Study of Lactobacillus plantarum coated with Tremella polysaccharides to improve its intestinal adhesion

BACKGROUND

The adhesion of probiotics to the intestine is crucial for their probiotic function. In previous studies, Tremella polysaccharides (TPS) (with sodium casein) have shown the potential to encapsulate probiotics and protect them in a simulated gastrointestinal tract. This study explored the effect of TPS (with sodium casein) on the adhesion of probiotics.

RESULTS

Lactobacillus plantarum was coated with TPS and sodium casein in different proportions, and was freeze-dried. The rheological properties of the mixture of probiotics powder and mucin solution were determined by static and dynamic rheological analysis. Aqueous solutions of probiotic powder and mucin mixture exhibited pseudoplastic fluid rheological properties. The higher the proportion of TPS content, the higher the apparent viscosity and yield stress. The mixed bacterial powder and mucin fluid displayed thixotropy and was in accordance with the Herschel-Bulkley model. The TPS increased the bio-adhesive force of the probiotic powder and mucin. When using TPS as the only carbon source, the adhesion of L. plantarum to Caco-2 cells increased by 228% in comparison with glucose in vitro. Twelve adhesive proteins were also detected in the whole-cell proteome of L. plantarum. Among them, ten adhesive proteins occurred abundantly when grown with TPS as a carbon source.

CONCLUSION

Tremella polysaccharides therefore possess probiotic properties and can promote the intestinal adhesion of L. plantarum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Deciphering the underlying core microorganisms and the marker compounds of Liupao tea during the pile-fermentation process

BACKGROUND

Pile fermentation is one of the key steps in developing the Liupao tea (LBT) quality and unique characteristics. The complex biochemical profile of LBT results from microorganisms present during the pile-fermentation process. However, the critical underlying microorganisms and the marker compounds still need to be determined.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, Kocuria, Aspergillus, and Blastobotrys were the common dominant microorganisms at the end of the pile fermentation of LBT. Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, Blastobotrys, and nine other genera carried by raw tea are the core microorganisms in the LBT during pile fermentation. A total of 29 critical compounds contributed to the metabolic changes caused by the processing of LBT. Of these, gallic acid, adenine, hypoxanthine, uridine, betaine, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and α-linolenic acid could be characterized as potential marker compounds. Correlation analysis showed that the core microorganisms, including Sphingomonas, Staphylococcus, Kocuria, Aureobasidium, Blastobotrys, Debaryomyce, and Trichomonascus, were closely related to major chemical components and differential compounds. Moreover, the mutually promoting Staphylococcus, Kocuria, Blastobotrys, and Trichomonascus were correlated with the enrichment of marker compounds. Integrated molecular networking and metabolic pathways revealed relevant compounds and enzymes that possibly affect the enrichment of marker compounds.

CONCLUSION

This study analyzed the LBT fermentation samples by omics analysis to reveal the stable microbial community structure, critical microorganisms, and markers compounds affecting the quality of LBT, which contributes to a better understanding of pile fermentation of LBT and the fermentation theory of dark tea. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Degradation of Cell Wall Polysaccharides during Traditional and Tank Fermentation of Chinese Liupao Tea

The increase of polysaccharides in the dark tea pile process is thought to be connected to the cell wall polysaccharides' breakdown. However, the relationship between tea polysaccharides (TPSs) and tea cell wall polysaccharides has not been further explored. In this study, the structural changes in the cell wall polysaccharides [e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose (HC), and pectin] in Liupao tea were characterized before and after traditional fermentation and tank fermentation. Additionally, the degradation mechanism of tea cell wall polysaccharides during fermentation was assessed. The results showed that cellulose crystallinity decreased by 11.9-49.6% after fermentation. The molar ratio of monosaccharides, such as arabinose, rhamnose, and glucose in HC, was significantly reduced, and the molecular weight decreased. The esterification degree and linearity of water-soluble pectin (WSP) were reduced. TPS content increases during pile fermentation, which may be due to HC degradation and the increase in WSP caused by cell wall structure damage. Microorganisms were shown to be closely associated with the degradation of cell wall polysaccharides during fermentation according to correlation analyses. Traditional fermentation had a greater effect on the cellulose structure, while tank fermentation had a more noticeable impact on HC and WSP.

[The non-bacterial pathogenic and clinical characteristics of acute respiratory tract infection in children in a hospital of pediatric in Sichuan Province from 2019 to 2021]

