Dual cross-linked starch hydrogel for eugenol encapsulation and the formation of hydrogen bonds on textural hydrogel

Physical and chemical cross-linked hydrogels combining N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA)-grafted starch (MBAS) and sorbitol were successfully prepared and encapsulated with eugenol in this work. The dense porous structure with diameter of 10-15 μm and strong skeleton after restructuring inside the hydrogel was confirmed by SEM. The band shifts between 3258 cm^-1 and 3264 cm^-1 clarified the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds in physical and chemical cross-linked hydrogels. The robust structure of the hydrogel was confirmed by mechanical and thermal property measurements. Molecular docking techniques were used to help understand the bridging pattern between three raw materials and to assess the advantageous conformation, which demonstrate sorbitol is beneficial to improve the characteristics of textural hydrogel by the formation of hydrogen bonds, creating a denser network, structural recombination and new intermolecular hydrogen bonds between starch and sorbitol afforded considerably junction zones. Compared to ordinary starch-based hydrogels, eugenol-loaded starch-sorbitol hydrogels (ESSG) exhibited a more attractive internal structure, swelling properties, viscoelasticity. Moreover, the ESSG showed excellent antimicrobial activity for typical undesired microorganisms in foods.

Preparation and application of an imidazolium-based poly (ionic liquid) functionalized silica sorbent for solid-phase extraction of parabens from food samples

In this work, an imidazolium-based poly (ionic liquid) (poly(1-octyl-3-vinyl- imidazolium naphthalene sulfonate)) functionalized silica (poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-) @SiO2) was successfully prepared for the determination of parabens in food samples. The prepared poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-)@SiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrogram (XPS) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The simulation calculation results indicated that the suitable binding energies were between the polymeric ionic liquids and parabens, and the main interactions for extraction were hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions. In addition, compared with commercial extraction materials, the prepared poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-)@SiO2 sorbent showed comparable or even better extraction performance towards parabens. The effective parameters were optimized by a combination of the univariate method and Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under the optimum conditions, coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wide linear ranges (1.0-800 μg L-1), good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9997) and low limits of detection (0.1 μg L-1) were obtained. In addition, the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were all lower than 6.3%. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully used for the determination of parabens in food samples and satisfactory recoveries in the range of 76.9-97.4% were obtained. The results indicated that the proposed method had good sensitivity, accuracy and precision for the detection of parabens in food samples.

Digestibility, structural and physicochemical properties of microcrystalline butyrylated pea starch with different degree of substitution

In this study, microcrystalline butyrylated pea starch (MBPS) with higher contents of resistant starch (RS) was synthesized via esterification with butyric anhydride (BA) using microcrystalline pea starch (MPS) as the raw material. With the addition of BA, the new characteristic peaks appeared at 1739 cm^-1 and 0.85 ppm obtained from FTIR and ¹H NMR, respectively, and increased with the higher degree of BA substitution. Moreover, an irregular shape of MBPS, such as condensed particles and more cracks or fragments, had been observed by SEM. Further, the relative crystallinity of MPS increased then native pea starch and decreased with the reaction of esterification. MBPS had higher decomposition onset temperature (T_o) and temperature of maximum decomposition (T_max) with increasing DS values. Simultaneously, an increasing trend RS content from 63.04 % to 94.11 % and a decreasing trends in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) contents of MBPS were recorded with increasing DS values. MBPS samples showed higher production capacity of butyric acid ranging from 553.82 μmol/L to 892.64 μmol/L during the fermentation process. Compared with MPS, the functional properties of MBPS were significantly improved.

