Antithrombotic Activity of Brewers’ Spent Grain Peptides and their Effects on Blood Coagulation Pathways

Antithrombotic activity of brewers’ spent grain peptides before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and their effects on blood coagulation pathways were evaluated. Two hydrolysates were produced using sequential enzymatic systems: alkaline protease + Flavourzyme (AF) and neutral protease + Flavourzyme (PF). Simulation of gastrointestinal digestion of AF and PF hydrolysates was made using porcine pepsin and pancreatin enzymes, obtaining the corresponding digested samples: AFD and PFD, respectively. Peptides were fractionated by ultrafiltration using a 1 kDa cut-off membrane. Hydrolysates had peptides with medium and low molecular weights (2100 and 500 Da, respectively), and Glu, Asp, Leu, Ala, and Phe were the most abundant amino acids. Gastrointestinal digested hydrolysates presented high proportion of small peptides (~500 Da), and higher amount of Val, Tyr, and Phe than hydrolysates. Mass spectrum (HDMS Q-TOF) of AFD-ultrafiltered fraction <1 kDa exhibited peptides from 500 to 1000 Da, which are not present in AF. PFD showed the generation of new peptides from 430 to 1070 Da. All samples showed thrombin inhibitory activity. However, no effect was observed on prothrombin time. Peptides <1 kDa from hydrolysates and digested samples delayed thrombin and thromboplastin time respect to the control (~63%). Also the samples showed thrombin inhibitory activity at common pathway level. Thus, brewers’ spent grain peptides exerted their antithrombotic activity by inhibiting the intrinsic and common pathways of blood coagulation. This is the first report to demonstrate that brewers’ spent grain peptides are able to delay clotting time after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.     

Development of Chinese near-isogenic lines of rice and their differentiating ability of pathogenic races of blast fun-gus

To use common differential varietiesin the world, a set of internationaldifferential varieties, including 6 in-dica and 2 japonica rice varieties,were set up in the midddle of 1960s;in 1976, a set of differential varietiescmposed of 9 japonica varieties withknown resistance gene were estab-lished; and later a set ofnear-isogenic lines (NILs), 4 lines     

Synthesis and application of o,o′-dihydroxyazo dyes and their metal complexes

This paper presents the synthesis of metal complex acid dyes obtained from the reaction of o,o′-dihydroxyazo dyes and chromium and cobalt sulfate. The ¹H-NMR, FT-IR and UV/Visible Spectrophotometer, TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) and ICP (Ion Chromatography) of the intermediates and the metal complexes were studied and compared. Their properties such as dyeing, fastness and toxicity on nylon were also assessed according to standard methods.     

Effect of β-glucans on viscoelastic properties of barley kernels and their relationship to structure and soluble dietary fibre

The stress relaxation behaviour of barley kernels with differences in β-glucan was studied using the generalized Maxwell model for explaining the differences in quality. The relaxation moduli show that cultivar significantly affected the relaxation times (τ₂ and τ₃) and compressional viscosity (η_E2 and η_E3) of the 3 Maxwell elements and the pure elastic component (E₀). These data were twice as high in cultivars with high β-glucans compared to low β-glucans. Protein and malt extract, as well as β-glucan, showed similar patterns to the corresponding cultivars from the same locations. Malt extract was correlated with both insoluble fibre (−0.71; P < 0.0007) and total fibre (−0.66; P < 0.006). High β-glucan cultivars presented relatively high soluble fibre, wort viscosity and presented higher relaxation times. Soluble fibre and the wort viscosity were correlated with relaxation times τ₁, τ₂, τ₃. Also, β-glucans were correlated with τ₃ and viscosity η_E3. The overall importance of the effect of β-glucans on viscoelasticity, malting and food quality as shown in this investigation is in agreement with earlier investigations.     

