SUMMARY: Gastrin plays a vital role in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Its expression is up-regulated in GC tissues and several GC cell lines. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains to be investigated. Here, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of gastrin in GC proliferation. Gastrin-overexpressing GC cell model was constructed using SGC7901 cells. Then the differentially expressed proteins were identified by iTRAQ analysis. Next, we use flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to study the effect of gastrin on the mitochondrial potential and mitochondria-derived ROS production. Finally, we studied the underlying mechanism of gastrin regulating mitochondrial function using Co-IP, mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence. Overexpression of gastrin promoted GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. A total of 173 proteins were expressed differently between the controls and gastrin- overexpression cells and most of these proteins were involved in tumorigenesis and cell proliferation. Among them, Cox17, Cox5B and ATP5J that were all localized to the mitochondrial respiratory chain were down-regulated in gastrin-overexpression cells. Furthermore, gastrin overexpression led to mitochondrial potential decrease and mitochondria-derived ROS increase. Additionally, gastrin-induced ROS generation resulted in the inhibition of cell apoptosis via activating NF-kB, inhibiting Bax expression and promoting Bcl-2 expression. Finally, we found gastrin interacted with mitochondrial membrane protein Annexin A2 using Co-IP and mass spectrometry. Overexpr ession of gastrin inhibits GC cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction through interacting with mitochondrial protein Annexin A2, then up-regulating ROS production to activate NF-kB and further leading to Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decrease.

RESUMEN: La gastrina juega un papel vital en el desarrollo y progresión del cáncer gástrico (CG). Su expresión está regulada al alza en tejidos de CG y en varias líneas celulares de CG. Sin embargo, el mecanismo subyacente aun no se ha investigado. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el papel y el mecanismo de la gastrina en la proliferación de CG. El modelo de células CG que sobre expresan gastrina se construyó usando células SGC7901. Luego, las proteínas expresadas diferencialmente se identificaron mediante análisis iTRAQ. A continuación, utilizamos la citometría de flujo y la inmunofluorescencia para estudiar el efecto de la gastrina en el potencial mitocondrial y la producción de ROS derivada de las mitocondrias. Finalmente, estudiamos el mecanismo subyacente de la gastrina que regula la función mitocondrial utilizando Co-IP, espectrometría de masas e inmunofluorescencia. La sobreexpresión de gastrina promovió la proliferación de células CG in vitro e in vivo. Un total de 173 proteínas se expresaron de manera diferente entre los controles y las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina y la mayoría de estas proteínas estaban implicadas en la tumorigenesis y la proliferación celular. Entre estas, Cox17, Cox5B y ATP5J, todas localizadas en la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial, estaban reguladas a la baja en las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina. Además, la sobreexpresión de gastrina provocó una disminución del potencial mitocondrial y un aumento de las ROS derivadas de las mitocondrias. Por otra parte, la generación de ROS inducida por gastrina resultó en la inhibición de la apoptosis celular mediante la activación de NF-kB, inhibiendo la expresión de Bax y promoviendo la expresión de Bcl-2. Finalmente, encontramos que la gastrina interactuaba con la proteína de membrana mitocondrial Anexina A2 usando Co-IP y espectrometría de masas. La sobreexpresión de gastrina inhibe la apoptosis de las células CG al inducir la disfunción mitocondrial a través de la interacción con la proteína mitocondrial Anexina A2, luego regula el aumento de la producción de ROS para activar NF-kB y conduce aún más a la disminución de la relación Bax/Bcl-2.

Abstract Despite the use of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) as food flavoring and coloring agents, they are also known to constitute acrylamide, heterocyclic amines, advanced glycosylation end products, and precursors of low molecular weight compounds. The very little is known about the toxicology of peony seed meal-derived MRPs. In this study, sub-chronic toxicity of peony seed meal derived MRPs was evaluated in Sprage-Dawley (SD) rats. Results showed that the body weight, hematology and serum biochemistry, organ coefficient and histopathology of SD rats with daily intake of peony seed meal-derived MRPs lower than 0.45 g/kg were not affected. After feeding with peony seed meal-derived MRPs for 13-weeks, there were no significant toxic effect on either male or female rats. This study provides a theoretical basis for the safety of MRPs derived from the reactants of enzymatic hydrolysis of peony seed meal.

