Abstract Purpose This study employees cash flow rights and the contestability of multiple large shareholders to explore the impact of multiple large shareholders on investment efficiency in Chinese setting. Theoretical framework We introduce Asymmetric Information Theory and Theory of Principal and Agent o support our study. Design/methodology/approach Empirical study (including PSM method, IV method, threshold method and so on) is used in this study. Moreover, this paper selects the non-financial listed companies of A share enlisted in both the Shanghai and the Shenzhen Stock Markets from the period of 2007 to 2016 as the sample. Findings Our findings show a positive correlation between multiple large shareholders and absinvestment among Chinese listed firms. Practical & social implications of research Different from the previous views that multiple large shareholders have positive governance effects, we provide evidence that multiple large shareholders have negative governance effects. And we provide new evidence that controlling shareholders would collude with multiple large shareholders to seek for excess private benefits by enhancing enterprise absinvestment. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature in several important ways. First, it shows a positive correlation between multiple large shareholders and absinvestment, which extends the research of Jiang et al. (2018), which found that multiple large shareholders can profoundly enhance investment efficiency. Second, this paper is the first to introduce a threshold model to study the impact of controlling shareholders on the relation between multiple large shareholders and absinvestent, demonstrating that the positive relation between them is strengthened by promoting the governance effect of controlling shareholders.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of eugenol (Eu) at different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μM/g protein) on the gel properties and chemical structure changes of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP). The results showed that Eu inhibited the increase of surface hydrophobicity and carbonyl content but did not prevent the oxidation-induced loss of thiol groups. Moreover, Eu intensified the loss of the α-helical conformation as well as the tertiary structure of MP under oxidative stress. The physicochemical changes at 10 and 50 μM/g Eu resulted in a significant enhancement of the gelling ability of MP and enhanced the positive role of oxidation in building elastic gel networks. Conversely, Eu at the concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 μM/g was not conducive to gelling ability, especially at 300 μM/g, and these concentrations were associated with Eu-induced protein conformational changes.

ABSTRACT Objective: The tyrosine-protein kinase inhibitor, genistein, can inhibit cell malignant transformation and has an antitumor effect on various types of cancer. It has been shown that both genistein and KNCK9 can inhibit colon cancer. This research aimed to investigate the suppressive effects of genistein on colon cancer cells and the association between the application of genistein and KCNK9 expression level. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to study the correlation between the KCNK9 expression level and the prognosis of colon cancer patients. HT29 and SW480 colon cancer cell lines were cultured to examine the inhibitory effects of KCNK9 and genistein on colon cancer in vitro, and a mouse model of colon cancer with liver metastasis was established to verify the inhibitory effect of genistein in vivo. Results: KCNK9 was overexpressed in colon cancer cells and was associated with a shorter Overall Survival (OS), a shorter Disease-Specific Survival (DFS), and a shorter Progression-Free Interval (PFI) of colon cancer patients. In vitro experiments showed that downregulation of KCNK9 or genistein application could suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, induce cell cycle quiescence, promote cell apoptosis, and reduce epithelialmesenchymal transition of the colon cancer cell line. In vivo experiments revealed that silencing of KCNK9 or application of genistein could inhibit hepatic metastasis from colon cancer. Additionally, genistein could inhibit KCNK9 expression, thereby attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion: Genistein inhibited the occurrence and progression of colon cancer through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that could be mediated by KCNK9.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Over-activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, its regulation mechanism is not clear yet. This paper explored the role of WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) in the development of late-onset preeclampsia and its relationship with NF-κB. Methods: WDR5 expression was detected in normal placentas and placentas from late-onset preeclampsia patients. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were conducted to appraise the proliferative ability of trophoblast. Migration and invasion were observed by wound healing and transwell assays. The interaction between WDR5 and NF-κB inhibitor I-kappa-B-alpha (IkBa) was verified by Co-immunoprecipitation analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the activation of NF-κB. Finally, we tested the role of WDR5 using the mice late-onset preeclampsia model. Results: WDR5 was highly expressed in the placentas of late-onset preeclampsia patients. WDR5 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in trophoblast. WDR5 could interact with IkBa to activate NF-κB. Knockdown of NF-κB counteracted the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of WDR5 overexpression in trophoblast. In-vivo studies suggested that targeting WDR5 combated late-onset preeclampsia development. Conclusions: Our finding provides new insights into the role of WDR5 in late-onset preeclampsia development.

