Exploratory analysis on the association of dietary live microbe and non-dietary prebiotic/probiotic intake with serum cotinine levels in the general adult population.

Background: Previous research has indicated the potential involvement of the microbiota in smoking-related processes. The present study seeks to examine the relationship between dietary live microbes, as well as probiotic or prebiotic consumption, and serum cotinine levels. Methods: This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018. Dietary intake information and probiotic/prebiotic intake data was collected through self-reported questionnaires. Participants were stratified into low, medium, and high intake groups according to their consumption of foods with varying microbial content. Multiple linear models were applied to explore the relationships of dietary live microbes, probiotic or prebiotic use with the serum cotinine level. Results: A total of 42,000 eligible participants were included in the final analysis. The weighted median serum cotinine level was 0.05 (0.01, 10.90) ng/ml. Participants with low, medium, and high dietary microbe intake represented 35.4, 43.6, and 21.0% of the cohort, respectively. Furthermore, participants were stratified into three groups based on their overall consumption of foods with variable microbe contents. The association between dietary live microbe intake and serum cotinine levels remained robust across all models, with medium intake as the reference (Model 2: ß = -0.14, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.07; High: ß = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.39, -0.22). Moreover, both prebiotic and probiotic use exhibited an inverse relationship with serum cotinine levels (Prebiotic: ß = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.37, -0.01; Probiotic: ß = -0.47, 95% CI: -0.64, -0.30). Subgroup analyses revealed no discernible interactions between dietary live microbe, prebiotic, probiotic use, and serum cotinine levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a negative correlation between dietary live microbe intake, as well as non-dietary prebiotic/probiotic consumption, and serum cotinine levels.

Elevated serum B-cell activator factor levels predict rapid progressive interstitial lung disease in anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis.

BACKGROUND: Rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is the leading cause of anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+DM) related death. Elevated serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels have been implicated in connective tissue diseases associated ILD. Here, we evaluate whether BAFF could be a prognostic biomarker for predicting RP-ILD in anti-MDA5+DM patients. METHODS: Serums were collected from 39 patients with anti-MDA5+DM (20 with RP-ILD and 19 with non-RP-ILD), 20 antisynthase syndrome (ASS) patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). BAFF concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum BAFF level was higher in anti-MDA5+DM patients than those in ASS patients and HC (3882.32 ± 1880.09 vs. 2540.89 ± 1403.04 and 2486.28 ± 767.97 pg/mL, p = 0.0056 and 0.0038, respectively). Within anti-MDA5+DM groups, RP-ILD patients exhibited higher BAFF concentration than non-RP-ILD group (4549.78 ± 1839.97 vs. 3297.28 ± 1794.69 pg/mL, p = 0.04). The BAFF concentration was positively correlated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), dehydrogenase (LDH) and cytokeratin (CK) in anti-MDA5+DM patients (r = 0.350, p = 0.035; r = 0.393, p = 0.016; r = 0.518, p = 0.001; respectively). The best cut-off value of BAFF concentration was 2971.5 pg/mL by ROC curve (AUC area = 0.690, p = 0.045) and BAFF > 2971.5 pg/mL was an independent risk factor for RP-ILD using multivariate analysis (OR = 9.389, 95% CI = 1.609-54.769; p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Serum BAFF could be a useful prognostic biomarker for early detecting RP-ILD risk in anti-MDA5+DM patients.

Effects of grape seed extract on the properties of pullulan polysaccharide/xanthan gum active films for apple preservation.

Grape seed extract (GSE) was added to pullulan polysaccharide (PP)/xanthan gum (XG) as composite film (PP/XG/GSE or PXG). The observed composite morphology indicated their biocompatibility. Sample PXG100 (contain 100 mg/L GSE) demonstrated the best mechanical properties, with tensile strength of 16.62 ± 1.27 MPa, and the elongation at break of (22.60 ± 0.48)%. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity of PXG150 were the highest at (81.52 ± 1.57)% and (90.85 ± 1.54)%, respectively. PXG films also demonstrated inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis. The PXG films could also prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut apples because it could decrease the rate of weight loss and retain more vitamin C and total polyphenol even on the 5th day. The weight loss rate of PXG150 was decreased from (8.58 ± 0.6)% (control) to (4.15 ± 0.19)%. It was able to achieve vitamin C and total polyphenol retention rate of 91 % and 72 %, respectively, which was significantly higher that the control sample. Therefore, GSE had contributed in enhancing the antibacterial, antioxidant properties, mechanical strength, UV protection and water resistance in PXG composite films. This effectively extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apples, which it will be an excellent food packaging material.

Effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracts on the antioxidant ability, physical and structure properties of carboxymethyl cellulose-xanthan gum-flaxseed gum active packaging films.

