Abstract A total of 83 acid-producing strains were isolated from fresh Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, Flammulina velutipes, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus abalones, and Pleurotus citrinopileatus by CaCO3-MRS plate medium. These 83 strains were divided into 9 species, including 52 strains of Lactococcus lactis, 13 strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus, 8 strains of Enterococcus faecium, 3 strains of Lactococcus garvieae, 2 strains of Enterococcus casseliflavus, 2 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, 1 strain of Enterococcus lactis, 1 strain of Pediococcus acidilactici, and 1 strain of Lactobacillus pentosus based on the catalase test, Gram staining, and 16S rDNA molecular identification. Among these P. acidilactici, P. pentosus, and L. plantarum could be used in food. P. acidilactici had a strong acid-producing capacity and fast growth rate, thus showing preferable fermentation characteristics in MRS broth and edible mushroom medium than P. pentosus and L. plantarum. In the medium of L. edodes, P. eryngii, and F. velutipes, the best sensory state can be reached within 12-24 h, among them P. eryngii had the best fermentation effect, which was characterized by uniform and bright color, moderate acidity, good flavor, and tight tissue state. This study investigated the types and fermentation characteristics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from edible mushrooms, enriched the resources of LAB suitable for the fermentation, and provided a theoretical reference for the application of LAB fermentation technology of edible mushrooms.

Abstract The research aimed to study the effects of 0–20% substitution of wheat flour with grape pomace powder (GPP) on the rheological and pasting properties of wheat dough, and on sensory properties, digestive and antioxidant activities of the prepared biscuits. The results of rheological analysis showed that incorporation with GPP concluded in reduced water absorption (WA) and increased dough stability. Rapid visco-analyser (RVA) results suggested GPP could increase the breakdown value of the starch paste system but decrease the setback and peak viscosity. With respect to biscuit properties, it was found that 5%–15% GPP resulted in increased chewiness and hardness of biscuits. Also, it was recorded that GPP significantly improved antioxidant activity and DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging capabilities. Although the in vitro digestibility results showed that the addition of GPP displayed minor influence on digestion rate, the sensory analysis results showed that the biscuits supplemented with GPP to a level of 10% resulted in products with good overall acceptability. Additionally, biscuits incorporated with an addition amount of 10% GPP exhibited nailing oxidation resistance and can be considered as a food with a high fiber content, which is a good option for people to pursue modern healthy foods.

Abstract This research aimed to investigate the effect of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms alone or in combination with soybean oil or water as fat substitutes on different properties of chicken batter. The cooking yield, water holding capacity, colour, texture, storage modulus (G'), T2 relaxation time, and microstructure of chicken batters were analysed. Results showed that the above three adding ways of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms promoted the transformation of free water into immobilized water and improved the cooking yield, water holding capacity, texture, and rheological properties of the chicken batter. However, the colour of the chicken batter changed significantly (p < 0.05). Particularly, the combination of Agaricus bisporus and soybean oil demonstrated the optimal effect to improve the gel properties, rheology, microstructure and water-binding ability of the chicken batter. Thus, the results suggest that the concomitant use of Agaricus bisporus and soybean oil is a promising strategy for developing healthier chicken products.

Abstract Bavachalcone is an important active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Fructus Psoraleae. The inhibitory effect of bavachalcone on α-glucosidase activity is reported for the first time and the mechanism elucidated by molecular docking. The inhibition of α-glucosidase by bavachalcone (IC50 15.35 ± 0.57 μg/mL) was significantly superior to acarbose (IC50 2.77 ± 0.09 mg/mL). Inhibition type was mixed competitive and non-competitive. Molecular docking suggested this inhibition stems from hydrogen bonds formed with the trp391, arg428, and trp710 residues of α-glucosidase.