ABSTRACT Digestive diseases are the fourth leading cause of outpatient care in Peruvian healthcare centers, with gastritis and peptic ulcers being the most common. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study of secondary analysis of medical record data to evaluate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients undergoing upper digestive endoscopy during 2019 at Clinica Delgado, Lima, Peru. An association between males (PRa 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.48, p<0.001), age categories and upper digestive endoscopy (PRa 2.53, 95% CI 2.16-2.97, p<0.001) was reported. Based on these findings, it is recommended that other causes of gastritis be identified, especially in young women with deep chronic gastritis. Furthermore, we present a review of the scientific literature of Peru on factors associated with the positivity of Helicobacter pylori in the results of superior digestive endoscopy.

RESUMEN Las enfermedades digestivas representan la cuarta causa de atención ambulatoria en los centros sanitarios peruanos, siendo la gastritis y las úlceras pépticas las más comunes. El presente es un estudio retrospectivo, de corte transversal, de tipo descriptivo, de análisis secundario de datos de historias clínicas, para evaluar la prevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en pacientes sometidos a endoscopia digestiva alta durante el año 2019 en la Clínica Delgado, Lima, Perú. Asociación entre el sexo masculino (PRa 1,27, IC95% 1,10-1,48, p <0,001), categorías de la edad y resultado de endoscopia digestiva alta (PRa 2,53, IC95% 2,16-2,97, p<0,001) fueron reportados. Se recomienda, a partir de estos hallazgos, determinar otras causas de gastritis, especialmente en las mujeres jóvenes con gastritis crónica profunda. Además, presentamos una revisión de la literatura científica del Perú sobre los factores asociados a la positividad de Helicobacter pylori en los resultados de la endoscopia digestiva superior.

Abstract Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murry (LRAs) were used to explore the anti-fatigue activities of LRAs at different concentrations in a mouse fatigue model. Eight biochemical indexes were determined in liver tissue, muscle tissue and serum. The results showed that the LRAs used in the experiment mainly contained delphinium, petunidin and malvidin. During 21 days of gavage, there was no significant difference in mouse body weight. The exercise time of the LRA-exposed mice increased. LRAs could increase serum glucose (Glu), liver/muscle glycogen and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduce the vitality of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), the levels of lactic acid (LD) and serum urea nitrogen (BUN). This study indicated that LRAs can enhance exercise endurance, increase sugar reserves, scavenge free radicals and improve metabolism, thereby increasing anti-fatigue activities.

Abstract Quinoa starch microparticles (QSMs) fabricated with unhydrolyzed quinoa starch (QS) by inverse microemulsion technology could be used as medicine delivery and cosmetic accessories. The size distribution of QSMs was uniform at 28.5 μM, and the adsorption capacity of methylene blue was 0.82 mg/ g. The optimum preparation process was as follows: a QS mass fraction of 9%, an epoxy chloropropane content of 1%, an amount of oil phase of 100 mL, a span 80 of 3 mg/mL, and a stirring speed of 400 r/min for 3 h at room temperature and pressure. The QSMs were spherical, ellipsoidal in shape with the specific surface area of 1.676 m2/g. The crystallinity of the QSMs increased from 1.24% to 16.8% after crosslinking. The maximum thermal degradation temperature of the QSMs rose slightly than QS. It will be a promising material for application as a drug carrier and in cosmetics.

