Preparation and structural characteristics of polysaccharides from loquat peel waste, and their preliminary bioactivities.

BACKGROUND: Loquat peel, often as food waste, is a valuable source of bioactive polysaccharides. However, study of such polysaccharides is insufficient, leaving a significant gap in understanding their preparation, structure and bioactivities. RESULTS: In this study, three types of loquat peel polysaccharides (LPWP, LPHP and LPNP) were sequentially extracted using hot water, HCl and NaOH solutions, respectively. Among them, LPWP was the purest, with a yield of 3.4% and molecular weight of 470.6 kDa, and it differed from LPHP and LPNP in structure, as evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated that LPWP consisted of more arabinose (Ara) but less galacturonic acid, rhamnose and galactose, with molar percentages of 71.3%, 23.3%, 3.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Besides, LPWP also exhibited superior antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities in vitro, particularly in inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed that LPWP was a methyl-esterified pectic polysaccharide rich in branched arabinan, as evidenced by the notable proportion of α-Ara residues, including T-α-Araf, 1,5-α-Araf and 1,2,3,5-α-Araf, with molar percentages of 27.1%, 23.1% and 10.2%, respectively. AFM imaging further revealed its branched-chain morphology and aggregation behavior. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of loquat peel polysaccharides as a bioactive ingredient with significant antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties, particularly LPWP, which was found as a methyl-esterified pectic polysaccharide with abundant-branched arabinan. Our work provides valuable insights into the application of loquat peel polysaccharides in functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Association between screen time and self-reported balance disorders in middle-aged and older adults: national health and nutrition examination survey.

BACKGROUND: Balance disorders can give rise to sensations of instability, lightheadedness, vertigo, disequilibrium, or syncope, ultimately leading to grave medical, physical, emotional, and societal ramifications. These conditions are highly prevalent among individuals aged 40 and above. Screen time encompasses activities associated with television viewing, video game playing, and non-work-related computer usage. Prolonged screen exposure may engender a spectrum of health issues and even elevate overall mortality rates. However, the available evidence on the potential link between excessive screen time and balance dysfunction remains limited. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to explore the possible association between prolonged screen exposure and impaired balance function. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from participants who completed a comprehensive questionnaire in the NHANES database between 1999 and 2002, all of whom were aged over 40 and under 85 years. Participants' screen time was categorized into two groups (< 4 h/d and ≥4 h/d) for subsequent data analysis. Logistic regression, combined with propensity score matching (PSM), was employed to investigate the correlation between screen time and balance disorders. RESULTS: A total of 5176 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising 2,586 men and 2,590 women, with a prevalence rate of balance disorders at 25.7% (1331/5176). The incidence of balance disorders was found to be significantly higher among individuals who spent 4 hours or more per day on screen time compared to those with less screen time (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis conducted on the unmatched cohort revealed a significant association between screen time and balance disorders, with an odds ratio (OR) 1.8 (95%CI 1.57 ∼ 2.05). These findings remained consistent even after adjusting for confounding factors, yielding an OR 1.43 (95%CI 1.24 ∼ 1.66). Moreover, the association persisted when employing various multivariate analyses such as propensity score matching adjusted model, standardized mortality ratio weighting model and pairwise algorithmic model; all resulting in ORs ranging from 1.38 to 1.43 and p-values < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for all covariates, screen time (watching TV, playing video games, and using computers outside of work) was associated with balance dysfunction among middle-aged and older adults. This finding may offer a possible idea for the prevention of dizziness and balance disorders. Nevertheless, additional research is imperative to further validate these results.

[Special culture mediums of breeding clones of Dendrobium officinale].

The explants were obtained from stem segments of hybrid combination of Dendrobium officinale germplasms (Zhejiang Yandang Mountain x Yunnan Guangnan). The screened culture mediums for buds induction and multiplication, which were 1/2MS + IBA 1.0 mg x L(-1) +6-BA 1.0 mg x L(-1) and 1/2MS + IBA 1.5 mg x L(-1) +6-BA 0.5 mg x L(-1) respectively, were applied to 159 germplasms of D. officinale from Zhejiang, Yunnan, Guangxi, Hunan, etc. The medium for axillary buds induction had universality with 94.3% induction rate. During buds multiplication, there were significant differences in proliferation effect among germplasms, and three proliferation forms i.e. single bud, multiple buds and protocorm were differentiated from different germplasms. The results showed that different germplasms of D. officinale had specific requirements for culture medium. Therefore, developing special culture medium for breeding clones of D. officinale is urgent and has important application values.

