Genome-wide identification of aberrant alternative splicing and RNA-binding protein regulators in acute myeloid leukaemia which may contribute to immune microenvironment remodelling.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most lethal cancers of the haematopoietic system with a poorly understood aetiology. Recent studies have shown that aberrant alternative splicing (AS) and a (RBP) regulators are highly associated with the pathogenesis of AML. This study presents an overview of the abnormal AS and differential expression of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in AML and further highlights their close relation to the remodelling of the immune microenvironment in AML patients. An in-depth understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying AML will contribute to the future development of strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of AML and thus improve the overall survival of patients with AML.

Triterpenoids from Kochiae Fructus: Glucose Uptake in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and α-Glucosidase Inhibition, In Silico Molecular Docking.

In this study, three new triterpenes (1-3) and fourteen known triterpenoids (4-17) were isolated from the ethanol extract of Kochiae Fructus, and their structures were elucidated by analyzing UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Among them, compounds 6, 8, and 11-17 were isolated for the first time from this plant. The screening results of the glucose uptake experiment indicated that compound 13 had a potent effect on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes at 20 µM. Meanwhile, compounds 3, 9 and 13 exhibited significant inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 23.50 ± 3.37, 4.29 ± 0.52, and 16.99 ± 2.70 µM, respectively, and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were reported for the first time. According to the enzyme kinetics using Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots, we found that compounds 3, 9 and 13 were α-glucosidase mixed-type inhibitors with Ki values of 56.86 ± 1.23, 48.88 ± 0.07 and 13.63 ± 0.42 µM, respectively. In silico molecular docking analysis showed that compounds 3 and 13 possessed superior binding capacities with α-glucosidase (3A4A AutoDock score: -4.99 and -4.63 kcal/mol). Whereas compound 9 showed +2.74 kcal/mol, which indicated compound 9 exerted the effect of inhibiting α-glucosidase activity by preferentially binding to the enzyme-substrate complex. As a result, compounds 3, 9 and 13 could have therapeutic potentials for type 2 diabetes mellitus, due to their potent hypoglycemic activities.

Frequency of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-segment myocardial infarction, and unstable angina: results from a Southwest Chinese Registry.

The burden of cardiovascular disease is predicted to escalate in developing countries. The aim of this study is to assess the characteristics, management strategies and outcomes of the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were admitted to hospitals under the chest pain center mode in southwest P. R. China. Adults hospitalized with a diagnosis of ACS were enrolled in the retrospective, observational registry between January 2017 and June 2019 at 11 hospitals in Chengdu, P. R. China. The collected data included the patients' baseline characteristics, clinical management and in-hospital outcomes. After Statistical analysis, (1) A total of 2857 patients with ACS, among which 1482 have ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 681 have non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and 694 have unstable angina (UA) were enrolled in the study. (2) 61.3% of the ACS patients received reperfusion therapy. More patients with STEMI underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with NSTEMI/UA patients (80.6% vs. 38.8%, P < 0.001), while thrombolytics were administered in only 1.8% of STEMI patients. (3) The median time from symptoms to hospital was 190 min (IQR 94-468) in STEMI, 283 min (IQR 112-1084) in NSTEMI and 337 min (IQR 97-2220) in UA (P < 0.001), and the door-to-balloon time for primary PCI (pPCI) was 85 min (IQR 55-121) in STEMI. (4) The in-hospital outcomes for STEMI patients included death (8.1%) and acute heart failure (22.6%), while the outcomes for those with NSTEMI and UA were better: death (4.0% and 0.9%, P < 0.001) and acute heart failure (15.3% and 9.9%, P < 0.001). (5) Antiplatelet drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, ß-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) /angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) were used in about 98.3%, 95.0%, 67.7% and 54.3% of the ACS patients, respectively. Therefore, the management capacity in Chengdu has relatively increased compared with previous studies, but important gaps still exist compared with developed countries, especially regarding the management of the NSTEMI/UA patients.

Characterization of Ca2+-Sensing Receptor-Mediated Ca2+ Influx in Microvascular bEND.3 Endothelial Cells.