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria are widely used as probiotics in food fermentation and exhibit various health-promoting properties. This study describes the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibition prosperities of blueberry juice. Three different strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus JYLA-16, Lactobacillus plantarum JYLP-375, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus JYLR-005) were selected to ferment the blueberry juice at 37 °C for 48 h. After fermentation, the content of total phenolics and flavonoids increased. Meanwhile, the UPLC-LTQ-MS/MS system conducted the biotransformation of phenols during fermentation. LAB fermentation induced an upgraded trend of syringic acid, ferulic acid, erucic acid, rutin, catechin, epicatechin, and isoorientin. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that phenolics' metabolism probably contributed to enhancing antioxidant activities. LAB also improved active ingredient retention and antioxidant capacities after in vitro simulated digestion. Finally, we investigated the α-glucosidase inhibitory and α-amylase inhibition of the fermented juice and found that LAB fermentation could improve the inhibition of these enzymes. This study indicated that LAB fermentation could be an efficient strategy for enhancing functional activities in blueberry juice by bio-transforming the phenolics.

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized for its beneficial role in postharvest fruit and vegetable preservation. Postharvest goji berries are easy to mildew and rot which reduce the nutritional value, flavor, and shelf life. Hydrogen sulfide treatment could improve the quality attributes of postharvest goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.); however, it is not clear that the effects of H2S at the transcriptional level in postharvest goji berries. Our data revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of fresh goji fruits after H2S treatment were different with different storage time. There were 523 DEGs in the three comparison groups after H2S treatment on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of storage. In the pathway of KEGG metabolic function, most of the DEGs were conserved in carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, the metabolic pathways of terpenoids and polyketones. The genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, starch, and sucrose metabolism pathway were selected and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Our results provide insights into the effect of H2S on postharvest goji berries at the transcriptional level and provide the basis for application of H2S as gas regulator for preservation of goji berry.

Abstract In order to improve separating aromatic/aliphatic group in adhesives or solvents of food packaging materials by pervaporation, an across linked graphene oxide (GO) framework were incorporated into waterborne polyurethane (WPU) membrane. The improved benzene solubility and expanded interlayer pathway of modified membrane have been gained based on three different reduced graphene oxide. Compared to P-phenylenediamine (PPD) and ethane-diamine (EDA) reducing agents, O-phenylenediamine (OPD) showed a relatively mild reducing ability and allowed GO to form a layer-to-layer lamella in the WPU matrix easily. When the dose of GO-OPD was 0.03%, the flux of GO-OPD/WPU membrane was 1.58 times of neat WPU or GO/WPU membranes, while the separation factor was slightly improved. The GO-OPD /WPU membrane also maintained good stability in the continuous pervaporation process of 2700 min.

Abstract Xuan-Mugua is a Chinese traditional fruit and is mainly preserved by air drying. To explore the effect of temperature on the drying property and quality of the fruits, they were sliced and dried at 60-90 °C. The results indicated that the drying time shortened from 150 to 80 min with the increasing temperature and the minimal time was found at 90 °C. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity generally decreased by 5.09-18.27% at higher temperature (90 °C) and their maximums respectively appeared at 60 and 80 °C. Compared with the medium temperatures (60 and 70°C), the phenolic profiles changed obviously at higher temperatures (80 and 90 °C), and a transformation of chlorogenic acid was detected; besides, with the increasing temperature, the main phenolics including catechin and chlorogenic acid respectively decreased by 29.3% and 18.4%. Taking the above findings together, 70 °C should be the proper temperature to dry Xuan-Mugua fruits.

Abstract The phenolic compounds in dried Lycium barbarum (LB) and L. barbarum meal (LBM) were extracted using ultrasonic method, reflux method and enzymatic method, and the composition, content of polyphenols and antioxidant abilities of the extracts were analyzed. 40 phenolic compounds were identified with HPLC-MS/MS, with 35 compounds detected from LB and 33 from LBM. 40 compounds were classified into phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, and their derivatives, lignanamides and other phenolic substances. Differences existed in samples extracted from different materials or under different extraction methods. It was explicitly observed that LB was higher than LBM in phenolic content. The phenolics in LB and LBM had significant antioxidant effects, with LBM extracts showing the higher antioxidant effect. This study compared the differences in polyphenols of L. barbarum and its meal, meanwhile explored the effects of different extraction methods, which could contribute to the exploitation of L. barbarum and its meal.

Abstract To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the postharvest physiology and storage quality of Lycium barbarum, fruits were treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which was used as NO donor. Results showed that SNP soaked at 0.6 mmol/L for 20 min could inhibit the changes during storage of L. barbarum. Particularly, the decay rate and weight loss rate were reduced, and the quality parameters of the fruit were increased. By comparing the above indicators, it was found that 0.6 mmol/L soaking for 20 min was more effective in preserving freshness than other concentrations. It was found that total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were increased, soluble solids and solid acid ratio contents were decreased, ascorbic acid, total phenols and flavonoids contents were increased, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2-), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were increased. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities were decreased, and it was concluded that NO treatment improved the freshness of L. barbarum fruit and NO could be used as a postharvest preservative for L. barbarum fruit.

