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Pressure sensors for living organisms can monitor both the movement behavior of the organism and pressure changes of the organ, and they have vast perspectives for the health management information platform and disease diagnostics/treatment through the micropressure changes of organs. Although pressure sensors have been widely integrated with e-skin or other wearable systems for health monitoring, they have not been approved for comprehensive surveillance and monitoring of living organisms due to their unsatisfied sensing performance. To solve the problem, here, we introduce a novel structural design strategy to manufacture reduced graphene oxide-polypyrrole aerogel-based microfibers with a typical coaxial heterogeneous structure, which significantly enhances the sensitivity, resolution, and stability of the derived pressure microsensors. The as-fabricated pressure microsensors exhibit ultrahigh sensitivities of 12.84, 18.27, and 4.46 kPa-1 in the pressure ranges of 0-20, 20-40, and 40-65 Pa, respectively, high resolution (0.2 Pa), and good stability in 450 cycles. Furthermore, the microsensor is applied to detect the movement behavior and organic micropressure changes for mice and serves as a platform for monitoring micropressure for the integrative diagnosis both in vivo and in vitro of organisms.

Ammonia (NH3) is an important chemical substance widely used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industry. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere, which is also the main raw material for the production of ammonia. However, due to the strong bond energy of NN, cracking the triple bond between nitrogen and nitrogen is the most important step in the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Two-dimensional layered materials have been widely explored due to their large specific surface area and tunable electronic structure, such as graphene, black phosphorus, and MXenes. To achieve the targeted design of a new type of nitrogen reduction electrocatalyst, relevant theoretical calculations must be done before the experiment. However, it is far from enough to rely on the two-dimensional layered material; thus, it is necessary to compound itself, or prepare its related derivatives.

Photothermal conversion in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, wherein light energy is converted into heat energy, has attracted great interest and developed rapidly in recent years for its wide applications in health care, flexible electronics, energy and environmental fields. However, the photothermal temperature, as one of the most important parameters in the NIR photothermal conversion, still has not been effectively studied. Herein, we successfully achieved ultrahigh photothermal temperatures in a graphene/conducting polymer system. The surface temperature of the prepared free-standing reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole (rGO/PPy) foam can be as high as 380 °C with 808 nm NIR irradiation at 2.6 W cm−2, and the surface temperature of the rGO/PPy film on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate can be as high as 310 °C under the same conditions. The photothermal energy has been used for burning, thermopolymerization, alloying reactions and thermal decomposition reactions, providing new directions for photothermal conversion beyond photothermal therapy and energy utilization.

The high-osmolarity glycerol response (HOG) pathway is pivotal in environmental stress response, differentiation and virulence of Alternaria alternata. The synthetic high osmolarity sensitive sensor Sho1 has been postulated to regulate the HOG pathway. To determine the regulatory role of transmembrane protein Sho1 on vegetative growth, secondary metabolism and infection structure formation, a gene (AaSho1) encoding Sho1 was cloned and characterized from A. alternata (JT-03). Sequence analysis showed that AaSho1 has all four characteristic transmembrane domains and the SH3 domain present in another Sho1 gene from several filamentous fungal. The quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that fruit wax extract significantly up-regulated AaSho1 gene expression in vitro. Pharmacological experiments showed that A. alternata treated with nystatin, a specific AaSho1 inhibitor, had no significant effect on the morphology of A. alternata and the invasive growth in pear fruit. However, nystatin treatment significantly reduced spore germination rates on different wax-coated hydrophobic surfaces, with 58.00, 46.70 and 83.72% reduced for fruit wax, beeswax and paraffin coated. Meanwhile, the secondary metabolism altenuene (ALT), tentoxin (TEN) toxin, and melanin content were also affected by nystatin treatment. These findings suggest that AaSho1 is required for the infection structure differentiation and secondary metabolism of A. alternata in response to physiochemical signals on the host surfaces.

This study investigated the reactions among CO32−, PO43−, NH4+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, under different CO32− concentration and Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio, and conducted sludge anaerobic digestion (AD) with silicate addition to achieve in-situ CO2 sequestration and nutrients removal. High CO32− concentration facilitated the formation of MgNH4PO4, and Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of 1:1 achieved best CO32−, PO43−, and NH4+ removal in simulated anaerobic digestate. Supplementation of 40 g/L magnesium silicate combined with 20 g/L wollastonite decreased CO2 content in biogas from 28.2% to 19.0%, and removed PO43− and NH4+ by 61.8% and 21.2%, respectively, in AD. Simultaneous in-situ CO2 sequestration and nutrients removal was achieved by directed precipitation of PO43−, NH4+, and CO2 with silicate released Mg2+ and Ca2+, to form MgNH4PO4 and CaCO3. Meanwhile, methane production was improved by 51.2% with silicate supplementation. This study provides an attractive measure for CO2 and nutrients removal as well as methane production enhancement of sludge AD.

Twelve polyketones were isolated from the fermentation broth of Penicillium sp., including six new compounds (supplementary material). Penicillium sp. is widely used in clinic as a highly effective and low toxic antibiotic. Among these compounds, (3R, 7R)-7-acetoxyl-9-oxo-de-O-methyllasiodiplodin named PS-2 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. So, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PS-2 was investigated by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results showed that PS-2 can significantly inhibit the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), whereas it showed no inhibition on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Cell-free colorimetric method demonstrated that PS-2 could obviously inhibit the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Western blot results indicated that PS-2 could significantly inhibit high expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Further investigations on the anti-inflammatory mechanism showed that PS-2 could suppress the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), but did not exhibit obvious inhibition on the phosphorylation of c-JunN-terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphorylated 38 (p38). In addition, PS-2 inhibited the degradation of inhibitor of kappa-B alpha (IκB-α) and translocation to nucleus of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggested that PS-2 might be an effective intervention against inflammatory diseases.

The technical parameters of synthesizing N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) from citric acid and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) were optimized using a Box-Behnken model of response surfac...

