Isothermal retrogradation preparation of type III resistant starch from extruded-debranched starch: Structure and in vitro digestibility.

The extrusion-debranching method is suitable for the industrial production of resistant starch (RS) with high thermal stability. In this study, corn starch treated with extrusion and pullulanase debranching was subjected to different temperatures for different days (1 d, 3 d, and 7 d) and was evaluated by analysing its digestion, crystallization and thermal characteristics. Although the generally accepted optimal retrogradation temperature of starch is 4 °C, it was observed that in vitro digestibility was most reduced by retrogradation at 45 °C, with an RS content of up to 60.19 % on day 7. Retrograding at 45 °C formed more perfect and dense crystals with a mass fractal (Dm) of up to 2.68 and C + V type crystalline pattern. The crystalline pattern of samples stored at 80 °C were A + V and the others were B + V. In addition, samples retrograded at lower temperature showed higher thermal stability. While an increase in storage time at a constant temperature can lead to a reduction in the in vitro digestibility of starch, this effect is not as pronounced as that of temperature.

Association Between Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index and 90-Day Mortality in Older Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Malnutrition adversely affects prognosis in various medical conditions, but its implications in older adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the ICU are underexplored. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a novel tool for assessing malnutrition risk. This study investigates the association between GNRI and 90-day mortality in this population. Methods: We selected older adults with COPD admitted to the ICU from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV 2.2 database. A total of 666 patients were categorized into four groups based on their GNRI score: normal nutrition (>98), mild malnutrition (92-98), moderate malnutrition (82-91), and severe malnutrition (≤81) groups. We employed a restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to assess the presence of a curved relationship between them and to investigate any potential threshold saturation effect. Results: In multivariate Cox regression analyses, compared with individuals had normal nutrition (GNRI in Q4 >98), the adjusted HR values for GNRI in Q3 (92-98), Q2 (82-91), and Q1 (≤81) were 1.81 (95% CI: 1.27-2.58, p=0.001), 1.23 (95% CI: 0.84-1.79, p=0.296), 2.27 (95% CI: 1.57-3.29, p<0.001), respectively. The relationship between GNRI and 90-day mortality demonstrates an L-shaped curve (p=0.016), with an approximate inflection point at 101.5. Conclusion: These findings imply that GNRI is a useful prognostic tool in older adults with COPD in the ICU. An L-shaped relationship was observed between GNRI and 90-day mortality in these patients.

Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm arising in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome bile duct: a unique case report.

BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations of STK11/LKB1, with an increased risk of tumors at multiple sites. Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm (IOPN) is a unique subtype of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) defined by a premalignant neoplasm with intraductal papillary or villous growth of biliary-type epithelium. IOPN has a distinct mutation profile compared with both IPNB and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). CASE PRESENTATION: We herein describe the case of a 44-year-old woman who presented as polyps in the intestinal lumen of sigmoid colon and a 3.1 × 2.1 cm mass in the left lobe of liver. Gross feature revealed a cystic papillary mass and the neoplasm had a clear boundary with the surrounding liver tissue. Histology revealed complex papillary structures, a small amount of fine fibrovascular cores and immunohistochemistry showed extensive positive for MUC5AC, MUC6, CD117. Therefore, histological and immunohistochemical examination of the liver tumor suggested the diagnosis of IOPN. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed other than STK11 germline mutation, the tumor also harbors GNAS somatic mutation at codon 478 and EGFR amplification. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of IOPN arising in PJS. This case enlarges the spectrum of PJS related tumors and genetic rearrangements in IOPN.

Engineering surface patterns on nanoparticles: new insights into nano-bio interactions.

