Granular architecture of lotus seed starch and its impact on physicochemical properties.

Lotus seed starch has high apparent amylose content (AAM). A representative definition of its granular architecture (e.g., lamellar structure) remained absent. This study defined the granular shape, crystalline and lamellar structures, and digestibility of twenty-two samples of lotus seed starch (LS) by comparing with those of potato and maize starches. LS granules had more elongated shape and longer repeat distance of lamellae than potato and maize starch granules. The enzymatic susceptibility of LS granules was more affected by AAM than granular architecture. Using these LSs as a model system, the relationships between lamellar structure of starch granules and properties of their gelatinized counterparts were investigated. In LSs, thinner amorphous lamella and thicker crystalline lamella were associated with higher swelling power and yield stress. The relationships were found to be connected via certain structural characteristics of amylopectin.

Incorporation of Selenium Derived from Nanoparticles into Plant Proteins in Vivo.

Diets comprising selenium-deficient crops have been linked to immune disorders and cardiomyopathy. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as a promising nanoplatform for selenium-biofortified agriculture. However, SeNPs fail to reach field-scale applications due to a poor understanding of the fundamental principles of its behavior. Here, we describe the transport, transformation, and bioavailability of SeNPs through a combination of in vivo and in vitro experiments. We show synthesized amorphous SeNPs, when sprayed onto the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana, are rapidly biotransformed into selenium(IV), nonspecifically incorporated as selenomethionine (SeMet), and specifically incorporated into two selenium-binding proteins (SBPs). The SBPs identified were linked to stress and reactive oxygen species (mainly H2O2 and O2-) reduction, processes that enhance plant growth and primary root elongation. Selenium is transported both upwards and downwards in the plant when SeNPs are sprayed onto the leaves. With the application of Silwet L-77 (a common agrochemical surfactant), selenium distributed throughout the whole plant including the roots, where pristine SeNPs cannot reach. Our results demonstrate that foliar application of SeNPs promotes plant growth without causing nanomaterial accumulation, offering an efficient way to obtain selenium-fortified agriculture.

ERVWE1 Reduces Hippocampal Neuron Density and Impairs Dendritic Spine Morphology through Inhibiting Wnt/JNK Non-Canonical Pathway via miR-141-3p in Schizophrenia.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancestral germline infections by exogenous retroviruses. Human endogenous retroviruses W family envelope gene (HERV-W env, also called ERVWE1), located on chromosome 7q21-22, encodes an envelope glycoprotein from the HERV-W family. Mounting evidence suggests that aberrant expression of ERVWE1 involves the etiology of schizophrenia. Moreover, the genetic and morphological studies indicate that dendritic spine deficits may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia. Here, we reported that ERVWE1 changed the density and morphology of the dendritic spine through inhibiting Wingless-type (Wnt)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) non-canonical pathway via miR-141-3p in schizophrenia. In this paper, we found elevated levels of miR-141-3p and a significant positive correlation with ERVWE1 in schizophrenia. Moreover, serum Wnt5a and actin-related protein 2 (Arp2) levels decreased and demonstrated a significant negative correlation with ERVWE1 in schizophrenia. In vitro experiments disclosed that ERVWE1 up-regulated miR-141-3p expression by interacting with transcription factor (TF) Yin Yang 1 (YY1). YY1 modulated miR-141-3p expression by binding to its promoter. The luciferase assay revealed that YY1 enhanced the promoter activity of miR-141-3p. Using the miRNA target prediction databases and luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that miR-141-3p targeted Wnt5a at its 3' untranslated region (3' UTR). Furthermore, ERVWE1 suppressed the expression of Arp2 through non-canonical pathway, Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway. In addition, ERVWE1 inhibited Wnt5a/JNK/Arp2 signal pathway through miR-141-3p. Finally, functional assays showed that ERVWE1 induced the abnormalities in hippocampal neuron morphology and spine density through inhibiting Wnt/JNK non-canonical pathway via miR-141-3p in schizophrenia. Our findings indicated that miR-141-3p, Wnt5a, and Arp2 might be potential clinical blood-based biomarkers or therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. Our work also provided new insight into the role of ERVWE1 in schizophrenia pathogenesis.

Chemical constituents and biological properties of Pu-erh tea.

