Enhancing High-Level Food-Grade Expression of Glutamate Decarboxylase and Its Application in the Production of γ-Aminobutyric Acid.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic amino acid, exhibits diverse physiological functions and finds extensive applications in food, medicine, and various industries. Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) can effectively convert L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) or monosodium glutamate (MSG) into GABA. However, the low food-grade expression of GAD has hindered large-scale GABA production.

Acid-Promoted Phosphorylation of Ynones for the Synthesis of Phosphoryl Enones.

An efficient phospha-aldol/Meyer-Schuster rearrangement cascade reaction between propargylic aldehydes and phosphine oxides has been developed in which various phosphoryl enones were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. A comprehensive series of mechanistic experiments, including the identification of key intermediates and the application of O isotope labeling, has confirmed that this cascade reaction proceeds through a phospha-aldol followed by Meyer-Schuster rearrangement cascade reaction.

Advancing DNA Structural Analysis: A SERS Approach Free from Citrate Interference Combined with Machine Learning.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become an indispensable tool for biomolecular analysis, yet the detection of DNA signals remains hindered by spectral interference from citrate ions, which overlap with key DNA features. This study introduces an innovative, ultrasensitive SERS platform utilizing thiol-modified silver nanoparticles (Ag@SDCNPs) that overcomes this challenge by eliminating citrate interference. This platform enables direct, interference-free detection and structural characterization of a wide range of DNA conformations, including single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), i-motif, hairpin, G-quadruplex, and triple-stranded DNA (tsDNA).

Spiny CoO@Hollow Carbon Spheres─Polyacrylonitrile/Carbon Black Fiber-Based Bifunctional Air Electrodes.

In the realm of zinc-air batteries, high bifunctional catalytic efficacy is intimately tied to the evaluation of catalysts. Consequently, the pursuit of proficient bifunctional catalysts that can efficiently catalyze both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a paramount objective in this research area. In this study, the spiny cobalt tetroxide (CoO) encapsulated hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) are constructed by anchoring CoO onto HCS via hydrothermal or annealing treatment.

Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Reactivity of Ni Complexes Bearing a Redox and Acid-Base Non-innocent Ligand with Ni, Ni, and Ni Formal Oxidation States.

A series of Ni complexes bearing a redox and acid-base noninnocent tetraamido macrocyclic ligand, H-(TAML-4) {H-(TAML-4) = 15,15-dimethyl-5,8,13,17-tetrahydro-5,8,13,17-tetraaza-dibenzo[]cyclotridecene-6,7,14,16-tetraone}, with formal oxidation states of Ni, Ni, and Ni were synthesized and characterized structurally and spectroscopically. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of the Ni complexes revealed a square planar geometry, and the [Ni(TAML-4)] complex with the formal oxidation state of Ni was characterized to be [Ni(TAML-4)] with the oxidation state of the Ni ion and the one-electron oxidized TAML-4 ligand, TAML-4. The Ni oxidation state and the TAML-4 radical cation ligand, TAML-4, were supported by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.

Giant low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the male breast: case report and literature review.

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma is an uncommon malignancy that can be difficult to identify and for which there is no unified treatment protocol. We report herein a case of an 81-year-old male who presented with a giant irregular breast mass and was diagnosed with low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma. In this study we summarise the clinicopathological features of 13 reported cases of myofibroblastic sarcoma arising in the breast, present the diagnostic process and treatment procedure of our case, and discuss the differential diagnosis from other similar diseases, to provide constructive information and promote deep understanding of myofibroblastic sarcoma in the future.

Predicting TNFRSF4 expression and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tissue: a pathological image analysis approach.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits a poor 5-year survival rate. TNFRSF4 is gaining attention in tumor therapy. The objective of this study was to forecast the expression of TNFRSF4 in HNSCC tissue using analysis of pathological images and investigate its possible molecular mechanisms.

Highly Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings for Prevention of Raindrop Adhesion on Rearview Mirrors.

