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The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has gained increasing attention due to their accumulation in living organisms. These emerging contaminants inevitably interact with extracellular polymeric substances along respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, and diverse organic coating on the surface of NPs, known as bio- or eco-corona, is formed. Although its impact on altering the NP properties and potential cell internalization has been extensively examined, studies on its role in NP partitioning in the cell membrane are elusive yet. In this work, molecular dynamics is used to investigate the formation of chitosan (CT) corona centered on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticle and the uptake of the resulting complex onto lipid membranes. Coarse-grained models compatible with the newly developed Martini 3.0 force field are implemented for the two polymers employing the atomistic properties as targets in the parameterization. The reliability of the coarse-grained polymer models is demonstrated by reproducing the structural properties of the PVC melt and of solvated CT strands, as well as by determining the conformation adopted by the latter at the NP surface. Results show that the spontaneous binding of CT chains of high and intermediate protonation degrees led to the formation of soft and hard corona that modulates the interaction of PVC core with model membranes. The structural changes of the corona adsorbed at the lipid–water interface enable a subsequent transfer of the NP to the center of the saturated lipid membranes and a complete or partial transition to a snorkel conformation depending on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance in the CT–PVC complex. Overall, the computational investigation of the coarse-grained model system provides implications for understanding how the eco-corona development influences the uptake and implicit toxicology of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are building blocks for biomass and fuel metabolic processes. However, it remains unclear how tropical forests mobilize, export, and transport NSCs to cope with extreme droughts. We combined drought manipulation and ecosystem 13CO2 pulse-labeling in an enclosed rainforest at Biosphere 2, assessed changes in NSCs, and traced newly assimilated carbohydrates in plant species with diverse hydraulic traits and canopy positions. We show that drought caused a depletion of leaf starch reserves and slowed export and transport of newly assimilated carbohydrates below ground. Drought effects were more pronounced in conservative canopy trees with limited supply of new photosynthates and relatively constant water status than in those with continual photosynthetic supply and deteriorated water status. We provide experimental evidence that local utilization, export, and transport of newly assimilated carbon are closely coupled with plant water use in canopy trees. We highlight that these processes are critical for understanding and predicting tree resistance and ecosystem fluxes in tropical forest under drought.

Salinity is one of the substantial threats to plant productivity and could be escorted by other stresses such as heat and drought. It impairs critical biological processes, such as photosynthesis, energy, and water/nutrient acquisition, ultimately leading to cell death when stress intensity becomes uncured. Therefore, plants deploy several proper processes to overcome such hostile circumstances. Grapevine is one of the most important crops worldwide that is relatively salt-tolerant and preferentially cultivated in hot and semi-arid areas. One of the most applicable strategies for sustainable viticulture is using salt-tolerant rootstock such as Ruggeri (RUG). The rootstock showed efficient capacity of photosynthesis, ROS detoxification, and carbohydrate accumulation under salinity. The current study utilized the transcriptome profiling approach to identify the molecular events of RUG throughout a regime of salt stress followed by a recovery procedure. The data showed progressive changes in the transcriptome profiling throughout salinity, underpinning the involvement of a large number of genes in transcriptional reprogramming during stress. Our results established a considerable enrichment of the biological process GO-terms related to salinity adaptation, such as signaling, hormones, photosynthesis, carbohydrates, and ROS homeostasis. Among the battery of molecular/cellular responses launched upon salinity, ROS homeostasis plays the central role of salt adaptation.

Laccases from white-rot fungi catalyze lignin depolymerization, a critical first step to upgrading lignin to valuable biodiesel fuels and chemicals. In this study, a wildtype laccase from the basidiomycete Fomitiporia mediterranea (Fom_lac) and a variant engineered to have a carbohydrate-binding module (Fom_CBM) were studied for their ability to catalyze cleavage of β-O-4 ether and C-C bonds in phenolic and non-phenolic lignin dimers using a nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry-based assay. Fom_lac and Fom_CBM catalyze β-O-4 ether and C-C bond breaking, with higher activity under acidic conditions (pH < 6). The potential of Fom_lac and Fom_CBM to enhance saccharification yields from untreated and ionic liquid pretreated pine was also investigated. Adding Fom_CBM to mixtures of cellulases and hemicellulases improved sugar yields by 140% on untreated pine and 32% on cholinium lysinate pretreated pine when compared to the inclusion of Fom_lac to the same mixtures. Adding either Fom_lac or Fom_CBM to mixtures of cellulases and hemicellulases effectively accelerates enzymatic hydrolysis, demonstrating its potential applications for lignocellulose valorization. We postulate that additional increases in sugar yields for the Fom_CBM enzyme mixtures were due to Fom_CBM being brought more proximal to lignin through binding to either cellulose or lignin itself.

BackgroundEating a high-quality diet or adhering to a given dietary strategy may influence weight loss. However, these 2 factors have not been examined concurrently for those following macronutrient-limiting diets.ObjectiveTo determine whether improvement in dietary quality, change in dietary macronutrient composition, or the combination of these factors is associated with differential weight loss when following a healthy low-carbohydrate (HLC) or healthy low-fat (HLF) diet.DesignGenerally healthy adults were randomly assigned to HLC or HLF diets for 12 mo (n = 609) as part of a randomized controlled weight loss study. Participants with complete 24-h dietary recall data at baseline and 12-mo were included in this secondary analysis (total N = 448; N = 224 HLC, N = 224 HLF). Participants were divided into 4 subgroups according to 12-mo change in HEI-2010 score [above median = high quality (HQ) and below median = low quality (LQ)] and 12-mo change in macronutrient intake [below median = high adherence (HA) and above median = low adherence (LA) for net carbohydrate (g) or fat (g) for HLC and HLF, respectively]. Baseline to 12-mo changes in mean BMI were compared for those in HQ/HA, HQ/LA, LQ/HA subgroups with the LQ/LA subgroup within HLC and HLF.ResultsFor HLC, changes (95 % confidence level [CI]) in mean BMI were -1.15 kg/m2 (-2.04, -0.26) for HQ/HA, -0.30 (-1.22, 0.61) for HQ/LA, and -0.80 (-1.74, 0.14) for LQ/HA compared with the LQ/LA subgroup. For HLF, changes (95% CI) in mean BMI were -1.11kg/m2 (-2.10, -0.11) for HQ/HA, -0.26 (-1.26, 0.75) for HQ/LA, and -0.66 (-1.74, 0.41) for LQ/HA compared with the LQ/LA subgroup.ConclusionWithin both HLC and HLF diet arms, 12-mo decrease in BMI was significantly greater in HQ/HA subgroups relative to LQ/LA subgroups. Neither HQ nor HA alone were significantly different than LQ/LA subgroups. Results of this analysis support the combination of dietary adherence and high-quality diets for weight loss.Clinical trial registryclinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01826591).

Among exclusively breastfed infants, human milk (HM) provides complete nutrition in the first mo of life and remains an important energy source as long as breastfeeding continues. Consisting of digestible carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids, as well as fats and fatty acids, macronutrients in human milk have been well studied; however, many aspects related to their relationship to growth in early life are still not well understood. We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science to synthesize evidence published between 1980 and 2022 on HM components and anthropometry through 2 y of age among term-born healthy infants. From 9992 abstracts screened, 57 articles reporting observations from 5979 dyads were included and categorized based on their reporting of HM macronutrients and infant growth. There was substantial heterogeneity in anthropometric outcome measurement, milk collection timelines, and HM sampling strategies; thus, meta-analysis was not possible. In general, digestible carbohydrates were positively associated with infant weight outcomes. Protein was positively associated with infant length, but no associations were reported for infant weight. Finally, HM fat was not consistently associated with any infant growth metrics, though various associations were reported in single studies. Fatty acid intakes were generally positively associated with head circumference, except for docosahexaenoic acid. Our synthesis of the literature was limited by differences in milk collection strategies, heterogeneity in anthropometric outcomes and analytical methodologies, and by insufficient reporting of results. Moving forward, HM researchers should accurately record and account for breastfeeding exclusivity, use consistent sampling protocols that account for the temporal variation in HM macronutrients, and use reliable, sensitive, and accurate techniques for HM macronutrient analysis.

