Unidirectional cross-activation of GRPR by MOR1D uncouples itch and analgesia induced by opioids.

Spinal opioid-induced itch, a prevalent side effect of pain management, has been proposed to result from pain inhibition. We now report that the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) isoform MOR1D is essential for morphine-induced scratching (MIS), whereas the isoform MOR1 is required only for morphine-induced analgesia (MIA). MOR1D heterodimerizes with gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the spinal cord, relaying itch information. We show that morphine triggers internalization of both GRPR and MOR1D, whereas GRP specifically triggers GRPR internalization and morphine-independent scratching. Providing potential insight into opioid-induced itch prevention, we demonstrate that molecular and pharmacologic inhibition of PLCß3 and IP3R3, downstream effectors of GRPR, specifically block MIS but not MIA. In addition, blocking MOR1D-GRPR association attenuates MIS but not MIA. Together, these data suggest that opioid-induced itch is an active process concomitant with but independent of opioid analgesia, occurring via the unidirectional cross-activation of GRPR signaling by MOR1D heterodimerization.

Stabilization of cadmium in a fluvo-aquic soil-Chinese chive system using loess and chicken manure compost.

The stabilization of heavy metals in soil has been increasingly applied in China in recent years due to its quick effect and low cost. In this study, loess and chicken manure compost (a commercial organic fertilizer) were used to stabilize Cd in slightly polluted fluvo-aquic soil from the North China Plain, and the driving factors for stabilization were investigated through ridge regression. The additives significantly reduced the total concentration of Cd in soil through dilution. The addition of loess and compost increased carbonates and organic matter in soil, respectively. This caused exchangeable Cd to be transformed to fractions bound to carbonates or organic matter, thereby decreasing the concentration of Cd in the roots and leaves of Chinese chive. The decreasing exchangeable Cd in soil was the direct cause of decreased uptake of Cd by plants, and the increasing fractions bound to carbonates or organic matter were indirect influencing factors. However, adding loess decreased soil fertility and retarded plant growth. The addition of compost compensated for these defects. This study suggests that the combined addition of loess and chicken manure compost was able to effectively reduce the total concentration and phytoavailability of Cd in soil and guarantee crop yield and quality.

Plasma tRNA-derived small RNAs signature as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has increased, thus novel biomarkers for its early diagnosis is becoming more important than ever. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a new class of non-coding RNA which has important regulatory roles in cancer biology. This study was designed to identify novel predictive and prognostic tsRNA biomarkers. METHODS: tsRNAs were identified and performed differential expression analysis from 10 plasma samples (6 LUAD and 4 normal, SRP266333) and 96 tissue samples (48 LUAD and 48 normal, SRP133217). Then a tsRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed to find hub tsRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to infer the potential pathways associated with tsRNAs. Afterwards, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm was used to explore the potential biomarkers for diagnosing LUAD. Lastly, the function of tRF-21-RK9P4P9L0 was explored in A549 and H1299 cell lines. RESULTS: A significant difference of read distribution was observed between normal people and LUAD patients whether in plasma or tissue. A tsRNA-mRNA regulatory network consisting of 155 DEtsRNAs (differential expression tsRNAs) and 406 DEmRNAs (differential expression mRNAs) was established. Three tsRNAs (tRF-16-L85J3KE, tRF-21-RK9P4P9L0 and tRF-16-PSQP4PE) were identified as hub genes with degree > 100. We found Co-DEmRNAs (intersection of DEtsRNAs target mRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs in LUAD) were engaged in a number of cancer pathways. The AUC of the three hub tsRNAs' expression for diagnosing LUAD reached 0.92. Furthermore, the qPCR validation of the three hub tsRNAs in 37 paired normal and LUAD tissues was consistent with the RNA-Seq results. In addition, tRF-21-RK9P4P9L0 was negatively associated with LUAD prognosis. Inhibition of tRF-21-RK9P4P9L0 expression reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of A549 and H1299 cell lines. CONCLUSION: These findings will help us further understand the molecular mechanisms of LUAD and contribute to novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic target discovery.

Distribution and possible sources of atmospheric microplastic deposition in a valley basin city (Lanzhou, China).

