Characterization and insight mechanism of an acid-adapted ß-Glucosidase from Lactobacillus paracasei and its application in bioconversion of glycosides.

Introduction: ß-glucosidase is one class of pivotal glycosylhydrolase enzyme that can cleavage glucosidic bonds and transfer glycosyl group between the oxygen nucleophiles. Lactobacillus is the most abundant bacteria in the human gut. Identification and characterization of new ß-glucosidases from Lactobacillus are meaningful for food or drug industry. Method: Herein, an acid-adapted ß-glucosidase (LpBgla) was cloned and characterized from Lactobacillus paracasei. And the insight acid-adapted mechanism of LpBgla was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Results and Discussion: The recombinant LpBgla exhibited maximal activity at temperature of 30°C and pH 5.5, and the enzymatic activity was inhibited by Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+ and EDTA. The LpBgla showed a more stable structure, wider substrate-binding pocket and channel aisle, more hydrogen bonds and stronger molecular interaction with the substrate at pH 5.5 than pH 7.5. Five residues including Asp45, Leu60, Arg120, Lys153 and Arg164 might play a critical role in the acid-adapted mechanism of LpBgla. Moreover, LpBgla showed a broad substrate specificity and potential application in the bioconversion of glycosides, especially towards the arbutin. Our study greatly benefits for the development novel ß-glucosidases from Lactobacillus, and for the biosynthesis of aglycones.

Development of a Reliable ic-ELISA with a Robust Antimatrix Interference Capability Based on QuEChERS Technology for the Rapid Detection of Zearalenone in Edible and Medical Coix Seeds and Subsequent Risk Assessments.

Indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) is an ideal immunoassay method for large-scale screenings to detect mycotoxin contaminants. However, the matrix effect of complicated samples has always been challenging when performing immunoassays, as it leads to false-positive or negative results. In this study, convenient QuEChERS technology combined with optimizing the dilution solvent was ingeniously used to eliminate interference from the sample matrix to greatly improve the detection accuracy, and reliable ic-ELISAs for the two official tolerance levels of 60 and 500 µg/kg were developed to screen zearalenone (ZEN) in edible and medical coix seeds without any further correction. Then, the 122 batches of coix seeds were determined, and the positive rate was up to 97.54%. The contaminated distribution was further analyzed, and risk assessment was subsequently performed for its edible and medical purposes. The findings indicated that consumption of coix seeds with higher ZEN contamination levels may cause adverse health effects for both medical and edible consumption in the adult population; even under the condition of average contamination level, ZEN from coix seeds was the more prominent contributor to the total risk compared to other sources when used as food; thus, effective prevention and control should be an essential topic in the future.

Quality Assessment of Different Species and Differently Prepared Slices of Zedoray Rhizome by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Colorimeter with the Aid of Chemometrics.

In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and colorimeter were applied to evaluate the quality of different species and differently prepared slices of Zedoray Rhizome samples with the aid of chemometric tools. Fifty batches of Zedoray Rhizome samples from different species and forty-two batches of Zedoray Rhizome samples from differently prepared slices were collected. The quantitative method was developed using HPLC to simultaneously determine the contents of twelve chemical ingredients in Zedoray Rhizome. The colour parameters L, a, and b were measured by a colorimeter. Then, the collected data were analyzed by the principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that the proposed method was capable of accurately determining the contents of the twelve chemical ingredients and the colour parameters for the collected samples. There was a dramatic difference in the contents of the chemical ingredients and in the colour parameters among different species and differently prepared slices of Zedoray Rhizome samples. This study reveals that combining HPLC, colorimeter, and chemometric tools can provide a new approach to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Zedoray Rhizome samples.

The Association between Health Beliefs and Fall-Related Behaviors and Its Implication for Fall Intervention among Chinese Elderly.

