Wallace melon juice fermented with Lactobacillus alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through modulating gut microbiota and the metabolism.

Fermented foods have shown promise in preventing or treating ulcerative colitis (UC) via regulating intestinal flora and correcting metabolic disorders. However, the prevention effect of fermented Wallace melon juice (FMJ) on UC is unclear. In this study, the effects of FMJ on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC were investigated via 16S rRNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics. The results showed that FMJ was effective in alleviating the symptoms of UC, reducing histological damage and oxidative stress, decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. After FMJ treatment, the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid increased by 14.1%, 44.4%, and 52.4% compared to DSS-induced UC mice. Meanwhile, the levels of harmful bacteria such as Oscillospira, Bacteroidetes, and Erysipelotrichaceae and Clostridium decreased, while the levels of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium increased. Fecal metabolomics analysis identified 31 differential metabolites, which could regulate metabolic disorders in UC mice by controlling the primary bile acid biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway. Additionally, the abundances of butyric acid, bile acids, and pantothenic acid were positively correlated with Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and other beneficial bacteria (R2 > 0.80, p < 0.01). The results indicated that FMJ played a role in regulating the structure of intestinal flora, which in turn helped in repairing metabolic disorders and alleviated colitis inflammation.

Effect of mixed fermentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus on phytochemical and flavor characteristics of Wallace melon juice.

BACKGROUND: Melons (Cucumis melo L.) are among the most commonly consumed fruits but they are highly susceptible to mechanical damage and rot during storage and transportation. New processed products are needed to avoid postharvest fruit loss and to increase health benefits. Fermentation is an effective means of utilizing the nutrients and improving flavor. RESULTS: Fermented melon juice (MJ) was prepared using three potential probiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CICC21824 (LP), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GB3-2 (LG), and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus XZ-34 (LX). The nutrition, flavor characteristics, and digestive properties of different fermented MJs were compared. The results demonstrated that, in comparison with mono-fermentation, mixed fermentation by LG and LX could increase the level of organic acids and phenolic acids. Correspondingly, antioxidant capacity was improved significantly and positively correlated with p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid content. The production of alcohols and acids was more strongly enhanced by mixed culture fermentation, whereas mono-fermentation reduced the content of esters, especially ethyl acetate and isopropyl acetate. Aldehydes and ketones increased significantly in fermented MJ, and damascenone and heptanal could be the characteristic aroma compounds. CONCLUSION: Mixed fermented MJ provides more beneficial phytochemicals, better flavor, and stronger antioxidant properties than mono-fermentation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

D-pinitol ameliorated H2O2-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells and prolonged the lifespan by IIS pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

D-pinitol (DP) has been extensively regarded as the main active component of legumes for anti-aging. In this study, we intended to explore the anti-aging mechanism of DP, utilizing computer modeling techniques. The results demonstrated that DP significantly delayed H2O2-induced cellular senescence. Model PC12 cells treated with DP exhibited increased cell viability, increased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT), and reduced ROS and MDA levels. Furthermore, DP was discovered to have a positive effect on healthy longevity. In C. elegans, DP treatment enhanced lifespan, stress capacity, antioxidant capacity (T-SOD/CAT/GSH-Px/MDA/ROS), and altered aging-related indicators of lipofuscin accumulation, pharyngeal pump rate, motility, and reproduction. Moreover, DP could reduce the toxicity Aß in transgenic C. elegans CL4176, CL2355, and CL2331. Further mechanistic studies indicated DP increased transcription factor (daf-16, skn-1, hsf-1) expression of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. As expected, DP also extended the downstream target genes of the three transcription factors (sod-3, ctl-1, ctl-2, gst-4, hsp-16.1, and hsp-16.2). Further mutant lifespan experiments, network pharmacology, and molecular docking revealed that DP might be life-extending through the IIS pathway. DP deserves extensive investigation and development as a potential anti-aging drug in the future.