The deposition is an important process of microplastics transporting from atmosphere to water and soil. But the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in urban atmospheric deposition and its influencing factors are poorly understood. The current study investigated the possible sources, spatial and temporal distribution, and potential ecological risk of microplastics in deposition from the valley basin of Lanzhou city during the COVID-19 pandemic (from February to August, 2020). The deposition flux of microplastics was 353.83 n m-2 d-1. Most plastic samples were small sized (50～500 µm) and transparent. The dominant chemical composition and shapes were PET, fragments and fibers, respectively. A modified method was conducted to identify the sources of microplastics, and the local sources were suggested as the main possible sources. The distribution of microplastics investigated through the inverse distance weight interpolation showed spatial variation and temporal differentiation which was dominated by the human activity. The rainfall also affected the temporal distribution. The preliminary assessment indicated higher potential ecological risk of microplastics in deposition. This study suggested the dominant effect of human activity on the source and distribution of atmospheric microplastic deposition in city.

Cross-talk between Human Spinal Cord µ-opioid Receptor 1Y Isoform and Gastrin-releasing Peptide Receptor Mediates Opioid-induced Scratching Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Although spinal opioids are safe and effective, pruritus is common and distressing. The authors previously demonstrated in mouse spinal cord that interactions between µ-opioid receptor isoform 1D and gastrin releasing peptide receptor mediate morphine-induced scratch. The C-terminal of 1D inhibits morphine-induced scratch without affecting analgesia. The authors hypothesize that human spinal cord also contains itch-specific µ-opioid receptor isoforms which interact with gastrin releasing peptide receptor. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on human spinal cord complimentary DNA from two human cadavers. Calcium responses to morphine (1 µM) were examined using calcium imaging microscopy on human cells (HEK293) coexpressing gastrin releasing peptide receptor and different human µ-opioid receptor isoforms. The authors assessed morphine-induced scratching behavior and thermal analgesia in mice following intrathecal injection of morphine (0.3 nmol) and a transactivator of transcription peptide designed from C-terminal sequences of 1Y isoform (0, 0.1, and 0.4 nmol). RESULTS: The authors demonstrated 1Y expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Morphine administration evoked a calcium response (mean ± SD) (57 ± 13 nM) in cells coexpressing both gastrin releasing peptide receptor and the 1Y isomer. This was blocked by 10 µM naltrexone (0.7 ± 0.4 nM; P < 0.0001), 1 µM gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist (3 ± 2 nM; P < 0.0001), or 200 µM 1Y-peptide (2 + 2 nM; P < 0.0001). In mice, 0.4 nmol 1Y-peptide significantly attenuated morphine-induced scratching behaviors (scratching bouts, vehicle vs. 1Y-peptide) (92 ± 31 vs. 38 ± 29; P = 0.011; n = 6 to 7 mice per group), without affecting morphine antinociception in warm water tail immersion test (% of maximum possible effect) (70 ± 21 vs. 67 ± 22; P = 0.80; n = 6 mice per group). CONCLUSIONS: Human µ-opioid receptor 1Y isomer is a C-terminal splicing variant of Oprm1 gene identified in human spinal cord. Cross-talk between 1Y and gastrin releasing peptide receptor is required for mediating opioid-induced pruritus. Disrupting the cross talk may have implications for therapeutic uncoupling of desired analgesic effects from side effects of opioids.

Flexible particle flow-focusing in microchannel driven by droplet-directed induced-charge electroosmosis.

We report herein a novel microfluidic particle concentrator that utilizes constriction microchannels to enhance the flow-focusing performance of induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO), where viscous hemi-spherical oil droplets are embedded within the mainchannel to form deformable converging-diverging constriction structures. The constriction region between symmetric oil droplets partially coated on the electrode strips can improve the focusing performance by inducing a granular wake flow area at the diverging channel, which makes almost all of the scattered sample particles trapped within a narrow stream on the floating electrode. Another asymmetric droplet pair arranged near the outlets can further direct the trajectory of focused particle stream to one specified outlet port depending on the symmetry breaking in the shape of opposing phase interfaces. By fully exploiting rectification properties of induced-charge electrokinetic phenomena at immiscible water/oil interfaces of tunable geometry, the expected function of continuous and switchable flow-focusing is demonstrated by preconcentrating both inorganic silica particles and biological yeast cells. Physical mechanisms responsible for particle focusing and locus deflection in the droplet-assisted concentrentor are analyzed in detail, and simulation results are in good accordance with experimental observations. Our work provides new routes to construct flexible electrokinetic framework for preprocessing on-chip biological samples before performing subsequent analysis.

