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Stacy Dixon, Xuan Kang, Dianna Quan Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USACorrespondence: Dianna Quan, Department of Neurology - University of Colorado, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Mailstop B185, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA, Tel +1 (303) 724-2188, Fax +1 (303) 724-2202, Email dianna.quan@cuanschutz.eduAbstract: Variant transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is an autosomal dominant inherited genetic disorder that affects 5000– 10,000 people worldwide. It is caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene and results in amyloid deposition in a variety of organs due to abnormal accumulation of TTR protein fibrils. Although this is a multisystem disorder, the heart and peripheral nerves are the preferentially affected organs. Over 150 TTR gene mutations have been associated with this disease and the clinical phenotype can vary significantly. Severe forms of the disorder can be fatal. Fortunately, the oligonucleotide-based therapy era has resulted in the development of several novel treatment options. Patisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle that targets both mutant and wild-type TTR and results in significant reductions of the TTR protein in the serum and in tissue deposits. Patisiran has been approved for treatment of adults with polyneuropathy due to hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis in both the United States (US) and European Union (EU). In this review, we will discuss the development of patisiran, the clinical trials that lead to treatment approval, and provide guideline parameters for use in clinical practice. &#x202FKeywords: patisiran, transthyretin, TTR, neuropathy, siRNA

This study aimed to extract phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peels using ultrasonic waves. A combination of ethanol, acetone, and water was used as an ingredient for the solvent mixture, and an augmented simplex centroid design was employed to determine the optimal volume ratio of these solvents to achieve the highest extraction yield. The optimal volume ratio of water, ethanol, and acetone was 0.34:0.38:0.28, respectively, and the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content achieved at 16.50 mg GAE/g db and 10.92 mg RE/g db. Additionally, experiments were conducted to assess the impact of various parameters of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), ultrasonic power, and temperature) on the recovery yield of phenolics and flavonoids. The suitable conditions for extracting phenolics and flavonoids were LSR of 30 ml/g, an ultrasonic power of 600W, and a temperature of 60°C, with an extraction time of 20 minutes. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were at 38.27 mg GAE/g db and 26.02 mg RE/g db. Overall, this research presents an effective approach for obtaining phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peels using ultrasonic-assisted extraction.

A combination of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) was employed to recover phenolic compounds from watermelon rind powder. Among the various NADES formulations tested, the most efficient formulation in terms of extraction effectiveness, as determined by Total Phenolic Contents (TPC), was the one derived from lactic acid and 1,2–propanediol. Single-factor experiments were systematically conducted to evaluate the impact of different UAE parameters, including the liquid-to-solid ratio, ultrasonic power, water content in NADES, and extraction duration, on TPC. The favourable conditions for the UAE process using the lactic acid and 1,2–propanediol-based NADES were found to be as follows: a liquid-to-solid ratio of 60 ml/g, 20% water content in NADES, a temperature of 30 °C, and an extraction duration of 15 minutes. This research presents an efficient, environmentally friendly, and practical method for the retrieval of phenolic compounds from watermelon rind powder.

Summary: LINC00116 encodes a microprotein first identified as Mitoregulin (MTLN), where it was reported to localize to the inner membrane of mitochondria to regulate fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. These initial discoveries were followed by reports with differing findings about its molecular functions and submitochondrial localization. To clarify the apparent discrepancies, we constructed multiple orthogonal methods of determining the localization of MTLN, including split GFP-based reporters that enable efficient and reliable topology analyses for microproteins. These methods unequivocally demonstrate MTLN primarily localizes to the outer membrane of mitochondria, where it interacts with enzymes of fatty acid metabolism including CPT1B and CYB5B. Loss of MTLN causes the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Intriguingly, loss of MTLN protects mice against western diet/fructose-induced insulin-resistance, suggests a protective effect of VLCFAs in this context. MTLN thus serves as an attractive target to control the catabolism of VLCFAs.

