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 The object of this study was to investigate the influence of bagging or the combination of umbrella and bags on berry composition, especially anthocyanin accumulation, in ‘Kyoho’ (V. labruscana) berry skins. Five different colors and bag materials commonly used in production were chosen for this study: white, green, yellow, nonwoven and transparent, and the umbrellas were made of plastic material. The composition and content of anthocyanins in the berry skin of ‘Kyoho’ were analyzed by HPLC-MS. The results showed that bagging or a combination of umbrella and bags on anthocyanin concentration in ‘Kyoho’ grapes showed inconsistent effects that depended on the colors and materials of the bags and the use of an umbrella or not. Compared with the control, the inhibition effects of white, green and yellow bags on the soluble solids content and the total and individual anthocyanin concentrations in ‘Kyoho’ grapes reached significant levels; effects of green and yellow bags were the most significant among them. The plastic umbrella used in this study also presented a lower relative light intensity and produced more even-colored clusters. White, green, and yellow bags and combinations of umbrella and bags significantly increased some stable anthocyanin proportions to varying degrees, such as coumaroylated and methylated anthocyanins, compared to the control.

Abstract Circulating miRNAs presenting in plasma in a stable manner have been demonstrated their potential role as a promising biomarkers in many human diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, melanoma and ovarian carcinoma. However, few circulating miRNAs could be used for breast ductal cancer diagnosis. Here, we identified miR-1273g-3p as a biomarker for detecting breast ductal cancer. We detected miR-1273g-3p levels in the plasma of 39 sporadic breast ductal cancer patients and 40 healthy donors by Stem-loop Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed the plasma miR-1273g-3p level were significantly up-regulated in breast ductal cancer patients compared with healthy donors (p=0.0139). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve also revealed the significantly diagnostic ability of miR-1273g-3p in patients (p=0.0414). In addition, the plasma level of miR-1273g-3p was closely related to IIIB-IIIC TNM stage. We also confirmed the higher expression level of miR-1273g-3p in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (4.872±0.537) than normal breast cells (Hs 578Bst). Taken together, miR-1273g-3p could represent as a potential biomarker for early breast ductal cancer diagnosis.

Abstract Objective: This study is designed to evaluate the advantages between peratrial device closure under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance and open heart surgery in atrial septal defect. Methods: From November 2011 to September 2014, 28 patients with atrial septal defect were treated. Fourteen patients received peratrial device closure under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance (TEE group) and 14 patients received cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB group). Clinical parameters during intraoperative and postoperative periods were examined. Results: All patients recovered after surgery without serious complications. Compared with that in CPB group, clinical observations in TEE group showed significant decreases in the operation time (193.6±35.5 vs. 77.4±22.7 min, P<0.05), periods in intensive care unit (31.6±23.3 vs. 17.5±8.1 hours, P<0.05), fluid volume after operation (502.5±439.3 vs. 32.5±7.3 ml, P<0.05), postoperative length of hospital stay (8.9±2.8 vs. 6.8±2.4 days, P<0.05) and total hospitalization cost (7205.9±1617.6 vs. 5882.3±441.2 $, P<0.05). Conclusion: The peratrial device closure of atrial septal defect under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance is a mini-invasive, simple, safe and effective intervention. Its use in the clinical practice should be encouraged.