Dopamine receptor D2 confers colonization resistance via microbial metabolites.

The gut microbiome has major roles in modulating host physiology. One such function is colonization resistance, or the ability of the microbial collective to protect the host against enteric pathogens1-3, including enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotype O157:H7, an attaching and effacing (AE) food-borne pathogen that causes severe gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, bloody diarrhea and acute renal failure4,5 (haemolytic uremic syndrome). Although gut microorganisms can provide colonization resistance by outcompeting some pathogens or modulating host defence provided by the gut barrier and intestinal immune cells6,7, this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Here, we show that activation of the neurotransmitter receptor dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) in the intestinal epithelium by gut microbial metabolites produced upon dietary supplementation with the essential amino acid L-tryptophan protects the host against Citrobacter rodentium, a mouse AE pathogen that is widely used as a model for EHEC infection8,9. We further find that DRD2 activation by these tryptophan-derived metabolites decreases expression of a host actin regulatory protein involved in C. rodentium and EHEC attachment to the gut epithelium via formation of actin pedestals. Our results reveal a noncanonical colonization resistance pathway against AE pathogens that features an unconventional role for DRD2 outside the nervous system in controlling actin cytoskeletal organization in the gut epithelium. Our findings may inspire prophylactic and therapeutic approaches targeting DRD2 with dietary or pharmacological interventions to improve gut health and treat gastrointestinal infections, which afflict millions globally.

High-peak-power long-wave infrared BaGa4Se7 optical parametric oscillator with 6.7-13.9†µm widely tunable range.

A high-peak-power, widely tunable range long-wave infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on the BaGa4Se7 (BGSe) crystal is demonstrated in this Letter. Pumped by a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, a high-peak-power of 0.15 MW was achieved at 9.8 µm with a pulse width of 5.0 ns. At 11.0 µm, a high beam quality of M2x = 4.1 and M2y = 3.3 was achieved. By rotating the BGSe crystal, a broad tuning range of 6.7-13.9 µm was realized. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis was conducted to elucidate the reasons behind the improvement in beam quality in the x-direction as the wavelength of the idler wave increases.

An innovative predictive model for cervical cancer constructed around a gene profile associated with cholesterol metabolism.

Cholesterol metabolism is crucial for cell survival and cancer progression. The prognostic patterns of genes linked to cholesterol metabolism (CMAGs) in CESC, however, have received very little attention in research. From public databases, TCGA-CESC cohorts with mRNA expression patterns and the accompanying clinical information of patients were gathered. Consensus clustering was used to find the molecular subtype connected to cholesterol metabolism. In the TCGA-CESC cohort, a predictive risk model with 28 CMAGs was created using Lasso-Cox regression. The function enrichment analysis between groups with high-and low-risk were investigated by employing GO, KEGG, and GSVA software. The immune cell infiltration was analyzed using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and MCPCOUNTER methods. Finally, we select 7 genes in risk model for further multivariate Cox analysis, and ultimately a hub gene, CHIT1, was identified. Meanwhile, the function of CHIT1 was preliminarily verified in cell and mice tumor model. In conclusion, the abundance of the CHIT1 gene might be beneficial for forecasting the prognosis of CESC, demonstrating that cholesterol metabolism could be a promising treatment target for CESC.

Codon usage affects the structure and function of the Drosophila circadian clock protein PERIOD.

Codon usage bias is a universal feature of all genomes, but its in vivo biological functions in animal systems are not clear. To investigate the in vivo role of codon usage in animals, we took advantage of the sensitivity and robustness of the Drosophila circadian system. By codon-optimizing parts of Drosophila period (dper), a core clock gene that encodes a critical component of the circadian oscillator, we showed that dper codon usage is important for circadian clock function. Codon optimization of dper resulted in conformational changes of the dPER protein, altered dPER phosphorylation profile and stability, and impaired dPER function in the circadian negative feedback loop, which manifests into changes in molecular rhythmicity and abnormal circadian behavioral output. This study provides an in vivo example that demonstrates the role of codon usage in determining protein structure and function in an animal system. These results suggest a universal mechanism in eukaryotes that uses a codon usage "code" within genetic codons to regulate cotranslational protein folding.