Purpose: Neurotrophic keratopathy is a degenerative disease characterized by damage to the corneal nerves leading to corneal hypoesthesia and anaesthesia. The resultant progressive visual deterioration is refractory to existing conventional treatment options. Corneal neurotization is a novel and effective surgical procedure that directly targets the underlying pathology of nerve loss by stimulating new corneal nerve growth. This study reports the outcomes and the pre- and postoperative in vivo confocal microscopy findings of the first published Australian case of indirect, minimally invasive, corneal neurotization using an ipsilateral sural nerve autograft. Observations: An 11-year-old boy developed corneal hypoesthesia in the left eye following surgical debulking of a cerebellopontine angle arachnoid cyst. He was diagnosed with Mackie Stage 1 neurotrophic keratopathy. Due to his hypoesthesia, he had developed recurrent microbial keratitis and corneal ulceration secondary to foreign bodies sustained during contact sports. At presentation, he reported photophobia and dry eye symptoms, corrected-distance visual acuity was 6/18, Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer demonstrated reduced corneal sensation (5–15mm), Schirmer's I test was 15mm, and in vivo confocal microscopy showed a complete absence of a subepithelial corneal plexus. He underwent indirect, minimally invasive, corneal neurotization using the ipsilateral supratrochlear nerve and a sural nerve autograft. Subjective improvement in corneal sensation was noticed by the patient at 2 months. Objective improvement, measured on Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer, was first observed at 6 months with steady stepwise improvement to 20–35mm at 21 months. Importantly, due to the increase in corneal sensation, the patient did not develop any further corneal complications. At 12 months, dry eye symptoms resolved and Schirmer's I test improved to 30mm. At 15 months, corrected-distance visual acuity improved to 6/5 and in vivo confocal microscopy demonstrated evidence of corneal reinnervation with nerves running through the subepithelial space surrounded by healthy and active keratocytes. Conclusions and importance: Corneal neurotization represents an exciting development in the armamentarium for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy and can be considered for younger patients with early-stage disease.

Educational attainment is widely assumed to be positively correlated with civic participation in the United States. Yet Asian immigrants represent a civic paradox because they often report low rates of civic participation despite having relatively high educational attainment. This study investigates how educational place mediates civic participation among six Asian immigrant groups in the United States. We use the concept of simultaneity to examine the extent to which foreign and domestic educational environments mediate Asian immigrant proclivities for civic participation. Using survey data from the 2016 National Asian American Survey pre-election survey, we find exposure to foreign educational place decreases civic participation for all Asian immigrants; and educational place mediates subgroup group-level proclivities for civic participation. We conclude by discussing the significance of educational contexts relative to collective transnational simultaneity.

