for the clinical models in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64-0.82), 0.75 (95% CI:0.62-0.89), and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57-0.86), respectively. The radiomics models showed good predictive ability in diagnosing Ki-67 expression levels in the training cohort (AUC, 0.81 [95% CI: 0.73-0.89]), internal validation cohort (AUC, 0.81 [95% CI: 0.69-0.93]) and external validation cohort (AUC, 0.78 [95% CI: 0.64-0.91]). Compared to the clinical and radiomics models, the nomogram combining both radiomics signatures and clinical features had relatively better diagnostic performance in all three cohorts, with the AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76-0.90), 0.83 (95% CI: 0.71-0.94), and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.93), respectively.

Conclusion

The nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical features may be a potential non-invasive method for predicting Ki-67 expression levels in patients with pure-solid NSCLC.

Pullulan-stabilized Soybean Phospholipids/Cinnamaldehyde emulsion for Flammulina velutipes preservation

Fresh mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) are very perishable and easily brown; also they undergo postharvest loss of nutritive constituents. In this study, cinnamaldehyde (CA) emulsion was prepared by using soybean phospholipids (SP) as emulsifier and pullulan (Pul) as stabilizer. The effect of emulsion on the quality of mushroom during storage was also studied. The experimental results indicated that the emulsion obtained by adding 6 % pullulan was found to the most uniform and stable, which is beneficial to its application. Emulsion coating maintained the storage quality of Flammulina velutipes. The incorporation of CA emulsion into the coating system showed a positive effect on inhibiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting from improving the effectiveness of delaying active free radical scavenging enzymes. The shelf life of mushrooms coated with emulsion was significantly prolonged, which indicates its potential application in food preservation.

Cuticular Wax Triterpenes Maintain Storage Quality of Blueberries by Reducing Water Loss

Cuticular wax contributes to maintaining postharvest storage quality against fruit water loss and softening. Triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA), are the main components in blueberry cuticular wax, but their role in water migration during the storage of blueberries remains to be determined. Here, we examined the relationship between the content of OA and UA and the storage quality of blueberry fruit (25 °C). The results revealed that the UA content during eight-day postharvest storage ranged from 58 to 77 μg cm-2, which was negatively related to weight loss. Additionally, we investigated the effect of exogenous OA and UA on water migration in the blueberry fruit during storage at room temperature; the weight loss was significantly lower (by 22%) with UA treatment than in the control fruit. Our findings indicate that OA and UA effectively affect water migration in blueberry fruit during postharvest storage, which could contribute to improving postharvest preservation techniques.

Effect of oxyresveratrol on the quality and membrane lipid metabolism of shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) during storage

The effect of oxyresveratrol on postharvest quality and membrane lipid metabolism of shiitake mushroom was investigated. The result exhibited that oxyresveratrol retarded browning, maintained firmness and alleviated occurrence of decay of shiitake mushroom. The oxidation and hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids were suppressed by oxyresveratrol treatment, which was associated with reduced LOX and PLD activities and increased SOD and CAT activities. The membrane lipidomics of shiitake mushroom was determined by LC-MS. 385 lipid species and 13 fatty acids in membrane lipids were identified by multiple reaction monitoring method. Compared with control group, the phospholipic acid and lysophospholipid reduced by 29.24% and 21.29% in oxyresveratrol-treated group, respectively, which alleviated hydrolysis of phospholipid. Meanwhile, oxyresveratrol maintained the unsaturation of fatty acids and alleviated oxidation of phospholipid. These results demonstrated that oxyresveratrol could play a dual role of inhibiting the oxidation and hydrolysis of phospholipids to mitigate cellular damage of shiitake mushroom.