Going beyond currently reported two electron transformations that formed the core backdrop of asymmetric catalytic site‐selective carbohydrate polyol functionalizations, we herein report a seminal demonstration of an enantioconvergent copper catalyzed site‐selective etherification of minimally protected saccharides through a single‐electron radical pathway. Further, this strategy paves a rare strategy, through which a carboxamide scaffold that is present in some glycomimetics of pharmacological relevance, can be selectively introduced. In light of the burgeoning interest in chiral radical catalysis, and the virtual absence of such stereocontrol broadly in carbohydrate synthesis, our strategy showcased the unknown capability of chiral radical copper catalysis as a contemporary tool to address the formidable site‐selectivity challenge on a remarkable palette of naturally occurring saccharides. When reducing sugars were employed, a further dynamic kinetic resolution type glycosylation can be activated by the catalytic system to selectively generate the challenging β‐O‐glycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering of extracellular vesicles (EVs) towards more efficient targeting and uptake to specific cells has large potentials for their application as therapeutics. Carbohydrates play key roles in various biological interactions and are essential for EV biology. The extent to which glycan modification of EVs can be achieved through genetic glycoengineering of their parental cells has not been explored yet. Here we introduce targeted glycan modification of EVs through cell-based glycoengineering via modification of various enzymes in the glycosylation machinery. In a "simple cell" strategy, we modified major glycosylation pathways by knocking-out (KO) essential genes for N-glycosylation (MGAT1), O-GalNAc glycosylation (C1GALT1C1), glycosphingolipids (B4GALT5/6), glycosaminoglycans (B4GALT7) and sialylation (GNE) involved in the elongation or biosynthesis of the glycans in HEK293F cells. The gene editing led to corresponding glycan changes on the cells as demonstrated by differential lectin staining. Small EVs (sEVs) isolated from the cells showed overall corresponding glycan changes, but also some unexpected differences to their parental cell including enrichment preference for certain glycan structures and absence of other glycan types. The genetic glycoengineering did not significantly impact sEVs production, size distribution, or syntenin-1 biomarker expression, while a clonal influence on sEVs production yields was observed. Our findings demonstrate the successful implementation of sEVs glycoengineering via genetic modification of the parental cell and a stable source for generation of glycoengineered sEVs. The utilization of glycoengineered sEVs offers a promising opportunity to study the role of glycosylation in EV biology, as well as to facilitate the optimization of sEVs for therapeutic purposes. • Glycan modification of sEVs can be accomplished by genetic glycoengineering the cells from which they originate. • Glycan alterations on sEVs are not always in line with those found on their parental cells. • Glycoengineering of cells does not significantly affect the production, size, or expression of biomarkers on sEVs. • Cell-based glycoengineering enables the stable large-scale production of glycoengineered sEVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the development and evaluation of breakfast cereals formulated from pearl millet (P-1) and finger millet (F-1) flours, with a focus on their nutritional composition and potential anti-obesity properties. The techno-functional properties were assessed, revealing that P-1 exhibited a bulk density of 0.40 ± 0.01 g/ml and a true density of 0.61 ± 0.03 g/ml, while F-1 showed a bulk density of 0.54 ± 0.03 g/ml and a true density of 0.65 ± 0.02 g/ml. The Carr index and Hausner ratio were significantly higher in P-1 (40.33 ± 0.41 and 1.68 ± 0.03, respectively) compared to F-1 (22.3 ± 0.3 and 1.31 ± 0.02, respectively). Both flours demonstrated comparable water absorption indices, but P-1 had superior foaming capacity and stability. Nutritional analysis indicated that P-1 contained 12.64% moisture, 6.02% fat, 10.29% protein, 63.94% carbohydrates, 2.38% ash, and 2.75% fibre, whereas F-1 had 8.92% moisture, 1.78% fat, 8.65% protein, 73.65% carbohydrates, 1.77% ash, and 4.04% fibre. Composite flours (PF-1, PF-2, PF-3) exhibited varying compositions: PF-1 had 9.86% moisture, 5.83% fat, 11.62% protein, 66.04% carbohydrates, 2.19% ash, and 3.03% fibre; PF-2 had 10.79% moisture, 3.87% fat, 10.01% protein, 68.97% carbohydrates, 2.05% ash, and 3.37% fibre; PF-3 had 9.87% moisture, 2.84% fat, 9.33% protein, 71.12% carbohydrates, 1.92% ash, and 3.74% Fiber. Antioxidant activity was higher in F-1 (80.63%) compared to P-1 (59.58%), with PF-1, PF-2, and PF-3 showing 64.84%, 70.14%, and 75.4%, respectively. Lipase and amylase inhibition capacities were 73.15% and 28.66% for P-1, 28.31% and 30.65% for F-1, and varied for composites: PF-1 (79.12% lipase, 46.41% amylase), PF-2 (50.75% lipase, 53.15% amylase), and PF-3 (39.51% lipase, 41.84% amylase). These findings underscore the distinct nutritional and functional properties of these flours, highlighting their potential in obesity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new mono‐thiourea, four bis‐thiourea and one squaramide organocatalysts were synthesised from L‐tartaric acid. These organocatalysts were able to activate glycosyl phosphates for stereoselective nucleophilic substitution reactions with broad functional group compatibility under mild conditions. The influence of the number and position of the thiourea groups and the proximity of the asymmetric centre to the catalytic important atoms for the stereoselective outcome of the glycosylation reactions was studied. 1,2‐cis Glycosides were obtained in up to 85 % yield and high diastereoselectivity (up to α:β 83 : 17). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carbohydrate compounds serve multifaceted roles, from energy sources to stress protectants, found across diverse organisms including bacteria, fungi, and plants. Despite this broad importance, the molecular genetic framework underlying carbohydrate biosynthesis pathways, such as starch, sucrose, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in Salvia guaranitica , remains largely unexplored. Methods: In this study, the Illumina-HiSeq 2500 platform was used to sequence the transcripts of S. guaranitica leaves, generating approximately 8.2 Gb of raw data. After filtering and removing adapter sequences, 38 million reads comprising 210 million high-quality nucleotide bases were obtained. De novo assembly resulted in 75,100 unigenes, which were annotated to establish a comprehensive database for investigating starch, sucrose, and glycolysis biosynthesis. Functional analyses of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (SgGPI), trehalose-6-phosphate synthase/phosphatase (SgT6PS), and sucrose synthase (SgSUS) were performed using transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. Results: Among the unigenes, 410 were identified as putatively involved in these metabolic pathways, including 175 related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and 235 to starch and sucrose biosynthesis. Overexpression of SgGPI , SgT6PS , and SgSUS in transgenic A. thaliana enhanced leaf area, accelerated flower formation, and promoted overall growth compared to wild-type plants. Discussion: These findings lay a foundation for understanding the roles of starch, sucrose, and glycolysis biosynthesis genes in S. guaranitica , offering insights into future metabolic engineering strategies for enhancing the production of valuable carbohydrate compounds in S. guaranitica or other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sialic acids are monosaccharide residues involved in several biological processes. Controlling the stereoselectivity of sialylation reactions is challenging and mechanistic studies on the structure of its intermediate, the sialyl cation, are scarce. Here it is shown that a sialyl cation can be generated and isolated from an ionized sialic acid precursor. This short‐lived species is structurally characterized for the first time using cryogenic infrared spectroscopy. In combination with quantum chemical calculations, the results reveal that the positive charge at the anomeric carbon of the sialyl cation is stabilized by remote participation of the C5‐NHAc group leading to the formation of a bridged structure. In this structure, the β‐side is shielded from nucleophilic attack, potentially explaining the α‐selectivity of this building block in SN1‐type sialylation reactions. Other modes of participation are energetically unfavored and cannot be observed experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di-fructofuranose 1,2′:2,3′ dianhydride (DFA-III) is a cyclic fructo-disaccharide, which is produced by the condensation of two fructose molecules via the caramelization or enzymatic reaction of inulin fructotransferase. A strain of Blautia producta was known to utilize DFA-III as a carbohydrate source; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we characterized the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 91 DFA-III hydrolase (DFA-IIIase) from B. parvula NBRC 113351. Recombinant BpDFA-IIIase catalyzed the reversible conversion of DFA-III to inulobiose, which is further degraded to fructose by the cooperative action of DFA-IIIase and GH32 β-d-fructofuranosidase. DFA-III was utilized in several Blautia species with a gene cluster for DFA-III degradation (e.g., B. parvula NBRC 113351, B. hydrogenotrophica JCM 14656, and B. wexlerae JCM 35486), but not by B. wexlerae JCM 31267, which does not possess the gene cluster. Furthermore, B. hansenii JCM 