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EEG-based human identification has gained a wide range of attention due to the further increase in demand for security. How to improve the accuracy of the human identification system is an issue worthy of attention. Using more features in the human identification system is a potential solution. However, too many features may cause overfitting, resulting in the decline of system accuracy. In this work, the graph convolutional neural network (GCN) was adopted for classification. Multiple features were combined and utilized as the structure matrix of the GCN. Because of the constant signal matrix, the training parameters would not increase as the structure matrix grows. We evaluated the classification accuracy on a classic public dataset. The results showed that utilizing multiple features of functional connectivity (FC) can improve the accuracy of the identity authentication system, the best results of which are at 98.56%. In addition, our methods showed less sensitivity to channel reduction. The method proposed in this paper combines different FCs and reaches high classification accuracy for unpreprocessed data, which inspires reducing the system cost in the actual human identification system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus gasseri JM1, a novel strain isolated from infant feces, exhibited common probiotic properties such as high acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance, and adhesion to epithelial Caco-2 cells, suggesting its ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract and confer potential probiotic action on the host. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of L. gasseri JM1 and explore the underlying signaling pathways in vitro. The results showed that pretreatment with L. gasseri JM1 alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response, as evidenced by downregulation of genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines [ IL1B , IL6 , IL8 , and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA)] and upregulation of genes encoding anti-inflammatory cytokines [ IL4 , IL10 , transforming growth factor-β3 (TGFB3), and IFNG ]. A high level of gene expression was noted for toll-like receptor 2 and NOD-like receptor 2. Meanwhile, transcriptomic sequencing obtained 84 differentially expressed genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was activated by L. gasseri JM1 in Caco-2 cells. Inhibitor of PI3K/Akt played various roles in the release of cytokines, indicating that the pathway was involved in protecting the host against lipopolysaccharide stress. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing revealed fundamental genetic properties of L. gasseri JM1 and provided clues for probiotic characteristics. In summary, the strain could exert immunomodulatory effects via the toll-like receptor 2 and NOD2-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and be regarded as a potential probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Ultrafine GBFS and Portland cement were used to obtain homogenous hydration products. • Physically and chemically bound chlorides were quantified by modified DTG method. • Water-soluble and non-water-soluble chlorides were quantified by involving desorption. • The stability of physically and chemically bound chlorides was discussed. • Non-water-soluble chloride of PC-40% GBFS paste was as high as 3.66 times as that of PC paste. Abstract An optimization of Portland cement (PC)-supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) system focusing on the characteristics of hydration products is significantly important to decrease the thermal and chemical shrinkages and increase the chloride binding capacity, consequently to decline the diffusion rate of chloride into cement-based materials. In the present study, ultrafine granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) was added into ultrafine Portland cement (PC) pastes to obtain homogenous hydration products, and then the hydration heat, chemical shrinkage, chloride binding capacity and stability of the PC-GBFS pastes were investigated. The results show that with the increase of the GBFS addition, the ultimate hydration heat of the PC-GBFS pastes increased initially and then decreased sharply, and the chemical shrinkage increased slightly with the increase of the GBFS addition. The cement pastes with 40–60% GBFS had acceptable hydration heat and chemical shrinkage, more important, its total bound chloride and non-water-soluble bound chloride increased by 24% and 177%, respectively, compared to those of Portland cement paste. Additionally, about 50% of chemically bound chloride in the form of Friedel's salt was water-soluble chloride due to ion-exchange, and 5–20% of physically bound chloride in C-S-H was non-water-soluble chloride after desorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generalized interval fuzzy mixed integer programming model is proposed for the multimodal freight transportation problem under uncertainty, in which the optimal mode of transport and the optimal amount of each type of freight transported through each path need