Critical evaluation of the expression of gastrin-releasing peptide in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord.

There are substantial disagreements about the expression of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in sensory neurons and whether GRP antibody cross-reacts with substance P (SP). These concerns necessitate a critical revaluation of GRP expression using additional approaches. Here, we show that a widely used GRP antibody specifically recognizes GRP but not SP. In the spinal cord of mice lacking SP (Tac1KO), the expression of not only GRP but also other peptides, notably neuropeptide Y (NPY), is significantly diminished. We detectedGrpmRNA in dorsal root ganglias using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization and RNA-seq. We demonstrated thatGrpmRNA and protein are upregulated in dorsal root ganglias, but not in the spinal cord, of mice with chronic itch. Few GRP(+)immunostaining signals were detected in spinal sections following dorsal rhizotomy and GRP(+)cell bodies were not detected in dissociated dorsal horn neurons. Ultrastructural analysis further shows that substantially more GRPergic fibers form synaptic contacts with gastrin releasing peptide receptor-positive (GRPR(+)) neurons than SPergic fibers. Our comprehensive study demonstrates that a majority of GRPergic fibers are of primary afferent origin. A number of factors such as low copy number ofGrptranscripts, small percentage of cells expressingGrp, and the use of an eGFP GENSAT transgenic as a surrogate for GRP protein have contributed to the controversy. Optimization of experimental procedures facilitates the specific detection of GRP expression in dorsal root ganglia neurons.

[The Gemological Characteristics of One Kind Turquoise Imitation].

It has been a long time that the imitations of turquoise appear in gem market. Pressed dyed carbonate in the early stage and dyed variscite, chalcedony as well as magnesite appeared in succession. These kinds of materials do not have the color and characteristics of natural turquoise. Their physical and optical properties are quite different from natural turquoise. One kind of turquoise imitation newly appears in market is selected to be studied in this paper. The conventional gemological method, infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to study its mineral compositions, gemological properties and structural characteristics. The results show that: the brecciated structure can be observed and the distribution of the iron wire is very simple on the surface of the sample. Deep blue granules are visible on the surface of blue samples and a few black spots can be observed on the surface of white ones, which are typical indication of pressing process. The blue imitations of turquoise has been stained and pressed. The index of this kind of turquoise imitation range from 1.54 to 1.58, which is lower than that of natural turquoise and it show bluish white fluorescence, which can be used as important evidence to distinguish it with natural turquoise. The data of X-ray diffraction shows the sample mainly consists of enstatite and quartz. The results of infrared absorption spectroscopy show that the absorption spectra of this kind of turquoise imitation is in accordance with the typical absorption peaks of enstatite: the absorption peaks which locates near 1 088 and 799 cm-1 are associated with Si­O, Si­O­Si stretching vibration in quartz; the absorption peaks near 2 947 and 2 882 cm-1 is related with stretching vibration of CH2 of exotic organic resin; the absorption peaks near 1 736 and 1 510 cm-1 are resulted from the bending and stretching vibration of CO and CH2.

Cross-inhibition of NMBR and GRPR signaling maintains normal histaminergic itch transmission.

We previously showed that gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the spinal cord is important for mediating nonhistaminergic itch. Neuromedin B receptor (NMBR), the second member of the mammalian bombesin receptor family, is expressed in a largely nonoverlapping pattern with GRPR in the superficial spinal cord, and its role in itch transmission remains unclear. Here, we report that Nmbr knock-out (KO) mice exhibited normal scratching behavior in response to intradermal injection of pruritogens. However, mice lacking both Nmbr and Grpr (DKO mice) showed significant deficits in histaminergic itch. In contrast, the chloroquine (CQ)-evoked scratching behavior of DKO mice is not further reduced compared with Grpr KO mice. These results suggest that NMBR and GRPR could compensate for the loss of each other to maintain normal histamine-evoked itch, whereas GRPR is exclusively required for CQ-evoked scratching behavior. Interestingly, GRPR activity is enhanced in Nmbr KO mice despite the lack of upregulation of Grpr expression; so is NMBR in Grpr KO mice. We found that NMB acts exclusively through NMBR for itch transmission, whereas GRP can signal through both receptors, albeit to NMBR to a much lesser extent. Although NMBR and NMBR(+) neurons are dispensable for histaminergic itch, GRPR(+) neurons are likely to act downstream of NMBR(+) neurons to integrate NMB-NMBR-encoded histaminergic itch information in normal physiological conditions. Together, we define the respective function of NMBR and GRPR in itch transmission, and reveal an unexpected relationship not only between the two receptors but also between the two populations of interneurons in itch signaling.

