Giving Food a Fiber Boost: Adding High Beta-Glucan Ingredient from Barley to Everyday Foods

Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human diet through reduction of cholesterol and the glycemic index. Barley contains the highest beta-glucan content of all the grains, and in this study, a percentage of flour from two high beta glucan lines was, each, added to an array of wheat-based food products to measure how it impacted total dietary fiber. Results showed that beta-glucan content was higher in all the products containing the added high beta-glucan flour, along with increased total dietary fiber content. Protein content in the food products is also increased with the higher protein in the barley flours added. Beta-glucan content in the barley-added products increased to 1.2% - 4.0% versus 0.2% - 0.5% in the pure wheat products, while the dietary fibers increased to 3.5% - 24.4% versus 2.1% - 9.1% in pure wheat product controls. This research provided experimental evidence that using a high beta-glucan barley ingredient in food can increase dietary fiber to benefit health.

A Multi-Stage Differential-Multifactorial Evolutionary Algorithm for Ingredient Optimization in the Copper Industry

Ingredient optimization plays a pivotal role in the copper industry,for which it is closely related to the concentrate utilization rate,stability of furnace conditions,and the quality of copper production.To acquire a practical ingredient plan,which should exhibit long duration time with sufficient utilization and feeding stability for real applications,an ingredient plan optimization model is proposed in this study to effectively guarantee continuous production and stable furnace conditions.To address the complex challenges posed by this integer programming model,including multiple coupling feeding stages,intricate constraints,and significant non-linearity,a multi-stage differential-multifactorial evolution algorithm is developed.In the proposed algorithm,the differential evolutionary(DE)algorithm is improved in three aspects to efficiently tackle challenges when optimizing the proposed model.First,unlike traditional time-consuming serial approaches,the multifactorial evolutionary algorithm is utilized to optimize multiple complex models contained in the population of evolutionary algorithm caused by the feeding stability in a parallel manner.Second,a repair algorithm is employed to adjust infeasible ingredient lists in a timely manner.In addition,a local search strategy taking feedback from the current optima and considering the different positions of global optimum is developed to avoiding premature convergence of the differential evolutionary algorithm.Finally,the simulation experiments considering different planning horizons using real data from the copper industry in China are conducted,which demonstrates the superiority of the proposed method on feeding duration and stability compared with other commonly deployed approaches.It is practically helpful for reducing material cost as well as increasing production profit for the copper industry.

Nattokinase as a functional food ingredient:therapeutic applications and mechanisms in age-related diseases

Consumption of natto,a traditional eastern Asian food made of fermented soybeans by Bacillus subtilis,has long been linked to healthy aging and longer human lifespan.As the key thrombolytic ingredient of natto,the serine protease nattokinase(NK)has been developed into a widely-used dietary supplement.NK has shown excellent anti-thrombus,thrombolytic,and anti-inflammation activities that potentially delay aging and provide therapeutic effects on aging-related diseases.In this review,we critically overview the experimental and clinical evidence in the past 20 years that support the beneficial function of NK in the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases,including cardiovascular diseases,Alzheimer’s disease,other abnormalities and cancer.We focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms and recent advances in application methods that are aimed at further development of NK for healthier aging of modern society.The challenges and unsolved issues in this area are also discussed.

Integrative analysis of bone-formation associated genes and immune cell infiltration in osteoporosis, and the prediction of active ingredients in targeted traditional Chinese medicine