Advances of stable isotope technology in food safety analysis and nutrient metabolism research

Food quality, safety, and the regulatory metabolism of food nutrients in cells are primary factors in determining human health. However, residues of undesirable or hazardous compounds in food products and dysregulation in the nutrient metabolism inevitably occur occasionally. For years, chromatography-mass spectrometry technology has been recognized as an essential research tool in food analysis and nutrient metabolism research, and it is more accurate and robust when coupled with stable isotopes. In this study, we summarize the applications of stable isotope technology in the quantification of contaminant residues (pesticides, veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other hazardous compounds) in foods and in the nutrients (glucose, lipids, amino acids and proteins) metabolism research. The aim of this review was to serve as a reference for providing effective analysis techniques for protecting food quality and human health, and to pave the way for the broader application of stable isotope technology.

Preparation and characterization of a novel intelligent starch/gelatin binary film containing purple sweet potato anthocyanins for Flammulina velutipes mushroom freshness monitoring

In this study, intelligent food package was developed and characterized by loading purple sweet potato polyphenolic extract (SPS) into starch/gelatin film. The application of this film in indicating the freshness of Flammulina velutipes was also determined. The color of SPS buffer changed from red to blue and final yellow when pH increasing from 3 to 10. The blending film with starch/gelatin ratio of 1:1 wt showed a minimum water vapor permeability of 6.26 × 10-11 gs-1 m-1 Pa-1. The value of elongation at break and tensile strength of the starch/gelatin film with starch/gelatin ratio of 1:1 wt increased to 78.89 % and 11.70 MPa. Upon its application to monitor of F. velutipes freshness level, SG11 film color changed from initially green to purplish gray and finally to yellow as F. velutipes deteriorated post storage. Our results suggested that SG11 films could be used as an intelligent packaging material in the future for other food products.

Recent advances in Zizania latifolia: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, health benefits and applications that maximize its value

Zizania latifolia is an aquatic and medicinal plant with a long history of development in China and the East Asian region. The smut fungus "Ustilago esculenta" parasitizes Z. latifolia and induces culm expansion to form a vegetable named Jiaobai, which has a unique taste and nutritional attributes. However, the postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots is still a big challenge for farmers and merchants. This paper traced the origin, development process, and morphological characteristics of Z. latifolia. Subsequently, the compilation of the primary nutrients and bioactive substances are presented in context to their effects on ecology a postharvest storage and preservation methods. Furthermore, the industrial, environmental, and material science applications of Z. latifolia in the fields of industry were discussed. Finally, the primary objective of the review proposes future directions for research to support the development of Z. latifolia industry and aid in maximizing its value. To sum up, Z. latifolia, aside from its potential as material it can be utilized to make different productions and improve the existing applications. This paper provides an emerging strategy for researchers undertaking Z. latifolia.

The mitigative effect of lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) extract on acute alcoholism through activation of alcohol catabolic enzyme, reduction of oxidative stress, and protection of liver function

Objectives

Lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) is a common medicinal-food dual-use vegetable. In this study, the effects of lotus root extract on acute alcoholism were investigated.

Methods

The Walle-Hoch method was used to determine the ADH activity of lotus root extracts in vitro. Lotus root methanol extract were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolomics analysis. Then 109 active ingredients with achievable oral doses and drug-like properties were explored using the TCMSP platform. SwissTargetPrediction Database to predict lotus root treatment targets for acute alcoholismSTRING database (https://www.string-db.org/) was used to construct protein-protein interaction network graphs. Gene ontology (GO) functional, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of genes common to lotus root and alcoholism by Metascap database. Molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock 1.5.6 software. Animal experiments verified the relieving effect of lotus root extract on acute alcoholism after intervention.

Results

Results indicated the methanol extract of lotus root showed the highest activation rate of ethanol dehydrogenase in vitro (18.87%). The 433 compounds of lotus root methanol extract were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolomics analysis. Bioinformatics analysis indicate that there were 224 intersectioning targets between lotus root extract and acute alcoholism. KEGG enrichment analysised shows that lotus root extract may play a role in treating acute alcoholism by intervening with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analysis found that HSP90AA1, MAPK1 and STAT3 played a key role in lotus root extract-modulated PPI networks. Molecular docking showed that (7R, 8S)-dihydrodihydrodipine cypressol had the best binding ability with MAPK1. Experiments in mice indicate that lotus root extract improved the activity of liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), increase glutathione (GSH) and reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decrease glutamate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the serum of mice with acute alcoholism, and accelerate the metabolic rate of alcohol after drinking. This study reveals the mechanism of lotus root to alleviate acute alcoholism, which provides a basis for further research on functional foods using lotus root and offers new possibilities for the treatment of acute alcoholism.