Ca2+-sensing receptors (CaSR), activated by elevated concentrations of extracellular Ca2+, have been known to regulate functions of thyroid cells, neurons, and endothelial cells (EC). In this report, we studied CaSR-mediated Ca2+ influx in mouse cerebral microvascular EC (bEND.3 cells). Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration and Mn2+ influx were measured by fura-2 microfluorometry. High (3 mM) Ca2+ (CaSR agonist), 3 mM spermine (CaSR agonist), and 10 µM cinacalcet (positive allosteric modulator of CaSR) all triggered Ca2+ influx; however, spermine, unlike high Ca2+ and cinacalcet, did not promote Mn2+ influx and its response was poorly sensitive to SKF 96365, a TRP channel blocker. Consistently, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and ruthenium red (two other general TRP channel blockers) suppressed Ca2+ influx triggered by cinacalcet and high Ca2+ but not by spermine. Ca2+ influx triggered by high Ca2+, spermine, and cinacalcet was similarly suppressed by A784168, a potent and selective TRPV1 antagonist. Our results suggest that CaSR activation triggered Ca2+ influx via TRPV1 channels; intriguingly, pharmacological, and permeability properties of such Ca2+ influx depended on the stimulating ligands.

Unstable Supramolecular Structure of [Bmim][BF4 ] in Aqueous Solution.

To unravel the exact composition and structure of aggregates in an aqueous solution of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4 ]), we performed static and dynamic light-scattering measurements, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results from this work show that the aggregates are vesicles and unstable; herein, we discuss the driving force behind the self-assembly. Apart from the van der Waals forces and repulsive electrostatic interactions between adjacent cation clusters, the hydrogen-bonding forces as well as counterion effects might also contribute to this driving force. The information obtained here is useful for a better understanding of the vital role that aggregation behavior plays in the field of ionic liquid recovery, and its potential use in controlled release, drug delivery, and petroleum recovery.

Dimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 is dispensable for the interaction between developmental pluripotency-associated protein 3 (Dppa3) and ten-eleven translocation 3 (Tet3) in somatic cells.

Both developmental pluripotency-associated protein 3 (Dppa3/Stella/PGC7) and dioxygenase ten-eleven translocation 3 (Tet3) are maternal factors that regulate DNA methylation reprogramming during early embryogenesis. In the mouse zygote, dimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) attracts Dppa3 to prevent Tet3-mediated oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Here, we addressed the interplay between Dppa3 and Tet3 or H3K9me2 in somatic cells. In mouse NIH3T3 cells, the exogenously expressed Dppa3 preferentially accumulated in the cytoplasm and had no effect on Tet3-mediated 5hmC generation. In HeLa cells, the expressed Dppa3 was predominantly localised in the nucleus and could partially suppress Tet3-induced 5hmC accumulation, but this suppressive function was not correlated with H3K9me2. Co-immunoprecipitation assays further revealed an interaction of Dppa3 with Tet3 but not with H3K9me2 in HeLa cells. In cloned zygotes from somatic cells, Dppa3 distribution and 5hmC accumulation in nuclei were not affected by H3K9me2 levels. Taken together, these results suggest that H3K9me2 is not functionally associated with Dppa3 and Tet3 in somatic cells or somatic cell cloned embryos.

[Associations of Socioeconomic Factors,Nutrients Intake,and Gut Microbiota of Healthy Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester with Gestational Weight Gain].

