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1.
Foods ; 13(11)2024 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38890854

ABSTRACT

Owing to the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, obesity has emerged as a significant global public health concern. To gain enhanced control over obesity, we examined the effects of type 2 resistant starch (RS2) and its promoted microbial-derived metabolite, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), on hepatic steatosis, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota in obese mice. Neither RS2 nor low-dose IPA (20 mg kg-1) exhibited a reduction in body weight or improved glucose and lipid metabolism in post-obesity state mice continuously fed the high-fat diet (HFD). However, both interventions improved hepatic steatosis, with RS2 being more effective in all measured parameters, potentially due to changes in gut microbiota and metabolites not solely attributed to IPA. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed increased serum IPA levels in both RS2 and IPA groups, which positively correlated with Bifidobacterium and Clostridium. Moreover, RS2 exhibited a more significant restoration of gut dysbiosis by promoting the abundance of health-promoting bacteria including Faecalibaculum and Bifidobacterium. These findings suggest that the regulatory role of RS2 on tryptophan metabolism only partially explains its prebiotic activity. Future studies should consider increasing the dose of IPA and combining RS2 and IPA to explore their potential interventions in obesity.

2.
Pharmaceutics ; 16(5)2024 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38794327

ABSTRACT

Organ-on-a-chip technology is attracting growing interest across various domains as a crucial platform for drug screening and testing and is set to play a significant role in precision medicine research. Lymph nodes, being intricately structured organs essential for the body's adaptive immune responses to antigens and foreign particles, are pivotal in assessing the immunotoxicity of novel pharmaceuticals. Significant progress has been made in research on the structure and function of the lymphatic system. However, there is still an urgent need to develop prospective tools and techniques to delve deeper into its role in various diseases' pathological and physiological processes and to develop corresponding immunotherapeutic therapies. Organ chips can accurately reproduce the specific functional areas in lymph nodes to better simulate the complex microstructure of lymph nodes and the interactions between different immune cells, which is convenient for studying specific biological processes. This paper reviews existing lymph node chips and their design approaches. It discusses the applications of the above systems in modeling immune cell motility, cell-cell interactions, vaccine responses, drug testing, and cancer research. Finally, we summarize the challenges that current research faces in terms of structure, cell source, and extracellular matrix simulation of lymph nodes, and we provide an outlook on the future direction of integrated immune system chips.

3.
J Agric Food Chem ; 72(17): 9880-9892, 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38646869

ABSTRACT

Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is an efficacious probiotic that could reduce inflammation and prevent metabolic disorders. Here, we innovatively found that Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharides (PKP) promoted proliferation and increased stability of L. reuteri WX-94 (a probiotic strain showing anti-inflammation potentials) in simulated digestive fluids in vitro. PKP was composed of galactose, glucose, mannose, and arabinose. The cell-free supernatant extracted from L. reuteri cultured with PKP increased ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP scavenging capacities compared with the supernatant of the medium without PKP and increased metabolites with health-promoting activities, e.g., 3-phenyllactic acid, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-carbinol, and propionic acid. Moreover, PKP enhanced alleviating effects of heat-inactivated L. reuteri on high-fat-high-sucrose-induced liver injury in rats via reducing inflammation and regulating expressions of protein and genes involved in fatty acid metabolism (such as HIF1-α, FAßO, CPT1, and AMPK) and fatty acid profiles in liver. Such benefits correlated with its prominent effects on enriching Lactobacillus and short-chain fatty acids while reducing Dubosiella, Fusicatenilacter, Helicobacter, and Oscillospira. Our work provides novel insights into the probiotic property of PKP and emphasizes the great potential of the inactivated L. reuteri cultured with PKP in contracting unhealthy diet-induced liver dysfunctions and gut dysbacteriosis.


Subject(s)
Dysbiosis , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Limosilactobacillus reuteri , Polysaccharides , Probiotics , Animals , Limosilactobacillus reuteri/metabolism , Probiotics/administration & dosage , Rats , Male , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects , Polysaccharides/chemistry , Polysaccharides/pharmacology , Polysaccharides/administration & dosage , Polysaccharides/metabolism , Humans , Dysbiosis/microbiology , Dysbiosis/prevention & control , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Liver/metabolism , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Hot Temperature , Liver Diseases/prevention & control , Liver Diseases/etiology , Liver Diseases/metabolism , Liver Diseases/microbiology
4.
Anal Chem ; 96(18): 7172-7178, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38650072

ABSTRACT

Achieving sensitive detection and accurate identification of cancer cells is vital for diagnosing and treating the disease. Here, we developed a logic signal amplification system using DNA tetrahedron-mediated three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanonetworks for sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection and subtype identification of cancer cells. Specially designed hairpins were integrated into DNA tetrahedral nanostructures (DTNs) to perform a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction in the presence of target microRNA, forming hyperbranched 3D nanonetworks. Benefiting from the "spatial confinement effect," the DNA tetrahedron-mediated catalytic hairpin assembly (DTCHA) reaction displayed significantly faster kinetics and greater cycle conversion efficiency than traditional CHA. The resulting 3D nanonetworks could load a large amount of Ru(phen)32+, significantly enhancing its ECL signal, and exhibit detection limits for both miR-21 and miR-141 at the femtomolar level. The biosensor based on modular logic gates facilitated the distinction and quantification of cancer cells and normal cells based on miR-21 levels, combined with miR-141 levels, to further identify different subtypes of breast cancer cells. Overall, this study provides potential applications in miRNA-related clinical diagnostics.


Subject(s)
Biosensing Techniques , Electrochemical Techniques , Luminescent Measurements , MicroRNAs , Humans , MicroRNAs/analysis , Electrochemical Techniques/methods , Biosensing Techniques/methods , DNA/chemistry , Nanostructures/chemistry , Limit of Detection , Cell Line, Tumor , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , MCF-7 Cells
5.
Anal Chem ; 96(18): 7030-7037, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38656919

ABSTRACT

Intracellular cancer-related biomarker imaging strategy has been used for specific identification of cancer cells, which was of great importance to accurate cancer clinical diagnosis and prognosis studies. Localized DNA circuits with improved sensitivity showed great potential for intracellular biomarkers imaging. However, the ability of localized DNA circuits to specifically image cancer cells is limited by off-site signal leakage associated with a single-biomarker sensing strategy. Herein, we integrated the endogenous enzyme-powered strategy with logic-responsive and localized signal amplifying capability to construct a self-assembled endogenously AND logic DNA nanomachine (EDN) for highly specific cancer cell imaging. When the EDN encountered a cancer cell, the overexpressed DNA repairing enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and miR-21 could synergistically activate a DNA circuit via cascaded localized toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reactions, resulting in amplified fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. In this strategy, both endogenous APE1 and miR-21, served as two "keys" to activate the AND logic operation in cancer cells to reduce off-tumor signal leakage. Such a multiplied molecular recognition/activation nanomachine as a powerful toolbox realized specific capture and reliable imaging of biomolecules in living cancer cells.


Subject(s)
DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase , DNA , Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer , MicroRNAs , Humans , MicroRNAs/analysis , MicroRNAs/metabolism , DNA/chemistry , DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase/metabolism , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Optical Imaging
6.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; 11(22): e2309330, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38526158

ABSTRACT

Postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA) is the most frequent complication after abdominal surgery. Current anti-adhesion strategies largely rely on the use of physical separating barriers creating an interface blocking peritoneal adhesion, which cannot reduce inflammation and suffers from limited anti-adhesion efficacy with unwanted side effects. Here, by exploiting the alternative activated macrophages to alleviate inflammation in adhesion development, a flexible graphene-composite-film (F-GCF) generating far-infrared (FIR) irradiation that effectively modulates the macrophage phenotype toward the anti-inflammatory M2 type, resulting in reduced PPA formation, is designed. The anti-adhesion effect of the FIR generated by F-GCF is determined in the rat abdominal wall abrasion-cecum defect models, which exhibit reduced incidence and area of PPA by 67.0% and 92.1% after FIR treatment without skin damage, significantly superior to the clinically used chitosan hydrogel. Notably, within peritoneal macrophages, FIR reduces inflammation reaction and promotes tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) level via the polarization of peritoneal macrophages through upregulating Nr4a2 expression. To facilitate clinical use, a wirelessly controlled, wearable, F-GCF-based FIR therapy apparatus (GRAFT) is further developed and its remarkable anti-adhesion ability in the porcine PPA model is revealed. Collectively, the physical, biochemical, and in vivo preclinical data provide compelling evidence demonstrating the clinical-translational value of FIR in PPA prevention.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Graphite , Postoperative Complications , Animals , Tissue Adhesions/prevention & control , Rats , Graphite/pharmacology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Swine , Wearable Electronic Devices , Infrared Rays , Rats, Sprague-Dawley
7.
Front Cell Neurosci ; 18: 1296205, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38425432

