Changes in physicochemical and gut microbiota fermentation property induced by acetylation of polysaccharides from Cyperus esculentus.

In this study, the impact of acetylation on physicochemical, digestive behavior and fermentation characteristics of Cyperus esculentus polysaccharides (CEP) was investigated. Results indicated that the acetylation led the molecules to be more likely aggregated, followed by a higher crystallinity, a lower apparent viscosity and a higher ratio of G" to G' (tan δ). Importantly, the acetylated polysaccharides (ACEP) had a lower digestibility, but its molecular weight was lower than that of original polysaccharides (CEP) following a simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion. Gut microbiota fermentation indicated that both polysaccharides generated outstanding short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in which the acetylated polysaccharides had a faster fermentation kinetics than the original one, followed by a quicker reduction of pH and a more accumulation of SCFAs, particularly butyrate. Fermentation of both polysaccharides promoted Akkermansia, followed by a reduced richness of Klebsiella. Importantly, the current study revealed that the fermentation of acetylated polysaccharides enriched Parabacteroides, while fermentation of original ones promoted Bifidobacterium, for indicating their individual fermentation characteristics and gut environmental benefits.

Identification of autism spectrum disorder using multiple functional connectivity-based graph convolutional network.

Presently, the combination of graph convolutional networks (GCN) with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data is a promising approach for early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the prevalent approach involves exclusively full-brain functional connectivity data for disease classification using GCN, while overlooking the prior information related to the functional connectivity of brain subnetworks associated with ASD. Therefore, in this study, the multiple functional connectivity-based graph convolutional network (MFC-GCN) framework is proposed, using not only full brain functional connectivity data but also the established functional connectivity data from networks of key brain subnetworks associated with ASD, and the GCN is adopted to acquire complementary feature information for the final classification task. Given the heterogeneity within the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) dataset, a novel External Attention Network Readout (EANReadout) is introduced. This design enables the exploration of potential subject associations, effectively addressing the dataset's heterogeneity. Experiments were conducted on the ABIDE dataset using the proposed framework, involving 714 subjects, and the average accuracy of the framework was 70.31%. The experimental results show that the proposed EANReadout outperforms the best traditional readout layer and improves the average accuracy of the framework by 4.32%.

Structurally manipulated antioxidant peptides derived from wheat bran: Preparation and identification.

Bioactive peptide's development is facing two challenges in terms of its lower yield and limited understanding of structurally orientated functionality. Therefore, peptides were prepared from wheat bran via a cocktail enzyme for achieving a higher level of hydrophobic amino acids than traditional method. The obtained peptides exhibited great antioxidant activities against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Among them, 91 bioactive peptides were selected through the virtual screening, and their N-terminal and C-terminal contained many hydrophobic amino acids. Then the peptides with capacity to interact with Keap1 were identified by in silico simulation, because Keap1 acts as a sensor of redox insults. The results revealed that peptides DLDW and DLGL demonstrated the highest binding affinities, and a bridge was formed between Asp of DLGL and Arg415 of Klech domain, contributing to interfering Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. These findings implied a potential application of wheat bran peptides as nutraceuticals and health-promoting ingredients.

Structural property of extractable proteins and polysaccharides in wheat bran following a dual-enzymatic pretreatment and corresponding functionality.

The current study applied dual-enzymatic treatment via alcalase and Bacillus velezensis hydrolase for enhancing extraction of proteins and polysaccharides from wheat bran and modifying their corresponding structure. Results indicated the aqueous extract by enzymatic pretreatment (referred as EHWB) had an increased content of soluble substance, in which 18.5 % increased for carbohydrates and 11.4 % increased for proteins in the extract compared to the aqueous extract without enzymes (labeled as AEWB). Furthermore, compositions with lower molecular weight of 130 kDa and < 21.1 kDa for polysaccharides and proteins, respectively, were found in EHWB. Interestingly, EHWB had a twice higher radicals scavenging than that of AEWB, and digestive property indicated EHWB had a greater peptides production although glucose release was lower in gastric phase. Importantly, this is the first study to reveal that gut microbiota fermentation of EHWB resulted in faster generation of short-chain fatty acids at initial fermentation stage (6 h), followed a higher generation of butyrate at final fermentation stage (24 h). This fermentation property might be associated with its presence of lower molecular weight substrates and even the changes in the molecular structure induced by the enzymes. This study highlights a novel approach for developing a value-added product from wheat bran.

Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes Derived from Isostructural Bromo- and Fluoro-Containing Bis-Schiff Bases: Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Antimicrobial Activity.

