Metabolomics Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Colored Quinoa and Their Relationship with In Vitro Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities.

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is rich in phenolic compounds and exhibits diverse biological activities. Few studies have focused on the effect of colored quinoa's phenolic profile on potential biological activity. This study used a UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomic approach to examine the quinoa phenolics and their association with in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. In total, 430 polyphenols, mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and flavonols, were identified. Additionally, 121, 116, and 148 differential polyphenols were found between the white and black, white and red, and black and red comparison groups, respectively; 67 polyphenols were screened as shared key differential metabolites. Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites were the main differently regulated pathways. Black quinoa had better total phenolic contents (643.68 mg/100 g DW) and antioxidant capacity, while white quinoa had better total flavonoid contents (90.95 mg/100 g DW) and in vitro α-amylase (IC50 value of 3.97 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 value of 1.08 mg/mL) inhibition activities. Thirty-six polyphenols, including epicatechin and linarin, etc., were highly correlated with in vitro antioxidant activity, while six polyphenols, including tiliroside and chrysoeriol, etc., were highly correlated with in vitro hypoglycemic activity. This study may provide important information for colored quinoa resources to develop their healthy food applications.

An investigation into the effects of various processing methods on the characteristic compounds of highland barley using a widely targeted metabolomics approach.

This study explored the influence of diverse processing methods (cooking (CO), extrusion puffing (EX), and steam explosion puffing (SE), stir-frying (SF) and fermentation (FE)) on highland barley (Qingke) chemical composition using UHPLC-MS/MS based widely targeted metabolomics. Overall, 827 metabolites were identified and categorized into 16 classes, encompassing secondary metabolites, amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, etc. There 43, 85, 131, 51 and 98 differential metabolites were respectively selected from five comparative groups (raw materials (RM) vs CO/EX/SE/SF/FE), mainly involved in amino acids, nucleotides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Compared to other treated groups, FE group possessed the higher content of crude protein (15.12 g/100 g DW), and the relative levels of free amino acids (1.32 %), key polyphenols and arachidonic acid (0.01 %). EX group had the higher content of anthocyanins (4.22 mg/100 g DW), and the relative levels of free amino acids (2.02 %) and key polyphenols. SE group showed the higher relative levels of phenolic acids (0.14 %), flavonoids (0.20 %) and alkaloids (1.17 %), but the lowest free amino acids (0.75 %). Different processing methods all decreased Qingke's antioxidant capacity, with the iron reduction capacity (988.93 µmol/100 g DW) in SE group was the lowest. On the whole, FE and EX were alleged in improving Qingke's nutritional value. CO and SF were also suitable for Qingke processing since fewer differential metabolites were identified in CO vs RM and SF vs RM groups. Differential metabolites were connected to 14 metabolic pathways, with alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism being central. This study contributed theoretical groundwork for the scientific processing and quality control of Qingke products.

Enhancement of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity in Germinated Black Highland Barley by Ultrasonication.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonic stress germination (USG) on total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), the phenolic compositions, and antioxidant activities of black highland barley (BHB). The USG processing parameters, polyphenol profile, phenolic compositions, and antioxidant activities were explored after USG. Results showed that the optimal USG parameters were as follows: 350 W ultrasonic pretreatment power, 30 °C ultrasonication temperature, 25 min ultrasonication time, and 64 h germination time. Under these conditions, the total phenolic content (688.84 ± 5.30 mg/100 g) and total flavonoid content (59.23 ± 0.45 mg/100 g) of BHB were increased by 28.55% and 10.15%, respectively, compared to the untreated samples. In addition, the USG treatment could more effectively enrich bound phenolic acids and free flavonoids, among which the content of catechin was significantly increased by USG and was the main characteristic substance. Moreover, the USG treatment could improve the antioxidant activity and had a higher antioxidant potency composite index (APC index) (97.91%) of BHB. These results indicate that USG might be an effective method to enrich polyphenols and improve antioxidant activity in BHB.

Polyphenol Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Different Solvent Extracts of Highland Barley Bran.