[Study on Vibrational Spectra Characteristics of Gem-Quality Natrolite].

Recently, there is a batch of colorless faceted gem-quality natrolite appear in the international jewelry market. In order to provide some information that can help us to distinguish them from the imitations. The infrared spectrometer and Raman spectrometer were employed to study the characteristics of the vibrational spectrum of three natrolite samples in this article. The typical infrared spectra shows that: the absorption region 4000~1200 cm(-1) is induced by stretching vibration of the hydroxyl group, the strong absorption peaks range from 1200~600 cm(-1) are relative with the anti-symmetry and symmetry stretching vibration of tetrahedral T-O bonds (T=Si or Al). The Raman spectra scattering peaks are located in the range of 300~600 and 700~1200 cm(-1). The low intensity Raman scattering spectrum in the range of 300~360 cm(-1) corresponds to the vibration of the water molecules in the crystal. The medium intensity Raman scattering spectrum is assigned to the deformation of SiO4 tetrahedra. The Raman spectra scattering peak at 726 cm(-1) is assigned to the stretching vibration of Al-O; The Si-O stretching vibration displays the Raman spectra scattering peaks at 974, 1038 and 1084 cm(-1).

B-type natriuretic peptide is neither itch-specific nor functions upstream of the GRP-GRPR signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: A recent study by Mishra and Hoon identified B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as an important peptide for itch transmission and proposed that BNP activates spinal natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) expressing neurons, which release gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) to activate GRP receptor (GRPR) expressing neurons to relay itch information from the periphery to the brain (Science 340:968-971, 2013). A central premise for the validity of this novel pathway is the absence of GRP in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. To this end, they showed that Grp mRNA in DRG neurons is either absent or barely detectable and claimed that BNP but not GRP is a major neurotransmitter for itch in pruriceptors. They showed that NPRA immunostaining is perfectly co-localized with Grp-eGFP in the spinal cord, and a few acute pain behaviors in Nppb-/- mice were tested. They claimed that BNP is an itch-selective peptide that acts as the first station of a dedicated neuronal pathway comprising a GRP-GRPR cascade for itch. However, our studies, along with the others, do not support their claims. FINDINGS: We were unable to reproduce the immunostaining of BNP and NPRA as shown by Mishra and Hoon. By contrast, we were able to detect Grp mRNA in DRGs using in situ hybridization and real time RT-PCR. We show that the expression pattern of Grp mRNA is comparable to that of GRP protein in DRGs. Pharmacological and genetic blockade of GRP-GRPR signaling does not significantly affect intrathecal BNP-induced scratching behavior. We show that BNP inhibits inflammatory pain and morphine analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that GRP is a key neurotransmitter in pruriceptors for mediating histamine-independent itch. BNP-NPRA signaling is involved in both itch and pain and does not function upstream of the GRP-GRPR dedicated neuronal pathway. The site of BNP action in itch and pain and its relationship with GRP remain to be clarified.

CaMKIIalpha interacts with M4 muscarinic receptors to control receptor and psychomotor function.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are widely expressed in the mammalian brain and are essential for neuronal functions. These receptors are believed to be actively regulated by intracellular signals, although the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we show that Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) binds directly and selectively to one of five mAChR subtypes, M4 receptors (M4Rs), at their C-terminal regions of second intracellular loops. This binding relies on Ca(2+) activation of the kinase and leads to the phosphorylation of M4Rs at a specific threonine site (Thr145). Complementary in vivo studies in rat striatal neurons enriched with M4Rs confirm that rising Ca(2+) recruits CaMKIIalpha to M4Rs to potentiate receptor signalling, which controls behavioural sensitivity to dopamine stimulation in an activity-dependent manner. Our data identify a new model of protein-protein interactions. In a Ca(2+)-sensitive manner, CaMKIIalpha regulates M4R efficacy and controls the acetylcholine-dopamine balance in the basal ganglia and also the dynamics of movement.