14655, which cannot metabolize fructose, could not utilize DFA-III; however, it could degrade DFA-III to fructose in the presence of DFA-III-degrading enzymes. Fecal fermentation tests showed that Blautia species are important gut microbe for degrading DFA-III. Key points: • BpDFA-IIIase is the first characterized DFA-IIIase in intestinal non-pathogenic bacteria. • DFA-IIIase is widely conserved in Blautia species. • DFA-III is degraded to d-fructose through inulobiose by the cooperative action of DFA-IIIase and β-d-fructofuranosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although nutrition and exercise both influence bone metabolism, little is currently known about their interaction, or whether nutritional intervention can modulate the bone biomarker response to acute exercise. Improved understanding of the relationships between nutrition, exercise and bone metabolism may have substantial potential to inform nutritional interventions to protect the bone health of exercising individuals, and to elucidate mechanisms by which exercise and nutrition influence bone. Objective: The aim was to synthesise available evidence related to the influence of nutrition on the response of the bone biomarkers procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1) to acute exercise, using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach. Methods: Studies evaluating the influence of nutritional status or intervention on the bone biomarker response to an acute exercise bout were included and separated into four categories: (1) feeding status and energy availability, (2) macronutrients, (3) micronutrients and (4) other. Studies conducted on healthy human populations of any age or training status were included. Meta-analysis was conducted when data from at least five studies with independent datasets were available. In the case of insufficient data to warrant meta-analysis, results from individual studies were narratively synthesised and standardised mean effect sizes visually represented. Results: Twenty-two articles were included. Of these, three investigated feeding status or energy availability, eight macronutrients, eight micronutrients (all calcium) and six other interventions including dairy products or collagen supplementation. Three studies had more than one intervention and were included in all relevant outcomes. The largest and most commonly reported effects were for the bone resorption marker CTX-1. Meta-analysis indicated that calcium intake, whether provided via supplements, diet or infusion, reduced exercise-induced increases in CTX-1 (effect size − 1.1; 95% credible interval [CrI] − 2.2 to − 0.05), with substantially larger effects observed in studies that delivered calcium via direct infusion versus in supplements or foods. Narrative synthesis suggests that carbohydrate supplementation may support bone during acute exercise, via reducing exercise-induced increases in CTX-1. Conversely, a low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet appears to induce the opposite effect, as evidenced by an increased exercise associated CTX-1 response, and reduced P1NP response. Low energy availability may amplify the CTX-1 response to exercise, but it is unclear whether this is directly attributable to energy availability or to the lack of specific nutrients, such as carbohydrate. Conclusion: Nutritional intervention can modulate the acute bone biomarker response to exercise, which primarily manifests as an increase in bone resorption. Ensuring adequate attention to nutritional factors may be important to protect bone health of exercising individuals, with energy, carbohydrate and calcium availability particularly important to consider. Although a wide breadth of data were available for this evidence synthesis, there was substantial heterogeneity in relation to design and intervention characteristics. Direct and indirect replication is required to confirm key findings and to generate better estimates of true effect sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study explored food items that contribute most toward increased fermentable carbohydrate (FC) intake and its association with diet quality in college students. Method: This cross-sectional study included 571 consented college students (≥18 years) with reported energy intakes (500–3500 kcal/day for women; 800–4000 kcal/day for men). FC intake and healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores were assessed by diet history questionnaire-II. Data were analyzed by unadjusted bivariate linear regression and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The mean intakes of total FC (β = 1.24; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.02, 1.47) significantly predicted HEI-2015 scores. Positive correlations were found between FC intake and red and orange vegetables (r = 0.62), whole fruits (r = 0.63), and dark green vegetables (r = 0.58). Conclusions: Higher FC intake was associated with higher diet quality; vegetables and fruits are primary contributors to FC content. Efforts are required to promote these food items to improve diet quality and FC intake to shape eating choices in college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) provide a special class of tumor-specific antigens that show promising applications in cancer immunotherapy. However, the weak immunogenicity and structural complexity of TACAs are obstacles to their clinical application. Here, based on a fast and low-cost purification strategy for oligosaccharide synthesis, the synthesis of tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens Globo H and mannobiose which resembles repeat unit of mannan was achieved. To enhance the immunogenicity and multivalent effect, Globo H and mannobiose were covalently attached to degradable polymer backbones. 2D spindle-like lamellar micelle and globular micelle were obtained from glycopolymer through a solvent-exchange method of self-assembly. The glyconanoparticle showed good biocompatibility and degradability. Immunological functions of these glyconanoparticles such as stimulation of BMDC to cause upregulation of inflammatory factors were preliminarily explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy that requires surgical treatment. However, postoperative recurrence rates are high, and reliable predictors of recurrence are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in predicting early recurrence after curative surgery and complete adjuvant therapy in patients with BTC. Methods: Twenty-four patients who underwent R0 and R1 resections and completed adjuvant therapy for BTC between September 2019 and March 2022 were followed up until March 2024. Patients were categorized into early recurrence (ER) and non-ER groups, using one year as the cutoff for recurrence. Results: The combination score derived from ultrashort fragments of cfDNA, vimentin-positive CTCs, and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels showed a statistically significant difference between the ER and non-ER groups (p-value < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve from the combination score and CA 19-9 levels yielded areas under the curve of 0.891 and 0.750, respectively. Conclusions: Although further research is required, these findings suggest that cfDNA and CTCs may increase the accuracy of predicting postoperative recurrence in patients with BTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary aspiration in the perioperative period carries the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. As such, guidelines have been developed with the hopes of minimizing this risk by recommending fasting from solids and liquids over a specified amount of time. Point-of-care ultrasound has altered the landscape of perioperative medicine; specifically, gastric ultrasound plays a pivotal role in perioperative assessment. Further, the advent of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists, the widespread use of cannabis, and Enhanced Recovery program carbohydrate beverage presents new challenges when attempting to standardize fasting guidelines. This review synthesizes the literature surrounding perioperative fasting guidelines specifically with regard to the use of point-of-care ultrasound in assessing for gastric contents and minimizing the risk of aspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of water extracts from litter horizons of podzolic soils under a native bilberry–green moss spruce forest (TP-1) and under secondary mixed (birch–spruce) forests of 12 (TP-2) and 43 (TP-3) years in age developing on cutting areas in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic was studied using high-temperature catalytic oxidation (TOC-VCPH analyzer), gas chromatography, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Forest litters from test plots TP-1 and TP-2 were similar in composition and consisted of the needle litter and products of moss destruction. They had close pH values of water extracts and close total nitrogen (Ntot) and water-soluble carbon (Cws) contents. Forest litter on TP-3 consisted of the leaf litter of birch and aspen at different stages of decomposition, which was is reflected in higher contents of total and water-soluble carbon and total nitrogen and a decrease in acidity. The set of identified water-soluble carbon compounds was represented by 25 compounds: 12 carboxylic acids, 9 carbohydrates, and 4 alcohols with the major contribution of carbohydrates (hexoses). In the native spruce forest (TP-1), a tendency for a decrease in the proportion of acids and alcohols and an increase in the proportion of sugars from the upper (O1) to the lower (O3) part of the litter was observed. In forest litters of former cutting areas (TP-2, TP-3), an increase in the proportion of alcohols (especially in the O2 subhorizon) and a decrease in the proportion of sugars were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous nitrate ingestion can improve exercise performance. This study investigated whether an isotonic beetroot drink could improve jump and sprint performance in active individuals. Twenty-three physically active participants (17 males, 6 females) (mean ± SD; age: 26 ± 4 years; body mass index: 22.4 ± 1.9 kg/m2) completed a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study where they consumed 570mL of either beetroot juice drink (BR) or isotonic beetroot juice drink (ISO-BR) three hours before performing countermovement (CMJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ) tests and a 30-second all-out sprint on a cycle ergometer. Both drinks contained equal nitrate (12.9 mmol) and carbohydrate (6.1g per 100mL) content but differed in osmolality (BR: 420 mOsm/kg vs. ISO-BR: 315 mOsm/kg). Salivary total nitrate and nitrite concentrations (NOx) 3 hours post-ingestion were significantly higher after consuming ISO-BR than BR. ISO-BR significantly improved peak power output compared to BR by 3.9% (ISO-BR: 11.4 ± 2.5 W/kg vs. BR: 11.0 ± 2.3 W/kg, p =.04) but not time to peak power (ISO-BR: 2.8 ± 1.7 s vs. BR: 2.9 ± 1.6 s, p =.62) or mean power output (ISO-BR: 7.3 ± 1.5 W/kg vs. BR: 7.3 ± 1.5 W/kg, p =.37). There were no significant differences in CMJ or SBJ between trials (p >.