Objective To explore the differential expression and mechanisms of bone formation-related genes in osteoporosis(OP)leveraging bioinformatics and machine learning methodologies;and to predict the active ingredients of targeted traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)herbs.Methods The Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)and GeneCards databases were employed to conduct a comprehensive screening of genes and disease-associated loci pertinent to the pathogenesis of OP.The R package was utilized as the analytical tool for the identification of differentially expressed genes.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)logis-tic regression analysis and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)algorithm were employed in defining the genetic signature specific to OP.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses for the selected pivotal genes were conducted.The cell-type identification by estimating rela-tive subsets of RNA transcripts(CIBERSORT)algorithm was leveraged to examine the infiltra-tion patterns of immune cells;with Spearman’s rank correlation analysis utilized to assess the relationship between the expression levels of the genes and the presence of immune cells.Coremine Medical Database was used to screen out potential TCM herbs for the treatment of OP.Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD)was employed for forecasting the TCM ac-tive ingredients targeting the key genes.AutoDock Vina 1.2.2 and GROMACS 2020 softwares were employed to conclude analysis results;facilitating the exploration of binding affinity and conformational dynamics between the TCM active ingredients and their biological targets.Results Ten genes were identified by intersecting the results from the GEO and GeneCards databases.Through the application of LASSO regression and SVM-RFE algorithm;four piv-otal genes were selected:coat protein(CP);kallikrein 3(KLK3);polymeraseγ(POLG);and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4).GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analy-ses revealed that these trait genes were predominantly engaged in the regulation of defense response activation;maintenance of cellular metal ion balance;and the production of chemokine ligand 5.These genes were notably associated with signaling pathways such as ferroptosis;porphyrin metabolism;and base excision repair.Immune infiltration analysis showed that key genes were highly correlated with immune cells.Macrophage M0;M1;M2;and resting dendritic cell were significantly different between groups;and there were signifi-cant differences between different groups(P<0.05).The interaction counts of resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin with KLK3 were 7;3;and 2;respectively.It shows that the interac-tions of resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin with KLK3 were substantial.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the robust binding affinity of these bioactive compounds to the target genes.Conclusion Pivotal genes including CP;KLK3;POLG;and TRPV4;exhibited commendable significant prognostic value;and played a crucial role in the diagnostic assessment of OP.Resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin;natural compounds found in TCM;showed promise in their potential to effectively modulate the bone-forming gene KLK3.This study provides a sci-entific basis for the interpretation of the pathogenesis of OP and the development of clinical drugs.

Study on Skin Care Efficacy of the Active Ingredients in Camellia Japonica Flowers at High and Low Altitudes

The active ingredients of Camellia japonica flowers(CJF)at high and low altitudes,as well as their skin care efficacy were compared.The dried red CJF at high and low altitudes were ultrasonically extracted with 70%ethanol,and these extracts were concentrated and then diluted to a constant volume.The content of total flavonoids,total polyphenols and total proteins was tested and analyzed.In addition,DPPH free radical scavenging,inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products,and inhibitory activity against elastase was measured to compare their skin care efficacy in anti-oxidation,anti-glycation,anti-wrinkling and firming.The results showed that,based on the dry weight of CJF,the content of total flavonoids and total proteins of the CJF at high altitude was approximately 1.5 times of the CJF at low altitude,while the content of total polyphenols was approximately 2.4 times that of the CJF at low altitude.The skin care efficacy of CJF at high altitude was significantly better than that of the CJF at low altitude.This work could provide theoretical basis for the selection and application of Camellia japonica flowers in the field of cosmetics.

Effect of Different Drying Processes on Active Ingredients of Rheum officinale Baill.

[Objectives]To determine the drying process of different functional rhubarbs.[Methods]The contents of tannins,bianthrone,free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones in medicinal rhubarb were determined by HPLC.The results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance.[Results]Under different drying conditions,the contents of tannins,bianthrone,free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones in medicinal rhubarb were significantly different.Taking the tannins content as the index,the optimum drying condition of the rhizome is 1 cm thick,dried at 60℃,the root is cut 1 cm thick,and dried at 30℃;the bianthrone content is used as an indicator,the rhizome is optimally dried.The condition is to cut 1 cm thick,dry at 60℃,the root is cut to 5 cm thick,and dried at 40℃;the free anthraquinones content is used as an index,and the optimum drying condition of the rhizome is 3 cm thick and dried at 50℃.The root is cut to a thickness of 3 cm and dried at 30℃.The combine anthraquinones content is used as an indicator.The optimum drying conditions for the rhizome are 5 cm thick,dried at 40℃,and the root is cut to 5 cm thick and dried at 70℃.[Conclusions]Different functional components of rhubarb have different directional processing methods.The drying process can reduce the drying temperature or increase the thickness of the slice,and the directional processing of the diarrhea-type rhubarb can be processed.The drying process can be carried out by increasing the drying temperature or reducing the thickness of the slice directed processing of heat-clearing and purging-fire rhubarb.

Collecting Knowledge about Medicinal Ingredients in Northwestern Sichuan in the 1950s

This article explores China’s state-level knowledge production on medicinal ingredients in northwestern Sichuan in the 1950s.Drawing on county-level archives,published materials and interviews,this historical article traces how different levels of governments and state-owned trading companies produced knowledge about medicinal ingredients and its production.It argues that on one hand the state’s procurement standards codified the knowledge about medicinal ingredients from the marketplace and the local producers.On the other hand,direct extraction of knowledge from the medicine gatherers and cultivators verbalized and collected the previously tacit local knowledge about the production of medicinal ingredients,which would help to alleviate the shortage in the supply of traditional Chinese medicines throughout the 1950s.

A review on cocrystal of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine

In the development of new drugs products,especially the development of traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients,solubility and oral bioavailability are the main factors which are restricting the development of new drugs,whereas the physicochemical properties of active ingredients are the key element to affecting these factors.Pharmaceutical cocrystal provides an excellent opportunity to develop new drugs with excellent physical and chemical properties such as melting point,solubility,stability and bioavailability while retaining the pharmacological properties of individuals active pharmaceutical ingredients among pharmaceutical cocrystal compounds.Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has the characteristics of multiple pathways and multiple targets,mainly because it contains many active ingredients,like cocrystals thereof with many components.The active ingredients extracted from traditional Chinese herbal medicine have a wide range of pharmacological activities,but most of the active ingredients affect the development of traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients due to their physical and chemical properties such as solubility.Traditional Chinese medicine pharmaceutical cocrystals can not only improve the physical and chemical properties of drugs without changing the internal structure of drugs,so as to provide a new scheme for the development of traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients.This paper reviews the research progress of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine pharmaceutical cocrystal.The preparation methods of cocrystals are summarized and the advantages of cocrystals are illustrated with examples.

Antidepressant Effect of Mongolian Pharmaceutical Betel Shisanwei Ingredient Pills and Its Improvement Effect on Depressive Syndromes

[Objectives]To analyze the effect of Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel Shisanwei Ingredient Pills in the clinical treatment of patients with depression.[Methods]From June 2020 to May 2021,64 patients with depression who received treatment in Inner Mongolia Minzu University were selected to participate in this study.These patients were randomly numbered from 1 to 64,and then divided into two groups according to the principle of odd or even number.Patients with odd number were regarded as the reference group,and treated by western medicine fluoxetine;patients with even number were regarded as the study group,and treated by Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel Shisanwei Ingredient Pills.The therapeutic effects of the two groups of patients were compared.[Results]Before treatment,there was no significant difference in the scores of patients'depressive syndromes between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,there were two significant changes in comprehensive score of depressive symptoms in both groups.Compared with before treatment,the data of the same group after treatment decreased significantly.Comparison between the two groups showed that the score of patients'depressive syndromes in the study group(13.28±5.49)was significantly lower than that in the reference group(18.46±6.51),and the overall response rate of treatment in the study group(96.88%,31/32)was obviously higher than that in the reference group(75.00%,24/32),showing statistically significant differences(P<0.05).[Conclusions]In the treatment of depression,Mongolian medicine therapy can significantly improve the depressive syndromes in patients,with more prominent curative effects,and is worthy of promotion and application.

黄芪活性成分生理功能及在食品中的应用研究进展

黄芪作为最为常用的中药材,含有多种活性成分,其中最主要的有黄芪甲苷、黄芪黄酮和黄芪多糖。这些成分赋予黄芪提高机体免疫力、抗疲劳、消炎、保护心脑血管、保护内脏组织、抗癌抗肿瘤等多种药理作用,文章从黄芪活性成分的生理功能及在食品中的应用研究进展等方面进行综述,以期为黄芪及其活性成分在食品工业中的进一步开发应用提供理论参考。

磷石膏配料碳热熔融还原硫逸出及熔渣物相分析

基于配料计算在磷石膏中添加硅、铝、镁等,使其渣系满足矿渣棉生产对酸度系数、氢离子指数、黏度系数的要求。通过热重分析、熔融特性的测定及高温还原焙烧/熔融实验,探究了磷石膏配料在高温还原过程中硫逸出及熔渣的物相结构。结果表明:碳的加入可以促进磷石膏分解,加入量以n(C)/n(S)=0.5为宜;还原剂(石墨、无烟煤、焦炭)及配料的加入均可以降低磷石膏体系的熔融特征温度,CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-Al2O_(3)四元相图计算表明配料体系在1255.73℃时形成最低共熔点。磷石膏及其配料在高温焙烧过程中的物相演变规律表明,CaS为CaSO_(4)还原过程的中间产物,配料中加入的SiO_(2)可结合更多的CaO促进CaS和CaSO_(4)反应的进行。还原熔融实验表明,n(C)/n(S)对熔渣硫含量及体系脱硫率影响较大。以焦炭为还原剂,磷石膏配料的酸度系数Mk=1.4、pH=4.85、n(C)/n(S)为0.5时,采用刚玉坩埚在1450℃下高温熔融20min后,脱硫率可达99.05%,硫高效逸出的同时形成的熔渣呈非晶态,具有良好的玻璃相结构。

药食同源中药铁皮石斛的研究进展

铁皮石斛Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis是具有益胃生津,滋阴清热之效的药食同源中药。有丰富的化学成分以及药理活性,具有抗炎、抑菌、抗氧化、抗肿瘤、免疫调节、降血压、调节血糖等作用。常作为药膳以及保健品使用,在药品上也应用广泛,如石斛夜光丸、复方鲜石斛颗粒等,具有很高的药用价值和经济价值。通过对铁皮石斛的资源分布、化学成分、药理活性、药食两用产品开发等多个方面进行概述,对其应用现状进行分析,为铁皮石斛的可持续发展、药食同源开发和综合利用奠定理论基础。

6个苇状羊茅(型)品种在成都平原区的生产性能评价

为筛选适宜成都平原推广利用的优异牧草品种,对6个苇状羊茅(型)品种进行了生育期、主要农艺性状、鲜(干)草产量及牧草营养成分等指标的测定,并运用灰色关联度分析进行综合评价。结果表明,‘特沃’和‘科瑞’的生育期最长,均达275 d。各参试品种平均再生速度依次为‘马胡丽娜’>‘科瑞’>‘都脉’>‘特沃’>‘K31’>‘福泰’。品种‘马胡丽娜’年平均干草产量最高,可达12790.99 kg·hm-2,分别较国审品种‘特沃’和‘都脉’显著增加14.62%和4.28%(P<0.05),表现出明显的产量优势。‘科瑞’干草产量较‘特沃’显著增加6.59%(P<0.05),且植株自然高度可达100.15 cm,高于‘特沃’和‘都脉’(P<0.05)。‘都脉’的分蘖数最大,为47.33个·株^(-1),显著高于其他品种(P<0.05),其次是‘科瑞’和‘马胡丽娜’,分别达37.50和37.00个·株^(-1),较品种‘特沃’多6.25和5.75个·株^(-1)。‘K31’茎叶比为0.96,高于其他参试品种。对6个参试品种的营养成分测定表明,‘特沃’的粗蛋白含量最高,可达18.60%,‘科瑞’的粗脂肪含量最高,可达5.41%。通过灰色关联度法综合比较分析,‘科瑞’表现最优,‘特沃’和‘马胡丽娜’综合性状表现较优,适宜在成都平原地区推广种植利用。