Objective: To explore the non-bacterial pathogen distribution, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical features of acute respiratory infections in children in Sichuan Province. Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study method, this study selected hospitalized children diagnosed with acute respiratory infections at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from February 2019 to January 2021, and tested 13 pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fragment analysis. The children were divided into infant group (<1 year old), toddler group (1 year old ≤ age <3 years old), preschool group (3 years old ≤ age <6 years old) and school-age group (6 years old ≤ age <18 years old). The distribution of pathogen positive rates, seasonal epidemic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and some laboratory test indicators were analyzed in children. Statistical analysis was performed on the results using SPSS 22.0 software, with count data expressed as percentages and inter group comparisons using SPSS 22.0 software χ2 Inspection. Results: A total of 2 922 pediatric patients were included in this study, with 1 748 (59.8%) positive for pathogens detected. Among them, 1 391 (79.6%) were detected as a single pathogen, and 357 (20.4%) were detected as a mixture of two or more pathogens. The most commonly detected pathogens were rhinovirus (HRV) (39.7%), syncytial virus (RSV) (22.8%), and parainfluenza virus (PIV) (12.5%). Pathogen positivity is more common in children under 6 years old (χ2=146.59, P<0.001), with a slightly higher positivity rate in male children (61.3%, 1 047/1 707) than in female children (57.7%, 701/1 215) (χ2=3.91, P=0.048), and compared with pathogen negative children, positive children are more prone to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath (χ2=259.15, 366.06, 12.48, P<0.001). The distribution of different pathogens varies among children of different age groups, and HRV is more common in children aged 1-3 and 3-6 years old (χ2=9.74, P<0.001), while RSV is more common in children under 1 year old (χ2=178.63, P<0.001), while mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and influenza virus (InfA/B) are less common in children under 1 year old (χ2=92.54, 12.90,22.21, P<0.01). The prevalence of multiple pathogens showed seasonal changes. HRV showed a high prevalence trend in spring and autumn, while the prevalence of RSV infection was mainly seen in autumn and winter festivals. The positive rate of different pathogens after the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia was significantly lower than that before the outbreak (χ2=252.68, P<0.001). Conclusion: The detection rate of non-bacterial respiratory pathogens in children in Sichuan Province from 2019 to 2021 is high, which is prone to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, with HRV and RSV being the main types. The positive rate of respiratory pathogens varies among different age groups, genders, and seasons.

Isolation, identification, and community diversity of microorganisms during tank fermentation of Liupao tea

Tank fermentation is a novel approach to fermenting teas; however, the species of microorganisms present remain unclear. The microbial community composition of Liupao tea at various stages of tank fermentation was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Sphingomonas, Aquabacterium, Pelomonas, Acinetobacter, Blastobotrys, Aspergillus, Debaryomyces, and Aureobasidium were the predominant genera, which is different from pile fermentation. Fifteen genera (including Lactobacillus, Debaryomyces, Candida, Allobaculum, Flavobacterium, Caulobacter, Blastobotrys, Aspergillus, and Rasamsonia) were identified as biomarkers. PICRUSt analysis predicted that the most abundant functional genes were related to metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors, vitamins, and other secondary metabolites. Using the pure culture method, 283 strains were isolated at various stages of fermentation, representing 20 genera and 29 species of bacteria, and 11 genera and 18 species of fungi. Most of the dominant Sphingomonas, Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, and Blastobotrys identified by sequencing were also isolated. Of these, Sphingomonas olei, Aspergillus luchuensis, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus amstelodami, Blastobotrys adeninivorans, Candida metapsilosis, and Candida blankii were beneficial strains that might be used to ferment Liupao tea. This study provides a basis for the development of processing technologies and utilization of microbial strains in the production of dark teas. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Microbial diversity in tank-fermented Liupao tea was reported for the first time. 8 microorganisms were the predominant genera. The species, functions and potential risks of microorganisms was revealed. We clarified the differences between tank and pile fermentation.

Screening strategy for predominant phenolic components of digestive enzyme inhibitors in passion fruit peel extracts on simulated gastrointestinal digestion

BACKGROUND

The targeted biological activity of a natural product is often the result of the combined action of multiple functional components. Screening for predominant contributing components of targeting activity is crucial for quality evaluation.

RESULTS

Thirteen and nine phenolic compounds inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively, were identified in the ethanol extracts of passion fruit peel through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis. Considering the different concentrations of components and their interactions, the role of the semi-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) in the dose-effect relationship is limited. We proposed the active contribution rate (ACR), which is the ratio of a single component concentration to its IC₅₀ in the whole, to assess the relative activity of each compound. Luteolin, quercetin, and vitexin exhibited a minimum IC₅₀ . Before the simulation of gastrointestinal digestion, quercetin, salicylic acid, and luteolin were identified as the dominant contributors to α-glucosidase inhibition according to ACR, while salicylic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and quercetin were identified as dominant contributors to α-amylase inhibition. After simulated digestion, the contents of all polyphenolic compounds decreased by various degrees. Salicylic acid, gentisic acid, and vitexin became the dominant inhibitors of α-glucosidase based on ACR (cumulative 57.96%), while salicylic acid and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid became the dominant inhibitors of α-amylase (cumulative 84.50%).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the ACR evaluation strategy can provide a quantitative reference for screening the predominant contributor components of a specific activity in complex systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structural Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic Activities of a Natural Polysaccharide from Liupao Tea

This study extracted and purified a natural polysaccharide (TPS-5) that has a molecular weight of 48.289 kDa from Liupao tea, a typical dark tea with many benefits to human health. TPS-5 was characterized as a pectin-type acidic polysaccharide. It has a backbone composed of → 2,4)- α- L-Rhap-(1) → 4)- α- D-GalAp-(1) →, with a branch composed of → 5)- α- L-Ara-(1 → 5,3)- α- L-Ara-(1 → 3)- β- D-Gal-(1 → 3,6)- β- D-Galp-(1) →. The in vitro biological activity evaluation illustrated that TPS-5 has free radical scavenging, ferric-ion-reducing, digestive enzyme inhibitory, and bile-salt-binding abilities. These results suggest that TPS-5 from Liupao tea has potential applications in functional foods or medicinal products.