to be decided. For practical purposes, three mathematical methods,i.e.the interval ranking method, fuzzy linear programming method and linear weighted summation method, are applied to obtain equivalents of constraints and parameters, and then a fuzzy expected value model is presented. A heuristic algorithm based on a greedy criterion and the linear relaxation algorithm are designed to solve the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the SiC@graphene multidimensional nanostructures were fabricated through a controllable, eco-friendly, and post-modification-free approach. The optimal product displayed an outstanding super-hydrophobic property with a contact angle of 162.8° and a low contact angle hysteresis (sliding angle) of 2° at room temperature, implying its extensive potential application in the self-cleaning field. Additionally, a reasonable temperature-dependent growth model and a bionic synergistic super-hydrophobic model were also established, respectively. More attractively, the products possessed robust stable super-hydrophobic property and potential self-cleaning behavior even under long-term exposure to diverse harsh conditions, including strong corrosion, UV-irradiation, and abnormal temperature. • SiC@graphene with excellent super-hydrophobic property has been obtained. • An reasonable mechanism was established based on systematic characterization results. • The super-hydrophobic property exhibits attractive stability in various environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the photocatalytic property of metal-free photocatalyst is still a challenging work. Herein, a novel high-efficiency molybdenum sulfide (MoS 2)-modified metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4)/black phosphorus (BP) photocatalyst (MCN/BP/MS) was synthesized on a large scale via high-energy ball milling process. The optimized MCN/BP/MS exhibits the excellent hydrogen evolution rate of 2146.8 µmol·g−1·h−1, and hexavalent chromium (Cr(Ⅵ)) reduction activity with an apparent rate constant of 0.1464 min−1 and a degradation rate of 100% in 25 min. Detailed characterizations and mechanism research verified that the significantly improved photocatalytic activity of MCN/BP/MS mainly profited from the matched band structure, enhanced light absorption, intense interface contact, as well as the type-Ⅰ/Z hybrid charge transfer mechanism, which gave rise to a consecutive multistep charge migration, thus the photocarriers transfer and separation can be greatly promoted, and the photogenerated electrons with high reducing capacity can be preserved. This work not only provides a high-efficiency g-C 3 N 4 -based noble-metal-free photocatalyst, but also affords a beneficial inspiration for improving the photocatalytic property of the metal free photocatalyst. [Display omitted] • The g-C 3 N 4 /BP/MoS 2 photocatalyst was synthesized by high-energy ball-milling process. • The photocatalyst shows excellent H 2 evolution and Cr(Ⅵ) reduction activity. • The high-energy ball-milling provides an intense interfacial bonding relation. • The excellent photocatalytic property was mainly profited from the type-Ⅰ/Z charge transfer mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the chloride binding capacity of hydration products is an effective countermeasure to improve the chloride resistance of cement-based materials. The alumina content of binder is usually adopted to evaluate the chloride binding capacity, in terms of Friedel’s salt. However, the influences of aluminum on the characteristics of C-S-H and finally on physically bound chloride are not taken into account. In the present study, the characteristics of hydration products were widened by introducing silica fume and metakaolin into Portland cement pastes, respectively; then, the consequent chloride binding capacity was followed using Freundlich binding isotherms; chemically and physically bound chlorides were further distinguished. The results show that the chloride binding capacity of cement pastes reduced with the increase of SF addition, but proportionally increased with the increasing MK addition. The amount of chemically bound chloride was doubled by adding 16% MK (15.07 mg/g), which was about 6 times as high as that of cement paste with 16% SF. The chemically bound chloride through formation of Friedel’s salt by ion-exchange mainly related to the monocarboaluminate content, whereas the physically bound chloride was largely depended on the specific surface area of cement pastes. Moreover, MK promoted the substitution of Al3+ for Si4+ in C-S-H, resulting in more sites for chloride binding and then a higher amount of physically bound chloride. In contrast, SF increased the protonation degree of C-S-H, leading to a lower positive charge density on the surface of C-S-H and finally a lower amount of physically bound chloride due to poor electrostatic adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect hemocytes play important biological roles at developmental stages, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. As one of the most abundant cell types, plasmatocytes can participate in various innate immune responses, especially