Effect of zein-pectin composite particles on the stability and rheological properties of gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose water-water systems.

To improve the compatibility of gelatin (GA) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), we investigated the effects of zein-pectin composite particles (ZCPs) with various zein/pectin ratios (1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2) on the physical stability, microstructure, and rheological properties of the GA/HPMC water-water systems. With increasing pectin ratio, the particle size of the composite particles increased from 234.53 ± 1.48 nm to 1111.00 ± 26.91 nm, and their zeta potential decreased from 20.60 mV to below -34.77 mV. Macroscopic and microstructure observations indicated that pectin-modified ZCPs could effectively inhibit phase separation behavior between GA and HPMC. Compared to pure HPMC, the GA/HPMC water-water systems possessed a higher viscosity and dynamic modulus at room temperatures but lower gel temperatures (reduction of about 11 %). The viscosity and modulus of the water-water systems increased with increasing pectin ratio in ZCPs. However, the ratio had no impact on the gel-sol (sol-gel) transition temperatures (not statistically significant (P < 0.05)). This study may serve as a reference for advancing the processability of HPMC.

Identification of the Hub Genes Linked to Lead (IV)-Induced Spleen Toxicity Using the Rat Model.

Exposure to lead (Pb) has harmful effects on the organs of both humans and animals, particularly the spleen. However, the precise mechanisms through which Pb (IV) exposure leads to spleen toxicity remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to identify the key genes and signaling pathways involved in spleen toxicity caused by Pb (IV) incubation. We obtained the dataset GSE59925 from the Gene Expression Omnibus, which included spleen samples treated with lead tetraacetate (PbAc4) as well as control samples on the 1st and 5th day. Through differential expression analysis, we identified 607 and 704 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleens on the 1st and 5th day following PbAc4 treatment, respectively, with 245 overlapping DEGs between the two time points. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the commonly shared DEGs were primarily involved in signal transduction, drug response, cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Pathway analysis indicated that the common DEGs were primarily associated with MAPK, TNF, cAMP, Hippo, and TGF-ß signaling pathways. Furthermore, we identified the hub genes such as CXCL10, PARP1, APOE, and VDR contributing to PbAc4-induced spleen toxicity. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Pb (IV) toxicity in the spleen.

Genes and Signaling Pathways Involved in the Regulation of Selenium-Enriched Yeast on Liver Metabolism and Health of Broiler (Gallus gallus).

Selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) plays an important role in the liver health and metabolism of the broiler. However, the mechanism by which it regulates liver metabolism and the health of broilers is largely unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted to elucidate the key genes and signaling pathways involved in regulating SeY in liver metabolism and bird's health. Thus, the mRNA expression microarray, GSE25151, was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GSE25151 consists of liver samples from SeY-treated and the control broilers. Six hundred four differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in livers between SeY-treated and control. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that those DEGs are mainly involved in metabolism-related biological processes, such as biological regulation, molecular processes, responses to stimuli, cell communication and proliferation, and growth. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed the DEGs mainly enriched in metabolism-related signaling pathways, including PI3K, Akt, Wnt, calcium, IGF1 receptor, and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, many genes, such as NMUR1, NMU, and GPRC6A, might contribute to the regulation of SeY to broiler liver metabolism and health. In conclusion, the current study enhances our understanding of the regulation of SeY in liver metabolism and health of the birds and will assist studies of the molecular mechanisms of SeY regulation in chicken liver.

Effects of Sodium Chromate Exposure on Gene Expression Profiles of Primary Rat Hepatocytes (In Vitro).

Chromium exposure has adverse impacts on human health and the environment, whereas chromate-induced hepatotoxicity's detailed mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to reveal the crucial signaling pathways and genes linked to sodium chromate-induced hepatotoxicity. GSE19662, a gene expression microarray, was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Six primary rat hepatocyte (PRH) samples from GSE19662 include sodium chromate-treated (n = 3) and the control PRH samples (n = 3). A total of 2,525 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, especially 962, and 1,563 genes were up- and downregulated in sodium chromate-treated PRHs compared to the control. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that those DEGs were involved in multiple biological processes, including the response to toxic substances, the positive regulation of apoptotic process, lipid and cholesterol metabolic process, and others. Signaling pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly enriched in MAPK, PI3K-Akt, PPAR, AMPK, cellular senescence, hepatitis B, fatty acid biosynthesis, etc. Moreover, many genes, including CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP2C13, CDK1, NDC80, and CCNB1, might contribute to sodium chromate-induced hepatotoxicity. Taken together, this study enhances our knowledge of the potential molecular mechanisms of sodium chromate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Formation, digestion properties, and physicochemical stability of the rice bran oil body carrier system.