Purpose: To describe the unusual case of inflammatory CRB1-associated retinal dystrophy that initially presented with self-resolving opsoclonus. Observations: We report the case of a now 2-year-old female who developed opsoclonus without myoclonus at the age of 4 months. An extensive workup for neuroblastoma and other systemic diseases was unremarkable, and all unusual eye movements self-resolved at age 10 months. Twenty-one months after initial presentation, she began having reduced visual behaviors, and comprehensive ophthalmic exam at that time revealed recurrent saccadic intrusions as well as severe, chronic retinal inflammation and dystrophic changes. An extensive infectious and inflammatory workup was negative. Genetic sequencing revealed two variants in CRB1: a heterozygous missense mutation and a heterozygous novel deletion involving exon 12. The patient was treated with monthly infliximab and methylprednisolone infusions with improvement in her optic disc and macular capillary leakage. The patient's 8-month-old sister also harbored the same variants in CRB1 and had early signs of retinal dystrophy and peripheral vascular leakage on exam. Conclusion: Saccadic intrusions may be the first sign of a retinal dystrophy, and infants and children with this presentation should undergo a complete eye exam. We further highlight the link between CRB1-associated retinal dystrophy and inflammation, and how systemic steroids and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors may be effective therapies. Finally, we report a novel deletion in CRB1 that is likely highly penetrant.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess both anatomic and functional outcomes between short-pulse continuous wavelength and infrared micropulse lasers in the treatment of DME. This was a prospective interventional study from tertiary care eye hospital—King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Patients with center-involving diabetic macular edema were treated with subthreshold laser therapy. Patients in the micropulse group were treated with the 810-nm diode micropulse scanning laser TxCell (IRIDEX Corporation, Mountain View, CA, USA) (subthreshold micropulse—STMP group). Laser was applied according to recommendations for MicroPulse (125 microns spot size, 300 ms pulse duration and power adjustment following barely visible testing burn) in a confluent mode (low intensity/high density) to the entire area of the macular edema. Patients in the short-pulse group were treated with grid pattern laser with 20 ms pulse PASCAL laser 532 nm (TopCon Medical Laser Systems, Tokyo, Japan) with EndPoint algorithm, which was either 30% or 50% of testing burn (EndPoint 30% and EndPoint 50% groups, respectively). Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA in logMAR) and foveal thickness at baseline and the last follow-up visit at 6 months. There were 44 eyes in the micropulse group, 54 eyes in the EndPoint 50% group and 18 eyes in the EndPoint 30% group. BCVA for the whole cohort (logMAR) was 0.451 (Snellen equivalent 20/56) at baseline, 0.495 (Snellen equivalent 20/62) (p = 0.053) at 3 months, and 0.494 (Snellen equivalent 20/62) at the last follow-up (p = 0.052). Foveal thickness for the whole cohort was 378.2 ± 51.7 microns at baseline, 347.2 ± 61.3 microns (p = 0.002) at 3 months, and 346.0 ± 24.6 microns at the final follow-up (p = 0.027). As such the short-pulse system yields more temporary reduction in edema. Comparison of BCVA between baseline and 6 months for EndPoint 30%, EndPoint 50% and STMP groups was p = 0.88, p = 0.76 and p = 0.003, respectively. Comparison of foveal thickness between baseline and 6 months for EndPoint 30%, EndPoint 50% and STMP groups was p = 0.38, p = 0.22 and p = 0.14, respectively. We conclude that the infrared micropulse system seems to improve functional outcomes. When applied according to previously published reports, short-pulse system may yield more temporary reduction in edema while infrared micropulse system may yield slightly better functional outcomes.

PurposeTo evaluate the ability of confocal near-infrared reflectance (NIR) to diagnose retrograde microcystic maculopathy (RMM) in eyes with temporal visual field (VF) loss and optic atrophy from chiasmal compression. To compare NIR findings with optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in the same group of patients.MethodsThirty-four eyes (26 patients) with temporal VF loss from chiasmal compression and 41 healthy eyes (22 controls) underwent NIR fundus photography, and macular OCT scanning. VF loss was estimated and retinal layers thickness were measured on OCT. Two examiners blinded to the diagnosis randomly examined NIR images for the presence of hyporeflective abnormality (HA) and OCT scans for the presence of microcystic macular abnormalities (MMA). The total average and hemi-macular HA area and number of microcysts were determined. The groups were compared and the level of agreement was estimated.ResultsThe OCT-measured macular retinal nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers were thinner and the inner nuclear layer was thicker in patients compared to controls. HA and MMA were detected in 22 and 12 patient eyes, respectively, and in 0 controls (pConclusionsRMM is a frequent finding in eyes with severe VF loss from long-standing chiasmal compression. NIR photography appears to be more sensitive than OCT for detecting RMM and may be useful as screening method for its presence.

This research work demonstrates a novel hybrid electrolyte based on a deep eutectic solvent (DES) combined with organic solvents for high-performance supercapacitors. DES was formed between ethylene glycol (EG) and lithium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) and diluted by ethylene carbonate (EC) or acetonitrile (AN) with different amounts (10–50% wt.). Such a combination gives superior properties for hybrid electrolytes compared to pure DESs and reduces the volatility of mixed organic solvents. Regarding the electrochemical properties, DES-AN mixtures exhibited a better performance under high applied voltage and more reversible behavior than DES-EC ones, which suffered from the increasing distance in the electrical double layer. DES 1 : 4 + 20% wt. AN exhibited favorable electrolyte properties such as high ionic conductivity (3.1 mS·cm−1 at 30oC), relatively lower viscosity (14.28 mPa s at 30oC, approximately 2 times lower thanDES pure), and quite large electrochemical stability window up to 3.4 V (at 20–30% wt. AN) compared to the baseline electrolyte (LiTFSI/TBABF4 in AN). With these interesting properties, selected hybrid electrolyte (DES 1 : 4 + 20% wt. AN) tested in the symmetric capacitor using the activated carbon offered decent capacitance (15 F·g−1 at 3.4 V with a scanning rate of 1 A·g−1 and remains around 95% after 100 cycles) and good charge-discharge durability (>80% retention after 2000 cycles), especially the EDLC with DES 1 : 4 + 20% wt. AN shows good rate capacity (13.2 F·g−1 at 2 A·g−1, remaining 6 F·g−1 at 10 A·g−1).