in encapsulation and node formation. Here, 2 molecular markers of plasmatocytes, consisting of integrin β2 and β3, were identified and used to understand the development of plasmatocytes. Plasmatocytes are widely distributed in the hematopoietic system, including circulating hemolymph and hematopoietic organs (HPOs). HPOs constantly release plasmatocytes with high proliferative activity in vitro; removal of HPOs leads to a dramatic reduction in the circulating plasmatocytes, and the remaining plasmatocytes gradually lose their ability to proliferate in vivo. Our results demonstrated that the release of plasmatocytes from HPOs is regulated by insulin‐mediated signals and their downstream pathways, including PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signals. The insulin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can significantly irritate the hematopoiesis, and its inhibitor LY294002 could inhibit the hemocytes discharged from HPOs. While the insulin/MAPK/Erk signaling pathway plays a negative regulatory role, inhibiting its activity with U0126 can markedly promote the discharge of plasmatocytes from HPOs. Our results indicate that the circulating plasmatocytes are mainly generated and discharged by HPOs. This process is co‐regulated by the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signals in an antagonistic manner to adjust the dynamic balance of the hemocytes. These findings can enhance our understanding of insect hematopoiesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fermented pomegranate juice (FPJs) has become a promising alternative to satisfy the growing demands for pomegranate products, however the development of new products depending on sensory evaluation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this study, 90 FPJs were prepared to predict the key physiochemical features that affecting sensory preferences by machine learning (ML). The GradientBoosting algorithm performed the best among 9 ML prediction models with good robustness and predictive ability on the validation set, meanwhile weighted preferences score (WPS) model predicted sensory preference more accurately as compared to comprehensive preferences score (CPS) model. Based on SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, TSS, CD and LAB were the top 3 key features affecting preferences scores in both CPS and WPS models, but ranked differently. ML and its interpretability provided a new method and theoretical basis for development of consumer-preferred products and improvement of food sensory quality in food industry. [Display omitted] • A new insight for elucidating decisive factors of sensory preferences. • The explainable ML models helped quantify the contribution of features. • Weighting the contribution of sensory properties reduced single-attribute bias. • Excellent linear regression model confirmed its reliability in predicting. • Fermented products with high acidity and viable bacteria count were preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical prerequisite for realizing the industrial application of photocatalytic technology lies on developing efficient photocatalyst through reasonable and large-scale modification strategy. Herein, the rapid and solvent-free high-energy ball-milling procedure was adopted to modify graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) on a large-scale by phosphorus (P) atom doping and molybdenum phosphide (MoP) decorating. It is confirmed that P doping can introduce a mid-gap state in the band gap of g-C 3 N 4 , broadening the light responsive region and enhancing the electrical conductivity of g-C 3 N 4. The Mo N bond at the interface of P-doped g-C 3 N 4 and MoP acting as electrons "delivery channels" facilitates the charge transfer from P-doped g-C 3 N 4 to MoP, while the Schottky barrier promotes the separation of photocarriers. As a result, the optimized P-doped g-C 3 N 4 /MoP photocatalyst performs an improved H 2 evolution rate of 4917.83 μmol·g−1·h−1 and a favorable H 2 production stability. This work offers a replicable prototype on adopting high-energy ball-milling to modify photocatalyst. [Display omitted] • P-doped g-C 3 N 4 /MoP photocatalyst was synthesized by high-energy ball-milling method. • High-energy ball-milling achieves P-doping and Mo N bond connected heterointerface. • P-doped g-C 3 N 4 /MoP photocatalyst shows excellent H 2 evolution activity and stability. • P-doping, Mo-N and Schottky barrier lead to the excellent photocatalytic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The pressure level and exposure time significantly promoted MRJPs deaggregation. • Proper extension of exposure time helps MRJPs to form a small and uniform particle size. • ≥400 MPa can induce the small particles to reaggregate to form disordered agglomerates. • The inter-conversion of α-helix and β-strands is the key to the deaggregation of MRJP. • Machine learning can be used to predict the degree of MRJPs deaggregation. High pressure processing is a safe and green novel non-thermal processing technique for modulating food protein aggregation behavior. However, the systematic relationship between high pressure