Hyperoside Prevents Aß42-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Traditional Chinese medicines such as hyperoside-rich Acanthopanax senticosus and Crataegus pinnatifida have been confirmed to exhibit anti-oxidative stress properties. Hyperoside, the main ingredient of numerous antioxidant herbs, may have the ability to postpone the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigates the possible therapeutic mechanism of hyperoside as a natural antioxidant against Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Caenorhabditis elegans and PC12 cells. Specifically, hyperoside reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and Aß42-induced neurotoxicity in C. elegans worms. Meanwhile, hyperoside reduced ROS production and increased mitochondrial membrane potentialin Aß42-induced PC12 cells, which possibly due to the increase of antioxidant enzymes activity and the diminution of malondialdehyde levels. Hoechst 33,342 staining and flow cytometry analysis results suggested that hyperoside reverses cell apoptosis. Network pharmacology predicts potentially relevant hyperoside targets and pathways in AD therapy. As anticipated, hyperoside reversed Aß42-stimulated downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 partially abolished the protective capability of hyperoside. The results of molecular docking further indicated that the PI3K/Akt pathways may be involved in the protection of Aß42-induced PC12 cells by hyperoside treatment. The study provides theoretical information for research and development of hyperoside as an antioxidant dietary supplement.

Structural characterization of different starch-fatty acid complexes and their effects on human intestinal microflora.

Resistant starch type 5 (RS5), a starch-lipid complex, exhibited potential health benefits in blood glucose and insulin control due to the low digestibility. The effects of the crystalline structure of starch and chain length of fatty acid on the structure, in vitro digestibility, and fermentation ability in RS5 were investigated by compounding (maize, rice, wheat, potato, cassava, lotus, and ginkgo) of different debranched starches with 12-18C fatty acid (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids), respectively. The complex showed a V-type structure, formed by lotus and ginkgo debranched starches, and fatty acid exhibited a higher short-range order and crystallinity, and lower in vitro digestibility than others due to the neat interior structure of more linear glucan chains. Furthermore, a fatty acid with 12C (lauric acid)-debranched starches complexes had the highest complex index among all complexes, which might be attributed to the activation energy required for complex formation increased with the lengthening of the lipid carbon chain. Therefore, the lotus starch-lauric acid complex (LS12) exhibited remarkable ability in intestinal flora fermentation to produce short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs), reducing intestinal pH, and creating a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria.

Wolfberry water extract attenuates blue light-emitting diode damage to ARPE-19 cells and mouse retina by activating the NRF2 signaling pathway.

The wolfberry is believed to improve eyesight in traditional Chinese medicine. Soaking wolfberry in thermos cups has become a common health-preserving practice. The object of this paper was to research the protective effects of wolfberry water extract (WWE) on oxidative injury induced by blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in ARPE-19 cells and C57BL/6J mice. Wolfberry water extract significantly increased cell viability, reduced ROS production, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited apoptosis in blue LED-induced cells (P < 0.05). The protective effects of WWE against blue LED-induced cytotoxicity and ROS accumulation in cells were abolished by transfection with Nrf2 siRNA. In blue LED-exposed C57BL/6J mice, WWE treatment markedly increased the amplitudes of electroretinogram (ERG) waves a and b, increased the thickness of retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL), activated endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and decreased MDA levels in the retina and lens. WWE also promoted NRF2 translocation and the expression of the downstream genes Ho-1, Nqo1, Gclc, and Gclm in the retina. The protection of WWE in ERG a and b wave amplitudes and ROS levels were abrogated in Nrf2 knockout mice. These results suggested that WWE has beneficial effects on retinal injury induced by blue LED, and mechanisms of action at least partly via the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Fabrication, characterization, and lipid-lowering effects of naringenin-zein-sodium caseinate-galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles.

Naringenin is a natural flavonoid that is widely distributed in citrus fruits and pharmacologically demonstrated to licit lipid-lowering activity. However, the clinical relevance of naringenin is limited due to its poor water solubility and inefficient absorption. In this study, we designed and developed naringenin-zein-sodium caseinate-galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles (GC-NPs) for hepatocyte-specific targeting, with naringenin-zein-sodium caseinate-chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) as a control. Electrostatic adsorption was the primary binding mode in the GC-NPs and CS-NPs. Moreover, the particle size and zeta potential of GC-NPs were larger than those of CS-NPs and both types of nanoparticles had similar encapsulation rates. In vitro study experiments demonstrated that GC-NPs aggregated inside and outside of the cell membrane and significantly inhibited total triglyceride and cholesterol levels in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells (p < 0.05). In high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice, GC-NPs administration visibly improved the body weight, total cholesterol, and triglyceride content in the serum and liver, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels improved, which corresponded to liver histological results. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that GC-NPs exhibited higher lipid-lowering activity than CS-NPs and naringenin monomers. These results suggest that GC-NPs are effective for oral delivery of naringenin in lipid-lowering therapies.

