Examining starch metabolism in lotus roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) during post-harvest storage at different temperatures.

This study explores the impact of postharvest storage temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C) on starch metabolism and textural attributes of glutinous lotus root. While starch metabolism is a well-known factor influencing texture, changes in powdery and sticky qualities have remained unexplored. Our research reveals that storing lotus roots at 4 °C delays water dissipation, amylopectin reduction, and the decline in textural elements such as hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and resilience. Lower temperatures postpone amylopectin reduction and sugar interconversion, thereby preserving the sticky texture. Additionally, they suppress starch formation, delay starch metabolism, and elevate the expression of genes involved in starch metabolism. The correlation between gene expression and root texture indicates the critical role of gene regulation in enzyme activity during storage. Overall, low-temperature storage extends lotus root preservation by regulating metabolite content, enzyme activities, and the corresponding genes involved in starch metabolism, preserving both intrinsic and external root quality.

Preparation and characterization of water vapor-responsive methylcellulose-polyethylene glycol-400 composite membranes and an indication of freshness of shiitake mushrooms.

Intelligent packaging with freshness indication capability can help consumers purchase fresh food. However, current research primarily focuses on carbon dioxide-sensitive intelligent packaging, with limited research on water vapor-sensitive indication packaging. In this study, the water vapor-sensitive indicator membrane was prepared and used to determine the freshness of mushrooms. The results of this study showed that the water permeability of the indicator membrane decreased from 33.17 % to 21.59 % with the increase of Polyethylene glycol-400(PEG-400) content in methylcellulose(MC) membrane, and the contact angle of the indicator membrane increased from 87 % to 98 % with the addition of PEG-400. The addition of plasticizer PEG-400 increased the hydrophobicity of the indicator film, which could be attributed to the improvement of the molecular arrangement and crystallinity of the indicator film by the addition of PEG-400. After encountering water, the transparency of the indicator membrane changes from completely opaque (white) to transparent. Addition of PEG-400 reduces the rate of change in the transparency of the indicator membrane. The indicator membrane was successfully used to indicate the freshness of mushrooms and effectively reflected the freshness of mushrooms during storage. This technology could be applied to measure the freshness of other foods.

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of walnut protein yields anti-inflammatory peptides.

The impact of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion process on walnut protein and the potential anti-inflammatory properties of its metabolites was studied. Structural changes induced by digestion, notably in α-Helix, ß-Turn, and Random Coil configurations, were unveiled. Proteins over 10,000 Da significantly decreased by 35.6 %. Antioxidant activity in these metabolites paralleled increased amino acid content. Molecular docking identified three walnut polypeptides-IPAGTPVYLINR, FQGQLPR, and VVYVLR-with potent anti-inflammatory properties. RMSD and RMSF analysis demonstrated the stable and flexible interaction of these polypeptides with their target proteins. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in normal human colon mucosal epithelial NCM460 cells, these peptides decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, while mitigating cell apoptosis and inflammation. Our study offers valuable insights into walnut protein physiology, shedding light on its potential health benefits.

CT radiomics model for predicting the Ki-67 proliferation index of pure-solid non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter study.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the computed tomography (CT) radiomics model for predicting the Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) of pure-solid non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and methods: This retrospective study included pure-solid NSCLC patients from five centers. The radiomics features were extracted from thin-slice, non-enhanced CT images of the chest. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to reduce and select radiomics features. Logistic regression analysis was employed to build predictive models to determine Ki-67-high and Ki-67-low expression levels. Three prediction models were established: the clinical model, the radiomics model, and the nomogram model combining the radiomics signature and clinical features. The prediction efficiency of different models was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). Results: A total of 211 NSCLC patients with pure-solid nodules or masses were included in the study (N=117 for the training cohort, N=49 for the internal validation cohort, and N=45 for the external validation cohort). The AUC values for the clinical models in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64-0.82), 0.75 (95% CI:0.62-0.89), and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57-0.86), respectively. The radiomics models showed good predictive ability in diagnosing Ki-67 expression levels in the training cohort (AUC, 0.81 [95% CI: 0.73-0.89]), internal validation cohort (AUC, 0.81 [95% CI: 0.69-0.93]) and external validation cohort (AUC, 0.78 [95% CI: 0.64-0.91]). Compared to the clinical and radiomics models, the nomogram combining both radiomics signatures and clinical features had relatively better diagnostic performance in all three cohorts, with the AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76-0.90), 0.83 (95% CI: 0.71-0.94), and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.93), respectively. Conclusion: The nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical features may be a potential non-invasive method for predicting Ki-67 expression levels in patients with pure-solid NSCLC.