MoS2 quantum dots (QDs)-modified covalent triazine-based framework (MoS2 /CTF) composites are synthesized through an in situ photodeposition method. MoS2 QDs are well distributed and stabilized on the layers of CTFs by coordination of the frameworks to MoS2 . The QDs-sheet interactions between MoS2 and CTFs facilitate interfacial charge transfer and separation. As a consequence, the composites exhibit outstanding photocatalytic activity and stability for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation (λ≥420 nm), that exceed those over pristine CTFs and MoS2 -modified g-C3 N4 (MoS2 /g-C3 N4 ) composite, making them promising materials for solar energy conversion.

L-lysine, an important basic amino acid, its catabolic pathway is activated upon microbial pathogen attack in plants and has a central role in plant immunity. The control effects of exogenous L-lysine treatment on Alternaria rot in postharvest ‘Zaosu’ pear fruit and possible mechanisms involved were studied. The results showed that L-lysine treatment inhibited Alternaria rot development and the effect was negatively correlated with the treatment concentration, lesion diameter of 0.1 mM L-lysine treated fruit was 43.7 % lower than that of the control 15 d after treatment. Further studies showed that L-lysine treatment significantly suppressed O2−, H2O2, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and enhanced catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and gene expression in pear fruit. β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), and chitinase (CHI) activities and PbrGLU, PbrCHI, and PbrPR-1 gene expression were also induced by exogenous L-lysine. The findings suggest that postharvest L-lysine treatment effectively enhanced disease resistance through inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and activating defense-related protein in pear fruit.

Lepidopteran P450s of the CYP6B and CYP9A subfamilies are thought to play important roles in host plant adaptation and insecticide resistance. An increasing number of paralogs and orthologs with high levels of sequence identity have been found in these subfamilies by mining recent genome projects. However, the biochemical function of most of them remains unknown. A better understanding of the evolution of P450 genes and of the catalytic competence of the enzymes they encode is needed to facilitate studies of host plant use and insecticide resistance. Here, we focused on the full complement of CYP6B (4 genes) and CYP9A (7 genes) in the generalist herbivore, Helicoverpa armigera. These P450s were heterologously expressed in Sf9 cells and compared functionally. In vitro assays showed that all CYP6B and CYP9A P450s can metabolize esfenvalerate efficiently, except for the evolutionarily divergent CYP6B43. A new 2'-hydroxy-metabolite of esfenvalerate was identified and found to be the main metabolite produced by CYP9A12. All tested P450s showed only low induction responses to esfenvalerate. To put these results from H. armigera P450s in perspective, 158 complete CYP6B and 100 complete CYP9A genes from 34 ditrysian species were manually curated. The CYP9A subfamily was more widespread than the CYP6B subfamily and the latter showed dramatic gains and losses, with ten species lacking CYP6B genes. Two adjacent CYP6B loci were found on chromosome 21, with different fates during the evolution of Lepidoptera. The diversity and functional redundancy of CYP6B and CYP9A genes challenge resistance management and pest control strategies as many P450s are available to insects to cope with chemical stresses they encounter.

Our previous study confirmed that bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) participated in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by affecting macrophage polarization. The focus of this study was to further confirm the role of macrophages in BMP9-mediated NASH and to analyze the underlying mechanism. In vivo, mice that were administered adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors containing a null transgene (AAV-null) or the BMP9 transgene (AAV-BMP9) were divided into methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) and control diet (CD) groups, and they were administered either control liposomes or clodronate liposomes via tail vein injection, the latter to deplete macrophages. The mice were sacrificed after 4 weeks of MCD diet feeding. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with or without BAY11-7085 (an NF-κB inhibitor) and stimulated with recombinant human BMP9 (rh-BMP9). To explore the underlying mechanism of action of BMP9, primary human monocyte-derived macrophages were additionally investigated and immunohistochemistry, biochemical assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were used. The characteristics of NASH-related inflammation were assessed by hepatic histological analysis. Serum AST and ALT and hepatic triglyceride were examined by biochemical assays. We found that the expression of M1 macrophage genes (including CD86, IL1β, IL6, MCP-1 and TNFα) and the number of M1 macrophages (iNOS+ macrophages) in the liver were significantly elevated after BMP9 overexpression and BMP9 directly upregulated TLR4 expression in MCD-induced NASH. These effects were eliminated by macrophage depletion. In vitro, we discovered that BMP9 enhanced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB to induce macrophage M1 polarization in RAW264.7 cells and it promoted LPS-mediated activation of the NF-κB pathway in primary human macrophages. Taken together, this study demonstrates that BMP9 promotes NASH development by directly acting on macrophages.

To develop the potential applications of Plantago plants, seed oils were extracted from 14 cultivars of Plantago around China. Their fatty acid profiles, tocopherols, carotenoid compositions, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were also investigated. The Plantago seed oils (PSO) were abundant in linolenic acid from 11.12 to 29.36 g/100 g oil and had low fatty acid ratio of n-6/n-3 ratio matched with the dietary recommendations. The tocopherol contents of PSO ranged from 693.25 to 3708.80 μg/g and the lutein contents ranged from 2.29 to 26.68 μg/g. The PSO showed significant inhibitory effects on TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells induced by LPS. In addition, the properties on scavenging DPPH, oxygen and hydroxyl radicals indicated that PSO had potential antioxidant properties. The results could develop PSO as novel functional foods to improve human health.