Black rice anthocyanin extract enhances the antioxidant capacity in PC12 cells and improves the lifespan by activating IIS pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Black rice is rich in anthocyanins, and the antioxidant effect of anthocyanins is recognized by consumers. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant activity of black rice anthocyanin extract (BRAE) in PC12 cells and C. elegans. Results showed that BRAE increased antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde in PC12 cells induced by H2O2. Meanwhile, BRAE extended the lifespan, enhanced resistance to stress, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced lipofuscin, ROS, and MDA accumulation in wild-type C. elegans. The polyQ40 aggregation in AM141, paralysis in CL4176, and chemotaxis deficit in CL2355 were alleviated by BRAE administration. BRAE downregulated the mRNA expression of age-1 and daf-2, while upregulated the daf-16 mRNA level and SOD-3, CTL-1, and GST-4 protein expression. Mutational lifespan tests and molecular docking showed that insulin pathway might be involved in the mechanism of lifespan extension.

Hawthorn fruit extract ameliorates H2O2-induced oxidative damage in neuronal PC12 cells and prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via the IIS signaling pathway.

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) fruit has a long history of use as traditional Chinese medicine and is shown to have many health benefits including antioxidant and anti-aging. In this study, the anti-aging mechanism of hawthorn fruit extract (HFE) is predicted by network pharmacology and further verified in H2O2-induced PC12 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. Network pharmacology predicted that the antiaging mechanism of HFE is mainly involved in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IIS) signaling pathway. HFE significantly improved cell viability, increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased lactate dehydrogenase release, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde content in H2O2-induced PC12 cells (p < 0.05). HFE significantly increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 28.43% (100 µg mL-1) and enhanced the stress resistance to H2O2, paraquat, juglone, ultraviolet radiation, and heat shock. HFE also suppressed the accumulation of aging pigments, improved the body bending ability, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced the contents of ROS and malondialdehyde. In addition, relevant gene expression, lifespan experiments with mutant strains, and molecular docking studies supported the results that HFE might extend lifespan through the IIS signal pathway.

Lutein attenuated methylglyoxal-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a cytotoxic byproduct of glycolysis, causes neuro oxidative damage and apoptosis, and plays key roles in diabetic encephalopathy (DE). The goal of this research was to evaluate the roles of lutein attenuated MGO-induced damage in PC12 cells as well as the underlying mechanisms. The findings of this study showed that lutein has a significant impact on reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in MGO-induced PC12 cells, which may be attributed to the increased antioxidant enzymes activity and the decreased MDA levels. Moreover, treatment with lutein also alleviated cell apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed that lutein enhanced the Bcl-2:Bax ratio, inhibited the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and increased the protein level of phosphorylated Akt. The network pharmacology and molecular docking prediction results suggested that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway was a potential mechanism of lutein in DE treatment. Furthermore, LY294002, a specific PI3K inhibitor, partially abolished the protective effect of lutein. These results presented that lutein attenuated oxidative damage and apoptosis triggered by MGO in PC12 cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lutein is a common carotenoid dispersed in fruits and vegetables. This article confirmed a protective effect of lutein on oxidative damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells after MGO damage. These results indicated that lutein could potentially be developed as a nutraceutical or functional food in the prevention of diabetic-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Phlorizin alleviates cholinergic memory impairment and regulates gut microbiota in d-galactose induced mice.

We explored the effect of phlorizin against cholinergic memory impairment and dysbacteriosis in D-galactose induced ICR mice. The control (CON) group, D-galactose model (DGM) group, and three groups (DG-PL, DG-PM, DG-PH) treated with phlorizin at 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% (w/w) in diets were raised for 12 weeks. Supplementing with phlorizin reversed the loss of organ coefficient and body weight caused by D-galactose. The functional abilities of phlorizin on hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation were also observed. Meanwhile, phlorizin intervention upregulated the gene expression of Nrf2, GSH-PX, SOD1, decreased the gene expression of NF-κB, TLR-4, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in the hippocampus, while enhanced the gene expression of JAM-A, Mucin2, Occludin in the caecum. Furthermore, a neurotransmitter of acetylcholine (ACh) was enhanced, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was inhibited by phlorizin administration. Moreover, phlorizin administration increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) levels, which may relate to the rebuilding of gut microbiota homeostasis. Treatment with phlorizin may be an effective intervention for alleviating cognitive decline and gut microbiota dysbiosis.