The surface properties of nanoparticles affect their fate in biological systems. Based on nanotechnology and its methodology, pioneering studies have explored the effects of chemical surface patterns on the behavior of nanoparticles and provided many new insights into nano-bio interfaces. In this review, we would like to provide a summary of how the nanoparticle surface pattern modulates its biological effects. The relationship between the surface pattern of nanoparticles and the generated interaction with cell membranes, recognition of viruses and adsorption of proteins was discussed. On this basis, we believe that a reasonable design of the surface microstructure will promote the application of artificial nanoparticles in biomedicine and provide a new strategy for improving the design of nano-drug carriers.

[Eighteen cases of 2009 influenza A H1N1 associated with respiratory failure in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical feature, treatment and outcome of respiratory failure in patients with 2009 influenza A H1N1 infection in critically ill adults. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 18 patients with respiratory failure suffering from 2009 influenza A H1N1 infection admitted between November 22, 2009 and January 16, 2010. Their clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: Respiratory failure occurred in 18 patients with confirmed (n=9) or probable (n=9) 2009 influenza A H1N1. Among the 18 patients 8 patients were male, 10 patients were female (7 were pregnant or postpartum). Eight patients had pre-existing medical conditions. Twelve patients were between 20 and 40 years of age, the mean age was 37.1 years. Three were obese with body mass index over 30 kg/m (2). The 28-day mortality was 33.3% (6/18) with 1 additional late death. The median duration from the onset of the illness to hospital admission was 4.1 days (1-5 days) and from the onset to first dose of oseltamivir was 5.5 days (2-12 days), from onset to mechanical ventilation initiation was 6.8 days (4-12 days). Seventeen patients had primary viral pneumonia and 1 patient had an asthma exacerbation and 3 patients experienced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Twelve patients received corticosteroids, 10 patients required vasopressors. All patients were mechanically ventilated, 1 patient underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Patients who died had higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score compared to survivors (29.2 + or - 7.3 vs. 18.6 + or - 6.4, P=0.02). All deceased patients received high-level ventilation settings [peak inspiratory pressure > or = 35 cm H(2)O (1 cm H(2)O=0.098 kPa) and positive end-expiratory pressure > or = 18 cm H(2)O] within the first 7 days of ventilation, and the hypoxemia [oxygenation index < or = 60 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)] lasted 24 hours. In contrast only 1 among survivors did (9.1% vs. 100.0%, P<0.01). Compared with survivors, acute kidney injury and barotrauma occurred more frequently in non-survivors (42.9% vs. 27.3%, 28.6% vs. 9.1%, both P<0.05). Whereas all deceased patients received vasopressors, only 4 survivors required vasopressor support (100.0% vs. 36.4%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome is the most common manifestation in critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A H1N1 infection in adult. Failure to obtain satisfactory oxygenation with high-level ventilation settings within the first 7-days, onset of acute kidney injury and barotrauma, and continuous need for vasopressors portend a poor prognosis.

Therapeutic mechanism of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles against hypoxia-reperfusion injury in vitro.

AIMS: This study aimed to explore that the human neural stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (hNSC-EVs) have therapeutic effect on neuronal hypoxia-reperfusion (H/R) injured neurons in vitro by mediating the nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to regulate the expression of downstream oxidative kinases. MAIN METHODS: The neuroprotective effects of hNSC-EVs were evaluated in an in vitro neuronal H/R model. Three parameters of hNSC-EVs, structure, phenotype and particle size, were characterized. At the cellular level, a human neuron cerebral ischemic reperfusion (CIR) injury model was constructed. Cell viability, apoptosis, and the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using real-time cell analysis (RTCA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), respectively. The neuronal axonal elongation was assessed by Opera Phenix™ screening system. The angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated by co-culturing HUVECs with hNSC-EVs in Matrigel. The expression of apoptosis and oxidative stress-related proteins in cells and the nuclear transfer of Nrf2 following hypoxia-reperfusion (H/R) was verified by Western-blotting. KEY FINDINGS: We found that the hNSC-EVs can promote the survival of post-H/R injury neurons, inhibit neuronal apoptosis, and enhance nuclear transfer of Nrf2, in response to oxidative stress. We also found the hNSC-EVs can promote the elongation of neuronal axons and the angiogenesis of HUVECs. SIGNIFICANCE: At present, there is no effective therapy for CIR injury. We suggest that the hNSC-EVs could be considered a new strategy to achieve nerve repair for the treatment of neurological diseases, especially stroke.