Purpose: To profile vitreous protein expression of intermediate uveitis (IU) patients. Observations: We identified a mean of 363 ± 41 unique proteins (mean ± SD) in IU vitreous and 393 ± 69 unique proteins in control samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of liquid vitreous biopsies collected during pars plana vitrectomy. A total of 233 proteins were differentially expressed among control and IU samples, suggesting a protein signature that could distinguish the two groups. Pathway analysis identified 22 inflammatory mediators of the interleukin-12 (IL-12) signaling pathway in IU vitreous. Upstream regulator analysis identified downstream mediators of IL-23 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MYD88), both of which are involved in the recruitment and differentiation of myeloid cells. Taken together, our results suggest the recruitment of myeloid cells as an upstream pathway in the pathogenesis of IU. Conclusions: This study provides insights into proteins that will serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IU. These biomarkers will help design future clinical trials using rational molecular therapeutics.

High production costs are biggest obstacles for the commercialization of the lignocellulosic bioethanol. For an attempt to reduce the chemical consumption of the alkaline pretreatment process, the waste solution with high basicity was investigated to be re-used. In respect to the pretreatment efficiency, a minimum addition of NaOH was calculated and the calculation philosophy was presented. The efficiency is defined as the change in the ratio of lignin/cellulose, which leads to cellulose-enriched material after pretreatment. Rubber wood saw dust was employed as the lignocellulose biomass feedstock. HPLC was used to analyze the chemical contents of the starting and pretreated material samples instead of the poor evaluation of the pretreatment efficiency based on only mass loss as that done in the previous study. The experimental results showed that with an alkaline solution of NaOH 2.0 wt% treating the woody material for 24 hours, the cellulose content increased from 41.2 % to 53.52 %, while reusing the wasted alkaline solution with a minimum addition of NaOH gives an almost-equal increase of 41.2% to 52.83 %. This method was shown to cut 30.3 % NaOH and 41.2 % fresh water consumption, implying an impressive saving of chemicals and fresh water while lignin removal efficiency of the process was well reserved.

Summary: It is well understood that fatty acids can be synthesized, imported, and modified to meet requisite demands in cells. However, following the movement of fatty acids through the multiplicity of these metabolic steps has remained difficult. To better address this problem, we developed Fatty Acid Source Analysis (FASA), a model that defines the contribution of synthesis, import, and elongation pathways to fatty acid homeostasis in saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid pools. Application of FASA demonstrated that elongation can be a major contributor to cellular fatty acid content and showed that distinct pro-inflammatory stimuli (e.g., Toll-like receptors 2, 3, or 4) specifically reprogram homeostasis of fatty acids by differential utilization of synthetic and elongation pathways in macrophages. In sum, this modeling approach significantly advances our ability to interrogate cellular fatty acid metabolism and provides insight into how cells dynamically reshape their lipidomes in response to metabolic or inflammatory signals. : Argus et al. developed Fatty Acid Source Analysis (FASA), a model that quantifies cellular fatty acid synthesis, elongation, and import. FASA is used to demonstrate that elongation can be a major contributor to cellular fatty acid content and that different stimuli reprogram macrophage fatty acid elongation pathways in distinct ways. Keywords: fatty acid homeostasis, fatty acid modeling, stable isotope labeling

