Abstract Tea polysaccharides was one of the active ingredients of Qingzhuan dark tea, which had antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immune-enhancing effects. The complexation of metal ions of tea polysaccharides was one of the current research hotspots. It can combine the advantages of tea polysaccharides and their complexed trace metal elements, and had great potential development. In this study, the trace element-copper required by the human body was used for complexation with Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides, and the structure was characterized by various chemical methods. The copper complexes of Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides were characterized by UV spectroscopy, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, AFM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The tests results show that it was successfully complexed with tea polysaccharides. Meanwhile, the Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides copper complex compound (termed TPS-Cu) showed higher scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical and ABTS free radical than the tea polysaccharides (termed TPS). Therefore, TPS-Cu can be used as a potentially effective and stable copper supplement and preventive agent.

Abstract Objectives: The incidence of cerebellar Glioblastoma Multiforme (cGBM) is rare. Database like TCGA have not distinguish cGBM from GBM, our knowledge on cGBM gene expression characteristics is limited. The expression status of Oligodendrocyte Lineage Transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) and its clinical significance in cGBM is still unclear. Methods: The clinical data and tissue specimens of 73 cGBM patients were retrospectively studied. The association between OLIG2 expression level and the demographic characteristics of cGBM patients was identified by the Chi-Square test. The survival curves were drawn by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The independent prognostic factors was calculated according to Cox regression analysis. Results: The OLIG2 high expression was observed in about 57.5% (42/73) of the cGBM patients. Patients with high OLIG2 expression levels had a higher alive ratio at the end of follow-up (alive ratio: 70.6% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.04). The median survival time was 21 months and 13 months for high and low expression of OLIG2 (p < 0 .05). Univariate analysis and Multivariate analysis indicated that EOR (HR = 3.89, 95% CI 1.23−12.26, p = 0.02), low OLIG2 expression (HR = 5.26, 95% CI 1.13−24.59, p = 0.04), and without adjuvant therapy (HR = 4.95, 95% CI 1.22−20.00, p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for the OS of cGBM patients. Conclusion: High expression level of OLIG2 could be used as an independent favorable prognosis indicator in cGBM patients and be recognized as a characteristic biomarker of cGBM.

Abstract Aplastic anemia (AA), a rare disorder, is associated with bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). Presently, AA treatment is of great difficulty. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) in AA. Busulfan was used to induce AA in BALB/c mice; blood cell count and Ray’s Giemsa staining were used to assess the severity of hematopoietic failure; HE was performed to assess the pathological state of the marrow cavity; ELISA was performed to assess IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, VEGF, and EPO; and WB was performed to evaluate the effects of RGP on the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Significant downregulation of hemocyte levels in the blood and nucleated cells in the bone marrow was reversed by RGP and Cyclosporine A (CA). Compared with the AA group, dilating blood sinusoids, inflammation, hematopoiesis, decreased bone marrow cells and megakaryocytes were alleviated by RGP and CA, and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling was inhibited too. Notably, RGP was more effective when used in combination with CA. In this study, we established a relationship between BMM and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and found that RGP regulates BMM by suppressing the activation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Thus, RGP exerts a pharmacological effect on AA.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the risk factors for predicting atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Methods: A total of 140 patients with CIED in our hospital from June 2013 to June 2018 were included and were followed up to observe whether they had AHREs. AHRE are defined as atrial rate ≥ 175 times/minute, lasting > 5 minutes, and reviewed by an experienced electrophysiologist with unclear clinical diagnosis. The patients fasted for 12 hours after implantation, and blood samples were collected for biochemical, lipid, and whole blood count detection. Follow-up was regular after discharge to record follow-up data of each patient and conduct statistical analysis. Results: One hundred and forty patients were implanted with dual-chamber pacemakers, their median age was 70 years old, 44.29% were male, 27 patients had AHRE within one year, and AHRE incidence rate was 19.29%. The microcytic to hypochromic (M/H) ratio was calculated for all AHRE patients and compared with the patients without AHRE; the M/H value of AHRE patients was significantly higher. Throughout the entire follow-up period, a total of 44 patients developed AHRE; when adjusted by multivariate analysis, only M/H ratio ≥ 4.5 vs. < 4.5 had statistical significance, and the adjusted hazard ratio value was 4.313 (1.675-11.105). Conclusion: As an indicator, M/H ratio may play an important role in the occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation and can be used as a predictor of AHRE in patients with CIED.

Abstract To produce Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharide–zinc (TPS–Zn), tea polysaccharides (TPS) were isolated from Qingzhuan dark tea and complexed with a zinc salt in the present study. The thermogravimetric analysis, molecular weight analysis, atomic absorption spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic mechanical microscope were used for qualitative and quantitative characterisation. The findings demonstrated and verified that complex reactions between zinc ions and TPS had occurred. After the Zn2+ complex was modified, the structure of TPS became more stable. The complex was homogeneous in composition and did not comprise any nucleic acid or protein. It is a zinc supplement that may be studied.