[Event-related potentials P(300) with memory function in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the variability of event-related potentials P(300) and memory function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS). METHODS: Polysomnography (PSG) event-related potentials (ERPs) P(300) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) were detected in 30 subjects with OSAS and 20 normal controls. RESULTS: The memory quotient [(86 ± 13) scores] in the OSAS group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The latency of P(300) [(410 ± 80) ms at Cz and (409 ± 80) ms at Pz] in the OSAS group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P < 0.01). In the OSAS group, the latency of P(300) was correlated negatively with the memory quotient and nocturnal hypoxemia, but positively with apea/hypopnea index (AHI, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: OSAS has memory deficit, which can be evaluated comprehensively by P(300) and WMS. The longer latency of P(300) might be regarded as one of the electrophysiological markers to indicate the severity of cognition in OSAS. Recurrent attacks of nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia may cause the regional brain damage related to cognition defect.

[Antitumour effect of total saponins of Rubus parvifolius on malignant melanoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antitumor effect of total saponins of R. parvifolius on malignant melanoma. METHOD: The human malignant melanoma A375 cells were regularlly subcultured in vitro, and were divided into five groups contained positive control group (CTX), high concentration (0.01 mg x mL(-1)) and middle concentration (0.001 mg x mL(-1)) and low concentration (0.000 1 mg x mL(-1)) total saponins of R. parvifolius groups and negative control group. By using MTT colorimetric method, the cell viability was measured. B16 melanoma cells were transplanted to mice, which were divided into positive control group, high dose (100 mg x kg(-1)) and middle dose (50 mg x kg(-1)) and low dose (25 mg x kg(-1)) total saponins of R. parvifolius groups and negative control group. The inhibition effect of the tumor in vivo, mean survival time and rate of life-elongation of the mice were observed. TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptosis of B16 malignant melanoma. RESULT: Antitumor assay in vitro showed that the absorbency increased in the concentration of 0.01, 0.001 mg x mL(-1) with statistical significance (P < 0.05 vs negative control). Antitumor assay in vivo showed that the tumor inhibitory rate of high dose (100 mg x kg(-1)) and middle dose (50 mg x kg(-1)) of total saponins of R. parvifolius were 37.02% and 30.61%, respectively. Loaded tumor mouse survival duration could be prolonged. The apoptosis indexes of B16 tumor cells in three treatment groups were 32.5%, 20.5% and 5.5%, respective and there was statistical significance (P < 0.05 vs negative control). CONCLUSION: The total saponins of R. parvifolius has remarkable inhibition of proliferation of malignant melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro and exerts antitumor activities through promoting tumor cell apoptosis.

[The application of transcranial Doppler in the evaluation of brain function in deeply comatose patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the cerebral blood flow changes in irreversible comatose patients and investigate the correlation between the results of transcranial Doppler (TCD) and clinical evaluation of brain function. METHODS: TCD studies were performed in 92 patients who were excluded from the possibility of reversible coma and all of them had Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. Their brain stem reflections all disappeared. Detection of the blood flow in bilateral middle cerebral arteries was carried out through temporal window in all the patients and in 42 of the 92 cases the blood flow of the basilar artery was detected through occipital or peri-occipital window. Bilateral middle cerebral artery were taken as the main arteries for evaluation. The positive standard is the appearance of one of the following characteristic blood flow, i.e. brief systolic forward flow or systolic spikes and diastolic reverse flow, brief systolic forward flow or systolic spikes and no diastolic flow and no detectable flow signals. The examination was repeated after 12 h. RESULTS: 68 cases were positive in the initial examination (73.9%) and 74 cases were positive after 12 h (80.4%). CONCLUSION: TCD can be an effective and objective index in the evaluation of irreversible termination of brain function.