不同干燥方式对杜仲雄花品质特性及挥发性成分的影响

为探究干燥方式对杜仲雄花品质特性及挥发性成分的影响,选择5种不同干燥方式(真空冷冻干燥、微波真空冷冻干燥、热风干燥、远红外辐射干燥和热泵干燥)对新鲜杜仲雄花进行脱水处理。测定了杜仲雄花干制品的干燥特性与品质特性,并对干制品的挥发性成分进行了分析。结果表明,真空冷冻干燥所需时间最长,为14.1 h,能耗最高,为231.27 kJ/g,微波真空冷冻干燥效率最高,与真空冷冻干燥相比,干燥时间缩短57%,干燥能耗节省76%。与其他3种干燥方式相比,真空冷冻干燥和微波真空冷冻干燥条件下杜仲雄花干制品的总色差最小,与新鲜样品最接近,表面结构更为平整,活性成分含量最高且自由基清除能力最强。在挥发性成分检测中,干燥前后共检测出27种挥发性成分,其中微波真空冷冻干燥产品挥发性成分种类最多,为18种,是新鲜杜仲雄花挥发性成分种类的1.8倍。综合分析,微波真空冷冻干燥为杜仲雄花的适宜干燥方式,该研究为杜仲雄花的干燥及加工提供理论依据。

Application of Caenorhabditis elegans in screening active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine

People continue to recognize the important role of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diseases,and there is an urgent need to clarify the mechanism of Chinese medicine.Because of the multi-target and multi-component characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine,it is difficult to elaborate from a single perspective.As a high-quality animal model,Caenorhabditis elegans with the characteristics of small size and fast reproduction,has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine activity experiments.In this article,Caenorhabditis elegans,as model organisms used to screen the active components of traditional Chinese medicine were reviewed.

后生元研究进展及应用现状

后生元是对宿主健康有益的无生命微生物和/或其成分制剂,具有安全稳定、易于储存和生产、化学结构明确等优点。本文针对后生元主要活性成分、益生功能以及应用现状进行了综述,阐述了关于灭活的菌体细胞、菌体成分及菌体代谢产物对宿主的健康益处,总结了后生元在增强免疫力、调节胃肠道功能、缓解肥胖、维护口腔健康、预防骨质疏松等方面的研究进展,列举了日本、美国、德国以及国内市场的后生元产品,并提出了后生元存在的挑战和新研究方向。

牛蒡不同部位活性成分提取及其药理活性研究进展

牛蒡(Arctium lappa)属桔梗目菊科二年生草本植物,在我国种植面较广,大多分布于江苏和山东,是一种传统的药食两用植物资源。牛蒡不同部位所含的化学成分不同,有木脂素类、有机酸类、黄酮类、甾体类、苷类以及萜类等,在抗肿瘤、抗氧化、降血糖、保护心血管疾病及抗菌、抗病毒等方面发挥着重要的作用。本文通过归纳总结近年以来国内外学者对牛蒡不同部位的活性成分提取及药理活性等方面的最新研究成果,以便于对牛蒡进一步的研究开发提供理论依据。

干燥和储存方式对广藿香有效成分的影响

[目的]研究不同干燥、储存方式和储存时间对广藿香有效成分含量的影响。[方法]以发汗、阴干、晒干和烘干法作为干燥方式,常规、低温和气调储存作为储存方式,储存180和360 d后的挥发油、广藿香醇和广藿香酮含量作为衡量标准。[结果]烘干和晒干法容易造成挥发油的损失,酮醇总含量较低;发汗法有利于有效成分保留。常规储存180 d后广藿香药材出现发霉、虫蛀、褐变以及有效成分降低的现象。气调储存广藿香药材变化较小。[结论]发汗法和气调储存可作为广藿香产地初加工方法及储存方式。

三七有效成分调控激素性股骨头坏死的相关信号通路

背景:激素性股骨头坏死是骨科领域难治和难愈性疾病,尚无确切研究观点完整解释其病理机制。随着三七有效成分干预多种疾病相关信号通路的研究增加,三七有效成分通过调控激素性股骨头坏死相关信号通路治疗该病逐渐成为时下研究热点。目的:系统总结分析近年来激素性股骨头坏死病理机制研究文献和三七有效成分调控该病相关信号通路的相关文献内容,为后续研究三七有效成分治疗该病提供参考。方法:检索中国知网及万方数据库,中文检索词为“糖皮质激素,激素性股骨头坏死,病理机制,信号通路,三七,有效成分”等;检索PubMed数据库,英文检索词为”Glucocorticoid,steroid associated necrosis of the femoral head,Pathological mechanism,signaling pathway,Panax notoginseng,active ingredient”等,筛选激素性股骨头坏死病理机制相关文献和三七有效成分调控激素性股骨头坏死相关信号通路文献,最终共纳入63篇文献。结果与结论:①三七主要成分包括三七总皂苷、人参皂苷、三七皂苷、槲皮素和山柰酚等。②在调控相关通路方面,三七总皂苷、人参皂苷Rb1和槲皮素作用于转化生长因子β/骨形态发生蛋白通路,能促进骨修复和血管新生;三七总皂苷、人参皂苷CK和山柰酚作用于Wnt/β-catenin通路,可促进成骨分化和脂质代谢;三七总皂苷及三七皂苷R1/R2作用于MAPK通路,抑制破骨和促进骨修复;三七总皂苷、人参皂苷Rb2及槲皮素作用于RANKL/RANK/骨保护蛋白通路,可抑制破骨增殖并促进成骨分化;三七总皂苷、槲皮素及山柰酚作用于缺氧诱导因子1α通路,能修复血管损伤和促进成骨。③三七皂苷R1、槲皮素联合羟基磷灰石纳米颗粒、三七总皂苷联合聚乙烯-L-乳酸等生物材料治疗激素性股骨头坏死具有良好的研究前景。④三七有效成分可通过多种机制调控激素性股骨头坏死相关信号通路,对该病起到积极的干预作用,但目前相关研究深度和广度不足,未来应基于现有的机制研究,深入探究三七调控该病不同通路的具体机制及通路间相互作用,将有利于运用三七有效成分治疗激素性股骨头坏死的多元发展。

芦笋超雄株花粉母细胞减数分裂观察

减数分裂是有性生殖的关键过程。为了明确芦笋超雄株花粉母细胞减数分裂的具体情况及异常行为对配子生长发育的影响,采用改良苯酚品红压片法对58株芦笋超雄株的986个花粉母细胞减数分裂过程进行了系统观察。结果表明,(1)超雄株花粉母细胞减数分裂为胞质分裂同时型,染色体构型为10个二价体,四分体为十字交叉型。(2)中期Ⅰ小型棒状二价体的出现比例为96.55%,四价体为8.62%,染色体粘连为22.41%。(3)后期Ⅰ落后染色体的出现比例为12.07%,染色体桥为13.79%;分裂期出现微核的比例为6.59%。(4)在中期Ⅱ~末期Ⅱ中分裂不同步的出现比例为34.45%。超雄株花粉母细胞在整个减数分裂进程中,前期Ⅰ所需时间最长。减数分裂配对成10个二价体,在倍性水平上属于二倍体。减数分裂异常行为主要出现在中期Ⅰ和后期Ⅰ。对超雄株花粉母细胞减数分裂过程的观察,不仅能够丰富芦笋的细胞遗传学内容,还可以为芦笋发育生物学、杂交育种、基因定位等方面提供必要的细胞遗传学信息。