Resumo A mosca-branca é uma das pragas agrícolas mais difundidas no mundo. Os óleos essenciais podem ser usados para controlar esse inseto de forma ambientalmente responsável. A atividade fumigante, repelente e antioviposição de óleos essenciais extraídos com etanol de Trachyspermum ammi, Withania coagulans e Murraya koenigii contra Bemisia tabaci foi investigada neste estudo. No experimento, foram utilizadas três concentrações de óleo essencial (2,5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL e 10 mg/mL). Trachyspermum ammi teve a maior porcentagem de morte de mosca-branca em experimentos de laboratório devido à sua toxicidade fumigante; a mesma tendência foi encontrada na toxicidade de contato e efeito repelente. A porcentagem de mortalidade aumenta à medida que a concentração de óleo essencial aumenta com o tempo do bioensaio. À medida que a concentração de óleo essencial cresce com o tempo de bioensaio, o mesmo acontece com a taxa de mortalidade. A maioria das moscas-brancas adultas escapou da estufa das plantas tratadas devido à maior concentração de óleo essencial. A maior repelência foi encontrada com óleo essencial de Trachyspermum ammi a 10 mg/mL. O óleo essencial apresentou a maior eficácia antioviposição contra moscas-brancas. Trachyspermum ammi teve o mais potente impedimento antioviposição, seguido por Withania coagulans em segundo lugar. Murraya koenigii terminou em terceiro com antioviposição moderada, o que afeta o número de ovos produzidos em relação ao controle. Como consequência, esses três óleos podem ser usados como um bioinseticida eficaz e ambientalmente aceitável para controlar B. tabaci.

Abstract Whitefly is one of the most widespread agricultural pests in the world. Essential oils might be used to control this insect in an environmentally responsible way. The fumigant, repellent, and anti-oviposition activity of ethanol-extracted essential oils of Trachyspermum ammi, Withania coagulans, and Murraya koenigii against Bemisia tabaci was investigated in this study. In the experiment, three essential oil concentrations (2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) were used. Trachyspermum ammi had the highest percentage of whitefly death in laboratory experiments due to its fumigant toxicity; the same tendency was found in contact toxicity and repellent effect. Mortality percent rises as the concentration of essential oil increases with bioassay time. As the concentration of essential oil grows with bioassay time, so does the mortality rate. The most adult whiteflies escaped from the treated plants' greenhouse due to the highest essential oil concentration. The greatest repellency was found with Trachyspermum ammi essential oil at 10 mg/mL. The essential oil had the greatest anti-oviposition efficacy against whiteflies. Trachyspermum ammi possessed the most potent anti-oviposition deterrent, followed by Withania coagulans in second place. Murraya koenigii finished third with moderate anti-oviposition, which affects the number of eggs produced in comparison to the control. As a consequence, these three oils might be used as an effective and environmentally acceptable bio-insecticide to control B. tabaci.

ABSTRACT: Acute liver injury (ALI) is an important medical problem that requires effective therapy. Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid, and the beneficial effects of astaxanthin, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities, have been identified. The present study was designed to elucidate the protective effects of astaxanthin against ALI and their underlying mechanisms. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide combined with different doses of astaxanthin for 12 h. Mice were fed with or without astaxanthin for up to 7 days. LPS was administered to induce inflammation. We assessed histopathology, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis .The results indicated that astaxanthin attenuated LPS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that astaxanthin down regulated the nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathways, inhibiting the LPS-induced inflammatory response, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, and alleviating LPS-induced ALI in mice.

RESUMO: A lesão hepática aguda (ALI) é um problema médico importante que requer terapia eficaz. A astaxantina (AST) é um carotenóide, e os efeitos benéficos da astaxantina, incluindo atividades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e antitumorais, foram identificados. O presente estudo foi desenhado para elucidar os efeitos protetores da astaxantina contra ALI e seus mecanismos subjacentes. Macrófagos RAW264.7 foram tratados com dimetil sulfóxido combinado com diferentes doses de astaxantina por 12 h. Os camundongos foram alimentados com ou sem astaxantina por até sete dias. O LPS foi administrado para induzir a inflamação. Histopatologia, estresse oxidativo, inflamação e apoptose foram avaliados. Os resultados indicaram que a astaxantina atenuou o estresse oxidativo induzido por LPS, inflamação e apoptose celular in vivo e in vitro. Experimentos in vivo e in vitro mostraram que a astaxantina regulou negativamente as vias de sinalização do fator nuclear-kappa beta (NF-κB), fator nuclear 2 relacionado ao eritróide 2 (Nrf2) e domínio de pirina da família NLR contendo 3 (NLRP3), inibindo o LPS- resposta inflamatória induzida, estresse oxidativo e apoptose celular e alívio da ALI induzida por LPS em camundongos.