Objective To investigate the associations of socioeconomic factors,nutrients intake,and gut microbiota of healthy pregnant women in the third trimester with gestational weight gain (GWG).Methods We recruited 98 pregnant women in the third trimester who had received antenatal care in the Department of Obstetrics Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October,2015 to May,2016. We collected socioeconomic information through a structured questionnaire covering age,ethnicity,height,pre-pregnancy weight,and education. Nutritional status of these pregnant women was assessed by a 24-hour dietary intake recall. The participants were provided with collective tubes for faecal sample collection at home;their weight before the delivery was recorded. The pre-pregnancy weight and GWG were classified according to World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) standard for adults and the Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines (2009),respectively. The gut microbiota of the participants were analyzed using a whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing method.Results Insufficient and excessive GWG accounted for 15.3% and 50.0% of the cohort,respectively. Appropriate GWG level was associated with intakes of fat (F=3.113,P=0.049),carbohydrates (F=3.750,P=0.027),and dietary fiber (F=4.499,P=0.014) but not with age (F=2.495,P=0.088),ethnicity (Χ 2=0.065,P=0.968),education (Χ 2=0.827,P=0.661),or pre-pregnancy BMI (F=0.121,P=0.887). Compared with the participants with appropriate GWG,those with excessive GWG had significantly higher abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila,Atopobium parvulum,and Alistipes indistinctus as well as lower abundance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Weissella unclassified,Eubacterium ventriosum,Ruminococcus torques,and Bacteroides uniformis. Compared with the participants with appropriate GWG,those with insufficient GWG had significantly higher abundance of Dialister invisus,Alistipes unclassified,Peptoniphilus harei,Escherichia unclassified,Parvimonas unclassified,Campylobacter ureolyticus,Lactobacillus crispatus,and Fusobacterium nucleatum and lower abundance of Eubacterium ventriosum.Conclusions Abnormal GWG is common in pregnant women. GWG is significantly associated with gut microbiota as well as with nutritional factors including fat,carbohydrate,and dietary fiber intake.

US-guided Microwave Ablation of Hyperplastic Parathyroid Glands: Safety and Efficacy in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease-A Pilot Study.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Materials and Methods The study protocol was approved by the human ethics review committee. Between March 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, 51 patients (25 men, 26 women; mean age ± standard deviation, 53.1 years ± 12.9) were enrolled. All patients had at least one enlarged parathyroid gland and secondary symptomatic hyperparathyroidism, which was treated with ultrasonographically (US) guided MWA. The levels of intact parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were compared before and after MWA. Paired-sample t tests and paired-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare treatment outcomes before and after MWA. Results Complete ablation was achieved in all 96 glands in 51 of 120 patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. The mean follow-up time was 11.1 months ± 3.3. The maximum diameter of the glands ranged from 0.5 cm to 4.8 cm (mean, 1.5 cm ± 0.6). The ablation time for each gland was 216.1 seconds ± 130.1. The mean serum intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus levels after MWA (400 pg/mL [400 ng/L; range, 151.3-629.0 ng/L], 2.33 mmol/L ± 0.23, and 1.54 mmol/L ± 0.43, respectively) were significantly lower than those before MWA (1203 pg/mL [1203 ng/L; range, 854.7-1694.5 ng/L], 2.53 mmol/L ± 0.24, and 1.97 mmol/L ± 0.50, respectively; P < .01), while the alkaline phosphatase levels did not change with MWA (P > .05). Ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was seen in one patient (2%). A hematoma developed during one procedure in one patient (2%) and was treated successfully with injection of thrombin. Conclusion US-guided MWA is safe and effective for destroying parathyroid gland tissue in patients with end-stage renal disease and severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Further experience with the technique is clearly necessary. © RSNA, 2016.

Clinical significance of different carnitine levels for improving the prognosis of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate plasma-free carnitine (Fc), acylcarnitine (Ac), and total carnitine (Tc) levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and to explore their clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 20 subjects were in the normal control group and 133 patients undergoing HD were divided into medicated (received carnitine treatment) and non-medicated groups. The medicated group was further divided into three subgroups according to Fc level: Fc = 80-199, 200-299, and ≥ 300 µmol/L. We used non-derivative tandem mass spectrometry to determine carnitine levels, and clinical symptoms such as weakness, hypotension, and muscle cramps were recorded during dialysis. RESULTS: Fc and Tc levels were significantly lower in the non-medicated group than in the control group, whereas Fc, Ac, and Tc levels were higher in the medicated than non-medicated group (p< .05). The medicated group had fewer symptoms during dialysis than the non-medicated group such as weakness, hypotension, and muscle cramps (p< .05). An additional comparison showed that the incidence rates of hypotension and muscle cramps in the Fc < 80-199 µmol/L group were significantly lower than those in the Fc ≥ 300 µmol/L medicated and non-medicated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing HD have low carnitine levels. l-Carnitine can effectively increase Fc concentration and improve clinical symptoms; however, only the proper Fc range can reduce complications caused by dialysis. Thus, this range needs to be determined.

Two New Cinnamyl Isovalerate Derivatives from Sabina gaussenii.