To apply the Health Belief Model (HBM) to fall prevention of the elderly and estimate fall health beliefs and their relationships with fall-related behaviors, a citywide cross-sectional study was conducted among people aged 60 years or over in 13 out of 16 districts in Shanghai, China, in September 2018. A total of 5833 participants were investigated. Of this, 43.4% were male; 48.8% were aged 60-69; 18.1% were uneducated; and 50.3% were living in urban areas. People who were older, less educated, living in rural areas generally had lower scores in the 7 HBM dimensions and also had lower proportions of fall risk-reduction behaviors, except that the less educated elderly were more likely to participate in exercise and training and the rural elderly were more likely to check house environment and participate in exercise and training (p < 0.001). The HBM dimensions were generally positively correlated with the risk-reduction behaviors except that "perceived severity" was negatively correlated with four risk-reduction behaviors and behavior number, "cues to action" was negatively correlated with purchasing shoes, and "perceived benefits" was negatively correlated with participating in exercise activities and fall prevention training (p < 0.05). When HBM is applied in the field of fall prevention, the interpretation of the results of each dimension has its characteristics in the fields of injury research. Fall prevention strategies should focus on improving the health beliefs and behaviors in those who were older, less educated and living in rural areas, implementing different levels of fall prevention activities to meet different needs, improving the accessibility and applicability of related resources, and raising the organizational level of related fall prevention activities.

What factors hinder ethnic minority women in rural China from getting antenatal care? A retrospective data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is one of the main transmission routes of HIV, and the probability of MTCT can be dramatically reduced with comprehensive interventions. In southwest and western regions in China, the level of development in rural areas is relatively backwards and retains some original features, which also increases the difficulty of controlling infectious diseases. The Liangshan Prefecture started the prevention of MTCT programme in 2009. However, the implementation of the programme is not ideal, and the coverage of HIV testing is still low. Many Yi (local major ethnicity) women did not take antenatal care (ANC) and just gave birth to their babies at home for a variety of reasons. METHODS: Women with pregnancy history in the last 5 years were recruited from two townships based on cluster sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. Descriptive analysis was performed to describe demographic characteristics, history of pregnancy and ANC uptake, knowledge of and attitudes towards ANC. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with uptake of ANC. RESULTS: Among 538 women who completed the questionnaires, 77.9% knew that ANC was necessary during and after pregnancy. However, only 24.2% actually accessed ANC. Almost all women (94.6%) expressed their willingness to receive ANC for pregnancy but barriers towards actual uptake of ANC existed including shyness, lack of independence and unavoidable cost. Multivariate analysis showed that no experience of living outside of Zhaojue for more than 6 months, higher number of births, not knowing the necessity of ANC during pregnancy and not knowing the government's promotion policies for ANC were associated with lack of ANC uptake. CONCLUSION: Although ethnic minority women in rural Liangshan expressed strong intention to use ANC, actual uptake of ANC was low. Knowledge of ANC and HIV prevention for MTCT should be improved among this population, and efforts should be made to help them overcome barriers to accessing ANC.

Proteomic Assessment of iTRAQ-Based NaoMaiTong in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in Rats.

BACKGROUND: NaoMaiTong (NMT) is widely used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia but the molecular details of its beneficial effects remain poorly characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we used iTRAQ using 2D LC-MS/MS technology to investigate the cellular mechanisms governing the protective effects of NMT. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was established and evaluated. The degree of cerebral ischemia was assessed through scoring for nerve injury symptoms and through the assessment of the areas of cerebral infarction. Brain tissues were subjected to analysis by iTRAQ. High-pH HPLC and RSLC-MS/MS analysis were performed to detect differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the treatment groups (Sham, MCAO, and NMT). Bioinformatics were employed for data analysis and DEPs were validated by western blot. RESULTS: The results showed that NMT offers protection to the neurological damage caused by MCAO and was found to reduce the areas of cerebral infarction. We detected 3216 DEPs via mass spectrometry. Of these proteins, 21 displayed altered expression following NMT intervention. These included DEPs involved in translation, cell cycle regulation, cellular nitrogen metabolism, and stress responses. Pathway analysis revealed seven key DEPs that were enriched in ribosomal synthesis pathways, tight junction formation, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. According to protein-protein interaction analysis, RPL17, Tuba, and Rac1 were affected by NMT treatment, which was validated by western blot analysis. DISCUSSION: We therefore identify new pharmacodynamic mechanisms of NMT for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke. These DEPs reveal new targets to prevent ischemic stroke induced neuronal damage.