processing conditions and protein deaggregation has not been sufficiently investigated. Major royal jelly proteins, which are naturally highly fibrillar aggregates, and it was found that the pressure level and exposure time could significantly promote protein deaggregation. The 100–200 MPa treatment favoured the deaggregation of proteins with a significant decrease in the sulfhydryl group content. Contrarily, at higher pressure levels (>400 MPa), the exposure time promoted the formation of disordered agglomerates. Notably, the inter-conversion of α-helix and β-strands in major royal jelly proteins after high pressure processing eliminates the solvent-free cavities inside the aggregates, which exerts a 'collapsing' effect on the fibrillar aggregates. Furthermore, the first machine learning model of the high pressure processing conditions and the protein deaggregation behaviour was developed, which provided digital guidance for protein aggregation regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AMO@CeO 2 /NF as advanced OER catalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile surface-guided synthetic route. The as-prepared AMO@CeO 2 /NF exhibits excellent OER performance with low overpotential of 261 mV at 10 mA cm−2, high turnover frequency of 0.07 s−1 at 20 mA cm−2 and superior stability in 1.0 M KOH. [Display omitted] Herein, we demonstrate a direct growth of amorphous metal oxyhydroxide (AMO) attached on CeO 2 by a galvanic replacement mechanism as advanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. In this unique structure, the CeO 2 substrate not only offers high specific surface area for the formation of AMO, but also provides high conductivity, guaranteeing the promoted electron transfer for the catalytic reaction. In addition, the AMO on the surface of the CeO 2 exposes abundant active sites for the OER. Benefiting from the above advantages, the as-prepared AMO@CeO 2 supported on nickel foam (AMO@CeO 2 /NF) exhibits excellent OER performance with low overpotential of 261 mV at 10 mA cm−2, high turnover frequency of 0.07 s−1 at 20 mA cm−2 and superior stability in 1.0 M KOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel sulfide nanoworm (Ni3S2 NW) network architecture was directly grown on the poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-reduced graphene oxide hybrid films (PEDOT-rGO HFs) modified on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), acting as a binder-free sensor for high-performance non-enzymatic glucose monitoring. The sensor exhibited the satisfactory sensitivity (2123 μA mM−1 cm−2), wide linear range (15~9105 μM), low detection limit (0.48 μM), and rapid response time (< 1.5 s) at a potential of 0.5 V (vs. SCE) in 0.1 M NaOH and possessed good selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of the sensor towards glucose oxidation was attributed to the particular morphology, satisfying hydrophilic nature, strong combination between Ni3S2 NWs, PEDOT-rGO, and bare GCE. Moreover, it can be used for assaying glucose in human serum samples without dilution, indicating potential for clinical diagnostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Cancer is a significant public health problem in the world. The treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy. Due to their respective limitations, the treatment effect is often unsatisfactory, laying hidden dangers for metastasis and recurrence. Since their exceptional biocompatibility and excellent targeting capabilities, hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials have generated great interest as drug delivery methods for tumor therapy. Moreover, modified HA can self-assemble into hydrogels or nanoparticles (NPs) for precise drug administration. This article summarizes the application of HA-based NPs in combination therapy. Ultimately, it is anticipated that this research will offer guidance for creating various HA-based NPs utilized in numerous cancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aggregation behavior of major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) significantly impacts their quality and nutrient bioavailability, yet studies on their aggregate regulation are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) treatment on the aggregation behavior of food-derived proteins, like MRJPs, and to reveal the regulation mechanism at the molecular level. Results showed that HPP treatment, particularly at pressures of 100–200 MPa, effectively disrupted the filaments aggregation of MRJPs, resulting in smaller particle size and uniformity. Higher pressure (400–600 MPa) caused small particles to aggregate and form larger aggregates. Additionally, HPP treatment regulates aggregation behavior mainly by affecting the higher-order structure (tertiary and quaternary structures) of MRJPs, rather than by altering its secondary structure. Protein conformational dynamics based on high-pressure conditions reveal that HPP regulates MRJPs aggregation mainly by affecting interchain hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights and theoretical support into the regulation mechanism of food-derived protein aggregation and supports