Rice bran is a major by-product of rice processing with abundant nutrient content. Oil bodies (OBs), which are fat particles with unique physicochemical stability, are specialized organelles for the storage of oils and fats in plant tissues. In this study, we extracted OBs from rice bran, to evaluate the function of hydrophobic nutrients efficiently delivered by OBs. The carrier system was prepared by sonicating curcumin with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) into rice bran oil bodies (RBOBs). Emulsions comprising different RBOB mass fractions were characterized. The results showed that the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE, 87.67%), optimal particle size (190 nm), and best storage stability were achieved with the 1.5 wt% RBOBs. Based on activity evaluation data, the carrier system can achieve sustained oil release in the intestine and shows high bioaccessibility (61.04%; IC50 in Caco-2 cells was 77.21 µg/mL), which is important for promoting grain by-product utilization.

Improve stability and application of rice oil bodies via surface modification with ferulic acid, (-)-epicatechin, and phytic acid.

Rice bran oil bodies (RBOBs) are one of the most exploited functional components from rice bran by-products and are predominantly based on oleosin stabilization. In this study, we explored the effects of different concentrations of added (-)-epicatechin, ferulic acid, and phytic acid on the RBOBs stability. The results revealed that the incorporation of all three natural phytoconstituents could reduce the RBOBs particle size and increase emulsifying properties, demonstrating increasing surface hydrophobicity (p < 0.05), and a good antioxidant effect, which was especially obvious with (-)-epicatechin incorporation. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy data demonstrated that these three small molecule substance classes can modify with oleosin on RBOBs surface by covalent and noncovalent effects. Raman spectroscopic analysis illustrated that the vibrational modes of disulphide bonds in oleosin were modified by these three plant natural ingredients. The interactions between the three phytoconstituents and the model protein were investigated by molecular docking experiments.

Emerging starch composite nanofibrous films for food packaging: Facile construction, hydrophobic property, and antibacterial activity enhancement.

Polymers synthesized from green resources have many advantages in food packaging and hence their development is very important. Herein, starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous composite films were fabricated by electrospinning technology. Steam-induced cross-linking reaction with glutaraldehyde (GTA) and silver sodium zirconium phosphate (Ag-ZrP) was employed to improve the hydrophobic and antibacterial properties of the constructed nanofibrous films, respectively. The effects of starch/PVA ratio on the micro-morphology and mechanical properties of the binary composite film were investigated. The composite film showed optimal uniformity, bead-free electrospun nanofibers, with enhanced mechanical strength for the 60/40 (v/v) starch/PVA composite. Moreover, the crystallinity of PVA was reduced during the electrospinning process, whereas the introduction of PVA strengthened the hydrogen interactions and improved the thermal stability of the composite films. After the cross-linking with GTA, the starch/PVA films became more hydrophobic. Furthermore, the starch/PVA films embedded with Ag-ZrP had outstanding antibacterial property against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This work demonstrated the potential prospects of electrospun starch nanofibrous films in the food packaging field.

Effects of chronic hypoxia on the gene expression profile in the embryonic heart in three Chinese indigenous chicken breeds (Gallus gallus).

Hypoxia exposure (HE) has adverse impacts on the embryonic development of chicken, whereas the mechanism underlying the response of the heart to HE during embryo development in birds is still unclear. Therefore, our study was designed to reveal the hub genes and the signaling pathways linked to chronic hypoxia stress. Thus, the gene expression microarray GSE12675, downloaded from the GEO database, included 12 embryonic heart samples in hypoxia and normoxia of three Chinese indigenous chicken breeds [Shouguang (SG), Tibetan (TB), and Dwarf Recessive White (DRW) chickens]. A total of 653 to 714 breed-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in each pairwise comparison. Gene ontology (GO) showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes, including vasoconstriction, cell differentiation, and the positive regulation of vasoconstriction. KEGG enrichment revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in MAPK, PPAR, insulin, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, etc. Moreover, 48 genes (e.g., SGCD, DHRS9, HELQ, MCMDC2, and ESCO2) might contribute to the response of the heart to HE. Taken together, the current study provides important clues for understanding the molecular mechanism of the heart's response to HE during the embryonic period of chicken.

