Focal ischemic myocardial fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), ischemic myocardial fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (I-LGE) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have been reported. However, the clinical significance of I-LGE has not been completely understood. We aim to evaluate the I-LGE differ phenotypically from HCM without LGE or nonischemic myocardial fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (NI-LGE) in the left ventricle (LV). METHODS: The patients with HCM whom was underwent CMR were enrolled, using cine cardiac magnetic resonance to evaluate LV function and LGE to detect the myocardial fibrosis. Three groups were assorted: 1) HCM without LGE; 2) HCM with LGE involved the subendocardial layer was defined as I-LGE; 3) HCM with LGE not involved the subendocardial layer was defined as NI-LGE. RESULTS: We enrolled 122 patients with HCM in the present study. LGE was detected in 58 of 122 (48%) patients with HCM, and 22 (18%) of patients reported I-LGE. HCM with I-LGE had increased higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (P < 0.0001) than HCM with NI-LGE or without LGE. In addition, HCM with I-LGE had a larger LV end- systolic volume (P = 0.045), lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (P = 0.026), higher LV myocardial mass (P < 0.001) and thicker LV wall (P < 0.001) more than HCM without LGE alone. The I-LGE were significantly associated with LVEF (OR: 0.961; P = 0.016), LV mass (OR: 1.028; P < 0.001), and maximal end-diastolic LVWT (OR: 1.567; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, LVEF (OR: 0.948; P = 0.013) and maximal end-diastolic LVWT (OR: 1.548; P = 0.001) were associated with higher risk for I-LGE compared to HCM without LGE. Noticeably, the maximal end-diastolic LVWT (OR: 1.316; P = 0.011) was the only associated with NI-LGE compared to HCM without LGE. CONCLUSIONS: I-LGE is not uncommon in patients with HCM. HCM with I-LGE was associated with significant LV hypertrophy, extensive LGE and poor LV ejection fraction. We should consider focal ischemic myocardial fibrosis when applying LGE to risk stratification for HCM.

Advancing high-performance visible light communication with long-wavelength InGaN-based micro-LEDs.

This study showcases a method for achieving high-performance yellow and red micro-LEDs through precise control of indium content within quantum wells. By employing a hybrid quantum well structure with our six core technologies, we can accomplish outstanding external quantum efficiency (EQE) and robust stripe bandwidth. The resulting 30 µm × 8 micro-LED arrays exhibit maximum EQE values of 11.56% and 5.47% for yellow and red variants, respectively. Notably, the yellow micro-LED arrays achieve data rates exceeding 1 Gbit/s for non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) format and 1.5 Gbit/s for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) format. These findings underscore the significant potential of long-wavelength InGaN-based micro-LEDs, positioning them as highly promising candidates for both full-color microdisplays and visible light communication applications.

Structural characterization, molecular dynamic simulation, and conformational visualization of a water-soluble glucan with high molecular weight from Gastrodia elata Blume.

Polysaccharides have been widely used in the development of natural drugs and health food. However, polysaccharide characterization lags due to inherently complicated features and the limitations of existing detection approaches. We aimed to provide new insight into the fine structure and conformational visualization of polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata Blume, a medicinal and edible plant. A water-soluble polysaccharide (GEP2-6) with the high molecular weight of 2.7 × 106 Da was first obtained, and its purity reached 99.2 %. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses jointly revealed that GEP2-6 was a glucan linked by α-(1 â†’ 4) and α-(1 â†’ 6) glycosidic bonds. After enzymolysis, the local structure of GEP2-6 included α-1,4-Glcp, α-1,6-Glcp, α-1,4,6-Glcp, and α-1-Glcp at a molar ratio of 31.27∶1.32∶1.08∶0.93. The glycosidic linkage pattern of repeating units was further simulated by a glycan database and spatial examination software. The good dissolution performance was interpreted by dynamics simulation and practical molecular characteristics. Spherical flexible chains and the porous stable conformation were corroborated using atomic force microscopy. In addition, GEP2-6 could effectively scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals as a promising natural antioxidant. These efforts will contribute to the expansion of clinical applications of this G. elata polysaccharide and the structural elucidation for macromolecular polysaccharides combined with traditional and modern analysis techniques.

Metasurface-driven polarization-division multiplexing of PCSEL for optical communications.

