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Nonenyl succinic anhydride (NSA) modification could be an alternative to octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification of starch to obtain a range of physicochemical and rheological properties and for emulsification applications. In this work, a series of NSA-modified quinoa starches in granular form with different degrees of substitution (DS) (0.0080, 0.0175, 0.0359, and 0.0548) were prepared. The NSA modifications reduced the gelatinization temperatures and frequency dependence of storage modulus (G'), while increasing the peak viscosity, gel hardness, and G'. The NSA-modified quinoa starches with medium DS were the most effective in stabilising Pickering emulsions. The droplet size of Pickering emulsions decreased first with increasing DS before increasing at the highest DS. Modified starch with DS of 0.0359 had the highest emulsifying capacity. Apart from the commonly used octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification, the NSA modification of starches could be a potential candidate as efficient Pickering emulsion stabilizers.

Background Starch is an important ingredient in many applications, while there is increasing interest to modify starch functionalities using physical means. Dynamic pressure treatments are emerging techniques for food processing and food safety applications. The treatments have potential in modification of functional properties of food ingredients including starch. Scope and approach This review summarizes the effects of 3 types of dynamic pressure treatments on structure and physicochemical properties of starches from different plants. The 3 treatment methods include high pressure homogenization, high pressure microfluidization and high speed jet processing. Starch and process related parameters affecting the modification outcomes are analyzed. Starch related applications affected by the dynamic pressure treatments are described. Structure-function relationships of starch components affected by the treatments are critically discussed. The effects of dynamic pressure treatments on starch properties and applications are compared with those of other physical techniques including high hydrostatic pressure processing. Research directions to expand the applications of dynamic pressure treatments on starch modifications are suggested. Key findings and conclusions Dynamic pressure treatments tend to degrade starch on the granular and molecular level, while facilitating physicochemical interactions of starch via process intensification. The treatments induce starch gelatinization and increase starch digestibility, while affecting rheological properties in a treatment type- and condition-dependent manner. Increasing pressure level and number of passes leads to more drastic changes in starch properties. The treatments can facilitate starch modification processes such as formation of starch-guest molecule inclusion complexes, nanoparticle production and starch esterification. Overall, dynamic pressure treatments have potential to expand the range of starch functionalities for different applications.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is widely cultivated in tropical countries. The cocoa beans are a popular ingredient of confectionery. Cocoa beans contain various chemicals that contribute to their bioactivity and nutritional properties. There has been increasing interest in developing cocoa beans for "healthy" food products. Cocoa beans have special combination of nutrients such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and other compounds of biological activities. The bioactive phytochemicals include methylxanthines, polyphenols, biogenic amines, melanoidins, isoprostanoids and oxalates. These phytochemicals of cocoa are related to various in vivo and in vitro biological activities such as antioxidation, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, cardiovascular protection, physical improvement, anti-photoaging, anti-depression and blood glucose regulation. The potential of bioactive compounds in cocoa remains to be maximized for food and nutritional applications. The current processing technology promotes the degradation of beneficial bioactive compounds, while maximizing the flavors and its precursors. It is not optimized for the utilization of cocoa beans for "healthy" product formulations. Modifications of the current processing line and non-conventional processing are needed to better preserve and utilize the beneficial bioactive compounds in cocoa beans.

Background Buckwheat consumption is associated with positive health effects in humans. Buckwheat has diverse nutrients with biological functions. Buckwheat storage protein is gluten free and is a major bio-factor responsible for the functions. The protein can be a source of allergens. It is important to understand the biological properties and food uses of buckwheat protein to develop buckwheat as a “healthy” grain. Scope and approach This review summarizes diverse biological activities of proteins and peptides from both common and Tartary buckwheat seeds. Strategies to reduce the symptoms of buckwheat protein allergy are discussed. The properties of the proteins and peptides in relation to the quality of buckwheat based products are also reviewed. Research gaps in better understanding and using buckwheat proteins and peptides for food applications are identified. Key findings and conclusions The protein isolates from buckwheat have been hydrolyzed into a range of peptides. These peptides showed diverse biological activities in vitro and in vivo. They include trypsin inhibition, antiaging, modulating gut microbiota, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure lowering, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant capacities. Buckwheat has been processed into a range of products such as vinegar, beverages and breads. The quality of these products can be significantly affected by the protein and peptide properties. Overall, buckwheat proteins and peptides have potential to be developed into functional food products.

A new Lewis acid-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition/retroelectrocyclization (CA-RE)/1,6-addition relay of aurone-derived 1-azadienes and 1-alkynylnaphthalen-2-ols has been reported, leading to the regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of 1,2-dihydrobenzofuro[3,2-b]pyridine with a chiral carbon center and an axial chirality in good yields. This protocol enables the C-C double-bond scission/recombination to rapidly construct aza-heterocyclic architectures and features 100% atom utilization, a wide substrate scope, good compatibility with substituents, and excellent diastereoselectivity.

Summary The relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and acute or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still unclear. Here, we show that oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Zhang (L. casei Zhang) corrected bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced gut microbial dysbiosis, alleviated kidney injury, and delayed its progression to CKD in mice. L. casei Zhang elevated the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and nicotinamide in the serum and kidney, resulting in reduced renal inflammation and damage to renal tubular epithelial cells. We also performed a 1-year phase 1 placebo-controlled study of oral L. casei Zhang use (Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR-INR-17013952), which was well tolerated and slowed the decline of kidney function in individuals with stage 3–5 CKD. These results show that oral administration of L. casei Zhang, by altering SCFAs and nicotinamide metabolism, is a potential therapy to mitigate kidney injury and slow the progression of renal decline.