Cuticular Wax Triterpenes Maintain Storage Quality of Blueberries by Reducing Water Loss.

Cuticular wax contributes to maintaining postharvest storage quality against fruit water loss and softening. Triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA), are the main components in blueberry cuticular wax, but their role in water migration during the storage of blueberries remains to be determined. Here, we examined the relationship between the content of OA and UA and the storage quality of blueberry fruit (25 °C). The results revealed that the UA content during eight-day postharvest storage ranged from 58 to 77 µg cm-2, which was negatively related to weight loss. Additionally, we investigated the effect of exogenous OA and UA on water migration in the blueberry fruit during storage at room temperature; the weight loss was significantly lower (by 22%) with UA treatment than in the control fruit. Our findings indicate that OA and UA effectively affect water migration in blueberry fruit during postharvest storage, which could contribute to improving postharvest preservation techniques.

Development of bio-based PLA/cellulose antibacterial packaging and its application for the storage of shiitake mushroom.

This study presents the extraction of cellulose from water bamboo byproducts to prepare polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose antibacterial packaging material. The cellulose was modified using a silane coupling agent, which improved the interfacial compatibility between cellulose and PLA. Upon coating the PLA onto the modified cellulose sheet, the water contact angle of the composite material increased from 11.42° to 132.12° and the water absorption rate decreased from 182.52% to 55.71%, which improved the water resistance performance of the material. The addition of cinnamaldehyde in the PLA layer imparted antibacterial activity to the PLA/cellulose packaging material. This packaging material effectively inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum isolated from shiitake mushroom. Additionally, the study investigated the effects of the composite on the postharvest quality of shiitake mushroom. Overall, the packaging material contributed to shiitake mushroom storage and can be applied to other perishable food products.

Pullulan-stabilized Soybean Phospholipids/Cinnamaldehyde emulsion for Flammulina velutipes preservation.

Fresh mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) are very perishable and easily brown; also they undergo postharvest loss of nutritive constituents. In this study, cinnamaldehyde (CA) emulsion was prepared by using soybean phospholipids (SP) as emulsifier and pullulan (Pul) as stabilizer. The effect of emulsion on the quality of mushroom during storage was also studied. The experimental results indicated that the emulsion obtained by adding 6 % pullulan was found to the most uniform and stable, which is beneficial to its application. Emulsion coating maintained the storage quality of Flammulina velutipes. The incorporation of CA emulsion into the coating system showed a positive effect on inhibiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting from improving the effectiveness of delaying active free radical scavenging enzymes. The shelf life of mushrooms coated with emulsion was significantly prolonged, which indicates its potential application in food preservation.

Effect of oxyresveratrol on the quality and membrane lipid metabolism of shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) during storage.

The effect of oxyresveratrol on postharvest quality and membrane lipid metabolism of shiitake mushroom was investigated. The result exhibited that oxyresveratrol retarded browning, maintained firmness and alleviated occurrence of decay of shiitake mushroom. The oxidation and hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids were suppressed by oxyresveratrol treatment, which was associated with reduced LOX and PLD activities and increased SOD and CAT activities. The membrane lipidomics of shiitake mushroom was determined by LC-MS. 385 lipid species and 13 fatty acids in membrane lipids were identified by multiple reaction monitoring method. Compared with control group, the phospholipic acid and lysophospholipid reduced by 29.24% and 21.29% in oxyresveratrol-treated group, respectively, which alleviated hydrolysis of phospholipid. Meanwhile, oxyresveratrol maintained the unsaturation of fatty acids and alleviated oxidation of phospholipid. These results demonstrated that oxyresveratrol could play a dual role of inhibiting the oxidation and hydrolysis of phospholipids to mitigate cellular damage of shiitake mushroom.