Chemical investigation of the 90% acetone extract of the branches and leaves of Sabina gaussenii led to the isolation of two new cinnamyl isovalerate derivatives (1-2) and eighteen known compounds (3-20). Their structures were determined mainly by means of MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR data, and this is the first time these compounds have been reported from this plant. The biological activity test results indicated that the 90% acetone extract showed cytotoxicity against the human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line (IC50 = 0.98 ± 0.1 µg/mL), compound 6 showed cytotoxicities against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) (IC50 = 0.4 ± 0.1 µM ) and human gastric carcinoma (BGC-823) (IC50 = 0.9 ± 0.2 µM) cancer cell lines, and compound 19 showed cytotoxicities against HeLa (IC50 = 1.5 ± 0.4 µM), BGC-823 (IC50 = 7.0 ± 0.8 µM ), and A549 (IC50 = 10.6 ± 1.5 µM ) cancer cell lines.

[Comparison study of determination methods of free amino acid in Shuxuetong injection by HPTLC, pre-column derivation-UPLC, and ion chromatography].

Free amino acids play a great role in traditional Chinese medicine in injections of animal products, as they may take part in peptide synthesis and exhibit a bioactivity in vivo. However, most of the national standards for drugs and peer-reviewed papers only focus on the total amount of amino acids after peptide hydrolysis. We compare the advantage and disadvantage among high performance thin layer chromatography（HPTLC）, pre-column derivatization ultra performance liquid chromatography（UPLC） and ion chromatography. As a result, the HPTLC and pre-column derivatization UPLC are suitable for quality analysis, while there is high matrix influence for ion chromatography analysis. The verified pre-column derivatization UPLC method is utilized in quantitative analysis. 24 kinds of amino acid were detected by this method, and 8 of them were reported for the first time from the injection. The system has high repeatability and accuracy with LOD on the level of pmol·m L(-1).

[Determination of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in Yimucao preparations by HPLC-MS].

To establish the quantitative method of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in the preparations of Leonuri Herba. The contents of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in the preparations of Leonuri Herba were determined by HPLC-MS. The chromatographic column was Waters XBridge Amide(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 µm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in gradient mode,at the flow rate of 1.0 mL• min⁻¹,with the split ratio of 1∶4. MS conditions for the ESI ion source,positive ion mode,selective ion scan(SIM) of stachydrine hydrochloride(m/z 144.0) and leonurine hydrochloride(m/z 312.0) was measured. The linear ranges of stachydrine hydrochloride was 0.562 8-281.4 µg•L-1（r=0.999 8）. The linear ranges of leonurine hydrochloride was 0.521 2-260.6 µg•L-1（r=0.999 8）. The method is accurate,simple,and reliable,and can be used to determine the contents of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in the preparations of Leonuri Herba.

[Changes of Phenotype and Phagocytosis of Peritoneal Macrophages in Mice Infected with the Larval-stage of Echinococcus granulosus].

Objective: To investigate the phenotype and phagocytosis changes of the peritoneal macrophages (Mφ) in mice infected with the larval-stage Echinococcus granulosus, and explore the role of Mφ in the responses to parasite infection. Methods: Twenty-four female BALB/c mice (age of 6-8 weeks) were randomly assigned into control group and infection group (n=12 in each group). The mice in the infection group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 000 protoscoleces, while the control mice were injected with equal volume of PBS. Five months after infection, the peritoneal mononuclear cells were collected, and the percentage of Mφ and the expression of surface markers CD40, CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHCⅡ) were determined by flow cytometry. The absorbance（A490 value） of Mφ at different concentrations（1×106, 5×105, 1×105） was determined by the neutral red assay to evaluate the phagocytic ability of Mφ. Results: The Mφ constituted（30.40±3.15）% and（20.75±5.91）% in mononuclear cells in the infection and the control groups, respectively. The percentages of Mφ expressing CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC Ⅱ were（45.33±5.51）%, （61.00±10.61）%, （56.88±10.66）% and （27.00±3.82）% in the infection group, which were all significantly higher than those in the control ［（41.43±6.19）%, （59.23±8.65）%, （10.91±1.82）% and （13.67±3.01%）］ （P<0.05）. The A490 values of Mφ at 1×106, 5×105, 1×105 were 0.41±0.03， 0.24±0.05 and 0.16±0.01 in the infection group, which were significantly lower than those in the control （0.61±0.15, 0.47±0.07 and 0.18±0.01）（P<0.01）. Conclusion: The phagocytic ability of peritoneal Mφ is dramatically weakened after infection, but the expression of activation-associated surface markers is significantly up-regulated after infection.

