Expression and Purification of Recombinant Hepatitis Delta Virus(HDV) Antigen for Use in a Diagnostic ELISA for HDV Infection Using the High-Density Fermentation Strategy in Escherichia coli

Objective Hepatitis Delt a Virus（HDV） antigen is widely used as a capture antigen in ELISAs for the identification of HDV infection; large amounts of recombinant HDV antigen with active antigenicity are required for this purpose. Methods Reconstruct the gene of HDV antigen based on the bias code of Escherichia coli, the recombinant protein expresses by high-density fermentation with fed-batch feeding strategy, and purify by immobilized metal chromatography. The sensitivity and specificity of this antigen detect by ELISA method. Results The expression of HDV antigen can reach 20% of the total cell mass in the soluble form. The recombinant HDV antigen can be conveniently purified（98%） by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography（IMAC） using the interaction between a His-tag and nickel ions. Production of recombinant HDV antigen can reach 0.5 g/L under conditions of high-density cell fermentation. Applied to the diagnostic ELISA method, the recombinant HDV antigen shows excellent sensitivity（97% for IgM and 100% for IgG） and specificity（100% for IgG and IgM） for the detection of anti-HDV antibodies. Conclusion Expression and purification the recombinant HDV antigen as a candidate protein for application in a diagnostic ELISA for HDV infection. Large-scale production of the protein can be achieved using the high-density fermentation strategy.

Insights into microbiota community dynamics and flavor development mechanism during golden pomfret(Trachinotus ovatus)fermentation based on single-molecule real-time sequencing and molecular networking analysis

Popular fermented golden pomfret(Trachinotus ovatus)is prepared via spontaneous fermentation;however,the mechanisms underlying the regulation of its flavor development remain unclear.This study shows the roles of the complex microbiota and the dynamic changes in microbial community and flavor compounds during fish fermentation.Single-molecule real-time sequencing and molecular networking analysis revealed the correlations among different microbial genera and the relationships between microbial taxa and volatile compounds.Mechanisms underlying flavor development were also elucidated via KEGG based functional annotations.Clostridium,Shewanella,and Staphylococcus were the dominant microbial genera.Forty-nine volatile compounds were detected in the fermented fish samples,with thirteen identified as characteristic volatile compounds(ROAV>1).Volatile profiles resulted from the interactions among the microorganisms and derived enzymes,with the main metabolic pathways being amino acid biosynthesis/metabolism,carbon metabolism,and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis.This study demonstrated the approaches for distinguishing key microbiota associated with volatile compounds and monitoring the industrial production of high-quality fermented fish products.

Structure and immunomodulatory activity of Lentinus edodes polysaccharides modified by probiotic fermentation

Plant-based fermentations provide an untapped source for novel biotechnological applications.In this study,a probiotic named Lactobacillus fermentum 21828 was introduced to ferment Lentinus edodes.Polysaccharides were extracted from fermented and non-fermented L.edodes and purified via DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100.The components designated F-LEP-2a and NF-LEP-2a were analyzed by FT-IR,HPGPC,HPAEC,SEM,GC-MS and NMR.The results revealed that probiotic fermentation increased the molecular weight from 1.16×10^(4) Da to 1.87×10^(4) Da and altered the proportions of glucose,galactose and mannose,in which glucose increased from 45.94%to 48.16%.Methylation analysis and NMR spectra indicated that F-LEP-2a and NF-LEP-2a had similar linkage patterns.Furthermore,their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated with immunosuppressive mice.NF-LEP and F-LEP improved immune organ indices,immunoglobulin(Ig G and Ig M)and cytokines concentrations;restored the antioxidation capacity of liver;and maintained the balance of gut microbiota.F-LEP displayed better moderating effects on the spleen index,immunoglobulin,cytokines and the diversity of gut microbiota than NF-LEP(200,400 mg/kg).Our study provides an efficient and environment-friendly way for the structural modification of polysaccharides,which helps to enhance their biological activity and promote their wide application in food,medicine and other fields.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth on immune response and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice

With the rise of probiotics fermentation in food industry,fermented foods have attracted worldwide attention.In this study,protective effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth(REFB)on immune function and gut health in Cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated.Results showed that REFB could improve the immune organ index,and promote the proliferation and differentiation of splenic T lymphocytes.In addition,it attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and improved intestinal cellular immunity.REFB administration also up-regulated the expression of IL-4,INF-γ,TNF-α,T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in small intestine.Furthermore,administration of REFB modulated gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genus,such as Bacteroides.It also increased the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids.These indicate that REFB has the potential to improve immunity,alleviate intestinal injury and regulate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Tandem hydroalkylation and deoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolics to synthesize high-density fuels

Lignin is the most abundant naturally phenolic biomass,and the synthesis of high-performance renewable fuel from lignin has attracted significant attention.We propose the efficient synthesis of high-density fuels using simulated lignin cracked oil in tandem with hydroalkylation and deoxygenation reactions.First,we investigated the reaction pathway for the hydroalkylation of phenol,which competes with the hydrodeoxygenation form cyclohexane.And then,we investigated the effects of metal catalyst types,the loading amount of metallic,acid dosage,and reactant ratio on the reaction results.The phenol hydroalkylation and hydrodeoxygenation were balanced when 180℃ and 5 MPa H_(2)with the alkanes yield of 95%.By extending the substrate to other lignin-derived phenolics and simulated lignin cracked oil,we obtained the polycyclic alkane fuel with high density of 0.918 g·ml^(-1)and calorific value of41.2 MJ·L^(-1).Besides,the fuel has good low-temperature properties(viscosity of 9.3 mm^(2)·s^(-1)at 20℃ and freezing point below-55℃),which is expected to be used as jet fuel.This work provides a promising way for the easy and green production of high-density fuel directly from real lignin oil.

Kinetic-Thermodynamic Promotion Engineering toward High-Density Hierarchical and Zn-Doping Activity-Enhancing ZnNiO@CF for High-Capacity Desalination

Despite the promising potential of transition metal oxides(TMOs)as capacitive deionization(CDI)electrodes,the actual capacity of TMOs electrodes for sodium storage is significantly lower than the theoretical capacity,posing a major obstacle.Herein,we prepared the kinetically favorable Zn_(x)Ni_(1−x)O electrode in situ growth on carbon felt(Zn_(x)Ni_(1−x)O@CF)through constraining the rate of OH^(−)generation in the hydrothermal method.Zn_(x)Ni_(1−x)O@CF exhibited a high-density hierarchical nanosheet structure with three-dimensional open pores,benefitting the ion transport/electron transfer.And tuning the moderate amount of redox-inert Zn-doping can enhance surface electroactive sites,actual activity of redox-active Ni species,and lower adsorption energy,promoting the adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic of the Zn_(0.2)Ni_(0.8)O@CF.Benefitting from the kinetic-thermodynamic facilitation mechanism,Zn_(0.2)Ni_(0.8)O@CF achieved ultrahigh desalination capacity(128.9 mgNaCl g^(-1)),ultra-low energy consumption(0.164 kW h kgNaCl^(-1)),high salt removal rate(1.21 mgNaCl g^(-1) min^(-1)),and good cyclability.The thermodynamic facilitation and Na^(+)intercalation mechanism of Zn_(0.2)Ni_(0.8)O@CF are identified by the density functional theory calculations and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring,respectively.This research provides new insights into controlling electrochemically favorable morphology and demonstrates that Zn-doping,which is redox-inert,is essential for enhancing the electrochemical performance of CDI electrodes.

The Advantages of Methane Production by Combined Fermentation of Lignite and Wheat Straw

Biogasification of coal is important for clean utilization of coal. Experiments on the fermentation of single lignite, single straw and their mixture were performed to explore the variation characteristics of gas production potential, microbial community and methanogenic metabolic pathways of mixture. Research has shown that mixed fermentation of lignite and straw significantly promoted biomethane production. The abundance of hydrolytic acidifying functional bacteria genera (Sphaerochaeta, Lentimicrobium) in mixed fermentation was higher than that in the fermentation of single lignite and single straw. The abundance of some key CAZy metabolic enzyme gene sequences in mixed fermentation group was increased, which was favorable to improve methane production. Aceticlastic methanogenesis was the most critical methanogenic pathway and acetic acid pathway was more competitive in methanogenic mode during peak fermentation. Macrogenomics provided theoretical support for the claim that mixed fermentation of coal and straw promoted biomethane metabolism, which was potentially valuable in expanding methanogenesis from mixed fermentation of lignite with different biomasses.

Postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation stabilize microbiota in rumen liquid digesta during grain-based subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA) in lactating dairy cows

Background Subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA)is a common metabolic disorder of high yielding dairy cows,and it is associated with dysbiosis of the rumen and gut microbiome and host inflammation.This study evaluated the impact of two postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products(SCFP)on rumen liquid associated microbiota of lactating dairy cows subjected to repeated grain-based SARA challenges.A total of 32 rumen cannulated cows were randomly assigned to 4 treatments from 4 weeks before until 12 weeks after parturition.Treatment groups included a Control diet or diets supplemented with postbiotics(SCFPa,14 g/d Original XPC;SCFPb-1X,19 g/d Nutri Tek;SCFPb-2X,38 g/d Nutri Tek,Diamond V,Cedar Rapids,IA,USA).Grain-based SARA challenges were conducted during week 5(SARA1)and week 8(SARA2)after parturition by replacing 20%DM of the base total mixed ration(TMR)with pellets containing 50%ground barley and 50%ground wheat.Total DNA from rumen liquid samples was subjected to V3–V416S r RNA gene amplicon sequencing.Characteristics of rumen microbiota were compared among treatments and SARA stages.Results Both SARA challenges reduced the diversity and richness of rumen liquid microbiota,altered the overall composition(β-diversity),and its predicted functionality including carbohydrates and amino acids metabolic pathways.The SARA challenges also reduced the number of significant associations among different taxa,number of hub taxa and their composition in the microbial co-occurrence networks.Supplementation with SCFP postbiotics,in particular SCFPb-2X,enhanced the robustness of the rumen microbiota.The SCFP supplemented cows had less fluctuation in relative abundances of community members when exposed to SARA challenges.The SCFP supplementation promoted the populations of lactate utilizing and fibrolytic bacteria,including members of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae,and also increased the numbers of hub taxa during non-SARA and SARA stages.Supplementation with SCFPb-2X prevented the fluctuations in the abundances of hub taxa that were positively correlated with the acetate concentration,andα-andβ-diversity metrics in rumen liquid digesta.Conclusions Induction of SARA challenges reduced microbiota richness and diversity and caused fluctuations in major bacterial phyla in rumen liquid microbiota in lactating dairy cows.Supplementation of SCFP postbiotics could attenuate adverse effects of SARA on rumen liquid microbiota.

Influence of nitrogen status on fermentation performances of non-Saccharomyces yeasts:a review

Nitrogen,one of the most crucial nutrients present in grapes and musts,plays a key role in yeast activities during alcoholic fermentation.Such influences are imposed on yeast growth and fermentation performances including the formation of secondary metabolites.Saccharomyces cerevisiae,the main yeast responsible for fermentation,has been studied extensively regarding nitrogen impacts.On the other hand,a similar study for non-Saccharomyces yeasts,whose contributions to winemaking have gradually been acknowledged,remains to be fully explored,with a few studies being reported.This review starts by discussing nitrogen impacts on non-Saccharomyces yeast growth and fermentation kinetics in different case scenarios,then proceeds to summarize the nitrogen preferences of individual yeast strains with regulation mechanisms elucidated by recent studies.Detailed discussions on the influences on the production of volatile compounds and proposed pathways therein are made,followed by future work suggested as the final section.In summarizing the nitrogen impacts on non-Saccharomyces yeasts throughout alcoholic fermentation,this review will be helpful in obtaining a more comprehensive view on these non-conventional wine yeasts in terms of nutrient requirements and corresponding volatile production.Research gaps will therefore be elucidated for future research.