Propanediamine modified pillar[5]arene: A novel stationary phase for the high selectivity separation of versatile analytes.

The unique properties of pillar[5]arene, including hydrophobic cavities, π-π conjugated and easy modification, make it a promising candidate as stationary phase for HPLC. Herein, we fabricated a novel propanediamine modified pillar[5]arene bonded silica as the stationary phase (PDA-BP5S) for reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). Benefiting from the significant hydrophobicity, π-π conjugative, p-π effect, and hydrogen bonding, the PDA-BP5S packed column showed high separation performance of versatile analytes involving polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkyl benzenes, phenols, arylamine, phenylethane/styrene/ phenylacetylene, toluene/m-xylene/mesitylene, halobenzenes, benzenediol and nitrophenol isomers. Especially, the separation of halobenzenes appeared to be controlled by both the size of the halogen substituents and the strength of the noncovalent bonding interactions, which was further confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation. The satisfactory separation and repeatability revealed the promising prospects of amine-pillar[5]arene-based stationary phase for RPLC.

Green synthesis of a superhydrophobic porous organic polymer for the removal of volatile organic compounds at high humidity.

Superhydrophobic porous organic polymers are potential sorbents for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollution control by suppressing the competition of water molecules on their surfaces. However, the synthesis of superhydrophobic reagents usually requires large amounts of organic solvents and a long reaction time (≥ 24 h). Herein, a green mechanochemical method was developed to synthesize a superhydrophobic polymer (MSHMP-1) with the advantages of using a small amount of organic solvents (5 mL/g) and a short reaction time (2 h). Meanwhile, MSHMP-1 with a water contact angle (WCA) of 162° exhibited a dramatically rich pore structure as revealed by its specific surface area (SSA) of 1780 m2/g. The decrease in the adsorption of benzene on MSHMP-1 due to the competition of water molecules, even at relative humidity of 90 %, was nonsignificant (<10 %), indicating the great application potential of MSHMP-1 in hydrophobic adsorption. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of MSHMP-1 was maintained after at least five adsorption-desorption cycles. Therefore, MSHMP-1 can be a remarkable adsorbent for the removal of hazardous VOCs, especially at high humidity levels.

Clinical features of unilateral multilobar and hemispheric polymicrogyria (PMG)-related epilepsy and seizure outcome with different treatment options.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for choosing surgical or nonsurgical treatment for epilepsy in patients with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric polymicrogyria (PMG). METHODS: We searched published studies until September 2022 related to unilateral multilobar and hemispheric PMG and included patients who were followed up at the Pediatric Epilepsy Centre of Peking University First Hospital in the past 10 years. We summarized the clinical characteristics and compared the long-term outcomes after surgical or nonsurgical (anti-seizure medications, ASMs) treatment. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (49 surgical, 21 non-surgical) with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric PMG were included. The median age at epilepsy onset was 2.5 years (1.0-4.1). The most common seizure types were focal and atypical absence seizures. In the whole cohort, 87.3% had hemiparesis and 67.1% had electrical status epilepticus during slow sleep (ESES). There were significant differences in age at epilepsy onset, extent of lesion, and EEG interictal discharges between the two groups. At the last follow-up (median 14.1 years), the rates of seizure-freedom (81.6% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.032) and ASM discontinuation (44.4% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.006) were higher in the surgical group than in the nonsurgical group. Patients in the surgical group had a higher rate of seizure-freedom with complete resection/disconnection than with subtotal resection (87.5% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.078), but with no statistically significant difference. In the nonsurgical group, more extensive lesions were associated with worse seizure outcomes. Cognition improved postoperatively in 90% of surgical patients. SIGNIFICANCE: In patients with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric PMG, the age of seizure onset, the extent of the lesion and EEG features can help determine whether surgery should be performed early. Additionally, surgery could be more favorable for achieving seizure freedom and cognitive improvement sooner. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: We aim to summarize clinical characteristics and compare the long-term outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical (ASM) treatment to provide a basis for treatment decisions for patients with unilateral multilobar and hemispheric polymicrogyria (PMG)-related epilepsy. We found that patients with unilateral hemispheric and multilobar PMG had significantly higher rates of seizure freedom and ASM discontinuation with surgical treatment than with nonsurgical treatment. In the surgical group, seizure outcomes were better in patients treated with complete resection/disconnection than in those treated with subtotal resection, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Spatiotemporal distribution and potential sources of atmospheric microplastic deposition in a semiarid urban environment of Northwest China.