A mononuclear copper(II) complex [CuLa] (1), and three mononuclear nickel(II) complexes [NiLa] (2), [NiLa]·CH3OH (2·CH3OH) and [NiLb] (3), where La and Lb are the dianionic form of N,N'-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (H2La) and N,N'-bis(4-fluorosalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (H2Lb), respectively, were prepared and structurally characterized by spectroscopy method and elemental analyses. The detailed structures were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. All the copper and nickel complexes are mononuclear compounds. The metal ions in the complexes are in square planar coordination, with the two phenolate oxygens and two imine nitrogens of the Schiff base ligands. The biological effect of the four complexes were assayed on the bacteria strains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

Structurally Orientated Rheological and Gut Microbiota Fermentation Property of Mannans Polysaccharides and Oligosaccharides.

Three mannan polysaccharides and their oligosaccharides were investigated in terms of physicochemical characteristics and effects on gut microbiota. Oligosaccharides from guar gum had the fastest fermentation kinetics for SCFAs generation at the initial stage, while the locust bean of both polymers and oligosaccharides demonstrated the lowest SCFAs through the whole fermentation process. In contrast, konjac gum steadily increased SCFAs and reached its maximum level at 24 h fermentation, indicating its fermentation character may be associated with its rheological properties. Compared to their corresponding polysaccharides, all the oligosaccharides demonstrated a faster fermentation kinetics, followed by an enriched abundance of propionate-producing bacterial Prevotella and a decreased abundance of Megamonas and Collinsella. Meanwhile, oligosaccharides reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio as well as the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Escherichia-Shigella. The fermentation of konjac substrate significantly promoted the abundance of butyrate-producing bacterial Faecalibacterium. In contrast, although the fermentation of locust bean and guar gum substrates benefited Bifidobacterium abundance due to their similar structure and monosaccharides composition, the fermentation of locust bean gum led to greater Bifidobacterium than the others, which may be associated with its higher mannose composition in the molecules. Interestingly, the partial hydrolysis of the three polysaccharides slightly reduced their prebiotic function.

Gut microbiota, host lipid metabolism and regulation mechanism of high-fat diet induced mice following different probiotics-fermented wheat bran intervention.

Wheat bran (WB) was fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis (LAB-FWB), respectively, and their corresponding mechanism of obesity alleviation via gut microbiota and lipid metabolism was investigated. Results indicated LAB-FWB reduced body weight and serum glucose, followed by an improved lipid profile in obese mice compared with WB. All LAB-FWB interventions led to an enriched steroid hormone biosynthesis. LGG-WB significantly up-regulated genes in arachidonic acid metabolism, bile secretion and linoleic acid metabolism. While LB-WB down-regulated genes in PPAR signaling pathway and LP-WB up-regulated genes in linoleic acid metabolism, indicate their different regulation patterns. Furthermore, LAB-FWB reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and returned HFD-dependent bacteria Colidextribacter and Erysipelatoclostridium to be normalized. Interestingly, LAB-FWB significantly enriched lipid-related pathways, benefiting xanthohumol, prostaglandin F2alpha, LPI 18:2 and lipoamide biosynthesis in lipid metabolic pathway, but not found in WB group. Among them, treatment with LGG-WB exerted the greatest function on alleviating obesity syndromes.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of acetylated polysaccharides from Cyperus esculentus.

This research was designed to characterize the structure of Cyperus esculentus polysaccharide (CEP) and its acetylated one (ACEP), and then investigated the effects of acetylation on the changes in physicochemical properties, thermal stability, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. Results showed that CEP and ACEP were heteropolysaccharides consisting of glucose, mannose, arabinose and xylose. The main chain of CEP included α-1,4-Glcp residues with the branching points at the O-6 position of the α-1,6-Manp residues. Acetyl groups were substituted at the O-2 and O-6 positions of some glucose residues. Meanwhile, the acetylation remarkably improved the polysaccharides thermal stability, and the ACEP exhibited a greater antioxidant activity. Furthermore, CEP and ACEP were proved to protect RAW 264.7 cells against LPS-induced inflammation by improving cellular morphology and decreasing reactive oxygen species secretion. This study may highlight a new approach for developing a high value-added ingredient from C. esculentus for functional food industry.