Background Polysaccharides as biologically essential macromolecules widely exist in plants, animals, and microorganisms. In food industries, they are often used to change physicochemical and textural properties of food products. Ultrasound processing is increasingly used in the modifications of polysaccharide functionalities. Cavitation induced by ultrasound produces high shear force and temperature, leading to the degradation of polysaccharides. This method can improve physicochemical properties and biological activities of polysaccharides for food applications. Scope and Approach Recent advances in ultrasound processing on extraction, structures, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of diverse polysaccharides are summarized. Mechanisms of action responsible for the ultrasound effects are discussed. Food applications of polysaccharides affected by ultrasound processing are also reviewed. Research gaps in ultrasound-related studies and applications of polysaccharides are identified. Key Findings and Conclusions Ultrasound-assisted extraction increased yield and reduced extraction time of polysaccharides from different sources. Structure of polysaccharides was changed after ultrasound processing, leading to the modifications of their physicochemical and biological properties. The extents of these changes were influenced by ultrasound frequency and intensity, processing time, solvent temperature, and polysaccharide source and composition. The ultrasound processing involving polysaccharides has been applied in different areas such as fabricating food emulsions and nanoparticles. Overall, ultrasound technology has great potential to be used in food industries for improved functionalities of polysaccharides.

Heparin-based gels constructed by non-covalent interactions can self-assemble into various nanostructures in solution, and can find applications in many fields such as nanodevices, drug delivery, and stimulus responsive materials synthesis. Herein, we describe the construction of a new class of supramolecular heparin-based biohybrid metallogels (HBMGs) with multiple stimuli-responsive behaviours through controlled self-assembly based on three orthogonal interactions, namely metal–ligand, host–guest and electrostatic interactions, within a single system. Specifically, a tris-[2]pseudorotaxane hexagonal metallacycle was synthesized by the orthogonal coordination-driven self-assembly and host–guest interactions. It was found that the obtained positively charged tris-[2]pseudorotaxane metallacycle can further form supramolecular HBMGs with heparin, one of the highest negatively charged biomolecule, via acid–base controlled multiple electrostatic interactions at lower concentrations. Notably, thermo-, acid–base and cation-induced gel–sol transitions were found to be completely reversible, reflecting the dynamic and controllable nature of such supramolecular materials. Hence, this research not only provides a simple yet highly efficient strategy for the fabrication of functional biohybrid materials involving metal–organic complexes and biomacromolecules, but also offers broad prospects for supramolecular engineering using precisely controlled self-assembly strategies.

A new chelation-controlled hydrofuranization of unactivated olefins with α-alkynyl arylols is reported for the first time, and used to produce a wide range of C3-alkylated benzofurans with generally good yields under mild conditions. A bidentate directing group is used to suppress β-hydride elimination and in turn facilitate a protodepalladation event. In addition to 100% atom utilization, good functional group tolerance and mild conditions, the present catalysis did not demand any additional ligand, additives and bases/acids, making the transformation simple and facile and it thus opens new avenues for catalytic difunctionalization of alkynes and olefins.

The use of aliphatic amines as alkylating reagents in organic synthesis via C–N bond activation remains underdeveloped. We herein describe a novel ruthenium-catalysed and directing-group assisted protocol for the synthesis of meta-alkylated arenes via dual C–H and C–N activation. Bench-stable and easily handled redox-active Katritzky pyridinium salts derived from abundant amines and amino acid species were used as alkyl radical precursors. This catalytic reaction could accommodate a broad range of functional groups and provide access to various meta-alkylated products.

Photoinduced arene–alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition cascades of 1-alkynylnaphthalen-2-ols without a photosensitizer were developed for the first time, enabling tunable synthesis of skeletally diverse bridged hexacyclic architectures with good yields and complete stereoselectivities through solvent-dependent divergent dearomatized cyclodimerizations. The photocatalysis in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) delivered functionalized bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-containing bridged oxa-heterocycles, whereas tetrahydrofuran (THF) oriented high stereoselectivity to offer bridged carbocycles. The reaction pathway generates two classes of complex three-dimensional structures that evolve from the same planar internal alkynes.

Objective To reduce the toxicity and side effects of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and provide a new approach for the treatment of primary liver cancer, a folic acid-modified calcium arsenite liposomal “target-controlled” drug delivery system (FA-LP-CaAs) was fabricated using the reverse microemulsion method. Methods A Malvern particle size analyzer and a transmission electron microscope were employed to determine the particle size, distribution, zeta potential and morphology of FA-LP-CaAs. Further, inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry was employed to determine the drug loading capacity, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release behavior of FA-LP-CaAs. To determine its toxicity in human hepatoma cells (HepG2) and human normal hepatocytes (LO2) and its effect on HepG2 cell cycle and apoptosis, the MTT method was used. Laser confocal and flow cytometry were also employed to determine the uptake of FA-LP-CaAs by cells. After establishing a mouse liver cancer model, the in vivo distribution of the drug included in the formulation was investigated using in vivo fluorescence. To evaluate the liver cancer targeting and anti-tumor effects of FA-LP-CaAs in vivo, the distribution of ATO in tissues and changes in tumor volume and body weight after liposomal administration were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained tumor sections. Results The particle size, zeta potential and PDI of FA-LP-CaAs were (122.67 ± 2.18) nm, (12.81 ± 0.75) mV and 0.22 ± 0.01, respectively, while its drug loading capacity was 18.49% ± 1.14%. In vitro experimental results revealed that FA-LP-CaAs had a strong killing effect on HepG2 cells. Further, the cell uptake capacity of this formulation was found to improve. Based on in vivo assessments, FA-LP-CaAs could significantly increase the distribution of ATO in tumor sites and inhibit tumor growth. Conclusions Herein, an FA-LP-CaAs formulation was successfully fabricated. This liposomal drug delivery system had a round appearance, uniform particle size, good polydispersity coeffi-cient, evident “core-shell” structure, high drug loading capacity and pH response, tumor targeted drug delivery and sustained drug release. These findings support further research and the application of ATO as an anti-liver cancer prodrug and provide a new method for the treatment of liver cancer.