d-Chiro-Inositol extends the lifespan of male Drosophila melanogaster better than d-Pinitol through insulin signaling and autophagy pathways.

d-Pinitol (DP) is the methylated product of d-Chiro-Inositol (DCI), which is one of the nine isomers of inositol with optical activity. Both substances possess antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to investigate and compare the antioxidant and life-prolonging effects of DCI and DP on male Drosophila melanogaster. Results showed that DCI and DP prolonged the lifespan and improved the climbing, anti-stress, and antioxidant activities. After treatment with DCI and DP, intestinal homeostasis was improved and the abnormal proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) was attenuated. Furthermore, real-time PCR revealed downregulated expression levels of PI3K and Akt and upregulated expression levels of Dilp5 and FOXO, which consequently activated Atg1, Atg5, Atg8a, and Atg8b and increased the number of lysosomes. Altogether, DCI exerts a slightly better effect than DP based on various indicators. RNAi D. melanogaster lifespan and molecular docking results further suggested that DCI and DP could prolong longevity through insulin signaling (IIS) and autophagy pathways.

Loadings of lycopene in emulsion and sodium alginate-K-carrageenan composite systems: Preparation, characterization, bioaccessibility, and kinetics.

This research aims to prepare capsules emulsion using gallic acid (GA), dextran (DEX), bovine serum albumin (BSA), sodium alginate, and K-carrageenan (K-Car) as the biological delivery system of lycopene. The stability and bioaccessibility of lycopene were further improved through encapsulation of covalent complex of sodium alginate and K-Car. The molecular weight distribution and secondary structure of the conjugates were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The storage stability of the emulsion stabilized by conjugates was measured with Turbiscan stability index (TSI) and fluctuation of the particle size. The TSI value of ternary conjugates was 18.7 (37℃) with particle sizes ranging from 208 to 319 nm. Then, the changes of three-dimensional reticulate structures and physical properties of sodium alginate-K were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TPA. The thermal stability of the sodium alginate-K-Car composite systems was increased compared with sodium alginate. The bioaccessibility of lycopene was significantly improved under the dual embedding of BSA-DEX-GA conjugate emulsion and sodium alginate-K-Car composite systems.

The Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Activity of Wheat Germ and Wheat Germ Protein in High-Fat Diet-Induced Rats.

Background: So far, no articles have discussed the hypolipidemic effect of wheat germ protein in in vivo experiments. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effects of wheat germ protein (WGP, 300 mg/kg/day) and wheat germ (WG, 300 mg/kg/day) on cholesterol metabolism, antioxidant activities, and serum and hepatic lipids in rats fed a high-fat diet through gavage. Methodology: We used 4-week-old male Wistar 20 rats in our animal experiment. Biochemical indicators of fecal, serum and liver were tested by kits or chemical methods. We also conducted the cholesterol micellar solubility experiment in vitro. Results: After 28 days of treatment, our results showed that WGP significantly reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), improved the enzymatic activities of cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (p < 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (p < 0.01) and increased bile acid excretion in feces (p < 0.05). Conclusion: WG did not significantly increase bile acid excretion in feces or decrease serum levels of total cholesterol. Moreover, WGP and WG both presented significant antioxidant activity in vivo (p < 0.05) and caused a significant reduction in cholesterol micellar solubility in vitro (p < 0.001). Therefore, WGP may effectively prevent hyperlipidemia and its complications as WGP treatment enhanced antioxidant activity, decreased the concentration of serum lipids and improved the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism.

