Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Digestibility of Starch from a Trace-Rutinosidase Variety of Tartary Buckwheat 'Manten-Kirari'.

We recently developed a novel Tartary buckwheat variety, 'Manten-Kirari', with trace-rutinosidase activity. The use of 'Manten-Kirari' enabled us to make rutin-rich food products with low bitterness. This study was intended to evaluate the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starch isolated from 'Manten-Kirari'. For comparison, the representative common buckwheat variety 'Kitawasesoba' and Tartary buckwheat variety 'Hokkai T8' in Japan were also used. The lowest content of amylose was found in 'Manten-Kirari' starch (18.1%) while the highest was in 'Kitawasesoba' starch (22.6%). 'Manten-Kirari' starch exhibited a larger median granule size (11.41 µm) and higher values of peak viscosity (286.8 RVU) and breakdown (115.2 RVU) than the others. The values of onset temperature for gelatinization were 60.5 °C for 'Kitawasesoba', 61.3 °C for 'Manten-Kirari', and 64.7 °C for 'Hokkai T8'. 'Manten-Kirari' and 'Hokkai T8' starches were digested more slowly than 'Kitawasesoba' starch. Our results will provide fundamental information concerning the expanded use of 'Manten-Kirari' in functional foods.

Localized ZnO Growth on a Gold Nanoantenna by Plasmon-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis.

The excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in metal nanostructures enables subwavelength photon localization and large electric field enhancement, which can be advantageously used to strongly enhance light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. For this purpose, efficient methods for deterministically handling and arranging nanomaterials at the exact position of the localized electric field are required. In this Letter, we propose a novel method based on a hydrothermal synthesis reaction to locally and selectively synthesize zinc oxide in a plasmonic nanoantenna. We first make evident the role of LSPR for achieving efficient heating of gold nanostructures. Then, by selectively addressing one of the LSPRs of a gold antenna, we demonstrate that localized zinc oxide formation at the targeted location of the antenna can be achieved due to the nanoscale confinement of the heat production.

Prevention of postprandial hypotension-related syncope by caffeine in a patient with long-standing diabetes mellitus.

A 74-year-old man who had type 2 diabetes mellitus of a duration of 20 years was admitted for syncope after eating a high carbohydrate meal. Although he had had episodes of pallor or syncope after carbohydrate-rich meals, such as with large amounts of white rice, several times within a year and he had been taken to hospitals emergently, the etiology of these episodes had remained unclear despite his undergoing several studies. Studies did show severe orthostatic hypotension during the head-up tilt test and a decrease in the coefficient of variation of the R-R interval (CVR-R) on resting electrocardiogram, suggesting severe autonomic nervous dysfunction. Because of the episodes of syncope after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal, we investigated whether he had postprandial hypotension (PPH). The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test revealed a significant decrease in his postprandial blood pressure by about 40 mmHg, leading to the diagnosis of PPH. The carbohydrate-rich meal test induced syncope with systolic blood pressure under 40 mmHg. Then 150 mg caffeine was administered before a second carbohydrate-rich meal. The marked decline in postprandial blood pressure was suppressed and plasma noradrenaline levels were gradually increased over a period of 60 minutes. Caffeine could be useful for prevention of postprandial hypotension-related syncope.

Present status and future perspectives of breeding for buckwheat quality.

Buckwheat is an important crop globally. It has been processed into cereal grain, noodles, confectionery, bread, and fermented foods for many years. Buckwheat production and processing has supported local economies and is deeply related to the culture of some regions. Buckwheat has many unique traits as a food, with a good flavor and color. In addition, buckwheat is also a healthy food because it contains bioactive compounds that have anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, and anti-obesity properties. Therefore, breeding of buckwheat for quality is an important issue to be addressed. Compared to other crops, there is still a lack of basic information on quality, including bioactive compounds generation and enhancement. However, some mechanisms for modifying and improving the quality of buckwheat varieties have recently been identified. Further, some varieties with improved quality have recently been developed. In this review, we summarize the issues around buckwheat quality and review the present status and future potential of buckwheat breeding for quality.

CXCR4 signaling in macrophages contributes to periodontal mechanical hypersensitivity in Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis in mice.