[Regulation of Mitochondria on Platelet Apoptosis and Activation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regulation of mitochondria on platelet apoptosis and activation, and the relationship between platelet apoptosis and activation. METHODS: Platelets were isolated from peripheral venous blood of healthy volunteers. Cyclosporin A (CsA), which has a protective effect on the function of platelet mitochondria, BAPTA, which can chelate calcium ions across membranes in platelets, and NAC, an antioxidant that reduces the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species, were selected for coincubation with washed platelets, respectively. By flow cytometry, platelet aggregator was used to detect the changes of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet activation indexes after different interventions. RESULTS: H89, staurosporine, and A23187 led to platelet mitochondrial abnormalities, while CsA could effectively reverse the decline of platelet mitochondrial membrane potential caused by them. Antioxidant NAC could reverse platelet mitochondrial damage correspondingly, and completely reverse platelet shrinkage and phosphatidylserine eversion induced by H89. BAPTA, prostaglandin E1, acetylsalicylic acid and other inhibitors could not reverse the decline of platelet mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial function plays an important role in platelet apoptosis and activation. Abnormal mitochondrial function causes the imbalance of reduction/oxidation state in platelets, which leads to platelet apoptosis. Platelet apoptosis and activation are independent signal processes.

Long-Term Consumption of Resistant Starch Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota, Metabolites, and Energy Homeostasis in a High-Fat Diet.

Considering that the study on the impact of the long-term consumption of resistant starch on metabolic syndromes induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) is rare, this investigation designed a 36-week consumption of HFD containing three RS levels (LRS, MRS, and HRS) for measuring changes in serum parameters, liver transcriptome, and gut microbiota. Results indicated that all levels of RS in HFD significantly reduced food intakes and body gain, followed by increased leptin and PYY, but did not show dose-dependence. Furthermore, MRS triggered a greater number of enriched pathways than the other RS groups, whereas no enriched pathway was noted in the HRS group. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio can still predict changes in body weight for long-term observation, and isobutyrate was found to be positively related to Blautia. Importantly, a shifted ratio of Ruminococcaceae/Lactobacillaceae quickly occurred in the early stage of 12 weeks for all groups, but the ratio remained constant in HRS rather than in LRS and MRS, which might indicate both similarity and difference in the regulation of the metabolic syndromes among the three RS interventions.

[The Effect of Ena/VASP Family on the Expression of GPIb-IX Complex in Human Megakaryoblastic Leukemia Dami Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Ena/VASP gene family on the expression of glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX complex in human megakaryoblastic leukemia Dami cells. METHODS: SiRNAs targeting Ena/VASP gene family were designed and synthesized to interfere Enah, EVL and VASP gene expression. When the siRNAs were transfected into Dami cells by using LipofectamineTM 2000 for 48 h, the expression of GPIb-IX complex was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry. RESULTS: We successfully established siVASP , siEVL and si Enah Dami cell lines. And it was found that the expression of GPIb-IX complex had no evident reduction in siEVL or siVASP Dami cells at both mRNA and protein level, while the total protein and membrane protein of GPIb-IX complex were obviously reduced when Enah was knocked down. CONCLUSION: Enah could affect the expression of GPIb-IX complex in human megakaryoblastic leukemia Dami cells, but the underlying mechanism still needs to be further explored.

Efficacy and safety of remimazolam-based sedation for intensive care unit patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam is a novel ultra-short-acting sedative, but its safety and adverse events (AEs) in high-risk patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting remain unknown. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study that compared remimazolam to propofol and midazolam in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The primary outcome was the incidence of treatment-related AEs. The secondary outcomes were the time to extubation, the length of ICU stay, and the average cost of sedative per case. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients analyzed, 47 were treated with remimazolam (mean dose, 7.90±4.84 mg), and 41 were treated with propofol (21.19±17.98 mg) or midazolam (3.08±2.17 mg). There was no statistically significant difference in the average duration of the endoscopic procedure (35.89±13.37 min vs. 44.51±21.68 min, P=0.133) or the time to extubation (15.00±9.75 h vs. 20.59±18.71 h, P=0.211) in the remimazolam group (group I) compared to the propofol or midazolam group (group II). ICU stays (5.40±2.93 d vs. 4.63±3.31 d, P=0.072) and treatment-related AEs (48.61% vs. 51.38%, P=0.056) were similar between groups. The average cost of sedative per case was significantly lower in the group I than in the group II (RMB 16.07±10.58 yuan vs. RMB 24.37±15.46 yuan, P=0.016). CONCLUSION: Remimazolam-based sedation was noninferior to the classic sedatives and had lower average cost per case, indicating that it may be used as a promising sedative for high-risk patients during endoscopic procedures in the ICU setting.