High-Flux Neutron Generator Based on Laser-Driven Collisionless Shock Acceleration

A novel compact high-flux neutron generator with a pitcher-catcher configuration based on laser-driven collisionless shock acceleration (CSA) is proposed and experimentally verified. Different from those that previously relied on target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA), CSA in nature favors not only acceleration of deuterons (instead of hydrogen contaminants) but also increasing of the number of deuterons in the high-energy range, therefore having great advantages for production of high-flux neutron source. The proof-of-principle experiment has observed a typical CSA plateau feature from 2 to 6 MeV in deuteron energy spectrum and measured a forward neutron flux with yield 6.6×10^{7}  n/sr from the LiF catcher target, an order of magnitude higher than the compared TNSA case, where the laser intensity is 10^{19}  W/cm^{2}. Self-consistent simulations have reproduced the experimental results and predicted that a high-flux forward neutron source with yield up to 5×10^{10}  n/sr can be obtained when laser intensity increases to 10^{21}  W/cm^{2} under the same laser energy.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Immunoregulatory Activity of Rice Seed-Derived Peptide PEP1 on Dendritic Cells

Some food-derived bioactive peptides exhibit prominent immunoregulatory activity. We previously demonstrated that the rice-derived PEP1 peptide, GIAASPFLQSAAFQLR, has strong immunological activity. However, the mechanism of this action is still unclear. In the present study, full-length transcripts of mouse dendritic cells (DC2.4) treated with PEP1 were sequenced using the PacBio sequencing platform, and the transcriptomes were compared via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The characteristic markers of mature DCs, the cluster of differentiation CD86, and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II), were significantly upregulated after the PEP1 treatment. The molecular docking suggested that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions played important roles in the binding between PEP1, MHC-II, and the T-cell receptor (TCR). In addition, the PEP1 peptide increased the release of anti-inflammatory factors (interleukin-4 and interleukin-10) and decreased the release of pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α). Furthermore, the RNA-seq results showed the expression of genes involved in several signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, and TGF-β pathways, were regulated by the PEP1 treatment, and the changes confirmed the immunomodulatory effect of PEP1 on DC2.4 cells. This findings revealed that the PEP1 peptide, derived from the byproduct of rice processing, is a potential natural immunoregulatory alternative for the treatment of inflammation.

Dapagliflozin attenuates cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in rats with β-adrenergic receptor overactivation through restoring calcium handling and suppressing cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Background: Long-term β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation can impair myocardial structure and function. Dapagliflozin (DAPA) has been reported to improve clinical prognosis in heart failure patients, whereas the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of DAPA against β-AR overactivation toxicity and explored the underlying mechanism.Methods and Results: Rats were randomized to receive saline + placebo, isoproterenol (ISO, 5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) + placebo, or ISO + DAPA (1 mg/kg/day, intragastrically) for 2-week. DAPA treatment improved cardiac function, alleviated myocardial fibrosis, prevented cardiomyocytes (CMs) apoptosis, and decreased the expression of ER stress-mediated apoptosis markers in ISO-treated hearts. In isolated CMs, 2-week ISO stimulation resulted in deteriorated kinetics of cellular contraction and relaxation, increased diastolic intracellular Ca2+ level and decay time constant of Ca2+ transient (CaT) but decreased CaT amplitude and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ level. However, DAPA treatment prevented abnormal Ca2+ handling and contractile dysfunction in CMs from ISO-treated hearts. Consistently, DAPA treatment upregulated the expression of SR Ca2+-ATPase protein and ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) but reduced the expression of phosphorylated-RyR2, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and phosphorylated-CaMKII in ventricles from ISO-treated rats.Conclusion: DAPA prevented myocardial remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in rats with β-AR overactivation via restoring calcium handling and suppressing ER stress-related CMs apoptosis.

Dual-Ion Co-Regulation System Enabling High-Performance Electrochemical Artificial Yarn Muscles with Energy-Free Catch States

Artificial yarn muscles show great potential in applications requiring low-energy consumption while maintaining high performance. However, conventional designs have been limited by weak ion-yarn muscle interactions and inefficient "rocking-chair" ion migration. To address these limitations, we present an electrochemical artificial yarn muscle design driven by a dual-ion co-regulation system. By utilizing two reaction channels, this system shortens ion migration pathways, leading to faster and more efficient actuation. During the charging/discharging process, [Formula: see text] ions react with carbon nanotube yarn, while Li+ ions react with an Al foil. The intercalation reaction between [Formula: see text] and collapsed carbon nanotubes allows the yarn muscle to achieve an energy-free high-tension catch state. The dual-ion coordinated yarn muscles exhibit superior contractile stroke, maximum contractile rate, and maximum power densities, exceeding those of "rocking-chair" type ion migration yarn muscles. The dual-ion co-regulation system enhances the ion migration rate during actuation, resulting in improved performance. Moreover, the yarn muscles can withstand high levels of isometric stress, displaying a stress of 61 times that of skeletal muscles and 8 times that of "rocking-chair" type yarn muscles at higher frequencies. This technology holds significant potential for various applications, including prosthetics and robotics.

Pretension-Free and Self-Recoverable Coiled Artificial Muscle Fibers with Powerful Cyclic Work Capability

Similar to natural muscle fibers, coiled artificial muscle fibers provide a straightforward contraction. However, unlike natural muscle fibers, their recovery from the contracted state to the initial state requires high stress, resulting in almost zero work during a full actuation cycle. Herein, a self-recoverable coiled artificial muscle fiber was prepared by conformally coating an elastic carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber with a very thin liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) sheath. The as-obtained muscle fiber demonstrated excellent actuation properties comprising 56.9% contractile stroke, 1522%/s contraction rate, 7.03 kW kg^-1 power density, and 32,000 stable cycles. The LCE chains were helically aligned in a nematic phase, and the phase change of the LCE caused by Joule heating drove the actuation process. Moreover, the LCE/CNT fiber had a well-separated, torsionally stable, and elastic coiled structure, which permitted large contractile strokes and acted as an elastic template for external-stress-free recovery. Thus, the use of self-recoverable muscle fibers to mimic the natural muscles for object dragging, multidirectional bending, and quick striking was demonstrated.

Advanced Glycation End Products: A Comprehensive Review of Their Detection and Occurrence in Food

The Maillard reaction (MR) is a complicated chemical process that has been extensively studied. Harmful chemicals known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), with complex structures and stable chemical characteristics, are created during the final stage of the MR. AGEs can be formed both during the thermal processing of food and in the human body. The number of AGEs formed in food is much higher compared to endogenous AGEs. A direct connection exists between human health and the build-up of AGEs in the body, which can result in diseases. Therefore, it is essential to understand the content of AGEs in the food we consume. The detection methods of AGEs in food are expounded upon in this review, and the advantages, disadvantages, and application fields of these detection methods are discussed in depth. Additionally, the production of AGEs in food, their content in typical foods, and the mechanisms influencing their formation are summarized. Since AGEs are closely related to the food industry and human health, it is hoped that this review will further the detection of AGEs in food so that their content can be evaluated more conveniently and accurately.

Effects of different ratios of mannitol to sorbitol on the functional properties of sweet potato starch films

Sorbitol as a plasticizer is easily crystallized from starch film, resulting in the reduction in plasticizing effect. To improve the plasticizing performance of sorbitol in starch films, mannitol, an acyclic hexahydroxy sugar alcohol, was used to cooperate with sorbitol. The effects of different ratios of mannitol (M) to sorbitol (S) as a plasticizer on mechanical properties, thermal properties, water resistance and surface roughness of sweet potato starch films were investigated. The results showed that the surface roughness of starch film with M:S (60:40) was the smallest. The number of hydrogen bonds between plasticizer and starch molecule was proportional to the mannitol content starch film. With the decrease of mannitol contents, the tensile strength of starch films gradually decreased except for M:S (60:40). Moreover, the transverse relaxation time value of starch film with M:S (100:0) was the lowest, indicating that it had the lowest degree of freedom of water molecules. Starch film with M:S (60:40) is the most effective in delaying the retrogradation of starch film. This study offered a new theoretical basis that different ratios of mannitol to sorbitol improve different performances of starch films.