Free-space optical communications hold promising advantages, including a large bandwidth, access to license-free spectrum, high data rates, quick and simple deployment, low power consumption, and relaxed quality requirements. Nevertheless, key technical challenges remain, such as a higher transmission efficiency, a lower transmission loss, and a smaller form factor of optical systems. Here, we demonstrate the viability of circular-polarization-multiplexed multi-channel optical communication using metasurfaces alongside a photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) light source at wavelength of 940 nm. Through the light manipulation with metasurface, we split the linearly polarized incidence into left and right circular polarizations with desired diffraction angles. Such orthogonal polarization states provide a paradigm of polarization division multiplexing technique for light communication. The PCSEL light source maintains a low divergence angle of about 0.373 degrees after passing through an ultra-thin metasurface without further bulky collimator or light guide, making end-to-end (E2E) and device-to-device (D2D) communications available in a compact form. Both light source and modulated polarized light exhibit a - 3 dB bandwidth over 500 MHz, with successful 1 Gbit/s transmission demonstrated in eye diagrams. Our results affirm that metasurface effectively boosts transmission capacity without compromising the light source's inherent properties. Future metasurface designs could expand channel capacity, and its integration with PCSEL monolithically holds promise for reducing interface losses, thereby enhancing efficiency.

First Molecular Detection and Genotype Identification of Toxoplasma gondii in Chickens from Farmers' Markets in Fujian Province, Southeastern China.

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic pathogenic protozoan that can infect all nucleated cells in almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. T. gondii infection has been reported in many food animals worldwide. However, the prevalence and genotypes of T. gondii in chickens from farmers' markets in Fujian province in southeastern China remain unreported. In the present study, four tissue samples from each of the 577 chickens (namely, the heart, liver, lungs, and muscles) were collected from farmers' markets in five regions of Fujian province (Zhangzhou, Sanming, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, and Longyan). We first analyzed the prevalence and genotypes of T. gondii using PCR targeting of the B1 gene of T. gondii. Of the 577 chickens, thirty-two (5.5%) tested positive for the B1 gene. Among the five regions, Sanming had the highest infection rate (16.8%, 16/95), followed by Quanzhou (8.0%, 8/100), Longyan (5.0%, 5/100), Zhangzhou (1.1%, 2/182), and Fuzhou (1.0%, 1/100). Among these thirty-two T. gondii-positive chickens, the infection rates of the lungs, heart, liver, and muscles were 68.8% (22/32), 34.4% (11/32), 28.1% (9/32), and 9.4% (3/32), respectively. Significant differences in prevalence were found among the different regions (χ2 = 35.164, p < 0.05) and tissues (χ2 = 25.874, p < 0.05). A total of 128 tissue and organ samples of the thirty-two T. gondii-positive chickens from the different regions were analyzed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) on the basis of 10 genetic markers. Seven tissue samples (lung samples from five chickens, heart samples from one chicken, and liver samples from one chicken) underwent successful amplification at all the genetic markers, and all the T. gondii genotypes were identified as genotype I (ToxoDB #10). These findings serve as a foundation for evaluating the risk of T. gondii contamination in chicken products intended for human consumption and offer insight into preventing the transmission of the parasite from chickens to humans.

Ameliorating Uniformity and Color Conversion Efficiency in Quantum Dot-Based Micro-LED Displays through Blue-UV Hybrid Structures.

Quantum dot (QD)-based RGB micro light-emitting diode (µ-LED) technology shows immense potential for achieving full-color displays. In this study, we propose a novel structural design that combines blue and quantum well (QW)-intermixing ultraviolet (UV)-hybrid µ-LEDs to achieve high color-conversion efficiency (CCE). For the first time, the impact of various combinations of QD and TiO2 concentrations, as well as thickness variations on photoluminescence efficiency (PLQY), has been systematically examined through simulation. High-efficiency color-conversion layer (CCL) have been successfully fabricated as a result of these simulations, leading to significant savings in time and material costs. By incorporating scattering particles of TiO2 in the CCL, we successfully scatter light and disperse QDs, effectively reducing self-aggregation and greatly improving illumination uniformity. Additionally, this design significantly enhances light absorption within the QD films. To enhance device reliability, we introduce a passivation protection layer using low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology on the CCL surface. Moreover, we achieve impressive CCE values of 96.25% and 92.91% for the red and green CCLs, respectively, by integrating a modified distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) to suppress light leakage. Our hybrid structure design, in combination with an optical simulation system, not only facilitates rapid acquisition of optimal parameters for highly uniform and efficient color conversion in µ-LED displays but also expands the color gamut to achieve 128.2% in the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) space and 95.8% in the Rec. 2020 standard. In essence, this research outlines a promising avenue towards the development of bespoke, high-performance µ-LED displays.