Efficient production of Antrodin C by microparticle-enhanced cultivation of medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea.

The microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) was used to enhance the production of Antrodin C by submerged fermentation of medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea. The crucial factors such as types, sizes, concentrations, and addition time of microparticles were optimized. The mechanism of MPEC on the membrane permeability and fluidity of A. cinnamomea and the expression of key genes in Antrodin C were investigated. When talc (18 µm, 2 g/L) was added into the fermentation liquid at 0 h, the promoting effect on Antrodin C was the best. The maximum yield of Antrodin C was 1615.7 mg/L, which was about 2.98 times of the control (541.7 mg/L). Talc slightly damaged the mycelia of A. cinnamomea, increased the release of intracellular constituents, and enhanced the index of unsaturated fatty acid. In addition, the key genes (IDI, E2.3.3.10, HMGCR, atoB) that might play an important role in the synthesis of the triquine-type sesquiterpene Antrodin C, were upregulated. In conclusion, talc increased the permeability and fluidity of cell membrane, upregulated the key genes and improved the biosynthesis process to enhance the yield of Antrodin C in the submerged fermentation of A. cinnamomea.

Regulation of Mitochondria on Platelet Apoptosis and Activation / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the regulation of mitochondria on platelet apoptosis and activation, and the relationship between platelet apoptosis and activation.@*METHODS@#Platelets were isolated from peripheral venous blood of healthy volunteers. Cyclosporin A (CsA), which has a protective effect on the function of platelet mitochondria, BAPTA, which can chelate calcium ions across membranes in platelets, and NAC, an antioxidant that reduces the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species, were selected for coincubation with washed platelets, respectively. By flow cytometry, platelet aggregator was used to detect the changes of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet activation indexes after different interventions.@*RESULTS@#H89, staurosporine, and A23187 led to platelet mitochondrial abnormalities, while CsA could effectively reverse the decline of platelet mitochondrial membrane potential caused by them. Antioxidant NAC could reverse platelet mitochondrial damage correspondingly, and completely reverse platelet shrinkage and phosphatidylserine eversion induced by H89. BAPTA, prostaglandin E1, acetylsalicylic acid and other inhibitors could not reverse the decline of platelet mitochondrial membrane potential.@*CONCLUSION@#Mitochondrial function plays an important role in platelet apoptosis and activation. Abnormal mitochondrial function causes the imbalance of reduction/oxidation state in platelets, which leads to platelet apoptosis. Platelet apoptosis and activation are independent signal processes.

The Effect of Ena/VASP Family on the Expression of GPIb-IX Complex in Human Megakaryoblastic Leukemia Dami Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of Ena/VASP gene family on the expression of glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX complex in human megakaryoblastic leukemia Dami cells.@*METHODS@#SiRNAs targeting Ena/VASP gene family were designed and synthesized to interfere Enah, EVL and VASP gene expression. When the siRNAs were transfected into Dami cells by using LipofectamineTM 2000 for 48 h, the expression of GPIb-IX complex was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#We successfully established siVASP , siEVL and si Enah Dami cell lines. And it was found that the expression of GPIb-IX complex had no evident reduction in siEVL or siVASP Dami cells at both mRNA and protein level, while the total protein and membrane protein of GPIb-IX complex were obviously reduced when Enah was knocked down.@*CONCLUSION@#Enah could affect the expression of GPIb-IX complex in human megakaryoblastic leukemia Dami cells, but the underlying mechanism still needs to be further explored.

Phosphorus speciation and sedimentary phosphorus release in an urban bay (Dachan Bay, China) impacted by multiple anthropogenic perturbations.

Sedimentary phosphorus (P) release and retention are important in controlling P dynamics in coastal waters. Here, two sediment cores were analysed to understand the P speciation and sedimentary P release characteristics in Dachan Bay, Shenzhen, where was highly influenced by human activity. Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, 52.3 to 1119 µg g-1, fluctuated greatly with depth. Four P binding forms were fractionated: iron-bound P (FeP), authigenic apatite (CaP), detrital P (De-P), and organic P (OP) with the following order of concentration: Fe-P > OP > De-P > Ca-P. The P pollution index (PPI) revealed the contamination of sediment with P in recent years. Additionally, the potentially mobile P pools and long-term P release in the sediments were estimated, and the results indicated that, sediment was an important potentially mobile P pools in the water column, especially in nearshore areas, which required the attention of management departments.