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that ISO-BR was preferred by 91% (n = 21) of participants compared with BR (average score; ISO-BR: 5.52 vs. BR: 3.52, p <.05). An ISO-BR drink improved peak power output during sprint cycling but not jump performance compared with BR alone, potentially via increased NOx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Ramadan fasting (RF) is associated with various physiological and metabolic changes among fasting Muslims. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are attributable to changes in meal timing or changes in dietary energy and macronutrient intakes. Furthermore, the literature on the associations between RF, meal timing, and energy and macronutrient intakes is inconclusive. Objectives This systematic review aimed to estimate the effect sizes of RF on energy and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrates, protein, fats, dietary fiber, and water) and determine the effect of different moderators on the examined outcomes. Data Sources The Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Medical, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to January 31, 2022. Data Extraction The studies that assessed energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, and water intakes pre- and post-fasting were extracted. Data Analysis Of the 4776 identified studies, 85 relevant studies (n = 4594 participants aged 9–85 y) were selected. The effect sizes for the studied variables were as follows: energy (number of studies [K] = 80, n = 3343 participants; mean difference [MD]: −142.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −215.19, −69.71), carbohydrates (K = 75, n = 3111; MD: −23.90; 95% CI: −36.42, −11.38), protein (K = 74, n = 3108; MD: −4.21; 95% CI: −7.34, −1.07), fats (K = 73, n = 3058; MD: −2.03; 95% CI: −5.73, 1.67), fiber (K = 16, n = 1198; MD: 0.47; 95% CI: −1.44, 2.39), and water (K = 17, n = 772; MD: −350.80; 95% CI: −618.09, 83.50). Subgroup analyses showed age significantly moderated the 6 dietary outcomes, and physical activity significantly moderated water intake. There were significant reductions in energy, carbohydrate, and protein intakes during RF. Conclusions The change in meal timing rather than quantitative dietary intake may explain various physiological and health effects associated with RF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The precise mechanisms underlying the health benefits of time‐restricted eating (TRE) are unclear, particularly in adolescents. Objectives: This secondary analysis examines the impact of 8‐h TRE on energy intake, dietary composition and quality in adolescents with obesity, using data from a 12‐week randomized, controlled pilot trial. Methods: Participants (14–18 years with BMI >95th percentile) were assigned to either 8‐h TRE with real‐time or blinded continuous glucose monitoring or a control group with a 12+ h eating window. Dietary intake was analysed using the Nutrient Data System Recall 24‐h Dietary Recall and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI‐2020) for assessing diet quality. Results: The study included 44 participants (32 TRE, 12 control), predominantly female and Hispanic/Latino. The TRE group showed a significant reduction in mean energy intake (−441 kcal/day), carbohydrates (−65 g/day), added sugar (−19 g/day) and fat (−19 g/day), while the control group had a similar reduction in energy intake (−437 kcal/day) and carbohydrates (−63 g/day), but no significant changes in added sugar or fat. The percent energy intake from protein increased more in the TRE group compared to the control. The TRE group experienced a significant improvement in diet quality, with a 6.3‐point increase in HEI‐2020 score; however, between‐group comparisons were not statistically significant. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the TRE and control groups in energy intake, dietary composition or quality. Future research with larger sample sizes is needed to further evaluate the potential impact of TRE on dietary behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact food bars have become consumers' first choice as an alternative to unhealthy snacks, meal replacements or quick energy sources before exercise. Considering the increasing need of society for such products, the aim of this research is to investigate the effect of using quinoa flour in raw and processed form (flaked and roasted) and different levels of rice flour (zero, 15 and 30%) on the physicochemical (moisture, fat, protein, ash, carbohydrates, calories, specific volume, color, water activity and texture) and sensory characteristics of compact food bars. The results showed that the processing applied on quinoa, while improving the quality of the product, led to a decrease in moisture, fat and water activity, and an increase in ash and texture hardness, and the samples containing quinoa flour showed the highest amount of protein. In addition, the flaking process decreased carbohydrate and specific volume and roasting increased them and had a significant effect on the color changes of the samples. The results of the sensory analysis of the samples also showed that the processing done on quinoa and increasing the amount of rice flour in the formulation increased the overall acceptance of the product. Finally, the sample produced with quinoa flaked flour and containing 30% of rice flour (8.10% moisture, 5.90% fat, 5.74% protein, 0.78% ash, 79.47% carbohydrates and 393.97 Kcal/100g calories) was chosen as the optimal formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SNAP25 plays an essential role in the glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of pancreatic β‐cells. Carbohydrate response element‐binding protein (ChREBP) is an important transcription factor in β‐cells and, in this study, we aimed to explore whether ChREBP regulates SNAP25 expression in β‐cells. We show that diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats exhibited impaired insulin secretion and hyperglycemia, along with decreased SNAP25 expression and ChREBP phosphorylation in islets. SNAP25 knockdown decreased GSIS in β‐cells, while SNAP25 overexpression increased GSIS in β‐cells. Activation or overexpression of ChREBP led to reduced SNAP25 expression and subsequent suppression of GSIS. Conversely, ChREBP knockdown mitigated the reduction in SNAP25 expression caused by high glucose. Mechanistically, the activation of ChREBP by high glucose increased its occupancy and decreased the level of H3K4me3 at the Snap25 promoter. Our findings reveal the novel regulatory mechanisms of SNAP25 expression in β‐cells and suggest that SNAP25 may be involved in the regulation of β‐cell secretory function controlled by ChREBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantity and quality of maternal nutrition in the periconception period is an important determinant for embryonic and foetal development and subsequent pregnancy course and outcome. The intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased worldwide and adverse health outcomes have been reported. However, the impact of UPF intake on the placenta, essential for prenatal nourishment, is unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate associations between the periconceptional maternal intake of UPF, energy and related macronutrients, and first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. We included 214 ongoing pregnancies in the Virtual Placenta study, a subcohort of the Rotterdam periconception cohort. At enrollment, participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire from which we calculated the average daily energy from UPF, total energy intake and macronutrient intake from UPF. At 7-9-11 weeks of gestation, we performed sequential three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasounds of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature. Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software, Virtual Reality segmentation and a skeletonization algorithm were applied to measure placental volume (PV), utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV) and generate the utero-placental vascular skeleton (uPVS). Absolute vascular morphology was quantified by assigning a morphologic characteristic to each voxel in the uPVS (end-, bifurcation-, crossing- or vessel point) and used to calculate density of vascular branching. Linear mixed models adjusted for confounders were used to investigate associations between maternal intake of UPF, total energy and macronutrients from UPF and PV, uPVV and uPVS characteristics. Energy intake from UPF and total energy intake were not consistently associated with imaging markers of utero-placental vascular development. Higher carbohydrate intake of 10 g/day from UPF was associated with increased uPVS trajectories (end points (β = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.07; 0.61), bifurcation points (β = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.05; 0.70), vessel points (β = 0.957, 95%CI = 0.21; 1.71). No associations were observed with PV. Against our hypothesis, periconceptional maternal intake of UPF and total energy were not convincingly associated with impaired first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Remarkably, the increased intake of carbohydrates from UPF, which is often considered 'unhealthy', is positively associated with first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Given the complexity of diet, further research should elucidate what underlies these findings to be able to interpret how nutrition may impact utero-placental vascular development in early pregnancy. This study is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6854). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein intake inadequacy has been considered to be one of the major nutritional problems worldwide for many years and it appears that this issue will continue to increase sharply in the coming decades. This deficiency can be partly overcome by the effective use of protein-rich bioresources such as mollusks. In the present study, the oyster Pinctada radiata, collected from the Aegean Sea, is fully nutritionally characterized as a new non-indigenous bioresource concerning mainly its protein, carbohydrate and fat composition during the different seasons of the year. The results showed that the protein content of the pearl oyster is at satisfactory levels, with its maximum value in winter and minimum in summer. On the contrary, its fat and carbohydrates are at low levels, with their maximum values in the summer period. Regarding the profile of fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats are in the highest proportion, which is very encouraging, as a diet rich in this kind of fat is desired. The entire nutritional profile of the studied oyster demonstrates its high nutritional value and supports its possible use as a "new" seafood source for human consumption in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Carbohydrate counting is recommended to improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D), but the most effective educational methods are unclear. Despite its benefits, many individuals struggle with mastering carbohydrate counting, leading to inconsistent use and suboptimal glycemic outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two group-based programs with individual dietary counseling (standard care) for glycemic control. Methods: The trial was a randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group design. Adults with T1D on multiple daily insulin injections (MDIs) and with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 53–97 mmol/mol were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to basic (BCC), advanced carbohydrate counting (ACC), or standard care. Primary outcomes were the changes in HbA1c or mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGEs) in BCC and ACC versus standard care after six months. Equivalence testing was performed to compare BCC and ACC. Results: Between November 2018 and August 2021, 63 participants were randomly assigned to BCC (N = 20), ACC (N = 21), or standard care (N = 22). After 6 months, HbA1c changed by −2 mmol/mol (95% CI −5 to 0 [−0.2%, −0.5 to 0]) in BCC, −4 mmol/mol (−6 to −1 [−0.4%, −0.6 to −0.1]) in ACC, and −3 mmol/mol (−6 to 0 [−0.3%, −0.6 to 0]) in standard care. The estimated difference in HbA1c compared to standard care was 1 mmol/mol (−3 to 5 [0.1%, −0.3 to 0.5]); p = 0.663 for BCC and −1 mmol/mol (−4 to 3 [−0.1%, −0.4 to 0.3]); p = 0.779 for ACC. For MAGEs, changes were −0.3 mmol/L (−1.5 to 0.8) in BCC, −0.0 mmol/L (−1.2 to 1.1) in ACC, and −0.7 mmol/L (−1.8 to 0.4) in standard care, with differences of 0.4 mmol/L (−1.1 to 1.9); p = 0.590 for BCC and 0.7 mmol/L (−0.8 to 2.1); p = 0.360 for ACC versus standard care. An equivalence in effect between BCC and ACC was found for HbA1c, but not for MAGEs. Conclusions: Group-based education in BCC and ACC did not demonstrate a clear advantage over individualized dietary counseling for overall glycemic control in adults with T1D. Healthcare providers should consider flexible, patient-centered strategies that allow individuals to choose the format that best suits their learning preferences when selecting the most suitable dietary educational approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the influence of carbohydrate (CHO) intake on physical and technical aspects, glucose and muscle glycogen levels, fatigue, cognition, and gastrointestinal comfort involved in the performance of soccer players, as well as to examine whether there are any differences between men and women. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SportDiscus, resulting in 61 selected articles. The PRISMA recommendations and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews guidelines were followed. Results: The results indicate that CHO intake before and during the match improves speed and the number of sprints, attenuates the decrease in shooting accuracy and speed, increases time to fatigue, and enhances cognitive function. There is no consensus on passing, dribbling, jumping, or agility improvements. Glucose levels drop during the first 15 min of the second half without affecting performance. Conclusions: It is recommended that players ingest 6–8 g/kg/d of CHO the day before, a meal with 1–3 g/kg 3–4 h before, and 30–60 g/h during the match. Muscle glycogen drops drastically at the end of the match, remaining low at 48 h. Hence, 1–1.5 g/kg/h is recommended during the first 4 h, starting from the first 20 min. Female soccer players have a similar physical demand to men, and energy availability is low, especially in the post-match periods, as they underestimate their energy expenditure and do not consume enough CHO. Therefore, the recommended guidelines should be followed, individualized, and periodized according to each athlete's energy needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrate digestive enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase can be used to treat and manage diabetes. By inhibiting these enzymes, carbohydrate digestion slowed down, lowering the level of glucose entry into the bloodstream and preventing postprandial hyperglycemia. However, the effectiveness of current antidiabetic agents is limited due to their adverse effects. Therefore, the current study explored natural inhibitors from the methanol extract of rice to combat this issue. Through an integrated approach, four different rice cultivars were analysed and found that red rice methanol extract compounds stigmasterol and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid interacted with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Additionally, further research on stigmasterol directs the structure-activity relationship studies that aid in managing diabetic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluconolactone serves as a readily available and inexpensive starting material for synthesizing the potential platform chemical (Z)‐3‐deoxy‐1,2 : 5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐D‐erythro‐hex‐3‐enolactone in two steps. In this work, the selective elimination of triacetone gluconolactone was optimized. The resulting product is a versatile molecule, capable of being transformed into various compound classes in one or a few steps, i. e. potentially a new biomass‐based platform chemical. This study demonstrates how it can be transformed into furanics, rare sugars, β‐ketoamides, and amino furanones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dietary glycemic index (GI) and load (GL) reflect carbohydrate quality and quantity, potentially impacting fertility through modulation of insulin sensitivity and generation of oxidative stress. While fertility is influenced by both women and men, reproductive research often emphasizes maternal factors. We first examined periconception dietary intake in both women and male partners, and subsequent associations of dietary GI and GL with fecundability and subfertility. Methods: Among 830 women and 651 male partners, participating in a population-based prospective cohort study from preconception onwards, we assessed periconception dietary intake and calculated GI and GL, using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at median 12.4 weeks gestation (95% range 10.9, 18.4). Information on time to pregnancy was obtained through questionnaires, with subfertility defined as a time to pregnancy ≥ 12 months or use of assisted reproductive technology. Results: In the periconception period, mean energy intake in women was 1870 kcal (SD: 500; 46% carbohydrates, 16% protein, 33% fat; dietary GI 56.2 (SD: 3.5) and GL 141.4 (SD: 67.4)). Mean energy intake in men was 2350 kcal (SD: 591; 43% carbohydrates, 16% protein, 33% fat; dietary GI 56.8 (SD: 3.2) and GL 156.7 (SD: 75.4)). Median time to pregnancy was 4.8 months (IQR: 1.2, 16.4), with 30.6% of 830 women experiencing subfertility. Dietary GI and GL were not associated with fertility outcomes in women. In men, higher dietary GI and GL across the full range were associated with decreased fecundability, after adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as dietary GI or GL of female partners [FR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.83, 0.99; FR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.81, 0.99, per SDS increase