Early changes in corneal densitometry after FS-LASIK combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking for correction of high myopia

AIM:To observe the effects of femtosecond laserassisted excimer laser in situ keratomileusis combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking(FS-LASIK Xtra)on corneal densitometry after correcting for high myopia.METHODS:In this prospectively study,130 patients underwent FS-LASIK or FS-LASIK Xtra for high myopia.Their right eyes were selected for inclusion in the study,of which 65 cases of 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK group,65 patients with 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK Xtra group.Patients were evaluated for corneal densitometry at 1,3,and 6mo postoperatively using Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging.RESULTS:Preoperative differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups in different ranges were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Layer-by-layer analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the anterior(120μm),central,and total layer corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(all P<0.05),the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group.Analysis of different diameter ranges showed statistically significant differences between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group at 1mo postoperatively in the ranges of 0–2,2–6,and 6–10 mm(both P<0.05);At 3mo postoperatively,the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group in the ranges of 0–2 and 2–6 mm(P<0.05).At 6mo postoperatively,there were no statistically significant differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group in different diameter ranges(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:There is an increase in internal corneal densitometry during the early postoperative period after FS-LASIK Xtra for correction of high myopia.However,the densitometry values decreased to the level of conventional FS-LASIK at 6mo after surgery,with the most significant changes observed in the superficial central zone.

Cross-Linking of Sago Starch with Furan and Bismaleimide via the Diels-Alder Reaction

This research paper describes the synthesis of thermo-reversible cross-linking of sago starch by grafting a furan pendant group(methyl 2-furoate)onto the starch backbone,followed by a Diels-Alder(DA)reaction of the furan functional group with 1,1′-(methylenedi-4,1-phenylene)bismaleimide(BM).The proof of principles was provided by FTIR and 1H-NMR analyses.The relevant FTIR peaks are the carbonyl peak(υC=O sym)at 1721 cm^(−1);the two peaks appeared after DA cross-linking,i.e.,at 1510 cm^(−1)(corresponding toυCH=CH BM aromatic rings,stretching vibrations),and at 1173 cm^(−1)(assigned to cycloadduct(C-O-C,δDA ring))while the^(1)H-NMR result shows evidence for the presence of a furan ring in the starch matrices(in the range ofδ6.3-7.5 ppm).The crosslinked starch product is indeed thermally reversible,as is evident from the appearance of exothermal(DA,temperature range of 50℃-70℃)and endothermal(retro DA,temperature range of 125℃-150℃)transitions in the DSC thermograms.This paper not only proves the thermal reversibility but also demonstrates that the final product properties(chemical,morphology,and thermal stability)can be tuned by varying the annealing temperature,BM intake,and reaction time.

Construction of all-organic low dielectric polyimide hybrids via synergistic effect between covalent organic framework and cross-linking structure

Polyimide(PI)is a promising electronic packaging material,but it remains challenging to obtain an all-organic PI hybrid film with decreased dielectric constant and loss without modifying the monomer.Herein,a series of allorganic PI hybrid films were successfully prepared by introducing the covalent organic framework(COF),which could induce the formation of the cross-linking structure in the PI matrix.Due to the synergistic effects of the COF fillers and the cross-linking structure,the PI/COF hybrid film containing 2 wt%COF exhibited the lowest dielectric constant of 2.72 and the lowest dielectric loss(tanδ)of 0.0077 at 1 MHz.It is attributed to the intrinsic low dielectric constant of COF and a large number of mesopores within the PI.Besides,the cross-linking network of PI prevents the molecular chains from stacking and improves the fraction of free volume(FFV).The molecular dynamics simulation results are well consistent with the dielectric properties data.Furthermore,the PI/COF hybrid film with 5 wt%COF showed a significant enhancement in breakdown strength,which increased to 412.8 kV/mm as compared with pure PI.In addition,the PI/COF hybrid film achieve to reduce the dielectric constant and thermal expansion coefficient(CTE).It also exhibited excellent thermal,hydrophobicity,and mechanical performance.The all-organic PI/COF hybrid films have great commercial potential as next-generation electronic packaging materials.