A novel film composed of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracts (PCE), xanthan gum (XG), flaxseed gum (FG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was prepared (XFCP). Addition of PCE has decreased the light transmittance, while enhanced the UV blocking performance, antioxidant activity, tensile strength and elongation at break of XFCP due to polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoid in PCE. Structural analyses by FTIR and XRD indicated the hydrogen-bonding interaction between PCE, XG, FG and CMC. It was found that compared with the control sample, XFCP2.5% with the lowest WVTR was able to prolong the shelf life of mango. The overall quality of mango was also improved in terms of lower decay rate, weight loss rate, total soluble solid, and polyphenol oxidase, higher titratable acidity, Vc, and superoxide dismutase than control mango upon 8 days of storage. This effectively expanded the application of PCE into food packaging in addition to merely as Chinese traditional medicine herbs.

Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Isolated Proximal Posterior Artery Occlusion.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to isolated proximal posterior cerebral artery (PPCA) occlusion is rare but associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, the optimal treatment strategy for patients with AIS caused by PPCA remains unclear. We discuss our single-center experience with endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with PPCA. Methods: Data from patients with AIS due to PPCA occlusion were retrospectively analyzed. We analyzed procedural details, the degree of reperfusion, functional outcomes, and complications. Functional outcomes were determined using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, and good outcome was defined as mRS 0-2 at 90 days. Successful reperfusion was defined as modified treatment in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) 2b-3 after endovascular therapy. Safety variables included symptomatic hemorrhage (defined as an increase of four or more points in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score), vessel perforation or dissection, and new ischemic stroke in different territories. Results: Seven patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 12.4 years. Successful reperfusion was achieved in all seven patients (100%). Good outcomes were achieved at 90 days in 2 patients (28.6%), and favorable outcomes were observed in five patients (71.4%). One patient underwent angioplasty as rescue therapy after three attempts. One patient died because of severe gastrointestinal bleeding 24 h after EVT, which was probably a complication of intravenous alteplase. One patient had an embolism in the basilar artery and achieved complete reperfusion after rescue thrombectomy. Another patient had a complication of vessel dissection in the PPCA and underwent stent implantation as rescue therapy. We observed no recurrence of ischemic stroke or any intracranial hemorrhage on non-contrast computed tomography 24 h after the procedure. Conclusion: EVT may represent an alternative treatment strategy for patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by PPCA.

Development of xanthan gum/hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose composite films incorporating tea polyphenol and its application on fresh-cut green bell peppers preservation.

The aim of this work was to develop an edible packaging material with good performance that can be used for fresh-cut vegetables preservation. The xanthan (XG)-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-tea polyphenols (TP) composite film (XHT) was prepared by adding TP to the composite film-forming solution of XG and HPMC. At optimum TP dosage of 6% (XHT6), the tensile strength and elongation at break were at the maximum. The antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties were also enhanced, demonstrated good inhibitory ability to Staphylococcus aureus. After 8 days, the amount of Vitamin C that was retained by XHT6 was 127.81% and 7.83% higher than unpackaged and XHT0, respectively. Additionally, the MDA content in green peppers were 39.16% and 78.87% higher than that of unpackaged and XHT0, respectively. Practical applications of XHT films in preserving fresh-cut bell peppers had also shown positive results, making it possible as potential food packaging.

Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 concentrations reflect severity of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis associated interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVES: Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is a major complication of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+DM) with a high mortality rate. The aim of the study is to determine whether serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) could be a prognostic biomarker to predict RP-ILD and prognosis in anti-MDA5+DM patients. METHODS: A total of 21 anti-MDA5+DM patients with RP-ILD and 20 anti-MDA5+DM patients without RP-ILD were retrospectively included in this study. Serum KL-6 concentration (pg/mL) was measured using the latex agglutination test. RESULTS: Serum KL-6 level was higher in RP-ILD patients than those in non-RR-ILD patients (1195.61±872.93 vs. 452.6±465.51 pg/mL, p=0.002). The best cut-off value of KL-6 serum level was 500.9 pg/mL using ROC curve (AUC area = 0.7976, p=0.0011). KL-6 >500.9 pg/mL was an independent risk factor for RP-ILD using multivariate analysis (OR=56.38, 95% CI 5.51-577.504, p=0.001). Serum KL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in dead patients than those in the survivor group (1209.34±840.55 vs. 592.41±667.76, p=0.0033), and higher KL-6 concentration was also an independent risk factor for all-cause death after adjusting confounders (OR = 21.94, 95% CI 3.3-145.73, p=0.001). Anti-MDA5+DM patients with higher KL-6 level displayed a significantly decreased one-year survival rate, as compared with lower KL-6 level (36.36% vs. 89.47%, p=0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: The serum KL-6 levels reflect severity of lung injury and serve as a clinically useful biomarker in detection and monitoring RP-ILD progression in anti-MDA5+DM patients.

