Effects of different oleogelators on the structural properties and composition of iron walnut-oil oleogels.

In this study, we compared the quality of iron walnut oil (IWO) oleogels prepared with different oleogelators, including γ-oryzanol/ß-sitosterol (OZ-PS), γ-oryzanol/triglyceride (OZ-TC), monoglycerides (MGS), beeswax (BW), beeswax-monoglycerides (BW-MGS), and carnauba wax (CW). The physicochemical and component properties, rheological and textural parameters, macroscopic morphologies, and antioxidant capacities of the resulting oleogels were analyzed. In addition, their microscopic properties were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and polarized light microscopy (PLM). The results showed that the gel structures produced by different oleogelators did not change the fatty acid composition of IWO. In addition, the IWO oleogel prepared with OZ-PS had a more stable network structure, excellent hardness at 4℃ (1116.51 g), better antioxidant capacity (766.50 µmol TE/kg) and higher total phenolic content (14.98 mg/kg) than any other experimental IWO oleogels. Moreover, comprehensive ranking by principal component analysis of numerous characteristics showed that the OZ-PS oleogel (2.533) ranked first among the six oleogels studied. Therefore, the IWO oleogel prepared with OZ-PS is a promising product, and our results provide guidance for the preparation of IWO oleogels, such as to increase their applications in the food industry.

Expression of ß-adrenergic receptor subtypes in human normal and dilated ureter.

BACKGROUND: Ureter peristalsis is a basic physiological function regulated by myogenic and neurogenic factors. The distribution and function of ß-adrenergic receptors (ß-AR) in the human ureter remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of ß-AR subtypes in the normal and dilated human ureter. METHODS: The upper, middle, and lower segments of normal and dilated ureters were collected from patients undergoing surgery for carcinoma of the kidney and upper urinary tract and ureteral stenosis. The mucosa and muscular layers were separated. Expression of ß1-AR, ß2-AR, and ß3-AR mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In both mucosa and muscular layers, the mRNA and protein expressions of ß1-AR, ß2-AR, and ß3-AR were lower in the dilated ureter compared with the normal ureter. ß1-AR mRNA was significantly decreased (by 76.64%; P < 0.01) in the mucosa layer of the middle segment of the dilated ureter. ß1-AR and ß3-AR mRNA were significantly decreased (by 75.53 and 53.62%, respectively; P < 0.01) in the muscular layer of the lower segment of the dilated ureter. Similar findings were observed for protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: The downregulation of ß-ARs after ureter dilation, particularly for ß1-AR and ß3-AR in the muscular layer, suggests a potential compensatory mechanism involving increased contraction of the ureter to push urine through the obstruction. Thus, ß-ARs may be a potential target for treatment of ureter obstruction.

Four cases of enterovesical fistula and the importance of CT in the diagnosis.

Enterovesical fistula is an abnormal communication between the urinary bladder and intestine. Diverticulitis is the most common aetiology, accounting for approximately 50-70% of cases, and malignancy is the second most common cause, accounting for approximately 20% of cases. However, most patients are hospitalized because of urinary symptoms. The disease can be misdiagnosed if patients have been symptomatic for a long time before the diagnosis is made. Detection of enterovesical fistula and the underlying disease is important. However, the optimal diagnostic methods have not been clarified. CT scan is the most sensitive diagnostic modality, but should be backed up with cystoscopy, cystography, colonoscopy and barium enema.