Abstract Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), one kind of common oilseeds, has many biologically active compounds including α-linolenic acid (ALA), lignan and dietary fiber. At present, the research of flaxseed is focused on biological and clinical studies of its compounds. However, the studies of flaxseed protein obtained generally from flaxseed cake, are relatively limited. As many other kinds of plant proteins, flaxseed protein presents many excellent functionalities which can be used for food applications. Many evidence have showed that flaxseed protein hydrolysates can provide health benefits to our body, such as anti-bacterial activity, antioxidant capacity and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition ability. Therefore, in order to make better use of flaxseed protein in foods, the extraction, functionalities and applications of flaxseed protein were reviewed in this paper. In addition, the preparation of flaxseed protein hydrolysates was discussed.

Abstract To illuminate changes in the secondary metabolic spectrum and hypoglycemic activity between Rose roxburghii fruit fermented (RRFF) by Chinese traditional distiller’s yeast and R. roxburghii fruit (RRF) using UPLC–MS/MS and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Secondary metabolomics in the RRFF apparently differs from those in RRF; 32 pentacyclic triterpenoids were identified first, and ursolic acid-substituted roxburix acids were found to be the marker compounds. Testing of HepG2 cells indicated that RRFF had good glucose consumption capacity. Additionally, fasting blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance tests, plasma insulin levels and insulin resistance in diabetic mice indicated that RRFF was better than RRF. More importantly, RRFF exhibited good structure in pancreatic tissue. These results indicate that the fermentation process is beneficial for increasing the content of triterpenoids and enhancing hypoglycemic activity. Traditional fermentation with Chinese traditional distiller’s yeast can provide a way to expand the application of nutritious fruits with short shelf life.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effect and specific mechanism of Coix Seed Oil (CSO) on immune hepatic fibrosis in immune injury rats. In this study, healthy Wister rats were injected with porcine serum in order to establish hepatic fibrosis model. We choose the compound Sophora flavescens injection as the positive control drug. HE staining was used to observe the morphological and histological changes. HSC-T6 cells were cultured in vitro. MTT and AO/EB staining were used to detect the effect of CSO on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. The results shown that Coix seed oil significantly improved hepatic fibrosis of immune injury rats, and the degree of hepatic fibrosis in CSO group was significantly reduced. Intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, HA, LN, PIIINP and C-IV in rats (P < 0.01).), MTT assay showed that the cells proliferated well. The results of HE staining showed that Coix seed oil had a good therapeutic effect on immune-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. AO/EB staining showed that 0.5 mg/mL CSO for 24 h and 0.1 mg/mL CSO for 48 h both significantly promoted the apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. In conclusion, Coix seed oil has a significant therapeutic effect on immune hepatic fibrosis, and its molecular mechanism may be related to antagonizing cytokine TGF-β1, inhibiting the expression of TIMP-1, promoting collagen degradation, inhibiting the activation of hepatocyte and promoting the apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells.