Starch/tea polyphenols nanofibrous films for food packaging application: From facile construction to enhance mechanical, antioxidant and hydrophobic properties.

Starch based food packaging has been receiving increasing attention. However, the inherent poor properties of starch restrict its practical applications in the versatile material science field. In this study, a fast, simple, and environmentally friendly route to construct polyfunctional starch/tea polyphenols nanofibrous films (STNFs) by one-step temperature-assisted electrospinning was developed. The effects of introduction of tea polyphenols (TP) on the mechanical and antioxidant activity of STNFs were comprehensively investigated. Results of ABTS·+ free radical scavenging assay showed that the antioxidant activity of STNFs was endowed by addition of TP with optimum mechanical properties confirmed by tensile test. More interestingly, the hydrophobicity of STNFs was improved dramatically with increasing cross-linking time as indicated by water contact angle (WCA) measurement showing no effect on the antioxidant activity of the films. The results of this work offer a major step forward to promote functional starch-based materials for sustainable application in food packaging.

A glycated whey protein isolate-epigallocatechin gallate nanocomplex enhances the stability of emulsion delivery of ß-carotene during simulated digestion.

A glycated whey protein isolate-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) nanocomplex-stabilized emulsion was used to encapsulate ß-carotene. This study evaluated the stability of the emulsion in different environments and assessed its protective effect on ß-carotene. The active compound-loaded emulsion was subjected to in vitro simulated digestion. The results show that the glycated whey protein isolate-EGCG nanocomplex-stabilized emulsion has greater storage, salt ion, and thermal stability than the whey protein isolate-EGCG nanocomplex. Moreover, the emulsion exerts a considerable inhibitory effect on the degradation of the active compounds. However, the strong hydrolysis of the protein by pancreatin prevents the emulsion from surviving in the intestinal fluid, and the speed and degree of lipolysis is faster and more intense than that of naked medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). This study provides useful information for the application of natural hydrophobic active ingredients to water-soluble edible protein emulsion systems in food and drug delivery.

Maillard-Reacted Whey Protein Isolates and Epigallocatechin Gallate Complex Enhance the Thermal Stability of the Pickering Emulsion Delivery of Curcumin.

In this study, whey protein isolates (WPI), lactose (Lac) Maillard-reacted products, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) complex were used to enhance the thermal stability of the Pickering emulsion delivery of curcumin. Atomic force microscopy combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to study the morphological characteristics and structural changes of WPI-Lac/EGCG nanoparticles. Results proved that WPI-Lac and EGCG were combined by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The mechanism underlying WPI-Lac/EGCG-stabilized Pickering emulsion was further characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The optimal binding ratio of WPI-Lac to EGCG was 1:1 (w/w) at pH 3.0. The particle size and zeta potential of the WPI-Lac/EGCG nanoparticles were about 110 nm and 27 mV, respectively. Analysis of microstructure and droplet size distribution revealed that the glycated WPI-Lac/EGCG-stabilized emulsions exhibited more uniform droplet distribution, stronger thermal stability, and higher curcumin percentage retention than WPI. These results indicate that the WPI-Lac/EGCG nanoparticles are potential stabilizers for Pickering emulsion requirements. This study provides a basis for the construction of Pickering emulsion systems while carrying pro-/hydrophobic bioactive components.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus intergenic siRNAs target a host long noncoding RNA to modulate disease symptoms.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and its related begomoviruses cause fast-spreading diseases in tomato worldwide. How this virus induces diseases remains largely unclear. Here we report a noncoding RNA-mediated model to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TYLCV-tomato interaction and disease development. The circular ssDNA genome of TYLCV contains a noncoding intergenic region (IR), which is known to mediate viral DNA replication and transcription in host cells, but has not been reported to contribute directly to viral disease development. We demonstrate that the IR is transcribed in dual orientations during plant infection and confers abnormal phenotypes in tomato independently of protein-coding regions of the viral genome. We show that the IR sequence has a 25-nt segment that is almost perfectly complementary to a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA, designated as SlLNR1) in TYLCV-susceptible tomato cultivars but not in resistant cultivars which contains a 14-nt deletion in the 25-nt region. Consequently, we show that viral small-interfering RNAs (vsRNAs) derived from the 25-nt IR sequence induces silencing of SlLNR1 in susceptible tomato plants but not resistant plants, and this SlLNR1 downregulation is associated with stunted and curled leaf phenotypes reminiscent of TYLCV symptoms. These results suggest that the lncRNA interacts with the IR-derived vsRNAs to control disease development during TYLCV infection. Consistent with its possible function in virus disease development, over-expression of SlLNR1 in tomato reduces the accumulation of TYLCV. Furthermore, gene silencing of the SlLNR1 in the tomato plants induced TYLCV-like leaf phenotypes without viral infection. Our results uncover a previously unknown interaction between vsRNAs and host lncRNA, and provide a plausible model for TYLCV-induced diseases and host antiviral immunity, which would help to develop effective strategies for the control of this important viral pathogen.