Background Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease accompanied by alveolar bone loss and progressive inflammation without pain. However, the potential contributors eliminating pain associated with gingival inflammation are unknown. Results we examined the involvement of CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) on the mechanical sensitivity of inflamed periodontal tissue, using a mouse model of periodontitis established by the ligation of the tooth cervix of a maxillary second molar and inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Infiltration of inflammatory cells into gingival tissue was not observed following the inoculation. Under light anesthesia, the mechanical head withdrawal threshold (MHWT) on the buccal gingiva was measured using an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer. No significant changes in MHWT were observed in the mice with P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis during the experimental period. Continuous administration of CXCR4 neutralizing antibody to the gingival tissue significantly decreased MHWT and increased the number of gingival CXCR4 immunoreactive macrophages in the periodontitis group. Nitric oxide metabolites in the gingival tissue were significantly increased after the inoculation of P. gingivalis and were reduced by gingival CXCR4 neutralization. Gingival L-arginine administration induced gingival mechanical allodynia in naive animals. Moreover, the decrease in MHWT after treatment with P. gingivalis and CXCR4 neutralization was partially reversed by nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the gingival tissue. Nuclear factor-kappa B was expressed in infiltrating macrophages after inoculation of P. gingivalis and administration of the nuclear factor-kappa B activator betulinic acid induced gingival mechanical allodynia in naive mice. Conclusions These findings suggest that CXCR4 signaling inhibits nitric oxide release from infiltrating macrophages and is involved in modulation of the mechanical sensitivity in the periodontal tissue in P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis.

Interaction between calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive neurons and satellite cells via P2Y12 R in the trigeminal ganglion is involved in neuropathic tongue pain in rats.

The P2Y12 receptor expressed in satellite cells of the trigeminal ganglion is thought to contribute to neuropathic pain. The functional interaction between neurons and satellite cells via P2Y12 receptors and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) underlying neuropathic pain in the tongue was evaluated in this study. Expression of P2Y12 receptor was enhanced in pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells encircling trigeminal ganglion neurons after lingual nerve crush. The administration to lingual nerve crush rats of a selective P2Y12 receptor antagonist, MRS2395, attenuated tongue hypersensitivity to mechanical and heat stimulation and suppressed the increase in the relative numbers of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive neurons and neurons encircled by pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells. Administration of the P2Y1,12,13 receptor agonist, 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate trisodium salt hydrate (2-MeSADP), to naïve rats induced neuropathic pain in the tongue, as in lingual nerve crush rats. Co-administration of 2-MeSADP + MRS2395 to naïve rats did not result in hypersensitivity of the tongue. The relative number of CGRP-immunoreactive neurons increased following this co-administration, but to a lesser degree than observed in 2-MeSADP-administrated naïve rats, and the relative number of neurons encircled by pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells did not change. These results suggest that the interaction between activated satellite cells and CGRP-immunoreactive neurons via P2Y12 receptors contributes to neuropathic pain in the tongue associated with lingual nerve injury.

Discovery and genetic analysis of non-bitter Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) with trace-rutinosidase activity.

In a screening of about 500 lines of Tartary buckwheat, we identified lines that contained no detectable rutinosidase isozymes using an in-gel detection assay. We confirmed that seeds of these individuals had only a trace level of in-vitro rutinosidase activity. To investigate the heritability of the trace-rutinosidase characteristic, we analyzed the progeny of crosses between rutinosidase trace-lines, 'f3g-162', and the 'Hokkai T8'. The F2 progeny clearly divided into two groups: those with rutinosidase activity under 1.5 nkat/g seed (trace-rutinosidase) and those with activity over 400 nkat/g seed (normal rutinosidase). The segregation pattern of this trait in F2 progeny exhibited 1 : 3 ratio (trace-rutinosidase : normal rutinosidase), suggesting that the trace-rutinosidase trait is conferred by a single recessive gene; rutinosidase-trace A (rutA). In addition, sensory panelists evaluated the bitterness of flour from trace-rutinosidase individuals and did not detect bitterness, whereas flour from normal rutinosidase individuals was found to have strong bitterness. Although at least three bitter compounds have been reported in Tartary buckwheat seeds, our present findings indicate that rutin hydrolysis is the major contributing factor to bitterness. In addition, the trace-rutinosidase line identified here, 'f3g-162', is a promising material for generating a non-bitter Tartary buckwheat variety.

Breeding of 'Manten-Kirari', a non-bitter and trace-rutinosidase variety of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.).