Background: Acupuncture has been widely used for alleviating pain. However, its mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. Objective: In the present study, we focused on whether the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture is related to its regulation on adenosine and substance P expression. Methods: We established chronic inflammatory pain model in rats through a single injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant, and then we treated animals using daily electroacupuncture. We applied seven bilateral sessions of electroacupuncture (ST36 and BL60, 0.5 to 1.5 mA, initial strength of 0.5 mA, increased by 0.5 mA every 10 minutes, for 30 minutes per session, one section per day) to Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats for seven days. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture was evaluated by measuring paw withdrawal threshold in rats that received mechanical and thermal stimulation. Results: Daily electroacupuncture stimulation effectively increased paw withdrawal threshold in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats. Electroacupuncture increased the adenosine level in zusanli. A further study showed that electroacupuncture could decrease substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and CD68 levels in dorsal root ganglion. Interestingly, direct injection of adenosine A1 or substance P receptor antagonists, or dorsal nerve root transection could significantly impair electroacupuncture induced analgesic actions in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats could and reduce the levels of substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and CD68. Finally, we confirmed that direct injection of adenosine A1 receptor agonist replicated the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture. Conclusion: Our results indicate regulation of adenosine-mediated substance P secretion. Substance P-mediated pathway may be involved in the analgesia process by electroacupuncture in rats.

The development of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) that can avoid rapid decay of proton conductivity under low humidity is of great significance for the practical application of PEMFC. In this study, acid–base core–shell microspheres (PCSMs-MA@TAC) with a carboxylic acid core and a triazine shell were synthesized by distillation-precipitation polymerization using cross-linked carboxylic acid microspheres (PMAA) as seeds. These PCSMs were then incorporated into a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) matrix to make hybrid membranes. Incorporation of PCSMs microspheres can not only strengthen the vehicle mechanism by increasing the water uptake of the membrane, but also the acid–base pairs formed at the SPEEK/PCSMs interface provide a new low-energy barrier pathway for proton hopping, thereby enhancing the proton conduction of the Grotthuss mechanism. The results show that when the content is 10 wt%, the proton conductivity of the SPEEK/PCSMs-MA@TAC composite membrane can reach 0.161 S cm−1 at 80°C and 100% RH, which is 19.3% higher than the SPEEK control membrane (0.135 S cm−1). In particular, even at 60% RH, the proton conductivity of the SPEEK/PCSMs-MA@TAC-10 composite membrane is still 67 mS cm−1, which is 3.16 times higher than that of the SPEEK membrane. Therefore, the SPEEK/PCSMs-MA@TAC composite membrane can maintain superior performance even under high temperature and low humidity conditions.

Summary Well-defined discrete metal-organic cages have been widely explored in the field of supramolecular catalysis. However, these metal-organic cages have been rarely explored as heterogeneous catalysts for one-pot reactions. Herein, we present the first successful confinement self-assembly of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO)-containing metal-organic cages within amino-functionalized mesoporous carbon to realize a new family of bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst (Cage@FDU-ED) for one-pot reactions. The orthogonal features of the isolated catalytically active sites within the obtained bifunctional catalyst lead to enhanced catalytic activities, selectivity, and recyclability with the overall transformation yielding up to 96% conversion. These results demonstrate that continuous chemical transformation with high efficiency is possible through careful design of catalytic sites in both metal-organic cages and mesoporous matrix isolatedly. This study paves a new way toward metal-organic cages as a promising platform for heterogeneous sequential reactions.

Anthropogenic activities have increased nitrogen (N) deposition in terrestrial ecosystems, which directly and indirectly affects soil biogeochemical processes, including soil respiration. However, the effects of the increases in N availability on soil respiration are not fully understood. In this study, soil respiration was measured using an infrared gas analyzer system with soil chambers under four N treatments (0, 5, 15, and 30 g N m–2 year–1 as control, low N (LN), moderate N (MN), and high N (HN), respectively) in camphor tree and slash pine forests in subtropical China. Results showed that soil respiration rates decreased by 37% in the camphor tree forest and 27% in the slash pine forest on average on an annual base, respectively, in the N-fertilized treatments when compared with the control. No significant differences were found in the soil respiration rate among the LN, MN, and HN treatments in both forest types as these fertilized plots reached an adequate N content zone. In addition, soil microbial biomass carbon (C) content and fine root biomass declined in N-treated plots compared to the control. Our results indicated that elevated N deposition might alter the tree growth pattern, C partitioning, and microbial activity, which further affect soil C sequestration by reducing soil respiration in subtropical forests of China.

A new electrochemical three-component annulation-iodosulfonylation of 1,5-enyne-containing para-quinone methides (p-QMs) has been established by using available arylsulfonyl hydrazides and potassium iodide under environmentally benign conditions. The electrosynthesis offers sustainable and efficient access to construct spirocyclohexadienone-containing (E)-indenes without any additional catalyst or oxidant through a sulfonyl-radical-triggered 1,6-addition and an I+-mediated ipso-cyclization cascade. Notably, potassium iodide plays the triple role of an electrolyte, a redox catalyst, as well as an iodination reagent.