Effects of cross-linking of rice protein with ferulic acid on digestion and absorption of ferulic acid

Though rice proteins have been applied to improve the stability of phenolic compounds, it is unclear how rice proteins affect phenolic acid's digestion and bioavailability. This study investigated the consequences of protein-ferulic acid interactions in the gastrointestinal environment. Ferulic acid and rice proteins formed complexes at room temperature, both with and without laccase. Rice protein was reported to be able to prevent ferulic acid from degrading in simulated oral fluid and remain stable in gastrointestinal fluids. With the hydrolysis of pepsin and pancreatin, rice protein-ferulic acid complexes degraded and released ferulic acid. While digested ferulic acid's DPPH scavenging activity was dramatically reduced, it was retained for the rice protein-ferulic acid complex. Moreover, the permeability coefficient of ferulic acid was not affected. Thus, rice protein is a promising food matrix to protect ferulic acid in the digestive tract and maintain the antioxidant functions of ferulic acid.

Genome-wide transcriptome analysis uncovers gene networks regulating fruit quality and volatile compounds in mango cultivar 'Tainong' during postharvest

Mango is one of the most economically important fruit; however, the gene regulatory mechanism associated with ripening and quality changes during storage remains largely unclear. This study explored the relationship between transcriptome changes and postharvest mango quality. Fruit quality patterns and volatile components were obtained using headspace gas chromatography and ion-mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). The changes in mango peel and pulp transcriptome were analyzed during four stages (pre-harvesting, harvesting, maturity, and overripe stages). Based on the temporal analysis, multiple genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were upregulated in both the peel and pulp during the mango ripening process. Moreover, cysteine and methionine metabolism related to ethylene synthesis were upregulated in the pulp over time. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further showed that the pathways of pyruvate metabolism, citrate cycle, propionate metabolism, autophagy, and SNARE interactions in vesicular transport were positively correlated with the ripening process. Finally, a regulatory network of important pathways from pulp to peel was constructed during the postharvest storage of mango fruit. The above findings provide a global insight into the molecular regulation mechanisms of postharvest mango quality and flavor changes.

Geriatric Services Hub - A Collaborative Frailty Management Model between The Hospital and Community Providers

BACKGROUND

Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome especially with ageing populations. Frailty can be managed or even reversed with community-based interventions delivered by a multi-disciplinary team. Innovation is required to find community frailty models that can deliver cost-effective and feasible care to each local context.

OBJECTIVES

We share pilot data from our Geriatric Service Hub (GSH) which is a novel frailty care model in Singapore that identifies and manages frailty in the community, supported by a hospital-based multi-disciplinary team.

METHODS

We describe in detail our GSH model and its implementation. We performed a retrospective data analysis on patient characteristics, uptake, prevalence of frailty and sarcopenia and referral rates for multi-component interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 152 persons attended between January 2020 to May 2021. Majority (59.9%) were female and mean age was 81.0 ± 7.1 years old. One-fifth (21.1%) of persons live alone. Mean Charlson Co-morbidity Index was 5.2 ± 1.8. Based on the clinical frailty risk scale (CFS), 31.6% were vulnerable, 51.3% were mildly frail and 12.5% were moderately frail. Based on SARC-F screening, 45.3% were identified to be sarcopenic whilst 56.9% had a high concern about falling using the Falls-Efficacy Scale-International. BMD scans were done for 41.4% of participants, of which 58.7% were started on osteoporosis treatment. In terms of referrals to allied health professionals, 87.5% were referred for physiotherapy, 71.1% for occupational therapy and 50.7% to dieticians.

CONCLUSION

The GSH programme demonstrates a new local model of partnering with community service providers to bring comprehensive population level frailty screening and interventions to pre-frail and frail older adults. Our study found high rates of frailty, sarcopenia and fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults who were not presently known to geriatric care services.

The mitral to aortic/pulmonary velocity-time integral ratio is a simple, feasible and accurate discriminator for echocardiographic evaluation of severe isolated mitral regurgitation

Background

Echocardiographic quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) remains challenging, requiring dedicated image acquisition, and is limited by potential error from geometric assumptions of annular dimensions. Volume is a product of area and flow and assuming proportional mitral/aortic areas, an increased mitral-inflow volume compared to LV/RV-outflow semi-quantitatively represents greater MR regurgitant volume. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of the mitral-aortic velocity-time integral (VTI) ratio in isolated MR. We also investigated the use of the mitral-pulmonary VTI ratio as an alternative in clinical situations where the LV outflow tract (LVOT) VTI could not be used.