Five different solvent extracts of highland barley bran were analyzed and compared for their polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The highland barley bran acetone extract had the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity. It was followed by the methanol and ethanol extracts, while n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited lower measured values. Diosmetin, luteolin, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, phlorogucinol, diosmin, isoquercitrin, catechin, and isovitexin were among the most abundant phenolic compounds identified in different solvent extracts, and their concentrations varied according to the solvent used. The highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity were observed in the ethyl acetate extract of highland barley bran, followed by the acetone and methanol extracts. In contrast, n-butanol and ethanol extracts exhibited lower measured values. The different solvent extracts were effective inhibitors for α-glucosidase and α-amylase with activity reaching to 34.45-94.32% and 22.08-35.92% of that of positive control acarbose, respectively. There were obvious correlations between the phenolic content and composition of different solvent extracts and their in vitro antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibition activity and α-amylase inhibition activity. Black barley bran is an excellent natural raw material for developing polyphenol-rich functional foods and shows good antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential to benefit human health.

Evaluation of Nutritional Components, Phenolic Composition, and Antioxidant Capacity of Highland Barley with Different Grain Colors on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.

The nutritional composition, polyphenol and anthocyanin composition, and antioxidant capacity of 52 colored highland barley were evaluated. The results showed that the protein content of highland barley in the black group was the highest, the total starch and fat contents in the blue group were the highest, the amylose content in the purple group was quite high, the fiber content in the yellow group was quite high, and the ß-glucan content of the dark highland barley (purple, blue and black) was quite high. The polyphenol content and its antioxidant capacity in the black group were the highest, while the anthocyanin content and its antioxidant capacity in the purple highland barley were the highest. Ten types of monomeric phenolic substances were the main contributors to DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP antioxidant capacity. All varieties could be divided into four categories according to nutrition or function. The grain color could not be used as an absolute index to evaluate the quality of highland barley, and the important influence of variety on the quality of highland barley also needed to be considered. In actual production, suitable raw materials must be selected according to the processing purpose and variety characteristics of highland barley.

Polyphenol and Anthocyanin Composition and Activity of Highland Barley with Different Colors.

In this research, the composition of free phenols, bound phenols, and anthocyanins and their in vitro antioxidant activity and in vitro α-glucosidase inhibiting activity were observed in different barley colors. The outcomes revealed that the contents of total phenols (570.78 mg/100 gDW), total flavonoids (47.08 mg/100 gDW), and anthocyanins (48.07 mg/100 g) were the highest in purple barley. Furthermore, the structure, composition, and concentration of phenolics differed depending on the colors of barley. The types and contents of bound total phenolic acids and flavonoids were greater than those of free total phenolic acids and flavonoids. The main phenolic acids in blue barley were cinnamic acid polyphenols, whereas in black, yellow, and purple barley, benzoic acid polyphenols were the main phenolic acids, and the main types of flavonoids in black and blue barley were chalcones and flavanones, respectively, whereas flavonol was the main type of flavonoid in yellow and purple barley. Moreover, cornflower pigment-3-glucoside was the major anthocyanin in blue, yellow, and purple barley, whereas the main anthocyanin in black barley was delphinidin-3-glucoside. The dark color of barley indicated richness in the anthocyanins. In addition, the free polyphenol fractions had stronger DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity as compared to the bound ones. In vitro α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity was greater in bound polyphenols than in free polyphenols, with differences between different varieties of barley. Purple barley phenolic fractions had the greatest ABTS radical scavenging and iron ion reduction capacities, as well as the highest α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity. The strongest DPPH radical scavenging capacity was found in yellow barley, while the strongest in vitro α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity was found in anthocyanins isolated from black barley. Furthermore, in different colors of barley, there was a strong association between the concentration of specific phenolic compounds and antioxidant and α-glucosidase-inhibiting activities. The outcomes of this study revealed that all colored barley seeds tested were high in phenolic compounds, and had a good antioxidant impact and α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity. As a result, colored barley can serve as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic food. Polyphenols extracted from purple barley and anthocyanins extracted from black barley stand out among them.