Study on Various Compositions of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Starch Blends by Cross-Linking with Glyoxal

The aim of this study is to analyze the various compositions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch blends. The blends have been cross-linked with glyoxal to enhance its properties. The hydroxyl groups of PVA and starch react with glyoxal via formation of acetal bonds;hence crosslinking could take place. The cross-linking of glyoxal is observed in various analytical methods such as DSC and FTIR. The cross-linked blends showed better thermal and mechanical properties. Viscosity, tensile shear strength, pencil hardness and ultimate stress were evaluated to estimate the changes due to cross-linking. It was observed that the cross-linking is directly proportional to starch, since the starch hydroxyl groups are easily accessible for reacting. The cross-linked blend showed better cohesion between its chains, thereby increasing glass transition temperature. It was reflected in the subsequent increase in tensile strength properties.

Engineering high amylose and resistant starch in maize by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of starch branching enzymes

To improve the amylose content(AC)and resistant starch content(RSC)of maize kernel starch,we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to create mutants of starch branching enzyme I(SBEI)and starch branching enzyme IIb(SBEIIb).A frameshift mutation in SBEI(E1,a nucleotide insertion in exon 6)led to plants with higher RSC(1.07%),lower hundred-kernel weight(HKW,24.71±0.14 g),and lower plant height(PH,218.50±9.42 cm)compared to the wild type(WT).Like the WT,E1 kernel starch had irregular,polygonal shapes with sharp edges.A frameshift mutation in SBEIIb(E2,a four-nucleotide deletion in exon 8)led to higher AC(53.48%)and higher RSC(26.93%)than that for the WT.E2 kernel starch was significantly different from the WT regarding granule morphology,chain length distribution pattern,X-ray diffraction pattern,and thermal characteristics;the starch granules were more irregular in shape and comprised typical B-type crystals.Mutating SBEI and SBEIIb(E12)had a synergistic effect on RSC,HKW,PH,starch properties,and starch biosynthesis-associated gene expression.SBEIIa,SS1,SSIIa,SSIIIa,and SSIIIb were upregulated in E12 endosperm compared to WT endosperm.This study lays the foundation for rapidly improving the starch properties of elite maize lines.

The cytosolic isoform of triosephosphate isomerase,ZmTPI4,is required for kernel development and starch synthesis in maize(Zea mays L.)

Triosephosphate isomerase(TPI)is an enzyme that functions in plant energy production,accumulation,and conversion.To understand its function in maize,we characterized a maize TPI mutant,zmtpi4.In comparison to the wild type,zmtpi4 mutants showed altered ear development,reduced kernel weight and starch content,modified starch granule morphology,and altered amylose and amylopectin content.Protein,ATP,and pyruvate contents were reduced,indicating ZmTPI4 was involved in glycolysis.Although subcellular localization confirmed ZmTPI4 as a cytosolic rather than a plastid isoform of TPI,the zmtpi4 mutant showed reduced leaf size and chlorophyll content.Overexpression of ZmTPI4 in Arabidopsis led to enlarged leaves and increased seed weight,suggesting a positive regulatory role of ZmTPI4 in kernel weight and starch content.We conclude that ZmTPI4 functions in maize kernel development,starch synthesis,glycolysis,and photosynthesis.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes.Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity.In this study,focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE,i.e.,the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network(PVCN),we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions,as well as the lithium-ion motion.By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation,CP(cross-polarization)kinetics,and spin-lattice relaxation experiments,etc.,we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities.It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide)chains from crystallization,which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion co nductio n.As such,the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate)or poly(ethylene oxide)based SPE analogues.

Evaluation of the Potential of Araucaria angustifolia Seeds as Source of Oligosaccharides, Resistant Starch and Growth of Probiotic Bacteria

“Pinhão”, the seed of Araucaria angustifolia, is an important food, being part of the eating habits of Indigenous communities. In this study, we evaluated the oligosaccharide content, resistant starch and the growth of probiotic bacteria. GF4 (1-fructofuranosylnystose) was the main fructo-oligosaccharides found, in higher contents compared to other food sources. Maltooligosaccharides (MOS) represented the main part of the oligosaccharides profile of Brazilian pine seeds. In descending order of importance was maltoheptaose (G7), maltohexose (G6) and maltotriose (G3). The starches from the variety Sanct josephi presented the highest amount of resistant starch that could stimulate probiotic strains, mainly B. breve and L. plantarum, and may have a prebiotic effect, potentially promoting health benefits. This study advances the understanding of the chemical composition of the main portion of the “pinhão” enhancing awareness of its potential as a healthy food source, contributing to different uses and indirectly with the species preservation.

qSTA2-2,a novel QTL that contributes to seed starch synthesis in Zea mays L.