Abstract The milk-clotting enzyme (MCE) produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GSBa-1 achieved the scale-up criterion from 0.25-L erlenmeyer flask to 5-L bioreactor sucessfully and exhibited remarkable milk-clotting activity (MCA) (626.3 SU/mL) that was 1.45-fold higher than the control by optimizing both medium composition and fermentation conditions.The growth of GSBa-1 was optimized through response surface methodology employing Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design. The final optimized fermentation conditions were as follows: maltose (7.258g/L), corn steep liquor (8.15g/L), and Tween 80 (1.97g/L); constant fermentation pH (7.0), temperature (45 °C) and stirrer speed (200 rpm). Kinetic models of microbial growth (X), product formation (P), and substrate consumption (S) were constructed, respectively. The derived model was the first reported model for GSBa-1 rennet production, contributing visual description for the rennet fermentation process, as well as the improvement of its productivity and efficiency.

Abstract The effective selenylated polysaccharides (refer as TPS-Se) with an average molecular weight (MW) of 3.109 × 104 Da was synthesized by the reduction of sodium selenite with ascorbic acid in the presence of Qingzhuan Dark Tea polysaccharides (TPS). The selenium (Se) content of TPS-Se was up to 37.05%. The differences between TPS and TPS-Se were compared in morphology, structure, antioxidant activity, and molecular weight using FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SEM, AFM, and Integrated thermal gravimetric analysis. The results indicated that Se4+ was reduced to Se0 by ascorbic acid. Further, the Se0 atoms aggregate into Se nuclei and bind to the C=O from TPS. Also, TPS-Se exhibited higher DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging abilities than TPS. This difference may be attributed to the fact that Se has good antioxidant activity. The test results demonstrated that TPS-Se was prepared successfully by reducing sodium selenite with ascorbic acid, which exhibited a higher radical-scavenging ability. Finally, LD50 value of 136.89 mg/kg, with a 95% confidence interval of 102.82~182.82 mg/kg, was determined by gavage administration for TPS-Se’s.

Abstract To observe the influence of thalidomide on tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) of spontaneous type-2 diabetes rat (kk-Ay rat) model, and to explore the clinical value of TNF-a mediated inflammation approach to improve the injury on epithelial cell of kidney tubules. There are 30 kk-Ay rates being chosen to establish the Diabetic Nephropathy model and divided into thalidomide group and the model control group, 15 pieces for each group respectively. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, interleukin -6 (IL-6) and interleukin -18 (IL-18) of kk-Ay in the thalidomide group and the model control group were both at a higher level before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05); The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, interleukin -6 (IL-6) and interleukin -18 (IL-18) in kk-Ay rats 8/10/12 weeks after the treatment in the thalidomide group were significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences compared with the model control group (P < 0.05). The histopathological changes of kidney tubules epithelial cell injury on rats were observed through dissection. Thalidomide will effectively lower TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels in kk-Ay rat models, reduce inflammatory response, and thus improve damage on kidney tubules epithelial cell, which is worthy of further exploration and application.

Abstract Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, is a common disease in some parts of the world. A traditional medicine for treating anaemia resulting from iron deficiency is inorganic iron, which is represented by ferrous sulfate. However, serious irritation to the gastrointestinal tract is one of the side effects caused by inorganic iron. We extracted the tea polysaccharide (TPS) from Qingzhuan Dark Tea and employed a green technology to prepare a polysaccharide–iron [TPS-Fe(III)] complex. We further characterised the structure through thermogravimetric analysis, molecular weight analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic mechanics microscopy. We performed a comparative evaluation of the antioxidant properties of the TPS-Fe(III) complex and TPS. The results indicated that the antioxidant activity of the TPS-Fe(III) complex is superior to that of TPS. The scavenging activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, superoxide anion, and 2,2'-azobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity assays and malondialdehyde inhibition assay. The structure of the TPS-Fe(III) complex formed by the complexation of the tea polysaccharide with iron ions was highly stable, which significantly improved its antioxidant activity in vitro. Thus, the TPS-Fe (III) complex can provide additional health benefits compared with other typical non-antioxidant iron nutritional supplements.

Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammation, characterized by impaired differentiation, hyperproliferation of keratinocytes involving pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-13/17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ. Among the integrin family, α5 is important for blood vessel formation, and β4 for proliferation, differentiation of keratinocytes. To investigate the expression and regulation of integrin α5 and β4 in psoriatic keratinocytes. Skin biopsies were obtained from 14 psoriatic patients and 12 normal volunteers. We compared the immunolocalization and regulation of α5 and β4 between the psoriatic and normal ones, before and after incubation with MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor U0126 by immunohistochemistry and western blot separately. Immunohistochemistry showed psoriatic keratinocytes had higher α5 than normal ones. According to western blot, IL-17A and IL-13 increased normal keratinocytes’ α5 and β4 respectively, but psoriatic keratinocytes were the exact opposite. Incubated with U0126, normal keratinocytes’ α5 was enhanced by the 5 cytokines ; while IL-13/17A, IFN-γ suppressed β4. Psoriatic keratinocytes’ α5 was increased by IL-13/17A, decreased by IFN-γ; but β4 increased by IL-17A, IFN-γ. IL-13/17A, TNF-α, IFN-γ regulate α5 and β4 through ERK pathway whether normal or psoriasis. The normal and psoriatic keratinocytes respond to the same cytokines differently.

