Effect of ultrasound/CaCl2 co-treatment on the microstructure, gelatinization, and film-forming properties of high amylose corn starch.

The effect of ultrasound/CaCl2 co-treatment on aggregation structure, thermal stability, rheological, and film properties of high amylose corn starch (HACS) was investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the number of starch fragments and malformed starch granules increased after co-treatment. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed the co-treated HACS got a lower gelatinization temperature (92.65 ± 0.495 °C) and enthalpy values (ΔH, 4.14 ± 0.192 J/g). The optical microscope images indicated that lesser Maltase crosses were observed in co-treated HACS. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated ultrasound influenced the compactness of amorphous zone and CaCl2 damaged the crystalline region of HACS granules. Additionally, the rheology properties of HACS dispersion demonstrated the apparent viscosity of co-treated dispersion increased as the ultrasound time prolonged. The mechanical strength and structural compactness of HACS films were improved after ultrasound treatment. The mechanism of ultrasound/CaCl2 co-treatment improved the gelatinization and film-forming ability of HACS was that (i) ultrasound wave loosened the HACS granules shell, promoted the treatment of CaCl2 on HACS granules, and (ii) ultrasound wave improved the uniform distribution of HACS dispersion, increased the interaction between CaCl2 and starch chains during the process of film-forming.

Immobilizing Ordered Oxophilic Indium Sites on Platinum Enabling Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation in Alkaline Electrolyte.

Addressing the sluggish kinetics in the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is a pivotal yet challenging step toward the commercialization of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here, we have successfully immobilized indium (In) atoms in an orderly fashion into platinum (Pt) nanoparticles supported by reduced graphene oxide (denoted as O-Pt3In/rGO), significantly enhancing alkaline HOR kinetics. We have revealed that the ordered atomic matrix enables uniform and optimized hydrogen binding energy (HBE), hydroxyl binding energy (OHBE), and carbon monoxide binding energy (COBE) across the catalyst. With a mass activity of 2.3066 A mg-1 at an overpotential of 50 mV, over 10 times greater than that of Pt/C, the catalyst also demonstrates admirable CO resistance and stability. Importantly, the AEMFC implementing this catalyst as the anode catalyst has achieved an impressive power output compared to Pt/C. This work not only highlights the significance of constructing ordered oxophilic sites for alkaline HOR but also sheds light on the design of well-structured catalysts for energy conversion.

ß-Cyclodextrin based Pickering emulsions for α-tocopherol delivery: Antioxidation stability and bioaccessibility.

ß-Cyclodextrin (ß-CD) Pickering emulsion and cinnamaldehyde/ß-cyclodextrin (CIN/ß-CD) Pickering emulsion were prepared and the influences of oxidation and digestion were investigated. CIN/ß-CD composite was better dispersed at the oil-water interface than ß-CD. Hydrophobic group of CIN anchored in the oil phase and Hydrophilic hydroxyl group of ß-CD extended into the aqueous phase, which allowed CIN/ß-CD composite to be oriented at the oil-water interface and formed a more stable oil-water interface layer. ß-CD Pickering emulsion was more susceptible to oxidative deterioration than CIN/ß-CD Pickering emulsion, its malondialdehyde (MDA) value was as high as 509.41 ± 9.37 nmol/L. Digestion experiment indicated that CIN/ß-CD Pickering emulsion was released inner oil phase in the small intestine and free fatty acid (FFA) release rate was 44.32 ± 1.08%. Pharmacokinetic parameters manifested that α-tocopherol peak concentration (Cmax) was 64.32 ± 6.45 mg/L and the peak time (Tmax) appeared at 5 h after administration of CIN/ß-CD Pickering emulsion.

[Saikosaponin D regulates apoptosis and autophagy of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells via Akt/mTOR pathway].

