Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as one of the most promising energy storage technologies due to their high safety and cost-effectiveness. However, several challenges associated with the Zn metal anode, such as dendrite growth, corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), have hindered further applications of AZIBs. Herein, maltose (MT) is used as a functional electrolyte additive to protect the Zn metal electrode during the interface deposition process. The additive can effectively affect the interface of Zn metal, suppressing HER and corrosion reactions. Moreover, it facilitates the uniform deposition of Zn by inducing Zn2+ to form a stable (100) crystal plane. As a result, the symmetric cell exhibited stable cycling performance for 2000 h at a current density of 2 mA cm-2, and the Zn||NH4V4O10 full cell maintained steady cycling for 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1. This study provides an approach to achieve uniform Zn deposition through additives.

Differences in organic nitrogen transformation during chicken manure composting with the addition of different disaccharides

Microencapsulation of epiphytic coffee yeasts by spray drying using different wall materials: Implementation in coffee medium

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) leaf (OPL) is abundantly generated from oil palm plantations as biomass that is rich in bioactive metabolites, primarily flavonoids. Six natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) were synthesized using a direct heating technique from different combinations of choline chloride with 1,2-propanediol (PD), 1,4-butanediol (BD), glycerol (GLY), glucose (GLU), maltose (MAL) and lactic acid (LA). The synthesized NaDES were subjected to physicochemical and biological evaluations comprising physical appearance, density, water activity, viscosity, polarity, thermal behaviors, spectroscopic analysis, cytotoxicity, radical scavenging activities and solubility tests. Compared to aqueous methanol, the synthesized NaDES, which appeared as a slightly to moderately viscous transparent liquid, showed favorable physicochemical properties as extraction solvents with a low cytotoxicity profile on cultured fibroblast cells. Further, the NaDES obtained from the choline chloride:lactic acid (LA) combination showed high free radical scavenging characteristics. Hydrogen bonding interactions were shown to play a significant role in the formation of the NaDES. Further, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet/photodiode array (UHPLC-UV/PDA) analysis revealed that the NaDES from the choline chloride:glycerol (GLY) combination had comparable efficiencies with aqueous methanol regarding extracting flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin derivatives) from OPLs. The results of the present study suggested that the tailor-made NaDES were not only easy-to-use, stable and safe solvents but also suitable for extracting bioactive phytochemical compounds. The study highlighted their potential as an alternative green technology for applications in oil palm biomass utilization programs.

Huge quantities of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) leaves (OPL) are generated as agricultural biomass from oil palm plantations. OPL are known to contain significant amounts of flavonoids. For maximal exploitation of these valuable antioxidant compounds, an innovative and sustainable extraction method employing natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) combined with ultrasonic assisted extraction was developed. Various NaDES composed of choline chloride as the hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and 1,2 propanediol (PD), 1,4 butanediol (BD), glycerol (GLY), glucose (GLU), maltose (MAL), and lactic acid (LA) as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) were synthesized. The influence of these compositions, the methods of their synthesis, molar ratios, and water contents on their capacity to extract flavonoids from OPL was evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that methods which incorporate a heating step produced NaDES with the best capacity to extract OPL flavonoids. These thermal methods combined with molar ratios of 1:3 or 1:4 and water contents of 17 to 50% were found to be the optimal conditions for preparing NaDES, specifically when applied to the PD, BD, and GLY NaDES. Subsequently, UHPLC-UV/PDA-MS/MS analysis revealed NaDES extracts recovered by macroporous adsorption resin XAD7HP were able to optimally extract at least twelve luteolin and apigenin derivatives in OPL NaDES extracts prepared from glycerol and 1,4-butanediol demonstrated better and comparable efficiency as aqueous methanol in extracting flavonoids from OPL. The in vitro studies of antioxidant and wound healing properties supported these findings by exhibiting good free radical scavenging, cell proliferation, and migration activities. Additionally, the NaDES extracts also showed non-cytotoxicity effects at 1000 µg/mL and below on 3T3 fibroblast cells. Results of the study showed that NaDES could be a promising eco-friendly green solvent to extract bioactive OPL flavonoids that have great potential for applications as wound healing agents.

ABSTRACT Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is well-known for its distinct flavor and texture as well as its medicinal and nutritional properties. Small good grade fresh shiitake mushrooms are highly perishable and have a low commodity value in the Taiwan market. As a result, these are frequently used as raw materials for vacuum-fried crisps. However, manufacturers continue to use traditional maltose (MO) syrup with no functional properties as a sweetener, and shiitake stipes are frequently discarded, increasing production costs. Isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) is a functional oligosaccharide sweetener with health benefits. The purpose of this research is to study the use of functional IMO in the processing of shiitake crisps to replace MO, and the reusability of stipes. In the manufacture of vacuum-fried shiitake cap and stipe crisps, the 30–40°Brix IMO syrup replaces the 35°Brix MO syrup. Vacuum-fried crisps’ quality characteristics were determined using physicochemical and sensory evaluation. The results showed that centrifuged caps and stipes reach equilibrium after 3 h of being soaked in various concentrations of 90–95°C syrup. The L*, a*, b*, h*, and c* values for the cap crisps decreased with the increase in the level of IMO syrup. The breaking force for the stipe crisps was less than that for cap crisps. The crude protein and crude fat content of vacuum-fried cap and stipe crisps decreased as the level of IMO syrup increased, but the carbohydrate content increased. For a nine-point hedonic test, the sensory scores for cap and stipe crisps without seasoning powder were 6.9–7.4 and 6.1–6.5, respectively. Addition of seasoning powder increased the flavor and overall scores to 8.1–8.2 and 7.2–7.4, respectively. Overall, the addition of IMO syrup reduced the calories and increased the health benefits of vacuum-fried shiitake crisps. Furthermore, the result showed that stipes can also be used to make vacuum-fried crisps and increase profitability for manufacturers.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as características físico-química e perfil de açúcares da polpa de sapoti. A polpa de sapoti in natura foi caracterizada em triplicata quanto aos seguintes parâmetros físico-químicos: teor de água, atividade de água, pH, acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis totais, ratio, cinzas, teor de ácido ascórbico, açúcares totais, redutores e açúcares não redutores. A determinação do perfil de açúcares foi realizada usando um Sistema de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (HPLC) e a concentração dos açúcares foi determinada a partir de curvas-padrão. O teor de água obtido foi de 76,21% e atividade de água de 0,991. O parâmetro ratio apresentou valor de 81,82 indicando um elevador grau de doçura. Os teores de açúcares totais, redutores e não-redutores foram de 12,38% de glicose, 10,81% de glicose e 1,57% de sacarose, respectivamente. O perfil de açúcares da polpa mostrou que a glicose apresentou maior teor (5,98 g/100g) seguido da frutose (4,85 g/100g) e da maltose (0,017 g/100g). Dessa forma, a polpa de sapoti pode ser utilizada como matéria-prima em formulações alimentícias doces em decorrência do perfil de açúcares, o que contribui para a valorização industrial do fruto.

Effects of Glucose and Maltose Substrates on the Intracellular Metabolic Flux Distribution of Curdlan Polysaccharides Biosynthesis by Alcaligenes faecalis

Even though endometriosis presents one of the most common gynaecological diseases, the pathogenesis is insufficiently studied. Besides immunologic, inflammatory or oxidative processes, recent studies also suggest an influence of nutrition on disease onset and progression. Because data about the actual nutrient intake of endometriosis patients are scarce, we aimed to examine the actual nutrient intake and potential influencing factors in these women. A total of 156 women with endometriosis (EM) and 52 age-matched controls were included in this retrospective case-control study. All women filled in a validated food frequency questionnaire to acquire the nutrient intake of the past 12 months and a disease-related questionnaire for the determination of disease status, clinical symptoms and comorbidities. Patients with endometriosis suffered significantly more from diet-related comorbidities like food intolerances (25.6% versus 7.7%; P = 0.009) and allergies (57% versus 31%; P < 0.001) compared to controls. Also gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, flatulence, pyrosis, diarrhea or frequent defecation, were higher in the EM group (77% versus 29%; P < 0.001). The nutrient intake of patients with endometriosis differed significantly compared to controls with a significantly lower ingestion of organic acids (P = 0.006), maltose (P = 0.0.16), glycogen (P = 0.035), tetradecenoic acid (P = 0.041), methionine (P = 0.046), lysine (P = 0.048), threonine (P = 0.046) and histidine (P = 0.049). The total intake of animal proteins was significantly lower in the EM group compared to the controls (P = 0.047). EM patients showed a decreased intake of vitamin C (P = 0.031), vitamin B12 (P = 0.008) and magnesium (P = 0.043) compared to controls. This study confirms a high association of endometriosis and gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by an altered nutrient intake. A dietary intervention by a professional nutritionist may help to reduce disease burden in the affected women.

The aim of the study was mycological examination of ulcerated corneal tissues from an ophthalmic patient. Tissue fragments were analyzed on potato-glucose agar (PDA) and maltose (MA) (Difco) media using standard laboratory techniques. Cultures were identified using classical and molecular methods. Macro- and microscopic colony morphology was characteristic of fungi from the genus Aspergillus (restricted growth series), most probably Aspergillus penicillioides Speg. Molecular analysis of the following rDNA regions: ITS1, ITS2, 5.8S, 28S rDNA, LSU and β-tubulin were carried out for the isolates studied. A high level of similarity was found between sequences from certain rDNA regions, i.e. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and LSU, what confirmed the classification of the isolates to the species A. penicillioides. The classification of our isolates to A. penicillioides species was confirmed also by the phylogenetic analysis.

Application of a carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse (MR) prior to exercise has been shown to improve physical performance and facilitate corticospinal motor excitability. It is unclear if different forms of CHO impact this phenomenon. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of different forms of a CHO MR on muscular performance and corticospinal motor excitability. METHODS: Ten normal healthy subjects (5 females, 5 males; 25±1 years; 1.71±0.03 m 73±5 kg) completed 4 trials each separated by at least 48 hours. A different MR condition was applied during each trial (Placebo (PLAC), 6.4% glucose (GLU), 6.4% maltose (MAL), 6.4% maltodextrin (MDX)). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the right knee extensors and motor-evoked potential (MEP) of the right vastus medialis was determined pre (10 min before), immediately after, and post (10 min after) application of the MR. MEP was precipitated by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during muscle contraction (50% of MVC). The MR was held in the mouth for 20 sec and MR treatments were applied using a Latin square design. RESULTS: No differences were found in the change of MEP from pre to immediately after the MW across the conditions (PLAC=1.5±4.4%; GLU=-6.2±11.2%; MAL=3.9±3.4%; MDX=8.9±7.9%). In contrast, the increase in MEP was greater at the post time point in CHO conditions (GLU=-11.3±14.7%, p=0.01; MAL=12.9±7.9%, p=0.07; MDX=28.0±14.4%, p=0.02) as compared to PLAC (PLAC=-14.3±7.8%). MVC was similar at pre (PLAC=260±26 Nm; GLU=241±19 Nm MAL=245±21 Nm; MDX=248±25 Nm), after (PLAC=269±26 Nm; GLU=249±18 Nm MAL=257±19 Nm; MDX=250±23 Nm), and 10 min after (PLAC=262±28 Nm; GLU=256±17 Nm MAL=269±25 Nm; MDX=253±21 Nm) the MW. CONCLUSIONS: CHO MR increased corticospinal motor excitability 10 min after application; however, the form of CHO used did not influence this response. The increase in corticospinal motor excitability did not translate into an improvement in motor performance.

Experiments were conducted on direct and indirect regeneration from the meristem tip and mature caryopsis explants of Lolium perenne L. ʻNumanʼ and ʻGrasslandʼ. De-husked caryopses were cultured both intact and longitudinally sliced on MS media supplemented with 2,4-D alone, and in combinations with BA. The highest percentage of callus induction obtained from intact-sliced caryopses were 71 and 87% for ʻGrasslandʼ on MS basal medium supplemented with 6 mg L-1 2,4-D+ 0.02 mg L-1 BA, and 5 mg L-1 2,4-D. While, for ʻNumanʼ, the highest callus induction was achieved by the same explants as 55% and 72% with 5 mg L-1 2,4-D + 0.02 mg L-1 BA, and 4 mg L-1 2,4-D + 0.02 mg L-1 BA, respectively. The best regeneration medium for ʻGrasslandʼ was MS medium supplemented with 10 g L-1 maltose and 2 mg L-1 ABA. In a separate experiment, meristem tip cultures were incubated on two type combination of plants growth regulators along with control treatment. The best regeneration rate was obtained in both cultivars on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1 2,4-D + 0.5 mg L-1 Kin. Plantlets with well-developed roots were transferred to greenhouse condition. Four weeks later, all acclimatized plants were survived.

AtMyb56 Regulates Anthocyanin Levels via the Modulation of AtGPT2 Expression in Response to Sucrose in Arabidopsis.

To identify the functions of the proteins containing the GGDEF or EAL domain in Lactobacillus acidophilus for investigation of the regulatory mechanism of c-di-GMP in this strain. The DNA fragments of NH13_07045-GGDEF, NH13_07050 and NH13_07055 from Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4356 were amplified by PCR and cloned into the expression vector pMAL-His-c2. After sequencing, the recombinant plasmids were transformed into competent Escherichia coli cells, which were induced by IPTG to express the recombinant proteins fused with maltose binding protein (MBP). The fusion proteins were purified using amylose resin column for diguanylate cyclase (DGC) or phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity assays in vitro followed by analysis with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The target DNA fragments were obtained by PCR, and their sequences were all identical to that in GenBank. The purified and concentrated fusion proteins, which were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, had relative molecular masses of 59 kD, 67 kD and 72 kD. HPLC analysis showed no DGC activity in NH13_07045-GGDEF, while PDE activity was found in NH13_07050 but not in NH13_07055. We obtained the protein encoded by NH13_07050 that possesses PDE activity in vitro. This protein may facilitate the evaluation of the regulatory function of c-di-GMP in Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Gelidium elegans has been reported to improve metabolic function, but it has not been studied in non-obese mice with glucose tolerance. To evaluate the effect of Gelidium elegans (50 or 200 mg/kg doses) on glucose homeostasis, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), oral maltose tolerance test (OMTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed. The non-obese group of mice that was administered 200 mg/kg Gelidium elegans had significantly lowered blood glucose levels. By revealing that Gelidium elegans may improve glucose homeostasis, this study expands our understanding of the anti-diabetic effect of Gelidium elegans and its biological importance.

ABSTRACT A 16-wk feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of different types of dietary carbohydrate on growth and body composition of juvenile abalone (Haliotis discus). A total of 1,680 abalone were randomly distributed among 24 containers (70 per container) and fed one of eight diets, including seven experimental diets containing different types of carbohydrates, including dextrin (DT), glucose (GC), corn starch (CS), α-cellulose (CL), maltose (MT), sucrose (SC), and wheat flour (WF), and Undaria to compare effect of experimental diets. Water stability of the diets was measured 12, 24, and 48 h after seawater immersion. Water stability of the diets was different over all periods of time and their significant interaction was also observed. Survival was not significantly affected by diet. Weight gain and specific growth rate were greatest in abalone fed on the CL diet. Shell length, width, height, and soft body weight were greatest in abalone fed the CL diet, followed by the WF, DT, SC, CS, GC, ...

Development of sinomenine hydrochloride-loaded polyvinylalcohol/maltose microneedle for transdermal delivery

Highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensing using gold nanocages as efficient electrode material

The present study was undertaken with the objective to screen promising L. gasseri, L. reuteri and L. helveticus isolates for the Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and their characterization through biochemical and molecular tests. A total of 7 isolates of L. gasseri and 37 isolates of L. reuteri and one isolate of L. helveticus were screened for the EPS production through various tests and finally L . gasseri Lg62 and L. helveticus V3 were selected for the further study. The most promising EPSs producing isolates i.e. V3 and Lg62 gave a prominent growth on RR-MRS agar plate whereas Lg63 and Lg50A were not so prominent on RR-MRS agar plate. V3 and Lg62 showed better viscosity than Lg63 and Lg50A. V3 showed viscosity and corresponding O.D. in the range of 1.100 -1.677 cp and 0.753-1.207 (at 525nm) respectively at 42 0 C and 1.050-1.242 cp and 0.673-0.952 (at 525nm) at 37 0 C respectively. The isolates were found to be purple coloured Gram-positive rods of varying size under microscope. Lactobacillus cultures were catalase negative. V3 showed growth when incubated in MRS broth at 37 0 C as well as at 42 0 C for 24-48 hrs, in terms of turbidity whereas there was no turbidity at 15 0 C. In the arginine hydrolysis test neither LG62 nor V3 showed positive reaction. Both the EPS+ cultures produced acid from glucose, maltose, fructose and sucrose on incubation at 37 0 C for 24 hours. None of the culture produced gas in glucose. Both the cultures V3 and Lg62 showed growth at 4% NaCl concentration and changed the colour of the media from purple to yellow. Growth of V3 was not detected in 6.5% NaCl concentration whereas Lg62 showed growth in the same concentration. After identification of the selected cultures by biochemical techniques they were further confirmed by PCR using species specific primers.

Monitoring the fermentation process of black tea using QCM sensor based electronic nose