Conclusions

The results of the current study showed that the methanolic extract of lotus root had the highest activation rate of ethanol dehydrogenase. Network pharmacology results suggest that lotus root extract may play a role in the treatment of alcoholism by regulating signaling pathways, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, as well as biological processes, such as regulation of secretion, regulation of ion transport, response to lipopolysaccharides, and response to alcohol. Animal experiments confirmed the therapeutic effect of lotus root on acute alcoholism mechanistically through activation of alcohol catabolic enzyme, reduction of oxidative stress and protection of liver function.

RIB induced reactions: Studying astrophysical reactions with low-energy RI beam at CRIB

Astrophysical reactions involving radioactive isotopes (RI) often play an important role in high-temperature stellar environments. The experimental studies on the reaction rates for those are still limited mainly due to the technical difficulties in producing high-quality RI beams. A direct measurement of those reactions would be still challenging in many cases, however, we can make a reliable evaluation of the reaction rates by an indirect method or by studying the resonance prorerties. Here we ntroduce recent examples of experimental studies on such RI-involving astrophysical reactions, performed at Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo, using the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB. One is for the neutron-induced destruction reactions of 7Be in the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, and the other is the study on the 22Mg(α, p) reaction relevant in X-ray bursts, which was performed with the resonant scattering method from the inverse reaction channel.

Exogenous salicylic acid regulates organic acids metabolism in postharvest blueberry fruit

Fruit acidity is an essential factor affecting blueberry organoleptic quality. The organic acid content in blueberry fruit mainly contributes to fruit acidity. This study aims to evaluate the effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA), the principal metabolite of aspirin, on the organoleptic quality and organic acid metabolism in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Ait, 'Powderblue') during cold storage (4 °C). Results showed that SA-treated fruit reduced fruit decay and weight loss delayed fruit softening, and decline of total soluble solids (TSS). TA and total organic acid amounts stayed the same during the late storage period in SA-treated fruit. Four kinds of organic acid components, malic acid, quinic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid, were at higher levels in fruit treated by SA as compared to control. SA enhanced the activities of PEPC, NAD-MDH, and CS to promote the synthesis of malic acid and citric acid. Meanwhile, the activities of NADP-ME, ACL, and ACO, which participated in the degradation of malic acid and citric acid, were inhibited by SA. qPCR results also showed that the expression of VcPEPC, VcNAD-MDH, and VcCS genes were upregulated. In contrast, SA downregulated the expression of VcNADP-ME, VcACL, and VcACO genes. In conclusion, SA could regulate the key genes and enzymes that participated in organic acids metabolism to maintain the freshness of blueberry during cold storage, therefore minimizing the economic loss.

Deep Underground Laboratory Measurement of ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O in the Gamow Windows of the s and i Processes

The ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture process in asymptotic giant branch stars and for the intermediate process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray-induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of E_{c.m.}=0.24 to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire intermediate process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60% down to 15%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing datasets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the slow-neutron-capture and intermediate processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

[Clinical validation of the 2020 diagnostic approach for pediatric autoimmune encephalitis in a single center]