Here, we developed a new Tartary buckwheat cultivar 'Manten-Kirari', whose flour contains only trace amounts of rutinosidase and lacked bitterness. The trace-rutinosidase breeding line 'f3g-162' (seed parent), which was obtained from a Nepalese genetic resource, was crossed with 'Hokkai T8' (pollen parent), the leading variety in Japan, to improve its agronomic characteristics. The obtained progeny were subjected to performance test. 'Manten-Kirari' had no detectable rutinosidase isozymes in an in-gel detection assay and only 1/266 of the rutinosidase activity of 'Hokkai T8'. Dough prepared from 'Manten-Kirari' flour contained almost no hydrolyzed rutin, even 6 h after the addition of water, whereas the rutin in 'Hokkai T8' dough was completely hydrolyzed within 10 min. In a sensory evaluation of the flour from the two varieties, nearly all panelists detected strong bitterness in 'Hokkai T8', whereas no panelists reported bitterness in 'Manten-Kirari'. This is the first report to describe the breeding of a Tartary buckwheat cultivar with reduced rutin hydrolysis and no bitterness in the prepared flour. Notably, the agronomic characteristics of 'Manten-Kirari' were similar to those of 'Hokkai T8', which is the leading variety in Japan. Based on these characteristics, 'Manten-Kirari' is a promising for preparing non-bitter, rutin-rich foods.

Steroid reduction-resistant pulmonary involvement with Sweet's syndrome suspected of being vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic syndrome: A case report.

In cases of Sweet's syndrome with pulmonary involvement, fever of unknown origin, and macrocytic anaemia, VEXAS syndrome can be considered in the differential diagnosis. A 67-year-old man who was taking prednisolone for a fever of unknown origin and Sweet's syndrome was referred to us because of an abnormal chest shadow. Computed tomography revealed a nonfibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like opacity, and blood test results indicated macrocytic anaemia. His pulmonary symptoms spontaneously improved but again exacerbated approximately 1 month later. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy improved his condition, but he had recurring fever flare and pulmonary involvement post-treatment. A peripheral blood UBA1 gene test planned at a specialized institution was not performed, making the diagnosis difficult. We attempted careful tapering of methylprednisolone, but his macrocytic anaemia led to pancytopenia and he unfortunately died of sepsis due to neutropenia.

Successful treatment of simultaneous malignant pleural mesothelioma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma: A case report.

The present report described the case of a 74-year-old male patient with asbestos exposure whose chest computed tomography revealed a right lower lobe nodule and right pleural effusion. Pleural biopsy led to the diagnosis of epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma (cT2N0M0, stage IB). Combination therapy with cisplatin + pemetrexed led to the complete remission of malignant pleural mesothelioma; however, the right lower lobe nodule grew in size over time. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (cT1aN0M0, stage IA1) by computed tomography-guided biopsy performed 18 months after chemotherapy initiation and achieved remission of lung adenocarcinoma with stereotactic radiotherapy. The patient was alive without recurrence at the 12-month follow-up. The present case illustrated that multiple active regimens are currently available for malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer that can aid in the treatment of complex cases.

Prevalence and clinical relevance of comorbid pertussis infection in adult patients with asthma: A prospective, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Viral or atypical bacterial respiratory infections are involved in the new development and the pathogenesis of asthma. Though an association between pertussis and asthma has been expected, few studies have reported it consistently. We assessed the prevalence and clinical relevance of pertussis infection in adult patients with asthma. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, newly referred, adult patients with asthma (n = 107) and with non-asthmatic subacute/chronic cough (n = 31) were enrolled. The prevalence of pertussis in patients with asthma and in those with non-asthmatic subacute/chronic cough was assessed. Next, the prevalence of newly diagnosed asthma was compared between asthmatic patients with and without pertussis. Finally, demographic characteristics of patients, blood test results, pulmonary function test results, and questionnaire scores were compared between the two patient groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of pertussis infection was significantly higher in patients with asthma than in those with non-asthmatic subacute/chronic cough (36% vs 10%; P = 0.004). The prevalence of newly diagnosed asthma was significantly higher in asthmatic patients with pertussis than in those without (74.4% vs 50.0%; P = 0.014). The physical, psychological, and total scores of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire were significantly lower in asthmatic patients with pertussis than in those without (all P < 0.05). The acid-reflux, dyspeptic, and total scores of the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (FSSG) were significantly higher in asthmatic patients with pertussis than in those without (all P ≤ 0.05). The FSSG acid-reflux score was negatively correlated with the cough-specific quality of life (QOL) score only in asthmatic patients with pertussis (rho = -0.68, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pertussis infection was significantly higher in adult patients with asthma than in those with non-asthmatic subacute/chronic cough. In patients with asthma, comorbid pertussis infection may play a role in newly diagnosed asthma and may contribute to impaired cough-specific QOL partly due to worsening acid-reflux symptoms of GERD.