Free and Bound Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Cultivated Blue Highland Barley Varieties from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

In this study, the polyphenols composition and antioxidant properties of 12 blue highland barley varieties planted on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area were measured. The contents of the free, bound and total phenolic acids varied between 166.20-237.60, 170.10-240.75 and 336.29-453.94 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry weight (DW) blue highland barley grains, while the free and bound phenolic acids accounted for 50.09% and 49.91% of the total phenolic acids, respectively. The contents of the free, bound and total flavones varied among 20.61-25.59, 14.91-22.38 and 37.91-47.98 mg of catechin equivalents per 100 g of dry weight (DW) of blue highland barley grains, while the free and bound flavones accounted for 55.90% and 44.10% of the total flavones, respectively. The prominent phenolic compounds in the blue hulless barley grains were gallic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, 4-coumaric acid, naringenin, hesperidin, rutin, (+)-catechin and quercetin. Among these, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid and (+)-catechin were the major phenolic compounds in the free phenolics extract. The most abundant bound phenolics were gallic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, 4-coumaric acid, benzoic acid, dimethoxybenzoic acid, naringenin, hesperidin, quercetin and rutin. The average contribution of the bound phenolic extract to the DPPH• free radical scavenging capacity was higher than 86%, that of free phenolic extract to the ABTS•+ free radical scavenging capacity was higher than 79%, and that of free phenolic (53%) to the FRAP antioxidant activity was equivalent to that of the bound phenol extract (47%). In addition, the planting environment exerts a very important influence on the polyphenol composition, content and antioxidant activity of blue highland barley. The correlation analysis showed that 2,4-hydroxybenzoic acid and protocatechuic acid were the main contributors to the DPPH• and ABTS•+ free radical scavenging capacity in the free phenolic extract, while chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid and quercetin were the main contributors to the free radical scavenging capacity in the bound phenol extract. The study results show that the blue highland barley grains have rich phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity, as well as significant varietal differences. The free and bound phenolic extracts in the blue hulless barley grains have an equivalent proportion in the total phenol, and co-exist in two forms. They can be used as a potential valuable source of natural antioxidants, and can aid in enhancing the development and daily consumption of foods relating to blue highland barley.

Risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications following elective craniotomy for patients with tumors of the brainstem or adjacent to the brainstem.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) of elective craniotomy for patients presenting with brainstem tumors or tumors adjacent to the brainstem. A total of 162 consecutive patients with a brainstem tumor or adjacent brainstem tumor undergoing elective craniotomy were included and monitored. Potential risk factors were identified by data collection and monitoring of the PPCs, as well as the performance of single factor analysis (using the χ2 test). In addition, the independent risk factors of PPCs were screened by logistic analysis. A total of 39 cases of PPC were included in the current study, with an incidence rate of 23.9%. The analysis indicated that smoking history, previous pulmonary diseases, an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification >II and partial tumor resection were risk factors of PPC following an elective craniotomy. Smoking history and partial tumor resection were identified to be independent risk factors of PPCs.

[A pilot study on interventional bronchoscopy in the management of airway stenosis with benign hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of different interventional bronchoscopic techniques for the management of benign cicatricial hyperplasia airway stenosis, and to study the factors associated with the treatment effects. METHODS: From December 2004 to December 2009, 36 patients with cicatricial airway stenosis were admitted to our department. An investigation was made to analyze the effects by different interventional bronchoscopic treatments. The most suitable treatment modality for cicatricial airway stenosis was explored and described. RESULTS: For the 36 patients, the disease was cured in 9, improved in 10, not improved in 12, and failure in 5. The cure rate, effective rate and ineffective rate were 25%, 53% and 47%, respectively. Further analysis showed that the effective rate was 8% and 82% respectively for the electrical coagulation therapy and the balloon dilation combined with needle electrical knife and/or cryotherapy. Restenosis extension after operation occurred in 67% of the cases by electrical coagulation therapy, but only 12% of cases by the balloon dilation combined with needle electrical knife and/or cryotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrated that for the treatment of airway cicatricial stenosis, electrical coagulation might induce and worsen serious airway restenosis resulting in failure of treatment. On the other hand, balloon dilation combined with needle electrical knife and/or cryotherapy might be a relative safe and effective therapy for airway cicatricial stenosis.