Objective: To evaluate the value of the 2020 diagnostic criteria (Cellucci criteria) for pediatric autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in children with suspected AE in a single center. Methods: The clinical data of 121 children hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2019 to October 2021, with a diagnosis of suspected AE, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The children were divided into definite antibody-positive AE (dAPAE), probable antibody-negative AE (prANAE), possible AE (pAE) and non-AE groups according to the Chinese expert consensus and the Graus criteria. A new diagnosis was made according to the Cellucci criteria which was compared with the clinical diagnosis to evaluate the diagnostic value of the Cellucci criteria. The Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and χ² test were used to compare the differences among groups. The sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate efficacy of the Cellucci criteria. Results: Among the 121 children, 72 were males and 49 were females, with an age of 10.3 (6.5, 14.0) years at disease onset. There were 99 cases diagnosed as AE according the clinical diagnosis (58 males and 41 females), of which 43 cases were diagnosed as dAPAE, 14 cases as prANAE and 42 cases as pAE, and the other 22 cases were not AE (14 males and 8 females). The top 2 initial symptoms in the 99 children with AE were seizures (53 cases, 53.5%) and abnormal mental behaviors (35 cases, 35.4%). And the most common symptoms during the course of the disease were abnormal mental behaviors (77 cases, 77.8%) and seizures (64 cases, 64.6%). There were statistically differences in the incidence of consciousness disorders, autonomic dysfunctions during the course of the disease and the length of hospitalization among the 4 groups (χ²=21.63, 13.74, H=22.60, all P<0.05). Ninety-six of the 121 children were tested for AE-related antibodies, of which 45 cases (46.9%) were antibody-positive. According to the Cellucci criteria, 42 cases were diagnosed as dAPAE, 34 cases as prANAE and 14 cases as pAE. Compared with the clinical diagnosis, the sensitivity of the Cellucci criteria for the diagnosis of the 3 types of AE were 93.02%, 92.86% and 87.88%, and the specificity were 96.23%, 74.39% and 86.36%, respectively. Conclusions: The Cellucci criteria has a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of pAE and dAPAE in the clinical management of children with suspected AE, while a high sensitivity but low specificity for the diagnosis of prANAE. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the Cellucci criteria selectively in clinical practice according to the actual situation, especially in the diagnosis of prANAE.

Co-encapsulation of chlorogenic acid and cinnamaldehyde essential oil in Pickering emulsion stablized by chitosan nanoparticles

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CEO and CA were co-encapsulated in Pickering emulsion for the first time.

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The wettability of nanoparticles was improved with increasing the ratios of CS to CA.

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The stability of Pickering emulsion was improved by using CS-CA nanoparticles.

Most of the current research only explored the loading of an active substance in active packaging. In this study, cinnamaldehyde essential oil (CEO) and chlorogenic acid (CA) were co-encapsulated in chitosan (CS) nanoparticles based Pickering emulsion. The morphology and wettability of CS-CA particles were determined. In addition, physicochemical characterizations and stability of the Pickering emulsion were also investigated. Results showed that the wettability of nanoparticles was improved with increasing the ratios of CS to CA, which is helpful to stabilize the emulsion. CEO Pickering emulsion was stabilized by CS-CA nanoparticles and CEO emulsion showed the best stability by using CS-CA nanoparticles with the ratios of CS to CA 1:0.75 with the minimum creaming index value of 26.5 ± 4.6% after 5 days of storage. These overall results presented in this work demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of Pickering emulsion for the co-encapsulation of water-soluble and water-insoluble ingredients.

Spin in the Abstracts of Randomized Controlled Trials in Operative Dentistry: A Cross-sectional Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the presence and characteristics of spin in recently published RCT abstracts in operative dentistry and to investigate potential factors associated with the presence of spin.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The PubMed database was searched to identify parallel-group RCTs published between 2015 and 2019 in the field of operative dentistry, which compared two or more groups and had nonsignificant results for the primary outcome. Two authors evaluated independently the presence and characteristics of spin among these abstracts. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the presence of spin in the Results and the Conclusions sections, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 77 RCT abstracts were included, among which 58 (75.3%) showed at least one type of spin. Spin was identified in the Results and Conclusions sections of 32 (41.6%) and 45 (58.4%) abstracts, respectively. 19 RCTs (24.7%) presented spin in both the Results and the Conclusions section of abstracts. The presence of spin in the Results section of abstracts was significantly associated with source of funding (OR=8.10; p=0.025) and number of treatment arms was associated with the presence of spin in the Conclusions section of abstracts (OR=5.66; p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence rate of spin in the sample of operative dentistry RCTs abstracts is high.