[Sex differences in brain stem auditory evoked potentials and P300 examination in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sex differences on brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and P300 in the elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Thirty-eight elderly patients with MCI, 26 cases of AD and 20 health controls (HC) were examined with BAEP, P300 . Sex difference of the variables was compared inter-and intra-groups. RESULTS: Significant sex differences of BAEP were found in the latency period wave III, V of left side in the MCI group (P <0.01), in the latency period wave IV, V of left side in HC group (P<0.01), and no such differences were found in AD group. The females had longer latency period in P300 measurement than males in MCI group (P <0.01), but there were no significant differences within AD or HC groups. The males showed significant differences in wave I, II in left side between the MCI and AD groups. The males also showed significant difference in wave I, III approximate, equals V in left side, wave IV in right side between AD and HC groups, and so did the females in wave I approximate, equals V in both sides. The males had significant difference in the left wave III, IV and right wave I, IV, V between MCI and HC groups, and so did the females in right side wave I, II, V. In P300, longer latency waves were found in AD group than in MCI group. Both sexes showed significant differences in the latency of Fz, Cz, Pz between AD and HC groups, but no significant differences were found in the latency of Fz, Cz, Pz in the females between the MCI and HC groups. CONCLUSION: Sex differences were found in the examination of both BAEP and P300 in MCI group, but not in AD group. The people of same sex have different expression of BAEP and P300 among MCI, AD and HC groups, suggesting the sex difference should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

[Dynamical examination of auditory event-related potentials P300 and sympathetic skin response in people with insomia of Sweet Dream Capsule therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of auditory event-related potentials (P300) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) in people with insomia of Sweet Dream Capsule therapy. METHODS: 30 patients meeting criteria for primary insomnia and 30 healthy volunteers with age matching controls were selected for the study. P300 and SSR were measured before treatment of Sweet Dream Capsule and at week 4 , 8 of the therapeutic course. That the change of P300 and SSR before and after treatment and their relations with PSQI were studied. RESULT: Compared with those of normal controls, both P300 latency and SSR latency were prolonged while amplitude was decreased in patients with insomnia (P < 0.01). P300 amplitude was increased significantly at central (Cz) electrode sites only at week 8 when compared with amplitude before treatment (P < 0.05). With improvement of symptom and PSQI scores, latency and amplitude of SSR were improved at week 4 and week 8 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) . CONCLUSION: P300 has a some improvement in people with insomia of Sweet Dream Capsule therapy while SSR im proves significantly, and PSQI scores are ameliorated too.

MRS study on lentiform nucleus in idiopathic Parkinson's disease with unilateral symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of lentiform nucleus during the early stage of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease with unilateral symptoms (IPDUS) and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. MRS of the lentiform nucleus in each patient was taken and then concentrations of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), Creatine (Cr) and Choline (Cho) were calculated. RESULTS: Compared to that in the control, NAA/ (Cho+Cr) was significantly lower in the lentiform nucleus contralateral to symptoms and even that in the ipsilateral side in IPDUS patients (all P<0.05); while there was no difference between the two sides in the healthy volunteer (P>0.05). The ratio of NAA/(Cho+Cr) ipsilateral to the sympatomatic side of the patient was also lower than that of the control (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There might be some changes with MRS on the lentiform nucleus during the early stage of idiopathic Parkinson's disease with unilateral symptom. MRS may be one of the reliable methods for early or even sub-clinical diagnosis.

[The role of dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus in the cardiovascular responses induced by habenular nucleus stimulation and inhibitory effect of deep peroneal nerve].

AIM: To explore whether dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) is involved in the cardiovascular responses induced by habenular nucleus (Hb) stimulation and inhibitory effect of deep peroneal nerve (DPN) stimulation on above responses or not and to analysis transmitter mechanism. METHODS: Experiments were performed on white male rabbits anesthetised with chloralose and urethan. Experimental data were collected by means of stimulating Hb and DPN, recording arterial blood pressure and ectal electrocardiogram (EECG) and microinjecting transmitter blocker. RESULTS: Prominent pressor and ischemic EECG segment changes were elicited by Hb stimulation (P < 0.01) Microinjecting kynurenic acid into ipsilateral DMH had partial blocking effect on pressor and ischemic EECG-ST segment changes induced by Hb stimulation (P < 0.01). Stimulation of bilateral DPN prominently inhibited the pressor and ischemic EECG-ST changes induced by Hb stimulation (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Microinjecting naloxone into ipsilateral DMH decreased the inhibitory effect of DPN stimulation on above cardiovascular responses elicited by Hb stimulation (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Glutamic acid receptor in DMH is involved in pressor and ischemic changes induced by Hb stimulation. DMH and opiate peptide receptors in DMH are involved in the inhibitory effect of DPN stimulation on pressor and ischemic changes induced by Hb stimulation.