[Clinical effects of low-stretch ventilation on acute respiratory distress syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of low-stretch as compared with low-tidal-volume strategy in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Eighty-five cases of ARDS patients were randomly divided into low-stretch group (42 cases) and low-tidal-volume group (43 cases). The former group of patient received pressure assist control mode with not higher than 35 cm H(2)O (1 cm H(2)O=0.098 kPa) of peak pressure or pressure support mode ventilation with not higher than 30 cm H(2)O of Pplateau, while in low-tidal-volume group tidal volume of no more than 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight was given. The mortality rate within 28 days, the incidence of hypercapnia, the duration of using sedatives and neuromuscular blockade agents, the time of ventilation and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were compared between two groups. According to the monitored expiratory tidal volume (V(T)e), the low-stretch group was divided into low-tidal-volume subgroup (V(T)e < or =6 ml/kg, 11 cases) and non-low-tidal-volume subgroup (V(T)e >6 ml/kg, 31 cases). The mortality within 28 days and the incidence of hypercapnia were compared between two subgroups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between two groups (34.0% vs. 37.0%, P>0.05), but patients of low-stretch group had lower incidence of hypercapnia than low-tidal-volume group (10.6% vs. 40.7%, P<0.05), and also the duration of using sedatives [(4.5+/-1.2) days vs. (8.7+/-2.3) days] and neuromuscular blockade agents [(8.4+/-2.1) days vs. (10.7+/-1.2) days], and the length of ventilation and ICU stay [(10.2+/-2.2) days vs. (13.7+/-3.1) days, all P<0.05] were less. Low tidal volume occurred in 26.2% of low-stretch group, and the low-tidal-volume subgroup had higher 28-day mortality rate (40.8%) and incidence of hypercapnia (65.7%) than non-low-tidal-volume subgroup (13.2% and 8.6%, both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with low-tidal-volume strategy, low-stretch strategy can reduce the incidence of hypercapnia, the length of ventilation and ICU stay for ARDS patients, but have similar mortality rate. When low-stretch strategy is exercised, an inappropriate low tidal volume may be associated with poor outcome of ARDS.

Factors associated with willingness to enter long-term care facilities among older adults in Chengdu, China.

OBJECTIVE: To describe Chinese older adults' willingness to enter long-term care facilities and to examine individual factors associated with the willingness of using this growing model of long-term care in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving a random sample of 670 adults aged 60+ in the Hezuo community in Chengdu, China in 2016. Respondents were interviewed by trained staff on socio-demographics, health status, quality of life, social support, and willingness to enter long-term care facilities. RESULTS: Only 11.9% of the respondents were willing to enter long-term care facilities for meeting their medical and social service needs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that willingness to enter long-term care facilities was associated with higher household income (OR = 4.55, 95% CI:1.72-12.00), insurance of Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (OR = 4.80, 95% CI:1.17-19.67) and unemployment (OR = 0.48, 95% CI:0.24-0.99). Among those who were willing to enter long-term care facilities, an overwhelming majority (81.2%) would prefer going to a facility within 30-minute walking distance from their current residence, 82.5% indicated the need of nursing care, and 90.0% expected a partnership between the long-term care facility and a large hospital. CONCLUSIONS: A minority of older Chinese were willing to receive long-term care delivered at a facility within walking distance from their current residence. Recent policy aimed at increasing the supply of long-term care facilities may not be consistent with consumer preference for home and community-based care. Balancing investment between home and community-based care, and establishing long-term care insurance remain the top priorities for long-term care research and policy development in China.