Abstract The effects of micro comminution on the functional nutrients and antioxidant activity of quinoa cereal were investigated. The particle size distribution of quinoa cereal powder after micro comminution processing was investigated, as well as the nutritional and functional components and antioxidant characteristics. Simultaneously, correlations between antioxidant activity and product development and deep processing of quinoa cereal were investigated. The results indicate that: the fat, polysaccharide, and total phenol contents increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the total dietary fibre content decreased significantly (P < 0.05); the total antioxidant, DPPH, ABTS, and linoleic acid system contents of micro crushed quinoa oatmeal increased gradually, while the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and TBA value decreased; when the grain size of micro crushed quinoa oatmeal was decreased. Micro crushing technique has the potential to boost quinoa cereal's nutritional content and antioxidant activity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da cobertura contínua do olho doente de pacientes com coriorretinopatia serosa central por 48 horas. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo, caso-controle, incluiu 32 pacientes com coriorretinopatia serosa central, dos quais 17 receberam tratamento de cobertura contínua por 48 horas no olho doente com gaze médica como grupo de tratamento e 15 foram acompanhados como grupo de observação. Todos os pacientes não receberam nenhum outro tratamento ou medicamento. O logaritmo do ângulo mínimo de resolução da acuidade visual melhor corrigida (LogMar), a espessura macular da retina e o valor médio da raiz quadrada da densidade da amplitude no primeiro anel do eletroretinograma multifocal foram examinados antes e após o tratamento por 48 horas, respectivamente. Resultados: Após o tratamento contínuo, a acuidade visual melhor corrigida pela escala logMar foi de 0, 31 ± 0, 18 no grupo de tratamento e 0, 56 ± 0, 37 no grupo de observação (p=0, 019). A espessura macular da retina foi de 461 ± 43 µm no grupo de tratamento e 498 ± 50 µm no grupo de observação (p=0,032). O valor médio da raiz quadrada da densidade de amplitude no primeiro anel do eletroretinograma multifocal foi de 32,5 ± 5,3 nV/deg2 no grupo com cobertura e foi de 26,6 ± 4,3 NV/deg2 no grupo de observação (p=0,002). Conclusões: O tratamento de cobertura contínua no olho doente, durante 48 horas, apresentou efeitos positivos na acuidade visual melhor corrigida, na espessura e na função macular da retina no tratamento da coriorretinopatia serosa central.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the effect of continuously covering the sick eye affected with central serous chorioretinopathy for 48 h. Methods: This retrospective, case-control study involved 32 central serous chorioretinopathy patients categorized in the treatment group composed of 17 sick eye that received continuous covering treatment for 48 h with a medical gauze and the observation group composed of 15 of these patients who were followed up. None of the patients received any other treatments or medications. The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity, macular retinal thickness, and the root mean square value of the amplitude density in the first ring of multifocal electroretinogram were examined before and after the 48-h treatment. Results: After the continuous treatment, the logMAR best-corrected visual acuities were 0.31 ± 0.18 and 0.56 ± 0.37 in the treatment and observation groups, respectively (p=0.019). The macular retinal thicknesses were 461 ± 43 µm and 498 ± 50 µm in the treatment and observation groups, respectively (p=0.032). The root mean square values of the amplitude density in the first ring of multifocal electroretinogram were 32.5 ± 5.3 nV/deg2 and 26.6 ± 4.3 nV/deg2 in the treatment and observation groups, respectively (p=0.002). Conclusions: The continuous application of the covering treatment for 48 h on the sick eye showed positive outcomes with respect to the best-corrected visual acuity, macular retinal thickness, and macular retina functions in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane (Saccharum L. spp. hybrids) is a globally important crop. While roots contribute to its net primary production, knowledge of sugarcane root growth is incomplete and limited in scope. The objective of this study was to determine cumulative root density (LA), root distribution, effective rooting depth (ERD), and root growth rate for four sugarcane genotypes across three crop cycles (plant cane [PC], first ratoon [FR], and second ratoon [SR]). The experiment was conducted in a rain shelter on four sugarcane genotypes (ROC22, YZ04-241, YZ05-194, and YZ05-51) using minirhizotron tubes to a soil profile depth of 1.08 m. Most roots in were found at 0–0.36 m-depth, and about 85.0% were within a 0–0.72 m depth in PC. In FR and SR, however, > 81.8% of roots were found at 0–0.54 m-depth regardless of genotype. The LA of ROC22 was often significantly higher than that of the other genotypes at depths < 0.54 m regardless of crop cycle. The genotype ROC22 had greater root length and faster root growth rate than YZ05-194 at 0.18–0.36 m in PC and FR, while SR YZ05-194 had slower root growth than the other genotypes at 0–0.18m. Ratooning ability of sugarcane genotypes may be related to these root growth attributes.

