Extractions, Contents, Antioxidant Activities and Compositions of Free and Bound Phenols from Kidney Bean Seeds Represented by 'Yikeshu' Cultivar in Cold Region.

To thoroughly understand the profile of phenolic phytochemicals in kidney bean seeds cultivated in a cold region, the extractions, contents, antioxidant activities, compositions of free and bound phenols in the seed coat and cotyledon, and also relevant color attributes, were investigated. The results indicated that ultrasound-assisted extraction was an efficient method for free phenols. The bound phenols in seed coat and cotyledon were released more efficiently by alkali-acid and acid-alkali sequential hydrolysis, respectively. Under the optimized extractions, total phenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and anthocyanins (TAC) ranged in 7.81-32.89 mg GAE/g dw, 3.23-15.65 mg RE/g dw, and 0-0.21 mg CE/g dw in the whole seeds of the five common kidney beans. There was a big difference in phenolic distribution between red and white seeds. From whole seed, the phenols in the four red cultivars mainly existed in free state (78.84%) and seed coat (71.56%), while the phenols in the white 'Sark' divided equally between free (51.18%) and bound (48.82%) states and consisted chiefly in cotyledon (81.58%). The correlation analyses showed that the antioxidant activities were significantly and positively correlated with TPC and TFC. The phenolic attributes were closely associated with the color of the seed coat. Red seeds had higher total contents of phenols than white seeds. TAC had a positively significant correlation with redness. Brightness and yellowness showed a negatively significant correlation with TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacities, which were necessarily linked with redness degree and spot in red seeds. The spotted red 'Yikeshu' with the most outstanding performance on phenolic attributes was selected to analyze phenolic compounds with UHPLC-QE-MS. Among the 85 identified phenolics, 2 phenolic acids and 10 flavonoids were dominant. The characteristic phenolics in free and bound states were screened in both seed coat and cotyledon, respectively. The available information on the phenolic profile may expand the utilization of kidney beans as a nutritional ingredient in the food industry.

Diagnostic Value of a Combined Serum α-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase, Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Glycoantigen 125 Test for Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of the combined detection of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 169 patients with ESBC, 138 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 200 normal healthy controls (NHCs). The levels of serum α-HBDH, CEA and CA125 in the two groups were detected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyse the diagnostic value of the above indicators alone and in combination for ESBC. Results: The levels of α-HBDH, CEA and CA125 in the ESBC group were significantly higher than those in the BBD and NHC groups ([118.18 ± 11.19 vs 91.24 ± 9.17 vs 89.38 ± 9.01, F = 6.189, p = 0.004], [2.39 ± 1.12 vs 1.48 ± 0.76 vs 1.58 ± 0.58, F = 5.362, p = 0.017] and [14.44 ± 6.78 vs 11.19 ± 3.17 vs 7.18 ± 4.71, F = 8.912, p = 0.001], respectively). In the ESBC group, the positive rate of combined detection was higher than that of single detection (96.12% vs 72.64% vs 53.67% vs 42.41%, X2 = 27.174, p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that serum α-HBDH, CEA, CA125 alone and combined detection in the diagnosis of ESBC. The sensitivity was 48.1%, 63.6%, 44.2% and 54.5%, the specificity was 75.4%, 75.4%, 86.0% and 91.2% and the AUC was 0.654, 0.715, 0.636 and 0.772, respectively. The diagnostic value of combined detection was the highest. Conclusion: The levels of serum α-HBDH, CEA and CA125 in ESBC are high, and the combined detection of the three has a high diagnostic value for ESBC.

Phenolic features and anthocyanin profiles in winemaking pomace and fresh berries of grapes with different pedigrees.

The total contents and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds as well as anthocyanin profiles were analyzed and compared in fresh berries and fermented pomace of three grape cultivars with different pedigrees. The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities decreased significantly in skins (p < 0.05), while relatively large amounts of them were retained in seeds after fermentative maceration. Fermentative maceration also had a significant impact on the anthocyanin compositions. The proportions of anthocyanins with more stable structures, such as malvidin derivatives, methylated, diglucosides and nonacylated anthocyanins, increased significantly in the pomace skins (p < 0.05). There were obvious differences in phenolic features and anthocyanin profiles among the three cultivars. 'NW196', a wine hybrid of Vitis vinifera and V. quinquangularis, was characterized by the highest total anthocyanin contents and degree of diglucosylation. The results obtained in this study could contribute to the primary data for the development and utilization of winemaking pomace, especially from local non-Vitis vinifera grapes.