Abstract Kernel direct harvesting is the mainstream technology of maize harvesting in the world today, it has significant impact on the maize kernel subsequent food processing. Direct harvest technology in china is not well developed due to the influence of growth environment, agronomy, etc., which leads kernel damage. The kernel damage is necessary studied in maize direct harvesting technology. Therefore, “Zheng Dan 958” was selected, the entrance clearance, export clearance, and cylinder speed as variables to carry out the kernel damage experiment. Processed the image of threshed maize kernel, extracted the crack and boundary characteristics of kernel damage, and established the BP neural network model to study the direct harvesting damage and optimize parameters. The results indicated that kernel damage increased with decreasing threshing clearance and increasing threshing intensity. In a certain threshing clearance, cylinder speed was the key factor affecting kernel damage. The R of model was above 0.95, the accuracy of damage quantitative identification was above 85%. When inlet clearance was 35 mm, outlet clearance was 15 mm, and cylinder speed was 300 rpm, kernel damage was small. Our findings will provide reference for kernel direct harvesting technology and improve harvest quality to meet food processing industry demands.

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.

RESUMO Objetivos Avaliar o potencial da aplicação da tecnologia de impressão 3D na medição da área de defeito ósseo acetabular em pacientes adultos diagnosticados com displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril (DDH). Métodos 23 casos de DDH que requereram cirurgia de substituição total do quadril foram incluídos neste estudo. O exame pré-operatório confirmou os filmes pélvicos padrão Crowe, incluindo 3 casos de Crowe I, 7 Crowe II, e 13 Crowe III. A tecnologia de impressão 3D foi utilizada para imprimir o modelo de quadril antes da operação. Com base no modelo pré-impresso, o planejamento pré-operatório e os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram estabelecidos. A área dos defeitos ósseos acetabulares foi medida, a prótese de tamanho selecionado foi registrada, e a cirurgia foi realizada (grupo A). A área do defeito ósseo acetabular real e o tamanho da prótese também foram registrados (grupo B). Resultados Os resultados comparativos indicaram que a área real do defeito acetabular medida intraoperativamente e a área medida usando a tecnologia de impressão 3D não diferiu significativamente para todos os participantes (todos P>0,05). Conclusão O modelo pré-operatório pode medir com precisão a área de defeito ósseo acetabular para DDH. É relevante desenvolver implantes individualizados para pacientes com DDH tratados com a técnica de impressão 3D. Nível de Evidência IV: Série de casos.

ABSTRACT Objectives Evaluate the application value of 3D printing technology in measuring acetabular bone defect area in adult patients diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods 23 cases of DDH requiring total hip replacement surgery were enrolled in this study. Preoperative examination confirmed the standard pelvic plain films Crowe, including 3 cases of Crowe I, 7 Crowe II, and 13 Crowe III. The 3D printing technology was used to print the hip model before the operation. Based on the pre-printed model, pre-operative planning and surgical procedures were established. The area of the acetabular bone defects was measured, the selected size prosthesis was recorded, and the surgery was performed (group A). The actual acetabular bone defect area and the prosthesis size were also recorded (group B). Results The comparative results indicated that the actual acetabular defect area measured intraoperatively and the area measured using the 3D printing technology did not significantly differ for all participants (all P>0.05). Conclusion Preoperative model can accurately measure the acetabular bone defect area for DDH. It is significant to develop individualized implants for DDH patients treated with the 3D printing technique. Level of Evidence IV: Case series.

Abstract Freezing technology is currently an important preservation method for aquatic products. However, during the long-term freezing process proteins, which are the main components of muscle tissue, are inevitably exposed to an environment containing oxidative stress inducing changes in muscle protein structure. It leads to irreversible physical and chemical changes causing deterioration in the quality of aquatic products and reducing their nutritional value. Therefore, it is necessary clarify in depth to control oxidative damage of muscle during freezing and storage to gain more insight into the mechanisms of freezing-induced protein oxidation. The mechanism of protein oxidation in fish freezing, the effect of protein oxidation on fish quality, and the current regulatory methods for delaying protein oxidation were summarized in this paper review. The purpose is to provide a new research direction for the research and application of quality control in the process of fish frozen storage.

Abstract Fresh aquatic products have high nutritional value, but they are easily susceptible to spoilage. Freezing as an effective preservation method could better retain the quality and safety of aquatic products. However, mechanical damage caused by ice crystals and the oxidation of proteins and lipids would inevitably bring about a reduction in the quality of the frozen product during freezing and preservation. This work summarized the important factors that affected the quality of frozen aquatic products, revealed the mechanism of deterioration of frozen aquatic products on the quality through sensory evaluation and changes in physiochemical indicators. In the context of high-quality development, some improvements in frozen fish preservation were proposed to provide theoretical basis and solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of fish processing.