[T Follicular Helper Cells and Related Molecules in Schistosoma japonicum Infected Mice after Praziquantel Treatment].

Objective: To investigate the pathological changes of liver and spleen of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum and the changes of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and surface molecules after praziquantel treatment. Methods: Fifteen female C57BL/6 mice （6-8 weeks） were randomly assigned into the praziquantel treated infection group （treated group）, infection control group (untreated group) and uninfected group （n=5 in each group）. The mice in the treated group and untreated group were each infected with 20 S. japonicum cercariae through the abdominal skin, and mice in the treated group were further administered with intragastric praziquantel [200 mg/（kg·d）] at week 6 post-infection for 3 consecutive days. Mice were sacrificed at week 4 after treatment to observe the morphological changes of liver and spleen and calculate the worm reduction rate and the liver egg reduction rate. The Tfh cell to CD4+ T cell ratio, as well as the expression of inducible T-cell costimulator （ICOS） and programmed cell death protein 1（PD-1） on peripheral blood and spleen, were determined by flow cytometry. Schistosome soluble egg antigen (SEA) specific IgG antibodies in serum were detected by ELISA. Results: The pathological changes of liver and spleen in the treated group were less severe compared with those of the untreated group, with a worm reduction rate of 84.1% and liver egg reduction rate of 69.1%. Flow cytometry showed that the percent of Tfh cells in peripheral blood and spleen was significantly higher in the treated group（14.7%-18.0%, 15.6%-25.0%） and the untreated group（13.7%-16.7%, 12.4%-18.2%） than that in the uninfected group（2.5%-6.8%, 4.9%-8.0%）, but there was no significant difference between the treated and untreated groups. The expression of ICOS in the peripheral blood and the spleen was significantly higher in untreated group（1.3%-3.2%, 4.1%-7.0%） than in the treated group（0.7%-1.1%, 1.8%-6.8%） and the uninfected group（0.2%-0.3%, 0.5%-0.8%）（P<0.01）, The expression of ICOS in the spleen was significantly higher in the treated group than in the uninfected group (P<0.01), while this difference was not found for ICOS expression in the peripheral blood. The PD-1 expression in the peripheral blood and spleen was significantly higher in the untreated group（0.8%-1.9%, 4.1%-10.7%） than in the uninfected group（0.4%-0.8%, 1.2%-1.8%）（P<0.01）, while there was no significant difference between the treated group（0.5%-1.5%, 4.5%-8.9%） and the untreated group (P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the level of SEA specific IgG between the treated group（2.015±0.061） and the untreated group（1.969±0.038） at 4 weeks after praziquantel treatment. Conclusion: Praziquantel treatment can significantly alleviate the lesions of the liver and the spleen and decrease the ICOS expression by Tfh cells in the peripheral blood and spleen.

Phylogenetic diversity on housekeeping and symbiotic genes of rhizobial from Sphaerophysa in China.

This study explored the diversity and phylogeny of rhizobia collected from nodules of Sphaerophysa salsula in different geographical regions of Northwest China. The 16S rRNA gene sequences divided the strains into the following distinct groups: Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium and Shinella. The phylogenies of recA and atpD genes showed low correlation with nifH and nodA gene in most species, which indicated that, the gene recombination between species and genera might have been exist. To our knowledge, this is the first study using the multilocus sequencing analysis Sphaerophysa rhizobia in order to understand the relation between genetic diversity and ecology.

[Study on crocins reference extract and application on assay of Croci Stigma].

High price and poor stability of both crocin-1 and crocin-2 reference substance have become obstacles to HPLC assay of Croci Stigma. A new method based on reference extract was proposed. In this study, the reference extract was prepared from gardenia yellow which is cheap and easy to get The content of crocin-1 and crocin-2 in reference extract was determined and factors affecting stability of reference extract were investigated. Twelve batches of Croci Stigma were analyzed with reference extract and reference substance respectively. The results showed no difference. The presented method is feasible for quality control of Croci Stigma and reference extract is suitable to replace reference substances in assay.

