Short-chain fatty acids suppresses astrocyte activation by amplifying Trp-AhR-AQP4 signaling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice.

The function of astrocytes in response to gut microbiota-derived signals has an important role in the pathophysiological processes of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the specific effects of microbiota-derived metabolites on astrocyte activation have not been elucidated yet. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in female C57BL/6 mice as a classical MS model. The alterations of gut microbiota and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were assessed after EAE induction. We observed that EAE mice exhibit low levels of Allobaculum, Clostridium_IV, Clostridium_XlVb, Lactobacillus genera, and microbial-derived SCFAs metabolites. SCFAs supplementation suppressed astrocyte activation by increasing the level of tryptophan (Trp)-derived AhR ligands that activating the AhR. The beneficial effects of SCFAs supplementation on the clinical scores, histopathological alterations, and the blood brain barrier (BBB)-glymphatic function were abolished by intracisterna magna injection of AAV-GFAP-shAhR. Moreover, SCFAs supplementation suppressed the loss of AQP4 polarity within astrocytes in an AhR-dependent manner. Together, SCFAs potentially suppresses astrocyte activation by amplifying Trp-AhR-AQP4 signaling in EAE mice. Our study demonstrates that SCFAs supplementation may serve as a viable therapy for inflammatory disorders of the CNS.

Usp14 deficiency removes α-synuclein by regulating S100A8/A9 in Parkinson's disease.

Ubiquitin-proteasome system dysfunction triggers α-synuclein aggregation, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the crosstalk between deubiquitinating enzyme (DUBs) and α-synuclein pathology remains unclear. In this study, we observed a decrease in the level of ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), a DUB, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients, particularly females. Moreover, CSF USP14 exhibited a dual correlation with α-synuclein in male and female PD patients. To investigate the impact of USP14 deficiency, we crossed USP14 heterozygous mouse (USP14+/-) with transgenic A53T PD mouse (A53T-Tg) or injected adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying human α-synuclein (AAV-hα-Syn) in USP14+/- mice. We found that Usp14 deficiency improved the behavioral abnormities and pathological α-synuclein deposition in female A53T-Tg or AAV-hα-Syn mice. Additionally, Usp14 inactivation attenuates the pro-inflammatory response in female AAV-hα-Syn mice, whereas Usp14 inactivation demonstrated opposite effects in male AAV-hα-Syn mice. Mechanistically, the heterodimeric protein S100A8/A9 may be the downstream target of Usp14 deficiency in female mouse models of α-synucleinopathies. Furthermore, upregulated S100A8/A9 was responsible for α-synuclein degradation by autophagy and the suppression of the pro-inflammatory response in microglia after Usp14 knockdown. Consequently, our study suggests that USP14 could serve as a novel therapeutic target in PD.

Microwave-induced rapid 4D change in color of 3D printed apple/potato starch gel with red cabbage juice-loaded WPI/GA mixture.

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of utilizing microparticle mixture (MCPs) comprised of whey protein isolate (WPI), gum Arabic (GA), and freeze-dried red cabbage juice (FDRCJ) as a smart material to realize a rapid color change of 3D printed apple/potato starch gel in response to microwave heating stimulation. The particle size, morphology and thermal stability of WPI/FDRCJ/GA microparticles were examined. Then, the rheology, texture properties and printability of Apple/potato starch gel affected by different concentrations of WPI/FDRCJ/GA microparticles (0, 15, 30, 45, 60% (w/w)) were studied. Results showed that the WPI/FDRCJ/GA microparticles were more thermally stable than pure materials, indicating that the heat-sensitive anthocyanin and other compounds present in FDRCJ were effectively protected by the wall materials (WPI/GA). Moreover, the addition of various microparticle concentrations decreased the samples' mechanical properties but had no significant influence on their loss modulus, viscosity, or printing accuracy. As the microwave heating time increased, the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of microparticle-added samples decreased while the redness (a*) significantly increased (p < 0.05), resulting in a gradual color change from yellow/brown to red. These findings could be useful to produce novel colorful and appealing 4D healthy food products that stimulate consumer appetite.

Light-emitting diodes (below 700 nm): Improving the preservation of fresh foods during postharvest handling, storage, and transportation.