Safety and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation for resection of lipomas and hamartomas in large airways.

AIMS: To describe the use of argon plasma coagulation (APC) for radical resection of lipomas and hamartomas in large airways. METHODS: Eight patients (7 males and 1 female) were retrospectively reviewed. Data extracted included patient demographic characteristics, type and location of lesion, type of anesthesia used, number of APC sessions required, complications, length of hospital stay, and outcomes. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 24 months. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 54.6 ± 13.5 years. Lipomas were diagnosed in five and hamartomas in three. Because complete removal of the tumor could not be achieved during one session, two additional APC treatments were carried out in one of the patients, and three in another. Duration of each procedure ranged from 90 to 120 minutes. For the six patients performed under general anesthesia, only one session was required, and the mean time was 110 min. All tumors were completely removed, and no perioperative or long-term complications occurred. During a minimum follow-up of 2 years, no recurrence was noted in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection of lipomas and hamartomas inside large airways can be safely achieved via APC. Further studies regarding the use of this technique for other tumor types are warranted.

[Interventional bronchoscopy with the use of mechanical ventilation by larynx mask or tracheal intubation under general anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore and evaluate the technique of performing interventional bronchoscopy by using mechanical ventilation with larynx mask or tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. METHODS: From July 2009 to January 2010, 29 patients received interventional bronchoscopy by using mechanical ventilation with larynx mask or tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. Airway pressure and tidal volume before and after bronchoscope insertion, arterial blood gas analysis during interventional bronchoscopy, complications and operation time were recorded. The factors influencing ventilation effects were evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients' condition were kept stable during interventional bronchoscopy and no severe complications occurred. Tidal volume was reduced by 27.1%, while peak airway pressure, plateau pressure and mean airway pressure were increased by 63.1%, 43.7% and 32.4% following insertion of the bronchoscope respectively. Patients using tracheal intubation had their peak pressure increased by 79.3%, which was higher than that of patients using larynx mask (55.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Interventional bronchoscopy by using mechanical ventilation with larynx mask or tracheal intubation under general anesthesia was safe and reliable. Although peak airway pressure increased following insertion of bronchoscope, the mean airway pressure was maintained in a low level. When performing interventional bronchoscopy during mechanical ventilation, the inside diameter of larynx mask and tracheal intubation should be as large as possible to minimize airway pressure and auto-PEEP.

[The efficacy of endobronchial argon plasma coagulation in the management of intraluminal obstructive lesions of the central airway].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of endobronchial argon plasma coagulation (APC) in the management of intraluminal obstructive lesions of the central airway. METHODS: A total of 53 patients (37 males, 16 females), aged from 14 to 82 years (mean 55), with intraluminal obstructive lesions of the central airways were selected, including 28 cases of malignancies, 13 cases of benign tumors and 12 cases of other diseases. Endoscopic management of these lesions with APC 300 (ERBE, Germany) was performed under local or general anesthesia. The result of treatment was evaluated according to recanalization of the obstructed airway and clinical data. RESULTS: There were 86 lesions in the 53 cases. Success rates for resecting the lesions were > 97% (35/36) in the trachea, 79% (22/28) in the mainstem bronchi, and 64% (14/22) in the intermediate bronchus and lobe bronchi. The success rate for resecting benign lesions (92%, 34/37) was higher than for malignant lesions (76%, 37/49). Eighteen cases with respiratory failure caused by the lesions were immediately relieved after APC therapy under general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: APC is an effective method for resecting intraluminal obstructive lesions of the central airways. APC produces immediate effects, and may be life-saving for patients with airway obstructing lesions requiring emergent endoscopic treatment. General anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation can be used to increase successful rates and safety of interventional therapy in severe cases.