Pu-erh tea is post-fermented sun-dried tea leaves of Camellia sinensis (Linn.) var. assamica (Masters) Kitamura plant, native to Yunnan, China. Pu-erh tea is a highly prized commodity with unique aroma and taste and multiple health effects. This review overviews the chemical constituents, tentative bioactive compounds and their mechanisms responsible for bioactivities of Pu-erh tea. The bioactivities include antioxidative, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, laxative and neuroprotective activities, and controlling or preventing hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Limited human trials hardly convince the claimed therapeutic efficiency of Pu-erh tea. Raw and ripened Pu-erh tea possess their respective sensory characteristics, chemical and microbial diversities. Chemical and biological differences between Pu-erh and other tea types could be explained by different extents of their respective processing-induced compound transformations. Undesirable heavy metals, mycotoxins and other biocontaminants detected in Pu-erh tea relate to growing conditions of tea plantations, processing and storage conditions. Chemistry- and nutrition-derived mechanisms for tea pricing are lacking. Decontamination strategies and future studies for quality improvement of Pu-erh tea are recommended.

The Influencing Factors of Nutrition and Diet Health Knowledge Dissemination Using the WeChat Official Account in Health Promotion.

Background: The promotion of a healthy diet via health education is a component of the "Healthy China 2030" plan. However, few studies have reported whether health knowledge about nutrition and diet has gained public attention, and whether it is needed by the public. Methods: The numbers of views, shares, and reads of articles published by the official WeChat account of a hospital in China were accessed. The influence index was obtained via the entropy analysis of these three indices. A questionnaire survey was developed based on the purpose of the study and the conclusion of the content analysis, which conducted to analyze users' requirements for health knowledge and their influencing factors. Moreover, risk factors were explored by logistic regression models. Results: Of the 103 articles considered in this study, four articles in the Top 10 were related to nutrition and diet. The influence index of nutrition and diet knowledge was found to be the highest in the content analysis (p < 0.05). The higher degrees of humor (ß = 0.224, p = 0.027), nutrition and diet articles (ß = 0.776, p = 0.034), and cover articles (ß = 0.312, p = 0.021) have significant influences on the influence index. In total, 581 questionnaires were obtained, and 78.1% of the respondents reported believing that the health knowledge of greatest concern was that related to nutrition and diet. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between the features of the articles and users reading nutrition and diet knowledge; it was found that gender (female, OR: 4.651, 95%Cl: 2.598, 8.325, and p < 0.001), age (young adult, OR: 0.358, 95%Cl: 0.266, 0.481, and p < 0.001), cancer precaution knowledge (OR: 4.333, 95%Cl: 2.262, 8.299, and p < 0.001), traditional Chinese medicine (OR: 2.121, 95%Cl: 1.064, 4.230, and p = 0.033), the knowledge acquisition approach [circle of friends (OR: 2.586, 95%Cl: 1.373, 4.868, and p = 0.003), social media (OR: 2.183, 95%Cl: 1.204, 3.960, and p = 0.010)), hospitals (OR: 3.194, 95%Cl: 1.793, 5.692, and p < 0.001), television media (OR: 4.348, 95%Cl: 2.341, 8.077, and p < 0.001)], and social media strategies [professionalism and authority (OR: 2.354, 95%Cl: 1.231, 4.505, and p = 0.006)] have statistically significant relationships with users reading nutrition and diet knowledge. Conclusion: Nutrition and diet knowledge could contribute to WeChat user engagement of health information dissemination. Nutrition professionals should improve the scientific popularization ability and effectively use social media for health promotion.

Polysaccharide based films and coatings for food packaging: Effect of added polyphenols.

There has been keen interest in developing biodegradable food packaging materials using polysaccharides. Plant polyphenols are natural antioxidants with many health effects. Different types of plant extracts rich in polyphenols have been formulated into polysaccharide based films and coatings for food packaging. The packaging increases the shelf life of food products by decreasing the quality loss due to oxidation and microbiological growth. The release of polyphenols from the films is modulated. Polysaccharide films incorporated with certain types of polyphenols can be used to indicate the freshness of animal based products. To formulate films with desirable mechanical and barrier properties, addition levels and types of plant extracts, plasticisers and composite polysaccharide materials used should be optimized. The potential of polysaccharide based films with added polyphenols to stop the SARS-CoV-2 transmission through food supply chain is discussed. Polysaccharide based films fortified with polyphenol extracts are multifunctional with potential for active and intelligent packaging.

Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in the Treatments and Outcomes of Pancreatic Cancer Among Different Treatment Facility Types.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate racial and socioeconomic disparities for patients with pancreatic cancer across different facility types. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for pancreatic cancer cases from 2004 to 2015. Along with propensity score matching analysis, multivariate logistic and Cox model were used to assess effects of facility type, race, elements of socioeconomics on receipt of treatment, time to treatment, and overall survival, separately. RESULTS: Among 223,465 patients, 44.6%, 42.1%, and 13.3% were treated at academic, community, and integrated facilities, respectively. Private insurance was associated with more treatment (odds ratio, 1.41; P < 0.001) and better survival [hazards ratio (HR), 0.84; P < 0.001]. Higher education was associated with earlier treatment (HR, 1.09; P < 0.001). African Americans had less treatment (odds ratio, 0.97; P = 0.04) and delayed treatment (HR, 0.89; P < 0.001) despite later stage at diagnosis. After adjusting for socioeconomic status, African Americans had similar survival (HR, 0.99; P = 0.11) overall and improved survival (HR, 0.95; P = 0.016) at integrated facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Higher socioeconomic status was associated with better treatment and survival. After adjusting for socioeconomic disparities, race did not affect survival. Less racial disparity was observed at integrated facilities.

Dietary fiber polysaccharides of amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa grains: A review of chemical structure, biological functions and food uses.

Seeds of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum and F. tataricum) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) become popular foods due to their attractive health effects. Cell wall polysaccharides are the major components of dietary fiber and significantly contribute to diverse health effects of the grains. This review summarizes chemical and physical structure, biological functions and food uses of the cell wall polysaccharides and fractions as fiber components from the 3 pseudocereals. The properties and uses of the polysaccharides and fractions are compared with those of fiber polysaccharides from common sources such as fruits and vegetables. Overall, the fiber polysaccharide composition of the pseudocereals is more similar to that of fruits and vegetables than to that of cereals. The fiber polysaccharides showed a range of biological functions such as antioxidation, anticancer and immunomodulation. The fiber polysaccharides of amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa have potential to be used in formulations of functional foods.

Comparison of physicochemical properties of oca (Oxalis tuberosa), potato, and maize starches.

Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) represents a novel source of starch. Starches from the tubers of two commercial oca varieties were studied for various physicochemical properties. One normal potato starch and one normal maize starch were used for comparison. Oca starches showed lower gelatinization temperatures compared to both potato and maize starches. The pasting, flow, and gelation behaviors of oca starches were intermediate between potato and maize starches. Oca starch pastes were more viscous than maize starch paste and more elastic than potato starch paste. The differences in the properties could be largely due to lower amylose content, intermediate contents of phosphate groups (~400 ppm) and granule size (34.6 µm) of oca starches as compared to the other two starches. The internal unit chains of amylopectin such as the amount of fingerprint B-chains and length of B-chains could also partially explain the different physicochemical properties among oca, potato and maize starches.

Diversity in Composition of Bioactive Compounds Among 26 Cocoa Genotypes.

Composition of bioactive compounds in cocoa beans is critical to the sensory and nutritional quality of cocoa based products. Twenty-six cocoa bean genotypes were freshly collected from the same plantation location in Indonesia. The bioactive compounds in these raw cocoa genotypes were identified and quantified. The results showed a great diversity in the composition of bioactive compounds among the 26 cocoa samples. The concentrations of methylxanthines, epicatechin, proanthocyanidin (PA) B-type oligomers, clovamide, and anthocyanins were important variables that differentiated these genotypes. MCC 01, SUL 3, ICCRI 03, and ICS 60 genotypes had the highest contents of flavan-3-ols including PAs and have the potential to be developed for "healthy" product formulations. Some genotypes such as DR 1, DR 2, DR 38, ICS 13, KPC 1, KW 617, RCC 71, and TSH 858 could be favored by industries due to the potential to be made into end-products with brighter appearance.

Comparison of molecular structure of oca (Oxalis tuberosa), potato, and maize starches.

Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) is an underutilized species and represents a novel starch source. Composition and structure of starches from tubers of two commercial oca varieties grown in New Zealand were compared to those of normal maize and potato starches. The phosphorus content of oca starch was ∼60% of that of potato starch. The amylose content of oca starch (∼21%) was lower than that of maize and potato starches (concanavalin A precipitation method). The fine structure of oca amylopectin was much more similar to that of potato amylopectin than to that of maize amylopectin. Oca amylopectin had a shorter internal chain length and less fingerprint B-chains than potato amylopectin. The two oca starches were structurally and compositionally similar. Oca starch granules had a volume moment mean size of 34.5 µm and B-type polymorph. Comparative analysis suggested that oca starch has the potential to be developed as a novel starch source.

Compound α-keto acid tablet supplementation alleviates chronic kidney disease progression via inhibition of the NF-kB and MAPK pathways.