Investigations on the high performance of InGaN red micro-LEDs with single quantum well for visible light communication applications.

In this study, we have demonstrated the potential of InGaN-based red micro-LEDs with single quantum well (SQW) structure for visible light communication applications. Our findings indicate the SQW sample has a better crystal quality, with high-purity emission, a narrower full width at half maximum, and higher internal quantum efficiency, compared to InGaN red micro-LED with a double quantum wells (DQWs) structure. The InGaN red micro-LED with SQW structure exhibits a higher maximum external quantum efficiency of 5.95% and experiences less blueshift as the current density increases when compared to the DQWs device. Furthermore, the SQW device has a superior modulation bandwidth of 424 MHz with a data transmission rate of 800 Mbit/s at an injection current density of 2000 A/cm2. These results demonstrate that InGaN-based SQW red micro-LEDs hold great promise for realizing full-color micro-display and visible light communication applications.

Structural and optical analyses for InGaN-based red micro-LED.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural and optical properties of an InGaN-based red micro-LED with a high density of V-shaped pits, offering insights for enhancing emission efficiency. The presence of V-shaped pits is considered advantageous in reducing non-radiative recombination. Furthermore, to systematically investigate the properties of localized states, we conducted temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL). The results of PL measurements indicate that deep localization in the red double quantum wells can limit carrier escape and improve radiation efficiency. Through a detailed analysis of these results, we extensively investigated the direct impact of epitaxial growth on the efficiency of InGaN red micro-LEDs, thereby laying the foundation for improving efficiency in InGaN-based red micro-LEDs.

Diagnosis and genetic testing analysis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2U caused by a compound heterozygous mutation in the ISPD gene.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), a rare group of non-congenital inherited muscle diseases, is characterized by a progressive reduction in muscle tone and force of the proximal limbs. The clinical manifestations and genetic patterns of LGMD are heterogeneous. This study reported on a 10-year-old male patient with LGMD type 2U who experienced muscle weakness in the lower limbs after exercise. Upon admission, the patient's creatine kinase levels were significantly elevated, and hydration and alkalinization therapy were ineffective. Using high-throughput sequencing, muscular dystrophy-related genes were tested in the patient, his parents, and his sister. The patient was found to have a heterozygous deletion of exon 9 of the ISPD gene and a heterozygous missense mutation c.1231C>T (p.Leu411Phe). The patient's father carried the heterozygous missense mutation c.1231C>T (p.Leu411Phe) of the ISPD gene, while his mother and sister carried a heterozygous deletion of exon 9 of the ISPD gene. These mutations have not been reported in existing databases or literature. Conservation and protein structure prediction analyses of the mutation sites indicated that they are highly conserved and located in the C-terminal domain of the ISPD protein, which may affect protein function. Based on the above results and relevant clinical data, the patient was definitively diagnosed with LGMD type 2U. This study enriched the spectrum of ISPD gene mutations by summarizing the patient's clinical characteristics and analyzing new ISPD gene variations. This can aid in the early diagnosis and genetic counseling of the disease.

Impact of carbapenem antibiotics on mycophenolate mofetil in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with interruption of the enterohepatic recycling: a retrospective study.

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), is widely used in the prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MPA undergoes enterohepatic recycling (EHR). Oral antibiotics can affect MPA concentration by reducing intestinal flora-mediated EHR. However, the effect of intravenous antibiotics on MPA concentration is not clear, especially in patients whose EHR is already interrupted. This study was conducted to determine whether intravenous carbapenem antibiotics (CBP) influence the pre-dose plasma concentration (C0) of MPA in HSCT patients when the EHR of MPA is interrupted by cyclosporine and gut decontamination. Methods: The HSCT patients who received immunosuppressive therapy with MMF and cyclosporine, as well as treatment with CBP were screened as potential candidates. Patients who lacked MPA C0 measurements before or during CBP use, had combination therapy of rifampin with MMF, or switched from IV to oral MMF were excluded. The liver/renal function, demographic information, albumin/cyclosporine concentration, MPA C0 and medication information were collected. The changes in the MPA C0 before and during CBP use were evaluated, and the influence of related clinical factors was also estimated. Results: CBP resulted in a significant reduction in the MPA C0 from 0.65±0.33 to 0.43±0.30 µg/mL. Linear regression analysis indicated a weak correlation between the dose-normalized C0 of MPA and the dosage of CBP during CBP use (r2=0.129, P=0.009). Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that the MPA C0 had no relevance to rifaximin administration (P=0.249-0.700), demographics (P=0.118-0.599), fluctuation of plasma albumin (ALB, P=0.943 and 0.609) and cyclosporine concentrations (P=0.647 and 0.112), or liver and renal functions (P=0.078-0.887) no matter whether the CBP were used. However, compared with the non-gut decontamination group, larger interindividual variabilities and smaller decreases in MPA C0 (6.60% vs. 41.73%) during CBP therapy were seen in the gut decontamination group, although it was a nonsignificant trend. Conclusions: CBP decreased the MPA C0 in Chinese HSCT patients even when MMF is used in combination with cyclosporine and rifaximin. If antibiotics must be used, and CBP in particular, therapeutic drug monitoring should be performed to ensure adequate exposure.

Recent Advances in Micro-LEDs Having Yellow-Green to Red Emission Wavelengths for Visible Light Communications.

Visible light communication (VLC), which will primarily support high-speed internet connectivity in the contemporary world, has progressively come to be recognized as a significant alternative and reinforcement in the wireless communication area. VLC has become more popular recently because of its many advantages over conventional radio frequencies, including a higher transmission rate, high bandwidth, low power consumption, fewer health risks, and reduced interference. Due to its high-bandwidth characteristics and potential to be used for both illumination and communications, micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) have drawn a lot of attention for their use in VLC applications. In this review, a detailed overview of micro-LEDs that have long emission wavelengths for VLC is presented, along with their related challenges and future prospects. The VLC performance of micro-LEDs is influenced by a number of factors, including the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE), size-dependent effect, and droop effect, which are discussed in the following sections. When these elements are combined, it has a major impact on the performance of micro-LEDs in terms of their modulation bandwidth, wavelength shift, full-width at half maximum (FWHM), light output power, and efficiency. The possible challenges faced in the use of micro-LEDs were analyzed through a simulation conducted using Crosslight Apsys software and the results were compared with the previous reported results. We also provide a brief overview of the phenomena, underlying theories, and potential possible solutions to these issues. Furthermore, we provide a brief discussion regarding micro-LEDs that have emission wavelengths ranging from yellow-green to red colors. We highlight the notable bandwidth enhancement for this paradigm and anticipate some exciting new research directions. Overall, this review paper provides a brief overview of the performance of VLC-based systems based on micro-LEDs and some of their possible applications.

Modified Distributed Bragg Reflectors for Color Stability in InGaN Red Micro-LEDs.

The monolithic integration of InGaN-based micro-LEDs is being of interest toward developing full-color micro-displays. However, the color stability in InGaN red micro-LED is an issue that needs to be addressed. In this study, the modified distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) were designed to reduce the transmission of undesired spectra. The calculated optical properties of the InGaN red micro-LEDs with conventional and modified DBRs have been analyzed, respectively. The CIE 1931 color space and the encoded 8-bit RGB values are exhibited for the quantitative assessment of color stability. The results suggest the modified DBRs can effectively reduce the color shift, paving the way for developing full-color InGaN-based micro-LED displays.

Highly Luminescent Earth-Benign Organometallic Manganese Halide Crystals with Ultrahigh Thermal Stability of Emission from 4 to 623 K.

The phosphor-converted light-emitting diode (PC-LED) has become an indispensable solid-state lighting and display technologies in the modern society. Nevertheless, the use of scarce rare-earth elements and the thermal quenching (TQ) behavior are still two most crucial issues yet to be solved. Here, this work successfully demonstrates a highly efficient and thermally stable green emissive MnI2 (XanPO) crystals showing a notable photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 94% and a super TQ resistance from 4 to 623 K. This unprecedented superior thermal stability is attributed to the low electron-phonon coupling and the unique rigid crystal structure of MnI2 (XanPO) over the whole temperature range based on the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses. Considering these appealing properties, green PC-LEDs with a power efficacy of 102.5 lm W-1 , an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.7% and a peak luminance up to 7750 000 cd m-2 are fabricated by integrating MnI2 (XanPO) with commercial blue LEDs. Moreover, the applicability of MnI2 (XanPO) in both micro-LEDs and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is also demonstrated. In a nutshell, this study uncovers a candidate of highly luminescent and TQ resistant manganese halide suitable for a variety of emission applications.

Polarity-extended composition profiling via LC-MS-based metabolomics approaches: A key to functional investigation of Citrus aurantium L.

Citrus is a genus containing diverse edible species, among them Citrus aurantium L. is widely utilized while short of composition research. Herein, utilizing multiple liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approaches, we comprehensively characterized its components. We first systematized both LC and MS characteristics of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), by which 13 PMFs were identified in C. aurantium, and their biosynthesis pathway was further established. Using derivatization-LC-MS targeted metabolomics approaches, 28 carbohydrates and 18 carboxylic acids were firstly found in C. aurantium. Combined with untargeted metabolomics method, total 147 compositions were characterized, among which 92 were firstly reported in C. aurantium. We further obtained their geographical features and sought out principal discriminative compounds. Moreover, typical biofunctions of C. aurantium from diverse regions were speculated using pharmacological platform and partly verified by experiments. The present study provided systematic component information for C. aurantium, which laid the foundation for its further exploitation as functional food.

Discovery of novel ascorbic acid derivatives and other metabolites in fruit of Rosa roxburghii Tratt through untargeted metabolomics and feature-based molecular networking.

Fruit of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (FRR) is widely used in functional food industry while short of metabolites research. Herein, we firstly identified 251 metabolites in FRR based on untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach. Then, 42 differential compounds were sought out to avoid the confusing use of FRR and fruit of R. sterilis S. D. Shi (FRS), and FRR was evaluated exhibiting higher biofunction potential. Moreover, a quantitative LC-MS approach was established to determine the contents of 3 ascorbyl hexosides, and FRR with higher contents should be better source than FRS. Additionally, 17 ascorbic acid (AA) derivatives formed by conjugation of ascorbyl unit with organic acids, flavonoids, or glucuronic acid were also discovered in FRR through characteristic ions of AA and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN), enlightening that AA derivatives were not limited to ascorbyl glycosides. This study provided abundant metabolites information of FRR, laying the basis for exploitation of FRR.

Synthesis, Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Selenium Nanoparticles and Its Effect on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice.

Selenium nanoparticles have attracted extensive attention due to their good bioavailability and activity. In the present study, a new form of selenium nanoparticle (Low molecular weight chitosan selenium nanoparticles (LCS-SeNPs)) were synthesized in a system of sodium selenite and acetic acid. The size, element state, morphology and elementary composition of LCS-SeNPs were characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic measurements. The protection of LCS-SeNPs against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and the inherent mechanisms of this process were investigated. The results showed that LCS-SeNPs, with an average diameter of 198 nm, zero-valent and orange-red relatively uniform spherical particles were prepared. LCS-SeNPs were mainly composed of C, N, O and Se elements, of which Se accounted for 39.03% of the four elements C, N, O and Se. LCS-SeNPs reduced colon injury and inflammation symptoms and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction. LCS-SeNPs significantly reduced serum and colonic inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Moreover, LCS-SeNPs remarkably increased antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px levels in serum and colonic tissue. Further studies on inflammatory pathways showed that LCS-SeNPs alleviated DSS-induced colitis through the NF-κB signaling pathway, and relieved inflammatory associated oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings suggested that LCS-SeNPs are a promising selenium species with potential applications in the treatment of oxidative stress related inflammatory intestinal diseases.

High-Reliability Perovskite Quantum Dots Using Atomic Layer Deposition Passivation for Novel Photonic Applications.

In this study, we propose highly stable perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) coated with Al2O3 using atomic layer deposition (ALD) passivation technology. This passivation layer effectively protects the QDs from moisture infiltration and oxidation as well as from high temperatures and any changes in the material characteristics. They exhibit excellent wavelength stability and reliability in terms of current variation tests, long-term light aging tests, and temperature/humidity tests (60°/90%). A white-light system has been fabricated by integrating a micro-LED and red phosphor exhibiting a high data transmission rate of 1 Gbit/s. These results suggest that PeQDs treated with ALD passivation protection offer promising prospects in full-color micro-displays and high-speed visible-light communication (VLC) applications.

Molecular Detection and Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Pigs in Fujian Province, Southeastern China.

Giardia duodenalis, an intestinal parasite, is widely distributed in humans and various animals, such as pigs, cattle and cats. The clinical symptoms of giardiasis are characterized as including abdominal pain, acute or chronic diarrhea, and bloating and weight loss in humans and animals, leading to public and veterinary health problems worldwide. However, the prevalence and genotypes of G. duodenalis in pigs in Fujian Province, southeastern China, have not been reported. In the present study, 725 fecal samples were collected from six cities (Fuqing, Putian, Nanping, Longyan, Sanming, Zhangzhou) in Fujian Province and analyzed for G. duodenalis prevalence and genotypes using nested PCR targeting the beta-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. The results shown that total occurrence rate of G. duodenalis was 26.9% (195/725) in pigs, with significant differences in the prevalence among different regions (χ2 = 86.508, p < 0.05) and groups (χ2 = 12.748, p < 0.05). 195, 11 and 6 samples were detected at the bg, tpi and gdh loci, respectively. Each one belonged to a subtype of assemblage E and was analyzed using sequences obtained in this study. Based on phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the three genetic loci, only one MLG E1 was found. The results indicated that pigs may present a potential zoonotic risk of spreading G. duodenalis infection from animals to humans in this area. The findings of the present study also provide basic data for the prevention and control of G. duodenalis infection in pigs and humans in China.

Neuroprotective Effects of Sodium Butyrate and Monomethyl Fumarate Treatment through GPR109A Modulation and Intestinal Barrier Restoration on PD Mice.

Research has connected Parkinson's disease (PD) with impaired intestinal barrier. The activation of G-protein-coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A) protects the intestinal barrier by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Sodium butyrate (NaB), which is a GPR109A ligand, may have anti-PD effects. The current study's objective is to demonstrate that NaB or monomethyl fumarate (MMF, an agonist of the GPR109A) can treat PD mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) via repairing the intestinal barrier. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups randomly: control, MPTP + vehicle, MPTP + NaB, and MPTP + MMF. Modeling mice received MPTP (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for a week, while control mice received sterile PBS. Then, four groups each received two weeks of sterile PBS (10 mL/kg/day, i.g.), sterile PBS (10 mL/kg/day, i.g.), NaB (600 mg/kg/day, i.g.), or MMF (100 mg/kg/day, i.g.). We assessed the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin and claudin-1), GPR109A, and p65 in the colon, performed microscopic examination via HE staining, quantified markers of intestinal permeability and proinflammatory cytokines in serum, and evaluated motor symptoms and pathological changes in the substantia nigra (SN) or striatum. According to our results, MPTP-induced defected motor function, decreased dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the striatum, decreased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons and increased activated microglia in the SN, and systemic inflammation were ameliorated by NaB or MMF treatment. Additionally, the ruined intestinal barrier was also rebuilt and NF-κB was suppressed after the treatment, with higher levels of TJ proteins, GPR109A, and decreased intestinal permeability. These results show that NaB or MMF can remedy motor symptoms and pathological alterations in PD mice by restoring the intestinal barrier with activated GPR109A. We demonstrate the potential for repairing the compromised intestinal barrier and activating GPR109A as promising treatments for PD.

The physicochemical properties of starches isolated from defatted tigernut meals: Effect of extrusion pretreatment.

If the tigernut meal left after oil extraction is used as a material for starch resources instead of being wasted, the industrial value of tigernut would be improved. Thus, we investigated the effect of extrusion before oil extraction on the yield, structure and function of starches within tigernut meals (TMS). Compared with the yield of native starch, the yield of TMS-130-11 (barrel temperature: 130 °C; feed moisture: 11 %) was increased by 1.97 %, and that of TMS-140-11 (barrel temperature: 140 °C; feed moisture: 11 %) was decreased by 7.82 %. The starches cannot be obtained when the barrel temperature is above 140 °C with 11 % feed moisture. Extrusion slightly decreased the relative crystallinity and increased the ratio of B2-chains in amylopectin. These changes resulted in reductions in peak viscosity while improving the elastic properties of the starch gel. These results will provide useful information regarding the use of starch isolated from tigernut meal.