[Main Factors Influencing the Platelet Spreading].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the main factors of platelet spreading and provide the foundation for related research. METHODS: Platelets (2×107/ml) were draw from C57BL/6J mouse and kept at 22 ℃ for 1-2 hours. Platelets (2×107/ml) were were allowed to adhere and spread on the fibrinogen-coated slides, after staining F-actin in platelets, the platelets were observed with the confocal microscopy. The effects of different concentrations of fibrinogen (10 µg/ml, 30 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml) and kinds of agonists ï¼»thrombin(0.01,0.05,0.1 U/ml), ADP（5,10,20 µmol/L）, U46619（0.125,0.25,0.5 µmol/L）］ on platelets were analyzed. The platelet spreading was successful if the spreading rate was higher after treated with agonists. RESULTS: Compared to the group which coated with 10 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml fibrinogen, the platelet density is optimal when coated with 30 µg/ml fibrinogen. In addition, under the stimulation of thrombin, ADP and U46619, the spreading rate of platelets showed a certain concentration-dependent increasing. CONCLUSION: The platelet spreading is easily influenced by various factors, the platelet spreading can be induced successfully at 0.1 U/ml thrombin, 20 µmol/L ADP and 0.5 µmol/L U46619 on the slide coated with 30 µg/ml fibrinogen.

Internal heating method of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of HPV-6 DNA.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a promising diagnostic tool for genetic amplification, which is known for its rapid process, simple operation, high amplification efficiency, and excellent sensitivity. However, most of the existing heating methods are external for completion of molecular amplification with possibility of contamination of specimens. The present research provided an internal heating method for LAMP using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which is called nano-LAMP. Near-infrared light with an excitation wavelength of 808 nm was employed as the heating source; hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) was used as an indicator to conduct methodological research. We demonstrate that the best temperature was controlled at a working power of 2 W and 4.8 µg/µL concentration of nanoparticles. The lowest limit for the detection of HPV by the nano-LAMP method is 102 copies/mL, which was confirmed by a gel electrophoresis assay. In the feasibility investigation of validated clinical samples, all 10 positive HPV-6 specimens amplified by nano-LAMP were consistent with conventional LAMP methods. Therefore, the nano-LAMP detection method using internal heating of MNPs may bring a new vision to the exploration of thermostatic detection in the future.

Near-infrared ITO-based photonic hypercrystals with large angle-insensitive bandgaps.

The angle-sensitive photonic bandgap (PBG) is one of the typical features of one-dimensional photonic crystals. Based on the phase-variation compensation effect between the dielectric and hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs), angle-insensitive PBGs can be realized in photonic hypercrystals. However, since hypercrystals are usually constructed using metal components, these angle-insensitive PBGs are mostly limited to narrow bandwidths in visible range. Here, we replace metal with indium tin oxide (ITO) to construct HMMs in the near-infrared range. In these ITO-based HMMs, we experimentally demonstrate the negative refraction of light in transverse magnetic polarization. With this HMM component, we realize a photonic hypercrystal with an angle-insensitive PBG in the wavelength range of 1.15-2.02 µm. These ITO-based hypercrystals with large angle-insensitive PBGs can find applications in near-infrared reflectors or filters.

Main Factors Influencing the Platelet Spreading / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the main factors of platelet spreading and provide the foundation for related research.@*METHODS@#Platelets (2×107/ml) were draw from C57BL/6J mouse and kept at 22 ℃ for 1-2 hours. Platelets (2×107/ml) were were allowed to adhere and spread on the fibrinogen-coated slides, after staining F-actin in platelets, the platelets were observed with the confocal microscopy. The effects of different concentrations of fibrinogen (10 μg/ml, 30 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml) and kinds of agonists ［thrombin(0.01,0.05,0.1 U/ml), ADP（5,10,20 μmol/L）, U46619（0.125,0.25,0.5 μmol/L）］ on platelets were analyzed. The platelet spreading was successful if the spreading rate was higher after treated with agonists.@*RESULTS@#Compared to the group which coated with 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml fibrinogen, the platelet density is optimal when coated with 30 μg/ml fibrinogen. In addition, under the stimulation of thrombin, ADP and U46619, the spreading rate of platelets showed a certain concentration-dependent increasing.@*CONCLUSION@#The platelet spreading is easily influenced by various factors, the platelet spreading can be induced successfully at 0.1 U/ml thrombin, 20 μmol/L ADP and 0.5 μmol/L U46619 on the slide coated with 30 μg/ml fibrinogen.