Maillard-Reacted Whey Protein Isolates Enhance Thermal Stability of Anthocyanins over a Wide pH Range.

The poor thermal and acid stabilities of anthocyanins greatly limit their industrial applications as functional food ingredients. This work investigated the ability of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of whey protein isolates and glucose to enhance the thermal stability of anthocyanins over the pH range of 2.0-7.0. Anthocyanin dispersions were subjected to up to 120 min of thermal treatment at 80 °C. The improvement in the color stability and antioxidant capacity of the anthocyanin dispersions indicated that MRP remarkably inhibited anthocyanin degradation. Fluorescence spectroscopy results suggested that anthocyanins and MRPs form complexes through hydrophobic interactions. These complexes effectively attenuated anthocyanin degradation under heat treatment at pH 6.0. The particle sizes of MRPs alone or in complex with anthocyanins remained unchanged after heating. The novel protein delivery system proposed in this study expands the applications of anthocyanins as acid- and heat-stable functional food ingredients.

Effects of tributyrin supplementation on ruminal microbial protein yield, fermentation characteristics and nutrients degradability in adult Small Tail ewes.

Two trials were conducted to assess the effects of tributyrin (TB) supplementation on ruminal microbial protein yield and fermentation characteristics in adult sheep. In an in vitro trial, substrate was made to offer TB at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis and incubated for 48 hr. In an in vivo trial, 45 adult ewes were randomly assigned by initial body weight (55 ± 5 kg) to five treatments of nine animals over an 18-day period. Total mixed ration was made to offer TB to ewes at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg on a DM basis. The in vitro trial showed that TB enhanced apparent degradation of DM (p = .009), crude protein (p < .001), neutral detergent fiber (p = .007) and acid detergent fiber (p = .010) and increased methanogenesis (p < .001), respectively. The in vivo trial showed that TB decreased DM intake (p < .001) and enhanced rumen microbial N synthesis (p < .001), respectively. Both in vitro and in vivo trials showed that TB increased total volatile fatty acid concentration and enhanced fibrolytic enzyme activity. The results indicated that TB might exert positive effects on microbial protein yield and fermentation in the rumen.

Effect of the A-Type Linkage on the Pharmacokinetics and Intestinal Metabolism of Litchi Pericarp Oligomeric Procyanidins.

The bioavailability of A-type procyanidins in vivo has been rarely investigated; as such, this study discusses the effect of A-type linkage and degree of polymerization on the metabolism of procyanidins extracted from litchi pericarp (LPOPC). Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with (-)-epicatechin (EC) and LPOPC and sacrificed at different time points after ingestion. A-type linkage procyanidin oligomers inhibited the absorption of EC. Analysis of urinary contents from rats administered with EC, A-type procyanidin dimer (A-2), and A-type procyanidin trimer (A-3) showed distinct native and metabolite profiles for each rat. Rats fed with A-2 and A-3 presented significantly higher levels of shikimic acid and less amount of m(p)-coumaric acid metabolites in vivo and provide insight into the quantitative structure-activity relationship of procyanidin oligomers during metabolism, indicating that procyanidins with A-type linkage could induce an altered metabolic pathway of oligomers in the gastrointestinal system.

Protective Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol Against Renal Injury Through ROS-Mediated JNK-MAPK Pathway in Lead Exposed Rats.