in dietary GI and GL, respectively]. When assessing the combined influence of dietary GI clinical categories in women and men, both partners adhering to a low GI diet tended to be associated with increased fecundability, but not with subfertility risk. Conclusions: Suboptimal periconception carbohydrate intake may be negatively associated with male fertility, but not with fertility outcomes in women. Further studies are needed to assess whether a lower GI and GL diet is a feasible lifestyle intervention to improve couples fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic starch (CatS) coating of cellulose fabrics enables salt‐free reactive dyeing. However, the relation of the degree of substitution and CatS concentration in the dyeing procedure are open issues. Accordingly, three cationic starches of increasing degree of substitution were used at different concentrations for the coating of cotton fabrics. Fabrics were evaluated for stiffness, dye uptake, dye exhaustion, wash fastness and nitrogen content. With an increasing degree of substitution coating solutions become more viscous, resulting in increased wet pick‐up and less stiff coated fabrics. These fabrics show increasing dye absorption and color generation. Due to the molecular size of the cationic starch, yarn/fiber ring dyeing is supposed present. Specifically, color generation can be adjusted by initial cationic starch coating concentration. Above 5 % CatS concentration ceases to have an increasing coloration effect. Pre‐treating a cellulose fabric with approximately 2.2 % CatS (Ds=0.7) enables similar coloration to a standard reactive dyeing protocol. Light fastness is reduced by 1–1.5 compared to salt‐based reactive dyeing. Rub fastness decreases by 1–2 only for higher substituted cationic starches (Ds=0.7). Nitrogen analysis reveals that a share of the CatS elutes off the fabrics into the dye bath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most fluorogens with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics are hydrophobic and most common sugars are hydrophilic and naturally nontoxic. The combination of AIEgens and sugars can construct glycosyl AIEgens with the advantages of good water-solubility, low fluorescent background and satisfactory biocompatibility. Based on the specific reaction or binding with analytes to change the conjugate system or restrict intramolecular motions, glycosyl AIEgens can be used as powerful tools for detecting bioactive molecules or imaging living cells. In this feature article, we summarize recent advances in sugar-based AIE luminogens and their applications in biosensing and imaging. The sugar units could significantly increase the solubility, biocompatibility, target activity, and chemical modifying capacity and often decrease the background fluorescence of the AIE probes. Corresponding studies not only expand the application fields of AIEgens but also provide effective tools for broad carbohydrate research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible acquisition of substrates from nutrient pools is critical for microbes to prevail in competitive environments. To acquire glucose from diverse glycoside and disaccharide substrates, many free‐living and symbiotic bacteria have developed, alongside hydrolysis, a non‐hydrolytic pathway comprised of four biochemical steps and conferred from a single glycoside utilization gene locus (GUL). Mechanistically, this pathway integrates within the framework of oxidation and reduction at the glucosyl/glucose C3, the eliminative cleavage of the glycosidic bond and the addition of water in two consecutive lyase‐catalyzed reactions. Here, based on study of enzymes from the phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens, we reveal a conserved Mn2+ metallocenter active site in both lyases and identify the structural requirements for specific catalysis to elimination of 3‐keto‐glucosides and water addition to the resulting 2‐hydroxy‐3‐keto‐glycal product, yielding 3‐keto‐glucose. Extending our search of GUL‐encoded putative lyases to the human gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, we discover a Ca2+ metallocenter active site in a putative glycoside hydrolase‐like protein and demonstrate its catalytic function in the eliminative cleavage of 3‐keto‐glucosides of opposite (α) anomeric configuration as preferred by the A. tumefaciens enzyme (β). Structural and biochemical comparisons reveal the molecular‐mechanistic origin of 3‐keto‐glucoside lyase stereo‐complementarity. Our findings identify a basic set of GUL‐encoded lyases for glucoside metabolism and assign physiological significance to GUL genetic diversity in the bacterial domain of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Cp*Ir(R‐pica)Cl] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl anion, pica=2‐picolineamidate) complexes bearing carbohydrate substituents on the amide nitrogen atom (R=methyl‐β‐D‐gluco‐pyranosid‐2‐yl, 1; methyl‐3,4,6‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosid‐2‐yl, 2) were tested as catalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation in water. TOFMAX values over 12000 h−1 and 50000 h−1 were achieved at 333 K for 1 and 2, respectively, with TON values over 35000 for both catalysts. Comparison with the simpler cyclohexyl‐substituted analogue (3) indicated that glucosyl‐based complexes are much better performing under the same experimental conditions (TOFMAX=5144 h−1, TON=5000 at pH 2.5 for 3) owing to a lower tendency to isomerize to the less active k2‐N,O isomer upon protonation. The 5‐fold increase in TOFMAX observed for 2 with respect to 1 is reasonably due to an optimal steric protection by the acetyl substituent, which may prevent unproductive inner‐sphere reactivity. These results showcase a powerful strategy for the inhibition of the common deactivation pathways of [Cp*Ir(R‐pica)X] catalysts for FA dehydrogenation, paving the way for the development of better performing hydrogen storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, insects are heralded as a sustainable and efficacious solution to global challenges of malnutrition and protein scarcity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) advocates for the use of insects as a sustainable substitute for conventional animal‐based proteins, in response to the escalating pressures on natural resources and the environment. This study focuses on Nudaurelia dione, exploring its nutritional and antinutritional profiles through rigorous laboratory analyses employing standardized methodologies. Our findings establish that N. dione is a potent source of macronutrients, providing significant quantities of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, with a calculated energy content of 413.64 ± 13.32 kcal per 100 g of dry matter (DM). The lipid fraction is particularly rich in essential fatty acids, including α‐linolenic and linoleic acids. Additionally, the insect species contains high levels of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Despite these nutritional benefits, the presence of considerable amounts of phytates (2059.96 ± 5.12 mg per 100 g of DM) poses potential health risks. Therefore, it is imperative to develop and apply appropriate processing methods to reduce these antinutritional factors effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is a new reaction for glycosylation with thioglycosides in the presence of iron(III) chloride. Previously, FeCl3 was used for the activation of thioglycosides as a Lewis acid co-promoter paired with NIS. In the reported process, although 5.0 equiv of FeCl3 are needed to activate thioglycosides most efficiently, no additives were used, and the reactions with reactive glycosyl donors smoothly proceeded to completion in 1 h at 0 °C. This work showcases a new direction in developing glycosylation methods using greener and earth-abundant activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with limited effective treatments. A deeper understanding of its molecular mechanisms is crucial to reduce incidence and mortality. Epidemiological evidence suggests a link between diet and disease risk, though dietary recommendations for at‐risk individuals remain debated. Here, we propose that cell‐intrinsic nutrient sensing pathways respond to specific diet‐derived cues to facilitate oncogenic transformation of pancreatic epithelial cells. This review explores how diet influences pancreatic cancer predisposition through nutrient sensing and downstream consequences for (pre‐)cancer cell biology. We also examine experimental evidence connecting specific food intake to pancreatic cancer progression, highlighting nutrient sensing as a promising target for therapeutic development to mitigate disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate nature of carbohydrate structures has prompted the scientific community to seek efficient protocols for their manipulation. Lengthy synthetic pathways, often necessary to achieve complex sugar structures, pose challenges not only in terms of time and cost but also regarding environmental sustainability. Consequently, domino transformations serve as valuable tools in streamlining drug discovery processes. Sequential procedures involving fewer steps and minimal isolation/purification steps are particularly appealing to organic chemists in the field of carbohydrate chemistry. This review highlights several examples of domino transformations applied to carbohydrates, aiming to summarize their chemical potential in delivering sugar‐based compounds with significant applications in the generation of new chemical scaffolds for drug discovery and chemical biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Measurements of stable isotope ratios in organic compounds are widely used tools for plant ecophysiological studies. However, the complexity of the processes involved in shaping hydrogen isotope values (δ2H) in plant carbohydrates has limited its broader application.To investigate the underlying biochemical processes responsible for 2H fractionation among water, sugars, and cellulose in leaves, we studied the three main CO2 fixation pathways (C3, C4, and CAM) and their response to changes in temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD).We show significant differences in autotrophic 2H fractionation (εA) from water to sugar among the pathways and their response to changes in air temperature and VPD. The strong 2H depleting εA in C3 plants is likely driven by the photosynthetic H+ production within the thylakoids, a reaction that is spatially separated in C4 and strongly reduced in CAM plants, leading to the absence of 2H depletion in the latter two types. By contrast, we found that the heterotrophic 2H‐fractionation (εH) from sugar to cellulose was very similar among the three pathways and is likely driven by the plant's metabolism, rather than by isotopic exchange with leaf water.Our study offers new insights into the biochemical drivers of 2H fractionation in plant carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Familial resemblance in dietary patterns has been a subject of interest, with both genetic and environmental factors playing crucial roles. This study aims to investigate trends in macronutrient intake correlations over a 9-year period among different familial pairs, including parent-offspring, siblings, and spouses, using data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Methods: This longitudinal study, conducted within the framework of the TLGS, analyzed data from 1,814 families over a 9-year period. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Macronutrient intakes were calculated and adjusted for age. Familial correlations were estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients for various familial pairs (parent-offspring, siblings, and spouses) across four consecutive surveys. Changes in correlations were analyzed over 3-year, 6-year, and 9-year intervals, as well as across all four surveys, to determine overall trends in macronutrient intake correlations. Results: The results revealed diverse trends in intake correlations for carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and specific fatty acids across familial relationships. Parent-offspring dyads exhibited varied patterns, with some nutrients showing regression to the mean. Sister-sister pairs demonstrated strengthening correlations for energy, carbohydrates, fats, and saturated fatty acids over time. Conversely, brother-sister pairs displayed weakening correlations for most macronutrients, particularly energy, proteins, cholesterol, and fiber. Spouse correlations tended towards regression to the mean for energy, carbohydrates, and fats, and fiber. Conclusions: The present study illuminates the dynamic nature of familial dietary correlations over time. The contrasting trends between sister-sister and brother-sister dyads suggest a significant influence of gender on shared dietary patterns. These findings underscore the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors in shaping family dietary behaviors and highlight the importance of considering both gender and relationship type when examining familial nutritional habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary Traditional protecting groups are often removed under harsh conditions with potentially hazardous reagents, thereby impeding the convenient synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycosides. Herein, we present to utilize the photolabile ortho‐nitro‐benzyl carbonate (oNBC) as a permanent hydroxyl protecting group for stereocontrolled synthesis of glycosides. The Ph3PO‐modulated glycosylation with strongly disarmed per‐O‐oNBC‐protected glycosyl ynenoates preferred to afford glycosides with excellent α‐selectivities via the β‐phosphonium transition state. Based on the oNBC‐mediated galactosylation, synthesis of the glycolipid digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) containing six double bonds and two esters was achieved in a straightforward manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary We report the design and development of a β‐glucuronidase (β‐Glu)‐responsive ManNAz derivative, Glu‐AAM, for tumor‐selective metabolic glycoengineering. Glu‐AAM enables specific labeling of tumor cell surface sialoglycans in the presence of overexpressed β‐Glu in cancer cells, including breast, leukemia, and colorectal cancer cells. We demonstrate the high selectivity and efficiency of Glu‐AAM‐mediated metabolic glycoengineering across multiple cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we synthesized multivalent antibody‐recruiting molecules (DBCO‐Rha) that can be covalently attached to the azido‐modified tumor cell surface, leading to potent antibody‐dependent cellular phagocytosis and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. The octameric DBCO‐Rha8 construct exhibited the most effective immune response. This integrated strategy of β‐Glu‐responsive metabolic glycoengineering and antibody‐recruiting immunotherapy provides a promising platform for targeted cancer therapies and expands the toolbox of metabolic glycoengineering for cancer immunotherapy. We report the design and development of a β‐glucuronidase (β‐Glu)‐responsive ManNAz derivative, Glu‐AAM, for tumor‐selective metabolic glycoengineering. Glu‐AAM enables specific labeling of tumor cell surface sialoglycans in the presence of overexpressed β‐Glu in cancer cells, including breast, leukemia, and colorectal cancer cells. We demonstrate the high selectivity and efficiency of Glu‐AAM‐mediated metabolic glycoengineering across multiple cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we synthesized multivalent antibody‐recruiting molecules (DBCO‐Rha) that can be covalently attached to the azido‐modified tumor cell surface, leading to potent antibody‐dependent cellular phagocytosis and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. The octameric DBCO‐Rha8 construct exhibited the most effective immune response. This integrated strategy of β‐Glu‐responsive metabolic glycoengineering and antibody‐recruiting immunotherapy provides a promising platform for targeted cancer therapies and expands the toolbox of metabolic glycoengineering for cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive molecular understanding of carbohydrate aggregation is key to optimize carbohydrate utilization and to engineer bioinspired analogues with tailored shapes and properties. However, the lack of well‐defined synthetic standards has substantially hampered advances in this field. Herein, we employ a phosphorylation‐assisted strategy to synthesize previously inaccessible long oligomers of cellulose, chitin, and xylan. These oligomers were subjected to enzyme‐triggered assembly (ETA) for the on‐demand formation of well‐defined carbohydrate nanomaterials, including elongated platelets, helical bundles, and hexagonal particles. Cryo‐electron microscopy and electron diffraction analysis provided molecular insights into the aggregation behavior of these oligosaccharides, establishing a direct connection between the resulting morphologies and the oligosaccharide primary sequence. Our findings demonstrate that ETA is a powerful approach to elucidate the intrinsic aggregation behavior of carbohydrates in nature. Moreover, the ability to access a diverse array of morphologies, expanded with a non‐natural sequence, underscores the potential of ETA, coupled with sequence design, as a robust tool for accessing programmable glycan architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Hypoglycemia, the most common metabolic derangement in the newborn period remains a contentious issue, not only due to various numerical definitions, but also due to limited therapeutical options which either lack evidence to support their efficacy or are increasingly recognized to lead to adverse reactions in this population. This study aimed to investigate neonatologists' current attitudes in diagnosing and managing transient and persistent hypoglycemia in newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Methods A web-based electronic survey which included 34 questions and a clinical vignette was sent to U.S. neonatologists. Results There were 246 survey responses with most respondents using local protocols to manage this condition. The median glucose value used as the numerical definition of hypoglycemia in first 48 hours of life (HOL) for symptomatic and asymptomatic term infants and preterm infants was 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L; 25–60 mg/dL; 1.4–3.3 mmol/L), while after 48 HOL the median value was 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L; 30–70 mg/dL; 1.7–3.9 mmol/L). There were various approaches used to manage transient and persistent hypoglycemia that included dextrose gel, increasing caloric content of the feeds using milk fortifiers, using continuous feedings, formula or complex carbohydrates, and use of various medications such as diazoxide, glucocorticoids, and glucagon. Conclusion There is still large variability in current practices related to hypoglycemia. Further research is needed not only to provide evidence to support the values used as a numerical definition for hypoglycemia, but also on the efficacy of current strategies used to manage this condition. Key Points Numerical definition of glucose remains variable. Strategies managing transient and persistent hypoglycemia are diverse. There is a need for further research to investigate efficacy of various treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waxy corn is a special type of maize primarily consumed as a fresh vegetable by humans. Nitrogen (N) plays an essential role in regulating the growth progression, maturation, yield, and quality of waxy maize. A reasonable N application rate is vital for boosting the accumulation of both N and carbon (C) in the grains, thereby synergistically enhancing the grain quality. However, the impact of varying N levels on the dynamic changes in N metabolism, carbohydrate formation, and anthocyanin synthesis in purple waxy corn kernels, as well as the regulatory relationships among these processes, remains unclear. To explore the effects of varying N application rates on the N metabolism, carbohydrate formation, and anthocyanin synthesis in kernels during grain filling, a two-year field experiment was carried out using the purple waxy maize variety Jinnuo20 (JN20). This study examined the different N levels, specifically 0 (N0), 120 (N1), 240 (N2), and 360 (N3) kg N ha−1. The results of the analysis revealed that, for nearly all traits measured, the N application rate of N2 was the most suitable. Compared to the N0 treatment, the accumulation and content of anthocyanins, total nitrogen, soluble sugars, amylopectin, and C/N ratio in grains increased by an average of 35.62%, 11.49%, 12.84%, 23.74%, 13.00%, and 1.87% under N2 treatment over five filling stages within two years, respectively, while the harmful compound nitrite content only increased by an average of 30.2%. Correspondingly, the activities of related enzymes also significantly increased and were maintained under N2 treatment compared to N0 treatment. Regression and correlation analysis results revealed that the amount of anthocyanin accumulation was highly positively correlated with the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), but negatively correlated with anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) and UDP-glycose: flavonoid-3-O-glycosyltransferase (UFGT) activity, nitrate reductase (NR), and glutamine synthetase (GS) showed significant positive correlations with the total nitrogen content and lysine content, and a significant negative correlation with nitrite, while soluble sugars were negatively with ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) activity, and amylopectin content was positively correlated with the activities of soluble starch synthase (SSS), starch branching enzyme (SBE), and starch debranching enzyme (SDBE), respectively. Furthermore, there were positive or negative correlations among the detected traits. Hence, a reasonable N application rate improves purple waxy corn kernel nutritional quality by regulating N metabolism, as well as carbohydrate and anthocyanin biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Traditional glycemic monitoring in type 2 diabetes is limited, whereas continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers better insights into glucose fluctuations. This study aimed to determine the correlations and relative contributions of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) levels to hyperglycemia. Methods: We utilized CGM and recorded carbohydrate intake data from lifestyle diaries of 59 patients enrolled in the Diabetes and Lifestyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT-2). Correlations between FPG and the glucose management indicator (GMI), FPG and Time Above Range (TAR), PPG and GMI, and PPG and TAR were conducted. Daily and mealtime relative contributions of PPG and FPG to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and GMI were determined, considering two ranges: on target (<7.0%, 53 mmol/mol) and not on target (≥7.0%, 53 mmol/mol). Correlations between mealtime PPG and carbohydrate consumption were examined. Results: FPG and PPG correlated with GMI (r = 0.82 and 0.41, respectively, p < 0.05). The relative contribution of PPG in patients with HbA1c, GMI, and TAR values not on target was lower than in patients with HbA1c, GMI, and TAR values on target. When analyzing different mealtimes, patients with target GMI values had a higher PPG (73 ± 21%) than FPG after breakfast (27 ± 21%, p < 0.001). Individuals with elevated GMI levels had lower PPG after lunch (30 ± 20%), dinner (36 ± 23%), and snacks (34 ± 23%) than FPG. PPG after breakfast positively correlated (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) with breakfast carbohydrate intake. Conclusions: Both PPG and FPG contribute to hyperglycemia, with PPG playing a larger role in patients with better glycemic control, especially after breakfast. Targeting PPG may be crucial for optimizing glucose management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, effective dietary recommendations are needed. Previously, we developed the low-insulin method: by avoiding insulinogenic, i.e., insulin-release-triggering foods, insulin secretion becomes reduced, lipolysis is stimulated, and energy production is shifted to ketosis with excess ketone bodies exhaled in the form of acetone. Now, we investigate how quickly stable ketosis (defined as fasting breath acetone concentration ≥ 7.0 ppm) is achieved, whether and for how long a carbohydrate meal inhibits ketosis, and whether the responses differ in healthy adults with different insulin levels. Methods: An oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, and body composition and fasting insulin were determined at the beginning and end of the 14-day study. Participants (n = 10) followed a ketogenic diet and performed continuous glucose monitoring. Ketosis levels were determined by measuring breath acetone concentrations. On day 8, two white bread rolls with jam (72 g carbohydrates) were consumed for breakfast. Results: After seven days, all participants achieved stable ketosis (defined as fasting breath acetone concentration ≥ 7.0 ppm), which dropped from 8.2 to 5.7 ppm (p = 0.0014) after the carbohydrate meal. It took five days to achieve stable ketosis again. The stratification of participants into tertiles according to their fasting insulin levels demonstrated that individuals with low fasting insulin levels achieved stable ketosis again after two days and those with medium insulin levels after five days, while those with high baseline values did not reach stable ketosis by the end of the study. Conclusions: By carbohydrate restriction, stable ketosis can be achieved within one week. However, a single carbohydrate meal inhibits ketosis for several days. This effect is pronounced in individuals with elevated fasting insulin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in body composition, adipokine levels, and dyslipidemia parameters in males with abdominal obesity following two distinct interventions: exercise alone and exercise combined with an ad libitum diet. Methods: This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (II, n = 16), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (III, n = 16), both interventions lasting 6 weeks, and a control group without interventions (I, n = 12). Body composition metrics (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], body fat [BF], abdominal fat [ABD]) and fat-free mass [FFM], along with biochemical blood analyses (irisin [IR], omentin [OMEN], glucose [GLU], insulin [INS], LDL- and HDL-cholesterol), were measured at baseline and after the 6-week intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post-hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp2). Results: The intervention in group III resulted in a significant decrease in IR (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 41% and LDL-C (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%. These effects were associated with a reduction in BF (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%, ABD (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 31%, and WC (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.01) by 3%. In group II, decreases after 6 weeks of intervention were noted only in WC (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.01) by 1% and in INS (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.04) by 47%. No differences were found between groups. The use of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.06) and increased protein intake (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.30) led to changes in the fiber-to-energy value of the diet ratio (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.18) and a reduction in dietary energy value (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13) by 23%, resulting in a greater energy deficit than in the II group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the effect of combining dietary and exercise interventions to achieve significant changes in body composition and metabolic parameters, even over a short period of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipophosphoglycans (LPGs) are found on the surface of Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, and are immunologically important. Herein, disaccharide 1‐phosphate repeating units of LPGs were successfully synthesized on a solid support with high anomeric purity using a disaccharide α‐1‐phosphoramidite building block. To enhance solubility in the reaction solvent, hydroxy‐protecting groups in the form of para‐t‐butylbenzoyl were introduced to the building block. The saccharide chain was elongated via stable glycosyl boranophosphate linkages, followed by the conversion of inter‐sugar linkages to phosphodiester counterparts using an oxaziridine derivative. The addition of a silylating reagent post‐reaction with the oxaziridine derivative efficiently facilitated the conversion of boranophosohodiesters to phosphodiesters. This method enabled the α‐selective synthesis of up to 15 repeating units, marking the longest homogeneous repeating units of LPGs synthesized chemically. Given the chain length equivalence to native LPGs, the method developed herein holds promise for advancing anti‐Leishmanial pharmaceuticals and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]