In this study, the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastic deposition was investigated through ordinary Kriging interpolation, and the potential sources of microplastic deposition were identified by using Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model. The results showed that the total deposition flux of microplastics ranged from 79.5 to 810.0 p/(m2·d). The shapes of microplastics could be divided into 4 shapes: fiber, fragment, film, and pellet. Seven polymer types of microplastics were identified, including polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Most microplastics were tiny and small sizes (≤ 500 µm) and colorless. Through model analysis and survey, microplastic deposition came from the study region, and the potential sources might be plastic products and wastes. The seasons with the highest and lowest total deposition flux were summer (535.5 p/(m2·d)) and winter (197.5 p/(m2·d)), respectively. The months of the highest and lowest total deposition flux were June 2021 (681.4 p/(m2·d)) and January 2022 (112.2 p/(m2·d)), respectively. Most fibers (PET, PA, PP) and fragments (PP) were distributed in populous areas such as commercial centers and residential areas. Abundant fragments (PET, PS, PE) and films (PE, PVC) were distributed around salvage stations. Almost all of the pellets (PE, PMMA) were found in the factory. Our results suggested that the temporal distribution of microplastic deposition was influenced by precipitation and mean temperature of air, and the spatial distribution of microplastic deposition was influenced by sources and population density.

Fabrication of porous polyimide as cathode for high performance lithium-ion battery.

Herein, we report the preparation of porous polyimide (PI) with a cost-effective synthesis process by polycondensation between melamine and dianhydride monomers. The prepared porous PI served as a cathode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and delivers a high discharge platform of 2.1 V and satisfactory electrochemical performance. Thus, the porous PI cathode provides another choice for LIBs.

Antioxidant activity and semi-solid emulsification of a polysaccharide from coffee cherry peel.

In order to further improve the economic benefits of the coffee industry chain, we carried out the following systematic research on processing by-products. In this research, the obtained coffee cherry peel polysaccharide (CCP) which was removed from the coffee cherry peel by hot acid method had a galacturonic acid content of 20.50 % and a molecular weight of 3.05 kg/mol. According to the results of monosaccharide analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, molecular weight distribution, and thermal analysis, CCP was a typical high methoxy polysaccharide. In vitro antioxidant results showed that CCP had better antioxidant capacity than commercial citrus polysaccharide (APC). When it came to emulsification performance, the water-oil bonding ability and disturbance resistance to the fluid of CCP were also significantly higher than that of APC. Specially, we found that 0.50 % (wt%) CCP could form a solid-liquid gel with very high plasticity at low oil phase fraction. In conclusion, the coffee cherry peel could be used as a natural source of a novel emulsifier, providing a promising alternative for polysaccharide in the food industry.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in children with mild malformation of cortical development and oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Mild malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy (MOGHE) is a new and rare histopathological entity of cortical developmental malformations. The clinical characteristics of MOGHE remain challenging. METHODS: Children with histologically confirmed MOGHE were retrospectively studied. The clinical findings, electroclinical and imaging features, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, and previously published studies were reviewed up to June 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-seven children were included in our cohort. Clinical characteristics included early onset in infancy (94.6% before 3 years), multiple seizure types, and moderate or severe delay. Epileptic spasm is the most common seizure type and initial manifestation. The lesions were mainly multilobar (59.5% multiple lobes and 8.1% hemispheres), and predominance in the frontal lobe was observed. The interictal EEG pattern was circumscribed or widespread. The prominent MRI characteristics were cortical thickening, cortical/subcortical hyperintense T2/FLAIR signal, and blurring at the GM and WM transition. Among the 21 children followed up for more than 1 year after surgery, 76.2% were seizure-free. Preoperative interictal circumscribed discharges and larger resections were significantly associated with a good postoperative outcome. The clinical features of 113 patients in the reviewed studies were similar to those we reported, but the lesions were mainly unilobar (73.5%) and Engel I was achieved in only 54.2% after surgery. SIGNIFICANCE: Distinct clinical characteristics in MOGHE, especially age at onset, epileptic spasm, and age-related MRI characteristics, can help in early diagnosis. Preoperative interictal discharge and surgical strategy may be predictors of postoperative outcomes.