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Our previous experiments have confirmed that human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and its main component 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), as prebiotics, could effectively alleviate cow milk allergy by regulating the intestinal microecology. This study intended to further explore the molecular mechanism of HMO regulating intestinal immunity. The results of the allergic mouse model showed that oral administration of 2′-FL or HMO reduced β-lactoglobulin (β-LG)–induced serum-specific IgE secretion and mast cell degranulation, while reducing the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6 production and promoting the miR-146a expression. In vitro results further confirmed that 2′-FL or HMO treatment reduced allergen–induced secretion of iNOS, NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species in RAW264.7 cells. At the same time, in contrast to the β-LG group, 2′-FL dose-dependently inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway and upregulated miR-146a expression, and the effect of the 2′-FL mid-dose group was similar to that of the HMO intervention group. In particular, adding miR-146a inhibitors to macrophages attenuated the inhibitory effect of 2′-FL on the expression of TRAF6 and IRAKI in the TLR4 pathway, suggesting that miR-146a might be involved in the immune regulation of 2′-FL. The above results indicated that 2′-FL had a similar effect to HMOs, and its effect of reducing β-LG allergy might be related to the regulation of miR-146a to inhibit TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homeostasis of intestinal mucosal barrier function is crucial for maintaining intestinal health. Postbiotics are the processed products of probiotics, mainly including active ingredients such as inactivated bacteria, cell lysates, and metabolites. Sufficient research and experiments have confirmed that postbiotics have similar effects to probiotics in repairing intestinal mucosal damage, enhancing intestinal immunity, and stabilizing the intestinal microenvironment, and are expected to become a new solution for preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease. This review profoundly expounds on the concept types, functional characteristics, preparation methods, and market prospects of postbiotics. It discusses the current developments in postbiotics in terms of active ingredients, action mechanisms and targets, large-scale industrial production design, and formulation of corresponding product regulations and standards. Challenges and limitations provide an academic reference for the future development and application of postbiotics to prevent and treat diseases related to intestinal dysfunction. [Display omitted] • The concept derivation and postbiotic composition are systematically sorted out. • Comparative analysis of the beneficial effects of live probiotics and postbiotics. • Exploring postbiotics' possible mechanisms and targets to regulate intestinal inflammation. • Summarize the preparation process and related products of postbiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Brief overview of the etiology of caries, and the relationship between diet and caries. • To further systematize the mechanism of functional active ingredients in milk in the prevention f dental caries. • A systematic summary of the role of all caries-preventive dairy products in caries management, including flavored milk, fluoridated milk, fortified milk, cheese, yogurt, and probiotic-containing dairy products. Dental caries is an oral disease caused by acid production by microbial metabolism and gradual demineralization of tooth enamel, followed by the destruction of tooth structure protein, whose occurrence and development are closely related to the daily diet and nutritional intake. Cow's milk is rich in lactose, protein, minerals, and other nutrients, which is a low caries diet. Many epidemiological surveys, in vivo and in vitro experiments, and clinical studies have supported the positive role of milk and dairy products in caries prevention and treatment. Based on the characteristics that caries are bacterial-mediated and diet-driven, this paper describes the mechanisms involved in the management of dental caries by functional and active components in milk and analyzes different anti-caries dairy products, especially those containing probiotics. Hopefully, it provides some theoretical reference for the prevention and treatment of dental caries through scientific milk consumption in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present work, we analyzed the concentration patterns of 20 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 25 surface sediments and 11 sediment cores from the northern part of Taihu Lake, China. Three of the cores were dated based on 137Cs activity for the deposition age of the sediment. The spatial distributions of the PAH concentrations show that the inflow rivers into Zhushan Bay and Meiliang Bay were the main pathway for PAHs and sediment input to the northern part of the lake. This results in substantially higher PAH concentrations (up to 5000 ng/g) and sedimentation rates (higher than the average of 3–4 mm/a) in the area close to the river outlets. In addition, results also show that PAH concentrations in the sediments considerably increased from the early 1960s, but the decreasing concentrations in the upper layers of the sediment could be attributed to the introduction of measures on environmental improvement from ca. 2000. There were both anthropogenic and biogenic origins of perylene in the lake sediments, which were distinguished based on spatial distribution patterns and also the concentration proportions of perylene to the sum of the 20 PAHs. In the cores collected close to river outlets, the concentration proportions of perylene typically range from 0.02 to 0.18 and there are significant positive linear correlations between the concentration of perylene and three anthropogenic PAHs (Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[e]pyrene, Pyrene), suggesting that perylene was dominated by anthropogenic input. However, the cores collected further away from the river outlets show the concentration proportions between 0.13 and 0.96, and present significant negative correlations or no correlations between perylene and the three PAHs, suggesting that perylene was mainly formed by biogenic activities. Furthermore, the different perylene sources accompanied with the location distributions imply that anthropogenic activities could inhibit its biogenic formation. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • River inflows are the main pathway for PAHs and particles input in the northern part of Taihu Lake. • Anthropogenic activities significantly influenced the PAH abundance in the lake sediment. • Perylene originated from anthropogenic and biogenic activities in different sampling areas. This study provides an insight of anthropogenic impacts on PAH deposition in the sediment of Taihu Lake and also clearly distinguishes biogenic and anthropogenic origins of perylene in the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal symptom caused by a deficiency or decreased activity of the enzyme lactase in the gut, which makes it difficult to fully digest lactose in breast milk or cow milk. Epidemiological survey data show that 70% of the world's population has some degree of lactase deficiency, with ethnic and age differences in incidence. Studies on lactose-free/low-lactose formula, plant-based beverage, probiotic/prebiotic and A2 milk provided multiple choices for rational dietary management of lactose intolerant patients. Based on this, this review briefly introduces the health implication of lactose intolerance, then focuses on dietary management to provide some reference for the scientific milk consumption by lactose intolerants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a phenolic acid compound found in a variety of natural plants, has strong antioxidant capacity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of CGA on differentiation and lipid metabolism of 3T3-L1 cells, as well as its protective effect against cellular oxidative stress induced by H 2 O 2. We found that CGA can reduce the accumulation of intracellular ROS and attenuate the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α under oxidative stress. CGA treatment significantly inhibited preadipocytes differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Our results suggest that CGA may regulate lipid metabolism by reducing the expression of differentiation-related genes and inhibiting triacylglyceride synthesis. The findings of this study support CGA as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity. The effects of CGA and its metabolites in vivo should be investigated to further support its application in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Populus trichocarpa (poplar) is distinguished from its herbaceous counterparts Arabidopsis and rice by its woody structure, perennial life cycle, and dioecious, two-whorled flowers. MADS-box genes are known to be involved in many important processes during plant development. Investigation of the poplar genome revealed 105 putative functional MADS-box genes and 12 pseudogenes. These numbers are comparable to those in Arabidopsis. However, poplar has 64 type II MADS-box genes, implying a higher birth rate when compared with Arabidopsis (64 vs.47). In addition to duplications for floral organ identity genes, TM3-like, StMADS11, ANR1 and Bs clades were significantly increased. As indicated by the phylogenetic analysis, there exist at least two MIKC⁎ MADS-box genes in the poplar genome. In contrast, only 41 putative functional type I genes and 9 pseudogenes were found, suggesting that the poplar type I MADS-box genes have experienced a lower rate in both birth and death. Poplar MADS-box genes were distributed on all linkage groups (LGs), except LG XIX. Like other gene families, poplar MADS-box gene family has expanded through tandem gene duplication and segmental duplication events as demonstrated by two genomic regions where clustered MADS-box genes exhibited high similarities in the MADS-box domains. A survey of poplar EST sequences showed that MADS-box genes were expressed in wood and cambium tissues, which are specific to woody plants. The expression of common MADS-box gene in tree-specific tissues suggests that the novel function combinations of a set of genes similar to those in herbaceous plants may account for the development of woody characteristics in poplar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The role of HMOs in relieving β-Lg allergies is reported for the first time. • The expression of IgE was down-regulated by intervention of HMOs. • The intestinal flora structure is significantly improved by intervention of HMOs. Milk, which contains β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg; a major allergenic protein), is the most common food allergen and one of the earliest discovered. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), especially 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), have multiple effects as prebiotics, including improvements to immune regulation, gut health, and cognition. In this study, we investigated the effects of HMOs on immunoregulation and intestinal flora in a β-Lg-induced milk allergy mouse model. HMOs supplementation reduced allergic symptoms, decreased serum IgE and β-Lg-specific IgE, and significantly increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, TGF-β, and IFN-γ compared to those in the β-Lg allergy group. Furthermore, HMOs and 2′-FL interventions improved richness and diversity of fecal microbiota. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus significantly increased, while that of Lactococcus and Alistipes significantly decreased. In summary, our study shows that HMOs and 2′-FL supplementation relieved β-Lg-induced allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus fermentum HY01 is a probiotic strain screened from traditional yak yogurt, which can effectively relieve enteritis and constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HY01 as an adjunct starter on the quality and storage of yak yogurt. A total of 36 main volatile flavor substances were detected in all samples. In particular, more aldehydes, esters, and alcohols were detected in yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter MY105 (including Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus). The rheological results showed that the yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter MY105 had higher apparent viscosity and lower tan δ value compared with compared with traditional yak yogurt, yak yogurt with only L. fermentum HY01, and cow yogurt with L. fermentum HY01 and starter MY105. Meanwhile, the conjugated linoleic acid in the yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter was significantly higher than those in the HY01 group or the yogurt starter group alone. After 28 d of storage at 4°C, the number of HY01 in the yak yogurt prepared by mixed fermentation of L. fermentum HY01 and starter was still higher than 107 cfu/mL, its acidity was lower than 110°T, and its syneresis was the lowest. The results indicated that L. fermentum HY01 could improve the flavor, texture, and storage properties of yak yogurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the first-ever observation of the potential practical application of novel fermented whey protein concentrate (FWPC) as a functional food ingredient for enhanced food products. We aimed to demonstrate the extent of improvement in the comprehensive properties of yogurt fortified with modified-FWPCs compared to standard yogurt and yogurt enriched with different types of commercial whey protein derivatives. Findings showed that yogurts fortified with modified-FWPCs had a significantly higher antioxidant activity than fortified yogurts with commercial whey protein concentrates (WPC) and whey protein isolates (WPI) (P < 0.05). The highest water holding capacities were observed in yogurts fortified with modified-FWPCs. Yogurt with 4.5% WPI had the highest apparent viscosity during each storage period, followed by 4.5% modified-FWPC. The proliferation of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus was found to be more conducive with the addition of modified-FWPCs than WPC supplementations. The fortification of yogurts with modified-FWPCs led to the formation of larger protein clusters with a more tightly knit network of smaller pores. The descriptive panel results indicated that different types of yogurts fortified with modified-FWPCs exhibited a high-quality product with favorable texture and sensory profiles. Thus, the utilization of modified-FWPCs has resulted in a high-protein yogurts with enhanced functional, physical, microstructural, and sensory properties compared to standard yogurt and yogurts enriched with commercial WPCs and WPIs, making it an attractive option for the creation of innovative and healthier food products. [Display omitted] • Application of novel fermented whey protein concentrates for enhanced food products. • Yogurts fortified with FWPC had significantly higher antioxidant activity. • Fortification led to improvements in WHC, apparent viscosity, and sensory profile. • The use of FWPCs has yielded a high-protein yogurt with enhanced general properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present the first live birth after uterine transplantation (UTx) in the People's Republic of China.Design: Case study.Setting: University hospital.Patient(s): A 22-year-old woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome and previous surgery for vaginal reconstruction and UTx.Intervention(s): Endometrial preparation, frozen embryo transfer, pregnancy follow-up, and cesarean section.Main Outcome Measure(s): Results of in vitro fertilization, frozen embryo transfer, ultrasound measurements during pregnancy, rejection diagnosis and treatment, delivery, live birth, and histology of uterus.Results(s): Frozen embryo (cleavage stage) transfer started 1.5 years after UTx. The first embryo transfer (n = 2) resulted in a biochemical pregnancy. The second, third, and fourth embryo transfer (n = 2, 2, 3) did not result in pregnancy. The fifth embryo transfer (n = 3) resulted in pregnancy with two gestational sacs, but with spontaneous disappearance of one in early pregnancy. During early pregnancy three episodes of vaginal bleedings occurred (gestational weeks 6 + 2, 13 + 1, and 16 + 3), with a spontaneously resorbing subchorionic hematoma diagnosed at the last bleeding episode. Bleeding episodes were treated with corticosteroids and tacrolimus. During pregnancy, blood flow velocity waveforms and fetal growth parameters were normal. A subacute cesarean section was performed at gestational week 33 + 6 due to uterine contraction pattern suggesting imminent labor. A healthy boy (2,000 g) with Apgar scores of 10, 10, 10 was delivered. The uterus was kept for a possible second pregnancy.Conclusion(s): The first live birth after UTx in the People's Republic of China is reported and this occurred after a robotic-assisted laparoscopic uterus retrieval from the mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Glycated hydrolysate A increased more glutathione than glycated hydrolysate B. • Glycated hydrolysate A enhanced activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes. • Glycated hydrolysate A reduced cellular lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde. The effects of two glycosylated whey hydrolysates (GWH-Gal A and GWH-Gal B) on glutathione (GSH) and related antioxidant enzymes in SGC-7901 cells were evaluated. Two whey glycosylated hydrolysates promoted an increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) in normal SGC-7901 cells. GSH, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), γ-glutamine cysteine synthetaase (γ-GCS), and catalase (CAT) at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL in normal SGC-7901 cells were higher in the GWH-Gal A group than in the GWH-Gal B group (P < 0.05). Compared with GWH-Gal B, GWH-Gal A more strongly inhibited decreases in intracellular GSH, GPx, γ-GCS, CAT, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in H 2 O 2 -induced SGC-7901 cells. Compared with GWH-Gal B, GWH-Gal A at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL effectively inhibited increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in H 2 O 2 -induced SGC-7901 cells (P < 0.05). Therefore, GSH content and related antioxidant enzyme activity levels (GPx, γ-GCS, CAT, SOD) in both normal and H 2 O 2 -induced SGC-7901 cells were considerably stronger in the GWH-Gal A group than in the GWH-Gal B group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasound-alkaline whey protein isolate (WPI) had better emulsifying properties. • Random coils in WPI had been changed due to pH treatment and ultrasound. • SEM showed that ultrasound-treated WPI showed more sheet structures. This study examined the effects of ultrasonic power (0, 120, 360, and 600 W) for 30 min on the structural, physicochemical and emulsifying properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) under different pH values (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11). The particle size distributions of WPI narrowed as the ultrasonic power increased from 0 to 600 W. WPI showed the maximum surface hydrophobicity and fluorescence intensity at 600 W and pH 11. Ultrasound significantly reduced the WPI turbidity at pH 3, 7, 9 and 11 and improved the WPI emulsion activity and stability at pH 3, 5, 7 and 9. Moreover, the number of β-sheets and random coils dramatically increased in WPI at 600 W of ultrasonic power and pH 3, 7, 9 and 11. Overall, the combination of ultrasound and alkaline conditions could potentially alter the secondary structure of WPI and enhance its emulsifying properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two types of nanoemulsions were prepared using ultrasound (US) treatment and high pressure homogenization (HPH) with optimized conditions. The effect of US and HPH on the structure and the interaction between soybean protein isolate (SPI) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were studied using fluorescence spectrum. Results showed that these two preparation methods were capable of producing stable nanoemulsions. The nanoemulsions prepared using HPH had smaller average particle size, higher surface charge, lower turbidity and greater emulsifying yield than US, but the specific energy required for the HPH (4.0 kJ/g) was nearly 1.5 times higher than that of US (2.7 kJ/g). Fluorescence data showed that the fluorescence quenching of SPI with PC was the result of the formation of SPI-PC complex. According to the Stern–Volmer equation, the association constant (K A) of the SPI-PC interaction using HPH was higher than US at three different temperatures. The positive enthalpy and entropy changes suggested that hydrophobic interactions were the dominant binding force in stabilizing the complex. The distance r for binding between HPH treated PC and SPI was lower suggesting that the binding was stronger. These comparative results showed that the HPH-nanoemulsions were more stable than US-nanoemulsions, which was proposed to be due to HPH promoting the exposure of more hydrophobic residues on the surface of SPI, which would permit more PC to interact with SPI. But US is a relatively more energy-efficient method as compared to HPH and may better meet industrial needs. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • The stability mechanism of two types of nanoemulsions was elucidated by fluorescence spectrum. • Explaining why the HPH-nanoemulsions were more stable than US-nanoemulsions from the structural aspects. • The interactions between SPI and PC was promoted by HPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the simple wave structure and low-attenuation and non-dispersive properties, the lowest-order shear horizontal mode SH 0 can realize the efficient large-scale damage detection in plate structures and shows a great application potential in non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring. In order to excite SH 0 mode in aluminum plates, a direction-tunable shear-horizontal mode array magnetostrictive patch transducer (DT-SHMA-MPT) is developed based on the magnetostrictive effect. The proposed DT-SHMA-MPT consists of a transducer sleeve, four identical planar fan-shaped meander coils, four identical fan-shaped NdFeB permanent magnets, and a circular nickel patch. Four identical planar fan-shaped meander coils are connected in parallel to form a meander coil array. These planar fan-shaped meander coils are double-layer structures and made of flexible printed circuit (FPC). The experimental results show that the developed DT-SHMA-MPT can effectively excite and receive a single SH 0 mode in aluminum plates. For the DT-SHMA-MPT with n planar fan-shaped meander coils and n fan-shaped permanent magnets ( n  = 4, 3, 2), its frequency response characteristics are tested at the center frequencies of 775 kHz, 780 kHz, and 783 kHz, which are close to the predicted value. Furthermore, the effects of the number of fan-shaped meander coils and corresponding permanent magnets on the directivity of the transducer are also investigated. The acoustic field distribution or the directivity of the transducer directly depends on the number of fan-shaped meander coils and permanent magnets. Finally, the direction tuning of proposed transducer is investigated. The ability of excitation and reception of this transducer can be controlled by tuning the directional arrangement of fan-shaped meander coils and permanent magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Potentilla anserine polysaccharide (PAP) on microbial viability, physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics and antioxidant activities in probiotic yak yoghurts during 21 days of storage were evaluated. PAP significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus plantarum DNZ-4, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus , which were higher than 7 log cfu mL−1 during storage. Addition of PAP delayed the post acidification process in probiotic yak yoghurt during storage, and improved water-holding capacity and rheological properties. Especially, gel structure of 0.1% PAP probiotic yak yoghurt was more fine and smooth, and sensory acceptability was the best. Furthermore, compared with the control, antioxidant activities in PAP probiotic yak yoghurts were significantly improved (p <0.05) and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates of 0.1% PAP probiotic yak yoghurt still reached 57 ± 1.35% on day 21 of storage. Therefore, PAP could improve probiotic yak yoghurt storage properties and enhance functional added value of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Casein formed conjugates with pectin or arabinogalactan through Maillard reaction. • Conjugates had lower α-helix level and higher random coil level of casein. • Conjugates had lower surface hydrophobicity and higher absolute ζ-potential values. • Glycosylation treatment significantly improved the functional properties of casein. The aim of this study was to prepare conjugates of casein (CA) with pectin (CP) or arabinogalactan (AG) by the Maillard reaction (wet-heating) and to investigate the effects of CP or AG on the structural and functional properties of casein. The results indicated that the highest grafting degree of CA with CP or AG was observed at 90 °C for 1.5 h or 1 h, respectively. Secondary structure showed that grafting with CP or AG reduced the α-helix level and increased the random coil level of CA. Glycosylation treatment of CA-CP and CA-AG exhibited lower surface hydrophobicity and higher absolute ζ-potential values, further significantly improving the functional properties of CA (e.g., solubility, foaming property, emulsifying property, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity). Accordingly, our results indicated that it is feasible for CP or AG to improve the functional properties of CA by the Maillard reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Soy isoflavones could be broken down and utilized by gut microbiota. • Soy isoflavones could regulate the gut microbiota profile. • Soy isoflavones can promote the growth of four probiotics. • Soy isoflavone significantly affected the antibacterial ability of probiotics. Since soy isoflavones have many potentially beneficial properties, they have received increasing attention. However, there are few studies on their bioavailability and effects on gut microbiota. In this experiment, the simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) was used to study the bioavailability of soy isoflavones and their effects on gut microbiota. The effects of soy isoflavones on the growth and antibacterial properties of probiotics were also studied in vitro. The results shows that the digestion of soy isoflavones mainly occurs in the colon, and the antioxidant capacity changes with the progress of digestion. Soy isoflavone can regulate gut microbiota, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and affect the growth of obesity-related bacteria. Moreover, soy isoflavones can promote the growth of probiotics and significantly improve their antibacterial ability in vitro. Overall, soy isoflavones have the potential to be a functional food by improving gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gene duplication contributes to the expansion of gene families and subsequent functional diversification. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are members of an important calcium sensor family involved in abiotic and biotic stress signaling in plants. We report here the molecular evolution and expression analysis of a pair of duplicated CDPK genes CPK7 and CPK12 that arose in the common ancestor of grass species. With higher nonsynonymous/synonymous ratios (dN/dS, or ω), CPK12 genes appear to diverge more rapidly than CPK7s, suggesting relaxed selection constraints on CPK12s. Sliding window analysis revealed increased dN and ω values at N-terminal regions and the calcium-binding EF hand loops. Likelihood analyses using various models in PAML 4.0 showed purifying selection on both CPK7 and CPK12 lineages. In addition to the divergence in cis-element combinations on their promoters, functional divergence of CPK7 and CPK12 genes was also observed in wheat where TaCPK7 was found to respond to drought (PEG), salt (NaCl), cold, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) while TaCPK12 responded only to the treatment of ABA, a feature that may complement or expand TaCPK7-mediated stress signaling networks of wheat. The contrasting expression patterns of CPK7 and CPK12 genes under stress conditions were also observed in rice, suggesting conservative functional evolution of these genes. Since no positive selection was detected between the two lineages, the divergence of CPK7 and CPK12 genes should be ascribed to subfunctionalization, rather than neofunctionalization. Thus, our work demonstrates another case of evolutionary employment of duplicated genes via subfunctionalization for better adaptation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of high-pressure homogenization pressure (HPHP, 0–120 MPa for 5 cycles) on physicochemical, emulsifying and foaming properties of TGase-induced whey protein isolate (WPI). Initially, the results of SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed that the molecular polymers of TGase-induced WPI could be formed with HPHP ranging from 0 to 120 MPa, compared with WPI. Furthermore, particle size and free amino groups of TGase-induced WPI reduced after HPHP pretreatment, whereas its surface hydrophobicity and solubility remarkably increased (P < 0.05). More importantly, HPHP pretreatment could strikingly ameliorate emulsifying and foaming properties of TGase-induced WPI. After HPHP pretreatment of 120 MPa, emulsifying ability index and stability index of TGase-induced WPI ranged from 93.84 to 114.15 m2/g and from 44.62 to 50.98%, respectively. Correspondingly, its foaming ability and stability were increased by 81.06% and 41.86%. Thus, HPHP pretreatment could enhance the crosslinking degree of TGase-induced WPI and improve its emulsifying and foaming properties. Image 1 • HPHP pretreatment effectively enhanced functional properties of TGase-induced WPI. • The crosslinking degree of TGase-induced WPI was enhanced by HPHP pretreatment. • Free amino group of TGase-induced WPI decreased by 3.60% after 120 Mpa pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important branch of non-destructive testing, electromagnetic ultrasonic testing is widely used in various industries because of its high detection efficiency and the lack of a need for the test sample to have a coupling agent or a surface pretreatment. As a core component of electromagnetic ultrasonic testing, electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) have received extensive attention in recent years. However, the mode selectivity of EMATs is reduced because of the non-uniformity of the magnetic field of traditional permanent magnets and the multimode phenomenon of guided waves. To solve this problem, an omni-directional magnetic-concentrator-type electromagnetic acoustic transducer (OD-MC-EMAT) is proposed herein. Which was added to the magnetic concentrator on a traditional EMAT to guide and concentrate the magnetic field of traditional permanent magnets, thereby improving the defect inspection ability of the EMAT. The proposed OD-MC-EMAT consisted of a cylindrical permanent magnet, an omni-directional magnetic concentrator, and a multi-cluster of circular meander coils, and it exhibited better mode selectivity than a traditional EMAT. A finite element simulation and an experiment proved that the mode selectivity of the transducer improved after adding the magnetic concentrator, and experiments to study the transducer characteristics and defect detection were also carried out. Finally, the configuration of the OD-MC-EMAT was optimized through an orthogonal experiment. The influence of each parameter on the transducing efficiency of the proposed OD-MC-EMAT was studied, and the optimal parameter combination was confirmed. • The proposed OD-MC-EMAT consisted of magnetic concentrator and traditional EMAT. • The amplitude of unwanted modes was reduced and mode selectivity was enhanced by OD-MC-EMAT. • OD-MC-EMAT has better frequency-response characteristics and sound-field is omni-direction. • The proposed OD-MC-EMAT is more suitable for defect inspection than traditional EMAT. • The effect of each parameter on transducing efficiency of proposed EMAT was studied and parameter combination was optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]