Tartary Buckwheat Bran: A Review of Its Chemical Composition, Processing Methods and Food Uses.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) containing large amounts of functional compounds with antioxidant activity, such as rutin, has attracted substantial research attention due to its industrial applications. Particularly, the functional compounds in Tartary buckwheat bran, an unexploited byproduct of the buckwheat flour milling process, are more concentrated than those in Tartary buckwheat flour. Thus, Tartary buckwheat bran is deemed to be a potential material for making functional foods. However, a review that comprehensively summarizes the research on Tartary buckwheat bran is lacking. Therefore, we highlighted current studies on the chemical composition of Tartary buckwheat bran. Moreover, the processing method and food uses of Tartary buckwheat bran are also discussed.

Rutin Concentration and Characterization of Rutinosidase in Perennial Buckwheat (Fagopyrum cymosum) and Its Application in Foods.

To evaluate the potential of perennial buckwheat (Fagopyrum cymosum; FC) as a food source, rutin concentration was investigated. FC contains more than 1% (w/w) rutin and 0.03% quercetin in the leaves, flowers, and seeds. In particular, rutin and quercetin concentrations were high in plant seeds. Therefore, FC is useful as a rutin- and quercetin-rich material. In contrast, the FC seed contained a large amount of rutinosidase. Purified rutinosidase in a homogenous mixture consisted of only one isozyme with M.W. of 58.4 KD and low Km for rutin (0.367 mM). The rutin concentration in the FC dough decreased to almost zero, 10 min after the addition of water. Parallel to the decrease in rutin, quercetin was increased, and strong bitterness was generated, whereas steam-heated flour in which rutinosidase was inactivated did not have rutin hydrolysis and bitterness. These results indicate that rutinosidase is a major cause of rutin hydrolysis and bitterness. The in vitro rutinosidase is inactivated at pH 8.0 and 65 °C. Therefore, the control of dough pH and temperature should be useful in preventing rutinosidase activity.

Traits of shattering resistant buckwheat 'W/SK86GF'.

Seed shattering is a significant problem with buckwheat, especially at harvesting time. Several reports have shown that a green-flower mutant of buckwheat, such as W/SK86GF, has a strong pedicel. Although a strong pedicel may provide some resistance to shattering in the field, no study has thoroughly examined this issue. In this paper, we demonstrate that a W/SK86GF has shattering resistance by comparing the degrees of shattering of W/SK86GF and Kitawasesoba (leading variety of Hokkaido with non-green-flower traits) through a test for four years, including a typhoon hit year in the field. In a non-typhoon year, the shattering seed ratio (shattering seed weight/(yield + shattering seed weight) × 100) of W/SK86GF at maturing time +15 days (+15D) was lower than that of Kitawasesoba. In a typhoon hit year, the shattering seed ratios of Kitawasesoba at maturing time and +15D were surprisingly high, 14.4 and 21.1%, respectively. On the other hand, those of W/SK86GF were only 3.08% and 2.57%, respectively; indicating W/SK86GF is promising as a shattering resistant line even in a typhoon hit year. From these results, shattering resistance of W/SK86GF can be evaluated after maturing time such as +15D and pedicel strength would confer W/SK86GF a shattering resistant trait.

Development of Novel Detection Method for Rutinosidase in Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.).

Contamination of rutinosidase is a major problem for rutin-rich food due to the hydrolysis of the functional compound rutin and generation of strong bitterness caused by the hydrolyzed moiety quercetin. This problem sometimes occurs between the trace and normal rutinosidase Tartary buckwheat varieties. Here, we developed a simple and rapid method for rutinosidase detection in 'ripening seeds using UV light' and in 'dough using alum-flavonoid complexation' from Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.). Normal rutinosidase seeds can be distinguished from trace-rutinosidase mature seeds and ripening young seeds using a rutin solution by comparing the muddiness, which corresponds to quercetin generation. In dough, we detected a threefold relative increase in rutinosidase activity corresponding to 1% contamination of normal rutinosidase flour with trace-rutinosidase flour within 65 min. These methods do not require expensive apparatuses and toxic chemicals and are therefore promising for detecting and preventing contamination by rutinosidase, e.g., in food processing factories.

The concept of aggressive nutrition therapy and clinical indication: A position paper.