Methods

We reviewed 166 consecutive patients (54 (33% severe MR by multi-parameter integrated expert opinion)). Pulsed-Doppler VTI at the mitral leaflet tips and the left ventricular outflow and continuous-wave Doppler of the right ventricular outflow tract were measured individually and independently by blinded readers (expert and trainee status) to derive the ratio. Receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (AUC) comparison was calculated and compared with effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA &gt;40 mm), regurgitant volume (RVol &gt;6 0mL), vena contracta (VC &gt;0.7 cm), E-velocity &gt;1.2 cm, systolic flow reversal (SFR), left atrial and ventricular dilatation.

Results

Increasing ratio was associated with severe MR (AUC 0.94) with optimal threshold defined at 1.3. This provided significant discrimination for severe MR (AUC 0.81) compared to EROA (0.68), VC (0.52), LV dilatation (0.69), LA dilatation (0.70), SFR (0.73), E-velocity (0.68) all p&lt;0.05, with sensitivity 82% and specificity 94%. The mitral-pulmonary VTI ratio demonstrated similar discrimination (AUC 0.92) with optimal threshold defined at 1.14. Excellent inter-observer reproducibility (intra-class correlation 0.97) was seen between trainee and expert readers. There was no difference in AUC comparison by MR mechanism or patient rhythm.

Conclusions

The mitral-aortic or mitral-pulmonary VTI ratio is a simple, geometric-free parameter feasibly reproducible from routine echocardiographic datasets and is an excellent discriminative tool for severe MR. Readers should consider integration of this parameter in routine reporting.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Two Polysaccharides from Liupao Tea Exert Beneficial Effects in Simulated Digestion and Fermentation Model In Vitro

Liupao tea is an important dark tea, but few studies on purified Liupao tea polysaccharide (TPS) are reported in the literature. In this study, two TPSs, named TPS2 and TPS5, with molecular weights of 70.5 and 133.9 kDa, respectively, were purified from Liupao tea. TPS2 contained total sugar content (53.73% ± 1.55%) and uronic acid content (35.18% ± 0.96%), while TPS5 was made up of total sugar (51.71% ± 1.1%), uronic acid (40.95% ± 3.12%), polyphenols (0.43% ± 0.03%), and proteins (0.11% ± 0.07%). TPS2 and TPS5 were composed of Man, Rha, GlcA, Glc, Gal, and Ara in the molar ratios of 0.12:0.69:0.20:0.088:1.60:0.37 and 0.090:0.36:0.42:0.07:1.10:0.16, respectively. The effects of TPS2 and TPS5 on digestion and regulation of gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic rats were compared. In simulated digestion, TPS5 was degraded and had good antioxidant effect, whereas TPS2 was not affected. The bile acids binding capacities of TPS2 and TPS5 were 42.79% ± 1.56% and 33.78% ± 0.45%, respectively. During in vitro fermentation, TPS2 could more effectively reduce pH, promote the production of acetic acid and propionic acid, and reduce the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. TPS5 could more effectively promote the production of butyric acid and increase the abundance of genus Bacteroides. Results indicate that polysaccharides without polyphenols and proteins have better antidigestibility and bile acid binding. Meanwhile, polysaccharides with polyphenols and proteins have a better antioxidant property. Both have different effects on the gut microbiota.

Antihyperlipidemic effect and increased antioxidant enzyme levels of aqueous extracts from Liupao tea and green tea in vivo

Liupao tea (fermented dark tea) may improve the active function of hyperlipidemia. Utilizing a hyperlipidemia Sprague-Dawley model and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics, we examined how the effect of Liupao and green tea extracts on hyperlipidemia and antoxidant enzyme levels and compared their constituents. The results showed that the two types of tea could reduce the levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); increase the contents of bile acids and cholesterol in feces; and improve catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Compared with the model control group, Liupao tea effectively reduced TC and LDL-C levels by 39.53% and 58.55% and increased GSH-Px activity in the liver by 67.07%, which was better than the effect of green tea. A total of 93 compounds were identified from two samples; the amounts of alkaloids and fatty acids increased compared with green tea, and ellagic acid, hypoxanthine, and theophylline with relatively high contents in Liupao tea had a significantly positive correlation with antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects. Therefore, Liupao tea had better antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities in vivo than green tea, which might be related to the relatively high content of some active substances.

Annual prevalence estimation of lymphatic malformation with a cutaneous component: observational study of a national representative sample of physicians

Background

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) represent a potentially life-threatening, rare disease of the lymphatic system characterized by development of abnormal vessels, outpouchings, or cysts filled with lymphatic fluid. There are three morphologic types of LMs based on the size of the individual cysts: macrocystic (typically > 2 cm), microcystic (generally < 2 cm), and mixed (includes aspects of both). Macrocystic LMs typically exist beneath the skin and often can involve vascular components and/or organs. Microcystic LMs often have a cutaneous component and clinically present with lymphorrhea, bleeding, pain, itching, malodor, and functional deficits. There are no treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for either macrocystic or microcystic lymphatic malformations. The totality of the epidemiologic literature for LM is limited to the incidence of the disease among various birth cohorts. This is the first nationally representative study to estimate the national managed prevalence for patients with microcystic LM or combined LM with a cutaneous component annually across physician specialties likely to manage this condition. We conducted a retrospective observational survey of a nationally representative sample of patient-care physicians in the United States most likely to manage lymphatic malformations with a cutaneous component (LMC). Once recruited, target physicians participated via an electronic questionnaire. We weighted study physician self-estimates of the number of LMC patients treated in the past 12 months to reflect the specialists’ corresponding proportion in the national universe. All patient information was anonymous; no personally identifiable information was collected.