Recent advances in Zizania latifolia: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, health benefits and applications that maximize its value.

Zizania latifolia is an aquatic and medicinal plant with a long history of development in China and the East Asian region. The smut fungus "Ustilago esculenta" parasitizes Z. latifolia and induces culm expansion to form a vegetable named Jiaobai, which has a unique taste and nutritional attributes. However, the postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots is still a big challenge for farmers and merchants. This paper traced the origin, development process, and morphological characteristics of Z. latifolia. Subsequently, the compilation of the primary nutrients and bioactive substances are presented in context to their effects on ecology a postharvest storage and preservation methods. Furthermore, the industrial, environmental, and material science applications of Z. latifolia in the fields of industry were discussed. Finally, the primary objective of the review proposes future directions for research to support the development of Z. latifolia industry and aid in maximizing its value. To sum up, Z. latifolia, aside from its potential as material it can be utilized to make different productions and improve the existing applications. This paper provides an emerging strategy for researchers undertaking Z. latifolia.

Preparation and characterization of a novel intelligent starch/gelatin binary film containing purple sweet potato anthocyanins for Flammulina velutipes mushroom freshness monitoring.

In this study, intelligent food package was developed and characterized by loading purple sweet potato polyphenolic extract (SPS) into starch/gelatin film. The application of this film in indicating the freshness of Flammulina velutipes was also determined. The color of SPS buffer changed from red to blue and final yellow when pH increasing from 3 to 10. The blending film with starch/gelatin ratio of 1:1 wt showed a minimum water vapor permeability of 6.26 × 10-11 gs-1 m-1 Pa-1. The value of elongation at break and tensile strength of the starch/gelatin film with starch/gelatin ratio of 1:1 wt increased to 78.89 % and 11.70 MPa. Upon its application to monitor of F. velutipes freshness level, SG11 film color changed from initially green to purplish gray and finally to yellow as F. velutipes deteriorated post storage. Our results suggested that SG11 films could be used as an intelligent packaging material in the future for other food products.

In vitro fermentation characteristics of the dietary fiber in bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoots and its regulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota and metabolites.

The effects of bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot dietary fiber (BSDF-1) on ulcerative colitis (UC) are unclear. Therefore, we performed an in vitro glycolysis study of intestinal microbiota samples, based on 16S rDNA sequencing and determining the metabolites in non-targeted colonic fecal fermentation broth. After a 48 h fermentation, the pH of the fermentation broth decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the dextran sulfate sodium group (referred to here as the Mod group). The carbohydrate utilization rate was 26.59 %, and the total short-chain fatty acid content was 16.46 ± 0.71 mmol/L. The abundances of Alistipes and Lactobacillus increased after BDSF-1 fermentation, whereas those of Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, and Proteus significantly decreased. BSDF-1 altered the levels of 17 metabolites in the Mod group after fermentation for 48 h, which reduced the cadaverine increasing induced by DSS. These results indicate that BSDF-1 can regulate the metabolism of the intestinal microbiota and the host, suggesting its use as a promising therapeutic strategy.

Advances of stable isotope technology in food safety analysis and nutrient metabolism research.

Food quality, safety, and the regulatory metabolism of food nutrients in cells are primary factors in determining human health. However, residues of undesirable or hazardous compounds in food products and dysregulation in the nutrient metabolism inevitably occur occasionally. For years, chromatography-mass spectrometry technology has been recognized as an essential research tool in food analysis and nutrient metabolism research, and it is more accurate and robust when coupled with stable isotopes. In this study, we summarize the applications of stable isotope technology in the quantification of contaminant residues (pesticides, veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other hazardous compounds) in foods and in the nutrients (glucose, lipids, amino acids and proteins) metabolism research. The aim of this review was to serve as a reference for providing effective analysis techniques for protecting food quality and human health, and to pave the way for the broader application of stable isotope technology.

Exogenous salicylic acid regulates organic acids metabolism in postharvest blueberry fruit.