Aggressive nutrition therapy is a nutritional management method that sets energy intake requirements by adding the amount of energy accumulated to energy consumption. It is used to treat patients with undernutrition and sarcopenia. However, evidence for aggressive nutrition therapy is insufficient, and validation through high-quality clinical research is essential. Therefore, this paper aimed to clarify the concept of aggressive nutrition therapy, present indications and contraindications; and describe the effects, limitations, and the need to individualize aggressive nutrition therapy for different pathological conditions. Aggressive nutrition therapy should be accompanied by the etiology of undernutrition, sarcopenia, and nutritional metabolism in various states. In addition to calculating nutritional requirements, the nutritional management methods of oral intake, tube feeding, and parenteral nutrition should be appropriately selected. A nutrition plan with the amount of energy accumulated should also be a vital issue. This position paper was authored by the Registered Dietitian Subcommittee of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition and was approved by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition.

Breeding of Buckwheat for Usage of Sprout and Pre-Harvest Sprouting Resistance.

Buckwheat is recognized as an important traditional crop and supports local economies in several regions around the world. Buckwheat is used, for example, as a cereal grain, noodle and bread. In addition, buckwheat is also used as a sprout or a young seedling. For these foods, sprouting is an important characteristic that affects food quality. For foods made from buckwheat flour, pre-harvest sprouting may decrease yield, which also leads to the deterioration of noodle quality. Breeding buckwheat that is resistant to pre-harvest sprouting is therefore required. Germination and subsequent growth are also important characteristics of the quality of sprouts. Although buckwheat sprouts are the focus because they contain many functional compounds, such as rutin, several problems have been noted, such as thin hypocotyls and husks remaining on sprouts. To date, several new varieties have been developed to resolve these quality issues. In this review, we summarize and introduce research on the breeding of buckwheat related to quality, sprouting and subsequent sprout growth.

Roasted Tartary Buckwheat Bran as a Material for Producing Rutin-Rich Tea Beverages.

Tartary buckwheat bran, a byproduct of buckwheat milling, is commonly treated as waste. The present study examined the rutin content during successive infusions of roasted Tartary buckwheat bran and grain to develop a functional Tartary buckwheat tea. Samples (6 g) of roasted Tartary buckwheat bran and grain were rinsed with 300 mL of hot water (>95 °C) for 0.5 min. For the first infusion test, the tea infusion sample of roasted Tartary buckwheat bran contained a distinctly higher amount of rutin (389 mg/L) than that of the roasted Tartary buckwheat grain (68 mg/L). Overall, rutin was more effectively extracted from roasted Tartary buckwheat bran, as compared to roasted Tartary buckwheat grain.

Breeding of Buckwheat to Reduce Bitterness and Rutin Hydrolysis.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is recognized as an important traditional crop in some regions, and its taste is an important characteristic. Of the three cultivated buckwheat species, Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) and perennial buckwheat (Fagopyrum cymosum) have strong bitterness in their seeds, which has prevented the wider use of the seeds of these varieties. In Tartary buckwheat, some studies have focused on the cause of strong bitterness generation. Tartary buckwheat seeds contain large amounts of the functional compounds rutin and rutinosidase, and rutin hydrolysis by rutinosidase has been found to be the trigger of rutin hydrolysis. Therefore, a variety with only a trace of rutinosidase and with reduced bitterness is required. The rutinosidase in Tartary buckwheat seeds consists of two major isozymes with very similar enzymatic characteristics, which can hydrolyze flour rutin within several minutes after the addition of water. Recently, the trace-rutinosidase variety Manten-Kirari in Tartary buckwheat was developed. The trace-rutinosidase characteristics were dominated by a single recessive gene. In 'Manten-Kirari' dough and foods, such as breads, confectionaries, and noodles, the rutin residual ratio was higher and bitterness was reduced compared to that of the normal-rutinosidase variety. In this review, we summarize the detailed research on the breeding of buckwheat related to reducing bitterness and rutin hydrolysis.

Resequencing of global Tartary buckwheat accessions reveals multiple domestication events and key loci associated with agronomic traits.

BACKGROUND: Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is a nutritionally balanced and flavonoid-rich crop plant that has been in cultivation for 4000 years and is now grown globally. Despite its nutraceutical and agricultural value, the characterization of its genetics and its domestication history is limited. RESULTS: Here, we report a comprehensive database of Tartary buckwheat genomic variation based on whole-genome resequencing of 510 germplasms. Our analysis suggests that two independent domestication events occurred in southwestern and northern China, resulting in diverse characteristics of modern Tartary buckwheat varieties. Genome-wide association studies for important agricultural traits identify several candidate genes, including FtUFGT3 and FtAP2YT1 that significantly correlate with flavonoid accumulation and grain weight, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the domestication history of Tartary buckwheat and provide a detailed resource of genomic variation to allow for genomic-assisted breeding in the improvement of elite cultivars.