Results

Of the 420 physicians who visited the study website, 316 agreed to be screened and to participate (75.2% participation rate). Our survey results indicated the estimated number of unique annually managed LMC patients by target specialists is 79,920 (CI 66,600–93,250). This number corresponds to managed prevalence of 24.1 LMC patients per 100,000 population (CI 19.6/100,000–28.4/100,000).

Conclusions

The study indicates that while rare, LMC affects a substantial number of people in the US (79,920) who are being managed by one or more specialists. By better understanding the prevalence of people living with LMC who require treatment, efforts to both increase disease awareness and to identify underserved populations in need of potential new treatments can be better focused.

Impact of oral abrocitinib on signs, symptoms and quality of life among adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: an analysis of patient-reported outcomes

Background

A significant improvement in clinical signs was demonstrated with abrocitinib relative to placebo in adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in three phase 3, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled studies (JADE TEEN [ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03796676], JADE MONO‐1 [NCT03349060] and JADE MONO‐2 [NCT03575871]).

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of abrocitinib on patient‐reported signs/symptoms, including sleep loss and quality of life among adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Methods

JADE TEEN, JADE MONO‐1 and JADE MONO‐2 were conducted in the Asia‐Pacific region, Europe and North America and included patients aged 12–17 years with moderate‐to‐severe AD and inadequate response to ≥ 4 consecutive weeks of topical medication or treatment with systemic therapy for AD. Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1 : 1, JADE TEEN; 2 : 2 : 1, JADE MONO‐1/‐2) to receive once‐daily oral abrocitinib (200 or 100 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks in combination with topical therapy (JADE TEEN) or as monotherapy (JADE MONO‐1/‐2). Data from adolescent patients in JADE MONO‐1/‐2 were pooled for these analyses.

Results

At week 12, more adolescents treated with abrocitinib (200 or 100 mg) vs. placebo achieved a ≥ 4‐point improvement from baseline in the Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure in JADE TEEN (83.9% and 77.0% vs. 60.2%) and JADE MONO‐1/‐2 (83.0% and 69.4% vs. 43.5%) and a ≥ 6‐point improvement from baseline in the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index in JADE TEEN (73.8% and 67.5% vs. 56.5%) and JADE MONO‐1/‐2 (70.0% and 57.1% vs. 19.0%). Significant improvements in SCORing Atopic Dermatitis Visual Analog Scale for sleep loss scores were demonstrated with abrocitinib vs. placebo at weeks 2‐12 in JADE TEEN and JADE MONO‐1/‐2.

Conclusions

Patient‐reported signs/symptoms, including reduction of sleep loss and quality of life, were substantially improved with abrocitinib monotherapy or combination therapy relative to placebo in adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Effect of pile fermentation on the cells of Chinese Liupao tea: The first record of cell wall of Liupao tea on transmission electron microscope

Fermentation often degrades the cell wall of dark tea, changes the carbohydrate components in the cell wall of tea, and thus affects the quality of tea. However, the lack of ultrastructural details limits our knowledge on the effect of fermentation on tea cell walls. Morphological studies of cell structures are important; thus, the cell wall of Liupao tea was analyzed under transmission electron microscopy for the first time, and the effects of different raw materials and fermentation methods on the cell wall and main carbohydrates of tea were compared. Overall, fermentation degrades the cell wall of Liupao tea under the action of microorganisms. Interestingly, the middle lamella degrades obviously, whereas the primary wall is complete. The decrease in hemicellulose and increase in water-soluble pectin (WSP) were remarkable, whereas the changes in cellulose and WSP were considerably correlated with the increase in tea polysaccharide (TPS). The results suggest that cell wall degradation might be related to the increase in TPS.

Phenolic compounds, bioactivity, and bioaccessibility of ethanol extracts from passion fruit peel based on simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Passion fruit peel, a potential source of bioactive compounds, has been used as food stabilizing agent. However, the phenolic composition and bioactivity of passion fruit peel have rarely been reported. The effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the bioactive components, bioactivity and bioaccessibility of passion fruit peel ethanol extracts (PFPE) were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (quasi-targeted metabolomics). Phenols (178) were identified, of which 25 inhibited alpha-glucosidase activity. The stabilities of PFPE phenols were significantly affected by pH changes and digestive enzymes during simulated digestion. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power were decreased by 32% and 30%, respectively, while 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) free radical scavenging capacity increased by 17%. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition decreased with decreased PFPE phenolic content. Therefore, passion fruit peel could be considered a source of natural antioxidants and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