The synthesis and characterization of a xanthan gum-acrylamide-trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether hydrogel.

To improve the thermal stability and adsorption performance, xanthan gum was modified with acrylamide and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TTE). The modified xanthan gum (XGTTE) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractogram (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characteristic peaks at 3449, 1655, 1611 and 1420 cm-1 in the FT-IR confirm the modification. The XGTTE crystal grew well upon addition of TTE. The XRD and DSC data revealed that the XGTTE enhanced its thermal stability. Analysis of SEM revealed that the grafting introduced major changes on the microstructure making it porous and resulting in the adsorption of crystal violet (CV) with flocculation. The CV adsorption capacity of the hydrogel with different dosages of TTE (XGTTE2, XGTTE3, XGTTE4, XGTTE5 and XGTTE6) were between 28.13 with 35.12 mg/g. In addition, the adsorption capacity, thermal stability, and swelling property of XGTTE4 were the best.

Alanine mother liquor as a nitrogen source for docosahexaenoic acid production by Schizochytrium sp. B4D1

Alanine mother liquor, a type of industrial waste from alanine fermentation, was used as a nitrogen source to produce docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by Schizochytrium sp. B4D1. The results indicated that yeast extract could trigger the utilization of the alanine mother liquor. Additionally, the alanine can be quenched during the culture, which aids in DHA accumulation. The medium components were optimized via response surface methodology as follows: 99.98-g/L glucose, 0.05-g/L yeast extract and a 183.17 dilution factor of the alanine mother liquid (v/v, with an alanine content of 0.72 g/L) and 17.98% inoculum concentration (v/v). Finally, in a 50-mL shake-flask fermentation, the DHA yield was 2.29 g/L.

A coronary artery disease-associated SNP rs6903956 contributed to asymptomatic hyperuricemia susceptibility in Han Chinese.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association of a coronary artery disease (CAD) risk SNP rs6903956 with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (aHU) susceptibility in Han Chinese. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty one patients with aHU and 447 healthy controls were recruited for this study. SNP rs6903956 were genotyped using TaqMan probe. RESULTS: The overall genotype and allele frequency distribution of the rs6903956 showed significant difference between aHU cases and controls (p<0.001 for genotype and allele, respectively). AA genotype of rs6903956 was significantly associated with aHU (OR=8.672, 95% CI 2.811-26.753, p<0.001) in our Han Chinese aHU cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that rs6903956 might be an independent risk factor for aHU susceptibility (OR=10.642 [2.671-42.400], p=0.001 for codominant model and OR=9.205 [2.336-36.280], p=0.002 for recessive model) after adjustment for some well- known CAD risk factors including age, gender, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, abnormal glycometabolism, lipid abnormality and alcohol intake. No significant genotype-specific difference in uric acid levels was observed in aHU patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are the first to establish a genetic link of a CAD-associated rs6903956 with aHU in a Han Chinese population, providing the genetic evidence to support the close relationship between hyperuricemia and CAD.

Inhibitory effects of hinokitiol on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis and its antimicrobial activities.

The inhibitory effects of hinokitiol, a constituent of the woody oils isolated from Cupressaceae heartwood, on mushroom tyrosinase and melanin formation in B16 melanoma cells as well as its antimicrobial activity were investigated. Our results showed that hinokitiol could strongly inhibit both monophenolase activity and diphenolase activity of the enzyme and the inhibition was reversible. The IC(50) values were estimated as 9.67 µM for monophenolase activity and 0.21 µM for diphenolase activity. The lag time of the monophenolase activity was not obviously lengthened by the compound. Kinetic analyses showed that the inhibition mechanism of hinokitiol was a mixed-type inhibition of the diphenolase activity. Hinokitiol effectively inhibited both cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in B16 melanoma cells with significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, it was found that hinokitiol could inhibit the proliferation of Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphyloccocus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Ralstonia solanacearum to different extents. This research may widen the use of hinokitiol in the fields of food preservation, depigmentation, and insecticide use.

Inactivation kinetics of polyphenol oxidase from pupae of blowfly (Sarcophaga bullata) in the dimethyl sulfoxide solution.

The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO, EC 1.14.18.1) from blowfly pupae for the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine were studied. The results showed that low concentrations of DMSO could lead to reversible inactivation to the enzyme. The IC(50) value, the inactivator concentration leading to 50% activity lost, was estimated to be 2.35 M. Inactivation of the enzyme by DMSO was classified as mixed type. The kinetics of inactivation of PPO from blowfly pupae in the low concentrations of DMSO solution was studied using the kinetic method of the substrate reaction. The rate constants of inactivation were determined. The results show that k(+0) was much larger than k'(+0), indicating that the free enzyme molecule was more fragile than the enzyme-substrate complex in the DMSO solution. It was suggested that the presence of the substrate offers marked protection of this enzyme against inactivation by DMSO.