Abstract Background: Xenotransplantation has been primarily performed using fresh donor tissue to study testicular development for about 20 years, and whether the cultured tissue would be a suitable donor is unclear. In this study, we combined testicular culture and xenotransplantation into an integrative model and explored whether immature testicular tissue would survive and continue to develop in this model. Methods: In the new integrative model group, the testes of neonatal rats on postnatal day 8 (PND 8) were cultured for 4 days ex vivo and then were transplanted under the dorsal skin of castrated nude mice. The xenografted testes were resected on the 57th day after xenotransplantation and the testes of rats in the control group were harvested on PND 69. The survival state of testicular tissue was evaluated from morphological and functional perspectives including H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining of 8-OH-dG, immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL assay, ultrastructural study, gene expression and protein analysis. Results: (a) We found that complete spermatogenesis was established in the testes in the new integrative model group. Compared with the control in the same stage, the seminiferous epithelium in some tubules was a bit thinner and there were vacuoles in part of the tubules. Immunofluorescence staining revealed some ACROSIN-positive spermatids were present in seminiferous tubule of xenografted testes. TUNEL detection showed apoptotic cells and most of them were germ cells in the new integrative model group. 8-OH-dG immunohistochemistry showed strongly positive-stained in the seminiferous epithelium after xenotransplantation in comparison with the control group; (b) Compared with the control group, the expressions of FOXA3, DAZL, GFRα1, BOLL, SYCP3, CDC25A, LDHC, CREM and MKI67 in the new integrative model group were significantly elevated (P < 0.05), indicating that the testicular tissue was in an active differentiated and proliferative state; (c) Antioxidant gene detection showed that the expression of Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and SOD1 in the new integrative model group was significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and DNA methyltransferase gene detection showed that the expression of DNMT3B was significantly elevated as well (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The new integrative model could maintain the viability of immature testicular tissue and sustain the long-term survival in vivo with complete spermatogenesis. However, testicular genes expression was altered, vacuolation and thin seminiferous epithelium were still apparent in this model, manifesting that oxidative damage may contribute to the testicular development lesion and it needs further study in order to optimize this model.

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the safety of ACR-128 phakic lenses for high myopia correction one year after implantation. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 67 eyes of 36 patients with myopia corrected with ACR-128 phakic lens implants (31 in both eyes and 5 in one eye). Pre- and postoperative determination was made of ocular tension, endothelial cell loss by count, cell variation coefficient and hexagonality, as well as of postoperative complications and lens position with respect to the endothelium and the crystalline lens. Statistical analysis was based on the paired T-test with a significance level of 95% Results: Mean age was 28.06 ± 6.14 (25 women and 11 men). An immediate complication was hypotonia: RE: 1 (3.03%), LE: 1 (2.94%). Pupil irregularity was mediate: RE: 1 (3.03%), LE: 1 (2.94%) and late: RE: 1 (3.03%), LE: 2 (5.88%). Total average ocular tension was 14.09 ± 2.51 preoperative and 14.22 ± 2.64 postoperative (p = 0.90). Cell count was 2667.27 ± 228.72 preoperative and 2591.96 ± 301.21 postoperative, with 2.94% total endothelial loss 75.31 ± 237.41 (p = 0.06). Differences were not found in the variation coefficient (p = 0.60) or in hexagonality (p = 0.57). Lens position was 2.09 mm with respect to the endothelium and 1.08 mm with respect to the crystalline lens. Conclusions: ACR-128 phakic lens implantation for high myopia correction is a safe procedure with no postoperative complications or modifications in ocular tension or the corneal endothelium after one year's follow-up.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la seguridad de los lentes fáquicos ACR-128 en la corrección de la alta miopía tras un año de implantados. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 67 ojos de 36 pacientes con miopía corregida con lente fáquica ACR-128 (31 con ambos ojos y 5 con un solo ojo). Se determinó preoperatorio y posoperatorio: tensión ocular, pérdida celular endotelial según conteo, coeficiente de variación celular y hexagonalidad. Además de complicaciones posoperatorias y posición del lente respecto a endotelio y cristalino. El análisis estadístico se realizó con la prueba T para datos pareados, con una significación del 95 %. Resultados: Edad media 28,06 ± 6,14 (25 mujeres y 11 hombres). Las complicaciones inmediatas fueron hipotonía OD: 1 (3,03%), OI: 1 (2,94%). La irregularidad de la pupila se presentó OD: 1 (3,03%), OI: 1 (2,94%) mediata y OD: 1 (3,03%), OI: 2 (5.88%) tardía. Tensión ocular promedio total preoperatorio 14,09 ± 2,51 y posoperatorio 14,22 ± 2,64 (p = 0,90). El conteo celular preoperatorio 2667,27 ± 228,72 y posoperatorio 2591,96 ± 301,21, con 2,94 % pérdida endotelial total 75,31 ± 237,41 (p = 0,06). No hubo diferencias en el coeficiente de variación (p = 0,60) ni la hexagonalidad (p = 0,57). Posición del lente respecto al endotelio 2,09 mm y al cristalino 1,08 mm. Conclusiones: El implante de lente fáquica ACR-128 en la corrección de la alta miopía es un tratamiento seguro al no existir complicaciones posquirúrgico ni modificaciones en la tensión ocular y en el endotelio corneal tras un año del implante.

Resumo Fundamento: A fração de ejeção (FE) tem sido utilizada em análises fenotípicas e na tomada de decisões sobre o tratamento de insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Assim, a FE tornou-se parte fundamental da prática clínica diária. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar características, preditores e desfechos associados a alterações da FE em pacientes com diferentes tipos de IC grave. Métodos: Foram incluídos neste estudo 626 pacientes com IC grave e classe III–IV da New York Heart Association (NYHA). Os pacientes foram classificados em três grupos de acordo com as alterações da FE, ou seja, FE aumentada (FE-A), definida como aumento da FE ≥10%, FE diminuída (FE-D), definida como diminuição da FE ≥10%, e FE estável (FE-E), definida como alteração da FE <10%. Valores p inferiores a 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: Dos 377 pacientes com IC grave, 23,3% apresentaram FE-A, 59,5% apresentaram FE-E e 17,2% apresentaram FE-D. Os resultados mostraram ainda 68,2% de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) no grupo FE-A e 64,6% de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEp) no grupo FE-D. Os preditores de FE-A identificados foram faixa etária mais jovem, ausência de diabetes e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) menor. Já os preditores de FE-D encontrados foram ausência de fibrilação atrial, baixos níveis de ácido úrico e maior FEVE. Em um seguimento mediano de 40 meses, 44,8% dos pacientes foram vítimas de morte por todas as causas. Conclusão: Na IC grave, a ICFEr apresentou maior percentual no grupo FE-A e a ICFEp foi mais comum no grupo FE-D.

Abstract Background: Ejection fraction (EF) has been used in phenotype analyses and to make treatment decisions regarding heart failure (HF). Thus, EF has become a fundamental part of daily clinical practice. Objective: This study aims to investigate the characteristics, predictors, and outcomes associated with EF changes in patients with different types of severe HF. Methods: A total of 626 severe HF patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV were enrolled in this study. The patients were classified into three groups according to EF changes, namely, increased EF (EF-I), defined as an EF increase ≥10%, decreased EF (EF-D), defined as an EF decrease ≥10%, and stable EF (EF-S), defined as an EF change <10%. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 377 severe HF patients, 23.3% presented EF-I, 59.5% presented EF-S, and 17.2% presented EF-D. The results further showed 68.2% of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the EF-I group and 64.6% of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the EF-D group. The predictors of EF-I included younger age, absence of diabetes, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The predictors of EF-D were absence of atrial fibrillation, lower uric acid level, and higher LVEF. Within a median follow-up of 40 months, 44.8% of patients suffered from all-cause death. Conclusion: In severe HF, HFrEF presented the highest percentage in the EF-I group, and HFpEF was most common in the EF-D group.

ABSTRACT A novel inclusion complexes nanofibrous membrane fluorescent sensor was prepared for recognizing F- via electrospinning and host–guest interaction. The host α-cyclodextrin on the surface of the electrospun nanofiber membrane is assembled into the guest azobenzene molecule which modified with F- fluorescent probe, and the formation of the inclusion complex is fixed on the surface of the nanofibrous membrane without external force, to prepare a novel surface controllable composite nanofiber membrane for F- detection. The inclusion complexes nanofibrous membrane exhibited favourable sensitivity and selectivity for F-. The introduction of F- would result in notable fluorescent decreasing of the membrane, but the other most common anions would not disturb the detection of F-. Moreover, this nanofibrous membrane was not only a fluorescent sensor for detecting F-, but also a good adsorbent for F- in solution.