Growth of tomato and cucumber seedlings under different light environments and their development after transplanting.

Selecting suitable light conditions according to the plant growth characteristics is one of the important approaches to cultivating high-quality vegetable seedlings. To determine the more favorable LED light conditions for producing high-quality tomato and cucumber seedlings in plant factories with artificial light (PFALS), the growth characteristics of tomato and cucumber seedlings under seven LED light environments (CK, B, UV-A, FR, B+UV-A, UV-A+FR, and B+FR) and the development of these seedlings after transplanting into a plastic greenhouse were investigated. The results showed that the seedling height and hypocotyl length increased in treatments with far-red light supplementation (FR, UV-A+FR, and B+FR), but decreased in the B treatment, in both varieties. The seedling index of tomato seedlings increased in the B+UV-A treatment, while that of cucumber seedlings increased in the FR treatment. After transplanting into a plastic greenhouse, tomato plants that radiated with UV-A had greater flower numbers on the 15th day after transplanting. In cucumber plants of the FR treatment, the flowering time was significantly delayed, and the female flower exhibited at a lower node position. By using a comprehensive scoring analysis of all detected indicators, light environments with UV-A and FR were more beneficial for improving the overall quality of tomato and cucumber seedlings, respectively.

Far-Red-Light-Induced Morphology Changes, Phytohormone, and Transcriptome Reprogramming of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey).

With far-red-light supplementation (3 W·m-2, and 6 W·m-2), the flower budding rate, plant height, internode length, plant display, and stem diameter of Chinese kale were largely elevated, as well as the leaf morphology such as leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, and leaf area. Consequently, the fresh weight and dry weight of the edible parts of Chinese kale were markedly increased. The photosynthetic traits were enhanced, and the mineral elements were accumulated. To further explore the mechanism that far-red light simultaneously promoted the vegetative growth and reproductive growth of Chinese kale, this study used RNA sequencing to gain a global perspective on the transcriptional regulation, combining it with an analysis of composition and content of phytohormones. A total of 1409 differentially expressed genes were identified, involved mainly in pathways related to photosynthesis, plant circadian rhythm, plant hormone biosynthesis, and signal transduction. The gibberellins GA9, GA19, and GA20 and the auxin ME-IAA were strongly accumulated under far-red light. However, the contents of the gibberellins GA4 and GA24, the cytokinins IP and cZ, and the jasmonate JA were significantly reduced by far-red light. The results indicated that the supplementary far-red light can be a useful tool to regulate the vegetative architecture, elevate the density of cultivation, enhance the photosynthesis, increase the mineral accumulation, accelerate the growth, and obtain a significantly higher yield of Chinese kale.

UVA-Radiation Exposure of Different Durations Promoted the Growth, Phytochemicals and Glucosinolate Biosynthesis of Chinese Kale.

Ultraviolet-A (UVA) (315-400 nm) is an essential environmental signal that regulates plant development and affects phytochemicals biosynthesis, including glucosinolate biosynthesis. The effects of different UVA (380 ± 10 nm, 40 µmol/m2/s) exposure durations, including 0 h/d (UV0), 6 h/d (UV6) and 12 h/d (UV12), on the growth and phytochemicals of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra) under white 250 µmol/m2/s LEDs were investigated. UVA exposure of different durations influenced the growth and phytochemicals biosynthesis of Chinese kale. Prolonging UVA irradiation throughout the growth cycle positively affected the growth and the development of Chinese kale, with evident increases in the dry weights of shoots and roots, plant height, stem diameter, specific leaf weight and flower budding rate. The application of UVA increased the soluble sugar content, whereas higher flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and lower nitrate content were only observed in Chinese kale exposed to UV6 treatment. Besides, the qPCR assay showed that supplemental UVA-radiation exposure up-regulated the gene expressions of UVR8, transcription factors genes and genes related to the glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway, thereby promoting the accumulation of glucosinolates. Therefore, supplemental UVA-radiation exposure for 12 h/d was more conducive to plant growth, while supplemental UVA-radiation exposure for 6 h/d was better for phytochemical biosynthesis in Chinese kale in an artificial-light plant factory.