The seed storage materials accumulate during seed development,and are essential for seed germination and seedling establishment.Here we employed two bi-parental populations of an F2:3 population developed from a cross of improved 220(I220,small seeds with low starch)and PH4CV(large seeds with high starch),as well as recombinant-inbred lines(RILs)of X178(high starch)and its improved introgression line I178(low starch),to identify the genes that control seed storage materials.We identified a total of 12 QTLs for starch,protein and oil,which explained 3.44-10.79%of the phenotypic variances.Among them,qSTA2-1 identified in F2:3 and qSTA2-2 identified in the RILs partially overlapped at an interval of 7.314-9.554 Mb,and they explained 3.44-10.21%of the starch content variation,so they were selected for further study.Fine mapping of qSTA2-2 with the backcrossed populations of ^(I220)/PH4CV in each generation narrowed it down to a 199.7 kb interval that contains 14 open reading frames(ORFs).Transcriptomic analysis of developing seeds from the near-isogenic lines(NILs)of ^(I220)/PH4CV(BC_(5)F_(2))showed that only 11 ORFs were expressed in 20 days after pollination(DAP)seeds.Five of them were upregulated and six of them were downregulated in NIL^(I220),and the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between NIL^(I220) and NIL^(PH4CV) were enriched in starch metabolism,hormone signal transduction and glycosaminoglycan degradation.Of the eleven NIL^(I220) differential expressed ORFs,ORF4(Zm00001d002260)and ORF5(Zm00001d002261)carry 75%protein sequence similarity,both encodes an glycolate oxidase,were the possible candidates of qSTA2-2.Further analysis and validation indicated that mutation of the qSTA2-2 locus resulted in the dysfunction of ABA accumulation,the embryo/endosperm ratio and the starch and hormone levels.

Night warming increases wheat yield by improving pre-anthesis plant growth and post-anthesis grain starch biosynthesis

Global climate change is characterized by asymmetric warming,i.e.,greater temperature increases in winter,spring,and nighttime than in summer,autumn,and daytime.Field experiments were conducted using four wheat cultivars,namely‘Yangmai 18’(YM18),‘Sumai 188’(SM188),‘Yannong 19’(YN19),and‘Annong 0711’(AN0711),in the two growing seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021,with passive night warming during different periods in the early growth stage.The treatments were night warming during the tillering-jointing(NW_(T-J)),jointing-booting(NWJ-B),and booting-anthesis(NWB-A)stages,with ambient temperature(NN)as the control.The effects of night warming during different stages on wheat yield formation were investigated by determining the characteristics of dry matter accumulation and translocation,as well as sucrose and starch accumulation in wheat grains.The wheat yields of all four cultivars were significantly higher in NW_(T-J)than in NN in the 2-year experiment.The yield increases of semi-winter cultivars YN19 and AN0711 were greater than those of spring cultivars YM18 and SM188.Treatment NW_(T-J)increased wheat yield mainly by increasing the 1,000-grain weight and the number of fertile spikelets,and it increased dry matter accumulation in various organs of wheat at the anthesis and maturity stages by increasing the growth rate at the vegetative growth stage.The flag leaf and spike showed the largest increases in dry matter accumulation.NW_(T-J)also increased the grain sucrose and starch contents in the early and middle grain-filling stages,promoting yield formation.Overall,night warming between the tillering and jointing stages increased the pre-anthesis growth rate,and thus,wheat dry matter production,which contributed to an increase in wheat yield.

Enhancing I^(0)/I^(-)Conversion Efficiency by Starch Confinement in Zinc-lodine Battery

The redox couple of I^(0)/I^(-)in aqueous rechargeable iodine–zinc(I^(2)-Zn)batteries is a promising energy storage resource since it is safe and cost-effective,and provides steady output voltage.However,the cycle life and efficiency of these batteries remain unsatisfactory due to the uncontrolled shuttling of polyiodide(I_(3)^(-)and I_(5)^(-))and side reactions on the Zn anode.Starch is a very low-cost and widely sourced food used daily around the world.“Starch turns blue when it encounters iodine”is a classic chemical reaction,which results from the unique structure of the helix starch molecule–iodine complex.Inspired by this,we employ starch to confine the shuttling of polyiodide,and thus,the I^(0)/I^(-)conversion efficiency of an I^(2)-Zn battery is clearly enhanced.According to the detailed characterizations and theoretical DFT calculation results,the enhancement of I^(0)/I^(-)conversion efficiency is mainly originated from the strong bonding between the charged products of I_(3)^(-)and I_(5)^(-)and the rich hydroxyl groups in starch.This work provides inspiration for the rational design of high-performance and low-cost I^(2)-Zn in AZIBs.