[Analysis for the blood mineral content of children aged 3 to 12 years in 7 cities and 2 towns in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of blood mineral content of children aged 3 to 12 years in Chinese cities and countryside and explore the possible related influencing factors. METHODS: The multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select one kindergarten and one primary school in seven cities (Beijing and Guangzhou and so on) and two towns randomly. Firstly, we selected one bottom class, middle class, top class in one kindergarten and one second grade and fifth grade in one primary school randomly. Then all of the healthful students of these classes were investigated and the blood mineral content of calcium, magnesium, lead, iron, copper, and zinc were detected. RESULTS: In the research, 1 842 students were investigated. The means of calcium, magnesium, lead, iron, copper, and zinc were in the standard range. The blood lead content of the boys was higher than that of the girls. The blood mineral content of different ages had statistical significance. The blood calcium and blood copper contents of the preschool children were higher than those of the school children. However, the school children had significantly higher blood lead, iron, and zinc contents in comparison with those of the preschool children. The incidences of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency were 35.5% and 39.6%, respectively. The incidence of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency of different ages had statistical significance, and with the age increasing, the incidence showed a decreasing trend. The incidences of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency of children whose age was more than or equal to 3 years and less than 4 years were up to 47.1% and 64.6%, respectively. The incidence of iron deficiency of the children in the countryside area was significantly higher than those in the first-tier cities. However, the incidence of zinc deficiency of the children in the countryside area was significantly lower than those in the first-tier cities and second-tier cities. CONCLUSION: The status of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency of children aged 3 to 12 years in Chinese cities and countryside were still serious. We should pay more attention to the nutrition interventional research on iron and zinc.

[Assessment of accuracy of parents' perception of their 4-36 months old children's picky eating behavior].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of parents' perception of whether their child is a picky eater and the specific food category the children avoideating according to the food frequency questionnaire. METHODS: This research selected 1 663 infants aged 4-36 months receiving non-diary complimentary food from maternal, infants, nutrition and growth study (MING Study) in 8 Chinese cities in which a combination of systematic cluster random sampling and purposive sampling was used. The general information, dietary status and picky eating status were collected through a self-designed questionnaire from the caregiver of the children. According to the parents' perception, the children were classified into picky/non-picky groups or avoid/non-avoid to a specific food category groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare between the groups. RESULTS: The reported percentage of picky eaters increased from 7.37% in 4-6 months old infants to 36.20% in 25-36 months old infants. Most picky infants in 4-6 months and 7-12 months old infants avoided eating dairy food (25% and 24%); while most picky toddlers aged 13-24 months and 25-36 months avoided eating vegetables (26.92% and 47.46%). The infants aged 4-6 months and 7-12 months who were perceived as picky by their parents took more kinds of food (8 and 19.5 kinds) than those who were not (6 and 18 kinds), while the picky toddlers aged 13-24 months and 25-36 months took fewer kinds of food (28.5 and 34 kinds for picky eaters, 31 and 37 kinds for non-picky eaters). The parents of infants aged 4-6 months judged correctly in every category of food without any statistical significance; the parents of 7-12 months old infants judged correctly only in dairy food and eggs with statistical significance; those of 13-24 months old infants judged correctly in every food category except for vegetables with statistically significant difference in the category of eggs; those of 25-36 months old toddlers misjudged in dairy, beans and grains with no statistically significant difference in every category. CONCLUSION: Parents tend to misjudge their children's picky eating behavior before the first 12 months of the child, and tend to make a more accurate perception after the 12th month.

Review on toxicology and activity of tomato glycoalkaloids in immature tomatoes.

Owing to the lack of selection and limited intelligence in mechanical picking, some immature tomatoes that contain alkaloids are thrown away. Tomatine alkaloids are steroidal alkaloids naturally present in Solanaceae plants, which are distributed in small amounts in immature tomato fruits and decrease as the fruits ripen. Tomato glycoalkaloids are harmful to human health. However, in small quantities, there is some evidence that these compounds might be beneficial, as other non-antioxidant bioactivities. This article considers recent research on the biological effects of tomato glycoalkaloids in immature tomatoes, providing reference value for the potential development of these compounds.