ABSTRACT

Due to the increased crewed spaceflights in recent years, it is vital to understand how the space environment affects human health. A lack of gravitational force is known to risk multiple physiological functions of astronauts, particularly damage to the central nervous system (CNS). As innate immune cells of the CNS, microglia can transition from a quiescent state to a pathological state, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuroinflammation. There are reports indicating that microglia can be activated by simulating microgravity or exposure to galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Consequently, microglia may play a role in the development of neuroinflammation during spaceflight. Prolonged spaceflight sessions raise concerns about the chronic activation of microglia, which could give rise to various neurological disorders, posing concealed risks to the neural health of astronauts. This review summarizes the risks associated with neural health owing to microglial activation and explores the stressors that trigger microglial activation in the space environment. These stressors include GCR, microgravity, and exposure to isolation and stress. Of particular focus is the activation of microglia under microgravity conditions, along with the proposal of a potential mechanism.

8.
Carbohydr Polym ; 332: 121884, 2024 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38431405

ABSTRACT

The global healthcare challenge posed by COVID-19 necessitates the continuous exploration for novel antiviral agents. Fucoidans have demonstrated antiviral activity. However, the underlying structure-activity mechanism responsible for the inhibitory activity of fucoidans from Ascophyllum nodosum (FUCA) and Undaria pinnatifida (FUCU) against SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. FUCA was characterized as a homopolymer with a backbone structure of repeating (1 â†’ 3) and (1 â†’ 4) linked α-l-fucopyranose residues, whereas FUCU was a heteropolysaccharide composed of Fuc1-3Gal1-6 repeats. Furthermore, FUCA demonstrated significantly higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity than FUCU (EC50: 48.66 vs 69.52 µg/mL), suggesting the degree of branching rather than sulfate content affected the antiviral activity. Additionally, FUCA exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on ACE2, surpassing the inhibitory activity of FUCU. In vitro, both FUCA and FUCU treatments downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IFN-ß) induced by viral infection. In hamsters, FUCA demonstrated greater effectiveness in attenuating lung and gastrointestinal injury and reducing ACE2 expression, compared to FUCU. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that only FUCU partially alleviated the gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, our study provides a scientific basis for considering fucoidans as poteintial prophylactic food components against SARS-CoV-2.


Subject(s)
Ascophyllum , COVID-19 , Edible Seaweeds , Polysaccharides , Undaria , Humans , Ascophyllum/chemistry , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , SARS-CoV-2 , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Undaria/chemistry , Cytokines , Inflammation , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
9.
Appl Environ Microbiol ; 90(4): e0153723, 2024 Apr 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38445862

ABSTRACT

Many insect taxa cultivate fungi for food. Compared to well-known fungus cultivation in social insects, our knowledge on fungus cultivation in nonsocial insects is still limited. Here, we studied the nutritional potentials of the fungal cultivar, Penicillium herquei, for the larvae of its nonsocial insect farmer, Euops chinensis, a specialist on Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica. Overall, fungal hyphae and leaf rolls contained significantly higher carbon (C), stable isotopes of C (δ13C), and nitrogen (δ15N) but significantly lower C/N ratios compared to unrolled leaves, whereas insect bodies contained significantly higher N contents but lower C and C/N ratios compared to other types of samples. The MixSIAR model indicated that fungal hyphae contributed a larger proportion (0.626-0.797) to the diet of E. chinensis larvae than leaf materials. The levels of ergosterol, six essential amino acids, seven nonessential amino acids, and three B vitamins tested in fungal hyphae and/or leaf rolls were significantly higher than in unrolled leaves and/or larvae. The P. herquei genome contains the complete set of genes required for the biosynthesis of ergosterol, the essential amino acids valine and threonine, nine nonessential amino acids, and vitamins B2 and B3, whereas some genes associated with five essential and one nonessential amino acid were lost in the P. herquei genome. These suggest that P. herquei is capable of providing the E. chinensis larvae food with ergosterol, amino acids, and B vitamins. P. herquei appears to be able to synthesize or concentrate these nutrients considering that they were specifically concentrated in fungal hyphae. IMPORTANCE: The cultivation of fungi for food has occurred across divergent insect lineages such as social ants, termites, and ambrosia beetles, as well as some seldom-reported solitary insects. Although the fungal cultivars of these insects have been studied for decades, the dietary potential of fungal cultivars for their hosts (especially for those nonsocial insects) is largely unknown. Our research on the mutualistic system Euops chinensis-Penicillium herquei represents an example of the diverse nutritional potentials of the fungal cultivar P. herquei in the diet of the larvae of its solitary host, E. chinensis. These results demonstrate that P. herquei has the potential to synthesize or concentrate ergosterol, amino acids, and B vitamins and benefits the larvae of E. chinensis. Our findings would shed light on poorly understood fungal cultivation mutualisms in nonsocial insects and underscore the nutritional importance of fungal cultivars in fungal cultivation mutualisms.


Subject(s)
Coleoptera , Penicillium , Vitamin B Complex , Weevils , Animals , Weevils/microbiology , Larva/microbiology , Coleoptera/microbiology , Insecta/microbiology , Amino Acids, Essential , Symbiosis/genetics , Diet , Ergosterol
10.
Mikrochim Acta ; 191(3): 165, 2024 02 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38416241

ABSTRACT

A label-free immunoassay based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) and G-quadruplex/Thioflavin T (G4/ThT) is proposed to realize the sensitive detection of carboxy-terminal cross-linked fragment of type I collagen (CTX I) for bone loss. Under the optimal conditions, as low as 38.02 pg/mL of CTX I can be detected. To improve the detecting throughput and simplify the operation, a microfluidic chip was designed, fabricated, and used for CTX I detection based on the proposed assay. The detection can be completed with only a single on-chip magnetic separation step, which was easy to operate, less time-consuming, and has only low reagent consumption. The limit of detection was 131.83 pg/mL by observing with fluorescence microscope. With further improvement of detection equipment, the sensitivity of on-chip detection can be improved. It can be expected that the proposed RCA/G4/ThT immunoassay for sensitive and high-throughput automated detection of CTX I might be chosen as a potential analytical tool for clinical osteoporosis diagnosis and in-orbit bone loss detection.


Subject(s)
G-Quadruplexes , Microfluidics , Benzothiazoles , Biological Assay
11.
Anal Chem ; 96(4): 1659-1667, 2024 01 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38238102

ABSTRACT

Cancer-cell-specific fluorescent photosensitizers (PSs) are highly desired molecular tools for cancer ablation with minimal damage to normal cells. However, such PSs that can achieve cancer specification and ablation and a self-reporting manner concurrently are rarely reported and still an extremely challenging task. Herein, we have proposed a feasible strategy and conceived a series of fluorescent PSs based on simple chemical structures for identifying and killing cancer cells as well as monitoring the photodynamic therapy (PDT) process by visualizing the change of subcellular localization. All of the constructed cationic molecules could stain mitochondria in cancer cells, identify cancer cells specifically, and monitor cancer cell viability. Among these, IVP-Br has the strongest ability to produce ROS, which serves as a potent PS for specific recognition and killing of cancer cells. IVP-Br could translocate from mitochondria to the nucleolus during PDT, self-reporting the entire therapeutic process. Mechanism study confirms that IVP-Br with light irradiation causes cancer cell ablation via inducing cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis, and autophagy. The efficient ablation of tumor through PDT induced by IVP-Br has been confirmed in the 3D tumor spheroid chip. Particularly, IVP-Br could discriminate cancer cells from white blood cells (WBCs), exhibiting great potential to identify circulating tumor cells (CTCs).


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Photochemotherapy , Humans , Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology , Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Apoptosis , Mitochondria/metabolism , Coloring Agents/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
12.
Langmuir ; 40(3): 1804-1816, 2024 01 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38183291

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and its precursor, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are highly pathogenic and mutagenic substances, making the detection and sensing of AFB1/M1 a long-standing focus of researchers. Among various detection techniques, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is considered an ideal method for AFB1/M1 detection due to its ability not only to enhance characteristic frequencies but also to detect shifts in these frequencies with high repeatability. Therefore, we employed density functional theory in conjunction with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to investigate the interaction between AFB1/M1 and a Au substrate in the context of the SERS effect for the first time. To predict the potential binding sites of AFB1/M1 and Au within the SERS effect, we performed calculations on the molecular electrostatic potential of AFB1/M1. Considering the crucial role of the binding energy in molecular docking studies, we computed the binding energy between two molecules interacting with Au at different binding sites. The molecular frontier orbitals and related chemical parameters of AFB1/M1 and "molecular-Au" complexes were computed to elucidate the alterations in AFB1/M1 molecules under the SERS effect. Subsequently, the theoretical Raman spectra of AFB1/M1 and the complexes were compared and analyzed, enabling determination of the adsorption conformation of AFB1/M1 on the gold surface based on SERS surface selection rules. These findings not only provide a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanism between molecules and substrates in the SERS effect but also offer theoretical support for developing novel aflatoxin SERS sensors.


Subject(s)
Aflatoxin B1 , Aflatoxin M1 , Gold/chemistry , Density Functional Theory , Molecular Docking Simulation
13.
Adv Healthc Mater ; 13(5): e2302652, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37794560

ABSTRACT

Small frame nucleic acids (FNAs) serve as excellent carrier materials for various functional nucleic acid molecules, showcasing extensive potential applications in biomedicine development. The carrier module and function module combination is crucial for probe design, where an improper combination can significantly impede the functionality of sensing platforms. This study explores the effect of various combinations on the sensing performance of nanodevices through simulations and experimental approaches. Variances in response velocities, sensitivities, and cell uptake efficiencies across different structures are observed. Factors such as the number of functional molecules loaded, loading positions, and intermodular distances affect the rigidity and stability of the nanostructure. The findings reveal that the structures with full loads and moderate distances between modules have the lowest potential energy. Based on these insights, a multisignal detection platform that offers optimal sensitivity and response speed is developed. This research offers valuable insights for designing FNAs-based probes and presents a streamlined method for the conceptualization and optimization of DNA nanodevices.


Subject(s)
MicroRNAs , Nanostructures , Nucleic Acids , MicroRNAs/genetics , DNA/chemistry , Nanostructures/chemistry , Computer Simulation , Nanotechnology/methods
14.
Food Chem ; 438: 137982, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37979272

ABSTRACT

Fecal samples from 20 healthy adults were collected for in vitro fermentation experiments to investigate the effects of combined probiotics on the utilization of grape seed extract in humans. After fermenting for 24 h, short-chain fatty acids, metabolites, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed. Short-chain fatty acids in the grape seed extract probiotics group were significantly higher than those in the grape seed extract group. Probiotics significantly enhanced the conversion and utilization of catechins and epicatechins in grape seed extract group and increased the production of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. The 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed that compound probiotics significantly increased the relative abundance of Lacticaseibacillus, HT002, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus and reduced that of Escherichia-Shigella. Our findings showed considerable individual variability in the metabolic utilization of grape seed extract in humans. The consumption of probiotics appears to significantly enhance the utilization.


Subject(s)
Grape Seed Extract , Probiotics , Adult , Humans , Polyphenols , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
15.
J Nutr Biochem ; 124: 109527, 2024 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37979711

ABSTRACT

Excessive fructose corn syrup (FCS) intake brings a series of health problems. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism of FCS-induced metabolic disorders from the perspective of gut microbiota. Mice were fed for 16 weeks with normal or 30% FCS drinking water. Compared to the control group, FCS caused significantly higher fat deposition, hepatic steatosis, liver and intestinal inflammatory damages (P<.05). FCS increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae in vivo and in vitro, which was positively correlated with the indices of metabolic disorders (P<.05). In vivo and in vitro data indicated that FCS enhanced the microbial function involved in pentose phosphate pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism, metabolomics further demonstrated that FCS led to an increase in prostaglandins (the catabolites of arachidonic acid) (P<.05). Our study confirmed that FCS can directly promote gut microbiota to synthesize inflammatory factor prostaglandins, which provides new insights and directions for the treatment of FCS-induced metabolic disorders and inflammation.


Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Metabolic Diseases , Mice , Animals , Arachidonic Acid/adverse effects , Zea mays , Fructose/adverse effects , Obesity/metabolism , Dietary Fats/pharmacology , Prostaglandins , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Diet, High-Fat
16.
Front Pediatr ; 11: 1276846, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38155739

ABSTRACT

The combination of Bifidobacterium longum and Pediococcus pentosaceus is a clinically effective probiotic formulation for alleviating infantile colic; however, their utilization characteristics and mechanism of action surrounding their combined use of sugar sources remains unclear. Using in vitro simulation technology, this study set up individual and mixed cultures of the two probiotics at unique concentrations, and different types of prebiotics, carbohydrates and polyols were added. Gas and short-chain fatty acid production, substrate utilization, as well as growth of the individual and mixed probiotics were detected at the beginning of fermentation, 24 h, and 48 h. Further, the mechanism of the syntrophic effect of the two probiotics was explored based on their growth characteristics. It was found that neither strain produced gas after 24 h and 48 h of cultivation, but could synergistically utilize fructo oligosaccharides (FOS) when mixed. There was an increasing trend of acetic acid production for B. longum in yeast extract, casitone and fatty acid (YCFA) and FOS medium with increasing of bacterial concentrations at 24 h and 48 h; whereas the trend for P. pentosaceus was less obvious. When bacterial concentrations were >5 billion CFU·g-1, the mixed culture showed significantly lower acetic acid production than B. longum alone. By adding lactic and acetic acids to the YCFA medium and observing P. pentosaceus growth, the results suggested that Pediococcus pentosaceus could use the acetic acid and lactic acid produced by Bifidobacterium longum for growth. When the bacterial concentration was 5 billion CFU·g-1, the acetic acid production of B. longum was significantly higher in the mixed cultures in lactulose, lactose, FOS, galactooligosaccharide, and inulin medium; whereas the reverse was true for culturing in xylitol, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, and sorbitol medium. Further, the mixed cultures produced significantly more acetic acid than B. longum alone. In summary, through in vitro simulation experiments, the optimal ratio and potential interaction mechanisms between B. longum and P. pentosaceus were revealed here, offers a basis for understanding how the probiotic combinations may improve infant colic symptoms by influencing the gut pH and regulating the gut microbiota mechanisms.

18.
Sensors (Basel) ; 23(15)2023 Aug 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37571771

ABSTRACT

Inputting text is a prevalent requirement among various virtual reality (VR) applications, including VR-based remote collaboration. In order to eliminate the need for complex rules and handheld devices for typing within virtual environments, researchers have proposed two mid-air input methods-the trace and tap methods. However, the specific impact of these input methods on performance in VR remains unknown. In this study, typing tasks were used to compare the performance, subjective report, and cognitive load of two mid-air input methods in VR. While the trace input method was more efficient and novel, it also entailed greater frustration and cognitive workload. Fortunately, the levels of frustration and cognitive load associated with the trace input method could be reduced to the same level as those of the tap input method via familiarity with VR. These findings could aid the design of virtual input methods, particularly for VR applications with varying text input demands.


Subject(s)
Virtual Reality , Workload
19.
Chem Sci ; 14(28): 7699-7708, 2023 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37484658

ABSTRACT

DNA molecular machines based on DNA logic circuits show unparalleled potential in precision medicine. However, delivering DNA nanomachines into real biological systems and ensuring that they perform functions specifically, quickly and logically remain a challenge. Here, we developed an efficient DNA molecular machine integrating transfer-sensor-computation-output functions to achieve high fidelity detection of intracellular biomolecules. The introduction of pH nanoswitches enabled the nanomachines to be activated after entering the cell, and the spatial-confinement effect of the DNA triangular prism (TP) enables the molecular machine to process complex information at the nanoscale, with higher sensitivity and shorter response time than diffuse-dominated logic circuits. Such cascaded activation molecular machines follow the logic of AND to achieve specific capture and detection of biomolecules in living cells through a multi-hierarchical response, providing a new insight into the construction of efficient DNA molecular machines.

20.
Food Funct ; 14(15): 7284-7298, 2023 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37470119

ABSTRACT

Sucrose and fructose are the most commonly used sweeteners in the modern food industry, but there are few comparative studies on the mechanisms by which fructose and sucrose affect host health. The aim of the present study was to explain the different effects of fructose and sucrose on host metabolism from the perspective of gut microbiota. Mice were fed for 16 weeks with normal drinking water (CON), 30% fructose drinking water (CF) and 30% sucrose drinking water (SUC). Compared with fructose treatment, sucrose caused significantly higher weight gain, epididymal fat deposition, hepatic steatosis, and jejunum histological injury. Sucrose increased the abundance of LPS-producing bacteria which was positively correlated with obesity traits, while fructose increased the abundance of Lactobacillus. An in vitro fermentation experiment also showed that fructose increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, while sucrose increased the abundance of Klebsiella and Escherichia. In addition, combined with microbial functional analysis and metabolomics data, fructose led to the enhancement of carbohydrate metabolism and TCA cycle capacity, and increased the production of glutamate. The cross-cooperation network greatly influenced the microbiota (Klebsiella, Lactobacillus), metabolites (glutamate, fructose 1,6-biosphosphate, citric acid), and genes encoding enzymes (pyruvate kinase, 6-phosphofructokinase 1, fructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aconitate hydratase, isocitrate dehydrogenase 3), suggesting that they may be the key differential factors in the process of fructose and sucrose catabolism. Therefore, the changes in gut microbiome mediated by fructose and sucrose are important reasons for their differential effects on host health and metabolism.

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