Fruit acidity is an essential factor affecting blueberry organoleptic quality. The organic acid content in blueberry fruit mainly contributes to fruit acidity. This study aims to evaluate the effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA), the principal metabolite of aspirin, on the organoleptic quality and organic acid metabolism in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Ait, 'Powderblue') during cold storage (4 °C). Results showed that SA-treated fruit reduced fruit decay and weight loss delayed fruit softening, and decline of total soluble solids (TSS). TA and total organic acid amounts stayed the same during the late storage period in SA-treated fruit. Four kinds of organic acid components, malic acid, quinic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid, were at higher levels in fruit treated by SA as compared to control. SA enhanced the activities of PEPC, NAD-MDH, and CS to promote the synthesis of malic acid and citric acid. Meanwhile, the activities of NADP-ME, ACL, and ACO, which participated in the degradation of malic acid and citric acid, were inhibited by SA. qPCR results also showed that the expression of VcPEPC, VcNAD-MDH, and VcCS genes were upregulated. In contrast, SA downregulated the expression of VcNADP-ME, VcACL, and VcACO genes. In conclusion, SA could regulate the key genes and enzymes that participated in organic acids metabolism to maintain the freshness of blueberry during cold storage, therefore minimizing the economic loss.

Anatomical characteristics affecting the surgical approach of oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: an MR-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is one of the most widely used lumbar interbody fusion procedures in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to minimize the incidence rate of surgical complications by measuring the anatomical parameters of structures surrounding the working channels of OLIF with 3D COSMIC sequence. METHODS: The MRI examination included conventional MRI sequence and 3D COSMIC sequence. Surgical window, psoas thickness, the transverse diameter of the endplate, and nerve distance were measured to evaluate the anatomical characteristics surrounding the OLIF working channels. RESULTS: The widths of the natural surgical window at the level of the L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 intervertebral measured in this study were 16.25 ± 4.22, 15.46 ± 4.64 mm, and 11.71 ± 6.29 mm, respectively. The average thickness of the left psoas major muscle at the level of L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 intervertebral space was 28.42 ± 5.08 mm, 30.76 ± 5.84 mm, and 31.16 ± 7.72 mm, respectively. The mean value of insertion angle (ß) was 45.57° ± 6.19° in L2-3 intervertebral space, 49.90° ± 6.53° in L3-4 intervertebral space, and 43.34° ± 8.88° in L4-5 intervertebral space. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D COSMIC sequences can be used for imaging anatomical assessment before OLIF surgery. In preoperative planning, the 3D COSMIC sequence can be used to measure the relevant parameters mentioned above to optimize the planned surgical approach.

Co-encapsulation of chlorogenic acid and cinnamaldehyde essential oil in Pickering emulsion stablized by chitosan nanoparticles.

Most of the current research only explored the loading of an active substance in active packaging. In this study, cinnamaldehyde essential oil (CEO) and chlorogenic acid (CA) were co-encapsulated in chitosan (CS) nanoparticles based Pickering emulsion. The morphology and wettability of CS-CA particles were determined. In addition, physicochemical characterizations and stability of the Pickering emulsion were also investigated. Results showed that the wettability of nanoparticles was improved with increasing the ratios of CS to CA, which is helpful to stabilize the emulsion. CEO Pickering emulsion was stabilized by CS-CA nanoparticles and CEO emulsion showed the best stability by using CS-CA nanoparticles with the ratios of CS to CA 1:0.75 with the minimum creaming index value of 26.5 ± 4.6% after 5 days of storage. These overall results presented in this work demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of Pickering emulsion for the co-encapsulation of water-soluble and water-insoluble ingredients.

Impact of melatonin application on lignification in water bamboo shoot during storage.

Melatonin, a crucial bioactive molecule, involved in several physiological processes in plants. This study investigated the effects of melatonin (MT) treatment on lignification, including firmness, lignin, lignified-enzyme activities, the expression patterns of genes encoding corresponding enzymes and transcription factors in water bamboo shoot during storage for 8 days. MT treatment decreased the firmness and content of lignin. It inhibited the degradation of total phenols and ascorbic acid and delayed the lignin biosynthesis, via reducing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyse cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and peroxidase, as well as lignin biosynthesis-related genes expression levels. Transcription factors of ZlNAC1, ZlNAC2, ZlNAC3 and ZlNAC4 from NAC family and ZlMYB1 and ZlMYB2 from MYB family were increased in water bamboo shoot after harvest and MT-treated markedly reduced their expression. Therefore, our findings supply a fundamental understanding of MT treatment suppression of lignification and establish a foundation for further research on transcriptional regulation.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot and its prevention effect on colitis mouse.