The adhesion of raindrops on car rearview mirrors poses a significant threat to traffic safety due to the resulting blurred vision. Transparent superhydrophobic coatings have emerged as a potential solution to this problem. However, the development of transparent superhydrophobic coatings is often hampered by complex preparation procedures, high costs, and limited substrate compatibility, rendering them unsuitable for practical applications.

Coherent Exciton Spin Relaxation Dynamics and Exciton Polaron Character in Layered Two-Dimensional Lead-Halide Perovskites.

The quantum-well-like two-dimensional lead-halide perovskites exhibit strongly confined excitons due to the quantum confinement and reduced dielectric screening effect, which feature intriguing excitonic effects. The ionic nature of the perovskite crystal and the "softness" of the lattice induce the complex lattice dynamics. There are still open questions about how the soft lattices decorate the nature of excitons in these hybrid materials.

Evaluation of edible quality and processing suitability of segmented products from silver carp under different thermal processing methods.

This study investigated the edible quality differences in muscle segments of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and established an evaluation model for processing suitability. The results showed that steamed dorsal meat had the highest levels of total free amino acids, umami amino acids, and total volatile compounds. Fried tail meat exhibited the highest content of sweet amino acids and equivalent umami concentration (EUC) values, which were superior in all fried meat parts compared to those that were steamed.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the structural, physicochemical, and functional characteristics of buffalo milk casein.

This study applied high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment to buffalo milk casein to assess the influence of different pressure levels on its structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, and functional properties. The results showed that although HHP had no marked impact on the zeta potential and secondary structure, it altered the protein's spatial structure (primarily its tertiary structure), and improved dispersion properties (such as particle size, solubility, and turbidity), as well as foaming properties. Additionally, HHP improved the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.

Xylooligosaccharide and Akkermansia muciniphila synergistically ameliorate insulin resistance by reshaping gut microbiota, improving intestinal barrier and regulating NKG2D/NKG2DL signaling in gestational diabetes mellitus mice.

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) ameliorate insulin resistance (IR) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) probably by propagating Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk). This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of XOS, Akk and combination on IR in GDM mice/pseudo-germ-free (PGF) mice. Female mice were fed with AIN-93 (n = 19) and high fat diet (HFD) (n = 206).

The road of lipid migration in flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) during germination.

Lipids are essential sources of carbon and energy during flaxseed germination; however, the dynamic changes in key lipid metabolites, pathways, and their locations remain unclear. This study revealed that oil bodies migrated from well-distributed locations to the cell wall between 0-2 d, with cell contours gradually blurring during 2-3 d, initiating the germination process. Subsequently, the order of oil body migration was leaf > stem > root during 4-7 d.

Transfer and risk assessment of perchlorate during green/black tea processing and brewing.

Perchlorate was reported to be taken up by tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants and mainly stored in leaves. However, the change of contents in perchlorate in fresh tea leaf-made tea and tea infusion remains unclear.

A combined drying process involving hot air and roasting for improving summer congou black tea quality.

The present study aim to investigate the effects of three drying processes on the flavor-related compounds and sensory quality of summer black tea. A total of 234 flavonoids and 1200 volatile compounds were identified in tea samples by using UPLC-MS/MS and HS-SPME-GC-MS, respectively. It was found that the combining hot-air and roasting drying process increased the level of epigallocatechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, theaflavins, and umami and sweet amino acids in tea samples.

Chitosan decoration enhanced the thermal and ultraviolet resistance of vitamin A-vitamin D coencapsulated in OSA starch-stabilized emulsion by regulating viscoelasticity, interfacial thickness and structure.

In this study, octenyl succinic acid sodium starch (OSAS) decorated with chitosan (CS) of different molecular weights (50-150 kDa) and concentrations (10-30 mg/mL) was used to stabilize an emulsion coencapsulating with vitamin A (V) and vitamin D (V). The effect of CS decoration on the thermal and UV stability of the emulsion, as well as the underlying mechanism, was elucidated. The incorporation of CS increased the retention rates of V and V by 11.

Changes in functional activities and volatile flavor compounds of fermented mung beans, cowpeas, and quinoa started with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SY07.