the pre-treatment of MRJPs in the development of functional foods. [Display omitted] • HPP treatment is an effective method for regulating MRJPs aggregation. • HPP treatment of 100–200 MPa is most effective for regulation MRJPs aggregation. • Regulating MRJPs aggregation mainly by changing its the higher-order structure (tertiary and quaternary structures) rather than secondary structure. • Disruption of interchain hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions is the key to HPP regulates MRJPs aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrate that an Mn‐doped ultrathin Ni‐MOF nanosheet array on nickel foam (Mn0.1‐Ni‐MOF/NF) serves as a highly capacitive and stable supercapacitor positive electrode. The Mn0.1‐Ni‐MOF/NF shows an areal capacity of 6.48 C cm−2 (specific capacity C: 1178 C g−1) at 2 mA cm−2 in 6.0 m KOH, outperforming most reported MOF‐based materials. More importantly, it possesses excellent cycle stability to maintain 80.6 % capacity after 5000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor device utilizing Mn0.1‐Ni‐MOF/NF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode attains a high energy density of 39.6 Wh kg−1 at 143.8 Wkg−1 power density with a capacitance retention of 83.6 % after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interface engineering is the most direct and efficient way to enhance the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of transition-metal sulfides (TMSs). However, present methods of engineering nano-interfaces remain to be improved. Here, we present a nitrate-pyrolysis method to create a sulfide–oxide interface on Cu2S for the first time. Specifically, a CoOx decorated Cu2S nanowire array on Cu foam (Cu2S–CoOx/CF) is prepared successfully, and the XPS result demonstrates the interfacial connection between Cu2S and CoOx. To afford a current density of 25 mA cm−2, Cu2S–CoOx/CF needs an overpotential of 255 mV, lower than that of Cu2S/CF (354 mV) and CoOx/CC (378 mV). These results indicate that the introduction of the sulfide–oxide interface is an efficient means to enhance the OER activity of Cu2S. And this paper should provide a novel route for more explorations in interface engineering for TMSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to find a method to obtain a catalyst with low cost and efficient multifunctional performances. Herein, in order to obtain the electrode with high-performance water splitting and non-enzymatic glucose detection, the commercial graphite sheet (GS) with excellent durability and electroconductivity was used as substrate material, and the non-noble ternary component Ni–Co–P catalyst with hierarchical architecture was fabricated on GS via a co-electrodeposition. The catalyst only required low overpotentials of 44.6, 76.5 and 49 mV to drive the current density of 10 mA cm−2 alongside with the smaller Tafel slopes of 39.2, 44.8 and 112 mV dec−1 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1.0 M KOH, 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 and 1.0 M PBS solution, respectively. For oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the catalyst demonstrated a low overpotential of 304 mV to achieve the current density of 20 mA cm−2 with excellent Tafel slope of 89.8 mV dec−1 in alkaline solution. Furthermore, the Ni–Co–P/GS electrode serving as non-enzymatic glucose sensor exhibited the superior electrocatalytic activity with an ultrahigh sensitivity of 7400 μA mM−1 cm−2, low detection limit of 0.425 μM (S/N = 3), and wide linear range (1–1200 μM). Image 1 • A Ni–Co–P/GS electrode with hierarchical and cracked architecture is fabricated. • The synthesized process adopts simple-step electrodeposition method. • The low-cost and readily available commercial graphite sheet acts as the substrate. • The electrode exhibits excellent performance of overall water splitting. • The electrode displays superior non-enzymatic glucose detection property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Volatile profiles differentiate rare Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey from other common honeys. • The unique aroma of Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey was characterized. • Linalool predominantly contributes flavor of Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey. • The characteristic volatile in Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey was quantified via GC–MS/MS. Monofloral honeys are highly valued for their unique flavors and potential health benefits. In this study, the aromatic attributes of rare Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey (LCH) were characterized by GC–MS coupled with GC–MS/MS. Based on their odor contribution rates (OCRs), linalool (74.22%), 3-methyl-1-butanol (18.19%), benzeneacetaldehyde (1.31%) and lilac aldehyde B (2.78%) were largely responsible for the unique and complex flavor of LCH – flowery, spicy, sweet, fruity and fresh. Compared to other tested honeys, linalool (0.18 mg/kg), which has known antibacterial properties, was higher in LCH. However, it was not the main antibacterial compound in LCH, suggesting as of now unknown antibacterial compounds. This study