BACKGROUND: Keto-analogues administration plays an important role in clinical chronic kidney disease (CKD) adjunctive therapy, however previous studies on their reno-protective effect mainly focused on kidney pathological changes induced by nephrectomy. This study was designed to explore the currently understudied alternative mechanisms by which compound α-ketoacid tablets (KA) influenced ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induced murine renal injury, and to probe the current status of KA administration on staving CKD progression in Chinese CKD patients at different stages. METHODS: In animal experiment, IR surgery was performed to mimic progressive chronic kidney injury, while KA was administrated orally. For clinical research, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to delineate the usage and effects of KA on attenuating CKD exacerbation. End-point CKD event was defined as 50% reduction of initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Kaplan-Meier analysis and COX proportional hazard regression model were adopted to calculate the cumulative probability to reach the end-point and hazard ratio of renal function deterioration. RESULTS: In animal study, KA presented a protective effect on IR induced renal injury and fibrosis by attenuating inflammatory infiltration and apoptosis via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In clinical research, after adjusting basic demographic factors, patients at stages 4 and 5 in KA group presented a much delayed and slower incidence of eGFR decrease compared to those in No-KA group (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.115, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.021-0.639, p = 0.0134), demonstrating a positive effect of KA on staving CKD progression. CONCLUSION: KA improved IR induced chronic renal injury and fibrosis, and seemed to be a prospective protective factor in end stage renal disease.

Chemical composition and health effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii).

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) has emerged as a popular functional plant food due to various claimed health effects. This review details the major (i.e., starch, dietary fiber, and protein) and minor constituents (i.e., minerals, non-starch polysaccharides, polyphenols (flavonolignans), macaenes, macamides, glucosinolates, and alkaloids) of maca (root and aerial parts). Diverse health effects of maca are also summarized. Various bioactivities of maca include enhanced reproductive health, antifatigue, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and improving skin health and digestive system's function. Plant genetics, botanical parts, processing, extraction, and experimental protocols represent the major factors affecting the chemical composition, physicochemical attributes, and health effects of maca-based products. However, clinical studies to support the claimed health effects of maca and related mechanisms appear to be lacking. Product innovation and diversification in food and non-food utilization of different parts of maca to maximize the value perceptions are suggested.

Intravariety Diversity of Bioactive Compounds in Trinitario Cocoa Beans with Different Degrees of Fermentation.

There has been increasing interest in the bioactive components of cocoa beans as they are related to the nutritional and sensory quality of cocoa products. Sulawesi 1 (Sul 1) cocoa beans (Trinitario variety) with different degrees of fermentation were collected from Indonesia. Quantification of bioactive compounds in these beans was done to better understand its intravariety diversity in the composition of bioactive components. Epicatechin, proanthocyanidin (PA) dimer, PA trimer, PA tetramer, and cyanidin glycosides were the major phenolics in Sul 1 cocoa beans. There was wide variation in the concentrations of bioactive compounds among the beans. These cocoa beans can be categorized into 4 distinct groups based on the profiles of flavan-3-ol derivatives, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The fermentation index of cocoa beans could not be directly related to the polyphenol profile. This study provides insights into farm management using Sul 1 as planting material for quality improvement of cocoa-based products with targeted bioactive composition.

DNA methylation of the Tacr2 gene in a CUMS model of depression.

Tacr2, the gene encoding the NK2 receptor, belongs to G protein-coupled receptors. Accumulating evidence has indicated that the tachykinin receptors may contribute to the pathophysiology of depression. During the last decade, some studies have shown that Tacr2 activation is involved in the modulation of emotional processes. However, the extent, to which stress impacts Tacr2 expression remains unclear. The molecular mechanisms underlying depression also remain poorly understood. In this study, we subjected adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to induce a depression-like phenotype. We then measured the body weight and performed the sucrose preference test, forced swimming test (FST) and open field test to detect the effects of stress on anhedonia and activity. Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to study the protein and mRNA expression levels of Tacr2, respectively, in the hypothalamus. To explore DNA methylation of the Tacr2 gene, we used methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq). Additionally, we used the bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) to further verify the DNA methylation levels of the Tacr2 receptor gene in rats. We found that the CUMS-sensitive rats exhibited a decrease in body weight and sucrose preference, a decrease in the distance traveled, rearing frequency and velocity in the open field test, and an increase in immobility time in the FST. Compared with the expression in the control rats, Tacr2 protein and mRNA expression in the hypothalamus significantly increased in the CUMS-sensitive rats; however, the DNA methylation levels of the Tacr2 gene were significantly lower than in the control rats. In summary, according to our findings, the stress-induced increase in Tacr2 expression in the hypothalamus correlated with a specific decrease in DNA methylation of the Tacr2 gene. These results may enrich the understanding of the pathological processes of depression and provide insights into therapeutic approaches for its treatment.