Abstract Introduction Patients at public county hospitals often have poorer access to healthcare with advanced disease on presentation. These factors, along with limited resources at county hospitals, may have an impact on outcomes for patients requiring complex head and neck reconstruction. Objectives To delineate differences in the frequency of complications in two different care settings, a public county hospital and a private university hospital. Methods Retrospective review of otolaryngology patients at a university hospital compared with a publicly-funded county hospital. The main outcome measure was major complications including total flap loss or unplanned reoperation in 30 days. Secondary outcome measures included medical complications, partial flap loss, and unplanned hospital readmission in 30 days. Results In the county hospital sample (n = 58) free flap failure or reoperation occurred in 20.7% of the patients, and minor complications, in 36.2% of the patients. In the university hospital sample (n = 65) flap failure or reoperation occurred in 9.2% of the patients, and minor complications, in 12.3% of the patients. Patients at the private hospital who had surgery in the oropharynx were least likely to have minor complications. Conclusions Patients at the county hospital had a higher but not statistically significant difference in flap failure and reoperation than those at a university hospital, although the county hospital experienced more minor postoperative complications. This is likely multifactorial, and may be related to poorer access to primary care preoperatively, malnutrition, poorly controlled or undiagnosed medical comorbidities, and differences in hospital resources.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia dos antibióticos comuns contra diferentes microrganismos em bovinos aparentemente saudáveis na província de Shandong e seus subúrbios. Um total de 220 amostras de esfregaço nasal foi coletado e cultivado para avaliação bacteriológica. Todos os isolados de bactérias após identificação preliminar foram submetidos a estudos de antibiograma seguindo o método de difusão em disco. Verificou-se no estudo que E. coli é o isolado mais comumente associado (21%), seguido por Klebsiella spp. (18%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%), Salmonella spp. (15%), Shigella spp (12%) e Proteus spp (11%). Enquanto os estudos de antibiograma revelaram que o maior número de isolados bacterianos apresentou resistência à Ampicilina (95%), seguido por Augmentin (91%), Cefuroxima (85%) e Tetraciclina (95%) de (Escherichia coli e Klebsiella spp). No caso de Pseudomonas spp. e Salmonella, a maior resistência foi apresentada pela Ampicilina (90%) seguida pela Amoxicilina + Ácido Clavulânico (80%), Cefixima (90%) e Eritromicina (80%). Em Shigella spp e Salmonella spp, a maior resistência foi demonstrada por Amoxicilina, Ceftazidima, Augmentina (60%) e Amoxicilina + Ácido Clavulânico (50%). Conclui-se que estudos de antibiograma in vitro de isolados bacterianos revelaram maior resistência para Ampicilina, Augmentina, Cefuroxima, Cefixima, Tetraciclina, Eritromicina e Amoxicilina + Ácido Clavulânico. Os altos índices de resistência a antibióticos múltiplos (MARI) observados em todos os isolados neste estudo variaram de 0,6 a 0,9. O valor MARI de > 0,2 sugere várias bactérias resistentes a antibióticos e indica a presença de bactérias altamente resistentes.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of common antibiotics against different microorganisms in apparently healthy cattle in Shandong province and its suburb. A total of 220 nasal swab samples were collected and cultured for bacteriological evaluation. All the bacteria isolates after preliminary identification were subjected to antibiogram studies following disc diffusion method. It was found in the study that E. coli is the most commonly associated isolate (21%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (18%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%), Salmonella spp. (15%), Shigella spp (12%), and Proteus spp (11%). While the antibiogram studies reveled that highest number of bacterial isolates showed resistance to Ampicillin (95%), followed by Augmentin (91%), Cefuroxime (85%) and Tetracycline (95%) of (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp). In the case of pseudomonas spp. and Salmonella the highest resistance was showed by Ampicillin (90%) followed by Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (80%), Cefixime (90%), and Erythromycin (80%). In Shigella spp and Salmonella spp highest resistance was showed by Amoxicillin, Ceftazidime, Augmentin (60%), and Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (50%). It is concluded that in vitro antibiogram studies of bacterial isolates revealed higher resistance for Ampicillin, Augmentin, Cefuroxime, Cefixime, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid. The high multiple Antibiotics resistance indexes (MARI) observed in all the isolates in this study ranging from 0.6 to 0.9. MARI value of >0.2 is suggests multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria and indicate presence of highly resistant bacteria.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal genetic disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation into mdx mice can promote muscle regeneration and improve muscle function, however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. DMD suffers varying degrees of hypoxic damage during disease progression. This study aimed to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have protective effects against hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle injury. Results In this study, we co-cultured iPSCs with C2C12 myoblasts using a Transwell nested system and placed them in a DG250 anaerobic workstation for oxygen deprivation for 24 h. We found that iPSCs reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of BAX/BCL2 and LC3II/ LC3I in hypoxia-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Meanwhile, iPSCs decreased the mRNA and protein levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and increased myotube width. Furthermore, iPSCs downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKA and ULK1 in C2C12 myotubes exposed to hypoxic damage. Conclusions Our study showed that iPSCs enhanced the resistance of C2C12 myoblasts to hypoxia and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in the presence of oxidative stress. Further, iPSCs improved hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy of C2C12 myotubes through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. This study may provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of muscular dystrophy in stem cells.