Alanine Substitution to Determine the Effect of LR5 and YR6 Rice Peptide Structure on Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The relationship between the structure of peptides LR5 (LHKFR) and YR6 (YGLYPR) and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity remains unclear. Herein, leucine, tyrosine, proline, and phenylalanine at different positions in the peptides were replaced by Alanine (Ala), and two new pentapeptides (AR5 and LAR5) and four hexapeptides (AGR6, YAR6, YLR6, and YGR6) were obtained. The effect of Ala replacement on the hydrophobicity, cytotoxicity, NO inhibition rate, and active oxygen radical scavenging ability of these peptides and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities were investigated. The results indicated that the hydrophobicity of the peptides was associated with their amino acid composition and their specific sequence. However, hydrophobicity had no significant effect on cytotoxicity. Ala replacement was shown to enhance hydrophobicity and consequently increased the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the peptides. The molecular docking studies indicated that the amino acid interactions of the peptide with the Keap1 protein influenced the hydrophobicity and thus affected the antioxidant activity of the peptide.

Altered Anterior Insular Metabolic Connectivity in Asymptomatic MAPT P301L Carriers

BACKGROUND

The insula is the predominant brain region impaired in behavior variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). However, structural and functional changes in the sub-insula in the asymptomatic stage of bvFTD are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To describe structural and functional changes in insula subregions in asymptomatic carriers of the P301L mutation of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene and patients with bvFTD.

METHODS

Six asymptomatic MAPT P301L mutation carriers and 12 MAPT negative control subjects of the same pedigree were enrolled, along with 30 patients with a clinical diagnosis of bvFTD and 30 matched controls. All subjects underwent hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Atlas-based parcellation using a fine-grained Brainnetome Atlas was conducted to assess gray matter (GM) volume, metabolism, and metabolic connectivity in the sub-insula (region of interest).

RESULTS

There was no significant GM atrophy or hypometabolism in insula subregions in asymptomatic MAPT P301L carriers, although decreased metabolic connectivity between vIa-middle temporal gyrus, vIa-temporal poles, dIa-middle temporal gyrus and dIa-temporal poles; and increased connectivity between vIa-orbitofrontal, vIa-dorsal lateral superior frontal gyrus, and dIa-orbitofrontal and dIa-dorsal lateral superior frontal gyrus were observed. Patients with bvFTD had significant atrophy and hypometabolism in all insula subregions and decreased metabolic connectivity in the whole brain, including vIa/dIa-middle temporal and vIa/dIa-temporal poles. The standardized uptake value ratios of vIa and dIa were negatively associated with behavioral disinhibition scale scores.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic connectivity is altered in vIa and dIa subregions of the sub-insula in MAPT P301L mutation carriers before the occurrence of atrophy, hypometabolism, and clinical symptoms.

d-Glucosamine induces circadian phase delay by promoting BMAL1 degradation through AMPK/mTOR pathway

Circadian rhythms are closely linked to the metabolic network through circadian feedback regulation. The hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) is a branch of glucose metabolism that affects circadian rhythms through the O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation) of clock proteins. Here, we found out that, among the downstream metabolites regulated by d-glucosamine (GlcN) in HBP salvage pathway, only GlcN is able to induce circadian phase delay both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies indicated that the phase-shift induced by GlcN is independent of O-GlcNAcylation. Instead, GlcN selectively up-regulates p-AMPK activity, leading to the inhibition of mTOR signaling pathway, and thus down-regulation of p-BMAL1 both in human cell line and mouse tissues. Moreover, GlcN promoted BMAL1 degradation via proteasome pathway. These findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism of GlcN in regulating clock phase and suggest the therapeutic potential of GlcN as new use for an old drug in the future treatment of shift work and circadian misalignment.

Green preparation of 3D micronetwork eugenol-encapsuled porous starch for improving the performance of starch-based antibacterial film

In order to find a non-enzymatically treated alternative wall material with effective encapsulation properties, and to reduce the use of conventional non-biodegradable plastics, a novel 3D-micronetwork porous starch (3D-MPS) was created via a modified sacrificial template method to encapsulate eugenol (3D-EMPS) and used to incorporate with TiO₂-starch film, for significantly improving the performance of starch-based antibacterial film. At the template SiO₂ nanoparticles concentration of 0.1 %, the 3D-MPS exhibited anticipated alveolate structure with internal aperture of approximately 10 μm confirmed by SEM. With addition of 3D-EMPS, higher tensile strength (29.70 Mpa) and water barrier property (924 g/cm²·24 h) of the composite film was obtained. Moreover, molecular docking technique was used to model the intermolecular forces, which showed that the major forces maintaining the internal bonding of the composite film were hydrogen bonding and the interaction between eugenol and 3D-MPS skeleton in 3D-EMPS. Meanwhile, the composite film demonstrated the expected eugenol retardation and antimicrobial capacity against S. aureus, E. coli, and B. subtilis. Finally, the composite films were used for evaluating the feasibility in the actual food, which largely extended its shelf life compared to the negative control. This high-performance film revealed their potential for packaging materials application.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates noise-induced cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation in rats by modulating the gut-brain axis

Background

Environmental noise exposure is linked to neuroinflammation and imbalance of the gut microbiota. Promoting gut microbiota homeostasis may be a key factor in relieving the deleterious non-auditory effects of noise. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) intervention on noise-induced cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation in rats.

Methods

Learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze, while 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content. Endothelial tight junction proteins and serum inflammatory mediators were assessed to explore the underlying pathological mechanisms.

Results

The results indicated that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention ameliorated noise-induced memory deterioration, promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria, improved dysregulation of SCFA-producing bacteria, and regulated SCFA levels. Mechanistically, noise exposure led to a decrease in tight junction proteins in the gut and hippocampus and an increase in serum inflammatory mediators, which were significantly alleviated by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention.

Conclusion

Taken together, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention reduced gut bacterial translocation, restored gut and blood-brain barrier functions, and improved gut bacterial balance in rats exposed to chronic noise, thereby protecting against cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation by modulating the gut-brain axis.

Developments in molecular docking technologies for application of polysaccharide-based materials: A review

With the increasing pollution of the planet, the search for natural multifunctional alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has assumed to be a great important proposition. Polysaccharides, an inexhaustible natural resource with good biocompatibility as well as mechanical properties, are considered as an ideal alternative to petroleum-based materials. However, blind experimentation and development will inevitably lead to waste of raw materials and contamination of reagents. Therefore, researchers desire a technology which can assist in predicting and screening experimental materials at the higher level. Molecular docking simulations, an emerging computer technology that can effectively predict the structure of interactions between molecules and analyze the optimal conformation, are a common aid for materials and drug design. In this review, we describe the origins and development of molecular docking techniques, mainly performed an overview of various molecular docking software on their applications in the field of different polysaccharide materials.

Lycium barbarum Oligosaccharides Alleviate Hepatic Steatosis by Modulating Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6J Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

High-fat diets (HFD) can promote the development of hepatic steatosis by altering the structure and composition of gut flora. In this study, the potential therapeutic mechanism of Lycium barbarum oligosaccharide (LBO) against hepatic steatosis was investigated by analyzing the changes in the intestinal flora and metabolites in mice. Mice on an HFD were administered LBO by gavage once daily for a continuous period of eight weeks. Compared with the HFD group, the levels of triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum, and hepatic TG were significantly reduced in the LBO group, and liver lipid accumulation was obviously improved. In addition, LBO could regulate the HFD-induced alteration of intestinal flora. The HFD increased the proportion of Barnesiellaceae, Barnesiella, and CHKCI001. LBO increased the proportion of Dubosiella, Eubacterium, and Lactobacillus. LBO also altered the fecal metabolic profile. Significantly different metabolites between LBO and the HFD, such as taurochenodeoxycholate, taurocholate, fluvastatin, and kynurenic acid, were related to the cholesterol metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolic pathways. In light of the above, LBO can alleviate HFD-induced NAFLD by modulating the components of the intestinal flora and fecal metabolites.

Exploration of binding mechanism of apigenin to pepsin: Spectroscopic analysis, molecular docking, enzyme activity and antioxidant assays

Pepsin plays an important role in nutrient metabolism. Apigenin (AP) is a beneficial polyphenol to human health. To enhance the bioavailability of AP and elucidate the inhibitory effect of AP on pepsin, the interaction mechanism of AP with pepsin was investigated using spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking, and the activity of pepsin and antioxidant activity of AP was also evaluated. Specifically, AP performed static quenching of pepsin and had only one binding site on pepsin. More interestingly, the interaction between AP and pepsin was spontaneous, while hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were the main binding forces. Generally, synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence confirmed that AP induced the conformational changes of pepsin, and molecular docking proved the above results and illustrated the specific binding patterns. Specifically, AP inhibited the activity of pepsin, while pepsin decreased the antioxidant activity of AP. These results provided useful information for elucidating the interactions between AP and pepsin.

Formation and Characterization of Self-Assembled Rice Protein Hydrolysate Nanoparticles as Soy Isoflavone Delivery Systems

In this study, soy isoflavones-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using rice proteins (RPs) hydrolyzed by four types of enzyme (alcalase, neutrase, trypsin, and flavorzyme). After optimizing the preparation conditions, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the nanoparticles ranged from 61.16% ± 0.92% to 90.65% ± 0.19%. The RPs that were hydrolyzed by flavorzyme with a molecular weight of <5 KDa showed better characters on the formation of nanoparticles, and the formed nanoparticles had the highest EE and loading capacity (9.06%), the smallest particle size (64.77 nm), the lowest polymer dispersity index (0.19), and the lowest zeta potential (−25.64 mV).The results of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance, X-ray diffraction, and fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the nanoparticles were successfully encapsulated. The study of interaction showed that the formation of nanoparticles may depend mainly on hydrogen bonds, but other interactions, such as hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic interactions, cannot be ignored. After encapsulation, the pH stability, temperature stability, ionic stability, and oxidation resistance of the nanoparticles were enhanced. Moreover, the in vitro release experiment showed that the encapsulated nanoparticles had a certain protective effect on soybean isoflavones. In summary, rice protein hydrolysates are promising carriers for soybean isoflavones.

Structure and genetic regulation of starch formation in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) endosperm: A review

This review focuses on the structure and genetic regulation of starch formation in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) endosperm. Sorghum is an important cereal crop that is well suited to grow in regions with high temperatures and limited water resources due to its C4 metabolism. The endosperm of sorghum kernels is a rich source of starch, which is composed of two main components: amylose and amylopectin. The synthesis of starch in sorghum endosperm involves multiple enzymatic reactions, which are regulated by complex genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has identified several genes involved in the regulation of starch synthesis in sorghum endosperm. In addition, the structure and properties of sorghum starch can also be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, water availability, and soil nutrients. A better understanding of the structure and genetic regulation of starch formation in sorghum endosperm can have important implications for the development of sorghum-based products with improved quality and nutritional value. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the structure and genetic regulation of starch formation in sorghum endosperm and highlights the potential for future research to further improve our understanding of this important process.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of 9 rare cases with coexistence of dual genetic diagnoses]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of pediatric patients with dual genetic diagnoses (DGD). Methods: Clinical and genetic data of pediatric patients with DGD from January 2021 to February 2022 in Peking University First Hospital were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among the 9 children, 6 were boys and 3 were girls. The age of last visit or follow-up was 5.0 (2.7,6.8) years. The main clinical manifestations included motor retardation, mental retardation, multiple malformations, and skeletal deformity. Cases 1-4 were all all boys, showed myopathic gait, poor running and jumping, and significantly increased level of serum creatine kinase. Disease-causing variations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene were confirmed by genetic testing. The 4 children were diagnosed with DMD or Becker muscular dystrophy combined with a second genetic disease, including hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X syndrome, and cerebral cavernous malformations type 3, respectively. Cases 5-9 were clinically and genetically diagnosed as COL9A1 gene-related multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 6 combined with NF1 gene-related neurofibromatosis type 1, COL6A3 gene-related Bethlem myopathy with WNT1 gene-related osteogenesis imperfecta type XV, Turner syndrome (45, X0/46, XX chimera) with TH gene-related Segawa syndrome, Chromosome 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome with DYNC1H1 gene-related autosomal dominant lower extremity-predominant spinal muscular atrophy-1, and ANKRD11 gene-related KBG syndrome combined with IRF2BPL gene-related neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, abnormal movement, language loss and epilepsy. DMD was the most common, and there were 6 autosomal dominant diseases caused by de novo heterozygous pathogenic variations. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with coexistence of double genetic diagnoses show complex phenotypes. When the clinical manifestations and progression are not fully consistent with the diagnosed rare genetic disease, a second rare genetic disease should be considered, and autosomal dominant diseases caused by de novo heterozygous pathogenic variation should be paid attention to. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing combining a variety of molecular genetic tests would be helpful for precise diagnosis.

Highly selective adsorption of Hg (II) from aqueous solution by three-dimensional porous N-doped starch-based carbon

For the first time, N-doped carbon materials with 3D porous-layered skeleton structure was synthesized through a one-step co-pyrolysis method, which was fabricated by co-pyrolysis of natural corn starch and melamine using metal catalysts (Ni (II) and Mn (II)). The 3D-NC possessed a heterogeneously meso-macroporous surface with a hierarchically connected sheet structure inside. Batch adsorption experiments suggested that highly selective adsorption of Hg (II) by the 3D-NC could be completed within 90 min and had maximum adsorption capacities as high as 403.24 mg/g at 293 K, pH = 5. The adsorption mechanism for Hg (II) was carefully evaluated and followed the physical adsorption, electrostatic attraction, chelation, and ion exchange. Besides, thermodynamic study demonstrated that the Hg (II) adsorption procedure was spontaneous, endothermic, and randomness. More importantly, the 3D-NC could be regenerated and recovered well after adsorption-desorption cycles, showing a promising prospect in the remediation of Hg (II)-contaminated wastewater.

Ethylbenzene induces hearing loss by triggering mitochondrial impairments and excess apoptosis in cochlear progenitor cells via suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Ethylbenzene (EB) is widely distributed at low levels in the environment from vehicle emissions, industrial discharge, cigarette smoke, and in some food and consumer products. Evidence shows that EB exposure is associated with hearing loss, yet the mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a key role during cochlear development, in EB-induced hearing loss. In vitro, we found that EB treatment decreased the viability of cochlear progenitor cells (CPCs), isolated from the cochleae of neonatal rats and crucial for cochlear hair cells generation and hearing construction, via inducing mitochondrial impairments and excessive apoptosis. These were accompanied by the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, as manifested by the decreased levels of related molecules β-catenin, LEF-1 and Lgr5. These findings were further confirmed by knocking down β-catenin and immunofluorescence analysis. Interestingly, adenovirus-mediated β-catenin overexpression activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling network, alleviated mitochondrial impairments, reduced cell apoptosis, therefore promoting CPCs survival under EB treatment conditions. Finally, using adult Sprague-Dawley rats as an in vivo model with EB inhalation for 13 weeks, we found that exposure to EB decreased body weight gain, increased the hearing thresholds at different exposure stages, along with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway suppression in cochlear tissue. More importantly, cochlear microinjection of recombinant lentivirus expressing β-catenin significantly reversed EB-elicited these deleterious effects. Collectively, our results indicate that EB induces hearing loss by triggering mitochondrial impairments and excess apoptosis in CPCs via suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and provide clues for the possible therapy.