Dynamic development of metabolic syndrome and its risk prediction in Chinese population: a longitudinal study using Markov model.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), there is a need to track and predict the development of MS. In this study, we established a Markov model to explore the natural history and predict the risk of MS. METHODS: A total of 21,777 Chinese individuals who had at least two consecutive health check-ups between 2010 and 2015 were studied. MS was defined using the Chinese Diabetes Society criteria. Twelve metabolic abnormal states (the no component state, four isolated component states, six 2-component states, and the MS state) were contained in each Markov chain. The transition probability was the mean of five probabilities for the transition between any two states in 2 consecutive years. RESULTS: The dyslipidemia or overweight/obesity components were most likely to initiate the progress of MS in individuals aged 18-49. However, for individuals over 50 years old, the most likely initiating component of MS was dyslipidemia or hypertension. People who initially had dyslipidemia were most likely to develop the combined state of dyslipidemia with overweight/obesity before the age of 50, but after 50 years of age, the state of dyslipidemia merged with hypertension was the most common. Subjects (with the exception of males over 50 years of age who initially had an isolated state of hyperglycemia) who initially had an isolated state of overweight/obesity, hypertension, or hyperglycemia were most likely to develop a combination of one of these initial states with dyslipidemia. Males who initially had isolated hyperglycemia tended to develop hypertension after age 50. There was a greater chance for subjects who initially had an isolated hyperglycemia state or 2-component state that contained hyperglycemia to develop MS within 10 years compared to those who initially had other abnormal metabolic states. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of MS primarily began with overweight/obesity or dyslipidemia in people aged 18-49. However, for those over 50 years old, MS primarily initiated under the conditions of dyslipidemia or hypertension. When MS started under the conditions of overweight/obesity, hypertension or hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia tended to occur next. People who initially had isolated hyperglycemia or a 2-component state that contained hyperglycemia had a higher risk of developing MS than those with other initiating states.

Quality assessment of crude and processed Arecae semen based on colorimeter and HPLC combined with chemometrics methods.

Raw Arecae Semen, the seed of Areca catechu L., as well as Arecae Semen Tostum and Arecae semen carbonisata are traditionally processed by stir-baking for subsequent use in a variety of clinical applications. These three Arecae semen types, important Chinese herbal drugs, have been used in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. In this study, the sensory technologies of a colorimeter and sensitive validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection were employed to discriminate raw Arecae semen and its processed drugs. The color parameters of the samples were determined by a colorimeter instrument CR-410. Moreover, the fingerprints of the four alkaloids of arecaidine, guvacine, arecoline and guvacoline were surveyed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, Student's t test, the analysis of variance, fingerprint similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, factor analysis and Pearson's correlation test were performed for final data analysis. The results obtained demonstrated a significant color change characteristic for components in raw Arecae semen and its processed drugs. Crude and processed Arecae semen could be determined based on colorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled with chemometrics methods for a comprehensive quality evaluation.

Quality assessment of crude and processed ginger by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics.

A sensitive, simple, and validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry detection method was developed for three ginger-based traditional Chinese herbal drugs, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizome Preparatum, and Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata. Chemometrics methods, such as principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and analysis of variance, were also employed in the data analysis. The results clearly revealed significant differences among Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizome Preparatum, and Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata, indicating variations in their chemical compositions during the processing, which may elucidate the relationship of the thermal treatment with the change of the constituents and interpret their different clinical uses. Furthermore, the sample consistency of Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizome Preparatum, and Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata can also be visualized by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry analysis followed by principal component analysis/hierarchical cluster analysis. The comprehensive strategy of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis coupled with chemometrics should be useful in quality assurance for ginger-based herbal drugs and other herbal medicines.

Intimate partner violence against women in Nepal: an analysis through individual, empowerment, family and societal level factors.

BACKGROUND: The current study estimated the national prevalence rate of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in Nepal. Besides, the individual level, empowerment level, family and societal level factors were assessed to relate with the victims of IPAVW in Nepal. METHODS: Nationally representative sample of 4210 women of reproductive age (15-49 yr) were included in the study. Household surveys using two stage sampling procedures, face to face interview with pre-tested questionnaires were performed. Emotional, physical and sexual violence were target variables. A violence variable was constructed from these three types of violence. Individual level factors were measured by age, residency, education, religion and husband's education. Empowerment factors included employment status and various decision making elements. Family and societal factors included economic status, neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage index, history of family violence, husband's controlling behavior and other issues. Cross tabulation with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were employed. RESULTS: Prevalence of emotional IPVAW was 17.5%, physical IPAVW 23.4% and sexual IPAVW 14.7%. Overall the prevalence of IPVAW in Nepal was 32.4%. Joint decision making for contraception, husband's non-controlling behavior to wives and friendly feelings were emerged as less likely to be IPVAW perpetration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have immense policy importance as a nationally representative study and indicating necessity of more gender equality.