Abstract The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with excellent fermented performance were screened for Lentinus edodes fermentation by measuring the growth status and acid producing capacity of different LAB in L. edodes, and the optimal mixed ratio of LAB was selected for the L. edodes fermentation through the mixed fermented test. Factors affecting the quality of fermented L. edodes were optimized by single factor experiment and response surface experiment. The results showed that when the mixed ratio of LAB was Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnous = 3:1:2, fermented L. edodes had the best fermented quality. The optimized process parameters of mixed LAB fermented L. edodes were as follows: fermentation temperature of 37 °C, salt content of 1%, and inoculation amount of 2.7%. Under this process, the total acid and sensory score of fermented L. edodes were 0.88 g/100 g and 81.7 points, respectively. Compared with the unfermented L. edodes, the contents of acids and ketones in the fermented L. edodes increased by 2.16% and 17.8%, while the contents of alcohols, aldehydes and phenols were relatively reduced by 3.66%, 7.42%, and 3.87%, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of LAB fermented food of L. edodes.

ABSTRACT Low light levels during rice (Oryza sativa L.) growing seasons may lead to significant reductions in grain yield and quality. The effect of shading stress on remobilization of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) from the stem plus sheath (SPS) to the grain, a process crucial to rice grain formation, was investigated. Field shading experiments were conducted in Hanyuan and Wenjiang, China, using two rice varieties (Huanghuazhan and Guichao II) subjected to shading stress after heading. Stored NSC of 60.00-159.15 g m-2 were remobilized from SPS after heading, contributing 9.63%-23.63% to grain dry weight at maturity. Shading stress resulted in the 23.99%-50.30% and 31.65%-61.33% reduction in NSC content of SPS at 20 d after heading (DAH20) and maturity stages, respectively. This contributed to the 13.80%-89.00% increase in the remobilization of stored NSC from SPS to the grain (RASN) and 15.86%-73.30% increase in remobilization percentage of removed NSC from SPS to the grain (RPRN). The effect of shading stress on remobilization differed between sites and varieties. Owing to a greater sink capacity, shading stress led to a higher RASN and RPRN from heading to DAH20 for ‘Huanghuazhan’ in Hanyuan. To compensate for photosynthate deficiency under shading stress, rice is adapted to remobilize stored NSC during early grain filling stages. Consequently, grain yield loss caused by shading could be reduced by increasing the SPS remobilization ability (especially in low light areas). Increasing NSC accumulation in SPS before heading for later remobilization may be a feasible way to alleviate rice yield loss under adverse light conditions.

Resumo Introdução: A rinossinusite crônica é uma inflamação crônica altamente heterogênea do trato respiratório superior causada por uma disfunção imune nos seres humanos. Entretanto, a etiologia subjacente dessa doença ainda não foi bem estabelecida. Diversos estudos revelaram que anormalidades nos níveis séricos de vitamina D podem desempenhar um papel na fisiopatologia da doença. Objetivo: Fazer uma metanálise de estudos para comparar os níveis séricos de vitamina D entre pacientes com rinossinusite crônica e controles saudáveis e avaliar as potenciais associações do nível sérico de vitamina D com a ocorrência da doença. Método: Seguindo as diretrizes Prisma, bancos de dados relevantes, inclusive Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase e Cochrane Library, foram pesquisados desde a sua data de início até 1° de dezembro de 2018. A simetria do gráfico de funil (funnel plot symmetry) e o teste de Egger foram usados para detectar o viés da publicação. Os desfechos foram apresentados como diferença média ponderada e combinamos a diferença média ponderada e intervalos de confiança de 95% para estimar a diferença dos níveis séricos de vitamina D entre pacientes com rinossinusite crônica e os controles. O valor de I2 de Higgins foi usado para testar a heterogeneidade entre os estudos incluídos. Resultados: Dos 176 estudos que identificamos, apenas oito, que envolveram 337 pacientes com rinossinusite crônica e 179 controles saudáveis, preencheram os critérios e foram incluídos na metanálise. Em uma análise combinada de todos os estudos, a diminuição do nível sérico de vitamina D foi demonstrada na rinossinusite crônica (DMP = −7,80, IC95% −13,28 ± −2,31, p = 0,000). Análises de subgrupos com base no local do estudo (EUA vs. Não EUA), tipos de biomarcadores (25[OH]D3 vs. 25[OH]D) e desenho do estudo (retrospectivo vs. prospectivo) não explicaram a heterogeneidade. No entanto, o fenótipo da rinossinusite crônica (rinossinusite crônica com pólipos nasais vs. rinossinusite crônica sem pólipos nasais) pode explicar algum grau de heterogeneidade. Contudo, um nível sérico mais baixo de vitamina D foi observado em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica com pólipos nasais. Conclusão: Nossos achados indicam que o nível sérico de vitamina D pode estar associado à rinossinusite crônica, pois detectamos uma associação significante entre níveis séricos mais baixos de vitamina D em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica, especialmente na rinossinusite crônica com pólipos nasais. No entanto, mais estudos abrangentes são necessários para se chegar a conclusões abalizadas.

Abstract 4-Coumaric acid: coenzyme A ligase (4CL) is a key enzyme in the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway that regulates the biosynthesis of lignin and flavonoids. Therefore, the study of 4CL is important to explore the accumulation and regulation of metabolites. This study investigated the role that the 4CL2 gene from Dryopteris fragrans (Df4CL2) plays in the metabolite synthesis. Changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, and the content of lignin and flavonoids were measured in different tissues of tobacco as model plant that was successfully transferred with Df4CL2. Tobacco plants with Df4CL2 (transgenic tobacco, TT) were successfully obtained via the Agrobacterium-transformation method. This TT tended to be thicker and had an earlier flowering period than wild type tobacco (WT). The expression levels of Df4CL2 were higher in the stem, leaf, and root in TT compared to WT. In addition, compared to WT, TT had higher 4CL enzyme activity and higher lignin and flavonoids contents. This suggests that Df4CL2 is involved in the synthesis of lignin and flavonoids in D. fragrans. This research provides important evidence toward understanding the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway in ferns.

Abstract Background: Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is necessary to clarify its underlying mechanism and find its prognostic biomarkers. Current studies showed that SHMT2 may be participated in several kinds of cancer. Methods: Our studies investigated the expression of SHMT2 in kidney cancer by Oncomine, Human Protein Atlas database and ULCAN database. Meanwhile, we found its co-expression gene by cBioPortal online tool and validated their relationship in A498 and ACHN cells by cell transfection, western blot and qRT-PCR. Besides these, we also explored their prognostic values via the Kaplan-Meier plotter database in different types of kidney cancer patients. Results: SHMT2 was found to be increased in 7 kidney cancer datasets, compared to normal renal tissues. For the cancer stages, ages and races, there existed significant difference in the expression of SHMT2 among different groups by mining of the UALCAN database. High SHMT2 expression is associated with poor overall survival in patients with kidney cancer. Among all co-expressed genes, NDUFA4L2 and SHMT2 had a high co-expression efficient. SHMT2 overexpression led to the increased expression of NDUFA4L2 at both mRNA and protein levels. Like SHMT2, overexpressed NDUFA4L2 also was associated with worse overall survival in patients with kidney cancer. Conclusion: Based on above results, overexpressed SHMT2 and its co-expressed gene NDUFA4L2 were all correlated with the prognosis in kidney cancer. The present study might be benefit for better understanding the clinical significance of SHMT2 and provided a potential therapeutic target for kidney cancer in future.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the changes of the mitral valve geometrics and the degrees of moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: A retrospective analysis study of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed in 49 patients diagnosed with pure AS combined with moderate MR, who underwent AVR from January 2013 to December 2017. TEE was used to evaluate the direct geometric changes of the mechanical effects on mitral annulus after AVR. TTE was used to evaluate the changes of MR after operation. All patients underwent TTE during the midterm follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 40.21 months. Results: All of the 49 patients had moderate MR. Anterolateral-posteromedial diameter, anterior-posterior diameter, and mitral annular area were significantly reduced after AVR, while no significant changes were found in the intraoperative left ventricular loading conditions before and after AVR. The degree of mitral valve regurgitation, left ventricular size, left atrial size, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and left ventricular to aortic pressure gradient were significantly reduced before discharge, and midterm follow-up showed good results. Conclusion: This study supports the belief that aortic outflow tract obstruction and an actual mechanical compression of the anterior mitral annulus after AVR would cause reduction in MR. Ventricular remodeling would also cause reduction in MR with time going on. Patients with AS, especially young patients with moderate MR, were most likely to benefit from AVR in early time.

Resumo Introdução: A quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, uma serina/treonina quinase que funciona downstream da via de sinalização PI3K, desempenha um papel crítico nos processos neoplásicos. É expressa por vários tumores e contribui para a carcinogênese. Objetivo: Investigar a expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide no carcinoma nasofaríngeo, estudar os efeitos antitumorais do shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, que inibem sua expressão em células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo, e discutir as implicações potenciais de nossos achados. Método: A expressão de proteína quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em linhagens de células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1 e SUNE-1) e a linhagem de células humanas imortalizadas do epitélio nasofaríngeo NP69 foram avaliadas por Western blot. A expressão da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em 42 tecidos de CNF embebidos em parafina foi feita por imuno-histoquímica. Testes com MTT, citometria de fluxo e testes de raspagem foram feitos após as células CNE-2 terem sido transfectadas com o melhor plasmídeo shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide selecionado por Western blot, com o uso de lipofectamina para estudar seu efeito na proliferação, apoptose e migração celular. Resultados: Foi observada uma sobre-expressão da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em tecidos e células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo humanas. A expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide diminuiu acentuadamente após as células CNE-2 terem sido transfectadas com o shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, conduzindo a forte inibição de proliferação e migração celular. Além disso, a taxa de apoptose aumentou nas células CNE-2 após o knockdown da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide. Conclusão: A expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide foi observada com maior frequência à medida que o epitélio nasofaríngeo progride de tecido normal para carcinoma. Isso sugere que a quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide contribui para o processo multietapas da carcinogênese do carcinoma nasofaríngeo. A quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide representa um alvo para a terapia do carcinoma nasofaríngeo e há uma base para a investigação adicional dessa modalidade de tratamento adjuvante para o carcinoma nasofaríngeo.

Abstract Introduction: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3, a serine/threonine kinase that functions downstream of the PI3K signaling pathway, plays a critical role in neoplastic processes. It is expressed by various tumors and contributes to carcinogenesis. Objective: The objective was to investigate serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, to study the anti-tumor effects of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA by inhibiting its expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and to discuss the potential implications of our findings. Methods: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1, and SUNE-1) and the human immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelium cell line NP69 were assayed by western blotting. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in 42 paraffin-embedded nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were performed by immunohistochemistry. MTT assay, flow cytometry, and scratch tests were performed after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the best serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA plasmid selected by western blotting using lipofectamine to study its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Results: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 was overexpressed in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression decreased markedly after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA, leading to strong inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. In addition, the apoptosis rate increased in CNE-2 cells after serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 knockdown. Conclusion: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression was more frequently observed as the nasopharyngeal epithelium progresses from normal tissue to carcinoma. This suggests that serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 contributes to the multistep process of NPC carcinogenesis. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 represents a target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma therapy, and a basis exists for the further investigation of this adjuvant treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether low bleeding influences the early outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Retrospective analysis of ischemic heart disease patients who underwent off-pump CABG from January 2013 to December 2017. Patients were divided into low-bleeding group (n=659) and bleeding group (n=270), according to total drainage from chest tube during the first postoperative 12 hours. Clinical material and early outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: Baseline was similar in the two groups. Operation time was 270±51 min in the low-bleeding group and 235±46 min in the bleeding group (P<0.0001). The low-bleeding group presented smaller drainage during the first 12 h (237±47 ml) and shorter mechanical ventilation time (6.86±3.78 h) than the bleeding group (557±169 ml and 10.66±5.19 h, respectively) (P<0.0001). Hemodynamic status was more stable in the low-bleeding group (P<0.0001) and usage rate of more than two vasoactive agents in this group was lower than in the bleeding group (P<0.0001). Number of distal anastomosis, reoperation for bleeding, suddenly increase in chest tube output, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, and other early outcomes had no statistical significance between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative bleeding < 300 ml/12 h in off-pump CABG patients did not require blood product transfusion and reoperation and that would contribute to reduction in mechanical ventilation time and maintaining hemodynamic stability. Bleeding < 800 ml during the first postoperative 12 h did not increase infection rates and ICU length of stay.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to compare the early and medium outcomes of on-pump beating-heart (OPBH) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and off-pump CABG (OPCABG) in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 30% and 40%. Methods: This is a retrospective study of ischemic heart disease patients with LVEF between 30% and 40% who underwent surgical revascularization from January 2013 to December 2017. Patients were divided into OPBH group (n=44) and OPCABG group (n=68), according to the surgical method. Clinical material with early and medium outcomes were investigated and compared between these groups. Results: The two groups had similar baseline. Two OPBH patients and 3 OPCABG patients died in the hospital, which had no statistical significance (P>0.05). OPBH patients received a greater number of grafts (3.74±0.84) and presented more improved LVEF (45.92±7.11%) than OPCABG patients (3.36±0.80) and (42.81±9.29%), respectively, which had statistical significance (P<0.05). An increased amount of drainage during the first 12 hours was found in the OPBH group (P<0.05). Reoperation for bleeding, duration of mechanic ventilation, and other early outcomes had no statistical significance between the two groups. During the medium-time follow-up, OPBH patients showed significantly lower major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-free survival time (P=0.049) than OPCABG patients. Conclusion: The OPBH technique was a safe and an acceptable alternative for surgical revascularization in patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction which provided better mid-term MACE-free survival compared with OPCABG.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of puerarin (PUE) on blood lipid and inflammatory factor levels in rats with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Sixty rats were randomly divided into control, model, simvastatin, low-PUE, middle-PUE and high-dose PUE group. The animals in later 5 groups were with lower limb ASO, and the later 4 groups were given 1 mg/kg simvastatin and 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg PUE, respectively. The blood lipid and inflammatory factor levels were determined. Results showed that, the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level in model group were significantly increased (P <0.01), while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased (P <0.01). Compared with model group, TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-6, TNF-α and hs-CRP in high-dose PUE and simvastatin group were significantly decreased (P <0.01 or P <0.05), and HDL level was significantly increased (P <0.01 or P <0.05). There was no significant difference of each index between simvastatin and high-dose PUE group (P >0.05). PUE can obviously decrease the blood lipid and inflammatory factor levels in rats with lower limb ASO.

Abstract The dechlorination efficiency of zinc oxide dust using microwave roasting was investigated capitalizing on the different microwave absorbing capacities of the compounds such as chlorine, lead, and zinc oxide. The associated dechlorination reactions were discussed in detail and the effect of all the influencing parameters such as the air flow rate, steam flow rate, the roasting temperature, roasting duration, and the mixing rate were assessed to identify the optimal conditions. The results indicated that a near 93% dechlorination of zinc oxide dust could be achieved, which would satisfy the requirements of the wet smelting electrolysis process. The optimal process parameters were identified to be an air flow of 300 L/h, a steam flow of 8 mL/min, a stirring speed of 60 rpm, a roasting temperature of 650 ºC, and a roasting duration of 60 min. Water vapor has an enhanced effect on dechlorination by microwave roasting.