Efficacy of Raw Corn Starch in Insulinoma-Related Hypoglycemia:A Promising Supportive Therapy

Objective To investigate the efficacy of raw corn starch(RCS)in clinical management of insulinoma-induced hypoglycemia.Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data of insulinoma patients who received RCS-supplemented diet preoperatively,and analyzed the therapeutic effects of the RCS intervention on blood glucose control,weight change,and its adverse events.Results The study population consisted of 24 cases of insulinoma patients,7 males and 17 females,aged 46.08±14.15 years.Before RCS-supplemented diet,all patients had frequent hypoglycemic episodes(2.51±3.88 times/week),concurrent with neuroglycopenia(in 83.3% of patients)and autonomic manifestations(in 75.0% of patients),with the median fasting blood glucose(FBG)of 2.70(interquartile range[IQR]:2.50-2.90)mmol/L.The patients'weight increased by 0.38(IQR:0.05-0.65)kg per month,with 8(33.3%)cases developing overweight and 7(29.2%)cases developing obesity.All patients maintained the RCS-supplemented diet until they underwent tumor resection(23 cases)and transarterial chemoembolization for liver metastases(1 case).For 19 patients receiving RCS throughout the day,the median FBG within one week of nutritional management was 4.30(IQR:3.30-5.70)mmol/L,which was a significant increase compared to pre-nutritional level[2.25(IQR:1.60-2.90)mmol/L;P<0.001].Of them,10 patients receiving RCS throughout the day for over four weeks had sustained improvement in FBG compared to pre-treatment[3.20(IQR:2.60-3.95)mmol/L vs.2.15(IQR:1.83-2.33)mmol/L;P<0.001].Five patients who received RCS only at night also had a significant increase in FBG within one week of nutritional management[3.50(IQR:2.50-3.65)mmol/L vs.2.20(IQR:1.80-2.60)mmol/L;P<0.001],but only one patient who continued to receive RCS for over four weeks did not have a significant improvement in FBG.No improvement in weight gain was observed upon RCS supplementation.Mild diarrhea(2 cases)and flatulence(1 case)occurred,and were relieved by reduction of RCS dose.Conclusion The RCS-supplemented diet is effective in controlling insulinoma-induced hypoglycemia.

Residual alkali-evoked cross-linked polymer layer for anti-air-sensitivity LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)cathode

High-energy density lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)with layered high-nickel oxide cathodes(LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2),x≥0.8)show great promise in consumer electronics and vehicular applications.However,LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)faces challenges related to capacity decay caused by residual alkalis owing to high sensitivity to air.To address this issue,we propose a hazardous substances upcycling method that fundamentally mitigates alkali content and concurrently induces the emergence of an anti-air-sensitive layer on the cathode surface.Through the neutralization of polyacrylic acid(PAA)with residual alkalis and then coupling it with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),a stable and ion-conductive cross-linked polymer layer is in situ integrated into the LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)(NCM)cathode.Our characterization and measurements demonstrate its effectiveness.The NCM material exhibits impressive cycling performance,retaining 88.4%of its capacity after 200 cycles at 5 C and achieving an extraordinary specific capacity of 170.0 mA h g^(-1) at 10 C.Importantly,this layer on the NCM efficiently suppresses unfavorable phase transitions,severe electrolyte degradation,and CO_(2)gas evolution,while maintaining commendable resistance to air exposure.This surface modification strategy shows widespread potential for creating air-stable LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)cathodes,thereby advancing high-performance LIBs.