To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of polyphenols in treating Pb induced renal dysfunction and intoxication and to explore the detailed underlying mechanisms. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control groups (CT), Pb exposure groups (Pb), Pb plus Polyphenols groups (Pb+PP) and Polyphenols groups (PP). Animals were kept for 60 days and sacrificed for tests of urea, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Histological evaluations were then performed. In vitro studies were performed using primary kidney mesangial cells to reveal detailed mechanisms. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate cell viability. Pb induced cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging were tested by DCFH-DA. Expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1-ß (IL-1-ß) and IL-6 were assayed by ELISA. Western blot and qPCR were used to measure the expression of ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38. Polyphenols have obvious protective effects on Pb induced renal dysfunction and intoxication both in vivo and in vitro. Polyphenols reduced Pb concentration and accumulation in kidney. Polyphenols also protected kidney mesangial cells from Pb induced apoptosis. Polyphenols scavenged Pb induced ROS generation and suppressed ROS-mediated ERK/JNK/p38 pathway. Downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited in consistency. Polyphenol is protective in Pb induced renal intoxication and inflammatory responses. The underlying mechanisms lie on the antioxidant activity and ROS scavenging activity of polyphenols.

Genome-wide analysis of bHLH transcription factor and involvement in the infection by yellow leaf curl virus in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

BACKGROUND: The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are a superfamily of transcription factors that can bind to specific DNA target sites. They have been well characterized in model plants such as Arabidopsis and rice and have been shown to be important regulatory components in many different biological processes. However, no systemic analysis of the bHLH transcription factor family has yet been reported in tomatoes. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) threatens tomato production worldwide by causing leaf yellowing, leaf curling, plant stunting and flower abscission. RESULTS: A total of 152 bHLH transcription factors were identified from the entire tomato genome. Phylogenetic analysis of bHLH domain sequences from Arabidopsis and tomato facilitated classification of these genes into 26 subfamilies. The evolutionary and possible functional relationships revealed during this analysis are supported by other criteria, including the chromosomal distribution of these genes, the conservation of motifs and exon/intron structural patterns, and the predicted DNA binding activities within subfamilies. Distribution mapping results showed bHLH genes were localized on the 12 tomato chromosomes. Among the 152 bHLH genes from the tomato genome, 96 bHLH genes were detected in the TYLCV-susceptible and resistant tomato breeding line before (0 dpi) and after TYLCV (357 dpi) infection. As anticipated, gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that most bHLH genes are related to the regulation of macromolecule metabolic processes and gene expression. Only four bHLH genes were differentially expressed between 0 and 357 dpi. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of one bHLH genes SlybHLH131 in resistant lines can lead to the cell death. CONCLUSION: In the present study, 152 bHLH transcription factor genes were identified. One of which bHLH genes, SlybHLH131, was found to be involved in the TYLCV infection through qRT-PCR expression analysis and VIGS validation. The isolation and identification of these bHLH transcription factors facilitated clarification of the molecular genetic basis for the genetic improvement of tomatoes and the development of functional gene resources for transgenic research. In addition, these findings may aid in uncovering an unexplored mechanism during the TYLCV infection in tomatoes.

Investigating the correlation between the neural activity and task performance in a psychomotor vigilance test.

Neural activity is known to correlate with decrements in task performance as individuals enter the state of mental fatigue which might lead to lowered productivity and increased safety risks. Incorporating a passive brain computer interface (BCI) technique that detects changes in subject's neural activity and predicts the behavioral performance when the subject is underperforming might be a promising approach to reduce human error in real-world situations. Here, we developed a reliable model using EEG power spectrum to estimate time-on-task performance in a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) which can fit across individuals. High correlation between the estimated and actual reaction time was achieved. Hence, our results illustrate the feasibility for modeling time-on-task decrements in performance among different individuals from their brainwave activity, with potential applications in several domains, including traffic and industrial safety.

Single trial EEG classification applied to a face recognition experiment using different feature extraction methods.

Research on brain machine interface (BMI) has been developed very fast in recent years. Numerous feature extraction methods have successfully been applied to electroencephalogram (EEG) classification in various experiments. However, little effort has been spent on EEG based BMI systems regarding familiarity of human faces cognition. In this work, we have implemented and compared the classification performances of four common feature extraction methods, namely, common spatial pattern, principal component analysis, wavelet transform and interval features. High resolution EEG signals were collected from fifteen healthy subjects stimulated by equal number of familiar and novel faces. Principal component analysis outperforms other methods with average classification accuracy reaching 94.2% leading to possible real life applications. Our findings thereby may contribute to the BMI systems for face recognition.