Effects of dietary supplementation with epidermal growth factor on nutrient digestibility, intestinal development and expression of nutrient transporters in early-weaned piglets.

The abnormalities in intestinal morphology and digestive function during weaning are associated with the loss of milk-borne growth factors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to stimulate the growth of animals. This study was to determine the effect of dietary EGF on nutrient digestibility, intestinal development and the expression of genes encoding nutrient transporters in weaned piglets. Forty-two piglets were weaned at 21 days and assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) basal diet (control), (2) basal diet + 200 µg/kg EGF or (3) basal diet + 400 µg/kg EGF. Each treatment consisted of 14 replicates, and seven piglets from each treatment were sampled on day 7 and 14. The EGF supplementation significantly elevated (p < 0.05) the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, but tended to decrease sucrase activity (p < 0.10) than the control group. At day 7 post-weaning, animals receiving EGF diets showed a tendency (p < 0.10) towards greater ileal villus height (VH), jejunal crypt depth (CD) and duodenal VH:CD when compared with the control group. Moreover, the mRNA levels of glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2), neutral amino acid transporter (Slc6a19) and calbindin D9k (S100G) tended to be higher (p < 0.10) for EGF groups than the control group. By day 14, EGF supplementation markedly enhanced (p < 0.05) the VH, CD and VH:CD in the jejunum compared to the control group. This addition also up-regulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA level and the protein abundance of peptide transporter 1 than the control group. These findings demonstrated that dietary EGF beneficially enhanced nutrient digestibility, improved intestinal development and increased the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters in weaned piglets.

Proanthocyanidins in cereals and pseudocereals.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a class of oligomeric flavonoids found in a variety of plant foods. Intake of PAs in human diet has been associated with a reduced occurrence of various chronic disorders. Cereal and pseudocereal grains are staple food items. Grain genotypes containing PAs can be developed as functional foods to efficiently improve human health. This review summarises the occurrence of PAs in diverse grains, including rice, wheat, barley, sorghum, millets, buckwheat, and some forage grasses. Great diversity in PA structure and composition has been recorded. The biological activities of the grain PAs, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic capacities, are also reviewed. The bioavailability and metabolism of grain PAs in human digestive tract are discussed. Future research directions are suggested on how to improve our understandings of the chemistry of PAs in cereals and pseudocereals and of the biological properties for human health applications.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.): Nutritional composition, biological activity, and uses.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is native to the Peruvian Amazon and is recognised in other parts of the world as a sustainable crop with viable commercial applications. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing the sacha inchi plant as a novel source of oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids. This review presents information on the major and minor chemical components, health effects and utilization of different parts (seeds, seed shells and leaves) of this plant. In particular, the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of sacha inchi seed oil are described. The whole sacha inchi plant has been utilized to generate nutritional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products with the goal to maximize its economic value. The sacha inchi plant may become a valuable resource for high value-added compounds used in many diverse food and non-food products.

Effect of ozone treatment on the quality of grain products.

Ozone is a strong oxidant and has different food applications to ensure food safety. Ozone treatment is considered an eco-friendly and cost-effective food processing technique. In this mini-review, the impact of ozone treatment on the composition (e.g., mycotoxins) and physicochemical properties of components (e.g., starch and protein) of different food grains (e.g., wheat, rice and maize) is summarised. The rheology, color, storage, and germination capacity of the grains/flours affected by ozone are reviewed. The quality attributes (e.g., texture) of food products (e.g., bread, noodle, and cake) made from ozone treated cereals are also examined. It becomes evident that ozone has great potential to improve the functionalities of grain products while ensuring food safety.

Modifications of konjac glucomannan for diverse applications.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a major polysaccharide from the corm of Amorphophallus konjac. Native KGM has limited uses and has been chemically/physically/enzymatically modified to expand the range of functional properties. This mini-review summarises the recent advances of modifying KGM for diverse food and nonfood applications, focusing on the chemical and physical modifications. The chemical methods include substitution, grafting, cross-linking, oxidation, and deacetylation, whereas the physical modifications are electrospinning, microfluidic spinning, γ-irradiation, extrusion, and electric field processing. The modified KGM has been used in a range of different applications, including biodegradable film, emulsion, medical and pharmaceutical material, encapsulation and controlled release, fish feed and functional food ingredient, separation medium, aerogel, liquid crystal, absorbent for removal of pollutants in waste water, and so on. These KGM-based products tend to be biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic with improved functional performance.