Naringenin prolongs lifespan and delays aging mediated by IIS and MAPK in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Naringenin (NN) is one of the most abundant flavonoids in citrus and grapefruits and has been shown to have antioxidant properties in vitro. The purpose of the study is to examine the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of NN in C. elegans, and to further explore the molecular mechanism. The results showed that NN enhanced the lifespan under normal and oxidative stress induced by H2O2. After treatment with NN, locomotion capability was improved and aging pigment accumulation was suppressed. NN also delayed the paralysis and reversed the defective chemotaxis behavior induced by Aß protein. Meanwhile, the treatment with NN enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The possible targets and pathways interacting with NN were predicted by network pharmacology. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that NN upregulated the expression levels of daf-16, sek-1 and skn-1, downregulated the expression levels of daf-2, age-1 and akt-1, and further activated sod-3, ctl-1, ctl-2, gst-4 and mtl-1. Moreover, the selected mutant strains were used and molecular docking was conducted to further suggest that IIS and MAPK pathways could be involved in the NN-mediated longevity-promoting effect.

Identification of a novel cholesterol-lowering dipeptide, phenylalanine-proline (FP), and its down-regulation of intestinal ABCA1 in hypercholesterolemic rats and Caco-2 cells.

There has been no report about in vivo active cholesterol-lowering dipeptide in any protein origin, despite their potential health benefits. Cattle heart protein hydrolysate ultra-filtrate (HPHU, molecular weight < ca. 1,000 Da peptide mixture) exhibits cholesterol-lowering activity in hypercholesterolemic rats, but the active peptide in HPHU that lowers serum cholesterol levels and its molecular mechanism are unknown. In this study, we separated and purified HPHU to identify a novel cholesterol-lowering dipeptide (phenylalanine-proline, FP) and characterized the mechanism underlying its effects in vivo and in vitro. We identified FP as an active peptide from HPHU by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. FP significantly decreased serum total and non-HDL cholesterol and hepatic cholesterol levels in rats. FP significantly increased serum HDL cholesterol, accompanied by a significant decrease in the atherogenic index. FP also significantly increased fecal cholesterol and acidic steroid excretion. Moreover, FP significantly decreased ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression in the rat jejunum and reduced cholesterol absorption in Caco-2 cells. We found a novel cholesterol-lowering dipeptide FP that could improve cholesterol metabolism via the down-regulation of intestinal ABCA1. The cholesterol-lowering action induced by FP was disappeared in PepT1KO mice. FP-induced cholesterol-lowering action is mediated via PepT1 in mice.

Molecular Mechanism by Which Tea Catechins Decrease the Micellar Solubility of Cholesterol.

Tea polyphenols lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood by decreasing the cholesterol micellar solubility. To clarify this mechanism, the interactions between taurocholic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and its derivatives were investigated. 13C NMR studies revealed remarkable chemical-shift changes for the carbonyl carbon atom and the 1″- and 4″-positions in the galloyl moiety. Furthermore, 1H NMR studies using (-)-EGCg derivatives showed that the number of hydroxyl groups on the B ring did not affect these interactions, whereas the carbonyl carbon atom and the aromatic ring of the galloyl moiety had remarkable effects. The configuration at the 2- and 3-positions of the catechin also influenced these interactions, with the trans-configuration resulting in stronger inhibition activity than the cis-configuration. Additionally, a 1:1 component ratio for the catechin-taurocholic acid complex was determined by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. These molecular mechanisms contribute to the development of cholesterol-absorption inhibitors.

Identification of the active protein in rice bran protein having an inhibitory activity of cholesterol micellar solubility.

In our previous study, rice bran protein (RBP) inhibited cholesterol micellar solubility in vitro and decreased serum cholesterol level in rats. In the present study, RBP was separated and purified by size-exclusion chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography. The active protein of RBP related to cholesterol micellar solubility was identified as lectin and non-specific lipid-transfer protein 1 using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of rice bran protein containing bile acid-binding proteins.

Dietary plant protein is well known to reduce serum cholesterol levels. Rice bran is a by-product of rice milling and is a good source of protein. The present study examined whether feeding rats a high-cholesterol diet containing 10% rice bran protein (RBP) for 10 d affected cholesterol metabolism. Rats fed dietary RBP had lower serum total cholesterol levels and increased excretion of fecal steroids, such as cholesterol and bile acids, than those fed dietary casein. In vitro assays showed that RBP strongly bound to taurocholate, and inhibited the micellar solubility of cholesterol, compared with casein. Moreover, the bile acid-binding proteins of the RBP were eluted by a chromatographic column conjugated with cholic acid, and one of them was identified as hypothetical protein OsJ_13801 (NCBI accession No. EAZ29742) using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic action of the RBP may be caused by the bile acid-binding proteins.