In order to maintain the original taste, flavors, and appearance, fresh foods usually do not go through complex processing prior to sale; this makes them prone to deterioration due to external factors. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have many unique advantages over traditional preservation technologies leading to their increasing application in the food industry. This paper reviews the luminescence principles of LED, the advantages of LED compared with traditional lighting equipment, and its possible preservation mechanism, and then critically summarizes the beneficial effects of LED irradiation on the ripening and aging process of various fruits and vegetables (climacteric and non-climacteric). The activity changes of many enzymes closely related to crop development and quality maintenance, and the variation of flavor components caused by LED irradiation are discussed. LED illumination with a specific spectrum also has the important effect of maintaining the original color and flavor of meat, seafood, and dairy products. For microorganisms attached to the surface of animal-derived food, both 400-460 nm LED irradiation based on photodynamic inactivation principle and UV-LED irradiation based on ultraviolet sterilization principle have high bactericidal efficacy. Although there is still a lack of useful standards for matching optimal LED irradiation dose with wavelength, perhaps in the near future, the improved LED irradiation system will be applied extensively in the food industry.

Microporous modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf life of fresh foods: A review.

In recent years, microporous modified atmosphere packaging has been widely concerned because of its adjustable air permeability and low processing cost. With the development and increasing demand of fresh food industry, the limited permeability of film in modified atmosphere packaging can't meet the fresh-keeping requirements of fresh foods, especially vegetables and fruits. Microporous film can flexibly adjust the gas permeability according to the physiological metabolic characteristics of fresh foods, which has gradually become a fresh-keeping technology in the domain of vegetables and fruits. This paper reviewed the research progress of microporous modified atmosphere packaging and its extension on shelf life of fresh foods. The latest applied researches were described in a comprehensive manner, particularly fruits and vegetables. Besides, this article also covered theoretical support and analysis, including the perforation mode, air permeability mechanism and mathematical model of microporous film, the characteristics of fresh foods, pore parameters and traits of film materials. This paper payed attention to the application of environmentally friendly degradable film materials (biological film materials, nano materials) in fruits and vegetables preservation. Research has shown that the degradable material can enlarge the fresh-keeping effect of microporous modified atmosphere packaging, which is worthy of further research and development. Finally, the development trends and directions in the future were discussed.

Novel KDM6A splice-site mutation in kabuki syndrome with congenital hydrocephalus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare congenital anomaly syndrome affecting multiple organs. Two genes have been shown to be mutated in patients with KS: lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) and lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D, formerly MLL2). Although the congenital clinical characteristic is helpful in diagnosis of the KS, there are no reports of specific findings in fetuses that might suggest the syndrome prenatally. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we described a male patient with a novel KDM6A splicing in exon(exon4) and flanking intron(intron3)-exon boundaries characterized by congenital hydrocephalus which had never been reported before. The male patient had inherited the c.335-1G > T splice site mutation from his mother who had fewer dysmorphic features than the patient who displayed a more severe phenotype with multiple organ involvement. Our research suggests that congenital hydrocephalus may accompany KS type 2, which improve the knowledge on KS further more. CONCLUSIONS: Based on genetic and clinical features, suggest that the c.335-1G > T splicing mutation in KDM6A causing KS-2 disease. At least for this case, we suggest that congenital hydrocephalus is closely associated with KS type 2.

Effect of ultrasound dielectric pretreatment on the oxidation resistance of vacuum-fried apple chips.

BACKGROUND: In order to investigate the effect of ultrasound dielectric pretreatment on the oxidation resistance of vacuum-fried apple chips, apple slices were pretreated at ultrasonic powers of 150, 250 and 400 W for times of 10, 20 and 30 min before vacuum frying. The quality and oxidation resistance of fried apple were evaluated by testing the dielectric properties and comparing the moisture content, oil uptake, color, acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV) of apple chips. RESULTS: Ultrasonic treatment significantly changed the dielectric properties of apple slices. Moisture and oil contents of apple chips decreased with increasing ultrasonic power and time. During storage, the color retention of fried apple chips processed by ultrasound was improved. AV and PV values of fried apple chips processed by ultrasound were lower, which improved their antioxidant properties. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that ultrasound dielectric pretreatment improved not only the quality of vacuum-fried apple chips but also their antioxidant properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mean arterial pressure drop is an independent risk factor of death in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis ascites.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In patients with cirrhosis ascites, mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a credible sign of circulatory dysfunction. There are no studies on the relationship between MAP and long-term prognosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis ascites. Therefore, we assessed the association between MAP and prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 110 patients of HBV-related liver cirrhosis ascites were prospectively followed for 5 years. After their admission, the patients underwent laboratory tests and MAP measurements. Multivariate analysis was conducted using backward stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to confirm the best cutoff value of several baseline parameters, including MAP, for predicting death in patients with liver cirrhosis ascites. RESULTS: In a follow-up period of 5 years, 60 (54.5%) patients survived. MAP (OR 1.176, 95% CI 1.045 to 1.326, p=0.003) was an independent risk factor of death, together with Child-Pugh score (OR 1.204, 95% CI 1.068 to 1.357, p=0.002) and model for end-stage liver disease score (OR 1.297, 95% CI 1.198 to 1.405, p=0.000). The area under the ROC curve of MAP was 0.819 at baseline (95% CI 0.741 to 0.897, p=0.000). A baseline MAP value of ≤83.5 mmHg was an independent risk factor of death. CONCLUSION: A decrease in MAP was a valuable predictor of death in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis ascites. MAP may be used for determining the prognosis and exploring new treatment measures directed at optimizing the treatment of liver cirrhosis ascites.

Dynamic changes of cerebral-specific proteins in full-term newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

The aim of this study was to observe the dynamic changes of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S-100B, and Tau proteins levels in full-term newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to discuss their significance in brain damage. Serum samples of 28 full-term newborns diagnosed with HIE and 20 controls were obtained in the first 24 h of life. Another serum samples were also taken, respectively, at 3 and 7 days of life in HIE group. The concentrations of BDNF, S-100B, and Tau proteins were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Mean concentrations of BDNF, S-100B, and Tau proteins among different time period and in different grades of HIE group were calculated and compared. Compared with the control group, serum BDNF and proteins S-100B levels in HIE group were significantly elevated in 24 h after birth (P < 0.05) and their concentrations were also significantly higher among patients with mod-severe HIE compared to those with mild HIE at 24 h and 7 days after asphyxia (P < 0.05). Regardless of whether mod-severe HIE or mild HIE, there were no significant difference of serum BDNF and proteins S-100B among the three different time periods. There was no difference in Tau protein levels between HIE group and control group, also no difference between mod-severe HIE group and mild HIE group. BDNF and proteins S-100B are up-regulated early in asphyxia neonates with HIE; and the released amount of BDNF and proteins S-100B from nerve center system correlate with the extent of encephalopathy.

Ultrasound measurement of the corpus callosum and neural development of premature infants.

Length and thickness of 152 corpus callosa were measured in neonates within 24 hours of birth. Using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment with a neonatal brain-specific probe, corpus callosum length and thickness of the genu, body, and splenium were measured on the standard mid-sagittal plane, and the anteroposterior diameter of the genu was measured in the coronal plane. Results showed that corpus callosum length as well as thickness of the genu and splenium increased with tional age and birth weight, while other measures did not. These three factors on the standard mid-sagittal plane are therefore likely to be suitable for real-time evaluation of corpus callosum velopment in premature infants using cranial ultrasound. Further analysis revealed that thickness of the body and splenium and the anteroposterior diameter of the genu were greater in male infants than in female infants, suggesting that there are sex differences in corpus callosum size during the neonatal period. A second set of measurements were taken from 40 premature infants whose gestational age was 34 weeks or less. Corpus callosum measurements were corrected to a gestational age of 40 weeks, and infants were grouped for analysis depending on the outcome of a neonatal behavioral neurological assessment. Compared with infants with a normal neurological assessment, corpus callosum length and genu and splenium thicknesses were less in those with abnormalities, indicating that corpus callosum growth in premature infants is associated with neurobehavioral development during the early extrauterine stage.

[Gamma-globin synthesis in K562 cells induced with Tortois plastron, Astragali, Salviae miltiorrhizae and Codonopsis pilosulae].

This study was purposed to investigate the effects of tortois plastron, astragali, salviae miltiorrhizae and codonopsis pilosulae on gamma-globin gene synthesis in K562 cells in vitro. Benzidine staining was used to clarify the dose-and time-dependent effects of tortois plastron, astragali, salviae miltiorrhizae and codonopsis pilosulae on hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells and Western blotting was performed to determine the level of hemoglobin F (alpha(2)gamma(2)). The results indicated that the K562 cells treated with 4 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine had different stain rates of benzidine for: 23.5% (tortois plastron), 19.8% (astragali), 15.8% (salviae miltiorrhizae) and 14.5% (codonopsis pilosulae) at 6 days after the treatment. Western blot indicated that synthesis of HbF increased. It is concluded that tortois plastron, astragali, salviae miltiorrhizae and codonopsis pilosulae enhance globins-gamma synthesis level and increase hemoglobin F level in K562 cells, the effect of which resembles that of sodium butyrate.