The current study aimed to assess the effects of the addition of dietary fermented feed (FF) on the growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and number of cecal microorganisms of Sichuan white geese from 1 to 28 d of age. A total of 240, 1-day-old female geese were randomly divided into five groups with six replicates (eight birds per replicate). Geese in the control group were fed the basal diet (0.0% FF) and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% FF, respectively. The 5.0% FF and 7.5% FF groups had greater body weights (BW), average daily feed intakes (ADFI), and average daily gains (ADG) than the control group. The feed/gain ratio (F/G) in the 7.5% FF group was higher than the control group. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IGA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the 5.0% FF group were higher than those in the control group, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the 5.0% FF group was lower. Moreover, the FF did not affect the plasma biochemical indicators, number of cecal microorganisms, and intestinal morphology of geese in the groups. These findings indicate that 5.0% FF may improve the growth performance (BW, ADG, and ADFI), immunological function, and antioxidant capacity of Sichuan white geese from 1 to 28 days of age.

Gelsolin (GSN) can sever actin filaments associated with autophagy. This study investigated how GSN-regulated actin filaments control autophagy in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) in acute pancreatitis (AP). AP was produced in a rat model and PDECs using caerulein (CAE). Rat pancreatic duct tissue and HPDE6-C7 cells were extracted at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after CAE treatment. HPDE6-C7 cells in the presence of CAE were treated with cytochalasin B (CB) or silenced for GSN for 24 h. Pancreatic histopathology and serum amylase levels were analyzed. Cellular ultrastructure and autophagy in PDECs were observed by transmission electron microscopy after 24 h of CAE treatment. The expression of GSN and autophagy markers LC3, P62, and LAMP2 was evaluated in PDECs by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Actin filaments were observed microscopically. Amylase levels were highest at 6 h of AP, and pancreatic tissue damage increased over time. Mitochondrial vacuolization and autophagy were observed in PDECs. CAE increased GSN expression in these cells over time, increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression at 24 and 6 h of treatment, respectively, and decreased P62 expression at all time points. CB treatment for 24 h decreased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression, increased P62 levels, but had no impact on GSN expression in CAE-treated PDECs. CAE induced actin depolymerization, and CB potentiated this effect. GSN silencing increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression and reduced actin depolymerization in CAE-treated PDECs. GSN may inhibit autophagosome biogenesis and autophagosome-lysosome fusion by increasing actin depolymerization in PDECs in AP.

Abstract Objectives The deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within synovial joints and tissues is the initiating factor for gout arthritis. Thus, MSU crystals are a vital tool for studying gout's molecular mechanism in animal and cellular models. This study mainly compared the excellence and worseness of MSU crystals prepared by different processes and the degree of inflammation induced by MSU crystals. Methods MSU crystals were prepared using neutralization, alkali titration, and acid titration methods. The crystals' shape, length, quality, and uniformity were observed by polarized light microscopy and calculated by the software Image J. The foot pad and air pouch models were used to assess the different degrees of inflammation induced by the MSU crystals prepared by the three different methods at different time points. Paw swelling was evaluated by caliper. In air pouch lavage fluid, inflammatory cell recruitment was measured by hemocytometer, and the level of IL-1β TNF- α, and IL-18 by ELISA. Inflammatory cell infiltration was assayed by immunohistochemistry of air pouch synovial slices. Results For the preparation of MSU crystals with the same uric acid, the quantity acquired by the alkalization method was highest, followed by neutralization, with the acid titration method being the lowest. The crystals prepared by neutralization were the longest. The swelling index of the foot pad induced by MSU crystals prepared by acid titration was significantly lower than that of the other methods at 24 h. The inflammatory cell recruitment and level of 1-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18 in air pouch lavage fluid were lowest in animals with crystals prepared by acid titration. IL-1β secretion induced by MSU crystals prepared by acid titration was significantly lower than that of the other two groups, but there was no significant difference in IL-18 secretion between the three groups in THP-1 macrophages and BMDMs. Conclusions All three methods can successfully prepare MSU crystals, but the levels of inflammation induced by the crystals prepared by the three methods were not identical. The degree of inflammation induced by MSU crystals prepared by neutralization and alkalization is greater than by acid titration, but the quantity of MSU crystals obtained by the alkalization method is higher and less time-consuming. Apparently, the window of inflammation triggered by acid titration preparation is shorter compared to other forms of crystal preparation. Overall, MSU crystals prepared by the alkaline method should be recommended for studying the molecular mechanisms of gout in animal and cellular models.

Fluorination of magnetite (Fe3O4) by NH4HF2 was investigated using simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and observing the morphology and phase changes using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results indicate that fluorination with the involvement of oxygen begins at room temperature, peaks at 1784ºC, and is completed at 200ºC with the formation of only (NH4)3FeF6. On heating, (NH4)3FeF6 gradually releases NH4F by the formation of NH4FeF4 at 259ºC, then (NH4)0.l8FeF3 at 327ºC, and finally FeF3 with minor FeF2 at 400ºC due to the partial reduction of Fe (III) to Fe (II). At 550ºC, FeF3 is oxidized to FeOF/Fe2O3.

RESUMO Porcos tibetanos são caracterizados por diferenças fenotípicas significativas em relação aos porcos de planície. Nosso estudo anterior demonstrou que os genes CRYAB e CTGF eram expressos diferentemente nos tecidos do coração entre os porcos tibetanos (raça das terras altas) e Yorkshire (raça das terras baixas), indicando que eles poderiam participar da adaptação à hipoxia. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) e CTGF (fator de crescimento do tecido conjuntivo) também foram relatados como estando associados ao desenvolvimento pulmonar. Entretanto, os padrões de expressão do CRYAB e CTGF nos tecidos pulmonares em diferentes altitudes e sua caracterização genética não são bem compreendidos. Neste estudo, o qRT-PCR e a mancha ocidental de tecido pulmonar revelou níveis de expressão de CRYAB mais elevados em porcos tibetanos e Yorkshire de altitude e média altitude do que em seus pares de planície. Com um aumento na altitude, o nível de expressão do CTGF aumentou nos porcos tibetanos, enquanto diminuiu nos porcos Yorkshire. Além disso, foram identificados dois novos polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo na região flanqueadora de CRYAB (g.39644482C>T e g.39644132T>C) e CTGF (g.31671748A>G e g.31671773T>G). O polimorfismo pode contribuir parcialmente com as diferenças nos níveis de expressão entre grupos a uma mesma altitude. Estas descobertas proporcionam novos conhecimentos sobre as adaptações de hipoxia a alta altitude dos porcos tibetanos.

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

Abstract Background: Metastatic melanoma has a high mortality rate and poor survival. This is associated with efficient metastatic colonization, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer cells plays an important role in metastatic dissemination. Whether cancer stem cells can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells; and whether exosomal crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated in melanoma prior to this report. Results: The results revealed that exosomes secreted by highly metastatic melanoma CSCs (OL-SCs) promoted the invasiveness of the low metastatic melanoma cells (OL) and accelerated metastatic progression. miR-1268a was up-regulated in cells and exosomes of OL-SCs. Moreover, OL-SCs-derived exosomal miR-1268a, upon taking up by OL cells, promoted the metastatic colonization ability of OL cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the pro-metastatic activity of exosomal miR-1268a is achieved through inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that OL cells can acquire the “metastatic ability” from OL-SCs cells. OL-SCs cells achieves this goal by utilizing its exosomes to deliver functional miRNAs, such as miR-1268a, to the targeted OL cells which in turn augments metastatic colonization by inactivating the autophagy pathway in OL cells.

Abstract A response surface method (RSM) was employed to optimize polysaccharide extraction from Panax japonicus (PJPS). Also, carboxymethyl substitution of PJPS (CM-PJPS) was studied using a response surface methodology. A three-variable Box–Behnken design (BBD) methodology was applied. RSM analyses revealed that conditions that maximized polysaccharide yield were as follows: a liquid-to-material ratio 22:1, an extraction temperature of 83.99 °C and an extraction duration of 2.32 h. Under optimum extraction conditions, the average absorbance value of PJPS was 0.6001, and the purity of PJPS was 98.2%. A quadratic regression model for CM-PJPS was obtained via BBD. The optimum extraction conditions for the process were determined to include a 1.38 h reaction time, 1.24 g monochloroacetic acid (MCA) and a reaction temperature of 52.85 °C. Under optimum extraction conditions, the average degree of CM-PJPS substitution was 0.9733. The structure of the PJPS was examined by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). CM-PJPS exhibited the strongest anti-oxidant activity in vitro. In addition, CM-PJPS inhibited Skov3 and A2780 cancer cell proliferation. Our data revealed that CM-PJPS is a promising natural antioxidant with potential value as a food supplement and for treatment of cancer.

Abstract Background and aims: Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs) have been used in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapies in recent years. However, the efficacy and safety of P-CABs compared to ProtonPump Inhibitors (PPIs) in this setting remain controversial. Methods: The efficacy and safety of P-CABs and PPIs for H. pylori eradication were compared in a meta-analysis based on a systematic literature search of major electronic databases for relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Results: Seven studies and 1,168 patients were included. The pooled eradication rate determined by Intention-ToTreat (ITT) analysis was 90.2% for P-CAB-based and 75.5% for PPI-based triple therapy (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.17 [1.08-1.28], p < 0.001). The Per-Protocol (PP) analysis also demonstrated significant superiority of P-CABs (pooled eradication rate = 92.4% vs. 77.8%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.03–1.26], p < 0.01). In a subgroup evaluation, P-CABs were significantly better than PPIs as a first-line eradication therapy, in both the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 91.8% vs. 76.4%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.10-1.28], p < 0.0001) and the PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 93.0% vs. 78.6%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.13 [1.02 –1.26], p < 0.05). However, P-CABs were not superior to PPIs when administered as salvage therapy, as determined in the ITT (75.0% vs. 66.0%, pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.11 [0.69–1.78], p = 0.66) and PP (85.7% vs. 70.0%, pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.20 [0.82–1.75], p = 0.34) analyses. In a subgroup analysis limited to Japanese patients, both the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 89.6% vs. 73.9%; RR [95% CI] = 1.21 [1.14 –1.29], p < 0.01) and the PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 92.0% vs. 75.7%; RR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.06 –1.32], p < 0.01) showed that P-CABs were significantly superior compared to PPIs as triple eradication therapy. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients from other countries, there was no significant difference in either the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 93.8% vs. 85.2%; RR [95% CI] = 1.10 [0.99-1.22], p = 0.07) or PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 95.0% vs. 90.8%; RR [95% CI] = 1.05 [0.98–1.14], p = 0.17). The incidence of adverse events associated with the two regimens did not significantly differ (P-CABs vs. PPIs: 33.6% vs. 40.0%; RR [95% CI] = 0.84 [0.71‒1.00], p = 0.05). The incidence of serious adverse events and dropout rate due to adverse events also did not differ (p = 0.44 and p = 0.67, respectively). Conclusions: The efficacy of P-CAB-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy as a first-line approach to H. pylori eradication, particularly in Japanese patients. As salvage therapy, the efficacy of the two treatments did not significantly differ. The tolerability of P-CAB-based and PPI-based triple therapy was comparable, as was the incidence of adverse events. HIGHLIGHTS The efficacy of P-CAB-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy as a first-line approach to H. pylori eradication, particularly in Japanese patients. P-CABs were not superior to PPIs as a salvage triple eradication therapy. The safety and tolerability of P-CAB are comparable to PPI in H. pylori triple eradication therapies. Further large RCTs conducted in multiple regions and countries are necessary.

Abstract In the present study, the effects of heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the structural properties, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of sweet potato flour were investigated. Moisture mass fractions of samples were set as 20%, 25%, 30% or 35%, and treated at 110 °C for 4 h. Gelatinization characteristics, short-range order, double helix structure, crystallinity and digestive characteristics were studied by test of pasting and thermal, analysis of X-ray diffraction spectra, infrared spectra and in vitro digestion test. The results showed that the structural characteristics of the sweet potato flour with different moisture concentrations were quite different. The viscosity, breakdown value and setback value of HMT-sweet potato flour were all lower than those of the original flour. The content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) decreased, while the contents of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) increased after HMT. The results showed that HMT-25 had good cold and heat stability, low pasting viscosity and high contents of SDS and RS.