Supplemental Blue Light Frequencies Improve Ripening and Nutritional Qualities of Tomato Fruits.

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. Micro-Tom) were grown in a plastic greenhouse. When plants anthesis, the 100 µmol m-2 s-1 blue light-emitting diode (LED) light (430 ± 10 nm) was supplemented from 6:00 to 18:00. There were 5 treatments, which contained different blue light frequencies with the same intensity: S6 (30 min blue light and 30 min pause), S8 (30 min blue light and 15 min pause), S10 (30 min blue and 8 min pause), S12 (continuous blue light for 12 h), and control (CK) (natural light, without any supplemental light). Agronomic traits and nutritional qualities of tomato fruits were measured at 30, 34, 38, 42, and 46 days after anthesis (DAA), respectively. Different frequencies of supplemental blue light could accelerate flowering of tomato plants and promote fruit ripening about 3-4 days early via promoting ethylene evolution of fruits, which significantly facilitated the processes of color change and maturity in tomato fruits. The contents of lycopene, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, vitamin C, and soluble sugar, as well as the overall antioxidant activity of tomato fruits were significantly enhanced by all the supplemental blue light treatments. In all, different frequencies of supplemental blue light prominently reinforced the antioxidant levels and nutritional qualities of tomato fruits, especially lycopene content, and S10 was more optimal for tomato fruits production in a plastic greenhouse.

Light Intensity and Photoperiod Affect Growth and Nutritional Quality of Brassica Microgreens.

We explored the effects of different light intensities and photoperiods on the growth, nutritional quality and antioxidant properties of two Brassicaceae microgreens (cabbage Brassica oleracea L. and Chinese kale Brassica alboglabra Bailey). There were two experiments: (1) four photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) of 30, 50, 70 or 90 µmoL·m-2·s-1 with red:blue:green = 1:1:1 light-emitting diodes (LEDs); (2) five photoperiods of 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 h·d-1. With the increase of light intensity, the hypocotyl length of cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens shortened. PPFD of 90 µmol·m-2·s-1 was beneficial to improve the nutritional quality of cabbage microgreens, which had higher contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble sugar, soluble protein and vitamin C, as well as increased antioxidant capacity. The optimal PPFD for Chinese kale microgreens was 70 µmol·m-2·s-1. Increasing light intensity could increase the antioxidant capacity of cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens, while not significantly affecting glucosinolate (GS) content. The dry and fresh weight of cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens were maximized with a 14-h·d-1 photoperiod. The chlorophyll, carotenoid and soluble protein content in cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens were highest for a 16-h·d-1 photoperiod. The lowest total GS content was found in cabbage microgreens under a 12-h·d-1 photoperiod and in Chinese kale microgreens under 16-h·d-1 photoperiod. In conclusion, the photoperiod of 14~16 h·d-1, and 90 µmol·m-2·s-1 and 70 µmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD for cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens, respectively, were optimal for cultivation.

Combination of Selenium and UVA Radiation Affects Growth and Phytochemicals of Broccoli Microgreens.

Addition of selenium or application of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for crop production could be an effective way of producing phytochemical-rich food. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of selenium and UVA radiation, as well as their combination on growth and phytochemical contents in broccoli microgreens. There were three treatments: Se (100 µmol/L Na2SeO3), UVA (40 µmol/m2/s) and Se + UVA (with application of Se and UVA). The control (CK) was Se spraying-free and UVA radiation-free. Although treatment with Se or/and UVA inhibited plant growth of broccoli microgreens, results showed that phytochemical contents increased. Broccoli microgreens under the Se treatment had higher contents of total soluble sugars, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, Fe, and organic Se and had lower Zn content. The UVA treatment increased the contents of total chlorophylls, total soluble proteins, total phenolic compounds, and FRAP. However, the Se + UVA treatment displayed the most remarkable effect on the contents of total anthocyanins, glucoraphanin, total aliphatic glucosinolates, and total glucosinolates; here, significant interactions between Se and UVA were observed. This study provides valuable insights into the combinational selenium and UVA for improving the phytochemicals of microgreens grown in an artificial lighting plant factory.