Description and prediction of the development of metabolic syndrome in Dongying City: a longitudinal analysis using the Markov model.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is increasingly becoming a major worldwide clinical and public health issue. Thus it is extremely important to study the history of MS and search for the most likely component contributing to start the cascade of confusions of MS. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort was involved which included the data of 7510 individuals who had at least two routine health check-ups in a six-year follow-up. Based on the data, a Markov model with each chain containing seven states (no component state, four isolated states, 2-component state, and MS state) was built. Annual transition probability was the mean of five probabilities for the transition between the given states between each pair of consecutive years. RESULTS: The transition probabilities from the no component state to MS were higher in men than that in women in four age groups. In the young people (men <60 years and women <50 years), the probabilities to the overweight or obesity state and dyslipidemia state were the first two biggest probabilities in transition from no component to the rest six states. However, in the elderly population, the probabilities to hypertension state and 2-component state increased, even surpassed the above two states. The individuals initiating with 2-component states and the isolated hyperglycemia state were more likely to develop MS than the others. CONCLUSIONS: The Markov model was able to give a better description of the evolutionary history of MS, and to predict the future course based on past evidence. The occurrence of the MS process mostly began with overweight or obesity and dyslipidemia in young people. In the elderly population, many individuals initiating with hypertension or 2 components besides the above two states. Individuals with the isolated hyperglycemia had greater chances to develop MS than other isolated MS' components.

[Assessment of the quality of clinical therapeutic research published in Chinese Journal of Pediatrics].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methodological qualities of clinical therapeutic research papers published in Chinese Journal of Pediatrics and find out the weaknesses and defects in the literature of clinical therapeutic research in China. METHODS: The clinical therapeutic research articles from Chinese Journal of Pediatrics, which were published in the years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2009, 2010 and 2011, were analyzed manually, after dividing into randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomized controlled trials. The methodological quality of RCT articles were evaluated by Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) and Jadad scale, while non-RCT reports were assessed by specific evaluation standard criteria and analytical table. And the group A (1999 - 2001) and group B (2009 - 2011) of the quality documents were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventeen RCTs were included. Based on the items in the CONSORT statement, the reporting quality of sample size determination, demographic baseline, random principle, blinding, lost to follow-up were all lower than 50%. Fourteen (82.4%) in the 17 RCTs mentioned 'eligibility criteria for participants', 11 (64.7%) RCTs mentioned 'details of the interventions', 15 (88.2%) RCTs mentioned 'adverse effects'. Compared with RCT reports in the year of 1999, 2000 and 2001, the methodological qualities of those in 2009, 2010 and 2011 were not improved. In the 17 RCTs, the total score achieved based on the Jadad scale, only 11.8% (2 out of 17) were high-quality trials (≥ 3 points). Analysis of the 28 non-RCTs, which were included and assessed by evaluation criteria and evaluation table, also showed some disadvantages on some key items. CONCLUSIONS: The methodological quality of clinical therapeutic research reports should be consistent with the standards of international evaluation, pediatric clinicians should improve know ledge in clinical epidemiology, clinical trial methodology, and improve the quality of research reports.

Safe communities in China as a strategy for injury prevention and safety promotion programmes in the era of rapid economic growth.

Due to its rapid economic development, China is facing a huge health, social, and economic burden resulting from injuries. The study's objective was to examine Safe Communities in China as a strategy for injury prevention and safety promotion programmes in the era of rapid economic growth. Literature searches in English and Chinese, which included grey literature, were performed on the Chinese Journal Full-text Search System and Medline, using the words "Safe Community", "injury", "economics", and "prevention". The results showed that the existing 35 recognized members of the International Safe Community Network have not placed due emphasis on suicide prevention, which is one of the leading problems in both rural and urban China. A few groups, such as children, the elderly, cyclists, and pedestrians, have received due emphasis, while other vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers, motorcyclists, students, players, and farmers have not received the necessary attention from the Safe Community perspective. As the evidence describes, Safe Communities in China can be a very effective strategy for injury prevention, but four aspects need to be strengthened in the future: (1) establish and strengthen the policy and regulations in terms of injury prevention at the national level; (2) create a system to involve professional organizations and personnel in projects; (3) consider the economic development status of different parts of China; and (4) intentional injury prevention should receive greater attention.