Background and aims Scoparone has been shown to ameliorate many forms of liver disease, and several underlying molecular mechanisms involved have been previously revealed. However, the potential role of scoparone in autophagy, which is dysregulated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD-NASH), has not been evaluated. In the current study, we investigated the effect and potential mechanisms of scoparone in hepatic autophagy in mice with NASH. Methods In vivo, mice were fed a methionine–choline deficient (MCD) diet to establish a NASH model and then subjected to treatment with or without scoparone for 4 weeks. In vitro, scoparone was applied in a hepatocellular lipid overload model in AML12 cells challenged with palmitic acid (PA) and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Results Scoparone improved impaired autophagy and several key features of NASH in mice fed an MCD diet. In vitro, scoparone had an effect on the autophagy of macrophages but not hepatocytes. In RAW264.7 cells, scoparone reduced the LPS-induced accumulation of autophagosomes and autophagy substrates, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the inflammatory response. Scoparone inhibited the upregulation of p62 transcription, which is mediated by the ROS/P38/Nrf2 axis. Chloroquine (CQ), an inhibitor of autophagic flux, significantly inhibited scoparone-mediated protection against inflammation. In addition, scoparone suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and MHY1485 (an mTOR activator that inhibits autophagy) inhibited the anti-inflammatory effect of scoparone. Conclusions In LPS-induced macrophages, scoparone regulates autophagy and further suppresses inflammation by inhibiting the ROS/P38/Nrf2 axis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and enhancing autophagic flux. Scoparone may improve hepatic autophagy and NASH partly through enhancing autophagy in macrophages but not hepatocytes. Scoparone is expected to become a novel therapeutic drug for NASH or diseases associated with dysregulated autophagy in macrophages.

Liver inflammation and macrophage infiltration are critical steps in the progression of non‑alcoholic fatty liver to the development of non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis. Bone morphogenetic protein‑9 is a cytokine involved in the regulation of chemokines and lipogenesis. However, the function of bone morphogenetic protein‑9 in non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis is still unknown. The present study hypothesized that bone morphogenetic protein‑9 may contribute to steatohepatitis in mice fed a methionine choline deficiency diet (MCD). C57BL/6 mice overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein‑9 and control mice were fed the MCD diet for 4 weeks. Liver tissue and serum samples were obtained for subsequent measurements. Bone morphogenetic protein‑9 overexpression exacerbated steatohepatitis in mice on the MCD diet, as indicated by liver histopathology, increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity, aspartate transaminase activity, hepatic inflammatory gene expression and M1 macrophage recruitment. Although bone morphogenetic protein‑9 overexpression did not affect the expression of pro‑fibrogenic genes, including Collagen I (α)1 or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, it did upregulate the expression of transforming growth factor‑β and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and downregulated the expression of MMP2. The above results indicate that bone morphogenetic protein‑9 exerts a pro‑inflammatory role in MCD diet‑induced non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Scoparone, a naturally-occurring, bioactive compound isolated from the Chinese herb Artemisia capillaria, has been shown to ameliorate hepatotoxicity and cholestasis in liver diseases. However, the pharmacological effect of scoparone in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of scoparone in NASH. In vivo, the NASH model was established in mice fed a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4weeks, with or without simultaneous scoparone treatment. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were pretreated with or without different concentrations of scoparone. Hepatic triglycerides and serum AST and ALT levels were examined by biochemical assays. Hepatic histology was assessed by H&E, oil red O and Masson's trichrome staining methods, which were applied to analyze the protective effects of scoparone in NASH. To further explore the underlying mechanism of scoparone, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting assays were applied to liver tissue or LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. We found that scoparone can effectively improve hepatic steatosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in an MCD diet-induced NASH murine model. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that scoparone treatment alleviates NASH- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses in macrophages partly by blocking TLR-4/NF-κB signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our results present the potential protective effects and mechanism of scoparone in NASH, suggesting a potentially beneficial drug treatment for NASH.

Micro-resolution range finder (MRRF) is an essential tool in various cutting-edge fields such as shooting macro, precision instrument, vibration monitoring and micro-collision-avoidance systems. Desirable MRRF requires micro-scale precision, high accuracy, rapid response, and long-term cycling stability. Yet conventional MRRFs based on optical feedback, precise machining, piezoelectric effects and magnetostriction are still limited by complicated designs, precise sequence of tasks, and cumbersome device volume. As such, for the first time, we present a new-type of micro-distance sensor consisting of reduced graphene oxide/high-oriented polypyrrole foam (rGO/HOPPyF) for MRRF. Based on the distance-resistance property of the as-prepared foam, the micro-distance sensor has shown advantages of easy operation, low cost, miniaturized device. Here, large-rate resistance change and great mechanical stability are realized in rGO/HOPPyF, thus allowing precise and accurate micro-distance detection. The micro-distance sensor demonstrates ultrahigh sensitivities of 386.7, 1260 and 546.7 m−1 within the step-length regions of 10 ~ 80, 80 ~ 290, 290 ~ 570 µm, respectively. Remarkably, both the precision and accuracy of our sensor are superior over those of the commercial micrometer and laser rangefinders, providing a new technological advance towards practical MRRF.

Yolk sac tumor (YST) is a common malignant primitive germ cell tumor that often exhibits differentiation into endodermal structures. They most commonly occur in childhood and adolescence and are rare after the age of 40 years. Derived from the yolk sac during the embryonic period, YSTs can occur in the gonads and germ cells because the tumor cells migrate from the yolk sac toward the gonads. Here, we present a rare case of primary gluteus YST in a 3-year-old girl. She received BEP chemotherapy (bleomycin + etoposide + cisplatin) after surgical resection. There was no evidence of recurrence 7 months after primary treatment.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury causes acute organ damage or dysfunction, and remains a problem for liver transplantation. In the I-R phase, the generation of reactive oxygen species aggravates the injury. In the current study, a novel selenocysteine-containing 7‑mer peptide (H-Arg-Sec-Gly-Arg-Asn-Ala-Gln-OH) was constructed to imitate the active site of an antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The 7‑mer peptide which has a lower molecular weight, and improved water‑solubility, higher stability and improved cell membrane permeability compared with other GPX mimics. Its GPX activity reached 13 U/µmol, which was 13 times that of ebselen (a representative GPX mimic). The effect of this GPX mimic on I‑R injury of the liver was assessed in rats. The 7‑mer peptide significantly inhibited the increase in serum hepatic amino‑transferases, tissue malondialdehyde, nitric oxide contents, myeloperoxidase activity and decrease of GPX activity compared with I‑R tissue. Following treatment with the 7‑mer peptide, the expression of B‑cell CLL/lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2) was significantly upregulated at the mRNA and protein level compared with the I‑R group, as determined by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. By contrast, Bcl‑2 associated X protein (Bax) was downregulated by the 7‑mer peptide compared the I‑R group. Histological and ultrastructural changes of the rat liver tissue were also compared among the experimental groups. The results of the current study suggest that the 7‑mer peptide protected the liver against hepatic I‑R injury via suppression of oxygen‑derived free radicals and regulation of Bcl‑2 and Bax expression, which are involved in the apoptosis of liver cells. The findings of the present study will further the investigation of the 7-mer peptide as an effective therapeutic agent in hepatic I-R injury.

Summary Four methods were applied to dry yam slices, and then, starches were isolated from dried yam slices. Starch isolated from fresh yam was as the study control, and physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starches were studied. The results showed that the amylose content ranged from 12.62% to 28.25%, water-binding capacity (WBC) from 111.67% to 262.88%, paste clarity from 2.1% to 6.23%, resistant starch (RS) from 66.60% to 88.49% and crystallinity from 11.27% to 25.52%. Compared with the control starch, hot air-drying at 60 °C significantly decreased amylose content, paste clarity, RS and crystallinity, while increasing the WBC. Low levels of rapidly digestible starch and glucose and high RS levels were found in the starch from freeze-drying yam. Digestibility of the starches was significantly correlated with amylose content, WBC, paste clarity and swelling power. The starch samples were divided into three groups by principal component analysis (PCA).

The spinel LiMn2O4 was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method using acetone as the reductant under different hydrothermal temperatures. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that optimal LiMn2O4 particles (LMO-120) were synthesized at the temperature of 120°C and the particles were well distributed and about 410 nm in size. Electrochemical performance showed that the as-prepared LiMn2O4 particles exhibited a higher initial discharge capacity than commercial LiMn2O4 (131.5 mAh g−1 versus 115.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C). An excellent discharge capacity retention rate of 94.07% was observed after 60 charge–discharge cycles. On the other hand, when cycled at the high rate of 1 C, the optimal LiMn2O4 in this work showed a high discharge capacity of 107.5 mAh g−1 in contrast to only 92.3 mAh g−1 of the commercial LiMn2O4. These results indicate that LMO-120 showed excellent electrochemical performance, especially the prolonged cycling life and high-rate performance, which suggested that this spinel LiMn2O4 has promise for practical application as a high-rate cathode material for lithium ion batteries.

Physicochemical and bio-functional properties of three starches including native starch (NS), the dual enzyme-treated starch (DES) and the cross-linked carboxymethyl starch (CCS) were investigated in the current study. The resistant starch (RS) contents ranged from 33.91 to 43.71%, which were decreased by modification. For the first time, the anti-constipation and hypolipidemic effect of yam starches are demonstrated. Three starches were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR spectroscopy. DES's crystalline structure collapsed and lost its granular shape during modification, indicating that DES had a high water binding capacity and high solubility. However, only minor changes of CCS's granular surface and crystallinity were observed. Furthermore, anti-constipation effect of the three yam starches was evaluated by intestine propulsion and defecation in constipated mice. There was more short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in colon with DES and CCS, than that with native starches. Therefore, the modified starches were proved to be better for improving the small intestine propulsion function by generating more SCFAs. Hypolipidemic effect was also evaluated by monitoring the triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in mice. This study reports new bioactive starches, with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

In this work, a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst, Co/CoP embedded N-doped carbon (Co-NC@CoP-NC) nanopolyhedra, was derived by the thermal pyrolysis of ZIF-67 under an Ar atmosphere and a subsequent phosphidation process. The nanopolyhedra show excellent activity and stability for both the OER and ORR, which are attributed to the production of highly stable active CoP, and the intact protection of the Co by the N-doped carbon layers.

CdS quantum dots (QDs) are excellent visible-light-driven photocatalysts due to their unique small size (

Aims The primary focus of this study was to explore the effects of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein H (CREBH) on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods CREBH knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice were averagely divided into a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) or high fat (HF) diet group and respective chow diet (CD) groups. Mice were sacrificed after 4-week treatment for MCD model and 24-week treatment for HF model. Key findings Characteristics of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis in KO-MCD/HF group were verified by hepatic histological analyses. Compared with WT-MCD/HF group, levels of plasma ALT and hepatic hydroxyproline increased in KO-MCD/HF group. Significantly higher levels of MCP-1, αSMA, Desmin, COL-1, TIMP-1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 were found while MMP-9 and FGF21 mRNA levels decreased in KO-MCD/HF group. There was also a distinct difference of mRNA levels of TNFα, CTGF and CCND1 in KO-HF group compared with controls. Protein levels of MCP-1, BAX, αSMA, COL-1, TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3 significantly increased in KO-MCD/HF group and CCND1 was also upregulated in KO-HF group compared to their counterparts. Significance CREBH knockout may primarily regulate the TGF-β1 signaling pathway via TGF-β2 and FGF21 resulting in more severe inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD.

Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) has excellent CH4 production performance, however, CO2 still remains in the produced biogas at high content. For achieving in-situ CO2 sequestration and thus upgrading biogas, mineral carbonation was integrated into a MEC treating sludge hydrolysate. With 19 g/L wollastonite addition, in-situ mineral CO2 sequestration was achieved by formation of calcite precipitates. CH4 content in the biogas was increased by 5.1 % and reached 95.9 %, with CH4 production improved by 16.9 %. In addition, the removals of polysaccharide, protein, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the MEC were increased by 4.4 %, 6.7 %, and 8.4 %, respectively. The generated precipitates rarely accumulated on bio-cathode, and did not significantly affect the morphology of cathode biofilm. However, integrating mineral carbonation resulted in a higher relative abundance of Methanosarcina on anode and slightly decreased the ratio of Methanobacterium to Methanosaeta on cathode, which should be noticed. In conclusion, integrating mineral carbonation is an attractive way to improve the performance of MEC by achieving in-situ CO2 sequestration, accompanied with CH4 production enhancement.

This study investigated the feasibility and performance of simultaneous in-situ CO2 sequestration and CH4 production promotion by wollastonite addition in sludge AD. A maximum CH4 yield increment of 30.8% and maximum methane production rate increment of 64.9% with wollastonite addition at dosage of 16.25 g/L were achieved. CO2 was efficient sequestered by wollastonite addition and resulted in a higher CH4 content of 81.7%–82.4%. The mechanism of CO2 sequestration by wollastonite was confirmed as Ca2+ release and subsequently carbonation based on cation and precipitates analysis. The results demonstrated that wollastonite could be applied as an effective additive for simultaneous in-situ CO2 sequestration and CH4 production promotion of sludge AD.

Nine Lilium samples (belong to 6 different cultivars with different maturity stage) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), total saponins (TS), total carbohydrates (TC, polysaccharides), and soluble proteins contents (SP), and the monomeric components were quantified utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector (HPLC-PAD) associated with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Antioxidant activity (reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity), anti-inflammatory (xylene-induced mouse ear edema detumescent assay and carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema detumescent assay), and sedative-hypnotic capacities (sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep assay) were comparatively evaluated in mouse model. Additionally, correlation analysis and principal component analysis were carried out to detect clustering and elucidate relationships between components' concentrations and bioactivities to clarify the role of effective composition. Lilium bulbs in later maturity stage preliminary evidenced higher saponins content, and lower phenolic acids and flavonoids content. The result demonstrated that Lilium bulbs generally had distinct antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sedative-hypnotic capacities. Varieties statistically differed (P < 0.05) in chemical composition and bioactivities. Lilium varieties of Dongbei and Lanzhou presented potent sedative-hypnotic effect and anti-inflammatory activity. The antioxidant capacity was related to the phenolic acids and flavonoids contents, the anti-inflammatory and sedative-hypnotic capacities were related to the saponins content. This is first study presenting comprehensive description of common edible Lilium bulbs' chemical compositions, sedative-hypnotic, and anti-inflammatory capacities grown in China. It would informatively benefit the genetic selection and cultivated optimization of Lilium varieties to improve nutritional quality, and promote Lilium bulbs as a therapeutic functional food worldwide.

In this study, molecularly imprinted technology, combined with fluorescence measurement and computer simulation, was used to detect contaminant p-nitrophenol. Seven molecular dynamics simulations of molecular imprinting prepolymerization systems were performed to optimize the imprinting shell. Results indicated that the system with a p-nitrophenol (4-NP): 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES): tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) mole ratio of 8 : 8 : 12 led to the best stable template–functional monomer clusters and the hybrid SiO2 layer with CdS-like clusters on the surface of CdTe was synthesized by a simple reflux procedure. The prepared imprinted materials (CdTe@SiO2-MIPs) on the surface of silica contained CdTe nanoparticles (CdTe@SiO2) by surface imprinting and Stober method polymerization were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible analysis and X-ray diffraction. A linear relationship between relative fluorescence intensity and the concentration of 4-NP was obtained with a limit of detection of 0.08 μmol L−1 and the imprinting factor (IF) was 2.23 which indicated that special binding sites with binding property to p-nitrophenol were created on the surface of the CdTe@SiO2-MIPs materials. Ultimately, the feasibility of the fluorescent materials was successfully evaluated through the analysis of 4-NP in tap water and lake water. The recoveries were above 97.3%.

To reduce the shuttle effect of lithium sulfur (Li–S) batteries and improve the cycling stability, the surface of the commercial separator in an Li–S battery was modified by the O2 plasma treatment, which generated lots of electronegative oxygenic functional groups such as –COOH and –OH on the surface of the separator. In order to confirm the existence and the effect of the electronegative oxygenic functional groups on the modified separator, the contact angle measurement and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) were investigated. The charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests of the Li–S battery assembled with the normal and the O2 plasma treated separator were analyzed. The surface characterization demonstrated that the oxygenic functional groups on the surface of the separator by the plasma modification played a critical role in improving the wettability and increasing electrical insulating properties. The cycling performance of Li–S batteries with the plasma treated separator had an obvious improvement owing to the electrostatic repulsion between electronegative oxygenic functional groups on the surface of O2 plasma treated separator and electronegative polysulfide. The battery assembled with O2 plasma treated separator had a higher capacity retention (48.53%) than that of the normal separator (24.51%).

BACKGROUND Dioscorea resources with vital medicinal and functional values are abundant in south-west regions of China, especially in Sichuan Province. However, the resource in this region has received less attention compared with that of the north. D. zingiberensis, D. collettii, D. kamoonensis cv. Emei and Jinfo, and D. melanophyma from Sichuan Province and Chongqing City were studied with regard to the most abundant carbohydrate (starch) to search for new medicinal and food resources. RESULTS The starches were small round granules or small oval granules and large elongated granules, except D. zingiberensis starch granules, which were disc-like in shape. D. zingiberensis and D. collettii starches showed higher values in total starch content, water-binding capacity and infrared ratio of absorbance bands at 1047/1035 and 1047/1022 cm−1. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated a higher gelatinisation temperature required more energy during the gelatinisation process. D. zingiberensis and D. collettii starches showed higher resistant starch content of 724.0 and 693.2 g kg−1, respectively, with lower hydrolysis index and estimation of glycaemic index. All the starches exhibited an A-type pattern except D. melanophyma starch, which showed a C-type pattern evaluated by X-ray diffraction. CONCLUSION These results showed that the starches with their low hydrolysis index values possessed potential values as healthy food. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Combinatorial approaches in directed evolution were proven to be more efficient for exploring sequence space and innovating function of protein. Here, we presented the modular assembly of secondary structures (MASS) for constructing a combinatorial library. In this approach, secondary structure elements were extracted from natural existing protein. The common linkers were flanking secondary structure elements, and then secondary structure elements were digested by Hinf I restriction endonuclease that was used in the construction of combinatorial library for the first time. The digested DNA fragments were randomly ligated in the sense orientation, then in sequence to be amplified by PCR and transformation. This approach showed that different DNA fragments without homologous sequences could be randomly assembled to create significant sequence space. With the structure analysis of recombinants, it would be beneficial to the rational design, even to the design of protein de novo, and to evolve any genetic part or circuit.

TiO2 hollow spheres modified with spatially separated Ag species and RuO2 cocatalysts have been prepared via an alkoxide hydrolysis–precipitation method and a facile impregnation method. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies indicate that Ag species and RuO2 co-located on the inner and outer surface of TiO2 hollow spheres, respectively. The resultant catalysts show significantly enhanced activity in photocatalytic hydrogen production under simulated sunlight attributed to spatially separated Ag species and RuO2 cocatalysts on TiO2 hollow spheres, which results in the efficient separation and transportation of photogenerated charge carriers.

Structural and functional properties of starches isolated from Ginkgo biloba L. (GBL), Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook. f. (ADB) and Bletilla sfriata (Thunb.) Reiehb. f. (BSR) have been studied using a range of characterization methods including amylose content, water-binding capacity, paste clarity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), amylose leaching, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in vitro digestion. Considerable differences in these properties were observed. Amylose content varied from 16.7% to 30.5%, while paste clarity was in the range of 8.03–25.3%. Moreover, the shape of starch granules varied from spherical, elliptical to irregular or polygonal with different sizes. ADB displayed a B-type pattern, while GBL and BSR showed a C-type pattern. In addition, amylose leaching (AML) varied linearly with temperature for BSR, while the AML of other samples increased gradually below 60 °C, but increased dramatically beyond 60 °C. The three starch samples had similar gelatinization temperature ranging from 63.0 to 76.7 °C, but showed lower enthalpy values (0.90–3.96 J/g) than most of conventional starch. GBL and ADB possessed much higher slowly digested starch (SDS) content in vitro digestion, which made them suitable candidates for dietary starch.

The effect of alkali-treatment for 0, 15, and 30 days at 35 °C on amylose content, morphological properties, crystalline properties, swelling power, solubility, absorbance spectra and in vitro digestibility of starches from Dioscorea zingiberensis , Dioscorea persimilis and Dioscorea opposita were investigated. The amylose content of all the three starches decreased after 15 days of alkaline treatment and then increased after 30 days of alkaline treatment. There were similar changes in relative crystallinity for D. zingiberensis and D. persimilis starches. It was observed that the three starches displayed a reduction trend in swelling power with a significant increase in solubility. Adhesion among some of the starch granules was observed after alkali-treatment for 30 days in D. zingiberensis and D. opposita starches, while D. persimilis starch showed some hollows on the granule surface. The rise in the absorbance ratio of 1047/1035 and 1047/1022 cm −1 from FT-IR was observed during alkali-treatment for D. persimilis and D. opposita starches. Alkali-treatment elevated the in vitro digestibility with resistant starch values climbing up from 50.16% to 64.95% and from 66.14% to 70.74% for D. zingiberensis and D. persimilis starches, respectively, but there was no significant change in resistant starch value for D. opposita starch.

A novel hydrothermal stripping technique is developed to synthesize pure LiFePO4 and LiFePO4/C cathode materials. The pure sample is directly synthesized by the cation exchange between the organic phase which is prepared with FeSO4·7H2O and naphthenic acid, and aqueous phase prepared with H3PO4 and LiOH. SEM exhibits that the primary sizes of the well-distributed LiFePO4 and LiFePO4/C particles are about 150 nm and 100 nm in diameter, respectively. TEM indicates the LiFePO4/C is uniformly coated with a carbon layer about 2.7 nm in size. The as-prepared LiFePO4 exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 135.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and the LiFePO4/C composite sintered at 650 °C for 4 h exhibits the best electrode properties with discharge capacities of 151.7, 154.8, 149.8 and 139.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, 0.2 C, 0.5 C and 1.0 C rates, respectively. In addition, the LiFePO4/C also shows excellent capacity retention and cycle performances.

Physicochemical properties (paste clarity, water-binding capacity, swelling power, solubility and thermal properties) and in vitro digestion of starches isolated from ten different Dioscorea plants were investigated. Moisture content ranged from 7.52% to 15.75% and protein content varied between 0.010% and 0.028%. All of the starches gave a typical C-type X-ray diffraction pattern except D.BY (C A -type pattern) and Dioscorea persimilis (B-type pattern) starches. The relative crystallinity of them varied from 12.02% to 51.68%. The starches displayed significant variability in thermal transition temperatures and susceptibility to in vitro digestion, and varied in rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), resistant starch (RS) contents, hydrolysis index (HI) and glycemic index (GI). The ten Dioscorea starch samples can be classified into two major clusters by hierarchical cluster analysis: one cluster with more D.PP, D.BY and D.RC, and another cluster with D. XM, D.M-1, D.M-2, D.TG, D.H, D.CJ and D.J.

A series of novel 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecanes (cyclen)-based cationic lipids bearing histidine imidazole group 10a-10e were synthesized. These amphiphilic molecules have different hydrophobic tails (long chain, cholesterol or α-tocopherol) and various type of linking groups (ether, carbamate or ester). These molecules were used as non-viral gene delivery vectors, and their structure-activity relationships were investigated. As expected, the imidazole group could largely improve the buffering capabilities comparing to cyclen. The liposomes formed from 10 and dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (DOPE) could bind and condense plasmid DNA into nanoparticles with proper size and zeta-potentials. Comparing with Lipofectamine 2000, the formed lipoplexes gave lower transfected cells proportion, but higher fluorescence intensity, indicating their good intracellular delivering ability. Furthermore, results indicate that transfection efficiency of the cationic lipids is influenced by not only the hydrophobic tails but also the linking group. The cyclen-based cationic lipid with α-tocopherol hydrophobic tail and an ester linkage could give the highest transfection efficiency in the presence of serum.

Different sources of Dioscorea nipponica Makino. were collected from different regions, Funiu, Qingyuan, and Yichun. Starches isolated from the three sources were studied regarding their morphological, physicochemical, and thermal properties. Funiu and Qingyuan starches have larger granules than Yichun starch. The swelling power (85–95°C), solubility (85–95°C), amylose leaching, moisture content, protein content, and starch content were found to be higher compared to the Yichun starch. However, the Yichun starch displayed much higher gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) (1.69 J/g), meanwhile Funiu starch presented the lowest values (0.55 J/g). To, Tp, and Tc values varied from 68.41 to 71.96°C, 73.83 to 77.76°C, and 78.92 to 82.52°C, respectively. Funiu starch with higher digestibility was more susceptible to in vitro starch digestibility than Qingyuan and Yichun starches after 40–180 min, which provided more information about the starch nutritional component.

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (PSA), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PLP), and Curcuma phaeocaulis Val. (CPV) all contained abundant starch in tubers, which have usually been discard as waste in the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper, the intrinsic properties of three TCM starches were studied and the structure–property relationships were analyzed, on the purpose of exploring new starch resource for food and non-food industries. PSA starch with the highest amylose (AM) content showed the lowest water binding capacity (WBC), while the CPV starch showed the contrary. Moreover, the starches differed in granule shape and size. The PSA and PLP starches had larger spherical or elliptic granules, whereas CPV starch possessed the smallest granules in large number among the three starches. PSA starch displayed the typical C-type diffraction pattern, while the PLP and CPV starches were classified as A-type pattern. The degrees of crystallinity of the three TCM starches were about 22.8, 16.6, and 24.2%, respectively. The starch separated from CPV indicated the highest transition temperatures (To, Tp, and Tc) and gelatinization temperature range (R) value with lowest peak height indices (PHI), whereas PLP starch showed the lowest transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel).

The effect of sulfur fumigation and freeze–drying on the physicochemical and functional properties of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. starch was investigated. Freeze–drying markedly decreased the AM content of starch from 16.68 to 8.59%. Both sulfur fumigation and freeze–drying decreased the protein content but obviously increased the water absorption capacity and swelling power. Sulfur fumigation significantly increased the solubility of starch. Retrogradation tests showed that Chinese yam starch had a poor stability of retrogradation in water, salty, sugar, and acidic medium, but a good stability in alkaline medium. SEM analysis showed that different drying methods had minor effects on the morphological properties of D. opposita cv. Ma starch. Although the pattern of D. opposita cv. Ma starch was C-type and was not affected by drying methods, sulfur-fumigation, and freeze–drying increased the crystalline degree of starches from 23.24 to 25.16% and 34.40%, respectively. A minor difference was found in the Fourier transform infrared spectra of native and treatment starches. After sulfur fumigation and freeze–drying, the peak gelatinization temperatures increased from 71.03 to 76.03°C and 83.07°C, respectively, whereas the gelatinization enthalpy and gelatinization range decreased.

The physicochemical, morphological and crystal structure characterization of the starches separated from rhizomes of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. Dioscorea alata Linn., Dioscorea nipponica Makino, Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. and Dioscorea septemloba Thunb. were studied and compared. Amylose content varied between 13.58% and 20.05%. Water-binding capacity, swelling power, solubility and total starch content of starches differed significantly. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the surface was smooth or rough, the granules were oval to spherical and the size was obviously different. D. nipponica displayed A-type pattern. D. opposita D. alata, D. septemloba and D. bulbifera starches all exhibited C-type crystal. While the crystallinity degree of the starches separated from the five species were about 33.90%, 37.63%, 43.11%, 32.06% and 53.35%, respectively. The gelatinization transition temperatures (To, Tp and Tc) and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) and peak height index (PHI) were determined. D. OT, D. AL and D. BL starches showed the higher enthalpy of gelatinization. Pasting viscosity of D. OT and D. BL starches were much higher than others. The five plants could be separated into two groups: D. OT, D. AL and D. BL; D. ST and D. NM.

Starches isolated from the bulbs of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (PLO) and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (PTB) were hydrolysed by glucoamylase for different lengths of time (2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h). The hydrolysis results were compared by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray power diffractometer (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The SEM results revealed that both of the PLO and PTB starches showed the same hydrolysis mechanism, which indicated that the glucoamylase primarily attacking the exterior of starch granules and then the interior. The results of XRD revealed the crystalline type of PTB starch changed from C-type to A-type with crystallinity reducing from 43.5 to 20.9% during the hydrolysis. Unlike PTB starch, the PLO starch did not show marked changes in crystalline style but lower degree of crystallinity was obtained from 32.4 to 13.7% during the hydrolysis. All the XRD results demonstrated that B-type polymorph was preferentially degraded than A-type polymorph in the C-type starch. The DSC results revealed that both of the PLO and PTB starches showed decreased enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) and gelatinization temperature range (R)-value after hydrolysis, while the gelatinization temperature (Tp) indicated different tendency, initially ranging from 68.6 to 64.3°C and then increasing to 67.8°C for PLO starch. While for PTB starch, the Tp-value showed progressive reduction from 85.4 to 74.3°C during the whole process.

The free putrescine (Put) content, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and the polyamine oxidase (PAO) activity in roots of Malus hupehensis Rehd. var. pinyiensis Jiang (PYTC) were significantly increased, and reached its peak at 1, 2 and 6 h, respectively, under cadmium treatment. The free spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) contents were dramatically decreased, and reached the minimum value at 4–6 h, then remained relatively stable. The change in total free polyamines (PAs) content was consistent with that of free Put. The number of root dead cells was gradually increased after treatment for 24 h, and the typical characteristics of programmed cell death (PCD) were displayed at 48 h. Throughout the Cd treatment process, changes in PAs metabolism appeared to be prior to cell death increase, and the H2O2 content was always maintained at a high level. These results indicated that polyamines could initiate cell death by generating H2O2 in roots of Malus hupehensis Rehd. under CdSO4 stress.

Dioscorea alata Linn. (D. AL) rich in starch was widely used as food and medicine. This work aimed to compare the effect of acid and glucoamylase on the starch of different reaction time. The physicochemical properties of the native and hydrolyzed starches, such as swelling power (SP), starch solubility (SOL), and paste clarity were also determined in this study. The native and modified starches by acid and glucoamylase were compared and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and secondary derivative FT-IR spectroscopy. The morphological characteristics of native D. AL starch granules revealed by SEM varied from round to oval or elliptic with smooth surface. SEM showed that glucoamylase primarily attacked the exterior of starch granules and permeate into the interior by the cracks formed on the surface. Owing to acid hydrolysis, the starch granules were depressed and transformed to bread-like in shape and then broke into irregular lumps with particles adhered. From secondary derivative FT-IR spectrum, the intensities of the two peaks from acid and enzyme hydrolysis starches at 1137 and 1066/cm were stronger than native starch. Some new peaks appeared due to hydrolysis. The digested starches exhibited a lower SOL and SP than native starch in water as the temperature increasing. The light transmittance of the digested starches was significantly higher than that of native starch paste and decreased with increase in storage period.

The starches separated from bulbs of four different lily cultivars (Lanzhou, Pinglu, Yixing-1, and Yixing-2) were investigated for physicochemical, morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties. AM content of lily bulbs starches from different cultivars ranged from 19.46 to 25.17%. The swelling power of starches ranged between 14.4 and 21.3 g/g, and the solubility ranged from 8.92 and 16.6% at the temperature of 85°C. Four cultivars of lily starches paste had excellent transparency and the transmittance value of Lanzhou lily as high as 54.7%. The transmittance of the gelatinized aqueous starch suspensions, from all lily cultivars, decreased with increase in storage period. The shape of starch granules varied from triangular to cylindrical and XRD of four lily starches all showed B-type pattern. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) were determined using DSC. Tp varied from 62.52 to 65.25°C. Pinglu lily starch showed the highest ΔHgel and gelatinization range (Tc–To) index among starches from four different lily cultivars.

The starches studied from the nine Fritillaria species had differently shaped and sized granules but all of them showed the presence of smooth, round, or elliptic-shaped, indicating that the isolation process did not destroyed the starch granules. The nine Fritillaria starches presented different AM content, moisture content, ash content, particle size, swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacity and light transmittance. The starches isolated from Chuan-Beimu species exhibited a higher amount of crude protein content and lower amount of AM than other the groups, which had lower swelling power, higher solubility and light transmittance. All the nine Fritillaria starches had an XRD pattern of the B-type. In addition, F. hupehensis, F. walujewii and F. ussuriensis starches with fairly large-sized or irregular granules had higher Tp and ΔHgel values than that isolated from the four Chuan-Beimu species. The results obtained yielded information about the possible behavior of these starches when being used in certain applications. Cluster analysis results showed that this classification method based on macromolecule chemical compounds (starch) is original and credible in the quality control of various Beimu. In addition, it provided more information to the authentication systematics taxonomy methods including morphological, histological and molecular biological techniques of Fritillaria species.

The physico‐chemical, morphological, thermal, and crystal properties of the starches separated from three different rhizomes of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. (D.BLH, Hubei; D.BLG1, Guangxitianlin; D.BLG2, Guangxiyulin) were studied and compared. A light microscopic technique was applied in order to quantify the integrity and shape of the starch granules after isolation. Amylose contents of different cultivars were in the range of 12.18–14.34%. Moisture content, ash content, swelling power, solubility, water‐binding capacity, and protein content of starches also differed significantly. The three different D. bulbifera starches all showed a typical C‐type pattern with crystallinity 45.36, 27.10, and 53.04%, corresponding to D.BLH, D.BLG1, and D.BLG2, respectively. The starch separated from the three starches above showed gelatinization range of 10.09, 11.55, and 7.26°C, corresponding to D.BLH, D.BLG1, and D.BLG2. The enthalpy of gelatinization (I”Hgel) ranged from 1.28 to 3.11 J/g. Correlation analysis displayed that amylose content and relative crystallinity values were important in determining thermal starches.

Physico-chemical properties of rice starch gels prepared by microwave, ultrasonic–microwave synergistic and conventional heat treatments were investigated in this study. The results showed that the gel firmness and the hydrolysis degree of non-waxy rice starch gels obtained from microwave heat (75.3 ± 3.8 g, 60.8 ± 1.7%) and ultrasonic–microwave synergistic treatment (88.2 ± 2.1 g, 65.1 ± 2.2%) were significantly lower than that from the conventional heat (115.7 ± 3.1 g, 78.5 ± 3.0%). It was observed that the less damage to starch granules was induced by microwave treatment for non-waxy rice starch gels. The retrogradation data of the tested samples were analyzed by the DSC. The results indicated that the retrogradation rate of non-waxy rice starch gels prepared by microwave and ultrasonic–microwave synergistic treatments was lower than that by the conventional heat. These findings suggest that the differences in physico-chemical properties of rice starch gels were mainly attributed to the damage extent of starch granules under the different treatments.

Aconitum, an important toxic traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in clinical practice. Owing to its toxicity, it should be processed before application. Aconiti lateralis Preparata (ALP) is one of the most important commercial processed products of Aconitum. The object of this work is to study the physicochemical and functional properties of Aconitum and ALP starches. The results revealed that AM content changed, transforming from 37.5 to 27.5% after processing. The shape of Aconitum starch granules also changed from spherical or oval with sizes of 5–15 µm to irregular and polygonal with sizes of 30–60 µm. The crystallinity of Aconitum decreased from 38.7 to 23.0% after processing. The transition temperatures (To, Tp and Tc) and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) were determined using DSC. To, Tp and Tc decreased from 52.9 to 48.6, 66.9 to 58.9, and 82.2 to 69.3°C, respectively. Aconitum starch showed higher ΔHgel values (1.6 J/g), while the ALP starch showed lower values (0.4 J/g).