The Drivers of the Martian Bow Shock Location: A Statistical Analysis of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN and Mars Express Observations

The Martian interaction with the solar wind leads to the formation of a bow shock upstream of the planet. The shock dynamics appear complex, due to the combined influence of external and internal drivers. The extreme ultraviolet fluxes and magnetosonic Mach number are known major drivers of the shock location, while the influence of other possible drivers is less constrained or unknown such as crustal magnetic fields, solar wind dynamic pressure, or the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) intensity, and orientation. In this study, we compare the influence of the main drivers of the Martian shock location, based on several methods and published datasets from Mars Express (MEX) and Mars Atmosphere Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) missions. We include here the influence of the crustal fields, extreme ultraviolet fluxes, solar wind dynamic pressure, as well as (for MAVEN, thanks to magnetic field measurements) magnetosonic Mach number and Interplanetary Magnetic Field parameters (intensity and orientation angles). The bias due to the cross-correlations among the possible drivers is investigated with a partial correlations analysis. Several model selection methods (Akaike Information Criterion and Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator regression) are also used to rank the relative importance of the physical parameters. We conclude that the major drivers of the shock location are extreme ultraviolet fluxes and magnetosonic Mach number, while crustal fields and solar wind dynamic pressure are secondary drivers at a similar level. The IMF orientation also plays a significant role, with larger distances for perpendicular shocks rather than parallel shocks.

Assessing the drinking water quality in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2018

The objective of this study was to understand the drinking water quality state in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2018 and to derive information that will provide a basis for improving the drinking water quality in the region. Monitoring data for drinking water from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for 2014 to 2018 were analyzed and the results were compared with GB 5749-2006, the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water, and GB 5749-2006, the Drinking Water Quality Standards. Data for a total of 30,613 water samples were assessed. Of the data for the microbiological index, sensory trait and general chemical index, and toxicological index, 89, 80, and 69% were qualified, respectively. For the toxicological index, the fluoride and nitrate nitrogen data were the least compliant. The water quality in all the cities was generally very suitable for drinking. However, there were marked differences in the qualified rates of drinking water in different areas and the qualified rates of the data for the three indexes were lower in rural areas than in urban areas. Given the varied issues with the drinking water quality, the relevant departments of League cities should implement appropriate and effective treatment measures to improve the drinking water quality and ensure it is safe for residents.

Discrete Aurora at Mars: Dependence on Upstream Solar Wind Conditions

Discrete aurora at Mars, characterized by their small spatial scale and tendency to form near strong crustal magnetic fields, are emissions produced by particle precipitation into the Martian upper atmosphere. Since 2014, Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN's (MAVEN's) Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) has obtained a large collection of UV discrete aurora observations during its routine periapsis nightside limb scans. Initial analysis of these observations has shown that, near the strongest crustal magnetic fields in the southern hemisphere, the IUVS discrete aurora detection frequency is highly sensitive to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angle. However, the role of other solar wind properties in controlling the discrete aurora detection frequency has not yet been determined. In this work, we use the IUVS discrete aurora observations, along with MAVEN observations of the upstream solar wind, to determine how the discrete aurora detection frequency varies with solar wind dynamic pressure, IMF strength, and IMF cone angle. We find that, outside of the strong crustal field region (SCFR) in the southern hemisphere, the aurora detection frequency is relatively insensitive to the IMF orientation, but significantly increases with solar wind dynamic pressure, and moderately increases with IMF strength. Interestingly however, although high solar wind dynamic pressures cause more aurora to form, they have little impact on the brightness of the auroral emissions. Alternatively, inside the SCFR, the detection frequency is only moderately dependent on the solar wind dynamic pressure, and is much more sensitive to the IMF clock and cone angles. In the SCFR, aurora are unlikely to occur when the IMF points near the radial or anti-radial directions when the cone angle (arccos(B x /|B|)) is less than 30° or between 120° and 150°. Together, these results provide the first comprehensive characterization of how upstream solar wind conditions affect the formation of discrete aurora at Mars.