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of saikosaponin D on the proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells. The cell counting kit(CCK-8) was used to examine the effects of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28 µmol·L~(-1) saikosaponin D on the proliferation of Panc-1 cells. Three groups including the control(0 µmol·L~(-1)), low-concentration(10 µmol·L~(-1)) saikosaponin D, and high-concentration(16 µmol·L~(-1)) saikosaponin D groups were designed. The colony formation assay was employed to measure the effect of saikosaponin D on the colony formation rate of Panc-1 cells. The cells treated with saikosaponin D were stained with hematoxylin-eosin(HE), and the changes of cell morphology were observed. Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining was used to detect the effect of saikosaponin D on the cell apoptosis. The autophagy staining assay kit with MDC was used to examine the effect of saikosaponin D on the autophagy of Panc-1 cells. Western blot and immunocytochemistry(ICC) were employed to examine the effect of saikosaponin D on the expression levels and distribution of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3(caspase-3), cleaved caspase-3, autophagy-associated protein Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3), protein kinase B(Akt), phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR). The results showed that compared with the control group, saikosaponin D decreased the proliferation rate of Panc-1 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The colony formation rate of the cells significantly decreased after saikosaponin D treatment. Compared with the control group, the cells treated with saikosaponin D became small, accompanied by the formation of apoptotic bodies. The saikosaponin D groups showed increased apoptosis rate and autophagic vesicle accumulation. Compared with the control group, saikosaponin D up-regulated the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase3, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2, caspase-3, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR. In addition, these proteins mainly existed in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, saikosaponin D can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis and autophagy of Panc-1 cells via inhibiting the Akt/mTOR pathway.

Short-Chain Fatty-Acid-Producing Micro-Organisms Regulate the Pancreatic FFA2-Akt/PI3K Signaling Pathway in a Diabetic Rat Model Affected by Pumpkin Oligosaccharides.

Herein, we applied the Illumina MiSeq pyrosequencing platform to amplify the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16 S rRNA gene of the gut microbiota (GM) and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer to detect the metabolites after supplementation with pumpkin oligosaccharides (POSs) to determine the metabolic markers and mechanisms in rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The POSs alleviated glucolipid metabolism by decreasing the serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and glucose levels. These responses were supported by a shift in the gut microbiota, especially in the butyric-acid-producing communities. Meanwhile, elevated total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), isovaleric acid, and butyric acid levels were observed after supplementation with POSs. Additionally, this work demonstrated that supplementation with POSs could reduce TNF-α and IL-6 secretion via the FFA2-Akt/PI3K pathway in the pancreas. These results suggested that POSs alleviated T2D by changing the SCFA-producing gut microbiota and SCFA receptor pathways.

Microbial modifications with Lycium barbarum L. oligosaccharides decrease hepatic fibrosis and mitochondrial abnormalities in mice.

BACKGROUND: Lycium barbarum L. is a typical Chinese herbal and edible plant and are now consumed globally. Low molecular weight L. barbarum L. oligosaccharides (LBO) exhibit better antioxidant activity and gastrointestinal digestibility in vitro than high molecular weight polysaccharides. However, the LBO on the treatment of liver disease is not studied. PURPOSE: Modification of the gut microbial ecosystem by LBO is a promising treatment for liver fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Herein, LBO were prepared and characterized. CCl4-treated mice were orally gavaged with LBO and the effects on hepatic fibrosis and mitochondrial abnormalities were evaluated according to relevant indicators (gut microbiota, faecal metabolites, and physiological and biochemical indices). RESULTS: The results revealed that LBO, a potential prebiotic source, is a pyranose cyclic oligosaccharide possessing α-glycosidic and ß-glycosidic bonds. Moreover, LBO supplementation restored the configuration of the bacterial community, enhanced the proliferation of beneficial species in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., Bacillus, Tyzzerella, Fournierella and Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002), improved microbial metabolic alterations (i.e., carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin metabolism and entero-hepatic circulation), and increased antioxidants, including doxepin, in mice. Finally, LBO administration reduced serum inflammatory cytokine and hepatic hydroxyproline levels, improved intestinal and hepatic mitochondrial functions, and ameliorated mouse liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that LBO can be utilized as a prebiotic and has a remarkable ability to mitigate liver fibrosis.

Preparation and application of an imidazolium-based poly (ionic liquid) functionalized silica sorbent for solid-phase extraction of parabens from food samples.

In this work, an imidazolium-based poly (ionic liquid) (poly(1-octyl-3-vinyl- imidazolium naphthalene sulfonate)) functionalized silica (poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-) @SiO2) was successfully prepared for the determination of parabens in food samples. The prepared poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-)@SiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrogram (XPS) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The simulation calculation results indicated that the suitable binding energies were between the polymeric ionic liquids and parabens, and the main interactions for extraction were hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions. In addition, compared with commercial extraction materials, the prepared poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-)@SiO2 sorbent showed comparable or even better extraction performance towards parabens. The effective parameters were optimized by a combination of the univariate method and Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under the optimum conditions, coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wide linear ranges (1.0-800 µg L-1), good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9997) and low limits of detection (0.1 µg L-1) were obtained. In addition, the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were all lower than 6.3%. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully used for the determination of parabens in food samples and satisfactory recoveries in the range of 76.9-97.4% were obtained. The results indicated that the proposed method had good sensitivity, accuracy and precision for the detection of parabens in food samples.

Beneficial effects of postoperative radiotherapy for IIIA­N2 non­small cell lung cancer after radical resection analysed using the propensity score­matching method.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) after radical resection of stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Subgroups of patients who benefited from PORT were evaluated. A retrospective review of 288 consecutive patients with resected pIIIA-N2 NSCLC at Beijing Chest Hospital (Beijing, China) was performed. Of these patients, 61 received PORT. The 288 patients were divided into PORT and non-PORT groups according to the treatment received. The baseline characteristics of the two patient groups were balanced using propensity score-matching (PSM; 1:1 matching). In total, 60 patients in the PORT group and 60 patients in the non-PORT group were matched. After PSM, the median survival time of the matched patients was 53 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of the PORT patient group were 95.0, 63.2 and 48.2%, respectively, while those of the non-PORT group were 86.7, 58.3 and 34.5%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.056). The 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate in the PORT group was significantly improved (P=0.001). The effects of PORT on OS and LRFS rates were analysed in patients with different clinicopathological features. For subgroups with multiple N2 stations, N2 positive lymph nodes ≥4 and squamous cell carcinoma, PORT significantly increased the OS and LRFS rates (P<0.05). In conclusion, there was no statistically significant improvement in the 5-year OS rate with PORT overall, but there may be subgroups, such as patients with multiple N2 stations, N2 positive nodes ≥4 and squamous cell carcinoma histology, that could be explored as potentially benefitting from improved 5-year OS and LRFS rates with PORT.

Saikosaponin D Inducing Apoptosis and Autophagy through the Activation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glioblastoma.

Saikosaponin D (SSD), a saponin derivative, is extracted from Bupleurum falcatum. It exhibits an inhibitory effect on a number of tumor cells and is relatively safe when used at therapeutic doses. However, its effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have not been fully explored. This study is aimed at investigating the cytotoxic effects of SSD in GBM cell lines. SSD induces apoptosis and autophagy by activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in GBM cells. GBM cell proliferation activity and morphology were observed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were performed to assess apoptosis. Western blotting and immunocytochemical staining were used to detect protein expression and distribution. SSD significantly inhibited the proliferation of RG-2, U87-MG, and U251 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the proportion of apoptotic cells increased significantly. Additionally, the expressions of ER-, apoptosis-, and autophagy-related proteins were significantly upregulated and distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Therefore, SSD may be considered a novel treatment option for GBM. This study demonstrated the anti-GBM effect of SSD from the perspectives of cell apoptosis and autophagy.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index Is Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating European Women.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an inflammatory state of the lactating mammary gland, which is asymptomatic and may have negative consequences for child growth. The objectives of this study were to: (1) test the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and SCM and (2) assess the differences in nutrient intakes between women without SCM and those with SCM. One hundred and seventy-seven women with available data on human milk (HM) sodium potassium ratio (Na:K) and dietary intake data were included for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between nutrient intake and the DII score in relation to SCM. Women without SCM had a lower median DII score (0.60) than women with moderate (1.12) or severe (1.74) SCM (p < 0.01). A one-unit increase in DII was associated with about 41% increased odds of having SCM, adjusting for country and mode of delivery, p = 0.001. Women with SCM had lower mean intakes of several anti-inflammatory nutrients. We show for the first time exploratory evidence that SCM may be associated with a pro-inflammatory diet and women with SCM have lower intakes of several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Optimization of germination and ultrasonic-assisted extraction for the enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid in pumpkin seed.

Germination and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) are economical and effective methods to enhance bioactive compounds in plant seeds. We optimized the germination parameters and UAE parameters by using response surface methodology to maximize the recovery of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in pumpkin seeds. The optimal germination conditions were as follows: soaking the seeds at 28°C for 6 h with 0.2% CaCl2, 3.8 mg/ml monosodium glutamate, and 4.0 mg/ml vitamin B6, then germination at 30°C for 61.6 h. The optimal conditions for UAE were as follows: 1:75 (w/v) material-to-solvent ratio, 220 W ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic treatment at 50°C for 14.4 min, which afforded an extraction yield of 2679 ± 10 mg/100 g. Moreover, the GABA-enhanced extract showed the potential of hypolipidemic effect in type 2 diabetes rats. These results confirmed that a combination of germination and UAE increased the GABA yield from pumpkin seeds and provided a basis for GABA-enhanced production to improve lifestyle-associated diseases.

The protective mechanism of a debranched corn starch/konjac glucomannan composite against dyslipidemia and gut microbiota in high-fat-diet induced type 2 diabetes.

This study aimed to explore the protection mechanism of a debranched corn starch/konjac glucomannan (DCSK) composite against type 2 diabetes (T2D) related to dyslipidemia and gut microbiota in mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that the consumption of DCSK led to a significant improvement in the biochemical parameters and physiological indices associated with T2D in the HFD group, including the decrease in blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as the suppression of the oxidative stress of the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, the health of the intestinal microbiota in the HFD-fed mice was altered dramatically after DCSK consumption. Metabolomics revealed 13 differential metabolites strongly linked to DCSK intervention, and DCSK supplementation regulated amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and lipid metabolism. These findings demonstrated that DCSK has an outstanding ability to improve hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and gut microbiota associated with T2D.

Effect of Valve Height on the Opening and Closing Performance of the Aortic Valve Under Aortic Root Dilatation.

Patients with aortic valve disease can suffer from valve insufficiency after valve repair surgery due to aortic root dilatation. The paper investigates the effect of valve height (Hv) on the aortic valve opening and closing in order to select the appropriate range of Hv for smoother blood flow through the aortic valve and valve closure completely in the case of continuous aortic root dilatation. A total of 20 parameterized three-dimensional models of the aortic root were constructed following clinical surgical guidance. Aortic annulus diameter (DAA) was separately set to 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 mm to simulate aortic root dilatation. HV value was separately set to 13.5, 14, 14.5, and 15 mm to simulate aortic valve alterations in surgery. Time-varying pressure loads were applied to the valve, vessel wall of the ascending aorta, and left ventricle. Then, finite element analysis software was employed to simulate the movement and mechanics of the aortic root. The feasible design range of the valve size was evaluated using maximum stress, geometric orifice area (GOA), and leaflet contact force. The results show that the valve was incompletely closed when HV was 13.5 mm and DAA was 29 or 30 mm. The GOA of the valve was small when HV was 15 mm and DAA was 26 or 27 mm. The corresponding values of the other models were within the normal range. Compared with the model with an HV of 14 mm, the model with an HV of 14.5 mm could effectively reduce maximum stress and had relatively larger GOA and less change in contact force. As a result, valve height affects the performance of aortic valve opening and closing. Smaller HV is adapted to smaller DAA and vice versa. When HV is 14.5 mm, the valve is well adapted to the dilatation of the aortic root to enhance repair durability. Therefore, more attention should be paid to HV in surgical planning.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates myocardial injury in high-fat diet-fed mice through manipulating the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome.