The Influence of Gratering, Fermentation and Variety on the Physio-Chemical Quality of Cassava Starch

The study was conducted to determine the influence of gratering and fermentation parameters on the physicochemical quality of starch obtained from two cassava varieties in Sierra Leone (i.e., SLICASS 11 and SLICASS 6). Fresh cassava roots harvested from the Department of Agricultural Engineering were peeled, washed and grated before fermentation and starch extraction. Fermentation was carried out under separate aerobic and anaerobic conditions for a period of Seven days. Physicochemical analyses were conducted at the Postharvest Food and Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-System Engineering, Njala University to determine the solubility, water absorption capacity and swelling power of starch extracts obtained from various experimental treatments. Fermentation method and duration had significant effects on the solubility, water absorption capacity (WAC) and swelling power (SP) of starch extracts. Maximum solubility and WAC were recorded on the fifth day, for both cassava varieties tested, with apparent significant difference resulting from the two gratering bands (i.e., with 1.5-inch nail hole and 4-inch nail hole sizes, respectively). While swelling power increased consistently with temperature for starch obtained from SLICASS-11 variety, an irregular pattern was observed for SLICASS-6 variety. A multiple correlation analysis proposes a significant and weak correlation between temperature, WAC (+0.150) and swelling power (+0.048). Also multiple correlation analyses suggest a significant correlation between fermentation period, the functional properties of starch extracts obtained from both fermentation methods and cassava varieties (i.e., solubility (−0.226), water absorption capacity (+0.301) and swelling power (+0.329)).

Microbial metabolic interaction in fermentation ecosystem and cooperation in flavor compounds formation of Chinese cereal vinegar

Shanxi aged vinegar(SAV)is a famous cereal vinegar in China,which is produced through a solid-state fermentation where diverse microbes spontaneously and complex interactions occur.Here,combined with the metatranscriptomics,the microbial co-occurrence network was constructed,indicating that Lactobacillus,Acetobacter and Pediococcus are the most critical genera to maintain the fermentation stability.Based on an extensive collection of 264 relevant literatures,a transport network containing 2271 reactions between microorganisms and compounds was constructed,showing that glucose(84%of all species),fructose(67%)and maltose(67%)are the most frequently utilized substrates while lactic acid(64%),acetic acid(45%)are the most frequently occurring metabolites.Specifically,the metabolic influence of species pairs was calculated using a mathematical calculation model and the metabolic influence network was constructed.The topology properties analysis found that Lactobacillus was the key role with robust metabolic control of vinegar fermentation ecosystem and acetic acid and lactic acid were the main metabolites with feedback regulation in microbial metabolism of SAV.Furthermore,systematic coordination of positive and negative impacts was proved to be inevitable to form flavor compounds and maintain a natural microbial ecosystem.This study provides a new perspective for understanding microbial interactions in fermented food.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as a predictor of the activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

AIM:To evaluate the relationship between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR)and the disease activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS:A total of 87 patients were classified into two groups based on clinical activity score(CAS)scoring criteria:high CAS group(n=62,the CAS score was≥3);low CAS group(n=25,the CAS score was<3).In addition,a group of healthy people(n=114)were included to compared the MHR.Proptosis,MHR,average signal intensity ratio(SIR),average lacrimal gland(LG)-SIR,average extraocular muscles(EOM)area from 87 patients with TAO were calculated in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and compared between these two groups.Correlation testing was utilized to evaluate the association of parameters among the clinical variables.RESULTS:Patients in high CAS group had a higher proptosis(P=0.041)and MHR(P=0.048).Compared to the healthy group,the MHR in the TAO group was higher(P=0.001).Correlation testing declared that CAS score was strongly associated with proptosis and average SIR,and MHR was positively associated with CAS score,average SIR,and average LG-SIR.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of MHR was 0.6755.CONCLUSION:MHR,a novel inflammatory biomarker,has a significant association with CAS score and MRI imaging(average SIR and LG-SIR)and it can be a new promising predictor during the active phase of TAO.

A model for fast electron-driven high-density plasma in the double-cone ignition scheme

A model for fast electron-driven high-density plasma is proposed to describe the effect of injected fast electrons on the temperature and inner pressure of the plasma in the fast heating process of the double-cone ignition(DCI)scheme.Due to the collision of the two low-density plasmas,the density and volume of the high-density plasma vary.Therefore,the ignition temperature and energy requirement of the high-density plasma vary at different moments,and the required energy for hot electrons to heat the plasma also changes.In practical experiments,the energy input of hot electrons needs to be considered.To reduce the energy input of hot electrons,the optimal moment and the shortest time for injecting hot electrons with minimum energy are analyzed.In this paper,it is proposed to inject hot electrons for a short time to heat the high-density plasma to a relatively high temperature.Then,the alpha particles with the high heating rate and PdV work heat the plasma to the ignition temperature,further reducing the energy required to inject hot electrons.The study of the injection time of fast electrons can reduce the energy requirement of fast electrons for the high-density plasma and increase the probability of successful ignition of the high-density plasma.

Low Stress TSV Arrays for High-Density Interconnection

In three-dimensional(3D)stacking,the thermal stress of through-silicon via(TSV)has a significant influence on chip performance and reliability,and this problem is exacerbated in high-density TSV arrays.In this study,a novel hollow tungsten TSV(W-TSV)is presented and developed.The hollow structure provides space for the release of thermal stress.Simulation results showed that the hollow W-TSV structure can release 60.3%of thermal stress within the top 2 lm from the surface,and thermal stress can be decreased to less than 20 MPa in the radial area of 3 lm.The ultra-high-density(1600 TSV∙mm2)TSV array with a size of 640×512,a pitch of 25 lm,and an aspect ratio of 20.3 was fabricated,and the test results demonstrated that the proposed TSV has excellent electrical and reliability performances.The average resistance of the TSV was 1.21 X.The leakage current was 643 pA and the breakdown voltage was greater than 100 V.The resistance change is less than 2%after 100 temperature cycles from40 to 125℃.Raman spectroscopy showed that the maximum stress on the wafer surface caused by the hollow W-TSV was 31.02 MPa,which means that there was no keep-out zone(KOZ)caused by the TSV array.These results indicate that this structure has great potential for applications in large-array photodetectors and 3D integrated circuits.

Impact of sourdough fermentation on nutrient transformations in cereal-based foods:Mechanisms,practical applications,and health implications

Sourdough is often considered a healthy choice and quality improver for use in cereal production due to its unique microbial composition and fermentation properties.During sourdough fermentation of cereals,biotransformation of nutrients occurs,resulting in notable changes to proteins,carbohydrates,fats,vitamins,and minerals.Each nutrient undergoes specific transformations,providing various advantages for human health.Proteins undergo hydrolysis to produce small molecular weight peptides and amino acids that are more easily digested and absorbed by the human body.Carbohydrates break down to improve the digestibility and absorption of cereals and lower the glycemic index.Fatty acids experience oxidation to produce new substances with health benefits.Additionally,the application of sourdough fermentation can enhance the texture,flavor,and nutritional value of cereal foods while also extending their shelf life and improving food safety.In conclusion,sourdough fermentation has a broad range of applications in cereal food processing.Further research is encouraged to investigate the mechanisms and processes of sourdough fermentation to develop even more nutritious,healthy,and flavorful cereal-based foods.

The influence of Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation in selenium-enriched Brassica napus L.:changes in the nutritional constituents,bioactivities and bioaccessibility

Selenium(Se)-enriched Brassica napus L.is a valuable organic Se supplement.In this study,the fermentation broth enriched with organic Se(FFS)was prepared using Lactobacillus plantarum to ferment the substrate of Se-enriched Brassica napus L.Significant increases were observed after fermentation in total sugars,reducing sugars,soluble proteins,total phenolic content(TPC),and total flavonoid content(TFC).The organic Se was retained at a concentration of 54.75 mg/g in the freeze-dried sample.Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed good separation between the FFS and unfermented(FS)groups.Fragrant 2-ethyloxetane had the highest content among all volatiles,while sinapine had the highest content among all phenolic compounds.The fermentation process showed remarkable improvement in the abundance and concentration of volatile compounds and phenolic contents,making FFS exhibit strong antioxidant activity and inhibitory capacity againstα-glucosidase activity.The bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds was significantly greater in FFS compared to FS.ADMET analysis revealed that the majority of phenolic compounds contained in FFS did not exhibit mutagenicity toxicity,hepatotoxicity,skin sensitization,or blood-brain barrier penetration,indicating a favorable level of biosafety.Overall,our study provides a new insight into the further utilization of Se-enriched Brassica napus L.in foods.

Screening of glucosinolates degrading lactic acid bacteria and their utilization in rapeseed meal fermentation

Rapeseed meal is a promising food ingredient, but its utilization is limited by the presence of some potentially harmful ingredients, such as glucosinolates. Fermentation is a cost-effective method of detoxication but a food-grade starter culture with glucosinolates degradation capacity is required. In this study, 46 strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditional paocai brines were screened for their ability to glucosinolate degradation. The results showed that more than 50% of the strains significantly degraded glucosinolates. Two strains of Lactiplantibacillus(p7 and s7) with high capacity of glucosinolates degradation through producing enzymes were identified. Then,an optimized condition for rapeseed meal fermentation by p7 was established to degrade glucosinolates, which can achieve about 80% degradation. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that the degradation rate of individual glucosinolates was different and the degradation rate of gluconapin and progoitrin in rapeseed meal can reach more than 90%. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can improve safety of rapeseed meal by inhibiting the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and improve its nutritional properties by degrading phytic acid. The in vitro digestion experiments showed that the content of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal decreased significantly during gastric digestion. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can greatly improve the release of soluble protein and increase the contents of free essential amino acids, such as lysine(increased by 12 folds) and methionine(increased by 10 folds).

Allergen degradation of bee pollen by lactic acid bacteria fermentation and its alleviatory effects on allergic reactions in BALB/c mice

Food allergy as a global health problem threatens food industry.Bee pollen(BP)is a typical food with allergenic potentials,although it performs various nutritional/pharmacological functions to humans.In this study,lactic acid bacteria(LAB)were used to ferment Brassica napus BP for alleviating its allergenicity.Four novel allergens(glutaredoxin,oleosin-B2,catalase and lipase)were identified with significant decreases in LAB-fermented BP(FBP)than natural BP by proteomics.Meanwhile,metabolomics analysis showed significant increases of 28 characteristic oligopeptides and amino acids in FBP versus BP,indicating the degradation of LAB on allergens.Moreover,FBP showed alleviatory effects in BALB/c mice,which relieved pathological symptoms and lowered production of allergic mediators.Microbial high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that FBP could regulate gut microbiota and metabolism to strengthen immunity,which were closely correlated with the alleviation of allergic reactivity.These findings could contribute to the development and utilization of hypoallergenic BP products.

Predictive value of intracranial high-density areas in neurological function

BACKGROUND Intracranial high-density areas(HDAs)have attracted considerable attention for predicting clinical outcomes;however,whether HDAs predict worse neurological function and mental health remains controversial and unclear,which requires further investigation.In this prospective study,96 patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)who accepted endovascular mechanical thrombectomy(EMT)were included.The enrolled patients underwent cranial computed tomography(CT)examination within 24 hours after EMT.Clinical data in terms of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),the 3-month modified Rankin Scale(mRS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)scores were collected and compared between patients with HDAs and non-HDAs and between patients with good and poor clinical prognosis.Compared to patients without HDAs,patients with HDAs presented severe neurological deficits(admission NIHSS score:18±3 vs 19±4),were more likely to have post-stroke disabilities(mRS<3:35%vs 62%),and suffered more severe depression(SDS score:58±16 vs 64±13)and anxiety disorder(SAS score:52±8 vs 59±10).Compared to patients with a good prognosis,patients with a poor prognosis presented severe neurological deficits(admission NIHSS score:17±4 vs 20±3),were more likely to have HDAs on CT images(64%vs 33%),and suffered more severe depression(SDS score:55±19 vs 65±11)and anxiety(SAS score:50±8 vs 58±12).Multivariate analysis revealed that HDAs were independent nega-tive prognostic factors.CONCLUSION In conclusion,HDAs on CT images predicted poor prognosis and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with AIS who underwent EMT.