The cancer-testis antigen a-kinase anchor protein 3 facilitates breast cancer progression via activation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

The cancer-testis antigen A-kinase anchor protein 3 (AKAP3) has been shown to have a strong association with breast cancer (BC). However, its role in BC progression received scant attention. We aimed to explore the prognostic implication of aberrant AKAP3 expression for a better knowledge of BC progression and improved treatment. AKAP3 expression was quantitated using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cell viability, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and expressions of PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling components were assessed in AKAP3-overexpressed or si-AKAP3-transfected BC cells. Finally, elevated AKAP3 expression was observed in BC versus paracancerous tissues. BC patients with high AKAP3 expression showed a worse prognosis than low expression patients (P < 0.0001). AKAP3 overexpressions fueled cell growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC1937 and MDA-MB-468 BC cell lines, alongside increased expressions of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling components and PTEN suppression. These effects were pronouncedly reversed, together with elevated apoptosis, in cells transfected with si-AKAP3. Therefore, AKAP3 is upregulated in BC and promotes BC cell growth, invasion, and migration via PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling activation. It may serve as a prognosis indicator for BC survival.

Radiographical Evaluation of Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment and Treatment Outcomes in Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective, Multicohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment can influence treatment response and outcomes. A previously validated immunosuppression scoring system (ISS) assesses multiple immune checkpoints in gastric cancer (GC) using tissue-based assays. We aimed to develop a radiological signature for non-invasive assessment of ISS and treatment outcomes. METHODS: A total of 642 patients with resectable GC from three centers were divided into four cohorts. Radiomic features were extracted from portal venous-phase CT images of GC. A radiomic signature for predicting ISS (RISS) was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method. Moreover, we investigated the value of the RISS in predicting survival and chemotherapy response. RESULTS: The RISS, which consisted of 10 selected features, showed good discrimination of immunosuppressive status in three independent cohorts (area under the curve = 0.840, 0.809, and 0.843, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the RISS was an independent prognostic factor for both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in all cohorts (all p < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that stage II and III GC patients with low RISS exhibited a favorable response to adjuvant chemotherapy (OS: hazard ratio [HR] 0.407, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.284-0.584); DFS: HR 0.395, 95% CI 0.275-0.568). Furthermore, the RISS could predict prognosis and select stage II and III GC patients who could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy independent of microsatellite instability status and Epstein-Barr virus status. CONCLUSION: The new, non-invasive radiomic signature could effectively predict the immunosuppressive status and prognosis of GC. Moreover, the RISS could help identify stage II and III GC patients most likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy and avoid overtreatment.

Trifocal diffractive intraocular lens implantation in patients after previous corneal refractive laser surgery for myopia.

BACKGROUND: With the difficulties in IOL power calculation and the potential side effects occurring postoperatively, multifocal IOL implantation after previous corneal refractive surgery are rarely reported especially for the trifocal IOL. Herein we report the clinical observation of trifocal IOL implantation in patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction. In this study, a multi-formula average method was performed for the IOLs power calculation to improve the accuracy. Visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed, and the subjective quality of patients' life was evaluated by questionnaires survey. METHODS: This retrospective case series included patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction who underwent femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification and trifocal IOL (AT LISA tri 839 MP) implantation. Follow-up was done at 1-day, 1-month and 3-month to assess the visual outcomes. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (UDVA, UIVA, UNVA), manifest refraction, defocus curve, and subjective quality of vision. RESULTS: Twenty-one Eyes from sixteen patients (14 eyes with previous laser in situ keratomileusis and 7 eyes with previous photorefractive keratectomy) were included. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) at 3-month was - 0.56 D ± 0.49 SD, wherein, 10 eyes (47.6%) were within ±0.50 D of the desired emmetropia and 19 eyes (90.5%) were within ±1.0 D. Mean monocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA (logMAR) at last visit were 0.02 ± 0.07, 0.10 ± 0.10, and 0.15 ± 0.11 respectively. Three patients (19%) reported halos and glare in postoperative 3 months, two of them needed to use spectacles to improve the intermediate visual acuity. Fifteen patients (94%) reported a satisfaction score of ≥3.5 out of 4.0, without any difficulty in daily activity. Thirteen patients (81%) did not need spectacles at all distances, while the other 3 patients (19%) used spectacles for near-distance related visual activity. Mean composite score of the VF-14 questionnaire was 95.00 ± 7.29 out of 100. CONCLUSIONS: Trifocal IOL implantation after myopia excimer laser correction could restore good distance, intermediate visual acuity and acceptable near visual acuity, and provide accurate refractive outcomes as well as high spectacles independence rate.

Dissecting basilar artery aneurysm manifesting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a case report and literature review.

Highlights • Dissecting basilar artery aneurysm (DBAA) is relatively rare. • We report the first case of a DBAA manifesting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss. • This case report adds to the symptom spectrum of DBAA.

Clinical Efficiency of Modified Yuyetang to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined with Coronary Heart Disease / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To discuss the clinical effect of modified Yuyetang to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with coronary heart disease (deficiency of Qi and Yin or phlegm syndrome and stasis syndrome) and the mechanisms of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. Method: One hundred and eighteen patients were randomly divided into control group (58 cases) and observation group (60 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group was orally given insulin or special blood glucose for hypoglycemic agents, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, 100 mg/time, 1 time/day. Patients with dyslipidemia got atorvastatin, 10 mg/time, 1 time/day. And patients with hypertension got captopril tablets, 12.5-25.0 mg/time, 1 time/day. In addition to the therapy of control group, patients in observation group were also given modified Yuyetang, 1 dose/day. A course of treatment was 3 months. Before and after treatment, levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-hours postprandial glucose (2 hPG), blood lipids triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HLD-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), procalcitonin (PCT), homocysteine (Hcy), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and 8-Isoprostaglandin F2a (8-ios-PGF2a) were detected, Gensini and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome were scored, and electrocardiogram was detected. Result: After treatment, levels of FPG, HbA1c, LDL-C, ApoB, scores of Gensini and TCM syndrome, PCT, Hcy, IL-6, TNF-α and hs-CRP in observation group were all lower than those in control group (PPPPPPConclusion: In addition to hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapies, Modified Yuye decoction can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism of patients with T2DM and coronary heart disease, relieve degree of coronary artery stenosis, with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effect.

Anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Interleukin (IL)-20 is a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines, which has been reported to participate in autoimmune inflammatory diseases. However, the potential role of IL-20 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression has not yet been investigated. In the present study, it was observed that IL-20 mRNA and protein levels were markedly increased in the HCC tissues examined via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. In addition, IL-20 expression was significantly associated with tumor size, metastasis, TNM stage and poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Mouse recombinant IL-20 (mIL-20) enhanced liver cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, while the anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) attenuated the effect of mIL-20, inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and suppressing cell growth in vitro and in vivo. This was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, Transwell assays and a xenograft tumor nude mouse model. Western blotting revealed that IL-20 promoted HCC progression through inducing transforming growth factor-ß and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression and enhancing the phosphorylation of Jun N-terminal kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. The results of the present study indicated that IL-20 promotes HCC development. In addition, anti-IL-20 mAb may attenuate the effect of IL-20 and suppress liver tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo, indicating that anti-IL-20 mAbs may potentially serve as effective therapeutic agents for HCC.

MicroRNA-603 functions as an oncogene by suppressing BRCC2 protein translation in osteosarcoma.

The present study was conducted to investigate the expression of miR-603 in osteosarcoma cells, and the effect of miR-603 on the biological behavior and expression of breast cancer cell 2 (BRCC2) in osteosarcoma cells. In the present study, qRT-PCR was used to measure the levels of miRNA and mRNA. The results showed that miR-603 was significantly upregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. MTT and colony formation assays were employed to evaluate the role of miR-603 in the regulation of osteosarcoma cell proliferation. The results showed that overexpression of miR-603 promoted the proliferation of MG-63 and U2OS cells. Furthermore, a nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model indicated that miR-603 promoted osteosarcoma growth in vivo. Moreover, miR-603 expression levels were increased in patients with distant metastasis in comparison with levels in patients without distant metastasis. We discovered that BRCC2 may be a target of miR-603. Our results demonstrated that overexpression of miR-603 suppressed BRCC2 protein expression, and an miR-603 inhibitor enhanced BRCC2 protein expression as determined by western blot assay and immunohistochemical analysis. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that BRCC2 is a direct target of miR-603 in osteosarcoma cells, and the results suggest that miR-603 downregulates BRCC2 expression in osteosarcoma via translational inhibition. Finally, we found that the reduction in BRCC2 expression induced by miR-603 was responsible for the enhanced colony formation and proliferative ability noted in the MG-63 and U2OS cells. In conclusion, miR-603 enhanced osteosarcoma growth by downregulation of BRCC2 expression via translational inhibition.

Macrophage-derived microvesicles promote proliferation and migration of Schwann cell on peripheral nerve repair.

BACKGROUND: Macrophages have been implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration. However, whether macrophages-derived microvesicles (MVs) are involved in this process remains unknown. In the present study, the effects of macrophages-derived MVs on proliferation and migration of Schwann cells (SCs) were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Human monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1) was successfully driven to M1 and M2 phenotypes by delivery of either IFN-γ or IL-4, respectively. SCs incubated with M1 or M2 macrophages-derived MVs, the cell migration and proliferation were assessed, and expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Laminin were measured. A rat model of sciatic nerve was established and the effects of macrophages-derived MVs on nerve regeneration were investigated. RESULTS: M2-derived MVs elevated migration, proliferation, NFG and Laminin protein levels of SCs compared with M1-or M0-derived MVs. The relative expression levels of miR-223 were also increased in M2 macrophages and M2-derived MVs. Transfected M2 macrophages with miR-223 inhibitor then co-incubated with SCs, an inhibition of cell migration and proliferation and a down-regulated levels of NFG and Laminin protein expression were observed. In vivo, M2-derived MVs significantly increased the infiltration and axon number of SCs. CONCLUSION: M2-derived MVs promoted proliferation and migration of SCs in vitro and in vivo, which provided a therapeutic strategy for nerve regeneration.

[Effects of Different Altitudes and Sowing Dates on Direct Sowing Angelica sinensis Yield and Quality].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different altitudes and sowing dates on direct sowing Angelica sinensis biomass, yield and quality, and to provide a theoretical basis for Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation techniques. METHODS: Two factors trials were used to research the influence of altitude and sowing dates on yield and quality of direct sowing Angelica sinensis. The altitudes were located at 2500, 2000 and 1500 m, and the sowing dates were set up at autumn August 29, and Spring April 3 and April 24. The experiments were designed with split plot. RESULTS: Under the same altitude, roots and aboveground biomass of direct sowing Angelica sinensis were higher when sowing earlier. In the same sowing date, the root and aboveground biomass was the maximum at 2 000 m altitude, followed by elevation of 1 500 m. At 2 500 m altitude, Angelica sinensis root and aboveground biomass was the minimum. Sowing at 2 000 m altitude at August 29 direct sowing Angelica sinensis showed the highest biomass and yield, reaching 13 840.95 kg/hm2, significantly higher than the other treatments. Compared with transplanting Angelica sinensis in this region, the production of direct sowing Angelica sinensis was also 15. 3% higher. Angelica sinensis medicinal grade was significantly higher than the rest of the process. Angelica sinensis extract, volatile oil and ferulic acid content had reached the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION: Angelica sinensis sowed in late August at 2000 m altitude has the best yield and quality on root length, root diameter, plant height, leaf number, dry and fresh matter accumulation, followed by 1500 m altitude, and 2500 m worst. Therefore, altitude range of Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation area can be reduced to 1500-2000 m. CONCLUSION: Angelica sinensis sowed in late August, at 2000 m altitude, the indicators like root length,root diameter,plant height,leaf number,and dry and fresh matter accumulation showed the best, followed by 1500 m altitude, 2500 m worst. Therefore, altitude range of Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation area can be reduced to 1500~2000 m.

Quantitative MR phase-corrected imaging to investigate increased brain iron deposition of patients with Alzheimer disease.

PURPOSE: Brain iron deposition has been proposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of brain iron accumulation with the severity of cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board of Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China) and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Fifteen patients with AD, 15 age-and sex-matched healthy controls, and 30 healthy volunteers underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) phase-corrected imaging. The phase shift and iron concentrations of the bilateral hippocampus (HP), parietal cortex (PC), frontal white matter, putamen (PU), caudate nucleus (CN), thalamus, red nucleus, substantia nigra, and dentate nucleus (DN) of the cerebellum were examined for correlation with severity of dementia by using a two-tailed Student-Newman-Keuls t test (analysis of variance) and linear correlation test. RESULTS: Regional phase shifts on phase-corrected images were negatively correlated with regional brain iron concentration in healthy adults (r = -0.926, P = .003). Iron concentrations in the bilateral HP, PC, PU, CN, and DN subregions of patients with AD were significantly higher than the controls (P < .05), Moreover, these brain iron concentrations, especially those in the PC at the early stages of AD, were positively correlated with the severity of patients' cognitive impairment (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Iron concentration in the PC was positively correlated with the severity of AD patients' cognitive impairment, indicating that it may be used as a biomarker to evaluate the progression of AD.

[Value of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of small hepatocellular carcinoma to improve the accuracy in the diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective analysis involved 41 patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma cases confirmed by pathological examination of the biopsy samples or follow-up. These patients were assessed for CT and MRI findings including lesion size, density or signal intensity, enhancement patterns, and presence of tumor capsules. RESULTS: On unenhanced CT images, small hepatocellular carcinomas were displayed mainly as low-density masses, and the majority of tumors presented with low signal intensity on T1-weighted unenhanced MR images with increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images in comparison with the surrounding liver parenchyma. Most of tumors showed intense enhancement during the arterial phase (CT in 15 cases and MRI in 13 cases), but some appeared isointense to the liver parenchyma (CT in 4 cases and MRI in 4 cases). In portal and delayed phases, the tumors typically had lower signal intensity than that of the surrounding liver tissues (CT in 25 cases and MRI in 12 cases) with enhancement of the tumor capsules (13 cases). CONCLUSION: Dynamic enhanced scanning can be more informative of the pathology and blood supply of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Early and late arterial phase imaging may help in detecting the small lesions and in making differential diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance susceptibility weighted imaging in detecting intracranial calcification and hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is better than routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting intracranial calcification. This study aimed to assess the value of MR susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in the detection and differentiation of intracranial calcification and hemorrhage. METHODS: Enrolled in this study were 35 patients including 13 cases of calcification demonstrated by CT and 22 cases of intracerebral hemorrhage. MR sequences used in all the subjects included axial T1WI, T2WI and SWI. The phase shift (PS) of calcification and hemorrhage on SWI was calculated and their signal features on corrected phase images were compared. The sensitivity of T1WI, T2WI and SWI in detecting intracranial calcification and hemorrhage was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The detection rate of SWI for cranial calcification was 98.2%, significantly higher than that of T1WI and T2WI. It was not significantly different from that of CT (P > 0.05). There were 49 hemorrhagic lesions at different stages detected on SWI, 30 on T2WI and 18 on T1WI. The average PS of calcification and hemorrhage was +0.734 +/- 0.073 and -0.112 +/- 0.032 respectively (P < 0.05). The PS of calcification was positive and presented as a high signal or the mixed signal dominated by a high signal on the corrected phase images, whereas the PS of hemorrhage was negative and presented as a low signal or the mixed signal dominated by a low signal. CONCLUSIONS: SWI can accurately demonstrate intracranial calcification, not dependant on CT. Being more sensitive than routine MRI in detecting micro-hemorrhage, SWI may play an important role in differentiating cerebral diseases associated with calcification or hemorrhage.