High-fat diets (HFDs) can induce health problems including gut microbiota dysbiosis and cardiac dysfunction. In this study, we modulated the gut microbiota in mice to investigate whether Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a potential prebiotic fiber, could alleviate HFD-induced myocardial injury. Mice fed a HFD were given LBP (HFPD group) by gavage once/day for 2 months. Left ventricular function and serum trimethylamine N-oxide were significantly improved in HFPD mice compared with HFD mice. HFD increased the abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Romboutsia, while LBP increased the abundances of Gordonibacter, Parabacteroides, and Anaerostipes. Fecal metabolic profiling revealed significant increases in metabolites involved in nicotinate, nicotinamide and purine metabolism pathways, as well as indole derivatives of tryptophan metabolites in the HFPD group. LBP reduced intestinal permeability and inflammatory cytokine levels, maintained a healthy intestinal microenvironment, and alleviated myocardial injury. Modulating the gut microbiota is a potential treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Digestibility of squash polysaccharide under simulated salivary, gastric and intestinal conditions and its impact on short-chain fatty acid production in type-2 diabetic rats.

In vitro digestive conditions were simulated to investigate the digestibility of polysaccharides prepared from squash (SPS). A small amount of free glucose monosaccharide was released after salivary and intestinal digestion due to the breakdown of α-(1 → 4)-glucose linkages and may form SPS or a starch impurity. At the same time, there was no obvious change in molecular weight distribution and reducing sugar content throughout this digestion period, demonstrating that the main structure of SPS was relatively stable under the simulated digestive conditions. Thus, most SPS can be transported intact to the large intestine. In addition, SPS alleviated type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats. Moreover, the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon significantly increased after treatment with SPS. The present research provides insight into the non-digestibility of SPS, and suggests its utility to alleviate T2D by promoting the production of SCFA in the colon.

Synthesis of Sulfur-Doped 2D Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol and Hydrogen Evolution.

Sulfur-doped two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (2D-SCN) with efficient photocatalytic activity were synthesized via (1) polycondensation of thiourea to form bulk sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SCN) and (2) followed by thermal oxidative treatment of the prepared SCN via an etching strategy to form 2D-SCN. Sulfur was doped in situ into SCN by using thiourea as the precursor, and the 2D nanosheet structure was obtained during the thermal oxidative etching process. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the 2D-SCN sample were investigated in detail. Herein, it is shown that the thermal oxidative etching treatment and sulfur doping induced a 2D nanosheet structure (2D-SCN-3h) with a thickness of about 4.0 nm and exposure of more sulfur elements on the surface. The surface area increased from 16.6 m2/g for SCN to 226.9 m2/g. Compared to bulk SCN, a blue shift of the absorption peaks was observed for the obtained 2D-SCN-3h photocatalyst, and the absorption intensity was higher than that of the sulfur-free counterpart (2D-CN). The successful in situ doping of S element into SCN or 2D-SCN-3h samples is beneficial to the introduction of surface N defects and O species. 2D-SCN-3h indicated higher efficiency in photogenerated charge carrier separation and showed the highest reductive activity in photocatalytic splitting of water at a rate of 127.4 µmol/h under simulated solar light irradiation, which was 250 times and 3 times higher than that of SCN and 2D-CN photocatalysts, respectively. The apparent quantum efficiency was estimated to be 8.35% at 420 nm irradiation. The S-C-N bond formed by sulfur doping was beneficial to the charge-transfer process, and this led to higher photocatalytic activity according to partial density of state analysis computed by first-principles methods.

Postoperative radiotherapy for patients with completely resected pathological stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer: a preferential benefit for squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) on completely resected pathological IIIA-N2 (pIIIA-N2) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been a subject of interest with controversy. The aim of the study was to distinguish the clinical efficacy of PORT on lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) among pIIIA-N2 NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2010 and September 2016, 288 consecutive patients with completely resected pIIIA-N2 NSCLC at Beijing Chest Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, which consisted of 194 cases of LADC and 85 cases of LSCC. There were 42 (21.6%) patients treated with PORT in LADC cases and 19 (22.3%) patients treated with PORT in LSCC cases. The 5-year overall survival (OS), loco-regional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic factors were determined using Cox's regression model. RESULTS: Among 194 cases of LADC, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in the PORT group were 95.2%, 61.9% and 40.0%, respectively, while in the non-PORT group were 90.1%, 63.3% and 45.0% (p = 0.948). The use of postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) and smoking index ≥ 400 were both prognostic factors of 5-year rates of OS, LRFS and DMFS. On the other hand, among 85 cases of LSCC, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in the PORT group were 94.7%, 63.2% and 63.2%, respectively, whereas in the non-PORT group were 86.4%, 48.5% and 37.1% (p = 0.026). In this group, only the use of PORT was a favorable prognostic factor for 5-year OS, LRFS and DMFS. CONCLUSIONS: Due to clinicopathological differences among completely resected pIIIA-N2 NSCLC, PORT may not be suitable to all patients. Our study distinguishes pIIIA-N2 LSCC from LADC by their positive responses to PORT.

Urinary metabolomics analysis reveals the anti-diabetic effect of stachyose in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

As a new platform of systems biology, metabolomics provides a powerful approach to discover therapeutic biomarkers and mechanism of metabolic disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global metabolic disease, thus, a urinary metabolomics profiling was analyzed to study the anti-diabetic effects and mechanism of stachyose (ST) on high-fat diet- and low dose streptozotocinc-induced T2DM rats. The results showed that ST treatment regulated the level of insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, which demonstrates improvement in T2DM on ST treatment. Urinary samples from the ST and T2DM group were enrolled in metabolomics study, 21 differential metabolites were identified from urinary metabolomics analysis, indicating that the ST treatment partly exerted the anti-diabetes activity by regulating energy metabolism, gut microbiota changes and inflammation. A metabolomics strategy is both suitable and reliable for exploring the anti-diabetes effects and understanding the mechanisms of ST treatment against T2DM.

[Effect of sinus diameter on the opening and closing performance of aortic valve under the expansion of aortic root].

This study aims to explore the effect of aortic sinus diameter on aortic valve opening and closing performance in the case of no obvious disease of aortic valve and annulus and continuous dilation of aortic root. A total of 25 three-dimensional aortic root models with different aortic sinus and root diameters were constructed according to the size of clinical surgical guidance. The valve sinus diameter DS is set to 32, 36, 40, 44 and 48 mm, respectively, and the aortic root diameter DA is set to 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 mm, respectively. Through the structural mechanics calculation with the finite element software, the maximum stress, valve orifice area, contact force and other parameters of the model are analyzed to evaluate the valve opening and closing performance under the dilated state. The study found that aortic valve stenosis occurs when the DS = 32 mm, DA = 26, 27 mm and DS = 36 mm, DA = 26 mm. Aortic regurgitation occurs when the DS = 32, 36 and 40 mm, DA = 30 mm and DS = 44, 48 mm, DA = 29, 30 mm. The other 15 models had normal valve movement. The results showed that the size of the aortic sinus affected the opening and closing performance of the aortic valve. The smaller sinus diameter adapted with the larger root diameter and the larger sinus diameter adapted with the smaller root diameter. When the sinus diameter is 40 mm, the mechanical performance of the valve are good and it can well adapt with the relatively large range of aortic root dilation.

Simultaneous decoloration and purification of crude oligosaccharides from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch) by macroporous adsorbent resin.

This study investigated an efficient and recyclable approach for purification of crude pumpkin oligosaccharide (POS) by macroporous resins. Five resins with different physical and chemical properties were tested for decoloration of POS. In virtue of its higher decoloration ratio (92.6%) and POS recovery ratio (81.3%), the macroporous resin DM28 was considered to a better selection. Depending on the changes of molecular weight, part of the monosaccharides in crude POS were removed simultaneously after decoloration by DM28. Operating conditions were also determined by the dynamic breakthrough and desorption curves. Moreover, UV/vis spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared results revealed that most of the colored impurities and proteins can be removed, but the characteristic groups of the POS exhibited no significant difference. Compared with traditional methods, DM28 resin is superior in decoloration efficiency, pigment recovery and oligosaccharide recovery. This research contributes to further exploration on the structure and function of POS.