Comparison of Alternative Protein Hydrogels for Delivering Myricetin: Interaction Mechanism and Stability Evaluation.

Food protein carriers from different sources might have distinct stabilizing and enhancing effects on the same small molecule. To elucidate the molecular mechanism, five different sourced proteins including soy protein isolates (SPIs), whey protein isolates (WPIs), edible dock protein (EDP), Tenebrio molitor protein (TMP), and yeast protein (YP) were used to prepare protein hydrogels for delivering myricetin (Myr). The results suggested that the loading capacity order of Myr in different protein hydrogels was EDP (11.5%) > WPI (9.3%) > TMP (8.9%) > YP (8.0%) > SPI (7.6%), which was consistent with the sequence of binding affinity between Myr and different proteins. Among five protein hydrogels, EDP had an optimum loading ability since it possessed the highest hydrophobic amino acid content (45.52%) and thus provided a broad hydrophobic cavity for loading Myr. In addition, these protein-Myr composite hydrogels displayed the core-shell structure, wherein hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction were the primary binding forces between proteins and Myr. Moreover, the thermal stability, storage stability, and sustained-release properties of Myr were significantly enhanced via these protein delivery systems. These findings can provide scientific guidance for deeper utilization of food alternative protein sources.

The association between circulating fatty acids and stroke in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is prevalent in hypertensive population. It has been suggested that unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) have protective effect on stroke. The effect of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on stroke is still unclear. Therefore, we studied the relationship between circulating fatty acids and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Eighty-nine pairs including 100 men and 78 women matched by sex and age were recruited. Each pair included a hypertensive patient within 48h of AIS onset and a hypertensive patient without stroke. Six circulating fatty acids were methylated before concentration determination which was repeated twice with percent recovery estimated. RESULTS: There were differences in educational level (P = 0.002) and occupation (P < 0.001) between stroke and non-stroke participants. All the 6 fatty acid levels were higher in non-stroke participants (P = 0.017 for palmitoleic acid, 0.001 for palmitic acid, <0.001 for linoleic acid, <0.001 for behenic acid, <0.001 for nervonic acid and 0.002 for lignoceric acid). In logistic regression analysis, AIS was inversely associated with fatty acid levels except for lignoceric acid. After adjustment for education and occupation, the palmitoleic acid and palmitic acid levels were no longer inversely associated with AIS. After further adjustment for systolic blood pressure, smoking, drinking, total cholesterol and triglyceride, the inverse associations of linoleic acid (OR = 0.965, 95%CI = 0.942-0.990, P = 0.005), behenic acid (OR = 0.778, 95%CI = 0.664-0.939, P = 0.009), nervonic acid (OR = 0.323, 95%CI = 0.121-0.860, P = 0.024) with AIS remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating fatty acids except lignoceric acid were inversely associated with AIS. Both USFAs and SFAs may have beneficial effect on stroke prevention in hypertensive population.

Regulation Mechanism of Phenolic Hydroxyl Number on Self-Assembly and Interaction between Edible Dock Protein and Hydrophobic Flavonoids.

In this study, galangin (Gal), kaempferol (Kae), quercetin (Que), and myricetin (Myr) were chosen as the representative flavonoids with different phenolic hydroxyl numbers in the B-ring. The edible dock protein (EDP) was chosen as the new plant protein. Based on this, the regulation mechanism of the phenolic hydroxyl number on the self-assembly behavior and molecular interaction between EDP and flavonoid components were investigated. Results indicated that the loading capacity order of flavonoids within the EDP nanomicelles was Myr (10.92%) > Que (9.56%) > Kae (6.63%) > Gal (5.55%). Moreover, this order was consistent with the order of the hydroxyl number in the flavonoid's B ring: Myr (3) > Que (2) > Kae (1) > Gal (0). The micro morphology exhibited that four flavonoid-EDP nanomicelles had a core-shell structure. In the meantime, the EDP encapsulation remarkably improved the flavonoids' water solubility, storage stability, and sustained release characteristics. During the interaction of EDP and flavonoids, the noncovalent interactions including van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interaction, and hydrogen bonding were the main binding forces. All of the results demonstrated that the hydroxyl number of bioactive compounds is a critical factor for developing a delivery system with high loading ability and stability.

Assessing food security performance from the One Health concept: an evaluation tool based on the Global One Health Index.

BACKGROUND: Food systems instantiate the complex interdependencies across humans, physical environments, and other organisms. Applying One Health approaches for agri-food system transformation, which adopts integrated and unifying approaches to optimize the overall health of humans, animals, plants, and environments, is crucial to enhance the sustainability of food systems. This study develops a potential assessment tool, named the global One Health index-Food Security (GOHI-FS), aiming to evaluate food security performance across countries/territories from One Health perspective and identify relevant gaps that need to be improved for sustainable food systems. METHODS: We comprehensively reviewed existing frameworks and elements of food security. The indicator framework of GOHI-FS was conceptualized following the structure-process-outcome model and confirmed by expert advisory. Publicly available data in 2020 was collected for each indicator. The weighting strategy was determined by the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. The data for each indicator was normalized and aggregated by weighted arithmetic mean. Linear regressions were performed to evaluate the associations of GOHI-FS with health and social-economic indicators. RESULTS: The GOHI-FS includes 5 first-level indicators, 19 second-level indicators and 45 third-level indicators. There were 146 countries/territories enrolled for evaluation. The highest average score of first-level indicators was Nutrition (69.8) and the lowest was Government Support and Response (31.3). There was regional heterogeneity of GOHI-FS scores. Higher median scores with interquartile range (IQR) were shown in North America (median: 76.1, IQR: 75.5-76.7), followed by Europe and Central Asia (median: 66.9, IQR: 60.1-74.3), East Asia and the Pacific (median: 60.6, IQR: 55.5-68.7), Latin America and the Caribbean (median: 60.2, IQR: 57.8-65.0), Middle East and North Africa (median: 56.6, IQR: 52.0-62.8), South Asia (median: 51.1, IQR: 46.7-53.8), and sub-Saharan Africa (median: 41.4, IQR: 37.2-46.5). We also found significant associations between GOHI-FS and GDP per capita, socio-demographic index, health expenditure and life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS: GOHI-FS is a potential assessment tool to understand the gaps in food security across countries/territories under the One Health concept. The pilot findings suggest notable gaps for sub-Saharan Africa in numerous aspects. Broad actions are needed globally to promote government support and response for food security.

Self-assembly and interaction mechanisms of edible dock protein and flavonoids regulated by the phenolic hydroxyl position.

In this study, chrysin (Chr), baicalein (Bai), apigenin (Api) and galangin (Gal) were selected as the representative flavonoids with different position of phenolic hydroxyl groups, and edible dock protein (EDP) was used as a material to construct delivery system. Subsequently, the molecular interactions and functional properties of flavonoids-loaded EDP nanomicelles were investigated. Results exhibited that hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction and van der Waals force were the main driving forces for self-assembly of flavonoids and EDP molecules. Meanwhile, this self-assembly remarkably enhance the storage and digestion stability of flavonoid compounds. Among four flavonoids, the order of loading ability was: Api > Gal > Bai > Chr. Herein, Api had a largest loading capacity (6.74%) because of its active phenolic hydroxyl group in ring B. These results suggested that the position of phenolic hydroxyl groups in flavonoids is a key factor to regulate its self-assembly with protein molecules.

A case report of acute testicular pain secondary to segmental testicular infarction.

BACKGROUND: Segmental testicular infarction is a rare condition that often occurs in the upper pole of the left testicle and usually presents with acute onset of scrotal pain. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MR are essential for diagnosing and differentiating segmental testicular infarction in clinical practice, and conservative treatment can only be adopted after a definitive diagnosis. In the present case, after conservative treatment, the infarct volume was reduced, the blood flow around the infarct was increased, and blood flow signals appeared in the infarct. We performed a correlation analysis to investigate the causes of these changes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old male, without any specific disease history, was admitted to the hospital with a 5-day history of left testicular pain, and the imaging showed focal necrosis of the left testicle with hemorrhage. He was diagnosed with segmental testicular infarction after differentiating and excluding it from malignant tumors. Conservative medical treatment was given, and the symptoms of testicular pain were relieved after treatment. After discharge, regular reexamination at follow-ups showed that the infarct's size was reduced, the blood flow around the infarct was increased, and blood flow signals appeared in the infarct. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment has become the standard treatment currently adopted after confirming the diagnosis of segmental testicular infarction through contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MR. The blood flow changes in and around the focus of testicular infarction can be related to various factors. At present, relevant conclusions of the underlying mechanisms were mainly deduced from infarction studies of other related organs such as the heart and brain; thus, the specific pathological mechanism needs further experimental verification.

Autogeny, Fecundity, and Other Life History Traits of Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Shanghai, China.

Culex pipiens molestus Forskål is common in subterranean and aboveground environments in Shanghai, China. However, little is known about its autogeny, fecundity, and other life history traits. In this study, Cx. p. molestus larvae were collected from four different types of underground parking lots and artificially maintained, without blood feeding, in a laboratory. Life history traits parameters were recorded from the F0 to F9 generation. Culex pipiens molestus from Shanghai can autogenously persist for at least 10 generations, and some females can develop more than one egg batch without blood feeding (oviposition rate in Lot C was >100% in some generations). The average number of eggs per raft produced autogenously ranged from 36.94 to 42.19. The average generation time (GT) ranged from 20.06 to 21.30 d, and the pre-oviposition time (POT) ranged from 2.17 to 12.68 d among the generations. Culex pipiens molestus from the four groups had different autogeny, fecundity, and longevity patterns. This variability may result from genetic polymorphism caused by co-occurrence with other Culex pipiens subspecies (Diptera: Culicidae).

Combined inhibition of JAK1,2/Stat3­PD­L1 signaling pathway suppresses the immune escape of castration­resistant prostate cancer to NK cells in hypoxia.

Castration­resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is difficult to treat in current clinical practice. Hypoxia is an important feature of the CRPC microenvironment and is closely associated with the progress of CRPC invasion. However, no research has been performed on the immune escape of CRPC from NK cells. The present study focused on this subject. Firstly, when the CRPC cell lines C4­2 and CWR22Rv1 were induced by hypoxia, the expression of the UL16 binding protein (ULBP) ligand family of natural killer (NK) group 2D (NKG2D; ULBP­1, ULBP­2 and ULBP­3) and MHC class I chain­related proteins A and B (MICA/MICB) decreased. NKG2D is the main activating receptor of NK cells. Tumor cells were then co­cultured with NK cells to conduct NK cell­mediated cytotoxicity experiments, which revealed the decreased immune cytolytic activity of NK cells on hypoxia­induced CRPC cells. In exploring the mechanism behind this observation, an increase in programmed death­ligand 1 (PD­L1) expression in CRPC cells induced by hypoxia was observed, while the addition of PD­L1 antibody effectively reversed the expression of NKG2D ligand and enhanced the cytotoxic effect of NK cells on CRPC cells. In the process of exploring the upstream regulatory factors of PD­L1, inhibition of the Janus kinase (JAK)1,2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling pathway decreased the expression of PD­L1 in CRPC cells. Finally, it was observed that combined inhibition of JAK1,2/PD­L1 or Stat3/PD­L1 was more effective than inhibition of a single pathway in enhancing the immune cytolytic activity of NK cells. Taking these results together, it is thought that combined inhibition of the JAK1,2/PD­L1 and Stat3/PD­L1 signaling pathways may enhance the immune cytolytic activity of NK cells toward hypoxia­induced CRPC cells, which is expected to provide novel ideas and targets for the immunotherapy of CRPC.

ATM­JAK­PD­L1 signaling pathway inhibition decreases EMT and metastasis of androgen­independent prostate cancer.

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), also known as androgen-independent prostate cancer, frequently develops local and distant metastases, the underlying mechanisms of which remain undetermined. In the present study, surgical specimens obtained from patients with clinical prostate cancer were investigated, and it was revealed that the expression levels of ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) were significantly enhanced in prostate cancer tissues isolated from patients with CRPC compared with from patients with hormone­dependent prostate cancer. CRPC C4­2 and CWR22Rv1 cells lines were subsequently selected to establish prostate cancer models, and ATM knockout cells were established via lentivirus infection. The results of the present study demonstrated that the migration and epithelial­mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ATM knockout cells were significantly decreased, which suggested that ATM is closely associated with CRPC cell migration and EMT. To further investigate the mechanisms underlying this process, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD­L1) expression was investigated in ATM knockout cells. In addition, inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3; Stattic) were added to C4­2­Sc and CWR22Rv1­Sc cells, and the results demonstrated that PD­L1 expression was significantly decreased following the addition of JAK inhibitor 1; however, no significant change was observed following the addition of Stattic. Furthermore, a PD­L1 antibody and JAK inhibitor 1 were added to C4­2­Sc and CWR22Rv1­Sc cells, and it was revealed that cell migration ability was significantly decreased and the expression of EMT­associated markers was effectively reversed. The results of the present study suggested that via inhibition of the ATM­JAK­PD­L1 signaling pathway, EMT, metastasis and progression of CRPC may be effectively suppressed, which may represent a novel therapeutic approach for targeted therapy for patients with CRPC.

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with GreenLight 120-W laser versus transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this study is to assess the overall efficacy and safety of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight 120-W laser versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for treating patients of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We performed a literature search of The Cochrane Library and the electronic databases, including Embase, Medline, and Web of Science. Manual searches were conducted of the conference proceedings, including European Association of Urology and American Urological Association (2007 to 2012). Outcomes reviewed included clinical baseline characteristics, perioperative data, complications, and postoperative functional results, such as postvoid residual (PVR), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and maximum flow rate (Qmax). Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were enrolled. Three hundred and forty-seven patients undergone 120-W PVP, and 350 patients were treated with TURP in the RCTs. There were no significant differences for clinical characteristics in these trials. In perioperative data, catheterization time and length of hospital stay were shorter in the PVP group. However, the operation time was shorter in the TURP group. Capsular perforation, blood transfusion, clot retention, and macroscopic hematuria were markedly less likely in PVP-treated subjects. The other complications between PVP and TURP did not demonstrate a statistic difference. There were no significant differences in QoL, PVR, IPSS, and Qmax in the 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of postoperative follow-up. There was no significant difference at postoperation follow-up of functional outcomes including IPSS, PVR, Qmax, and QoL between the TURP-treated subjects and PVP-treated subjects. Owing to a shorter catheterization time, reduced hospital duration and less complication, PVP could be used as an alternative and a promising minimal invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of BPH.

[Inhibition of stromal interaction molecule 1 and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in prostate cancer PC-3 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in prostate cancer PC-3 cells. METHODS: We transfected the lentivirus vector STIM1-pGCSIL-GFP carrying STIM shRNA into human hormone-independent prostate cancer PC-3 cells, and 3 days later observed the transfection efficiency by fluorescence microscopy. At 7 days after transfection, we determined the expression of STIM1 in the PC-3 cells by RT-PCR and Western blot and those of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax, survivin and activated Caspase-3 by Western blot. RESULTS: At 3 days, inverted microscopy revealed a transfection efficiency of > 80%. At 7 days, the STIM1 expression was significantly inhibited at both mRNA and protein levels. The Bcl-2/Bax rate was remarkably decreased as compared with that of the control group (0. 31 vs 1.24 ) , and the survivin expression was markedly reduced, 0. 14 times that of the relative expression in the control. However, the Caspase-3 cleavage was significantly activated, 1.52 times that of the control (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: STIM1 can be regarded as an oncogene in prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Inhibition of its expression can induce PC-3 cell apoptosis by reducing the Bcl-2/Bax rate, decreasing the survivin expression, and activating the Caspase-3 pathway.

[Dynamic changes of enzyme activities and active component contents in Lonicera japonica during different blossoming stages].

OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to study the dynamic changes of enzyme activities and active component contents in Lonicera japonica during different blossoming stages. METHOD: The enzyme activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and the contents of total phenol, total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins in L. japonica during different blossoming stages were determined. RESULT: The contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids, anthocyanins decreased from the Sanqing stage to Jinhua stage while the content of chlorogenic acid increased slightly in white period, and then decreased gradually. The activities of three enzymes decreased gradually from Sanqing stage, and got to a minimum value in Yinhua stage, then increased slightly until the Jinhua stage. CONCLUSION: The enzyme activities of PPO and POD correlated the content of phenolic substances positively before the Jinhua stage in L. japonica. In the period of maturity, the POD activity was strengthened due to the induction of respiration and became the key enzyme to control active component content during the mature stage.

Purification and partial characterization of polyphenol oxidase from the flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb.

The purification and partial enzymology characteristics of polyphenol oxidase from Lonicera japonica (LjPPO) were studied in this paper. The crude enzyme solution was purified in turn by ammonium sulfate, dialysis, and DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography after preliminary treatments. Purification resulted in 31-fold enrichment and its molecular weight was estimated to be ~49 kDa exhibited on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The pH for optimal conditions of LjPPO was 7.5, and the temperature was 25 °C, in addition, the inhibitive effects of inhibitors were enhanced positively with increasing of the concentration. Moreover, crude enzyme solution showed diphenolase activity toward catechol, l-dopa and chlorogenic acid rather than monophenolase and triphenolase activity, and the best substrate was catechol because of the highest V(max)/K(m) value. However, the oxidation of diphenol related to browning significantly, so the data obtained in this research provided theoretical basis for the prevention of enzymatic browning of L. japonica during processing.

Polyphenol content of plasma and litter after the oral administration of green tea and tea polyphenols in chickens.

Metabolic profiles of broiler chickens were examined after the ingestion of green tea, tea polyphenols, and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Solid-phase extraction of serum and litters yielded free catechins and their metabolites, which were then identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In plasma samples, (-)-gallocatechin, (+)-catechin, and EGCG were detected in the green tea group; pyrogallol acid, (epi)catechin-O-sulfate, 4'-O-methyl-(epi)gallocatechin-O-glucuronide, and (epi)catechin-3'-O-glucuronide were detected in the tea polyphenols group; and EGCG, (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), and 4'-O-methyl-(epi)gallocatechin-O-glucuronides were detected in the EGCG group. In litters, gallic acid, EGCG, GCG, and ECG were detected in the green tea and tea polyphenols groups; EGCG and ECG were detected in the EGCG group. The conjugated metabolites, 4'-O-methyl-(epi)gallocatechin-O-glucuronide, (epi)catechin-3'-glucuronide, and 4'-O-methyl-(epi)catechin-O-sulfate, were identified in the green tea group; 4'-O-methyl-(epi)catechin-O-sulfate and 4'-O-methyl-(epi)gallocatechin-O-sulfate were identified in the tea polyphenols group; only 4'-O-methyl-(epi)gallocatechin-O-sulfate was detected in the EGCG group. The excretion of tea catechins was 95.8, 87.7, and 97.7% for the green tea, tea polyphenols, and EGCG groups, respectively.