Purification, characterization, and bioactivity of Liupao tea polysaccharides before and after fermentation

The raw tea polysaccharides (RLTPS) and the aged tea polysaccharides (ALTPS) from raw and aged Liupao tea were extracted and purified to afford five refined fractions. Component analysis revealed that the crude polysaccharide content from raw Liupao tea increased from 1.83 ± 0.09 g / 100 g to 3.44 ± 0.28 g / 100 g and the molecular weight decreased after fermentation. Structural analysis indicated that the molar ratio of rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid increased in refined ALTPS. All the refined polysaccharides were glycoprotein complexes contained pyranose ring structure. The thermal stability and asymmetry of refined ALTPS were stronger than refined RLTPS. For activities in vitro, ALTPS had better anticoagulant activity and bile acid binding capacity than RLTPS. Although the activities of the refined ALTPS fractions were lower than ALTPS, they were still higher than the refined RLTPS. Fermentation plays an important role in improving the quality and biological activity of dark tea.

Evaluation of Mycoflora and Citrinin Occurrence in Chinese Liupao Tea

Citrinin (CIT), a known nephrotoxic mycotoxin, is mainly produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus species. It is a natural contaminant in cereal grains, foods, and feedstuff. Liupao tea (or Liubao tea) is a typical Chinese dark tea obtained via indigenous tea fermentation facilitated by microorganisms. Certain fungi present in Liupao tea that may produce CIT are a potential threat to consumer health. In the present study, various potential toxigenic mycoflora and the natural occurrence of CIT in Liupao tea were surveyed via the culture-dependent method, high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD), and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Total mold counts ranged from 3.5 × 10² CFU/g to 2.1 × 10⁶ CFU/g tea in 28 tea samples. A total of 218 fungal isolates belonging to five genera and 23 species were identified. Some of these strains, such as Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium citrinum, and Penicillium chrysogenum, may potentially be a CIT-producing species. In addition, 32.7% of 113 Liupao tea samples were contaminated with CIT at concentrations ranging from 7.8 to 206.1 μg/kg. These CIT concentrations in Liupao tea are chiefly attributed to climatic conditions and water activity during storage that favor fungal proliferation and mycotoxin production. However, CIT could not be detected in Liupao tea stored for over 10 years. These results provide the first information about the potential toxigenic mycoflora and natural occurrence of CIT in Liupao tea. Therefore, storage conditions and fungal community must be monitored to ensure the quality of Liupao tea.

MicroRNA-488 regulates diabetic nephropathy via TGF-β1 pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify the biological roles of microRNA-488 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) pathway in the occurrence and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of microRNA-488, fibrinogen factors coII, coIIV, and fibronectin (FN) in Human mesangial cells (HMCs) with high-glucose or low-glucose treatment. After transfection of microRNA-488 mimics or inhibitor, expression levels of coII, coIIV, and FN in HMCs were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Their expressions in HMC cells treated with different doses of TGF-β1 at different time points were also detected. Finally, we evaluated the potential influence of microRNA-488 on TGF-β1-induced fibrosis of HMC cells by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with low-glucose treatment, the expression of microRNA-488 markedly increased in HMCs treated with high-glucose, as well as coII, coIIV, and FN. Overexpression of microRNA-488 remarkably upregulated mRNA and protein levels of coII, coIIV, and FN, whereas microRNA-488 knockdown downregulated their levels. Expression levels of microRNA-488, coII, coIIV, and FN gradually upregulated with the increase of TGF-β1 dose and treatment duration.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-488 regulates the development of diabetic nephropathy-induced fibrosis by TGF-β1 pathway.

0143 Vigilance Declines Following Sleep Deprivation are Associated with Two Previously Identified Dynamic Connectivity States

Introduction

Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) analysis of resting-state fMRI data has been successfully used to track fluctuations in arousal in the human brain. Changes in DFC have also been reported with acute sleep deprivation. Here, we demonstrate that dynamic connectivity states (DCS) previously related to arousal are reproducible, and are associated with individual differences in sustained attention declines after one night of total sleep deprivation.

Methods

32 participants underwent two counterbalanced resting-state fMRI scans: during rested wakefulness (RW) and following total sleep deprivation (SD). They also completed the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), a sustained attention task that is highly sensitive to the effects of sleep loss. SD vulnerability was computed as the decrease in response speed (∆RS) and increase in lapses (∆lapse) in SD compared with RW.

Dynamic functional connectivity analysis was conducted on rs-fMRI data. Connectivity matrices were clustered to obtain 5 prototypical DCS. We calculated the proportion of time participants spent in each of these DCS, as well as how often participants transitioned between DCSs. Relationships between SD vulnerability and connectivity metrics were then correlated.

Results

We recovered two DCS that were highly similar (ρ = .89-.91) to arousal-related DCS observed in previous work (high arousal state (HAS); low arousal state (LAS)).