Effect of β-glucans on viscoelastic properties of barley kernels and their relationship to structure and soluble dietary fibre

The stress relaxation behaviour of barley kernels with differences in β-glucan was studied using the generalized Maxwell model for explaining the differences in quality. The relaxation moduli show that cultivar significantly affected the relaxation times (τ₂ and τ₃) and compressional viscosity (η_E2 and η_E3) of the 3 Maxwell elements and the pure elastic component (E₀). These data were twice as high in cultivars with high β-glucans compared to low β-glucans. Protein and malt extract, as well as β-glucan, showed similar patterns to the corresponding cultivars from the same locations. Malt extract was correlated with both insoluble fibre (−0.71; P < 0.0007) and total fibre (−0.66; P < 0.006). High β-glucan cultivars presented relatively high soluble fibre, wort viscosity and presented higher relaxation times. Soluble fibre and the wort viscosity were correlated with relaxation times τ₁, τ₂, τ₃. Also, β-glucans were correlated with τ₃ and viscosity η_E3. The overall importance of the effect of β-glucans on viscoelasticity, malting and food quality as shown in this investigation is in agreement with earlier investigations.     

Selection of wide compatible restorer lines and their application in hybrid rice breeding

Since the middle of 1980‘s, wide compatibility(WC) rice lines have been screened by rice breeders in China and applied in hybrid rice breeding program. Several WC fines such as Pecos, T984, Lunhui 422, and 02428 withideal agronomic characters were identified.     

Production,nutritional profiles and storability of ‘aadun’ and ‘kokoro’: Two corn products

Aadun and kokoro were produced from maize grains by processes involving roasting, kneading, spicing, and frying. Aadun with a moisture content (MC) of 12.5%, pH 5.3 had the following composition: crude protein, 7.49%; fat, 28.5%; total carbohydrate, 60.0%; ash, 3.0% and energy value, 3,600 kcal/kg whilst kokoro with a MC of 16% and pH 5.1 had, respectively: 6.42%; 22.9%; 66.6%; 2.84% and 3,550 kcal/kg. Whilst aadun and kokoro stored under ambient conditions (28±2°C; 75–80% RH) became mouldy within 7 days, samples treated with 1% butyl paraben did not develop off-colour and mouldiness.     

Root morphological traits and their relations with yield components of dry-raised mid-season indica rice

Research on root morphological traits of dry-raised seedlings (D-RS) at different growth stages of rice have so far attracted less attention. In this study, using mid-season indica hy-     

The heterogeneous distribution of α-amylase and endoxylanase activity over a population of preharvest sprouted wheat kernels and their localization in individual kernels

To develop targeted approaches to improve the quality of preharvest sprouted (PHS) wheat as a raw material for food manufacturing, knowledge on the nature and distribution of hydrolytic enzymes in PHS wheat is crucial. Results of the present study indicate that α-amylase and endoxylanase activities are heterogeneously distributed among a population of PHS kernel. Within individual severely sprouted kernels, the enzyme activities are heterogeneously distributed throughout the different tissues. α-Amylase activity, almost exclusively of endogenous nature, is mainly detected in the germ region and to a lesser extent in the aleurone layer. Endoxylanase activity is predominantly of microbial origin and located on the kernel surface. In spite of this, light and epifluorescence microscopy show decreased kernel integrity and cell wall breakdown in the crushed cells layer, the endosperm, and the aleurone layer in a selection of kernels upon preharvest sprouting. This knowledge offers opportunities for the development of treatments to reduce the enzyme load in PHS wheat at postharvest level to improve its flour quality.     

Characterization of wheat gluten subunits by liquid chromatography – Mass spectrometry and their relationship to technological quality of wheat

The quality of common wheat is largely influenced by the composition of its storage proteins. The currently presented research explores factors influencing observed differences in quality and quantity between wheat cultivars, in particular in relation to gluten composition and its relationship to technological characteristics. Eight wheat cultivars (H. Wieser, Seilmeier, W., Belitz, H.D., 1994 Parsi, Sirvan, Sivand, Pishgam, Pishtaz)were selected for evaluation. Analysis results demonstrated that Morvarid and Sirvan cultivars yielded the highest quality of wheat, while the Chamran cultivar was indicated as the most favorable for baking Taftoon bread. Conversely, the Sepahan cultivar was deemed to have the worse quality in both categories. A Q Exactive LC-MS/MS system was employed to evaluate the most effective sub-fractions of gliadin and glutenin on wheat quality. Matching peptides resulting from trypsin digestion on gliadin and glutenin fractions, led to the identification of subunits α/β-gliadin, γ-gliadin, HMW-Dx5, HMW-Bx17, HMW-Dy3, HMW-Dy10, HMW-By15, LMW-m, LMW-s, and LMW-i. The obtained results indicated that the most influential subunits of glutenin on wheat quality were Dy10, Dy3 and Dx5, while the most effective gliadin subfraction was noted to be α/β-gliadin However, the most important subunit influencing the quality of flat breads in particular was identified as the x-HMW-GS, in particular the Bx17 subunit, and LMW-GS.     

Inhibitory Activity of Cinnamon Bark Species and their Combination Effect with Acarbose against Intestinal α-glucosidase and Pancreatic α-amylase

Inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase is one of the therapeutic approaches for delaying carbohydrate digestion, resulting in reduced postprandial glucose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical analysis and the inhibitory effect of various cinnamon bark species against intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase. The results showed that the content of total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin ranged from 0.17 to 0.21 g gallic acid equivalent/g extract, from 48.85 to 65.52 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract, and from 0.12 to 0.15 g catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively. The HPLC fingerprints of each cinnamon species were established. Among cinnamon species, Thai cinnamon extract was the most potent inhibitor against the intestinal maltase with the IC₅₀ values of 0.58 ± 0.01 mg/ml. The findings also showed that Ceylon cinnamon was the most effective intestinal sucrase and pancreatic α-amylase inhibitor with the IC₅₀ values of 0.42 ± 0.02 and 1.23 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, cinnamon extracts produced additive inhibition against intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase when combined with acarbose. These results suggest that cinnamon bark extracts may be potentially useful for the control of postprandial glucose in diabetic patients through inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase.     

Characterization and online detection of surfactin isomers based on HPLC-MS(n) analyses and their inhibitory effects on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages

A rapid method for characterization and online detection of surfactin isomers was developed based on HPLC-MS(n) (n = 1, 2, 3) analyses, and many surfactin isomers were detected and characterized from the bioactive fraction of the mangrove bacterium Bacillus sp. Inhibitory activities of surfactin isomers on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages were systematically investigated. It was revealed that the surfactin isomers showed strong inhibitory properties on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of IL-6 on LPS-induced murine macrophage cell RAW264.7 with IC(50) values ranging from 1.0 to 7.0 μM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed that the existence of the free carboxyl group in the structure of surfactin isomers was crucial. These findings will be very helpful for the development of this novel kind of natural product as new anti-inflammatory agents.     

Determination of Anthocyanins and Antioxidants in ‘Titanbicus’ Edible Flowers In Vitro and In Vivo

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Titanbicus (TB), a hybrid of Hibiscus moscheutos × H. coccineus (Medic.) Walt., has potential to be used as an edible flower. In this study, proximate...     

Identification and molecular characterization of phytoplasmas and rickettsia pathogens associated with ‘Bunchy Top Symptom’ (BTS) and ‘Papaya Bunchy Top’ (PBT) of papaya in Cuba

Two different papaya diseases have been previously reported in Cuba, Bunchy Top Symptom (BTS) associated with a phytoplasma of group 16SrII ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ and Papaya Bunchy Top (PBT), associated with a rickettsia. Regarding the regional phytosanitary impact of both diseases for the papaya crop, the present study investigated the occurrence of BTS and PBT in papaya fields in Cuba, and the possible mixed infection of phytoplasma and rickettsia pathogens associated. Papaya plants showing symptoms of BTS or PBT or both, were collected in Las Tunas and Havana provinces from January 2009 to February 2010, and evaluated for phytoplasma and rickettsia by PCR with primers targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA and the rickettsial succinate deshydrogenase (sdhA) genes, respectively. Phytoplasmas and rickettsia were individually detected in 76/86 BTS-symptomatic and 22/22 PBT-symptomatic papaya plants, and simultaneously detected in 5/86 (5.81%) of the BTS-symptomatic and 17/22 (77.27%) of the PBT-symptomatic plants. Conventional and virtual RFLP analyses of the 16S rDNA sequences revealed the presence of phytoplasmas of group 16SrI ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ and 16SrII in papaya plants affected by BTS and PBT, and identified two new phytoplasma subgroups, 16SrI-X and 16SrII-N in papayas fields of Las Tunas, which was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The partial rickettsia sdhA gene sequences were 100% identical to that of the rickettsia associated with PBT in Puerto Rico. Results confirm that phytoplasmas are consistently associated with both BTS and PBT symptoms, and that mixed infections of phytoplasma and rickettsia pathogens can occur in either BTS or PBT-affected papaya fields, which implies new epidemiological constraints for the disease control.     

Dynamic modeling and control of pressure dyeing machine’s running roller system

Key factor determining production quality is the deformation control between running rollers of pressure dyeing machine during the operation. Currently the industrial communities try to alleviate the defects by taking experiments. This study aims to approve theoretical practicality of providing controller and its parameters suitable to abolish vibration displacement in operating pressure dyeing machine in order to improve pressure dyeing quality and lengthen machine’s life. Firstly, the dynamic equation of the pressure dyeing machine’s running roller is derived and its corresponding open-loop transfer function is obtained from modal summation method. Then, the root locus method is used to design a controller which is realizable in the industrial communities. Simulation indicates that the designed controller not only can eliminate vibration response generated during pressure dyeing process and reducing greatly the previous process defects by making the two running rollers smoothly contact with each other. The solution is a high efficient way to ameliorate pressure dyeing process with low cost and easy access.     

Cotton yarn engineering using robust regression and criteria of Mallow’s Cp

The main purpose of the present study was to predict yarn’s important properties i.e., tensile, unevenness, hairiness, and imperfections of cotton yarn with minimum random errors and maximum accuracy. In this work, cotton fiber properties were measured from rovings carefully untwisted. HVI system and evenness tester of Premier were used to measure the various properties. All yarns (108 samples) were spun at yarn counts of 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 Ne with optimum twist factor. The robust regression and criteria of Mallow’s Cp were used to evaluate the data. Optimal equations with appropriate variables and relative importance of various variables were also investigated. After the goodness of fit, desirable Cp and very large adjusted R² values were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of variance tables showed that the obtained equations were significant at usual significance levels.     

Synthesis and Neuroprotective Action of Xyloketal Derivatives in Parkinson’s Disease Models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting people over age 55. Oxidative stress actively participates in the dopaminergic (DA) neuron degeneration of PD. Xyloketals are a series of natural compounds from marine mangrove fungus strain No. 2508 that have been reported to protect against neurotoxicity through their antioxidant properties. However, their protection versus 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced neurotoxicity is only modest, and appropriate structural modifications are necessary to discover better candidates for treating PD. In this work, we designed and synthesized 39 novel xyloketal derivatives (1–39) in addition to the previously reported compound, xyloketal B. The neuroprotective activities of all 40 compounds were evaluated in vivo via respiratory burst assays and longevity-extending assays. During the zebrafish respiratory burst assay, compounds 1, 9, 23, 24, 36 and 39 strongly attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at 50 μM. In the Caenorhabditis elegans longevity-extending assay, compounds 1, 8, 15, 16 and 36 significantly extended the survival rates (p < 0.005 vs. dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)). A total of 15 compounds were tested for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease using the MPP+-induced C. elegans model, and compounds 1 and 8 exhibited the highest activities (p < 0.005 vs. MPP⁺). In the MPP+-induced C57BL/6 mouse PD model, 40 mg/kg of 1 and 8 protected against MPP+-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration and increased the number of DA neurons from 53% for the MPP+ group to 78% and 74%, respectively (p < 0.001 vs. MPP+ group). Thus, these derivatives are novel candidates for the treatment of PD.