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A functional wheat bran (FWB) was obtained from wheat grains that were rich in wheat aleurone. The effects of the microwave (MW) power (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kW) and treatment time (15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s) on the moisture and free fatty acid (FFA) content, lipase activity, and antioxidant activity of the FWB were investigated. The purpose of this study is to stabilize the FWB against lipid oxidation and rancidity and as much as possible to retain its antioxidant activities. MW treatment significantly decreased the FFA content, moisture content, and lipase activity of the FWB. Moreover, MW treatment significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the FWB without drastically altering its color. MW treatment at 7.5 kW and 120 s was found to be optimal for stabilizing the FWB and increasing its antioxidant activity. The stabilized FWB was proven to be far more stable than the control FWB during storage. Thus, MW treatment is an effective stabilization method for the storage and utilization of FWB. Additional research is needed for the exact mechanism of the decrease of FFA content and increase of antioxidant activity of FWB induced by MW treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial percentage of late‐life depression patients also have an cognitive impairment, which severely affects the life quality, while the co‐occurring mechanisms are still unclear. Physical exercise can ameliorate both depressive behaviors and cognitive dysfunction, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects remain elusive. In this study, we uncover a novel adipose tissue to hippocampus crosstalk mediated by Adiponectin‐Notch pathway, with an impact on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. Adiponectin, an adipocyte‐derived hormone, could activate Notch signaling in the hippocampus through upregulating ADAM10 and Notch1, two key molecules in the Notch signaling. Chronic stress inhibits the Adiponectin‐Notch pathway and induces impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive dysfunction, which can be rescued by AdipoRon and running. Inhibition Notch signaling by DAPT mimics the adverse effects of chronic stress on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. Adiponectin knockout mice display depressive‐like behaviors, associated with inhibited Notch signaling, impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise could activate Adiponectin‐Notch pathway, and improve hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function, while deleting adiponectin gene or inhibiting Notch signaling blocks its beneficial effects. Together, our data not only suggest that Adiponectin‐Notch pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction associated with depression, but also contributes to the therapeutic effect of physical exercise. This work helps to decipher the etiology of cognitive impairment associated with depression and hence will provide a potential innovative therapeutic target for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the effect of dexamethasone combined with metronidazole in the treatment of mammary duct ectasia (MDE) and its relationship with changes in serum interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and IL‐17 expression. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with MDE were divided into two groups randomly, control and observation groups (each n = 60). Another 50 patients with normal physical examination were recruited in the normal group. The expressions of serum IL‐10 and IL‐17 in three groups before and after treatment were observed. The prediction value of IL‐10 and IL‐17 in clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results: Among three groups, the expression of IL‐10 in the normal group was the highest (P < 0.001), but the expression of IL‐17 was the lowest (P < 0.001). After treatment, the expression of IL‐17 in observation group was lower (P < 0.001), the expression of IL‐10 was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. The areas under the IL‐10 and IL‐17 curve were 0.874 and 0.806, respectively. Conclusions: Dexamethasone combined with metronidazole can effectively improve the clinical efficacy of MDE patient treatment and serum IL‐10 and IL‐17 can be used as potential predictors of treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]