After sleep deprivation, the proportion of time spent in the LAS increased significantly (t29=3.16, p=.0039), while there was no significant change in HAS (t29=-1.43, p=.16). We observed significantly more state transitions in RW compared with SD. Change in LAS and HAS across sleep conditions correlated significantly with SD vulnerability (ΔLASxΔRS: r=-0.64, p&lt;.0001; ΔLASxΔlapse: r=0.43, p=.018; ΔHASxΔRS; r=0.43, p=.019; ΔHASxΔlapse; r=-0.39, p=.033). Finally, Δ%transitions was correlated with ΔRS but not Δlapse.

Conclusion

This study adds to the evidence that two specific reproducible DCS are robust markers of arousal and attention, and may be useful indicators of SD vulnerability.

Support

This work was supported by the National Medical Research Council, Singapore (STaR/0015/2013), and the National Research Foundation Science of Learning (NRF2016-SOL002-001).

0519 Mindfulness Based Therapy for Insomnia Improves Objective Markers of Sleep in the Elderly: Preliminary Data from the Mindfulness Sleep Therapy (MIST) Study

Introduction

Mindfulness-based treatment for insomnia (MBTI) is a viable intervention for improving poor sleep. We report preliminary data from an ongoing pre-registered, randomized controlled trial which investigates the effect of MBTI on elderly adults.

Methods

Participants above 50 years old with PSQI ≥ 5 were recruited and randomised into either MBTI or an active control group (Sleep hygiene education and exercise program, SHEEP) in sequential cohorts with about 20 participants per cohort (10 per group). Before and after the intervention, 1 night of portable polysomnography (PSG) and 1 week of actigraphy (ACT) and sleep diary (DIARY) data were collected. We report the ACT and DIARY results of the first 3 cohorts (n = 46, male = 23, mean age = 62.3, std = 6.3) and PSG data of the first 2 cohorts (n = 29, male = 12, mean age = 62.5, std = 5.7). Time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE) were analysed with mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

We observed increases in TIBDIARY (F1,44 = 5.151, p &lt; .05) and SEDIARY (F1,44 = 22.633, p &lt; .0001), and significant reductions in SOLDIARY (F1,44 = 7.031, p &lt; .05) and WASODIARY (F1,39 = 7.411, p &lt; .05). In the actigraphy data, we found a significant interaction in SOLACT (F1,39 = 4.273, p &lt; .05) with an increase in SHEEP SOLACT (t18= 2.36, p &lt; .05). Significant reductions were also observed in WASOACT (F1,44 = 16.459, p &lt; .0001) Finally, we observed a reduction in SOLPSG (F1,26 = 5.037, p &lt;. 05). All other tests were non-significant.

Conclusion

Preliminary results suggest that both interventions lead to improvements in sleep with more pronounced effects in subjective sleep reports. Objective sleep data suggest that improvements in sleep is a result of improved sleep quality and not simply extending sleep opportunity. These preliminary data shows that MBTI may be a promising intervention for elderly individuals with sleep difficulties.

Support

This study was supported by an award from the 7th grant call of the Singapore Millennium Foundation Research Grant Programme

0824 Improving Subjective Sleep Quality Measures Through Mindfulness Training in the Elderly: Preliminary Data from the Mindfulness Sleep Therapy (MIST) Study

Introduction

Poor sleep is a modifiable risk factor for multiple chronic disorders. Mindfulness-based therapies potentially improve sleep by enhancing awareness and acceptance of internal and external experiences, thus reducing pre-sleep hyper-arousal. In this pre-registered, randomized controlled trial, we tested the effect of mindfulness-based treatment for insomnia (MBTI) on subjective sleep quality measures (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire, PSQI) in the elderly.

Methods

Participants above 50 years old with sleep difficulties (PSQI ≥ 5) (mean (sd) age = 62.0 (6.35), 44 female) attended either an 8-week MBTI (N = 34) or sleep hygiene education and exercise program (SHEEP; N = 35). Before and after the interventions, we collected PSQI, insomnia symptoms and features measures (Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale, PSAS; Insomnia Severity Index, ISI; Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep, DBAS-30), mindfulness (Five-Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ), and mood and anxiety (Back Depression Inventory, BDI; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI). PSQI and PSAS (N = 26 to date) were collected at 6-month follow-up. Data were analysed with repeated-measures ANCOVA with group as a between-subject variable for the first 69 participants who completed the study.

Results

We observed significant improvement across both groups for sleep measures (PSQI: F1,67=36.442, p&lt;.01; PSAS-Cognitive: F1,67=12.664, p&lt;.01; ISI: F1,67=36.442, p&lt;.0; DBAS: F1,67=28.749, p&lt;.01) and mood (BDI: F1,67=26.393, p&lt;.01; STAI-State: F1,67=4.608, p=.04; STAI-Trait: F1,67=7.687, p&lt;.01), but not for Mindfulness (F1,67=2.256, p=.14) nor PSAS-somatic. No significant group by time interactions were found. We observed a correlation between PSQI decreases and FFMQ increases in MBTI (r=-.53, p&lt;.01), but not in SHEEP (r=-.07, p=.70) participants. ANCOVA of 6-month PSQI data revealed a significant group by time interaction (F1,24=19.525, p=.03), with reduction from baseline in MBTI (t12=4.769, p&lt;.01), but not in SHEEP group (t12=3.813, p=.08).

Conclusion

Preliminary results support MBTI as an accessible but effective behavioural intervention with potential long-term benefits for improving sleep and mood, and reducing cognitive-emotional arousal in the elderly.

Support

This study was supported by an award from the 7th grant call of the Singapore Millennium Foundation Research Grant Programme

Safety and efficacy of fixed-dose combination calcipotriol (50 μg/g) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g) cutaneous foam in adolescent patients (aged 12 to <17 years) with plaque psoriasis: results of a phase II, open-label trial

Background

Fixed‐dose combination of calcipotriol (50 μg/g; Cal) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g; BD) foam is approved for plaque psoriasis treatment in adults, with a paucity of data supporting use in adolescents.

Objectives

To evaluate safety of 4 weeks’ treatment with Cal/BD foam in adolescent patients with psoriasis, and additional safety outcomes in patients with more severe disease (HPA‐axis cohort). Primary objectives included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and systemic calcium levels in the overall population, and HPA‐axis function, change in calcium excretion and the calcium:creatinine ratio in the HPA‐axis cohort. Secondary objectives included exploratory efficacy endpoints [treatment success: change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)]. Systemic exposure to Cal/BD was also assessed.

Methods

A phase II, open‐label, study (NCT02387853) in patients (12 to <17 years) with at least mild psoriasis, to evaluate Cal/BD foam applied once daily for ≤4 weeks.

Results

In patients assigned to treatment (n = 106), 32 TEAEs occurred in 22 patients (20.8%). All but two TEAEs were mild; none led to study withdrawal or death. Changes (0–4 weeks) in albumin‐corrected serum calcium (overall population) and urinary calcium excretion (HPA‐axis cohort) were small, transient and not considered clinically relevant. In the HPA‐axis cohort, no change in urinary calcium:creatinine ratio was observed and responses to adrenocorticotropic–hormone (ACTH) challenge did not suggest disruption of the HPA‐axis. Prespecified treatment success on the body and scalp was achieved by 71.8% and 75.7% of the overall population, respectively. Mean PASI decreased by 82.0% vs. baseline at Week 4. Systemic exposure to Cal/BD was minimal.

Conclusions

Cal/BD foam was well tolerated in adolescent patients with body/scalp psoriasis. There was no evidence for dysregulation of the HPA‐axis nor calcium homoeostasis in patients with more severe disease. Exploratory efficacy data in the overall population were encouraging.

P889 3D guided CT assessment to define the right pulmonary vein on standard apical 4-chamber view

Introduction

Pulmonary vein(PV) assessment is an integral component of the transthoracic echocardiogram(TTE) examination; typically assessed in the apical four-chamber view(A4Ch). There is disagreement in current textbooks and literature regarding which specific right pulmonary vein is visualised on A4Ch; as either the right superior(RSPV) or right inferior PV(RIPV).

Given the high reliability of cardiac CT for PV assessment, we aimed to characterize right PV anatomy on A4Ch by utilizing multi-modality comparison of echocardiography and a 3D-guided A4Ch on CT.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients with TTE demonstrating PV flow(by colour or pulse-wave Doppler) and cardiac CT within 30days; studies not meeting image quality criteria excluded. To simulate the A4Ch on CT, multi-planar reconstruction was used to create an image plane including right PV ostia and LV apex. This image was rotated along the long-axis to achieve an A4Ch with both ventricles and atria, tricuspid and mitral valves in view without LVOT or aorta. This was attempted for right superior, inferior and middle(RMPV, if present) PV’s.

Results

50 patients were analysed: mean age 66yrs, 48% female, mean LA volume(indexed) 43.5ml/m². A4Ch was feasible in 100%(n = 50) of CT simulations using the RIPV, only 24%(n = 12) were feasible using RSPV with all excluded cases due to LVOT/aorta persistently in view. RMPV was present in 6 cases with feasible A4ch in 67%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the right PV on A4Ch is highly likely to be the RIPV due to the RSPV being anatomically impossible in the significant majority of cases.

Abstract P889 Figure. CT multiplanar reconstruction of A4Ch

RCN1 suppresses ER stress-induced apoptosis via calcium homeostasis and PERK-CHOP signaling

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is caused by the disturbance of ER homeostasis and leads to the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which alleviates stress at an early stage and triggers apoptosis if homeostasis fails over a prolonged timeframe. Here, we report that reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1), a member of the CREC family, is transactivated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) during ER stress and inhibits ER stress-induced apoptosis. The depletion of RCN1 increases the UPR during drug-induced ER stress by activating PRKR-like ER kinase–CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (PERK–CHOP) signaling, thus inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that the first two EF-hand calcium-binding motifs of RCN1 specifically interact with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptor type 1 (IP₃R1) on loop 3 of its ER luminal domain and inhibit ER calcium release and apoptosis. Together, these data indicate that RCN1, a target of NF-κB, suppresses ER calcium release by binding to IP₃R1 and decreases the UPR, thereby inhibiting ER stress-induced apoptosis.