Impact of melatonin application on lignification in water bamboo shoot during storage

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Melatonin (MT) delayed water bamboo shoot lignification and hardness.

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MT treatment decreased the lignin biosynthesis through reducing enzyme activity.

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MT treatment inhibited the expression of lignin biosynthesis related genes.

Melatonin, a crucial bioactive molecule, involved in several physiological processes in plants. This study investigated the effects of melatonin (MT) treatment on lignification, including firmness, lignin, lignified-enzyme activities, the expression patterns of genes encoding corresponding enzymes and transcription factors in water bamboo shoot during storage for 8 days. MT treatment decreased the firmness and content of lignin. It inhibited the degradation of total phenols and ascorbic acid and delayed the lignin biosynthesis, via reducing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyse cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and peroxidase, as well as lignin biosynthesis-related genes expression levels. Transcription factors of ZlNAC1, ZlNAC2, ZlNAC3 and ZlNAC4 from NAC family and ZlMYB1 and ZlMYB2 from MYB family were increased in water bamboo shoot after harvest and MT-treated markedly reduced their expression. Therefore, our findings supply a fundamental understanding of MT treatment suppression of lignification and establish a foundation for further research on transcriptional regulation.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot and its prevention effect on colitis mouse

A water-soluble dietary fiber named BSDF-1 (polysaccharide) was isolated from the bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot. BSDF-1was characterized as a backbone consisting predominately of 1,4-linked Glcp, and the protective effects and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity were investigated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. BSDF-1 administration significantly reduced colonic pathological damage, inhibited the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-kappa B and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes pathways. It restored the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1, claudin-1, and occludin. Furthermore, BSDF-1 treatment reduced Parabacteroides, Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus levels, whereas high-dose BSDF-1 treatment increased Prevotella, Alitipes, Anaerostipes, Odoribacter, Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Lactobacillus levels. In conclusion, BSDF-1 can inhibit the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and restore the intestinal barrier function. Thus, BSDF-1 may be a valuable food supplement or nutraceutical to manage and prevent ulcerative colitis.

Effects of negative air ions treatment on the quality of fresh shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) during storage

Fresh shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is prone to brown, pileus-opening and flavor-loss during storage. Therefore, it is important to find an effective preservation method for fresh shiitake. Negative air ions (NAI) are negatively-charged molecules or atoms in the air, and can affect the physiological metabolism of live cells and be conveniently used with low cost. In this study, NAI treatment was performed at different times and the physico-chemical characteristics, microstructure, membrane potential and energy metabolism of shiitake were determined during storage. Results showed that NAI treatment for 40 min could reduce 29% of browning index and maintain the hardness of shiitake. NAI treatment groups had higher content of sweetness amino acids, umami amino acids, 5'-IMP, eight-carbon alcohols compounds and cyclic sulfides compounds than the control, and comprehensive quality of the group being treated for 40 min was the best. The mitochondria of shiitake swelled and the membrane potential decreased after being treated by NAI. However, NAI treatment for 40 min could improve the contents of ATP and ADP, maintain a relatively stable energy charge level, and promote energy utilization of shiitake during storage. The results demonstrated that NAI treatment had the potential to improve the quality shiitake during storage.

First measurement of 25Al+p resonant scattering relevant to the astrophysical reaction 22Mg(α,p)25Al

Type I X-ray bursts (XRBs) are the most frequently observed thermonuclear explosions in nature. The 22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction plays a critical role in XRB models. However, experimental information is insufficient to deduce a precise 22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction rate for the respective XRB temperature range. A new measurement of 25Al+p resonant scattring was performed up to the astrophysically interested energy region of 22Mg(α,p)25Al. Several resonances were observed in the excitation functions, and their level properties have been determined based on an R-matrix analysis. In particular, proton widths and spin-parities of four natural-parity resonances above the α threshold of 26Si, which can contribute the reaction rate of 22Mg(α,p)25Al, were first experimentally determined.

Experimental studies on astrophysical reactions at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB

Experimental studies on astrophysical reactions involving radioactive isotopes (RI) often accompany technical challenges. Studies on such nuclear reactions have been conducted at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB, operated by Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo. We discuss two cases of astrophysical reaction studies at CRIB; one is for the 7Be+n reactions which may affect the primordial 7Li abundance in the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, and the other is for the 22Mg(α, p) reaction relevantin X-raybursts.

Effects of salicylic acid treatment on fruit quality and wax composition of blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Ait)

The cuticular wax layer in fruit is a hydrophobic barrier which protects fruit from biotic and abiotic stress. The cuticular wax also affect fruit quality. This paper investigated the effects of salicylic acid on fruit quality and the cuticular wax in blueberry fruit during storage at room temperature (25 °C). 'Powderblue' blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum Ait) were treated with 1.0 mmol L^-1 salicylic acid. The composition of cuticular wax layer and structure of epicuticular wax layer were analyzed at 4 d intervals during storage. Salicylic acid could efficiently delay the reduction of total wax content and affected the proportions of its constituents, including triterpenoids, esters, sterols, fatty acids, alcohols and alkanes. Our results also showed that there was no significant difference on the structure of epicuticular wax in salicylic acid treated fruits compared with that of the control. Salicylic acid delayed deterioration of blueberry fruit and enhanced its resistance to disease during storage.

Extraction and Study of Hypoglycemic Constituents from Myrica rubra Pomace

Myrica rubra pomace accounts for 20% of the fruit’s weight that is not utilized when it is juiced. The pomace contains bioactive phenolic substances such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. To improve the utilization value of Myrica rubra pomace, an optimized extraction method for the residual polyphenols was developed using response surface methodology (RSM). The resulting extract was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the in vitro hypoglycemic activity and antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic compounds obtained were also investigated. The optimum extraction conditions (yielding 24.37 mg·g⁻¹ total polyphenols content) were: extraction temperature 60 °C, ultrasonic power 270 W, ethanol concentration 53%, extraction time 57 min, and solid to liquid ratio 1:34. Four polyphenolic compounds were identified in the pomace extract by HPLC: myricitrin, cyanidin-O-glucoside, hyperoside, and quercitrin. DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests showed that the Myrica rubra polyphenols extract had strong antioxidant abilities. It is evident that the residual polyphenols present in Myrica rubra pomace have strong hypoglycemic activity and the juiced fruits can be further exploited for medicinal purposes.

Sequence Variant in the TRIM39-RPP21 Gene Readthrough is Shared Across a Cohort of Arabian Foals Diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy

Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy (JIE) is a self-limiting neurological disorder with a suspected genetic predisposition affecting young Arabian foals of the Egyptian lineage. The condition is characterized by tonic-clonic seizures with intermittent post-ictal blindness, in which most incidents are sporadic and unrecognized. This study aimed to identify genetic components shared across a local cohort of Arabian foals diagnosed with JIE via a combined whole genome and targeted resequencing approach: Initial whole genome comparisons between a small cohort of nine diagnosed foals (cases) and 27 controls from other horse breeds identified variants uniquely shared amongst the case cohort. Further validation via targeted resequencing of these variants, that pertain to non-intergenic regions, on additional eleven case individuals revealed a single 19bp deletion coupled with a triple-C insertion (Δ19InsCCC) within the TRIM39-RPP21 gene readthrough that was uniquely shared across all case individuals, and absent from three additional Arabian controls. Furthermore, we have confirmed recent findings refuting potential linkage between JIE and other inherited diseases in the Arabian lineage, and refuted the potential linkage between JIE and genes predisposing a similar disorder in human newborns. This is the first study to report a genetic variant to be shared in a sub-population cohort of Arabian foals diagnosed with JIE. Further evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of the Δ19InsCCC allele within additional cohorts of the Arabian horse is warranted in order to validate its credibility as a marker for JIE, and to ascertain whether it has been introduced into other horse breeds by Arabian ancestry.

Association of Homocysteine and Risks of Long-Term Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Death among Older Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess whether raised baseline plasma tHcy concentrations increased the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death outcomes in older patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

DESIGN

A multicenter, prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Beijing, Shandong Province, Gansu Province of China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1, 290 OSA patients aged 60 to 96 years from sleep centers of six hospitals in China consecutively recruited between January 2015 and October 2017.

MEASUREMENTS

Cox proportional models assessed the association between tHcy and the risk of new-onset all events among Chinese older OSA patients.

RESULTS

The final analysis (60.1% male; median age, 66 years) used data from 1, 100 subjects during a median follow-up of 42 months, a total of 105 (9.5%) patients developed MACE and 42 (3.8%) patients died. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed higher adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of MACE, myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for unstable angina, and composite of all events with tHcy levels in the 4th quartile (HR=5.93, 95% CI: 2.79-12.59; HR=4.72, 95% CI:1.36-4.61; HR=4.26, 95% CI:1.62-5.71; HR=4.17, 95% CI:2.23-7.81) and the 3rd quartile (HR=3.79, 95% CI:1.76-8.20; HR=3.65, 95% CI:1.04-2.98; HR=2.75, 95% CI:1.08-3.76; HR=2.51, 95% CI:1.31-4.83) compared to reference tHcy levels in quartile 1, respectively, while the aHRs (95% CIs) of all-cause death showed significantly higher only in the highest tHcy level quartile than in the lowest quartile (HR=3.20, 95% CI=1.16-8.84, P=0.025) with no significant differences in risks of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation for heart failure among groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

tHcy, a marker of prognosis for older OSA patients, was significantly associated with the increased risk of MACE and all-cause death in this population independent of BMI, smoking status, and other potential risk factors, but not all clinical components events of MACE. New therapeutic approaches for older patients with OSA should mitigate tHcy-associated risks of MACE, and even all-cause death.

Advancement of Photospheric Radius Expansion and Clocked Type-I X-Ray Burst Models with the New ^{22}Mg(α,p)^{25}Al Reaction Rate Determined at the Gamow Energy

We report the first (in)elastic scattering measurement of ^{25}Al+p with the capability to select and measure in a broad energy range the proton resonances in ^{26}Si contributing to the ^{22}Mg(α,p) reaction at type I x-ray burst energies. We measured spin-parities of four resonances above the α threshold of ^{26}Si that are found to strongly impact the ^{22}Mg(α,p) rate. The new rate advances a state-of-the-art model to remarkably reproduce light curves of the GS 1826-24 clocked burster with mean deviation <9% and permits us to discover a strong correlation between the He abundance in the accreting envelope of the photospheric radius expansion burster and the dominance of ^{22}Mg(α,p) branch.

Salvage mandibular reconstruction: multi-institutional analysis of 17 patients

Unsuccessful mandibular reconstruction occasionally occurs, leaving the patient with undesirable function and contours. In such cases, second- or third-time corrective operations are challenging. However, published studies on the complicated retreatment of such patients are scarce. A retrospective analysis covering the years 2015-2019 was conducted in three centers. All 17 patients included had undergone prior failed mandibular reconstructions in other institutions. Salvage secondary or tertiary reconstructive surgeries were attempted and the results are presented. Major factors for these failed reconstructions included exposed non-vascularized bone grafts (n = 7, 41.2%), flap loss (n = 4, 23.5%), exposed artificial joint (n = 3, 17.6%), skewed occlusion with deformity (n = 1, 5.9%), non-union (n = 1, 5.9%), and recurrence (n = 1, 5.9%). Fibula flaps were transferred in 15 patients, while iliac flaps were used in two patients for mandibular re-do reconstructions. Virtual surgical designs were conducted in nine (52.9%) patients, with navigation-guided approaches performed in three cases. Postoperative functions were relatively favorable in these complicated mandibular re-do reconstruction cases. Mandibular symmetry (mandibular length and height; P = 0.002) and condylar position (P < 0.001) were regained after these re-do attempts. Secondary or tertiary mandibular re-do reconstruction can still achieve good functional outcomes with appropriate preoperative selection and well-conceived designs, especially with the aid of virtual surgery and navigation.