Effects of ultrasound-assisted low-salt curing on water retention, tenderness and in vitro digestive characteristics of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idellus).

The implementation of innovative techniques to achieve low-salt strategies in cured products is a critical issue faced by the food industry. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ultrasound treatment on the quality of the low-salt air-dried fish. The results showed that compared to traditional liquid curing, ultrasound-assisted curing significantly increased the NaCl transfer rate, improved tenderness, and improved water retention and in vitro digestibility (p < 0.

Phytoplankton species composition as bioindicator in the largest fragmented channel of the Pearl River, China.

To test the serial discontinuity concept (SDC) predictions in a regulated river ecosystem, environmental parameters and phytoplankton community structure were determined in a subtropical river (China) which was regulated by 11 cascade dams. Our results showed that total phosphorus (TP) and silicate during the wet period in several dams supported the SDC predictions. Variations of phytoplankton species composition in several cascade dams, such as Datengxia (DTX) and Changzhou (CZ), also supported the SDC predictions.

Function rather than structure of phytoplankton community reveals changes of water quality in an ecological restored lake.

Although phytoplankton is well known as robust bioindicators to aquatic environments, their indicating functions based on different community parameters remain to be understood. In order to filter effective bioindicators in aquatic ecosystems, four phytoplankton community parameters including species richness (SR), total biomass (SBP), functional groups (FGBP), and size-fractionated chlorophyll-a (SC) were demonstrated in a subtropical artificial lake with ecological restoration in South China. Our results indicated that all the above four parameters exhibited high sensitivity to environmental variations and illustrated distinct aspects of indicating functions to aquatic environments due to their individual biological characteristics.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor 109A Maintains the Intestinal Integrity and Protects Against ETEC Mucosal Infection by Promoting IgA Secretion.

Several studies have reported an intricate link between the G protein-coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A) and intestinal health. Upon activation, induced by butyric acid and β-hydroxybutyric acid, GPR109A regulates the expression of tight junction proteins, exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and maintains the integrity of the intestinal barrier. However, its function and the mechanism of action in combating the infection caused by exogenous pathogenic microorganisms remain unclear.

BHBA treatment improves cognitive function by targeting pleiotropic mechanisms in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, inflammation, and oxidative stress contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and trigger complex pathogenesis. The ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) is an endogenous metabolic intermediate that protects against stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study aims to elucidate the protective effects of BHBA in the early stage of AD model and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.