A water-soluble dietary fiber named BSDF-1 (polysaccharide) was isolated from the bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot. BSDF-1was characterized as a backbone consisting predominately of 1,4-linked Glcp, and the protective effects and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity were investigated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. BSDF-1 administration significantly reduced colonic pathological damage, inhibited the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-kappa B and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes pathways. It restored the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1, claudin-1, and occludin. Furthermore, BSDF-1 treatment reduced Parabacteroides, Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus levels, whereas high-dose BSDF-1 treatment increased Prevotella, Alitipes, Anaerostipes, Odoribacter, Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Lactobacillus levels. In conclusion, BSDF-1 can inhibit the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and restore the intestinal barrier function. Thus, BSDF-1 may be a valuable food supplement or nutraceutical to manage and prevent ulcerative colitis.

Zizania latifolia Cell Wall Polysaccharide Metabolism and Changes of Related Enzyme Activities during Postharvest Storage.

The metabolism of polysaccharides in the Zizania latifolia cell wall helps maintain the postharvest quality during storage. Fresh Z. latifolia was stored at 4 °C and 25 °C to evaluate the hardness, cell wall polysaccharide composition, cell wall structure, active ingredients, and cell wall metabolism-related enzyme activities. The results showed that hardness declined concomitantly with an increase in water-soluble pectin content during storage, as well as with a decrease in propectin and cellulose contents. Correlation analysis showed that lower activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as polygalacturonase, cellulase, and ß-galactosidase in Z. latifolia stored at 4 °C, were associated with lighter fiberization and greater hardness, compared with those stored at 25 °C. Additionally, the results of infrared spectroscopy showed that texture softening may be attributed to a decrease in the degree of esterification of water-soluble polysaccharides at 25 °C compared to that at 4 °C.

Extraction and Study of Hypoglycemic Constituents from Myrica rubra Pomace.

Myrica rubra pomace accounts for 20% of the fruit's weight that is not utilized when it is juiced. The pomace contains bioactive phenolic substances such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. To improve the utilization value of Myrica rubra pomace, an optimized extraction method for the residual polyphenols was developed using response surface methodology (RSM). The resulting extract was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the in vitro hypoglycemic activity and antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic compounds obtained were also investigated. The optimum extraction conditions (yielding 24.37 mg·g-1 total polyphenols content) were: extraction temperature 60 °C, ultrasonic power 270 W, ethanol concentration 53%, extraction time 57 min, and solid to liquid ratio 1:34. Four polyphenolic compounds were identified in the pomace extract by HPLC: myricitrin, cyanidin-O-glucoside, hyperoside, and quercitrin. DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests showed that the Myrica rubra polyphenols extract had strong antioxidant abilities. It is evident that the residual polyphenols present in Myrica rubra pomace have strong hypoglycemic activity and the juiced fruits can be further exploited for medicinal purposes.

Effects of negative air ions treatment on the quality of fresh shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) during storage.

Fresh shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is prone to brown, pileus-opening and flavor-loss during storage. Therefore, it is important to find an effective preservation method for fresh shiitake. Negative air ions (NAI) are negatively-charged molecules or atoms in the air, and can affect the physiological metabolism of live cells and be conveniently used with low cost. In this study, NAI treatment was performed at different times and the physico-chemical characteristics, microstructure, membrane potential and energy metabolism of shiitake were determined during storage. Results showed that NAI treatment for 40 min could reduce 29% of browning index and maintain the hardness of shiitake. NAI treatment groups had higher content of sweetness amino acids, umami amino acids, 5'-IMP, eight-carbon alcohols compounds and cyclic sulfides compounds than the control, and comprehensive quality of the group being treated for 40 min was the best. The mitochondria of shiitake swelled and the membrane potential decreased after being treated by NAI. However, NAI treatment for 40 min could improve the contents of ATP and ADP, maintain a relatively stable energy charge level, and promote energy utilization of shiitake during storage. The results demonstrated that NAI treatment had the potential to improve the quality shiitake during storage.