Diagnostic feasibility of middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion evaluated by TCCS and CEUS: Repeatability, reproducibility, and diagnostic agreement with DSA.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in assessing middle cerebral artery (MCA) stem stenosis or occlusion compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). METHODS: A total of 48 cases including 96 MCAs suspected stem stenosis or obstruction in the MCA were assessed by TCCS, CE-TCCS, and DSA. The diameters of the most severe stenosis (Ds), proximal normal artery (Dn), and diameter stenosis rate of MCA were measured using both the color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) modality of TCCS or CEUS and the CEUS imaging modality. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated, and a weighted Kappa value was used to evaluate the intra-observer agreement, inter-observer agreement, agreement between CDFI modality and DSA stenosis or occlusion, and agreement between CEUS imaging modality and DSA stenosis or occlusion. RESULTS: The ICC results indicated excellent repeatability and reproducibility (all ICCs > 0.75; weighted Kappa values >0.81). Compared with DSA, the weighted Kappa values and 95 % CIs of stenosis (the first measurement was taken by two observers) of CDFI modality and CEUS imaging modality were 0.175 (0.041, 0.308) and 0.779 (0.570, 0.988) for observers A and 0.181 (0.046, 0.316) and 0.779 (0.570, 0.988) for observers B respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that inter- and intra-observer agreements were good for the direct method of measuring percentages of MCA stenosis by TCCS and CEUS. CEUS imaging modality is a new and reliable imaging modality approach to evaluate the MCAs stenosis and occlusion.

Comparative Analysis of the Biochemical Composition, Amino Acid, and Fatty Acid Contents of Diploid, Triploid, and Tetraploid Crassostrea gigas.

Tetraploid oysters are artificially produced oysters that do not exist in nature. The successful breeding of 100% triploid oysters resolved the difficulties of traditional drug-induced triploids, such as the presence of drug residues and a low triploid induction rate. However, little is known concerning the biochemical composition and nutrient contents of such tetraploids. Therefore, we investigated compositional differences among diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Crassostrea gigas as well as between males and females of diploids and tetraploids. The findings indicated that glycogen, EPA, ∑PUFA, and omega-3 contents were significantly higher in triploid oysters than in diploids or tetraploids; tetraploid oysters had a significantly higher protein content, C14:0, essential amino acid, and flavor-presenting amino acid contents than diploids or triploids. For both diploid and tetraploids, females had significantly higher levels of glutamate, methionine, and phenylalanine than males but lower levels of glycine and alanine. In addition, female oysters had significantly more EPA, DHA, omega-3, and total fatty acids, a result that may be due to the fact that gonadal development in male oysters requires more energy to sustain growth, consumes greater amounts of nutrients, and accumulates more proteins. With these results, important information is provided on the production of C. gigas, as well as on the basis and backing for the genetic breeding of oysters.

Antioxidant synergistic anti-inflammatory effect in the MAPK/NF-κB pathway of peptide KGEYNK (KK-6) from giant salamander (Andrias davidianus).

BACKGROUND: Giant salamander protein peptide is a peptide with rich functional properties. Giant salamander protein peptide KGEYNK (KK-6) is a peptide with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of KK-6 are still unclear. When we studied the functional mechanism of KK-6, we found that the antioxidant property of KK-6 has a synergistic and promoting effect on anti-inflammatory properties. RESULTS: KK-6 enhances cellular resistance to LPS via the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to increased levels of inflammatory factors: interleukin-1ß (764.81 ng mL-1), interleukin-6 (1.06 ng mL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (4440.45 ng mL-1). KK-6 demonstrates potent antioxidant properties by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, resulting in elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase: 0.03 µg mL-1; superoxide dismutase: 0.589 µg mL-1) and a reduction in the concentration of the oxidative product malondialdehyde (967.05 µg mL-1). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the great potential of KK-6, a peptide extracted from giant salamander protein, as a remedy for intestinal inflammation. Through its dual role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, KK-6 offers a promising avenue for alleviating inflammation-related damage and oxidative stress. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of giant salamander products and highlights their importance in health and novel food development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genetic diversity and genome-wide association study of 13 agronomic traits in 977 Beta vulgaris L. germplasms.

BACKGROUND: Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an economically essential sugar crop worldwide. Its agronomic traits are highly diverse and phenotypically plastic, influencing taproot yield and quality. The National Beet Medium-term Gene Bank in China maintains more than 1700 beet germplasms with diverse countries of origin. However, it lacks detailed genetic background associated with morphological variability and diversity. RESULTS: Here, a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 13 agronomic traits was conducted in a panel of 977 sugar beet accessions. Almost all phenotypic traits exhibited wide genetic diversity and high coefficient of variation (CV). A total of 170,750 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Neighbour-joining phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis, population structure and kinship showed no obvious relationships among these genotypes based on subgroups or regional sources. GWAS was carried out using a mixed linear model, and 159 significant associations were detected for these traits. Within the 25 kb linkage disequilibrium decay of the associated markers, NRT1/PTR FAMILY 6.3 (BVRB_5g097760); nudix hydrolase 15 (BVRB_8g182070) and TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1 (BVRB_8g181550); transcription factor MYB77 (BVRB_2g023500); and ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF014 (BVRB_1g000090) were predicted to be strongly associated with the taproot traits of root groove depth (RGD); root shape (RS); crown size (CS); and flesh colour (FC), respectively. For the aboveground traits, UDP-glycosyltransferase 79B6 (BVRB_9g223780) and NAC domain-containing protein 7 (BVRB_5g097990); F-box protein At1g10780 (BVRB_6g140760); phosphate transporter PHO1 (BVRB_3g048660); F-box protein CPR1 (BVRB_8g181140); and transcription factor MYB77 (BVRB_2g023500) and alcohol acyltransferase 9 (BVRB_2g023460) might be associated with the hypocotyl colour (HC); plant type (PT); petiole length (PL); cotyledon size (C); and fascicled leaf type (FLT) of sugar beet, respectively. AP-2 complex subunit mu (BVRB_5g106130), trihelix transcription factor ASIL2 (BVRB_2g041790) and late embryogenesis abundant protein 18 (BVRB_5g106150) might be involved in pollen quantity (PQ) variation. The candidate genes extensively participated in hormone response, nitrogen and phosphorus transportation, secondary metabolism, fertilization and embryo maturation. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic basis of agronomical traits is complicated in heterozygous diploid sugar beet. The putative valuable genes found in this study will help further elucidate the molecular mechanism of each phenotypic trait for beet breeding.

Liver fat is superior to visceral and pancreatic fat as a risk biomarker of impaired glucose regulation in overweight/obese subjects.

AIM: To investigate the distribution of abdominal fat, particularly ectopic fat accumulation, in relation to glucose metabolism in overweight/obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 257 overweight/obese subjects with body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 . All the subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. Magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction was used to measure fat accumulation in the liver, pancreas and abdomen. Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) was defined as the presence of prediabetes or diabetes. RESULTS: Liver fat content (LFC) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were higher in overweight/obese subjects with diabetes than in those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). No significant differences were observed in the pancreas fat content and subcutaneous fat area between subjects with NGT and IGR. LFC was an independent risk factor of IGR (odds ratio = 1.824 per standard deviation unit, 95% CI 1.242-2.679, p = .002). Compared with the lowest tertile of LFC, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio for the prevalence of IGR in the highest tertile was 2.842 (95% CI 1.205-6.704). However, no association was observed between the VAT per standard deviation increment and tertiles after adjusting for multiple factors. For discordant visceral and liver fat phenotypes, the high LFC-low VAT and high LFC-high VAT groups had a higher prevalence of IGR than the low LFC-low VAT group. However, there was no difference in the prevalence of IGR between the low LFC-low VAT and low LFC-high VAT groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with visceral and pancreatic fat content, LFC is a superior risk biomarker for IGR in overweight/obese subjects.

Re-evaluate the Prognostic Value of Absolute Lymphocyte Count in Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia.

To re-evaluate the prognostic value of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) in pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from the perspective of age. A total of 242 ITP pediatric patients, including 141 newly diagnosed ITP (nITP), 89 chronic ITP (cITP), and 12 persistent ITP, were retrospectively reviewed for this study. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to age (group 1, ≤24 m; group 2, 24-72 m; and group 3, >72 m). The ALC detected at admission was significantly different between nITP and cITP patients without considering their age difference (5.22 vs. 3.55×10 9 /L, P <0.001). However, no significant difference was discovered after age stratification (≤24 m: 6.52 vs. 5.34×10 9 /L, P =0.161; 24-72 m: 3.78 vs. 3.63×10 9 /L, P =0.748; > 72 m: 2.53 vs. 2.40×10 9 /L, P =0.748). ROC analysis showed that the prognostic value of ALC in ITP children was limited (area under curve (AUC): ≤24 m, 24-72 m, and >72 m were 0.591, 0.570, and 0.542, respectively). Analysis of covariance showed there was no significant difference in ALC between nITP and cITP when considering age as a covariate ( P =0.131). Instead, the ROC showing that platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has prognostic value in pediatric ITP independent of age stratification (≤24 m: AUC, 0.688; 24-72 m: AUC, 0.741; >72 m: AUC, 0.680). In conclusion, there was no significant difference of ALC between nITP and cITP patients when stratified by different age groups, and PLR may be an optional prognostic indicator for ITP.

A prediction model of liver fat fraction and presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among patients with overweight or obesity.

The global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has attained a level of 25.24%. The prevalence of NAFLD in China has exhibited an upward trajectory in parallel with the increasing incidence of obesity over the preceding decade. In order to comprehensively assess hepatic lipid deposition in individuals with overweight or obesity, we have devised a pioneering prognostic formula that capitalizes on clinical parameters. To this end, we have conducted a cross-sectional cohort study involving 149 overweight or obese subjects. Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) has been employed to evaluate the extent of liver fat accumulation. Through univariate analysis, we have identified potential factors, and the definitive elements in the prediction model were selected utilizing the forward stepwise regression algorithm. The Shang Hai Steatosis Index (SHSI) incorporates alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting insulin, and 1-h postload glycaemic levels, thereby furnishing the capability to predict NAFLD with an area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) of 0.87. By establishing a threshold value of 10.96, determined through Youden's index, we have achieved a sensitivity of 69.57% and a specificity of 88.24%. The Spearman correlation coefficient between liver fat fraction ascertained by MRI-PDFF and that predicted by the SHSI equation amounts to 0.74. Consequently, the SHSI equation affords a dependable means of predicting the presence of NAFLD and liver fat accumulation within the overweight and obese population.

Microbial tryptophan metabolites regulate gut barrier function via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Emerging evidence suggests that small-molecule metabolites derived from bacterial breakdown of a variety of dietary nutrients confer a wide array of host benefits, including amelioration of inflammation in IBDs. Yet, in many cases, the molecular pathways targeted by these molecules remain unknown. Here, we describe roles for three metabolites-indole-3-ethanol, indole-3-pyruvate, and indole-3-aldehyde-which are derived from gut bacterial metabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan, in regulating intestinal barrier function. We determined that these metabolites protect against increased gut permeability associated with a mouse model of colitis by maintaining the integrity of the apical junctional complex and its associated actin regulatory proteins, including myosin IIA and ezrin, and that these effects are dependent on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Our studies provide a deeper understanding of how gut microbial metabolites affect host defense mechanisms and identify candidate pathways for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for IBDs.

Analysis of Volatile Compounds and Flavor Fingerprint Using Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) on Crassostrea gigas with Different Ploidy and Gender.

In this study, GC-IMS was used to analyze the volatile component and flavor profiles of Crassostrea gigas individuals of different ploidy and gender. Principal component analysis was used to explore overall differences in flavor profiles, and a total of 54 volatile compounds were identified. The total volatile flavor contents in the edible parts of tetraploid oysters were significantly higher than in diploid and triploid oysters. The concentrations of ethyl (E)-2-butenoate and 1-penten-3-ol were significantly higher in triploid oysters than in diploid and tetraploid oysters. In addition, the volatile compounds propanoic acid, ethyl propanoate, 1-butanol, butanal, and 2-ethyl furan were significantly higher in females than in males. The volatile compounds p-methyl anisole, 3-octanone, 3-octanone, and (E)-2-heptenal were present in higher levels in male than in female oysters. Overall, different ploidy and gender of oysters are connected with different sensory characteristics, providing new insights for understanding the flavor characteristics of oysters.

Fingerprint Analysis of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Crassostrea gigas of Different Ploidy and Gender under High-Temperature Incubation.

In this study, diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Crassostrea gigas samples were subjected to gas chromatography and ion mobility (GC-IMS) to identify and analyze volatile compounds and flavor fingerprints under conditions of high-temperature incubation. The GC-IMS technology identified a total of 54 volatile components in C. gigas. The contents of 1-octen-3-ol, butyl pentanoate, p-methyl anisole, and 2-methyl-2-hepten-6-one in male oysters were significantly higher than in females, while the contents of phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, 2-ethylfuran, and 2,4-hexadienal in female oysters were significantly higher than in males. The contents of non-3-en-2-one-M and 1-pentanol in diploids were significantly higher than in triploids and tetraploids, while the content of 2,4-hexadienal in tetraploids was significantly higher than in diploids and tetraploids. The contents of ethyl acetate, ethyl-2-butenoate, and butanal in tetraploids were significantly higher than those in diploids and triploids. The results of a principal components analysis showed that different samples were relatively independently clustered, allowing the ability to distinguish different oyster samples. The chemical fingerprints of volatile compounds of C. gigas with different ploidy and gender under high-temperature incubation were established, and the volatile substance contours of C. gigas were visualized. The results provide a reference for distinguishing the ploidy and gender of C. gigas under conditions of high-temperature incubation.

Fabrication of glycated yeast cell protein via Maillard reaction for delivery of curcumin: improved environmental stability, antioxidant activity, and bioaccessibility.

BACKGROUND: The application of curcumin (CUR) in the food industry is limited by its instability, hydrophobicity and low bioavailability. Yeast cell protein (YCP) is a by-product of spent brewer's yeast, which has the potential to deliver bioactive substances. However, the environmental stresses such as pH, salt and heat treatment has restricted its application in the food industry. Maillard reaction as a non-enzymatic browning reaction can improve protein stability under environmental stress. RESULTS: The CUR was successfully encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of YCP/glycated YCP (GYCP) and enhanced by hydrogen bonding, resulting in static fluorescence quenching of YCP/GYCP. The average diameter and dispersibility of GYPC-CUR nanocomplex were significantly improved after glucose glycation (121.40 nm versus 139.70 nm). Moreover, the encapsulation capacity of CUR was not influenced by glucose glycation. The oxidative stability and bioaccessibility of CUR in nanocomplexes were increased compared with free CUR, especially complexed with GYCP conjugates. CONCLUSION: Steric hindrance provided by glucose conjugation improved the enviriomental stability, oxidative activity and bioaccessibility of CUR in nanocomplexes. Thus, glucose-glycated YCP has potential application as a delivery carrier for hydrophobic compounds in functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of theaflavins on the quality of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during refrigerated storage.

BACKGROUND: Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is an economical marine fish consumed in China. Theaflavins have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, there is a lack of research into their application in large yellow croakers during refrigerated storage. This study investigated the effect of theaflavins on the quality of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during 12 days of storage at 4 °C. RESULTS: The results showed that theaflavin treatment was able to inhibit microbial growth and reduce the production of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N). Meanwhile, theaflavins were beneficial in reducing the unfolding of myofibrillar proteins, decreasing the degree of protein aggregation, and improving the stability of protein structure. The degree of protein oxidation was lower in a theaflavin-treated group compared with an untreated group. Theaflavin treatment effectively inhibited increases in acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and malonaldehyde (MDA) content. The effect of theaflavin was positively correlated with an increase in concentration under refrigeration conditions. This study therefore suggests that the use of theaflavins is a viable method for extending the period for which refrigerated large yellow croaker can be preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Adding theaflavins to large yellow croaker can be an effective method for preserving quality during refrigerated storage. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Insights into peptide profiling of sturgeon myofibrillar proteins with low temperature vacuum heating.

BACKGROUND: Protein oxidation during food processing causes changes in the balance of protein-molecular interactions and protein-water interactions, ultimately leading to protein denaturation, which results in the loss of a range of functional properties. Therefore, how to control the oxidative modification of proteins during processing has been the focus of research. RESULTS: In the present study, the intrinsic fluorescence value of the myofibrillar proteins (MP) decreased and the surface hydrophobicity value increased, indicating that the heat treatment caused a significant change in the conformation of the MP. With an increase in heating temperature, protein carbonyl content increased, total sulfhydryl content decreased, and protein secondary structure changed from α-helix to ß-sheet, indicating that protein oxidation and aggregation occurred. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that heat treatment can lead to the degradation of proteins, especially myosin heavy chain, although actin had a certain thermal stability. In total, 733 proteins were identified by proteomics, and the protein oxidation caused by low temperature vacuum heating (LTVH) was determined to be mild oxidation dominated by malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal by oxidation site division. CONCLUSION: The present study has revealed the effect of LTVH treatment on the protein oxidation modification behavior of sturgeon meat, and explored the effect mechanism of LTVH treatment on the processing quality of sturgeon meat from the perspective of protein oxidation. The results may provide a theoretical basis for the precise processing of aquatic products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characteristics and antioxidant properties of Harpadon nehereus protein hydrolysate-xylose conjugates obtained from the Maillard reaction by ultrasound-assisted wet heating in a natural deep eutectic solvents system.

BACKGROUND: Harpadon nehereus is a high-protein marine fish. A valuable way to add value to H. nehereus is to convert it into protein hydrolysate. The Maillard reaction is an effective way to improve the functional properties of peptides and proteins, which are affected by many factors such as reactant concentration, water activity, pH, temperature, and heating time. However, the traditional Maillard reaction method is inefficient. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the effect of the ultrasound-assisted wet heating method on the Maillard reaction of H. nehereus protein hydrolysate (HNPH) in a new-type green solvent - a natural hypereutectic solvent (NADES). RESULTS: Harpadon nehereus protein hydrolysate-xylose (Xy) conjugates were prepared via a Maillard reaction in a NADES system using an ultrasound-assisted wet heating method. The effects of different treatment conditions on the Maillard reaction were studied. The optimized glycation degree (DG) of HNPH-Xy conjugates was obtained with a water content of 10%, a reaction temperature of 80 °C, a reaction time of 35 min, and an ultrasonic power level of 300 W. Compared with HNPH, the structure of HNPH-Xy conjugates were significantly changed. Moreover, the functional properties and antioxidant activity of HNPH-Xy were all superior to the HNPH. CONCLUSIONS: An ultrasound-assisted wet-heating Maillard reaction between HNPH and Xy in the NADES system could be a promising way to improve the functional properties of HNPH. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of sous vide cooking combined with ultrasound pretreatment on physicochemical properties and microbial communities of Russian sturgeon meat (Acipenser gueldenstaedti).

BACKGROUND: The production of Russian sturgeon is expanding rapidly in China but it is necessary to adopt measures to extend the shelf life of sturgeon meat. Previous studies found that sous vide cooking (SVC) at 60 °C increased the protein and lipid oxidation. The addition of antioxidant substances reduced the acceptance of the product. The effect of combination SVC and ultrasound pretreatment was therefore investigated. RESULTS: Results showed that SVC at 50 °C combined with ultrasound effectively restrained the growth of total viable counts (TVC) in samples. Meanwhile, the main dominant genera changed from Pseudomonas to Carnobacterium and the number of microbial species decreased. The odor profile of Russian sturgeon meat was more stable and the lipoxygenase (LOX) activity decreased more rapidly after treating with SVC and ultrasound. Importantly, more stable protein aggregates were formed in samples treated by SVC 50 °C together with ultrasound pretreatment, so the protein and lipid oxidation were slowed during storage. Higher springiness values were obtained and the color of sturgeon meat was lighter under these conditions. CONCLUSION: The combination of SVC 50 °C and ultrasound pretreatment effectively inhibited the microbial growth of Russian sturgeon meat at lower oxidation levels. These findings theoretically support the preservation and development of sturgeon meat, and the application of SVC technology. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of digital health has reduced the time and cost of medical treatment, bringing efficient and economical benefits. However, older adults all over the world are deficient in digital health knowledge and skills to varying degrees. This study intends to investigate the current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China, so as to provide theoretical reference for global digital health researches and the construction of gerontological digital health service models. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021 in Chongqing, China. 572 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) were surveyed by stratified sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, Internet usage, attitude towards Internet health information and digital health literacy were collected. Wherein, the digital health literacy assessment adopted the Digital Health Literacy Assessment Scale for community-dwelling older adults, which was developed by the research group, proven to be with good internal consistency (0.941), split-half reliability (0.889), test-retest reliability (0.941), content validity (0.967), criterion validity (0.938) and construct validity. The influencing factors were explored by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The average score of digital health literacy was 37.10 (SD 18.65). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the comparison of digital health literacy according to 16 variables, such as different age and education levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, marital status, self-rated health status, degree of health concerns, duration of Internet usage, time spent using the Internet per day, frequency of Internet usage, frequency of receiving guidance passively from family members, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived reliability were positively correlated with digital health literacy, while age and perceived risk were negatively correlated with digital health literacy. CONCLUSION: The overall digital health literacy of community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China is relatively low. In the future, health professionals should fully consider the diverse influencing factors of digital health literacy, assess individual differences and provide targeted intervention programs. Meanwhile, global public health authorities should integrate health resources effectively, and seek health service models for older adults in line with the development of the digital age to narrow the digital divide.