Regulation of Growth and Main Health-Promoting Compounds of Chinese Kale Baby-Leaf by UV-A and FR Light.

Chinese kale baby leaves were hydroponically cultured under the basal light (Red: white LEDs = 2:3 at PPFD of 250 µmol·m-2·s-1) with different supplemental lighting, including individual ultraviolet-A (UV-A, 380 ± 10 nm, 20 µmol·m-2·s-1), far-red (FR, 735 ± 10 nm, 30 µmol·m-2·s-1) light, and their combination (UF) radiation in an artificial light plant factory. Effects of supplemental light qualities on morphology and physiology as well as health-promoting compounds of Chinese kale baby leaves were investigated. Application of UV-A and FR presented a positive effect on biomass, with a pronounced increase in petiole length, stem diameter, main stem length, and leaf area. Notably, plants under UF grew more vigorously than under other treatments. Higher levels of FRAP, vitamin C, total phenolic, and flavonoid were observed in plants under UV-A, while no striking changes or a decreasing trend recorded under FR and UF. Moreover, UV-A enhanced the glucosinolates (GLs) accumulation in Chinese kale baby leaves by increasing the predominant GLs (glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin) contents. RT-qPCR results indicated that UV-A upregulated the gene expressions of transcription factors and core structure genes related to GLs biosynthesis. However, downregulated or unchanged gene expressions of GLs biosynthesis-related genes in Chinese kale baby leaves were observed in FR and UF. Therefore, UV-A was benefited for the production of functional substances, while FR was conducive to a significant increase in crop yield. The combination of UV-A and FR, as a balance between yield and production of secondary metabolite, provided a new perspective for the application of artificial light in horticultural crop production.

The Combination of Selenium and LED Light Quality Affects Growth and Nutritional Properties of Broccoli Sprouts.

Selenium (Se) supplement was combined with different LED light qualities to investigate mutual effects on the growth, nutritional quality, contents of glucosinolates and mineral elements in broccoli sprouts. There were five treatments: CK:1R1B1G, 1R1B1G+Se (100 µmol L-1 Na2SeO3), 1R1B+Se, 1R2B+Se, 2R1B+Se, 60 µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD, 12 h/12 h (light/dark). Sprouts under a combination of selenium and LED light quality treatment exhibited no remarkable change fresh weight, but had a shorter hypocotyl length, lower moisture content and heavier dry weight, especially with 1R2B+Se treatment. The contents of carotenoid, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C, total flavonoids, total polyphenol and contents of total glucosinolates and organic Se were dramatically improved through the combination of Se and LED light quality. Moreover, heat map and principal component analysis showed that broccoli sprouts under 1R2B+Se treatment had higher nutritional quality and health-promoting compound contents than other treatments. This suggests that the Se supplement under suitable LED lights might be beneficial to selenium-biofortified broccoli sprout production.

Serum osteocalcin levels are inversely associated with the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with coronary artery disease.

Osteocalcin plays roles in energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Consequently, the relationship between osteocalcin level and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is of interest. The present study explored the possible correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and NAFLD in patients with CAD. The study enrolled 174 inpatients diagnosed with CAD by coronary angiography (CAG). The presence of fatty liver disease was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. NAFLD was diagnosed using the working definition of the revised guidelines for the management of NAFLD published by the Chinese Liver Disease Association. Serum osteocalcin levels were determined using electrochemiluminescent immunoassays. Patients with NAFLD had lower serum osteocalcin levels than those without NAFLD [16.2 (14.2-23.8) vs. 20.7 (15.6-26.2) ng/mL, P<0.05]. After adjustment for gender and age, serum osteocalcin levels correlated with the presence of NAFLD (r=-0.260, P=0.010), fasting plasma glucose level (r=-0.230, P=0.023) and glycated hemoglobin A1c level (r=-0.229, P=0.023). Osteocalcin was an independent factor for the presence of NAFLD (ß=-0.097, P=0.025). These data suggested that serum osteocalcin levels were negatively associated with the presence of NAFLD in patients with CAD.

Serum lipocalin-2 levels positively correlate with coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The lipocalin-2 (LCN2) cytokine, primarily known as a protein of the granules of human neutrophils, has been recently reported to be implicated in metabolic and inflammatory disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between serum LCN2 levels and coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Serum LCN2 levels of 261 in-patients who underwent coronary angiography were measured by sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Demographic (169 men and 92 postmenopausal women) and clinical (metabolic syndrome (MS), triglyceride (TG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels) characteristics were collected to assess independent factors of CAD (CAD: 188 and non-CAD: 73) and serum LCN2 levels by multiple logistic regression and multivariate stepwise regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Serum LCN2 levels were significantly higher in men (37.5 (27.4-55.4) vs. women: 28.2 (18.7-45.9) ng/mL, p < 0.01) and men with CAD (39.2 (29.3-56.5) vs. non-CAD men: 32.7 (20.5-49.7) ng/mL, p < 0.05), and showed significant positive correlation with CAD in men (odds ratio = 2.218, 95% confidence interval: 1.017-4.839). Similarly, serum LCN2 levels were significantly higher in men with MS (40.2 (31.9-59.4) vs. non-MS: 32.0 (21.7-47.6) ng/mL, p < 0.01) and showed a significant positive correlation with the number of MS components (p for trend < 0.05). No significant differences or correlations were seen in women. TG and neutrophils (standard ß = 0.238 and 0.173) were independent factors of serum LCN2 levels in men, and only neutrophils (standard ß = 0.286) affected levels in women (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum LCN2 levels are positively correlated with the presence of CAD and MS in a Chinese cohort.

Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 19 are inversely associated with coronary artery disease in chinese individuals.

BACKGROUND: The fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) has been implicated in recent studies as a potential regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, which may lead to atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the association of FGF19 with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 315 patients with suspected or established CAD, including 205 males and 110 postmenopausal females, were enrolled and assessed by coronary angiography. CAD severity was determined by the Gensini score. Serum FGF19 was measured by quantitative sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: FGF19 levels were not significantly different between male and female patients (median [interquartile range], 143.40 [87.96-250.80] vs. 141.60 [87.13-226.32] pg/mL, P = 0.773). CAD patients had lower levels of FGF19 than those without CAD (128.20 [80.62-226.58] vs. 188.00 [105.10-284.70] pg/mL, P = 0.007). FGF19 was negatively correlated with 2hPG (r = -0.150, P = 0.008), FINS (r = -0.169, P = 0.004), HOMA-IR (r = -0.171, P = 0.004), and the Gensini score (r = -0.141, P = 0.012), but positively correlated with HDL-c (r = 0.116, P = 0.041) and adiponectin (r = 0.128, P = 0.024). Moreover, FGF19 was found to be independently correlated with 2hPG (ß = -0.146, P = 0.022) and adiponectin (ß = 0.154, P = 0.016). After adjusting for other CAD risk factors, FGF19 was demonstrated to be an independent factor for Gensini score (ß = -0.140, P = 0.019) and the presence of CAD (ß = -1.248, P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Serum FGF19 is associated with the presence and severity of CAD in a Chinese population.

Additive relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 level and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Expression and activity of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 hormone-like protein are associated with development of several metabolic disorders. This study was designed to investigate whether serum FGF21 level was also associated with the metabolic syndrome-related cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and its clinical features in a Chinese cohort. METHODS: Two-hundred-and-fifty-three subjects visiting the Cardiology Department (Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University) were examined by coronary arteriography (to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD)) and hepatic ultrasonography (to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)). Serum FGF21 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed for correlation to subject and clinical characteristics. The independent factors of CAD were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Subjects with NAFLD showed significantly higher serum FGF21 than those without NAFLD (388.0 pg/mL (253.0-655.4) vs. 273.3 pg/mL (164.9-383.7), P < 0.01). Subjects with CAD showed significantly higher serum FGF21, regardless of NAFLD diagnosis (P < 0.05). Serum FGF21 level significantly elevated with the increasing number of metabolic disorders (P for trend < 0.01). After adjustment of age, sex, and BMI, FGF21 was positively correlated with total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and triglyceride (P < 0.01). FGF21 was identified as an independent factor of CAD (odds ratio = 2.984, 95% confidence interval: 1.014-8.786, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased level of serum FGF21 is associated with NAFLD, metabolic disorders and CAD.

Serum pigment epithelium-derived factor levels are independently correlated with the presence of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been proved to be closely correlated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components that are all risk factors of cardiovascular disease and may play a protective role against vascular injury and atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between serum PEDF and coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 312 consecutive in-patients (including 228 with CAD and 197 with MetS) who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. Serum PEDF was measured by sandwich enzyme immunoassay and used to carry out multivariate stepwise regression analysis to assess correlation with patient demographic and clinical parameters. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently correlated with CAD. RESULTS: Patients with MetS had significantly higher levels of serum PEDF than non-MetS subjects (11.1(8.2, 14.2) vs. 10.1(7.6, 12.4) µg/mL; P < 0.05). Patients with CAD also had significantly higher serum PEDF than non-CAD subjects (11.0(8.1, 14.2) vs. 10.3(8.1, 12.8) µg/mL; P < 0.05). Triglyceride (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hypoglycemic therapy were independently correlated with serum PEDF levels, and serum PEDF was independently positively correlated with CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PEDF levels are independently positively associated with CAD in a Chinese population. Elevated PEDF may act as a protective response against vascular damage and subsequent CAD.

[Associations of glycated albumin level with coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations of the level of glycated albumin (GA) with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 306 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA) were collected. There were 201 males and 105 females with an age range of 38-86 years. CA was the major diagnostic criteria of CAD. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the Guideline on Prevention & Treatment of Blood Lipid Abnormality in Chinese Adults. RESULTS: (1) CAD was found in 227 patients (74.2%). The levels of 2 h postprandial glucose, GA and hemoglobin A1c in the CAD patients were higher than those in the non-CAD counterparts (all P < 0.05). (2) In the subgroup of normal glucose tolerance (NGR), the CAD patients had a higher level of GA than the non-CAD patients ((15.0 ± 2.1)% vs (13.3 ± 1.7)%, P < 0.01). And the level of GA was higher in the patients with 1-vessel ((14.8 ± 2.1)% vs (13.3 ± 1.7)%, P < 0.05) and multi-vessel lesions ((15.1 ± 2.1)% vs (13.3 ± 1.7)%, P < 0.05) than that in the non-CAD counterparts (all P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in the hyperglycemia subgroup. (3) Logistic regression demonstrated that the level of GA was independently correlated with CAD after adjusting other traditional factors among all subjects, NGR and hyperglycemia subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The serum level of GA becomes significantly elevated the CAD patients. And it is an independent risk factor of CAD in both hyperglycemic and NGR patients.

[Impact of multifactor intensive intervention on self management, risk factor control and outcome of post percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention patients].

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of multifactor intensive intervention for post percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (post-PCI) outpatients on self management, risk factor control and outcome. METHODS: A total of 263 patients with coronary heart disease (CAD) discharged from our cardiac center were randomized into usual care (4 CAD lectures focusing on the 2(nd) CAD prevention and patients-oriented outpatient visit) and intensive intervention (4 CAD lectures focusing on the 2(nd) CAD prevention, CAD outpatient visit twice a month, monthly telephone instructions on risk factor control and optimal medication). Patients were followed for 12 months and 250 patients completed follow-up. RESULTS: There were more patients achieved a LDL-C level of less than 2.6 mmol/L in intensive intervention group than in usual care group (71.2% vs. 48.3%, P < 0.01). The percentages of patients taking dietary control (55.3% vs. 26.2%, P < 0.01) and physical exercises (64.4% vs. 39.0%, P < 0.01), receiving beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (75.0% vs. 50.8%, P < 0.01) and statins (72.0% vs. 54.2%, P < 0.01) were significantly higher while cardiovascular event rate (5.9% vs. 0%, P = 0.005)was significantly lower in intensive intervention group than in usual care group. CONCLUSION: Multifactor intensive intervention is helpful on improving the second prevention for post-PCI coronary heart disease patients.

Serum levels of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein are associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) has been described as a novel adipokine, playing an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum levels of A-FABP and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chinese subjects. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Circulating A-FABP level was determined by ELISA in 341 Chinese subjects (221 men, 120 women) who underwent coronary angiography. A-FABP levels in patients with CAD were significantly higher compared with non-CAD subjects (P = 0.029 in men; P = 0.031 in women). Serum A-FABP increased significantly in multi-vessel diseased patients than in non-CAD subjects (P = 0.011 in men, P = 0.004 in women), and showed an independent correlation with coronary atherosclerosis index (standardized ß = 0.173, P = 0.025). In multiple logistic regression analysis, serum A-FABP was an independent risk factor for CAD in women (OR = 5.637, 95%CI: 1.299-24.457, P = 0.021). In addition, amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was demonstrated to be positively and independently correlated with A-FABP (standardized ß = 0.135, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Serum A-FABP is closely associated with the presence and severity of CAD in Chinese women.

Serum levels of osteocalcin are inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome and the severity of coronary artery disease in Chinese men.

OBJECTIVE: Osteocalcin is a bone-derived protein and has been shown to play an important role in regulating glucose and fat metabolism. We therefore investigated the association of serum levels of osteocalcin with the metabolic syndrome (MS) and coronary atherosclerosis in Chinese men. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum osteocalcin levels were measured by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 181 men who underwent coronary angiography, and their association with the MS and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied. RESULTS: Osteocalcin levels in patients with the MS were significantly lower compared with those in non-MS subjects (P < 0·001) and decreased correspondingly with the increasing number of components of the MS (P < 0·001). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that osteocalcin was independently associated with the MS (OR = 0·060, 95%CI: 0·005-0·651). In multiple stepwise regression analysis, waist circumference (P = 0·001) and fasting plasma glucose (P = 0·002) were independently associated with serum osteocalcin. Subgroup analysis in 60 subjects with normal glucose tolerance showed that serum osteocalcin decreased significantly in patients with CAD compared with those without CAD (P = 0·029) and decreased significantly as the number of stenotic vessels increased (P = 0·033). Furthermore, serum osteocalcin showed an independent correlation with coronary atherosclerosis index (standardized ß = -0·497, P = 0·003). CONCLUSION: Serum osteocalcin is inversely associated with the MS as well as the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in Chinese men, supporting the new concept that bone has the reciprocal regulation with energy metabolism.

Stacking ionizable analytes in a sample matrix with high salt by a transient moving chemical reaction boundary method in capillary zone electrophoresis.

The paper presents a novel on-line transient moving chemical reaction boundary method (tMCRBM) for simply but efficiently stacking ionizable analytes in high-salt matrix in capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The powerful function and stability of the tMCRBM are elucidated with the ionizable test analytes of L-phenylalanine (Phe) and L-tryptophan (Trp) in the matrix with 85.6-165.6 mM sodium ion and further compared with the normal CZE of Phe and Trp samples dissolved in running buffer. The results verify that (1) the on-line tMCRBM mode can evidently increase separation efficiency, peak height, and resolution, (2) with the mode, the analytes in a 28-cm high-salt matrix plug can be stacked successfully and further separated well, (3) the values of relative standard deviation of peak height, peak area, and migrating time range from 3.9% to 6.1%; the results indicate the high stability of the technique of tMCRBM-CZE. The techniques implies obvious potential significance for those ionizable analytes, e.g., protein, peptide, and weak alkaline or acidic compound, in such matrixes as serum, urine, seawater, and wastewater, with high salt, which has a deleterious effect on isotachophoresis (ITP) and especially on electrostacking and field-amplified sample injection (FASI). The mechanism of stacking of zwitterionic analytes in a high-salt matrix by the tMCRBM relies on non-steady-state isoelectric focusing (IEF) but not on transient ITP, electrostacking, and FASI.