Modulation of starch digestibility using non-thermal processing techniques:A review

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are widespread throughout the world, especially in developed countries. Starch is an important part of human staple food, the modulating of starch digestibility is conducive to reducing postprandial blood glucose levels and alleviating the chronic disease caused by high caloric intake. The digestion properties of starch are correlated with its structural features, including crystallization, amylose/amylopectin ratio, non-starch components, etc. Among the modified methods applied to regulate starch digestibility, non-thermal processing techniques(NTPT) receive extensive attention due to the characteristics of safety, environmental friendliness and high efficiency. The influence and mechanism of NTPT on the digestion properties of starch are discussed in this review, including ultrasounds, high pressure, γ-irradiation, etc. NTPT induces the alternation of morphological and structural characteristics of native starch, changing their sensitivity to enzymes. The effects of NTPT on the digestibility of starch are highly related to the processing parameters and structure characteristics of native starch. The review shows that NTPT is an effective way to modulate the digestion properties of starch and prevent people from suffering from chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Optimization Mechanism of Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber-Epoxy Resin Composites by Interfacially Enriched Distribution of Nano-Starch Crystals

Fibre reinforced polymer composites have become a new generation of structural materials due to their unique advantages such as high specific strength,designability,good dimensional stability and ease of large-area monolithic forming.However,the problem of interfacial bonding between the resin matrix and the fibres limits the direct use of reinforcing fibres and has become a central difficulty in the development of basalt fibre-epoxy composites.This paper proposes a solution for enhancing the strength of the fibre-resin interface using maize starch nanocrystals,which are highly yield and eco-friendly.Firstly,in this paper,corn starch nanocrystals(SNC)were prepared by hydrolysis,and were deposited on the surface of basalt fibers by electrostatic adsorption.After that,in order to maximize the modification effect of nano-starch crystals on the interface,the basalt fiber-epoxy resin composite samples were prepared by mixing in a pressureless molding method.The test results shown that the addition of basalt fibers alone led to a reduction in the strength of the sample.Deposition of 0.1 wt%SNC on the surface of basalt fibers can make the strength consistent with pure epoxy resin.When the adsorption amount of SNC reached 0.5 wt%,the tensile strength of the samples was 23.7%higher than that of pure epoxy resin.This is due to the formation of ether bond homopolymers between the SNC at the fibre-epoxy interface and the epoxy resin,which distorts the originally smooth interface,leading to increased stress concentration and the development of cracks.This enhances the binding of basalt fibers.The conclusions of this paper can provide an effective,simple,low-cost and non-polluting method of interfacial enhancement modification.

Tuning the cross-linked structure of basic poly(ionic liquid)to develop an efficient catalyst for the conversion of vinyl carbonate to dimethyl carbonate

Dimethyl carbonate(DMC)is a crucial chemical raw material widely used in organic synthesis,lithiumion battery electrolytes,and various other fields.The current primary industrial process employs a conventional sodium methoxide basic catalyst to produce DMC through the transesterification reaction between vinyl carbonate and methanol.However,the utilization of this catalyst presents several challenges during the process,including equipment corrosion,the generation of solid waste,susceptibility to deactivation,and complexities in separation and recovery.To address these limitations,a series of alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s,i.e.[DVBPIL][PHO],[DVCPIL][PHO],and[TBVPIL][PHO],with different crosslinking degrees and structures,were synthesized through the construction of cross-linked polymeric monomers and functionalization.These poly(ionic liquid)s exhibit cross-linked structures and controllable cationic and anionic characteristics.Research was conducted to investigate the effect of the cross-linking degree and structure on the catalytic performance of transesterification in synthesizing DMC.It was discovered that the appropriate cross-linking degree and structure of the[DVCPIL][PHO]catalyst resulted in a DMC yield of up to 80.6%.Furthermore,this catalyst material exhibited good stability,maintaining its catalytic activity after repeated use five times without significant changes.The results of this study demonstrate the potential for using alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s as a highly efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional catalysts for the transesterification synthesis of DMC.

Alkali Tolerance of Concrete Internal Curing Agent Based on Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch

Internal curing agents (ICA) based on super absorbent polymer have poor alkali tolerance and reduce the early strength of concrete.An alkali tolerate internal curing agent (CAA-ICA) was designed and prepared by using sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS) with high hydrophilicity,acrylic acid (AA) containing anionic carboxylic group and acrylamide (AM) containing non-ionic amide group as the main raw materials.The results show that the ratio of CAA-ICA alkali absorption solution is higher than that existing ICA,which solves the low water absorption ratio of the ICA in alkali environment.The water absorption ratio of CAA-ICA in saturated Ca(OH)_(2) solution is 95.8 g·g^(-1),and the alkali tolerance coefficient is 3.4.The application of CAA-ICA in cement-based materials can increase the internal relative humidity and miniaturize the pore structure.The compressive strength of mortar increases up to 12.95%at 28 d,which provids a solution to overcome the reduction of the early strength.