Xuan Liang,1,* Xianyue Ren,2,* Zhenzhen Liu,1 Yingliang Liu,1 Jue Wang,2 Jingnan Wang,2 Li-Ming Zhang,1 David YB Deng,2 Daping Quan,1 Liqun Yang1 1Institute of Polymer Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Designed Synthesis and Application of Polymer Material, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; 2Research Center of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China *Both these authors contributed equally to this work Background: The purpose of this study was to synthesize and evaluate hyperbranched cationic glycogen derivatives as an efficient nonviral gene-delivery vector. Methods: A series of hyperbranched cationic glycogen derivatives conjugated with 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine (DMAPA-Glyp) and 1-(2-aminoethyl) piperazine (AEPZ-Glyp) residues were synthesized and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared and hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Their buffer capacity was assessed by acid–base titration in aqueous NaCl solution. Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (pDNA) condensation ability and protection against DNase I degradation of the glycogen derivatives were assessed using agarose gel electrophoresis. The zeta potentials and particle sizes of the glycogen derivative/pDNA complexes were measured, and the images of the complexes were observed using atomic force microscopy. Blood compatibility and cytotoxicity were evaluated by hemolysis assay and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, respectively. pDNA transfection efficiency mediated by the cationic glycogen derivatives was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy in the 293T (human embryonic kidney) and the CNE2 (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) cell lines. In vivo delivery of pDNA in model animals (Sprague Dawley rats) was evaluated to identify the safety and transfection efficiency. Results: The hyperbranched cationic glycogen derivatives conjugated with DMAPA and AEPZ residues were synthesized. They exhibited better blood compatibility and lower cytotoxicity when compared to branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI). They were able to bind and condense pDNA to form the complexes of 100–250 nm in size. The transfection efficiency of the DMAPA-Glyp/pDNA complexes was higher than those of the AEPZ-Glyp/pDNA complexes in both the 293T and CNE2 cells, and almost equal to those of bPEI. Furthermore, pDNA could be more safely delivered to the blood vessels in brain tissue of Sprague Dawley rats by the DMAPA-Glyp derivatives, and then expressed as green fluorescence protein, compared with the control group. Conclusion: The hyperbranched cationic glycogen derivatives, especially the DMAPA-Glyp derivatives, showed high gene-transfection efficiency, good blood compatibility, and low cytotoxicity when transfected in vitro and in vivo, which are novel potential nonviral gene vectors. Keywords: glycogen, blood compatibility, cytotoxicity, gene delivery

Several nuclear imaging techniques can be used to diagnose infectious and inflammatory processes. F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful diagnostic technique to detect inflammation and infection quickly and accurately. We report the case of a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and recurrent bacterial infections where FDG PET/CT was used to identify the source of infection as sternal osteomyelitis and rule out suspected infection of the aortic valve prosthesis.

Macrophages reprogram their lipid metabolism in response to activation signals. However, a systems-level understanding of how different pro-inflammatory stimuli reshape the macrophage lipidome is lacking. Here, we use complementary "shotgun" and isotope tracer mass spectrometry approaches to define the changes in lipid biosynthesis, import, and composition of macrophages induced by various Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammatory cytokines. "Shotgun" lipidomics data revealed that different TLRs and cytokines induce macrophages to acquire distinct lipidomes, indicating their specificity in reshaping lipid composition. Mechanistic studies showed that differential reprogramming of lipid composition is mediated by the opposing effects of MyD88- and TRIF-interferon-signaling pathways. Finally, we applied these insights to show that perturbing reprogramming of lipid composition can enhance inflammation and promote host defense to bacterial challenge. These studies provide a framework for understanding how inflammatory stimuli reprogram lipid composition of macrophages while providing a knowledge platform to exploit differential lipidomics to influence immunity.

Plasma membranes of animal cells are enriched for cholesterol. Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are pore-forming toxins secreted by bacteria that target membrane cholesterol for their effector function. Phagocytes are essential for clearance of CDC-producing bacteria; however, the mechanisms by which these cells evade the deleterious effects of CDCs are largely unknown. Here, we report that interferon (IFN) signals convey resistance to CDC-induced pores on macrophages and neutrophils. We traced IFN-mediated resistance to CDCs to the rapid modulation of a specific pool of cholesterol in the plasma membrane of macrophages without changes to total cholesterol levels. Resistance to CDC-induced pore formation requires the production of the oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and redistribution of cholesterol to an esterified cholesterol pool. Accordingly, blocking the ability of IFN to reprogram cholesterol metabolism abrogates cellular protection and renders mice more susceptible to CDC-induced tissue damage. These studies illuminate targeted regulation of membrane cholesterol content as a host defense strategy.