In this work, the functional activities including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, and antioxidant activity of mixed grains (mung beans, cowpeas, and quinoa) fermented with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SY07 were investigated. The volatile flavor of the mixed grains collected every 12 h during 72 h-fermentation were further detected as well. The inhibition on α-glucosidase and α-amylase reached up to 89.

Multi-Omics analysis reveals the sensory quality and fungal communities of Tibetan teas produced by wet- and dry-piling fermentation.

Ya'an Tibetan tea, a dark tea with a rich historical heritage, is typically processed using two primary piling fermentation methods: wet piling with rolled leaves (moisture content around 60%) and dry piling with sun-dried or baked green tea leaves (moisture content below 30%). This study employed sensory evaluation, targeted and non-targeted metabolomics, and fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing to investigate changes in quality components and fungal composition in Tibetan tea processed by both wet and dry-piling methods. The results revealed that 3,7-Dimethyl-1,5,7-octatriene-3-ol and D-limonene were identified as key volatile metabolites contributing to the aroma variations between the dry and wet-piled teas.

Ergothioneine exerts neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's disease: Targeting α-synuclein aggregation and oxidative stress.

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural dietary antioxidant derived from certain edible mushrooms, commonly used as a food additive and supplement, but its effects on Parkinson's Disease (PD) are still unclear. The accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and development of PD. Here, this study demonstrated that EGT effectively inhibits α-syn aggregation, disrupts mature fibers, and reduces associated cytotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Highly sensitive smart chitosan/zein film cross-linked with Fe chelated red radish anthocyanins nanoparticles for mushroom freshness monitoring.

Fe-loaded red radish anthocyanin (RRA) and zein composite nanoparticles (FZNPs) were firstly prepared to enhance the color and stability of RRA. The addition of Fe caused anthocyanin to form color chelates, enhancing its pH color sensitivity. The prepared FZNPs showed good stability and anthocyanin retention during long-term storage.

Gastroprotective effect of fucoidan from Sargassum siliquastrum against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury.

The ethanol-induced BALB/c mice and human gastric epithelial cell (Ges-1 cell) models were used to investigate the Sargassum siliquastrum fucoidan (SFuc) gastroprotective capability. The injury score and histopathological sections of the stomach were used to evaluate the gastroprotective capability. The western blotting and RT-PCR methods determined the signaling mechanism of mice's gastric injury.

A comprehensive review on anti-allergic natural bioactive compounds for combating food allergy.

Food allergy poses a great challenge to food safety and public health worldwide. Currently, clinical symptoms are primarily managed with medications, which can lead to drug resistance, adverse effects, and disruptions in gut flora balance. As a result, there has been a focus on researching safe and effective anti-allergic natural ingredients.

Glutaric anhydride esterification promotes wheat starch/glutein composite gel interaction: Formation, characterization, and oleogel applications.

This study constructed a composite system with different ratios (100:0, 95:5, 90:10, and 80:20) of glutein compounded with various esterified starch (3 % and 6 %). The results demonstrated that the esterification process enhanced the viscosity of the starch gel system. Furthermore, the optimal esterification level (3 %) facilitated the formation of a dense composite gel network, as observed through microstructure observation.

Long-term effects of Nε-carboxymethyllysine intake on intestinal barrier permeability: Associations with gut microbiota and bile acids.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in processed foods are closely linked to intestinal injury. However, the long-term effects of exposure to free Nɛ-carboxymethyl lysine (CML), a prevalent AGE molecule, on intestinal barrier integrity have been rarely evaluated. This study investigated the temporal effects of CML exposure on intestinal barrier permeability in C57BL/6N mice at diet-related doses over 12, 14, and 16 weeks.

Effects of catechins with different structure characteristics on the structure and properties of gluten-catechin covalent complex.

Effects of catechins with different structure characteristics on the structure and properties of gluten-catechin covalent complex were investigated, and the structure-activity relationship was further explored. Catechins including epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could successfully covalently bind with gluten through C-N and/or C-S bonds. The physicochemical properties of covalent complex, including particle size, thermal stability, content of free amino groups, free sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bonds, were significantly affected by different catechins, and the action order was: EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC.