Simulated human digestion and fermentation of a high-molecular weight polysaccharide from Lentinula edodes mushroom and protective effects on intestinal barrier.

Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) is an important edible mushroom and polysaccharides are its major constituents with proven health benefits. The study was to investigate the gut bacterial fermentation and subsequent effects on gut barrier function of a glucan-rich polysaccharide, LePS40 precipitated from the mushroom water extract with 40 % (v/v) ethanol. LePS40 consisted of a ß-(1→3)-glucan main chain with substitution in the C-6 position with side chains mainly composed of (1 → 6)-linked ß-Glcp residues, (1 → 6)-linked α-Galp residues and terminal residues of ß-Glcp. LePS40 was found highly resistant to digestive enzymes and gastric acid in simulated human gastrointestinal tract, but highly fermentable during in vitro human fecal fermentation. The fecal fermentation degradation of LePS40 appeared to selectively break the glucoside linkage in view of the dramatic decrease in the glucose molar ratio (12.68 to 1.07). Compared with the prebiotic reference FOS, LePS40 led to much higher levels of butyric, and propionic acid and a lower level of acetic acid. Moreover, LePS40 enhanced the abundance of some beneficial bacterial populations, but decreased the bacteria possibly linked with fatty-liver disease and colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the fecal fermentation products of LePS40 showed a potential protective effect on intestinal barrier function against inflammatory damage in Caco-2/Raw264.7 co-culture model. These findings suggest the potential of LePS40 for improvement of gut health through modulation of gut microbiota.

Enhancement of chitosan-based film physicochemical and storage properties by interaction with proanthocyanidin and natural deep eutectic solvent.

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) has been recognized as a promising plasticizer for the preparation of biodegradable food packaging films. In addition, DES-plasticized chitosan (CS) films could also serve as a favorable carrier for loading active components. In this work, a ternary composite film was fabricated by plasticizing chitosan with DES and the active ingredient proanthocyanidin (PA) was used as a cross-linking agent. The incorporation of PAs significantly enhanced the toughness, elasticity, and hydrophobicity of the ternary CS-DES-PA composite films. It achieved antioxidant and bacteriostatic functions. In particular, the ternary CS-DES-PA composite films had a thickness of 0.16 ± 0.01 µm, a tensile strength of 2.63 ± 0.48 MPa, and an elongation about 73.22 %. They also have improved water resistance, UV blocking, with a high-water contact angle of 88.4° and a low water swelling of 5 % on the surface of the film. Meanwhile, the PAs in the film could slow down the browning of litchi fruits. This ternary blended film (CS-DES-PA) achieves better compatibility of the active ingredient in the film-forming substrate. It also provides a green and biodegradable packaging material for food packaging.

Phylogenomics and biogeographical diversification of Collabieae (Orchidaceae) and its implication in the reconstruction of the dynamic history of Asian evergreen broadleaved forests.

The tribe Collabieae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) comprises approximately 500 species. Generic delimitation within Collabieae are confusing and phylogenetic interrelationships within the Collabieae have not been well resolved. Plastid genomes and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were used to estimate the phylogenetic relationships, ancestral ranges, and diversification rates of Collabieae. The results showed that Collabieae was subdivided into nine clades with high support. We proposed to combine Ancistrochilus and Pachystoma into Spathoglottis, merge Collabium and Chrysoglossum into Diglyphosa, and separate Pilophyllum and Hancockia as distinctive genera. The diversification of the nine clades of Collabieae might be associated with the uplift of the Himalayas during the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene. The enhanced East Asian summer monsoon in the Late Miocene may have promoted the rapid diversification of Collabieae at a sustained high diversification rate. The increased size of terrestrial pseudobulbs may be one of the drivers of Collabieae diversification. Our results suggest that the establishment and development of evergreen broadleaved forests facilitated the diversification of Collabieae.

Pathogen Discovery in the Post-COVID Era.

Pathogen discovery plays a crucial role in the fields of infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, and public health. During the past four years, the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of early and accurate identification of novel pathogens for effective management and prevention of outbreaks. The post-COVID era has ushered in a new phase of infectious disease research, marked by accelerated advancements in pathogen discovery. This review encapsulates the recent innovations and paradigm shifts that have reshaped the landscape of pathogen discovery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Primarily, we summarize the latest technology innovations, applications, and causation proving strategies that enable rapid and accurate pathogen discovery for both acute and historical infections. We also explored the significance and the latest trends and approaches being employed for effective implementation of pathogen discovery from various clinical and environmental samples. Furthermore, we emphasize the collaborative nature of the pandemic response, which has led to the establishment of global networks for pathogen discovery.

Diffuse arterial atherosclerosis presenting with acute ischemic gastritis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic gastritis is a clinically rare disease with high mortality that infrequently reported in the medical literature and under-recognized clinically and histopathologically. Early diagnosis and treatment can only be achieved through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after symptoms appear. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old woman with a history of intracranial aneurysm developed dizziness, chest tightness and unconsciousness for 2 d. Computed tomography angiography showed diffuse coronary atherosclerosis, moderate to severe stenosis in the proximal end of the left anterior descending branch, multiple calcified plaques in the proximal end of the circumflex branch and right coronary artery, and mild to moderate stenosis. The patient also developed diffuse atherosclerosis in the splenic and mesenteric arteries, with mild lumen stenosis and atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta and its branches. Endoscopy showed submucosal congestion and damage of the entire gastric mucosa, of which the fundus and body of the stomach were most seriously affected. The mucosa was swollen, with a deep purple color, surface erosion and dark red oozing blood. Pathological examination showed bleeding and necrosis of the gastric mucosa, with residual contours of the gastric glands, consistent with ischemic gastritis. CONCLUSION: Ischemic gastritis is a rare disease that may be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms may be similar to those of other gastrointestinal diseases. Diagnosis is usually based on endoscopic and pathological examinations, which show insufficient blood supply to the gastric mucosa leading to mucosal damage and necrosis.