Starch Orodispersible Film Loaded with Melatonin for Human Supplementation

An innovative pharmaceutical form for administering melatonin,based on starch orodispersiblefilm(ODF),was designed and prepared.The composition of the ODF included starch as the polymer matrix,the active drug melatonin,and a plasticizer.Melatonin,a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain,can be absorbed by passive diffusion across the mucous membrane,resulting in improved bioavailability when compared to conventional oral administration.This study shows a simple and efficient method for preparing melatonin-loaded orodispersiblefilms with a physically stable and commercially viable matrix,suitable for use in the pharmaceutical industry.Thefilms were prepared by treating the starch with microwave irradiation,followed by plasticization with glycerol,melatonin loading and drying by solvent casting.Mechanical tests showed thefilms’robustness,with a modulus of approximately 97 MPa,indicating good handling properties.Moisture uptake analysis showed fast water absorption,reaching about 150%within 2 min,indicating its fast oral disintegration potential.Disintegration tests in artificial saliva and dissolution studies indicated the release of the drug in min-utes,indicating the potential properties of thefilm for oral drug delivery.To the best of our knowledge,there is no melatonin ODF based on starch described in the literature.

The impact of the novel starch-lipid complexes on the glucolipids metabolism, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

It has been widely accepted that resistant starch(RS)provides numerous health benefits for human.In this research,we aimed at evaluating the performance of novel starch-lipid complexes,RS5,in comparison with RS2 on physical features,glucolipids metabolism,inflammation,and gut microbiota profiles of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)rats.The T2DM model was established by streptozotocin injection to the high-fat-sugar fed rats.According to a serial of biochemical analyses,we found that RS5 diets were strongly correlated with enhanced homeostatic model assessment for insulin secretion(HOMA-IS),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),adiponectin(ADP),insulin action index(IAI),glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP1),and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in T2DM rats whilst negatively associated with the low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C)and inflammatory cytokines,showing the capabilities to ameliorate T2DM symptoms by regulation of glucolipid metabolism,gut metabolites,and inflammation.On the other hand,RS2-enriched supplementations were influential in the mediation of insulin secretion to improve glucose metabolism.The increasing evidence collected herein suggested that intestinal microbiota could mediate glucolipids metabolism and alleviate inflammation after certain microflora nourished by RS.In addition,RS intake made an impact on phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway that might contribute to the improvement of glucose metabolism,insulin resistance,and inflammatory responses.

Rice Grains from Slightly Saline Field Exhibited Unchanged Starch Physicochemical Properties but Enhanced Nutritional Values

This study aims to investigate grain quality and nutritional values of rice(Pokkali,a salt-tolerant cultivar;RD73,a new cultivar improved from KDML105 introgressed with Saltol QTL from Pokkali,and KDML105,a moderately salt-susceptible cultivar)grown under non-saline(0.04–0.87 dS/m)and slightly saline(1.08–4.83 dS/m)field conditions.The results revealed that salinity caused significant reduction in grain size but significant increments in reducing sugar and total protein contents in the grains.Nevertheless,the amounts of starch in the grains of KDML105 and Pokkali rice genotypes were unaffected by the stress.The starch granule size distribution was also unaffected by salinity.Interestingly,only starch from Pokkali was significantly diminished in amylose content,from 19.18%to 16.99%.Accordingly,parameters relating to starch gelatinization,retrogradation,and pasting properties of KDML105 and RD73 were unaffected by salinity;only Pokkali showed a significant increase in percentage of retrogradation along with a significant reduction in gelatinization enthalpy.In the saline field,total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in the grains of all rice cultivars tended to increase,particularly in Pokkali.On average,essential element contents in grains from the saline-treated plants showed a 33%,32%,32%,22%,20%,11%,and 10%increase in total P,N,K,Mg,Zn,Fe,and Ca content,respectively.Interestingly,total Fe content exhibited the greatest percentage of increments in KDML105(187%).Taken together,cultivation of rice in the slightly saline field did not alter its eating and cooking qualities,while enhanced some nutritional properties such as proteins,minerals,and secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds.