Preparation and characterization of vanillin-conjugated chitosan-stabilized emulsions via a Schiff-base reaction.

In the current work, vanillin-conjugated chitosan stabilized emulsions (CSVAEs) were successfully prepared and its characterization and antibacterial properties were investigated. Under stirring condition, CSVAEs were produced by a Schiff base reaction between the vanillin aldehyde group and the chitosan active amino group. The CSVAEs were described through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and thermogravimetric analysis, which demonstrated the generation of Schiff bases between vanillin and chitosan. Furthermore, the CSVAEs displayed differences at different pH values, indicating their potential as pH-responsive materials. By studying their release behavior, pH 4 was a critical point at which the properties of the CSVAEs changed. The antibacterial tests showed that the CSVAEs had good pH-responsive antibacterial abilities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Characteristics of phenotypic antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori and its correlation with genotypic antibiotic resistance: A retrospective study in Ningxia.

BACKGROUND: Geographic differences exist in the antibiotic resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori. Personalized treatment regimens based on local or individual resistance data are essential. We evaluated the current status of H. pylori resistance in Ningxia, analyzed resistance-related factors, and assessed the concordance of phenotypic and genotypic resistance. METHODS: Strains were isolated from the gastric mucosa of patients infected with H. pylori in Ningxia and relevant clinical information was collected. Phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility assays (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion) and antibiotic resistance gene detection (Sanger sequencing) were performed. RESULTS: We isolated 1955 H. pylori strains. The resistance rates of H. pylori to amoxicillin, levofloxacin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole were 0.9%, 42.4%, 40.4%, and 94.2%, respectively. Only five tetracycline-resistant and one furazolidone-resistant strain were identified. Overall, 3.3% of the strains were sensitive to all six antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant strains accounted for 22.9%, of which less than 20% were from Wuzhong. Strains isolated from women and patients with nonulcerative disease had higher rates of resistance to levofloxacin and clarithromycin. Higher rates of resistance to metronidazole, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin were observed in the older age group than in the younger age group. The kappa coefficients of phenotypic resistance and genotypic resistance for levofloxacin and clarithromycin were 0.830 and 0.809, respectively, whereas the remaining antibiotics showed poor agreement. CONCLUSION: H. pylori antibiotic resistance is severe in Ningxia. Therefore, furazolidone, amoxicillin, and tetracycline are better choices for the empirical therapy of H. pylori infection in this region. Host sex, age, and the presence of ulcerative diseases may affect antibiotic resistance of the bacteria. Personalized therapy based on genetic testing for levofloxacin and clarithromycin resistance may be a future direction for the eradication therapy of H. pylori infection in Ningxia.

Characterization and antioxidant properties of chitosan/ethyl-vanillin edible films produced via Schiff-base reaction.

In this paper, chitosan/ethyl-vanillin (CS-EV) Schiff-base edible films with CS and EV at different concentrations and ratios were successfully prepared. The optical barrier properties, water contact angle, mechanical performance, water vapor transmission, antioxidant properties, thermal properties, and morphological structure of the films were compared. The results suggested that the tensile strength (TS) attained a maximum value of 64.63 MPa at a concentration of 4% EV. Moreover, water diffusion was prevented through the compact structure of the CS-EV edible film. Additionally, the two sides of the CS-EV film show different textures due to their different hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity. In particular, the films of CS possessed superior thermal stability, while those of CS-EV exhibited higher antioxidant activity.

How steaming and drying processes affect the active compounds and antioxidant types of Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. chow.

As both a traditional medicine and food material, fresh Gastrodia elata requires a curing process for quality improvement. The effects of steaming and various drying methods (sun-, hot-air-, microwave-vacuum-, freeze- and vacuum-drying) on the total phenolic, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid, adenosine, and phenolic compound contents, antioxidant activities (scavenging DPPH•, ABTS+•, OH• and reducing power) and microstructures were investigated in this study. The contents of adenosine and individual phenolic compounds were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that steaming had adverse effects on the total phenolic, total flavonoid, adenosine, parishin C, vanillyl alcohol, quercetin and cinnamic acid contents, while subsequent hot-air- and freeze-drying showed compensatory effects. Steaming significantly increased the levels of gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzylalcohol, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, parishins (A, B and E) and catechin (by 3.4-, 1.1-, 1.1-, 3.8-, 6-, 1.4- and 1.5-fold, respectively, p < 0.05) compared to the fresh samples, which were further increased by hot-air- and freeze-drying. Hot-air- and freeze-drying significantly increased the levels of adenosine, gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzylalcohol, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, parishins (A, B and C), vanillyl alcohol, catechin, caffeic acid, quercetin and cinnamic acid by 1.1-11.6-fold (p < 0.05) compared to steaming treatment. Steaming reduced all the antioxidant activities, which were restored partially by hot-air- and freeze-drying. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed the relationship among the samples, phenolics, and antioxidant activities, which suggested a steaming-then-drying action mechanism in which steaming changes enzymes and starch hydrolysis and drying promote condensation reactions. Collectively, steaming-then-hot-air- or freeze-drying is a promising method for enhancing the quality of Gastrodia elata for food applications.

Effects of Breaking Methods on the Viscosity, Rheological Properties and Nutritional Value of Tomato Paste.

Ultrasound-assisted processing has potential application advantages as an emerging technology for preparing tomato paste. This work explored the influence of ultrasound break at 22 °C (US-Break-22) and 65 °C (US-Break-65) on the viscosity, rheological properties and nutritional values of newly prepared tomato paste, compared with traditional thermal break at 65 °C (Break-65) and 90 °C (Break-90). Results showed that the US-Break-65 paste had the largest apparent viscosity, yield stress, consistency coefficient, solid-like nature, and large amplitude oscillatory shear behavior, followed by the US-Break-22 paste, Break-90 paste, and Break-65 paste. Based on the results of the pectin-related enzymes, particle size, and serum pectin of the pastes, it was revealed that the above-mentioned properties were mainly determined by the particle size and pectin content in their serum. The level of ascorbic acid followed the order of US-Break-22 paste > US-Break-65 paste > Break-65 paste > Break-90 paste. The level of total carotenoids followed the order of US-Break-22 paste ≈ US-Break-65 paste > Break-90 paste ≈ Break-65 paste. The level of total cis-carotenoids followed the order of US-Break-65 paste > US-Break-22 paste > Break-90 paste > Break-65 paste. The level of phenolics and antioxidant activities followed the same order of US-Break-22 paste > US-Break-65 paste > Break-90 paste > Break-65 paste. Overall, the viscosity, rheological properties and nutritional values of the tomato pastes prepared by US-Break-65 and US-Break-22 were significantly higher than those prepared by Break-65 and Break-90. Therefore, ultrasound assisted processing can prepare high quality tomato paste and can be widely implemented in the tomato paste processing industry.

A novel cholesterol-free mayonnaise made from Pickering emulsion stabilized by apple pomace particles.

Yolk-based mayonnaise is widely used to enhance the flavor of daily food. In view of health concerns on dietary cholesterol, novel mayonnaises (NMs) were made from Pickering emulsions stabilized by apple pomace particles using micro-jet (MJ-NM), ultrasonic (US-NM), and high-speed-shear homogenizer (HSS-NM), respectively. NMs and commercial mayonnaise (CM) were comparatively investigated in appearance, droplet size, rheological, tribological, and stability properties. NMs presented almost identical appearances to CM except for color. The droplets' size in NMs were larger than CM. Both NMs and CM demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and solid-like properties. Among mayonnaises, MJ-NM was demonstrated the most rapid thixotropy recovery with its storage modulus recovered within 51 s. Although both NMs and CM were of mixed tribology nature, NMs presented lower oral lubricity. Upon 210-day storage, both NMs and CM exhibited excellent stabilities without any oil-water separation occurred. Overall, the Pickering emulsions are promising and health alternatives for traditional mayonnaise.

Effect of temperature and pH on the encapsulation and release of ß-carotene from octenylsuccinated oat ß-glucan micelles.

Effect and working mechanism of temperature and pH on encapsulation and release of ß-carotene from octenylsuccinated-oat-ß-glucan-micelles (OSßG-Ms) were investigated. The stability and solubility of ß-carotene, and changes in surface hydrophilicity, core hydrophobicity, and size of ß-carotene-loaded-OSßG-Ms were determined. When exposed to temperature (25-45 °C) and pH (4.5-8.5), ß-carotene solubilization changed in parabolic manners. Size and absolute zeta-potential of ß-carotene-loaded-OSßG-Ms decreased with temperature, while they gave parabolic changing patterns with pH. Those results were ascribed to their hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and core/shell compactness via regulating molecule mobility, orientation, and interactions by temperature/pH. The higher temperature concluded with higher ß-carotene release, while a U-shaped release profile was observed with pH. Besides its diffusion, erosion-induced shrinking and collapsing of OSßG-Ms favored ß-carotene release at pH 1.2-4.5, which was replaced by swelling-induced structural-relaxation at pH 6.8-8.5. The results were favourable in controlling the behavior of ß-carotene-loaded-OSßG-Ms by selectively applying environmental parameters.

New insight into the joint significance of dietary jujube polysaccharides and 6-gingerol in antioxidant and antitumor activities.

The combinatorial use of dietary jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) and ginger play a critical role in traditional Chinese medicines, folk medicine and dietary therapy. Joint effects were investigated from the viewpoint of the antioxidant (scavenging DPPH˙) and antitumor activities (against SW620 cells) of jujube polysaccharides and ginger 6-gingerol (G6G) alone and in combination. Jujube polysaccharides were extracted, purified, and characterized, and then their inhibiting and apoptotic effects alone and in combination with G6G were evaluated by the cytological tests, including Cell Counting Kit-8, colony-forming, Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and cell cycle assays. Results showed that the purified polysaccharide fraction (ZJPs-II) with average molecular weight of 115 kDa consisted of arabinose, rhamnose, glucose, xylose, and galactose. ZJPs-II and G6G alone dose-dependently scavenged DPPH˙ and inhibited the proliferation of SW620 cells, while their combination showed synergistic interactions (all combination index < 1). The studies further demonstrated that ZJPs-II and G6G alone reduced the cell colony-formation, induced apoptosis and arrested the cell-cycle at G2/M phase, while their combination achieved better effects and significantly arrested the growth at the G0/G1 phase. Collectively, our findings suggest enhancing the intake of jujube polysaccharides and G6G in a combinatorial approach for maintaining health and preventing cancer.

The Role of Potassium Channels in Chronic Stress-Induced Brain Injury.

Chronic stress-induced brain injury (CSBI) is the organic damage of brain tissue caused by long-term psychological and environmental stress. However, there is no effective drug for the treatment of CSBI. The present study aimed to investigate possible mechanisms of CSBI and to explore related therapeutic targets. A rat model of CSBI was established by combining chronic restraint and cold water immersion. Our CSBI model was validated via Nissl staining, Western blotting, and behavioral tests. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within brain tissue during CSBI. Both Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were performed to determine signaling pathways associated with CSBI-induced DEGs. Agonists/antagonists were used to validate the pharmacodynamics of potential therapeutic targets. A combination of chronic restraint and cold water immersion successfully induced a rat model of CSBI, as indicated by various markers of brain injury and cell apoptosis that were verified via Nissl staining, Western blotting, and behavioral tests. RNA-seq analysis identified 1131 DEGs in CSBI rats. Of these DEGs, 553 genes were up-regulated and 778 genes were down-regulated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that significant DEGs were predominantly related to membrane-bound ion channels, among which the potassium channel function was found to be significantly affected. Pharmacological experiments revealed that retigabine, a voltage-gated potassium channel opener, demonstrated a protective effect in CSBI rats. Taken together, our findings suggest that potassium channel function is disrupted in CSBI, and that potassium channel regulators may function as anti-CSBI drugs.

[Expression of PGC-1ɑ in Ovarian Tissue of PCOS Rat Model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) in the ovarian tissue of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model and obese PCOS rat model, and the possible mechanism of PCOS. METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, PCOS rat model group and obese PCOS rat model group. DHEA dissolved in 0.2 mL soybean oil was injected daily into the rats of two PCOS groups for 21 d. Rats in obese PCOS model group were added with high-fat diet based on DHEA modeling, and each group had 10 rats. Body mass were measured before and on the 22 nd day after modeling. The serum testosterone (T) levels were measured by abdominal aortic blood, and the ovarian tissues of rats were taken for histological changes were observed by HE staining, immunohistochemical staining and Western blot to detect PGC-1ɑ protein expression. RESULTS: The body mass of rats in each group increased after modeling, and the body mass of rats in PCOS group and obese PCOS group increased significantly ( P<0.05). The serum T concentration of two PCOS model groups was higher than that of control group ( P<0.01). The serum T concentration in obese PCOS model group was higher than that in the PCOS group ( P<0.05). The results of HE staining of rat ovarian tissue showed that there were follicles and a small amount of corpus luteum at different developmental stages in the control group, and the granulosa cells were arranged in 4-6 layers. The number of immature small follicles in the two PCOS groups was significantly increased. The granulosa cells were arranged in 1-3 layers, relatively looser, and some follicles were atresia. In the obese PCOS group, the diameter of ovarian atretic follicles increased, the number of granulocyte layers decreased, and oocytes disappeared more obviously. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the PGC-1ɑ protein was mainly expressed in the cumulus and granulosa cells of ovarian tissue in the control group. The mean gray level of PGC-1ɑ protein expression in PCOS group (0.53±0.06) and obese PCOS group (0.36±0.03) was lower than that of the control group (0.75±0.03), with the statistical difference ( P<0.05). PGC-1ɑ expression in the obese PCOS group was lower than that in the PCOS group ( P<0.01). The results of Western blot were consistent with those of immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSION: PGC-1ɑ is associated with damage of ovarian granulosa cells in high-fat environment. The decrease of PGC-1ɑ expression in granulosa cells of ovarian follicles may be an important cause of PCOS development.

Micronized apple pomace as a novel emulsifier for food O/W Pickering emulsion.

In order to develop natural, food-grade particles as emulsifiers, wet-milled has been conducted to obtain apple pomace particles in varying sizes. Structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and Pickering emulsifying potential of the particle in different sizes were investigated. Particle size of apple pomace was gradually reduced from 12.9 µm to 550 nm during 8 h milling. With the decrease of particles size, the morphology became less angular. Meanwhile, some insoluble dietary fibers transformed into soluble ones, and the wettability tended to be hydrophilic, therefore, the water and oil holding capacities and free-radical-scavenging capacities increased. The properties of Pickering emulsions stabilized by wet-milled apple pomace particles in different sizes were then investigated. The decrease of particle size resulted in the size reduction of emulsion droplets, and gave rise to enhance gel-like properties and antioxidative activities of emulsions. The results demonstrated promising prospect of wet-milled apple pomace particles as emulsifiers in food industry.

Orexin A associates with inflammation by interacting with OX1R/OX2R receptor and activating prepro-Orexin in cancer tissues of gastric cancer patients / La orexina-A se asocia con la inflamación mediante su con los receptores OX1R/OX2R y activar la prepo-orexina en tejidos neoplásicos de pacientes con cáncer gástrico

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer (GC) has been become the second leading cause for cancer-associated death. This study aimed to investigate Orexin A levels and associated receptors in tumor tissues of GC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six consecutive gastric cancer patients (GC, n = 46) and 13 chronic atrophic gastritis patients (CAG, n = 13) were recruited. Meanwhile, 18 health individuals visiting Medical Examination Department were involved as control (N group, n = 18). ELISA was used to examine Orexin A concentration. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to examine OX1R and OX2R. HE staining was applied to evaluate inflammation. qRT-PCR was employed to detect OX1R, OX2R, prepro-Orexin mRNAs. Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was measured. RESULTS: Orexin A expression in GC patients was significantly up-regulated compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). Orexin A expression was increased in CAG group compared to N group (p < 0.05). Gastric cancer tissues exhibited significantly obvious inflammation compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). OX1R and OX2R expressions were significantly down-regulated in GC group compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). OX1R and OX2R were lower significantly in GC group compared to CAG group (p < 0.05). Prepro-Orexin was significantly depleted in tumor tissues of GC group compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). Orexin A expression was un-associated with gender, age and differential grades (p > 0.05). CAG and GC patients demonstrated higher H. pylori infection rates. CONCLUSIÓN: Orexin A was associated with inflammation by interacting with OX1R/OX2R receptor and activating prepro-Orexin in tumor tissues of gastric cancer patients

OBJETIVO: El cáncer gástrico (CG) se ha convertido en la segunda causa principal de muerte asociada al cáncer. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la concentración de orexina-A y de los receptores asociados en tejidos tumorales de pacientes con CG. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se seleccionó a 46 pacientes consecutivos con CG (n=46) y a 13 pacientes con gastritis atrófica crónica (GAC) (n=13). Al mismo tiempo, se utilizó como control a 18 individuos sanos que visitaron la unidad de reconocimiento médico (grupo N, n=18). Se empleó un ELISA para analizar la concentración de orexina-A. Se usó un ensayo inmunohistoquímico para el análisis de OX1R y OX2R. Se aplicó tinción hematoxilina-eosina para evaluar la inflamación. Se utilizó PCR cuantitativa en tiempo real para detectar el ARNm de OX1R, OX2R y prepo-orexina. Se evaluó la infección por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) en suero. RESULTADO: La expresión de orexina-A en pacientes con CG era considerablemente mayor en comparación con el grupo N y el grupo de GAC (p < 0,05). La expresión de orexina-A fue mayor en el grupo de GAC en comparación con el grupo N (p < 0,05). Los tejidos con cáncer gástrico presentaron una inflamación significativamente visible en comparación con el grupo N y el grupo de GAC (p < 0,05). La expresión de OX1R y OX2R fue notablemente menor en el grupo de CG en comparación con el grupo N y el grupo de GAC (p < 0,05). OX1R y OX2R fueron significativamente menores en el grupo de CG en comparación con el grupo de GAC (p < 0,05). La prepo-orexina se encontraba especialmente disminuida en tejidos tumorales del grupo de CG en comparación con el grupo N y el grupo de GAC (p < 0,05). La expresión de la orexina-A no se asoció al sexo, la edad o los grados diferenciales (p > 0,05). Los pacientes con GAC y CG registraron tasas de infección por H. pylori más elevadas. CONCLUSIÓN: La orexina-A se asoció con la inflamación al interactuar con los receptores OX1R/OX2R y activar la prepo-orexina en tejidos neoplásicos de pacientes con cáncer gástrico

Orexin A associates with inflammation by interacting with OX1R/OX2R receptor and activating prepro-Orexin in cancer tissues of gastric cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer (GC) has been become the second leading cause for cancer-associated death. This study aimed to investigate Orexin A levels and associated receptors in tumor tissues of GC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six consecutive gastric cancer patients (GC, n=46) and 13 chronic atrophic gastritis patients (CAG, n=13) were recruited. Meanwhile, 18 health individuals visiting Medical Examination Department were involved as control (N group, n=18). ELISA was used to examine Orexin A concentration. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to examine OX1R and OX2R. HE staining was applied to evaluate inflammation. qRT-PCR was employed to detect OX1R, OX2R, prepro-Orexin mRNAs. Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was measured. RESULTS: Orexin A expression in GC patients was significantly up-regulated compared to N group and CAG group (p<0.05). Orexin A expression was increased in CAG group compared to N group (p<0.05). Gastric cancer tissues exhibited significantly obvious inflammation compared to N group and CAG group (p<0.05). OX1R and OX2R expressions were significantly down-regulated in GC group compared to N group and CAG group (p<0.05). OX1R and OX2R were lower significantly in GC group compared to CAG group (p<0.05). Prepro-Orexin was significantly depleted in tumor tissues of GC group compared to N group and CAG group (p<0.05). Orexin A expression was un-associated with gender, age and differential grades (p>0.05). CAG and GC patients demonstrated higher H. pylori infection rates. CONCLUSION: Orexin A was associated with inflammation by interacting with OX1R/OX2R receptor and activating prepro-Orexin in tumor tissues of gastric cancer patients.

The spatial-temporal working pattern of cold ultrasound treatment in improving the sensory, nutritional and safe quality of unpasteurized raw tomato juice.

In considering the adverse nutritional and flavor consequences of thermal pasteurization on fruit juices, freshly squeezed and unpasteurized fruit juices, commonly called raw juices, are of increasing demand as they are served in bars, restaurants and at home. Apparently, due to lack of controlled processing regime as did in a juice factory, the raw juice often undergoes a rapid phase separation and is at the risk of microbial unsafety. To this end, an attempt of cold ultrasound treatment (CUT, 87.52 W/cm2, 10 °C) was implemented to a raw tomato juice up to 30 min. Appreciatively, the physical stability, nutritional value and microbial safety substantially improved. On a CUT time scale, cloud stability and total phenolic content continuously increased; the total plate count was adversely altered; the rheological parameters (viscosity, thixotropy and shear-thinning tendency) and total carotenoids obtained shared a parabolic changing pattern but peaked at 15 min and 10 min, respectively. Finally, the ascorbic acid sharply increased at an earlier stage (5 min), and then remained stable throughout the whole process. Notably, the occurrences of these improvements are of spatial-temporal nature and resulted from different cavitation induced stress fields. At the initial stage, CUT chiefly worked via the mechanical field with the particles in pulp phase, making them smaller and releasing the soluble materials into serum phase. When the particles larger than approximately of 160 µm were completely disintegrated, the CUT entered its second stage and mainly functioned in the serum phase via both mechanical and chemical fields. As a result, the serum pectin and carotenoids were depolymerized and degraded, respectively. The present results are valuable in uncovering the mechanism and kinetics underlying the ultrasound treatment of fruit juices and the present CUT is highly recommended due to its high maneuverability and excellent performance.

The therapeutic value of cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA detection by next-generation sequencing for meningeal carcinomatosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: It is usually very complicated to treat meningeal carcinomatosis, and it is important to treat it as soon as possible. CASE PRESENTATION: The 19-Del mutation was found in the exon for the epidermal growth factor receptor gene in the pleural effusion of a patient on March 11th, 2015. He took 250 mg of oral gefitinib once a day for 11 months beginning in December of 2015. On the 3rd of November 2016, he arrived at the hospital and presented with dizziness, headache and transient blurred vision. At this time, he began to take 4 mg of oral zoledronic acid once a month to prevent bone metastases. The result of a cytology exam of the cerebrospinal fluid showed that the man had meningeal carcinomatosis. The 19-Del mutation and the 20-T790 M mutation in the exon of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene was found by the next generation sequencing of the CSF. Then, he discontinued taking gefitinib and began to take 90-100 mg of oral AZD9291 once a day in November 2016. After adjusting the medication dose based on the NGS, his headache was noticeably reduced, and his condition gradually stabilized. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA detection by next generation sequencing may become a suitable biomarker to monitor clinical treatment response in meningeal carcinomatosis.

A novel two-step ultrasound post-assisted lye peeling regime for tomatoes: Reducing pollution while improving product yield and quality.

In this paper, the effects and mechanisms of a novel two-step tomato peeling method, hot lye with a post-assistance of ultrasound, were investigated. The present work aims to improve the environmental friendliness of the conventional hot lye tomato peeling method (10% w/v, 97 °C, 45 s). The results showed that 4% (w/v) lye treatment at 97 °C for 30 s with a post-assistance of a 31.97 W/L ultrasound treatment at 70 °C for 50 s achieved a 100% peelability. In this scenario, the peeling yield and lycopene content in the peeled product were significantly higher than the peeling yield and lycopene content with the conventional hot lye peeling method. The present two-step peeling method was concluded with a mechanism of chemico-mechanical synergism, in which the hot lye functions mainly in a chemical way while the ultrasound is a mechanical process. Especially from the lye side, this work first demonstrated that the lye penetrated across the tomato skin via a pitting model rather than evenly. The findings reported in this paper not only provide a novel tomato peeling method with significant environmental benefits but also discover new clues to the peeling mechanism using hot lye.

The gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor (GABAB) encephalitis: clinical manifestations and response to immunotherapy.

PURPOSE: We report 11 patients diagnosed with GABAB receptor (GABABR) antibodies encephalitis in China and aim to analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging findings, therapeutic modalities and outcomes. METHODS: Clinical data from patients diagnosed with anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2016 to October 2016 January were retrospectively collected and evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients, seven were males, and a mean age at presentation of 63 years (range: 47-79 years). The major clinical features include cognitive decline (9/11), epilepsy (10/11), mental and behavioral disorders (6/11), involuntary movement (4/11), sleep disorders (2/11), hearing loss (1/11), disturbance of consciousness (4/11) and fever (3/11). GABA-B receptor antibody was positive in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid in 11 patients. Small-cell lung cancer was detected in five patients. Electroencephalogram monitoring demonstrated abnormal discharge in 10 cases. Epileptiform activities were found in five patients. Four patients showed abnormality in hippocampal region, parahippocampal gyrus, temporal and occipital lobe on magnetic resonance imaging. Ten patients accepted first-line immune therapy. Five patients with small-cell lung cancer received oncologic treatment. During a median follow-up of 11 months, eight patients showed a good outcome, two patients (cases 8 and 9) with tumors had a poor one and one patient (case 10) died of status epilepticus. CONCLUSION: Anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis is an uncommon autoimmune disease, which has been known to be often associated with cancer. Generally, patients associated with GABABR GABA-B receptor antibody encephalitis respond well to immunotherapy, especially if started early.

Cytotoxic and Antitumor Effects of Curzerene from Curcuma longa.

Curzerene is a sesquiterpene and component used in oriental medicine. It was originally isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Curcuma rhizomes. In this study, anticancer activity of curzerene was examined in both in vitro and in vivo models. The result of the MTT assay showed that curzerene exhibited antiproliferative effects in SPC-A1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. The anticancer IC50s were 403.8, 154.8, and 47.0 µM for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. The flow cytometry analysis indicated curzerene arrested the cells in the G2/M cell cycle and promoted or induced apoptosis of SPC-A1 cells. The percentage of cells arrested in the G2/M phase increased from 9.26 % in the control group cells to 17.57 % in the cells treated with the highest dose (100 µM) of curzerene. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that curzerene induced the downregulation of GSTA1 protein and mRNA expressions in SPC-A1 cells. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in SPC-A1 cell-bearing nude mice by using curzerene (135 mg/kg daily), meanwhile, curzerene did not significantly affect body mass and the organs of the mice, which may indicate that curzerene has limited toxicity and side effects in vivo. In conclusion, curzerene could inhibit the proliferation of SPC-A1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells line in both in vitro and in vivo models. Focusing on its relationship with GSTA1, curzerene could induce the downregulation of GSTA1 protein and mRNA expressions in SPC-A1 cells. Curzerene might be used as an anti-lung adenocarcinoma drug candidate compound for further development.

The T296V Mutant of Amorpha-4,11-diene Synthase Is Defective in Allylic Diphosphate Isomerization but Retains the Ability To Cyclize the Intermediate (3R)-Nerolidyl Diphosphate to Amorpha-4,11-diene.

The T296V mutant of amorpha-4,11-diene synthase catalyzes the abortive conversion of the natural substrate (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate mainly into the acyclic product (E)-ß-farnesene (88%) instead of the natural bicyclic sesquiterpene amorphadiene (7%). Incubation of the T296V mutant with (3R,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate resulted in cyclization to amorphadiene. Analysis of additional mutants of amino acid residue 296 and in vitro assays with the intermediate analogue (2Z,6E)-farnesyl diphosphate as well as (3S,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate demonstrated that the T296V mutant can no longer catalyze the allylic rearrangement of farnesyl diphosphate to the normal intermediate (3R,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate, while retaining the ability to cyclize (3R,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate to amorphadiene. The T296A mutant predominantly retained amorphadiene synthase activity, indicating that neither the hydroxyl nor the methyl group of the Thr296 side chain is required for cyclase activity.

Evaluation of transcranial surgical decompression of the optic canal as a treatment option for traumatic optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a serious complication of head trauma, with the incidence rate ranging from 0.5% to 5%. The two treatment options widely practiced for TON are: (i) high-dose corticosteroid therapy and (ii) surgical decompression. However, till date, there is no consensus on the treatment protocol. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of transcranial decompression of optic canal in TON patients. METHODS: A total of 39 patients with visual loss resulting from TON between January 2005 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed for preoperative vision, preoperative image, visual evoked potential (VEP), surgical approach, postoperative visual acuity, complications, and follow-up results. RESULTS: All these patients underwent transcranial decompression of optic canal. During the three-month follow-up period, among the 39 patients, 21 showed an improvement in their eyesight, 6 recovered to standard logarithmic visual acuity chart "visible," 10 could count fingers, 2 could see hand movement, and 3 regained light sensation. CONCLUSION: Visual evoked potential could be used as an important preoperative and prognostic evaluation parameter for TON patients. Once TON was diagnosed, surgery is a promising therapeutic option, especially when a VEP wave is detected, irrespective of the HRCT scan findings. Operative time between trauma and operation is not necessary reference to assess the therapeutic effect of surgical decompression. The poor results of this procedure may be related to the severity of optic nerve injury. The patient's age is an important factor affecting the surgical outcomes.