provides the first aromatic profile of LCH, which will be useful for the authentication of LCH and for uncovering the mechanisms behind its perceived health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To utilize cementitious materials efficiently, pore fillability was defined as volume expansion of cementitious materials during hydration, and calculated according to its chemical shrinkage and non-evaporable water content. Relationship between hydration characteristics of cementitious materials and porosity of cement pastes was established, and then the compressive strength of gap-graded blended cements was predicted based on the pore fillability of cementitious components and initial solid volume concentration of cement pastes. The results showed that the pore fillability of cementitious materials increased dramatically with the increase of hydration time and the decrease of particle size. For a given hydration degree, pore fillability of cementitious materials mainly dominated by the size of fraction, fine fraction presented a much higher pore fillability than coarse fraction as outer products contribute to a higher proportion in the hydration products. The compressive strengths measured and predicted were consistent with each other very well, indicating pore fillability can be used for the strength prediction of gap-graded blended cement (within 2.5% deviation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Trace oligosaccharides were profiled in acacia honey with different ripening stages. • Turanose content increased gradually as acacia honey ripened. • Accurate quantitation of turanose via UPLC-ELSD. • Acacia honey quality can be graded according to the turanose content. Mature honeys that brew naturally in the hive develop distinct bioactive components, and thus carry a higher premium due to their superior quality. However, how to identify mature honeys remains difficult. Trace oligosaccharides are a likely source of biomarkers to indicate maturity. Here, we profiled trace oligosaccharides in acacia honey by GC–MS and used a metabolomics strategy to screen oligosaccharides that distinguish honeys with different maturities. Turanose content increased gradually in acacia honey samples and was closely related to the days stored in the hive (p < 0.05). To accurately quantify turanose, a UPLC-ELSD method was developed. Using the established method, honeys with ≥1.20 g/100 g of turanose could be classified as mature acacia honey. Based on the preliminary study, 500 commercial acacia honeys were analyzed, and only 77.2 % of these samples had a satisfactory level of turanose. This work offers a potential method to evaluate the quality of honeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey (LcSH) is a rare and high-value monofloral honey. However, it is difficult to evaluate the authenticity of LcSH since there is little knowledge of its chemical composition. In the present research, we compared LcSH to other common honeys using a metabolomics strategy and screened a molecular feature with a mass of 143.0948 Da that was unique to LcSH. According to HR-MS and NMR spectroscopy, it was identified as stachydrine, which is well known to have a variety of pharmacological activities. The result was confirmed against a reference standard. A UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed to determine its concentration in honey samples. Stachydrine was abundant in LcSH compared to other honeys, ranging from 0.35 mg/g to 0.68 mg/g. Levels of stachydrine were measured 18 months after the initial sampling and did not show significant statistical differences (p < 0.01), suggesting it is chemically stable in LcSH. This study indicates that stachydrine is a useful characteristic component to evaluate and control LcSH authenticity. [Display omitted] • Metabolomics-based screened features of rare L. canum Smith honey. • A mass of 143. 0948 Da molecular feature was screened. • The marker was identified as stachydrine by HR-MS and NMR spectrum. • Stachydrine content ranged from 0.35 mg/g to 0.68 mg/g. • Abundant stachydrine characterizes L. canum Smith honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clearly analyze the effects of different drying temperatures on the nutritional components, toxic substances and other physicochemical properties of bee pollen, this work comprehensively investigated the effect of pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) temperature on the drying kinetics, amino acids, toxic products of Maillard reaction (α-Dicarbonyl compounds, α-DCs and hydroxymethylfurfural, HMF), antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation, and microstructure of bee pollen. The results showed that when the drying temperature increased (35–75 °C), the drying time was shortened by 233 min, accompanied by the increase of antioxidant and lipid oxidation. When the temperature exceeded 55 °C, HMF and α-DCs accumulated in large quantities, and the amino acid content decreased significantly, among which the content of seven essential amino acids decreased by more than 32.2%. The changes in the microstructure support the accelerated water migration rate and the dramatic Maillard reaction at high temperature. This study explored the law of bee pollen quality changes under PVD drying technology, preliminarily analyzed the transformation and synthesis pathways of HMF and α-DCs, proposed 3,4-DGE could be used as a representative indicator to judge the safety of bee pollen, and recommended that the drying temperature of pollen should not exceed 55 °C. • The PVD temperature over 55 °C resulted obvious structural changes of bee pollen. • PVD process showed limited effects on the antioxidant activity of bee pollen. • The α-DCs of Maillard components in dried bee pollen were firstly determined. • 3,4-DGE was a representative indicator to determine the quality of dried bee pollen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Kombucha tea ( KT), a traditional health beverage containing potential hepatoprotective agents, is fermented from sugared tea by a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria for 8 days. However, the functional strains that produce components for the hepatoprotective property of KT remain unclear. Multiple strains are involved in traditional KT production. Therefore, KT has not been standardized or produced commercially. This study aimed to identify the functional strains and quantify the functional components with hepatoprotective effects in kombucha tea. RESULTS Gluconacetobacter sp. A4 was one of the microorganisms in KT in which the d-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone ( DSL) produced by G. sp. A4 was significantly higher than that produced by original tea fungus at 8 days of fermentation. Traditional KT ( TKT, tea broth fermented by mixed tea fungus), modified KT ( MKT, fermented by single G. sp. A4), and DSL significantly inhibited the acetaminophen-induced increase of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride and malondialdehyde, as well as facilitating the reduction of total antioxidant capacity in mice. Furthermore, MKT and TKT are both similar to DSL in terms of protection against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. These results suggested a positive relationship between DSL content and the hepatoprotective effect of TKT, MKT and DSL groups. CONCLUSION G. sp. A4 was concluded to be a potential functional strain and DSL might be the key functional component for the hepatoprotective property in KT. The stronger capability of G. sp. A4 in producing DSL makes it a better choice for the commercial production of KT. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aristolochic acid is a potent carcinogenic and nephrotoxic chemical found in all Aristolochia plants and the toxicity issue of aristolochic acid has gained increasing attention in recent years. To better understand the toxicity of aristolochic acid, we here explored to use Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis to investigate the biochemical changes of the liver and kidney tissues as well as plasma of a rat model due to aristolochic acid poisoning. We first collected the FTIR spectra of the plasma and tissue samples from the treatment group and the control group of the model rats. We then performed the chemometric analysis of these FTIR spectra using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The interesting discovery was that when there was no distinctive change in the plasma samples due to aristolochic acid poisoning, there were already spectral changes in the liver and kidney samples which could be effectively distinguished by PCA and PLS-DA. Moreover, our chemometric analysis indicated that the aristolochic acid-induced damages on the liver tissue of model rats featured with lipid metabolism changes, while the biochemical changes caused by aristolochic acid on the kidney tissue seemed to be more complex. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first application of FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis in the investigation of the toxicity of aristolochic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Abscisic acid (ABA) controls many physiological processes and mediates adaptive responses to abiotic stresses. The ABA signaling mechanisms for abscisic acid receptors PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYLs) were reported. However, it remains unclear whether the molecular mechanisms are suitable for other PYLs. Here, complex structures of PYL3 with (+)-ABA, pyrabactin and HAB1 are reported. An unexpected trans-homodimer intermediate observed in the crystal is confirmed in solution. ABA-bound PYL3 greatly promotes the generation of monomeric PYL3, which can excessively increase the efficiency of inhibiting PP2Cs. Structure-guided biochemical experiments show that Ser195 accounts for the key intermediate. Interestingly, pyrabactin binds to PYL3 in a distinct nonproductive mode with gate closure, which sheds light on the design of agonists and antagonists for abscisic acid receptors. According to different conformations of ligand-bound PYLs, the PYLs family can be divided into three subclasses, among which the trans-dimeric subclass, represented by PYL3, reveals a distinct regulatory mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]