Background Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) is native to South America and is cultivated in several other parts of the world for its valued fruit. The fruit has therapeutic and nutritional properties that can satisfy the demands from health-conscious consumers. There has been increasing interest in using tamarillo for consumption and food and non-food product formulations. Overall, tamarillo is an underutilized, sustainable fruit crop with great potential for value-added products. Scope and approach This review summarizes the composition of nutritional components and biological properties of tamarillo. The chemical and biological properties of tamarillo are compared to those of common fruits and vegetables. Food and other uses of tamarillo are described. Innovative methods for the development of tamarillo-based products are suggested to maximize the potential of this fruit. Key findings and conclusions Tamarillo has a range of nutrients including dietary fibers, polyphenols, vitamins C, A, B, and E, carotenoids, potassium and iron. Health effects of tamarillo included antioxidative, antiproliferative, antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, allergenicity, and anti-obese properties. These health effects have been tentatively correlated to certain phytochemicals (e.g., non-starch polysaccharides, carotenoids, and anthocyanins). The properties of tamarillo-derived ingredients mainly depended on the cultivar and origin, plant parts, extraction conditions and analytical procedures. Research is needed to explore the composition-activity relationships and mechanisms underlying a biological activity. An array of tamarillo based products have been developed. Overall, tamarillo is a promising “new” fruit crop with potential to be exploited as a source of “healthy” products.

Various α-aminooxy amides bearing a quaternary carbon at the α-position were prepared in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions from N-vinyl nitrones and α-bromohydroxamates. The N-vinyl nitrones tolerate a wide range of N-vinyl fluorenone nitrones and N-vinyl isatin nitrones. Mechanistic studies show that the reaction initially proceeds through [3 + 3] cycloaddition between N-vinyl nitrones and aza-oxyallyl cations generated from α-bromohydroxamates to afford six-membered N,O-heterocycles, followed by double C–N bond cleavage in the presence of the Sc(OTf)3 catalyst. A selective N–O bond cleavage of the obtained α-aminooxy amides is also realized under Fe/NH4Cl conditions. Furthermore, gram-scalable preparations of α-aminooxy amides are easily achieved.

Small intestinal epithelium homeostasis involves four principal cell types: enterocytes, goblet, enteroendocrine and Paneth cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to affect enterocyte differentiation. This study determined the effect of dietary EGF on goblet, enteroendocrine and Paneth cell differentiation in piglet small intestine and potential mechanisms. Forty-two weaned piglets were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design; the major factors were time post-weaning (days 7 and 14) and dietary treatment (0, 200 or 400 µg/kg EGF supplementation). The numbers of goblet and enteroendocrine cells were generally greater with the increase in time post-weaning. Moreover, the supplementation of 200 µg/kg EGF increased (P < 0.01) the number of goblet and enteroendocrine cells in villus and crypt of the piglet small intestine as compared with the control. Dietary supplementation with 200 µg/kg EGF enhanced (P < 0.05) abundances of differentiation-related genes atonal homologue 1, mucin 2 and intestinal trefoil factor 3 messenger RNA (mRNA) as compared with the control. Piglets fed 200 or 400 µg/kg EGF diet had increased (P < 0.05) abundances of growth factor-independent 1, SAM pointed domain containing ETS transcription factor and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 mRNA, but decreased the abundance (P < 0.01) of E74 like ETS transcription factor 3 mRNA as compared with the control. Animals receiving 400 µg/kg EGF diets had enhanced (P < 0.05) abundances of neurogenin3 and SRY-box containing gene 9 mRNA as compared with the control. The mRNA abundance and protein expression of lysozyme, a marker of Paneth cell, were also increased (P < 0.05) in those animals. As compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 200 µg/kg EGF increased the abundance of EGF receptor mRNA and the ratio of non-phospho(p)-β-catenin/β-catenin (P < 0.05) in villus epithelial cells at days 7 and 14. This ratio in crypt epithelial cells was higher (P < 0.05) on the both 200 and 400 µg/kg EGF groups during the same period. Our results demonstrated that dietary EGF stimulated goblet, enteroendocrine and Paneth cell differentiation in piglets during the post-weaning period, partly through EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signalling.

Starch from 15 different rice genotypes with amylose content (AC) ranging 1.5%–30.6% were investigated for relationships between structures and properties. For parameters related to the granular level, the most important relationships were found for AC, average chain lengths (ACL) of the amylopectin (AP) fb1 chains having a length of DP 13-24, crystallinity, and the thickness of the crystalline (dc) and the amorphous lamellae (da) of the starch granule. AC and dc were negatively correlated with the peak gelatinization temperature (Tp), thermal enthalpy (ΔH), and peak viscosity (PV), but positively correlated with swelling power. ACLfb1 and da, as compared to AC and dc, had the opposite effects on these parameters, demonstrating important roles of specific molecular and lamellar structures on the starch granular stability. For the gelatinized systems, increasing ACLfb1 decreased retrogradation, while AC increased retrogradation by increasing the resistant starch (RS) content, storage modulus (G′), and setback (SB).

Selective autophagy mediates specific degradation of unwanted cytoplasmic components to maintain cellular homeostasis. The suppressor of gene silencing 3 (SGS3) and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6)‐formed bodies (SGS3/RDR6 bodies) are essential for siRNA amplification in planta. However, whether autophagy receptors regulate selective turnover of SGS3/RDR6 bodies is unknown. By analyzing the transcriptomic response to virus infection in Arabidopsis, we identified a virus‐induced small peptide 1 (VISP1) composed of 71 amino acids, which harbor a ubiquitin‐interacting motif that mediates interaction with autophagy‐related protein 8. Overexpression of VISP1 induced selective autophagy and compromised antiviral immunity by inhibiting SGS3/RDR6‐dependent viral siRNA amplification, whereas visp1 mutants exhibited opposite effects. Biochemistry assays demonstrate that VISP1 interacted with SGS3 and mediated autophagic degradation of SGS3/RDR6 bodies. Further analyses revealed that overexpression of VISP1, mimicking the sgs3 mutant, impaired biogenesis of endogenous trans‐acting siRNAs and up‐regulated their targets. Collectively, we propose that VISP1 is a small peptide receptor functioning in the crosstalk between selective autophagy and RNA silencing.

Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) is a sustainable source of starch with a high productivity. However, sago starch is much underutilized compared to commonly used starches such as maize and potato starches. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using sago starch for diverse food and nonfood applications. Sago starch was modified by various physical and chemical methods to obtain a range of functional properties. The starch in native and modified forms was used in many different applications such as in composite film formation and pharmaceutical applications. In the majority of the published research, the uses of sago starch for different applications were not compared to those of other industrially important starches. The comparison using the same experimental conditions should be done in the future to support the production and exploitation of sago starch. At a fundamental level, the structural, functional, and nutritional properties of sago starch were compared with some of the other starches. Overall, technical, environmental, and economic considerations suggested that sago starch has potential to be competitive in the global starch market for commercial applications.

The toxic effect of excessive manganese (Mn) on photosystem II (PSII) of woody species remains largely unexplored. In this study, five Mn concentrations (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 mM) were used, and the toxicity of Mn on PSII behavior in leaves of Ligustrum lucidum was investigated using in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence transients. Results showed that excessive Mn levels induced positive L- and K- bands. Variable fluorescence at 2 ms (VJ) and 30 ms (VI), absorption flux (ABS/RC), trapped energy flux (TRo/RC), and dissipated energy flux (DIo/RC) increased in Mn-treated leaves, whereas the performance index (PIABS), electron transport flux (ETo/RC), maximum quantum yield (φPo), quantum yield of electron transport (φEo), and probability that an electron moves further than QA− (ψo) decreased. Also, excessive Mn significantly decreased the net photosynthesis rate and increased intercellular CO2 concentration. The results indicated that Mn blocked the electron transfer from the donor side to the acceptor side in PSII, which might be associated with the accumulation of QA−, hence limiting the net photosynthetic rate.

Composition of bioactive compounds in cocoa beans is critical to the sensory and nutritional quality of cocoa based products. Twenty-six cocoa bean genotypes were freshly collected from the same plantation location in Indonesia. The bioactive compounds in these raw cocoa genotypes were identified and quantified. The results showed a great diversity in the composition of bioactive compounds among the 26 cocoa samples. The concentrations of methylxanthines, epicatechin, proanthocyanidin (PA) B-type oligomers, clovamide, and anthocyanins were important variables that differentiated these genotypes. MCC 01, SUL 3, ICCRI 03, and ICS 60 genotypes had the highest contents of flavan-3-ols including PAs and have the potential to be developed for "healthy" product formulations. Some genotypes such as DR 1, DR 2, DR 38, ICS 13, KPC 1, KW 617, RCC 71, and TSH 858 could be favored by industries due to the potential to be made into end-products with brighter appearance.

Background Starch based aerogels are a class of advanced biomaterials with low density and high specific surface area. The commonly used procedures of fabricating the aerogels are starch gelatinization, retrogradation, organic solvent exchange, and supercritical CO2 drying. The resulting starch based aerogels are nanoporous and have many potential applications. Scope and approach This review summarises the production, physicochemcial and functional properties, and diverse applications of starch based aerogels. Comparative analysis between starch based aerogels and other similar porous materials was done to reveal any advantages of the former. Key findings and conclusions The production of starch based aerogels is more environmentally friendly compared to that of other similar porous materials. The starch based aerogels have been used for encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds, biomedical uses and tissue engineering, as packaging and thermal materials, and as templates for the synthesis of novel functional materials. It becomes evident that starch based aerogels have great potential to be developed as novel advanced materials for different applications.

Starch-rich kiwifruit was made into flour to manage the culled kiwifruit from harvesting and for potential value added processing. Physicochemical properties of the flours made from starchy (unripe)/starch-less (eating-ripe) kiwifruit (‘Hayward’ and Gold3) were studied and compared to those of traditional flours (potato, maize and wheat). Contents of total dietary fiber and free phenolics and in vitro antioxidant capacities of kiwifruit flour were significantly higher than those of potato, maize and wheat flours. These nutritional properties suggested that the starchy kiwifruit flour could be a “healthy” food ingredient. Pasting, gel texture and dynamic oscillatory analysis showed that the starchy kiwifruit flours had some similar characteristics to traditional flours with differences. The viscosity and gelation were little developed in the flours of eating-ripe kiwifruit. The flour properties were much determined by starch content and properties. The starchy kiwifruit flour may be used for “novel” and “healthy” food formulations.

The supramolecular structures of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treated quinoa and maize starches were analyzed using wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. Quinoa starch lost its lamellar structure at a lower pressure (500 MPa) compared to maize starch (600 MPa). WAXS studies showed that HHP could enhance the formation of amylose-lipid inclusion complexes in maize starch but not in quinoa starch. The lamellar thickness of quinoa starch was significantly shorter than that of maize starch in their native state. Up to 500 MPa, the lamellar thickness of maize starch remained constant, while that of quinoa starch increased significantly. HHP treatment could cause an increase in length of the transition layer and this effect was less obvious in quinoa starch (0.1 nm) than in maize starch (0.3 nm) at 500 MPa. Two fractal regions were found in both quinoa and maize starches. HHP could reduce the compactness and roughness of the starch granules, while increasing the correlation length of these two starches. The difference in the structural changes after HHP treatment measured by SAXS between quinoa and maize starches was discussed in relation to their molecular structure.

New Zealand Maori potatoes (Taewa) represent underutilized genetic resources for potato quality. Rheological and thermal properties of starches from 5 Maori potato varieties were studied. Variations in swelling power and solubility, flow and pasting behaviors, dynamic oscillatory properties, gelatinization, and retrogradation were recorded among the starches. Compared to starches of modern potato varieties, Maori potato starches had similarities as well as differences in the properties. Analysis of structure-property relationships of starch components showed the importance of amylopectin structure and starch composition. In particular, some amylopectin internal structural parameters such as the amount of the majority of short B-chains significantly correlated with some physicochemical properties of Maori potato starch. The amylopectin internal structure was not the sole contributor to the starch properties. Structure-property correlation patterns for Maori potato starches contradicted with results of some previous studies, suggesting the importance of the starch type used in analyzing the relationships.

Ultrasound has potential to modify physicochemical properties of food systems. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) has become more popular due to the attractive nutritional quality. Whole grain quinoa flour was treated by ultrasound (20 kHz, 250 W) to different time length (up to 19 h). The treatment for more than 5 h significantly increased the water solubility and in vitro starch digestibility of quinoa flour, while decreasing the gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy change, viscosity during pasting event, gelling capacity, in vitro antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content. These changes were seen to depend mostly on treatment time, and indicated degradation and modifications of the chemical components (starch in particular) of quinoa flour. This study suggests the potential of ultrasound as a non-thermal processing tool to modify grain flour functionality.

Our previous work indicates the lymphatic network and perivascular spaces or tissues might be involved in the facial intradermal brain-targeted delivery of Evans blue (EB). In this article, we presented the detailed involvement of both, and the linkage between lymphatic network and perivascular spaces or tissues. The in-vivo imaging, the trigeminal transection and immunohistochemistry were used. In-vivo imaging indicated intradermal injection in the mystacial pad (i.d.) delivered EB into the brain at 2-, 6- and 24 h, while intranasal injection (i.n.) delivered EB into the rostral head and intravenous injection (i.v.) diffused EB weakly into the brain. Trigeminal perineurial and epineurial EB occurred along the perivascular spaces or tissues and along brain vessels. EB diffused into the lymphatic vessels and submandibular lymph nodes. Moreover, perineurial and epineurial EB co-located or overlaid with Lyve1 immuno-reactivity and VEGF antibody, and lymphatic network connected with perivascular spaces or tissues, suggesting lymphatic system-perivascular spaces might involve in the EB delivery with i.d. The trigeminal transection reduced the trigeminal epineurial and perineurial EB and brain EB along vessels. EB diffused in the fasciculus and the perineurium, blood and lymphatic vessels in the mystacial pad, mystacial EB overlaid VEGF or Lyve1 antibody. In summary, the dermal-trigeminal-brain perivascular spaces or tissues and the linkage to the lymphatic network mediated the intradermal brain-targeted delivery.

Background Pickering emulsions are stabilized by solid particles. Among the particles as emulsifiers, starch based particles have gained research focus. Starch is GRAS, non-allergenic, cheap, and abundant. Products of starch based Pickering emulsions are seen to be more “natural”. However, the information regarding starch based Pickering emulsions is scattered. Scope and approach This review summarizes the recent advances in starch modifications for Pickering emulsion fabrication. Physicochemical properties of starch based Pickering emulsions, including droplet size, in vitro digestibility, rheological properties, storage and process stability, and microstructure are described. Different applications of starch based Pickering emulsions are presented. Research gaps on Pickering emulsions are suggested. Key findings and conclusions Native starch granules are modified to become efficient emulsifiers in Pickering emulsions. The starch modifications include octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modification, hydrolysis, milling, non-solvent precipitation, ultrasound and high pressure treatments. The resulting Pickering emulsions have a droplet size of ∼1–100 μm which depends on emulsion composition, starch type, pH, and ionic strength. Different applications of the Pickering emulsions include Pickering emulsion polymerization, encapsulation of bioactive components for functional food systems, and formulation of emulsion-type products such as mayonnaise. It can be concluded that starch based Pickering emulsions have potential to be used in various food applications with improved functionalities.

Fresh noodles are a staple food item among Asian populations. Linseeds (Linum usitatissimum) as an emerging functional food ingredient are rich in a range of bioactive nutrients such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and α-linolenic acid. Ground linseed flour replaced wheat flour up to 200 g/kg for the formulations of fresh Asian salted noodles. Linseed addition enhanced the in vitro antioxidant activities, while decreasing the expected glycemic index of the cooked noodles in a dose-dependent manner. Linseed addition increased the cooking loss, while decreasing the hardness and tensile strength of cooked noodles. Sensory analysis showed that linseed addition up to 50 g/kg had little effect on the overall acceptability of the cooked noodles. It may be concluded that linseed addition at a suitable level has the potential to improve the nutritional properties of Asian salted noodles without compromising the eating quality.

Nitrate is the predominant nitrogen source for plant growth and development. However, sugarcane, globally used as the primary sugar crop and biofuel feedstock, displays a low nitrate use efficiency due to a low capacity in storing nitrate in shoots. It is well studied that the nitrate transporter (NRT/NPF) family functions as the gatekeeper in governing nitrogen uptake and distribution, and optimizing nitrogen utilization in plants. This makes it a promising target for improving nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane. Here, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of NRT/NPF genes at a genome-wide scale in Saccharum spontaneum. A BLAST search of NRT/NPF genes was initially performed against recently released sugarcane genome, followed by phylogenetic, gene structure and protein motif analysis. Additionally, NRT/NPF gene expression profile from various tissues was obtained from RNA-seq data analysis. As a result, we identified 178 NPF, 20 NRT2, and 6 NRT3 genes which spread across all 8 monoploid chromosomes. NPF and NRT3 exhibit high levels of genetic diversities as opposed to NRT2 which is more evolutionarily conserved. Interestingly, several SsNPF genes are products of gene fusions of several tandem duplications, which provide valuable structural resources for functional characterization of nitrate transporters. Moreover, several genes are tissue-specific expressed, indicating roles in tissue-specific nitrate translocations. A substantial number of NRT/NPF genes are heterogeneous in terms of their gene structures and mRNA abundance. Taken together, our work provides a genetic foundation for future investigations of molecular and physiological functions of sugarcane nitrate transporters.

The abnormalities in intestinal morphology and digestive function during weaning are associated with the loss of milk-borne growth factors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to stimulate the growth of animals. This study was to determine the effect of dietary EGF on nutrient digestibility, intestinal development and the expression of genes encoding nutrient transporters in weaned piglets. Forty-two piglets were weaned at 21 days and assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) basal diet (control), (2) basal diet + 200 µg/kg EGF or (3) basal diet + 400 µg/kg EGF. Each treatment consisted of 14 replicates, and seven piglets from each treatment were sampled on day 7 and 14. The EGF supplementation significantly elevated (p < 0.05) the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, but tended to decrease sucrase activity (p < 0.10) than the control group. At day 7 post-weaning, animals receiving EGF diets showed a tendency (p < 0.10) towards greater ileal villus height (VH), jejunal crypt depth (CD) and duodenal VH:CD when compared with the control group. Moreover, the mRNA levels of glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2), neutral amino acid transporter (Slc6a19) and calbindin D9k (S100G) tended to be higher (p < 0.10) for EGF groups than the control group. By day 14, EGF supplementation markedly enhanced (p < 0.05) the VH, CD and VH:CD in the jejunum compared to the control group. This addition also up-regulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA level and the protein abundance of peptide transporter 1 than the control group. These findings demonstrated that dietary EGF beneficially enhanced nutrient digestibility, improved intestinal development and increased the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters in weaned piglets.

An efficient and mild three-component cyanofluorination of vinyl ethers with Selectfluor and TMSCN is described. The reaction protocol is operationally simple, allowing the access to various α-alkoxy-β-fluoronitriles bearing quaternary α-carbons in good to excellent yields. The mechanistic studies indicated that the formation of an electron donor–acceptor (EDA) aggregate and a subsequent single electron transfer (SET) process might be involved in the reaction.

An efficient and mild method was developed for the synthesis of 6-alkylated phenanthridines upon visible light irradiation. Bench-stable and easily handled redox-active Katritzky pyridinium salts derived from abundant amino acids/peptides were used as radical precursors for the alkylation of isocyanobiphenyl species. The reaction displays an excellent functional group tolerance and a potential utility for peptide functionalization, allowing access to desired products in good to excellent yields.

Designing versatile materials for radiation protection is of great significance to the rapid development of nuclear technology. Here, BN@PbWO4 core-shell particles are successfully prepared via a facile sol-gel method. The structure and morphology of products are determined by XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR techniques. Compared with PbWO4 and h-BN, BN@PbWO4 exhibits much more excellent photocatalytic ability to degrade the organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB). Furthermore, it also has a good ability to jointly shield neutron and gamma radiations, especially better gamma radiation shielding in comparison with PbWO4. This work provides an integrated solution with the material that could deal with organic wastes and shield complex radiations in nuclear industry.

To maximize the final lactic acid productivity and concentration, temperature control was optimized using a mathematical modelling approach. A kinetic model, including cell growth, product formation and substrate consumption equations, was proposed to describe the lactic acid production process by Escherichia coli AC-521 with glycerol as the substrate. By constructing four functions, the temperature effect was introduced on the fermentation process, where four parameters (Xmax, μmax, Yps and β) were observed to be significantly affected by the temperature. For the convenience of application, the temperature control strategies were simplified by dividing the whole fermentation process into several units. In each unit, the temperature was controlled constantly. Based on the model, the optimal temperature for each unit was determined to maximize the final lactate productivity. This temperature control strategy can be effectively applied in batch and fed-batch cultures, and the verified experimental evaluation showed a good correlation with the model data. Under improved temperature control conditions, a maximal lactic acid concentration of 90.4 g L−1 was obtained after 80 h of fed-batch fermentation, giving a productivity of 1.13 g L−1 h−1, which is 1.2 times more than that in the conventional constant temperature during the cultivation course.

We took advantage of the iron binding affinity of apoferritin to immobilize iron–sulfur clusters into apoferritin up to 312 moieties per protein, with a loading rate as high as 25 wt%. The photocatalytic hydrogen generation activity in acidic aqueous solutions was achieved with TONs up to 31 (based on a single catalyst moiety) or 8.3 × 103 (based on a single protein) upon 3 h of visible light irradiation. The present study provides a versatile strategy to construct uniform protein/photocatalyst supramolecular systems with FeFe-H2ase activity.

Chinese steamed bread (CSB) is a staple food among Asian populations. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is an emerging ‘healthy’ food ingredient rich in a range of bioactive components. Ground linseeds were incorporated in northern style CSB formulation up to 20%. Various physico‐chemical, nutritional and sensory properties of the resulting CSB were studied. Linseed addition decreased the specific volume and spread ratio of CSB, while increasing the hardness and chewiness in a dose‐dependent manner. Linseed addition up to 15% little affected the overall sensory acceptability of CSB. Nutritionally, linseed addition increased the in vitro antioxidant activities of CSB, while decreasing in vitro starch digestibility and expected glycaemic index. It may be concluded that linseed has the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of CSB without negatively affecting the eating quality.

Goat milk has become more popular due to its attractive nutritional profile. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotics with health benefits. The enzymatic formation of GOS in reconstituted goat milk using two commercial β-galactosidases (L6500 from Kluyveromyces lactis and L10 from Aspergillus oryzae) was studied. The carbohydrate composition of the milk system was quantified using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. Major GOS produced by β-galactosidases under the experimental conditions (45 °C, pH 6.7) were 6-galactobiose, allolactose, and 6-galactosyllactose. The maximum GOS yields in goat milk with 10% total solids were obtained when the lactose conversion rates were 59% for L10 and 88% for L6500. Further increasing lactose conversion decreased GOS formation. Increasing milk concentration from 10% to 30% total solids (lactose concentration from 47 to 143 g/L) increased GOS yields up to 22% of the total sugars using L6500. It may be concluded that suitable experimental conditions can be used to produce GOS in goat milk with prebiotic function.

The selective and efficient capture of phosphopeptides is critical for comprehensive and in-depth phosphoproteome analysis. Reported here is a new switchable two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular polymer that can serve as an ideal platform for the enrichment of phos-phopeptides. A well-defined, positively charged metallacycle incorporated into the polymer endows the resultant polymer with a high affinity for phosphopeptides. Importantly, the stimuli-responsive nature of the polymer facilitates switchable binding affinity of phos-phopeptides, thus resulting in excellent performance in phosphopeptide enrichment and separation from model proteins. The polymer has a high enrichment capacity (165 mg/g) and detection sensitivity (2 fmol), high enrichment recovery (88%), excellent specificity, and rapid enrichment and separation properties. Additionally, we have demonstrated the capture of phosphopeptides from the tryptic digest of real bio-samples, thus illustrating the potential of this polymeric material in phosphoproteomic studies.

Purple-fleshed sweetpotato is a rich source of antioxidants such as polyphenols. Chinese steamed bread (CSB) is a popular food product for many people. The effect of CSB making process on the structure and phenolic profiles of CSB enriched with purple sweetpotato flour (PSPF) at different concentrations was investigated. The mixing process greatly reduced the gluten strength due to the incorporation of PSPF. The addition of PSPF induced extensive structural modification on CSB due to the starch-polyphenol and protein-polyphenol interactions. The total phenolic contents, in vitro antioxidant activity, and the contents of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were decreased by fermentation and proofing, but they were increased after steaming and storage. The anthocyanins were significantly degraded during the CSB making process. The textural and structural properties of CSB were significantly affected by the PSPF substitutions. The results of this study are useful to develop functional CSB with improved nutritional quality and phenolic profiles.

Leaf nutrient resorption is one of the important mechanisms for nutrient conservation in plants. Element stoichiometry is crucial to characterizing nutrient limitations and terrestrial ecosystem function. Here, we use nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption efficiencies (NRE and PRE) and their stoichiometry to evaluate the response patterns of leaf nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) to plant functional groups, species traits, climate, and soil nutrients on the global scale. In light of the findings from the global data set of published literature on N and P resorption by woody plants, we revisit the commonly held views that: The strong N fixation ability of N-fixers weakened the NRE, which was consistent with the general views. The NuRE was linearly negatively correlated with plant growth rate. The higher NuRE of evergreen species than deciduous plants revealed how leaf life span constrains nutrient conservation. From the perspective of NRE, PRE and their ratios, woody plants were limited by P in the tropical zone and the limiting nutrient gradually transformed into N in the temperate zone (23.43-66.57°). The NuRE of woody plants in the frigid zone was the largest than that of others implied that low temperature may limit the nutrient absorption by plant roots, thereby enhancing the retranslocation of nutrients by senesced leaves. Furthermore, Akaike weights analysis found that mean annual precipitation (MAP) and temperature (MAT), N-fixers, soil nutrients, and leaf life span have significant effects on nutrient resorption patterns, sequentially. Overall, these results showed that the plasticity of plant nutrient resorption patterns was strongly sensitive to plant functional groups and soil nutrients, but the regularity of NuRE on a global scale was controlled by temperature and precipitation. And the resorption stoichiometry pattern better interprets plant nutrient limitation and the synergy effect of N and P in plant and soil on multiple scales.

The valence-shell excitations of hydrogen sulfide have been studied by fast electron impact at a collision energy of 1.5 keV and an energy resolution of about 70 meV. By analyzing the variations of intensity and shape of the feature in the range of 5.0-7.5 eV at different scattering angles, the excitation energy of 5.85 ± 0.01 eV and the line width of 0.80 ± 0.01 eV of the 3b21A2 state have been determined. The generalized oscillator strengths of the valence-shell excitations in the energy range of 5.0-9.2 eV of hydrogen sulfide have been determined from the measured spectra. The corresponding optical oscillator strengths have been obtained by extrapolating the generalized oscillator strengths to the limit of zero squared momentum transfer. The integral cross sections have also been systematically determined from the threshold to 5000 eV by means of the BE-scaling method. The presently obtained oscillator strengths and integral cross sections have significant applications in the studies of planetary atmospheres and interstellar gases.