Radiologic imaging techniques, such as F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG PET/CT), provide diagnostic value in a variety of diseases. In cases of suspected infection, FDG PET/CT can find areas of fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism, correlating with local acute inflammation. The following case involves a man with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who presented with symptoms of infection and positive blood cultures with high suspicion of arteriovenous fistula as the source of infection. The patient also had two central lines that could be a site of infection. Concerns for patient's persistent positive blood cultures necessitated FDG PET/CT to confirm site of infection. Confirming active infection and the source of infection guides therapeutic measures and eliminates concern for other disease etiologies common in patients with ESRD.

It is well understood that fatty acids can be synthesized, imported, and modified to meet requisite demands in cells. However, following the movement of fatty acids through the multiplicity of these metabolic steps has remained difficult. To better address this problem, we developed Fatty Acid Source Analysis (FASA), a model that defines the contribution of synthesis, import, and elongation pathways to fatty acid homeostasis in saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid pools. Application of FASA demonstrated that elongation can be a major contributor to cellular fatty acid content and showed that distinct pro-inflammatory stimuli (e.g., Toll-like receptors 2, 3, or 4) specifically reprogram homeostasis of fatty acids by differential utilization of synthetic and elongation pathways in macrophages. In sum, this modeling approach significantly advances our ability to interrogate cellular fatty acid metabolism and provides insight into how cells dynamically reshape their lipidomes in response to metabolic or inflammatory signals.

Cellular lipid requirements are achieved through a combination of biosynthesis and import programs. Using isotope tracer analysis, we show that type I interferon (IFN) signaling shifts the balance of these programs by decreasing synthesis and increasing import of cholesterol and long chain fatty acids. Genetically enforcing this metabolic shift in macrophages is sufficient to render mice resistant to viral challenge, demonstrating the importance of reprogramming the balance of these two metabolic pathways in vivo. Unexpectedly, mechanistic studies reveal that limiting flux through the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway spontaneously engages a type I IFN response in a STING-dependent manner. The upregulation of type I IFNs was traced to a decrease in the pool size of synthesized cholesterol and could be inhibited by replenishing cells with free cholesterol. Taken together, these studies delineate a metabolic-inflammatory circuit that links perturbations in cholesterol biosynthesis with activation of innate immunity.

This study aimed to extract phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peels using ultrasonic waves. A combination of ethanol, acetone, and water was used as an ingredient for the solvent mixture, and an augmented simplex centroid design was employed to determine the optimal volume ratio of these solvents to achieve the highest extraction yield. The optimal volume ratio of water, ethanol, and acetone was 0.34:0.38:0.28, respectively, and the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content achieved at 16.50 mg GAE/g db and 10.92 mg RE/g db. Additionally, experiments were conducted to assess the impact of various parameters of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), ultrasonic power, and temperature) on the recovery yield of phenolics and flavonoids. The suitable conditions for extracting phenolics and flavonoids were LSR of 30 ml/g, an ultrasonic power of 600W, and a temperature of 60℃, with an extraction time of 20 minutes. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were at 38.27 mg GAE/g db and 26.02 mg RE/g db. Overall, this research presents an effective approach for obtaining phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peels using ultrasonic-assisted extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) was employed to recover phenolic compounds from watermelon rind powder. Among the various NADES formulations tested, the most efficient formulation in terms of extraction effectiveness, as determined by Total Phenolic Contents (TPC), was the one derived from lactic acid and 1,2-propanediol. Single-factor experiments were systematically conducted to evaluate the impact of different UAE parameters, including the liquid-to-solid ratio, ultrasonic power, water content in NADES, and extraction duration, on TPC. The favourable conditions for the UAE process using the lactic acid and 1,2-propanediol-based NADES were found to be as follows: a liquid-to-solid ratio of 60 ml/g, 20% water content in NADES, a temperature of 30 ℃, and an extraction duration of 15 minutes. This research presents an efficient, environmentally friendly, and practical method for the retrieval of phenolic compounds from watermelon rind powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]