Abstract Background: Long non-coding RNA small molecule RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) was previously identified to be relevant with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. This work aims to further elucidate the regulatory networks of SNHG1 involved in PD. Methods: 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced mice and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-treated SH-SY5Y cells were respectively constructed as the in vivo and in vitro PD models. Expression levels of SNHG1 and miR-153-3p were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein expression levels of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) were measured by western blotting assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry assays. The interactions among SNHG1, miR-153-3p and PTEN were identified by luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and/or RNA pull-down analysis. Results: Increased SNHG1 expression was found in midbrain of MPTP-induced PD mice and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of SNHG1 lowered viability and enhanced apoptosis in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, SNHG1 acted as a molecular sponge to inhibit the expression of miR-153-3p. Furthermore, miR-153-3p-mediated suppression of MPP+-induced cytotoxicity was abated following SNHG1 up-regulation. Additionally, PTEN was identified as a direct target of miR-153-3p, and SNHG1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-153-3p to improve the expression of PTEN. Besides, enforced expression of PTEN displayed the similar functions as SNHG1 overexpression in regulating the viability and apoptosis of MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, SNHG1 was found to activate PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells by targeting miR-153-3p. Conclusion: SNHG1 aggravates MPP+-induced cellular toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells by regulating PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling via sponging miR-153-3p, indicating the potential of SNHG1 as a promising therapeutic target for PD.

The aim of this study was to propose a stem cell therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) based on plasma exchange (PE) for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection and examine its safety and efficacy. Sixty patients (n=20 in each group) were randomized to PE (PE alone), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (PE after G-CSF treatment), and PBSC transplantation (PBSCT) (G-CSF, PE, PBSC collection and hepatic artery injection) groups. Patients were followed-up for 24 weeks. Liver function and adverse events were recorded. Survival analysis was performed. PBSCT improved blood ammonia levels at 1 week (P<0.05). The level of total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and creatinine showed significant differences in the 4th week of treatment (P<0.05). The survival rates of the PE, G-CSF, and PBSCT groups were 50, 65, and 85% at 90 days (P=0.034). There was a significant difference in 90-day survival between the PE and PBSCT groups (P=0.021). The preliminary results suggested that PBSCT was safe, with a possibility of improved 90-day survival in patients with HBV-ACLF.

Abstract Background: Reports regarding the causative drugs of drug-induced cutaneous adverse reactions in China are indistinct, such that different regions have reported the spectrum of drugs differs substantially in different clinical conditions. Objective: To explore the causative drugs that led to cutaneous reactions. Methods: Adverse drug reaction reports from central China were collected and divided into cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions groups. Cases were reviewed retrospectively for causative drugs. Results: The male:female ratio was equal in both cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. In cutaneous adverse reactions (n = 482), the highest incidence happened between 51 and 60 years of age and the top three causative drugs were antibiotics (48%), Chinese medicine (16%), and allopurinol (9%). In severe cutaneous adverse reactions (n = 126), the highest incidence happened between 41 and 50 years of age and the top three causative drugs were sedative-hypnotics and antiepileptics (39%), antibiotics (22%), and allopurinol (15%). Carbamazepine was the most frequently used single-drug (16/18) in sedative-hypnotics and antiepileptics. β-lactams were the most frequently used antibiotics that induced both cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Study limitations: The small sample size, retrospective design, collection of cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions at different time frames and locations, and exclusion of patients taking more than five medications are limitations of the study. Conclusions: Gender does not affect cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. The top three drugs to induce cutaneous adverse reactions are antibiotics, Chinese medicine, and allopurinol, while those that triggered severe cutaneous adverse reactions are sedative-hypnotics and antiepileptics, antibiotics, and allopurinol. Carbamazepine is the most frequent single drug that induces severe cutaneous adverse reactions. β-lactams are the most frequently used antibiotics that induce both cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is associated with high risk of epithelial atypical growth and malignant transformation of the bile duct or gallbladder. However, overall changes in genetic expression have not been examined in children with PBM. Genome-wide expression was analyzed using peripheral blood samples from 10 children with PBM and 15 pediatric controls. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using microarray. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using Gene Ontology and KEGG analyses. The top 5 in the up-regulated genes in PBM were verified with qRT-PCR. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive accuracy of selected genes for PBM. The microarray experiments identified a total of 876 DEGs in PBM, among which 530 were up-regulated and the remaining 346 were down-regulated. Verification of the top 5 up-regulated genes (TYMS, MYBPC1, FUT1, XAGE2, and GREB1L) by qRT-PCR confirmed the up-regulation of MYBPC1 and FUT1. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that FUT1 and MYBPC1 up-regulation could be used to predict PBM, with the area under the curve of 0.873 (95%CI=0.735−1.000) and 0.960 (95%CI=0.891−1.000), respectively. FUT1 and MYBPC1 were up-regulated in children with PBM, and could be used as potential biomarkers for PBM.